According to the Elgin Police Department, the suspects broke into Elgin Food Mart and Elgin General Store during the early morning hours of July 29 and stole merchandise and other property.

Investigators said they believe the suspects fled the area on foot.

Police described both individuals as young Black males with thin builds.

One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants and a black face covering. The other was wearing a white T-shirt, green Adidas jogger pants, a face covering and three bracelets on his left wrist.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dylan Judd at 512-285-6673 or by email at dylan.judd@elgintexas.gov.

Funded through the Texas Water Development Board, the grant will help collect data from the Colorado River and Colorado River Alluvial to better understand the relationship between their aquifers. The project will support future groundwater management decisions and long-term water planning, according to officials.

“Projects like this help us build a stronger understanding of our local water resources so we can continue making science- based decisions that benefit current and future generations,” LPGCD General Manager Elvis Hernandez said in a statement.

An alluvial aquifer is formed by sediments deposited by rivers over thousands of years. The Colorado River Alluvial spans roughly 200 miles, stretching south from Austin to Wharton.

The study will focus on portions of the Colorado River where the alluvial is present.

Information gathered will also help the district learn how groundwater and river flows influence one another under different conditions.

District officials said ground and surface waters are closely connected in many areas and thanked the Texas Water Development Board for investing in better understanding them.

Just one year after chartering, Bastrop Toastmasters has earned one of the program’s highest honors, a milestone club leaders say reflects a growing demand for communication and leadership development in Bastrop County.

The club was recognized as a President’s Distinguished Club after achieving all 10 goals in Toastmasters International’s Distinguished Club Program, a performance standard measuring educational achievement, membership growth, officer training and club administration.

Club President Scott Allen said the accomplishment is especially significant because many new clubs struggle to maintain momentum after launching.

“We achieved it in five months that most clubs get a year to do,” Allen said. “We had a plan, enthusiastic new members and friendly accountability.”

The recognition caps a successful first full year for the club, which was chartered in early 2025 and now serves members from Bastrop, Elgin and surrounding communities.

While many join to become more comfortable with public speaking, members say the club also helps develop leadership skills, both professionally and in everyday life.

“People think it’s just a public speaking club, and it’s so much more,” Allen said. “We create a safe and supportive environment for people to develop communication and leadership skills and build greater self-confidence.”

According to Allen, the club attracts members from a variety of backgrounds, including people whose careers require public speaking and residents simply looking to become more confident communicators.

Heather Bloom, president of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, said she joined the club earlier this year to build upon skills she uses regularly in her position.

“Public speaking isn’t something that comes naturally to me,” Bloom said. “Toastmasters has helped me become more confident speaking in front of groups and helped me find a more authentic voice.”

She also credited the club’s supportive atmosphere with helping members grow.

“Toastmasters meetings are safe spaces for us to make mistakes and learn from our peers,” Bloom said. “It makes me more prepared for the real world when I need to apply those skills.”

Allen noted building that environment has been key to the club’s success and is central to its future.

“We want growth to become a habit … participation is what drives growth,” he said.

The Bastrop Toastmasters meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at First National Bank on Texas 71 in Bastrop. Allen encourages anyone interested to attend the meetings and participate at their own comfort level.

Commissioners say grant could speed up water testing after floods

Bastrop County residents could see more mobile vaccination clinics following extreme weather and receive water quality data quicker if a grant application approved by commissioners last week is accepted.

The Bastrop County Public Health Department is seeking nearly $22,000 through the Lower Colorado River Authority Community Grants Program and would provide a local match of about $5,500. If awarded, the funds would help expand the county’s mobile public health unit and environmental health response capabilities.

Public Health Director Donna Nichols said the idea to add rapid water-testing gained traction following recent heavy rains.

“One of the items that we always get asked about is what’s the bacterial content in the water,” she said.

The department does not have the capability to answer those questions immediately, according to Nichols, but field results would become available with two new water-testing systems.

She noted the project aligns with the county’s environmental health priorities by giving officials more timely scientific information during emergencies.

“It will give the court data on what is contained in water during floods, fires and infrastructure failure — and any other concerns around water,” Nichols said.

In addition to rapid water testing, the proposed equipment would help conduct pop-up vaccination clinics across the county, including at schools, libraries and community centers.

The grant would also fund accessibility improvements for residents with limited mobility and equipment to respond to medical emergencies.

Commissioners discussed public interest in river conditions following recent flooding, noting that residents frequently ask when waterways are safe to reopen and how water quality changes after storms.

The department expects to maintain the new equipment for at least 10 years, according to county records.

Commissioners at their last meeting approved updated tax abatement guidelines, saying the agreements remain Bastrop County’s strongest tool for negotiating environmental protections as discussions continue on proposed data center deals.

According to county records, the updated policy requires a minimum $20 million investment for new businesses and $10 million for expansions, simultaneously setting standards for job creation, environmental review and employee benefits. Projects also must create at least 25 jobs, with a goal of filling 25% of those positions with Bastrop County residents.

“In order to protect all of us in this room, we have to use tax abatements, because that’s all the state gives us,” Commissioner Butch Carmack said.

The vote came after a lengthy discussion and slate of public comments. Those concerned over data center growth and potential environmental impacts questioned whether those developments should receive any tax incentives.

Carmack noted residents often misunderstand what tax abatements accomplish.

“We now can negotiate how much water you’re going to use, how much light you’re going to put out, how much noise you’re going to put out — we are doing our best to protect you,” he said.

According to County Judge Gregory Klaus, state law limits the county’s authority over private property development, adding landowners have discretion over how they use or sell their property.

“The county did not ask these data centers to come, they just came in here,” Klaus said. “We have no ruling over whether they can come to the county or not.”

Local attorney Nick Lealos, who spoke at the July 27 meeting, said residents who attended a recent community town hall were not opposed to economic development but wanted more information and involvement before projects move forward.

“They complained most about lack of information, notice and transparency throughout the process,” Lealos said.

He described what he calls the “Bastrop Bill of Rights,” suggesting the county publish information about projects, establish a citizens advisory working group and encourage state leaders to grant temporary authority to address the expansion of data center development.

Commissioner David Glass said many residents have called for a moratorium on data center construction on the county level but explained counties cannot legally enact one without authority granted by the state.

In Hill County, commissioners approved a one-year moratorium before rescinding the action after facing a $100 million federal lawsuit from the developer.

“The abatement is really the only tool we have at this time,” Glass said. “I encourage you to call your senators and your representatives.”

Linda Curtis, speaking on behalf of the League of Independent Voters, urged commissioners to signal to residents they are at least pursuing additional options beyond tax abatements.

“We are looking for a signal from you that you want to turn this train around,” Curtis said.

Before approving the new policy, commissioners reviewed its environmental language and if it should reference specific concerns such as noise and light pollution.

County officials said the policy’s broad language allows those issues to be considered while also preserving flexibility on a case-bycase basis. Commissioners can also amend the policy in the future if additional changes are needed.

The Wildcats opened fall football practice Aug. 3 and kicked off preparations for the 2026 season with the University Interscholastic League’s required four-day acclimation period.

Under UIL guidelines, players are limited to helmets and other non-contact equipment for the first four sessions before progressing to full-pad workouts. The acclimation period is designed to help student athletes safely adjust to the Texas heat, and coaches say it gives them the chance to work through offensive, defensive and special team systems before incorporating the physicality of preseason camp.

For Elgin Head Coach Rich Lucero, the first week of practice is about building a foundation that will carry the Wildcats through the season.

“It’s all new — we have to put in new defensive schemes, and we have a new offensive coordinator,” Lucero said. “The biggest thing is how we practice. It gives us that week just being in helmets and T-shirts where we can introduce everything to our players and staff.”

