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

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

All results remain unofficial until canvassed.

ELGIN

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

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

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

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

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

Brenda Gullikson Pina ran unopposed in Ward 4.

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

BASTROP

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

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

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

SMITHVILLE

The contested Smithville City Council races showed narrow margins.

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

Sharon Foerster will remain mayor after running unopposed.

MCDADE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He also shared his congratulations with the graduating troopers.

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

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

The facility includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Faske Jr., 38, is scheduled to stand trial July 8 on charges of stalking and retaliation, third-degree felonies, as well as a second-degree robbery offense. His bonds total $110,000.

According to an affidavit, Faske was arrested March 11 for evading arrest in a vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm charges related to a 2017 incident. Police allege the suspect physically assaulted and robbed a woman in August 2023 and added a stalking offense from an incident two months prior.

His criminal history in Bastrop County dates back to a burglary of a habitation charge in 2006.

Ernesto Vasquez Campos, 40, is in custody awaiting trial in the 335th District Court on a second- degree felony charge of solicitation of prostitution of a minor. His bond sum is set at $50,000.

Campos was originally arrested in November 2024 in connection with the case, which authorities said stems from a June 2023 incident.

Court records allege Campos attempted to induce a person younger than 17 to engage in sexual acts.

The city approved a deal last week to bring Elgin’s first speculative industrial building to its business park, paving the way for major development, officials said.

City Council greenlit a purchase and sale agreement April 21 between the Elgin Economic Development Corporation and Downstream Interests LLC for two parcels in Elgin’s industrial park, 508 Innovation Way. The

“This project is a transformational step for Elgin’s economy.”

— Kaley Frye, EDC land totals 12 acres and will be sold for about $1.5 million, according to city records.

“This project is a transformational step for Elgin’s economy,” said EDC Director Kaley Frye. “We’re positioning our community to compete for high-quality employers, create jobs and expand our tax base in a way that benefits residents for years to come.”

The project calls for construction of a class A industrial facility, expected to be completed within 18 months of closing, according to the city.

Officials called the move the first of its kind for Elgin, designed to attract companies seeking ready-to-occupy spaces. Designs call for a flexible industrial building that could house a single large tenant or be divided into as many as four spaces, depending on market demand. The facility will include features such as loading docks, high-clearance ceilings and modern industrial design standards.

Frye said the project would meet the growing demand from companies that prefer existing buildings rather than constructing new facilities.

“We’re getting a lot of requests right now for existing buildings from a lot of foreign investment,” Frye said. “They don’t understand how to develop here, so they want somewhere they can move quickly.”

As part of the agreement, there is a minimum capital investment of $10 million, with the potential for more depending on tenants and equipment. Officials said the development is expected to expand the city’s industrial tax base and provide room for local businesses that have outgrown current spaces.

“One thing we know we need in Elgin is expanding the industrial tax base … this will be a big chunk of that,” Frye said. “This is a project I’m really proud of the EDC for thinking outside the box to bring a good, solid development to the community that has potential to create a lot of jobs.”

To ensure quality and timely construction, the agreement includes development restrictions and safeguards that allow the city to repurchase the land if construction does not begin on schedule. Frye said the standard will remain tied to the property even if ownership changes.

“So we had to put a little bit more restrictions on it to make sure that somebody wasn’t going to bamboozle us,” she said.

The agreement also includes a master lease component in which the EDC agrees to lease any unoccupied space for up to one year after completion.

“It’s very hard to borrow right now for industrial buildings without a tenant in place,” Frye said. “It kind of mitigates the risk for the developer with us putting a little skin in the game.”

The facility will be the largest industrial building in Elgin once completed, according to the city.

Jason Chlapek

jason.chlapek@granitemediapartners.com

MANOR — An open house this past week offered a preview of potential improvements to FM 973 with officials predicting traffic will increase by 324% in the years ahead.

Samsung Austin Semiconductor and other high-tech industries locating to the region are

“The region as a whole is expecting to see the population double.”

