Blanco County Commissioners Court held a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. All four County Commissioners and Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie were in attendance. County Clerk Karen Newman read the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on June 11, 2013. Blanco County Commissioner James Sultemeier gave the motion to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by County Commissioner John Wood. The minutes of the Regular Meeting on June 11, 2013 were approved by the Court.

Blanco County Commissioner Chris Liesmann asked the Commissioners Court for approval of the replat of Lots 52, 53, 54, and 57B in the Pedernales Subdivision. According to Commissioner Liesmann, “The property is from the corner of Scenic Drive to Riverview Drive and runs to Oak Lane. The replat will combine four lots into one large lot. I see no issue why not to combine these four lots.” Judge Guthrie added that the new lot would be renamed Lot 54R and would make one 19.49 acre tract. The County Judge called for discussion and there was none. The Court voted to approve Commissioner’s Liesmann motion for the replat of four lots in the Pedernales Subdivision, and Commissioner Sultemeier seconded the motion.

Blanco County Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners Court to consider a proposal for a panic system from Guardian Security Solutions. The proposed panic system would be paid for from the Courthouse Security Fund. County Judge Guthrie said, “The proposal includes the Annex, Courthouse, Probation Office, and the Justice of the Peace Office in Blanco.” Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners, “We have used this company before. They have done metal detectors and provide good service. The bid is for $20,947.00 and includes 26 panic buttons, the controllers, and all insulation. We have ample funds in the Courthouse security fund. The company says this project can be done in 30 days…I recommend it.”

Blanco County Commissioner Wood asked if the proposal would include a monthly fee and Judge Guthrie answered, “No, it would not.” Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier asked how the signal would be transmitted. Judge Guthrie responded, “The signal will be transmitted in a way similar to what is used for the schools, and by radio to dispatchers.” There was no further discussion and County Commissioner Wood gave the motion to accept the proposal from Guardian Security Solutions. Blanco County Commissioner Paul Granberg seconded and the motion carried.

The Commissioners were asked to give County Judge Guthrie authorization to sign an interlocal agreement with Llano County for jail functions. Judge Guthrie told the Court, “The application is a standard one and is similar in content to the one we have with Gillespie and Lampasas Counties. Approval will authorize me to sign the agreement.” Blanco County Sheriff Morgan also gave his approval for authorization for Judge Guthrie to sign the interlocal agreement. A motion to approve was made by County Commissioner Liesmann and seconded by Commissioner Sultemeier; this action passed.

Blanco County Commissioner Wood asked the Court for authorization to advertise for paving bids for Precinct One. Judge Guthrie called for a motion, and one was given by Commissioner Wood and seconded by Commissioner Sultemeier. Authorization to advertise for paving bids in Precinct One was approved by the Court.

The last item of business for the Blanco County Commissioners Court was approval of the outstanding bills. The amount of outstanding bills totaled $95,975.94. A short discussion followed, and County Commissioner Sultemeier gave a motion to approve the outstanding bills and Commissioner Granberg seconded. The outstanding bills in the amount of $95,975.94 were approved by the Commissioners Court. There was no further business for the Regular Meeting, and a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Liesmann and seconded by Commissioner Granberg.

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More from Community News.

A panoramic picture similar to the 50th Anniversary alumni picture of 1934 will be taken at the Blanco ISD Historical Building dedication on August 24.

The Blanco ISD Citizens Advisory Committee met on Monday, June 17, to make plans for the formal dedication of the renovated historical building.

“The historical building is a community treasure,” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford. “The local community came together, and supported a bond to both ensure its preservation, and at the same time significantly upgrade the educational facilities of our elementary students.”

“We want to give the local community an opportunity to participate in its formal dedication.”

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

The following are some of the plans formulated by the committee:

Open house format;

Scheduled presentation including a Powerpoint overview with awards ceremony;

Panoramic pictures taken by Goldbeck Photography;

Awards for: Oldest Graduate, Oldest Teacher, Longest Tenured Teacher, and a special memoriam for Bernice West;

Ice water available in coolers, with special commemorative cups for guests;

Docents available in the galleries as resource people;

Ribbon cutting and bell ringing ceremony.

Goldbeck Photography, specialists in panoramic pictures, is scheduled to take a picture of alumni similar to the 50th Anniversary alumni picture of 1934.

“We want to have an alumni picture of graduates grouped according to their year of graduation,” said Ford. “Goldbeck has also agreed to take a second picture of everyone who is in attendance. That will enable families, loved ones, and former and present employees who aren’t graduates to also have a photo opportunity.”

Committee member Larry Kuebel said, “We want this to be open to everybody. We want to get as many alumni here as we can.”

Updates will be forthcoming as the date approaches.

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More from Community News.

A patch above the left shirt pocket on my Boy Scout uniform says, “National Jamboree, Colorado Springs, Fifty Years of Scouting, 1910-1960.” On my uniform belt buckle, engraved in pewter, are the words, “100 Years of Scouting, 1910-2010.” It recently dawned on me that I have been involved in the Boy Scout movement for more than fifty years—a half century!

Except for a couple of years while I was in South America, I have been registered with the Boy Scouts in one capacity or another almost continuously since I was nine years old. I am presently serving as the Advancement Chairman on the Scout Committee of the local Troop in my Church.

I was a sophomore at the American School of Monterrey, Mexico, when I was privileged to attend the National Jamboree at Colorado Springs as an Explorer Scout in 1960. During the week-long event the Jamboree tent city was the third largest city in the State of Colorado with more than fifty thousand Scouts and leaders in attendance from all fifty states and many foreign countries. I will never forget the pageantry, color and camaraderie of that great gathering at the foot of Pike’s Peak.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the honorary President of the Boy Scouts at the time. I still have the photographs that I took of him as he waved at the throng of boys from the back seat of a black Cadillac convertible. He was dressed in a suit but wore a Scout neckerchief. We boys from Monterrey were attached to a troop from the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. While at the jamboree we were paired with a troop from West Virginia and I learned a lot about that part of the country from those fellows. That exchange added interest when I later visited West Virginia on business.

Realizing that I have been a Boy Scout for more than half a century gave me pause to reflect on what I have or have not done during that time. Obviously, I never grew up. I still wear the uniform of a boy. Hopefully I still have the heart of a boy—filled with curiosity and adventure. But what of the time I have left? What will I do with that?

There are things in the future and things in the past. I think we must live each moment as though it were our last. Someone said that he only is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with worry, fret, and anxiety. I think we must finish each day and be done with it. This day is all that we have. It is too dear to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

One thing is for sure—I enjoy a good nap more now than ever before. Lord Avebury said, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky is by no means a waste of time.” I concur with that.

“Take time to think—it’s the source of power; Take time to read—it’s the fountain of knowledge; Take time to play—it’s the secret of perpetual youth; Take time to be friendly—it’s the road to happiness; Take time to laugh—it’s the mirror of the soul; Take time to give—it’s ungodly to be selfish; Take time to work—it’s the price of success; Take time to love and be loved—it’s God’s given privilege; Take time to pray—it’s the greatest power on earth; Take time—it’s yours.” (Author unknown)

Time is one thing in which we are equal to all others. We all draw the same salary in seconds, minutes and hours. I am always saying, “If I had time…” or “If I could only find the time…” I know that if I want time, I must make it. We find the time for those things we consciously or unconsciously believe to be most important. And, if we are going to kill time, how about trying to work it to death?

We crave time. We curse it. We kill it. We abuse it. Is it a friend? Or an enemy? I suspect we know very little about it. It hangs heavy for the bored, eludes the busy, flies by for the young and runs out for the aged.

Thomas Edison said that everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. Well, I don’t know how much hustle I have left in me but I think I’ll keep wearing my Boy Scout uniform and live for today. I will try to live through this day only and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just as my fortune depends on how my money is invested, so my success in life depends on how my time is invested.

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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More from Mustard Seeds.

March 4, 1982

BVAC Purchases New Ambulance

Last week the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps members made their selection of a new ambulance for Blanco. The unit is a wheeled Coach modular ambulance with a Chevrolet 454 Engine and chassis. The unit was purchased from Summers Ambulance and Coaches in Duncanville, Texas.

Total cost of the unit including radios will be $50, 118 delivered in Blanco. Additional equipment for the unit will come to another $4,000 plus a heart monitor and defibrillator, which costs $6,000. When the unit is completely outfitted it will afford Blanco County the first advanced life support unit and will be run by the Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps members.

For the past eight or nine years, the ambulance corps has been seeking funds and planning for the replacement of the 1973 Dodge Hi-top van now in use. Four years ago $7,500 was expended on a radio dispatch system and paging system for the corps.

“With this past ambulance corps barbecue, “ commented president Mary K. Irwin, “the corps members felt we had enough for a down payment on a new unit.”

Of the $50,000 price tag, the corps will make a $15,000 payment with the balance being borrowed from Aaron Posey at the Blanco National Bank.

Contributions for the ambulance fund have come from memorial donations, fund raising drives, revenue sharing funds from the City of Blanco and donations from members of the community. The memorial contributions were the suggestion of a Pat and David Granberg when they made the first memorial contribution three years ago. Mrs. Melanie Felps was the first to ask for donations to the corps in memory of her husband Wiley Felps.

Funds raised for and ear marked for the new ambulance have been placed in savings accounts with the Blanco National Bank and University Savings of Blanco. Interest accumulated over the years has added to the fund.

Various pieces of equipment needed to equip the ambulance cover the cot/stretcher for the ambulance to stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.

The corps plans to keep the current unit and use it for backup and for transfers. Equipment from that unit will stay with the van.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution toward the ambulance can do so by mailing checks to Blanco Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 632, Blanco, Texas 78606. Anyone wishing to purchase a piece of equipment can contact any corps member as to certain prices. Persons or businesses purchasing equipment will have their name placed on the equipment and pictures with the equipment when it arrives in the Blanco County News.

