In addition to Granger, the Thrall, Lexington and Thorndale independent school districts will share the $1.3 million Moody Foundation M-Pact Grant.

According to a foundation press release, the Rural M-Pact initiative targets educational communities with customized, district-specific funding to support local student vocational success.

“The funding is split among the districts because strategically we will use it together and with one another as students from all the school districts are served,” said Granger ISD Superintendent Stephen Brosch during the June 17 school board meeting.

The M-Pact award is a three-year grant providing school districts the time to implement new programs into their curriculum.

Amber Thorsen, Granger’s director of federal programs and curriculum, said, “The first year (of the grant) is a lot of planning, working on building the program and getting a lot of stakeholder data.”

The second and third years are when the programs launch.

GRANT

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Brosch pointed out that Granger, Thrall, Lexington and Thorndale already have welding programs, but with the M-Pact grant districts can add different subjects they may not have had the funds to implement on their own, such as the healthcare trades.

Brosch also noted the M-Pact grant is a boon to all the collaborating school districts because they will now be able to offer new learning opportunities to their pupils. “It helps us build a better (career and technological education) program so our students are more successful after graduation,” Thorsen added.

Brosch said the districts will tailor the funding to support programs reflecting students’ vocational interests, preparing them for job markets doing well now and ones predicted to promise success in the future.

“And then we can put those things together to really add something new to the curriculum that we haven’t been able to (in the past),” Brosch said.

The next trustees’ meeting is 6 p.m. June 24 in the board room at 300 N. Colorado St.

Parade and festival draw big crowds

Taylor’s Juneteenth Citywide Freedom Day Celebration has continued to grow each year and showcases the inclusivity of the community, according to organizers.

“

“I think it’s a testament to everyone being able to come together in the name of inclusion.”

— Nakevia Miller Mayor Jim Buzan, who attended the parade and brunch Saturday morning, reflected on the connections formed when people grow up in the same city with shared experiences.

“A lot of people here either I went to school with or I went to school with family members. It’s a very close-knit community,” Buzan said.

Participation in the parade and festival, held June 20, increases each year and continues to attract regional interest, planners said.

This year the event included a horse-mounted group from Elgin and a motorcycle club based in Killeen in addition to local groups.

Nakevia Miller, executive director of the Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center, presented three awards to parade recipients:

• Best Driving Group: 290 Boyz Riding Club (gaited- horse club from Elgin)

• Best Walker: Taylor’s own Queen Lola

• Best Overall: Taylor Youth Duck Nation Cheerleaders “I think it’s a testament to everyone being able to come together in the name of inclusion,” Miller said.

The grand marshal was 99-year-old former teacher Lessie Givens.

She taught Taylor students for 36 years, starting at the all-Black school, O.L. Price, before campuses were desegregated.

A biker known as T-Bone, vice president and road captain of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club – Killeen Chapter, said it was a Buffalo Soldiers unit that brought word to Galveston on June 19, 1865, that slavery was ended in Texas.

That event led to the celebration known as Juneteenth, which became a Texas holiday in 1980 and was named a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

T-Bone and seven other riders skipped the Killeen parade to celebrate with Taylor.

He said the club president, known as Saddler, lives in Taylor.

“It’s important to celebrate

historic events. I’m glad that the events are getting bigger. I’d like to see a lot more participation. It’s great that everybody is coming out to get involved in it,” T-Bone said.

Taylor’s Juneteenth event is sponsored in part by the city.

Miller said the celebration “takes a village” to coordinate and would not be possible without the support of the Parks and Recreation Department employees who help with logistics, administration, underwriting and setting up.

“We are so grateful that we have a city staff that’s committed to helping support Black cultural preservation, helping us to feel included and seen in our community,” Miller said.

In addition to the parade and brunch event Saturday morning, Taylor celebrated Juneteenth with a Saturday evening festival featuring vendors, activities, gospel music, a live band and an educational African Safari Program with Elizabeth Kahura sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

A photography exhibit highlighting the history of Black rodeos was also part of the Juneteenth programming. The free exhibit, titled “Soul Circuit -- Juneteenth Rodeos in Texas,” will be on display at the McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 112 W. Second St., through July 15.

Presentation of the awards took place on the last day of the Texas Newspaper Association’s annual Convention & Trade Show, held June 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport.

According to TPA officials, 103 member newspapers submitted 1,020 entries encompassing stories or other content published in 2025. The impartial Washington Newspapers Publishers Association handled the judging across 10 divisions grouped by frequency and circulation.

The Taylor Press is owned by Granite Media Partners Inc., a 50-year-old Texas news and marketing company that operates or manages publications stretching from East Texas to the Big Bend area.

“The Taylor Press’ performance in the statewide contest continues to show our commitment to rigorous reporting, adherence to the facts and telling our audience what happened, not what to think,” said Thomas Edwards, executive editor of Granite. “Our ultimate goal is to keep our communities informed without fear or favor dictating our efforts.”

See PRESS • page 2 Area Editor Jason Chlapek echoed Edwards’ sentiment.

“The staff we have here at the Taylor Press goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Chlapek said. “These awards are a testament of the hard work they put in day-in and day-out.”

The Taylor Press’ awards included:

• Second place, News Writing, Division 4

• Second place, Sports Coverage, Division 4 According to TPA officials, Granite publications overall claimed more than 40 statewide awards, including five first-place commendations. Some of the awards lauded the company’s continuing expansion into digital platforms.

TPA, founded in 1880, is dedicated to advocating for the welfare of Texas newspapers, “encourages higher standards of journalism and plays an important role in protecting the public’s right to know as an advocate of First Amendment liberties,” according to its website.

The organization represents 328 paid-circulation newspapers — 40 dailies and 288 non-dailies.

For the 20th consecutive year, Taylor’s Main Street program has earned accolades from a national organization honoring the “Front Porch of Texas,” city officials said.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the designated programs recognizing improvements to downtowns through preservation- based economic development and community revitalization using the “Main Street Approach.”

“The city of Taylor Main Street Program demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO at Main Street America.

The Taylor Main Street Program’s performance was evaluated by the organization’s personnel and Taylor Main Street, which works in partnership with the national organization to identify programs meeting “rigorous national community evaluation standards,” according to a release.

