Highland Lakes

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Highland Lakes

Visitors’ Guide 2018-19

Published by THe Highlander & Burnet Bulletin

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BurnetTexas

Ongoing Events Farmer’s Market Gunfighter’s Shoot-out

C ALENDAR OF E VENTS April Saturdays Bluebonnet Festival Farmer’s Market Rods & Classics Car Lakes Area Gunfighter’s Shoot-Out Austin Steam Train Show March State of the Community

May City-Wide Garage Sale MayBurnet County Rodeo

April Bluebonnet Festival Lakes Area Rods & Classics Car Show City Wide Garage Sale Burnet County Rodeo

Octoberfest Art Festival Ft. Croghan Day

November City-Wide Garage Sale December Christmas on the Square Snow on the Square Trail of Lights Main Street Bethlehem Christmas at Ft. Croghan

June Burnet County Fair Burnet BBQ Cook-off July Haley Nelson Amphitheater Summer HaleyConcert Nelson Amphitheater Concert June Burnet County Fair Burnet BBQ Cook-off Haley Nelson Amphitheater Concert

August Haley Nelson Amphitheater Concert

July Haley Nelson Amphitheater Summer Concert

September Bluebonnet Airsho Kid’s Day Out Day Out with Thomas October Octoberfest Art Festival Fort Croghan Day

August Haley Nelson Amphitheater Summer November Concert City Wide Garage Sale

December Christmas on the Square Snow on the Square Trail of Lights The Story of the Nutcracker Main Street Bethlehem Christmas at Fort Croghan

September Kid’s Day Out Bluebonnet Air Show Day Out with Thomas For details on events visit: Burnet512.com Tourism

October

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 3

Contributed/City of Burnet In the city of Burnet, a hidden trail beckons nature lovers. This trail carved alongside Hamilton Creek near downtown takes adventuresome souls deeper into the woods along the waterway.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took

The one less traveled by ... And that has made all the difference.”

F

By Connie Swinney

rom Burnet and Marble Falls to Granite Shoals and Hoover’s Valley, a number of obscure natural trails have thrilled area residents for decades. It’s high time to unveil these natural venues to visitors and newcomers. Some of these locations are adjacent to well-known tourist attractions. 4 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

However, most times they may get overlooked because these extensions of existing excursions are not typically not recorded on popular tourist maps. For example, the city of Burnet has take steps to increase public access between Hamilton Creek Park and HaleyNelson Park to improve a rustic trail along the creek. In another venue, city leaders have transformed a former Granite Shoals quarry into a hike and bike trail which has just begun attracting a steady following of fitness enthusiasts. Visitors have hailed the system — a section of which is named for a U.S. Olympian — as a rare and unique get-away for those who venture into its granite walkways. In almost every corner of the Highland Lakes, those who seek outdoor adventure can forge new trails in several idyllic settings off the beaten path.

Burnet Visitors to spring festivals and in search of winter lighting displays have discovered Hamilton Creek Park, one block off U.S. 281 on West Jackson Street in Burnet. The venue has solidified its place as a popular spot for picnicking under a gazebo, hosting gatherings in the pavilion and attracting strolling families to a shoreline sidewalk to enjoy water fountains and the wildlife scene. What locals know is another more remote trail exists just beyond the sidewalk. A crude trail continues off the north end of the park. This is not a spot for flip flops or street shoes. Hiking boots would be the footwear of choice. A small trail makes its way along Hamilton Creek and eventually meets up with the 51-acre Haley-Nelson Park venue, on Garden Trails Road, just off Texas 29 West. Haley-Nelson is known not only as the location for

popular live music events but offers athletic fields and other park amenities. Granite Shoals Residents in Granite Shoals frequently utilize a rustic and impressive hike, bike and walking trail venue nestled in the grounds of city hall. The city’s 131-acre municipal complex, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road, is also home to Quarry Park. In Quarry Park, visitors will discover a butterfly garden, a wildlife viewing station and a trail system named after local Olympic hero Leonel Manzano. Families can also enjoy granite benches and tables, monuments and exercise stations as they venture through the transformed quarry site. An outer loop, two-mile trail named for Manzano borders an inner half-mile called Leo’s Loop which features a large quarry pond and several connecting trails. The trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Contributed/Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery in Hoover’s Valley features interpretative trails, wildlife observation venues and “micro habitats,” five hiking trails and the oldest exposed rock in the Llano Uplift. Programs, maps and events are hosted by the Friends of the Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery.

Quarry Park within the 131-acre municipal complex in Granite Shoals features hiking trails, ponds, and a wildlife observation facility. Two of the trails are named for local resident and U.S. Olympian Leonel Manzano. 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 5

Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery The allure of natural habitats amongst a fish conservation facility has attracted Burnet County residents to the Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery for generations. Just beyond the main facility, 345 Clay Young Rd. in Hoover’s Valley, the grounds feature five trails for hiking, birding and nature interpretation activities. The hatchery trails include plant and wildlife guides. An auxiliary group with the facility works to educate the public about conservation and habitat restoration. The group manages so-called “micro habitats” along the Ashe Juniper Trail and the Overlook Trail for outdoor labs to uncover everything from medicinal plants to popular wildlife species. Also on the site, a 70-year-old cottage which was renovated into an environmental

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education building. Other amenities include a bird blind, native plant gardens, a butterfly way station and picnic tables. Geology enthusiasts flock to the area to view some of the oldest exposed rock in the Llano Uplift. The hatchery is open to the public from 7 a.m .to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Marble Falls Westside Park to Lakeside Park Trailheads One stretch of the city of Marble Falls trail system remains tucked away in the heart of the city connecting four parks. Westside Park, at the intersection of 2nd Street and Avenue Q, is comprised of 13 acres along a portion of Backbone Creek. Hikers and joggers have discovered a granite pathway into a wooded area just beyond the playscape, pavilion, dog park and disc golf course.

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Granite trails curve around the shoreline of Lake Marble Falls adjacent to Lakeside Pavilion and continue onto the shoreline of Backbone Creek which straddles Johnson Park. Natural rules the landscape here where the area is primarily undeveloped land dominated by large Cottonwood and Pecan trees.

The course winds around to cross Avenue N continue through Johnson Park and Falls Creek Park and eventually ends at Lakeside Park. Walkers can then continue their trek in the direction of Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista Dr., and descend onto the banks of Lake Marble Falls. Rudimentary trails, canopied by Cottonwood and Pecan trees, carve their way along the shoreline along Backbone Creek. From an owl nesting habitat to a popular catfish hole, this venue remains true to its natural roots. Among all these venues, visitors can find a few creature comforts. It may be a good idea to come prepared with a few of one’s own. These venues are meant for those who seek adventure in places where one can appreciate natural landscapes along the road less traveled.

2016 Newcomers’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 7

Birds of a feather, Last Chance Forever

A

palpable tension fills the deck of the Texas Eagle II and an excited crowd watches as the man and woman ginger remove the protective coverings from the female raptor. When the woman opens her hands, the bald eagle flaps her wings and takes off, skimming the water before gliding up to and perching on a tree along the bank as passengers shout their hurrahs and applaud.

Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy education director Kelly Rayner and executive director John Karger return a young female bald eagle to the wild from the deck of the Texas Eagle II.

8 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

These lucky patrons of Vanishing Texas Cruises at Lake Buchanan got the chance to see something remarkable — a rescued bird being released back into the wild by employees of the Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy, a San Antonio-based organization dedicated to rehabilitating these majestic creatures. Every year, from Nov. 15 through the end of February, eagles migrate back to Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River — not simply to nest, but to feed and breed. For 35 years, Vanishing Texas Cruises has used its river boat, the Texas Eagle II, to take passengers on a sightseeing tour of varying lengths — from a two-hour, 18-mile cruise on the river and lake up to a four-hour, 36-mile “ultimate” cruise with lunch included. Fluctuating water levels on Lake Buchanan and the

Highland Lakes river chain at times can force the company to alter or cancel cruises to accommodate the current level. On some of these cruises, Vanishing Texas Cruises partners with Last Chance Forever when the conservancy is ready to return a rehabilitated bird of prey back to the wild, and passengers are able to get an up close and personal view of a release while learning more about these predators. The conservancy has released more than 20 bald eagles on the lake. Last Chance Forever has an Adopt-a-Raptor program in which individuals may sponsor a bird to be released. To learn more, visit lastchanceforever.org. To learn more about Vanishing Texas Cruises, go to vrtc. com.

