Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park soon will be under new management. “We have two…
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Dispatcher Johnnie Duke at her station in the Llano County Sheriff’s Office. Duke is one of eight dispatchers who are keeping county communications flowing despite understaffing issues. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Llano County Commissioners Court voted to allow for vacation time rollover for two Sheriff’s Office dispatchers during its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 12. Understaffing prevents employees from taking their vacation time, which they lose if not scheduled by the end of the year.
Commissioners voted to allow the two dispatchers to use their 2022 vacation time by March 20, 2023. Due to Llano County policy, the vacation days would have been lost and gone unpaid if the commissioners had not approved the rollover.
Understaffing among dispatchers is caused by low pay, high job stress, and the amount of required training, officials said.
“Every year, we see this. Every year, we have dispatchers who are in danger of losing their vacation time,” Emergency Communications manager Doni Whitecotton told DailyTrib.com.
Whitecotton’s department currently has eight dispatchers — two short of being fully staffed. Of those eight, two are in training and cannot work full time and another is on prolonged medical leave, further widening the staffing gap.
A dispatcher must be on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Dispatcher workloads typically increase during the holidays, leading to even more difficulties with taking vacation time.
“Our dispatchers are dedicated to working,” Whitecotton said. “They love working for Llano County, but it is hard when they’re asked to work extra hours and, at the same time, are being told that they may lose their time off.”
Llano County dispatchers’ starting pay is about $16 an hour, which is not competitive with surrounding counties, Whitecotton said. Starting pay in Burnet County is $20.48 an hour. Even so, Burnet County is suffering from the same understaffing problems as Llano County.
Whitecotton is one of the two dispatchers whose vacation time rollover was approved. She had accumulated 46 hours of excess vacation time in 2022 covering shifts.
The original agenda item asked that rollover time be used by Feb. 20, 2023, but Commissioner Peter Jones moved to extend the period to March 20 to give the dispatchers more time.
Members of the Granite Shoals Ethics Review Commission consult with City Attorney Joshua Katz (on screen) over Zoom during the final hearing on ordinance violations by City Councilor Phil Ort. Commissioners Jeffrey Kahl (left), Mark Morren, and Seth Smith deliberated in Ort’s absence as he did not attend the hearing on Dec. 13. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Granite Shoals City Councilor Phil Ort was indicted Dec. 9 by a Burnet County grand jury in a vandalism incident that happened in the Marble Falls H-E-B parking lot last year. Unrelated to that, Ort was sanctioned by the Granite Shoals Ethics Review Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 13, for what it determined were violations of several city ethics ordinances and Texas government codes.
The grand jury indictment charges Ort with keying a car in the grocery store’s parking lot in October 2021. The case was moved from Burnet County Court at Law to the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts after damages to the car were estimated to be more than $2,500. Under that amount would be a misdemeanor and handled in the lower court.
A state jail felony charge carries a potential fine of up to $10,000 and between 180 days and two years in jail. No other information was available on the case at time of this story’s publication.
The ethics complaint against Ort was filed by resident Susan Bushart on Oct. 17 and first addressed by the recently formed Ethics Review Commission during a preliminary hearing on Nov. 21. Bushart charged Ort with refusal to hand over copies of complaints he claimed to have received from residents regarding his Dark Skies Ordinance proposal.
Granite Shoals resident Kiel Arnone submitted a public information request for access to the complaints. Ort refused to provide the information and claimed to have destroyed all 41 messages to protect the identities of those who had reached out to him.
During its final review of the case, the commission determined that Ort withheld public information and used his city email account for inappropriate communications.
Commissioners Mark Morren, Jeffery Kahl, and Seth Smith, who were appointed to the commission when it was formed on Sept. 27, opted to sanction Ort with a letter of censure, the strongest punishment available to them in the city charter.
Commissioners have five days to draft the letter and present it to the city attorney for review. It then will be presented to the City Council to determine what, if any, other actions can or should be taken.
“Since I have been here, this is the first time that we have processed a complaint against a city councilor through an ethics commission,” Interim City Manager Peggy Smith told DailyTrib.com after the meeting. Smith has been with the city for more than nine years.
