February 6, 2008

The threat of wildfires in Blanco County will be the topic of the Blanco County Disaster Response Group Saturday morning in Blanco. The hazard is obvious, as we've been seeing in the news every day.

In 424th District Court on January 23, 2008, the first suspect to have a jury trial in the Blanco High School vandalism case was sentenced. A school employee discovered the vandalism in the early morning on Saturday, October 28, 2006.

The Gem of the Hills Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 16, will host a silent auction and raffle to benefit the Gem of the Hills Aquatics Project. The items being offered at the auction and the raffle items one can win are truly impressive. The grand prize raffle is an 8-day, 7-night vacation to Orlando Florida’s Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Sea World International Center.

Blanco, Texas, February 1, 2008–Tabors Techs is making broadband available to all consumers and small businesses in the Central Texas region - even those who have been left behind by cable and DSL. Working with Hughes, the leading provider of satellite broadband services, Tabors Techs will offer Hill Country residents and businesses the speed and performance of available-anywhere HughesNet® satellite broadband.

The Blanco Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a grass fire off Rolling Hills Road in the afternoon of Thursday, January 31. Approximately four to five acres burned on land near the intersection of Dry Creek Run and Rolling Hills. Several brush trucks responded, including two from the Johnson City Fire Department.

February 16 - Blanco Gem of the Hills Valentine Dance Julianne Compere, 830-833-2713

In 1836 Captain James Callahan along with other Texas Rangers passed through the hill country. He decided to return with his family, the E. C.

Every two seconds, someone across America needs blood. Without blood from the community supply, many medical and surgical procedures would not be possible. The lives of accident victims, cancer, cardiac, and organ transplant patients would be lost.

The Blanco County Master Gardeners would like to invite you to attend a presentation on Tuesday, February 12th at 7: 00 p. m.

Your special military issue phone buzzes, and you answer the call. A US Specials Operations Task Force team has become engaged in a furious fire-fight with Taliban forces and they are now isolated from supporting units. They are dangerously low on ammunition, trapped inside a safe house compound and are surrounded by enemy forces.

Mrs. Marguerite Ash, mother of Susie Johnson of Blanco, crocheted another eight beautiful lap throws and donated them to the residents of Live Oak Medical Center.

If you missed the Mardi Gras Party at Uptown Blanco Art Center this past weekend, that’s okay, because Rebecca Doll, the Art Center Director, says, “the real fun begins February 11th with the start of our spring art session. ” The new course catalog was introduced at the opening and it includes programs for all ages and skill levels. Subjects include beading, ceramics, drawing, multimedia, painting, photography, sculpture, and writing.

On Friday evening, February 1, many Blanco citizens gathered at the Uptown Blanco Courtyard for a Mardi Gras celebration, including food provided by Uptown Blanco and craft supplies for masks from Uptown Blanco Art Center. "So many revelers made masks," Director Rebecca Doll said, "truly works of art, entire families participated some even 3 and 4 generations.

Downtown Preservation/Revitalization is one of the three top priorities of the Visionaries in Preservation Plan that was unanimously voted for in 2004 by the Blanco City Council. Streetscaping will be a large part of revitalization and designed to work with the plans to improve landscaping, sidewalks, signs and lighting on the courthouse square, bury the utilities, generate and promote historic preservation activities on the square, encourage diverse businesses in historic dowtown through incentives, indentify and promote incentives for historic restoration of buildings.

Calling all women of Blanco County and the Hill Country! You are invited to join WHITESTONE for WOMEN!

February 9 • There will be a Father/Daughter Valentine's dance at the Gem of the Hills from 6: 00 till 9:

Jewell Scott proudly announces the birth of her great granddaughter. Addison Claire Scott was born January 31, 2008 in Round Rock, Texas, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19 inches long. Parents are Christopher and Stephanie Scott of Austin.

Ramon and Diana Rios would like to announce their engagement of their daughter Marcia Weatherby-Rios to Kenneth Dustin Thompson, son of Darell and Betty Thompson of Friona, Texas. Their wedding will be held at the Calvary Baptist church on Saturday March 1st, 2008 in Friona, Texas. Marcia is a 2006 graduate of Blanco High School and Dustin is a 2004 graduate of Friona High School.

February is the window to spring. One day it is 70 degrees, and the next day it’s freezing. Spring fever is a real ailment!

Deena and Tom Gardner spent some time in San Antonio taking care of their grand-dogs, a Yorkie and 2 schnauzers. I am sure a good time was had by all!

License Plates Being Sold Here February 2, 1968 1968 vehicle license plates are now on sale in Blanco at the office of Justice of the Peace G.

Education agency to initiate TAKS anti-cheating measures AUSTIN - The Texas Education Agency announced Jan. 25 its plans to add security measures in administering the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

Let’s say you are given a document that, upon signing, meant you were handing over more than $100,000. You’d read it, wouldn’t you? Amazingly enough, many consumers fail to read, or even understand, the contracts they sign when purchasing property.

Wool and mohair are parts of the very fabric of Texas; their tradition and economic impact make the commodities valuable to the Lone Star state's fiber industry and rich history. Spanish soldiers and missionaries first brought sheep and goats to Texas.

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX Philippians 3: 8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

The Healing Rooms of Blanco, Texas, Blanco County and the Hill Country are hoping you will come and get trained for Jesus’ Healing Ministry This training is free to all of Jesus’ disciples who are willing to come and pray for the sick. We only ask that you come and pray when you are needed.

