Two Sisters Home Makeovers (TSHM) is owned and operated by Erin Walsh Andreas and Shauna Hulecki who have combined their talents, education and experience to offer a unique service. Texans since 1964, the founders and operators of TSHM have vacationed at the lake since they were children. Their father, Chuck Walsh, an avid outdoorsman who also helped restore New Braunfels’ Brauntex Theatre, brought the sisters here during summers instilling in them a deep love for the Hill Country. They’re thrilled to finally call Canyon Lake ‘home.’

Erin holds a BS from LSU in Education with a double major in Art. The five-time national award-winning artist has spent the last 25 years mastering her talents in interior decorating, design and faux finishing. She has extensive experience in simple carpentry and cement staining, and a flair for the avant garde. As a former set designer for six years, she can design it, build it, and make it look fabulous.

Erin has made plaster look like brick, walls look like alcoves, carpet like rock, plastic like marble, cement to look like tile- and concrete columns to look like marble! After mastering the art of trompe l’oeil (‘fooling the eye’), her transition into faux finishing was a natural progression. In command of her media for over 20 years, Erin is a virtuoso at cement staining, plaster work, specialized wall texture and mural painting. Her work is excellent!

Sister, Shauna Hulecki, uses her talents to add beauty to her surroundings. Using existing accessories and furnishings along with her intu

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More from Community News.

BHS Senior Callie Jane Nance took this Axis buck on her grandma Weber’s ranch in Blanco County.

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More from Community News.

November 28, 1984

Seymour’s Garage

Preparing for the grand opening of Seymour’s Garage last weekend are Ida and Haston Seymour, David Seymour, and Joe Barbosa. Not shown is Curtis Spencer.

The new garage, located south of Blanco on U.S. 281, will offer a full range of automotive services including new parts.

Sheila McNett photo.

November 25, 1987

Cub Scouts Take Newspaper Tour

Members of Cub Scout Pack 297, Den 3, toured the office of the Blanco County News Thursday, November, 19 to see how a newspaper is produced using computerized technology.

Editor-Publisher Roy McNett gave the Scouts a tour of the office and explained how news stories and advertisements are entered into a computer and transferred to print through the use of a laser jet printer.

Members of the Pack include Jimmy Wright, Wesley Murrah, Gerald Vradenburg, Craig Gourley, Joe Hanus, and Jimmy Stewart. Den leaders are Deborah Stewart and Marcella Murrah.

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More from Remember When.

Dear Readers,

I have been gone quite a while now but still keep up with all my friends in Blanco and do the proofreading for the paper. In this way, I learned that Noah Schwarzlose got his first eight-point buck a couple weeks ago. Way to go, Noah! If I were there, I would kiss you on the top of your head in front of EVERYBODY!!!!!

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Florine Lord for being so kind as to send me the BUMC bulletin with a special note for me inside. They bring Blanco closer! Leona Smylie has not lost the art of writing lovely letters, for which I am so thankful, and Kee Hudson writes dandy emails. I read them and they make me laugh.

Right now my mother is doing very well here in West Virginia in her Alzheimer's unit. I see her every day and she still knows me and we have a good time.

My in-laws will be out on River Bend Drive soon for the winter, so that will be more activity out that way!

Thanks to you all for thinking about me, and have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving, at which time I am sure "a good time will be had by all!"

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More from Potpourri.

I encourage you to read Acts 2:1-4, 13-18 in your Bible. In these passages, we find that when Believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit, they spoke in other tongues. This language sounded like nonsense - just babbling. How do we know? Because the people that heard them accused them of being drunk! They sounded like drunks sound! Yet, they were full of the Holy Spirit of God! Peter then tells the crowd that they are not drunk, but what was happening is a fulfillment of the prophet Joel, when he says in the last days I will pour out my Spirit on ALL flesh! Not just first century Christians. ALL flesh.. WHOSOEVER will. And they will prophecy, see visions, have dreams, - experience the supernatural. We live in the last days. This is available to us now, even today.

If you have received the baptism with The Holy Spirit, you need to be filled again! Eph 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with (crammed full of and influenced by) (present tense - habitually, continually) the Spirit.” Act 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” You see, we need to be constantly filled with the Spirit. It is not a one-time event!

For those who haven’t received: Act 2:4 “And they were all filled (imbued, drenched or steeped in, influenced) with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Baptism means immersion. Yes, you have the Holy Spirit upon conversion, but He has you upon immersion. The Holy Spirit is resident at conversion; but president at immersion. The Holy Spirit is a well at conversion (Jn 4:14), but rivers of living water at immersion (Jn 7:37-39). Then what happened? They spoke in tongues.

There are many benefits to praying in tongues. Here are a few: 1. You speak directly to God - 1Cor 14:2; 2. You speak mysteries in the spirit - 1Cor 14:2; 3. You build yourself up - 1Cor 14:4; 4. Your spirit prays - 1Cor 14:14; 5. You bless God - 1Cor 14:16; 6. You give thanks well - 1Cor 14:17; 7. You keep yourself in God’s Love - Jude 20; 8. The Holy Spirit tames the tongue - Jam 3:8; 9. You rest & refresh yourself Spiritually - Isa. 28:11-12. If you are not Holy Spirit baptized and praying in tongues, it seems you are missing out on a lot of blessings!

Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11, Act 1:5, 11:15-16). Why? Because we need Holy Spirit power to live this Christian life! It is so important, Jesus wouldn’t let the apostles start the great commission until they got it! Act 1:8 “But you will receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you….” Luk 24:49 “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Rom 15:19 “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God…. I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Jesus was even conceived by this power (Lk 1:35), and raised from the dead by it as well (Rom8:11). And do we need it less? Man, we need it more than ever!

Holy Spirit baptism is a gift to be received. Ask for it, and receive it by faith… just like salvation! Act 8:15-17 “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Luk 11:13 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”

The Apostle Paul prayed in tongues more than anyone (1Cor 14:18), and he had the most powerful ministry on earth - second only to Jesus! Could there be a correlation there? You can also receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands (Act 19:2-6), or spontaneously, while the Truth is being preached (Act 10:44-46).

Receive God’s gift today. As we have seen in the Book of Acts, Holy Spirit baptism was a separate experience from salvation. Perhaps you are saved, but have not been baptized with The Holy Spirit. You can receive right now! Pray this prayer: Father in Heaven, You give the Holy Spirit to them that ask. I ask you now to fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Dear Jesus, baptize me with The Holy Spirit. Immerse me In Holy Spirit power from on High. I receive it as a promise & gift from Heaven right now in Jesus Name. By faith, I yield my tongue to Your Holy Spirit. I won’t understand what I am saying (1Cor 14:14), but Father, You will (1Cor 14:2). By faith I speak in tongues, for this is a sign following Believers (Mk 16:17). I am a Believer!

Christians need this gift - we need this power more than ever! Even if you don’t believe in this “tongues stuff”, why not pray the prayer in faith and receive whatever God has for you. It’s a Scriptural prayer. It certainly couldn’t hurt you! God bless you abundantly, and I pray you be radically transformed by The power of God’ Holy Spirit! Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!

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More from Focus on Faith.

Glenda Kyle presents a wealth of ideas for involving children in the celebration of Christmas in her interactive new book, “Children’s Christmas Activities: Honoring Jesus” (published by CrossBooks).

Glenda Kyle is a registered nurse affiliated with Breath of Life Maternity Ministries, which helps homeless pregnant women and their babies. She is married and has two children and seven grandchildren. For over 30 Christmases, Kyle has written and narrated children’s activities honoring Jesus. Residing in Round Rock, Texas, with her husband, she serves wherever God leads.

“As I have grown in my walk with the Lord, celebrating Jesus’ birthday has changed from a family tradition to a place of investing into the lives of our children and grandchildren, passing down Christian values from generation to generation,” Kyle writes. “It has become an awesome time of thanking, praising, glorifying and magnifying our Lord. What better way to share Jesus with others than honoring him with joy at a time when the whole world is aware of God’s Son?”

