Photo by Mike West.

Blanco VFD was first on the scene Saturday August 24, when a fire broke out in the garage of Ronnie Immel’s brother’s home on Delaware Creek Road in Kendall County. The call was for Mutual Aid for a garage fire shortly after 12 noon.

When the Blanco VFD arrived, the garage and roof were already fully engulfed in flames. Units from Boerne, Sisterdale, Bulverde/Spring Branch and Johnson City also responded.

The Blanco EMS was there providing “rehab” for the firemen in the air-conditioned ambulance when they rotated out of fire fighting.

The home was completely destroyed, but the actions of these fire departments prevented it from spreading to the dry grass and growing into something much larger. The remains of the home can be seen in the background of the picture below.

Blanco VFD is always looking for volunteers. If you are 17 or older contact the VFD for information about how to become involved.

Remember that a burn ban is still in effect. Go to www.blancovfd.org to check on the status of the burn ban.

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The Blanco County Commissioners Court met in a Special Meeting of the Court on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. The Special Meeting was held in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, Texas. Attending the Special Meeting were all four County Commissioners and Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie.

The Special Meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the reading of the minutes from the Regular Meeting of August 13, 2013 by Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman. There were no questions pertaining to these minutes and Blanco County Commissioner James Sultemeier gave a motion to accept them as read. Commissioner Paul Granberg seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved.

Blanco County Judge Guthrie reminded the Court they had accepted the resignation of Dale Sultemeier as County Surveyor during the last meeting. Judge Guthrie asked the Court to consider the approval of Amil Baker as County Surveyor to fill the unexpired term vacated by Dale Sultemeier.

According to Judge Guthrie, “Amil Baker is a licensed surveyor and has run for this position a number of years ago.” Judge Guthrie asked Baker if he were interested in serving as surveyor and Baker answered, “Yes I am, and I have been licensed since 1964.” Judge Guthrie addressed the Court again, saying, “It is my recommendation that we accept Amil Baker as County Surveyor.” A motion for acceptance was made by Blanco County Commissioner Paul Granberg and seconded by Commissioner Chris Liesmann; the motion carried.

Judge Guthrie said that he and Baker would follow up on pertinent details. Baker thanked him, and promised, “I will support and help the Court and will provide good representation from the Court to the citizens of Blanco County.”

Blanco County Judge Guthrie also asked the Commissioners Court to consider acceptance of the resignation of Gene Yentzen from the North Blanco County Emergency Services District Board. Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners that Yentzen has resigned because he is moving from Blanco County.

A brief discussion followed between North Blanco County Emergency Services District Board member Ed Hullum and the Commissioners Court. Judge Guthrie asked Hullum when the resignation of Yentzen would be effective and Hullum answered that there are several board meetings scheduled for September. Judge Guthrie suggested that the date for Yentzen’s resignation be effective on October 1st, 2013. Blanco County Commissioner Liesmann provided a motion for acceptance of the resignation effective October 1, and this motion was seconded by Commissioner Sultemeier and approved by the Court.

In other business Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners to consider resolution of votes to elect Janice Fox to fill the unexpired term vacated by Will Marasek on the Blanco County Appraisal District Board pursuant to Senate Bill 469, Sec. 6.03(g). Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners, “We have a ballot before us and there are 1,164 votes that may be cast. My recommendation is for Jamie Fox, and that the votes are cast accordingly.”

Judge Guthrie asked if there were arguments or questions, and there were none. Blanco County Commissioner Granberg made a motion to consider resolution of votes to elect Janice Fox to fill the unexpired term vacated by Will Marasek on the Blanco County Appraisal District Board. Commissioner Granberg’s motion was seconded by Blanco County Commissioner John Wood and the motion carried. Kathy Strickland, Secretary to Blanco County Judge Guthrie instructed the Court that the paperwork must be signed by all members of the Commissioners Court.

The Commissioners Court went on to approve the outstanding bills in the amount of $65,980.97. Judge Guthrie informed the Commissioners that an additional bill for repairs to the hot water and plumbing systems at the County Jail in the amount of $4968 must also be considered for approval. Commissioner Sultemeier made a motion for approval of these bills and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Liesmann. The motion carried, and the business of the Special Meeting was concluded.

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Johnson City’s City Secretary Stacy Castillo was arrested on Sunday, August 25 for Theft of Property greater than $21,000 but less than $100,000, a second degree felony.

According to the Felony Complaint and Affidavit, Castillo took more than $34,000 from the City of Johnson City, beginning in May of this year. The alleged theft began with a memorandum for retroactive pay, which she forged with Mayor Ralph Moss’ signature, which totaled $13, 905.55. The remainder of the monies was taken by Castillo writing two checks to herself and forging City Administrator David Dockery’s signature.

Castillo is currently being held at the Blanco County Jail with a bail set at $100,000, and according to the arrest warrant, no personal bond is allowed.

At a special called meeting of the Johnson City City Council on Thursday, August 22, City Secretary Stacy Lynn Castillo was terminated after the discovery of misappropriation of funds. Following a brief executive session, Council returned, and after summarily moving to terminate and remove Castillo from all City accounts, Mayor Dawn Capra told those present that the City had discovered that Castillo had written two checks to herself, one in the amount of $15,000, and another for the amount of $6,000. Capra said that of the $21,000, $15,000 had been returned.

Castillo made an appearance at the meeting, and made a statement to Council. “To the City Council, City Staff, and residents of Johnson City, I apologize for the events that have transpired. I hope that my actions don’t detract from the good works of the City.” She was not accompanied by an attorney and left City Hall promptly after making her remarks. Citizen comments were not allowed at the special called meeting.

