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.
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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.”
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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.”
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The city of Marble Falls has assumed ownership of the Walkway of Lights at Lakeside Park, taking over the community’s signature holiday attraction after more than 35 years under the Marble Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
The City Council approved two agenda items on Tuesday, June 2: one authorizing the acquisition of Walkway of Lights assets from the Chamber of Commerce; and two being a promotional funding agreement with the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation.
Under the $175,000 agreement, the city will pay the Chamber of Commerce $25,000 at closing and $10,000 annually through 2031, while the Marble Falls EDC will provide $100,000 in funding to cover the remainder.
Following several months of negotiations between the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the EDC, the city agreed to acquire more than 100 light sculptures and their electrical infrastructure, tunnels, trees and other property associated with the Walkway of Lights. All assets will transfer in “as-is” condition.
Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Director Lacey Dingman said the annual display attracts more than 40,000 visitors and remains an important tourism driver for Marble Falls, generating sales tax revenue and economic activity for local businesses.
While the acquisition is finalized, the long-term cost of maintaining and potentially expanding the display remains unclear.
“I don’t think we can assess that properly,” Dingman said. “I don’t know that I can actually articulate exactly what our maintenance cost is, but we are preparing to bring those forward in our budget presentations.”
The transition is expected to bring challenges as the city takes over an event operated by the chamber for more than three decades.
“The first year is going to be kind of a transition, so we’re probably going to have to sacrifice other Christmas things to get it up and running,” Mayor John Packer said during the meeting.
One option under discussion is ending the city’s seasonal ice rink after the 2025 holiday season. Dingman said doing so could help offset the cost of operating the Walkway of Lights without requiring a significant increase to the city’s budget. The ice rink currently costs about $160,000 annually, and the city has not fully recovered operating expenses in recent years.
As planning begins for the transition, Dingman said staff are committed to preserving the event’s success.
“I’m not going to stand up and tell you that we’ve got it all figured out, because that would obviously be offensive to the chamber, who has 30-something years of experience. So we’re going to have to quickly get busy to make sure 2026 goes off as a success,” Dingman said.
Marble Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cody Petty said the organization is confident the event will continue to thrive under city leadership.
“This great event has become a staple of the Marble Falls and surrounding community,” Petty said in a media release. “The chamber would like to thank the founders of the event and all the many volunteers over the last 35 years that have built it into the success it is today. We look forward to the city carrying it into the future and its continued success.”
The city, the chamber, and the EDC
While the city of Marble Falls, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Marble Falls EDC all operate within the Marble Falls area, they are each separate entities with different budgets, leadership structures, and funding sources.
The city is a municipal government funded by property tax and sales tax revenue from within city limits. It is responsible for utilities, police, fire protection, street maintenance, public parks, and general maintenance within Marble Falls.
It is run by an elected city council that includes six councilors and a mayor that each serve a two-year term. The day-to-day operations of the city are handled by a professional city manager that is hired by the council.
The chamber is a nonprofit organization founded in 1959 that advocates for the general welfare and prosperity of the residents and businesses in the Marble Falls area. The chamber is behind several local traditions like Lakefest, Walkway of Lights, and Mayfest.
It is not a branch of local government, but it does work closely with the city of Marble Falls to bolster the local economy.
It is primarily funded by membership dues and event revenue. The chamber is led by a board of directors made up of business owners, executives, and community leaders. The operations of the chamber are managed by a president/CEO that is hired by the board.
The EDC is funded by a half-cent sales tax within Marble Falls city limits for the exclusive purpose of economic development in the area.
The EDC is run by a board of seven directors who are appointed by Marble Falls City Council. The operations of the EDC are run by an executive director who is hired by the board.
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Texas has been preparing for the possible reappearance of the New World screwworm for more than two years, and the first confirmed infection in the state was confirmed on Wednesday, June 3. The flesh-eating parasite was detected in Zavala County, about 180 miles southwest of Burnet County.
The New World screwworm is the larva of the New World screwworm fly. These flies lay their eggs on open wounds or openings in the bodies of warm-blooded animals. Once the eggs hatch, the screwworms burrow or “screw” into the flesh of the host animal causing tissue damage, infection, stress, and in some cases death. This is of special concern to ranchers due to potential impacts on livestock, and to populations of wild mammals, like white-tailed deer herds.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this is the first detection of the New World screwworm in Texas since a northward progression of the parasite from Central America was observed in 2023. The Texas Animal Health Commission has established an infested zone in the infection detection area, and animal movement restrictions are in effect to prevent further spread of the pest.
“TAHC has been actively preparing for a resurgence of (New World screwworms) for over two years,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC state veterinarian and executive director, in a June 3 TPWD media release. “We are putting these preparations into action, and we encourage all animal owners and caretakers to continue to remain vigilant for the presence of larvae in animal wounds and immediately report any suspicions.”
The screwworm detection was in Zavala County, which is just south of Uvalde, about 180 miles southwest of Burnet County
Background
The fly was a problem in the United States for decades, first becoming a threat in the 1930s, although it had been in the American Southwest since at least 1842. The pest was effectively eradicated in the United States in the 1980s, but not without some devastating consequences. In 1976 alone, the Texas economy lost about $329.59 million due to livestock deaths from a New World screwworm outbreak. Accounting for inflation, that would have been $1.8 billion in 2024. About 1.48 million cattle were reportedly infected in that outbreak.
Since eradication in the 1980s, screwworms have had a minimal impact on U.S. ranchers, but even the threat of a potential outbreak is enough to raise the alarm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a screwworm outbreak could cost the Texas cattle industry $1.8 billion in annual losses and up to $10.6 billion in national economic damages.