The new unit should be in Blanco by the end of the month.

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More from Remember When.

AUSTIN — Legislation to revise redistricting maps, regulate abortion and change punishment guidelines regarding youths convicted of a capital felony occupied state lawmakers in special session last week.

Called by Gov. Rick Perry on May 27, the 30-day session ends on June 25. Drawing the House floor spotlight through Sunday night and early Monday morning was Senate Bill 5, relating to the regulation of abortion procedures and providers. Citizens for and against crowded Capitol corridors and the House gallery. SB 5, tentatively approved on a 97-33 vote at 3:24 a.m., faces a final vote before moving back to the Senate.

The legislation proposes to amend the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code regarding regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities, prohibiting abortions at or after 20 weeks post-fertilization and adding a violation related to abortions performed after the same time window to the list of prohibited practices by physicians or license applicants. Included is an exception that allows an abortion in the physician’s reasonable medical judgment that so complicates the medical condition of the woman, to avert the woman’s death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, other than a psychological condition.

The legislation also directs the Texas Medical Board to assess penalties on physicians for improperly distributing or prescribing abortion-inducing drugs. And, the legislation would create a new minimum standard for abortion facilities licensed by the Department of State Health Services. Such a facility would be required to meet the new standards by Sept. 1, 2014.

Republican members, leveraging a 40-seat majority of over Democrats, moved bills forward to comply with the wishes of Gov. Perry, but Democrats brought their arguments to the fore through proposed amendments, although all failed on votes to table them.

Two among many arguments were the adverse and disproportionate effects of the great distances women from rural and remote areas would have to travel to get to one of five facilities that currently could be qualified to perform abortions under the bill and that 26 percent of Texas women do not have health insurance.

The House on June 24 preliminarily passed SB 23, relating to the punishment for a capital felony committed by an individual younger than 18 years of age. The bill proposes to allow a 17-year-old offender serving a life sentence the eligibility to apply for parole after serving 40 years.

The House also tentatively approved SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment to change how dollars are moved from the state’s general revenue fund to the so-called rainy day fund on transfers based on oil and natural gas production taxes.

Votes on the preponderance of special session legislation have been along party lines, with Democrats voting in opposition. Some lawmakers who challenged bills said that ultimately the abortion-regulating legislation would not stand up to scrutiny by the courts, nor would bills revising certain redistricting maps and limiting a jury’s ability to mitigate parole in capital murder convictions of certain juveniles.

One bill already on its way to the governor’s desk is SB 3, relating to the composition of Texas House districts. Tentatively approved by the Senate earlier in the week, the bill came back to the Senate with several amendments passed to allow certain Democratic members in abutting House districts to tweak boundary lines in small and mutually beneficial ways. In a vote on final passage, the Senate accepted the changes adopted by the House.

Jobs rate stays positive

Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment expanded by 19,500 jobs in May for a total of 324,700 jobs added since May 2012, the Texas Workforce Commission reported on June 21.

Positive every month since May 2010, the state’s annual job growth rate in May stood at 3.0 percent and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly in May to 6.5 percent, from 6.4 percent in April.

“The addition of 324,700 jobs over the past year, with private sector employers adding 299,800 during this period, is good news for Texas,” Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar stated in an agency news release.

Offer: feral hog grants

Texas Department of Agriculture on June 18 announced it is accepting grant applications to assist regional efforts to control feral hog populations through its new County Hog Abatement Matching Program. Selected applicants will receive funding on a cost reimbursement basis of up to $30,000.

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More from Regional News.

Martin Henry Lindig was born on May 28, 1929 to Emil and Ida Meckle Lindig Felsted at Hye, Texas. He died at home on June 20, 2013 at the age of 84 years. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a life member.

He attended the Junction School for the lower grades and graduated from Johnson City High School.

On July 25, 1948 he married Mavis Fuchs at the Methodist Church in Johnson City. They have five children, David & Elizabeth Lindig of Johnson City, Nicky & Trina Lindig of Mancos, CO, Dianne & Ken Becker of Temple, Chris & Karlette Lindig of Johnson City, and Laurie & R.D. Childers of Austin.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Craig Lindig, Sherrie Lindig, Stacey & Ben Henson, Dustin & Ashley Lindig, Vanessa & Thano Drimalas, Austin Lindig, Martin & Leslie Lindig, and Kennedy Childers, and step-granddaughters Reagan & Lee Ward. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren and three step- great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clifton Lindig, and son-in-law, Larry Weirich.

Martin was a farmer and a turkey raiser. He always told his family that he didn’t need to go to Vegas to gamble, he gambled every time he planted. He was recognized as a top turkey producer for many years.

Martin provided service to his community throughout his life. He was a Blanco Co. 4-H Leader for 20 years, served on the Blanco Co. Youth Council, served as a director for the Stonewall Farm Mutual Insurance Company, and served on the church council and Cemetery Committee at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was known for his talent of making delicious barbecue – for his family, for church functions, with the Blanco Co. Youth Council, and the Blanco EMS.

