Our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, April 27th, 2013 at the age of 86. He was in the company of family as he surrendered a long battle with Alzheimer’s at the Odyssey Hospice House in San Antonio. Don was born on January 4th, 1927 in Los Angeles, CA. He was the oldest of three children born to Don and Frances (Lundberg) Champion.

Don grew up in southern California and entered the U.S. Navy early to attempt to be a part of World War II. He ended up honorably serving our nation without having to see any action in wartime. He later graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Texas Wesleyan University in Ft. Worth. Don went on to become a business owner and salesman – representing various electronics, engineering and robotics companies, including top secret programs for defense contractors and NASA. He lived a full life, spending time from California to Florida, with the majority of his time being in North Texas around Dallas-Ft Worth and Plano. Don moved with his wife Nancy (Copeland) to her family farm in Blanco in 2011. He is preceded in death by two very special individuals in his life, his son, Cal, and his sister, Sue.

Don’s life is best remembered for his love of family and friends. He developed a deep appreciation for Jazz and Big-Band music early on that entertained him all the way through the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Don was a man with “his own sense of style” who enjoyed photography, bird watching, being in the outdoors, and building things with his hands. Being a Navy man – he always maintained a deep love for boats, but nothing brought him more joy than fishing with family and friends, and taking his grandkids to baseball games or out for ice cream. While Alzheimer’s took its toll in his later years, he always maintained his charming and witty personality.

Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Champion of Blanco, TX; one sister, Carol Callaway of Indian Wells, CA; three daughters and one son, Debbie Katz of CA, Dona Brown and husband Charlie of Sarasota, FL, Jan Torres and husband Louie of McKinney, TX, and Chris Champion and wife Dawn of Blanco, TX; along with 11 grandchildren; Brett Sherman, Erin, Chris Usher, Brady Usher, Brent Usher, Mindi Soto, Matt Champion, Madison Torres, Ashton Schutza, Brett Champion and Christyn Champion; and finally 8 great-grandchildren, Mason, CJ, Chloe, Alex, Elliott, Tyler, Mayci, and Evah.

The family would like to thank the wonderful First Baptist Church family in Blanco, along with Crofts-Crow Funeral Home for all of their support. We would also like to extend our deepest, heart-felt appreciation to all of the loving and caring servants at both Heart to Heart Hospice and Odyssey Hospice House, who took such amazing care of our entire family during his last battles with Alzheimer’s. We simply cannot say thank you enough for the Christ-like love and compassion of the hospice care-givers.

Finally the family prays you will join us for a celebration of Don’s life and memorial service to be held 11:00AM on Saturday, May 4th, 2013 at First Baptist Church Blanco, 1200 4th St., Blanco. There will be a reception for all family and friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a memorial donation in Don’s name to; Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 7801 Mesquite Bend Drive, Suite 105, Irving, TX 75063, or Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation via their online form at: www.hearttoheart hospicefoundation.org/.

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More from Obituaries.

Billy Joe (Bill) Gibson, age 82 passed away suddenly at his home in Marble Falls on April 26, 2013. He was born January 15, 1931, at his family’s home on the Coca Cola Ranch, known to everyone today as Horseshoe Bay. He was preceded in death by his parents and by five sisters and three brothers; Bernice Bruns, Marie Crownover, Esterrea Crownover, Annie Moore, Modena Gibson, B.M. (Hoot) Gibson, I.V. Gibson, and Ray Gibson.

Bill served our country enlisting in the Navy on November 30, 1948, and was honorably discharged November 21, 1952. He met the love of his life, Marie Kolb on a blind date, one month prior to leaving the Navy. It was leap year so Marie asked him to marry her. He smiled and raised her question with “how about we go to Texas”. So they did and were together for 60 years.

A rancher all his life, he enjoyed everything to do with horses, cattle, and other animals. He loved hunting, fishing, steer roping, and being with his family and friends of whom he had so many. He also took pleasure in attending his children’s grandchildren’s many activities throughout his lifetime. In 1966 he was awarded Cowboy of the Year for his dedicated service by the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association.