The Bible says God will fight our battles. It also says that Jesus has defeated the devil, and we just need to stand on His Word, and believe!

Corrected Schedule Since Easter comes early this year, the pre-easter luncheons begin Thursday, Febuary 7,2008 at the First Baptist Church in Blanco.

Love and marriage are masterpieces of God’s creative plan. Two people with different personalities, backgrounds and gifts enter into a love relationship that makes them one. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden, where the first wedding contained words that have been part of marriage ceremonies ever since:

The Wonderful women of Blanco meet again on: Tuesday 12th February 2008 from 7 – 8: 30 pm at All Faiths Chapel, Corner 9th and Elm Street, Blanco, Texas.

The youth of Blanco Church of Christ gathered materials from the congregation, their parents, and the community to put together 105 gallon size Ziploc bags to distribute to a homeless shelter in San Antonio. The 105 bags were delivered on Sunday, January 20.

Herman Joseph Riba of Blanco, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2008, at the age of 92 years. Born to Joe Riba and Sophie Weber Riba on May 24, 1915, he was a lifelong resident, living most of his adult life on the farm and ranch he and his wife purchased in 1941 east of Blanco.

Julius Herman Pfullmann, 95, passed away February 5, 2008 in an Austin hospital. He was born and lived his life ranching in Henly.

Dear Editor, As Vice President of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, I would like to remind chamber members, business owners and citizens of Blanco County about our Annual Civic Awards Event and Nomination of Officers and Directors. The event will be held on Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at the PEC Auditorium and will be begin at approximately 6:

Mr. Woodcock

A Honor Roll First Grade

Elementary School Chayn K. , Laurel B.

Diplomas were awarded to 3,467 Texas A&M University graduates during mid-term commencement ceremonies for the 2007-08 academic year. Megan Beth Weber was one of those who received a degree Weber Bachelor of Science - in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences.

Just a quick reminder that the Blanco Little League Baseball registration ends this Friday, February 8th. Late registration starts on February 9th and will end on Friday, February 15th. By registering before February 9th, you will avoid paying a $10.

The Blanco Panthers took on the Comfort Bobcats on Tuesday, January 29 in Blanco. The Panthers fell short in the first period of the game, but they did not give up hope since they only trailed by five points.

The JV Panthers fell hard to the Comfort Bobcats and Brady Bulldogs during last week. The Panthers had a hard start to the week as they took on the Bobcats on Tuesday.

The JV Lady Panthers had a hard week as their final week in distrct play. They faced the Comfort Deer on Tuesday, January 29 only to take a hard fought loss with a final score 26-33.

The Lady Panthers traveled to Brady to face the Bulldogs for the second match up of district play. In the first match between these two teams the Panthers took a victory with a 50-45 final score.

The Varsity Lady Panthers took on the Comfort Deer on Tuesday, January 29. Blanco took the lead early in the first period but they did not get it easily.

It was a battle between the Panthers and the Bulldogs as Blanco traveled to Brady on Friday, February 1. The teams were pretty equal in the first period of the game, however the Panthers trailed by one point but were not ready to give up as they entered into the second period of the game.

The Blanco Track records are still being looked into. There are still a few holes in the records and Coach Danny Rogers is looking for your help filling the holes.

“Early Texas Naturalists” will be the title of a presentation by Lonnie Childs, a local retired business executive, on Tuesday February 12 at the Gillespie County Agricultural Extension Building, 95 Frederick Road, beginning at 7: 00 PM. The presentation is part of the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center’s Nature Series programs presented throughout the school year.

With flu classified as widespread in the state for the last two weeks, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials are reminding people to take precautions to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the viral illness. According to health officials, getting a flu vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent getting and spreading the illness.

Tax-Aide volunteers will be at the Golden Hub Community Center beginning January 28th to help local and area taxpayers prepare their tax returns. They will be available on Mondays from 1: 30 to 5:

The County Clerk’s office is currently accepting applications to vote by mail. Individuals who will be absent from the county on the day of the election or are over the age of 65 or disabled are eligible to vote by mail and may contact the County Clerk’s office at 830-868-7357 about obtaining an application to vote by mail.

A long overdue reunion can show us what keeps family members apart and what brings them back together. This theme is skillfully played out in the “dramedy” Marvin’s Room, which opens at the Wimberley Playhouse on February 8 for a three-week run. It is a poignant yet often comic tale of a family torn apart by illness.

Pedernales Electric has made petitions available on its web site, www. pec. coop, for eligible members interested in running for an open position on the utility’s Board of Directors.

On Wednesday, Pedernales Electric officials welcomed a study of electric cooperatives by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. This study is one in a lengthy list of charges that Lt. Gov.

Pedernales Electric is recognizing and supporting service organizations throughout its 8,100-square-mile distribution area with contributions of $1,000 each through its annual Light the Way program. Light the Way honors chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, emergency medical services, libraries, fire departments and senior citizen organizations.

The Stonewall Heritage Society is in the midst of its annual membership drive. At the meeting on January 22, 2008, all current members were reminded that it is time to renew their membership and to solicit new memberships.

AUSTIN - For the first time in the Lone Star state's history, Texans can vote online for a new general-issue license plate. From noon Monday, February 4, until noon the following Monday, February 11, Texans can vote for one of four new license plate designs or to keep the current general-issue plate.

According to Shelly Zapp, Director for “Texans In Motion”, motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children of all ages in Texas. The reason? Too often children involved in motor vehicle crashes are injured or killed because they are not secured properly in a child safety seat or a booster seat.