Bastrop County officials are lobbying Texas State University to expand into the community.

The details: Precinct 4 Commissioner David Glass wrote a letter of support to Brian McCall, chancellor of the Texas State University System, on behalf of the Bastrop County Commissioners Court.

“The establishment of a Texas State University presence in Bastrop County would directly strengthen our regional workforce pipeline, provide lifelong learning opportunities for residents and support employers who are investing in our community’s long-term prosperity,” he said in the letter. “It represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that keeps Central Texas at the forefront of global competitiveness.”

Tractor Supply Co. is slated to expand its footing in Bastrop County with a location planned for Smithville within an upcoming 69-acre industrial park.

What we know: Jesco Construction broke ground on the industrial park, just south of Smith Supply Co., between highways 230 and 71, in late November, according to Smithville officials. 

Currently, there are two Tractor Supply Co. stores in Bastrop County, including:

• 437 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop
• 2631 Hwy. 71 W., Cedar Creek

• Smithville Industrial Park, intersection of Hwy. 230 and Hwy. 71, Smithville

Austin’s annual New Year’s event with Visit Austin has made some upgrades to this year’s experience with a drone show and expanded media coverage from national outlets.

What to know: Community members can check out headliners The Head and the Heart, who will be joined by local musicians Chaparelle, Tameca Jones and The Point. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the experience with bites from local food trucks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages and a drone show. 

Presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, the drone show will be a first in Austin’s New Year’s celebration and will kick off the lighting of the downtown skyline with a fireworks finale. As part of their national New Year’s Eve coverage, CNN will broadcast live from Austin.

Stay tuned: The city will share the full lineup of artists in December. Individuals looking to attend the event can also expect transportation and general event tips to be posted on the website in the near future.

• Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin