October 18, 2017 Issue

Visitors attending Monday night's City Commission meeting could have been forgiven for any confusion in regards to the meeting they were observing. During the Public Comment section of the agenda, speaker after speaker rose to talk about addiction problems, about drugs in the community, and about the need for a dedicated facility to meet the needs of those fighting addiction in Mason County. Normally, in the course of reporting on meetings of governmental bodies, the names of the speakers a ...

Five seniors from last year’s 2017 graduating class were named as recipients of a prestigious Texas Interscholastic League Foundation Scholarship. Only high-achieving students who competed at the state level in UIL Academic competitions and then enroll in a Texas university are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The five seniors receiving awards were Ali Baltierra, Margaret Graves, Kendra Klaerner, Sara Powell, and Steeley Smith. All five of these students earned State Championship ...

Hill Country Memorial offers the following tips for citizens to stay vigilant against colds and flu. The common cold and the flu are both viruses, but their symptoms and treatments are different. A cold causes a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, sneezing and tiredness. It starts gradually and lasts three to seven days.

The time for tax reform is now. For the first time in more than 30 years, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are in a position to rewrite the American tax code, according to Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president. “The U.S. House, Senate and the White House are working together this session,” Worrell said.

“Boss” Lion Jim Heidelberg convened the weekly meeting of the Mason Lions Club on October 10. Thirty members were present. “Boss” Jim encouraged members to bring guests to the Lions Club weekly meetings as part of the effort to build membership. “Boss” Jim related on this day in history, October 10, 732, the Franks, led by Charles Martel, halted the Islamic advance into Western Europe at the decisive Battle of Tours.

The cooler weather is certainly a pleasant change from the mid-90s that have still been with us until just last week. If it stays cooler, I think we will all feel that summer is really over for this year, and we can move on to enjoy the fall. One real benefit right now is that the demands on our water system are down from the higher usage a couple of months ago when our residents needed to water their lawns and landscapes.

As I sit here and type out this article, I am watching out the front window. The wind is causing the trees to sway gently to and fro. The sunshine beaming down makes the perfect warmth for the otherwise chilly day. I am jealous of the birds outside singing. They are belting out almost a rap version of their happiest songs. Fall is quickly giving way to winter and this day verifies that beyond any doubt.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Officers of Second Chance - Mason Animal Rescue, I am pleased to present a picture of the design approved by the Board for our no-kill shelter and adoption center. I would like to explain that this design has been an evolutionary process.

Be our Guest! The fourth grade faculty and students at Mason Elementary would consider it a great pleasure if all of our Mason County veterans would join us for a luncheon on Friday, November 10th at the Mason Elementary Library beginning at 11:00 am. A short program will also follow in the MJH gym at 12:30 pm.

Five seniors from last year’s 2017 graduating class were named as recipients of a prestigious Texas Interscholastic League Foundation Scholarship. Only high-achieving students who competed at the state level in UIL Academic competitions and then enroll in a Texas university are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The five seniors receiving awards were Ali Baltierra, Margaret Graves, Kendra Klaerner, Sara Powell, and Steeley Smith. All five of these students earned State Championship ...

Your Mighty Mason Puncher Band will be attending the UIL Region 32 Marching Contest in Cedar Park at Gupton Stadium on Saturday, October 21st. Mason will be the first band to perform at the contest starting at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $5 and the address for the stadium is 200 Gupton Way Drive, Cedar Park, 78613. The band thanks you for all of your support throughout the year and looks forward to presenting their best performance this Saturday!

The Punchers played a outstanding game last week in Hondo. They were able to defeat the Owls 35-21. First offensive possession the Punchers went to the air for a 60 yard touchdown from Whitt Bierschwale to Aaron Reardon. Gage Watson scampered for a 40 yard touchdown late in the first quarter to go up 14-0.

7th vs. Menard The 7th grade Punchers played a hard fought game against Menard as they came out ahead with a 14-6 win. The defense played very well holding them to only one score. Cason Jacoby scored 2 touchdowns on the ground and Isaiah Bishop scored a two-point conversion. The 7th grade Punchers will take on Harper next week at the Puncherdome at 5pm. 8th vs, Sonora The 8th grade Punchers won a close one in the final seconds of the game as they won 22-14 against Sonora. It was a tru ...

1st Grade A Honor Roll Cuatro Beaty Parker Bownds Tanner Bradley Bella Brown Emily Calhoun Lumpkins Jacey Collins Jake Cortez Eleanor Ducellier Parker Ellis Brooklyn Garrett Blythe Grote Shane Haley Bailey Hearn Georgia Hicks Lily Jackson Jayson Jordan Brody Kroll Micah Martinez-King Michelle Mun Abigail Munsell Corbyn Neece Brooklynn Orta Everly Rabon Elias Sanchez Jolie Simon Sienna Smith Koen Soto Benjamin Tallent Yanet Trejo-Guer ...

The Puncher and Cowgirl Cross Country teams both qualified for the Region IV Cross Country Meet in Corpus Christi to be held on October 23rd. They were both silver medalists coming out of the District 27AA meet. The Cowgirls had three runners qualify as individuals as well by placing in the top ten individually.

