Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | April 2024

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 MAY 2MAY 28, 2024

Digging in

Sand and gravel is processed and sorted at the current Travis Materials plant.

JANE TURCHICOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bastrop County residents voice concerns about the encroaching mining industry

rock crusher permit request by Travis Materials for the company’s new mining location on a 900-acre property encompassing the site of the former Barton Hill Farms. Some residents voiced concerns about hazardous trac conditions, noise and sand debris.

industry according to the global research database IBISWorld. Open acreage near the Colorado River makes FM 969 area valuable for mining. Bastrop residents’ rst opportunity for input was at a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hearing on March 7. The hearing was for a

BY JANE TURCHI

At least ve sand and gravel mining companies located along FM 969 in Bastrop County—several of which began operation in the past year—harvest silt deposited by the Colorado River. Texas sand and gravel mining is a $2.1 billion

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Urban Beauty now open o of Hwy. 71 (Page 7)

Government: New sports facility proposal (Page 10)

Education: BISD FY 2024 25 budget changes (Page 13)

Dining: Bearded Baking Co. expands menu (Page 22)

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1311 Chestnut Street | Bastrop, Texas 78602 | 512-332-8800 info@cityofbastrop.org | www.cityofbastrop.org

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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.

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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Travis Baker Publisher

Correction: Volume 1, Issue 1 On page 18, The Boring Co. and SpaceX received at least 13 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality violations. Bastrop ISD reported that 110 homes are built on Snailbrook, but there are only 14 currently completed.

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Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

GORDON ST.

Now open

5 1

Bastrop

FISHERMAN'S PARK

BASTROP STATE PARK

150

2571

COLORADO RIVER

EMILE ST.

6 In The Sticks Co-owners Keith Chamberlain and Alan Barnette— who also started Prima Dora on South Congress in Austin—o er a range of merchandise made by artists, with an emphasis on artists from Central Texas. The small storefront is lled with colorful items. Barnette said he enjoys curating the unique items for his shop while also supporting the artists who make them. • Opened March 29 • 928 Main St., Bastrop • 512-409-3146

230

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened March 21 • 205 NE Loop 230, Smithville • Instagram: abbeys_tavernandgrill

Now open

1 Urban Beauty Bastrop Local husband-and-wife duo Corey and Sarah McElmurray launched the beauty salon, which specializes in hair

111

4 Comfort Cafe On The Go Part of the Comfort Cafe family, founders Theresa and Rosalina Lopez designed the food truck to o er a taste of the original Smithville spot. • Opened April 26

coloring services. • Opened March 1 • 1011 Main St., Bastrop • www.urbanbeautybastrop.com 111

In the news

• 710 Chestnut St., Bastrop • Facebook: ComfortCafe

7 The Old Town Restaurant & Bar The restaurant and bar celebrated its 10th anniversary the weekend of April 6. • 931 Main St., Bastrop • www.oldtownbastroptx.com

2 Frost Bank The bank o ers a range of personal and commercial

Relocations

nancial services. • Opened April 1 • 494 Hwy. 71 W., Ste 100, Bastrop • www.frostbank.com

5 Tough Cookie Bakery Owners Chris and Jennie McEwan and their team relocated the business from its former spot o of Chestnut St. Tough Cookie’s food options are vegan or vegetarian, with many gluten-free options as well. • Relocated in March • 1003 Main St., Bastrop • www.toughcookiebakery.com

Closings

3 Abbey’s Tavern & Grill Local couple Chef Ephriam “EZ” Martinez and Amber Rinker opened the doors to the new Smithville eatery, which o ers locally sourced comfort food. In addition to food and drinks, Abbey’s Tavern & Grill o ers catering.

