Do you know your enemy? A famous quote of General Patton was “I read the book!” That’s why he won the battle, he read the book which had the battle plan in it. Was that just a line in a movie? Well, whatever it was, it makes perfect sense. We would all do well to know our enemy and the names or aliases used by him and his cohorts.

I brought this up because last week in chapter nine John referred to the king over the scorpions as an “angel of the bottomless pit whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apolloyon.”

You see, if you look in your dictionary it says Abaddon is the devil of the bottomless pit of hell. So he is describing a mighty war, and chapter ten begins with an angel coming down from heaven.

“1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Revelations 10:1-11 KJV

I’m really scared to comment on these Scriptures. They are not for me to try to decipher. They are for each one of us to read and allow God’s Holy Spirit within us to impart wisdom into our hearts.

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus explains to the apostles why he taught in parables. God allows us to know Him, according to how much time we spend seeking Him, and also according to how much we love Him and His Son, Jesus Christ (IF we believe in His Son as our risen Lord and Saviour), and according to what we do with His Word; and the true intent of our hearts and motives. I also believe He gives us more understanding if we obey Him!

And, it’s a good thing God teaches us little by little, because if He taught us all at once, how many of you agree we just couldn’t take it?! Our little cracked pots would just shatter! We’d just sit there and shake and quake and then explode into a million, zillion, trillion pieces of dust! God doesn’t want to hurt us or destroy us, the devil does!

God loves us and cares for us, so He imparts wisdom to us in tiny increments so we can digest it and get used to it and use it in our daily walk, and then when we’re ready, He’ll impart some more.

Jesus said “22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark 4:22-24

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More from Focus on Faith.

The 62nd National Day of Prayer will be observed in Blanco at Trinity Lutheran on Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m. You are invited to attend and join with thousands of coordinated prayer events being held nationwide on that day. Please join us in our efforts to call our nation to prayer. This year’s theme is “Pray for America,” based on Matthew 12:21, which reminds us that “In His name the nations will put their hope.”

2013 Honorary Chairman Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusades states, “The objective of prayer is to get our will in alignment with God’s will. Prayer is not trying to align God’s will with ours; prayer is aligning our will with His. That is why I am honored to join with you as we observe the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer. It is an age old tradition that began in 1775, and it is needed today more than ever before. Let us unite together in prayer, from coast to coast, in full confidence that God will send a mighty spiritual awakening that will turn the hearts of his people back to Him.”

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More from Focus on Faith.

Catcher Logan Dodd throws the ball back to the pitcher in the game against Comfort.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

The Panther baseball team had a rough night against the Comfort Bobcats on Tuesday, April 16, falling 1 to 7 in their first district loss. Comfort and Blanco now share the lead in the district race.

Josh McCaslin took the loss, going 6 and 1/3 innings, giving up 5 runs and scattering 8 hits. McCaslin had 2 hits. Sam Isenberg, Kyle Gray, and Layne Lassberg all had a hit. The Panthers committed 6 errors and gave up 4 unearned runs.

On Friday, April 19, the Blanco boys got back on track with a 14 to 4 win over San Antonio FEAST. Kyle Sauceda picked up the win, going 4 innings and giving up only 2 hits.

Colton Childress was 2 for 2 with 4 rbi. TJ Hardin was 2 for 2. Gray singled and scored 3 runs. Chad Marshall and Sauceda each had a hit.

Blanco has one more district game against the Lago Vista Vikings. This game, originally scheduled for Friday, has been moved to Thursday, April 25, at Lago Vista. Game time is set for 6pm.

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More from Sports.

Meaghen Seales pitches for the win in the tiebreaker game.Third baseman Callie Culton keeps an eye on the batter.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

In a first place tiebreaker game on Monday, April 22, the Panther softball team hit their way to a 12 to 2 victory over the Comfort Deer. With the win the Panthers earn a bye in the first round of playoffs. Comfort faces Karnes City in the first round of playoffs.

Meaghen Seales pitched the 5 inning game with only one walk, 3 hits, and one strikeout. Meaghen hit 3 for 4 with 3 singles. Jamie McClinton went 2 for 3 hitting 1 single and a double. Kelsey Schwind hit 2 for 3 with 2 rbi. Leslie McClinton hit 2 for 3, scoring 4 runs. As a team, the Panthers stole a total of 10 bases. The game ended on the 10-run rule after Leslie Mc Clinton stole home for the score.