Castillo received a hand-delivered letter from the City on August 20 informing her of her impending termination; the letter cited the aforementioned unauthorized checks, “actions that indicate a gross neglect of duties, poor judgment, and disregard of the public trust”, and “the increasing lack of ability to show leadership, as an officer of the City.” It also says that on August 13, Castillo admitted to writing the checks.

Mayor Dawn Capra said, "We were all shocked when the discovery was made of the two checks Stacy wrote to herself. At first, it was difficult to comprehend that someone you had trusted as much as we all had Stacy could betray that trust in such a manner. However, the office staff (Betty, Tracy and David) along with Cathy Riedel, the city attorney, worked hard to ensure that every precaution was made to extricate Stacy from all city accounts and computer access. I am very proud of our staff and the manner in which they kept the city running smoothly, even with all the interruptions inherent in an investigation."

Over the course of the investigation, JCPD Chief Randy Holland found that Castillo had issued the memorandum to acquire and immediate and retroactive pay increase back to Feb. 6, 2013 on May 6, 2013, forged with the former Mayor’s name.

On July 11, Castillo reportedly issued a check, forged with Dockery’s name, for the amount of $6,000. On August 9, she allegedly wrote a second check to herself in the amount of $15,000; both checks were drawn on the Johnson City Bank, and were either cashed or deposited into Castillo’s personal account, according to the affidavit.

Both Dockery and Moss have said that their signatures were forgeries; checks were signed using a rubber signature stamp.

Castillo was hired with the City in August of 2012; prior to coming to the city, Castillo worked for Rio Grande Electric Co-Op as an administrative assistant in El Paso.

According to other news sources, Mayor Capra is quoted as saying that Castillo ‘ran into financial trouble’ and that she knew that she had made a huge mistake. She went on to say that it was out of character for Castillo, however, court records indicate that this is not the first time that Castillo has been charged with misappropriation of funds.

According to public records for El Paso County, Castillo, 43, was charged with four counts of forgery, class a misdemeanors, misappropriation of fiduciary/financial property equal to or greater than $200, but less than $10,000, a third degree felony, and theft of property equal to or greater than $1,500 but less than $20.000, a state felony in November of 1995.

The forgery charges and third degree felony were dismissed, but she was found guilty of the theft of property on November 30, 1995 by Judge Guadalupe Rivera in the 168th Judicial District Court. She received 10 years of community supervision time, and was ordered to complete 200 community service hours.

Capra said that the City was unaware of any prior charges or convictions.

The city council did approve creating new procedures for the handling of funds for the city, and Capra said that real signatures will be required moving forward.

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By Willard Gibbons

Blanco ISD dedicated its newly renovated historical building in ceremonies held last Saturday. Approximately 300 people were in attendance.

“This building has seen its good times and bad times, but it has persevered” said Superintendent Dr. Buck Ford.

“These central exterior walls are original walls from the first 1884 school building. These walls on the east and west wings are original walls from the 1902 additions,” Ford continued.

“Opening this building to students will make this one of the oldest functioning school buildings in the state of Texas.”

The event kicked off at 5:00 PM, with introductory remarks by Dr. Ford and Board President Matt Herden.

Ford introduced members of the school board, and recognized the members of the BISD Citizens Advisory Committee.

Ford then recognized architect Randy Fromberg, and his associates Bob Shelton and Drew Cummings. “The architects did a wonderful job of coming up with this concept,” he said. Ford also announced that the project had just been named the recipient of the Value Award in the 2013 TASA/TASB architecture exhibition. He extended congratulations to Fromberg and his team for that achievement.

Vanguard Contractors was also recognized. “Vanguard worked closely alongside us to honor and respect the unique structures of the original building, and went over and beyond to stay true to its original character,” said Ford.

Board President Matt Herden related the events that led up to the renovation of the building, including a story about an unexpected visit by some local “old ladies” to a school board meeting.

“They showed up one night to a school board meeting, and said they were there because they heard we were going to bulldoze the old building down,” said Herden amid laughter from the crowd. “I told them we never were going to bulldoze the building down. But that just showed how special that building was to the community.”

Ford then spoke some words about Citizens Advisory Committee member Bernice West, a long time Blanco resident and local historian who passed away before seeing the building project completed.

“Her leadership, perseverance, and love for Blanco helped contribute to the success of the project that we see today,” said Ford. The east wing gallery of the historical building is named after her.

Awards were then presented.

Elizabeth Sorrell, 102 years young, received the “Oldest Graduate” award. She wore her 1930 graduation ring to the dedication.

Billy Harrell, a band director in the 1960s, received the award for “Oldest Teacher.” He is 75. “I’ve been keeping up with the Blanco band over the last few years,” said Harrell, who serves as the Region 12 UIL/TMEA executive secretary. “They have a great program.”

Longtime Blanco teacher Bill Spurgin was presented with the “Longest Tenured Teacher” award. He began teaching here in 1966, and is beginning his 48th year with the district.

The award honorees then cut a ceremonial blue ribbon, and rang the schoolhouse bell, and the doors of the historical building were opened.

In the front galleries were memorabilia associated with the history of Blanco Schools, along with historical photos and artifacts. Also on display in the gallery were the original school bell, and the 1902 cornerstone that marked the 1902 additions.

A time capsule was situated in the library for people to donate items to.

In addition to the gallery and library, the renovated historical building houses a computer lab, a science lab, and sixteen new classrooms.

“The exterior of the building may have walls from 1884,” said Ford, “but on the inside, it consists of the latest in technology and construction. It’s cutting edge and state of the art.”

