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The Llano News

The Llano News

January 27, 2016 Issue

Kenneth Dee Smith Jr. passed away Friday, January 15, 2016 in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 44. He was born July 8, 1971 in Mineral Wells, Texas. Kenneth moved to Kingsland from Austin, Texas in April of 1997. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kingsland, Texas. Kenneth is survived by his mom, Terry Mecier; sons, Kenneth Chase Smith and wife Mara, Harley Chandler Smith; daughter, Jillian Hill and husband Micheal; brother, Bumpy Rhoads and wife Keisha; sister, Terry Trottier; grandc ...
Stop the Presses! Stop the Presses! They got it all wrong! Won’t somebody listen? Alabama is NOT the National Champion—can’t be! The Tide lost to Ole Miss, so the Rebels….No, Ole Miss lost to Memphis…the Tigers were beaten by Temple—yes, in football. The Owls could not escape Toledo. Aren’t you done yet?
The following is a response from Llano High School Athletic Director Craig Slaughter, concerning a column written by Art Dlugach on the movie, “Concussion”. That commentary emphasized what the film did: the dangers of brain damage sustained by NFL players. By Craig Slaughter I don’t trust anything about a Hollywood version of events, but I do think tremendous strides have been made, regarding protection of the players, since I have been Athletic Director {close to 15 years}. We have a con ...
BURNET—Powerful start to the Powerlifting season for the Llano boys and girls. More medals accumulated than on a General’s uniform. The boys finished second among six schools; the ladies, with only five competing, were third in the Bulldog Invitational, January 14. A pleased head coach, Clint Easley: “After football, we thought we started off—strength wise {in the weight room}—pretty much where we left off last year.” And 2015 produced a fine campaign. Christian Rodriguez, who won t ...
Winning championships is the ultimate triumph in sports, but ending a losing streak is an awfully-welcome silver medal. The Lady Jackets, winless in district basketball since 2013, slam-dunked that anathema, January 15, by administering a 50-31 knockout of Lampasas. Head coach Joe Downey, who suffered through all those league losses in 2014-’15, acknowledged it was “tough,” but he added, “The kids were so great to practice hard every day and stay motivated.” Senior Shaylee Jameson, wh ...
Almost $10 million worth of road repairs in the Austin area to begin
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation is moving ahead with a series of projects to increase mobility and safety along the highways after the Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded contracts for work in the Austin District. Several resurfacing projects for roads across the area are expected to begin later this spring.
‘Plan While You Can’ impaired driving campaign aims to reverse trend in alcohol-related crashes during football season
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Plan While You Can” campaign is reminding football fans to make a sober ride part of their game-watching plans for the upcoming playoffs and the big game. The campaign runs through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. “As many Texans will be watching football playoffs leading up to the big game, we strongly urge drivers to plan for a sober ride to attend watch parties,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Dire ...
Now that the pressure of the Old Year is off and the New Year has just begun, I can chill out a little and rest for a while. Towards the end of the Old Year, there is a lot of pressure to get caught up on all of those stupid New Year’s resolutions I made for the year.
Having finished my postal business, I was driving out of the Post Office parking lot when I felt a solid bump from behind. Getting out of my car, taking a quick glance at my rear bumper to check for damage and approaching the truck involved in the smash, I introduced myself to the driver and prepared to exchange information with him so we could contact our insurance agents. That was when I learned we had a problem. The driver of this big rig didn’t have a driver’s license, which, he explain ...
The New Year of 2016 ushered in the beginning of 160 years of historical significance pertaining to Llano County. Although the county was not created until 1856, several years prior to its existence, the land west of the Colorado River on the frontier of Texas was impacted by various events already discussed.
Dear Editor, This is the one year anniversary of the inordinate spike in electrical bills that outraged Llano citizens and even reached Austin news. The committee, created by City Council, investigating the spike is stalled because the City refuses to provide requested information. The City is even wasting attorney fees to fight the release of legally available information. The City is obstructing the investigation because the findings show that the City Manager’s original stated reasons for ...
Creekside Conservation Program helps agricultural landowners implement land and water conservation practices
AUSTIN, Texas — The Lower Colorado River Authority has received a $412,100 federal grant to help private agricultural landowners preserve and protect their land for future generations. The grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, administered through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will enable LCRA’s Creekside Conservation Program to continue providing financial assistance to agricultural landowners who plan, implement and fund conservation practices that reduce so ...
People of all ages who enjoy live magic are invited to attend the Smoke and Mystery Tour, presented by Nelson Illusions on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 7:30 pm., at the Cailloux Theater, 910 Main, Kerrville TX. Nelson Illusions is billed as America’s largest touring illusion group. This family group will be performing their new show “Smoke and Mystery Tour.” Tickets are now on sale online at www.CaillouxTheater.com, by calling (830) 896-9393, or at the Cailloux Box Office. “Coming to ...
On February 4th the Llano Tea Party will host a Forum for the local races. Expected are Candidates for the offices of Sheriff, Tax Assessor/Collector, Commissioner Precinct 3 and Precinct 410 Chair. Some of the candidates for uncontested offices will also be present. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit with the Candidates beginning at 5:30pm during the meet and greet hour.
1924-2016
Orlyn M Adams, 92, of Cameron, Texas passed away January 13, 2016, in a Cameron hospital after an illness. Funeral Services for Mr. Adams were held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the Kathryn W. Green Chapel of Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Cameron with the Rev. Jeff Davis officiating.
1933-2016
Weldon Seeliger, 82, died January 7, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born November 25, 1933, in Lockhart, Texas, to Alma Schulle and Ernest Seeliger. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Taylor Seeliger; son Tim Seeliger and his partner Brad Parman, all of San Antonio. Seeliger was graduated from Lockhart High School in 1952 where he excelled in all varsity sports.
Maria Mercedes Halliburton was 68 and lived in Burleson, Texas. She passed on Tuesday the 12th of January 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born November 5, 1947 in Los Angeles, California to the proud parents of William and Anita Rodriguez. Maria married Richard Halliburton on July 6, 1969 in Hacienda Heights, California.
1931-2016
Ouida Faye Coggin died unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2016. She was born September 1, 1931, in Coleman County, Texas to parents Roy and Naomi Polk. She is survived by her husband, Bill Coggin; her brothers, Joel “Scooter” Polk with wife Charlesette, and Larry Polk; daughter, Brenda Coats and husband Frank; son Gary Henson and wife Mary; step-son Bill Coggin and wife Jo; step-daughter, Patricia McKinney, and husband Rick; grandchildren, Shane Roach, Elizabeth Cosser, Ashley Phillips, Eri ...
January 2016 is School Board Recognition Month, and Llano ISD joins other districts across the state to honor the countless contributions of these locally elected advocates for public education. “Serving on a local school board is no easy task, particularly in today’s climate of rapid change and financial uncertainties. These men and women are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for our public schools.
On January 1, Texas became the 45th state in the nation to legalize the “open carry” of a handgun. This came about due to House Bill 910, which passed last year during the 84th legislative session. The new law expands the scope of a license to carry a concealed handgun to include the ability to carry it in plain sight, so long as the gun is holstered.
The Castell community Club meet January 16, 2016 for their monthly get together, which 21 members enjoyed a meal and then a business meeting. Denise Kennedy the president for the past two years requested not to be re-elected. The club thanked her for her service for the last couple of years. New officers were elected and are Patty Pfister; President, JoAnn McDougall; Vice-President, Iline Flint; Secretary/Treasurer, and the three directors are Denise Kennedy, Martha Rowlett, and Hatty Sagebiel.
Llano County Library History
How many times have you passed by the spot on Hwy. 29 where there is parking to stop and look at the eagles nesting and you have said to yourself that one day you will do that? Well, from what people have said, it’s too late. When the tree the eagle’s nest was in blew over in 2014 they rebuilt on the other side of the river, out of sight from the highway.
On Wednesday, January 6, Llano emergency crews responded to a rollover on Hwy 16, in front of Burger Bar Cafe. According to Llano Police Chief Kevin Ratliff, William Anderson was driving southbound on Hwy 16 when he failed to yield the right of way, crossing in front of Tony Gonzales, who was traveling northbound on the thoroughfare. Anderson’s Buick LeSabre sustained minimal damage, however, Gonzales’ Ford Ranger suffered a broken windshield, mangled rooftop and damage to both doors. Isabe ...
First day to file to run for City Council is this Wednesday, Jan. 20. There will be three open seats. Those whose terms will expire in May are Alderman Allen Hopson, Alderwoman Gail Lang and Mayor Pro Tem John Ferguson. Contact City Secretary Toni Milam for more information. 325-247-4158. Filing period for the school board is the same.
Dear Editor, Sometimes I just have to shake my head in wonder about the powers that be in the City of Llano. Who makes these crazy judgments and decisions around here?! I am questioning some new signage that has recently popped up in town. The first one is the “loud” sign in front of the Lutheran Church on Ford Street.
