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Battling back dratted gnats with simple solutions

Master’s Garden Have you ever been watering your houseplants or slicing fruit when – bam – a cloud of tiny gnats suddenly appears out of nowhere? If you’ve found yourself swatting the air like a human windmill lately, you’re not alone. Gnats are one of the most common indoor nuisances for gardeners, home cooks, and homeowners alike. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

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Unpacking the onus for impending rate increases

City of Burnet City Manager Forty years ago, if someone had said that water was going to be one of our biggest challenges to the region, you would have asked, “How is that possible?” Water was abundant. Heavy rains in the fall and spring seemed to come like clockwork, and even the hottest summers were usually followed by relief. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

The Lakes Area Food Pantry (LACare) plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary with an open house June 21. Contributed photo/Janie Howell

LACare to celebrate 40 bountiful years

Coordinators of the Lakes Area Food Pantry (better known simply as LACare) are looking forward to celebrating the pantry’s 40th anniversary this month. Officials plan to host an open house to observe the event 2 to 4 p.m. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Contributed/City of Burnet Burnet Police Chief Brian Lee, who joined the department in March 2021, will retire in the fall after ushering in a number of agency improvements and enhanced community policing campaigns.

Burnet police chief ready to retire this fall

Burnet Police Chief Brian Lee is planning to call in 10-7 (the traditional patrol police officer radio signal which declares “out of service”) and to be sure, the announcement will end a job well done. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

A large crowd gathered for Music Bingo at Gathering Grounds.

Making a splash with Bertram Fitness, classic hits

Bits of Bertram Bertram Fitness Gym has been selected as the Bertram Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for June. Bertram Fitness Gym opened on Jan. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

PEC Board of Directors honored outgoing director James Oakley May 16, during his final meeting. Pictured, from left are: Paul Graf, Milton Rister, Travis Cox, Oakley, Emily Pataki, Amy Akers and Mark Ekrut. Contributed photos

District 5 director leaves legacy with PEC board

Outgoing District 5 Director James Oakley, first elected in June 2013 to the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board, bid farewell to the PEC family on May 16. In 2025, he could not run for re-election due to term limits. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Oakalla librarian Tricia Pratt is leaving to pursue other ventures after 15 years. Contributed photo

Outgoing librarian was an open book for families

A community member who stewarded books and resources that nourish the soul is bidding farewell. Assistant librarian Jessica Murray of the Oakalla Library paid tribute to librarian Tricia Pratt by sharing, “We say goodbye to an incredible librarian who has made a lasting impact on our community.” Pratt began her career at the library as a volunteer about fifteen years ago. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography Ayden Dale #25 of the PBR team Mavericks provided insight into his ambition and new venture in an interview at the Burnet County Rodeo Arena, where it all began with his first ride at 13 years of age.

Burnet native embraces wild ride on PBR circuit

Burnet’s own Ayden Dale is living proof that dreams — even the wild ones — can come true with hard work, faith, and a little bit of grit. Recently drafted by the New York Mavericks of Professional Bull Riding’s (PBR) Team Series, Ayden is about to take his passion to a whole new level on the national stage. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Citizens to see water/wastewater rate increases

Citizens to see water/wastewater rate increases

At the May 27 Burnet City Council Meeting, the council approved a twostep rate increase that over the next several months is expected to increase the average residential water/ wastewater bill by approximately $20 per month (based on an average usage of 5,000 gallons per month). 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Cohen Jorpeland is the other senior battling for starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. Photos by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

Dawgs looking for many traits in next starting quarterback

The 2025 Burnet High School football team will have a new quarterback under center. The question is who will that quarterback be? While that answer won’t be revealed until after fall training camp in the August, the Bulldogs are putting in some serious work right now. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

From quilts and plants to ice cream and crafts, the Burnet County Area Fair brings out the creativity in participants. File photos

Burnet County fair welcomes neighboring counties

Burnet County Area Fair invites citizens in Burnet County as well as adjacent counties (Bell, Blanco, Lampasas, Llano, San Saba, Travis and Williamson) to enter and participate. This year’s theme is “No Time Like Fair Time.” The Burnet County Area Fair is open to the public Friday through Saturday, June 13 and 14, at 607 N. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Mark Zeigler (second from right) is the new Burnet Middle School boys athletic coordinator. His wife, Krista Zeigler (second from left), is a Burnet High School counselor, while daughter Emery is entering the seventh grader, and son Corbin will be a fourth-grader. Contributed photos

BMS athletic coordinator excited to teach, coach and mentor

Burnet Middle School has a new boys athletic coordinator with vast experience coaching children and teenagers on every level. Mark Zeigler took over the role before the end of the school year after spending the last year in the Highland Lakes. 06/04/2025 01:23 AM

Wilson

Officials welcome railway restoration pause

Burnet County officials recently expressed guarded approval soon after they heard of the Texas Materials decision to put on hold its plans for a restored railroad to carry massive loads through nearby rural areas. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

Burnet Mayor Gray Wideman was sworn in for another term. Contributed photos/City of Burnet

Re-elected council members ready to serve

Following the May 3 election, all elected officials have been officially sworn in to begin their new two-year terms. Gary Wideman was re-elected as mayor, continuing his leadership role. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

Trey Morrow, Mikal-Ann Milam and Drake Milam shared a joyful smile for the camera just moments before the graduation ceremonies began. Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

Storm fails to dampen spirits of Burnet High Class of 2025

The Burnet High School graduation ceremony on May 22 was moved to the main gym due to weather conditions. Because the gymnasium had a smaller seating capacity than the stadium, overflow guests were accommodated in the auditorium, where the ceremony was live-streamed. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

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New Burnet bookstore aims to delight readers

Books are her business – and business is good. “It is fantastic, actually,” Elizabeth Schlaudraff told a visitor last week. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

Wrigley Mulhollan, Alex Davis, Braven Briant and Maddox Briant for the iconic gold championship photo in front of the University of Texas Tower.

UIL events champs 2025

Burnet High’s University Interscholastic League (UIL) Current Issues & Events team represented the school district well recently. Wrigley Mulhollan, Braven Briant, Alex Davis, and Maddox Briant brought home the UIL State Championship title at the competition held May 20 in Austin at the University of Texas. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

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Leadership offers appreciation for staff service

City Manager We would like to say thank-you to our dedicated city staff for their hard work and swift response in cleaning up after the recent storm. From clearing debris to restoring safety across our community, your efforts are truly appreciated. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

Jayci Craig

Burnet CISD turns to alum to lead softball program

Burnet Middle School coach Jayci Craig is the new softball head coach at Burnet High School. The school district announced her promotion May 21. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

When Nolan Gerfers became the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District swimming and diving coach, he understood the rich history of the program. He appreciates the community for “welcoming a young coach” during his time here. File photo

Swim coach thanks community as he resigns

Burnet Consolidated Independent School District swimming and diving coach Nolan Gerfers resigned to become the diving coach at Prosper Independent School District. He will coach divers at all four of the district’s high schools. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM 1

Walker

Llano hospital announces new CEO

Llano Regional Hospital announces the hiring of Linda Walker, MBA to serve as chief executive officer for the newly independent hospital. Walker joins the hospital in the full-time role effective today. 05/28/2025 01:14 AM

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