We know what time of year it is by what vegetation is doing. Thanks to the Tropical Storms we received so much rain that now we have Maximilian Sunflowers, Gay Feathers, and lots of other native plants blooming away. Unfortunately we also have the dreaded insidious KR Bluestem. This grass KR Bluestem is so difficult to mow that you either have to set your mower real low to almost scalp your lawn or pastures or you have to mow over again and again.

“Dad,” said the voice over the phone, “I need your help to write a paper about the ‘Old West.’” My daughter, Tara, in order to improve her lot in life, had gone back to school at age 34. Because of my love for all things ‘western,’ I took on the challenge.

AUSTIN — The Texas Attorney General’s office on Oct. 5 called for a halt on all foreclosures, sales of properties previously foreclosed upon and evictions of persons residing in previously foreclosed upon properties. Loan-servicing companies were asked to review their processes, including whether employees or agents “robo-signed” affidavits and other documents recorded in the state before proceeding with foreclosures. Suspension notices were sent to 30 l ...

You always hear about all the advantages of homeownership, like tax breaks, accumulation of wealth, and other less tangible, social benefits. But is there a downside, too? Well, that depends on your perspective. I find one of the biggest adjustments for renters-turned-homeowners is the ownership factor. If something breaks or needs some TLC, there is no longer a landlord to lean on, and ignoring it doesn't make sense — as a homeowner, you are responsible. Home maintenance ...

Penny is an adventurous artist, she sees no reason to settle on any one art form. Or two. Or three for that matter. When she sees a new form of art she cannot wait to try her hands at it! This is evident in the wide variety of art forms she has learned over the years: charcoal, photography, colored-pencil, wood burning, leather working, song writing in addition to playing several instruments, just to name a few. Though born in Texas, as a child of an Air Force dad, she has live ...

The Second Public Meeting for Mainstreet Architect Sue Ann Pemberton-Haugh to update citizens on the Design Guideline process for Blanco will be held on October 25, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the Blanco Public Library. Ms. Pemberton will present and discuss the first draft of the guidelines with a power point presentation. The Blanco Comprehensive Master Plan that was approved by the city council in 2005 and the Visionaries in Preservation Plan which is now the Blanco Historic Preservation ...

The Blanco County Association of Retired Educators will meet Thursday, October 21, at 11:30 a.m. at the Silver K Restaurant at 208 E. Main in Johnson City. Lunch is available for members, who will be responsible for the selection and cost of their own individual meals. Each current BCARE member is encouraged to bring a retired educator friend with them to the meeting.

Those crazy St. Michael’s ladies are at it again! Every year at this time the Episcopal Church Women organization of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church challenges the membership of the church to clean out their kitchens and garages, their attics and storerooms to produce a treasure trove of household items and collectibles for St.

Dee Vickery, of Off the Beaten Path Ministries, San Saba, TX, will be ministering with her music and a powerful message Sunday, October 17, 2010, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 703 North Main, Blanco, TX, for both worship services, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Dee Vickery began singing professionally in Houston, TX in 1968.

R1Sam 30:6 says, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” Imagine yourself in king David’s position. You return with your soldiers to find your town is burned and all of the wives and children have been carried off as captives.

First Assembly of God in Blanco is having a special service on Sunday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. with Ron and Katie Brigmon. Ron and Katie have ministered in prisons throughout the United States for the last 19 years conducting bible studies, in-prison seminars and church services. Ron is a gifted minister and uses the Word of God to inspire the least of these to become the most.

Genesis 15 “1After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” I will not fear. Fear is of the devil. Jesus said do not fear. (Challenge for you to find & email me!) Perfect love casts out fear.

We are looking at the sacred texts and books of the Jewish people, next up is the Talmud. The Talmud fascinates me and countless other Jews and gentiles alike. So what exactly is the Talmud? Per Wikipedia: The Talmud (Hebrew: talmu-d "instruction, learning", from a root lmd "teach, study") is a central text of mainstream Judaism, in the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history. The Talmud is sectioned into two pa ...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has just completed a new meetinghouse and is inviting the public to free, no obligation tours on Saturday, October 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, October 30, from 10 to 4. Light refreshments will be served. Individuals will have an opportunity to see the building, receive an overview of Church programs housed therein, and to get answers to any questions they might have. The 26,000 square foot facility will serve church members in ...

When one becomes a Christian he accepts the lordship and thus the leadership of Jesus. Without this perspective discipleship goes nowhere. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Discipleship is more than a one day commitment, it is a way of life.