8 Best Friends Doggy Daycare The dog day care facility allowed pets to socialize safely. • Closed March 15 • 488 Hwy. 71, Bastrop

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

younger will oer themed activities, such as games, crafts, art, storytelling and more. • May 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop • www.visitbastrop.com Relay for Life of Southern Bastrop County Beneting the American Cancer Society, the community-based fundraising walk also oers an opportunity for cancer survivors and family members to connect. • May 4, 7-11 p.m. • Free • Erhard Stadium, 1624 Hill St., Bastrop • www.relayforlife.com Bastrop Pride Nonprot Bastrop Pride, which aims to increase the visibility of and decrease prejudice against the LGBTQ community, will kick o its annual celebrations with a drag show May 31. • May 31-June 2, times vary • Free (street fair and Pride in the Park) • Vibe Tribe, 1105 Main St., Bastrop (drag show); downtown Bastrop (street fair); Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop (Pride in the Park) • www.bastroppride.org

May

Reections: Bastrop County Through the Lens of Bob Parvin

The special exhibition will showcase Bastrop-centered images by award-winning photographer Bob Parvin, with a focus on the evolution of the county over the last 40 years. • Through June 29, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop • www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com Into the Wild The family-friendly exhibit will feature works from reptile sculptures to abstract wildlife paintings and more. On May 3 from noon-4 p.m., a representative from the Central Texas Herpetology Society will present

Lemonade Day Nearly 100 lemonade stands run by area children will pop up throughout Bastrop—from neighborhoods to businesses, parks and more. Thirsty visitors can visit the stands and purchase lemonade. It’s all part of Lemonade Day’s goal to teach children the ins and outs of starting, owning and operating their own businesses. • May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

live reptiles to accompany the exhibit. • May 3, 4-7 p.m.; May 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free • Found Fine Art, 912 Water St., Bastrop • www.foundfa.com

• Free (participation) • Throughout Bastrop • www.lemonadeday.org

Cinco de Mayo 4 Niños The family-friendly esta for children ages 12 and

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Government

Bastrop seeks home for new sports facility The city of Bastrop received a design proposal for a 90-acre sports facility east of Technology Drive on Bastrop Economic Development Corpora- tion-owned land. The cost of the proposed concept plan and 3D model by Austin landscape architecture rm LUCK Design Team totals $26,200. The project is one of multiple options the city is considering for a new recreation center facility, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said. “We as a council recognize the importance of having more recreational facilities,” Mayor Lyle Nelson said at the Feb. 27 City Council meeting. What to expect A walking trail, swimming pool and playground have been discussed in preliminary planning for the facility. Softball, baseball and soccer elds are also outlined in the current plans.

Bastrop installs new HOT task force Following concerns regarding the use of hotel occupancy tax funds, Bastrop City Council has moved to install a task force. The new task force will evaluate the best means of using hotel tax funds. According to the tax code, Hotel occupancy tax funds may only be used to promote tourism, convention and hotel industry in the city. Seven appointments to the new task force were made including council members Cheryl Lee, Cynthia Meyer and Kevin Plunkett as

The Bastrop Recreation Center currently holds 32 attendees per class due to limited space.

COURTESY THE BASTROP RECREATION CENTER

council liaisons. How we got here

Hotel occupancy tax funds are used by the Visit Bastrop organization. An investigation into the organization found inaccuracies— including an incorrect number of hotel rooms occupied for an event—in a 2023 report.

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BY JANE TURCHI

City reduces Main Street budget

Bastrop Gateway project awaits rezoning decision Bastrop City Council remanded the Bastrop Gateway development back to sta for consid- eration of amendments discussed at the April 9 meeting. In November Round Rock design rm Place Designers applied for the rezoning of the 31-acre plot of land along Hwy. 71 for retail and multifamily development in Bastrop. If approved, the undeveloped tract of land behind Bucc-ee’s would be rezoned as a planned devel- opment district. The plans include 600 residential units, including townhomes and apartments, as well as retail space and a hotel. Community members voiced concerns over the loss of trees, local wildlife and increased strain on already busy tra¡c conditions at an April 2 meeting to discuss the development.

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The 2024 Main Street Program budget will receive a $25,000 reduction from its original $532,000 budget. As the Main Street manager position has been vacant since December with no needed salary, there is little impact expected with the budget reduction. By the numbers The $25,000 typically funded by the Bas- trop Economic Development Corporation will be removed from the 2024 budget due to the reallocation of the corporation’s funds to the newly installed street maintenance tax. The tax reallocates 75% of the BEDC budget to roadwork. The majority of the Main Street Program budget, $459,000, is funded by hotel occu- pancy tax revenue.

