Created by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the challenge promotes nutritious, homegrown eating by encouraging districts across the state to purchase and serve locally produced foods to students.
“Every year, Texas schools have a great opportunity to help kids learn about healthy eating with the Farm Fresh Challenge,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in a media release. “Texas agriculture offers everything schools need to serve something local for any meal or menu. I encourage our partners to serve Texas products so students learn the benefits of eating fresh, nutritious foods.”
As with all initiatives administered by the MFISD Child Nutrition Department, students are engaged through interactive learning.
“There are many aspects on how you can promote the Farm Fresh Challenge,” Child Nutrition Director Maria Manzo said. “Interaction, even in the service line, can be helpful in teaching students the importance of locally grown foods.”
Food sources for the challenge include companies based in San Antonio and Kerrville, which source from farmers across the state.
“Wherever we get things from, I like to acknowledge that in our menus,” Manzo said. “We like to say things about where our products come from to grow student understanding.”
Through the program, students learn about the hardworking people who produce their food.
“It is important that our students know the value of supporting local farms and eating a nutritious homegrown diet,” Manzo said.
Available on all campuses, the program has been especially well-received by students at Marble Falls High School.
“Younger children may not understand what the Farm Fresh Challenge means, but our high school students recognize what this program means and have noticed all the new fresh fruits and vegetables,” Manzo said.
While the Farm Fresh Challenge kicked off in October, Manzo has no plans of slowing down.
“The challenge is really set for the month of October. That’s when (Texas Department of Agriculture) rolls it out,” she said. “Each month, I will always feature fresh fruits and vegetables from wherever my sources are around the state.”
The Llano County Commissioners Court approved changes to the pay period for Sheriff’s Office staff during its Nov. 28 meeting to bring the county into compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. It had been out of compliance since at least April 2018.
LCSO staff have been working 182.5-hour work periods divided among 12 monthly paychecks, according to county-approved changes in 2018. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act states that law enforcement must work seven-, 14-, or 28-day cycles with 171-hour work periods per 28 days.
After the county implements the changes, the annual income for Sheriff’s Office staff will remain the same, but paychecks will be smaller and come more frequently. This will affect deputies, jailers, and investigators.
“We’ve got to be in compliance with the law,” County Judge Ron Cunningham told DailyTrib.com after the meeting.
Cunningham, who was not in office at the time of the April 2018 changes, does not know why they were made but became aware of them in August 2022. After a lengthy executive session during the Nov. 28 meeting, commissioners emerged and voted on the changes to bring the county into compliance with the FLSA.
The county has not yet determined how it will implement the new pay structure but will hold workshops with LCSO staff to explain the changes and find the best solutions, Cunningham said.
“It’s going to affect monthly salaries, but annual salaries and benefits will not be affected,” he said. “We want it to be done in the way that least impacts those that the changes will affect.”
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-15.png150150luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-06 23:22:382022-12-06 23:22:38Llano County changes LCSO pay structure to comply with federal law
The Picayune and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune Toy Drive will broadcast live from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Chevrolet-Buick in Marble Falls (pictured) and the Burnet fire station. File photo
Help make sure no child in the Highland Lakes goes without something under the Christmas tree by giving to one of several toy drives in the area, including The Picayune Magazine and KBEY 103.9 FM Toy Drive on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
KBEY Operations Manager Ben Shields will be at Chevrolet-Buick, 2301 U.S. 281 North, while “Mac in the Morning” host Mac McClennahan will be at the Burnet fire station, 2002 U.S. 281 South.
Drive up and drop off new, unwrapped toys, cash, or checks at either location. You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle.
“Last year, we collected $8,225 in cash along with hundreds of toys,” Shields said. “This year, we want to beat that amount. We want to be there for the kids of the Highland Lakes.”
Toy distribution day is Dec. 16. Apply for toys based on where you live:
Residents in north Burnet County — Burnet County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse, 220 S. Pierce St. in Burnet
Parents of students at Highland Lakes Elementary School in Granite Shoals — Call 830-798-3650 and ask a staff member to fill out an application over the phone or drop by the school.
