Burnet County news

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have left the Hill Country grape-growing industry high and dry, local venue operators are coming up with ways to pique the interest of wine lovers.

“Typically, this time of year, you'd look out over the vineyard, and you would see maybe 15 to 20 employees, seasonal labor for us, coming out working,” said Brent Pape, a co-winemaker and viticulturist. “COVID-19 isn't impacting vines, but the people working the vines.”

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County commissioners reviewed a report on April 8 which revealed a negative impact on county revenues due to restrictions, orders and closures connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special to The Highlander

At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas State Parks will be closed to the public effective at the close of business Tuesday, April 7 in order to maintain the safest environment for visitors, volunteers and staff, according to a press release from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

"The state agency will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations and will announce when a definite reopening date has been determined," the release stated.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide executive order on March 31 directing all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household and keeping schools closed to in-person classroon attendance through May 4.

By Connie Swinney and Lew K. Cohn
The Highlander

Burnet County officials, in cooperation with municipalities and the Burnet County Health Authority, opted March 25 to order “Stay in Place and Stay Safe” guidelines in response to growing concerns about minimizing the number of potential infections of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

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 Jeff Shabram
Publisher

As we all continue to deal with the fallout and effects of the threat of coronavirus, we realize that our readers need accurate information.

In light of the announcement of the Burnet County "Stay in Place and Stay Safe" emergency order on March 25, 2020, we will continue our operations as an essential service in the provision of news coverage for the community.

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.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Sales tax allocations for March for Marble Falls were down slightly, but Granite Shoals and Cottonwood Shores each saw large percentage increases, it was announced last week.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

HEB grocery store officials are asking customers to quell “panic” over concerns about the coronavirus, and have implemented temporary purchase limits of certain items, according to March 13 company statements.

The statement was released after a week-long barrage of customers – including those in Burnet, Marble Falls and Kingsland – in the midst of COVID-19 scare buying items in bulk such as toilet paper, cleaning products, hand sanitizer and even some food items.