Local historians detail Bastrop County legacy online

BASTROP — A new digital effort is bringing Bastrop County’s past center stage, detailing the work of area historians and its impact on Texas’ legacy.

Bastrop County Historical Commission’s interactive website — bastropcountyhistorical. gov — features a growing collection of historical narratives, oral storytelling and information about notable locations across the region. The county- funded project has been in development for about two years and replaces an older website that no longer met the needs of a growing county, according to commission Chairman Ken Kesselus.

“Historians all around the county have spent countless hours researching their passion projects to give you these experiences,” Kesselus said. “We invite you to explore our improved website and walk in the shoes of those who came before us.”

The site covers a spectrum of points and perspectives, including the county’s role as one of the earliest Anglo settlements in Mexican Texas. The landmark King’s Highway route and early communities that developed as the railroads took form reflect the county’s unique place in Texas history, according to Kesselus.

“That really does separate us,” he said. “Elgin, Bastrop, Smithville haven’t been urbanized to the extent that somebody came in and tore down some wonderful old buildings and built high-rises.”

The county also played a role in the early years of the Republic of Texas.

Bastrop was briefly considered as a potential site for the state capital in 1839 before Austin was ultimately chosen.

“We became kind of a staging area for the development of Austin,” Kesselus said. “We’ve been kind of a microcosm of Texas … most of everything that affected Texas history was played out here.”

Beyond major milestones, the website highlights how the arrival of railroads shaped the county’s communities.

Towns like Elgin and Smithville developed along the railroad lines, which Kesselus described as a defining factor in Bastrop County’s growth.

“The coming of the railroads was extraordinarily important, in fact, all of the communities in Bastrop, except for Cedar Creek, lie on the railroad,” he said. “That’s also something that ties us all together.”

Kesselus said a major goal of the update is to promote historical tourism by encouraging visitors to explore museums, historic sites and state parks across the county.

Future plans include expanded self-guided tours that could allow visitors to scan QR codes at historic locations to learn more.

“We hope to create a do-it-yourself tour of various things,” he said.

Commission members said the project has largely evolved into a community effort, bringing together historians, volunteers and residents who share a passion for local history.

“Volunteers have been gathering information for decades,” Kesselus said. “This redesign project focuses on organizing that data and continuing research to tell all the stories of Bastrop County.”

Alongside preservation, Kesselus said the project is built to help residents — especially newcomers and younger generations — better understand the community they live in. Ultimately, he said he wants the project to strengthen community identity as the county continues to grow.

“If you look back to the past and see what it took to get us where we are, it helps you connect past, present and future,” he said. “We can learn from the goods and the bads of the past.”

BASTROP — A Bastrop man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly firing a rifle in a Home Depot parking lot last week, prompting reports of an active shooter.

Bastrop Police Department officers responded about 3:49 p.m. March 25 to the 100 block of Hunters Crossing Boulevard after receiving reports of an active shooter. Police said the suspect, Kobe Lee Mosser, 25, drove into the Home Depot parking lot and indiscriminately fired multiple rounds from an AR-15-style rifle.

Bastrop police, along with deputies from the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, detained Mosser without incident, according to officials. Authorities reported no injuries, though property damage was confirmed.

Officials said there are no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

Mosser was taken into custody and booked into the Bastrop County Jail. He faces seven counts of aggravated assault and one count of child endangerment.

Bond information was not available as of press time.

Records show Mosser has prior misdemeanor charges, including driving while intoxicated in Montgomery County in 2020, as well as 2022 DWI and 2023 assault charges out of Bastrop County.

The incident remains under investigation.

City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino told council March 24 upgrading Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 would allow treated discharge to be reused for irrigation or commercial purposes. The move would also bring the facility into compliance with new Texas Commission on Environmental Quality phosphate limits.

“It is a smart approach to keep the drinking water to the residents and keep treated effluent for industry,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “If I can treat wastewater and put it back to use, we begin to rely less on the aquifer and put less strain on the water supply.”

The proposed system from Austin-based company Vvater uses a Faraday reactor, which applies low electric pulses to disinfect water without filters or membranes. Officials said the process eliminates microorganisms at the cellular level, producing water that can be safely reused.

Carrillo-Trevino said the system would cost about $5 million, funded through a combination of water or wastewater funds and an increased bond issuance tied to the plant’s expansion. She estimated traditional upgrades to meet discharge standards would cost between $1.8 million and $2.7 million, but without improvements the plant risks becoming obsolete.

Mayor Ishmael Harris, who has more than two decades of experience in the wastewater industry, stressed the importance of staff training.

“Ideally what I would like is our staff to be able to learn the equipment, so we don’t have to rely on (Vvater),” he said.

Harris cited a need for redundancy in order to keep any service interruptions and downtime to a minimum.

“Texas has a different effect on equipment. I’ve seen it for years and years. We definitely need to make sure this product is going to withstand,” Harris said.

Vvater’s system operates without harsh chemicals, membranes, filters, or biological media, eliminating the common sources of waste and maintenance in conventional treatment.

Vvater CEO Kevin Gast said technologies using membranes have experienced the effects Harris mentioned, but his process does not have membranes or filters that can rust, clog or deteriorate.

Council directed staff to begin negotiations with Vvater to upgrade the plant using the new technology.

The special-called session March 23 came after Police Chief David Repka filed a complaint against the mayor for allegedly misusing his name in a recent search through city records. The meeting was held as a public hearing at the request of Foerster, though much of the original complaint was dismissed prior to Monday’s session and not shared.

The council could have held the meeting behind closed doors in executive session, according to Thomas Gwosdz, the city’s legal counsel.

“(Foerster) would like this (meeting) to occur in the public so that the community is aware of what the allegation is and what her response is,” said Foerster’s attorney Caroline McClimon.

Officials said Repka filed the complaint after Foerster used his name and the word “police” while searching city documents. Foerster cited human error, as she tried to find the correct prompt needed for her search.

“The only part of the complaint that remains is the question of whether or not the mayor failed to meet her duty under the public information act to produce records that were responsive to (Repka’s) request,” Gwosdz said.

Councilwoman Cathy Meek suggested Smithville establish a technological protocol to avoid similar issues.

“It seems like (Foerster) did what she thought at the time was the reasonable method of finding these documents, but … there doesn’t seem to be a standard that was followed and there was no oversight for her to do anything different than what she did,” Meek said.

While Councilman Brandon Dunham added there were parts of the complaint, including the “content of the (mayor’s) messages,” that he did not like, he said he could not “in good conscience say that (the search) was negligent.”

The council agreed and determined they would not move forward with any more action against the mayor.

“The culture we cultivate is the culture we accept, and we all need to get better at everything we do,” Councilman Mitchell Jameson said.

All city council meetings can be attended in person at City Hall, 317 Main St., or viewed online at ci.smithville.tx.us.

The U.S. Supreme Court last week declined to hear an appeal from Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed, leaving intact the previous state court ruling on a 1996 Bastrop County murder case.

