January 18, 2017 Issue

   The Mason Historical Commission, housed in the County Library, has recently been reorganizing our files and archives and realize that we are missing several items that we would really like to have. One is a copy of the 1958 Mason Cookbook and Another is a copy of the 1926 MHS annual. If anyone has either of these items and would like to donate them to the Mason County Archives Collection, please contact either Fran Hoerster, 347-1207 or Jan Appleby, 347-4058. Also, if you or family ...

   The Might Mason Puncher Band will have its 6th annual fundraiser Saturday, January 28, 2017, broadcast live on KHLB 102.5 FM from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Band Booster Club would like to thank the citizens of Mason for your contributions over the years. Your generous support last year helped the MMPB with scholarships and trips for our senior band students, instrument repairs, uniforms for the flags and twirlers along with meals and t-shirts for the entire band, to name just a few.

 Muted reds. Burnished gold. Antique white. Deep rust. Soft amber. Shimmering yellow. Dark green. Faded green. Barely green. Warm rose. Smoky shades of brown. And tan. Charcoal gray. Rich cream tinted with a hint of pink. Words just can’t describe it. Winter’s palette. Here in Mason County. It makes a person wanna paint. Watercolors. Oils. Pastels. All of the above. And many do. Check out The Artisan Gallery. Or Mason Gallery. Or Arnold Gallery. Or try to capture it in a photograph. Li ...

   January has been nice. We did have some cold weather. But, many days were very pleasant and we had rain last night. Hopefully, the cedar pollen was washed away and those of us who are suffering from cedar fever will feel better soon. For your calendar: Men’s Choir and Finance committee will meet on January 25th.

   The occasional cold rains and the many days of sunshine and warm weather just remind us all of the constant changes in Texas weather. I hope that the wildflowers are enjoying the moisture and will provide a colorful and bountiful display this spring. Many days it seems to already be spring even though we are only half way through winter here in the Hill Country.

The Beat of a Different Drum... He frequently took jabs at pomp, sparred with circumstance and flat-out deflated folks too full of themselves, determined never to join the group. In all of this and more, he smiled, confidently moored to Christian linchpins that kept him focused on the “main thing being the main thing.” Dr.

   Okay, we’ve had the bitter cold and the wet cold. Just glad we didn’t have them together! Sad faces due to the Cowboys defeat! They did have a good year. So, lighten up! And, you don’t have to root for the Green Bays! Now to the meat and potatoes of this week.

   The sun not only hadn’t come up, it hadn’t even threatened to hint that it might eventually deign to make an appearance on such a frosty, Central Arkansas morning. Outside the pickup, everything was still steeped in stygian blackness, and the stiff breeze made me wonder how the air could feel so wet when it was 20 degrees out.

The new semester is underway at Howard College, so this is a great time to contact them about the online GED program. The teacher will periodically come to the library to meet with the students. One person has already earned his GED, and several others are taking the course, which is free.

   The Mason County AgriLife Extension Service extends a hearty Thank You to the many community members who came to the Mason County Livestock Show and Sale and to those who supported the kids, families and livestock projects our 4H members have worked with this past year. The AgriLife Extension Service programs and 4H programs continue to receive the support of the many businesses and community members who support and enjoy the rural way of life. To our 4H members and their families, ...

   Mason County AgriLife Extension Service will offer a program that will help organize the preparation of up to five easy and nutritious main dishes in a single session. “Cooking with Friends is a way to learn healthier cooking habits,” said Sheree Hardin, AgriLife Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Mason County. “In addition, this method of preparing and cooking meals will promote more family meal time, save time and money, and teach individuals the basics in free ...

 Mason Varsity Cowgirls vs. Junction Monday, Jan. 9 MHS 23--23--30--11 = 87 JHS 7--13---5---4 = 29 Scorers--Baker 7, Nail 2, Stockbridge 22, Tedder 28, Powell 6, Palacio 2, Magnus 14, Armstrong 6. Rebounds--Baker 6, Nail 2, Stockbridge 2, Tedder 2, Powell 12, Palacio 4, Guice 6, Magnus 10, Armstrong 1. Assists--Baker 2, Nail 3, Stockbridge 11, Tedder 3, Powell 1. Steals--Baker 8, Nail 3, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 1, Powell 1, Palacio 1, Guice 1, Armstrong 4. Blocked Shots--Powell 1, Palacio 1, ...

   The Habitat Care-A-Vanners will begin arriving shortly to help build the new Habitat for Humanity House in Mason. We are scheduling folks to serve lunches for them. If you haven’t had the opportunity to share a meal with these great groups of volunteers, you are missing out! We have 30 lunches to book between February 7th and April 14th.

   Happy Late 88th Birthday! Yesterday was Daddy's 88th birthday. He was born on January 17, 1929, in Grit, Texas, to Frank and Hazel. He joined his older sisters, Elsie and Louise, and they moved to Katemcy to make a life. He grew up in the Depression years, attending school first at the Katemcy Friendship School, then moving to the Mason school after consolidation occurred.

