A request to write my conversion experience has invited me to make this effort. I have been hesitant to do so, fearing it would be too lengthy to be appreciated. It is not just my sincere belief my conversion has been more than the average to be thankful for. I have made an honest effort to praise God all my life for the reasons shown below. I sincerely regret I can not say I was raised in a Christian home.

•A lot of people are trying to eat healthy. New habits are hard to form. They tell us to make small changes and we will be more successful. Try adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal and snacks. Why should we eat more fruits and vegetables? The Fruit & Veggies More Matters website lists the following reasons.

It is only two weeks until Super Saturday in Cherokee and Cherokee History Day. If you haven’t signed up for a space to sell your wares there is still time. Come and join the 43 other vendors for a fun day in Cherokee. There is still space to set up your family history in the Fire Hall.

There are times in our lives that we may do things we are not proud of. As a matter of fact, we may wish we could have a “do over”. How many times have you ever said, ”if I could only do it over again, I would do it differently.” Do you think Eve (Genesis 3) would like a “do over”?

25 Years Ago October 18, 1984 David Williams will be seeking the office of County Attorney as a write-in candidate in the November general election. The county attorney's office is being vacated by the honorable Jim Childress. Rains falling in the area the past few weeks include: San Saba - 3.41; Cherokee - 4.0-6.0; Bend - 5.2; Elm Grove - 2.0; Pecan Grove - 3.0 -4.0. Downtown San Saba was blocked off last week while the trucks were moving out two sections of the old Barnes Lumber Co.

We have had rain and more rain over the past week. We can’t keep up with the mowing. The cattle should be in good shape for winter grass. We want to remind everyone of the gospel singing here at the Elm Grove community center this Saturday night at 7:00 PM.

Reading Recommendations: Terror on The Seas, True Tales of Modern-Day Pirates, Daniel Sekulich Pirates - To many, the word conjures up images of swashbucklers in the eighteenth century. The very idea that pirates might still ply the seas today seems preposterous and far fetched. But pirates most definitely still exist. And as Terror on The Seas shows, their violent activities on the other side of the globe can have far reaching effects, whether on our economy or the war on terror. Daniel Seku ...

Dear Editor, On October 7, last week Oncor filed its preference with the PUC to construct a 345KV Transmission Line across San Saba County. There are currently no transmission lines like this in the county, although some lines like it can be seen on the way to Brownwood along Hwy45 in Brown County.

Years ago I went on a Boy Scout hike and we had to go through a difficult place something like a swamp with sinkholes. Our scout master said there was just one trail through that swamp and he told us to follow him, stay in line and not to go off on our own.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said today the state collected $1.47 billion in sales tax in September, down 12.5 percent compared to a year ago. “Declining sales tax collections, which began in February, have continued with September’s collections,” Combs said. “Weakness is still evident in all major sectors of the state economy, including oil and natural gas, retail trade, and construction.

When you are devoted to someone, you attempt to do all you can to please this person. For example, you use every effort to spend time with that special fellow or gal. This is how your relationship with God ought to be. First, you should do all you can to please Him.

Rain, cold, more rain and more cold this past weekend. It sure put a damper on some of the outdoor activities. By the time you read this (according to the weather reports) you will have the air-conditioners back on and the furnace turned down. The weather didn’t cooperate with the Bend street sale this past weekend, but hopefully it can be rescheduled for another weekend.

I had to dig out the warm clothes for Friday night’s football game! I sure was glad I brought that blanket. Those metal benches get a tad cold when the wind is blowing! We played arch rivals, Eden, and our young men brought home the win. I’m one of those strange people that hate to see the opposing team go home scoreless.

It’s not unusual for high school students and others to be told the road to a great career is through a four-year college or university. However, only about 25 percent of students go on to earn a four-year degree. To address this reality, there are other pathways to success that must be considered to ensure students are receiving the necessary education for success.

Michael and Brandi Allison would like to announce the birth of their newest family member Brooklyn Grace Allison. Brooklyn was born on August 14, 2009 weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 21in. long. Welcoming her home was big sister Brighton Faith and big brother Stetson Walker. Proud grandparents include Mark and Cathy Amthor of San Saba and Danny and Jeanie Allison of Palestine.

The annual membership meeting of the members of Central Texas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. was held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the San Saba Civic Center in San Saba, Texas. To open the meeting, Boy Scout Troop #55 posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. “The National Anthem” was sung by JK Country Duo, entertainment for the meeting.

The Texas Department of Public Safety graduated 69 troopers today from the DPS Training Academy. "I congratulate the 138th class of graduates. Every day state troopers are protecting our citizens utilizing the valuable skills you gained in the training academy. You are joining the finest state law enforcement agency in our nation,” said keynote speaker State Rep.

