The annual Blanco County Youth Stock Show was held Jan. 15-17 at the Blanco County Show Barn. As in years past, the event, featured a whopping 525 entries, was a smashing success, according to Keitha Johnson, the director of the Blanco County Youth Council.

The stock show’s live auction final tally topped $362,000. The dollars are down a bit from last year, but Johnson noted that the number of entries were also slightly lower.

“It went pretty smooth,” Johnson said. “We had a few hiccups along the way, but all in all it went well.”

Blanco’s Brock Nichols walked away with the Grand Champion Steer. The newspaper has an insert inside today’s edition with a rundown of the show’s winners.

For Johnson, as well as all those who make the massive annual event a reality, the youth livestock show is truly about teaching character, values and good ethical behavior to its student participants.

“This is a learning experience,” Johnson said. “It is a growing experience. These kids have invested hard work and dedication to their animals. As an example, if one of the students has taken on a steer, or even a goat, it is a yearlong project. They brought the animal home. They halter broke the animal. They taught it how to work in the show ring. You have to teach the animal to break and to push. It is something that these young people have invested long hours, time and effort into. Then they get to show it — to display the hard work they have done.”

Work builds character, Johnson said.

“As soon as you’re done, you’re thinking about next year’s project,” Johnson observed.

Johnson became active as an adult volunteer with Future Farmers of America and 4-H after watching a younger sister participate in the livestock show. The experience brought back a flood of memories from her youth when she took part in the youth livestock show.

“I grew up raising angora goats and pigs when I was a kid and that is what we showed,” Johnson recalled. “Now I raise boer goats in what is basically our backyard.”

The lessons Johnson learned have stayed with her throughout her life.

“It is the camaraderie and friendships you make, that is what is special about it,” Johnson said. “Those are always good lessons to learn.”

For Johnson, a successful stock show is simply “doing your best.”

“You want to put all your effort into it,” Johnson said. “We want to provide a good atmosphere for these young people to participate in. This is a community-wide event and we want everyone to enjoy themselves. We hope we are creating good learning process. It is gratifying to see these students become good citizens, wanting to come back and get involved in this process and be a part of the organization again as adults.”

Johnson said the true joy for the volunteers at the youth livestock show is watching the young participants as they experience the different facets imparted through the process, culminating in the auction.

“It is a lot of fun to watch those first time showers,” Johnson said. “They are always so excited the first time they go into the ring to show an animal. You can see it in their eyes that they want to come back and do it again.”

And so Blanco County will as well, in January of 2016.

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More from Features.

It is time once again for the annual Daughters of the Republic of Texas Essay Contest. This year’s fourth grade topic is “The Runaway Scrape”. The seventh graders will be writing about “The Legend of Jim Bowie”. The deadline for entries is Monday, February 2nd. The schools of Blanco and Johnson City have all the information and forms needed for participation. Simply ask at the main office.

Last year’s winners were fourth graders Jack Ryan Johnson and Avery Marie Nance. Jack received the first place prize of one hundred dollars. Avery Marie won seventy-five dollars. LeaAnne Haley and a team of judges from DRT will determine the winning entries. On March 1st, winners will be presented with awards right here in Blanco County during the monthly meeting of the Pioneers Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

This is a great opportunity for students to research and to write about Texas’ exciting early history. Time’s a wasting. Y’all pick up the information at your school and submit your entry today!

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More from Community News.

Since last fall 2014, boys and their leaders from Blanco Boy Scout Troop 497 have been donating their time and effort to help the Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City get ready for their Grand Opening February 14th.This past Saturday, these scouts and adults helped paint, assemble tables and chairs, move furniture and clean up. There has been a tremendous amount of effort and work necessary for the Science Mill to open its doors to the public. In the past few months, the scouts from Troop 497 have accumulated 135 service hours on the various Science Mill projects in which they have been involved .The Hill Country Science Mill is almost ready to open—and Troop 497 is excited to have been able to participate in its preparation to serve the community by teaching that Science can be fun!

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More from Community News.

Coffee’s individual booth containing his personal memorabilia for museum visitors to view. (Courtesy photo)

Blanco’s own “Leon” Coffee has added another honor to his growing list of lifetime achievements. Last Thursday, Jan. 15, the famed Rodeo Clown, Barrelman and Bullfighter was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth along with World Champion Cowboy, Larry Mahan, Chris Cox and Johnny Trotter. Induction into Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed on individuals who have shown excellence in competition, business, and support of rodeo and the western lifestyle in Texas. The Hall of Fame is a museum whose past honorees include such names as: Nolan Ryan, Tommy Lee Jones, Trevor Brazile, Don Edwards, George Strait, Lane Frost, Ty Murray, Barry Corbin, Red Steagall, Tuff Hedeman, J.J. Hampton (17 time PWRA World Champion), Charmayne James, and Don Gay (8 time RCA World Champion Bull Rider). Each of the inductees has their own individual booth containing personal memorabilia for museum visitors to view.

Coffee, who was born in Blanco in 1954 and raised in Austin, has been a horseman and rodeo performer since he was a small child. His Father, “Luke”, taught Leon and his cousin, another famous Blanco personality - champion calf roper and horse trainer, Lawrence Coffee- the fundamentals of horsemanship and training that they have carried with them throughout their lives. In fact, Leon still owns a 40 year old Jenny, named “Matilda”, that he trained for his rodeo act and entertained thousands of fans for more than 35 years, though she is retired these days. The act was called “Hippie Motorcycle”!

