Elgin Whistledown

26/09/2023

When I was a child, I remember Elgin being much like other small towns. My mother grew up in the area and we would visit often. There was not much here. Elgin had Super S for groceries, Dairy Queen, and City Café may have been here at the time.

Fast forward many years and Elgin is exploding with growth. It reminds me of becoming a melting pot for different cultures, new businesses, a town where families can come and own a home. That is what drew me to move here verses Manor, Hutto, Kyle, etc. There was growth, new housing communities but still it was not a town with big box stores and strip malls dotting the highway.

There is much negative and positive talk about all the new subdivisions being built in Elgin. There is also a lot of talk about the impact they will have on traffic congestion. I think it is important to share with the public what the developers are required to provide with regards to traffic/road improvements. For purposes of this post traffic and safety requirements will be discussed.

Every new development project that has been approved within the last five years included a REQUIREMENT for the developer to fund appropriate traffic and safety improvements. The typical requirement is a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). This is a report generated by engineers using math and data and it provides an objective view of what transportation upgrades are necessary to support the new development. TIA’s are costly. This analysis can cost upwards of $100,000+.

The City of Elgin (the City) has made offers to new developers that they can pay for their own TIA or pay the City $900 a linear foot. In each case the developers have opted to pay the City. Following are current binding commitments to date (this does not include Eagles Landing phases 4 & 5). Below is what the City will or has received from the listed developments.

· Harvest Ridge $1,588.500

· Homestead $1,209,357

· Peppergrass $754,479

· Eagles Landing Phase 2 $329,336

· Eagles Landing Phase 3 $497,080

· Stone Creek $488,000

· Briarwood $1,512,000

The current projected costs for the County Line Road Phase 1 project is $6.7 million. With the funding received from the developers for the TIA the City anticipates the entire project being paid for by the Developers on County Line Road. The City also received a grant of $10 million to help fund the County Line Road Phase 2 Project (from US 290 to Neidig Elementary); which is currently in plan development.

These projects have been paid for using funds received from the Developers through TIA dollars. This is great for all of the City and County tax payers as these funds do not come out of the taxes we are paying.

20/08/2023

🚨 🔥 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 🔥🚨
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There have been a couple burn ban violations in the last several days. Please remember that Bastrop and other surrounding counties have a burn ban in place.
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Let’s please do our part to not start any fires that will spread rapidly with our current drought conditions.
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For more information you can visit the Bastrop County website link below. It will have several resources available that can answer any questions you may have.

https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.outdoor_burning

03/08/2023

This page normally does not jump into these stories, rumors, etc. this is a place to share good news about our city and community. However, based on the latest rumor regarding wastewater and the detrimental impact this could have on the environment it was decided to share this information.

There is a rumor going on that the City of Elgin is dumping sewer from the lift plants and using a company by the name of All American to provide these “services” to help the city out. The City of Elgin is not familiar with the company All American. The City is also not dumping sewer from lift stations. If that were to be true I suggest citizens that have seen this to call TCEQ and file a complaint. Not just stand by and watch it happen. Not to mention if you have seen this so called dumping you have an obligation to report this to TCEQ.

The City of Elgin did have an agreement to accept overflow that came from Wilbarger Creek MUD 2. This agreement was temporary and The City accepted about 170,000 gallons of wastewater. The City was also paid for these services. If you have questions about this you should direct them to Wilbarger Creek MUD 2.

Again, if you see illegal dumping of wastewater, etc. you should be reporting this to TCEQ.

01/08/2023

A great opportunity to showcase your business and spoil our educators.

Don't pass up this opportunity! Swag sponsors for the new teacher welcome bags are still available until tomorrow at 2:00 PM. If your business is interested, make sure to bring your items here to the chamber so they may be promoted. Help us welcome our new Elgin teachers by giving them a taste of the town.

We could also use volunteers to help out the bags together on Wednesday, August 2nd at 10 AM.

30/07/2023

Ward 2 residents, this is a great event! Make sure you mark your calendars 📆 to attend.

Ward 2 Meeting
Saturday, August 5
3:00 p.m.
Meet your Council Members YaLecia Love and Chuck Swain
At the Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Main Street

Ward Map link: https://elgintexas.gov/149/City-Council

For more information visit >> https://www.facebook.com/events/6337190603055106/?ref=newsfeed

09/07/2023

The community is aware that a wonderful family lost their home in a fire on July 4th. If you do a quick search on Facebook you will find a post from the family regarding the Bastrop/Travis County ESD 1 Response to their house fire.

𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝟱 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯!

I learned yesterday that Bastrop/Travis County ESD 1 currently does not have a Fire Chief. I went to their website to try and learn more about them as I was much more familiar with how things were when the fire department was run as Elgin Volunteer Fire Department. Needless to say I was not able to learn much.

