Hallow. Eve. Hollow. Weave. Holler. Fever. Witch’s cleaver. Gloomy ghoul. Ghostly gal. Spider web. Web-foot giant. Skeleton. Hairy monster. Skull and bones. Scary mobster. Dragon fire. Dinosaur. Big-tooth rat. Sneaky snake. Sword swallower. Creepy crawler. Goon. Cartoon. Baby doll. Fashion model. Headless horseman. Bug-eyed freak. Monk and nun. Wired geek. King and queen. Referee. Ball-and-chain. Flitting fairy. Circus clown. Masked magician. Superman. Superwoman. Foggy night. Misty moon. Hoo ...

Creatures Great and Small… It may as well be admitted up front. Some geezers in my generation are nestled snuggly into their “second childhood.” After a recent cruise to the Panama Canal, the wonderment of it all has nudged me toward my “third childhood”—or at least back to the pre-school years of my second. We were prepared to sign on with the “eighth wonder of the world” designation for the canal, a massive project begun more than a century ago. As we sailed from Fort Lauder ...

Pumpkin Recipes: Cooking with Pumpkins How to Cook a Pumpkin Cut pumpkin in half and hollow out the seeds and stringy parts with your hands or spoon. Save the seeds, if you like, for roasting. (See recipe below.) Place on  cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Pierce with a fork to see if it is tender.

Hay baling and snuff dipping Author’s note; In starting my Memory Wagon over again my first column will begin back in 1920 with my first trip away from home when I visited with relatives who lived on a farm near Menard. The next three columns cover a summer in 1928 when I was THE new boy in the little town of Eldorado, Texas, and in the following thee columns I will take you on a trip through seven states that my older brother and I took while looking for work back in 1932.

Syndrome X, or insulin resistance syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that increase risk of heart disease. These symptoms have nothing to do with high cholesterol yet have proven very significant in terms of predicting risk of heart attacks. First among the syndrome X risk factors is high insulin levels. This does not mean diabetes, which is high blood sugar levels.

My dog, Six-Pack, has gone missing. Lady Pearl the, niece of Earl, has been missing for two full weeks. I’ve not a clue as to if she was taken by a person or by a larger animal, but she’s not here anymore. Earl is stilling missing his Pearl. Cousin Louie hasn’t a clue and doesn’t seem to notice anything but his food bowl.

It’s a beautiful Monday morning, a little bit cool but the rain was great. Thank our great God for the rain. Wishes for a happy birthday go to Jimmie Hitzfelder on October 29th. I plan to have my great birthday on October 30th with my family in San Antonio. Jan Jordan will celebrate her birthday on November 2nd and Stuart Jordan will have his great party on November 3rd.

It is true for every business that occasionally the chief decision makers need to get out of town and see a new perspective on the problems and potentials that exist. Last week I had that opportunity in regards to City business when I went to Fort Worth for three days to attend the Texas Municipal League’s annual convention and trade show.

The Mason County M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library will start 2010 with some much needed interior work on the building. The library is one of the most admired structures in Mason and Mason County citizens can be proud. Many out of town visitors comment on its beauty and striking architecture.

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, October 13th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 32 members and 3 visitors in attendance. Among the visitors were 2 Mason High School Seniors, Michael Vargas and Joaquin Mejia. Lion Chris Dyer was responsible for the program and introduced Marshall Twombly of San Angelo, the past District Governor Lions Youth Programs.

The emails have been pretty strange lately. Some of them have been weird enough that it’s doubtful if writing about them is even advisable in a polite, family newspaper. One particular story is downright offensive. But then, in this case, being offended is probably a good thing. It means you’re not as stupid as the people at peta, who should all be rounded up and sent back to planet Goober where they came from. About a year ago peta sent a letter to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who own B ...

Let's be clear at the outset - I am an advocate of the death penalty. I believe that some crimes are so heinous, so evil, that the only punishment that is appropriate is the ending of that life. Let me also clarify that, though I've served on a number of juries, I've never been asked to make that determination, and I know that it would be difficult to offer up the death penalty if I did not feel absolutely certain it was the right punishment. Recent events in Texas have also highlighted another ...

Dear Editor, To Mr. Bill Bodenhamer, I am so sorry for your loss and emphasize with you. I have been reading your commentaries for a long time and always enjoy reading them. Please don’t stop writing! It will help you through the tough times. Yes, you will miss your dear, sweet wife and there will be times when you will be so lonely you cannot stand it, but pick up the phone and call a friend.

Dan Barton 2568 Streeter LN. Mason TX 76856 Don Rutz Gate 10 Ranch Mason TX 76856 Oct. 21, 2009 To: Mr. Barry Smitherman, Chairman Public Utility Commission of Texas Austin, TX Chairman Smitherman, The original rationale used by the Clear View Alliance, Inc. to promote a route for the LCRA/CREZ through Mason County was that their proposed route followed an existing 138 kilovolt line, and because proposed routes through Kimble County did not follow existing rights of way or utility easements ...

Once Again the LINDSAY HAUNTED TRAIL will be open for a SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT. on Saturday October 31, 2009, at Dark Thirty. It will be a NIGHT FOR ALL TO TALK ABOUT on Hwy 29 East (watch for the Banner). Many entered fearlessly last year only to find they weren’t so brave!

You may purchase the donuts from any Alpha Beta PSI Member. Donuts will arrive Friday (Nov. 6th) and can be picked up and purchased at Geistweidt and Whitworth Law Office. Any donuts left over will be at the Rummage Sale Saturday morning (7th).

The Mason Bluebonnet Study Club will have a combination rummage sale, bake sale, and chili meal on November 7 to raise funds for scholarships to be awarded to local high school graduating seniors. Beginning at 8:00 a.m., members will be in front of Hemphill’s Insurance to sell all sorts of baked goods, rummage items, etc.

The Alpha Beta PSI Rummage Sale will be Saturday Nov. 7th at the American Legion Hall and it starts at 8:00 a.m. Clean out your closets and bring donations by Friday (6th) from 5 to 7 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships and additional Christmas lights for the square.

The importance of making a will and safeguarding one’s final wishes will be presented at an annual wills clinic Thursday, Nov. 12, offered by the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Foundation. There will be two identical sessions, one at 9:30 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in updating, creating or learning about wills is encouraged to attend. The HCMH Foundation offers this public service clinic to the community free of charge, and each session will be about two-and-a-half hours ...

On November 2, Llano Fine Art Guild proudly presents a demonstration by professional artist Charlene Eppright. Although a lifelong artist, since 1980 Charlene has focused her attention primarily in oil and pastel portraits. Following the style of the old masters, she strives to penetrate to the soul of her subjects.

The Hilda United Methodist Church will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this coming Sunday, November 1 at its 11:00 a.m. service. All Saints Day is the day Christians give thanks for all the good people God has placed in their lives, especially those who have already joined the heavenly saints. It is also a day when Christians give thanks for the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in the lives of all people.

The Mason County Cancer Committee and Kids Against Cancer will have a bake sale on Friday, November 6, 2009, at Weber Chevron beginning at 8:00 a.m. until sold out. All proceeds will benefit residents of Mason County who are fighting cancer. If you would like to donate a baked good for the sale, please drop it off, priced and ready to sale on that morning.

The Order of Saint Luke is an ecumenical religious order of Christians seeking the sacramental life through an affirmation of vows that includes praying what is known as the Daily Office. The daily office is a pattern of prayers throughout the day that originated in the ancient Jewish tradition and was adapted by the ancient Christian church and has remained a vital part of both the Eastern and Western churches, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant.

That’s right! The 5X7 Fine Arts Association of the Hill Country Scholarship Show will start in 11 days at the Northside Café (510 Broad St.), Mason, Texas. The sale begins at 11 a.m. and lasts till closing time. It’s the opportunity of the Fall Season to purchase fabulous art ranging from every kind of medium to every kind of subject.

