The Pedernales Electric Cooperative has appointed Christian Powell as its next chief executive officer, effective Aug. 4, following the resignation of former CEO Julie Parsley in April.
Powell, who has served in several leadership roles at PEC over the past eight years, most recently as its chief compliance officer, was selected to lead the cooperative as it continues to expand and serve a growing membership across Central Texas.
“I am honored to become PEC’s next CEO, and I look forward to working closely with our board and leadership team to ensure a smooth transition,” Powell told DailyTrib. “Our foundation is strong, and we will continue to deliver exceptional service to our members, support our employees and execute on our strategic goals.”
As chief compliance officer, Powell oversaw key areas including risk management, human resources, and real estate. Before joining PEC, he spent more than 18 years with the Lower Colorado River Authority in a variety of operations and business roles.
Board President Emily Pataki praised Powell’s leadership and readiness to take on the role.
“Christian Powell is a respected and proven leader who understands this organization from the inside out,” Pataki said in a media release. “He brings the experience, judgment, and commitment needed to lead PEC into its next chapter.”
Powell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and holds professional certifications in ethics and compliance as well as project management.
He lives in Cedar Park with his wife, Mitzi, and their daughter, and has been a PEC member for nearly 20 years.
Outgoing CEO
Parsley stepped down in April after serving as CEO for more than eight years. She will remain CEO until Powell takes over in August.
She joined PEC in December 2017 as the cooperative’s first female CEO and oversaw significant growth during her tenure, including an increase from 299,000 to more than 440,000 meters. Under her leadership, PEC also established its own transmission control center in 2024.
maci@thepicayune.com
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
First responders discovered the body of an unidentified person after battling a structure fire on Friday, June 5, near Burnet.
According to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters from the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department and deputies from the BCSO responded to a report of a structure fire at around 6:37 a.m. on Friday at 9685 N. U.S. 281, about 8 miles north of Burnet.
The structure, a single-story modular home, was reportedly engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.
The fire was contained by about 8:17 a.m., but leadership on the scene requested immediate aid from the BCSO Criminal Investigation Division after discovering a body inside of the burnt structure. Burnet County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead pronounced the individual deceased at the scene.
“At this time, the identity of the deceased is being confirmed, and the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation,” reads a statement issued by the BCSO following the incident.
Several local agencies assisted throughout the fire and investigation, including the Burnet VFD, Burnet Fire Department, Northeast Burnet County Fire Rescue Volunteer Fire Department, Bertram Volunteer Fire Department, East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department, Cassie Volunteer Fire Department, Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department, Burnet Police Department and Burnet County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
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.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
The Lower Colorado River Authority will soon have a new general manager, placing a permanent lead in the role that has been vacant since March.
The LCRA announced on June 1 that its Board of Directors had selected Rudy D. Garza, a Texas native with over three decades of experience in utility leadership, as its next general manager. The new GM will officially take over on July 20.
“Rudy is a proven leader who can help LCRA develop new water resources and further build its power portfolio to help Texas address the demand for these critical resources as our state continues to grow,” reads a statement from LCRA Board Chair Stephen F. Cooper.
Garza currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of the country’s largest municipally-owned electric and natural gas utility, CPS Energy, which he joined in 2012. Prior to joining the company, Garza was the assistant city manager of business support services and director of intergovernmental relations for the city of Corpus Christi.
Garza will succeed acting General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Jim Travis, who temporarily took over following the resignation of former GM Phil Wilson on March 12. According to an LCRA press release on the leadership change, Wilson stepped down to “pursue a new opportunity,” after serving a 12-year tenure with the river authority.
What does the LCRA do?
The LCRA regulates the water of the Lower Colorado River Basin, including the Highland Lakes– Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin. The river authority oversees the water supply for more than 1.4 million Texas residents.
The LCRA also generates, supplies, and transmits power, providing energy to more than 30 retail utilities including cities and electric cooperatives throughout the state, and operating over 5,000 miles of transmission lines in about 80 counties.
The LCRA runs more than 40 parks along the length of the Colorado River between Central Texas and the coast.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
Marble Falls is installing early flood warning systems at low water crossings along major city roadways after receiving a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
The project will see nine flood warning systems installed at low water crossings throughout the city. The equipment will track rising creek levels, activate flashing warning signs when roads become unsafe and provide real-time data to city staff and regional flood monitoring networks during severe weather events.
