Former Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees member Rick Edwards died in May 2022. He had served on the board since 2009. The district is honoring Edwards’ legacy with a day of service on Feb. 24. File photos
“Mr. Edwards was more than a trustee, he was a pillar of generous love to his family, the district, community, and all who knew him,” said MFISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen in a media release. “He was passionate about his community, primarily the work of schools in the lives of children.”
Students at all campuses will participate. Younger children will be in classrooms making cards, writing letters, drawing pictures, and assembling care packages. Older students will serve outside their campuses at local nonprofits, parks, and businesses.
A former board president, Edwards was elected in 2009. He served three terms before stepping down in 2017 for family reasons. In June 2018, the board appointed him to the vacant Place 2 seat.
During his time on the school board, Edwards advocated for the advancement of all students in the district.
“He believed in investing in the well-being of children as individual human beings with hopes and dreams, as well as the systems that nurture safety and intellectual achievement,” Allen said.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-49.png6831024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-17 20:13:482023-01-17 20:13:48MFISD honoring trustee’s legacy with day of service Feb. 24
Kyler Nathaniel Allen (left) and Jordan Ostrander, both 19, were arrested by Texas Rangers in Guadalupe County and each charged with capital murder on Monday, Jan. 16. The two men are suspected of killing Preston Wessling, 38, and his son, Evan Wessling, 14, on Jan. 14 in Tow. Photos from Guadalupe County Jail
Kyler Nathaniel Allen and Jordan Ostrander, both 19, were arrested and each charged with capital murder on Monday, Jan. 16, in the killings of Preston Wessling, 38, and his son, Evan Wessling, 14, in Tow on Saturday. Allen and Ostrander were arrested in Guadalupe County, where they are currently being held in county jail.
Investigators believe Preston and Evan Wessling were shot and killed early Saturday morning at a home on Airport Road in Tow. Llano County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call at 4:49 a.m. about multiple gunshot victims at the home. The father and son were found lying in the driveway, both with gunshot wounds, and declared dead at the scene.
Evan Wessling was a freshman at Burnet High School. The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District said counseling would be available for those grieving his death in a social media post to the district’s Facebook page.
Evan’s sister, Tessa Wessling, is raising money for her brother and father’s funeral arrangements via a GoFundMe page.
The Llano County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls about several shots fired in the general vicinity of the homicides a little after 1 a.m. Saturday.
No information has been released on if the gunshots and killings are related.
Allen and Ostrander were arrested early Monday morning by Texas Rangers with assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Guadalupe County sheriff’s deputies. Both suspects have San Marcos addresses listed on their arrest records.
The capital murder charge against each of the men carries a potential punishment of life in prison or the death penalty.
The investigation is ongoing. No motive for the killings has been shared by law enforcement.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-48.png6261024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-17 18:33:332023-01-17 18:33:33Arrests made in Tow double homicide
Dr. William H. Reid, author of ‘A Dark Night in Aurora: Inside James Holmes and the Colorado Mass Shootings,’ is the featured speaker at an hsbWriters workshop from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan 21, in Horseshoe Bay. Courtesy photo
Dr. William H. Reid, a forensic psychiatrist, blues-folk artist, and author, will discuss traditional publishing vs. self-publishing during a workshop from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at The Church at Horseshoe Bay, 600 Hi Ridge Road. Tickets for the hsbWriters-hosted event are $40 and may be purchased online or at the door.
“The publishing world is rapidly changing,” said Paloma Guerrero, president of hsbWriters, a nonprofit organization for area writers, editors, and illustrators. “Having this opportunity to hear about traditional publishing from an insider who just also happens to be a skilled instructor is the candy of life.”
Reid is the author of “A Dark Night in Aurora: Inside James Holmes and the Colorado Mass Shootings.” His mother, the late Lucile Reid Brock, wrote two books of her own while living in Horseshoe Bay: “Taos Then: Only-in-Taos Stories, From a Bride Who Lived Them” and “M.D. Pursuit (and Beyond): A Wife’s Medical School Sketches in Word and Watercolor.”
