Georgetown Edition | January 2026

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Georgetown Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 JAN. 28FEB. 24, 2026

Brought to you by our gold sponsors: 2026 Health & Wellness Edition

Golng drives players’ health

BY CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST With six golf courses within city limits, and more accessible nearby, Georgetown is a popular golf destination, said Luke Zeske, rst assistant golf professional at Georgetown Country Club. Since the pandemic, Zeske said that interest in the sport has increased, and those that play receive a variety of physical and social benets. “I think one of the big things is [golf is] an activity that the older population can still achieve,” Zeske said. “It’s good for physical [exercise], but it’s also an exercise for the mind, too.”

COUNTRY CLUB RD.

Georgetown Country Club

Golfers at Georgetown Country Club said they experience a number of health and wellness benets from playing.

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GRACIE WARHURST COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

DEL WEBB BLVD.

SERENADA DR.

Impacts Georgetown CONTINUED ON 8

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variety of multicultural hair products as well as wigs, extensions and hair for braiding. • Opened Oct. 28 • 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 183, Georgetown • www.ladawnsbeautyreviews.com 4 Silk + Stone Acupuncture Owned and operated by Raegan Raguse, the business provides wellness treatments, including herbal medicine and acupuncture for pain relief and cosmetics. • Opened Nov. 3 • 101 River Hills Drive, Ste. 6, Georgetown • www.silkandstoneacupuncture.com 29 5 Exclusive Massage & Spa The spa offers a variety of massage types, including Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, prenatal, hot stones and cupping. The business operates another location in Round Rock. • Opened Nov. 26 • 2029 Kauffman Loop, Ste. 430, Georgetown • www.exclusivemassageandspas.com

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6 Southwestern University residence halls

Two residence halls opened at SU in time for the spring 2026 semester. Jessie Daniel Ames Hall is the new first-year residence hall, located in the eastern part of campus near the new Dorothy Perry White Welcome Center. The new Ella Sedwick Hall, a second-year residence hall, is by the McCombs Campus Center. • Opened Jan. 16 • 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown • www.southwestern.edu 7 Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids Services at the salon include the signature kids cut, bang trims, hairstyling, a teen cut and braiding. The business also offers haircuts for parents as well as a baby’s first haircut package with a certificate of completion, photo and lock of hair. • Opened Dec. 20 • 2029 Kauffman Loop, Ste. 425, Liberty Hill • www.haircutsarefun.com 110 110

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Georgetown Center of Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery

Now open

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Led by Dr. Marion Harris, the practice offers a full-range of procedures, including wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting. • Opened Nov. 17 • 2021 Kauffman Loop, Bldg. 100, Ste. 130, Georgetown • www.georgetowncenteroms.com 3 LaDawn’s Beauty Supply The store aims to meet the diverse hair care needs of the community, co-owner Tracy Clark said. It carries a

1 Sorn Thai Kitchen by Seeda Owned by Brendan and Sirin Sipple, the restaurant’s menu includes noodle dishes, fried rice and curries. Many of the dishes offered at the restaurant are adapted from family recipes. • Opened Dec. 18 • 708 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown • www.sornthaikitchen.com

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Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certified (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 68 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

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BY KATLYNN FOX, CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST

8 Georgetown Dental Group The dental office offers cleanings and preventative services as well as fillings, crowns, extractions, implants and oral surgery. The practice is owned and led by Dr. Jonathan R. Afshari. • Opened in October • 1500 W. University Ave., Ste. 105, Georgetown • www.gtxdentalgroup.com

Now open

Coming soon

9 Little Sprouts Childcare Locally owned by Kassie Johnson, the center will use play-based learning along with a curriculum to help prepare children for school. The facility will offer programs for infants starting at 6 weeks old, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as after-school care for

12 Guardian Paws Animal Hospital Owned and operated by veterinarian Dr. Jubilee Goodner, the clinic provides preventive care, diagnostics, advanced surgeries and treatment options, and hospitalization for area cats and dogs in a stress-free environment. • Opened Jan. 5 • 2025 Kauffman Loop, Bldg. 2, Ste. 200, Georgetown • www.guardianpawsah.com

