March 28, 2018 Issue

Congratulations to Rehab Rockstars for walking the most miles in the Walk Across Texas campaign for two weeks in a row! The Rehab Rockstars reported a whopping 302 miles this past week and once again hold bragging rights to the Golden Shoe trophy! Rehab Rockstars’ team members include Christina Gonzales (captain), Cynthia Cunningham, Carrie Gonzales, Joe Angel Gonzales, Bandi Burch, Justin Burch, Cory Rohlf, and Tammy Rohlf.

This past Palm Sunday, St Joseph’s Youth Group re-enacted the Stations of the Cross. The stations are an old Catholic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when Christians longed to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land but found it impossible. Instead we trace Jesus’s journey along the way of the cross to Calvary in our own church. The teens brought the stations alive through their own lens, reflecting on Jesus’ struggle in the context of their own life experience. Our teens would ...

During the March 6 Primary Elections in Mason County, there were no contested local races on the ballot. The local positions (all on the Republican ballot) that ran unopposed, and their vote totals, are: County Judge Jerry Bearden - 433 District & County Clerk Pam Beam - 409 County Treasurer Polly McMillan - 421 Justice of the Peace Treg Hudson - 413 Commissioner Pct.

Conversations about the next farm bill, farm labor shortages and trade agreements echoed through the halls and offices on Capitol Hill recently as more than 100 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members, including Jim Bob Smith and daughter, Steeley Smith, from Mason County, met with members of the U.S. Congress to talk about issues important to agriculture and Mason County. “This trip is a great opportunity for Mason County residents to connect face-to-face with their elected officials,” Shannon ...

VB: Antonian - 190 Mason 145 Medina - 81.5 Harper - 71 Heritage - 68 Rocksprings - 53.5 100 - C. Coe 11.30 5th, R. Coe 11.31 6th 400 - Powell 54.93 2nd, Watson 55.03 3rd, McLaughlin 56.6 5th 800 - Watson 2:16.2 5th, Keller 2:23.11 6th 1600 - Potts 5:24.9 6th 3200 - Potts 12:42.8 6th 110H - Benefield 17.47 2nd, Nail 18.10 3rd 300H - Wofford 43.32 1st, Benefield 46.8 4th, Nail 47.6 6th 4x100 - Cockerham, McMillan, Klaerner, Coe 45.9 2nd 4x200 - McMillan, Wofford, P ...

“Boss” Lion Jim Heidelberg convened the weekly meeting of the Mason Lions Club on March 20. Thirty-three members attended the meeting along with today’s speaker and three guests, Lion Mark Kirby’s son, Tad, and two Mason High School seniors. “Boss” Jim asked the seniors to introduce themselves. Tiani Tovar said after graduation she plans to attend Angelo State University and double major in Communications and Agribusiness.

The Mason Square Museum is pleased to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a high school graduating senior this year. A General Scholarship application from Mason High School should be completed and submitted along with an essay on one of these topics: Fort Mason, Herman and Willie Lehmann and their connection with Mason, or Geology in Mason County. Application should be mailed to Mason Square Museum, P.O.

Mason Cowgirls Varsity Outdone By Early, 6-2 Mason Cowgirls Varsity got things moving in the first inning, when Bridgit Herrington doubled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run. Jesse Armstrong took the loss for Mason Cowgirls Varsity. She surrendered six runs on six hits over four innings, striking out ten. Herrington and Presley Anastas each collected one hit to lead Mason Cowgirls Varsity.

Mason Cowgirls Varsity Grabs Lead In Fifth Inning For Victory Over Miles Mason Cowgirls stole the lead late and defeated Miles 7-6 on Friday. The game was tied at two with Mason Cowgirls batting in the top of the fifth when Bridgit Herrington homered on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs. Despite falling down by four runs in the sixth inning, Miles tried to fight back.

Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 4:00 - 6:00 pm Mason Elementary Library PRE-K & KINDER Who: Students living within MISD who will turn 4 by September 1, 2018 What to Bring: Student birth certificate, student social security card, student shot records, parent/guardian driver’s license, and parent/guardian proof of residency (bill with address) HEAD START and EARLY HEAD START Who: Students living within MISD who will turn 18 mos.

The MHS Pioneers have been working closely with Cliff Kaplan from the Hill Country Alliance and Bridget Langdale of the Mason Stargazers to learn more about protecting the night skies of Mason County. Our first event in this journey was a Star Party held at our teacher Mrs. Bierschwale’s home 6 miles from Mason.

Mason Young Life is finishing the school year strong and looking forward to the summer! Our plan is to take 24 Mason students to camp at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. But they need help getting there! These students are willing to work to earn their money towards camp, so please call us with any “odd” jobs you may have…lawn work, painting, moving things, cleaning gutters, etc. Please call Logan Hodges at 302-278-2820 with any needs you may have!

