Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | June 2025

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 JUNE 27JULY 28, 2025

2025 Health Care Edition

Bastrop’s new EMS district partners with Acadian to reduce response time When minutes matter

By Amanda Cutshall

INSIDE

Bastrop County voters approved the creation of Emergency Services District No. 3 last November to boost emergency medical services by adding ambulances, cutting response times and raising the standard of care. (Courtesy Acadian Ambulance)

Also in this issue Development: Get the latest on renovations to the $30M Bastrop HEB (Page 7)

Transportation: Citywide CARTS rides now available—nd out more (Page 10)

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Texas Public Education Funding in 2025

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New funding provided in House Bill 2

#FundOurSchools

Needed to keep up with inflation since 2019

Needed to match the national average in per-pupil spending

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson

Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia

Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Martha Ambrose Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

Amanda Cutshall Editor acutshall@ communityimpact.com

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

HAWTHORNE ST.

Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATLYNN FOX

GORDON ST.

BUTTONWOOD ST.

BUTTONWOOD ST. S. SHORE RD.

Coming soon

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Bastrop

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7 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Local couple Jack and Aly Plimpton will serve dozens of avors for their housemade Italian ice, ice cream and the brand’s “jelati”—a combination of the two. Jack Plimpton said the shop will pair the sweet treats with a fun, welcoming atmosphere— whether guests are stopping by for an after-school snack, an evening outing or a quick break during errands. • Opens in early July • Burleson Crossing, 707 Hwy. 71, Ste. 106, Bastrop • www.jeremiahsice.com MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

CHILDERS DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

4 Dallas n’ Friends Bastrop resident Angela Nieto began oering unique gifts, pet clothing and baked goods within Bastrop’s

Now open

1 Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle oers create-your-own, Mexican-inspired food including burritos, tacos, bowls and more. • Opened May 21 • Burleson Crossing, 707 Hwy. 71 W., Site 8B, Bastrop • www.chipotle.com 2 Carter’s The store opened inside the former Rue 21 shop and specializes in clothing for preemies through children up to size 14. • Opened May 14 • Burleson Crossing, 773 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. C, Bastrop • www.carters.com 3 Monte’s Dog Spaw Shawna Knight Brown oers services such as nail trims, baths, brush-outs, and full dog hairstyles. • Opened May 6 • 108 S. Shore Road, Unit C, Bastrop • https://montedogspawllc.daysmartpetwebsites.com

Harmony Ridge. • Opens June 7

• 601 Chestnut St., Unit B, Bastrop • Instragram: dallasnfriendsboutique

• Opens in early 2027 • Sendero, 900 block of Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.marriott.com

Coming soon

5 Dockside BTX Originally slated to open in late 2024, the seafood restaurant has postponed its debut to late 2025 due to permitting delays, according to owner Josh Nguyen. • Opening in late 2025

What’s next

8 Smokey Mo’s BBQ Construction on the barbecue chain will begin in late July and nish in late November, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Meat options include brisket, sausage, turkey, jalapeño sausage, pork loin, pork ribs, pork burnt ends and chicken quarters. • Burleson Crossing, 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 124, Bastrop • www.smokeymosbbq.com

• 904 College St., Bastrop • Facebook: Dockside BTX

6 Faireld and TownePlace Suites by Marriott

The dual-branded hotel will reside within the upcoming 75-acre mixed-use development called Sendero. It will include an outdoor pool and a full-service bar.

CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

627 Highway 71W, Bastrop, TX 78702 (512) 451-0103 Our retina specialists are dedicated to providing convenient, expert retina care close to home.

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Development

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

$30M Bastrop HEB remodel set to bag early 2026 checkout

Some context

Construction began in July 2023 with the expansion of the grocery store’s parking lot. In March 2024, the fuel pumps were temporarily out of service while ocials built a new kiosk to add a restroom area for employees, according to city ocials. Store employees have worked around construction, inside and outside of the building, to keep the store open throughout the expansion.

The $30 million expansion of Bastrop’s H-E-B is on track for an early 2026 completion, according to company ocials. In mid-June, ocials relocated curbside pickup to its new location on the east side of the building—adjacent to the upcoming True Texas BBQ restaurant. The parking lot is also reopened after portions were closed o during construction of the exterior facade. The project includes an 18,000-square-foot addition to accommodate the restaurant

Construction continues on the Bastrop HEB.

