33rd/424th Judicial District

Special to The Highlander

On Aug. 6, a Burnet County grand jury indicted two owners of a boys home outside of Bertram on human trafficking charges, according to a press release.

After evidence was presented from an “extensive investigation into their operation” of the Joshua Home for boys, the grand jury recommended indictments against 49-year-old Gary Dwayne Wiggins and 34-year-old Meghann Shereen Wiggins.

The charges are one count each of trafficking of persons: continuous, a first degree felony.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A group of Double Horn residents have petitioned for an election to dissolve the incorporation of the newly-formed municipality, alleging “no benefit” to the residents and lack of powers to control mining industry growth nearby.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County commissioners are expected to propose an overall tax rate of 39.99 cents per $100 valuation at a special called meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, in order to support a proposed $29.92 budget for fiscal year 2020.

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A former Bertram police chief has pled guilty to oppression and abuse, surrendered his peace officer's license, received an eight-day jail sentence, and exhibited “remorse” which influencing his judge-ordered penalty, officials said.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

The state of Texas has opted to continue its legal action against the city of Double Horn, alleging the municipality formed illegally, following a petition denial by a district court judge in Burnet County.