September 17, 2008

With Hurricane Ike aimed at the Texas coast last week, members of the Blanco County Disaster Response Group, in cooperation with the American Red Cross and United Methodist Church, opened a “silent” shelter to help evacuees trying to get through Blanco County to destinations elsewhere. The idea of a “silent” shelter is not to bring coastal evacuees to the county, but to take in those who have car trouble or illness while trying to pass through on their way to somewhere else. For that ...

At its September 9 meeting, the governing body of Blanco approved the 2008-09 budget, which would raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $19,794, or 7.53 percent. Of that amount, $2,973.79 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

Several photographers and digital artists participating in the current exhibition titled “Abstract Expressions” at Watson Studio Gallery will be auctioning their images during an upcoming Silent Auction. The auction will run from 11:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the gallery located at 105 N. Nugent St. in Johnson City, TX. Want to bid on an auction print but can’t make it to the gallery?

Johnson City, TX – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park will celebrate the 24th anniversary of the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson with a special screening of “American Values: American Wilderness” on Saturday, September 20. This 2005 film, first aired on Montana Public Television, is a presentation of the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center in association with High Plains Films. In “American Values: American Wilderness, “ a d ...

The Uptown Blanco Art Center would like to thank the community for making our first seven months so extraordinarily successful. The fun continues by popular demand with new clubs and classes forming now. Children have many amusing choices in art instruction. “Claytime for Kids” on Monday from 4:00-6:00pm for ages 5-11 is taught by the delightful Ann Grimm.

The Blanco Bowling Club had the 2008 Summer roll-offs on Sept. 9th & 10th. In Round One - The first place team #8; Captain John L. Dechert & Linda Dechert, Bill & Carla Ernst, and Howard & Beverly Koch bowled against the fourth place team #5; Captain Tom Gourley and Tina Gourley, Dorothy Troppy & Ken Olfers, and Steve (Grip) Weber & Evelyn Weber.

The Blanco County Community Choir has a 30 year tradition of sharing the joy of Christmas with the people of our county through music. Beverly Voron of Johnson City started the chorus and was joined by Vickie Pautz of Blanco as co-director about 27 years ago. The members of the group are from Johnson City, Blanco, Round Mountain, and Fischer as well as San Antonio and Kyle.

This Sesquicentennial Celebration will be held appropriately at the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, on Saturday, September 20th, beginning at 10:00a.m. Don’t miss the all-star line-up of outstanding pageantry and family fun activities, including at noon the reenactment of the founding of Blanco County 150 years ago. Live music will entertain you from 1:00p.m.

BBQ is this Saturday, September 20th. We apologize for cancelling last weekend. Due to the threat of Hurricane Ike, we thought it was better to cancel than to take a chance on wind and rain. We are looking forward to seeing each of you at Yett Park. BBQ will be served starting at 4:00p.m.

September 19; October 3 and 17, 2008 •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 23 and 30, 2008 •Dance Lessons: 2 Step, Waltz, and Jitter Bug.

Cowboy Up for Kids will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 6-10pm at Boulder Creeks Farms, located five miles east of Marble Falls, Texas, on FM 1431. Eddie Eppler Chuckwagon Productions will provide dinner, with dance music and entertainment throughout the evening by KR Woods and his Cowboy Band.

Fifty friends gathered in the private dining room of Uptown Blanco Restaurant on Saturday, September 6th to welcome David to “Medicare”. They gathered from across the State to wish him a very Happy Birthday in the festive atmosphere created by Jane Macon. Chef Robert prepared a special menu choreographed by the host of the party, Armando Pena, who designed the cuisine with well-known Blanco resident Lynda Lyons.

UVALDE – Drought and urban growth continue to contribute to increasing human-deer conflict throughout the state, according to wildlife researchers and specialists. But while the interaction can be a nuisance and even pose potential hazards, experts say there are ways to help limit contact. “Drought conditions have forced a lot of deer out of their normal habitat and comfort zone into green spaces we humans have created for ourselves,” said Jim Gallagher, Texas AgriLife Extension Servi ...

“We are obligated to leave the country looking as good if not better than we found it.” -Lady Bird Johnson America the beautiful…what does this mean? Lady Bird Johnson was very concerned with the litter and decay present along many of America’s roads and highways. Mrs. Johnson decided that someone must take control of America’s natural beauty, so she started her campaign in Washington, D.C., by planting pansies, azaleas, and dogwoods.

On the 27th of September, the Byars Building will be opened to the public for a showing of antiques that women and men used in the 1800 and early 1900 hundreds. The Byars Building has long been known to locals as the Telephone Building because it was used from 1919 to 1951 as the telephone office in Blanco. The building was constructed by J.W.

A Little Deb’ll Do Ya. Free Spirit. Second Spoon. Hot Pants. Names for your boat? Advertising slogans? Website addresses? Not even close. It’s what they call their chili. These tasty concoctions - along with the likes of Dead Boot and Grapevine Chili - will heat up Camp Ranger on Saturday, October 4th at the Ladies State Chili Championship of Texas.

AUSTIN – LCRA is taking applications through Monday, September 29, for volunteer positions on six new Regional Councils. The councils will provide a two-way communication link between LCRA and communities on issues, projects and activities affecting the region. The Regional Councils will replace the lake and river advisory panels that have served the lower Colorado River basin for 13 years.

As part of its commitment of building healthy communities and in conjunction with the decision of going tobacco-free at all Llano Memorial Healthcare System facilities on November 20, 2008, Llano Memorial Healthcare System will offer a smoking cessation class in each of the communities it serves. The first of these classes will be held in Llano on September 29 at 5:30p.m.

The Bulverde Jubilee Celebration planners have been hard at work planning this year’s FREE Charitable Event scheduled for October 11, 2008 from 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. benefiting the Bulverde Food Pantry. There will be lots of activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. The McKay Brothers are scheduled to entertain you with some “Authentic Hill Country Music-Family Style” from 4:00 to 6:00.

Professional counselors, including school counselors, private practitioners, clinicians, and agencies, from an eleven county area will converge on Tuesday, September 30, to network together for the common good of students, clients, and communities. The event will begin with registration from 8:30 -9:00 a.m. in the Callioux building on the campus of Schreiner University .

Creative Dramatics for Kids starts the new fall class season at the Blanco Library Wednesday, October 1st. The classes are open to children five years and older, class time is Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30, and the charge is $5 per class. This class allows kids a chance to be creative, learn about dramatics, increase vocabulary skills, and have a great time.

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.

Event organizers who were hoping to stay true to this event’s core goals and reduce environmental impact made a commitment to uphold a more sustainable and less waste approach to this year’s Energy Roundup. “Improving the event, yet conscious of the need for our attendees to have access to water, led us to naturally contact the people at Pure Quality Water”, stated Co-Organizer Laura Rice.

Antelope for Africa Safaris has donated a ten-day South African Hunting Safari for 2 hunters to the Wild Game Dinner fundraiser. The hunt will be included in the Game Dinner’s Live Auction on Saturday, October 4th. Leonard and Sean Pruett were last year’s high bidder. Leonard took a Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Impala and a Warthog.

Sometime last summer, without fanfare, Kathleen Inglish slipped out of the life of Blanco. After delivering letters of resignation to the various organizations whose existence is due in large part to her influence, she simply packed her things and moved to Fort Worth to be near family members. At last report, the 94-year-old attorney is alive and well, busy with water aerobics and line dancing.

North Shore United Methodist Church is marking its calendars for Sunday, September 21, at 10:30a.m. There will be a celebration of the church's fourth Anniversary. The worship service is entitled "A Great Day of Singing". The 'sermon' will be all hymns sung by the congregation accompanied by the choir, hand bells, praise band, and regular band.

2Ti 3:1-5, 13-14 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away…….But ev ...

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 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 Duo Taylor Weaver & Heather Dillard.

Dr. Cecil Paxton (clpmi.org) will be holding a free seminar at Gem of the Hills on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00am to 4:00pm on what the Bible says about healing: How to receive it, and how to pray for others. It is non-denominational, and all are welcome. For more information, please contact 833-5236.

In the book, “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret,” the author describes the preparation of this world known missionary to China, especially as it related to building his faith for what he would have to face in that perilous place. During those early years, he worked for a doctor who paid his salary only quarterly and instructed his young assistant to remind him when payday was near. Eager to test his faith, Taylor decided never to remind the absent minded physician of his pay being due, th ...