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and an expanded produce area. Other renovations shoppers can expect include: • More pharmacy space

150

• Renovated meat and seafood market • Replacement of refrigeration cases • Expanded administrative ofices and break areas for employees

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Election

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Harris wins Bastrop mayoral race

Meet the mayor

A lifelong, fth-generation Bastrop resident, Harris stepped down from his position on the Planning and Zoning Commission after nearly two years to run for mayor, as the city’s charter prohibits individuals from holding a board seat while running for oce. His day job is supervising a wastewater treatment plan in Austin, which he has done for over 20 years. Harris will nish former Mayor Lyle Nelson’s term over the next year. The seat will be up for election May 2026. “I’m excited to get to work listening, leading and making sure every voice is heard as we build a better Bastrop for us all,” Harris said.

Ishmael Harris is Bastrop’s newest mayor after securing nearly 63% of the vote in the city’s June 7 runo election, defeating opponent Willie DeLaRosa and making history as the city’s rst Black mayor. The race to become Bastrop’s next mayor began following former Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson’s resignation in January. The runo followed a three-way race in May that left no candidate with a majority. Citing smart growth, infrastructure updates

and quality-of-life improvements as his top priorities, Harris said his win reects a shared vision for Bastrop’s future. “Becoming Bastrop’s rst Black mayor is an incredible honor—one I didn’t expect to happen so soon, and certainly not to me,” Harris said. “I stand on the shoulders of the Black leaders who paved the way, and I’m proud to carry their legacy forward. I’m ready to get to work.”

The breakdown

"This victory is not just mine—it belongs to all of us who believe in the power of community, smart growth and preserving the heart of Bastrop while building for the future." ISHMAEL HARRIS, BASTROP MAYOR

The results

62.87% Ishmael Harris 37.13% Willie DeLaRosa

Mayor Ishmael Harris will serve a one-year term through May 2026 to nish former mayor Lyle Nelson’s tenure.

SOURCE: BASTROP ELECTIONS OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real Estate

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

BISD Superintendent Edwards retires after 17 years After serving the school district for 17 years, Superintendent Barry Edwards announced his retirement at the June 17 meeting of the Bastrop ISD board of trustees. What you need to know “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime. From my first classroom in El Paso to my years in Bastrop ISD, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate educators, dedicated

Bastrop High School renovations continue More 2023 bond-funded renovations to Bastrop High School are on the horizon, district administrators shared in May. Looking ahead During a May 13 board update on bond project construction, BISD Director of Planning and Construction Lee Raspberry said the district received its site permit for continued renovations at BHS in early May, and site work began that month. The details The 38,000-square-foot classroom expansion includes a new classroom wing, competition gym, dance studio, and addi- tional student parking. Raspberry said this slate of renovations is expected to continue through December 2027.

over the coming months to identify BISD’s next superintendent, according to a release. The first step in the transition plan is naming an interim superintendent, followed by partnering with a search firm. The district will gather input from commu- nity members to inform the selection of the next superintendent. families, and inspiring students. I will always be grateful for the trust and support this community has shown me.” BARRY EDWARDS, FORMER BISD SUPERINTENDENT

The superintendent, who has spent 37 years in education since beginning his career as a school teacher in El Paso, oversaw significant growth in the district’s student population, as well as expanded access to technology and internet ser- vice. His tenure also saw the opening of the BISD Family Resource Center and Health Clinic, and the expansion from half- to full-day pre-kindergarten. Edwards expressed appreciation for the oppor- tunity to collaborate with the district, students and families, noting his lasting gratitude for the community’s confidence and trust. What’s next? The district’s board of trustees will work

IT’S YOUR TIME Find Your Future With ACC austincc.edu

Raghad A.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

CARTS on-demand rides now citywide

Stay tuned

Platt said the update follows the conclusion of the North Bastrop pilot, formed to create a cohesive zone based on the needs of Bastrop residents. Other exible transportation options are in the works as Bastrop City Council considers further ride-sharing transportation expansions, including one with Uber. Carrillo-Trevino said she is working with CARTS and Uber to develop a pilot program and its potential budgetary impacts. If approved, the city could enter into an agreement with Uber, called Uber for Business, to implement a voucher program for residents. This would allow ocials to determine the number of rides that are subsidized through the program, according to city documents.

