February 8, 2017 Issue

The Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will host three “Be Well with Diabetes” seminars on self-managing the health needs of individuals with diabetes beginning Feb. 9. Be Well with Diabetes seminars are designed for individuals with diabetes and their caregivers. On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nanette Tisdale, RN, will present “Self-Care Management of Diabetes.” Using her clinical training as a nurse, Tisdale will use easy-to-understand medical information to teach attende ...

On Thursday, Feb. 8th, The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will have its regular meeting at 6:30pm, at The American Legion Post Hall, 237 Post Hill [behind the Jail]. All members plus friends, family, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. For more information on The American Legion, call Joaquin Velez, 218-2049, or Tommy Koepke, 347-6021.

Mom’s Strawberry Cake With Valentine’s Day right around the corner it makes me think of my mom’s Strawberry Cake. I always knew that I would have a Red Velvet cake for my birthday and a Strawberry Cake for Valentine’s Day. My mom would make her strawberry cake and a homemade valentine, complete with doilies and a poem for Valentine’s Day.

Education at a Gallop... They’re mere “blips” on the screen of educational innovation, now in a handful of major cities. Their name sounds like a house number, and youngsters therein are challenged to “dig deep” as a core of teachers--largely volunteers--help children 6-18 express themselves through--of all things--writing. These store front centers (for want of a better word) are attention-grabbers, front to back.

Valentines Day? This may be a bit ahead of the game, but all men aren’t on the same time frame. So, this is mostly for the procrastinators! First, never ever ask your love, “What do you want to do or get for Valentines Day!” If you do and she says, “Nothing!” You’d best get her something or do something special on Valentines Day.

Several years ago I wrote a column about a fellow who had moved to Arizona from New York or someplace, and was therefore unfamiliar with life in The West. Coyotes made off with the Yankee’s pet, I think it was a poodle or something, and he was upset. I mean the Yankee was upset, not the poodle.

First, I apologize for the mistake in the article about June Hall’s Embroidery Class—it will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The library is continuing our food drive for the Mason Food Bank until the end of February. We’re collecting canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. This drive offers an opportunity to “love your neighbors” and” feed the hungry.” You can treat yourself to a good movie, book, CD book, or magazine while you’re here! Audiobooks: Troublemaker by ...

The Mason Lions Club met January 31st for a regular meeting. There were 27 members and 4 visitors in attendance. Lion Lyle Johansen was responsible for the program and the speaker was Mason County Chief Deputy Dean Stringer. He introduced three other members of the department: John Stafford, Doug Wall, and Tristan Hebert.

01-01-17@0024 Deputy Horn and Deputy Stringer responded to a call regarding a Reckless Driver that had gone through the complainant’s front yard. The subjects were located and the 15 year old unlicensed driver was issued a citation. 01-01-17@0105 Deputy Horn provided a Motorist Assist on Hwy 87 about 20 miles south of town. 01-01-17@0850 Deputy Wall provided a Motorist Assist to a subject with a blown tire that went into the ditch. 01-01-17@1111 Mason EMS responded to a 73 year old male patie ...

Mason Varsity Cowgirls vs. Harper Tuesday, Jan. 31 MHS 18--13--17--14 = 62 HHS 2---8---2---7 = 19 Scorers--Dudney 3, Stockbridge 13, Tedder 11, Powell 6, Guice 7, Magnus 14, Armstrong 6, Hanscheck 2. Rebounds--Stockbridge 1, Tedder 5, Powell 13, Herrington 5, Palacio 2, Guice 3, Magnus 15, Armstrong 3. Assists--Nail 1, Dudney 2, Stockbridge 4, Tedder 1, Herrington 1, Guice 1, Armstrong 3. Steals--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 7, Tedder 1, Powell 3, Palacio 1, Guice 1, Magnus 2, Armstrong 2, Hanscheck 2 ...

June Hall’s Embroidery Class will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, beginning on Tuesday, February 7th. This free class will be from 10:00 – 12:00 noon. You may join at any time. Call 325-347-5446 for more information.

LUBBOCK, TX - Officials in Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) have announced Catelyn Felts of Mason, Texas, was named to the 2016-2017 team of Agri-Techsans, the college's award-winning organization of student recruiters. Comprised of select undergraduates from every department in the college, this year's Agri-Techsans are a diverse group. Brandyl Brooks, the official college recruiter for CASNR, noted that though the organization's diversity ...

