News

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Business representatives of the Lampasas-based Putters and Gutters Fun Center have confirmed plans for a Marble Falls location to include a 20-lane bowling alley, miniature golf course, skating rink, arcade, eatery and live music venue, officials said.

“Marble Falls has needed and wanted children's activities for a very long time,” said Business Development Coordinator Midge Dockery of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation. …

From staff reports

Texas Parks and Wildlife has identified a missing boater found in Lake Travis Jan. 29 near the Grelle Recreation area.

Dispatchers notified game wardens around 11 a.m. of the report and launched a 24-hour search for the person identified as 53-year-old Tommy Eady of Buda.

The search effort included “multiple boats, side-scan sonar and an unmanned aircraft system, along with a K9 unit.

Burnet County learns field ER techniques

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

For Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery something as simple as learning to properly use a tourniquet could be the difference between life and death.

“They're simple to use,” Dockery said. “You can tell they're very effective.”

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

The city of Horseshoe Bay will purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) for Horseshoe Bay Fire Rescue for $107,000 to take care of a critical equipment need in response to a request made earlier this month by Fire Chief Brent Batla.

Batla said the new air bottles and air packs will be paid for using money taken from the capital budget for a new fire rescue boat. The majority of SCBA within the department will be reaching their mandated end-of-life between this fiscal year and next, Batla said. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Two business owners expressed concerns at Marble Falls City Council Jan. 21 about the annual Adult Soapbox Classic, which they say obstructs potential customer foot traffic and at times forces them to close up shop due to street closures.

The owners of a consignment store and confectioneries shop – both located on Main Street – appeared before the council prior to the body's vote on agenda items approving hotel/motel occupancy tax (HOT) funding for entities including $10,000 in for the derby event. …

From staff reports

The Texas Press Association recognized The Highlander for outstanding achievement in several areas during its annual trade show and convention Jan. 16-18 at the 140th TPA Convention & Trade Show held at Moody Gardens Hotel, Convention Center & Spa in Galveston.

From staff reports

A test rocket engine fire at the Firefly Aeronautics facility in Briggs resulted in temporary evacuations and closure Jan. 22 of a stretch of a state highway and several Burnet County roads, officials reported.

Initially, Burnet County Sheriff's Office reported just before 6:30 a.m. a “possible explosion” had occurred at the facility. The report led to an evacuation of residents and businesses within one mile radius of the site and shutdown of U.S. 183. Roads were re-opened about three hours later. …

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

A move by the Horseshoe Bay City Council to issue and sell general obligation refunding bonds will save the city more than $400,000 in interest for the remaining life of the bonds, the city's financial advisor said at Tuesday's regular meeting.

Council members agreed to refund $5.83 million in combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation issued in 2011 and replace them with $5.405 million in general obligation refunding bonds when the original bonds hit their callable date on Feb. 15. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A preliminary financial summary of the city of Marble Falls revealed that the municipality is still feeling the repurcussions of the October 2018 flood, which caused millions of dollars in damage to private and public property including infrastructure.

On Jan. 21, the Marble Falls City Council heard a report from Finance Director Baron Sauls on the 2018-19 preliminary financial summary.

The budget totaled $11,445,187 with a beginning fund balance as of October 2018 of $1,796,701. …

By Nathan Hendrix
Staff Writer

Marble Falls Independent School District added three new classes to its expanding catalog of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses aimed at preparing students for the workforce or continuing education.

In December and January, the board of trustees approved the addition of a general employability skills class and an advanced floral design class. The courses will be offered to students starting in the 2020-21 school year. …