Horseshoe Bay will celebrate Fourth of July with a day of parades, food, and fun, hosted by the Horseshoe Bay POA. 

Festivities begin on July 4 with a land parade at 9 a.m., starting at Clayton Nolen, followed by children’s activities including food and drinks at Quail Point Lodge beginning at 10 a.m. The morning continues with a dog parade and boat parade at 10:30 a.m., and concludes with a patriotic program at 11:30 a.m. inside Quail Point Lodge.

Participants in the land parade should gather at 420 Hi Circle South to pick up balloons and line up for the event. Participation is open to the public, and no RSVP or registration is required. 

The dog parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required, and participants should assemble at 10 a.m. A registration link is available here.

The boat parade will also begin at 10:30 a.m. Participants should assemble at 10 a.m. east of Island Drive. The Horseshoe Bay Police Department will assist with organizing the event.

maci@thepicayune.com

The Spicewood community is banding together this Fourth of July to celebrate the nation’s big 250th birthday with a grand party and parade at the Spicewood Community Center.

Interested guests can expect good eats, drinks, games, live music, and more, as well as a patriotic parade celebrating America. The party and parade both kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the community center, located at 7901 CR 404 in Spicewood. Festivities will run until noon.

“We’ll come together to honor our nation, sing the national anthem, hear from veterans, and celebrate the freedoms we’ve been given with gratitude and joy,” reads the event’s Facebook page. “So whether you want to walk in the parade, cheer from the sidelines, or jump straight into the celebration, there’s a place for you.”

The event will be hosted by Cornerstone Church ATX, which shares the gospel with the Highland Lakes and regularly holds events for the community. To RSVP to the event, visit the online invite page here.

caden@thepicayune.com

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from June 19-25, 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.

David Rey Alcala, 32, of Bertram was arrested June 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.

Courtney Lyn Cantu, 35, of Austin was arrested June 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Jacob Christopher Maldonado, 22, of Marble Falls was arrested June 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 20 on $1,500 in bonds.

Kevin Ray McLean, 64, of Marble Falls was arrested June 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): resisting arrest, search, or transportation, driving while intoxicated. Released on June 20 on $4,000 in bonds.

James Edward Moss, 66, of Marble Falls was arrested June 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on June 20 on $500 in bonds.

Eduardo Padron-Palacios, 64, of Bertram was arrested June 19 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): sexual assault by purporting to be a spouse. Released on June 20 on $75,000 in bonds.

Francisco Torres, 54, of Marble Falls was arrested June 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more. Released on June 20 on $15,000 in bonds.

Sebastian Isaiah Mayen, 17, of Austin was arrested June 20 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on June 21 on $2,500 in bonds.

Carlos Sanchez-Aguirre, 18, of Kingsland was arrested June 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): no drivers license, minor in possession of alcoholic beverage. Released on June 20 on $1,000 in bonds.

Michael Wayne Williams, 42, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 20 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on June 20 on $500 in bonds.

Aaron Espitia, 42, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested June 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 22 on $1,000 in bonds.

Victor Manuel Ramos Jr., 19, of Marble Falls was arrested June 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by sexual contact, sex offenders duty to register for life or annually.

Johnny Devan Wall, 49, of Lampasas was arrested June 21 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, penalty group 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, assault of a public servant, evading arrest or detention with a previous conviction.

Raymond Joseph Avery, 46, of Bertram was arrested June 22 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): driving while license invalid. Released on June 23 on $250 in bonds.

Ruben Omar Campos, 33, of Houston was arrested June 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): parole violation.

Cory Hudson Cole, 33, of Johnson City was arrested June 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.

Ryan Lee Hile, 28, of Columbia City, Indiana, was arrested June 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

J Angel Ortiz, 58, of Marble Falls was arrested June 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on June 23 on $1,500 in bonds.

James Koty Reese, 48, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested June 22 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): expired registration, failure to maintain financial responsibility, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Johnny Devan Wall, 49, of Lampasas was arrested June 22 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.

Sandy Marie Walls, 50, of Killeen was arrested June 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Justin Marcus Wharton, 44, of Austin was arrested June 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

James Scot Bolm, 47, of Burnet was arrested June 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon.

John Elijah Fite II, 49, of Bertram was arrested June 23 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): failure to identify as a fugitive intent to give false information, parole violation, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of less than 28 grams.

Erin Elizabeth Harrington, 42, of Marble Falls was arrested June 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 24 on $1,500 in bonds.

Tyler Wayne Leck, 29, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 23 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): theft of less than $100, failure to appear. Released on June 25 on $500 in bonds.

Vincent Edwin Peterson, 55, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested June 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): burglary of a habitation.

Kaylie Joy Savage, 30, of Goldthwaite was arrested June 23 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on June 24 on $1,500 in bonds.

Sandy Marie Walls, 50, of Killeen was arrested June 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol, possession of a dangerous drug.

