Government
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY
Post o ce dedicated to local military hero
Bastrop welcomes new city secretary Bastrop o cials 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 O ce 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 o cially dedicate the Bastrop Post O ce 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-pro le 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 RECORDS COMMUNITY 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 O ce 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 a ected 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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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION
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