Several hundred property owners, including dozens from Burnet and Llano counties, have signed and filed a petition against a controversial transmission line project spanning significant portions of Central Texas.
“Over 1,300 directly affected property owners were denied the essential right to attend a public meeting where they could voice their concerns and express their community values regarding this significant development,” reads the petition. “Applicants added 400 miles of new route links… without notice to, or any input from, these newly affected landowners.”
The petition supports a motion for immediate remedy and relief, signed and submitted by 179 landowners the same day. The motion calls for the transmission project to be put on pause until the next legislative session (January 2027); the PUCT to enforce proper notification standards; the PUCT to extend intervention deadlines due to failure to properly notify affected property owners; and the review of statewide policy on 765-kV expansion.
The project has loomed over the heads of many local residents and officials due to all proposed routes of the line running through Burnet County. If approved, the project would bring the power of eminent domain, 18-story steel towers, and 200- to 300-foot easements.
Several hundred additional testimonies and protests have been filed against the project in hopes of changing its course before the PUCT decides its fate in September.
Background on the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line
The transmission line project’s intention is to bring power to West Texas, but many Burnet County residents believe that it would be at the expense of Hill Country landowners.
The project was mandated by the Texas Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 5066. The bill aimed to increase the reliability of the Texas electric grid, and also specifically targeted bringing power to the Permian Basin region of West Texas.
The results of that study showed a massive increase in the projected demand for electricity from that region, mostly to satisfy an estimated addition of 11,695 megawatts to the grid from the non-oil and gas industry. Per ERCOT’s study, this load would be made up of 59 percent cryptocurrency operations, 22 percent “green hydrogen” projects, 13 percent “other” commercial and industrial projects, and 6 percent datacenters. Power would also be used to electrify the petroleum industry in West Texas.
Once ERCOT’s study was completed, the PUCT tasked Oncor Electric Delivery and the Lower Colorado River Authority with devising a plan to deliver more power to the Permian Basin. After months of planning the organizations created a preliminary plan and route for 765 kilovolt powerlines to be run from Central Texas to West Texas. Burnet County was notified of the plans, and the fact that it would likely be included in all possible routes, in May 2025.
The project, to be paid for by the state, has an estimated total cost of $33 billion, and would include three major lines, including the Bell County East to Big Hill project.
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from May 22-28, 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.
Seth Allen Barnes, 31, of Bertram was arrested May 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on May 24, credit time served.
Jerrod Anderson Cozby, 32, of Burnet was arrested May 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Released on May 22 on $17,500 in bonds.
Marie Lara, 33, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested May 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on May 23 on $1,500 in bonds.
Anthony Luis Villarreal, 35, of Marble Falls was arrested May 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on May 25 on $132,500 in bonds.
Sara Grace Mckeon, 36, of Meadowlakes was arrested May 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.
Marcus Darnelle Perez, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested May 23 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief valued more than $750 but less than $2,500. Released on May 23 on $5,000 in bonds.
Juan Jesus Salinas-Molinero, 25, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 23 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): criminal trespassing, public intoxication.
Elizabeth Suzanne Williams, 36, of Spicewood was arrested May 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): resisting arrest, search, or transportation, assault against an elderly or disabled individual, two counts.
Austin Cook, 18, of Marble Falls was arrested May 24 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief valued more than $750 but less than $2,500, assault causing bodily injury of a family member. Released on May 24 on $7,500 in bonds.
Stephen Shawn Holm, 53, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 24 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on May 25 on $1,500 in bonds.
Rachel Joy Brown, 31, of Lampasas was arrested May 25 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
James Selleck Cokendolpher, 19, of Burnet was arrested May 25 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): minor in consumption, minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage. Released on May 26 on $1,000 in bonds.
Bryan Cody Jordan, 40, of Burnet was arrested May 25 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.
Austin Michael Liscum, 27, of Kingsland was arrested May 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.
Colby Don Lohse, 31, of San Angelo was arrested May 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid, failure to appear. Released on May 26 on $1,500 in bonds.