“Children’s Christmas Activities” helps children discover the meaning behind different Christmas traditions, including the Christmas tree, Santa, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the candy cane. There are specific activities using talent, questions and answers, instruments, music and dance. A selection of plays features a variety of characters, from Jed the donkey to a trio of aliens, and even the archangel Gabriel.

“Giving children a godly foundation of truth is a huge need nowadays,” Kyle states. “This book grows children in the knowledge of the Lord.”

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More from Features.

It’s that time of the year again. The Blanco Christmas Night Parade is coming, December 14, 2013 at 6:30 P.M. Please sign up to enter now. We had so much fun last year - let's make it better this year. Watch for more articles to come. For information or to enter the parade, please call Roxanna Avants 512-627-0584 or email roxannaavants@yahoo.com. You may also go to Blanco Chamber of Commerce and pick up an entry form.

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More from Community News.

Since I’ve been seeking a deeper relationship with our heavenly Father God, and His dear Son, who is my Saviour, Jesus Christ, I have been paying closer attention to others who are also walking with Christ. Kind of like, when you’re pregnant, you notice everyone else who is, too! I’ve met new friends in Christ, and even fellowship with other churches who also believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who lived, died and was resurrected on the third day and is seated at the right hand of God the Father, who sent us the Comforter, His Holy Spirit, to dwell in all of us who BELIEVE in Him!

I’ve met some who stop check themselves while in the midst of a conversation to make sure they are speaking what God wants them to say, and I’ve met some whose aura shines with the light of Jesus, and there’s no doubt they are filled with God’s Holy Spirit, and I’ve met those who think they are filled with God’s Holy Spirit and speak with authority they think they have, but do not, and that is evident when you catch them in a lie they have told you! One thing I’ve learned for certain, is there is no way to know Jesus, unless you read and hear God’s Word. You will find Him in His Word, and through your faith in Him and persistent search of Him through His Word, He will reveal Himself to you in your heart. How can you love Him unless you know Him? How can you know Him without learning of Him through His Word?

Jesus said “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV

In Matthew 7:12-29 Jesus said: “12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Written , November 18, 2013

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More from Focus on Faith.

A thermometer merely tells what the temperature is in a particular area. If your thermometer reads seventy degrees and you place that thermometer in a room that is currently eighty degrees, it won’t be long before the thermometer reads eighty degrees. It always adjusts to its environment. The thermostat, however, adjusts the room temperature. If the thermostat is set at seventy degrees and the room is at eighty degrees, the thermostat will trigger a heater or air conditioner, so the temperature of the room changes to conform to whatever the thermostat is reading.

You are either influencing others, or they are influencing you. Jesus calls us to become thermostats. Jesus used the terms, “salt and light,” to communicate that we are to be agents of change in the world. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Your example is important and one of the greatest gifts you can give. Only one set the perfect example, come and learn of Him, and of the life He gave for you.

To request a free non-denominational Bible correspondence course or to ask a Bible question call 830-833-4884 or email bcc102@gmail.com - No personal contact will be made unless requested. You may now also request a free 70 page book entitled, - 'The Good News From God' (Request in English or Spanish)

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More from Focus on Faith.

The Blanco Bucks fall baseball team won the tournament championship this past Sunday at Prospect Park in San Antonio. The Bucks entered the tournament as the #1 seed based on previous games played over the past two months.

Blanco opened the tournament by defeating a team from San Antonio 6 to 5 in extra innings to advance to the semi-finals. In their semi-final game, the Bucks took on a team from Eagle Pass and win 16 to 4 to earn a spot in the championship game. The final game would see Blanco take on Eagle Pass once again winning 5 to 4 to claim the championship.

Team members include: A.J. Briscoe, Aaron Daniels, Cade Felps, Cooter Horton, Lane Lowak, Kelton Marek, Kolby Marek, Chris Osteguin, Skylar Wagner, Chase Watson and Hunter West. Coaches are Jason Marek, Kirk Felps and Dwayne Lowak.

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More from Sports.

The U10 girls team holds up the 2nd place medals they won in Dripping Springs.

Although the league season ended several weeks ago, Blanco Youth Soccer players continue to have success in post-season tournament play.