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2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 9

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10 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 11

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Experts in Hunting Ranches Looking for Ranch, Hunting or Country Homesite Property? You won’t find a more experienced and dedicated team. The Jackson Ranch – 3255 acres Lampasas County...The Jackson Ranch is located approximately 13 miles West of Lampasas, Texas on FM 580. The Historic Ranch has 1.82 miles of Colorado River frontage, elevations vary from 200’ high cliffs overlooking the river and views to the West, to low sloping grassy banks sheltered by pecan trees. The ranch is contiguous native rangeland which is located in the famed Texas Hill Country. The terrain is hilly to rough with a substantial portion on the west being rocky hills, ridges and canyons. Outstanding hunting on this large, low fenced ranch. Listed for $3150 per acre

The 629 Ranch - 636 acres Burnet County...The 629 Ranch is an ideal combination hunting and cattle ranch with approximately 15% being in productive fields and the balance in dense wildlife habitat. Or, for the completely wildlife minded landowner this property offers excellent Game Ranch potential. The property is well located about halfway between Burnet and Lampasas less than 5 minutes off of Highway. Paved road frontage, water well and electricity. The ranch is home to an excellent Whitetail Deer Herd, Wild Turkey, the occasional Feral Hogs and Varmints. Bird life is wonderful with the presence of permanent water and ample feed. The property has been well managed and only three bucks taken in the last three seasons with the best scoring 140 points Boone & Crockett gross taken by a bow hunter. Listed for $3995. per acre

The Mountain Ranch – 4500 acres Burnet County..A rare opportunity to own a large tract (over 7 Square Miles) within an hour of Austin located halfway between Burnet and Marble Falls. This beautiful Hill Country Ranch offers 40 mile views from the spacious high mesa’s to beautiful bottom land, lush with grasses and dotted with Live Oaks. Many of the draws are running water from numerous springs, all topped off with a 28 acre Lake. Game fenced and managed for years, this is a true Legacy Ranch for the discriminating buyer to seriously consider. Improvements include a spacious Main House on the high mesa, a foreman’s house, barn and multiple water wells. Listed for $6250 per acre

Moody Colorado River Ranch – 395 acres Fayette County...Ranches with river frontage offer the best in all around recreation, from duck hunting, fishing, deer hunting, or just to enjoy sitting on the banks watching the river flow! Wildlife that roams the river bottom and ranch in this area is excellent and consist of quality whitetail deer, turkey, dove, and other native animals. If you are a duck hunter this ranch offers excellent waterfowl habitat. In addition to the river along its entire west boundary there is an old river Oxbow that runs through the ranch. This water feature draws thousands of waterfowl of all kinds!! The oxbow maintains shallow water areas that ducks love. The terrain along the oxbow offers excellent duck blind sites. Here’s a ranch you can enjoy multiple hunting opportunities on!! A hunting cabin is in place on the high bank of the river. The ranch is covered with large ancient pecan trees as well as live oaks, and elms. With a good mix of open pasture for grazing and trees for shade. Listed for $6900 per acre

San Antonio Bay Ranch – 505 acres Calhoun County..Sportsmen Take Note – This Gulf Coast ranch bordered by the Victoria Barge Canal and in view of San Antonio Bay is a veritable wildlife paradise. Located only minutes from Seadrift, this property is ready for the new owner to take it to the next level! Waterfowl Hunting is unparalleled, with approximately 200 acres of wetlands present on the property. The Calhoun County Navigation District has an easement used for the retention of materials periodically dredged from the Victoria Barge Canal. This greatly benefits the numerous species of migratory waterfowl and other game animals in the area such as deer and hogs. The balance of the property is a comprised of a variety of quality soil types thus providing a high carrying capacity for grazing. A mixture of native and improved grasses are present throughout the property providing a variety of feed sources. Due to the location being coastal, the ranch is predominantly level with a good mix of open grasslands and several nice oak motts. Listed for $3365 per acre

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2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 13

Marble Falls Westside Park’s dog friendly venue is a

Diamond in the Ruff

A sign next to the entrance of Ruff Park reminds owners of the rules of the park.

M

friends. Owners and pets alike love the sculptures at Ruff Park, a half-acre fenced area where pets can roam off leash in Westside Park. The park is located at the intersection of Second Street and Avenue Q.

arble Falls can boast of amenities which not only cater to two-legged creatures, but also their four-legged best

Ruff Park, located in Westside Park at the intersection of Second Street and Avenue Q, is a half-acre

Visitors to Ruff Park make fast friends while playing and enjoying the freedom to run off leash. 14 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

fenced area near Backbone Creek where owners can let their pets roam off leash. It features concrete dog bone sculptures inscribed with the words “Sit” and “Stay” and a dog water fountain. Park rules include owner responsibility to clean up waste, remain with their pets at all times, bring no more than three dogs per person at any one time, leash and remove dogs from the park at first sign of aggressive behavior and fill any holes created by their pets. All four-legged visitors to the park must be spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. According to the city of Marble Falls website, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. daily. Visit marblefallstx.gov for more information.

A film-friendly Marble Falls wants to

Say hello to Hollywood ...

Marble Falls city officials are working to coax more filmmakers to the city for location filming for the economic benefits to the community. At left is a scene from “Shotgun Honey,” a 2016 drama shot, in part, in Marble Falls. Above, the 2010 Indie slasher film “Jon” used Marble Falls locations for some of its scenes.

F

rom the 2016 drama “Shotgun Honey” to the biographical disaster flick “Jon,” Marble Falls city officials want to try to coax more filmmakers to the area for the economic benefits and to potentially cultivate a new industry to the community. To that end, the city recently earned the designation as a Certified Film Friendly Community (CFFC) by the Texas Film Commission (TFC), a division of the Texas Office of the Governor. To gain certification, city representatives attended a day-long workshop in 2016 to learn about the production process and best practices for working with the film industry and developed TFCapproved film policy which the city has adapted into an

ordinance. “It’s general exposure to Marble Falls as a destination,” Assistant City Manager Caleb Kraenzel said. “Marble Falls is now a very browsable community that pre-production can go into.” The municipal policy outlines guidelines when filmmakers seek community access for shooting locations such as street closure requests, property owner notification, size of crew notification and time frame of

the shoot. “They know the protocols they need to abide by. There’s various steps and authorizations they may need to go through to get their permit,” Kraenzel said. “It’s for the city to be a good steward for residents to keep them from being negatively impacted by any of these activities that go on.” A positive impact the city will work to capitalize on involves the potential benefits to the local economy such as purchase of local goods and services, frequenting local eateries and utilization of temporary housing options. “It’s akin to the construction industry, during projects all the crews that come in, consume money they consume local goods and services,” he said.

“They may need extras (role casting). “Not to mention any property owners that may have their property selected. That’s compensation.” As part of the Film Friendly Community guidelines, the city has compiled several private, public and historical property locations into a portfolio to be offered to the film industry scouting for sites. “We want to make an open call to any property owners, who want to be add to the city’s portfolio to contact us,” Kraenzel said. For more information or to add a property to the portfolio, contact administrative assistant Lisa Ward at 830-693-7050 or email her at lward@ marblefallstx.gov.