Several vocalists in the mid-20th century warbled about “dear hearts and gentle people” who lived in their home towns. It was a block-buster favorite, arguably the best musical tribute ever to small towns. The composer clearly had such towns in mind, because “Idaho” is mentioned in the lyrics. On the Idaho map, dots are mostly small and mostly far apart. In spite of that song, small towns bear the brunt of jokes, since most Americans live in cities.

“And I searched for a man among them, who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30 “For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.” Jeremiah 16:17 God watches and listens, as it says He looked for a man to stand in the gap and pray for those sinners who would not pray so He could save the land and people, but He found none.

Born June 26th, 1980 Cody was called home to his Lord in Heaven September 11th, 2008. Cody suffered Traumatic Brain Injury from a rollover accident near Ingram, Texas on December 7th, 2005. Cody endured the past 33 months in a coma. Cody’s suffering and pain has ended. He can laugh, dance, and smile again with his savior Jesus Christ.

Donnie Smith was born May 14, 1959 in Bexar County and left this world on Friday, September 12, 2008 in Round Mountain at the age of 49. He is survived by two daughters; Katrina Smith and fiancé Clayton Wells of Round Mountain, Texas, Shayla Smith and fiancé Lucas Henderson of Round Mountain, Texas, grandson Devon Smith, who is expecting a sister, of Round Mountain.

The other night a beautiful person went to live in the Lord’s House. Karen was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and daughter and had been active in some of the school’s activities in Blanco. She will be sorely missed by her immediate family of husband, Ernest Carrola, and son, Austin Carrola.

Max Castillo, 36, passed away September 13, 2008. Max was born in Austin, TX to Clemente B. Castillo and Julie Perez Castillo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Villarreal, nephew Paul Flores and niece, Jessica Flores. Max is survived by his wife, Shannon Castillo, daughter, Rebecca Castillo, son, Ethan Castillo, step-son, Robert Justice, parents, Clemente B.

Blanco County Republican Party-Ann Hall, Chairman McCain on Border Security and Immigration We must prove we have the resources to secure our borders and use them, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal residents of the United States. When we have achieved our border security goal, we must enact and implement the other parts of practical, fair, and necessary immigration policy.

We must prove we have the resources to secure our borders and use them, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal residents of the United States. When we have achieved our border security goal, we must enact and implement the other parts of practical, fair, and necessary immigration policy.

Dear Editor, I have a question. WHO is on the Board of Directors for the Blanco EMS? I have asked and asked around this town and no one seems to know the answer to this. The only name that has surfaced is a sister to Susy Armstead. There are lots of folks who are interested in knowing who is on the board because these are the people who want to give Mark McMain “a free ride” and have no consequences for his actions.

Dear Editor, As President of the Blanco Youth Football League I need to clear up some misconceptions about our league and the use of the high school stadium. Our league has always received great support from the school, Danny Rogers, and all other coaches. Last year Blanco hosted one home game, the bowl games, and the division championships.

Grandparents day was held on Friday, September 5, 2008. It was a huge success. Over 150 visitors came to enjoy ice tea and cookies in the children’s classrooms. Many visitors commented on how they enjoyed being able to relax and enjoy the company of their Grandchildren while visiting with the child’s teacher as well.

Members of the Blanco FFA chapter started the year by electing officers for the 2008-09 school year. Secretary-Shelby Moore, Vice President-Katie Baker, Vice President-Claire Klepac, Reporter-Kaleigh Anderson, Treasurer-Keaton Dodd, Student Representative-Grady Childress, Sentinel-Quaid Haack, Advisor-John Pepper, and President-Corey Dowlearn.

Come Join the 2008 Homecoming Honk Around Parade and Pep Rally! The theme for this year is “Panthers Go To The Movies” Wednesday, September 24 The parade starts at 6:00pm and the pep rally immediately follows at the stadium

These four young gentlemen completed the requirements to graduate to the next level of boy scouts. Cade Felps, Jeremy Cloud, Skylar Wagner, Joshua Neill and their families enjoyed a fossil dig, hot dog roast and swimming for their end of the year party at the Wagner’s home on August 30, 2008. These boys have had a fun filled year with many adventures.