The Mason High School Academic UIL Team won the 2018 District Meet held which was held in San Saba on March 21. Overall, Mason posted 722 points, topping Harper’s 391 points. On top of winning handily, the academic team managed to place in every one of the meet’s 24 events. In all, students took first place in 11 different events, and a record 36 students advanced to compete in the Regional Meet which will be held April 13-14 in Corpus Christi.

Texas Girls Coaches Association All State Ruby Magnus Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region Ruby Magnus, Peyton Anastas, Presley Anastas, McKenzie Cano All-State Ruby Magnus San Angelo Standard Times All-West Texas Super Team- Ruby Magnus & Peyton Anastas San Angelo Standard Times All-West Texas AA Team- Ruby Magnus, Peyton Anastas, Presley Anastas, McKenzie Cano District 27AA Honors Most Valuable Player Ruby Magnus Offensive Player of the Year Pey ...

Triple Jump: Shay Baker, 1st, 34’4.50”; Aunnecy Elliott, 4th, 30’7.25”; High Jump: Courtney Hanscheck, 1st, 5’; Discus: Vivianna Montellano, 3rd, 92’1”; Shot Put: Vivianna Montellano, 5th, 28’7.50”; Long Jump: Victoria Baltierra, 3rd, 13’11”; 4x100m Relay: 2nd, Aunnecy Elliott, Raegan Palacio, Allie Guice, Victoria Baltierra, 54.17; 800m: Anna Segura, 6th, 2:40.68; 100m: Allie Guice, 3rd, 13.94; Courtney Hanscheck, 4th, 14.04; Presley Anastas, 6th, 14.24; ...

Triple Jump: Shay Baker, 1st, 34’4.50”; Aunnecy Elliott, 4th, 30’7.25”; High Jump: Courtney Hanscheck, 1st, 5’; Discus: Vivianna Montellano, 3rd, 92’1”; Shot Put: Vivianna Montellano, 5th, 28’7.50”; Long Jump: Victoria Baltierra, 3rd, 13’11”; 4x100m Relay: 2nd, Aunnecy Elliott, Raegan Palacio, Allie Guice, Victoria Baltierra, 54.17; 800m: Anna Segura, 6th, 2:40.68; 100m: Allie Guice, 3rd, 13.94; Courtney Hanscheck, 4th, 14.04; Presley Anastas, 6th, 14.24; ...

VB: Antonian - 190 Mason 145 Medina - 81.5 Harper - 71 Heritage - 68 Rocksprings - 53.5 100 - C. Coe 11.30 5th, R. Coe 11.31 6th 400 - Powell 54.93 2nd, Watson 55.03 3rd, McLaughlin 56.6 5th 800 - Watson 2:16.2 5th, Keller 2:23.11 6th 1600 - Potts 5:24.9 6th 3200 - Potts 12:42.8 6th 110H - Benefield 17.47 2nd, Nail 18.10 3rd 300H - Wofford 43.32 1st, Benefield 46.8 4th, Nail 47.6 6th 4x100 - Cockerham, McMillan, Klaerner, Coe 45.9 2nd 4x200 - McMillan, Wofford, P ...

The City of Mason will be holding a County Wide Tire Clean-Up scheduled to begin on Monday, April 9, 2018, and continue through Friday, April 13, 2018. The cost per regular vehicle sized tires and smaller tires will be $2 per tire. Truck and tractor tires or anything larger than a standard vehicle tire will cost $5 per tire. All tires can be dropped off during the hours of 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday at the City of Mason Recycling Center at 510 N.

The Mason Square Museum is pleased to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a high school graduating senior this year. A General Scholarship application from Mason High School should be completed and submitted along with an essay on one of these topics: Fort Mason, Herman and Willie Lehmann and their connection with Mason, or Geology in Mason County. Application should be mailed to Mason Square Museum, P.O.

The Mason County Republican Party met on Saturday, March 24, for its County Convention at the Mason County Library. The County Convention elected the following to be delegates to the Republican Convention in San Antonio June 14-16, 2018 Wanda Rueffer, Republican County Chair Bruce Lehmberg, Pct. 4, Republican Chair Will McCann Cindy Jones. Alternate delegates are Juhree Lehmberg and Jan McCann.

Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 4:00 - 6:00 pm Mason Elementary Library PRE-K & KINDER Who: Students living within MISD who will turn 4 by September 1, 2018 What to Bring: Student birth certificate, student social security card, student shot records, parent/guardian driver’s license, and parent/guardian proof of residency (bill with address) HEAD START and EARLY HEAD START Who: Students living within MISD who will turn 18 mos.

