The last day to vote for your favorite Highland Lakes people, places, and things in The Picayune Magazine’s 2023 Locals Love Us contest is Nov. 30. You can cast a ballot Tuesday and again Wednesday to give your favorites that extra boost. Results will be published in February in the 2023 Locals Love Us Magazine.
“Locals Love Us Magazine is the go-to resource for visitors to the Highland Lakes,” said Mandi Goldsmith, publisher of Victory Media, which owns The Picayune Magazine, DailyTrib.com, 101 Fun Things to do in the Highland Lakes magazine, 101HighlandLakes.com, and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune. “Visitors tell us again and again how much they use the magazine to find out what the locals like best. I’ve found public copies dog-eared and with pages torn out.”
Plenty of free copies will be available for Highland Lakes visitors and residents. Just be sure your opinion is heard by voting on these last two days.
Winners are selected in each of these three areas: Burnet, Kingsland/Llano, and Marble Falls. Visit the Locals Love Us webpage to see winners from previous years.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-header-logo-50.png150150lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-11-30 04:02:202022-11-30 04:02:20Last chance to vote for your 2023 Locals Love Us favorites!
Jaelyn Nelson, executive director of the Burnet County Hunger Alliance, at a monthly food pantry set up at the Hoover Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The alliance, which works to fill food gaps in the area, is changing its name and expanding its coverage to include Llano and Blanco counties. Staff photo by Suzanne Freeman
The Burnet County Hunger Alliance will become the Hill Country Hunger Alliance on Jan. 1, 2023, board members decided on Tuesday, Nov. 29, during their last meeting of the year. Alliance head Jaelyn Nelson will reach out to food pantries in Llano and Blanco counties to invite them to join forces in fighting hunger in Central Texas.
“We need to do this,” said board member Lottie McCorkle, who is also the executive director of LACare, a Burnet food pantry. “I know Blanco County has wanted to join, and we need to include them.”
Food pantries in Buchanan Dam and Kingsland also would be eligible to work with the expanded alliance.
The Burnet County Hunger Alliance is a volunteer group of food pantries, churches, school administrators, elected officials, area leaders, and active residents committed to ending hunger in their communities. The alliance coordinates and directs people to existing resources and looks for and fills gaps in service.
Also at the meeting, board members reported on food pantry supplies, community Thanksgiving dinners, and the results of Hunger Awareness Month, which was in September.
A big delivery from the Central Texas Food Bank came in the day of the meeting, reported board member Pat Preston, who volunteers at the First Baptist Church of Marble Falls food pantry.
“We have a lot more food to select from now,” he said. “We got some meat for a change, but we still need peanut butter and canned vegetables.”
Supply chain issues during the summer and fall reduced offerings from the Central Texas Food Bank, making it hard to meet needs in the Highland Lakes. Area pantries are able to shop from the food bank at a lower cost than at grocery stores.
“We went from 11 pages of items to choose from to one page,” Preston said. “One month, we had only seven items to choose from.”
Fall food drives helped fill the gaps, including a canned goods competition between Marble Falls and Burnet school districts during football games.
“The Battle of the Cans was mind-blowing,” said board member Kaitlen Puckett, a social worker with the Marble Falls Independent School District. “We collected around 6,000 pounds.”
The Helping Center of Marble Falls and LACare in Burnet split the collection almost 50/50 based on the number of cans donated by each community. It was the first Battle of the Cans food drive, which will continue in 2023, Puckett said.
“We’ll have more time to promote it next year,” she said. “We had only two weeks this year, so I’m hoping we’ll do even better next time.”
The annual Picayune-KBEY Food Drive was also a huge success, collecting about $9,500 in cash and more than 4,000 pounds of food. The money and food were also split between The Helping Center and LACare.
Nelson reported on large gatherings for several community Thanksgiving dinners. Joseph’s Food Pantry in Granite Shoals and St. Frederick’s Baptist Church in Marble Falls each served more than 500 people at their respective dinners.
The alliance’s next meeting is at noon Feb. 28, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 105 RR 1431 in Marble Falls.
Sunrise Beach Village Police Chief Laurie Brock proposed merging the sexual assault response teams in Burnet and Llano counties during a regular meeting of the Llano County Commissioners Court on Nov. 28. Brock was a sex crimes investigator for 10 years with the Llano County Sheriff’s Office prior to joining the Sunrise Beach Village department. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Llano County Commissioners Court voted to merge its sexual assault response team with Burnet County’s team during its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 28. The merge will streamline administrative responsibilities and allow for further cooperation between regional agencies and departments to better support sexual assault survivors.
The Burnet County SART had already approved the merger internally.
By combining teams, Burnet and Llano counties will have a unified protocol for handling sexual assaults in the Highland Lakes region.
Blanco County, which falls under the same District Attorney’s office as Burnet and Llano counties, is also invited to join the multi-county SART but has yet to vote on the matter.
Sunrise Beach Village Police Chief Laurie Brock presented the merger to commissioners. She spearheaded the formation of SART in Llano County and recommended joining forces with the neighboring counties.
“We’re trying to create protocol on how sexual assaults are dealt with by law enforcement agencies to make sure a consistent job is done,” Brock said at the Monday meeting.
Consistency will be bolstered by quarterly meetings of representatives from all law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, victim services providers, and the 33rd and 424th District Attorney’s Office.
Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center Training and Collaborations coordinator Ginnie Imrie will act as the head of the merged SART and be responsible for administering the response team’s protocols and meetings.
The crisis center is the only victim support organization in the region and serves Burnet, Llano, Blanco, and Lampasas counties.
“(The merger) is important for the community of the Highland Lakes because having the team shows a proactive response to sexual assaults,” Imrie told DailyTrib.com after the meeting. “It shows that we are working to educate ourselves on how to better handle these situations when they happen.”
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The Phoenix Center donors, directors, and founder Sarah Garrett pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 16 in front of the nonprofit’s newly constructed 8,000-square-foot facility at 3440 Texas 71 in Horseshoe Bay. Courtesy photo
The Phoenix Center recently celebrated the grand opening of a new 8,000-square-foot facility, which will allow the nonprofit to expand its mission to even more families in the Highland Lakes. The new center is located at 3340 Texas 71 in Horseshoe Bay.
Founded in 2007, the Phoenix Center provides trauma-informed counseling and mental healthcare to children.
“Children who do not receive any mental health intervention are at risk of failing at school, substance use, self-harm, and are more likely to commit suicide,” Phoenix Center Founder and CEO Sarah Garrett said in a media release. “The ripple effects are far more reaching and impact the child’s life, family, teachers, and community.”
With the newly expanded facilities, the Phoenix Center can now offer a variety of new forms of therapy to a wider range of patrons, spanning from young children to older adolescents. Additional therapies will be offered in group and family settings.
To enter the new therapy rooms, children walk through a 4-foot, arched doorway into a hallway known as the “River of Hope.” Lilly pads, handblown glass spheres, and gems line the hallway to create an uplifting, sensory experience.
“From the moment I stepped in, passed the sanctuary tree, and entered the River of Hope, I felt genuine joy that children who have experienced trauma would have this safe place to experience therapy through art, music, play, and counseling in learning coping strategies,” Horseshoe Bay Mayor Cynthia Clinesmith said in the media release.
An engaging outdoor area presents endless opportunities for children to flex their creative muscles through sensory play and inclusive structures.
The new facility was made possible by donations of money and work from several local businesses and individuals, including Nash Builders and Seaux+Pierce Architecture, Nikki Steele, Paul Brady, and Cheryl and Michael Foster.
“We are parents of three children who always knew they were tremendously loved and given many opportunities in life,” Cheryl Foster said in the media release. “They are the reason we are so honored to be partners with Phoenix Center, where deserving children and families can find hope and understanding through their state-of-the-art mental health therapy.”
Future plans include construction of a trauma-informed equine therapy center on the ranch’s 77 acres.
Although the new facility is fully funded, the nonprofit is currently in need of additional money to hire more licensed therapists.
“Because over 81 percent of our families are considered low-income, and no child is turned away due to inability to pay, we are incredibly grateful for each donation and pledge that has made our services and growth possible,” Garrett said in the release. “Our realized dream has only been possible because of the generosity of local individuals who are making a life-changing difference for local children and families in our community.”
Those interested in contributing to the Phoenix Center may visit the nonprofit’s website, email info@phoenixtx.org, or mail donations to P.O. Box 732, Marble Falls, TX 78654.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-header-logo-47.png5111024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-11-29 10:58:452022-11-29 10:58:45Phoenix Center celebrates grand opening of new facility
Shannon Hamilton, the new executive director of the Central Texas Water Coalition, introduced herself to the Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors during the public comment section of the LCRA Water Operations Committee meeting Nov. 16. Livestream screen capture
New technology that analyzes evaporation and the amount of water drained from the Lower Colorado River basin by small ponds and stock tanks will help the LCRA protect future water needs for its customers, according to a recent meeting of the authority’s Water Operations Committee. The meeting was the first of three back-to-back sessions held at LCRA’s Austin headquarters Nov. 16.
That short meeting was followed by an eight-minute regular meeting of the board, when members voted to temporarily increase the authority’s firm water commitment for in-house industrial and irrigation purposes to 500 acre-feet per year. It is currently 200 acre-feet per year, but will drop back to 100 acre-feet per year when the Arbuckle Reservoir in Wharton County becomes fully operational in the fall of 2024.
The water is needed for construction and vegetation regrowth at Arbuckle, the first new water supply reservoir in the LCRA river basin in decades. With a 5-mile circumference, Arbuckle will be able to store 40,000 acre-feet of water, which can be drained and refilled multiple times a year.
“When operating with the full system, including the Buchanan and Travis reservoirs, that amounts to 90,000 acre-feet of new supply per year,” said Monica Masters, LCRA’s vice president of water resources. “It allows LCRA to capture releases no longer needed due to changing needs downstream.”
The day began with a two-hour-plus annual update from LCRA staff to the Water Operations Committee. The board heard updates on basin conditions, water supply planning initiatives, and 2023 interruptible rates.
The U.S. Corps of Engineers is working with the LCRA on an evaporation study that uses real-time weather information from a weather station deployed on Lake Buchanan.
Texas A&M University has joined with the authority to identify changes to the inflows in lakes Buchanan and Travis.
Perhaps the most anticipated study is being done by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, which is using geographic information system mapping and satellite imagery to determine the number of small ponds or stock tanks drawing water from the lakes.
“No one looks at it, but everyone acknowledges that it’s a concern,” said John Hofmann, executive vice president of water at LCRA.
The board ended its long day with an executive session of just over an hour. No action was taken when it reconvened in open session.
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The Highland Lakes gets in the holiday spirit Nov. 29-Dec. 5 with events celebrating Christmas past, markets for that perfect gift, and a performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” 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.
Shop vendors, artists, and makers and enjoy music, food, and more. Organized by the Highland Lakes Kiwanis. Click the link for more information or to sign up to be a vendor.
Sculpture in the Square
Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Old Oak Square on Main Street
This Highland Lakes Creative Arts event features live ice sculpture carving, sculpture-making workshops, and a sculpture art show showcasing regional artists. Kids can make their own clay sculpture.
Historic homes tour
Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m.
501 Sixth St.
511 Seventh St.
603 Seventh St.
601 Avenue F
The Falls on the Colorado Museum hosts this tour of four homes dressed up for the holidays. Tickets are $10 at the museum, 2001 Broadway, or any of the homes during the tour. Tour is free to ages 12 and younger. Email focmuseumchair@gmail.com for more information.
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.
The Highland Lakes Classical Chorus presents its first concert in three years when it performs selected movements from Handel’s “Messiah” at First United Methodist Church in Burnet. The chorus will be accompanied by a guest organist. The performance includes the famous “Hallelujah” chorus and other familiar movements as well as solo sections sung by local vocalists. Admission is free (suggested donation of $5).