On Friday, April 19, the Panthers suffered only their 3rd loss of the season to Leander, 2-14.

Callie Culton pitched the 5 inning game tossing 4 strikeouts. Kelsey hit 2 for 2 with a single and a double. Leslie added a single and Taylor Guinn hit a double. Leander is a 4A team and is playoff bound.

The Panthers hold a 22 and 3 season record.

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Blanco-1st Place Team - 200 points

Ashley Hall -1st, 4x100m relay; 1st, 4x200m relay; 2nd, 200m dash; 2nd, triple jump; 2nd, long jump.

Sarah Brotzman - 1st, 4x100m relay; 1st, 4x200m relay; 1st, 4x400m rlay; 4th, triple jump; 3rd, long jump.

Charlsey Smith - 1st, 4x100m relay; 1st, 4x200m relay; 1st, 200m dash; 1st, triple jump; 3rd, long jump.

Sianna Ghoulson - 1st, 4x100m relay; 1st, 4x200m relay; 1st, 4x400m relay.

Charity Windham - 1st, 4x400m relay; 2nd, 100m hurdles; 3rd, 300m hurdles; 2nd, shot put; 2nd, discus.

Helen Kasberg - 1st, 4x400m relay; 1st, 400m run; 4th, 100m dash; 1st, high jump.

Alex Penshorn - 3rd, 3200m run; 3rd, 800m run; 5th, shot put.

Grace Strodtbeck - 5th, 800m run.

Sara Martinez - 2nd, high jump.

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The Blanco FFA Environmental Natural Resourcs team placed 4th.

The Blanco FFA Chapter qualified four teams for state career development events hosted by Tarleton State University in Stephenville this past week. FFA members from Blanco competed in Homesite Evaluation, Environmental Natural Resources, Range and Pasture Judging and Land Evaluation. Blanco was the only school to have three different teams place in the top 10 overall.

In the Homesite CDE, Blanco placed 4th overall with Trey Hunter recognized as the 3rd high point individual. Other team members included Dru Ramirez, Colton Barrow and Ryan Edwards.

Blanco also did well in the Environmental Natural Resourcs competition placing 4th. Senior Skylar Itz did well and was recognized on stage for placing 4th individually. Other teammates were Carlin Green, Phil Alvarado, Kenny Omo and Nicole Spivey.

The local Range team also had a good day placing 8th overall. The Blanco FFA Range Team consisted of Ed Alvarado, Shelta Alexander, Sam Isenberg, Callie Culton, Tyler Hardin, Mason LeBlanc and Alley Penshorn. In addition to placing in the top 10 at state, Blanco’s range team would also win 1st place at the Hamilton State Qualifiers Event, where Callie ranked 3rd overall as an individual.

Finally, Blanco would also do well but just miss the top 10 in the land evaluation contest finishing 13th. Team members were Colton Childress, Mike Gonzales, Britton Wagner, Mackenzie Johnson, Joann Delavan and Megan Andrews.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Felice and Jason Marek.

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The Blanco FFA Chapter recently traveled to College Station to compete in the Texas A&M University Area Career Development Events. Blanco did extremely well winning two contests. Of the more than 100 schools Class 1A to 5A in Area VII, Blanco was the only school to win more than one event.

In the livestock contest, Blanco would take home top honors with Logan Dodd winning high point individual of the contest. Tyler Hardin would also crack the top ten placing 5th, while Sam Isenberg would rank 13th. Ed Alvarado would also do well finishing in the top 30%. With their win, Blanco becomes the first school in over 20 years to win back to back area titles in livestock.

The entomology competition would also see Blanco finish first overall with Megan Wier ranking 1st as well. Erica Flores, Monica Flores and Rance Dollahite would all tie for 5th high individual. This is the seventh year in a row that Blanco has been the top team in the area in entomology.

As a result of their success, these teams will now advance to their respective state contests. The entomology team will travel to Lubbock to compete in the Texas Tech University State FFA CDE’s on April 19th and 20th, while the livestock team will head back to College Station to compete in the Texas A&M University State FFA CDE’s on May 3rd and 4th.

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More from School.

Academic members winning the Region IV championship in UIL were: Front (L-R): Celia Kasberg, Jurnee Troublefield, Annie Albrecht, Callie Nance and Kristin Watt. Back (L-R): Eleanor Kirkscey, Christina Collins, Justis Liesman-Slimp, Rebecca Dowlearn, Jacob Hallenberger, Donald Miller, Michael O’Rear and Joshua McCaslin.

