Subscribe by calling 512-285-3333 or email gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com.

The suspect, who has yet to be identified, was taken into custody by deputies with the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office about 10 a.m. after a three-hour standoff on the 200 block of Plum Drive. Traffic on Plum Drive was rerouted for three hours. 

More on this situation can be seen in future editions of the Elgin Courier. 

To see more on this story, pick up the May 20 edition of the Elgin Courier. Subscribe by calling 512-285-3333 or email gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com.

To see more on this story, pick up the May 20 edition of the Elgin Courier. Subscribe by calling 512-285-3333 or email gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com.

City Council approved moving forward on a federal grant application May 5 to help advance planning for County Line Road Phase 3, a project Elgin officials say remains a top priority.

The resolution authorizes City Manager Robert Eads to seek services from Kimley-Horn Engineers for grant writing connected to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. According to officials, SS4A aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries through planning studies and infrastructure improvements.

Public Works Director Michael Gonzales said the grant could help advance planning for the section of County Line Road connecting to FM 1100, including pedestrian improvements like sidewalks.

“We are thinking about any funding opportunity … The number one question we got was 'When exactly are you going to start on Phase 3?'” Gonzales said, referencing a recent public engagement meeting at First Baptist Church. “We're thinking about Phase 3 just as much as any of our constituents.” 

The city scaled its proposal back from $40,000 to about $10,000 after determining it would be more competitive pursuing only the planning portion of the grant, rather than both planning and implementation.

“To make sure we're spending wisely, let's go after this $10,000 portion that we are most likely to get,” Eads said.

The city has also coordinated with the Texas Department of Transportation, which is pursuing funding for the corridor through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Gonzales said the parallel efforts could strengthen the case for both. 

“Both of us working on it together should, in my mind, bring some gravity to the situation,” he said.

Elgin has once again earned accredited status as a 2026 nationally designated Main Street America city, the organization’s highest designation level.

Of 1,291 communities nationwide, only 838 achieved the designation, which recognizes long-term downtown revitalization and economic impact efforts. Elgin has participated in the Texas Main Street Program since 1990 and has maintained accredited status since 1999.

“This recognition reflects years of collaboration and commitment from our board, volunteers, city leadership, business owners and community partners,” Main Street Manager Kristina Alvarez said in a statement.

Since joining, more than $42 million has been reinvested into downtown Elgin through public and private investments, according to officials.

“We are proud to continue building on Elgin’s historic character,” Alvarez said.

City Manager Robert Eads called the designation a testament to what sustained, community- driven investment can accomplish over time “From restored storefronts to new businesses opening their doors, the results speak for themselves,” he said.

Community involvement plays a major role in the program’s success, according to the city, particularly through the annual Hogeye Festival. Serving as a primary fundraiser, the festival helps fund downtown grants, public art and revitalization efforts.

Main Street America reported that accredited programs nationwide generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment in 2025, along with nearly 6,900 new businesses and more than 36,500 new jobs on average.

BASTROP — Bastrop recently hired its first business and community development manager, a newly created role focused on internal growth. 

The city and Bastrop Economic Development Corporation brought on Dr. Jill Strube to fill the position aimed at strengthening local businesses. Officials said Strube will build a local “economic gardening” strategy designed to help existing businesses bloom rather than recruiting outside industry.

“This is new to Bastrop,” Strube said. “A lot of what the EDC has been doing is more business recruitment, but one of the reasons they were interested in bringing me on board was the work I had done with the quality-of-life side of economic development.”

Strube brings more than 17 years of experience in grant and economic development, most recently serving as economic development director in Smithville. She said her work will center on workforce development, entrepreneurial support and expanding community resources, noting that businesses often choose locations based on livability as much as economic factors. 

“Businesses are looking to come stay in communities that they like to be in,” she said.

Among early initiatives is a program to guide new and expanding businesses through permitting, inspections and planning. A broader education program for small and startup businesses is expected to launch later this year.

“We just want to make sure that we're giving people the chance to really get at that dream and make that dream a reality,” Strube said.

Supporting small businesses is critical to maintaining economic stability, according to Strube, as larger industries take root in the region. 

She added addressing workforce needs and affordable housing will be key challenges moving forward. 

“I’m trying to help stabilize the community so that where there are pockets of neighborhoods that are struggling, we can get them resources they need to thrive,” Strube said. “We want to continue to stabilize the community so that there’s not a lot of displacement with all the growth.” 

Rotting from untreated wood, used in both the original construction and later repairs, has caused the structure to lean about 4 degrees, according to officials. Though the gazebo is not currently unsafe, it has deteriorated to the point where reconstruction is the better option. 

