On March 30, 2008, Blanco area residents Ron & Sheryl Houston, Bob & Carolyn Boydston, and Tom & Tina Gourley received the coveted Knights of the Milky Way citation, signed by Mayor Jim Rodrigue, for defending the night skies of Blanco from light pollution and light trespass.

These citizens were joined by Wayne & Martha Gosnell in providing four retrofit light shields to the Lavender Capital Laundry on 2nd Street to help eliminate light pollution and glare from the laundry’s wall pack security lights. Kenneth & Kimberly Chapman, owners of the business, graciously received the light shields and will install them on four of the building’s seven outdoor security lights.

“We appreciate the assistance we have received with this,” said Kimberley Chapman. “We intend to cover the remaining lights as soon as possible.”

Mayor Rodrigue added “Our dark night skies are a natural resource to be preserved. The city applauds these citizens and business owners for working together to reduce light pollution and nighttime glare in Blanco.”