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Neighborhood News

Commissioner Cook Announces 30-Day Countywide Burn Ban Effective July 22

Media Release by Wilco's Public Information Office

  • 21 July 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3453
  • 0 Comments

Williamson County Issues Countywide Burn Ban Effective July 22   

   Today, Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the implementation of an Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County to commence on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 5 p.m. and continuing for a period not to exceed 30 days and to authorize County Judge Bill Gravell to lift the ban if conditions improve during the effective period of the burn ban.   

  People violate this order if they burn any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings.  It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.  This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer.  It is a Class C Misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.  For additional restrictions, requirements and details relating to the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning, the Order may be viewed at www.wilco.org.   

Commissioner Cook Urges Caution Using Fireworks

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

  • 24 June 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3545
  • 0 Comments

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 

Wilco Volunteers Answering Call To Serve During Pandemic

Oped by Commissioner Cook

  • 18 June 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3616
  • 0 Comments

Supplies are neatly arranged in stacks on tables at the warehouse set up at the First Baptist Church in Georgetown ready for pick-up and delivery by volunteers.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. 

Commissioner Cook Invites Residents To Read the Williamson County 2020 Property Value Update

This report is in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus impact on property values by the Williamson Central Appraisal District's Chief Appraiser Alvin Lankford.

  • 21 May 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3670
  • 0 Comments

Please log onto this link to read the report dated May 19, 2020 https://agenda.wilco.org/docs/2020/COM/20200519_1531/24180_2020_Williamson_County_Valuation_Update_5.19.20.pdf

For additional information on property taxes, please visit https://www.wcad.org/

Commissioner Cook Offers Remarks and Poem at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Central Texas Iftar Marking Start of Holy Lunar Month of Ramadan

The virtual event was held Saturday, May 9, to also commemorate 100 years since the establishment of this oldest Muslim organization in the United States.

  • 11 May 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 4615
  • 0 Comments

Isolation

by Terry Cook

One day rolls into the next

No jolt, no transition, it just does.

Left alone am I.

In silence I sit, read, sigh.

I miss my family.

I miss the touch of a friend.

The warm hug that told me ‘we are well’.

The kiss on the cheek,

The humorous glint in their eye, now too distanced to see.

The jokes we told now muffled behind the mask.

Laughter, ahh, laughter that warmed the soul.

Hands clasped, we strolled together each day, now too distanced to be.

That which has happened, not our doing.

But it neither our undoing.

Does God wish us to be malcontents or filled with love?

Do we long for the past or relish the known and unknown of the future?

We still have each other; friendship does not whither under the winds of isolation.

But is patient, full of anticipation of its coming resumption.

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