Scott Grote’s cell phone has been buzzing a lot in recent days after his family was featured on the cover of Texas Monthly. The cover story centered on large Texas ranches, and the Grote spread is pretty big at 1,275 acres.

“Oh yeah, my phone is definitely ringing,” Scott Grote laughed. “People see the cover and then see us at the store: ‘Hey, saw you on the cover.’ It is kinda neat, actually.”

While landing on the cover hits a high water mark for the family, it is actually the family values and friendships that have mattered most to the Grote family.

“The ranch has absolutely molded who I am,” Scott Grote admitted. “It has taught me the importance of stewardship of the land and to have an appreciation for the property, as well as the values you learn — hard work and determination. Those are some of the things we depend on most in life.”

Texas Monthly Deputy Editor Katharyn Rodemann noted that big ranches and Texas are at the core of Lone Star mythology.

“Land has always had a hold on Texans — the scrubby terrain and endless horizons of our state have long informed our identity, our outlook on life, and the stories we tell,” Rodemann said. “In the past few years, Texas has experienced a boom in ranch sales, and we wanted to take a closer look at this phenomenon: where and how and why this land is selling, who are today’s ranch owners, and what notable properties are part of this boom. Our cover package aims to explore this modern land rush while also trying to capture a more timeless truth too—that Texans love, and always will love, their soil.”

Scott and Melissa Grote run the ranch today and live there with their two children, Willow and Gray.

“Our children are the fifth generation of Grote’s to live in this home,” Melissa Grote told Texas Monthly. “There are many benefits to being raised in the country; it helps kids feel connected to something that is larger than themselves.”

The Grote’s understand that there is no “better or worse” when it comes to where one lives, but the family also understands that home is where the heart is.

“We’ve always exposed our kids to the many positive things about city life, but when I ask them where they plan to live in the future, they say the ranch,” Melissa Grote said.

For the Grote family, it all starts with August Grote, who came to Blanco County at the end of the Civil War. The ranch was founded in 1870.

The ranch has raised cattle and sheep and still does to this day; however, the Grote’s of this generation have to be creative to hang onto the large spread. The Grote ranch is in the Texas Hill Country, which has a semi-aired climate. The area has frequently been described as ‘being in a perpetual state of drought, interrupted by times of Biblical flooding.” So making a living strictly from ranching is not so easily done.

“My wife and I both work other jobs so we can maintain the ranch,” Scott Grote said.

The Grote’s know it is their good fortune to continue a way of life that is eroding with the encroachment of an increasingly technological society.

“We keep hearing about the fragmentation of land and how many [ranches] are getting smaller,” Scott Grote said. “It is more and more a dying way of life. There are fewer and fewer people living on ranches and farms.”

The home place only grows more precious for the Grote family and they are thankful for their rural roots.

“This is a great place to grow up,” Scott Grote said of Blanco County. “It is wonderful place to live. I love the small town atmosphere where everybody knows everybody in the area. You have those great relationships with other families that have been built through the years. I suspect that isn’t as easy to do in a big city.”

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The City of Blanco is reviewing its Sign and Zoning Ordinances to better serve its citizens. To accomplish this goal, the City Council requested the Planning and Zoning Commission to review existing Ordinances and make recommendations.

The P&Z Commission formed two subcommittees to review the Ordinances and it began asking the citizens of Blanco to share their views. The following questions are further effort to gain citizen’s insights as how the Ordinances could be improved:

-Are you aware that Blanco has a zoning map that governs what type of development can be constructed in the City? For example, can a business be constructed next to your home? What concerns or issues do you have with current zoning? (Give examples)

-Are you familiar with the Blanco sign ordinance? If so, what things (types of signs, height, setbacks, etc.) would you like to see changed, added, or removed?

-Are you aware that Blanco has rules against junk vehicles, dilapidated buildings, litter, and other issues to maintain a clean City? If so, what things would you like to see changed, added, or removed?

-Some Blanco citizens believe that the City has too many rules and would prefer that Blanco develop unhindered by such rules. Do you believe that too many rules exist? (Yes or No) Please explain your answer.

-Some Blanco citizens believe that the City should maintain its “rural character”. Do you agree? (Yes or No)) Please explain your answer.

-What other issues would you like to see addressed by the City of Blanco? Please explain your answer.

-Would you be willing to serve on a Citizens’ Committee to study and make recommendations to the City Council regarding issues such as local employment, hospital and fire protection, public drinking water, rural character of Blanco, youth recreation, City finances, etc.? (Yes or No) If Yes, please provide contact information.

You may include your name and/or business name with your answers. The commission also requests that you state if you live in Blanco.

You can return your answers to blancoPZSurvey@gmail.com or mail them to Bruce Peele, PO Box 1655, Blanco, TX 78606.

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Carmen R. Borrego passed away on February 1, 2015 at CTMS San Marcos, Texas.

She was born on November 15, 1930 to Rito and Carmen Rodriguez in San Antonio, Texas. One of three siblings, she was 84 years old and is survived by one brother, Jose Rodriguez from San Antonio, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jose L. Borrego, and her brother Clemente Rodriguez.