“This recognition belongs to the entire Taylor community,” said Niecy Baum, downtown director. “From our local businesses and property owners to volunteers, sponsors, partners and residents, so many people have played a role in creating the energy and excitement that make downtown Taylor the Front Porch of Texas.”

Taylor is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of more than 1,600 communities.

According to the release, to qualify for accredited

status — Main Street America’s top designation tier — communities must demonstrate a proven track record and “exceptional performance” in six areas:

• Broad-based community commitment to revitalization.

• Inclusive leadership and organizational capacity.

• Diversified funding and sustainable program operations.

• Strategy-driven programming.

• Preservation-based economic development.

• Demonstrated impact and results.

“

“This recognition belongs to the entire Taylor community.”

— Niecy Baum, downtown director

• Pickleball by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• “Teddy Bear Picnic” at Dickie Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer storytime and craft: “Knight Owl” by Christopher Denise at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Arts and crafts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Memorial Field House, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, June 25

• Sports and soccer clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• “Sleepy Storytime” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

• “Poetry Open Night” hosted by the Taylor Public Library at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free, ages 18 and up.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• STEAM Challenge and teen craft at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 4:30 p.m. (STEAM), 6:30 p.m. (teen).

• Keen Country Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, $10, ages 18 and up.

Saturday, June 27

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Splash Pad Play Day” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Movie Day at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• “Taylor Pride Fest Dance Party” at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., $10.

• All Hat No Cadillac at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing information at CouplandDancehall.com.

Sunday, June 28

• East Wilco Dems Meeting at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 12:30 p.m., free, all ages.

• “Stuffed Animal Tea Party” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 1-2 p.m., $12, register: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.

com, ages 2-12.

Monday, June 29

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and kids craft at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., (yoga), 10:30 a.m. (craft), free.

• “Stories & Snuggles for Little Crawlers” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4–12, 11 a.m. to noon for babies.

• Good Life Taylor movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Taylor, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 30

• Sports by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive,Taylor, 9–11 a.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Movie Day and Teen Board Game Night at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. (movie), 6 p.m. (teen), free.

• “Fiber Friends” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Meets noon Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Rotary Club

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Lions Club

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

Stitchin’ Time and Hooks & Needles • Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

Grief Support Group

• Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

“Old houses, I thought, do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them.”

— Gladys Taber

I always wanted to live in an old Victorianstyle house. Then I bought one –– a tall, elegant structure built in 1900 and towering over the newer homes around it. After settling in, we relaxed one evening watching “The Money Pit,” a 1986 movie. The plot centers around a couple who buys an elegant old country estate. It was bliss until doors fell off hinges, staircases tumbled and a bathtub fell through the floor.

While the house I bought thankfully wasn’t that bad, it did come with its own set of surprises including squirrels in the attic … and an unseen occupant.

When it came to the squirrels, “No problem.” I thought. “I’m smarter than fuzzytailed rats.”

I spent a Saturday repairing rooflines and tree trimming, then declared it done save for checking repaired spots inside the attic.

Access to that cavernous space required climbing through a closet hatch and traversing a long 4-foot crawl space. Once there, I found myself eye to eye with one remaining squirrel.

“OK,” I muttered. I needed to reopen the nearest hole and shoo him out. The squirrel had other ideas and made evil hissing noises and assumed attack stances.

After careful dancing on both our parts, I succeeded in my plan and the squirrel succeeded in his escape.

I had almost recovered from the squirrel soiree when I was introduced to another co-occupant, this one a little harder to classify. It started with minor distractions such as the nightly sounds of someone walking in the attic and a “possessed” bedroom light.

I blamed the happenings on “George,” a nickname I assigned to the unseen inhabitant just to give him some personality.

I concluded George occupied one large bedroom adjoining a dressing room and bath. I accused him of seeking attention with the overhead light by randomly turning it on. Switchingitoff worked, but it would come on again at the least expected time.

Fearing faulty wiring, an electrician was summoned. Nothing was found. The phenomenon continued. I learned to just ignore it.

Less easy to dismiss were things like the quiet early morning I caught sight of a kid’s football slowly rolling along the floor, through the door between the rooms and stopping at my feet.

OK, so what made it fall off an undisturbed shelf? A football that neither rolls easily nor straight, navigating perfectly across a large bedroom floor, through a door and stopping at my feet?

I nervously laughed.

“George, I don’t have time to play ball. I have to go to work,” I said.

Another morning, I laid a washcloth on the lavatory and left the bathroom, making a U-turn to open the closet. As I paused there, the washcloth flew out of the bathroom and landed on the floor near my feet.

Again, I was the only one awake. Allowing my heart rate to slow down, I looked around and said, “George, you gotta cut this out, man. If you have something to say, just write it on the wall and I’ll get back to you.”

Similar small oddities continued over time, without explanation, to which I became accustomed while vocally blaming George and assuming he heard me.

We sold the old house a couple of years later.

I never watched “The Money Pit” again, but I’ve often wished our stay in that Victorian house could’ve been longer. Pending George’s approval… of course.

Contact Aldridge at leonaldridge@gmail. com. Other Aldridge columns are archived at leonaldridge.com.

Abu Kabir, 38, of Hutto was one of the men arrested in the two-day sting. The other suspects are Georgetown residents Deven Carrillo, Jacob Hamiltion, Kwame Obuobi and Joe Zapata; Round Rock residents Araf Nishan and Antonio Rodriguez; and Austin resident Richard Jackson.

The eight suspects remain in the Williamson County Jail each in lieu of $100,000 bonds. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations and Hutto Police Department were involved in this operation.

More on this story can be seen in the Taylor Press.

Longtime Tax Assessor-Collector Larry Gaddes resigned from his position Tuesday, June 9, after he accepted the Deputy Executive Director position with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Gaddes served as the county's tax assessor-collector since January 2017.

"I am honored for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Williamson County, immensely proud of the work of our office and deeply grateful to have served with such an amazing staff,” said Gaddes.

The Commissioners Court will appoint a person to fill the position until the next General Election. The office will be on the Nov. 2026 ballot for voters to elect a new Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector to fulfill the office for the unexpired term ending on Dec. 31, 2028.

