The Marble Falls, Burnet Consolidated, and Llano independent school districts recently voted against adopting Texas Senate Bill 11, which would have required schools to set aside daily opportunities for prayer and religious text reading. The three districts’ decisions came during their respective board meetings on Monday evening, Feb. 23.
Senate Bill 11 of Texas’ 89th legislative session, which was signed into law on June 21, 2025, required Texas school boards to take a vote on whether to adopt a policy that would require the school district to provide students and employees with the opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and religious text reading each school day. Per the language of SB 11, school boards were mandated to make a decision on the matter by March 1, 2026.
The bill was unanimously declined by the boards of BCISD and LISD, and was declined by the MFISD Board of Trustees with a vote of 6-1. Trustee Gary Boshears was the only board member to vote for adopting the bill.
BCISD Human Resources Director Michele Gilmore told the board at their Monday meeting that the administration believed students already had ample opportunity to practice their religion outside of school hours.
“Our students are already able to (pray and read religious text) during non-instructional time,” Gilmore said.
MFISD Board President Alex Payson provided DailyTrib with a statement on behalf of the MFISD Board of Trustees concerning the board’s vote against the bill.
“We believe the board vote on Senate Bill 11 shows our confidence in the measures already in place within the district that protects students’ rights to practice their faith on campuses during the school day,” Payson said. “Students currently have protected rights to engage in voluntary religious participation consistent with constitutional standards, established state law, and district policy. These robust rights are unchanged after the vote on SB 11. As always, the Board of Trustees remain committed to our district vision to love every child and inspire them to achieve their fullest potential.”
LISD did not provide comment on the matter by the time of this article’s publication.
“A public school student has an absolute right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt the instructional or other activities of the school,” reads the statute. “A person may not require or coerce a student to engage in or refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.”
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Hill Country Bakehouse has moved to 200 Main Street in Marble Falls, stepping into its own storefront after years of sharing space with Brothers Bakery at 519 N. U.S. 281.
The bakery opened at its new location on Feb. 6. The business specializes in sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.
Co-owners Kim Wright, Katie Swigon, and Anthony Swigon say the transition marks a milestone for the growing business.
“We’re very excited about our new location at 200 Main Street,” Anthony Swigon told DailyTrib. “The building was once a bank and has hosted several businesses over the years. We’re happy to add our page to the story of this beautiful space.”
The bakery is open 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 830-572-5007 or visit its website.
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The Burnet City Council recently approved increases to green fees and twilight rates for the Delaware Springs Golf Course at a Tuesday, Feb. 24, council meeting. Weekday and weekend (or holiday) 18-hole rates were raised by $1 and $2 respectively, while twilight rates were raised by $2.
The new pricing is as follows:
18-hole weekday rate, $38
18-hole weekend (or holiday) rate, $53
Weekday twilight rate, $22
Weekend twilight rate, $30
The changes also provided for new dynamic pricing, allowing for the course to increase rates up to 50 percent on city-defined holidays and the immediately adjacent Saturday and Sunday to the holiday. Previously, the course could only employ rate reductions of up to 50 percent during low-demand periods. Now, prices may fluctuate up or down depending on the needs of the day.
Additionally, the city manager or a designated employee may choose the start time of twilight rates based on seasonal conditions and daylight.
Delaware Springs General Manager Tony Nash told the council that rate changes stemming from dynamic pricing or twilight condition changes would be posted on the golf course’s website in advance to give guests ample time to plan accordingly.
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Granite Shoals is pursuing major water system upgrades and seeking state grants and low-interest loans to modernize the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
The city council approved two major water main replacement projects at its Feb. 24 meeting. On Valley View Lane, about 4,000 linear feet of 2-inch line will be upgraded to 6 inches between Kingsoak Drive and Hill Way Drive, with eight new fire hydrants installed. On Kingdom Drive and Kingshores Drive, roughly 3,800 linear feet of line will be replaced and five hydrants added.