In addition to his wife Marie; Bill is survived by his sons Lynn Gibson and wife Cynthia of Burnet, Wayne Gibson and wife Della of Granite Shoals and daughter Lisa Ulbricht and husband Ronald of Marble Falls. He is survived by his 3 grandsons Hunter Gibson, Patrick Gibson, and Brandon Colclasure and 3 granddaughters Whitney, Kendall, and Rylie Ulbricht. He was also blessed with 3 beautiful great grandchildren Conner, Fallon, and Mason Gibson. There are also nieces, nephews, and countless other loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation was held Monday, April 29, 2013, from 6 to 8 P.M. at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls. Funeral services were held at 10 A.M. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home with Greg Neill officiating. Burial will follow at Pecan Cemetery in Llano County. Pallbearers named were Hunter Gibson, Patrick Gibson, Bubba Ussery, Clay Simmons, Frank Haynes, Gary Larrimore, Robert Cowan, and Daryl Templeton. Honorary Pallbearers named were Robert Crownover, Butch Crownover, Raymond Herrington, Gerald Shaffer, Ralph Ebeling, and Kenny Jastow.

The family wishes to have donations sent to the American Red Cross for the victims of the West, Texas disaster. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcox funeralhome.com

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More from Obituaries.

Dorothy Adeline Dullnig Heiligmann, age 88, of Blanco, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Dorothy was born in San Antonio, TX to Olin and Selma Dullnig on March 6, 1925. She married Charles H. Heiligmann on Feb. 15, 1947 and they shared a wonderful life together for 66 years.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She loved to cook and have family and friends over. Games of any kind were Dorothy’s passion. She will always be remembered for her competitive spirit and kind heart.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Charles H. Heiligmann. A daughter Vicki Beicker (Gustav) and son Howard Heiligmann (Bunny). Two granddaughters, Kellie Beicker and Tracey Grier (Chase). She also leaves behind a brother Roland Dullnig (Evelyn) and sister Florence Shaw and her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held Thursday, May 2 at Mission Parks Funeral Chapels South in San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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More from Obituaries.

Jody Vantine 36, passed away on Sunday surrounded by her

family. Services will be 11 AM Wednesday May 1, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran

Church, 29797 U. S. Hwy 281 North, Bulverde, Texas, with visitation at the church

from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Crofts – Crow Funeral Home, 911 Mesquite, Blanco,

Texas are in charge of arrangements.

Jody was born on April 24, 1977 in Edina Minnesota to Jim and Barbara Vantine.

She grew up in Minnetonka, and she attended Fire Fighter and EMT school, as

well as Seattle Culinary Academy, Washington State University, American College

of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Jody’s interests included dancing, cooking,

oriental medicine, reading and playing games. She was preceded in death by her

grandparents Glenn and Leola Vantine.

Jody is survived by her parents; Jim and Bobbi (Barbara) Vantine of Spring Branch, TX,

grandparents; Donald and Marjorie Gens, Madelia, MN, sisters; Jill Vantine

her twin of Spring Branch, TX., Katie Vantine of Aachen, Germany, Christa Kreutter and

husband Lee of Mound, MN, and nieces Ashlynn and Kaitlin, sister; Terri Ingraham

and husband Scott and nephew Jackson and niece Ella Clair of Austin, TX.

Memorial contributions can be made to Texas Hospice,1100 N. E. Loop 410 Suite

615, San Antonio, Texas 78209

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More from Obituaries.

The Family of Marvin Haas would like to thank everyone for expressing your friendship and Love for Marvin. He will be missed by many and the family will feel the void for a long time. We hope everyone learned a lesson from his generation. The men and women from that era lived through many hard times. They had honesty, integrity and the will to succeed at their jobs. He drove to ACE Welding & Trailer Co. in San Antonio for 67 years. The people from his generation experienced the Great Depression and World War II. Those Men & Women who survived the War came home and carried on in their young lives. We can all learn from their efforts and help make this modern day world a better place for all. The cards, food and phone calls meant a lot. We know he is in a better place and at peace with the world. He left behind his mark and I hope people will remember and try to do the same. Remember to be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is going through some kind of Battle in Life . Thank you again for your heartfelt sympathies.

Sincerely, Johnnie & Patty Haas & Family

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More from Announcements.

Back row, L-R: Libbey Aly, Darlene Douglas, Roberto Cepeda, Tatum Bearden, Bethany Valencia, Lori Carter, Leslie Ferguson and John Kublank. Front Row, L-R: Tanya Shelton, Amy Gilbertson, Deb Houser, Opal Umpierre, Connie Hollingsworth and Donna Irwin.