Michael Eugene Caldwell Jr., 44, of Burnet was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property valued less than $2,500 with two or more prior convictions.

Omar Gallardo-Garcia, 21, of Leander was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery.

Drake Allen Gosewehr, 34, of Lago Vista was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more.

Travis Carl Kerr, 49, of Cedar Park was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family or household member impeding breathing or circulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Orlando Jose Obando, 42, of Richmond was arrested June 24 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on June 24 on $2,500 in bonds.

Armando Ojeda, 37, of Jarrell was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation, unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon.

Jordan Nicole Reed, 32, of Kingsland was arrested June 24 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of less than 1 gram.

Sean Patrick Sharp, 38, was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, criminal trespassing of a critical infrastructure, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, displaying fictitious license plates.

Shannon Michelle Silva, 45, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 24 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, driving while intoxicated.

Lee Alan Stahr, 67, of Round Mountain was arrested June 24 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.

Venilda Venecia, 46, of Bertram was arrested June 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlicensed carry of a weapon, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces.

Christian Cerventes-Mauricio, 17, of Marble Falls was arrested June 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): no drivers license.

Eric Donquinn Conely, 38, of Burnet was arrested June 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, stalking, driving while intoxicated.

Chad Erick Emely, 40, of Marble Falls was arrested June 25 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while license invalid, failure to appear, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

John Wesley Hinson, 70, of Burnet was arrested June 25 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Released on June 25 on $25,000 in bonds.

Troy Scott Hocker, 49, of Burnet was arrested June 25 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): violation of a bond or protective order.

Juan Carlos Morales, 46, of Marble Falls was arrested June 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): failure to register as a sex offender for life or annually.

Hunter Brooks Rochte, 33, of Buchanan Dam was arrested June 25 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age, driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility.

editor@thepicayune.com

Two Democratic U.S. congressional candidates running to represent Burnet and Llano counties are hosting a town hall in Granite Shoals on June 30.

Democratic candidate Justin Early is running for U.S. House of Representatives District 31, which covers Burnet County. He is facing off against the incumbent Republican District 31 Representative, John Carter.

Democratic candidate Claire Reynolds is running for U.S. House of Representatives District 11, which covers Llano County. She is facing off against incumbent Republican  District 11 Representative August Pfluger.

The town hall will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at the Granite Shoals Community Center, 1208 N. Phillips Road. 

The 2026 General Election is Nov. 3. 

dakota@thepicayune.com 

The Briggs and Oakalla communities are joining the nationwide festivities celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, with the return of their annual fireworks show.

Back for its fifth year, gates will open for the Briggs and Oakalla Community Fireworks show at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks to soar across the sky at 9:30 p.m. at Faurie’s End of the Trail, located at 3225 U.S. 183 in Briggs.

Community members are invited to bring coolers with their own drinks and snacks, and a food truck will be on-site for those interested in fresh eats. As a reminder, glass bottles and personal fireworks are not allowed at the event.

The show’s founders, Darian Stern and wife Joanna, created the Fourth of July event after the local Briggs Volunteer Fire Department shut down, wanting to give the community something to band together for.

“It’s all for the community – we love the Briggs area,” Stern told DailyTrib. “It all started when the Briggs VFD shut down, and we just thought we needed to get something started for everyone. We love it and hope as many people show up as possible.”

Stern added that the event has been made possible each year through the gracious sponsorship of local aerospace company, Firefly, and several community members.

For more information, visit the Briggs and Oakalla Community Fireworks Facebook page.

caden@thepicayune.com

A flexible school day at Burnet Consolidated Independent School District’s Quest High School has allowed several students to thrive in the classroom at their own pace.

Quest’s Optional Flexible School Day Program, backed by the Texas Education Agency, aims to increase students’ ability to complete credit required for graduation and reduce daily absences by allowing them more flexibility in the hours and days they are required to attend school.

Quest is an alternative high school in BCISD with a student body typically made up of several dozen youth who need a different learning environment from that at Burnet High School, whether it be for health, financial, or circumstantial reasons.

QHS Campus Coordinator Shannon Meyer told BCISD trustees that the flex program further bolsters these students’ chances at succeeding.

“There are certain situations that prevent a typical school day to not work for (Quest students),” she said during a June 22 Board of Trustees meeting. “It might be work responsibilities, because they’re financially responsible for their families. We have several students that go through pregnancies, or are fathers that are trying to support their children.”

The program has shown a positive trend of success since its inception, too, with nearly 120 students participating since the 2017-18 school year. This year, that trend continued.

“This year… we totaled 112,944 attendance minutes,” Meyer said. “We had 11 students that successfully graduated as part of the program.”

She added that students who are approved for the flex program are held to high standards and are required to upkeep a normal schedule of attendance, or else they are placed back into the regular Quest program.

“I work really hard to try and make sure this isn’t just a ‘hey, this is an easier way for you if you don’t want to come to school every day,’” she said. “If (students) show a pattern where they’re not coming when they said they were, they know that they’re going to be removed from the program and be put back on regular attendance.”

