Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | December 2025

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8 DEC. 28, 2025FEB. 2, 2026

2025 Senior Living Guide

Bastrop adds aordable and upscale senior homes

Bastrop residents play a game of chair volleyball at the Bastrop Community Senior Center on Dec. 5. Local leaders say the demand for active, community-centered senior living options is growing. JOEL VALLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

identied for the Bastrop County area. “For the longest time, Bastrop was on our radar,” said Bryan Beil, vice president of land acquisition for PulteGroup—the builders working on Del Webb Lost Pines. “Its proximity to the airport, small-town charm and just the number of 55-plus households in this area made it feel like a great opportunity.”

Community Senior Center, is pleased that develop- ers have targeted Bastrop for aordable housing. “My mother is 84, and her rent went up from $800 to $1,250,” she said during an Oct. 21 Bastrop City Council meeting. “She makes $1,700 a month. I subsidize her, but there’s only so much money I make.” A desire for upscale senior homes was also

BY JOEL VALLEY

As Bastrop’s population grows and ages, new housing developments are underway in the city— from single-family to active-adult communities and long-awaited aordable housing options for seniors. Locals are welcoming these developments, as each is

lling a need for more housing options. Kathy Metcalf, president of the Bastrop

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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 Brian Davis Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod 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

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

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HAWTHORNE ST.

Impacts

GORDON ST.

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BUTTONWOOD ST.

DEER LAKE

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• Opened Dec. 1 • Burleson Crossing, 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 110, Bastrop • www.palmbeachtan.com

What’s next

Now open

PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

1 Dockside BTX Owners Josh Nguyen and John Gross offer a curated menu at the former Cedar’s Mediterranean Grill spot, featuring seafood boils and fried foods, and plan to expand it in the coming weeks. • Opened Nov. 22 2 Edge Ink + Ideas The printing services company also helps authors from early-stage vision to final delivery. • Opened late September • 200 Fourth Ave., Smithville • www.edgeinkideas.com • 904 College St., Bastrop • Facebook: Dockside BTX 3 Palm Beach Tan The salon offers sunbed tanning, spray tanning, skin care services and wellness products.

6 Tractor Supply Co. The 21,702-square-foot Smithville location—scheduled to begin construction at the site on July 6, and be completed by Jan. 18, 2027—will cost approximately $2.4 million. • Smithville Industrial Park, intersection of Hwy. 230 and Hwy. 71, Smithville • www.tractorsupply.com

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Coming soon

4 The Birdsong Bar and Patio Owners Brittany and Kyle Stinson are opening a come- as-you-are hub that will feature pool tables, arcade games, a book and game nook, and patio games. • Opening by January • 1200 N.E. Loop 230, Smithville • www.thebirdsongbar.com 5 Pluto’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop The bottle shop, restaurant and wine club will fill the former CC Wine and Co. • Opening TBD • 924 Main St., Bastrop • Instagram: Pluto’s Wine Bar 111

Relocations

7 Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry Construction of a new 9,200-square-foot facility is nearing completion and will open for public service in the first quarter of 2026. The existing location at 806 Fayette St. will later be remodeled into a Community Education Center. • 1201 Pine St., Bastrop • www.bastropfoodpantry.org

Annual Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Banquet January 16, 2026 | 6:00pm to 10:00pm Bastrop Convention Center

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, BROOKE SJOBERG & JOEL VALLEY

11 Lower Colorado River Authority LCRA allocated $1.2 million for renovations of the day use and waterfront restrooms at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. • 375 S. Shore Road, Bastrop • www.lcra.org 12 Sendero The 75-acre mixed-use development team installed an arrowhead monument sculpted from steel on Nov. 20. • Sendero, 900 block Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop • www.senderobtx.com

