News

Estimates indicate a shortage of approximately 60,000 truck drivers in the U.S. in 2024. Obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to drive a truck, bus, trailer or vehicle carrying hazardous materials is critical to reducing that need. In Bastrop County, TX, several organizations are active in empowering residents to get the...Continue Reading

Corey and Sarah McElmurray were drawn to the “charming location” of Bastrop’s Main Street to open their dynamic salon, Urban Beauty Bastrop. “I came across the Luminere House salon on (1011) Main Street where I was able to rent a chair a couple of days a week – to take...Continue Reading

Bastrop Music Festival will fill venues in and around Historic Downtown Bastrop in late September with nearly three dozen bands and musicians.The gistIn its sixth year, BMF offers a lineup comprising a variety of musical genres offering both wristband-only and free shows for all ages from Sept. 26-29.Continue reading here.Continue Reading

Elevate your business acumen this fall with our comprehensive workshop series designed specifically for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us every Monday from September 9th to October 28th for insightful sessions led by industry experts and seasoned professionals. This 8-week program covers a wide range of essential topics...Continue Reading

Chef and self-taught baker Wesley Dills hails from the small town of Dudley in eastern North Carolina, where he grew up surrounded by the comforting presence of food at family gatherings, church events, and community celebrations. This early connection to food shaped his understanding of its power to bring joy...Continue Reading

Within Bastrop ISD is a unique educational opportunity: Colorado River Collegiate Academy, an early college high school. Through a partnership between the district and Austin Community College, students can work simultaneously toward their high school diploma and an associate degree.“It’s a truly unique experience for these students to attend their...Continue Reading

Bastrop County has more options coming soon ranging from new sushi, ramen and tea options to a gluten-free restaurant and more.Now OpenTaqueria 95The woman-owned taco truck opened at the former Yoli’s Tacos & More Catering spot, which shuttered in mid-April. Similar to Yoli’s, Taqueria 95’s truck specializes in authentic Mexican...Continue Reading

Best-selling author Ryan Holiday told GQ how he wrote 16 books with a relatively low-key schedule: “You can be a very successful, creative, artistic person and keep banker’s hours—or better.”For “Routine Excellence,” GQ asks creative, successful people about the practices, habits, and routines that get them through their day.Last month,...Continue Reading

Casa Chapala and Community Gardens are partnering to open Chapala Fiesta in the former Heroes Bar and Restaurant space, following Heroes’ closure on June 30.“We’re super excited that the Casa Chapala family is coming here to Community Gardens and will offer a level of experience that we haven’t been able...Continue Reading

Austin-based Teapioca Lounge will add Bastrop to its list of locations as the fast-casual franchise works to open 50 establishments. On the menuTeapioca offers a range of Taiwanese-style drinks and snacks, including:CoffeesCraft juicesLemonadeFrappiocasBoba teasHerbal teasSmoothiesSlushiesPuddingsDessertsWhat elseAccording to a news release issued by the company, Meagan and Lorelei Mellenbruch of Mellow Tea...Continue Reading

After five years of operations in Central Texas, the Acutronic Group announced at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit it will substantially increase its presence in the region. Headlining the expansion is Acutronic’s plan to build a nearly 14-acre state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing facility in Bastrop, TX and establish the City of...Continue Reading

This November, farmers, chefs, educators and community members will gather for Bastrop County's first ever Local Food Fair.Hosted by the Texas Center for Local Food and in partnership with local organizations such as Bastrop County Cares, the event will aim to engage residents with local food producers and bolster the...Continue Reading

National Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July for nearly 40 years. The goal, as stated on the website, is “... to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.” While the City of Bastrop has always supported parks and recreation, the...Continue Reading

By Terry Hagerty – Contributing WriterFirst-time visitors and exhibiting artists give stellar grades to the new Found Fine Art gallery at 912 Water Street – opened in November 2023 by Jamie and Clint Howard.Austinite Steve Fry was visiting the gallery – remodeled after its previous existence as the Water Street...Continue Reading

The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation is excited to celebrate Economic Development Week (EDW) from May 6th - May 10th. EDW, established by the International Economic Development Council, highlights the importance of economic development in our region and across the globe.Economic development is crucial to Bastrop’s growth and prosperity. "Economic development...Continue Reading

Join us for an insightful virtual workshop marking #SBDCDay - a national celebration of the invaluable role Small Business Development Centers play in propelling small business success. This engaging 1-hour event will explore the "State of Small Business in Texas" through expert insights from:Al Salgado, Texas South-West SBDC Executive DirectorAdriana...Continue Reading