MARBLE FALLS — In a move to avoid the layoffs plaguing other school districts, Marble Falls Independent School District officials have created a permanent substitute pool made up of full-time teachers.
Concerns about overstaffing led to the initiative so that some teachers whose positions were at risk could stay employed, even if they aren’t assigned to a permanent classroom, school officials said June 2.
The move could preserve six to nine teaching slots, officials said.
"Because of procedures in the past we were overstaffed — significantly overstaffed in just about every area, which is one of the reasons we instituted the reduction by attrition plan last summer," said Interim Superintendent Jim Boyle.
Under that procedure, the district reduced staff as educators retired or resigned. The idea, Boyle said, was to cut teacher numbers without laying off anyone.
Even now, lawmakers in Austin are still wrestling with a school budget crisis that likely will see huge reductions in education funding. These cuts, educators warn, are already having an adverse impact on Texas schools.
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GRANITE SHOALS — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a $73,120 grant that will help the city build a 2.1-mile hike-and-bike trail near City Hall.
"We would not be able to do anything like this if it wasn’t for these grants," Councilwoman Shirley King said May 31. "This allows us to begin moving in the direction we want."
The commission voted May 26 to include Granite Shoals’ request among the $3.3 million awarded in grants. Altogether, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department named 21 National Recreational Trail Grant project recipients across Texas.
The Granite Shoals project is part of an initiative to develop the 131 acres surrounding City Hall, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road.
King, who also heads the city’s parks committee, said the grant will help build what will become the Leonel Manzano hike-and-bike trail.
Manzano, a former Granite Shoals resident and Olympic athlete, lent his name to the project, she said.
"He even helped plan it," she added.
The city is working to add ball fields, park facilities and other amenities to the 131 acres. The Andy Roddick International Tennis Center has also selected the area to build its facility. Roddick, a world-renown tennis champion, lives in the Austin area.
His foundation, which promotes health and fitness through tennis, has already opened a QuickStart court at the location.
A QuickStart is a tennis court scaled down for children.
King said the crushed granite hike-and-bike trail will give residents a place to walk, run and bike.
"We’ve tried for years to do this in the city, but we just don’t have enough easement on our roads to build hike-and-bike trails," she said.
Under the grant, the city must contribute 20 percent of the project’s cost. Though the council must vote to accept the funds, the members have already voiced their support for the project, King said.
A 10-member Texas Statewide Trails Advisory Board reviewed more than 60 proposals before sending 21 to the full commission for approval. Money for the grants comes from a portion of the federal gas tax through sales of fuel for use in off-road recreational vehicles.
The money is used to create and maintain motorized and non-motorized trails, officials said.
King said the city is also waiting to hear if it earned a $500,000 outdoor grant for further parks projects.
"We hope to know about that one between now and August," she said.
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A wreck on southbound U.S. 281 adjacent to the Pizza Hut restaurant at RR 1431 about 1:15 p.m. June 1 slowed traffic for about 30 minutes after a blue sedan moved through the pizzeria’s parking lot, crossed over the grassy curb and was involved in a collision with a pickup, witnesses said. No serious injuries were reported by officials at the scene in Marble Falls. Staff photo by Paul Ross
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HORSESHOE BAY — Even in the dark and on the water, Horseshoe Bay police still nabbed their quarry, thanks in part to some powerful night-vision technology, officers said.
That was the case May 29 for three boaters police said were drunk who tried to slip away on Lake LBJ under the cover of darkness after they reportedly threatened people on shore.
What they didn’t count on was officers on boat patrol wearing night-vision equipment, according to Chief Bill Lane
"With the night vision, the officers can pretty much see as if it were light outside," the chief said.
Michael Cameron Jackson, 21, of Dallas was charged with aggravated boating while intoxicated (second BWI/DWI offense). Charged with public intoxication were 21-year-old Austin Webb James of Addison and 21-year-old Ryan Benjamin Leveille of Houston.
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MARBLE FALLS — Swimmers won’t have to wait too much longer to cool down in the Marble Falls city pool at Lakeside Park.
Workers last week began repairs on the Marble Falls pool in Lakeside Park, but the opening was delayed when the surface had to be re-plastered. Officials said the pool should be ready by June 2. Staff photo by Connie Swinney
"We’re shooting to open (June 2) at 1 p.m.," Parks and Recreation Director Robert Moss said.
The pool originally was scheduled to be ready by May 28, but additional repair work delayed the opening.
Staff members drained the pool to clean it in preparation for the summer.
But when they took a closer look, Moss said workers had to re-plaster the pool, which meant crew members had to work through the Memorial Day holiday.
The estimated cost for the repairs is $25,000-30,000, he said.
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MARBLE FALLS — It was so long and thanks for all the memories during the Marble Falls High School Class of 2011 commencement exercise May 28 at Mustang Stadium.
