Happy New Year to all! We have a possibility of rain and it’s my sincere hope that as you read this article today, it will be pouring. What a blessing that would be. Just a reminder that this Friday, January 11th, there will be a luncheon at the Eckert Community Center at noon, for the Patriot Warrior Foundation.

If given a choice, I don’t eat “store bought” bread. Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of recipes trying to find one that will produce a loaf of “light bread” that is easy to make and tasty enough to make me happy with it. I found that by borrowing from several recipes, I’ve been able to create one that meets my requirements for everyday bread.

Understandably, there’s a lot of hoopla about the new ‘Assault Weapons Ban,’ which was introduced in congress as soon as it met last week by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Pluto). This bill is being pushed as a result of the horrible school shooting in Connecticut just before Christmas. Never mind that the weapons to be banned by the Assault Weapons Ban are not, any of them, ‘assault weapons.’ Never mind that the 1994 ban made no difference on crime, as there were 562 people per 100,000 ...

I was visiting with a friend in the grocery store the other day and she stated, “Maybe after the Holidays things will get back to normal!” WHAT IS NORMAL? This is something that we experience only to the age of thirteen! After that it’s all uncertain and you will need to roll with the punches from thirteen on.

Well the Holidays have come and gone, we all have new calendars for 2013, the Mason Livestock Show was cold but very successful again, the children have gone back to school, and the Aggies won the Cotton Bowl! I would say that we are all off and running for another very good year!!

Blood Purifiers are one of my favorite classes of herbs and one that truly is at the heart of herbalism. Blood purification is an old fashioned classification of herbs that are good for just about anything - including acne, arthritis, eczema, cancer and more. Many things in our modern life lead to blood impurities - these include stress, poor diet, and exposure to many chemicals in our daily environments.

Our Artist of the Month is Minnie Schmidt, and we have both a foyer exhibit and paintings in the library. Be sure to stop by to see her work! Don’t forget, Computer Basics classes are scheduled for Jan. 22 and 29 at 6:00 P.M. You must be registered to attend—call 347-5446. Audiobooks: Hero at Large DVDs: The Dust Bowl Spanish: Construcción de Estructuras y Obra Preliminar de Carpintería Instalaciones eléctricas Fiction: Finding Casey by Jo-Ann Mapson (F MAP) “ Finding Casey is ...

It was, hands down, the most remarkable athletic feat I’ve ever witnessed. The scene was Dallas’ American Airlines Center, where some 20,000 fans watched the Mavericks/Phoenix Suns NBA game, April 5, 2009. They saw a blow-out win by 26 points—and the Mavs’ 140-point barrage could have been more. Memorable, too, was Josh Howard’s 71-foot shot that beat the halftime buzzer. Moments later, however, an intermission feature drew greater applause.

Happy New Year. Feliz Ano Nuevo. Bonne annee. Buon anno. Ein glückliches neues Jahr. Stastny Novy Rok That’s Czech. 2013. Check. Wide open. Free. Anything can happen. Let it be. Hauoli Makahiki hou. Hawaiian or otherwise. Make it a happy new year. “New” being the operative word. One wish in dozens of languages. A promise for one and all. All around the world. New beginnings. New life. New hope. New changes. New directions. New relationships. 2013. In Poland: S ...

Ger. In re;Kendall It was only a matter of time, I guess. We had only to wait a little for the predictable knee-jerk to begin, wherein the usual suspects proceed to whip their horse. Almost any excuse will do, but a Massacre of Children seems too much to pass up,I guess, for those who would have us go backwards. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc.

As the new year has kicked off, Mason is poised to begin with a few changes of its own. Even as I compose this column on Tuesday morning, there are optimistic rain chances for this evening that could bring respectable rain totals to the entire area. That is a change that affects not only Mason County; but, could help change the direction for a good part of central Texas. Just across the road from the News office, the anchor of the south side of the square has become Mason Bank, dropping the "N ...

The Mason County Youth Rally and Lock-in was created for the area youth to experience fun, games,challenges and fellowship in a Christian environment. We have guest speakers who share their testimonies, and an awesome band who share their love for the Lord through music. The two speakers for this year's rally are Clarence Lee and Keith Davis.

