Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | January 2026

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 FEB. 3MARCH 2, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor: 2026 Health & Wellness Edition

Recreation expands

BY JOEL VALLEY Bastrop ocials are taking a closer look at improving the quality of life for residents, as dis- cussions continue around potential improvements across the city’s parks and recreation system. City leaders said the goal is to better meet the needs of a community that is nearing 13,000 residents. Areas of focus include enhancements to the Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena, plans for a par 3 golf course and a series of tunnels The Boring Co. could construct to better connect pedestrians to local parks. While some of the projects remain in the early stages, ocials emphasized public input has played a key role as plans develop. Bastrop looks to enhance parks, trails and amenities

CONTINUED ON 16

An area resident casts a line at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop, where city-led improvements are providing residents with better recreational spaces and a higher quality of life. (Joel Valley/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

Transportation Page 9 Stay in the know on area road projects, including the recently completed Agnes Street extension

Health and wellness

Page 14

Impacts

Page 7

Discover how Jules Winson helps locals relieve stress through art at Cafe Monet

See what John Wayne Formica is cooking up at downtown’s newest hangout, Pluto’s Wine Bar

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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.

roll call.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Impacts

BLAKEYLN.

EDWARD BURLESON LN.

FISHERMAN'S PARK

3 4

304

150

WALNUTST.

EMILE ST.

R D

304

W. CLEARVIEW CEMETERY RD.

230

WATTERSON RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Now open

Coming soon

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

6 ATI Physical Therapy The practice will o¢er services related to joint and muscle conditions, ranging from physical therapy to injury screenings and more. • Burleson Crossing East, 663 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop • www.atipt.com 111

1 Firehouse Subs Customers can choose between signature or build-your- own hot and cold sub sandwiches, alongside salads, soups, sides and more. • Opened Dec. 26 • 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 118, Bastrop • www. irehousesubs.com 2 Frontier Bank executive o ces The Elgin-based company, which has nearly 10 locations throughout Central Texas, celebrated the opening of its new executive o ces in Bastrop. • Opened Dec. 5 • 921 Main St., Bastrop • www.frontierbankoftexas.bank Zenith Trek Owner Michael Muniz started Zenith Trek—an online camping supply brand aimed at keeping campers warm and comfortable. He called the Comfy Feet Sleeping Bag, which features an expanded footbox, his agship product.

3 LongHorn Steakhouse Construction on the 5,780-square-foot, $2 million project began in mid-2025. LongHorn Steakhouse serves a variety of fresh-cut steaks, seafood, chicken, lamb and more. • Opening Feb. 16 • 653 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.longhornsteakhouse.com

111

Relocations

4 Sprouts Farmers Market The grocery store will bring 82 full- and part-time jobs to the area, along with a focus on fresh and natural foods. • Opens March 6 • 651 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 101, Bastrop • www.sprouts.com 5 Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas Located on 2 acres of land donated through the Lost Pines Animal Alliance, the facility will feature a building for wildlife care and outdoor enclosures to accommodate wild animals being prepared for release back into the wild. • Opening by late March

7 Bastrop Prayer and Healing Rooms The nonpro£t organization relocated from a rented space into its permanent home Jan. 13. • 287 FM 20, Bastrop • www.bastrophealingrooms.com

In the news

8 Starbucks The co¢ee shop reopened Jan. 24 after routine maintenance and an interior renovation in early January. • 501 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.starbucks.com

• Launched in October • www.zenithtrek.com

• 304 Watterson Road, Bastrop • www.wildliferescuectx.org

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY

9 Kohl’s The American-based department store with more than 1,100 stores nationwide no longer plans to open in Bastrop. Kohl’s o¢ers clothing, jewelry, beauty supplies,

Now open

appliances, electronics and more. • 600 block Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.kohls.com

10 Kragh’s Jewelry Retail & Repair Founded in 1856 by Koy Kragh, the jewelry shop has served Bastrop for 70 years. Kragh’s Jewelry o¢ers a variety of related services, including custom jewelry design, engraving, stone setting, resizing, repairs, watch

battery replacement and more. • 485 State Hwy. 71 West, Bastrop • www.kraghsjewelry.com