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 15

A Woman of Two Worlds and a Man in Two Worlds

Parker exhibit returns to FOCM

D

ue to popular demand, the “Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker Exhibit, A Woman of Two Worlds and a Man in Two Worlds” is back at the Falls on the Colorado Museum for a second time. This new exhibit contains additional photos not included in the original exhibit held in late 2016. This traveling exhibit will be on display through Feb. 28 at the museum, 2001 Broadway, Marble Falls. Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker are two important names in U.S. (and Texas) frontier history. Much can be learned from the dramatic story of these two courageous individuals. In 1836, a Comanche raiding

party took Cynthia Ann from her family who lived near Fort Parker, Texas. Over the following years, she became wife to a Comanche chief and mother to children, including Quanah. After Cynthia Ann was taken back by Texas Rangers, Quanah became one of the most important Comanche leaders both in war and peace. This exhibit tells this story of the lives of these two

DEGOLYER LIBRARY, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Tintype, 1861, of Cynthia Ann Parker 16 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

Quanah Parker clasping a peyote feather fan persons caught between two and sharing materials and different worlds. information for the exhibit’s This exhibit has been development. designed by the Texas Lakes FOCM has invited two Trail Region, one of the distinguished professors ten Heritage Trail Regions from UTSA — Dr. Dan Gelo created through the Texas and Dr. Chris Wickham — to Historical Commission. give a presentation at 1 p.m. A special thanks must Feb. 9, titled “Comanches be given to the Comanche and Germans on the Texas Nation and the many Frontier: A Unique Example members of the Parker family of Cultural Impact.” for keeping this story alive The speakers will give an

Cynthia Ann Parker and her daughter, Topusana (Prairie Flower), in 1861.

overview of cultures colliding in a land where the Parkers lived later. An excerpt from their book Comanches and Germans on the Texas Frontier sets the tone for their presentation. Comanche-German relations were set in the Meusebach Treaty at Fredricksburg in 1847, stating that “… the Germans would be allowed to travel in Comanche territory … without impediment … and could visit German communities, provided that they remained peaceful; that the Germans and Comanches would support each other if attacked or robbed by a third party.” Dr. Gelo is professor of anthropology, Stumberg Distinguished University Chair, and Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Gelo holds Ph.D, MPhil., MA and BA degrees in Anthropology from Rutgers

University. Dr. Wickham is professor emeritus of German in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. He earned his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin. He has taught German literature, cinema, language, and culture. FOCM invites you to attend this presentation providing a new perspective on the life and times of Quanah Parker’s tribe, the Comanches, around the Central Texas area. FOCM does not charge admission, but relies on donations from its visitors. Regular museum hours are Thursday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 2001 Broadway, Marble Falls. For more information, call 830-798-2157 or visit their newly remodeled website at fallsmuseum.org.

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 17

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18 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 19

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20 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

visit e Com newly ry! our d bake nde a p ex Wed - Fri 10-6

Pace Bend State Park offers many primitive campsites along the bluffs at Lake Travis, making for a great sunset view at the end of an exciting day of hiking and swimming.

CAMPING or GLAMPING?

W

By Savanna Gregg

hether a rugged outdoorsman or a luxury aficionado, anyone can enjoy a night under the stars in the Highland Lakes. The Highland Lakes area offers dozens of campsites for individuals and families looking for a weekend of adventure. Campsites range from primitive to sophisticated, or as we like to call it, camping to glamping! Enjoy days of hiking through various vegetation, spend your evenings under the stars, and come back to your tent, cabin, or RV to turn the light out on one day and welcome another. Check out this guide to different sites for camping and glamping, and start

planning your next trip! Glamping For those seeking an outdoor adventure and a camping trip that has a little more glamour, the Canyon of the Eagles campground and resort might be the place. With campsites, RV sites and guest cabins, the

camp welcomes any kind of camper. The guest rooms are fully furnished with air conditioning, heat, linens, a coffee maker and WiFi. The camp also includes a full-fledged restaurant and shop for those with a taste for more than hot dogs over the camp fire, as well as an observatory, hiking trails and outdoor family fun activities. Pets are welcome. Canyon of the Eagles is in Central Texas Hill Country and overlooks Lake Buchanan, the largest body of in the Highland Lakes’ region. The camp is located 25 minutes from Burnet, 50 minutes from Llano, 90 minutes northwest of Austin and two hours north of San Antonio, making it an ideal location for a weekend

getaway. Ranch Road 2341, one of the most scenic roads in Texas, ends at the camp entrance. Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 CR 114 outside of Burnet, has over 250 tent and RV campsites available on weekends for guests and features cycling and hiking trails, a pool and access to the ranch’s private Quarry Lake. Available amenities include restrooms, showers and changing rooms with hot and cold water, a pavilion that can be booked for events and a full-service commercial kitchen with a wood-fired grill, barbecue pit and wood-burning pizza oven. Inks Lake State Park, located at 3630 Park Road 4 West, has 22 cabins

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 21

There is nothing like breakfast on a camp fire! Inks Lake State Park’s camp sites offer cooking set-ups for campers to prepare delicious meals during their stay. The fire pit is also a handy element to have when the weather is a little chilly! No matter the weather, Inks Lake State Park offers a memorable camping experience for all its campers. that can be booked in advance, completed with air conditioning and an outdoor grill. But, don’t forget to bring bed linens, and please keep pets outside! Campsites with water, electricity and restrooms are also available, but only four are held for walk-in campers, so visits should be booked in advance. About 20 miles west of Burnet along Lake Buchanan sits Black Rock Park, an LCRA camping area that has a little bit of everything for

every kind of camper. The park is near a boat ramp for campers who wish to spend their day on the water, and offers fishing, kayak rentals, swimming, horseshoe and washer pits, a playground, and sand volleyball court. Black Rock Park has 17 campsites with water hookups, 15 RV campsites, 18 cabins which sleep up to five people and include electricity, water, heat and A/C, ceiling fans and a grill, an RV dump station, showers, and a 24-hour ice

22 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

machine. If you would like to bring a large group for a gettogether, Lake View Hall is available for rentals. Lake View Hall holds up to 120 people and includes heating, A/C, a catering kitchen, fireplace, and large smoker grill. For more information on rentals at Black Rock Park, visit lcra.org/parks. Arguably the best feature of glamping is the ability to make a campsite homey with personalized lighting, backyard games, decorations and prepared meals that may be a little more extravagant than the typical camping fare. Those who want to bring their own glamour to a campsite might consider bringing a generator for lighting or portable A/C units. Rather than sleeping on the ground, campers can elevate themselves with an inflatable mattress, cot or hammock. Portable showers and toilets can also be purchased at several outdoor retailers. Camping – no glam included For the rugged camper, there are a number of parks and recreational areas in Burnet County where one can simply pop up a tent and heat up some S’mores. In addition to cabins, Inks Lake State Park also has a number of tent and RV camp sites nestled under the park’s numerous oak trees. Campsites with water but without electricity number 49 across the camp. For those looking to get in touch with the wild side, nine primitive campsites without any amenities can be reached by a short hike down the trail. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is located at 706 CR 343A in Smithwick. The park is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority and rests along Lake Marble

Falls. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, equestrian trails, fishing and swimming. Campsites feature a grill and a port-o-potty, and pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Reservations may be made, and those arriving after 5 p.m. should contact the park attendant. Just down the road from Shaffer Bend on County Road 343 is another LCRA recreation area called Camp Creek. Like Shaffer Bend, the 40-acre park offers RV and tent campsites with access to Lake Marble Falls. The 16-site campground features a boat ramp, port-o-potty and grills for camp cooking. Camping is available at a first-come, first serve basis. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Drive past Marble Falls and turn east on Highway 71, and after a scenic drive you will find Pace Bend Park, a primitive camping location in Spicewood located along Lake Travis. Pace Bend Park offers camping newbies and pros a getaway from the real world as they set their tents or RV’s up in the wilderness and enjoy the great outdoors. Campers enjoy hiking opportunities, swimming, and a great experience living off the bare camping necessities. Of course, you can bring your grills (though be advised you should stay updated on burn bans in the area) and cook up a gourmet meal, but what’s better than hotdogs roasted on clothes hangers with s’mores for dessert? Pets are welcome at Pace Bend Park, though they must remain leashed. Pace Bend Park is located at 2011 Pace Bend Road N., Spicewood. Reservations may be made online at parks. traviscountytx.gov/parks/ pace-bend.

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Finding sweet spots on Lakes Buchanan, LBJ and Marble Falls

A fish tale of three lakes ...

Story and Photos by By Connie Swinney

F

or those who consider themselves avid anglers, bringing in a big haul takes a lot of dedication, plenty of experience, the right equipment, a perfect spot, ideal conditions and a certain amount of luck.

Rick Evans of Marble Falls has spent his entire life fishing on the Highland Lakes. Although the angler spends a lot of time on Lake Marble Falls and Backbone Creek (pictured here), his favorite place to go fishing is Lake Buchanan.

From time to time all those variables combine for a great fishing experience. Sometimes just being at the right spot at the right spot at the right time . . .

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 27

can become the biggest advantage of all. Along the Highland Lakes on the Colorado River, there are a number of opportunities to catch everything from white bass and crappie to socalled “blue cats” and even striped bass. By no means am I an expert at this but with a little research and discussion with the experts, visitors may find an edge over what lies beneath the water. Lake Buchanan For the rest of 2018 and much of 2019, anglers can expect a bountiful offering of white bass and large-mouth bass from Lake Buchanan as well as a few abundant crappie holes and fairly consistent catfish habitats due to recent storm water runoff which filled the lake. The waterway encompasses Burnet and Llano counties. Lake Buchanan, was created in 1939 with the construction of Buchanan Dam, the first of six dams along the chain of Highland

A number of anglers flock to the Highland Lakes in search of the perfect crappie hole. In his lifetime Scott Ridgely has discovered a few on Lake LBJ (pictured here) and Lake Buchanan. Lakes which goes from Llano County to Travis County. It is the largest reservoir (more than 22,000 acres)

The waterfall on Lake Buchanan is not only a visitors’ attraction, but brings anglers to the spot to trying to catch a few striped bass and large-mouth bass. 28 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

which primarily stores floodwaters, so the fluctuation in water level plays an important role in fish habitat. When the lake is down, brush may take hold in certain spots, but as flooding follows the brush turns into an excellent environment for fish. Some have light-heartedly referred to the spots as “fish condos.” Angler have found the most effective depths to be 20 to 30 feet. In cold weather months, much of the best fishing happens in the Beaver Creek Area about nine miles from the dam. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, white bass and striped bass runs occur from February to May due to a more desirable water temperature. The state agency stocks the waterway with striped bass since the species does not naturally reproduce in the

lake. Some of the best bait includes live minnows and live shad. Some of the most productive lures for bass include twister tail jigs, crankbaits and small topwaters. Anglers may find the best locations to be in the mainlake points. For catfish, stink bait and cutbaits work best. Lake LBJ What kind of experience you have on Lake LBJ depends on from what community a boater accesses this waterway. Shoreline communities include Granite Shoals, Kingsland, Horseshoe Bay and Sunrise Beach. Lake LBJ, which covers more than 6,500 acres, runs through Burnet and Llano counties. Formed by Wirtz Dam in 1950, the waterway was named in honor of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Lake Marble Falls has become a favorite spot for both bass and catfishing trips for young and old.

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Lake Marble Falls If you’re looking for an easy, laid back day of fishing, Lake Marble Falls may be the place to go. While some shoreline anglers may haunt Backbone Creek which feeds into this waterway, boat fishermen have discovered this 611acre lake provides a short jaunt to a few crappie holes as well as white bass, sunfish

and catfish habitats. Lake Marble Falls, the smallest on the Highland Lakes chain, was created with the construction of Max Starcke Dam in 1951. The maximum depth is about 60 feet which much of the waterway considered to be fairly shallow (waist-deep in some spots). Most anglers have found much of their catch around docks and boat houses, with some success in the upper section of the lake. However, the shallow section populated with boulders, so smaller canoe or kayak fishing may be idea there in the spring For more insight on fishing on these three waterways, go to tpwd.texas.gov for a weekly fishing report.

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In the spring and fall, the largemouth bass tend to congregate in this lake. Anglers can also find a thriving catfish habitat. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, a number of fish are noted for staying in the shallow. In February, anglers have found a brisk spawning season as white bass begin their run up the Llano. Find the best crappie fishing around docks, in and around coves and at depths of 20 feet or more.

Sympli • Alex Evening • Sea Breeze 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 29

Contributed photo Striking a pose similar to the FTD flower delivery logo, this man finishes off a “goal” at the Flat Creek Estate disc golf course. Flat Creek officials say disc golf is a way their customers can take a scenic tour of the property as they learn more about wine and grapes.

Check out local disc golf courses where

It’s okay to rattle some chains ...

F

By Richard Zowie

or those who like the concept of golf but would prefer it in a different format, golf has a cousin.

Called Disc Golf (or Frisbee Golf), disc golf is a sport where players fling a flying disc towards a metal basket (the equivalent of a golf hole) in hopes of getting a good score (by landing it in the chains in as few shots as possible). Some play with a standard frisbee, while others play with

30 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

weighted frisbees designed to be used as drivers, midrange, and putters. There are also several styles in which discs are thrown: backhand, forehand, or alternate throws like hatchet, thumber (thrown overhand but with the thumb on the disc’s underside), roller (the disc rolls on the

ground), and the turbo-putt (accurate but with limited range. Scoring is similar to golf, in that each basket has a par that players compete to get their disk into the basket in a certain number of tosses. Burnet County has two places where people can disc golf.

Flat Creek Disc Golf Located on the Flat Creek Vineyard Estate at 24912 Singleton Bend E and online at flatcreekestate.com/discgolf-destination.html, Flat Creek Disc Golf is an 18-hole par 64 course professionally designed by John Houck. It features both recreational and professional grade tees for players of all experience levels. Ten holes are par threes, six are par fours, and two are par fives. “There are two very challenging holes,” said Flat Creek’s Amanda Koraska. “The first is Hole Six, where John included his first Triple

Mandatory in the design. A 562-foot distance from the pro-tee with a large out-ofbounds area straight ahead and the elimination through mandatories of a high drive or hyzer throws, make it extra challenging. “The final hole, 18, features another long 528foot distance with a large water hazard. One of the bonuses to this pay to play course is that we perform quarterly pond clean-ups and will return lost discs to the pro-shop for pick-up.” Koraska said Flat Creek is one of only three vineyard disc golf courses in the United States (and one of the

other two is a private course). “The views from Hole Seven are absolutely stunning and worth the trek for golfers and non-golfers alike,” she said. Flat Creek facilities include a pro-shop with disc golf merchandise for sell and rent. Koraska said they have both professionals and amateurs there, and that amateurs are welcome at the tournaments. Westside Park Disc Golf Course Located in Marble Falls at the intersection of Second Street and Avenue Q, Westside Park

Creekside disc golf park in a grassy, wooded course of 18 baskets spanning 4,500 to 5,443 feet. For more information, go to dgcoursereview.com/ course.php?id=3603 or call 830-798-6250. Officials describe it as a “nice course along a small creek with mature oaks and numerous water hazards depending on how much it has rained. Additional nine holes begin after the sixth hole and are south of the railroad tracks. For more information about disc golfing, go to pdga.com.

Contributed photo This girl tosses a disc golf into the “goal” in hopes of making par at the Flat Creek Estate disc golf course. Disc golf is becoming a popular sport in America and is even organized into professional competition. 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 31

The old Burnet County Jail, located at 109 S. Pierce in Burnet, is an example of old-style architecture on the Courthouse square. The building is currently being renovated inside. 32 • 2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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Fun to be had in Highland Lakes

Expect to find new and exciting adventures everywhere in the Highland Lakes, from the private to the civic. An agricultural adventure year-round, Sweet Berry Farm is located on Farm to Market Road 1980. Guests are allowed to pick their own fresh strawberries and flowers in spring and choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or wander a corn maze in the fall. The Hidden Falls Adventure Park on Ranch to Market Road 1431, east of Marble Falls near Smithwick, is another spot for family fun. The 3,000 acre park features motorbike and four-wheeling trails, rock crawling, paint ball, camping and a shooting range. Just outside Burnet, the Reveille Peak Ranch an outdoor adventure park of 1,300 acres on County Road 114 west of Burnet is. It that features running and mountain biking trails, scuba diving and fitness training. Canyon of the Eagles Resort is an upscale camping and RV retreat center with a lake-view restaurant on Ranch to Market Road 2341 east of Burnet. In cooperation with Lower Colorado River Authority activities such as hiking and nature trails, daily programs, and an observatory are open to the public. Drought and low water levels have suspended the Vanishing Texas River Cruises. For a particularly adrenaline-filled outing, one might take a hang-gliding tour of Lake LBJ with Airscape Parasail, take a zip-line tour through the woods at Cypress Valley Canopy Tour on Paleface Ranch Road in Spicewood or romp in season at Granite Beach Water Park at LBJ Yacht Club and Marina on Ranch to Market Road 2147 between Marble Falls

