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The Picayune Magazine

The Cowboy Fast Draw Association is taking aim on the Highland Lakes this weekend, hosting its Texas State Championship Friday through Sunday, March 27-29, at the Burnet County Fairgrounds, located at 1301 Houston Clinton Drive in Burnet.

Shooters will test their aim and reflexes throughout three days of competition, culminating in main matches to be held beginning 9 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Entry for spectators is free and encouraged.

Gunslingers
Troy Bollock, a member of the CFDA since 2004 and co-founder of the first South Dakota Championship, prepares to fire while taking a classic fast draw stance.

The weekend schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 27 

  • 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens
  • 8:00 a.m. – Equipment check 
  • 8:30 a.m. – Shooters meeting 
  • 9:00 a.m. – Category Shoot Nevada 8 3X.  Organizer may combine categories if enough shooters are not present 
  • Noon – Local celebrity shoot 
  • 4 p.m. – Wrap up

Saturday, March 28 

  • 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens 
  • 8:00 a.m. – Equipment check 
  • 8:30 a.m. – Shooters meeting 
  • 9:00 a.m. – Main Match. 4X (3 winning hits)
  • TBA – Awards for category matches 
  • 6:30 p.m. – Banquet gathering in the banquet hall – Chuckwagon style dinner

Sunday, March 29 

  • 7:30 a.m. – Cowboy church 
  • 8:30 a.m. – Shooters meeting 
  • 9:00 a.m. – Bracket Match Nevada 8 2X match for all shooters  
  • 11:00 a.m. – Main Match continues 
  • TBA – Magnificent 7 begins (Youth/Women/Men) after completion of Main Match 
  • 2:00 p.m. – Awards ceremony and pictures
Gunslinger
A competitor practices her stance and draws using practice targets with lasers before the competition begins.

The Cowboy Fast Draw Association is an organization of over 7,500 Fast Draw members, operating since 2002. The association holds several competitions a year throughout multiple states for prizes, money, awards, and titles.

Gunslinger onlookers
Onlookers watch matches unfold while waiting for their turn to take aim.

“It’s a fierce competition on that line for a couple minutes, doing whatever it takes, then you get through the match and after that you’re over there laughing and poking fun at (your competitor) having a good time,” Troy Bollock, alias Boulder Vaquero, told DailyTrib of the competition. “It’s safety first, fun second, competition third. It’s a true family.”

caden@thepicayune.com

The Donald Fawcett Community Service Day is Saturday, March 28, calling Burnet residents to rally for a bed build and fish fry at Wallace Riddell Park and the Burnet Community Center to honor the memory of steadfast leader and volunteer Donald Fawcett.

The bed build, hosted by Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Rotary Club of Burnet, will take place from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the park, located at the southeast corner of Texas 29 and S. Rhomberg Street.

The fish fry will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Burnet Community Center, located at 401 E. Jackson Street. A $15 donation per plate will be required, with options for dine-in and take-out. Proceeds from the donations, as well as proceeds from the three-prize raffle, will benefit the Donald Fawcett Scholarship Fund.

Fish fry and raffle tickets can be purchased online in advance.

Who was Donald Fawcett?

Donald Fawcett was a longtime resident of Burnet and an active community member known for his generosity and volunteer-first attitude. He delivered milk to Camp Longhorn for 58 years, regularly drove after-school buses, cooked for school events, and bought class rings for students in need.

In 2025, the Burnet County Commissioners Court declared March 29 as the Donald Fawcett Day of Service to continue his legacy.

He is also credited with creating the famous phrase “It’s Burnet, durnet. Can’t’cha learn it?!”

caden@thepicayune.com

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from March 20 – March 26, 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.

Doris Helen Ballard, 43, of Tow was arrested March 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, continuous violence against the family.

Carlos Barajas Jr., 23, of Marble Falls was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): accident involving damage to vehicle of more than $200. Released on March 22, credit time served.

Shelby Leanne Burnett, 28, of Burnet was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury. Released on March 25 on $2,500 in bonds.

Michael Ray Byrum, 34, of Burnet was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member, two counts, assault by contact, family violence. Released on March 23 on $10,500 in bonds.

Kinsey Lynn Cossey, 42, of Austin was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): failure to identify by giving false or fictitious information, bench warrant.

Angelica Marie Gebhard, 35, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested March 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on March 21 on $1,500 in bonds.