12 The Birdsong Bar and Patio Smithville residents Brittany and Kyle Stinson launched their come-as-you-are hub that features pool tables, arcade games, a book and game nook, and patio games. The spot £lls the former home of a longtime local bar known as Charlie’s. • Opened Dec. 30 • 1200 NE Loop 230, Smithville • www.thebirdsongbar.com

13 Pluto’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop Veteran and Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica launched downtown Bastrop’s newest hangout, which includes a restaurant, bottle shop and wine club. Located within the former CC Wine & Co., which closed in mid-to-late 2025, Formica uses his training in classical French cuisine to create seasonal, family-style menus. • Opened Jan. 8 • 924 Main St., Bastrop • Instagram: @plutoswinebar

11 Store House Market & Eatery The farm-to-table downtown restaurant is celebrating its £fth anniversary. Menu items range from brunch to dinner, and include options such as the Storehouse Eggs Benedict made with Eden East Farms greens for $25. • 813 Main St., Bastrop • www.storehousebastrop.com

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY JOEL VALLEY

Bastrop County rejects $9.8M courthouse bid Bastrop County rejected an approxi- mately $9.8 million construction proposal for updates to the Bastrop County Courthouse and Jail Complex during a Dec. 22 meeting. In a nutshell The $9.8 million construction proposal from QA Construction was the only one received. “This proposed pricing is not considered fair and reasonable,” Leon Scaife, a purchasing agent for Bastrop County, said in a sta report. The budget, he emphasized, is about $4 million. What we know Both projects—expected to take 565 calendar days to complete—will be paid for with Capital Improve- ment Plan funds and certicates of obligation, according to county documents.

Scope of work for courthouse and jail complex

Bastrop news 3 stories we’re following online

HVAC replacement

Replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning units Extend annex stair for roof access Add structural steel, stair penthouse and rooftop unit supports Perform asbestos and lead abatement

1 Bastrop to establish Investment Committee The committee will provide “professional oversight and prudent management” of public funds.

2 Bastrop o cials plan new development code system

The Bastrop Building Block, or B3, Code will soon be replaced with the Bastrop Development Code—a framework that is expected to better guide future growth by ensuring regulations are “clearer, simpler and more predictable to administer.” 3 ESD No. 3 to operate as Bastrop County EMS The emergency services district will transition to a district-operated model by Oct. 1 as the “Bastrop County Emergency Medical Services” after obtaining its EMS Provider License from the state in December. To learn more, visit communityimpact.com/ news/austin/bastrop-cedar-creek

Roof repairs

Remove existing metal roong; install thermoplastic olen and standing-seam metal roong Replace gutters, downspouts and conductor heads Replace roof hatch Restore lightning protection system

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Hunters Crossing PID dissolution underway; $3.2M debt service will continue Bastrop ocials moved closer to dissolving the Hunters Crossing Public Improvement District by approving the transfer of public amenities to the city. Property owners will continue repaying about $3.2 million in outstanding capital debt before ocials can nalize the process. The details During a Dec. 9 meeting, council approved BIG HORN PASS BOWSTRING BEND transferring trails, elds, a pool and play areas from the Hunters Crossing Local Government Corp. to the city, who will take over maintenance. The outlook The PID’s remaining $3.2 million in capital debt will continue to be repaid by property owners until the bonds are retired, completing the district’s dissolution. REMINGTON RUN Hunters Crossing subdivision

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Transportation

BY JOEL VALLEY

290

Completed projects

TUCKER HILL LN.

290

OLD HWY. 20

COUNTY RD.

130

BLAKEY LN.

EDWARD BURLESON LN.

AUSTIN HWY.

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812

183

Update: groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 28 • Timeline: 2025-28 • Cost: $58.5 million • Funding source: Texas State Highway Fund 7 Old Iron Bridge rehabilitation Project: rehabilitating the Old Iron Bridge to include a concrete deck, steel truss components, railing and decorative lights Update: eastbound trac on the Loop 150 bridge closed to accommodate the rehabilitation • Timeline: expected to inish construction Sept. 11 • Cost: $10.1 million • Funding source: certiicates of obligation series 2018, 2023 and 2025 6 Agnes Street extension Project: extending Agnes Street south of Hwy. 71 to reduce trac congestion and improve access to nearby businesses, apartments and hotels Update: ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Dec. 29 • Timeline: March 6, 2025-Dec. 29, 2025 • Cost: $3.5 million • Funding source: 2021 Texas General Land Ofice Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funds

