JP 3 Hosts Mental Health Expo
On January 16, 2020, Williamson County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 will be hosting its first Mental Health Expo. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Williamson County Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Suite 226.
Residents of all ages and community and business leaders who have a particular stake in mental health are encouraged to join the event for this “one stop shop” for resources and programs pertaining to mental health and wellness.
Before becoming Justice of the Peace, Judge Evelyn McLean was in law enforcement for 26 years.During her law enforcement career, Judge McLean says, she witnessed an uptrend in suicides and attempted suicides through the years, along with a host of other mental health issues affecting our residents. Judge McLean has a personal interest in mental health as she also sees people in court who are suffering mentally and emotionally. In addition, she has worked numerous suicide deaths as Justice of the Peace.
Judge McLean said, “The goals of this Mental Health Expo are aimed at enhancing helping citizens live healthy lives, decrease suicide rates, and eliminate the negative stigma associated with mental illness. Our hope is that through collaborative efforts and events like this, we can work toward removing barriers to recovery and strive to learn the skills necessary to help each other.”
For more information, or to reserve a free table at the Mental Health Expo, please contact us at 512-943-1508 by January 6.
Recycling Christmas Trees and Boxes
City of Georgetown residents are encouraged to recycle Christmas trees, boxes, and wrapping paper to reduce material going to the landfill. If you recycle your tree, please remove the tree stand and any garland, ornaments, or lights. Artificial trees cannot be recycled.
Curbside pick-up: Texas Disposal Systems customers in the city limits of Georgetown can put Christmas trees on the curb for collection on your regular yard trimmings pickup day. Trees seven feet in length or less can be placed at the curb uncut. Longer trees should be cut into sections. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Collection day look-up
For City of Georgetown residents, your yard trimmings collection day is on your first recycling day of the month. Georgetown solid waste and recycling customers can check their collection days, sign up for text or email reminders, and find out how to sort your solid waste and recycling on Texas Disposal Systems’ Waste Wizard at texasdisposal.com/waste-wizard.
Boxes and wrapping paper
Cardboard boxes and wrapping paper are recyclable. If they won’t fit in your recycling cart, you can put wrapping paper and boxes in a larger box and set it next to your recycling cart. Ribbons and bows are not recyclable.
Cellophane wrap and plastic bags are recyclable if they are placed in a yellow bag-the-bag, tied, and placed inside the recycling cart. Bag-the-bag recycling bags are available for pick up at the Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Ave., Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown Recreation Center, 1003 N. Austin Ave., and the Sun City Social Center monitors desk, 2 Texas Drive, and the Transfer Station, 250 W.L. Walden Road. Note that extra plastic bags next to your trash cart are not permitted without a bag tag. Go to recycle.georgetown.org for a complete list of recyclables.
Christmas tree drop-off
Christmas trees will be accepted at the City of Georgetown Collection Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive, from Dec. 26-Jan. 31 at no charge. Normal fees apply to other items. Recycled Christmas trees are turned into mulch, which is available year-round, free-of-charge to City residents.
Collection Station
Normal hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Collection Station is closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. For details, contact Texas Disposal Systems at (512) 930-1715.
The City of Georgetown also offers holiday string light recycling through Jan. 31 at three drop-off locations throughout Georgetown. For more information, visit Georgetown.org.
County Fair Coming to Williamson Co.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with the Williamson County Fair Association relating to funding the county’s first fair and rodeo in 2020. According to the agreement, the purpose of the county fair is to encourage and promote agricultural education and its history in the county. The agreement states that Williamson County will fund $100,000 to be used as seed money for the Williamson County Fair Association. The association will reimburse the county within four years, or the Commissioners Court has the ability to forgive all or a portion of that amount.
The Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor will be rented for the fair and rodeo. The agreement also allows for county staff and facilities to be used for planning the event.
“Williamson County has never had a true county fair,” said Scott Heselmeyer, president of the Williamson County Fair Association. “We look forward to bringing Williamson County a true county fair where people can bring their families, experience agriculture hands-on, go to the carnival, see the rodeo, see pecan pies get judged, and all the great things that you see associated with a county fair.”
The Williamson County Fair Association is comprised of an executive committee of eight members. In addition to County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer, the executive committee has former County Judge Dan Gattis, former Taylor Mayor Jesse Ancira, Patti Colbert, Nathan Winstead, Kelley Hammeren, Tanya Clawson, and Julie Sharifian.
The group is working on plans for the fair, rodeo and live entertainment to be held in October. They plan a roll-out announcement in late January.
“Williamson County’s background is in agriculture, and we should have a county fair to celebrate that heritage and promote education,” said County Judge Bill Gravell. “Our youth are our greatest asset. This event will not only provide meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for them, but also will provide scholarships for youth in Williamson County.”
