After nearly two dry years, the Llano County Park boat ramp on Lake Buchanan has reopened. The rising reservoir is lifting the spirits of a community deflated by a harsh drought that sunk lake levels below dock and access lines.

Fishing on Lake Buchanan is “EXCELLENT,” according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department report on May 22. That’s due to higher levels and activity caused by inflows from the Colorado River.

“Everybody is excited about (Lake Buchanan going up),” said Lake Buchanan/Inks Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joe Woolsey on Thursday, May 23. “The lake level can be seen as a barometer for how people feel about things.”

Buchanan began rising in late April following a series of torrential downpours in its watershed to the north. As of Thursday, the lake is 69 percent full compared to April 30 when it was 48 percent full. It has gone up more than 11 feet since April 30, swelling from 995 feet above mean sea level to 1,006 above msl. 

The Llano County Park boat ramp was one of the many victims of the brutally hot summer of 2023. Lake Buchanan only has two public-access ramps: one at Llano County Park off of Unnamed Road in Buchanan Dam and the other at Burnet County Park at 11710 RM 2341 in Burnet. Fortunately, the Burnet County Park ramp remained usable throughout the drought, but its Llano County counterpart and many private boat ramps didn’t reach the water.

“I believe most of the boat ramps on Buchanan are now open,” Woolsey said. “We’re getting very close to anybody having access.”

Lake Buchanan Communities Alliance President Wayne Shipley told DailyTrib.com that his neighborhood, Greenwood Acres, needs Buchanan to be at 1,014 above msl before boaters have lake access at that ramp. He also expressed worry about the Lower Colorado River Authority releasing water downstream over the summer.

“(Seeing Lake Buchanan rise) is really nice. It actually looks like a lake now,” he said. “Once the lake starts coming up, the whole area seems to come alive, but there is still a fear that when summer comes, (the LCRA) will let the water out and it will go back down.”

According to the most recent LCRA river report, the authority “will not release water from Lake Buchanan solely to fill Lake Travis.”

While Buchanan had massive gains, Lake Travis has seen a more meager rise. Travis is now 40 percent full, up from 38 percent on April 30, and it has only risen a little over 2 feet in that time.

The LCRA report also stated that, while Buchanan’s new largess will not be sacrificed to fill Travis, the water could be used for other downstream needs.

dakota@thepicayune.com

More than $3.9 billion is expected to be invested over the next five years by the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp. to build new transmission facilities and improve existing ones. In that same time period, the LCRA plans to spend about $174 million on new water supply projects and $146 million to update its radio system to facilitate smart technologies.

These projects and more are part of the fiscal year 2025 business plan and capital investments approved by the LCRA Board of Directors at its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 22. In total, the business plan includes $577 million in spending. Capital investments approved will run about $1.32 billion for energy, water, and public service projects. 

“Our business and capital plans uphold LCRA’s commitment to invest in Texas’ future by helping to build the power, water and communications infrastructure critical for our state’s continued success,” said LCRA board Chair Timothy Timmerman in a media release. “LCRA’s investments support a growing region in Texas and supply the services essential for maintaining healthy economies and businesses within our communities and our state.”

The LCRA also plans to invest more than $38 million in dam rehabilitation projects over the next five years to ensure they continue to operate safely. That includes replacing all 10 floodgates on Wirtz Dam, which separates lakes LBJ and Marble Falls. 

Among the biggest capital projects are the Arbuckle Reservoir, which could come online late this year or in early 2025, and a two-unit peaker power plant under construction in Caldwell County. 

Each of the plant’s two units will be capable of supplying up to 190 megawatts of dispatchable power. When operating at full capacity, the plant would supply enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes at peak demand. The first unit is expected to be operational in 2025; the second in 2026.

The LCRA’s 2025 fiscal year begins July 1, 2024. The business and capital investment plans are available for viewing at lcra.org/about/financial-highlights/business-plan.

