August 22, 2018 Issue

(Mason, Texas) – The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has elected Robert R. Hofmann, judge, 452nd District Court, Mason, Texas, to the NCJFCJ Board of Directors. “Judge Hofmann’s lifelong dedication and passion to child welfare goes beyond his multi-county judicial district,” said Judge John J. Romero, Jr., NCJFCJ president.

Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) is a non-profit organization that provides services in Mason County. These services include the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Case Management, and the Weatherization Program. The Mason Senior Center nutrition program is also under HCCAA. The nutrition program will change administration beginning October 1, 2018; the program will then be under the care of Mason County.

Rheumatologist Michael Abel, M.D., FACR, joined the Hill Country Memorial Medical Group in August. Abel is based in Fredericksburg and is currently the only full-time rheumatology specialist in the Hill Country. “Dr. Abel brings a specialized expertise to our team and a highly knowledgeable approach to his field, and we are excited to welcome him,” said Clint Kotal, Chief Operating Officer of the HCM Medical Group.

Mason, Texas - Mason County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. (“MCHFH”) is nearing the end of its homeowner selection process for the home it will build in 2019. MCHFH’s Homeowner Selection Committee held public meetings in July to explain the selection process and requirements to anyone interested in being the buyer of the 2019 Habitat home.

While they may not be driving buses, serving food or teaching lessons, Texas farmers and ranchers are helping students return to the classroom. “From school supplies to clothing and food, Texas agriculture is an extremely important aspect of education,” Shannon Worrell, Mason County Farm Bureau president, said. “It’s easy to overlook, but a successful classroom wouldn’t exist without the help of farmers and ranchers.” East Texas timber can be found throughout schools in the Lo ...

Mason-Llano, Texas, August 9, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director in Mason and Llano County, Randy Maenius, today announced that ranchers and livestock producers may be eligible for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2018. According to Maenius, “Both Mason and Llano County recently met qualifying drought ratings that ‘trigger’ eligibility for the Livestock Forage Prog ...

JULY 2018 NEWSPAPER LOG 07-01-18@0915 Deputy Escobar responded to Loose Livestock on Balsam 07-01-18@1003 Mason EMS responded to Ft McKavitt St for a female with Difficulty Breathing. Patient was not transported to the hospital. 07-01-18@1252 Deputy Escobar responded to a Minor Crash on Ft McKavitt St. 07-01-18@1150 Deputy Escobar responded to a Disorderly Subject at Dollar General. 07-01-18@1502 Deputy J Lancaster responded to a Disorderly Subject at Willow Creek. 07-01-18@1658 T ...

“Boss” Lion Marty Bentson gaveled to order the weekly meeting of the Mason Lions Club on August 15. The Lion’s Club had two guests, Tad Kirby, a junior at Mason High School and son of Pastor Kirby, and Lion Chase Smith’s father, Paul Smith, former long time tennis coach at Mason High School and prospective new Lion’s Club member. Lion Treg Hudson was responsible for the program, and he introduced County Judge Jerry Bearden as the speaker. Judge Bearden announced that he had li ...

The community of Mason has a reputation for meeting the challenges that come our way and working together to find a way to help those in need. As many people know a specific challenge has recently come our way when the Agency that has been supporting and providing oversight for our Senior Center Nutrition Program and the Meals-on-Wheels program has decided to stop their involvement.

The Mason County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Castell General Store for graciously hosting their Quarterly Mixer this past Thursday, August 16th! It was a fabulous turnout and we truly appreciate everyone who drove out to support a new member at their Ribbon Cutting before indulging in hand-made appetizers, burgers and good cold beer. The 2018 Wild Game Dinner Kawasaki Mule was also on location with $1.00 raffle tickets being sold for those in attendance.

Meet June!! She is a 1 year old female Lab mix with a fantastic personality. This pretty girl would love to be in a home where she be given plenty of play time and, of course, love. Can’t you just picture weekend camping trips or nice long hikes with June? That little face says ‘I am ready for an adventure.’ June will make a loyal and loving companion for an individual or a family. If you are interested in learning more about her, please contact Second Chance – Mason Animal Rescue ...

The United Way of Concho Valley has awarded the Mason Nutrition Program with a venture grant fund. In last week’s newspaper, the United Way article listed Mason County as one of fourteen counties that they provide services to. An application for funds was submitted and reviewed by United Way of the Concho Valley’s Board of Directors.

The United Way of Concho Valley has awarded the Mason Nutrition Program with a venture grant fund. In last week’s newspaper, the United Way article listed Mason County as one of fourteen counties that they provide services to. An application for funds was submitted and reviewed by United Way of the Concho Valley’s Board of Directors.

Second Chance Mason Animal Rescue invites you to a spaghetti lunch on Sunday, September 9 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Parish Hall, a fundraiser for the free Spay/Neuter Program for income eligible residents within Mason and Mason County. There is a great need for assistance with spaying and neutering services.

Samuel Shelton will be teaching and demonstrating the process of painting the female portrait in alla prima from start to finish. Each student can expect to leave with a completed painting and well versed in the steps to getting a likeness of the subject. The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 15, 9:30 a.m.