“At this time, the gazebo out front of the historic jail is in disrepair,” said Leon Scaife, a county purchasing agent. “It's not dangerous at this point, but it is to the point where it needs to be reconstructed.”

The county approved hiring preservation architecture firm Architexas for $9,600 to design and oversee the replacement, plus an additional $800 for Texas Historical Commission permits. The project will be paid for using hotel occupancy tax funds, according to commissioners.

The historical commission initially preferred removing the gazebo to restore the courthouse grounds to its old appearance, but agreed to allow reconstruction if the new structure closely resembles its original look.

“As long as we put it back to the earliest known photos … we can reconstruct that,” Scaife said. 

According to Architexas and project documents, the current 14-foot octagonal gazebo likely dates to 2009 and was modeled after a bandstand dedicated during the 1976 bicentennial celebration. 

The county also provided evidence of an earlier gazebo on the courthouse square dating from about 1935 to 1941.

The firm and county officials emphasized the importance of the structure to the community, noting weddings, veterans events and local gatherings as reasons for keeping the gazebo standing. 

Under the contract, Architexas will review historic documents, measure the existing structure and surrounding pathways, prepare construction documents and coordinate with the historic commission.

A ribbon cutting Thursday celebrated the debut of Dynamic Systems Inc., which will manufacture heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing components for large companies in Central Texas, such as Taylor’s nearby Samsung Austin Semiconductor.

“We make buildings live and breathe,” said DSI division manager Matthew Taylor at the ceremony, which included local dignitaries including Mayor Russell Schmidt.

The mayor and other officials said the new business could herald a trend in which more industries are locating to the Blackland Prairie and specifically the small city between Elgin and Taylor, where a John Deere equipment testing facility recently opened.

During the event, Coupland DSI operations manager Adam Roche said the opening of the Coupland facility signaled a great day for the company and the community.

“It’s the beginning of a long-term partnership,” Roche said.

Taylor said the Coupland DSI location will focus on high-purity infrastructure for semiconductor and biopharmaceutical companies handling large volumes of gases and chemicals that require more resilient stainless-steel pipes and carriers.

Like many of its contractors, the company also has a clean room to work on its pipes and delivery systems.

“We’re talking about cleanliness on a microscopic level,” Taylor said. “The smallest of particles can affect the manufacturing processes.”

DSI opened in 1988 and remained privately owned until summer 2025, with an annual income over half a billion dollars, company officials said.

Nationwide, the company employs more than 3,000 people with 500 of them in Central Texas. About 50 workers, many from the area, initially will staff the Coupland location and more growth is anticipated in the next few years, officials said. Guests at the May 7 event included DSI executives, employees and their families; local officials such as state Rep. Caroline Harris Davila and Harold Glasscock, outreach coordinator for U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions; and Schmidt.

Cross country and track standout Matthew Cato committed to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Cato recently advanced to the regional round of the Class 5A track and field championships.

The remaining signees will continue their football careers at the collegiate level.

Offensive lineman Drake McCoy and utility player Michael Wilson both signed with Texas College in Tyler.

Michael Mejias, a key piece of Elgin’s offense last season, committed to Wayland Baptist University.

Defensive end Lewis Reese signed with Independence Community College in Kansas, a program that gained national attention after being featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

The upcoming season also marks Elgin’s first year competing under new district realignment. The Wildcats are coming off a 2-8 overall record and will look to build on that mark in Lucero’s second year at the helm.

The Wildcats open with back-to-back scrimmages, hosting Cedar Creek at Old Wildcat Stadium Aug. 14 before traveling to Lockhart’s Lions Stadium Aug. 21. The regular season kicks off Aug. 28 at Manor Athletic Complex against Manor.

Elgin hits the road for the first stretch of district play, traveling to Nelson Field in Austin to face Northeast Sept. 5, then heading to Taylor Sept. 11 to play the Ducks. The Wildcats stay on the road against Del Valle Sept. 18 and Bryan Rudder Sept. 24 before a bye week.

The roster returns to action Oct. 8 at Pflugerville’s The Pfield, then heads back to Nelson Field to face Liberal Arts and Science Academy Oct. 16.

The Wildcats return for Homecoming against Crockett Oct. 23 before traveling to rival Bastrop at Memorial Stadium Oct. 30.

Senior Night closes out the regular season Nov. 6 at home against Navarro.

ELGIN

For the Wildcats, Matthew Cato placed fifth in the boys 3200-meter run with a time of 9:33.82.

Ta’Myra Walker finished 14th in the girls 100-meter dash prelims at 12.69 seconds.

