More and more people around the world and in Blanco County are discovering the advantages of a yoga practice, and there is a class right for you here in Blanco and Johnson City. Toning, stretching and lengthening every muscle in your body leave you feeling calm, patient and relaxed. Connecting breath with movement, you become more in tune with your body, benefitting you at the core level of physical functioning: cellular metabolism. It also reduces anxiety and stress. Stress hormones are literally decreased during yoga, which makes the practitioner feeling lighter and more clear.

Adrienne Larson, who is a massage therapist and veteran yoga teacher, incorporates a stress-reducing practice into her Monday night Restorative Yoga class (5pm-6:45pm) called Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is a sleep-based meditation and guided relaxation done lying down.The practice of Yoga Nidra creates the quality of mind (deeply relaxed yet mentally attentive) where problems can be solved, dissolved and resolved. Yoga Nidra is a simple practice that anyone can do. It brings integration of the nervous system and healing to the body and mind. Adrienne also teaches a class on Monday mornings from 10 to 11:30 called Yoga for Life. This class is adapted to fit the personal needs of the class and is perfect for all levels.

Tara O'Neill, RN and owner of Casa de Yoga, went to MD Anderson's Conference for Yoga Teachers in July 2012. Its main focus covered current research being done in Houston and India in regard to yoga. The research clearly shows improved symptoms of cancer treatment with twice a week yoga practice. Chemotherapy and radiation are noxious; yoga twice a week offered relief for patients from many of the chemo and radiation side effects. Tara's work as a nurse has given her an appreciation of MD Anderson's recognition of the yoga practice as a part of a treatment plan. In addition, she knows from personal experience that you don't have to have a terminal illness to experience the challenges of a healing process. Yoga is valuable for any health recovery timeline. Tara’s teaching style creates a common sense approach to yoga. She believes gentle suggestions combined with slow deep breathing are what it's all about. You can enjoy Tara’s teaching on Tuesday nights from 6 to 7:15pm in her class Free the Spine and Hips. This class is suitable for all levels.

Tara also enjoys sharing Kid Yoga, which her two daughters, Shanon (10 years old) and Antonia (9 years old) inspired. She says, "Kid yoga is a whole other 'Animal.'" Kids like the action part like doing trick moves and moving from one posture to another.

Another possibility for people to enjoy stretching and breathing is at the Blanco Library. Miranda Roberts, LCSW, instructs a free class on Monday mornings from 10 to 11. The class is done entirely in a chair! Miranda emphasizes moving with the breath through gentle stretching. Her intention is to prevent muscle strain and promote balance. If you have any questions regarding chair yoga please feel free to contact Miranda at 830-833-2681.

Natalie Hain, who has over 300 hours of training, teaches at Gem of the Hills and Casa de Yoga, both in Blanco. She incorporates breath work and meditative flows into each class, which helps calm and ground mind and body. Natalie brings a fun, playful attitude to her classes and believes that any BODY can gain something from what yoga has to offer. Please come to a Beginning Yoga class at Gem of the Hills on Wednesday nights from 5:45 to 6:45 if you’ve had limited or no experience. For those who like the early morning hours, Natalie teaches from 6:30 to 7:15am on Mondays and Wednesdays also at Gem of the Hills. The best time to practice yoga is in the morning. It jumpstarts your day with a feeling of calmness and peace and melts away feelings of morning stiffness in the body. Natalie also teaches an advanced class on Sunday from 10 to 11:15am at Casa de Yoga. Also, beginning on Thursday January 17, Natalie will begin a six-week class at Casa de Yoga from 6 to 7:15pm. The class will be held in a candlelit room and there she will serve hot tea at the end of each class. This class is suitable for all levels.

After the six-week series ends, a new teacher will begin at Casa de Yoga, Kim Radich. Kim has over 170 hours of training and currently teaches in Johnson City at her new studio, New Leaf Yoga, located 3 miles west of the 290 turn-off. Kim has a positive attitude and feels that yoga improved her sense of self and connection with God, because of the positive physical, mental and spiritual changes. Her class at Casa de Yoga will begin in March on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:15pm. She will also begin new classes in Johnson City on January 7, 2013 on Monday evenings from 6 to 7:15pm. This class is open to all levels and it will focus on a more gentle flow. She will also teach a morning class on Wednesdays beginning January 9 from 8:15am to 10am, which is also open to all levels.

