Five inches. In one day. Two more topping it off the next day. Great and glorious. Let it fall where it may. Rain. We’ll take it. The river is rising… (said W.C. Fields when his leaky boat sinks). So, too, the low-water crossing. Rise up, rise up. Goodbye, water gaps. Get out the ark. What a storm. What a week. Wet wet wet. Mud. Potholes. < ...

The rain stopped and Saturday was a great day for the Republican Women’s Home Tour. After the rain, the bluebonnets were bursting with color and the creeks were running over the rocks. Thanks to the women for a great opportunity to see what some people have done to both old and new houses. The church picnic in the park moved into the Fellowship Hall because of the dampness and the wind.

Cleansing is a great topic for spring. If you would like to be healthier or would like to lose weight, a cleanse would be a fabulous place to start. The purpose of cleansing is to help the body get rid of harmful toxins so that it runs more effectively and efficiently. The standard American diet is full of processed and refined foods plus fast foods that tend to overwhelm our bodies and clog not just our arteries, but our livers, colons, lymph systems and kidneys as well.

Theme Park Safety Tips I know a lot of you are sending your kids on field trips in May, and will be headed to the parks this summer, so I thought you could use some tips on how to keep your kids safe at the theme park. A trip to the amusement park can be-and should be-a wonderful adventure.

Annie Oakley Would Be Proud… (Last week's column) Their shots weren’t heard around the world. But, in the annals of intercollegiate rifle competition, the all-female team at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth won the whole "shebang" last month in the NCAA’s co-ed rifle competition. Winning this year was improbable, what with three freshmen on the team.

It seems that I’ve got the mind of a 50 year old and the body of a ??! However, the last year has proven that the desire is somewhat stronger than the body is able to produce. As, an all day shopping trip is still strong in my mind, but my foot has other ideas.

Recently, while I was digging around on the trash pile that passes for my desk, I came across an interesting letter someone sent me a while back. Well, not all that interesting, really. More strange. Or not exactly strange so much as cowardly. People send me letters pretty often. My friend, Gretchen Holzhauer, who is a librarian in Malone, New York, sends me stuff regularly.

We couldn’t end a good thing just yet! The Friends of the Library annual Book and Bake Sale continues through this Friday, April 23. There’s still a great selection of videos, books, and audio books. And… fabulous homemade sweets – pies, peanut brittle, fancy cupcakes, brownies and cookies. If anyone would like to facilitate a week of fun activities for young children this summer please contact the library at 410 Post Hill or call 325-347-5446.

There Is A Joy In Teaching I ended last week’s column with this old adage:"Teachers affect eternity: they can never tell where their influence stops" and the following story which was sent to me by a friend who calls himself "Ole Red"bears out the truth in that old saying : ***** As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth.Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she ...

Simple, Traditional Sugar Cookies from Cook’s Illustrated This recipe caught my attention because Sheila makes sugar cookies frequently, and this didn’t look anything like the "old time" recipe that she uses. You will produce a couple of dozen cookies with balanced flavor, crisp edges, chewy centers, and a nice crackled top. Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 t ...

The Mason Lions Club met Tuesday, April 13th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 35 members and 1 visitor in attendance. Lion Ted Smith was responsible for the program and in the joy of welcoming his first grandchild on Monday, forgot to call and remind his program person, so they did not show for the meeting.

The past few days of steady rain have been wonderful for our countryside and the wildflowers, but of course there have been a couple of problems as well. The ranchers are all worried about the water gaps in the fences, the roads are boggy and too wet, and even in town we are having a few problems with roads and drainage.

On Friday, the rains came down. A lot. Some parts of the county received eight inches or more. By Saturday morning, creeks and rivers were out of their banks, as were bar ditches, yards and roads. By any reckoning, it was a lot of rain in a very short period of time, and there were going to be problems. I drove across Ranch Road 1222 from Katemcy to Fredonia early in the day to check out water levels.