In the news

Now open

8 Bastrop Chamber of Commerce The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce a five-star accreditation, placing the Bastrop chamber in the top 2% of chambers of

commerce nationwide. • 927 Main St., Bastrop • www.bastropchamber.com

9 Bastrop ISD Bastrop ISD’s 10th elementary school campus, a 106,477-square-foot facility, will be located near Waterford Boulevard in Cedar Creek. Construction is scheduled to begin in April and conclude in July 2027. • Waterford Boulevard, Cedar Creek • www.bisdtx.org 10 Bastrop Providence Funeral Home The locally owned business, which has a chapel that seats 250, with an additional family seating area and two staterooms, is celebrating 15 years of serving the Bastrop-area community. • 2079 Hwy. 71 E., Bastrop • www.bastropprovidencefuneralhome.com

Closings

14 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Menu items include a variety of smoothies, bowls, flatbreads, wraps, sandwiches and salads. • Opened Nov. 23 • Burleson Crossing, 717 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 400, Bastrop • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

13 Garcia’s Mexican Food Restaurant The eatery offered breakfast, lunch and dinner plates alongside a full bar featuring margaritas, cocktails and beers. • Closed Sept. 26 • Burleson Crossing, 747 Hwy. 71, Ste. B-600 • www.garciasrestaurants.org

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY JOEL VALLEY

Bastrop seeks Texas State University The city of Bastrop wants a Texas State University campus or satellite instructional center within the community. What else? Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris emphasized that Texas State University’s presence in Bas- trop would serve as a “catalyst for workforce development.” What they’re saying “We currently have no plans to expand ... but our team looks forward to working with the city of Bastrop to help them create a plan that best addresses their short- and long- term needs.” $43.1M grant to bring internet to rural Bastrop A $43.1 million Texas Broadband Development Oce grant is bringing high-speed ber to more than 10,000 Bastrop County homes and businesses that previously had no high-speed options. What we know With construction now underway, Bastrop County ocials and representatives from Highline— the provider installing the high-speed ber internet to previously underserved and unserved loca- tions—celebrated the milestone Dec. 3 at the Bastrop County Courthouse. Adena Lewis, Bastrop County’s director of tourism and economic development, said in a state- ment, credited several key players for their ongoing commitment to closing the digital divide in Bastrop County, including: • Bastrop County Commissioners Court • Bastrop County Cares • St. David’s Foundation • Communities Unlimited • Lower Colorado River Authority • Connected Nation • Bastrop Economic Development Co. “This signicant investment cements Bastrop

189-acre commercial site planned in county A 189-acre commercial development is planned for Bastrop County that could expand the region’s business corridor and tap into the area’s rapid population growth and ever-rising consumer demand. In a nutshell Tampa-based Franklin Street, a commer- cial real estate services rm, sold the vacant property to Cedar Creek EAT 1031 on behalf of 6682 FM 535 Associates on Dec. 2. The location neighbors a Lower Colorado River Authority substation and a $1.4 million data center campus in Cedar Creek.

Closing the digital divide Number of homes and businesses: 10,471 Investment : $43.1 million broadband grant and $11 million matching investment from Highline T echnology: Fiber-optic network delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds awarded through Bringing Online

$701.9M

Opportunities to Texas program to date

SOURCE: BASTROP COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

County’s commitment to closing the digital divide,” Lewis said. “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is vital for education, healthcare, business and community well-being.” Zooming in Bastrop County was one of 13 counties to earn the grant funding through the Bringing Online Opportu- nities to Texas, or BOOT II, program. “Expanding broadband countywide will ensure our students can learn, our businesses can grow and our residents can stay connected in an increasingly digital world,” Bastrop County Precinct 4 Commis- sioner David Glass said. The outlook Lewis added that installations of the high-speed ber internet are expected to be completed by late 2026. She emphasized that the initiative will unlock opportunities for residents in telehealth, remote learning, small business growth, civic engagement and more.

