June 6, 2018 Issue

RED (Riding Equines for the Disabled) Arena held its 8th annual fundraiser June 2, 2018 at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The mission statement of this non-profit organization is, “…to empower individuals with disabilities through horses.” The arena serves adults and children in equine-assisted therapy, mental health services, therapeutic riding lessons, beginner riding lessons, family support and social groups. As a physical therapist, founder Jennifer Young became interested in ...

The Blanco Historic Preservation Commission met May 29, 2018 and reviewed the status of ongoing projects and fundraising efforts. Commission member Hollis Boatright motioned that the minutes from the May 21, 2018 meeting be approved, which was agreed to by the commission. Martin announced that an application to have the Blanco ISD Administration building placed on the National Register of Historic Places was denied because of the many improvements made over time.

The Blanco County Child Protection and Family Advocacy Board can use new, unused quilts to give to children who they identify through their provided services. On May 30, Diana Reeves, pictured at left, on behalf of The Blanco Quilters on the Square, presented nine children’s quilts to (pictured from left) Det.

Governor offers safety plan designed to prevent shootings at schools Gov. Greg Abbott on May 30 joined state and local leaders in Dallas and San Marcos to unveil his School and Firearm Safety Action Plan. The governor’s plan came 12 days after the Santa Fe High School shooting in which 10 people were killed and 10 people were injured.

The Blanco Lucky Leaf 4-H had six classes each of sewing and photography on alternating Wednesdays at the Blanco Public Library and The Back 40 at Old 300 BBQ. Cathy Hut, Blanco County Newspaper editor and Shelly Marquette, Lucky Leaf 4-H project leader, led the sewing classes. During the first class, 16 members learned how to hand sew a shape with a small needle and thread, first on a paper plate, then on some cloth with a hoop.

Mindfulness for Better Sleep Last night, I lay in bed for a couple of hours unable to sleep. Have you ever done that? I’m thinking six out of 10 of you have, at least once. Between 25 percent and almost 50 percent of Americans over the age of 18 regularly have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep for the recommended seven hours per every 24-hour period.

In the city of Blanco, if a property owner intends on building a structure on their property, a building permit is required. If the owner plans to make a modification or alteration to an existing structure on the property, a building permit is also required. Once the property owner determines that a building permit is needed, they are required to apply for the permit at City Hall. The applicant must pay a fee for each permit, and if any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work will be perform ...

The nineth Annual Marble Falls Soapbox Classic will take place June 15-17, 2018. The historic downtown district of Marble Falls will be filled with racing, live music, vendors and excitement! “We are thrilled about the racing changes made to the Derby event the last few years.” said event producer, Shannon Heep.

World-wide, invasive species are second only to habitat destruction (for development and farming) as the cause of the loss of species. It is estimated that the U.S. spends over 100 billion dollars a year fighting invasive species. The Hill Country has, so far, been spared some of the worst examples of invasives experienced by other parts of the country. We don’t have, in large amounts, the kudzu of the southeast, the Asian carp of the Midwest, the zebra mussels of the Great Lakes, the Buf ...

Blanco’s population is estimated to swell tenfold this weekend as the chamber of commerce plays host to the 13th annual Lavender Festival. The three-day event will take place Friday through Sunday in the Old Courthouse Square. “The festival has become a premier event in the Hill Country,” festival organizer Libbey Aly, Blanco Chamber of Commerce executive director said.

Market for Plastic Recyclables Declines to $0 Value As of July 1, 2018 Blanco County Recycling will be forced to discontinue taking numbered 3 to 7 plastic containers and all other large plastic items illegally dumped at the Blanco County Recycling Center. “As of July 1, 2018, the recycle center will discontinue takin gin all plastics with a 3 to 7 rating,” Blanco County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Paul Granberg said.

The City of Blanco Public Water System has implemented Stage 1 water restrictions effective June 4, 2018, according to Ronnie Rodriguez, City of Blanco Public Works Director. The City of Blanco is currently purchasing treated water from Canyon Lake Water Service Company, which initiated drought rationing June 1. Provisions for the Stage 1 restrictions for all City of Blanco water customers is: Voluntary Water Use Restrictions: 1.

The Blanco County Child Protection and Family Advocacy Board can use new, unused quilts to give to children who they identify through their provided services. On May 30, Diana Reeves, pictured at left, on behalf of The Blanco Quilters on the Square, presented nine children’s quilts to (pictured from left) Det.