90 YEARS IN POWER

The LCRA turns 90 this year, General Manager Phil Wilson said at the May 22 meeting. 

“We electrified the Hill Country in the 1930s and ’40s, and now we are taking a lead role in investing in dispatchable generation that can be called upon quickly when needed,” he said. “We are well positioned to serve Texans and our customers for many years to come because, while LCRA’s services have evolved over the past 90 years, we continue to help Texans respond to significant population growth by staying true to our mission to enhance the quality of life of the people we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service.”

editor@thepicayune.com

Keith Allain of Kingsland was buying Miracle-Gro at The Home Depot on May 3 when his heart stopped. Within minutes, off-duty Marble Falls Police Sgt. Aaron Garcia was on the job and starting lifesaving care. 

“Calling on his professionalism and training, Sgt. Garcia immediately went to the victim’s aid,” Marble Falls Police Chief Glenn Hanson told the City Council on May 21.

Garcia got other shoppers to continue CPR while he contacted 911.

“Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, Sgt. Garcia continued to assist other first responders until the victim was stabilized and later recovered,” Hanson said.

Garcia’s quick response earned him the Marble Falls Police Department’s prestigious Lifesaving Award, presented to him during the council’s Tuesday meeting. 

“Sgt. Garcia’s decisive action and service to this citizen reflects great credit on himself and the Marble Falls Police Department,” Hanson said. 

The award presentation was the first time Allain actually met the man who came to his rescue earlier in the month.

“The next time you give me (CPR), can you just give me a wet willy?” he joked to Garcia.

Allain explained how the officer’s heroism inspired him to give back by performing songs and comedy routines at local nursing homes.

“My heart has been opened up,” he said. “I’m going out to the nursing homes because they’re in desperate need of love. We need smiles on these people’s faces.”

The pair hugged before Allain performed a small comedy set and an accompanying rap ditty for the crowd at the meeting. Garcia chipped in with the rhythm.

Garcia wasn’t the only Marble Falls officer celebrated during the Tuesday meeting.

“It’s an honor to be able to recognize excellence and some of the fine team members we have at the Marble Falls Police Department,” Hanson told those in attendance. “The greatest honor I’ve ever had is (the city’s) trust to allow me to be their leader. It’s the greatest team I’ve ever been a part of.”

Sgt. Kevin Koch also received a Lifesaving Award for his efforts on April 26 when a crew member working on the Marble Falls ISD agriculture barn lost consciousness.

“He provided CPR until fire and EMS arrived,” Hanson said. “Upon their arrival, he continued to assist other first responders as they provided lifesaving measures for approximately 19 minutes.”

The victim regained a pulse while Koch and others provided care.

“He was stabilized, at which time, he was transported to the hospital and later recovered,” Hanson said.

Officer Ryan Kiec is the department’s Officer of the Year, voted on by his peers.

“He’s a dedicated employee,” Hanson said while reading submissions from Kiec’s fellow MFPD officers. “He never complains and takes any call, no matter what the nature is. He’s friendly and gets along with everyone.”

Kiec will be a school resource officer for Marble Falls ISD starting in the fall.

“We’re glad to have him,” Hanson said. “He’s a great example for everybody.”

Administrative assistant Ashley Rodriguez is MFPD’s Civilian Employee of the Year. She formerly served as records clerk for the department.

“When my wife retired from the police department, we hired Ashley to take her place,” Hanson said. “She’s done a magnificent job for us.”

The Civilian Employee of the Year award is also voted on by staff.

“(Rodriguez is) always willing to help anyone who comes in with questions,” Hanson said. “She makes an amazing impression on anyone who comes into the police department lobby. She tackles a vast array of duties and projects without complaint.”

nathan@thepicayune.com

Spicewood Fire Rescue badged its first three full-time firefighters and honored two of its captains on Tuesday, May 21. 