Bastrop commuters can now utilize on- demand ride services from Capital Area Rural Transportation System, or CARTS, citywide after a June 9 expansion. Ocials said the service, known as CARTS NOW, improves access to jobs, shopping, medical care and more, with further transportation programs under consideration. The expansion stems from a partnership between city ocials and CARTS aimed at providing service to all Bastrop residents, according to a news release. “This expanded zone improves access across a broader area of the city, connecting residents to essential destinations with aordable, on-demand rides,” said Dana Platt, CARTS community engagement coordinator.

CARTS oers half-price rides for seniors over age 65.

COLORADO RIVER

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY

Post oce dedicated to local military hero

Bastrop welcomes new city secretary Bastrop ocials and residents welcomed Michael Muscarello on May 27 as the appointed, full-time city secretary. Mascarello said one of his top priorities is to make public information more easily accessible to residents by proactively sharing it on social media and through the city’s website. “I’m very excited to become part of the community and get to know the citizens. I’m so happy to be here,” Muscarello said. How we got here Following City Secretary Ann Franklin’s departure in June 2024, Irma Parker served as interim city secretary from August to October under a contracted agreement. She remained available to the city on a proj- ect-by-project basis.

The community gathered June 17 to formally dedicate the Bastrop Post Oce in honor of Sergeant Major William “Billy” Waugh, a Bastrop native whose ve-decade career in military and intelligence service earned national acclaim. “I am proud to ocially dedicate the Bastrop Post Oce in his honor so all Texans can remem- ber his incredible life of service and pay homage to this great American Hero,” said U.S. Congressman Michael T. McCaul. The background Born in 1929, Waugh began his service after turning 18 in 1948 after a failed attempt to enlist in the Marines at age 15. After retiring from the Army in 1972, he worked as a letter carrier before joining the CIA in 1977, where he tracked high-prole terrorists. Waugh retired from the CIA in 2005 and returned to Bastrop. He died April 4, 2023.

Representing Congressman Michael Cloud, Christian Palacios honored Billy Waugh’s widow, Lynn Waugh.

Some of the many accolades Waugh received during his decorated, 51-year career include:

• 8 Purple Hearts: third-most earned in U.S. history • Bronze Star Medals • 4 Army Commendation Medals with Valor under ire • 1 Silver Star • 1 CIA Intelligence Star for heroism: a rare distinction

SOURCE: U.S. MILITARY RECORDSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City plans $2.6 million river stabilization project Bastrop may soon begin a $2.6 million project to stabilize the east bank of the Colorado River between Fisherman’s Park and Highway 71. The overview The project—which would enhance approxi-

to the Texas General Land Oce on June 10. If approved, an additional $200,000 would be nanced through the scal year 2026 Capital Fund for engineering services. Stay tuned Bastrop city sta said the construction timeline could be aected by lengthy permit processes and temporary trail closures.

mately 1,200 feet of river bank—aims to reduce the long-term risk of disasters like oods, according to a $2.4 million grant application submitted

Bastrop aims to prevent erosion along the Colorado River with a stabilization project.

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Health care

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Health Care Edition

2025

Community Impact ’s annual health care guide features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. We’re thrilled to bring you the latest on health care topics that truly matter to residents across Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and our neighboring communities. This year, we’re diving deep into several crucial local and regional health issues, aiming to provide you with insights that are both informative and relevant to your daily life. Inside this edition, you’ll nd comprehensive coverage on a variety of essential subjects. We tackle the statewide blood shortage and explore how you can contribute, oer an update on the new Bastrop ESD and its partnership with Acadian Ambulance, and highlight local support groups that promote mental well-being. We also educate on the dierent types of care options available to you, and even share a unique dining experience right inside the Ascension Seton Smithville hospital, plus much more vital health information designed to keep you informed. A huge thank you to our amazing advertisers. Their support is what allows Community Impact to keep you informed and connected to the news that impacts your life.

What's inside

See how Restoration Ranch uses rehabilitated horses to help veterans (Page 15)

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

Get the latest updates from Bastrop-area medical facilities (Page 16)

Learn how to choose dierent clinics and care centers based on your needs (Page 17)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

We Are Blood continues to urge blood donations, following a “critical shortage” reported earlier this year. The blood bank provides donations to every hospital within the area it serves, including Bastrop County. Representatives say one donation could save up to three lives and takes less than one hour. “We are calling on generous O-type donors to help us rebuild and meet the needs of local patients at area hospitals,” Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at WAB, said in an April release. As of late 2023, members of the LGBTQ+ community can donate; the gender of a donor and their sexual partners is no longer a consideration for donor eligibility. Residents urged to donate blood

How it works

On arrival, potential donors will sign in at the front desk and be asked to read information about the process. After that, they will complete a survey regarding medical and travel history. The donor will receive a mini-physical, including checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and red blood cell percentage. A phlebotomist will then lead them into the donation room. Those interested can schedule an appointment online for any of the four Austin-area locations or mobile drives held across all the counties it serves. Ocials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identication. Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org.