THSCA Academic All State Football Honorable Mention: Grant Stockbridge Haddon Hudson Evan Dayton Padilla Poll All-State Football Team 1st Team: Haddon Hudson - RB Michael Jefferson - OL Baylee Owen - LB Evan Dayton - DB 2nd Team: Riley Pape - OL Emanuel Martinez - LB

Jarrett Worrell, Mason County 4H member recently exhibited two Champions at the 121st Fort Worth Livestock Show. Jarrett, son of James and Shannon Worrell exhibited the Grand Champion Horned Hereford Female named Geisha and the Grand Champion Cow Calf pair named Sequoia and Mr. Peadbody. The Fort Worth Livestock Show is proud to be identified as the most prestigious cattle show in the state.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 2, 2017 – Ryli Ruffin, a 4-H member from Mason County, exhibited the Reserve Champion Fine Wool in the Junior Wether Lamb Show at the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 29. The 2017 Show is hosting junior exhibitors from 238 counties across Texas competing for awards and $161,830 in premiums. Of the 33,000 entries at the nation’s oldest livestock show, the livestock exhibited by more than 11,500 junior exhibitors are among the best market animal ...

 FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 2, 2017 – Stran Stultz, a FFA member from Mason, exhibited the Champion Fine Wool in the Junior Wether Lamb Show at the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 29. The 2017 Show is hosting junior exhibitors from 238 counties across Texas competing for awards and $161,830 in premiums. Of the 33,000 entries at the nation’s oldest livestock show, the livestock exhibited by more than 11,500 junior exhibitors are among the best market animals in the ...

   One Person Doesn't Do It All....  In a week, the Mason County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards banquet honoring the business and civic leaders of our community. Just as we've done for years, the News will be there to record the moment and to help in honoring these individuals and organizations so that everyone else in the community will be able to share the moment. I've been fortunate enough to have received some of those awards over the years; ...

On Feb. 6, the Hill Country Memorial Medical Group welcomed urologist Michael C. Speck, MD. He is now scheduling adult and pediatric patients at the HCM Medical Clinics in Kerrville and Fredericksburg, and he also performs surgeries at the hospital in Fredericksburg. Speck provides medical and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra) and the male reproductive system and prostate gland.

The Legendary Chuck Wagon Gang will be returning to the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady, Texas, for an afternoon Gospel concert on Sunday, February 12. The performance will be at 3:00 PM and admission is $10.00 per person. To book a church group for reserved seating (minimum of ten) call (325) 597-1895. This appearance marks the 76th year of performances since the original Chuck Wagon Gang was formed in Lubbock, Texas, by founding member D.P.

Mark your calendar for this fabulous, and affordable, fundraiser to get all of those special ladies on your list a fun Valentine gift. The Christian Job Corps of Gillespie County will be hosting a jewelry, fashion and accessories sale on February 9 and 10 at Memorial Presbyterian Church. There really is something for everyone, including fashion and unique gift items that are sure to please. Check out these websites to see some of what will be available at this sale.

Last week the Punchers took on a district opponent in the Harper Longhorns. It was their first home game in a couple weeks and they really put on a show. From the tip off to the final buzzer, the Punchers controlled the game. They won 60-31. In the game on Friday, the Punchers traveled to Leakey to take on the Eagles.

The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is hosting the free showing of two documentaries on Saturday, Feb. 11; beginning at 1:00 P.M. Moviegoers will be treated to a free small drink and small popcorn. Did you know that plants exhibit behaviors similar to those of animals? What Plants Talk About offers a fascinating glimpse into” the secret world of plants,” showing scientists that plants eavesdrop, talk to their allies, call in insect mercenaries, and nurture their offspring. Wildfl ...

YOUR local Livestock & Wildlife Protection Association is working hard for Mason County residents. According to Curtis Schulze, treasurer, the association paid bounties on 388 coyotes and 54 bobcats in 2016. A record number of coyotes and bobcats have already been turned in for 2017. As you can see, the work of the Association is paying off for ranchers, landowners, and residents of Mason.