The latest The following revisions were shared at the meeting as part of the updated development proposal: • Move the proposed 12-story hotel down the crest of the hill to be less dominant in the Bastrop skyline • A 50-foot natural buer between neighboring property Developers plan to complete the project in four phases with the completion of phase 1 in 2026.

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Government

BY JANE TURCHI

Mayor Lyle Nelson issued highest sanction for elected o cial refused to provide requested material, including text messages, and in doing so interfered with the investigation. What took place Directed by council, Mayor Pro Tem John

The city of Bastrop’s ethics commission unani- mously voted to issue Mayor Lyle Nelson a letter of reprimand, the highest sanction for an elected o- cial, at the ethics commission meeting on April 10. Based on submitted evidence, the board found Nelson interfered in the Visit Bastrop investigation by lying and withholding information relevant to the investigation. Ethics board member Barbara Caldwell called for the mayor to resign at the hearing, stating Nelson is “not the kind of mayor that we need or deserve.” The background A nancial audit by Haynie & Company found about $70,000 of public funds approved by former Visit Bastrop CEO Susan Smith—with whom Nelson had a romantic relationship—lacked proper docu- mentation between 2021-23. According to the audit, food and entertainment expenses were referenced related to the improper use of funds. The complaint against Nelson alleged that he

Kirkland led an ethics complaint against Nelson on Jan. 18 for his alleged interference in the Visit Bastrop investigation. The committee heard Kirkland’s testimony and reviewed the submit- ted evidence at the April 10 meeting. Prior to the mayor’s interview with investiga- tor Sarah Glaser of Lloyd Gosselink Attorneys at Law, he had completed his yearly ethics training. In the interview, Nelson claimed to have no romantic relationship with Smith, a statement he later admitted was a lie. The defense conceded the interference was intentional, but argued it was not wrongful as part of his right to privacy.

Mayor Lyle Nelson took oce in June.

JANE TURCHICOMMUNITY IMPACT

“I think it is time now Bastrop needs to move forward. We need to try to heal from this and Lyle, I think

you can do that ... I think that the council and you need to begin to work better for the citizens of Bastrop.”

BERNIE JACKSON, ETHICS COMMISSION MEMBER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JANE TURCHI

Bastrop ISD adjusts FY 2024 25 planned budget by $7.6M to address shortfall

Budget adjustments More than $7.6 million in adjustments were made to the projected 2024-25 budget to address the $7.8 million shortfall.

Revenue

Expenses

Following adjustments to Bastrop ISD’s planned budget for scal year 2024-25, a $188,000 shortfall remains, o cials said at the April 16 board meet- ing. The adjustments follow funding changes that left the district with a $7.8 million shortfall under the previously planned budget. The budget is based on a total revenue of $128 million expected for the 2024-25 year. What happened The 88th Texas Legislature failed to pass a funding increase bill, leaving Texas school districts with the same basic allotment as in 2019, despite ination. The expiration of federal COVID-19 recovery funds known as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief as well as over $400,000 lost in federal Medicaid reimbursement funding have also impacted the budget, o cials said. Current situation In response to the reduced funds, district depart- ments have been asked to reduce their budgets by 15%. Budget cuts would also impact Multi-Tiered Systems of Support coaches and social worker programs in the district. “These kids need these services, and I am painfully aware of that,” board member Pricilla Ruiz said. Teachers and parents voiced concerns about the reduction of behavioral services as well as gifted and talented programs to accommodate the budget at the April 16 school board meeting. “Basically, we’re cutting programs that will

help to prepare our students to be successful members of society and oering the bare mini- mum, which is against what the district stands for: the future,” BISD parent Kayla Russell said at the meeting. Other budget reductions were made by utilizing grant and general funds where possible. The reduction of retire/rehire teachers positions will also be made gradually. Campus budgets were not reduced. The district’s remaining ESSER funds were utilized in the budget to help address the shortfall. When possible, expen- ditures were prepaid by with the FY 2023-24