Anthony Wayne Mize, 42, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family or household member impeding breathing or circulation. Released on March 21 on $15,000 in bonds.

Michael Don Morris, 27, of Marble Falls was arrested March 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.

Armando Ojeda, 37, of Bloomington was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon. Released on March 21 on $25,000 in bonds.

Dagoberto Rodriguez, 34, of Marble Falls was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.15. Released on March 20 on $3,000 in bonds.

Katrina Leigh Smith, 44, of Round Mountain was arrested March 20 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on March 21 on $1,500 in bonds.

Ariel Joseph Songao-Santos, 46, was arrested March 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Hernan Fonseca-Villeda, 32, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): sexual assault of a child. Released on March 22 on $100,000 in bonds.

Autumn Elise Barron, 32, of Burnet was arrested March 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): expired drivers license. Released on March 21 on $250 in bonds.

Emmanuel Camacho, 34, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): use of equipment not approved, window tint, operation of a motor vehicle without license plates or registration sticker, two counts, failure to stop at stop sign. Released on March 21 on $2,000 in bonds.

Justine Nicole Allee, 40, of Jonestown was arrested March 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on March 25 on $500 in bonds.

Christopher Lee Conely, 40, of Burnet was arrested March 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on March 26 on $500 in bonds.

Landri Michelle Green, 22, of Kingsland was arrested March 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): violation of a bond or protective order. Released on March 21 on $2,500 in bonds.

Kevin Alvin Kutzer, 49, of Abilene was arrested March 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on March 23 on $500 in bonds.

Dion Thomas Linder, 61, of Spicewood was arrested March 21 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): public intoxication. Released on March 25 on $500 in bonds.

Jacob Christopher Maldonado, 22, of Marble Falls was arrested March 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on March 22 on $1,500 in bonds.

Robert Rodriguez Martinez, 48, of Marble Falls was arrested March 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more.

Britanie Nichole Morris, 31, of Kingsland was arrested March 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): burglary of a vehicle, criminal mischief of more than $750 but less than $2,500, driving while intoxicated. Released on March 21 on $6,500 in bonds.

Kevin Dandra Progue Jr., 40, of Houston was arrested March 21 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on March 21 on $1,000 in bonds.

Samuel Dean Williams, 46, of Burnet was arrested March 21 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on March 22 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jonny Cariasco, 34, of Austin was arrested March 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): abandonment or endangerment of a child with intent, knowledge, recklessness, or criminal negligence. Released on March 22 on $10,000 in bonds.

Brooke Emily Carta, 30, of Kingsland was arrested March 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): criminal trespassing of a habitat, shelter, superfund, or infrastructure, possession of a dangerous drug. Released on March 23 on $7,500 in bonds.

Ysabel Cortez Delgado III, 37, of Burnet was arrested March 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault causing bodily injury of a family member, interference with an emergency request for assistance. Released on March 23 on $62,500 in bonds.

Bryan Cody Jordan, 40, of Burnet was arrested March 22 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Amanda Christine Meyer, 44, of Burnet was arrested March 22 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rochelle Ann Morgan, 55, of Burnet was arrested March 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on March 24 on $7,500 in bonds

Barbara Ratliff-Nolte, 55, of Abilene was arrested March 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on March 23 on $1,500 in bonds.

James Ryan Saucier, 38, of Plano was arrested March 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): burglary of a habitation, two counts, criminal trespassing of a habitat, shelter, superfund, or infrastructure, failure to identify as a fugitive intent to give false information, theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, driving while license invalid, failure to maintain financial responsibility, expired drivers license.

Zane Andrew Stedman, 33, of Burnet was arrested March 22 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): displaying expired license plates, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on March 23 on $20,500 in bonds.

Anthony Manolo Arriaga, 44, of Austin was arrested March 23 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on March 25 on $5,000 in bonds.

Samar Amar Lewis, 20, of Austin was arrested March 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on March 23 on $15,000 in bonds.

Keedran Madrid Muncaster, 55, was arrested March 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): bail jumping and failure to appear as a felon, unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Steven Antonio Silva, 48, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 23 by the Constable (CONST1): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on March 24 on $2,500 in bonds.

Donna Kay Dalton, 60, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 24 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, no drivers license.

Don Paul Everett, 24, of Marble Falls was arrested March 24 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief of less than $100. Released on March 25 on $500 in bonds.

