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The Picayune Magazine

Horseshoe Bay officials dedicated multiple additions at the City Center during a ceremony on Monday, April 13.

The additions, part of the $12.2 million, 16,000-square-foot City Center that opened in February at 9101 W. FM 2147, includes the Elsie Thurman Walking Trail, Berkeley’s Bridge, the Cynthia Clinesmith benches and a new Bob Lambert monument. 

The new monument at the City Center recognizes Bob Lambert, the city’s first mayor, who served eight years. A separate monument remains at the former City Hall.

“To volunteer in the city of Horseshoe Bay is the most significant time that I ever did,” Lambert said in the ceremony, noting he had spent years volunteering in other areas but Horseshoe Bay held a special place in his heart.

The half-mile Elsie Thurman Walking Trail, named for and designed by the city’s fourth mayor, opened with plans for expansion around the City Center. 

“It’s more than a trail. It’s a network of paths that converge and intersect with each other, just like a community should do,” Mayor Jeff Jones said.

Berkeley’s Bridge, a memorial pedestrian bridge within the trail system, honors pets and allows collars and tags to be placed along its railings. The bridge was donated by residents Gail and Scott Matthews.

“Berkeley, like all of our pets, is a symbol of love and devotion,” Jones said.

The Cynthia Clinesmith benches, located outside the entrance, honor the city’s third mayor and feature mosaic designs of dark skies and bluebonnets created by an artist she selected in North Carolina.

“The Cynthia Klein Smith benches are designed so that people can communicate with each other. There may be a space in between the two areas of ideas but Cynthia has a way of bridging that space,” Jones said.

Those interested in sponsoring the expansion of the trail can visit the city’s website or contact Communications Director Cindee Sharp at csharp@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov.

maci@thepicayune.com

A long-lost World War II staff sergeant has returned home after nearly 81 years and will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 18, at the Round Mountain Cemetery, following a tribute and honors of his service.

Staff sergeant Dayton Polvado, of Round Mountain, went missing on Dec. 12, 1944, in Dillingen, Germany, in the midst of a German counterattack at the height of WWII. Until recently, his unidentified remains had been kept at the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint-Avold, France.

Polvado’s tribute will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a funeral procession at the Crofts-Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City. The schedule is as follows.

  • 10:00 a.m. – Procession will leave the Crofts-Crow Funeral Home (305 East Elm Street, Johnson City) with the Patriot Riders of San Antonio
  • 10:15 a.m. – Procession will pause at the Blanco County Veterans Memorial for a moment of silence and reflection (300 North Nugent, Johnson City)
  • 11:00 a.m. – Full military honors graveside service at Round Mountain Cemetery (100-154 Round Mountain Cemetery Road, Round Mountain)
  • Reception to follow the service at Liberty Lighthouse Fellowship (321 Old River Crossing, Johnson City)

Who was Staff Sergeant Dayton Polvado?

SSG Dayton Polvado was born in Round Mountain on June 29, 1915, to Monroe and Edna Durbin Polvado, and lived with his nine siblings.

Polvado was drafted into the Army on March 25, 1942, where he would go on to battle in England and France, and take part in D-Day amongst other valiant achievements.

Polvado was 29 years old when he and fellow staff sergeant Zebulon Gilman, both of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, were ordered to hold a pillbox guard-post in Dillingen that would eventually be overrun by German troops.

Through several years of effort post-WWII by the American Graves Registration Command, Polvado and Gilman’s bodies were recovered along with three additional soldier’s remains. At the time, only Gilman’s body was able to be identified.

The four unidentifiable soldiers, including Polvado, were buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint-Avold, France, and their names were placed on the Wall of the Missing.

Polvado’s service was awarded post-mortem with the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, with two Oak Leaf Clusters to signify three wounds received in action.

Decades later, DNA samples given by maternal cousins Lloyd Smith and Kimberly Carr Cecotti led the way for Polvado’s remains to be identified, prompting his return home.

For more on Polvado’s service, or to leave a comment in memoriam, visit Polvado’s obituary online here.

caden@thepicayune.com

A popular afterschool program in the Marble Falls Independent School District, ACE, could be reduced or eliminated according to district leadership due to cuts in the proposed 2027 national budget

The proposed budget includes plans to eliminate all 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding, leaving programs like ACE without financial assistance.

“This cut in funding would significantly reduce support for afterschool programs,” MFISD Superintendent Jeff Gasaway said in a statement to parents. “Without this vital federal funding, our ACE program is at risk of being eliminated here in Marble Falls as the district cannot absorb the cost of the program.”