His workshop, “Getting Your Work to ‘Traditional’ Publishers,” addresses the complex and often difficult path to being published and how to decide between traditional, self, or hybrid routes. He also will talk about finding and working with legitimate agents and publishers.
You can find the multi-talented Dr. Reid on Twitter and his Facebook pages for music and writing.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-47.png6101024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-17 11:40:582023-01-17 11:40:58Find your best publishing route at hsbWriters workshop
The 2023 LakeFest drag-boat races on Lake Marble Falls are planned for June 10-11. Photo by William Brown
Marble Falls LakeFest on June 10-11 kicks off the Southern Drag Boat Association’s 2023 season. The event takes place on Lake Marble Falls at Lakeside Park and is hosted by the Marble Falls/Highland Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
Races are also scheduled in San Angelo, Waco, and Paris, Texas, as the summer-long campaign progresses.
Fans can purchase LakeFest tickets — when available — on the chamber’s website. A free Show and Shine event, during which people can meet drivers and crews and see the boats, typically precedes the races on the Friday before in Johnson Park. Details for this year’s Show and Shine have yet to be announced.
From 1992 to 2001, LakeFest grossed about $2.2 million with a net income of around $600,000 for the chamber, which donated roughly $75,000 to local nonprofits in that 10-year span.
In 2018, fans feared the beloved event would be permanently canceled after the chamber failed to reach an agreement with the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series. After a two-year hiatus, the Southern Drag Boat Association took over as sanctioning body for LakeFest.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-46.png6831024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-17 10:00:532023-01-17 10:00:532023 LakeFest is June 10-11
James “Jim” Board Giles passed away on January 11, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief illness at the age of 71. Jim will be remembered as a caring and loving man of God who was full of grace. He was a true embodiment of agape love. Jim was a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother, cousin, and grandfather named “Doc.”
Jim was born on December 12, 1951, in West Point, New York, to James B. Giles Jr. and Mary Gene Catlett Giles. He was raised in Houston, Texas, and attended Lamar High School, where he graduated captain of the basketball team, cheerleader, and was awarded “Gentleman of Lamar.” Although Jim had an amazing range of gifts and aptitudes, his interest in the medical field and his calling to become a doctor was sparked during his high school years.
He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 and was a proud Texas Ex. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and served as the chapter president and participated in multiple intermural sports, including the Phi Gamma Delta Intermural Football Championship team, volleyball, and basketball. After college, Jim attended Baylor College of Medicine from 1974 to 1978, then the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio Orthopaedic surgery residency from 1978 to 1983. It was in San Antonio where he established many of his medical colleagues and lifelong friends.
Jim had the fortune to meet Lisa Childers in San Antonio and forever affectionately called her L.O.M.L. (Love of My Life). After marrying Lisa, they had their first adventure in 1983 by moving to Edinburgh, Scotland, for six months for a medical fellowship. Following their return, they moved to Bryan, Texas, to join Orthopaedic Associates. During their years in Bryan, they welcomed their three daughters and were embraced by a community of friends, which continues to be their extended family. Jim retired to Marble Falls in 2012 after 28 years as an orthopaedic surgeon. Retirement and lake life provided more time for him to explore many of his other varied interests.
Jim Giles was a faithful Christian, and throughout his life, he served as a church leader, teacher, and mentor. He was called to medical mission work with Faith in Practice and, during his life, was recognized for his willingness to care for the less fortunate and marginalized communities throughout Texas and overseas. Jim was a founding board member of Breakaway Ministries, participant of Walk to Emmaus, longtime supporter of Samaritan’s Purse, Community Bible Study, served with the Kairos prison ministry, and Helping Center.
Jim had an incredible love of nature, athletics, and adventure. He was an avid boater, cyclist, SCUBA diver, hiker, camper, fisherman, kayaker, water skier, snow skier, pilates practicer, marathon runner, and triathlete. Jim and his family made lasting memories as they traveled the world together and he visited all seven continents. In addition to his other pursuits, he was an accomplished photographer and voracious reader.