The opening week also provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate how players return after an offseason of strength and conditioning.

“It will also be big to see where our kids are coming out of the summer,” Lucero said. “I just want to see where we are with our conditioning. Hopefully it’s better than last year.”

Elgin enters the season with a new offensive coordinator in Sean Van De Merghel, who is known for running an uptempo, high-scoring offense.

Lucero said he plans to break in a new starting quarterback, but the Wildcats’ approach during fall camp is to focus on mastering the fundamentals and avoid overwhelming the young talent with too much information.

“Just keeping things simple,” Lucero said. “A lot of times you get carried away and try to put too much on someone’s shoulders. It’s really about installing your base scheme … mastering the fundamentals of each position and what we believe in.”

Lucero said those fundamentals extend far beyond the playbook.

The Wildcats have placed a major emphasis on blocking, protecting the ball and avoiding costly mistakes before the snap — areas that often decide close football games, according to Lucero.

“We really take the time to establish that mindset that everyone needs to block and be unselfish,” he said. “Then the discipline part of it, not beating ourselves with pre-snap penalties.”

Lucero said he believes the biggest difference from a year ago is the program’s stability, despite the on-field changes. He has now had a full offseason to establish the culture he envisioned.

“Overall, our culture is what’s going to carry us,” Lucero said. “We built that, and it’s real and it’s tangible.”

The coach added the players aim to be leaders in the classroom, as well as on the field. The roster was involved in several community service and outreach events over the summer and take ownership of being student athletes — not just athletes.

“We’re building a selfless culture where we’re not just worried about winning football games,” he said.

This preseason also marks the first year schools across Texas are operating under the UIL’s new wet-bulb temperature regulations, which require schools to monitor environmental conditions every 15 to 30 minutes during outdoor practices.

Depending on readings, schools may be required to modify workouts, increase rest breaks or move practices indoors.

Elgin is well-positioned to handle those changes after completing a new 70-yard indoor practice facility during the offseason. The site allows the Wildcats to conduct full practices inside when weather conditions make outdoor workouts unsafe, ensuring they can stay on schedule without sacrificing valuable practice time.

As preseason camp continues, Lucero said his biggest goal isn’t measured by wins or statistics but by how connected the team becomes before the first week arrives.

“I think the big thing is being aligned in all three phases and having team unity,” Lucero said. “I think that is the secret sauce … I want to get everyone moving in the same direction. If we can do that, I like our chances.”

The Wildcats will continue preseason workouts before hosting Cedar Creek in their first scrimmage at 7 p.m. Aug. 14.

If you are a Texas resident, please note the following requirements: Primary Identification: You must present an unexpired Texas Driver’s License or Texas State Personal ID Card. Both REAL ID and non-REAL ID cards are accepted, provided they are not marked “temporary” or “Limited Term.”

Temporary / Limited Term ID: If your Texas ID is marked “temporary” or “Limited Term”, you will need to provide, in person, one of the following, in addition to your ID: Original birth certificate, original birth certificate abroad, unexpired Texas Handgun License, unexpired US Passport or passport card, or unexpired US Military ID. Online transactions are unavailable.

In-Person Purchase (Physical Presence): If you are buying your license at a local retail agent or TPWD, everyone ages 17 and older must be physically present and show valid proof of identification (Texas Driver’s License or Texas State Personal ID Card). Temporary or limited-term IDs are not accepted without additional documentation noted above.

For complete package options, bag limits, and additional details, please review the TPWD License Purchase Requirements & FAQs prior to purchasing your license.

The new policy requires schools to take a WBGT reading within 15 minutes before outdoor activities begin and at least every 30 minutes throughout practices or rehearsals. Unlike standard air temperature, WBGT measures heat stress by factoring in temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to better reflect the conditions students experience outdoors.

Under the UIL’s heat modification guidelines, schools must begin implementing additional safety measures once the WBGT reaches 82 degrees.

Readings between 82 and 86.9 degrees require increased hydration opportunities and access to a rapid cooling zone. Between 87 and 89.9 degrees, schools must provide longer rest breaks, reduce the amount of protective equipment worn and limit strenuous activity.

At 90 to 92 degrees, outdoor practices are limited to one hour, conditioning drills are prohibited and athletes may not wear protective equipment. When the WBGT exceeds 92 degrees, all outdoor athletic practices, marching band rehearsals and other UIL activities must be suspended until conditions improve.

The new rule is designed to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses as football teams and marching bands begin preparing for the fall season.

Elgin began fall practice on Monday as they are currently practicing with helmets only until the UIL required fourday acclimation period is through.

— Willie Nelson (1980)

THE ROAD TRIP: 1957

It’s 3:15 a.m., the dog days of summer and we’re preparing to depart Pittsburg.

“Got the thermos full of coffee?”

The questions before every trip were always the same, as were the answers. “Yes,” Granny told my grandfather as she closed the car door. Then came her turn: “Suitcase in the trunk? Did ya get a new map at the Texaco? How ‘bout the oil and the tires?”

“Yep,” Granddad said, looking at his pocket watch — the same watch he used to check freighttrain schedules for 55 years working for the railroad.

Meanwhile, I sat sleepily in the backseat with a pillow, ready to resume my nap the moment we rolled on the road trip across North Texas to Seymour for the annual summer trek taking me home after two weeks with my dad’s parents.

My grandfather’s early departures were to get miles behind him before the highways started baking. The six- to seven- hour journey covered about 300 miles and air-conditioned cars were a luxury in 1957. Plus, breakfast at Floyd’s Cafe in Greenville was his favorite.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike had just opened, and the Interstate 30 expansion east to Greenville was still just on paper. Traveling through McKinney and Denton dodged Dallas, but presented two-lane roads, traffic lights, stop signs and reduced speed limits.

In those days, “reduced” meant dropping below 60 mph during the day and 55 at night.

THE MODERN ERA ROAD TRIP: EASY PEASY Remembering my last road trip—a drive to Kentucky for a family reunion last summer— started me thinking about how the open road has changed since those trips with my grandparents.

My mom’s DNA included a fierce “travel gene.” If someone says, “road trip,” I respond, “Gimme five minutes to pack.”

You needn’t worry about packing much now. With today’s network of dollar stores and mega-centers, one can practically travel without stowing anything. Just pick it up along the way.

Road maps? Won’t find one today. Cars come with built-in global positioning satellite capability and “autopilot” driving assistance.

Vehicle prep is also equally effortless. If a “change oil” or “low tire pressure” light pops up on the dashboard, simply slide into a mega-center and pull around to the automotive department. You’ll be back on asphalt before you can ask, “Is there air in the spare?”

Who even owns a thermos now? Every twolane road today boasts enough convenience stores, doughnut shops and drive-thru Starbucks to keep any caffeine addict buzzing through three time zones.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRAVEL GENE

I am incredibly thankful for the travel gene I inherited from my mom. My dad’s family had a travel gene, too, but one I am glad skipped me.

That gene ensured my grandfather never missed an early morning arrival, but it also made him obsessively punctual on the return leg. The rigid agenda for his journeys allowed for an early arrival, lunch and an afternoon of visiting before supper. But the next morning, on the exact schedule, they were on the road back to Camp County.

Looking back at road trips as a kid versus traveling today, I can’t help but wonder what my grandparents would think.

I can hear my sweet little Granny’s response now.

“Well, ain’t that something! Next thing you know, somebody will invent a car that can drive itself.”