11 Bahler Street The eatery opened a brick-and-mortar location in conjunction with Barking Armadillo Social, offering wood-fired sourdough pizzas as well as make-your- own options, salad and wings. Co-owner Frank Riggle said the business partners with other Central Texas companies to offer unique collaborations, including working with Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue and Still Austin Whiskey Co. to create wing sauces. • Opened Nov. 1 • 2080 Westinghouse Road, Georgetown • www.bahlerstreet.com

children through fifth grade, she said. • Opening in mid-March or early April • 612 W. University Ave., Georgetown • Website not yet available

10 Berry Springs Dental The dental practice will be led by Dr. Payal Patel. • Opening in May • 2651 E. University Ave., Stes. 400-500, Georgetown • Website not yet available

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Impacts

Georgetown

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Relocations

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3 Auer’s RV Service Center The business is building a new facility and plans to relocate from its current location at 5070 E. Hwy. 29, Georgetown. Locally owned by Michael Auer, the company provides repairs to all makes and models of RVs as well as custom work and upgrades. • Relocating in August • 6540 W. Hwy. 29, Georgetown • www.auersrv.com

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In the news

MAP NOT TO SCALE

4 Touchmark at Georgetown Touchmark, a senior living facility owner and operator, acquired The Hacienda at Georgetown on Dec. 17. The full-service active adult community is now known as Touchmark at Georgetown, but will retain its staff and

2 Hotworx The membership-based fitness studio offers infrared sauna workouts with virtual instructors as well as some equipment for training exercises and routines. Members have 24/7 access to classes such as hot Pilates, hot yoga and high intensity interval training. There are two other locations in Georgetown, including an existing studio on West University Avenue and a Parmer Ranch location, which is expected to open next month. • 4402 Williams Drive, Ste. 100, Georgetown • www.hotworx.net

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

executive director Annika DiNovi. • 60 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown • www.touchmarkgeorgetown.com

1 Master Yang’s World Class Tae Kwon Do The business teaches martial arts classes to children ages 4 and up as well as adults and families. The studio has existing locations in Cedar Park and Round Rock. Construction on the new location is expected to last throughout 2026. • 2021 Kauffman Loop, Ste. 440, Georgetown • www.masteryangstkd.com

5 Georgetown Nursing and Transitional Care Formerly known as Wesleyan Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, the skilled nursing facility joined the

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATLYNN FOX, CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST

Wellsential Health network and began operating under its new name in mid-September. Georgetown Nursing and Transitional Care offers both short- and long-term care. • 4011 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.wellsentialhealth.org/location/georgetown- nursing-and-transitional-care 6 Georgetown Visitors Center The center’s location on the square closed temporarily starting in December for renovations. During the closure, which is set to last 12-18 months, guests can find Visitors Center services at the new Downtown Development and Special Events office in the city-owned parking garage at Daughters of the American Revolution Daniel Coleman chapter The local chapter of Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated its 100th anniversary Dec. 14. The DAR is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of American history, promotion of patriotism and public education. The Daniel Coleman chapter, named after an express courier in the American Revolutionary War, meets regularly in Georgetown. • www.texasdar.org/chapters/danielcoleman/ our_chapter.html 502 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. • 103 W. Seventh St., Georgetown • https://visit.georgetown.org

What's next

7 Blast Swim Academy The swim school provides water safety, swim lessons and stroke development for children starting at 3 months of age, its website states. Construction on the upcoming facility, which is slated to include an above-ground pool, is scheduled to last through November. • 3701 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 4102, Georgetown • www.blastswim.com

8 Hopdoddy Burger Bar Construction of the restaurant was slated to begin in early January and last until late June as part of the Gateway 29 development. The Austin- based company offers specialty burgers, fries, milkshakes, salads, fried chicken and alcoholic beverages, according to its website. • 19389 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 100, Leander • www.hopdoddy.com

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

The city of Georgetown held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 12 for its new Light & Waterworks District Plaza. The $2.25 million project adds a performance stage, an event lawn, a designated food truck area and outdoor seating to downtown. Located between and behind the Georgetown Public Library and the historic Light & Waterworks building for which it’s named, the district aims to be an additional downtown gathering place, Mayor Josh Schroeder said. “We love our downtown square, but we want to see all that vibrant activity spread out throughout our entire downtown,” he said. Outdoor event venue opens in downtown area

Keep in mind

The plaza is one piece of Georgetown’s City Center project, which endeavors to blend civic buildings in this part of town, including the library, the historic Light & Waterworks building, the Council & Courts building and City Hall, into a cohesive area, according to the release. The plaza’s namesake building has housed the utility, the police department and the planning department, Schroeder said. City ocials are exploring how to open that building up to the public as a food hall or market, he said. Construction on the district began Jan. 17, according to previous Community Impact reporting. However, planning for the space dates back to the 2014 Downtown Master Plan and a public input process that began in 2018, according to a city news release.

