June 22, 2016 Issue

Race fans eager to stand trackside for live pari-mutuel horse racing will find it at Fredericksburg Downs on July 2 and 3 when the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association hosts its first race meet of the summer. The racing schedule at the Class 3 track calls for a full slate of quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities.

The Future of Mason County Population Thanks to a recent conversation, I started wondering about the population of Mason County over the years since its founding. I knew we've had more people in the past; but, I was unsure of how many, and just what happened to them. Here are some of the interesting numbers I found at population.us that tell our story. 1860 - 630 1870 - 678 1880 - 2,655 1890 - 5,180 1900 - 5,573 1910 - 5,683 1920 - 4,824 1930 - 5,511 1940 - 5,378 1950 - 4,945 1 ...

Our 7-8 year-old (8U) boys followed up last weekend’s 2nd place finish to bring home a 3rd place trophy in Llano this past weekend. Other area towns in the tournament were Llano, Brady, Johnson City, Kerrville, Boerne, Blanco, San Saba, Fredericksburg and Burnet (both Fredericksburg and Burnet had two teams each). Mason started the tournament with convincing wins over Burnet and Kerrville for a third round rematch with Fredericksburg #1 who took 1st place honors in the previous weekend’s to ...

Keeping your St. Augustinegrass lawn dense, healthy and attractive during the summer months can be easier if you follow these recommendations. Mowing Begin a routine mowing program as soon as the grass begins to green up in the spring. Mow often enough to remove no more than one-third of the leaf area with any one mowing.

In spite of a triple digit heat index, 25 valiant golfers showed up to play in the Scramble on Wednesday evening. A nice, south wind, at 10-15 mph kept it bearable. Since the greens were aerated and sanded on Tuesday, they ran a bit slow, but many golfers commented on the fact that they did run true; you just had to give your golf ball a good “whack” to get it to the hole! As the 5 teams began returning to the club house after their rounds, the 7 under par posted by Greg Gardners team of Ma ...

After interviewing five applicants, the Mason County Commissioners' Court voted to hire J.P. Murray as the new Road Administrator to replace retiring administrator, Squeaky Farmer. The Commissioners also voted to hire another Deputy Sheriff to begin work with the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. This position was created last year but has not been filled due to the negotiations with the City of Mason concerning the Inter-Local Law Enforcement Agreement.

Emily Gimble, two-time winner of the Austin Music Awards (2012-2013) “Best Keyboards” will return to the Odeon theater in Mason, Texas Saturday July 9. Showtime is 7:00 PM. In all Emily has been nominated 5 times for the award and has earned accolades for her vocal talents as well being nominated “Best Female Vocalist” four times. Garnering praise, recognition and awards makes sense for a woman who grew up with music in her blood, singing and playing onstage since she was seven years ol ...

Nora Langehennig Mrs. Nora Estelle Langehennig passed away Wednesday, June 15th, at the age of 95. Nora is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dawn Langehennig & 2 grandchildren: Lauren & Wyatt Langehennig. Funeral services for Nora Langehennig were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 21st, in Fredericksburg Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Ward officiating. The family greeted friends Monday, June 20th, 5-7 p.m., in Fredericksburg Funeral Home. Graveside services & interment followed in Christ ...

The Mason, Texas Facebook page recently arrived at the significant milestone of 3,000 FANS! The page is used to promote tourism in Mason County by sharing history, stories, events and happenings that might encourage visitors to venture to our fine town. Page administrators, Sally Martin and Tony Plutino highlight Mason businesses and activities.

Orlando I thank the editor of the MASON COUNTY NEWS for writing his editorial in remembrance of the victims of the hateful attack in Orlando. And I feel immense pride in my Country when, by order of the President of the United States of America, I see the flag of the United States of America flying at half staff at our United States of America post office as an act of respect for those same victims. Sally Capps

Judgment As I sit back and watch people, and listen to them speak, it becomes clear that they have convinced themselves that there is a Heaven, but no Hell; rewards, and no punishments; good, but no evil; bad judgements, but no sin! This is contrary to God’s Word? Who says the Bible is anything but just another great history book?