The lower ruling denied Reed’s request for additional DNA testing in the killing of Stacey Stites 30 years ago.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented from the appeal decision March 23. They said the case should have been sent back for further review after learning the belt used to kill Stites was not tested.

“It is inexplicable why the Bastrop County District Attorney’s office refused to allow DNA testing of the belt that was used to kill Stites, despite the very substantial possibility that such testing could exculpate Reed and identify the real killer,” Sotomayor wrote.

Reed was convicted in 1998 and sentenced to death for the murder of 19-year-old Stites, who was strangled with a belt while on her way to work in Bastrop.

Prosecutors have continued to support the conviction and oppose testing of the belt. State courts deny revisiting the murder weapon, arguing it was contaminated after trial and does not pass Texas’ post-conviction DNA testing law.

Sotomayor pushed back on the outcome March 23, saying the court’s decision will lead to unanswered questions.

“The state will likely execute Reed without the world ever knowing whether Reed’s or Fennell’s DNA is on the murder weapon, even though a simple DNA test could reveal that information,” she wrote. “I respectfully dissent.”

Throughout the years, Reed has denied the crime and maintains he and Stites were in a consensual relationship.

He has also alleged Stites’ fiance at the time, former Bastrop County police officer Jimmy Fennell, was responsible for the killing.

Fennell has denied such claims.

The victory came on the heels of a 2-1 win over Houston Sharpstown in the area round March 24 at Rudder High School in Bryan, continuing a strong postseason run for the Bears. Head coach Gregory Vuagniaux praised his team’s all-around effort during the stretch.

“I felt like the boys, in all three phases that we work on, pulled it all together,” Vuagniaux said. “We have just been playing really as a unit. Whether we go up a goal or are down a goal, we are focused on the next thing, so I’m very proud of the boys.”

AREA ROUND COMEBACK

Bastrop opened the week with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Sharpstown, highlighted by a late goal from Gael Ramirez that sealed the win in the 74th minute.

Sharpstown struck early to take a 1-0 lead and maintained offensive pressure for much of the first half. The Bears, however, found their footing late in the half when sophomore Issac Velazquez netted the equalizer in the 37th minute.

The second half featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams creating scoring chances but unable to break through as defenses held firm. With overtime looming, Ramirez delivered the game winner, chipping in the go-ahead goal to lift Bastrop to victory.

The goal marked just his second of the season.

BEARS BREAK THROUGH

The momentum carried into the next round, where Bastrop turned in a dominant 4-1 win over Splendora.

The Bears’ offense came out aggressive and maintained control throughout the match.

Velazquez led the way with a standout performance, recording two goals and an assist. Franklin Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing off a free kick setup from Velazquez to give Bastrop a 1-0 lead.

Velazquez then took over, scoring back-toback goals in the 35th and 38th minutes to extend the lead to 3-0 before halftime.

Sophomore Anthony Reyes added another goal later in the match to cap the scoring and secure the 4-1 victory.

BUILDING A PROGRAM

Now in his second season, Vuagniaux has quickly elevated the program. After guiding the Bears to the third round of the playoffs last year, he has already led them one step further this season.

While the milestone is significant, Vuagniaux emphasized that the team’s focus remains on its ultimate goal.

“It’s definitely an accomplishment for the program,” he said. “However, it’s not our end goal. Even last year when we lost in the third round, our goal has been to make it to April. It’s really hard not to celebrate an accomplishment, but as an athlete, you have to focus on what’s in front of you.”

The Bears aimed to take the next step toward that goal as they faced Austin Liberal Arts & Science Academy in the fourth round after press time Tuesday, March 31. The Bastrop-LASA winner meets the Liberty Hill-Comal Pieper winner this weekend in the state semifinals.

MARBLE FALLS

The Wildcats got a strong performance in the circle March 24 from junior utility player Katelyn Anderson, who threw a complete game, allowing one run on five hits with no strikeouts.

Anderson pitched to contact and allowed her defense to back her up, as Elgin committed just one error.

That was not the case for the Mustangs, who had seven errors the Wildcats took advantage of.

Elgin got on the board in the top of the first, scoring two runs on an RBI single from senior Bianca Galindo and a groundout to make it 2-0. Marble Falls scored its only run of the game on a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the inning.

Elgin answered with a sacrifice fly of its own in the second inning to make it 3-1 and added another run in the fourth. The Lady Cats scored two runs on an error in the sixth before closing the game with a sacrifice bunt and 7-1 tally.

Galindo finished 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.

HENDRICKSON

The pitching was a different story March 27, as Anderson struggled early, allowing six runs on five hits in the first two innings.

Elgin’s defense also had trouble and committed seven errors. Hendrickson scored two runs in the first inning after an error.

Elgin had a runner in scoring position in the bottom half of the inning but could not convert. Hendrickson added four runs in the second, aided by two hit batters and another Lady Cats error.

The Hawks went on to score eight more unanswered points. Elgin found some success in the bottom of the fifth, as Trinity Martinez hit an RBI single and the Wildcats drew a bases- loaded walk, but the game ended early in a 14-2 loss.

Sarah Herring came on in relief of Anderson. She allowed eight runs on three hits.

The Wildcats faced Weiss March 31 and will return to action against Georgetown Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m.

Addison Otto and Kenzly White led the way, combining to go 6-for-7 at the plate with three RBIs apiece. The Lady Tigers broke the game open with a 10-run fifth inning to secure the win.

Both teams were scoreless through the first two innings. Smithville got on the board in the third on a two-RBI single from White.

Smithville added another run in the fourth on an RBI single from Jessica Hinnant to extend the lead to 3-0 and set up a massive fifth inning.

White opened the scoring in the fifth with an RBI single, and Brityn Roberts followed with one of her own to make it 5-0. Otto then delivered a bases-clearing triple to push the lead to eight runs, and senior Jessi Davis added a two-run double as Smithville extended its lead to 10-0.

The Lady Tigers capped the inning with RBI singles from senior Kenna Tiner and Alystar Ramos, along with a groundout, to secure the run-rule victory.

Hinnant was dominant in the circle, earning the win while allowing just one hit in five innings with eight strikeouts.

The Lady Tigers closed the series against Caldwell on Tuesday and will return to action against Navasota Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m.

Criminal negligent homicide; intoxication manslaughter; manslaughter.

Tamper fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair.

Dogs at large; nuisance; rabies tag. Driving while intoxicated. Speeding in school zone 11 to 20 over. Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Driving while intoxicated 3rd or more.

MARCH24

Driving on improved shoulder.

Driving while license invalid; fail to maintain financial responsibility; operate vehicle with wrong license plate/registration insignia.

Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Criminal trespass.

Duty on striking unattended vehicle. Harassment. Unlawfully carrying a weapon. Driving while license invalid. Attemptedpossessionofacontrolledsubstance PG 2 less than 1 gram.

Abandon/endanger child individual intentional/ knowing/reckless/criminal negligence; evadingarrestdetentionwithvehicle.