Bastrop-area residents can make a life-saving impact by donating O-type blood amid a current shortage.

COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Donors must Be in good health Be at least 17 years old Weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations or 110 pounds for platelet donations

SOURCE: WE ARE BLOODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

5/15/25 12:38 PM COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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Health care

BY DACIA GARCIA

The nonprot hosts events throughout the year, including its annual Spring Fling fundraiser.

Restoration Ranch oers a range of ways for veterans to participate, from one-on-one and group sessions to workshops.

PHOTOS COURTESY RESTORATION RANCH

Restoration Ranch shapes healing environment Bastrop’s Restoration Ranch nurtures a space away from the fast-paced Austin buzz, where horses, veterans and their families come together to benet from equine-assisted learning programs. The backstory

service, and participating in equine-assisted learn- ing helps relieve some of that weight. “When they come out here, they get to put it down because you have to be in the moment with the horses,” Taylor said. The impact The ranch hosts equine partnership programs, a horsemanship program and caregiver workshops that help veterans struggling with common issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, moral injury and transition stress. “The bottom line is that the way that we grow is by the impact we’re having ... it’s when they leave here and they go out and have an interaction that makes a dierence,” Rand said.

President Beth Rand founded the Restoration Ranch nonprot shortly after moving to Bastrop County in 2008.

President Beth Rand founded the nonprot a few years after moving to Central Texas in 2008. She rescued some horses after the 2011 Bastrop County Complex re and was met with interest from local veterans who asked about helping care for them. In 2016, the property for the ranch was purchased. Program and outreach coordinator Machelle Tay- lor joined in 2021 as a participant with her husband, Chris, who served in the military for 22 years. She detailed how each veteran carries a mental rucksack with them when returning home from

WATTERSON RD.

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CLEARVIEW CEMETERY RD.

172A Hills Prairie Road, Bastrop www.restorationranch.org

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Health care

BY KATLYNN FOX

3 health care updates from Bastrop-area medical facilities

1 Ascension Seton Smithville The medical center now offers virtual behavioral health visits and has added $500,000 in operating room equipment to accommodate an increase in surgeries. Located a 15-minute drive from Bastrop, the facility provides 24/7 emergency care along with surgical services, inpatient and outpatient care, and a twice-weekly infusion clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The outpatient infusion site, in operation for the past year, offers blood transfusions, IV antibiotics, therapeutic phlebotomy and IV infusions of biologics.

2 Ascension Seton Bastrop The outpatient emergency room now provides virtual behavioral health visits and care for the senior population in surrounding nursing homes. Ascension Seton Bastrop offers 24/7 care for life-threatening illness and injury, with on-call specialists, an on-site lab and full-service digital imaging technology. Before leaving the medical center, patients are connected to appropriate follow-up care through the network of Ascension Seton specialists across all sites.

3 St. David’s Emergency Center–Bastrop An extension of St. David’s South Austin Medical center, the emergency center underwent interior and exterior cosmetic upgrades last fall—including improvements to the building’s brickwork and cabinets inside the center— without interruptions to service. The full-service emergency room has 10 exam rooms, an on-site lab, on-site digital imaging services, emergency care professionals and trauma-certified nurses. Patients who require additional inpatient care are transported to the South Austin Medical Center.

INDUSTRIAL WAY

HILL RD.

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MAJESTIC PINE DR.

AGNES RD.

TAHITIAN DR.

HILL RD.

1201 Hill Road, Smithville www.healthcare.ascension.org

630 Hwy. 71, Bastrop www.healthcare.ascension.org

3201 Hwy. 71 E., Bastrop www.stdavids.com

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Medical experts clarify care options

Who’s providing the care?

No matter the facility, patients might be seen by either a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner—so what’s the difference? • MD (medical doctor): physicians who complete medical school and residency, can perform surgery, and prescribe medication • NP (nurse practitioner): registered nurses with advanced degrees who can diagnose, treat and prescribe More NP programs are becoming doctoral- level, meaning they involve more advanced education, said Amy Papermaster, a nurse practitioner at Women’s Health. In Texas, NPs must also collaborate with a physician. Papermaster said patients won’t notice much difference between seeing a nurse practitioner and a physician. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and manage a wide range of conditions.