He shared his hobbies of hunting and fishing with his family and many friends.

Serving as Pallbearers were: Keith A. Lindig, Keith Lindig, Elmer Kramer, Bill Lindig, Steven Meier, and Al Louis Lindig. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were: Harvey and Judy Schumann, Clif Maenius, George and Rosie Danz, Jim Fridley and Lorraine Zensen, and Jimmy and Margie Kneese.

Services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Stonewall, TX on Monday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. Burial followed at the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pastor Gary Mayer conducted the services.

Daddy taught us by example – have pride in ourselves and in our work. God first, family second, work third mixed with fun.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hill Country Memorial Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.

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More from Obituaries.

Lillian Marie Walker, 84, passed away on Tuesday June 18, 2013 after a long struggle with illness. Lillian's burial service was Friday, June 21, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Twin Sisters.

Lillian was born on April 7, 1929 in Blanco to Johnie and Helena Schmidt. She attended and graduated from Blanco High School and soon married her husband of 65 years, W.A. (Bill) Walker. Lillian worked and lived most of her life in Blanco. She worked as a nurse at the Blanco Hospital (court house on the square), and at several nursing homes. She also worked as the receptionist at her and her husband's business, Marble Falls Glass and Mirror. Lillian loved the outdoors and enjoyed bird watching and gardening flowers.

Lillian is survived by her husband, W.A. (Bill) Walker; three sons, Allen Walker and wife Kay, Gary Walker and wife Sandy, Gordon Walker and wife Vicki; a daughter Sharon Weaner and husband Chuck; a brother Milton Schmidt and wife Georgia; a sister Elsie Meurer and husband Jim, as well as eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all those who sent flowers and prayed for the family during this loss of a loving wife, mother and sister.

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More from Obituaries.

Congratulations to Jesse Chalico and his Red Sox's baseball team in bringing home a 2nd place trophy in the 2012-2013 Los Tres Amigos Baseball League out of San Antonio, Tx. Thank you to Coach Wyatt and the Blanco ISD for letting us use the baseball field. Submitted by Maria Chalico.

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More from Announcements.

Dear Blanco Community,

Lavender Festival was a successful showcase for our community, in large part, thanks to the astounding efforts of many individuals and organizations. As Chamber of Commerce president, I want to thank the following individuals and organizations for helping make the festival a continued accomplishment.

Many helped with various aspects of the festival. Certain individuals offered an incredible amount of their time, talents and energy. My unending gratitude to Marcy Westcott, Curtis Knutson and Tom Montgomery for the long hours and extraordinary effort you donated both on the Steering Committee and during the event. Thank you to our fabulous staff, Libbey Aly, Blanco Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Jennifer Oines, Vendor Coordinator; and Genie Strickland, Festival Consultant. Your organizational efforts made the operation seamless. Thanks to our other Lavender Festival Steering Committee members; Jon Brieger, Tasha Brieger, Bonnie Jenschke, and Russ Whitlock for their excellent efforts in the pre-event planning.

Many organizations participate in our community effort of producing the Lavender Festival. I want to thank the Old Blanco Courthouse Preservation Society, City of Blanco, LBJ National Park, American Legion and Auxiliary, Blanco EMS, Boozefighters, Blanco High School FFA, Blanco High School Athletic Department and the Blanco High School and Middle School Cheerleaders for their assistance.

Kudos to our Mayor, Chuck Homan, whose continued support we very much appreciate, and to our Chief of Police, Mike Ritchey, for the traffic direction and security provided by him and his officers. We have an exceptional group of individuals in our community whose volunteering makes the Lavender Festival possible. The individuals who so generously donated their time and abilities are (in no particular order) Tom and Roxanna Avants, Tom Phillips, Doug Bamberger, Tanya Garza, Sue Waller, Steve Klein, Rosa Taguelas, Rick Sebenoler, Richard Standefer, Randy Weeks, Randy Bush, Pat Griggs, Nelson Broyal, Nanette Mikes, Marilyn Mikes, Margaret Busch, Marc Schechter, Liz Waller-Broyal, Laura VanZandt, Jim Raby. Karis McCutchen, Karen Knutson, JoNell Haas, John Whitesides, Jodi Bates, Joan Sanchez, Jim Meadows, Gena Pool, Fran Moore, Erica Spring, Ed Garza, Debbie Klein, Dale Spring, Cornelia England, Commander Ted, Bruce and Chris Hugelet, Chip Waller, Carolyn Zbytovsky, Carolyn Boydston, Carol Wilson, Candice Raby, Andree Barnes, Janet Mellene, Debra Dupont, Marie Tompkins, Eleanor Mantooth, Bette Vest, Kendra Mullen, Olivia Mullen, Isabella Mullen, Joy Carta, Betsy Bouldin, Tori Bouldin, Gabe Gregerman, Bob Boydston, Vickie Pautz, Stormy Jones, Judy Dorsett, Andrea Whitesides, Hunter Boumans, Bette Vest, Steve Klein, Carol Ahlstrom, Judy Gaines, Randy Weeks, Jim Weaver, Russ Whitlock, Brenda Matheny and Barbara McBride. Thank all of you SO MUCH! (I apologize for any misspelling or omissions. Please let me know so I can appropriately credit you.)

