Home Care In Burnet, TX

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BURNET — A Burnet County district judge ruled Tuesday that the Ken Paxton whistleblowers’ case can proceed in Travis County, while Paxton’s recently launched legal challenge to the revived lawsuit remains pending.

The ruling by Judge Evan Stubbs could allow the whistleblowers’ attorneys to subpoena Paxton and his top aides.

The ruling came a week after Stubbs temporarily halted the whistleblower lawsuit at the request of Paxton’s office. The office argued the whistleblowers were violating a tentative settlement they reached earlier this year by restarting work on it after Paxton’s acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial.

Neither Paxton nor the whistleblowers attended the hearing, which featured extensive debate over whether the terms of the settlement had been met even though the Legislature still has not approved its $3.3 million payout. Stubbs expressed skepticism as Paxton's side argued the whistleblowers were effectively trying to unwind a final agreement.

“If it were truly, actually and finally settled,” the judge said, “then I don’t think we’d be here.”

A group of Paxton’s former top aides sued in Travis County after they were fired in 2020, claiming they were being punished for reporting him to the FBI on suspicion of bribery.

The whistleblowers almost settled with the attorney general’s office for $3.3 million earlier this year. But the Texas House, concerned about using taxpayer dollars for the settlement, started probing the underlying claims and recommended Paxton’s impeachment.

The two sides faced off for over four hours in a courtroom here Tuesday, arguing over whether Stubbs should grant Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction that would further derail the Travis County case. At the end, Stubbs denied the request for a temporary injunction and scheduled a Dec. 14 hearing on a separate motion, filed by the whistleblowers, to change the venue of the Burnet County case to Travis County.

Stubbs also dissolved the temporary restraining order that he issued last week, paving the way for the Travis County case to come back to life.

“I’m not saying you can’t go forward with your case in Travis County,” Stubbs told the whistleblowers’ lawyers, adding the caveat that another judge may disagree.

After the hearing, a lawyer for one of the whistleblowers, Tom Nesbitt, said there was “no restriction” on the case moving forward in Travis County. The lawyers declined to comment on their next steps, but they had given notice they planned to subpoena impeachment records and take depositions shortly before Paxton sued them in Burnet County.

A lawyer for Paxton’s office, Bill Helfand, said after Stubbs’ ruling that the office may appeal his denial of the temporary injunction. Stubbs advised him to move swiftly with any appeal.

In late September, the Texas Supreme Court allowed the case to resume in Travis County and move to trial. The whistleblowers asked the Supreme Court to do that after the Senate acquitted Paxton in an impeachment trial that centered on their claims.

The terms of the settlement — and whether those terms had been fully met — were hotly debated Tuesday in Stubbs’ courtroom. The two sides spent most of the hearing questioning Johnathan Stone, a special counsel in Paxton’s office who Helfand called as a witness.

Helfand argued Paxton was complying with the agreement and that the whistleblowers did not like the outcome of the impeachment trial so they were now trying to use their lawsuit as a “second impeachment proceeding.”

“Now that’s an abuse of a lawsuit,” but also a breach of contract, Helfand said.

Joe Knight, a lawyer for whistleblower Ryan Vassar, said it was “almost comical” to suggest the situation is resolved when the whistleblowers have not seen “a nickel” of the $3.3 million. Another whistleblower attorney, Don Tittle, emphasized to Stone that the part of the settlement that says it is “contingent” upon approval of funding.

“The agreement is contingent,” Tittle said, “and the thing it is contingent has not happened.”

The hearing featured several moments of drama and acrimony between the two sides.

At one point, Nesbitt sought to call his co-counsel, Knight, as a witness because Knight was part of the settlement talks. Helfand objected, saying state bar rules prohibits a lawyer being a witness in their own case. Knight said he disagreed, but the judge intervened and got the whistleblowers' attorneys to withdraw Knight as a witness to avoid any further controversy.

It was not the only time the judge had to step in. He asked Knight and Stone to calm down after Knight accused Stone of attacking his credibility and Stone responded in the affirmative. Helfand also had to mediate toward the end of hearing after Knight called Helfand's closing statement redundant and Helfand complained about personal attacks.

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Burnet, TX — "I kind of imagine like, you know, a bit of a Burning Man meets South by Southwest. I'm trying to take the best of both of those worlds and create this kind of amazing space for people to be able to explore you know, of all ages." - Mitch Morales, Texas Eclipse Festival Founder.

We are 4 months away from the total solar eclipse. Central Texas will be right in the path of totality.

Mitch Morales and his team at Texas Eclipse are getting ready to go big for the once-in-a-lifetime event on April 8th 2024. From the 5th through the 8th, part of Burnet, Texas will transform into a hub of art, music, food, space, and technology for the whole family, which Mitch hopes will inspire curiosity and discovery. Get tickets here.

MORE INFO:

Award-winning global promoter Disco Donnie Presents (DDP) and experiential event company Probably Nothing are thrilled to reveal the first phase of musical talent and highlights from some of the interactive experiences for the immersive music, art and technology festival Texas Eclipse 2024.

From April 5-9, up to 50K+ attendees composed of festival lovers and eclipse enthusiasts from all over the world will flock to central Texas for five days of creative expression, consciousness exploration, and cosmic curiosity for an experience millions of years in the making.

Today’s First Contact talent announcement boasts a roster of renowned artists crossing genres and borders who will perform across six distinct stages, each a vivid world of its own. Among the highlights are jam band STS9 - known for their desire to forge universal connections, transforming each performance as a transcendent celebration of humanity. Trance-fusion band Disco Biscuits, who consistently employ emerging tech into their music, will grace the festival with a fun and futuristic sound, not entirely of this earth. There’s plenty of funk to go around, from R&B soul maestros Vulfpeck, to famed funk-tronic acts such as Big Gigantic, who have rallied behind their “Better Future” ethos in pioneering a fusion of jazz, funk, and dubstep, led by a mélange of impressive instrumentation, and, of course, triumphant saxophone.

Spearheading the world music and bass movement is Clozee - who will conjure her spiritual and evolutionary sound at Texas Eclipse. Grammy-nominated artist Tycho promises to transcend the typical festival experience by seamlessly blending his captivating ambient electronic sound with his own stunning visual creations. Meanwhile, the auditory genius Tipper will bring a mesmerizing glitchy, trip-hop vibe, while Billboard-charting artist Subtronics is poised to deliver a mind-bending, all-encompassing psychedelic DJ set. Of course, it’s not a true party without the globetrotting house and techno party brigade Desert Hearts, along with femme house icon LP Giobbi - who each have ignited the likes of Burning Man with their irresistibly fun performances. For those craving a mix of vibrant bass and cutting-edge sounds, look no further mainstays such as Zeds Dead, Boogie T & Barclay Crenshaw (alias of Claude VonStroke/founder of Dirtybird).

"We’re excited to share today's “First Contact Announcement” the Texas Eclipse Festival's musical lineup. We've curated an incredible mix of artists from around the world, representing diverse genres and styles, all coming together under the captivating backdrop of the 2024 total solar eclipse. This promises to be an extraordinary experience where music, art, and technology and space converge in a truly unique way.” - Disco Donnie

Additionally, Texas Eclipse Festival promises to transcend the ordinary and usher attendees into a realm of immersive experiences that awaken consciousness and explore the frontiers of science, wellness, sustainability, and Indigenous wisdom. So far, on site experiences include:

Family & Kids Education Area: Young explorers and their families will embark on a journey like no other as they engage with astrophysicists, AI scientists, astronomers, and more. This unique opportunity will be presented through enlightening chats, enhanced storytelling, and interactive stations.

Science Workshops: Texas Eclipse invites attendees to explore paradigm-shifting ideas under the vast Texas skies, guided by compelling thought-leaders from around the globe. Topics will span the future of psychedelic medicine, artificial intelligence ethics, biohacking, circular design, unlocking human happiness, and much more.

Sustainability Sessions: Embracing a positive future is at the core of Texas Eclipse's sustainability sessions. Led by some of the best and brightest luminaries, these sessions will delve into regenerative agriculture, circular economies, renewable energy, the future of water, and the intriguing question of whether mushrooms will truly save the world.

Indigenous Elders Space: Eclipses hold profound significance for Indigenous peoples worldwide, often marking times of transition and change. Texas Eclipse's Indigenous Elders Space provides a nurturing environment for learning, listening, and reconciliation, facilitated by Indigenous leaders from collaborating countries.

Yoga & Movement: Attendees are encouraged to nurture their bodies and expand their minds with a diverse range of yoga and movement offerings. Curated with wellness in mind, these offerings, led by top instructors, encompass both traditional and unconventional practices.

Consciousness Zone and Healing Oasis: A dedicated space awaits those seeking participatory wellness practices, guided by wellness and spiritual leaders. This zone ensures holistic rejuvenation, offering a sanctuary for personal growth and healing.

Taking place at Reveille Peak Ranch, a short drive from San Antonio and neighboring Austin, Texas Eclipse promises an extraordinary convergence of sound, visual art, and visionary, interactive, immersive experiences where people, music, art, space, and technology unite to honor the 2024 total solar eclipse—a rare celestial spectacle offering over 4 minutes and 20 seconds of totality. This 1300+ acre venue, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, features wooded forests for camping, 60 miles of trails to explore, hilltops for elevated viewing and so much more.

Global partners include: Symbiosis (California), Re:birth (Japan), Strawberry Fields (Australia), Earth Frequency (Australia), Bachstelzen (Germany), Beloved (Oregon), Origin (South Africa), Meadows in the Mountain (Bulgaria), Ometeotl (Mexico), DisQo PereZoso (Costa Rica), Cosmic Convergence (Guatemala).

Together, Texas Eclipse will create an unparalleled convergence of captivating art installations, mesmerizing music performances, space exploration, cutting-edge technology, and the wonders of nature, transforming the raw land into a thriving Global Eclipse Village of creativity, insight, and inspiration.

Learn more: https://www.seetexaseclipse.com/

Follow Disco Donnie Presents:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About Disco Donnie Presents:

Disco Donnie Presents (DDP) is an award-winning and recognized electronic dance music event production leader founded by veteran promoter James "Disco" Donnie Estopinal. Since the company's inception in 1994, DDP has sold over 18 million tickets producing over 18,000 live events, arena shows, and outdoor festivals in over 100 markets worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Panama. Annually, DDP is responsible for organizing and promoting nearly 1,000 club events across the U.S., ranging from Portland, Columbus, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Dallas, and St. Louis to name only a few. He is also known for producing major festivals such as The Day After, Ultimate Music Experience, Sun City Music Festival, and most recently, Sunset Music Festival, Ember Shores, Freaky Deaky, and the “First Festival Back,” Ubbi Dubbi.

About Texas Eclipse:

Led by Mitch Morales, Texas Eclipse is a once in a lifetime event, fusing music, art, science and tech, and bringing people from all over the world to see and celebrate the total solar eclipse over Texas. Partnering with award winning electronic music promoter Disco Donnie Presents, Texas Eclipse already guarantees to offer a one of a kind Texas sized experience for all who attend. Also integrated into this event is Morales’ Probably Nothing, which is an experiential company that specializes in creating unique activations at large events and festivals. They work with producers to integrate technology and build immersive experiences.

Follow See Texas Eclipse:

Burnet County residents and businesses should prepare for cellphone and internet service failures, gridlocked traffic, and supply shortages when a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, brings an expected 100,000-plus visitors to the Highland Lakes, said Blair Manning, the county’s tourism director. She spoke during a Burnet Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Conversations event on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

“How can we get (visitors) here safely?” Manning asked during her presentation. “How can we make sure it’s organized chaos at best, and how can we make sure … they leave the Burnet County area with a good impression and want to come back?”

The county is marketing safety and preparedness rather than trying to draw in tourists because tens of thousands of visitors will likely arrive regardless of advertising efforts, she pointed out.

“We’re a popular place, regardless (of the eclipse) in April,” she told DailyTrib.com after her presentation. “Add in the eclipse, and Thursday (April 11, 2024) is the Bluebonnet Festival, and I think we’ll see outstanding numbers.”

The estimate of over a hundred thousand visitors, which Manning said is conservative, is based on numbers seen in small towns in the northwestern United States during the 2017 total solar eclipse. A study from the Wyoming Office of Tourism reported that 261,100 people traveled within the state during that time, 108,300 of those visiting counties within the path of totality.

Burnet and Llano counties will be two of the best locations in the nation to view the April 8 eclipse. The city of Burnet, for example, will experience about 4 minutes and 21 seconds of totality during the zenith of the three-hour event.

Higher-populated regions, like those in South Carolina, saw even greater numbers during the 2017 eclipse. An estimated 1.6 million visitors traveled to or within that state, leaving behind a $269 million economic impact.

In Burnet County, Reveille Peak Ranch alone is expecting 40,000 to 60,000 visitors for the Texas Eclipse Festival, which runs April 5-9. The outdoor recreation facility is near the eastern shore of Lake Buchanan just west of Burnet.

A massive influx of visitors could crash cellphone and internet services across Burnet County for several days, according to Manning’s research. Lack of internet will hinder credit card transactions, so businesses and customers should have cash on hand.

Fuel, food, and necessities could also run low. Manning recommended that locals stock up on essentials before the eclipse.

Travel might become difficult from April 8-9 with expected delays of up to eight hours into the area from Austin or San Antonio. All schools in the Highland Lakes region will be closed on the day of the eclipse and employers should expect long commute times for staff, Manning said.

Law enforcement and emergency services will be staged across five zones in Burnet County to better manage the expected population surge.