Dripping Springs invited four Blanco teams to play in its post-season tournament the weekend of the 9th, and they all played well. The Blanco U10 boys team placed first in their division, going undefeated at the tournament. The U10 girls also went undefeated before losing in the final 1-0 to a very good Dripping Springs team, placing second.

A coed U12 team consisting of players from both Blanco and Johnson City also played in Dripping Springs. All of their games were very close, and they ended up in fourth place out of 12 teams. A U8 girls team from Blanco also competed, and while they did not win they had a lot of fun.

The next weekend Blanco was invited to send two teams to compete at a tournament in Marble Falls. After tying the first game 2-2, the coed Blanco U10 team hit its stride and won all their remaining games by at least two goals and coming in first place. The Blanco U6 Monsters also competed, with every player scoring at least one point, laying a foundation for soccer in Blanco for years to come.

Blanco Youth Soccer Association would like to say a special thanks to all the coaches who volunteered their time to coach the kids in these post-season tournaments: Thadius Millard, EZ Ramirez, John Beliveau, Martin Avila, Jim Ingari, Juan Lopez and Jim Raby. We couldn’t do it without you.

Although soccer is done for 2013, keep an eye on the Blanco County News for information about BYSA activities next year, including a skills clinic and spring soccer.

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More from Sports.

Left to Right – Chris DelaTorre (10th grade), Kari Graham (11th Grade), Paulina Ibarra (9th Grade), Josh McCaslin (12th Grade)

These students are selected by teachers for their positive attitude, work ethic, and dedication to BHS.

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More from School.

When you’re planning to sell your home, you most likely want it sold at the best price and as quickly as possible. But if you inadvertently discriminate against potential buyers, not only do you run the potential risk of missing out on a great offer, you may risk violating the law.

Protected classes

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of a property based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Be sure to also check local ordinances that may cover additional protected classes.

These laws were put in place to ensure equal housing opportunities for all Americans. But many people don’t understand exactly what "fair housing" means. And that’s not surprising. Although the concept seems simple, there are situations where it gets a little complicated and harder to discern. Here are a few examples of potential violations:

Refusing to sell your home to a single woman with several children.

Advertising that you’d prefer to sell your home to a Christian family.

Falsely denying that your property is for sale because the person who’s asking doesn’t share the same ethnic background as your neighbors.

Is that ad a good idea?

You may think targeted marketing is a good way to promote your home, but be careful. Advertising your home only in a geographic area populated by a certain ethnic group or promoting your listing in media that only serve a particular religious audience can violate fair-housing laws. Go ahead and advertise your home in your church’s newsletter – just make sure that’s not the only place you advertise it. Your Texas REALTOR® can help ensure you comply with these rules.

Let someone else be helpful

While buyers are looking, they may have questions about the neighborhood, such as the nearest grocery store or traffic concerns. But be careful how you respond if a buyer asks about things like the neighborhood’s racial, ethnic or religious demographics. It’s best to direct buyers to sources of that information – the Census Bureau or local school district – rather than answer yourself. Better yet, refer these questions to your Texas REALTOR®.

Also, if you ask your REALTOR® to eliminate or include certain buyers based on any of the protected classes, she legally cannot follow your instructions. Don’t be offended or angry. No matter how benign the request may seem, it would be a violation of fair housing laws and she would be risking a hefty fine, her reputation and her career.

Work with a professional

Texas REALTORS® adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that holds them to an even higher professional standard than what state and federal laws require. Texas REALTORS® also participate in education and outreach programs to promote fair housing to the public.

The home you live in plays such an important part in your life. When buying or renting a home, everyone – no matter their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin – deserves the right to be treated fairly.

For more consumer-oriented tips about buying, selling or leasing real estate visitTexasRealEstate.com

For more information on buying or selling property in Texas, please call Waymond Lightfoot at (210) 386-5201.

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More from The Real Estate Corner.

What needs to be looked at on a final walk through? This can be a remodel or a new home. You need to walk through the home and check out things yourself. Initially you can do it yourself and then with your builder. What do you actually do on a final walk through?

Some builders will give you tape to mark areas you want to address. Others will have you make a list or just walk and talk with them.

