News

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

From a new name to a new way of doing business upon re-opening, the Verus Strength & Fitness Transformation Lab, has cultivated a plan for eventually coaxing clients back into the facility by keeping them active online. …

Recommendations for owners and facility organizers under Gov. Greg Abbot's re-opening allowance starting May 18 for private and public fitness facilities include asking their clients to wear face coverings, utilize good hand hygiene and cough etiquette as well as clean and sanitize equipment and surfaces frequently.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Eleven Highland Lakes nonprofit organizations are splitting $100,000 in funds from the Capitol Area Housing Finance Corporation (CAHFC) after action taken by the Burnet County Commissioners Court last week.

Special to The Highlander

Governor Greg Abbott May 18 announced the second phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to safely and strategically open the state while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Under Phase II, restaurants may increase their occupancy to 50 percent and additional services and activities that remained closed under Phase I may open with restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Special to The Highlander

An iconic entrepreneur – responsible for attracting visitors and providing a hometown venue for locals – has passed away at the age of 67.

Owner of the Blue Bonnet Cafe John Michi Kemper of Marble Falls died Thursday, May 14, due to complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.

“Our beloved owner and the patriarch of our family, John Kemper, died yesterday,” according to a statement from the Kempers. “We are heartbroken. … Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

The city of Marble Falls will utilize more than $2 million in grant funding to help solve bank erosion and fortify areas around certain water crossings, necessitated by the October 2018 flood.

To help pay for the overall cost of fixing problems, including “bank stabilization projects” in the area of Johnson Park and Backbone Creek, the city of Marble Falls entered into a project agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservancy Service (NRCS) and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

A new documentary series on A&E Network will offer an intimate and compelling look into a local man's journey from being accused to being acquitted of manslaughter and aggravated assault charges following a horrific 2016 car accident in Llano County.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Officials with the Boys and Girls Club of the Highland Lakes have navigated several weeks of COVID-19 order limitations and have turned their attention to requesting the ability to serve more youngsters.

As the nonprofit organization pivots to summer programs, Executive Director Bill Drake shared with various groups the challenges the programs have faced in Marble Falls, Burnet, Kingsland and Llano.

Drake addressed members of the Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary Club during a video teleconference on May 12.

From staff reports

The National Weather Service is reporting with increasing confidence that areas of Burnet County could receive between 2-4 inches of rain and possibly up to golfball-sized hail from a strong to severe storm expected to hit the Hill Country on Friday, May 15.

From staff reports

Out of an abundance of caution, Marble Falls Independent School District officials temporarily closed the Marble Falls Middle School meal distribution site on Wednesday, May 13 after an employee who works in that area was tested for COVID-19.

The district received a negative result on Thursday, May 14, and the site re-opened, MFISD Superintendent Chris Allen confirmed.