Llano County declared a local state of disaster on Monday, June 15, regarding the county’s close proximity to the spreading threat of the New World screwworm outbreak.
A confirmed New World screwworm case documented on Monday, June 8, in Gillespie County put southwest Llano County within the “Adjacent Surveillance Zone” established by the Texas Animal Health Commission to monitor the screwworm outbreak.
According to a media release issued by Llano County on Monday, this declaration will remain in effect until June 22, when the Llano County Commissioners Court next convenes, and the court will determine whether or not to renew the declaration at that time.
The declaration of a local disaster activates Llano County’s emergency response resources and gives official authorization to local leaders to pursue assistance from other agencies and government bodies at the state and federal level.
Llano County residents with additional questions or concerns regarding the screwworm and local response should contact the Llano County AgriLife Extension Office at 325-247-5159.
An updated TAHC map released on Wednesday, June 10, shows southwest Llano County as within the “Adjacent Surveillance Zone” surrounding the “Infested Zone” emanating from western Gillespie County.
Background on the worm
The screwworm is the larval form of the New World screwworm fly. It is a flesh-eating parasite that wreaked havoc on Texas livestock, pets, and wildlife for decades before being effectively eradicated in the United States by the 1980s.
A resurgence of the bug was detected in Central America in 2023, moving steadily northward, with state and federal officials warning in 2025 of a possible U.S. outbreak.
The first confirmed infection documented in the recent wave within U.S. borders was in Zavala County, TX, on June 3.
Texas has been on high alert since the Zavala County case was detected. On Monday, June 8, Governor Greg Abbott activated the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to “Level II,” mobilizing state resources and agencies to combat the screwworm outbreak.
“I have activated the full use of all state resources to respond to the New World screwworm threat,” Governor Abbott wrote in a June 8 media release. “The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority.”
Fly/worm life cycle and impacts
The concern about the worm centers on its ability to quickly harm or even kill animals if left untreated.
According to a research evaluation from the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension on the New World screwworm, female flies are attracted to fresh, open wounds on warm-blooded animals. A wound as small as a thorn scratch or a tick bite is enough to draw them in.
Of special concern are the umbilical cord attachment points on newborn livestock, castration wounds, branding wounds, shearing wounds, dehorning wounds, or other wounds caused in regular ranching or agricultural work.
Female flies lay 100-300 eggs on the perimeter of a wound and within 24 hours the eggs hatch and begin to feed on living or dead flesh in the area.
Within one to two weeks, the worms grow, feeding on their host, consuming a large amount of flesh.
“Untreated screwworm infestations can be fatal,” wrote Texas A&M Entomologist Bart Drees. “The larvae will continue to feed on the animal and will eventually eat the host alive.”
Drees wrote that treating wounds immediately was the best control measure for screwworm infestations.
“Any animal with a severe wound should not be left untreated or out in the pasture unprotected,” he said.
dakota@thepicayune.com
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Low water crossings, creeks, and some roadways in the Highland Lakes area were flooded on the night of Sunday, June 14, due to heavy rainfall across Burnet and Llano counties. More precipitation is expected Monday night, Tuesday, and later in the week. Even more wet weather could be in store in the coming months, with climate scientists predicting a “very strong” El Niño.
Much of Central Texas was under a flood watch on Sunday, with several inches of rain falling throughout Burnet, Llano, and Travis counties, which led to rising waterways that were impassable until Monday morning in some cases.
A 5 a.m. statement issued by the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department on Monday, June 15, read:
“There are several low water crossings in our area that are currently flooded, especially on the county roads. There are also closures in the city of Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.”
At the time, the FM 2147 low water crossing on Flatrock Creek was closed, the CR 120 crossings over Backbone Creek were closed, the crossings on CR 401 and CR 404 over Double Horn Creek were closed, the crossing on CR 404 near Krause Springs in Spicewood was closed, and there were reports that water was over the road on CR 120 near RR 1431 West.
According to Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Derrick Curtis, residents should be vigilant about potential flooding in the coming days.
“The (Highland Lakes area) has been saturated for a few weeks now, so all of the low water crossings could flood (with more rain),” he said.
