Claron West Cage passed away at home in the company of his family on April 21, 2014. Claron was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben McRae Cage and Stella West Cage, and brother, Rueben Wyatt Cage. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris, son Claron Lee (Barbara), daughters Cindy Cage Waggoner, Irene Cage (Ren), and Fern Hardy (Randy). Grandchildren Melissa Waggoner, Tommy Hardy (Cynthia), Alison Chaffey (Dale), great-grand children Vincent Hardy, Aubrey and Harper Chaffey; sister Stella Rae Wiley, sister-in-law Shirley Cage, and many nieces and nephews.

Claron graduated from San Antonio's Brackenridge High School in 1936, and worked in insurance, then served in the military from 1940 to 1945. Claron spent several months in the 124th Cavalry with one of the Army's last horse brigades. When the horse cavalry was merged into the infantry, Claron was shipped overseas and began working in communications, in the China-Burma-India theater, where he received a Purple Heart.

After his release from military service, Claron owned trucks and worked over much of Texas until settling in Blanco to raise children. He worked many different jobs to maintain his family in Blanco, including several years of owning the local confectionary, becoming "Uncle Bubba" to many of the high school kids. Claron made friends easily wherever he was, and his last years picking up milk from area dairies were particular favorites, because of the opportunity to know the dairy owners and their families. But perhaps his best work was unpaid, as he wore out several lawn tractors maintaining the lawns of friends and family around town, for nothing other than an occasional plate of cookies.

A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church, Blanco, on Saturday April 26. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Blanco EMS, PO Box 632, Blanco, Texas.

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Marjorie Faye Jones Armke, 85 passed away on Friday, April 25, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be Sunday April 27th at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Monday April 28th in the McKinney Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Marjorie was born on March 27, 1929 to John C. and Edna (Smith) Jones. She was raised on the family farm during the great depression and helped the family with sharecropping, turkeys, tomatoes and canning. She attended Blanco High School graduating in May of 1946. During her childhood she remained busy with family, school and church. In 1945 she met Leroy Armke, and they were married on July 10, 1946 and for 10 years lived in Blanco County until 1956 when they moved to La Coste where Leroy worked for Civil Service. In 1978 they moved back to Blanco County staying very busy enjoying the Hill Country and friends and family. Marjorie worked as a Dietary Manager at the Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg for several years and in 1991 retired to take care of her husband until he passed away in 2004. She was a member and very active in the Blanco Church of Christ. After Leroy passed away, during the last 10 years, Marjorie did a lot of traveling visiting Niagara Falls, New England, and a cruise to England and Iceland, as well as trips to Alabama and Colorado to see family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leroy, a sister Sylvia, five brothers, Clayton, Walton, Alton, Milton and Carlton, and a grandson Milton Chance Armke.

Marjorie is survived by her children; Forrest Jay Armke, James Clay Armke, Karen Kay Burns, Gloria Gay Armke and Dayton Ray Armke, twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sisters Norma Jean Felps and Bonnie Edna Schaefer, and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

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Aaron Biedler Posey passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the age of 93. Born in Comal County April 3, 1921, to Ed and Nora Posey, he was raised in San Marcos where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Southwest Texas State Teachers College.

Aaron enlisted in the Air Force immediately after Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and proudly served for four years. At the end of World War II, he returned to Blanco where he had married Medora Woodson Crist, a life-long resident, on July 21, 1944. Three daughters; Christie, Dixie, and Rita, were born and raised in Blanco.

In January 1946, Aaron was employed by the Blanco National Bank where he spent the next fifty years serving the community and surrounding area in every position from assistant cashier to president. With a great love for the people of Blanco, he joined the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department in 1946, later serving as its chief for over a decade. He was a member of the Blanco Lions Club and served in American Legion Post 352 for over sixty years. He also served in the United Methodist Church and later the FIrst Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School classes and served as a Deacon. After retirement from the BNB, he devoted many hours as a Blanco County EMT. Known as “Mr. P.” to family and friends, he was perhaps best known for his generous, loving concern for others and his love for the Lord.

Aaron is preceded in death by his parents, Medora, his beloved wife of forty-eight years, and his brother Edward. Charlie and Christie Pratt reside in Mary Esther, Florida. Dixie Lenz makes her home in St. Hedwig, and Dale and Rita Steitle live in Burnet. He also leaves behind two granddaughters and their families: Clint and Cristen Pratt Herring, Jon and Carolyn Pratt Wilson, and five great grandchildren: Cara and Cate Herring, Gracie, Charlie, and Jon Cade Wilson, all of Auburn, Alabama.

Pursuant to his wishes, there will be no formal service at this time, but rather, a Celebration of Life at a later date. Having a great love for God, family, and community, Aaron often said, “The Lord has truly blessed me.”

The family thanks you for your love and prayers. For those who wish, memorial contribution may be made to Blanco EMS, North Blanco County EMS, Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Peyton Colony, or a charity of choice.