   James Kelly Schmidt of Mason was struck by a car early Friday morning while jogging on Moody Street, between Heritage Park and Mason Building Supply. Schmidt was transferred to University Hospital in San Antonio with broken shoulder, ribs and toe. There were also concerns with bleeding in his lungs and head, so he was kept in the ICU for further observation.

   Last week the punchers played Hawley on Monday and Harper, in their first district game, on Friday. The game against Hawley was a hard fought game. The Punchers jumped out to a 10 point lead only to lose the lead and the Bearcats forced the game into overtime. After the overtime the Punchers came out on the losing end with a final of 49-45. In the game against the Longhorns, Mason came out with a strong performance really having control of the game from the first whistle.

   KERRVILLE, TX - Roberto Macias will be the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter’s speaker at the Monday, January 23rd monthly meeting. Roberto is the Manager of Production and Treatment of Groundwater at the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). Since October of 2016, a new desalination facility is producing about 10 million gallons of new water each day.

   Greg Lurz, passed away on Saturday, January 14, in Mason, at the age of 66. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 28, 1950, to Alfred Ernst Oscar Lurz and Anne Parker Lurz. For many years he worked as a purchasing manager in the telecommunications industry. Greg’s favorite hobby was wood working.

   Louise Humphreys passed away peacefully on January 15, 2017. She was born in Valley Spring, Texas, on April 9, 1919, to Jim and Carrie Bauman Phillips. She attended the Valley Spring school and was a member of the Valley Spring Church of Christ. She married Raymond Humphreys on July 13, 1940.

   I want to recognize and thank the QOV members that have made this all possible by their dedicated time and sewing skills and making of the quilts. Ginger Shilts, Jackie Bertram, Claudia Libby WHY THE QUILTS OF VALOR FOUNDATION The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to honor veterans for their service and love of country. Handmade quilts are given to Veterans in all branches of the military.

   This month marks the beginning of a new term of office for me as Sheriff of Mason County, and it also marks my 41st year in law enforcement. Our office has been extremely busy this last year and I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of what has happened with the citizens of Mason.

   Three students from Mason High School--Julie Mae Drazan, Kate Gillespie, and Ryli Ruffin--competed in the UIL Congressional Debate State Meet in Austin on January 10th and 11th, and junior Ryli Ruffin placed 5th overall in the contest. Congressional Debate is a UIL competition in which students perform in the role of legislators.

   The Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2017. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. At the annual meeting, the agenda will include election of new officers and directors for the association. Members attending will also determine the amount set for dues and bounties for the following year.

   Registration forms for Mason Youth Baseball and Softball will be delivered at school this week. Early registration is open until February 3rd and regular registration will be February 4th – 10th. Additional information (draft, opening day, schedules, etc.) to follow. Please contact Joe Langehennig at 325-347-2954 if you have any questions.

   Mark your calendars! The 6th Annual Mason County Youth Rally will be held on Saturday, February, 4th at the Mason Community Building. The Youth Rally is an exciting event sponsored by the Mason County Ministerial Alliance. The purpose of this yearly event is to give an opportunity for the youth in our community to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. All students in Mason County in grades 6th-12th are welcome to attend.

   Registration forms for Mason Youth Baseball and Softball will be delivered at school this week. Early registration is open until February 3rd and regular registration will be February 4th – 10th. Additional information (draft, opening day, schedules, etc.) to follow. Please contact Joe Langehennig at 325-347-2954 if you have any questions.

   Three students from Mason High School--Julie Mae Drazan, Kate Gillespie, and Ryli Ruffin--competed in the UIL Congressional Debate State Meet in Austin on January 10th and 11th, and junior Ryli Ruffin placed 5th overall in the contest. Congressional Debate is a UIL competition in which students perform in the role of legislators.

   Last week the punchers played Hawley on Monday and Harper, in their first district game, on Friday. The game against Hawley was a hard fought game. The Punchers jumped out to a 10 point lead only to lose the lead and the Bearcats forced the game into overtime. After the overtime the Punchers came out on the losing end with a final of 49-45. In the game against the Longhorns, Mason came out with a strong performance really having control of the game from the first whistle.

 Mason Varsity Cowgirls vs. Junction Monday, Jan. 9 MHS 23--23--30--11 = 87 JHS 7--13---5---4 = 29 Scorers--Baker 7, Nail 2, Stockbridge 22, Tedder 28, Powell 6, Palacio 2, Magnus 14, Armstrong 6. Rebounds--Baker 6, Nail 2, Stockbridge 2, Tedder 2, Powell 12, Palacio 4, Guice 6, Magnus 10, Armstrong 1. Assists--Baker 2, Nail 3, Stockbridge 11, Tedder 3, Powell 1. Steals--Baker 8, Nail 3, Stockbridge 3, Tedder 1, Powell 1, Palacio 1, Guice 1, Armstrong 4. Blocked Shots--Powell 1, Palacio 1, ...