Jim was fun-loving, a jokester as well as the world’s greatest encourager. He always mailed a packet of “clippings” to family and friends filled with articles, jokes, photos, and letters. Jim was known for his love of theme parties and his creative and elaborate costumes he often made himself. Jim was a music enthusiast, which led to some of his family’s most treasured moments by taking turns playing their favorite songs in the living room and dancing together. Jim will be forever known as a joyful person, humble, extremely compassionate, a man of action, inspirational to many, and a faithful Christian with a servant’s heart.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James B. Giles Jr. and Mary Gene Catlett Giles, and nephew Brian Smith. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lisa Childers Giles, and his three daughters and their families, Jordan Giles and husband Tommas Coldrick, Sarah Elizabeth Giles, and Blakeley Giles and husband Tanner Wilbanks. Jim adored his grandsons, Bohan James Coldrick, and Callan Alexander Coldrick.
He leaves behind his sisters, Susan Elizabeth Giles and Anne Giles Jarvis (Tim), and their children, Mary Catherine Jarvis and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Jarvis. Jim is survived by his cousins and their families: Jackson Hooper (Janelle) and their children Charles Hooper (Ashtyn), and Rebecca Erb (Austin), Mary Hooper Bell (Jerry) and their children Julia Ambrose (Ryan), John Bell (Amy), and Molly Johnson (Drew), and cousins Rogan B. Giles and Genie Lee Giles. Also surviving Jim are his stepmother, Everlyn McMillian Cummins Giles and her family: Jim Cummins (Ellen), Susan Cummins, and Bob Cummins (Melanie), his brother-in-law Tripps Childers (Becky) and their son Daniel Childers, and sister-in-law Tawnya Childers. The family recognizes Jim’s numerous extended family members and countless friends.
A celebration of life service is to be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 22nd of January, at First United Methodist Church, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception to greet the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be given in the name of Jim Giles to Breakaway Ministries, Phoenix Center, Helping Center, or a charity of your choice. Donations to Breakaway Ministries can be made at www.breakawayministries.org. Donations to Helping Center can be made online at www.helpingcenter.org. Donations to the Phoenix Center can be made online at www.phoenixtx.org or mailed to P.O. Box 732, Marble Falls, TX 78654.
First Baptist Church of Marble Falls Recreation Pastor Calvin Richard details moments of racial tension during a panel discussion on race relations hosted by the Marble Falls Independent School District on Thursday, Jan. 12. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Panelists talked about instances of racism they have personally experienced and encouraged embracing diversity during a public discussion on race relations hosted by the Marble Falls Independent School District on Thursday, Jan. 12.
Panelists for “Candid Conversations: Fulfilling the Dream — A Discussion About Race and Relations” were community activist Bessie Jackson, The Athletic Club owner Fermin Ortiz, and First Baptist Church of Marble Falls Recreation Pastor Calvin Richard. Iglesia Conexiones Pastor Alan Ramirez was unable to attend due to a funeral.
Panelists detailed ways the school district and community could confront racism and hold meaningful dialogue on issues of diversity.
“I think it’s beautiful when we embrace that there are differences,” Richard said. “When people say they don’t see color, that’s a nice PC (politically correct) thing to say, but we all see color. Let’s embrace the fact that this is what we see. Let’s get to know what those differences are and what those similarities are. That’s what I’d like to welcome in our conversations.”
Before the panel discussion began, MFISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen explained its purpose.
“I think we can all agree that what we want for everyone in our community is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect at all times,” he said. “What we’re aiming to do this evening is have an opportunity to listen in the name of trying to make sure we’re being as sensitive and aware to the needs of our neighbors as we need to be.”
The conversation was led by MFISD social worker Kaitlin Puckett, a white woman who is the mother of a Black child.
“She has a perspective she can bring to this discussion that some can’t,” Allen said when introducing her. “In the name of listening and having a heart of empathy, I felt like she would be the best person to facilitate this (discussion).”
To open the meeting, Puckett asked panelists to share moments in their life when they experienced racism.
Ortiz talked about instances involving other Latinos in the area.
“I had a unique experience,” he said. “I came from Puerto Rico. Our Spanish is a little different from the Spanish spoken by the Mexican community. We sound uppity, kind of like British English against American English. I was prejudiced by the local Hispanic community because I didn’t speak the way they spoke.”