Goldbeck Photography took a panoramic picture of all the Blanco High School alumni situated by the year that they graduated. Goldbeck also took a second panoramic picture of everyone who was in attendance.

Refreshments were served in the cafeteria.

“It was great to see all these alumni return to their roots and share their common experiences,” said Ford.

“The event was a tremendous success.”

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A 2012 Deloitte survey of U.S. businesses found that 9 percent of U.S. employers plan to drop health care coverage for their workers in the next three years, and that an additional 10 percent are considering dropping coverage. Meanwhile, major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) take effect in less than five months, creating a new health care reality full of unknowns.

As a result, many Texans may find themselves forced to make difficult healthcare decisions in an uncertain market amidst growing misinformation and warnings to avoid fraud artists attempting to cash in on their confusion.

“Many individuals will be making tough health care decisions on their own for the first time,” said Mark Bellman, president of the Texas Association of Health Underwriters.

“The Affordable Care Act is going to create a new health care reality in Texas, placing more responsibility on individual Texans,” he said. “Many may find themselves feeling unprepared to make these important, complex decisions in a time of uncertainty and change.”

What is a Texan who loses his or her health coverage, or never had it, to do? When major provisions of the ACA take effect on Jan. 1, 2014, uninsured individuals and families will be required to purchase or obtain health insurance or else pay an annual penalty — penalties that increase every year until 2016, when they cap at $695 per person or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater.

Texans who lack employer coverage but want to avoid this penalty will face a series of decisions they may be unprepared to make. Some low-income Texans will qualify for Medicaid coverage; however, Texas has decided not to expand Medicaid, forcing thousands of additional low-income Texans to obtain coverage on their own. Texans who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase insurance through health Exchanges, organized insurance marketplaces created by the ACA.

Deciding if the Exchanges will be right for you is no easy task, as they do not yet exist and even insurers are unsure how they will be implemented. The ACA requires the Exchanges to feature four tiers of insurance coverage, “Bronze,” “Silver,” “Gold” and “Platinum.” Some patients under 30 will be eligible for the cheapest “Catastrophic” plan. Only a few states have released information about premiums in the Exchanges, however; to date, states such as New York, California, Oregon and Washington have established Exchanges with lower than expected premiums, but that is not expected to be the norm.

Information on the Texas Exchange is expected to be released in September.Signing up for an Exchange is no simple task either: The application will ask for financial data few customers will have at hand, as well as decisions regarding levels of coverage that many have never had to make.

Insurance plans that may be more suitable for some consumers will also still be available outside the Exchange, compounding the considerations that individuals and families will face.

Some Texans will be eligible to receive federal subsidies to help them cope with the requirements of the individual mandate. Individuals making less than $43,320 or families making less than $88,200 qualify for tax credits that vary by income and are structured so that an individual or family is not required to pay more than a specified percentage of their total income in health premiums. For example, an individual making between $32,490 and $43,320 would receive credits equal to the total amount necessary to ensure that no more than 9.5 percent of that individual’s income is spent on health insurance premiums.

The final option is simply to pay the penalty and continue living without insurance. Many individuals may opt for this route: A person making $45,000 annually, too much for a subsidy, would pay 2.5 percent of his or her income ($1,083) in fines, less than the expected cost of a Bronze-tier plan from an Exchange, but would still lack health insurance coverage.

Bellman said Texans should start preparing for next year as soon as possible and not wait to ask for advice.

“Texans need to recognize that big change is coming, take steps to be prepared, and seek help from credible and trusted individuals, such as employers, knowledgeable friends and family, or professional benefit advisers,” he said.

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Across the street from where I grew up was Trudy and Owen Frame’s little café and ice cream store, the White Spot. I remember one hot summer day my cousin and I decided to find out just how compassionate the proprietors might be toward two overheated and underfunded little street urchins. We feigned being hot and miserable as we paraded in front of the ice cream dispensing establishment. It wasn’t long until Mr. Frame came to the walk-up window and motioned us over. He handed each of us a soft-serve ice cream cone—the elixir of the gods. It totally cured our heat exhaustion.

Even though we lived within the Salt Lake City limits, we had a little acreage that was devoted to one little registered jersey cow by the name of Sourdough Bessie Creampot. Because of my father’s work schedule, milking the cow usually fell to my mother. Milking was done by hand and as a result, Mom had very strong hands. When there was a stuck lid to get off a bottle it was handed, not to my dad but to my mom, who was always able to twist it off right away.

Because we always had lots of fresh cream, the making of homemade ice cream was the highlight of many a family get-together. The fact that it had to be churned and frozen by hand added to its value. The longer we had to crank on that handle, the better it tasted at the end. Some of that cream also went into the making of butter which also required churning by hand. I suppose that is where my folks acquired the taste for buttermilk.

When Boyd, my oldest brother, was to be married we were on our way to Los Angeles to the wedding. We stopped in St. George, Utah, at a restaurant where my Dad ordered liver and onions and buttermilk. Boyd got up and moved to another table. “I won’t eat at the same table with somebody who would order that stuff!” he declared with mock disdain.

One day my mother set my little brother, Dale, on the kitchen counter while she strained the morning’s milk and poured it into bottles. He was probably two years old at the time. He slipped off the counter and fell head first into the milk bucket. You never saw such a shiner in your life! His cheek swelled up and turned shiny purple and he could barely see out of one swollen eye. If there had been Child Protective Services back then they most likely would have taken him away never to be seen of us again. Dale is 64 years old now and we still remind him about his feeble attempt to high dive into the milk bucket.

