ATX-GEO: Impact 10/6/2025

The Veterans Memorial Advisory Group, the organization charged with overseeing the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City, is working to raise $200,000 to create a place of peace at the memorial.

The overview: The revitalization project entails constructing a pergola with benches behind the wall of the memorial where visitors can sit and reflect, surrounded by native landscaping and pavers, VMAG Chair Diane Klutz said.

Currently, there are a number of Italian cypress trees behind the wall. However, VMAG Communications Chair George Monnat said these trees are not native to Texas, adding that the group has spent a significant amount of funding to maintain them.

What’s next: The fundraising campaign kicked off Sept. 15, and VMAG is looking to secure pledges totaling $200,000 in funding by the end of November.

Initial estimates show work starting in late January or February and taking about two months to complete, Monnat said.

The organization’s goal is to reopen the revitalized portion of the memorial plaza by Memorial Day, May 25.

Local jeweler Efrain Montes has plans to open his third Sky & Co Jewelry store, which will be the business's second location in Georgetown.

The history: Sky & Co began as a small workshop over 20 years ago, according to its website. Now with locations in Georgetown and Taylor, the full-service jewelry store offers custom designs, repairs, engraving, cleaning and appraisals. 

The update: Montes plans to open the University Avenue location by the end of the month, pending final city approval. 

• 723 W. University Ave., Ste. 103, Georgetown

Here are the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

1. New restaurant Grey Orchard to open in Round Rock

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen now serving comfort food in Round Rock

3. Jet's Pizza opens Round Rock shop near Old Settlers Boulevard

4. Texas Roadhouse to open in Leander this November

5. Austin ISD adopts lower tax rate for 2025-26, homeowners could see savings

6. Q&A: Meet 4 candidates for Pflugerville mayor

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.