Unauthorized use of vehicle. Failuretoappeardrivingwhileintoxicated. Camping violation. Driving while intoxicated. Camping/loitering; fail to identify fugitive intent give false information; forgery financial instrument; theft of property >=$30,000.

Driving while intoxicated; ICE detainee. Possession of a controlled substance PG 1/1-B less than 1 gram.

Burglaryofvehicle;creditcardordebitcard abuse;engaginginorganizedcriminalactivity; theftofproperty>=$30,000<$150,000.

MARCH25

Possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram.

Attempted sexual assault. Driving while intoxicated. Fraud use/possession of identifying information items 10<50; silent abusive call/ electronic communication to 911 service.

Assault causes bodily injury family violence; ICE detainee.

Resist arrest, search or transport; license required; requirement of financial responsibility.

Abandon/endanger child individual intentional/knowing/reckless/criminal negligence; aggravated assault with deadly weapon.

Possession of a controlled substance PG 1 between 1 and 4 grams.

Attempt to commit possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram; assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Assault family member with previous conviction.

MARCH26

Possessionofmarijuanalessthan2ounces; unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Duty on striking fixture/highway landscape >=$200.

Criminal trespass. Assaultcausesbodilyinjury;theftofproperty >=$100<$750.

Forgery financial instrument. Driving while intoxicated 2nd. Theft of property >=$100<$750. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Harassment; open container passenger area; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Driving while intoxicated 3rd or more.

Possession of a controlled substance PG 2 lessthan1gram;possessionofmarijuanaless than 2 ounces.

Assault family/household member impede breath/circulation; license required.

MARCH27

Public intoxication.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility.

Failuretoappearpossessionofacontrolled substancePG1/1-Blessthan1gram;fugitive from justice; ICE detainee.

Driving while intoxicated; possession of a controlled substance PG 2 between 1 and 4 grams.

Loitering camping solicitation in a public area.

Assaultcausesbodilyinjury;assaultcauses bodily injury family violence.

ICE detainee; theft of firearm. Manufacture/deliveryofacontrolledsubstance PG 3/4 between 4 and 200 grams; possessionofacontrolledsubstancePG1/1-B between 1 and 4 grams.

Burglary of vehicle. Driving while intoxicated 2nd. Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility.

MARCH28

Driving while intoxicated BAC >=0.15; driving while unlicensed.

Open container passenger area. Criminalmischiefbetween$100and$750; possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces; public intoxication.

Display expired license plates; expired/ invalid operator’s license; no motor vehicle liability insurance.

Misdemeanor theft of property. Possessionofmarijuanalessthan2ounces. Criminal trespass. Criminal trespass.

A great thing about the United States is that it’s made up of people from all walks of life.

We have many ethnicities, religions and financial situations. It takes all of us to make things work.

Our history of accepting differences has been subpar in general, though. Collectively and historically, we have found ways to discriminate against people of different ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, etc.

During the last two decades, discrimination against political affiliations has ramped up. Expressing political differences has become an excuse to give someone the cold shoulder or the evil eye – or not invite them to the cookout.

On Tuesday, Williamson County took a step toward working together across party lines. After a disastrous precinct-level voting strategy in the March 3 primary election, the county will return to countywide voting for the runoff May 26.

The county’s Republican Party wanted precinct- level voting because it believed such a strategy would protect against voter fraud. Although Wilco’s Democratic Party wanted countywide voting, it eventually signed off on the precinct-level method.

The move backfired. Many voters, poll workers and politicians were frustrated with only being able to vote in their precinct of residence, instead of at large like in the past.

There were even separate polling sites for Democrats and Republicans. The lines on Election Day were horrendous as well.

I will refrain from pointing fingers because people on both sides of the aisle are guilty of thinking anyone who thinks different from them is wrong. At the end of the day, being different does not mean wrong.

I don’t identify with either party. As stated in previous pieces, I am a defender of the First Amendment. I’m also a fan of the Second Amendment – the right to bear arms for defensive purposes.

I support good law enforcement, but I also support Black Lives Matter.

It is my belief that most law officers are good people who serve and protect their communities. I also believe when people say, “Black Lives Matter,” they are saying, “Black Lives Matter, too,” instead of “only black lives matter.”

While I have not attended any stands for solidarity or BLM demonstrations since 2020 after George Floyd was killed, I still took time last month to remember Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin – both of whom were killed by neighborhood watchdogs/zealots. Martin died February 2012 and Arbery lost his life February 2020.

I’m grateful justice was served in the Arbery and Floyd cases, but I am still heartbroken that Martin’s killer was acquitted.

In the last six months, I have covered a memorial for late conservative pundit Charlie Kirk and protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Although they’re on different sides of the political line, I support the free-speech rights of both groups.

At the end of the day, there’s no place for ethnic nor political division in our society. Let’s agree to disagree when we must, but more importantly, let’s work together.

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

“Kelly Hancock was rejected by Texans because he failed to do his job. He failed to take me down during impeachment, and his career is over,” Paxton wrote on X. “It’s time for him to be fired.”

Before his appointment as acting comptroller, Hancock served in the Texas Senate and was one of two Republican state senators who voted to convict Paxton in his impeachment trial. Paxton was acquitted.

The latest dispute comes after Hancock sent a letter to Paxton and to federal officials, calling for stripping the Houston Quran Academy of its charter because of alleged ties to CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights advocacy organization. Abbott has designated that group a foreign terrorist organization.

The academy is suing to overturn the designation.

TEXAS POISED TO LEAD NATION IN DATA CENTERS

Texas is poised to lead the nation by 2030 in the number of data centers, the Austin American- Statesman reported, surpassing Virginia. The state currently has 6.5 gigawatts of data center capacity under construction, accounting for 20% of the capacity added to the U.S. pipeline last year. One gigawatt can power about 750,000 homes on average.

Data centers provide the infrastructure to support both crypto currency facilities and the growth of artificial intelligence. The centers require huge amounts of power and water to operate. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates most of the state’s power grid, said the continuing growth in data centers will increase Texas energy demand by 71% in the next five years.

Central Texas has become the top data center market in the country. The American-Statesman identified at least 55 completed or planned projects between Temple and San Antonio in 2025.

$116 MILLION IN FIFA SAFETY GRANTS ANNOUNCED

The city of Houston and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, areas hosting FIFA World Cup events, will receive $116 million in grants to provide for safety personnel, equipment and other public safety needs, the Governor’s Office has announced.

“The FIFA World Cup coming to Texas gives our state a premier opportunity to showcase all it has to offer,” Abbott said in a news release. “These public-safety grants will help ensure that travelers visiting and traveling throughout Texas can enjoy our great state safely, will bolster Texas’ efforts to combat crime, and help prevent potential acts of violence.”

The money is coming from the federal government under the omnibus budget bill passed last year, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The budget provides $625 million in federal funding to host cities across America. The funds are allocated for recipients to provide extensive security to protect venues, players, staff and attendees against potential terrorist attacks.