The Llano Country Opry will stage “Shower Of Stars” night on Saturday, January 12, featuring stars of the Grand Ole Opry including George Hamilton IV, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Georgette Jones, Diane McCall and Bobby Lewis. The Llano Country Opry Band, Justin Trevino and Bucille Snotgrass will also be included.

BASIC COMPUTER I: Jan. 22, 6:00-7:00 P.M. BASIC COMPUTER II: Jan. 29, 6:00-7:00 P.M. CLASSES ARE FREE, BUT YOU MUST REGISTER CALL: 347-5446

There will NOT be an American Legion meeting on Thursday, January 10th. For information concerning the programs and/or operation of The American Legion Fort Mason Post #285, please contact Lawrence Spell, Commander, 429-6224, or Mike Shanley, 347-9016. For information on the Ladies Auxiliary, please contact Gail Coldiron, 347-9016.

The Mason Garden Club will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the Mason County M. Beven Memorial Library Stribling Room, 410 Post Hill. The program will be “Designing for Fun” by Brenda Kothmann, owner, The Petal Patch, Mason. For more information, contact Sherie Clarkson at 347-5762.

The Hilda Community Club will meet Friday, January 18th at 6:00 p.m. It will be a covered dish supper since we’ve not set up hosts for the year yet. This being the first meeting of the new year, we need to elect one Trustee and a secretary as well as sign up as hosts.

You are invited to be the guest of the first ladies and two women governors of the Lone Star State as you dine at the Texas Governor’s Mansion, Menard Library Club-style. The January 19th tasting luncheon, featuring recipes from Dining at the Governor’s Mansion by Carl R. McQueary, will be hosted at Menard Country Club.

Those who have seen Joe Ely know that he always gives his all. He knows how to put on a good ol’ show. The Odeon Theater in Mason is proud to bring Joe back by popular demand. His performances at the Odeon have always been absolutely electric. Joe is the consummate Texas singer/songwriter whose music touches on honky-tonk, Texas Country, Tex-Mex and rock and roll.

Judge Bearden will be speaking to the Mason County Republican Women on January 16th. He will be bringing us up to date on the issues concerning Mason County. Everyone is invited to attend. The meeting begins at noon in the Stribling Room at the Mason County Public Library. The cost of the luncheon is $11.00 and reservations are required. Please contact Sabin Nelson at 347-1024 by Friday the 10th.

Mason County’s big event of the year for our Patriot Warrior foundation program happens this Friday the eleventh at high noon at Eckert Civic Center. Around thirty wounded veterans and active duty Purple Heart winners from around the state will arrive here to participate in probably the largest hunt of its kind in the nation.

The Livestock & Wildlife Protection Association will have it's annual meeting on Thursday, January 10th, 7:00 p.m., at the St. Paul Lutheran Church Social Hall. The agenda will include a report on the 2012 bounty program results, a 2012 financial report, an open discussion of priorities for the organization, fixing of the 2013 bounty amounts and election of 2013 officers. Your continued support has helped create the most effective predator control program in Texas.

On December 7, 2012, at the Veterans Christmas Party, the drawing was held for the VFW Post 8554 rifle raffle. Winner of the .223 Savage Bolt Action rifle was Ted Hager of Dallas, who owns property at Castell where he hunts. For more information on VFW Post 8554 Mason contact Lawrence Spell Post Commander at (325) 429-6224.

Riata's Christmas party was held at the home of Judy Cordes. Hostesses for the party were, left to right: Nonie Stringer, Alberta Birk, Jody Kingston, Doris Courtright, Becky Griffith, Barbara Young and Judy Cordes. A good time was had by all.

This is the time of the year when everyone reflects on how they can make this year better than last year. People make plans and set goals – losing weight, saving money, being a better person, and many other things. This year we encourage you to make it your goal to make it a better year for the cats and dogs of Mason County by spaying and neutering all of your pets. Second Chance – Mason Animal Rescue had a very, very busy year last year finding homes for unwanted cats and dogs.