When I was a freshman at BYU I had to have my wisdom teeth surgically removed. Boyd and his wife had moved into our old homestead across the street from the White Spot and they offered me temporary lodging while I recovered. I was placed on a strict soft diet for a couple of days while stitches healed. I not only survived but thrived on chocolate marshmallow ice cream malts from the White Spot. It was tough but it had to be done.

While serving as a missionary in South America I went into withdrawal during the winter months. The locals believed that if you ate something cold when the weather was cold you would get sick. (That was almost as bad as not being able to find Mexican salsa in the stores.)

My wife recently underwent surgery. Not wanting to be fussed over, she told very few people that she was going into the hospital. When she got home, a good friend of hers, Carolyn Gipson from her ranch over Johnson City way, showed up on the doorstep. “I brought you supper,” she declared as she handed over a tub of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. Not ten minutes before Carolyn arrived, my wife had asked me if we had any ice cream. Some folks talk about “southern comfort.” Well, ice cream has to be the epitome of southern comfort—or any comfort for that matter.

The first weekend of August each year, my wife’s family celebrates a family reunion on the banks of the Blanco River. If you ask the participants what they remember most about those gatherings they are most likely to say, “Swimming in the cool river,” and “The homemade ice cream on Saturday afternoon.” I think those answers are influenced by the 100 degree August weather. But even without that, ice cream is always a welcome addition to any gathering. There is only one concern: vanilla is good but chocolate is better. Don’t let the kids or grandkids get to it before you do!

(Comments? mustardseeds101@yahoo.com)

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AUSTIN — The U.S. Department of Justice on Aug. 22 announced it would file a lawsuit against the State of Texas over the state’s voter photo identification law, passed as Senate Bill 14 in 2011.

In filing the lawsuit, the federal agency said it seeks a declaration that SB 14 violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (non-discrimination requirement) and the voting guarantees of the Fourteenth (due process and equal protection) and Fifteenth (right to vote) amendments to the United States Constitution. According to a news release by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, head of the Department of Justice, “The United States’ complaint contends that SB 14 was adopted with the purpose, and will have the result, of denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race, color or membership in a language minority group.”

Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott reacted with releases of their own. Perry said, “The filing of endless litigation in an effort to obstruct the will of the people of Texas is what we have come to expect from Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama. We will continue to defend the integrity of our elections against this administration’s blatant disregard for the 10th Amendment.”

Abbott, on behalf of the state government, has filed 25 lawsuits against the Obama administration over a variety of issues such as voter ID, redistricting, environmental protection and the Affordable Care Act which some refer to as Obama Care. Within a much longer statement, Abbott said, “Voter IDs have nothing to do with race and they are free to anyone who needs one.”

Perry sets voting date

Gov. Perry took the official step of proclaiming Nov. 5 as Election Day for the nine proposed constitutional amendments approved by legislators last spring.

Texans who go to polls with proper identification in accordance with the state’s voter identification law will be able to vote “yes” or “no” on amendments dealing with topics ranging from property tax exemptions and municipal charters to funding for the state water plan and judicial conduct.

Job count grows in July

Texas Workforce Commission on Aug. 16 reported the Texas economy added 19,900 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in July for a total of 293,000 jobs added since July 2012.

Also, Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in July at 6.5 percent. Texas’ unemployment rate remained below the nation’s July unemployment rate of 7.4 percent.

“As of July,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar, “Texas has maintained a positive annual growth rate for 39 straight months.”

Testing scores improve

Education Commissioner Michael Williams on Aug. 21 announced that 2013 composite score for all Texas students taking the ACT college admission test hit a new high of 20.9 according to the testing company. In addition, the composite scores for Texas White, Hispanic/Latino and African-American students are at all-time highs, matching or exceeding national composite scores in each of those student groups.

“Our state’s ongoing commitment to rigor in the classroom is clearly evident in these national results,” said Commissioner Williams. “In the coming years, the challenge will be in maintaining this momentum which has provided a strong foundation of success for all students, while also offering all students greater flexibility to make course choices.”

Measles alert is issued

Texas Department of State Health Services on Aug. 16 issued a health alert and announced six cases of measles had been confirmed in the last month, bringing the total to 11 cases confirmed for the year.

State health officials have asked health care providers to be on the lookout for potential exposures, particularly in the North Texas area. While no measles cases were reported in 2012, six cases were reported in 2011, the agency reported, and said, “vaccination even shortly before or after exposure may prevent the disease or lessen the symptoms.”

DPS to increase patrols

Texas Department of Public Safety last week announced a planned increase in patrols through Sept. 9, including the Labor Day holiday weekend. DPS troopers will focus on high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent.

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The regular meeting of the Blanco County Emergency Services District #2 (South) was held Tuesday, August 20.

EMS Director Mike West reported 77 total calls for the month. “It’s not any one specific [type of call]. Last month, if we were to pick one out, it would have been traffic accidents.” said West. He added, “We only transported in 27 of those calls, again that’s what we’re paid on. You go and you spend a lot of resources… and we don’t transport them. That’s just the way it is.”

West also reported that he would be attending an Assistance to Firefighter grant workshop on September 4. The grant is available through FEMA. The purpose of the grant is to “ meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.” (fema.gov) It can be used towards the purchase of protective gear, emergency vehicles, equipment and other resources used for fire fighting. West explained that when applying for the grant, they will ask if you did the online workshop or attended one in person. “It’s a good thing to go in person. They give you a lot of pointers, what to do, what to write [for a better chance of receiving the grant.]”