LICENSE SEEKERS WILL HAVE TO PROVE THEY’RE IN COUNTRY LEGALLY

Anyone seeking a professional license in Texas, from barbers to dog breeders, will have to prove they are in the country legally after May 1, The Texas Tribune reported. The state’s Commission on Licensing and Regulation last week adopted a new rule that could affect thousands of workers.

A long line of speakers at a hearing urged the commission not to adopt the rule, arguing it will hamper the state’s economy and push people to work without a license. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

“TDLR has long been evaluating verification of license eligibility in line with federal law. With the transfer of the Texas Lottery to TDLR, the recent launch of our licensing system modernization project, and increased focus on combatting human trafficking, the department is moving forward with lawful presence verification,” said Caroline M. Espinosa, a TDLR spokeswoman.

TDLR attorney Derek Burkhalter told commissioners that some non-citizens will still be able to get licenses if they are here legally; for example, if they were granted asylum or admitted as a refugee.

“The proposed rules do not impose a citizenship requirement,” Burkhalter said. “Individuals who are not U.S. citizens may still be eligible for licensure if they meet the eligibility criteria.”

PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLIST FATALITIES INCREASE

With spr ing and warmer weather here, there are more pedestrians and cyclists out on the road.

More than 20% of all Texas traffic fatalities involve either pedestrians or cyclists, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, which is urging drivers to know and follow the rules for sharing the road.

In 2024, 852 cyclists and pedestrians were killed in crashes on Texas roads. There were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians and 2,761 crashes involving bicyclists. In 2025, there were 1,372 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in Texas and 527 traffic crashes involving bicyclists. In these crashes, 186 people were killed.

“All of us share a responsibility to watch out for each other, but people on foot or riding a bike are most at risk for serious injury or worse in a crash with a car, which means drivers must be extra vigilant,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said.

SLIGHTLY LESS ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTED

Hurricane season is a little more than two months away, and weather media outlet AccuWeather is predicting a slightly less active season this year than in 2025, the Houston Chronicle reported. However, Texas and the Gulf Coast are still at risk of being hit.

AccuWeather forecasts 11 to 16 named storms, including four to eight hurricanes. Of those, one to three are expected to become Category 3 or strong hurricanes, with winds of at least 111 mph. Three to six storms could directly hit the United States, including one to three along the Gulf Coast, putting Texas and neighboring states at risk.

Last year was the first since 2015 without a hurricane making a direct U.S. landfall. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

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

Anita

It was Sunday, April 5, A.D. 33.

Sunrise opened that day in Jerusalem at 5:43 a.m. local time, but Mary Magdalene went to the tomb before then. What she saw energized her to run back to her friends and fellow disciples.

Initially she wondered how she would be able to move the massive, sealed stone that covered the front of the tomb. Would she be able to enter the tomb at all? But when she arrived the stone had already been moved away.

Mary left there urgently, obviously confused and fearful, wondering if the tomb had been vandalized by grave robbers. She, Peter and John hurried back, this time entering the rock-hewn tomb where they saw only linen wrappings and the face cloth placed separately nearby.

They were bewildered, and likely we have been too; read accounts in Matthew 28 and John 19.

Just as these three, we too hesitate to believe what we haven’t seen, or what we haven’t touched. Like us, they failed to appropriate Jesus’ teachings, that He would rise from the dead.

Amid their sorrow and confusion, the angel spoke, saying: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said…” This event, wrought by God’s dynamite-power, Jesus’ resurrection, is the foundation of our Christian faith — and archaeological proofs continue validating biblical truths.

I recently watched a video about the Shroud of Turen. Dr. Jeremiah Johnston specializes in resurrection studies, especially about the Shroud, and provides inspiring informational videos online.

Jesus never condemned or shamed Mary for her questions or doubt. Instead, Jesus’ compassion met Mary where she was, wondering and sorrowful.

Scripture teaches that no one seeks God — that no one comes to Him unless the Holy Spirit draws the person first. Throughout the Bible, God is always the initiator.

Christianity is unique for there is no other world religion that rests on such a powerful demonstration. And, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many for 40 days.

When He ascended, He said He will return. We continue to say, “Come Lord Jesus, come”.

Jesus laid down His life for us. He chose the cross.

He chose to die because our sin separates us from God. He lives as our eternal High Priest making intercession on our behalf.

And we declare, “He is risen! He is Risen indeed!”

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.

The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation approved $50,000 last week to help form a tri-city economic development corporation with Elgin and Smithville. The funding will be used to hire a consultant to develop an assessment and strategic plan for the effort, officials said.

The initiative follows a previous county-led proposal that was not adopted by the cities, in part due to concerns over third-party administration.

Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said both Elgin and Smithville support the new, city-driven effort.

She added the three cities are expected to contribute additional funding once a strategic plan is in place.

County commissioners were invited to participate but had not responded as of the March 24 council meeting.

“We’re going to keep plugging with the cities, and the county is welcome to join in when they’re ready,” Carrillo- Trevino said.

Elgin Police Department officers conducted nearly 9,000 traffic stops in 2025 with no racial profiling complaints, according to the department’s annual report.

Police Chief Chris Noble presented the findings to City Council March 17 as required under state law and the Sandra Bland Act. The report analyzed 8,955 traffic stops and found the racial and ethnic breakdown closely mirrored U.S. Census demographics, according to Noble.

“The Elgin Police Department remains committed to constitutional policing practices,” Noble said.

White drivers accounted for 58% of local stops, followed by Hispanic drivers at 23% and Black drivers at 16%.

Men made up the majority of drivers stopped with 5,682, compared to 3,273 contacts involving women.

Data showed white drivers had the highest number of searches at 260, followed by Black drivers at 168 and Hispanic drivers at 100. According to the report, contraband was found most often in searches involving Black drivers, about 61%, compared to 47% for both white and Hispanic drivers.

Drugs were the most common type of contraband, accounting for 213 of 289 items found. Alcohol accounted for 50 items and weapons for 21.

The report highlighted 124 instances involving outstanding warrants, with white drivers accounting for 52%, followed by 25% Hispanic and 22% Black. Warrant related stops made up the largest portion of enforcement outcomes.

“In the eight years that I’ve been here and the five years I’ve been the chief … we have done extremely well,” Noble said. “This is math, the numbers prove it.”

Noble said all sworn officers complete required training as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and compliance.

The department contracts with Del Carmen Consulting, led by Dr. Alex Del Carmen, to review traffic stop data. Noble described the firm as a recognized expert in racial profiling analysis.

Reports estimate the fire has burned about 20 acres and is currently 60% contained. 

According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, no injuries have been reported, but six residential structures and four outbuildings are threatened. No evacuation order has been issued. 

More to come in the Courier. 

UPDATE 1: 

Officials said the fire is estimated to be at 30 acres and 0% contained. 