Douglass D. Hearne, a respected trial lawyer and devoted husband, father, grandfather and son, passed away peaceably on Saturday, October 9, 2010, in the loving arms of his family while watching his beloved Aggies (thankfully, he passed while the outcome of the game was still in doubt). Though born in San Antonio on November 17, 1930, he considered himself a proud Blanco County native, having been raised on the family ranch east of Blanco before graduating from Blanco High at the age of 16.

Foy Emmett West, born December 23, 1922, passed away October 11, 2010 after a short hospital stay in Austin. Foy was born and spent his life in Blanco, Texas. He was a veteran of WW II where he served in the Army Air Corp as a bombardier on a B-17 in Europe.

Katherine Elizabeth Adair Benson, 76, passed away October 9, 2010, in Blanco, TX. She was born to William Clendenon Adair, Jr. and Deana Evelyn Price Adair. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 53 years, C. A. “Bud” Benson, Jr., and two brothers, John R.

Lawrence (Larry) Harold Gerhard, Sr., 86, passed away October 9, 2010, in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Fredericksburg, TX, to Ernst Gerhard and Alma Weirshausen Gerhard. Larry served his country with the U. S. Army Air Corps during WWII and served with the San Antonio Police Department for several years.

Sybil Laurette Lee, 92, passed away October 8, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lampasas, TX, to Julian Laura Pierce and Ruby Willa Stewart Pierce. Sybil retired after 35 years with the University of Texas Law School. Sybil was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Marion Meredith Lee; granddaughter, Dena Knoll, and her brothers, James and Alvin Lee.

Dear Editor, I would like to begin by thanking Charles Willgren for writing last week’s article about the zip-tie incident that occurred last month. Charles wanted to present all information clearly and succinctly, and he did for the most part. However, I must take issue with one comment contained in the article that was presumably quoted from me.

Every year, many students across the 21st district apply for the opportunity to attend one of our nation’s distinguished military service academies. It is an honor for me to nominate the outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing their education at one of these academies. I am always inspired by the bright, capable, patriotic and dedicated men and women who are interested in attending the United States Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy, or the Merch ...

Blanco ISD PTO has announced the launch of their 2010-2011 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. Last year’s campaign was a phenomenal success. The PTO purchased over $1,200 in new titles for the BISD libraries on all three campuses. This year, the school has set a goal of earning $1,500 through Box Tops to purchase library books for all three campuses. Box Tops for Education is a school fundraising program started by General Mills in 1996.

The Panthers dominated the Ingram Warriors in game #4. After kicking off to the Warriors and the defense got the ball over on downs, Blanco struck pay-dirt on the first offensive play, with a 36 yard TD run by Aikman Elrod. Elrod passed to Devlin Moore for the PAT, and Blanco quickly jumped out to a 8-0 lead. The defense stuffed Ingram on their next series, with Hunter Goodman making a solo tackle for a loss, and Blanco took over on downs at the Warrior 15 yard line.

The Blanco 7th grade Panthers were quick to take the “war” out of the Warriors last Thursday when they took another road trip, this time to face the Warriors of Ingram, their first district opponent. Maybe not as big as Mountain Valley, but the Blanco seventh graders seemed to be out-sized by their opponents… again; however, that had no significance, especially when you have the speed and the ability to execute like the 7th grade Panthers. Panthers kicked off first, ...

The Blanco Panthers traveled to Ingram this past Friday to begin district play against the Warriors. Although Ingram entered the game with the same 2 and 3 record as the Panthers, the Warriors proved to be no match as Blanco jumped out to a 49 to 0 halftime lead before cruising to a 55 to 14 district win. Blanco wasted little time in finding the end zone as Kyle Garrow started the game returning the opening kick-off for a school record 105 yard touchdown.

After a disappointing loss to Harper on October 1, the Lady Panthers placed themselves in a must-win district match-up against the Comfort Deer on Tuesday, October 5. Playing with grit and tenacity, the team battled for the win in a long five game match. The Panthers pounced on the Deer, taking the first two games, 25-18 and 25-23.

Gentle Readers: Our thoughts go out to Dobie Benson and his family in the loss of his mother, Kathy; she was the epitome of the word "gentlewoman" and a trouper to the end. And to Joyce and Cliff Knoll in the loss of Joyce's mother, Sybil, who was also a fine lady.

Remodeling your house is a large project in and of itself, not to mention finding a qualified craftsman to help you complete the task at hand. Working with a craftsman can be a hassle if you don’t hire the right one. So how do you go about finding a qualified craftsman? Start by planning your entire project before you even begin looking for a craftsman.

October 13, 1967 Mr. & Mrs. J.N. Houck, Editors and Publishers The Blanco Panther Band received second place in Class A at the 32nd Annual Band Day at University of Texas at Austin. This was the second year in a row that the band received this honor. • Lindeman’s Grocery was robbed during the day and $600 was stolen from the office.