The meeting will be held 5:30-7 p.m. at Hill Country Hall, 15675 Texas 29 in Buchanan Dam.
Officials will outline how the floods affected fisheries resources in the Colorado River basin and share management plans to support recovery efforts. The meeting will also include opportunities for public input.
Topics will include an overview of Highland Lakes and Colorado River watershed fisheries, the status of the Guadalupe bass, riverine community recovery and research updates, and invasive species management.
Residents unable to attend may submit comments to Patrick Ireland, Inland Fisheries Division Austin/San Marcos District supervisor, by phone at 512-353-0072 or by email at patrick.ireland@tpwd.texas.gov.
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Horseshoe Bay welcomed new leadership during its Monday, Nov. 10 council meeting, as Mayor Jeff Jones and council members Frank Hosea and Ruben Fechner were sworn into office. Municipal Judge Kevin Madison performed the oath of office for each elected official.
Jones, Hosea, and Fechner all ran unopposed for their newly-acquired positions in the Nov. 4 election.
Jones, a longtime attorney and founding member of his own law firm, took the oath first. He replaces outgoing mayor Elsie Thurman, who chose to not run for reelection.
Municipal Judge Kevin Madison (left) swears in the new mayor, Jeff Jones, in a ceremony at the Nov. 10 city council meeting. City of Horseshoe Bay photo
He has owned property in Horseshoe Bay since 2007 and became a full-time resident with his wife, Candy, in 2020. A Baylor Law School graduate, Jones has practiced law since 1984 and founded his own firm, managing thousands of clients over a career spanning more than 40 years. He also teaches Bible school at the Church at Horseshoe Bay, where he and his family are active members. Jones’ mayoral term will run through 2027.
Following the ceremony, Jones appointed Councilor Larry Morgan as mayor pro tem. Morgan and his wife, Marie, became permanent residents in 2019 after purchasing their retirement home in 2015. With a background in accounting, Morgan knew he would be an asset to the city’s budget and finance operations. He has previously served on the Horseshoe Bay Board of Adjustment, the board of trustees for the Church at Horseshoe Bay, and he is a Horseshoe Bay Citizens Academy graduate. Morgan’s council term ends in 2026.
Returning council member Frank Hosea and newly-elected member Ruben Fechner were also sworn in during the meeting.
Municipal Judge Kevin Madison (left) swears in current councilmember Frank Hosea for another term and newly-elected councilor Ruben Fechner. City of Horseshoe Bay photo
Hosea brings extensive business experience from his career in the telecommunications industry, where he held senior executive positions overseeing sales and marketing at companies including Time Warner. He and his wife, Marcia, retired to Horseshoe Bay, where he has served on the Horseshoe Bay Property Owners Association Board of Directors, the city’s Broadband Advisory Board, and he is also a Horseshoe Bay Citizens Academy graduate.
Fechner, the council’s newest member, attended Texas Christian University on a U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarship, earning a degree in computer science. After serving four years in the USAF, he transitioned into the corporate world. He and his wife became full-time Horseshoe Bay residents in 2021 after maintaining a part-time home there from 2005 to 2010. Fechner has served on the Pecan Creek POA Board, the Horseshoe Bay Land Use Development Advisory Committee, and is active in his church, serving on two ministry boards.
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Horseshoe Bay City Council approved a separation agreement with City Secretary Kerri Craig during its Monday, Nov. 10 meeting, following a closed executive session discussion.
Council members also authorized the City Manager Jeff Koska to hire an interim city secretary while a search for a permanent replacement is underway, according to the council comments following the meeting.
Before the council entered executive session, Craig requested to be present for the discussion; a motion that was unanimously approved by council members. Following the session, the council approved a mutual separation agreement with Craig.
Koska declined to provide further comment on the separation to DailyTrib, stating “we cannot elaborate on the issue as it is still not completely resolved and involves an employee sensitive matter.”
The agenda item for the executive session stated the council would “receive legal advice pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney)” and deliberate on “the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Legislative Services Director/City Secretary,” including matters related to a “special investigation report” and the retention of an interim city secretary.
Craig concludes nearly a decade of service with Horseshoe Bay, where she was appointed as city secretary in 2016 and promoted to legislative services director in 2023. With over 25 years in public service, she specialized in legislative services, records management, budgeting, and strategic planning, and earned the master municipal clerk designation in 2021.
The city secretary is a state-required position in Texas municipalities, serving as the official record keeper and election administrator. Responsibilities include preparing agendas and maintaining official records.
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Marble Falls is officially kicking off the Christmas season with its annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 in Harmony Park, 215 Main Street. The city has a host of other holiday events and festivities scheduled throughout November and December.
The Christmas tree lighting will begin just after sunset on Friday. It is free and totally open to the public. Following the lighting, The Grinch will play at the park for a family movie night. City staff recommend bringing blankets and chairs for a more comfortable evening.
The weather on Friday should be acceptable for a cool night out, with the expected high being 84 degrees and the low being around 61 degrees that day.
You can also get free photos with the Grinch himself 5-6 p.m. at Ms Lollipop Parties Fun & Gifts, 208 Main Street.
