Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham will be stepping down following the 2026 Republican primary election in March. Cunningham accepted a new position with the Texas Association of Counties, and the winner of the primary will likely serve the remaining 10 months of his term.
The outgoing judge announced on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that he would be vacating his seat and taking the County Relations Officer job with TAC on March 16. This comes after he publicly announced in September 2025 that he would not be running again, leaving the county judge’s seat open for the March 3 primary election.
“Llano County is in capable hands, and I remain confident in its bright future,” Cunningham wrote in a Jan. 27 media release. “TAC plays a critical role in strengthening county government in all 254 Texas counties. I look forward to supporting county officials statewide and helping ensure they have the tools they need to serve their communities.”
According to Cunningham, the current plan is to officially resign during the Llano County Commissioners Court meeting following the results of the Republican primary. The remaining members of the court will then vote to appoint the winner of the primary as the new county judge to serve out the remainder of Cunningham’s term, which expires in January 2027.
There are no Democratic challengers in the Llano County judge’s race, so the winner of the Republican primary will almost certainly take office to serve out their own four-year term after Cunningham’s expires.
Cunningham told DailyTrib that he intentionally waited to step down until the results of the primary were official to ensure that there was a transition of power justified by the voice of Llano County voters rather than a decision made solely by the Commissioners Court.
“The reason I waited until March is I didn’t want the court to become a circus,” he said.
There are two candidates running for the Republican nomination for Llano County judge– Rob Hardy and Richard Kepp.
DailyTrib is hosting a Llano County candidate forum featuring both men at 6 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Llano County Community Center. Learn more about the candidates and the forum in this Jan. 9 DailyTrib story.
Cunningham has been in office since 2019. During his tenure, he navigated significant events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the winter storms of 2021, extreme drought and wildfires, the Llano County Library System lawsuit, and the historic flooding of the Llano and Colorado rivers in October 2018.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Llano County,” Cunningham said. “During my two terms, I have had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional individuals and organizations who care deeply about this county and state. Together, we have successfully faced major challenges and achieved meaningful progress that will benefit Llano County for years to come.”
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An 80-acre industrial recycling facility under construction in Briggs will soon see a major operations expansion thanks to an $11.5 million grant recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.
Construction and the expansion should be completed by mid-2026.
The grant was made out to MELT Technologies, which does business as AMERMIN, an Austin-based industrial firm that specializes in recycling, processing, and reclaiming critical materials.
This particular facility was awarded the grant to support tungsten carbide reclamation and bolster the U.S. national supply. The durable compound is used in key industrial sectors like defense, nuclear power, energy, aerospace, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and technology.
Burnet County Precinct 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle told DailyTrib that he looked into the project after seeing concerns expressed on social media about its potential impacts and purpose.
“Once we heard about this facility coming to the area, we vetted it out,” he said. “It will have a minimal impact on water usage and as it grows we’ll keep an eye on traffic concerns.”
The facility is expected to have about 30 employees at full buildout. According to the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, it has a well certified for a maximum output of 12 gallons per minute, giving it an “exempt” status, meaning it is not capable of producing enough water to require an operating permit through the district.
The project
“We appreciate the (Department of Energy’s) confidence in AMERMIN to establish a reliable domestic source of critical materials and minerals, addressing important supply chain and national security issues,” AMERMIN CEO Ryan McAdams said in a company media release.
According to the DOE, tungsten carbide is essential for U.S. manufacturing and the grant should help secure domestic sources of the material.
“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign nations for the minerals and materials that power our economy,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright wrote in a DOE media release. “We have these resources here at home, but years of complacency ceded America’s mining and industrial base to other nations.”
U.S. Congressional District 31 Rep. John Carter, representing Burnet County, expressed his support for the facility and its purpose.
“This significant $11.5 million federal investment in Texas-born AMERMIN, located in the heart of my district, is a testament to the important work the company is doing to increase American manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical materials and minerals that are important to nearly every industry,” Carter said.
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It’s softball season in Burnet, which means the Lady Dawgs Softball team is gearing up to hit the fields at full-swing. Scrimmages have already begun, and the Varsity Wimberley Tournament is fast approaching, kicking off on Feb. 12.
The Lady Dawgs come off a 12-14-1 season in 2025, placing third in district after being knocked out of playoff contention in a three-game series against Gatesville. The Lady Dawgs fought hard to win the second game of the series to force a third, but were unable to overcome the Hornets.
With a new season on the horizon, head coach Jayci Craig told DailyTrib that the team’s focus will be growth, teamwork, and representing their school.
“We are looking forward to the upcoming softball season and are excited to continue building a competitive, disciplined program,” Craig said. “Our focus will be on growth, teamwork, and representing our school with spirit, pride, and honor both on and off the field.”
Check out the full season preview below:
TEAM NAME: Burnet High School Lady Dawgs Softball Team
HEAD COACH: Jayci Craig
ASSISTANT COACH: Brent Kelley, Andrew Baker
LAST SEASON RECORD: 12-14-1 (7-5 in district)
SCHEDULE:Subject to change
Jan. 24 – Home vs. Brownwood/Lago Vista (Scrimmage)(Canceled)
Jan. 27, 5 p.m. – Home vs. Stephenville (Scrimmage)
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The window to file for the upcoming Kingsland Municipal Utility District Board of Directors election is open until Feb. 13.
The available seats are:
Place 3, currently held by Ken Black
Place 4, currently held by Kim Delz
Place 5, currently held by Jared Fields
Board of Directors info
The KMUD Board is composed of five members – president, vice president, secretary, and two directors– who are elected by residents to represent them in district decision making.
These are unpaid, volunteer positions. Board members serve staggered four-year terms and meet monthly for regular meetings.
The board is responsible for overseeing the district’s operations, which primarily include providing sewer services, wastewater treatment, and other essential utility work to the greater Kingsland area.
Applicant requirements
To be eligible to serve, applicants must:
Be a qualified voter at the time of the election
Either own land subject to taxation within the district or be a qualified voter residing within the district
Be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Texas
How to file
Obtain and submit a candidate application at the District Administrative Office at 100 Ingram Street in Kingsland. Find a digital, downloadable version of the application at this link. Learn more about the election and filing process on the KMUD website. Contact KMUD with questions at 325-388-4559.
Election Schedule
-Jan. 13- Feb. 13 is the window to file for candidacy
-Feb. 13 is the last day for an election to be ordered
-April 2 is the last day to register to vote in this election
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The Highland Lakes will continue to see sub-freezing lows following a winter storm that recently dumped sleet, snow, and freezing rain on Burnet and Llano counties. While the lows will remain below 32 degrees in the coming days, there is currently no precipitation on the forecast and highs should reach the 40s and 50s deep into the week.
The cold, wet, icy conditions may continue to cause travel delays and impact government and business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Forecast
Monday, Jan. 26- according to the National Weather Service, temperatures will likely drop to 11 degrees on Monday night, but there is no precipitation predicted for the remainder of the week.
Tuesday, Jan. 27- the highs will climb above freezing, reaching an expected 45 degrees. The lows will remain below freezing at, at around 21 degrees.
Wednesday, Jan. 28- the highs will stay in the high 40s and the lows will rise into the high 20s.
Thursday, Jan. 29- highs will break into the high 50s, but the lows may remain just below freezing.
Travel updates
Many roads in the Highland Lakes area were considered hazardous or impassable over the weekend, leading to school closures, moved government meetings, altered business hours, and warnings from local law enforcement about dangerous driving conditions.
As of Monday afternoon, ice and snow have melted, but it could refreeze when temperatures drop again after sunset.
The Marble Falls Police Department is warning drivers about traversing RR 1431.
“East (RR) 1431 going towards Cedar Park has heavy ice on the roads which has resulted in multiple vehicles going off the roadway,” reads a statement from MFPD. “For residents attempting to go West on FM 1431, Lookout Mountain is mostly impassable. There are limited tow trucks for the region resulting in heavy delays to extract vehicles.”
As of Monday afternoon, Lookout Mountain on RR 1431 just east of Kingsland was still considered impassable.
All local agencies are advising to avoid travel or to drive with caution as of Monday.
“Road conditions are as bad or worse than yesterday (Sunday, Jan. 25),” reads a statement from the Burnet County Office of Emergency Management. “We urge everyone to stay off the roads until conditions improve. Road and Bridge crews as well as (Texas Department of Transportation) crews continue to attempt to clear roadways. Be sure to give them space to work safely. If you absolutely have to travel, stay away from bridges and overpasses, and avoid hills that may be troublesome.”
Closures and schedule changes
Some government offices, schools, and businesses could have impacted schedules and hours on Tuesday.
The Llano Independent School District, Marble Falls Independent School District, and Burnet Consolidated Independent School District announced on Monday afternoon that Tuesday classes would be canceled.
Check the school district’s social media pages for updates and changes:
The Llano County Commissioners Court moved its regular meeting from 9 a.m. on Monday to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, at the same location, 752 Andy Taylor Drive in Llano.
The Burnet County Commissioners Court still plans to hold its regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at 220 S. Pierce Street.
City of Burnet offices will not open until 1 p.m. on Tuesday to allow for road assessments. Updates will be made on the city’s social media.
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Marble Falls recently received a $750,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for major upgrades to Westside Park. The grant greenlights a host of improvements, including the construction of a long-awaited inclusive playground.
“The investment in Westside Park represents our commitment to creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable recreational spaces for our community,” Lacey Dingman, director of Marble Falls Parks and Recreation, wrote in a Jan. 23 media release. “This grant allows us to move forward with improvements that will benefit residents of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”
Westside Park is a 13-acre park at the intersection of 2nd Street and Avenue Q. Current features include a dog park, basketball courts, disc golf, playgrounds, a pavilion, hike-and-bike trail, and more.
The improvements are in the design phase according to the city and work will begin once that phase is completed.
The new improvements include:
Construction of an inclusive playground
Parking lot improvements
Interbank trail upgrades and enhancements
Expansion and renovation of restroom facilities
The grant is just one piece of a $3.35 million funding puzzle assembled by the city and its partners to move forward with Westside Park improvements.
$2 million comes from city funding
$600,000 comes from private donors
$750,000 from the TPWD grant
One of the greatest changes to the park will be the inclusive playground, dubbed Wyatt’s Clubhouse. The playscape will be designed to meet the needs of children of all ability levels. The project was spearheaded by the Marble Falls Inclusive Play Group, which has been raising funds and advocating for the playscape since 2022.
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Melody Yanniell, vice president of Prosperity Bank in Kingsland and former Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce president, is retiring after a 48-year career in banking and community service.
A retirement party, open to the public, is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 at Prosperity Bank, 1801 W. RR 1431 in Kingsland.
Yanniell began her career June 19, 1978, two weeks after graduating from Llano High School. Undecided on her next step, she applied for an entry-level job at Highland Lakes National Bank, now Prosperity Bank, after her school counselor, Phil Wagner, encouraged her to apply.
She interviewed with then owner Woody McCasland, and was hired, beginning a career that would span nearly five decades.
“I was scared to death,” Yanniell told DailyTrib.
Over the years, Yanniell took advantage of numerous opportunities to further her education. She said she is most proud of completing the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, a three-year graduate program.
“Mr. McCasland, he afforded me every opportunity. All I had to do was ask, and he let me become more educated,” Yanniell said.
Beyond her professional growth, Yanniell became deeply involved in community leadership through the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce. She first served briefly on the chamber’s board in the 1990s but said she was shy and lacked experience at the time.
Years later, former Buddies owner Derek Timmons encouraged Yanniell to return to the board. With the benefit of additional experience, she went on to serve as board president for three years, helping lead efforts to transform Kingsland Community Park.
“It was a valuable asset for our community,” Yanniell said.
Alongside her professional and civic commitments, Yanniell said she takes pride in being able to raise her children in the same neighborhood and attend the same schools she did, remaining rooted in the community that she helped build.
As she looks ahead to retirement, Yanniell said she is eager to slow down and spend more time with her husband and grandchildren, though leaving behind the daily visits with her customers will be difficult.
“It’s more than just a number, you know, my customers and the people in the community, it’s a relationship. That’s what I value most and what I’m going to miss the most.”
After taking some time for herself, Yanniell said she plans to continue finding ways to give back.
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Jan. 16 – Jan. 22, 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.
Michael Andrew Hernandez, 49, of Austin was arrested Jan. 16 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension, driving while intoxicated, third offense or more.
Malinda Ann Hollingsworth-Tucker, 55, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Jan. 16 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams. Released on Jan. 16 on $25,000 in bonds.
Daniel Bryson Metzgar, 23, of Meadowlakes was arrested Jan. 16 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): burglary of a habitation.
Gregory Jay Scott, 69, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Jan. 16 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third offense or more.
Joe Jesse Ybarra Jr., 17, of Lampasas was arrested Jan. 16 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): diving while intoxicated. Released on Jan. 17 on $1,500 in bonds.
Jessica Robin Campbell, 49, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 17 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension.
Jesse Robert Leppert, 44, of Briggs was arrested Jan. 17 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): public intoxication, pedestrian in roadway. Released on Jan. 17 on $1,000 in bonds.
Sarah Nicole Weber, 45, of Bertram was arrested Jan. 17 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, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jorge Camacho Jr., 38, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 18 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Jan. 19 on $1,500 in bonds.
Cosmo Nevada Carney, 44, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.15. Released on Jan. 19 on $15,000 in bonds.
Ana Jazmyn Herrera, 23, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 18 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): violation of a bond or protective order.
Francis Bradley Jackson, 40, of Lufkin was arrested Jan. 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.
Garvon Ratliff, 61, of Kempner was arrested Jan. 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces, unlicensed carry of a weapon. Released on Jan. 19 on $4,000 in bonds.
Chanc Shane Amidon, 25, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on Jan. 19 on $7,500 in bonds.
Bonnie Kristene Edwards, 58, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): organized retail theft of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Jan. 20 on $2,500.
Reyes Isidro Garcia Jr., 26, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 19 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): violation of a bond or protective order, stalking.
Ana Jazmyn Herrera, 23, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 19 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury. Released on Jan. 19 on $15,000 in bonds.
Weston Wayne McKay, 29, of Waco was arrested Jan. 19 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): no valid drivers license in possession. Released on Jan. 19, paid fine.
Brandon Joel Brown, 28, of China Springs was arrested Jan. 20 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family member impeding breathing or circulation, continuous violence against the family, criminal mischief of more than $100 but less than $750, criminal trespassing.
Clinton Grey Walker, 32, of Salado was arrested Jan. 20 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated. Released on Jan. 22 on $2,500 in bonds.
Justine Alyssa Arnold, 33, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 21 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on Jan. 22 on $2,000 in bonds.
Brandon Joel Brown, 28, of China Springs was arrested Jan. 21 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family member impeding breathing or circulation.
Jose de Jesus de Lira Gomez, 34, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 21 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jamir Alberto Garcia, 17, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Released on Jan. 22 on $10,000 in bonds.
Andy Lozada-Rojas, 17, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 21 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
Alberto Barrientes Ruiz, 68, of Elgin was arrested Jan. 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on Jan. 22 on $1,000 in bonds.
Lacy Renee Serles, 44, of Waco was arrested Jan. 21 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal trespassing.
Brandon Joel Brown, 28, of China Springs was arrested on Jan. 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension, violating a bond or protective order.
Tanya Frances Davis, 40, of San Antonio was arrested on Jan. 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): bail jumping, failure to appear on a felony charge.
Torrence Edward Foster, 41, of Burnet was arrested on Jan. 22 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft.
Kaleb Allen Hill, 51, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 22 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension.
Rodolpho Garza Llanas, 42, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 22 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): engaging in organized criminal activity, theft of property valued more than $30,000 but less than $150,000.
Hubert Larry McCall, 63, of Somerville was arrested Jan. 22 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.
Donald Kevin Rhodabarger, 57, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 22 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): sexual assault.
Krystal Leeann Strassburg, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 22 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): criminal trespassing.
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Editor’s note:This story has been made ‘free’ and is viewable without a DailyTrib subscription for the benefit of Highland Lakes area residents’ safety during the expected winter storm Jan. 23-26.
A winter storm is on the doorstep of the Highland Lakes area, and it will likely bring sub-freezing temperatures, dangerous travel conditions, and possible power outages.
According to a forecast from the National Weather Service, as of 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, the storm is expected to hit on Friday night and bring temperatures in the high 20s with 100 percent chances of showers that could develop into freezing rain. One to two inches of precipitation are expected.
Rain and freezing rain is likely to continue through Saturday morning and early afternoon, then sleet is likely after 3 p.m.
The temperature will likely plummet on Saturday night, dropping into the teens. Wind gusts of up to 20 mph are expected along with 100 percent chances of precipitation.
More precipitation could come on Sunday morning, but skies are expected to clear on that day. Temperatures will likely not rise above freezing and may even drop into the single digits.
Current forecasts show Monday with clear skies, but highs below freezing and single digit lows.
Temperatures could rise above freezing by Tuesday.
A Pedernales Electric Cooperative crew works to restore power in Dripping Springs after a tree fell on transmission lines during a previous ice storm. Courtesy photo
PEC, which serves most of Burnet County, has work crews on standby in case of outages.
Prepare homes by dripping faucets and insulate outdoor pipes
Insulate indoor pipes near a home’s exterior
Charge cell phones, computers, and portable battery banks prior to the storm
Have a plan for perishable foods that require refrigeration or freezing temperatures
Plan for the loss of internet access
Plan for ways to keep warm without central heat or electric space heaters
Plan for ways to keep pets, livestock, and plants warm
Keep bottled water accessible and away from the cold
Do not use gas heaters in enclosed spaces
Much of the meat at the H-E-B grocery store in Marble Falls was gone by the morning of Friday, Jan. 23. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Supplies and panic buying
Some businesses may see “panic buying” of supplies and certain foods leading up to and through the winter storm.
As of Friday, Jan. 23, DailyTrib staff observed big clearouts at H-E-B, but little impact at Walmart.
The H-E-B in Marble Falls, at 1503 RR 1431, was out of eggs, most of its perishable dairy products, and much of its unfrozen meat as of 11 a.m. on Friday. The store still had ample supplies of toilet paper, produce, bottled water, and most other necessities.
Walmart in Marble Falls, at 2700 U.S. 281, did not seem to have been hit by the same panic shopping as H-E-B and had a regular stock of all items.
Warming centers
Ark of Highland Lakes will have two 24-hour warming centers open starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, and they will likely remain open until freezing conditions subside. The centers will serve as refuge for residents in need that may not have access to warm or comfortable conditions during the storm.
Volunteers are still needed to help man the centers. Contact Ark at 325-423-3662 to learn more or to offer your aid as a volunteer.
Burnet warming center- First Methodist Church, 301 E. Graves Street
School closures
The winter storm may lead to school closures on Monday, Jan. 26, if dangerous conditions continue.
The Marble Falls Independent School District will decide by 8 p.m. on Sunday whether or not changes will be made to Monday’s schedule. All school activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday are canceled. Follow the district’s social media for updates over the weekend.
The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District is monitoring the storm and will provide updates on potential changes to hours or closures as needed. Follow the district’s social media for updates over the weekend.
The Llano Independent School District is monitoring the storm and will provide updates on potential changes to hours or closures as needed. Follow the district’s social media for updates over the weekend.
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