Original planned budget for FY2024-25

$7.8M shortfall

$128M

$135.8M

Adjusted budget for FY2024-25 $128M

$188K shortfall

$128.2M

SOURCE: BASTROP ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

budget, Edgar said. On the bright side

“By cutting these programs from our campuses you are starving us of the resources that we depend on to stay a oat.” TONI MALONE, BASTROP FEDERATION OF TEACHERS PRESIDENT

BISD attendance rates are up, which will have a positive impact on state funding coming into the district, Chief Financial O cer Dina Edgar said at the April 16 school board meeting. The district has a projected average daily attendance of 11,915 for the 2024-25 school year—an over 3% increase from this school year. “We started out with a disadvantage, but we’re faring as well if not better than most districts that have a better advantage over us,” Edgar said. A return to prepandemic attendance levels would result in an $2 million increase in funding for the district, Edgar said at the meeting. Looking ahead The proposed FY 2024-25 budget will be presented May 21 followed by a public hearing

for budget adoption June 18. The district’s ninth and 10th elementary schools have been approved in the 2023 bond. The district plans to delay the opening of one school by a year to stagger the strain of startup costs on the annual budget, school board Presi- dent Ashley Mutschink said at the meeting.

BASTROP EDITION

Transportation

Real estate

BY JANE TURCHI

Homes in the 78612 zip code were on the market for an average of 170 days in March. Residential market data

An agreement between the city of Bastrop and Bastrop County has been made to continue the county’s maintenance work into the city limits. The city will purchase the material, and county workers will perform the maintenance work. Work on Lovers Lane began in mid April and is expected to complete mid May. All of Homan Road will also be paved by the county. A similar agreement was approved with the Bas- trop County Water Control Improvement District No. 2 to perform road maintenance on multiple Tahitian Village roads. “This is really another win for us,” Mayor Lyle Nelson said at the meeting. “Utilizing [the county’s] expertise and their equipment, we’re able to accelerate or at least implement our street maintenance program a lot earlier.” Crews start work on Lovers Lane

Homes sold by price point in March 2024

MAUNA LOA LN.

The following roads will receive maintenance as part of the agreements:

352

78602

78612

HONOPU DR.

$900,000+

WCID #2 Agreement: 3 Aloha Lane 4 Kohala Lane County Agreement: 1 Homan Road 2 Lovers Lane

BASTROP STATE PARK

MAHALO COURT

5 7

$700,000-$899,999

150

3 6 2

$500,000-$699,999

TAHITIAN DR.

32 12

$300,000-$499,999

5 Koui Court 6 Reva Court

<$299,999

78602

What’s next Work on Piney Ridge and Tahitian Village streets is expected to follow using a similar agreement with the county, Rosales said at the meeting. The roads will receive a chip seal maintenance treat- ment to seal cracks in the road and extend the life of the pavement. Price estimates of the work totals $83,129 plus up to $10,000 for riprap, erosion preventing rock, which will need to be added to Aloha Lane, ocials said.

Median home sales price

"These are the four streets we’re going to do this year with WCID, and then every year annually we’ll bring more streets that are inside the city," ANDRES ROSALES, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

304

March

2023

2024

78612

$380,000

$374,998

78602

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

$419,900

$417,000

78612

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741

GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

Bastrop County residents voice concerns about the encroaching mining industry From the cover

1 Barton Hill Cemetery 2 Former Barton Hill Farms

Key:

Mines along FM 969

Two-minute impact

COLORADO RIVER

157

Future area of Barton Mine The Travis Materials future dig site at the former Barton Hill Farms. Land leased: 900 acres Expected opening: 2025

969

Texas has seen a drastic growth in the gravel mine industry since it deregulated the industry in 2005, said State Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Williamson County while addressing Georgetown residents about similar concerns. As mines continue to open, residents are looking at the impact of the rapidly developing sector on the area. Erin Flynn and her husband, Skip Connett, own a ower farm overlooking the Rambo Materials mine. “It’s not unusual to hear noise at 3 and 4 a.m.” Flynn said.

