by PAULINE TOM
Judge Beth Smith’s emails through her distribution list bring handy information, unite lost pets and their owners, and give alerts.
For instance, she recently told us that the County Precinct Office, now conveniently located to Mountain Citians on 2770 (Jack C. Hays Trail), just past Barton Middle School, provides free notary services. This is not new; but, it’s news to some of us.
The Precinct 2 office also hands out handicapped parking permits. Just bring in a doctor’s prescription.
This week Judge Smith sent notification that Live Oak Academy (next to Hays High) is an early voting location open every single day (yes, including weekends) from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Oct. 22-Nov. 2.
What conveniences for our little city still somewhat out in the country!
Remember when a trip to the grocery store involved a trip to San Marcos or Austin? And, a phone call to Buda was a long distance call for those with a 268- phone number, even though we had a “Buda” mailing address?
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Last week’s “Montage” mentioned a gray fox. Salli Wilson (on Maple) reports a red fox has taken from the scraps she tosses in her backyard since it was a small juvenile.
And, speaking of wildlife, I erred in the title I associated with Mark Klym. John Davis directs the overall Wildlife Diversity Program. Mark Klym coordinates the Texas Wildscapes program.
The Texas Wildscapes program offers property certification for wildlife habitat. An attractive yard sign can be purchased after certification to encourage others in a neighborhood to look at their yards from a wildlife perspective.
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The current USAA magazine mentions apps to consider for times of emergency, and some come in handy day-to-day. I entered several as notes in my iPhone, in order to share them with you.
5-0 Radio Police Scanner Lite lets you listen to local law and long distance law enforcement radio communication. I tuned into Chicago police while typing this and heard chat about a man hiding in the bushes at a library.
I just loaded GasBuddy. In an emergency, prices for local gas might vary even more than today, with a variance of $0.30/gallon between Sam’s at SouthPark Meadows and the Shell at 1626 and 967.
Life360 Family Locator locates your family members (with SmartPhones); lets you check in to let family members know you are safe; and, shows safety points and threats that may be nearby.
On a related note, Life360 Sex Offender search reveals names and addresses of registered sex offenders not far from Mountain City.
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Emails from Mayor Tiffany Curnutt (Judge Smith’s daughter) to those signed up on the city’s website (www.mountaincitytx.com) will sometimes, but not always, give word of upcoming council meetings.
The official city email list differs from the unofficial “Loving Mountain City” email list, with notices sent by Amy Hilton. Currently, Loving Mountain City seeks silent auction donations (by Oct. 3) for the Oct. 13 Fire & Ice Festival. Contact [email protected].
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This column contains tidbits that relate in any shape or fashion to Mountain City. Please send emails to [email protected].
