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The Picayune Magazine

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative has selected eight Central Texas high school students, including a Marble Falls High School junior, to represent the cooperative at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

The all-expenses-paid trip will take place June 14–22 and gives students the opportunity to learn about the federal government, American history, and civic engagement. PEC’s delegates will join more than 1,500 students from electric cooperatives across the United States as they visit historic landmarks, meet elected officials, and participate in leadership activities.

“Participating in Youth Tour is a tremendous opportunity to build friendships, sightsee, and witness government in action,” Mikayla Herron, PEC community outreach specialist, said in a media release. 

“What we’ve heard year after year are stories of the profoundly positive impact this trip has made in their lives, many times even helping to shape and influence their futures.”

Marble Falls High School junior John Alan Whittle is among the students selected. At a recent reception honoring the 2026 delegates and their families, Whittle thanked PEC and shared his hopes for the experience.

“I look forward to bonding with many other young adults while exploring our capital together, and I’m honored to be chosen,” Whittle said.

The remaining PEC Youth Tour delegates include Maxwell Davila, a senior at Lake Travis High School; Anna Edwards, a senior at Cedar Park High School; Gabriella Fory, a junior at Canyon Lake High School; Ava Gray, a senior at One Day Academy; Thomas Jansta, a junior at Leander High School; Kandice Richardson, a junior at Lago Vista High School; and Saisha Siram, a senior at Westwood High School.

The Youth Tour program was inspired by former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s vision to provide educational travel opportunities to students in rural areas, encouraging the next generation of leaders and public servants. 

Students interested in the Youth Tour program can learn more and apply online here

editor@thepicayune.com

A 75-plus acre fire spread south of Marble Falls in the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 9, scorching a significant amount of land between CR 403 and CR 401.

According to a Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department Facebook post, a prescribed burn grew out of control near the Burnet-Blanco county line off of CR 403 early Monday afternoon. Multiple agencies responded to the fire and reported that the fire was brought under control by 2:45 p.m.

Earlier on Monday, the city of Marble Falls enacted a burn ban in response to ongoing weather and drought conditions. The fire, however, was outside of city limits and subject to Burnet County’s burn ban status, which was lifted on Jan. 27.

caden@thepicayune.com

The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Marble Falls will soon be getting a new computerized tomography scanner thanks to $1 million in federal funding acquired with help from U.S. District 31 Rep. John Carter. The new machine should drastically improve healthcare and continue to reduce the need to drive to Austin for critical treatment according to hospital officials.

The hospital, located at 810 Texas 71 in Marble Falls, currently only has one CT scanner, which limits the facility’s ability to treat immediate threats of stroke or severe trauma. With two scanners on site, officials say that the hospital will be far better equipped to handle the growing need for fast, reliable treatment without having to refer patients to Austin-area medical centers.

“We’re taking care of folks that are very far from healthcare, and this is just one stop, and hopefully we can take care of them here without them having to go into Austin,” BSW-Marble Falls President Tim Ols said during a press conference at the hospital on Friday, Feb. 6. “Many people drive an hour just to get to Marble Falls, let alone go to Austin.”

According to Ols, the new CT machine will be purchased using the funding secured by Carter, which was helped by letters of support from local officials.

Marble Falls Mayor John Packer addressed dozens of attendees at a press conference on Friday, Feb. 6 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Marble Falls. He expressed great appreciation for the presence of the hospital and its continued expansion. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

Marble Falls Mayor John Packer also acknowledged the benefits of improving a hospital so close to home.

“It’s great to have Baylor Scott and White here and continuing to add more services,” he said during Friday’s press conference. “Today is another landmark point where we are going to add some more services that many people will be able to use here in Marble Falls rather than having to go to Austin or Lakeway.”

Carter, who also attended the conference, followed up the event with strong words of encouragement for Marble Falls and its hospital.

