February 9 • There will be a Father/Daughter Valentine's dance at the Gem of the Hills from 6:00 till 9:00. The evening will be an alcohol-free, tobacco-free evening with activities and dancing for fifth grade and younger girls and their fathers. The admission cost is $10 per father. All profits will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Jewell Scott proudly announces the birth of her great granddaughter. Addison Claire Scott was born January 31, 2008 in Round Rock, Texas, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19 inches long. Parents are Christopher and Stephanie Scott of Austin. Addison is also welcomed by grandparents Fred and Karen Scott, and Pamela Scott of Austin, great aunt Cordelia Willgren of Cedar Park, and great grandmother Marjorie Klar of Fort Worth.

Ramon and Diana Rios would like to announce their engagement of their daughter Marcia Weatherby-Rios to Kenneth Dustin Thompson, son of Darell and Betty Thompson of Friona, Texas. Their wedding will be held at the Calvary Baptist church on Saturday March 1st, 2008 in Friona, Texas. Marcia is a 2006 graduate of Blanco High School and Dustin is a 2004 graduate of Friona High School.

Deena and Tom Gardner spent some time in San Antonio taking care of their grand-dogs, a Yorkie and 2 schnauzers. I am sure a good time was had by all! Sally Wall of Blanco was feted not once, but twice for her birthday, which was January 28. One day they went to Fredericksburg and the other day they were taken to Johnson City to the Silver K Cafe by their friends, Conrad and Joan Sauer.

Education agency to initiate TAKS anti-cheating measures AUSTIN - The Texas Education Agency announced Jan. 25 its plans to add security measures in administering the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Random test monitoring, seating charts and scrambling the order of field test items on exams are among more than a dozen steps to be taken this school year, said Education Commissioner Robert Scott. Some steps are supposed to make TAKS tests more resistant to cheating. Other steps are ...

Wool and mohair are parts of the very fabric of Texas; their tradition and economic impact make the commodities valuable to the Lone Star state's fiber industry and rich history. Spanish soldiers and missionaries first brought sheep and goats to Texas. Legendary Texans such as Stephen F. Austin first promoted wool and mohair's possibilities, and our state's farmers and ranchers have managed fiber production for hundreds of years. Their hard work has made Texas number one in the U.S.

February 16 - Blanco Gem of the Hills Valentine Dance Julianne Compere, 830-833-2713 February 18 – Johnson City LBJ Dedication of Withers & Spaulding Building/Visitor’s Center March 4 – Blanco Texas Star Trail Riders Arrive 4:00 p.m. on the Square, Campout at Yett Park Bill Harrison, 512-478-2184; Cell: 512-791-2503 March 7 - Blanco Lion’s Club Circus Nell Krueger, 830-833-5774 March 8 - Blanco Blanco County Birthday Party & Pageant Rebecca Howerton, 830-833-4950 ...

In 1836 Captain James Callahan along with other Texas Rangers passed through the hill country. He decided to return with his family, the E. C. Hinds family, the William Trainer family and William “Maulheel” Johnson family to settle in what became the town of Pittsburg. Even today there remains the historical Amenthal home of Rebecca Baines Johnson, the CCC headquarters and medical building (now homes) and several more structures from this period.

Every two seconds, someone across America needs blood. Without blood from the community supply, many medical and surgical procedures would not be possible. The lives of accident victims, cancer, cardiac, and organ transplant patients would be lost. Take an hour of your time and donate the gift of life. Donate blood at the upcoming South Texas Blood & Tissue Center blood drive in Blanco at the Blanco High School on Tuesday, February 12 from 8:30am- 4:00 pm in the library; 1514 4th Street. ...

The Blanco County Master Gardeners would like to invite you to attend a presentation on Tuesday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. by Certified Arborist Bo Masters. The presentation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Johnson City. Masters’ presentation will focus on the seasonal care of trees and shrubs with special emphasis on pruning, discussing timing and the use of proper tools and techniques.

Your special military issue phone buzzes, and you answer the call. A US Specials Operations Task Force team has become engaged in a furious fire-fight with Taliban forces and they are now isolated from supporting units. They are dangerously low on ammunition, trapped inside a safe house compound and are surrounded by enemy forces.

Mrs. Marguerite Ash, mother of Susie Johnson of Blanco, crocheted another eight beautiful lap throws and donated them to the residents of Live Oak Medical Center. Mrs. Ash lives in Kingsland, Texas and Susie lives in Blanco. This is the third time Mrs. Ash has donated her many various colored, lovely crocheted lap throws for the residents of Live Oak Medical Center.

If you missed the Mardi Gras Party at Uptown Blanco Art Center this past weekend, that’s okay, because Rebecca Doll, the Art Center Director, says, “the real fun begins February 11th with the start of our spring art session.” The new course catalog was introduced at the opening and it includes programs for all ages and skill levels.

On Friday evening, February 1, many Blanco citizens gathered at the Uptown Blanco Courtyard for a Mardi Gras celebration, including food provided by Uptown Blanco and craft supplies for masks from Uptown Blanco Art Center. "So many revelers made masks," Director Rebecca Doll said, "truly works of art, entire families participated some even 3 and 4 generations.

Downtown Preservation/Revitalization is one of the three top priorities of the Visionaries in Preservation Plan that was unanimously voted for in 2004 by the Blanco City Council. Streetscaping will be a large part of revitalization and designed to work with the plans to improve landscaping, sidewalks, signs and lighting on the courthouse square, bury the utilities, generate and promote historic preservation activities on the square, encourage diverse businesses in historic dowtown through incen ...

Calling all women of Blanco County and the Hill Country! You are invited to join WHITESTONE for WOMEN! Are you hungry for MORE? Come receive food for the Spirit, Soul, and Body. “Whitestone for Women” is team led by women with a heart to serve. The team began meeting in October 2007 for the 3 P’s - prayer, planning, and preparation.

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco, TX Philippians 3:8c-9 says “that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Over the past several weeks, we have looked at many different Scriptures concerning the foundational and necessary teaching of faith righteousness in the New Testament.

The Healing Rooms of Blanco, Texas, Blanco County and the Hill Country are hoping you will come and get trained for Jesus’ Healing Ministry This training is free to all of Jesus’ disciples who are willing to come and pray for the sick. We only ask that you come and pray when you are needed. The Water of Life Church in Blanco, Texas will be hosting new training sessions for the Healing Ministry again during 2008.

The Bible says God will fight our battles. It also says that Jesus has defeated the devil, and we just need to stand on His Word, and believe! What did Jesus say? Why do we have a chance to live in Heaven? It’s because of Him, Jesus. So, are you building up your faith by reading the red letters of Jesus? We can not discount the Old Testament, for God spoke to us back then through prophets, and even regular people.

Corrected Schedule Since Easter comes early this year, the pre-easter luncheons begin Thursday, Febuary 7,2008 at the First Baptist Church in Blanco. This is an opportunity to have a nice lunch, listen to some music and hear a short message about the reason for celebrating the Easter season.the whole program last only an hour. Food service starts a 11:45am it is free will donation benefits the ministerial fellowship it will be over by 12:45, and all is welcome. Schedule as follows: ...

Love and marriage are masterpieces of God’s creative plan. Two people with different personalities, backgrounds and gifts enter into a love relationship that makes them one. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden, where the first wedding contained words that have been part of marriage ceremonies ever since: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Some marriages are enjoyable.

The Wonderful women of Blanco meet again on: Tuesday 12th February 2008 from 7 – 8:30 pm at All Faiths Chapel, Corner 9th and Elm Street, Blanco, Texas. I always love to invite you: The Wonderful women of Blanco and the whole Hillcounty. Women of all nationalities, to come together and have a fun time of worship, teaching and fellowship with other women from other Christian denominations.

The youth of Blanco Church of Christ gathered materials from the congregation, their parents, and the community to put together 105 gallon size Ziploc bags to distribute to a homeless shelter in San Antonio. The 105 bags were delivered on Sunday, January 20. This happened to be their second visit to the shelter.

Herman Joseph Riba of Blanco, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2008, at the age of 92 years. Born to Joe Riba and Sophie Weber Riba on May 24, 1915, he was a lifelong resident, living most of his adult life on the farm and ranch he and his wife purchased in 1941 east of Blanco.

Julius Herman Pfullmann, 95, passed away February 5, 2008 in an Austin hospital. He was born and lived his life ranching in Henly. He was an Army Veteran of WW II. He served in the Phillippines and took part in the liberation of the Bataan Death March survivors. He looked through the survivors until he found his next door neighbor from Henly, John McCarty.