Lets just start with all the components you need to look at. This covers; Opening and closing doors, windows, drawers, and cabinets; Running water in all the sinks, showers, tubs, and flushing toilets; Turning the A/C and Heater on; Turning on and running all appliances; Looking at all the paint inside and out; Looking at the stonework; Turn on all the lights, fans, and exhaust fans. Flooring and baseboards ok? Sprinkler, septic, and well areas can also be addressed.

Starting with opening and closing everything. You want to make sure they open ok and don’t drag on anything, close ok, and lock if they have locks.

Plumbing involves, running water in sinks, showers, and tubs. Do you have any loose hardware? Leaks under the sinks? Pressure ok? Drainage ok? In flushing the toilets, do they flush ok? Any leakage? Is the toilet loose?

A/C and Heater. Turn on the A/C, is it cold? Is cold air coming out ALL the vents? Do you have filters in? Do the thermostats work? Do the same thing for the Heater. You might have the heater running off Propane. Make sure all is good.

Test the appliances. Oven heating? Dishwasher working? Disposal connected? Heat and exhaust fans working in rest room areas? Test all additional appliance as well. If you have a washer installed, make sure it is not leaking.

Lights through out your home should all have light bulbs. Start going through and turning lights on and checking them out, test dimmers too if you have those. Turn ceiling fans on, and check out the various speeds and reversals.

Look at all the paint. If you see areas that need touching up, mark them for final touch up. This could be inside or outside.

In looking at the flooring, any chips, cracks, scratches? These all can be fixed. Just walk through your home and look.

Finally, outside sprinklers, septic, and well might require you getting a bit of training, so you know what to look for.

These are just some things you might want to check out, before you make that final construction payment. Most builders will still honor and correct what you find. Ask your builder what process to follow.

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

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More from Putting the Pieces Together.

Left: #10 Lexee Jenkins drives to the basket for a layup.

Photo by Diana Schwind.

The Blanco varsity girls basketball team snagged the win over the Center Point Lady Pirates, 65-64, on Friday, November 22. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead in the 1st half pumping in 25 points in the 1st quarter and 18 in the 2nd. The Pirates found their offensive rhythm in the 2nd half and took the lead in the final seconds of the game. With 6 seconds remaining on the clock, Reagan Rogers passed to Lexee Jenkins who hit the game winning jump shot. Jenkins led the team scoring 22 points. Rogers made 12 points. Charlsey Smith and Meaghen Seales each scored 10, with Jamie McClinton dropping in 6. Megan Wier sank 3 points and Payton Savarion scored 2.

The junior varsity lost to the Pirates 29-36. Gracie Edmondson scored 7 to lead the team. Montana Wiseman sank 6 points, with Andrea Calzoncit adding 5. Kaleigh Griffin scored 4 points, Shayna Srackangast, Vanessa Skillman, and Savannah Kershaw each made 2 points. Paige Green scored 1 on a free throw.

The Panther’s next home game is scheduled for December 1 at 6:30 against Hyde Park.

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More from Sports.

PEC’s annual holiday lighting display – a Texas Hill Country tradition that draws visitors from throughout the area – will soon bathe Johnson City and other PEC member communities in the warm glow of holiday cheer.

The Cooperative’s lighting displays begin Nov. 29 and run through Jan. 1, 2014. Holiday lights at all PEC offices will be activated from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 5:30 p.m. to midnight Fridays through Sundays.

This year’s display at the PEC headquarters building in Johnson City acknowledges the Co-op’s 75th anniversary by adding a selection of blue lights to complement the traditional white for which the display is best known. Lighted elements from past years have also been incorporated into the display, with additional signage around the building commemorating this milestone year in the Cooperative’s history.

More than 1.3 million lights have been incorporated into this year’s headquarters lighting project.

PEC invites and welcomes visitors from near and far to enjoy this holiday tradition. For a list of all Co-op offices, go to www.pec.coop/locations.

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More from Community News.