Leon has been a lifetime ‘Gold Card’ member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) since 1973. He has appeared on TV, documentaries, and movies (“8 Seconds”, “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” and “Jericho”) throughout his career. But perhaps his most lasting achievements have been his participation in charity events and visiting and entertaining children in hospitals and schools around the country while participating in local rodeos.

Wearing his green hat, multi-colored shirt, and Wrangler baggies, Coffee is most recognized and best known for his crowd-pleasing performances as a Rodeo Clown, Barrelman and Bullfighter. While protecting cowboys has been his primary job, entertaining and making the fans laugh is his forte. He has appeared in thousands of rodeos around the United States. Locally, he has performed in the San Antonio Rodeo for 32 years and the Houston Rodeo for more than 20 years, along with multiple smaller local rodeos throughout Texas. He has received numerous honors in his 40+ year career. Among the highlights have been his selection to participate in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV six times, being named PRCA Clown of the Year in 1983, and honored for his sense of humor and entertainment by being nominated as one of the top three candidates for Clown of the Year from 1984-2001. In 2004 he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Belton, Texas for his more than 30 years of service to the rodeo industry.

Regarding his induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Coffee commented: “This honor is one of the most humbling and exciting I have ever received. To be in the same category as George Strait, Nolan Ryan, Don Gay and others (previous Hall of Fame inductees) is beyond my greatest expectations. I thank the Texas Hall of Fame for honoring my life’s work and contributions to Texas and our Western Heritage.”

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Starting with this issue, we as volunteers with the Blanco Good Samaritan Center are delighted to have a newspaper column that will allow us to share news and updates on a monthly basis.

As you may know, our all-volunteer center–which is a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization–provides food, clothing, and other aid to low-income families across Blanco County. We are funded by revenues generated by our thrift store and also by generous contributions given by individuals, churches, and other entities. We operate completely debt free.

The Good Samaritan was founded in April 1990 by citizens who answered a call made by the Blanco Ministerial Alliance to form a much-needed community outreach center. On that note, we plan to celebrate our 25th anniversary in April! Stay tuned for future information on a date and time.

In the years since, we have grown considerably in client numbers. For example, the center in January 2009 gave groceries to 120 families (392 people). In November 2014, we provided turkeys or whole chickens (along with other Thanksgiving fixings and regular groceries) to 239 families (804 people).

Toward serving our clients and customers even more, we now offer:

• Expanded hours of operation to include third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and (most recently) Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Scheduled a food stamp representative to be available the second Monday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon at the center.

Our 2015 slate of officers include Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, president; Pi Stone, vice president; Kee Hudson, treasurer, and Cerice Spivey, secretary.

Blanco Good Samaritan Center, 620 Pecan St., 833-5269, samaritan@moment.net. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and third Saturday, Thursdays until 6 p.m.

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More from Columns.

My Cowboy told me a story this evening about an old man who tripped over a piece of iron at Mobley’s Welding a couple of years back; The man made a big circle and came back around to the same spot, but the second time passing the iron, he stepped extra high and extra long to make sure he cleared the thing over which he first stumbled. (Cowboy wouldn’t tell me all of the expletives uttered in the process…). That reminded me of what my friend Kim said to me today, while we were running in the afternoon sun, along the Blanco River. I was complaining about feeling heavy and slow. She said, “Me, too.” Then she said, “Well…that just means we have to push ourselves a little bit harder, to make up for it.” I laughed at that and told her I was in high gear already. We made a date to run again Tuesday morning (so watch for us! Haha!) We plan to run faster and farther.

I have, on occasion over the years, asked, “Is this as good as it gets?” The answer to this question, in large part, is up to me. Whether or not my slow 4.5 mile run is the final result, or a longer, faster 7.5 mile run-- it is up to me. I can be satisfied with less (which is more than I used to do, don’t get me wrong), or I can continue to push for more (when I’ve allowed too much eggnog to slow me down, as is the case right now!).

How many times might I have to pass by that same piece of iron, and make a special effort to step over, instead of stumble? How many times will I gain a few pounds and then have to work to take it off? How about you? We each have our stumbling blocks; our pieces of iron…our eggnog. It’s the human condition. We don’t all struggle with weight. Some of us struggle with addictions to harmful substances. Some of us struggle with depression. Some struggle with financial hardships. There is no end to the list of human struggles. The question isn’t whether or not we will struggle. The question is HOW we will face the challenges that life will inevitably place in our path. There will be something to trip each of us, no doubt about that. Will we fall and stay down? Will we fall, then get up…then fall again? Or will we be like the man who stepped higher and longer, and stepped over that iron?

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

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More from Fit Tips.

Tax Forms have not yet arrived; this is the information we received from the IRS:

The IRS reminds taxpayers that filing electronically is the most accurate way to file a tax return and the fastest way to get a refund. There is no advantage to people filing tax returns on paper in early January instead of waiting for e-file to begin on January 20th.

