Complied by Connie Swinney Associate Editor
From communities overcoming a January freeze and drought restrictions to movement on a potential new city hall location and eclipse drama, 2024 turned out to be an eventful years. Here are the top stories.
December
Mandatory Water Reduction
In the Dec. 24 edition, until further notice, the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District (CTGCD) board has decided to invoke a mandatory water reduction of 15% for all non-exempt permit holders. Unanimously, the board members approved the action after they reviewed several statistical trends reported by District General Manager Mitchell Sodek and Intera Technical Consultant Dr. Neil Deeds, indicating Burnet County has descended into Stage 4 extreme drought conditions. “We are not trying to scare people, but it is a serious situation,” Board President Ryan Rowney said during the Dec. 20 meeting in Burnet at the Hill Country Community Foundation Reed building, 402 E. Jackson St.
City Hall Move Talk
During the Dec. 19 special meeting at the current city hall at 800 Third Street, the council authorized City Attorney Josh Brockman Weber to continue negotiations to purchase for $2.5 million new space within the Commercial National Bank building at 110 Avenue H. Marble Falls City Council recently took an important step toward relocation into a new area for day-today city hall administration. Mayor Dave Rhodes estimated the city may close the purchase sometime during February 2025. The new digs will give city officials more than 14,000 square feet, the mayor said.
Funding Schools
Marble Falls school trustees heard in December that regardless of voter rejection of a bond request in November, the school district could continue with a bond issue without raising taxes. Lee Ann Johnson and Anna Womack, members of a community advisory committee appointed to study the matter, told the board at its regular meeting that even though voters turned down a district request to raise the tax rate, bonds could be issued under the current tax structure. The district asked MFISD voters in the November election to let it raise the existing tax rate through a mechanism called Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE). If passed, the proposal would have increased the tax rate 88.78 cents to 91.22 cents per $100 property valuation.
Judge Reprimand/Resignation The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a “public reprimand” against the Burnet County judge after a probe into his alleged interactions with a justice of the peace. Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead submitted a complaint to the commission, which concluded its review of the complaint on Oct. 3. The reprimand was issued following Oakley’s appearance Dec. 3 before the commission to provide responses to the allegations. The primary concern from Whitehead involved safety in a room which served as her courtroom in the Burnet County Courthouse in Burnet. “These false and misleading allegations are unsubstantiated,” the judge said. Whitehead said, “I appreciate the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the thoroughness of their investigatory process resulting in the Public Reprimand of James Oakley. In that opinion the findings of fact and Commission conclusion say it all.” An onslaught of continuing litigation as well as a subsequent a probe by the county attorney’s office where Whitehead and at least two other county workers alleged sexual harassment then prompted the Burnet County judge to resign, effective Jan. 2.
Property Code
Granite Shoals council passed the ordinance Tuesday, Dec. 10, after months of gestation. The process involved wrangling over environmental issues and appointment of a special committee charged with coming up with a final wording. Before that, the council had heard from residents complaining about the ordinance’s wording and saying some sections were too vague while others depended too much on the judgment of the inspector. The committee met several times and handed its work to the council, who approved it but reserved the right to take another look at it in a few months. Place 2 councilor Mike Pfister noted that even after the committee finished its work, he’d met with a woman who was concerned about insects and the pollination of native plants.
November
Rescue Reunion
On Nov. 6, 2024, Hendrix had been feeling “dazed and confused.” During phone conversations earlier that week, his sons remarked that “he was out of it.” Five local residents – Eddie Edwards, Analee Smith, Keri Teague, Matthew Spence, and Edward Diaz – sprang into action. After calling 911, Matthew Spence supported Scott Hendrix’s head while the group repositioned him onto his back. Analee Smith began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, while CPR efforts were initiated. Remarkably, none of them had formal CPR training. An awards event then reunited samaritans with the heart attack survivor. On Dec. 10, 2024, the Spicewood residents received the Burnet County Life Saving Award.
Rock Crusher Uproar
Burnet County Commissioners Court made sure to mention that one very important public meeting wrought with local opposition would be scheduled promptly. During its Nov. 26 meeting, County Judge James Oakley mentioned the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality officials plan to hold a public meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 10, in Burnet at the Hill Country Fellowship Hall, 200 Houston Clinton Drive. During the meeting, TCEQ officials plan to accept public comment related to plans by Construction Partners Inc. (previously Asphalt Inc.) to build a rock crusher quarry north of the Burnet city limit in Hoover Valley at 3221 FM 3509. A meeting in December brought hundreds of opponents to voice opposition about the quarry permit.