189-acre mixed-use commercial development

535

Austin Water halts Bastrop water storage project Austin Water ocials are no longer pursuing an Aquifer Storage and Recovery, or ASR, project in Bastrop County. The update Although Austin City Council was set to vote on a collaboration agreement with Bastrop

“Austin Water will continue to advance water supply storage strategies from the council-adopted Water Forward Plan.” SHAY RALLS ROALSON, AUSTIN WATER DIRECTOR

County that would have advanced the project to a eld-testing phase, Austin Water withdrew the item from the Nov. 20 council agenda. “While Austin put our best foot forward to achieve the collaboration and partnership that would be needed to complete testing and even- tually build such a regional project, we didn’t reach the level of partnership that is needed,” Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson said in a memorandum sent to Austin City Council. Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino

noted the agenda item removal. “The residents in Bastrop won,” she said in a Nov. 19 statement. The background The ASR project, which was approved as part of Austin’s Water Forward Plan, aimed to store and draw water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Bastrop County.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Q&A: Meet Bastrop ISD’s new superintendent Kristi Lee was named the new superintendent of Bastrop ISD at the board of trustees’ Dec. 16 meet- ing. She was named interim superintendent in July after former Superintendent Barry Edwards retired after 17 years, as previously reported by Community Impact in June. Lee holds a master’s and a doctorate in edu- cational leadership from Sam Houston State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Stephen F. Austin State University. She began her career in business before becoming a teacher in Normangee ISD, where she later became principal at an elementary school, then a high school. She also served as a high school principal in Cuero ISD. She rst joined BISD in 2016, serving as the district’s associate superintendent and executive director of communications and community relations. Lee spoke with Community Impact in December about her goals for BISD. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: How did you get into education? A: When I was a little girl, my dream was to be a teacher. I grew up in a time when teachers and school were really respected, and that’s what I wanted to be. It’s what several of my friends wanted to be…It was always something that I wanted to do, but I didn’t. I went to university to be a teacher, but I didn’t go right into education. At that time, I had a change of heart. I took a dierent path, and I spent 20 years in a career in business. But that tug to go to be in the classroom was always pulling at me. I did that, nally, as an older

Superintendent Kristi Lee waves to the crowd at a school event.

PHOTO COURTESY BASTROP ISD

adult and loved it. I loved my time as a teacher. Q: You’ve mentioned Bastrop ISD has improved academically, but we still have work to do. What does that roadmap look like for you? A: I should say we’re in our third year of that road map. That started with massive curriculum changes. Just a total overhaul…We’re in year three of that curriculum journey, and I believe we are seeing the successes. It’s not all curriculum. We’ve invested so much in teachers and in profes- sional development; we’ve invested so much in our systems and processes. We want to be an “A” district. We want to have “A” schools. That’s not where we are yet. So that journey continues with curriculum and instruction and high-quality teachers and sta, and well-trained and success- ful school principals. All of that works together, hopefully in harmony.

Q: What do you want Bastrop ISD to know about you?

A: I want people to know—and I think that they do—I know lots of people in this town and have really strong relationships with them. I love this place. I’m a regular person, very much a regular person. I didn’t come from means; I’m a small- town girl at heart. I just also happen to love shoes. I think another thing I would want them to know is that I am absolutely going to do my very best, because I love this place. I love students and teachers, and I believe that I can do the best job, and that’s what I’ll denitely wake up and try to do every day.

This interview had been edited for length. For the full version, visit communityimpact.com .

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Transportation

BY JOEL VALLEY

Update: Ribbon-cutting ceremony planning is in the works as construction moves closer to completion • Timeline: Expected to finish construction Jan. 30 • Cost: $5.27 million • Funding source: 2021 Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funds 3 Farm, Linden and Water streets improvements Project: Crews will reconstruct pavement along the primary sections of Farm, Linden and Water streets in Bastrop as part of a pipe bursting project—a method for replacing underground pipes without the need for extensive excavation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Work will be done in three segments, including: A Dec. 8-Jan. 29: Farm Street from Main Street to Wilson Street and from Main Street to Pecan Street B Jan. 5-Jan. 30: Water Street from Chestnut Street to Gutierrez Street, from Cedar Street to north of Elm Street, and from Cedar Street to Chestnut Street C Dec. 15-Jan. 29: Linden Street from Carter Street to Pecan Street and from Pecan Street to Hill Street Update: Initial construction phase is underway • Timeline: Construction began in December • Cost: $4.36 million • Funding source: certificates of obligation series 2022 and 2023

ELM ST.

