Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | January 2025

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11 JAN. 30 FEB. 28, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Community calls for new recreation spaces

SPRINGST.

CHESTNUT ST.

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

As Bastrop’s population increases, there is a growing need for physical and economic amenities to support the community. The strain on existing infrastructure can be seen in the city’s need for a new community recreation center and local sports facilities, according to city ocials. The Bastrop Recreation Center team had to start implementing capacity limits and class registrations, which Recreation Director Terry Moore said lls up within minutes. Bastrop youth sports leagues struggle with limited facilities, hindering local and visiting teams, said Bridgette Rosenauer, Bastrop Youth Soccer Organization registrar. City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the city is exploring nancially viable ways to address the demand, including a potential hotel-convention center develop- ment—which could free up the current convention center to house a new community recreation center.

A growing number of community members are using the Bastrop Recreation Center for tness classes and more as the population rises, causing a strain on its resources.

CONTINUED ON 16

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Impacts: Learn about Skin Rite Spa opening in Bastrop (Page 7)

Government: Read about Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson’s resignation (Page 10)

Health care: Check out a guide on when to get health screenings (Page 13)

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

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Impacts

HAWTHORNE ST.

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DACIA GARCIA

In the news

BUTTONWOOD ST.

RIVER OAKS DR.

FISHERMAN'S PARK

Bastrop

BASTROP STATE PAR

MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

150

EDWARD BURLESON LN.

WALNUT ST.

AUSTIN ST.

INDUSTRIAL BLVD.

150

EMILE ST.

71 6 Travis Chiropractic Center The practice celebrated 40 years in November, and is led by Dr. Ed Travis. The oce oers chiropractic adjustments, nutritional services, physical therapy, diagnostic services, auto accidents, sports injury, and performance and weight loss programs. • 45 Loop 150 W., Bastrop • www.travischiropracticcenter.com

304

MAJESTIC PINE DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

treatment in November. • 301 SH 71 W., Ste. 200, Bastrop • www.thedentists.us GORDON ST.

SOUTH ST.

Now open

1 Skin Rite Spa Bastrop local Mikayla Cannaday opened the spa inside The BelkBeauty Bar. The spa provides a range of services, including facials, tinting, waxing, massages and more. • Opened Jan. 2 • 696 SH 71 W., Unit C, Room 4, Bastrop • Instagram: SkinRiteSpa 2 Keystone Bank The nancial institution operates primarily as a loan service oce. • Opened Oct. 1 • 815 SH 71 W., Ste. B, Bastrop • www.keystone.bank 111

4 St. David’s Emergency Center-Bastrop The emergency room recently underwent interior and exterior renovations that began in August and ended in mid-November. • 3201 SH 71 E., Bastrop • www.stdavids.com 5 Colorado River Collegiate Academy The early college high school celebrated its 10-year anniversary Jan. 17. The school is a partnership between Bastrop ISD and Austin Community College. 111

Owner Jay Johnson said he and his wife Kailee are “beyond excited” to regularly serve barbecue classics

to hungry diners. • Opened Dec. 7 • 109 2nd St. NW, Smithville • www.bubbysbbqtx.com

Closings

• 1600 Hill St., Bastrop • www.bisdtx.org/crca

7 Neon Bean Neon Bean opened in 2023 and closed last fall. Owner Sydni Smith oered a variety of coees, teas, smoothies and snacks. • 1634 SH 71, Cedar Creek • Instagram: neonbeancoffee

In the news

Worth the trip

3 The Dentists The Bastrop dental clinic celebrated 50 years of

Bubby’s BBQ The restaurant opened its rst brick-and-mortar.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

‘UrineTown the Musical’ The satirical musical relates to societal issues. • Feb. 21-March 9, showtimes vary by day • $30 • 711 Spring St., Bastrop • www.bastropoperahouse.org Childbirth Education Class Parents-to-be can learn about labor positions. • Feb. 22, 9-10 a.m. • Free • 1009 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.thebastropbirthingcenter.com Reggie Carter Concert The event will highlight world-class jazz. • Feb. 27, 7-8 p.m. • Free (Lost Pines Art Center members); $15 Pickleball Power Play Tournament Participants can register to play in matches. • Feb. 28-March 2, times vary by day and match • $60 (registration before Feb. 14); $70 • 1099 SH 71, Bastrop • www.pickleballpowerplay.com • 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.lostpinesartcenter.org

