Burnet County Judge James Oakley resigned from his position on Dec. 18 following a reprimand from the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct for courthouse security violations and the sexual harassment of Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead and at least two other women.
Oakley submitted his resignation to Burnet County Attorney Eddie Arredondo on Wednesday afternoon. It will not be final until accepted and recognized by the Burnet County Commissioners Court, but the terms dictate he will be out of office by Jan. 2, 2025.
The remaining four members of the Commissioners Court will appoint a temporary judge, who cannot be a court member, to take Oakley’s place until voters can choose a new judge in the next possible Burnet County election. The newly elected judge will finish out the remainder of Oakley’s term, which would be through 2026.
Oakley received an official reprimand from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct on Dec. 11, admonishing him for a series of security violations for tampering with the entrance to a courtroom in the Burnet County Courthouse and for numerous instances of sexual harassment toward JP Whitehead and other unnamed women.
In a statement to DailyTrib.com, Oakley announced his resignation and his reasons for it.
“In recent years, the extreme lack of civility in public discourse has caused me to reevaluate how I want to spend my day-to-day life,” he wrote. “My priorities are to protect my health/safety and that of my wife and family. As I am eligible for retirement, I have made the decision to resign my position effective January 2, 2025, such that I can achieve other personal goals and projects.”
According to County Attorney Arredondo, Oakley will not participate in Commissioners Court meetings for the remainder of his time as county judge, including the 9 a.m. meeting Thursday.
Arredondo said his office began its own inquiry into the accusations on Dec. 13 following the reprimand from the state commission.
“If you read the reprimand, it indicates that there are ‘others’,” he said. “At that point, we needed to make sure that employees were safe, so we started our inquiry.”
Arredondo said Oakley approached him on Tuesday and indicated he intended to resign on Wednesday.
An excerpt from the judicial conduct commission’s reprimand reads:
“(This reprimand is for Oakley’s) failure to be patient, dignified and courteous when he sexually harassed Judge Whitehead and created a hostile work environment;
“and his failure to perform his judicial duties without bias or prejudice and/or manifested bias or prejudice towards Judge Whitehead through his words and conduct and his pattern of sexual harassment towards other women in Burnet County.
“Judge Oakley’s failure in these respects constituted willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of his duties and cast public discredit upon the judiciary or the administration of justices …”
Whitehead’s specific accusations against Oakley indicated he had exhibited inappropriate behavior for years, naming multiple instances of unwanted touching and sexually explicit comments toward her and others.
“Judge Oakley also directs persistent and similar sexual harassing behavior toward many other women in the courthouse and the community at large,” reads a statement from Whitehead to the judicial conduct commission. “I am aware of his saying or doing similarly inappropriate things to other women around Burnet County. Many are current county employees who may not feel they can say something to their supervisors, or even if their supervisor was supportive, they could have a concern that Judge Oakley might retaliate against them individually or their departments.”
Oakley denied the allegations in interviews with the judicial conduct commission leading up to his reprimand and again in an interview with DailyTrib.com for an article about the reprimand published Dec. 16.
Oakley was first elected to Burnet County office in 1998 as Precinct 4 commissioner, a position he held for eight years. He was then elected as county judge in 2014 and re-elected to that position in 2018 and 2022.
Oakley’s resignation statement to DailyTrib.com was preceded by the following:
“I have been humbled and honored to have been elected by the public to serve the public as Burnet County Judge for the last 10 years. Prior to that, I was equally honored to serve for 8 years as a Burnet County Commissioner starting in 1999. I’m most proud of the excellent financial condition of Burnet County as well as the land and facilities now in place. That includes the renovation of the 1884 Historic Jailhouse Museum & Visitors Center, Oakalla Schoolhouse, acquisition of the old Burnet Elementary School, the donation of 800 acres for public use, and other land and buildings to accommodate our growing citizen’s needs.”
Additional reporting by Elizabeth De Los Santos and Suzanne Freeman.
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 City Council on Dec. 10 approved a preliminary plat for The Reserve at Burnet, an 85-lot residential subdivision proposed for 168 acres along RR 2341, across from Rancho Viejo.
