Marble Falls Assistant Police Chief Trisha Ratliff will be promoted to police chief, effective June 29, following the official retirement of current Chief Glenn Hanson.
The decision comes after a unanimous Marble Falls City Council decision during a Tuesday, April 21, meeting.
Ratliff has been with the Marble Falls Police Department since 2005 and has served in multiple leadership roles, including her promotion to criminal investigations captain in 2019 and assistant police chief in 2022. She was the first woman in the department’s history to hold the assistant chief position.
Hanson has been with the department since 2002 and has served as police chief since 2021, following his time as assistant chief. While he has announced his retirement, he will stay on as chief until June.
City Manager Caleb Kraenzel said promoting from within supports long-term stability for the department, serves as a “huge retention tool” for staff, and saves tax dollars.
“Assistant Chief Ratliff is a highly accomplished, highly successful law enforcement officer and leader of the department. She is a prime candidate for continuing the excellence of the department over the next level, and then into the next end of the decade,” Kraenzel said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Hanson also supported the transition and said Ratliff is prepared to lead the department.
“I think this is the greatest honor I will have as your chief of police being able to recommend to you, my successor, whom I believe will exceed expectations,” Hanson said.
Additionally, Hanson said he has no doubts about Ratliff’s ability to take on the role.
“Her career progression has not been without challenges, as some outdated perceptions regarding women in law enforcement still persist. However, Trisha has never allowed such challenges to impede her performance or her personal growth,” he said.
Following the council’s unanimous approval, Ratliff said she was honored by the appointment.
“I’m truly blessed to be here, and I thank you for the confidence in me to give me this opportunity,” Ratliff said.
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Cottonwood Shores will soon host a town hall to update residents on their future fire protection as the city works under a three-year deadline to rebuild its fire department. The update will come following months of struggle between city leaders and the Cottonwood Shores Volunteer Fire Department.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at Trinity Bible Church, 621 Magnolia Lane in Cottonwood Shores.
The city has been under a contract with the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department for fire protection services since March, agreeing to pay $174,000 annually over the next three years as it works to build up its own fire department following a split from the Cottonwood Shores VFD.
The city of Cottonwood Shores and the Cottonwood Shores VFD are separate entities. The VFD is its own nonprofit organization that the city had historically contracted with for fire protection services. Its funding used to come from fundraisers, donations, and a $45,000 annual contract with the city, but that contract was terminated in October 2024 by the city due to perceived negligent services.
The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department took Cottonwood Shores under its wing in August 2025 and aided with fire protection until Horseshoe Bay took over this past March.
According to city leaders, negotiations with the Cottonwood Shores VFD have recently broken down further, over control of the VFD’s land, buildings, and equipment at 610 Birch Lane.
In April, the city reportedly offered to take over VFD assets and help cover its debts. The VFD was said to have rejected that offer and instead proposed donating the smaller building and forming a new nonprofit to operate from the remaining structure.
City officials told DailyTrib that the land and assets were originally donated by the community through Cottonwood Pride, a 501C3 non-profit, dating back to 1993, for fire service use, and were not owned by the VFD.
“Our responsibility is to make sure our city has a viable fire department and rescue, and we don’t have that with them,” City Manager JC Hughes told DailyTrib.
Council Member Michael Ritchie said the city has run out of time to keep negotiating with the VFD, and must move forward with other viable options.
“We’ve tried to work with them for years. We’ve come in good faith with multiple different offers with their cooperation, and they’ve rejected the plans that they’ve worked with us to create. At this point, we don’t have the luxury of time because of our time limit with Horseshoe Bay,” Ritchie told DailyTrib. “They’ve shown they don’t really seem to be interested in working for the betterment of the community.”
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The Texas Fire Chiefs Association recently awarded former Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips with the Medal of Valor, recognizing his efforts and sacrifice during the July 5 floods.
The Medal of Valor, presented on April 15 at the TFCA’s Annual Conference, is given to those who perform acts of extreme courage and bravery in the line of duty.
“Chief Phillips’ actions on that day reflect the very best of the fire service,” reads a TFCA Facebook post. “He placed others before himself without hesitation.”
Phillips is one of the last victims of the flood to remain missing despite several attempts by local and state law enforcement agencies to recover his body in the last nine months. At least 137 people were killed during the flood overall, including five recorded fatalities in Burnet County.