Editor: April 19, 1993 - seventeen years ago today - "the Waco Massacre" U. S. Military used against Americans. Subsequently and as a result there was the Oklahoma bombing. The blood of these victims can never be washed off of the moral-less and lawlessness hands of that administration. Absolute Abuse of Power. The Great Deceiver (Pride of Chicago Corruption) - surrounded by "32 Czars"

To the Editor: Mr. Beaulieu said it all in his editorial on the wind energy scam. The wind energy industry had its origins with Enron, is supported completely by federal tax credits, and is primarily comprised of subsidiaries of subsidiaries of large global corporations. Gee. After what we have just gone through with our economy, what does that suggest to you?

Gerry, Mr. Kemp obviously has his dander up and I’m all for him speaking his mind in a public forum which is in keeping with the Founding Fathers’ brilliance when they amended the Constitution with that most important first one, which incidentally granted us freedom of (and from!) religion. However, he does have his facts wrong when it comes to the U.S.

The Obama Administration and Democratic Congressional leaders are misleading the American public. Their financial regulatory reform bill, which could soon reach the Senate floor, is promoted as protecting consumers from fat cat bankers. Unfortunately, the bill takes aim at the wrong parties and comes down against the state’s traditional community banks—the ones that did not cause the economic mess in the first place—and exempts most of the investment bank and broker dealer ...

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers conservation partnership agreements to private landowners that will help protect endangered species and still guarantee the landowners’ continued use of their property. These programs can also help in the fight against the proposed 345kv power line through the Hill Country. USFWS Safe Harbor Agreements are available to landowners or groups of landowners who have habitat for endangered animal species on their property.

Mason Elementary is having its annual PK/Kinder Roundup (pre-registration) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 in the Elementary/Junior High Library from 2:30—5:30 pm. If your child will be attending Pre-Kindergarten, HeadStart, or Kindergarten NEXT school year (August 2010), please come anytime between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm to the library to register your child. The following are the guidelines for registering your child for PK/Kinder: · Your child must be 3 or 4 years ol ...

Mason, Texas - MoonHouse Records recording artists Albert and Gage (Texas chanteuse Christine Albert and musical powerhouse Chris Gage) will head to Mason on Saturday, May 8, 2010, to open The Odeon Theater 2010 Concert Series. Tickets for the 7:00 PM performance are $15. For more info or to buy tickets, call 325.347.6781 or visit www.theodeontheater.com. Albert and Gage’s flawless harmony is the mainstay of their show, and Gage moves effortlessly from piano to guitar and accor ...

Mason's own Shelby Comey is headed to Nashville, Tennessee, on May 8 to perform on television. Shelby shared her thoughts as she prepares for her time in the spotlight. "I have been asked to sing in Nashville, Tennessee on May 8th for a television show called 'Nashville Spotlight' and will be singing with nine other girls from ages 9 to 16.

Do you have property in the Castell area? Are you interested in improving the quality and quantity of wildlife on your property? If so, please attend the Wildlife Management Association and Co-ops informational meeting in Castell at the Castell Community Center on April 24, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.

The youth at FBC Mason would like to cordially invite other youth, their parents, and anyone in town who loves music, to a night of good music and worship. "High Valley" will be in concert in Mason Wed. 28th @ 7:00. The band is comprised of three brothers from Canada, along with their drummer from Texas.

Country Collectibles has donated this 5.85 carat Texas-Star cut, certified Mason County Texas to the Mason Volunteer Fire Department for their annual barbecue and auction on May 1st.

Representing children from the current program and from past years, these Steady Steppers gathered together at the Spring Fundraiser on April 10 for a picture celebrating Steady Steps’ 10th Anniversary.

Sherry Alexander, board member of the Mason Community Foundation presents a check for $5,000 to Susan Grote of the Mason Tennis Association. The grant money will go toward a 2-phase revitalization plan for the Helen Tallent Tennis Center. First, $2,000 will be used to upgrade electrical service at the facility, to assure adequate and continuous lighting to the 10 courts, bathrooms, and concession stand throughout tournaments.

