The weekly Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting took place Tuesday and was filled with updates, including voting numbers and West Nile virus information.
Here is what you need to know:
Voter turnout
Williamson County
elections administrator Chris Davis said more than 306,000 voters were registered in Williamson County and more than 113,000 have gone to the polls since early voting started Oct. 24. Davis also said that was a 77 percent increase in voter turnout over 2012, and they expect to see more than 210,000 voters cast their ballots by the end of the election.
To find out more about polling locations, early voting and what you need to bring to the polls, click
here.
EMS director recognized
The court recognized Kenny Schnell, who is retiring as emergency medical services director after 22 years with the county.
Schell said the county "[has] entrusted me, supported me and allowed me a fulfilling career."
Mike Kinpstein, deputy director of Williamson County EMS, will serve as the interim director while the county goes through the hiring process for a new director, the county said.
Small Business Saturday
The court proclaimed Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday in Williamson County. The national designation encourages people to shop at local and small businesses.
Georgetown, Round Rock and other cities in the county will be hosting events to coordinate with the proclamation.
West Nile update
John Teel, executive director of the
Williamson County and Cities Health District addressed the court about mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Williamson County.
Teel said the health district is currently investigating the first probable human case of West Nile in the county near the city limits of Georgetown. He said he is waiting on blood test results and should know more by tomorrow. Teel also said the health district is looking into another suspected human case and will know more later this week.
According to Teel, the city held off on spraying insecticide for Halloween, but will continue spraying tonight in a half-mile radius near the area of the suspected human case.
"The West Nile situation in Texas seems to be heating up just a bit," Teel said.
WCCHD recommends residents:
- Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes or clogged gutters and treat water that cannot be drained
- Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
- Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit
www.txwestnile.org.