The girls 4x100 relay team of Zy’ere Clemons, Avery Rodman, Heaven Crawford and Walker set a personal best of 50.21 seconds, placing 15th in the prelims.

BASTROP

Kian Pucek turned in a double effort, placing eighth in the boys long jump at 20 feet, 11.5 inches and seventh in the boys triple jump at 43 feet, 4.5 inches.

Jocelyn Thompson cleared 10 feet, 6 inches for eighth place in the girls pole vault, and Austin Moilan threw 142 feet for 10th in the boys discus.

Two relay teams set personal bests. The girls 4x100 lineup of Laniya Stone, Bethany Greer, Kennedi Clemons and Taylor Herklotz ran a 50.66, while the girls 4x200 team of Stone, Greer, Clemons and Victoria Hickman clocked 1:45.20.

Greyson Thompson competed in the boys pole vault but did not record a height. Zachary Wilkinson finished 15th in the boys 110-meter hurdles prelims at 15.87 seconds, Caleb Bolt placed 13th in the boys 300-meter hurdles prelims at 42.47 and John Findlay finished 16th in the boys 200-meter dash prelims at 22.41.

Bethany Greer placed 15th in the girls 100meter dash prelims at 12.83.

SMITHVILLE

Briyanna Sampson led the Tigers with a fourthplace finish in the girls long jump at 17 feet, 7 inches.

Zane Perkins cleared 13 feet for sixth place in the boys pole vault, and Baylor Watson threw 135 feet, 3 inches for ninth in the boys discus.

Zacaria Hibbens finished eighth in the boys 800-meter run at 2:26.14, and Ava Bryant placed 12th in the girls 400-meter dash prelims at 1:01.92.

What do think of when the name Ted Turner comes to mind?

For some, it might be Headline News or the Cable News Network – CNN. For others, it’s the Atlanta Braves baseball club.

For me, my initial thought is World Championship Wrestling.

Turner once owned all of these entities.

On Wednesday, Turner died at the age of 87. He accomplished more than most on the journey from the cradle to the grave.

After starting in the billboard business, Turner bought an Atlanta television station in 1970, which became the Turner Broadcasting System. The station aired nationwide through cable television providers.

Turner also became a pioneer in news coverage. He introduced the world to CNN and Headline News in 1980, which became the first station to air a 24-hour news cycle.

Turner also launched other popular cable channels such as Turner Network Television or TNT, the Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, to name a few. He also owned the Braves, the team that won the World Series in 1995, and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks for a brief period.

My favorite Turner venture took place in 1988. He purchased a wrestling promotion, which was later named World Championship Wrestling.

Turner helped wrestlers such as Richard Fliehr (Ric Flair), Steven Borden (Sting) and Lenny Pfiel (Lex Luger) reach international stardom. He also helped WCW win the ratings war against Vince Mc-Mahon’s World Wrestling Federation – now World Wrestling Entertainment – in the mid-1990s.

I ronical ly, former WWF/E superstars Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan), Randy Poffo (Randy Savage), Scott Hall and Kevin Nash helped WCW in the ratings wars from 199698. That quartet formed the New World Order faction, which became one of the biggest heel — or “bad guy” — groups in wrestling history. Sadly, WCW was ultimately bought out by McMahon and WWF/E. Meanwhile, Turner broadcasting merged with Time Warner in 1996.

In the 1990s, Turner became critical of religion, particularly Christianity. But in a 2013 interview with the Christian Broadcast Network, he said he prayed for a friend who had cancer.

My prayer is that Turner found Jesus before his death. While being the originator of the 24-hour news cycle and the owner of professional sports franchises and a wrestling organization is impressive, none of that holds a candle to being a follower of Jesus in my opinion.

While the Good Lord is the only one who knows where Turner will spend life after death, the world did lose a media icon this past week. Turner truly was a media pioneer.

Chlapek is the area editor of the Taylor Press and Elgin Courier. He can be reached at jason.chlapek@granitemediapartners.com.

Possession of a controlled substance.

287G hold. Sexual assault. Assault by contact. Driving while license invalid; collision involving injury; reckless driving.

Failure to identify; public intoxication. Driving while intoxicated; possession of marijuana.

Assault causing bodily injury; criminal mischief; interference with an emergency call; unlawful restraint.

MAY 5

Disregard red light; operating unregistered vehicle. Driving while license invalid.

Contraband in correctional facility; driving while license invalid; possession of a controlled substance.

Assault/family violence. False alarm or report. Driving while intoxicated. Tampering with physical evidence. Driving while unlicensed.

MAY 6

Invasive visual recording. Public intoxication. Possession of a controlled substance. Resisting arrest. Possession of a controlled substance.

MAY 7

Criminal trespass.