Our sponsors are critical to the success of the Lavender Festival. Please be sure to support the local businesses that promote Blanco and our event; Uptown Blanco Arts & Entertainment, Real Ale Brewing Company, Blanco National Bank, Security State Bank & Trust, Cattleman’s National Bank, Red Corral Ranch, The Redbud Café, Zocalo Café, Pecan Street Brewing, The Ranches of Brushy Top, Guardian Title Company, Rivalry Screen Printing & Graphics, Silver Leaf Resorts, Express Care, The LBJ National Historical Site and GVTC Communications.

Save the date for next year, June 13 – 15, 2014. It will be our 10th annual Blanco Lavender Festival. Plans are already in process for the best ever!

Sincerely grateful,

Charlotte Widick

President Blanco Chamber of Commerce

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More from Opinion.

Editor,

This school year has been quite different from others,and I would like to make an analogy comparing two institutions: school and matrimony.

A great dispute has taken place this year at Blanco Middle School: an internal war between Academics and Athletics. Considering the Athletics department as the husband and Academics, the wife, nothing is new, in that they argue with each other, but it reached the point that they separated: the children's custody stayed with dad, mom had to leave the house, and dad remarried.

During the development of the facts, the kids are used as hostages. They also listen, observe, and perceive. They live in a parallel world, where they are taught good manners when they are with mom and when they hang around dad everything is all wild and allowed. They learn that they have to take abuse from dad, and mom can do sometimes something but there is always a price to pay.

Some kids run to support mom when they see her get hurt, saying, " Mom we love you. You don't deserve this. You can find a better man.” Others will do anything to receive their father's approval. Siblings will fight among each other.. Like any other family dispute, it's horrible and who suffers the most? The children, and in this case, the students.

It sometimes gets to the point there are so many hard feelings that the marriage cannot be saved, even with outside support and counseling .The only hope may be in divorce and remarriage.

We hope the remarriage will be successful in giving the school a fresh start and that the new husband and wife will be able to preserve harmony between them, without sacrificing the value of either Academics or Athletics.

Students are tired of the dad's abuse and have started to speak out about how dad should be restrained and how mom deserves to be treated. One of them has been especially been courageous enough to stand up to big daddy and say STOP. He has asked for help from the community. He gave a speech in front of the School Board wearing his Boy Scout uniform to remind him and all of us of our public responsibilities to stand up and get involved, not just wait for someone else to, hopefully, step in and do what needs to be done. Like a shaking leaf, he is managing to speak out. Please show your support to Joaquin Olmedo in his cultural quest, where he can prove that we need to let go the old school teaching and nourish a new view of our current politics and philosophy of the balance between athletics and academics. The community as a whole needs to be informed and involved.

Maria Barraco

(Joaquin Olmedo's mom)

Blanco, TX

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More from Opinion.

Editor,

Last week, at the County Commissioners Court during a preliminary plat request, Elaine Cross asked some very good questions pertaining to fire protection plans to accommodate the increased number of subdivision plats being approved in the county. If approved, last week's request will be the third development by this developer in Commissioner Liesmann's precinct since November, 2011. In response to Ms. Cross, the developer did not have any good answers. The only input offered from the court was from Commissioner Wood, “This is something to ask the developers for future development.” Commissioner Wood is correct. This would be a good time for the Commissioners Court to review county subdivision regulations to ensure responsible development to minimize risks to current and future Blanco County residents. The recent fires and drought conditions have placed burdens upon our county that cannot be ignored. A responsible developer will follow the lead of the Commissioners Court regarding requirements. It is now time for the Commissioners Court to responsibly lead.

Chelita Riley

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More from Opinion.

A generally civil but oftentimes emotional, overflow crowd gathered on June 20 at the Henly Volunteer Fire Department for a Town Hall Meeting to discuss outdoor lighting and other issues at the newly-constructed Field of Dreams baseball park. Hosted by Hays County Commissioner Ray Whisenant, the meeting saw citizen after citizen rise to complain about the intrusive playing field and parking lot lighting at the nine field baseball complex located just south of Henly. Other complaints included physical trespass, traffic, and sanitary issues, though the main focus of the crowd was the outdoor lighting.

One resident described the lighting as similar to an alien space ship having set down in the formerly dark, pastoral field with all lights ablaze. Another described it as having 50 sets of automobile headlights aimed directly at his house at night. One area Bed and Breakfast owner stated that clients are canceling their reservations because they have heard that the night sky south of Henly is no longer dark and one can no longer see the stars. Another lamented the loss of property value, as her home no longer feels like it is “in the country.”