Matthew Gerdes, the Baylor Scott & White – Marble Falls manager of imaging operations, poses for a photo with the hospital’s current computerized tomography scanner. The facility will soon be getting a new machine that should mean big improvements for treatment. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

“In rural communities, access to timely medical care can make all the difference,” Carter wrote in a Feb. 9 media release. “When someone shows up in the emergency room with a serious injury or stroke symptoms, they shouldn’t have to wait longer for imaging or be sent miles away for care. This investment helps make sure families here can get the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”

Matthew Gerdes, the BSW Marble Falls manager of imaging operations, explained to DailyTrib that this new machine would be used on a daily basis and help streamline treatment, especially in the cases of strokes and trauma.

“Currently, if we have someone with a stroke come in, we have to put whatever patient we have on the table off and they have to wait for their scan,” he said. “It’s really going to save time, and that is critical when you’re talking about stroke and trauma.”

dakota@thepicayune.com 

The trial for one of two men accused of killing a father and son in Tow in January 2023 is scheduled for the week of March 23. Jordan Eric Ostrander, 22, of San Marcos, faces a capital murder charge in the trial. 

33rd and 424th District Attorney Perry Thomas told DailyTrib that the trial for Ostrander is slated for the week of March 23. The second suspect, Kyler Nathaniel Allen, also 22 and from San Marcos, faces the same charge as Ostrander, but will face trial at a later date.

Ostrander and Allen’s trials were originally on the docket for Feb. 9, but were pushed out to a further date. More information will be made available as the trials progress.

Ostrander and Allen are each charged with capital murder of multiple persons for their alleged involvement in the Jan. 14 shooting deaths of 38-year-old Preston Wessling and his 14-year-old son, Evan Wessling, at a home on Airport Road in Tow.

The charge of capital murder, which includes murder of a child under 15, carries one of two possible sentences: life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Llano County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call at 4:49 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2023, about multiple gunshot victims at a home on Airport Road in Tow. The father and son were found lying in the driveway with gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene.

Ostrander and Allen were arrested by Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and Guadalupe County sheriff’s deputies two days later and have since been held in multiple county jails without bond while awaiting trials.

Correction: This story originally stated that the capital murder trials would be held on the week of Feb. 9, as stated in the posted court dockets of the 33rd/424th Judicial District Court of Llano County. 33rd/424th District Attorney Perry Thomas contacted DailyTrib staff following the story’s publication on Monday, Feb. 9, and explained that Ostrander’s trial had been pushed to the week of March 23 and Allen’s court date was still yet to be determined. 

caden@thepicayune.com

Cottonwood Shores is moving forward with a process that could establish utility impact fees, a policy change that would require developers to pay for infrastructure costs associated with new development.

City officials approved advancing the discussion during the City Council’s Feb. 5 meeting, directing staff to begin the required cost and rate analysis.

Impact fees are intended to shift the cost of infrastructure improvements from existing utility customers to developers, rather than funding those upgrades through higher water and sewer rates.

“Cottonwood Shores is at a major disadvantage because it does not have impact fees,” City Manager J.C. Hughes told DailyTrib.

The council voted to proceed with the impact fee and rate-setting process after staff completed a cost analysis of the new policy. Final approval will depend on the results of a cost evaluation, which is expected to be discussed at the council’s Feb. 19 meeting.

“Tap fees,” pay for the direct cost of connecting a property to existing water and sewer lines, while impact fees fund broader system expansions and capital improvements required by new growth.

Any proposed impact fees would be based on an engineering study identifying needed infrastructure improvements, along with auditor calculations of allowable payback costs, as required by state law.

maci@thepicayune.com

The city of Marble Falls has enacted a burn ban in response to ongoing drought and weather conditions.

The ban, issued by Marble Falls Fire Marshal Coy Guenter on Friday, Feb. 6, applies only within city limits and does not extend to the rest of Burnet County.

“The reason for enacting the ban for February is that multiple grass fires were starting from the roadway, Guenter told DailyTrib. “With the dead grasses in our city, the multiple grass fires around our area, for the safety of our community, we enacted the burn ban.”