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Anna Mae Stewart, 83, passed away Saturday April 19th, 2014 at her home in Willis, Texas surrounded by her family. Anna Mae was born on May 31, 1930 in Voca, Texas to Jess and Minnie Boggs. She graduated from Brady High School in 1948 and attended Business School in San Angelo, Texas. She married Robert Curtis Stewart on August 20, 1949. She spent many years working beside her husband on ranches. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crocheting and watching the birds at her bird feeders. Anna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C Stewart; parents, Jess and Minnie Boggs and by her brother, Norman Dean Boggs. She is survived by her sister, Maxine Boggs of Brady , TX; three children: daughter, Shirley Laumer and Jeff Hendricks of Blanco, TX; daughter, Nelda and Ben Wolfe of Willis, TX; son, Leland and Terrie Stewart of San Antonio, TX; ten grandchildren, Jonathon Laumer and Alexandrea Peikert of Kempner, TX, Nathan Laumer of Blanco, TX, Heather and Glen Duty of Boerne, TX, Stacey Wolfe and Elizabeth Johnson of Willis, TX, Patty Wolfe and Frankie Berg of Willis, TX, Amanda Stewart of San Antonio, TX, Richard Green and Taylor Hunt of San Antonio, TX, Aimee and Troy Rollins of San Antonio, TX, Dustin Green of San Antonio, TX; great grandchildren, Savannah and Hailey Laumer of Kempner, TX, Morgan and Laura Duty of San Antonio, TX, Landen Martinez of Willis, TX, Jocylyn Brauning (Stewart) of San Antonio, TX, Cruz and Jade Coronada of San Antonio, TX and Eli and Jacob Green of San Antonio, TX.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Crofts - Crow Funeral Home in Blanco where funeral services will be held Thursday, April 24 at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Blanco Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Terrie Green, Lindsey and Katherine from Embracing Hospice, and Rose Stracner for all their help and support during this difficult time.

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In a press release issued by Blanco ISD on May 26, 2014, school officials issued a formal statement regarding an alleged End of Course exam testing violation.

According to the press release, “The allegation [reported on Wednesday, May 21] was that students were provided with some answers to the US History End of Course test before the test’s May 9 administration.”

The next day, Blanco ISD received notification from TEA officials that they suspected that a testing violation did indeed occur. They also told Blanco ISD that all its students’ US History End of Course scores would be invalidated.

“We are cooperating fully with TEA in regards to this allegation,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford, who referred to the investigation as “on-going.” “We would like to commend the many students who have been forthcoming with information regarding this allegation. At the same time, we are sorry that these same students are having their EOC test scores invalidated. This situation was not of their fault.”

According to the press release, make-up opportunities for BHS students will be in July and December.

“We will turn over to TEA all the information we find in regards to this allegation,” said Ford. “TEA will then determine what further action to take on this matter.”

Blanco ISD held a special board meeting on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:00 PM. After an executive session the Board approved the acceptance of the resignation of US History Teacher and Head Basketball Coach Jeff Akin.

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Blanco County Commissioners Court held a Special meeting on Tuesday May 27, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting was held in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, Texas. Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie and all County Commissioners except Blanco County Commissioner Paul Granberg attended the Special meeting. After Judge Guthrie called the Special meeting to order the Commissioners Court stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman read the minutes of the Regular meeting of May 13, 2014. Blanco County Commissioner Chris Liesmann gave a motion to accept the minutes as read, and this motion was seconded by County Commissioner John Wood. No discussion followed, and the minutes were approved.

Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners, “a petition has been filed and signatures have been collected for an election to be held on November 4, 2014. The election would legalize the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages, including mixed beverages.” Judge Guthrie added that he had heard of no opposition to the petition. Blanco County Commissioner Wood made a motion to order an election on November 4, 2014. The motion was seconded by County Commissioner Liesmann. Judge Guthrie asked if anyone wished to speak on this matter, and there was no discussion. The motion carried.

Blanco County Commissioner James Sultemeier asked the Commissioners Court to consider authorization for paving bids for Precinct Two. No discussion followed the motion made by Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier and seconded by County Commissioner Wood; this motion passed.

Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners Court that his office had received the 2013 audit for the South Blanco County Emergency Services District. A motion to accept the audit was given by Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier and seconded by County Commissioner Wood. There was no discussion, and the motion carried.

Judge Guthrie directed the attention of the Commissioners Court to the packets the County Commissioners were given regarding the 33rd & 424th Judicial District Courts Administrative Order Setting Compensation of Court Appointed Attorney Fees for Burnet, Blanco, Llano, and San Saba Counties. Judge Guthrie told the Court that he would answer any questions.

A public hearing had been held on April 9th, 2014 in Burnet County, Texas, pursuant to Section 551.001(3), Texas Open Meetings Act for the following purposes: Setting the criminal and juvenile fee for appointed attorneys at the standard hourly fee to $75 per hour. Setting the criminal and juvenile fee for appointed attorneys on capital murder cases at the standard hourly fee to $100 per hour. Setting the Child Protective fee for appointed attorneys at the standard hourly fee to $75 per hour. Set the maximum the number of payable hours for in-court at 10. Set the maximum number of payable hours for out-of-court at 10.

A motion to acknowledge the Administrative Order was given by Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier and seconded by County Commissioner Liesmann. The motion passed with no discussion or opposition.

The Commissioners Court approved the outstanding bills in the amount of $98,210.79. A motion for approval of the outstanding bills was made by Blanco County Commissioner Wood and seconded by County Commissioner Sultemeier. The business of the Special meeting was concluded after a motion to adjourn and a reminder from Judge Guthrie and County Commissioner Sultemeier for everyone to get out and vote.

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Pictured from L-R are Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Myers, Army Recruiter, Donald Boumans, John Hodge, and Petty Officer Tim Cardenas, Coast Guard Recruiter.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

On Tuesday May 27, an Honorary Commitment Ceremony was held in the Blanco High School Library for Donald Boumans and John Hodge. Boumans will be joining the Army, and Hodge will be joining the Coast Guard.

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The May 19th regular meeting of the South Blanco County ESD #2 began with a clarification to last month’s minutes. It was declared that all Fire Department funds kept in Blanco National Bank are tax dollars and that all funds in Cattleman’s (Lone Star) Bank are donation monies or revenue from fundraisers.

During the Treasurer’s Report, ESD Board President Ann Hall told attendees that the ESD had received a clean audit as done by Neffendorf, Knopp, Doss and Co. and gave a short overview. It was moved and approved to accept the audit. Treasurer Mary Ann Millard reported that after looking into CD options at other banks, she thought it would be better to stay with Blanco National Bank, but to look into their options again in September. She also reported a current total balance of $389,792.21. Finally, it was decided that it was time for the ESD to purchase a laptop computer with Office and Quickbooks for sole use by the ESD. The computer had already been budgeted for and approved to purchase.

EMS Director Mike West reported 76 calls for the month, including 17 walk-ups and 9 mutual aid calls, with an average response time of 6.79 minutes. As the budgets for EMS and VFD are due June 1st, West gave the ESD a look at some of the EMS’s expanded budget categories, “Ya’ll sent out a list last month, of how you wanted items broken down a little more, and I agree with that. This is simply a description of every account listing for Blanco EMS.” He asked the Board to let him know if they had more suggestions, and told the board he would be breaking down a few more line items, like payroll, before the Budget would be finished.

Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Sallman reported a total of 12 calls for the month, which included 2 EMS assists and 2 calls cancelled en route. Average response time was 10 minutes 42 seconds. He also reported that all 9 sets of bunker gear had arrived, as well as 9 sets of wildland gear. They also received a new training library and a new laptop, items that were funded with grants. The new extrication equipment, purchased partially with Fish Fry money and the cost supplemented with taxpayer dollars, has also arrived and been installed.

Fire Department Board President Harvey Lindeman reported that the Board had gained two new members and filled the Treasurer and Secretary Position with Jim Harris and Sally Windham respectively. ESD Treasurer Mary Ann Millard and President Ann Hall requested from the Fire Department Board clearer and more precise accounting reports during the monthly meetings. Specifically requested were accounting documents including Purchase Orders, Invoices, and receipts for large purchases, and a report of checks written. Lindeman replied that he would “take care of it.”

Dar Labarthe gave an update on the Strategic Plan. He explained that he had found a volunteer who will be working with him during the summer to “help develop a proposed action plan and time related targets that will be available for discussion by all parties by the end of the summer.” The volunteer is a Blanco resident and student at St. George University. The volunteer’s work will be part of a project for his academic program. As part of the Strategic Plan update, Fire Chief Ron Sallman spoke on a few items related to bettering Blanco’s ISO rating, including that the Fire Department now had access to a water tank in Rockin J, in order to better serve customers in that development. The Fire Department Chief and Board Members also reported that an “initial plan” had been developed for VFD to become a First Responder Unit.

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From L-R: Riley Watt, Talon Cain, Celia Kasberg, and Hannah Hulbert.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

Blanco High School’s Theatrical Design team had a very strong showing at the State Competition last Wednesday. Unlike other competitive events, the UIL does not separate the conferences for the Theatrical Design Contest. BHS’s team competed against all conferences 1A-5A. Team members include Juniors Celia Kasberg and Talon Cain, and Freshmen Hannah Hulbert and Riley Watt.

“To us, it really feels like a State Championship!” said sponsor Amy Arlitt. “Even though we placed fourth, the teams that beat us were 2 large 5A schools -Temple High School and Pharr San Juan Alamo. Both of these schools have very strong theatrical programs – they attend workshops in New York every summer and even host their own workshops on how to succeed in the Theatrical Design Contest. The third school that beat us was Houston School for the Visual and Performing Arts – a magnet school that has a heavy curriculum in theater work.”

The Theatrical Design contest is fairly new, established by the UIL in 2007. Students are given a prompt, and must design a “production” around that prompt. This year’s prompt was Tartuffe, by Moliere. The students spent their summer and weekends reading and watching several different versions of Tartuffe. Students enter in any of four categories: Costume (3 plates), Set Design (4 plates), Hair and Makeup (3 plates), and Marketing (4 plates). Each entry must also have a very well written paper justifying the design choices by the student. Four students may also join together and enter as a team – which is the event that Blanco students won 4th.