Dona Watson was named Employee of the Month at Eventide Nursing Home. If Dona had to be described with one word, it wouldn't be possible, one would have to use several: sunshine, fireball, vibrant, outgoing, and fun loving, to mention a few. She lights up a room when she enters.

Next Thursday, October 22nd, Fellowship of Christian Women will be gathering at First Baptist Church in the fellowship hall at 11:30a.m. Ladies of this church invite the ladies of our county to join us for an Autumn Favorites Luncheon, treating our ladies in their 40’s. If your birthday is in the forties, you do not have to bring food, other ages are encouraged to bring your favorite autumn foods to share around the serving tables.

On Saturday October 10th, the descendants of Med and Myrtle Gage met for a family reunion at the Civic Center. Those present were Lowell and Chris Gage from Pearland,and their children Jackie Brady and her daughter Tyler from Rosenberg; Gayle Krejci and her daughters Tanya and Ashley and grand daughter Tanna from Matagorda; their son Brooks Gage and wife Kristal from Pearland; Dan Gage and his wife Teresa and children Mattie, Mason and Makayla from Sugar Land; Harold Gage and his son Bub Gage a ...

The Heart of Texas Country Music Association will present a special show at the Llano River Chuck Wagon Cookout on Saturday, October 17. The performance will be staged from 10:00 AM until Noon at Badu Park in Llano. It is free to the public. Heart of Texas Recording Artist Justin Trevino will headline the show.

Looking for a way to make a difference and touch someone's life with a caring heart or willing hand? Consider joining the Lighthouse Hospice volunteer team. The next volunteer training will be held in the Eastland office on October 26th and 27th from 9:00 - 4:00 at 107-E Southpark Dr.

The San Saba County Museum features many collections from San Saba citizens. In the Children’s Corner is a play wagon from 1902. It was a Christmas present bought by W. B. Taff for his daughters, Selma Taff Bennett and Dora Taff Brown. This wagon comes to the museum from Mrs.

The Sharon Club met Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:00 pm in Lampasas, Texas at the home of Betty Miller and Gaylee Smith. President, Charlotte Holland presided for a short business meeting with members answering roll call with their favorite game. Betty Miller led the Club Collect. Plans were made for the Thanksgiving dinner and preparation of Thanksgiving baskets.

The descendants of the late John Reece Smallwood and Almira Woodward Smallwood met at the home of Ann and the late J.M. Bearden Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 for their annual reunion with their children, Mary and Jerry Williams, Jymie & Byron Reno, and Chuck and Karla Bearden as hosts. John Reece was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., May 5, 1851.

The Pierian Study Club met October 8, 2009 at the beautiful Walden Plantation located on the Llano River west of Llano, Texas. The Walden Plantation is a romantic old fashioned bed and breakfast with modern accommodations. A gourmet breakfast is served and you may order lunch pool side or from the sweeping porch across the back of the plantation.

Shelia Meador, widely acclaimed children’s entertainer and educator known by her fans as “Ms. Shelia” is currently providing entertaining and educational musical opportunities for children of all ages in San Saba and surrounding counties. Recently transplanted from Sugar Land, Texas, Shelia and her family have moved to San Saba with plans to bring her style of encouraging entertainment to San Saba youngsters.

Sensational! Awesome! Incredible! This only begins to describe the powerful Yamato Drummers that will deliver two performances of their high-energy program MATSURI (Fiesta!) at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville at 7:30pm on both Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd. Yamato, the elite taiko drum ensemble from Japan, arrived in North America this past week after having completed 200+ performances in their 2009 European tour.

The Young Farmers Lamb and Goat Validation will be held Saturday, Oct. 17th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Show Barn located on the corner of Water and Annex Streets. A Young Farmers meeting will be held immediately following validation. Anyone interested in joining The Young Farmers is welcome to attend.

Here’s hoping that all yall had a nice weekend & enjoyed the Monday Holiday, commemorating the commonly accepted first founding of America. As best as my meager historical knowledge might be, it seems like Christopher Columbus was of Italian descent, but was funded for the voyage by the Queen of Spain.

Receipts totaled 1370 head for the week. The market was more active and higher at the end of the week with stocker steers $2 to $4 higher and stocker heifers $2 to $3 higher. Feeder steers sold steady and feeder heifers were $1 higher. Packer cows were steady and bulls were steady to $1 lower. Rep.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Lampasas, Burnet, and Llano Counties are proud to present a “Predator Awareness Workshop,” beginning with registration at 8:45 am on November 10, 2009 in Lampasas, at the Lampasas County Show Barn. The show barn is located in Lampasas at the intersection of US Highways 281 N and 183/190 W (across 183 from the auction barn). Participants will receive information on predators and predator issues, including: Interpreting the physical evidence of predation, ...