During the ban, all open burning is prohibited, and no burn permits will be issued. Officials said the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

Residents who violate the burn ban could face fines and legal penalties, and may be held responsible for any damage caused by an illegal fire.

maci@thepicayune.com

A Llano-area resident was arrested on Jan. 28 on two child sexual assault charges after a coordinated investigation handled by the Llano County and Hays County sheriff’s offices. 

According to a media release issued by the LCSO and other information pulled from Hays County Jail records, Justice Malachi Johnson, 22, of Llano, was taken into custody and charged with sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact, both of which are second-degree felonies.

A representative of the LCSO told DailyTrib that the alleged crimes occurred in Llano County, but he was reportedly employed at the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center. LCSO CID and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office coordinated to take Johnson into custody in San Marcos, and booked him in the Hays County Jail.

Johnson was released on $150,000 in bonds on Feb. 3 and awaits trial on a future date. 

editor@thepicayune.com

The Eiger Express Pipeline would take a 450-mile route, transporting natural gas from West Texas to East Texas, and pass through northeast Burnet County according to current plans for the project. 

A community stakeholder meeting is planned for 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Burnet, 810 S. Water Street. 

According to Burnet County Judge Bryan Wilson, notice of the project was received by priority mail on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 6. He told DailyTrib that this was the first notice he had  been given and the first communication he had received regarding the pipeline project.

“This is just another example of Burnet Country being used for the industrialization of the state,” he said. “It is important for residents to be aware of this.”

Wilson is referring to other major projects slated for Burnet County, like the proposed Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line, Asphalt Inc.’s proposed 715-acre rock quarry, and an aggregate railroad project

About 97 percent of the proposed private pipeline would use existing rights of way and follow other pipelines that are already in the ground. 

This map shows the general route of the planned Eiger Express Pipeline through Texas. Courtesy image

According to the project’s website, the pipeline is needed to increase transportation volume of natural gas from the Permian Basin region of West Texas to transportation facilities and end markets near Houston.

Pending regulatory approval, the pipeline is projected to come online mid-2028 with construction beginning in 2027.

The project and limited information about its route were initially announced in August 2025. It is a joint venture between ONEOK Inc., Whitewater, MPLX, and Endbridge Inc. The group is also responsible for the existing Matterhorn Express Pipeline, which came online in November 2024 and also passes through Burnet County. 

Key takeaways 

  • According to the project’s website, the pipeline is needed to increase transportation volume of natural gas from the Permian Basin region of West Texas to transportation facilities and end markets near Houston.
  • If you have not yet been contacted by representatives from the project, your property may not be impacted. Contact the Eiger group with questions through its contact portal here
  • Here is a direct quote from the project’s website regarding the potential use of eminent domain: “While the project does have the right of eminent domain, it is only used as an absolute last resort. We are committed to being good neighbors and incorporating feedback from all relevant stakeholders in both the proposed route and the project’s overall design.”
  • The size of the pipe will vary depending on location, reaching up to 48 inches in diameter. It will be buried at least 3 feet underground and at least 5 feet under road crossings.
  • The pipeline will be within a 50-foot easement, with an additional 75 feet of workspace during the construction phase. 

dakota@thepicayune.com

The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Jan. 30 – Feb. 5, 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.

Salma Bennour, 46, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 30 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750, assault by contact, family violence. Released on Jan. 30 on $2,000 in bonds.

Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 30 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 5 on $6,000 in bonds.

Stephaine Lynn Izell, 49, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 30 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): theft of less than $100, theft of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Jan. 31 on $2,000 in bonds.

Whitney Laine Myers, 55, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 30 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of more than 28 grams, driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Jan. 31 on $4,000 in bonds.

Tabitha Lynn Nowels, 28, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 30 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.

Jordon Castillo Reed, 32, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 30 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.

Victor Anselmo Suarez, 57, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 30 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.

James Logan Woodcock, 38, of Round Mountain was arrested Jan. 30 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): inhalant paraphernalia use or possession. Released on Jan. 30 on $1,500 in bonds.

Dominic Joseph Brizendine, 33, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 31 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Released on Feb. 1 on $2,000 in bonds.