The MHS Pioneers have been working closely with Cliff Kaplan from the Hill Country Alliance and Bridget Langdale of the Mason Stargazers to learn more about protecting the night skies of Mason County. Our first event in this journey was a Star Party held at our teacher Mrs. Bierschwale’s home 6 miles from Mason.

Have you purchased your Pawtail Party III tickets yet? No? Hurry and do so! We will have tons of delicious food and beverages for you, plus you don’t want to miss the fun! Second Chance Mason Animal Rescue is having its third annual Pawtail Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the residence of Keith and Sue Kaan.

The Mason Square Museum will honor their loyal docents with a reception on Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 PM at the Museum. All docents and prospective docents and their spouses and friends are invited to attend this fun filled event of food, wine, and fellowship! Since opening its doors in 2007, the Museum has welcomed over 30,000 visitors and has only had to close on three days when it was scheduled to be open.

The annual Book and Bake Sale is the primary fundraiser for the Friends of the Library. We need your book donations as soon as possible. Book donations can be dropped off at the Library during working hours. If you have books to donate, please pack them in cardboard boxes. Use separate boxes for fiction and nonfiction, if possible.

Mason Young Life is finishing the school year strong and looking forward to the summer! Our plan is to take 24 Mason students to camp at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. But they need help getting there! These students are willing to work to earn their money towards camp, so please call us with any “odd” jobs you may have…lawn work, painting, moving things, cleaning gutters, etc. Please call Logan Hodges at 302-278-2820 with any needs you may have!

Hilda United Methodist Church would like to invite everyone to its annual Easter Sunrise Service this coming Sunday, April 1st at 7:00 a.m. The site for the service is in front of John and D’Lynn Brandenberger’s historic home. It is located approximately 4 miles south of US Hwy 87S on RR 783 and Loeffler Ln. Following will be a continental breakfast at the church’s fellowship hall to which everyone is invited. There will also be the regular Sunday service at 11:00 a.m.

Neil Simon Comedy Closes Season 21 Fredericksburg, TX (March 20, 2018) – The Fredericksburg Theater Company (FTC) announces the cast for their spring production Barefoot in the Park, which opens Friday, Apr. 13th. The production will have nine performances at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 Hwy 87 South, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624. Barefoot in the Park originally premiered on Broadway on October 23, 1963, eventually running for 1,530 performances.

The AgriLife Extension Offices of five counties in the Texas Hill Country will hold their annual Wildlife Field Day on April 5, 2018 at the Doss Community Center beginning at 9 AM. The cost is $25.00 and 3 CEU’s will be offered. Lunch is provided. Seminars include: Drones, MLD permits, Deer Necropsy, Native Plants for Wildlife and more.

“Night Sky Friendly Business” is a distinction given to Mason businesses in a new program called the Night Sky Business Recognition Program. Our first businesses to receive this award are Mason Gallery owned by Bob and Cathy Terrill and Lilacs N Calico owned by Jennifer Hitzfelder. Highlighting your business at night if you are located on the square is a good business practice for we have traffic coming through and visitors walking our sidewalks.

I have spent too much time listening to the weatherman this week. We need rain. I can’t turn on the outside water system until I repair the faucets that froze. We need rain. The Spring flowers could use a drink. They are pretty in some areas but very sparse in others.

Hill Country CattleWomen are offering scholarships to students who attend a Texas college or university, and are currently a junior or senior at university level. Additionally, they are awarding a Trade school scholarship for graduating seniors. University applicants must have accumulated at least 60 credit hours, have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or greater, and must reside in one of the 14 counties in the Hill Country.

This past Palm Sunday, St Joseph’s Youth Group re-enacted the Stations of the Cross. The stations are an old Catholic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when Christians longed to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land but found it impossible. Instead we trace Jesus’s journey along the way of the cross to Calvary in our own church. The teens brought the stations alive through their own lens, reflecting on Jesus’ struggle in the context of their own life experience. Our teens would ...

Mason Young Life is finishing the school year strong and looking forward to the summer! Our plan is to take 24 Mason students to camp at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. But they need help getting there! These students are willing to work to earn their money towards camp, so please call us with any “odd” jobs you may have…lawn work, painting, moving things, cleaning gutters, etc. Please call Logan Hodges at 302-278-2820 with any needs you may have!

Hilda United Methodist Church would like to invite everyone to its annual Easter Sunrise Service this coming Sunday, April 1st at 7:00 a.m. The site for the service is in front of John and D’Lynn Brandenberger’s historic home. It is located approximately 4 miles south of US Hwy 87S on RR 783 and Loeffler Ln. Following will be a continental breakfast at the church’s fellowship hall to which everyone is invited. There will also be the regular Sunday service at 11:00 a.m.