The budgets for the both the EMS and VFD will need to be approved in September. Mike West is anticipating a higher number in patient revenue for the next year as calls and transports have been steadily increasing. They have not requested an increase in funding from the ESD for the next fiscal year.

Lynn Hick reported that the VFD responded to 22 calls, a large increase from last month’s 4 calls. The calls included 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire, 2 wildland fires, and 12 car accidents.

The new budget was explained by VFD board member Brian Reid. Several amounts were increased from last year including vehicle maintenance, gear, fuel, insurance, and computer programs for billing and E-dispatch. Brian Reid went into detail on some of the items, “Bunker gear has a shelf life of ten years, this year we’re going to have to replace ten sets. Fuel prices are anticipated to go up in the expectation of the VFD becoming First Responders, therefore the VFD would be responding to more calls.” The VFD has increased their requested amount from the ESD for the next fiscal year.

In relation to the anticipation of becoming First Responders, discussion followed about the need for volunteers. Fire Chief Tommy Pinder talked about how to get more volunteers interested in the Fire Department. “We’re going to do a huge recruitment drive to get members.” he said. John Watson of the EMS countered that, “As much as volunteerism is supposed to be the wave, I just don’t see it happening. We’re going to have to have full-time staff.” Ann Hall replied with, “The problem with that, if you look at the budget. [Even] if we charge the citizens 10 cents [on 100 dollars], we don’t generate the money for a full-time paid Fire and EMS. If we spend [more] on personnel, you’re going to have some real old trucks.” Brian Reid commented that “Seventy percent of the Fire Fighters in the U.S. are volunteers. It won’t be easy, but they’re out there.” Several ideas were floated around about getting our community youth involved and recruiting newly certified EMTs and Firefighters to come volunteer in Blanco to earn the experience needed to land a paid job.

There was no update on land acquisition for a southern substation, other than the few plots that had been looked into are not as far south as the board would like.

A lengthy discussion about how the ESD works, how the money is distributed and the exact ownership of that money followed. All parties were not clear on how Texas Health and Safety Code, section #775 verbiage is applied. It was agreed to bring in the ESD board attorney in order to better explain to all parties the details of the statute.

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Norman Edward Weirich, 64, of Johnson City passed away August 21, 2013 at his home. He was born July 28, 1949 in Johnson City to Albert Emil Weirich and Olivia Elfreida Jacoby Weirich. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Emil Earnest “Buster” Weirich. He is survived by his son, Fabian Weirich; daughters, Marcie Henderson and Amber Sullivan; brother, Frank Clyde Weirich; sister, Pauline Evone Arjibay; grandchildren, Evan Henderson and Baileigh Sullivan. He is also survived by his former wife, Ruthie Fudge Weirich and many other loving relatives and friends. Norman proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Visitation was held at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 23, 2013 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City and funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday with Rev. Jim Boatright officiating. Interment followed in Johnson City Masonic Cemetery.

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Jacqueline Doris Lund Schramm Saey passed away on August 22, 2013 in Blanco, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Rowles) Lund and was born July 12, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jacqueline grew up in St. Louis. She lead a very active life and enjoyed travels to Mexico and to her land of ancestry in Denmark. She married Otto Schramm in 1948 and had three sons. She was divorced in the mid 1950‘s. She got her Real Estate License when she was 20, and later became a Real Estate Broker. She married Paul Saey and moved to the Rio Grande Valley to Mission, Texas in the early 1980’s, where she continued as a Real Estate Broker well into her 80’s. She had a love of playing Bridge, which she did regularly. She also loved to swim and walk, and walked a minimum of 2 miles every day. She was very active in her Catholic Church in Mission, TX and loved God.

She retired to Blanco, TX in late 2010, living on her son’s ranch until mid 2012, when she became a resident of Live Oak Medical Center in Blanco.

She is preceded in death by her ex-husband Otto Schramm, followed by her ex-husband Paul Saey, and her brother Richard Lund. She is survived by her sons Dr. Ken (Debbie) Schramm (Blanco, TX), Michael Schramm (St. Louis, MO), and Richard Schramm (Blanco, TX). She has 5 grandchildren - John Robert Schramm, Michelle Schramm, Morgen Schramm (all of St. Louis), Andrea (John) Olivares (Houston), and step-grandson David M. Rumple (San Antonio, TX). She has several great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Catholic Church in her name.

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Etelka Anna Rust, 98 of Spring Branch Texas passed away on Thursday August 22, 2013 in a Blanco Nursing Home. Visitation was held on Sunday August 25, 2013 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Services were held on Monday, 10:00 AM, August 26, 2013 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. Bobbie Leggett officiating and burial followed in the Blanco Cemetery.

Mrs. Rust was born on March 22, 1915 in Fisher, Texas to Henry and Irma (Burkart) Haas. She attended school at Rebecca, Marion Communities until they bought a farm in the Seguin area. She was married to Waldie Rust, and he preceded her in death in 1983. Etelka worked as a cook and a waitress, for the school, and bowling alley, and at Singleton’s. Etelka is also preceded in death by three sister; Norma, Vera, and Ilka, and a brother Richard.

Mrs. Rust is survived by two sons; Kenneth “Sam” Rust and wife Doris of Canyon Lake, Tx., Harvey Rust and wife Marilynn of Spring Branch, Tx., two daughters; Betty Seiler and husband Stanley of San Antonio, Tx., and Dorothy Deavan and husband Duke of Bulverde, Tx., a sister: Elvira Weidner of Spring Branch, Tx., Ten grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family request memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

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Hill Country Memorial Hospital, orthopedic surgeons and rehab professionals are teaming up to offer orthopedic and physical therapy evaluations to high school athletes on Saturdays this fall beginning August 31.