— Doise Miers, CAMPO community outreach manager helping fuel the rise in autos traveling the roadway, organizers said.

The Texas Department of Transportation and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization officials co-hosted the April 22 event at Manor Elementar y School to discuss the possibility of expanding 973 between 290 in Manor and Samsung Highway in Taylor.

The agencies met last summer in Taylor to present similar plans for 973 from Samsung Highway to U.S. 79.

“We wanted to update potential improvements on FM 973 and get the public’s feedback on driving that section of the corridor,” said Doise Miers, CAMPO community outreach manager. “We also wanted to complete a survey so we could be better informed on experiences.”

According to Miers, CAMPO and TxDOT want to see more lanes added to 973 and additional shared-use paths along the road for walkers and bikers.

“With Samsung coming in, the section between 79 and 290 traffic has increased. There’s also more development in the area,” Miers said. “It’s continuing to grow and we want 973 to keep up with and accommodate the growth.”

According to traffic data, 20,750 vehicles traveled 973 in 2024, but that figure could jump 324% to 84,700 vehicles in 2050, officials said.

The updated proposal calls for four main lanes – two northbound, two southbound – and two lanes of frontage roads in each direction along with sidewalks on both sides between Samsung Highway and 290.

“The region as a whole is expecting to see the population double in the six-county CAMPO area by 2050,” Miers said. “The population in Williamson County is expected to grow by almost 200% by 2050.”

CAMPO’s region covers Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.

More information is available online until May 26 at www.campotexas. org/get-involved. Public comments are encouraged, officials said.

BASTROP — Five of nine St. David’s Foundation grants totaling almost $5 million are going toward local initiatives helping fund maternal health services.

The funding, announced April 13 in conjunction with Black Maternal Health Week, is aimed at addressing barriers to care for areas designated health deserts. Local recipients said access to care remains limited for many pregnant women in Bastrop County, where patients are often left without timely or consistent options.

“There has never been a facility where you could have a baby out in Bastrop,” said Ellie Tisdale, who opened The Bastrop Birthing Center in 2018. “It’s me or they drive to Austin.”

Area representatives said the funding comes at a critical time for the county. A total $4.6 million in grant funding will support programs including transportation, doula services, nutrition assistance, mobile care units and home visits, all built to improve outcomes for mothers and infants.

A NEW APPROACH

Recipients across Central Texas will address those gaps by building a community- based system of care. Organizers said plans will focus on culturally responsive and holistic approaches, particularly for

“Healthcare can look different for different individuals — it’s not a one size fits all.”

— Tresha Silva, Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry populations disproportionately affected.

“I’m getting people who haven’t had prenatal care their entire pregnancy,” Tisdale said.

Other recipients are focusing on addressing non-medical barriers to care.

Tresha Silva, CEO of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, said the local food haven will focus on nutrition as part of a broader partnership with Chosen Women Empowered.

“Our model is really understanding and approaching food insecurity with a holistic approach,” Silva said. “We’re going to be focused on how to support new mommies and mommies-to-be with nutritious food and nutrition workshops.”

The partnership pairs food access with medical and social support through Chosen Women’s maternal health program, which includes doula, remote monitoring and transportation assistance.

“Transportation is a must in rural Texas,” said founder Chevalier Deshay. “Now moms can get to appointments, the grocery store or pharmacy without worrying how.”

LOCAL BARRIERS

Both Silva and Deshay say transportation, education and trust are sticking barriers in Bastrop County. While the area has seen recent growth in medical providers, many residents still seek care outside the county.

“Educating and building community with the mothers that we’re going to be working with gives them strength and empowers them to have their voice at the table and feel comfortable,” Silva said.

Disparities are also seen in maternal outcomes. Silva noted Black mothers face higher rates of low birth weight and postpartum complications, highlighting the need for targeted care.

“Healthcare can look different for different individuals — it’s not a one size fits all,” Silva said. “(That’s) what I love about this project and this initiative.”