She was married in San Antonio on January 15, 1952. She is survived by five children; Juanita B. Lopez of San Antonio, Jose R. Borrego Jr, Eluira B. Licea, JoAnn B. Amador of Blanco, and Esperanza B. Metcalf of Marble Falls. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 6:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, Blanco, located on Logan’s Way.

She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother and very well known in the community for her strong faith. She will always be remembered.

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Thanks to Life Scout Morgan Lockwood and his Eagle Service Project, the Blanco State Park has new Bluebird Nest Boxes with critter guards on the posts. Check them out!

Morgan put his project together in November and made arrangements with Kate Boysen, the Park Ranger (Interpreter.) Morgan acquired the expense of the project from donations. The plans for the Nest Boxes were decided on by the Park. Morgan, with a lot of help from the Scouts in Troop 497, built the boxes, installed the posts, Nest Boxes, and the critter guards. The Eagle Service Project affords the Scout the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership skills and it must be for the benefit of the community.

This project is just one of many requirements that must be met for a Scout to earn his Eagle Rank. Additional requirements are a total of 21 Merit Badges must be earned (Morgan has earned 43), positions of leadership must be held in the Troop, volunteer hours must be performed, and Scout spirit must be demonstrated by living the Scout Oath and Law.

Morgan attends Troop meetings, Scout Summer Camps, Scout Winter Camps, and STEM Camps plus the monthly weekend camping his Troop does. Troop 497, sponsored by the Blanco United Methodist Church, had 2 Eagle Scouts in 2014 and Morgan is one of several working on Eagle in 2015.

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Described as a “violinist who most often takes your breath away” by Gramophone Magazine, and praised as an “expressive and passionate chamber musician” by the San Antonio Express-News, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio enjoys a varied performing and recording career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader.

Artistic Director of Cactus Pear Music Festival, which she founded in 1997 while serving as Concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony, Ms. Sant’Ambrogio performs regularly at summer chamber music festivals including Music in the Vineyards (CA), Tuckamore (Newfoundland, Canada), and Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (WA). Ms. Sant’Ambrogio has performed as a soloist on the foremost stages of the U.S., including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, Ghana, Italy, Peru and Chile. Currently Associate Professor of Violin and Viola and the Director of the Orchestral Career Studies Graduate Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, she is also a member of the University’s trio-in-residence, Argenta.

The pianist for this concert is Gregory Allen, a formidable soloist as well as collaborator. He is currently Professor of Piano at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has taught since 1973; he has become one of the most sought-after teachers in the country. He is also a founding member of the Chamber Soloists of Austin, a mixed ensemble that was chosen to appear at the Kennedy Center’s Texas Festival in 1991. The group has also toured South America as Artistic Ambassadors of the U.S. Information Agency. He was the Grand Prize Winner of the 1980 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv; he also won the Second Prize at the 1978 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, as well as top honors in the Los Angeles Young Musicians Foundation, Washington International, and Gina Bachauer Competitions. His concert engagements have included appearances with the New York, Los Angeles and Israel Philharmonics, the Brussels RTF and Jerusalem Radio Symphonies, and the orchestras of San Francisco, San Diego, Baltimore, Austin and San Antonio. He has appeared in recital at Washington’s Kennedy Center, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium, and Brussels’ Palais des Beaux Arts.

Remarkably, Blanco music lovers will have the chance to hear these incredible musicians at the next Blanco Performing Arts concert, The One I Love, on February 21 at 7:30 pm at the Uptown Blanco Ballroom in a program of Mozart, Strauss, Paganini, Ken Benshoof, and Fazil Say. Tickets are available at BlancoPerformingArts.com or by calling 830-385-1173.

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Today my 10-year-old daughter came to us with excitement about a swimming hole that only she and her sister knew about. She wanted to share it with us and pleaded for us to follow her so she could show us where it is. It never occurred to her that she isn’t the first child to explore Sleepy Creek and the hills of Sleepy Hollow. We had to laugh at her childlike amazement and wonder, and of course we followed her to the ‘best swimming hole ever.’ It was a beautiful, fun family morning.

So it is with most of us, when we discover something fantastic. Unlike my little girl, we may realize we aren’t the first to pass this way or that, but the excitement and wonder are new to each of us when we first behold something magnificent. That sort of epiphany can’t be simply given to someone in no position to perceive it. Like trying to explain the taste of sugar on the tongue to someone who has never tasted sweetness, it is impossible. One must know the taste of sweetness to understand sugar.

If you have never before felt personally physically powerful and free, it’s difficult to explain the feeling of such strength. It’s difficult, too, to inspire one to work diligently for something which he may not truly desire…because he doesn’t really see the beauty in it. In such cases, it’s by the testimony of multiple witnesses that truth is made known to those with eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand. Barring a serious, acute medical condition that would prevent it, you will benefit from regular physical activity outside your comfort zone (check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns). If you will get up and get going, you will see for yourself; it feels good to be strong. It really does!