Gilberto Depaz-Chaparro, 28, of Dallas was arrested May 26 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on May 27 on $7,500 in bonds.
Gilberto Depaz-Chaparro, 28, of Dallas was arrested May 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on May 27 on $7,500 in bonds.
John Stuart Howze, 72, of Marble Falls was arrested May 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault on a security officer.
Ashley Elizabeth Kingsbury, 22, of Burnet was arrested May 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on May 27 on $1,500 in bonds.
Domingo Angel Quintero, 52, of Burnet was arrested May 26 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): parole violation.
Fred Soliz, 62, of Burnet was arrested May 26 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.
Robert Lee Alexander Jr., 46, of Meadowlakes was arrested May 27 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, failure to identify as a fugitive intent to give false information.
Scott Lee Burris, 45, of Marble Falls was arrested May 27 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): expired license plate registration. Released on May 28 on $250 in bonds.
Nathan Wayne McCray, 24, of Marble Falls was arrested May 27 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury.
Omar Antonio Suarez, 37, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested May 27 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on May 28 on $1,500 in bonds.
Christopher Castillo, 53, of Burnet was arrested May 28 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): sexual assault of a child.
Joshua Cross Foster, 21, of Marble Falls was arrested May 28 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on May 28 on $1,500 in bonds.
Pedro Martinez Garcia, 39, of Marble Falls was arrested May 28 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): parole violation.
Isaiah Alejandro Gonzales-Hardy, 27, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 28 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): accident involving damage to vehicle greater than $200.
David Glenn Izell, 69, of Burnet was arrested May 28 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): theft of property valued more than $100 but less than $750, four counts.
Nathan Wayne McCray, 24, of Marble Falls was arrested May 28 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Jessie Cruise Michael, 21, of Liberty Hill was arrested May 28 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on May 28 on $500 in bonds.
John Franklin Music, 40, of Bertram was arrested May 28 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): continuous violence against the family.
Jerica Virginia Mari Sepulveda, 27, of Marble Falls was arrested May 28 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on May 28 on $500 in bonds.
Harold Eugene Sites III, 50, of Burnet was arrested May 28 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Clinton Grey Walker, 32, of Salado was arrested May 28 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on May 28 on $7,500 in bonds.
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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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Stage 2 conditions encourage residents to voluntarily reduce overall water usage by 10 percent to help conserve water. The county’s previous Stage 3 (Severe) restrictions, enacted on March 18, called for voluntary reduction by 20 percent.
The CTGCD reminded residents that the drought stage is completely voluntary, and only applies to groundwater usage and not surface waters such as those from the Highland Lakes.
The district upped the county to Stage 3 in March due to a severe lack of rainfall, before the area was pummeled by spring showers the following two months.
According to CTGCD General Manager Mitchell Sodek, the rainfall had been so significant that the county could have been bumped down to Stage 1 (Near Normal) were it not for the impending summertime heat.
“I recommend moving to Stage 2,” Sodek said at the May 28 meeting. “I could even be persuaded to go to Stage 1 at this point. But we are moving into the summertime and things can dry up pretty quickly.”
Sodek added that this sort of prolonged rainfall was key to local aquifer levels recovering, as isolated downpours usually do not allow for enough water to permeate into aquifers.
The CTGCD is led by a five-member, elected board of directors, along with a three-person team of hired employees. Together, they are responsible for regulating groundwater usage and wells in Burnet County.
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Granite Shoals’ Streets Department will soon have a new water truck to support roadway maintenance and construction work after the city’s decades-old vehicle became unreliable for continued use.
City Council approved the purchase of a replacement water truck for the Streets Department during its May 26 meeting, authorizing the use of $51,787.85 in capital funds.
According to Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief Tim Campbell, the current truck, manufactured nearly four decades ago, became non-operational due to brake and electrical issues.
City Manager Sarah Novo echoed Campbell’s sentiments.
“The existing truck, a 1989 model, has exceeded its useful service life and is no longer reliable for continued operations,” she told DailyTrib.