Possession of a controlled substance; failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Theft.

Possession of a controlled substance; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

No driver’s license. Prohibited item in a correctional facility.

Possession of a controlled substance.

Aggravated sexual assault of a child; ICE detainee.

Driving while license invalid; possession of a controlled substance.

Possession of a controlled substance. Theft; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Driving while intoxicated; possession of a controlled substance.

MAY 8

Criminal trespass; possession of a controlled substance. Failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Driving while unlicensed.

Intoxicated assault causing serious bodily injury.

Public intoxication; possession of a controlled substance.

287G hold. 287G hold. Stalking. Possession of a controlled substance. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Driving without a license.

Possession of a controlled substance; reckless driving.

MAY 9

Collision involving death; possession of a controlled substance.

Assault causing bodily injury; violation of protective order.

Driving while intoxicated with open container; evading arrest; reckless driving; possession of a controlled substance.

No driver’s license.

Driving while license invalid; failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Driving while intoxicated; ICE detainee.

Assault causing injury.

Possession of a controlled substance; criminal trespass.

Possession of a controlled substance. Driving while intoxicated.

287G hold.

Driving while intoxicated. Displaying fictitious license plate; driving while intoxicated.

MAY 10

Assault of pregnant person.

Driving while intoxicated. Possession of a controlled substance. Criminal mischief. Driving while intoxicated. Driving under the influence/minor; possession of a controlled substance.

Evading arrest; public intoxication. 287G hold. Cockfighting; money laundering; ICE detainee.

Unlawful carry of a weapon; possession of a controlled substance.

We celebrated Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10. Think with me: We wouldn’t even be alive without the lady who is or was our mother.

God honors mothers, He chose one special young woman to give birth to His only son. God uses them to give us love, protection and guidance.

His mercy is described by the Hebrew word “racham,” meaning compassion as “a womb cherishing the fetus.”

It is increasingly significant to me that Almighty God, who remains forever, knew me not only from birth, but from the very conception of my life.

Have you noticed how new scientific discoveries continue proving scripture? Only recently I saw videos about the amazing cellular changes that occur at conception.

Oh, how awesome God is. How wonderful His creations are, and how much He wants us to know Him.

God loves the family, and said, “Honor your mother and your father.” He continues with, “that your days will be long on this earth.”

Psalm 139 reveals so much — God knows what we do and when we do it, He knows and understands our motives and the words we speak before they are formed or spoken.

There is no place on earth that He is not there.

He guides us and comforts us. Even more remarkable is that He knows all about us, and yet, His love remains.

He counts our days and knows them before one ever occurred. Indeed, He is ever present.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 says God knows how our bones form while we are being formed in the womb.

In Isa 49:15, God is compassionate, even more than any mother could ever be.

Sadly, we know that not all mothers are good to their children. Some are forgetful, or lack care, suffer in ways that afflict their children.

We can count on God: He says even if mothers forget (their children), He could never forget you.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I pray each of us will take moments to reflect on the One who has known us even longer than our mother. The One who loves us more than any mother can do. The One who will never forsake us.

Mothers and family are a special gift to cherish. May we honor those who love us now, and especially those who loved us first. 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.

Jeremy Montoya, 44, was indicted May 5 in the 21st District Court on two counts of injury to a child, a first-degree felony, and charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault of a family member, second-degree felonies. All four charges are enhanced by 2015 convictions including aggravated assault causing injury, assault causing bodily injury and abandonment or neglect of a child out of Austin, court records show.

According to an affidavit, Bastrop police responded to a welfare check for a child around midnight Dec. 20. No injuries were initially observed, but the child later disclosed details of an incident in a forensic interview Jan. 6.

In the interview, the child said the defendant previously choked other girls and described a physical struggle over a phone while she was speaking with her mother.

According to the affidavit, Montoya put his hand in the child’s mouth and pressed down on her jaw before throwing and breaking the phone, then put his hands around the child’s neck.

Montoya was arrested by Bastrop police Jan. 15 and remains in the Bastrop County Jail in lieu of posting a $350,000 bond.

He also faces charges of theft of a firearm, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm from 2024 out of Comal County.

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Top Texas legislators are pushing to waive a new state law that requires camps to install broadband fiber optics to legally operate this summer, The Dallas Morning News reported. Scores of camps are struggling to meet the deadline. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows released a statement last week saying they support lifting the law.

Nearly 20 camps have sued to block the requirement, arguing it does not make their properties safer and would cost millions of dollars. So far only nine Texas summer camps are licensed to open, with fewer than two weeks before the season begins. Nearly 300 are still working to obtain licenses. The Department of State Health Services said last week camps will be allowed to operate under existing licenses while their applications are reviewed.