“The judges were very impressed with our work. We chose to apply a vintage circus theme to the story of Tartuffe, and it seemed to be a very popular entry among the audience,” said Arlitt. “They liked the cohesiveness of our design. Our entry was eye-catching, organized and clean – I am so proud of their work!”

“So many other students and parents were coming to take pictures of our display – it really made us feel important!” said freshman Riley Watt.

“Our critique was very positive. The judges pointed out several things to work on and improve for next year’s contest,” said junior Talon Cain.

BHS also had two individual projects qualify for state. Celia Kasberg qualified in Individual Costume Design and Shelby Jester qualified in Individual Hair and Make-Up. Both students had a strong showing in a very tough contest.

“We are already brainstorming ideas for next year’s contest. Our prompt is CATS – based on the Broadway show by Andrew Lloyd Weber and the book by T.S. Elliot. We have several ideas brewing, and we can’t wait to get started!” said junior Celia Kasberg.

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I started the eighth grade in Monterrey, Mexico. My brother Jay was in the third grade and Dale was in the second grade. Our school was located downtown near La Purisima Catholic Church which was a local landmark. Our home was located in the suburb of Colonia Vista Hermosa, some distance away.

My father was a building supervisor and his work required him to be frequently absent from home. My mother, although she had a Mexican driver license, didn’t feel competent to take on the wild and wooly traffic that thrived in that industrial metropolis. The school at the time did not provide transportation so it was pretty much up to us to get there. That meant using the infamous local bus system.

In 1957 most buses in Monterrey consisted primarily of what now would be considered ancient, run-down, worn out school-type buses. They had bald tires, rusted out frames, standard transmissions and were not shy about emitting grey clouds of smoke through noisy, loose mufflers. They tended to lean to one side because many of their patrons were forced to hang on to the outside of the overcrowded human transports as they bounced over the rutted and pot-hole filled streets.

Now, the start time of school coincided with most people’s need to be at work. If we failed to get an early start, which was often the case, we were the ones required to hang on to the outside of the bus. It was a wild ride but we got used to the challenge as the school year progressed. Besides, the ride home was usually a little more civilized since school let out before most folks got off work.

On one cold, winter morning we felt fortunate to get a seat located over the rear wheels. Because of the hump over the wheel well, our knees were drawn up under our chins. After years of use and abuse the metal over the wheels had rusted through. It was a rainy day and the pot-holes were filled with muddy, mucky water. When we got to our stop, there was a wet, yucky brown stain from my shoes, up my mid-section, and along one side of my face and into my hair. My brothers, who shared the seat with me, didn’t fare any better. We weren’t able to abandon the seat because the bus was too crowded. Our fellow students at school were, to say the least, amused at our appearance as we trudged into class that day.

As I look back, I don’t remember complaining about our plight or feeling unloved or abused by negligent parents. I guess we didn’t know any better. It was just the way things were.

Sometimes our journey through life seems to have us hanging on for dear life to the outside of the bus. Things don’t always go the way we think they should. No matter who we are or whatever our circumstances, we have to pass through trials and tribulations of one kind or another.

I recently read an article by Karen Paul in which she described some tough times in her life that resulted in her turning to alcohol and drugs to escape the anger that welled up inside her. At age 16 the message of some missionaries led to fundamental changes in her life but the transition wasn’t easy. Someone handed her a card that read, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

I think the rope represents life and by failing to be proactive in making good decisions, we let life slip through our fingers. Karen tied that knot and held on. She finished high school, took correspondence courses, worked several jobs, and paid her own tuition, fees, books, clothes, and room and board. Today she is a happily married social worker with four children who finds joy in serving others in her church and community.

(Ensign Magazine, August 2010, page 80)

It wasn’t easy hanging on to the outside of that bus in order to get to school, but I’m glad we did.

Now, given today’s environment, I wouldn’t want to send my children or grandchildren off to school hanging on to the outside of a bus. They won’t need that-- they’ll find plenty of trials and tribulations of their own enough to test their mettle.

Whatever the test, the main thing is to grab hold and to hang on for dear life.

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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AUSTIN — Early voting ended May 23 and Tuesday, May 27, was state primary election runoff day.

Voting records available to the public at the Office of the Secretary of State show that turnout is historically low for mid-term primaries and even lower for primary runoff elections. But what’s different about this set of runoffs — and something that should stimulate voter turnout — were the powerful offices at stake.

Tops in that regard was the race for lieutenant governor, the state’s second-highest-ranking executive post. Three of the lieutenant governor’s many important duties are picking committee chairs and members, controlling the flow of legislation and shepherding the state budget as a member of the Legislative Budget Board.

Republicans voting in the runoff for lieutenant governor chose between incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst of Houston and challenger Dan Patrick, a state senator representing northwest Houston. Dewhurst, as lieutenant governor, has presided over the Senate since 2003. Patrick, first elected in 2007, served as chair of the Senate Committee on Education in the 2013 regular session of the Legislature.

The winner will face Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio, a state senator who ran unopposed in the March Democratic primary. Van de Putte served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1990 to 1999 and has been a member of the Senate since 1999. She joins fellow state Sen. Wendy R. Davis, candidate for governor, on the Democratic ticket. Davis will face Republican candidate for governor Greg Abbott, current Texas attorney general, in November.

