December 12, 1969 A new recreation room had been added to the Apollo Hut facilities for the use of young people. Just recently completed and equipped with game tables, coin operated pinball machine and billiard table, the recreation room would be ready for the Grand Opening of the Apollo Hut on Saturday, December 14.

December 6, 1968 Patrick J. Nugent, a US Air Force C-123 Provider loadmaster in Vietnam, was decorated with the Air Medal at Phan Rang Air Base by Colonel John W. Pauly, commander of the 315th Special Operations Wing. Airman Nugent, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry P. Nugent of Waukeegan, Ill., was cited for his meritorious achievements and outstanding airmanship and courage on successful and important missions under extremely hazardous conditions in South Vietnam.

December 1, 1967 Major Kenneth J. McIlvain Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. CkIlvain of Boone, Iowa, had received the US AF Commendation Medal at Nha Trang AB, Vietnam. Major McIlvain was decorated for meritorious service as a liaison officer, Boy Scouts of America, Minneapolis. He was cited for his outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and leadership.

November 25, 1966 Two additional screwworm cases were found in Blanco County during the past week, creating some concern for the security of the eradication program in the area, according to O.L. Patterson, County Agent. The first case, reported last week, was in the South end of Blanco County, while the two reported this week were in the North part of the county.This should remove any complaceny from producers of the county that there is no need to worry about screwworms.

November 12, 1965 Blanco and Johnson City telephone users would be able to dial each other direct and without a long distance charge beginning early in 1966. Announcement of the final arrangements for extended area service (EAS) between the two cities was made by John S. Skinner, Service Center Manager. Approval of the EAS plan was given by the City Commission at Blanco and the City Council at Johnson City.

“Knowledge is the only jewel that will not decay” is what’s written on an old booklet for Flat Creek School that Gladys Barr Reeves found in her archive. This “School Souvenir” for the class of 1920 is similar to a yearbook but without the photographs. Miss Ida Armke was the school’s only teacher. Along with pages of poetry about schooling, the booklet also lists the school’s pupils.

November 6, 1964 President Johnson swamped Senator Barry Goldwater for the presidency with a landslide vote of 41,727,846 to 26,197,960, which gave him a popular majority of more than 15 million votes. Blanco County showed its approval of native son Johnson by giving him a resounding vote of support with an even greater percentage of votes, 80.5%.

November 1, 1963 A number of Blanco people inspected some of the flood control sites on the York Creek watershed in Hays and Comal Counties. Interest seemed to be revived in obtaining such a project on the Blanco and Little Blanco River watersheds. Considerable interest was shown several years ago in controlling flood waters around here but technical reasons prevented them from obtaining the highly desirable lakes.

October 26, 1962 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Ross of Blanco observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary at “The Oaks,” their home on Highway 281 South. More than 200 guests called during the afternoon to wish the couple many happy returns on this golden wedding anniversary. • Football fans in the Blanco area paid $663.79 to watch the “Old Pros” and the “All Stars” in a benefit game to pay off the debt on the new illuminated scoreboard.

October 20, 1961 Members of the Blanco Band and Bad Boosters were engaged this week in selling tickets to the Cole Circus which would be shown in the Blanco State Park. The famous circus, which is celebrating its 51st year, would bring a fine exhibit of circus entertainment and outstanding exhibits to the community.

October 14, 1960 The Blanco Panthers again upset the sportscasters by defeating the Hutto Hippos 22-6, with an improved brand of football. The final score was Blanco 22, Hutto 6. Kurt Johnson, 190 lb. back, was a threat at all times. • Texas’ 7-man Water Development Board was considering whether to ask the next Legislature to expand and liberalize its program of lending financial aid to local water projects.

October 7, 1966 An open house was held at the new elementary school building. Grades one through seven were moving in to start classes. • Milton Scharnhorst and L.M. Mobley were honored by the Blanco FFA chapter by being awarded the Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree and a plaque at the Annual Award Night Banquet.

September 27, 1968 A highly successful Pasture Short Course was conducted at the Blanco Vocational Agriculture Department by Phillip Nix, Pasture Specialist. This short course was sponsored by the Texas Education Agency, Agricultural Education Div., and Texas A&M University, Dept. of Soil and Crop Sciences, in cooperation with Blanco High School.

September 22, 1967 Workmen were busy installing new central office equipment in the Blanco Telephone Exchange in a new building recently built just to the rear of the old office. Officials of the Southwestern States Telephone Co. treated several of the City Officials, Civic and Service Club members to a luncheon and inspection tour of the new facilities.

September 23, 1966 I, James, N. Houck, am indeed glad to be able to resume publication of the Blanco County News this week after having to suspend publication for eight weeks, due to a serious heart attack suffered the day my wife and I returned from vacation. • The historic Hye General Store and Post Office in Hye had been named a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark significant to the history of this community and state and worthy of preservation.