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By Tricia Hartmann
The North Blanco County Emergency Services District (ESD-1) held a Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. on December 14, 2020 via zoom. Vice President Brandt Raeburn presided over the meeting in the absence of President David O’Bannon. Those attending were: Secretary-Treasurer Kay Odiorne; Vice President Brandt Raeburn, Commissioner Kirk McElhinney, and Commissioner AJ Gallerano.
By Tricia Hartmann
Public Hearing and School First Report
JCISD Board President Shelly Wenmohs called the public hearing to order at 6:01 p.m. on December 14, 2020. During the public hearing JCISD Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Scott Berry gave an overview of School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas), and provided the Trustees with an overview of the School FIRST indicators.
Scott Berry also presented the scores for each indicator under School FIRST.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA is a service provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution where wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans. The protocol is to lay the wreath quietly and say the name of the veteran reverently. Families of all ages participated in this moving tribute at the Johnson City Masonic Cemetery last Saturday as they laid wreaths on the 120 graves of those who fought for our freedoms.
COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in life, but one thing that definitely hasn’t changed is that homebound folks in Blanco County still need to eat.
That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in.
“There are people who don’t get meals every day; more than you would think,” said Lainie Parker, Meals on Wheels site coordinator at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco.
She is getting more requests for assistance.
“We’re seeing an increase in need, especially because with COVID-19, o ...
Rosalind Ellis a teacher at Blanco Elementary School has been awarded a $1000 grant from Texas Farm Bureau and Blanco County Farm Bureau for their Rainwater Collection System. According to Ellis, “The goal for this project is to teach the children how the conservation of rainwater benefits gardens and environment.
Deck the Halls with
Science
The Science Mill will be open with expanded dates from December 17 to December 31 (closed Dec. 24 + 25 and Jan. 1). Explore 50+ interactive exhibits, inside and outdoors, including the new Remarkable Reflectors whip, newly updated Banana Piano and the return of MindBall—an exhibit powered by YOUR brainwaves!
JCISD Trustees held a special meeting on December 18, 2020 at noon in the LBJHS Library. Board President Shelly Wenmohs called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m., and a quorum was established with one member absent. There were no public comments.
Bond Updates
Jennifer Black of Sledge Engineering said, “Current projects include Video and Access Control Construction, with substantial completion in January.
Active COVID-19 cases in Blanco County have taken a jump.
From Dec. 9 to Dec. 18, active cases in the county increased from 62 to 84, according to numbers released by the Blanco County Office of Emergency Management.
The number of active cases in the county have more than doubled since Nov.
Editor’s Note: This is a republication of a community submitted piece from aslt year’s Christmas issue. Readers enjoyed it, so we decided to run it again. We recognize this being a strange year for holidays, but we also see it as a year for reflections on holidays past and anticipation for holidays future, where some of these tips may come into play.
Fredericksburg– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director in Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County, Rick Neffendorf, today announced that ranchers and livestock producers have until February 1, 2021, to sign up for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in calendar year 2020.
According to Neffendorf, “Gillespie, Kendall and Blanco Counties met qualifying drought ratings that ‘trigger’ eligibility for the Live ...
Almost everyone makes some sort of commitment for the new year. Here’s one you can do that will pay off nice dividends all year long.
Research suggests that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle habits provides high levels of benefit for brain health, and may offset genetic and environmental risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
These habits include a healthy diet, not smoking, regular exercise and cognitive stimulation. All may decrease the risk of cognitive decline a ...
In the 1700s, Spaniards introduced a number of exotic animals to what is present day Texas and Mexico, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. None of these animals were native to the Western hemisphere. When the settlers of northern European ancestry began moving into the Hill Country in the early to mid-1800s, they brought more of these animals with them, all things we now refer to as livestock.
AUSTIN – The holiday season can get hectic, and it’s easy to get distracted when performing tasks like filling up your gas tank. Crooks depend on that inattention to make it easier for them to steal your credit card information off gasoline pumps.
“There are Grinches out there who want to steal your money and your joy,” said TDLR executive director Brian E.
