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The Picayune Magazine

Kingsland Commons, a 50-acre mixed-use development, is moving forward following a groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, May 15. Tragically, a business partner planning to open a Chicken Express location in the new development was killed in a multi-vehicle collision shortly after the groundbreaking. 

The development, located near the northeast corner of the RR 1431 and FM 2342 intersection in Kingsland, has been on the books since 2025, and Chicken Express is meant to be its first tenant.

Fatal crash

Chicken Express developer Richard Hausman, a Kingsland resident, was killed on Saturday, May 16, in a three-vehicle crash on RR 1431 near Lookout Mountain in Kingsland, according to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office. 

A Texas Department of Public Safety preliminary investigation found that a Ford F-150 traveling eastbound on RR 1431 crossed into the westbound lanes for unknown reasons, first striking an Infiniti G25 before colliding head-on with a Volvo driven by Hausman. Hausman was pronounced dead at the scene, while his son, Aidan, was injured in the crash.

Hausman’s memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Burnet on Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m.

Hausman and his wife Rachael owned Chicken Express locations in Burnet and Llano and had planned to open the Kingsland restaurant as a new prototype design for the chain. At the May 16 groundbreaking, he said that construction would begin within eight to 10 days, with completion expected in November or December of this year.

It is unknown if Hausman’s death will impact the timeline of the Chicken Express project.

“Richard and Rachael have been longtime supporters of countless events and organizations through generous and quiet acts of service. Their impact on Burnet reaches far beyond business, they are woven into the fabric of our community. Richard helped make Burnet stronger,” read a social media post from the Burnet Chamber of Commerce.

Commons moving forward

The planned development for Kingsland Commons, which is expected to be fully built out in the next four years. Photo from Kingsland Commons website. 

Developers say the broader Kingsland Commons project itself is on schedule.

Development partner Gregg Miller said that infrastructure work is continuing, including roads, utilities and site preparation, after receiving approval from the Texas Department of Transportation for entrance roads and turn lanes to accommodate increased traffic.

“I can’t remark on Chicken Express,” Miller told DailyTrib. “But, we are moving forward.”

Miller said he expects the full buildout of the development to take about four years, with most tenants identified within the next year and a half.

“I think the whole project completion is probably 4 years to have everything built out. I think we will have everything sold in the next year and a half,” Miller said.

Under the development agreement, tenants are required to begin construction within one year of purchasing property.

“When you buy land, you have to build. You can’t just sit on it,” Miller said.

A market-style convenience store is expected to be the next tenant, with a closing anticipated in July. Additional tenants are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Kingsland Commons background

Originally introduced in 2025, Kingsland Commons is planned as a town square-style development featuring a central park surrounded by retail and restaurants, along with housing options including townhomes, apartments and single-family homes. Planned amenities include a splash pad, playground, amphitheater, walking trails, a water feature and a boutique hotel.

maci@thepicayune.com

Five people were killed in a three-vehicle crash on Sunday, May 17, in the 3100 block of South U.S. Highway 281 in Marble Falls.

The Marble Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the crash at 4:59 p.m.

Based on the preliminary investigation into the incident, a black Nissan pickup driven by Antonio Lara, 80, of Lago Vista was traveling north on U.S. 281 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed into southbound traffic.

The Nissan first struck the rear side of a white BMW hatchback carrying Lance Benick, 29, Hannah Benick, 27, and their 8-month-old son, all of Austin. The BMW sustained minor damage in that crash and no serious injuries were reported.

The Nissan pickup, driven by Lara, then continued further into southbound traffic and collided head-on with a silver Hyundai hatchback occupied by Roxanne Mowrey, 50, Ron Dykes, 55, along with two girls, ages 3 and 5. Officials said the Hyundai was traveling in the inside southbound lane at the time.

According to MFPD, all occupants of the Nissan and Hyundai were killed in the collision.

“The Marble Falls Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to all assisting agencies, first responders, and the citizens of the Hill Country area who stopped to render aid to those involved,” reads a media release from MFPD. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.”

maci@thepicayune.com

Cottonwood Shores parks will soon include new picnic tables and barbecue pits built through a partnership with Marble Falls High School agriculture mechanics students.

The city provided materials, while the students completed construction as part of their structures, equipment, and practicum class under teacher Trey Hartsock. The finished pieces are expected to be installed in city parks in upcoming weeks.

“These are excellent additions to our parks and will add convenience for visitors,” City Manager JC Hughes said in a media release.

