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The Picayune Magazine

Horseshoe Bay’s new Fire Station No. 2 is now operational, with crews from the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department moving into the facility at 601 Broken Hills Drive in early February.

The facility, completed after a multi-year planning and construction process, is already serving residents from its new location in Horseshoe Bay West.

“Our Station 2 staff is very happy with the new structure,” Fire Chief Doug Fowler told DailyTrib.

The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department staffs 25 full-time firefighters and one part-time firefighter. The fire stations are manned 24 hours a day, with a minimum of six personnel per shift.

The department expects the new station to strengthen emergency response capabilities as the community continues to grow.

Once final adjustments are complete, attention will shift to renovations at the former Station No. 2 building. That facility will be updated to house a second ambulance, Medic 27, which is expected to be in service by the end of 2026.

maci@thepicayune.com

The Hill Country Land and Legacy Alliance is hosting a series of meetings, Feb. 22- April 19, in Burnet, to help spread awareness of the possible risks posed by the proposed Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line

The meeting series will focus on the background of the state transmission line project, its potential near and far future impacts on Burnet County, and how people can make their voices heard in opposition to it. 

“The goal is simply to share clear, factual information, explain the broader risks and implications, and help people understand how to stay informed and engaged, so we can do everything in our power to encourage responsible infrastructure growth that aligns with our community values,” Alliance founder Mia Sarot wrote in a post accompanying the announcement of the meeting series

All of the meetings are free and open to the public. The Feb. 22 meeting will be held at the Lake Victor Community Center, 200 Lake Avenue with a Lampasas address. The others will be held at the Burnet County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension building, 607 N. Vandeveer Street in Burnet. 

  • Sunday, Feb. 22:  3-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 7: 3-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22: 3-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 19: 3-5 p.m.

In an interview with DailyTrib, Sarot alluded to the concerns she has regarding the risks that could be associated with the transmission line.

“The towers are huge, they would be a scar to the aesthetics (of Burnet County),” she said.  Longterm, it also gives more options for the area to become developed for different infrastructure that may not align with the community, like BESS sites (battery energy storage systems), data centers, and more. These 765 lines make Burnet more attractive for future development.”

Some of the primary, immediate concerns are the 15-plus-story towers that would be used to hold up the transmission lines and the 200-300-foot easements that would be needed to surround them. If approved, these towers and easements would likely have a direct impact on the property values of landowners across northern Burnet County. 

“The time to advocate for our area is now, before these lines put a big target on our area,” Sarot wrote. “Please come out and learn more about what is proposed for our beautiful county, and what it could mean for our future.”

Background on the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line

The Bell County East to Big Hill 765-kV Transmission Project has been on Burnet County’s radar since May 2025. Since then, public opposition and protest has risen and the county has officially taken up opposition to the state project. 

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. 

Read the DailyTrib stories below to learn more:

dakota@thepicayune.com

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Feb. 13 – Feb. 19, 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.

Caleb Douglas Breeding, 18, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 13 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on Feb. 13 on $7,500 in bonds.

Gregory Scott Cozby, 61, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 13 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): failure to maintain financial responsibility. Released on Feb. 15 on $250 in bonds.

Paulino Luna, 58, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order. Released on Feb. 15 on $5,000 in bonds.

James Michael Nickerson, 49, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): sexual exploitation of a minor, five counts, destruction or alteration of physical evidence.

Jordon Castillo Reed, 32, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Released on Feb. 15, time served.

Norma Salinas, 62, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 13 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.

Ronald Anthony Derosa, 58, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on Feb. 14 on $500 in bonds.

Michelle Marie Macdonald, 58, of Houston was arrested Feb. 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on Feb. 15 on $5,000 in bonds.

Adison Faye Alexander, 17, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Feb. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal trespassing. Released on Feb. 16 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jacob Esau Montoya, 24, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 15 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 15 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jose Antonio Reyes-Paredes, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 15 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication.