The Saturday clinics will take place at the hospital in Fredericksburg located at 1020 S. State Hwy. 16. Park in the main lot in front of the hospital and enter through the doors marked “Admissions.” Clinic hours will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Athletes will be seen on a first-come first-serve basis, so no appointments are necessary.

Sponsored by HCM in association with orthopedic surgeons: Joseph M. Cohn, MD, J. Steven Hoerster, MD; Daniel B. Robertson, MD; and P. Charles Romanick, MD are volunteering their time for the evaluations as are representative from Fredericksburg Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy of the Greater Texas Hill Country.

“Our experience has shown that Saturday is the best day of the week for sports injury evaluations for high school athletes, because football games occur all during the week,” Dustin Embrey, (R), (MR), director of the hospital’s Imaging Services Department, said. “Those players with non-severe injuries are able to work with their trainers or coaches until Saturday when they can have the injury evaluated. Since varsity games are played on Friday nights, those students can be seen the very next morning.”

In the past, the clinic has drawn students from Blanco, Boerne, Burnet, Comfort, Fredericksburg, Harper, Ingram, Johnson City, Junction, Kerrville, Llano, Mason, Marble Falls, Menard, San Saba and Stonewall.

The evaluations are free, but if an injury requires x-rays or soft goods, that expense is the responsibility of the student. The clinic is run on a first-come, first-serve basis, so no appointments are necessary. A parent or legal guardian needs to be present to sign releases for any required treatment and other paperwork. Please bring insurance information.

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The Hill Country Astronomers, a group of amateur astronomy enthusiasts from the surrounding area will have their monthly meeting on Monday, September 2 at the Hill Country University Center in Fredericksburg. They will meet at 6:00 pm, an earlier time due to the holiday. The program this month will be led by some local members on how they plan their observing, utilizing low tech methods with maps and charts, as well as charting and planning software.

The HCA group will also hold a star party gathering the following Friday, September 6 where the members will practice these skills under the night sky. More information about the star party will be available at the meeting. Anyone is welcome not only to attend the meeting, but the star party, as well.

For more information about Hill Country Astronomers, call Jason Fry, president of HCA at 830-992-0181 or email him at heavenwatcher2001@yahoo.com.

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A donation from Twin Sisters Hermann Sons Lodge No. 138 will be helping the West Volunteer Fire Department replace equipment lost when a fertilizer plant in West exploded in April.

Hermann Sons Grand President/CEO Buddy Preuss and Grand Vice President-Fraternal Kim Krueger recently presented donations totaling $12,286 to West Fire Chief George Nors.

Operating in Texas as a fraternal benefit life insurance society since 1861, Hermann Sons is organized into 137 lodges across the state of Texas. Twin Sisters Lodge was one of 79 lodges contributing to the effort. Donations also came from 16 individual donors and the Grand Lodge itself.

Fifteen people were killed when the fertilizer plant in West exploded on the night of April 17. Most of those were first responders who were on the scene when the blast occurred. Besides the lives lost, three fire trucks and thousands of dollars worth of fire-fighting gear were destroyed in the fire.

The Grand Lodge established the “Helping West Recover – First Responders Fund” soon after the tragedy and lodges and individual members immediately began to send donations.

“The response to this fund-raising effort has been heartwarming,” Grand Vice President Krueger said. “Hermann Sons members are known for their generosity and this outpouring of support for the community of West is further evidence of that generosity.”

Grand President Preuss told the fire chief, "Hermann Sons members will continue to pray for you, your community and your department. We know money cannot replace everything you lost that day."

Chief Nors said that besides replacing equipment, donations have been used to help the widows and children of the men who died.

Hermann Sons offers its members a variety of life insurance plans and annuity products plus other services.

The more than 72,000 members have access to a wide range of fraternal benefits, including a youth camp and dance program for junior members and a retirement home for older members.

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Fredericksburg, TX -- At the 13th annual Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair (The Roundup) we’ll be filling the grounds with exhibitors and packing the tents with outstanding speakers and panels on topics for green lifestyles. People from across Texas, from communities large and small converge on Fredericksburg annually in search of ideas for a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable and energy efficient lifestyle. The Roundup is a place to see new ideas in action; discover new organic farming techniques, learn about green building and remodeling, taste fresh organic foods and to test, explore and interact with products and services for living sustainably. The Roundup takes place at Market Square, 126 West Main St. in Fredericksburg, September 27 – 29, 2013.

The fair is an annual Texas favorite and the largest all-sustainable fair in the south. David Bebeau, CEO, Sunrise Solar recently said, "I've been coming to the Roundup since it started in 1999 and I have had the same booth space for 12 years now. It is one of the most enjoyable shows we do for both exhibitors and the participants."

Texans seeking green lifestyles and concerned about drought and the environment have come to the Roundup yearly to hear national leaders and local experts; to participate in workshops; and to enjoy races and other creative events. Among the informative focus panels taking place over the three-day event, the Texas Co-Op Energy panel will have representatives from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative andPedernales Electric Cooperative with the panel’s moderator joining us from the State Energy Conservation Office, SECO. It is a great opportunity to learn about what your energy supplier is doing currently to provide you and your community with secure energy that is clean and efficient and how their long-term energy goals encourage new industries and bring new jobs to local communities.

The Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair is co-organized by Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and the Texas Center for Policy Studies (TCPS). For information call 830-997-2350 or email info@theroundup.org. Among the entities that have already committed to sponsor the event are CPS Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and Environment Texas.

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, (TREIA) is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas. For more than a quarter century, it has promoted development of sustainable, renewable resources and their wise use. Visit TREIA at www.treia.org.

