News

The Alamo District of Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs held the annual Fall Board Meeting in Refugio on October 24 and 25. Representatives from clubs in Cotulla, Lytle, Pleasanton, Port Lavaca, Refugio, San Antonio, Victoria, and Mason attended. Two clubs in the district did not send representatives. They were Beeville and Rock Springs.

Local Involvement Can Guide South Llano River’s Future Diverse Groups to Hold Free Workshop for Local Residents (AUSTIN, TX – Oct 31, 2008) Because the South Llano River is legendary among outdoor enthusiasts and is critical to cities that depend on its water supplies, residents will benefit from a free day-long workshop discussing how increasing water demands may affect future local water supplies. “In our research we found that many locals are interested in protecting the river, they just don’t know how to get started,” said Tyson Broad, Llano resident and author of the recently released report that outlines potential threats to South Llano River, “Land of Living Waters.” “This workshop is a chance for area residents to learn more about potential threats the river faces, gain a better understanding of the relationship between the river and the underlying aquifer, and decide how best to organize a group to relay local concerns about the river to decision makers,” said Laura Marbury, Texas Water Project Director for Environmental Defense Fund.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Mason County Soil and Water Conservation District invite the public and any agencies with an interest in conservation issues to participate in a Local Work Group meeting to be held at the Mason County Library in Mason, TX. This meeting will be on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to receive input from a broad range of local agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals that have an interest in natural resource conditions and needs in Mason County. Input received will allow the Local Work Group to make recommendations on resource concerns to be addressed for county-based funding.

On Tuesday, October 28th, the Riata Service Organization met at the home of Tess Geistweidt, with Bobby Frazier serving as co-hostess. Twenty seven members were present. Pat Tucker, Vice President, welcomed and introduced Bill Price and Buster Nixon who are candidates for the Sheriff/Tax Assessor-Collector. Each candidate spoke of his experience, qualifications and plans for running the office if elected.

Mason County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to welcome Wendy Fisher and three children as the next family to join with the local affiliate in building a Habitat home in the Mason community. Wendy is known to many as one of the friendly gals at Hinckley’s Country Store and the affiliate is excited to be partnering with her as she works toward the dream of homeownership.

We are asking for the publics’ assistance with any information on county road signs thefts or criminal mischief that have been occurring in the above counties. The Counties lose any where from $5,000.00 to $30,000.00 a year in replacing signs. The county commissioners and Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s assistance for any information on the thefts or criminal mischief to the county signs which occur every year.

The Texas Department of Public Safety reminds drivers that they must stop for school buses that are loading or unloading. School Bus Safety Week runs Oct. 20 to 24, and this year’s theme—Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm—calls attention to Texas state law, which requires drivers to stop when school buses are stopped and have activated their alternating red flashing lights or stop sign.

The South Llano River is a true gem of the Texas Hill Country. Its clear waters are legendary among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its spring-fed flows provide critical water supplies to landowners and local communities. It provides most of the flow to the Llano River. With such an important resource in our own backyards, it is time to start thinking about how to best preserve and protect the river for the future.

Welcoming another boy to our family! Jonah Augustus Kaderka was born on September 17 (his Papa Gus’ birthday) in Lakewood, Colorado. He is welcomed by his two brothers, Josef and Jakub, and parents Kelly and Christina Kaderka. Others welcoming Jonah are his Mimi, Gladys Kaderka of Mason, grandparents Norma and Bruno Schwertner of Clarendon, TX and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Operation Orphans, Inc. is enjoying the 49th season of taking less fortunate children from Texas child care facilities hunting in the hill country. During the "Youth Only" weekend of October 25th, Operation Orphans, Inc. hosted 54 girls from nine children facilities. Four additional hunts will follow on November 15, 22, December 6 and December 13.