A preliminary plat is an early-stage blueprint that outlines the basic design and layout of a subdivision, including lot configurations, roads, and infrastructure. It ensures compliance with city ordinances before a developer begins construction.
While plans for The Reserve received the go-ahead, a project timeline remains uncertain.
“If they move forward, that’s always up to the developer to decide. You can’t be sure,” City Manager David Vaughn told DailyTrib.com following the approval. “They may be looking to flip it. They may actually want to develop it. You never know.”
Plans for The Reserve at Burnet call for development in two phases to create 83 residential lots and two drainage lots. The subdivision would have seven new streets, six of which would be cul-de-sacs, and use on-site septic systems for wastewater. Phase 1 consists of 65 lots, each a minimum of one acre. The remaining 20 lots are in Phase 2.
The Burnet City Council approved the preliminary plat for The Reserve at Burnet, an 85-lot residential subdivision planned along RR 2341. The approval allows the developer to move forward with the project, though a timeline remains uncertain. City of Burnet image
Vaughn called the project “a great addition” to Burnet, noting its high-end nature and use of challenging terrain.
“That property is incredibly rough,” he said. “It’s a lot of granite, and it’s very hard to develop. So it’s not only a great product for us to put on the ground, but it’s a great use of that particular land.”
According to Vaughn, the development would help satisfy a growing demand for upper-tier housing in the area.
“This does not meet the affordable housing description, but it does meet what you see happening in (Burnet County) with all of the growth pushing out of Austin,” he said.
The Reserve is somewhat of a throwback to older developments.
“A lot of things nowadays are going ‘high-density’ because they have to make the numbers work,” Vaughn said. “It’s really nice to see a product that’s more traditional with how you have seen Burnet develop in the past.”
The developer has five years to begin work before the plat approval expires, with the potential for extensions if progress is made.
Vaughn noted that while Phase 1 is likely to proceed, Phase 2—the most expensive and challenging portion—might not happen immediately.
“From what we’ve heard, there’s a very good chance that the first phase will happen and the second phase may not ever happen,” he said.
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.
Mid Coast Health System has made major staff cuts at Llano Hospital as it struggles to bring in enough revenue to function. Negotiations between Mid Coast and Llano County, the hospital’s owner, are ongoing to find a solution to the money troubles.
According to a Mid Coast media release issued Dec. 13, the hospital’s financial issues are due to general funding problems of rural hospitals, inflation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased staffing costs, changes in Medicare usage, and a decline in patients.
Twelve of the 47 Llano Hospital employees were furloughed Dec. 13. Mid Coast said the changes will not affect local services or hours of availability.
“Many of the professionals from our health system team have worked diligently to avoid many of the measures we are implementing,” Mid Coast Health System CEO Brett Kirkham stated in the media release. “These steps are necessary to manage the facilities in Llano efficiently and ensure ongoing availability of healthcare services.”
The staffing cuts should net the hospital an extra $30,000 per payroll cycle.
One of the cuts made was Mid Coast Medical Center-Central CEO Hatch Smith, who told DailyTrib.com he was willing to continue working for free if necessary after the furloughs were announced, but his offer was denied.
“I had an idea that I was going to be one of the (those being furloughed). I knew I was going to be furloughed because I pushed back on some unreasonable requests,” he said. “But I was shocked that 11 others were furloughed as well.”
Smith was responsible for brokering the deal to bring Mid Coast to Llano after Baylor Scott & White ceased its operation of the hospital in 2020.
“At this point, I hope the county and the leadership at (Mid Coast) can reach an agreement,” he said.
Mid Coast made it clear in its media release that government contributions might be necessary to maintain the hospital.
“MCHS has been transparent with Llano County officials regarding the need for additional financial support through local tax dollars and/or philanthropy to maintain current operations,” Kirkham said. “Profitability without local support will continue to limit the development of a strong local healthcare system as Llano County grows.”