A sore throat on a Saturday night may leave one wondering, “Should I wait for my doctor, visit urgent care or head to the emergency room?” Amid seasonal illnesses, local experts share tips for choosing the right level of care. “Knowing where to turn during a medical emergency is extremely important for the community, because it [leads] to the best possible outcome and also ensures that they receive the best value for the care provided,” said Laura Hochwalt, vice president of emergency services at St. David’s HealthCare. Hochwalt said doctors are present not only at primary care offices but also at urgent care centers and in emergency room departments.

Knowing where to go

Patients should see a primary care provider for nonurgent health concerns and routine medical care. Primary care office Urgent care is for after-hours care meant for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Urgent care center Emergency rooms are for life-threatening situations, such as traumatic injuries, fractures, burns and stroke-like symptoms. Emergency room

SOURCES: ST. DAVID’S HEALTHCARE, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741

GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

When minutes matter From the cover

The big picture

Bastrop County EMS hubs

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Elgin

The county is now serviced by five 24-hour units and two 12-hour units that will overlap during peak times.

Bastrop County can expect faster ambulance response times as Emergency Services District No. 3 implements systemwide improvements, including more units, new response times and increased patient care metrics. Voters approved the creation of ESD 3 last November to cut response times and raise the standard of care, said ESD 3 Vice President Allen Johnson, noting that units are located strategically based on population density and growth. Johnson said officials reformatted the response time expectations—which include stiffer penalties for violations—to account for population density rather than geography. Ron Quaranto, Acadian Ambulance regional vice president, said Acadian has served Bastrop County since May 2015 as the county’s exclusive EMS provider. Johnson said the ESD 3 board opted to extend the contract with Acadian—which ended May 30—for one month, with plans to extend the contract month-to-month through November 2026. “We feel Acadian is familiar with the market and understands call volume,” Johnson said. “We will monitor ... and see if we need to add resources.” Board President James “Scooter” Green said the new contract with Acadian is the first step in services that “not only catches up with the current county needs, but scales” with growth.

+ Acadian, 12-hour, non-stationed

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* Acadian, new location

Acadian, existing locations

Bastrop

Cedar Creek

"We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to service the residents of Bastrop County. We’re excited to collaborate with ESD 3 on a service model that will increase capacity and improve patient care." RON QUARANTO, ACADIAN AMBULANCE REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

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Rockne

Average EMS response time expectations

How we got here

Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville city limits Old response times in minutes

Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville city limits New response times in minutes

Preston McGrew, one of three paramedics who led the initiative to develop ESD 3, said the idea for a new emergency services district staffed with more ambulances began in 2022 when he and his colleagues noticed Bastrop County had outgrown its setup for Emergency Medical Services, leading to increased response times. Quaranto said the county’s rapid growth created a need for more ambulances. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bastrop County’s population grew 13.9% between 2020 and 2023—making it the 13th fastest-growing county in Texas. Johnson said the board worked with the county to grid the 900 square miles in 1-square-mile incre- ments to address that need. “We looked at the population density in each one of those and then assigned them a response time expectation based upon the population density,” he said. “Stations are located along major roadways with close proximity to highest demand areas, yet spread out enough to cover as much as possible.”

Western exurban area (Cedar Creek area) All other unincorporated areas of the county

Suburban: 500-1,299 residents per square mile Rural: 50-499 residents per square mile Frontier: fewer than 50 residents per square mile

Potential penalty for noncompliance up to $4,000 per month

Potential penalty for noncompliance up to $25,000 per month

Non-life-threatening Priority 2 calls

Life-threatening Priority 1 calls

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTY ESD 3/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

The cost

The outlook

The timeline

Johnson said most residents who attended town halls favored a locally operated EMS service, which remains under consideration. “If Acadian comes in and they knock it out of the park and that provides value to the taxpayer, then why wouldn’t we look at that?” he said. Bastrop County Judge Gregory Klaus said the county has appointed a strong district leadership team to oversee the services.

Acadian has operated without property tax funding, covering its costs through service fees and billing, Quaranto said. That will change in the new fiscal year this October, when the district begins collecting local property taxes at a rate capped at $0.10 per $100 of assessed value, according to county documents. The district has not yet set its fiscal year budget or the tax rate. When it does, a public hearing will be held prior to approval of the budget and tax rate. The district received a $3.1 million tax antici- pation note, similar to a short-term loan, to fund services and cover startup expenses in the interim. Johnson said the loan will be paid back from tax revenue by March 2026. The monthly subsidy for the seven ambulances and the supervisor is $223,166. Johnson said whether the district chooses a lon- ger-term contract with Acadian or another private company, or opts for a county-run department, the cost will be about the same.