Diana Blackburn will help patrons file again this year. Her time slots are the first Thursday of February, March, and April. Since they have added some new parts to the forms, the time slots are in 1 hour and 15 minute increments. Call 830-833-4280 to schedule your appointment today.

Here are the requirements: Adjusted Gross income must be under $60,000, you must have current E-mail Address, bring copy of 2013 Tax Return, bring your Health Insurance Policy Number and how long you have been with them, and returning customers must bring last year’s green folder.

Join us February 5th and 10th at 6:30pm for “Getting the Most Out of Your Computer” class. Learn more about your computer and get information about job training skills. Space is limited so please call 830-833-4280 to sign up for a seat today. Please bring your own laptop or tablet.

Join us February 20th at 6pm for our annual Friends of the Library Dinner and a Movie at the Old Blanco County Courthouse. At 6pm we will dine on a delicious meal provided by Onion Creek Kitchens and Sibby Barrett. Tickets are $20 each and make an excellent Valentine’s gift. After our meal, we will return to the Blanco Library and watch Second Hand Lions at 8pm. Pick up your tickets at the library or Liz’s On the Square.

Here is the menu for dinner:

Olive Focaccia with Salsa Verde Italian - Iceberg Wedge Salad with choice of Juniper Hills Farm Blue Cheese Dressing or Roasted Garlic Ranch - Chicken Scallopine - Corn and Risotto Stuffed Poblano Peppers - Green Beans with Peppers and Garlic - Manchego Olive Potatoes - Juniper Hills Farm Chocolate Layer Cake

Upcoming Events:

Blanco Book Bunch meets at the Blanco Library January 21st at 2pm and reviews the book: Kingbird Highway by Kenn Kaufman

Sunny the Reading Dog January 21st at 3:30pm

Getting the Most Out of Your Computer class February 5th & 10th at 6:30-8pm

Recently Added Bestsellers: Kill Switch by James Rollins, The King by J.R. Ward, Longbourn by Jo Baker, The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore, The Ultimate Survival Manual by Rich Johnson, and Wolf in White Van by John Damielle.

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More from Community News.

Many have heard of the 300 Spartans that stood in the gap to face the vastly superior numbers of the Persian army. They stood in a narrow passage so that the numbers of their enemy gave them little advantage. Let us consider the 3,000 who won a spiritual battle.

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). The day of Pentecost was a day of beginnings. Those present heard the gospel for the first time after the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus. The 3,000 of our text were convicted of the truth concerning the identity of Jesus - “God has made Him both Lord and Christ- this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:36-37). The 3,000 were those who received the word to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins - “Repent, and let each of you be baptized tin the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit....So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:38, 41). They were obedient disciples. The 3,000 remained faithful to the Lord - “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). These were not fly by night disciples but they continued the Christian walk. The 3,000 were added to one body, the Lords church - “...they were added that day about 3,000 souls...and the Lord was adding to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41,45). They had no need to join anything or be voted on for membership, the Lord Himself added them to His body.

You to can stand with the 3,000! Everyone who does as they did is counted as one among them.

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More from Focus on Faith.

I encourage you to read Ecc 5:1-7 carefully. Notice how much teaching on the power of our words is mentioned in these few verses. “Don’t give the sacrifice of fools (talk to much), for it is evil… don’t be rash with your mouth… don’t utter things hastily… let thy words be few… a fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words… don’t allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin… in the multitude is words is emptiness.” God doesn’t waste His words. The Bible mentions the power of our words dozens of times, so we can rest assured it is no small thing, but an important matter with God

Pro 17:27-28 says, “He that hath knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Want to be counted wise? Stop talking so much. Nature tells us we should listen at least twice as much as we talk, for we have two ears and one mouth. James 1:19 confirms this, in reminding us to be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Pro 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking: but he that refrains his lips is wise.” Sin is present where there is much empty talking. A wise man does not partake in it. King David understood this (Ps 17:3, 39:1, 141:3). He said, “I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle… . Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” From these verses, we learn: 1. We can sin with our words, not just our actions. 2. We need to ask the Lord’s help in controlling our tongue.

Pro 21:23 says, “Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” Though we cannot eliminate all trouble from our lives, we can cut back on it considerably if we’ll watch our words. Often our own tongue is our biggest reason for our troubles. Pro 13:3 - “He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”

Death and life are in the power of our tongues (Prv 18:21). We are created in God’s image, in His likeness. He speaks and things are created. He calls those things that be not as though they are. He taught us to speak to our mountains. He gave us tremendous power in our words, and we need to respect it and understand it. Our tongue is a sword, and “weapons training” is essential. Our tongues need to be controlled by The Holy Spirit, because we cannot fully tame it on our own (Jam 3:8). It grieves The Holy Spirit when we allow corrupt communication to come out of our mouths (Eph 4:29-31). We must yield it to Him.

Out of the abundance of our heart, our mouth speaks (Mt 12:34). This is why it is essential for our hearts to be established in grace (Heb 13:9). If our heart’s are full of God’s Word, then that is what will come out. We deceive our heart when we don’t bridle our tongue, and The Bible says our supposed religion is in vain (empty). A good heart will bring forth good fruit (Mt 12:35), so we must understand a mouth problem is most likely a symptom of a heart problem. As our heart is full of God’s Word, our mouth will be, too.

Jesus said that we will give account for every idle word on the day of judgment, and that by our words we will either be justified or condemned (Mt 12:36-37). Obviously this is an important matter to God, so it should be to us as well. Cussing, gossip, back-biting, murmuring, complaining, lying, filthy joking - will all be judged. Even if you think it, at least let it die there; but don’t give voice to it. Words can be apologized for and forgiven, but they cannot be taken back. Once they are out, they are out. You can’t reel them back in.

Our speech is to be with grace, seasoned with salt (Col 4:6). Never compromise the truth, but speak it with a heart motivated by love. Love for Jesus and for other people. Sometimes the truth hurts, but God’s Word says that if we speak, it should be in line with the Word of God (1Pt 4:11). We should rather be hurt with the truth, than coddled with a lie. Let us speak as in the presence of Jesus. Whatever we do in deed - or word - let us do it in the name of Jesus (Col 3:17). Let us ask ourselves, “What would Jesus say? Or, “If I were in His presence (which, in reality, we always are), could I have this conversation, or be saying these things?” If not, let the thought die, and don’t let it out of the mouth. Our words are a powerful force. Let us use them for good, and for God’s glory. Selah.

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More from Focus on Faith.

Has anyone ever told you that “a lot of people don’t like you”? Someone told me that one day. In my heart I remembered that Jesus said “22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. Matthew 10:22-23

I didn’t ask why people don’t like me, although I was curious. I have not plotted against anyone, or done anyone harm, so, I’m not sure if I believe it. But, if it’s true, I’m thinking it’s because I love Jesus, and His Word is truth. People who love God are “peculiar!” Yep, I’m weird. But, everyone has idiosyncrasies! Some just don’t know it! Hah! I’m radically in love with my Saviour, and not afraid to say it. We have a job to do, and that is to tell those who don’t know Him how good He is, and that He loves them and wants all to be saved.

Zacharias said: “68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” Luke 1:68-75

It seems like each generation of people get closer to God. I mean, it seems to me more people are pouring over God’s Word. That may be fulfilling prophecy, as it is written in Acts 2:16-21: “16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Our pastor reminded us of something really important today, and that is that Lucifer was the beautiful angel who said “14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:14

Since he wanted to be like “the most High” who is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit, he will be working miracles that Jesus also did, so as to deceive people into thinking he’s a great angel (or person) doing works of God. Jesus said “16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

We still have a message to share; a race to run.

Titus 2:11-15 “11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”

Rebuke means to correct. But, if you don’t want your nose punched, you’d best think twice before you correct some people! In fact, there’s another Scripture that says “7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Proverbs 9:7-8 (I think the blot is a wound of some type!)

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More from Focus on Faith.

Want to change the looks of a room? There are so many ideas out there! You might have searched the Internet or in books, etc., to find ideas. But, how do you get started? Some projects you can do yourself, whereas, others you might need to call in a skilled contractor. If you are doing something simple like painting a wall with designs, you might want to do it yourself. But if you are looking at cutting on a wall for a more open concept, you might want to call a contractor. Either way, plan what you want to do, budget the improvements, and set a deadline to getting it done.

Here are some simple things to spruce up a room. Painting a single wall can add an accent to the room. For a kid’s room, you can paint a mural (if you are that talented, go for it). Adding crown molding at the ceiling and wall areas is a nice accent. You can use crown molding/chair rail approximately 3 feet from the floor on the walls and paint the two different sections different colors. Or instead of crown molding 3 feet up, use a wall paper border. With a wall paper border you might want a dark color on the bottom and a lighter color up top. Instead of using paint on the lower 3 foot portion of the wall, try using tin, wood, or another fun material and just leave the top plain. Painting with a sponge can give a cool look. When using a sponge, you will need at least 2 different paint colors. Window designs can change a room too. From Blinds, drapes, materials draped across, shutters, and more. Lights can be upgraded to include new fixtures, hanging designs, can lights, ceiling fans with lights, to name a few. If you have concrete, wood, tile floors add some rugs to change it up. If you really want to change your floors, you might want to look at going to a different floor type.

Major sprucing up would include cutting walls, changing out flooring, adding a fireplace, or adding a wing onto a room. These all can be done and will definitely change the looks but will take a bit more planning, time, and money.

For ALL Your Real Estate and Building needs or questions, call Debbie at (830) 833-4249 / (713) 818-6658 or debbie@vallonerealestate.net

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More from Putting the Pieces Together.

Emergency Services District #2 President Ann Hall discusses the organization’s master plan as Dr. Darwin “Dar” Labarthe, board vice president, looks on during regular session on Monday, Jan. 26. ESD #2 accepted a plan, in principle, to reconstitute the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department under its umbrella in keeping with its master plan (Charles McClure photo).

Emergency Services District #2 (ESD #2) accepted in principle an agreement with a reconstituted Blanco Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) to negotiate a contract to provide fire service during regular session Monday, Jan. 26 in the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corp Training Room.

The agreement is the latest move that will help better integrate the fire department with the ESD’s strategic plan.

The breakthrough came as a result of a meeting among local BVFD members on Saturday, Jan. 17.

“I saw a motivated, gung-ho, willing-to-move forward, let the past be the past group,” said Jack Twilley of the meeting among firefighters. Twilley served on the BVFD board and has now been appointed to serve in a similar capacity on the three-member committee that will oversee the volunteer fire department by ESD #2.