“Our water system includes several older 2-inch lines that were installed decades ago and are now undersized for today’s demand. By upgrading these areas to 6-inch lines and adding new fire hydrants, we are significantly improving reliability, water flow, and fire protection for residents,” Josh Hisey, Utility Director, told DailyTrib.
Construction will take place in the coming weeks, and residents will be notified of any temporary service interruptions.
Pursuit of state funding
To support broader system improvements, the council approved submitting an official project information form to the Texas Water Development Board, with the hope of acquiring grants or low-interest loans from the state agency. The submission does not obligate the city financially or authorize construction, and any future projects would still have to be approved by the council.
The council awarded engineering services to MRB Group, contingent upon funding from the grants. The specific nature of the upgrades was not decided upon, but referred to as “water and wastewater utility improvements.”
“Submitting the project information form to the Texas Water Development Board is an important planning step for our water and wastewater systems. It allows us to be considered for considerable funding opportunities that can help us address aging infrastructure and plan for long-term system improvements,” Sarah Novo, city manager, told DailyTrib.
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The 2026 primary elections are scheduled for March 3, but early voting runs from Tuesday, Feb. 17, to Feb. 27. While big races are on the ballot at the state and national levels, Llano County voters also have significant decisions to make at the local level.
Election schedule and polling locations
Llano County voters must cast their ballots at their designated precinct voting location on Election Day, but may use any open polling location during the early voting period.
Voters must bring a valid form of identification to cast their ballots. This includes a drivers license, election identification card, personal identification card, handgun license, U.S. military identification card, U.S. citizenship certification, and U.S. passport. Learn more about ID requirements on the Texas Secretary of State’s website, votetexas.gov.
Find all Llano County voting information on the county’s election office website here.
Early voting locations and schedule:
-Llano County Library, 102 E. Haynie Street in Llano
-Kingsland Public Library, 125 W. Polk Street in Kingsland
-City of Horseshoe Bay Chamber Room, 1 Community Drive in Horseshoe Bay
Feb. 17-20: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Feb. 21: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Llano County Library; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at other locations
Feb. 22: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Llano County Library; closed at other locations
Feb. 23-27: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Llano County Library; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at other locations
Election Day locations and schedule:
These locations are proposed and will be updated should there be a change.
Precinct 101- Llano County Ag & Health Bldg. 1447 E. Texas 71 Ste B in Llano
Precinct 102- Bluelake Golf Course Community Room 214 W. Bluebonnet Road in Horseshoe Bay
Precinct 108- Sunrise Beach City Hall Civic Center Complex 124 Sunrise Beach in Sunrise Beach
Precincts 109- Horseshoe Bay City of Horseshoe Bay Council Chambers 1 Community Drive in Horseshoe Bay
Precincts 203- East Llano County Annex 8347 RR 1431 West in Buchanan Dam
Precinct 204- Bluffton Lakeshore Branch Library7346 RR 261 in Buchanan Dam
Precinct 205- Tow Community Building- 135 CR 221 in Tow
Precinct 307- Kingsland Kingsland Public Library 125 W. Polk in Kingsland
Precinct 410- West Llano Llano County Library 102 E. Haynie in Llano
Llano County races
Llano County has some major contested races for Republican nominations at the county level on the March 3 ballot. Several races are uncontested and the runners will automatically secure their party’s nomination.
Two candidates are running for the party nomination for the office of Llano County judge and two for Llano County Precinct 4 commissioner. There are also two candidates running for Precinct 3 justice of the peace.
There are no Democratic challengers in most of the Llano County races, so the winners of the Republican nomination will almost certainly take office come 2027. There is a Democratic challenger in the Precinct 4 commissioner race, and the Republican nominee will face off against them in the General Election come November.
Contested races
Running for Llano County judge are Rob Hardy and Richard Kepp, who are both newcomers. Incumbent Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham is not running for reelection and plans on stepping down following the primary.
Running for Precinct 4 commissioner are incumbent commissioner Jerry Don Moss and challenger Robert Little.
Use the DailyTrib forum recap guide to navigate through the recording to learn more about candidates, the questions they were asked, and their responses; published on Feb. 13.
Colleen Harvey and Kerri Sawyer Laffoon are running for the Precinct 3 justice of the peace nomination. Both are newcomers, as the incumbent justice of the peace, Deb Edwards, has not filed for reelection.
Llano County judge
The Llano County judge serves as the chair of the Llano County Commissioners Court and as the chief budget officer for the county. They are one of five voting members of the Commissioners Court that decide on county policies, determine the county’s budget, and represent the county at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Llano County judge serves a four-year term and, as of 2025, earns an annual salary of $80,009. There are no term limits for serving as county judge.
Incumbent Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham did not file for reelection.
Precinct 4 commissioner
The Llano County Precinct 4 commissioner is one of five voting members of the Llano County Commissioners Court. The court is the governing body of the county and responsible for determining county policy; setting the budget; and representing the county at the local, state, and federal levels. The Precinct 4 commissioner represents one of the four precincts in the county and is also responsible for maintaining the roads, bridges, and county-owned infrastructure within that precinct that is outside of city limits. Precinct 4 includes the city of Llano and much of western Llano County.
Llano County commissioners serve four-year terms and, as of 2025, earn an annual salary of $73,786. There are no term limits for serving as a county commissioner.
Uncontested races
The following local races only had one Republican applicant and have no Democratic challengers, meaning they will almost certainly take office in 2027.
District Judge, 424th Judicial District- Evan Clay Stubbs
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The 2026 primary elections are scheduled for March 3, but early voting runs from Tuesday, Feb. 17, to Feb. 27. While big races are on the ballot at the state and national levels, Burnet County voters also have significant decisions to make at the local level.
Election schedule and polling locations
Burnet County voters may use any polling location in the county to cast their ballot.
Voters must bring a valid form of identification to cast their ballots. This includes a drivers license, election identification card, personal identification card, handgun license, U.S. military identification card, U.S. citizenship certification, and U.S. passport. Learn more about ID requirements on the Texas Secretary of State’s website, votetexas.gov.
All of the following polling locations will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, March 3.
Burnet County AgriLife, 607 N. Vandeveer Street in Burnet
Grace United Methodist Church, 4007 Valley View in Granite Shoals
Spicewood Community Center, 7901 CR 404 in Spicewood
Silver Creek Community Center, 101 CR 128 with a Burnet address
Naruna Church, 9170 FM 1478 with a Lampasas address
Bertram Community Center, 340 S. Gabriel Street in Bertram
Lake Victor Community Center, 200 Lake Avenue in Lake Victor
Briggs Firehouse, 2285 Highway 183 in Briggs
Oakalla Community Center, 29011 FM 963 in Oakalla
Granite Shoals Comm Center, 1208 N. Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals
Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes, 806 Steve Hawkins Parkway, in Marble Falls
Meadowlakes City Hall, 177 Broadmoor Street in Meadowlakes
Burnet County races
Burnet County has two major contested races for Republican nominations at the county level on the March 3 ballot. Several races are uncontested and the runners will automatically secure their party’s nomination.
Two candidates are running for the party nomination for the office of Burnet County judge and two for Burnet County Precinct 2 commissioner.
There are no Democratic challengers in any of the Burnet County races, so the winners of the Republican nomination will almost certainly take office come 2027.
Use the DailyTrib forum recap guide to navigate through the recording to learn more about candidates, the questions they were asked, and their responses; published on Feb. 4
Burnet County judge:
The Burnet County judge serves as the chair of the Burnet County Commissioners Court and as the chief budget officer for the county. They are one of five voting members of the Commissioners Court which decide on county policies; determine the county’s budget; and represent the county at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Burnet County judge serves a four-year term and, as of 2025, has an annual salary of $113,337.88. There are no term limits for serving as county judge.