In the Republican runoff for attorney general, the choices were lawyer-legislators Dan Branch of Dallas, a state representative, and Ken Paxton of McKinney, a state senator.

For agriculture commissioner, Republicans chose between former state representatives Sid Miller of Stephenville and Tommy Merritt of Longview.

And, in the race for railroad commissioner, GOP voters chose between former State Rep. Wayne Christian of Center and Ryan Sitton, a Pasadena oil, gas and petrochemical industry consultant.

Democratic voters chose between runoff opponents Dr. David M. Alameel of Dallas and Kesha Rogers of Houston, who are vying to face incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn on the November ballot. And, for agriculture commissioner, Democrats chose between author-musician-humorist Richard S. “Kinky” Friedman of Medina and farmer-rancher-insurance agent Jim Hogan of Cleburne.

Perry writes to president

Gov. Rick Perry, who ran for president in 2012 and may run for president again in 2016, on May 19 posted an 873-word letter he signed and sent to President Obama about energy and the economy.

“You reassured the American people of your commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy to bring our nation closer to energy independence while creating needed jobs,” Perry wrote, and then suggested that the president take a “Texas approach” to create jobs and stimulate the nation’s economy by switching to a less-regulated strategy. That strategy would include such actions as stepping up coal-burning power plant capacities, opening the Keystone XL pipeline and increasing oil and gas operations on land and offshore.

Hurricane season nears

Texas Department of Public Safety, drew attention to the upcoming hurricane season, June 1 through Nov. 30, and urged Texans to assemble an emergency kit.

An emergency kit, the DPS suggested, should include essential documents, supplies and provisions. And, Texans should:

— Review hurricane evacuation maps and pick routes to safe locations;

— Plan how all family members and pets will evacuate safely and consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or older persons; and

— Stay informed about changing weather conditions.

In other news, the DPS announced on May 21 that trooper patrols would be "significantly increased" during the Memorial Day holiday, May 23-26.

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Blanco Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Libbey Aly presents the Chamber’s Night Sky-Friendly Business Certificate of Merit to the Old 300 Bar-B-Q. Old 300 owner, Mike Betzer (left), and manager, Ladd Pepper (right), received the award beneath the long dormant, “Y’all Come and Eat,” red arrow, now made Night Sky-Friendly.

On Friday, May 24, 2014, the Old 300 Bar-B-Q received the Blanco Chamber of Commerce’s Night Sky-Friendly Business Certificate of Merit. Chamber Executive Director Libby Aly presented the certificate to Mike Betzer, owner of the Old 300, on behalf of Curtis Knutson, Chamber President.

Mike and his wife, Sue, are intent on ensuring that the Old 300, situated at 4th and Pecan Streets on the corner of Blanco’s Historic Square, blends into the overall milieu of historic Blanco. One important way of doing this is to have outdoor lighting that does not trespass off the property line, does not produce annoying glare, and does not shine above the horizon to cause light pollution and degrade the nighttime skies above Blanco.

Preservation of Blanco’s night skies is an intregal part of Blanco’s Historic Preservation Action Plan, a plan approved by the Blanco City Council and overseen by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. Having starry skies is part and parcel of Blanco’s treasured rural heritage, a heritage that is diminished wherever there is light pollution. The Blanco Chamber of Commerce’s Night Sky-Friendly Business Recognition Program, implemented in cooperation with the Bee Cave-based Hill Country Alliance, supports this preservation goal by recognizing businesses with good outdoor lighting.

“We are excited about our Night Sky-Friendly Business Recognition Program and the positive support it has amongst our Chamber members,” said Aly. “We appreciate the support of the City Council and value our cooperation with the Hill Country Alliance. We look forward to recognizing many more of our Blanco businesses and organizations and to helping others make their establishments truly Night Sky-Friendly.”

For more information about the Chamber’s program and how to become a Night Sky-Friendly business, contact the Blanco Chamber of Commerce at (830) 833-5101; info@blancochamber.com. For information on how to join, for free, the Hill Country Night Sky Co-op, go to www.hillcountryalliance.org/HCA/HillCountryNightSkyCoop.

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Dr. Scott Jurica, DC, born in Austin and raised in south Texas, grew up around natural and holistic medicine his entire life. His parents made his baby food from organically grown food from their garden. As a child, he witnessed his cousin, Dr. Logan Cox, do amazing things on his patients and knew he had the same passion to heal and help people get healthy naturally.

Dr. Scott Jurica finished his pre-med studies at Texas A&M and his bachelors degree at Southwest Texas (now Texas State) in San Marcos. He then completed Chiropractic School at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, as well as his Masters in Nutrition, as well as in excess of 500 hours of postgraduate work with some of the most esteemed doctors in the world.

Dr. Jurica took on one of his greatest challenges and accomplishments by starting his practice in the heart of New York City. He can attest for anyone who deals with a high amount of stress in his/her life, by taking the leap to build his practice from scratch in the Big Apple. Through great faith and perseverance, the practice continued to prosper, as did he as a doctor and person.