Scott Monroe took office January 1, 2013, as the new District Attorney for the six county 198th Judicial District which includes Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch and Menard counties. Monroe, shown above being sworn in by District Judge Rex Emerson, said that he is excited about taking office. “Being District Attorney is something I have hoped for and worked toward for a long time.

On December 21st, the Mason County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) dedicated a home for their newest Habitat family. Isidro and Vanessa Soto and their two children moved into their beautiful home just in time for Christmas. Attending the dedication ceremony were members of the MCHFH board of directors and members of the community.

Guess who is back?! Arlis’ pick of the week is Bud, a year and a half old bull terrier mix who has been neutered and up to date on all his shots. Bud has been in a foster home for the past 3 months and has just come back to the shelter.

St Paul Lutheran Church ended 2012 with a Healing Service on Sunday, Dec. 30th. Pastor Charles Eckert officiated and was assisted by Sherie Clarkson, Council Member.

Wade and Sarah Brown of May, Texas were speechless when Kay Brown told them about a surprise get away that was planned to celebrate their 21st Wedding Anniversary. Grandmother took care of the kids and the adventure began. Arriving at the Covered Wagon B&B in Mason, Texas they were warmly greeted with the glow of the fire to the Proprietress Bridget’s excitement of co-planning the one day adventure.

Meagan Elizabeth Brown, a senior at Texas A&M, was recently inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society at a ceremony at Texas A&M. Phi Beta Kappa is generally considered to be the most selective and prestigious of all college honors societies, so election to membership is one of the highest honors available to undergraduate collegians.

BOERNE, TX – December 30, 2012. While the 2012 Inaugural Season of Boerne Performing Arts filled the Champion High School Auditorium with an excitement and pulsation never before experienced in Boerne…a new twist to drumming will bring the ultimate showdown of rhythm and speed front and center stage with Drumline Live on Wednesday, January 30th at 7:30 p.m. This invigorating show will display endless energy as the drummers, band members and dancers provide journeys into the musical genres ...

In June of 2012 I attended the Buckskin Brigades Wildlife Camp held on the Southern Star Ranch near Uvalde, Texas . The wildlife brigades are a five day wildlife leadership camp. These camps are designed to teach different aspects of wildlife management. There are 7 wildlife camps held across Texas.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) was sworn in today for his fifth term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Conaway and wife Suzanne join Speaker of the House John Boehnerfor a ceremonial swearing-in photo today. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the citizens of District 11 for a fifth term in Congress,” Rep.

Minnie G. Schmidt has been chosen for the Artist of the Month at the Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library. Minnie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gandy, is proud to present her original paintings in oil, watercolor, and charcoal. Born and reared in Milam County, she received her formal education at Southwest Texas State University, Class of ’49.

The Mason County Chamber of Commerce would like to express our sincere appreciation to our exiting Board members, Bonnie Beam, Emily Hicks with Teams of Tomorrow, and Lisa Polk with The Thing Is, we couldn’t have done it without you ladies! We are also very proud to present the new Board Members that will be joining our team this year and that will be: Kim Corbitt with Fort Mason Real Estate; and, Brandy Neece with Mason Bank.

The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library and Wesley Nurse Ann Scarth are teaming up for a new service. She will offer the first free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. in the Stribling Room. Thereafter, these screenings will be available on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the same time and location.

On Sunday, December 23, 2012, we lost the love of our life. She was born October 7, 1942, to Mayfield and Norma Sagebiel Kothmann in Mason, Texas, both preceding her in death. She was a basketball player on the Mason High School Punchers. She attended Texas Lutheran College from 1961 to 1965 majoring in Art & Business.

Junction– Mrs. Gail Jean Eppler, 72, of London, Texas passed from this life on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at a local care facility. Gail’s childhood was spent in Odessa, Texas, where she grew up in a loving home. She married her husband, Jim, at age 17 and for 49 years, they faced life with daring passion.

Lilly Reuther passed away Monday, December 31st, at the age of 84. Lilly is survived by her daughter, Rev. Lucinda Zesch & husband Rev. Casey Zesch; 2 grandsons: Zachery Zesch of San Antonio & Benjamin Zesch & wife Nicole of Lynwood, WA; 2 sisters: Esther Lux of Lead, SD & Irene Dewald-Haro of Ashley, ND. Services for Lilly Reuther will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 8th, in Bethany Lutheran Church.