Marble Falls residents — The Helping Center of Marble Falls, 1315 Broadway, or the Department of Health and Human Services, 1406 Resource Parkway
“The economy is tough right now, and people are suffering from higher prices,” Shields said. “KBEY and The Picayune Magazine are going to do everything we can to help bring some cheer to the holiday season.”
Provides new, unwrapped toys for ages infant to 12 years old. No restrictions on where children live for distribution day on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Highland Lakes Elementary School in Granite Shoals. The event runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and includes holiday activities. Drop off donations at the food pantry or call Pastors Mary Lou and Roy Guerrero at 830-220-2344.
Blue Santa also provides toys for Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids. Drop-off donations are:
Marble Falls Public Safety Building, 606 Avenue N
Marble Falls Fire Rescue, 700 Avenue N
Marble Falls City Hall, 800 Third St.
Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Department, 1808 Second St.
Cash and check donations may be dropped off to the Records Clerk at the Marble Falls Public Safety facility. Make checks payable to Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids, Inc. You may also mail checks to P.O Box 1750, Marble Falls, TX 78654. Call Officer James French at 830-693-3611 for more information.
Donate new, unwrapped toys or pick up applications for toys at the Sheriff’s Office address above. This year, Brown Santa is also accepting gift cards for teens. Deadline for applications for toys is Dec. 5. Toys are distributed by sheriff’s deputies beginning sometime around Dec. 7. For more information, contact Veronica White at vwhite@co.llano.tx.us or 325-247-5050.
Pick a card from an Angel Tree to fulfill the wishes of a foster family. Deadline is Dec. 12 to bring in items requested on the Angel Tree cards.
Angel trees can be found at Main Street Consignments, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Harmony School of Creative Arts, Marble Falls Middle School, Atkins Pharmacy and Gifts, Highland Lakes Dental, Bright City Ministries, Security State Bank and Trust, REMAX of Marble Falls, and Heart and Soul, all in Marble Falls. You can also drop off donations at Lake Country Dental in Horseshoe Bay, Texas Farm Bureau in Burnet, and Cadence Bank in Kingsland.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-14.png7681024luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-06 19:58:162022-12-06 19:58:16Picayune-KBEY Toy Drive is Dec. 7
Christmas on the Square in Burnet features a snow play area. The event is from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The big event this week is Christmas on the Square in Burnet on Saturday. You can get in the festive spirit at holiday happenings across the Highland Lakes from Dec. 6-12. Check DailyTrib.com each week for a new holiday events roundup through the season or browse the Events Calendar at 101HighlandLakes.com or the Highland Lakes Christmas Lights Guide for more.
First Baptist Church of Burnet brings the original Christmas story to life in a full-size replica of ancient Bethlehem with volunteer actors dressed in period costumes. Free, but donations are accepted.
Burnet celebrates Christmas with a parade, snow play area, vendors, food and drink trailers, 5K, and shopping. At night, check out the nearby Trail of Lights displays.
See how the pioneers celebrated Christmas at the museum’s annual event. Admission is free. A soup and cornbread supper is $5.
MARBLE FALLS
Christmas concert and bazaar
Dec. 9 from 2-5 p.m.
101 Main St.
The Marble Falls Public Library hosts a Christmas concert and bazaar. From 2-4 p.m., shop items from the Library Thrift Store and check off your holiday gift list. Gift wrapping and refreshments available. From 4-5 p.m., enjoy holiday classics from the Hill Country Community Band. Admission is free.
KINGSLAND
Poker run
Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
1621 RR 1431
Motorcycle poker run raises money for Kingsland Toys for Kids. Entry is $10. Starts from Buddies parking lot. Sponsored by the Hill Country Auxiliary.
Lighted Christmas parade
Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
RM 2900
Christmas rolls into Kingsland. Route travels down RM 2900. Put on by the Hill Country Auxiliary.
La Plazita and Christmas Dancing Lights
Dec. 10 from 6-9 p.m.
12345 RR 1431
Brilla Iglesia hosts La Plazita with Christmas Dancing Lights (three songs) every 30 minutes. Shop vendor tables with gifts and Mexican food such as gorditas, champurrado, tamales, and pan dulce. Enjoy children’s games and heaters to keep warm.
The library hosts its Christmas open house with lunch and a concert by the Bluebonnet Chorale. Food is served at 11 a.m. The concert is at 11:30 a.m. Staff will be sharing treats and cheer until 3:30 p.m. Call the library at 325-379-1174 to let them know you’re coming.