One Blanco County resident stated that the fields’ lights, mounted on tall poles as they are, are clearly visible from her ranch and have robbed her of the former pristine night sky that had attracted her to the location in the first place. Acknowledging that the lights are in Hayes County, she stated with evident frustration that “The light does not stop at the county line.”

Dripping Springs resident and outdoor lighting expert, Cindy Luongo Cassidy, spoke for the Hill Country Alliance in condemning the poor lighting design and the consequent light pollution and light trespass issues it has caused. She stated that solutions are readily available if the owners choose to make the investment.

Several individuals spoke up in favor of the ball park stating that young players on area “select” teams need a place to play. Several attendees countered that no one is against baseball per se, but rather they object to the intrusive nature of the Field of Dreams facility and the disruption of rural life it has caused.

Three of the ball park’s investors attended the meeting and heard the litany of complaints. They acknowledged that the park was a “for profit” operation but stated that the investors were determined to work with the community to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. Many in the audience appeared skeptical and several spoke of litigation.

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More from Opinion.

Uptown Blanco Art Center is proud to introduce Laura Night, their newest Art Instructor and member of the creative team. Laura recently graduated with honors from Texas State University, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Art History.

Even though her favorite medium is oil painting, Laura will teach watercolor, charcoal, pen & ink as well as oils. Her first workshop scheduled at the Art Center will be “Watercolor Basics” every Tuesday evening in July and it’s a bargain at $60 for all five nights.

Are you a right-brain or left-brain thinker? Which type best describes you? Left-brainers are logical and analytical but right-brained people are said to be more intuitive, thoughtful and subjective. This fall Laura will conduct a very exciting workshop, “Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain,” where you will learn how to pull from your right brain all the creative inspirations you may not have known you even had. Call for details or visit the Art Center webpage where the fall schedule will be posted on very soon.

Also, this fall, Laura will design and conduct after-school programs for elementary and junior high children in painting, drawing and color theory.

Laura has been painting since she could hold a paintbrush and her true passion in life is inspiring others to expand their creativity and imagination. It seems the Art Center will keep her very busy achieving that goal.

Feel free to stop by Uptown Blanco Art Center to meet Laura, as she is eager to answer any questions, schedule a session or workshop with you. Contact her at laura@uptownblanco.com. or call at 830.833.1579.

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More from Community News.

I must thank everyone who assisted in helping give some closure to the mystery of the organization that never talked about anything in their minutes of the meeting. We have been given two choices for the correct answer, so readers, you may choose which to believe.

Here is the first choice: This organization was part of the Farmers Alliance, which was very active in the late 1860s to around 1900s when it slowly moved into other organizations that even today assist farmers. After the Civil War, many men started farming again and getting paid a fair value for their products was not to be, so an alliance much like what we know today as a union was formed. This alliance became very active politically also and at one point tried to form another political party. In Texas, Lampasas County was the first county to start an alliance but others followed soon after and Texas hosted around 100 of these organizations. For more information start with these sources: BIBLIOGRAPHY: Donna A. Barnes, Farmers in Rebellion: the Rise and Fall of the Southern Farmers Alliance and People's Party in Texas (Austin: University of Texas Press, 1984). Dallas Morning News, April 22, 1891. W. L. Garvin and J. O. Daws, History of the National Farmers Alliance and Cooperative Union of America (Jacksboro, Texas: Rogers, 1887). Lawrence Goodwyn, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 1976). Robert C. McMath, Jr., Populist Vanguard: A History of the Southern Farmers' Alliance (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1975). This source information was taken from Texas History online from the Texas Historical Commission.

The second choice - A men’s drinking club that had a secret agenda. The club had regular meetings but it was not only to drink and socialize but to make decisions on who would receive their assistance. Some of their help would be financial but not always. If a friend or neighbor needed something, it would magically appear on their doorstep. This organization also really helped young widows with children. This was one of their main reasons for the organization, but on the surface it appeared to be a men’s drinking club. During this period in history, women could not own land and many of these women remarried just to have someone to support them. I imagine that financially this club could have been a source of relief for many of these women. My source was furnished by Jack from the Buggy Barn Museum. He had recently read about this in a shooting magazine the museum subscribes to and is available to read at the museum.

So readers, make your choice after reading more about these organizations and remembering the period of time we are talking about. Both organizations assisted people when there were no organizations for this purpose. Like the Old West---PEOPLE HELPED THEIR NEIGHBORS.

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By Crystal Spybuck

Our Summer Reading Program is really swinging! Last week we had awesome local teen author Connor Eyzaguirre. We heard how he developed his superhero Rock Salt and we talked about our favorite heroes. Everyone was asked to create their own superhero and took home a form to write down their story. On July 26th, Connor will be joining us again to hear about the superheroes you created and have fun at our party! This week we have children’s author Kathleen Shields, who is the creator of Hamilton Troll. Get to know Hamilton Troll in his fun-filled new children’s book. “Hamilton Troll meets Pink Light Sprite” is an entertaining rhythmic adventure that introduces this charismatic young troll and prepares you for his many coming adventures.