February

Build Some Love Children and their parents can create wood block Valentine’s Day crafts. • Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • 801 SH 71 W., Bastrop • Facebook: McCoy’s Building Supply, Bastrop Cowboys and Angels Gala Guests can enjoy a night of raising funds to support the Smithville Community Clinic. • Feb. 8, 6-10 p.m. • $60 • 240 Hasler Blvd., Bastrop • www.smithvillecommunityclinic.org Post 553 Annual Freestyle Chili Cook-O Bastrop residents are welcome to attend the third

Purses and Poppies: Bastrop County Designer Purse Bingo Children’s Advocacy Center serving Bastrop, Lee & Fayette Counties, will host its annual fundraiser with 10 games of Bingo with luxury designer purses as prizes. • March 1, 2-6 p.m. • $100-plus • Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.childrensadvocacycenter.org/ designerpursebingo

annual chili cook-o. • Feb. 15, noon-6 p.m.

• $2 (judge); $10 (cook-off) • 3003 Loop 150 E., Bastrop • Facebook: American Legion Post 553 Bastrop

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & SIERRA MARTIN

Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson resigns, e ective immediately Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson announced his resig- nation, eective immediately, on the afternoon of Jan. 14 at City Hall during a press conference. Two-minute impact During the conference, Nelson said the treat- ment he received from some council members has prevented him from serving in his full capacity as mayor. Nelson said that in an attempt to end the “witch hunt” against him, he “extended an olive branch on multiple occasions to no avail.” “I will no longer be a focal point,” Nelson said during the conference. “I will no longer be a part of a group that chooses to bring embarrassment to our community for their selective indignation.” Nelson said he hopes his resignation moves the city forward. A special meeting on Jan. 17 was held for City Council members to ocially accept Nelson’s resignation. What’s next? Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland will serve in Nelson’s stead until a new mayor is elected in the upcoming May 3 elections. Those interested in running for Bastrop’s next mayor have until Feb. 14 to submit their applications, which can be picked up at City Hall, 1311 Chestnut St., Bastrop.

Bastrop EDC relocates The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation moved from 301 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 214, to the former utilities oce inside Bastrop City Hall at 1311 Chestnut St., in late December. Some context The utilities department moved last fall to Spring Street, between the Bastrop Public Library and the United States Post Oce. Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the city plans to enhance the site and make it compliant with the Americans with

2023

Aug. 31: Investigation into Nelson’s alleged misconduct begins August: Visit Bastrop employees le complaints about nancial misconduct June 20: Nelson begins his mayoral position Dec. 20: Investigator says she found no evidence of Nelson having knowledge of the misuse of public funds, sharing condential information, or having a conict of interest

2024

Jan. 18: Ethics complaint is led by Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland April 10: Bastrop Ethics Commission issues a letter of reprimand against Nelson April 29: Council members pass a resolution placing eight limitations on Nelson July 25: The recall petition is submitted Aug. 13: City Secretary Irma Parker says she needs more time to review the recall petition Aug. 24: Parker noties petition organizers of the rejection Sept. 3: Petition organizers submit the updated petition Sept. 15: Parker noties petitioners that the petition is sucient Sept. 17: Parker announces her ndings Sept. 23: Nelson les the writ of mandamus Sept. 24: The Visit Bastrop Investigation was no-billed by a grand jury

Disabilities Act. What they o er

Bastrop EDC facilitates economic growth by recruiting industries to the area, includ- ing hospitality, manufacturing and more.

The Bastrop EDC oces moved to the city hall building in late December.

New location

Previous location

2025

COLORADO RIVER

May 3: Election day Feb. 14: Deadline for those interested in applying for the vacant mayor position Jan. 14: Nelson announces his resignation at a press conference

HOSPITAL DR.