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will be having a Private Pesticide Applicator Training Class on Monday, July 11, 2016. Class will begin with registration at 8:00 am with the training beginning at 8:15 am. Cost of the training if you pick up your materials is $75. If info is mailed to you, cost will be $85.

Shay Tindall DeVos loves to share the colorful art of storytelling with children and adults and will be sharing storybooks, Native American tales, and personal stories from her Hill Country childhood with Mason area children this summer at the Mason County Library. Known as the “story girl” to many young people and adults in the Hill Country through libraries, schools, and special events, “Ms.

Mason County 4-H was represented at the 2016 Texas 4-H Roundup contest called “Share the Fun.” Kendra Klaerner, 4-H member and Junior from Mason ISD performed on Thursday, June 9 at the Rudder Complex on the campus of Texas A&M University. Kendra competed in the Musical/Instrumental category playing the piano piece “Waterfall” by Jon Schmidt. The Texas 4-H Roundup is a qualifying and invitational event for 4-H youth who placed in a district level roundup or signed up to compete in o ...

Heart of Texas Records is pleased to announce a special Curtis Potter Tribute/Benefit show and dance at the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady. The event will be held on Sunday, July 10, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Admission is a $20 donation and there will be a silent auction as well.

COLLEGE STATION – Aspiring youth wanting to enter the veterinary animal health profession recently received week-long training that included hands-on demonstrations with beef cattle and horses, plus tours of the Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station. The event coincided with Texas 4-H Roundup week. Upon completion of the week-long instruction, students received Beef Quality Assurance certification from the Texas Beef Council and obtained 3 ...

While others spent time at the beach, pool or simply hanging out with friends, Mason County students learned about business and free enterprise. Bode McMillan and Grace Chapman of Mason High School attended this year’s Texas Farm Bureau Annual Youth Leadership Conference at Tarleton State University to gain a leg-up in the path to their dreams. “YLC is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the Free Enterprise Speech Contest, how our nation operates and develop valuable leader ...

Members of Central Texas Electric Cooperative’s District 3 attended their annual district meeting Tuesday, June 7 at Mason Junior High School. Incumbent board member Jack Asbill was approved by attending members at the meeting. Members viewed a special video explaining some important updates and changes at CTEC. Board President Riley Kothmann introduced the video overviewing the major topics of the meeting – bylaw updates, building construction, a rate adjustment and CTEC’s Operation Roun ...

KERRVILLE, TX - “Dr. Robert Puckett will be the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter’s speaker at the June 27 monthly meeting.” Dr. Puckett is Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist at Texas A&M University and his research is primarily involved in the investigation of the biology, behavior, and management of invasive social insect species including red imported fire ants, tawny crazy ants, and Formosan subterranean termites.

This year has been a fulfilling year for the Mason Senior Center Nutrition Program. We are currently operating at maximum service for the senior members of our community. Every Monday through Friday several members of our senior community receive a nutritious warm meal that satisfies a willing soul. In order to maintain the service we provide and assist the community we serve, we must ask for your patronage and support for our nutrition program. Several of our seniors in Mason County are unable ...

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, June 14th, for it’s weekly luncheon meeting. There were 34 members and 2 visitors in attendance. Our visitors were John Schumaker, new Mason I.S.D. District Superintendent, and Tad Kirby, Lion Mark Kirby’s Son. “Boss” Lion Joel Kuykendall reminded the members of our commitment to provide the food and drinks at the Roundup on Saturday, July 9th.

Take a walk on the wild side with Wild Things Zoofari tomorrow at 1:00 P.M. Admission is free, and the kids will love it! It will be in lieu of Read to Swim, but the kids will get swim passes for attending. Don’t forget Angel Arredondo will be signing her debut book I Love My Red Wagon on Saturday from 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Friends and enemies By now everyone has heard about the horrible tragedy in Orlando, where 49 innocent people were killed and more than 50 were wounded because of hate. As usual, fingers are being pointed in several directions as various groups either try to accurately reveal the cause of the massacre or to further their particular agenda.

