October 14, 2020 Issue

By Tricia Hartmann Mayor Rhonda Stell called the regular meeting of the Johnson City Council at the Hoppe Room to order at 6 p.m. on October 6, 2020. A quorum was established, and Pastor Steve Sanchez gave the invocation. Presentations Stell said that interviews will be held this week for the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Chamber President Craig Van Engelen gave a presentation to the Council.

By Rachel Lumpee The Blanco County Commissioners Court meeting was called to order by Judge Brett Bray at 9:02 a.m. with all four commissioners present. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the public hearing on the adopted budget was opened at 9:04 a.m. This hearing provided the time to make comments regarding the county’s budget to comply with Section 111.075(b) of the Texas Local Government code.

Kristen Vento (left) and Jeffrey Roach were sworn in as Blanco County’s newest Deputies by Judge Brett Bray, and Sheriff Don Jackson congratulated both afterwards. Courtesy photos.

Old Annex Live Music Event On Saturday, October 17 the Old Annex Market will host Madison Rodges for an evening of live music at 200 N Ave G in Johnson City. The event is free and will also feature shopping and food. More information is at www.oldannex.com. Navigating the in-between: The Future of Science A free visual event hosted by the Science Mill will begin on Thursday, October 15 and end on Sunday, October 18.

We think Halloween is a spooktacular time for families and neighborhoods. We know that a lot of y’all have had questions about trick-or-treating this year. It is important to note that the city does not schedule or regulate Halloween. The Governor’s current order as of October 5, 2020, requires outdoor gatherings over 10 people to have approval.

Madison Rodges, local musician and singer, will be performing at Old Annex Market in Johnson City on Saturday, October 17. A Texas native, Madison is a country music artist with an amazing voice and great songwriting skills. Growing up singing, Madison was also a part of the Singing Girls of Texas and traveled all over the country singing.

On Oct. 7, Kinder Morgan presented a payment of $600,653 for county road repairs and maintenance on behalf of the Permian Highway Pipeline project. Pictured, from left, are: Blanco County Commissioner Tommy Weir; Allen Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs at Kinder Morgan; and County Judge Brett Bray. Kinder Morgan also presented a donation of $85,000 to the Peyton Colony School Trust in Blanco County on behalf of the Permian Highway Pipeline Project.

It’s that time of year again. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans starts October 15 and runs through December 7. It is so important that you review your Medicare Part D plans and your Medicare Advantage plans (if you have one) every year. Plans change and you want to make sure your prescriptions and doctors (for Advantage Plans) are still in your network. The changes you can make during Medicare’s Open Enrollment include: • Joining a new Medicare Advan ...

AUSTIN – When the first cold fronts of the year finally roar down from the north, many Texas consumers will turn on their heating systems for the season. It is a good idea to have the heating system checked thoroughly for proper operation and potential safety issues. If your heater operates with natural gas or propane your service professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks that can migrate into the living spaces. A natural gas or propane heating system that is operating correctly v ...

Dear readers, I think we have all had enough stress in our lives right now, so maybe something to bring a smile to you seems timely. Enjoy. Overheard in a Heavenly conversation between God and St. Francis… GOD: St. Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the USA?

City of Johnson City Council held a Special Meeting on October 8, 2020. Mayor Rhonda Stell called the Special meeting to order at 2:02 p.m., and a quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and there was no Invocation or Public Comments. The City Council convened into Executive Session at 2:03 pm in accordance with Government Code Section 551.074, Personnel Matters, and 551.071 consultation with attorney for deliberation regarding the review of candidate applications for ...

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is battling back against seven top aides who accuse him of bribery and abuse of office. The aides delivered the accusations in a letter to the agency’s human resources director. The Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV obtained and first published the letter. The Houston Chronicle and other media outlets reported that the allegations are tied to Paxton’s relationship with Nate Paul, an Austin real estate investor and campaign donor. Congressman C ...

By Julie Storer The Eagle Varsity shook off the effects of the three-plus hour drive to Brackettville on Friday and rolled to a decisive 25-8 victory against the Tigers. The Eagle offense struggled early, but warmed up to turn in their best performance of the season. Cade Boyer threw for three touchdowns and reeled in an end zone toss from Ryan Shipley for his fourth score of the night.

A week of rest following their final warm-up at Goldthwaite has the Eagle and Lady Eagle Cross Country teams in top condition to take on the hills in San Saba on Monday at the District Championships. Details on the meet schedule were still unavailable at press time, but the day at the San Saba River Golf Course will feature the High School Boys’ Division 5K and the High Schools Girls, Middle School Boys and Middle School Girls in the 2-mile.  Lydia White placed second and Claire White th ...

By Julie Storer The Varsity Lady Eagles (15-6, 8-0) continued to dominate District 27-2A with two three-set victories extending their streak to twenty-four sets, eight matches without a loss. At home last Tuesday Center Point was no match for the Lady Eagles behind the powerful net play of Paige Dalland and Ivy Swafford with nine kills each.

By Tricia Hartmann The JCISD Board held a Regular Meeting on October 12, 2020 in the LBJ High School Commons Area. Board President Shelly Wenmohs called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and a quorum was established with all members present. Bond Update Jennifer Black of Sledge Engineering provided updates on the status of the 2018 Bond Projects, “Currently in progress: video access and control construction, camera connections, and access control at all campuses, PA system, work on the e ...

City of Johnson City Council held a Special Meeting on October 8, 2020. Mayor Rhonda Stell called the Special meeting to order at 2:02 p.m., and a quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and there was no Invocation or Public Comments. The City Council convened into Executive Session at 2:03 pm in accordance with Government Code Section 551.074, Personnel Matters, and 551.071 consultation with attorney for deliberation regarding the review of candidate applications for ...

In 1957 Mexico was in the midst of an unprecedented drought. People were being forced to flee their unproductive farms to seek almost non-existent jobs in the towns and cities. At the same time, membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was increasing dramatically. Meetinghouses were in short supply and, in most places in Mexico, members met in rented halls—most of which were woefully inadequate with bare light bulbs hanging from ceilings, peeling paint, uncomfortable sl ...

Ever wonder how teenagers kept up with each other in the days before cell phones and instant communication? If you were a teenager in Fredericksburg in the 1960s and 70s, cruising Main on Saturday night, you made a swing through the parking lot at The Tower Drive-In. Everyone showed up there sooner or later.

On Oct. 7, Kinder Morgan presented a payment of $600,653 for county road repairs and maintenance on behalf of the Permian Highway Pipeline project. Pictured, from left, are: Blanco County Commissioner Tommy Weir; Allen Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs at Kinder Morgan; and County Judge Brett Bray. Kinder Morgan also presented a donation of $85,000 to the Peyton Colony School Trust in Blanco County on behalf of the Permian Highway Pipeline Project.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is battling back against seven top aides who accuse him of bribery and abuse of office. The aides delivered the accusations in a letter to the agency’s human resources director. The Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV obtained and first published the letter. The Houston Chronicle and other media outlets reported that the allegations are tied to Paxton’s relationship with Nate Paul, an Austin real estate investor and campaign donor. Congressman C ...