National park rangers will be available to answer questions about this historic house and explain life in Johnson City before rural electrification. The tour is free.
Compete on challenging courses through incredible Hill Country scenery. For a festive twist, enter the Santa Claus and Elf costume divisions. Benefits Team RWB Austin.
Marble Falls city staff have outgrown the current City Hall, 800 Third St. A new and expanded City Hall is in the works. File photo
With Marble Falls expected to grow in the coming years, the city will need a bigger place to do business, and talks regarding a new City Hall have become more serious in recent months.
City Councilors Bryan Walker and Dave Rhodes spoke to DailyTrib.com about the current state of the project and their thoughts on its design.
“We want to make sure, when we do this, we make a City Hall that’s going to consistently meet the needs of city employees, the community, future city councils, and mayors to come,” Walker said. “I don’t want to rush into this project and be 15 years down the road and realize we didn’t plan for something well enough.”
The current City Hall, 800 Third St., was built as a bank in the 1950s and refurbished for city offices in the 1990s. Its lack of space has forced the city to lease offices across town for several departments, which councilors believe negatively impacts collaboration among staff.
“People don’t realize we have long outgrown the space that we’re in,” Rhodes said. “We have people scattered around the city in different facilities. It makes communication more challenging. ”
“They’re a great group,” Walker said. “Randall (Scott) himself is a great guy. They were a clear favorite when we were going through the selection process.”
The Houston-based firm has designed several municipal offices, including city halls in Granbury, Commerce, Vidor, Boerne, and Prosper. Marble Falls councilors will visit the last two on Dec. 7 and 8 to see how they function and ask questions about the design process.
“It’s nice to go in and get examples on what folks did and why they did it,” Rhodes said. “Architecturally, functionally, there’s so many options, it’s nice to find out how it worked out for them.”
The wishlist for a new Marble Falls City Hall would include expanded office space and parking for a growing staff as well as hike-and-bike-trails for residents.
“If we’re going to do something, it needs to be iconic; otherwise, we should just move into an existing building and put our name on the top,” Rhodes said. “Iconic doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. It means a source of city pride.”
Rhodes hopes to entice private developers to build near the new City Hall and use its facilities to increase the city’s growth and financial stability through public-private partnerships.
“I’m a huge fan of public-private projects,” he said. “I think it’s a better use of space, facilities, and it’s a much more economical use of funds. I hope it continues to be a piece of the puzzle throughout the conceptual thinking.”
While the actual site of the project is yet to be determined, it will be centrally located.
“The sites we’ve been looking at are very near the downtown area,” Walker said. “We don’t want to put a City Hall way outside of where a lot of the city functions are.”
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-12.png6821024luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-06 00:51:182022-12-06 00:51:18New City Hall must be ‘iconic’
The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail during the period of Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2022, according to Burnet County Sheriff’s Office logs. City of residence and release information are listed when available. This list does not constitute an official court document, and all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Crystal Hope Escamilla, 40, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 25 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of marijuana. Released Nov. 26 on $1,500 bond.
Jimmy Ferrel Hanshaw II, 33, of McAllen was arrested Nov. 25 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault by contact-family violence. Released Nov. 28 on $75,500 in bonds.
Cecil Vaughn Liles III, 44, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 25 by BPD: failure to appear-driving while license is invalid, driving while license is invalid. Released Nov. 27 on personal recognizance.
Charles Clayton Myers, 48, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Nov. 25 by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): failure to appear-possession of marijuana, failure to appear-unlawfully carrying a weapon. Released Nov. 26 on $2,000 in bonds.
Devanti Alexandrio Reynolds, 22, of Bloomington, Minnesota, was arrested Nov. 25 by BPD: possession of marijuana.
Matthew Robert Winger, 42, of Kingsland was arrested Nov. 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance.
Brian James Groszek, 22, of Dripping Springs was arrested Nov. 26 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): reckless driving. Released Nov. 27 on $2,500 bond.
Laura Jane Ingle, 66, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 26 by MFPD: disorderly conduct-language. Released Nov. 30 on personal recognizance.