MFISD’s afterschool ACE programs reportedly serve over 900 students across six campuses, and provide students with vital time to further their education while awaiting parent pickup after school.

Summertime opportunities like MFISD’s month-long Mustang ACE Summer Camp, offering academic enrichment, field trips, recreational activities, and more, would also be cut under the proposed budget.

Texas ACE, or Afterschool Centers on Education, provides free afterschool and summer programs to K-12 students across the state, funded by the 21st CCLC grant through the Texas Education Agency. Without federal funding, zero grant funding would be available for these programs, and financial responsibility would fall solely on districts wanting to maintain them.

Dr. Gasaway called for parents to reach out to legislators in support of the ACE program and to call for its continuation. Further information and contacts can be found towards the bottom of Dr. Gasaway’s statement here.

“Now is the time to reach out to legislators and let them know what a positive impact our afterschool program has provided for your child(ren) and family,” Dr. Gasaway said.

Elected Officials Contact Information

U.S. Senator for Texas John Cornyn

-Austin Office: 512-469-6034

-Contact online here

U.S. Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

-Austin Office: 512-916-5834

-Contact online here

U.S. House District 31 Representative John Carter

-Georgetown Office: 512-491-9061

-Contact online here 

President Donald Trump

-Contact online here

caden@thepicayune.com

A Burnet girl, Presley Allen, was reported missing on Facebook at 11:22 a.m. on Monday, April 13. The post announcing that she was missing was shared over 1,800 times  before she was reported safe and sound by 1:45 p.m. that same day.

Delta Dodd, Presley’s mother, shared the initial post at 11:22 a.m., stating that her daughter had been missing for over four hours. 

The Burnet County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with DailyTrib that Presley had been found safe by 1:45 p.m.

Dodd told DailyTrib that Presley had been found in Leander and that she is safe and unharmed.

Dodd’s initial post read:

“PLEASE SHARE

My daughter Presley Allen has been missing from Burnet Texas for over four hours now. 

“Presley is 5’4’’ and 175 pounds. She was last seen wearing a tan athletic T-shirt, black athletic spandex shorts and black tennis shoes. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. 

“Presley is very involved in her school and in athletics and to go missing or suddenly disappear like this is completely out of the ordinary. 

“She has already been entered into (Texas Crime Information Center) and listed as a missing person. Please contact the (Burnet County Sheriff’s Office) or myself at (redacted) if you see her or if you hear anything.”

dakota@thepicayune.com 

This is the Marble Falls’ athletics schedule for the week of April 13, 2026. Games are subject to change based on weather conditions. 

Monday, April 13

  • Boys Golf (Away at Huntsville)
    • All-day event (Regionals)
  • Middle School Golf (Home vs. Hidden Falls)
    • All-day event 

Tuesday, April 14

  • Baseball (Away vs. Taylor)
    • JV – 4:30 p.m.
    • Varsity – 7:30 p.m.
  • Boys Golf (Away at Huntsville)
    • All-day event (Regionals)
  • Softball (Home vs. Jarrell)
    • JV – 5:00 p.m.
    • Varsity – 7:00 p.m.
  • Middle School Boys Soccer (Away vs. Gateway)
    • A  – 5:00 p.m.
    • B – 6:30 p.m.
  • Middle School Girls Soccer (Home vs. Burnet and Lampasas)
    • A – 5:00 p.m. (Burnet)
    • B – 6: 30 p.m. (Lampasas)

Wednesday, April 15

  • Middle School Tennis (Home vs. Burnet)
    • All-day event 
  • Track (Away at Lorena)
    • All-day event (UIL 4A Area Championships)

Friday, April 17

  • Baseball (Home vs. Taylor)
    • Varsity – 7:30 p.m.
  • Tennis (Away at Bryan)
    • All-day event (Regionals)

Saturday, April 11

  • Tennis (Away at Bryan)
    • All-day event (Regionals)

editor@thepicayune.com

Below is the weekly schedule of sporting events for Burnet High School for the week of April 13-19. Tournaments are all-day events unless otherwise noted. 

Tuesday, April 14

  • JV/Varsity Softball @ Taylor, 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15

  • Bulldog & Lady Dawg Track @ Area Meet
  • JV2 Baseball vs. Wimberley, 4:30-9 p.m.

Friday, April 17

  • JV/Varsity Softball vs. Lampasas (Senior/Parent Night), 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

  • JV/Varsity Baseball @ Lago Vista, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

editor@thepicayune.com

With International Dark Sky Week underway, officials in Horseshoe Bay are urging residents to reduce light pollution while announcing plans for a community stargazing event this October. The date for the event will be released later this summer on the city’s website and social media.

