News

Public meetings scheduled for superintendent search HUTTO – Hutto Independent School District will hold a series of community meetings to gather input from stakeholders as they pursue their recruitment of a superintendent to replace Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, whose last day is scheduled to be August 31.

HUTTO – Just 2.62% of voters showed up to cast a ballot in the run-off election for City Council Place 5, according to uncanvassed results from the Williamson County Elections Administration. In the race between Dana Wilcott and James Weaver, Wilcott won the seat with 315 votes, 62.87% of the total.

ELGIN – The state of Texas — which currently is the ninth largest economy in the world with a workforce of 14.8 million — is looking to partner with small communities like Manor, Elgin and Taylor.

The Taylor City Council voted to once-again award the four-year municipal mowing contract to Heart of Texas Landscaping, the lowest bidder at $542,201. The bid included mowing of the 140-acre Taylor City Cemetery, but staff recommended having city workers continue the cemetery landscaping instead.

RYAN NEWSOM Special to the Press Main Street Intermediate Principal Kerri Pierce initiated a new hands-on, fun and interactive way for students to feel a part of their school this past year. She introduced a new program called MSI Jobs.

.

The Taylor High School Academic Decathlon team finished the school year ranked third in Texas and third in the United States. Long known for their high achievements, the current team and their coach, Vicki Rowe, recently took a moment to reflect on their national ranking, and the long-standing tradition of success that continues today.

Last month, Tucker’s Law, which requires Texas schools to provide education about fentanyl awareness and prevention for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, passed during the 88th legislative session and is awaiting the signature of Gov. Greg Abbott, thanks in large part to the efforts of Texans Against Fentanyl. TXAF Founder Stefanie Turner said previously she has gotten pushback when trying to speak about her son Tucker’s story at his own school district, but she hopes that the new bill named in his honor will change situations like that. “The fentanyl epidemic is largely impacting our youth,” Turner said. “Bringing in awareness and education to the 5.3 million students in Texas public schools is the safest and most effective way in changing the trajectory of fentanyl use and poisonings.” Turner said parents who have lost children to fentanyl poising coming together through TXAF offers healing as they work to protect other people in the community through raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other measures. “We always say, I wish I never met you, but I am glad I did,” Turner said. “There is power in community and holding onto that space.”

Heritage Square Farmer’s Market The Farmer’s Market is typically every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St. Booths provide highquality locally grown produce, responsibly raised meats and unique handmade goods from local farmers, ranchers and artisans. For updates, visit https:// www.facebook.com/heritagesquarefarmersmarket.

Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, June 7, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www.

GEORGETOWN – A mosquito in Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a notification sent out by Williamson County Agricultural Extension Agent Gary Pasturneck. As of June 3, only Williamson County and Tarrant County have found infected mosquitoes, with Tarrant County having trapped 13.

Hunter Crump’s mom speaks out on the anniversary of son’s fentanyl poisoning COUPLAND — Last Sunday, a group gathered at the Crump family’s 7-acre property for a balloon release to celebrate what should have been Hunter Crump’s 19th birthday. “Happy birthday, baby boy,” said his mother Kimberly Crump, as her bouquet of purple and turquoise balloons floated heavenward.

All seats were filled for the June 8 Taylor City Council meeting as Mayor Brandt Rydell, wearing a Taylor Pride T-shirt, read a proclamation affirming June 24, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Day in Taylor.

The Taylor City Council is one step closer to getting a highly-contested pay raise – or not. At the June 8 meeting, councilmen approved a fivemember committee to explore the compensation issue, compare what other similar cities do and make a recommendation.