Dear Editor, As Vice President of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, I would like to remind chamber members, business owners and citizens of Blanco County about our Annual Civic Awards Event and Nomination of Officers and Directors. The event will be held on Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at the PEC Auditorium and will be begin at approximately 6:15PM.

Mr. Woodcock Keith–There’s no one who plays hard-nosed, rude, and insulting characters like Billy Bob Thorton, and that’s what makes Mr. Woodcock what it is. Meet the feared PE coach who is loathed by all who have entered his class and is now dating the mother of one of his previous students, much to the dismay of this adult former student.

“Early Texas Naturalists” will be the title of a presentation by Lonnie Childs, a local retired business executive, on Tuesday February 12 at the Gillespie County Agricultural Extension Building, 95 Frederick Road, beginning at 7:00 PM. The presentation is part of the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center’s Nature Series programs presented throughout the school year.

With flu classified as widespread in the state for the last two weeks, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials are reminding people to take precautions to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the viral illness. According to health officials, getting a flu vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent getting and spreading the illness.

Tax-Aide volunteers will be at the Golden Hub Community Center beginning January 28th to help local and area taxpayers prepare their tax returns. They will be available on Mondays from 1:30 to 5:30, Tuesdays from 1:30 to 5:30, and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00. The Tax-Aide program is sponsored by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.

The County Clerk’s office is currently accepting applications to vote by mail. Individuals who will be absent from the county on the day of the election or are over the age of 65 or disabled are eligible to vote by mail and may contact the County Clerk’s office at 830-868-7357 about obtaining an application to vote by mail. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is February 26, 2008. Early voting in person will start February 19, 2008 in the Blanco County Commissioner’s Courtroom an ...

A long overdue reunion can show us what keeps family members apart and what brings them back together. This theme is skillfully played out in the “dramedy” Marvin’s Room, which opens at the Wimberley Playhouse on February 8 for a three-week run. It is a poignant yet often comic tale of a family torn apart by illness.

Pedernales Electric has made petitions available on its web site, www.pec.coop, for eligible members interested in running for an open position on the utility’s Board of Directors. Documents with instructions, nomination requirements for the PEC Board and a map showing Director districts also will be available at all Pedernales Electric offices. “Our members have asked for open and democratic elections, and we believe the new nomination-by-petition procedure is one of the most open process ...

On Wednesday, Pedernales Electric officials welcomed a study of electric cooperatives by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. This study is one in a lengthy list of charges that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst provided to Texas Senate committees and subcommittees in preparation for the 81st Legislative Session. Hearings are scheduled to begin in the next two months. The focus on electric cooperatives is part of a broader Senate review of the effects of 1999’s deregulation of the state’s ...

Pedernales Electric is recognizing and supporting service organizations throughout its 8,100-square-mile distribution area with contributions of $1,000 each through its annual Light the Way program. Light the Way honors chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, emergency medical services, libraries, fire departments and senior citizen organizations. The groups receiving Light the Way donations help their communities grow and prosper by providing necessary services that benef ...

The Stonewall Heritage Society is in the midst of its annual membership drive. At the meeting on January 22, 2008, all current members were reminded that it is time to renew their membership and to solicit new memberships. The Society meets quarterly at the restored Lindig cabin on Elberta Street in Stonewall.

AUSTIN - For the first time in the Lone Star state's history, Texans can vote online for a new general-issue license plate. From noon Monday, February 4, until noon the following Monday, February 11, Texans can vote for one of four new license plate designs or to keep the current general-issue plate. All of the plates feature the state name on the top and "The Lone Star State"

According to Shelly Zapp, Director for “Texans In Motion”, motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children of all ages in Texas. The reason? Too often children involved in motor vehicle crashes are injured or killed because they are not secured properly in a child safety seat or a booster seat.

A Honor Roll First Grade William Adams, AJ Briscoe, Bailey Bryan, Karley Burnett, Cade Felps, Hanna Garrett, Ernesto Gonzalez, Carly Haack, Tanner Hilterbrant, Chance Horton, Brady Hunter, Helen Hunter, Jackson Hunter, Taylor Kotfas, Carlie Kuebel, Jacob Lopez, Lane Lowak, Jayme Mowery, Cooper Riley, Jennifer Rodarte, Kaylah Elliott Sanchez, Hanna Srackangast, Daniel Thomas, Crista Townsley, Johanna Villarreal, Skylar Wagner, Mackenzie Warner, Alli West Second Grade Amira Allen, Jasmine B ...

Elementary School Chayn K., Laurel B., Kathryn P., Shelby G., Travis G., Rachelle R., Ryan R., Felix R., Landry R., Taylor R. Bowie W., Christian F., Ayden L., Jasmine F., Angela G., Nathan N., Gunnar G. Chandler B., Kole S., Brandt W., Carlie W., Hailey J., Brittany E. Collin C., Alli W., Brynn K., Jesus A., Reyna C., Jacob L.

Diplomas were awarded to 3,467 Texas A&M University graduates during mid-term commencement ceremonies for the 2007-08 academic year. Megan Beth Weber was one of those who received a degree Weber Bachelor of Science - in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. Angelo State Dean's List Released for 2007 Spring Semester The Dean's List for the 2007 Spring Semester has been announced at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must be enroll ...

Just a quick reminder that the Blanco Little League Baseball registration ends this Friday, February 8th. Late registration starts on February 9th and will end on Friday, February 15th. By registering before February 9th, you will avoid paying a $10.00 late fee. Keep in mind that if you do not register your child by February 15th, your child will be put on a waiting list and is not guaranteed to be placed on a team.

The Blanco Panthers took on the Comfort Bobcats on Tuesday, January 29 in Blanco. The Panthers fell short in the first period of the game, but they did not give up hope since they only trailed by five points. The Panthers sank another seven points in the second period of the game, but it was not enough to catch up to the Bobcats.

The JV Panthers fell hard to the Comfort Bobcats and Brady Bulldogs during last week. The Panthers had a hard start to the week as they took on the Bobcats on Tuesday. The Panthers trailed by four points at the end of the first period. The Panthers played a hard gameyet still came up short on the score board with a final score 59-34. The Panthers then traveled to Brady to face the Bulldogs.

The JV Lady Panthers had a hard week as their final week in distrct play. They faced the Comfort Deer on Tuesday, January 29 only to take a hard fought loss with a final score 26-33. On Friday they then had to take on the Bulldogs in Brady. The Panthers played another hard fought game but still came up short with a final score Blanco 25, Brady 37.

The Lady Panthers traveled to Brady to face the Bulldogs for the second match up of district play. In the first match between these two teams the Panthers took a victory with a 50-45 final score. This time around the Bulldogs put up a hard fought battle. In the first period, the Panthers trailed by four points with a score Brady 13 and Blanco 9. In the second period, the Panthers trailed with a 12-21 score, but the Panthers made several great moves and brought the score up to only a two ...

The Varsity Lady Panthers took on the Comfort Deer on Tuesday, January 29. Blanco took the lead early in the first period but they did not get it easily. The Deer did not just sit back and watch; they made every attempt to stop the Lady Panthers. During the second period of play, Blanco only put seven points on the board and Comfort sank six point keeping this a very low scoring game.

It was a battle between the Panthers and the Bulldogs as Blanco traveled to Brady on Friday, February 1. The teams were pretty equal in the first period of the game, however the Panthers trailed by one point but were not ready to give up as they entered into the second period of the game. The Panthers sank 12 points and held strong on defense, but the Bulldogs sank 15 points to take a four point lead as the teams headed into the locker rooms. In the second half of the game the Panthers p ...

The Blanco Track records are still being looked into. There are still a few holes in the records and Coach Danny Rogers is looking for your help filling the holes. If you can prove a record that you or someone you know holds, please take proof and get your name on the list of records.

February is the window to spring. One day it is 70 degrees, and the next day it’s freezing. Spring fever is a real ailment! There is plenty to do before planting. a. It’s the time to clean flower beds and prepare the garden soil. Begin Seeding broccoli, beets, cabbage, collards, carrots, lettuce, English peas, turnips, Swiss chard and spinach. b.

License Plates Being Sold Here February 2, 1968 1968 vehicle license plates are now on sale in Blanco at the office of Justice of the Peace G.A. Rust. Deputy Sheriff L.M. “Dugie” Mobley will sell the licenses as well as make property tax assessments. Lincoln Day dinner planned February 16 February 3, 1988 On February 16 Hayes County Republican Parties Lincoln day dinner is being held at San Marcos Academy (RR 12) at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Let’s say you are given a document that, upon signing, meant you were handing over more than $100,000. You’d read it, wouldn’t you? Amazingly enough, many consumers fail to read, or even understand, the contracts they sign when purchasing property. Some homebuyers tend to rely solely on the expertise of professionals.