Blanco County Commissioners Court held a Special meeting in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse located in Johnson City, Texas, on November 26, 2013 at 9 a.m. All four County Commissioners and County Judge Bill Guthrie attended the meeting. Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman presented the minutes of the Regular meeting held on November 12, 2013. Blanco County Commissioner Chris Liesmann gave a motion to accept the minutes as read and County Commissioner James Sultemeier seconded the motion. Newman also read the minutes of a Special meeting held on November 18th, 2013. A motion for approval of those minutes was made by Blanco County Commissioner Paul Granberg and seconded by County Commissioner John Wood.

The Commissioners were asked to consider a correction plat of Lot 36 in the Ranches of Brushy Top due to scriveners errors. Don Sherman made a Presentation to the Commissioners Court. According to Sherman, “a drafting error occurred regarding 200 feet on the back line of Lot 36. The lot is under contract with a buyer and is ready to close.” Blanco County Commissioner Wood gave a motion to amend the correction plat of Lot 36 in the Ranches of Brushy Top, and County Commissioner Sultemeier seconded the motion. Judge Guthrie asked if there was any discussion, and there was none. The motion carried.

Commissioner Granberg asked the Commissioners Court to consider replat of Lot 55 in Landon’s Crossing Subdivision. According to Commissioner Granberg, “this would split Lot 55 in half and add to Lots 56 and 57 in Landon’s Crossing.” Judge Guthrie asked if this would mean the lots would be renumbered and Commissioner Granberg answered there would be more room created for the adjacent lots. Judge Guthrie asked what the size of the lots would be and Commissioner Granberg said, “2.34 acres would be added to Lots 62 and 56 and 57.” Judge Guthrie asked if the lots would have sewer and water hookups, and he was told that they would not. A discussion followed, and Judge Guthrie said the process would create two new lots of less than five acres, in conflict with subdivision restrictions. County Commissioner Granberg agreed this would go back to the surveyor to re-label. No action was taken on the replat of Lot 55 in Landon’s Crossing at this time.

According to Commissioner Granberg, “a bridge construction agreement for Middle Creek Road has been in the works for a while. The crossing is on private land and land owners will donate a right of way to build a bridge so there is no driving in the creek…this is a good situation for everyone. The two owners have agreed and the agreement has been written by the County Attorney and signed off on. We need to hire an engineer to survey.” Judge Guthrie asked if all the paperwork was in order, and he was told that it was. County Commissioner Granberg made a motion for the Court to consider and accept authorization for the County Judge to sign a Public Road Realignment and Bridge Construction Agreeement for Middle Creek Road. County Commissioner Wood seconded the motion. Judge Guthrie asked if there was any discussion and there was none. The motion passed.

County Commissioner Sultemeier presented a request from the people in Johnson City limits. The request was to lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph on Miller Creek Loop from Bar S Drive to Post Oak Drive. Judge Guthrie asked if the speed limit is 30 mph in the city limits and County Commissioner Sultemeier answered that it is. County Commissioner Liesmann seconded Commissioner Sultemeier’s motion for Precinct Two to lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph on Miller Creek Loop from Bar S Drive to Post Oak Drive. No discussion followed, and this action was approved by the Court.

Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners Court to consider resolution casting votes to elect the Blanco County Appraisal District Board of Directors pursuant to Texas Property Code, Section 6.03(j). Shelton Coleman will be the new member replacing the seat vacated by Brenda Adair, and Judge Guthrie told the Court, “my suggestion is to cast 1001 votes for Shelton Coleman, and 33 votes each for board members David Behrends, Lynn Boyd, Janet Cox, and Will Sheldon.” County Commissioner Wood gave a motion to accept the resolution to cast the votes in the afore-mentioned fashion. County Commissioner Granberg seconded the motion made by Commissioner Wood. Judge Guthrie asked if there was any discussion and there was none. The motion carried.

The Court also approved the outstanding bills in the amount of $40,020.12. County Commissioner Wood made a motion to approve the outstanding bills and County Commissioner Granberg seconded. This motion also passed. There was no further business and the Special meeting ended following a motion to adjourn from County Commissioner Liesmann and a second from Commissioner Sultemeier.

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More from Community News.

The Blanco Christmas night parade will be on December 14 at 6:30 p.m. Don't miss the festivities!