To understand what Hope Hospice does, it is necessary to first understand hospice. Hospice is not a place; it is a philosophy of care that aims to care for the whole person – body, mind and soul – during the final months of a life-limiting illness. Hospice focuses on keeping people comfortable so they may spend their time doing the things that are most important to them. To achieve comfort, hospices use many tools: the expertise of a team (nurses, aides, physicians, social workers, chaplains and volunteers), medications, supplies and medical equipment. Hospice’s role is not to replace the primary caregiver, but to supplement them. We are an extra set of eyes, hands and ears.

What sets Hope apart is its longevity, commitment to community and focus on mission.

Hope’s mission is to provide exemplary care, comfort and education to all affected by life-limiting illness, grief and loss. Hope Hospice has helped other hospices in Texas get started, taught hospices and churches how to start and sustain grief support groups and children’s grief camps. And every day Hope teaches the families of its patients how to care for themselves and their families during this turning point in their family’s story.

It is with great joy that Hope brings these services, that have now been used for generations in Comal County, to Blanco. It is our hope that anyone in need of support during a serious illness or a listening ear during their grief will know they can depend on Hope Hospice. If you have questions about how we can serve your family or when to initiate care, please call us day or night at (830) 625-7525.

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More from Community News.

It’s been a decade since Chris Wall has given fans a new dose of his smart, insightful and highly listenable country music, but that drought is ending with the release of El Western Motel. A collection of intimate, mostly acoustic tunes inspired by his beloved American West and such influences as the words of Hemingway, Faulker, James Dickey and Richard Hugo, El Western MotelL captures this Texas troubadour reflecting on the peaks and valleys of a singular life.

Wall is best known for his tongue-in-cheek composition, “Trashy Women,” a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated early-90s hit for Confederate Railroad and one of three Wall tracks on Jerry Jeff Walker’s LIVE AT GRUENE HALL album. But Wall’s musical history goes much deeper, as referenced in the tracks “Six Tiny Strings” and “Silver Hair and Silver Wings.” He also addresses more personal issues in “I Should Have Called.”

El Western Motel contains a track co-written by Dale Watson titled “Hello, I’m an Old Country Song” (an answer song of sorts to the George Kent hit “Hello, I’m a Jukebox”). It also features fiddle, mandolin and harmony contributions by Reckless Kelly’s Cody Braun, who credits Wall as a mentor, influence and lure to Austin.

Outlawmagazine.com praised, “If you’re of a mind to live your life rather than let the damned thing live you, El Western Motel is the soundtrack your own beaten down soul has been humming to your heart for years. Turn it up, and let the horses run.”

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More from Community News.

On Monday, April 22, 2013, nine Hill Country residents and night sky advocates gathered in the Blanco Emergency Medical Service conference facility to help refine a training program aimed at preparing volunteers to make outdoor lighting assessments at Texas State Parks.

With the blessings of Brent Leisure, Director of Texas State Parks, Stephen Bosbach of Austin and Cindy Luongo Cassidy of Driftwood developed a multi-faceted training program to prepare volunteers across the state to conduct standardized evaluations of the outdoor lighting at state parks. The Blanco workshop was designed to beta test the training program so as to improve the content and presentation of the training materials prior to taking it statewide.

Once trained, volunteers will work with each park superintendent to assess outdoor lighting at the park and devise remedial solutions to shield or replace fixtures whose light causes excessive glare, trespasses off park property, or shines up into the night sky.

“The people of Texas look to our state parks to lead the way in environmental preservation,” said Bosbach. “Preserving our night skies by eliminating light pollution in and around our state parks is now a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department goal. We hope our training program for park volunteers will assist this effort.”

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More from Community News.

Dear Readers:

First of all, this piece of news should have been in last week's column, but due to computer issues beyond our control, I didn't get it in here until now. Cheyanne Cox (Mrs. Kyle) participated in a program called Crossfit, and what a program it was! She went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (which is really mountain country) and ran/walked 26 miles with a backpack filled with 35 pounds of sand. That takes grit, so to speak! I couldn't have even lifted the backpack, so congratulations, Cheyanne! Living with Kyle, goat wrangler par excellence, made this possible!!