Beckie Morris, owner of Johnson City Does Yoga, teaches yoga classes primarily based on her students’ needs. Classes are fun and relaxing. Beckie has a strong belief that the body is a giant metaphor for how a person handles life. Therefore, she encourages and aides her students in gaining strength, flexibility and balance – both physically and mentally. Join “Beckie and Other Bendy People” during her Monday and Wednesday hour-long classes at 24/7 Gym in Johnson City. Winter classes begin at 10:00 am, and summer classes begin at 8:30 am. Each class is $10, or five classes (no expiration date) may be purchased for $45.

Casa de Yoga is a donation-based studio. The suggested donation is $5-$15. No one will be refused due to financial hardship. Gem of the Hills requires a $10/year membership fee and each class is a donation of $5. New Leaf charges $10/class. All teachers are available for private lessons. To find out more about anything yoga related in Blanco or Johnson City please check out casadeyoga.com, new-leaf.us, jcdoesyoga.com, nattyoga.com or gemofthehills.org. From all the teachers at Casa de Yoga, New Leaf Yoga, Johnson City Does Yoga and Gem of the Hills, we hope to see you soon! You won’t regret you came!

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One of the many loose dogs in town.

Photo by Priscilla Seals.

The City of Blanco has had an ordinance since 1991 that provides penalties for dogs running at large, dogs that have not had rabies shots, and dogs not wearing identification tags. However, just a casual drive through the city will yield numerous sightings of dogs running through vacant lots or down the street, causing a potential hazard to themselves, to motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians. Police Chief Michael Ritchey has received three complaints recently from pedestrians walking to exercise class who have felt threatened by dogs running loose. If someone is bitten by an unidentified dog that cannot be apprehended, the bite victim will have to pay for rabies shots—a costly and painful process.

Chief Ritchey hopes to improve the situation by enforcing the ordinance more strictly. The penalty for any of the violations is a fine of up to $500 per day. In the past, complaints about these animals have come to the police department, and officers have had to locate the animal, verify the identity of the owner, locate him or her, and assess the fine—a sometimes lengthy and frustrating endeavor. As one city employee verified, owners will sometimes deny their ownership if the dog has no tag. In hopes of simplifying the process and making better use of Blanco’s limited police power, Chief Ritchey will be suggesting to city council members at their January meeting that city public works department employees be used to apprehend the animals. The after-hours rate for city employees is $35 per hour. He also asks for the help of anyone who sees a dog running at large to detain the animal and notify the police.

“I’m working for taxpayers,” says Chief Ritchey. “I’m trying to find ways to save them money.” The municipal court judge will have the power to levy a fine for restitution for the time taken to apprehend and transport dogs to the veterinary clinic. In addition, the vet clinic bills the city directly for boarding dogs, although they are euthanized after three days if they are not picked up by their owners. In a recent month, Blanco taxpayers paid $380 for dogs picked up, boarded, and euthanized.

Chief Ritchey has spoken to the judge, to city council members, and to the veterinary clinic in order to coordinate efforts to make the city safer for all its citizens—human and canine. Council will discuss the matter at their January meeting.

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Saturday, January 26, 2013, is the date for the 4th Annual Blanco County Youth Show Salsa Contest. Winner will have year-long bragging rights as the best Salsa maker in Blanco County and will receive an engraved bar-b-que set by Creative Awards in Fredericksburg. The winner of the 3rd Annual BCYS Salsa contest was Toby Lopez.

You must live in Blanco County, or have a child who qualifies to show in the Blanco County Youth Show, to enter. Your $10 entry fee is due by 11am on January 26, and you must deliver 2 quart jars of your salsa to the Blanco County Show Barn Saturday on January 26 between 10am and 11am. One jar will be for the judges and the winning jar will be sold as the final auction unit of the Blanco County Youth Show Sale that afternoon. All proceeds will go the Blanco County Youth Council Scholarship fund. Add-on contributions are encouraged!

Send $10 entry fee(s) to BCYC, P.O. Box 1255, Blanco, TX 78606. Contact Keitha Johnson at 830-833-4138 or e-mail bcyc78@gmail.com for further information.

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Blanco County Commissioners conducted a regular meeting on January 8, 2013. All four commissioners were present. After approving the minutes of the last meeting, commissioners agreed to take no further action regarding the burn ban that had been lifted as of 9:00 am, January 8.

