ATX-BAS: Impact 8/6/2026

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Market Story

Jack of Hearts seeks support as trade scholarship mission grows

Jack of Hearts, a Bastrop nonprofit, is working to help high school graduates pursue careers in the skilled trades by providing scholarships for programs in welding, plumbing, electrical work and other vocational fields.

What's happening: During a July 14 presentation to Bastrop City Council, founders Jack Prentiss and Justin Love said the organization has awarded nearly 100 scholarships over the past five years but is facing higher operating costs as demand for its services grows.

The nonprofit relies primarily on donations from local businesses and proceeds from two annual fundraising events, while increasing venue costs for its annual scholarship banquet have created additional financial pressure. Supporters said the organization provides more than financial assistance by giving students confidence and encouragement as they enter trade careers.

What's next: As Jack of Hearts hopes to distribute more scholarships, Prentiss said the nonprofit’s costs are rising with its growth—and he expects the discussion about support for local nonprofits to continue.

Key Information

Whataburger, wildlife and wellness : 7 Bastrop business updates from July

Check out these seven business updates from July.

Bastrop Whataburger demolished ahead of $2.5M rebuild
The Bastrop Whataburger was demolished to make way for a new $2.5 million restaurant expected to open by the end of the year. Crews began demolition of the existing restaurant—which opened in 2001—on July 13. Officials told Community Impact they plan to hold a grand opening celebration, with details expected in December.

Learn how to help Bastrop wildlife rescuers build a haven
Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas is inching closer to opening its first permanent Bastrop facility later this year—a milestone board President Hayley Hudnall said cannot come soon enough as demand climbs. The nonprofit’s home-based rehabilitators have taken in over 200 injured or orphaned wild animals this year, surpassing the roughly 150 animals taken in annually since the organization opened in 2024.

Check out these seven business updates from July.

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How Campo de Estrellas is turning natural burials into a way to restore Texas prairie land

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Texas A&M partners with Buc-ee's to launch joint merchandise

Texas A&M has partnered with gas station and convenience store Buc-ee’s to launch co-branded merchandise to be available on campus and at select Buc-ee’s locations.

The gist: The university was the first institution in the country to partner with Buc-ee’s in March, with some of the store’s products sold on campus. Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, who is also a graduate of the university, said the partnership is a way to celebrate both brands.

According to a news release from the university, the launch of the merchandise partnership will include a shirt featuring Buc-ee the beaver and Texas A&M iconography. According to the news release, the shirt will also be sold at the Barnes & Noble on the university’s campus.

What’s next: The co-branded material will be available at Buc-ee's locations in Central Texas and the greater Dallas and Houston areas. The university said future product releases are planned throughout the upcoming school year, which coincides with Texas A&M's 150th anniversary celebration.