Madison Leanne Colburn, 8 months old of Midland, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, October 5, 2009,at Cooke Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX. She was born on January 21, 2009 in Midland, TX. to Spencer and Raychel Colburn. Madison is survived by her parents, Spencer and Raychel Colburn of Midland; her brother Bryson Scot of Midland; and her sister, Kaygen Ray of Foreman, Arkansas.

Maudie Ann Wells went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 7, 2009, joining her husband James Nelson, the love of her life, and her son Michael, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her large and loving family, daughter Pamela Pierce and husband Jesse Pierce of Houston, Texas; daughter Rebecca Hudson and fiancé Terry Steiver of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter Jame Fowler and husband Eric Fowler of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Shannon Bowers and husband Dr.

Pauline Hernandez, 66, formerly of San Saba, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Angelo Community Hospital, in San Angelo, TX. She was born June 7, 1943 in San Saba, TX, the daughter of Epifanio Cisneroz and Josepha Martinez Cizneroz. She owned the taco shop and attended the Baptist church. Pauline is survived by her sons, Alexander Hernandez of Coleman; Richard Hernandez and his wife, Kelly of Flower Mound; Arthur Hernandez, Jr.

The Richland Springs Coyote Booster Club will be hosting their 3rd Annual BINGO Night/Chili Supper on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at the Richland Springs Cafetorium. Chili Supper will start at 5 p.m. and the cost will be $5 per person (All you can eat). BINGO will start at 7 p.m.

Brady's 8th Grade Bulldogs defeated the San Saba 8th Grade Dillos by a score of 36-14 in Brady last Thursday night. Brady kicked to San Saba to start the game. Dallas Caldwell had a 30 yard return. The Dillos ran 3 plays and punted. Brady took over and drove the ball on the Dillos for a score.

Central Texas Communications will offer FREE Computer classes in San Saba on Tuesday, October 20th. The classes will be held at the Rylander Memorial Library, 103 S. Liveoak, across the street from the Courthouse in San Saba. You can register on-line at www.centex.net for the class you would like to attend, or call the office and ask for Claudia at (800) 535-8904.

The Cherokee Indians JV played well against the Richland Spring Coyote JV, but fell short of victory, 32-45. Jesse Perez scored 5 touchdowns on runs of 41, 30, 45, 45, and 42 yards, scored 2 PATs, and intercepted 1 pass. Burnam Sloan blocked one Coyote PAT. Payton Tatsch intercepted 1 Coyote pass.

The Cherokee Jr. High played well against the Mustang Jr. High last Thursday and came away with an 18-14 victory. Corbin Davis scored a TD from the 1 foot line for the Indians first score. He passed to his brother Tanner Davis for a great 25 yard touchdown. Corbin passed to Victor Wisdom for a 17 yard TD.

Homecoming week is history and we want to congratulate all classes that participated in homecoming events. Homecoming spirit days and the bonfire and pep rallies were all fun. Grades 9-12 nominated their respective class sweethearts for homecoming queen honors. Miss Ashley Ferguson, sophomore class nominee, was selected as the 2009 Homecoming Queen at halftime ceremonies.

San Saba ISD will release all campuses for an early release day for students on Friday, October 23, 2009. Lunch will be served for students on this date and the regular schedule will be modified. School will be released for the day at 12:45 p.m. for teacher professional development.

The Cherokee Indians still can’t catch a break. They started district play last Friday night without Junior running backs Jesse Perez and Tucker Corsi and lost senior Duncan Roberts late in the 4th quarter to a dislocated knee. The remainder of the team, 2 seniors, 1 junior, 1 sophomore, and 3 freshmen played hard but couldn’t contain the Mustangs down the stretch. The Indians and Mustangs went scoreless in the 1st quarter until 0:48 was left on the clock.

The JV Dillos lost a hard fought contest to the Brady JV on Thursday night. The final score was San Saba 6 and Brady 14. This was the closest game the Brady JV has had all year. Brady scored in the second quarter to make the score 6 to 0. Their extra point attempt was unsuccessful.

October 7, 8, & 9, 2009 five ladies, Hattie Rogers, Jo Anne Hardy, Sandee Hartley, Jo Ann Snow, and Anita Miles, from the San Saba River Ladies Golf Association attended the Senior Women’s Amateur Golf Association of Texas 2009 Fall Tournament in Bastrop, Texas. Jo Anne Hardy had a grand tournament!

