David Boren, vice president of Chisholm Trail Financial Group providing financial services in Central Texas, spoke with Community Impact about best practices for estate planning. He has 40 years of experience as a certified financial planner.

What are the most common mistakes people make when estate planning?
The state intestate laws say that if you don't have a will, then if you have a spouse, significant other or someone that you are in a legal relationship with, 50% goes to them. And for any children, 50% goes to the children whether you want it to or not. So it's important that someone take the steps necessary to start this process.

What are some things that people should know when starting their estate planning?
How do you want your assets distributed?
And, what's the most efficient way to distribute them without leaving a lump sum to the IRS?

How can families help each other during the estate planning process?
Ask the question. Don't be afraid to say, “What have you done?”

Several municipalities in Williamson County restrict the use of fireworks to enforce public safety ahead of the New Year's holiday, according to a county news release.

The details: Williamson County residents may not set off fireworks within city limits, in Williamson County parks, near Independent School Districts or within 5,000 feet of those boundaries.

Why it matters: Fireworks sales began on Dec. 20 in preparation for New Year's Eve. Williamson County urges the public to practice safe use of fireworks where they are allowed including:

• Purchasing fireworks from reputable sellers 
• Keeping children and pets away from fireworks 
• Lighting fireworks outdoors, on a flat surface, and away from homes, buildings, dry leaves and grass
• Following label directions, instructions and warnings 
• Disposing of fireworks properly 

Community Impact wrote features on nine restaurants in the Georgetown area in 2025. Revisit these stories, which ran in our print editions this year.

March: Mariachis de Jalisco plants generational roots with family restaurant

Growing up in Jalisco, Mexico, Jaime Fernandez worked as an accountant for some time before following in his family’s footsteps and moving to Texas to open a restaurant of his own.

In August 2004, Mariachis de Jalisco opened its first location in Georgetown. More than a decade later, it continues to be influenced by Fernandez’s family recipes and Mexican heritage.

May: Stretch the Noodle brings Chinese hand-stretched noodles to Georgetown

Owned and operated by Xue Mei Simard and Duane Simard, Stretch the Noodle has taken the art of hand-stretched noodles on a journey from China to Portland, Oregon and has now settled in Georgetown.

With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, many studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine.

While these devices have transformed how people communicate, work and relax, their widespread use has prompted growing discussions about excessive use, technology dependence and the benefits of disconnecting.

What's happening: According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and, in a survey, 31% of American adults say they’re online “almost constantly.”

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of technology addiction known as “gaming disorder,” which is on its official disease classification list. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that problematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

As these issues gain more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits.