<div> Last year spurred challenge, hope, expectation <a href=https://www.burnetbulletin.com/raymond-v-whelan-staff-writer lang rel=nofollow title="View user profile."> Raymond V. Whelan Staff Writer </a> Wed, 01/04/2023 - 03:00 Image Body As we peered back at pages published during the previous 12 months, the Bulletin found several stories which could serve as a snapshot of how Burnet honored its past, managed its present and looked forward to its future. Jan. 19 BCISD moves bond forward The Burnet Consolidated Independent School Board approved multiple items to advance 2021 bond projects, including bids received for the high school auditorium upgrades. Governments receive updates on virus impact Because of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the Burnet City Council held meetings at the Burnet Community Center on Jackson Street. Fire Chief Mark Ingram told the council local medical officials reported a 70 percent increase in hospitalizations. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> Public invited to future candidate forums Burnet County Republicans announced plans to roll out candidate forums to allow voters to assess their picks for primary nominations. No Democrats filed to run for county or local positions. Feb. 2 Burnet to boost first responder pay Burnet City Council voted to increase annual pay for police officers, firefighters and paramedics by more than 20 percent. BCISD breaks ground on new center The Burnet Consolidated Independent School board broke ground to build a new student activity center near Bulldog Stadium for more than $11 million. Feb. 16 Community leaders, long-time sheriff descendants gather for unveiling Burnet County officials gathered at the Historic Burnet County jail to unveil several renovations for the building constructed in 1884. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> Burnet City Council announced plans to adopt pay increases for city employees. March 9 County judge, commissioners win by wide margins Burnet County Judge James Oakley, Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle and Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery were re-nominated for another four-term during the Republican Primary. Also nominated during the party were Cody Henson for County Court at Law Judge and Vicinta Stafford for County Clerk. All of the primary winners were assured of election in November, because no Democratic opponents filed against them. April 13 Bertram Elementary celebrates new wing BCISD officials broke ground for the construction of a new 2-story classroom wing in Bertram at the Bertram Elementary School. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> April 20 City personnel to move into new headquarters next fall The Burnet City Council announced plans to open a new City Hall perhaps by November 2023. For about $5 million, the new hall would open at 118 E. Polk, the site of the former Bealls department store. April 27 Burnet County officials cultivate new roots at historic jail As part of continuing plans to renovate the old Burnet County Historical jail, county officials renamed the building as the Burnet County Visitors Center &amp; Museum at the Historic Jailhouse. More than 100 supporters saw the planting of a new tree at the former jail at 109 S. Pierce near the County Courthouse northeast side. May 4 City council hears air show report Burnet City Council was very pleased to learn thousands saw the 30th annual Bluebonnet Air Show March 19 at the Burnet Municipal. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> “Absolutely, without a doubt, it was our most successful show to date,” said Kirk D. Noaker Sr., the air show director. May 18 Three council members take seats at city table The Burnet City Council election saw Dennis Langley join the council and council members Mary Jane Shanes and Phillip Thurman win re-election to their seats. June 1 Plea made for fallen heroes Hundreds attended a Memorial Day parade and ceremony May 30 in Burnet at the County Courthouse. During his speech, Vietnam veteran Steven Anderson urged the crowd to thank any and all of America’s veterans for their service. June 8 Burnet school leaders praise ‘heartbeat’ administrator Burnet CISD board members, parents and students bid farewell to Sharon Schwartz as she retired after than more than 30 years of service as Administrative Assistant to the District Superintendent and other important posts. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> June 15 Groundwater district adopts Stage 4 guidelines The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District pleaded for groundwater well owners to adopt voluntary restrictions on local groundwater use by 30 %. June 22 Burnet city officials invoke stage 2 drought status Because of “moderate water shortage conditions,” Burnet City Council announced stage 2 drought restrictions would go into effect until further notice. General outdoor water use would be prohibited between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. during stage 2, officials said. July 6 Burnet County Commissioners search for better internet service In response to a presentation by Herb Krasner from the Connected Burnet County non-profit group, the County Commissioners resolved to see what can be done to improve Internet service for county residents. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> “We need to focus on a comprehensive approach,” County Judge James Oakley said. Two months later, the commissioners endorsed efforts by Connected Burnet County and Fiber Light LLC to receive a grant of $40 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. July 13 Burnet County burn ban still on as thermometer soars As triple-digit temperatures continued, the county commissioners continued its burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county. July 27 Burnet County leaders implore LCRA to revamp water plan Because of “increasing water needs” and “drier weather patterns” in the Highland Lakes area, the Burnet County Commissioners called Lower Colorado River Authority officials to review ahead of schedule the current LCRA water management plan and perhaps “modernize” the plan, which regulates inflow and outflow from lakes Buchanan and Travis, the area’s two reservoirs. Later in the year, LCRA officials rejected the request. August 3 Fire danger remains high Burnet County Development Services Director Herb Darling urged local media to remind residents they ought to exercise caution and prevent fire danger whenever and wherever possible during the ongoing summer heat wave and daily reports of triple-digit temperatures. August 17 Two schools eyed for improvement Texas Education Agency officials announced both the RJ Richey and Bertram Elementary schools are identified for “Targeted Support and Improvement” particularly since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. August 31 Beloved iconic family member joins birthday with style LaVonna Rea Riddell “Vonnie” Fox celebrated her 96th birthday Aug. 29 in Burnet at the Historic Jailhouse. Fox is the daughter of the late Wallace W. Riddell (18991978) who served as the Burnet County sheriff from 1939 to 1978, the longest term by any county sheriff. Sept. 14 County commissioners call on feds, governor to secure border The Burnet County Commissioners called on the federal government and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to stop illegal drug trafficking along the state border. Oct. 5 Burnet Co. settles commissioner’s cattle battle out of court Burnet County officials and Defense Attorney Eddie Shell settled out-ofcourt a civil case related to Precinct 3 Commissioner Billy Wall and his alleged failure to adequately feed several head of cattle on his property. However, one month later, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Jane Marie Hurst signed an arrest warrant for Wall submitted by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly thereafter, Wall was booked on eight counts of cruelty to livestock. After Wall surrendered to Llano County officials, he was released on a bond of $40,000. The criminal case is pending. Nov. 2 Multitudes may trek to Burnet County for total solar eclipse Burnet County Tourism Director Blair Manning announced county officials plan to prepare for a mass influx of visitors during the total eclipse of the sun April 8, 2024. Many stargazers believe Burnet and all of the Texas Hill Country will be the best place to experience the rare event. Nov. 30 Churches, bank join forces for feeding effort and Burnet police feed community for Thanksgiving Burnet City police and volunteers in Burnet at the Church of Christ give more than 400 locals a free Thanksgiving dinner during the traditional holiday celebration. Dec. 7 Fire destroys iconic storefront building, family business Local firefighters and paramedics from Burnet and Bertram responded to a fire which destroyed the Reagor Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing and Electric supply store. What caused the blaze remains under investigation. Dec. 21 Board invokes water rules Because of drier- than-usual winter weather conditions, the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District board voted unanimously to invoke mandatory groundwater use restrictions. More rain after March 2023 could ease the restrictions, officials said. Judge Bayless, County Clerk Parker enjoy grand sendoff Several co-workers, family, friends and neighbors congratulated both former Burnet County Court at Law Judge Linda Bayless and County Clerk Janet Parker for their decision to retire at the end of 2022. <a class=a2a_button_facebook></a><a class=a2a_button_twitter></a></div>

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Last year spurred challenge, hope, expectation
Raymond V. Whelan Staff Writer
Wed, 01/04/2023 - 03:00

  
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              As we peered back at pages published during the previous 12 months, the Bulletin found several stories which could serve as a snapshot of how Burnet honored its...