The Die Kuenstler von Fredericksburg (the Artists) will host their 17th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale on November 13 to 15 at St. Joseph’s Halle, 216 W. San Antonio Street. The public is invited to the free event during Art Past Dark Weekend. A Friday night reception with refreshments from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Gillespie Country Historical Society Preservation Weekend set for Dec 11, 12 The public can now purchase tickets for the Gillespie County Historical Society’s 2009 Preservation Weekend activities, set for Dec 11 and 12 in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Society has three special activities planned for the fundraising weekend, including the return of the popular Candlelight Tour on Saturday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

(Kerrville, TX) – What better way to start out the Christmas holidays than a visit to “The Kingdom of Sweets” in the magical, mystical, production of the most popular ballet in the world…The Nutcracker! Every year, without fail, the tradition of The Nutcracker comes to life and brings the magical tale of the holiday spirit to light.

The Mason Community Foundation recently awarded a grant to Bluebonnet CASA to assist with their ongoing efforts on behalf of youth in Mason and surrounding counties. Making the presentation on behalf of the Community Foundation was, at center, Debra Schovajsa. Nacy Holt (at left) and Connie Stockbridge accept the money on behalf of Bluebonnet CASA.

The Friends of the Library for Mason County’s M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library have had a very busy past several years, serving the needs of the local library. The all volunteer group has sponsored Old Yeller Days, as well as several Pioneer Days for third graders, annual Book and Bake Sales, handled the continued growth of the Brick Walk, held author visits with book signings and Open Houses at the library, helped with the Summer Reading Program for children, supported the Library Board in v ...

If you’ve been “up on the hill” lately, you may have noticed that some activity has been going on around Fort Mason. The Mason County Historical Society is in the midst of several projects designed to improve the usefulness of the Fort and surrounding property to draw local and visiting guests to the area to learn about the early days of Mason County. Tommy Koepke, the chair of the Fort Mason Committee in the Historical Society, has a vision for how to make Fort Mason more attractive to v ...

First Six Weeks Head Start Davis, Brayden Martinez, Anastasia Martinez, Madison Martinez, McKenzie Olvera, Juan Peck, Michael Villa, Brianna Pre-Kindergarten Aguero, Robert Airheart, Kyle Crocker, Kaden Gibbs, Cason Munsell, Laina Rojas, Caroline Soltis-Copeland, Montana Faith Kindergarten Baker, Brody Bauer, Paige Callejas, Fernando Carter, Madison Finn, John Garcia, Malakai Gibbs, Macie Hofmann, Blixen Lingle, Gideon Martinez, Isis Porter, Michael Reardon, Connar Schmidt, Ranger Smith, Sterl ...

1st 6 weeks Second Grade A Honor Roll Adams, Emma Airheart, Karma Ake, Kenzie Armstrong, Jesse Bailey, Tristen Bauer, Walker Cope, Alexandra Doss, Kelcey Fluhmann, Annissa Roll Garcia, Javier Graves, Sutton Halliburton, Kayla Hanscheck, Courtney Heath, Madelyn Hyatt, Clay Joy, Brianna Klaerner, Klay Montoya, Kyle Perlichek, Grace Pinter, Elijah Reardon, Aaron Shoemaker, Zane Tedder, Jax Wartenbach, Jessica AB Honor Roll Balderas, Joel Bierschwale, George “Whitt” Charles, Leslie Fisher, H ...

The following Grace Christian School students made the honor roll for the first quarter: J.J. Ake, Jeff Burton, K.C. Coleman, Bailee Everett, Kinley Everett, Selah Farmer, Eva Guerrero, Isaiah Guerrero, Kinsley Jordan, Rylan Jordan, Amber McGowan, Randee Renfroe, and Sydney Renfroe.

Oct. 29, 1929, was a memorable day. Not only did the stock market crash spiraling America into the Great Depression, but on a much happier note, Emma Gene Jackson was born. She was the only child of Eugene and Nancy Koerner arriving after 10 yrs. of marriage. They had both accepted the fact they may not be blessed with a child.

Operation Orphans, Inc. will begin its 50th year of the "Take a Child Hunting" program, Friday, October 30th. Girls from five Texas children's facilities and foster homes will arrive at Camp Gene Ashby eagerly awaiting their hunt Saturday. The girls and their guides will hunt whitetail does on ten area ranches. The "Take a Child Hunting"

With Halloween actually falling on a Saturday, the Mason County Volunteer Fire Department will hand out their traditional light sticks for trick or treaters. They will start greeting Mason's young ghosts and goblins at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until dusk.

