February 12, 2020 Issue

A nonprofit organization has teamed up with county leaders to begin the process of increasing broadband internet service to people in Blanco, Llano and Burnet Counties. Right now, leaders are developing Technology Action Plans and are asking for input from community members. Residents are asked to provide feedback at the links provided with this story.

Pedernales Electric Company (PEC) proudly supports education in Central Texas through its youth programs, educational foundation giving, and scholarships. That’s why each year we award $100,000 in scholarships to regional students who will attend the college, university, technical school, or trade school of their choice. “PEC is always proud to support its young members on their educational journeys,” PEC Youth Engagement Representative Celeste Mikeska said.

More than 130 Blanco County citizens attended the Texas Representative District 45 (TD45) candidate forum hosted by Blanco County Republican Party at Old 300 Back 40 in Blanco on February 3, 2020. All three Republican candidates (Austin Talley, Bud Wymore, and Carrie Isaac) responded to questions and shared their concerns regarding issues that are important to Blanco County and the State of Texas.

Mayor pro tem Pat Dildine called the regular meeting of City of Johnson City City Council to order at 6 p.m. Pastor Steve Sanchez of the Community Church of the Hills gave the invocation. Sanchez gave thanks for the good health report for Dildine and prayed for healing for Mayor Rhonda Stell and Council Member Rosie Danz who were ill.

For every Texan seeking medical care, a record – and increasing – number of physicians is available to respond. Texas’ physician workforce is growing at a record pace, according to new data. For the first time in three decades, the ratio of patient-care physicians for every 100,000 people has increased for 10 straight years (2009-2019). The Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) February Texas Medicine magazine reports the state added 4,869 newly licensed physicians in 2019, an incre ...

After almost 40 years at his smokers on Highway 281 South, Ronnie Weiershausen hung up his forks last year and retired from the restaurant business, where he built a wide reputation for himself as grillmaster extraordinaire. By that time, he not only was feeding his third generation of customers, but introducing locals and visitors to the possibilities of fine Hill Country cooking. Friday, he’ll tell you how he did it, and perhaps share a bit of secrets that you can use, too. It’s t ...

The Johnson City Food Pantry is now open inside the new Blanco County CRC at George Washington 206 S US-281. The pantry is open every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m to noon, as well as the 4th Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit their Facebook page or call (830) 868-0208.

AUSTIN — Texas Deputy Solicitor General Matthew Frederick on Feb. 6 defended the Electoral College system in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Frederick, arguing on behalf of Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, maintained that Texas’ method of appointing presidential electors is consistent with the U.S.

The public is invited to attend a county-wide public meeting to discuss transportation and economic initiatives for Blanco County from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 at the Blanco County Annex: Hoppe Room, 101 E. Cypress, in Johnson City. The meeting is the next step toward the adoption of Blanco County’s Transportation and Economic Development Plan.

On the morning of Sunday, February 8, 2020, the Blanco County Office of Emergency Management issued a warning to residents in the area of the Miller Creek RV park using the Reverse 911 system. The Blanco County Sheriff’s Office was looking for two individuals, one Hispanic male and one female, both considered armed and dangerous. After several witnesses calling in, the Johnson City Police Department spotted the two individuals near the intersection of Hwy.

The Highland Lakes Texas Exes Chapter is busy this time of year, beginning with their community service project in conjunction with UT Exes Project Worldwide. The Chapter will perform simple maintenance and clean up at the Boys and Girls Club on February 8 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Chapter is asking for volunteers to help in this effort.

By Rachel Lumpee The Blanco County Commissioners Court was called to order at 9 a.m. by Judge Brey Brett with commissioners: Tommy Weir, Emil Uecker, and Paul Granberg present. Commissioner Chris Liesmann was absent. Public comments were heard after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Kenneth Welch took the floor first to discuss the need for additional funds for roads and bridges, specifically for low water crossings. “This past year another life was lost at a low water crossing in ...