Founded in 1982, Texas Center for Policy Studies (TCPS) brings together people and the information necessary to ensure that growth and development in our region enhances, rather than diminishes, quality of life.

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1Ti 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This week we will talk on intercessory prayer. Andrew Murray said on intercessory prayer, “Prayer has a twofold use: one, to obtain strength and blessing of our own life; the other, the higher and the true glory of prayer, for which Christ has taken us into His fellowship and teaching, is intercession. There prayer is the royal power a child of God exercises in heaven on behalf of others and the kingdom”.

Intercessory prayer is simply to pray to God on the behalf of others (Rom 15:30). We begin to intercede when we move from praying for ourselves, into praying for the needs of others. It is part of the privilege of our role as priests. The role of the priest is to speak to God for men. All true Christians are priests now (Rev 1:5-6, 1Pt 2:5). As priests, we speak unto God for men. We intercede.

In the Old Testament, God was always looking for an intercessor. He looked for one to stand in the gap between He and the people. He looked for a mediator (Eze 22:30, Jer 5:1, Isa 59:16, 63:5). Abraham was that kind of man (Gen 18:22, 20:17). Moses was that kind of man (Num 11:2, 21:7). So was Job (Job 42:10), Daniel (Dan 9:16), and others. They were intercessors. They pleaded to God for the people. They were types of Jesus.

In the New Testament, Jesus, our High Priest, has become our intercessor with The Father (Heb 7:25, Rom 8:34), through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26). What does this mean? It means that our intercession as NT Christians is different than that of the OT. In the OT, their intercession was almost always about pleading with God not to destroy or pour out judgment on the people, because the Lamb of God had not yet been judged in their place. A normal man had to stand in the gap and plead for mercy. Now, Jesus stands in the gap, forever living to make intercession for us. His death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath (Isa 54:8-10).

It is essential for us to realize this. Too often, New Testament Christians pray like Old Testament saints. They pray as if Jesus has not come. They pray as if The Father is totally ignoring what he put His Son through on the cross. They pray as if Jesus isn’t standing in the gap for us 24-7. They pray as if Jesus never said, “It is finished!”. They pray as if God’s wrath has not been satisfied by Jesus’ death. Essentially, they pray as if nothing changed 2000 years ago on a hill outside the city gates of Jerusalem. However, everything changed!

God is not fuming in Heaven, looking to judge someone. He judged sin in His Son already. God pleads with man through His children, “Be reconciled to Me. I have reconciled Myself to you (2Cor 5:19-21)”. This is not the day of wrath. This is not the day of vengeance (Isa 61:1-2, Lk 4:18-20). God’s wrath against sin was poured out on Jesus on the cross. That sacrifice settled the account. If man rejects that payment in this age, he will pay for himself in the age to come. He is storing up wrath against the day of wrath. There will be a judgment day, but that is not today. In this age, God’s purpose for His children is to spread the Gospel, so men would be reconciled to Him.

Concerning intercessory prayer: there is no prayer of intercession in the NT that I am aware of where someone is pleading with God not to pour out His wrath and judgment. If I am wrong, let me know, and I’ll speedily repent. Yet, how many NT intercessors do you hear pray this all the time? I’m not being critical - I have prayed the same way. But if we’re going to follow the NT example, we need to pray as they prayed. Below is a list, though not exhaustive, of NT prayers or prayer Scriptures. I believe if we would pray for one another - our spouse, our children, our church, our community, our pastor - these following prayers everyday, we would see radical transformation in our lives. I pray you take the challenge. (Though a different subject, it’s vital for us to know the difference between God’s judgment and sowing & reaping – two very different things).

Our intercession now, is letting Jesus pray through us. It is praying in the Spirit. It is praying according to the finished work of Christ; The Word; The will of God. We see in NT prayer: For the Christians to know all they are and all they have in Christ (Eph 1:16-23, 3:14-21); For Jesus’ return (Rev 22:20); For healing of the sick (Jam 5:15-16); For prosperity (3Jn2); For signs and wonders to confirm the Word (Act 4:29-31); For leaders (1Tim 2:1-2); For the harvest (Mt 9:38); For open doors to ministry (2Thess 3:1, Col 4:3); For boldness of speech (Eph 6:18-19); For interpretation of tongues (1Cor 14:13); That we would love one another (2 Jn 5); For our love to abound (Philp 1:9); That we would be sincere (Philp 1:10); That we would be filled with all the fruits of righteousness (Philp 1:11); For wisdom (Jam 1:5); That we would do no evil (2Cor 13:7); That we would be completely sanctified (1Thess 5:23); That we would be filled with all knowledge, wisdom; and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9); That a brother in sin would be restored (1Jn 5:16, Jam 5:19-20). That we would present our bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1); That there would be no division among us (1Cor 1:10); That we would avoid those that cause division (Rom 16:17); That Christians would submit themselves to their pastors (1Cor 16:15-16, 1Thess 5:12-13); That men would be reconciled to God (2Cor 5:20); That we would walk worthy of our vocation (Eph 4:1); That we would walk pleasing to God more and more (1Thess 4:1); That we would listen to and obey the Word of God (Heb 13:22); That we would abstain from fleshly lusts (1Pt 2:11).

Again, this is not a complete list, but enough to get us started praying the way NT Christians ought to pray. We will continue this subject next week Lord willing. Until then, rejoice in The Lord!

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were on a deserted island, with no other human being around? Follow me here.

