September 10, 2008

Seven years after the horrific attacks on US soil, the memory of those who perished lives on. Keep Blanco Beautiful, Inc erected the Liberty Garden Bench Memorial in 2002, so that the citizens of Blanco would have a place to remember all of those lost that day. Please visit the KBB Liberty Garden Bench Memorial for the September 11, 2001 victims and their families.

Don’t miss this year’s Wild Game Dinner fundraiser October 4th in Johnson City at the Blanco County Show Barn beginning at 5:00 PM. Game Dinner tickets are available for $15.00 per person. Included in the price will be the best wild game you have ever eaten, $10 discount coupon to Sportsman’s Warehouse, door prize chance and dance until midnight to The Mike Clifford Band.

The Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be holding their Annual BBQ & Fundraiser on Saturday, September 13th at Yett Park. Plates are by donation and include a BBQ chicken or pork plate. The BBQ this year has been made possible by the generous donation of Norman Weaner, Sr. and Brookshire Brothers in Wimberley.

At their meeting September 8, trustees of the Blanco ISD heard comments from members of the community on the need for new tennis courts on the campus of Blanco High School. Blanco High student Brian Roche pointed out deficiencies in the 70’s era courts on which the teams now practice, including the inconvenient location far from the high school, cracks in the asphalt, and a slope on one of the courts.

The Blanco County Disaster Response Group was alerted Monday for possible support to evacuees from Hurricane Ike, which was focusing in on the middle Texas coast. While Ike's forecast landfall was still a moving target, the computer models were sufficiently confident of landfall between Galveston and Port Mansfield that responders throughout the state were being put on alert. The American Red Cross asked the BCDRG to inventory the supplies and confirm availability of shelter facilities in cas ...

Mark your calendar! September 27, 2008. That’s the date set for the 9th annual Blanco Ranch Roundup (formerly Heritage Days) at Yett Memorial Park on Hwy 281 and Loop 163. This annual Hill Country event promises loads of family fun, good food, great music and a real Ranch Rodeo. The excitement begins on Friday night the 26th with a pre-game barbeque set just in time to enjoy dinner (only $6 per plate) and make it to the Panther’s Homecoming game.

September 19 and October 3 and 17 •Chair Yoga at Live Oak Nursing Home: Public encouraged to attend. 618 Live Oak Street. September 19th; October 3rd and 17th (first and third Fridays in Sept and Oct). Call Sharon at 833-0771 for details. September 16, 23 and 30, 2008 •Dance Lessons: 2 Step, Waltz, and Jitter Bug.

Austin (Sept. 2, 2008) – With population exploding in Central Texas, planning is essential. Now is the time to think ahead and plan for growth, infrastructure needs, economic vitality and water resources, in a way that maintains what is so special about this region. Comal County Commissioner Jay Millikin, New Braunfels City Council Member Kathleen Krueger and the Citizens’ Alliance for Smart Expansion are calling on regional experts to examine techniques and options for growing in a balance ...

There will be displays of historical antiques in the Byars Bldg on Sept 27th from 10a.m. until 6:00 p.m. If you have some items you would like to loan for inclusion in this display, please call or bring them to the Byars Building on September 25th We also need people who are interested in helping with setting up the display and staffing for September 27th.

Note: The following statement from Pedernales Electric General Manager Juan Garza was submitted to the Austin American-Statesman for publication on Sept. 7, 2008. The commentary clarifies PEC’s position on Texland Electric Cooperative. Last week the former General Manager and former President of the Board of Directors of PEC wrote commentary in this newspaper regarding their roles in the Texland project.

Blanco Lions organized the collection of school supplies before the start of school this year to help ease the burden on area families. Blanco ISD children benefitted from the collection because classrooms were stocked with extra supplies.

SAN MARCOS, TX—In honor of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s centennial birthday celebrations, the LBJ Museum of San Marcos will host a public “Open Mic Night” September 17 at 7 p.m. Area residents will present their own personal memories, anecdotes, opinions and impressions of the former San Marcos resident and Texas State University alumnus.