No Apologies for Being Me.... I am, by nature, a very polite person. However, catch me on a bad day, and I can be churlish and prickly. I'm not always sure that my good behavior makes up for those times that I'm unpleasant; but, I try to keep those periods as brief and isolated as I can. Unfortunately, if someone's only experience with me occurred on a day when I was several shades of intolerable, that is probably the impression they carry with them.

Marching To the Editor: On Saturday the Llano County Democrats held their county convention and then participated in a March for Our Lives in solidarity with the movement to demand better and safer gun laws. We were honored to have 3 beautiful young Mason High School women join us. They even took their time to make a banner to carry. I did not get their names but they are certainly to be commended for showing an interest in a very timely and important issue that is harming our nation. ...

Big Picture Understanding the big picture is critical -- what Mason does today affects how well Mason will do in the future. The challenge for Mason is to remain vital, encourage and support our local businesses and work improve the quality of life for Mason’s residents. To do that, voters must think and plan ahead. JD Kidwell, a retired business owner with a 40-year career working with cities and city utilities, understands how city services work and how the city commission functions.

Reasons Commissioner Sue Pledger I'll admit, I am puzzled by Commissioner Sue Pledger's rational and explanation, as published in the March 7th issue of the Mason County News, for not filing the city's disaster plan with FEMA. Ms. Pledger stated, "We in Mason have always handled matters very well locally, and have not needed even once in the past to look to the federal government for relief".

Housing Commissioner Sue Pledger, Precinct 3 ( Republican) respects the rule of law and stands up for the People of Mason. Sue was lambasted recently by an opponent for a stand she took on a housing project. I had raised my concerns about it with Sue. The developer's plans to the Texas Commission on Housing and Community Affairs proposed 45 units, not targeted specifically to help Mason residents but people from other places.

Candidates Eight candidates for three positions can be very overwhelming. Reading introductions of the candidates for positions of Mayor and the City Commissioners Precinct 1 and 3 in the Mason County News has been helpful to what life experience they offer. Reading life experience is very different from discerning motive for candidacy, a read-between-the-lines endeavor, except in reference to the incumbents whose past actions and words speak volumes.

Support Commissioner Sue Pledger has a heart for this community, and has given many years of service including finding a rent free home, along with a group of friends, for the Mason Ministerial Alliance Food Bank. Also, a number of prior attempts have been made to establish a nursing home in Mason, and to date, all of them have been unsuccessful for one reason or another.

Good Guy My father was a generous man. He was always helping neighbors, and as a co-founder of the Unitarian Fellowship in Houston, might be on the roof one day, or fixing plumbing the next. He was a conservative who could accept "the greenhouse effect", and lectured on it. He was an "Oil Man"

Italian Supermarket Bread You know that yummy Italian bread that you can get at some supermarkets around Central Texas? The fat, golden, sesame-sprinkled loaves? Well, you can make those right here in your own home, and they aren’t that difficult! Ingredients: 4 cups King Arthur All-Purpose Flour (or similar) 2 tablespoons of potato flour or ¼ cup of dried potato flakes ¼ cup Baker’s Special Dry Milk or any nonfat dry milk 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons i ...

Ann who? No doubt you’ve heard the joke about the kid who asked his dad about the pictures of wanted criminals in the post office. When told they were bad guys and the police were looking for them, the kid said, “Why didn’t they hang onto them when they took their pictures?” Since you’ve heard it, I won’t tell it here, but the question seems valid from an adolescent, uninformed, naïve point of view.

Out On a Limb…. Angry “harrumphs” in our crazed, crossways world drown out “hurrahs,” hands down. Flag-waving optimists now droop where they formerly dared. If Johnny came marching home today, a substantial element might try to send him back. (In New York City, someone posted a sign directed at newcomers: “If you can make it there, go back.”) Unquestionably, topics formerly sacrosanct are now “under further review,” with no resolution in sight.

Baked Chicken & Rice Well, you know how I love the “traditional” dishes. This one reminds of Easter or every Lutheran Covered dish luncheon I ever went to. It isn’t one of Roddie’s favorites, he isn’t a big rice fan but every once in awhile he appeases me. Sadly, families don’t get together or get along like they used.

I have spent too much time listening to the weatherman this week. We need rain. I can’t turn on the outside water system until I repair the faucets that froze. We need rain. The Spring flowers could use a drink. They are pretty in some areas but very sparse in others.

Rat. Dead in the trap. That is that. And a giant rat at that. Now barking dogs. Three in the morning. Something’s up. It’s the middle of the night. You tiptoe out on the porch. A surreal world awaits. Nighttime lit by a streetlight. Above, a conglomeration of stars. Nobody around. Neighbors sleeping in dark houses. All is quiet. Except for an eighteen-wheeler in the distance. And there it is. Bigger than a breadbox. Bigger than a rat. Bigger than a ca ...