Janice Marie Davis, 65, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 31 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 1 on $1,500 in bonds.

Cipriano Ruben Macias, 38, of Maxwell was arrested Jan. 31 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 1 on $1,500 in bonds.

Raul David Palomino, 47, of Maxwell was arrested Jan. 31 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license. Released on Feb. 1 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jordan Ashley Arnold, 36, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 1 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 2 on $1,500 in bonds.

James Scot Bolm, 47, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 1 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): unlicensed possession of a firearm by felon, violation of a bond or protective order, terroristic threat of family or household member.

Henrry Dariel Flores-Bueso, 23, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 1 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving with a child under 8 years old without a secured seatbelt, no drivers license.

Roy Miles Ford, 34, of Brownsville was arrested Feb. 1 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 400 grams.

Anthony Lee Ozuna, 25, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 1 by the Cottonwood Police Department (CTWPD): no drivers license, failure to maintain financial responsibility.

Delaney Rose Santora, 28, of Leander was arrested Feb. 1 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): harassment.

Daniel Rodriguez Alejos, 50, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 2 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 or 4 of less than 28 grams, possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams. Released on Feb. 3 on $300,000 in bonds.

Mario Arnulfo Barrios-Rivas, 72, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 2 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15, striking a fixture or highway landscape valued more than $200.

Sheila Rae Pelayo, 35, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 2 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to family member. Released on Feb. 2 on $2,500 in bonds.

Avery Nina Ramirez, 29, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 2 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 2 on $1,500 in bonds.

Jose Rojas, 23, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 2 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): running a red light, violation of a drivers license restriction, violating promise to appear. Released on Feb. 3 on $1,500 in bonds.

Austin Gregory Widemon, 55, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 2 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license, failure to yield, failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, violating promise to appear, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on Feb. 4 on $12,500 in bonds.

Angel Enrique Garcia, 24, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15. Released on Feb. 5 on $5,000 in bonds.

Tiffany Roxane House, 49, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.

Rustin Arch McFadden, 44, of Killeen was arrested Feb. 3 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): theft of property valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, theft of property valued more than $750 but less than $2,500, theft of property valued more than $20 but less than $500 by check. Released on Feb. 3 on $13,000 in bonds.

Curtis Morgan Daniel Nelson, 25, of Lampasas was arrested Feb. 3 by Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): stalking, criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750, criminal trespassing, harassment.

Riena Maria Ortiz, 31, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 3 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): no drivers license, failure to maintain financial responsibility. Released on Feb. 4 on $1,000 in bonds.

Rolando Prince Solorzano, 39, of La Porte was arrested Feb. 3 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on Feb. 4 on $500 in bonds.

Zachary William Taylor, 30, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 3 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750, public intoxication. Released on Feb. 4 on $2,000 in bonds.

Amara Linda Tillery, 35, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 3 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. Released on Feb. 5 on $10,000 in bonds.

James Scot Bolm, 47, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 4 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.

Enrique Martinez, 48, of Cedar Creek was arrested Feb. 4 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension, driving while license invalid. Released on Feb. 5 on $2,000 in bonds.

Ashley Nicole Alexander, 38, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 5 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.

James Scot Bolm, 47, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 5 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): stalking, deadly conduct by discharging firearm, burglary of habitation.

Ruben Tyler Crawford, 27, of Stephenville was arrested Feb. 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15.

Melissa Ann England, 34, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 5 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction. Released on Feb. 5 on $2,500 in bonds.

Eddie Garcia Lopez, 36, of Austin was arrested Feb. 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): jumping bail and failure to appear by felon. Released on Feb. 5 on $10,000 in bonds.

Timothy Aaron Riley, 48, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 5 by the Constable (CONST1): injury to children, elderly, or disabled with reckless body injury, reckless assault interfering with breathing or circulation of a family member, jumping bail and failure to appear by felon.

Ryan Wade Shackelford, 38, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): obstruction or retaliation.

Christina Torres, 57, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 5 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15.

editor@thepicayune.com