150

AGNES ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Update: preliminary plans to become a four-lane divided highway with a grassy median • Timeline: schematic design and environmental study underway • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD

Upcoming projects

1 Hwy. 290 extension Project: reducing congestion along 15 miles of Hwy. 290 between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South Update: public survey concluded Oct. 10 • Timeline: expected to complete irst draft of schematic design mid-2026 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD 2 FM 812 improvement Project: upgrading FM 812 to improve safety and reduce congestion, and to improve mobility Update: project spans from US 183 in Travis County to Hwy. 21 in Bastrop County • Timeline: expected to inalize design plans in spring 2026 • Cost: $145 million • Funding source: Texas State Highway Fund 3 Hwy. 21 expansion Project: expanding Hwy. 21 approximately 7 miles from County Road to Old Highway 20

Ongoing projects

4 Blakey Lane extension Project: extending Blakey Lane, from Edward Burleson Lane to a proposed street called Reed Way, south from Reed Way to an intersection at Old Austin Highway, with roundabout options Update: initial design is underway • Timeline: scheduled to begin construction March 16 • Cost: $7 million-$8 million • Funding sources: transportation impact fees, roadway maintenance fees, and water and wastewater fees 5 Hwy. 71 and Tucker Hill Lane improvements Project: converting a signalized intersection at Tucker Hill Lane into a grade-separated overpass and constructing new one-way frontage roads

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Access to high-quality care in our community Our commitment to excellence and keeping you close to home

Ascension Seton Smithville received a Critical Access Hospital designation — a federal recognition given to rural hospitals essential to their communities. This designation allows us to expand access to high-quality care in Bastrop County and rearms our commitment to continue growing our specialty programs locally, keeping you close to home.

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Health & wellness

BY JOEL VALLEY

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Health & Wellness edition for Bastrop-Cedar Creek! This issue highlights the people, places and programs in Bastrop County that make it easier to live well mentally and physically. From local peer support groups to the county’s new mental health platform, we explore meaningful ways to care for yourself close to home. For those looking to get moving, Reporter Joel Valley takes us through parks and recreation updates across the city, while Reporter Sienna Wight highlights Café Monet’s hands-on stress relief through art. We also spotlight three Bastrop juice shops promoting healthy lifestyles and share a curated list of wellness events to help you recharge and connect with neighbors. As always, our goal is to connect you to local resources and businesses that make well- being accessible here in Bastrop County. Whether you’re seeking advice, inspiration or a new routine, this edition is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. Here’s to wellness, growth and balance—right here in our own backyard.

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County mental health platform helps 1,200 in rst 3 months

The Bastrop Public Health Department reported more than 1,200 adults and youth have registered to use its free mental health services platform since its launch in October. Ocials said they are pleased with that gure and expect it to grow. Why it matters The Behavioral Health 360 program provides free public access to resources for user mental health and well-being improvement; interactive assess- ments; and mental health and well-being topic write-ups, according to county documents. “It has gone really well since its launch,” said BPHD Director Donna Nichols, noting the response has been “phenomenal.” Zooming in Nichols highlighted that youth aged 18 and younger are utilizing the program the most. “We just nished talking with the Smithville ISD School Health Advisory Committee, and

they’re going to add [the program] to their list of resources.” Some background Bastrop County Commissioners Court authorized the licensing agreement with the CredibleMind platform for its Behavioral Health 360 program during a meeting July 28. Bastrop County residents can access the Behav- ioral Health 360 program online, where there are a variety of resources available, including: • The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline • Thriveworks, an online platform that helps users search for virtual and in-person mental health care providers • Counseling for veterans and their families • The Texas Youth Helpline • The Smithville Community Clinic

The outlook Credible Mind is currently nanced with funds from a previously awarded grant. Nichols said the county plans to use money received through opioid settlements for its second annual license fee.