When you feel powerful and capable and unfettered by the chains that bind you, you’ll realize for yourself what so many have already found. You’ll feel the excitement and joy of discovery, like my little girl, having first found that beautiful swimming hole, fed by a spring that has flowed for hundreds of years before she was born. You’ll be excited and want to share what you’ve discovered with those you love. I’ve seen it happen many times. People get moving and before long, they’ve got their friends and family moving, as well.

Before long, you might be like us; swimming in the creek in early February, feeling like the only people who ever did that!

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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Blanco Middle School, displaying a strong ensemble performance that has become a tradition, won the District 25- AAA One Act Play competition held Wednesday at Lago Vista High School.

“Blanco had the best ensemble cast of the day,” said critic judge Patty MacMullen, who awarded Blanco first place honors over three other schools.

Four cast members were named to the All Star cast, one member received honorable mention, and one member was named to the All Star crew.

Blanco performed the play “Tracks” by Peter Tarsi, a cryptic and mysterious work in which nine strangers from different parts of the world end up in a subway station waiting to catch a train. Through their interactions with each other, they slowly realize that they are dead, and they speculate as to which of the two train platforms lead “up” and “down.”

Middle School OAP director Amy Arlitt was proud of the students’ performance. “The OAP competition is such a challenging event for students at the middle school level,” she said. “It requires quite a bit of maturity and responsibility just to get through the contest.”

“Add in talent, memorizing lines, blocking, reaction, listening, etc., and you’ve got a very high level of competitiveness and focus these kids have to reach in order to be successful.”

The challenge to put together a winning performance was substantially increased when the UIL informed Arlitt in December that the original play they had been practicing did not meet qualifications.

“We had to start all the way over,” said Arlitt. “I ordered new scripts over the holidays and had to just make a gut decision with a new script.”

“Taylor Kotfas and I sat together on our teacher workday on January 5, and cast the play and blocked the first half of the show. We had a little over two weeks to pull this production together. That is a ridiculously short amount of time to organize a contest piece.”

“These students really, really committed themselves to memorizing lines and making every minute of practice count.”

“They did fantastic!”

Eighth grader Brynn Kirkland, who played the Nun, said, “One of the themes of this play is to have faith in one another. We only had twenty-three days to pull this play together, so we really had to have faith in each other to give a good performance.”

Eighth grader Taylor Kotfas, who played the Businesswoman, said, “I had a great time! I feel we were well prepared, considering how little time we had. It was a good experience, and I plan to carry on through high school.”

Critic judge MacMullen concluded her remarks saying, “The cast owned their characters and were believable. They worked well together. Overall it was a great performance.”

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Drew Ritter and Thomas Kirkscey finished 7th and 9th respectively at the UIL State Congress competition held last week at the Capitol. Forty-nine students from throughout the state qualified for the event.

“Thomas and Drew were honored to have been able to compete at the state capitol during the opening week of the new legislature,” said UIL Director Dr. Russell Kirkscey. “To have two students in the Top 10 in the state in any UIL academic event is always a great accomplishment.”

In addition to the UIL State Congress, high school UIL Academic students also distinguished themselves in meets at Poth and Burnet.

“This was the first week that a large part of the team has competed,” said Kirkscey. “We beat several other very strong schools at three different contests.”

“We had great leadership from our juniors and seniors, and some good early performances from the novices. Jayme Mowrey is an eighth grader competing at the high school level, so we have a lot of great expectations from her in the next few years.”

Senior Ashley Hall said, “We’ve been working a lot on research and writing cases on the new LD Debate topic. It looks like we’re going in the right direction.”

Senior Colton Barrow said, “We came out ahead of some good competition at Poth.”

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Eleven Blanco Middle School students earned Region 12 All Region Band honors in auditions held at Navarro High School on January 20. Two additional students made first alternate.

Over 600 middle school musicians tried out for a spot in the band. The schools came from 2A, 3A, 4A, and private school districts.

“These students worked for weeks on their audition music, and can now be called some of the best in the region,” said band director Brian Hecimovich.

The All Region Band’s public performance was Tuesday, January 27, in LaVernia at 7:00 PM.

Blanco Middle School Region 12, All Region Band Honors went to; Mitchell Barnett- Alto Saxophone, Jacob Kasberg- Alto Saxophone, Christian Flores- Baritone, Jimena Alegria- Clarinet, Lili Avila- Clarinet, Cami Manriquez- Clarinet, Anna Olmedo- Flute, Sheyanne Canoy- French Horn, Elizabeth Wheeler- Percussion, Zach Collins- Tenor Saxophone, and Daniel Thomas- Tuba. First Alternates: Cadence Drum- Percussion, and John Kainer- Tenor Saxophone.

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The Panthers lost to the Ingram Warriors, 51-61, on Tuesday, January 27 and fell to the state-ranked Jarrell Cougars, 44-74, on Friday, January 30.