County Judge Bill Guthrie asked the commissioners to consider approval of the bonds for elected officials. The secretary to the Blanco County judge presented a list of the elected officials to the Court, and, according to Judge Guthrie, “all that is needed is approval for me to sign these bonds.” Blanco County Commissioner John Wood presented a motion for approval of bonding of public officials, Commissioner Paul Granberg seconded this motion, and the motion passed.

Judge Guthrie asked the Court to consider reappointment of individuals to the North Blanco County Emergency Services District Board for a two-year term. These individuals were David O’Bannon, Kay Odiorne, and Eugene Yentzen. Commissioner Chris Liesmann made a motion to approve the appointment of these individuals, Commissioner James Sultemeier seconded, and the action was approved.

The next order of business was to consider discussion of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the courthouse and annex. Commissioner Granberg and Judge Guthrie provided a brief history of an earlier unit that had been donated by the District Attorney’s office. According to Judge Guthrie, the previous defibrillator was placed in the great room but was recalled after only a few months. The defective defibrillator was not replaced.

Elaine Cross made a brief presentation to the Court. According to Ms. Cross, AEDs are necessary to diagnose a stricken individual’s condition and determine if an attempt should be made to restart the heart. Ms. Cross had researched the fees and the cost of maintenance of the units, and she made recommendations on the two most user-friendly models. Ms. Cross said these models “are recommended for community use, are simple to use, voice activated, and equipped with pictures.” She recommended purchasing a defibrillator that could be updated. Ms. Cross provided cost estimates for two AEDs, cabinets that would be needed for installation, and programs to keep the equipment operational, assist with paperwork, and provide compliance with the law.

According to Ms. Cross, AED equipment “is commonplace in buildings where a lot of people in the community use the facilities, and Texas has AED laws. Senate Bill 580 contains requirements for AED equipment in public facilities. Personnel must be trained, routine checks performed, and activities documented…just basically follow the law for requirements in public facilities.”

Ben Oakley of Emergency Services North also provided information for the Court regarding AED units. Mr. Oakley recommended checking with the manufacturer of the recalled unit for possible credit, and taking bids on state contracts for new equipment purchase to help reduce the cost of purchasing the AED units. Mr. Oakley said the CPR fallback feature “provides real-time feedback and, although the pads needed for this are a bit more expensive, the emergency response time and feedback benefit are amazing.”

Commissioner Liesmann asked how many people would need to be trained on the equipment, and what the liability would be. Mr. Oakley replied, “Thanks to the Good Samaritan Act, there is zero liability…the law makes a conscious effort to include a program that offers CPR and training.” Mr. Oakley also said his site offers two-hour classes at no charge, and these classes “would get regular workers trained.”

Judge Guthrie asked for further questions and Ms. Cross told the Court that pediatric pads suitable for children can also be purchased for the AED units. The judge asked if Mr. Oakley would look into the cost and a recommendation for the pediatric pads and if he would be willing to train employees. Mr. Oakley said he “would have this for the next meeting, and check into possible credit on the recalled equipment.” The Court agreed to wait for more information from Mr. Oakley before taking further action on the AED purchases for the courthouse and annex.

Commissioner Granberg provided a list of 11 surplus property items belonging to Blanco County. The surplus property is located in Precincts 1 and 4 and includes a 1999 Ford F250, cattle guards, a trailer, used skid steer tires and wheels, and culvert pipe. Judge Guthrie asked if the trailer was no longer needed. Commissioner Granberg replied there had not been much use for it and therefore “we are liquidating surplus and sharing existing equipment.” No surplus property was available in Precincts 2 and 3 at the present time. Commissioner Granberg made a motion for liquidating the 11 surplus items on GovDeals, Commissioner Wood seconded, and the action passed.

Judge Guthrie asked the Court to consider recommendations for changes in personnel policy. He said there are “a number of issues concerning overtime (OT) pay, holiday pay, and vacation pay for employees.” The first item for discussion was to apply the definition of overtime to the existing personnel policy. The Court also discussed holiday pay and annual leave (vacation pay) for employees. After addressing these matters, Judge Guthrie indicated it was his recommendation “to change the personnel policy and talk of the changes with the County Auditor.” The County Auditor indicated this was a budget issue and that it was necessary to “take steps to control and get a handle on it.”