Georgetown Capital Improvement Projects Manager Jennifer Bettiol cuts the ribbon for the new plaza.

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Government

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Pegatron to start on HQ following incentives Pegatron Corporation, a Taiwan-based elec- tronics manufacturing company, plans to begin construction on its rst U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgetown by March, according to Williamson County documents. Located in Blue Springs Business Park, Pegatron plans to renovate the shell space for its manufactur- ing and assembly operations, according to George- town documents. The update Williamson County commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement with Pegatron on Jan. 6, which will exempt 30% of the assessed value of the land, improvements and tangible personal property for 10 years. To receive the tax relief benets, Pegatron must: • Make a minimum capital investment of $35 million

City raises library fees for nonresident users The city of Georgetown increased its library fees for those residing outside city limits beginning Jan. 1. The details The annual fee for nonresidents rose from $35 to $100. For senior nonresidents, the fee increased from $30 to $80. Users will be charged the new fee at the time of their library card renewal. Why now? The city funds the public library through resident property taxes. Georgetown is increasing library card fees to support the cost of library services for the growing population and service area, a news release states. It costs the city about $100 per library cardholder for operations.

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BLUE SPRINGS BLVD.

• Begin construction by March 31, and complete it within two years • Create 100 full-time jobs within three years In case you missed it This comes after the city of Georgetown previ- ously approved an economic incentive agreement and tax abatement agreement for Pegatron on Dec. 9, which includes:

• A maximum of $1.25 million in infrastructure-related funding

• A maximum of $273,000 as an employment grant Georgetown’s tax abatement agreement exempts 50% of business personal property and 50% of real property for 10 years.

WilCo ocials seek grant for water rescue boat

“The work that our swift water rescue teams did with the sheri’s oce this July with the oods, both in Kerr County and Williamson County

meeting. This grant will help supplement the cost to replace it, Snell said. The details The $35,519 grant would cover the full cost of the inatable boat, accessories and the trailer for the swift water rescue team to use during ash ood emergencies, according to county documents.

The Williamson County Sheri’s Oce will apply for a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase a swift water rescue boat. Some context One of the county’s swift water rescue boats was damaged in the July 4 weekend oods, County Judge Steve Snell said at the Jan. 6 commissioners

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON & CLAIRE SHOOP

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting

Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Williamson County voters can cast their ballot at any open polling location during early voting. However, on Election Day voters in both primaries will have to use a polling location in their precinct. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections for polling locations.

March 3: Election Day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

R Arturo Espinosa R Greg Abbott* R Evelyn Brooks R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Ronnie Tullos

D Savant Moore D Sarah Eckhardt D Michael Lange General land commissioner D Benjamin Flores D Jose Loya Agriculture commissioner R Sid Miller* R Nate Sheets Railroad commissioner R Jim Wright* R Hawk Dunlap R James "Jim" Matlock R Bo French R Katherine Culbert Texas Senate, District 5 R Larry Nance R Apollo Hernandez R Charles Schwertner* D Paul Thomasson D Kevin Nelson State Representative, District 52 R Caroline Harris Davila* R Blayre Pena

Sample ballot Federal elections U.S. Senate

R Sara Canady R Ken Paxton R John Cornyn* R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Virgil John Bierschwale R Wesley Hunt R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico D Jasmine Crockett U.S. House of Representatives, District 31 R John Carter* R Steven “Steve” Dowell

R Charles Andrew Crouch D Jose Navarro Balbuena D Zach Vance D Patricia Abrego D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz D Gina Hinojosa D Bobby Cole D Carlton W. Hart D Chris Bell Lieutenant governor R Dan Patrick*

