Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:52 PM

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State news covers soot, water, fire and work conditions

The Texas Legislature begins its work creating a state budget for the next two years with slightly less revenue available than it had during the previous biennium. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar projects lawmakers will have $194.6 billion available during the 2026-27 budget cycle, down 1.1%. 01/21/2025 02:07 AM

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The curious phenomenon of anting: A closer look at birds in Central Texas

Master’s Garden If you’ve ever watched a bird squat near an ant mound or rub an insect across its feathers, you’ve witnessed a fascinating behavior called “anting.” This peculiar activity is common among many bird species and has intrigued scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. In central Texas, a region rich in bird diversity, several species exhibit this behavior, offering a unique opportunity to observe it up close. 01/21/2025 02:07 AM

Granite Shoals sets city election date

Granite Shoals sets city election date

Three of five city council places for the city of Granite Shoals as well as the mayor’s chair will come up for election in May according to an ordinance passed Tuesday by the council. Ron Munos now occupies the mayoral position. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

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Meadowlakes community center project moving forward

City of Meadowlakes We are pleased to report that the long-awaited community center project is progressing smoothly. The new facility, designed to serve as a hub for recreation, education, and social events, is steadily moving toward its expected completion. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

Contributed photo Safely handling bees can help lower your property taxes as well as being a fun family activity and providing honey for your table.

Lower property taxes with bees

Texas law allows bees and bee hives to qualify for reducing property taxes on plots ranging from 5 to 20 acres similar to livestock or raising hay. Property taxes on small acreages can now be lowered by keeping bees on the property. The bees do not have to be owned by the landowner. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

Lt. Gov. Patrick speaks to revenue estimate

Lt. Gov. Patrick speaks to revenue estimate

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s Biennial Revenue Estimate: “Since I became Lt. Governor in 2015, I have gone to great lengths to be a conservative steward of taxpayer dollars. Comptroller Hegar’s estimate today is further proof of the Texas economy’s resilience despite President Biden’s economic malfeasance, and it is proof that our conservative policies work. Texans know that minimal regulation, no income tax, and conservative policies keep our state at the forefront of the United States and global economies. Texas has the 8th largest economy in the world, and we can reach even greater heights in the coming years. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

Livestock producers to report drought losses

Livestock producers to report drought losses

Lampasas- Burnet County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Klarissa Cantu reminds livestock producers who suffered grazing losses that occurred throughout 2024 due to drought to report their losses timely and to enroll in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) by Jan. 30, 2025. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

Sub-freezing temperatures and hard freezes likely next week

Sub-freezing temperatures and hard freezes likely next week

Another blast of arctic air appears headed toward Texas this weekend, with the cold air expected to continue through the middle of next week. The various computer-forecast solutions have come into fairly good agreement in calling for a mass of very cold Siberian air to move over the Pole the next couple of days, then plunge south across Canada and the central U.S. late week. Forecasts call for the leading edge of the arctic air to spread south across Texas Saturday afternoon, followed by windy and much colder weather Saturday night through the first half of next week. This next blast of arctic air is looking to be even colder than the what we experienced from last week’s cold blast. Behind the cold front, north and northwesterly winds will increase to 15-25 mph, with gusts to 35/40 mph Saturday night through Sunday night. 01/17/2025 02:05 AM

Horseshoe Bay Resort and the community's property owners association were embroiled in a $1 million lawsuit. File photo

Horseshoe Bay mayor seeks remedy to POA, resort issues

A city leader says she is adamant about wanting to help the Horseshoe Bay Property Owners Association and the Horseshoe Bay Resort work out their differences. Horseshoe Bay Mayor Elsie Thurman said in her monthly message for January that getting the two parties together would be part of her goals for the coming year. 01/14/2025 02:02 AM

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Former judge issues invite to coffee

Special to The Highlander The news over the weekend from Burnet County is that Judge Gil Jones has officially applied for the Burnet County Judge position. Although the Burnet County commissioners will have the final vote, Judge Jones is planning a few casual coffees with community members to give him the opportunity to meet with the public and express his thoughts and vision for Burnet County and to answer questions and hear what Burnet County folks think. 01/14/2025 02:02 AM

Amateur Radio Club benefits from business donation

Amateur Radio Club benefits from business donation

The Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Club (HLARC) received some much-needed support from a local business and welcomes more funds to further their activities. The Home Depot of Marble Falls recently offered items to the nonprofit organization to assist them in their fundraising goals. 01/14/2025 02:02 AM

HCCT presents ‘Count It All Joy’

HCCT presents ‘Count It All Joy’

Special to The Highlander The Hill Country Community Theatre (HCCT)proudly presents “Count It All Joy,” a captivating one-woman show by acclaimed songwriter and scriptwriter Linda Kaufman. This special event will take place Saturday, Jan. 01/14/2025 02:02 AM

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Organizers reach out for Day of Service volunteers

Coordinators of this year’s Rick Edwards Day of Service will mobilize people across the community in acts of service on Feb. 14 If you have a need that we can assist with, please fill out a form by visiting highlandlakescrisisnetwork. com. All service projects will take place on Feb. 14 from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 01/10/2025 02:00 AM

She is the author of a guide to maintaining native and well-adapted plants as well as offers advice on a pod - cast and radio program.

Expert unlocks secrets of drought tolerant plants

Special to The Highlander Wondering how to start a lush landscape of foliage that can survive the harsh Texas weather? Colleen Dieter, a top gardening educator, will address the topic of “Drought Tolerant Plants for the Hill Country,” at the upcoming Highland Lakes Native Plant Society Chapter meeting. The meeting is scheduled from 1 – 3 p.m. 01/10/2025 02:00 AM

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Crowing about the beauty of native black birds

Our area offers a vibrant habitat for an array of bird species, including several striking black birds that are both fascinating and distinct. Black Vulture The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a common sight, soaring gracefully on thermals or perching conspicuously on fences and dead trees. 01/10/2025 02:00 AM

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