Commissioner Sultemeier commented the changes would affect some people, and the Judge reminded the Court “this is a new year, vacation time has just started…it is important to handle this for everyone now.” In accordance with Judge Guthrie’s recommendation to consider changes in personnel policy, Commissioner Sultemeier proposed the following: 1) Add the definition of overtime to personnel policy, 2) Add a holiday designation, and 3) Make the necessary deletion of language pertaining to payment of annual leave. Commissioner Wood seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

Commissioner Liesmann made a motion to approve January payroll in the amount of $256,870.28, Commissioner Granberg seconded the motion, and the January payroll was approved by the Court.

The Court approved the official reports, with Commissioner Wood presenting a motion for approval and Commissioner Sultemeier seconding the motion.

Judge Guthrie asked the Court to consider approval of outstanding bills in the amount of $106,224.92. The motion for approval was provided by Commissioner Wood, Commissioner Granberg seconded, and the motion carried. There was no further business, and the regular meeting adjourned.

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Judge Rob Hofmann swears in Blanco County Attorney David A. Hall prior to Child Protective Services Court on January 2, 2013.

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DeeDee Eiland with Just Stand Still Photography captured these fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

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J. Frank Dobie (1888-1964) was a teller of tall tales, a spinner of yarns. In 1949 he wrote a story about a certain Brother Coyote who, while hunting for food one day, happened to tread on the living quarters of a little cricket. When the cricket objected to having his “palace” desecrated and accused Coyote of insulting him, Brother Coyote arrogantly replied,

“Insult you! Why, you dwarf, I am merely seeking my living, and now I have you, I am going to eat you up. I had rather have a red watermelon or a fat kid, but I eat a cricket or a grasshopper when it’s handy. Maybe you will fill the hollow in one of my molars.”

Now, the cricket decided that it might be a good time to try to defuse the situation and soothingly told Brother Coyote that he hadn’t been given an adequate chance. Brother Coyote asked Cricket just what kind of a chance he expected.

“I want to fight a duel,” said the cricket. “You fight a duel with me?” and Coyote laughed. “Yes, fight a duel with you,” said Cricket. “If I win, then my song will go on. If you win, then I’ll fill the hollow in one of your respectable teeth.”

Coyote decided that a little comedy might be fun. “Now I sit here trembling at the sight of your armor and weapons,” Coyote said. “But go on and name your terms.” The cricket told Coyote that on the next day when the sun was straight overhead, they were to bring together their respective armies to a place called the Tank of the Seven Coons and there they would engage in mortal combat. “That is clear, General Cricket,” said Brother Coyote. “Until tomorrow at high noon, adios.”

That night Brother Coyote went out in all directions in search of his allies. With a high-pitched voice he summoned his forces to meet on the plains above the Tank of the Seven Coons. He called upon the badger, the lobo, the tiger of the deep canyons, the panther of the rimrock, the wildcat of the chaparral, the coon, the possum, the fox, and all other people with claws and teeth.

In a singsong, General Cricket summoned his forces—the horseflies, the mosquitoes, the honey bees, the bumblebees, the yellow jackets, the black hornets, and even a colony of red ants—all the people that have stingers and can stick. He told them to gather in the thicket in the draw below the Tank of the Seven Coons.

As the appointed time neared, Brother Coyote surveyed his forces and was pleased. However, he could see nothing of General Cricket’s army. He sent Fox out to reconnoiter and to bring him word as to where the opposing forces had gathered. Fox trotted down into the draw and wriggled through the thorny underbrush always under the sharp eye of Brother Coyote. Just as Fox had flattened himself to the ground where he could use his keen nose to best advantage, Cricket ordered a battalion of black hornets to attack him.

“They did all at once. They stuck their stingers into his ears, into the corners of his eyes, into his nostrils, into his flanks, into every spot of his body where hair is short and skin is tender. He snapped and pitched, but only for a minute. He turned seventeen somersaults on the ground, and the black hornets came thicker. Then he streaked for the tank of water. He dived to escape his assaulters, and went to the bottom.

“But in a minute he had to come back up for air. Then, sticking his long, long mouth out of the water, he cried at the top of his voice, ‘General Coyote, retreat! The enemy are upon us!’ General Cricket had already ordered the yellow jackets to attack the army of giants on the prairie, and the war cries of the bumblebees were in the air.

“Brother Coyote tucked his tail between his legs and retreated and every soldier in the army tucked his tail and retreated also—all except the bobcat. He retreated without tucking his tail.”