R Esala Wueschner R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins D Courtney Head D Marcos Isaias Velez

R Valentina Gomez R Raymond Hamden R Ed Ewald R Offer Vince Shlomi R Abhiram Garapati R Elvis Lossa

D Vikki Goodwin Attorney general R Joan Huffman R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy

R David L. Berry R William Abel D Justin Early D Stuart Whitlow State elections Governor

County elections Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2 R Jeff Mayes

R Mayes Middleton D Nathan Johnson D Joe Jaworski D Anthony “Tony” Box Comptroller of public accounts

R Rupal Chaudhari R David McDonald

R Stephen Samuelson R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Kenneth Hyde

R Don Huffines R Kelly Hancock R Michael Berlanga R Christi Craddick

R Nathaniel Welch R Mark V. Goloby

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

GEORGETOWN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON & CHLOE YOUNG

District talks delaying campus openings Georgetown ISD may postpone the opening of its 12th elementary school and fth middle school until 2027 to reduce expenses amid a mounting budget shortfall. GISD ocials discussed ways to cut costs at a Jan. 12 board workshop as the district observes a slowing of its projected enrollment growth. Additionally, the district may consider calling a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, to increase its tax rate this fall. The big picture GISD has been preparing to open Elementary School No. 12 and Middle School No. 5 in August o Patriot Way and SH 130 near East View High School. At the Jan. 12 workshop, district ocials shared that GISD is projected to face a $1.75 million budget shortfall in scal year 2026-27 if both campuses open as planned this fall. This projected shortfall

Private schools OK’d for ESA program There have been 775 Texas private schools and prekindergarten providers approved to participate in the state’s new education sav- ings account program, per a map released by the state comptroller’s oce in early January. Under the $1 billion program, eligible families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The local impact Four Georgetown-area schools have been approved to accept ESAs: • Grace Academy

By the numbers Proposed 2026-27 budget shortfall or surplus if:

Neither school opens: +1.25M Both schools open: -$1.75M Only MS No. 5 opens: -$575,000 Only ES No. 12 opens: +1.05M

With $1M-$1.5M in budget cuts

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

assumes the district makes $1 million-$1.5 million in budget cuts, raises class sizes and does not provide raises for sta. Opening just one school, assuming the same budget reductions occur, or neither school could lessen the shortfall or lead to a surplus. Quote of note “My heart wants to open these two schools,” Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “My head is saying, ‘Hold on.’ Because if we open both schools next year, the concern I want the trustees to wrestle with is, ‘Do we put ourselves in a posi- tion of causing a nancial hole for the district?’”

• Grace Episcopal School • St. Helen Catholic School • Zion Lutheran School

Georgetown ISD trustee Stephanie Blanck resigns

time for family and other responsibilities, and do not feel I can fulll this important role with the attention it deserves,” Blanck said. Stay tuned The board is expected to call a May 2 election for Places 4 and 5. Kincheloe said she plans to run for the full Place 4 term.

After nearly six years of service on the George- town ISD board of trustees, Place 4 member Stepha- nie Blanck resigned at a Jan. 12 board workshop. The board unanimously voted to appoint GISD alumna and registered nurse Laura Kincheloe to ll the Place 4 seat until the May 2 election. What they’re saying “I need to step back to personally take more

NEW STYLE SHU Locally Made at 1/2 the Significantly more CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT Place 4 trustee and retired Georgetown ISD educator Stephanie Blanck resigned Jan. 12 after nearly six years of service on the board of trustees.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

After receiving news of cost increases, George- town City Council decided to redesign the Austin Avenue pedestrian bridges at a Dec. 9 meeting. What happened The estimated cost of the project jumped from $14.6 million to $23.4 million during the nal stages of design, Woolery said. Design rm Freese and Nichols attributed the increase to an error in calculating the quantity of steel needed. Because of the error, the design rm restructured the internal team working on the project, oered a partial refund of design fees and came up with three alternative bridge design options, Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery said. City advances new design for Austin Avenue bridges

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF GEORGETOWN The original concept for the pedestrian bridges, which was made from steel, has been replaced with a concrete alternative.

