According to the Bastrop Police Department, the tragic episode occurred at 6:10 a.m. Oct. 6 on FM 969 at Blakey Drive.

Investigators said the sequence of mishaps began when a juvenile driving a Dodge Ram traveling south on 969 swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a man stopped on the improved shoulder while adjusting his bicycle chain.

The Dodge Ram was involved in a collision with a Nissan Rogue traveling north, according to police reports.

The Nissan then struck a fence and ended up in a pasture, according to officers.

A Subaru headed north also was in a collision with the Dodge Ram, according to a statement from the Police Department.

The 66-year-old man driving the Nissan suffered fatal injuries, the statement indicated.

His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A passenger in the Nissan was taken to an Austin hospital after being hurt, investigators said.

According to police, the driver of the Dodge Ram and the operator of the Subaru were rushed to a local medical facility for treatment of their injuries.

The male who was adjusting his bicycle chain was not injured, according to the statement.

The incident remains under investigation.

The threat, which may have involved a gun, was deemed not credible and no students or staff were in danger, officers said.

The Elgin Police Department notified Elgin ISD about the threat at 12:40 p.m., according to reports.

District and campus leaders then worked with officers to secure the schools, with classes resuming at 2:20 p.m.

But credible or not, those making threats — even if joking — could face school discipline and even criminal charges, officials said.

“I want to be clear about the seriousness of incidents of this nature,” Superintendent Christopher Bailey said. “Anyone, regardless of age, who creates or shares a threat can be arrested for and charged with making a terroristic threat.”

Bailey reminded students to speak up if they see something.

In her resignation statement, Piña said months of intimidation since taking office in May took their toll, while Councilwoman YaLecia Love pushed back, saying there was “more than one side to a story.”

“We may not always agree, and honestly, we should not expect to,” Love said. “We come from different backgrounds. We have different experiences, personalities, perspectives and priorities.”

The council’s vote came during a special-called meeting Sept. 30 that also included the retirement of City Manager Robert Eads.

Piña attended the meeting and participated in the council’s discussion and vote on her resignation.

Piña announced her resignation Sept. 22, outlining a series of incidents that left her feeling targeted in the wake of her election as the Ward 4 representative. She previously cited scrutiny over her attendance, communications and an argument with Love.

“I believe anger management classes should be provided to Mayor Pro Tem Love and her title should be removed for unethical behavior in city chambers,” Piña said in a prepared statement posted on Facebook.

In Wednesday's meeting, Love disputed Piña’s account of what happened and said members had previously committed during a team-building session to hold one another accountable and address concerns as they arose.

“Don’t resign and have me as your scapegoat,” Love said. “Resign because you want to resign.”

Following the vote, council members then turned their attention to filling the vacant seat, directing city staff to advertise the position and accept applications for a possible appointment.

The person selected would serve until May 2027, when a special election can be held to fill the remainder of Piña’s term, which was scheduled to end in May 2028.

Ward 4 residents interested in the position will need to submit an application to the city secretary’s office at 310 N Main St. by 5 p.m. Oct. 15.

The appointee may also run in the May special election.

For the Ward 4 map and information on the application, visit elgintexas.gov.

Elgin opened its season on a similar tone, traveling to play Manor on Aug. 28. It was the first meeting between the two teams in a decade, with the Mustangs taking down the Wildcats 30-14.

The Wildcats have struggled to find consistency, alternating between a win and a loss each week.

Their first victory came in the second week, defeating Northeast Early College 63-7. Two weeks later, Elgin then defeated Del Valle 15-7 in their first meeting since the Cardinals took down the Wildcats 20-7 in 2009. So far this season, the Wildcats have picked up 883 passing yards and 432 rushing yards with a completion rate of .445%. Sophomore starting quarterback Tanner Modesette has gone 57 for 126, picking up five touchdowns and a QB rating of 72.3%.

To open district competition, Elgin will stay on the road to take on Pflugerville Panthers on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. In their previous meeting, the Wildcats fell to Pflugerville 55-20 in a mid-season road match.

The Panthers are currently 2-3 heading into district competition, coming off a 28-13 loss by Ellison prior to a bye week.

“There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.”

— Rosalynn Carter

The state-of-the-art home security panel on the wall behind me chimed a warning. Someone was on my front porch.

A glance at the video with night-vision capabilities revealed the intruder — a big tomcat scurrying past the front door in pursuit of a June bug.

The urgency of the alert seemed comical when you compared the actual threat to my home with a system designed to fortify against tactical breaches. I think we’ve successfully turned our homes into digital fortresses.

It hasn’t always been this way. I’m old enough to remember the mythological era of childhood when “home security” was a screen door with a hook that didn’t always fit the eyelet. We didn’t lock the front door at night.

Also in those days, taking the keys out of the station wagon was an unnecessary chore. They dangled permanently from the ignition switch on the dash. Hey, the Chevrolet didn’t even need a key to start it. GM switches in the mid-1950s worked without one.

Nobody stole it because everyone on the block already owned a used car, not much better than the one sitting in our driveway. And our collective net worth was tied up in Tupperware, faith and a shared feeling the world was generally a safe place.

Not locking up wasn’t bravery; it was our beautifully innocent, total lack of worry. The concept of “intruders” was limited to comic books and “Dragnet.”

The late-1980s dawn of social paranoia prompted my first security system, hardwired by Ma Bell to a monitoring service in Dallas. The beige plastic monstrosity on the wall possessed the intelligence of a toaster and the temperament of a cornered raccoon.

I recall one night at 2 a.m., the alarm company rang my bedside phone. I managed a sleepy “hello” before a real person said, “We’ve detected motion in your dining room.”

Instead of waiting for the police, I sprang out of bed and grabbed the nearest weapon — one of my size-11 loafers on the floor.

Creeping down the hallway, ready to do battle with a desperate criminal, I rounded the corner into the dining room. Instead of a burglar, however, I came face to face with a helium-filled “Happy Birthday” balloon left over from an office party. The central heat’s gentle draft carried it across the room.

Trust me, there’s nothing more humbling than standing in your shorts, wielding a shoe and negotiating with a keypad while a shiny piece of Mylar mocks you from the ceiling.

My security system today is amazing. Cameras and motion detectors send everything to my smartphone. Still, I just can’t escape the irony of it all. We’ve traded the open-door freedom of our childhood for a pocketful of push notifications. We are safer than ever, yet we spend evenings watching livestreams of our own empty driveways, waiting for a threat that, thankfully, rarely comes. We’ve locked the world out, but in doing so, we’ve locked ourselves into a state of permanent, high-tech anxiety.

Yet sometimes … when the autumn air is just right, I look at my deadbolt- locked front door and check the security camera video to see a ‘possum crossing my patio with a yogurt container pilfered from a trash can.

And I think about Dad’s old Chevrolet, sitting in the driveway all those years ago, with its keys in the ignition all night. Still there and ready for duty the next morning.

• Jason Crunk – Elgin

• Mark Wilkinson – McDade

• Jim & Barbara Jochetz – Elgin

• John Allgood – Elgin

• Barbara Ewing – Thrall

• Patricia Abell – Paige

• Janet Dunbar – Elgin

• First Batist Church of Elgin – Elgin

• Jean Fajkus – Austin

• Joan Hardy – Elgin

• Glenda Samuelson – Coupland

• George Scott – West Lake Hills

• Donna Snowden – Elgin

• CAPCOG Mason Canales – Austin

• Cecilia Deaton Elgin

This year marks the 86th celebration of National Newspaper Week.

Since 1940, Newspaper Association Managers — nammembers.com — has sponsored and supported National Newspaper Week, a week-long promotion of the newspaper industry in the United States and Canada.

It runs Oct. 4-Oct. 10.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, COMMITTED TO TRUTH

In small towns, suburbs and cities across America, local newspapers are there for the moments that matter — elections and ballgames, new businesses and school decisions, celebrations and tragedies.

How we deliver the news has changed. Why we do it hasn’t.

Newspapers inform their communities, hold government accountable and tell the stories no one else will. That commitment is at the heart of National Newspaper Week 2026 and this year’s theme: “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.”

WHY NEWSPAPERS MATTER Local journalism is just that — local.

It’s the city council vote that affects your taxes, the school board decision involving your children, the state championship team and the new business opening on Main Street.

Newspapers put reporters in the room, ask questions and provide accurate, verified information when facts matter most.

They also connect communities. Newspapers celebrate accomplishments, honor veterans, publish obituaries, cover emergencies and record the everyday moments that become a community’s history.

A COMMITMENT WORTH SUPPORTING

Strong local journalism doesn’t happen by accident. Subscriptions, advertising and community support help keep reporters covering the people, institutions and decisions that matter.

National Newspaper Week is also a time to recognize the journalists, publishers, photographers, advertising teams, press operators, carriers and others who make that work possible every day.

Every newspaper serves a different community, but together we share the same purpose: keeping people informed, preserving the public record and protecting the public’s right to know.

The platforms will change. Technology will change.

The need for trusted local journalism won’t.

Lance is the executive director of the National Newspaper Association

Most of us embrace the new fall season and are ready for the change. We welcome relief from summer’s heat and rejoice with even the smallest hints of seasonal shifts: clear skies, a cool breeze and everything pumpkin.

Scripture speaks about seasons, reminding us that God made the moon to mark months, how He established the faithful regularity with the daily sunrise, and as recorded in Daniel 2:21, “He changes times and seasons…” Farmers and gardeners are keenly aware of the rain that brings yield to their fields, as well as the benefits of seasonal changes.

The Greek word for season, “kairos,” means a measure or portion of time — a fixed and definite time, including a limited period. Yes, the season is limited, with unique changes, beauty, celebrations and challenges.

Passages in Ecclesiastes use season to connect with insights about life. The Hebrew word used is “zaman,” meaning an appointed or designated time. As we read the examples presented in the third chapter, we’re reminded of special life events: birth, death, planting and uprooting. Times for slaughter and healing, to break down and build up.

But keep reading and be encouraged, for also there is a time to weep as well as a time to laugh. There is a time to mourn and to dance. Various illustrations are mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, and it covers the gamut of human experience and many emotions.

Our Heavenly Father, creator of all, understands seasons and changes we face, our seasons of life.

King Solomon wrote this book, sharing his questions such as: What value is life? What purpose may we find? He asked what is life all about anyway if we “came from dust and return to dust.”

He did a lot of soul searching, posing the same questions many have today.

I hope your conclusions align with King Solomon. Primarily, remember your creator.