I was raised on “Old sayings.” Seems my Mother had a saying for just about everything. Yes, I rolled my eyes back then, however, I started using them when I had children. Especially, the teen years. They weren’t from the Bible, but some had biblical ties. “Sweep your own door steps, before you go sweeping others.” In other words, don’t judge others.

A Tip-Off to Truckers... Somewhere between pig Latin and social media’s abbreviations substituted for words--perhaps a quarter-century ago--American drivers communicated on CB (citizens’ band) radios. Truckers used CBs best, and probably still do, warning of wrecks up ahead, bad weather and “smokies”--the “do right” guys who write tickets when excessive speed is detected. I miss the chatter, including such expressions as “breaker one/nine” and “got your ears o ...

Gwen’s Beef Enchiladas This is one of my family’s favorite recipes. Raegan requests it for her birthday every year and it is really a pretty simple recipe. I like to serve it with Spanish rice or fideo on the side. 1 lb. ground beef ½ cup chopped onions 1 jalapeño, chopped ½ tsp. garlic powder or fresh garlic 2 Tbs.

Summer has now begun and the heat has started that reminds us that summer in Texas is a time for swimming, cooking outdoors and enjoying the air conditioning. We are also doing a few City tasks to try and keep your summer pleasant. We have finished spraying two passes through the neighborhoods for mosquitoes, and have reordered some more of the insecticide to do another pass in the next couple of weeks.

Summer came to visit us early, and it was so HOT. I am still raking leaves and trying to get the yard cleaned up. It may be old age, but I think this heat is more than I can handle. I quit working by 10 in the morning. It will take a while to get this done at the rate I am working. The retirement fellowship for Pastor John and Sharon will be Thursday at 6 at Joyce and Stephen Mutschink’s home.

Seth Thomas. Some of you know him. Every Sunday I think of ol’ Seth. Every Sunday I wind him up. The tick-tock pendulum clock that says “Seth Thomas.” Made in the U.S.A. And that’s a good thing. Because Seth Thomas was American. Born in 1785. And a pioneer of mass production. He had his own clock-making company when he was 25. Not much later, he set up his own factory. And started making clocks with metal movements. Up until then, everything was made of wood. The iconic clock in Grand C ...

I want to extend my warmest appreciation to those who have assisted me with two very large projects over the last six months. The first project involved a health fair at our local food pantry to provide an opportunity for the participants to learn of services available to them at no cost or low cost.

COLLEGE STATION – Aspiring youth wanting to enter the veterinary animal health profession recently received week-long training that included hands-on demonstrations with beef cattle and horses, plus tours of the Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station. The event coincided with Texas 4-H Roundup week. Upon completion of the week-long instruction, students received Beef Quality Assurance certification from the Texas Beef Council and obtained 3 ...

While others spent time at the beach, pool or simply hanging out with friends, Mason County students learned about business and free enterprise. Bode McMillan and Grace Chapman of Mason High School attended this year’s Texas Farm Bureau Annual Youth Leadership Conference at Tarleton State University to gain a leg-up in the path to their dreams. “YLC is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the Free Enterprise Speech Contest, how our nation operates and develop valuable leader ...

Mason County 4-H was represented at the 2016 Texas 4-H Roundup contest called “Share the Fun.” Kendra Klaerner, 4-H member and Junior from Mason ISD performed on Thursday, June 9 at the Rudder Complex on the campus of Texas A&M University. Kendra competed in the Musical/Instrumental category playing the piano piece “Waterfall” by Jon Schmidt. The Texas 4-H Roundup is a qualifying and invitational event for 4-H youth who placed in a district level roundup or signed up to compete in o ...

Our 7-8 year-old (8U) boys followed up last weekend’s 2nd place finish to bring home a 3rd place trophy in Llano this past weekend. Other area towns in the tournament were Llano, Brady, Johnson City, Kerrville, Boerne, Blanco, San Saba, Fredericksburg and Burnet (both Fredericksburg and Burnet had two teams each). Mason started the tournament with convincing wins over Burnet and Kerrville for a third round rematch with Fredericksburg #1 who took 1st place honors in the previous weekend’s to ...