Ort did not attend the commission’s final hearing and was not available for comment at the time of this story’s publication.
Burnet High School Principal Casey Burkhart (left) and Science Department Chair Jeannette Gegogeine (right) with Burnet High School students of the month for December Elijah Tait and Karlie Buckley. Courtesy photo
Opposing any proposed voucher systems for school finance is one of three legislative priorities of the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District’s Board of Trustees. While fighting the use of taxpayer money for private or home schools, the board will be supporting initiatives to combat the statewide teacher shortage and raise the per-pupil funding in the state to the national average, according to a BCISD media release.
The 88th session of the Texas Legislature begins Jan. 10, 2023, and ends May 23, 2023. Bills are already being filed in anticipation of the session, which only happens in odd-numbered years. BCISD officials will use the priorities as talking points when meeting with anyone involved with public policy, Superintendent Keith McBurnett said.
“Sometimes, the work of legislators seems so far removed from our everyday lives, but the reality is the decisions made in Austin during the upcoming January-May timeframe impacts all of us,” he explained further in a statement after the board meeting Monday, Dec. 12.
According to the statement, BCISD will be “opposing any state plan that would use vouchers, tax credits, taxpayer savings grants, tuition reimbursements, or any other means to divert public tax dollars to private entities, homeschooled students, or parents, with little or no academic or financial accountability or transparency to the state, taxpayers, or local communities.”
The board meeting included a public hearing for the annual financial and compliance report for 2021-22, conducted by the Eide Bailly audit firm. BCISD received an “unmodified opinion,” which is the highest opinion possible.
Allie Hampton was chosen as interim principal at Quest High School for the spring semester. She will replace Douglas Marvin, who is leaving to become superintendent/principal for Hallsburg ISD in Waco.
The board nominated Cary Johnson to fill an open seat on the Burnet Central Appraisal District Board of Board of Directors.
Also, special recognition was given to:
Also honored were Burnet High School seniors named to the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State Team, which recognizes high school athletes who excel in the following categories: grade-point average, class rank and ACT/SAT score. On the second team were Harlynn Roberts, Lainey Rye, McKenzie Davis, and Sadie Campbell. Honorable mentions were Addie Grace Hernandez and Samantha Gaylord.
This week’s holiday events roundup includes Christmas movies, concerts, and a ballet. Check DailyTrib.com each week for more holiday happenings through the season or browse the Events Calendar at 101HighlandLakes.com or the Highland Lakes Christmas Lights Guide.
Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.
7346 RR 261
The Lakeshore Branch Library hosts a free screening of a movie based on the Christmas Truce of 1914. RSVP to the library at 325-379-1174 or lakeshore.library@gmail.com.
Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
7346 RR 261
The Lakeshore Branch Library invites all ages to create a “gingerbread” house using graham crackers, frosting, and candy. Cardboard base, crackers, and frosting provided. Bring candy, cereal, sprinkles, etc., to share. Space is limited. RSVP to the library at 325-379-1174 or lakeshore.library@gmail.com.
Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
13218 RR 2341
Ruby McGill Ministries presents this Christmas music program at East Lake Fellowship Church. Free.
Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
200 Houston Clinton Drive
Harmony School of Creative Arts presents its annual ballet based on “The Nutcracker” at Hill Country Fellowship.
Dec. 17 from 6-9 p.m.
200 E. Elm St.
National park rangers will answer questions about this historic house and explain life in Johnson City before electricity. Free.
Dec. 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
199 Park Road 52 in Stonewall
During this special tradition, started 52 years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson and the first lady, enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Then, visit the past at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm and enjoy the ambiance of an authentic German Christmas Eve while sampling homemade treats.
Dec. 17 from 6-9 p.m. (and also Dec. 23 and 30)
12345 RR 1431
Brilla Iglesia hosts a plaza and performative dancing every half-hour. Shop vendor tables filled with gifts and Mexican food. Enjoy children’s games.
Dec. 13 from 7-10 p.m.
904 Third St.
Enjoy Christmas-themed karaoke at Rae’s RBar and Grill in downtown Marble Falls.
Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
1101 Bluebonnet Drive
First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls hosts a performance in its sanctuary featuring the chancel choir, handbell choir, and orchestra. Free.
Dec. 16 at dark
230 Avenue J South
The Parks and Recreation Department hosts a free screening of this animated Tim Burton film in Johnson Park. Free. Bring chairs, blankets, and popcorn.
Cinergy Cinemas General Manager Tyler Wills (left) poses with staff around the toy drive donation bin at the Marble Falls location. Pictured with him are Rebecca Norris, Jennifer Fortenberry, Jordan Rakowski, Harry Keil, and Xavier Dubose. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Cinergy Cinemas in Marble Falls is holding a Christmas toy drive through Dec. 20. The family-owned movie theater chain partnered with Highland Lakes Christmas for Kids for the drive and is giving out free small popcorns to those who donate a toy with at least an $8 value.
A donation bucket is located in the lobby of the movie theater, 2600 U.S. 281, and toys can be dropped off during business hours, which are 30 minutes before the first screening of the day to 30 minutes after the start of the last screening.
This is the second year for the toy drive at Cinergy’s Marble Falls location, but the company has collected more than 3,500 toys since the drives began in 2017 at other locations.
“Cinergy’s atmosphere and the overall energy that they bring is really fun and very family-oriented,” General Manager Tyler Wills said. “It’s a great company. I love it.”
Cinergy also held a canned food drive in partnership with Joseph’s Pantry in Granite Shoals, part of an initiative that resulted in over a literal ton of canned food being donated to communities across the country.
“Part of our mission is to be deeply involved with the communities that we’re in,” said Vice President of Marketing Tracey Hoey in an interview with DailyTrib.com. “It’s really great to work for a company that gives back the way Cinergy does.”
To keep up with other specials and events, visit the theater chain’s website.
Peggy Rebecca “Beckie” (Russell) Moore, 84, of Kingsland, Texas, entered her eternal home on Wednesday, December 7, after a yearlong battle with COVID, pneumonia, COPD, and a stroke. Beckie was born on June 30, 1938 in Liberty Hill, Texas, as the fifth child of Lemuel J. Russell Sr. and Neva Elizabeth (Windsor) Russell.
She was preceded in death by sisters Martha Mihlberger, Doris Sealey, and Albena Proctor and brother, Lemuel J. “Bud” Russell Jr.
Beckie was a 1956 graduate of Georgetown High School and attended Mary Hardin Baylor University for one year prior to a 64-year marriage to Roland J. Moore. Because the couple enjoyed spending weekends on Lake LBJ, they relocated from Copperas Cove to the Hill Country in 1968.
With a strong work ethic, she owned and operated a bookkeeping service, a local florist, and assisted her husband in a local auto parts business.
In addition to her husband, Beckie is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Rolenn Turner; two grandchildren Tyler J. Newlin and Tara K. Kilgore (husband Rusty); two great-grandchildren Carter Allen Kilgore and Audrey Tyler Kilgore; lifelong friend Hanes Segler; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Beckie enjoyed floral designing and was a gifted artist. Some of her artwork is displayed here today. She and Roland shared a mutual love for traveling and genealogy. They were blessed to experience and share many travel memories throughout their marriage. She will be greatly missed by the many people she loved and who loved her.
A memorial service was at 11 a.m. Monday, December 12, at Granite Mountain Baptist Church, 500 FM 1980 in Marble Falls.
Granite Shoals Charter Review Committee Chairman Kiel Arnone (center) leads a meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the city charter alongside fellow committee members Peter Hutnick (left) and Larry Conchola. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Granite Shoals Charter Review Committee discussed potential changes to the city’s charter during a meeting Monday, Dec. 12. The committee is tasked with reviewing the city document and proposing amendments to the City Council, which will determine whether they should be placed on the November 2023 general election ballot.
The committee must present its proposed changes to the council before March 27, 2023, when it will be officially disbanded.
The 10-member committee was formed on Sept. 27 and began meeting regularly to review and make proposed amendments to the charter, which is a 41-page document that is akin to a constitution for the city of Granite Shoals.
Per the charter, the committee has six months to conduct its review and propose changes before it is disbanded. The council and city attorney will then review the proposed changes before voters have their say.
