January 24, 2018 Issue

Editor's note: The original version of the article, which appeared in print, mistakenly identified Kevin Ratliff as having an exchange with councilman Craig Bauman during Monday's city council meeting. Instead, it was Kevin Ratliff's twin brother, Joel, who had the exchange with Bauman at Monday's meeting. It has been corrected in this online version of the story.

Mike Sandoval is now officially a member of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Sandoval, Precinct 3 commissioner for Llano County, was sworn in to a two-year term for the TSHL at Monday’s county commissioners meeting. He is one of 123 representatives of the non-profit group. “Our age, of those over 60, is considerable in Llano County,” said the 73-year old Sandoval.

It’s not often that Briley Mitchell is both surprised and almost speechless -- but he was Monday night. Mitchell was recognized with a proclamation by Mayor Gail Lang and the Llano City Council at Monday’s meeting for his enthusiastic service to the community. Wednesday, Jan. 24, was also proclaimed Briley Mitchell Day in Llano. “Thank you to the Llano City Council and the Llano Chamber of Commerce for the nice recognition,” Mitchell said Tuesday.

Veterans services offered through Hill Country MHDD in Llano County have ended. Hill Country MHDD (Mental Health Development and Disabilities Services) announced late last week that it ended its veterans services through the Medicaid 1115 Transformation Waiver program, effective this month. According to a press release, MHDD said the program ended due to a change in funding by the state. “Texas currently is transitioning from a fee-for-service-based system; it continues to increase ut ...

On Monday, Jan. 29, in the Llano High School Gymnasium, Project Graduation is bringing a night of tricks, hoops and ally oops with the world-famous Harlem Wizards. Season 55 is here! Howie Davis, sports promoter and entrepreneur believed that he could put a unique spin on show basketball. He had run a comedy baseball and basketball team called the Kokomo Clowns.

The Texas Water Development Board on Monday approved a third loan to the City of Llano. The $738,000 loan from the TWDB’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund consists of a $630,000 loan and $108,000 in loan forgiveness. The city will use the assistance to finance the construction costs associated with wastewater system improvements. The city could save approximately $110,000 over the life of the loan, in addition to the loan forgiveness.

LAMPASAS—He fell off the chair. I was taking pictures, and I thought what I was seeing was not possible. This young man, fifth in state in powerlifting in 2017, and dominant in the Thursday gatherings a year ago, was in the opening moments of his first competition of 2018—putting the wraps on his legs—and this happens!

The Llano Lady basketball Jackets lined up at the pay window, January 19. The result was about $2,500 in pledges for their program with their free-throw shooting. Didn’t you know? Nothing’s ever free. The following are some comments on this venture, sort of basketball’s version of soccer’s penalty kick. Grace Fletcher: “I’m more nervous in the first quarter than the fourth.

SALADO—The Jackets, January 17, appeared to be heading toward two close district wins on the road after going from gym to gym with no district victories since 2015. The streak, alas, ended at one. The Eagles, down 45-42 with a minute to play, got a free throw, a three-point field goal, and a two to win, 48-45.

BURNET—Roger Staubach can throw a football. I am aware that is not as surprising to learn as that Tua Tagovailoa can throw one, but Roger is a bit older. The 1963 Heisman Trophy winner from Navy and two-time Super Bowl champion tossed a football—with a dandy spiral—about 20 yards after addressing the Hill Country 100 Club, January 18.

Oma Ogle, 89, went to be with the love of his life, Peggy Ogle, on Jan. 19, 2018. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, with services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel. The Reverend Richard Dye, Pastor of First Christian Church, Plainview, officiated.

Gertie McGee is absent from the body but present with her Lord as of Jan. 15, 2018. Leaving this world at the age of 86, she leaves behind a rich legacy of prayer, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and love which blessed everyone within her sphere of influence. She embraced a gentle and quiet spirit that is precious in the sight of God and others. A celebration of Gertie’s life will be on Saturday, Jan.

Sunday, Jan. 21, was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and was celebrated in churches around Llano with baby and family dedication services. In January of 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating Jan, 22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, coinciding with the date in 1973 when the Supreme Court of the United States legalized abortion in all 50 states.