BURNET — From food to laughs and even a few tears, people reached out March 7 to help an infant suffering from a rare and incurable genetic disorder.

Angela Smith of HIS Work in Us Ministry, which helped organize the fundraiser, said an estimated 450 people packed the Simmons Building for Kiptyn Green. The 6-month-old boy has Langer-Giedion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes non-cancerous bone tumors.

“It was very emotional and everyone was streaming with tears,” Smith said. “We had a wonderful turnout.”

Kiptyn underwent surgery for a cleft lip March 9, but Smith said he is doing well.

“He will face many surgeries in the future,” she added.

The infant was born born Sept. 21, 2009, to Ron and Tiffany Green of Burnet.

They soon learned he had Langer-Giedion syndrome. The disease is so rare researchers aren’t sure how frequently it occurs.

Though there is no cure, patients can get help through genetic counseling, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy and development specialists, officials said.

To assist the family, HIS Works helped organize the March 7 event, which featured Christian comedians Frank Cheek and Brent Reed, a silent auction and a meal.

Kiptyn’s mother is learning American Sign Language and signed the song “Lord I Give You My Heart” as Smith sang.

To help the family or for more information on HIS Work in Us Ministry, call (512) 755-2994.

daniel@thepicayune.com

MARBLE FALLS — When you wear a uniform to preserve liberty — whether it’s as a member of the military or as a peace officer — the loss of a colleague is like losing a cherished family member.

And that’s just how it felt for many of the hundreds who gathered March 17 at the Marble Falls High School auditorium to pay tribute to Pfc. Payton Alexander Jones. Jones, a 2010 graduate of Marble Falls High School, was killed in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on March 1. He was 19.

Members of every branch of the military attended, as well as law officers, 100 Patriot Guard Riders and at least a dozen Highland Lakes Honor Guard representatives.

“It’s an honor to be in support of the family and military in any way we can,” said Ben Redler of the Honor Guard.

He added those who wear a uniform in the service of their country, whether domestic or abroad, share a bond.

“It goes beyond brothers and sisters and family – it’s something deeper,” he said. “To show respect and honor and sacrifice and to show support to the family. It helps us remember those brothers in arms we’ve lost.”

Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith, a Vietnam veteran, greeted attendees and thanked them for paying their respects. He was also there to help oversee the funeral escort route.

“(Jones) served his country,” he said. “It was patriotic. He deserves more … for the sacrifice he made on our behalf.”

Smith called the bond among those who wear uniforms for their country and community “a brotherhood.”

“That bond is equally as strong as members of your own family,” he said. “You share a lot of life-changing moments.”

Mourners walking into the auditorium were given a card with the Bible verse from John 15:13 on one side: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” On the other side was a poem by Jilchristy Dee titled “You Were The Pride of Our Hearts.”

A slide show of Jones’ life was presented during the funeral with “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts and “Free Bird” playing.

Jones’ decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

He was buried in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.

The Army said he and 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Jordan Bear of Colorado died when Afghan security forces and an Afghan civilian turned their weapons on them.

Both soldiers were members of the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

jfierro@thepicayune.com

Video: Watch it on the 3-17-10 Picayune RoundUp on ThePicayuneTV.com

BURNET — An essay on the Texas State Cemetery written by a Bertram Elementary School fourth-grader has won a recent contest sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas local chapter.

Nicole Montgomery recently composed “The Texas State Cemetery” for the DRT Jane Wells Woods chapter Fourth-Grade Essay Contest.

“She wrote a wonderful essay,” said Marble Falls Middle School history teacher Krissy Sralla, who judged the contest with other DRT members. “We think she did an excellent job, far more mature than a lot of fourth-graders.”

The well-researched essay by Montgomery, who lives with her family in Briggs, includes several details about the Texas State Cemetery in Austin http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us.

Montgomery recited her essay during a DRT meeting Saturday at the Herman Brown Free Library at the Courthouse on the Square.

The cemetery is spread over 22 acres and is the burial site for Stephen F. Austin and hundreds of notable Texans.