Pedernales Electric Company (PEC) proudly supports education in Central Texas through its youth programs, educational foundation giving, and scholarships. That’s why each year we award $100,000 in scholarships to regional students who will attend the college, university, technical school, or trade school of their choice. “PEC is always proud to support its young members on their educational journeys,” PEC Youth Engagement Representative Celeste Mikeska said.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (February 4, 2020) -  Michala Zbytovsky of Johnson City has been listed on the Dean's List of Academic Honors at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Students earning this honor are undergraduates who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 out of a perfect 4.0 in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than 12 semester hours.

The Varsity Lady Eagles claimed a victory over Manor New Tech at home and a road loss at Blanco with one game remaining in the 19-20 season. “We played well against Manor,” according to Coach Cori Baker of the Lady Eagles 33-19 victory. “We didn’t shoot that well, but had our lowest turnovers of the season.

LBJHS Art Teacher Diane Hudson and thirty-two students attended the Austin Rodeo Gala Student Art Contest last weekend. Three students placed in the top eight including Overall Grand Champion - Senior Grace Burke(above left), Grand Champion Sculpture - Senior Mason Wilson, and Reserve Champion Digital - Freshman Dusti Welch. Complete results available next week.

Pedernales Electric Company (PEC) proudly supports education in Central Texas through its youth programs, educational foundation giving, and scholarships. That’s why each year we award $100,000 in scholarships to regional students who will attend the college, university, technical school, or trade school of their choice. “PEC is always proud to support its young members on their educational journeys,” PEC Youth Engagement Representative Celeste Mikeska said.

The Johnson City Lion’s Club wants to say “Thank You” to the people in this community for their support. Your donations and purchases of our “World Class Hamburgers” during the Blanco County Fair and Rodeo and Lights Spectacular make our Donations possible. We also want to especially give a big thanks to the three businessmen who donated the funds to purchase the guns for our raffle event in the fall.

AUSTIN-The filing period for two vacancies on the Education Service Center Region 13 board of directors is open through February 20. Rich Elsasser, executive director of the education service center, announced that candidates may file on a board approved form, in person or by certified mail, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Engineering Day at the Science Mill Learn tricks of the trade, basic principles of engineering and what a day in the life of a civil engineer actually looks like. Engineering Day activities are free with admission to the Science Mill. Engineering Day activities will run 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on February 15.

I have just returned from visiting my daughter, Jillian, who lives in the Dallas area. She is confined to a bed after surgery to both legs. She expressed her gratitude at my visit during which we reminisced about years gone by and she helped me overcome some of my ignorance about the applications of modern technology. Her gratitude for my brief visit reminded me of an account by Louise Lake, a beacon of courage and faith to many of my parents’ and succeeding generations.

By Pastor Richard Snyder, retired The fifth chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew contains the Sermon on the Mount, also known as the Beatitudes. These may be the most well known verses of Holy Scriptures, and they may also be the most misused and most misunderstood texts of Holy Scriptures.

What's going on at the county government? We are three weeks out from the primary election yet we have no Elections Administrator. We had one, Oscar Villarreal, selected last year by the Commissioner's Court. Mr. Villarreal did assume duties, he perfected a voter's information website, he canvassed the votes of the Nov.

For every Texan seeking medical care, a record – and increasing – number of physicians is available to respond. Texas’ physician workforce is growing at a record pace, according to new data. For the first time in three decades, the ratio of patient-care physicians for every 100,000 people has increased for 10 straight years (2009-2019). The Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) February Texas Medicine magazine reports the state added 4,869 newly licensed physicians in 2019, an incre ...

By Rachel Lumpee The Blanco County Commissioners Court was called to order at 9 a.m. by Judge Brey Brett with commissioners: Tommy Weir, Emil Uecker, and Paul Granberg present. Commissioner Chris Liesmann was absent. Public comments were heard after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Kenneth Welch took the floor first to discuss the need for additional funds for roads and bridges, specifically for low water crossings. “This past year another life was lost at a low water crossing in ...