September 14, 2017 Issue

When the call came into Blanco County EMS for support for Hurricane Harvey in advance of landfall, Chief Ben Oakley didn’t hesitate for a second. “When Blanco County had its emergency in 2015, the communities needing help were the same communities who sent resources here to help us,” said Chief Oakley.

“I couldn’t help thinking that if aliens ever landed on earth and you only had a few hours to help them understand America, all you would have to do is take them to any state fair.” — Arthur Grace State Fair is Arthur Grace’s photographic odyssey through fairs in ten states—California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.

Enrollment remains a top concern for Johnson City ISD as the number of total students dropped from last year. At Monday’s school board meeting the campus principals also presented their improvement plans and addressed potential new discipline policies. Enrollment Current enrollment is 656 students. The district is down by 29 students from last year.

The Johnson City Eagles hosted the Mason Punchers at Eagle Field Friday, Sept. 8. The Punchers wasted no time before displaying why they are one of the top ten small school football teams in the state of Texas, beating Johnson City with a final score of Johnson City 0, Mason 35. Asked after the game, coach Cloninger stated, “Mason was a very good football team.

This week the Lady Eagles defended their home gym, gaining two wins from the Harper High School Longhorns and the Comfort High School Deer in their first district match. Johnson City took the match against Harper in three games 25-23, 27-25 and 25-16. Setter Hailey Fox had 41 assists in the match.

CHURCH PEOPLE DRIVE ME NUTS. I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t you a pastor of a church?” Of course. But let me define my terms. I’m talking about those who go to service every Sunday faithfully, hear the Word of God preached, take Communion, put a buck in the plate and bring the best chicken casseroles ever to the potlucks—yet, they are the meanest, orneriest, shadiest, most vulgar curmudgeons you’d ever want to meet when they step into the parking lot. Church people led ...

Like most youth groups, the “Magnet STAR” kids needed to raise some funds in order to carry out their high school theatre activities. They came to me, their principal, for some ideas and, most of all, for permission. There had already been countless student sales of popcorn, cookies, knick-knacks, discount coupons, chocolate bars, car washes and cupcakes.

Don’t miss the 18th Anniversary of the Wild Game Dinner fundraiser scheduled for October 7th in Johnson City at the Blanco County Show Barn beginning at 5 p.m. Game Dinner tickets are available for $15 per person. Included in the price will be the best wild game you have ever eaten, door prize chance and dance until midnight to the Jesse Stratton Band.

Many business owners in Johnson City think “why should I be a Chamber of Commerce member? How could it possibly help me?” It’s not uncommon for people to think that the Chamber focuses primarily on businesses that are considered tourist spots, such as art galleries, curio shops, wineries, and so on…..and I’m here to tell you that that’s true! Those types of businesses are referred to as “demand generators,” and they’re the biggest draws for bringing visitors to town. E ...

Just a few reminders for all our wonderful folks in and around Johnson City. We still have our FREE Chair Exercises on every Tuesday and Thursday morning starting at 9:30 am. This is now sponsored by Combined Community Action (Meals on Wheels) and is open to the public. It is FREE, it is FUN, and we always have FREE Coffee available .

The Johnson City Woman’s Civic club closed out their first half of 2017 by presenting a check to the Library for $11,718.00, proceeds from the March Spaghetti/Bingo fund raiser. Now that everyone has had a summer break, the club is ready to begin their meetings with new officers who are eager to get started with the objectives of the club. New President Kay Culp has been busy during the summer months organizing and working with all the new officers and committees.