The Llano Country Opry will host the Johnny Bush Birthday Bash on Saturday, February 11, featuring Johnny Bush and his award-winning band The Bandoleros at the Lantex Theater in downtown Llano, Texas. There will be two performances at 2:30 & 7:30 and tickets are $20. They are on sale at www.heartoftexascountry.com or by calling (325) 247-5354. Johnny Bush began his career as a member of Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys.

Health Care To my fellow citizens, neighbors, clients, and friends, Twelve years ago, when I left Dallas and my job in academic, urban medicine (working with an incredible team of physicians and healthcare professionals), I was daunted by the responsibility that faced me as, essentially, the sole provider of medical care in rural Mason County.

Mason Elementary’s First Grade students and teachers would like to invite you to our annual Readers’ Café from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 9th in the Mason Elementary/JH Library. The Readers’ Café is a celebration of reading as well as a fundraiser in support of our spring field trip and other events.

It has been a few weeks now, but the other day my family and I were sitting around sharing stories about the past. We do that a lot, and most of the time we tell the same stories over and over again. This time was different. Brogan reminded us of the night before he started Pre-k.

Riata held their January meeting at the home of Amelia Banner with Becky Griffith as co-hostess. Thirty members were in attendance. Laura Tallent, program chairman, introduced our two guests: John Schumacher, the new MISD Superintendent; and, Megan Bierschwale, the Executive Director of the Education Foundation. John gave us some of his background.

Mason’s Scarlet Punchers, those intrepid women “of a certain age,” who absolutely insist on enjoying life to the fullest, struck out for parts unknown in January, as we journeyed to the home of Marcie Rivera for the first time. Her hospitality was only rivaled by the steepness of her driveway, but we all arrived safely and, as usual, an enjoyable time was had by all! If you think there is anything else going on in February besides Valentines’ Day, then you haven’t been to the Dollar S ...

Mason 59 Center Point 44 Silerio 12 Burke 11 Wofford 10 Keller 9 Hudson 8 Martinez 3 Townsend 2 Hyatt 2 Mason 35 Harper 51 Keller 6 Townsend 5 Wofford 4 Silerio 4 Dudney 4 Hudson 4 Burke 4 Martinez 2 Timms 2

Mason 59 Center Point 44 Silerio 12 Burke 11 Wofford 10 Keller 9 Hudson 8 Martinez 3 Townsend 2 Hyatt 2 Mason 35 Harper 51 Keller 6 Townsend 5 Wofford 4 Silerio 4 Dudney 4 Hudson 4 Burke 4 Martinez 2 Timms 2

Mason Elementary’s First Grade students and teachers would like to invite you to our annual Readers’ Café from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 9th in the Mason Elementary/JH Library. The Readers’ Café is a celebration of reading as well as a fundraiser in support of our spring field trip and other events.

Last week the Punchers took on a district opponent in the Harper Longhorns. It was their first home game in a couple weeks and they really put on a show. From the tip off to the final buzzer, the Punchers controlled the game. They won 60-31. In the game on Friday, the Punchers traveled to Leakey to take on the Eagles.

 FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 2, 2017 – Stran Stultz, a FFA member from Mason, exhibited the Champion Fine Wool in the Junior Wether Lamb Show at the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 29. The 2017 Show is hosting junior exhibitors from 238 counties across Texas competing for awards and $161,830 in premiums. Of the 33,000 entries at the nation’s oldest livestock show, the livestock exhibited by more than 11,500 junior exhibitors are among the best market animals in the ...

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 2, 2017 – Ryli Ruffin, a 4-H member from Mason County, exhibited the Reserve Champion Fine Wool in the Junior Wether Lamb Show at the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 29. The 2017 Show is hosting junior exhibitors from 238 counties across Texas competing for awards and $161,830 in premiums. Of the 33,000 entries at the nation’s oldest livestock show, the livestock exhibited by more than 11,500 junior exhibitors are among the best market animal ...

Jarrett Worrell, Mason County 4H member recently exhibited two Champions at the 121st Fort Worth Livestock Show. Jarrett, son of James and Shannon Worrell exhibited the Grand Champion Horned Hereford Female named Geisha and the Grand Champion Cow Calf pair named Sequoia and Mr. Peadbody. The Fort Worth Livestock Show is proud to be identified as the most prestigious cattle show in the state.

