Sometimes the hardest thing about doing this column is not finding something to write about, but deciding among all the strange, ridiculous, or pretty-much-unbelievable stories sent in by readers. Picking which off-the-wall event to showcase is often like taking a sip from a firehose. This week is kinda like that. For example, my friend, John Gammill, sent me a Fox News story about a seven-year-old boy named Alex Watkins who lives in Loveland, Colorado.

The Mason Lions club met Tuesday, February 12th, for its regular weekly luncheon meeting. There were 36 members and three visitors in attendance. Lion Joel Kuykendall was responsible for the program and introduced Brandon Vinyard who spoke about the Nimitz Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War. These are museums dedicated to inspiring our youth by honoring our heroes.

At the last regular City Commission meeting on February 11, the Commissioners and I took a step that is important for the future of the City of Mason and all of our residents. Our City staff and consulting engineers have been working for the past three years identifying and planning for the eventual reconstruction and improvement of the Waste Water Treatment Plant that is located east of town next to the landfill.

The reunion of the golden threesome had to be postponed due to the sickness of Pat. Pat insisted that the two of us could go on with the plans, but not good unless all three of us could be there. There is a specific drawer in the kitchen called the “Bread Drawer.” I bought a loaf of bread around the 1st of January.

The thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat, regulating the temperature and controlling how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. If the thyroid is overactive and secretes too much hormone, the condition is known as hyperthyroid. If the thyroid is underactive and secretes too little hormone, the condition is called hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism affects about 13 million people in the United States.

I’m so excited about our new program beginning on March 5 in partnership with the Friends of the Library. We have volunteers who will teach an evening conversational English course. We still have room for a few more students, so if you need this twelve-week course, or if you want to teach, don’t be shy, call 347-5446 to register! DVDs: Here Comes the Boom Downton Abbey Season 3 Poirot: The Movie Collection Set 1 Vera Season 1 Vera Season 2 True Grit Alex Cross Flight Midsommer Mur ...

The Leader in Me is a program that helps kids make good choices by learning certain habits that will help us be successful in life. For instance, Habit #2- Begin With the End in Mind. What does Begin With the End in Mind mean? It means that you should know what you are doing before you get started.

I have long been a fan of popping your own popcorn on the stove as an easy, filling, inexpensive and healthy (it’s whole grain) snack. But now I found directions on popping it in the MICROWAVE!!! This allows you to make it the way you want it (i.e. without the hydrogenated oil found in a lot of commercial microwave popcorn) and add the flavor/seasonings before you pop it.

Five-ninety-eight. At the outset, sounds like a price tag, doesn’t it? Well, put aside price tags and think in terms of centuries. That properly emphasizes the span of time since a pope has “stepped aside” of his own free will from papal leadership, thus introducing worldwide speculation as to his successor.

Polka dots. Something to think about. Maybe it’s this cold, gray weather. Polka dots are cheerful by nature. They were my mother’s favorite. I think of her every time I see them. Polka-dotted blouse. Polka-dotted pillowcases. Polka dots on plates. Birthday cakes. Writing stationary. Wrapping paper. Pajamas. Baby clothes. Bathing suits. She wore a…yellow polka dot bikini. Or neckties. Even a cashmere scarf. No one knows exactly when or where they came from. But polka do ...

Bully. Friends and Relations, and the Necessity of Dissent. In an insular and isolated community, social reinforcement mechanisms often become acute. When one is in a minority, of some kind…be it religious, political or even ethnic/racial…one becomes keenly aware of this, and it takes a great deal of Courage to overcome such pressure, and speak one’s Truth. When one’s minority status is of the political or religious variety, conflicts are bound to arise with friends and family, as w ...

Hello Jerry! As you are no doubt aware,I receive MCN any where from a few days to two weeks after the publication date. Nevertheless I treasure this,my connection to the Place I Love Best.I recently(!) received the Feb 8 issue containing the well-thought out letter putting forth the many benefits Texas receives from the Federal Gov’t It is just those benefits that the general population has been so lulled and regulated by that is the heart of the argument of those who suggest Texas might ...

Editor: I would like to thank the Odeon Preservation Society for bringing wonderful concerts to Mason. They are to be applauded. Carolyn Wonderland was fantastic on Saturday night and rocked the house! Marie Beaver

Help Wanted Food Bank First Meeting Date set for February 28th 3:30 pm, at food Bank. Mason’s Ministerial Alliance is seeking a few good men and women to better organize and manage the Food Bank, located in the old school house on 601 Brazos St. For additional information please contact Eva Tannehill at 347-1518.