The cost of Bastrop's Behavioral Health 360 program Paid for with remaining funds from a National Association of County and City Health Ocials grant

Annual license fee Annual Spanish language translation fee Cost of implementation

$13.2K

$2.5K $2K

Total: $17,700

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Health & wellness Peer support groups

BY JOEL VALLEY

Size: varies Meeting time: varies Frequency: monthly • Hampton Inn and Suites, 240 S. Hasler Blvd., Bastrop • 936-657-8012 • www.smithvillecommunityclinic.org

Bastrop

GriefShare The program, designed for people who are grieving the death of a loved one, helps participants navigate the emotional, mental and spiritual challenges that come

with grief. Size: varies Meeting time: 10 a.m. Frequency: weekly on Fridays • River Valley Christian Fellowship, 1224 Hwy. 71 W., Bldg. B, Bastrop • 512-308-2570 • www.griefshare.org

Smithville Community Clinic - Opioid Support Group

The program, facilitated by a certied recovery support peer specialist, oers education, accountability and connection in a safe, judgment-free environment for those impacted by opioid use. Size: varies Meeting time: 6-7:30 p.m. Frequency: rst and third Thursday of the month • Hampton Inn and Suites, 240 S. Hasler Blvd., Bastrop • 512-798-3753 • www.smithvillecommunityclinic.org This list is not comprehensive.

Family Crisis Center The nonprot oers services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. Size: varies Meeting time: varies Frequency: varies • 431 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-321-7760 • www.family-crisis-center.org

Smithville Community Clinic - Divorce Therapeutic Support Group The psychoeducational group is designed to support healing, growth and connection for individuals navigating divorce.

Health & wellness

BY JOEL VALLEY

Check out these local spots with recent business updates. CI Sips

From cold-pressed juices to protein blends, Bastrop’s health-focused drink options keep growing.

Bastrop

Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar Char Rebell and Stephanie Berry took over the juice and smoothie bar last fall with plans to transform the business into a wellness cafe. • Took ownership in September 2025 • 702 Main St., Ste. 103, Bastrop • www.radiantjuicebar.com

Sunny Hill Juice and Provisions Owner Dominique Barnett serves cold-pressed juices, hydrogen water, drip coees and more. Barnett also oers locally sourced menu items, including vegetables from Eden East Farm.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe The cafe oers a variety of smoothies, including protein blends made with Greek yogurt, nuts and fruit. The eatery also serves bowls, £atbreads, wraps, salads and more. • Opened Nov. 23, 2025 • Burleson Crossing, 717 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 400, Bastrop • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

• Opened Sept. 2, 2025 • 2801 Loop 150, Bastrop • https://sunnyhilljuice.com

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Health & wellness

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Jules Winson opened Bastrop’s Cafe Monet in early 2025 to bring clay art to the area.

Owner Jules Winson poses with a piece that she created.

PHOTOS BY SIENNA WIGHT COMMUNITY IMPACT

Cafe Monet oers hands-on stress relief through art Pottery, clay and wheel studio Cafe Monet pro- vides a space to ex creativity and relieve stress in Bastrop. Winson said the various classes present partici- pants with the opportunity to ground themselves and calm their minds.

Nestled inside the Hyperloop Plaza, Cafe Monet is open noon-8 p.m. on weekends.

After more than two decades in Southwest Aus- tin, owner Jules Winson opened a second location in Bastrop last year, inspired by the area’s rapid growth and her own childhood memories. What they oer Located inside the Hyperloop Plaza, the studio provides:

“Working with my hands helps me slow down,” Winson said. “Especially working with clay. Clay just sort of requires you to ... be really present in the moment.”. Why it matters Winson said she aims for Cafe Monet to support mental and emotional health. “Wellness to me means full care of your body, mind and your spirit,” she said. “That’s why I wanted to open out there just to help people feel connected to their creativity and their self-expression.”

969

1209

• Pottery wheel “Try It” classes • Paint-your-own-pottery sessions • Clay handbuilding • Workshops

865 FM 1209, Bastrop www.cafemonet.org

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY JOEL VALLEY

Events

Brain boost The Bastrop Recreation Center is oering a social program every Wednesday in February that is designed to keep participants’ minds active and engaged. Each session will feature a new brain-stimulating activity, encouraging mental tness, social interaction and ongoing cognitive engagement. • Through Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Recreation Center, 1008 Water St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org Blood drive Bastrop County residents can help their neighbors at one of We Are Blood’s upcoming blood drives. • Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Free (registration) • Cedar Creek High School, 793 Union Chapel Road, Cedar Creek • www.weareblood.org Chair yoga The Bastrop Community Senior Center will host chair yoga every Wednesday in February. The low-impact classes are designed to help older adults and those with limited mobility improve exibility, balance and relaxation. • Through Feb. 25, 10:15-11:20 a.m. • Free (admission after $25 annual membership) • Bastrop Community Center, 1209 Linden St., Bastrop • www.bastropcommunityseniorcenter.org Dance t The Bastrop Recreation Center is oering cardio dance classes every Wednesday in February designed for participants of all tness levels. Routines are choreographed to a variety of musical styles and eras. • Through Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Recreation Center, 1008 Water St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org