And so, that fateful day on the prairie above the Tank of the Seven Coons, General Cricket won the duel with Brother Coyote. Mr. Dobie drew the conclusion that “thus a person should avoid being vainglorious and considering himself shrewder than he is. He may be outwitted by his own vanity.”

I learned for myself that a bumblebee is faster than a John Deere tractor. James M. Barrie rightfully said that life is a long lesson in humility.

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More from Mustard Seeds.

Mariah's Promise, Blanco has joined other animal welfare organizations in the area that list their homeless pets on Petfinder, the oldest and largest database of adoptable animals on the Internet. The site currently has over 375,000 homeless pets listed and is updated continuously.

More than 13,700 animal welfare organizations in the U.S., Canada and other countries post their pets on the site. Pets may be viewed at petfinder.com.

A potential adopter enters search criteria for the kind of pet he or she wants, and a list is returned that ranks the pets in proximity to the zip code entered. Adoptions are handled by the animal placement group where the pet is housed, and each group has its own policies.

Petfinder.com was created in early 1996 as a grassroots project by Jared and Betsy Saul to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. Since its inception, the site has facilitated approximately 20 million adoptions, making it the most life-saving initiative in animal welfare.

Sponsors include The Animal Rescue Site, Bissell Homecare, Inc., a manufacturer of home cleaning and floor care products, Petco, a national pet supply retailer that sponsors in-store adoptions and provides coupon books for new adopters, PetFirst Healthcare, the exclusive pet insurance provider for Petfinder.com, and HomeAgain, a microchip and pet recovery service.

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AUSTIN — After passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 by Congress on Jan. 1, “98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses will not see their income taxes go up,” President Obama said. The act, signed by the president on Jan. 2, extends unemployment benefits for 2 million Americans who are looking for work, makes no cuts to Social Security and Medicare and expands Medicaid benefits. But the Act postpones Congressional action on budget “sequestration” for two months, leaving question marks over the accounting and social intricacies of how much to cut or tweak entitlements and how much revenue to raise. So, the short- and long-term impacts on states remain unclear.

Dynamics of decisions made at the federal level add to the complexity of deliberations state lawmakers enter Jan. 8, when the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature convenes. Systemic state budget deficits in recent years have left Texas unable to avoid shortfalls. In 2011, Texas resorted to using federal “stimulus” dollars to overcome a $6 billion deficit. In 2012, sales tax revenues flowed in at healthier rates, and the state comptroller soon will release her biennial revenue estimate, giving lawmakers some idea of how much cash they will have to meet the needs of Texas.

Thirsty constituents, cattle, crops, industry are sure to be addressed this session. Widespread and chronic lack of water pose problems looking for legislative solutions. And yes, Gov. Rick Perry on Dec. 28 extended his drought emergency proclamation of July 5, 2011, to a majority of Texas’ 254 counties.

Those multi-billion dollar cutbacks on education in the 82nd session of the Legislature will be addressed, and so will Medicaid. If Texas refuses to meet the required match to receive federal Medicaid funds by rejecting the Medicaid expansion, the Lone Star State could lose billions of federal dollars. To that, Gov. Perry stated in a newspaper editorial published in July: “We have no interest in following the federal directive to expand our Medicaid ranks by over a million (people), and we are also rejecting calls to establish a so-called ‘state’ insurance exchange designed and ruled by federal guidelines, many of which have yet to be written. Neither of these is the proper role of the federal government and both represent brazen intrusions into the affairs of states.”

Even if the Texas Legislature passes health care reform to cover more of its lower-income and older residents, the governor wields the veto pen. It takes a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature to override a veto.

Benefits extension granted

Pursuant to the passage of the federal Taxpayer Relief Act, the deadline for jobless Texans to qualify for emergency unemployment insurance benefits was extended to Jan. 1, 2014, the Texas Workforce Commission announced.

Those benefits extend to some 120,000 Texans who would have exhausted their unemployment benefits on Dec. 31, but not for those who already exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits, federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Extended Benefits, the agency said.

Emergency unemployment benefits provide temporary income for those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Benefits are federally funded, and Texas employers will not be charged for any claims paid on this extension.