The laws were passed in the aftermath of last year’s July 4 flooding, which killed more than two dozen campers at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River. In addition to fiber-optic networks, camps must install emergency warning and public-address systems and provide safety training for campers.

PATRICK BACKS MIDDLETON IN ATTORNEY GENERAL RUNOFF Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is backing state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, in the GOP runoff for Texas attorney general May 26. Early voting runs from May 18 to May 22. In the runoff, Middleton faces U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin.

“Mayes Middleton has established a record as one of the most conservative senators in Texas history,” Patrick said on social media.

The Dallas Morning News quoted Patrick as saying Middleton will make the post “the strongest and most impactful AG office in the nation.”

Democrats Joe Jaworski, a former Galveston mayor, and state Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, are in a runoff for their party’s nomination. Incumbent Ken Paxton opted not to run and is locked in a GOP primary runoff with incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

CORNYN, PAXTON IN TIGHT RUNOFF RACE Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is locked in a tight race against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP nomination, the Texas Standard reported. The Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston recently conducted a poll that showed Paxton leading Cornyn, 48% to 45% with 7% still undecided.

The poll of those indicating they were likely to vote in the GOP runoff had a 2.83% margin of error.

In the first quarter of this year, Cornyn raised nearly $9 million, including $3.4 million after the March primary. Paxton raised $2.2 million. Democratic nominee state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, raised a record $27 million in the first quarter, the largest-ever sum for a Senate candidate in the first quarter of an election year in any state.

TEXAS HAS BIGGEST TEACHER WORKFORCE, BUT PAID LESS

Texas has the country’s largest teacher workforce but lags behind the national average in teacher pay and per-student spending, according to a report in the Austin American-Statesman.

A National Education Association report said teacher pay in Texas is about $10,700 below the U.S. average. Texas public school teachers earned an average of $63,749 in 2024-2025, which put it 33rd among states and Washington, D.C. The national average was $74,495.

Texas had nearly 370,000 public school teachers in 2024-2025, the highest number in the country.

TEXAS LEADS IN IMMIGRATION DETENTION AS CROSSINGS PLUMMET

Texas continues to lead the country in the number of people held in detention centers, even as unauthorized border crossings plunge, the Houston Chronicle reported.

As of early April, the daily average in Texas was nearly 18,000 people. That’s more than twice the average number of immigrants held in Louisiana, the second highest, with about 8,100 per day.

Texas’ high numbers are partly due to the state’s numerous detention centers and a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the practice of holding immigrants until their removal proceedings conclude. “The 5th Circuit is not immigrant-friendly, and it’s easier to remove people who are detained in the Texas facilities,” said Zenobia Lai, executive director of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said decisions on where detainees are held are made on a “case-by-case basis in accordance with U.S. law.”

TEXAS MOST AT-RISK STATE FOR HAIL DAMAGE Everything is bigger in Texas, including the hail, according to Cotal ity’s 2026 Severe Convective Storm Risk Report, published in the Austin American-Statesman. The state ranks as the most at-risk for hail damage, with 8 million homes exposed and a combined reconstruction value exceeding $3.1 trillion.

Four Texas cities rank among the top 10 for homes at greater risk of hail damage. Dallas ranks second nationally, behind Chicago, followed by Houston in third, Austin in ninth and San Antonio in tenth.

“Although most hailstones are typically peaor dime-size, hail can grow to as large as golf balls and baseballs. In extreme cases, hail can reach the size of a softball, grapefruit or even a pineapple,” Statesman meteorologist Mary Wasson wrote.

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.

According to the Elgin Police Department, the teen was working as a mobile mechanic when the incident occurred. Police said the car was positioned on gravel when it reportedly shifted, sank and fell onto the teen.

Officials said the teen was initially unconscious and not breathing, but medical personnel were able to restore his breathing before he was airlifted to Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.

No additional information was immediately available. Read the Elgin Courier for more updates.

Jana Rueter announced plans to retire after 34 years in public education, including four years leading Elgin Independent School District. 

Her last day as superintendent will be June 30, before transitioning to superintendent emeritus through Dec. 31, 2026.

More to come in the Elgin Courier. Subscribe by calling 512-285-3333 or email gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com

For more stories and features like this, subscribe by calling 512-285-3333 or email gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com

For more subscribe by emailing gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com or calling 512-285-3333.

To see more on this story, see the May 13 edition of the Elgin Courier or visit elgincourier.com. Subscribe by emailing gail.schobey@granitemediapartners.com or calling 512-285-3333.

Voters across Bastrop County cast ballots May 2 on a lineup of local races, with countywide turnout reaching about 12%, according to unofficial results.

