AUSTIN — Two Democratic state representatives, Allan Ritter of Nederland and Aaron Pena of Edinburg, last week announced they had joined the Republican Party. The addition of their seats gave the Republicans 100 seats — a two-thirds “supermajority” in the 150-seat Texas House. This creates for the GOP a procedural benefit in the upcoming legislative session that convenes Jan.

Debbie Vallone-Homeier, Broker/Owner for Vallone Real Estate II, was recently appointed and voted by her peers to the position of Director on the Gillespie County Board of Realtors for this area. This board covers Mason, Gillespie, and Kimble counties. Blanco participates with this board, but currently does not belong to its jurisdiction. One of Debbie’s first questions was “why can’t we get Blanco to belong to this jurisdiction?” This is the most logica ...

It was reported that a company placed a large mirror behind the desk of the customer service department so that those who came in anger with a complaint could see for themselves their behavior. They reported on the whole people became more civil. It is certainly the case that a mirror can be a reality check.

In Romans 5:15-18, the term “gift” is used several times, and it is paired with “free” twice. In context, it is talking about the gift of righteousness which comes only by faith in Jesus Christ. For now, I just want us to focus on the term free gift. One would think that it is a gift, then it is automatically free.

For the world’s half-empty drink glass holders--and they are legion--Philip Pruitt is 50 years deep into a “dad blame it,” tough luck, short straw kind of life. He could understandably whimper, “Why me, Lord?” Wailing through all verses of life’s saddest song could well be his refrain. Instead, this non-descript guy with the demeanor of Goober on Mayberry RFD, determination of Winston Churchill and faith of Helen Keller, takes the high roads.

On this “winding down” day of 2010, we’re still alive; making it, for you and me, the most important day of the year. What shall we do with it? After the death of their son, the following list of his resolutions for each day was placed by his parents in their local newspaper: “Our wonderful son, only twenty, was buried yesterday.

For those of us who love Christ Jesus, we sing seasonal songs to Him, pray to Him, read about Him, and long to see His face. I say "Come Lord Jesus, come!" I'm looking forward to seeing His glory forever, and feeling His presence forever. That feeling that I wish I could take with me everywhere I go gets shattered when we are in the presence of unbelievers.

Ara Jones was born April 1, 1929, in Blanco, Texas. She departed this life on December 11, 2010. She received her education at Peyton Colony School. She worked at the Mills Nursing Center in Blanco for 30 years. Loved by many of Blanco, she was preceded in death by her father, Jack Jackson, and mother, Alvida Jackson; a son, Stewart Jones; three brothers Thomas Jackson, Oscar Jackson, and George Jackson; two sisters, Annie Lee Nichols and Winora Coffee. Ara is survived b ...

On December 20, 2010, E. B. Franklin entered eternal life. E. B. was born January 21, 1942, in Blanco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elta Flowers and Ernest B Franklin, Sr. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Stacy Bates and husband Scott, grandson Cameron Cougot, two sisters and three brothers. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, December 21, at 1:30pm in the Blanco Cemetery, Blanco, TX.

Jan Freeman Engel, daughter of Amanda M. and Rance W. Freeman, was born on October 28, 1933 on the Lark Ranch in Live Oak County and passed away on December 20, 2010 in Blanco, Texas at the age of 77. Jan is proceeded in death by her husband Verne C. Engel and daughter Blye Engel Dollahite, sisters, Rose Ella Freeman, Clarella Waller, Patricia Fuller, and Mary Alpha Robison and brothers, R.W.

Dear Editor, The penalty awarded by the jury in the Fuelberg trial is tragically insufficient. This man raped and pillaged PEC members for years. Jay Strickler Woodcreek, TX Dear Editor, It is unfortunate that we find it necessary to write this letter, but there are rumors going around about the Christmas toy program in Blanco, rumors that need to be addressed. Tots Need Toys was to benefit ...

December 22, 1967 The first place winner of the Yard Lighting division was Alex Nowotny, who won an electric heater. The entry included a two-story high, lighted Christmas tree with brightly wrapped packages beneath, Santa and his reindeer, and candles in sand-filled paper sacks. Second place went to L. C. Johnston for a brightly lit yard with Christmas music playing from loud speakers.