City Manager Mike Hodge

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality officials told Marble Falls Mayor John Packer Thursday they did not know of proposed housing developments planned for south of Marble Falls when they reviewed an air quality permit application by Asphalt Inc. for a rock crushing plant, but added they would have made no difference.

“I didn't know about the new (Gregg Ranch) housing development or the (Baylor Scott & White) hospital or any of the infrastructure that was there,” said Don Nelon of the TCEQ Air Permits Division. “However, if there would have been a map which identified every existing house, every future house and all new businesses it wouldn't have mattered. If they are outside 440 yards of the rock crusher, there will not be an impact from this plant.”

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Marble Falls Fire Marshal Johnny Caraway will officially retire as of Monday, Sept. 19, and the city will begin immediately looking for his replacement.

“Mr. Caraway was in the office on Friday, Sept. 9,” said City Manager Mike Hodge. “He said he had been considering retirement for a while and had decided to submit his resignation.”

Hodge said that Caraway, who lives in Burnet, had served both as fire chief and, most recently, as interim chief during the search for Fire Chief Russell Sander.

Sander will be part of the review panel for applicants.

“A fire marshal conducts inspections, based on the fire code adopted by the city council,” said Sander. “He also is charged with investigating the causes of fires. We have people in the department that can perform some of those duties.”