Danny Augustus Murk, 53, of Granite Shoals was arrested Nov. 26 by MFPD: failure to maintain financial responsibility. Released Nov. 27 on $500 bond.
Melinda Carlene Slaughter, 44, of Round Mountain was arrested Nov. 26 by GSPD: parole violation, possession of a controlled substance.
Andres Suhul-Yacabalquiej, 39, of Granite Shoals was arrested Nov. 26 by BCSO: public intoxication. Released Nov. 27 on $500 bond.
CesarSuhul-Yacabalquiej, 31, of Granite Shoals was arrested Nov. 26 by BCSO: driving while intoxicated/open alcohol container. Released Nov. 27 on $1,500 bond.
Christopher Lee Thornberry, 28, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 26 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CSPD): possession of a controlled substance.
Ildemar Villareal, 38, of Houston was arrested Nov. 26 by CSPD: driving while license is invalid. Released same day on $1,500 bond.
Magdalena Ellen Caracheo, 17, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Nov. 27 by CSPD: driving under the influence-minor.
Patrick Clay Felan, 39, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 27 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released Nov. 28 on $22,500 in bonds.
Richard Lee Golden, 42, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 27 by MFPD: driving while intoxicated, failure to appear-open container in a motor vehicle. Released Nov. 28 on $7,500 bond.
Sean Michael Johnson, 20, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 27 by BPD: possession of marijuana. Released same day on $1,500 bond.
Ethan Kade Kanetzky, 19, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 27 by BPD: driving while intoxicated. Released same day on $7,500 bond.
Robert Erik Kessler, 65, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 27 by BPD: motor vehicle registration requirement, failure to show proof of financial responsibility, no driver’s license, failure to identify, probation violation-manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, bond forfeiture-possession of a controlled substance.
Jimmy Leroy Mashall, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 27 by DPS: driving while license is invalid.
Raul Munoz Jr., 44, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 27 by MFPD: violation of a promise to appear, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released same day on $1,500 in bonds. Released Nov. 30 on $15,000 bond.
Alberto Rangel-Lopez, 25, of Mexico was arrested Nov. 27 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): detainer. Released Nov. 28 to ICE.
Heather Rae Ann Sturks, 38, of Kingsland was arrested Nov. 27 by GSPD: assault causing bodily injury. Released Nov. 28 on $4,000 bond.
Magdalena Ellen Caracheo, 17, of Meadowlakes was arrested Nov. 28 by BCSO: bond revocation-assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released Nov. 29 on $5,500 in bonds.
Jesus Ramirez-Casas, 33, was arrested Nov. 28 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 29 to ICE.
Christopher Lee Rhymer, 50, of Copperas Cove was arrested Nov. 28 by an outside agency-bench warrant.
Ferrill Raymond Rushton Jr., 58, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 28 by BCSO: assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released same day on $5,000 bond.
Cody Rahe White, 40, of Johnson City was arrested Nov. 28 by BCSO: parole violation, possession of a controlled substance.
Daniel Thomas Barner, 34, of Kingsland was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: bond revocation-theft of property. Released same day on $15,000 bond.
Mason Jaymes Cross, 24, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: continuous violence against the family. Released Nov. 30 on bond.
Carlos Escalante, 57, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: motion to revoke-sex offender’s duty to register.
Raul Munoz Jr., 44, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: insufficient bond-possession of a controlled substance.
Ruben Ortiz, 26, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: commitment-possession of a controlled substance.
Angel Romero, 25, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Nov. 29 by MFPD: assault by contact-family violence. Released same day on $500 bond.
Clayton Lee Simons, 29, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 29 by BCSO: possession of marijuana. Released Nov. 30 on $1,500 bond.
Martin Belman, 37, of Austin was arrested Nov. 30 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released Dec. 1 on $10,000 bond.
Bruce Allen Fuqua, 60, of Austin was arrested Nov. 30 by MFPD: driving while license is invalid.
Bryan Rogelio Hernandez, 22, of Temple was arrested Nov. 30 by MFPD: public intoxication.
Elizabeth Michelle Hibler, 44, of Lampasas was arrested Nov. 30 by BCSO: failure to appear-adjudication-forgery/defraud, child support. Released Dec. 1 on $13,649.61 in bonds.
Karon Ann King, 55, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 30 by MFPD: theft of property. Released Dec. 1 on $2,500 bond.
Aaron Garrett Nelson, 45, of Kingsland was arrested Nov. 30 by GSPD: capias pro fine-no driver’s license, capias pro fine-speeding.
Ana Garbreila Ocano-Ortiz, 34, of Ecuador was arrested Nov. 30 by ICE: detainer. Released same day to ICE.
Patrick Wayne Pierce, 51, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 30 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance.Released Dec. 1 on $5,000 bond.
Danny Ray Tillery, 50, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 30 by BCSO: failure to appear-possession of a controlled substance.
Renee Lynn Brewer, 53, of Marble Falls was arrested Dec. 1 by MFPD: public intoxication, resisting arrest.
Renee Lynn Brewer, 53, of Marble Falls was arrested Dec. 1 by BCSO: bond revocation-criminal trespass.
David Ira Diamond, 39, of Spicewood was arrested Dec. 1 by BCSO: assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Tammy Jo Linder, 47, of Marble Falls was arrested Dec. 1 by BCSO: motion to adjudicate-possession of a controlled substance.
Monica Marie Marez, 50, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Dec. 1 by MFPD: possession of drug paraphernalia, open container-driver, failure to appear. Released same day on $1,500 in bonds.
Annaliese Rene Pirie, 31, of Burnet was arrested Dec. 1 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance, driving while license is invalid.
Annaliese Rene Pirie, 31, of Burnet was arrested Dec. 1 by BCSO: bond revocation-possession of marijuana.
Sarah Elizabeth Schlegel, 34, of Round Mountain was arrested Dec. 1 by BCSO: bond revocation-possession of a controlled substance.
The Marble Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10376 is hosting several events in December, including a free supper for veterans and first responders, a Pearl Harbor Day remembrance, live music, and a New Year’s Eve celebration.
The post is located 1001 Veterans Drive. Events include:
Free supper
Friday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m.
Free meal for veterans, first responders, and their families. Karaoke for entertainment. Donations welcome.
Pearl Harbor Day
Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 5-9 p.m.
Remember the hundreds of U.S. soldiers who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Barbecue dinner by Crawford’s Fine BBQ.
Old School Band show
Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7-11 p.m.
Jay Henderson on guitar, Fletcher Knight on bass, Melvin Jones on keyboard, Lonnie Brown on drums, and Elliot Fikes on saxophone will have you dancing the night away. Admission is $10 at the door.
Cold River Band show
Saturday, Dec. 17, with time TBA
Listen to original music by the Cold River Band, including “A Love Like This” and “Take Me Home.” Admission is $10 at the door.
New Year’s Eve party
Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Ring in 2023 with live music by George Mercado and Vesta Realm. A ticket includes one free beverage, party favors, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and a midnight sparkling toast. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-10.png150150luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-04 02:22:512022-12-04 02:22:51Marble Falls VFW’s December schedule includes Pearl Harbor Day and New Year’s Eve events
LEFT: A sewage leak at the privately owned B&W Gatherings Wastewater Treatment Facility in Granite Shoals was said to have gone unattended from Friday, Nov. 25, until the evening of Sunday, Nov. 27. Nearby residents say this is a chronic issue. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey RIGHT: Sewage leaked into the grass near the Tropical Hideaway dog park. Courtesy photo by Bobby Gallagher
A Thanksgiving weekend sewage leak from a private wastewater treatment plant in Granite Shoals has residents concerned about its ability to handle even more homes in a planned subdivision.
The treatment plant is expected to serve the incoming Granite Pointe subdivision. During a Granite Shoals City Council meeting Nov. 30, neighbors expressed their concerns about the strain more homes would put on the facility, which already serves the Tropical Hideaway condominiums and several other lakefront condos.
During a presentation to the council at its Oct. 25 meeting, representatives of Granite Pointe subdivision developer Sterling Creek Holdings claimed major upgrades would be made to the plant in 2023 to accommodate the homes. No specific plans were mentioned.
On Nov. 25, residents noticed a siren sounding from the plant and increasing levels of overflowing sewage. Both continued through the evening of Nov. 27.