Jacob McCaslin led Blanco firing in 22 points. Tyler Schlinke scored 11, with Ty Royce sinking 5. Justin Williams, Dylan Tesch, and Hugo Rodriguez each scored 2 points. Individual points for the Ingram game were unavailable at press time.

The junior varsity I team fought for a 39-27 win over Ingram.

Jacob Robinson paced the team with 12 points, followed closely by Cade Smith with 10. Peyton Van Dyke added 7 points.

The junior varsity II team lost a close game, 23-29, to the Warriors. JoMac Crofts led Blanco with 9 points. Hayden Hunt scored 4, with Lance Reinhard and Joaquin Olmedo adding 4 each. The Jarrell JV game score was unavailable at press time.

The Panthers travel to Lago Vista and Florence this week, and then return home on Tuesday, February 10 to clash with the Comfort Bobcats.

Correction: Chail Knoll made 15 points in the JV 1 game versus Gateway on January 23.

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The Lady Panthers overwhelmed the Ingram Lady Warriors, 63-24, on Tuesday, January 27.

Jamie McClinton paced the Panthers scoring 15 points. Lexee Jenkins followed closely sinking 13 points. Payton Savarino scored 9 points, with Charlsey Smith and Reagan Rogers each adding 8. Kendall Brock and Gracie Edmondson each made 4 points. Abbie Culton scored 2.

The Panthers lost to the Jarrell Lady Cougars, 51-64, on Friday, January 30. McClinton had the hot hand ripping the nets for 24 points. Smith sank 11 points, with Rogers adding 8. Jenkins, Edmondson, and Kaleigh Griffin each scored 2 points.

The junior varsity posted a 38-24 win over Ingram. Andrea Calzoncit fired in 19 points to lead Blanco. Skyler Wiseman sank 8 points, with Katlinn Calzoncit scoring 6. Madison Kneese made 3 points and Cheyenne Dechert and Victoria Moya added 2 points each.

The Panthers travel to Lago Vista on Tuesday, February 3 and to Florence on Friday, February 6. The girls teams play their final home game on Tuesday, February 10 versus Comfort.

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Sibby Barrett, one of the most talented chefs in the Texas Hill Country, will be preparing the meal for “Dinner and a Movie,” on Friday, Feb. 20, beginning at 6 p.m. To reserve a ticket, call the library at 830-833-4280, or email blancotxlibrary@gmail.com.

Looking for something fun to do? If you are free, the Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. for the Blanco Public Library's annual Friends of the Library Dinner and a Movie at the Old Blanco County Courthouse is probably the perfect event.

"At 6 p.m. we will dine on a delicious meal provided by Onion Creek Kitchens and Sibby Barrett," said library director Crystal Spybuck.

Tickets are $20 each and make an excellent Valentine's gift.

After the meal, those on hand will return to the Blanco Library and watch Second Hand Lions at 8 p.m. 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

Barrett is a born and raised true Texan, spending most of her years in Dallas and some of her childhood growing up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her interest in food and cooking sprung from some of these early childhood experiences in Mexico. The mercados, the street vendors, the colors, the smells, all left a strong impression. She also credits her father for a lot of her cooking style today. He exposed her to a variety of ethnic cuisines and shared his love of bold and spicy foods.

Barrett now brings her culinary passions to the Texas Hill Country.

In 2001, shortly after her ranch home, Juniper Hills Farm, was completed, Sibby began facilitating Yoga retreats and cooking weekends. In her own "Onion Creek Kitchens", she now offers a full curriculum of cooking classes. She has also developed a line of spice mixes and a specialty of the house condiment, "Salsa Verde Italiano".

This area of the Hill Country is ripe with opportunities for the food lover.

To reserve a ticket, call the library at 830-833-4280, or email blancotxlibrary@gmail.com.

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The construction of a bridge on Middle Creek Road will have to wait until an environmental impact study is conducted after a motion to advertise for sealed bids died for lack of a second during regular session of the Blanco County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Feb. 10 (Charles McClure photo).

JOHNSON CITY — A motion by Pct. 4 commissioner Paul Granberg to advertise for sealed bids to build a bridge to replace a low water crossing on Middle Creek Road died for a lack of a second during regular session of the Blanco County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the courthouse.

“The property and right-of-way have been donated,” Granberg said. “The engineering study has been completed. The next phase is that we should find out how much the project will cost and the only way we can do that is to submit it out for bids.”

However, County Judge Brett Bray, an attorney, expressed concerns that Granberg planned to advertise for sealed bids without first conducting an environmental impact study.

“When I was here [as a citizen observer in the courtroom before his election] and the court authorized the engineering study, there was a discussion about an environmental study,” Bray said. “What if I am a contractor and I have offered a bid, not knowing what I might have to do to mitigate environmental concerns?”

Landowners on either side of the low water crossing are advocating for the bridge; however, some area residents are against its construction and have threatened a lawsuit, and would use an environmental impact study to thwart the project.

But Granberg said he thought it was premature to conduct an environmental study.

“It seems to me that there is no need to do an environmental study at this point,” Granberg said. “The information I feel I need is the cost of the construction project so I can find out if the funding I have available is adequate. If the funding is not adequate, I guess my only option is to wait until the next budget year.”