Total body The Bastrop Recreation Center is oering full-body strength and conditioning classes every Monday in February aimed at improving strength, endurance and overall tness. Participants will engage in a variety of exercises using dierent equipment to challenge

muscles and enhance physical performance. • Feb 9-23, 9 a.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Recreation Center, 1008 Water St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org

Yoga The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bastrop will host community yoga classes every Wednesday in February, open to the public. It is designed for all experience levels and focuses on gentle movement, stretching and relaxation. • Through Feb. 25, 12-1 p.m. • Free (registration) • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 140 Tahitian Drive, Bastrop • www.churchojesuschrist.org

Geocaching Texas Geocampers will host a campout in the Creek Side camping area at Bastrop State Park, where there will be activities and ranger-led events. • Feb. 9, 6:30-8:15 p.m. • $25 (registration per family) • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop • www.geocaching.com This list is not comprehensive.

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Recreation expands From the cover

Playgrounds

Bastrop’s planned playground upgrades

COLORADO RIVER

LAUREL ST.

Bastrop

Bastrop’s playgrounds are getting a makeover with the city rolling out a series of upgrades in the coming months. The improvements, ocials said, aim to create more inclusive spaces while modernizing equipment.

During an Oct. 21 meeting, Bastrop City Council approved a $2.9 million purchasing contract for a variety of playground improvements ranging from new themed structures to splash pads and more. “Council had the opportunity to borrow some money with no impact to the tax rate, and also had the ability to pay down other debt because of some savings we did in the debt fund,” Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said during her State of the City address in early September. The nearly $2.9 million will be applied across four parks, including Minerva Delgado Park and Fisherman’s Park. “Minerva Delgado will have the city’s rst all- abilities park where children in wheelchairs will be able to access every single shade structure,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “We will also have a splash pad at Minerva Delgado that is all-abilities.” A splash pad at Minerva Delgado Park would not mark the rst in Bastrop, as there is an existing one at Fisherman’s Park. “I know the splash pad at Fisherman’s Park is very near and dear to some folks’ hearts,” Carrillo- Trevino said. “It’s a great area, and kids love it.” However, she emphasized it does not recirculate water, so the city plans to implement improvements from March 2 to May 18. “So in the summer months, we waste about a million gallons a month,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “That’s very painful when you have residents in the county or in the periphery whose wells are dropping precipitously.”

WILLOW ST.

150

AMERICAN LEGION DR.

EMILE ST.

150

7 1

Fisherman's Park Cost: $661,253 Address: 1200 Willow St., Bastrop

Minerva Delgado Park Cost: $1.7 million Address: 709 Laurel St., Bastrop

Fireman's Park Cost: $256,615 Address: 600 Hill St., Bastrop

Mayfest Park Cost: $250,048 Address: 25 American Legion Drive, Bastrop

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bark Park

Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena

Improvements at Mayfest Park Trails, trees and greenery Concessions Seating Restrooms Parking Signage and lighting Shaded areas

Beyond playground improvements, Bastrop ocials have identied the Bark Park, a 1.2-acre site along Grady Tuck Lane, as another key space for upgrades. “The park oers dogs the freedom to run, play and socialize while also fostering mean- ingful connections among their owners,” Parks and Recreation Director Terry Moore said during a meeting in June. These social interactions contribute signicantly to the sense of community and support well-being, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for all who visit. During a community improvement meeting in mid-2025, residents requested more shade and parking, and updated water features.

The city of Bastrop has sought resident input for improvements to the Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena since September as part of an eort to amend the “Experience Bastrop” Parks Master Plan. Margaret Staton—a 12-year-old who competes in barrel racing, pole bending and breakaway roping—is among the many who voiced a desire to see the benets that an upgraded facility would have on the community. “People say the Western way of life is dying, but I have seen rsthand towns much smaller than Bastrop turn into bigger cities when events come to town,” Staton said. Carrillo-Trevino told Bastrop City Council a feasibility study, which would help determine the potential cost of proposed amenities, would be shared with ocials at a future meeting.

Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena will undergo updates to enhance its usability for residents and visitors.

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JOEL VALLEY

The Boring Co.

The outlook

meetings focused on transportation, walkability and how residents can be better connected to recreational spaces through a series of trails. Those meetings, she said, sparked a conversation with Elon Musk’s The Boring Co. about a possible tunnel system to connect pedestrians to parks.

Carrillo-Trevino said she and other local ocials have long discussed improving connectivity throughout the city. During her September State of the City address, she told attendees that the city spent much of the previous year holding Bastrop Building Block Code

Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris stressed that when funding for projects becomes available, the city takes a measured approach before moving forward. For Bastrop, that means reviewing feasibility studies before committing resources—a process that once stopped a proposed youth sports complex from being built in the Business and Industrial Park, ocials said.

Potential tunnel system in Bastrop Bastrop city sta will further discuss with representatives from The Boring Company to explore the project’s feasibility before bringing it to council for the green light.

“We do what’s right for the people ... create spaces for family and neighbors to thrive together, and above all, keep Bastrop strong.”

Proposed tunnel segments Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 1 Ferry Park 2 Fireman's Park 3 Buc-ee's 4 Mayfest Park 5 Bastrop State Park

PARK RD. 1

CHESTNUT ST.

AMERICAN LEGION DR.

WALNUT ST.

150

ISHMAEL HARRIS, BASTROP MAYOR

EMILEST.

LOST PINES AVE.

COLORADO RIVER

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

YOUR EASIEST RESOLUTION YET

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)

Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Bastrop County residents can vote at the Bastrop County Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan St., during early voting or on Election Day. For more polling locations, visit www.bastropvotes.org/voting-schedule.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: R Republican D Democrat *Incumbent

State Representative District 17 R Tom Glass R Stan Gerdes D Robert Salter D Mary Elizabeth Klenz D Frank Gomez III County elections County Judge R Gregory Klaus* R Donald Loucks District Clerk R Tamara “Tammy” Batot R Holly Cox

R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos

R Esala Wueschner D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head

Sample ballot

State elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale

D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Hu¤man R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson State Senator, District 5 R Apollo Hernandez R Charles Schwertner R Larry Nance D Paul Thomasson D Kevin Nelson

R Nathaniel Welch D Patricia Abrego D Chris Bell

R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton

D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Jose Navarro Balbuena

D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Charles Andrew Crouch R Evelyn Brooks

D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz Lieutenant governor R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick*

R Sarah Loucks* R Ward Northcutt

SOURCES: BASTROP COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

The Bastrop-Cedar Creek housing market was more active in December than in November; however, the numbers still lag behind 2024 levels in both Bastrop County ZIP codes. Residential market data

December 2024

December 2025

Number of homes sold by zip code

Average days on market

+17.52%

-26.01%

-7.54%

+15.78%

78602

78612

78602

78612

Homes sold by price point in December 2025

78602

78612

- -

$900,000+

304

78612

3 3

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Bastrop-Cedar Creek

<$299,999

December

2024

2025

100 82

New listings

Closed sales

Median home sales price

Homes under contract

December

2024

2025

$401,000

$354,000

78602

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

$419,995

$354,990

78612

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PANAMA ROSE Vintage & Antique Shop, Turns One! Thank you, Bastrop County & Austin friends, for a wonderful first year! We honor Omayra, the Panamanian rose who inspired our name and our love of timeless treasures.

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We’re celebrating 120 years of Roscoe Bank by giving back to the communities we serve. Nominate your favorite local charity today. Each month, we'll surprise an organization in Bastrop County with a $1,200 donation and a chance to share their story! Our anniversary wish? Donating to charity, but we need your help! Whether it’s education, senior care, hunger relief, or another way they’re making an impact, your nomination could be the reason they’re recognized.

Scan here

to get started

@MyRoscoeBank

@RoscoeBankTX

Roscoe Bank, a Division of Cornerstone Capital Bank, SSB. Member FDIC. NMLS ID #2258. No purchase or account required to submit a nomination. Visit www.rsb.bank/120th-anniversary-giveback for nonprofit eligibility, how to enter, and full details.

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