Good morning, Williston.

Taco Bell in the new Williston Square will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13—its grand opening and ribbon cutting are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at 3016 3rd Ave W.

A Williston woman, Melberta Solano, was charged with animal cruelty after police found her neglected dog's left leg dangerously injured with matted fur and a bone protruding, which led a local veterinarian to amputate the leg, and she was released on a $5,000 bond with a court date set for Sept. 3.

Williston's preliminary budget shows a $16 million shortfall as the city is set to spend over $210 million but receive about $194 million—Mayor Howard Klug and Finance Director Hercules Cummings said rising costs from capital projects and employee benefit costs drove the gap.

Last year, the city reduced a $20 million deficit to around $6 million—funding key projects at Williston Square Development.