Spill settlement is reached

Transocean Deepwater Inc. defendants have agreed to pay $1 billion in civil penalties and $400 million in criminal fines for April 20, 2010, Gulf Coast oil spill originating from BP’s Macondo well, widely known as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

But recovery efforts have just begun and “there remains a long road ahead to restore the Gulf,” Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioner Toby Baker said on Jan. 3. Transocean is based in Zug, Switzerland. The fines are to be paid over a period of three years, per agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Capped wells among pluses

Texas Railroad Commission, looking back on its accomplishments in 2012, noted that its agents “investigated, assessed or cleaned up 253 abandoned oilfield sites and plugged 764 orphaned wells using fees paid by the industry into the Oil & Gas Regulation & Cleanup Fund.”

Water-use figures are in

A study by the Texas Water Development Board concludes “31 percent of annual single-family residential water use in Texas is dedicated to outdoor purposes, such as lawn and garden maintenance, pools, and car washing, with the rest used indoors.”

In a Dec. 17 release, the agency stated the findings are based on an analysis of monthly water use data for 259 cities, and that average outdoor water use ranged from 20 to 53 percent of total household water use, with dryer areas of the state tending to use more than wetter areas.

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More from Regional News.

Grand Vice President-Fraternal Lee Vogel of the Order of the Sons of Hermann in Texas, assisted by Grand Outer Guard Stan Steiger, will install officers from four Blanco area Hermann Sons lodges at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Twin Sisters School House in Twin Sisters.

In addition to the host lodge, Twin Sisters Lodge No. 138, leadership teams will be installed from New Braunfels Lodge No. 21, Spring Branch Lodge No. 127 and Prinz Solms Lodge No. 136.

Hermann Sons is a not-for-profit fraternal insurance society. Widely known for its volunteerism, Hermann Sons offers its members a variety of life insurance plans, annuity and IRA products plus other services.

Two German immigrants from New York organized the first Hermann Sons Lodge (Harmonia) in San Antonio in 1861. The Grand Lodge was formed in 1890.

The more than 73,000 members belong to one of 138 local lodges across Texas and have access to a wide range of fraternal benefits, including 32 tuition-free dance schools for its junior members age 3 through 17, a camp for its junior members age 9 through 13 and a retirement home. The youth camp and the retirement home are situated on a 330-acre tract near Comfort.

For more information on Hermann Sons, its products and services, call 1-800-234-4124.

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Mr. & Mrs. Darrel L. Lux, Kendalia, are pleased to announce the wedding engagement of their daughter, Miss Allison Rae Lux to Mr. Kyle Aaron Burow, son of Mr. & Mrs. Darel Burow, Comfort.

Allison is a 2006 graduate of Blanco High School and graduated from Angelo State University in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science. She received her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in 2011 and is currently an Agricultural Science Teacher at Harper High School, Harper, Texas.

Kyle is a 2001 graduate of Comfort High School and graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering. Currently Kyle is a Project Engineer for the City of Kerrville, Kerrville, Texas.

The couple’s wedding will take place on June 22, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. The celebration will include a traditional Catholic mass followed by an evening of dinner and dancing at St. Mary’s Halle.

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More from Announcements.

Gwen and Joe on their anniversary.

Photo by Elayne Lansford.

Gwendolyn Stubbs and Joe Wunneburger celebrated their 50th anniversary on December 25, 2012. It’s hard to find a preacher on Christmas Day, Gwen says.

They were married in Sonora, Texas, and took their honeymoon trip in their 1940 Ford (they still have it) in 1962 to New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. Snow was up to the running boards in West Texas and it was very cold, Gwen recalls.

Joe's aunt introduced them in Oak Hill. Joe had thawed a chicken and didn't have a way to cook it. He took it to his aunt, who then said, "I know a girl I want you to meet." The two ate supper and, three months later, were married.

The couple wanted to go for a buggy ride and found a friend, Kenneth Moore, with a buggy and a nice, big mule. A blue norther had just blown in, so it was good and cold, but friends joined them for the festivities, and had a fabulous time helping them celebrate in an old-fashioned way. It was very cold but they had their friends with them. Joe is pictured in the coat he was married in.

Joe was born and raised in Bastrop and Gwen in Dripping Springs. Gwen is a rancher, and Joe and his brother were in the construction business.

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David W. Greene, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2012. He was born September 5, 1932.

David was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ann, and beloved wife, Jackie. David is survived by his daughter Dianne Greene and husband Mike Gleason, son David Wesley Greene II, daughter Lisa Greene Lothrop and husband John, daughter Deborah Greene Barrera, and husband Rick, son Chuck Rudolphy and wife Christina, daughter Patty Rudolphy Millspaugh, and daughter Lou Rudolphy Fitzsimmons, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

David was raised in the Freeport – Lake Jackson area, graduating from Freeport High School in 1950 and marrying his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Beasley. After graduating from Baylor University in 1954, David worked in chemical sales and marketing while helping to raise his children. In 1971, he married Jacquelyn Bundy Rudolphy, bringing her three children into the blended family.