Assault with bodily injury; family violence Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance Vehicle Turning Left Property theft Driving with invalid license; no registration; no insurance Unauthorized use of vehicle Collision involving damage to vehicle; DWI Injury to elderly individual Evading arrest with vehicle Assault with bodily injury; family violence; public intoxication Assault with bodily injury; family violence; bond/protective order violation twice within 12 months; bond/protective order violation assault/ stalking Credit/debit card abuse of elderly; driving with invalid license

JULY 29

Property theft DWI Intoxicated assault with vehicle causing serious bodily injury Driving without license with previous conviction/ suspension; no insurance Possession of a controlled substance Failure to identify; provided false information; possession of controlled substance ICE detainee; marijuana possession; tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair Possession of controlled substance; property theft Parole Violations

JULY 30

Expired license plates; no driver’s License DWI; ICE detainee Criminal trespass DWI; ICE detainee Failure to drive in single lane

JULY 31

DWI DWI; possession of controlled substance; marijuana possession Assault with bodily injury; family violence Public intoxication DWI Disorderly conduct: DWI with open container Assault causes bodily injury/ family violence Possession of a controlled substance Criminal trespass DWI; possession of a controlled substance(2 counts); marijuana possession Assault causes bodily injury/ family violence Unauthorized use of motor vehicle Public intoxication Aggravated assault with deadly weapon

AUG. 1

Driving without license with previous conviction/ suspension; no insurance Aggravated sexual assault of a child Burglary Unlawful carrying of weapon DWI; failure to identify; possession of controlled substance in a drug-free zone Collision involving damage to vehicle; DWI; resisting arrest/search/ transport Assault with bodily injury/ family violence DWI; evading arrest; resisting arrest/search/ transport Parole violations; robbery DWI Driving without license with previous conviction/ suspension; no insurance

AUG. 2

DWI Assault causes bodily injury/family violence; deadly conduct; no seat belts Aggravated sexual assault of a child Property theft DWI with open container DWI

AUG. 3

Aggravated assault against date/family member/ household resident involving deadly weapon resulting in serious bodily injury Possession of a controlled substance

Region 11 includes Corpus Christi and the southernmost part of Texas. Of the 106 lab-confirmed cases statewide, 48 were reported from that region — or 45%. Region 6/5S includes Houston and Harris County, and an additional 29 cases were reported in that region. Together, the two regions account for roughly 73% of the state’s cases.

The diarrhea-inducing parasite has hit other states hard. Michigan, for example, has reported thousands of cases. Texas thus far has seen cyclosporiasis cases at about the same level as in the past few years.

THC HEMP PRODUCTS ONCE AGAIN BANNED IN TEXAS Effective July 31, products containing cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THCP are banned in Texas, following a yearslong legal fight over state hemp regulations, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

The Texas Supreme Court on May 1 upheld the authority of the Texas Department of State Health Services to adopt rules that in effect ban those THC products.

The Texas Hemp Business Council warned businesses on July 15 to prepare for the change.

“Businesses should evaluate their inventory and prepare to remove or sell through products containing more than trace amounts of delta-8, delta-10, delta-6, THCP and other cannabinoids that fall within the reinstated definition before the July 31 effective date,” the council said.

Texas consumers are now largely limited to ingestible and topical hemp products made with compliant delta-9 THC. Gummies, edibles and beverages containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight remain legal.

PAXTON SAYS HE WILL DEBATE TALARICO Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said last week he will debate state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, in the state’s U.S. Senate race, though no date has been set, The Texas Tribune reported.

Talarico, the Democratic nominee, said he had accepted invitations from Texas media groups for three debates. The Paxton campaign confirmed it had received the same debate invitations and said the attorney general plans to debate but did not commit to specific dates.

“Of course, we are going to debate James Talarico, and we look forward to engaging with potential debate hosts,” Paxton senior adviser Nick Maddux said in a statement.

Talarico has agreed to televised debates on Sept. 22 in the Rio Grande Valley; Oct. 6 in Dallas; and Oct. 13 in Austin.

Maddux said the Paxton campaign was “close to terms with one outlet now and expect an announcement to be forthcoming shortly.”

Meanwhile, a new Fox polls shows Talarico with a slight lead, according to the Houston Chronicle. The poll shows him leading Paxton by three points, 51-48, boosted by strong leads among independent voters and other key constituencies.

MEASLES OUTBREAK REPORTED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases of measles were reported in Montgomery County. All were members of the same family, were unvaccinated and became infected after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state.

Because measles is highly contagious, DSHS is warning that additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area. The agency encouraged health care professionals and the public to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms.

Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing. It can be caught by simply being near someone who is infected.

VOTERS WRONGLY FLAGGED AS POTENTIAL NONCITIZENS Election officials across Texas should immediately reinstate some voters who were incorrectly flagged as possible noncitizens through a federal program, according to The Texas Tribune. Christina Adkins, the state elections director, told county officials in a phone call that Texas Department of Public Safety records have confirmed the citizenship of some of the 2,724 registered voters singled out as potential noncitizens.

The voters were flagged after the state checked its voter roll through a federal program called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, that is used to verify the citizenship of registered voters.

Former Secretary of State Jane Nelson sent a letter in April to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that raised concerns about the accuracy of the SAVE program, after county election officials found citizens wrongly labeled noncitizens.

ABBOTT PLAN CALLS FOR LOWER HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS

Gov. Greg Abbott last week revealed plans to lower health insurance costs and drug prices by making it cheaper for small businesses to offer insurance to their workers, the Houston Chronicle reported. He said state mandates have made it too expensive for many small businesses to offer health insurance for their employees.

Abbott called for legislation that would allow those businesses to offer plans that don’t meet all state mandates that exceed what is required by the federal government. That generally would mean thinner coverage for employees.

“Small businesses want to provide their employees with healthcare insurance. It’s just good policy, it’s a good strategy, but also, it’s essential for them to be able to compete with other employers,” Abbott said at a campaign event.

The state leads the nation in uninsured people, with some 5 million Texans lacking health insurance.

Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published community newspapers in Texas during a 30year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. (I Peter 5:7) Our worries are distractions. According to the biblical definition, worry divides our attention and causes us to focus on a particular problem, person or a situation. Sadly, some people feel that more worry equals more care — but is this true?

One verse from Psalms 94:19 challenges this concept: “When worries threaten to overwhelm me, Your soothing touch makes me happy.”

Here’s encouragement from Nahum 1:7, a little- known book: “The Lord is good; indeed, He is a fortress in time of distress, and He protects those who seek refuge in Him.”

Make a list today of ways you’ve recognized God in your life. List ways He provided for you and blessed you. Remember answered prayers and you will find this list encouraging and amazing.

Keep it handy and reread it as needed. It is too easy to forget the goodness of God that touches our lives.

I’ve heard people say to give all your cares to God, to “turn it over to God,” but how is that possible? Some say to “lay your burdens down at the cross,” but how is that accomplished?

Then, some also continue saying they picked the problem up again.

Sometimes we need visual reminders to help us, so consider doing this. Choose a treasured bowl or beautiful box, write your care and concern on a small piece of paper and place it within. Whenever you see this container, you are reminded that you have given that issue to the Lord.

Thank Him that you can cast your cares on Him, for He does care for you.

Cast your burden, throw it upon another. In doing this, you’ve distributed the weight of the issue. Our great weight bearer is all powerful, all knowing, ever present and unchanging.

This is an intentional action, deliberate. We cannot hold tight to the worry and care if we cast.

Remember, Jesus said to enter His yoke, and He carries the bulk of the weight.

Picture a seine net cast upon the water to capture fish. We cast our net, sending all the cares and concerns upon One who loves us best.

We need One to share our load, to carry that heavy burden.

Each of us needs help and support.

We need Him, and each other.

Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.