The project is being funded through a FEMA program made available following the COVID-19 disaster declaration. The grant totals $927,110, with a local match of 10 percent. FEMA will contribute $834,399, while the City of Marble Falls will contribute $92,711. The deal was approved by the City Council during its May 2 meeting.
The warning systems will be installed at S. Yett Street at Whitman Branch; Commerce Street at Whitman Branch Creek; Main Street at Broadway; Avenue L at Broadway; the 1300 block of Broadway; Mission Hill at Whitman Branch Creek; 2nd Street at Westside Park; Avenue J in Johnson Park at Backbone Creek; and Broadway at Backbone Creek.
Previously, city staff monitored low water crossings manually during heavy rain events.
“As of right now, we just send guys out. They have kind of a list that they know which low water crossings flood first, and they start checking them when the rains get that heavy or when they get a call,” Marble Falls Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Carlisle said in the meeting.
The system will not only help drivers avoid flooded roadways but will also provide data used by regional flood forecasters and emergency managers. The installed gauges will integrate with the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Hydromet system and the ATX Floods platform, supporting flood forecasting, weather warnings and public updates on road conditions and closures.
“The system is going to help reduce confusion, hopefully enhance compliance with the road closures and support faster decision making by personnel,” Carlisle said.
The award also includes funding for grant administration and project management, which city officials said will be handled by Langford Community Management Services. Those costs, up to $46,355.50, are covered entirely by the federal grant and do not require a local match.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from May 29-June 4, 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.
Johnny Bernard Bailey, 51, of Kingsland was arrested May 29 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.
Tracey Edward Foster, 63, of Burnet was arrested May 29 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
Jorge Alberto Gutierrez-Saenz, 40, of Marble Falls was arrested May 29 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on May 30 on $1,500 in bonds.
Gabriel Acosta Quiroz, 53, of Kingsland was arrested May 29 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more. Released on May 31.
Fred Soliz, 62, of Marble Falls was arrested May 29 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 2 on $5,000 in bonds.
Tabathia Latrelle Wright, 39, of Killeen was arrested May 29 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a peace officer or judge, criminal mischief impairing or interrupting an important public service of less than $30,000.
Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 30 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): criminal trespassing of a habitat, shelter, superfund, or structure.
Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 30 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal trespassing.
Paul Ryan Cox, 37, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested May 30 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on May 30 on $1,500 in bonds.
Aaron Allen Harris, 30, of Spicewood was arrested May 30 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Madlyn Clarissa Vidal, 24, of Marble Falls was arrested May 30 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): tampering with a government record, insurance documents. Released on May 31 on $1,500 in bonds.
Anthony Duncan, 24, of Bertram was arrested May 31 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on June 1 on $7,500 in bonds.
Dwayne Alan Friedlander, 56, of Lampasas was arrested May 31 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more.
Aaron Allen Harris, 30, of Spicewood was arrested May 31 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Walter Craig Kirkland, 62, of Kingsland was arrested May 31 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, smuggling of persons.
Cesar Eduardo Martinez Jr., 23, of Weslaco was arrested May 31 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on May 31 on $1,500 in bonds.
Cliffard Cruz Montemayor, 54, of Bertram was arrested May 31 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third or more charge, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on June 1 on $34,000 in bonds.
Jacob Esau Montoya, 24, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 31 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 1 on $1,500 in bonds.
Anthony Edward Ramirez, 22, of Marble Falls was arrested May 31 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on May 31 on $1,500 in bonds.
Erick Nathaniel Reed, 55, of Marble Falls was arrested May 31 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication with three or more prior convictions.
Katrina Leigh Smith, 44, of Round Mountain was arrested May 31 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): failure to identify, giving false or fictitious information. Released on June 1 on $2,000 in bonds.
Leo Walter Hansen, 46, of Burnet was arrested June 1 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 3 on $1,500 in bonds.
Robert Darren Pool, 64, of Kingsland was arrested June 1 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, failure to maintain financial responsibility, second offense. Released on June 2 on $1,500 in bonds.
Betty Devon Sessions, 59, of Spicewood was arrested June 1 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on June 3 on $12,000 in bonds.
Gbolahan Peter Ariyo, 53, of Rockwall was arrested June 2 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): unlicensed carry of a weapon, driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on June 3 on $3,000 in bonds.
Alan Stephen Jackson, 25, of Lago Vista was arrested June 2 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): expired motor vehicle registration, failure to show proof of financial responsibility, driving while license suspended or invalid. Released on June 3 on $600 in bonds.
