March 31, 2021 Issue

A Blanco County health official expects to see the county’s COVID-19 vaccine waiting list to swell as providers across the state were ordered last week to open inoculations to people who are at least 16 years of age. Prior to the new rules that went into effect on Monday, March 29, only adults at least 50 years of age and people with certain medical conditions were eligible to receive the vaccine.

Blanco residents were treated to a night of food, music and more at Bindseil Park. Candidates for city council and mayor were also on hand to visit with voters.

The Blanco City Council special meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Martin Sauceda on March 23. Council members Keith McClellan, Mike Smith (via GoToMeeting), and Matt Lewis were present for the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Sauceda informed the others that the bathroom in the Byars Building was temporarily closed due to a busted pipe from the storm.

Thanks to the hard work among Blanco County’s medical professionals and volunteers, the county has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the area. KXAN reported Friday that the county’s vaccination rate was 35.22 percent, which was the highest in its viewing area, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Gillespie County was second at 35 percent, followed by Mason County at 34.68 percent and Travis County at 30.3 percent.

Save the Date! The Giving Goddesses are planning their gathering for 2021. In keeping with the “Partying with a Purpose” theme, the board of directors for Blanco non-profit coalition has scheduled the giving event for Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 at Old 300 Barbecue’s Back 40 Dance Hall (should COVID-19 pandemic conditions dictate, an outdoor venue will be made available). Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss this fun event! The plan is simple - 100 women each donate $100 then pool ...

The Blanco High tennis team excelled at its March 27 outing at the San Saba tournament.. Blanco came away with a first or second place in all nine categories. Girls singles 1. Whitney Whitehead 2. Wesley Whitehead Boys singles 2. Connor Omo Girls doubles 1. RoAnna Acosta and Grayci Jung 2. Macy Murphree and Valen Edwards Boys doubles 1. John Kainer and Mason Gilles 2.

Blanco finished with a first place in three events last Thursday at Wimberley. Varsity girls 1. Ariyah Samuels, high jump, 5-00 2. Emilee LaRue, shot put, 33-10 3. Carly Romero, shot put, 32-5.5 1. Carly Romero, discus, 97-8.0 6. Emilee LaRue, discus, 86-11.5 1. Ariyah Samuels, 100 meter hurdles, 15.77 2. Ariyah Samuels, 300 meter hurdles, 48.56 6. Evelyn Trammell, 1600 meter run, 6:01.51 6.

The Blanco Middle School track teams saw success at the district meet held last Friday at Comfort. Eighth grade girls Third place team with 100 points 4. Candice Lopez, 100 meter dash, 14.79 6. Jadyn Griffin, 100 meter dash, 14.90 2. Mariah Newsome, 200 meter dash, 30.90 6. Addy Olinick, 200 meter dash, 31.40 4. Calla Nelson, 400 meter dash, 1:10.49 2.

The Blanco softball team defeated Comfort 10-5 March 23 to remain unbeaten in district play. The Lady Panthers are 8-9 overall and 2-0 in district competition. Rylee Davis pitched for the win. Emilee LaRue was 2-for-3 at the plate with a single, a double and one RBI. Cassidy Daves went 2-for-4 with two singles, two runs scored and five RBI.

The Blanco baseball team added two more wins to its total last week to wrap up pre-district play with a 15-3 mark. The Panthers defeated Cuero 3-1 March 23 and routed Cole last Friday 16-0. Conner Chase picked up the win against Cuero. He tossed five innings and struck out two while scattering three hits.

Earl Oliver Perkins of Blanco passed away at his home the morning of Wednesday, March 24, 2021 with his family by his side. Earl was born Sept. 23, 1937 in Beeville, to James Perkins and Edna Criddle Perkins. Mr. Perkins retired as a master sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service to the U.

Carole Grace Koenig Baker, age 75, died in her home surrounded by family on March 25, 2021, after battling lung cancer. A graveside service will be held at the family cemetery on the Baker Ranch at 1114 Madrone Trail, Blanco, Texas, 78606, at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021. A meal of Italian food, (Carole’s favorite) will be served following the service. Carole was born August 29, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois to Warren Eli Albert Koenig and Josephine Carolyn Laprezioso Koenig.