According to Decotah Jackson, horses are all she has ever known. On horseback for the first time just two days after being born, Jackson said horses are all she’s ever known. She now works as a horse trainer, rescuer, riding instructor, trick rider and rodeo competitor at Bar D Performance Horses, 436 Mundine Rd.

Jackson was injured in December 2024 while evaluating a rescue horse for potential use in new rider training. The horse became spooked and tangled in a fence, and after Jackson dismounted to free it, the horse kicked her above the knee.

She collapsed, unable to stand, but managed to call for help.

“I called my parents. They came to get me and rushed me straight to the hospital in Bastrop,” Jackson said.

Doctors found a clean break in her femur that had rotated the leg. Jackson was immediately placed in traction — as any movement could have nicked the femoral artery — and transported to Austin for surgery.

Repairing the injury required a steel rod through her femur and four screws in her hip and leg.

Sixteen days later, Jackson was riding again.

Jackson said she has had many horses in her life, but the one that stands out above the rest is her 14-year-old gelding, Big Red.

“He was the first horse I ever bought with my own money,” Jackson said. “(We’ve) done everything together, from breaking colts, running barrels, roping calves, all the way to trick riding and Roman riding.”

Jackson trained Big Red to walk close to a fence so she could use it to lower herself off his back during recovery, though she was determined to climb back into the saddle unassisted from the start.

Three months after the accident, Jackson had returned to giving riding lessons, and by May she was performing trick riding at a show in Boerne.

The horse that injured her remains in her care.

BASTROP — A statewide campaign to curb speed-related crashes through increased enforcement made a recent stop at the Bastrop Bucee’s.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” interactive event coincided with a push from law enforcement agencies across the state, including Bastrop County. Departments have increased patrol count and citations issued to drivers who exceed the speed limit.

“Speeding is ultimately a choice drivers make behind the wheel,” said TxDOT Public Information Officer Mariah Van. “Drivers may feel the risk isn’t that high, especially when they’re in a hurry — speeding doesn’t just affect the driver, it puts everyone on the road at greater risk.”

According to TxDOT, speeding contributed to more than 150,000 crashes statewide in 2025, resulting in 1,247 deaths and 5,652 serious injuries.

Despite the grim toll, TxDOT data shows improvement year over year. Speed-related crashes fell 5% in 2025 to 150,129, down from 158,506 in 2024, while speed-related fatalities dropped 15% over the same period.

“Our goal is zero deaths on our roadways,” Van said. “To get there, we need to encourage drivers to make safer choices. For some drivers, the threat of a speeding ticket is what it takes to get them to slow down.”

The campaign is part of TxDOT’s broader “Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.” initiative, which promotes safe driving habits and mutual awareness on the road.

“Drive like a Texan is about taking pride in looking out for one another on the road,” Van said. “Putting that message into practice means giving other drivers space, obeying traffic laws, driving a safe speed, staying focused behind the wheel and making decisions that help protect everyone.”

With summer travel underway, Van urged drivers to plan ahead.

“Give yourselves plenty of time to reach your destination and always remember that arriving a few minutes later is better than risking a crash,” she said.

City Council agreed earlier this month to formally repeal a voter- approved marijuana decriminalization ordinance, a move officials say could finally close out more than two years of litigation with the Texas Attorney General’s office.

The repeal was authorized under the Elgin Home Rule Charter, which allows council to strike a citizen-initiated ordinance two years after being passed. Voters approved the original measure in November 2022 with more than 70% in favor of eliminating enforcement for lowlevel marijuana offences. The ordinance reached the ballot through a citizen petition organized by Decriminalize Elgin, though City Attorney Mark Schroeder said it conflicted with state law from the start.

“It went to the ballot — it passed — you were subsequently sued by the attorney general because of the illegality of that ordinance,” Schroeder said. “More than two years have passed, so now you are able to repeal.”

According to Schroeder, the repeal could effectively end the legal dispute.

“If this ordinance is repealed, it would essentially make the lawsuit moot because there would be no ordinance to challenge,” he said.

The city and attorney general’s office had previously reached a consent decree in June 2024, declaring the ordinance void and removing it from Elgin’s code.

While officials agreed not to implement the ordinance, Police Chief Chris Noble said at the time the department would continue operating within the “spirit of the ordinance” by not actively pursuing lowlevel marijuana cases.

It was not addressed at the meeting whether that practice will change once the ordinance is formally repealed.

“This would just be a cleanup to put to rest any questions as to whether or not this ordinance exists and is enforceable,” Schroeder said.

Council members also asked what would happen if they declined to repeal the ordinance.

According to Schroeder, the case would continue before the Texas Supreme Court, adding more legal work and costs for the city.

The litigation remained active after the consent decree because Decriminalize Elgin Chair Courtenay Paris sought to intervene in the case. A trial court denied the request, which led to an appeal that argued the court should have first found whether the attorney general had authority to bring the lawsuit before dismissing the group’s intervention.

Richard Gladden, an attorney representing Decriminalize Elgin, said the repeal changed the legal landscape by making the Supreme Court case moot and eliminating any precedential value from lower court rulings in the case.

“What it means is the legal horizon is exactly the same way it was before the Attorney General ever filed a lawsuit,” Gladden said.

Gladden disputes the city’s position that courts have determined the ordinance violated state law. He said no Texas appellate court has ruled on the merits of whether local marijuana decriminalization ordinances are lawful, arguing previous appellate decisions involving Austin and San Marcos addressed only whether the attorney general was entitled to a temporary injunction while those cases proceeded.

He also said Decriminalize Elgin is considering circulating a new petition to place another marijuana decriminalization ordinance before voters and discussing whether to pursue recall petitions against council members who voted to repeal the measure.

Schroeder said repealing the ordinance removes the basis for the intervenors’ claims, since the city would be exercising its own charter authority to eliminate the ordinance rather than defending its legality in court.

The five-month investigation targeting the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances resulted in warrants being served July 23 in the 100 block of West Point Way in Elgin and the 400 block of Gano Street in Taylor, deputies said in a release.

According to the July 24 statement, the Taylor site “was identified as a location where (a suspect) was allegedly distributing narcotics. Further investigation also indicated that narcotics were being stored at this residence.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Trevor Hunt, 34, who lived at the Elgin residence, is charged with the manufacture/ delivery of methamphetamine and cocaine, and marijuana possession. Deputies also said Cynthia Alderete, 36, is charged with possession of a controlled substance 1 to 4 grams.

Items seized by law officers at the Taylor residence include methamphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Discovered at the Elgin residence, investigators said, were crystal meth and meth pills, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine, a loaded revolver, a “loaded Taurus handgun” and $5,000 in cash.

Both Alderete and Hunt were booked into the Bastrop County Jail July 23, where both suspects remained Monday evening in lieu of bond amounts of $50,000 and $250,000, respectively.

“This investigation highlights the importance of multi-agency coordination and partnerships,” the sheriff’s release noted.

Participating agencies and units included the sheriff’s Organized Crime Unit, sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Texas Department of Public Safety Major Drug Unit 6C1 and the Elgin Police Department, investigators said.

Peace officers said anonymous tips on crimes can be submitted through the sheriff’s Organized Crime Unit Tipline at 512-943-1170 or by emailing drug humantraffickinginfo@wilco.org.

Tipsters can also reach out to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-253-7867, through the free P3Tips mobile app, or online by visiting wilcocrimestoppers.org/sitemenu.aspx?ID=316&.

“We have to put some guardrails around this industry, or we’re going to be in a huge train wreck.”— Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller 

BASTROP — Area residents gathered July 22 for a community- focused town hall to push for greater transparency and local oversight over data center development in Bastrop County.