“Horseshoe Bay was the second city in Texas to become a Dark Sky Community. Dark Sky recognition is something that the community is honored and is dedicated to continued implementation of ordinances,” City Manager Jeff Koska told DailyTrib.

Horseshoe Bay was officially recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association in November 2015, following Dripping Springs, which became the first in Texas to earn the designation in January 2014. The recognition is awarded to communities that work to minimize light pollution through responsible lighting and public outreach.

Residents are urged to continue to use fully shielded lighting, choose appropriate color temperatures, avoid excessive brightness and ensure lights are only on when needed.

The planned October stargazing event follows a similar gathering last year that drew nearly 50 attendees and featured the Hill Country Astronomers. This year’s event will again coincide with the annual Hill Country Night Sky Month, with additional details expected this summer.

maci@thepicayune.com

The 33rd & 424th District Attorney’s Office has dismissed the first-degree murder charge against  Jimmy Don Wolfenbarger, the landlord accused of killing his tenant, 46-year-old Buchanan Dam woman Holly Marie Simmons, nearly 20 years ago. 

While the charge has been dismissed, prosecutors and law enforcement will continue their investigation and potentially reopen the case if more information is found. 

“The case is dismissed for now and undergoing further investigation,” District Attorney Perry Thomas told DailyTrib. “We really don’t know where we’re headed with it. I can’t speak on it (more) because it is still a pending investigation.”

A hearing for the case in the 33rd & 424th District Court had been planned for April 20. But, according to Thomas, the charge was dropped earlier this week.  

Jimmy Don Wolfenbarger
Jimmy Don Wolfenbarger was charged with first-degree murder in 2021 for the killing of his tenant Holly Marie Simmons in 2006. The charge against him was dropped recently, but local prosecutors and law enforcement plan to continue their investigation. Courtesy photo

Background

Wolfenbarger was arrested in 2021 and charged with the murder of Simmons following a lengthy investigation into her 2006 disappearance and the discovery of her body at the bottom of Inks Lake in 2009.

The last time Simmons was seen alive was in November 2006 when she dropped her 17-year-old daughter off at school. 

Three years later, in 2009, a recreational diver reportedly found human remains covered in hardened bags of concrete in an aluminum boat that had been submerged in Inks Lake. Those remains were identified as belonging to Simmons by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office and her death was ruled a homicide.

In 2016, the Texas Rangers reviewed the case extensively and partnered with the Llano County Sheriff’s Office to dive deeper into the matter. Five years later, in 2021, Wolfenbarger was charged with the killing of Simmons and arrested in Lubbock County, where he had been living at the time.

According to a Department of Public Safety statement issued in 2021 after the arrest, Wolfenbarger was Simmons’ landlord and lived in an RV near her home. 

A Facebook page operated by Simmons’ family, Justice for Holly Simmons, has provided consistent updates on the case for years. 

dakota@thepicayune.com 

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from April 3-9, 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.

Louis Ray Bostick, 53, of Burnet was arrested April 3 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 200 grams but less than 400 grams.

Phylicia Lavaughn Cheeks, 33, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested April 3 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): no drivers license, possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with emergency request for assistance, assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on April 8 on $9,000 in bonds.

Ysabel Cortez Delgado III, 37, of Burnet was arrested April 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violating a bond or protective order, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 4 on $9,000 in bonds.

Aaron John Gandy, 61, of Austin was arrested April 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of less than 1 gram, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Reyes Isidro Garcia Jr., 26, of Marble Falls was arrested April 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal trespassing of a habitat, shelter, superfund, or infrastructure, evading arrest or detention, criminal trespassing.

Lisa Arredondo Hinojosa, 54, of Burnet was arrested April 3 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid. Released on April 4 on $250 in bonds.

Eric William Lane, 41, of Angleton was arrested April 3 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): unlicensed carry of a weapon, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 4 on $4,000 in bonds.

Anthony Moreno Witcher, 38, of Kingsland was arrested April 3 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on April 5 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jaime Yanez-Alejos, 38, of Bertram was arrested April 3 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.

Timothy William Brown, 39, of Round Mountain was arrested April 4 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, number of items less than five, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 5 on $11,500 in bonds.

Ramon Compean, 36, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 4 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): public intoxication. Released on April 4 on $500 in bonds.

Jessica Louise Haley, 39, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested April 4 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury. Released on April 4 on $2,500 in bonds.

