March 22, 2017 Issue

Mason, Texas – Residents living in and around the Mason, Texas can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. City of Mason Community Building will host this community event on 4/5/2017. The site is located at 1015 San Antonio St in Mason. Screenings can check for: The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular h ...

Bringing in the sheaves, Bringing in the sheaves. We shall come rejoicing, Bringing in the sheaves. One of the most popular hymns for Protestant Christians. Inspired by Psalm 126:6. Written in 1874. With a wide range of renditions. From Frank Zappa. To characters on “The Simpsons.” To Granny on “Beverly Hillbillies.” We shall come rejoicing, Bringing in the sheaves. And the coastal hay. And the wash off the line. And calling up the cows. Rejoice, rejoice. As we bring anything to fruitio ...

God has put on a great show this spring. The bluebonnets and other wild flowers are gorgeous. One of the prettiest drives I have been on is between Llano and Mason. I know I have not been on all area roads, but this is a pretty one. Enjoy. Lenten Lunches continue.

Cheez-it Chicken This week’s recipe includes one of my favorite snacks, Cheez-It crackers. I think you will like the crunch and the “Cheezy-ness” that this dish offers. Cheez-its have been a favorite American snack since 1921, even lasting through the Depression. I like to serve with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes (you can use instant potatoes.) 2 lbs.

Teachers and Honor Rolls... I face Old Glory, hand over heart, extending respect to educators wherever they serve, and at whatever “frazzle” level they are. Hopefully, their heads are above water in the “tides of March,” or victims of “ides” attributed to the same month. Some are smiling at the prospect of spring break coming soon.

Z and I took the DNA test, back in January. I had to do mine over. So maybe in June I’ll get my results. Z’s got 15% Irish. Gee, I hope I’m Irish, too. The Irish folks know how to laugh and have a good time. They're a jolly bunch!

Atomic Pork Last week’s column, about the debate over whether Texans should be allowed to poison feral hogs, hit a nerve. It seems there are a lot of folks who are intensely passionate about whether hogs should be killed, and how. And I think that’s a good thing, I just didn’t expect to stir up a hornet’s nest.

March is Texas History Month, and we’re celebrating with special programming. Bright Star Theatre will present “Legends of the Lone Star State” at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, March 28, in the Stribling Room of the library, 410 Post Hill Street. They will be playing different people from our history in an entertaining program.

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, March 14th, for it’s weekly luncheon meeting. There were 23 members and 3 visitors in attendance. Dr. Penny Ruthven’s 3 cousins, Mary, Megan , and Tisha from Austin were Penny’s guests. First Vice President Jim Heidelburg was in charge of the meeting as”Boss” Lion Jess Irwin was in Florida.

Sonora Bronco Relays Saturday 3/18/17 Varsity Track Results: Triple Jump--Shay Baker, 1st, 33’01 ¼” 400m--Angelica Ramirez, 1st, 1:00.30 800m--Angelica Ramirez, 1st, 2:20.93 4x100m Relay--Madison Owen, K’lee Anders, Sandra Duarte, Shay Baker, 5th, 54.02 4x200m Relay--Madison Owen, K’lee Anders, Sandra Duarte, Victoria Baltierra, 5th, 1:55.84 4x400m Relay--Victoria Baltierra, Madison Owen, Shay Baker, Angelica Ramirez, 3rd, 4:16.52 Team Standings--Wall 163, Brady 87, Ballinger 51, Mason ...

Nearly half a million acres of the Texas Panhandle burned. Homes, barns and fences burned. Some lost livestock. Others lost their lives. Now that the fires are out, farmers, ranchers and landowners are working to rebuild. But they need help. “Some people lost everything,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said.

JV Boys: 4x100 - Burke, Buntyn, Fluhmann, Keller - 48.31 3rd, Hyatt, Graves, Nail, Hernandez 49.84 5th 3200 - Tatsch 12:28.03 2nd Shot Put - Martin 37’2” 1st, Hyatt 34’10” 5th Discus - Burke 112’ 5” 1st, Dickinson 99’7.5” 3rd, Buntyn 94’9.5 4th, Martinez 87’2” 6th Long Jump - Adame 17’5” 2nd, Kirby 17’1.75” 4th, Eckert 16’5.5” 6th Triple Jump - Keller 34’5” 4th, Nail 34’1” 6th High Jump - Keller 5’2” 2nd, Fluhmann 5’2” 3rd, Ortiz 5’0” 6th Po ...

