While strolling through the pasture one day In the very merry month of May We were taken by surprise By a loud rattle noise While strolling in the pasture one day. Yep. They’re heeeeeeeeere. Rattlesnakes. On the move. In the shade. On a rock. Under a tree. In the grass. By the deck. Over yonder. Under foot. Watch your step. Keep your eyes and ears open. Scientif ...

Once a track coach, always a track coach. Some retirees still have stop watches close at hand—maybe even looped around their neck—and their daily life continues to be framed with references to time, height and distance. They still dream, but they’re mostly “re-runs” (pun intended). One such retiree is David Noble, who spent almost four decades coaching track and field at the high school and collegiate level.

According to the website, BUZZLE.COM, “Seven has the highest probability of occurring as an addition when rolling dice. There are seven wonders of the ancient world. There are seven continents in the world. There are seven colors of the rainbow. There are seven days in a week. There are seven basic musical notes, namely, ‘do’, ‘re’, ‘me’, ‘fa’, ‘so’, ‘la’ and ‘te’.

NEW ARRIVALS: (All quotes are from publishers’ summaries) If you want to learn how to use a computer, be sure to come to Carol Tucker’s computer classes. Computer Basics II will meet on Thursday, May 24 and starts at 6:30 P.M.The class is free, and you do not have to buy supplies or bring your own laptop.

Omega 3 Oils are a part of the family of essential fatty acids (EFA) that are collectively called vitamin F. These oils are notoriously absent in the standard American diet, making them an important supplement. Symptoms of omega 3 deficiency include dry skin, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, impaired immune function, decreased learning ability, memory loss, and impaired vision. While there is no shortage of fat in the American diet, there is a strong differentiation between go ...

Some days it seems that activities you assume will be straight forward and unexciting turn out to be the most challenging and create the most problems. The election of City officials which was held last Saturday was certainly one such event. After a very uneventful early voting period for two weeks prior to Election Day, Saturday turned into a exercise in crowd control at times.

This morning I had a call about how to clean the inside of a dishwasher. So I did a little quick research, and found several articles that were pretty similar on the subject. I know it would be good for me to clean my dishwasher, so I thought ya’ll might need to also! Remove the racks of your dishwasher.

The Mason Lions club met Tuesday, May 8th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 37 members and one visitor in attendance. Lion Melvin McCallum was responsible for the program and he spoke about the "speed limit" signs and the differences of each as you approach the square from different directions. Mayor Brent Hinckley, being in attendance, said that on the state maintained highways, which include Highway 87, Highway 29 and FM 1841, the speed limit is set by the ...

They say, "Lightening never hits in the same place twice!" WRONG! In January, a thunderstorm zapped by computer. Last Sunday, it zapped it again. "Food me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!" The next time I hear a rumble, I'll be unplugging everthing that is plugged in. Seems "you never want a drink of water til the well runs dry!"

Long-time readers of this column may remember when I used to relate spine-tingling, hair-raising, swash-buckling stories about going to Mexico and, single-handedly, returning with some pretty impressive examples of Montezuma’s Revenge. For several years now I have chosen to avoid Mexico, though, on the grounds that it could be hazardous to my health.

At First United Methodist, we're making plans to say farewell to Pastor Tim Fahrenthold and his wife, Claudia, at the end of June. Tim has been called to serve the church in Uvalde, and we in Mason have been called to help them with their move, and to accept a new pastor starting in July.We already know that our new pastor will be Colleen Haley.

Dear Gerry, Some of your readers might be interested in the following warning recently issued by the Austin Humane Society. “After a possible Salmonella contamination in a S. Carolina pet food plant, certain batches of the following food brands have been recalled: Nature’s Balance, Diamond Naturals, WellPet, Solid Gold, Kirkland Signature, Apex, Naturals, Chicken Soup for Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health, Canidae, Wellness L ...

When I was a young boy growing up in San Francisco, one of my favorite times was at Golden Gate Park, after my Grandfather would spend hours teaching me how to play tennis, we would both find a bench in the park and he would produce a bag of bread crumbs that we provided to the pigeons for their afternoon snack.

On Thursday, May 17th, The American Legion Fort Mason Post 285 will have its rescheduled monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m., at The American Legion Post Hall, 237 Post Hill [behind the Jail]. All members plus friends, family, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. Plans for the distribution of cemetery memorial flags and for the Memorial Day Ceremony, scheduled for May 28th, will be discussed as well as officer elections for the 2011 / 2012 membership year.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day.

The May meeting of VFW Post 8554 - Mason, will be held on May the 21st at 6:30 p.m. at the American legion Hall on Post Hill Street. The agenda for this meeting will include staffing for our annual poppy drive, plans for the Memorial Day ceremony and starting our new year's business.