According to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, local departments and state agencies are working to protect threatened structures, which include two residential and five outbuildings. Helicopters are conducting water drops to assist ground crews. 

There are no reports of injuries. 

UPDATE 2:

The fire is now 25% contained and has been reduced to 20 acres. 

UPDATE 3:

Officials report the blaze remains at approximately 20 acres and is now 60% contained.

According to the Bastrop Office of Emergency Management, higher humidity and lighter winds have reduced fire behavior, though six residential structures and four outbuildings remain at risk. 

Firefighters are remaining on scene overnight to patrol and monitor the area. Crews are expected to arrive in the morning for mop-up operations. 

Kobe Lee Mosser, 25, was taken into custody by officers with the Bastrop Police Department. He is in the Bastrop County Jail in lieu of an undisclosed bond amount.

Officers responded around 3:49 p.m. to the 100 block of Hunters Crossing Boulevard following reports of an active shooter, according to the Bastrop Police Department. It was reported the suspect drove into the Home Depot parking lot and indiscriminately fired an AR-15 style rifle.

Bastrop PD along with deputies from the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office detained the suspect without incident. There were no reported injuries, though authorities confirmed property damage. 
 
Officials said there are no additional suspects and there are no ongoing threats to the public. This remains an active investigation, according to Bastrop PD.

More to come in the Elgin Courier. 
 

City Council March 17 heard Elgin’s financial audit boast stronger revenues and fewer fiscal issues in a report from Mike Brooks of BrooksWaston & Co. The city earned the best possible review of its financial statements while also cutting the number of audit findings in half compared to last year, according to the report.

“Overall, the audit went much better this year, and we were able to get it issued much sooner,” Brooks said. “It’s been quite some time since the city was able to get the information to us prior to March, and the staff here did a great job of getting it to us.” Officials said the city is still awaiting results from the state’s investigation into alleged misappropriations of public funds.

THE NUMBERS

The audit found the city’s assets exceeded its debts by nearly $70 million for the year ending Sept. 30, 2025.

Elgin recorded an overall increase of about $11 million in its financial position during the fiscal year, according to Brooks. City revenue totaled $22.2 million, an increase of roughly $3.4 million from the year before.

Much of the growth came from higher property values, increased service fees and additional grants, according to the report.

Governmental expenses totaled $19 million and was reflected by spending across major service areas, including public safety, public works, general government and parks and recreation.

The city ended the year with about $8.7 million in total reserves, including roughly $2.8 million that could be used for emergencies. Though officials said they will continue to push for more.

“We have two months in reserve, and I’d like to get us to the point where we have at least six months,” City Manager Robert Eads said. “I’m proud of our Interim Finance Director Pamela Sanders and her team, and I anticipate working with them to build a strong executive financial team to move us where we need to be.”

The city’s reserve level currently sits at about 17%, which is below the city’s policy target of 25%, a figure Brooks said is “not in a terrible position.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

City officials said some findings are expected to continue into future audits due to staffing limitations, including a technical issue related to auditors preparing the annual report.

“We will always have the internal control finding,” Sanders said. “Until we have staffing at adequate levels with competent staff, we do not have the means to prepare that internally.”

Other recommendations focused on improving oversight of pooled cash accounts, meeting reporting requirements under state investment rules and updating purchasing policies to reflect a recent change in state law.

Eads said the city has already begun addressing several of those issues.

“There’s a little bit more heavy lifting to go, but we’re on the right path that is positive,” Eads said.

According to Eads, the city is now reconciling financial statements on a monthly basis and working to strengthen reserves while continuing to correct past financial issues.

“We have to fix the foundation first and then we’re going to be there as we continue to go forward,” he said.

RANGERS REVIEW

The audit comes as the city remains under investigation by the Texas Rangers following a state probe into alleged violations.

Greg Abbott announced Oct. 30 the state would launch a deeper investigation into the city’s finances.

The investigation remains active, and it is unclear how long it will remain ongoing, according to officials.

Elgin’s full audit report can be found at elgintexas. gov.

Water drops called to contain overnight flames as ‘unseasonably hot’ temps extend burn ban

BASTROP — A wildfire that began Sunday night in Bastrop State Park burned through 46 acres and was 85% contained as of Monday afternoon with state air backup, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Officials said the Spring Pine Fire sparked near southeast Texas 21 and South Shore Road March 22 and has remained within Bastrop State Park property without any reported injuries or structural damage. Crews established a bulldozer line around the fire but cautioned that containment does not mean the blaze is fully extinguished.

“Having the line around it does not mean that it’s fully out. You still have to put hands on everything,” Assistant Chief Mark Wobus of Bastrop/ Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1 said.

Dozers worked through the night to contain the burn and allow engines to patrol along the fire’s edge. Crews checked nearby neighborhoods for any potential problems caused by embers blown over from the main fire.

Wobus said fire response is adjusted based on ground conditions, including weather and fire behavior, with crews scaling resources as needed or remaining on standby.

“My guess is that resources will maintain on this fire at least for the next several days, just simply because of where it’s at and the potential that it has,” Wobus said.

Officials said a helicopter from Texas Park and Wildlife conducted water drops throughout the day Monday on the most active areas of the fire. Mandatory evacuations issued Sunday night for the cabins in the state park and the Pines at Bastrop RV park have since been lifted.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.

Amidst the scene, Bastrop County commissioners voted Monday morning to extend the countywide burn ban through April 13.

Hillary Long with the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said the Keetch-Byram Drought Index average was 593 as of Sunday, with fire danger rating expected to remain moderate to high with “unseasonably hot temperatures” and no rain in the forecast.

“With this information, the fire chiefs unanimously support extending the burn ban,” Long told commissioners.

The order, signed by Judge Gregory Klaus, prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county.

Police Chief Vicky Steffanic presented the report to City Council during its March 10 meeting. The report, required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, includes all traffic stops that resulted in a citation, warning or arrest.

Bastrop officers made 6,882 contacts last year. Steffanic said race or ethnicity was unknown in almost all of those stops.

“The race or ethnicity was not known for 99.8% of our stops,” Steffanic said. “(The remaining percentage) is attributed to knowing somebody has a warrant and they’ll know the race prior to the stop.”

According to the report, men were stopped nearly twice as often as women. Highway stops accounted for 4,375 of the total.

White drivers accounted for 3,770 contacts, followed by 2,145 Hispanic drivers, 712 Black, 162 Asian and 93 Native American.

About 66% of those stopped were not residents of the Bastrop 78602 ZIP code.

Officers conducted 191 searches during traffic stops, with 86% resulting in the discovery of contraband. Of the 165 discoveries, 135 involved drug possession, reports said.

Bastrop police made 136 arrests, including 76 for outstanding warrants.

The report also showed differences in how stops concluded. White drivers received warnings in around 71% of stops, compared with about 66% for Black drivers and 59% for Hispanic drivers.

In addition to receiving the report, council approved Steffanic’s request to apply for several grants, including a $20,000 Department of Homeland Security grant for threat assessment and risk intelligence software, and a grant from Vested Interest in K9s Inc. for a ballistic vest for a police K9.