More on this story can be seen in the June 17 E-Edition of the Taylor Press.

Taylor’s Juneteenth commemoration will be a citywide Freedom Day celebration June 20 in honor of the city’s 150th anniversary, organizers said.

The observance of the historic emancipation event already kicked off with an exhibit of archival photographs called “Soul Circuit, Juneteenth Rodeos in Texas.”

It’s free and runs through July 15 at The McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 112 W. Second St. The exhibit showcases Black rodeo stars.

“Essentially, this is the Dickey Museum’s first act as a museum. We are hosting this photography exhibition via a grant from Humanities Texas,” said Nakevia Miller, executive director of The Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center.

The museum, 500 Burkett St., originally was the childhood home of humanitarian and civil rights activist James Lee Dickey, a pioneering Black physician. It was destroyed by a fire in July 2022.

Miller said the nonprofit center has completed the interior designs for the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts are progressing.

The local Juneteenth event June 20 is a collaborative effort between the Dickey Museum and the city.

Juneteenth combines the words June and nineteenth to honor June 19, 1865, when the U.S. military arrived in Galveston after the Civil War to let enslaved African Americans know they were free.

Texas made it an official holiday in 1979 and President Joe Biden authorized a nationwide observance on June 17, 2021.

Officials said the plethora of events planned for June 20 fit right in with Taylor’s series of sesquicentennial milestones planned during the year to honor the town’s birthday.

“The city officially adopted the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival, Parade and Brunch event in 2023. In that time, the city has partnered with the Taylor Juneteenth Committee and The Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center to help bring this fun-filled, community event to the residents of Taylor,” said Parks and Recreation Director Betsy Schultz.

The parade starts at 9 a.m. and begins at City Hall, 400 Porter St., rolls down Main Street, turns left on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and continues to the Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

After the parade there will be a free soul food brunch and parade entry winners will be announced. Free line dancing lessons will be offered under the pavilion about 11:15 a.m.

The festival begins at 5 p.m. on the same day in Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with youth activities, vendors, free barbecue and music. Gospel music is scheduled for 5-6 p.m.

A special performance by the African Safari Program is 6:15 p.m. Live music by Myke and Deuce With The Fellas starts at 7 p.m.

A big part of the Juneteenth celebration involves the community gathering for food, according to Juneteenth Committee member Lucille Wright.

“You know, when we give back to the community, everybody’s welcome. The free barbecue at Juneteenth, or when we do our free meals for Thanksgiving, anything we give out is for everybody in Taylor, not a specific race,” Wright said. “And we love everybody. But they need to come to the South Side because that’s where our heritage is.”

Miller said it is important for people representing various ethnicities to stand together in solidarity.

“All are welcome. We want to see you, and we want to know that our fellow citizens support us. Because the way things are trending it could be illegal in the next couple of years to have this Juneteenth celebration,” Miller said. “So, we want to invite all our fellow citizens in Taylor and surrounding areas to join us, to come celebrate freedom, to come and support the vendors and just have a good time and be in community with us.”

Soulbrain TX LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of South Korea’s Soul Brain Co. Ltd., is spending as much $600 million for its headquarters, first U.S. plant and an eventual expansion in the RCR Taylor Logistics Park.

The company first announced its location two years ago and has since secured several million dollars in property-tax abatements from Williamson County and the city in exchange for job creation and investments that will increase the taxable value of the property for decades to come.

Soulbrain’s production of high-purity phosphoric acid will play a major role in the creation of advanced semiconductors for the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. foundry nearing completion in Taylor and for other semiconductor- manufacturing clients across Texas and the country.

That initiative earned the company $11.6 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund created in 2023 through the Texas CHIPS Act.

“Texas remains a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing as we further build a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in announcing the grant. “The Taylor facility produces new high-skilled jobs and meets industry demand for specialized materials essential to the production of next-generation chips and electronic components produced in Texas.”

Abbott added, “Through this grant, Texas will further solidify our dominance across the full semiconductor supply chain.”

The state incentives for Soulbrain “demonstrates, not just to Texas and the U.S., but to the world, that Taylor is a major component of the semiconductor ecosystem,” said Ben White, CEO of the Taylor Economic Development Corp.

The company’s acids are used in the sensitive etching and cleaning process that are part of the production of advanced semiconductors, such as the ones Samsung Austin Semiconductor will be making for electric vehicle and robotics company Tesla.

The terms of the grant call for the creation of at least 20 jobs and $120 million in capital expenditures. Samsung is so far the only other company in Taylor receiving a grant from the fund.

Phase 1 entails annual production capacity of 28,800 metric tons of high-selectivity and high-purity phosphoric acid, also known by the symbol H3PO4.

The manufacturing and engineering jobs numbers aren’t great in number, but are considered high paying and critical to the supply chain that supports thousands more jobs in the area.

“With this partnership, we will expand advanced materials capabilities in Texas, strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem, and create highvalue manufacturing and engineering opportunities for Texans,” Soulbrain President Jon Park said in a written statement thanking the governor and the state.

White lauded Soulbrain as a great company to work with and hopes that the state’s financial support will serve to hasten the implementation of Phase 2, which comes with an even greater capital investment and more high-paying jobs.

A $2 million tax abatement from Williamson County was granted in October 2024 for the first phase with an expectation of creating jobs and $175 million in capital spending resulting in facilities and equipment with a taxable value of at least $100 million in the first phase.

A second 10-year property tax abatement, which is based on paying no taxes on 25% of the improved property value, will kick in for Phase 2 if the company meets job totals of at least 50 high-paying jobs, additional capital investment of $400 million and implementation of an internship program for local residents.

Taylor weighed in with a similar deal in early 2025.

“Today, we see another example of how this tool is being used to spur job creation, domestic manufacturing and further technological innovation right here in our own community,” said state Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, whose district includes Taylor. “I look forward to seeing the innovation, job creation and positive economic impact that this allocation will create for the city of Taylor and Williamson County.”

The arrest June 3 stems from the slaying of Alfred Olguin Flores, 48, whose body was found about 5 p.m. May 3 outside his residence at 1004 Pierce St.

Devin Olguin, 30, of Taylor, remained in the Williamson County Jail in Georgetown Friday charged with murder, smuggling of persons, theft between $750$2,500 and evading arrest in a vehicle.