The current BVFD sent a letter last year to ESD #2 asking to dissolve its contract with an eye toward putting the master plan on a fast track. ESD #2 seeks to reorganize services and better integrate fire and emergency medical services. When the current BVFD board of directors meets next, its officers will resign and the organization will officially be dissolved in favor of the new one.

The new BVFD will have one full-time, professional firefighter who will head up training and assist with the organization of the volunteer corps. BVFD has appointed Robert Stewart as its new chief. The hierarchy will include an administrator, two captains and two lieutenants.

“This plan will see cost reductions,” Twilley told ESD #2. “We haven’t gotten out the pencil and figured every single thing, but it should provide enough savings to see a good reserve for capital expenditures and other needs.”

Twilley said firefighters believed it was essential to maintain a professional presence in the department, particularly for training volunteers.

“With firefighting, you’re never finished with training,” Twilley said. He also pointed out that approximately 82 percent of calls to BVFD come between 8 a.m.-6 p.m., when the professional firefighter would be on duty. He also said that some of the savings the department will experience should be reallocated for continuing training purposes. He also noted that savings could also be used to purchase new equipment and other capital expenditures.

Twilley said BVFD chose to terminate the existing contract with ESD #2 so it could “accelerate the integration of the two departments.”

ESD #2 has sought to better integrate EMS with firefighting services so it could better serve the needs of both departments, which include overlapping responsibilities as first responders.

“The volunteer firefighters have been an organization here for many years,” explained ESD #2 President Ann Hall. “Through the years the number of paid firefighters has increased. It seems like as that number [of professional firefighters] increased, the number of volunteers decreased.”

The proliferation of paid firefighters has become a strain on the ESD #2 budget, which is legally capped and finite. Meanwhile, modern trends have seen an increasing overlap in the skills needed to do both jobs.

“Across the nation, the impetus for integrating fire and EMS services has been dollar-driven,” Hall said. “All firefighters who are trained and come through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection are cross-trained as emergency medical technicians (EMT).”

Hall noted that EMS frequently has to take patients long distances to facilities that can best treat the symptoms.

“Unlike in a city where you can run down the street to the hospital, our EMS frequently is a ‘transport company,’” Hall observed. “They don’t like to be referred to that way, but a turn-around trip, say if they take a patient from the Red Bud Café to San Antonio Methodist Hospital can take two or three hours. There are three hours that we are ‘without’ [professional medical services]. So if you have a fire department where you have EMTs, we may not have a command vehicle, but you can at least administer basic medical service until Johnson City, Bulverde, or Spring Branch — whoever is closest — can respond.”

She noted this is why cross-training is more important than ever.

“The goal, ultimately, is to have the healthiest community in the Hill Country,” said Dr. Darwin “Dar” Labarthe, vice president of ESD #2. “We need to bring the entities together to have some economies of operational cost, be more efficient and to see an improvement in fire and EMS to support each other in their missions.”

While ESD #2 and the new BVFD have to hammer out exact details of the new agreement, both sides expressed extreme optimism that they have laid the groundwork for a new and productive relationship moving forward.

In addition to Twilley, David Lageman and Dustin Beaudoin will round out the new BVFD oversight board.

Firefighters and ESD #2 both want to encourage residents to volunteer with the fire department and would also like to see the auxiliary reform to assist the department.

In other business, the ESD #2 unanimously voted to conduct a forensic audit, which will help it establish a solid fiscal baseline as it moves forward with its long range goals.

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While Blanco and surrounding counties enjoyed generous rainfall last week, the Texas Hill Country remains in a drought that has gripped the area for more than eight years.

The economic hardship that has come with decreased rainfall prompted the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to issue a disaster declaration on Jan. 7, which includes Blanco County, according to information provided by County Judge Brett Bray.

The designation has paved the way for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a primary natural disaster declaration due to the damages and losses incurred in the past year by producers. Farmers and ranchers in these counties may qualify for natural disaster assistance.

“Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses,” said the USDA’s Brenda Carlson. “The FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.”

Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has also issued loan assistance to small businesses.

In both cases, applications need to be filed no later than Sept. 8.

In addition to Blanco, 199 Texas counties — as well as 1,000 additional counties scattered throughout 25 other states — have been included the USDA’s declaration, making this the most widespread drought in the U.S. since 1988.

According to the SBA, small, nonfarm businesses are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster.

“These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary counties that began in January of 2014,” said the SBA’s Garth MacDonald.

MacDonald said SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster.

Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

According to the SBA, eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits “without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.”

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. However, in drought disasters nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance.

SBA applicants may apply online using the electronic loan at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or e-mailing.

For more information about SBA’s disaster assistance programs, visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.

(Editor’s note: This article was compiled by Charles McClure. He can be reached at cmcclure@blanconews.com.)

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Hector Morales and Jenny Kuhnel have opened the Bean and Biscuit, a coffee and baked goods shop on the Blanco square. (Charles McClure photo).

The Bean and Biscuit has opened its doors, offering coffee and baked goodies to local residents in a relaxed atmosphere complete with WiFi connecting patrons to the Internet and beyond.