Richard talked about a cross burning in 2015 at Smoking for Jesus Ministry, a predominately African-American church in the Highland Lakes.
“This was two blocks from my house where my three kids and wife all live,” Richard said. “Literally, in 2015, we’re still burning crosses outside of churches. No one was caught. It didn’t seem to be a big deal to pursue that situation. In a small town, somebody knows something that somebody did. The fact that nobody said anything was pretty hurtful to see happen.”
Midway through the discussion, conversations turned toward an incident during the Lady Mustangs’ basketball game against East Central High School on Nov. 18. It took place in Max Copeland Gym on the Marble Falls High School campus and involved a Marble Falls student making what were deemed racially insensitive noises toward East Central player Asia Prudhomme, who is Black, as she shot free throws.
“I have had kids tell me, ‘(Officials) are not going to do anything because (the offenders) are rich,’” panelist Bessie Jackson said. “‘They’re not going to do nothing. They’re just going to wash it under the bridge and hope we just forget about it.’ We cannot afford to do that. We cannot afford not to do something.”
As the conversation progressed, Ortiz asked if the district ever apologized to Prudhomme.
“Did anybody call this young lady personally and apologize?” he asked. “Do we know? I wanted to, and then I thought it really wasn’t my place. I should’ve and still am. If anybody has her number, I am going to call her. She needs to know that’s not Marble Falls.”
Allen confirmed with DailyTrib.com that a private apology was issued by the district and delivered by Marble Falls High School Principal Damon Adams to Prudhomme along with her team via a Zoom call as per the wishes of the East Central ISD Athletic Department.
Panelists posited ways the district can increase racial sensitivity among its student body and staff.
“It’s got to start at the top,” Jackson said. “We have to be firm in all that we do.”
To end the meeting, Allen shared his thoughts about the night’s conversations.
“We have systemic work to do,” he said. “We’re dealing with these things as a school district. We have work we know we want to continue to accomplish. We’re committed to doing some things, but at the end of the day, what it takes is everybody, neighbor to neighbor, conversation to conversation, interaction to interaction, trying to be the best version of ourselves we can possibly be.”
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.
The meeting will begin with an executive session to discuss the superintendent search process, possible candidates for a new interim superintendent, and the naming of an interim superintendent. The board expects to reconvene in open session at about 6 p.m. for any votes on action items, which include:
discussion and action on update to policies regarding student rights and responsibilities, student and parent complaints/grievances, and student discipline
recommendation for curriculum materials for instruction relating to prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking
updates from Public Works Department and ATMOS Energy
discussion and action on rezoning roughly 15 acres of land near Panther Hollow Drive to planned development district to facilitate new 237-unit apartment building
discussion and action on approval of preliminary and final plat for new Petco planned for U.S. 281
The 6 p.m. regular meeting scheduled for Jan. 19 was canceled “due to only having one action item and one report item scheduled,” according to City Administrator J.C. Hughes. He said the cancellation will also give staff more time to finish a rehabilitation project at the Civic Center.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-43.png150150lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-15 14:58:112023-01-15 14:58:11GOVERNMENT MEETINGS: For the week of Jan. 16, 2023
The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail during the period of Jan. 6-12, 2023, 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.
Jamie Ray Aguilar, 33, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 6 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): failure to appear-family.
Itzel Berenice Batres, 27, of Austin was arrested Jan. 6 by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): assault causing bodily injury. Released Jan. 8 on $5,000 bond.
Renee Lynn Brewer, 54, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): bond revocation-resisting arrest. Released Jan. 12 on $14,000 in bonds.
Tasha Lea Crain, 35, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: commitment. Released Jan. 8 with credit for time served.
Jessica Nicole Delarosa, 32, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: insufficient bond-abandoning/endangering a child-criminal neglect. Released Jan. 7 on $30,000 in bonds.
Miguel Torrez Delgado, 50, of Round Rock was arrested Jan. 6 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): driving while license is invalid. Released Jan. 8 on $1,500 bond.
