The Burnet Police Department recently reminded residents to ensure proper usage of their e-bikes, scooters, and electric-motorized vehicles on different roadways.
On May 18, Burnet Police Chief Tony Hefferin took to the city’s Facebook to detail the several types of motorized devices, and what type of streets each can and cannot operate on.
“While it’s great to see folks getting out and about, we’ve also seen some riders using vehicles that don’t meet the definition of an e-bike or assistive device and those can fall under different rules,” he said.
Hefferin highlighted key factors of non-street legal e-bikes, including not having pedals or fully-operable pedals, having a throttle-only motor, exceeding 750 watts or 28 mph, and being designed for off-road use.
The chief also reminded bikers of their responsibilities when sharing the road, like coming to a complete stop and signaling lane changes.
“Whether you’re on two wheels or four, traffic laws apply,” Hefferin said. “If you’re riding a bike or e-bike, you have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver on the road.”
What are e-bike laws in Texas?
Chief Hefferin provided a detailed look at the different classifications of motorized devices in Texas, and their street-legalities. According to the Texas Transportation Code, these are:
Electric Bicycles – These devices have fully-operable pedals, are electrically assisted, and cannot exceed 750 watts or 28 mph. They do not require registration or inspection when operated on public highways.
Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) – These devices can be self-balancing, electric-powered, and up to 750 watts (1 horsepower). On residential streets, operation is limited to roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.
Motor-Assisted Scooters – These are self-propelled devices (gas or electric, motor ≤ 40cc, deck for standing/sitting, and brakes). Operation is allowed only on streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Motorcycles – These are any devices that have no pedals, a saddle, and no more than three wheels. To ride on public roads, you must have a Class M license, and the vehicle must be registered and inspected.
Hefferin also reminded riders of their responsibilities when sharing the road, which include:
Riders must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at all stop signs and red lights
Riders are responsible for signaling, lane changes, turns and stops; don’t forget those hand signals
Parents: Any traffic ticket whether on a bike, motorcycle or in a car can go on your child’s permanent driving record
To see the specific rules and regulations regarding e-bikes, scooters, and other electric-motorized vehicles, view Texas Transportation Code chapters 541 and 551.
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The Llano County burn ban remains off, but officials are warning that lush, green growth from a wet spring could soon become fuel for wildfires as summer approaches.
“We’ve had plenty of rain, but we have a lot of fuel on the ground,” Llano Volunteer Fire Chief David Gilliland told the Llano County Commissioners Court on Monday, June 8.
Gilliland said that he believed the county wasn’t quite at the point of reinstating a burn ban, but that fire risk was likely to rise rapidly over the next two weeks if there is no rainfall.
The current forecast for Llano County from the National Weather Service shows a slight chance of rain on Monday afternoon and on Sunday, June 14, but otherwise, there is no precipitation predicted.
Llano County is relatively wet as of Monday, with a Keetch-Byram Drough Index rating of 0-200, representing the lowest category of wildfire risk on the scale, which is commonly used to determine burn bans in Texas counties.
Gilliland said his primary concern was the amount of dense plant growth that has come up since the heavy rainfall of last summer, and continued to grow due to consistent rain throughout April and May. Once dried out, that growth could quickly become fuel for wildfires.
“I want y’all to be prepared, and the public to be prepared, that it is going to switch really fast, to where it is going to burn good,” Gilliland said.
Due to current, wet conditions, the Commissioners Court chose to not implement a burn ban for now. But, Precinct 2 Commissioner Linda Raschke emphasized the need for property owners to notify the Llano County Sheriff’s Office if they intend to do a controlled burn, even if there is no ban.
Chief Gilliland shared that there had been two fires in Llano County in recent weeks, totaling 50 acres. Both were caused by runaway controlled burns.
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Horseshoe Bay residents will have a chance to meet local police officers in an informal setting during the city’s first Coffee with a Cop event from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, at City Council Chambers, 9101 W. FM 2147.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative designed to foster open dialogue between law enforcement and community members through casual, one-on-one conversations. The program aims to “break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve,” according to the organization’s website.
“There are no formal agendas, and no PowerPoint presentations planned,” Acting Police Chief Paul Nelson said in a media release. “We simply want to sit down across a table from our neighbors, listen to their neighborhood concerns, answer questions, or just chat about sports or the weather over a good cup of coffee. It takes away the intimidation factor of a squad car or a police station and serves as a bridge to organic conversation.”
Residents can stop by at any time during the event to ask questions about local traffic laws, discuss safety concerns and learn more about the police department’s day-to-day operations.
The police department plans to host Coffee with a Cop gatherings regularly throughout the year, with varying times and locations to accommodate different schedules. Free coffee and pastries will be provided.
Coffee with a Cop, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was launched in Hawthorne, California, in 2011 as a way to strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The program has since expanded to all 50 states as well as Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries, with more than 15,000 events held worldwide.
maci@thepicayune.com
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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