Walking your child to school is a great opportunity to help your child learn and practice safe walking skills. Join the Blanco community in celebrating International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October eighth. To learn more about upcoming International Walk to School events, please contact or Martha Gosnell at 833 0586 or visit www.walktoschool.org.

The Blanco Panthers continued their outstanding play for the third consecutive week picking up an easy 55 to 0 win over the visiting Florence Buffalos. As a team, the Panthers earned their second shut out of the season, while also topping the 500 yard mark in offense for the second time. Blanco would use a quick start to put the game away in the first quarter.

The final score of the game is in the books as a loss for BYFL JV Blue; however, this outcome does not reflect the true performance of the JV Blue team. Blanco had a surplus of [referee] calls that could have gone either way… but it gets a little sloppy when so many don’t go your way… but what can you do?

The BYFL Varsity team took on the Boerne Chargers on Saturday. It would be a defensive battle the entire game, with both teams scoreless until the 4th quarter. Boerne would make the only touchdown of the day on a 3 yard QB keeper, but the extra point was stuffed to make the game 6-0.

Results: Junior High Girls - Meaghan Seales (placed 8th), Leslie McClinton (placed 6th), and Echoe Burkhart (placed 10th) Junior High Boys: Edward Alvorado (placed 1st) High School Boys: Joe Romero (placed 14th High School Girls: Abbey Weaver (placed 5th) and Lauren Graham (placed 3rd)

The purpose of a home inspection is to inform the individual buyer of the current condition of the home. The purchase contract the buyer and seller signed is contingent on the home inspection. A buyer will generally have the option based upon the inspection to; opt out of the purchase, ask for repairs or credit towards repairs or a purchase price reduction. It would seem that the importance of a good, thorough home inspection by a qualified home inspector is obvious.

I was asked to write an article on recycling but what should I write about was the question ? Each person on the planet makes choices each day to either recycle or not to recycle. Many small choices to recycle could have a big impact on the planet. Below are a few choices you can make to change our planet. Baby Oil or Mineral Oil: Try choosing oils made from the seeds of fruits and nuts instead of from refined petroleum, Baby oil, or mineral oil, is a by-product of gasoline production.

Noel- Baby Mama is an unusual comedy starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler (both from Saturday Night Live). Kate (Tina Fey) is a 37 year old woman desperately wanting to become pregnant, even though she has never had a serious relationship and has been completely consumed with climbing the corporate ladder at her job.

On August 27, the residents at Live Oak celebrated the Monthly Birthday Party hosted by the Lutheran Church. Darlene Kiernan came to play the piano for us. A thank you to Rebecca Howerton, who delivered gifts and balloons for all Honorees. They were Daniel Mitchell, Julia Dechert, Margaret Atkinson, Edna Costigan, Buna McKinnon, Donald Warrington and Lana Waters.

Concessions Open for Creekwalk September 15,1978 Blanco – A number of concessions are still open for the annual Creekwalk Art Festival to be held here Oct. 8. Particularly wanted are more foodstuff concessions. Any individual or group interested in to call Sylvia Moore at 833-4640 or Jan Engel at 833-4817. Danz reunion slated Sunday September 15,1978 Stonewall – The eighth annual Casper Danz family reunion will be held on Sunday, Oct.

AUSTIN - Hurricane Ike’s 40-mile wide eye crossed Galveston Island early on Sept. 13, laying waste to the city of Galveston before plowing its way north through Houston, then heading northeast and out of Texas. Ike brought with it powerful winds and a 12-foot wall of seawater that wrecked or swamped Galveston homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Buying a house in today’s market is a lot like being a kid in a candy store: there’s so much to choose from that it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s great — and a bit overwhelming — if you’re the buyer, but what if you’re the seller? The fact is, potential homebuyers have everything to gain — and sellers have everything to lose, including their hard-earned equity if they happened to buy at the top of the market when the market was hot.

Dear Weiss, I am troubled with a problem and don’t know what to do. I am part of a small group of people who have to work closely together to accomplish a particular task. Although this group is not work related and there is no compensation for the effort, it is, nonetheless, a “must work together” group effort that any one of us who would stop now would definitely end the effort.

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Transportation has a message for parents and caregivers: buckle up your children. State officials say there is cause for alarm: researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute estimate that as many as 42 percent of children under the age of 17 ride in vehicles without the benefit of child passenger safety seats and safety belts.