Round Rock-area drivers have a new north-south alternative to I-35 on the west side following the opening of the Wyoming Springs Drive Extension on Oct. 22.

About the project: The project extended the four-lane Wyoming Springs Drive by just over half a mile, bringing Brushy Creek Regional Trail connections, a shared-use path and sidewalks along both sides of the street.

The city of Round Rock managed the $29.7 million project’s construction, which was funded by a combination of city and county dollars.

What they’re saying: “This is an important road … for two reasons,” said Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey at a ribbon cutting for the project. “One, because it gives another creek crossing, which is complicated in this area, so it helps spread out the traffic. But it also is a connection to our regional trail system.”

The Texas Baptist Children’s Home named Jeff Jones as its next president, with his term set to start Oct. 26, according to a news release from the organization. 

The overview

Jones succeeds Debbie Rippstein Bond, who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than 37 years serving TBCH in a variety of capacities. Rippstein Bond will serve as the TBCH board’s president emeritus through Jan. 8.

Jones comes to TBCH from Buckner International, a faith-based children and family services and senior-living nonprofit based in Dallas, where he served in leadership roles. 

In their own words: “I’ve been familiar with TBCH for many years, especially growing up in Austin," Jones said in the release. "The mission is clear and unwavering as TBCH seeks to embrace, empower and equip those we serve. I am so excited to be a part of it.”

About the organization: TBCH is a Round Rock-based nonprofit serving mothers, children and young adults in need of assistance with counseling, housing support and more, regardless of religion. 

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.