Pct. 4 commissioner Christ Liesmann said he was concerned that if a bid was approved and then an environmental study either took too long or raised significant concerns, the contractor who won the bid would not be legally accountable for it after 30 days, according to state law.

“In this situation, there is no state money, no federal money involved,” Granberg said. “So, people who are knowledgeable about this said they don’t feel it is necessary to spend the money on an environmental study. I understand your concern. There is an opposition group that has said it will use an environmental study to stop the project.”

“When you say they are going to use the environmental study to stop the project, that kind of sounds like a lawsuit to me,” Bray countered.

“I assume that is their strategy,” Granberg responded, noting an environmental study would cost approximately $5,500.

“Don’t you think spending $5,500 on an environmental study would be cheaper than a lawsuit?” Pct. 2 commissioner James Sultemeier questioned.

“If you proceed with the bridge without the environmental study and then end up in a lawsuit, why not just do the environmental study first?” Liesmann asked.

Bray pointed out that if a lawsuit is filed, it would be against the county, not just Precinct 4.

“It’s your precinct and it is your money,” Bray said. “But when you bring in the element of a potential lawsuit, it brings another aspect to this situation.”

After the motion failed, Granberg said he would place the environmental study on the next agenda for the court to decide.

In other business, the county authorized Bray to sign agreements with both Blanco and Johnson City independent school districts to use its handicap voting machine in their upcoming May school board elections.

The court also authorized Bray to declare a parcel of land at 200 N. Ave. G as surplus property so it can determine the maximum price it might fetch if put up for sale. The court also gave Bray authority to hire an appraiser to give a value on the entire property, part of which houses a local food bank.

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Jerry King, KKYX Radio (left) Mike Davis, Jordan Ford (back), and Dennis Moore (right). (Courtesy photo)

The Blanco Buggy Barn was honored with a First Place Most Authentic Plaque in the 2015 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Western Heritage Day Parade. This was the second appearance in this parade and the second time to win first place.

It was a cold windy morning as the many volunteers and riders loaded wagons and horses to head south to San Antonio. There was excitement all around, especially from our honored guests, Jerry King, KKYX Radio and Mike Davis, Jordan Ford, who loaned a brand new Ford F250 to help pull the wagons to town. Another guest, long-time Radio and TV Personality Bruce Hathaway, sat proudly in his carriage as it passed the crowded grand seating on Houston Street as the parade route headed toward the Alamo. You almost felt like you were back in a time long ago, herding the longhorns across the open plains as these historic wagons passed you by. The professional wagon drivers, Llano Baumgartner, Kenneth and Dennis Moore, and Chilo Avila mastered the parade route.

The crowd was excited and clapped and hollered as we rode in front of them. Many were standing the entire time with eyes wide opened. The children lined up the sidewalks of Houston Street with mouths opened surprised to see these giant wagons. The Buggy Barn had not one, but two Hitch wagons (some call them the Budweiser wagon because of its shape and strength.) Of course, what’s a parade without the popular trolley wagon and a special Carriage.

Many guest riders enjoyed proudly riding on these vintage wheels. Many memories of the past came back, and new memories were created this day. A luncheon after the parade at the headquarters of the Rampage Ice Hockey team was provided as each exhausted participant glowed.

“It was worth all the work,” stated morning KKYX DJ Jerry King. “This is a unique business and the city of Blanco can be proud as it was recognized for its generous hospitality and warm friendship. I can’t wait til next year!”

And, the Buggy Barn is not done yet - four of the valuable historic wagons featured in several movies are now on location at the grounds of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. They are featured in a special western area for all to view. The show opens February 12 and runs through March 1st at the AT&T Center.

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Carson Kipp played as a punter and defensive back for 2014-2015 Varsity Panther Football season. He is pictured at center with his parents, Shawn Kipp and Mike Kipp, after the signing ceremony (Diana Schwind photo).

On College Football National Signing Day, February 4, Carson Kipp signed a commitment letter to play football for the Texas A&M Commerce Lions.

“This is a day I’ve been looking forward to most of my life” said Carson at the signing in the Blanco High School Library. He went on to thank his teammates, coaches, teachers, and friends who have contributed to his football experience in Blanco.

The journey to Commerce began with relationships that were formed starting in the summer of 2011 in Canyon, TX. when Carson attended a football camp at West Texas A&M University. It was there that he met Coach Don Carthel, the Head Football Coach at WT and his son, Colby, who was the defensive coordinator. Carson ended up at the WT camp because his sister, Sydni, was singing in the Texas Musical, just outside of Canyon. Carson returned to the camp in the summer of 2012 and continued to develop relationships with the coaches at WT, as well as, demonstrate to the coaches the kind of player he was on the field.

After the 2012 season, Coach Colby Carthel took over the Head Coaching duties at A&M Commerce and took several of the WT coaches with him, including his dad, Don. The coaches stayed in contact with Carson throughout the past 2 years and invited him to visit campus a couple of times. After those visits, they asked Carson to be a part of the Lone Star Conference Champion Texas A&M Commerce Lions Football Team.

On National Signing Day, Coach Don Carthel sent a text saying “We look forward to many good days ahead. Carson will be a valuable asset for us on and off the field.” The Coaching staff said they are looking forward to having a very athletic punter and they also want to look at Carson as a running back or slot receiver.

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Spotlight on Blanco Elementary... The Blanco Independent School District placed its “spotlight” on Blanco Elementary School Council members this month. The school has two councils, one for the fall and one for the spring. All who served are outstanding students, according to BES principal Linda Romano. Pictured from left to right are Hannah Moore, Jaden Cortez, Jacie Gloor, Conner Omo, Lucas Villarreal, Ella West, Joseph Hernandez and Lauren Anderson (Charles McClure photo).

Blanco Elementary School Principal Linda Romano will be leaving the district at the end of this year. The Blanco Elementary School District accepted her resignation in regular session at the high school library on Monday, Feb. 9.

Romano joined the school district in August of 2012.

“It is with reluctance that we accept Linda Romano’s wishes to return to retirement,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “She came to us highly recommended, and she didn’t disappoint. She set the bar high for professionalism and responsibility at the elementary school. Her love, support, and advocacy for kids drove all her decisions. Students were number one with Ms. Romano, and she had the leadership skills and integrity to see that their best interests were advanced. We thank Ms. Romano for her three years here, and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

BISD approved contract extensions for Dr. Dustin Barton, Thomas Cozzi, Kay Fraser, Danny Rogers, Kathryn Rutherford, and Keitha St. Clair.

Trustees received results from the 2014 Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use last week. The survey was administered to students in grades 6-12 last spring.

“Our administrative team has been reviewing the results,” Ford said. “The data are very broad and descriptive. They provide us with a foundation upon which to address future planning.”

The Texas School Survey is an annual collection of self-reported tobacco, alcohol, inhalant, and substance use data from students in individual public schools throughout the state of Texas. The survey is conducted by Texas A&M’s Public Policy Research Institute in conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The survey has been conducted in school districts since 1988. The data collected is used to inform state-level policy making, as well as local-level policy making as appropriate.

“This is the most authoritative school survey of drug and alcohol use in the state,” said Ford. “Its findings are statistically reliable.”

The report is comprised of four documents and a state comparison report comparing Blanco to a representative sample of sixth through 12th graders.

“We care about our students,” said Ford. “We want to protect all our students from drug and alcohol abuse, and we want to keep drugs and alcohol out of our schools.”

BISD board president Matt Herndon said the school district would do all it could; however, the ultimate authority with a child’s behavior rests with parents.

“I appreciate what we are going to try to do, but it takes a community-wide effort,” Herndon said. “And mainly, it is the parents who have to be on the ground floor. If we get parents involved and can maintain discipline, we can maintain involvement. Everyone knows that is a hard thing to do.”

Some of the findings noted in the Executive Summary were:

- The general use of tobacco products among Blanco ISO students in 2014 was higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide;

- Blanco ISO students were drinking alcohol in 2014 at rates higher than those reported by their peers statewide;

- Overall, the use of inhalants, illicit drugs, and of marijuana in particular, among Blanco ISO students in 2014 was lower than that reported by their counterparts statewide.

“There were things we saw in the results that demonstrated we have been doing some things right,” said Ford. For example, he noted that Blanco students responded they learned about drug and use from school educational programs at higher rates than their comparative group in the state.

“We have a lot of good things currently in place,” said Ford. “We have a strong extracurricular program, with a diversity of offerings. These activities provide students with incentives to do well in school, and they provide supervised programs for students after school hours.”

“We have strong positive behavior support programs at each campus, and appropriate class sizes staffed by a faculty of dedicated and compassionate teachers.”

“Our district is also dynamic, with systems in place that allow it to adjust to change and improvement.”

Ford notes that the complete elimination of student drug and alcohol use is an idealistic, but daunting, goal. He acknowledges that to accomplish that goal, the school can’t do it alone.

“The elimination of student drug and alcohol abuse necessitates a holistic, community-wide approach,” said Ford. “The school represents only one sector in the life of a student. Other resources in the community that factor into a young person’s life and environment have roles in contributing to a drug-free student.”

Other sectors described by Ford include parents, law enforcement, religious and youth-serving organizations, and businesses. Other sectors include the media, civic/volunteer groups, healthcare professionals, organizations and agencies with expertise in the field of substance abuse, and the students themselves.

“We are planning to host a coalition summit meeting of the various sectors of the community to address the issues associated with youth drug and alcohol abuse,” said Ford. He mentioned the meeting would be held at a date in May, after STAAR and End of Course testing. A substance abuse education specialist from the Region 13 education center will facilitate the meeting.

“We’re looking to craft an on-going, adaptable, living model that will work for Blanco ISO and the community it serves,” said Ford. “Hopefully, through pooling together the resources of our community, we will see a significant reduction in the factors related to student drug and alcohol use.”