and Horseshoe Bay. Krause Springs is freshwater oasis on a 115-acre property north of Spicewood that is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites. Thirty-two springs feed the waterfall above a grotto and the manmade and natural pools for swimming and wading. Whether camping or day tripping, guests are welcome to stroll through the butterfly and serenity gardens. For history buffs, each town has an adventure. The Fort Croghan Museum, 703 Buchanan Drive/Texas 29 in Burnet, is open to the public April-August and sponsors historical re-enactments during Fort Croghan Day in October. The fort was the third of the first four forts established by the United States government to protect settlers from hostile Indians along the Texas frontier. Also in Burnet, the hangars and vintage airplanes of the WWII Flying Museum Of The Commemorative Air Force can be seen at Kate Craddock Field, the municipal airport on South Water Street/US 281. Falls on the Colorado Museum, located in Marble Falls, 2001 Broadway Street, in an 1891 granite school building, provides a glimpse into the city and the Granite Mountain industry, as well as sponsoring Founders Day in July and a Victorian Christmas in December. The Llano County Historical Museum is located on the banks of the Llano River, just north of the Roy B. Inks Bridge. A pioneer cabin on its grounds adds to exhibits inside. The Bertram Train Depot Museum on SH 29 displays relics of the past and serves as a stopping point for Austin Steam Train excursions.

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PEC investigating complaint against UTOPiAfest moves to Reveille PeakOakley Ranch Board could consider ousting

taki indicated the committee, investigation, but they cannot account. In addition to deleting his Oakley then posted a com- post Wednesday, Nov. 23, which will be comprised of take any action regarding a better location for on thishis typeshared of event” application a mass for gathering directors Kathy Scanlon, Paul vote for removal from office ment post that Oakley forapologized the than a private on Shady should becalling granted.it Originally, heranch thought it was Grove “time forpermit a comment, “off the Graf and herself, can consid- until the Jan. 17 meeting. (County Road Boydcuff” had and planned to curt makeandan er all avenues open to them On Monday, Nov.Road 21, Oaktree and 200). a rope … .” That com“indeed UTOPiAfest organizers “I think this something theyplaced announcement through the cooperative’s ley, who also serves as Burnet ment,was because it was harsh.” on the permit by Oct. announced on their website had planned on doing after the public 9, based on the festival being held by Lew K. Cohn complaint lodged by a number bylaws, including removing County Judge, shared a post on a shared public post, was Oakley was given the op-on Wednesday, Oct. Editor 3, they are moving hearing it was actually firstit was the Harrison ranch on Hidden Ranch Managing of concerned African-Ameri- Oakley from the position he from the San Antonio Policeand publicly visible the while portunity to address the board the festival to Reveille Peak Ranch site they originally picked,” Boyd page. Road and off Shady Grove Road — a site The Highlander can employees against Oakley has held since 2013. on Oakley’s Facebook the public at Wednesday’s on County Road 114. Electric and determine said. “I thinkOakley’s they havecomment a much better that had localasresidents The Pedernales Pataki said during the drew conmeeting, there wasconcerned a large “We are excited that chance of getting a (mass gathering) traffic congestion and safety. Cooperative Board to of announce Direc- what punishdemnation from a number about of audience in attendance and all meeting the committee will reUTOPiAfest landed at Reveille permit withindividuals this new location. who “We aremeetings going are to simultanepush back tors voted X 6-0hasWednesday, ment, if any, port their findings no later than on Facebook, board Peak Ranch in written Burnet,no-Texas,” Reveille Peak is set the up for events the decision some since have Nov. 30, to give he may face ously webcast and they recorded Dec. 9 to the full board, which thought elected official festival organizer Travis Sutherland like this and had getting out there ishis much changed the location tice to director James Oakley for a social mewill then determine what steps overstepped bounds for public record.so they can get told Theboard Highlander and Burnet by made the UTOPiAfest family and the and family.” safer, so I feel about it.”so harshly their a row,” said. “I that the will consider dia post it will take music, againstartOakley, bybetter commenting in ducks He insaid wasBoyd “sincerely Bulletin. nine incredible local community for years to come. Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd has been designated have reached out to other his possible“After removal on Jan. earlier in the who will not be allowed to be a public manner. sorry as it was never mycounties intent years Utopia, filed we against believe month this We can’t wait to celebrateinvolved our 10thin any Boyd confirmed the move Wednesday by County Judge James Oakley who to have handled thesewith typeshisof 17 if a in complaint in which deliberations Others questioned whether offend anyone” Oakley will be isafound happy home such embraced sky withhis fate. and said he believes “this is a much to arrest determine if some UTOPiAfest’s Oakley to merit Oakleybirthday com- under the Texasregarding UTOPiAfest ... see Page 7A Department about the there was racial overtone comment on Facebook about discipline. mented it was “time for a tree The next regular board of an African-American man, to Oakley’s comment, given McKane’s arrest. In a resolution approved at and a rope” for the suspected meeting is Dec. 19 and PEC Otis Tyrone McKane — ac- a very disturbing history in “My intent was to express a special called meeting, the killer of a San Antonio police officials said the board could cused of killing San Antonio the South, and particularly in my frustration with the cowboard voted to establish a com- officer. vote to reprimand Oakley at police Det. Benjamin Marconi Texas, of lynchings involving ardly killing of a police officer mittee to investigate a written Board President Emily Pa- that time, if warranted by their — on his personal Facebook minorities. Oakley … see Page 8A By Lew K. Cohn Managing Editor The Highlander