DailyTrib.com asked Manning if the predictions for tens of thousands of visitors and numerous logistical challenges were realistic.

“It may not happen, but we would rather be prepared so that if it does, people will still have a positive impression of who we are,” she said. “I think we’ll have the potential to change the trajectory of Burnet County after this event.”

Burnet County Human Resources Director Sara Ann Luther resigned on Monday, Oct. 23, after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a ruling opinion that her hiring violated the state’s anti-nepotism provision. Luther is the wife of Burnet County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Luther.

“Pursuant to Government Code section 573.083, a public official who makes, confirms, or votes for an appointment or confirmation of an ineligible individual or who approves an account or authorizes the drawing of a warrant or order to pay the individual’s salary potentially commits a misdemeanor involving official misconduct,” concludes the summary of AG opinion No. KP-0449.

According to Burnet County Attorney Eddie Arredondo, who requested the attorney general’s opinion on the matter in a June 2 letter, no charges against Luther will be filed.

“She has resigned, so that is not an issue at this point,” he told DailyTrib.com. “She has worked in this position since 2018. The statute of limitation has long run out. If this was something brand new, we might have had to (consider charges).”

Arredondo announced Luther’s resignation to county employees in an Oct. 23 email.

“Ms. Sara Ann Luther will no longer serve as the Director of the Burnet County Human Resources Offices,” reads the email obtained by DailyTrib.com. “Ms. Luther has learned via an opinion issued by the Texas Attorney General this morning that she doesn’t qualify for this position.”

In a good-humored “reply to all,” Luther said she would “respectfully suggest that I was ineligible rather than not qualified,” adding a colon and a closed parentheses to represent a smiley face emoji.

“The past five years have been wonderful and I leave with many new friends and good memories,” she continued in the email. “I wish you all the best!”

Jim Luther was elected Precinct 1 commissioner in November 2016. Sara Ann was hired 18 months later. Her interview was conducted by outgoing Human Resources Director Shirley Bullard, HR Assistant Connie Wofford, and Burnet County Treasurer Karrie Crownover. Burnet County Judge James Oakley told DailyTrib.com in an Aug. 7 story that this was done intentionally because of personal connections.

“Because Jim was on the court and because I knew (Sara Ann) well, I didn’t want to have anything to do with the process,” he said at the time. “We left it to (Bullard) to form a committee and handle the job posting, interviews, all of it.

According to the AG opinion, delegating a committee to hire someone has been done before and is legal: County commissioners may delegate the hiring to the county judge, who may delegate it to a committee. However, hiring someone who fits the nepotism description is not legal.

“A court would likely conclude that a county judge who is delegated the commissioners court’s implied authority to employ persons may not appoint the spouse of a county commissioner to a paid county position,” reads a bolded section on page 3 of the AG opinion.

Having an human resources director who reports to a government body that includes a spouse is a violation of the state’s anti-nepotism provision, the opinion continues. As long as Jim Luther is on the Burnet County Commissioners Court, Sara Ann is not eligible to serve in a paid position for the county, according to the ruling.

A Lone Star Healthy Streams workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Burnet County, 607 N. Vandeveer, Suite 100, in Burnet.

The free workshop with lunch provided is offered as a joint effort by AgriLife Extension and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Natural Resources Institute and Lampasas River Watershed Partnership.

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education credits for pesticide applicators are available in the integrated pest management category. In addition, advance training credits will be offered to Master Naturalist. RSVP by Aug. 15 to the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County at 512-756-5463 or online at https://tx.ag/LSHSBurnet.

The workshop will conclude “The Year of the Water Drop” series hosted by AgriLife Extension in Burnet County. This event is in partnership with Lampasas River Watershed Partnership and many local efforts to improve water quality.

Topics covered will include basic watershed function, water quality and voluntary best-management practices that can be implemented to minimize bacterial contamination originating from grazing livestock and wild pigs.

“The goal of the Lone Star Healthy Streams program is to protect Texas waterways from bacterial contamination originating from livestock, wildlife and invasive species that may pose a serious health risk to Texans,” said Leanne Wiley, AgriLife Extension program specialist and Lone Star Healthy Streams coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “The aim is to increase awareness, provide education materials to Texas producers and landowners, and encourage implementation.”

In addition to the sessions on livestock, weed management and wild pig management, technical and financial opportunities available from the Lower Colorado River Authority, Hill Country Soil and Water Conservation District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service will be discussed.

Funding for this effort is provided through a Clean Water Act Section 319 nonpoint source grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on the workshop, contact Wiley at 979-240-8407 or [email protected]; or Kelly Tarla, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, Burnet County, at 512-756-5463 or [email protected].

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