Adult Grief Support Group No one needs to suffer grief alone; everyone can benefit from care and support. CTMC Hospice Care provides a safe and comfortable environment through its grief support groups to express the feelings you may experience due to the death of a loved one. These services are available at no cost.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative has allocated eligible member’s 2007 capital credits. Capital credits allocations are assigned to members’ accounts annually and represent each member’s portion of end-of-year margins, based on the amount of electricity each member was billed for during the calendar year. Allocations are not monetary distributions to members. Margins represent amounts remaining after all Cooperative expenses for the year have been recorded.

The Blanco County Extension Office will sponsor a Private Applicator License training and testing program on Tuesday September 23rd in Johnson City. The program will be held at in the Exhibit Hall beginning at 8:00am. The training portion will conclude at 12:00 noon and resume at 1:00pm with the testing.

The twenty-fifth (25th) annual Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center Golf Tournament & Silent Auction benefiting victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault is being held on Saturday, September 27th at Horseshoe Bay Resort, Cap Rock club house, AppleRock golf course. It is not too late to become a sponsor, volunteer for the event, or register for golf.

(Bulverde, Texas) The Bulverde/Spring Branch Library will host a presentation on quilts as well as antique cars on Saturday, September 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. as part of its One Book/One Community program. Douglas Christensen, owner of Rebecca Creek Farms in Spring Branch, is a collector, appraiser and purveyor of antique quilts and can date a quilt by the fabric, patterns used and the quilting.

Kendalia Community Club, at their monthly meeting, discussed some of the final plans for a new pavilion to be built on the Kendalia Library/School grounds. The pavilion will better serve the community for the annual Kendalia Homecoming, and many other functions throughout the year. Steve Wertheim, President of Blanco County Lawn Mower Racing Association, is working with Spring Branch-Bulverde Lions Club to finalize plans for a major lawn mower racing event on Saturday, October 18, 2008.

When: Oct. 2 & 3, 2008 Time: 12:30p.m to 4:30p.m. Location: CRRC 1917 FM 2673, Sattler, TX. You should know: For licensed drivers who want to refresh/improve driving skills and qualify for multi-year auto insurance discount. Certification valid for 3 years. Confirm with your insurance agent. Does not relieve traffic citations. Cost $10 plus CRRC requests a donation to defray operational expense.

Charlotte and Wesley Thomas of Blanco and Armando and Sandra Trevino of Johnson City announce the engagement of their son, Anthony Michael Trevino to Candise Nichole Treiber daughter of Greg and Missy Treiber of Amarillo. Michael is the grandson of Dale Baker and Larry Gilmore of Rockport Texas, Leonard and Doris Denton of Johnson City Texas, Jack Thomas of Willis Texas, Dolly Iselt and the late Gene Iselt of Willis Texas and Alvin and Janie Hernandez of Johnson City.

This month’s residential yard of the month was presented to Carolyn Gieringer, who resides at 100 1st Street.

First Baptist Church CRASH Kids - Wednesdays from 6-7 pm Fresh Connect - Sundays 6-7 pm 1st - 6th graders welcome. September is Open-House Month at BUMC ·September 14th: Student Sunday (All students will be recognized and prayer offered for a successful school year.) ·September 21st: Teacher Sunday (All teachers, including Sunday School teachers, will be recognized and prayer offered for their service.) ·September 27th: Saturday Night Hill Country Praise featuring Mother-Daughter D ...

In its fourth year, Hill Country Praise is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, in the courtyard at Blanco United Methodist Church. This event began its tradition to provide greater fellowship within its own community of faith and community at-large. For the first time, we begin with a hamburger cook-off at 5:30p.m.

When my Uncle Mort accused me of “dealing loosely with the truth,” I knew that facts were stacked heavily in his favor. Were I not in his close circle of kinfolks, the charge might well have been one for bald-faced lying. “You’ve been writing about me in your column for four years,” he blurted.

He had failed at his job. Tomorrow his troubled wife and family would share his shame. Legal action would undoubtedly be brought against him. Prison time might be ahead...or worse. His position as head of a Roman prison made him responsible for the safekeeping of every prisoner in his care and to lose even one could seal his fate.

Someone invited me to their 'space' at myspace.com. It seems to me that it’s an internet website where people can display their pictures and “be themselves” OR a fantasy. It could also be a place where people can talk about who they really are, no holds barred. No one can ever know you as well as God.

Heb 3:1 says, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession (confession), Christ Jesus.” Jesus is the Apostle of our confession. Jesus is the High priest of our confession. How do these two roles differ? An apostle is an ambassador; a delegate (2Cor 5:20, Prv 13:17).

Arthur William Eickenloff, 94, was born to William & Anna Eickenloff in Roosevelt, Texas on September 2, 1914. Arthur Eickenhoff passed away on September 8, 2008 after a long illness with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. He loved his family and his family loved him.

Mildred Olivia Riba (nee Heckel) of Blanco, Texas, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2008. She was 89 years old at the time of her death. Born to Oscar Heckel and Olivia Seymour Heckel on November 10, 1918, she was a lifelong resident of Blanco County. She lived her early years and attended school in the Rocky Creek community.

John McCain’s Plan for Strengthening America’s Schools Democrats want to spend $18 billion dollars for a plan to encourage, but not mandate, universal pre-kindergarten. What will that do to all of the small businesses today that provide pre-kindergarten? Why is it needed? Even in a town the size of Blanco, children who might not succeed are provided a free pre-kindergarten program.

“In the 21 century, where the most valuable skill is knowledge, countries that out educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow.” Barack Obama-2008 Ideally government should be the whole population working together for the common good of all our citizens. There are certain things that must be done by us as a nation.

At star parties we're often asked: "How powerful is your telescope?" It's a good question, but one we have to answer with a brief explanation about telescopes. And we often start by talking about binoculars which many people have and already know something about. Unlike telescopes, binoculars usually have information about power printed on them, expressed in two numbers, like 6x30 or 7x40. The first number, which gives the instrument's power (also called magnification), tells how much larger ...

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), the authorized licensing representative of Washington State University, has notified officials of Blanco ISD that Blanco’s Panther head logo may conflict with the trademark developed and protected by Washington State University. The CLC has asked Blanco ISD to provide it with written assurances that Blanco ISD will “phase out” the use of the logo in connection with its academic and athletic programs. Blanco ISD is currently taking the issue under ...

The Blanco County 4-H club youth board will sponsor a Hunters Education Course to be held on September 27th and 28th. This two day course will begin on Saturday and run from 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. and Sunday from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. It will be held at the Johnson City High School Ag.

Once again Lucky Leaf 4-H Club will be opening its doors for new, as well as returning, members. 4-H is an organization for youth, ages 9-18 (to compete) or 8 and in 3rd grade that promotes hands-on learning and is based on parent and volunteer participation. 4-H welcomes all youth (and adult volunteers) from all backgrounds in all locales (rural and urban) regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, a ...

As Texas children return to the classroom, we are reminded of our responsibility to encourage academic excellence, physical fitness and proper nutrition. A healthy mind and healthy body can lead to a lifetime of rich rewards. Today’s nutritious school-served meals can play a part in feeding both. The Texas Department of Agriculture and schools around our great state are working together to promote healthy eating habits.

After a convincing 63 to 0 season opening victory, Blanco didn’t miss a beat this past week as they traveled to Luling and put on another solid performance in defeating the Eagles 42 to 8 for their second win of the season. The Panthers topped the 400 yard mark on the night, while the defense would keep the Eagles from scoring until late in the fourth quarter. Senior Anthony Vela put the first points on the board for Blanco with a seven yard run to close out a five play, 74 yard drive to ope ...

The BYFL JV BBlue Panthers took the sting out of the Llano Yellow Jackets this past weekend beating them 25 – 0. The offense appeared a little intimidated by the size of the Llano Players during their first series of downs, but then they picked up and scored on each of their last three drives in the first half bringing the score 19 – 0 by half time.

The Blanco Youth Football League’s varsity team opened season play against Llano on Saturday. The Panthers received the opening kick and marched fifty-five yards downfield with hard running by Jake Breeding and Colton Elrod. The Panthers would punch in the first score and go up 7-0. Llano responded with a drive down to the Panther twenty, but the defense stiffened and Blanco took possession.

The Blanco Panther Junior Varsity team played their first home game of the season, beating the Luling Eagles.