While practicing in New York City, he fell in love with another native Texan, got married and started a family. Their son is now a toddler and they knew in their gut, returning home to Texas was inevitable. The path to get there was unknown, until now.

Once Dr. Scott Jurica was in contact with Dr. Schramm, he knew they were like minded and this was the right fit. Dr. Schramm is one of the most respected holistic doctors in his field and it will be exciting to partner with him and take what Dr Jurica has learned from practicing in NYC and add Dr. Schramm's 37+ years of experience.

Dr. Scott and wife Lisa are thrilled to be back in Texas and Dr. Jurica looks forward to bringing his knowledge and passion to each and every patient while working closely with Dr. Schramm during this exciting new chapter of his life. Everyone deserves to feel healthy, happy and full of life!

Please go to our website at www.drkenschramm.com and click on ‘about Dr. Jurica’ to read more and contact/welcome him. Or better yet, give him a call at (830) 992-9790, or email at info@drscottjurica.com. Be on the lookout for our Grand Re-opening at the end of June, and stop by during Lavender Festival for a meet and greet!

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To the Editor Blanco County News :

Subject: Bridge over Middle Creek just below Franklin and Middle Creek ranches.

It is my privilege to address you on the subject of the proposed bridge over Middle Creek. First of all, I am a founding member of Middle Creek Ranch (1983), so have almost 30 years of experience driving through this creek over the current low water crossing. It is absolutely, in my opinion, not a safety issue. With our dam right upstream of this crossing, only when the dam spillway overflows to the current crossing is there any issue. (This has happened only one time in my 30 years of crossing) Anyone with half a brain would not dare try to cross under such a condition and that has been the case during my history. Moreover, such a bridge would have a pronounced negative environmental and cost effective impact, i.e. disrupting the current topography, upsetting the natural ecology, cutting down existing trees for the approaches and exits of such a bridge, as well as a pronounced cost of fossil fuel and extensive capital expense for such construction.

I have been a practicing environmental professional engineer for almost 5 decades. I am ready to appear personally before the Commission to argue these points, technically and economically at your request and mutual convenience but also wanted to make the community aware of this situation.

Respectfully submitted:

Davis L. Ford, PhD, Registered Professional Engineer, National Academy of Engineering

Blanco Texas 78606

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More from Opinion.

“10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

11 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

I have a lot to be grateful for, what about you? I read a lot of things this past weekend, thanking the men and women who have fought for our country. I, too, am grateful for them and tell them so.

My little brother died in the line of duty as a police officer, and my daddy was a police officer all my life, so there is a special place in my heart for law enforcement, and I also appreciate the other people in the world who put their lives on hold to volunteer for the fire department and EMS, too.

But I really can’t remember reading anything to remind us to thank God for our freedom. It’s by His power that we are free, because He turns the hearts of men in power, and causes nations to rise and fall.

From the passages below we can see that God is in control.

Deuteronomy 3:21 “And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.”

When God is on our side we shall be victorious.

Joshua 10:40 “So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel commanded.”

Joshua 10:42 “And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.”

These are just a few reminders that God is in control. Thank God for our men and women who fought for our country, and thank God for bringing us victory in our battles to protect our freedoms.

May the Lord God continue to guard and protect us, enabling our men and women to be victorious again and again, and may our leaders be like Joshua, who did “as the Lord God of Israel commanded.”

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More from Focus on Faith.

Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend (commit, entrust) you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up (edify), and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Last week we talked about six reasons why a Believer should not live in sin, and how Biblical grace delivers from sin. This week, we will examine how we are declared righteous by God’s grace. Let’s get into the Word.

Rom 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Titus 3:7 - That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. We see from these two verses that we are justified, or declared righteous, by God’s grace. What is righteousness? The Greek word for justified - Dikaioo - means: to render, show, declare, pronounce, or regard one to be just, innocent, free, or righteous. By God’s grace, through faith upon Jesus, we are rendered just; declared innocent; pronounced free; and regarded righteous. This is our inheritance from God. Our righteousness is of Him (Isa 54:17).

E.W. Kenyon wrote: “Righteousness means the ability to stand in God's presence without the sense of guilt, condemnation, or inferiority; as though sin had never happened, as Adam did before he ever transgressed.” What a wonderful truth.

Some Biblical facts about righteousness:

1. Righteousness is a gift. Rom 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace… . Rom 5:17 - … they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Righteousness is a free gift. It cannot be earned, but only humbly received. It causes us to reign in life!

2. Righteousness is received by faith: Philp 3:8-9 …that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Rom 4:3 - For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. See also Rom 4:21-5:1.

3. Righteousness cannot be by works: Gal 2:21 - I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Read carefully Romans 9:30-10:4. If one tries to work for righteousness, they cannot have it. If one simply receives it by faith in Jesus Christ, it is theirs. This cannot be more clear. Hebrews tells us we must labor to enter into our Sabbath rest, and cease from our own works. That rest is Jesus Christ.

