News

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County Judge James Oakley said Tuesday, March 24, he doesn't believe a “shelter-in-place” order will be necessary for Burnet County following similar orders being issued for Austin and Travis County and the city of Lampasas.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

With the suspension of schools and job furloughs, local families have found ways to reconnect with one another, continue essential tasks and still offer support for their loved ones.

Jade Klaus and Eric Walker explained how they bought groceries March 20, stopped at Walgreens for a few health necessities and then purchased a Red Box movie outside the pharmacy.

“This gives us an opportunity to rent movies and hang out at the house with kids,” Klaus said of Walker and their boys ages four and 12. …

By Kevin Naumann
HLCN Executive Director

As we navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to join us to help shine a light of hope and of love to our neighbors in need. We are the Church.

We are gearing up to be able to provide food and supplies to our neighbors in need; specifically, for our elderly and medically fragile, those who may have income shortages and students who are not able to access meals provided by the Marble Falls Independent School District. …

By Lew K. Cohn and Connie Swinney

Disasters orders regarding COVID-19 have disrupted the way merchants do business, however Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce has launched an effort to keep commerce going where possible.

“To be separated from each other as a tight-knit community adds anxiety to everyone, so we can be a platform for that,” said Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jarrod Metzgar. “As a chamber of commerce we want to do all we can to continue commerce but also can help rejuvenate and get that spark up to keep us up and going.”

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

In the wake of Burnet County's first confirmed COVID-19 test, the Burnet County Health Authority has important advice for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to coronavirus or may be suffering from the illness: Stay home.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

In light of disaster declarations on both local and county-wide levels, churches have opted to change the way they worship.

“Live streaming – I did last Sunday on Facebook,” said Pat Hatch, a member of Marble Falls First United Methodist Church. “Our grand kids were here, and they got to listen too.”

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Before noon on March 18, 10 requests came into the Highland Lakes Crisis Network office, 1007 Broadway Ave., from elderly residents asking for help obtaining groceries as the coronavirus scare continues to clear store shelves in the community.

“By coincidence one of the people who we deliver (Meals on Wheels) to called in today needing help grocery shopping,” said Ron Munos, a HLCN volunteer, who works with the Meals program as well. “She's afraid to get out. My wife got her list, and if it's not perishable, we'll pick it up this afternoon because we deliver to her anyway.

Nathan Hendrix
Staff Writer

In reaction to developments with COVID-19, Marble Falls Independent School District suspended normal school operations until at least April 3 to provide time to be more informed about a return to classes.

The date for suspension was updated on March 19 to comply with Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Health officials are telling people who believe they may have or may have been exposed to COVID-19 to follow Baylor Scott & White Marble Falls' online protocol to determine whether they should be tested for the virus and not go directly to the hospital for testing at this time.

In the meantime, people who are exhibiting mild COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, headache, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, are asked not to go to the emergency room or physicians' offices to stop the possible spread of the disease.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

As the state of Texas, Burnet and Llano counties declared emergencies due to the COVID-19 virus, public officials advised residents it is inevitable the virus will find its way into the Highland Lakes region.

“It's not a matter of if, but when. It's right next door,” said Burnet County Judge James Oakley on Thursday, March 19, during a special called meeting of the Burnet County Commissioners Court that was simulcast live on Facebook.