Tree diseases and proper plant selected will be discussed at a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program on tree diseases and proper plant selection for South Central Texas from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 13. The program will be held in Room 1130 of Austin Community College, 1820 W. Stassney Lane in Austin. “Oak wilt, one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, is killing oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions,” said Dr.

Several members of the Blanco FFA and Blanco Jr. FFA traveled to San Antonio this past month to exhibit livestock in the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. These local students competed in the junior division of various species, with many placing high enough to qualify for the premium sale. Leading the way for the local FFA members was Junior FFA member Kolby Marek, who placed 2nd with his light weight Brahman steer.

The Gibbons guys hooked catfish in the Blanco River this week.

Two local livestock exhibitors recently competed and placed animals at this year’s Southwestern Livestock Exposition in Ft. Worth. Blanco Jr. High students Brenna Wallace and Hanna Garrett each participated in the market barrow show and placed in the top 10 of their respective classes, with Brenna placing 4th in the Duroc division and Hanna 10th with a Light OPB.

Blanco Middle School student Brenna Wallace recently competed in the San Angelo Market Barrow Show and placed 2nd and 7th with her Duroc barrows, both of which were bred and raised by the Wallace Family. As a result of her high placing, Brenna’s 2nd place barrow qualified for the premium sale.

The following local residents have been named to the fall 2012 Dean’s List at Texas State University: Katie M Baker, a resident of Blanco; Katherine T Barr, a resident of Blanco; Jack Cruz, a resident of Blanco; Robin C Cruz, a resident of Blanco; Megan C Harber, a resident of Blanco; Maya Lamphier, a resident of Blanco; Andrea L Salafia, a resident of Blanco; Christopher P San Miguel, a resident of Blanco; Chelsea J San Miguel, a resident of Blanco; Jenifer N Taylor, a resident of Blanco; V ...

When most people think of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, they think of livestock, bull riders and corn dogs. Usually Prepared Public Speaking Contests, Youth Leadership and Agricultural Science Fairs do not come to mind. However, members of the Blanco FFA Chapter have recently taken part in these events and have acquired valuable life skills as a result of their efforts. First, nine students took part in the prepared public speaking contests.

Lucky Leaf 4-H’s second annual dog show is set for Saturday, March 9, at the Young Life Building at the corner of 5th and Pecan streets. The event goes from 10am to noon with an entry fee of $5 for any and all events. Entry forms are available at Car Quest and Seymour’s Garage.

The Hill Country Cattle Women held their February meeting at Mamacita's Restaurant in Kerrville, with our guest speaker Rhonda Jolley giving us an informative presentation about water rights. We also discussed our upcoming Style Show, which will be held at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville on April 16, the theme being "Call of the Wild, Safari Style.” You may contact Mary Jane Morrison at 830-249-0855 for ticket sales.

The following local students were among the degree candidates at the 2012 fall commencement ceremonies at Texas State University: Victoria Jones, a resident of Blanco, received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Major in Agriculture - Animal Science. Gracie Hendrix, a resident of Spring Branch, received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Finance. Joseph Pool, a resident of Spring Branch, received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Major in Criminal J ...

The following local students have been named to the Dean's List for the 2012 fall semester at Trinity University: Rex Simmons of Blanco, Celia Fitch of Spring Branch, Molly McCarthy of Spring Branch, and Maryn Swierc of Spring Branch. The Dean's List honors Trinity students who maintained a grade point average of 3.65 or better while enrolled in a minimum of 15 semester hours.

It has been an exciting February for the members of the Hill Country Spurs 4-H horse judging teams. On February 14, the teams competed in San Antonio at the SALE/district 10 competition. Senior member Kendra Smith finished 4th overall out of 579 senior judgers and 1st in district and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship.

Thanks to women in Blanco County, low-income women along the Mexican border are about to change their lives. Willie Berman is a United Methodist missionary on the Mexican side of the border in the Valley, and one of his projects is teaching women to sew...not only to make clothes for their families, but to make products to sell, raising their family incomes.

Have you always wanted to make a difference in your community, but didn’t know where to start? All around Texas, women are finding that a crown can serve as a “megaphone” to promote a cause or issue. The International Pageant System recognizes women of all ages for their accomplishments, and their desire to make a difference in their communities.

Jonathan Waller, 2004 Blanco High School graduate and 2008 Texas Christian University graduate, worked as a scribe for “PhysAssist” until July 2012. He is now attending St. George University in Grenada, in a dual-degree program to get his Masters in Public Health and MD.