James Lee Cole, 45, of Killeen was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Gilberto Depaz-Chaparro, 28, of Dallas was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on April 6 on $2,500 in bonds.

Jordan Justus Elias, 18, of Burnet was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal trespassing. Released on April 5 on $1,500 in bonds.

Shelby Reigh Hudgins, 17, of Burnet was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal trespassing. Released on April 5 on $1,500 in bonds.

Tammy Kay Ledbetter, 62, of Lampasas was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces.

Hermalando Ulloa Lopez, 61, of Lago Vista was arrested April 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more.

Orlando Sinai Solorzano Murillo, 32, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 5 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): restricted window tint, failure to appear. Released on April 6 on $500 in bonds.

Jayden Joseph Roberts, 18, of Georgetown was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal trespassing. Released on April 5 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jacob Shelby Trulove, 18, of Bertram was arrested April 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal trespassing. Released on April 5 on $1,500 in bonds.

Anthony Luis Villarreal, 34, of Marble Falls was arrested April 5 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on April 5 on $7,500 in bonds.

Elmus Ken Alexander III, 51, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 7 on $3,000 in bonds.

Jorge Camacho Jr., 38, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, two counts. Released on April 6 on $4,500 in bonds.

Lita Marie Crakaal, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone.

Samlee Jerome Garner, 18, of Burnet was arrested April 6 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of less than 28 ounces in a drug-free zone. Released on April 7 on $2,500 in bonds.

Gael Gonzalez, 18, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested April 6 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): purchase or possession of a license plate flipper with criminal negligence. Released on April 7 on $1,500 in bonds.

Patricia Michelle Maynard, 51, of Burnet was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Andrew John Meredith, 34, of Liberty Hill was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault, family violence impeding. Released on April 7 on $20,000 in bonds.

Eduardo Olague, 22, of Krum was arrested April 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on April 7 on $2,000 in bonds.

Nathaniel Eli Painter, 25, of Kingsland was arrested April 6 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): speeding more than 10 percent above the posted limit. Released on April 6, paid fine.

Vivian Rhenee Berube, 32, of Burnet was arrested April 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

Robert Dillon Brandenburg, 27, of Burnet was arrested April 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member, two counts, criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750.

Fabian Lee Garcia, 27, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 7 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): burglary of a habitation. Released on April 8 on $50,000 in bonds.

Mickel Paul Lofton, 35, of Kingsland was arrested April 7 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 7 on $1,500 in bonds.

Angel Manuel Serrano, 58, of Kingsland was arrested April 7 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, theft of a firearm.

Chanel Nichole Stone, 40, of Burnet was arrested April 7 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.

George Andrew Tope, 21, of Kingsland was arrested April 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by sexual contact, two counts.

Robert Dillon Brandenburg, 27, of Burnet was arrested April 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.

Milton Ronald Thomas Deal, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested April 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on April 8 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jacob Dow Lafoe, 32, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested April 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): tampering with a witness.

Brittany Nicole Medrano, 33, of Tow was arrested April 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): attempting to tamper with or fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair.

Nevaeh Skii Odom, 20, of Burnet was arrested April 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): terroristic threat against a public servant. Released on April 9 on $3,000 in bonds.

Russell Wayne Parker, 53, of Bertram was arrested April 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on April 9 on $5,000 in bonds.

Yuliana Ruiz, 21, of Kingsland was arrested April 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on April 8 on $10,000 in bonds.

Kevin Lynn Anglin, 66, of Early was arrested April 9 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): public intoxication.

Liliana Benitez, 17, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 9 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): tampering with a government record.

Jackelyn Diane Bernal, 47, of Burnet was arrested April 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): bail jumping and failure to appear as a felon.

Jorge Camacho Jr., 38, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.

Cole Braxton Cowdrey, 21, of Burnet was arrested April 9 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated.

Terry Lee Dillman, 64, of Granite Shoals was arrested April 9 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): deadly conduct.

Marcelo Hernandez Jr., 39, of Taylor was arrested April 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): indecency with a child by sexual contact.

Jackie James Johnson, 41, of Spicewood was arrested April 9 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, criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750.

Dean Stephen Lain, 29, of Llano was arrested April 9 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): expired registration, not secured by seatbelt as an adult driver, failure to maintain financial responsibility, failure to appear.

Sean Perrin Love, 33, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested April 9 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on April 9 on $1,500 in bonds.

Elvin Ortega-Goday, 40, of Austin was arrested April 9 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15.

editor@thepicayune.com