The high school UIL academic team brought home the Region IV championship, defeating nearly 50 other schools last Saturday at Texas State University in San Marcos. Blanco garnered 188 points while Karnes City came in second with 107.5. District rival Lago Vista finished third with 101 points.

“We’ve been in the running several times, but this is our first time to bring home the regional championship,” said high school UIL academic coordinator Russell Kirkscey. “We have a great bunch of seniors who are very competitive.”

The team also scored more points than any other team in the state on Saturday. The second most points, 163, were scored by Region III champion White Oak.

“With 10 students going, we’ve got as good a chance as any school to win the state meet. Last year, we finished sixth, and we’ve been the in the top five in the state several times over the years,” said Kirkscey.

Jacob Hallenberger, who led all contestants at the meet with 52 individual points, noted his improvement over his past performances. “Overall, I did much better at the regional competition than last year, and I feel that I will remain competitive at state.”

Students who placed first, second, or third qualified for the state UIL Academic Meet in Austin on May 20-22. First place teams also qualify. Students who participate in the state academic meet also are eligible to apply for millions of dollars in scholarships from the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation.

Calculator Applications—Second Place Team

1st Jacob Hallenberger

2nd Callie Nance

Mariah Ackerson

Computer Science—First Place Team

1st Jacob Hallenberger

2nd Michael O’Rear

4th Christina Collins

Joshua McCaslin

Current Issues and Events

2nd Chris Barnett

Literary Criticism—Second Place Team

1st Eleanor Kirkscey

Jurnee Troublefield

Celia Kasberg

Computer Applications

2nd Jacob Hallenberger

6th Justis Liesman-Slimp

Editorial Writing

5th Annie Albrecht

Feature Writing

3rd Rebecca Dowlearn

Headline Writing

2nd Annie Albrecht

Informative Speaking

2nd Kristin Watt

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

3rd Chris Barnett

Quarterfinalist—Annabeth Griffin

Mathematics

3rd Jacob Hallenberger

Prose Interpretation

Finalist—Donald Miller

Ready Writing

5th Annie Albrecht

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More from School.

You’ve heard the old saying that real estate is all about location, location, location, and it’s pretty much true regardless of the property type or owner. Location is definitely important when it comes to commercial real estate, but once you get past the universal truth that location is key, the differences between residential and commercial properties start to emerge.

Residential real estate is about your primary dwelling place. It’s about having a roof over your head for you and your family. Commercial real estate is quite different as it’s usually about producing income for your business. Issues related to commercial property including accessibility/parking, proximity to other businesses that create customer traffic, community demographics, zoning, visibility, and, of course, costs are all important for you to consider.

Where do you fit in?

Based on your needs, you may fit into one of two types of commercial property owners: users and investors. Users are typically business owners who need commercial real estate space to house their businesses. The property can provide a place for you to sell your products or services, and you can either buy or lease the commercial property space for your business.

Investors are a different breed. You may be looking for the commercial property itself to be your income generator. Investors buy commercial properties and lease them to others, eventually selling parts of their commercial property portfolio when it makes sense to do so. You may see real estate as a good investment alternative to some of the options available on Wall Street. Real estate is less volatile, a good long-term investment, and, in Texas, very consistent.

Commercial real estate provides two big advantages for you as an investor: income production and tax depreciation. Investors, typically on the advice of their accountant, will eventually sell a commercial property when its depreciation cycle is coming to an end, taking the profits from the sale and reinvesting in another property through a 1031 Exchange. This is why some large chains and franchises build new stores and retire others.

What’s the difference?

Commercial real estate has similarities to residential real estate but also some important distinctions. For example, financing the purchase of a commercial property is different from obtaining a home mortgage loan. Commercial real estate loans usually require at least a 20 percent down payment, are traditionally amortized over 20 years, and have a three- to five-year balloon, meaning they reset after three or five years with a new rate depending on the market.

If you are thinking about buying commercial property, whether for its direct use (from which to run a business) or as an investment, it’s important to hire a Texas REALTOR® experienced in commercial real estate. REALTORS® with the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation have undergone specialized training in commercial real estate.

Sharing the load

In Texas, a large share of state and local revenues – particularly those that fund public schools – comes from property taxes. In local communities, it’s advantageous to have a good mix of residential and commercial properties in order to have a broad tax base. That way, commercial property owners contribute, and individual homeowners aren’t overburdened with an unfair share of the tax load.

Whether you’re considering purchasing commercial property as a user or investor, you can see there is more to finding the right space than just location, location, location.

Learn more about Lightfoot

Owner/Broker

RE/MAX Genesis

210-386-5201

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More from The Real Estate Corner.

The Blanco County Emergency Service District #2 (ESD) is hosting a town hall meeting on Monday, May 6, 2013 at the Old Blanco County Courthouse at 6:00 PM to gather input from south Blanco County residents about expectation and concerns they have for emergency services. The ESD contracts with Blanco Volunteer Fire Department for fire and emergency services and with Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corp for ambulance and emergency services. In addition to gathering expectations and concerns, the public is invited to provide positive feedback about emergency services received.

Residents who live in the Blanco County ISD school district are served by Blanco ESD #2 and are invited to attend. Retired Air Force Colonel Jack Twilley, a resident in the ESD district, has graciously agreed to be the facilitator for the meeting. The information gathered from citizens will be used for budgeting, planning for facilities, equipment and personnel for the next 5 years.

The Blanco County Emergency Services District # 2 (South Blanco County ESD) is the governmental body responsible for the funding of the fire and emergency services for South Blanco County. The five ESD commissioners are appointed by the Blanco County Commissioners’ Court for terms of two years. Current commissioners are Wayne “Dirt” Dworaczyk, Ann Hall, Mary Ann Millard, and Theresa Turner; Darwin Labarthe is on the April 23rd Blanco County Commissioners Court agenda for appointment to the ESD Board. Blanco County taxpayers are currently taxed 0.085 cents per $100 valuation for the ESD.

The amount paid by each property owner is shown on the tax statement along with the County tax and BISD tax. Those taxes fund only a portion of the emergency services. Additional funding comes from donations, billings, fund raising events held by the VFD & EMS, and grants. Regular board meetings of the Blanco ESD #2 are held the third Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Blanco EMS building on Chandler Dr. and are open to the public. The north part of Blanco County (Johnson City ISD) is served by Blanco County ESD #1.

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More from Community News.

Does my house need gutters? Right now, you probably think this is a stupid question, since we have been in a drought. But, it actually is important. When we get rain, it can come down hard and can make a difference. Gutters prevent water from seeping into your foundation by channeling it away from the house. Keep in mind; you're directing a large amount of water onto a very small area at the edge of the roof's eaves. It has the effect of a pressure washer on the soil after heavy rains. In a resent real estate transaction, the house we did an inspection on was only 3 years old. The biggest hit we got, the house needed gutters. Why? The entry had a roof line that would dump several pools of water right on the front porch. Wouldn’t you rather not have the water building up on your porch and not dropping directly on you or your nice landscaping?

Don’t forget the leaf guard on the gutters. This mesh type guard will help keep out all those leaves that will clog the gutters. Yes, it might cost a bit more, but it can save you from climbing that ladder and cleaning the gutters out.

Now on the down spouts, the gutters carrying the rain from the top to the ground can be done several ways. Many people are feeding these into a rain water collection devise. There are so many designer style devises to use. Whereas, other just put a concrete designed block on the ground to help continue to divert from the foundation and landscaping.

Gutters can also protect that beautiful landscaping. Ideally, you can divert the rain water into a rain water catchment tank and use it to water that beautiful landscaping. If you don’t have them over your landscaping, your soil can be washed away and your plants damaged.

Some people think gutters are ugly or workers don’t want to mess with them. When a roofer tells you that those gutters will ruin the boards on your home, ask them this question. "If you had to pay to have your home repaired by someone, would you rather pay for new boards, or have your house lifted and have the foundation repaired"? You do the math. Call several gutter companies and get quotes. You will not realize the difference they will make. Just walk around your house after a hard rain and look at the holes in the ground from the run off points. Or look outside at the points where the rain is dumping on your porch. It will be money spent wisely.

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

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More from Putting the Pieces Together.

State Law requires county appraisal districts to notify property owners about changes in their property’s value. On May 1, 2013, the Blanco County Appraisal District mailed 4,168 property owners letters showing their 2013 proposed appraised values.

Hollis Boatright, Chief Appraiser for Blanco County, reminds property owners that the letter of appraised value is not a tax bill, so please do not pay at this time.

Boatright emphasized the importance of this letter and the key information it contains. “A property owner has the right to appeal to the Blanco County Appraisal Review Board on any disagreement with the property’s value, exemptions, ownership and other areas,” she said.

The Appraisal Review Board, commonly referred to as the “ARB”, is an independent panel of citizens responsible for hearing and settling protests from property owners who disagree with some action by the appraisal district. The notice includes instructions on how and when to file a protest and a protest form. Additional information is available at www.blancocad.com.

What should a property owner review? “Look at the proposed value for 2013,” Boatright said. “The letter states the land’s value and any improvement value for the property for the current year.” An improvement is a building, structure, fence or any type of fixture to the land.

The appraisal letter also includes current year information on exemptions granted on the property and last year’s value.

Homeowners that qualify for property tax homestead exemptions have a limitation on their homes’ appraised value, beginning with the second year that they qualify their home for homestead exemption. The appraisal district may not increase their home value by more than 10 percent for each year since the last reappraisal year. A homeowner’s letter gives both the market value for the home and the limited home value.

Letters to property owners whose values increased will also include “estimated taxes”. These estimated taxes are based on the new taxable value and last years tax rates. Taxing units will set final 2013 tax rates in September. Final amounts may vary from these “estimated” amounts.

Boatright asks property owners to check the legal description and their mailing address to be sure it is correct. “If your notice has an old address, please let us know. The post office only forwards mail for a short time and the tax bills will go out in October,” Boatright added.

A property owner is responsible for informing the appraisal district of the correct mailing address. A property owner is liable for additional penalties and interest on a tax bill that is not paid on time.

In summary, please check your name, address and legal description and that all exemptions you qualify for were granted. If you disagree with the proposed value on your land or your buildings, or if you feel an exemption was denied, you may file a written protest by the May 31, 2013 deadline.

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More from Community News.

Echoe Burkhart performed a set with Blanco Alumnus, Jesse Stratton.

Another year done and the annual Bands 4 Band Music Festival brought incredible musical talent to Yett Memorial Park in Blanco. Grupo Fantasma, Lannaya West African Drum & Dance Ensemble, The Jitterbug Vipers, Patrice Pike, Hunter Hendrickson, Allen Ray & Southern Comfort, and local favorites Bobby Mack and Zydeco Blanco provided the festival attendees with a wide variety of musical styles and experiences.

The Grammy Award winning Grupo Fantasma was incredible with energetic Latin music and an amazing horn section. Members of the group joined the Blanco Panther Band in their rendition of the classic El Cumbancheiro – with the Grupo Fantasma members taking their places within the appropriate section of the band. Some of the members of Grupo Fantasma also work as assistant band directors and percussion instructors and were very impressed by the event as a whole. “This is a really amazing thing you all are doing for your kids and your town. What a great event!” said the lead singer for Grupo, Jose Galeano.

“Although the turn-out for this year’s festival was lower than we hoped for and expected, the fact that we continue to host an Annual Event is important. We had an amazing day! Our kids and parents worked so hard and made the festival something that we can all feel very proud about.”. Libbey Aly of the Blanco Band Boosters.

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The little red bicycle was beautiful and I was more than excited when Santa Claus gave it to me for Christmas. Living in Utah, I had to wait for the snow and ice to melt from the sidewalk so I could ride it. When I finally got the chance, Dad lugged it out of the garage and helped me climb on. He steadied the bike and ran along beside me as I tried to master a new skill. I’m afraid I proved to be less than coordinated.

When my father was unavailable, I tried to ride it on my own. There was a feed store on the corner that came right out to the sidewalk. I got so I could prop the bicycle against the side of that building, carefully climb aboard and shove off trying to stay upright long enough to get forward momentum and take control. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. One day I tried to mount the bicycle in the driveway. I lost control, crashed into Mother’s flower bed and took a nosedive. I was frustrated and angry. I picked up that bike by one handlebar and kicked it as hard as I could. I hadn’t noticed that my Dad had come home from work and was watching. Without a word, he picked up that little red bike and carried it down to the basement where it remained for what seemed an eternity.

Well, as kids are wont to do, I eventually mastered that little bicycle and it gave me a sense of freedom that I had never before known. In the 1950’s that part of Salt Lake City was in transition. There were still a lot of wide open spaces, old barns, Mill Creek, orchards, pastures, vacant lots with abandoned buildings and other great places to explore. At the same time, sidewalks and partially paved roads provided bicycle freeways that afforded us access to wonderful places much faster and farther afield than we were ever able to enjoy on foot.