“We want to do everything we can to make it right with the city,” Freese and Nichols CEO Brian Coltharp said at the meeting. The options After considering the options, council members selected a durable concrete bridge due to its lower maintenance and cost. The estimated construction cost for this option is $14.7 million. Georgetown has a remaining budget of about $17.8 million, with $16.3 million available for construction, Woolery said.

“Basically it will look almost exactly like the steel bridge, except the beams below the deck would be concrete

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Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Upcoming projects

SYCAMORE ST.

SERENADA DR.

1 Austin Avenue pedestrian bridges Project: Construct two pedestrian and bicycle bridges crossing the San Gabriel River Update: A redesign for the project was approved at a Dec. 9 council work session due to cost increases associated with the original design • Timeline: 2023-TBD • Cost: $21 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, developer fees 2 Hwy. 29 West Project: Construct additional travel lanes, lengthen turn lanes and improve traffic signals on Hwy. 29 from Wolf Ranch Parkway to I-35 as well as add shared-use paths Update: Construction is expected to begin in the spring

JIM HOGG RD.

SHELL RD.

LAKEWAY DR.

LAKE GEORGETOWN

OAK RIDGE RD.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER

DB WOOD RD.

WOLF RANCH PKWY. RIVERY BLVD.

130 TOLL

UNIVERSITY PARK DR.

AUSTIN AVE.

SE INNER LOOP

SOUTHWEST BYP.

SOUTHWESTERN BLVD.

• Timeline: 2023-27 • Cost: $10.1 million • Funding source: Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation 3 SE Inner Loop

ROCKRIDE LN.

1460

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SAM HOUSTON AVE.

Project: Widen 2.91 miles of SE Inner Loop to a four-lane, divided road from Hwy. 29 to FM 1460, and add a shared- use path for pedestrians and bicycles on one side Update: In the design phase, with real estate acquisition and utility relocation ongoing • Timeline: 2022-28 • Cost: $70.6 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation 4 Shell Road Project: Widen Shell Road from Williams Drive to Sycamore Street to four lanes with a raised median, shared-use path, and left- and right-turn lanes Update: Utility relocations are ongoing and construction is expected to begin in mid-2026

• Timeline: 2022-26 • Cost: $12 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown 7 DB Wood Road Phase 1

use path on the north side of Williams Drive, a new waterline, and street lighting from DB Wood Road to Jim Hogg Road and Serenada Drive to I-35 Update: In the design phase, with the first phase of the project—street lighting from DB Wood to Jim Hogg— anticipated to begin in the spring • Timeline: 2023-27 • Cost: $18.6 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, traffic impact fees, federal grants, tax increment financing

Project: Add four 12-foot wide lanes, a center turn lane and a shared-use path from Hwy. 29 to Oak Ridge Road Update: All four lanes are set to be open to traffic by March 31, with project completion in July

• Timeline: 2023-26 • Cost: $29.6 million

Ongoing projects

• Funding source: city of Georgetown 8 Southwestern Boulevard

6 Rockride Lane Project: Upgrade the road to two lanes with a continuous center left-turn lane and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along one side from SE Inner Loop to Sam Houston Avenue Update: The first phase of the project was substantially completed last fall, with full completion expected by September

Project: Reconstruct and expand the road to two lanes with a center turn lane and other improvements from University Park Drive to SE Inner loop Update: Substantial completion expected in February • Timeline: 2020-26 • Cost: $6.58 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown, Williamson County

• Timeline: 2022-27 • Cost: $21.17 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown 5 Williams Drive

Project: Construct medians with turn lanes on Williams Drive from I-35 to Serenada Drive, including a shared-

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Development

BY GRACIE WARHURST

A new neighborhood will bring an estimated 395 single-family homes to the city. This comes as Georgetown City Council recommended to move forward with a municipal utility district for the development at a work session Dec. 9. The proposed 146-acre project, currently called Bell Sharkey, will be located north of East University Avenue between NE Inner Loop and SH 130, an area the city has earmarked for mixed-density neighborhood zoning. In addition to the new homes, Pulte Group— the land’s developer—has a concept plan that includes: • Parkland and open space • A playground, shade pavilion and picnic tables Neighborhood to bring 400 homes

Explained

MUDs impose a special property tax to help developments pay for amenities and infrastructure improvements, according to city documents. Pulte Group plans to include water and waste- water infrastructure, drainage and street improve- ments, and parkland and trail enhancements, totaling a $43 million project. The MUD is proposing a tax rate of $0.55 per $100, which is the city’s maximum allowed rate for MUDs.