During their June 29 meeting, the members of the Mason County Grand Jury returned a total of three indictments, all against the same individual. Those indictments were: Jason Aaron Vancleave Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon Deadly conduct Assault, family violence with deadly intent

Special guest speaker Norma Hagan, Outreach Coordinator/Advocate of The Haven, delivered troubling news to Mason Bluebonnet Study Club at their October 19 meeting. She told the group that due to a past associate’s mishandling of the State grant application, no funds had been allocated for the ongoing expanses of keeping the shelter operations.

The City Commission only had one item of business on their October 26 agenda. They were hearing information about forming a special commission, with Mason County, to assist them in dealing with the parties involved in the electrical transmission lines being discussed for possible routing in Mason County. Commissioner William Beaty expressed concerns about the amount of paperwork and involvement required for the City.

“Enabling is anything that I do that might make it easier for the alcoholic to continue in the progression of the disease….anything that will prevent him/her from facing the natural consequences of their actions, like: Bailing them out of jail instead of letting them sit there; Lying for them so they don’t lose a job or are embarrassed; “Fixing” things so they don’t get a DUI; Putting a roof over their head or food on their table when they should be doing that for themselves. The re ...

The Mason County Commissioners' Court heard a special presentation from Mike Dail on Monday morning concerning the legal availability of forming a special commission to help the city and county deal with the pending power line discussions. Mr. Dail explained the history of the law allowing for the creation of such a commission, and pointed to recent successes other communities had enjoyed with such a tool in battling the Trans Texas Corridor in east Texas. The County voted unanimously to join w ...

TEMPLE-(October 26, 2009) The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) received a $15 million appropriation for the 2010-2011 biennium from the Texas Legislature to administer a state funded grant program to assist soil and water conservation districts (SWCDS) in performing operation, maintenance, and structural repair of flood control dams throughout the state. “Every SWCD that reported an operation and maintenance (O&M) need in the last year of the previous funding cycle has b ...

Hill Country Memorial Hospital will offer a Good Health School on the benefits of anterior approach hip replacement Tuesday, Nov. 3, at noon, at the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Women’s Pavilion. The class will be taught by Orthopedic Surgeon P. Charles Romanick, MD, of Texas Hills Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, P.A.

There will be a lot of trick or treaters dressed like football players Saturday. Both of the little Puncher teams are headed to the big dance this weekend at Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood. The 5th and 6th Grade Team, with a current 3 and 3 record, will face either Brady or Coleman for third place at 11:30 a.m.

On October 15th, the 7th grade Punchers faced a tough opponent in the Winters Blizzards. The Punchers fell behind on the opening kickoff and were never able to recover. The defense came up with some big stops in the 1st half behind the play of Kyle Zavala and Uli Alvarez, but the offense was never able to get a sustained drive going.

Raul Silguero spent most of Friday thanking his offensive linemen: Nick Dyer, Ethan McKinney, Hector Medina, Drigo Martinez, Leret Hemphill, and Marcuss Martinez, for the great blocking that enabled him to cross the end-zone five times this past Thursday. The Punchers handed the visiting team from Rocksprings a 33-6 loss, but there was more work to that than you would think.

Last week, the cross country teams competed in Brady at the Bulldog Invitational held at the Brady Golf Course on Monday, October 19th. It was the last meet for the Punchers and Cowgirls to compete in order to prepare themselves for the upcoming UIL District, Regional, and State Meets. With an extremely steep hill about 2200m into the race and the brutal wind pounding in their faces for the last 600m of the race, all of the runners put forth maximum effort.

The Center Point Pirates JV squad visited the Puncher Dome last Thursday night to take on the JV Punchers as both teams were searching for a replacement game for a district opponent. The Pirates were overwhelmed by the Punchers with the final score reading 50 – 0 in favor of the Punchers. The Punchers were looking to improve certain areas of their overall game offensively, which led to three Austin Trip touchdown passes on the night: one to Andy Duarte, one to Zen Steward, and one to T.J.

The District Championship It has been almost impossible this week to have a conversation with somebody and not have it eventually come around to the the Mason vs Junction football game that is about to take place Friday night at the Puncherdome. A win would secure the District Championship out right for our Punchers, and also make them back to back District Champions (2008-2009).