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Update: Initial design phase is underway • Timeline: Scheduled to begin construction March 16 • Cost: $7 million-$8 million • Funding source: Transportation impact fees, roadway maintenance fees, and water and wastewater fees 2 Agnes Street extension Project: Agnes Street in Bastrop is being extended south of Hwy. 71 to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to nearby businesses, apartments and hotels without drivers having to use Hwy. 71

Ongoing projects

1 Blakey Lane extension Project: Blakey Lane in Bastrop will be extended 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. The city is in the process of acquiring the land on which the roundabout would be built.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY JOEL VALLEY

Bastrop now home to medical cannabis facility Bastrop is now home to the largest medical cannabis facility in Texas. The details Texas Original, which relocated its headquarters to Bastrop, expanded from a 7,700-square-foot spot to a 75,000-square-foot facility—nearly 10 times its previous space—where the cannabis is sungrown, according to a news release. Some background House Bill 46 is a state law passed this spring that allows physicians to prescribe medical-grade, low-THC products to eligible patients in partner- ship with licensed dispensaries. The outlook Texas Original will transform its former head- quarters at 12701 Lowden Lane, Austin, into a

Development news 3 stories we’re following online

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1 Retail center heads to Bastrop’s Adelton community A 11,985-square-foot retail and 5,774-square- foot convenience store are headed to Adelton—a mixed-use, master-planned community. Construction will begin in March. 2 Texas A&M Forest Service to build $2.5M Smithville oce Construction of a Texas A&M Forest Service oce in Smithville has an estimated cost of $2.5 million, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 3 Bastrop County aims to restore historic courthouse The Bastrop County Commissioners Court OK’d an application with the Texas Historical Commission for a grant through the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program during a Nov. 24 meeting.

Texas Original moved to Bastrop in September.

Conditions approved for medical cannabis use • Chronic pain • Crohn’s disease • Terminal illnesses • Epilepsy • Cancer • Post-traumatic stress disorder

SOURCE: TEXAS ORIGINALCOMMUNITY IMPACT

satellite location where patients can pick up their prescriptions.

Studies OK’d for hotel, convention center, golf course Bastrop City Council approved $102,000 in contracts Dec. 9 for feasibility studies that will gauge the viability of proposed projects as part of Bastrop West. The details Two contracts were given the green light for the Advisors, paid for with hotel occupancy tax revenue, for a feasibility study on a hotel and convention center

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• A $50,000 contract with Realty Trust Group, paid for through the Bastrop Economic Devel- opment Corporation, for a feasibility study on a medical mall with a full-service hospital and clinics

The outlook The ndings from the feasibility studies will be shared with Bastrop City Council at a future meeting.

400-acre mixed-use development, including: • A $52,000 contract with Hotel and Leisure

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Community Senior Living Guide

BY JOEL VALLEY

2025

Bastrop

Riverwood Commons (buildings I and II) Type: independent Cost: $1,060-$1,449 per month Total units: 72 Amenities: computer lab, fitness center, secure facility, and activities, such as bingo and game nights • 440 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-308-1490

Types of communities

Bastrop

Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.

Argent Court Assisted Living Type: assisted living Cost: $3,400-$4,079 per month Total units: 68 Amenities: beauty salon, cable television, daily activities, housekeeping, kitchenettes, laundry, meals, outdoor courtyard, pets allowed, transportation, Wi-Fi • 508 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-321-9500

Settlement Estates Type: independent Cost: $1,247-$1,486 per month Total units: 70

Bastrop Lost Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Type: skilled nursing Cost: $6,894-$7,400 per month Total units: 112 Amenities: beauty salon, recreational activities, therapy gym, transportation, Wi-Fi • 430 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-321-3527

Silver Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Type: skilled nursing Cost: $236-$350 per day Total units: 101

Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Bastrop Type: skilled nursing Cost: $221-$341 per day Total units: 85 Amenities: transportation, therapy gym, recreational activities, Wi-Fi • 400 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-321-2529

New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care Type: assisted living Cost: $5,000-$6,650 per month Total units: 16

Amenities: in-unit washer and dryer connections, community room, full kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, in-unit connections in each unit for washer and dryer connections, laundry facility, lawn care, maintenance staff, picnic pavilion, pool, private porch • 149 Settlement Drive, Bastrop • 512-321-1447 This list is not comprehensive.