1209

969

Travis Materials will limit running the rock crusher to one hour before sunrise and after sunset ocials at the company said. Weynand said the company welcomes residents to schedule a tour of the facility if they have concerns.

NOTE: FINAL LAND PURCHASES ARE STILL EXPECTED AND THIS IS NOT THE EXACT ACREAGE.

SOURCE: GOOGLE MAPS, TXDOTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

in 30-acre increments each year in a process of mining the land then relling the hole with the overburden, or topsoil, from following dig sites throughout the 660-acre mine. Once the materials are extracted, the land is reclaimed and used for grazing cattle.

Materials produces 8,000-10,000 tons of aggre- gate each day, Weynand told Community Impact . The company employs 40-50 individuals, including wheel loaders and mechanics, living in Bastrop, Elgin, Cedar Creek and East Austin. At the Travis Materials mine, land is excavated

According to the Bureau of Economic Geology in Austin, mining has increased in response to the demand for sand and gravel also known as aggregate used to accommodate rapid urbaniza- tion in the region. Another mine along FM 969 run by Travis

Extraction of sand and gravel involves removing the overburden or topsoil. This process involves the use of diggers and dump trucks. Extraction

Raw material is then screened, washed and dried. Rock crushing and sorting machines used in this step are often the source of noise concerns. Processing

Trucks are loaded with processed sand and gravel known as aggregate to be transported to wholesale buyers. Transport

SOURCE: MIKE WEYNANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Celebrating our U.S. Chamber of Commerce Four-Star Accreditation!

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BY JANE TURCHI

Also of note

Looking ahead

Barton Hill Cemetery, the resting place of African Americans, some of whom once worked the land, is located on the Barton property near the future plant site. Louise Barnes—whose family lived on the prop- erty—has parents, grandparents and great-grandpar- ents buried at the Barton Hill Cemetery. “It was disturbing when I saw that they had moved the dirt and cleared out all around the cemetery. It just seems like the cemetery is right in the middle of all of that,” Barnes said. Irma Bookman who lives near Rambo mine and has family in the Barton Hill Cemetery, said she would like to see mining companies work with neighbors to address concerns. “I think there are solutions that can be easily implemented,” Bookman said. Despite the nearby work, arrangements to visit the cemetery can be made like always, Weynand said.

Weynand said he plans to add turn lanes and widen the section of FM 969 to aid trac ow in front of the future mine. Neighborhood residents plan to create a community advisory council to initiate conversation between mining companies and the surrounding community. “We’ve gone and turned this pastoral setting into a commercial setting—industrial—and yet there’s never been a conversation,” Flynn said.

The Texas Department of Transportation recently lowered trac speeds along FM 969 from 65 mph to 60 mph due to public concern. Any further speed reductions await a follow-up trac study on the roadway. Listed as one of the county’s most congested roadways in the 2023 Bastrop County Transportation Plan, FM 969 will be increased from a two-lane to a six-lane divided highway to ease trac ow.

Projected turn lane at future mine Plans for turn lane on FM 969 in front of the future Travis Materials mine site are in the works.

969

Planned widening Previously widened road section

Travis Materials future mining site

SOURCE: TRAVIS MATERIALSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

For nearly 30 years, Yesterfest has oered attendees a chance to relive the history of Bastrop through a combination of reenactors, demonstrators, speakers and storytellers. Set up in the historic downtown area, this year’s free festival promises to be just as entertaining as it is informative, according to BCHS Director of Events Nancy Wood, who said she expects to see around 2,000-3,000 in attendance. Pine and Water streets will be lled with activities, including an 1830s-era saloon and bowling alley, a blacksmithing area, vendors and acoustic music performances. "This event is a celebration of our community's rich heritage,” Wood said. Take a stroll through history

The details

Yesterfest will take place on May 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the festivities by visiting the museum at 904 Main St., Bastrop and collecting an event program. Visitors can explore the exhibits and stroll the route of demonstrators, vendors and stages.

1 Bastrop County Historical Society 2 Demonstrations, storytellers and more 3 Vendors, main stage, roping, games and more

CHESTNUT ST.

Ocials said hundreds of demonstrators, vendors, actors and musicians will help create Yesterfest 2024.