Of 18,253 registered local voters, 2,214 turned in general election tickets. The count represents a nearly 4% increase compared to the 2025 general election, which saw 4,084 ballots cast among a larger pool of 53,036 registered voters.

All results remain unofficial until canvassed.

ELGIN

The Elgin City Council dais will see several new faces, though not in the mayoral seat.

Incumbent Mayor Theresa McShan secured her reelection with 56% of the Bastrop County vote, receiving 416 tallies to challenger Stephanie Lippke’s 319.

Lippke did claim the majority of Travis County votes, 40 of the total 62, or 65%.

In the Ward 2 council race, Roland Silva won with 71% of the vote, defeating Wes Callais and incumbent Chuck Swain.

The Ward 3 seat was closer, as Agatha Christi Mayfield won with 53% over Al Rodriguez’s 46%. Rodriguez had held the position since 2022.

Brenda Gullikson Pina ran unopposed in Ward 4.

Elgin Independent School District trustee races produced clear outcomes. Byron Mitchell retained the District 1 seat with nearly 78% of the vote over Michael Clowdus, and Cheryl Reese took District 2 with 62%, ahead of Cherish White and Dennis Saint Ives.

BASTROP

With a landslide win, Ishmael Harris will remain Bastrop’s mayor. He recorded 477 votes to challenger Joseph Stanfield’s 87, or 84% of the total.

Kevin Plunkett was unopposed in the Place 3 City Council race.

A proposition regarding Bastrop County Water Control Improvement District No. 3 failed. Three of four votes were cast against a measure that would have canceled the district’s authority to issue $6.7 million in previously approved bonds for improvements in the Elm Ridge defined area.

SMITHVILLE

The contested Smithville City Council races showed narrow margins.

Wini Griffin won the Place 4 race against Mitchell Jameson with just under 53% of ballots. Dana Tovar defeated Cathy Meek to earn the Place 5 seat, taking about 57%.

Sharon Foerster will remain mayor after running unopposed.

MCDADE

McDade Independent School District’s Proposition A failed, as 60% of voters sided against the move.

The proposition would have funded $4.5 million in development for school buildings and improvements through a property tax increase.

New $2.5M response center one of six statewide, will host Lost Pines Task Force

SMITHVILLE — Officials broke ground on a new Texas A&M Forest Service facility in Bastrop County last week, part of a statewide effort to expand wildfire response and forest management capabilities.

The Smithville location is the third of six planned facilities across Texas, funded through a capital investment approved by the system’s Board of Regents. Officials said the expanded space will allow for faster response times, better training and increased resources to support local communities as wildfire assistance requests continue to grow.

“This new building will be a long-term home for the forest service here and a clear signal that we’re here to stay,” said Jeff Savell, vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences. “It’s a promise of being close to the people we serve.”

The facility will cost $2.5 million and include a 4,400-squaref oot si ngle - s tor y building with multiple equipment sheds. Construction is estimated to last through the remainder of the year, with the facility fully operational in 2027.

Officials said the new space will serve as the central hub for the Lost Pines Task Force, which handles emergency responses and wildfire readiness in the region.

“We now have the room to bring in additional resources, host larger training courses and respond more effectively when it matters most,” said Reilly Ruggiero, wildland urban interface coordinator.

The agency has operated in Bastrop County since the 1990s, relocating multiple times as staff and demand grew following wildfire seasons, including the devastating 2011 fires. Leaders selected the Schulze Tract in Smithville as a permanent home, citing its suitability to support operations.

“This area is no stranger to fire history,” said Brian Hurtuk, regional operations chief. “We’re excited to be putting our feet down in our permanent home here and having a stake in both the fire response as well as the forest management and getting ready for the fire and recovering after the fire.”

Al Davis, director of the Texas A&M Forest Service, emphasized the facility’s importance in strengthening emergency responses and local partnerships.

“People don’t get to do this because they want to be rich … they do this because they are self less, professional servants,” Davis said. “We don’t do it alone, we do it with a lot of partners.”

“People don’t get to do this because they want to be rich … they do this because they are selfless, professional servants.”

— Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service

The 15-acre property at Texas 95 and Farm Street was originally planned for a 75-unit townhome development before being reclassified as part of a flood plain, halting the project. The city purchased the lot and, with the parks and recreation master plan calling for diversity in sporting options, began exploring the possibility of a golf course.

City Manager Carrillo-Trevino engaged the National Golf Foundation to conduct a feasibility study, which concluded the site has the characteristics needed for golf course development and that Bastrop can sustain a small par-3 course.