The event follows recent company- hosted meetings including a series of EdgeConneX town halls that many said left pressing questions unresolved. Attendees continued to explore concerns about the company’s projects in Cedar Creek, where one data center is under construction near Wolf Lane and FM 535 and two more remain in development.

Residents are considering how the facilities may affect future development and long-term impacts on water resources, electric demand, noise, farmland and nearby neighborhoods.

However, not every speaker opposed the statewide spike in development.

CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION 

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told attendees he supports technological growth but believes the state has moved too quickly without adequate safeguards.

“We have to put some guardrails around this industry, or we’re going to be in a huge train wreck,” Miller said. “We’re losing a farm a week.”

Miller has called for a one-year pause on new data center development to give lawmakers time to establish statewide standards on water use, electric demand and land preservation.

When residents asked Miller about environmental repercussions tied to data center projects statewide, he said a lack of oversight is the core problem.

“These are the kinds of questions that we need the Legislature to address,” Miller said. “Right now, there’s no answer because they don’t answer to anyone. There’s no regulation — there’s no oversight.”

LOCAL PROPOSALS

Elgin attorney Nick Lealos urged county leaders to adopt what he called a “Bastrop Bill of Rights,” which would require developers seeking tax abatements to disclose water and electrical usage details, publish project documents online and support the creation of a citizen advisory committee.

“If we are included in the process … we will be better situated to both understand the cost to our county and also perhaps put a stop to some of these bad projects before they actually get off the ground,” Lealos said.

Data center proponents also took the stand.

Cameron Dodd, political director for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 520, said data center construction has become one of the largest sources of construction work in Central Texas, employing hundreds of union members.

Dodd said he supports stronger regulation but believes tax abatements can be leveraged to require labor agreements and workforce investment.

“Data centers are kind of like the main game in town when it comes to good construction work,” Dodd said. “We have hundreds of members just in our union working in them, depending on them to feed our families.”

COUNTY AUTHORITY

A letter from Commissioner Butch Carmack, read aloud during the meeting, said state law limits the county’s ability to block private commercial developments that meet legal requirements.

Carmack said tax abatements remain one of the county’s few tools to negotiate environmental protections and community benefits, and noted the county is updating its abatement policy.

A separate data center proposal from Pacifico Energy currently remains under county review.

STATE RESPONSE

The town hall came one day before Gov. Greg Abbott announced that a Henderson County data center proposed by Diode had withdrawn after failing to meet the state’s expectations.

“Data centers that want to do business in Texas must meet a clear standard,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texas requires companies to put communities first, protect our natural resources and power grid and respect the quality of life of our residents.”

Abbott also announced plans to pursue legislation requiring data centers to report annual water and electricity usage while eliminating certain tax incentives for the industry.

Aguilar will develop his game at the collegiate level after putting together a strong career with the Wildcats. He served as team captain entering the 2025-26 season, where his leadership and work ethic helped set the tone for a program continuing to make strides.

He led the Wildcats to a 12-10-4 overall record and earned a playoff berth before Elgin’s season ended with a bi-district loss to Liberal Arts & Science Academy.

Another World Cup is in the books.

Many fans projected a championship rematch between 2022 champion Argentina with Lionel Messi and France with Kylian Mbappe. Some even dreamed of the ’22 champs facing Portugal for the dream Messi vs. Cristian Ronaldo matchup.

But there was a thorn in the side of all those possibilities – Spain. The Spanish team proved to be a buzzsaw for all three of those teams during its World Cup win, which was capped in a 1-0 victory against Argentina July 19.

Spain also defeated Portugal, 1-0, in the round of 16 and knocked off France, 2-0, in the semifinal. Needless to say, Spain shut down arguably the three best players in the game – Mbappe, Messi and Ronaldo – during its championship run.

How did Spain do it? Defense.

Aside from a scoreless tie in the World Cup opener against first-time qualifier Cape Verde, The Spanish trounced Saudi Arabia, 4-0, and blanked Uruguay, 1-0, to win Group H. Spain hat-tricked Austria, 3-0 in the round of 32 before shutting down Ronaldo and Portugal, 1-0, in the round of 16.

Belgium gave the Spanish something to sweat about when it became the only team to score a goal against “La Roja.” But the score tied the match at 1 before Spain scored in the 88th minute to walk away with a 2-1 victory.

Heavy favorite France proved to be no match for Spain, who used a penalty kick in the 22nd minute and a goal in the 58th to send the French home, 2-0. Spain’s win prevented an Argentina- France rematch.

All that was left was the championship match. Spain dominated, but the match was scoreless after 90 minutes of play.

It wasn’t until the opening seconds of the second extra-time session that the Spanish broke through with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Two shot attempts from Messi were stopped by the Spanish defense, who celebrated a 1-0 victory and its first World Cup title since 2010.

Argentina, France and Portugal might have better players on their rosters, but Spain had the better team. The Spanish played as a team throughout the World Cup and the end result shows.

In total, Spain outscored the opposition, 14-1. A stark reminder that offense might win games or matches, but defense still wins championships.

Jason Chlapek is the Digital Editor of the Elgin Courier, Manor Jour nal and Taylor Press. He can be reached at jason.chlapek @granitemediapartners. com.

Owens spent his first two varsity seasons as a Wildcat, where he starred at quarterback and established himself as one of the area’s top dual-threat athletes. He made the transition from quarterback to wide receiver after transferring to Hutto before the 2025 season, a position change that would prove fruitful immediately.

Owens quickly became a divisional threat and a leading pass catcher in Central Texas.

In his junior year with the Hippos, Owens totaled 947 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing second on the team in receiving, while adding 102 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Owens is expected to play a major role in Hutto’s offense as a versatile offensive weapon this fall, alongside fellow senior wide receiver Jaiden Fields, an Oklahoma commit. The pair gives the Hippos one of the state’s top receiving tandems heading into the 2026 season.

Hutto enters the season under first-year head coach Casey Walraven, who previously led Alvarado.

—author unknown

I was drag racing before the ink on my driver’s license dried, including at tracks like Stracner Drag Strip at Bettie.

I was working my way through college and supporting my loud and fast car addiction at Sandlin Chevrolet and Olds in Mount Pleasant. I was fascinated when Dick Smothers (of the 1960s TV comedy duo) fielded a team of Oldsmobile muscle cars.

The perfect storm emerged when I bought one and entered the 1970 National Hot Rod Association’s SpringNationals event, competing in the same class with one of the Smothers Brothers cars. A professionally prepared example from California was driven by Willard Wright, a drag-racing champion in his own right before being recruited by the Smothers Brothers.

True to his skill, Wright held the national record for the class and was a consistent winner in every event across the country.

Some might have called it “a bummer” to have been paired with the national record holder in final eliminations. It turned out to be a story still worth telling, however, with the bonus of a lesson I never forgot.

I harbored no fantasies of taking out the national record holder.

We both left strong, and in less than 13 seconds, it was over. To no one’s surprise, Wright advanced to the next round, and I headed for the trailer.

To some, that might have seemed like a great disappointment. But to this “working-my-waythrough- college” kid who loved loud and fast cars, I got to play with the “big boys” at a national event — a long way from Friday nights at Bettie.

Back in the pits, good friend and race car mechanic Oscar Elliott was waiting. Our plan? Load up and watch the rest of the races as spectators. We came, we saw, we got to play, we had our moment on the big stage.

However, this story wasn’t over yet.

The smell of hot rubber and exhaust still hung heavy over the car when I saw someone walking toward us.

“There you are,” he hollered. Extending his hand, he added, “My name’s Willard Wright.”

Moment a r i ly as tounded, I could do no better than stammer, “H-hello.”

“Great race,” he said. “Tell me what you’ve done to the car.” I looked at the national record- holding driver who had just defeated me.

“Well, we ….” Then I detailed everything I could think of about how we dismantled a new car and put it back together in compliance with NHRA’s deep rule book and my shallow pocketbook. After listening intently, Wright had questions: “Did you (do this), have you (done that)?”

He added, “Sounds like you’ve done all you can do without factory backing and sponsorship cash. Good job. You ran me as close as anyone — right there with me at the finish line. Not bad for a couple of ‘East Texas boys’ independents.”

With that, we shook hands again.

“Nice to meet you, good luck, you’ll do well,” he said.

Then he was gone as quickly as he had appeared. We stood in awe, watching him disappear into the crowd.

“That was Willard,” Oscar finally said.

“Yeah,” I drawled. “That was Willard.”

That was more than a memorable racing experience. It was the day a national record-holding champion tracked down a loud-and-fast-car loving kid from a small town with a big dream to say, in essence, “Good job, how can I help you become better?”

And …well, that’s a story worth writing about.

Driving without license with previous conviction/suspension; no insurance DWI; ICE detainee DWI; ICE detainee; tampering with government record ICE detainee; public intoxication; assaulting a public servant Collision involving damage to vehicle; DWI; ICE detainee Criminal mischief Driving with no license with previous conviction/suspension; no insurance; no license plate Terroristic threat of family/household Deadly conduct discharge of firearm; fleeing police officer; possession of controlled substance; possession of marijuana; theft of firearm; unlawful carrying of weapon; unlawful possession of firearm by felon Noncompliance with traffic control device; no display of license plate/tag; no signaling turns Property theft 

JULY 21

Engaging in organized criminal activity Bond/protective order violation Public intoxication Driving without license with previous conviction/suspension; no insurance; possession of drug paraphernalia Criminal trespass Driving without license with previous conviction/suspension; unauthorized use of vehicle Assault against elderly/disabled Assault against public servant; harassment against public servant; resisting arrest/search of transport No drivers license; unlawful carrying of weapon DWI 

JULY 22

Deadly conduct, discharge of firearm DWI; evading arrest with vehicle DWI; possession of controlled substance; resisting arrest search/ transport Public intoxication ICE detainee Theft of firearm Driving without license with previous conviction/suspension; no insurance; struck roadside fixture/ property Failure to register as sex offender Assault of peace officer (2 counts) 

JULY 23

Possession of controlled substance ICE detainee; unlawful carrying of weapon Possession of controlled substance; unlawful carrying of weapon DUI- by a minor; driving with no license; evading arrest/detention; evading in vehicle Marijuana possession Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance; marijuana possession Possession of controlled substance DWI with child under 15 Marijuana possession; unlawful carrying of weapon Parole violations 

JULY 24

DWI Possession of a controlled substance Assault with bodily injury/family violence; interfering with emergency request for assistance; no valid driver’s license; speeding Invasive visual recording (2 counts) Possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of controlled substance; permitting unauthorized person to drive Property theft; previous conviction Possession of controlled substance 

JULY 25

Unauthorized use of vehicle DWIDWI Driving with no insurance Driving while unlicensed Evading arrest with vehicle; evading arrest detention; reckless driving Reckless driving Criminal trespass

 JULY 26

ICE detainee; tampering with government record Bodily injury to a child/elderly/ disabled Possession of controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia Obstructing highway/passageway Indecent exposure DWI Violating promise to appear Assault with bodily injury/violence to family; violated promise to appear; possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia; possession to purchase/consumption cigarettes/ tobacco Assault peace officer/judge; ICE detainee; interfering with public duties Speeding DWI; ICE detainee DWI; ICE detainee Assault with bodily injury Criminal trespass

Three legal challenges over the past three decades have failed, with Texas courts ruling the recapture system complies with the state constitution. Under recapture, wealthier school districts — such as Midland, with its considerable oil and gas holdings — send money to the state, which then distributes it to school districts with low property values.

In the case of Midland, the district sent $92 million back to the state in the 2024-25 school year, sixth highest in the state. The Austin Independent School District sent back the most money that year at $771 million.

“They’re setting the tax rate. We collect the taxes. We send it to the state,” Guinn, the Midland school board president, said last week. “Then we get blamed as a local district and local board member for taxes being high. It’s just a revolving door.”

School administrators have contended that state leaders have not adequately invested in traditional public-school campuses, opting instead to promote charter schools and to create a voucher program that uses public funding for private or homeschooling.

BREAKAWAY BUOYS DISRUPT RIO GRANDE BRIDGES Hundreds of federal border buoys broke loose during recent flooding, disrupting traffic at international bridges, the Texas Standard reported. The floating border barrier was installed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It consists of interconnected orange cylinders, each 4 feet high, 15 feet long and weighing about a ton apiece.

Officials in Eagle Pass temporarily stopped traffic on the city’s two international bridges over the Rio Grande. That city is also the location of about 2,000 feet of a separate floating barrier installed by Operation Lone Star in 2023. Those buoys did not break apart during the recent flooding.

“The state buoys remain intact where they were located initially and have not moved,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “They’re being reinforced as we speak to make sure they’re not moved.”

Many of the federal buoys became lodged into the river, while others floated into Mexico, where some were reportedly recovered by residents and sold as scrap metal. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said in a statement that contractors were working to recover the remaining buoys.

STATE COULD OVERHAUL UNIVERSITY FUNDING

Texas could roll out a new funding model for four-year colleges that allocates more money to schools with higher graduation and retention rates, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board presented the model to university representatives last week. It will propose the plan to lawmakers during next year’s legislative session.

Under current law, four-year colleges receive funding from the Legislature through a formula largely based on the number of courses offered and the number of students enrolled. Since 1999, funding has also come from institutional enhancement funding, which is not formula-based and varies widely, from $56 to $5,734 per student. Some lawmakers have criticized enhancements as a “slush fund.”

Sarah Keyton, deputy commissioner of the higher education agency, said the new funding model would make university budgeting more predictable.

The new model, if adopted by lawmakers, rewards universities for progress toward a degree and diplomas awarded. It was created with input from university leaders across the state.

“This formula could really accelerate our progress towards the goals of the state education plan (to) get more students earning credentials of value and entering the workforce and driving our statewide economy forward,” Keyton said.

STATE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT RESIDENTIAL RATEPAYERS At Gov. Greg Abbott’s direction, the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have taken action to shield residential ratepayers from the costs of data center expansion sweeping across much of the state.

Those actions include:

• Requiring data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure and contribute to “meaningfully reducing” residential electric bills.

• Preventing large data centers from diverting existing power away from the ERCOT grid.

• Changing how data centers pay for the infrastructure needed to serve them.

• Developing stronger standards that data centers must meet before connecting to the grid.

A controversial data center project in Henderson County near Cedar Creek Reservoir has been pulled after the company said it couldn’t comply with Abbott’s standards, The Texas Tribune reported. The site was expected to take 12 years to build and to consume 5 million gallons of lake water per day by its fifth year. It drew considerable opposition from residents because of the location’s proximity to a developed subdivision.

41 SCREWWORM CASES IN TEXAS TO DATE

Forty-one cases of New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in Texas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Texas Standard reported, with one additional case in New Mexico.

The latest infestation was confirmed in a baby calf in western Starr County, the first detected case in the Rio Grande Valley.

The screwworm is the larval stage of a parasitic fly that feeds on the living tissue of warmblooded animals. Without treatment, infestation can be fatal.

Federal and state officials are working to contain the outbreak, with several counties in South and West Texas under quarantine that limits movement of livestock.

1.6 MILLION EGGS IN TEXAS ARE RECALLED Several brands of white and brown eggs sold in Texas are under a recall because they may be contaminated with salmonella, the Austin American-Statesman reported. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million eggs.