Tisdale said the funding will help expand services to women who otherwise could not afford care, though she emphasized broader changes are still needed, including a local delivery facility.

“This is going to help me support 30 women over the course of two years — that’s a very small fraction of what Bastrop County actually needs,” she said. “Until we get a hospital where people can have babies, we’re going to be suffering.”

For now, recipients say the grants represent a significant step forward in addressing maternal health challenges in the region.

Organizations will record results and measure the program’s success with new information on complications and healthier births.

“Hopefully this turns into a ripple effect that brings the county the resources and support that it needs,” Tisdale said.

CureFast Urgent Care is slated to open in May pending final approvals, according to Elgin Economic Development Corporation Director Kaley Frye. The Clinic is fully staffed and awaiting final equipment deliveries and finishing touches before opening.

“This has been a top priority for both the council and the EDC board for at least the last year,” Frye said. “We have very little health care here in Elgin, so trying to strategically recruit the right partners that can get things open quickly has been our focus.”

The facility will be located in a former medical office building along U.S. 290 near the Whataburger and is expected to operate seven days a week. Services will include on-site X-rays, advanced testing and AI-assisted care.

Officials said the clinic will also feature an online system allowing patients to actively explore services, book appointments and track wait times.

The project is part of a broader mission to expand health care access in Elgin, according to Frye. Additional developments being discussed include a potential micro- hospital with emergency services.

“This urgent care will help establish the need,” Frye said. “Once you have that pipeline of medical talent, it’s a lot easier to expand into additional services.”

Officials said a key component of the clinic’s goal in the area is accessibility. CureFast will accept all major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, as well as selfpay patients, a decision Frye said was intentional despite financial risks.

“They wanted to have access for all,” she said. “Anybody from any walk of life can receive care there, which is not always common for these types of facilities.”

The Elgin EDC is assisting the project through grant support for equipment and has worked to streamline the development process. Frye said the goal has been to remove barriers and ensure the clinic can open as quickly as possible.

According to officials, callers using a 210-area code claim they are investigating spikes in electricity usage and need to audit meters. In some cases reported in the western portion of Bluebonnet’s service area, including Bastrop County, callers attempted to schedule visits to homeowner properties.

“We’ve had several reports of this happening in this area,” said Will Holford of Bluebonnet. “Even if it’s two or three reports or 300, we take them all very seriously and make every effort to communicate with our members so they don’t fall victim.”

Holford clarified what the callers claim to be doing is not part of the cooperative’s standard operations. Bluebonnet may test or replace meters, but those visits are typically scheduled days or weeks in advance and do not involve pressure for immediate access to the property.

“If somebody calls you and they are demanding something immediately, or if it sounds too good to be true … it probably is,” he said.

Members who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to gather as much information as possible, including caller ID details, and report it to local law enforcement and Bluebonnet’s member services line at 800-949-4414.

Holford added one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to potential scams is for members to stay informed about their own energy usage through the MyBluebonnet app or their online account. Bluebonnet representatives and contractors are also required to be in uniform and drive clearly marked vehicles identifying them as associated with the company.

As of press time, Holford said the cooperative has not received reports of financial loss or property damage connected to the scam but is working to raise awareness.

“Our goal is to get the message out before anything like that does happen,” he said.

Members can find more information and scam prevention tips at bluebonnet. coop.

A former Smithville Volunteer Fire Department treasurer was arrested last week on allegations he stole tens of thousands of dollar s f rom the nonprof it , officials said John Johnson was taken into custody in the Houston area and booked into the Brazoria County Jail on a warrant tied to the case April 16. Authorities allege he stole between $30,000 and $150,000 from the Smithville VFD following an investigation that began in November.

According to officials, a forensic audit of the department was conducted after Smithville police received a report of theft within the VFD. The investigation reviewed financial records and bank accounts before issuing several subpoenas for additional information and an arrest warrant was obtained.

It was revealed the suspect lived in Alvin, where members of the Alvin Police Department arrested Johnson.

Local police said the suspect later confessed to taking money from the Smithville VFD’s fundraiser account.