The coffee shop is a labor of love for married couple Hector Morales and Jenny Kuhnel, computer programmers with a young family who saw a business opportunity on the Blanco Square.

“”I wanted to raise our kids here in the country,” Kuhnel said. “We are able to work from home a little bit, as well as commute into San Antonio. Since we both work for the same company, we kinda wanted to see if we could support ourselves in Blanco without having to commute so much.”

When the couple moved to Blanco a year and a half ago, they noticed there wasn’t a coffee shop in the community.

“That’s how it started,” Kuhnel said.

Morales noted his wife “loves to bake,” and that seemed like a perfect marriage for a coffee shop. He can hardly contain his admiration for her.

“She’s a programmer, a baker and an artist,” Morales said, flashing a big grin. “She would come here at night to get the coffee shop ready.”

Morales said he was impressed with her hard work, adding that the couple stays busy with two young children, as well as their careers.

While it wasn’t the aim of the Bean and Biscuit, the new coffee shop dovetails perfectly with the Blanco Comprehensive Plan, according to Keep Blanco Beautiful’s Retta Martin. The same can be said of Blanco National Bank’s renovation project that faces the square.

Martin said the plan showed that residents were concerned with downtown and wanted to see improvements. But in the 10 years since the comprehensive plan was completed, the town square has seen much of its precepts become reality, particularly with the addition of Uptown Blanco, as well as the restaurants.

“The restaurants play an important role and have truly done a great job,” Martin observed.

Blanco Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Libbey Aly is also pleased to see Bean and Biscuit as its new next-door neighbor, as well as the Blanco National Bank renovation.

“We are always so thrilled when a new business opens in Blanco,” Aly said. “Someone choosing Blanco, to start a new venture, is like a pat on the back for us as a community. New businesses, like the Bean and Biscuit, are sure signs of positive growth. There was so much excitement when folks heard that a coffee shop was coming and it is so nice to have them.”

According to Blanco National Bank Executive Vice President Dixie Hall, their project is about two months away from completion, but was more than a mere facelift for the building. The bank has been an essential part of the community since it first opened in 1906. It’s moved around a few times over the years and was even located in the old courthouse at one time.

“It is a beautification project, but it didn’t start out that way,” Hall said of the bank’s current project. “We had some structural repairs that were needed on the porch.”

The need opened the door for a beautification project.

The comprehensive plan called for a mixture of downtown businesses, as well as the improvement of the appearance of the downtown area. Businesses like Bean and Biscuit, the restaurants, Uptown Blanco, and the renovation at the bank are embodiments of good planning. Another essential aspect of the comprehensive plan is the historical preservation; the historic courthouse as well as the bowling alley are examples of those goals.

Martin did point out that one aspect of the plan that has not been fully addressed is improving the safety and traffic along U.S. 281. She is also concerned that the comprehensive plan needs to be updated now that it is a decade old and is hoping the City of Blanco will pursue a revision in the near future. The Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative assisted the city in the assembly of the master plan; however, neither agency offers those services to local communities any more. That means it is likely up to the city to either fund an overhaul or to find a grant to pay for it.

As for the Bean and Biscuit, they are currently operating on an abbreviated schedule while they search for an employee to run the shop on weekdays. The coffee shop is open on Friday from 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

“We’re looking to get the doors open during the week, but are screening candidates at the moment,” Kuhnel said.

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Juan Quezada spent his boyhood scouring the canyons and forests of Mexico’s Sierra Madre in search of wood with which to make charcoal to sell in the local markets. Wherever his huarache-clad feet carried him in that rugged but scenic land, he found evidence of a past civilization, mostly in the form of pottery shards. He was fascinated by the intricate designs he found that had been hand-painted on the beautifully wrought clayware. He became so obsessed with it that he set out on a life-long journey to duplicate the fine Paquime Indian pottery with its unique appearance.

In the canyons he found multiple sources of clay and experimented with it until he believed he had discovered the ancient blends. Using brushes made from his daughters’ hair and pigments he made himself from native plants and minerals, he duplicated the old colors and designs and fired his creations in rustic “kilns” using cow chips. Now, more than half a century later, he is recognized throughout the world as a master craftsman and teacher. His pottery has been displayed in the Los Angeles Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institute.

In 1994 it was my privilege to lead a group of American art teachers into Mexico to sit at the feet of the master potter in order to learn his creative secrets. The instruction took place in the remote mountains of Chihuahua in a place called Cave Valley—so designated because of the many Indian cave dwellings lining the canyon walls. We set up camp at the foot of the most prominent of the dwellings called Olla Cave, so called because of the huge adobe and straw structures found therein that were used anciently to store grain.

After we had been there for several days, my father braved the rough terrain in his pickup to bring us news from his little hometown of Colonia Juarez. He informed us that, because of the drought, a family of bears had been sighted in the apple and peach orchards that the Mormons cultivated along the banks of the Rio Piedras Verdes. He said the whole town had gone up the river to see a bear cub that had taken refuge in an apple tree. Sr. Quezada listened with interest but made no comment.