130 TOLL

Bell Sharkey MUD

• Two trails, including a regional concrete trail and a 1.5-mile private nature trail Because of the area’s floodplain and topography, the middle of the neighborhood can not be developed, Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery said. The development will also include space for a lift station, which pumps wastewater to higher elevations along the San Gabriel River.

Looking ahead

Land development is slated to begin in early 2027, with the first home completed in mid- 2028. Full build-out would wrap up in 2033, said Dante Monsivais-Ochoa, director of land acquisition at Pulte Group.

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Development

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Dirt turns on new Melina neighborhood Hillwood Communities, a residential and commercial developer, broke ground on the Melina neighborhood in early December. The details With homes ranging from $400,000- $600,000, the master-planned community has about 840 homes in the works, and will welcome its first residents in 2027, according to a news release from the developer.

Electronics manufacturer Compal to lease space Taiwanese-based electronics manufacturing company Compal will bring a server service center to the Georgetown Logistics Business Park. The facility is slated to open in February 2027, accord- ing to city documents. The overview The service center will primarily support enterprise and cloud infrastructure needs, according to city documents. It is projected to cost $35 million to build out, and create at least 100 full-time jobs. What happened Georgetown City Council approved an economic development agreement and a tax abatement agreement with Compal Dec. 9. Provided through the Georgetown Economic Development Corporation, the economic

Georgetown Logistics Business Park

development agreement includes: • A maximum of $1 million in infrastructure-related funding

• A maximum of $250,000 in funding based on sales taxes generated from the project’s construction The payments are contingent, in part, upon Compal beginning construction by Aug. 1 and completing construction by Feb. 28, 2027. The agreement will exempt 50% of business personal property taxes and 25% of real property taxes for ten years, estimated at $569,910.

BELL GIN RD.

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130 TOLL

110

Melina

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BY GRACIE WARHURST Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Welcome to our annual Health & Wellness Edition! The World Health Organization denes wellness as, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or inrmity.” In this edition, we explore this topic with stories about the popularity of sports—including pickleball and golf—among Georgetown residents, how schools create balanced student meals, and options for nonalcoholic cocktails around town.

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Learn how GISD works to meet nutrition standards (Page 23)

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Georgetown increases number of city pickleball courts to meet rising demand

The options Three city of Georgetown facilities oer pickleball.

Georgetown Tennis Center • Courts: 16 • Type: Outdoor

SERENADA DR.

LAKEWAY DR.

Eight years ago, Georgetown had just four pickleball courts at the Georgetown Tennis Center. The city now has 16 courts at the Tennis Center, as well as 12 courts at other facilities, in response to increased interest in the sport, city ocials said. “I’ve never seen a sport explode like pickleball has,” Georgetown Recreation Program Coordina- tor Pete Polkinghorn said. “It’s just an absolute phenomenon.” The impact Polkinghorn attributes the increased popularity of pickleball to its physical and social benets, as well as its accessibility. “One of the things that I see in pickleball is it has gotten so many people o of the couch and so many people that have just never exercised out moving around and playing,” Polkinghorn said.

Compared to tennis, pickleball requires more cardio, because the ball is typically in play for longer, Polkinghorn said. But while tennis can take years to master, Polkinghorn said someone who has never played pickleball could play a game after an hour of lessons. The game is also “very social,” on and o the court, Polkinghorn said. “There’s a lot of banter among the players,” Polkinghorn said. “And, because there’s so many people playing, there’s generally a lot of people waiting around to play, and so they have a lot of social interaction.” One more thing In addition to open play, Georgetown oers various pickleball programming such as family play days, and introductory and intermediate classes.

• Reservation required: Yes • Cost: Up to $4 per player per hour

WILLIAMS DR.

McMaster Athletic Complex • Courts: 6 • Type: Outdoor • Reservation required: No • Cost: Free

W L WALDEN DR.

HOLLY ST.

