October 16, 2008

TOM LANDRY FCA SCHOLARSHIP: On Monday, October 13, 2008, David Rhoades received the Tom Landry FCA Scholarship at Onion Creek Country Club in Austin, Texas. David was selected from students representing over 100 high schools in the Austin area. The award is presented annually to a high school senior boy and girl in the Austin area who participate in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization.

The Community Garden Club met last Thursday at the Johnson Settlement at the LBJ National Park. Thirty six ladies including two guests were welcomed to the settlement colorfully decorated for fall and Halloween. Our new President, Pearl Hedlund opened the meeting, she asked our program chairperson Jean Anderson to introduce our program for the day.

Things are still happening here. Last week was busy with Bingo and our Meals on Wheels program, which happens on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Meals on Wheels is an awesome program that provides a great service here in Johnson City, Texas. If you have questions about this program, please call 868-4173 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Service flags were first displayed during World War I. Also known as Service Star Banners, Blue Star Banners or Son-in-Service Flags. They are appearing once again in windows of American homes supporting their loved ones in time of war. Originally designed by World War I Army Captain, Robert L. Queissner, 5th Ohio Infantry, in honor of his two sons who served in the war.

I will really date myself with this story but this football Saturday with nice weather reminds me of how it was back in the fifties when I went to some college games. The first college game I went to was to see A&M play. I think that first game I went with a girlfriend whose parents took us so I imagine we were maybe juniors or seniors in high school.

CALL FOR PHOTOS: LIGHTS SPECTACULAR - HILL COUNTRY STYLE. The Chamber is creating a web photo page for our Lights Spectacular Event. If you have photos you would like to provide for this, please send to info@johnsoncity texaschamber.com or if on CD, drop them off at the Visitors Center. *****I was told of two more ice houses.

What if I told you that I was going to make some rather important decisions about your life – without your opinion? I am going to decide what your neighborhood looks like. I am going to decide what kind of park your kids play in. I am going to decide whether or not I thought it was a good idea to raise your taxes to pay for things that I thought were important to you.

The state average for a gallon of gasoline has finally dropped below $3.00 for the first time in months. Gas prices have dropped 22% from their highest point and experts predict that they may drop even farther as the nation’s economy continues to struggle with its financial crisis.

Library getting ready to open its doors......... On Saturday, November 8, The Johnson City Library will move to its new location near LBJ High School. Regardless of the weather, November 8 is the moving day. How does a library get moved in a small town? You guessed it. You and your neighbors, the citizens of Johnson City, will help move the library.

Fort Worth, Texas (October 8, 2008) ~ Elliot Jacoby is just like any other average 18 year old, except he’s sitting 3rd in the World Standings after two title wins and only riding in the CBR for less than 6 months. Although he has been involved with rodeos since he was 11, he had to wait until he turned 18 on April 26 to become eligible to ride with the CBR.

How do you turn a church into an emergency shelter — and make it work? And is there a role for small churches? A regional panel on emergency shelters in local churches will be held Saturday morning in Johnson City. The panelists will cover ways to make shelters work better in churches, based on their experiences with church shelters over decades past...and as recently as last month. The panel is sponsored by the Blanco County Disaster Response Group, and will include: • Mike McEuen, Disaster Response Chairman, Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, La., on the disaster shelter plan his church developed and used including for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Gustav. • Jean Krohn, volunteer shelter manager, American Red Cross, Fredericksburg, on her many years of experience establishing shelters in churches throughout the country, most recently for Hurricane Ike. • BW “Sonny” Payne, First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville, on how his church adapted to and supported the Red Cross shelter set up in his facility for evacuees from Hurricane Ike. • Amy BeVille Elder, executive director, Texas Interagency Interfaith Disaster Response (TIDR), Austin, on her experiences with major metro shelters and the advantages she has found churches can add to the process. The panelists’ descriptions will cover the best and worst of experiences and the lessons they learned from them.

A great big thank you to all of you who made this sale a success. We would also like to say thank you to everyone who made the wonderful donations of items through the past year to make our sales possible . We couldn’t do it without your support, we were able to give the JOHNSON CITY VFD $5,596.05 and the North Blanco EMS $7,596.05 Giving them an extra $2,000 for the use of their building .

Cynthia Keene, trustee for Johnson City ISD, joined 31 other school board members from across Texas September 26-28 at the kickoff session of the Leadership TASB class of 2009. Selected by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the group is participating in a yearlong education leadership study program. These trustees represent school districts of all sizes, with student populations of 543 to 82,000, and reflect a similar range of property wealth. Participants who complete all required elements of the study will graduate next year by earning gold, silver, or bronze status.

REZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE CITY OF JOHNSON CITY, TEXAS THAT PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008, 6:00 P.M. IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL PERTAINING TO: 1.

Each year, the women of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Blanco, Texas, challenge each other to dig deep into their closets, garages and barns in order to hold an annual rummage sale. This much anticipated annual event is part of the fabric of fall in Blanco. October 18 is the magic day for this year’s sale.

“Music in the Park” is this Saturday from 5-7 right here in Johnson City. What a great time everyone had at the last event. If you missed it you don’t want to miss this one. The park is such a great place to enjoy live music, a bite to eat along with your family and friends.

Chester Harry William Goehmann Chester Harry William Goehmann beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend was born on May 28, 1926 in the Cave Creek Community in Gillespie County, Texas. He passed away on October 12, 2008 at the age of 82, in Blanco County, Texas. He married Beatrice Clara “Pat” Birck on June 9, 1950.

Dear Editor: Kudos to Marion Hoy for her line article, “The Bullies Among Us.” It takes courage to face a problem like this and not just sweep it under the carpet. My grandson had fears about entering middle school because of the stories about how older kids would beat up the younger ones, stealing their lunch money, backpacks, and self-esteem.

Blanco Police Reports These reports were filed between Sep 25 and Oct 1. Sep 25 • Animal Complaint. 12:15 PM. A dog killed the caller’s chickens and roosters and the caller now had the dog trapped in a pen. • Stranded Motorist. 3:50 PM. A vehicle with a flat tire was reported on US 281. Sep 26 • Information.

On Monday, October 13th, the Johnson City Independent School District held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 6:00 pm. TOUR OF LBJ MIDDLE SCHOOL The school board went on a short tour of the LBJ Middle School Campus led by Principal Cammie Ockman. The board had an opportunity to see many of the classrooms and computer labs at the Middle School and they were greatly impressed. “It’s just great to see all of the wonderful things that our teachers are doing,” stated JCISD School Board Vice President, Cynthia Keene. The teachers had their daily agendas written on the board in the front of the room… and signs of the districts latest initiative “Character Counts,” were found everywhere – even through posters hanging in the cafeteria. The classrooms were warm and friendly, and it was obvious that the those rooms didn’t just provide the commodity of a great education – but also fun, love, and excitement from teachers who are truly passionate about their jobs and who have a sincere desire to help the students of Johnson City achieve great things. In one Science classroom a poster hanging over the door stated: “Through this door passes the best Science Students in Texas.” An honest sendoff from a typical Johnson City teacher who truly believes her students are the best. Once the board returned to the meeting room it was business as usual.