I want to extend my warmest appreciation to those who have assisted me with two very large projects over the last six months. The first project involved a health fair at our local food pantry to provide an opportunity for the participants to learn of services available to them at no cost or low cost.

This year has been a fulfilling year for the Mason Senior Center Nutrition Program. We are currently operating at maximum service for the senior members of our community. Every Monday through Friday several members of our senior community receive a nutritious warm meal that satisfies a willing soul. In order to maintain the service we provide and assist the community we serve, we must ask for your patronage and support for our nutrition program. Several of our seniors in Mason County are unable ...

KERRVILLE, TX - “Dr. Robert Puckett will be the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter’s speaker at the June 27 monthly meeting.” Dr. Puckett is Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist at Texas A&M University and his research is primarily involved in the investigation of the biology, behavior, and management of invasive social insect species including red imported fire ants, tawny crazy ants, and Formosan subterranean termites.

Race fans eager to stand trackside for live pari-mutuel horse racing will find it at Fredericksburg Downs on July 2 and 3 when the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association hosts its first race meet of the summer. The racing schedule at the Class 3 track calls for a full slate of quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities.

Heart of Texas Records is pleased to announce a special Curtis Potter Tribute/Benefit show and dance at the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady. The event will be held on Sunday, July 10, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Admission is a $20 donation and there will be a silent auction as well.

Shay Tindall DeVos loves to share the colorful art of storytelling with children and adults and will be sharing storybooks, Native American tales, and personal stories from her Hill Country childhood with Mason area children this summer at the Mason County Library. Known as the “story girl” to many young people and adults in the Hill Country through libraries, schools, and special events, “Ms.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Llano County, will be having a Private Pesticide Applicator Training Class on Monday, July 11, 2016. Class will begin with registration at 8:00 am with the training beginning at 8:15 am. Cost of the training if you pick up your materials is $75. If info is mailed to you, cost will be $85.

The Mason, Texas Facebook page recently arrived at the significant milestone of 3,000 FANS! The page is used to promote tourism in Mason County by sharing history, stories, events and happenings that might encourage visitors to venture to our fine town. Page administrators, Sally Martin and Tony Plutino highlight Mason businesses and activities.

Emily Gimble, two-time winner of the Austin Music Awards (2012-2013) “Best Keyboards” will return to the Odeon theater in Mason, Texas Saturday July 9. Showtime is 7:00 PM. In all Emily has been nominated 5 times for the award and has earned accolades for her vocal talents as well being nominated “Best Female Vocalist” four times. Garnering praise, recognition and awards makes sense for a woman who grew up with music in her blood, singing and playing onstage since she was seven years ol ...

After interviewing five applicants, the Mason County Commissioners' Court voted to hire J.P. Murray as the new Road Administrator to replace retiring administrator, Squeaky Farmer. The Commissioners also voted to hire another Deputy Sheriff to begin work with the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. This position was created last year but has not been filled due to the negotiations with the City of Mason concerning the Inter-Local Law Enforcement Agreement.

Keeping your St. Augustinegrass lawn dense, healthy and attractive during the summer months can be easier if you follow these recommendations. Mowing Begin a routine mowing program as soon as the grass begins to green up in the spring. Mow often enough to remove no more than one-third of the leaf area with any one mowing.

Nora Langehennig Mrs. Nora Estelle Langehennig passed away Wednesday, June 15th, at the age of 95. Nora is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dawn Langehennig & 2 grandchildren: Lauren & Wyatt Langehennig. Funeral services for Nora Langehennig were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 21st, in Fredericksburg Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Ward officiating. The family greeted friends Monday, June 20th, 5-7 p.m., in Fredericksburg Funeral Home. Graveside services & interment followed in Christ ...