The company announced the eggs were produced and distributed from Texas farms between June 6 and July 3, with sell-by or best-by dates between July 20 and Aug. 17. They were shipped to Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi, as well as other smaller retail outlets.

The recalled eggs will have an identifying code number printed on the left or right sides of the carton in date-coding ink only. Only codes P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 printed on the side of the carton are subject to recall.

As of July 24, the company has not identified any illnesses linked to the recalled eggs.

Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published community newspapers in Texas during a 30year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@ texaspress.com.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

This common tendency troubles people of all ages — no one is exempt. Fear and anxiety lurk nearby and dampen our day. Even the most treasured life events seem to include some degree of anxiety.

The Bible uses words like care, worry, sorrow, dread and troubled as synonyms for anxious. God created us and our emotions, and of course He knows all about anxiety.

A person with anxiety is one who worries, one who is troubled with the cares that surround us or tends to be overly concerned. It’s hard to keep a good balance between life and our anxious thoughts when we must be diligent and care, but also trust God’s heart and instructions.

Let me share encouraging reminders and admonitions to help us.

Proverb 12:25 says, “Anxiety in our heart/ mind weighs us down …” My paraphrase of I Corinthians 7:21 says, “Regardless of your position in life, do not worry about it.”

Perhaps the most notable passages about worry are found in the Gospels, part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

Look at Matthew chapter 6: Jesus begins in verse 24, saying, ‘No man can serve two masters’ (priorities and focus) … for this reason I say to you, do not be anxious …” He cites birds of the air, flowers of the field and concludes by challenging the innate power — or lack thereof — of our worry.

These aren’t mere examples of small insignificant things, but a comparison of small to great. In God’s economy and provision, the people He created are more valuable than another created thing.

This includes me, and you, dear reader. Not whomever you consider more powerful or important — but you. God knows where you live, what you think, words you haven’t expressed and your every fear and concern.

God determined our value in Genesis, when he says each person is created in the image of God. This assigned worth requires our mutual respect, for ourselves and for others.

Oh, if we really believed this, wouldn’t our world be a more pleasant place?

There are many biblical admonitions about worry. This week, read Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 8:13, Psalm 37:1, Psalm 94:7, Luke 12:25 and Philippians 4:7.

Read aloud, and you will be uplifted!

I pray you will have a blessed week.

Until next week, Anita

Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.

Apply to Adopt DeeDee Today!

The event follows recent company-hosted meetings including a series of EdgeConneX town halls that many said left pressing questions unresolved. Attendees continued to explore concerns about the company’s projects in Cedar Creek, where one data center is under construction near Wolf Lane and FM 535 and two more remain in development.

Residents are considering how the facilities may affect future development and long-term impacts on water resources, electric demand, noise, farmland and nearby neighborhoods.

However, not every speaker opposed the statewide spike in development.

CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told attendees he supports technological growth but believes the state has moved too quickly without adequate safeguards.

“We have to put some guardrails around this industry, or we’re going to be in a huge train wreck,” Miller said. “We’re losing a farm a week.”

Miller has called for a one-year pause on new data center development to give lawmakers time to establish statewide standards on water use, electric demand and land preservation.

When residents asked Miller about environmental repercussions tied to data center projects statewide, he said a lack of oversight is the core problem.

“These are the kinds of questions that we need the Legislature to address,” Miller said. “Right now, there’s no answer because they don’t answer to anyone. There’s no regulation — there’s no oversight.”

LOCAL PROPOSALS

Elgin attorney Nick Lealos urged county leaders to adopt what he called a “Bastrop Bill of Rights,” which would require developers seeking tax abatements to disclose water and electrical usage details, publish project documents online and support the creation of a citizen advisory committee.

“If we are included in the process … we will be better situated to both understand the cost to our county and also perhaps put a stop to some of these bad projects before they actually get off the ground,” Lealos said.

Data center proponents also took the stand.

Cameron Dodd, political director for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 520, said data center construction has become one of the largest sources of construction work in Central Texas, employing hundreds of union members.

Dodd said he supports stronger regulation but believes tax abatements can be leveraged to require labor agreements and workforce investment.

“Data centers are kind of like the main game in town when it comes to good construction work,” Dodd said. “We have hundreds of members just in our union working in them, depending on them to feed our families.”

COUNTY AUTHORITY

A letter from Commissioner Butch Carmack, read aloud during the meeting, said state law limits the county’s ability to block private commercial developments that meet legal requirements.

Carmack said tax abatements remain one of the county’s few tools to negotiate environmental protections and community benefits, and noted the county is updating its abatement policy.

A separate data center proposal from Pacifico Energy currently remains under county review.

STATE RESPONSE

The town hall came one day before Gov. Greg Abbott announced that a Henderson County data center proposed by Diode had withdrawn after failing to meet the state’s expectations.

“Data centers that want to do business in Texas must meet a clear standard,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texas requires companies to put communities first, protect our natural resources and power grid and respect the quality of life of our residents.”

Abbott also announced plans to pursue legislation requiring data centers to report annual water and electricity usage while eliminating certain tax incentives for the industry.

The five-month investigation targeting the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances resulted in warrants being served July 23 in the 100 block of West Point Way in Elgin and the 400 block of Gano Street in Taylor, deputies said in a release.

According to the July 24 statement, the Taylor site “was identified as a location where (a suspect) was allegedly distributing narcotics. Further investigation also indicated that narcotics were being stored at this residence.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Trevor Hunt, 34, who lived at the Elgin residence, is charged with the manufacture/delivery of methamphetamine and cocaine, and marijuana possession. Deputies also said Cynthia Alderete, 36, is charged with possession of a controlled substance 1 to 4 grams.

Items seized by law officers at the Taylor residence include methamphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Discovered at the Elgin residence, investigators said, were crystal meth and meth pills, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine, a loaded revolver, a “loaded Taurus handgun” and $5,000 in cash.

Both Alderete and Hunt were booked into the Bastrop County Jail July 23, where both suspects remained Monday evening in lieu of bond amounts of $50,000 and $250,000, respectively.

“This investigation highlights the importance of multi-agency coordination and partnerships,” the sheriff’s release noted.

Participating agencies and units included the sheriff's Organized Crime Unit, sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Texas Department of Public Safety Major Drug Unit 6C1 and the Elgin Police Department, investigators said.

Peace officers said anonymous tips on crimes can be submitted through the sheriff’s Organized Crime Unit Tipline at 512-943 1170 or by emailing drug humantraffickinginfo@wilco.org.

Tipsters can also reach out to Crime Stoppers by calling 1 800 253 7867, through the free P3Tips mobile app, or online by visiting wilcocrimestoppers.org/sitemenu.aspx?ID=316&.

According to the Elgin Police Depa r tment , Christopher Vargas is being held without bond on unrelated charges in the Hays County Jail in San Marcos.

He awaits extradition to the Bastrop County Jail in Bastrop in connection with the homicide case, officers said.

The body of Sonya Martinez Guerra, 55, at 108-A Anderson Drive was found at 12:44 p.m. June 30 when police, the Elgin Fire Department and paramedics responded to a welfare check, according to a city news release.

“Guerra sustained obvious trauma to her body,” the release noted.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Detective Dylan Judd at 512-285-5757 or Dylan. Judd@ElginTexas.gov.

“Good people want to spend their time mowing the lawn and playing with the dog.” — Alan Furst

I’ve gone back and forth on lawn mowing over the years. It’s hard.

I’ve always enjoyed mowing and grooming my yard. And every time I’ve given it up in favor of hiring someone else to do it, I still enjoy my crop of good mowing memories.