Enjoy a visit from Christmas past during this Charles Dickens-themed weekend. Family-friendly events include a barrel race, breakfast with Santa, games, crafts, cookie decorating, live music on a main stage, strolling musicians and magicians, Dickens costume contest for adults and children, carriage rides, petting zoo, holiday home tours, wine swirl, lighted Christmas parade, holiday lights display, a tea and Victorian fashion show, and a dinner theater production of “A Christmas Carol.” Click the link for a full schedule and details.
HORSESHOE BAY
Holidaze
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1
7401-7407 FM 2147
Shop more than 35 vendors and enjoy food, beverages, prizes, carolers and dancers, and a Puppy Lounge (new this year). Santa makes an appearance at 6 p.m. A Christmas tree lighting is at 6:15 p.m. Hosted by the Horseshoe Bay Business Alliance.
BERTRAM
Country Christmas
Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Downtown Vaughn Street
Down-home celebration features live music, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, and Santa. A Bertram Chamber of Commerce event.
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.
The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail during the period of Nov. 18-24, 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.
Travis Austin Brown, 34, of Dallas was arrested Nov. 18 by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released Nov. 19 on $8,000 in bonds.
Amanda Danforth, 36, of Llano was arrested Nov. 18 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): kidnapping, engaging in criminal action. Released same day on $25,000 in bonds.
Timothy Hackney, 32, of Llano was arrested Nov. 18 by BPD: kidnapping, engaging in organized criminal activity. Released Nov. 18 on $25,000 in bonds.
Kenneth Lee Lentz, 62, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): bond forfeiture-unauthorized use of a vehicle, bail jumping/failure to appear, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, accident involving damage to a vehicle, driving while license is invalid.
Lindsay Alexandra Lusk, 23, of Johnson City was arrested Nov. 18 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, theft of property. Released Nov. 19 on personal recognizance.
Scott Fox Maurer, 63, of Jonestown was arrested Nov. 18 by BCSO: insufficient bond-possession of a controlled substance, insufficient bond-possession of a controlled substance. Released Nov. 19 on $40,000 in bonds.
Ulises Gutierrez Mondragon, 23, of Mexico was arrested Nov. 18 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): detainer. Released Nov. 23 to ICE.
Roger Ortiz, 41, of Granite Shoals was arrested Nov. 18 by BCSO: bond revocation-criminal trespass.
Gregory Ellas Stevenson, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 18 by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO): bench warrant.
Christopher John Torres, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 18 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance. Released same day on $2,500 bond.
Nelson Kaine Williams, 27, of Round Rock was arrested Nov. 18 by BCSO: possession of a controlled substance.
Justen Thomas Bruening, 41, was arrested Nov. 19 by MFPD: assault causing bodily injury, public intoxication. Released Nov. 20 on $5,500 in bonds.
Miguel Camacho-Camacho, 47, of Spicewood was arrested Nov. 19 by MFPD: driving while intoxicated.
Kaleb Scott Schweitzer, 26, of Liberty Hill was arrested Nov. 19 by BCSO: injury to a child/elderly/disabled person, bond revocation-driving while license is invalid. Released Nov. 20 on $28,000 in bonds.
Mario Aguilar-Lopez, 31, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Bertin Bernal-Delgado, 40, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Miguel Camacho-Camacho, 47, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer.
Elmer Elias-Vasquez, 46, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE. Released Nov. 22 to ICE.
Kelvin Noel Guevara-Gomez, 28, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 22 to ICE.
Jesus Hernandez-Perez, 43, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Jose Ivan Huerta-Zamora, 39, of Austin was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Alfredo Jimenez-Robles, 41, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Fermin Loza-Jaimes, 30, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 21 to ICE.
Aaron Augustus Lucero, 36, of Austin was arrested Nov. 20 by BPD: stalking, criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance.
Kirk William Piper, 52, of Houston was arrested Nov. 20 by MFPD: theft of service.
Wilson Vallecillo-Rodriguez, 34, was arrested Nov. 20 by ICE: detainer. Released Nov. 22 to ICE.