150

MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

New data shows Bastrop County’s growth in population The latest data release from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Bastrop County has experienced population growth. The big picture

Bastrop County population growth from 20192023

A closer look The city of Bastrop is also anticipated to see more population growth, according to the city’s comprehensive plan. “We currently sit at about a 14,000 resident population, but we’re expected to have 20,000 by [2029]. That’s a 42% percent population growth in just four short years,” City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said during a presentation at the Bastrop Regional Business Summit on Nov. 13.

102,370

105K

98,435

100K

94,887

95K

According to the bureau’s 2023 American Com- munity Survey ve-year estimates, the county’s total population has grown from 84,522 in 2019 to 102,370 in 2023, a 21.12% increase. According to the bureau, Bastrop County’s pop- ulation grew 13.9% between 2020 and 2023—mak- ing it the 13th fastest-growing county in Texas.

90K

85K

86,839

84,522

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

County-based fuel supplier to exchange trucks for pipeline

The largest transportation fuel supplier for Austin- Bergstrom International Airport, or ABIA, is gearing up to switch its fuel delivery system from more than 100 daily tankers driving a 40-mile round trip—each carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel—to a 10- inch, constantly owing, underground pipeline. The Flint Hills Resources team is in the nal preconstruction stage for the proposed pipeline that would run along SH 71 from the Jet-A Fuel terminal in Cedar Creek to ABIA in Austin. Andy Saenz, public aairs regional manager, said the current truck-based fuel delivery system operates under a “just in time” approach, which causes delays. Those delays can range from trac congestion to bad weather, not having enough drivers, and more.

Underground fuel delivery pipeline

Flint Hills Resources Bastrop Terminal

130

Austin

Austin Bergstrom International Airport

COURTESY FLINT HILLS RESOURCES

Bastrop

183

SOURCE: FLINT HILLS RESOURCESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The big picture

The plan

The need for a more reliable fuel source comes alongside ABIA’s record-breaking growth. “ABIA’s expansion plans led us to start working on this about two years ago,” Saenz said. “Not to mention that most modern airports have dedi- cated pipelines with a constant supply of fuel, so it just makes sense.” Bastrop County’s population has seen a 21% increase between 2019-23—making it the 13th fastest-growing county in Texas, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau. That increased population has also resulted in a heavier trac ow along SH 71. Texas Department of Transportation ocials have acknowledged that and are working to alleviate it with their

Fully funded by Flint Hills Resources, construction should take about six months and is expected to begin once permitting is completed in late 2025. The 20-mile pipeline will be 10 inches in diameter, and buried 4 feet underground, utilizing public right-of-ways. “It’s not huge like a water pipeline,” Saenz said. ”And it will never be seen, heard or smelled.” It will also be monitored 24/7, with the ability to immediately shut it down at the rst sign of an anomaly, he said.

Trucks versus pipeline Flint Hills Resources representatives said there are several benets to replacing trucks with a pipeline. Trucks Dependent on the weather Increases trac congestion Subject to driver availability Pipeline Lowers fuel emissions Reduces trac and potential wrecks Diminishes fuel disruptions

SOURCE: FLINT HILLS RESOURCESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

four-pronged 71 East Corridor project; the rst of which was completed last October.

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Health & wellness

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this inaugural Health & Wellness Edition, you can learn more about the benets of health screenings and early detection and prevention. Our cover story dives into the need felt by community members for more recreation options and sports facilities in the Bastrop area. Additionally, we’ve put together a local trail guide featuring some excellent hiking and biking opportunities. Local advertisers share useful information on the health and wellness services they o¢er, too. Be well in 2025!

