March 18, 2009

The recent rains were a much welcomed relief from the ongoing and severe drought conditions that have plagued this region of Texas. However, as refreshing and pleasant as they may have been, in reality they had little effect on the still low levels of lakes Travis and Buchanan. Since the rains began on March 10, Lake Travis has risen less than one foot.

The Llano County Sheriff’s Office is renovating and expanding pens for estray livestock at the County Justice Center location, following the closing of the Llano Auction Barn, where stray and unclaimed cattle used to be held. Without the use of that facility, the county needed a place to care for all stray animals while they are looking for the rightful owners, said Chief Deputy John Neff. (“Estray” – meaning a stray and unclaimed domestic animal – is the legal term for these animals, ...

Recent rains across the state have provided some relief for all Texans, but for farmers and ranchers, the effects of the lingering drought continue to escalate. A report released today by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service estimates the current drought, which started in 2008 and continues today, is costing Texas agriculture nearly $1 billion. “Texas farmers and ranchers are the most resilient bunch I have ever seen,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said.

The rain of March 12 and 13 was welcomed by just about everyone except 16 baseball teams, which had gathered for the annual Hill Country Classic. Llano’s squad was especially eager to use the tournament to start scoring some runs, but the rain washed away all chance of that, and everybody left the city with the same record it had before the bags were packed: Event canceled—see you next year. So, that returns us to the district opener, March 10, where an overcast sky was a participant, but r ...

Jeffrey McLerran of the Llano basketball Jackets may be one of the best second-team All-District selections in the state. That’s where he landed after the coaches voted on the best players from 8-3A. “He had a real good year,” head coach Shannon Taylor said. “He was our leading scorer, one of our best defensive guys, if not the best, and he did well rebounding.” McLerran, a senior, averaged 12 points a night and hit 50 three-point field goals in the 26-game season.

By Art Dlugach It’s not “all over but the shouting” for Caitlin Coffey: the Lady Jacket basketball player has one game left in her high-school career. She’ll take part in the Texas Roundup All-Star game, March 21, in Maypearl. 24 girls have been selected from Class 1A, 2A and 3A schools to fill two squads and square off in their hardwood finale. “I’m really excited about the chance to play again,” Coffey said.

Editor’s Note: Our fearless sports correspondent took some time off from a rare vacation to send us a report from his trip across the pond and Jolly Old England, where he was able to take in a match of football -- that’s soccer to you and me. LONDON -- The visitors were told where to sit; the stands were open just one hour before kickoff; a capacity crowd was on hand for two teams with losing records; it was the American version of a Duke basketball game, Texas on an autumn Saturday, the Ya ...

We all face the finish line, but when athletes come to the end of the race, the fourth quarter or the last out of their careers we get emotional about it. We know it was a game they were playing, their life goes on—just not in the same way, maybe not in the way we’d like it to. Chelsea Montgomery will soon exchange her softball uniform for a cap and gown and be part of the Llano Class of 2009.

A series of three classes for family history researchers begins Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kingsland Branch Library, presented by the Kingsland/Highland Lakes Genealogical Society (KGS). The sessions are open to everyone free of charge, with donations accepted for printed materials. Further classes are scheduled March 25 and April 1, with information for researchers at all levels.

The Kerrville Performing Arts Society is presenting one of the biggest names in their 25-year history … THE TEN TENORS! From unassuming beginnings back in 1995, to a now platinum record-selling and international touring act, the history of The Ten Tenors is anything but standard. When ten young opera students from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, Australia, banded together to form what was then largely a corporate act, the group’s performances were few and far between an ...

In Texas, we’re surrounded by our history. From businesses that feature images of the Alamo to streets named after Texas heroes, history is a part of our daily lives. It’s easy to take it for granted. For instance, I live in a city called Austin. I work in the Stephen F.

If you believe at the end of our lives, we should be able to maintain our dignity and bear the least amount of pain, then you already understand Hospice. Our Llano Hospice program provides support and care for persons in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live a fully and as comfortably as possible.

Nancy Jewel Fenner, 71, of Highland Haven, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Seton Highland Lakes Hospital in Burnet. Nancy was born February 28, 1938 to Ethel and Harry Kays in Willisburg, Ky. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Charles Fenner, of Highland Haven, sons: Rick and wife Tomeca Fenner, of Clearlake, David Fenner, of Houston, grandchildren, Leslie Fenner, Cody Fenner and Golden Wright, stepfather, A.J.

