Community News, Regional News, School, Sports, Focus on Faith, Putting the Pieces Together, Obituaries, Announcements, Mustard Seeds, Opinion, The Real Estate Corner
Blanco County News
Blanco County Commissioners conducted a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 9th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, Texas. All four County Commissioners and Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie attended the meeting. The minutes from the Special Meeting of June 25th, 2013 were approved as read by Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman.
A $10,000 grant from Texas Rural Communities, Inc has allowed the Blanco EMS to purchase five Zoll AED Plus units to install in public locations around Blanco. The first of the five units was installed in the City Hall office on Wednesday, July 3rd. The other four units will be installed, as they arrive, in the Courthouse, Gem of the Hills, Stripes, and the Police Department. The Zoll AED Plus units are fully automatic and feature a CPR feedback took, giving visual and audio instructions to th ...
The Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society is hosting a Community Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, July 13 from 8 to 4. Everyone is invited to set up on the grounds of the Old Blanco County Courthouse and sell their goods. The event will be free to anyone participating, however, we encourage participants to join as a member of the O.B.C.C.P.S. This is just one of the ways the O.B.C.C.P.S.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) officials are urging all recreationalists using the Guadalupe, Blanco, Comal or San Marcos rivers, Canyon Reservoir, Coleto Creek Reservoir (Victoria County), Lake Dunlap (Comal and Guadalupe counties), Lake McQueeney (Guadalupe County), Lake Placid (Guadalupe County), Lake Nolte (Guadalupe County), H4 or Lake Gonzales and H5 orLake Wood (both in Gonzales County) to practice safe boating especially during the Independence Day weekend of Thursday, July ...
As the region heads into what is forecast to be a hot, dry summer, the Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding residents that Central Texas is still in the grasp of a severe drought and that everyone needs to do their part to conserve and use water wisely. Because of the extended period of dry weather, the amount of water flowing into lakes Travis and Buchanan, called inflows, has been reduced to record-low levels for several years. The lakes serve as reservoirs for more than a million Ce ...
On Monday, July 8, Governor Rick Perry announced in San Antonio that he will not run for re-election in 2014. Perry has served as the Governor of Texas since assuming the governorship in 2000, when then-Governor George W. Bush resigned after being elected President. Prior to his time as Governor, Perry served in the Texas Legislature, was the Agriculture Commissioner and was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1998.
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Secretary of State John Steen announced that photo identification will now be required when voting in Texas elections. His announcement follows a decision Tuesday by the U.S. Supreme Court that cleared the way for photo ID requirements in Texas, originally passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, to take effect. “My office is committed to making sure Texans have all the information they need to vote, including what forms of identification they need now that photo ID requ ...
At the regular meeting of the Blanco ISD trustees on July 8, Project Executive Tom Rehak of Vanguard Contractors reported that demolition is complete at the entrances to all three campuses. By the beginning of school a new system will be in place to screen all visitors as they enter the administrative offices.
Johnson City Celebrated Independence Day in style with the 11th Annual Spangle Dangle Parade and Fireworks Display.
The Tejanito’s Art Classes at the Blanco Library have been busy and fun. The 6-11 age children are putting their talents to work, starting with painting flags for the 4th of July. They are also doing oil paintings on canvas, using their imagination and a lot of confidence. A display of the kid’s art is being planned for September. The Blanco Library is an asset to our community and a great place for the artists of all ages to come together. For questions, Please call Mrs.
The 2013-14 BHS Varsity Cheerleaders attended UCA Cheer Camp at the University of Texas. The girls won several honors including Superior Home Routine, Superior Fight Song, Superior Xtreme Routine, Outstanding Cheer Squad at Camp, and they brought home the spirit stick every night. They also won the Best Costume Award for the “Retro” camp theme.
The regular meeting of the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department and Board took place Tuesday, July 2. Chief Hicks reported that the Treasury Report was ninety-two cents off and that he would continue to “work on it.” Board member Al Turner replied, “You’ll spend more money on finding it than it’s worth.” The treasurer's report was approved. The fire department made four runs in the month of June.
The Second Annual BYFL Cheer Camp was a roaring success, with 35 campers learning new cheers and a dance, taught by our very own JV and Varsity cheerleaders! BYFL Cheer Coordinator Margarita Ledesma and Assistant Cheer Coordinator, Stephanie Shaw said that the campers had tons of fun and learned a lot!
In Sydney, Australia a bicycle enthusiast may have become a little obsessed with his hobby. It was reported that authorities discovered 435 bikes in his house after his death … It took police seven days to remove the bikes along with hundreds of frames, wheels and other parts from his house.
Recent reports show that 1 in 3 seniors dies with a form of dementia, and in Texas alone, 1,294,000 people care for a loved one with dementia. Many in our community are struggling with the challenges of caregiving, but help is available. The Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter is offering a free class on “Coping with Alzheimer’s,” which will provide guidance on how families can meet these challenges.
Blanco is home to a hand full of historic homes, buildings, icons and landmarks, but some residents may be concerned that some of these pieces of history are slowly disappearing. Could that ever happen here, as is many places nationwide? Some of the buildings in the town’s square area have been quietly deteriorating and may be facing demolition.
How does one determine what bid to go with? First off, you should always get at least 3 bids on any job. Once the bids come in, you should review them carefully and ask each bidder/contractor to explain their bids. However, before you get to the bid process, it is critical that you give all bidders/contractors detailed and accurate plans and specifications.
Barbara May Rice, 78, devoted mother and loving grandmother passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013 in Blanco. She was born May 5, 1935 in Petronila, TX to Cecil Brown and Ada Staley Brown. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Rice; and grandson, Ben Rice, Jr. She is survived by two sons, Ben Rice, Sr.
This year I have made some changes from my usual routine of pest control. This year I called my friend Ron Guthrie of Bugz Pest and Lawn in Burnet and he is doing some awesome things with all organic applications. Applying cedar oil to my lawn and in my landscape is solving my chigger and flea challenge.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing ARts will be hosting the senior instrumental recital of Emily Ranice Blackburn. The event is free and open to the public. Emily is the daughter of James and Diana Black burn of Blaco, she graduation from blanco High School in 2008.
Library updates! Our new catalog system is in place thanks to the Tocker Foundation, so take a look! To log into your account, you will need your 4 digit card number and the phone number we have on file for you. In your patron account, you can set up how we alert you about items you have on hold and receiving automatic alerts for when your items are due.
William Edward Jones, 43, was arrested Friday evening around 11pm by Blanco County Sheriff’s Department Deputies Thomas Broy Les and John Livingston. Jones was arrested on charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamines, a 2nd degree felony, according to Lt. Bob Shelton of the Blanco Sheriff’s office. Jones had been out on parole.
Blanco United Methodist Church hosted almost 75 children the week of June 23 for their annual vacation bible school. This year the children learned that 'God Helps us STAND STRONG' through song, games, and fun science experiments. BUMC would like to say thank you to the parents for allowing their kids to come and learn with them for the week and also to all the volunteers who donated time and supplies.
Blanco Veterinary Clinic has welcomed a new Vet to the team, Kim Warren DVM. Kim earned her degree from A&M and has over 4 years experience as a technician in Lubbock and Dripping Springs. She has also earned her Masters in Equine Reproduction from Texas Tech. This is her first position as a Veterinarian. “I’ve wanted to be a vet since 3rd grade,” Kim told Blanco County News.
Eight scouts and three scout leaders loaded up on Sunday June 23, 2013 at the Blanco United Methodist Church for their trip to Worth Ranch near Palo Pinto Texas. They stayed for 7 days and 6 nights in 100-degree weather, sleeping in tents. They participated in Archery, Swimming, Fly Fishing, Fishing, Leather and Woodcarving, Archaeology, Geology, Camping, E Science, Snorkeling, Photography, Citizenship of the Nation, First Aid, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival, and Hammer Patrol.
The Blanco Volunteer EMS and Texans In Motion at Scott & White Healthcare teamed up to offer a free car seat and booster seat inspection on Friday, June 28. Families were invited to make an appointment to have their car seats and booster seats inspected for proper installation, height, weight and age requirements and recalls.