director at January meeting

Bertram PD chief blames ‘witch hunt’ Trial set for Ballard for indictments

Texas 71 collision victims remembered

capital murder case By Connie Swinney Staff Writer

By Alexandria Aug. 19, 2014. By Glynis Crawford Smith The HighlanderRandolph Thepolice Highlander The shooting occurred at The Highlander An embattled chief has Garrett of Ballard will go to the Ballard family home in the The two victims who died in the crash on Texas 71 east of called a string indictments, the 33rd District Mon- 5800 block of County Road Spicewood Monday, Nov. 28, were Cynthia Ann Vega, age 46, including perjury and Court official day tocharges, face triala in “witch the fatal 340 during the early morning and her son, Santiago Vega, age 17, both from Marble Falls. oppression shooting of his two friends just hours. Family members of A funeral service will be held for the mother and son at Celehunt” he believes stemmed from over twoa years ago. Benson and Fox said the three ments-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls today, Friday, Dec. a dispute with district attorney’s plea deadline young men were celebrating 2, at 4 p.m., followed by a rosary service at 6 p.m. On Thursday, office chiefThe investigator whofor is Gara rett James Ballard, a 23-year- Benson’s birthday. however, friends and family gathered at the site of the crash to former Houston Police Department old Burnet County man who Authorities said during the memorialize them. Balloons were released into the skies over the co-worker. wasgoes indicted a capital mur- investigation that Ballard took rolling hills where they died. “This backonmany years. der of multiple persons charge what was reported to be a .223 Accounts been created on fundly.com (www.fundly.com/ The (33rd/424th Judicial District) in Nov. 6, 2014, at 1:30 caliber semi-automatic rifle cynthia-and-santiago-dos-vega) and at Chase Bank in Austin chief investigator and Iwas worked Wilson p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29. from a JJ patrol (Account 552751082) to defray funeral expenses. together in the 1980s,” said District Attorney vehicle that his Unable to attend was Justino Rodriguez, age 50 and also of Bertram Police Chief James Sonny Jay target on my back.” said Ballard pled not father, BurnetJudicial District Marble Falls, who was a passenger with the Vegas. (“JJ”) McAfee Wilson said in a phone The 424th guilty County He was airlifted from the scene Monday and remains in interview Oct.in4.an arraigment hearingGrand Jury Conindicted Bertram on inatthethe court proceed-Police stableChief Jimmy University Medical Center Brackenridge, as does Bala Chandra “Weearly worked Houston James Jay (“JJ”) ings. Ballard’s trial is schedBallard, Pct.2 3,on charges of Sekhar Gutti, 29, of Richardson, driver of the 2015 Subaru that Police Department back then. He Wilson Oct. uledsee for things Monday, 5. had aggravated parked at perjury, felony first collided with the Vegas’ 2015 Ford Focus. and I don’t eyeDec. to eye. felony “I expect it will take all the house whileinformation Both were listed in “Good” condition on Tuesday, but a Vega “I think he’s taking a personal misuse of official Ballard and McAfee regardingmisdemeanor he and his wife family spokesperson said Thursday that Rodriguez might have vendettaweek,” against me,” said he added. official oppression, could notI’ve com-court Phil Reynolds/The Highlander Linda were away on vacation. to be returned to the ICU because of internal bleeding. “(Prior the to trial, the but indictment) documents stated. Cottonwood volunteer Jared Arp, right, ment comments. further about Garrett Ballard stemmed shot the two Uninjured Shores was Lonnie Wade firefighter Jackson, 63, of Coleman. He handed out gift bags and hats to kids at Cottonwood made some I’ve potential been The charges from Shores’ Night of Out Tuesday. bags contained, among other goodies, a fingerprint kit that would provide instant tacticsit,taken by the put defense, teens multiple times, and they was the driver a 2012 VolvoThe truck tractor-trailer unit, the third vocal about and it has a identification if a child turns up missing, as well as such useful items as pencils. namely local attorney Eddie died at theWilson scene. ... see Page 8A vehicle involved in the horrific outcome, Shell. Ballard then fled to his The accident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. Monday on the It is possible the defense girlfriend’s house and called steep, winding stretch of Texas 71 three miles east of Spicewill argue on grounds of di- his parents and his brother-inwood. Sgt. Robbie Barrera, Department of Public Safety informinished capacity, meaning law, a Marble Falls police offimation officer, said 911 calls had been coming in from motorists that Ballard could receive a cer, before his arrest. Authoriobserving the Subaru “speeding and driving erratically.” By 8:15 lesser sentence due to his ad- ties said Ballard confessed the a.m., emergency calls were coming in from witnesses who were mitted hallucinogen induced deed to Burnet County Sherdumbstruck by the scene that faced them. By Connie Swinney to park?” asked Becky Falls, Sheadelusion during the time of the iff’s Department investigators. Shane Wenger, pastor of Elevate Church in Marble Staff Writer Head, a resident ofHighlander The Cape. killings. Ballard told investigators who said in one Monday Facebook comment to The The Highlander She to also questioned why Ballard is accused of kill- that as the drug took effect, that it seemed like forever for responders arrive. Horseshoe Bay city officials would not highlight ing two of his close friends, Fox and Benson exhibited On his own page, Wegner said afterward, “My heart is still officials have adjusted the “future land development” in Elijah Adam Benson, a “strange and disruptive” beso heavy from this a.m. boundaries other areas city. 17-year-old Burnet High haviors, the arrest affidavit “Sandy of anda recommended I came upon a wreck. Had of nothe idea what was future land use map (FLUM), “What about place School student, and Travis said. going to unfold before the ambulance showed up, asthe I helped after fielding complaints from beside the to marina?” said Leslie Fox, a 26-year-old Unofficial reports emergput out the fire. I am just thankful I was able be used she to share Glynis Crawford Smith/The Highlander residents of a gated community of an area unoccupied Jesus. Talking and praying with someone at thewith end of their life A family strolls down the Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls Burnet High School graduate, ing during the investigation critical of situation a recommendation non-residential spaces. in a tragic is one of the realist moments I have ever“That had. on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The light display is open from 6 p.m. while the three were under the suggest Ballard may have beto allow light commercial eyesore where a developer Make the most of everyday and don’t ever think God doesn’t to 9 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2017, as long as the ground influence of hallucinogens on lieved the two to be possessed. ventures adjacent to their front was going to come in. What is not wet. need you in His mission plan.” entryway. there?” Fry said he had witnessed thehappened Subaru sports car weaving in as athe lineCommissioners andThe out ofCape, traffic zoned and crossing into oncoming traffic. and residential neighborhood, services staff Investigation at the sceneiswasdevelopment lengthy. At least one resident located the Horseshoe how process of on Texaswithin 71 reported being unableexplained to exit onto thethe roadway until Bay city limits on a peninsula drafting proposed maps 1 p.m. A report based on assessment of the the evidence was issued on LBJ. Tuesday morningevolved overatime withaccount a series In a statement of the increasing number of children served by Lake Sgt. Barrera confirming witness As aFry state-required task, of meetings and with input by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Highland by Kyle of Marble Falls. municipalities from community members. Lakes, the local advocates organization announced the addiBy Glynis Crawford Smith Essentially, itmust stated submit that the Subaru driven by Gutti was travproposed withrate updates Contributed tion of a new development coordinator. Contributed “The comprehensive The Highlander eling westFLUMs at a “high of speed and recklessly.” The posted Marble Falls Ken Schwake his wife Michelle Surgeons golf ball-sized brain tumor of five-year Comprehensive “We areremoved excited toaannounce that Cindi Ashford Frythrough joined Sculpture onfirefighter Main is celebrating a bigand coming out party for speed limit in the area is 70 mph. plan came out of a group of a captain at Marble Marble Falls Ken running’ Schwake’s right ear. Nearly Plans. Typically, those tocitizens overdriven months,” P&Z itsSchwake, CASA teamfirefighter ‘hit the ground in mid-October,” said 11th annual event all paramedic day today and into the Falls night Area today,EMS, Fri- our The Ford Focus, determined have been by Cynthia are on the road to recovery after Ken had a brain tumor three months later, he has returned to light duty at Marble maps originate with city Commissioner Kristen Harris, CASA executive director. Dec. 2. three months ago. Vega rather than Rodriguez as first reported by theand DPS, Vice was day, removed Falls Fire Rescue. planning and inzoning (P&Z) Chairman Pat Bouchard said. Harris said Fry understands how important it is for children The doors open at 10 a.m. at Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena traveling east the inside lane. The truck-tractor rig, towing a commissions, followed by “Obviously, this doesn’t flatbed trailer, was traveling east in the outside lane behind the Vista Drive, to art exhibition, demonstration and sale until 6 p.m. to feel safe and secure and she is committed to helping CASA aFord. recommendation to their represent the will of the people Nine artists of table top art works will be on hand to meet the to achieve its greatest potential. respective city councils. (in The Cape).” the curve and public there and discuss their works. Downtown, tours of the 11 “We simply desire for every child to be afforded with prop“The driver of the Subaru failed to negotiate During Oct. 2lane Horseshoe Horseshoe entered thethe inside of SH 71 intoFor the path of the FordBay’s and new juried entries in the year-long exhibit of Sculpture on Main er advocacy while they are in foster care and we know that this Bay P&Zthe front commission plan, crashed into left with its frontabout left,” 1,400 read theresidents report. will be going on. The public will have a chance to turn hands to community is capable of providing these resources,” added meeting, participated during the three-dimensional art under the guidance of one of the country’s Harris. “We are excited to welcome Cindi to our team because “The Forddozens enteredofaresidents, counter clockwise spin towards the eastcity property ownersentered process, officialsspin said. The eminent artists, Susan Norris. we feel that this is the next step in increasing community inboundand guardrail. The Subaru a clockwise towards association leaders attended “Susan Norris is the judge of the Sculpture on Main exhibit,” volvement in our program.” the westbound barrow ditch. to Horseshoe Bay Property question commissioners (POA) CASA for the Highland Lakes Area still serves the same The driver of the Volvo and (truck),Owner’s seeing theAssociation crash, tried to take said Carolyn Bates of the board of directors of the event sponcity staffactions on why version about 7,000in members; evasive andone avoid the crashreported of the two vehicles front of sor, Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA) . “She is the official area of Blanco, Burnet, Llano, Lampasas and San Saba counof the mapwas recommended a the a number of hit which are part- sculptor of Boy Scouts of America.” ties, but their services are reaching more abused and neglected him...(but) unable to avoid Focus and the passenger future consideration forthe light time so-called second-home than ever before. Marta Stafford Fine Art is the local representative of the New children By Connie Swinney active lifestyle. side. The impact caused Ford to fliporonto its passenger side. commercial on diverted the residents. “Today, more children need CASA adthe winners of Best in Show Staff Writer “I worked out. I was ina our veryservice activearea person,” Ken said. Eastboundventures traffic was to Burnet County Road 413, Mexico artist. Norris will determine peninsula near The CapeSafety Characteristics of and Commendation. A committee abusedhas andever neglected are coming to of Highland Lakes Creative vocates The Highlander “Nobodybecause in my family had anychildren brain problems, so this as the Department of Public and law enforcement and neighborhood. Horseshoe Bay included of very Childnew Protective board members and supporters select People’s Ken Schwake has madewill some hugethe strides in the the wasattention something to me.” Services at rates higher than emergency services, along with AirEvac, responded under omi-a Arts Firefighter “Are they going to ‘fly golfing hub, lake activities, Choice in years said winner.of weeks. Fry ... seepain Pagesoon 8A past couple Whatprior,” started asHarris. a perceived nagging toothache Collision ... see Page 8A in’ because there is no place HSB ... see Page 6A Nearly three months after having a golfball-sized brain morphed into something more serious in July at a brush fire in tumor removed, he has rejoined Marble Falls Fire Rescue. Round Mountain. “I got to go back to work, light duty Monday through “I felt crazy pain. I was literally curled up in a ball,” he Friday. I haven’t done Monday through Friday in a long time,” said. “It was a spider web pain on the side of my face. My jaw said the 47-year-old first responder, who has been in public was just absolutely intense.” service for 35 years. “I’m glad to be wearing navy blue again.” Fellow firefighter Coy Guenter accompanied him to the His wife Michelle, who is a paramedic and captain with emergency room. Mark Goodson/The Marble Falls Area EMS, said she witnessed an even bigger Healthcare workers first suspected he was havingHighlander a stroke. achievement recently. By July 18, the stroke suspicion evolved into aDyer diagnosis of Macy (left) “Just the first time at home, standing there brushing his own trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic nerve painearned condition. secondteeth,” she said. “Day by day.” As a result of health follow up recommendations, Ken took team all-district for Prior to his surgery Schwake not only worked as a first a leave of absence from his duties as a first theresponder. Lady Mustangs volleyball team responder for the Marble Falls paid agency, but for area fire “We found out (July 25) two days after our wedding Sophomores donate while Naomi Pegues Marble Falls HS departments including Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire anniversary he had a brain tumor,” said Michelle of the results took honorable Department and Granite Shoals Fire Rescue. of an MRI. to Joseph’s Pantry Homecoming Court mention honors. Ken, his wife and 12-year-old stepdaughter Carli regularly Two days later, Ken’s blood pressure spiked, warranting participated in a community-oriented events and enjoyed an Schwake … see Page 8A