Albert Henry Plain Jr., of Fredonia, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, at the age of 67. Albert is survived by his wife Cheryl Plain, of Fredonia, two sisters Marian Plain and Jan Gooden of Texas City and Paula McComb and husband Skip of Texas City along with numerous nieces and nephews including Pilar Branden Long of Llano and Randy Plain and wife Liz of Texas City. Albert married Cheryl Lee Wagner on December 11, 1971, in Houston, Texas.

Frances Joy Hahn, of Mason, passed away on Thursday, December 27, at the age of 71. She was born September 22, 1941, in Delta, Colorado, to Owen Hocker and Franky Hocker Sparks. She was preceded in death by her brother Gene Hocker and her sister Betty Ann Hart. She is survived by her husband Dick Hahn, her sons Gary Hahn and wife Jeanne, of Mason, Steven Hahn and Christine Hahn of Glasboro, New Jersey, grandchildren; Jessica Simon and husband Cody of Mason, Michael Hahn and wife Carrie of Brad ...

Virginia Jean Beam, of Mason, passed away on Thursday, January 3, at the age of 89. Funeral services for Virginia Beam were held on Monday, January 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Mason Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Colleen Haley officiating. Interment followed in the Gooch Cemetery. Visitation with the family was Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.

Jerry Bennett, of Mason, passed away on Monday, December 24, at the age of 86. Mr. Bennett is survived by his daughter Bonnie Bennett, of Junction, a son Jerry Glenn Bennett and wife Judy of Azalea, Oregon, two brothers, David Bennett of El Paso and Max Bennett and wife Anne of El Paso, two sisters Mary Ellen Bobb of Big Lake, TX and Evelyn Carr and husband Frank of Franklinton, Louisiana and a grandson Kenneth “K.C.” Kinle of Tucson, Arizona.

Odessa Eckert Kimbriel of Mason passed away on December 29, 2012, at the age of 84. Odessa was born on September 1, 1928, to Dan and Lillie Eckert at their home in the Hilda Community. She attended school at Hilda and graduated from Mason High School in 1945. She attended North Texas Women’s College in Denton and then returned home to marry her high school sweetheart, Raymond Kimbriel.

Friday Jan. 4 Varsity Cowgirls vs. Center Point Mason—22—17—16—12 = 67 CP —1—7—6—4 = 18 Scorers—Mari’ Marquez—1, Emily Holland—9, Kyndal Jarl—2, Margaret Lemke—16, Caroline Hudson—11, Katie Smith—10, Kayla Guice—9, Hannah Haley—9. Rebound Leaders—Emily Holland—6, Hannah Haley—11. Assist Leaders—Mari’ Marquez—3, Margaret Lemke—3, Emily Holland—3. Steal Leaders—Margaret Lemke—5, Kayla Guice—4, Hannah Haley—4. Blocked Shots—Ma ...

Friday Dec.28 Varsity Cowgirls vs. Dripping Springs @ Lampasas Touranment Mason—13—7—8—9 = 37 DS —5—9—8—12 = 34 Scorers—Margaret Lemke—27, Caroline Hudson—5, Alexa Menchaca—3, Hannah Haley—2. Rebound Leaders—Margaret Lemke—7, Caroline Hudson—7, Hannah Haley—6. Assist Leaders—Mari’ Marquez—1, Emily Holland—1, Caroline Hudson—1, Margaret Lemke—1. Steal Leaders—Emily Holland—4, Margaret Lemke—2. Blocked Shots—Caroline Hudson—3, Margare ...

The Mason Cowgirls closed 2012 by sweeping the Lady Badger Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament December 28th and 29th in Lampasas. While Mason was the only 1A school in attendance, teams from much larger schools including Lampasas, Austin Crocket, Lorena, Canyon Lake, Dripping Springs and Belton also participated. During Friday morning’s match up against the 4A Dripping Springs Lady Tigers, the Cowgirls maintained a slim lead throughout the entire game, inching out a win with a final sco ...