Below are more of the Christmas events on the calendar
Swing by Walmart in Marble Falls on select dates to visit with Blue Santa and Marble Falls police officers. Bring a toy or a dollar to donate to local children in need.
Birdie’s, the Marble Falls home and lifestyle market, invites everyone for an evening of Christmas fun with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, gifts, and surprises. The event is free to attend and will culminate with the showing of a classic Christmas film.
Downtown Marble Falls will come alive like never before with festive pink decor for Christmas. Tread the streets and do your Christmas shopping as participating businesses offer discounts, raffles, giveaways, snacks, drinks and more.
Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls
Marble Falls brings ice skating and bumper cars to Lakeside Park for weeks of family fun. The rink is ice bumper cars only Nov. 21-Dec. 6 and ice skating only Dec. 7-Jan. 3. Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The rink is open every day of the week, but closed on Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. It also has shortened hours on Christmas Eve of 6-8 p.m.
Johnson Park Amphitheater, 230 Avenue J in Marble Falls
The first annual Jingle Jubilee is two days of holiday markets at Johnson Park punctuated by performances from the talented local arts programs.
The markets are open noon-9 p.m. on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. Special performances from the Faith Academy Flamettes, Harmony School of Creative Arts, Reclaim Art Academy, Lonestar Cheer, and more are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Nov. 28.
Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls
Bring your pup for a photo opportunity with Santa 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 3 to Walkway of Lights. Attendees must still pay the $2 admission fee. Make sure your pooch is on a leash and comfortable with crowds.
Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls
Children will enjoy breakfast and a magical morning with Santa. Families will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa as well as holiday arts and crafts. The event has two seatings, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Visit the Marble Falls Parks and Recreation page here to make reservations.
A Christmas tradition in Marble Falls, the Light Up Christmas Parade brings the community together to usher in the holiday season. Twinkling lights, festive sounds, and excitement fills the air. Visit the Marble Falls Parks and Recreation page here to enter a float or organization to be in the parade.
Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J and Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive
See the first annual Christmas boat parade for Lake Lights & Holiday Nights. Boats and homes decked out in Christmas lights will be on full display on Lake Marble Falls. An award ceremony will be held at Old Oaks Square in downtown Marble Falls following the parade with music and hot cocoa.
Join in the first ever Merry Mile of Marble Falls. Come dressed in your most spirited Christmas attire and run a mile to ring in the holidays. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Early registration runs until Nov. 29 and comes with a race T-shirt.
The race begins in Johnson Park, goes through the Walkway of Lights in Lakeside Park, runs up to Main Street, then back to the entrance of the Walkway tunnel.
Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls
The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce is bringing mini train rides and a public screening of The Polar Express to Lakeside Park on Dec. 23. Admission is $5 and includes the movie, train rides, and popcorn.
Mini train rides will run from 5-7 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. inside the Walkway of Lights. Bring a blanket and warm clothes to bundle up for a cool winter night with the community.
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James Lee Owens, 57, of Llano was arrested on 47 charges of animal cruelty on Nov. 4 for his alleged involvement in an extreme dog hoarding case in Llano.
Llano police seized 47 dogs from a residence on Oct. 23 following complaints from neighbors about the noise and smells coming from the property. A municipal judge awarded ownership of the dogs to the city following a hearing on Oct. 20 and most of the animals have already been adopted out or transferred to other shelters.
Owens was still being held at Llano County Jail as of Wednesday, Nov. 12 on 47 bonds of $1,500, totaling $70,500.
According to Llano police, Owens wasn’t actually living at the residence full time. He was consistently feeding the dogs, but leaving them mostly unattended and uncared for. Many of the animals were feral, unwashed, infested with parasites, diseased, and in poor health.
Llano Animal Rescue, the group that helped Llano police treat and care for the seized dogs, is still seeking donations and volunteers following the ordeal. Contact the rescue at rescuellano@gmail.com, call 325–247-4963, or visit its website to learn more about how to adopt or give.
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Valley Masonic Lodge #175 of Burnet held a Veterans Day program on Saturday, Nov. 8, honoring all veterans, but also ceremoniously honoring a fallen Burnet soldier and his family.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11. The federal holiday always falls on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week.
U.S. Army Capt. Jason E. Holbrook, 28, died on July 29, 2010 after suffering mortal wounds from an improvised explosive device while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was a graduate of Burnet High School and the United States Military Academy, better known as West Point. He also completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and went on to become a green beret and Army ranger. He was awarded a bronze star, a purple heart, and a meritorious service medal.
This is a photo of Jason Holbrook from his time at the United States Military Academy, better known as West Point. Holbrook was a Burnet High School graduate and reached the rank of captain in the U.S. Army. He was killed in 2010 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Courtesy photo from Valley Masonic Lodge #175 of Burnet
During the Veterans Day program on Saturday at the Masonic Lodge, 311 S. Main Street in Burnet, Holbrook’s family was presented with framed photos of him and a wreath from the Wreaths Across America organization by members of the 1st Cavalry Division Honor Guard and two of his former classmates from West Point.