2nd Grade A Honor Roll Ana Alvarez, Sierra Anderson, MaKayla Arvesen, Gabriel Barrientes, Hunter Barrientes, Laina Deleon, Bryan Evers, Willow Fowler, Bryce Fry, Carly Gravell, Chance Haley, Cheyenne Haynes, Claire Hedlund, Ethan Kubala, Johnny Hernandez, Lance Hobbs, Avery Hubenak, Colton Hurlbut, David Jordan, Wren Liesmann, Dylan Lorenz, Valerie Menchaca, Skyler Roberts, Paige Rutherford, Katelyn Splude, Addisyn Stueler, Braden Stueler, Isabella Swafford, Avery Voron, Rylee Weirich, Aleigh Wessels 2nd Grade A/B Honor Roll Landon Bible, Landie Brenner, Pedro Crawford, Hailey Fox, Fabiola Guzman, Angel Martinez, Steven Medrano, Jose Mondragon, Degan Roy, Kipp Solomon 3rd Grade A Honor Roll Luke Barrientes, Hailey Bickley, Amber Bray, Cole Cowsert, Wells DeLeon, Hugh Galloway, Bryanna Gonzales, Grey Grote, Brett Harris, Justin Krabe, Wythe Liesmann, Heather Lowery, Bethany Norvell, Cade Pittman, Ashtyn Portie, Trace Riebesehl, Jada Sawyer, Christopher Storer, Zailyn Todasco, Slone Wenmohs, Alyssa Wheeler, Garrison Wood 3rd Grade A/B Honor Roll Trevor Adams, Isaiah Alba, Zane Bible, Kendalyn Burdett, Ashley Butler, Patrick Fruin, Adrian Garcia, Katelyn Graves, Alicia Guerrero, Randi Harrell, Jackeline Henriquez, Hunter Hulse, Cheyenne Liesmann, Matasen Linson, Toby Lopez, Anthony Medrano, Eduardo Ramirez, Kacie Regino, Andrew Rush, Avery Stueler, Ariadna Trejo, Colby Turner, Amber White, James Wittkohl 4th Grade A Honor Roll Brendan Anderson, Kaitlyn Arvesen, Samantha Cross, Javier Cruz, Deven Downey, Charles Hedlund, Mycala Jordan, Ethan Kubala, Christopher Maenius, Skyler McKennis, Nicholas Nolte, Alyssa Rose, Leandro Sanchez, Darren Sultemeier, Raymond Thompson 4th Grade A/B Honor Roll Robin Abel, Cesar Alvarez, Steven Barrientes, Devon Benitez, Cassandra Braun, Taylor Buck, Caleb Dowdy, Cameron Easterday, Peyton Evans, Tessa Fields, Erick Fruin, Gianeid Garcia, Michael Helpenstell, Timothy Helpenstell, Ryan Holdridge, Christopher Ibarra, Tiffany Litchfield, Eamon Littleton, Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lusk, Willie Miertschin, Kailey Ockman, James Porter, Christopher Rush, Summer Smith, Brandon Stanton, Stephan Sumrall-Orsak 5th Grade A Honor Roll Crystal Alegria, Hector Alvarez, William Berry, Anamarie Capra, Audrey Capra, Morgan Cowsert, Lauren Gravell, Kaitlyn Helpenstell, Dawson Hernandez, Zspohia Lightstep, Dominique Requenes, Thomas Tobolka, Alexis Urbanovsky, Jenna Vasquez, Dixon Wenmohs, Jordan Wheeler, Michala Zbytovsky 5th Grade A/B Honor Roll Johnathan Benningfield, Balke Caulkins, Chance Conlon, Colton Conlon, Alexus Crochet, Lane Evers, Calder Fulgham, Ayden Hubenak, Cheyanne Jackson, Camilla Jenschke, Brittany Kauffman, Brandon Lane, Morgan Linsey, Sarah Lorenz, Megan Lowery, Kaitlyn Marshall, James Odiorne, Alicia Ortiz, Bailey Pena, Megan Rice, Gage Schnitz, Baleigh Scott, Charlotte Strickland, Taylor Wright 6th Grade A Honor Roll Jennifer Bacon, Dalton Crofts, Kelly Danz, Juan Guzman Rizo, Meagan Hein, Hailey Hernandez, Glory Maenius, Preston Maenius, Emily Masters, Lily Masters, Aaron McKennis, Laura Miertschin, Jacob Rassett, Kathleen Santos, Kimberly White 6th Grade A/B Honor Roll Benjamin Adams, Savanna Belk, Logan Cantwell, Cullen Haley, Robert Herrera, Tiffany Hulse, Rilee Moser, Ellie Park, Jennifer Regino, Katelyn Reveal, William Rutherford, Hunter Sasko, Haley Sharp, Brenna Stueler, Trevor Ulrich, Jorge Zagada 7th Grade A Honor Roll Jessica Bean, Anthony Capra, Chelsea Dowdy, Jace Fry, Matty Jones, Jose Mesa, Bailey Mills, Mikinbhai Patel, Angelica Ramirez, Brooke Wood, Whitney Wood 7th Grade A/B Honor Roll Taylor Bible, Ian Collins, Victoria Mahar, Jason Malone, Adolpho Martinez, Jacqueline Medrano, Jeremy Polinard-Krause, Katie Porter, Jessica Santos, Kevin Schobey, Courtney Stanton, Kiley Wood, Lydia Yachimski, Wyatt Zoeller 8th Grade A Honor Roll Lacy Butler, Jade Cones, Jody Hudson, Aubrey Humphrey, Kendyll Kohlleppel, Stephani Marx, Meredith Neely, Zachary Nolte, Jaxon Riebesehl 8th Grade A/B Honor Roll Juan Alvarez, Daniel Callahan, Shelby Conlon, Betsabe Cruz, Kelsey Heavner, Melinda Holdridge, Kaitlyn Hubbard, Krista Kannen, Joseph Krabe, Laura Meurer, Priscilla Pickett, Brianna Rose, Jonathan Schulze, Haley Stehling, Ryan Sultemeier, Elizabeth Waltz, Savanah Woodcock, Amara Yachimski 9th Grade A Honor Roll Brandon Adams, Brandon Evans, Ryan Franklin, Van Johnson, Amanda McDonald, Dean Robertson, Cole Roemer, Amelia Wilson 9th Grade A/B Honor Roll Sergio Alvarado, Olivia Anderson, Kacie Cantwell, Savannah Cohen, Lacey Delancey, Shania Dubose, Wyatt Eubanks, Madison Fountaine, Brittany Harris, Dustin Harvey, Adam Lefford, Sawyer Marks, Riley North, Erin O’Brien, Katryn Stevenson, Savannah Stolzman, Emily Vasquez, Victoria Waggoner 10th Grade A Honor Roll Matthew Carter, Flemmie Houston 10th Grade A/B Honor Roll Michael Banfield, Cody Crofts, Garrett Deike, Zachary Denton, Aaron Humphrey, Kayla Jernigan, Kristopher McDonald, Cesar Mesa, Seleste Mills, Lucas Neely, Noel Porter, Cody Smith, Slater Sultemeier 11th Grade A Honor Roll Taylor Gott, Kelya Jureczki 11th Grade A/B Honor Roll Jordan Jones, Megan Marks, Bryant McDowell, Shawn McNease, Kayla Meier, Jesica Moran, Dakotah Nagy, Mindy Powers, Ethan Uballe 12th Grade A Honor Roll Dana Bushnell, Estrella Cruz, Bailey Cummings, Samuel Demmick, Haylee Jernigan, Marlissa McNease, David Rhoades, Jeffrey Simpson, Diana Smith, Virginia Smith, Selina Solis, Avry Stolzman 12th Grade A/B Honor Roll Marcela Baker, William Bullock, Joshua Danz, Kc Gilbert, Stephanie Gray, Janna LaForgey, John Leslie, Philip Linsey, Jessica Moore, Mason Moreland, Marcus Nowak, Marvin Nowak, Wesley Outlaw, Wade Pistole, Alejandra Ramirez, Michael Redman, Zane Stehling, Whitley Stratton, Ashley Sultemeier, Brittany Sultemeier, Analaura Tabullo