The Mason Community Foundation has provided funding for two projects of the Mason County Historical Commission: Editions of The Mason County News (1886 to 1976) are now archived on CDs and The Mason County Historical Book (1976) has now been reprinted in softback ($25) as well as hardback($35.) Pictured are: Mary Freytag of the Foundation and Scott Zesch and Jan Appleby of the Commission.

The sudden downpours last week caused very few accidents; but, that was not the case for the truck pulling this trailer with equipment. It rolled over on the northwest corner of the square, shutting down Highway 87 traffic for a while until it could be righted. Photo courtesy of Misty Kast, Whipper Wheel.

The 65th anniversary of the Mason High School graduating class was held April 10th at the Peanut Mill Steak House with a luncheon. In attendance were 16 members of 29 living. Out of towners were Mahdeen Burnett Lange, Sammye Capps Regan, Myrtle Fae Loeffler McCallum, Thomas Ray Polk and spouse, Kathrun Sanders Matthews and spouse, Betty Sell Chapman ad spouse, James Sorrels, and Imogene Thomas.

Look 8 year-old DJ in the eyes and say that to him. For years, DJ’s relatives physically and sexually abused him and one of his sisters while his parents were locked in their bedroom using methamphetamines. Tell that to his brothers and sisters who lived in a filthy home where garbage was knee deep. Say that to any one of the one in 100 children in Texas who is a victim of some form of neglect and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

April 2010: In these though economic times, it is important to know there are financial institutions that are strong, secure and ready and able to assist their communities. First State Bank Central Texas is one such institution – dedicated to getting Main Street back on its feet. Since it exhibits overall financial excellence in such areas as: capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability, BauerFinancial, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida is proud to bestow its 4-Star Excellent ...

The Mason Tennis Association Tennis-A-Thon fundraiser was a smashing success in raising over $8500. The money will be used to improve our tennis center and help repay loans for resurfacing the courts. About 80 of our tennis playing youth, ages 4 to 18, played tennis for 1 and 1/2 hours on March 28th and acquired sponsors who donated money to them for playing. The top fundraiser for this event was Lexie Bingham, a 4th grader, who raised $1715.

Mason Girl Scout Troop #5080 recently attended a Cultural Arts Weekend in San Antonio and toured the Witte Museum where they were amazed at the dinosaur exhibit and moved by an audio/visual exhibit on Hunger. The girls later had VIP passes to the Woodlawn Theatre to see the theatrical production of Peter Pan and had an opportunity to meet the cast and take photos.

When a child is removed from the home, it is important for that child to know someone is there for them. This is the role of a court appointed special advocate, or CASA. Bluebonnet CASA advocacy group provides a resource person for children going through the difficulties associated with divorce or other domestic trauma. To honor and observe April as National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, the Voca Quilt Club had a show April 17.

Carolyn and Duard Dockal are excited to announce the engagement of their granddaughter, Morgan Davis, to Cheyenne Weber, son of Patrick and Theresa Weber. Morgan is a future graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is expected to graduate this coming December with a bachelors of communication with a concentration in public relations.

Dewayne and Sheri Simon are pleased to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their son, Wesley Simon, to Kaley Power, daughter of Dudley Power & Janet Taylor of Corpus Christi, Texas. Wesley attended Texas State Technical College in Waco for two years and is now a certified auto body technician with B & B Paint and Body in Austin, Texas.

Justin and Sabrina Peirce of Mason announce the birth of their son, Damien Alexander. Born Easter Sunday, he weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 19" long. Grandparents are Tim and Linda Peirce of Burnet and Harold and Julie Parker of Mason. Great-grand parents are Clifford and Margie Parker of Mason.

Ms. Nancy Conlee of Bryan, Texas and Mr. Craig Conlee of Mason, Texas are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Abbie Suzanne Conlee to Stephen Howard Wertheim, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wertheim of Commack, New York.　 The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Jack and Betty Jo Conlee of Bryan, Texas and the late Albert Eugene and Marguerite Hervey of Victoria, Texas.