“The charter is the basis for establishing a municipal government,” Interim City Manager Peggy Smith told DailyTrib.com. “If you have any input, now is the time to give it because there is an end date.”
The committee plans to meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road, on the following dates:
Meetings are open to the public and also can be accessed through Zoom at a link posted on the committee’s meeting agenda. Granite Shoals residents may contact the committee with questions or proposed changes at charterreview@graniteshoals.org.
The current city charter recommends that a charter review committee be formed at least every six years. According to Smith, the charter was amended in 2019, 2008, and 2005.
“It’s a huge learning experience for all of us,” said Committee Chairman Kiel Arnone. “We’re trying to do what’s right for the city as a whole.”
Arnone is an original member of the committee and acted as the vice chairman before assuming the role of chairman on Nov. 28 when Libby Edwards stepped down as chairwoman.
“We would love for any resident of the city of Granite Shoals to chime in and speak their mind on what they think should be changed or added to the charter,” Arnone told DailyTrib.com.
Wyatt’s Clubhouse, an inclusive park and playground in Marble Falls, has received thousands of dollars of donations from residents and local businesses since its first fundraiser in July. Courtesy photo
Marble Falls Inclusive Play Group received 501(c)3 status on Nov. 7, meaning the group is now eligible for a litany of grants that should serve as a catalyst for its fundraising efforts to build an inclusive park and playground.
“It’s going to be a big help,” said group Treasurer Taylor Smith. “It will allow us to apply for a lot of grants that we couldn’t before because we didn’t have tax-exemption status yet.”
With the recent status change, many who donated to the organization will be able to deduct their contributions on their tax returns in April.
“It’s effective as of May 27 of this year,” Smith said. “That means that all the donations we received in the time between our application and approval will be retroactively tax-deductible.”
Anticipated to take much longer, the organization was elated to receive word from the IRS so quickly.
“It’s normally an eight- to 12-month process,” Smith said. “We were hoping for next April, right before everyone filed their taxes. This is a major blessing.”
The park, which was named Wyatt’s Clubhouse in August, is designed to cater to children of all abilities through the use of ramps and harnesses as well as equipment for different sensory abilities. The park design also includes components such as tunnels, slides, several different styles of swings, and a zipline. Similar parks exist in Round Rock and Temple.
The park will be located next to Colt Elementary School on Manzano Mile. The nonprofit plans to raise $1.4 million to finance the project.
Talks for a long-term land lease on school property for the new park began during a regular meeting of the Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees on July 18. Upon completion of the park, the nonprofit hopes to transfer ownership to the city of Marble Falls.
The complexity of the three-party agreement has slowed its progress, Smith said.
Those interested in contributing to the group’s mission may send a Venmo to @MFIPG. Cash and checks donations can be dropped off at First United Bank, 418 U.S. 281 in Marble Falls. Checks must be made payable to MFIPG.
Law enforcement arrested 38-year-old Goldthwaite resident Kerry Coates Kavanaugh on Dec. 11 in relation to a hit-and-run the previous day that resulted in the death of Patrick Morin, 61, of Buchanan Dam. Courtesy photo
Buchanan Dam resident Patrick Morin, 61, was killed in a hit-and-run on Dec. 10 on U.S. 183 near Goldthwaite. The Texas Highway Patrol arrested a suspect, 38-year-old Goldthwaite resident Kerry Coates Kavanaugh, on Dec. 11 and charged him with failing to stop and render aid.
Kavanaugh is currently being held in Mills County Jail.
Morin, a tow truck operator, was reportedly securing a vehicle onto his truck on U.S. 183 when another vehicle struck him and left the scene. He was pronounced dead at the site of the accident by Mills County Justice of the Peace Kim Avants. Pieces of a 2014 Toyota Tundra allegedly belonging to Kavanaugh were found on the scene.
Kavanaugh is accused of driving the vehicle that struck Morin and leaving the scene, which violates the legal duties required if a person is involved in an accident. The official charge of failing to stop and render aid resulting in death is a second-degree felony that can carry up to five years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines.
The investigation is ongoing.
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