Computer Basics II: Thursday, May 24, 6:30-7:30 P.M. Using the Internet, email, and Facebook: Thursday, May 31, 6:30- 7:30 P.M. Computer Basics I: Thursday, June 7, 6:30-7:30 P.M. Computer Basics II: Thursday, June 14, 6:30-7:30 P.M. Using the Internet, email, and Facebook: Thursday, June 21 Contact Mason County Library for more information—347-5446

Don’t miss the Loyal Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s First Annual “Gun and Crafts Show,” Saturday June 30th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday July 1st from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Ft. Moasn Park Community Building at Fort Mason Park, US Highway 87 South in Mason.

The Mason Puncher Youth Football Association will be having their Annual Hamburger Fundraiser and Registration Sunday, May 27th from 11:00am to 1:00 pm on the West Side of the Square. This is the ONLY major fundraiser to support the community’s youth football teams so please plan on dropping by and picking up your Sunday lunches.

The Llano Country Opry will be held on Saturday, May 19, at the Lantex Theater in downtown Llano, Texas. The show begins at 7:30 PM and admission is $15.00 per person. Tickets are now on sale at Llano Chamber of Commerce, Llano National Bank, Lively Computers or by calling (325) 247-5354. Rex Allen Jr.

Fredericksburg Music Club is pleased to present Kay & Friends in concert on May 20th at 3:00 at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. This concert is presented free of charge to the public with the cost of the concert being underwritten by a grant from the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance.

Staci Habecker, daughter of Chris and Anissa Habecker, competed in the District 7 4-H Roundup Competition in San Angelo on May 5th. Her coach is Dawn Hahn. She came home with a third place ribbon for her Mozart piano piece. Congratulations, Staci!

It’s hard to believe another school year has come and gone. It has been a great one for Mason ISD! The accomplishments of our students have been truly amazing. Just to name a few of the highlights of our year— · State championship in football · Band advanced to area marching contest · Regional finalist in girls’ basketball · Regional quarterfinalist in boys’ basketball · District champions in UIL a ...

Tuesdays - 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Reigning Cats & Dogs has graduated eight classes in the last two years. Each time there are usually a couple of stand-out trainers and dogs, some average pairs, and occasionally a dog/handler team that is a complete mismatch - dumb dog/smart handler, or vice versa. However, the May 12th graduating class truly was the “Fantastic Four.” All four handlers and all four dogs excelled - as the trainer I felt, at times, like each one of them could be teaching an obedience cla ...

The Mason County Museum has conducted tours for several civic groups recently. The Texas Extension Education Association of Llano visited on May 9th. Dolores Keller gave a tour assisted by Mary Hemphill and Nancy Jordan. Those enjoying the many-faceted museum exhibits were: Irene Mertz, Marilyn Hale, Elna Preston, D’Ann Green, Ethel Schneider, Betty Smith, Ursula Mueller and Jean Renfro.

First a HUGE thank you to Dr.s Andy and Dave Rosberg of Hill Country Veterinary Hospital and to Dr. Pat O’Neal of Pedernales Veterinary Clinic in Fredericksburg for supporting Second Chance. It is our goal to have every animal adopted neutered or spayed and current on all vaccinations. Second Chance is in need of the following items: *Cat Litter *Dog Food *Old Towels or Rags *Leashes and Collars *Toys The above items can be dropped off a ...

Ad and Cherie are blessed to announce the birth of their daughter, Addison Lea Hernandez. Addison was born in Fredericksburg, at Hill Country Memorial Hospital, on March 26, 2012, at 4:35 p.m. She weighed six pounds, five ounces, and was 19.75 inches long. She was welcomed home by sister, Ashlynn, and brothers JJ and Bradley.

On Sunday May 13th six Boy Scouts received the highest, most distinguished award in the scouting organization, the rank of Eagle Scout. Each scout had to lead the troop on a project that helped the community in some way. Pictured are Benjamin Morales, Albino Cedillo, Bodie Adams, T.J. Schovajasa, Dyllan Hofmann and Tyler Chew.

TEMPLE, TX May 10, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that applications for grants are being accepted to help low- and very-low-income rural residents repair their homes. “These grants help limited-income rural homeowners make necessary repairs and improvements for safer, healthier and more energy-efficient dwellings,” Vilsack said. “I strongly encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this funding.” “The costs ...

Karl Thomas Koepke passed away at his home in Kerrville, Texas, on May 8, 2012, at the age of 51. He was born in Sherman, Texas, at Perrin Air Force Base to Elizabeth Beaird Nall and Tommy Koepke on March 24, 1961. Karl attended Willis High School in Willis, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M in December, 1983.

A two week tennis camp will be offered at the Mason School Courts June 4th through 14th. It will take place Monday through Thursday during those two weeks. This camp is for players of all ages and will be offered on a first come-first serve basis. Beginners camp will be from 8:00 to 9:30, while intermediate players will go from 9:30 to 11:00 and advanced will play from 11:00 to 12:30.

Dr. Cone will be in the high school gym at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd to administer physicals for those boys and girls that need them. All incoming 7th, 9th, and 11th must have a new physical for the 2012-13 school year. Cost of the physicals will be $10.