During the summer months we liked to call on some folks who had a truck farm a mile or two from our house where they grew a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. We would ride our bikes to their little roadside produce stand and ask if they had work for us. They would “employ” us for a couple of hours weeding the rows of beats or beans and then they would pay us a whole quarter when we finished. I always gave them back a nickel so I could enjoy a cold, frosty bottle of cream soda from the cooler. That was living! A few more cents went to the drug store where we could buy malted milk balls two for a penny.

That neighborhood today is a bustling commercial zone. Our house is gone—replaced by stores, gas stations and shopping centers. The pastures, orchards and even Polly Johnson’s mink farm across the street have all given way to modern “progress.” Mill Creek runs under ground and it is hard to know where we used to drown worms and grasshoppers trying to catch a few elusive fish. I still enjoy going back there where I can gaze on the Wasatch front’s Mount Olympus that I used to admire from our kitchen window.

Back in the days of the little red bicycle we could roam far afield night or day totally unafraid. It never even occurred to us or to our parents that there might be kidnappers, sexual predators or other various and sundry bad guys lurking about. I never experienced any physical or psychological abuse nor did I ever hear of any of my friends being used or abused. I just wish my bicycle had fared as well. By today’s standards, I suppose we lived in a very idyllic world. I just wish my grandchildren could grow up and ride their bicycles in such a protected and safe environment. But perhaps that is asking too much.

Referring to children, Jesus said, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matt. 18:6-7)

(Comments? Mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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More from Mustard Seeds.

AUSTIN — Legislation to amend the state elections law as to how much a person may assist others in voting was passed by the House on April 26.

Committee Substitute House Bill 148, authored by Rep. Cindy Burkett, R-Mesquite, received a final vote of 93-48, but not before lengthy and contentious debate on the House floor a day earlier.

Opponents of the bill, who were rebuffed in multiple attempts to amend the bill, warned that its passage likely would result in a federal court challenge under Section 5 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965, a part of the law that affects states showing a pattern of discriminatory behavior in election-related practices.

An official state analysis of CSHB 148, in short, asserts: “In certain localities, individuals receive compensation for harvesting mail-in ballots or for going door to door collecting eligible ballots and posting them on behalf of voters. Such individuals are compensated on a per-ballot basis. There currently is no limit on the number of times a person may act as a courier for mail-in ballots in a given election, and concerned parties contend that some mail-in ballot harvesters provide unlawful assistance or unlawful witness to voters and may even electioneer in the presence of an active ballot.”

The bill would create misdemeanor offense for a person convicted of compensating an individual for assisting 10 or more voters in prohibited ways, and for engaging in other specific and prohibited voting-related actions.

Texas joins EPA challenge

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and attorneys general from 11 other states have filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Obama Administration’s enforcement of environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act.

Petitioners claim the U.S Environmental Protection Agency “ignored Congress’ lawmaking role by rewriting federal laws through administrative rulemaking,” Abbott’s office stated in an April 22 news release.

Abbott said the EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations “were unlawfully created out of whole cloth and are a massive burden on states and businesses.”

Timothy Cole bill passes

HB 166 by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, was approved by the House on April 24.

The legislation would establish the Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission to review and investigate cases in which an innocent person was convicted and then exonerated or released on writ of habeas corpus.

The nine-member commission would review practices and procedures leading up to wrongful convictions and seek ways to minimize erroneous outcomes. The commission would not consider sentencing issues such as the death penalty and would not intervene in any pending cases, McClendon said.

The bill honors the memory of Timothy Cole, a Texan who in 1999 died in prison, having served 13 years of a 25-year rape sentence before the legal system was satisfied that another individual had committed the crime. Cole received a posthumous pardon from Gov. Perry in 2010.

Presidential center opens

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum was formally opened and dedicated at its location on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas on April 25.

The 207,000-square-foot complex will serve as the archive for more than 70 million pages of documents and 80 terabytes of electronic records, in addition to collections of photographs, memorabilia and educational materials.

George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States, served from 2001 to 2009, and served as governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000.

West continues rebound

Relief assistance of all kinds poured into the city of West last week.

West has been in a state of disaster emergency since April 17, when a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant tore through the town, killing 14 people and injuring as many as 200 others.