Hospital Upheaval
The hospital board fired former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nathan Tudor on Oct. 2 in Wharton County. He was replaced by Brett Kirkham, who had been acting as COO since late October. Tudor, as COO at Mid-Coast, contracted with Llano County to operate the Llano hospital after Baylor Scott and White Healthcare declined to renew its operating contract in 2020. Changes in leadership at MidCoast Health Systems in El Campo seems to be at least partly responsible for concerns about the future of Mid-Coast Central Hospital in Llano. At an emergency meeting Nov. 26, Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham said he was “concerned about the financial condition” of the local hospital. Commissioners transferred $450,000 to ensure hospital expenses were covered.
New City Manager
At the Nov. 19 Meadowlakes City Council meeting, Will De Roos was sworn in as the new city Manager. Johnnie Thompson will remain in the same position through the end of the year acting as a mentor for Will, similar to the setup we have been using since De Roosarrived late last month.
Troxclair Re-elected The incumbent state representative for Burnet County won back her seat with a resounding show of support from the electorate, according to the results of the Nov. 5 election. State Rep. Ellen Troxclair (HD-19) received over 70% of the vote in her district. HD 19 covers the counties of Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Kendall and a portion of Travis. Troxclair hit the ground running as her legislation was among more than 1,500 bills state lawmakers pre-filed for the upcoming 2025 session.
Heroes Welcome
Granite Shoals Police Officer Cory Jones, background center, was given a hero’s welcome at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport this month upon returning from Army National Guard deployment.
Granite Shoals peace officers who met him, along with his wife Karen (back left) and his daughter, included, from left, Capt. Chad Taliafierro, Officer Dustin Schuetz and Chief John Ortis.
October
Chemical Incident
At approximately 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, a chemical incident occurred at Horseshoe Bay’s Central Water Plant when a delivery truck driver mistakenly added aluminum sulfate solution to a storage tank containing liquid chlorine, resulting in the release of chlorine gas through the tank vent. The chemical compounds were “unintentionally” mixed in a holding tank at the Horseshoe Bay Central Water Plant during a delivery. The incident resulted in fumes and a cloud of gas which prompted officials to call for a shelter in place order due to possible toxic exposure. The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department, police department and water plant staff worked in concert to secure the immediate area and stop the chemical transfer. After thorough testing, officials verified water safety before resuming production.
Shelter Expansion Begins
Crews demolished structures Oct. 8 on the grounds of a key dog shelter for the region to expand services and resources for intakes. The shelter is located at 9150 RM 1431 in Buchanan Dam. “For the first time since 1999, we are updating our kennels and play yards, bringing in new, safe spaces that reflect the needs of our growing community,” said Executive Director Paighton Corley in a statement.
Dredging Lawsuit
An alleged abandoned land use deal has prompted owners of an aggregate company to file a law suit against two sisters in Kingsland. Attorneys for Collier Materials Inc. contend that Marsha Spinner and Beverly Beheim failed to follow through on plans to lease their family ranch for a dredging plant operation on the Colorado River arm of Lake LBJ in Kingsland. Documents allege defendants either profited from and/or backed out of contracts, causing damages to the aggregate company.
The lawsuit was filed in Llano County District Court in September. On behalf of their client, attorneys are asking to recover $1 million, reflecting a combination of investments and money allegedly accepted by the defendants.
Hotel Group Deed
During its Oct. 2 meeting, the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation (EDC) approved the transfer of a special warranty deed from the EDC to the Marble Falls Hotel Group for the Downtown Hub Addition, Lot 1R, Block 1. Also, the directors approved a contract of more than $713,000 between the EDC and Alamo System Industries for several “public realm improvements” at the Ophelia Hotel and Conference Center, now under construction over several acres near Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive.
Review… see Page 3 September
Businessman Dies
On Sept. 26, a downtown Marble Falls businessman known for creating the sweetest confectionery has passed away, following a collision on RM 1431. Steven Parsons was the co-owner and operator of Choccolatte’s and Ooh La La Decor & More, located 807 Third St. The two-vehicle collision involved a 2024 Kia Forte operated by a 34-year-old male from Spring. The Kia was westbound. Parsons was eastbound in a 1986 Alfa Romero. Parsons died with a legacy of not only entrepreneurial success as a chocolatier but he and his wife Michele Parsons also donated time and product proceeds to community causes.
Crusher Rally
On Sept. 14, opponents of a proposed rock crusher protested at a public venue to rally the Texas Commission on Environment Quality Air Quality Permit number #176835. This number may help disrupt the future of Burnet County, according to local officials and residents. The number is assigned by TCEQ officials as the specific identifier related to a rock crusher quarry proposed for construction north of the Burnet city limit in Hoover Valley at 3221 FM 3509. All comments are due no later than Sept. 27, according to Camp Longhorn Director Nan Manning, one of many who participated in a town hall meeting Sept. 14.
