July 20, 2016 Issue

To better provide information and awareness on various services, programs, and benefits that may be available for Seniors in the Concho Valley region, the Area Agency on Aging of the Concho Valley, along with La Esperanza Clinic and 2-1-1 Texas of the Concho Valley will be traveling to each of the rural counties that surround Tom Green County.

Avoiding Nepotism in a Town Like Mason     During Monday night's City Commission meeting, proceedings came to virtual halt when newly elected Commission Sue Pledger raised questions about nepotism in the hiring of Blue Oak Engineering by the City as its primary engineering service. Blue Oak is owned by Mayor Brent Hinckley's son, Daniel.    During discussions that ensued, Mayor Hinckley addressed those charges and pointed out that both the City Attorney and ...

    The cookbook entitled: Funeral Food meets Fast Food, from the cooking series, Nonnie’s Kitchen, is available for sale at the Mason County Library starting Monday, July 18, 2016.    The cookbook covers Southern funeral food including such favorites as Chicken Florentine Lasagna, Southern Caramel Cake, and Broccoli Squares with a southern favorite: Pimento Cheese Fritters with hot pepper jelly.

   I often take my pet family for granted. Sure they give me unconditional love, also comfort and joy, but beyond that my expectations of them are minimal.    Recently I learned there was a pet hero living in my house and here is her story--- Maggie is one of my pets.

   The members of the Fort Mason American Legion Post 285 and Ladies Auxiliary opened the July meeting with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. The pledge was led by Commander Joaquin Velez and a prayer was offered by Chaplain Martin Rivera.    Round-Up was a great success selling $300 worth of tickets and welcoming one new member, Jeff Smith of Mason!

   Elba Nail has notified the News that there will be a bicycle helmet giveaway held in front of the Mason Fire Station on Monday, July 25th at 2 p.m. With the kids out and about on their bicycles during the summer months, it's a perfect time to make sure they're riding safely!

   The Long Mountain Cemetery, d.b.a. as The Long Mountain Improvement Association, will hold their annual meeting the last Saturday of July, being July 30, 2016.    Meeting is to start at 10:00 AM and will be held at the Long Mountain Community Center (Long Mt. School bldg.) about a mile west of the cemetery on Long Mt.

   The Long Mountain Cemetery, d.b.a. as The Long Mountain Improvement Association, will hold their annual meeting the last Saturday of July, being July 30, 2016.    Meeting is to start at 10:00 AM and will be held at the Long Mountain Community Center (Long Mt. School bldg.) about a mile west of the cemetery on Long Mt.

   A bill approved by Congress that requires foods with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) to carry a label will give consumers the level of information they want, according to Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president.    “This legislation provides transparency. Years of research proves GMOs are safe to eat. American farmers will continue to use all methods of food production to ensure the needs and wants of consumers continue to be met for years to come,

   KERRVILLE, Texas (July 15, 2016) - The May 2016 Commencement Ceremony was Schreiner University’s 33rd baccalaureate graduation since conferring its first four-year degrees in 1984.    One hundred forty-seven students graduated from Schreiner University and received their diplomas during a recognition ceremony held on campus in the Schreiner Athletic and Event Center. Congratulations to the following student: Emily Ruiz , BS, Public Health    Schreiner Universi ...

   KERRVILLE, Texas (July 15, 2016) - Schreiner University has named qualified students to its President’s and Dean’s List. To be eligible for the President’s List, full-time students must earn at least a 3.75 grade point average and have at least 12 hours credit for the term. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a full-time student must have passing grades in all courses and, must earn at least a 3.50 grade point average and at least 12 hours credit for the term.    The ...

   This year we will host a Fundamental basketball camp for 3rd through 8th graders & a High School camp for Freshmen through Seniors in August. The Fundamental camp will be Aug. 1st--4th & will be from 1pm to 4pm. The cost for the Fundamental will be $50 per camper.

   All incoming 7th-12th boys and girls are invited to attend the summer strength and conditioning camp. This is a good chance to get a “jump start” on the upcoming season. This free camp will be from 6 - 7 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Dates are as follows: July 11th - 14th July 18th - 21st July 25th - 28th    Also, don’t forget to get your physicals taken care of if you didn’t get that done in May.

   The City of Mason Commission met on Monday evening for what turned out to be a long and sometimes contentious meeting. Most of the items on Monday's agenda dealt with the application processes for grants to help deal with sidewalk improvements and solar panels at the water treatment center; but, it wasn't discussion on those issues specifically that dominated the meeting. During a public hearing that preceded the regular meeting, comments lasted almost one hour.