County officials saw the staffing cuts coming, and held an emergency meeting Nov. 26 to lay the groundwork for negotiations with Mid Coast to continue operating the hospital for the near future.
“We thought what they did now was imminent, so we took that action with the goal of having that money available (to intervene if necessary),” County Judge Ron Cunningham told DailyTrib.com on Dec. 17. “We are still seeking resolution with Mid Coast on what the true costs are to operate the facility, and what the future holds.”
Cunningham was referring to the Commissioners Court’s Nov. 26 decisions to set aside $450,000 for potential payouts to hospital staff and approval of legal representation to open negotiations with Mid Coast.
The judge agreed with Mid Coast’s assessment of the challenges in maintaining the hospital, and rural healthcare in general, but noted the county could not offer funds without a better picture of the hospital’s finances.
“We need to know what’s working and what is not for the hospital and what the future holds so that we can plan accordingly,” Cunningham said. “Anytime the county expends funds, taxpayer dollars, we do so with agreements and/or planned purpose. That’s just being responsible and good fiduciary discipline.”
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 propane truck hauling 3,000 gallons of fuel rolled over and ignited in Hoover’s Valley just before 9 a.m. Dec. 17, leading to evacuations, a shelter-in-place order, and the closure of FM 2342.
The truck’s driver was transported to a local hospital by Burnet EMS. No details on their status had been released at the time of this story’s publication.
The truck reportedly rolled over after a propane delivery in the 2600 block of FM 2342 near Log Country Cove. The accident’s cause was unknown as of 2 p.m. Tuesday and that section of the road remained closed.
Several homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated after the accident and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the area. Drivers should avoid the area until the scene is cleared.
A Google Maps image shows the general vicinity of incident (lower righ) on FM 2342 in Hoover’s Valley.
According to Granite Shoals Fire Lt. Joshua Nugent, the acting operations incident commander, local fire departments and law enforcement agencies are on the scene with support from hazmat teams out of Leander and Georgetown. The first responders are waiting at a safe distance for the truck to “burn itself out” before mopping up the remains and starting an investigation.
“The scene is stable right now, all crews are safe, evacuations have been put in place, and we have a good operational plan to bring this incident to a close in a safe manner,” Nugent told DailyTrib.com at around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Nugent said the fire had died down significantly and it could be out by late afternoon. Once it is, hazmat teams will make first contact with the truck and check air conditions to make sure it is safe for firefighters to work the scene.
After the blaze is completely subdued, an investigation into the cause of the accident will begin.
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 Pedernales Electric Cooperative on Dec. 12 awarded $38,500 in community grants to nine organizations in its coverage area through its Power of Change Program. Locally, the Highland Lakes Crisis Network and Candlelight Ranch each received $5,000.
Power of Change funds projects by nonprofits that support energy efficiency along with capital improvements and technology upgrades. It is supported by PEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, putting the difference in cents toward the program.
“We’re pleased to provide these important funds to nonprofit organizations who are making strides in improving our communities,” said Celeste Mikeska, PEC Community Relations manager, in a recent media release. “But, none of this could happen without the generosity of our members, so we’d like to thank them for joining together to make a difference.”
The Highland Lakes Crisis Network received a $5,000 grant to purchase air-conditioning units for shelters that house families facing poverty or homelessness. PEC photo
The Highland Lakes Crisis Network will use its grant money to purchase air-conditioning units for its transitional living apartments. The Marble Falls-based nonprofit connects area churches and volunteers to address community crises, including natural disasters and poverty.
Executive Director Kevin Naumann explained how the grant will impact the Transformational Living program, which houses families experiencing poverty or homelessness and helps them work toward self-sufficiency.
“We were gifted a set of apartments in downtown Marble Falls requiring remodels, with 24 units in total,” he said. “This grant will replace one or two AC units, improving energy efficiency and ensuring our families remain safe and comfortable year-round.”
The apartments, located on Fifth Street and Avenue R, currently host 12 families. Additional units are being renovated.
“We’re incredibly grateful to PEC for believing in our mission and supporting this effort. It takes time, money, and volunteer labor to get these projects going, and the community’s support makes it possible,” Naumann added.
