December 12, 2025

Eula May Hughes passed peacefully from this life in her sleep December 9, 2025.

Eula Hughes was born as Eula May Beard in Alpena Pass, Arkansas, on July 21, 1926, to Roy and Alma Beard. Eula’s early years were spent in Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Eula graduated high school in Perry, Oklahoma in 1944. Her only sibling, older brother Melvin, was killed on Saipan during World War II, with her parents and husband, Bill, also preceding her in death.

After high school, Eula became a licensed beautician and partnered with a friend to open their own beauty shop in Shidler, Oklahoma. Soon after, a handsome young veteran/POW of the Battle of the Bulge by the name of Bill Hughes began courting her and on April 14, 1947 they were married in Perry, Oklahoma. They were soon off to the oilfields of Texas, where Bill workedas a roughneck on oil drilling rigs. Two years to the day after Eula and Bill married, they welcomed little Billy. On one occasion later in life, Eula had to correct Bill when he was telling someone that Billy was born on their wedding day. Day, date? They are, indeed, different words.

Eventually, Bill went to work for Texaco in the small Oklahoma oil town of Drumright, and in 1951 little Billy was joined by brother Larry. Eula was a wonderful mother to her boys and supported them in all their activities, be it Cub Scouts, FFA or school activities. In 1963, Bill and Eula bought a 160-acre farm where they and their boys raised cattle, pigs, chickens and a huge garden.

In 1967, Bill was transferred by Texaco to Enid, Oklahoma. Son Bill started college at Oklahoma State University while Larry transferred to Enid High School as a junior where he made Eula proud as a basketball starter in his junior and senior years. When Larry also left for OSU, Eula found a job as a dental assistant for Dr. Otho Whiteneck, an Enid dentist. In 1970, Eula and Bill greeted their first grandchild, Tara, and in 1973, granddaughter Angie was born, both to son Bill. “The girls” were a delight to Eula and Bill and they vacationed often with Tara and Angie in tow.

In the 1980s, Bill retired from Texaco after 30 years and worked several years afterward as an independent oil production consultant. He and Eula both took up golf before moving to Lago Vista, Texas, in 1990.

The 90s and early 2000s saw three great-grandchildren enter Eula and Bill’s lives: Madelyn, Maryl and Max. Eula enjoyed golfing regularly in Lago Vista and, in fact, was still golfing until her late 80s. She was also active in the Lago Vista Women’s Club and local bridge clubs.

Bill passed in 2009 after 62 years of marriage to Eula, but she found much solice in the presence of family. And family had been moving to Lago Vista to be near Bill and Eula for years. So much so that at one point after Bill’s passing both sons and their wives lived in Lago Vista as well as all of Eula’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But, then, they all knew how much her family meant to Eula Hughes.

October 16, 2025

Debra Ann Olson of Lago Vista, Texas, affectionately known as Debi, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Debi was Born on March 17, 1963, in Rochester, Minnesota to Robert L and Judith A (Egge) Nassif.

Debi was the beloved wife of Steve Olson and mother of Zachary Olson of Lago Vista, Texas. Dogs Freya and Ole, also held a special place in her heart. Debi is survived by brothers, Michael Nassif of Rochester, MN, and Robert (Carol) Nassif of Farmington, MN. She was a dear daughter-in-law to Karen Olson of Lago Vista, Texas previously Rochester, Minnesota and a sister-in-law to Tom (Crystal) Olson of Genoa, Minnesota. She will be missed by nieces and nephews: Angel (Jacob) Ingli, Zoe Nassif (Peyton Shindler), Luke Nassif, Charles Nassif, Dylan (Megan) Celius, Eric (Brieanna) Olson, and Sara (Bradley) Kohn, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her special friends Pam Kolar (Denise Garza) and Sue Dooher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Judith and Robert Nassif of Rochester, MN, and her father-in-law Gordy Olson of Lago Vista Texas previously of Rochester MN.

Those who knew Debi will remember her for her kindness, her loving nature, and her unwavering courage. She faced life's challenges with grace and optimism, inspiring those around her to do the same. Her spirit, a beacon of light in the lives of many, will continue to shine brightly in the memories of those she loved and who loved her in return.

Debi has requested loved ones to remember her in their own ways. She has requested no services. Please send memorials to the organization of your choice.

Photo courtesy Travis County ESD 1.

July 31, 2025

From ESD-1's Facebook page:

"ESD1 crews responded swiftly to and are on scene of a commercial dumpster fire containing construction debris. Upon arrival, firefighters initiated an aggressive attack, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading beyond the dumpster.
Special thanks to Lago Vista Code Enforcement and Lago Vista Police Department for their valuable assistance with traffic control on scene. Great teamwork all around! "

#FireSafety #LagoVista #ESD1 #Teamwork #CommunityFirst

July 27, 2025

As the amount of debris in the Highland Lakes from recent flooding continues to decrease, the Lower Colorado River Authority is urging visitors to continue to exercise caution and take extra care on the lakes.

LCRA is recommending people stay off the lakes at night to avoid contact with debris.

Though bacteria levels typically decline in the weeks after a flood, LCRA wants swimmers to understand that bacteria still can be present in the lakes and that swimmers should be selective in choosing where to swim. Bacteria typically persist longer in coves than in the main body of the lakes, as coves generally have less circulation and accumulate debris.

“There is always a chance of encountering bacteria in lakes, including the Highland Lakes, and that chance significantly increases in the weeks after a flood,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “If the water is cloudy or murky, swim somewhere else. If there is debris in the area, go somewhere else. And if the water is stagnant, keep going. Find a place with clear water before you think seriously about going swimming.”

Risks related to the recent flooding continue even weeks after the rain has ended.

“The flood debris is settling, but we still are seeing debris both on the surface and below the surface in every lake,” Hofmann said. “In addition to taking extra care when boating and swimming, we encourage people to limit their boating to daytime and to keep safety top of mind.”

May 21, 2025

The North Shore Democrats of Travis County invite the you to attend our free Meet & Greet at 6 PM on Thursday, June 12 at the Lago Vista POA Activity Center, 2601 American Drive in Lago Vista.

Guest speakers will provide a recap of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, scheduled to end on June 2. Speakers included are:

- Idona Griffith, Texas Rapid Response Team, BANA President

- Vikki Goodwin, TX state rep for district 47

Guests who share our values are welcome. There will be a short business meeting after the program and a social time with refreshments after. No pre-registration is necessary.

Since 2012 the North Shore Democrats of Travis County have been encouraging participation in the electoral process in Lago Vista, Jonestown and Point Venture. They provide opportunities to meet the candidates and elected officials and to become educated on the issues.

For more information, go to https://www.northshoredemocrats.org/ or contact https://www.northshoredemocrats.org/contact.

May 15, 2025

Donald “Don” Earl Swanson, of Lago Vista, TX, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 12, 2025, at the age of 85.

Don was born in Seattle, Washington, on November 28, 1939, to Pearl Pauline Kryger and Kenneth William Swanson. He spent his early years in Kent, WA, in a home built by his father, before moving to Imperial Beach and later settling in Chula Vista and then Bonita, CA. He graduated from Chula Vista High School in 1958.

A man of entrepreneurial spirit and deep faith, Don wore many hats throughout his life. He served as a medic and ambulance driver, managed a towing service, and later owned his own business—Don’s Towing Service—until the gas crisis of the 1970s, and owned a meat-smoking business. He eventually discovered a true talent for accounting, where his gift with numbers led to a successful and fulfilling career. Don also attended Bible college and shared many sermons with his church congregation. He spent many hours doing volunteer work at Seton Shoal Creek and Seton Medical Center.

Don was beloved by many. Known for his kindness, sense of humor, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family, he lived a life full of joy and generosity. He openly shared his faith and touched countless lives through his words and actions.

In 1970, Don married the love of his life, Pamela Swanson, and joyfully welcomed her daughter, Mindy, into his life, cherishing her as a daughter and later adopted her as his own. Their union on October 10, 1970, was the beginning of a beautiful journey together. In 1977, they welcomed their long-awaited son, Kenneth Swanson. Over the years, Don and Pam also opened their hearts and home to many children as loving foster parents.

Throughout their marriage, Don and Pam created countless treasured memories with their children, living in San Diego, Wyoming, and New Mexico (Deming and Albuquerque) before settling in the Austin, TX area in 2000. Don actively served in church ministry, especially enjoying his work with the tech team in recording sermons, and singing classic hymns in the choir—his favorite being It Is Well with My Soul.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Pamela Swanson; daughter Malenda “Mindy” (James) Brooks of Point Venture, TX; son Kenneth Swanson of Rockford, IL; grandchildren Amanda (Cesar) Aguilar of Tucson, AZ, Dr. Tera (Brian Delgado) Brooks of Austin, TX, and Andrew Arrey Sr. of Deming, NM; and great-grandchildren Juliessa Aguilar, Cesar Francisco Aguilar II, Giuliana Arrey, Andrew Arrey Jr, and Dillon Delgado (due July 12). He is also survived by his sister Barbara (James) Lamb; his sister Janie Kahlie; his sister-in-law Sandra (Robin) Leigh; many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends; and his cherished pets, Snuggles and Bruno.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Pearl Swanson; his brother, James Swanson; his brother-in-law, Dennis Kahlie; and his sister-in-law Patricia Grace.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Northlake Church, 3610 Lohman Ford Rd, Lago Vista, TX 78645. Pastor Denny Henderson will officiate.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to friends, extended family, their church community, and Hospice Austin for the meals, encouragement, care, and love shown during Don’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Don’s memory with a donation to one of the following organizations or a nonprofit of your choice:

Hospice Austin
Northlake Church
Rio Grande Baptist Church

May 7, 2025

Colleen Wilcox passed away on March 29, 2025. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, Colleen was known for her warmth, generosity, and the undeniably loving spirit she brought into the world.

She faced life’s challenges with courage and dignity, inspiring all who knew her. A recovering alcoholic for 45 years, Colleen overcame addiction and remained a source of strength and resilience to her family and friends.

Colleen was an avid gardener who also loved reading and genealogy. After years of research, she proudly became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She and her beloved husband, Bill, traveled extensively in Central America, volunteering with MEDICO to provide healthcare to underserved communities.

She was a woman of strong faith who taught her children the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. Our mother was a true role model we will always cherish.

Colleen was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son, Stephen; daughter, Mary Jean; parents, George and Genieve Welch; brothers, Jim and Pat; and sister, Jean (John) Kolles. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Wilcox; sons, George, Mark (Laura), and Greg; granddaughter, Michele (Tony) Rial; great-grandson, Aidan; sister, Mary (Gary) Killmer; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeside Christian Fellowship, 3305 Pinnacle Cove, Lago Vista, TX. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Parish Hall.

The family welcomes all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending plants as a lasting tribute to Colleen’s love of gardening.

Photo courtesy Travis County ESD 1.

April 29, 2025

From Travis County ESD 1"s Facebook page:

"Crews responded to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of FM 1431/Georgetown Drive this morning. The rider suffered life threatening injuries requiring STAR Flight for transportation to a trauma facility.

Critical patients may require helicopter medical transport when time is of the essence, ground transport is inadequate, or the patient requires specialized care unavailable at the scene or in transit."