Marble Falls Texas news

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Marble Falls City Council has authorized city staff to file appeals and motions against the issuance of a standard air quality permit to Asphalt Inc. by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ).

Glynis Crawford Smith/The Highlander

The larger portion of the open session of the Marble Falls City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 5, was devoted to reports and recognitions.

Perhaps the most significant council action followed the closed executive session with City Attorney Patty Akers. It resulted in a formal letter, responding to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approval of a permit for the Asphalt, Inc. rock crushing facility in south Burnet County. (See related story in The Highlander.)

The reports were important as well, however.

“You have good news in your Fourth Quarter Revenue and Expense Report,” said Finance Director Margie Cardenas of year-to-date figures from the first week of November.

“Nutcracker Gifts of Christmas,” will be performed Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, by a troupe of 51 ballet dancers of Harmony School of Creative Arts.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” has been described as a German Romantic short story set to music by a Russian composer and brought to life on stage by a French choreographer. You could add that the late 19th Century piece has been popularized by New York City stagecraft since the 1940's and, now, by dance teachers in the Highland Lakes.

“Harmony school has been doing a version of 'The Nutcracker' for 16 years, but this is a new version of put in place last year,” said Pamela Dillard, the new director of dance at Harmony. “Dance mistress Jane Huber, Rebecca Carmack and Kristi Steere took the Nutcracker choreography and inserted the story of Christ’s birth.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Nothing brings out the artist in folks like Christmas and visitors to First Friday Art Walk on Marble Falls Main Street Friday, Dec. 1, are bound to find inspiration for their own holiday expression.

The event goes on from 5-8 p.m. as visitors stroll through stores open late and offering refreshments and entertainment.

There will be art, of course. The city's three galleries—Marta Stafford Fire Art at 200 Main Street, Galleries at Pecan Creek at 309 Main Street and the Highland Art Guild Gallery at 310 Main Street—are devoted to it. But many shops up and down the boulevard offer paintings and prints, jewelry and fashions and furniture and accessories, all created by artisans.

The home of the annual Victorian Christmas Open House is celebrating its 125th year at its original location at 603 Seventh Street in Marble Falls.

The doors of the beautiful lady will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Owner of the Christian-Matern Home, Caryl Calsyn, will be on hand to talk with visitors as they tour this important part of Marble Falls history.

The annual event is a gift to the community from the Falls on the Colorado Museum Board of Directors, who also will be greeting the public and inviting them to share holiday refreshments.

at that location is sponsored by board members of the Falls on the Colorado Museum is set for Saturday, December 2, 2017. Home owner

The home is located at 603 Seventh Street at Avenue F, on the east side of U.S. 281 in Marble Falls. Easier access with fewer stairs is available from parking at the back of the house.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Early Monday morning, Nov. 27, Patrol Sgt. Barry Greer of the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD) recovered a 2005 Toyota pickup that turned out to be a stolen vehicle.

“The car was driving through a residential neighborhood in Marble Falls,” said Capt. Glenn Hanson. “Sgt. Greer ran the plates and it came back stolen in Williamson County.”

Greer gave pursuit and the car led him into Blanco County. Near Round Mountain on County Road 962, off US 281, the pickup stopped.

“Three occupants got out and ran, but one was apprehended at the scene,” said Hanson. “It continues to be under investigation.”

A downtown reception will be held in Marble Falls Friday, Dec. 24, to honor one of the Highland Lakes most revered artists, Father Jario Lopez.

When you visit the Highland Lakes, you are visiting an unofficial gallery of Father Lopez’ artistic work. On the city streets, local homes and Saint John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls, his art is lovingly displayed.

Beginning at the turn of a new century, Father Lopez’s calling to mosaic art and to the Highland Lakes were in harmony. With reserve and reverence he explains, “Art lasts forever.”

In the year 2000, his art and his work meshed when he arrived in the rolling hills and lakes. "It's a part of my prayer life and my spirituality, for when you meditate, you see the beauty of God in the materials, colors and textures,” he smiles with having spoken his heart.

His seaming of church and community is similar to his mosaic art.

Anyone can become part of the welcome to the brightest holiday event in the Highland Lakes - the 27th annual Walkway of Lights on Lake Marble Falls.

The Christmas Light Up Parade, ending with the opening of the walkway, will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17.

Whether part of a parade entry or just coming out for the fun, Marble Falls Main Street action will be heading for the first night of the lights offered free by members of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce and the City of Marble Falls. The city will close Main Street from Yett to Sixth Street from about 5:30-7:30 p.m. for parade viewing.

Arrival of the crowds means the recruits to serve as greeters, concession stand workers, photos with Santa Claus helpers and traffic managers need to be in place. More than 50, 000 visitors are expected during 46 nights of lights in Marble Falls Lakeside Park.

The Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD) will welcome the community to the Grand Opening of the Marble Falls Public Safety Facility at 606 Avenue N on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

“We will begin to greet people at noon,” said police chief Mark Whitacre. “After a brief ceremony, there will be an open house until 3:30 p.m. for the general public to see the new faciltiy for our department and for Marble Falls Municipal Court.

“We are excited and there is a flurry of people right now, working for the final inspection of the elevator, implementing the new communications system and phone system. Patrol offices will have to be moved and records.

The Marble Falls Independent School District Pep Rally and Senior Bonfire have been rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, in the field at the end of Colt Circle, behind the MFISD Central Administration Buildings.

“We would like to thank the City of Marble Falls, Marble Falls Fire Rescue, the Marble Falls Police Department, and the PEC for supporting the rescheduling of the MFISD Pep Rally and Bonfire,” said MFHS Student Council sponsor, Molly Heath. “The students appreciate the efforts to hold the Senior Bonfire, which is a long-running community tradition. It is appropriate that the Senior Bonfire has been rescheduled to Thursday Nov. 9, since the game the next evening is Senior Night and the last district game of the season.”

Everyone in the community is invited to the free MFISD Pep Rally and Senior Bonfire.

The Pep Rally will start at 5:30 p.m. with the Senior circle and lighting of the bonfire immediately following.