About a six weeks after our highly successful art expedition had ended, my wife and I made a trip from El Paso to Mata Ortiz, the humble home of Juan Quezada, to present him with a little memento of the experience. During our visit, he said (in Spanish), “Do you recall when your father came up to the camp and said there was a bear in a tree near Colonia Juarez? Well, to tell you the truth, I did not believe him. I have been all over these mountains my whole life and I had never seen nor heard of a bear hereabouts nor had I ever seen any bear sign. That is, until shortly after our workshop. Because of the drought,” he said, “there was a wildfire not far from where we had camped.”

It was then that he called for his son, who appeared in the room cradling in his arms a rather feisty young bear cub. (I was surprised at how long the claws were on that little critter!) “We found this cub hugging a tree that had been burned black. Most of the animal’s hair had been singed off and the little fellow was almost dead--but he was still clinging to that tree. We brought him home and have been nursing him back to health. Soon we will take him back to the Sierra and turn him loose. I will never again doubt your father’s words.”

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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AUSTIN — January 20 was inauguration day for Gov. Greg Abbott, successor to Rick Perry, who completed a record-setting 14 years as governor. Abbott is the 48th governor of Texas.

Abbott expressed gratitude to the people who elected him and promised to “promote policies that limit the growth of government, not the size of your dreams.”

“Texas truly is the land of opportunity, the place where anyone can achieve anything,” Abbott said. “But as great as Texas is there’s more we must do: More for the families stuck in traffic. More for parched towns thirsty for water. More for parents who fear their child is falling behind in school. More for employers searching for skilled workers. More for our veterans who return broken from battle.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, successor to David Dewhurst who served at the post for 12 years, also addressed the crowd at the inauguration. “In my campaign,” Patrick said, “I pledged to secure the border, to lower property and business taxes, prioritize, reform and improve public education, build our infrastructure and protect life, family and the Second Amendment. That’s what I pledged to do as a candidate and that’s what I will do as lieutenant governor.” Patrick is the state’s 42nd lieutenant governor.

Patrick awards chairmanships

On Jan. 21, the Texas Senate voted to cut the number of standing committees from 18 to 14 and Lt. Gov. Patrick, as president of the Senate, named committee chairs and members of each committee.

Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Grapevine, was named chair of the body’s 15-member Committee on Finance and will manage the writing of a state budget to be melded with a version originating in the Texas House. Nelson served as chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services for several legislative sessions. Earlier this month, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said some $113 billion is available for general-purpose spending in the state’s 2016-2017 fiscal biennium. For comparison, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs’ revenue estimate for the current 2014-2015 biennium was $92.6 billion.

Other standing committee chairmanships assigned by the lieutenant governor include: Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, Committee on Administration; Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs; Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, Business and Commerce; Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, Criminal Justice; Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Galveston, Education; and Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, Health and Human Services.

Also, Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, Higher Education; Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, Intergovernmental Relations; Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, Natural Resources and Economic Development, Natural Resources and Economic Development; Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, Nominations; Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, State Affairs; Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, Transportation; and Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, Veteran Affairs and Military Installations. Sen. Birdwell was named chair of the Border Security Subcommittee of Campbell’s committee.

‘Three-fifths rule’ adopted

On Jan. 21, the Texas Senate voted on procedural rules for the current legislative session.

Notably, the body dispensed with the traditional “two-thirds rule” requiring that at least 21 members of the 31-member body agree to bring up a bill before it could be debated on the Senate floor. All 20 Republican members of the Senate and one Democrat, Sen. Lucio of Brownsville, voted in favor of adopting a “three-fifths rule” so that as few as 19 members of the body need agree on whether to bring a bill to the Senate floor for debate.

In the course of a two-hour debate opponents said, in effect, that the rule change would give too much power to the majority party and erode the body’s history of bipartisan cooperation and consent. Sen. Eltife said the “three-fifths rule” would help the Senate “to govern in regular session and complete our work in a timely manner.”

Unemployment rate falls

Job growth continued with an upward trend in December and Texas saw an increase of 457,900 seasonally adjusted total non-farm jobs over calendar year 2014.

December was the fifth straight month of record-breaking annual job growth for the Lone Star State “and over the month, the state gained 45,700 jobs, marking 51 straight months of employment growth,” the Texas Workforce Commission reported on Jan. 23.

In addition, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in December, down from 4.9 percent in November and down from 6.0 percent a year ago. This was the lowest Texas unemployment rate since May 2008, Texas Workforce Commission said.

Andres Alcantar, chairman of the state agency, said, “Every major industry added jobs over the year, benefiting from a strong business climate and a growing, competitive and high quality Texas workforce.”

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As the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) reorganizes to better integrate with local Emergency Medical Services under the umbrella of Emergency Services District #2, it will have a new person at the helm.

Robert Stewart has been named the new Fire Chief for BVFD. He was selected on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and introduced himself during the ESD #2 meeting on Monday, Jan. 26 in the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corp Training Room.

“I worked in the Spring Branch area and Bulverde,” Stewart told the ESD directors. “I also worked with Canyon Lake Fire and EMS. At that time, that department was both volunteer and paid.”

Stewart will have his work cut out for him as the BVFD reorganizes under the ESD #2 strategic plan that seeks to better integrate fire and EMS services. It is a task that he fully embraces.

“I am trying to get this up and running,” Stewart said. “I think we can do it. It will be a challenge, but I have confidence in our plan moving forward.”

Stewart is a lieutenant in the Blanco Police Department.