I mowed two yards as a kid — our yard on Redbud Street in Mount Pleasant and my grandparents’ on Cypress Street in Pittsburg. Ours was a chore to earn an allowance—a necessity. But mowing the grass at my grandparents’ house? Now that was fun.

Funny how grandparents have a knack for always making the worst task seem like a blast.

Granddad’s lawn mower was an old Sears, Roebuck and Co. reel-type, early self-propelled power mower, the only one of its kind I recall seeing. The green mower with big yellow wheels and a wooden roller trailing the blade personified my grandfather. Both were outdated—even then. But both were hard-working and reliable to a fault.

One pull of the rope wrapped around the cranking hub on the old mower, and it came to life. Releasing the handle-mounted lever set the mower in motion, moving slowly around the yard and doing the job it was designed to do.

At home, mowing the grass was just one of many chores on the list that earned me a lofty allowance of 25 cents a week. It doesn’t sound like much today, but that quarter bought my way into the Saturday matinee at the Martin theater, plus a Coke and popcorn.

Chores in general never excited me much; I was in it for the money. And soon after making the connection between working and income, I figured out the shortest route to get a raise from that quarter a week was a summer job.

To increase my standard of living beyond the two-bit allowance, I started mowing yards. For at least a couple of summers, keeping yards around south-side Mount Pleasant neighborhoods neatly cut for $3 a pop not only raised my standard of living, but transformed my pocket money from the rattling kind to the folding kind—converting green grass to green in my pockets.

Thinking about lawn mowing also reminds me of how many lawn mowers I’ve owned over the years. I don’t have a number, but I always remember my first one. Not quite up there with my first car or first date, but a vivid memory no less.

It was also from Sears, yellow and it easily trimmed the thick carpet of San Augustine grass surrounding my first house on Dogwood Street in Mount Pleasant. It turned a chore into a labor of love.

Admiring the sight and smell of the newly mowed grass, I felt the pride my parents preached about a nice-looking yard.

And all that time, I thought it was a punishment.

Looking back now, I remember my dad trying to explain that theory long before I was old enough to understand it.

“Dad,” I asked once, “why do parents punish their kids by making them mow the grass?”

“It’s not punishment, son,” he said. “It teaches the value of working to earn money. And about pride in what you do; being proud of how nice your yard looks.”

“I’d be prouder if you mowed it,” I remember telling him.

“You’ll understand someday,” he said. “For now, let me see if I can better explain this. Remember that it’s your mother who is teaching pride in a job well done by authorizing me to pay your allowance for mowing her yard.”

So, once more, I’ve canceled my lawn service this summer, retrieved the lawn mower from retirement in the storeroom, and returned both of us to active duty.

I’m remembering the pride in a nicely mowed yard, and about good people wanting to spend time mowing the lawn and playing with the dog. And wondering … Does this mean I have to get a dog now?

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

A massive amount of rain once again engulfed the Hill Country, causing widespread flooding in several counties including Uvalde, Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie. At least two fatalities were reported near Comfort and Uvalde.

More than 270 people were rescued. Damage was widespread from rains bringing as much as 25 inches to parts of Kerr County and 10 to 15 inches in other counties.

The death toll so far is much lower than the casualties from last summer’s flooding, which killed more than 130 statewide, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Officials and residents credit improved warning systems, including text alerts and flood sirens, and fewer people clustering on riverbanks, since it was not a holiday weekend — unlike the July 4, 2025, flood.

Law enforcement officials fanned out to campgrounds, hotels and recreational-vehicle parks as the floodwaters began to rise, though this time the flooding built up over a few days.

“We weren’t caught off guard by something nobody expected,” state Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady, said at a news conference July 17. “We had a lot of critical, key people that were in the proper locations that were very instrumental in helping us. Residents were very aware of the possibility of what’s going to happen when that river floods.”

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a major disaster declaration seeking federal assistance for rebuilding efforts in 28 affected counties.

STATE AGENCIES ASKED TO CUT SPENDING BY 3%

Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced their top four priorities for the 2028-29 budget cycle last week, including requiring state agencies to reduce base spending requests by 3%. Other priorities include addressing affordability concerns, fully funding public education, supporting teachers and advancing property-tax reform.

In a news release, Abbott said the budget guidance “protects our historic investments in public education and teachers, delivers even more property-tax relief and makes the cost of living more manageable for Texas families through strict standards of efficiency and accountability from every state agency.”

The 90th legislative session begins in January.

MORTGAGE DELINQUENCIES UP AMONG FIRST_TIME HOMEOWNERS First-time homeowners in Texas are increasingly failing to make their mortgage payments on time, the Houston Chronicle reported. Rising homeowner insurance costs are the primary culprit, according to data from the Federal Housing Administration.

Most FHA borrowers are first-time homebuyers and typically have lower credit ratings and less money for a down payment, making them more vulnerable to rising monthly costs. Roughly 6% of FHA loans in Texas were at least 90 days past due, up from 3.7% a year earlier.

“This unfortunately positions Texas at the epicenter of the national affordability squeeze,” Scott Norman, CEO of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, told state lawmakers in June.

Home insurance rates have increased by an average of 80% since 2020, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. Compounding the situation, homeowners with low credit scores are paying almost $3,000 more annually for home insurance than those with high credit scores.

Late payments on conventional mortgages have remained flat, with less than 1% of borrowers seriously behind on their payments.

HOWDEN NAMED TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE

Gov. Greg Abbott has named Robert S. Howden to succeed Jane Nelson as Texas secretary of state, according to the Texas Standard. Nelson left office on July 17.

Howden has served as Abbott’s legislative director since September 2024. He will work as interim secretary until the legislative session begins in January, when he will need to be confirmed by the Texas Senate.

“His experience in the legislative process and extensive public service have prepared him to protect the integrity of Texas elections and represent our state with strength on the global stage,” Abbott said in announcing Howden’s appointment.

The office’s primary responsibility is overseeing elections and voter rolls. It also oversees business filings, such as limited liability corporations and other entities.

TALARICO HOLDS FUNDRAISING EDGE OVER PAXTON With less than four months before the November general election, Democratic nominee James Talarico has vastly outraised his GOP rival Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race, the Chronicle reported.

The Austin-area state legislator ended June with a bank balance of $21.5 million, according to newly filed documents with the Federal Election Commission. After factoring in expenses, state Attorney General Paxton’s campaign was left with a balance of just $1.7 million.

Both candidates are heavily backed by super PACs. The Talarico-aligned political action committee has $21.6 million in the bank, including $10 million from LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman. The Paxton-aligned PAC, which spent heavily in his successful runoff against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, was left with just $35,000 to start July.

Talarico hopes to break Texas Democrats’ 32-year losing streak in statewide elections. He has raised more than $68 million thus far, the most for any non-incumbent in a U.S. Senate race.

ABBOTT CAMPAIGN PAID $25K TO RENT ELEPHANT

Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection campaign paid $25,000 to rent Paige the elephant for the state GOP convention from an exhibitor that failed to register with Houston officials before bringing the elephant to the George R. Brown Convention Center, according to the Houston Chronicle.

A campaign finance report revealed the amount the campaign paid to East Texas Elephant Experience to parade the pachyderm at the June convention. The city’s regulatory division said it had no record the company registered as a licensed exhibitor at least 20 days before the event as required by city code.

Klayton Rutherford of PETA said the payment rewards an exotic animal entertainment industry that has come under criticism over its treatment of elephants.

“The amount of money that is involved in this industry is staggering,” Rutherford said. “The most prominent elected official in the state arranged this exhibit and it was done apparently in violation of the city’s ordinances and that’s alarming.”

The Abbott campaign declined to comment.

Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders @texaspress.com.