The collaboration is part of an ongoing partnership between the city and Marble Falls’ agriculture mechanics program that began in 2021. The agriculture mechanics program is part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway that provides students hands-on instruction in designing, building, and repairing equipment and structures.

maci@thepicayune.com

The verdant Hill Country spring was on full display in this moment captured on Friday, May 15. A lone longhorn took a break from chewing and locked eyes with the lens from among a field bursting with the iconic wildflowers of the Highland Lakes. This particular beast was seen from the highway on a ranch bordering Texas 71 near Horseshoe Bay. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

Over $600,000 in scholarships were awarded to 151 graduating Burnet High School students by the Hill Country Community Foundation on Thursday evening, May 14, at the annual Burnet Senior Scholarship Night. More than $1 million in scholarships were awarded to Burnet students over the school year.

Hill Country Community Foundation Director Keith McBurnett, who served for 12 years as the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District superintendent until retiring in June 2024, said that the scholarships would allow BCISD students to continue pursuing their dreams without burden.

“(These scholarships) reflect a community-wide commitment to investing in students and helping ensure that every graduating senior- whether pursuing a university degree, trade school, or certification program- has access to opportunities beyond high school,” McBurnett said. “The scholarships help remove barriers, support workforce development, and encourage students to pursue their goals while knowing their hometown believes in their future.”

An additional $90,000 in community development scholarships were gifted to recent graduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees at the event.

“The Foundation’s Community Development Scholarship provides support to Burnet High School graduates during their sophomore, junior, and senior years of college, with recipients receiving $2,500 per year,” McBurnett said. “This year, the Foundation expanded the program by doubling the number of recipients from 6 to 12 students, allowing support for even more Burnet graduates pursuing higher education.”

In conjunction with other local scholarship events, over $1 million in scholarships were awarded to BCISD students throughout the year.

The HCCF, founded in 1983 with the help of community pillars John Hoover, Cary Johnson, and Alvin Nored, awarded four scholarships totaling $2,000 in its first year of operation. It has since grown to raise more than $8.4 million for 4,886 students.

caden@thepicayune.com

Two Marble Falls High School students medaled at the state track and field meet on Thursday, May 14. Junior Madison Cuplin and sophomore Graham Goggans took home some hardware in three events after facing off against athletes from across Texas.

The Mustangs spent a long, hot Thursday at the 2026 UIL Track and Field 4A Conference State Track and Field Meet in Austin, competing at the Mike A. Myers Stadium on the University of Texas campus. 

“We are so proud of these athletes not only for their accomplishments on the track and in the sand pits this season, but also for how they represented our community while earning all the medals,” reads a statement issued by Marble Falls Independent School District following the meet.

Brenda Gonzalez is the head cross country coach, head girls track and field coach, and the primary coach for long-distance runners at Marble Falls High School. She spent Thursday alongside Cuplin and Goggans, and hit home the gravity of the athletes’ stellar performances.

“It is impressive to get a medal in Texas,” Gonzalez told DailyTrib. “No matter the division, the quality and the talent is there.”

Cuplin

Marble Falls High School junior Madison Cuplin sends up sand at the state track and field meet on Thursday, May 14. Photo by Amir Torns
Marble Falls High School junior Madison Cuplin sends up sand at the state track and field meet on Thursday, May 14. Photo by Amir Torns

Cuplin competed in four events and medaled in two of them. She took eighth place in the girls 100 meter dash, and ninth in the girls 200 meter dash.

Triple jump 

Cuplin took first in triple jump, an event also known as the “hop, step and jump” in which the athlete must perform a technical leap using a specific hop and step before launching as far as they can over a pit of sand. The distance is measured from the edge of a wooden take-off board on the runway leading up to the pit. 

She hit 40 feet and 5.75 inches on her best out of six attempts to get gold, beating out the second-place finisher’s 39 feet 10.25 inches. The 4A state record for girls triple jump is 44 feet and 2.25 inches, achieved by Ychlindria Spears in the 2000-2001 academic year.

According to Gonzalez, Cuplin has jumped even farther on other occasions, with a personal best over 43 feet.

“(This result) just shows how hard she has worked,” she said. “Her work ethic, her attitude, her drive. And she still has another year (to compete).”

Long jump

Cuplin took silver in the long jump, but nearly got gold. 

She tied for first, with both she and her opponent, Chiora Enyinna-Okeigbo, landing exactly the same max jump distance of 20 feet and 2.75 inches. 