4. We must awaken to righteousness: 1Co 15:34 - “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” We must wake up to God's righteousness! Paul said it is shameful for us to not have the knowledge of God's righteousness! We must wake up, and come to a full understanding of our righteousness in Christ Jesus. This is where victory in the Christian life lies. This is where peace and acceptance with God lies. This is where joy lies. Until we awaken to this truth, that we are righteous with God's own righteousness - we will never have the relationship with The Father that He desires, and that He gave His Son to have with us. We must continually acknowledge every good thing in us in Christ Jesus (Phm 1:6).

5. Jesus has become our very righteousness: We have been made (to become, to come into existence) the righteousness of God in Christ (2Cor 5:21). It was God’s plan for Jesus to become our very righteousness; our very wisdom; our very sanctification; our very redemption (1Cor 1:30). Christians are new creations in Christ, which, according to God, are created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:24). If it was just man talking, I would say, “Impossible”. However, this is God’s eternal Word. These are the facts of our redemption. It sounds too good to be true; yet it is true. You see, God removed every barrier that hindered our perfect reconciliation and relationship with Him. This is His plan, not mans. In Christ, our sins are removed. In Christ, we are made righteous. In Christ, we have perfect relationship with The Father. This is amazing grace.

In Closing: Matt 5:6 - Blessed (supremely blest, fortunate, well off, & happy) are they which do hunger (crave, famished,) and thirst after righteousness (justification): for they shall be filled (gorged, filled to abundance, satisfied). If you long for, hunger, and thirst for righteousness, you will only be filled with it by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God gives good gifts, and one of those gifts is righteousness. Receive His righteousness today!

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More from Focus on Faith.

Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest basketball player to ever play the game, returned to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, to watch a ball game. Arriving at the gymnasium with a friend, they noticed that the parking lot was full. The friend suggested that Jordan park his car in an empty spot reserved for those with handicaps. Jordan refused to do so, and said, "Oh no, I couldn't do that. If Coach Smith (the UNC basketball coach) ever knew I parked in a handicapped parking zone, I wouldn't be able to face him." It's a good thing that no matter what position one reaches in life, there is someone we know, that the very thought of facing them, manages our behavior. Think about who that person is in your life. Now ask yourself, what choice would I make if I knew that person would find out!

Ultimately there should always be the thought of striving to please our Father in heaven. The apostle Paul's desire for Christians is that they "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects...(Colossians 1:10). Remembering that "there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13). One day we shall all stand before our Creator. Our choices should reflect that reality. Are you ready to face Him? Come and worship with us. Come and learn of His way for your life!

To request a free non-denominational Bible correspondence course or to ask a Bible question call 830-833-4884 or email bcc102@gmail.com - No personal contact will be made unless requested.

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More from Focus on Faith.

Not long ago I was taking my favorite dirt road run from my house, near Real Ale Brewery, down toward the square. From somewhere, I detected the sweet, very distinct fragrance of honeysuckle carried on the warm breeze blowing from the south, up the lane toward me. About 10 minutes later, rounding the corner at Live Oak and 6th, I saw the honeysuckle, blooming, growing along the fence to my left; beautiful, the scent heavy in the air.

Such it is with our approach to genetic potential. We begin to work; sense the coming of beautiful blossoms just down the road; around the corner…we feel it happening, but don’t SEE, yet. Like fragrance carried on the wind; we know it’s a matter of time until the honeysuckle becomes evident. We must continue on the path toward that corner where the flowers of our efforts become truly evident. If we stop running before we reach the blossoms, we’ll never know the beauty there; ahead. If we stop, we may never know what might’ve been…had we the onward path pursued.

I’ve run that route countless times in the almost three years since I came to Blanco. Most often I run alone. From time to time, I run with one friend or more. When we run together, we share energy and encouragement. We’ve noted that friends run faster and longer when running together. (I don’t keep track of how long or fast I run when I’m alone. I’m just happy to be out there moving my feet!) I know, however, that I love to work out with friends. I love knowing I’m part of motivating people to be strong and healthy; to be happy. There truly is strength in numbers. If you have a friend who’ll help keep you motivated, help encourage you to keep moving forward; that’s a wonderful way to go! Just keep pursuing that path.

Even now, as you’re reading this column, and thinking about what you might be doing, or what you CAN do to pursue the path, you may begin to detect the sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle… When you simply begin to THINK about making positive changes, the warm breeze begins to blow your way…and it carries upon it the scent of something beautiful. I’m not talking about what your body will look like when you’re healthy and strong. I’m talking about the way you will feel when you know you’re doing what you can to care for yourself the way only you are able! No one can do it for you. No one can smell the flowers for you. No one can pursue the path for you; however a good friend can encourage you. Find one! Find more than one, if you can! If you don’t know where to find one; find me! I’ll help you! But get your feet on the path! Inhale deeply, and fill yourself with the sweetness in the world outside yourself. It’s a beautiful world! Enjoy it as it is meant to be enjoyed.

I promise you this: it’s much easier to enjoy the honeysuckle growing on the fence when you get on your feet and get out there in the lane.

Sally Windham is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor in Blanco, TX. Please send questions and comments to sally.windham@yahoo.com.

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More from Fit Tips.