The Elgin Chamber of Commerce will give residents a chance to hear from local office hopefuls in the May election during a candidate forum next week.

The forum April 1 runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Elgin ISD Administration Auditorium, 1002 N. Avenue C. Organizers said the free event is designed to encourage local election participation and provide a neutral setting where voters can learn about their potential school board and municipal representatives.

“Local elections shape our school, infrastructure and daily life. This is a chance for voters to hear directly from candidates in one place,” Chamber President Heather Bloom said. “Not everyone has access to the candidates otherwise … we want voters to feel informed and engaged.”

According to Bloom, the evening will be structured as more of a conference than typical debate. Candidates will answer prepared questions intended to address current community issues, shared with them one week prior.

The chamber invited all candidates who filed for the races and is still confirming participation as of press time.

“We will be choosing questions that are not intended to be onesided,” Bloom said. “They’re going to be fair — they’re going to be informative.”

In Elgin, the mayoral and four City Council seats will be on the May 2 ballot, as well as two Elgin Independent School District trustee positions. Each ward is represented by two council members, though only one seat per ward is up for election this year.

Incumbent mayor Theresa McShan has filed for reelection and will face challenger Stephanie Lippke.

In Ward 1, incumbent Joy Casnovsky is not seeking reelection and no candidates filed for the seat.

Ward 2 incumbent Charles “Chuck” Swain is running for another term against challengers Wes Callais and Roland Silva.

Ward 3 council member Al Rodriguez will face Agatha Christi Mayfield.

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Brashar is not seeking another term for the Ward 4 seat. Brenda Gulliksor Pina is the only candidate who filed for the position.

Elgin ISD Board President and District 1 Trustee Bryon Mitchell will face Michael Clowdus, while District 2 Trustee Cheryl Reese is challenged by Cherish White and Dennis Saint Ives.

Bloom said the forum is meant to encourage residents to take part in the local election process, which typically has low voter turnout. Last year, roughly 8% of registered voters participated in the general election, according to unofficial Bastrop County Elections records.

“We encourage everyone in the community to attend, learn about the candidates and be part of that process,” she said. “I hope the community feels informed and engaged.”

Early voting for the May 2 general election runs April 20-28. Election day polling locations will be open across Bastrop County from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Bastrop’s city representative to the advisory board, gave City Council a rundown of some of the board’s accomplishments.

“The future of Bastrop County health won’t be left to chance,” Gupta said. “Instead of waiting to see what the future holds, the board and the public health department are stepping up to lead with purpose, building a resilient and healthy county from the ground up.”

Initiatives included creating a bilingual monthly newsletter and online mental health platform providing free assessments and information.

Members completed a quarterly disease condition report based on countywide data, infectious disease communication strategy developed for outbreaks, and transition plan for moving clinical health services to Bastrop County. The board also secured $2.7 million in grant funds to support housing, a health collaborative and a healthcare workforce program.

“We’re not merely reacting to threats but proactively preventing them, preparing for the unexpected and protecting the well-being of every resident of Bastrop County,” Gupta said.

“A lot of our team is made up of sophomores, so our team understands that we are not rebuilding — we are reloading.”

— Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma

The Elgin and Bastrop boys varsity soccer teams competed in the bi-district round of the playoffs Friday night, but only the Bears managed to keep their season alive.

The Wildcats fell 3-0 to Liberal Arts & Science Academy March 20, while Bastrop secured a 2-1 victory over Pflugerville Connally and advanced to the area round.

ELGIN

The Wildcats struggled offensively in their shutout at Nelson Field in Austin.

Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma said his team will build off the appearance.

“LASA is a really good team, and we just kind of fell a bit short,” Lerma said. “I think it was a lack of experience in the playoffs, but I think my team competed really well, and that’s all I can ask of them.”

Elgin trailed 2-0 at halftime and worked to keep the game within reach, but a second-half goal by the Raptors put the match out of reach.

Elgin head coach Eddie Lerma reflected on his team’s effort following the season-ending loss.

Despite the defeat, the season marked a significant step forward for the program. The Wildcats reached the postseason for the first time since 2014, signaling clear progress and momentum, according to Lerma.

“The future is looking bright,” he said. “A lot of our team is made up of sophomores, so our team understands that we are not rebuilding — we are reloading.”

Lerma emphasized that this playoff appearance is just the beginning, setting a higher standard for the program moving forward.

“A playoff team has to keep getting better day in and day out, so we won’t have any days off,” he said. “We’ll get back into the weight room, back to playing soccer, and the boys are ready for that.”

Elgin is set to return 12 players from this year’s postseason roster, including leading scorer Diego Ramirez, who will enter his senior season next year.

BASTROP

The Bears rallied in the second half to edge the Cougars in a 2-1 victory Friday at the Manor Athletic Complex.

Bastrop trailed 1-0 at halftime but responded with a strong second-half performance. Senior Cayden Justice and junior Angel Chavez Hernandez each scored to lift the Bears to the comeback win.

Freshman Gavin Meraz contributed with an assist in the victory.

The win marks the second consecutive season Bastrop defeated Pflugerville Connally by a 2-1 scoreline in the opening round of the playoffs.

With the victory, Bastrop advanced to face Sharpstown in the area round after press time Tuesday.

Elgin fell to 5-15-1 overall and 2-4 in district play with the split week. The team faced Marble Falls after press time Tuesday and will return to action at home against Hendrickson Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m.

CONNALLY

Elgin took down the Cougars March 17 behind a nine-run fifth inning.

Senior Bianca Galindo led the team at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Freshman Madilyn Wildy had a breakout performance, finishing 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

Junior utility player Katelyn Anderson earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while allowing three runs and striking out five.

Galindo opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the top of the first. Elgin added two more runs later in the inning on an error to extend that lead.

Connally answered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Lady Cats quickly responded with an RBI single from Wildy and a dropped third strike that brought in another run.

Elgin continued to pull away, outscoring the Cougars 11-1 the rest of the way. Galindo added her second home run of the game in the fifth inning, a two-run shot.

Junior Jaylen Barker delivered the final blow with a bases-clearing triple to make it 17-3. Barker finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs.

EAST VIEW

The Lady Cats fell in a high-scoring contest as East View used a sixrun fifth inning to secure the win.

Senior Trinity Martinez led Elgin with two RBIs. East View’s offense surged early, building a 6-0 lead after the top of the second inning. Elgin answered in the bottom half, scoring six runs on four consecutive singles and an error to tie the game.

East View added a run in the fourth to take a one-point lead, but Elgin responded once again immediately.

The Lady Cats took their first lead of the game on an RBI single from Anderson and later drew a bases- loaded walk to make it 8-7.

The game shifted in the fifth inning when East View scored six runs to take a 13-8 lead. Elgin battled back with three additional runs across the fifth and sixth innings, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Anderson took the loss, allowing 13 runs on 13 hits while recording one strikeout.