CRC New Course
A benevolent housing and services organization welcomed new leadership, who will guide development projects and philanthropic activities into new directions. The Texas Housing Foundation (THF) Board of Directors Aug. 27 selected Allison Milliorn as their new chief executive officer.
Milliorn, the chief operating officer for the past five years, will be leading the entity for housing development as well as the Community Resource Center (CRC) for services. She began her career with the quasi-nonprofit organization 15 years ago as an accountant. Milliorn is taking the helm as the organization made a decision to relocate a new Kingsland Community Resource Center from a Real Street site to the Kingsland First Baptist Church. The church offered the church’s education building. She also oversaw several layoffs at Marble Falls facilities.
August
Stadium Rules
The Marble Falls Independent School District (MFISD) released new policies Aug. 7 for home games at Mustang Stadium during the 2024 season. No cash accepted at the gate. Backpacks, duffle bags, luggage, coolers or large bags will not be allowed inside the stadium. Fans can bring clear plastic water bottles, reusable water bottles and other outside cups into the stadium, but they must be empty before entering. Fans can refill reusable bottles inside the stadium. Those with medical conditions and with infant children are exempt.
Bird Feeding Ban
Do not feed wild birds in Marble Falls city parks and venues. Anybody who does so is subject to a stiff fine. That is the straightforward message Marble Falls City Council wants residents and visitors to understand. Toward that end, during the Aug. 6 meeting, the council approved 5-0 the second reading of an ordinance to prohibit “the feeding of wildlife within city parks and public-owned streets and sidewalks.” “It is a health problem,” Mayor Dave Rhodes said. Before the vote, Parks and Recreation Director Lacey Dingman told council members during several recent months, Johnson Park has become a favorite landing spot for as many as 300 Canadian geese and other birds.
Wirtz Road Bridge
The Texas Department of Transportation (Tx-DOT) hosted a public meeting Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St. Officials will share details about the reconstruction of Wirtz Dam Road and the new bridge crossing the Colorado River to connect to RM 2147 as well as plans to add shoulders and turn lanes to certain locations. The expected duration of construction would be two years. The $35 million dollar project will be funded by Tx-DOT; however, the county will foot the bill on rightof- way acquisitions and utility relocation.
July
Alligator Sighting
A report of an alligator sighting on Lake Marble Falls prompted police to alert residents to avoid coming into contact with such reptiles, if discovered. The report unfolded July 26 after a resident in the 1000 block of Colorado Drive called Marble Falls Police Department to say he or she “observed an alligator along the bank.” “The same resident reported three alligators in the water,” said Capt. James Cole, department spokesman. The municipality’s animal control officer (ACO) responded to the scene.
“All our animal control officer thought she saw in the water was three babies,” Cole said. Lake Marble Falls, which is nearly six miles long and 1,000 feet wide, is a manmade, pass-through lake created by Max Starcke Dam. Lake LBJ, created by Wirtz Dam, is upstream of Lake Marble Falls on the arm of the Colorado River.
Party Fight Death
Llano County investigators have arrested a second suspect and expect a third in the beating death of a man involved in a brawl at a party in Kingsland. On July 29, 18-year-old Ryan Moore was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He joined Francisco Reyes, 18, of Kingsland as a suspect in the death of David Michael Justus, 20, of Lakeway. As of Aug. 1, Moore remained in the Llano County Jail on a bond of $75,000. According to the Llano County Sheriff’s office, the incident unfolded at 11:19 p.m. July 14 in the 100 block of Mesquite Dr. Authorities say a fight broke out by at least two groups of people at the residence. On July 23, Justus was pronounced dead at the hospital. On July 24, Llano County deputies charged Francisco Reyes with manslaughter.
Drought Restrictions
With the region’s water supply lakes below full, the Lower Colorado River Authority reminded residents of the importance of conserving water as we head into what is expected to be another hot, dry summer. “Thanks to rains in May, our water supplies are in better shape than they were a year ago, but lakes Buchanan and Travis are still not full,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “The lakes remain stressed from years of serious drought, and we all should do our part to conserve and stop water waste.” At that time, the combined storage in lakes Buchanan and Travis, the two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes, stood at 1.1 million acre-feet, or about 55% of capacity. A year ago, combined storage stood at 1.005 million acre-feet, or about 50.4% of capacity.