The new truck, selected in part for its low mileage and PTO-driven pump, will power its water system directly from the truck’s engine during roadway maintenance operations, improving efficiency.
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Several criminal charges filed against former Burnet County Judge James Oakley were recently dismissed in the “interest of justice.” The charges, originally filed by Burnet County’s former district attorney, had loomed over Oakley since 2023.
According to court documents filed in the 33rd Judicial District Court of Texas, the March 2023 charges of abuse of official capacity, tampering with evidence, and official oppression were dismissed on May 20 by 452nd District Attorney Tonya Ahlschwede, who had been appointed in December 2025 by the court to handle the case after local 33rd/424th District Attorney Perry Thomas voluntarily stepped away from the case in November 2025.
“I’m just pleased at the swift actions of the appointed (district attorney’s) office,” Oakley told DailyTrib. “It’s been stressful.”
The reason for dismissal on all of the charges was noted as in the “interest of justice” on all three motions to dismiss filed in 33rd District Court.
DailyTrib was unable to reach DA Ahlschwede or presiding Judge Dibrell “Dib” Waldrip for comment by the time of this article’s publication, but the term “interest of justice” is used when the prosecution or judge believes that continuing the case wouldn’t serve justice.
Background and proceedings
Two of the dismissed charges against Oakley stemmed from his involvement in a vehicle accident in 2021. He was accused of manipulating evidence and attempting to intimidate the other party involved in the accident. The “abuse of official capacity” charge was connected to a perceived conflict of interest in serving as both county judge and as a board director for the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The charges were originally filed by former 33rd/424th District Attorney Wiley “Sonny” McAfee, who left office at the end of 2024. All three of these charges were “quashed,” or tossed out, by visiting Judge Waldrip in July 2023. Before McAfee left office, he appealed the judge’s decision, and won the appeal in November 2024, making the charges once again eligible for prosecution.
After taking office at the beginning of 2025, DA Thomas was undecided on whether or not he would pursue the charges.
“(The charges are) back in my office’s hands at the moment, and we’re evaluating where to go from here,” Thomas told DailyTrib in March 2025. “I can’t say at the moment (what will be done). I don’t think it would be appropriate to make a comment just yet.”
Ultimately, Thomas voluntarily recused himself from the case in November 2025 due to his acquaintanceship with Oakley personally and socially.
“I believe that voluntary recusal is appropriate in this case to avoid even the appearance of impropriety arising from my previous public interactions with the defendant as a private citizen and as an attorney in the private practice of law discussing the facts and possible defenses of the case,” Thomas said in his filed motion to recuse himself.
Following Thomas’ recusal in November 2025, 452nd District Attorney Ahlschwede was appointed to prosecute the case in December 2025.
A status hearing was held for the case in February of 2026, with another hearing scheduled for May 21, but the cases were officially dismissed by the prosecution and the court on May 20 before that hearing took place.
Oakley
While three 2023 charges against Oakley were only recently dismissed, he did go to court on a fourth charge, of misuse of government property for driving a Burnet County vehicle to PEC meetings while he still served as an elected director for the cooperative.
He was found not guilty on that charge in August 2023 after a jury trial. He had been suspended from his role as Burnet County judge for about six months after his original indictments in March until he won his case in August.
Separate from the criminal charges filed against him, Oakley was publicly reprimanded by the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct in December 2024 for courthouse security violations and the sexual harassment of Burnet County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead and at least two other women.
Shortly after the commission’s reprimand, Oakley announced his resignation as Burnet County judge, and officially left office in January 2025.
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A student-made, two-story marble maze was unveiled at the Marble Falls Visitor Center on May 19, adding an interactive feature to the city’s tourism tower at 100 Avenue G.
City staff collaborated with local business partners and three Marble Falls High School engineering students –Nicolas Smith, Cameron Plumlee, and Landon Griffith– to bring the maze to life. It features a motorized lift that carries marbles to the top of a long, winding system of chutes, rails, funnels, and more that send the spheres on a twisting journey through the visitor center.