A memorial service for those lost and injured in the explosion was held at Baylor University in Waco on April 25. President Barack Obama spoke, honoring those who rushed to assist and giving solemn regard to “the wounded, the heartbroken, the families who lost their homes and possessions in an instant.”

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Submitted by Barby O’Brien

That’s right - Elvis will be performing at the Buggy Barn Museum the first Saturday of May. Activities begin at 10 am, with the Dry River Band performing from 11 am to 2 pm. And then, live from Canyon Lake, home of this Elvis impersonator, there will be an afternoon of total Elvis entertainment. Rob Carter, long-time impersonator and entertainer, will perform from 2 to 5 pm. NO CHARGE – however, donations accepted to the Museum would be appreciated.

Rob Carter has been a volunteer at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for several years as a member of the Communications committee and the Cowboys For Jesus Church committee. He has performed at the rodeo as Elvis and performs his original gospel shows.

Other performances have been at the Mercedes Stock Show and Rodeo in the Valley, especially for the Elvis birthday celebration, where hundreds of Elvis impersonators gather. Rob is a favorite among RV park goers and has performed for thousands of RVers wintering in Texas.

The Officers Club at Randolph Air Force Base requests Rob to perform the first Friday of every month. His performances bring back memories that are shared across the military family network.

Not only does this entertainer perform Elvis, he also specializes in 1950s and 1960s music and has an extensive country and western repertoire. His favorite is George Strait. Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Jerry Lee Lewis, however, are but a few of the artists in his playbook; in addition, he does nearly all the classic country artists such as George Jones, Glen Campbell, Roger Miller, Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, and of course Waylon and Willie.

Rob also plays as a regular at the Amarillo Club in Amarillo, Texas every month where his musical gamut runs all the way from Frank Sinatra standards to the classics, all danceable. Besides doing Elvis Las Vegas Shows and Rob Orbison Shows, Rob also does a show of 1950s music as Bobby DoWop including vintage brocade tuxes with flashy ties and white bucks with a fedora to complete the look as he sings everything from At the Hop to Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.

Whether you're having a party, reunion, birthday, wedding reception or rehearsal dinner, anywhere from your backyard to a concert arena, Rob is at home and you will not be disappointed.

Returning monthly to the 1st Saturday event are members of the National Knife and Tomahawks Throwing teams. From ages 14 to 80, they will be performing exciting skills with their sharp objects for your enjoyment.

Free rides will be provided in one of the many horse-drawn carriages all afternoon. Remember going to grandma’s for Sunday chicken dinners? The ride was long and bumpy but so worth it. Traveling in one of these spectacular vehicles today is an honor one should definitely take the opportunity to do, at least once. Snuggle up under a warm throw blanket during a quiet hillside ride. The experience is remarkable!

There will be vendors, arts and crafts, facing painting, and BBQ. Vendor space is still available. Contact Blancobarby@hotmail.com or 512 825-6284 for more details. Listen to KKYX 680AM Talk About Texas show with Roy Holley, at 9:30 am every Saturday morning for more happenings at the Buggy Barn Museum.

So don’t miss out, join us at this month’s Saturday May 4th, for fun activities.

The Buggy Barn Museum located in the Texas Hill Country just north of downtown Blanco, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, which is dedicated to providing a unique opportunity to step back in time. You can experience these timeless transportation vehicles and artifacts which had such a significant role in our history and heritage. All fund raising effort is used to expand the museum and collection while promoting the preservation of this important era. There are various opportunities for educational programs highlighting the historical role of carriages in the cultural, social, and economic development of our country. Most visitors to the museum find memories of a simpler time and appreciation of the leaders of a unique time of our lives.

www.Buggybarnmusuem.com for contact information or 830 833-5708

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“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Ps. 116:15

Mary Helen Montgomery Covin went to be with her Heavenly Father, Friday, April 26, 2013, at the age of 85. She was born May 20, 1927, in San Antonio, to Helen Mae Gissi Montgomery and Alfred Collins (Fred) Montgomery and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. She married the one and only love of her life, Wilfred Merle “Bud” Covin, May 2, 1944. He preceded her in death June 28, 1997. She was employed in the food service industry at Trinity University in San Antonio and by the Blanco ISD. She was a member of Alamo Heights Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by parents: Fred and Helen Montgomery; sister: Virginia (Jenny) Montgomery; brother: Rex Montgomery; sons: Charles and David Gayle; granddaughter: Lesa Santellana; and great-grandsons: Jackson and William.