Johnson said the board is searching for a property in the city of Bastrop to build the district’s central station. Going forward, he said they will study call volume to assess future needs.

The timeline

2022 Idea for ESD 3 is sparked by three medics

2024

June Medics pitch plan to county officials November Voters approve ESD 3

Patient care metrics to be monitored include:

2025

May 30 Acadian contract extended monthly June 1 ESD 3 launches; more ambulances, first station, new standards begin July Acadian contract expected to be extended through November 2026 July 1 Critical care supervisor starts Nov. 30 Contract with Acadian expires 2026

Airway and respiratory

Pediatrics

Neuro and stroke

Trauma

Assessment & documentation

Safety and transportation

SOURCES: BASTROP COUNTY ESD 3, NATIONAL EMS QUALITY ALLIANCE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTY ESD 3/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Let’s CONSERVE TOGETHER before the real summer heat hits! orethe

Tips to Help Conserve:

Voluntarily limit the irrigation of landscaped areas to the watering schedule below. Voluntarily limit the volume of water for irrigation of landscaped areas to no more than one (1) inch. Outdoor watering hours: Before 10:00 AM and After 7:00 PM f landscaped Voluntarily limit the irrigation of landscaped areas t to the

Monday &Thursday: Even last number of address Tuesday & Friday: Odd last number of address

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Health care Support group guide

BY DACIA GARCIA

Bastrop-area residents looking for spaces to discuss specific topics with individuals going through similar situations can attend one of the support groups hosted in the area. In addition to support groups, community members can find counseling resources offered by local organizations. This list is not comprehensive.

Family Crisis Center

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services

Parents as Teachers Group Connections Participants can expect to discuss parenting concerns and developmental education, while engaging with guest speakers. Activities will be available for both parents and children, and children will be offered snacks. • Size: 8-10 participants • Meeting time: between business hours • Frequency: once a month for nine months out of the year • Location: varies Parents as Teachers Teen Group Connections Attendees will talk about developmental education and parenting and engage with guest speakers. Counseling services are offered for a range of topics including family dynamics, high stress level, substance use or abuse, mental health concern, school engagement issues and more. Snacks will be provided for children as well as activities for both parents and children in attendance. • Size: 3-5 participants • Meeting time: during school hours • Frequency: once a month, August-May, and once virtually in July • Location: select Bastrop County high schools • Contact: 1-844-309-6385 • Website: www.bbtrails.org

In Our Best Interest Officials are assessing public interest in launching support sessions for survivors of domestic violence. The group would offer trauma-informed, empowerment-focused programming that addresses the dynamics of domestic violence and includes

activities designed to support recovery. • Size: varies • Meeting time: varies • Frequency: varies • Location: 431 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • Contact: 512-321-7760 • Website: www.family-crisis-center.org

emotional tools. Individuals can share interest in attending these sessions when completing an online form to request counseling offered by the organization. • Size: varies • Meeting time: varies • Frequency: varies • Location: 702 Chestnut St., Bastrop • Contact: 830-629-6571 • Website: www.connectionsifs.org

Connections

Connections The New Braunfels-based organization offers free counseling services for children ages 6-17, individual services and family counseling. Counselors host small group sessions throughout the year. Small groups are primarily hosted for children and teens, and discuss topics such as managing stress and

• Contact: 1-844-309-6385 • Website: www.bbtrails.org

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The Asian noodle salad ( $11.99 ) is topped with sweet chile sesame ginger dressing.

COURTESY JOHN CHABOT

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Bistro 71 serves elevated hospital food John Chabot is the director of food and nutrition at Ascension Seton Smithville, where he serves both sta and patients. However, 90% of business comes from customers who aren’t here for a hospital visit—just a meal, Chabot said.

