From honoring a local war hero and getting a new mayor to the local food scene and more, Bastrop has seen a wave of developments in June. Stay in the loop and check out the top six most-read stories this month.
Bastrop mayor-elect Ishmael Harris will serve a one-year term. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Bastrop mayor-elect Ishmael Harris will serve a one-year term. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Ishmael Harris wins Bastrop mayoral seat with 62.87% of unofficial vote

Ishmael Harris will be Bastrop’s next mayor after winning 62.87% of the vote in the June 7 special runoff election. Candidate Willie DeLaRosa received 37.13% of ballots cast.

Read on to learn more from Editor Amanda Cutshall.

Texas Roadhouse offers an assortment of hand-cut steaks. (Courtesy Texas Roadhouse)
Texas Roadhouse offers an assortment of hand-cut steaks. (Courtesy Texas Roadhouse)
Check out 7 dining options headed to Bastrop

From hand-cut steaks to ice cream, bagels and more, check out these upcoming eateries coming to Bastrop.


Get the full scoop from Editor Amanda Cutshall.

Shipley Do-Nuts will open the Bastrop location in late summer. (Courtesy Shipley Do-Nuts)
Shipley Do-Nuts will open the Bastrop location in late summer. (Courtesy Shipley Do-Nuts)
Shipley Do-Nuts to open Bastrop location in late summer

Shipley Do-Nuts will soon have a footing in Bastrop, as the Houston-based doughnut chain is slated to open a new location near Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Learn more details from Reporter Joel Valley.


The Bastrop ISD board of trustees met at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts on June 17 to vote on its budget package, which includes compensation increases for much of the district's staff. (Brooke Sjoberg/Community Impact)
The Bastrop ISD board of trustees met at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts on June 17 to vote on its budget package, which includes compensation increases for much of the district's staff. (Brooke Sjoberg/Community Impact)
Bastrop ISD passes balanced budget, staff compensation increases for 2025-26

The Bastrop ISD board of trustees passed a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, as well as a compensation package that includes pay raises for teachers and staff funded by legislative changes in June.

Find out what else happened from Reporter Brooke Sjoberg.

Bistro 71's meatloaf ($12.99) is house-made with a chipotle-honey glaze.(Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
Bistro 71's meatloaf ($12.99) is house-made with a chipotle-honey glaze. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)


Bistro 71 serves elevated hospital food to all at Ascension Seton Smithville

John Chabot is the director of food and nutrition at Ascension Seton Smithville, where he serves both staff and patients. However, 90% of business comes from customers who aren’t here for a hospital visit—just a meal, Chabot said.

See what the buzz is about from Intern Katlynn Fox.

Christian Palacios, field representative for U.S Congressman Michael Cloud, presented Billy Waugh’s widow, Lynn Waugh, a U.S. flag and certificate. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Christian Palacios, field representative for U.S Congressman Michael Cloud, presented Billy Waugh’s widow, Lynn Waugh, a U.S. flag and certificate. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Bastrop Post Office renamed to honor war hero Sgt. Maj. Billy Waugh


The community gathered June 17 to formally dedicate the Bastrop Post Office in honor of Sergeant Major William “Billy” Waugh, a Bastrop native whose five-decade career in military and intelligence service earned national acclaim.

Learn more from Editor Amanda Cutshall.