Mary is survived by brother: George Montgomery; sisters: Anne Hager (Howard), Carolyn Guthrie (Gus); sister-in-law, Jean Montgomery; children: Buddy (Carolyn), George (Linda), Gary (Theresa), John (Chere), Chris (Rita), Jeff (Claire) and Mary (Paul), 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved and cherished her dearly.

Mary’s life was characterized by beautiful hands that served others unselfishly, a heart that loved and accepted others unconditionally, and a rock solid faith that permeated every part of her life. Her special gift of “cooking” blessed so many lives. Mary’s favorite verse was 1 Cor. 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Now, Mary’s eyes are seeing, her ears are hearing, and her mind understands all God prepared for her!

Visitation was held on Monday, April 29, at Sunset Funeral Home, in San Antonio. A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, April 30 at Alamo Heights Baptist Church, in San Antonio. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Alamo Heights Baptist Church, 6501 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX, 78209, or the charity of your choice.

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Digital sign considerations

I was happy to see the proposed digital sign hit a roadblock when it comes to night sky light pollution. It seems like the digital sign is being railroaded through. I clearly remember being involved in the LCRA Visionaries in Preservation workshops for the future of Blanco. The one top priority from both old timers and newcomers was to keep the small town rural character of Blanco. In my view, a digital sign does not fit in with a small town character. A digital sign is also not permitted under the current Blanco sign guidelines. A changeable sign like the one in front of Blanco County Inn is much more fitting. I believe the library board needs to approve of the digital sign before it can proceed. Please let them know your thoughts on this issue so they can make the best decision for our town.

Peter Mangan

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Davis “DI” Rutter, 84, passed away April 27, 2013 in San Antonio. He was born October 26, 1928 in Cedar Valley, TX to Gradie and Ella Rutter. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dosia Crumley and Dollie Willie, and brother, Lonnie Rutter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Gussie Rutter; daughter, Kathy West and husband Neil; grandchildren, Katie Elizabeth West and Carson Davis West; brothers, Robert Rutter and wife Una, Glenn Rutter and wife Mada Jean, sister, Lizzie Christal; sister-in-law, Leola Rutter; brother-in-law, Marvin Myers and wife Merlene. Davis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Davis worked in the auto body repair business in Austin for over 30 years. After retirement, he purchased a farm in Havensville, KS where he became a successful farmer and rancher. Davis left the farming way of life, purchased a ranch in Gillett, TX and spent the last 10 years of his life making weekly trips from Blanco to Gillett.

Pallbearers will be James Caudell, Ronnie Crumley, Charles Christal, Eugene Reimers, Calen McNett, and Ky McNett. Gary Haldeman is an honorary pallbearer.

Visitation was held Monday, April 29, 2013 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco where funeral services were also held Tuesday, with Rev. Rusty Hicks officiating. Interment followed in Cypress Mill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Cypress Mill Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 34, Round Mountain, TX 78663

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Patsy (Burks) Lanty (nee Danz), age 78, passed away peacefully April 26, 2013 at her home in Johnson City, surrounded by family. She was born in Middle Creek, to Jay Danz and Lucy Maude Felps Danz. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Chad. She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, John Lanty; children, Pamela Dechert and husband Wallace, Dale Burks and wife Jane, Linda Maritan and husband Mickey, Deborah Marbach and husband Bruce, Kevin Lanty and wife Allison, Matt Lanty and wife Heeyah, and Susan Lanty; fourteen grandchildren, Tammy, Tiffany, Lindsay, Jacob, Sarah, Aimee, Jamee, Amber, Aprill, Heather, Brett, John Phillip, Linda, and Josiah; ten great grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, Kate, Cameron, Lillian, Braeden, Landon, Grace, Kyle, Colby, and one on the way. Patsy is also survived by her brother, Roger Danz and wife Sandra, many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and dear friends.

Patsy was the owner and operator of Pat’s Hair Fashions in Blanco for many years. After she met John Lanty, they briefly lived in New York and then returned to Texas, living in San Antonio for a number of years before retiring to Johnson City. During her time in Blanco, Patsy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Johnson City before becoming a member of Liberty Lighthouse Fellowship.

Visitation was held Sunday, April 28, at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon with Rev. Jimmy Boatright officiating. Interment followed at Miller Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Hill Country Memorial Hospice, PO Box 835, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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