Adan Rodriguez, 21, of Red Oak was arrested June 2 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
Corey Allen Schilling, 51, of Burnet was arrested June 2 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault of a date, family, or household member with a weapon. Released on June 3 on $100,000 in bonds.
Betty Devon Sessions, 59, of Spicewood was arrested June 2 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): failure to appear. Released on June 3 on $500 in bonds.
Nancy Beth Chism, 73, of Tow was arrested June 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of a service of more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Trista Janae Covey, 38, of Midland was arrested June 3 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on June 4 on $5,000 in bonds.
Trace Anthony Flick, 40, of Spicewood was arrested June 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): harassment. Released on June 3 on $1,500 in bonds.
Adrian Garcia, 50, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested June 3 by the Horseshoe Bay Police Department (HSBPD): false report or statement by an officer or agent of a health maintenance organization.
Aaron Allen Harris, 30, of Spicewood was arrested June 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
Dominic Sloane Houk, 34, of Cedar Park was arrested June 3 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Casey Clifford Morris, 57, of Odessa was arrested June 3 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on June 4 on $51,500 in bonds.
Joseph Ray Polglianich, 36, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested June 3 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 3 on $1,500 in bonds.
Lucas Austin Slay, 19, of Meadowlakes was arrested June 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram.
Rebecca Ellen Williams, 35, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 3 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, less than five items. Released on June 4 on $2,500 in bonds.
John Anthony Eliazar Alvarado, 21, of Round Mountain was arrested June 4 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): failure to appear, failure to provide proof of financial responsibility.
Sean Franklin De La Torre, 43, of Marble Falls was arrested June 4 by the Attorney General (AG): Indecency with a child by sexual contact. Released on June 4 on $45,000 in bonds.
Carlos Escalante, 60, of Burnet was arrested June 4 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): sex offenders duty to register for life/annually, two counts.
Jami Leigh Franke, 48, of Kingsland was arrested June 4 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more.
Alice Marie Lerma, 52, of Marble Falls was arrested June 4 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal trespassing.
Rigoberto Lopez-Colima, 58, of Cedar Park was arrested June 4 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): driving while intoxicated.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
A Bertram man, 39-year-old Bronson Earl Taylor, was sentenced to 34 years in prison on Wednesday, June 3, after pleading guilty to multiple felonies associated with child sexual abuse.
According to 424th Judicial District court documents, Taylor pleaded guilty to six felonies total– sex abuse of a child continuous: victim under 14, three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
He was sentenced to 34 years in prison for each of the convictions, but will serve the sentences concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time for a total possible maximum of 34 years in prison.
Taylor was originally booked into the Burnet County Jail on March 4, 2025. His crimes reportedly occurred throughout 2020-25.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
The Hill Country Showdown is a USA Boxing sanctioned event, with all proceeds going toward operating the nonprofit gym and to support local youth who plan on competing in the 2026 USA Boxing Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kansas June 20-27.
The showdown goes down starting at noon on Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Marble Falls, 1701 Broadway Street. Entry is $10 per person at the door.
According to the event organizers, the first Hill Country Showdown, held in the summer of 2024, brought in more than 700 attendees.
IMR Boxing, located at 2413 Commerce Street in Marble Falls, was founded in 2023 by head coach Freddy Escamilla. The gym is named after his three sons, Isaac, Maliki, and Rey, who all box under the IMR banner.
Read more about IMR and its mission in the 2024 Picayune magazine story “Ring Leaders.”
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
The Marble Falls Mustangs are getting several new faces on their leadership team ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Seven middle school and high school coaches have joined the MFISD roster since the beginning of May, filling spots left by outgoing staff.
Over the last month, Marble Falls Independent School District Athletic Director Keri Timmerman announced in a series of Facebook posts the district’s hiring of coaches Clay Causey, Marc Gutierrez, Mackenzie Lyon, Brent Parker, Cody Salyers, Cody Schroeder, and Taylor Wolfe.
These seven coaches will bolster the high school’s football, baseball, soccer, and track programs, as well as the middle school’s football, basketball, and track teams.
Coach Timmerman told DailyTrib that, while the Mustangs will miss the many coaches retiring and moving on this year, the district has never been in a better position.
“You lose coaches for different reasons, and sometimes they have the opportunity to move up or live closer to their family,” Timmerman said. “But we can’t wait to see what next year looks like with athletics and fine arts. It’s been a great year of athletics, fine arts, and academics here, and the community has done a great job in supporting us.”