Christopher L Risenhoover, 34, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 15 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): organized retail theft of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Feb. 16 on $5,000 in bonds.

Brittany Janiell McCurry, 31, of Buchanan Dam was arrested Feb. 16 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 17 on $41,500 in bonds.

Alejandro Raul Fernandez-Lopez, 28, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 17 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Feb. 18 on $1,500 in bonds.

Enrique Flores Jr., 47, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 17 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, driving while intoxicated, second offense.

David Allan Coe McGuire, 46, of Buchanan Dam was arrested Feb. 17 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order, two or more times within 12 months, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.

Shawn Anthony Miles, 30, of Riesel was arrested Feb. 17 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of marijuana of more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds.

Timothy Aaron Riley, 48, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 17 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlawful restraint, false drug test using a falsification device.

Mason Dewayne Barton, 25, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 18 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension without financial restitution. Released on Feb. 19 on $1,500 in bonds.

Courtney Jo Gadus, 35, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 18 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.

Sean Tyler Kirkpatrick, 33, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 18 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Released on Feb. 19 on $75,000 in bonds.

Alice Marie Lerma, 52, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 18 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal mischief of more than $750 but less than $2,500.

Morgan Wayne Lindsey, 59, of Liberty Hill was arrested Feb. 18 by the Bertram Police Department (BTPD): displaying expired license plates, expired drivers license, failure to maintain financial responsibility, failure to appear.

Lee Turner Pruett, 76, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 18 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on Feb. 19 on $500 in bonds.

Chad Wayne Wallace, 35, of Leander was arrested Feb. 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Robert Jackson, 30, of Copperas Cove was arrested Feb. 19 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): continuous violence against the family.

Trey Hunter Moore, 25, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 19 on $10,000 in bonds.

Gerardo Ramirez-Hernandez, 31, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): forgery of government or national institutions, money, or securities.

Cynthia Garza Trevino, 43, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): child support.

editor@thepicayune.com

The Burnet Bulldogs hope to start the 2026 season strong with the help of their new offensive coordinator, Tyler Fambrough. The new ‘green’ blood is a former player and an experienced coach who has worked with several high-profile programs across the country.

“We are excited to welcome coach Fambrough as our new offensive coordinator,” head Burnet football coach Ben Speer told DailyTrib. “He brings tremendous knowledge, energy, and an outstanding ability to teach, along with a genuine gift for building strong relationships with players. We look forward to Tyler and his wife, MaKayla, joining the Burnet community.”

Coach Speer shared his optimism about the program’s direction heading into next season, stating that Fambrough would be a key part of the team’s offensive growth. The Bulldogs finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 4-8, an in-district record of 1-3, and they were knocked out of the playoffs by the Randall Raiders in a 24-14 loss.

Among Fambrough’s career accolades are his coachings of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy during their collegiate careers.

caden@thepicayune.com

The Highland Lakes area will see a quick drop in temperatures starting on the night of Saturday, Feb. 21, after a week of mild winter weather.

According to the latest National Weather Service forecast for the Marble Falls area. The daily lows in the coming days will hang in the 30s. Despite the chill, skies are expected to be mostly clear and sunny.

  • Friday, Feb. 20- high 66, low 51
  • Saturday, Feb. 21- high 74, low 37
  • Sunday, Feb. 22- high 63, low 35
  • Monday, Feb. 23- high 65, low 39
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24- high 72, low 53

The drop comes following multiple days with highs in the 80s during the week of Monday, Feb. 16. 

The balmy winter conditions are in alignment with the fortuitous prediction of Pawnee the miniature donkey, who predicted an early spring on Feb. 2 during the annual Donkey Day celebration at Bertram Elementary School. 

dakota@thepicayune.com 

The Horseshoe Bay City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 17, approved a vendor for a new fire rescue boat, selecting a bid that came in well below the original $300,000 estimate.