In an email to DailyTrib.com, an Aqua Texas spokesperson said 2,000 gallons of raw sewage were discharged from the facility during the leak, which was attributed to an electrical malfunction that they claimed was fixed within an hour of its discovery. According to the statement, the leak was investigated by the facility’s operator leading up to Sunday, but no issue was found.
The email goes on to say the leak was contained to Aqua Texas property and posed no danger to human health or safety, which is why neighbors were not told of the issue.
“The incident was reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,” reads the email. “Since the discharge was contained on the property, and there was no potential danger to human health, safety or the environment, a broader communication was not necessary.”
Granite Shoals Interim City Manager Peggy Smith told DailyTrib.com she was made aware of the leak on Monday, Nov. 28, after the city received several emails complaining of a siren and raw sewage flooding the grass and a dog park near Tropical Hideaway. She also was told about the complaint filed with the TCEQ.
“My feeling is if, as residents have described, that there is standing water and sewage around the plant, that that is a threat to our citizens,” she said.
The TCEQ regulates any actions that might have an environmental impact across the state, including wastewater treatment. Aqua Texas could face fines or have its permit to operate revoked if violations are found to be outstanding.
Tropical Hideaway resident Bobby Gallagher told DailyTrib.com he and his wife, Susan, heard a siren from the facility on Friday and saw the progression of the sewage overflowing from the water treatment plant, which flooded the nearby grass.
“(Susan) noticed an odor, which is typically there anyway,” Gallagher said. “It smelled like it was more rancid than normal.”
He recounted his firsthand experience with the leak, laying out a timeline of events. A siren began on that Friday and a stronger-than-normal odor came from the plant. Sewage started to overflow from the facility by Saturday, and the surrounding grass around the plant was soaked with sewage by Sunday.
“It’s concerning that these events occur and we are not notified as a community that there is an active leak,” he said. “Nothing is ever done to mitigate the flow from their property onto ours.”
Gallagher claimed to have spoken with Tropical Hideaway manager Damon Schiro, who told him that Aqua Texas had not responded to any inquiries regarding the leak. Schiro was not available for comment at the time of this story’s publication.
Granite Shoals Utilities Superintendent Joshua Hisey told DailyTrib.com that an Aqua Texas employee attended to the siren and leak at the plant by 6 p.m. Nov. 27, at which point, the alarm ceased.
During the Nov. 30 council meeting, some of the neighbors told councilors they were worried about the plant’s ability to handle the new Granite Pointe subdivision.
“I’m just a little concerned because we’ve been left in the dark and we are literally swimming in sewage,” resident Breeanna Malik told a full council chamber.
Resident Jeff Ward stepped up after Malik and echoed her concerns.
“The development of the Granite Pointe subdivision has been a stickler as far as the sewage plant is concerned,” he said. “Without it even being tied in, we are experiencing these problems.”
The Granite Shoals City Council plans to address their concerns during its next meeting, which is 6 p.m. Dec. 14. at City Hall, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road.
Jaime Veloz (left) and wife Selene with Granite Shoals Police Officer Rey Salinas and Chief John Ortis during the 2021 Ground Zero car and truck show. Staff photo by Jennifer Greenwell
The Ground Zero truck club is hoping for a boatload of new toys during its car and truck show Dec. 3. The event is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Quarry Park, 2210 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals.
Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring a new toy worth at least $25 to donate to the Granite Shoals Police Association and Fire Auxiliary’s Operation Fill the Boat toy drive. First responders will distribute the collected toys to children in the community for Christmas.
“This allows us as first responders to assist families in need during Christmas and around the year,” said Granite Shoals Police Chief John Ortis.
More than 100 vehicles are expected to compete in the show, each vying for one of the 40 awards to be handed out. Contest entry is a toy donation.
The event will have vendors. You can bring your own alcoholic beverages as long as they are in a non-glass container. A cooler fee is $20 at the entrance.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-8.png7681024luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-03 00:47:052022-12-03 00:47:05Ground Zero car and truck show Dec. 3 benefits toy drive
Check agendas and websites to see if the following government meetings are in person, virtual, or both. Agendas are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this list is published. Check links for more information.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wp-header-logo-7.png150150luke/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-12-02 21:22:482022-12-02 21:22:48GOVERNMENT MEETINGS: For the week of Dec. 5