Candlelight Ranch, also in Marble Falls, offers nature-based learning activities to families and children of all abilities. Its $5,000 grant will go toward environmental education efforts. A portion of the money will purchase a rainwater-collection system to help maintain the camp’s garden, which is used as a learning tool.
Learn more about PEC’s Power of Change program at mypec.com/change.
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.
Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision Sunday, Dec. 15, on Texas 71 near Llano County Road 306.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 27-year-old Ryan Becerra of Brownsville crossed the centerline while traveling westbound in a Ford Focus on Texas 71 and collided with a Ford SUV driven by 32-year-old JuanRaymon Rubio of Austin, who was traveling in the opposite direction.
Both were killed in the accident and pronounced dead at the scene, the DPS told DailyTrib.com. The crash is under investigation.
This is the second fatal collision in less than two weeks on Texas 71 near CR 306. Mattison Lyttle of Llano County was killed Dec. 7 near the same location as the Sunday wreck.
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 city of Granite Shoals presented resident Michele Landfield with the 2025 John Rinehart Spirit of Service Award for her dedication, commitment, and actions toward bettering the community.
Landfield has spearheaded countless improvement efforts in the city’s 19 public parks, volunteered for community projects, tackled the city’s stray cat issues, organized fundraisers, and consistently participated in civic duties, including serving on boards, committees, and commissions.
“Michele is just a dear person, and she has worked tirelessly,” Mayor Ron Munos said at the City Council meeting Dec. 10, when Landfield received the award. “The city has benefited greatly from her experience, help, and leadership.”
The John Rinehart award is given to one resident every year who exemplifies spirit of service, generosity of time, community pride, and humility. It was created in 2015 in memory of Rinehart, a champion of Granite Shoals who set the standard for community service.
“It feels very, very good (to receive the award),” Landfield told DailyTrib.com. “It’s all worth it when you know you are appreciated.”
Landfield is the vice chair of the Granite Shoals Parks Advisory Committee and responsible for organizing volunteer park improvement projects across the city. She picked up the torch of community service from her friend and colleague Shirley King, another longtime Granite Shoals servant.
She also was chair of the Community Cat Advisory Committee, which was created to help solve the city’s prolific feral cat problem.
Landfield and husband Keri can often be found cleaning Blue Briar Park, repainting park benches and picnic tables, and doing anything they can to improve the city’s green spaces.
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.
Texas’ judicial conduct commission publicly reprimanded Burnet County Judge James Oakley on Dec. 11 for unprofessional conduct, sexual harassment, and security violations. The admonishment was in response to a complaint made by Burnet County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead in 2023.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct protects public trust in the judiciary by investigating allegations of judicial misconduct or incapacity and enforcing disciplinary actions when necessary. The commission previously reprimanded Oakley in 2018 for an inappropriate Facebook comment and again in 2019 for inappropriate use of a judicial position.
The commission suspended Oakley without pay in 2023 for six months due to an indictment on a charge of misuse of government property and the proceeding legal battle. He was found not guilty in that case and returned to his job after the verdict.
Background of the complaint
Whitehead, who has worked for Burnet County for nearly 30 years and has been the Precinct 2 justice of peace for 14 years, filed a formal complaint in April 2023 after years of what she described as “inappropriate behavior” and “escalating intimidation tactics” by Oakley. In an affidavit, Whitehead recounted a series of troubling incidents that began in October 2022 and culminated in what she called “unsafe and irrational behavior” by the judge.
Whitehead detailed a timeline of events involving a small courtroom that leads to her office in the Burnet County Courthouse. Those events include Oakley removing the lock from the downstairs courtroom door, installing a combination lock to keep it open without Whitehead’s consent, and drilling holes into the floor to force the door’s permanent open position. According to Whitehead, these actions ignored her expressed concerns for personal safety and the security of her courtroom.
