Williamson County, Texas

Williamson County and the Texas Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the completion of improvements to the intersection at Sam Bass and RM 1431 in Round Rock. The modifications were completed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). 

The project added a second left-turn lane for northbound traffic on Sam Bass Road at the intersection with RM 1431, helping to reduce delays for drivers turning westbound onto RM 1431. Overall, the improvements included new signage, lane striping, and associated signal programming that accommodates the dual turning lanes. 

“The new signal and lane configuration on northbound Sam Bass Road will allow more left-turning traffic through the intersection,” said TxDOT Georgetown Area Engineer Bobby Ramthun. “That will reduce backups and improve mobility and safety in the area.”

The installation of these additions was fully funded by TxDOT, at no expense to the County. TxDOT expedited the work utilizing an existing traffic signal contract. Austin Traffic Signal (ATS) was the contractor that performed the work.

The blood drive will be held at 100 Wilco Way in Georgetown on Wednesday, August 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come lend a helping arm to support your community and save local lives. It’s easy, just click here to make an appointment online.

For information about blood donation at this time of the COVID19 Coronavirus please see this link.

https://weareblood.org/blog/we-are-blood-donor-centers-and-mobile-drives-open-for-donors-during-shelter-in-place/

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 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.