Burnet and Llano counties were under a National Weather Service flood watch on Monday morning that originally extended until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, but that watch was no longer in effect at the time of this article’s publication on Monday afternoon.
Rain
The primary cause of Sunday night’s flooding was several inches of rainfall that fell in just a few hours. The rain was primarily concentrated in southern Burnet and Llano counties.
The following numbers are rainfall totals measured by Lower Colorado River Authority rain gauges in the Highland Lakes between 2:10 p.m. on Sunday and 2:10 p.m. on Monday:
Honey Creek near Kingsland- 4.11 inches
Marble Falls 8 SSW- 3.92 inches
Kingsland 9 WSW- 3.69 inches
Lake LBJ at RM 2900 bridge- 3.15 inches
Round Mountain 6 WNW- 3.14 inches
The LCRA did not open any floodgates in the Highland Lakes area during the recent flooding, but the authority did release storm runoff through hydroelectric generation on multiple lakes.
Farther downstream, a gate on Tom Miller Dam was temporarily opened, and a floodgate on Lake Bastrop Dam was still partially open as of 2:15 p.m. on Monday.
El Niño
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on June 11 that El Niño conditions had formed and that they would likely intensify in the winter of 2026-27.
While the climate pattern has sweeping impacts across the globe, for Central Texas, El Niño typically means warmer, wetter weather, especially in the winter.
This map shows the typical impacts of El Nino to the continental U.S. and Canada during Northern Hemisphere winter. NOAA image
El Niño is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern, which is dictated by the surface temperature of the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño occurs when temperatures are 0.5°C above average for several consecutive months. La Niña, the counterpart to El Niño, occurs when the temperature is 0.5°C below average for several consecutive months. For Central Texas, La Niña usually means drier weather.
“El Niño, the warm phase of the (ENSO), is predicted to intensify to a moderate or strong level this fall,” reads a media release issued by NOAA on June 11. “Forecasters predict a 63 percent chance of sea surface temperatures exceeding 2.0°C in the Nino-monitored region of the Pacific. If this threshold is surpassed, NOAA considers the event a ‘very strong’ El Niño.”
The climate patterns are not guarantees of changes in weather, but in recent history, Central Texas saw the full impacts of a three-year La Niña and accompanying drought conditions that lasted 2021-23. The historic flooding of the Llano and Colorado rivers in October 2018 occurred during a particularly intense El Niño that lasted from 2018-19.
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Two homes in the Thunder Rock subdivision of Marble Falls were struck by lightning and caught fire in the dark, early morning hours of Monday, June 15.
According to a statement issued by Spicewood Fire Rescue, the department responded to mutual-aid calls with Marble Falls Fire Rescue at 2:22 a.m. and 2:26 a.m. after reports of two separate homes being struck by lightning. The affected residences were located at 320 Lone Cedar and 120 Southridge Trail. No injuries were reported.
A command unit from Spicewood Fire Rescue, whose crew included a resident of the neighborhood, alerted occupants of the Lone Cedar home and assisted with evacuation efforts. The fire at that residence was contained to the attic, resulting in minor damage.
The second home, located on Southridge Trail, was vacant at the time of the fire and was declared a total loss.
“I’m as perplexed as anyone as to why lightning strikes in the Thunder Rock subdivision,” Marble Falls Fire Chief Thomas Crane told DailyTrib.
This is the second instance of lightning striking in Thunder Rock in the last month, with a confirmed strike on May 19 that also drew emergency response.
Several agencies assisted with the response, including the Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals, Sunrise Beach Village and Round Mountain fire departments.
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Burnet County residents may feel and hear the impacts of bombardment training in the early mornings and afternoons of the next two weeks as Fort Hood conducts B-52 Stratofortress munitions testing. The routine training will run from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on June 15-16 and June 22-26.
A Fort Hood press release issued on June 12 stated that residents living around the base may hear increased aircraft noise and detonations during the scheduled training times.
The aircraft, from the Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, will be dropping 500-pound munitions as part of the training exercise which may result in small ground quakes.
Officials reassured residents that the testing is part of regular operations, and would not affect safety.