January 18, 2016 Rebecca Kadene Hendrix, 22, Buchanan Dan, Tx. Capias Theft Prop by Check- Burnet County; MB; $500 Bond/ Released. Kelley Leigh Meredith, 38, Austin, Tx.; MTA – POCS <28G DFZ – Lampasas, FS; $10,000 Bond; Released. January 19, 2016 Samuel Edwin Elmore, 27, No Address, Poss Marij < 2oz.; MB: $800 Bond; Criminal Trespass; MB; $10,000 Bond; Released. January 20, 2016 Teresa Gale Rochester, 48, Houston, Tx.; Burglary of habitation – FTA; F2; $70,000 Bond; Not Released. C ...
January 2016 is School Board Recognition Month, and Llano ISD joins other districts across the state to honor the countless contributions of these locally elected advocates for public education. “Serving on a local school board is no easy task, particularly in today’s climate of rapid change and financial uncertainties. These men and women are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for our public schools.
Winning championships is the ultimate triumph in sports, but ending a losing streak is an awfully-welcome silver medal. The Lady Jackets, winless in district basketball since 2013, slam-dunked that anathema, January 15, by administering a 50-31 knockout of Lampasas. Head coach Joe Downey, who suffered through all those league losses in 2014-’15, acknowledged it was “tough,” but he added, “The kids were so great to practice hard every day and stay motivated.” Senior Shaylee Jameson, wh ...
BURNET—Powerful start to the Powerlifting season for the Llano boys and girls. More medals accumulated than on a General’s uniform. The boys finished second among six schools; the ladies, with only five competing, were third in the Bulldog Invitational, January 14. A pleased head coach, Clint Easley: “After football, we thought we started off—strength wise {in the weight room}—pretty much where we left off last year.” And 2015 produced a fine campaign. Christian Rodriguez, who won t ...
The following is a response from Llano High School Athletic Director Craig Slaughter, concerning a column written by Art Dlugach on the movie, “Concussion”. That commentary emphasized what the film did: the dangers of brain damage sustained by NFL players. By Craig Slaughter I don’t trust anything about a Hollywood version of events, but I do think tremendous strides have been made, regarding protection of the players, since I have been Athletic Director {close to 15 years}. We have a con ...
Stop the Presses! Stop the Presses! They got it all wrong! Won’t somebody listen? Alabama is NOT the National Champion—can’t be! The Tide lost to Ole Miss, so the Rebels….No, Ole Miss lost to Memphis…the Tigers were beaten by Temple—yes, in football. The Owls could not escape Toledo. Aren’t you done yet?
On February 4th the Llano Tea Party will host a Forum for the local races. Expected are Candidates for the offices of Sheriff, Tax Assessor/Collector, Commissioner Precinct 3 and Precinct 410 Chair. Some of the candidates for uncontested offices will also be present. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit with the Candidates beginning at 5:30pm during the meet and greet hour.
First day to file to run for City Council is this Wednesday, Jan. 20. There will be three open seats. Those whose terms will expire in May are Alderman Allen Hopson, Alderwoman Gail Lang and Mayor Pro Tem John Ferguson. Contact City Secretary Toni Milam for more information. 325-247-4158. Filing period for the school board is the same.
The Castell community Club meet January 16, 2016 for their monthly get together, which 21 members enjoyed a meal and then a business meeting. Denise Kennedy the president for the past two years requested not to be re-elected. The club thanked her for her service for the last couple of years. New officers were elected and are Patty Pfister; President, JoAnn McDougall; Vice-President, Iline Flint; Secretary/Treasurer, and the three directors are Denise Kennedy, Martha Rowlett, and Hatty Sagebiel.
On January 1, Texas became the 45th state in the nation to legalize the “open carry” of a handgun. This came about due to House Bill 910, which passed last year during the 84th legislative session. The new law expands the scope of a license to carry a concealed handgun to include the ability to carry it in plain sight, so long as the gun is holstered.
1931-2016
Ouida Faye Coggin died unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2016. She was born September 1, 1931, in Coleman County, Texas to parents Roy and Naomi Polk. She is survived by her husband, Bill Coggin; her brothers, Joel “Scooter” Polk with wife Charlesette, and Larry Polk; daughter, Brenda Coats and husband Frank; son Gary Henson and wife Mary; step-son Bill Coggin and wife Jo; step-daughter, Patricia McKinney, and husband Rick; grandchildren, Shane Roach, Elizabeth Cosser, Ashley Phillips, Eri ...
Maria Mercedes Halliburton was 68 and lived in Burleson, Texas. She passed on Tuesday the 12th of January 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born November 5, 1947 in Los Angeles, California to the proud parents of William and Anita Rodriguez. Maria married Richard Halliburton on July 6, 1969 in Hacienda Heights, California.