Solomon cautions us, reminds us and clearly states his conclusions: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” (Ecc. 12:3) It may have been a long time since you read this Old Testament book, but you will gain much by reading it again. It addresses topics including education, career, success, rivalry and competition, selfishness, power, money, possessions and religion.

We all need to assess our personal season. Acknowledge the storms, but also seek the rainbows.

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.

Approved by the TDHCA governing board at its Sept. 3 meeting, the ESG funding will assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis with permanent housing, while also preventing homelessness before it occurs. The grants will be available to communities and organizations Nov. 1.

“These funds serve as a vital resource for some of our most vulnerable Texans, opening the door for many to experience more stable and sustainable housing conditions,” said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA Executive Director, in a prepared release. “They give our local partners the tools they need to prevent homelessness and help people quickly regain housing stability.”

Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the ESG Program strengthens a local community’s ability to move toward greater housing stability and overcome housing crises through a combination of street outreach, emergency shelter operations, homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing assistance.

City leaders accepted Councilwoman Brenda Piña’s resignation as disagreements over what led the Ward 4 councilwoman to step down spilled into public discussion.

In her resignation statement, Piña said months of intimidation since taking office in May took their toll, while Councilwoman YaLecia Love pushed back, saying there was “more than one side to a story.”

“We may not always agree, and honestly, we should not expect to,” Love said. “We come from different backgrounds. We have different experiences, personalities, perspectives and priorities.”

The council’s vote came during a special-called meeting Sept. 30 that also included the retirement of City Manager Robert Eads. Piña attended the meeting and participated in the council’s discussion and vote on her resignation.

Piña announced her resignation Sept. 22, outlining a series of incidents that left her feeling targeted in the wake of her election as the Ward 4 representative. She previously cited scrutiny over her attendance, communications and an argument with Love.

“I believe anger management classes should be provided to Mayor Pro Tem Love and her title should be removed for unethical behavior in city chambers,” Piña said in a prepared statement posted on Facebook.

In Wednesday’s meeting, Love disputed Piña’s account of what happened and said members had previously committed during a team-building session to hold one another accountable and address concerns as they arose.

“Don’t resign and have me as your scapegoat,” Love said. “Resign because you want to resign.”

Following the vote, council members then turned their attention to filling the vacant seat, directing city staff to advertise the position and accept applications for a possible appointment.

The person selected would serve until May 2027, when a special election can be held to fill the remainder of Piña’s term, which was scheduled to end in May 2028.

Ward 4 residents interested in the position will need to submit an application to the city secretary’s office at 310 N Main St. by 5 p.m. Oct. 15.

The appointee may also run in the May special election.

For the Ward 4 map and information on the application, visit elgintexas. gov.

Anight of live music in downtown Elgin brought residents together Sept. 26 to recognize survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and to highlight the organizations working to support them.

The free 60 Million Rising: Survivors in Solidarity LIVE event at Lightnin’ Bar featured performances by Sara Hickman, Bryan Lawhorn and Alicia Adkins, along with speakers and a candlelight vigil. The event supported Family Crisis Center and Thrive After Domestic Violence and came just days before the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Doreen Hunter, founder and chair of Thrive After Domestic Violence, said the event brought in a mix of supporters, music fans and customers who simply happened to stumble in, helping bring their work to a broader audience.

“What really gave me energy was to see how excited people were to celebrate survivors and to understand that this event was to bring awareness,” she said.

“It’s good to know that so many people in our community want to help people who are in crisis.”

— Doreen Hunter, founder and chair of Thrive After Domestic Violence One of the night’s most memorable moments, Hunter described, came during a candlelight vigil led by GG Thompson of the Family Crisis Center. People were asked to hold up candles if they had been through abusive relationships. As Thompson went through examples, Hunter said the candles never came down.

“No one turned off their candles, men and women alike,” she said. “It was truly telling about the statistics of what we see in domestic violence.”

The event was organized by area resident Kat Hammer, who sought to use live music as a way to bring the community together. Hickman, a Grammy- nominated singer and songwriter, headlined the evening of performances.

According to organizers, using music helped create a setting that was accessible to the wider community rather than focusing on a traditional fundraising event.

“We were looking for the average survivor … and so we met them where they’re at, where people want music,” Hunter said.

Hunter said she wants residents who left knowing survivors do not have to travel to Austin to find help.

“There are resources here available to them,” she said. “We have strong resources here and they’re not alone.”

Family Crisis Center serves Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee counties, while Thrive provides advocacy, food assistance, housing support and other services for survivors in the area.

Hunter said collaboration between the two groups could help expand outreach and make better use of limited nonprofit resources. She also expects the event to make a return.

“We’re going to do it again next year,” Hunter said. “It’s good to know that so many people in our community want to help people who are in crisis or have moved past crisis and are trying to put their life together.”

Elgin Independent School District campuses lifted a lockdown Monday afternoon after police signaled an all-clear following a warning of possible violence, officials said.

The threat, which may have involved a gun, was deemed not credible and no students or staff were in danger, officers said.

The Elgin Police Department notified Elgin ISD about the threat at 12:40 p.m., according to reports.

District and campus leaders then worked with officers to secure the schools, with classes resuming at 2:20 p.m.

But credible or not, those making threats — even if joking — could face school discipline and even criminal charges, officials said.