The breaking point for Whitehead occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, when she said she found Oakley sitting silently in the darkened courtroom outside of her office. Whitehead said she was trying to keep the room warm for a scheduled wedding, but the door was opened by someone after she had closed it three separate times in a short period. On the third time, she got up, closed the door, and turned back toward her office when she noticed Oakley sitting in the corner by the jury box. According to Whitehead, Oakley did not announce himself, leaving her unaware of how long he had been sitting in that manner.
“It startled me,” Whitehead told DailyTrib.com. “When someone hides from you like that, it’s not normal behavior.”
A few days after the incident, Whitehead said Oakley came into the courtroom to apologize as she was finishing a wedding.
“He said he was ‘owning it,’ and he knew he hadn’t been ‘sensitive to my sensitivities,’” Whitehead wrote in her complaint. “He then held his arms out in front of him, and he said to me, ‘I love you,’ and that he would never do anything to me or want problems with me. The ‘I love you’ was so bizarre and made me so uncomfortable that I do not remember the exact words that followed. I just remember how his words made me feel. I felt sick to my stomach, and I again felt very violated.”
The Jan. 6 incident led to Whitehead’s complaint, which was not limited to security and safety issues. She also provided examples of sexual harassment, describing Oakley making unsolicited physical contact, such as rubbing her leg during a public event and making an inappropriate sexual joke referencing her marriage.
Commission findings
After reviewing the evidence and testimony provided by both Whitehead and Oakley, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued the public reprimand. From its findings, the commission concluded in its report:
“Oakley’s actions violated court security protocols and created an unsafe work environment.
“His behavior towards Whitehead constituted sexual harassment, including inappropriate comments and physical contact, creating a hostile work environment.
“His conduct undermined public confidence in the judiciary and reflected a pattern of unprofessional and prejudicial behavior.”
The state’s Office of Court Administration Court Security Division conducted a physical security assessment of the Burnet County Courthouse based on Whitehead’s concerns. A comprehensive report by the OCA included the following findings:
The courtroom should be kept secured when not in use.
The courtroom door should be closed and locked at all times unless a bailiff is present in the court.
The eyebolt should be removed from the courtroom door.
The courtroom door should not be locked in a manner that cannot be controlled by court security staff and/or is “stuck” in a single position, including open.
Oakley’s response
Judge Oakley denied the allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated. In an emailed statement to DailyTrib.com, he expressed disappointment in the commission’s findings, describing them as “false and misleading allegations” and accusing Whitehead of engaging in a “weaponizing … complaint process.” He argued that his actions regarding the courtroom door were driven by a desire to make public spaces accessible.
“The small downstairs original courtroom referred to in the report has historically served as a multipurpose room as needed by departments,” Oakley said in his statement. “My attempts to keep this room open were in response to complaints to me about its unavailability.”
He also rejected claims of sexual harassment, calling them “fabrications” from years prior.
“This act is yet another page from the ‘Lawfare’ playbook being used against me from within political circles,” Oakley wrote. “We as elected officials should be focusing on serving the needs of the public.”
The reprimand includes Oakley’s response to the Office of Court Administration concerning courthouse safety, stating he believed no such security measures were required in “the courthouse built in 1936” and that “Whitehead’s security concerns did not make sense.”
Moving forward
Whitehead said the reprimand is a step forward but that the effects of Oakley’s past behaviors remain.
“I appreciate the (judicial conduct) commission hearing me and taking my complaint seriously,” she said. “I am hopeful that this public reprimand will make a difference. The fact that people now know what he’s done does make me feel safer, but I still don’t want him near me.”
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 Highland Lakes entities are meeting the week of Dec. 16. Agendas are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check links for more information.
presentation of corrective action plan to bring district into compliance with Texas Education Agency requirements regarding students experiencing homelessness
review of revenues and expenditures
update presentation on recommendations from MFISD Community Advisory Committee
consider request for assistance with revitalizing 236 S. Main and 101 E. Jackson streets
consider potential sale of all or portions of Eastside Commercial Park on Texas 29 East; all or parts of The Crossings at U.S. 281 South; and all or parts of 118 E. Polk St. properties
consider use of proceeds from sale of Badger Building and possible early debt payoff
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.
