Announcements

Information below is from Williamson County's Public Information Office.

Fireworks Safety Tips 

When many people think of Independence Day celebrations, they think of fireworks; however, most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits.  If you are unsure of the ordinances, it is always safer to check with the city or local fire department prior to the purchase or discharge of fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in Williamson County parks. To check an interactive county map with the fireworks free buffer zone area, go to this link  https://gis.wilco.org/maps/?viewer=countymap.  

Officials believe the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional fireworks display sponsored by various jurisdictions and organizations throughout the area. Consumer fireworks can be dangerous when used improperly, causing serious burns and eye injuries.  Always check with your local fire department/district for recommendations or suggested precautions to follow before deciding to use them.  

The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office has these tips for keeping you safe: 

Before you shoot: 

1. DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN BUY FIREWORKS WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION 
2. Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers 
3. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks 
4. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place 
5. Find a smooth, flat surface, away from the house or other buildings, dry leaves or grass 
6. Be sure to have water handy in case of a malfunction or fire 
7. ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION 

When many people think of Independence Day celebrations, they think of fireworks; however, most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits.  If you are unsure of the ordinances, it is always safer to check with the city or local fire department prior to the purchase or discharge of fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in Williamson County parks. To check an interactive county map with the fireworks free buffer zone area, go to this link  https://gis.wilco.org/maps/?viewer=countymap.  Click this story to read more safety tips on fireworks from the Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office. 

Oped by Commissioner Cook

When the call to organize and help vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic came, the answer was swift. 

As part of the county’s Emergency Operations Center response, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell and Michael Shoe, director of Emergency Management, tasked Annie Burwell, director of the Mobile Outreach, to lead the Wilco COVID-19 Community Organizations Active in Disaster team.

Shortly after, they reassigned Pamela Ward from the County’s Parks Department to the COAD, and both began their work in earnest.

They also formed an advisory board that included Mel Stauber, Missions Pastor, Celebration Church; Doug James, Community Impact Pastor, Hill Country Bible Church; and Derick Zwerneman, Church Development Manager, Austin Disaster Relief Network.

A COAD is a networking group linking people and organizations needing help with necessities such as food, clothing and shelter to businesses and the faith-based community. It focuses primarily on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, and those in fragile health and/or experiencing homelessness.  

The COAD’s advisory board immediately recognized that many vulnerable, disabled and senior citizens needed hard-to-obtain personal protective equipment likes face masks, gloves and cleaning supplies. 

In this edition of the WilCounty Line get an update on the Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program, learn how to remove hazards and risks from within your home, see the new Justice Center cleaning protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and hear about some ways in which to support the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. 

The Williamson County Commissioners Court voted in favor of the Juneteenth Proclamation today!

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Juneteenth recognizes that on June 19, 1865, almost three years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston the freedom of all slaves throughout Texas with these words, “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,”; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth has been an official 40-year state holiday honoring the courageous Black Texans who have long struggled for civil rights in the 155 years since General Granger’s proclamation; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County residents value history, ethnic heritage, and culture, which accurately reflects the real lives and struggles of African-Americans past, present, and future; and

WHEREAS, let us all be reminded that our nation has not yet achieved its full potential and that, even more so today, it is incumbent upon each of us to add our voices to those who are continuing to bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Williamson County Commissioners Court takes this action and hereby recognizes and proclaims, June 19, 2020 as:

“JUNETEENTH – TEXAS EMANCIPATION DAY”

in Williamson County, and encourages all Williamson County employees and residents to learn more about Juneteenth and support the noble purpose of this day. (The End)