November 24, 2021 Issue

Mason County Commissioners’ focus was on the county’s Road and Bridge department Monday, as they approved a salary adjustment for members of the department, hired a new full time employee, and held a workshop discussion of the department’s needs. Workers in the department will see a $2.70 per hour increase in their pay beginning on Jan.1, with the Assistant Road and Bridge Administrator getting a raise of $3.70 per hour.

The City’s Planning and Zoning Committee began their Nov. 16 meeting with a discussion of two important ordinances they are crafting. Animal control in the city is the first area the committee is working to better regulate. Animal Control officer, Johnny Castillo, presented an updated packet to the committee, which they will begin to review at their next meeting.

After long, wonderful lives, Frances Katherine (nee Kruse) and William (Billy) August Bode, died on November 3rd and 5th, respectively. She was 97 and he was 98. In May, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at their ranch on the Llano River, surrounded by their large extended family. Throughout their marriage, Billy and Frances were inseparable so it is fitting that they were apart only one night. Both the descendants of German immigrants, Billy was born at home in Mason on April ...

Jimmie Sue Bode, of Meadowlakes, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, at the age of 80. Sue was born in Commerce, Texas on September 9, 1941, to James Clyde Walker and Martha Morrison Walker. She earned her Master of Education degree from North Texas University. Sue loved being a teacher and taught in Odessa, Fort Stockton, Lewisville and Denton. Sue and her husband Charles were married for 58 years and were blessed with two sons, Clay and Zane.

There are a number of native Hill Country plants that may be either declining in numbers or are seen only occasionally or rarely. The reasons for declining or low numbers of these plants can be either the high deer density in our area or any of several other factors. If enough people grow these plants, we can help to maintain the genetic diversity of the species in the Hill Country. Here is a partial list of these plants. Both Spanish oaks and blackjack oaks are declining in the Hill Coun ...

This week, the library will close at noon on Wednesday, November 24, and will remain closed for Thursday and Friday. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Reading! New to the Library: DVDS Candyman Man on Wire My Salinger Year Testament of Youth Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Fiction: (all quotes from publishers’ summaries) Better Off Dead by Lee Child (F CHI Rea.26) “Reacher never backs down from a problem.

I'm not sure why they call this Lizard Pumpkin Pie. I get the “pumpkin” part, but there wasn't a single call for lizard parts in the ingredients. Regardless, it makes for a good, rich, no-bake pie that will be a hit with your friends and family. I guarantee it. Ingredients: ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, divided 1 nine inch graham cracker crust ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons pecan pieces, divided 1 cup milk 2, 3.4 oz packages instant vanilla pudding mix 1 cu ...

One November in the late 50s, when I was in seminary, I read one of those famous little inspirational articles in Reader’s Digest. The author, William Stidger was telling of his yearly practice at Thanksgiving time of writing letters of gratitude to people who had helped him along life's way.

Happy Thanksgiving. Our family feels blessed. It has been a hard year but we are all grateful for the blessings that have been ours. At our age, John and I face health challenges. It is not unexpected, but we have not had anything that we cannot get through. We have a precious great-grandson who will be three in a few weeks.

A light cold snap came our way. I think it is just getting the garden and gardeners ready for winter. The subject of fertilizing plants from the top down to the roots by sprinkling or intentionally spraying nutrients on them has been something I have done especially in my in-ground row garden.

As my friend Sam used to say, ‘If you don’t read the papers you’re uninformed. If you read the papers you’re misinformed.’ I doubt there’s ever been a case to which that statement could better be applied than the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Sam also used to say, ‘First, get the facts.

On November 16, the Mason Lions Club met for their weekly club meeting at Nacho’s. The Mason Lions were delighted to host as a guest Jasmine Rodriguez, President if the Mason Chamber of Commerce, along with Don Gray, our guest speaker. In case you are interested, we have an intricate system of choosing guest speakers.

The Mason High School varsity football team had many from its program honored last week as the Punchers went on to win their 11th consecutive district championship this 2021 season. Leading the way was Mason standout sophomore running back/safety Ryne Todd, who was a unanimous selection for 2A-1 District 14 Most Valuable Player following an outstanding year for the Punchers on both offense and defense. Also named as superlative selections for the Punchers were head coach Michael McLeod, s ...