Christopher Ray Flippin, 44, of Marble Falls was arrested March 24 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, speeding more than 10 percent above the posted speed limit. Released on March 25 on $1,500 in bonds.

Chamberlain Cyrus Graves, 31, of Austin was arrested March 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.

Aaron Dean Inman, 49, of Marble Falls was arrested March 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): hindering apprehension or prosecution of a known felon.

Spencer Dale Myers, 51, of Kingsland was arrested March 24 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): expired license plate registration, two counts. Released on March 24 on $500 in bonds.

Haylee Nicole Smith, 43, of Marble Falls was arrested March 24 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): displaying unclean, blurred, or obstructed license plate, failure to appear.

James Edward Tuttle, 51, of Copperas Cove was arrested March 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

Sabrina Li Allen, 25, of Marble Falls was arrested March 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on March 26 on $2,000 in bonds.

Addison Nicole Beed, 20, of Kingsland was arrested March 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

Maribel Cervantes-Vargas, 42, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): expired registration, no drivers license, failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Risa Ann Ghilain, 45, of Marble Falls was arrested March 25 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property valued more than $30,000 but less than $150,000.

Shelton Michael Hermoso, 26, of Buchanan Dam was arrested March 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on March 26 on $1,500 in bonds.

Sergio Perez Jr., 30, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on March 26 on $1,500 in bonds.

Melissa Joanne Schultz, 29, of Austin was arrested March 25 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, number of items more than 10 but less than 50.

Anthony William James Bourland, 23, of Granite Shoals was arrested March 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.

Angel Enrique Garcia, 24, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested March 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.15.

Trent Austin Green, 18, of Plano was arrested March 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Released on March 26 on $7,500 in bonds.

Maria Irene Pulido, 56, of Bastrop was arrested March 26 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): failure to display drivers license. Released on March 26.

Melanie Gale Robles, 47, of Kingsland was arrested March 26 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): expired drivers license.

Violet Donalyn Weber, 22, of Burnet was arrested March 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.15. Released on March 26 on $3,000 in bonds.

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. 

Wednesday, April 1 

Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation

Noon regular meeting

City Hall Chambers, 800 Third Street in Marble Falls

On the agenda:

  • discuss and take action on the creation of charitable community development foundation
  • executive session on economic development prospects
  • update from Central Texas College

Burnet County Commissioners Court

Noon special meeting

Burnet County Courthouse, 2nd Floor Courtroom located at 220 S. Pierce in Burnet

On the agenda:

  • Discuss possible intervention on state transmission line project
  • Discuss possible hiring of new legal counsel
  • Discuss county facilities master plan

editor@thepicayune.com

The Cottonwood Shores Police Department is purchasing two new patrol vehicles for a total of $133,456 to help upgrade a fleet that has long relied on older, high-maintenance used cars.

The purchase includes two fully-outfitted 2025 black Ford Interceptor Utility vehicles from Defender Supply of Argyle, Texas. Funding comes from the Cottonwood Shores Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD), which is supported by a ½-cent local sales tax in the city. The total cost covers outfitting the vehicles with lights, wiring, and other necessary equipment.

For the past five years, the department and city have been planning to replace aging patrol cars, which have become increasingly costly to repair. Previously, used vehicles were purchased locally, but maintenance and repair expenses have grown problematic according to City Manager J.C. Hughes.

The new vehicles will provide a safer, more reliable fleet for officers and help reduce long-term upkeep costs.

“The plan is to start buying two new patrol cars every two or three years, and keep the Police Department in better operating vehicles, moving forward,” Hughes told DailyTrib.

maci@thepicayune.com

A Burnet man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography and stalking charges.

Joseph Alan Taylor, 40, was sentenced on March 3 in the 424th District Court of Burnet County to 25 years in prison for possessing more than 500 images of child pornography and to five years on each of two stalking charges.

Taylor pleaded guilty to all charges, waived his right to continue a jury trial and gave up his right to appeal. He will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The charges stem from his late 2024 arrest for stalking his former spouse and her fiancé. A forensic analysis of his cellphone by the Burnet Police Department uncovered evidence of stalking and more than 500 images of child pornography.

District Attorney Perry Thomas praised the investigation.

“I appreciate the joint efforts of law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office to keep offenders like this out of our community,” Thomas said in a media release.

editor@thepicayune.com

A $3.38 million interior renovation of Marble Falls Middle School is likely to be approved by the Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees. A first reading of the proposed plans was presented at a board meeting on Monday, March 23.

