April 21, 2021 Issue

Blanco County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the Rural Capital Area of Central Texas, according to figures released last week by the Texas Workforce Commission. The county’s unemployment rate rose slightly from February to March, from 4.0 to 4.1 percent, according to figures released this month by the TWC.

A local Johnson City Middle School student has qualified to compete in the 2021 USA Junior Olympics in the Riflery competition. Seventh grader, Briley Sralla, 13, will be travelling to Hillsdale College in Michigan on May 12 to represent the State of Texas in the Precision Air Rifle and Smallbore 22 competition.

Echo Gallery in Johnson City, TX, announces the installation of an artistic tribute to the late Johnson City resident, Dr. Robert Clay Stubbs. Dr. Stubbs, who passed away in 2016, was posthumously awarded the honor of Outstanding Alumnus of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. After graduating in 1965, Stubbs served for four years in the United States Air Force and then began what would become a lifelong career as a veterinarian. At age 50, Stubbs followed his ...

The North Blanco County Emergency Services District No. 1 met at the NBCEMS, 105 Bill Watson Dr. in Johnson City, Texas on April 19, 2021, and President David O’Bannon called the regular meeting to order at 7p.m. All commissioners were present and there were no public comments. One-Time Sales Tax Money “We were not applying for or counting on this money, so we are open for ideas of how to spend it,” said O’Bannon.

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula Blanco County could have more money to spend to encourage tourism if a bill in the State House of Representatives clears all the legislative hurdles to eventually become law. Last week, Rep. Erin Zwiener, who represents District 45 in Blanco and Hays counties, presented House Bill 2345 to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Glenn Sultemeier Blanco County Farm Bureau (left) presents a donation of $1,125.00 to Sarah Allen, Adult Ministries Coordinator First United Methodist Church, for the Johnson City Community Outreach and Feeding Program. This is a part of the Texas Farm Bureau Helping Hands Program, which is now focused on helping non-profits to deal with the need caused by the record-breaking cold spell that the state experienced in February.

Early voting began Monday for May 1 elections in county, city and school district elections. Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of the early voting period, which runs through Tuesday, April 27. Texas voters can contact their respective county elections office to view a sample ballot, locate their appropriate polling place, and plan their trip to the polls.

The Blanco County Sheriff’s Office received 289 calls for service from 04-11-2021 through 04-18-2021. The Blanco County Communications Center received the following call types during the 7-day period. 06= ARREST 120=TRAFFIC STOPS 19= RECKLESS DRIVERS 26= MEDICAL AID CALLS/MEDICAL ALARMS 38= 911 HANG UP CALLS, MIS-DIALS, OPEN LINES, OR ABUSE CALLS 5= FIRE CALLS/FIRE ALARMS 5= MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS 1= DISTURBANCE CALLS 12= ANIMAL COMPLAINTS/LOOSE LIVESTOCK CALLS 2= TRESP ...

AUSTIN – As we head into April, many Texas consumers are turning on their air conditioning systems for the long summer season. Regular maintenance of your system will extend its life and discover any mechanical issues before they become expensive health and safety issues. The first step in hiring an air conditioning contractor should be checking the TDLR website (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to make sure that they are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. “Hiring a lice ...

For 4 years the old Blanco County Jail in Johnson City sat empty as an Arizona rain gauge, but the drought broke in August 1923 when Sheriff A. J. Wagner slapped the cuffs on 2 desperadoes for “taking a joy ride in another man’s Ford.” “While the record, which took four years to build, is all shattered here today,” the Llano News reported, “the officers and residents are consoling themselves by pointing out that at least none of those placed under arrest are residents of Blanco ...

In last week’s issue, there were one error. Stephanie Fisher was misquoted in the City Council article. Fisher asked her statement be amended to reflect that she actually said the following: “If Mr Mayfield would like to build these apartments, then he should consider using the 10 tract he owns at 316 N Winters Furr.” The Record Courier apologizes for this error.