A bond amount was not set, according to county records. Olguin is a cousin of the victim, police said.

Olguin was taken into custody in Georgetown by a federal marshal’s task force, according to Taylor officials.

According to an arrest affidavit, a fight broke out between Flores and another man between the latenight hours of May 2 and the early morning hours of May 3 at the victim’s residence.

During the scuffle, Flores tackled the other man before the latter grabbed a hammer and hit the victim in the head with the object, according to the affidavit.

After the altercation, the assailant called an associate and requested a ride to a hotel in the 2000 block of West Second Street, where he reportedly took a shower and changed clothes, according to court records.

Following a brief stay at the hotel, the attacker asked to be taken to his brother’s residence in Georgetown.

According to the affidavit, the man put his previously worn clothing in a plastic bag and requested an acquaintance to take the items to an undisclosed location and burn them.

The victim’s body was discovered under a tent-like structure outside the home, according to investigators.

In addition to Taylor police, federal marshals and Williamson County Emergency Medical Services, other agencies assisting in the case included the Texas Rangers, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office and the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Williamson County Associate Judge John McMillin signed the warrant.

Flores’ funeral was May 11 at Providence Funeral Home.

In my last column, I introduced the covenant we can have with God.

Here, we continue exploring the two-way relationship with the Father through faith in the Son and by fulfilling our part of that agreement.

Quick review

The Old Covenant relationship was modeled after the human suzerainvassal (lord-servant) treaty of Abraham’s time. The New Covenant connection to the Father through the Son is a continuation because the Father, the Son, the mission and the terms remain the same in both.

Terms

God’s obligation was to send a savior and to love people (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19). He has honored the terms and continues to keep close to him anyone who chooses to remain (John 10:27-29 and 15:410; Romans 8:38-39).

Jesus expects devotees to openly profess Christ to others (Matthew 10:32), to confess sins and repent, and to bear one another’s burdens (James 5:13-16).

They must honor the Father with everything they are and have, in complete devotion, and love one another charitably (Matthew 22:37-40).

Loving actions born of faith prove allegiance to the Father through the Son (John 14:15 and 21; 15:8).

Finally, Christ-followers are obligated to grow in spirit and to make disciples who, in turn, create more disciples (Ephesians 4:11-16 and Matthew 28:18-20).

Blessings

God’s blessings for those he knows include receiving his spirit now and partnership in the age to come. However, curses also await those God does not know—anyone who has rejected him, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Knowing God isn’t enough—he must “know” us by our obedient love (1 Corinthians 8:3).

Curses

Refusing or walking away from a relationship with God carries negative consequences. For instance, Jesus teaches that anyone who does not obey the call to be charitable to others will face judgment and destruction (John 15:6; Matthew 25:41-46). The same fate awaits those whose practices oppose God’s standard.

The Psalmist David calls for the unrighteous to be removed from the Book of Life (Psalm 69:28).

Similarly, Jesus tells John that he will not remove the names of the righteous from the Book (Revelation 3:5). Finally, the names of those who will choose poorly and align with the end-times Antichrist will be absent from it (Revelation 13:8 and 17:8).

Devote and stay

A fruitful and continuing relationship demands that both parties remain in and true to the agreement. The covenant with the Father through Christ is no exception. The language used to denote the need to remain in a relationship with the Father refers to staying put.

In Scriptures such as John 15:4-10, Jesus explains the need to stay with the Father and the Son, sometimes using conditional statements that insist people can choose to remain or leave.

The apostle John continues the theme in 1 John 4:16.

In summary, your Creator has called you back to him through Jesus. It’s your turn: Devote yourself, be charitable and stay. Next? The dangers of spiritual emptiness and its cure.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylor-based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

THRALL — Producers, agricultural industry representatives and community members are invited to attend the 63rd Annual Stiles Farm Field Day June 9.

The event begins with in-person registration at 4:45 p.m. and is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 5700 FM 1063. There is no charge to attend.

The annual field day highlights emerging agricultural technologies, crop production updates, integrated pest management and issues that have an impact on Central Texas agriculture.

Field tours run from 5:307:30 p.m.

Participants will hear from AgriLife Extension Service specialists, researchers and industry leaders on a variety of agricultural topics, organizers said.

Tour stops and presentations include:

• Levi Powell, research manager for the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University, presenting “Mini Planter University” and discussing how producers can maximize new planter technology and precision agriculture tools.

• Ronnie Schnell, AgriLife Extension state cropping systems specialist and professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences discussing pH management, mycotoxins and weed and pest management in corn production.

• Cullom Simpson, wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, making a presentation on deer management near grain-production acres.

• David Kerns AgriLife Extension entomologist and associate department head, and Tyler Mays, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent, providing updates on Hessian fly, pest management in cool and cloudy cotton conditions, corn leaf aphids and other insect concerns.

A catered meal will be served after the tour.

John Miller, Southwest Agribusiness Consulting owner and a consultant in the Snook office, will provide updates on grain markets and the fertilizer industry.

The evening will also feature the presentation of the Williamson County Farm Bureau Agriculturist and Ag Business Professional of the Year awards. Door prizes and agricultural vendors will also be available for attendees.

One general and one integrated pest-management continuing education unit will be offered.

Youth attendees are invited to participate in a hands-on agricultural education session hosted by the Williamson County AgriLife Extension Service Office. Activities include a water slide and snow cones.

The Stiles Farm Foundation serves as a hub for agricultural research, demonstration and producer education in Central Texas, officials said.

After a nearly $8 million price tag for renovations that took a year, the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center has reopened and is ready for young and old alike to dive right in.

The city held a ribbon cutting Saturday morning at the revitalized pool in Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive.

The spot features a water slide, a lazy river, a kiddie wading area and four swimming lanes.

G. Creek Construction handled the renovations.

“It’s going to be a great amenity for the community and the surrounding

Photo by Jason Chiapek communities like Granger, Thrall, Elgin and Manor,” Mayor Jim Buzan said. “I think more people will look at this opportunity.”

Reminiscing at the ceremony, Buzan remembered having what he considered “the best summer job in the world” as a teenager — working as a lifeguard at the site of the former Taylor city pool now home to the newly commissioned aquatic center.