Clay Causey – High school assistant football and track
Coach Causey joins the high school football and track teams as a former player and underling of Coach Timmerman. The two worked closely at the Lake Worth Independent School District, before moving on to different roles. Causey joined Gilmer High School shortly after, and subsequently won three consecutive championships.
“He’s kind of like a member of the family, and just a big addition to our staff,” Timmerman said of Causey.
Cody Salyers – High school assistant football and baseball
Coach Salyers joins the high school football and baseball teams as an experienced head coach in both sports. Coach Timmerman and Salyers began their careers together coaching at The Colony High School in the greater Dallas-Forth Worth area.
“We’re beyond grateful for an opportunity to hire a great coach with head coach experience into an assistant coach position,” Timmerman told DailyTrib.
Cody Schroeder – High school head boys soccer
Coach Schroeder joins the high school boys soccer team as a playoff-winning head coach with more than three decades of experience. Most recently, Schroeder manned the Eagle Mountain Knights soccer team in their first three seasons and secured a bi-district win.
“(Coach Schroeder) is a highly, highly successful head coach with multiple years of going to the playoffs and even some playing experience in college at SMU,” Timmerman said.
Taylor Wolfe – High school defensive coordinator and assistant track
Coach Wolfe joins the high school football and track teams with over a decade and a half of high school coaching. Wolfe is a knowledgeable defensive coordinator, last commanding the line of the China Spring High School football team.
Marc Gutierrez – Middle school football, basketball, and track
Coach Gutierrez joins the middle school Mustangs as a fresh face in the sporting world looking to make a mark. Gutierrez graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2024, where he spent time developing as an assistant strength and conditioning coach during his studies. He most recently served as an assistant football coach at China Spring High School.
Brent Parker – Middle school boys coordinator and head football
Coach Parker joins the middle school Mustangs as a seasoned head coach and offensive coordinator. He manned the Blackwell Maroons football team and served as an offensive coordinator for the Braswell Bengals. Parker also played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys on the same team as eventual head coach Mike Gundy, Heisman winner Barry Sanders, and former NFL first-rounder Hart Lee Dykes.
Mackenzie Lyon – Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer Lyon joins the Mustangs as a recent graduate of Howard Payne University with a degree in athletic training. She recently helped develop young athletes throughout the Temple Independent School District, and will look to do the same in Marble Falls.
“We’re grateful to have a young trainer like her,” Coach Timmerman said. “We’re hoping she can continue what (outgoing trainer Mendy Wyatt) was building.”
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
This Content Submission and License Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Victory Media Marketing LLC (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) and you (“User,” “you,” or “Submitter”) upon your submission of content through our websites’ See it, Share It form.
Submitted Content “Submitted Content” means any news tips, text, descriptions, images, photographs, videos, audio files, recordings, or other materials you upload, submit, or provide to us via the news tips forms on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, or any other websites owned or operated by Victory Media Marketing LLC.
License Grant By submitting any Submitted Content, you hereby grant to Company a worldwide, non- exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, and otherwise exploit the Submitted Content in any form or medium (now known or hereafter developed), including but not limited to:
Publishing on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, other Company websites, apps, newsletters, and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.).
Editing, formatting, or combining with other content for news, promotional, archival, or commercial purposes.
Allowing third parties (e.g., affiliates, syndication partners) to use it under the same terms. You retain ownership of the copyright in your Submitted Content, subject to the license granted above.
User Representations and Warranties You represent and warrant that:
You are at least 18 years old and have the full right and authority to grant the rights in this Agreement.
The Submitted Content is your original work or you have obtained all necessary permissions, consents, and releases (including from any individuals appearing in photos/videos or owners of any third-party materials).
The Submitted Content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or defame any person.
It complies with all applicable laws and does not contain viruses, malware, or prohibited content.
You will not submit false, misleading, or confidential information.
No Compensation You understand and agree that you will receive no compensation for the submission or use of your Submitted Content.
Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement or any third-party claims related to your Submitted Content.
Moral Rights and Publicity You waive any moral rights or rights of attribution in the Submitted Content to the extent permitted by law. Company may use your name, username, or likeness in connection with the Submitted Content if applicable.
Termination and Removal Company may, in its sole discretion, edit, refuse to post, or remove any Submitted Content at any time without notice. This Agreement survives any termination.
Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Burnet County, Texas.
Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Modifications must be in writing. By submitting content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