Trustees also approved:

A calendar for the 2015-16 year which was described as “very similar” to the one used this year; and

- An application for expedited waiver for staff development.

[Editor’s note: This article was compiled from a press release from BISD and reporting by Charles McClure.]

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During a recent vacation, my wife and I paid a visit to Inez Horner, an elderly cousin of mine who lives in the beautiful Heber Valley of Utah. Because we live in Texas, she was especially excited to see us. Almost immediately upon entering her home, she rummaged through a drawer and produced a letter that she had received from a long-lost friend.

“When we were stationed in France after the war,” she said, “we became very close to another couple and built a relationship that we were sure would endure forever. However, after we came back to the States the cares of raising families and pursuing livelihoods dimmed the bright recollections of those wonderful days long ago and we lost touch with each other. Although I thought of them often and wondered what had become of them, I had no expectation of ever hearing from them again—that is, until this letter arrived.”

She handed us the short hand-written letter from her friend whom she had not seen in more than sixty years! The fact that both of them had lost their husbands in the intervening years had not dampened the fondness they still felt for each other. The return address was in El Paso, Texas, and the street was not unfamiliar to us.

When we told her that we would be going through El Paso on our way home, Inez was ecstatic. “These things happen for a reason,” she said. “Please see if you can find my friend and give to her my love.” Well, a few days later we found Inez’s friend and showed her the photo we had taken of Inez on my cell phone. The joy in reconnecting with an old friend was readily apparent with both of them. We took her picture to send to Inez and I believe they will not lose contact again in this life.

“The very things that bring us joy also bring us pain and sorrow,” said Spencer Kinard. “No source of joy in this world remains forever bright, forever rewarding, forever satisfying. Every mother knows that eventually the baby hugging her tightly will leave to pursue his or her own individuality. The bonds of brotherhood that unite a team, a club, a fraternity will eventually weaken as its members pursue other interests. Even the closest of families slowly drift apart as children mature, begin families of their own, and move to pursue their own interests. That which we do hold close and keep near us begins to fade as age diminishes our sense of sight, sound and memory.” (“The Spoken Word,” June 8, 1986)

Over the years I have found this to be so true. For many reasons I have lost touch with old classmates, teammates, treasured colleagues, and close family members. Life is just that way.

To find that joy and those relationships that endure, we must look beyond this mortal experience—beyond the temporal, time-measured events of this world to the timeless eternities. There we will learn that many of today’s tragedies are simply the temporary trials and disappointments of mortal existence. “Life has its joys and sorrows,” said Elder Kinard, “but eternity has its promise. One of the more comforting assurances of that is that that which is good will be good forever.”

In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” it is written, “The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave… and for families to be united eternally.” Now that is a promised relationship I can hang my hat on.

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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AUSTIN — Last week, the Senate Finance Committee began groundwork for its budget-writing duties with public hearings on four consecutive days. Led by Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Grapevine, the 15-member panel heard testimony from the offices of the governor, comptroller and attorney general. Input also was received on state pension funds, courts and payments on state debt. Currently, the budget is an estimated $4.5 billion for all of those “general government” functions and an increase of $200 million has been proposed for 2016-2017. The panel also received testimony on the state government’s fraud and corruption investigation body that for three decades has been a division of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Then-Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of the Public Integrity Unit’s funding in 2013 is the subject of ongoing court action. Nelson said no funding for the unit had yet been placed in the budget. Meanwhile, in the Senate Transportation Committee, Chairman Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, said voters could decide via constitutional amendment whether to set aside revenue from the state motor vehicle sales tax as a longterm way to fund road and bridge maintenance and construction overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation. Such revenue could amount to more than $2 billion a year, he said. Chris Kyle day proclaimed Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed Feb. 2 as Chris Kyle Day in honor of the former U.S. Navy SEAL credited as the U.S. military’s most prolific sniper. Kyle, who retired in 2009 and was living with his family in Midlothian, was shot and killed along with fellow Texan Chad Littlefield at a shooting range in Erath County on Feb. 2, 2013. Ten days later, Kyle was buried with full honors in the Texas State Cemetery. Abbott called Kyle “the face of a larger force for freedom that has made this country the bravest, strongest and freest in the history of the world,” and added, “Today, we commemorate his passing, and we honor his service and the service of his comrades in arms who have joined him to defend our great nation.” Patrick moves on gun bills Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who earlier suggested he was not aware of enough support to bring up concealed handgun legislation, on Feb. 2 referred two such bills to the body’s State Affairs Committee: SB 342, relating to providing for the open and concealed carrying of handguns without a license and to related offenses and penalties; and SB 346, relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun. Also, Patrick asked the committee’s chair, Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, to schedule a hearing as soon as possible on SB 11, the “campus carry” bill. Speaker announces chairs Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, on Feb. 4 named 38 standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. Straus named as chairs the following House members: Tracy O. King, D-Batesville, Agriculture & Livestock; John Otto, R-Dayton, Appropriations; Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville, Business & Industry; Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, Calendars; Jim Murphy, R-Houston, Corrections; Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, County Affairs; Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, Criminal Jurisprudence; Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, Culture, Recreation & Tourism; Susan King, R-Abilene, Defense & Veterans’ Affairs; Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson, Economic & Small Business Development; Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, Elections; and Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, Energy Resources; Also, Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, Environmental Regulation; John Kuempel, R-Seguin, General Investigating & Ethics; Gary Elkins, R-Houston, Government Transparency & Operation; John Zerwas, R-Richmond, Higher Education; Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, Homeland Security & Public Safety; Charlie Geren, R-River Oaks, House Administration; Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, Human Services; John Frullo, R-Lubbock, Insurance; Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, International Trade & Intergovernmental Relations; Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, Investments & Financial Services; John Smithee, R-Amarillo, Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence; and Harold Dutton Jr., D-Houston, Juvenile Justice & Family Issues; And, Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, Land & Resource Management; Wayne Smith, R-Baytown, Licensing & Administrative Procedures; Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, Local & Consent Calendars; Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, Natural Resources; Dan Flynn, R-Van, Pensions; Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, Public Education; Myra Crownover, R-Denton, Public Health; J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, Redistricting; Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, Rules & Resolutions; Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels, Special Purpose Districts; Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, State Affairs; Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, Transportation; Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, Urban Affairs; and Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, Ways & Means. In addition, Straus named two select committees and chairs: Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Tomball, chair, House Select Committee on Emerging Issues in Texas Law Enforcement; and Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, chair, House Select Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility.

