Marble Falls news

By Alexandria Randolph

Highland Lakes Newspapers

A Granite Shoals man suspected in an aggravated burglary in Louisiana was taken into custody by a Marble Falls Police officer during an act of kindness this week.

Xavier Tyler Haynes, 18, was arrested on Monday, Oct. 10, after a police officer spotted him walking down the road.

“He was walking in a traffic lane down (Ranch to Market Road) 1431,” said Marble Falls Police Capt. Glen Hanson, when the young man was spotted by Marble Falls Police.

“The officer offered to give him a ride, and asked him where he was going. He said he was on his way to Granite Shoals,” Hanson said.

During the trip, the officer checked Haynes' identification and dispatch reported the young man was wanted by the State of Louisiana on felony charge of aggravated burglary.

According to the Burnet County Jail database the charge was issued following an incident in that state on May 22.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Marble Falls ISD has been listed on an Instagram account of schools that comprise some vague “hit list” for alleged “creepy clown” activity.

The Instagram account “killer.clown.666” has listed under the name of the account “Killer Clown Hit list: Johnson City isd: marble falls isd, Harper isd, centerpoint isd.”

While Marble Falls ISD officials do not believe the threat may necessarily be credible, they have gotten local law enforcement involved and will be monitoring the situation, said Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen Friday.

“Like other Central Texas school districts, Marble Falls ISD has been mentioned as one of four districts noted in a 'clown' post. No specific Marble Falls campus, student, or facility has been named as part of this post,” Allen said in a statement.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The year 2016 has been on full of community outreach to support first responders, but at National Night Out, local police, fire and emergency medical personnel cement their bridge to the community with pure fun.

Tuesday night, Oct. 4, is that night. From 5-7 p.m. Johnson Park in Marble Falls will be filled with a fleet of emergency vehicles, free food and goodie bags and events just for kids.

It is a night that makes a family event of meeting the first responders they might never see outside an emergency and to get a look inside a helicopter, ambulance or fire truck that inspires awe or excitement in the park but might be terrifying at an accident scene.

Youngsters can even get an idea of what might be going on at one of those scenes.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

A newsletter and a link to a community survey about a potential north-south Colorado River crossing below Wirtz Dam have been launched by the Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and two public meetings have been scheduled on the topic.

When CAMPO met with Highland Lakes governmental representatives in Marble Falls on Sept. 9, staff members were finalizing the survey to gather public opinion on the project. In the weeks since and with plans to continue through November, they have moved through public events such as FiestaJAM and the Burnet Bluegrass Festival discussing the project with the people they met.

Now, two public meetings will take that interface a step further. The open house discussions to share information and gather input each will take place from 4-7 p.m.

By Melissa Kanz

The Highlander

It wasn’t what local school officials wanted to hear as the Marble Falls Independent School District fell short of its goal, receiving a 64 percent rating on secondary readiness. 

The high school, however, did gain academic distinctions in ELA/Reading, math, science and social studies.

Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen explained there are only 25 districts, out of thousands in the state, that receive this distinction.

“Am I happy with these results, no, but I believe we are generally on the right track,” he said.

The good news is SAT scores surpassed the statewide average. 

Distinctions awarded to Marble Falls High School were Academic Achievements in ELA/Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Also awarded was Postsecondary Readiness.

Marble Falls Middle School was awarded Academic Achievement in Science.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

The decision to put my dog down was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. My wife Betty came to my office Monday, Sept. 19, and told me that Sydney had been coughing and struggling to rest all night. That morning, she had coughed up some blood and things looked very bleak for her health.

Sydney, after all, was more than 13 years old. She suffered from cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and congestive heart failure. Just about six weeks ago, we had to rush her to Austin to the 24-hour emergency clinic because she was having a hard time breathing.

Lew K. Cohn/The Highlander

Charlie Robison, looking very much like Jeff Bridge’s character “The Dude” in the movie “The Big Lebowski,” performs during his set at Brass Hall in Marble Falls at the C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) fundraiser Friday night, Sept. 2. It was also a birthday celebration for Bandera native Robison, who turned 52 Thursday, Sept. 1.

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

More than 60 Texas A&M University College of Architecture students and faculty members will come to Marble Falls on Monday, Sept. 12, to tour a potential site for a new Phoenix Center facility and to help produce schematic architectural and site master planning concepts for the non-profit organization.

Phoenix Center Executive Director and founder Sarah Garrett said the partnership is being made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Texas A&M College of Architecture’s High-Impact Learning Vertical Interdisciplinary Studio.

By Christi Bertelson

Highland Lakes Newspapers

Scott Lumbert is showing signs of progress after injuries sustained during the boat races at LakeFest on Sunday, Aug. 14, according to his wife Lynn.

“Scott is showing progress; it is baby steps and we still have a long road, but we are celebrating each success,” said Lynn via social media.

“Today they did a tracheotomy, hoping to wean him off the ventilator gradually over time. Scott, being the strong man he is, is breathing on his own right off the start.

“I wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers. You all are amazing, Please continue with all the prayers. Because of your prayers and support, I know Scott and I are not facing this journey alone. Thank you.”

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

No matter where you are from, the Marble Falls Parks & Recreation Department wants your ideas for their facilities and programs.

An online survey is being conducted to collect the information that will make its way into the process going on to update the city's Park, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The document will help Marble Falls set priorities for parks, recreation facilities, trails and open spaces for the next 10 years.

As an incentive for the effort, those who complete the survey by Aug. 31 will be able to enter a drawing for a chance to win two VIP tickets to FiestaJAM 2016 to be held Sept. 23-24 at Lakeside Park and Pavilion or a 16GB Verizon iPhone 5s.

“Anyone who works or shops here or who just enjoys coming to Marble Falls is invited to take the survey,” said Monique Breaux, administrative assistant for Parks & Recreation. “The city takes everyone's views seriously.”