As of press time, Johnson remains in jail pending a $75,000 bond.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing.

Council members unanimously voted at their April 14 meeting to repeal the old Bastrop Building Block (B3) code and adopt the new Bastrop Development Code (BDC). According to Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland, the B3 code is estimated to have cost the city about $10 million in lost revenue since being adopted seven years ago.

“This (B3) code is the reason that a majority of us are seated up here, to fix this,” he said.

City leaders said the B3 code created a restrictive and often confusing process that slowed development. A combination of outdated rules and city management practices meant it could take up to a year to review simple building permits, according to Kirkland, with no appeals process available for denials.

The new system is designed to clear the way for growth, according to the city.

To commemorate the move, small candy- filled coffins labeled “Bastrop B3 Code, 2019 to 2026” were distributed to city staff as mementos for helping with the citywide overhaul.

City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino, who started with B3 in place in 2022, said the city has worked to rebuild its development process from the ground up.

“Thank you for allowing me to dismantle one of the worst codes I’ve seen in my career,” Carrillo- Trevino said. “I’m going to make a strong statement and say I think some of those folks (involved with the previous code) should be in jail.”

Under the new code, the city will reinstate its Zoning Board of Adjustment and allow for administrative flexibility when projects require special consideration. B3 offered no such relief, city staff said.

The old code was developed by a third party at a cost of about $750,000, while the BDC was created inhouse through a series of meetings with the council, developers, commissions and community.

Council members said saving money by working on critical functions themselves is one reason the city was able to approve a budget that did not increase property taxes. In addition to the new development code, Carrillo- Trevino said she has brought in new staff members who see themselves as public servants and want to help their neighbors.

“I want to make it very clear that this is a code for the people … it’s enforced by the people, and we work for the people,” the city manager said.

The BDC was approved with just one change at its second reading last week, the removal of a restriction that would have allowed no more than five residents including children in a 1,500 square foot home, and no more than 10 residents in a home of 3,000 square feet or larger.

Council member Kevin Plunkett jokingly pointed out that a two-parent, twochild family in a 1,500 square foot home had better hope the next pregnancy wasn’t twins or they would be in violation.

“You know, to me that’s going beyond what I feel this council is about,” Plunkett said. “If there are issues with parking, issues with noise, any other nuisance items that are going to bother the neighbors, then I think we need to attack those and not say how many kids somebody can have.”

Council agreed to fully remove the section restricting family size.

The city’s zoning map was updated alongside the code to reflect its clearer terminology, according to the council.

“This is probably one of the happiest days I’ve been on council, because roads and codes, we’re getting them done,” Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer said.

City officials reviewed April 14 planned safety improvements for County Line Road and Kennedy Street as part of Elgin’s nearly $11 million project set to begin next week.

The project, funded by a Texas General Land Office grant and supplemented by developer fees, will cover about “This is what growth looks like. It’s uncomfortable, but once you get over that hump, it’s worth the sacrifice.”

— City Manager Robert Eads

4,639 feet along County Line Road, Central Avenue, Kennedy Street and Brenham Road. Officials said work will start April 27 and should address flooding concerns with much-needed drainage upgrades.

“This is a drainage project — It’s about the safety of our community first,” City Manager Robert Eads said.

Residents should expect temporary road closures and changes to traffic during construction, according to the city. Officials said construction could last up to nine months as crews work to meet a strict grant deadline through the end of the year.

City council awarded the contract in March to Larry Young Paving, following a competitive bid process, according to Development Services Director Beau Perry.

Perry said the project aims to resolve persistent flooding issues that have repeatedly closed roads in the area as well as bring higher standards and modernization to those roadways. The community meeting last week was designed to give residents an opportunity to review plans and raise concerns directly with city staff, engineers and contractors.

According to city documents, Kennedy Street will be rebuilt as a standard residential roadway with sidewalks, County Line Road will be expanded to include multiple lanes and medians, and Central Avenue will see a new bridge built to replace a culvert that has failed on several occasions.