Not only is Hamilton as small as a mouse and lives in a hole next to a chopped down tree, but a terrible storm just rolled in and now rain is flooding his home! Soaking wet and scared, he runs to hide but soon meets a beautiful sprite named Pink Light. This lovely creature befriends bewildered Hamilton and helps him solve his problem.

This charming and playful first book in an all new children’s story series will not only entertain but educate young readers. The vibrant and brilliant graphics will draw readers young and old to this cute young troll’s appeal.

Here is our updated schedule:

June 28th: Meet the Author: Kathleen Shields

July 5th: Playing in the Potato Patch

July 12th: Snakes Alive!

July 19th: Fun with Gnomes and Fairies

July 26th: Closing Readings and Party w/ Connor!

The Blanco Library needs your help! We need front desk volunteers for Friday mornings 10-1pm, Friday afternoon 1-3pm, and Friday afternoon 3-6pm. If you are interested in any of these positions, please come into the library and fill out an application. Be sure to let us know which one of these volunteer availabilities you want.

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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When the apostle Paul went to Athens, he found an inroad to speak to them about Jesus through their popular (pop) culture. He found something common to them (the alter to the unknown god) and used that as an avenue to preach the Gospel (Act 17:23). It is in that same spirit, that I would like to use the DC comic hero “Superman” to preach Jesus. As I watched “Man of Steel” last week, I was struck by the many similarities between Superman, and the real Superman, Jesus Christ. Let’s get into God’s Word.

First of all we see, that, like Jesus, Superman came to this earth from another world: 1Cor 15:47 “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” Jesus is the Eternal God. He came from Heaven. Though He took on human flesh, He is not of earth. He was sent here by His Father for a great purpose. Like Superman, Jesus was raised by earthly parents (Lk 2:48-52). Can you imagine raising Superman? Can you imagine raising God? Great grace had to be upon those parents!

Like Superman, Jesus’ true identity was hidden until an appointed time (Mk 1:9-11). It wasn’t until Jesus’ baptism that He started His earthly ministry. This is a good lesson for us all: God has an appointed time. We must not force things. We must simply prepare and trust, and know God will bring His destiny for us to pass, if we are willing and obedient.

Like Superman, Jesus cared about people, and helped them: Act 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Superman can’t help helping people. He had to always move around, as to not draw too much attention - just like Jesus. The compassion of Jesus would not allow Him to pass up someone in need.

Superman, like Jesus, has supernatural power. Jesus could feed thousands with little food; walk on water; open blind eyes; raise people from the dead; know people’s thoughts; etc. Superman has x-ray vision; supernatural strength; can fly faster than a speeding bullet; etc.

Jesus, like Superman, restrained Himself from using his power to hurt people. Superman endured much mocking and bullying, but restrained himself from using his power to retaliate. Jesus bore an abundance of ridicule, mockery, and hate - but He loved. He didn’t use His power to hurt them - though He could have (Mt 26:53). He Himself said He came to save men’s lives - not to destroy them.

Jesus loved and was concerned for His widowed mother (Jn 19:26-27), even as Superman did his. Like Jesus, Superman is a righteous man. Pilate said of Jesus three times in John, "I find no fault in Him" (Jn 18:38, 19:4 & 6). There is inherent goodness in Him. Like Superman and Jesus, may we be men of valor and women of virtue. May we be good, righteous, & noble. This world needs more Christ-like men… men like Superman. Men tough as steel and gentle as doves. Men that love - and because they love – they stand and fight for what is right.

Like superman, Jesus hates evil and was to destroy it (1Jn 3:8b). Good cannot stand back and tolerate evil. It must speak. It must do. Like Bonheoffer wrote, “To not act is to act; to not decide is to decide”. It’s right to hate evil. It’s right to fight against it. We are to love people, but hate evil.

Superman, like Jesus, was to be the savior of mankind (1Jn 4:14). The difference is, that Superman can only be a physical savior - while Jesus saves the eternal soul from eternal damnation. Trust in Jesus today to save your soul. He is more than able. In the movie, the intention of Superman’s father was that Superman would be a bridge between their world and our world. That is exactly what Jesus is. He is the bridge between heaven and earth. That is our Heavenly Father’s intention.

Finally, Jesus - like Superman - is always there for us (Heb 7:25, 13:5, 4:14-16). At the end of “Man of Steel”, we are assured that Superman will always be there for us in our time of need. This is a picture of Jesus. Of course we know that while Superman is a fictional character, The Lord Jesus Christ is as real as real can get. Jesus is always, always, always there for us. He is faithful. He is truly the real “Superman”. The God-man. The Savior of the world.

These are seven Biblical principles I took away from “Man of Steel” : 1. Be humble, and submit to God's will & timing. 2. Care about people. 3. Use our power and influence for good. 4. Walk in righteousness. 5. Hate evil & fight against it. 6. Point men to The Savior, Jesus . 7. Be there for people. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!

