April 22, 2020 Issue

Adding a layer of safety for patients, staff, and community members, Hill Country Memorial (HCM) is one of the first hospitals in Texas to install temperature scanners featuring artificial intelligence technology. The devices– cai-AMS-T2 autonomous monitoring platforms–are among the first developed utilizing this technology, according to Shane Dickinson, HCM Director of Information Technology. “This new technology is being implemented rapidly across the country as a result of the pa ...

This spring seems to be one of the greenest seasons that I remember lately and the wildflowers continue their colorful show. The weather is back on track for a “normal” springtime, and we all wish that the other aspects of our life could begin to resemble the “normal” that we all are used to.

Though it was more of a formality after discussions at the last City meeting, the City Commission voted on Monday night to reschedule the May 2 election to November 3, 2020, to coincide with the General Election. Early voting will begin in late October. At the last City meeting, the Commission urged citizens to take down campaign signs for the seven candidates running for the three positions until nearer the election. During the Public Comment section of the meeting, Mason County Judge Jerr ...

Since 1983, April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of child abuse/neglect and to promote the safety and well-being of all children. Children are the next generation of leaders and brightest rays of hope for the future. All children deserve to grow up in a nurturing environment free from harm and fear.

Most Valuable Player Logan Glover, Jr., 6-4, Post, San Saba Offensive MVP Azul Salinas, Sr., 6-1, Guard/Forward, Christoval Defensive MVP Sean O’Keefe, Sr., 6-3, Forward, San Saba Newcomer of the Year Jayden Walker, Jr., 6-3, Forward, Christoval The anchor of the Cougar defense that held district opponents to just over 30 points a game and season opponents to just under 37 points a game, he averaged seven points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one assist per game.

Due to the COVID-19 situation we have closed our office door to public traffic until further notice, to protect the community and our staff. We are taking calls daily to answer questions and conduct normal office duties M-F 8am-4pm. We have a few changes in our informal protest process and ARB hearings this year due to the COVID-19 situation. Appraisal Notices will be mailed during the normal time, usually mid-May.

Most Valuable Player Logan Glover, Jr., 6-4, Post, San Saba Offensive MVP Azul Salinas, Sr., 6-1, Guard/Forward, Christoval Defensive MVP Sean O’Keefe, Sr., 6-3, Forward, San Saba Newcomer of the Year Jayden Walker, Jr., 6-3, Forward, Christoval The anchor of the Cougar defense that held district opponents to just over 30 points a game and season opponents to just under 37 points a game, he averaged seven points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one assist per game.

Mason County Soil & Water Conservation District #223 has partnered with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Texas Wildlife Association, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to highlight Soil and Water Stewardship Week and the importance of voluntary land stewardship in Texas.

Adding a layer of safety for patients, staff, and community members, Hill Country Memorial (HCM) is one of the first hospitals in Texas to install temperature scanners featuring artificial intelligence technology. The devices– cai-AMS-T2 autonomous monitoring platforms–are among the first developed utilizing this technology, according to Shane Dickinson, HCM Director of Information Technology. “This new technology is being implemented rapidly across the country as a result of the pa ...

In the 2 weeks between March 30 and April 13, Mason Food Bank volunteers served 258 unduplicated individuals from 99 unduplicated households. That is more than 7% of the county’s population. This was largely due to an unprecedented response from the community at a time when some of our friends and neighbors need a hand.

We have had another week of new normal. I find that I don’t accomplish much. I tell myself every morning that whatever task I need to do will wait another day. John had an eventful week. He had surgery on Tuesday to get a new aortic heart valve. He came home Wednesday.

Since 1983, April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of child abuse/neglect and to promote the safety and well-being of all children. Children are the next generation of leaders and brightest rays of hope for the future. All children deserve to grow up in a nurturing environment free from harm and fear.

Andrew J. Haines, age 91, of Salado passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, in Salado, Texas. He was born on September 9, 1928, in Mason Texas, the son of L.B. and Effie (Gray) Haines. Andrew will lie in state on Sunday, April 19, 2020, until 5:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home 3110 Airport Rd.

Off to the Races - Opening the Country Again... In the coming weeks and months, some of the toughest decisions made during the entire Covid-19 pandemic will have to be made. Though choosing to shut down our borders, to close down non-essential businesses, to require people to shelter at home or to wear PPD (masks and gloves) were not decisions that came easily to those who made them, they pale in comparison to the decisions that face our local, state and federal officials in the near futu ...

This is a shout out to Charles Eckert and the city employees of Mason who have raised sparkling new national and state flags at the fort. The city employees not only hung the flags, but took the time to fold both flags properly once they were down. Charles Eckert is a faithful steward of the Mason Fort and should be thanked by one and all for his almost daily visits and dedication. Dave & Karen Sharbo

Protestors Open letter to Senators Cruz and Cornyn, Representative Conaway. Sirs, The news this weekend was filled with stories of protesters across the US and Texas who are done with the stay-at-home orders. I would have more sympathy if they had all been wearing masks and were not huddled together potentially infecting each other. I would have respect for the protesters if they were protesting against the failure of the Federal government to coordinate robust testing so we can resta ...

Troubled Times We the American people sit isolated in our homes as we watch America crumbling. We watch and deal with crumbling bridges and highways, deteriorating water facilities, antiquated power grids, inadequate ports and airports, and outdated communication and internet systems. On top of this our country is facing the most devastating health crisis and financial crisis in history while our leaders in Washington patch it up with with the CARES ACT—a pittance. For many the $1200 pe ...

Blue Oak Dear Commissioners Pledger and Lee, Blue Oak Engineering sued the City of Mason for non-payment of invoices for the engineering leading to the landfill permits. The engineering was contracted for by the City Commissioners, work was accepted by the City and TECQ, and utilized by the City to receive the permits to construct the new landfill. Rather than pay the $80,000 owed, the Commissioners, after months of delay, offered Blue Oak $55,000 -- approximately 70%.

The Last Laugh "Easter means Christ beat Hell out of the graveyard!" That graphic graffiti I once saw on a college dorm door has always been a favorite of mine. It is a short and sweet summary of the good news of Christianity. Christ is risen! Sin, Death, Hell - the greatest enemies of we human beings, the greatest cause of fears and tears, pain and despair - they have been defeated. On Friday, Satan was laughing all over the place as he watched Jesus die on the cross.

Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Butter courtesy: the Frugal South These beauties are made with vegetable oil instead of butter as classic Snickerdoodles are made. The result is a bit lighter cookie without the diet-busting hit of butter. While they may not appeal to everyone, you should try making up a batch and see for yourself. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups white sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups A/P flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon s ...

Beginning this week, we will be shortening our curbside hours to 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. We are also offering curbside printing and faxing. Just email us what needs to be printed and drive up to our front steps and we will bring out your copies. Our shipping delays have hit and we had very few books come in this week, so we’ve highlighted some recent titles you might have missed on our shelves.

We have had another week of new normal. I find that I don’t accomplish much. I tell myself every morning that whatever task I need to do will wait another day. John had an eventful week. He had surgery on Tuesday to get a new aortic heart valve. He came home Wednesday.