Amenities: beauty salon, in-room televisions, outdoor courtyard, recreational activities, secure memory support unit, therapy gym, transportation, Wi-Fi • 503 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop • 512-321-6220

Amenities: beauty salon, laundry services, library, movie room, television lounge, computer room, outdoor patio • 2604 Hwy 71 E., Bastrop • 512-746-1741

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

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GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

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Bastrop adds aordable and upscale senior homes From the cover

BY JOEL VALLEY

Aordable apartments

What we know

Phase 1 of Pine Creek Senior Apartments will feature 52 units—36 one-bedroom and 16 two-bed- room residences—ranging from 700-900 square feet for residents age 55 years and older. Rent will be based on the area’s median income, with units reserved for residents making 30%, 50% and 60% of the area median income, according to developers Elizabeth Property Group. For Bastrop, that would range from $28,150-$56,220. “Aordable housing for seniors is near and dear to my heart,” said project developer Jason Knotowicz, a founding member of Vigilance Devel- opment Group. The $15 million project is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed by July 30, 2027.

Pine Creek Senior Apartments Planned amenities

In addition to newcomers, the number of those aging in Bastrop is growing. Over the past two decades, the share of residents age 65 and older rose from about 10% in 2000 to 21% in 2025, according to data obtained from the Bastrop Economic Development Corp. That spike has contributed to a rise in memberships at the Bastrop Community Senior Center at 1209 Linden St., Bldg. 1, and an increased demand for age-friendly services and housing. Pine Creek Senior Apartments and Del Webb Lost Pines are among the developments that plan to ensure those Bastrop residents have more housing options.

• In-unit washer/dryer hookups • Community room with kitchen

• Outdoor lounge and barbecue area • Green space • Mobility-friendly

Upscale homes

Bastrop’s senior population

Other developments, such as Del Webb Lost Pines, are advertising homes that begin in the low $300,000s. The brand under PulteGroup, which has con- structed dozens of active adult communities across the country, broke ground in July on its latest resi- dential space for residents age 55 years and older. Located in The Colony, the multiphase devel- opment will feature 503 lots with homes ranging from 1,200-3,000 square feet. Pablo Rivas, division president of PulteGroup Central Texas, noted that Del Webb Lost Pines is about building more than a beautiful house. “It’s about creating a place where people truly belong,” he said.

20K

Del Webb Lost Pines Planned amenities

15K

• Pickleball courts • Bocce courts • Resort-style pool

• Golf simulator • Fitness center • Ballroom

10K

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SOURCE: U.S. CENSUSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming out

The Bastrop County Collaborative for Housing and Health hosted a series of community workshops in late August to begin that conversation. The feedback will be compiled into a report that will go into the hands of potential developers, local ocials, nonprot organizations and the public. “Everybody deserves a place to call home,” Nichols said.

Several local ocials have discussed the importance of these aordable housing options for seniors, including Donna Nichols, Bastrop Public Health Department director. “As we’re starting to see a lot of our rural [areas] disappear with new housing developments, we need to ask, ‘How do we as a county start thinking about healthy, safe and aordable homes?’” she said.

“We’ve got some serious work to do if we’re really going to be marching down a path to where we really want to help our seniors.”