Pending an additional reading and approval, work is expected to begin this summer.

The renovations, paid for using a portion of the voter-approved $172.2 million bond passed in May 2025, will address aging and worn down interior aspects like ceilings, floors, walls, cabinets, restrooms, and common areas.

The first phase of the renovations will replace flooring and fix up bathrooms, while ceiling replacements, lighting, doors, and painting will be completed during the second phase beginning in the summer of 2027.

Marble Falls Middle School Maintenance Head Peter Missaggia pointing out jagged rusty corners on the stalls of a student restroom during a visit by DailyTrib in April 2025. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

The renovations are a key project on the long to-do list of bond projects, largely due to the safety concerns of the aging interior, and not just aesthetics. Rusted corners on bathroom stalls, rotting ceiling tiles, and several water leaks throughout the school are just a few of the problems in dire need of fixing.

The first step taken towards repairs came in August of 2025 when the middle school received a new roof along with Colt Elementary and Marble Falls High.

Many bond projects are still yet to be completed, as the district continues to play catch-up after their previous architect firm’s series of inaccurate project cost estimates halted progress for a handful of months.

caden@thepicayune.com

Five active National Football League players backed a new self-storage facility that opened on Wednesday, March 25, in Marble Falls.

The ExtraSpace Storage facility, located at 1402 Max Copeland Drive, held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday. The three-story building features 591 units spanning 106,500 square feet. 

Developers said that demand remains high for storage space in the Marble Falls area based on the research, with existing self-storage facilities in the area operating at 88-100 percent occupancy.

Backing the project is a group of NFL players including Jessie Bates III of the Atlanta Falcons, Jaylon Moore of the Kansas City Chiefs, Malik Hooker of the Dallas Cowboys, Dorance Armstrong of the Washington Commanders, and D’Ante Smith of the Cincinnati Bengals. 

The facility was structured and led by Dallas-based sports firm RISE Family Office and its investment arm, RISE Capital Partners.

“We really appreciate the investment into Marble Falls,” Marble Falls Mayor John Packer. “I guarantee you made the right choice.”

The new facility on Max Copeland Drive is the second ExtraSpace Storage facility in Marble Falls, it joins the location at 706 Industrial Boulevard in offering a climate-controlled option.

maci@thepicayune.com

A perceived “loophole” allowing some transfer students to potentially soar through class rankings has prompted the Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees to consider changes to their class ranking standards.

Under the district’s current rules, a student from an unaccredited institution could spend their first two years of high school outside of the district, then transfer in at the beginning of their junior year with an essentially blank grade point average.

Based on those rules, the student’s GPA – which dictates their class ranking – would then be based solely on their performance during the following semester, potentially allowing them to catapult to the top of their class after only taking one semester’s worth of classes in the district.

Concerns over the current ranking system were voiced by several parents during the public comments section of the last two board meetings, prompting discussion. The parents stressed the time-sensitive nature of making changes, as final rankings for juniors are calculated in June, and they are the rankings which students submit on college applications.

One parent, Katherine Terrell, claimed that there was a “loophole” in place that allowed for some transfer students to achieve unrealistic GPAs.

“(MFISD has) a loophole in place that allows homeschooled students and students from unaccredited institutions to earn a 6.0 gpa,” she said at a board meeting on Feb. 23. “We need to rectify this situation before class rank is calculated in June. Current juniors will apply for college with the rank they have earned as of this coming June.”

The Marble Falls School Board discussed the matter during its Monday, March 23, meeting, but made no decisions at the time. The board’s agenda did include some potential changes to the MFISD GPA calculation policies. 

As per the proposed changes on the agenda, transfer students with pass/fail grades would be granted a 70 in passed classes, with the opportunity to take an assessment to raise the grade, and a 60 in failed classes for the purpose of calculating class rank.

Additionally, a student would need numerical grades for English, mathematics, and science courses included in the calculation for the first four semesters of high school to be eligible as the valedictorian and salutatorian in the class of 2029 and beyond.

Despite tabling the item at the most recent board meeting, trustees acknowledged that there seemed to be a need for changes, and for them to come before the June deadline.

“It’s obvious that there’s some issues with class ranking,” Trustee Gary Boshears said. “It’s just a matter of figuring out the right solution so that it’s effective all the way around.”

The next regular meetings of the school board are on April 20 and May 18. 

caden@thepicayune.com