COURTESY CARL GROSSMAN

SOURCE: BASTROP MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Community

BY JANE TURCHI

Eden East Farm owner David Barrow plans to expand the farm’s chicken coop in 2024.

Caterpillar tunnels are used to protect some produce from harsh Texas weather.

PHOTOS BY JANE TURCHICOMMUNITY IMPACT

Eden East Farm oers local produce on Main Street Eden East Farm sells fresh, organic produce to the Bastrop community. Goods grown on-site are available for purchase at the Eden East Farm stand from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The backstory

Fresh, in-season produce, including turnips, radishes, broccoli, cabbage and kale, are grown on the farm. Between 800 and 1,000 pounds of food are harvested at the farm each week, Barrow said. Also of note The farm seeds 95% of its produce on-site. Those looking to start their own gardens can pick up seasonal seeds for free at the farm’s seed library. The farm oers a discount to customers who drop o compostable goods during farm stand hours. Looking ahead The farm will expand the chicken coop and native garden in 2024. Work to add more garden space will also soon be underway.

Eden East Farm seeds 95% of produce on-site.

In 2020, David Barrow and his wife, Sonya Cote, moved their Austin farm to Bastrop, expanding to ll 4 acres of farmland o Bastrop’s Main Street. “We have been welcomed with open arms here in Bastrop. We’re very happy to be here,” Barrow said. “We’re just going to work our butts o and continue doing what we do.” Produce from the farm services Storehouse Market and Eatery in downtown Bastrop, also owned by the couple.

HAWTHORNE ST.

1910 Main St., Bastrop www.edeneastaustin.com

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Business

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

People young and old are encouraged to select the owers they want for their personalized bouquets.

Owner Amanda Gruetzner said her son, Mason, is her biggest cheerleader.

PHOTOS COURTESY BEAUTIFULLY WILD FLOWER TRUCK

Beautifully Wild Flower Truck blooms in Bastrop Local Amanda Gruetzner said she has always been crafty but never found a way to express her passion that felt just right. After running a successful Etsy shop selling faux oral hoops and hand-painted items, she decided she wanted to step it up a notch, but she said she was unsure what her next venture should be. However, while traveling to see Taylor Swift perform in Nashville last spring, a seed was planted within her that has since blossomed into a ower shop on wheels. Since opening Beautifully Wild Flower Truck in December, Gruetzner has invited people to stop and smell the roses. What’s special about it? At the pick-your-own bouquet bar, people are

The Beautifully Wild Flower Truck was started by Amanda Gruetzner in December.

invited to hand-select each ower for their person- alized arrangement, which is then hand-wrapped and tied by Gruetzner—with the option to include a hand-written note or card. A closer look The mobile ower shop has no stationary address but is available at a range of local pop-ups and event bookings each month. Those wanting to check it out should follow Beautifully Wild Flower Truck on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with where to nd the truck. “Beautifully Wild Flower Truck brings so much joy,” Gruetzner said. “Flowers aren’t controver- sial. Everyone loves them, and they just make people happy.”

Looking ahead Gruetzner said she gets her owers from wholesalers in Austin, however she plans to begin working with Central Texas farmers in the spring to source her stems, with a goal of using her personal garden in 2025. Beautifully Wild Flower Truck will be at the following Bastrop spots in May: May 8: Double Eagle Ranch, 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 25: Downtown Bastrop, noon-sold out

Instagram: beautifully.wild

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BASTROP EDITION

Dining

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Maple bacon cupcakes ($50 a dozen) are some of the sweet baked goods at The Bearded Baking Company.

The Papa Bear burger ($15) is made with grilled pimento cheese, chicken-fried bacon and housemade ranch.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE BEARDED BAKING COMPANY

The Bearded Baking Co. oers 1st anniversary menu One year into their Bastrop journey, owners Wesley Dills and his husband, Adam Lloyd, have curated a new sweet and savory menu at The Bearded Baking Company. Looking back What’s on the menu? Using a collection of his favorite recipes picked up from family and friends, the dishes are named after people who have had a signicant impact on Dills’ life, he said.