Second of all, please don't forget to come to the Friends of the Library's Dinner and a Movie this Friday night at the Old Blanco County Courthouse. The meal, as always, will be superb, because it was created and is being prepared by Sibby Barrett of Onion Creek Kitchens and her crew. She is a most inventive chef, and your palate will be satiated by the time the evening is over! Tickets are 20 dollars, and you can BYOB! I will be one of your servers, so be sure and say hello!

Lastly, and this is probably the most difficult to write, but, as of Monday, I will have left Blanco to take my mom back to West Virginia to a nursing home. We have family and friends there, and I will stay there near her until I take her over the hill to be buried beside my grandparents and my little brother. My husband, God bless him, is going to stay here and work and take care of the animals until I get back, although I don't know when that will be. Most of you who know me know my mom's health has been going downhill pretty quickly lately, so I don't know that I will be gone all that long.

To all the people I have met here in Blanco, especially my Strickland's girls (whom I love dearly), my church family at BUMC, Leona and TD Smylie, Harold and Florine Lord, Dorothy Dillon, Ada Cooley, Howard and Delores Cox, my Yett Park and Rodeo Board friends, my Woman's Club friends, my Chamber friends, my Community Choir friends, my newspaper friends, the wonderful staff at the Blanco Regional Clinic, my library friends (Kee, Dorothy, Linda and Vic, Tony, Crystal, Bobbie, and the rest of you) Mr. Strickland, Heart-2-Heart, everybody at D&H, Dawn, and my Candi, I just can't name everybody (and I know I'm leaving out so many), I am going to miss all of you SO MUCH. Even if I met people who don't like me, I never knew it because they never showed it. But, like General MacArthur, I will return... and I will be so happy to see you when I do. In the meantime, please keep in touch, by Facebook or email or text or whatever.

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More from Potpourri.

I hope you are enjoying the spring blooming flowers, trees and shrubs. My landscape has been very slow but it is finally coming around. I’ve been moving plants and doing a lot of pruning.

Many homeowners are re-doing their lawns this spring. Think about the water situation before designing a landscape. Consider what areas will be used for lawn, play area, patio, ponds, ground cover and shade areas. Use about 20% for lawn. Most grasses need 6-8 hours of sunlight, one inch of rain/watering per week, and regular fertilizing and maintenance. Regular mowing and edging will keep the weeds in control. Proper cutting height is very important. St. Augustine should be cut 2½ - 3 inches high. Zoysia and Bermuda will usually be mowed a little shorter.

Iris is a welcome sign of Spring. July and August is a good time to divide and transplant the Iris. They can be transplanted anytime the ground isn’t frozen. Fertilize in early spring and again in late summer. Iris will not bloom well if they are too crowded. Using a garden fork, dig deep beneath the clump and dig it up. Separate as many pieces as possible without damaging the roots. Wear gloves when digging and working in the soil. Bacteria in the soil can cause skin problems. Dig a hole, add fertilizer and bonemeal or cottonseed meal, mix with the soil and water in. Water again in a week if it doesn’t rain. Purchase some re-blooming Iris. They usually bloom in early spring and again in October. There are about 1200 varieties of the Tall Bearded Iris in a rainbow of colors.

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More from Community News.

April’s meeting of Blanco Woman’s Club met at the First Baptist Church of Blanco. We had an afternoon of music and some ladies described the program as “informative and soothing.” The newly formed musical group, LANTANA, came for a visit with us. The group consists of Susan Marshall on harp, Joan White as vocalist, flautist, and plays the mandolin, and Elizabeth Hodge. Ms. Hodge was unfortunately not able to be with us. Lantana performed portions of their Lenten program. Carol Davidson says “We saw each station of the cross through music, and it was truly delightful. “

During the meeting Candy Cargill-Wenzel reminded all of the ladies that the Texas state capital has beautiful art galleries that are open to the public and that the building themselves are works of art with stained glass windows and marble inlaid floors that everyone should visit.

As a reminder to those coming to our last meeting of the year, we will be meeting May 8th at 11:30 AM out at Red Corral Ranch and we will be installing next year’s officers!

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More from Community News.

