Jacob Coleman Sanders was born December 6, 2007 to proud parents Kelly and Gretchen Sanders of Blanco. Jacob weighted 8 pounds was was 19 1/2 inches. Grandparents are Jim and Marla Sanders of Blanco, Jerry and Frances Leist of Angleton and great grandmother Ruby Coleman of Angleton.

Army Reserve Pvt. Wayne L. Roeder has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice sys ...

Rufus Stephens, a Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist, will speak on the “Overabundance of White-tailed Deer, Impacts and Current Solutions” on January 8 at the Gillespie County Agricultural Extension Building, 95 Frederick Road, beginning at 7:00PM. The presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center as part of their Nature Series programs conducted throughout the school year. Stephens, a wildlife ecology graduate of Texas A & M University, is the wildlife bi ...

The Blanco County Master Gardeners’ Association invites you to attend a presentation on cultivating tropical and indoor plants given by Blanco County Extension Agent, Todd Swift on Tuesday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. Todd has an extensive background in all aspects of horticulture. A graduate of Angelo State University with both Bachelor of Science and Master Degrees, he has over 15 years of experience as County Extension Agent in Runnels, Llano and Blanco Counties.

By Patsy Marler, 2007 It was Christmas. The world was quiet. Brown leaves that had fallen from the naked trees covered the ground. Winter grass had begun to peek through the straw. The sky was grey and it was a cold, still day. She was alone except for His Presence. No presents except for His Presence.

AUSTIN -- The 80th Texas Legislature last spring passed 22 pieces of legislation enacting state laws to take effect Jan. 1. Here is a whittled down version of what just a few of those new laws do, based on analyses published by the House Research Organization and the Senate Research Center. * HB 271 by Rep.

“Sounds like hunting and fishing combined, but with no gear, nothing to clean and no bag limits,” I replied. “Count me in. Fossilized shark tooth hunting sounds like a winner.” “Okay, let’s do it,” Pam agreed. We turned south and drove for Venice Beach, an hour drive from Tampa. Once there we changed and hit the beach.

Buy a big, lean chuck roast. Brown it on all sides in a big cast iron kettle over medium-high flame, holding it with tongs to make sure that no red meat remains showing. This seals in all the juices. Coarsley chop a big yellow onion, a handful of mild chili or other sweet peppers, and toss in the grease to slightly brown the veggies and smother the roast.

On Jan. 2, in the heart of winter, we were closest to the Sun than at any point in the year, a fact that begs two questions: Why are we closer? Why aren't we hotter? If Earth's orbit around the Sun was perfectly circular we would always remain 93 millions miles away, but our path is slightly oval-shaped, called elliptical.

QUESTION: “I have spent waaaay too much money applying redwood bark and cocoa hulls to my front and backyard landscape and flower beds only to find that the cool fall weather has caused the bark to mold and mildew, plus the neighborhood cats are using my landscape as their litter box.

Wild blackberries, oh joy! (not) You can come over and clear out the 20 foot long runners that have blanketed the lower slope of my veggie patch.....they have covered all the mulch under the tomato cages, though you don't really notice them until you step on them.....no more barefoot hippie mama picking herbs around here!

The Blanco Library is pleased to present a series of guest speakers and programs in the large conference room at the library. All programs are scheduled from noon to 1 PM. Bring a sandwich and the Friends of the Library will provide a beverage and dessert. Author Mary Powell will be the first presenter on Thursday, January 10th.

The Blanco County Master Gardeners’ Association invites you to attend a presentation on cultivating tropical and indoor plants given by Blanco County Extension Agent, Todd Swift on Tuesday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. Todd has an extensive background in all aspects of horticulture. A graduate of Angelo State University with both Bachelor of Science and Master Degrees, he has over 15 years of experience as County Extension Agent in Runnels, Llano and Blanco Counties.

Mat 1:21-23 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ coming to this earth; a celebration of God being with us.

By Roger Campbell Standing at the portal of a new year can be intimidating; especially if the past one has been disappointing. When this has happened, we’re likely to succumb to doubts and expect a repeat performance. Instead, why not let the past be past and our expectation of the future be uncluttered by unpleasant memories.

By Mrs. Lawrence Coffee Romans 8:1-17 – "1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.

By Don Newberry It was a “coolish” night toward year’s end. Granddad, his head buried in the newspaper sports section, wasn’t aware of his grandson’s arrival. When he felt the seven-year-old’s breath on the back of his neck, he knew that silence, for hours gently punctured only by the crackling fireplace, was about to end. “I’m getting pretty good at reading, Granddad,” the youngster bragged.

The Wonderful women of Blanco Ministry I bless you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and wish to call you: The Wonderful women of Blanco and all wonderful women of all nationalities to come together and have a fun time of teaching and fellowship with other women from other denominations. This new year monthly meeting is on: January 8th 2008 from 7:00 - 8:30 The meetings are still held in: All Faiths Chapel on the corner of 9th and Elm street, Blanco.

Dr. Claude Cage Atkins was born September 19, 1932, in Corpus Christi, and passed away on December 26 in San Diego, California. His parents were Claude and Zula Cage Atkins. After his parents' deaths when he was a pre-teen, he was raised in Blanco by his uncle and aunt, Charlie and Lee Whitworth.

Lyndell Williams, former executive vice president of the Texas Press Association passed away peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Directors, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73134.

Nathan “Nate” Keith went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 22, 2007. Beloved son of Pam Keith-Gerard and Kent Keith, brother of Andrea Keith, stepson of Daniel “Gus” Gerard and Karen Keith, grandson of Betty Palmer and Robert Keith. He was stepbrother to Mallory, Landry, Walker and Kacie.

Tonnie Foster passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Saturday, December 22, 2007 in San Antonio, TX. She was born in Blanco, TX to Theodor and Emma Mosel. Tonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Vernon Calvin Foster, brothers, Alvin and Johnny Mosel, and sisters, Selma, Cora, Elsie, and Annie Mosel.

Interested in underground water rights and groundwater planning?.... Hill Country Cattle Women invite you, as well as members and guests, on January 15.... to hear Mr. Lee Sweeten, General Manager of the Real Edwards Conservation & Reclamation District. Since becoming manager in March of 2003, Mr. Sweeten has worked with the District ro revise and update the District’s rules and policies.

If you are single, have never been married or given birth, and between the ages of 19 and 29, applications are now being accepted for the title of 2008 “Miss Blanco County International”! Miss Blanco County will represent her county at the Miss Texas Pageant to be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas, April 11 - 13, 2008.

Dear Friends and Neighbors: As families in Blanco, Caldwell and Hays counties celebrate with friends and loved ones this month, many of us will reflect about the thousands of service men and women that will be far from home this Holiday season. Across our communities and our state, Texans are joining millions of fellow Americans in reaching out to our military men and women and their families to share the holiday spirit.

The Uptown Marble Theatre and GTT Entertainment present the first in an ongoing series for 2008. Tommy Alverson’s Heroes & Friends Show will pick up where his critically acclaimed 2005 CD of the same name left off. The beautiful Uptown Marble Theater, 218 Main Street, Marble Falls Texas, will give Tommy an intimate listener’s venue, where he will make many of the legends of Texas Music feel right at home.

The following students representing Blanco Middle School Student Council helped out with the Toys for Tots program held at the Blanco United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 15th. Abbey W., Kellam N., Presley S., Tanner R.

Students of the Blanco Kung Fu School passed the first milestone on the way toward the goal of the much respected black sash. Eight students from the kids’ class (Haley Link, Hayden Link, Holly Link, Addison Denslow, Larrisa Hinshaw, Leighton Klepac, Avery Klepac, Harleigh Sue Klepac) and five students from the adult class (April Klepac, Doug Hain, JD Link, Rob Holmes, and Manuel) were eligible to test.

The JV Lady Panthers put up a hard fight against the Eagles but still came up short. The game started out even as they ended the first period but by half time the Eagles had a two point lead as they teams headed for the locker rooms. Coming back out on the court the Panthers fell by another three points but still playing a hard game the final score was Johnson City 26, Blanco 16. High scorer was Maggie Avila who had eight total points as she sank four two-point shots.

The Varsity Lady Panthers did not take time to slow down over the holidays with district quickly approaching them. On December 29-29 they participated in the Sixth Annual Wimberley Hoop Fest. The Panthers first game was against the San Marcos Rattler who is a 5A school. The Panthers took the lead in the first period with a score of 17-11. The Rattlers gained a little momentum in the second period as they sank 12 points but Blanco continued to hold on to the lead as they halftime buzzer ...

Alisa Guler scored 13 points and the Blanco Panthers upset the Johnson City Eagles on Friday, December 21 as they took a huge victory. The Eagles could not stop the Panthers who continued to sink basket after basket as they were out for revenge after they fell short in Johnson City with a score 39-30.

Spring Branch Tennis Center would like to introduce the SBTC to our Hill Country community. The Spring Branch Tennis Center will consist of 12 USTA approved tennis courts and a clubhouse. SBTC Director Erinn Murray states the proposed facility could then host all levels of leagues, tournaments, and lessons. Along with youth programs consisting of after school clinics, summer camps and No-Charge programs to the disadvantaged.

Judy and Bobby Brewer of Blanco had a visit from their son, Bruce Malone, who came from East Texas the week before Christmas for an early Christmas visit. While he was here, they went out for pizza one night and steak another night. He went back to Rusk to spend Christmas with his wife and son, but while he was here Judy, Bobby, and he had a good time.

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 Convictions will not appear this week. Blanco Police Reports These reports were filed between Dec 1 ...

Our Servicemen December 29, 1967 Signalman Second Class Billy J. Crawford, USN con of Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Crawford of Blanco, is serving aboard the U.S. Seventh Fleet attack carrier USS Kitty Hawk off the coast of North Vietnam. While off the coast of Viet man the mission of the Kitty Hawk will be the launching of aircraft for strikes against the enemy supply and communications lines.

Are you considering buying that first home, but are torn between a smaller, more affordable home and one that will accommodate potential life changes? Purchasing your first home may be one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Among things to consider are your budget, location, and future plans, including job security, relocation, and children.