The Bastrop County Public Health Department is helping residents seeking a profession in the health care industry receive assistance through its Create A Job, Save A Job program. 

The details: The initiative—made possible with a $2 million grant the St. David’s Foundation awarded Bastrop County in July 2024—is creating pathways for residents in historically marginalized communities to enter high-demand, financially sustainable health care careers by helping them earn certifications and credentials.

Now, more residents could soon be assisted, as the Bastrop County Public Health Department is aiming to increase its service capacity from a cap of 125 students. 

Quote of note: “With a reduction in the average scholarship cost, [the Create A Job, Save A Job program] will now be able to serve a minimum of 150 individuals,” Donna Nichols, Bastrop Public Health Department director, said in a staff report. 

Starbucks’ Bastrop location is on an extended coffee break through Jan. 24.

The details: A Starbucks spokesperson told Community Impact the temporary closure is to complete standard maintenance, including interior renovations.

What we know: When the coffee chain resumes its regular business hours—5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday—customers will once again be able to purchase a variety of espresso drinks, blended coffees and baked goods.

• 501 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. B, Bastrop

A new U.S. Postal Service rule could impact when time-sensitive mail, such as tax forms and mail-in ballots, is considered officially sent.

The overview: Effective Dec. 24, mailed items are postmarked when the USPS processes them, rather than the date items are dropped in a mailbox. A postmark refers to the date and location stamped or printed on most mailed items, indicating when and where the USPS “accepted custody” of a mailpiece, per the federal agency.

Zooming in: According to the Texas comptroller’s office, the updated USPS guidance means items could be postmarked “several days” after they are dropped in a mailbox. This includes date-sensitive items sent by Texas residents and businesses, such as property tax payments, federal tax returns, mail-in ballots and required business reports.

What to know: To ensure that mail is postmarked on the day it is sent, customers can take mail into their local post office and request that the item be hand-stamped for free, according to the USPS. Texans can also pay property taxes and submit ballots in person at county offices.