“Lots of drainage problems … and these projects are going to fix those issues and those concerns,” Perry said. “We’ve also been able to improve those roadways.”

While construction will disrupt daily routines, Perry said, the project comes with nearly no added financial burden for the city.

“Imagine that the city is paying (a 1% match) and they’re getting about $11 million back from the government in order to build these two roadways,” he said.

To meet requirements tied to the grant funding, officials said the city plans to complete the work on an accelerated timeline rather than in phases. Construction is expected to take place simultaneously on both sections of the project, with separate crews assigned to each area.

“If we were to take it in pieces … we will not make the deadline,” Eads said. “Let’s get in, let’s get out and let’s do it right.”

According to Eads, traffic congestion will be one of the biggest challenges as construction moves forward. Emergency crews have coordinated with local agencies to ensure first responders can still access affected areas during construction.

“This is what growth looks like. It’s uncomfortable, but once you get over that hump, it’s worth the sacrifice,” Eads said, adding communication with residents will remain a priority throughout construction.

More information and project updates can be found at elgintexas.gov.

Founded in 1876 by Swedish immigrants, the church traces its roots to settlers who came to Central Texas seeking opportunity, officials said. The congregation built its first church in 1879, and the current structure is considered a historic landmark in Travis County, completed in 1922.

“It’s honoring the past, challenged by the future,” said the Rev. Hans Lillejord, who has served the church for 23 years.

The surrounding area has grown to become one of the largest Swedish settlements in Texas, according to the church.

While Lillejord said the event highlights their deep Swedish roots, the day will also focus on inclusivity as the church moves forward.

“The future will be all-inclusive, and we are much more interested in being open to all,” he said.

The anniversary event will include a memorial stone commemorating the landmark date, along with performances from artists connected to the church. Among the acts are Stephanie Johnson Eukel and Linus Eukel, who have performed at venues across the country, including Carnegie Hall.

The event begins with a 10:30 a.m. worship service at the church, 12809 New Sweden Church Road, followed by a catered lunch, monument dedication and anniversary program. All events are open to the public, and a coffee and cookie social will conclude the day at 3:30 p.m.

Lunch tickets, priced at $15 per plate, have already sold out, though those interested in attending can contact the church for more information at 512-281-0056.

SMITHVILLE — A long-standing piece of Smithville history is beginning a new chapter after an extensive downtown restoration effort.

The 1895 structure at 110 Main St. was once home to Charlie’s BBQ and later the Smithville Playhouse. It has since been restored and reopened as Faire La Nouba, which owner Rachael Tolbert describes as a celebration store, bottle shop and gift boutique.

Tolbert and her husband Brian worked with local builder Turquoise Moon to maintain the building’s historic character, a process she said required both persistence and a willingness to embrace the unknowns of old structures.

“The hardest part was the courage it took to take some of those leaps not knowing what we were going to find,” Tolbert said. “You just don’t know what you’re going to get.”

After purchasing the building in February, the challenges shifted to restoration, which Tolbert said included structural concerns, contractor limitations and working within the boundaries of a historic downtown.

“All those things factor in and really limit the sort of contractor that you’re able to get … to be both brave and skilled,” Tolbert said.

Working within Smithville’s historic district also required coordination with the city’s histor ical commission, which oversees exterior changes. Tolbert said the process was straightforward and supportive.

“The idea is to restore it,” she said. “The city, frankly, was thrilled to have someone willing to do that work.”

The restoration follows a wave of Main Street programs pushing downtown maintenance in Bastrop County.

Officials said historic storefronts serve as both economic drivers and cultural monuments. In Smithville, that identity is tied closely to its preserved architecture and locally owned businesses.

“This has got energy that feels really good … it’s fun to shop in here,” Tolbert said. “It’s an extension of their living room and that was something I really wanted the space to be.”

According to Tolbert, Faire La Nouba is designed to be more than a retail space. She envisions it as a community hub where residents gather for events, social time and everyday celebrations.

“We’re going to celebrate everything from the mundane party of one on Tuesday to the 50th wedding anniversary,” she said, adding the preservation effort acknowledges the building’s layered history.

Tolbert said longtime residents have shared memories of the space, including its time as a barbecue restaurant known for domino games, a tradition she plans to bring back.

At the same time, the project does not ignore more difficult aspects of the past, including a segregated entrance once used at the site. Plans include incorporating a stained-glass feature in the future that sits where the entrance once was to symbolize unity and inclusivity.

“It’s all the colors now, and we’re not going back,” Tolbert said.

In a downtown built on history, a sense of shared experiences is what keeps spaces like 110 Main Street relevant, according to Tolbert.

“There’s still enough of us that know how special it is to come into a building like this,” she said.

Camp Invention, a nonprofit enrichment program developed in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is slated for July 6-9. The STEM camp, open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and its 2026 “Spark” curriculum encourages students to explore innovation through collaborative and project-based learning, according to officials.

“One of the biggest things for me is having them think critically and to really analyze things and break them down in order to build something,” Camp Director Tina Terrell said. “You want them to get excited about learning but also you want them to build that confidence and that belief in themselves.”

Activities include building and launching model rockets, designing and pitching inventions, conducting forensic investigations and solving real-world challenges students commonly face.

“It taps into those things that they may not have tapped into yet,” Terrel said. “They get to build something up from an idea and create things.”

The camp is being introduced in Elgin ISD for the first time in recent years, though some educators have prior experience with the program. Erin Muñoz, who was a past director with Camp Invention for roughly 15 years, said the program consistently draws returning students and positive feedback from families.

“Parents really enjoy it because they see their kids getting excited about science, math and technology,” Muñoz said. “Then they come back as teenagers and they want to give back.”

The program includes leadership opportunities for returning attendees. Junior high and high school students can serve as leaders-in-training or volunteers, earning service hours and recognition from the patent office, which Muñoz says can support future academic and career opportunities.

Terrell and Muñoz both said introducing STEM concepts at an early age is key to building interest and confidence for the future, and organizers are striving to make the program accessible. Scholarships are available to reduce costs, and families can pay tuition over time.

As Elgin and surrounding communities continue to grow, educators say programs like Camp Invention can help prepare students with the skills needed for future opportunities.

“We’re not promoting specific jobs,” Muñoz said. “But we’re promoting skills that will lead to jobs within those industries.”

Registration and additional information is available at invent.org/ programs/camp-invention.

Bastrop County Commissioners voted April 13 to allow the ban, initially set three months ago, to lapse at midnight Monday. Officials said the move received unanimous support from local fire chiefs.

Office of Emergency Management Coordinator James Altgelt told commissioners recent weather has helped lower risk across the county.

“Texas A&M Predictive services show that we’re at the lowest rate possible for fire danger,” Altgelt said.

The region’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which is used to measure wildfire potential, dropped significantly earlier this month. Altgelt told county leaders the KBDI had “bottomed out” at 422, which was a sharp decrease from the previous levels of 575 and 600 the county has seen in the past few weeks.

Additional data shows the county’s KBDI average was 455 on April 6, down from a 14-day average near 590 beginning March 24.

“As you saw, we were blessed with rain,” Altgelt said. “We didn’t get it all at one time, which was nice, so we didn’t have any flooding problems.”

With the vote, residents will once again be allowed to resume outdoor burning, though officials cautioned that conditions can change at any time.

Officials said they will continue to monitor fire risk through the coming weeks.

A total of 55 detainees identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spent at least one night in the county jail during that period. Records show detainees are booked with a wide variety of charges alongside their ICE designations.

The most common offenses detainees are suspected of committing locally include driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license. Many detainees face multiple charges.

Other recorded offenses include smuggling of persons, assault with a deadly weapon and sexual assault of a child.

Local agencies maintain they have limited interaction with ICE agents and are not notified in advance of federal operations within city limits.