June
Distemper outbreak
A dog which tested positive for distemper, followed by a handful of others showing signs, tipped off a mass shutdown of local shelters, pounds and dog parks in the Highland Lakes. Since mid May, entities who limited or halted intakes altogether included the Marble Falls City Pound, the Buchanan Dam-based Hill County Humane Society and other municipal and rescue animal holding facilities. On June 6, the shelter reported one positive distemper test and reached out to the county and municipal entities in which it has contracts to update them on the issue. As of June 27, officials continued limiting intakes. The cycle may take at least two months before officials consider to be in the clear.
Wastewater Plant Funds
The city of Marble Falls acquired $5 million in federal funds towards construction of a new wastewater plant in June. Work on developing and designing the project is underway. Estimated cost ranges from $35 million to $50 million for the entire project. U.S. Representative John Carter secured the funds made possible through the Interior Division of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that was recently was signed into law, according to a media release.
Granite Shoals CRC
Officials announced in June that Granite Shoals is about to get a new way to help residents, albeit on a temporary and experimental basis. Dawn Capra, director of Community Impact for the Marble Falls-based Community Resource Center (CRC), told city council members at their June 11 meeting that her nonprofit agency is exploring putting an office in the city on a one-day-a week basis. CRC provides office space for non-profits that specialize in aiding residents. It has full-time offices in Burnet, Llano, Kingsland, Johnson City and Liberty Hill as well as its Marble Falls headquarters.
May
County Election
Two new faces will join Burnet County as elected officials following the May 28 runoff election. According to preliminary Burnet County runoff election results, Deanne Fisher won the Republican nomination for tax assessor collector by 58.16% of the vote. In the Burnet County commissioner pct. 3 race, Chad Collier received 58.14% of the vote to become the GOP nominee. Fisher defeated Susan Allen by a vote of 1,180 to 849. Collier beat Homer Will by a vote of 400 to 288.
Sheriff-elect Hired The Llano County Attorney recently hired Llano County Sheriff-elect Marquis Cantu as a part-time investigator. He won the May primaries to become sheriff, since no Democrats filed to run in the November election. Cantu’s expertise will prove invaluable for the county office, prior to being sworn in as the county’s new sheriff. According to his online biography, Marquis entered the Texas Department of Public Safety and became a Texas state trooper in 1994. He was promoted to sergeant in the DPS Narcotics Division in 2004. In 2008, Marquis was promoted to the Texas Rangers and was stationed in Waco for the first four years of his career. Cantu was appointed as the Texas Ranger for Llano, Burnet and San Saba counties in 2012. In 2023, Cantu ran for office in 2023 and was elected justice of the peace for Precinct 1 in Llano County, primarily the Horseshoe Bay area. He received the endorsement of outgoing Sheriff Bill Blackburn, who announced he would not seek re-election.
Charter Amendments Passed
Granite Shoals voters passed 17 propositions on the May 4 ballot. According to the Burnet County Elections Office, the vast majority of them passed with high percentages in favor, including a 1% sales and use tax. The rest primarily offered updates to the city charter with the only close votes involving the city secretary’s role as it applies to evaluations and job duties.
April
Eclipse Food
An exuberant effort at pre-orders in anticipation of the recent eclipse has left businesses with an overabundance of perishable food items. As a result, a number of merchants have opted to donate the food to local food pantries instead of throwing it all away. On April 19, staff members and volunteers sorted through one of the most recent pickup truck bed loads of donations, while in the Helping Center parking lot, 1016 Broadway.
Eclipse Lost and Found
Two families can rest easier now that their loved ones have returned safe, following the April 7 Reveille Peak Ranch Texas Eclipse Festival. Burnet County Sheriff’s Office investigators recently dealt with at least two cases when family members pleaded on social media and reached out to the agency for the whereabouts of young men in their 20s. In both cases, the unrelated men attended a weekend eclipse festival which occurred at Reveille Peak Ranch in northern Burnet County and ended on total eclipse day April 8. Also, in both incidents, families and/or friends requested “missing persons” investigations handled by BCSO. At the same festival, however, a Nevada man in his 60s died of natural causes after a hike.
Review… see Page 5 New Principal
In April, Marble Falls ISD officials made a new leadership selection official.
Highland Lakes Elementary School Interim Principal Suzie Neuenschwander has been tapped to guide the campus for the 2024-2025 school year. With 23 years of experience in education, she began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Pflugerville, and later pursued a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin. She has served as a campus principal for three of her seven years in administration, demonstrating expertise in positive behavior management, growth mindset, inquiry learning, instructional coaching, special services, robotics, and fostering a positive school culture. The new principal’s philosophy aligns with proactive strategies for success, open communication, and community involvement.