SYLVIA CARRILLOTREVINO, BASTROP CITY MANAGER

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Community

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Financial expert provides estate planning insight David Boren, vice president of Chisholm Trail Financial Group providing financial services in Central Texas, spoke with Community Impact about best practices for estate planning. He has 40 years of experience as a certified financial planner. What are some things that people should know when revising or starting their estate planning? How do you want your assets distributed? And, what’s the most efficient way to distribute them without leaving a lump sum to the IRS?

When starting this, sit down with your signifi- cant other ... and have that conversation. Make a determination as to who you want to have what. It may be that you’re philanthropic in nature. How do you want to distribute estate assets to charities or churches, alma maters, whatever the case might be? Have that discussion long before you start visiting with the attorney. If you’re not sure, you’re going to have a lot of changes to your will, which is going to cost you more money to have it done. What tools are available to help with estate planning? We all turn to the internet for everything today, don’t we? And so there are some do-it-yourself tools [like] financial calculators. There are some online services for creating wills that may or may not be helpful. So there may be some tools that will help people at least start the thought process. I’m weary, though, for online tools only because online tools cannot measure someone’s attitude. When you’re sitting in front of either a financial adviser or an attorney, someone there is measuring the attitude, not just giving you information. They help you understand if that really truly is going to be of importance to you or not. How can families help each other during the estate planning process? Ask the question. Don’t be afraid to say, “What have you done?” If someone is in the middle of the process and

What are the most common mistakes people make when estate planning, and how can they avoid them? The worst thing in the world in the state of Texas is to die intestate. The state intestate laws say that if you don’t have a will, then if you have a spouse, significant other or someone that you are in a legal relationship with, 50% goes to them. And for any children, 50% goes to the children whether you want it to or not. So it’s important that someone take the steps necessary to start this process. I think one of the most common mistakes is the inefficient titling of assets. There are so many asset classes that can pass outside of probate and against a will, such as life insurance, [which has] beneficia- ries. Retirement accounts can have beneficiaries. So can other asset classes [and] can be made to be payable upon death. Some of the other things that happen is that they start the process, and then they don’t finish it. How often should someone review or update their will or estate plan? I think at least a three-to-five-year period. Life events will trigger [a revision]. If, in fact, you have a relationship, a lifelong relationship, and that ends either in death or divorce, there may need to be a revision to the estate plan. If you have children that you are passing assets to, and there is a divorce there, you may want to revisit. So anything that terminates a lifelong relationship, or [if] a new relationship is created, would be a triggering event.

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you sense that they are procrastinating about completing it, give them a deadline. I think asking someone to voice their goals, asking where the documents are, when they recently checked them [is important]. And if you’re going to be a beneficiary, I think you have the right to say, “What am I looking at?” Because so many beneficiaries, especially with a great transfer of wealth, are not prepared to receive that much wealth. [These questions] are not only applicable to seniors; they’re applicable to anyone.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

County’s oldest-known resident turns 109 Bastrop resident Winnie Jones turned 109 in October, making her the county’s oldest-known living resident. To celebrate, the team at Bastrop Lost Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center hosted a party where family, community members and fellow residents shared stories and oered well-wishes for the much-loved centenarian. Taking a step back Born the same year as Gregory Peck, Betty Gra- ble and Dinah Shore, Jones grew up working in her family’s unnamed West Texas restaurant—the only eatery in town. Family members said the restau- rant fed everyone without prejudice, including Bonnie and Clyde. A closer look When asked why she thinks she has lived so long, Jones replied, “Because God wanted me to live this long.”

Daily life in 1916 • Bread was 8 cents a loaf

• Milk was 36 cents per gallon

• Gasoline was 22 cents per gallon

• A movie ticket was 7 cents

• A postage stamp was 2 cents

In response, sta members made stickers for attendees that said, “Here since 1916 ... Because God said so!” Notable quote “The love from her children and grandchildren was unmistakable, and it was just as clear how much the sta truly enjoys caring for her,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris said. “Ms. Winnie’s joy, faith, laughter—and even our shared love for the color red—made the celebration unforgettable.”

Bastrop’s Winnie Jones celebrated 109 years of life on Oct. 17.