Elgin Police Chief Chris Noble recently confirmed the only interaction the department has had with immigration enforcement was back in January. He previously said the department would assist any law enforcement agency, including ICE, if requested, but only within legal limits tied to criminal enforcement.

At the county level, Sheriff Maurice Cook said state law requires some cooperation with ICE, though the Sheriff ’s Office has no formal agreements with the agency. Jail staff have received training related to immigration detainees.

Protests mirroring nationwide movements have been carried out in Elgin, Bastrop and Smithville through the first quarter of the year. The demonstrations, including walkouts organized by Bastrop County students, were met with both criticism and praise from community members.

A community engagement meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at First Baptist Church in Elgin, 13916 County Line Road. Fittingly, County Line Road is one of the roads undergoing improvements and Kennedy Street is the other.

The meeting is an opportunity for Elgin residents and businesses to learn about the planned roadway and drainage improvements, understand how construction may affect traffic and access in the area, and ask questions of city staff and project engineers.

“This project represents a meaningful investment in Elgin’s infrastructure, and we want to make sure our community has the information they need before construction begins,” said Mayor Theresa McShan. “We encourage residents and business owners near the project area to join us on April 14 so they can ask questions and hear directly from the project team.”

The County Line Road Phase II and Kennedy Street project is funded through a $10,940,981 Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation award from the Texas General Land Office, supplemented by developer fees. The GLO grant, part of a broader $28 million Bastrop County infrastructure investment, was awarded to address repetitive flooding in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods impacted by the 2015, 2016 and 2017 storms.

PERALTA

Jorge Peralta, 37, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in the 355th District Court.

Judge Reva Towslee Corbett imposed the sentence April 1.

According to records, Peralta was charged after driving the wrong way on FM 535 and crashing into a vehicle driven by Grayson Davis, 29. Authorities said Peralta admitted to drinking five beers before the crash.

Davis died after being in a coma for three days following the crash, reports said. Peralta was arrested that night and has remained in the Bastrop County Jail since. He is scheduled to stand trial April 9 on misdemeanor charges of evading arrest and resisting arrest.

SARAVIA-ARGUETA

Josue Saravia-Argueta, 38, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder in the 423rd District Court.

Judge Christopher Duggan sentenced him March 23.

Saravia-Argueta was charged in connection with the May 2022 killing of his former girlfriend, Catherine Alonzo-Lopez, 28, reports said. Bastrop County deputies found her body buried in the backyard of her residence on Upper Elgin Road.

Authorities said Saravia- Argueta was later found with wounds and arrested after being treated at an Austin hospital.

He had been scheduled to go to trial before accepting the plea agreement.

HOEFER

Derek Hoefer, 40, received five years of deferred adjudication after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, invasive visual recording and possession of lewd visual material depicting a child.

Duggan imposed the sentence March 12.

Hoefer was arrested in July 2024 and later released from the Bastrop County Jail on a $225,000 bond, records show.

An arrest affidavit states Hoefer intentionally and knowingly possessed lewd visual material of a child under the age of 18.

As part of his probation, Hoefer is prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather, including schools and day cares.

The community event April 1 was organized as a free, nonpartisan opportunity for voters to hear directly from local candidates seeking school board, mayoral and council seats, officials said. The Elgin Chamber of Commerce hosted the gathering at the Elgin ISD Administration Auditorium, with Keri Westland serving as moderator.

Organizers said questions were shared in advance to ensure fairness and focused on key issues. Topics included growth, infrastructure, schools, quality of life and the city’s recent audit and ongoing state investigation.

Candidates unable to attend were given the opportunity to submit statements, which were presented by Chamber President Heather Bloom.

Organizers said the event aimed to increase civic engagement by providing access to candidates and information ahead of the May 2 general and special election.

BASTROP — Bastrop County officials last month approved new facial recognition technology for law enforcement, adding a powerful but debated tool to criminal investigations.

Commissioners approved a one-year, $17,100 contract March 23 allowing the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office to use Clearview AI software to help identify individuals in criminal cases. The contract is funded through forfeiture funds and could be added to the county’s budget in future years.