In December 1851, Gen. Edward Burleson was the first person to be interned in the cemetery, according to Montgomery.

Her essay also reveals other perhaps not-too-well-known facts about the cemetery.

For instance, Joanna Troutman is one of the few women buried there.

Troutman was born in Georgia and never visited Texas. However, the flag she sewed was carried by a battalion of Georgia volunteers at the Battle of Goliad during the Texas War of Independence.

Troutman was buried in the cemetery in 1913, Montgomery said.

Also buried at the cemetery is Antonio Briones, who fought for the U.S. First Texas Calvary during the Civil War, Montgomery added.

And, the cemetery happens to be the final resting place for an unnamed French sailor who died in 1685 after his ship sank in Matagorda Bay, Montgomery said.

Montgomery’s essay will be judged by DRT members during a district contest, Sralla said.

After the district contest, her essay could earn a $500 scholarship offered in May during the DRT annual conference in Houston, Sralla added.

“Nicole learned a lot from this assignment,” Sralla said. “It is very important for children to be interested in history.”

raymond@thepicayune.com

BURNET — Plans by a local attorney to create a municipal utility district has neighbors asking for help to keep it from ever becoming a reality.

Officials with the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District board heard the neighbors’ pleas during a meeting Friday.

But board members said they first need evidence the MUD will have an adverse impact on the Fairland area.

MARBLE FALLS — Community members lined the highway through the heart of the city March 15 to pay their respects as military officials returned the body of a Marble Falls High School graduate killed in Afghanistan.

The body of 19-year-old Army Pfc. Payton A. Jones arrived about noon at the Horseshoe Bay Airport.

On March 1, Jones was killed in Kandahar province after Afghan security forces and an Afghan civilian turned their weapons on the soldier and 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Jordan Bear, who was from Colorado.

PHOTO 1: A plane carrying the body of Army Pfc. Payton A. Jones arrived at Horseshoe Bay Airport about noon March 15. The remains of the fallen soldier, who was killed in Afghanistan March 1, were taken to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls. He was a 2010 Marble Falls High School graduate. Staff photos by Connie Swinney

PHOTO 2: More than a hundred Patriot Guard Riders from the Highland Lakes and Austin area on March 15 participated in the procession for Marble Falls High School graduate Army Pfc. Payton A. Jones on U.S. 281 in Marble Falls. Staff photo by Jared Fields

PHOTO 3: Mourners including members of area chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars paid their respects as a procession carrying the remains of Army Pfc. Payton A. Jones drove past in the 400 block of U.S. 281 in Marble Falls. Photo by Jared Fields

PHOTO 4: Troop 284 Scout leader Steve Manley watches for the procession carrying Army Pfc. Payton A. Jones with Boy Scouts Dean Fairleigh (holding the flag) and Braidon Whiteside. Staff photo by Jared Fields

The two men were assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

After the plane landed, Jones’ coffin was ceremoniously loaded into a hearse as loved ones looked on.

The procession that followed included hundreds of law enforcement, emergency services and veterans along with family members.

Vehicles left the airport grounds and headed toward Marble Falls, along FM 2147 onto U.S. 281, where hundreds of mourners, many waving U.S. flags, lined sidewalks and parking lots.

“A lot of people don’t realize that they’re still dying out there,” said Troop 284 Scout Matthew Manley, who watched the procession with fellow Scouts on 281 just off Sixth Street. “It’s good for us to be out here in the public and let them know we care about the troops.”

At the family’s request, Patriot Guard Riders such as Greg Hughes rode in the procession, which included more than a hundred motorcycles flying flags and adorned with patriotic signs and symbols.

“These soldiers go over there and fight for this country, ” Hughes said. “We owe them the freedom we have to carry on each day.”

A local official, who rode in the procession, described how the experience brought back memories of his own military service.

“I’m a Vietnam veteran. I lost many friends during the war. It’s always tragic to have this happen to one of our own or to anyone,” Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith said . “This is what this country is about. You’ve got to stand up for what you believe in. These folks did that. They did it for us, so it’s important we show them the same respect.”