Along with the parade will be a night Christmas market. Bingo the Steer is scheduled to be back this year. To enter the parade or for information call Roxanna Avants 512-627-0584 or email roxannaavants@yahoo.com

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Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm invites everyone to kick off the holiday season here at the park. The Annual Holiday Cookie Decorating and German Traditions is a family fun event. The activities begin Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, November 30th starting at the Visitor Complex. Bring your family and guests that are here for Thanksgiving Weekend and show them one of the jewels of the Hill Country, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. Guests are sure to get into the holiday spirit watching and participating in many activities kicking off the Holiday Season. Children can enjoy decorating their own wooden gingerbread ornament to take home and hang on the tree. This ornament becomes an instant special treasure of children’s creativity. A great holiday photo opportunity awaits children of all ages as they pose for their holiday photo with one of our Park’s life-sized gingerbread men. Bring your camera and join in the photo fun!

Next, Take advantage of the wonderful weather and walk the trail to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Get caught up with the hustle and bustle of transforming the traditional German farmstead into a beautiful 1900’s celebration of the holidays. Holiday traditions from the early 1900’s are hand crafted and simple at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. With the help of costumed interpreters and volunteers, the entire family will find fun things to do, such as decorating cookies to adorn a German Christmas tree, participate in candle- making as it was done in holidays past and the making of traditional cedar wreaths. Smell the aroma of freshly baked cookies and holiday breads as they come out of the old wood burning stove in the kitchen. See and tour the century old farm buildings and grounds. Hear the sounds of the cows, sheep, pigs and chickens. See why “Life is better outside” and walk the beautiful nature trail back to the Visitor Complex and see all of the wonderful fall colors and sights as well as the wildlife in the game enclosures. This is sure to be a day filled with history and fun for the family.

Don’t forget to stop by the State Park Gift Shop. The gift shop is one of the largest State Park Stores and one of the most unique. Shoppers will find extraordinary one of a kind, made in Texas pottery gifts, hand-made ornaments and decorations. These gifts are sure to please anyone on your list.

Visitors are encouraged to make it a family day. Pack a picnic lunch, bring the family, a camera, and dress for outdoor holiday fun as you start a new tradition or continue an old one. Park staff recommends visitors come to the Visitor Complex first to get all the park daily event details, map, and free day park permit.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site is located just one mile east of Stonewall, or 14 miles west of Johnson City, just off Highway 290 at 199 Park Road 52 in Stonewall, Texas. For more information on this event and coming park events visit the parks face book or go to the web site at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson or call the park at (830) 644-2252.

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The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held Thursday, November 21. From L-R: Roland Pena, Marilynn Lageman, Bud Twilley, Paul Granberg, Rep. Jason Isaac, Dr. Joe Frost, Mayor Chuck Homan, Ethan Belicek, Park Superintendent, Martin Frazier, Park Ranger, and Angelo Comparin, Lead Ranger.

Something exciting and historic took place in Blanco State Park last Thursday, November 21st. The Friends of Blanco State Park held a Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the beginning construction of their newly designed Naturescape Activity Center. Balloons, newly purchased trees and the beautiful Blanco River served as the backdrop for this “shovels up” occasion.

The Naturescape Activity Center is a first for the Texas Parks and Wildlife system, and will serve as a model for other parks. Naturescapes are designed to encourage play experiences that enhance and encourage development at all of a child’s stages and ages. Equally important, they also connect children with nature through imaginative free play, and learning experiences that increase knowledge of the world around them, encourage sustainable living and benefit their physical and mental health. Blanco State Park’s Naturescape is projected to provide these benefits to our community and well beyond.

There was quite an impressive group on hand to help celebrate, including our State Representative, Jason Isaac, State Park’s Regional 3 Director, Todd McClanahan, Blanco Mayor, Chuck Homan and County Commissioner, Paul Granberg. Representatives from LCRA, whose grant allowed this project to get off the ground, and Texas Children in Nature San Antonio were also present and showing their support for the concept and the shared mission.

Visit Blanco State Park and watch this project develop, or volunteer to help the Friends of Blanco State Park in a range of important and needed roles. Project designs and photos of what the Naturescape Activity Center will look like are available to the community.

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