With the program’s continued success, the district’s trustees later greenlit an application to continue the program through the consent agenda during Monday night’s meeting.

caden@thepicayune.com

The Horseshoe Bay City Council honored four first responders June 17 for rescuing 11 people from a disabled pontoon boat on Lake LBJ during severe weather in May.

Lt. Jason Blackmon, and firefighters Josiah Villarreal and Asa Oliver received a Unit Citation Bar for their rescue roles while commanding Engine 12. Capt. Ben Miller received the Medal of Merit for rescuing the boat’s occupants. The awards were presented by Jeff Walker, one of the people rescued.

“They did a great thing and they deserve recognition,” Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Doug Fowler said of the team.

The rescue began at 8:44 p.m. on May 10 after a pontoon boat, launching out of Granite Shoals, lost power and began drifting on Lake LBJ in wind gusts exceeding 40 mph and waves of 3 to 4 feet, according to Chief Fowler.

The boat carried 11 people, including eight children ages 7 to 17, and three adults.

Granite Shoals police were initially contacted when the boat was between Horseshoe Bay and Granite Shoals, but determined weather conditions were too severe. Llano County ESD No. 5 later reached the same conclusion.

Capt. Miller determined it was too dangerous to deploy the department’s inflatable swiftwater rescue boat and instead launched the larger Horseshoe Bay police boat. Despite heavy rain, strong winds and limited communications, Miller located the disabled vessel and towed it to Applehead Island Drive.

Engine 12 personnel met the boat at shore, treated injuries, helped passengers off the vessel and transported several people to the fire station to await pickup by family members.

Fowler praised the 911 dispatcher who remained in contact with passengers during the emergency.

“The 911 operator did a great job on keeping them engaged and keeping them from focusing on a stressful situation,” Fowler told DailyTrib.

During the council meeting, Fowler played a recording from the incident in which a teenage girl aboard the boat said, “I don’t want to die.”

Fowler said the area is developing a new coordinated response plan for water rescues ahead of the Fourth of July holiday in a “renewed effort” to improve future operations.

maci@thepicayune.com

Residents of Meadowlakes, along with their families and friends, are invited to the city’s annual Fourth of July parade and community festival on July 4 at Lakeside Park on Meadowlakes Drive.

The festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a parade, followed by a free community celebration that will continue until 2 p.m. There will be a variety of family-friendly activities, including a dunking booth, bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, children’s games and relays, and a patriotic presentation.

Free food and refreshments will also be available, including hot dogs, popcorn, and Kona Ice.

Residents are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. To participate in the parade, visit here before June 30. The parade has 4 categories, including golf carts and three-wheeled motorized vehicles, bicycles and scooters (non-motorized), wagons/kid cars/tricycles, and people and pets (walkers). 

maci@thepicayune.com

The Burnet County 4-H Youth Rifle Team barreled through another successful year of competition, culminating in several stellar finishes for the season.

The young guns shot their way through Olympic-level challenges, local competitions, state contests, and more. Here are some of the top achievements from the squad:

USA Shooting Junior Olympic Qualifiers and State Championships

One of Burnet County 4-H’s first strong showings of the year was at the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Qualifiers and State Championships held in November and December 2025.

Bringing over 130 athletes across the country to Fort Worth, El Paso, Granbury, and San Antonio, the qualifiers and championships give young marksmen and women the chance to test their skills against the best of the best.

Burnet County’s own Elaina Marr claimed first in the under 15 years old category in women’s small bore; brothers Adler and Klein Stanley took second and third in men’s small bore  respectively; and Klein also finished third in men’s air rifle.

The team’s first paralympic athlete, Esther Frayne, shot a high enough score to qualify for the Junior Olympics in Alabama. There, Esther received a gold medal.

Evan Kaspar also qualified in the air pistol division, moving on to the Junior Olympic National Championship.

Texas Youth Shooting Sports

Burnet County 4-H tallied several first-place finishes at home at the Texas Youth Shooting Sports Facility in Burnet.

With nearly 30 athletes present, several Burnet County shooters hit the bullseye, claiming first and second place. Elaina Marr, Klein Stanley, and Riley Smith each finished first in their categories, and Adler Stanley and Harper Sitra claimed second.

4-H District 7 Match

The team also had a strong showing at the 4-H District 7 match in San Angelo, competing against 27 other counties.

At the competition, 15 first-place awards were given out to team members and individuals across three divisions. Of those awards, Burnet County swept the competition and claimed all 15 for the third time in the last five years.

Overall, two Burnet County teams finished in first and third place in the competition, qualifying for the state championship in Victoria.

State 4-H Championship

At the 4-H State Championship, the two teams battled round after round to make their ways to top-five finishes.

Falling just short of first place by eight points, one of the Burnet County 4-H rifle teams claimed second place, and the other team finished in fourth.

editor@thepicayune.com