Burnet County Precinct 2 commissioner:
The Burnet County Precinct 2 commissioner is one of five voting members of the Burnet County Commissioners Court. The court is the governing body of the county and responsible for determining county policy; setting the budget; and representing the county at the local, state, and federal levels. The Precinct 2 commissioner represents one of the four precincts in the county and is also responsible for maintaining the roads, bridges, and public infrastructure within that precinct. Precinct 2 covers most of northeast Burnet County and includes most of the city of Burnet.
Burnet County commissioners serve four-year terms and, as of 2025, earn an annual salary of $95,742.83. There are no term limits for serving as a county commissioner.
Uncontested races
The following local races only had one Republican applicant and have no Democratic challengers, meaning they will almost certainly take office in 2027.
District Judge, 424th Judicial District- Evan Clay Stubbs
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.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the governments of Burnet County and the city of Burnet voted to join forces and form a regional planning commission in the hopes of putting up a stronger fight against a state transmission line project that looms over the Highland Lake area.
Burnet County leaders believe this new commission, backed by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 391, could have more legal power and leverage than solo local governments would have in the ongoing battle against the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line. The line would run over 200 miles total, from Bell County to Schleicher County, passing through Burnet County along the way. According to the project developers, it is meant to bring power to far west Texas to help power an array of rising power needs for cryptocurrency mining, “green hydrogen” projects, industrial uses, data centers, and the electrification of the petroleum industry.
Critics of the transmission line say that if it is approved, it would likely have severe impacts on property owners across northern Burnet County, resulting in large eminent domain seizures, reduced property values, and negative impacts on the daily lives of nearby residents. The line would likely require 200-300 foot easements and 15-18 story towers suspending the highest voltage powerlines that Texas has ever seen.
Beth Kunz (left) and Clare Nelson are Burnet County residents that are staunchly opposed to a 765 kilovolt transmission line project that could run past and through their properties in the Ranches at Blackbuck Ridge. They both showed up at Burnet County Commissioners Court, wearing their signature pins, to express support for the county’s decision to fight the line. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
“I just wanted to voice my absolute enthusiasm and support for a 391 commission,” Burnet County resident Clare Nelson said prior to the Commissioners Court’s decision. “We need more unification.”
Nelson lives in the Ranches at Black Buck Ridge subdivision, which could see the transmission line run right past its front gates.
Another Black Buck Ridge resident, Beth Kunz, also voiced her support.
“I think a 391 commission goes a long way for us to find ways to delay this project until the (Texas) Legislature gets back in session,” she said.
Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson explained that resident support is of paramount importance right now.
To file a comment on the project, visit this link and enter the project number 58559. Previously filed comments can be viewed at this link.
Members of the Burnet County Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to officially form a regional planning commission to help fight against the proposed 765 kilovolt state transmission line project looming over northern Burnet County. Pictured here are Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Luther (left), Precinct 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle, Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson, Precinct 3 Commissioner Chad Collier, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery. Beierle was appointed by the court to represent the county on the newly-formed commission. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Burnet County Highland Lakes Sub-Regional Planning Commission
The basic purpose of the newly-dubbed Burnet County Highland Lakes Sub-Regional Planning Commission is to encourage and permit local governmental units to join and cooperate to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of their residents. This “purpose” is defined broadly, ranging from mutual transportation system upgrades to preservation of local historical cultural values.
While there is not an explicit path yet defined for how the commission will combat the transmission line, local leaders believe it will help in negotiations with the state entities behind the project, like the Public Utility Commission of Texas. As of Wednesday, Feb. 25, an official application for the project had not been filed with the PUCT, but Oncor Electric Delivery and the Lower Colorado River Authority are expected to file in March. Once filed, interested parties will have 30 days to get their comments in before the window is closed and the project moves forward.
The Burnet County Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday morning to form the commission and appointed two representatives from the county, Precinct 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle and Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Frank Reilly, to serve on it. Later that same day, the city of Burnet voted to officially join the commission, appointing Mayor Gary Wideman and Councilor Joyce Laudenschlager to serve.
Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson stated on Tuesday that he would also be reaching out to the cities of Marble Falls and Bertram to see if they were interested in joining the commission as well.
The proposed lines do not come near Burnet city limits, but City Manager David Vaughn said it was still in the city’s interest to join forces with the county to oppose them.
“You may not live in the county where these (projects) are, where these things are occurring, but these things impact you,” Vaughn told DailyTrib. “You go by them on your way to the lake, you go by them on the way to Marble Falls. It changes everything about the community that people move here for. There’s a lot to figure out, and there’s a lot that we’ll learn as we go. But, I think we’re going to look back and say, ‘this is a really good tool for when we want to use the hammer.'”
Burnet County and city of Burnet join forces to battle state transmission line project
Background on the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line
The transmission line project’s intention is to bring power to West Texas, but many Burnet County residents believe that it would be at the expense of Hill Country landowners.
The project was mandated by the Texas Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 5066. The bill aimed to increase the reliability of the Texas electric grid, and also specifically targeted bringing power to the Permian Basin region of West Texas.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas took on the task, requesting the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to conduct a study on the power needs of the Permian Basin, resulting in the Permian Basin Reliability Study.
The results of that study showed a massive increase in the projected demand for electricity from that region, mostly to satisfy an estimated addition of 11,695 megawatts to the grid from the non-oil and gas industry. Per ERCOT’s study, this load would be made up of 59 percent cryptocurrency operations, 22 percent “green hydrogen” projects, 13 percent “other” commercial and industrial projects, and 6 percent datacenters.
Once ERCOT’s study was completed, the PUCT tasked Oncor Electric Delivery and the Lower Colorado River Authority with devising a plan to deliver more power to the Permian Basin. After months of planning the organizations created a preliminary plan and route for 765 kilovolt powerlines to be run from Central Texas to West Texas. Burnet County was notified of the plans, and the fact that it would likely be included in all possible routes, in May 2025.
The project, to be paid for by the state, has an estimated total cost of $33 billion, and would include three major lines, including the Bell County East to Big Hill project.
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NOTE: This certification of candidates is unrelated to the March 3, 2026 primary election, which includes party voting for offices in Burnet and Llano counties.
The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees recently certified two unopposed candidates for two open seats on the school board in the upcoming May 2 election at a regular meeting on the evening of Monday, Feb. 23. The move effectively appointed the two candidates to their respective seats, which they will take the day after the election May 3.
Amber Cardenas was the only person to run for Place 3, which is currently held by Trustee Suzanne Brown, who did not run for reelection. Mark Kincaid was the only person to run for Place 7, and is the incumbent of the seat. So long as neither candidate withdraws their candidacy, Cardenas and Kincaid will serve their three-year terms starting on May 3.
The BCISD Board of Trustees is made up of seven total members who are elected by residents of the district. These are unpaid, volunteer positions. The members serve three-year, staggered terms.
While the day-to-day operations of the district are handled by the superintendent, the board of trustees is responsible for hiring the superintendent, setting policies, setting the tax rate, creating the district budget, and collaborating with district administration.
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.
NOTE: This certification of candidates is unrelated to the March 3, 2026 primary election, which includes party voting for offices in Burnet and Llano counties.
The Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees certified two unopposed candidates for two open seats on the school board in the upcoming May 2 election at a regular meeting on the evening of Monday, Feb. 23. The two candidates were effectively appointed to their respective seats, which they will take the day after the election on May 3.
Incumbent Mandy McCary was the only candidate that filed to run for Place 3, and incumbent Larry Berkman was the only candidate for Place 4. So long as neither candidate withdraws their candidacy, McCary and Berkman will begin serving their three-year terms starting on May 3.
The MFISD Board of Trustees is made up of seven total members who are elected by residents of the district. These are unpaid, volunteer positions. The members serve three-year, staggered terms.
While the day-to-day operations of the district are handled by the superintendent, the board of trustees is responsible for hiring the superintendent, setting policies, setting the tax rate, creating the district budget, and collaborating with district administration.
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