Seth Thomas. Some of you know him. Every Sunday I think of ol’ Seth. Every Sunday I wind him up. The tick-tock pendulum clock that says “Seth Thomas.” Made in the U.S.A. And that’s a good thing. Because Seth Thomas was American. Born in 1785. And a pioneer of mass production. He had his own clock-making company when he was 25. Not much later, he set up his own factory. And started making clocks with metal movements. Up until then, everything was made of wood. The iconic clock in Grand C ...

Summer came to visit us early, and it was so HOT. I am still raking leaves and trying to get the yard cleaned up. It may be old age, but I think this heat is more than I can handle. I quit working by 10 in the morning. It will take a while to get this done at the rate I am working. The retirement fellowship for Pastor John and Sharon will be Thursday at 6 at Joyce and Stephen Mutschink’s home.

Summer has now begun and the heat has started that reminds us that summer in Texas is a time for swimming, cooking outdoors and enjoying the air conditioning. We are also doing a few City tasks to try and keep your summer pleasant. We have finished spraying two passes through the neighborhoods for mosquitoes, and have reordered some more of the insecticide to do another pass in the next couple of weeks.

Gwen’s Beef Enchiladas This is one of my family’s favorite recipes. Raegan requests it for her birthday every year and it is really a pretty simple recipe. I like to serve it with Spanish rice or fideo on the side. 1 lb. ground beef ½ cup chopped onions 1 jalapeño, chopped ½ tsp. garlic powder or fresh garlic 2 Tbs.

A Tip-Off to Truckers... Somewhere between pig Latin and social media’s abbreviations substituted for words--perhaps a quarter-century ago--American drivers communicated on CB (citizens’ band) radios. Truckers used CBs best, and probably still do, warning of wrecks up ahead, bad weather and “smokies”--the “do right” guys who write tickets when excessive speed is detected. I miss the chatter, including such expressions as “breaker one/nine” and “got your ears o ...

I was raised on “Old sayings.” Seems my Mother had a saying for just about everything. Yes, I rolled my eyes back then, however, I started using them when I had children. Especially, the teen years. They weren’t from the Bible, but some had biblical ties. “Sweep your own door steps, before you go sweeping others.” In other words, don’t judge others.

Friends and enemies By now everyone has heard about the horrible tragedy in Orlando, where 49 innocent people were killed and more than 50 were wounded because of hate. As usual, fingers are being pointed in several directions as various groups either try to accurately reveal the cause of the massacre or to further their particular agenda.

Take a walk on the wild side with Wild Things Zoofari tomorrow at 1:00 P.M. Admission is free, and the kids will love it! It will be in lieu of Read to Swim, but the kids will get swim passes for attending. Don’t forget Angel Arredondo will be signing her debut book I Love My Red Wagon on Saturday from 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Judgment As I sit back and watch people, and listen to them speak, it becomes clear that they have convinced themselves that there is a Heaven, but no Hell; rewards, and no punishments; good, but no evil; bad judgements, but no sin! This is contrary to God’s Word? Who says the Bible is anything but just another great history book?

Orlando I thank the editor of the MASON COUNTY NEWS for writing his editorial in remembrance of the victims of the hateful attack in Orlando. And I feel immense pride in my Country when, by order of the President of the United States of America, I see the flag of the United States of America flying at half staff at our United States of America post office as an act of respect for those same victims. Sally Capps

The Mason, Texas Facebook page recently arrived at the significant milestone of 3,000 FANS! The page is used to promote tourism in Mason County by sharing history, stories, events and happenings that might encourage visitors to venture to our fine town. Page administrators, Sally Martin and Tony Plutino highlight Mason businesses and activities.

The Future of Mason County Population Thanks to a recent conversation, I started wondering about the population of Mason County over the years since its founding. I knew we've had more people in the past; but, I was unsure of how many, and just what happened to them. Here are some of the interesting numbers I found at population.us that tell our story. 1860 - 630 1870 - 678 1880 - 2,655 1890 - 5,180 1900 - 5,573 1910 - 5,683 1920 - 4,824 1930 - 5,511 1940 - 5,378 1950 - 4,945 1 ...