“The Marble Maze is a perfect example of what makes Marble Falls special,” said Russell Sander, Assistant City Manager for the City of Marble Falls, in a media release. “This project brought together students, educators, local businesses, City staff, and volunteers to create something truly unique. It highlights the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that define Marble Falls and gives our visitors a memorable experience they won’t find anywhere else.”
The two-story Marble Maze was dreamed up by Marble Falls city staff, designed and built by Marble Falls High School engineering students, and had its materials donated by a local laser cutter. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The maze was designed and assembled by the three engineering students under the guidance of MFHS teacher Lindsey Todesco. The materials for the project were donated by local business Laser Ranch.
The maze is open to the public and can be used during the visitor center’s regular business hours.
The center is open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday. The center is closed on Sunday.
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The city of Burnet recently approved a construction contract for a new 100,000-gallon water tank to ease water availability concerns in the Eagles Nest subdivision, about 2.5 miles west of downtown.
The project –with an estimated cost of about $700,000– was approved by Burnet City Council on Tuesday, May 26, and should be completed by late 2026 or early 2027. The deal has been in the works since 2025, when the city spent $101,000 on 2 acres in the subdivision for a tank site.
The Eagles Nest subdivision has been marred by low water pressure for years according to city officials, as the current pump station includes a single 25,000-gallon tank to provide water to its residents.
Beyond residential pressure issues, Burnet Fire Chief Mark Ingram emphasized a more critical concern over the current tank’s “fire flow” inadequacies, referring to the required water and infrastructure needed to effectively fight a fire.
“If I was to take our ladder truck up (to Eagles Nest) in those sized homes, that’s what (the truck) is designed for, I could empty that tank in five minutes,” Ingram said at the meeting. “I could start sucking the water, but I’m going to do damage to everything when I do it. The waterlines– I would destroy them.”
Eagles Nest resident Dan Stewart spoke on behalf of the subdivision, echoing Chief Ingram’s sentiments as a major concern for residents.
“This tank would serve our needs from the standpoint of water pressure, as well as fire protection,” he said. “Five minutes to fight a fire is– that’s rough. To save somebody’s biggest investment in their life.”
According to City Manager David Vaughn, the root of these water worries goes back to Eagles Nest’s creation in 2004. He told the council that two tanks were originally planned for the subdivision. That never occurred.
“When Eagles Nest was originally designed, it was designed to have two (25,000-gallon) tanks,” he said. “It was meant to be done in phases so that when future phases and future developments happened, they would be added at a later date. None of the subsequent developments have occurred since 2004 when the subdivision first started.”
Vaughn recognized the weight of taking on the $700,000 project, but assured council that the city could handle the hit.
“I don’t want to represent that $700,000 is insignificant, because it’s not,” he said. “But we are in a position to handle it.”
The council-approved contract for the new tank would include any accompanying equipment and full installation, tallied around $599,441. Vaughn told council that, after all costs were tallied, the project would sit near the $700,000 mark.
Barring major delays, the selected constructors, Arguijo Corporation, provided an estimated timeline of 180 calendar days.
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Granite Shoals is undergoing a temporary free chlorine conversion from May 20 through June 20, 2026, which could affect residents’ water during the process.
The city is temporarily switching from chloramine to free chlorine as part of routine maintenance to help disinfect drinking water and remove buildup inside water lines. Chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia commonly used in water systems, can contribute to buildup in pipes over time.
Cities must notify the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at least 30 days before beginning the process and receive approval to temporarily operate using only free chlorine.
“This helps us scour the inside wall of the pipe,” Utilities Director Josh Hisey said during the May 26 Granite Shoals City Council meeting.
Residents in some areas may notice a stronger chlorine smell or slight discoloration in their water during the conversion. Areas at the far ends of the system, such as Tropical Hideaway, are more likely to experience those effects, Hisey said.
The conversion is currently ahead of schedule and could be completed up to two weeks earlier than expected, according to the utilities director..
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