February 18, 2015 Issue
The new Hill Country Science Mill (HCSM) promises to introduce students to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields using interactive, engaging exhibits and programs. The 14,000 square foot space features 35+ exhibits, sourced globally and many of which are unique to the HCSM. Bonnie Baskin, PhD and the museum's Founder and Chair of the Board, has designed a place where kids can fall in love with science.
Now that Emergency Services District #2 [ESD #2] has an agreement in principle with a reorganized Blanco Volunteer Fire Department, the need for additional volunteers is acute.
There are currently about 11 volunteers available to the fire department, but as BVFD's Lynn E. Hicks explains, that is between 65-90 people short of what it will take to provide an adequate roster under a new plan currently being implemented as part of the reorganization.
"We need a lot of volunteers like we had about 1 ...
The City of Blanco is reviewing its Sign and Zoning Ordinances to better serve its citizens. To accomplish this goal, the City Council requested the Planning and Zoning Commission to review existing Ordinances and make recommendations.
The P&Z Commission formed two subcommittees to review the Ordinances and it began asking the citizens of Blanco to share their views.
Thanks to Life Scout Morgan Lockwood and his Eagle Service Project, the Blanco State Park has new Bluebird Nest Boxes with critter guards on the posts. Check them out!
Morgan put his project together in November and made arrangements with Kate Boysen, the Park Ranger (Interpreter.) Morgan acquired the expense of the project from donations.
JOHNSON CITY — A motion by Pct. 4 commissioner Paul Granberg to advertise for sealed bids to build a bridge to replace a low water crossing on Middle Creek Road died for a lack of a second during regular session of the Blanco County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the courthouse.
"The property and right-of-way have been donated,"
Blanco Elementary School Principal Linda Romano will be leaving the district at the end of this year. The Blanco Elementary School District accepted her resignation in regular session at the high school library on Monday, Feb. 9.
Romano joined the school district in August of 2012.
"It is with reluctance that we accept Linda Romano's wishes to return to retirement,"
The Blanco Buggy Barn was honored with a First Place Most Authentic Plaque in the 2015 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Western Heritage Day Parade. This was the second appearance in this parade and the second time to win first place.
It was a cold windy morning as the many volunteers and riders loaded wagons and horses to head south to San Antonio.
At the regular monthly meeting of the governing body of Blanco on Feb. 10, council members voted to order a general election on May 9, to elect two council members and the mayor. The filing deadline is Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. The council seats up for election are those currently occupied by Danny Ray and Maria Guerrero.
Council also voted to approve an amendment to the city's agreement with the Blanco Independent School District and the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater District to hold joint elections.
The Lady Panthers overwhelmed the Ingram Lady Warriors, 63-24, on Tuesday, January 27.
Jamie McClinton paced the Panthers scoring 15 points. Lexee Jenkins followed closely sinking 13 points. Payton Savarino scored 9 points, with Charlsey Smith and Reagan Rogers each adding 8. Kendall Brock and Gracie Edmondson each made 4 points.
The Panthers lost to the Ingram Warriors, 51-61, on Tuesday, January 27 and fell to the state-ranked Jarrell Cougars, 44-74, on Friday, January 30.
Jacob McCaslin led Blanco firing in 22 points. Tyler Schlinke scored 11, with Ty Royce sinking 5. Justin Williams, Dylan Tesch, and Hugo Rodriguez each scored 2 points.
Blanco Middle School, displaying a strong ensemble performance that has become a tradition, won the District 25- AAA One Act Play competition held Wednesday at Lago Vista High School.
"Blanco had the best ensemble cast of the day," said critic judge Patty MacMullen, who awarded Blanco first place honors over three other schools.
Four cast members were named to the All Star cast, one member received honorable mention, and one member was named to the All Star crew.
Blanco performed the play "Trac ...
Drew Ritter and Thomas Kirkscey finished 7th and 9th respectively at the UIL State Congress competition held last week at the Capitol. Forty-nine students from throughout the state qualified for the event.
"Thomas and Drew were honored to have been able to compete at the state capitol during the opening week of the new legislature,"
Blanco Elementary School Principal Linda Romano will be leaving the district at the end of this year. The Blanco Elementary School District accepted her resignation in regular session at the high school library on Monday, Feb. 9.
Romano joined the school district in August of 2012.
"It is with reluctance that we accept Linda Romano's wishes to return to retirement,"
Blanco Middle School ecology students traveled to Blanco State Park to assist with an invasive species removal project.
Last year, these students learned about this topic in their science classes and they were able to apply their knowledge to a practical situation while taking part in this service learning activity. The invasives that were removed have the potential to crowd out our native Texas wildflowers.
The students enjoyed working alongside "Friends of the Park"
The Panther split District 25-3A games with a 44-63 loss to the Lago Vista Vikings on Tuesday, February 3 and a 54-49 win over the Florence Buffaloes on Friday, February 6.
In the Lago Vista game, Tyler Schlinke led Blanco with 14 points. Jacob McCaslin scored 11 with Dawson Albin adding 6 points.
The Panthers moved themselves into 2nd placed behind Jarrell in District 25-3A with a 45-41 win over the Lago Vista Lady Vikings on Tuesday, February 3 and a 48-28 victory over the Florence lady Buffaloes on Friday, Feb. 6.
Against Lago Vista, Lexee Jenkins paced the team with 15 points, followed closely by jamie McClinton with 11.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, select Panther Band Members traveled to Sam Houston High School in San Antonio and competed at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. In all, BHS had 24 students receive Division 1 Ratings, which is the highest rating awarded. These students will advance to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest in May.
One day I asked my great-aunt how to hear God speak to us. She said I had to have faith that since I asked Him what to do, from that point on He would lead me.
I believe He puts desires in our hearts to lead us so we will be walking in His will for us, which is all good.
Why get water baptized? 1. Jesus commanded it. It is an act of obedience. Matt 28:19-20 says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."
