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Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:57 AM

Articles

Granger residents work to clean up and rebuild after the devastation from tornados in March. Photos by Jake Ferrigan, Aerotract Geospatial
Tornado tears through Williamson County
March 21 A severe line of early spring thunderstorms that carved a path of destruction across central Texas spawned at least five tornadoes, including one that wreaked havoc in Hutto, Granger and Taylor. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell reported that 1,119 structures were damaged in Williamson County from the tornadoes. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
Feathers surround a lone egret after the fireworks display reportedly caused birds to flee their nests. Photo by Emily Holmes
Egrets spark outrage
On July 4, residents in central and north Taylor were without electricity, some from shortly after sunset into the early morning hours of July 5. The outages, which turned off lights in homes and streets, coincided shortly after the start of the annual fireworks display at Murphy Park to celebrate the Fourth of July. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
The Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center in the 500 block of Burkett Street was burned to the ground in July. The suspect, James Paul Gogolewski, was arrested July 12. However, the Grand Jury of Williamson County returned a “No Bill” for the case. Photo by Jason Hennington
Dickey Museum burned, no indictment
A fire that drew suspicion destroyed an iconic landmark. On July 10, the Taylor Fire Department and other area firefighters responded to the 500 block of Burkett Street for a fire that engulfed the historic home. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION If you could put a gift under the tree for Taylor, what would it be? A. More money to fix streets – 7% B. Peace between disputing parties/people/organizations
ONLINE POLL QUESTION
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION Happy New Year! It’s January, which means many people will make resolutions. Do you make resolutions and how long do they last? A. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
(From Left) Debbie Kubiak with mother Irene Bucanek.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Kolache Shoppe Customers, Irene Bucanek and her daughter Debbie Kubiak want to thank each of you for your patronage over the past 45 years. Irene learned how to make kolaches at a young age from her mother, Mildred Zycha. She taught the art to her daughters and granddaughters. Irene won first place in many kolache contests in Caldwell and in West. The Kolache Shoppe bakery and this wonderful community of Taylor has held a special place in the hearts of Irene and Debbie and always will. They’ve formed many friendships throughout the years and thank God for each of you. Life is full of changes and even though we’ve sold the bakery and closed the doors, we would like you to know how much we loved and appreciated your business and support throughout the years. We will miss each and every one of you, but due to bad health, it’s time to say goodbye, and relax, and enjoy life. Elvis has left the building. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM    1
Most Texas pregnancy deaths preventable
Most Texas pregnancy deaths preventable
A long-awaited state report concludes most pregnancy-related deaths in Texas in 2019 were preventable and disproportionately affected Black women. The report, issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee, indicated deaths were mainly attributable to hemorrhage, mental health conditions and blood clots. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
Happy New Year
Happy New Year
As we come to the end of another year, it’s time to take a pause and look back. Let’s look how far we have come, not how far we have to go. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
Shirley Julia Schriewer Janke
Shirley Julia Schriewer Janke
Shirley Julia Schriewer Janke, 92, passed away Dec. 24, 2022, unexpectedly at Sodalis Senior Living in Temple. She was born Sept. 13, 1930, at the Schriewer family farm near Geronimo, the daughter of Herbert and Minnie (Schultz) Schriewer. 12/31/2022 07:24 AM
Fireworks still prohibited
Fireworks still prohibited
Some people may like to ring in the new year with the bang of fireworks, but 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. In addition, Williamson County provides a map that shows the areas 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
Allison Tangeman speaks at the Oct. 17 regular meeting of the Taylor Independent School District Board of Trustees on behalf of Moms for Liberty. Photo by Nicole Lessin
“In God We Trust” posters a non-issue
School districts in our area have not reported any controversy over donated “In God We Trust” placards, officials said. In the 87th legislative session, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 797, requiring school districts to display a donated framed copy of the statement, which is the official motto of the United States. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
World War II veteran Archie Moczygemba with his son Bill at the elder’s home in Taylor. Photos by Nicole Lessin
HONOR AND GLORY
TAYLOR WW II HUMBLED BY RECENT FAME Though local World War II veteran Archie Moczygemba has seen his fair share of action over the course of his 98 years, lately things in his life have gone into overdrive. Since last August, Moczygemba, who is also a veteran of the Korean War and a retired employee of the Texas Department of Public Safety, has been featured twice by Austin news station KVUE, made the cover of the Austin American-Statesman, and was featured in the Taylor Press for its Veterans Day issues. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
(From left) Megan Klein, Amy Everhart, Shannon Bagent and Ian Davis pose together behind the bar at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor in 2018. Courtesy photo
Music venue pays tribute to Texas Beer Co.
When the Black Sparrow Music Parlor’s owner heard New Year’s Eve would be the last night for the Texas Beer Company’s taproom at the corner of Second and Main Streets, she cancelled some big plans—and made some new ones. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
Don’t throw that old tree into a landfill after the holidays. There are plenty of ways to dispose of it that help the environment, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Courtesy photo
Tips offered on safe Christmas tree disposal
COLLEGE STATION — Many enjoy having a real Christmas tree for the holidays. And when the celebrations are over, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of or recycle a Christmas tree. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
St. Peter’s Church horseback carolers sing at Santa’s visit. Prissy Rumel organized bringing the carolers. Photo by Susan Garry
Coupland's visit from Santa and more Christmas events
COUPLAND CIVIC ORGANIZATION Many thanks to Coupland Civic Organization board member Jonathan Jones who decorated the Depot and Caboose. Each year, he adds more lights, increasing the impact of this centerpiece of the Trail of Lights. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM
GOOD NEWS
GOOD NEWS
I want to share a Christmas story with you. It’s a true, Taylor Made story but I must be vague to protect the identity of all people involved. 12/28/2022 07:31 AM