“My most fond memory of the (previous) pool was working for the city and being on the crew that got to take care of the pool,” Buzan said. “It was great to be able to go to work in swim trunks and sandals.”

Deficiencies in the pool were noticed in May 2022, which prompted discussions among city officials to remodel the site. The pool closed last summer.

The work came with a price tag of $7.88 million. It was approved during the Feb. 22, 2024, City Council meeting.

Tyler Bybee, Taylor’s assistant city manager, was the director of parks and recreation when approval and planning for the pool took place.

“There was a lot of talk and a lot of long meetings about this pool,” Bybee said. “When you have a project like this, it takes a lot to get it done.”

Place 3 Councilman Kelly Cmerek said his first meeting on the council in 2024 included a vote to approve the center’s renovations.

“It’s a tremendous asset for the community and families,” Cmerek said. “When I think about this pool, I think about what a great asset it is for children and families. We built it right and it will last longer than the previous pool. This is a great investment.”

Former Councilman Mitchell Drummond said the community will find the pool a welcome refuge.

“It’s about time. It’s been a long time,” Drummond said. “We missed it last year, but the pool is important to the community.”

Buzan said there are plenty of thanks to go around.

“The goal is to keep everything moving uphill and that’s our job as the city,” he said. “I’d like to thank Parks and Rec, including those individuals who made (Saturday) such a special event, and the residents of Taylor for their commitment to put their money into this investment.”

The facility in 2022 was named in honor of Roznovak, who for 39 years managed the city pool in Murphy Park, officials previously said.

The Aquatic Center is closed on Monday and open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-8 p.m. Sunday.

Admission prices include $2 for children 3 years old and younger, $3 for children between the ages of 4-12, $4 for 13-year-olds through adults, and $3 for adults 60 and older.

Pool passes cost $75.

EDIE ZUVANICH Special to the Press

HUTTO — The City Council has welcomed its newest member, Corina Zepeda.

She won the May 2 election to replace long-serving Councilman Peter Gordon, who had reached his term limits and was not eligible to run again.

The Place 1 council seat is - still held by Charles Warner

pending the runoff election June 13 between Jerrel Reynolds and Brandy McCool.

In other business during the May 21 session, the leaders on the dais released properties from annexation and pushed for cleaner water. Mayor Mike Snyder also took a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission to task.

Disannexations approved Following state law, the city “disannexed” two properties, reversing its stance on release requests regarding the parcels that were previously denied.

Senate Bill 2038 allows property owners to request release of their properties from annexation into a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Earlier this year, owners of 420 and 460 Hyview Lane petitioned to be removed from the ETJ, but those requests were turned down.

However, Hutto officials recently determined the municipality could not provide wastewater service to the properties within the statutory timelines required if the properties changed to commercial.

The city has agreed to conditionally disannex the properties.

The proposed release agreements would mirror stipulations approved for 400 Hyview Lane in 2025.

The owners agreed to not create a wastewater treatment plant on the property and to only use a wastewater service provided by a governmental entity. The contract also includes provisions preserving Hutto’s ETJ authority and limited-purpose annexation rights for future commercial activity.

Stronger measures for clean water The city updated its industrial waste discharge ordinance by giving the Public Works Department more power to enforce discharge rules, including the right to enter private property to investigate suspected wastewater violations.

David Thomason, public works utility manager, said the city has identified and contacted a dozen industries with the potential of discharging into the collection system.

Thomason said the department will monitor releases into the water system.

“We will go out and do spot checks, collecting samples at any time. Also doing random inspections of their facility to see environmentally how are they taking care of what the waste is. A lot of them we found actually haul their waste off to other places,” Thomason said.

Businesses violating the ordinance must pay all costs for testing and mitigation, officials said.

Thomason said federal agencies could become involved if waste makes its way into streams, triggering even greater fines.

“The purpose of this ordinance is to put the onus on the industry. It issues permits to the industry requiring that they install pre-treatment equipment, treat their wastewater prior to it going to the city sewer so that they’re pulling pollutants out before it gets to the city’s wastewater treatment plant,” said Troy Zwerneman with Brazos River Authority.

BRA worked with the city to develop the updated ordinance and enforcement guide.

P & Z Commission chair reproached A fracas between Mayor Mike Snyder and Rick Hudson, chairman of the P&Z, was put on the back burner pending whether a formal complaint is filed that could lead to Hudson’s removal.

The controversy stems from a call made to Hudson by an applicant after the P&Z denied his petition, Hudson said. The chairman said he then offered an opinion the council might not support the applicant.

According to Snyder, the applicant called him after the conversation with Hudson and relayed concerns about what Hudson said.

Hudson stressed that he spoke as a private citizen and what he told the applicant was only his opinion and not legal advice.

The council debated whether the situation called for Hudson’s dismissal or was an opportunity for more training.

“If I have lost the trust of the council to perform my duties, then I should not be on that board,” Hudson said. “Allowing me to continue where I still have that access would be an exceptionally stupid idea.”

After deliberating in executive session, no action was taken because a formal complaint against Hudson had not been submitted to the city.

“ “We will go out and do spot checks, collecting samples at any time.”

— David Thomason, public works utility manager

The funds will cover the cost of the proposed Williamson County Justice Complex including a new jail located near two schools and residential areas, which has raised the ire of neighbors.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court also

“

Some of these (expenses) may be incurred prior to the money arriving in our bank account.”

— Commissioner Valerie Covey approved a resolution allowing County Judge Steven Snell to reimburse the tax anticipation note, or TAN, for the purchase of the 255 acres for the justice complex at the corner of Inner Loop and CR 110.

He was not at the meeting. Members on the dais May 19 also OK’d $26 million in Fiscal Year 2026 capital-improvement project funding for initiatives already underway they want to complete, such as technological upgrades and renovations to the Lake Creek Annex.

County Auditor Julie Kiley noted the capital-improvement projects, or CIP, include items the commissioners have discussed over the past several months, including the expansion of the juvenile justice center.

Commissioners have already approved the next three phases of that project.

“Do we want (the juvenile justice complex) money to come from our CIP program, or do we wish to wrap that up in this (tax) anticipation note?” Kiley asked commissioners.

