News

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The Highland Lakes Farmers Market is set to open in just a week's time on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon in Falls Creek Park, 900 Yett Street in Marble Falls.

In a meeting that concentrated on aspects of recreation in the city, the Marble Falls City Council gave its approval Tuesday night, Jan. 5, to a park concession agreement with the farmers market, a newly-formed 501(c)(6) corporation.

Months of preparation will come together for local youths involved in agricultural projects as they get ready to step into the show ring and before the judges in the 49th Annual Burnet County 4-H and FFA Livestock Show this Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 7-9, at the Burnet County Fairgrounds, 1301 Houston Clinton Drive in Burnet.

The barns opened Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m.

by Alexandria Randolph

A Burnet County Deputy played the star role in saving a man who fell from a cliff and was trapped in a ravine overnight.

Marble Falls area first responders have credited Burnet County Deputy Derrick Klotz with initiating the rescue of a Round Mountain man who fell down a creek bank that was estimated at 100 feet high, and landed in the ravine below.

Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief George Tennison said the man's pickup truck began to overheat while he was traveling down County Road 328 in the southeastern portion of the county Wednesday night, Jan. 6

“He stopped on the side of the road, and heard the sound of water running. He started walking toward it in the dark and fell down the cliff,” Tennison said. “He was trying to get water to cool down the truck engine.”

The man was seriously injured, and was airlifted to an area hospital, reportedly University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin.  

Marble Falls Police Department is seeking information on two suspects caught on video using a stolen credit card.

The two unidentified individuals were caught on surveillance footage at BEALLS Department Store in Marble Falls on Dec. 15, using a stolen credit card to make a large purchase.

Anyone who has information regarding the identity of the suspects should contact the Marble Falls Police Department at 830-693-3611 or via the “Submit a Tip” button on the department's official Facebook page. Tips can also be submitted to Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-8477. 

by Glynis Crawford Smith

A suspect in at least eight robberies, including the incident Tuesday, Dec. 8, of the GameStop in the 2400 block of US 281 in Marble Falls, has been apprehended.

On Thursday, Dec. 10, members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Rusty Matthew Jordan, 42, of Buda on an Austin Police Department (APD) warrant in an Austin area motel.

Jordan subsequently confessed to APD Investigators that he committed seven the robberies.

by Glynis Crawford Smith

Police confirmed late Thursday afternoon they have arrested a suspect who is alleged to have committed an armed robbery in broad daylight caught on security cameras on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at GameStop, a retail store that sell video games in the 2400 block of US 281in Marble Falls.

Police sought tips from the public to apprehend the suspect.

Marble Falls Police Department Captain Glenn Hanson said he received several tips on a robber who held employees and customers at gunpoint about 4 p.m. for a take of only about $300.

For more on the story, see Friday's Highlander. 

by Alexandria Randolph

When a man had a medical emergency in the county courthouse offices, Marble Falls Police Officers came to the rescue.

According to a Marble Falls Police Department release, Marble Falls Police Sgt. Robert Talamantes and Officer Aaron Garcia were in Burnet for an appearance in District Court when they heard someone call out for help.

“The Court Liaison for the Adult Probation Office ran up to the officers in the hallway and told them that there was a medical emergency in the probation office,” Marble Falls Police said in a release.  

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.

by Alexandria Randolph

A Marble Falls man was arrested on child rape charges, and police said continued investigation could yield additional charges.

Raven Jade Bashlor, 22, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 1 on charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first degree felony, after police said he confessed to sexually abusing members of his household.

Marble Falls Police said the alleged offenses occurred over the past several months.  

For more on the story, see Tuesday's Highlander. 

A third man was convicted last week for his involvement in a multi-county methamphetamine ring in 2013.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, a Burnet County jury convicted Timothy Steven Blackard, of Bertram, of engaging in organized criminal activity and assessed his punishment at 25 years in prison. Judge Allan Garrett of the 33rd Judicial District Court sentenced Blackard in accordance with the jury’s verdict shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday night. Blackard was charged for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution network operating in Burnet, Llano, Williamson, Travis and Bastrop counties in 2013.

For the full story, see the upcoming edition of The Highlander.