Championship at the Blanco Invitational Career Development Event (CDE). Team members included (from left to right): Brett Sultemeier - Top Individual, $3,000 scholarship winner; Colin Shoemaker; Brinley Portie - 2nd High Invitational, $2000 scholarship winner. Courtesy photo.

Homeschool Day: Earth Science April’s Homeschool Day at the Science Mill will be offered from 10am to 2pm on April 22. Visit sciencemill.org for more information. BCARE Meeting The Blanco County Retired Educators Associations will meet via Zoom on April 22 at 10 a.m. For the Zoom link, contact Kathy Carriker, BCARE president, at [email protected]. Sewing Craft Spice up those boring ‘ol tea towels with just a little touch of customization.

Blanco County will be holding its countywide household waste collection event on Saturday, April 24. Bring your recyclables to the county drop-off location, the Blanco County/Waste Connections Transfer Station at 377 Transfer Road in Johnson City. The event is sponsored by Blanco County, Blanco Pedernales Underground Water Conservation District, and Keep Blanco Beautiful.

Dr. Cole Roemer was born in Austin and raised in Johnson City. He graduated as valedictorian from LBJ High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M. While attending A&M, he suffered several cycling injuries which led him to a local chiropractor in College Station.

On Thursday, May 6th high school art students are invited to Lakeside Pavilion to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival. The budding artists will be provided an art demonstration and then are paired with competition artists to paint plein air together. Launched in 2016, Student Art Day facilitates a space for local high school students to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival, familiarizing them with the French impressionist style of painting. Highland Lakes Creative ...

Runners and walkers are invited to Fredericksburg Sat., April 24, for the annual Fredericksburg Wildflower Run/Walk. “There’s something for just about everyone, no matter if you’re into timed running, walking or strolling leisurely along with children or pets,” said John Phelps, director of Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center. The route will follow a scenic course in and around Fredericksburg, beginning and ending at Marktplatz downtown where parking, restrooms and registration ...

The next Highland Lakes Native Plant Society Zoom meeting/presentation will be May 15 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the free one-hour presentation followed by a business meeting. Lisa Benton will present “Highland Lakes Water Quality Protection: How Can We Help?” Topics to be covered are an overview of water quality of the Highland Lakes region, changes in the lake’s ecoregions, hydrogeology, and water quality, LCRA water quality programs that protect our water quali ...

The Lady Eagles gave up three runs in the top of the first inning then took the lead back in the bottom of the inning when Senior Shay Zbytovsky’s bases-loaded line drive cleared the left field fence in the Lady Eagles 19-3 run rule of Medina on Friday. Pitcher Adriana Mayes allowed four hits, striking out two and walking one in the win.

Former Eagles coach Randy Rutherford brought some heat with his opening pitch to commemorate the 2011 team he coached to the UIL 1A State Baseball Championship. His relief -  McCray Jacobs and Nate Axtell - held the San Saba ‘Dillos to a single run aided by an errorless Eagle defense.

Championship at the Blanco Invitational Career Development Event (CDE). Team members included (from left to right): Brett Sultemeier - Top Individual, $3,000 scholarship winner; Colin Shoemaker; Brinley Portie - 2nd High Invitational, $2000 scholarship winner. Courtesy photo.

Senior Paige Dalland leads the contingent of Eagles and Lady Eagles headed to Texas A&M - Kingsville this weekend for the UIL Region IV-2A Track & Field Championships. Dalland won the Shot Put and placed 4th in the Discus at the Area meet in Harper last Wednesday  The top two finishers at Regionals advance to the State Meet in Austin. One additional competitor will be selected in each event who is determined to have the top time, mark or height from all regional meets per classification ...

Homeschool Day: Earth Science April’s Homeschool Day at the Science Mill will be offered from 10am to 2pm on April 22. Visit sciencemill.org for more information. BCARE Meeting The Blanco County Retired Educators Associations will meet via Zoom on April 22 at 10 a.m. For the Zoom link, contact Kathy Carriker, BCARE president, at [email protected]. Sewing Craft Spice up those boring ‘ol tea towels with just a little touch of customization.