What I did learn is there is a special meeting that was called for Monday, July 10th at 4:00pm. It will be held at the Fire Department. If you fall in the service area of Bastrop/Travis County ESD 1 I encourage you to please attend. In order for positive changes to be made in Elgin we have to come together and be the change we want to see. We can’t just complain about it on social media or to each other. We have to show up and be part of the solution.

07/07/2023

As word has spread the community knows one of our own lost everything in a house fire. Daja and her family are very involved and give back to our town often. Now it’s our turn to give back to her and her family.

Go out to Circle Brewing tomorrow and grab a drink and burger from Smash Daddies. If you aren’t able to you can donate at the GoFundMe link below.

https://gofund.me/bd50c718

16/08/2022

It’s about that time. In less than twelve hours Elgin ISD will welcome first time students and returning students into the halls of Booker T Washington, Elgin Elementary, Neidig Elementary, Elgin Intermediate School, Elgin Middle School, and Elgin Highschool.
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One of my favorite parts of the new school year is seeing all the back to school pictures.
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Share your first day pictures here in the comments!

Remember to be safe, drive the posted speed limits in the school zones, and watch for pedestrians!
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15/08/2022

UPDATE: Please see the Elgin PD page for updates regarding this care. There has been clarification made regarding the residents in the area as well as an arrest that was made in the case.

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Below is the Elgin Police Department - Texas public announcement regarding the incidents that occurred in the last 24 hours.

Unfortunately, Elgin is not the quiet town it once was many years ago. With growth comes incidents like these. As a community we can come together to create neighborhood watch groups, educate our youth, and other activities to raise awareness.

Be safe everyone and remember if you ever see anything that you feel is suspicious, see a situation that just isn’t sitting right, etc. it’s always better to call and report it to the authorities.

04/08/2022

If you are looking for a way to give back, consider donating blood at the upcoming community blood drive.

You can register online as well.

http://ow.ly/Gyzu50KbzUw

18/07/2022

Hello Elginites. It has been quiet here at the Elgin Whistledown. Summer is in full swing and focus has been else where. Stay tuned for an upcoming post recapping the wonderful things that have taken place in our small but big hometown and what is yet to come. There are still a few weeks of summer left. Make sure you get out and support your local businesses. Stay safe and keep hydrated.

25/05/2022

The Whistledown's post about the discovery of Catherine Alzono López's body brought more attention than anticipated. The intention behind the post was not to stir up a hornets nest but to share what is happening In our community. Was there passion behind the post directed at the BCSO (Bastrop County Sheriff Office) for not alerting the public, yes. The author behind the post watches plenty of "The First 48", "Dateline", and listens to numerous true crime podcasts to know that when law enforcement agencies do go to the news outlets they often do not share details of crimes In order to not compromise their Investigation. By any means they also know they are not an expert in criminal activities and investigations. The public does not always need details. It was more shocking to hear It from a news outlet that the victim's family went to with what seemed to be seeking answers.

The goal behind this page is to share an unbiased viewpoint of news and to provide Information to the public. This could have been done better on our part by not pointing fingers but still sharing the story of this lady.

With all of this being said below Is a link to the statement that the BCSO did release.

https://www.facebook.com/BastropCountySO/posts/pfbid02DThkSrXimukz9jTAsAjHLzwpvnL9KeyFedJJeAnWSeAdVaroeYfxotgB6rEDSzGYl

22/05/2022

𝗘𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲

Disappointed and saddened are the words that come to mind when I read the Univision article about Catherine Alzono López, 29, of Elgin.

Not a SINGLE news outlet has reported her death or the discovery of her body that was found in a shallow grave behind her home in Elgin, Texas. Based on research the reason being is the Bastrop County Sherrif department did not issue a press release.

The department did confirm with Univision that her death is being investigated as suspicious and her partner is a possible suspect. They are still awaiting the results of her autopsy.

Why have we not heard about this until now? Why did the Bastrop County Sherrif Office not issue a press release?

This is not the first or most recent time The Bastrop County Sherrif’s office has not been transparent to the community that it serves.

This family needs and deserves answer as well as the other local Elgin family that recently filed a lawsuit against the same department.

📸 credit: Univision Austin

18/05/2022

It’s stacking up to be a busy week around our growing town this week.

Thursday - Browse the Farmer’s Market and enjoy live music at Elgin Meadory

Friday - Music in the Park

Saturday - Explore Elgin Arts & Culture
Point Grizz’s 50th birthday & Hammer In
Celebration
Rebuild Elgin
Live Music at Rising Sun
Live Music at Elgin Meadory

Sunday - Live Music at Riding Sun
Polka Dancing at the SPJST

Support your local business and events this weekend!

17/05/2022

Today is a day of new beginnings in Elgin. What a wonderful turnout for the swearing in of Ms McShan as the City’s new mayor.

