The family-owned Hutto General Store, located in a historic 1891 building at 103 East St., brings candy, gifts and home decor to downtown Hutto.

The history: Janet Widmer founded the business in 1988 as an interior decorating business named Creative Touch, which opened a downtown storefront in 1992.

The business began to transition into a gift shop after her son, Matt Widmer, became the owner in 2009. Janet Widmer’s daughter, Kim Kubala, also joined the team.

The shop added a Candy Corner in 2011 and rebranded under the name Hutto General Store in September 2022.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Matt Widmer said. “We're continuously growing, expanding."

A closer look: The store features a diverse inventory, including:

• Men's and women's clothing

• Jewelry

• Home accessories and seasonal decorations

• Toys and children's gifts

• Gourmet foods

• Traditional and contemporary candies

A new Pflugerville Club Pilates location is before the end of October. 

The details: The California-based Pilates business will open in the new development by the East Pflugerville Parkway H-E-B that opened in November 2024.

The studio offers a variety of classes, including Reformer-based Pilates, beginner classes, cardio courses, classes for teens and more. 

Club Pilates will hold a soft opening period Oct. 28-Nov. 1, which will include intro classes and free workshops. The regular class schedule will begin Nov. 2, and classes can be booked online. 

The company also has locations in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park.

• 17713 N. SH 130, Ste. 120, Pflugerville

Williamson County commissioners approved an almost $500,000 contract with engineering firm Freese and Nichols on Oct. 20 to create a countywide water infrastructure plan.

"It's a long time coming," Judge Steve Snell said at the meeting.

What happened: The water study will look at current and future sources of water in the county, as well as treatment and distribution options, to provide project suggestions that water providers can consider implementing, according to a county news release.

In order to reduce the tax burden for county residents, the study can also help secure state and federal funding for water projects, officials said. The contract with Freese and Nichols costs $498,700 and is anticipated to be completed in a year.

The history: County officials first established the a regional water coalition—an advisory committee with representatives from cities and water providers—in November 2025. The coalition has been meeting since then for the purpose of hiring a consultant to begin the study, according to county documents.