Lone Star Capital Bank, N.A. (“LSCB”), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for substantially all of the assets, deposits, and certain other liabilities of Business Bank of Texas, N.A. (“BBT”), headquartered in Austin, Texas. The acquisition of BBT by LSCB is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2021.
Danny Buck, President and Chief Executive Officer of LSCB commented “We are truly excited about this opportuni ...
Echo Gallery in Johnson City, TX, announces a nationwide call for artist entries for The Breast Show II, a physical and virtual exhibition set for the month of August (2021), which is the month breastfeeding is celebrated worldwide. This exhibit will build on the effort of the first Breast Show in August 2018 to depoliticize the female breast and the act of breastfeeding in the US.
Public access to Legislature up in the air
When the Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, a key question is how the public will have access to their lawmakers during the pandemic.
State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, is asking Attorney General Ken Paxton to issue an opinion about whether the Capitol building must be open during the legislative session.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.
Having Christmas presents under the tree can mean the world to a family in need, and that’s why one local organization--Random Acts of Kindness--started its “50 for 50 Program” just in time for the holidays this year.
Fifty children from families in need each will receive $50 for presents.
“That $2,500 will go to make those kids’ Christmases better,” said RAK founder Dave ...
By Tricia Hartmann
Public Hearing and School First Report
JCISD Board President Shelly Wenmohs called the public hearing to order at 6:01 p.m. on December 14, 2020. During the public hearing JCISD Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Scott Berry gave an overview of School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas), and provided the Trustees with an overview of the School FIRST indicators.
Scott Berry also presented the scores for each indicator under School FIRST.
The Varsity Eagles closed out their pre-District schedule at Lometa on Saturday by edging the Hornets 40-33. Blake Jenkins led all scorers with 11 points; Colin Linsey, Brinley Portie and Mason Roberts added 6 points each. Jenkins pulled down 9 rebounds while Linsey and Jakub Emerson added 6 each. The Eagles broke open a 7-7 tie at the end of the first period outscoring Lometa 19-6 in the 2nd period and never looked back.
The 7th Grade Lady Eagles hosted the Mason Cowgirls last Monday night and were quick to take control of the game with excellent defense and patient offense. Lauren Boyer made a 3-point buzzer beater at the end of the second quarter to put an exclamation point on the 17-3 halftime lead.
JCISD Trustees held a special meeting on December 18, 2020 at noon in the LBJHS Library. Board President Shelly Wenmohs called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m., and a quorum was established with one member absent. There were no public comments.
Bond Updates
Jennifer Black of Sledge Engineering said, “Current projects include Video and Access Control Construction, with substantial completion in January.
Deck the Halls with
Science
The Science Mill will be open with expanded dates from December 17 to December 31 (closed Dec. 24 + 25 and Jan. 1). Explore 50+ interactive exhibits, inside and outdoors, including the new Remarkable Reflectors whip, newly updated Banana Piano and the return of MindBall—an exhibit powered by YOUR brainwaves!
Fredericksburg– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director in Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County, Rick Neffendorf, today announced that ranchers and livestock producers have until February 1, 2021, to sign up for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in calendar year 2020.
According to Neffendorf, “Gillespie, Kendall and Blanco Counties met qualifying drought ratings that ‘trigger’ eligibility for the Live ...
Lone Star Capital Bank, N.A. (“LSCB”), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for substantially all of the assets, deposits, and certain other liabilities of Business Bank of Texas, N.A. (“BBT”), headquartered in Austin, Texas. The acquisition of BBT by LSCB is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2021.
Danny Buck, President and Chief Executive Officer of LSCB commented “We are truly excited about this opportuni ...
Echo Gallery in Johnson City, TX, announces a nationwide call for artist entries for The Breast Show II, a physical and virtual exhibition set for the month of August (2021), which is the month breastfeeding is celebrated worldwide. This exhibit will build on the effort of the first Breast Show in August 2018 to depoliticize the female breast and the act of breastfeeding in the US.