“I want to be clear about the seriousness of incidents of this nature,” Superintendent Christopher Bailey said. “Anyone, regardless of age, who creates or shares a threat can be arrested for and charged with making a terroristic threat.”

Bailey reminded students to speak up if they see something.

Board members announced the new hires during their meeting Sept. 21. Amanda Hardwick joins as assistant superintendent of secondary curriculum and instruction; Amy Sharp as assistant superintendent of elementary curriculum and instruction; Leah Zavala as executive director of human resources; and Enrique Martinez as director of safety and security.

Zavala replaces Sarah Juarez-Farias, who is retiring.

“Safety and learning are our two highest priorities, and each of these leaders brings unique expertise and experience that will strengthen our schools and support our growing community,” Superintendent Christopher Bailey said.

Hardwick brings more than 15 years in education, most recently as executive director of curriculum and instruction for Leander Independent School District.

Sharp has more than 20 years in education and most recently served as Leander ISD’s director of learning impact.

Zavala comes from Denton Independent School District, where she served as coordinator of human resources and educator pathways, and has more than 14 years in public education.

Mar t inez’ resume boasts 27 years of federal law enforcement and leadership experience, specializing in security planning, emergency preparedness and crisis response.

“As we continue building capacity across Elgin ISD, they will play a vital role in keeping our students safe, empowering our teachers and creating the condition for every student to thrive,” Bailey said.

Eads, who was appointed in December 2025 after serving as interim city manager for several months, thanked the city for the opportunity to serve the community.

“It has been an honor to dedicate my career to public service and to work alongside so many committed individuals, and other great cities,” Eads said during the Sept. 30 session. “I am excited and grateful for this next chapter with my family.”

Eads is stepping down about a month after officials first announced Aug. 31 he was on a temporary leave of absence.

At the time, officials did not provide a reason for the leave and Eads was unavailable for comment.

Development Services Director Beau Perry was appointed acting city manager during Eads’ absence and will continue overseeing daily operations during the transition, according to officials.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on providing our community with quality service, stability and accountability,” city spokesman Marcial Guajardo said.

Elgin leaders have not announced details about a search for a permanent city manager. Those will be released after a review by the council.

The Lady Wildcats were eager to avenge their district opener defeat, where the Lady Eagles hosted and sent Elgin back with a 3-0 defeat.

Georgetown entered the match firing on all cylinders, earning their largest win margin of the match at 25-12. The Lady Wildcats found their rhythm in the second set but could not follow through, falling 25-20. The third set saw strong attempts on both ends, with the Lady Eagles ultimately taking the third set 25-18.

The Lady Wildcats have now allowed 20 points across the eight district games played, mirroring their record of 23 points this time last season. They hold a 2-6 overall record and sit seventh on district rankings.

Elgin will continue the second round of district play as they travel to take on Hendrickson on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Earlier this season, the Lady Hawks defeated Elgin at home 3-1.

Hendrickson is currently 5-3, coming off a 3-1 loss at Weiss.

Wildcat tennis opened their season by making school history. The addition of four new courts made it possible for the team to host its first ever home game on Aug. 21, ending with Elgin coming up victorious in 10-9 matches.

“We inaugurated our courts with a win which was a lot of fun,” said head coach Daryl Remschel. “Being able to play at home and tell students your parents will be able to come to Elgin was a big deal.”

Their best performance was on Sept. 25, where Elgin won four matches against Pflugerville- the most they have picked up against a district competitor in recent memory.

To close out the historic season, the Wildcats traveled to Manor and defeated the Mustangs 13-0 in their lone blowout of the season.

The team consisted of 25 players, the largest fall tennis roster since 2019. Seven of these players are seniors who are set to say goodbye to Elgin athletics in the spring.

“They all came in very young, right at the end of the COVID and made major improvement over the last 4 years,” said Remschel.

The full list of seniors includes Sarah Cadena, Jonathan Costilla, Carlos Jaimes, Bryan Lopez, Chasity Maldonado, Viviana Munoz, and Muhammad Nihal.

Of these seven, Cadena, Costilla, Lopez and Maldonado spent their entire career under Remschel.

“Their perseverance and staying with tennis has made them branch out and stand out as leaders.” said Remschel.

Remschel will continue his 31st year of coaching in the spring, remaining as head coach of Elgin Wildcat tennis.

• Manufacture/possession of a controlled substance

• Theft of firearm

• Evading in a vehicle

• No driver’s license

• Bench warrant

• DWI 2nd count

• False alarm/report

• Marijuana possession

SEPT. 30

• Public intoxication

• DUI minor

• Evading in a vehicle

• Possession of a controlled substance

• Possession of a controlled substance

OCT. 1

• Assault causes bodily injury family violence; aggravated assault with deadly weapon; assault family/household member impeding breath/ circulation; ICE detainee; terroristic threat of family/household

• Parole violations

• False alarm/report

• Assault on EMS personnel providing services OCT. 2

• Fraudulent use/possession or tampering with gift card/package/ data or redemption

• DWI 3rd or more

• Failure to register as sex offender

• Assault causes bodily injury family violence; property theft; unlawful restraint

• Criminal trespass; DWI; ICE detainee

• Property theft

• No driver’s license; no insurance

OCT. 3

• Assault causes bodily injury

• DWI with open alcohol container

• Driving with invalid license with previous conviction/suspension; marijuana possession

• Assault causes bodily injury

• DWI; ICE detainee

• Driving while unlicensed

• Possession of a controlled substance; marijuana possession; unlawful carrying of weapon

• Continuous violence against the family; interfering with public duties

• DWI with open alcohol container

OCT. 4

• Criminal nonsupport; DWI w/open alcohol container

• DWI

• Assault causes bodily injury family violence

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

U.S. Senate candidates Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, and Democratic nominee James Talarico traded jabs last week over rising gas and diesel prices, The Texas Tribune reported.