Guests overflowed the stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive, during the ceremony at 8 p.m. as graduates received their diplomas. The class totals 254 students, and about 250 attended the commencement.
All photos by Diana Cox
Class of 2011 graduates Caleigh Hill (left), David Morgan, Garrett Reitz, Jacob Cernosek and Logan Clark are all smiles after their commencement ceremony May 28 at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Marble Falls High School salutatorian Allana Wooley (left) is recognized by Principal Eric Penrod during commencement May 28 at Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Abbe Kittman leads the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge during a graduation ceremony May 28 at Mustang Stadium for the Marble Falls High School Class of 2011. The school is at 2101 Mustang Drive.
Valedictorian Kyleigh Ann Futrell addresses her peers during the commencement exercise May 28 at Mustang Stadium for the Marble Falls High School Class of 2011.
It’s a thumbs up from Jet Rodel at the May 28 graduation ceremony for more than 250 members of the Class of 2011 at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive. The future beckons …
Class of 2011 historian Cierra Starnes shares memories about her peers’ achievements during their years together at a graduation ceremony May 28, held in Mustang Stadium at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Brian Hicks (left), Ricardo Barge and Justin Cox share the bonds of friendship during the Marble Falls High School Class of 2011’s graduation exercise May 28 at Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Graduating senior Kelley Dowal (left) is congratulated by Marble Falls High School Principal Eric Penrod during a May 28 commencement exercise in Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Matt Evans gets a diploma and congratulations from Marble Falls High School Principal Eric Penrod at a graduation ceremony May 28 for the Class of 2011, held in Mustang Stadium at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive.
Outgoing senior Zack Wagner seems the very picture of confidence during a commencement ceremony May 28 at Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive, for the Class of 2011. Wagner and more than 250 other graduates bid goodbye to their lives as Mustangs and now turn their sights on the future.
Buffeted sometimes by gusts of wind, the Mustangs laughed, shook hands and shared fond memories as they prepared for the next chapters in their lives.
Valedictorian is Kyleigh Ann Futrell and salutatorian is Allana Wooley.
Class historian Cierra Starnes addressed the crowd, offering memories about some of the accomplishments shared by her peers over the years.
Principal Eric Penrod praised the graduating seniors, noting the class as a whole received about $2.5 million in scholarships.
Marble Falls Independent School District campuses closed for the summer break May 27. Classes resume Aug. 22.
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LLANO — A 21-year-old Llano man died May 29 when his vehicle flipped on Texas 16 about two-and-half miles south of the San Saba County line, state troopers said.
Lorenzo Michael Vences was traveling south on Texas 16 when his vehicle failed to negotiate a curve around 3:35 a.m., according to officials. The victim apparently tried to regain control of his vehicle, but overcorrected, causing it to roll over, Department of Public Safety officials said.
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LLANO — A 21-year-old Llano man died May 29 when his vehicle flipped on Texas 16 about two-and-half miles south of the San Saba County line, state troopers said.
Lorenzo Michael Vences was traveling south on Texas 16 when his vehicle failed to negotiate a curve around 3:35 a.m., according to officials. The victim apparently tried to regain control of his vehicle, but overcorrected, causing it to roll over, Department of Public Safety officials said.
Vences died at the scene, officers said. He was the only person in the car and was wearing his seat belt, troopers added.
He was born to Rebecca Gonzales and Lorenzo Vences Jan. 30, 1990, in Llano.
A 2009 graduate of Llano High School, he was a package handler and formerly worked at Living Stone in Llano. He liked to fish, go back roading, drinking and loved to work, his family said.
In addition to his parents, survivors include sister Corina Nicole Vences of Llano; brother Orlando Vences of Llano; paternal grandparents Pina and Sistoc Vences of Mexico; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Patsy Elizabeth and Poncho Frank Gonzales.
A rosary for Lorenzo Michael Vences will be recited 6 p.m. June 1 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home Chapel, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300.
A funeral service is 10 a.m. June 2 at the funeral home, with burial following in the Llano City Cemetery, 1400 Hickory St.
E-mail condolences can be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net or visit www.whhfuneralhome.com for online well wishes.
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MEADOWLAKES — After 10 years on the City Council, Christine Forsyth stepped down May 24, picked up her nameplate and shook hands with the newcomer taking her spot.
"We all thank you for your service, Christine," Mayor Don Williams said during a special council meeting at Totten Hall, 177 Broadmoor, to canvass the results of the May 14 election.
The victorious campaigners — including incumbent Franzella Jones and newcomers Paul Sarcione and Barry Cunningham — took the oath of office during the meeting.
Meadowlakes City Secretary Stephanie Littleton (left) issues the oath of office to City Council members Franzella Jones, Barry Cunningham and Paul Sarcione during a special meeting May 24. The trio won the May 14 municipal elections. It marks Jones’ second term while Cunningham and Sarcione are newcomers. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
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