Bastrop County voters will head to the polls in March to decide party nominees for races that could shape local leadership.

What we know: Although Bastrop County voters will see more than 10 local positions on their ballots, the Republican primary for county judge and the Republican primary for district clerk are the only contested races, according to the Texas Secretary of State website.

On the ballot: Candidates who filed for the Republican primary for county judge include:

• Donald Loucks
• Gregory Klaus, incumbent

• Holly Cox
• Sarah Loucks, incumbent
• Tamara “Tammy” Batot
• Ward Northcutt

Frontier Bank celebrated the opening of its new executive offices in Bastrop in early December. 

The details: The executive offices are located on Main Street in the former Art Institute of Austin building, near several downtown businesses, such as the upcoming Pluto’s Wine Bar.

Notable quote: “Frontier Bank is excited to welcome the community into this new space—a milestone that honors Frontier Bank’s deep roots in Bastrop County and their commitment to serving Central Texas with strength, vision and hometown values,” the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Frontier Bank, said in a news release.

• 921 Main St., Bastrop 

North Austin community members now have an environment to enjoy working from home or ordering a drink while playing with adoptable cats at Sydney’s Cat Lounge.

The specifics: Launched by Quin Whiddon and Alex Whiddon, the space is part of the duo’s nonprofit, Sydney’s Sanctuary. The nonprofit was founded in 2024 with the mission to save cats in need.

What to expect: Community members can book time slots to visit the lounge and play or co-work with the adoptable cats while enjoying one of the lounge's drinks. Drinks include water, coffee options, specialty sodas, herbal teas, wine, and non-alcoholic cocktails and beer. The space is also available for private events.
 

• 3407 E. Seventh St., Austin

Texas charter system Harmony Public Schools launched a new virtual learning platform on Jan. 5 that allows students across the state to take high school courses online.

The overview: The Harmony Online Learning program includes dozens of courses aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, all of which are self-paced, according to a news release.

More details: Students can choose from dozens of courses in core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement and Career and Technical Education, according to the program’s website. The offerings aim to help students complete credit recovery, get ahead with their requirements and access courses not available at their home campus. Credit earned through Harmony may be applied toward high school graduation requirements depending on local district policies, per the release.

One more thing: Interested families can enroll online, and spring courses begin Jan. 12, per the release. The cost of tuition per course is $325, a spokesperson from Harmony Public Schools told Community Impact.