Rhizome Revival Educational Farm is raising funds for a new classroom as the Smithville nonprofit works to expand its offerings and connect more residents with local teachers.

A closer look: Owner Leesalyn Koehler said the farm has focused on permaculture, homesteading and botanical medicine since spring 2024, with programs designed to help neighbors share practical skills and experience.

How it works: Classes are open to people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Donation-based options, work-trade and volunteer opportunities are available to help keep programs accessible.

Guest teachers from across Central Texas cover topics such as composting, soil building, backyard poultry care, canning, foraging, fermentation and herbalism.

How to help: Residents can attend classes, volunteer, spread the word, shop the nonprofit’s apothecary and farmhouse offerings, or make a tax-deductible donation toward its work and new classroom.

Bastrop ISD is nearing the end of more than $500 million in bond-funded construction, with just two projects remaining as thousands of future homes continue moving through the development pipeline.

The update: The expansion of Mina Elementary School wrapped up in late August, leaving work at Bastrop High School and construction of Elementary School No. 10 still underway.

Bastrop High School’s project is about 70% complete and is scheduled to finish in December 2027.

Elementary School No. 10, a new 106,477-square-foot campus, is about 10% complete and is expected to open in August 2027.

Where voters invested: Bastrop ISD voters approved $183.7 million in bonds in 2021 and another $321.5 million in 2023, directing funding toward new schools, campus expansions, renovations, safety and security, athletics and other district improvements.

Why it matters: Growth is projected to continue as district demographic data showed more than 22,000 future single-family lots projected across Bastrop ISD as of spring 2026.

Sept. 4 marks 15 years since the Bastrop County Complex Fire—one of the most destructive wildfires in Texas history.

What happened: The 2011 blaze destroyed 1,673 homes and burned through 96% of Bastrop State Park.

Why we’re sharing it: To mark the anniversary, Community Impact is looking back at its 2024 reporting on how the 2011 disaster reshaped wildfire preparedness in Bastrop County.

Texas senators indicated Sept. 1 that they intend to tighten regulations on data centers during next year’s legislative session, which begins in January.

What they're saying: “I think every member's district has had an impact from a data center conversation, so there will be plenty of bills trying to put things in place that are reasonable, responsible regulatory frameworks for data centers,” state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said.

The big picture: With some Texas residents and conservation groups sounding the alarm about water-intensive technologies used by some data centers, state agencies have warned that limited information is available on how much water the industry actually uses. Officials said they have also had trouble determining exactly how many data centers are operating in the state today, as there is no “comprehensive statewide list” of existing and planned facilities.

Estimates from state agencies and the University of Texas at Austin suggest that roughly 370 data centers are currently operating in Texas, with about 100 facilities under construction and another 180 being proposed.