Jones’ remains were taken to Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281.

A public memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m.  March 17 at the Marble Falls High School auditorium.

Staff Writer Jared Fields contributed to this report.

connie@thepicayune.com

HORSESHOE BAY — Emergency crews about 4 p.m. March 15 rushed to an accident scene where up to four people including two children suffered injuries after a golf cart flipped over.

The incident occurred on Deep Canyon near Fault Line Drive, officials said.

According to initial reports, one child suffered an arm injury, another child had a leg injury, an adult complained of back injuries and another adult had a head laceration.

Officials dispatched two ambulances and a medical helicopter.

No other details are available.

editor@thepicayune.com

MARBLE FALLS — Residents are asked to line U.S. 281 north of Lake Marble Falls about 12:30 p.m. March 15 to pay their respects as a fallen paratrooper comes home.

The airplane carrying the body of Army Pfc. Payton Jones is scheduled to land at the Horseshoe Bay airport at noon, officials said. His remains will then be transported to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281.

Officials estimate the procession will arrive at the 281 bridge around 12:30 p.m.

“I think lining the road isn’t just a way to honor Pfc. Jones, but to honor all the men and women who are defending our country,” said Marble Falls Independent School District board President Rick Edwards. “And we need to show our respect to the man who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending us.”

Jones, 19, died March 1 in Afghanistan when two members of the Afghan security force and an Afghan civilian turned their weapons on him and Staff Sgt. Jordan Bear, 25, of Denver, killing both soldiers. The two men were assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Jones’ services are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 17 at the Marble Falls High School auditorium, 2101 Mustang Drive.

The 19-year-old graduated from the high school in 2010.

Officials are asking that the United States and state flags be flown at half-staff that day.

editor@thepicayune.com

MARBLE FALLS — It’s not a common purchase, but Jason Von Lanken of THR & Associates recalled one of his most expensive — a guitar.

It wasn’t just any guitar, but a vintage Les Paul, he said. And he wrote the owner of the guitar a check for $100,000.

PHOTO 1: Jason Von Lanken, field manager for THR & Associates, peers through a loupe at a piece of gold jewelry a Highland Lakes resident brought in for an appraisal and possible sale March 14. Von Lanken and other THR & Associates buyers are at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 501 FM 2147 West in Marble Falls, through March 17. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton

MEADOWLAKES — City officials have adopted a floodplain map, but with an adjustment aimed at saving residents money on insurance premiums.

The 2012 FEMA Floodplain Mapping Standards are expected to go into effect March 15 for Burnet County communities including Meadowlakes which, like many cities, adopted ordinances with some local changes. The city March 13 adjusted and approved the building standard to a foot above the federal guidelines, said Mike Williams, public works director. That will help save on premiums for some property owners.

“One of the requirements, according to (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), if you’re building in the floodlain, you must build at or above the base flood elevation,”  Williams said. “In our ordinance, we require the contractors to build one foot above the base flood elevation.”

The ordinance, similar to what Marble Falls has, provides the “one-foot buffer” to adjust for potential miscalculations by contractors and to provide an added boost above the floodplain.

“The farther you are out of the floodplain, the cheaper the insurance,” Williams said.

The new map produced by FEMA reflects adjustments made based on the flood of June 2007, when 19 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, causing a catastrophic flood.

“When we had the floods, it gave FEMA a whole new set of data to update the map,” Williams said. “Compared to the map that was adopted in 2007, we had some homes in the floodplain that appear not to be now. We also have some homes that will be included on the map.”

Williams estimated 50 to 70 properties fall within the floodplain; there are 10 vacant lots.

“Overall, the number is going to be less,” he said.

Properties within the floodplain include a small percentage along Meadowlakes Drive; some homes on San Saba Drive; and a number of properties along Dog Leg and Firestone Drive.

According to the FEMA website, property owners who purchase flood insurance prior to March 15 could potentially be grandfathered into the current flood zone. For estimated flood insurance rates, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

To pinpoint a property within the floodplain zone, go to www.fema.gov.

connie@thepicayune.com