AUSTIN — Cody Hatfield, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden stationed in Mason, has been named Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year by the National Wild Turkey Federation. TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith presented the award to Hatfield at the April 1 meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. "Cody has enjoyed tremendous success in fish and wildlife investigations and prosecutions,"

The Mason High School One Act Players competed in the AREA contest in Three Rivers, Texas, on April 10. Mason’s presentation of the play, Harvey, was selected as a winning play and earned them the right to advance to the next level of competition. Cast and Crew members pictured: (top row) Jacob Bibb, Joaquin Mejia, Gideon Gonzales, Dyllan Hofmann, Brodey Taylor (Middle Row): Myles Banner, Katherine Koock, Jenny Smith, Ellie Blair, T.J.

DOSS, TX – This week, Texas author Rob Franklin celebrates the nationwide release of his juvenile fiction adventure, "The Dragonnade." The first installment of the Acorn Warriors series takes readers to Sir Randolph’s forest, where Randolph and the other members of the council of Roxford discover why the land is not changing for the better. Across the border the gray squirrel dictator makes plans to profit from Roxford’s abundance by whatever means necessary.　 And ...

Feral hogs are becoming more and more of a problem in Llano County and surrounding counties. Are you tired of fixing fences, replanting fields, repairing water troughs, losing baby calves, fawns, lambs, and kids? Experts say that to control the hog population, 70% have to be harvested each year. To my knowledge, we are not making that mark, so the hog population is growing out of control.

I’m writing this article for Mason County News about my Song and Video entitled; "MASON TEXAS IS MY HOME" that is on (You Tube) listed under my name Harold Hodges or my Company name; HJH RECORDS. My nickname in Mason has always been (Smiley). The song and Video is about growing up in Mason and all my good friends that still live there and all of my dear friends that have since passed away.

Hill Country RC&D will sponsor a Spring Expo on April 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Mason. Registration will be from 9:30-9:45 a.m. with the program starting at 9:45 a.m. A $15.00 registration fee will be charged to cover the cost of handouts and lunch, catered by Zavala’s.

Billie Lehmberg was born December 27, 1920, in Mason, to William Splittgerber and Lillian Donop Splittgerber. She went home to the Lord on Tuesday, April 13, at the age of 89. Billie married Fritz Ernest Lehmberg on June 20, 1940. They made their home at the ranch in southwest Mason County.

Arthur Makadon probably expressed the bewilderment of many people at the untimely death of Jonathan Schmidt when he said, "I cannot make sense of all this." "Jonathan was a terrific young man with a great life ahead of him," said Makadon, chairman of the law firm of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, where Jonathan was a rising star.

On April 13, 2010, Ruby Violet Eckert DeVos found the peace and rest she had sought for many years. She left the arms of her loved ones and replaced them with the arms of God. As she entered the gates of heaven she was greeted by the open arms of God.

Buford Kensing, age 84, of Brady, Texas passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at his residence in Brady. He was born November 12, 1925 to Harry W. Kensing and Nettie (Oldham) Kensing. He married Betty Priess on February 21, 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Betty. Mr.

The Puncher track team was one of the 26 schools competing in the area track meet in Comfort last Saturday. The boys did an excellent job of competing and were able to advance to regional in some events, while producing personal or yearly bests in almost all of their respective events.

District 29 & 30 Area Meet @ Comfort High School Saturday, April 17, 2010 3200 meter Run Jaci Rychlik 13:22.31 3rd Place 400 meter Relay Britney Schovajsa 54.02 8th Place Lyndsi Clark Havana Schmidt Amanda Hudson 800 meter Run Hillary Bibb 2:39.83 5th Place 100 meter Hurdles Britney Schovajsa 16.84 3rd Place 300 meter Hurdles Britney Schovajsa 50.12 3rd Place 200 meter Dash Margaret Lemke 28.02 3rd P ...

Once again the Puncher and Cowgirl tennis teams dominated the varsity and JV divisions at the district tennis tournament held last week in Kerrville. Mason qualified for regionals 10 players in six divisions. In boys singles, defending state champion, Matt Banner lost only three games in the tournament as he cruised to another championship.