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Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) is hoping the Texas Legislature will take aim at revitalizing the state’s aging infrastructure during the session, but not before the biannual budget is complete.

“In every session, your primary accomplishment has to be passing a budget,” Fraser said. “We always try to make sure it is a conservative budget — that we live within our means — but still takes care of the state’s needs. But you can’t spend more than you take in.”

Fraser has represented Blanco County in the Texas Senate since 1997 and that means he’s built a lot of seniority in the Legislature. He chairs the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee, and is a ranking member of the Nominations, State Affairs and Transportation committees. He served as the Senate’s president pro tempore from 2009-2011. In that role, he was the third in line of succession if the governor or lieutenant governor were out of the state.

Yet it is his experience heading the resources and economic development committee that informs much of how he approaches the state budget. It is a powerful committee that balances the state’s resources, like water and oil, with business and commerce. Previous to this session, Fraser headed the Natural Resources committee and the Business and Commerce committees; however, Lt. Dan Patrick reconstituted those committees under one umbrella.

“Texas has been going through an amazing economic boom for some time now,” Fraser said. “We are seeing about 1,200 people a day move to Texas and that is very good for the economy, but it is a challenge to make sure that those people have water when they turn on the tap and have potable water, or when they turn on the electricity, that the lights come on and when they drive on the highway, it is a decent system. If they have children, they need a good educational system. All of those things are important.

“And our infrastructure is starting to be a challenge to the state,” Fraser continued. “Now add in a drop in oil prices and it gets complicated. We have to truly understand what it means to have oil drop from $100 [per barrel] to $50 [per barrel]. It is going to have an impact — not only on the state budget — but on the economy as well.”

Texas has seen this challenge before. In the middle 1980s, oil prices plummeted. Some counties in the state saw revenues slashed by nearly two-thirds of previous valuations. Most economists agree the state is better positioned now, boasting a more diversified economy; however, a growing population creates new challenges for Texas lawmakers as they hash through the budget process.

“It’s going to be a challenge making sure we correctly interpret what is going on with the economy, while balancing the infrastructure needs of the people,” Fraser observed.

Fraser noted that immigration issues are a big concern to the constituents he serves.

“There is a strong sentiment in our area that we need to spend more money protecting our border,” he said. “Right now, we are looking at numbers put in the budget on the Senate side [as opposed to State House calculations] are about $800 million additional for border security.

“Another thing we hear a lot about is, because the economy is doing well, there is a lot of interest in a property tax decrease, where we refund money back to property taxpayers and/or to businesses that are paying franchise taxes,” Fraser added. “My view is that if we end up with a surplus, I’d like to see the money go back to the public.”

Gov. Greg Abbott has made it clear he would like to see some new revenue funneled into the state’s highway system. Fraser said the Legislature might be able to accommodate Abbott’s request.

“We believe we have between $4 and $5 billion that we can put into our highway system without a tax increase or taking money away from something else,” Fraser said. “We believe we can scrub the budget and find some money for highways.”

Fraser said the Legislature has a “great challenge in continuing the economic momentum that has resulted from the energy boom,” while continuing to move “economic development legislation to move through the Legislature.”

Fraser also represents the following counties: Bandera, Bell, Brown, Burnet, Callahan, Comanche, Coryell, Gillespie, Hamilton, Kerr, Lampasas, Llano, Mills, San Saba, Taylor (70 percent), Travis (5 percent).

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Blanco resident Tom Avants warms up some flour tortillas for breakfast tacos on Sunday, Feb. 8 (Charles McClure photo).

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