Bastrop County: 10 feature stories from 2025

A roundup of 10 feature articles from 2025 that profile Bastrop County businesses, community efforts and a historical recognition.

These ten feature stories published in 2025 focus on people and initiatives across Bastrop County. They profile small businesses, local services, nonprofits and a historical commemoration. The pieces run month to month from January through November and highlight individual entrepreneurs, community programs and local traditions. Coverage centers on personal stories and community connections rather than broader policy debate. Notable stories from 2025: - January — Awaken Bastrop: a downtown yellow house that hosts three businesses, including Admiring You Wellness, which lists services such as cupping therapy, acupuncture, life coaching and microneedling on its website. - February — Ceremony honoring Leah Moncure: more than 100 people gathered for a historical marker at her childhood home; Moncure was announced as the first woman in Texas to earn a professional engineering license in 1938 and had a 32-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation. - March — Bubby's BBQ in Smithville: a family-run barbecue spot opened by Jay Johnson after moving to the area, serving traditional barbecue entrees. - April — Bastrop River Co.: a river recreation business offering river camping, group trips and a self-guided El Camino Real river trail. - June — Restoration Ranch: a nonprofit founded by Beth Rand that offers equine-assisted learning programs for veterans and families, an effort noted as growing after the 2011 Bastrop County Complex fire. - August — Double R Hat House: Emilio Rangel hand-shapes cowboy hats and uses steam to soften hats for reshaping, with his craftsmanship worn by some country music artists. Summary: These features collectively document local businesses, volunteer efforts and a historical recognition that were reported across Bastrop County in 2025. The articles emphasize personal stories, small-scale entrepreneurship and community services. Undetermined at this time.