The Bears were dominant in game one. Kody Wright and Mason Smith led the way against the Eagles and combined to go 4-for-7 at the plate with two RBIs each.

Cooper Voigt was the winning pitcher, throwing 4.1 innings and giving up three runs on three hits with six strikeouts.

Cedar Creek pitcher Isaiah Cancino took the loss, going 4.2 innings and giving up seven runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.

The Bears got on the board first with an RBI single from Smith in the top of the first. Bastrop followed that up with two more runs in the second on RBI singles from Lathan Bennett and Kody Wright to make it 3-0.

The Eagles fought back with two runs of their own on an RBI single from Brayan Rodriguez and scored on a passed third strike to cut the lead to 3-2 heading into the third.

Both teams were scoreless until the Bears opened up the game with a six-run fifth inning. Cedar Creek would score once more on an RBI single from Joseph Moreno in the fifth as the Bears closed out the game.

Game two was a much more competitive matchup as both pitching staffs were put to the test in a low-scoring battle.

Wright got the start for the Bears as he threw four scoreless innings, giving up three hits with two strikeouts.

Eagles starter Jacob Borrego also threw four scoreless innings but was finally gotten to in the fifth, where Bastrop scored all three of its runs.

The Bears broke the game open with three straight RBI singles from Voigt, Wright and Tristan St. Clair with two outs left on the inning. The points proved to be the difference in the sweep.

Francisco Arriaga came in for relief of Borrego and went three scoreless innings, giving up one hit with three strikeouts.

Bastrop improved to 7-9-2 overall and 2-0 in district, while Cedar Creek fell to 7-11 overall and 2-2 in district.

The Bears will finish up their series with Navarro at home Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. The Eagles will end their set with Anderson on the road.

Driving while intoxicated BAC >=0.15.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility.

Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Possession of a controlled substance PG 1/1-B less than 1 gram drug free zone; possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram drug free zone; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Red flag burn ban violation. Driving while intoxicated. Fail to identify giving false/fictitious information; ICE detainee; license required.

Driving while unlicensed. Criminal mischief.

MARCH 17

Possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram; possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces.

Driving while intoxicated 2nd; ICE detainee; no driver license.

Jugging burglary of vehicle. Driving while unlicensed; no driver license; operate unregistered/ improperly registered motor vehicle; requirement of financial responsibility.

MARCH 18

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility; ICE detainee.

Attempted possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility.

Failure to appear possession of a controlled substance PG 1/1-B less than 1 gram.

Collision involving damage to vehicle >=$200; driving while intoxicated.

Failure to appear criminal trespass.

Unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility.

MARCH 19

Misdemeanor theft of property.

Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Driving while intoxicated. Possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces; unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Use of sidewalk. Driving while intoxicated 2nd. ICE detainee; license required. Criminal mischief between $100 and $750.

MARCH 20

Abandon/endanger child individual intentional/knowing/ reckless/criminal negligence.

Bench warrant; failure to appear unlawfully carrying a weapon by felon.

Abandon/endanger child individual intentional/knowing/ reckless/criminal negligence.

Public intoxication. False drug test falsification device; failure to appear assault causes bodily injury family violence.

MARCH 21

Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Aggravated assault date/family/ house with weapon serious bodily injury.

Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance PG 1 between 4 and 200 grams; possession of a controlled substance PG 3 less than 28 grams.

Driving with license invalid with previous conviction/suspension without financial responsibility; possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces.

Driving while unlicensed. Illegal dumping greater than 1,000 pounds or greater than 200 cubic feet; possession of a controlled substance PG 1/1-B less than 1 gram.

MARCH 22

Driving while intoxicated.

Assault causes bodily injury; driving while intoxicated BAC >=0.15.

Assault causes bodily injury family violence.

Evading arrest detention with vehicle; obstruct highway passageway; possession of a controlled substance PG 2 less than 1 gram.

Violation of bond/protective order.

Obstruct highway passageway.

I notched another trip around the sun March 15.

The day before, my family and I celebrated my birthday at Culver’s in Round Rock. It was one of the few places where my wife could eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes and gravy or ice cream after having her wisdom teeth removed two days earlier.

While enjoying my birthday lunch with Sabrina, my mom and my daughters Megan and Isabella, I participated in a game I didn’t know existed — musical chairs at Culver’s. While I have played my share of musical chairs in the past, never have I done so at a restaurant until last Saturday.

Sabrina, the girls and I arrived at the eatery and found a table for five. Well, six if you count the chair to park the bag with the pull-ups.

The original seating arrangement was Bella, Sabrina and Megan on one side with myself, the bag and Shep — what my daughters call my mom — on the other side.

When Shep arrived, I helped her order food and carry drinks to the table.

When we returned to the table, Bella sat in my chair, which forced me to move into her seat. She then insisted on Shep sitting by her, so my mom switched places with the bag.

Then, Megan wanted to sit by me when the food arrived because she likes to feed me broccoli. So, Sabrina and Megan switched seats.

Everybody satisfied their hunger. Shep even took the girls to use the potty, but there were no musical chairs when they returned.

This weekend, I’ll have another celebration with the family because my son, Toby, is in town. He was with his mom last weekend.

It’s great to celebrate another trip around old Sol, especially when you have family and friends to enjoy your birthday with. A year from now, who knows where the party will be?

At least I’ll be prepared for the possibility of playing musical chairs.

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

— Popular opinion put forth by family and (some) friends.

“You ever see Elvis perform live?” was the question asked by someone in the group gathered in the lobby of the Rio Theatre in Center. We were sharing memories after watching the new documentary “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.”

Great movie, if you’re a fan. Lots of recently discovered never-before- seen footage from 1970s performances and moments, both on and off stage.

“I think so,” I said. “But that’s a long story; one you’ve probably heard. But I’ll bet you a cup of coffee that I have an Elvis story you might not have heard before.”

“Seriously?” my friend said.

“You know that I contend coffee is somewhere between medicinal and therapeutic, right? It’s also my belief,” I continued, “that the beverage’s benefits may also be determined by what sort of container from which one’s java is enjoyed.”

This comparison of coffee containers arose a couple of years ago at the coffee club. Conversation centered on caffeine consumption from one of the popular insulated metal cups versus my favorite: the classic curved-side, thick-bottom, white porcelain mug. The signature mug long revered by serious coffee drinkers originated during World War II. The military commissioned Victor Insulator Company to design a mug with thick walls for insulation and durability, plus extra weight on the bottom to prevent tipping. The result quickly became an American eatery icon known as the “diner mug.”

“I thought you said you had an Elvis story,” my questioner quizzed.

“Wait for it,” I pleaded. Blessed to have grown up in a coffee-drinking family that enjoyed pre-interstate highway travel, many of my memories include diner mug coffee. It was a time when every Texas road cafe or diner offered not only tables and booths but also a counter near the kitchen where the coffee-only bunch or the dine-alone clientele perched on stools. Chatter was constant as white-uniform-wearing waitresses moved about, rapidly refilling coffee mugs. They knew what regulars wanted and greeted everyone as “sweetheart” or “honey.”

