December 21, 2017 Issue

Johnson City Schools briefly went on lockdown Monday morning due to a report shots may have been fired in the area that morning. After investigation, Johnson City Police determined there was no threat and there was no evidence any shots had been fired. Johnson City Interim Police Chief Marty Corcoran, reported a male and female subject were walking on Nugent Ave.

Late Monday night there was a crash on the 600 block of North Highway 281 between a passenger car and a bus. No injuries were reported. Interim Police Chief Marty Corcoran reported that according to preliminary investigation, the passenger car driven by suspect, Erin Swanson, crossed over the center line into the path of a Shriner University bus transporting 19 passengers on Monday Dec.

Earlier this month, candidates for the March 6 primary election registered to be on the ballot. County positions such as Judge and Commissioners for Precinct 2 and 4 are up for election this year. The race is on for Precinct 2. After current Precinct Two Commissioner did not register for re-election, three candidates emerged to run for the Precinct 2 position.

Spurred on by the recent mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Blanco Police Chief Michael Ritchey organized and moderated a community seminar Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, entitled “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events.” Targeted primarily for members of local churches, the seminar was attended by approximately 40 Blanco and Johnson City area citizens and held at the Old Blanco County Courthouse. Hays County Precinct 4 Constable Ron Hood gave the main presen ...

The “CLOSED” sign on the front of Ronnie’s Ice House Barbeque was a sad sight for Johnson City residents. After two months recovering from knee replacement surgery Ronnie’s Ice House Barbecue reopened earlier this month with Ronnie Weiershausen back at the pit smoking and serving Texas barbecue. A staple off Hwy 281 since 1976, Ronnie has served close to two million happy customers.

In May of 2017, the Johnson City School Board announced Richard Kolek would be filling the position of Superintendent for JCISD. Earlier this month, he gave his State of the District report to the school board for the first time since he was hired. Among the top matters of business were financing, enrollment and technology. The biggest change in the district since Kolek took the reins is completing the process for Johnson City to become a District of Innovation.

The Varsity Eagles secured two more wins against Boerne Geneva School on Tuesday Dec. 12 and district opponent Ingram on Friday Dec. 15. Johnson City at Boerne Geneva Johnson City traveled to Boerne Tuesday, to play the Geneva Eagles for the second time in five days. Johnson City had a slow start, scoring nine points in the first quarter, but began to pull away in the second when Wells DeLeon hit three 3-pointers to give Johnson City the lead at halftime, Eagles 33, Geneva 19. Every pla ...

In May of 2017, the Johnson City School Board announced Richard Kolek would be filling the position of Superintendent for JCISD. Earlier this month, he gave his State of the District report to the school board for the first time since he was hired. Among the top matters of business were financing, enrollment and technology. The biggest change in the district since Kolek took the reins is completing the process for Johnson City to become a District of Innovation.

Today’s column is by a member of our church, Kasey Smith. She wanted to share about something incredible that God is doing through her: I want to share a journey with you today that stems not from my expertise on a particular topic, but rather a conviction that I needed to change.

Operation Brown Santa is in its sixth year of providing donated toys to Blanco County parents. PEC volunteer Franciela Marin-Smith was on hand to help wrap presents selected by parents for area children. “I will say it was a success as we were able to serve many families from Blanco and Johnson City areas,” Marin-Smith said.

Seven wreaths are placed at the base of the flagpole at the Historic Blanco Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America program, honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice at a graveside ceremony held Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. The seven wreaths represent the six U.S. branches of its military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines, Navy plus POW/MIAs. Wreaths were laid at graves of U.S.