Beat Luling 25-12, 19-25, 25-23 Lost San Antonio Christian 25-20, 25-19 Lost to Keystone 25-21, 26-24

The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from Nature's extremes, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal of buildings takes enormous amounts of energy, water, and materials, and generates large quantities of waste, air and water pollution, as well as creating stormwater runoff and heat islands.

September is the month of change. It’s time to think about changing our gardens and preparing for the fall. If you haven’t fertilized in the last six weeks, now is the time to do it. Fall fertilizing is the most important of the year. Use a winterizer on your lawn and shrubs. Chemical fertilizer will need to be watered in after it is applied.

I went fly fishing, or fly casting, or waving a long stick over my head, or whatever-you-call-it for the first time last week. Wading upstream, I passed another fisherman. “Any luck?” I inquired. “No, but you’re here now; maybe you’ll change things. Nice hat by the way.” “Yeah, maybe I’ll drown,” I replied.

Noel- I actually really enjoyed this movie despite the fact that movie critics gave it horrible reviews. What Happens in Vegas is a romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. Both reach times in their lives where they just want to get away from the norm for a while, so they head to Vegas and the way they meet is hilarious.

Robert Rahm of Hye celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday, August 23 at his home on Deer Trail Ranch in Hye. Guests came from Boerne, San Antonio, Fair Oaks Ranch, Bandera, Georgetown Fredericksburg, Harper, Mason, Garland, Rowlett, Cedar Creek, Port Lavaca, Cibolo, Comfort, Ingram, Center Point, Castroville, Southlake, Cedar Park, Austin, Blanco, Lavernia, Dripping Springs, Doss, and Hye.

Births September 6, 1968 Mr. and Mrs. Gene A. Sleven are the proud parents of a baby daughter, Amanda Sue, born on Monday, August 5, at 7:45 p.m. at Johnson City Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Indiana. Little Susie weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 22 inches tall. Maternal grandparents are Mr.

AUSTIN - The Texas Transportation Commission on Aug. 29 met and voted in response to an Aug. 21 letter signed by Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick urging the commission to get rolling on the issuance of highway construction bonds. The five-member commission, appointed by the governor to oversee the Texas Department of Transportation, voted unanimously to issue $1.5 billion in highway construction bonds to support 2009 projects that would have been unfunded ...

The occasional impulse buy can be fun. Just throw an extra treat into your grocery cart or pick up that great-looking jacket and plunk down your credit card. But a house? You don’t hear many people say, “Guess what I bought while I was out this morning?” and finish that thought with, “A house.” It’s a good thing, too.

This week enjoy a few words from Weiss... "When it comes to life and love, why do we believe our worst reviews?" -Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City) It was late one night and I couldn't sleep. I found myself channel surfing and stumbled on an episode of "Sex in the City."

When four-year-old Jeffery Brothers squats to pick up a toy and rises to hand it to his mom, it’s cause for applause. Those simple actions were impossible earlier this year. “He fell down a flight of 13 steps,” his mother, Susan Brothers of Round Mountain, said. Jeffery already had some health issues from birth that predisposed him to injury, and the fall seemed to make matters much worse.

First, it was “phishing” and now criminals have come up with yet another scam called “vishing”. With phishing, consumers receive an e-mail supposedly sent from their bank or credit card company asking them to update their account information and passwords. The e-mail directs the consumer to click on a link that takes them to what appears to be a legitimate site.

Austin and San Antonio, TX August 25, 2008: When the people at Green Mountain Energy heard that the Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair was looking for additional volunteers for their fall festival, they responded by offering to sponsor renewable energy credits for the first 100 people who sign up.

Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center is offering its final 2008 series of classes designed to help those with diabetes manage the disease. This “Be Well with Diabetes” self-management education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. It is recommended for anyone with diabetes or those who are caring for someone with diabetes.

Public records information is compiled by Charles Willgren from reports filed at the Blanco Police Department, Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Blanco Volunteer Fire Department, Blanco County Clerk, District Clerk, and Justices of the Peace offices. Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Criminal Cases Convictions will not appear this week. Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Criminal Cases • Debra Moore, of Johnson City, was fined $250.00 for disorderly conduct on Aug 3 (JCPD). • Bria ...