Close your eyes and what do you see? Darkness. If you put your fingers in your ears you only hear the sound of our own breathing. Now, at this point you are experiencing what blind people go through, but go further and imagine there is no one else around to help you (and you can’t see anything). Go even further and imagine you are the only one existing on earth and it is total darkness. I’m not talking about hell. I’m just trying to take away everything we’re accustomed to relying on, including light and warmth from the sun. Go even further and imagine there are no rivers or oceans, because there is no earth. Even though we don’t realize it, we are completely reliant upon God for our life and sustenance.

If you can follow me with this scenario, perhaps you’ll understand where I am in my relationship with our LORD GOD; which is complete reliance upon Him for everything I have, realizing He gave me everything I have, and I did not work for it; even though I’ve made choices leading up to where I am, it was Him who gave me those opportunities in my life, and He created everything that I’ve worked with, and gave me a sound mind and strong physical attributes that enable me to work and play, throughout my life that He created. Thus everything I am and have done He has given me (and you).

If we were stripped of everything we own, everything God has given us, and there was no one else on earth to care for us, wouldn’t we realize we are nothing without Him, who has given us our very breath? WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Why do some people put everything else before Him? After coming to this realization that everything we work for each day will either waste away, rust, spoil, or ruin, and they are things we cannot take with us when God decides our time on earth is up, why do we exert so much energy on them?

Why do we consider everyone and everything else (such as a TV for example) as a top priority for our time schedule? Why will some people watch a TV program instead of reading God’s Word, or choose a movie over a sermon on TV, or choose an event on Sunday, instead of going to church to hear God’s Word?

It is written that faith comes by hearing God’s Word, and if we don’t go where we can hear His Word, how can we be people of great faith? Are the people in charge of the sports your child is playing in demanding that they play on Sundays, causing you and your children to miss church? YOU NEED TO PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN as parents and make them schedule around Sundays!

How can we have faith to believe that God has heard our prayers and will grant them, if we don’t go where we can receive faith by hearing His Word? Yes, He gives each one a measure of faith. When does He give it to us? When we are born, or when we receive Jesus into our hearts?

How can we believe in Him, if we don’t know Him? I ask you, “Do you know Him?”

Jesus is the Light of the world.

John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Are you in darkness?

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On the morning of their flight the pilot was preparing the crew for the day's route, he noticed the new blonde flight attendant was missing. When he called her hotel room, she answered the phone, sobbing, and said she couldn't get out of her room. "You can't get out of your room?" the captain asked, "Why not?" The flight attendant replied, "There are only three doors in here, one is the bathroom, one is the closet, and one has a sign on it that says, 'Do Not Disturb'!"

It is not unusual for a person to feel absolutely trapped. It may be because of bad decisions they have made or the decisions of someone else. Finding a way out seems impossible. Do not assume that the door your considering is closed forever, it may just take some perseverance. Seek your answer through prayer and a diligent search of the Bible. Do not just assume that God will approve of your chosen direction. God's direction is often the very opposite of our choices. We are inclined to look for a way out that avoids the root of the problem. We also are inclined to make choices that give instant gratification. A person says, "It makes me happy" or "Its fun", without considering God's truth or the long term consequences of a choice. Remember the right way may be hard but that doesn't make it impossible.

Consider this passage: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts"

(Isaiah 55:7-9).

To request a free non-denominational Bible correspondence course or to ask a Bible question call 830-833-4884 or emailbcc102@gmail.com - No personal contact will be made unless requested.

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#12 Ashley Hall and #15 Jamie McClinton jump in unison to block Bastrop.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

The Panther volleyball team played dual matches against Boerne and Llano at Boerne High School on Tuesday, August 20. The varsity squad fell to Boerne 1-3, with set scores (27-25), (24-26), (20-25) and (12-25). The team rallied back against Llano winning 3-0, with set scores (31-29), (25-19) and (25-23). The junior varsity lost 0-2 to Boerne and then defeated Llano 2-0. The freshmen team fell to Boerne 0-2 and then battled Llano for a 2-1 win.

The varsity team played in the Cedar Creek Tournament in Bastrop on Thursday, August 22 through Saturday, August 24. The team posted 2-0 wins over Cedar Creek, (25-8) (25-21), Laredo United, (25-16) (25-16), Texas School for the Deaf, (25-17) (25-17), Little River Academy, (25-12) (25-6), Austin Crockett, (25-10) (25-21), and Victoria East, (25-13) (25-18).

The Panthers only loss of the tournament was to Victoria West, 1-2, with set scores (25-22), (22-25) and (24-26). Blanco then defeated Cedar Creek again to claim 3rd place 2-1, (25-17), (24-26) and (25-17).

Come support the Panther volleyball teams as they take on the Canyon Lake Hawks at Canyon Lake High School on Friday, August 30. Junior varsity and freshmen games start at 4:30, followed by the varsity at 5:30. After the volleyball games, come cheer the Panther football team on to victory against the Hawks!

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The Blanco Cheer Varsity and Junior Varsity Squads were presented with a $600 check from the Blanco Youth Football League from Youth Cheer coordinator Margarita Ledesma. The check was given for their service at the BYFL Cheer Camp held this summer. Pictured from L-R, Front Row: Kristen Watt, Annabeth Griffin, Ashlyn Stephens, Kasie Dowdy, Danielle Oliver, Callie Nance, and Sarah Brotzman. Back Row: Denise Edwards, Gracie Edmondson, Hannah Hulbert, Taylor Spriggs, Charlsy Smith, Margarita Ledesma, Kaleigh Walker, Brianna Collins, Bret Leigh Nance, Shayna Srackangast, Katlinn Calzoncit, and Montana Wiseman.

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