What's inside

Check out a list of local hiking and biking trails (Page 14)

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

Learn about plans to enact stricter food safety standards in Texas (Page 18)

Read about how local businesses work together to promote wellness (Page 19)

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

Learn about basic health screening guidelines for men and women Screenings for cancer and chronic diseases are one of the main roles of primary care physicians, said Mariel Swinney Bagley, a family medicine physician at Christus Trinity Clinic in San Marcos. The details Primary care physicians recommend various screening tests based on age; sex; family history; comorbid conditions, such as obesity and diabetes; and environmental risk factors, such as smoking. “An appointment with a primary care provider can identify your personal risk factors and what you should be screened for,” Bagley said in an email to Community Impact . “Di erent societies might have slightly di erent recommendations and guidelines, and selecting the best test and testing interval for your individualized risk factors is where your

A guide for common screenings

Disease Screening test Abdominal aortic aneurysm Men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked Abdominal ultrasound Breast cancer Women age 40+ Annual mammogram Population

Pap smear every 3 years (ages 21-29); with HPV co-testing every 5 years (ages 30-65) Colonoscopy every 10 years (preferred) or Cologuard every 3 years A1c or fasting glucose blood testing annually

Cervical cancer

Women ages 21-65

Colon cancer

Adults age 45+

Adults ages 35 to 65 with obesity or overweight

Diabetes or prediabetes

Hepatitis C

Adults age 18+

Hepatitis C blood testing

HIV

Adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 HIV blood testing

Adults ages 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack per year smoking history Postmenopausal women age 65+

Lung cancer

Low-dose lung CT annually

Osteoporosis

DEXA bone density study

SOURCE: CHRISTUS TRINITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“It is important to keep in mind that screening is for asymptomatic individuals, and anyone with symptoms of cancer or a chronic disease should be seen by a primary care provider for specic testing as soon as possible,” Bagley noted.

primary care physician can guide you.” Digging deeper

Numerous types of basic health screenings are available; however, there are more advanced and nuanced guidelines for certain populations.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Health & wellness Outdoor trails

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DACIA GARCIA

• McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin • https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls/ trails-info Flint Rock Loop Trail This rocky trail requires crossing a creek and leads to hardwood bottomland. Diculty: Moderate Length: 1.5 miles Trail type: Biking, hiking • McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin • https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls/ trails-info Rock Shelter Trail This family-friendly trail guides visitors through a historic natural rock formation. Trail type: Hiking, running, elevation gains 50 feet • McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin • https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls/ trails-info This list is not comprehensive. Diculty: Easy Length: .6 miles

Bastrop

Cedar Creek

Buzzard Point This family-friendly trail loops to a viewpoint of the north shore at Lake Bastrop and is great for shing.

www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/mckinney-roughs- loop-trail

Bastrop

Lost Pines Trail This popular trail oers scenic views including forested hills, open meadows and Fehr’s Overlook Trace. Diculty: Challenging Length: 8.4 miles Trail type: Birding, hiking, running, elevation gains 688 feet • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road, 1A, Bastrop • https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop/trails-info Tree Army Trails This Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail is centered around the Bastrop State Park headquarters. Diculty: Easy Length: 4.5 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking, elevation Gains 13 feet • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road, 1A, Bastrop • https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop/trails-info

Pine Ridge Trail This singletrack trail requires technical footing. Diculty: Dicult Length: 2.7 miles Trail type: Birding, hiking, mountain biking, elevation gains • McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 W., Cedar Creek • www.lcra.org/parks/mckinney-roughs-nature-park

Diculty: Easy Length: .6 miles Trail type: Biking, birding, hiking

• Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, 603 FM 1441, Bastrop • www.lcra.org/parks/lake-bastrop-north-shore-park

Fisherman’s This trail has ¢oating bridges with views of Lake Bastrop and its wildlife. Diculty: Easy Length: .4 miles Trail type: Biking, birding, hiking • Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, 375 S. Shore Road, Bastrop • www.lcra.org/parks/lake-bastrop-south-shore- park

Ridge Trail This Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible, family-friendly trail starts at the visitors center and provides benches along the way for scenic views. Diculty: Easy Length: .06 miles Trail type: Birding, hiking • McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 W., Cedar Creek • www.lcra.org/parks/mckinney-roughs-nature- park

Cedar Creek

McKinney Roughs Loop Trail This trail provides a range of terrains with views of the local wildlife, desert plants and the Colorado River. Diculty: Moderate Length: 4.4 miles Trail type: Hiking, horseback riding, running, elevation gains 449 feet • McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 W., Cedar Creek

Austin

Picnic Trail This family-friendly trail oers a place for visitors to eat.

