A roughly 3.5-mile stretch of roadway between Burnet and Marble Falls has seen significant resurfacing work completed this week at the hands of the Texas Department of Transportation. A potential roadway expansion project could follow.
The road work, covering five lanes of traffic along U.S. 281 between Park Road 4 and FM 1855, began May 18.
Noticeable lengths of resurfaced roads began cropping up the week of Monday, June 15, beginning at FM 1855 and extending roughly one mile north near the Lhoist quarry entrance. As of Friday, several heavy-duty vehicles and pieces of machinery to tackle the job were staged at the southwest corner of the U.S. 281-FM 1855 intersection.
Potentially more work to come
During a February 10 Burnet County Commissioner’s Court meeting, commissioners submitted a letter of support to TxDOT related to a potential lane expansion project along the same stretch of roadway currently being repaved.
According to the letter, the expansion would turn the four-lane segments of the roadway into a five-lane segment with a two-way left turn lane and 10-foot shoulders.
“On behalf of Burnet County, we express our strong support for the proposed roadway improvements along US 281 from RM 1855 to PR 4,” reads the letter. “This project represents a necessary and meaningful investment in transportation infrastructure that will enhance safety, improve mobility, and support continued regional growth and economic vitality of Burnet county.”
Burnet County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery told fellow commissioners during the meeting that the proposed expansion project was submitted by the county’s TxDOT engineer for consideration to be a part of a $330 million transportation funding opportunity from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
CAMPO serves as a transportation planning organization covering Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. The organization works with various local and state agencies to ensure transportation projects are facilitated across the entire region fairly.
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Cottonwood Shores will host its 5th annual Kids Fishing with Cops event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The event takes place at the Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina, 200 S. Wirtz Dam Road, and is open to children ages 2-16 from Cottonwood Shores, Horseshoe Bay, and Marble Falls.
Hosted by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department in partnership with TXB, the event offers young anglers an opportunity to spend the day fishing alongside local law enforcement officers.
Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught. Participants and their families will also enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs, and snow cones.
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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.
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from June 12-18, 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.
Edgar Esteban Barrientos-Cruz, 31, of Austin was arrested June 12 by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW): intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle.
Jackelyn Diane Bernal, 47, of Burnet was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram. Released on June 14, credit time served.
Kelly Lee Boydstun, 35, of Belton was arrested June 12 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 13 on $1,500 in bonds.
Jose Luis Gutierrez, 43, of Bertram was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): intoxicated assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury.
Kevin Quintanilla Jaramillo, 47, of Kempner was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): violation of a bond or protective order two or more times within 12 months. Released on June 12 on $72,500 in bonds.
Jorge Miranda II, 27, of Marble Falls was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
Michael Clay Smith, 69, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested June 12 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on June 16 on $500 in bonds.
Robert Christopher Tillery, 34, of Kingsland was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 16 on $13,000 in bonds.
Colby Wayne Vaughn, 50, of Burnet was arrested June 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated, third or more charge.
Seth Aiden Bolinger, 19, of Mason was arrested June 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a peace officer or judge, resisting arrest, search, or transportation. Released on June 13 on $17,500 in bonds.
William Henry Luedecke IV, 53, of Bertram was arrested June 13 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 14 on $1,500 in bonds.
Lonnie William Medders, 41, of Forney was arrested June 13 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on June 14 on $1,500 in bonds.
Antje Morris, 45, of Marble Falls was arrested June 13 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age. Released on June 14 on $7,500 in bonds.
Amaris Nicole Biddle, 26, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 14 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
Josue Loui Sanchez, 19, of Kingsland was arrested June 14 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication, disorderly conduct, minor in consumption. Released on June 14 on $750 in bonds.
Charles Edwin Clayton, 27, of Burnet was arrested June 15 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on June 16 on $2,500 in bonds.
Mindi Natali Coronado, 31, of Marble Falls was arrested June 15 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid. Released on June 18, paid fine.
Joshua William Foster, 29, of Lampasas was arrested June 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.15 or greater. Released on June 16 on $2,000 in bonds.
Jeremiah Joel Heuton, 40, of Liberty Hill was arrested June 15 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): criminal mischief valued more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Mariana Lorraine Martinez, 20, of Burnet was arrested June 15 by the Constable (CONST2): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.15 or greater. Released on June 15 on $7,500 in bonds.
Matthew Montez, 24, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested June 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): harassment of a public servant.
Sem Rojas-Salinas, 36, of Bertram was arrested June 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property valued more than $750 but less than $2,5000.
Fortino Miguel Salazar, 50, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): parole violation.
Brennen Trevor Westmoreland, 34, of Killeen was arrested June 15 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, bail jumping and failure to appear as a felon.
Dazjana Marie Bowden, 28, of Austin was arrested June 16 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): injury of an elderly person with intentional bodily injury. Released on June 17 on $25,000 in bonds.
Christopher Michael Hood, 49, of Lago Vista was arrested June 16 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility. Released on June 17 on $1,500 in bonds.
Holly Elayne Lapin, 37, of Liberty Hill was arrested June 16 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, two counts.
Dylan Gage Malm, 20, of Marble Falls was arrested June 16 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): injury of a child, elderly, or disabled person with criminal negligence.
Diego Gonzalez Celaya, 26, of Austinw as arrested June 16 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): injury of a child, elderly, or disabled person with intentional bodily injury.
Holly Elayne Lapin, 37, of Liberty Hill was arrested June 17 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, number of items more than 5 but less than 10.
Melissa Cantu, 29, of Granite Shoals was arrested June 18 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): no drivers license. Released on June 18 on $250 in bonds.
Jarrett Jamarco Grimes, 43, of Austin was arrested June 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): unlicensed possession of a firearm by a felon.
Aaron David Keel, 43, of Brownwood was arrested June 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while license invalid with a previous conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, two counts.
Lacy Kasner Pearson, 61, of Burnet was arrested June 18 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): obstruction of a highway or passageway with reckless driving, terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury, theft of property valued more than $100 but less than $750. Released on June 18 on $9,500 in bonds.
Anthony Grey Starr, 37, of Kingsland was arrested June 18 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving while intoxicated.
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The Marble Falls Police Department has addressed questions surrounding a shooting in the Thunder Rock neighborhood that left one teen dead and another charged with murder.
The shooting occurred in a vehicle in the 100 block of Gray Slate Avenue in south Marble Falls on June 11. The juvenile victim, identified as a Marble Falls High School student, was reportedly transported to Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, but died from his injuries.
The suspect in the shooting, an unnamed juvenile, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with murder.
“The Marble Falls Police Department is aware of questions circulating on social media regarding the charge filed in this case,” MFPD Chief Trisha Ratliff said in response to questions from DailyTrib. “While we cannot discuss evidence in an active criminal prosecution, we can clarify that criminal charges are based on the facts developed during the investigation and the applicable provisions of Texas law.”
Chief Ratliff clarified the nature of a murder charge in Texas, and how that may apply to the Thunder Rock shooting investigation.
“In Texas, a person may be charged with murder when they intentionally engage in conduct that is clearly dangerous to human life and that conduct results in someone’s death,” she said. “Based on the totality of the evidence gathered during this investigation, investigators and prosecutors determined that the facts supported the filing of a murder charge.”
Chief Ratliff acknowledged the significance of this case to the Highland Lakes community.
“We recognize the profound impact this tragedy has had on the families involved and our community,” she said. “Because this case involves juveniles and remains pending before the courts, we will not be releasing additional details at this time.”
The victim’s death was also felt by the Mustangs.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of one of our students last night,” reads a media release issued by Marble Falls High School Principal Patrick Hinson. “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who knew and cared for them during this incredibly difficult time.”
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Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19, this year, and many government offices, banks, post offices, and more will be closed in observance of the holiday. The community is also invited to a Juneteenth celebration and barbecue in Marble Falls.
Join St. Frederick’s Baptist Church 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Westside Park for a Juneteenth celebration. The event promises live music, food, and a Black history program.