“Earlier this year, Spicewood Fire Rescue hit a major milestone in hiring our first-ever full-time firefighters to help bring 24/7 coverage to the community,” reads a media release from the small department.

The three firefighters served the department as either part-timers or volunteers prior to being bumped up to full time. They recently completed a probationary service period, clearing them for their new roles.

Joell Bowen had served as a part-time firefighter since 2023. Justin McPherson had been volunteering since 2022 and became a certified firefighter while with the department. Brad Wilson was a veteran firefighter and paramedic who had served part time since 2023.

Captains Dakota Meyer and Andrew Hunt have been volunteers since 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were honored for their service during the ceremony.

Even with the addition of the full-time first responders, volunteers and part-time staff remain an integral part of the department.

Spicewood Fire Rescue provides fire protection service to Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 9, which encompasses a large portion of southeast Burnet County, including the unincorporated community of Spicewood. 

ESD No. 9 was created in 2014 to fund Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Services. The volunteer department was upgraded to Spicewood Fire Rescue in 2020, which led to a series of improvements. Professional first responders were brought in and the fire station was overhauled to allow for overnight staffing in 2021. A state-of-the-art fire engine was put into service in 2023. 

dakota@thepicayune.com

Proposed changes to a Granite Shoals property maintenance ordinance came under fire from residents worried about vague, undefined words and government encroachment on individual property rights. 

“The word ‘aesthetics,’ I think it is subjective and cannot have healthy enforcement,” said resident Robin Deberard during public comment at the May 14 meeting of the Granite Shoals City Council. 

The council is considering changes to the property code that governs the do’s and don’ts of residential property maintenance. Under consideration is new language that would make it clear residents are responsible for maintaining their land all the way up to the street. 

“Really, one of the complaints we get from the citizens is to clean up the city,” Mayor Ron Munos told DailyTrib.com in an interview after the meeting. “They’re tired of driving around and seeing junk cars parked on blocks or dilapidated buildings that have fallen in.”

A decision was put on hold until the May 28 meeting after the council discovered the wrong material was included in the May 14 agenda packets. 

A now defunct version of potential changes to the ordinance was accidentally put in the agenda packet rather than the latest draft of changes, Munos said. 

“There was a mixup in the packet we got this week, and the wrong version of the property maintenance ordinance was sent out,” he said. “We hope the new, revised version will be a little more acceptable to the citizens.”

The City Council did not explain what the actual proposed changes were at that time, but Place 4 Councilor Steve Hougen said the term “aesthetics” was still featured in the proposed document.

“There are undefined words that are very subjective that have been criticized tonight and with online posts,” Hougen said. “Because what is objectionable to one person may be pure beauty to another. The word aesthetic was criticized, because what do you mean by aesthetic value? If we use the words we should define them.”

Deberard suggested the council involve Granite Shoals residents in any potential changes by scheduling town hall meetings, workshops, or a public hearing.

Another resident, Lynn Carlson, agreed and asked, “What problem are we trying to solve?”

Resident Roman Archer asked for careful consideration before any changes were made that would impact the “diverse city” of Granite Shoals.

“The one thing that we really need to understand is that we have a very, very diverse city culturally, ethnically, socioeconomically, etcetera,” he said. “We need to be very cognizant of these changes for any subjectivity, which can lead to bias. Yes, I’d like to see things more pleasing, but there’s ways to do that without taking away individual rights.”

Under city of Granite Shoals rules, code enforcement has the power to address major property maintenance issues, like junk cars, dilapidated structures, and overgrown landscaping. The current property maintenance code can be accessed via the city’s website. 

Mayor Munos told DailyTrib.com that it could be challenging finding a balance between property maintenance requirements and property rights.

“You certainly have the, ‘My home is my castle and I can do what I want’ argument, but the other side is saying, ‘Why should I maintain my house and cut my yard when my neighbor’s house is full of weeds and snakes?’” he said.

dakota@thepicayune.com

Burnet held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new City Hall on Monday, May 20. Officials expect to move into the 18,000-square-foot facility at 301 E. Jackson St. by the summer of 2025.