10/05/2022

After reading the venues, shops, and activities for May 21 this sounds like so much fun. Grab your friends for a good ole fashion day of fun in Elgin. Let’s celebrated the 150th Sesquicentennial.

08/05/2022

UPDATED as of 12:07pm

The townspeople have spoken.

Theresa McShan will take the post as City Mayor of Elgin.

Ward 1 - Joy Casnovsky
Ward 2 - Chuck Swain
Ward 3 - Al Rodriguez
Ward 4 - Sue Brasher

EISD Trustee Results

District 4 - Angie Edmond
District 5 - Patrick Maass
District 7 - Jennifer Culver

08/05/2022

Track election results at the below website.

https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/TX/Bastrop/112669/web.285569/ #/summary

07/05/2022

Today is the day to get out and excecise your right as an American. Go Vote! Your vote does count.

ELECTION DAY: Mayor, City Council, School board and constitutional amendments – these links provide sample ballots based on your voter registration. Election results will be available HERE https://www.elgintx.com/1208/8055/Election-and-Voting-Information?activeLiveTab=widgets

Bastrop Co. voters can go to Elgin Rec Center, 361 State Highway 95

https://www.bastropvotes.org/election-information-2/upcoming-elections/

Travis Co. voters can go to Elgin High School, 14000 County Line Road

https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/

04/05/2022

Oh Elginites how this warms my heart. So much chatter going on about the Mayoral election that I haven’t seen this shared at all. We need more Donna’s in our schools and community.

Congratulations Ms Noonan on this amazing Lifetime Achievement award. You have touched hundreds of lives and Elgin is proud to have you as a teacher in our town.

04/05/2022

Make plans next Monday, May 9, to attend the open house for for the County Line Road expansion.

This project is so very important as Elgin continues to grow. This is not just for people that can vote for city matters.

County Line Road open house happens at 6 p.m., Monday, May 9 at the Elgin Public Library Council chamber, 404 N. Main St.
The City of Elgin will share plans for County Line Road expansion- all are welcome.

03/05/2022

Howdy neighbors. Let’s all make sure we do our part and dispose of any hazardous wastes in a safe and proper way. Below is information on how to do so on on May 21. Let’s all be kind to Mother Nature.

There will be a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, May 21. A voucher is required to participate. Scan the QR code below, go to
www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/ds.household_waste, or pick one up at either the Bastrop County Development Service Center, 211 Jackson St, in Bastrop or at the Lee County Annex, 898 E. Richmond, Room 107 in Giddings.

01/05/2022

There is one place in Elgin that I love to support. They have even been able to grow in Austin. They serve delicious pizza. You’ve probably figured out by now that place is Aviators! I was even more excited to see the following on the upcoming City Council Agenda. Growth and Support of a local business. The large patio space for entertainment purposes will be wonderful for concerts and having a cold beverage.

https://www.elgintx.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/4636?fileID=19009

https://www.elgintx.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/4636?fileID=19010

30/04/2022

My ears have perked up in public and online in various Facebook groups recently. There have been some inquisitive people wondering what this project next to H‑E‑B is. Some Elginites seem to know what is being constructed while others do not.

I’m here to let you know that this is the future site of Burger King - where you can have it your way!

Stay tuned as I will be sharing with you all something I’m truly excited about for the wonderful City of Elgin, it’s residents and visitors.

28/04/2022

Congratulations Blaine and Jonah

28/04/2022

We all know traffic and traveling through Elgin is painful at time. Carve out a moment of your valuable time to give CAMPO your feedback via the link below.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Your input is crucial to ensure that the strategies being incorporated benefit travelers in Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties, CAMPO says. To give your feedback, take the survey here: http://ow.ly/nUWG50IymMQ

27/04/2022

Hello fellow Elgin socialites. Stop on by and browse the many wonderful vendors at the farmers market this week. There will be great entertainment and you just never know what you might find to take home with you.

Super excited this week to welcome back and his tap dancing magic! Join us this Thursday from 4pm-7pm ❤️

Elgin Farmers’ Market, Thursday 4pm-7pm, Veterans’ Memorial Park

26/04/2022

The City of Elgin provided an update on the Elgin Police Department infrastructure project, which will be located in the 200 block of Depot Street. To see the update, click here http://ow.ly/6xuV50IRAn0.

26/04/2022

Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image - Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

While there are still a few days before the official voting day Elginities still have time to research their candidates for City Council, Mayor, and School Board.

I challenge you to search each of their names on social media, you tube, the internet. Read the comments and responses to questions. Watch the videos. See how they speak to people, how their number one supporters treat people. Then ask yourself if you like the way that person is treating others, would you like to be spoken to or treated that way, how would you possibly handle the situation. Is this the way in which you’d like to see our city represented. Then vote accordingly.