July 1, 2020 Issue

Mason’s Scarlet Punchers, those intrepid women “of a certain age,” who absolutely insist on enjoying life to the fullest, are living their best lives after about all the “stay home, stay safe” anybody could stand! June’s get-together, at the home of Jan Appleby, was a ton of fun! Highlights were: several new people attending, beautiful weather to sit on the patio, of course fabulous hosting by Jan, and one of Scarlet Punchers’ favorite annual events, the tacky jewelry exchange.

Lehmberg Realty welcomes and is proud to announce real estate agent Morgan McMillan Willis has joined their brokerage. Morgan is a fourth generation Mason County native and comes from a ranching heritage with deep roots. “Growing up ranching with my grandfather and dad, as well as my experience training horses, has made me realize my true passion in life-land and agriculture.

As business owners on the Square in Mason, it was refreshing to see many new businesses open this year, and to see renovations and expansions in others. But it was heartbreaking to watch our local businesses close or cut back in March - and to have the mandate last for several months that ultimately targeted all businesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides much-needed financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. The program, announced by U.S.

Art exhibition featuring Birds of the Texas Hill Country by two well-known Texas artists, Bridget Langdale and Julian Teal opens on July 1st. Reentering the world after being Covid-10 sheltering and looking for something to do? Fly over to the Riverside Nature Center at 150 Francisco Lemos St, Kerrville, TX to see the newly installed art extension of the “Alfred Woodcock Presents, Return of the Birds” exhibit. Riverside Nature Center is now back open (after closing for two months) and i ...

It seems that COVID-19 has risen up to again haunt our state, and with the increasing confirmed cases throughout Texas this pandemic continues to challenge our lives. Locally we are still not seeing the rapid expansion of the disease, but with the new case numbers in our region it is likely only a matter of time before we will have more cases in our own backyard.

“Imagine Your Story” with Summer Reading at Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library! Summer Reading will officially begin next week. From July 6 to August 14, kids in grades K to 5 can “Read for a Treat” and earn a free ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. “Read for a Treat” was made possible this year thanks to the generosity of Mason Bank.

Mason Puncher Football Camp July 13th, 14th, 15th 3rd - 6th Grade 9:00am-10:30am 7th - 9th Grade 10:30am - 12:00pm Mason HS Band Field located on Rainey Street The coaching staff is committed to keeping all athletes and staff safe by taking the necessary precautions given by TEA and the UIL. The coaching staff will provide hand sanitizer as well as sanitizing all equipment being used in the camp. As long as regulations allow us to host this camp, it will be scheduled for Monday, T ...

As business owners on the Square in Mason, it was refreshing to see many new businesses open this year, and to see renovations and expansions in others. But it was heartbreaking to watch our local businesses close or cut back in March - and to have the mandate last for several months that ultimately targeted all businesses.

“Imagine Your Story” with Summer Reading at Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library! Summer Reading will officially begin next week. From July 6 to August 14, kids in grades K to 5 can “Read for a Treat” and earn a free ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. “Read for a Treat” was made possible this year thanks to the generosity of Mason Bank.

Mason Puncher Football Camp July 13th, 14th, 15th 3rd - 6th Grade 9:00am-10:30am 7th - 9th Grade 10:30am - 12:00pm Mason HS Band Field located on Rainey Street The coaching staff is committed to keeping all athletes and staff safe by taking the necessary precautions given by TEA and the UIL. The coaching staff will provide hand sanitizer as well as sanitizing all equipment being used in the camp. As long as regulations allow us to host this camp, it will be scheduled for Monday, T ...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides much-needed financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. The program, announced by U.S.

Welcome to July. This will be a restful July. All the celebrations in the area have been canceled. Happy 4th of July to all. Class Meetings continue at the Art United Methodist Church. The meeting is in the fellowship hall so social distancing can be observed. Happy Birthday to Susie Jordan on July 3.

Royce Charles Johnson of Mason, Texas, was born on June 25, 1935, to the parentage of the late Ralph and Ruby Johnson in Mason, Texas. He answered the Lord's call to come home and passed with peace and grace on June 8, 2020, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruby Johnson, twin brother Floyd Johnson, and daughter Linda Stone. As a young boy, he was busy and rambunctious, as he often recounted in his stories of adventure and exploration.

08/28/1952 - 06/11/2020 Leonard passed away on June 11th, 2020, in Carson City, Nevada, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Leonard was born in Walnut Ridge. AR, and spent his childhood between there and Heber Springs, AR, where he worked on his family’s peach orchard. If you knew Leo, he didn’t want people to know that he was struggling with such a battle.

New Hearts July is Declaration of Independence month when we celebrate our country and freedom. Our nation and other nations are facing many challenges – not only COVID-19 but also the need for equality and justice for all people, whatever our races, cultures, or skin colors. One of the great keys to our country’s success has been our ability to adapt and become new in order to move forward.

Not Punishment, Not Politics, Not Personal It doesn't matter if it was the Black Lives Matter protests or overcrowding at bars. It doesn't matter if it was Antifa or the N.R.A. And, it doesn't matter if you believe it or you don't, because it is happening and it's accelerating. Obviously, I'm talking about Covid-19 and the alarming increase in infection rates over the last couple of weeks.

Mason’s Scarlet Punchers, those intrepid women “of a certain age,” who absolutely insist on enjoying life to the fullest, are living their best lives after about all the “stay home, stay safe” anybody could stand! June’s get-together, at the home of Jan Appleby, was a ton of fun! Highlights were: several new people attending, beautiful weather to sit on the patio, of course fabulous hosting by Jan, and one of Scarlet Punchers’ favorite annual events, the tacky jewelry exchange.

Mask-It Mason As I write, the Corona virus pandemic is surging across Texas, overflowing hospital beds and ICU’s, and creeping back into Mason County. The dream of “herd-immunity” against the virus is vanishing as only a few survivors have developed long-lasting protection against re-infection. Thus, until there is a vaccine our ONLY PROVEN DEFENSE against this new, dangerous, and unpredictable virus is to: STAY AT HOME as much as possible SOCIAL DISTANCE WASH HANDS WEAR A MAS ...

Covid-19 Choice and Responsibility I applaud last week’s letter to the editor encouraging a healthy lifestyle. I agree with her on the importance of prayer. Where I differ is my belief that God does not want us to lose sight of how the spread of Covid-19 may impact our family, friends, and community. Much is still unknown about this new virus; we are all learning in real-time.

Wear a Mask! I agree with Ms. Ewing and applaud her efforts to keep her immune system strong and healthy. Even if she gets infected by the COVID19 virus, she might be one of the asymptomatic cases because she is conscious of the benefits from diet and exercise. She may never have to cope with more than a slight cough. However, asymptomatic cases are ALL contagious too!

FED UP! I am fed with almost all activities that are on scene in our great nation that I shed blood on foreign soil so some thugs have the right to PROTEST and burn our cites to the ground with little resistance?? Wonder how a city can operate without a police force??? Not only that, the politics and many NGO’s.

Our Town: Conflict and Community Conflict is part of our town’s historic character. Conflicts between settlers and Indians, conflicts between various factions among settlers. Political and social conflicts. Long-time residents and descendants of Mason have survived these conflicts and seem to have embraced them as integral to the rich past of a vibrant town. Conflict is inevitable in an imperfect world.

Where have all the quail (or frogs, lizards, and turtles) gone? Anyone who is over 60 and grew up in Mason County knows that wildlife in the county today is very different than it was in their childhood. They may remember quail hunting, when many coveys of quail could be seen every day.

"Ouch!" Once during a worship service when I was a Campus Pastor I took hold of a coed’s arm while “passing the peace.” She immediately cried out in pain, “Ouch!” Unbeknownst to me the girl had been welding (yes, welding) in short sleeves and had received a bad radiation burn on her arm. My reaction, after quickly turning loose of her arm, was to feel badly about having caused her pain. But it was too late.

Cheddar, Bacon and Chive Quick Bread courtesy: Charlyne Mattox If you’re looking for a bread that has a bit more character than your normal loaf provides, this recipe will provide you with a savory bread that you will enjoy. It does have a few more ingredients than the Practical Baker likes, but as a special occasion bread, I don’t thinky you can go wrong with this one. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups A/P flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly gro ...

Welcome to July. This will be a restful July. All the celebrations in the area have been canceled. Happy 4th of July to all. Class Meetings continue at the Art United Methodist Church. The meeting is in the fellowship hall so social distancing can be observed. Happy Birthday to Susie Jordan on July 3.

Many Happy Returns… Uncle Mort isn’t his usual self. His 108th birthday is at hand, and he’s hung up on whether to have a “real” party, or join the growing list of folks who are “computer Zooming” to celebrate special occasions. (Printers are shaking their heads, turning out fancy invitations with the word “virtual” in big type.) “Maybe I’d do well to throw a ‘virtual’ party,” Mort mused.

Summer Reading officially begins on July 6! Kids will have the chance to “Read for a Treat.” To participate, kids in grades K-5 can stop by and pick up a bag with a book log and some fun surprises inside! And be sure to check out our next virtual program: “Rob Holladay’s Magical Balloon Show” on July 7. New to the Library: DVDs: Agatha Raisin Season 3 BBC Earth: Dynasties Father Brown Season 4 From Friend to Fiancé The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley North ...