To Concerned Citizens of Mason: As the Sheriff of Mason County I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United State and the Constitution of the great State of Texas. Of course, the Sheriff’s of Texas are committed to uphold their oath of Office. It goes without saying as your Sheriff of Mason County that I recognize that the Second Amendment of the Constitution provides that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” and the Fourth Amendment provides ...

The readers of the Mason County News aren't just passive observers. As the Letters to the Editor reflect, they are also well-informed contributors to the public discourse. They are willing to sound off on almost all topics, and we're pleased to be able to provide a forum for that exchange of ideas. One of the most au courant topics during the last few months has been government assistance.

March 2 event will provide info on applying to U.S. service academies WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) announced today that he will hold a Service Academy Day at Angelo State University in San Angelo on Saturday, March 2. This event will provide parents, students and educators with information about the nomination process for our nation’s service academies.

There will be a concert presented by the Mason High School Band on Monday evening, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. The band is only going to be performing three songs, the same three that they will be performing at concert contest on March 7th. Band Director Bobby Halamicek wanted to give the musicians an opportunity to perform publicly before they go into competition.

The Mason County Cancer Benefit team meeting will be held on February 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the MISD cafeteria. Team packets will be available if you haven’t already picked on up! Team registration packets and food and raffle item sheets may be turned in at this time if they are ready!

The annual Riata Rummage sale is Saturday, March 2nd, beginning at 8:00 in the American Legion hall behind the Mason Jail. There will be a large selection of glassware, dishes, decorative items, small appliances, toys, books, clothing, small furniture, etc. Proceeds from the sale will go back into the community in projects such as Heritage Park, the Mason Clinic, Mason Community Kitchen, as well as additional projects that arise.

The Mason Co. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library is partnering with the Friends of the Library to offer a new program at no cost to the participants. Volunteer teachers will work with small groups of students who want to improve their English conversational skills. The library will host an informal social on Thursday, March 7 so that the students can meet the teachers and learn about other services and programs that the library offers.

Don’t forget to bring your tires in during the Tire Recycle Week (February 20th - February 26th) at the City of Mason Recycle Center located at 510 North Avenue F in Mason. Standard sized vehicle tires and smaller tires will be received at a cost of $2.00 per tire. Tires larger than a standard sized vehicle tire will cost $5.00 per tire and cost for oversized tires will be determined according to size.

1) ART WALK in Mason, Texas has changed its schedule as follows: a. All dates are Friday until 7pm and Saturday until 5pm b. ART WALK will be scheduled Spring and Fall only 2) ART WALK dates for 2013 are: Spring: March 1-2, 2013 April 5-6, 2013 May 3-4, 2013 Fall: October 4-5, 2013 November 1-2, 2013 December 6-7, 2013 3) ART WALK has a new full -color brochure .

Linda McFarland (second from right) of the First United Methodist Women presents a check for $1000 to D'Ann Stahl of the Mason County Child Welfare Board. They were joined by other board members for the presentation. Left to right: Jennifer Moneyhon, Shanda Schmidt, Victoria Duarte and Amanda McMIllan.

The First grade class had a huge turnout for their Readers Cafe.  It was held February 12th in the Elementary Library from 5 - 6:30.  The Readers Cafe is the first grade’s annual fundraiser.  It is an evening for parents, teachers, and community members to come enjoy fine reading selections from first grade students.

On Tuesday, February 12, Nadine Eby, a member of the Fine Arts Association of the Hill Country, presented an all day program entitled, Ceramics “from 2D to 3D.” Nadine provided each participant with an object (such as a rock, shell or piece of wood) to study, and mentally absorb the shape.

San Antonio –The calf scramble was held yesterday, February 13 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. 4-H and FFA youth competed for $800 certificates to purchase breeding animals to exhibit in the 2014 San Antonio Junior Livestock Show. Twelve certificates were awarded this afternoon to those who caught a calf. One such winner was Kirsten Shaw of Mason, Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Kent of Mason will be married sixty years on February 25, 2013. Tommy Kent and Frances Lyon were married in Eastland County. Their first home was in Kermit, Texas, where they resided before moving to Knox City, Texas, in 1960. In 1987, they moved to Mason, Texas. They have two daughters: Kathi Kent Turner and Kary Kent Tyler.

Brittany Lashe Estes and Andrew Marc Chevalier were united in marriage on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at six o’clock in the evening at Tin Star Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas. The double ring ceremony was performed by Justin McFarland. The bride is the daughter of Lindell L. and Pam Estes of Mason.