At a gas station in Carrollton, Talarico called on Paxton to condemn the Iran war and join his call to suspend federal gas and diesel taxes. Hours later, Paxton said the gas tax should be permanently eliminated.

Talarico first called for pausing the gas tax in April until prices fell below where they were when the war began in February, when the U.S. and Israel conducted joint air attacks against Iran. He has urged Paxton to join his call several times since.

He has termed the war a “disaster” and blames it for exacerbating affordability issues for Texas families.

“Ken Paxton supports this disastrous war in Iran that’s driving up our costs,” Talarico said. “Today, I am calling on him to oppose this war and support my plan to suspend the federal gas tax and the federal diesel tax so we can provide Texans some necessary relief.”

Paxton responded by saying he supports suspending the gas tax permanently.

“Repealing those taxes would put money straight back into drivers’ pockets every time they fill up, and Washington should fund roads by cutting waste, not by taxing Texans at the pump,” he said.

The federal gasoline tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gas and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel. Nearly all the tax collected goes in the Highway Trust Fund for federal highway and mass transit spending.

The average price in Texas last week was $3.94 per gallon for gasoline and $5.90 a gallon for diesel, according to AAA.

ABBOTT LIFTS RESTRICTIONS ON DYED DIESEL Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted restrictions on dyed diesel usually allowed only in off-road and industrial equipment to lower diesel prices, the Houston Chronicle reported.

He issued a disaster proclamation last week expanding its use. Dyed diesel is exempt from fuel taxes. Abbott also requested a waiver to the Clean Air Act from the Environmental Protection Agency to get around federal limits on which diesel can be sold.

“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” Abbott said in a statement. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family. Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight.”

The three-term governor is locked in a close reelection contest in the Nov. 3 midterm election dominated by cost-of-living concerns. His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, had earlier called for suspending all diesel taxes, which Abbott said is not in his power to unilaterally do.

VOTER SNAFU HIGHLIGHTS DIFFICULTY IN REGISTERING A Texas backlog of at least 200,000 voter registration applications and updates was caused by a state error. Now election officials are scrambling to respond before voting begins.

Texas is one of only eight states that doesn’t have universal online voter registration. The state Department of Public Safety’s web portal is the only option for registering online or updating a voter registration. That option was ordered by a judge after a six-year legal battle.

Votebeat and The Texas Tribune recently reported a flaw in the system where DPS failed to send counties thousands of voter applications and updates submitted through its web portal, dating back to October 2025. There have been bipartisan calls for an investigation into what went awry. State officials so far have provided few details.

“We live in a system that has been designed to make things harder for voters,” said Sarah Chen, the senior supervising attorney at Texas Civil Rights Project. “We don’t have online voter registration, except for this teeny little carveout, and because of the teeny little carveout, now we have these technical glitches resulting in this backlog.”

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.

County leaders unanimously approved the extension Sept. 28 following a recommendation from Office of Emergency Management Coordinator James Altgelt and local fire chiefs. The ban was first enacted Aug. 24 and had been scheduled to expire at midnight Sept. 28. The extension comes as the county approaches six weeks under the burn ban.

The county’s average Keetch-Byram Drought Index stood at 712 prior to the vote, Altgelt told commissioners. The index measures soil moisture deficiency on a scale of 0 to 800, with higher numbers representing drier conditions.

According to Altgelt, significant rainfall could provide some relief before another extension is considered. As of Oct. 5, the average KBDI sits at 566.

“Whether we receive more, less or at the forecast amount remains to be seen,” Altgelt told commissioners. “What that impact has will also remain to be seen depending on where in the county the rain is received and how it’s distributed.”

If rainfall reduces the wildfire threat, County Judge Gregory Klaus has the authority to end the burn ban before its scheduled expiration, according to officials. Otherwise, commissioners could allow the order to expire Oct. 13. Altgelt said officials will monitor the rainfall and its potential impact.

The burn ban prohibits most outdoor burning of combustible or vegetative materials in unincorporated areas of Bastrop County. Exceptions include certain welding, cutting and grinding operations, burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, food preparation, air curtain incinerators and outdoor special effects by commercial film studios conducted with local fire department oversight.

Violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Elgin officials voted Sept. 30 to accept City Manager Robert Eads’ resignation during a special meeting, ending his tenure with the city weeks after council members placed him on paid administrative leave.

Eads, who was appointed to the role in December 2025 after serving as interim city manager for several months, thanked the city for the opportunity to serve the community.

“It has been an honor to dedicate my career to public service and to work alongside so many committed individuals, and other great cities,” Eads said. “I am excited and grateful for this next chapter with my family.”