Blanco County will be holding its countywide household waste collection event on Saturday, April 24. Bring your recyclables to the county drop-off location, the Blanco County/Waste Connections Transfer Station at 377 Transfer Road in Johnson City. The event is sponsored by Blanco County, Blanco Pedernales Underground Water Conservation District, and Keep Blanco Beautiful.

On Thursday, May 6th high school art students are invited to Lakeside Pavilion to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival. The budding artists will be provided an art demonstration and then are paired with competition artists to paint plein air together. Launched in 2016, Student Art Day facilitates a space for local high school students to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival, familiarizing them with the French impressionist style of painting. Highland Lakes Creative ...

Runners and walkers are invited to Fredericksburg Sat., April 24, for the annual Fredericksburg Wildflower Run/Walk. “There’s something for just about everyone, no matter if you’re into timed running, walking or strolling leisurely along with children or pets,” said John Phelps, director of Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center. The route will follow a scenic course in and around Fredericksburg, beginning and ending at Marktplatz downtown where parking, restrooms and registration ...

The next Highland Lakes Native Plant Society Zoom meeting/presentation will be May 15 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the free one-hour presentation followed by a business meeting. Lisa Benton will present “Highland Lakes Water Quality Protection: How Can We Help?” Topics to be covered are an overview of water quality of the Highland Lakes region, changes in the lake’s ecoregions, hydrogeology, and water quality, LCRA water quality programs that protect our water quali ...

James M. Mayfield of Johnson City, TX passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Temple, TX. James was born January 11, 1931 in Tonkawa, OK to Roosevelt and Ruth (Thomas) Mayfield. Mr. Mayfield retired from the U.S. Navy as an E-8, Sr. Chief Petty Officer specializing in antisubmarine warfare, after 27 years of honorable service to our country.

My Dad was a Chevy man. He could not abide anyone who would dare tell him that a Ford pickup could outperform his Chevrolet. Later in life I was super-surprised to find him driving--and enjoying--a big Ford Galaxy. Had he been wrong all that time? Where are today’s voices of reason?  It seems that no matter the subject, I am right, and you are wrong.

Last week at the county commissioners’ meeting, we voiced our concerns about the possibility of the county allowing the city to annex 25 acres at the end of Old River Crossing Road and the road itself. Our county commissioners were very kind and listened to the concerns of homeowners who will be affected by the decision.

Early voting began Monday for May 1 elections in county, city and school district elections. Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of the early voting period, which runs through Tuesday, April 27. Texas voters can contact their respective county elections office to view a sample ballot, locate their appropriate polling place, and plan their trip to the polls.

AUSTIN – As we head into April, many Texas consumers are turning on their air conditioning systems for the long summer season. Regular maintenance of your system will extend its life and discover any mechanical issues before they become expensive health and safety issues. The first step in hiring an air conditioning contractor should be checking the TDLR website (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to make sure that they are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. “Hiring a lice ...

For 4 years the old Blanco County Jail in Johnson City sat empty as an Arizona rain gauge, but the drought broke in August 1923 when Sheriff A. J. Wagner slapped the cuffs on 2 desperadoes for “taking a joy ride in another man’s Ford.” “While the record, which took four years to build, is all shattered here today,” the Llano News reported, “the officers and residents are consoling themselves by pointing out that at least none of those placed under arrest are residents of Blanco ...

Blanco County will be holding its countywide household waste collection event on Saturday, April 24. Bring your recyclables to the county drop-off location, the Blanco County/Waste Connections Transfer Station at 377 Transfer Road in Johnson City. The event is sponsored by Blanco County, Blanco Pedernales Underground Water Conservation District, and Keep Blanco Beautiful.

On Thursday, May 6th high school art students are invited to Lakeside Pavilion to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival. The budding artists will be provided an art demonstration and then are paired with competition artists to paint plein air together. Launched in 2016, Student Art Day facilitates a space for local high school students to participate in the annual Paint the Town festival, familiarizing them with the French impressionist style of painting. Highland Lakes Creative ...