Chef John Chabot has worked at the Ascension Seton Smithville restaurant for 23 years.

about 125 people in one day recently—more than two people per minute. Chabot credits this eciency to his sta and their teamwork. They have daily specials and a constantly rotating menu, with new oerings and avors that

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the sta plans. The inspiration

“We carve our own meat, we tenderize it, we do everything from scratch here,” Chabot said. “Which is unusual for most hospitals.” What’s special about it? Chabot and his sta put a gourmet spin on the average hospital meal by cooking up dishes like penne gorgonzola, bayou chicken and shrimp, and a chicken-fried steak that has people lining up. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and according to Chabot’s calculations, served

Chabot emphasized the importance of serving high-quality food with fresh ingredients to uplift patients. “They’re going to get woken up in the middle of the night,” Chabot said. “They’re going to get prodded and poked and I said, ‘Let’s let them look forward to each meal.’”

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

July

Family Film Festival Families can watch “The Land Before Time,” “Bad Guys,” “Shrek,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “Shrek 2” and “Despicable Me 4.” All proceeds will go toward the Bastrop Pregnancy and Resource Center. • July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. • $1 McDade Watermelon Festival Community members can enjoy a weekend of fun with a street dance, parade, 5K, barbecue cook-off, a car show and more activities for all ages. • July 11, 8-11:59 p.m. (street dance); July 12, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (festival) • $10 (ages 5 and older, street dance); free (festival entry) • Downtown McDade, 143 Bastrop St., McDade • www.mcdadetexas.com • Film Alley, 1600 Chestnut St., Bastrop • https://bastrop.filmalley.net/events Kids Day at CG Community Gardens will host a kids day, where participants will have access to carnival games, bounce houses, waterslides, a foam party, food, drinks and more. • July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $15 • Community Gardens, 1067 Hwy. 71, Bastrop • www.cgbastrop.com/event-details Live music with Letha Mignon Attendees can spend the evening listening to a music performance by the longtime local artist.

• July 19, 5:30-10:30 p.m. • $85 (individual tickets), $150 (two tickets), $65 (tickets at the door after 7 p.m.) • Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville • www.casabfl.org The Chemistry Road Show Texas A&M University College of Arts’ public service program will educate and engage attendees through the exploration of chemistry. • July 22, 2-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • Facebook: Chemistry Road Show Corvette Invasion The 12th annual event will feature live music, refreshments and a guest speaker. The first 300 registrants can participate in the Friday night meet- and-greet. Saturday’s agenda includes the car show, followed by the awards ceremony. • July 18, 7-9 p.m. (meet-and-greet); July 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (car show) • $50 (registration), Free (admission) • Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.corvetteinvasion.com

Fire & Police Water Battle Individuals can get to know the city’s firefighters and police officers as they battle against them with reusable water balloons. Attendees can look forward to waterslides, a splash pad, food vendors and a snow cone vendor. • July 19, 2-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop • www.visitbastrop.com/events

Readers’ Jubilee Elementary school-aged children can participate in activities and hands-on games at this after-hours event. • July 26, 6:30-8 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Public Library, 100 Spring St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org/page/lib.programs.kids 78th annual Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo Community members can watch various events, such as team roping, mutton bustin’ and rodeo slack. There will also be live music, a parade, vendors and more. • July 29-Aug. 2, event times vary by day • $15 and up (admission) • Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Drive, Bastrop • www.bastrophomecomingrodeo.org

• July 18, 8-10 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Film Alley, 1600 Chestnut St., Bastrop • https://bastrop.filmalley.net/events

The Great CASA Casino Spend an evening engaging with a wild card game, bingo and auction prizes with complimentary wine and beer, along with a dinner and dessert buffet. The event will benefit CASA of Bastrop, Fayette & Lee Counties and the Smithville Chamber of Commerce.

Business Training with Alysia Cook Customer Service Excellence - 9 am - 11 am

Succession Planning - 1 pm - 3pm Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Bastrop County Community Center 15 American Legion Drive, Bastrop, TX 78602

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT JUNE 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SUBSCRIBE AT TEXASMONTHLY .COM/TEXAN TO SEE THE ENTIRE ISSUE!

DETOURS: The Botanical Gardens of Orange CRITTER: Bottlenose Dolphin OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Copper Craftsman FEATURE PREVIEW: Juneteenth’s Hero, Opal Lee

Above: The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

DETOURS

A Green Refuge In Orange

Northwest of downtown, alongside Adams Bayou.