“Our guys think it’s as good as DNA as far as identification,” Sheriff Maurice Cook said. “It’s really the hallmark of where we’re going.”

According to Cook, the software is already in use by other agencies and is considered highly accurate by investigators. The tool offers near-instant results compared to fingerprints or DNA, which must be submitted and processed.

“It’s the best thing that we’ve seen come down for instant recognition,” he said.

According to a statement provided to the court, Clearview AI Chief Legal Officer Thomas Mulcaire said the software searches publicly available images online rather than relying solely on mugshot records.

“ Vendors of fer ing only mugshot database searches fundamentally cannot and do not provide equivalent functionality to Clearview AI’s comprehensive solution,” Mulcaire said.

Mulcaire added the company participates in federal testing through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and reports accuracy rates of about 99%.

At the same time, Clearview AI has faced legal challenges over its data collection practices. The company has been involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions over its use of billions of images scraped from the internet.

Much of the legal scrutiny has centered on laws such as Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, which requires companies to obtain consent before handling biometric data.

Officials noted Texas has a similar statute, the Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act, which also requires consent and safeguards for facial data.

Despite those concerns, a county official said the technology represents “the future of AI” and would be a valuable tool for investigators.

According to county documents, the Sheriff’s Office will implement policies governing the use of the technology.

BASTROP

The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry expands its reach and access for local families facing food insecurity with the grand opening of its new facility in downtown Bastrop.

The pantry marked the move with a ribbon cutting and open house March 26 at its new location, 1201 Pine St., after relocating more than a month ago. The space increases its capacity to up to 1 million pounds of food and allows for a more efficient distribution model, according to officials. Leaders said the move to a grocery-style setup and appointment- based system is already streamlining service and restoring dignity for clients, particularly in areas identified as food deserts. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and Elgin Chamber of Commerce helped organize the event, recognizing the pantry’s growth in response to rising demand.

The Elgin Music Festival returns this week with a growing lineup of local and regional acts for its third installment.

Organized by the Elgin Arts Association and in partnership with the city, the festival runs April 9-11 across multiple downtown venues, including park stages, businesses and public spaces. The free, all-ages event kicks off Thursday with an Elgin Independent School District talent spotlight.

“One of the big things about the music festival was really trying to get the tapestry of Elgin and the different groups of people and the styles of music that live here in town,” Festival Director Quinn Walton said.

The festival began as a grassroots effort, according to organizers, helping boost tourism as a showcase for the city’s diverse arts and music scene. Organizers said they are building on lessons learned from previous years while maintaining the event’s original focus and community draw.

Keeping ease of access up and the price tag off of shows was important for organizers, Walton said. The festival is blending the approaches of its first two years and prioritizing scheduling across both indoor and outdoor stages.

“We want absolutely anyone and everybody who wants to come to be able to experience it,” Walton said. “We’re really focusing on trying to get as many local acts as possible in and trying to make sure as many shows can be done without overlapping each other.”

The director added his team wanted to bring in a couple bigger acts to help draw in attendees and downtown shoppers, but the festival is still focused on local musicians and artists.

“There’s so many people who’ve just moved here and that’s wonderful,” he said. “If we can just pluck a couple of them and show them what amazing stores we have down here.”

The 2026 lineup includes a mix of area talent and Central Texas names, including Malford Milligan, Hard Proof, Superfonicos, Righteous Intonation and Llama Tiva.

Looking ahead, Walton said the festival’s growth will remain intentional and centered around the community that built it.

“It’s all about growing sustainably — making sure we’re listening to our community and our businesses about what they want … really make something that feels like Elgin,” Walton said. “For me, it’s just continuing to make sure that we’re doing right by our town.”

More information on scheduling and volunteer opportunities can be found at elginmusicfestival. com.

“For me, it’s just continuing to make sure that we’re doing right by our town.”

— Quinn Walton, Elgin Music Festival director

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.

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.

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.