FEBRUARY
FEB. 5
Historical Taylor home deemed ‘total loss’ after fire
Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a weekend fire that destroyed a residence once home to the late Hank Patterson of “Green Acres” and “Gunsmoke” fame, officials said.
The Sunday, Feb. 2, conflagration on the outskirts of Taylor is still under investigation, said Taylor Fire Department Chief Daniel Baum.
The home, located at 50 FM 973, burned to the ground despite a five-hour effort involving seven different agencies to quell the blaze. First responders deemed it a “total loss.”
No injuries occurred and only the current homeowner was present, Baum said.
Residents reported the home being there well over a century.
Hank Patterson (1888-1975) and his family reportedly moved to the home in the 1910s. He was most notable for his role as Fred Ziffel in the CBS shows “Petticoat Junction” and “Green Acres.”
He also played the role of Hank Miller in “Gunsmoke” and made appearances on “My Three Sons” and “Twilight Zone.”
JASON CHLAPEK, CARTER BORDWELL
FEB. 9
Entertainment Center still coming to Hutto
HUTTO –– Get your popcorn ready — the curtain will still rise on the city’s planned cinema and entertainment complex in spite of some behind-the-scenes drama last week.
The show will go on for the under-construction EVO entertainment site, albeit under a different name after a restructuring within EVO’s parent company, officials said.
“While we wait for the brand reveal, residents can see the progress on construction at 180 Alliance Boulevard, off of US Highway 79 near Academy Sports,” Cheney Gamboa, director of economic development, said in a press release. “The Hutto Economic Development Corp. and city leaders promised our community a first-class cinema and entertainment experience and it is on track to be delivered on schedule.”
The cinema development was scheduled as an agenda item at a special joint council and EDC meeting Feb. 4. Snyder, along with council members Dan Thornton and Evan Porterfield, moved to make the discussion open to the public but were outvoted and the topic was kept under wraps behind closed doors.
“We’re excited to bring an all-new entertainment destination to Hutto,” said Charlie Tiantawach, CEO of Es Vedra Cinemas. “Opening May 2025, our 54,400-square-foot facility will feature a cutting-edge movie experience, including an eight-screen cinema with IMAX, alongside 12 full-size bowling lanes. Our expansive gaming space, enhanced food, beverage and cocktail menus, and unique programming are all designed to bring the community together.”
EDIE ZUVANICH
FEB. 12
Taylor Chamber celebrates 100 years in ‘five-star’ fashion
The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce threw itself a gala birthday party Monday night celebrating nearly 100 years of operation with awards handed out and guests voicing hopes for another century of service.
“The Chamber is about connections and advocacy between businesses and public officials within the community,” said Ryan Stiba, 2025 Chamber board chairman.
Since its beginning Nov. 13, 1925, the Chamber has played a role in the growth and prosperity of Taylor and the region, officials said during the event, held Feb. 3 at the Williamson County Expo Center.
Playing up this year’s theme of “100 Years Strong,” one of the highlights of 2024 was the Chamber receiving a five-star distinction in November from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The gala also marked the end of an era for 2024 Chamber Chairwoman Ebby Green, who handed over the reins to Stiba.
During the gala, many attendees expressed well wishes for the Chamber in the decades to come.
An aerial view of the structure fire in southwest Taylor not far from Samsung Austin Semiconductor and Taylor High School shows the century-old home engulfed in flames on Feb. 2, 2025. Photo by Jack Fleetwood
Honorees lauded by the Chamber included:
• Taylor Area Businesswomen’s 2025 Outstanding Woman of the Year : Carla Hoffman
• Outstanding Citizen of the Year: Tim Mikeska
• Ambassador of the Year: Candice Karkoska
• Customer Service of the Year: Emily Cuba of Plowman’s Kitchen
• Business Excellence: Greg Ringer of Ringer Windows
• Excellence in Entrepreneurship: Amanda Feely and Alisha Fowler, owners of Taylor Feed & Supply and BoxDrop Taylor
• Employer of the Year: Ben Willis of Durcon
• Member of the Year: Lindsay and Robert Smith of Taylor Mansion Estate and Crystal Ballroom — JASON CHLAPEK
FEB. 16
Election filings close for May 3 races
Filings for local city hall and school board races closed Friday, Feb. 14, with six candidates vying for two spots on the Taylor City Council in May.
Other races include seats for the Hutto City Council and on the boards of the Taylor and Hutto independent school districts.
Four candidates will compete for Taylor’s District 4 seat, while two are battling for District 1.
Incumbent District 1 Councilman Gerald Anderson and District 4 Councilman Robert Garcia each announced they will not seek reelection.
Garcia has been with the Taylor council since 2016, while Anderson has been on the dais since 2019.
District 1 hopefuls include Greg Redden and Gail F. Samuels. Redden filed his application on Jan. 15, while Samuels filed hers on Friday.
Candidates for the District 4 seat are Marie Bloemer, Heather Pacharzina Long, Gordon Pettey and Shannon Quicksall.
Pacharzina and Pettey each filed their applications Jan. 15, while Quicksall filed hers on Jan. 31, and Bloemer on Feb. 11.
Patrick V. Hackeling, who filed to run for District 1, withdrew on Feb. 12.
In Hutto, Jim Morris entered the race against Cory Denena for Randal Clark’s Place 3 seat on the council.
Incumbent Hutto Mayor Mike Snyder and Place 6 Councilwoman Amberley Kolar are running for reelection as well but face no challengers.
No new candidates have filed to compete against board President Billie Logiudice, Vice President Shannon Jacobs and Terrence Owens for the Hutto Independent School District’s three open seats.
Since nobody filed to run against the incumbents, Hutto ISD will not have an election.
Meanwhile, Taylor Independent School District school board Assistant Secretary Cheryl Carter, who currently holds Place 3, has filed for reelection but faces an opponent, Janet Curtis.
Board President Marco Ortiz, who holds Place 4, and incumbent Joe Meller in Place 5 are running again.
Terms are for three years.
The election is May 3. Early voting is April 22April 29.
— JASON CHLAPEK
FEB. 26
La Grange woman perishes in wreck
A two-vehicle, headon collision Wednesday afternoon on FM 973 near Samsung Austin Semiconductor claimed the life of a La Grange woman.
Rachel Gonzales, 37, died from injuries sustained in the wreck Feb. 19, according to police.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Public Safety responded to the scene.
According to a news release from DPS, Gonzales was traveling north on 973 in a 2001 Toyota Camry.
The vehicle reportedly crossed a double yellow line into the southbound lane and collided with a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene.
— JASON CHLAPEK