The vote comes about a month after the city first declared Aug. 31 that Eads was on a temporary leave of absence. At the time, officials did not provide a reason for the leave and Eads was unavailable for comment.

Development Services Director Beau Perry was appointed acting city manager during Eads’ absence and will continue overseeing daily operations during the transition, according to officials.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on providing our community with quality service, stability and accountability,” Public Information Officer Marcial Guajardo said.

City leaders have not yet announced details about its search for a permanent city manager. The city said information about the formal search will be released as plans are finalized by councilmembers.

The authority is studying potential improvements and exploring changes to U.S. 290 between Texas 130 and east of Texas 95 South to improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor. The Manor open house will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 10104 Hill Lane, where residents can review designs and submit comments.

“Community input has played a critical role in shaping the proposed design for the U.S. 290 corridor,” Director James Bass said in a statement. “We heard valuable feedback from residents, businesses and corridor users, and that input is directly reflected in the improvements we’re presenting.”

The preliminary schematic layout will be presented through October, according to the project’s timeline, and an environmental draft is expected by mid-2027, followed by a public hearing later that year.

“As we move forward, continued community feedback on this proposed design concept will be essential to refining the design and ensuring it meets the needs of communities we serve,” Bass said.

The CTRMA is expected to complete the final schematic and environmental decision in early 2028.

Feedback can also be submitted online at 290extensionproject.com.

Elgin now holds a 20-16 overall record and 1-5 mark in district play. The loss is the third straight defeat to Pflugerville in two years, though the first time Elgin has taken a set.

The Lady Panthers were challenged in the first set, ultimately defeating Elgin 25-22, and went on to take the second with a clean 25-19 performance.

Elgin came back recharged in the third, picking up a narrow 25-23 victory, but could not continue its momentum and dropped the final set 25-16.

Pflugerville sophomore outside hitter Jayla Cole picked up 13 kills across the four sets, putting her current season total at 132.

For Elgin, senior outside hitter Emma Lugala met her 100th varsity career block. Freshman outside hitter Audrey Borboa collected a personal best of 38 digs, putting her total so far this season at 48.

The Lady Cats played the Manor Mustangs at home after press time Sept. 29 and host Georgetown Friday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Georgetown ranks 27 in the state and is undefeated in district play, holding a 32-5 overall record.

Do you view life as a journey?

Life is linear, moving from birth to death. Poet Linda Ellis wrote “The Dash” in 1996, reflecting on the time between birth and death, symbolized as the dash. How would you describe your dash?

I think the dash is a journey, like when Moses led crowds of enslaved people out of Egypt. They were thrilled to be free, yet soon became impatient, because of their journey. (Numbers 21:4b) When their journey demanded more than they expected, they became impatient. Their trek through the wilderness included different pathways, encounters and challenges, wearing their patience thin.

Their journey exposed them to dangerous situations, yet the God who led them out of slavery remained with them still. It included encounters where they could have been harmed, yet God intervened on their behalf. One example is found in Micah 6:5.

Our life journey places us in locations and with certain people. Think of encounters that appeared random, ones that seemed unique or especially timely.

Did you find sudden companionship or support? Was a comment made that uniquely spoke to you?

When we recall people who became special and how they impacted our life, these fond memories become part of our blessings.

I recall meeting a woman who lived far from me, a person I met only once. I noticed her Godly demeanor, and silently hoped to develop that in my life.

I think of another young woman, new to the Christian faith whose quiet subtle reaction captured my attention. God used her silent admission to remind me that not every adult knows simple childhood stories from the Bible.

Our encounters allow us to see God’s activity in our journey. Think of occasions when God intervened, times when you immediately knew if something hadn’t happened, you would be different today.

He knows our day’s journey and even uses delays to save us from dangers or roadblocks lurking ahead.

“The Lord is indeed going before you, He will be with you; He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8) We too must rely on God and His direction for our safety and provision.

Look for His hand along your way. I expect you’ll find it. 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.

La Fregona sauce among 10 products competing for spot on shelves

A Bastrop-based business is getting a chance to bring its own taste of Mexico to H-E-B shelves across Texas.

La Fregona, founded by husbandand- wife team Rafael Ayala and Jocelyn Alvarez, was recently named one of 10 finalists in H-E-B’s 13th annual Quest for Texas Best competition. The company’s Mexican Streetcorn Chilito Sauce will compete for a share of $100,000 in prizes and an opportunity to be placed in stores statewide.

“It does feel like all the hard work is paying off,” Ayala said. “It’s also motivating to keep pushing forward.”

La Fregona was selected from a record 978 entries representing more

“We dream big and we gave it a shot.”

— Rafael Ayala than 500 companies across Texas.

For a business that started in the family’s kitchen three years ago, the recognition is a milestone worth celebrating itself, according to the duo.

Ayala and Alvarez started La Fregona after moving to Bastrop from Mexico and finding themselves missing some of the familiar flavors they grew up with.

“When we moved, we were missing home,” Ayala said. “We were missing the taste, the flavors, the dishes we had at home.”

They began experimenting with seasoning and shared results with friends and family. Those familiar taste testers would later encourage the team to sell their product online.

But Ayala said there was another product they had wanted to make from the beginning, a sauce inspired by the chilito traditionally served on Mexican street corn.

The couple spent about three years developing the sauce during trips to Mexico where they visited a variety of street corn vendors before returning home to experiment with their own style and recipe.

