March 5, 2008

February 26, 2008 – A full agenda of the Blanco County Commissioner’s Court at a Special Meeting began with the authorization for the County Judge to sign the extension of the Interlocal Agreement for Lease Space with the Texas Forest Service for one year, continued with the consideration of on-site book scanning in the County Clerk’s office with US Imaging, discussion regarding the Blanco County 150th celebration events planned throughout the 2008 year, and ended after the discussion of a resolution approving a new Blanco County Appraisal District office facility. Two appointments to the North Blanco Emergency Services District Board, Ed Hullum and Jerry Wenmohs, (both residents of Precinct 3), were approved by the Court.

The Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC), along with paramedics Mark McMain and Suzy Armstead, have recently come under investigation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The state agency licenses EMS personnel and takes disciplinary action while investigating possible violations of the Texas Administrative Code.

Time is running out to buy your tickets for the Friends of the Blanco Library’s Texas Authors: A Celebration on Saturday, March 8, at Gem of the Hills Community Center. Texas historian Candice DuCoin will discuss her history of the conflicts between lawmen and outlaws on the Texas frontier, a story which has long fascinated her.

As part of a series of articles for Blanco County’s birthday, the Blanco County News is publishing family histories from local families. The Lindeman family can be traced for 7 generations.

A big hoorah for Meg Davis, Blanco Elementary art teacher, and Meredith Parsons, Katherine Anne Porter librarian, who have initiated teaching the benefits of bike riding in our education system. Teaching our youth about pollution protection and other environmental plusses is a huge step in Blanco's awareness and growth. Our teachers have the most significant influence on our village youth and their loving embrace of the Blue Bike Project will provide sustainability and an opportunity for our children to own this project.

March 1 and 2, internationally renown publisher and decorative painter, Gretchen Cagle, honored Blanco and the Hill Country by instructing painting classes in the area. Saturday’s class, taught in the Old Blanco Courthouse, emphasized acrylic blending techniques.

Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will provide two classes in March designed to help individuals reduce blood fats and blood pressure, as well as help them achieve a healthier lifestyle by learning how to manage their sodium intake. The first session, “Reducing Blood Triglycerides,” will be March 12 from 12:

The day had begun like so many others in late September. Although the date on the calendar said fall, the weather was warm and sunny. Doris remembers the day vividly, for it was her younger son’s birthday, September 28th, 2002.

Jason Robert Davis and Kristin Marie Canady happily announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. They will be joined by family and close friends on March 22, 2008 as they begin this journey as husband and wife. This celebration of love will be held in Burnet, TX where both are employed in law enforcement.

Greg and Donna Norris of Spring Branch, Texas and David and Linda Lehmann of Warda, Texas announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children, Brenda Michelle Norris and Justin Robert Lehmann. Brenda and Justin were engaged on March 14, 2007 overlooking the Continental Divide in Winter Park, CO.

The Great American Clean Up started on March 1, 2008 and will go to May 31, 2008. The National Sponsors this year are Troy Bilt, WM-Waste Management, Honda, Firestone, Sprint, Sams, Wrigley, Scotts Miracle Grow, Force Flex, Glad, Dow and Pepsi.

American Gangster Keith–The hype surrounding American Gangster, in my opinion, was dead on.

This past Friday our beloved Virginia Beare passed away. She was so kind to me, giving me her treasured file box, with all the names of people she checked on for happenings to put in the Potpourri. Blanco will be a little less for her passing.

Alma Armke honored on 80th birthday March 2, 1988 Eighty-five friends and relatives attended an Open House Sunday, March 28, 1988, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in honor of Alma Armke’s eightieth birthday.

Turnout for the March 4 primary elections likely will reach a record number. Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson, the state's chief elections officer, on Feb.

Rumors abound that anyone—no matter how bad their credit is—can buy a home in today’s real estate market. While some lenders are willing to take on riskier loans, you may pay the price in premium interest rates, hidden loan fees, and other unfavorable terms. So what if you have substandard credit—or no credit?

David’s Song, a Southern Gospel trio based in Tyler, TX, will perform at First Baptist Church, this weekend, March 8-9th. This will mark the third year in a row that the group, David Huffine the baritone, David McKain, the tenor, and David Fowler, the lead, has performed in Blanco.

Psychologist Henry Brandt was speaking on overcoming anger to a group not usually associated with rage, but an angry minister was in this crowd who desperately needed what the speaker that day had to say. And not more than four minutes into the lecture this needy one was, in his words, “blazing mad. ” He assumed that his wife had invited him to come to this conference so Brandt could preach to him.

John 8: 2- 11- “2Early in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple [court], and the people came to Him in crowds. He sat down and as teaching them,

Last week we started to talk about how we’re to resolve differences. This applies not only to the church; but in marriages and families, in work relationships, and in friendships as well. We saw the first three principles in resolving differences are:

The sentence has been on the top shelf of the literary cabinet, a nugget well-worn by repetition, teetering on the brink of triteness. I’ve resisted using it, despite the temptation to join others who’ve lifted the line from the movie released 14 years ago.

Alfred Knoll was born in a farm house in Twin Sisters on February 23, 1914 to Albert and Mina Georg Knoll. He attended Twin Sisters School and grew up on his father’s farm and eventually took over the farm. He worked hard his whole life, as a farmer, rock mason and in the grocery store.

Bertha Novotny Trainer was born in West, Texas, on October 4, 1915 and passed away on March 3, 2008. After moving from Marble Falls, she was living at Homewood Suites on DeZavala with her husband of 70 years. They lived for many years in Fort Worth, where Bertha lovingly taught first grade.

Charles Franklin Mincemoyer, born August 5, 1917 to David Norman and Frances Christina Richardson in Cherry Valley, Illinois passed away February 27, 2008 in New Braunfels, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, the former Catherine Lundgren and their children Martha Blair and husband Richard of Kerrville, Texas, Marguerite Macke and husband Paul of New Braunfels, son Carl and wife Debra of New Braunfels, son Clifford and wife Druanne of San Antonio, Texas.

Virginia Harris Beare, born May 9, 1916 passed away on February 29, 2008. She was a much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Smile Texas/Mobile Dentists came to Blanco Elementary on February 27 and 28 and saw 62 students. 37 students need further treatment for cavities - which is about 60%. Parents of students needing more dental care will be notified by the Mobile Dentist staff.

Blanco Middle School will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, March 13, as part of Texas Public Schools Week activities. The theme for this year’s Open House is, “Education:

Even though the school year is winding down, Girl Scout registration is going strong. Girls can register to participate in Girl Scouts at any time and can immediately begin enjoying the many programs, friendships and opportunities, including summer camp, available through Girl Scouting.

The Blanco FFA senior and junior livestock judging teams competed in the Floresville and Victoria Livestock Judging Contests on the 23rd and 24th of February. With more than 50 schools competing at each contest, the Blanco FFA did extremely well placing in the top ten at each contest.

On Tuesday March 11 Blanco Elementary will host the First Annual “Math Counts and Science Matters” event; an exciting evening of Math and Science activities geared for elementary aged children and their families. Registration will begin at 5:

As the 2008 Spring Break quickly approaches here are just a few safety tips. Beach Tips

Its time again for the Blanco Panther Baseball-Softball Camp. The Camp will be held March 17th and 18th starting at 11am and ending at 2pm. The cost is once again $25 per camper, and covers all instruction, insurance, camp T-shirt, hat, and snacks.

Blanco opened up with San Saba and lost 11-5 Blake West took the loss for the Panthers, going four innings, striking out four, and scattering 10 hits.

The Lady Panthers held their annual tournament on Thursday, February 28 through March 1. The final game down to Bandera who defeated Centerpoint 4-1 in the Guaranteed game; Somerset also defeated Llano 2-1 in the Consolation game; Johnson City defeated Blanco 5-2 in the third place game; and Fredericksburg defeated Lago Vista 2-1 in eight innings in the Championship game.

On Friday, February 29, the track was full of jumpers, throwers and runners along with many spectators to watch the first track meet. Schools from Lago Vista, Wimberley, Cole, Medina Valley, Canyon Lake and Comfort were all in attendance.

Johnson City invites you to enjoy the springtime ambiance and wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country by joining our annual Wildflower celebration. Wildflower Days springs into action Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, from 9am to 5pm.

The Blanco County Master Gardeners Association would like to invite you to attend a presentation on Landscaping with Cacti, Succulents and Native Plants. The presentation will be made by landscaper Larry Fagarason and will be held on Tuesday, March 11th at 1: 00 p.

February 18, 2008 – The official dedication of the Withers-Spaulding Building, Johnson City, brought together a large group of Blanco County citizens, some in 1850’s period dress. Judge Bill Guthrie, in black top hat, dress coat, and boots, from the era, read an official proclamation opening the building to the public.

The American Red Cross will bring its emergency shelter operations training course back to Blanco County Saturday, March 8, at 9 am in the Activities Building of the Johnson City First United Methodist Church. This is the same course which last May launched the Blanco County Disaster Response Group by training 36 local residents in how to set up, operate and shut down a short-term emergency shelter.

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.