The Burnet City Council further bolstered its protection of the Delaware Springs Golf Course by approving a $540,000 purchase of 16.6 acres of land at a Tuesday, Feb. 24, council meeting. This makes for the second major land purchase in 2026 on the course’s behalf.
City Manager David Vaughn told the council that the land, located in between holes 4, 5, and 6 of the golf course, would further protect the course from any future developmental disruptions.
“This really has to be a long-term action,” Vaughn said. “There’s nothing more we can do than to preserve that course for the next players that play past our group.”
The city plans to process the purchase as an internal loan from the general fund to the golf course fund, as it has used a significant amount of its golf fund as of late.
The city-owned course, located at 600 Delaware Springs Boulevard, has had several land acquisitions in recent years to secure a buffer zone around it and guard the area from what the city has called “incompatible developments.”
The most recent of these acquisitions, and the one which used a large sum of the city’s golf course funds, included the approval of a $625,000 purchase of 19.5 acres of land during the Jan. 27 regular city council meeting.
This makes for a total of $1.16 million and 36.1 acres in land purchases for the golf course so far in 2026.
Vaughn told the council at the Feb. 24 meeting that the city aimed to secure one final plot of land in its preservation efforts, but would address action on a later date.
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A 36-year-old Burnet man, William Kimbrell Ridgely, was charged with murder on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the shooting death of a Killeen man earlier last week on Feb. 25.
According to a news release from the Killeen Police Department, officers responded to a shots-fired call at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 near Splawn Ranch Road and Zayden Drive in Killeen.
At the scene, officers found an unconscious man in a field nearby with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Brandon James Petree, 35, of Killeen, was pronounced dead at 10:41 p.m. by a local justice of the peace. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 9-1-1 caller reported hearing arguing followed by multiple gunshots in connection with the incident.
Three days later, and following an investigation by the KPD Criminal Investigation Division, Ridgely was arrested and charged with the murder of Petree.
Ridgely was booked in the Bell County Jail at 10:14 a.m. on Feb. 28 with a $500,000 bond. According to his jail records, Ridgley had an address of “Burnet, Texas (STATE) 78611.”
Upon a further search of the records of the Burnet County Jail and the Bell County Jail, Ridgely appeared to have no prior incarceration at either location.
As of this article’s publication, KPD was still investigating the case, and no further information was available at the time.
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Boat launch and community center fees are set to rise in Granite Shoals after the City Council voted to move forward with increases aimed at boosting revenue from non-residents and facility rentals.
Under the proposal approved by council in their Feb. 24 meeting, the daily boat launch fee for non-residents will double from $10 to $20. The annual launch permit for non-residents will remain $200 and renews each Jan. 1. Residents and property owners will continue to have free access to city boat ramps, provided they display a valid boat launch permit sticker on their vehicle.
The motion directs city staff to draft an ordinance formalizing the fee changes. The ordinance is expected to return to the council next month in their Mar. 24 meeting for consideration and potential adoption into the city charter.
The council also approved an increase to the daily rental fee for the city’s community center, located at 1208 N. Phillips Road, for residents, raising the rate from $100 to $200. The non-resident rental fee will remain $300 per day. Both residents and non-residents are required to pay a $300 security deposit.
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The Hamilton Creek Park playscape reopened on Monday, March 2, after months of closure due to damage sustained in the Fourth of July flooding in the summer of 2025.
“Our city crews have been hard at work giving the Hamilton Creek Park playscape a little post-flood TLC,” reads a Facebook post from the city of Burnet. “They’re making sure everything is safe, sturdy, and ready for lots of climbing, sliding, and laughing. The playground will be back in action starting Monday, March 2.”
Hamilton Creek Park, at W. Jackson Street, was one of many public areas damaged in the flooding.
City Manager David Vaughn told DailyTrib that the Galloway-Hammond ballfields, near the YMCA of the Highland Lakes, had taken first priority in repairs as they serve as the location of many early-year sporting leagues. Once those repairs had been made, the city shifted over to Hamilton Creek Park.
Lighting, electrical, and bridge work are still on the to-do list of repairs at the park.
“The (repair cost) numbers I’ve seen are $600,000 to $800,000 worth of damage for all the lighting and things that have to happen down there,” Vaughn told DailyTrib. “We’re going to start taking those projects on now, and trying to make a little more progress on that.”
These repairs reflect a broader reconstruction process in the city that has been ongoing for over half a year. Burnet officials have worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on reimbursement and repair efforts, but the city still faces a long road ahead before full recovery.
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News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
Below is the weekly schedule of sporting events for Burnet High School for the week of March 2-8. Tournaments are all-day events unless otherwise noted.
Varsity Lady Dawg Soccer vs. Northeast, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
JV Baseball @ Westwood, 7-9 p.m.
Varsity Baseball vs. Westwood, 7-9 p.m.
Thursday, March 5
Bulldog & Lady Dawg Track @ Taylor
JV2/JV Baseball @ Salado Tournament
Tennis @ Marble Falls Tournament
Varsity Baseball Tournament
Friday, March 6
JV2/JV Baseball @ Salado Tournament
Lady Dawg Golf @ Mustang Classic
Tennis @ Marble Falls Tournament
Varsity Baseball Tournament
JV Bulldog Soccer @ Liberty Hill, 4-6 p.m.
JV/Varsity Softball @ Salado, 5-7 p.m.
JV/Varsity Lady Dawg Soccer @ Navarro, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
JV2/JV Baseball @ Salado Tournament
Lady Dawg Golf @ Mustang Classic
Varsity Baseball Tournament
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After at least three decades of hand-delivering popcorn across Marble Falls and cheering on the Mustangs, local legend Jimmy Burney is retiring. The community turned out in force for a party thrown in his honor on Friday, Feb. 27, at First United Bank.
The 78-year-old Marble Falls resident is best known for picking up bags of complimentary popcorn from First United Bank every Friday and passing them out around town at his favorite spots, like Atkins Pharmacy, Salem Jewelry, Security State Bank & Trust, PNC Bank, and Highland Furniture. He is also known as the biggest fan of Marble Falls High School sports, having dutifully supported and watched generations of young athletes take the field, court, and track.
“(Jimmy is) the number one fan of the community of Marble Falls,” Farren Fox, a life-long resident, told DailyTrib at the retirement party. “He is the town mascot. Everybody loves Jimmy. He’s got a whole list of people that are loving and taking care of him.”
Fox said that she has known Jimmy since she was little, and he still comes into the offices of Mark Fox Real Estate in Marble Falls every morning to visit with her and the rest of the staff.
His retirement party on Friday saw dozens of Marble Falls locals come to pay their respects and celebrate Jimmy’s contributions to the community. The event was thrown by First United Bank commercial Banker Taylor Smith and commercial loan assistant Tammy Ryan.
“(Jimmy) came in (about two weeks ago) and said he was retiring,” Smith said. “He said that it would be his last time taking the popcorn, and we were all kind of taken aback because he has done it so long. My first thought was that we have got to throw him a retirement party. He has been doing this longer than most people work.”
The popcorn in question comes from the bank, which hands it out to customers every Friday.
First United Bank commercial banker Taylor Smith shows Jimmy Burney an assortment of gifts in his signature popcorn delivery bag. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Jimmy made a name for himself through his popcorn deliveries and encyclopedic knowledge of Mustangs athletics, walking all over the city for decades along the same routes to see his friends and to watch games and practices.
He had been on foot until recently. The long walks became too much, and his neighbor Buddy Miller began driving him along his route. Now, approaching his 80s, Jimmy is retiring from his deliveries altogether, but he isn’t done showing his Mustang spirit.
“Me and brother Max (Copeland) were the biggest fans (of the Mustangs),” Jimmy told DailyTrib. “I’ll stick around as long as I can.”
Copeland, another local legend known for being the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marble Falls and his love for the community, was close with Jimmy until he passed away in 2015.
Jimmy has been a Marble Falls High School parade marshal multiple times and the recipient of two special letterman jackets to recognize his dedication to the home team. He is known for remembering the stats and scores of countless games and sharing them wherever he goes.
A custom cake was the centerpiece of Jimmy Burney’s retirement party, featuring the bags of popcorn that he has been delivering across Marble Falls for decades. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
“He has a mind that’s sharp as a tack,” Buddy Miller said. “He can talk to anybody about sports, and he does not like missing a game.”
Wayne Salem, of Salem’s Jewelry, hit home how he felt about Jimmy’s retirement.
“Jimmy’s been coming by for at least 25 years,” he said. “He’s been bringing me and all of my staff popcorn all of that time. We love Jimmy. I’m going to miss him, you look forward to seeing him.”
Miller gave some background on Jimmy’s life, sharing that he had lived here since 1971, having moved up from San Antonio with his parents. Jimmy was totally dependent on his family due to his severe autism, and after his parents died, his brother stepped in to make sure he was cared for. After his brother died around three years ago, the Marble Falls community stepped up to ensure that he was always taken care of and that he could continue making his visits throughout town and follow Mustang sports.
“I think everybody kind of knows its time (for Jimmy to retire),” Farren Fox said. “It’s best for him. It’s a little sad, a little nostalgic, it’s been routine for so long, but I’m sure we will find new traditions with him. There’s enough good people around him that we’ll find him something new.”
Long-time Marble Falls locals are well-acquainted with Jimmy, but so are many newcomers.
“I’ve only been here about a year,” PNC Bank Branch Manager Ashley Huckley said. “I was told the legend when I first got here. Very early on did I get familiar with Jimmy. It’s an honor for him to come in and for us to be a part of his Friday. Coming from Austin, now being in a small town, these are the kinds of things I’ve looked forward to.”
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Feb. 20 – Feb. 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.
Bridget Lee Flood, 52, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): organized retail theft of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Feb. 20 on $5,000 in bonds.
Simon Gauna III, 31, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): deadly conduct discharging a firearm. Released on Feb. 22, time served.
Isaac Daniel Gonzales, 25, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 20 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): interfering with an emergency request for assistance, assault of a public servant.
Joshua James Heflin, 50, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order, second charge or more, burglary of a habitation.
Heather Lynn McNamara, 42, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 20 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution, operation of an unregistered motor vehicle. Released on Feb. 21 on $2,000 in bonds.
Daniel Bryson Metzgar, 23, of Meadowlakes was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): burglary of a habitation. Released on Feb. 22, time served.
Tabitha Lynn Nowels, 28, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 20 by the Llano County Sheriff’s Office (LLSO): fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing.
Sonny George Ortiz, 49, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. Released on Feb. 21 on $100,000 in bonds.
Christian Diaz Rodriguez, 28, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): operation of a vehicle with the wrong license plate, expired registration. Released on Feb. 21 on $1,000 in bonds.
Melanie Sue Rodriguez, 49, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 20 by the Horseshoe Bay Police Department (HSBPD): elderly credit card or debit card abuse, credit card or debit card abuse, fraudulent possession of identifying information.
Aidan Allen Whitley-Lachance, 19, of Leander was arrested Feb. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): online solicitation of a minor under 14.
Lucas Oneal Ashby, 30, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): violating a bond or protective order. Released on Feb. 22 on $5,000 in bonds.
Austin Alan Butterfield, 42, of Killeen was arrested Feb. 21 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution. Released on Feb. 21 on $1,500 in bonds.
Amy Stephanie Cervantez, 49, of Sunrise Beach was arrested Feb. 22 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): failure to maintain financial responsibility, failure to appear, turning right from wrong lane, violation of a promise to appear. Released on Feb. 23 on $2,000 in bonds.
Jesus Alonso Lopez, 37, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): failure to identify fugitive intent to give false information.
Carlos Sanchez-Aguirre, 17, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 22 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on Feb. 22 on $5,000 in bonds. Released on Feb. 22 on $5,000 in bonds.
Dalia Villaescusa-Acosta, 31, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 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, prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility.
Roy Thomas Walters, 45, of Liberty Hill was arrested Feb. 22 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): driving while intoxicated, third charge or more. Released on Feb. 22 on $15,000 in bonds.
Joseph Howard Farr, 38, of Copperas Cove was arrested Feb. 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): terroristic threat of family or household.
Fernando Fuentes Jr., 47, of San Antonio was arrested Feb. 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.
Sean Britton Higginbotham, 25, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 23 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of less than $20. Released on Feb. 23 on $1,000 in bonds.
Olivia Jo Ortiz-Sabol, 31, of Blanco was arrested Feb. 23 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.
Shandelynn Mae Reed, 31, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 23 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution. Released on Feb. 23 on $1,500 in bonds.
Thelma Veronica Suarez, 55, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 23 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution. Released on Feb. 24 on $1,500 in bonds.
Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 24 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license, failure to appear.
Robert Louis Defelice, 24, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.
Joey Fuentez, 31, of San Antonio was arrested Feb. 24 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): terroristic threat against a public servant. Released on Feb. 25 on $5,000 in bonds.
Matthew Ryan Prochnow, 50, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 24 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order two or more times within 12 months. Released on Feb. 24 on $35,000 in bonds.
Melissa Joanne Schultz, 29, of Austin was arrested Feb. 24 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 of more than 10 items but less than 50. Released on Feb. 24 on $50,000 in bonds.
Curtis Lee Toner, 67, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 24 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution. Released on Feb. 25 on $5,000 in bonds.
Robert Dillon Bradenburg, 27, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 26 on $1,500 in bonds.
Justin Cody Tollison, 34, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 25 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on Feb. 26 on $5,000 in bonds.
Andrew Michael Bell, 28, of Llano was arrested Feb. 26 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of a dangerous drug.
Jade Lauren Ashley Cole, 27, of Llano was arrested Feb. 26 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age.
Danny Martin Heuton, 21, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 26 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): unlicensed carry of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jacqueline Reba Houston, 35, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 26 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): animal at large, registration of animals, driving without a valid license.
Kali Elizabeth Lynch, 20, of Killeen was arrested Feb. 26 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 26 on $1,500 in bonds.
Cesar Eduardo Martinez Jr., 23, of Weslaco was arrested Feb. 26 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 26 on $2,500 in bonds.
Toni Londale Murphy, 42, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 26 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): no drivers license.
Johnny James Noel, 47, of Georgetown was arrested Feb. 26 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.
Trevor James Pollard, 33, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 26 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon.
Tyler Alan Stravoski, 24, of Hockley was arrested Feb. 26 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces.
Allen Jeffry Walker, 44, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 26 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order two or more times within 12 months. Released on Feb. 26 on $7,500 in bonds.
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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.
Tuesday, Mar. 3
Marble Falls City Council
6 p.m. regular meeting
Council Chambers, 800 Third Street in Marble Falls
executive session for consultation with the City Attorney regarding the City’s legal rights and obligations under a construction agreement for public building project(s)
Cottonwood Shores City Council
6 p.m. regular meeting
Civic Center, 4111 Cottonwood Dr in Cottonwood Shores
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