The finished product combines five chiles for what Ayala describes as a smoky, tangy and citrusy flavor with a slight sweetness and heat to it. While originally created for street corn, he said the sauce can also be used on just about anything.

“It’s something that we didn’t just want to keep for ourselves, but we wanted to share with more people,” Ayala said.

The company’s name reflects an approach the couple said helped them start the company. In Mexico, calling someone “fregona” describes a person who is highly capable and hardworking.

“That’s kind of the standard that we wanted to hold ourselves to, to be a very fregona company, to be the best,” Ayala said. “We dream big and we gave it a shot.”

La Fregona has primarily sold its products online, and a spot in H-E-B shelves would introduce the brand to a much larger audience.

Since launching Quest for Texas Best in 2014, H-E-B has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, along with opportunities built to help small businesses grow.

“Quest for Texas Best is more than a competition, it is a launchpad for Texas entrepreneurs,” said James Harris, H-E-B senior director of diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity. “H-E-B began as a small business, and we know firsthand how powerful the right opportunity can be.”

Elgin officials last week were introduced to the city’s new finance director, a position that has sat vacant for several years.

Charles Lino was welcomed by council members Sept. 22, just two days after being hired. He comes to Elgin with municipal finance experience including stints as financial reporting coordinator and assistant comptroller for the city of El Paso, finance director for the city

“Nothing that I’ve read about the situation and the conditions here scare me.”

— Charles Lino of Pecos from 2020-22 and most recently city manager of Pecos.

Lino told council members he views the job in Elgin as a chance to put his financial experience to the test and that he is committed to remaining in the city, noting he and his wife have already bought a home in the area.

“Nothing that I’ve read about the situation and the conditions here scare me,” Lino said. “They actually excite me … it looks like a challenge and something that I’m ready to take on full steam.”

Lino’s tenure as Pecos city manager ended in August after a dispute with that city’s council, according to reporting by NewsWest 9 and the El Paso Herald Post.

Reports said council members asked Lino to step down after alleging he failed to disclose a council member’s consulting agreement with a firm doing business with the city.

Lino did not resign and was placed on administrative leave July 30 before being terminated in August.

“When you get in a public position, sometimes it’s difficult not to defend yourself in the public,” Lino said. “I’ve taken the stance that I’m not going to do that.”

For now, Lino said he plans to focus on developing staff, building relationships with council members and allowing his work to speak for itself.

“We’re going to make some strides,” he said. “You all will notice a difference over a period of time … a short period of time.”

Human Resources Director Pamela Sanders said the hire has been a long time coming.

“We have taken our time with this recruitment because filling this position with the right person was incredibly important,” she said.

Sisters in Fire brings hands-on experience to Central Texas

MANOR — Dozens of students from across Central Texas gathered in Manor last week for a firsthand look at wildland firefighting and the careers that help protect their communities.

The Texas A&M Forest Service brought together 32 students and representatives from seven local, state and federal fire organizations for the sixth annual Sisters in Fire event Sept. 26 at Travis County Parks’ Owens Tract. The program, which is open to all but primarily targets young women, rotated through lessons on wildfire protective equipment, radio communication and fire suppression.

“Seeing professionals in these positions allows students to picture themselves in that place and say, ‘Oh yeah, I have a role here,’” Firewise Coordinator Kari Hines said.

Reilly Ruggiero, a wildland urban interface coordinator with the Texas A&M Forest Service, said the event also teaches students about wildfire risks in their own communities, including how quickly vegetation dries out after rainfall and why burn bans and red flag warnings matter.

“I think it’s extremely important, especially just for their age, where they grow up, that fire is a part of their life,” Reggiero said. “Something we’re trying to do here is show them that not all fire is bad and show them ways they can protect themselves.”

Ruggiero added the program exposes students to the full range of careers in wildfire response, not just those on the fire line.

“There’s planning logistics, operations, everything,” she said. “It kind of exposes them to as much as we can to the world around them and the environment that they live in with fire.”

Since beginning in 2021, Sisters in Fire has served 153 participants from 50 Texas counties, along with students from Oklahoma, Louisiana and even Denmark.

Organizers said the goal is to continue reaching students who may otherwise never realize wildland fire and natural resource careers are available to them.

“I didn’t get exposed to this until I was in college,” Ruggiero said. “If they have any form of interest in it, it’s like, ‘Oh, there really is something for everybody.’”

An Elgin council member resigned last week alleging months of intimidation and public targeting by colleagues since taking office in May.

Brenda Piña announced her resignation from the Ward 4 seat during a special council meeting Sept. 22, citing disputes over her attendance, scrutiny of her communications and an alleged confrontation with another council member. She said she plans to file a formal ethics complaint with the city and report her allegations to the Texas Rangers.

“I understand public service comes with criticism, but not blatant sniping that I have endured these past five months,” Piña said. “When intimidation continues and leadership fails to address it, the division grows deeper.”

Among the incidents cited was a council vote — which did not pass — to not excuse her absence from a special meeting she missed to attend her grandson’s military graduation at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Piña said she believed the vote was meant to intimidate her.

She added tensions grew Sept. 15, when she alleged another council member confronted her shortly before a meeting.

“That was the last straw for me,” Piña said. “This has been a culmination of five months of this type of behavior.”

