Bastrop 'death' smell complaints near all-time high

Editor’s Note: The video above shows coverage of previous complaints as of November 13, 2024. BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Autumn is in the air in Central Texas. Or, for a growing group of residents living around an animal byproduct manufacturing facility in the Bastrop area, this death is even more brutal. Complaints about the Darling … Read more

Nearly 12K people to lose SNAP benefits in Bastrop County

Editor’s Note: The video accompanying this story aired on October 27, 2025. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly 12,000 people in Bastrop County will lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in November due to the government shutdown, the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry said in a news release. “Millions of low-income Americans are expected to lose … Read more

Austin Water faces backlash from 'immoral' aquifer storage project in Bastrop County

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — John Kirkland found himself in the middle of a battle over his city’s water supply. As mayor of Bastrop, Kirkland said he is doing everything he can to prevent Austin Water, the city of Austin’s utility provider, from storing water under the district. Shay Ralls Rosslon, director of Austin Water, … Read more

Bastrop ISD names interim superintendent as search continues

ASAN (KXAN) – The independent Bastrop County Board of Trustees of Temporary Supervisor Schools as Dr. Christie Lee, according to a press statement in the province. The province said in a press statement on Wednesday that Lee was chosen as a temporary supervisor at the meeting of the Board of Directors on Tuesday in the … Read more

'Dad told me if I go, I better make it': Bastrop teen Ezra Gaona heads overseas for pro soccer debut

Austin (KXAN) – Again goalkeeper, Ezra Jonah was the opportunity for him as soon as he left Pastep. Gona’s parents were a little different looks in his next step. “My mother wanted to stay as much as she could,” said Jonah with a smile. “My father told me if I would go, it’s best to … Read more

Bastrop has a new mayor, Harris wins runoff election

Austin – The voters in Pastep, Ismail Harris, were elected to be the next mayor of the city. Unofficial results show that Harris won the special elections on Saturday by 63 % of the voteThe defeat of former city council member Willie Delarosa. Voters were elected in Pastrop Ismail Harris as the mayor of the … Read more