Ann Lacey (right) and Gene Dwiggins (2nd from right) of Blanco, TX catch up on the Blanco County news, sharing it with Toyokaizu and Keiko Deguchi, owners of M&D Cafe in Kaizu City, Gifu, Japan!

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More from Community News.

Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body”. Recall to mind our brothers and sisters in Christ who are imprisoned for their Christian testimony, as if it was you in prison, chained together with them. Recall to mind our Christian family, who suffer maltreatment and torment at the hands of those who hate Jesus and the Bible - as if it was you suffering in your body. This means to identify with them. Relate to them. Imagine yourself in their place.

1Cor 12:26-27 says, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it… Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” The church universal is the Body of Christ. If a part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. We are to weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15). We are to bear each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2). We are to have compassion on one another (1Pt 3:8). Our brothers and sisters in many nations suffer greatly for their faith in Jesus. We must not forget them. We must suffer with them.

Believe it or not, Americans are not the face of Christianity. We are not what typical Christianity world wide looks like or lives like. We are exceptionally blessed, and have exceptional freedom, peace, & wealth. The world population is approx. 7 billion. 2.3 billion (or 1/3) are Christian. The U.S. has about 350 million people. If even half of Americans are Christian (175 million), we are not even 10 percent of the Christian population of the world. Where do the majority of our brothers and sisters live? On the other side of the globe. A little over 1/3 of Christians live in the Western Hemisphere, while 2/3 live in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In many of these countries, the persecution of Christians is alive and well. Harassment, imprisonment, torture, & death for naming the Name of Jesus did not stop in the Roman Coliseum. It continues today.

Since 1990, approximately 160,000 Christians are martyred each year for their faith in Jesus. This equates to 438 Christians a day losing their life through persecution in the last quarter century. Or, a disciple of Christ is martyred every 3 minutes on this planet. We are not talking about dying in a car wreck or of old age. We are talking about their faith in Jesus being a determining factor in their death.

Do these numbers seem too big to believe? Perhaps it’s because of our sanitized religion here in the States, and the intentional media blackout on these matters. Or perhaps it’s just too uncomfortable to confront, and would be easier ignored. Persecution of Christians is real. Look up on the web Voice of the Martyrs, International Christian Concern, Open Doors, Release International - and get educated. Go to Voice of the Martyrs channel on Youtube.com. Sign up for their newsletters.

We can make a difference! Here are four easy ways: 1. Pray for the persecuted church. Pray for them to have boldness to witness and stand for Jesus. Pray for them to be able to forgive their tormentors. Pray for their families to be provided for. Pray they would know they are not forgotten. 2. Read. Read Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. Read Tortured for Christ (it’s free at persecution.com). Stay informed. 3. Give. The Bible commands us to give “especially to the household of faith” (Gal 6:10). They are family. They need our prayers, our encouragement, and our help. 4. Do. Go to the above websites. See how you can get involved;, writing letters to imprisoned Christians, supporting the family of a martyr, helping pastors evangelize, etc.

Are you sick and tired of lukewarm Christianity? Do you want to be involved in a truly meaningful ministry - something that really does make a difference, that you can “pour yourself out” in order to do? Ask God to set your heart on fire for His suffering saints. Ask Him to make you a vessel of mercy, to be used to ease the burden of the afflicted brethren around the world. Research these ministries, and let God set you ablaze. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!

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More from Focus on Faith.

This Friday is our Annual Friends of the Blanco Library’s Dinner and a Movie!

Sibby of Onion Creek Kitchens is crafting a wonderful “New American Cuisine” to go with our movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Pick up your $20 tickets at the Blanco Library or at Liz’s On the Square for this May 3rd night out on the town. These dinner seats will fill up fast so be sure to buy your tickets early! On the evening of the event, we will dine at 6:00pm at the Old Blanco County Courthouse and then retire to the library at 8:00pm for our movie showing. Remember, this is a BYOB event, so bring your partner, friends, or your lovely moms for an early Mother’s Day gift!

Kids and parents! If you are interested in learning about painting, come sign up for Olga Ibarra’s summer art class starting June 4th. This class is for children ages 6-11 years old and will be every Tuesday 4-6 at the Blanco Library. Stop by or call the library for Olga’s contact information to sign up. There will be a display of the art during the month of September at the Library. You must register this month!

As always, remember to check our website at www.blancolib.org or call us at 830-833-4280 for more information.