Blanco residents Suzanne Atkinson, seated left, and Steve Scheffe, standing, are new Master Naturalists, having completed an intense, 12-week course of study in mid-May and graduating last Thursday (May 22). Scheffe also earned his Master Naturalist Certification, with 40 hours of Volunteer Service and eight hours of Advanced Training completed during the year. Others in the photo are Jan Belz, center, and Katherine Romans, both of Austin, who also earned their Master Naturalist designation in a ceremony at The Trails Clubhouse in Horseshoe Bay.

(Photo by Kay Herring)

Two residents of Blanco – Suzanne Adkinson and Steve Scheffe – were among the 21 men and women who graduated last week from the 12-week Master Naturalist course of study offered this past spring by the Highland Lakes Master Naturalist Chapter.

Scheffe, who also spends time in Austin, earned a special designation – Certified Master Naturalist – for completing 40 hours of Volunteer Service and eight hours of Advanced Training during the year. Only 11 of the 21 graduates earned this designation by graduation time. Adkinson will earn her certification designation later this year.

The 40-hour course is part of a state-wide program sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Graduation ceremonies for the class were held Thursday (May 22) at The Trails Clubhouse in Horseshoe Bay.

The Master Naturalist organization and the course, which is offered every year, emphasize the inter-connectedness of humans and nature and prepare graduates to share their knowledge with others in the area through a minimum of 40 hours a year of Volunteer Service. All study is geared toward a better knowledge and understanding of the Texas – and specifically the Central Texas – ecosystem. The course typically starts in February and ends in May.

During the one-day a week, 12-week course, the students studied 20-plus topics, delivered by experts in the fields of ecology, geology, climate and soils, ecosystem concepts, plants, ornithology (birds), entomology (insects), ichthyology (fish), herpetology (snakes), mammalogy (animals), archeology, and the ecology and management of forests, aquatics, wetlands and rangelands. Extremely knowledgeable guest speakers on the topics and field trips to various locals in the Highland Lakes were highlights of the course, according to several graduates.

The course is offered annually, generally beginning in February. Requests for the limited class space of 20 should be made in January. Persons interested in knowing more about the Master Naturalist program can go to the Web site of the Highland Lakes Master Naturalist Chapter at http://txmn.org/highlandlakes/ .

In addition to the two Blanco graduates, the others in the Class of 2014 are: Marble Falls / Meadowlakes: Linda Brown, Kay Herring, Lou Ann Holland, Sandra Landis; Kingsland/Sunrise Beach: Judy Haralson, Marilyn McClain, Alice Rheaume, Tracy Salmi; Lynn Wolheim, and Jan Belz, Kingsland/Austin; Burnet: Mary Musselman. Horseshoe Bay: Donald Cruver, Hanna Drago, Ann Stevenson; Spicewood: Beth Mortenson, Anne Holly, Wayne Holly; Other Highland Lakes areas: John De La Garza, Buchanan Dam; Katherine Romans, Austin.

More than half of the students, who have already completed the 40 hours of Volunteer Service requirement, in addition to eight hours of Advanced Training, received their Certified Master Naturalist designation. They are Linda Brown, Donald Cruver, Hanna Drago, Judy Haralson, Lou Ann Holland, Mary Musselman, Alice Rheaume, Tracy Salmi, Scheffe, Ann Stevenson, and Lynn Wolheim.

Coordinator of this year’s class was Ralph Herter of Burnet; Melanie Huff was assistant coordinator.

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More from Community News.

Eight dollars a month was the salary paid to the young men who built many of the outstanding buildings and structures currently in existence in Blanco State Park, including the pavilion, picnic tables, stone dams, and the low-water crossing. Their work in the park was completed 80 years ago this month, and although their salary seems paltry by our standards, these men may have felt lucky to have any job at all. In fact, their employer was the Civilian Conservation Corps, which provided jobs to more than 500,000 young men during its existence.

In 1933, the United States was in the grips of the Great Depression, and more than 25 percent of the population was unemployed. To help relieve unemployment, the Civilian Conservation Corps was created as a public works project. The goals of the CCC were to promote environmental conservation and to provide jobs. In less than 10 years, the CCC built more than 800 parks and planted nearly 3 billion trees nationwide.

In Texas, Blanco State Park was among the earliest of the state parks improved by the CCC. The men completed their work by May of 1934, taking only 11 months to do their job. The park was opened to the public the same year. On your next visit to the park, admire the limestone and timber buildings, picnic tables, stone dams, bridges, and other structures that are the legacy of the CCC.

This monthly column is brought to you by the Friends of Blanco State Park, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting the park’s natural beauty for current enjoyment and that of future generations. It is easy to become a member of the Friends group. Just pick up a membership application at the park office, join us at one of our events, or call the park office at 830-833-4333.

Upcoming events:

Nature Walk – May 31, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Texas Outdoor Family – June 6 - 8

Birds at Breakfast – June 7, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Nature Walk – June 7, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Nature Walk – June 21, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Invasive Plant Removal – June 27, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Check this column monthly for more news about upcoming events and other happenings at Blanco State Park.

Did you know…….? A stone chair, sometimes called the “Indian Chair,” is located above the campground on a hill. There used to be a hiking trail to the chair, where one could sit and see a great view of the park and the river. However, dense woods now block the view.

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More from Happenings at Blanco State Park.