Governor offers safety plan designed to prevent shootings at schools Gov. Greg Abbott on May 30 joined state and local leaders in Dallas and San Marcos to unveil his School and Firearm Safety Action Plan. The governor’s plan came 12 days after the Santa Fe High School shooting in which 10 people were killed and 10 people were injured.

The Blanco Lucky Leaf 4-H had six classes each of sewing and photography on alternating Wednesdays at the Blanco Public Library and The Back 40 at Old 300 BBQ. Cathy Hut, Blanco County Newspaper editor and Shelly Marquette, Lucky Leaf 4-H project leader, led the sewing classes. During the first class, 16 members learned how to hand sew a shape with a small needle and thread, first on a paper plate, then on some cloth with a hoop.

The American Legion Post 352 and the American Legion Auxiliary will be holding a Garage Sale and fundraiser on Saturday June 23, 2018 from 8: 00am to 4: 00pm. At Post 352 111 Blanco Ave in the Northwest corner of the Lowes parking lot. We will also be selling Hamburgers * Hot Dogs* Ice Cold Snow Cones and drinks. What a great way to have fun and support our Veterans! For information, call Roxanna Avants at (512) 627-0584 or Randi Weeks, American Legion Auxiliary president Unit 352 at ...

The Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center hosted a Cinco de Mayo-themed Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Saturday, May 5, 2018, which was held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls. A Mexican feast was enjoyed by all and each attendee was honored with a small token of thanks, along with a Certificate of Appreciation that included the number of service years they have partnered with HLFCC. In 2017, these tireless individuals gifted 6,250 hours to the organization in numerous and need ...

The Johnson City Library is proud to sponsor a photography project called “The Faces and Places of Blanco County.” The library has a long history in Johnson City and hosts many weekly activities for the community. Being a part of the community means offering ways to grow as a community and learn about each other and we want to be a hub for social engagement in Johnson City.

The nineth Annual Marble Falls Soapbox Classic will take place June 15-17, 2018. The historic downtown district of Marble Falls will be filled with racing, live music, vendors and excitement! “We are thrilled about the racing changes made to the Derby event the last few years.” said event producer, Shannon Heep.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) today welcomed its new executive director of law enforcement and theft prevention. The position is responsible for leading TSCRA’s Special Rangers, an elite group of law enforcement officers who have extensive knowledge of the cattle industry and primarily investigate cattle theft and other agricultural crimes, though they are well-trained in all facets of law enforcement.

“Be their witness.” Is theme for 2018 Wreaths Across, Saturday, December 15, 2018. Each year, millions of Americans come together to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those that serve and their families, and TEACH the next generation about the value of freedom. Wreaths Across America Day takes place in all 50 states and includes the Blanco Historic Cemetery. The inspiration for this year’s theme stems from the 2009 drama “Taking Chance,” which was based on the experiences of U.S.

Tractor Supply Company has begun construction on a retail store in Blanco. Construction on the store, located at 1200 U.S. Hwy. 281, began last month with a goal of opening late fall. Tractor Supply will serve as a one-stop shop for the Blanco community’s farmers, livestock and pet owners, ranchers, part-time and hobby farmers, gardeners, homeowners, tradesmen and others. “We’re not just building a store, we’re building a team that understands the needs of the Blanco community,” ...

A fellow went to the doctor who told him that he had a bad illness and only a year to live. So he decided to talk to a minister. After the man explained his situation, he asked the minister if there was anything he could do. “What you should do is go out and buy a late ‘70 or early ‘80 model broken down pickup truck, then go get married to the meanest, ugliest woman you can find, and buy yourselves an old house trailer in need of repairs and go live in the desert.” The fellow asked,

Last week we examined, “Where Did All the People Come From?” We discovered they came from Noah’s Ark, then from the Tower of Babel in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley in Southern modern day Iraq. Scholars and archaeologists in the past 120 have verified the reliability of the Genesis account of where the descendants of Noah’s three sons; Shem, Ham and Japheth, settled throughout the world, as recorded in Genesis 10, called the “Table of Nations. Last week we noted Noah’s eldest son, ...

I was shocked to discover 30 percent of my income last year was spent on insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs. This for a family of two, one of which is receiving Medicare. Large deductibles on insurance policies preclude using insurance except for major medical events. Premiums are projected to keep rising dramatically. The present administration (promising “great healthcare at a low price for everyone”) has not come through on their promises.

As a school administrator and as a parent I have seen many a young person balk when expected to follow certain rules and regulations. And it isn’t just youth, however, who get upset with having to follow rules. I recently traveled on Southwest Airlines. When you’re in a hurry, having to go through all the security rigmarole at the airport can be a real pain in the neck.