The council approved Stanley Aluminum Boats, based in Canada, with a bid of about $258,000. The department has raised roughly $90,000, about 35 percent of its fundraising goal, and is continuing efforts to secure grants and additional donations to cover the remaining cost.

Currently, the department operates a swiftwater vessel that must be trailered, transported, and launched, adding to response times. Fire Chief Doug Fowler said the new fire rescue boat would improve emergency response across Lake LBJ and allow crews to pump water directly from the lake during fires.

“We had some verbal quotes for a boat we liked but it seemed every time we called to ask questions the price went up. People making donations are asking about the cost so we requested invitations to bid so we could get a firm price,” Fire Chief Doug Fowler told DailyTrib.

Of the five bids the department received, Stanley Aluminum Boats was the lowest at $258,000, while the other bids ranged from $300,000 to $500,000. Once a down payment is made, construction of the boat is expected to take about two years.

maci@thepicayune.com

Marble Falls City Council just approved a service and assessment plan for the Manzano Mile Public Improvement District, a decision that brings “The Highlands” development one step closer to fruition.

The council’s recent decision – made during its Tuesday, Feb. 17, regular meeting – approved the financing plan for millions of dollars in utility upgrades that will be used to serve hundreds of homes planned for the development. 

Under the terms of the public improvement district, the developer, Rocksprings Development LLC, will make several public infrastructure upgrades– like roads, plumbing, wastewater needs, drainage, and public parks– that will then be paid back by loans. The bond company that issued the loans is then paid back by property owners within the district over time. 

The formation of the district was originally approved in February 2025

According to Marble Falls Development Services, The Highlands will encompass about 253.89 acres total along Manzano Mile, across the street from Marble Falls High School. 

There is no exact construction timeline yet available, but major construction on Phase 1 of the development is set to begin this coming summer. Phase 1 includes about 467 residential lots on 99.81 acres. In total, there will be 1,490 living unit equivalents in the property. A “living unit equivalent” is a unit of  measurement used in construction to provide estimates on the amount of utilities that will be used in a development, referring to the average used by a home with 3.5 occupants. 

dakota@thepicayune.com 

A severe motor vehicle accident reportedly occurred at around 10:13 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, on Texas 71 west of the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center. Westbound traffic on the highway was still heavily delayed at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Law enforcement was said to have cleared the scene and opened the road by 2:05 p.m.

Details on the wreck are limited, but police scanner activity indicates that it involved a dump truck, fires, hazmat teams, and several other responding agencies. 

DailyTrib will report updates on the incident as they are made available. 


dakota@thepicayune.com 

Burnet County government will bolster its flood prevention in tandem with state agencies and the Texas Water Development Board by establishing a series of flood warning sirens across the county in the wake of the July 4 floods.

Burnet County will use $1 million in state funding to build an outdoor warning siren system across waterways that the TWDB deems flash flood-prone areas. The county is currently in the planning phase with the TWDB, awaiting surveys on waterways to determine exact siren placements.

The project’s funding is part of a grant program included in Senate Bill 3, passed in September 2025, which sought to build warning systems in areas with historic flooding. 

“(Senate Bill) 3 requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to identify areas that have a history of severe flooding, as well as other relevant factors such as loss of human life to flooding and the existence of residences or other dwellings in flood-prone areas,” a passage from the bill analysis reads. “Upon identifying these key areas, TWDB will direct the municipality or county on where to install outdoor warning siren systems.”

The grant was presented to the Burnet County Commissioners Court at a meeting on Dec. 23, and was signed soon after.

Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson told DailyTrib that state officials had begun relaying the specific rules and regulations associated with the grant money a few weeks ago, prompting discussions with state and local agencies.

Burnet County government has since held a meeting with the TWDB, Lower Colorado River Authority, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, and other stakeholders to establish a plan for the system’s installation.

For more information on Senate Bill 3 and its effects on Burnet County and beyond, visit the Texas Legislature’s webpage on the bill.

caden@thepicayune.com