David was a gregarious man who looked forward to time with family and friends spending many happy hours playing 42, horseshoes, or golf. He built and nurtured friendships and was ever ready to lend a hand. If you knew him, you’ve heard him ask, “What can I do to help?” He was a hard worker; retirement just meant he needed to find something new to do. He was a music lover, a dancer, a sailor, a fifth-wheel traveler, and an all-round handyman. Electrical work, plumbing, flooring, roofing, furniture mover, and groundskeeper, he’d be on it, and with a smile and a kind word. David was also a dyed-in-the-wool, cradle-to-grave Episcopalian, if there is such a thing, and served several terms on church vestries and as junior warden. Recently at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cypress Mill, he loved being involved with Swope Hall, landscaping and the new water tanks.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000–A FM 3237; Wimberley, TX 78676.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make donations to: Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online at alz.org.

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Matasen Kenleigh Linson-“Matie” was born on February 15, 2000, in Austin, Texas and died on December 25, 2012 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 12.

Matie is survived by her parents Kristen Linson and Brian Spies of Johnson City, Mat and Elysia Linson of Houston, sister M’Lehne and brother Keen. Grandparents- Sharlene Sultemeier, Mary Ann Spies, Rick and Marie Keller, James and Rita Linson, Tony Franty, and Marsha Franty. Great grandparents Louise Trigg and Bud Linson.

She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved her very much.

Matie was preceded in death by her grandfathers Harry Sultemeier and Daniel Spies and her cousin Slater Sultemeier.

Matie was a 7th grade student at LBJ Middle School in Johnson City. She had attended school in Johnson City since the age of 3, when she joined the PPCD class.

In 2011, Matie participated in the Special Olympics. At the local level she received a silver medal in the 25-meter walk and a bronze in the ball throw. At the area level she earned a silver medal in both events.

We would like to thank the Johnson City ISD and all the teachers and therapists that contributed to her growth, development, and educational needs.

Pallbearers include Casey Buaas, Brent Harris, Scott Johnson, Phil Granger, Brad Jameson, and Patrick Stahl.

Honorary pallbearers include her cousins Lauren Sagebiel, Jamie Felps, Brittany Sultemeier, Clay Sultemeier, Kyler Sultemeier, Ryleigh Needham, Hadleigh Needham, Bryce Linson, Quynten Linson, Tyler Noonan, Kennady Spies, Audrie Spies, Landri Sagebiel, and Reese Sagebiel.

Visitation was held Friday, December 28, 2012 at Crofts Funeral Home, Johnson City, Texas from 6-8 pm. Services were Saturday, December 29, 2012, at 10:00 am, at Liberty Lighthouse Fellowship with Pastor Jim Boatright officiating. Interment was at the Sandy Cemetery, Sandy, Texas

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Slater Sultemeier Memorial Scholarship Fund, Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas, The Sandy Cemetery or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Matie’s life will be held at the Liberty Lighthouse Fellowship Hall immediately following graveside services.

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Mr. Alex Soell of Comfort, Texas passed away in the Trinity Mission Healthcare & Rehab in Comfort, on Friday, December 28th, 2012 at the age of 91 years. He was born in Kendall County, Texas on January 26th, 1921, the son of Ira Soell and Therisa Ida Kunz Soell. Served in the US Army during WW II from Aug 24th, 1942 to Oct 27th, 1945 with 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, discharged as a Corporal. Married Lillian Pfullmann on February 14th, 1948 in Boerne, Texas. A Cowboy/Rancher his whole life, he raised pigs, raised and showed registered quarter horses. He was a member of the Quarter Horse Association, Farm Bureau, Hermann Sons, Comfort VFW, and the 86th Fighter-Bomber Group Association, and that group is authorized to wear the Presidential United Citation Ribbon.

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Melissa, Madison and Kade Kneese took a two-week road trip to Washington, D.C. and rode an Amtrak train to New York City for a couple of days. The Blanco County newspaper made the entire trip with them, traveling through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and on to New York City. Here they are in front of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza.

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Photo courtesy Blanco ISD.