Diculty: Easy Length: .5 miles Trail type: Hiking

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Community calls for new recreation spaces Health & wellness

One option

Sorting out the details

Bastrop youth sports leagues hope to get dedicated, permanent facilities to replace aging and limited elds. According to an update from Hunden, Bas- trop’s sports teams are underserved, noting that aside from those owned by Bastrop ISD, there are no court facilities. Additionally, Bob Bryant and Fisherman’s parks have limited elds to support outdoor sports. Rosenauer said although they are grateful to lease the Bastrop ISD-owned soccer elds near Buc-ee’s, having a long-standing, dedi- cated space with amenities to accommodate their needs would be ideal. Bastrop Little League President Ruth Campion said a combination of regional and local sports facilities would be the best of both worlds. “Right now there’s nothing around this area that hosts tournaments,” Campion said. “A lot of people have to go to Round Rock, College Station and further, so having something regional here that local teams could also use would help youth sports and draw more revenue to the city.” According to Hunden, the closest indoor/ outdoor regional youth sports facility is at Mission Concepcion Sports Complex in San Antonio—about two hours from Bastrop. Bastrop County’s current facilities 3 indoor facilities 13 outdoor facilities 4.35% of visitors travel over 100 miles on average 537,700 total visits in 2023

In September, the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation commissioned a $60,000 feasibility study to explore the potential for a regional sports complex located near the junctures of state highways 71, 95 and 21. Hunden Partners, a real estate consulting rm, was selected to conduct the study, with the Windsor Group managing the project for the EDC. Carrillo-Trevino said many residents mistakenly think the complex will address the need for a larger recreation center and improved sports facilities. “This venue would not be either of those two things, and we need to clarify that,” she said. If the complex comes to fruition, Mayor Pro-

Tem John Kirkland said there could be limited opportunities for local leagues to use it when tournaments are not happening; however, that would need to be leased through the operator of the complex, which would not be the city. According to the most recent update from Hunden Partners, the purpose of the complex is to attract visitors to the area through sports tourism, which Carrillo-Trevino said would be a nancial benet for the area through hotel occupancy tax funds and sales tax revenue. “The return on investment and partnership has to be right,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “This cannot be borne on the backs of the taxpayers. It must make nancial sense.”

Regional sports complex • 8 multipurpose turf ields • 9 full-sized turf diamonds • Portable and flexible fencing • 8 hardwood basketball courts • 16 volleyball courts

Bastrop

JACKSON ST.

“By engaging with local employers and community members, we’ve identied a clear need for

recreational facilities that cater to families.” GREG SMITH, PRINCIPAL OF THE WINDSOR GROUP

SOURCE: HUNDEN PARTNERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Bastrop County population projection

Another option

Stay tuned

200K

Bastrop County’s population grew over 21% between 2019 and 2023 and is not projected to slow down anytime soon, according to the latest numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Bastrop Recreation Center team is seeing this reected in its enrollment and ability to serve everyone as they would like. “Our membership exceeds the space that we have,” Moore said. “Do we need a bigger space? Absolutely.” Recreation center member Pamela Vear addressed this at a February 2024 council meet- ing, asking for an expedited plan to build a new recreation center. “We know Bastrop is growing by leaps and bounds,” Vear said. “But we really don’t have anything to oer the new citizens moving here, much less for the wonderful people who have been living here for so long and have helped to build and nurture their loving city of Bastrop. We very much need a new recreation center. Please

Bastrop City Council member Kevin Plunkett said the city is looking into ways to fund a new convention center. “That would give us room to host larger, more diverse events, and free up our current convention center to be turned into a community recreation center,” Plunkett said. Bastrop Gateway, a 31-acre project proposed just east of Buc-ee’s, had the potential to t into this category; however, it did not make it far enough in the planning to be considered, said Colin Guerra, Bastrop public information ocer. “The shortest timeline and best chance to get a new recreation center would be for an outside entity to come in and build a hotel and convention center that is run by them,” Guerra said. “There’s no request for proposal out right now, but the dream is still alive.”

