News

From staff reports

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls 2020 senior graduation ceremony will be limited to seniors, their families and staff, according to a press release from the school's director of academics.

Graduation will take place on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at Hill Country Fellowship Church, 200 Houston Clinton Drive in Burnet. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council received an update May 5 regarding what FEMA and the Texas Municipal League have reimbursed for October 2018 flood damage and what remains to be assessed for eligibility.

City staff updated the council during a strategic retreat session, aimed at reviewing previous and setting new priorities for the municipality, following a regular city council meeting.

“Flood recovery is number one,” City Manager Mike Hodge said.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

First United Methodist Church Pastor Ellen Ely said she believes her congregants will flock to an outdoor church service Wednesday, May 13 – the first time in several weeks they have been able to worship together in person.

“It's really strange to preach to empty pews. It's strange not to have people singing hymns,” Ely said of the alternative virtual worship services she has conducted since the state COVID-19 orders closed sanctuaries. …

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County residents can get tested for COVID-19 if they are exhibiting symptoms at a mobile test site at the Marble Falls Fire Rescue station on Tuesday, May 12.

By Nathan Hendrix
Staff Writer

Marble Falls Independent School District administrators are dedicated to an in-person graduation for seniors, but due to COVID-19 prevention measures, the ceremony will have restrictions on attendance and format.

The district will hold its celebration of the 2020 class on the original graduation date of Friday, May 29 with an 8 p.m. start time for Marble Falls High School and a 6 p.m. start time for Falls Career High School. …

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Congressman Roger Williams said Wednesday he believes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other aspects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are beginning to create and save thousands of jobs and small businesses throughout the country.

By Nathan Hendrix
Staff Writer

After setbacks for the city of Granite Shoals' plans to purchase land for a new water tower, the council floated the idea of securing desired plots using eminent domain.

Councilman Terry Scott asked at the Tuesday, May 5 special called council meeting if the municipality could exercise their ability outlined in the Texas Constitution to compel landowners to sell private property located next to the existing water tower. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Head Librarian Amanda Rose and her staff streamlined a strict protocol policy to re-open the venue May 4, while keeping the needs of their patrons in mind.

“We were excited about that. Basically, we're in phase 1,” she said of the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St. “You'll see the (floor 'social distancing' markers), the limited capacity.

“So far the community has been so great,” she added. “They're just happy to be able to come in.
“They're very respectful, and we're happy to see their faces.” …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Boaters and swimmers on Lake Marble Falls will need to navigate a few new rules regarding where they can travel and play on the waterway.

On May 5, the Marble Falls City Council approved regulations for water goers adjacent to Lakeside Park designating a swimming area and “no boat zone.” …

Special to The Highlander
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on May 5 authorized the reopening of hair and nail salons, barber shops and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade.