With the arrival of the holiday shopping season, millions of Texans are expected to purchase prepaid gift cards for friends and family all across the state. Easily mailed to far-away loved ones and increasingly easy to purchase, gift cards undoubtedly simplify shopping at a very busy time of year, so they are more popular than ever.

I love my brother Randy. He didn’t think so when he was seven. I didn’t think so when he was seven. I was ten at the time. The summer of that year we fished the bullhead creek our father fished as a boy. Dad explained the strange but tasty little catfish helped him grow big and strong, and eager to follow suit we attacked the creek with zest … and the latest in Zebco technology.

After going back a few years to review some comedy Christmas favorites, we turn to the present to take on a new Christmas comedy called Fred Clause. Fred Clause stars Vince Vaughn and as usual, he is brilliant. Vince plays the jaded older brother who gets fed up as a child with his sibling who turns out to be none other than Santa.

Almost everyone has known a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. While cancer in humans is definitely prevalent, out pets are also afflicted with this disease. According to Dr. Heather Wilson, assistant professor of oncology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 50 percent of all dogs and 30 percent of all cats over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Types of cancers most common in dogs include: lymphoma (tum ...

AUSTIN - The Texas Board of Criminal Justice met in Austin on Dec. 3 and decided to ask the state for $66 million in immediate funding to purchase airport-style and mobile screening units and other surveillance equipment to stop cell phones and other contraband from being smuggled into Texas prisons. Democrat John Whitmire of Houston, chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and Republican Jerry Madden of Richardson, chairman of the House Corrections Committee, said they support the ...

On Saturday morning, December 6, faithful Habitat volunteers returned to work on the ABWK partner home south of Blanco. The team of David Hamm, Michael Young, Danny Campos, and Mike Kelley were back on site to complete as many of the remaining tasks as possible. Two rotten doors were removed and two new doors installed.

This Saturday, December 13, is the Annual Toys for Tots held at Blanco United Methodist Church. Parents can come select toys for their children twelve years old and under from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. The selection is first come, first served. The police department will be out picking up your monetary donations through Thursday.

“Magical night... Wonderful family event... Can’t wait to come back... Great adventure... WOW!” Just a few of the many responses to the 19th year of Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style. The “Spectacular” fireworks were presented by Chester Davis. We are grateful to Judge Guthrie and the JCVFD for allowing the “show to go on”.

On Sunday, November 30, Blanco Aggie Moms Tricia Hartmann, Mary Walker and Wanda Stults traveled to College Station with an incredible and delicious assortment of homemade and bought items to distribute for semester finals. The goodies were prepared and provided by all of the Blanco County Aggie Moms. Upon arrival the three moms had dinner with their Aggies, then went back to their hotel room and prepared the bags.

The Blanco Volunteer Fire Department has purchased a Thermal Imaging Camera (T.I.C.) with the proceeds from the April 2008 Fish Fry Fundraiser. A T.I.C. operates much like a video camera, except it shows differences in temperature. For example, if something is extremely hot, it will show up on the screen as a bright white.

December 13, 2008 •Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. has started an exciting new home rehabilitation volunteer program! You can help care for orphaned wildlife babies by taking a few into your own home for approximately 5 to 6 weeks in the spring and summer. Opportunities are available to help care for squirrels, opossums, or birds.

Canyon Lake Water Service Company sent out a letter a couple of weeks ago informing residents of subdivisions located in Blanco and Comal County that they will be seeing higher water bills starting January 16, 2009. CLWSC cites improvements that they have made to the water system as part of the reason for the hike.

KAPS Kompost! is a new sustainable system that will soon be functioning at the Katherine Anne Porter School with the help of generous grant of $1,900 from H-E-B and Keep Texas Beautiful. The grant will purchase rolling compost bins, worm bins, 20 adult comfrey plants, soil amendments, wheelbarrows, sign boards showing the compost cycle, worms, and more.

No need to spend your Christmas vacation (and dollars) traveling to Vegas to see “Elvis,” when he is appearing weekends at The Wimberley Playhouse in the hit production, Christmas Belles. Perry Redden is “The King.” You will be amazed at the incredible likeness and song styling of our homegrown Elvis look-alike.

Cowgirl Lesli Matt of Blanco, Texas outroped the cowboys to win the Steer Roping Championship buckle on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7th, at the Blanco Cowboy Church Arena. Lesli Matt is the wife of PRCA Bullfighter, Michael Matt, and the mother of Mason Matt, and Lesli and her family are active members of Blanco Cowboy Church. Following church services and a delicious covered dish lunch, Blanco Cowboy Church members Cecil and Jauny Keith sponsored and held a Heading and Heeling Steer Roping and don ...

The Water of Life Church and Restoring Dignity Ministries are packing and heading for Washington D.C. "Bill and I are about to return to Washington DC and look forward to spending Christmas together in our new home. It is good and we now return to D.C. for a Sabbatical rest.

There seems to be more and more churches springing up believing in the authority that Jesus gave us, but they stand and shout, demanding things, instead of kneeling in worship, humbling themselves before almighty God. Luke 9:1 – “One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.” I hear preachers teaching that Christians have been given the authority of Jesus, and through prayer, faith, and speaking cor ...

Millions have giving on their minds. And no wonder! The reason for this special season makes giving appropriate because we’re celebrating the birth of Christ: God’s great gift to us all. Some dislike the traditions of Christmas: evergreens, lights everywhere, holiday gatherings, even gift giving; which, to them, adds unwanted pressure to an already over commercialized season.

Have you ever been approached by a beggar? Perhaps while visiting in a foreign country, or on the streets of one of our own cities, someone approaches you asking for a handout. It makes most people feel uncomfortable even if they are safely in their car with the windows rolled up.

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Gal 4:4 "Why was Jesus born? For what reason did He come into the world?"

Aileen Westmoreland Vogt, 85, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2008 in Johnson City, TX. She was born in San Antonio, TX to Joseph Magee and Bessie Rose Hlavackova and was raised in Yoakum, TX. Survived by two daughters, Julia Sue Klafka and husband Charles of College Station, TX and Billye JeaneTimme and husband Michael of Fischer, TX; brother Bobby Haase, four grandchildren, Kasi, Kari, Cody, and Jayme; seven great grandchildren, Justin, Josey, Jacey, John Thomas, Cory, Whitney, and Emily; a ...

Harry Lee Smith, 81, of Boerne died Saturday, December 6, 2008, following a massive stroke. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and served in the Army Air Force before he was honorably discharged in 1946. After earning his bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Texas, he worked as a petroleum geologist in Corpus Christi, where he raised his family. Smith is survived by his wife, Marcelle, daughter Sheryl Smith-Rodgers and husband James Hearn of Blanco, son Steven Smith and wife ...

Ruth V. Allred Hale of Kendalia, born on February 14, 1920, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on December 1, 2008, after a 2-year bout with duodenal cancer. She worked at making a home for her husband and two children. She also took in two different nieces and grandchildren, and sent them to school.

The JV and Varsity girls played Center Point at home on December 2. Both teams were defeated, final score for JV was 26-27. The Varsity girls finished their game 45-50. There were no stats available at press time. The boys’ game scheduled for December 2 was canceled. The JV boys traveled to St.

On December 8, Blanco Middle School boys and girls played Harper; boys played here, girls were away. The 7A girl’s team lost to Harper by only one point after playing a close game. Final score: 34-33. There was no score for the 7B team at press time. The 8th grade girls easily defeated Harper, holding them to only two points for the duration of the game.

The Blanco Panther Varsity Football team is preparing this week to travel to Dallas where they will fight for their spot in the State Finals. They will be facing the Daingerfield Tigers. Kick-off will be at 7:30pm on Friday, December 12 at Texas Stadium. Tickets are available at Blanco High School until 5:00pm on Thursday.

Dear Readers: We need to send birthday wishes to JUDY BREWER and CHERYL ECKENRODE. They are older now Sadly, there was no sighting of Ada Cooley this week. However, I did see Lonie Ethridge, who is Winston Moore's mother-in-law. She sure is a nice lady. He is a lucky man. The granddaughter of Leona and TD Smylie got fourth chair in the all-state band (I hope I am getting the band part right) in Oklahoma.

Blanco Police Reports These reports were filed between Nov 6 and Nov 12. Nov 6 • Dog Complaint. 6:04 PM. A dog near Pedro’s Restaurant kept barking. An officer was unable to locate the owner. Nov 7 • Disorderly Conduct. 11:51 AM. A caller reported loud noise and screaming from nearby, which was affecting his business. • Stranded Motorist.

Building a home is a huge task. There is so much to do. But how do you make sure that you are building a home that is right for the neighborhood? Here are some tips. When you buy a lot, make sure that you buy in an area where your home looks like it is home.

Dulling, Whitis to wed December 7, 1988 Dr. Leslie R. Dulling and Mary Lynn Whitis will wed the afternoon of December 10 at San Marcos Christian Fellowship. Dr. Dulling resides in San Marcos, where he is an optometrist. He also has an optometric practice in Blanco. Mr. Whitis, a former resident, lives in Kyle. No Barbecue Or Bake Sale December 6, 1968 Laboring under an erroneous impression, last week we announced a Chamber of Commerce Barbecue and Bake Sale. This event will not take pla ...

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.