“Quality of life is a component that we really can’t measure in dollar bills, and we have to provide it for our community,” Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer said at the April 28 City Council meeting.

According to the city, estimated construction costs reach $3.5 million, with about $2 million more needed for facilities like a clubhouse or maintenance shed.

Carrillo-Trevino said the course could generate $800,000 in its second year of operation but would need additional revenue through sponsorships, grants and events to cover staffing and maintenance costs. Birthday parties, company events and food trucks could all support the course’s revenue stream.

Beyond recreation, she said the course would also serve as a detention pond to aid in flood prevention.

Nathan Crace, an award-winning golf course architect who worked with the foundation on the study, said the design would incorporate naturalized areas between holes to serve as wildlife habitats and would minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides. The course would be irrigated with treated wastewater rather than drinking water.

“We’re trying to make this golf course fun,” Crace said. “We want especially kids to get out there, have a good time, put a club in their hands, learn how to play golf and learn how to socialize a bit better.”

Crace said the course would be designed for families to play nine holes quickly, with an education component for children and beginners.

Carrillo-Trevino stressed the project is not finalized, saying she still intends to consult with the school district and potential partners before moving forward.

Mayor Ishmael Harris, who supported the project, acknowledged both community pushback and support.

“We have to be responsible,” Harris said. “If it increases the level of quality of life for our community we have to really try to make those projects work.”

The council asked Carrillo-Trevino to present an updated proposal at a July council meeting.

There will be more opportunities for public input as the project progresses, according to the city.

That was apparent Thursday morning when the Texas Department of Public Safety unveiled its new mounted patrol unit facility at 12708 Pfluger Berkman Road, evoking memories of the Old West for some guests.

The event at the Mounted Patrol Unit Equine Facility also welcomed the horses and their human partners, including three DPS training academy graduates entering the Texas Highway Patrol MPU.

“The Texas Rangers … relied on this patrol as early as 1823.”

— DPS Maj. Tony Rodriguez “Horses have long been woven into the fabric of Texas law enforcement,” said DPS state equine coordinator Maj. Tony Rodriguez. “Their partnership with riders dates back to the Texas Rangers who relied on this patrol as early as 1823. That spirit of mobility, visibility and trust lives on in our land unit today.”

The mounted units are used by the highway patrol for specific law-enforcement tasks around the Capitol and along the Texas-Mexico border, law officers said.

The equine patrols use quarter horses for specialized border patrol duty because the mounts can travel difficult terrain while helping with tracking, surveillance and apprehensions.

The Capitol unit uses larger horses, such as Clydesdales, to patrol the Austin complex, providing security for about 60 state buildings and managing crowd control.

The horses are also used in ceremonies for fallen officers and on visits to schools, officials said.

The Austin Police Department also has a mounted patrol unit in Coupland but separate from DPS.

The new mounted patrol facility straddles Williamson and Travis counties and will also be used for training.

DPS Lt. Dustin Gilmore, also a state-equine coordinator, said the complex underwent a complete transformation from an older stable.

“This facility represents more than just buildings and improvements; it represents our future. It positions us to continue to grow and move forward as a more professional and capable mounted unit,” Gilmore said.

He also shared his congratulations with the graduating troopers.

“You are stepping into a program that is stronger than ever and we are proud to have you carry it forward,” the lieutenant said.

According to a release, the $3 million Coupland facility occupies 18 acres. The expenditure covers “the land, barn and renovations to the already existing stables.”

The facility includes:

• 20,000 square-footcovered riding arenas, along with stables, offices, a tack room and wash racks

• 48,600 square-foot outdoor riding and skills arena with steel and cedar fencing

• 148,715 square feet of secured paddock area, divided into 18 paddocks

• 165,500 square feet of open pasture Troopers said 21 horses are housed at the Coupland facility. Eight are assigned to the training unit, “while the remaining 13 horses are assigned to the Capitol mounted team,” the release stated.

In addition, seven horses are tasked for border operations in Brackettville, Eagle Pass and Dilley.

Arthur Martinez will serve as the district’s next director of curriculum and instruction, while Randy Mathisen has been selected as the inaugural principal of Legacy Oak Middle School, slated to open in early 2027.

Officials said both bring proven leadership and strong ties to the community.

“Their reputations for building community and prioritizing student success will serve the district well for years to come,” Superintendent Jana Rueter said in a statement.

Martinez currently serves as the founding principal of Trinity Ranch Elementary School. Since joining the district in 2017, he has held several roles, including principal of Neidig Elementary School and assistant principal at Elgin High School.

Martinez also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Huston-Tillotson University.

“My years in EISD have been incredibly meaningful, and I’m excited to build on that experience to support academic success for all,” Martinez said.