Virginia (Kincaid) Hixson, a resident of Sunrise Beach for 34 years coming from Houston, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Round Rock at the age of 93. She was born on January 26, 1916 to Lillian (Walker) and Guy H. Kincaid in Granger. Mrs. Hixson was married to Charles H.

Caroline Ruth Johnson, a resident of Austin for most of her adult life, coming from San Antonio and Llano, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Austin at the age of 73. She was born on March 2, 1936 to Nora (Kunz) and Waldemar Oehler in Fredericksburg. Mrs. Johnson was employed as a bookkeeper with McCall-Hibler & Allen Insurance Agency in Austin.

Mary Ann Mosley, a resident of Llano since 1995, coming from Graham passed away on Monday, March 09, 2009 in Llano at the age of 67. She was born August 1, 1941 to Mary Vivian (McLaughlin) and Leroy Lindsey in Detroit, Texas. Mrs. Mosley was a member of Ryanwood Baptist Church, and co-owner of Ed’s Lighted Art County in Llano.

It’s only a little more than a week away – Friday, March 27, to be exact – but there’s still time to buy tickets to the Kingsland / Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce “Mardi Gras in the Hill Country” annual awards banquet. At the banquet, “the best in our community” will be recognized, according to Chris Carl, chair of the event, which will be held at the Kingsland Community Center (3451 Rose Hill Drive).

Austin Cycling Association’s 15th Annual Armadillo Hill Country Classic, which will be held on Saturday, May 9, takes cyclists on a tour of the Highland Lake and Hill Country northwest of Austin. The ride kicks off at 8:00 a.m. The cost for registration is $30 through May 2; after that it is $40.

The Kingsland Health & Fitness Center (2132 RR 1431 W) is offering a C.P.S class on Saturday, March 21 beginning at 11:00 a.m. The fee for the class is $40 per person and there is a reservation fee (non-refundable) of $10 that is required. It will be applied to participants’ certification.

The Hill Country Archeological Association will meet on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. at the Riverside Nature Center (150 Francisco Lemos St.) in Kerrville. The meeting will begin with refreshments, artifact identification for the public and visiting with guests and members. This month’s guest speaker will be Dr.

The Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts (KHAC) will present its 42nd annual Spring Show the weekend of Apr. 4-5. The event will take place at the group’s club house at 112 Chamberlain St. in Kingsland. It runs on Saturday, Apr. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Apr.

Four former Texas Rangers, early settlers in the Texas Hill Country, will be honored Saturday, March 28, at a Texas Ranger Memorial Cross ceremony at Pecan Creek Cemetery. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. and is hosted by the Former Texas Ranger Association. The cemetery is located on Hwy. 71, about 24 miles east of Llano, a short distance east of the intersection of Hwy.

On Aug. 18, Bobby Wisdom, Sr. a life-long resident of Llano got up to go to work a the Llano Cabinet Company just as he always did for many years. Co-workers noticed something wrong with him and persuaded him to go to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a stroke with his left side affected. This is a very difficult situation for anyone, but in Bobby’s case, it was devastating due to the fact that he is left-handed and the sole support of his family.

Take note all of you “Twilighters” out there!! Great news – there will be a special Twilight movie bash at the Llano Library on Saturday, March 21. All of the fun will start at 4:00 p.m. with a Jeopardy contest filled with Twilight series trivia, and other games and contests until 6:00 p.m.

Don’t’ miss St. James Lutheran Church’s (1401 Ford St.) Fajita Dinner, which will be held on Sunday, March 29 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. There will be fajitas with all the trimmings, beans, peach cobbler and drinks. The cost for plates are $8 for adults and $4 for children. It is dine in or take out and everyone is invited. Proceeds will benefit the St.

The Great Comanche Raid was the subject of the Llano Woman’s Culture Club’s guest speaker, Donaly Brice of Lockhart, at the Club meeting held on March 9. Mr. Brice presented a very interesting program on the causes and effects of the raid and the Battle of Plum Creek. The clubhouse was decorated in green for St.