City of Marble Falls

UPDATE: Organizers released a schedule of events as follows: Statement of Purpose ( 9 a.m.); Community Speakers (9:10 a.m.); Unity March Begins in Johnson Park (10 a.m.); "I Can't Breathe" Nine Minutes of Silence (11:15 a.m.); Community Speaker (11:30 a.m.); Prayer of Unit (12:05 p.m.); Breaking of Bread/Lunch (12:15 p.m.); and Event officially ends (1 p.m.).

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls police have readied resources and contacted several area agencies to stage at key points around the city in preparation of a Black Lives Matters (BLM) protest planned for Saturday, June 13 in Johnson Park, officials said.

From staff reports

After meeting with city leaders on Friday, June 5, organizers of a Black Lives Matter protest scheduled for next weekend have agreed to move the event to Johnson Park rather than stage it at the intersection of RM 1431 and US 281.

The BLM protest will be held Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature guest speakers from the faith community as well as a prayer circle that will begin and end the event fro all who wish to participate.

Organizers of the event, which include recently graduated Marble Falls High School students, have re-iterated to officials this will be a peaceful protest led by local individuals.

CIty officials said Friday they have been in contact with other communities in the area who have held similar events and all were held without incident.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

As the temperatures heat up, Marble Falls city staff have created a program to help youngsters cool off this summer, while adhering to COVID-19 protocols from the state.

“We are planning to have pool hours as far as June and then also July,” City Manager Mike Hodge told city council members May 22. “We will be complying to the governor's order.

“We'll shoot for 25 percent (occupancy),” he added.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

The city of Marble Falls will utilize more than $2 million in grant funding to help solve bank erosion and fortify areas around certain water crossings, necessitated by the October 2018 flood.

To help pay for the overall cost of fixing problems, including “bank stabilization projects” in the area of Johnson Park and Backbone Creek, the city of Marble Falls entered into a project agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservancy Service (NRCS) and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Marble Falls City Council received an update May 5 regarding what FEMA and the Texas Municipal League have reimbursed for October 2018 flood damage and what remains to be assessed for eligibility.

City staff updated the council during a strategic retreat session, aimed at reviewing previous and setting new priorities for the municipality, following a regular city council meeting.

“Flood recovery is number one,” City Manager Mike Hodge said.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County residents can get tested for COVID-19 if they are exhibiting symptoms at a mobile test site at the Marble Falls Fire Rescue station on Tuesday, May 12.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Head Librarian Amanda Rose and her staff streamlined a strict protocol policy to re-open the venue May 4, while keeping the needs of their patrons in mind.

“We were excited about that. Basically, we're in phase 1,” she said of the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St. “You'll see the (floor 'social distancing' markers), the limited capacity.

“So far the community has been so great,” she added. “They're just happy to be able to come in.
“They're very respectful, and we're happy to see their faces.” …

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Boaters and swimmers on Lake Marble Falls will need to navigate a few new rules regarding where they can travel and play on the waterway.

On May 5, the Marble Falls City Council approved regulations for water goers adjacent to Lakeside Park designating a swimming area and “no boat zone.” …

Special to The Highlander
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on May 5 authorized the reopening of hair and nail salons, barber shops and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade.