Frontier Communications is working on a major expansion project in Marble Falls that should bring light speed internet to homes across the city. A presentation to the City Council on Jan. 6 laid out the details on the expansion and what it will mean for residents.
According to Frontier Vice President of External Affairs David Russell, the communications company will soon begin buildout of a new fiber optic cable network, which should bring 7 gigabit download and upload speeds to about 4,300 homes in Marble Falls by the end of 2026.
“We’re building this advanced technology in dozens of communities across Texas to modernize our network,” Russell told the council. “We appreciate this opportunity to make (the council) and residents aware of this investment that we’re making here in Marble Falls.”
Frontier–a Dallas-based company– is funding the expansion with its own money, raised in capital markets. The project is not funded by tax dollars or grants according to Russell. He did not share a specific price tag for the investment, but described it as “quite a bit of money.”
Russell explained that Frontier staff had met with city staff in December 2025 to ensure that the project followed all necessary city rules and guidelines. Once these guidelines are clear, work will begin and the expansion could be completed before the end of 2026, with residents gaining access to the new fiber optic network as it is completed.
This is a private internet network, but its infrastructure will be in the public right-of-way throughout the city. The fiber will follow Frontier’s existing copper cable network, 74 percent of which is suspended along power lines, and the remaining 26 percent is buried.
Marble Falls city staff are working with the company on proper procedures for the project to move forward, but there is no official action for the City Council to take in greenlighting the project as long as it follows local, state, and federal regulations.
Frontier crews will leave door hangers and notify residents of the work as they proceed. The work should be relatively non-invasive, as it does not require streets to be torn open or any trenching.
Russell also said that Frontier Communications would be merging with Verizon in the coming months, and residents may see a change in branding after the companies combine.
Use of the fiber service will be optional, and once it is installed, the speeds can be upgraded in the future without impacting residential infrastructure. Russell said it will be an exceptional upgrade.
The industry standard for broadband, high speed internet is 100 megabits per second download speeds and 20 megabits per second upload speeds. The 7 gbs fiber optic service will offer speeds 70 times faster than the standard download speed and offer the same speed when uploading.
“The fiber itself is ultra-pure glass, as thin as a human hair, and then we use high intensity lasers to shoot different wavelengths of light through that glass and each wavelength has different levels of communication on it, depending on the different frequencies of the light signature,” he said. “By being able to put communications in light, over fiber, it’s the fastest form of communication that physics will permit as we know it.”
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The city of Burnet gathered for the swearing in of new Police Chief Tony Hefferin at City Hall on Friday, Jan. 16, drawing in friends, family, city council members, and even old coworkers to celebrate the occasion.
Hefferin, a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned law enforcement agent, recently took the helm of the Burnet Police Department after the retirement of Chief Brian Lee on Dec. 31.
City Manager David Vaughn and City Secretary Maria Gonzales swear in Chief Hefferin on Friday, Jan. 16. Staff photo by Caden Senn.
Lee served the department for four years before deciding it was time to lay down his badge and spend time with his family. Hefferin and Lee worked closely together in the two months leading up to the retirement to ensure a smooth transition for the department and city.
Chief Hefferin brings with him a career in law enforcement that began in 1998 after finishing five years of service in the U.S. Navy and then joining the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, near Houston. There, he would spend the next six years working as a corrections officer and a patrol deputy before making a shift to Harris County and joining the Bellaire Police Department.
Chief Hefferin receives his chief badge, pinned by his wife Charlene. Staff photo by Caden Senn.
Throughout his 21-year tenure in Bellaire, Hefferin served as an officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in various patrol and administrative settings.
Hefferin now hopes to use his rich experience to continue building the morale of BPD and support the work they do for the community.
“I’m just ready to be able to contribute to the great work that this department has already done,“ said Hefferin at the ceremony.
Mayor Gary Wideman was among several other city officials who were present at Chief Hefferin’s swearing in. Staff photo by Caden Senn.
Chief Hefferin’s ceremony drew the support of several members of the community, including Mayor Gary Wideman and councilors Philip Thurman and Tommy Gaut, as well as a few of his old coworkers from the city of Bellaire who travelled to see the occasion.
To keep up with Chief Hefferin and the BPD’s work in the city, visit the department’s website and email any questions or concerns to police@cityofburnet.com.
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The Cottonwood Shores City Council approved the rezoning of lots 2, 3, and 4 in the Castle Mountain Estates subdivision from single-family residential to planned-unit development mixed-use. The change means that both residential and commercial buildings are now permitted in the area.
The approval came during the Jan. 15 council meeting with a 2-1 vote, despite opposition from residents who raised concerns about infrastructure, safety during flooding, and the capacity of water and sewage systems.
The Kissling family, longtime property owners in the city, spoke at the meeting.
“We would like to see a little bit more of what’s intended,” Cameron Kissling said. “We’ve seen nothing to explain how this benefits the area.”
His father, Jim Kissling, added, “Is it going to be a bar? A restaurant? Retail? A gas station? That hasn’t been conveyed. I wouldn’t present it for approval without knowing what’s going to be there.”
Councilor Michael Ritchie assured residents that future developments would still require council approval and could be vetoed if concerns arise.
“As a (planned-use development), we can veto anything as a council that goes there. So if someone were to come up, they would have a plan and we would say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to that,” Ritchie said.
The council noted similar rezoning has already been approved for nearby lots, and a commercial entrance for the area has been approved by the Texas Department of Transportation.
According to the city, the request for the rezoning came from three different groups with an interest in the properties.
The Castle Mountain Estates area is on the west side of Cottonwood Shores, on a high hill overlooking the Highland Lakes. It is just off of Thanksgiving Mountain Road, and separated by elevation from RM 2147. The subdivision is also slated to neighbor a $75 million condominium project, Bluffview Waters, that was approved by Cottonwood Shores City Council in August 2025.
Cottonwood Shores city council structure
The approval for the rezoning came despite half of the six-member City Council being absent for the decision. The final vote came in at 2-1 with Place 1 Councilor Michael Ritchie and Place 2 Councilor Gary Parsons voting in favor of the rezoning and Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl Trinidad voting against it.
Mayor Jared Dodd, Place 4 Councilor Laura Hankins, and Place 5 Councilor Roger L. Wayson were absent from the meeting.
Cottonwood Shores is a Type A general-law municipality, meaning it is run by a City Council consisting of one mayor and five councilors. A city manager, in this case J.C. Hughes, handles the operation of the city while the council decides on policy, direction, and budget.
In a Type A general-law city, the mayor only votes when there is a tie to be broken. Otherwise, voting is up to the five city councilors. As long as there is a majority vote, even if only three of the five councilors are present, a measure may be passed.
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Jan. 9 – Jan. 15, 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.
Daniel Rodriguez Alejos, 50, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): practicing medicine in violation of subtitle. Released on Jan. 9 on $75,000 in bonds.
Blake Ryan Bauer, 28, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 9 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): expired license plate registration. Released on Jan. 9 on $250 in bonds.
Tacia Martha Beaurline, 54, of Bertram was arrested Jan. 9 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): public intoxication. Released on Jan. 9 on $500 in bonds.
Jon Curtis Jackson, 45, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 9 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on Jan. 10 on $500 in bonds.
Jacob Andrew Leader, 34, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 9 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): running a stop sign, failure to appear.
Derrick Kendell Burns, 39, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, possession of a dangerous drug. Released on Jan. 10 on $12,500 in bonds.
Ian Adam Emden, 35, of Leander was arrested Jan. 10 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): theft of property valued more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Jan. 10 on $2,500 in bonds.
Aaron Dean Inman, 49, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): hindering apprehension or prosecution of a known felon.
Rodrick Wayne King, 39, of Spicewood was arrested Jan. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Jan. 11 on $3,000 in bonds.
Marco Antonio Orozco-Diaz, 34, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 10 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): assault causing bodily injury, assault class c by contact. Released on Jan. 11 on $21,000 in bonds.
Oscar Sanchez, 27, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.
Delaney Rose Santora, 27, of Leander was arrested Jan. 10 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): resisting arrest, search, or transport, interfering with public duties. Released on Jan. 10 on $7,500 in bonds.
Branndan Rycker Schwab, 25, of San Antonio was arrested Jan. 10 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): evading arrest or detention, failed to signal turn. Released on Jan. 11 on $3,000 in bonds.
Jovita Marie Garza, 33, of Briggs was arrested Jan. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
Rebecca Kathleen Laney, 35, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age. Released on Jan. 11 on $10,000 in bonds.
Zackary William Phillips, 20, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 11 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams. Released on Jan. 12 on $10,000 in bonds.
Jovita Marie Garza, 33, of Briggs was arrested Jan. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property valued less than $100 with a previous conviction.
Gage Alexander Hernandez, 27, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 12 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction. Released on Jan. 13 on $1,500 in bonds.
Gage Alexander Hernandez, 27, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): speeding 10% above the posted limit (83/60). Released on Jan. 13 on $500 in bonds.
Jesse Robert Leppert, 44, of Briggs was arrested Jan. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): pedestrian in roadway, public intoxication.
Crystal Rivera, 45, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to family member. Released on Jan. 13 on $1,500 in bonds.
David Robert Tindle, 39, of Lake Worth was arrested Jan. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, unlicensed carry of a weapon, theft of property valued more than $100 but less than $750, failure to maintain financial responsibility.
David Robert Tindle, 39, of Lake Worth was arrested Jan. 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): expired registration, failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, failure to appear.
Shawn Michael Allard, 17, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention.
Isaac Thomas Enriquez, 43, of San Angelo was arrested Jan. 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): reckless driving, assault causing bodily injury.
Robin Reanea Fine, 62, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 14 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.
Rayvn Brooke Ross, 29, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 14 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): forgery of a financial instrument. Released on Jan. 15 on $40,000 in bonds.
Shawn Michael Allard, 17, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Stormie Teresa Campazano, 18, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams.
Colton Allen Gumbert, 32, of Granite Shoals was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): engaging in organized criminal activity, theft of property valued more than $30,000 but less than $150,000. Released on Jan. 15 on parole.
Donald Louis Hoover II, 49, of Florence was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): public intoxication. Released on Jan. 15 on $500 in bonds.
Francis Bradley Jackson, 40, of Burnet was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): injury to child, elderly, or disabled with intent to cause bodily injury.
Jennifer Lysandra New, 51, of Kingsland was arrested Jan. 15 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): failure to appear, expired drivers license.
Alex Mauricio Quintero, 24, of Bertram was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension.
Omar Roberto Rodriguez Jr., 24, of Marble Falls was arrested Jan. 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated.
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Agendas for Highland Lakes governments are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check the links for more information.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Horseshoe Bay City Council
3 p.m. regular meeting
Council Chambers, 1 Community Drive in Horseshoe Bay
public hearing, discuss, consider, and take action on a variance request for Cap Rock Thundercloud, a 1.0-acre subdivision with 2 garden home lots off Bay West Boulevard in Horseshoe Bay West
discuss and consider appointing members to the Capital Improvements (Impact Fees) Advisory Committee
discuss and consider approval of Ordinance 2026-08, amending budgeted funds for fiscal year 2024-25
Marble Falls City Council
6 p.m. regular meeting
Council Chambers, 800 Third Street in Marble Falls
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Two seats are up for election on the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees in the coming May 2 election. District residents have until Feb. 13 to file for candidacy.
The available seats are:
• Place 3, currently held by Suzanne Brown
• Place 7, currently held by Mark Kincaid
Board of Trustees info
The BCISD Board of Trustees is made up of seven total members–six trustees and one board president–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.
Applicant requirements
To be eligible to serve, applicants must:
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Not have been convicted of a felony
• Have resided Texas for 12 months or more
• Have resided in the district for at least six months
• Be a registered voter in the district
How to file
To file for candidacy, applicants may pick up and submit an application at the BCISD Central Office, 208 E. Brier in Burnet.
Find the BCISD Board of Trustees’ candidate packet online here, which includes an online version of the application.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Election Schedule
-Jan. 14- 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
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.
The MFISD Board of Trustees is made up of seven total members–six trustees and one board president–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.
Applicant requirements
To be eligible to serve, applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be 18 years of age or older
Not have been convicted of a felony
Have resided Texas for 12 months or more
Have resided in the district for at least six months
Be a registered voter in the district
How to file
To file for candidacy, applicants may pick up and submit an application at the MFISD Administration Office, 1800 Colt Circle in Marble Falls.
Find the MFISD Board of Trustees’ candidate packet online here, which includes an online version of the application.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Election Schedule
-Jan. 14- 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
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.
Cottonwood Shores City Council has amended an ordinance to prohibit unauthorized parking and the storage of trailers, vehicles, and other items in city parks and boat ramps.
“We’re just closing a loophole,” City Manager J.C. Hughes told DailyTrib.
City Secretary Bobby Herrin said during the Jan. 15 meeting that language written years ago unintentionally allowed trailers to be parked or stored in the city parks and boat ramps.
“Years ago, they wrote the ordinance up and under permitted uses on the park property, it allowed the parking of trailers, any type of trailer, or storing them in the park,” Herrin said.
Under the amended ordinance, vehicles and trailers are still allowed at parks and boat ramps when they are actively being used to launch or retrieve boats. However, they cannot be stored or left in those areas for prolonged periods.
The council approved the measure unanimously.
Although the city has not experienced issues with long-term parking or storage, officials said the amendment is a proactive step to prevent future problems and gives the city clear authority to address violations.
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On Jan. 9, A Burnet County jury found Martin Mendoza-Tovar, 54, of Burnet, guilty on three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
The jury assessed a punishment of 25 years imprisonment on each count. 33rd District Court Judge Allen Garrett determined that Medoza-Tovar would serve two sentences consecutively and one in full, meaning his total sentence is 50 years in the Texas prison system.
According to a media release issued by the 33rd/424th District Attorney’s Office, Mendoza-Tovar was convicted after a week-long trial showed evidence that he had sexually abused his step-granddaughter over a two-year period. Two of his granddaughters also testified that he had sexually abused them when they were children.
The jury also heard testimony from the victim’s family members, including her mother, sister, cousin, aunt, and grandmother. Forensic interviewers from the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center also offered expert testimony about the abuse.
Assistant district attorneys Sheri Bloom and Michael Walker prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Texas. Mendoza-Tovar was represented by attorney Richard Davis. The Burnet Police Department and the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation and trial.
“Justice was served because of the courage of the victims, the hard work of law enforcement, and the jury’s diligence and attentiveness,” wrote Assistant District Attorney Bloom in the release. “It’s always a tragedy when a child is betrayed and victimized by a trusted family member, but today’s verdict ensures that this defendant will never be able to harm another child.”
District Attorney Perry Thomas also commented on the outcome.
“Child abuse is an ever-present scourge in our community and throughout the State of Texas, but we’re working every single day, with the help of our tireless law enforcement partners, to hold every child abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
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