“Fort Hood regularly conducts training exercises to maintain readiness while working closely with local communities to minimize disruptions,” reads an excerpt from the media release.
Previous testing using the same B-52 and 500-pound munitions in December 2025 was felt by some residents near Bertram, which is approximately 32 miles from Fort Hood. Additional testing took place three months ago in March.
Residents are encouraged to report any unexploded ordnance or suspicious objects to 911 or the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services at 254-287-4001.
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A juvenile suspect has been charged with murder in a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday, June 11, in the Thunder Rock subdivision of Marble Falls. The victim in the shooting was also a juvenile and a Marble Falls High School student.
According to Marble Falls Police Captain Jimmy Cole, the shooting occurred in a vehicle in the 100 block of Gray Slate Avenue in Marble Falls at around 8 p.m. on Thursday. The victim was reportedly shot and transported to Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, but died from their injury.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting, charged with murder, and transported to a juvenile detention center.
The investigation is ongoing, and many details may be withheld or sparsely shared by law enforcement due to those involved being juveniles.
The victim, identified as “Eric S.” by MFPD, was a student at Marble Falls High School.
MFHS Principal Patrick Hinson reached out to families on Friday, sharing the news of a student’s passing and to offer support for those struggling with the news.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of one of our students last night,” Hinson wrote. “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who knew and cared for them during this incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage families to check in with their children, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that it is normal to experience strong emotions following a loss.
“If you believe your child may need additional support, please feel free to bring your child to the high school on Monday, June 15th, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Counselors will be on hand to visit with your student.”
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The Marble Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is getting some badly-needed renovations to its storm-damaged headquarters thanks to a grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The chamber was awarded $45,000 through the LCRA Community Grant Program, with financial support from PEC, to help cover the costs of restoring its office at 916 2nd Street in Marble Falls.
The chamber’s office was heavily damaged between June and July 2025 by flooding, which was followed up by a mold infestation, which all required complete interior and exterior renovations to remedy.
“We are deeply grateful for LCRA’s partnership and belief in our vision,” Chamber Executive Director Kim Kankel said in a media release. “Their support will leave a lasting impact on our chamber, our members and the community we proudly serve for years to come.”
The chamber will still contribute $119,127 of its own money toward the office repairs.
Once completed, the office can once again serve as a hub for local nonprofit organizations, businesses, employers, partner agencies, and more.
“The LCRA grant will make a tremendous difference in helping us create a welcoming, updated space that reflects the vibrancy of our community and the businesses we serve throughout the Highland Lakes region,” Kankel continued. “This investment is about more than a building; it’s about creating a place where people can meet, network, build relationships and opportunities for growth can flourish.”
Learn more about the Community Grant Program here.
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from June 5-11, 2026, according to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office. City of residence and release information are listed when available. This list does not constitute an official court document, and all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Logan Daniel Thomas Doss, 29, of San Antonio, was arrested June 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 6 on $1,500 in bonds.
Sonny George Ortiz, 49, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on June 7, credit time served.
Sayde Ty Peterson, 23, of Granite Shoals, was arrested June 5 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): indecency with a child, three counts, indecent exposure, three counts.
Michael Scott Coe, 34, of Taylor, was arrested June 6 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 7 on $1,500 in bonds.
Jesse Robert Leppert, 45, of Burnet, was arrested June 6 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication with three prior convictions.
Reece Jordan Metcalf, 28, of Caballo, was arrested June 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on June 10 on $5,000 in bonds.
Nicholas Lee Ortiz, 23, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 6 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault by contact, family violence. Released on June 7 on $500 in bonds.
Izaak Nathaniel Tate, 19, of Caballo, New Mexico, was arrested June 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on June 8 on $250 in bonds.
Autumn Josephine Allen, 41, of Burnet, was arrested June 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 7 on $1,500 in bonds.
Jeffery Howard Ingle, 64, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 7 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.
Jorge Ramirez Jr., 44, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention, failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information, theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, two counts, parole violation, forgery of financial instrumentation of more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Lucas Dean Smith, 18, of Bertram, was arrested June 7 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 8 on $1,500 in bonds.