   Importance of Reliable, Consistent Credit for Rural America and Agriculture Acknowledged in Congressional Resolutions and Comments from Agriculture Secretary    MASON, TX – July 15, 2016 – Capital Farm Credit is celebrating Farm Credit’s 100th anniversary of helping rural areas grow and thrive by providing farmers and ranchers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful on July 17, 2016.

   This year we will host a Fundamental basketball camp for 3rd through 8th graders & a High School camp for Freshmen through Seniors in August. The Fundamental camp will be Aug. 1st--4th & will be from 1pm to 4pm. The cost for the Fundamental will be $50 per camper.

   All incoming 7th-12th boys and girls are invited to attend the summer strength and conditioning camp. This is a good chance to get a “jump start” on the upcoming season. This free camp will be from 6 - 7 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Dates are as follows: July 11th - 14th July 18th - 21st July 25th - 28th    Also, don’t forget to get your physicals taken care of if you didn’t get that done in May.

To better provide information and awareness on various services, programs, and benefits that may be available for Seniors in the Concho Valley region, the Area Agency on Aging of the Concho Valley, along with La Esperanza Clinic and 2-1-1 Texas of the Concho Valley will be traveling to each of the rural counties that surround Tom Green County.

    The cookbook entitled: Funeral Food meets Fast Food, from the cooking series, Nonnie’s Kitchen, is available for sale at the Mason County Library starting Monday, July 18, 2016.    The cookbook covers Southern funeral food including such favorites as Chicken Florentine Lasagna, Southern Caramel Cake, and Broccoli Squares with a southern favorite: Pimento Cheese Fritters with hot pepper jelly.

   Elba Nail has notified the News that there will be a bicycle helmet giveaway held in front of the Mason Fire Station on Monday, July 25th at 2 p.m. With the kids out and about on their bicycles during the summer months, it's a perfect time to make sure they're riding safely!

   The Long Mountain Cemetery, d.b.a. as The Long Mountain Improvement Association, will hold their annual meeting the last Saturday of July, being July 30, 2016.    Meeting is to start at 10:00 AM and will be held at the Long Mountain Community Center (Long Mt. School bldg.) about a mile west of the cemetery on Long Mt.

   The Long Mountain Cemetery, d.b.a. as The Long Mountain Improvement Association, will hold their annual meeting the last Saturday of July, being July 30, 2016.    Meeting is to start at 10:00 AM and will be held at the Long Mountain Community Center (Long Mt. School bldg.) about a mile west of the cemetery on Long Mt.

   Khyren Reign Morquecho is the son of Aaron Morquecho of Mason and his mother is Christina Castro of Austin. Khyren is also the grandson of Mary Lou Morquecho and the late Tony Morquecho. He is 8 years old.    On June 10, 2016, Aaron Morquecho learned his young son Khyren was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a high grade tumor, located in his brain.

   All incoming 7th-12th boys and girls are invited to attend the summer strength and conditioning camp. This is a good chance to get a “jump start” on the upcoming season. This free camp will be from 6 - 7 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Dates are as follows: July 11th - 14th July 18th - 21st July 25th - 28th    Also, don’t forget to get your physicals taken care of if you didn’t get that done in May.

   Who’s ready for a Yeti? Or a 4’ Ever-Bloomin’ Bluebonnet?     These are just some of the prizes to be given away at the Customer Appreciation Celebration currently underway at the Community Thrift Store. Pictured here are store personnel Hortencia Cardoza and Wendy Fisher assisted by two long time volunteers Amanda Orozpe and Carolyn Phillips displaying the three (3) YETI tumblers and the 4’ metal Bluebonnet yard art from Country Collectibles that will be given aw ...

   Importance of Reliable, Consistent Credit for Rural America and Agriculture Acknowledged in Congressional Resolutions and Comments from Agriculture Secretary    MASON, TX – July 15, 2016 – Capital Farm Credit is celebrating Farm Credit’s 100th anniversary of helping rural areas grow and thrive by providing farmers and ranchers with the capital they need to make their businesses successful on July 17, 2016.

Avoiding Nepotism in a Town Like Mason     During Monday night's City Commission meeting, proceedings came to virtual halt when newly elected Commission Sue Pledger raised questions about nepotism in the hiring of Blue Oak Engineering by the City as its primary engineering service. Blue Oak is owned by Mayor Brent Hinckley's son, Daniel.    During discussions that ensued, Mayor Hinckley addressed those charges and pointed out that both the City Attorney and ...