AUSTIN – Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York met at the University of Texas to debate in a nationally televised forum on Feb. 21. The two United States senators, vying to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, answered questions posed by Jorge Ramos, a reporter for Univision, the Spanish-language television network, and CNN reporter John King. Among many topics were: - universal health care - economy/trade/jobs - immigration policy - federal taxation - ...

No Reservations Noel–Finally, a breath of fresh air; a movie worth watching! I feel like over the last couple of weeks we haven’t found or reviewed any movie really worth seeing, but then we watched No Reservations, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Abigail Breslin. Now, it isn’t the best movie ever, but it is a very cute story and a good family movie that’s rated PG.

It's a simple formula: education = employment. But right now many Texans are failing to take the first step. In fact, almost half of all Texas high school graduates are not moving on to a college or university. This is troubling because the fastest-growing occupations require an associate or bachelor's degree. If we want to preserve Texas' prosperous economy, we must first get more students going to college and earning degrees.

The Blanco Blue Bike Project took a poll to assess the project and where to go from here. All interviews were published and inspired by the information received. The Blue Bike Project has been addressing bike infrastructure in Blanco, focusing on bicyclist and vehicle safety. For months we have been addressing bike paths, bike racks/city council approval, bike mechanics, bike shop location, bike baskets for day shoppers, maps for bicyclists, signage for Blue Bike Project, rack cards for tourism ...

Edda Deike celebrated her 101st birthday February 17, 2008. The party was held at Kendalia Community Center with 115 family and friends. The meal was simple with BBQ and all the fixings. She is looking forward to being 102. On February 20, 2008, Skeeter, who is the Advance Clown for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, visited the Live Oak Medical Center and performed for the residents (pictured to the right).

In this year alone, some 91,020 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Texas. Of that, 49 new cases will be discovered in Blanco County alone. This number represents 49 cases too many! We all have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and now is the opportunity to Fight Back!

For years rivalry between schools has been in existence. This occurs in high schools, colleges and professional teams. These games are always exciting and no one ever knows the outcome of a rival game. It doesn’t matter team record or who is picked to win a rival game. The outcome can only be decided by playing the game.

Stuart Weaver, son of John and Mary Ann Weaver and a student at the George Washington University in Washington DC, spent the fall semester of 2007 as an intern in the office of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. He was one of three semester-long interns who shared a variety of duties. “Apart from the press and scheduling work, the most enjoyable part of my experience was giving regular tours of the capital building,” said Weaver.

After holding prices steady in recent years, both Dish and DirecTV have announced price increases effective February 1, 2008. Over the last 5 years, cable TV prices have increased 100% (national average) while satellite TV pricing has not changed. Dish and DirecTV have now implemented small price increases. Dish still provides the lowest price available with the Family Package at only $19.99 per month.

More than 65 riders of all ages on horseback and in wagons will make their way through the Blanco Hill Country on Tuesday, March 4. The 107 mile trail ride will cross 36 cattle guards as they ride through more than 20 Hill Country ranches, including the historic LBJ Ranch on RR1, before arriving at Yett Memorial Park.

The personal stories of eight Blanco residents will be featured at the Library’s Brown Bag Series program entitled “The Way We Were—The l940s” at noon March 5. “Everyone is invited to join us to experience the 40s through listening to the memories of our friends who lived through the World War II era,” said Jan Redmond, who is coordinator of the series.

How do you react when trouble comes? Do you become pessimistic? Depressed? Are you difficult to be around because you lash out at others? Do you find yourself angry at God because things haven’t turned out as you hoped they would? Few people have difficulty believing God cares for them when things are going well.

The Bible tells us in 1Corinthians 12:12-27, that we are all members of one body, who is Christ. If you are born again, you have received the spirit of adoption; which means you can now call God “Daddy” (Rom 8:15). That makes us brothers and sisters in Christ; a.k.a. “Family”.

It’s all about belief. We pray to God and ask for healing of our body, our mind, our problems, and then we walk around after that saying (claiming) that we have the problem we asked God to deliver us from. That does not show belief in God, that He can, will, and has answered our prayer. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Jesus said if we believe it we’ll receive it.

It is bound to happen. Any day now, some pundit charting the “rags to riches” pilgrimage of Barack Obama in his race for the democratic presidential nomination, will mention that he has “it.” When he gets wind of “it,” Bill Clinton, who hopes to be “first man” when the new president is inaugurated, will bristle. “It depends on what the meaning of ‘it’ is,” he’s likely to counter, altering by just one letter his much-quoted response to a grand jury a decade ago.

We are mourning the loss of Angeline Fulcher, a long time resident of Blanco. After attending Mary Washington Women’s University in Virginia, she came to Blanco and married the son of Dr R.L. Fulcher, Robert L (Buster) Fulcher, Jr. She taught school, dancing, swimming, and later Head Start to the children of Blanco.

Stephen Michael Holmes, 41, passed away at the Live Oak Medical Center in Blanco, February 23, 2008. Stephen was born April 1, 1966 in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephen is survived by his father and wife, Fred and Gail Holmes, Leicester, North Carolina, his mother and husband Trish and Randy Woodruff, Blanco, grandmother, Sheila Wolfe, San Antonio, three brothers, Robert Holmes, Blanco, Daniel Holmes, Ashville, North Carolina and Justin Holmes, Leicester, North Carolina.

I want to begin this by saying that I stand behind Mark McMain 100 percent. There is not a soul in Blanco who hasn't been touched by Mark and the rest of the EMS team at one point or another. Mark has shown this town that he is willing to give up a lot of his family time by being at nearly EVERY emergency.

Texas and Blanco County Democrats are voting in record numbers so far in early voting, which continues through Friday, February 29. Blanco County voters can vote early at the County Courthouse in Johnson City. Election day, Tuesday, March 4, is expected to see a large voter turnout both around the State and here in Blanco County.

The Hill Country Cattle Women Chapter of Texas Cattle Women will hold their monthly meeting in Mason, Texas on March 18. Coffee is served at 10AM, the meeting starts at 10:30AM. The cost for the luncheon is $15.00. Mason celebrates its Sesquicentennial year in 2008 and the program will be on the formation, early history, ranching , cattle brands and cattle drives of Mason County.

“Water is the ultimate natural resource”. After all, it is something all living plants and animals must have to sustain life. If we are prepared, we can collect this resource in a high quality, soft form called rainwater. This can be done at a relatively low cost. Systems for collection can range from a simple rain barrel set under the house gutter or eve to an UV treated and filtered system that could meet hospital purity standards.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces its 2008 quilt block competition, open to everyone across the state. This year's theme, "Toast a Rising Star," highlights Texas' thriving and popular wine industry. As the nation's fifth-largest wine producing state with more than 220 family-owned vineyards covering 3,700 acres, the Texas wine industry contributes more than $1 billion annually to the state's economy. This year, TDA is honored and delighted to have Janet Staples, wife of Commi ...

Trout anglers get an extra bonus this year as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock additional hatchery-reared rainbow trout at seven sites from Feb. 22 to March 7. TPWD has stocked upwards of 275,000 trout at 115 sites this season. TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter since the 1970s, providing Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing. Catching these hungry fish can be easy, making the experience ideal for both novice anglers and kids.

Student Council and students at Blanco Elementary participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients Program, which raises funds to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma through research, and for patient services. Pennies for Patients is one of the Society's National School and Youth Programs. It has a double benefit because it allows students to develop compassion and learn the value of helping others as they work for a good cause. For a fourth year, pop record ...

Tarleton State University Phi Eta Sigma is pleased to announce that Kimberley Michelle Dollar, Class of 2007 from Blanco High School has earned a GPA of 3.57. The Phi Eta Sigma will honor her on March 7, 2008. Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen. Their goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning.

Senior Alisa Guler, a Blanco FFA member, exhibited the Reserve Champion American Breed steer at the 2008 San Angelo Stock Show this past week. Alisa placed 2nd in the middle weight American Breed class. After the judge selected the 1st place middle weight as the Champion, Alisa was then selected as the Reserve Champion.

Blanco FFA member Katie Baker started off the major livestock show season with a bang placing her steer in the sale at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Katie finished 6th with her 1,129 lb steer. There were 66 other steers competing for 10 sale slots in the middle weight European class.

Following a strong showing at the Bexar County Livestock Judging Contest in January, several local students took part in the livestock judging contests at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. Blanco’s senior team did well finishing in the top 25% out of 229 teams in the senior division. Blanco FFA members competing in the senior division included: Carrie Lockwood, Katie Baker, Claire Klepac, Kaleigh Anderson, Keaton Dodd, Quaid Haack, Austin Thompson, and John Pepper.

Its time again for the Blanco Panther Baseball-Softball Camp. The Camp will be held March 17th and 18th starting at 11am and ending at 2pm. The cost is, once again, $25 per camper, and covers all instruction, insurance, camp T-shirt, hat, and snacks. Seventh and eighth graders come for free, but you can buy a cap and t-shirt for $8 each.

Blanco defeated San Saba 16-4 in the opening game. Justin Warner picked up his first win of the year going five innings striking out seven and scattering five hits. The Panthers banged out 17 hits in five innings. Ethan Evans was four for four with two RBI’s, Lance Gottardy and Kevin Gray both had three hits, Gray knocked in five runs, Chantell Young, Shane Klein, and Shelby Moore all had two hits, Moore homered. Blanco defeated Junction 12 -4.

The Blanco Panther baseball team faced San Saba on Monday, February 25 in Blanco. Shane Klein, Justin Warner, and Lance Gottardy all saw action on the mound, Klein took the loss. The Panthers managed only four hits on the night. Justin Warner had two hits, Kevin Gray and Shelby Moore each had one. The Panthers will host their third annual Baseball Tournament Thursday-Saturday, this weekend.

The Blanco softball team defeated Llano 11-6 in seven innings of play. Blanco had a rough start losing to Lago Vista 5-9 last Friday, but the Ladies did a good job putting the ball in play against Llano, pitching and producing nine hits and scoring 11 runs. The Yellow Jackets came out swinging; striking out three times, but the Panther defense played well with only three errors in the game.

The Blanco Softball team finished second in the Division II Austin Softball Tournament. The Panthers finished 4-2 overall, losing to Junction 10-5 in the championship game. According to Coach Seales, "The ladies played good ball throughout the tournament, but ran into some defensive problems in the final game. In the Championship game the Panthers offensively had 11 hits, but defensively we had seven errors in the game."

Members of the newly formed Blanco County Lawn Mower Racing Association (BCLMRA) will elect officers at the BCLMRA track at East Headwaters Ranch Rd. and Eastview Lane in Headwaters on Saturday, March 8, 2008. The meeting will be at 1pm. The public is invited. Other topics for discussion will include affiliation with the Lone Star Lawn Mower Racing Association, the Texas state chapter of the US Lawn Mower Racing Association, local track rules, safety, facilities, availability and race insur ...

The Panther Junior Varsity baseball team has gotten off to a slow start to the 2008 season, dropping its first two games to Llano and San Saba. The JV would open the season at Llano on the 18th. The home team Yellow Jackets would score early and often en route to an 11 to 0 victory.

The Blanco Panthers took to the road for the second year in a row to play in the bi-district game, which was held in San Angelo again this year. The Panthers played a hard, tough game. They came out onto the court in the first period and stayed strong throughout the game. In the first period, the Panthers out scored the Kermit Yellow Jackets by nine points for a score of 14-5 The Yellow Jackets came back in the second period and sank 18 points, but it was not enough to over take the Pant ...

The Panthers traveled back to San Angelo after only one day to rest, for the Bi-District playoff game. This time, the Panthers would be facing the Ballinger Bearcats for the Area title. The Panthers, who played a tough defense, had a really hard time getting the ball to fall into the basket.

The 2008 Panther Baseball Team opened the season with a hard fought 10 to 8 victory over the Llano Yellow Jackets. Blanco would jump out to an early 5 to 0 lead before seeing the Jackets tie the game in the bottom of the sixth at 8 to 8. The Panthers would manage to push two runs across the plate in the top half of the seventh before closing out the game on the Panther’s first double play of the year.

The Powerlifting teams traveled to Comfort on Saturday, February 23. In the girls divisions,in their weight classes, four girls brought home metals. Victoria Jones and Emily Blackburn each brought home a first place. Jillyan Jimeniz took second place and Morgan Johnson claimed third place. In the boys division, three Panthers brought home places in their weight division.

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 • William Jeffrey Cavanaugh, of Dallas, was fined $180.00 for speeding on Jan 1 (DPS). • Keith E ...

Daisy Cox to retire February 24, 1988 Daisy Cox, Program Assistant will be retiring from U.S.D.A.’s Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in Blanco County after 26 years of service to the county’s farmers and ranchers. Daisy will be leaving the Agency on Friday, February 26. All farmers, rancher and friends are invited to stop by the Blanco County ASCS office Johnson City on Friday, February 26th anytime between 10:00 a.m.

Did you know that Texas homeowners pay the highest insurance rates in the nation? Texas consumers pay an average of $880 annually for homeowners insurance. Apparently, insurance carriers in our state believe that Mother Nature tends to hit Texas with some pretty hard blows, including rain, hail, wind, snow, and hurricanes.