November 19, 2008

In the early winter of 1994, my life was forever changed. That may sound dramatic, but it is completely true. I was a senior in high school – my beloved alma mater East Central High School southeast of San Antonio nestled in the small town of Adkins and playing football for our Mighty Fighting Hornets. I say “playing” in the loosest of terms.

Officer Becca of the Llano Police Dept. wrote up a report after a three-car accident in front of Dollar General on Highway 16. Only minor injuries were reported. The accident blocked the inside lane of north bound Highway 16 for a short period. The accident occurred about 4:20p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008.

Texas Hill Country residents are not immune to the nation’s economic slump. Monthly financial statements reflect Wall Street losses that impact savings and may call for a re-evaluation of long range plans. Cattle prices have been on the decline at local auction dealers. Nationwide, home mortgage foreclosure rates are rising. For the first ten months of 2008, 168 mortgage foreclosure notices were filed in Llano County.

Market your unique items for Christmas shoppers on the courthouse square. The Main Street program will start a tradition and have a Christmas Market on the square Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m., and a 12-inch-by-12-inch space will be $25. This event coincides with the Llano Women’s Culture Club Holiday Home Tour, the movie Madagascar at the LanTex Theater, the lighted Christmas parade and Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park.

The family Fay Miller wishes to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those who provided comfort and medical care to Fay during this year-long battle with cancer and for the love, support and prayers offered for all the family. Along with the excellent medical care give by Dr. David Hoerster, Fay was blessed to have Dr.

Frank Adamson Eudy, a resident of Kingsland for over twenty-eight years, coming from Houston, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in The Woodlands at the age of 91. He was born on July 27, 1917 to Janie (Parker) and Ott Oscar Eudy in Anson, Texas. Mr. Eudy was a Veteran in the U.S.

M. Kent Kelley, 59 Years of age died at Scott-White Hospital in Temple on Nov. 11, 2008 following a short illness. Kent was the son of Charlie and Jerolene Copeland Kelley who was born in Abernathy. He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman. He was an electrician by trade working on industrial projects.

Robert Russell McMullen, a resident of Llano since 1982, coming from Martinez, California, passed away on November 14, 2008 at the age of 85. He was born on October 12, 1923 to Ida Bell (Groscup) and Russell McMullen in Hollister, California. Mr. McMullen was employed as a Safety Inspector for Shell Oil, a Municipal Judge in Llano County for many years, a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Past Commander of the American Legion.

A memorial service was held at Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle for Susan Marie Myers-Forbess of Springdale on November 15, 2008. Susan was born at Sheppard Memorial Hospital on March 11, 1953 and passed away on November 8, 2008. Susan was preceded in death by her father John D. Myers (November 11, 1976), grandparents John Denver and Maggie Myers and Max and Ruthie Oestreich. Susan is survived by her husband, Mike Forbess, mother Rose Lee Myers, sister Laura Lee Berry and brother John David Myers, three children and several grandchildren. Susan was always a very happy person, working at Ash Creek Baptist Church as a secretary for nearly 20 years.

Born October 21, 1984 in Brandon, FL Ryan Elzie O’Leary died at home November 10, 2008 in Jacksonville, FL. Ryan was a Marine and served two tours of duty in Iraq. He was a student at Jacksonville Community College. Ryan graduated from Llano High School in Llano in 2003. It was in Llano he made many friends while playing in the band and participating in many sports, especially his favorite, football!

The magnificent Tradition continued on a cold day that was accompanied by winds, which made you wish for August. Well, almost wish. The Llano Ladies finished second in state for Class 3A at the Cross Country championships, November 15. The fivesome who contributed to the scoring included a youngster who did not live in Texas last year, a freshman, two veteran seniors, and another veteran about to graduate— but she was anything but a household name until she began showing dozens of opponents what the back of her jersey looked like, beginning with the season’s first meet, August 30. Cara Mack, the Kansas transplant, said: “I really improved over last year, and my time at state (12 minutes, 19.26 seconds for two miles) was seven seconds faster than at regionals.” Nervous?

It is not often that kickoffs play a major role in a football game. I'm aware that a 98-yard return is somewhat important, but what you had in the Llano-Glen Rose game included: a ground ball that wasn't an onside kick, but it turned into a dandy imitation; a definite onside attempt that rolled all of five yards -- 10 yards is required; and a fair catch on a kickoff that was one of the most exciting moments of the contest.

“They may be the best team I’ve seen on video the four years I’ve been in Llano.” Aren’t those encouraging words from Llano head coach David Yeager? He’s ... oh, sorry, I interrupted. “That includes Cuero, Liberty Hill and Wimberley.” Yeager is talking about Bridgeport, something you needed to be told right up there with who is the governor of Alaska. The 8-3 Yellow Jackets take on the 10-0 Bulls, Saturday, 6:00p.m., at Tarleton State in Stephenville.

The coach got her first victory with the Llano Lady basketball Jackets; the dismal start at Goldthwaite was dimmed, if not forgotten; one player recorded a personal career-high in points, and a teammate wrapped up a “routine” day in athletics by competing in her second sport. The first one had taken place several counties to the east. “We got the first-game jitters out of the way,” Jessica Quintanilla said with relief, moments after Llano had rallied to beat Lampasas, 44-39, November 15.

The torch has officially been passed—from Cole Hoffman to Marcos Vallejo, the two best middle-distance runners in Llano school history. Hoffman had a super career which ended just last May, but Vallejo, a freshman, is on a three-mile road to eclipsing Hoffman’s excellent achievements. Marcos was a sensational third in the state cross country meet, November 15.

The Friends of the Red Top Jail received a donation from the Llano Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary on Nov. 13, 2008.