Manuel Frias Vazquez, 26, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 20 by BCSO: abandoning/endangering a child.
Christopher Lee Maxwell, 38, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 21 by BPD: failure to appear-possession of a controlled substance. Released Nov. 22 on $25,000 bond.
Edgar Manuel Pedroza, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 21 by BCSO: assault on family/household member, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Alexandria Brooke Perez, 23, of Kingsland was arrested Nov. 21 by MFPD: possession of drug paraphernalia. Released Nov. 22 on $500 bond.
James Randell Price, 37, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 21 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): assault causing bodily injury-family violence, unlawful restraint.
Gregory Silva Jr., 36, of Granite Shoals was arrested Nov. 21 by GSPD: motion to revoke-failure to comply with sex offender’s duty to register, motion to revoke-sex offender’s duty to register, failure to comply with sex offender’s duty to register, surety surrender-possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear, bail jumping/failure to appear.
Jimmy Dwayne Steaples, 52, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 21 by BTPD: possession of a controlled substance, U.S. Marshal’s Service detainer.
Manuel Frias Vazquez, 26, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 21 by ICE: detainer.
Codie Anne Wellman, 28, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 21 by BCSO: assault-family violence. Released Nov. 22 on $500 bond.
Brodderick Deshawn Lewis, 23, of Killeen was arrested Nov. 22 by BTPD: capias pro fine-possession of drug paraphernalia. Released Nov. 23 with credit for time served.
Alexandro Medina, 21, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 22 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated.
Alexandro Medina, 21, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 22 by BCSO: bond revocation-possession of a controlled substance, bond revocation-driving while intoxicated. Released same day on $36,000 in bonds.
Christian Anthony Aguirre, 37, of Johnson City was arrested Nov. 23 by MFPD: public intoxication. Released Nov. 24 on $500 bond.
Jaydon Christopher Johnson, 23, of Burnet was arrested Nov. 23 by BCSO: sexual assault of a child.
Destin Ramon Luna, 19, of Liberty Hill was arrested Nov. 23 by BCSO: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle. Released same day on personal recognizance.
Raul Miranda-Morales, 228, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 23 by BCSO: failure to yield the right of way, no driver’s license.
Lewis Munson Stevens, 38, of New Braunfels was arrested Nov. 23 by BCSO: bond revocation-driving while intoxicated.
Gregory Ellas Stevenson, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested Nov. 23 by WCSO: bench warrant.
David Allen Vallejos, 70, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 23 by BCSO: violation of bond/protective order.
Cesar Daniel Almanza-Razo, 23, was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer.
Marcos Jorge Arteaga, 33, of Houston was arrested Nov. 24 by MFPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released same day on $20,000 bond.
Victor Manuel Gaona-Ramirez, 45, was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer.
Nancy Lozano-Solorzano, 33, was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer.
Edgar Martinez-Rivera, 33, was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer.
Raul Miranda-Morales, 28, of Bertram was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer. Released same day on $1,500 in bonds.
Jose Sanchez-Santiago, 29, was arrested Nov. 24 by ICE: detainer.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-header-logo-44.png150150lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-11-26 15:57:442022-11-26 15:57:44Burnet County Jail bookings for Nov. 18-24, 2022
Daniel Bradford Foster, 44, of Llano was sentenced to 37 years in prison on Nov. 10 for burglary of a habitation.
Daniel Bradford Foster, 44, of Llano was sentenced to 37 years in prison for home burglary. The decision was handed down by Judge Evan Stubbs in the 424th District Court on Nov. 10. The hearing included testimony from five witnesses, including the defendant, according to a media release from the District Attorney’s Office for the 33rd/424th Judicial Districts.
Foster was originally granted deferred adjudication probation on Jan. 6 for the burglary after he pleaded guilty to entering a home without the owner’s consent and stealing a dog belonging to his then-girlfriend, according to the release. On the day Foster was placed on probation, he was arrested for assaulting a Llano County resident, a new criminal offense that led the state to file a motion requesting Foster be adjudicated guilty of the burglary and sentenced to prison.