This wreath was presented to the family of Jason E. Holbrook during the Masonic Lodge’s Veterans Day program on Saturday, Nov. 8. It was made using clippings from a forest of trees dedicated to fallen service members in Maine. Courtesy photo from Valley Masonic Lodge #175 of Burnet
The wreath will be placed on his grave for National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 13. The organization creates the wreaths using clippings from a special section of forest in Jonesboro, Maine, where thousands of trees are adorned with dog tags in remembrance of fallen U.S. service members.
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Horseshoe Bay City Council unanimously approved a grading variance for Richter’s Ranch, a 54.5-acre residential development at Mountain Dew and Rocky Ridge, allowing the long-delayed project to move forward.
The Nov. 10 approval grants relief from city grading limits, allowing the developer to build two detention ponds, expand Grassy Knoll Road with new drainage infrastructure, and add a cul-de-sac to meet fire safety requirements. The variance also includes a 15-foot greenbelt adjacent to a nearby creek.
The project proposes 123 single-family lots and seven communal lots, though those figures may change as plans progress.
City Council postponed a decision in October, citing a lack of sufficient information. The delay gave the developer time to address concerns and allowed council members additional time for review.
“I see this first variance as a net plus for the community,” council member Frank Hosea said, noting that the new ponds will help address existing flooding problems in the area. He added that, regardless of whether anything else is developed on the land, it would be in better shape than it is now.
Engineer Erin Sandoval with WGI, representing the applicant, said the extended review process helped refine the project.
“We want to make sure that everybody is happy with this, and if we didn’t have this back and forth, we wouldn’t have come to this new layout,” Sandoval said. “This new layout hits all the right corners for everybody.”
To minimize initial grading, the developer is using a “paper lot” approach, which defers clearing and grading to future property owners who will apply for individual building permits– a strategy city attorneys confirmed as legally valid during the meeting.
Next steps include review of the preliminary plat by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, followed by construction review with city staff and final plat approval from both bodies. City officials estimate construction could begin six to nine months after the preliminary plan is approved, with the next council review expected in February.
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Llano County has joined the rising wave of opposition to the Bell County East-Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project. The Commissioners Court passed an official resolution on Monday, Nov. 10 asking that state agencies deny any plans for the line, which would cut across Central Texas on its way to the Permian Basin.
Llano County is the latest to join in the battle against the transmission line. Burnet County announced its official opposition to the project on Oct. 28 after months of research and discussion.
The Bell County East-Big Hill transmission line would stretch about 200 miles, running from Bell County to Schleicher County, with the intent of bringing reliable electricity to the Permian Basin region of West Texas. This would be the largest transmission line project in state history and be the first time that high-voltage 765 kilovolt lines would be used in Texas.
None of the currently proposed routes would run directly through Llano County, but the northern half of the county is technically within the study area for the project, and could be susceptible to a line reroute in the future.
Visit the Lower Colorado River Authority’s online interactive map to see the proposed routes and study area.
An excerpt from the resolution passed by the court on Monday reads:
“The (Llano County) Commissioners Court recognizes the importance of protecting the soil, water systems, wildlife, environment, historical and cultural sites, land values, and local economies, and the aesthetics of the beautiful Texas Hill Country and therefore Llano County resolves and requests that the state of Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Public Utilities Commission of Texas oppose and reject any submitted application for approval of such routing for the Bell County East-Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project.”
“Our role, more or less, is to just bring awareness,” Haverlah told the court. “There are so many people that have no idea this (transmission line) is coming. They have no idea the impact it’s going to have, they have no idea the size of this project.”
Haverlah’s concerns were wide ranging, covering the potential impacts the line would have on property values, groundwater, wildlife, ranching, farming, historical sites, cultural sites, health of nearby residents, wildfires, and the “aesthetics” of Llano County.
The transmission line project would include the construction of 15-story towers every 1,000 feet along a predetermined route. The towers would carry 765 kV power lines, which are more than twice the voltage of traditional 365 kV lines normally seen in Texas.
“Nobody (in Llano County) knows about this,” Joe Freeman, Llano County SWCD secretary, said. “These things are monsters.”
The lines would not directly provide power to the counties along its length. They are intended to transfer energy from Central Texas to West Texas to meet the projected growth in demand for power in that region.
The LCRA and Oncor have not yet filed their official application with the PUCT to begin work on their project. Comments can be filed now on the PUCT’s website, but the window to file as an intervener or make comments on the case will not open until the application is submitted, at which point everyone will have 30 days to respond.
Once the application is submitted, the PUCT will conduct a lengthy review of the project and determine whether it moves forward or if it needs to be adjusted in any way.
Recently, the LCRA and Oncor estimated that they would file their application in March 2026. If everything were to go according to plan, the project would receive approval in September 2026 and construction would be complete by 2030.
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The USMC is officially older than the United States, as two battalions of marines were raised by an order of the second continental congress in Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 1775, months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
U.S. marines have fought in every major conflict in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror. Originally created to be the foot soldiers for the nation’s navy, they have since become their own combat-focused force in the military with the motto “first to fight, last to leave.”
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