150K

100K

70.23% anticipated increase from 2025 to 2050

50K

0 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050

SOURCE: TEXAS DEMOGRAPHIC CENTER, 1.0 MIGRATION SCENARIO COMMUNITY IMPACT

consider our beggings; yes, we are begging.” Moore said the bene ts people get from the recreation center are not only tness-related but also social and familial. “We are all like family here,” she said. “We create a space where people feel welcomed and included and valued. Our building is basically just one room, with the tness gym in the back. … We could oer a lot more to a lot more people if we just had the space. ”

R 55 A

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Visit our website!

415 Old Austin Hwy. Bastrop, TX 78602

512-303-3943

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Health & wellness

BY HANNAH NORTON

Legislature eyes stricter food safety standards to curb disease

While life expectancy has risen in recent years, Americans are getting sick earlier in life, health and wellness experts told the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Nov. 13. In response to a rise in obesity and other chronic diseases, some state senators said they would consider tightening regulations on food additives, like chemicals and articial dyes, to improve food safety and better inform consumers. The details Roughly 40% of U.S. adults were considered obese—dened as a body mass index of 30 or above—between August 2021-August 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. That’s up from 15% in 1976, according to the National Institutes of Health. “I don’t think that our government has focused as much as we should on these root causes [of chronic disease],” committee chair Sen. Lois Kolk- horst, RBrenham, said. “We’re not addressing regulation of food additives and other factors that may be strongly connected to this phenomenon.” Jason Karp, CEO of health company HumanCo, said the “root cause” of Americans’ health issues is “the unchecked and misguided industrializa- tion of agriculture and food.” California is the rst state to ban six articial dyes from food and drinks served at public schools, Karp said. The California Food Safety Act, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 28, will prohibit public schools from serving foods containing Blue Dye 1, Blue Dye 2, Green Dye 3, Red Dye 40, Yellow Dye 5 or Yellow Dye 6 begin- ning in late 2027. Senators said they would like to see Texas

follow suit. “These known toxins that other countries and other [states] have already said, ‘No, you’re not going to poison our people over here’—it’s time for us to step up and join in,” Sen. Bob Hall, REdgewood, said. “We’re not going to change people’s habits overnight on how they raise their kids and what they eat and how they cook ... but we can at least do the responsible thing.” Bills to watch Sen. Bryan Hughes, RMineola, led a bill Nov. 12 that would ban seven food additives from free and reduced-price meals served in Texas public schools. Senate Bill 314 lists brominated vegeta- ble oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Red Dye 3 and titanium dioxide as the proposed substances to be banned. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned BVO on Aug. 2, giving companies one year to remove the drink stabilizer from their products. The FDA banned Red Dye 3 on Jan. 15, and food manufacturers have two years to phase it out. Put in perspective Americans are “living sick longer,” Karp said. Colon and rectal cancer are the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under age 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under age 50, according to a 2024 report by the American Cancer Society. “I don’t think necessarily lifespan is the only variable to look at,” Karp added. “‘Health span’ is a new term that they’re using, which is how you feel when you’re 60 or 70 or 80.”

The eects of obesity and diabetes Nearly one-third of Texans have diabetes or prediabetes, according to the Episcopal Health Foundation. Prediabetes occurs when an individual has a higher-than-normal blood sugar level and is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Texas senators are considering tightening food safety regulations to help reduce the rate of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Texans diagnosed with diabetes: 2.7 million

Texans with prediabetes: 7.1 million

Texas population: 30.5 Million

Over 34% of Texas adults were considered obese in 2023

Obesity is linked to up to 53% of new cases of type 2 diabetes each year

Obesity and diabetes are expensive: • Americans with diabetes have 2.6 times higher medical costs than those without • In 2021, an obese American with employer- sponsored health insurance spent about $1,487 out- of-pocket on average, while those without obesity spent about $698

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION AND EPISCOPAL HEALTH FOUNDATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health & wellness

BY DACIA GARCIA

True Massage and Wellness oers several massage types including prenatal and lymphatic drainage.