The 7th grade football team won 28-0 over Harper last Thursday in Johnson City. Oscar Alvarado scored three touchdowns and Preston Workman scored one touchdown. Jacob Wagner, Garrett DeLeon, and Tyler Conlon had good defensive games for the Eagles. Written by Eduardo Martinez and Jacob Wagner The 8th grade football team sealed another win against the Harper Longhorns.

They “Did It Again” !! The LBJ Fighting Eagle Band traveled to San Antonio this past Saturday, October 11 to participate in the Rough Rider 25th Annual Marching Contest at Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio. The Stadium was large, but when the Fighting Eagle Band took the field at 10:00 am they commanded attention in their impressive maroon and black uniforms against a bright green background. When called to attention with “Hey Band” they replied in unison “What” with such alertness and regal manner that Buckingham Palace would be proud.

The Lady Eagles came out strong last Tuesday night and won easily against the Randolph Lady Ro-Hawks, 25-11, 25-16, and 25-18. The Lady Eagles came out and played a very solid match. On-target serving by Milan Weeks and Seleste Mills helped the Lady Eagles get ahead early in each of the games.

Congress has passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which extends for 2008 and 2009 an expired provision permitting IRA owners age 70 1/2 and older to make distributions to qualified organizations of up to $100,000 per year. Sandy Goff, executive director of Hill Country Memorial Hospital Foundation and a certified fund raising executive, said no income tax deductions are available for IRA “qualified charitable distributions,” but donors may save taxes anyway where gifts take the place of required minimum distributions (which otherwise are 100 percent taxable). “To make a 2008 gift from an IRA, donors should contact their IRA trustee or custodian as soon as possible, preferably before receiving any required minimum distributions,” Ms.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Unfortunately, in the U.S. Congress, the business of the day is too often left unfinished. Throughout 2008, progress in the Senate was hindered by partisanship and counterproductive procedural moves to stall legislation. As a result, during the brief working session this fall, the Senate had a lengthy to-do list.

Press Release provided by the Blanco County Democratic Party In no other policy area are the American people offered a clearer choice between the starkly different tax programs of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. Sen. Obama ‘s tax plan delivers broad–based tax relief to middle class families and cuts taxes for small businesses and companies that create jobs in America, while restoring fairness to our tax code and returning to fiscal responsibility.

For many living in the beautiful Hill Country, October means the entry of fall with cooler nights and the abundance of harvest colors associated with pumpkins, deer corn, and dropping leaves. Some view October as the official end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season. For those involved with the Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center (HLFCC), October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) for Burnet, Blanco, Llano and Lampasas counties, throughout Texas and across the nation.

Question: I know Social Security has Direct Deposit, but what if I do not have an existing bank account? Answer: You can sign up for the new Direct Express card. The Direct Express card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits. If you do not have a bank account and you wait anxiously every month for the mail carrier to deliver your check from Social Security, the Direct Express card is for you.