1933-2016
Weldon Seeliger, 82, died January 7, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born November 25, 1933, in Lockhart, Texas, to Alma Schulle and Ernest Seeliger. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Taylor Seeliger; son Tim Seeliger and his partner Brad Parman, all of San Antonio. Seeliger was graduated from Lockhart High School in 1952 where he excelled in all varsity sports.
1924-2016
Orlyn M Adams, 92, of Cameron, Texas passed away January 13, 2016, in a Cameron hospital after an illness. Funeral Services for Mr. Adams were held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the Kathryn W. Green Chapel of Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Cameron with the Rev. Jeff Davis officiating.
Kenneth Dee Smith Jr. passed away Friday, January 15, 2016 in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 44. He was born July 8, 1971 in Mineral Wells, Texas. Kenneth moved to Kingsland from Austin, Texas in April of 1997. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kingsland, Texas. Kenneth is survived by his mom, Terry Mecier; sons, Kenneth Chase Smith and wife Mara, Harley Chandler Smith; daughter, Jillian Hill and husband Micheal; brother, Bumpy Rhoads and wife Keisha; sister, Terry Trottier; grandc ...
Having finished my postal business, I was driving out of the Post Office parking lot when I felt a solid bump from behind. Getting out of my car, taking a quick glance at my rear bumper to check for damage and approaching the truck involved in the smash, I introduced myself to the driver and prepared to exchange information with him so we could contact our insurance agents. That was when I learned we had a problem. The driver of this big rig didn’t have a driver’s license, which, he explain ...
Now that the pressure of the Old Year is off and the New Year has just begun, I can chill out a little and rest for a while. Towards the end of the Old Year, there is a lot of pressure to get caught up on all of those stupid New Year’s resolutions I made for the year.
Dear Editor, Sometimes I just have to shake my head in wonder about the powers that be in the City of Llano. Who makes these crazy judgments and decisions around here?! I am questioning some new signage that has recently popped up in town. The first one is the “loud” sign in front of the Lutheran Church on Ford Street.
On January 1, Texas became the 45th state in the nation to legalize the “open carry” of a handgun. This came about due to House Bill 910, which passed last year during the 84th legislative session. The new law expands the scope of a license to carry a concealed handgun to include the ability to carry it in plain sight, so long as the gun is holstered.
Dear Editor, This is the one year anniversary of the inordinate spike in electrical bills that outraged Llano citizens and even reached Austin news. The committee, created by City Council, investigating the spike is stalled because the City refuses to provide requested information. The City is even wasting attorney fees to fight the release of legally available information. The City is obstructing the investigation because the findings show that the City Manager’s original stated reasons for ...
On January 1, Texas became the 45th state in the nation to legalize the “open carry” of a handgun. This came about due to House Bill 910, which passed last year during the 84th legislative session. The new law expands the scope of a license to carry a concealed handgun to include the ability to carry it in plain sight, so long as the gun is holstered.
People of all ages who enjoy live magic are invited to attend the Smoke and Mystery Tour, presented by Nelson Illusions on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 7:30 pm., at the Cailloux Theater, 910 Main, Kerrville TX. Nelson Illusions is billed as America’s largest touring illusion group. This family group will be performing their new show “Smoke and Mystery Tour.” Tickets are now on sale online at www.CaillouxTheater.com, by calling (830) 896-9393, or at the Cailloux Box Office. “Coming to ...
Creekside Conservation Program helps agricultural landowners implement land and water conservation practices
AUSTIN, Texas — The Lower Colorado River Authority has received a $412,100 federal grant to help private agricultural landowners preserve and protect their land for future generations. The grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, administered through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will enable LCRA’s Creekside Conservation Program to continue providing financial assistance to agricultural landowners who plan, implement and fund conservation practices that reduce so ...
‘Plan While You Can’ impaired driving campaign aims to reverse trend in alcohol-related crashes during football season
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Plan While You Can” campaign is reminding football fans to make a sober ride part of their game-watching plans for the upcoming playoffs and the big game. The campaign runs through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. “As many Texans will be watching football playoffs leading up to the big game, we strongly urge drivers to plan for a sober ride to attend watch parties,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Dire ...
Almost $10 million worth of road repairs in the Austin area to begin
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation is moving ahead with a series of projects to increase mobility and safety along the highways after the Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded contracts for work in the Austin District. Several resurfacing projects for roads across the area are expected to begin later this spring.

Social Club