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Awaken Bastrop shares a physical house with the three businesses, but each one has its own room/space in the building.

COURTESY AWAKEN BASTROP

Awaken Bastrop promotes wellness community Three businesses call a house in downtown Bas- trop home: Admiring You Wellness, True Massage and Wellness and Christopher Andrew Hair. Meet the owners Owner of Admiring You Wellness Isabel Mei-

The three businesses are Admiring You Wellness, True Massage and Wellness, and Christopher Andrew Hair.

Christopher Andrew Hair was founded in 2017 and o ers energetic hairdressing services, which Walli characterizes as hair services with energy work. The services include haircuts, maintenance color, transformational color and scalp therapy. The impact The Bastrop community has been positively receptive to the collective with customers approaching each business with an open mind, Walli and Meijering said. “We denitely have some curious people come in and we have a high return rate, like once they try massage or acupuncture or hair, I see their face again,” Walli said.

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jering moved the practice to Bastrop in 2022. The business o ers cupping therapy, acupuncture, life coaching and microneedling. “It’s a really fun and creative blend of modalities to get a well-rounded approach that I don’t always see with practitioners,” Meijering said. Sara Walli, owner of True Massage and Wellness, o ers clients four types of massages: prenatal, integrative, manual lymphatic drainage and a mini-massage for pre-existing clients.

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Education

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Valenta Academy looks to expand in Bastrop Currently operating within The Boring Bodega as an after-school and family-day program, Valenta Academy ocials are looking for a new space to expand into a private microschool in August. In a nutshell Spokesperson Paige Fults said although a new location has not been set, the expansion will utilize adaptive arti cial intelligence to enable a self-driven, accelerated learning experience. “Our mission is to cultivate well-rounded students who are not only academically strong, but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in their communities,” she said. The new program will be based on the 2-Hour Learning model, which provides students with personalized lessons each morning for two hours— allowing them time in the afternoon for communi- ty-focused projects, Fults said.

Cedar Creek gets new head football coach Jared Shaw began his chapter with Bas- trop ISD in late December when he started his position as head football and athletics coordinator for Cedar Creek High School. BISD Communications Director Cassie Balderas said the former athletics coordina- tor, Josh Thomas, has taken on a new role as middle school athletics coordinator. Zooming in Throughout his career, Shaw has imple- mented new community outreach programs and character-building opportunities, Balderas said. “Together, we will build a program that not only excels at a high level but also shapes well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges that life pres- ents,” Shaw said.

Valenta Academy will utilize the 2 Hour Learning model, which allows students more time for hands-on learning.

COURTESY VALENTA ACADEMY

Stay tuned Once opened, Valenta Academy will start by oering programs for students in grades 4-8, before expanding to include pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. “We will also be hosting various informational, educational and experiential events throughout 2025 until the opening in August,” Fults said, add- ing that they hope to expand as a larger, charter school in 2026.

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Real estate

The Bastrop-Cedar Creek area experienced 72 home sales in December 2024, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Homes sold by price point in December 2024

78602

78612

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

12 31

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

78602

Median home sales price

304

78612

December

2023

2024

$385,000

$399,999

78602

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

$555,750

$415,000

78612

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At Roscoe Bank, We Believe

Home Is Where the Heart Is.

This February, we celebrate a generations-long commitment to helping our neighbors build brighter futures. Whether delivering trusted banking services or investing in our community, a mission to serve is at the heart of everything we do. Let's rediscover the strength of community—because loving your home means loving the place we all call home. Stop by or visit us online to see how we can serve you every step of the way.

512.303.1800 710 Hwy 71 W. | Bastrop, TX 78602 Scan the QR code or visit us at houseloan.com/roscoe-bank

Roscoe Bank, a Division of Cornerstone Capital Bank, SSB. Member FDIC. NMLS ID #2258.

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