Night Out treats

HSB revises land use map after outcry

A closer walk with thee

Fry new CASA area Public can meet artists development coordinator

of Sculpture on Main

Firefighter back to work after brain cancer surgery Schwake describes long road to recovery

INSIDE INSIDE

SPORTS

See page 1B

See Seepage page3A2A

Granite Shoals prepares for Christmas by Highway See page 7A

Bulletin 1873 - 2018

Wednesday October 3, 2018 Vol. 145 • No. 47 2 sections, 20 pages ‘Thank a veteran or emergency first responder every day!’

Burnet, Texas

Burnet

Pepper Mill’s plat has many feeling spicy By Lew K. Cohn Managing Editor Burnet Bulletin

Zoning commission by a 4-1 vote and engineers from the firm of Jones & Carter were “satisfied it meets all city code requirements.” City Manager David Vaughn also indicated to council members that the city has an “administrative duty” to approve a plat if all requirements it establishes has been met by the developer. “If the plat satisfies the standard as established by the city, then it must be approved,” Vaughn said. “The council is acting on the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission. “That does not mean there aren’t issues we shouldn’t look at that residents are City … see Page 3A

The preliminary plat for a new Pepper Mill subdivision was approved by the Burnet City Council on a 5-2 vote on Tuesday, Sept. 25, but not before a number of residents expressed their concerns about how the new development will affect traffic and drainage around their own homes. City development services director Mark Lewis told council members during a public hearing the plat for Pepper Mill, an 82-lot subdivision of single-family homes on 20.84 acres at the eastern end of Spicewood Drive, was recommended for approval by the Planning &

Hometown newspaper of R.K. Blue

B

Burnet’s Hometown Newspaper

Burnet, Texas

www.BurnetBulletin.com Burnet, Texas

Two Burnet 4-H you By Christi Bertelson Burnet Bulletin

Two Burnet County 4-H members – Jarrett Haydon and Chloe DeSplinter – were among 28 youths honored during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s District 7 4-H Gold Star Banquet held Monday, Oct. 26, at the Bill Franklin Center in Cole-

man, Texas. The Gold Star Award is the highest county achievement award and is awarded only once in a member’s 4‐H career. Haydon, son of Russell and Kelly Haydon of Kingsland, is a member of the Burnet County 4-H Horse Club and is a junior at Faith Academy in Marble Falls, where he plays

B vi 4B pl bu tit

NO Gray areas

in professional figure competitions, said Gray’s friend and publicist, Amy Lescoe-Hall. She said Gray has “grown a lot physically and mentally as an athlete in the last few years. She’s been an inspiration to a lot of people.” Gray said she had always envisioned herself as a figure but going pro is a high Burnet athlete athlete, goal to achieve. As recently as goes pro, gives 2006, there were only 20 male and female pros in Texas. 100 percent “Not many people actually Wayne Craig/Clear Memories make it to the pro level,” she During the captains’ meeting on Friday, Sept.28, the BCISD community presented $6,000 tolexAndriA the visiting Sonora Broncos to like when college said. “It’s By A rAndolph aid in recover after the town sustained extensive damage due to flooding just last weekend. The donation as wellplayers go pro.” Burnet Bulletin of funds,football as recovery supplies, was made possible by Burnet community members, who gave throughout the week. It was easy toThe seepath to becoming a pro the appreciation on the faces of the Sonora players who accepted the check. Burnet native Kristi Gray wasn’t easy, Gray admitted. is not a typical professional “You start at the Texas body builder. shows and you have to place For five years, Gray has in the top three to make nabeen training and compet- tionals. Then, once you’re in ing within the International nationals, you have to win first Federation of Body Builders place to get a pro card,” she From staff reports (IFBB) as a ongoing.” figure athlete. She said. “I did six shows nationalAuthorities have identified Officials added ly. thatIn each the show there are over received professional standing the human skeletal remains the 900tocompetitors.” last month. remains “are unrelated found in a remote area of skull that was recovered from In the When asked what it was shore northwest Burnet County as the Llano County of figure division, athletesdays are judged on symmetry like to be aLake 43-year-old ath-several those of a 40-year-old Lufkin Buchanan lete competing with women and proportion. Athletes must woman reported missing by earlier. at a minimum percentage her family since April. half her age, Gray “It’s is be under “Thatsaid,case According to a Burnet investigation Llanofat so that all muscles not that hard – I beat all by the theof body County Sheriff’s Office County Sheriff’s Office and can be seen by the judges. younger ones anyway!” statement released Sept. 26, thethere’s TexasnoRanger By far her favorite part For Gray, room Service,” forensic scientists with the according to the statement. about the journey of becoming for compromise. University of North Texas Burnet County Sheriff’s Logan Gray ... see Page 7 “It’s a very toughsay market” positively identified the officials the outcome of remains as Tina Marie Logan. initially found the remains, forensic testing is pending in On Aug. 14, investigators they awaited forensic testing that case. found an abandoned 2005 before confirming her ID. The Burnet County “The investigation has Sheriff’s Office is still Mazda Tribute, and following a subsequent k-9 and drone revealed that the likely time gathering evidence for the Lew K. Cohn/Burnet Bulletin search discovered the human of death is believed to have Logan case and asks for the Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd addresses a crowd of concerned residents from the skeletal remains in the vicinity. been in early April of 2018, public’s help with information Shady Grove community about a mass gathering permit application by Utopiafest Down Just days earlier the agency though an exact cause of about her whereabouts or in the Oaks at the Tuesday, Sept. 25, commissioners court meeting. Boyd said at the time sent out a missing person alert death is still undetermined,” activities on or after the first he would not approve the permit, based on his own concerns about safety and traffic for Logan, who was reportedly the BCSO statement read. days of April. Contact BCSO control. investigation into investigators at 512-756last seen at the 29 Tire Shop, “The the circumstances of her 8080 or by email: cidadmin@ 5030 Texas 29 in Burnet. When investigators disappearance and death is burnetsheriff.com.