Randy and Fonda Williams of Roscoe, Texas, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Traci Williams, to Chris Cavaness, son of Larry and Pam Cavaness of Mason, Texas. Traci is a 2001 graduate of Roscoe High School, and a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M University. Chris is a 1995 graduate of Mason High School, and is scheduled to graduate from the Golf Academy of America in December, 2013.

GEORGETOWN, TX (02/15/2013)— Jenny Smith of Mason has been named to the Dean’s List at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, for the fall 2012 semester. To be selected, students must have at least a 3.6 grade point average on a 4.0 scale with at least 12 graded hours and be in good standing with the university. Southwestern University is a selective, nationally recognized undergraduate liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1,350 students.

The members of Second Chance – Mason Animal Rescue would like to send a great big thank you out to everyone who came to Saturday’s reception at Topaz Confections. It was a wonderful opportunity to educate folks about the work the group does and to help raise money for a great cause.

The HCM Board of Trustees has appointed HCM’s Chief Nursing Officer, Jayne E. Pope, MBA, RN, FACHE, as the new HCM Chief Executive Officer. Pope will officially replace Michael R. Williams, MD, on February 22, 2013 completing his resignation process. Williams took the role as President of The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, after serving five years as HCM CEO.

Mason County had two of the local youth with great placings during the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. At left is Gabe Jennings with his Reserve Champion Middleweight Meat Goat. At Right is Heather Shaw with her lightweight Division Meat Goat.

Mason kids who qualified and participated in the Hill Country Junior Rodeo Association finals held on February 2nd and 3rd in Llano are, back row, left to right: Kody Criswell, Sloan Townsend, Cason Dudney, Slade Townsend, Lafe Allen, Chet Weitz, Laramie Allen, Karson Johnson and Cal Rasch. Front row: Jessie Armstrong, Avery Brooks, Kalli Criswell and Chainey Weitz.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - ASPEN JADE MARTIN, a 4-H member from MASON COUNTY, exhibited the 1ST PLACE MEDIUM WEIGHT EUROPEAN CROSS in the Junior STEER Show at the 2013 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on FEBRUARY 8TH . The 2013 Show hosted nearly 10,000 junior exhibitors from across Texas, competing for prizes and $107,445.00 in premiums. Since 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has remained a prominent event in the livestock industry.

San Antonio – The Market Sheep show was held February 15th at the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo. Grand Champion Fine Wool honors went to Kasie Mae Vestal of Gillespie County 4H. Vestal was also awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Reserve Champion Fine Wool honors were awarded to Stan J. Stultz of Mason County 4H. Another scholarship recipient was Victoria Lee Barksdale of McCulloch County 4H.

Peaceful Hills Ranch, Art, Texas, has been recognized nationally by the American Angus Association® for having 3 registered Angus cows included in the Association’s 2013 Pathfinder® Report. Only 1,992 of the more than 25,000 American Angus Association members are represented in this year’s report, according to Bill Bowman, chief operating officer and director of performance programs of the Association with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo. The Pathfinder program identifies superior Angu ...

A Health and Wellness Program Offered by the Wesley Nurse Health Ministries™ The Wesley Nurse at First United Methodist Church invites you to take part in a free Lunch ‘N Learn program open to all citizens in the Mason area. The program is aimed at providing current information on Advance Directives, Medical Power of Attorney, and Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate orders.

Mr. Samuel Martinez, of Mason, passed away on Sunday, February 17, at the age of 52. Mr. Martinez is survived by his wife Pinkie Martinez of DeLeon, three children: Sam Christopher Martinez of DeLeon, Crystal Beamer and husband Carl of Harrisburg, PA and Solita Menchaca of San Antonio; his parents Arculano and Isabel Martinez of Mason; three brothers, Joe Martinez and wife Irene, Daniel Martinez and wife Becky and Chappo Martinez all of Mason and four sisters Rosa Morquecho and husband Ernest ...

Daniel L. Walker of Austin passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Danny was born in San Benito, TX, on January 15th 1946. He loved fishing, all sports, especially High School football, and his real passion was his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 30 years, Donice, and the pride and joy of his life, his three sons.

Cheer Champs was an ACE Enrichment class where students were taught cheer and dance routines. Puncher Pete volunteered his time teaching ACE students for the Cheer class this semester. As a culminating activity Puncher Pete and the ACE Cheer Champ participants performed Friday night during the halftime of the Varsity boys basketball game against Center Point.