My grandfather always looked for the place with the most trucks in the parking lot. He swore that’s where the best coffee was being served. His guaranteed first coffee stop on regular trips between Pittsburg in East Texas where I spent summers with my grandparents, and our home at the time in the West Texas town of Seymour was a small cafe and motel in Greenville.

The inconspicuous eatery sat on the north side of U.S. 67 just east of town. A simple sign noted the name of the place, “Floyd’s Cafe,” right before the highway bends southward toward Dallas.

“Still waiting for Elvis to enter the building,” my impatient friend said, checking his watch.

“Patience,” I replied. “A good story needs a good buildup.”

So, one summer morning after numerous stops at Floyd’s, my grandparents and I entered to see a brightly colored plate on the wall above one of the booths. On it was hand-printed: “Elvis Ate Here 3-14-58.”

At that point in my story, I hesitated, then delivered the longawaited plot-twisting surprise ending.

“So, 68 years ago tomorrow, Elvis ate at Floyd’s Cafe in Greenville, where I also like to think that he enjoyed a cup of good, hot coffee in a diner mug,” I said.

After that, I always looked forward to seeing the plate during subsequent visits to Floyd’s.

As a student at nearby East Texas State University during the late 1960s (now East Texas A&M University at Commerce), Floyd’s was still a good place for coffee, a chicken-fried steak or a hamburger.

Floyd’s faded away sometime after I graduated from ETSU in the early 1970s. Also fading from Americana by then were uniformed waitresses, diners and cafe lunch counters. The venerable diner mug filled with hot coffee has remained a favorite, however, as has Elvis Presley’s music and his place in American entertainment history.

Along with my longwinded story ... at least, so far.

The judge also ordered the application deadline for families be extended to March 31, citing concerns that no Islamic schools had been approved for the program.

“We received an invitation to register … from Odyssey. We were able to register, and we got approval immediately upon finishing the registration form,” said Hamed Ghazali, principal of the Houston Quran Academy. “In addition, our school appeared on the parents’ portal and some of our parents were able to register, choosing our school.”

The voucher program gives as much as $10,400 for tuition reimbursement and other fees to parents who send their children to private school next year, up to $30,000 for parents of children with disabilities, and up to $2,000 for homeschooled children.

TEXAS SENATE RUNOFF BALLOT DEADLINE PASSES

The deadline for Republican candidates to withdraw from the May runoff ballot has passed, and both U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton remain in the race, The Texas Tribune reported. Not long after the primary, President Donald Trump promised to endorse one of the candidates “soon,” but has yet to do so.

Cornyn, who held a narrow lead in the primary but not a majority, recently wrote an op-ed piece reversing course on his opposition to ending the filibuster, which requires 60 votes for Senate approval of legislation.

The Senate last week started floor discussion of the SAVE America Act, a bill Trump claims would “guarantee the midterms” for Republicans. Both Cornyn and Paxton now back the bill, which calls for proof of U.S. citizenship.

There is little chance of the bill passing the Senate because of the filibuster, since all 47 Senate Democrats oppose it, calling it a modern-day poll tax. There also does not appear to be enough support for ending the filibuster, which would allow the bill to pass with a simple majority.

Whoever wins the GOP Senate runoff will face state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, in November.

CHÁVEZ OBSERVANCE SCRAPPED AFTER ABUSE ACCUSATIONS

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to no longer observe César Chávez Day and said he plans to ask lawmakers to remove the holiday from state law, The Dallas Morning News reported. The move came after The New York Times reported Chavez, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, groomed and sexually abused girls and women who worked in the movement.

In addition, many Texas cities and school districts are considering renaming streets and schools and removing monuments to the famed labor leader.

“Let me be clear — no political affiliation, legacy or historic contribution should ever shield sexual predators from scrutiny or excuse the harm inflicted on survivors,” Dallas Councilman Adam Bazaldua said in a Facebook post.

The co-founder of the UFW, Dolores Huerta, now 96, said Chavez forced her to have sex and raped her at one point. Huerta said that she kept silent to protect the farmworker movement.

DRAG SHOW BAN FINALLY TAKES EFFECT

A ban on certain public drag shows passed in 2023 finally took effect last week after a federal appeals court reaffirmed its constitutionality, The Texas Tribune reported. The law prohibits performers from performing on public property or where children are present.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cheered the ruling in a news release, writing, “I will always work to shield our children from exposure to erotic and inappropriate sexually oriented performances.”

The plaintiffs and the ACLU of Texas, which represents them, said they plan to continue fighting the ban.

“The law’s vague and sweeping provisions still create a harmful chilling effect for drag artists and those who support them, while also threatening many types of performing arts cherished here in Texas, from theater to ballet to professional wrestling,” ACLU Texas attorney Brian Klosterboer said in a statement.

$16 BILLION GAS POWER PLANT PLANNED IN EAST TEXAS

One of the nation’s largest energy projects is coming to East Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News. It is part of a $550 billion investment package that Japan pledged last October and will be built in Anderson County.

The $16 billion natural gas-fired power generation hub will be able to serve up to five gigawatts of energy demand and will be operated by NextEra Energy Resources, a wholesale electricity provider based in Juno Beach, Florida.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited President Donald Trump at the White House last week. The administration has previously said the East Texas project will provide power to meet booming electricity demand, particularly as new data centers come online across the state.

147 MEASLES CASES IN TEXAS THIS YEAR

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported at least 147 cases of measles in Texas this year, with most occurring in federal detention facilities, The Texas Tribune reported. The largest outbreak, with 99 cases, is at the West Texas Detention Facility, which is privately operated in Hudspeth County.

A DSHS spokesperson said the “state’s role inside federal facilities is very limited,” so detailed information on contact tracing, vaccine response, or any demographic information on infected individuals is not available.

Another 20 cases have been reported in El Paso, Bexar, Bandera, Kendall, Lubbock, and Rockwall counties, according to DSHS, and were contracted from a variety of sources, such as international travel.

Measles is highly contagious and is especially dangerous to unvaccinated children, pregnant women and adults with compromised immune systems. It also has a long incubation period.

AGENCY LAUNCHES LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM ACROSS STATE The Texas Department of State Health Services has launched a new sterilization program for dogs and cats after receiving $13 million in state funding to support the initiative for two years. The funds are allocated to 38 applicants to perform these procedures across the state. Grant recipients had to demonstrate the ability to provide high-volume, high-quality and low-cost spay and neuter services.

“The program is designed to maximize sterilization impacts across both urban and rural communities in Texas. Receiving funding were animal shelters and rescue entities, veterinary clinics, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations that perform sterilization procedures,” the news release said.

To discover which entity is serving your area, visit this link: https://tinyurl. com/5zkzu5bm.

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@texas press.com.