Let’s celebrate our Texas heritage! Come see “Legends of the Lone Star State!” to be performed by the Bright Star Touring Theatre at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, 410 Post Hill Street, on March 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the Stribling Room. These professional actors bring to life legends, stories, music, humor, and heroes from Texas.

Using the Enquirer as Source Material Over the course of the last decade, the American public has been making a trek through a new world of social media, instant access and reality shows. While our great-grandparents lived through the results of the industrial revolution, our grandparents through world wars and our parents through consumer excess, we are living through the age of information overload. Reality shows were the beginning of the end in this brave new world.

Education Funding for MISD Pre-K program Last week in Austin, our state senate and house of representatives proposed legislation to DEFUND PRE-K programs across the state. Since I moved to Mason 13 years ago, I have seen continual improvement in educational achievement and professional success of our MISD graduates, many of whom benefited from our excellent Pre-K program.

Jack Bob Smith, 90, of Brady passed away on the morning of March 17, 2017, in Brady. Jack Bob was born on October 9, 1926, in Lohn, Texas to Embre George Smith and Lanning (Batchelor) Smith. He was raised in Lohn and graduated from Lohn High School. He served in the United States Army during the final months of World War II. Jack Bob married Peggy Nell Jacoby on July 3, 1959, in De Leon, Texas, and they had one son, Jack Bob Jr., born in 1961. Jack Bob was actively involved in the “Heart-of-T ...

Norman Lee Overstreet, 70, of Brady, Texas, formerly of Anton, Texas, died March 11, 2017, in Brady. Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Anton Cemetery. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas. Norman was born in Lubbock, Texas, on March 16, 1946, to Cecil and Bernell Overstreet. Norman served in the National Guard and received his associates degree in civil drafting.

Ouida Schuessler, of Mason, passed away on Monday, March 20, at the age of 80. Mrs. Schuessler is survived by her husband, Dwain Schuessler, of Mason, a daughter, Tori Dutton of Mason, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.

The Mason Punchers defeated Eldorado 15-0 on Tuesday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. The Punchers grabbed an early lead in the first inning as Klay Klaerner singled on a 1-1 count to score two runs. Mason Punchers scored eight runs in the second inning. The big inning was thanks to a walk, a fielder’s choice by Riley Pape, a home run by Emanuel Martinez, a double by Haddon Hudson, and a single by Fernando Torres. Mason Punchers had 13 hits in the game.

Mason Cowgirls Varsity Jumps Out To Early Lead In Victory Over Brady Mason Cowgirls Varsity grabbed an early lead on its way to a 14-3 victory over Brady on Tuesday. Mason Cowgirls Varsity scored on a stolen base by Vanessa Rodriguez and a single by Bridgit Herrington in the first inning. Cowgirls Crush Menard in District Opener On Friday the Cowgirls opened up district play with a win over Menard 21-1.

The Mason High School UIL Academic Team competed last week in the Sonora Invitational Tournament and came home as the meet champions. The competition proved to be a very successful tune-up for the upcoming district meet in late March. In all, students brought home 26 medals in 18 different events, with students earning 11 gold medals. Full results are below: Computer Applications: 2nd - Ella Canfield Current Events: 3rd - Zane Shoemaker Editorial Writing: 1st - Margaret Graves Headline Writing: ...

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. and its Auxiliary announced winners of the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen essay contest this last week during the 2017 VFW Legislative Conference in D. C. The winner of a $ 30,000 scholarship was Savannah Whitman, sponsored by VFW Post 12118 of Copperopolis, Calif.

There will be a Multi-County Wildlife Program on April 11, 2017 to be held at Thunder Hill Ranch, 2173 County Road 304, Llano 78643 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program is a joint effort between Mason, Menard, McCulloch, Gillespie, Kimble, and Llano Counties. Five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for attending this program. The registration and welcome is from 8:30 a.m.

Mason Young Life is a non-profit organization working to introduce high school students to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. We will be sponsoring a fundraising opportunity for high school students throughout Mason to raise money for Young Life camp this summer! Young Life will be taking over 20 kids to Crooked Creek in Colorado. Students of multiple skill levels will be available from now until June for a wide variety of work.

Opening Day for Mason Youth Baseball and Softball is scheduled for this Saturday, March 25th. Please come out and enjoy a day at the park. Opening day ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. and first games start at 10 a.m. and will be played throughout the day. We will be serving your choice of BBQ brisket plate with beans, potato salad, bread, pickles and onions; sausage wrap or hotdog meals.

