Marble Falls news

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

First United Methodist Church spokesman Keith Russell explained to Marble Falls City Council members Jan. 21 how his congregants would prefer not to walk on so much water.

“It's a drainage concern. We have a lot of elderly people,” Russell said. “Our parking lot just becomes a flood zone.” …

Elizabeth Johnston/Special to The Highlander

Mary Jane Avery/Special to The Highlander

Republicans are busy planning two upcoming events. Organizers along with the Burnet Chamber of Commerce and Burnet Bulletin will be hosting the 2020 Candidate Forum on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Agrilife Extension at 607 N. Vandeveer in Burnet. They are also completing details for their Chili Cook-Off, Pie Bake-Off and Scholarship Auction to be held at the Burnet Fairgrounds on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pictured, during a recent planning session, are: Karyn Mason, Londa Chandler, Gail Teegarden, Kara Chasteen, Kay Stripling and Darlene Hargett.

From staff reports

The Texas Press Association recognized The Highlander for outstanding achievement in several areas during its annual trade show and convention Jan. 16-18 at the 140th TPA Convention & Trade Show held at Moody Gardens Hotel, Convention Center & Spa in Galveston.

The Highlander won four awards in the 2018-19 TPA Better Newspaper Contest, finishing fifth overall in its circulation classification.

Connie Swinney/The Highlander

A global fast-food icon's Marble Falls location will temporarily close its doors in January to make way for a new building at the same location. The last day of business at McDonald's, 1605 RR 1431, is Jan. 26. Demolition is scheduled to begin Jan. 30. “That's when the bulldozers show up,” said Teresita Arnold, area supervisor over the Marble Falls and Burnet eateries. “It will be new, bigger and more parking.” The new building is expected to be completed in 100 days.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

As U.S. 281 projects in Burnet and Llano counties continue into the new year, crews are scheduled to launch work in at least two more highly-traveled areas in 2020.

In southern Burnet County, construction crews have continued to remove tons of crushed rock along several miles of U.S. 281 in the southern Marble Falls city limits from the RM 2147 East intersection to an area just short of the Texas 71 intersection. …

From staff reports

A Spicewood man is dead following an alleged “road rage” incident Jan. 15 in the parking lot of a convenience store, just off Texas 71 in Spicewood, according to the Burnet County Sheriff's Office.

A BCSO press release stated that around 2 p.m. 44-year-old Thao Ton suffered at least two gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Investigators stated Ton was involved with 36-year-old Milton Kim of Leander in a “non-collision road rage incident on SH 71 and had mutually pulled into the Spicewood Square Chevron parking lot” where an altercation ensued. …

By Julie Farmer
Special to The Highlander

Two entities, focused on cultivating new careers in the skilled trades for adults, have joined forces to infuse more funding into the Workforce Network Inc. program.

On Dec. 10, 2019, Hill Country Builders Association, Highland Lakes region (HCBA) expanded their commitment to the building trades with a $10,000 investment in skills training for adults. …

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city leaders have refined drafted goals for 2020 and beyond with an emphasis on infrastructure, flood recovery and continued recreation upgrades and improvement, officials said.

“Every year city council and staff convene to conduct strategic planning for the upcoming year,” Mayor John Packer said. “This year, the priorities focused on ensuring quality service to the community through improved infrastructure, better streets and a great park system.” …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city officials have tabled a proposal to proceed with folding Los Escondidos subdivision into the city limits in light of state law prohibiting involuntary annexation and the smattering of development agreements among 38 lots.

“The council does agree it would be unfair for us to only access a portion of the lots. To have them come in and pay taxes and not have the others pay,” said City Manager Mike Hodge …