Kiley provided other suggestions to the court for use of the funds, including seed money for projects related to the new jail and justice complex.

Commissioners raised the previous week’s estimated tax anticipation note of $135 million to $150 million, which they determined would cover $17 million for phases three through five of the juvenile justice center expansion, $50 million to close out the right of way for the 2023 road bonds and $76 million for the cost of the land and continuing work on the Justice Complex.

A tax anticipation note finances state or local operations until expected tax revenue is received; the proceeds are then used to repay the debt.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said the resolution was needed for the county to reimburse itself from the TAN.

“Some of these (expenses) may be incurred prior to the money arriving in our bank account,” Covey said.

Commissioners also supported a breakdown of expenditures between the $150 million TAN and $26 million for FY2026 CIP, with specific focus centering on current projects, excluding those in Precinct 4.

“That’s not to include the $20 million of CIP for next year, which is where I’m thinking about Precinct 4,” Covey said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles had no comment and approved the motions.

Commissioners will next meet at 9:30 a.m. June 2 at 710 S. Main St.

Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.

The “Community Health Program” works to support residents by addressing not only health-related challenges, but social and environmental issues as well, officials added.

The Sanchez family had been living in a tent when CHP provided a helping hand coordinating the donation and delivery of a travel trailer, providing them with a safe and stable shelter, according to a release.

“This effort shows how partnerships and community support can make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Amy Jarosek, clinical commander. “By working together, we were able to help provide a safer and more stable living situation for this family.”

The medical service partnered with Operation Texas Strong to donate the travel trailer to the family. It had been in Weatherford but was transported to Taylor at no cost with the help of SAS Towing, organizers said.

CHP helps reduce reliance on emergency services while improving long-term outcomes by connecting individuals and families with available resources, county officials added.

The team includes specially trained paramedics and EMTs who work with patients, families and healthcare providers to address chronic physical and mental health conditions.

Patients receive in-home visits and navigation services geared to increase health literacy, reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations and improve overall chronic-disease management, according to a county statement.

Director of Programs Jolena Pokorny had what many considered uplifting news about the project during the school board meeting May 20.

Also, new trustee Jason Seaton was sworn into office following the May 2 election. He replaces Wesley Grisham, who stepped down from the dais after more than 20 years.

Meanwhile, after April’s school board meeting, Pokorny and business manager Blake Schneider went back to the drawing board to determine how they could open a daycare program without putting the district into debt.

“I really want to make this happen,” Pokorny said, “but I do not want a negative deficit for our budget as well.”

Pokorny presented the new plan to trustees, which included not hiring a staff member specifically for the daycare facility but utilizing staff already on the Thrall ISD payroll.

“That saved $35,000 to $40,000 there, including the salary and benefits,” Pokorny said.

In addition, a price increase for the program was proposed to the teachers and staff prepared to bring six 2-year-olds to the daycare in August.

“Nobody balked at the (higher price),” Pokorny said.

She added employees knew the cost remained an inexpensive option compared to other programs, adding they are “very invested” in the program moving forward.

Last month, after reviewing other school districts of similar size to Thrall that also had childcare programs, Schneider noted Thrall, like these other schools, could lose $40,000 to $50,000 annually on the program.

School board Vice President Rodrigo Reyes thanked Pokorny for listening to the trustees’ concerns last month and for presenting the new options.

“We weren’t willing to shoot down (the daycare). It’s a great idea. The concern was with the budget, of being in (a financial) hole,” Reyes said.

Another caveat to the program that Pokorny included in her presentation is daycare availability will be determined annually.

“We have to understand that we may not be able to continue (the daycare program) if we don’t have a number of kids to support it,” Pokorny said.

Seaton, who has attended Thrall school board meetings in recent months, was prepared to discuss the issues in Wednesday’s session.

“I feel like this is letting us dip our toes in the water without committing us (in the future),” Seaton said.

No set date has been determined for a vote on the daycare facility, but Thrall ISD plans to hold more than one board meeting in June.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 2 at 601 S. Bounds St.

Check thrallisd.org/page/ school-board for up-to-date information on the June meetings.

“

I really want to make this (daycare) happen, but I do not want a negative deficit for our budget as well.”

— Jolena Pokorny

During the most recent review session in May, attorney Charlie Zech, who is providing legal counsel to the group, likened a city’s charter to the U.S. Constitution.

“It lays out how the government operates. And if you’ve got a good operating form of government, in my mind, there’s no reason to be messing with it if it’s working,” Zech said. “And usually if something needs to be fixed, it becomes obvious and folks get petitions together.”

The commission is conducting the first full review of the city’s charter since 2012. One suggestion from the cross-section of members is to review the charter every 10 years.

Members also discussed requiring commission-recommended amendments to go directly before the voters, rather than first being vetted by the City Council.

Under the current method, the commission provides a list of charter recommendations to the council, and council members can delete, change or add to the amendments.

Once the council makes a determination, the final version goes to voters for approval.

However, not every member of the panel supported taking that power away from the city’s elected leaders.

Zech said he would write a sample amendment for the commission to discuss at the next meeting.

The commission also took on a previously tabled topic: council members’ compensation. In 2024, a charter amendment passed by voters set the figure at $125 per meeting, not to exceed two meetings per month.

Before the referendum two years ago, the council had been able to establish its own compensation simply by approving a resolution. Members used that power in 2023 to increase a stipend from $25 per meeting to $1,000 a month for council members and $1,500 for the mayor.

They collected that higher pay for eight months until voters OK’d the charter amendment.

Commission members decided reviewing the pay whenever the charter was scrutinized would be sufficient.

“The money is not going to make someone run for City Council. If it is the reason they run, we probably don’t want them,” said commission Vice-chairman Gary Gola, credited as being instrumental in getting the council compensation charter amendment passed in 2024. “I think right now we’re in a very sweet place where we’re giving them a token of our appreciation if they want to be a council member, but we’re not bribing them to be a council member.”

Other topics included an amendment to how the council fills vacant positions on boards and commissions to increase fairness.

Zech will return with new charter-language proposals at the next commission meeting, but the date had not been posted on the city’s calendar by press time.

Meetings are held in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., starting at 6 p.m.

Any charter amendments which are approved by the council could come before voters in the Nov. 3 election.

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, at the intersection of North Barker Street and CR 434 north of Thrall. Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles is conducting the ceremony.

More on this can be seen in future editions of the Taylor Press. To subscribe to the Taylor Press, email carolyn.hill@taylorpress.net or call 512-352-8535.

Buzan earned 72.51% of the vote. Taylor Stubbs (22.64%) and Sandra Wolff (4.85%) are also in a Mayor race.

This marks the first time Taylor residents voted for a Mayor. The position was previously appointed to someone on the city council dais.

Current Mayor Dwayne Ariola decided not to run for the office. He was appointed to Mayor in 2024.

There will be a runoff in Hutto for City Council Place 1. Jerrel W. Reynolds (41.97%) and Brandy McCool (24.19%) earned the top two votes in that race. Sarosh Jafri (23.07%) and Luiz Dunham (10.77%) also ran for Place 1.

Hutto City Council Place 4 will not need a runoff. Corine Zepeda (54.85%) defeated Brandon DeLeon (45.15%) for that place. 

The runoff for the local election is June 13. Complete election results can be seen in the Wednesday E edition. 

Parts of the county officially received two to five inches of rain in a matter of hours, with the western section of Williamson County noting around seven inches. Forty-four roads are currently closed throughout the county. Twenty people and 17 recreational vehicles from the Shady River and Goodwater RV parks along Texas 29 were evacuated earlier Tuesday.

At 7:40 a.m., Clements said one of the reference points in San Gabriel River that the county monitors were at seven feet, but the river has currently reached more than 13 feet.

“Swift water rescue teams are launched when (that number) hits above 16 feet,” Clements said.

Snell noted that the swift water rescue team has been on standby today but has not been needed. The county will continue to monitor the San Gabriel River throughout the evening.

“Williamson County has been very fortunate that we haven’t had the highly concentrated areas with property and people impacted as they were (in the flooding) last July,” Clements said.

Snell encouraged county residents to monitor road closures and flood conditions at atxfloods.com and to sign up for warncentraltexas.org to stay up to date with emergency situations.

The session will take place from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Williamson County Emergency Medical Services building, 3189 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown. 

The public will have the opportunity to learn about solutions involving the justice center, the Sheriff’s Office and the county jail. 

For comments or concerns, email publicinformation@wilcotx.gov. 

GEORGETOWN — County Commissioners accepted grant monies for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Transformative Justice Program, but declined federal funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program.

During Tuesday’s session, commissioners learned the Sheriff’s Office received a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to purchase an inflatable rescue boat, motor and trailer for the county.

A previous rescue boat was damaged during the deadly July 5 floods.

“I will apply for any grant that can get the department the things we need and save the county money,” Sheriff Matthew Lindemann previously said.

Deputies also received commissioners’ approval during the April 14 meeting to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to the tune of $15,000 to help support Junior Deputy Academy, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, Adult Citizens Academy and more.

Meanwhile, the Transformative Justice Program received grant funds of $164,000 from the Criminal Justice Grants Program. Those funds will receive an equal match from the county.

Commissioners approved County Auditor Julie Kiley to help manage the funds.

The program provides second chances instead of jail for nonviolent, young adult offenders.

In other business, Community Development Administrator Sally Bardwell recommended commissioners decline Department of Housing and Urban Development funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, The program aims to create affordable housing for low-income residents, but requires a local contribution and adding staff.

The commissioners declined the funding. “Participation requires establishing an ongoing administration of the HOME program, which entails significant staffing compliance and oversight management. I’m not sure we have the capacity to do that,” Bardwell said.

Under federal guidelines, the county would also have to invest $26,000 and meet a $750,000 threshold to receive the allocation.

“We could request that the state release those funds to us, however, when discussing this with HUD they have no knowledge that the state has ever done that for this program,” Bardwell said.

Given financial and staffing constraints, Bardwell said it was in the county’s best interest to deny the funds at this time and revisit the issue next year.

Commissioners meet at 9:30 a.m. April 21 at 710 S. Main St.

Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.

“

“I’m not sure we have the capacity to do that.”

– Sally Bardwell

During the April 9 school board meeting, trustees approved the purchase of 1,300 books to fill the empty library shelves of Coupland Junior High and High School, which opens in August.

The library can hold up to 2,000 books.

“It equals 13 books per student,” Superintendent Earl Parcell said, noting there are plenty of volumes for each student to read with room for more.

The proposed book list has been available and posted online since February, adhering to state Senate Bill 13 that provides parents with the opportunity to view the books and share any potential concerns.

In other business, trustees also discussed the state of the district’s school buses and applying for a grant or other assistance to cover the cost of adding threepoint seat belts now required by state law.

Like many other East Wilco school districts, Coupland ISD cannot afford to retrofit all its buses to have the restraints in place by fall 2029.

The district has to provide the Texas Education Agency with an update on the seat belts, its transports and financial status by the end of May.

Parcell will inform the state agency the district faces financial hardship.

“We may be able to receive a grant or apply for a grant to help us pay for new buses,” Parcell said.

TEA has already suggested financial assistance may be available to help school districts meet the requirements of state Senate Bill 546, but critics say the plan could cost the agency millions of dollars.

The next school board meeting is 6 p.m. May 14 in the library at Coupland School, 620 S. Commerce St.

HUTTO — Eagle Scout candidate Elijah Carlyle is hoping to bring a forgotten piece of local history back to life by creating a memorial at a cemetery for 130 pioneering Black families.

The 15-year-old has chosen Shiloh Cemetery (sometimes spelled Shilo), 1043 CR 139, as his Eagle Scout service project, a requirement for Boy Scouts to attain the Eagle Scout rank.

“This cemetery holds deep significance for the community, and I want to ensure that the stories and lives of those resting there are honored and remembered,” Carlyle said.

The Hutto native has been involved in scouting for four years and is a member of Pflugerville Troop 685. He is a ninth grader at Hutto early College High School.

“I believe scouting is an opportunity for people to grow and be put into positions of leadership that will push them to become better formed people,” the teen said. “And I believe that the Eagle Scout project is a perfect opportunity for you to give back to your community in a way that a lot of youth don’t get the chance to.”

