April 15, 2020 Issue

I hope everyone had a pleasant Easter Holiday and were able to celebrate in some fashion or another even though church services are somewhat restricted during this period due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our churches have provided for all citizens some type of Easter service and we should be very grateful to them for their dedication. The number of cases of Covid-19 continue to climb throughout the State and the death toll stands at 271 as of Monday, April 13th.

Quick digest • 25% of confirmed people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms • You can have the virus and spread it without knowing • Wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face • Wear a face covering if you HAVE to be out in public • Practice social distancing of 6ft • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles/grocery carts/cellphones) • Motivate one another to follow guidelines • Call your local provider or local Frontera clinic for any qu ...

I hope that each of you had a wonderful Easter, even though undoubtedly it was considerably different than those that have come before. One thing that has stayed the same this year is the abundant displays of wildflowers and the beautiful patches of bluebonnets everywhere in the Hill Country. Whether you take time for a drive just around town and enjoy the many patches of blue, or get a chance to drive through the country roads and enjoy the many colors and intense green vegetation of spring, ...

The Department of Texas VFW Auxiliary sponsors a scholarship program to assist nursing students achieve their goals. Current nursing students, who will be on track to graduate at any level in 2021 school year can apply. The nursing student must be attending a Texas College or University, be an American Citizen and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

The Department of Texas VFW Auxiliary sponsors a scholarship program to assist nursing students achieve their goals. Current nursing students, who will be on track to graduate at any level in 2021 school year can apply. The nursing student must be attending a Texas College or University, be an American Citizen and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

The Odeon Preservation Association (OPA) has announced that, in a groundbreaking move, they will stream a live performance from the Odeon stage via Facebook on April 18 at 7:00 p.m. The performance will feature local singer songwriter Justin McFarland and his wife Heather. Justin is a native Texan and a 7 year resident of Mason.

I hope everyone had a pleasant Easter Holiday and were able to celebrate in some fashion or another even though church services are somewhat restricted during this period due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our churches have provided for all citizens some type of Easter service and we should be very grateful to them for their dedication. The number of cases of Covid-19 continue to climb throughout the State and the death toll stands at 271 as of Monday, April 13th.

Fredericksburg, Texas - As Hill Country Memorial (HCM) looks to further ensure protecting its patients and keeping the community well, it has cancelled all elective surgeries for the foreseeable future. Also, in observance of social distancing, the Foundation for HCM has cancelled upcoming fundraising events. These decisions were made knowing the financial hardship that would result.

The sweeping impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic is being felt in every industry across the nation right now, including agriculture. Uncertain market futures and trade disruptions add to an already difficult year for Texas farmers and ranchers. But Americans do not have to fear a decrease in the safety and security of the U.S.

Now that we are getting used to our new normal, how is it working out for you? John and I have found that we enjoy a picnic in the parking lot of a restaurant out of town after a doctor visit. I would never have thought of this months ago.

Virginia L. Airheart Brown, of Mason, Tx, passed away April 11, 2020, at the age of 82. She was preceeded in death by her parents Walter Chester and Ethel Airheart, and brothers Gordan and Boyd Airheart of Mason, Tx. She is survived by her son Marty Brown of Mason, Tx., her daughters Connie Warrington (and Chuck) of Corsicana, Tx., and Deborah Brown of Mason, Tx.

Many people are worried about the US economy. There are over 17 million people unemployed in the US and trillions are being spent by our government in aid. After Covid – 19 is over, will the economy recover? Will it bounce back? What effect will this quarantine have had on it?

God Is Faithful Spring is my favorite time of the year. It’s a time of new beginnings. Everything is green and fresh and beautiful; wildflowers abound. Spring even brings about the feelings of new life, similar to when a baby is born. But this Spring has also brought fear, dread, uncertainty, confusion, and torment.

In Times of Stress, Rumors Abound Saying that we've all been living lives far outside our normal experiences would be an understatement. We're cooped up in our homes and offices trying to avoid unnecessary contact. We have turned shopping trips into epic quests, proudly returning home with a 6-pack of name brand paper towels.

Ron Birk’s Column Just wanted to say how much I look forward to Ron Birks’ column each week. He really hits the nail on the head with kindness and subtle humor. Nuff Said. Sue Kaan

City Meetings Dear Gerry, Last Monday evening, once again, the Mason City Commission Meeting was derailed. When Agenda Item 6 (discussion and action on bids for preliminary work on the new landfill) was introduced, Commissioner Lee digressed from the topic and proceeded to lecture his captive audience on professional ethics, official competency, and the folly of making decisions based on the wrong data.

Open Letter to Commissioner Robin Lee 4/8/2020 Commissioner Lee, I have never met you in person or spoken with you by telephone. You have never asked me a question. However, you have mentioned my name many times in the Commission’s public meetings and you are sure that I made serious mistakes in the permitting of the new Mason East Landfill. You are wrong. The “4% growth rate” that you have mentioned many times is a calculation contained on page 10 of Part II of the permit app ...

A Hill Country Easter Morning It was Easter Sunday morning. One of those cool, crisp, clear dawnings of a new day for which the Texas Hill Country holds the patent. The Rancher/Shepherd had arisen before daybreak to check his Angora goats. The baby goat kids were at that vulnerable stage. During the night they could easily fall prey to various enemies of weather, tooth, or claw.

Classic Baguette courtesy: epicurous The French Baguette is famous all over the world in some form or another. The skinny little breads seem to go with everything, and they’re not half bad eaten all by themselves. You can tear off chunks of them; slice them across; slice them sideways; or just bite off big old chunks of them and keep on smiling! Ingredients: 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115 degrees) 4 to 4 ½ cups unbleached all-purpos ...

We are experiencing shipping delays with our new DVDs and books, so we will have fewer new materials than usual in the coming weeks. Many publication dates have also been pushed back, but this is the perfect time to pick up a different book or series or to revisit an old favorite.

We are experiencing shipping delays with our new DVDs and books, so we will have fewer new materials than usual in the coming weeks. Many publication dates have also been pushed back, but this is the perfect time to pick up a different book or series or to revisit an old favorite.

Memories are Made of This… It is a good thing that we have memories to sort through while we shelter in place. Grammarians or not, we’re given to making the present tense, and the past, perfect. As we take stock of what used to be--while greatly shaken by “what is”--we think back on happenings faced hurriedly the first time.

Now that we are getting used to our new normal, how is it working out for you? John and I have found that we enjoy a picnic in the parking lot of a restaurant out of town after a doctor visit. I would never have thought of this months ago.