Phillips was on the way to a distress call during the early hours of July 5 when his vehicle was swept away while he attempted to cross Cow Creek on FM 1174 near Marble Falls. His vehicle was recovered, but Phillips’ body was never found.
“Chief Phillips dedicated more than 30 years to the fire service,” reads the TFCA’s post. “He led with quiet strength, steady commitment, and an unwavering sense of duty. His loss is felt deeply within his department, across the fire service, and throughout the community he served.”
Visit the Texas Fire Chiefs Association webpage to learn more about the organization and its mission to recognize leaders throughout national fire services.
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Several major renovations are in store for Marble Falls High School’s fine arts facilities. The school district’s leadership selected a general contractor on Monday, April 20, to handle construction needed for a new band hall, auditorium upgrades, and a new cheer/dance space.
The projects were originally budgeted at $15.9 million total, and should continue to remain under that mark. The current estimated cost of the project was listed as $13.8 million in the Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustee’s Monday meeting agenda, but a pending guaranteed maximum price may change that number come August.
The renovations, paid for using funds from MFISD’s $172.2 million bond passed in May 2025, will address several problems plaguing the fine arts facilities which have become severely outdated and lacking in space.
“(The projects) will significantly enhance our fine arts and student activity spaces,” Assistant Superintendent of Administration Stan Whittle said at the board meeting. “Including modernizing of the auditorium, creation of a new band suite in the existing small PE gym, and renovating the existing band facility into a dance and cheer facility.”
Core Construction, the approved general contractor, will work with architect firm Huckabee on design development over the next several months before presenting the board with the guaranteed maximum price in August, which serves as one of the last checkpoints before renovation can begin.
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A “last pitch” ceremony will be held on the night of Friday, April 24, following the Marble Falls High School baseball team’s final home game of the season to celebrate Scearce Field and the memories it holds before its permanent closure.
Former baseball head coach Ronnie Scearce will make his way to the mound to throw the final pitch following the conclusion of Friday night’s game, surrounded by Mustang baseball alumni, before the field is shut down due to the upcoming construction of a new baseball facility.
Scearce Field was built in 1992 with the help of $65,000 in school board funding and volunteer work from Marble Falls locals.
Nearly all of the labor to build the field came from community members who devoted their time and energy to its construction, including diligent work from coach Scearce himself.
“Its pretty incredible to be in a small town and have a piece of history like that,” Athletic Director Keri Timmerman told DailyTrib. “To have coach Scearce be a part of the building and naming the facility after him is a pretty special thing, and to have the opportunity to continue that honor with the last pitch.”
A granite monument was erected after the field’s completion in 1992 to recognize those who contributed to building the field, which, according to Assistant Superintendent of Administration Stan Whittle, will be refurbished and relocated pending the field’s demolition.
The estimated completion date of the new facility is around Dec. 31, 2026. The facility will include a new baseball field, dugouts, clubhouse, detention pond, and excavation work.
The Mustangs take on the Jarrell Cougars at 7 p.m., Friday, April 24 for the final game. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. The Last Pitch ceremony will follow the game.
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Llano area voters have big decisions to make at the polls in the coming days. There are three seats on Llano City Council up for grabs and two contested races for seats on the Llano Independent School District Board of Trustees. Early voting runs until April 28 and Election Day is May 2.
Learn more about Llano County elections on the county’s website. Contact the Llano County Elections Office with questions or concerns at 325-247-5425.
When, where, and how to vote
Llano County voters can cast their ballot at any location during early voting, but must go to their designated precinct on Election Day.
To vote, you must bring one of the following forms of identification:
-Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety
-Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
-Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
-Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
-United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
-United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
-United States Passport (book or card)
Early voting locations
Llano County residents may vote at any of the locations listed below during the early voting period, which ends on April 28. There is no weekend voting until Saturday, May 2, for Election Day.
Primary early voting location:
-Llano County Library, 102 E. Haynie, Llano
Tuesday, April 21- closed for San Jacinto Day
Wednesday, April 22 through Friday, April 24, 2026- 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 27 through Tuesday, April 28: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Branch early voting locations:
-Kingsland Public Library- 125 W. Polk, Kingsland
-City of Horseshoe Bay Chamber Room- 1 Community Drive, Horseshoe Bay
Tuesday, April 21- closed for San Jacinto Day
Wednesday, April 22 through Friday, April 24- 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 27 through Tuesday, April 28- 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Election Day voting locations
Polling locations will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for Election Day on Saturday, May 2. Llano County residents must vote at their designated precinct location on Election Day.