“He’s has a background in fire and police work,” said Jack Twilley, who has been appointed by ESD #2 to serve on the oversight board of the reconstituted volunteer fire department. “He has a lot of talent and experience. I think he will do a fine job.”

A local resident was curious about his dual role with the police and fire departments. Stewart said he would do his best.

“It is going to be a challenge, but I’m up for it,” he said. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”

Stewart succeeds Ron Sallman and has been serving as assistant chief.

Stewart graduated from Smithson Valley High School in 1998 and has long been a volunteer firefighter in the area, even while in school. In 1999, he graduated from the Canyon Lake Fire Academy and was hired as a full-time firefighter by the Bulverde Fire Department, while simultaneously volunteering in the Spring Branch Fire Department. He holds Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and has also worked in Hays County for both fire and emergency medical departments.

Stewart’s dedication to public service, particularly since he began at such an early age, has earned him a reputation as a dedicated public servant.

He graduated from San Antonio College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2008 and joined the Blanco Police Department to train. In 2009 he joined the Blanco Police Department in a full- time capacity and was quickly promoted to sergeant. He has earned numerous citations for exceptional service.

One of Stewart’s primary goals will be to encourage more participation on the part of local residents with BVFD, particularly as it transitions into its new role with EMS, both of which are administered by ESD #2.

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer firefighter must be 18 years of age, have a clean criminal and driving record, and have available time for training and education. Call 830-833-5009, or drop by the Blanco Fire Station at 503 Pecan Street for more information.

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Blanco County Commissioners voted to close a bank account that was used by the Pct. 1 Constable Larry Haley during regular session in the county courtroom on Tuesday, Jan. 27 in Johnson City.

Bobby Fenton is now the Pct. 1 Constable and will not use the bank account.

“The current constable [Bobby Fenton] doesn’t use the account,” said Blanco County Judge Brett Bray. “He gives the money that comes into his office directly to the county.”

“It’s just one more bank account that doesn’t have to be tracked or audited,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Paul Granberg.

About $120 remains in the account and will automatically be forwarded into the Pct. 1 Constable’s fees’ line item in the overall county budget.

In other business, the county has put a 2006 Ford F150 pickup truck that is being retired by the Blanco County Sheriff’s Department up for sale with GovDeals. GovDeals provides services to various government agencies that allow them to sell surplus and confiscated items via the Internet. Each participating agency has its own auction rules and regulations and is subject to associated government ordinances.

“We have been waiting on this one [the truck being put up for sale] and there will be a couple of others soon,” said Bray. “We are going to have a surplus [equipment] push through GovDeals.”

Pct. 3 Commissioner Chris Liesmann said the F150 had been stripped of its law enforcement equipment, which can now be used on other vehicles as needed.

“We took out its lights, sirens and radio,” Liesmann said. “We are going to keep the lights at the sheriff’s office just in case they are needed on another car if some go out.”

Commissioners also voted to pay county bills and approve minutes of previous meetings.

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Rev. W. B. “Wally” Hiller, 93 of Blanco passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Visitation was held Friday, January 23, 2015 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco. Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Blanco on Saturday, January 24, 2015 and burial with full military honors was in Blanco Cemetery.

Rev. Hiller was born August 4, 1921 in Santa Barbara, California to Glen Norman and Burnie Thelma (Lowry) Hiller. Rev. Hiller entered the United States Army in 1939, where he served as Sgt Major and received his call to be a minister; he retired from the military after 22 years of service. He attended the Perkins School of Theology and continued to serve the Methodist Church until his death. Rev. Hiller was the Blanco First United Methodist Church preacher in for many years. Rev. Hiller is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Vinyard in 1999 and his parents.

Rev. Hiller is survived by his daughters; Sharon Greathouse and husband Rusty of Prairie Village, KS., Elizabeth Quist and husband Roy of Front Royal, VA., three grandsons; Michael J. Quist, Timothy J. Quist and wife Mary Beth, Andy Bloomer and wife Mary, three granddaughter; Mary Elizabeth Davenport Quist, Deborah Mance and husband Gary, and Joanna Dietz and husband Norm. Eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Family request donations be made to: Henry House Assisted Living, 515 3rd Street, Blanco, TX 78606, Live Oak Medical Center, 618 Live Oak St. Blanco, Texas 78606 or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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David Stanley Gray, 68, passed away January 21, 2015 in Blanco, TX. He was born July 10, 1946 in Dallas, TX to William R & Agatha Joan Pappas Gray. David was raised in San Antonio and graduated high school in San Antonio. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas in 1968. David spent the next several years traveling the U.S. and meeting his wife Deborah. They settled in Blanco in 1976 where they raised their three sons. He enjoyed ranching, gardening, and working in his wood shop. David was an avid naturalist, conservationist, and was earth conscious long before it was popular. David was also very passionate and well recognized for his winemaking talents.

David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deborah Williams Gray, three sons, William “Billy” Gray and wife LouAnn, David L. Gray and wife Jeannie, and Monte S. Gray and wife Kimberly; brother, William Dennis Gray; sister, Jean R. Gray; nine grandchildren, Taylor, Regan, Harrison, Hannah, Zachary, Rhett, Mason, Wyatt, and Gus.

Private services are to be held. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Parkway Fellowship, 27043 FM 1093, Richmond, TX 77406.

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