   The Might Mason Puncher Band will have its 6th annual fundraiser Saturday, January 28, 2017, broadcast live on KHLB 102.5 FM from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Band Booster Club would like to thank the citizens of Mason for your contributions over the years. Your generous support last year helped the MMPB with scholarships and trips for our senior band students, instrument repairs, uniforms for the flags and twirlers along with meals and t-shirts for the entire band, to name just a few.

   Mark your calendars! The 6th Annual Mason County Youth Rally will be held on Saturday, February, 4th at the Mason Community Building. The Youth Rally is an exciting event sponsored by the Mason County Ministerial Alliance. The purpose of this yearly event is to give an opportunity for the youth in our community to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. All students in Mason County in grades 6th-12th are welcome to attend.

   Registration forms for Mason Youth Baseball and Softball will be delivered at school this week. Early registration is open until February 3rd and regular registration will be February 4th – 10th. Additional information (draft, opening day, schedules, etc.) to follow. Please contact Joe Langehennig at 325-347-2954 if you have any questions.

   The Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2017. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. At the annual meeting, the agenda will include election of new officers and directors for the association. Members attending will also determine the amount set for dues and bounties for the following year.

   KERRVILLE, TX - Roberto Macias will be the Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter’s speaker at the Monday, January 23rd monthly meeting. Roberto is the Manager of Production and Treatment of Groundwater at the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). Since October of 2016, a new desalination facility is producing about 10 million gallons of new water each day.

   The Mason Historical Commission, housed in the County Library, has recently been reorganizing our files and archives and realize that we are missing several items that we would really like to have. One is a copy of the 1958 Mason Cookbook and Another is a copy of the 1926 MHS annual. If anyone has either of these items and would like to donate them to the Mason County Archives Collection, please contact either Fran Hoerster, 347-1207 or Jan Appleby, 347-4058. Also, if you or family ...

   The Habitat Care-A-Vanners will begin arriving shortly to help build the new Habitat for Humanity House in Mason. We are scheduling folks to serve lunches for them. If you haven’t had the opportunity to share a meal with these great groups of volunteers, you are missing out! We have 30 lunches to book between February 7th and April 14th.

   Louise Humphreys passed away peacefully on January 15, 2017. She was born in Valley Spring, Texas, on April 9, 1919, to Jim and Carrie Bauman Phillips. She attended the Valley Spring school and was a member of the Valley Spring Church of Christ. She married Raymond Humphreys on July 13, 1940.

   Greg Lurz, passed away on Saturday, January 14, in Mason, at the age of 66. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 28, 1950, to Alfred Ernst Oscar Lurz and Anne Parker Lurz. For many years he worked as a purchasing manager in the telecommunications industry. Greg’s favorite hobby was wood working.

   Happy Late 88th Birthday! Yesterday was Daddy's 88th birthday. He was born on January 17, 1929, in Grit, Texas, to Frank and Hazel. He joined his older sisters, Elsie and Louise, and they moved to Katemcy to make a life. He grew up in the Depression years, attending school first at the Katemcy Friendship School, then moving to the Mason school after consolidation occurred.

The new semester is underway at Howard College, so this is a great time to contact them about the online GED program. The teacher will periodically come to the library to meet with the students. One person has already earned his GED, and several others are taking the course, which is free.

   The sun not only hadn’t come up, it hadn’t even threatened to hint that it might eventually deign to make an appearance on such a frosty, Central Arkansas morning. Outside the pickup, everything was still steeped in stygian blackness, and the stiff breeze made me wonder how the air could feel so wet when it was 20 degrees out.

   Okay, we’ve had the bitter cold and the wet cold. Just glad we didn’t have them together! Sad faces due to the Cowboys defeat! They did have a good year. So, lighten up! And, you don’t have to root for the Green Bays! Now to the meat and potatoes of this week.

The Beat of a Different Drum... He frequently took jabs at pomp, sparred with circumstance and flat-out deflated folks too full of themselves, determined never to join the group. In all of this and more, he smiled, confidently moored to Christian linchpins that kept him focused on the “main thing being the main thing.” Dr.

   January has been nice. We did have some cold weather. But, many days were very pleasant and we had rain last night. Hopefully, the cedar pollen was washed away and those of us who are suffering from cedar fever will feel better soon. For your calendar: Men’s Choir and Finance committee will meet on January 25th.

 Muted reds. Burnished gold. Antique white. Deep rust. Soft amber. Shimmering yellow. Dark green. Faded green. Barely green. Warm rose. Smoky shades of brown. And tan. Charcoal gray. Rich cream tinted with a hint of pink. Words just can’t describe it. Winter’s palette. Here in Mason County. It makes a person wanna paint. Watercolors. Oils. Pastels. All of the above. And many do. Check out The Artisan Gallery. Or Mason Gallery. Or Arnold Gallery. Or try to capture it in a photograph. Li ...