The cemetery dates to the 1800s and is maintained by the group Black Families of Hutto. Until they stepped in during 2020, the site was hidden by overgrown brush and illegally dumped trash and building supplies.

Now volunteers clean and maintain the grounds to show respect to the early settlers, enslaved people and World War I and II veterans resting there.

Carlyle heard of the community effort to preserve the burial ground and share its history during a Juneteenth celebration, which inspired him to design a memorial.

Black Families of Hutto applied to the Texas Historical Commission to be part of its “under-told” historical marker program in 2023, which would have provided a marker. The commission did not choose Shiloh for the program, so Carlyle decided to create a marker himself.

Melody Southall said the organization is excited to work with the Scout.

“I think (this effort) will live for a long time in Hutto, and hopefully children coming behind him and families coming behind him will be able to see this monument and the legacy that he’s building,” Southall said.

Carlyle’s project involves installing a memorial headstone that tells the cemetery’s history, creating a stone platform engraved with the names of those recorded as buried there, and placing a memorial bench for visitors to reflect and pay their respects. A sonar reading will ensure the installation is not placed on top of graves, since many of the original headstones were lost over time.

The project is expected to finish in three months at a cost of $3,000.

Carlyle said his parents Keith and Keizhia Carlyle have shown great support for the project.

“These places don’t get remembered a whole lot. A lot of it isn’t put in history books,” Keith Carlyle said. “And I think it’s very important to be told, so we don’t ever repeat it in the future. We’re really proud of (Elijah) for this.”

A GoFundMe page is under “Honoring Black Hutto Shiloh Cemetery.”

“

“I think (this effort) will live for a long time in Hutto.”

— Melody Southall

Coupland is hosting cleanup days this weekend.

The two-day event starts at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The city hosted a clean-up event last weekend as well.

Residents are required to sign up in advance. The following will not be accepted: machinery, lawn equipment, hazardous materials or explosives, tires, mattresses or appliances of any size.

The form can be completed on the website, www. cityofcouplandtx.us, or can be picked up by calling 737215-2649.

The cleanup is only for residents living within the city limits.

COUPLAND SCHOOL Three summertime activities have been announced at Coupland School, 620 S. Commerce St.

Cowboy Camp is May 26-29, summer school is June 1-11 and English as a Second Language instruction is May 26-June 18.

Coupland School’s recent Registration Celebration proved to be a success, according to Assistant Principal Kate Knapek.

“Thank you to all of our staff who attended and worked so hard,” Knapek said. “Thanks to Temple College for all of their registration help, tons of pizza and amazing partnership. Thank you to Taylor Sporting Goods for bringing new Coupland merchandise and thank you to Coupland Mayor Russell Schmidt for his support.”

Big things are in store for the Coupland athletic program, much of it tied to the new Coupland Junior High and Senior High School opening in August, officials said. This fall, the Cowboys and Cowgirls will compete in high school athletics for the first time in 80 years.

“Coupland athletics is excited to be looking forward to our first (University Interscholastic League) varsity level cross country season, the introduction of six-man tackle football at the junior and high school level, and another competitive volleyball season,” Knapek said.

Programs are underway to get the incoming seventh through ninth grade athletes ready for competition, Coach Kyle Rinderknecht said.

“This summer, our new campus will be opening a weight room that is clean, current and filled with state-ofthe- art equipment that will be used to develop our student athletes for decades to come,” he said.

Rinderknecht and Coach Jacqueline Danek also said they are proud of the track and field team. Coupland School won the recent junior high district meet between Gause, Westphalia and Coupland.

Coupland School’s Teacher of the Month is Allison Grose, a third grade instructor. The Staff Member of the Month is Nikki Martinez.

ST. PETER’S CHURCH OF COUPLAND St. Peter’s Church of Coupland on April 11 hosted its second annual classic car show, held in front of the sanctuary at 108 Wathen Street.

The next Community Senior Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. May 19 with bingo and 42 dominoes. A $10 bingo prize is welcome, but not necessary.

St. Peter’s volunteers from 7:30-10:30 a.m. April 25 will distribute food at the Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, 121 E. Second St. in Taylor.

“We will bag groceries and then distribute the food at curbside — no heavy lifting required,” said volunteer Charlotte Albert.

Administrative Professionals Day is April 22, and St. Peter’ is recognizing nineyear church secretary Barbara Coleman.

St. Peter’s sermons and special music are on the St. Peter’s Facebook page, facebook. com/stpeterscoupland. St. Peter’s monthly newsletter is at StPetersCoupland.org. The office phone number is 512-856-2433.

NEW SWEDEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

New Sweden Lutheran Church, 12809 New Sweden Church Road in Manor, celebrates its 150th anniversary April 26, beginning with a worship service at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch in the Parish Hall. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a monument dedication in front of the church, then an anniversary celebration at 2 p.m., with coffee and cookies in the Parish Hall afterwards.

Meal tickets for the lunch are $15 and can be purchased on Sundays or by contacting the church office at 512-281-0056 or newswedenchurch@ gmail. com.

The fifth annual Blessing of the Bicycles to support the cyclists who raise money for charities rolled out March 21.

New Sweden continues its free Homesteading/ Everyday Living classes. The March session featured Herman Buhrig with information on cellphone use.

For upcoming classes, plus other church news and events, visit www. newswedenchurch.org.

TYPE CHURCH

Type Church is improving its website, the Rev. Jeff Pekar said.

“We are excited to share that we are currently working on several enhancements to our website,” he added. “These new features are in development and will be available as soon as possible. Stay tuned for updates as we strive to improve your experience with our platform.”

The current site is typechurchetx.org/. The church is east of Coupland at 1200 CR 466.

LONE STAR POLOCROSSE CLUB Coupland’s Lone Star Polocrosse Club hosted the Jon Weber Easter Classic Polocrosse Tournament April 4 and April 5 at 6101 FM 1466 east of Coupland.

“Thanks to everyone who came to our tournament this year. We really appreciate you,” said Prissy Rumel, tournament coordinator. “We had some challenges with weather, but we made it work and got most of our games in.”

Rumel also was pleased with the attendance.

“We’ve never seen so many people on the sidelines,” she said. “Special thanks to T Bar M Hay for donating the best horse prizes.”