Marble Falls news

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Three new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Burnet County during the past weekend, bringing the number of confirmed positives to 17, the county's health authority said.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council members April 21 approved extending the municipality's disaster declaration through May 19 but not without some discussion about COVID-19 statistics and the impact of state-mandated restrictions on local businesses.

The resolution passed by a 6-1 vote at the regular meeting which was held by teleconference, due to measures to promote “social distancing” aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Due to improved ability to keep shelves stocked in recent weeks, H-E-B grocery store locations in Burnet, Marble Falls and Kingsland will ease limited store hour restrictions starting Monday, April 27.

“To better serve our customers, H-E-B will expand its temporary hours of operation at stores across Texas,” according to a store statement.

Kelly McDuffie/Contributing Photographer
Every aspect of the Friday, April 17, Community Concert Series, including sound equipment, musical talent, videos and venue space at the Hampton Inn in Marble Falls. The public was invited to float over to the venue and listen to the live music on their boats on Lake Marble Falls. Hosts also encouraged donations to the Highland Lakes Crisis Network which assists those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Performers included, from left, Pauline Reese, Brandon Alan, George Gurganus, Jessa Myer, john Arthur martinez and Chris Reeves.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A former jail inmate alleged in a federal lawsuit April 16 that his incarceration was a case of “mistaken identity” and lodged complaints against Burnet County and Hamilton County law enforcement based on how they handled his pleas to clear his name.

James Matthew Robinson, 38, of Longview was incarcerated in the Burnet County Jail from June to October 2018 based on a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office warrant, according to jail documents. …

Special to The Highlander
Safety improvements to U.S. 281, between Texas 71 and the Burnet County and Blanco County line, are being accelerated by a year, thanks to grant funding secured by the Texas Department of Transportation.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Sales tax allocations for Marble Falls for April dropped by more than 6 percent, while HSB sales tax revenues were down more than 14 percent — and that does not include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls economic development leaders forged ahead April 15 with downtown project work as state officials signaled the potential end to the pandemic crisis in the next several weeks.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced April 13 that he would begin a gradual rollout of the re-opening of the state's economy in mid May. Local officials have kept crews working in anticipation of the end of coronavirus restrictions which closed businesses and venues. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, a tradesman who does work throughout the Highland Lakes began to notice a trend that prompted him to help others in the community.

“We haven't missed a lick because construction is good. I consider myself lucky,” said electrician Brad Jackson of Jackson Electric. “We're not getting further behind with our bills.”

Jackson and others in the construction-related industry were designated “essential business” during coronavirus restrictions. …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls city and emergency management officials provided an update on coronavirus statistics, protocols and recommendations April 7 during a regular city council meeting.

Fire Chief Russell Sander, who is also the municipality's emergency management coordinator, shared that Burnet County has posted its sixth confirmed COVID-19 positive test since mid-March. …