Museum Upgrades
On April 16, we reported The Falls on the Colorado Museum was reaching out to this community for support in rehabilitating the museum’s home, the historic Old Granite School at 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls. Constructed in 1891, the Old Granite School has a Texas Historical Marker and holds a special place in the hearts of former students and residents. Originally serving as a university, the building became a public school in 1908 when the Marble Falls district was formed. The current project will strengthen and revitalize the second floor, making it available for exhibit space. The museum has been limited to using only the first floor since it first leased the building from the Marble Falls Independent School District in 2010.
March
Meadowlakes Project
The Meadowlakes City Council approved the retention of the architectural firm Seaux-Pierce by the city for constructing a new community center, golf shop, and restaurant building, presented some sample renderings and floor plans to the council March 19 for their review. The main building will cover an area of approximately 11,500 square feet, house the golf shop and restaurant, and offer space for several different-sized meeting rooms. Additionally, plans are underway to fast-track the construction of a new building, covering an area of approximately 1,100 square feet, which will house the new restrooms and the golf shop during the construction of the main building. This building will be built before demolishing the existing golf shop and pool area.
Camper Found Dead
Authorit i e s are trying to determine what caused the death of a woman camping on the Llano River, after her body was discovered in a wooded area on March 16.
Searchers found 57-year-old Tammy Snow of Livingston three days after she disappeared just off CR 321. The woman was visiting Long’s Camp, north of Kingsland off RR 1431. According to the Llano County Sheriff’s Department, deputies received an initial report of a missing woman on March 15. Investigators determined that Snow had arrived at the campsite the day she went missing.
February
Horseshoe Bay Project
The Horseshoe Bay City Council made strides towards completing the design phase of a new city center and fire station. The council met Feb. 20 for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at Horseshoe Bay City Hall, 1 Community Drive, and reviewed the project’s progress. City Manager Jeff Koska presented the latest information on the plans for the new city hall and fire station. Koska said to streamline the project, the committee chose a single architect and construction manager for both buildings. At this point in the planning process, the committee has reviewed the 50% drawings that establish preliminary design features and space requirements. They plan to review the 100% drawings on Feb. 22 and explore how the updated design cost would fit into the city’s budget.
Historic Fire
A blaze destroyed an historic structure on Feb. 25 in Horseshoe Bay. The blaze was reported at 2 p.m. at 1305 Stagecoach Drive, on the private unoccupied two-story, German-style building. “It was determined accidental,” Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Doug Fowler said. Officials say the first unit on scene reported heavy fire on a two-story, approximately 3,300 square foot historical home. The roof was totally involved in the fire with heavy fire showing on the other two floors. The historic home dates back to the pioneer Fuchs family in the 1840s, who migrated from Germany to the area. The building, which served as a residence, post office, stagecoach stop and school, was restored in 1972 and was set to undergo more renovations to become a tourist attraction.
Park Grant
The City of Marble Falls is proud to announce the successful acquisition of a highly sought-after grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to construct Park View Park. This grant, part of the Urban Outdoor, Non-Urban Outdoor, and Small Community Recreation Grants program, is an achievement that will signifi cantly contribute to the development of public parkland in our community. TPWD has allocated $20,679,983 in grant support to various eligible entities, including Marble Falls.
Corner Demolition
The Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation will take a close look at potential bids for the demolition of structures on a high-profile corner of the city. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the board will discuss and take possible action on the unoccupied buildings located at 1001, 1003 and 1009 Main St. The buildings – previously occupied by an eatery and a bait shop – are lots in the northeast corner of the U.S. 281 and RR 1431 intersection in Marble Falls. Ownership of 1003 and 1008 Main St. lots will remain in the hands of the EDC. Altogether, the contract price of the lots was approximately $945,000.
January
Workforce Partnership
Over the last several years, Central Texas has seen an abundance of growth, creating an even more pressing need for a strong workforce. Partnering with WSRCA can support sustainable growth and competitiveness by supporting: 1. Agility in Talent Acquisition: WSRCA offers a reservoir of talent across various domains and skill sets. 2. Diversity and Inclusion: By tapping into a broader talent pool, organizations can foster creativity, innovation, and varied perspectives and grow their talent pipeline. 3. Skills Development and Learning: WSRCA can help provide training programs to include up-skilling and re-skilling current and new employees.
Freezing Weather
Area communities did have a few water leaks that developed during the freezing weather, which were addressed weather permitted. The lowest temperature we recorded at our weather station was 16.5°F on Jan. 15 and the highest temperature for that day was 26°F. As the area began to thaw, additional leaks were not severe.