Bulldog benevolence bolsters Broncos

Skeletal remains identified as missing Lufkin woman

Sheriff ‘would deny’ mass gathering permit for now Editor’s Note: Due to the timing of last week’s meeting, the Bulletin went to press before a full story on the Sept. 25 Utopiafest public hearing could be run. This story includes information printed in last week’s Bulletin as well as public comments made during the hearing. By Lew K. Cohn Managing Editor Burnet Bulletin

Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd said Tuesday, Sept. 25, if he had to make a decision that day, he would not approve a mass gathering permit for Utopiafest Down in the Oaks at this time due to concerns about public safety. Boyd’s comments came during a Tuesday

morning public hearing on the festival’s permit request at the Burnet County Courthouse and remain consistent with earlier statements he made to festival organizers and concerned residents last week, despite receiving more documentation from the Utopiafest planners. “Not much has changed at this time, but I am still concerned about the road leading into the event and the fact there is no other way in or out of the festival site,” Boyd said. “I am concerned that if something were to happen in the event and everyone was rushing to get out, I and my people wouldn’t be able to get in. “It will also be the opening weekend of deer season (the festival is slated for Nov. 2-4) and I am hearing stories about how this Utopiafest ... see Page 12A

Frank Shubert, new publisher/editor of the Burnet Bulletin.

BCISD bus rollover injures four Four people were injured early Monday, Oct. 1, when a Burnet Consolidated Independent School District bus was involved in an accident. The accident took place on Texas 29 near the intersection of Burnet Hill Drive. BCISD

Burnet Rainfall

bus 101 was in the process of making a left turn around 7 a.m. when another vehicle collided with the back of the bus. As a result, the bus rolled over onto its side. Burnet police reported that three students were taken to the hospital with

non-life threatening injuries. Also, a school bus monitor on board was transported to the hospital with a shoulder injury. The rest of the students were picked up by their parents. Crews cleared the scene about an hour later.

Burnet Rainfall

Week ended Nov. 1: Letting off steam with Thomas

Forecasters: More rain on the way

By AlexAndriA rAndolph Zowie/The Highlander 4.20Richard inches Brandom Suarez flexes his muscles next to his brother, Sebastian Segura, as they enjoy aBurnet Bulletin picture in front of the watchful eyes of Thomas the Tank Engine. The Burnet brothers and Month to Date: While several Central Textheir parents on Sept. 28 attended the downtown a “Day Out With Thomas” event. For more as counties are struggling with pictures of this event, go to page 8A. 11.05 inches

YTD: 33.90 inches

the aftermath of heavy rainfall for two weekends in a row, a

hazardous weather outlook See page 1B Any weather conditions SPORTSoccurring after 8 a.m. Sunday has been issued once again for

Week ended Sept. 30:

0.00 inches

the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) Austin/San Antonio office has issued another hazardous weather outlook on Monday morning, Nov. 2, for Llano, Burnet, Williamson, Blanco, Travis, and other nearby counties. “Several opportunities for rain and thunderstorms will Wayne Craig/Clear Memories Burnet touches down in bye week after big win Friday. begin Wednesday night and will be reported the following week. Source: Hugh McCoy Hamilton Creek Drive

Month to Date: 6.85 inches YTD: 24.02 inches Any weather conditions occurring after 8 a.m. Sunday will be reported the following week. Source: Hugh McCoy Hamilton Creek Drive

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‘Ace’ donates ‘King George’ guitar to RRD&T fundraiser See page 8A

Weather ... see Page 7

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These golf holes in the Highland Lakes are

F

Not just par for the course ... By Richard Zowie

or someone watching from home on their television, golf might seem like a placid game. Mastering it takes time and effort, along with dedication. Beginners often see the need to invest in a golf instructor. Those who go professional work on their game in hopes of winning a major tournament, such as the Master’s, the U.S. Open, or British Open. Others work on their golf game in hopes of reducing their handicap to singledigits, or so they can post a respectable score at a local course or whenever traveling. For some golfers, no matter how many times they golf at one particular course, there’s always that one whole that seems unconquerable. They settle for par instead of birdie, or, if their luck is hard enough, bogie instead of par. And if their luck is terrible, multiple bogies. We asked area golf courses what whole is the most challenging for their customers. Delaware Springs Golf Course “Probably the 10th hole,” said Doug Fipps, golf pro at Delaware Springs Golf Course. Fipps said the 10th hole, a par four, is semi-long with a south breeze. “It’s a tough dropping hole, and the fairway’s kind of small,” he said. “The fairway bunker near the green gives troubles. It plays longer and looks shorter than it is.” Fipps also described the hole as “our number-one handicap hole.” Blue Lake Golf Club Mark Ramin, golf pro at Horseshoe Bay’s Blue Lake

Golf Club, said the course’s fifth hole is a par four with a lot of slopes to the right, severe.. Legends on Lake LBJ Ronna Wilson, the golf pro at Legends on Lake LBJ, said that the seventh hole, which they recently redid, is the one that tends to give golfers the most headaches. “We shortened it but still hard, but it results in lots of bogeys,” she said. “It’s a par four, dog leg to the left. Goes up to Lake LBJ. It’s not as long as it used to be, but there’s a big tree in front of the green. If the drive isn’t in a certain spot, It’s hard to get over the tree.” Wilson advises golfers to place their drive “well down the right side of the fairway” to avoid having to deal with the tree. Once golfers get to the seventh’s green, the challenge isn’t over yet. “It’s elevated so you can’t really hit a bump and run shot under the tree,” Wilson said. Ram Rock Golf Course One of several golf courses at or near Horseshoe Bay, Ram Rock Golf Course’s toughest hole is the seventh, said Ram Rock golf shop assistant Holden Hernandez.

Contributed Slick Rock includes the famous Hole No. 14, also called the “Million Dollar Hole,” with a cart path which takes golfers on a ride through a waterfall which empties into Slick Rock Creek. However, golf pro Anthony Holder believes the parfour seventh hole may be the toughest. The course was built by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1971 and includes more than 71 sand traps and 12 water hazards as well as multiple tees on every hole.

“It’s downhill with the water in front and a skinny green and protected by bunkers behind green. Keeps you from going for it in two,” Hernandez said. “If you don’t play it smart and if you miss green you can end up a couple of shots over par. It’s a par five, so you can lay up and chip on.” Hernandez added that half the time, people bogey the hole.

Slick Rock Anthony Holder, a golf pro at Slick Rock, described the seventh hole as the toughest. It’s a par four, and Holder said it’s tough due to the way it’s handicapped and by the fact the back tee is 432 yards. “A strategically-placed tea shot will get you the fairway,” he said. “A bunker’s on the left, and a hazard’s on the right side.”

2018 Visitors’ Guide | HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 37

Holder added that since the green is two-tiered, you need to position yourself on the right level where the pin placement is. Otherwise, you’ll putt on the wrong level and have a tough time judging the distance. Summit Rock Golfers seem have the most trouble with Summit Rock’s 10th hole. Golf pro Dell Wood described the par four hole as “long and bunkered really well.” “It’s got a tree in a native area short of the green and considered the hardest one out there by most people.” Bogeys and even double bogeys are common on the hole. “Native areas on both sides of the fairway slopes from left to right, dog leg right and slightly uphill on the second shot,” Wood said.

“There’s a small tree, 60 yards short of green with lots of native foliage.” He added that the green is also challenging. Lighthouse Golf Club Located in Kingland, the Lighthouse Golf Club manager Jon Lahmon described the 15th hole as a “longer par four” with a handicap rating of eight. “Your tee shot ends at a high point and hitting down at the green over the trap with a longer approach shot, holding the green,” he said. While the hole doesn’t necessarily result in many bogeys, it does result in less birdies, Lahmon said.

A golfer practices his approach shots at Delaware Springs Course, where golf pro Doug Fipps said the toughest hole is No. 10.

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