BY DANIEL VAUGHN

FOR FIFTY YEARS the gates of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center were closed. A bitter freeze in 1958 killed much of founder H.J. Lutcher Stark’s plant- ings, including his prized azaleas. Decades later, reopening plans spearheaded by his namesake foundation were also thwarted by nature, first by Hurricane Rita, in 2005, and then by Ike, in 2008. Finally, in 2009, the 252-acre park opened once again to visitors. Gravel paths wander along- side some three hundred plant species, and everywhere are contemplative spaces that feel far removed from the surrounding city, which lies just across the Sabine River from Louisiana. At the placid Pond of the Blue Moon is the towering Cypress Gate, a platform designed by San Antonio–based architecture firm Lake Flato from logs salvaged after Rita. At Ruby Lake, you’ll find a bird blind for viewing the many varieties of waterfowl that come through, and you just might see an alligator sunning on the dock nearby.

About 51,000 bottlenose dol- phins—the most common spe- cies o the Texas coast—are frolicking in the northern Gulf as you read this. Occasionally, though, one of them ends up on land. The Texas Marine Mam- mal Stranding Network, based in Galveston, responds to an average of 134 strandings per year. Executive director Heidi Whitehead says that after hur- ricanes, she and her colleagues have even rescued dolphins from fields and ditches as far as seventeen miles inland. So before you head to the beach, learn what to do if you come across one.

it can be rescued. Then try to keep it shaded and wet.

IF I FIND A STRANDED DOLPHIN, SHOULD I PUSH

CRITTER OF THE MONTH

Bottlenose Dolphin

IT INTO THE WATER? Often, says Whitehead, a

HOW EXACTLY DOES ONE MOISTEN A DOLPHIN ? You can pour seawater over it or cover it in wet towels. Just be sure to avoid the blowhole. MAY I PET IT? Definitely not. Wild dolphins are a protected species, and any form of harassment (such as trying to touch, feed, or swim with them) is illegal. Whitehead says the best thing you can do is be quiet and keep pets and other people at a distance. —Lauren Larson

beached dolphin is su ering from a lung disease brought on by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it must be treated and rehabilitated. If you try to Free Willy a dolphin back into the Gulf, it is unlikely to survive. WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, call 800-9MAMMAL, which is like a dolphin 911, and someone from Whitehead’s group will talk you through keeping the animal safe until

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

MADE IN TEXAS

Inside a Copper Mind Jonathan Beall makes modern kitchenware, barware, and water dispensers that last a lifetime.

BY AMANDA ALBEE

When Beall launched Sertodo Copper, in 1997, he traveled the U.S., cold-calling ho- tels and restaurants to sell Mexican-made copper cookware and chafing dishes. Three years later, he moved to Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán, a town with a coppersmithing tradition that predates its founding nearly five hundred years ago. There, he joined a copper community led by James Metcalf, the late sculptor and educator who reinvigorated local artisanal traditions. An apprentice- ship with copper maestro Máximo Velázquez Correa had Beall forging hundreds of nails and tools, including hammers and chisels, to cultivate a “manual intelligence” that he says is in decline among modern American creators, who sidestep material knowledge for computer-aided design. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly.

IN HIS AUSTIN warehouse, Jonathan Beall sips water from one of his copper cups, an Ayurvedic practice said to stimulate diges- tion and increase immunity. He points to a hand-carved solid-copper vase made us- ing traditional techniques, such as melting recycled copper into ingots and repeatedly annealing and forging the mass into shape, a skill he learned in Mexico. It reminds him of a similar piece he encountered on a trip to Sayulita, on that country’s Pacific coast, almost thirty years ago—he can still see it glittering in the dawn light among a peddler’s wares. “I had never seen anything like it,” he says. “I didn’t know what was happening, but I had a big feeling.”

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas A man dressed in shorts and sneakers was seen cruising down the center lane of westbound Interstate 40 in Amarillo on an electric scooter . In a cave near Marfa, archaeologists discovered remnants of an atlatl, a straight-flying boomerang, and other components of whatmay be the oldest intact hunting kit found in North America. Almost four thousand Kerrville residents lost power for two hours after a ringtail came into contact with equipment at a substation. On National Beer Day, a train collided with the trailer of a semitruck near Saginaw, spilling hundreds of cans of beer around the tracks. Nearly three thousand people and 1,300 dogs descended on a ranch in Bee Cave for Texas’s largest annual golden retriever meetup . Hoping to steal a car, a man threw a rock through the window of a Tyler dealership, injured himself while entering through the broken glass, and called 911 for help getting out of the building, even though several doors were unlocked. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was bitten by an ostrich while visiting a wildlife park in North Texas. —Meher Yeda

Jonathan Beall polishes a copper vessel at his com- pany’s workshop in Austin on April 24, 2025.

BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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