Mathisen, who joined the district in 2018, will oversee the development of Legacy Oak after stepping away from his current role as principal of Elgin Intermediate. He has previously been an assistant principal and associate principal at Elgin High, and will be responsible for building school culture and staffing at the new campus, according to officials.

“I am incredibly excited to partner with our staff and families to cultivate an environment where every student is empowered to grow,” Mathisen said.

District officials said both leaders are positioned to guide new initiatives and expansion efforts as the district continues to grow.

GAME 1

The Bears could not keep pace with the Eagles offensively April 30, falling 8-2 in the first game of the series at Georgetown High School.

Bastrop scored both runs in the first inning on a two-RBI double from Roman Olvera. Georgetown answered in the bottom half of the inning, walking in a run, and controlled play the rest of the way.

The Bears had a chance to extend their lead in the second inning with runners on the corners but were thrown out at second. It was scoreless for the next two innings before the Eagles broke the game open with a fiverun inning to take a 6-2 lead. A walk and an error started the chain, followed by a bases-clearing triple that scored three runs and a two-RBI single.

Bastrop once again had a runner in scoring position with two on and two outs, but a groundout ended the inning. Georgetown closed out the game with a two-RBI double.

Jackson Phillips took the loss, throwing two innings and giving up four runs with one strikeout. Francisco Arriaga got the start, going three innings and allowing four runs while striking out six.

GAME 2

The difference in Game 2 was a hit by pitch in the second inning that allowed the Eagles to score their second and final run.

Bastrop fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning as the Eagles hit a leadoff solo home run. The Bears once again stranded a runner in the bottom half, leaving a runner on second after two straight strikeouts ended the inning.

Georgetown added another run on a hit by pitch in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead. Bastrop found some life in the fifth inning, scoring on an error to cut the lead to 2-1.

However, the Bears went down in order the rest of the way as their season came to a close.

Cooper Voigt took the loss, throwing all seven innings and giving up two runs on five hits while striking out five.

Despite the loss, the Bears had a successful season, finishing 7-3 in district play. Bastrop will look to build on this momentum in the offseason as it returns a veteran- heavy team next year.

GAME 1

The Lady Tigers struggled to find a rhythm at the plate in a 2-0 loss to Salado April 29. Smithville managed just three hits and struck out a season- high 18 times in the contest.

Addison Otto, Brittney Collins and Jessi Davis each recorded a hit for Smithville. Jessica Hinnant took the loss but delivered a strong performance in the circle, pitching a complete seven innings while allowing two runs on five hits and striking out 11.

Smithville opened the game with three consecutive strikeouts in the top of the first inning, and Salado capitalized in the bottom half. A costly error at third base allowed the Eagles to take an early 1-0 lead.

The Lady Tigers’ offensive struggles continued into the second inning, extending their strikeout streak to six. Salado added what proved to be the final run of the game in the bottom half of the inning, using a leadoff triple to set up a score and push the lead to 2-0.

Smithville threatened in the third inning, putting runners on the corners with two outs following a walk and a double by Otto. However, a strikeout ended the opportunity and halted the momentum.

The Lady Tigers did not get another runner into scoring position until the top of the seventh inning. Back-to-back singles from Collins and Davis put runners on first and second with no outs, giving Smithville a late chance to rally.

That oppor t unit y quickly faded as Collins was caught stealing third, and both Kenna Tiner and Kenzly White struck out to end the game.

GAME 2

Smithville showed more offensive life in Game 2 but ultimately fell 5-2, ending its season without forcing a decisive third game April 30.

The Lady Tigers outhit Salado 7-6 but struggled to capitalize, leaving multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Salado jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first inning on a tworun home run. Smithville had a chance to respond in the bottom half but stranded a runner at second.

The Eagles extended their lead in the second inning, adding two more runs on a single and a fielding error to make it 4-0.

Smithville answered in the third inning when Hinnant delivered a two-RBI single, scoring the Lady Tigers’ only runs of the series and cutting the deficit to two. Despite the momentum shift, Smithville was unable to build on the rally.

Salado added an insurance run in the fifth inning on an RBI single to make it 5-2 and close out the scoring.

In the final inning, Smithville was unable to mount a comeback, going down in order on three straight strikeouts. The Lady Tigers combined for 34 strikeouts over the two-game series.

Hinnant again took the loss in Game 2, allowing five runs while recording 10 strikeouts.

Despite the postseason exit, Smithville put together an impressive season. The Lady Tigers finished with a perfect district record and captured their second consecutive district title.

Looking ahead, Smithville will graduate nine seniors, but a strong group of returning starters provides a solid foundation to pursue a third straight district championship.