COURTESY JB PHOTOGRAPHY

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY

January

Revolutionary Wall In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, residents can submit the name of a person, a description of an event or a special memory from Bastrop County history to be included on “The Revolutionary Wall,” a dedicated display maintained by the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center. • Throughout January • Free (admission) • Bastrop County Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop • www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.comm Fa La La Through The Forest Scavenger Hunt The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department launched a self-guided scavenger hunt that invites participants to follow ornaments with clues scattered throughout Bastrop State Park. • Through Jan. 12 • Free (admission, ages 12 and under), $5 (admission, ages 13 and up) • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop • www.tpwd.texas.gov Pistols and Pearls Banquet The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet will embrace a Roaring ‘20s-inspired theme and invites guests to wear their best vintage flair. • Jan. 16, 6-11 p.m. • $160 and up (admission) • Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, Cowboy Yeti Trail Run Runners can register for a 7K, 20K, 40K, 60K or 100K race. First-place awards will be given for each distance. A water-carrying system is required for each event, with a 16-ounce minimum requirement for all races except the 7K. • Jan. 17, 7 a.m. • $55-$175 (registration) • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop • www.ultrasignup.com/default.aspx 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bastropchamber.com

Bastrop Empty Bowl The 21st annual event, which will help raise funds for food support in the community, invites residents to sample soups, stews and chilies. Each ticketed attendee will take home a locally hand-painted ceramic soup bowl of their choice.

• Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission, ages 5 and under), $7.18 (admission, ages 6-12), $39.19 (general admission) • Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bastropfoodpantry.org

Senior Technology Attendees will learn how to recognize scams, phishing emails and robocalls, create strong passwords online, adjust privacy settings on social media and more. • Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m.-noon • Free (registration) • Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org/page/lib.calendar Martin Luther King Jr. Walk The Bastrop County Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission will hold its 31st annual walk for peace, justice and equality. The walk from the Elgin Depot Museum to Booker T. Washington Elementary School will be followed by a program at 11 a.m.

• Jan. 19, 10 a.m. • Free (admission) • Elgin Depot Museum, 14 Depot St., Elgin • www.elgintexas.gov

2026 Bastrop County Bridal Extravaganza Brides-to-be can check out a variety of vendors, such as florists, photographers, caterers and designers at the seventh annual event. • Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Hampton Inn & Suites, 240 S. Hasler Road, Bastrop • www.bastropbrides.com

BASTROP EMPTY BOWL EVENT SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 11:30AM-2:00PM BASTROP CONVENTION CENTER

BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Real estate

Homes took longer to sell in the Bastrop-Cedar Creek area during November when compared to the same time last year; however, Unlock MLS experts say the drop appears steeper due to rate cuts issued in 2024. Residential market data

November 2024

November 2025

Number of homes sold by zip code

Average days on market

+20%

+ 28.74%

-14.29%

-35%

78602

78612

78602

78612

Homes sold by price point in November 2025

78602

78612

- -

$900,000+

304

78612

2 6

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Bastrop-Cedar Creek

<$299,999

November

2024

2025

100 82

New listings

Closed sales

Median home sales price

Homes under contract

November

2024

2025

$374,950

$370,651

78602

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

$440,000

$387,500

78612

Selling Homes and Farm & Ranch Property all over Central Texas

512-921-6350

BastropHomes@gmail.com | BastropFarmandHome.com

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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.

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

15% OFF Panama Rose and Just Jill Christmas Items 10% OFF One regular priced item Exp: Jan. 31, 2026 ENJOY 10% OFF one special item this month! Expires: Dec 31, 2025

216 Main Street • Smithville, TX | PanamaRoseAntiques.com

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

$150 VOUCHER FOR ANY NEW PERMANENT MAKEUP OR MICROCHANNELING SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENT Expires 2/1/26 ONLY 15 VOUCHERS AVAILABLE MUST CALL OR TEXT TO REDEEM Unlock Your Best Look For The New Year! BASTROP’S BEAUTY LOVERS

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New Year, New You!

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