Under UIL rules, in the event of a long jump tie, the win goes to the athlete with the second longest jump in their series. Each athlete is given six jump attempts, with the best result counting towards their score. 

Cuplin’s second farthest leap was 20 feet and .5 inches and Enyinna-Okeigbo’s was 20 feet and 1.75 inches.

Goggans

Marble Falls High School sophomore Graham Goggans pushes himself to the limit in the 800 meter run. Photo by Kyle Futrell
Marble Falls High School sophomore Graham Goggans pushes himself to the limit in the 800 meter run. Photo by Kyle Futrell

Goggans only competed in one event, but he made a big impression. The young Mustang was a wildcard pick in the boys 800 meter run, meaning he was not among the top eight qualifiers, but his silver-medal finish proved he belonged among the best in the state. 

“With his commitment and his competitiveness, he knew he could medal,” Coach Gonzalez said. “We aren’t surprised.”

Goggans finished the 800 meter run in 1 minute and 55.2 seconds, about .63 seconds behind the first place time of 1 minute and 54.57 seconds. 

According to Goggans’ mother, Tracy, he wrote a Bible verse on his arm for the race, Hebrews 12:1-3.

One version of that biblical excerpt reads:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls or lose heart.”

It runs in the family

Speed might be in the Goggans genes. Graham’s older sister, Bailey, was a Marble Falls track star as well, having been ranked in the top 10 U.S. high schoolers in the girls 800 meter run as a senior, in the 2020-21 academic year. 

dakota@thepicayune.com 

A Marble Falls downtown lighting project is on hold after a delay pushes back the timeline.

The new 20-foot poles needed to move forward on the project are currently on back order and are not expected to arrive until June 15, delaying work beyond its original 120-day timeline that would have placed completion in May.

City Manager Caleb Kraenzel said during the May 5 Marble Falls City Council meeting that most of the work has already been completed, but crews cannot finish the final phase until the poles arrive.

The $429,429.50 project includes installing pedestrian lighting along Main Street from Second to Fourth streets, replacing existing median lights with the new poles placed on alternating sides of the street. The work also includes sidewalk and pavement restoration throughout downtown. 

The new fixtures will include weather-resistant, programmable string lighting intended to better illuminate sidewalks and pedestrian areas downtown, while also improving the ambiance. 

maci@thepicayune.com

DailyTrib.com

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from May 8-14, 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.

Bao Huynh, 31, of Kingsland was arrested May 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Juan Donesio Maldonado, 33, of Austin was arrested May 8 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.

David Alex Montoya, 47, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threat against peace officer or judge.

Ashley Megan Orsak, 30, of Marble Falls was arrested May 8 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on May 14 on $5,000 in bonds.

Michael Leslie Rigall, 44, of Austin was arrested May 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on May 13 on $5,000 in bonds.

Randall Bryon Sankey, 57, of Marble Falls was arrested May 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of aluminum, bronze, copper, or brass material valued less than $20,000.

Lucas Austin Slay, 19, of Meadowlakes was arrested May 8 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): unlicensed carry of a weapon.

Johnny Devan Wall, 49, of Burnet was arrested May 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Released on May 13 on $60,000 in bonds.

Kyley Denton Wills, 35, of Burnet was arrested May 8 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, two counts, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of less than 28 grams.

Kevin Jay Black, 36, of Bertram was arrested May 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated sexual assault of a child. Released on May 9 on $70,000 in bonds.

Jimmy Ray Jackson, 59, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family or household member impeding breathing or circulation. Released on May 9 on $10,000 in bonds.

Theodore Phalan Shamoun, 48, of Spicewood was arrested May 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal trespassing. Released on May 9 on $1,500 in bonds.

Mike Lyn Cozby, 57, of Marble Falls was arrested May 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on May 10 on $10,000 in bonds.

Ysabel Cortez Delgado III, 37, of Burnet was arrested May 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Karson Wayne Gardner, 17, of Dripping Springs was arrested May 10 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): fleeing a police officer, driving while intoxicated. Released on May 10 on $3,000 in bonds.

William Garrett Goudeau, 32, of Kempner was arrested May 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention with a previous conviction, two counts.

Alan Campbell Hausman, 18, of Kingsland was arrested May 11 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): prohibited weapon, theft of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of less than 28 grams, unlicensed carry of a weapon.

