AUSTIN — Because of the drought, Lower Colorado River Authority officials recently decided not to lower three “pass-through” lakes in the Highland Lakes this year.

Lakes LBJ, Marble Falls and Inks are the pass-through waterways sandwiched between storage reservoirs Buchanan and Travis.

The authority usually draws down the pass-through lakes during January and February to help control the growth of hydrilla, milfoil and other “nuisance plants,” spokeswoman Clara Tuma said.

GRANITE SHOALS — The city during 2011 grappled with annexation and short-term rentals, as well as hired a full-time city manager to oversee growth.

"I think we accomplished a lot," Councilwoman Bessie Jackson said. "There were some things that probably didn’t go the way we had hoped, but I think we’re going in a good direction."

Jackson said highlights including hiring Judy Miller as the first full-time city manager, de-annexation of Beaver Island and Webb Isle, seeing progress on the park at City Hall and an increased sense of civic pride among residents.

MARBLE FALLS — After eight years as the Marble Falls Independent School District athletic director and head varsity football coach, Cord Woerner is taking a new position in central administration.

He will oversee the athletic department until a new athletic director/head coach is hired, district officials announced Jan. 5. Interviews could start as early as February, officials said.

The district expects to post the athletic director/head coach position Monday for two to four weeks with interviews starting in late February or early March, said Superintendent Rob O’Connor.

MARBLE FALLS — Art and domestic style are blending under one roof in the Historic Main Street District.

Marta Stafford Fine Art and The Mews recently joined forces at 112 Main St. Both businesses previously operated separate showrooms in town.

PHOTO 1: Contemporary art impresario Marta Stafford and The Mews recently moved together to a new location at 112 Main St. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan

“We hope it will be a wonderful setting,” art curator Marta Stafford said Jan. 3.

The grand opening is tentatively planned for next month, Stafford said.

MARBLE FALLS — Revisions to a parks master plan completed without an outside consultant saved the city thousands of dollars, council members heard Jan. 3.

The City Council during the meeting also approved a contract to a widen heavily traveled roadway near two schools and another near a future hospital.

PHOTO 1: Marble Falls City Secretary Christina Laine (left) gives the oath of office to Cheryl Pounds as the new Municipal Court judge during the City Council meeting Jan. 3. Mayor George Russell (back, left) and Councilman Ryan Nash look on. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan

Meanwhile, the council by unanimous decision approved the revised Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, praising efforts to keep costs down.

MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls Middle School Principal John Schumacher isn’t willing to accept a drop in state rankings for his campus, so he turned to a nationally recognized education expert for advice.

“We want to move from ‘good’ to ‘great’,” he said.

Schumacher asked author Sean Cain to help teachers raise the campus’ rating, which is based on attendance, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and other factors.

Cain, who co-wrote with Mike Laird “The Fundamental 5: The Formula For Quality Instruction,” held two training sessions at the campus Jan. 2.

MARBLE FALLS — After nearly 30 years of public service, Municipal Court Judge Gayle Price is calling it a day.

Price recently announced her retirement as the municipal judge.

“I am ready,” Price said during a retirement party in her honor Dec. 29 at City Hall. Associate Judge Cheryl Pounds is taking over as municipal judge.

PHOTO 1: Marble Falls Municipal Court Judge Gayle Price enjoys her retirement party Dec. 29 at City Hall. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan

Along with her husband, Bill, Price plans to remain in Marble Falls, where they have lived for 30 years, Price said.

“We have no plans to move,” she added.

LLANO — Since returning to Llano County in October, an American bald eagle pair added something new to their nest — a baby.

"They look like they have at least one eaglette," said Dale Schmidt, the state wildlife biologist for Llano and San Saba counties. "They’re right on schedule. This is about the time they hatch."

In no more than 12 weeks, the eaglette will fledge, or be able to fly.

"They don’t stick around too long," Schmidt said. "They fledge 10 weeks from the time they hatch."

MARBLE FALLS — Ron Motor Co. has announced it is leaving Marble Falls in 30-60 days for Houston, signaling the end of a stop-and-go relationship between the would-be eco-friendly car manufacturer and the city.

PHOTO 1: Ronn Motor Co. plans to leave the Colt Circle building in Marble Falls owned by the Economic Development Corp. in 30-60 days. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan

During the last four years or so, in which the company first located in Cottonwood Shores, left for Austin, reappeared in the Highland Lakes and then moved to Marble Falls to lease a publicly financed building, dealings between City Hall and Ronn Motor Co. were fraught with questions, contracts and controversy.