I recently came across a box of letters that my parents returned to me many years ago and that I had completely forgotten. Among the letters were some that I had sent from Guatemala while I was doing research as a Brigham Young University graduate student. In the 1960’s in Guatemala if one wanted to become a teacher, he or she had to do a couple of years of public service working in rural areas where teachers were hard to come by.
Galatians 4:31 says, “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” I encourage you to read Gal 4:21-31 for the context of this verse. Paul uses the story of Ishmael and Isaac to reveal the New Testament truth that the physical children of God are in bondage under the law and are of the physical Jerusalem; while the spiritual children of God, through the new birth, are free, and are of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Congratulations to Keirsten Sauceda for being crowned Little Miss Texas State Queen at the Texas Choice Pageants - State Pageant. The Pageant was held on June 15 & 16, 2013 in San Marcos, TX. Keirsten is the daughter of Martin & Tracy Sauceda of Blanco. She competed in the Formal Wear, Portfolio, Personal Introduction & Fresh Face competitions.
Before you know it, we will be gearing up for football, and the time is now to sign-up for the Blanco Youth Football League! We are accepting applications online on our new website, www.blancoyouthfootball.com. The cost to sign up is $75, for both cheerleaders and football players, and includes all the necessary equipment for the season.
The regular meeting of Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps met on Monday July 7. All board members were present except for Doug Becker. Treasurer Barry Pierce reported a total income of $80,240.10 for June, a larger than average amount. It included $4,100 in donations for the Hill Country Heartbeat Fundraiser, over $4,000 gross profit from the Lavender Festival Hamburger Stand, a $10,000 grant from Texas Rural Communities for the purchase of five Automated External Defibrillators units and CPR cl ...
The First Annual Blanco Youth Football League BBQ Cook-Off, held June 20-22, was a weekend full of fun, good food and great music. The fundraiser was put on to help offset the cost of equipment and other expenses for our young athletes. Without the hard work of the BYFL board planning and putting on events like this, the cost for participation in our football and cheer programs would increase each year.
In 1942 Congress passed a joint resolution summarizing the rules for display of the flag. The Federal Flag Code does not proscribe any behavior: it is merely a codification of customs and traditions. Section 176, Respect for flag reads: “No disrespect should be allowed to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
July hit with a fiery 100 degrees plus. We will need to scramble to keep the gardens producing. This is not the best time to plant shade, fruit or ornamental trees, but it is the best time if you want to move or plant palms. You can plant or move sagos, windmill palms, Sabal or Mexican Fan Palm.
Blanco Performing Arts held their 2nd Annual Kids’ Art Festival at the Uptown Blanco courtyard on Saturday, June 29. The festival was geared towards teaching children that real people make art. Thirty-six children, ages 6-12, participated in painting, dancing, and dramatic storytelling, all inspired by the musical program of pianist Carla McElhaney. In the closing segment, artist Ellen Murray painted as Ms.
AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry on June 26 summoned lawmakers back to Austin for a second special session of the Texas Legislature to begin July 1. Perry ordered lawmakers to write and pass legislation to do three things: • Regulate abortion procedures, providers and facilities. • Fund transportation infrastructure projects. • Establish a mandatory sentence of life with parole for a capital felony committed by a 17-year-old offender. Perry’s first called session ended on June 25 with Sen ...
I am so fortunate to be part of this community. People are truly considerate and generous to others. I would like to address an issue that is becoming more of a crisis every day. We have a true humanitarian issue developing within our own community. The number of stray, homeless, and feral animals that make Blanco County home continues to grow at an alarming rate.
The library has been upgrading thanks to the Tocker Foundation. You may have seen the new furniture in the Teen section and the new computer desks in the Children’s section. The Tocker Foundation began in 1964 to implement the philanthropic interests of Phillip and Olive Tocker. After years of supporting a wide range of community-based causes, the foundation discovered a need in small, rural, Texas libraries serving populations of 12,000 or less. The Tocker foundation focuses on a wide rang ...
The girls played this past weekend in the Little League Texas District 26 All Star tournament as a combined team from Wimberley and Blanco. They beat the Fredericksburg/Harper team to with the title of District Champion for the Junior Softball division.
Someone said, “Australia is not always a friendly place for tourists. We have Great White Sharks hovering off our beaches, man-eating crocodiles in our Northern regions, deadly box jellyfish with stingers extending meters and meters, the deadliest spider in the world, and 13 of the world’s 20 deadliest snakes! But of all the dangers presented to American tourists a little remembered one is their attempts to cross our roads.
A Round Mountain man was sentenced to life in prison after it was determined that he had violated the terms of his probation in a 2010 sexual assault case. On Thursday, June 13, 2013, Judge Dan Mills of the 424th District Court handed down a life sentence for Michael Domingo Ribera after finding him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Ribera had pleaded guilty to the crime on October 22, 2010 and was originally placed on deferred adjudication probation for a term of 10 years by a ...
Michael Flannery West, third son of Weldon Elbert West and Lillian Bernice Smith West, was born on February 15, 1951, in the Old Blanco Courthouse Hospital. He was delivered by Dr. J.J. Flannery, who helped name him. The ground was covered with snow and ice on the day he was born. Mike grew up enjoying all sports, fishing, swimming, and hunting.
Just as the sign says, soon there will ‘finally’ be a BBQ in Blanco again. The former Riley’s BBQ and Steakhouse building has been bought by Mike Betzer and business partner Gary Kuykendall. Blanco County News was able to catch Gary during a busy day of reconstruction for a quick chat. Gary owned the Santa Fe Cafe in San Antonio for about 25 years.
Want some weekend projects that could be quick and give your home a facelift? We all like a little change now and then. And there are a few things you might be able to do in a couple days that can give your home that slight change you have been wanting.
Celebrate the Independence Day weekend in Fredericksburg on Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7, with live pari-mutuel horse racing and an evening concert and dance at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. Sponsored by the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association, the two-day July Fourth Weekend Racing Festival kicks off the eight-day 2013 summer racing season at the fair grounds. Featured will be thoroughbred and quarter horse racing on Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7, at the five-eighths mile o ...
Revelation 19:3-21 “3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Allelu ...
I’ve been thinking about verse 10 from Chapter 19 last week. There are some who are wannabe prophets, who really haven’t been divinely inspired by God or blessed with the gift of prophecy. And God is very harsh on those who are not prophets, who turn people away from Him through their words.
AUSTIN —Texas lawmakers on July 1 reported to their respective Capitol chambers for the opening of a second 30-day special session of the 83rd Texas Legislature. The House and the Senate scheduled floor action for July 9. Gov. Perry, on June 26, invited them to take a second opportunity to craft and pass legislation relating to: - Regulation of abortion procedures, providers, and facilities; - Funding of transportation infrastructure projects; and - Establishing a mandatory sentence of li ...
The Tejanos boys Select baseball team played in the age 11 and under World Series in Flower Mound, Texas, as a combined team from all over the Hill Country. After the nine-day tournament they placed 9th out of 84 teams in the Platinum Division.
1Thess 4:11 says, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” Study - from a love of honor, to strive to bring something to pass. Quiet - keep still, to rest, to hold your peace, to lead a quiet life, said of those who are not running hither and thither, but stay at home and mind their business.
On June 22, 2013 at the annual Trainer Reunion held at the Masonic Lodge in Blanco, four Trainer descendants signed documents to join The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, an association dedicated to the memory of Texas pioneer families. They qualified to join the organization through ancestor Sarah Jane Page Trainer, a true daughter of the Republic of Texas.
What are you asking? One of the first steps to selling your home is deciding how much to ask for it. Several factors influence pricing a home … some you can control, and some you can’t. A Texas realtor can help you decide on the best price based on the condition of the home and what comparable homes in the area have recently sold for – be prepared in case the amount isn’t what you had in mind.
If you’re buying or selling a house, having access to accurate information is essential. Unfortunately, many popular real estate information sources provide data that is outdated, incomplete or flat-out wrong. Not just slightly off base every once in a while. I mean significantly inaccurate on a regular basis. What kind of errors are out there? As a homebuyer, you don’t want to look at homes that aren’t for sale.
- E-mail: ne...@blanconews.com
- Phone: 830-833-4812
- Contact Us