News

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

A preliminary 2018-19 Burnet County general fund budget would see an increase of just under $1.6 million in expenditures, but those expenses would be offset by taxes and revenues generated by new construction within Burnet County, County Auditor Karen Hardin said.

An early Monday morning accident south of Briggs in Burnet County on US 183 killed two people and sent three others to a Williamson County hospial.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred at 12:07 a.m. Monday, July 2, about 1.5 miles south of Briggs.

A 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 56-year-old Sheldon Ray Johnson of Goldthwaite was traveling south on US 183, followed by a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, driven by 58-year-old Sharon Orsak Johnson, also of Goldthwaite.

A 2012 Dodge Ram driven by 61-year-old Sylvano Sanchez of Lampasas was traveling north on US183 when it crossed the center strip, entering the southbound lanes of traffic. The Dodge Ram struck both vehicles.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Burnet County Precinct 3 Constable Jimmy Ballard died early Monday, July 2, after losing a two-year fight with cancer and being removed from life support late Sunday. He was 57.

By Richard Zowie
The Highlander •

Marble Falls Independent School District trustees on June 25 approved the 2018-2019 budget, which includes an overall surplus of $1.5 million with a General Fund deficit of $416,000.

Included in the budget is a sizable chunk of money to be paid to Texas' Chapter 41 Recapture, also known as “Robin Hood.” MFISD is considered a “property-rich” district, while their money gets distributed to districts considered “property poor.”

2018-2019 Fiscal Year

The General Fund balance is projected to be approximately $12.3 million by the end of the 2017-2018 fiscal year on June 30.

The 2018-2019 fiscal year begins July 1, and the General Fund balance for the end of the year to be around $11.8 million.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Pedernales Electric Cooperative officials had a proverbial “Chamber of Commerce day” Wednesday as they celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new Marble Falls district office on US 281.

Tollison

A Granite Shoals man is being held in the Burnet County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bond on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a family member.

The charge against Justin Cody Tollison, 26, is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

According to Granite Shoals Police Department, Animal Control Officer Marcus Sosa spotted a silver Pontiac driving on North Forest Drive at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 27. The passenger door of the vehicle was open and a female was laying on the passenger seat. The vehicle drove off with the door still open.

Sosa contacted GSPD Sgt. Thomas Broyles about his observation and attempted to keep sight of the vehice. He witnesses the vehicle stop and a male and female exited the vehicle and appeared to have a verbal altercation. The two subjects got back into the vehicle and drove off as Sosa lost sight of the car.

By Richard Zowie

The Highlander

Water rates may increase soon in Granite Shoals in order to take care of the city's water infrastructure, and it's looking like few options are available.

Also at its June 26 city council meeting, Granite Shoals council members agreed to a bid for the first phase of a road project at Arterial Road

By Richard Zowie

The Highlander

Marble Falls Independent School District trustees on June 25 approved the 2018-2019 budget, which includes an overall surplus of $1.5 million with a General Fund deficit of $416,000.

Included in the budget is a sizable chunk of money to be paid to Texas' Chapter 41 Recapture, also known as “Robin Hood.” MFISD is considered a “property-rich” district, while they money gets distributed to districts considered “property poor.”

2018-2019 Fiscal Year

The General Fund balance is projected to be approximately $12.3 million by the end of the 2017-2018 fiscal year on June 30.

The 2018-2019 fiscal year begins July 1, and the General Fund balance for the end of the year to be around $11.8 million.

The Burnet Police Department is currently working with the State Fire Marshal's Office on an arson investigation which involves a marked BPD Patrol unit parked at the police department at 105 S. Rhomberg.

According to a press release sent on Wednesday, June 27, “video surveillance shows a slender suspect starting the fire, using what appears to be some type of accelerant,” at around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. The suspect returns to the unit briefly, then leaves the scene. The fire burns for a few seconds before it self-extinguishes, leaving damage to the rear lift-hatch of the vehicle.

BPD Chief Paul Nelson said their K-9 unit collected samples the morning of Thursday, June 28, which will be sent to the state lab on the same date.

BPD is asking residents in the vicinity of the Police Department to review their home surveillance systems before and after 1 a.m. on June 27, to see if footage of the suspect may be acquired.

By Phil Reynolds
The Highlander •

Cottonwood Shores is looking at two purchases to reduce costs in some areas and to help deal with an expanding population.