BBK Ceramics cultivates community based in creativity
Kelleher launched BBK Ceramics in May 2024, taking the leap to teach for herself instead of others. She is here to create an intentional community and share her knowledge with others, Kelleher said.
“I am driven by those who really want to be here and really enjoy it,” Kelleher said. “We're not shooting for the most creative, high-end art. If you make that great, we love that, but we're not chasing that dream. We're just kind of existing and loving the clay [as] more of a therapy.”
The details: BBK Ceramics houses six pottery wheels and a space for hand building to accommodate classes and workshops. Kelleher typically hosts more workshops during the holiday season, especially Halloween-themed events where attendees can carve clay pumpkins or decorate haunted houses.
She also hosts open studio time for people to come in and experiment with the clay on their own, an aspect of BBK Ceramics that Kelleher hopes to expand in the future.
Teakeasy Tea recently leased over 1,600 square feet of space to open up a new shop.
The setup: The business, which currently operates an online store, provides a curated collection of luxury teas sourced from around the world. Owned by Duane and Tara Godby, Teakeasy sells black, chai, green, caffeine-free and other varieties of tea.
One popular tea is the Pecan Street, a tribute to the city of Pflugerville that includes apple pieces, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, dark chocolate chips and marigold flowers.
WilCo commissioners discuss plans for future Justice Center complex
Kitchell representative Cameron Glass gave an update on the Justice Center complex project to Williamson County commissioners at a Sept. 16 meeting, including the need for new facilities and the process for site selection.
The construction and real estate company is the manager for the project, which will build a new jail and office space in Georgetown.
The history: The current Justice Center was built in 1990. At that time, Williamson County had a population of about 139,000 residents, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Today, Williamson County is home to almost 730,000 residents.
About the project: Commissioners have discussed building the new Justice Center complex outside of downtown Georgetown. Although the court has not identified a site yet and is still in the preliminary stages of planning, Kitchell anticipates a $1.5 billion project through “phased, strategic investment,” Glass said.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