Matthew Scott Conners, 38, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 8 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): parole violation.
Jimmy Lee Lerma, 53, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, bail jumping and failure to appear as a felon.
Edi Edgar Ornelas, 42, of Granite Shoals, was arrested June 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): assault by contact, domestic violence.
Nicholas Lee Ortiz, 23, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 8 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): violation of a bond or protective order. Released on June 8 on $2,500 in bonds.
Samantha Lynn Pons, 32, of Bertram, was arrested June 8 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): expired motor vehicle registration. Released on June 9 per judges orders.
Erick Nathaniel Reed, 55, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): disorderly conduct with three or more prior convictions, public intoxication with three prior convictions, two counts.
Jacquelin Chavez, 30, of Granite Shoals, was arrested June 9 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): theft of property valued more than $100 but less than $750.
Jimmie Wayne Goodson, 53, of Tacoma, Washington, was arrested June 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): forgery of financial instrumentation valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Payton Shawn Kahn, 28, of Bertram, was arrested June 9 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on June 9 on $5,000 in bonds.
Ross William O’Connor, 63, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlawful restraint. Released on June 9 on $2,500.
Lindsey Jo Walker, 35, of Johnson City, was arrested June 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlawful restraint of a person under 17 years of age.
Aaron William Zwahr, 44, of San Marcos, was arrested June 9 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, unlicensed carry of a weapon, terroristic threat of the family or household. Released on June 9 on $12,500 in bonds.
Eric Nathan Clark, 36, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 10 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief valued more than $750 but less than $2,500.
Jesse Rodgers Hunt, 43, of Burnet, was arrested June 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member, two counts.
Kevin Quintanilla Jaramillo, 47, of Kempner, was arrested June 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): continuous violence against the family, violation of a bond or protective order.
Lesa Jean O’Connor, 61, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): injury of a child, elderly, or disabled individual with intentional bodily injury, unlawful restraint, assault against an elderly or disabled individual. Released on June 10 on $15,000 in bonds.
Michael Paul Salmeron, 42, of Bertram, was arrested June 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member, unlicensed carry of a weapon, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on June 10 on $9,000 in bonds.
Alicia Nicole Simmons, 27, of Marble Falls, was arrested June 10 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Dalia Villaescusa-Acosta, 31, of Kingsland, was arrested June 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): terroristic threat against a public servant.
James Ray Collard, 43, of Kingsland, was arrested on June 11 by the Llano County Sheriff’s Office: possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1-B >=<4 grams.
Ramon Compean, 37, of Granite Shoals, was arrested on June 11 by the Burnet Police Department: public intoxication.
Mark Russell Lindsey, 54, of Burnet, was arrested on June 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: driving while intoxicated.
Melanie Preece, 18, of Kingsland, was arrested on June 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: possession of a controlled substance and theft.
Adelfo Soto Carbajal, 20, of Bertram, was arrested on June 11 by the Bertram Police Department: no drivers license.
Robert Christopher Tillery, 34, of Kingsland, was arrested on June 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: possession of a controlled substance.
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Burnet residents will soon receive emergency communications through a new alert system.
Burnet City Council on Tuesday, June 9, moved to enter an interlocal agreement with the Capital Area Council of Governments to join the Warn Central Texas emergency alert system.
Warn Central Texas, which replaces Burnet’s current Voyent Alert system, will instantly connect with nearly 9,800 contacts within the Burnet area to provide critical emergency information and weather warnings.
Assistant City Manager Keith McBurnett cited low community participation in VoyantAlert as a key reason behind the city’s shift to Warn Central Texas. VoyantAlert required residents to sign up for alerts on their own volition, leading to just 2,749 contacts being registered in the city.
“Given the size of our community, it’s a relatively low turnout,” he said. “What if I told you I can instantly increase that number at no cost? That’s exactly what this local agreement will do.”
As McBurnett noted, the new alert system will be provided at no cost to the city. Warn Central Texas also provides alerts for the broader Highland Lakes community, including the cities of Marble Falls and Granite Shoals and the residents of Burnet and Llano counties in unincorporated areas.
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Agendas for Highland Lakes governments are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check the links for more information.
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