Jessica Ileen Gephart, 30, of Buchanan Dam was arrested Jan. 6 by BPD: expired driver’s license, displaying expired license plates, failure to show proof of financial responsibility. Released Jan. 7 after laying out a fine.
Timothy Wade Hartness, 60, of McCaskill, Arkansas, was arrested Jan. 6 by DPS: parole violation.
Kaitlyn Donna Hopper, 30, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 6 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): parole violation, failure to appear-possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, theft of property, possession of a controlled substance, failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information, fraudulent use/possession of identifying information.
James Michael Laurin, 57, of Liberty Hill was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 9 on $25,000 bond.
Ismael Marcus Martinez, 37, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: commitment-aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Released Jan. 8 with credit for time served.
Daniel Gregory Meyer, 23, of Buchanan Dam was arrested Jan. 6 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 9 on $15,000 bond.
Raul Munoz Jr., 44, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: insufficient bond-possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 9 on $20,000 bond.
Dalton James Phillips, 28, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 6 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released Jan. 9 on $5,000 bond.
Zoe Roxanne Robinson, 26, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: surety surrender-possession of a dangerous drug.
Christopher David Schoonover, 32, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: commitment-driving while intoxicated.
Robert Glenn Whitehill, 50, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 6 by BCSO: motion to revoke-possession of a controlled substance.
Jorge Eduardo Clemente, 20, of Houston was arrested Jan. 7 by BPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 8 on $7,500 bond.
Claudio Angel Granados, 21, of San Antonio was arrested Jan. 7 by DPS: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana. Released Jan. 8 on $16,500 in bonds.
Louis Edward Jenkins Jr., 34, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 7 by MFPD: possession of a controlled substance.
Louis Edward Jenkins Jr., 34, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 7 by BCSO: bond revocation-obstruction/retaliation, bond revocation-possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 9 on $95,000 in bonds.
Tian En Nji, 28, of Georgetown was arrested Jan. 7 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): detainer. Released Jan. 8 to ICE.
Alexandria Brooke Perez, 23, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 7 by MFPD: possession of a controlled substance, surety surrender-possession of a controlled substance.
Jason Patrick Smith, 30, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 7 by MFPD: possession of a controlled substance.
Mark Alan Swanson, 52, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 7 by MFPD: possession of a controlled substance. Released Jan. 12 on personal recognizance.
Miguel Aguilar-Santos, 36, was arrested Jan. 8 by ICE: detainer. Released Jan. 9 to ICE.
Benjamin Chan-Acabal, 52, of Austin was arrested Jan. 8 by ICE: detainer. Released Jan. 9 to ICE.
Timothy David Jobe, 42, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 8 by BCSO: violation of a bond/protective order. Released same day on $4,000 bond.
Jeremiah Paul Johnson, 42, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 8 by BCSO: possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain financial responsibility, possession of a controlled substance.
Kristian Nicole Dara Burke, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 9 by MFPD: violation of city park hours.
Martin Hugo Martinez, 51, of Runaway Bay was arrested Jan. 9 by BPD: possession of marijuana. Released Jan. 10 on $1,500 bond.
Gino Leone Rastrelli, 33, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 9 by BCSO: obstructing a highway passageway.
Ashley Lynne Sanquist, 33, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, was arrested Jan. 9 by BCSO: possession of a controlled substance.
Tabbitha Sabriena Schwier, 42, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 9 by BCSO: injury of a child/elderly/disabled person with intent to commit bodily injury. Released same day on personal recognizance.
John Edward Sharp Jr., 50, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 9 by MFPD: violation of city park hours.
Israel Sanchez, 32, of Dallas was arrested Jan. 10 by an outside agency: forgery of a financial instrument, theft of property.
Rachel Munoz, 47, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 10 by the Attorney General’s Office (AG): parole violation.
Jonathan James Watson, 40, of Bertram was arrested Jan. 10 by BCSO: possession of a controlled substance, tampering with/fabricating physical evidence, criminal trespass of a habitation/shelter.
Patrick Joseph Clark, 28, of Bertram was arrested Jan. 11 by BCSO: motion to revoke probation-theft of property. Released Jan. 12 on $2,500 bond.
Emily Suekay Gregg, 38, of Liberty Hill was arrested Jan. 11 by DPS: possession of a dangerous drug.
Steven Antonio Silva, 45, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 11 by MFPD: displaying expired or no license plates, no driver’s license, failure to appear, expired registration. Released Jan. 12 on $2,000 in bonds.
Cary Brian Stratton, 59, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 11 by BPD: public intoxication.
Christopher John Torres, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 11 by BCSO: bond revocation-assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Released Jan. 12 on $10,000 bond.
Nathan Cole Durst, 28, of Princeton was arrested Jan. 12 by an outside agency: insufficient bond-driving while intoxicated.
Estephan Ray Esposito Jr., 28, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 12 by BCSO: judgment-possession of a controlled substance.
Pedro Hernandez Castro, 21, of Pflugerville was arrested Jan. 12 by ICE: detainer.
Rohit Bikram Kusari, 24, of Liberty Hill was arrested Jan. 12 by CSPD: sale to certain person.
Edward Frank Parker, 20, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 12 by DPS: resisting arrest/search/transport, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle, reckless driving.
Tisha Deann Snyder, 29, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 12 by the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO): fraudulent use/possession of identifying information, forgery of a financial instrument.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-42.png150150lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-14 05:00:222023-01-14 05:00:22Burnet County Jail bookings for Jan. 6-12, 2023
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Many government offices, post offices, school districts, and banks across the Highland Lakes will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16. The city offices for Meadowlakes and Horseshoe Bay will be open as will campuses in the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District, which plans to celebrate the holiday as a “day of service.”
“Several of our (student) organizations are going to local businesses to do volunteer work and service projects,” Burnet High School Administrative Assistant Erin Stevenson told DailyTrib.com. “Students who remain in school will be doing Martin Luther King-related projects and acts of service throughout the day.”
MLK Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan but was not observed in all 50 states until 2000. It always falls on the third Monday of January, near King’s birthday, which is Jan. 15.
CLOSED ON MLK JR. DAY
Cities of Marble Falls, Burnet, Granite Shoals, Llano, Bertram, Sunrise Beach Village, Highland Haven; offices for Burnet and Llano counties; Marble Falls and Llano school districts; all banks and U.S. post offices
OPEN ON MLK JR. DAY
Cities of Horseshoe Bay and Meadowlakes; Burnet Consolidated Independent School District
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-41.png6831024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-14 03:20:042023-01-14 03:20:04Closures and ‘day of service’ on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The new water tower is the centerpiece of a list of utility upgrades underway in Granite Shoals. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Granite Shoals is on track to complete major utility upgrades using a $7 million bond that was approved in November 2019. Interim City Manager Peggy Smith updated the City Council on the improvements during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
The new water tower is the most obvious structural improvement to the city’s utilities. The list of upgrades also includes a new raw water intake on Lake LBJ, additional water storage and water treatment equipment, major equipment repairs, and badly needed distribution pipe replacements. Most of these projects are expected to be done by July.
Granite Shoals is growing quickly, and water system upgrades are necessary to accommodate that growth and keep the city in compliance with water quality standards set by the TCEQ, Smith said.
“These changes were to adjust for growth,” she told DailyTrib.com. “We were never out of compliance with the (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality), but we were approaching concerning numbers. This was proactive, to not reach the point where we’re in violation and having to ask for exemptions.”
The new water tower holds 350,000 gallons, 150,000 more than the previous tower, which was recently torn down. A new sludge lagoon and water clarifier are currently under construction, both of which will drastically increase the city’s ability to process and produce clean water.
Smith expects that roughly $1 million will remain after the major work has been completed, and that will be used to upgrade distribution pipes across the city, allowing for more fire hydrants.
Granite Shoals has 20 years to pay down the $7 million bond, which is totally within the city’s means, according to Smith.
“(The bond) does not cover all of the needed repairs, but it’s a start,” she said.
https://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp-header-logo-40.png5761024lukehttps://www.austin360photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Austin-360-Photography-Text-Logo-final.pngluke2023-01-13 23:51:252023-01-13 23:51:25Granite Shoals nears end of $7 million in utility upgrades