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More from Community News.

Revelation 11:1-19 “1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.”

I’m going to break right here because I like to calculate things, and so I calculated 42 months by 12 months in a year, and came up with 3 ½ years.

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” KJV

Well, what we’ve just read is describing the middle part of the seven year period of tribulation, as 42 months is 3-½ years; therefore, this chapter begins at the 3-½ year mark, and we will go into the last 3-½ years as we continue reading Revelations.

All I can say is we need to pray that we endure this time God’s given to us, and use it wisely by reading God’s Word primarily, and not wasting any precious time reading junk! What do you spend your time reading? Does it help you or hinder you? Where does it take your thoughts? Is your spirit at peace when you close your book?

If you’re hurting, God’s Word comforts. If you’re scared, God’s Word strengthens. If you’re confused, God’s Word is truth. If you’re doubting, God’s Word is assurance. If you’re angry, God’s Word teaches. If you’re sick, God’s Word is healing, too. It even teaches us how to raise our children!

God’s Word and the power of it is transforming, and Jesus said “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63

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More from Focus on Faith.

Fourteen area high school seniors receive scholarships totaling $50,000 from Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Scholarship recipients were announced April 17 during a reception held in their honor at PEC’s headquarters in Johnson City, Texas.

Pedernales Electric announced the 14 area high school seniors receiving scholarships from the Co-op during a reception held in the students’ honor Wednesday evening at the Co-op’s headquarters in Johnson City.

Scholarship recipients, their families and PEC staff celebrated their achievements as scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 were announced. PEC is firmly committed to the leaders of tomorrow, and for more than a decade, the Co-op has offered scholarships to local high school and home-schooled seniors in its service area. This year, there were more than 330 scholarship applicants.

Priyunka Maheshwari, a senior at Vandegrift High School in Austin, received the top scholarship worth $10,000. “Receiving this scholarship means a greater opportunity to be actively involved in college life without monetary stress,” Maheshwari said. “It reinforces my ability to be a leader in my community and school.”

Recipients were selected based on their applicant profiles, including academic performance, community involvement, extracurricular activities and financial need. This year, applicants also were evaluated on an essay in which they were asked to identify a mentor and a lesson they’ve learned from that mentor. The scholarships can be used to pay expenses at any accredited university, college, junior college, technical school or trade school.

“We made several adjustments to this year’s program, including increasing the individual dollar amounts of the respective scholarships and adding the essay topic, and we received some amazing responses,” said 2013 PEC Scholarship Committee President Eddie Dauterive.

Dauterive, who also serves as the Co-op’s Vice President of Member Services, added, “as a cooperative, we strive to bring added value, services and opportunities to our members and communities. By helping our local students pursue their educational goals, we are investing in their future, as well as the future of our local communities.”

To learn more about PEC’s scholarship program, visit www.pec.coop/scholarship.

2013 PEC scholarship recipients

$10,000 scholarship

Priyunka Maheshwari, Vandegrift High School, Leander ISD

$5,000 scholarship

Walker Bailey, Cedar Park High School, Leander ISD

Kaitlyn Eben, Navarro High School, Navarro ISD

Jeremiah Gress, Vista Ridge High School, Leander ISD

$2,500 scholarship

Annie Albrecht, Blanco High School, Blanco ISD

Nicholas Babyak, Lago Vista High School, Lago Vista ISD

Aubrey Humphrey, LBJ High School, Johnson City ISD

Kendyll Kohlleppel, LBJ High School, Johnson City ISD

Ryan Pfaff, Vista Ridge High School, Leander ISD

Trevor Riek, Rouse High School, Leander ISD

Katrina Spangenberg, Wimberley High School, Wimberley ISD

Kevin Vu, Cedar Park High School, Leander ISD

Justin Wolfe, Lake Travis High School, Lake Travis ISD

Amara Yachimski, LBJ High School, Johnson City ISD

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More from School.

Advancing to State: Maria Avila, Selena Cortes-Guerrero and Callie Nance

The Blanco chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America attended the State Leadership Conference held in Dallas, Texas on April 11-13, 20132. The chapter members were among 3,500 delegates attending the three-day conference. The youth-developed theme, “Producing Leaders,” was carried out through tracks featuring a series of specialized workshops and general sessions in which members discovered ways to become actively involved in issues facing today’s youth.