Opening Day for Mason Youth Baseball and Softball is scheduled for this Saturday, March 25th. Please come out and enjoy a day at the park. Opening day ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. and first games start at 10 a.m. and will be played throughout the day. We will be serving your choice of BBQ brisket plate with beans, potato salad, bread, pickles and onions; sausage wrap or hotdog meals.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. and its Auxiliary announced winners of the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen essay contest this last week during the 2017 VFW Legislative Conference in D. C. The winner of a $ 30,000 scholarship was Savannah Whitman, sponsored by VFW Post 12118 of Copperopolis, Calif.

The Mason High School UIL Academic Team competed last week in the Sonora Invitational Tournament and came home as the meet champions. The competition proved to be a very successful tune-up for the upcoming district meet in late March. In all, students brought home 26 medals in 18 different events, with students earning 11 gold medals. Full results are below: Computer Applications: 2nd - Ella Canfield Current Events: 3rd - Zane Shoemaker Editorial Writing: 1st - Margaret Graves Headline Writing: ...

Mason Cowgirls Varsity Jumps Out To Early Lead In Victory Over Brady Mason Cowgirls Varsity grabbed an early lead on its way to a 14-3 victory over Brady on Tuesday. Mason Cowgirls Varsity scored on a stolen base by Vanessa Rodriguez and a single by Bridgit Herrington in the first inning. Cowgirls Crush Menard in District Opener On Friday the Cowgirls opened up district play with a win over Menard 21-1.

The Mason Punchers defeated Eldorado 15-0 on Tuesday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. The Punchers grabbed an early lead in the first inning as Klay Klaerner singled on a 1-1 count to score two runs. Mason Punchers scored eight runs in the second inning. The big inning was thanks to a walk, a fielder’s choice by Riley Pape, a home run by Emanuel Martinez, a double by Haddon Hudson, and a single by Fernando Torres. Mason Punchers had 13 hits in the game.

JV Boys: 4x100 - Burke, Buntyn, Fluhmann, Keller - 48.31 3rd, Hyatt, Graves, Nail, Hernandez 49.84 5th 3200 - Tatsch 12:28.03 2nd Shot Put - Martin 37’2” 1st, Hyatt 34’10” 5th Discus - Burke 112’ 5” 1st, Dickinson 99’7.5” 3rd, Buntyn 94’9.5 4th, Martinez 87’2” 6th Long Jump - Adame 17’5” 2nd, Kirby 17’1.75” 4th, Eckert 16’5.5” 6th Triple Jump - Keller 34’5” 4th, Nail 34’1” 6th High Jump - Keller 5’2” 2nd, Fluhmann 5’2” 3rd, Ortiz 5’0” 6th Po ...

Texas Girls Coach Association All State Kenley Stockbridge & Ruby Magnus Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region Justyn Tedder, Ruby Magnus, & Kenley Stockbridge All-State Kenley Stockbridge All Star Game Friday May 19, 2017, at Littleton Gym, in San Antonio Kenley Stockbridge Chicken Express All-Star Game Saturday March 25, 2017, at Kerrville Tivy HS 1:30pm Justyn Tedder & Kenley Stockbridge San Angelo Standard Times All-West Texas Team Justyn Tedder, Kenley Stockbridge, ...

Sonora Bronco Relays Saturday 3/18/17 Varsity Track Results: Triple Jump--Shay Baker, 1st, 33’01 ¼” 400m--Angelica Ramirez, 1st, 1:00.30 800m--Angelica Ramirez, 1st, 2:20.93 4x100m Relay--Madison Owen, K’lee Anders, Sandra Duarte, Shay Baker, 5th, 54.02 4x200m Relay--Madison Owen, K’lee Anders, Sandra Duarte, Victoria Baltierra, 5th, 1:55.84 4x400m Relay--Victoria Baltierra, Madison Owen, Shay Baker, Angelica Ramirez, 3rd, 4:16.52 Team Standings--Wall 163, Brady 87, Ballinger 51, Mason ...

Mason Young Life is a non-profit organization working to introduce high school students to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. We will be sponsoring a fundraising opportunity for high school students throughout Mason to raise money for Young Life camp this summer! Young Life will be taking over 20 kids to Crooked Creek in Colorado. Students of multiple skill levels will be available from now until June for a wide variety of work.

There will be a Multi-County Wildlife Program on April 11, 2017 to be held at Thunder Hill Ranch, 2173 County Road 304, Llano 78643 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program is a joint effort between Mason, Menard, McCulloch, Gillespie, Kimble, and Llano Counties. Five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for attending this program. The registration and welcome is from 8:30 a.m.

Mason, Texas – Residents living in and around the Mason, Texas can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. City of Mason Community Building will host this community event on 4/5/2017. The site is located at 1015 San Antonio St in Mason. Screenings can check for: The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular h ...