“The person who originally called law enforcement (the complainant) described that Foster walked into the house without permission and took a dog which did not belong to him,” District Attorney Sonny McAfee stated in the media release. “Therefore, the entry into the complainant’s home was a burglary. The complainant later wanted to drop any prosecution of the defendant.”
Due to the complainant’s wish not to prosecute, Foster was granted community supervision, or probation. The same day he was placed on probation, Jan. 6, he assaulted a resident and was arrested for failure to follow the terms of his community supervision, McAfee said. Foster was returned to prison.
The District Attorney’s Office release explained that at an adjudication hearing, a judge determines whether the defendant violated terms of his probation and then assesses punishment. The defendant’s guilt for the original offense had been established when he was placed on probation.
At Foster’s adjudication hearing, assistant district attorneys Tanner Barnes and Emily Sterling presented testimony from the assault victim. A Llano County sheriff’s deputy testified that Foster was found a short distance from the home where the assault took place on Jan. 6. Foster also admitted to continued use of methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The punishment range for the offense of burglary of a habitation is usually two to 20 years in prison or up to 10 years’ probation, the release stated. However, because Foster had previous felony convictions, the range was up to 99 years or life.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-header-logo-43.png7681024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-11-26 10:53:382022-11-26 10:53:38Llano man gets 37 years for home burglary after assault arrest
The seats of Pedernales Electric Cooperative board member Emily Pataki (left) of District 2 and board President Mark Ekrut of District 3 are up for election in 2023. Ekrut will be running for re-election, he told DailyTrib.com. Pataki had not responded to an inquiry by deadline. Courtesy photos
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s 2023 board election process starts Jan. 17, when candidates can first apply to run for seats in districts 2 and 3. The process has a few changes this year.
Current board President Mark Ekrut represents District 3, which includes the area north of Lake Travis to Texas 183. He plans to run for re-election, he told DailyTrib.com in a recent email. He was first elected in 2020.
District 2, which is currently represented by Emily Pataki, includes Cedar Park and parts of Williamson County. Pataki was first elected in 2014 and is finishing her third, three-year term. Board members are limited to four terms of office, so if re-elected, this would be her last. Pataki had not responded to a DailyTrib.com inquiry on if she is running for re-election by this story’s publication deadline.
On Nov. 18, the Board of Directors heard details of a draft resolution outlining election dates for the upcoming year. The item will be on the Dec. 16 agenda for final approval.
In October, the board gave final approval to a few election bylaw changes, including eliminating candidate videos from PEC’s election webpages and expanding the time period when candidates have access to a list of cooperative members’ contact information.
Previously, that list was only available in January. Now, it will be available two months’ prior to the candidate application period, giving them more time to gather needed signatures to qualify for the ballot.
At the November meeting, Kathi Thomas, a candidate for District 4 in the 2022 election, spoke during the public comment section and asked the board to reinstate candidate videos.
“They cost time and money, but they are valuable,” she said. “The value goes beyond dollars and cents.”
She suggested letting candidates make their own videos, within guidelines, that could be posted on the PEC website.
She also suggested reinstating candidate forums.
“You canceled candidate forums during COVID time, which was a good idea at the time,” she said. “It’s time to bring them back.”
The election resolution, if approved in December, will include the following important dates:
Jan 17-March 27, 2023 — candidate application period
Feb. 10 — names due to board for members of the Qualification and Elections Committee
Feb. 17 — board to approve the QEC
April 5-6 — QEC meets to vet candidates
April 10 — board candidate orientation
May 16 — voting begins
June 9 — voting ends at 5 p.m.
June 13 — results released
June 16 — election winners sworn in at annual meeting, seated for June meeting immediately following annual meeting
Check agendas and websites to see if the following government meetings are in person, virtual, or both. Agendas are posted 72 hours before a meetings so are not always ready by the time this list is published. Check links for more information.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-header-logo-41.png150150lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2022-11-26 00:11:102022-11-26 00:11:10GOVERNMENT MEETINGS: For the week of Nov. 28
