March 26, 2008

It pays to pass... On Tuesday, March 25 at the Blanco High School students were rewarded by PRIDE for passing all their classes and for not receiving a referral during this past six weeks. Ice cream with all the toppings was served.

A public workshop on restrictions and requirements regarding an upcoming Blanco County building project enlightened Blanco County Commissioners. Denise Cheney, from the legal firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP, presented a Special Workshop on the procedures for a building project regarding Block 4, Johnson City, to the Blanco County Commissioners.

Blanco residents are reminded that the city’s 9th Annual Trash-Off is set for Saturday, April 5. Hours will be 8 am to 12 noon. Discarded items may be brought to the city yard located on Jones Avenue next to the Recycling Center. Just about anything will be accepted, including furniture, TVs, stoves, air conditioners, etc.

Eli Clemmons Hinds was the seventh son and the eleventh child of Levi II and Susannah Hinds. Levi II was the son of Levi I and Sarah Hinds. Levi II was born in 1776 in Randolph County, North Carolina. Susannah was born in 1776 in Hawkins County, Knox, Tennessee. Levi II moved to Hawkins County, Tennessee, by 1788, and then went on to Kentucky.

Jerry Dosser (at microphone) and Michelle Wilson (behind him) performed March 21, 2008 at the Gatesville Opry Jamoboree. Jerry is a local musician who performs Country Gospel and Bluegrass music. Both Jerry and Michelle are from Blanco.

Weston Copenhaver (14) and Trey Hunter (12) shot these two jakes at the same time Sunday afternoon on Headwaters Ranch Road near Weston's house. This is Trey's first turkey.

Pictured is Dobie Benson who graciously donated a fishing trip to Port O'Connor to the Gem of the Hills Silent Auction and Valentine Fundraiser this past February 16th. As well, Dr. Doug Pautz and Dave Ardiana, the gentlemen that they are, donated a fishing trip to Lake Buchanan. Henry Knox purchased the trip to the Coast and Mary Ann Weaver purchased the trip to Lake Buchanan for her son Grant.

CASA for the Highland Lakes Area celebrated their 15 year anniversary on March 12, 2008. All active & inactive volunteers, past & present board members, and previous CASA staff are invited to visit CASA in Kingsland on Friday, April 18th, between 4-6pm, for a Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration. In 1993, CASA of Burnet County was formed.

Not all towns get to celebrate 150 years. What a perfect year to be a newcomer to Blanco and to become involved with the Blanco County Historical Commission, initiating the celebrations. I was very proud and excited to be in charge of setting up the Byars building for the Fireside Chats.

The Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District has scheduled a workshop on assessing the needs, capabilities, opportunities, etc., for aquifer/groundwater research in and around Blanco County. We are interested in both local research and research that may involve other groundwater districts. We are particularly interested in hearing about ongoing research work by groundwater districts in adjacent counties.

Stonewall, TX – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park will host the first-ever “Celebration of the 1960s” on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, to be held on the LBJ Ranch. Authors, educators, and experts on the tumultuous decade will gather for lectures, reminiscences and book signings in an exploration of Lyndon Johnson’s legacy in the field of education and a look back at the decade’s significance.

Kiernat New Pledge March 23, 1988 Lisa Kiernat of Blanco has pledged with the Kappa Gamma Chi Greek social organization at Austin College. There are nine fraternities and seven sororities chartered on the campus. Each Greek organization is locally controlled and no separate houses or special facilities are maintained for them Greek membership on campus is limited to those regularly enrolled, full-time students maintaining a 2.0 (2.25 for women) cumulative grade point average who are on no academic, disciplinary, or social probation. Hawaiian Dance Students Sought March 24, 1978 Anyone interested in learning the art of Hawaiian and Tahitian dancing? Bill Stahl has indicated the instructor from the Mary Buquor Dance Studio in San Antonio will come to Blanco to teach classes if there is enough interest.

AUSTIN - More than 5,300 wildfires have burned an estimated 940,000 acres and destroyed 140 homes in Texas, the governor's office reported on March 20. Gov. Rick Perry is urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide more assistance in dealing with three months of wildfires that have burned in 216 of Texas' 254 counties since Jan.

The end of March and the beginning of April brings a change in the planting season. It is still a little early to set out transplants without preparing for another quick freeze. Keep buckets or row cloth ready to cover plants. Now is the time to apply a second application of insecticide and fungicide spray as peach and plum petals fall. Add organic mulch around trees and woody plants to help retain water and keep away weeds.

Whether you are buying or selling property, choosing the right real estate agent is an important step in the process. If you plan to sell your home, you need to find a Realtor who will be the most effective in marketing your home. If you are looking to purchase, it’s important to find someone who knows the area.

Enchanted Keith–Enchanted is a wonderful Disney family film that starts out in the spoofy cartoon land of a Prince, Princess, Evil Stepmom, and birds singing with the excitement of love in the air. This world quickly fades when a spell is put on the princess-to-be and she ends up in New York...

I was privileged to chat with Maxine Blackburn the other day. I have read one of her books, but didn’t realize she has four! Her books are collections of memories, helpful hints, and just plain interesting stuff. I know we have an autographed one at the library - check it out!

Judge Bill Guthrie issued the proclamation that April 2008 is Child Abuse Awareness Month in Blanco County. This was requested by Diane Beagle, Chairwoman of the Blanco County Child Protection and Family Advocacy Board.

Clyde Bartel visited Blanco last week on his 90th birthday. He was last in town in 1944 after the T-45 airplane he was flying in crashed south of town, near Twin Sisters. Bartel was in the Army back then; he and three others lifted off from Austin despite warnings about a thunderstorm.

On March 29 and 30, a group of students at First Baptist Church of Blanco will be hosting a Dinner Theater in the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church. There will be an Italian meal served during the performance, featuring skits and comedy routines. The Dinner Theater has been held annually for the past 20 years to help fund mission trips that the students go on during the summer.

On March 15, 2008, the Franklin Family opened their ranch to the public for a huge celebration for Easter. Hundreds of people came and enjoyed the many activities that were set up. Run solely by the Franklin family and volunteers, the event hosts hundreds of people each year. In an effort to share the word of Jesus Christ, the family began opening their ranch on Easter several years ago to the public and introducing them to the Word.

A Columbian came to faith in Christ through reading the Bible and soon after his conversion immigrated to America. Here he began searching for church where he could grow in his newfound faith but became confused by the number of churches from which to choose. Finally he settled on a test for choosing the church he would make his own.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-2 – “1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Paul said in Romans 2:1-11 – “1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Lev 16:14 “And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon (Heb. over, above, against) the mercy seat eastward; and before (Heb. In front of) the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.” Leviticus 16 is a very interesting chapter that describes the all-important Day of Atonement, a.k.a.

Ronnie Smith, 64, of Blanco, died Sunday, March 9, 2008 in Austin, Texas. Ronnie was born September 13, 1943 in Houston, Texas to Hubert and Myrtle Ellen Martin Smith. He was the fourth of seven children. Ronnie is survived by his wife Lillie Jo, son B’Lee Smith, Daughter-in-law Maary, and a grandbaby to be, a daughter D’Layna Jo Smith, and son James Smith, stepson Kevin Morrow and step daughter Lacie LaMonica.

“The Stars at Night, Are Big and Bright….Deep in the Heart of Texas!” Right? Well, yes and no. Here in Blanco we are blessed with a dark night sky that lets the Milky Way and all the other stars and planets shine brightly down on the Blanco Valley…sort of. At least that’s the way it used to be, back in the days before light pollution.

The following persons have filed for candidacy for the Board of Trustees Election scheduled for May 10, 2008. Place 1 • Mary Ann Weaver (incumbent) • Ann Broyles Place 2 • Troy Immel (incumbent, unopposed)

Hill Country students interested in attending college close to home are invited to an information session about local college programs on April 1 at 6:00 p.m. at Tivy High School, 3250 Loop 534, Kerrville, JROTC room #D115. Everyone interested in college is invited. The information session is sponsored by Hill Country University Center (HCUC) in Fredericksburg.

On Tuesday, March 11, Blanco Elementary held The First Annual “Math Counts and Science Matters” event. This was an exciting evening of Math and Science activities geared for elementary aged children and their families.

The Blanco Panther Band Boosters are proud to announce the date for the early Spring concert and fundraising event. Please join the band on Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. Sixth grade, seventh grade and High School Bands will be performing on Sunday for your enjoyment.

Please be advised that all Blanco campuses will have an early dismissal on Thursday, April 3. The Elementary will get out at 12:30, the Middle School and High School will be released at 1:00 respectively.

The old guys came back home and put on a show, all 30 of them. It was the largest turnout in over 10 years. A special thanks to all of them for coming and helping the program. Mark Upshaw, Eddie Calzoncit, Jessie Ruiz, Neil Upshaw, Daniel Jenkins, Colt Petrie, Michael Mayo, Akram Weusi, Muhammad Weusi, Josh Cox, Calen McNett, Juan Hernandez, AJ Mann, Josh Mann, Joe Mann, Pepe Mancha, Sean Pruit, Aaron Lux, James Allen, Ryan Breeding, Mark Mobley, Ky McNett, Daniel Myane, Coy Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Jessie Guler, Ryan McMillian, and Michael Rios. The Alumni jumped off to a fast start by plating six runs in the fisrt inning, then they realized how old they were and the Panthers fought back to defeat them 14-7.

Blanco defeated Junction 4-1 behind the arm of Ross McCormick. McCormick went the distance, striking out 14 and scattering 5 hits. Blanco only managed 5 hits, McCormick had the big stick going 2 for 3 with a 2-run home run and 2 RBI. Lance Gottardy was 1 for 3 with 2 RBI, and Kevin Gray and Justin Warner both had singles.

Daniel Myane won the home run contest, beating out Daniel Jenkins and Neil Upshaw in a three-way tie.

The Blanco Panther tennis teams hosted the Cole Cougars on Tuesday, March 11. The Panthers did well over all, winning a total of eight of their games. In girls singles, Yvette Guerrero won 8-2, Rachel Calzoncit won with a score of 9-7. In the boys singles, Austin Carrola won 8-0 and 8-0 in two games.

Fraudulent telemarketers have found yet another way to steal your money, this time from your checking account. Consumers across the country are complaining about unauthorized debits (withdrawals) from their checking accounts, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Automatic debiting of your checking account can be a legitimate payment method; many people pay mortgages or make car payments this way.

Wildflowers! Farmer’s market – all sorts of interesting booths and lavender too! Workshops with photographers, master gardeners, rainwater experts! Home and garden tour! Arts and crafts! Food! Live music! Family fun! That’s part of the array of activities for WILD FLOWER DAYS in downtown Johnson City, Texas, April 19 & 20, 2008, from 9 AM – 5 PM. Enjoy the Hill Country wildflowers and fresh air and make the most of a tremendous opportunity to increase your gardening savvy by visiting with the local Master Gardeners and rainwater collection experts.

Burnet County Sheriff’s Office and Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s assistance for any information on criminal mischief in the Hoover Valley area. Tuesday March 11, 2008, suspects wrote graffiti on signs and mailboxes on Clen Oaks Parkway. Anyone with information should call Burnet County Sheriff’s Office at 1-512-756-8080.

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 • Oliver Jason Farnsworth, of Temple, was fined $284.10 for speeding on Sep 10, 2005 (DPS). • Chanel Riser, of Wichita Falls, was fined $148.00 for unsafe speed on Feb 3 (DPS). • John Matthew Scott, of Devine, was fined $158.75 for driving on the wrong side of the road (not passing) on Nov 5, 2007 (DPS). • Adrian Dominguez, of Blanco, was fined $238.00 for speeding on Feb 10 (DPS). • Adrian Dominguez, of Blanco, was fined $167.00 for no driver’s license on Feb 10 (DPS). • Bryan Forrest Boutwell, of Spring Branch, was fined $162.00 for speeding on Jul 6, 2007 (CVE). • Tony Larue Hibbitts, of Spring Branch, was fined $198.00 for speeding on Dec 7, 2007 (DPS). • Jesse Nobert Reyna, of Blanco, was fined $144.00 for riding while not secured by a safety belt on Oct 15, 2007 (DPS). Blanco Police Reports These reports were filed between Mar 14 and Mar 19. Mar 14 • Animal Complaint.