The beginning of the $8 million project ends a 20-plus-year mission to expand city space for a growing staff. The new building will have about 10,000 square-feet more than the old one.

“The one that we’ve had (at 1001 Buchanan Drive) has worked fine as a temporary solution, but it’s too small and we’ve outgrown it,” City Manager David Vaughn said. “We actually have staff positions that we need to fill, but we don’t have any place to put them.” 

Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 caused flooding at the current building, making the need for a new City Hall even more urgent.

“The building flooded from water twice in three months,” Vaughn said. “That’s not something you enjoy going through with the remediation and the cleanup and all that. That’s when council said, ‘It’s time to do something.’”

Building a new City Hall will actually save the city money as it switches from renting to owning.

“As time has gone on, we’ve had to rent additional suites and we’re just at the max of what we can do,” Vaughn said.

Burnet city departments relocating to the new building include utility billing, municipal court, planning and development, engineering, finance, economic development, and the city manager’s office. 

The Public Works Department will not make the move.

The building’s design also includes meeting space for the Burnet City Council and city boards and commissions. Government meetings are currently held at the Burnet Municipal Airport, 2302 U.S. 281 South.

The new City Hall is being built near Burnet’s historic courthouse square, which could reinvigorate economic activity, Vaughn said.

“We wanted it to be close to the Historic Downtown District to help grow and revitalize this area,” he said. “We wanted more traffic down here.”

The city had previously announced its intention to house departments in the former Bealls building but eventually decided against that.

“Originally, we thought it would be a less expensive option,” Vaughn said. “When it was all said and done, it was only about a $500,000 difference between remodeling a 40-year-old building and building a brand-new building where the council wanted it built.”

Greystone Construction is in charge of the work at 301 E. Jackson St.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Vaughn said.

nathan@thepicayune.com

Zeb Olan Warner, 38, of Lampasas was sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole after he was convicted by a Burnet County jury of the continuous sexual abuse of a young relative.

Judge Evan Stubbs of the 424th District Court heard the case and handed down a 60-year sentence for each of the charges, which include one count of continuous sexual assault of a child and three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentences will be served concurrently, meaning Warner would be 98 years old when he is released.

Warner was originally arrested in 2022 on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony. He was accused of abusing his victim between 2020 and 2022 when the child was between 10 and 12 years old. 

Warner bonded out after the first arrest but was arrested again on charges of the sale/distribution/display of harmful material to a minor in 2023.

Again, Warner bonded out but was arrested a third time on all enveloping charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years old and the three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

The case was prosecuted by 33rd/424th assistant district attorneys Bill Price and Carson Walker.

“We hope this child’s bravery and this verdict will inspire other young victims to come forward,” Price wrote in a media release from the District Attorney’s Office. “There are more kids out there who need to know this community cares about them and will protect them.”

Warner’s legal defense filed a notice of appeal with the court on May 17 contesting the verdict.

dakota@thepicayune.com

The Granite Shoals Community Cat Advisory Committee is asking residents to help it track down free-roaming felines. 

“We need the community’s help to help us find these cats,” committee Chair Michele Landfield said during the Granite Shoals City Council meeting on May 14.

The committee was formed in January to humanely manage the city’s wild cats through a trap-neuter-release program.

Landfield told DailyTrib.com that the group’s current challenge is keeping track of where the cats congregate.

Residents can report stray cats by contacting City Hall at 830-598-2424 or citysecretary@graniteshoals.org. 

Since January, the committee has processed 39 cats through the TNR program and plans to hold monthly trapping events as long as volunteers and funding are available.

Landfield did not have an estimate for the number of feral cats in the city but believes it could be in the hundreds.

The Community Cat Advisory Committee also needs volunteers to foster kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered, which is typically six to eight weeks.