Georgetown Recreation Center • Courts: 6 • Type: Indoor

• Reservation required: No • Cost: Up to $6 per player per day

N. AUSTIN AVE.

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Health & wellness

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Georgetown OB-GYN sees increased interest in hormone replacement

The takeaway

Sherman said the poor rollout and publicity of a study in the early 2000s turned doctors and patients away from hormone replacement. That study showed a potential increase in the risk of breast cancer in patients receiving hormone replacement. However, he said modern critics challenge these findings, and doctors today are more selective about the hormones they use to try to decrease risks. “We can never tell somebody that it doesn’t increase your risk [for breast cancer], but I think by being selective we can mitigate that,” he said. Sherman advised women as young as 35 to find a doctor who’s willing to do a full hormone panel. From there, Sherman reviews all of the data with his patients and presents possible treatment options. “If we educate our patients, they make good choices,” he said.

Dr. John Sherman has been specializing in hormone replacement for the last decade. He said he’s seen it fluctuate in popularity with more women seeking out information on the treatment recently. “Fast-forward to where we are today, I think there’s a revolution, if you want to call it, in hormone replacement,” said Sherman, a doctor with the practice Georgetown OB-GYN. Hormone replacement is often used to treat the symptoms of perimenopause, which women can experience starting in their mid-to-late 30s, and menopause, which typically occurs around age 48-52, Sherman said. Sherman said by testing a woman’s hormone levels, they are able to tailor hormone replacement treatment to the patient.

Hormone replacement therapy treats symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, which include:

Brain fog

Hot flashes

Sleep disturbances

SOURCE: DR. JOHN SHERMAN/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Low sex drive

Fatigue

“Estrogen and progesterone in women who have a uterus ... really take care of the lion’s share of systems of menopause,” Sherman said.

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Health & wellness

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Each school year, Austin-area districts are tasked with meeting federal and state nutrition guidelines while serving meals that are appetizing to students. These regulations—ranging from limits on sodium, sugar and fat—are intended to help prevent disease in the United States, but can present challenges for districts who must attract students to generate funding, said Susan D’Amico, president of the Texas Association for School Nutrition. “We want Texas kids to be healthier. We want the next generation to be nourished. We want them to be ready to learn,” D’Amico said. “We don’t get money for a meal unless a child takes it ... so we have to make the food appealing.” Districts balance nutrition with student tastes

Weekly school lunch nutrition standards

Explained

Milk: 5 cups

Texas school districts are required to adhere to an expansive list of nutrition requirements for milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and meat that has grown over the years based on U.S. dietary guidelines, D’Amico said. Students are often served milk or yogurt that is lower in sugar, cereals that are whole grain, and meats that are not deep fried and lower in sodium compared to similar products served outside of school walls, D’Amico said. This spring, Texas lawmakers passed SB 314 to ban certain food additives, including red dyes, from free and reduced-price meals beginning in the 2026- 27 school year. D’Amico said she believes the law will encourage industry food partners to stop pro- ducing products with these dyes and ingredients. GISD said its able to ex and update menus in real time to incorporate any changes in guidelines. The district plans to work with its supplies to ensure meals meet SB 314.

Fruits: 2.5-5 cups

Grains: 8-12 ounces

Vegetables: 3.75-5 cups

Meat/meat alternates: 8-12 ounces

NOTE: SERVING SIZES VARY DEPENDING ON GRADE LEVEL. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELEASED NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES IN JANUARY THAT COULD IMPACT FUTURE SCHOOL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS. SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURECOMMUNITY IMPACT

A spokesperson for Georgetown ISD said all of the district’s menus are reviewed for compliance with state and federal regulations, and are audited by registered dietitians.

Local impact

“School meals are the most consistent, nutritious meal oered to children.

.... There’s a real gap in what we are doing and what we have the potential to do in terms of feeding kids.” STACIE SANCHEZ HARE, DIRECTOR OF NO KID HUNGRY TEXAS

reduced-price lunches for students based on their family’s income level. During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. For GISD, the additional state funding has increased student participation and reduced negative balances for school lunches, a spokesperson said.

GISD sta aim to incorporate the latest trends into menu items, oer nutrition education, and involve students, teachers and parents in the menu planning process, a district spokesperson said. Southwest Foodservice Excellence samples new dishes and allows GISD students to provide feedback at its Flavor Fest events. Additionally, the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program provides free or

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