Let’s celebrate our Texas heritage! Come see “Legends of the Lone Star State!” to be performed by the Bright Star Touring Theatre at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library, 410 Post Hill Street, on March 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the Stribling Room. These professional actors bring to life legends, stories, music, humor, and heroes from Texas.

Nearly half a million acres of the Texas Panhandle burned. Homes, barns and fences burned. Some lost livestock. Others lost their lives. Now that the fires are out, farmers, ranchers and landowners are working to rebuild. But they need help. “Some people lost everything,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said.

God has put on a great show this spring. The bluebonnets and other wild flowers are gorgeous. One of the prettiest drives I have been on is between Llano and Mason. I know I have not been on all area roads, but this is a pretty one. Enjoy. Lenten Lunches continue.

Ouida Schuessler, of Mason, passed away on Monday, March 20, at the age of 80. Mrs. Schuessler is survived by her husband, Dwain Schuessler, of Mason, a daughter, Tori Dutton of Mason, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.

Norman Lee Overstreet, 70, of Brady, Texas, formerly of Anton, Texas, died March 11, 2017, in Brady. Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Anton Cemetery. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas. Norman was born in Lubbock, Texas, on March 16, 1946, to Cecil and Bernell Overstreet. Norman served in the National Guard and received his associates degree in civil drafting.

Jack Bob Smith, 90, of Brady passed away on the morning of March 17, 2017, in Brady. Jack Bob was born on October 9, 1926, in Lohn, Texas to Embre George Smith and Lanning (Batchelor) Smith. He was raised in Lohn and graduated from Lohn High School. He served in the United States Army during the final months of World War II. Jack Bob married Peggy Nell Jacoby on July 3, 1959, in De Leon, Texas, and they had one son, Jack Bob Jr., born in 1961. Jack Bob was actively involved in the “Heart-of-T ...

Using the Enquirer as Source Material Over the course of the last decade, the American public has been making a trek through a new world of social media, instant access and reality shows. While our great-grandparents lived through the results of the industrial revolution, our grandparents through world wars and our parents through consumer excess, we are living through the age of information overload. Reality shows were the beginning of the end in this brave new world.

Education Funding for MISD Pre-K program Last week in Austin, our state senate and house of representatives proposed legislation to DEFUND PRE-K programs across the state. Since I moved to Mason 13 years ago, I have seen continual improvement in educational achievement and professional success of our MISD graduates, many of whom benefited from our excellent Pre-K program.

March is Texas History Month, and we’re celebrating with special programming. Bright Star Theatre will present “Legends of the Lone Star State” at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, March 28, in the Stribling Room of the library, 410 Post Hill Street. They will be playing different people from our history in an entertaining program.

Atomic Pork Last week’s column, about the debate over whether Texans should be allowed to poison feral hogs, hit a nerve. It seems there are a lot of folks who are intensely passionate about whether hogs should be killed, and how. And I think that’s a good thing, I just didn’t expect to stir up a hornet’s nest.

Z and I took the DNA test, back in January. I had to do mine over. So maybe in June I’ll get my results. Z’s got 15% Irish. Gee, I hope I’m Irish, too. The Irish folks know how to laugh and have a good time. They're a jolly bunch!

Teachers and Honor Rolls... I face Old Glory, hand over heart, extending respect to educators wherever they serve, and at whatever “frazzle” level they are. Hopefully, their heads are above water in the “tides of March,” or victims of “ides” attributed to the same month. Some are smiling at the prospect of spring break coming soon.

Cheez-it Chicken This week’s recipe includes one of my favorite snacks, Cheez-It crackers. I think you will like the crunch and the “Cheezy-ness” that this dish offers. Cheez-its have been a favorite American snack since 1921, even lasting through the Depression. I like to serve with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes (you can use instant potatoes.) 2 lbs.

God has put on a great show this spring. The bluebonnets and other wild flowers are gorgeous. One of the prettiest drives I have been on is between Llano and Mason. I know I have not been on all area roads, but this is a pretty one. Enjoy. Lenten Lunches continue.

Bringing in the sheaves, Bringing in the sheaves. We shall come rejoicing, Bringing in the sheaves. One of the most popular hymns for Protestant Christians. Inspired by Psalm 126:6. Written in 1874. With a wide range of renditions. From Frank Zappa. To characters on “The Simpsons.” To Granny on “Beverly Hillbillies.” We shall come rejoicing, Bringing in the sheaves. And the coastal hay. And the wash off the line. And calling up the cows. Rejoice, rejoice. As we bring anything to fruitio ...