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of teens in the United States. FIVE HUNDRED TEXAS TEENS ARE KILLED EACH YEAR IN VEHICLE CRASHES. State Farm wants to protect the safety of our nation’s youth by addressing this issue head on. That’s why State Farm is a strong supporter of teen safe driving programs such as Project Ignition, Steer Clear and Ride Like A Friend, and why we choose to spotlight and support National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW).

Richland Springs 2009 Homecoming Court (left to right) – Taylor Jones, Remy Wood, Ashley Ferguson, & Callie Teel. (Photo by Pam Starr)

A Honor Roll 1st Grade: Brighton Adams Gilberto Baez Justin Beck Katelyn Bohensky Kailey Brooks Levi Brown Logan Glover Irene Jimenez Brytin Johnson Anakin Klinkovsky Vrenda Macias Ryan Mathis John Meador Jaden Owens Bladen Riggs Maria Robles Risien Shahan Landin Short Madilyn Stewart Damian Van Bibber Julisa Vega 2nd Grade: Anjelica Diaz Devin Duncan Jacob Faught Tommy Galindo Daniel Herrera Jett Hibler Alexis Jimenez Westin Lackey Shyann Martinez Krysta Matsch ...

The San Saba High School Band will be one of 24 area bands participating in the annual UIL Region VII Band Marching Competition to be held Saturday, Oct. 17th in Brady. The San Saba High School Band is scheduled to take the field at 3:05 p.m. The entire Band Marching competition will be broadcast live on KNEL radio in Brady at 95.3 FM, and the broadcast will be carried live on the internet through KNEL's website at www.knelradio.com. KNEL radio has been broadcasting the live performances of b ...

This year the San Saba FCCLA is already off and running. This years class officers are Carrie Legette (1st period) and Savanah Rios (not pictured); Kayla Kutin and McKenzie Hibler (2nd Period); Alex Lopez and Rebekah Wright (4th Period); John Hartranft and Pete Torres (5th Period); Tyler McIntosh and Anthony Salinas (6th Period); Buddy Bush and Reid Casco (7th Period); and Maloree Ramos and Rubi Cervantes.

Friday, October 16th at 4:30pm-7:30pm Behind the Methodist Church Tickets available from Band Students $8.00 for Adults in advance $6.00 for children in advance or pay at location All proceeds benefit San Saba School Band Boosters.

The Brady Bulldogs drove 94 yards in the final minutes of the game last Friday to beat the San Saba Armadillos 22-18. Fans on both sides were unsure who would win until the final few seconds. Brady won the toss and deferred to the second half. San Saba received the kick and returned it to the 32 yard line.

San Saba Elementary Oct. 19-23 Monday Breakfast: Cereal/Toast, Cereal Bars, Fruit, Juice, Milk Lunch: Tuna Chef Salad, Cheese Pizza, Celery/Carrot Sticks, Seasoned Corn, Tossed Salad, Mixed Fruit, Choice of Milk Tuesday Breakfast: Cereal/Toast, Pancake Pup, Fruit, Juice, Milk Lunch: Ham Chef Salad, Chicken Nuggets, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Fresh Oranges, Choice of Milk Wednesday Breakfast: Cereal/Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit, Juice, Milk Lunch: Chicken Fajita Salad, Chic ...

The Jr. High defeated Brookesmith last Thursday evening, 18-14. The JV lost to Richland Springs JV in a good game last Thursday, 32-45. The Indians lost to Brookesmith last Friday night, 22-34. The Indians lost Duncan Roberts to a dislocated knee. We wish him well on his recovery. The Freshmen class is selling blankets, hoodies, and jackets for a class fundraiser.

The Tax Ratification Election that was held on October 6, 2009 failed to be ratified. In a large voter turn out, the ratification of the $1.17 +.09 = $1.26 rate failed 221 against to 134 in favor. What does this mean for San Saba ISD? The School Board of Trustees in cooperation with department heads, administration and me, will determine what will be addressed in the currently adopted budget to make up this budget shortfall.

The fall Junior and Adult leagues are in full swing. It is not too late to get into the leagues. The junior league meets on Monday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the adult women and men league meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 17th there will be free tennis lessons given to any 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) continues the tradition of honoring our servicemen and women by bestowing Crosses of Military Service. These are awarded to those veterans, who by faithful devotion and patriotic military service to our country in time of war have exemplified courage and loyalty, which reflect honor upon themselves as well as upon their Confederate ancestors. On September 1, 2009 the Colorado River Chapter 2655 hosted a Crosses of Military Service Program honoring ...

As pop culture has become a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, online and offline phenomenon, young people often look to their favorite music artists, athletes, and/or actors to be the dominant role models in their lives. But celebrities and public figures have been increasingly caught making bad choices and engaging in risky behaviors, and that is far from being a good example.