The army of the American colonies, of which George Washington had recently assumed command, was pathetic. The soldiers, for the most part, were armed with their own weapons and were without uniforms. They were ill prepared for the harsh realities of the winter of 1775-76. It was not unusual for sentries to freeze to death at their posts.
Most of the recruits at that time were from New England.
Whatever you think about Christmas, I think you would have to agree we need one this year.
Everyone I know seems determined to do as much Christmas as it is possible to do. My pastor announced at the beginning of Advent that we were going to have 26 consecutive Zoom Advent services.
“We’re having 15 minutes of Advent reflections EVERY night!” she announced.
“Surely she means every week,” most of the congregation thought.
“EVERY night!” she repeated for clarification.
COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in life, but one thing that definitely hasn’t changed is that homebound folks in Blanco County still need to eat.
That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in.
“There are people who don’t get meals every day; more than you would think,” said Lainie Parker, Meals on Wheels site coordinator at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco.
She is getting more requests for assistance.
“We’re seeing an increase in need, especially because with COVID-19, o ...
Rosalind Ellis a teacher at Blanco Elementary School has been awarded a $1000 grant from Texas Farm Bureau and Blanco County Farm Bureau for their Rainwater Collection System. According to Ellis, “The goal for this project is to teach the children how the conservation of rainwater benefits gardens and environment.
Editor’s Note: This is a republication of a community submitted piece from aslt year’s Christmas issue. Readers enjoyed it, so we decided to run it again. We recognize this being a strange year for holidays, but we also see it as a year for reflections on holidays past and anticipation for holidays future, where some of these tips may come into play.
Fredericksburg– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director in Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County, Rick Neffendorf, today announced that ranchers and livestock producers have until February 1, 2021, to sign up for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in calendar year 2020.
According to Neffendorf, “Gillespie, Kendall and Blanco Counties met qualifying drought ratings that ‘trigger’ eligibility for the Live ...
They called it Spanish Flu although no one knew for sure where it originated. It first appeared on military bases in the spring of 1918. It spread wildly in barracks packed with soldiers, cruelly killing brave young men who had miraculously survived trench warfare in Europe. It arrived unseen at military facilities in San Antonio and made the short jump to the Texas Hill Country that fall.
When it first appeared in Gillespie County just about everyone mistook it for seasonal flu, but this s ...
Almost everyone makes some sort of commitment for the new year. Here’s one you can do that will pay off nice dividends all year long.
Research suggests that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle habits provides high levels of benefit for brain health, and may offset genetic and environmental risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
These habits include a healthy diet, not smoking, regular exercise and cognitive stimulation. All may decrease the risk of cognitive decline a ...
In the 1700s, Spaniards introduced a number of exotic animals to what is present day Texas and Mexico, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. None of these animals were native to the Western hemisphere. When the settlers of northern European ancestry began moving into the Hill Country in the early to mid-1800s, they brought more of these animals with them, all things we now refer to as livestock.
AUSTIN – The holiday season can get hectic, and it’s easy to get distracted when performing tasks like filling up your gas tank. Crooks depend on that inattention to make it easier for them to steal your credit card information off gasoline pumps.
“There are Grinches out there who want to steal your money and your joy,” said TDLR executive director Brian E.
Lone Star Capital Bank, N.A. (“LSCB”), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for substantially all of the assets, deposits, and certain other liabilities of Business Bank of Texas, N.A. (“BBT”), headquartered in Austin, Texas. The acquisition of BBT by LSCB is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2021.
Danny Buck, President and Chief Executive Officer of LSCB commented “We are truly excited about this opportuni ...
Public access to Legislature up in the air
When the Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, a key question is how the public will have access to their lawmakers during the pandemic.
State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, is asking Attorney General Ken Paxton to issue an opinion about whether the Capitol building must be open during the legislative session.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.
Having Christmas presents under the tree can mean the world to a family in need, and that’s why one local organization--Random Acts of Kindness--started its “50 for 50 Program” just in time for the holidays this year.
Fifty children from families in need each will receive $50 for presents.
“That $2,500 will go to make those kids’ Christmases better,” said RAK founder Dave ...