Leadership Enhancement Opportunities (LEOs) are competitive events in which members participate at the region and state levels. There are 10 different LEO event categories in which members can showcase their knowledge and skills. The following members advanced from the Region V meeting to compete in the State LEOs: Callie Nance – Gold medal in FCCLA Creed, Mission, and Purposes, Selena Cortes-Guerrero – Gold Medal in Job Interview, and Maria Avila – Silver medal in Etiquette.

FCCLA is a dynamic youth organization that has the family as its central focus. The leadership skills gained from FCCLA are very beneficial to the individual, the family, the workplace, and the community. All BHS activities are centered on developing leadership skills in local members, supporting family ties, and volunteering in the community. FCCLA members have the ability to utilize knowledge gained through leadership experiences to develop a solid foundation for the future.

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An ambitious student from Smithson Valley High School is the winner of the 2013 Ola Armstrong Scholarship, presented by The GVTC Foundation. Lauren Broderick was chosen from 64 qualified students, who submitted applications from throughout GVTC’s 2,000 square mile service area. She receives $10,000 to help pay for her college education.

A four-year member of the Smithson Valley Silver Spurs dance team, Lauren says she would like to go into business after college by creating a fitness program and, “taking it global.”

The Armstrong Scholarship is named for Ola Armstrong, past president of the Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to the student who demonstrates academic excellence and exceptional community involvement — two attributes that represent Armstrong’s character and commitment to her profession.

Lauren’s many community involvement accomplishments include earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for her presentation to the entire Smithson Valley student body, on the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Lauren leveraged her participation with Girl Scouts to mentor other young girls by coordinating camp outs, art activities, and teaching them various forms of dance. She’s also volunteered at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children by creating a summer reading program, donating clothes and hygiene products and helping with Easter activities.

“I’m honored to receive this scholarship and would like to thank The GVTC Foundation for their consideration,” Lauren said. “I know my parents are very grateful for the help this is going to provide in paying for college.”

Lauren plans to attend the University of Houston this fall semester, where she will major in entrepreneurism and kinesiology.

“I’d like to thank the students from across our service area for taking the time to apply for the Armstrong Scholarship,” Paula White, The GVTC Foundation President, said. “Lauren stood out in our selection process and we would like to wish her the best in her college career.”

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Colton Childress rounds 3rd base on his way to home.

The Panther baseball team defeated the Lago Vista Vikings 10-4 on Thursday, April 26. Josh McCaslin went the distance on the mound going 7 innings and scattering 6 hits and striking out 2. McCaslin also led the way with his bat going 2 for 4 with a homerun and 2 rbi. Chad Marshall was 3 for 3. Colton Childress was 2 for 4.

Blanco and Comfort are co-district champions of District 27-2A, tied with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss each.

A tie-breaker game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 after presstime, to determine the 1st and 2nd place positions for seeding in the playoff brackets. If the Panthers beat Comfort they will have a bye in the first round of playoffs. If Comfort wins, the Panthers will play this Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th. Check the Blanco County News Facebook page for the baseball results.

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Abby Beard displays her graceful high jump form at the Region IV Track Meet.

Photo by Chris Woerner

The Blanco girls varsity track team raced to a 2nd place team finish at the Region IV Track and Field Meet Saturday, April 28.

In field events Abby Beard placed 5th in high jump. Abbie Culton was 7th in the triple jump. Erica Flores and Monica Flores placed 8th and 9th respectively in pole vault.

In running events, Leslie McClinton placed 8th in the 200m dash. Paxston Koehl was 8th in the 100m hurdles and 5th in the 1600m run. The 4x100m relay team placed 6th. Relay members are Abbie Culton, Natalie Barnett, Leslie McClinton, and Abby Beard.

In order to qualify for State, the runners must place 1st or 2nd at Regional. Meaghen Seales placed 1st and Bret Leigh Nance finished 2nd in the 800m run to each earn a spot at State. Culton, Barnett, McClinton, and Beard grabbed 2nd to advance. The 4x400 relay team, including Lexee Jenkins, Barnett, Seales, and Beard, also placed 2nd.

The Blanco State qualifiers run in the State Track Meet in Austin on Saturday, May 11.

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