THSCA Academic All State Football Honorable Mention: Grant Stockbridge Haddon Hudson Evan Dayton Padilla Poll All-State Football Team 1st Team: Haddon Hudson - RB Michael Jefferson - OL Baylee Owen - LB Evan Dayton - DB 2nd Team: Riley Pape - OL Emanuel Martinez - LB

Mason Varsity Cowgirls vs. Harper Tuesday, Jan. 31 MHS 18--13--17--14 = 62 HHS 2---8---2---7 = 19 Scorers--Dudney 3, Stockbridge 13, Tedder 11, Powell 6, Guice 7, Magnus 14, Armstrong 6, Hanscheck 2. Rebounds--Stockbridge 1, Tedder 5, Powell 13, Herrington 5, Palacio 2, Guice 3, Magnus 15, Armstrong 3. Assists--Nail 1, Dudney 2, Stockbridge 4, Tedder 1, Herrington 1, Guice 1, Armstrong 3. Steals--Dudney 1, Stockbridge 7, Tedder 1, Powell 3, Palacio 1, Guice 1, Magnus 2, Armstrong 2, Hanscheck 2 ...

Mason County 4-Hers are in full swing practicing for the annual Consumer Decision Making Contest. This year’s District 7 contest will be held in San Angelo on Friday, February 17th. This contest teaches youth how to be savvy shoppers and confident speakers. At contest, participants are presented six classes of consumer products in which they must place or order the products based on a set of consumer situations.

As a member of the Wesley Nurse health committee, I am announcing a new project that we hope to be a yearly event. We are asking those who are interested to knit or crochet a scarf/muffler to be given to people we know are in need. A scarf that is made with love and given in God’s love. You may turn your scarves in at the Wesley Nurse's office at First Methodist United Church.

The members and spouses of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary will have their annual Valentine Party February 14 at Nacho's Cafe in Mason at 6:30 PM. The charge for dinner is $ 5 per person with each ordering from the menu with the VFW paying the balance and gratuity for the event. We will make announcement of our new quarters and take suggestions for the next fund raiser for the VFW.

Mason’s Scarlet Punchers, those intrepid women “of a certain age,” who absolutely insist on enjoying life to the fullest, struck out for parts unknown in January, as we journeyed to the home of Marcie Rivera for the first time. Her hospitality was only rivaled by the steepness of her driveway, but we all arrived safely and, as usual, an enjoyable time was had by all! If you think there is anything else going on in February besides Valentines’ Day, then you haven’t been to the Dollar S ...

Mason Elementary’s First Grade students and teachers would like to invite you to our annual Readers’ Café from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 9th in the Mason Elementary/JH Library. The Readers’ Café is a celebration of reading as well as a fundraiser in support of our spring field trip and other events.

The Llano Country Opry will host the Johnny Bush Birthday Bash on Saturday, February 11, featuring Johnny Bush and his award-winning band The Bandoleros at the Lantex Theater in downtown Llano, Texas. There will be two performances at 2:30 & 7:30 and tickets are $20. They are on sale at www.heartoftexascountry.com or by calling (325) 247-5354. Johnny Bush began his career as a member of Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys.

The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is hosting the free showing of two documentaries on Saturday, Feb. 11; beginning at 1:00 P.M. Moviegoers will be treated to a free small drink and small popcorn. Did you know that plants exhibit behaviors similar to those of animals? What Plants Talk About offers a fascinating glimpse into” the secret world of plants,” showing scientists that plants eavesdrop, talk to their allies, call in insect mercenaries, and nurture their offspring. Wildfl ...

Mark your calendar for this fabulous, and affordable, fundraiser to get all of those special ladies on your list a fun Valentine gift. The Christian Job Corps of Gillespie County will be hosting a jewelry, fashion and accessories sale on February 9 and 10 at Memorial Presbyterian Church. There really is something for everyone, including fashion and unique gift items that are sure to please. Check out these websites to see some of what will be available at this sale.

The Legendary Chuck Wagon Gang will be returning to the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady, Texas, for an afternoon Gospel concert on Sunday, February 12. The performance will be at 3:00 PM and admission is $10.00 per person. To book a church group for reserved seating (minimum of ten) call (325) 597-1895. This appearance marks the 76th year of performances since the original Chuck Wagon Gang was formed in Lubbock, Texas, by founding member D.P.

The Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will host three “Be Well with Diabetes” seminars on self-managing the health needs of individuals with diabetes beginning Feb. 9. Be Well with Diabetes seminars are designed for individuals with diabetes and their caregivers. On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nanette Tisdale, RN, will present “Self-Care Management of Diabetes.” Using her clinical training as a nurse, Tisdale will use easy-to-understand medical information to teach attende ...

THSCA Academic All State Football Honorable Mention: Grant Stockbridge Haddon Hudson Evan Dayton Padilla Poll All-State Football Team 1st Team: Haddon Hudson - RB Michael Jefferson - OL Baylee Owen - LB Evan Dayton - DB 2nd Team: Riley Pape - OL Emanuel Martinez - LB

June Hall’s Embroidery Class will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, beginning on Tuesday, February 7th. This free class will be from 10:00 – 12:00 noon. You may join at any time. Call 325-347-5446 for more information.

On Thursday, Feb. 8th, The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will have its regular meeting at 6:30pm, at The American Legion Post Hall, 237 Post Hill [behind the Jail]. All members plus friends, family, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. For more information on The American Legion, call Joaquin Velez, 218-2049, or Tommy Koepke, 347-6021.

   One Person Doesn't Do It All....  In a week, the Mason County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards banquet honoring the business and civic leaders of our community. Just as we've done for years, the News will be there to record the moment and to help in honoring these individuals and organizations so that everyone else in the community will be able to share the moment. I've been fortunate enough to have received some of those awards over the years; ...

It has been a few weeks now, but the other day my family and I were sitting around sharing stories about the past. We do that a lot, and most of the time we tell the same stories over and over again. This time was different. Brogan reminded us of the night before he started Pre-k.

Health Care To my fellow citizens, neighbors, clients, and friends, Twelve years ago, when I left Dallas and my job in academic, urban medicine (working with an incredible team of physicians and healthcare professionals), I was daunted by the responsibility that faced me as, essentially, the sole provider of medical care in rural Mason County.

First, I apologize for the mistake in the article about June Hall’s Embroidery Class—it will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The library is continuing our food drive for the Mason Food Bank until the end of February. We’re collecting canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. This drive offers an opportunity to “love your neighbors” and” feed the hungry.” You can treat yourself to a good movie, book, CD book, or magazine while you’re here! Audiobooks: Troublemaker by ...

Several years ago I wrote a column about a fellow who had moved to Arizona from New York or someplace, and was therefore unfamiliar with life in The West. Coyotes made off with the Yankee’s pet, I think it was a poodle or something, and he was upset. I mean the Yankee was upset, not the poodle.

Valentines Day? This may be a bit ahead of the game, but all men aren’t on the same time frame. So, this is mostly for the procrastinators! First, never ever ask your love, “What do you want to do or get for Valentines Day!” If you do and she says, “Nothing!” You’d best get her something or do something special on Valentines Day.

Education at a Gallop... They’re mere “blips” on the screen of educational innovation, now in a handful of major cities. Their name sounds like a house number, and youngsters therein are challenged to “dig deep” as a core of teachers--largely volunteers--help children 6-18 express themselves through--of all things--writing. These store front centers (for want of a better word) are attention-grabbers, front to back.

Mom’s Strawberry Cake With Valentine’s Day right around the corner it makes me think of my mom’s Strawberry Cake. I always knew that I would have a Red Velvet cake for my birthday and a Strawberry Cake for Valentine’s Day. My mom would make her strawberry cake and a homemade valentine, complete with doilies and a poem for Valentine’s Day.

We have survived an exciting week. I got home from church last Sunday to find John having chest pain. Mason EMS were there quickly and took him to Hill Country Memorial Hospital. From there, he was transferred to Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio. After a stent, we came home Thursday.

Birds. They’re everywhere. It’s almost Spring. They fly. They flock. They chirp and sing. They eat insects and worms. And make nests of things. Hair. Twigs. String. Even pieces of plastic. And dog fur. Birds flit through our lives. Through our literature. And entertainment. Tweetie Bird. The Roadrunner (and Coyote). Hitchock’s The Birds. The Sandpiper. The Albatross. The Raven. Nevermore. Blackbird singing in the dead of night. Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie. He’s got bird le ...