Joe Brian Moore, 42, of Kingsland was arrested May 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid, suspended, or revoked. Released on May 11 on $500 in bonds.

Trey Hunter Moore, 25, of Bertram was arrested May 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.

Anthony Luis Villarreal, 35, of Marble Falls was arrested May 11 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on May 12 on $5,000 in bonds.

Anthony Luis Villarreal, 35, of Marble Falls was arrested May 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on May 12 on $15,000 in bonds.

Brian Dale Stone Jr., 45, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): contempt of court.

Jordan Paige Summers, 31, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 12 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.

Troy Lane Boyer, 57, of Midland was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order.

Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 13 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): criminal trespassing.

Ryan Alexander Gonzales, 33, of Austin was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, unlicensed carry of a weapon. Released on May 14 on $40,000 in bonds.

Adam Joseph Gonzales, 40, of Burnet was arrested May 13 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on May 14 on $1,500 in bonds.

Gayland Brent Gumbert, 54, of Burnet was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.

Chareon Lawter, 60, of Burnet was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Timothy Scott Maynard, 43, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on May 13 on $10,000 in bonds.

Brittany Janiell McCurry, 32, of Meadowlakes was arrested May 13 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts, open container of alcohol.

Trey William Piehl III, 37, of Burnet was arrested May 13 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): deadly conduct discharging a firearm, terroristic threat of a public servant causing fear or imminent serious bodily injury, tampering with identification numbers of personal property.

Roger Lewis Reeves Jr., 40, of Llano was arrested May 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): speeding less than 10 percent over 60 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone. Released on May 14, paid fine.

Douglas Earl Roberson, 43, of Round Mountain was arrested May 13 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): parole violation.

Michael Maurice Beverly, 51, of Blanco was arrested May 14 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Audum Pasha Brown, 21, of Kingsland was arrested May 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Enrique Flores Jr., 47, of Kingsland was arrested May 14 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sean Tyler Kirkpatrick, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested May 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Jimmy Lee Lerma, 53, of Marble Falls was arrested May 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, bail jumping and failure to appear as a felon.

Logan Byron Luckie, 19, of Johnson City was arrested May 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, two counts. Released on May 14 on $65,000 in bonds.

Lance Wayne Mann, 66, of Leander was arrested May 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Brittany Janiell McCurry, 32, of Meadowlakes was arrested May 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.

Thomas Calvin Mrozovich, 38, of Marble Falls was arrested May 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft, reckless driving. Released on May 14 on $7,500 in bonds.

James Edward Rector, 46, of Granite Shoals was arrested May 14 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.

Reed Waymond Summers, 32, of Houston was arrested May 14 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.

Michael Lee Tracy, 58, of Marble Falls was arrested May 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication.

editor@thepicayune.com

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.

Monday, May 18

Burnet City Council

11:30 a.m. regular meeting 

Executive Conference Room, 301 E. Jackson St in Burnet 

On the agenda:

  • discuss and take action on request from ESD #10 for EMS services
  • discuss and take action on zoning regulations
  • discuss and take action on request for proposals for sanitation services

Burnet Consolidated ISD Board of Trustees

6 p.m. regular meeting 

Board Room, 208 E. Brier in Burnet 

On the agenda:

  • take action on audit engagement letter
  • take action on purchase publicly posted school library materials
  • discuss and take action on compensation plan

Tuesday, May 19

Horseshoe Bay City Council

3 p.m. regular meeting 

Council Chambers, 9101 W. FM 2147 in Horseshoe Bay

On the agenda:

  • discuss and take action on supporting Llano county in changing to countywide voting
  • discuss and take action on postage stamp machine at City Hall Annex
  • public hearing on impact fee study

Marble Falls ISD Board of Trustees

6 p.m. regular meeting 

Community Room, 1800 Colt Circle in Marble Falls 

On the agenda:

  • discuss and take action on purchase of Middle School weight room equipment
  • discuss and take action on purchase of social studies instructional materials
  • discuss and take action on optional flexible school day program

Wednesday, May 20

LCRA Board 

1:15 p.m. regular meeting 

Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Boulevard in Austin

On the agenda:

  • take action on sale of land in Llano county
  • take action on directors’ fees
  • financial report

Thursday, May 21

Cottonwood Shores City Council

6 p.m. regular meeting 

Civic Center, 4111 Cottonwood Dr in Cottonwood Shores

No agenda was posted at this time.

editor@thepicayune.com