Wesley Dills, Adam Lloyd own The Bearded Baking Co.

TBBC added a full savory menu along to their menu of ready-made baked goods in April to celebrate the business’ one-year anniversary. “We also have locally produced hot dogs topped with bear cave-made toppings,” Dills said, adding that “bear cave” is a term used to reference house- made items at TBBC. Hours of operation: Mon.-Wed.: closed, Thurs.: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dills said TBBC started with pop-up mar- kets in Austin. After a while, they found an opportunity to take over a South Austin space, noting that it was then they began stretching their “savory legs” to include Southern comfort food. The couple took their next big step in spring 2023 when they opened the cafe bakery on Main Street.

150

1006 Main St., Bastrop www.thebeardedbakingcompany.com

GET LOST—CLOSE TO HOME. Lost Pines is right in your own back yard, but it’s also a world away—perfect for a staycation, milestone celebration, or maybe just a dinner that’s a little dierent (in all the right ways). Hit the spa. Play some golf. Stay for a day, a night, or join our club and make Lost Pines your home away from home. It’s 405 acres of endless adventure, and it’s all just a short drive away.

LOSTPINESRESORTANDSPA.COM

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Virtually ip through any e-edition! Enhance your experience with hyperlinked stories and ads.

MOTHER’S DAY SALE

One IN-STOCK Item 20% OFF * Some exclusions may apply. See store for details. Expires 5.31.24. Must present coupon for discount.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINTARCHIVES Snap or visit

485 Highway 71 West, Bastrop, TX 78602 by Planet Fitness & Tractor Supply Call or Text: 512.321.2351

BASTROP EDITION

Where Your Beauty Dreams Come True

Welcomes You To

Yesterfest May 24th & 25th

HONORING THE PAST

FORGING THE FUTURE

Locally owned by 4x certified cos- metic & paramedical tattoo artist, Nicole Johnson

$75 AIRBRUSH BROW TINT + FREE LASH TINT Expires 6/5/24

60-MINUTE LASER TEETH WHITENING + FREE MINERAL & DESENSITIZING AT-HOME TREATMENT $145 (*$250 value) GET UP TO 14 SHADES WHITER! Expires 6/5/24

Friday, May 24th Beard & Mustache Contest 8 - 11pm | 602 Brewing Company 919 Main St. Featuring: The Rambling Mystics

Saturday, May 25th Re-enactors, Storytelling, Children’s Area & More 10 am - 4 pm Pine Street Downtown Bastrop, TX

Specializing in Permanent Brows & Eyeliner, Scar & Stretch Mark Concealing, Laser Teeth Whitening, Brow & Lash Tints (Including Airbrush) & Full Face Threading

1002 Chestnut St., Bastrop | (512) 898-9990 hello@sacredfacesalon.com • www.sacredfacesalon.com

Scan here for more info

SMALL PLATES. BIG MOMENTS.

She’s a most gracious southern host. e heart and soul of Lost Pines.

A spot for you to share, sip, and savor every minute. is is Maude’s, where the plates are small, the avors are big, and the conversation ows freely—just like our hand-craed cocktails, Texas cra beers, and thoughtfully selected wines. Join us in the dining room, on the porch, or by the re and enjoy life’s leisurely pleasures.

Present this voucher for a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two cocktails

LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA 575 HYATT LOST PINES RD. LOST PINES, TX 78612, USA

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TWO GREAT COMPANIES UNDER ONE ROOF Butler Contracting and Roofing Turtle Provide Fencing & Roofing Services to Bastrop County

$250 OFF Minimum $2,500 spend

ROOFING TURTLE

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Gutters

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Outdoor Living

WWW.ROOFINGTURTLE.COM | WWW.BUTLER.CONTRACTORS 844.628.8537 | 123 Longhorn St, Bastrop, TX 78602

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

A new leader to continue a

Reid Sharp Chairman of the Board

Stephen Lee President & CEO

Bob Long Senior Chairman

Please join us in welcoming Stephen Lee, the new First National Bank CEO and President. Stephen will uphold the values that have made First National Bank a trusted financial partner for generations before us — and will for generations to come.

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