“Come out, you will have a great experience,” St. Frederick’s Mission Outreach Ministry Director Bessie Jackson told DailyTrib. “This is our history, and by that I mean Texas history. It is about all of us.”
County government offices in Burnet and Llano counties will be closed, along with post offices. Most banks will likely be closed, as Juneteenth is a federal holiday.
Several city government offices will be closed, but some will remain open.
Closed:
Marble Falls
Granite Shoals
Sunrise Beach Village
Llano
Highland Haven
Open:
Horseshoe Bay
Burnet
Cottonwood Shores
Meadowlakes
Juneteenth
This is the sixth year Juneteenth has been observed in the United States as a federal holiday. It has been a state holiday in Texas since 1979.
Juneteenth marks the day that enslaved people in Texas received word they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, 2½ years after the Civil War ended.
Texas was the last state to receive news of the emancipation of enslaved people at the close of the Civil War, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Union troops landed in Galveston Bay on the Gulf Coast on June 19, 1865, declaring that all enslaved people were freed by executive order.
The freeing of the 250,000 slaves that remained in Texas on that day brought an official end to the institution of legal slavery in the United States.
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Marble Falls Middle School will have a new principal to lead students to success during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
During a Monday, June 15, school board meeting, Marble Falls Independent School District trustees approved the hiring of Dacarie Haskett as principal of Marble Falls Middle School. Haskett will take the helm on June 29, replacing the outgoing Rudy Gonzalez who began a new role as the Dripping Springs Middle School principal this month.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal of Marble Falls Middle School,” Haskett said in an MFISD statement. “I am excited to get to know our students, staff, and families and to work alongside them to create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.”
Haskett has 26 years of experience in education, having served as the assistant principal at Champion High School and Voss Middle School for Boerne ISD, and as a special education teacher, staff developer, and instructional coach and coordinator for Northside ISD.
She received a Bachelor of Education, Special Education, and Teaching from Texas State University and a Master of Education, Educational Leadership, and Administration from Grand Canyon University.
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Marble Falls moved into Stage 2 water restrictions on Thursday, June 18, following the city’s decision to cancel Stage 3 restrictions. The changes come after the completion of city water system upgrades.
Under Stage 2, residents and businesses will be limited to watering landscaped areas with spray irrigation including automatic irrigation systems, hose-end sprinklers, and soaker hoses no more than once per week.
Outdoor watering will only be allowed during designated hours: from midnight to 10:00 a.m. and again from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.
The city has established a schedule based on address and property type. Residential properties with odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays, while even-numbered residential addresses are assigned Thursdays. Commercial properties and public schools with odd-numbered addresses are scheduled for Fridays, and those with even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays.
Additional allowances apply for hose-end irrigation: odd-numbered residences may water on Saturdays, while even-numbered residences are assigned Sundays.
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Pedernales Electric Cooperative Regional Supervisor Lonnie Campos and his two sons, Gilbert and Bradley, are continuing a family tradition of linework that spans decades across Central Texas, including right here in Burnet County.
Lonnie has worked at Pedernales Electric Cooperative for 33 years, beginning in 1993 as a groundman before rising to regional operations supervisor for the Cedar Park line crew. His sons have followed in his footsteps: Bradley works for PEC in Bertram, while Gilbert entered the cooperative through its apprenticeship program and is now a journeyman lineman in Liberty Hill.
In his current role, Lonnie oversees crews that inspect equipment such as feeders and transformers and determine when infrastructure needs repair, replacement, or upgrades.
“I’ve always taken great pride in what we do as linemen,” Lonnie said in a media release. “I’ve seen so many outages and different challenges over the years. Getting the power back on is most important, in the safest way possible and as efficiently as possible.”
That commitment helped inspire his sons to pursue similar careers.
“Growing up, I saw how much pride my dad took in his work at PEC. And it wasn’t just a job to him. It was about serving people and helping keep the lights on for communities. I wanted to be a part of something that mattered the same way that it mattered to him,” Bradley said in a media release.
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