It’s a “Tale as Old as Time”….. or at least 60 years. A Queen and King, as well as their court, will be chosen to represent their school at the Diamond Anniversary Queen’s Coronation. The ceremony will be held on November 4th, 2017 at 7:30 in the Mason Community Building.

Please join the Friends of the M. Bevens Eckert Library Board on October 19, for good conversation and wine and cheese at the home of Dennis and Kay Evans. This event is held every fall as a way of thanking the Mason community for their support of our library. As a result of your support and the amazing library staff and volunteers, our library is viewed as a model for State with its wide- ranging programs and materials for everyone.

Be our Guest! The fourth grade faculty and students at Mason Elementary would consider it a great pleasure if all of our Mason County veterans would join us for a luncheon on Friday, November 10th at the Mason Elementary Library beginning at 11:00 am. A short program will also follow in the MJH gym at 12:30 pm.

The Union Band Cemetery Memorial Association will have their annual business meeting on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Pontotoc Community Center. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Darden Smith kicks off the Odeon fall/winter concert series Saturday October 21. Over the course of 30 years Smith has produced 30 albums with hits on the country charts and pop charts. With Columbia Records, he released Trouble No More (1990), best known for “Midnight Train” and “Frankie & Sue,” and Little Victories (1993) which included the Top 10 pop hit single, “Loving Arms”.

On Monday October 23, State District 53 Representative Andy Murr will have a town hall in the District Courtroom of the Mason County Courthouse at 6:00 PM. Rep. Murr will be discussing this year’s regular and special sessions of the State Legislature. The entire county is invited to attend, especially middle and high school students.

The Mason County AgriLife Extension office has partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture to bring you 5 hours of speakers in one location on Wednesday, October 25. For your attendance, you will be given 5 CEU’s. The event will be held at the Eckert Civic Center, 1024 McKinley Ave in Mason from 8 AM to 2 PM.

Your Mighty Mason Puncher Band will be attending the UIL Region 32 Marching Contest in Cedar Park at Gupton Stadium on Saturday, October 21st. Mason will be the first band to perform at the contest starting at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $5 and the address for the stadium is 200 Gupton Way Drive, Cedar Park, 78613. The band thanks you for all of your support throughout the year and looks forward to presenting their best performance this Saturday!

If you’ve been disappointed with commercially-made greeting cards, this may be the class for you! Satisfy your creative cravings and learn to make your own cards. Jan Appleby will be teaching Creative Card Construction at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library on Saturday, October 21st, from 10:00 – 12:00.

A Prospective Grape Grower Workshop will be held from 9:30am-4:00pm at Schorlemmer Hall, St. James Lutheran Church in Llano on Thursday, November 9th, 2017.  This workshop is a one-day educational program designed to provide an overview of the unique requirements and economic risks associated with the establishment and operation of a commercial vineyard in Texas,” said Jim Kamas, Associate Professor & Extension Horticulturist stationed in Fredericksburg.  Registration will begin at 9:00 ...

Fredericksburg, TX (October 15, 2017) – Tickets are now on sale for FTC’s fall production, On Golden Pond. Guest artist Bob Strauss is directed the production, which continues its run on Friday, October 20th and runs weekends until Sunday, October 29th. On Golden Pond is a landmark comedy/drama of the American theatre that was also an Oscar-winning film starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn.

Enjoy a full day of fun in Mason on October 28th! The Mason Fall Arts Fest is back once again from 11-4pm. Artists of all kinds will be lining the sidewalks of the historic square in Mason.  See paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodworking and more. Stroll on down to the Historic Seaquist House for Spooky Halloween stories from 11-12pm, courtesy of Eckert Memorial Library.

It’s a “Tale as Old as Time”….. or at least 60 years. A Queen and King, as well as their court, will be chosen to represent their school at the Diamond Anniversary Queen’s Coronation. The ceremony will be held on November 4th, 2017 at 7:30 in the Mason Community Building.

This has been a really great week. Even though we missed the excitement of Puncher Football, and husband John missed his Dallas Cowboys, we had a productive and happy week. In the continuing saga of the greenhouse, Scott and Crystal came Sunday afternoon and put it back in place on its new foundation.

The Class of 1959 will have a reunion on Saturday, October 28, 2017. We will meet at noon in the back room of Nacho’s Cafe. Also, Friday night, the 27th, is MHS Homecoming at the Puncherdome and some want to meet to attend the game together. For more information and to RSVP, if you have not already done so, contact Maribelle Sharpe Hoerster at 325-347-4295.

Meeting in the Historical Building, which we knew as the old Grammar School, will be about three dozen members of the Mason High School Class of 1957. President was Larry Dannheim of San Antonio; Secretary Kathleen Leifeste Hill now of Westhoff; Reporter Mary Lanell Kothmann Schmidt; Treasurer Linna Maddox Bierschwale of Harper; and, Vice President Pat Reardon. On Saturday, October 21st, the group tours the school at 10:00 a.m., then recesses to the Senior Citizens front room for coffee and ...

The following students were reported to me for exhibiting good strong character in September. 1st grade Genesis Martinez Eli Veach 3rd Grade Elizabeth McFarland Reese Evans Noah Sparks Ziva Paul Ryleigh Peel Taylor Bierschwale Emily Buck Kyleigh Bradley Whitley Lopez Asa Smart Derek Wartenbach Toryn Tinney Mia Martinez Adalie Thomas 5th grade Cannon Rabon Junior Gomez Trevyr Parker 6th Grade Lynn Rae Lemberg 7th grade Abigail Wallace Bryan ...

Are you ready for the toughest sport on dirt to come to town? Bulls and blood, dirt and mud – The First Annual Mason County Chute-Out, presented by the National Professional Bull Riders Association and Rabon Bull Company. The event will be held at Ft. Mason Park Arena on October 28th at 7:30 p.m.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Officers of Second Chance - Mason Animal Rescue, I am pleased to present a picture of the design approved by the Board for our no-kill shelter and adoption center. I would like to explain that this design has been an evolutionary process.

Herbert Goff was born August 30, 1928, in McCulloch County. He passed from this life on October 12, 2017, in Colorado City, Texas. His last hours were spent in the presence of his daughter, Melinda Hoover and his loving wife of 68 years and 10 months Juanita (Elliott) Goff. Herbert grew up in the Hill Country of McCulloch and Mason Counties.

After a long battle with cancer, Charles Edward Trimble went to the arms of his Lord and Savior on July 27, 2017, at the age of 69. Charles was born on March 2, 1948 to Christian Van Trimble and Ora Fay Trimble in Menard, Texas. Charles touched many lives and left behind numerous loved ones.

Keeping a Diary... For over 17 years, I've been keeping a diary. Not one of those leather bound affairs or, like a teenage girl, a petite journal with a lock and key. Instead, my diary is this weekly column. And, unlike many diaries that are never intended to see the full light of day, my thoughts and recollections are shared in print every week. When I tally the actual number of columns, it now exceeds 900.

#name-changing Dear Gerry, The People’s Republic of Austin has replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The purpose of this #name-changing is to honor the names and cultures of the American Indians present on the continents when Columbus arrived. Supposedly the American Indians then were peace-loving, at one with the environment, and free of bad social habits.

Punchers Dear Gerry, It has been my privilege (along with various other people) to support our Mason Punchers football team by bringing the blow-up tunnel (and flags) to the varsity games since 2011. Recently the Puncher Club gave me a extremely generous gift card to thank me (and defray some of my expenses).

Another Bad Aim Kendall Hemphill’s column, “What Changed?” starts well but the ending is another disappointment. Hemphill knows he is dead wrong when he says guns have not changed. And like me, a fellow gun owner, he knows ammo is deadlier, guns are more powerful, and people are more likely to die of bigger, messier, multiple gunshot wounds today than when he was a little boy.

I hope everyone is noticing our new flagpole and flags flying proudly at the library. The Friends of the Library donated the funds to buy the pole, and the county donated the flags. The county roads and bridges crew installed it for us—thank you all! Also, don’t forget—Saturday Jan Appleby will be holding a free workshop, Creative Card Construction—sponsored by the library.

RIP BSA Back in the early 1970s, when I was a kid, I was one of the 6.5 million American boys who belonged to the Boy Scouts of America during the heyday of the organization. Actually, I never made Boy Scout. I was the scouting version of Beetle Bailey. He was a perpetual private.

It was more than “Nippy” this morning! However, this is Texas and it will change to warm/hot soon. Facebook, asks me, “What’s on your mind?” Gee, what is on my mind? I try and keep my mind in neutral, so most days I’ve not much to say. My Facebook friends also like to send me recipes of goodies.

That Little Light of His… For several days, I’ve started off humming a certain tune extracted from memories of Vacation Bible School days. (At times, I have broken into song, but retreated quickly to humming--or sometimes whistling--upon my wife’s mention that a continuance of the off-key noises, however joyful, threatens to ruin her day.) Mine is a modified version of “This Little Light of Mine.” A more accurate title would be “That Little Light of His.” Such tiny illumin ...

Tavern Burgers I recently had a couple of requests to re-run the “ The Mason Puncher Tavern Burger Recipe” I think that with this being the midst of Fall Football season it brings back memories of those of us that couldn’t wait to get to a “Mason Puncher” home football game to have a “Tavern Burger”.

This has been a really great week. Even though we missed the excitement of Puncher Football, and husband John missed his Dallas Cowboys, we had a productive and happy week. In the continuing saga of the greenhouse, Scott and Crystal came Sunday afternoon and put it back in place on its new foundation.

Singin’ in the rain. We’re happy again. In the early morning rain. And nowhere to go. Raindrops keep falling on our heads. Cuz, Baby, the rain must fall. Nearly 800 songs exist about rain. Rain changes perspective. Forget praying for peace in the Middle East. Pray for rain! Talk about an attitude adjustment. That’ll solve everything. Rain. We saw it. We got it. We live to tell the tale. Rain actually fell. And broke the spell. Thundered too. Some go ...