We will start spraying between the hours of 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Please try to stay indoors during these and times if not this Product (Delta Guard) we are spraying is safe for animals and People. We want to thank everyone for their cooperation in advance in keeping Mason safe!!! Wednesday August 29, 2018, we will begin spraying the south side of Mason, streets are: Austin, Fuchsia, Willow, Hackberry, Schuessler, Fir, Oak, Pine, Orange, East Rainey, Post Oak, East Kettner, South Live Oak, ...

The Llano Tea Party will celebrate their 8th Birthday September 6th at the American Legion. Guest speaker is Douglas Sanders, Chairman of the Llano County Republican Party and member of the Llano Tea Party. His topic is “Elections Have Consequences ... Your Vote Counts”. Social 6pm, Dinner and meeting begin at 6:30.

Llano River Watershed Alliance, in conjunction with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), will host a RACA Meeting at the Castell General Store on August 23rd from 6:30-8:00pm TPWD’s River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) program aims to increase sustainable fishing and paddling access to rivers and streams across private lands.

Individuals considering joint replacement surgery are invited to a free “Destination Restore” presentation with dinner at the Llano Library (102 E. Haynie St.) on Thursday, Sept. 6. A complimentary dinner will be provided at 6 p.m., with a presentation to follow. Hill Country Memorial Restore Program Coordinator Marilyn Berry and orthopedic surgeons will discuss types of hip, knee and shoulder replacement implants, treatment options and information about pre-operative classes and coac ...

The MCF is now accepting applications for our fall grant cycle. In the past twelve years, the MCF has awarded over 130 grants for a total of $344,000. We have provided grants for upgrades in medical services in our community, area fire departments, school programs, city beautification, and many other areas. If your non-profit group has a project that will benefit the majority of our community, and you have not received a grant from MCF in the last year, you can pick up and return a grant ...

School has started. A new season is here not related as much to fall as to activities of school kids. There is football, volleyball, and Cross Country. I have a granddaughter in volleyball and this is a new experience for me. Husband John is expected to be released from the VA nursing home in a few days.

Mr. Sidney Wayne Draper, 69 of Mason,TX died on Friday, August 17, 2018 in Snyder. A memorial service for Mr. Draper will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home. Mr. Draper was born on Tuesday, July 12, 1949, in Little Rock, AR, to Donald Ivan and Peggy Dewilda (Tibbs) Draper.

Supporting the Fourth Estate Among the founding fathers of our nation, there were a handful of farmers, a large number of merchants, a few with their training in law, and a small number that were involved with newspapers. While we're all acutely aware of Benjamin Franklin's journalistic endeavors, or Patrick Henry's exhortations for independence, many may be less aware of early newspapers founded by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Interestingly, the newspaper the latter two patriots f ...

Quick N Easy Country Biscuits courtesy: Southern Living As the title of the recipe implies, this one is quick and easy, and you’re gonna love the results! The process of making them is not like anything I’d seen before, but it worked just fine. Eat ‘em with honey-butter; honey; butter; with gravy; without gravy; with an egg; without an egg; with a slice of cheddar cheese and a piece of bacon, or without.

We’re proud to announce the winners of our coloring contests! In the adult contest, Linda Fleece won 1st Place, Kassi Reichenau won 2nd Place, and Tom Knostman took 3rd Place. In the pre-K to 2nd Grade group, Mila Carrillo won 1st Place, Tanner Reichenau took 2nd Place, and Brooklyn Ortla won 3rd Place.

SWAT The Daily Wire headline said, “Man Spanks Hippo at LA Zoo, Launching Criminal Investigation.” For the record, I would like to point out that the subject of this investigation is not me. I’ve done some pretty stupid things, but I’ve never spanked a hippo. As far as hippos are concerned, I generally just leave them alone. What happened was, a fellow climbed a short fence a couple of weeks ago and slapped a hippo in a very personal region, namely the LA Zoo hippo enclosure.

More Than a Champion… Come Friday, August 31, tens of thousands of high school football fans who’ve been in countdown mode since championship games last December will fill stadiums across Texas, cheering for their favorite teams. At one venue, however, there’ll be a victorious atmosphere before the initial kick-off of the game between the Waxahachie Indians and the Ennis Lions. Back as head coach of the visiting Lions will be legendary leader Sam Harrell, whose Ennis teams won sta ...

School has started. A new season is here not related as much to fall as to activities of school kids. There is football, volleyball, and Cross Country. I have a granddaughter in volleyball and this is a new experience for me. Husband John is expected to be released from the VA nursing home in a few days.

What. What would we do without “what”? From Middle English and Indo-European. And Latin. And even Lithuanian. So says Trusty Webster. What’s new, Pussycat? What’s up, Doc? What’s it all about, Alfie? What’s the problem? What’s happening? Que passa? What’s done is done. What’s a mother to do? What would Jesus do? What do you mean? What do you say? Please. And thank you. What difference does it make? What do you know? What do you think ...