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Revelation 19:1-21 “1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”

Before I go any further, I must share what I discovered when I followed the Scripture reference for the first two verses (above) in the side column of my Bible. It is Deuteronomy 32:43

“43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.” Deut. 32:43

When I read this, I wondered why they quoted this. So I just had to go back to learn more, and I read chapters 31 & 32 of Deuteronomy. How awesome God is. He told Moses way back then that the people he'd been leading would turn from Him and turn to false gods, and even new gods not known yet. That was what inspired The Song of Moses, and I understand now why some interpret the great whore of Babylon as religions that are not following God’s Word, but have allowed corruption by men and women to lead people astray. I don’t want to go off into something I am not versed to speak on, but may I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 31 & 32? I believe you won’t stop there. You’ll probably want to begin at chapter one!

It tells of what God told Moses about the people he was leading to Canaan, and how God knew they would turn away from Him once they were led into Canaan and “were waxed fat” and enjoying the blessings from God that He had promised to their fathers and grandfathers. And He told Moses what He would do when they angered Him, and how He would cause them to suffer, too.

God is a jealous God, and does not tolerate indifference to His laws and commands, and does not tolerate us changing His Word, or not sharing all of it to His creation (all of us), and/or only obeying what we want, and disregarding parts of His Word, or withholding part of it from a congregation that needs to hear all of it.

As an example, in the beginning of the book of Revelations Jesus dictated seven letters to John addressed to seven churches, and He began the letters by exhorting them for what they were doing well, but then rebuked them for what they were still doing wrong.

Sometimes preachers and teachers lead their congregation to focus only on the blessings from God for obedience and being joint-heirs to Christ Jesus through our faith in Him, but fail to warn us of all the curses for disobedience or inform us of His intolerance for being lukewarm in our faith. We can’t straddle the fence; we must choose life, and not allow the world to twist our minds by feeling like it’s okay to tolerate a little bit of wrong, or compromise our morals in order to “not hurt someone’s feelings!”

Deuteronomy 30:19 “19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

There’s right and wrong, it’s been established, and we’d better choose the straight path, and not turn left or right from it.

Deuteronomy 5:27-33 “27 Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

28 And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

30 Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.

31 But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.”

We’ll continue Revelations 19 next week!

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On June 15th the Peyton Colony Heritage Foundation held their annual Juneteenth Celebration, featuring BBQ and all the fixin’s, a home-baked cake auction (along with other items), and homemade ice cream & kettle corn. Many people came out for the event, and we sang and listened to the lively music by “The Unshakables,” who played all afternoon for us.

Gary Lynn Jones did all the BBQ this year, and everyone complimented his talent as BBQer. Everyone brought a dish to go along with the basics that we furnished, and I heard someone brought greens and squash, too!

It was amazing to see those cakes going for such big money! They were auctioned off by Handy Man Al! I didn’t know he was an auctioneer! He did an awesome job! We greatly appreciate everyone who bought the cakes, and all who donated to the maintenance and repair of the Peyton Colony Elementary School, and look forward to next year. We hope you can make it. The date of Juneteenth is the 19th of June, so if it falls during the week we always hold it on the Saturday before June 19th. Watch for the notice in the newspaper. May God bless us one and all.

Lawrence Coffee, President

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June 4 through 12, a group of mostly Blanco residents traveled to Israel with Pastor Dayna Leggett from Trinity Lutheran Church of Blanco. Front row L-R: Sandy Switzer, Connie Cox, Hal Switzer, Dylan Rhodes, and Arlene Hamlin. Back row L-R: Khalil Harouni, our Israeli tour guide, Jim Clifton, Marcie and Marissa Wagner, Pastor Dayna, Joseph Mann, Sandy Mann, Kayla and Martin Wersal, Barbara McMurphy, Sidney Cox, Martha andWayne Gosnell, and Merle and Harry Conger. Shalom, ya'll!

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An Open Ranch Sorting will take place at the Yett Park Arena in Blanco on Sunday, June 30, to benefit area clinician and trainer Jodie Fuchs, who was injured in an arena incident. The sorting will begin at 11 AM and is open to all riders of any skill level - even if you have never ranch sorted before, this is a terrific opportunity to give it a try.

There is no charge for spectators. The cost for the sorting is $20 per team, with no limit on entries. There will be a 50% payback, and all net proceeds will be donated to the cause.

Burgers, snacks and beverages will be available by donation. Bring the family - there will be live and silent auctions, raffles, maybe even some vendors for a little open-air shopping experience.

Sponsors include Tejas Rough Riders Drill Team, Travis Gourley, and members of the Hill Country equine community.

There's no better way to live than the cowboy lifestyle, but it sure has a way of handing out some hard knocks at times. Jodie is always the first in line when others need help, and she could use a hand right now. Please come out on June 30, make a few awesome rides, and help out a lady who would do the same for you. We'll see you there!

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