The city did not respond to a request for comment on Piña’s resignation or allegations as of press time Tuesday.

Council is scheduled to meet Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the library annex to discuss the resignation and consider options for filling the seat, including an appointment or special election.

The Central Texas star will participate in two events with her time on the worlds stage. The first sprint Sept. 24 includes a 750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run, followed a race Sept. 26 consisting of a 1,500-meter swim, 40K bike and a 10K run.

Escobar will represent Taylor alongside 5,400 athletes from 100 countries, with ages ranging from 16 to 89. There are 18 American women in the 55-59 age bracket.

Escobar began her triathlon journey in her 20s, but said she halted training and competing seriously until five years ago. She gained recent traction in the community after placing in the top 20 of standard distance runners in August at nationals in Wisconsin.

Prior to her success there, she raced in Cap-Tex over Memorial Day weekend and made an appearance in the sprint race at the Marble Falls Triathlon in July.

“The amount of blood, sweat and tears Stephanie has put in makes us so incredibly proud to cheer her on from our town,” said The Quack Pack run club member Ann Fengfish. “She is the epitome of grit, strength and determination.”

Sharon Boon, Escobar’s coach, explains the road to worlds was extensive and began well over a year ago.

“She’s an endurance athlete, so training began with technique work, then strength work, and finally, speed,” Boon said. “It was a long-term plan to get her here.”

Over the course of the year, Escobar completed 1,275 miles of running, 4,593 biking, 154 swimming and 82 hours of strength training. She trains daily, alternating between the four categories.

“I’m doing something good for my health, and I enjoy it,” Escobar said. “I enjoy having a goal.”

Rudder entered the game coming off a 40-34 win over Bryan. The Rangers now hold a 4-1 record as they enter district play, while the Wildcats stand 2-3 before their bye week.

Rudder was able to establish an early lead and entered halftime with a commanding 28-9 advantage. A star performance for the Rangers came from senior quarterback Sylas Sullivan, who threw a season best 9-of-11, going 168 yards.

The third quarter saw two more Rudder touchdowns and one successful field kick from Elgin.

Wildcats senior Wyatt Cooper attempted a strike with a 55-yard pass but was caught on the 25 yard line.

Elgin scored its final points of the night from a pick-six halfway through the fourth quarter. The Rangers responded shortly after with a final rushing touchdown.

Despite the loss, the Wildcats saw improvement from their last meeting in 2023, where Rudder defeated Elgin 33-7 at home.

Halfway through the season, Elgin begins district play Oct. 8 with an away matchup against the Pflugerville Panthers.

The Panthers are split 2-2 overall, coming off a 24-19 loss to Legacy Ranch.

— Hodding S. Carter

Dear kids and grandkids, Every day, I live with history around me including aging pieces that sat unmoved in my grandparents’ home for 63 years.

They include a curved glass buffet with a table and chairs purchased as used furniture during the 1920s by your greatand great-great-grandparents. Plus, a bedroom suite and a library table. To visitors, they are antiques. To me, they are time machines.

Please let me explain that connection.

My next birthday will be number 79; the exact age my grandfather was when he died in 1967. I was 19, old enough to know him well as a child, but only now old enough to understand the sheer scale of what his eyes witnessed compared to mine. And I’m awe-struck by how two lifetimes can span nearly 140 years of rampant human progress yet remain anchored by tangible timeless reminders.

Some of those reminders are pieces that graced the residence of S.V. and Hattie Lois Aldridge in Pittsburg from Halloween 1930 until my grandmother died in 1993.

Because their home remained a living time capsule, my childhood summers are permanently woven into this furniture. When I look at it, memories flow.

I see their dining room filled with family, the table laden with food my grandmother spent hours cooking. I hear laughter and clinking cutlery at Sunday and Christmas dinners.

I vividly remember being just tall enough to reach the top of the buffet, stretching for the cutglass dish where Granny kept bananas.

I’m at home with the bedroom suite where I slept during my magical summer visits—the dresser with the same clock. The bed still wears the chenille bedspread, today some 70 years old, where I played for hours tracing the tufted patterns like tracks for my toy train.

Remembering that now feels incredibly poetic. My grandfather was born in Hamburg, Mississippi, in 1888. He went to work for the railroad in 1901 at just 13 years old and spent 53 years on the rails, a career that ended with a heart attack in 1954.

He worked through the transition from horseand- buggies to automobiles in the early 20th century. He witnessed two world wars, fought in World War I in France, and saw the dawn of airplanes, electricity, radio and television. Had he lived just two more years, until 1969, he would have witnessed the humans landing on the moon.

By contrast, my 78 years have spanned the dawn of the Space Age, the rise of the internet, smartphones in our pockets and a completely interconnected digital world.

My grandfather was also a uniquely special figure in my life. Dad’s parents were the only grandparents I grew up with and spent meaningful time with.

The bond I share with my dad’s parents, and the physical things they left behind, became my deepest anchor to the generations before me. When I look at it, I think of them, and I think of you.

History isn’t just something found in textbooks. It’s alive in my house.

I am writing this praying that you will consider these pieces not as relics of the past, but as a promise for the future. You carry their resilience and my memories in your DNA. I hope some of you will become caretakers of these pieces someday.

And, more importantly, that you will take care of the stories I write that keep them alive.

All my love, Grandpa Leon