Blanco Speech and Debate team at Salado. Left to right: Annie Albrecht, Eleanor Kirkscey, Alina Aly, Paxston Koehl, Chris Barnett, Robbie Arlitt, Thomas Kirkscey, Callie Nance, Levi Windham, Charlsey Smith, Kristin Watt.

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From left to right: Sonny McAfee, DA; Stacy Street, ADA; Peter Keim, ADA; Michelle Blindert, Investigator; Rebecca Lange, ADA; Blake Ewing, ADA; Gary Bunyard, ADA; and Sam Oatman, outgoing DA.

Wiley ‘Sonny’ McAfee took over as District Attorney for the 33rd and 424th District on January 1, replacing longtime DA Sam Oatman. McAfee won the spot after a contentious election against candidate Angela Dowdle. On Wednesday, January 2, Llano County Judge Wayne Brascom administered the Oath of Office to the district’s Assistant District Attorneys, as well as a new investigator for the district.

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Laura Cude, Blanco State Park Interpretive Ranger with E.T.

Although the skies were overcast, the wind was blowing and the temperature hovered around 45 degrees, over 70 people showed up at the Pavillion at Blanco State Park on New Year's Day to “experience” the Eagle Lady and visit with her birds of prey.

Doris Mager, who founded the non-profit organization Save Our American Raptors (S.O.A.R.) is a nationally recognized raptor rehabilitator. On New Year's Day she entertained adults and children alike with her stories about saving and rehabilitating raptors, traveling the country with them, and spending time doing what she loves best – sharing these marvelous specimens of nature with the public.

She educated the audience on the hunting habits, nesting habits, weight and digestive systems, flight patterns and wings, imprinting, and overall appearance and lifestyles of owls and hawks. She was accompanied by ET the Great Horned Owl, an Eastern Screech Owl, and an American Kestrel (also known as a Sparrow Hawk – the smallest of the raptor kingdom).

Doris also made sure to point out the importance of never trying to make a raptor (even a baby that has fallen from a nest) into a pet. She stressed that whenever possible, try to return babies to the nest or a makeshift shelter until the adult parent birds are able to return and take care of the baby.

Doris' visit to Blanco State Park was jointly sponsored by Friends of Blanco State Park and by the Highland Lakes Chapter of Master Naturalists. Given that the audience remained throughout the presentation, asked questions afterwards, and got up close and personal with the birds, these were good indications that the event was worth braving the inclement weather conditions and was enjoyed by all.

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Bill Fojtasek has been mailing boxes to troops with donations to ”We Care for the Troops” fund set up at the Blanco National Bank. He has sent over 350 boxes since 2003.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am writing you today to thank you for the amazing support you have given the Ordnance Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 (MALS-16) over the past year. As we prepare to hand over our responsibilities to MALS-40, we are looking back at all the great things we have accomplished in light of all the challenges we have faced. The Taliban attacked our base on September 14th, and these Marines moved toward the sounds of the guns to protect each other, America’s property, her values, and her way of life. When the fighting was over and the smoke had cleared, we went right back to our normal duties, and these amazing Marines went right back to being America’s sons and daughters. They are the nice young man from down the street. They are your niece that always wanted to see the world. They are just like the young men and women that you’ve walked right past earlier today. And for many of them, the care packages from Blanco, Texas are the only mail they’ve received from home.

It makes my day when I get to pass out cookies, and brownies, and beef jerky, and candy, and the hundreds of other things that you all have given to us. I love when one of my Marines comes into my office, head to toe in cold weather gear, and says, “Gunny, have we gotten any more snickerdoodles?” We had a great time comparing our Christmas cards we received from Blanco Elementary. We all began to share stories about our sons and daughters, nieces and nephews. I hope someone is able to tell those kids how they made a bunch of hard Marines crack smiles.

As leaders of Marines, we can give our troops many things to make their lives a little better, but when we’re all sitting here in Afghanistan, we can’t give them home. You kind and wonderful folks have done more than enough to give these Marines a taste of home while deployed. With the holidays around the corner, that little bit of home is going to help them have some Christmas snacks far better than whatever the chow hall has planned for us.

This is my third combat tour to three different places, and I know that this type of generosity is something that Marines remember. I cannot express enough how appreciative we are for everything you do. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for giving back to the warriors fighting for the country we all love so much. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. God Bless.

Very Respectfully,

Gunnery Sergeant Michael J. Montour (USMC)

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