Precinct 101- Llano County Ag & Health Bldg. 1447 E. Texas 71 Ste B, Llano
Precinct 102- Bluelake Golf Course Community Room 214 W. Bluebonnet Rd, Horseshoe Bay
Precinct 108- Sunrise Beach City Hall Civic Center Complex 124 Sunrise Beach, Sunrise Beach
Precincts 109- Horseshoe Bay Council Chambers 1 Community Drive, Horseshoe Bay
Precincts 203- East Llano County Annex, 8347 RR 1431 West, Buchanan Dam
Precinct 204-Bluffton Lakeshore Branch Library, 7346 RR 261, Buchanan Dam
Precinct 205- Tow Community Building- 135 CR 221, Tow
Precinct 307- Kingsland Public Library 125 West Polk, Kingsland
Precinct 410- Llano County Library 102 E. Haynie, Llano
Llano City Council election
There are six total candidates running for three open seats on Llano City Council. The top three vote-getters will win the seats.
Llano City Council has six total members, including one mayor and five alderman/alderwomen that serve two-year, staggered terms. These are unpaid, volunteer positions. The council has regular meetings twice per month. The council is responsible for setting city policy, setting the tax rate, voting on an annual budget, managing city utilities, and representing the city in intergovernmental negotiations, legal matters, and engagements with private entities or individuals.
Candidates:
-Incumbent, Kelli Tudyk
-Michael Herrera
-Addie Wootan
-Incumbent, Travis E. Allen
-Steve Duncan
-Incumbent, Les McDaniel
LISD Board of Trustees election
There are three open seats on the LISD Board of Trustees in this election. The race for the Place 3 seat is uncontested, and the sole applicant– J.D. Baker– will automatically take office after the election. There are contested races for the Place 4 and Place 5 seats.
The LISD Board of Trustees has seven total members. They each serve three-year, staggered terms. These are unpaid, volunteer positions. The board has regular meetings once per month. The board is responsible for setting policy for the district, determining the tax rate, approving a budget, and representing the interests of the community in district decision making.
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Marble Falls High School is offering a full slate of summer sports camps for students across multiple grade levels, giving families opportunities to stay active and develop skills in a range of athletics. Costs apply.
To learn more about these opportunities and register for them, visit here.
May 15 – Football Friday Night Lights
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (registration 5:30 p.m.)
Kindergarten – 6th graders
June 1 to July 24 – Strength and Conditioning (Mon–Thur)
No camp June 29 to July 2
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. for 9th – 12th football, boys Olympic sports, 7th – 12th girls
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 Burnet County Sheriff’s Office has cleared two Granite Shoals officials of any wrongdoing following a months-long investigation into accusations from the city’s former finance director of misuse and misappropriation of municipal funds.
The original accusations came from ex-finance director Kevin Rule, who was fired in January of this year. He alleged in December 2025 that City Manager Sarah Novo and Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief Tim Campbell were involved in an unapproved city manager pay increase, fraudulent fire department equipment purchases and travel reimbursements, other improper spending, and funding shortfalls.
Granite Shoals City Council voted in December to send the matter to the BCSO for an investigation rather than hire an outside firm.
According to the BCSO, the agency found no wrongdoing and the local District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges following the results of the investigation.
A letter issued to Campbell and Novo from BCSO Captain Thomas Dillard on Monday, April 20, read:
“As you are aware, this agency undertook an investigation into allegations that you misused or misappropriated funds and/or tampered with a government record. Our investigation, under case number BC26-0004, found no substantive basis for those allegations.
“Out of an abundance of caution, given that these allegations involve a matter of the public’s trust, we submitted the case to the 33rd/424th District Attorney’s Office for review on February 26, 2026.
“On April 17, 2026, we received a letter from the District Attorney’s Office under their case number DA-26-00139. That letter specified that their office was declining the charge(s).”
“With that determination, we consider this matter closed. Thank you for your cooperation with this investigation.”
Rule declined to comment on the investigation’s results.
Rule was hired in May 2024 after the finance director position had been vacant for nearly two years. He was terminated Jan. 14, the day he was scheduled to return from a mutually agreed paid administrative leave that began Dec. 22. Account specialist Debbie Jennings was terminated Dec. 23. Both positions remain vacant, according to the city’s website.
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.
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.
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