“We’re trying to control the population,” Landfield said. “If we can spay and neuter as many as we can before they’re old enough to have babies, there won’t be as many kittens.”

dakota@thepicayune.com

A visiting district judge is considering granting injunctive relief to the Horseshoe Bay Property Owners’ Association from the Horseshoe Bay Resort following a temporary restraining order hearing on May 16.

The order request is part of a lawsuit filed by the POA against the resort on May 6 in the 33rd Judicial District Court in Llano County. The POA is claiming breaches of contract by the resort and seeking between $200,000 and $1 million in damages, among other forms of relief.

The POA filed the lawsuit after failing to receive its 45.6 percent share of money from a maintenance fund for several months. The fund is operated by Horseshoe Bay Resort, which collects and allocates money to the POA for landscaping and other public improvements.

Retired Judge Frank Griffin of the Brown County Court at Law heard the case on May 16 at the Burnet County Courthouse Annex following the recusal of 33rd District Court Judge Allan Garret.

If ordered by Judge Griffin, the court would require the defendant, Horseshoe Bay Resort, to immediately release the operation of the maintenance fund to the POA, provide an accurate list of all property owners in the POA and the number of lots each owns, and provide a monthly account of all deposits into the maintenance fund.

“I’m going to take this into consideration,” Griffin said at the end of the hearing. “I’m hoping you can sit down and work some of these things out.”

According to POA attorney Greg Godkin, Horseshoe Bay Resort has not collected an estimated $4.75 million from delinquent property owners. Also, the resort is sitting on another $195,000 that belongs to the POA, according to a calculation by POA officials.

“We need relief immediately,” Godkin told the court. “(The POA) board cannot govern without it.”

The dispute reached a tipping point in April when the Horseshoe Bay Resort and Maintenance Fund took away the POA’s duties to maintain public spaces.

“ … The POA is relieved of its charge to so improve, maintain, and beautify,” reads an email from Horseshoe Bay Resort attorney Zachary Garsek. “Instead, Horseshoe Bay Resort Development, LCC (“Declarant”) has assumed control of improvement, maintenance, and beautification.”

Another resort attorney, Clark Aspy, said the decision was “within the rights” of the governing documents of the POA board.

“Our clients have the discretion and authority, and they (the POA) don’t,” he told the court.

The POA also claimed it has yet to receive a comprehensive list of owners living within the association’s boundaries.

“The defendants won’t hand over an accurate property owners list that will allow for us to provide notice, which is required by the Texas Property Code, for a duly noted election of (POA) board members,” Godkin said.

Aspy argued that officials had provided the POA board with the list on several occasions.

“I did it three times,” he said. “I gave it to the (board’s previous attorney), Mr. Godkin, at mediation, and a third time in January 2024 after I told my clients, ‘They keep saying we’re not doing it, so send it by certified mail so that I can prove to the court that you did it.’”

Those lists only included the addresses of residents and not the number of lots owned by each. Residents are allowed one vote per lot in POA elections. Horseshoe Bay Resort officials said the lots were not included because of a change in software. 

“It’s not appropriate, and it’s illegal,” Godkin said. “It is critical that we immediately receive relief from this court to allow us to govern in accordance with the governing documents that we have to follow.”

He continued, saying the lack of an election and the POA’s inability to maintain its contracted facilities could open board members and the association to litigation from POA property owners.

“We’re subject to litigation from the members for not doing what we are required to do,” Godkin said.

The lawsuit filed by the Horseshoe Bay POA on May 6 followed a separate $1 million suit filed by Horseshoe Bay Resort against the POA in October 2023. That case was later dismissed in March after both parties failed to reach an agreement during court-ordered mediation in February.

Judge Griffin did not give a timeline for deciding on a temporary restraining order.

“I will read through this,” he said.

If granted, the TRO will be valid for only 14 days, Aspy told DailyTrib.com.

nathan@thepicayune.com