Horseshoe Bay Texas news

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Horseshoe Bay has virtually completed everything on its long-range plan adopted last year with the exception of three things, all of which are currently in progress, Mayor Steve Jordan announced at a citizens' forum Tuesday at Quail Point.

Jordan, the Horseshoe Bay City Council and city staff held this first-ever forum to promote government transparency and open communication with residents.

The Texas Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to investigate a fire Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Horseshoe Bay.

A 9-1-1 call at 5:01 a.m. sent emergency services to 2500 Stag Road, according to a press release from Horseshoe Bay Police Chief Rocky Wardlow and Fire Chief Joe Morris.

Horseshoe Bay Fire Engines 11 and 12 and assistance from the Marble Falls Fire Department fought the fire for approximately an hour before it was deemed under control.

By Richard Zowie

The Highlander

Some make visits out to Los Angeles, California to try to make it in show business. Others go because they want to visit the Pacific Ocean or go to Disneyland.

David Vaughn, a police officer with the Horseshoe Bay Police Department, went to fulfill a longtime dream of competing on the television game show “Wheel of Fortune.”

“I started watching it when I was about seven,” said Vaughn, who worked as a police officer in Houston prior to moving to the Hill Country. “I’ve always been a fan of the show and liked trying to figure out puzzles. They reminded me of the Hangman kind of games we’d play as kids. People would come over and watch with me and tell me I was good and should try to get on.”

Vaughn spent five years filling out forms online and even submitted an audition tape two years ago.

A brief but solemn ceremony will take place Monday, Sept. 11, in Sandy Harbor--the toning of a bell cast from metal from the World Trade Center.

Members of the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department (SHVFD) will welcome their neighbors at 9:45 a.m. for a ceremony that will end with the toning of the bell at 9:46 a.m.

The bell was donated by a supporter of the SHVFD whose cousin, a New York firefighter, lost is life in the towers' collapse.

"As first responders, our volunteers want to recognize the many sacrifices made by emergency personnel and so many others on this tragic day," said Douglas Hindelang of the department. "Please feel free to join us for a short period of reflection and prayer.

The SHVFD is located at 203 Granite Shoals Drive in Horseshoe Bay.

Horseshoe Bay is looking for someone to honor as its 2017 Citizen of the Year.

The Horsehose Bay Business Alliance, along with the Horseshoe Bay City Council, is now accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year through Aug. 31.

All citizens of Horseshoe Bay are eligible to submit nominations to receive the award. The Citizen of the Year may be an individual or couple and will be chose from the following criteria:

* Civic, community or church involvement: 50 percent of the criteria considered.

* Accomplishments and contributions to the economic growth and quality of life in Horseshoe Bay: 30 percent of the criteria considered.

* Additional outstanding characteristics the nominee has: 20 percent of criteria considered.

Nominees must demonstrate leadership, valor or exemplary service in thecommunity, go above and beyond normal community involvement and volunteerism, and their philanthropic efforts will also be considered.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Horseshoe Bay City Council has called for a general election in November to elect a mayor and two council members and a special election the same day to decide whether the city will continue to collect sales tax for municipal street repair and maintenance.

The election will be held Nov. 7 and the first official day to file for a spot on the ballot is July 22. However, since that day is a Saturday and City Secretary Kerri Craig's office will not be open, the first day applications will be accepted will be Monday, July 24. The last day to file for election is Aug. 21.

Mayor Steve Jordan and council members Cynthia Clinesmith and Reagan Lambert hold the positions that are up for election this year. If only one candidate files for mayor and two candidates file for council positions, the city can cancel the general election at its Aug. 29 council meeting.

A chance for dramatic savings on tickets to the 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill Country ends Sunday, Aug. 6.

The event brings together more than 20 of the Highland Lakes area top chefs and restaurants to benefit the performing arts programs at the Hill Country Community Theatre. Early Bird general admission tickets are are $40 each or two for $75 through Aug. 6.

When the event opens its doors at the Marble Falls Lakeside Pavilion on Oct. 17, tickets will be $55 each or two for $95.

"Guests sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants all in one place at this event," said Mike Rademaekers, HCCT executive director. "Whether you’re a well-dined gourmand, a new-found food lover or simply looking for a good time with friends, there’s something for everyone at Taste of the Hill Country. Samples of food and drink are almost unlimited."

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

One of Horseshoe Bay's oldest structures now belongs to the City of Horseshoe Bay after the Horseshoe Bay Resort handed over the deed and the keys to the historic Fuchs House at Tuesday's regular council meeting.
Ron Lynn Mitchell, vice chairman, president and CEO of Horseshoe Bay Resort, presented the deed to the house — which was built in the 19th century — as well as the 2.76-acre tract of land it sits on to Horseshoe Bay mayor Steve Jordan and Fuchs House Advisory Committee member Mike Widler.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Horseshoe Bay is now the only city in either Llano or Burnet counties to hold the prestigious Gold Scenic City certification, it was announced at Tuesday's regular city council meeting.

Assistant city planner Nathalie Kip said the Scenic City Certification Program just this month informed the city of Horseshoe Bay it had been ranked up from Bronze to Gold after the city had submitted its recertification application in March.

“We've been with Scenic Cities program since 2010 and in 2015 were recertified as Bronze,” Kip said. “The way the program works, it is a five-year certification and at the two-year mark, cities have a chance to rank up. That's what we did this year, really highlighting the city's participation in the International Dark-Sky Association and the Mayor's Monarch Pledge.”

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

A new $40 million planned development that would include independent living and assisted living units is another step closer to becoming a reality after the Horseshoe Bay City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to grant rezoning and variance requests to the project developer, Mike Walsh of Lavaca Financial Corporation.

The Villages of Sienna Grove will be built on a 13.96-acre tract in The Parks at Horseshoe Bay off Ranch to Market Road 2147, not far from Texas 71 and across from Bay Country subdivision.

It will be comprised of three buildings — a three-story building of 71 independent living units, a two-story building of 46 assisted living units and a one-story building of 38 memory care units — in addition to up to 16 duplex “casitas.”