Combating the worm
The New World screwworm was originally eradicated in the United States using the “sterile insect technique” which is done by releasing massive numbers of sterilized male flies into infected areas, leading to infertile eggs and breaking the screwworm’s breeding cycle.
This device is releasing thousands of sterile New World screwworm fly males near the U.S.-Mexico border to help combat the spread of the pest using the “sterile insect technique.” USDA photo
“Targeted releases of sterile (New World screwworm) flies are being expedited to eliminate any reproducing populations in the area associated with the detection,” reads the June 3 TPWD media release. “When combined with enhanced surveillance, movement restrictions, prompt treatment of wounds, and education and outreach efforts, the sterile insect technique is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating this pest.”
The United States Department of Agriculture is already releasing large numbers of sterile flies along the U.S.-Mexico border and building a dedicated sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas.
Resources
All southern ports of entry are currently closed to livestock trade according to the USDA.
See a gallery of images from the USDA showing what New World screwworm infections may look like at this link. The images have not been included in the article due to their graphic nature.
Signs of New World screwworm infection include:
Feeling larva move or seeing maggots within a skin wound or sore, or in the ears, nose, eyes, or mouth
Painful skin wounds or sores that worsen within a few days
A foul-smelling odor from the site of the infestation
Bleeding from open sores
Prevention methods:
Make sure pets traveling internationally are inspected for screwworm
Handle livestock carefully and inspect pens and equipment for sharp objects that can cause wounds
Treat the umbilical cords of newborn animals and all wounds immediately with an approved insecticide
Protect pets and livestock from other wound-causing parasites such as ticks
If you are concerned about a possible New World screwworm infection, contact your local veterinarian or the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.
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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is hosting two public meetings in June to gather feedback on what should be done with the 3,700 acres recently added to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
The current concept plan for the expansion includes miles of hiking trails, several primitive camping sites, group camping sites, a new park entrance, and more. The new land purchase more than doubles the original size of the park according to the TPWD.
“Our goal is to protect this remarkable landscape while enhancing access and connection for visitors across Texas,” reads a statement from the TPWD. “Your input will help ensure the expanded Enchanted Rock remains a place of wonder, heritage and inspiration for generations to come.”
Public meetings:
Wednesday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. in Llano, American Legion Hall, 200 Legion Drive
Thursday, June 18, 6-8 p.m. in Leon Valley, Leon Valley Conference Center, 6421 Evers Road
If you are unable to attend these meetings in person, comments can be made online starting on Wednesday, June 3. Stay up to date on the project and learn more about how to comment online at this link.
The public feedback gathered during these meetings will be used to plan out how the new property will be assimilated into the existing park and how the land will be used overall.
Specifically, public input will be used to define:
Potential day-use and overnight stays
Trails and scenic overlook locations
Protection of wildlife, water and habitats
Cultural and historical interpretation
Access, parking and visitor amenities
Long-term stewardship priorities
“This expansion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect sensitive habitats, relieve visitor pressures, and broaden access to the park’s unique geological, ecological and cultural landscapes,” reads the TPWD statement.
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The Burnet Fire Department is eyeing a federal grant that could help fund six new emergency medical staff to bolster its ranks.
The Burnet City Council greenlit the department’s grant application, to be filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at a June 1 workshop meeting. If awarded, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant would allow the department to staff three emergency medical technicians and three paramedics to help ease its strained workload.
City Manager David Vaughn told DailyTrib that staffing costs could sit near $600,000 total annually, which the grant would cover 75 percent of for the first two years and 35 percent of for the third year. The city would be responsible for the full staffing costs following the third year.
According to Vaughn, fire department staffing, particularly on the medical side, has been an ongoing problem in recent years due to rising salaries and competition in the field.
“We gave out some pretty hefty raises during COVID,” Vaughn said. “So did everybody else. So the reality is, on the EMT side, we’re behind where we need to be. Used to be, if you had an EMT opening you had 30 people knocking down your door. Nowadays you could be an EMT making $95,000 a year working for an (emergency services district). The competition is much, much harder than there was in the past.”
Burnet Fire Chief Mark Ingram added that the city’s unique workload and geography amplifies those problems.
“In downtown Austin, you’re at a hospital in just a few minutes and it’s over… just get by 10 minutes and give your problem to somebody else,” he said. “That is not the way it works here. You could go out to the lake… and you’re gonna have to be a paramedic for the next hour and a half. It’s a long way.”
On top of servicing the city, the BFD has medical contracts with the city of Bertram and Burnet County (see page 36), amounting to an approximately 750-square-mile coverage zone that the department must stretch its emergency medical response services.
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It is Free Fishing Day in Texas on Saturday, June 6. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hosts the annual event on the first Saturday of June to encourage residents, especially first-time anglers, to drop a line.
Normally, a Texas fishing license is required to fish on public water, but that need is waived on Free Fishing Day.
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The Texas Department of Public Safety has named Victor Manuel Ramos Jr., 19, of Horseshoe Bay, as the featured fugitive of June 2026. Ramos Jr. has been wanted since April 2025 for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements and for violating the conditions of his probation for convictions of child sex crimes.
According to a media release issued by the DPS, Ramos Jr. was convicted of sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact in April 2025 for an incident involving a 16-year-old girl.
Ramos Jr. reportedly failed to comply with sex offender registration requirements in Llano County and he is also wanted out of Burnet County for violations of his probation.
As a featured fugitive, there is a reward of $4,000 throughout the month of June for information that leads to Ramos Jr.’s arrest.
Ramos Jr. is said to have ties to Horseshoe Bay, Cottonwood Shores, Marble Falls. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 170 pounds.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
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