Welcome to My Town: A visitor's guide to Hamilton 2019

Welcome to My Town a visitor’s guide to Hamilton 2019

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Welcome to our town!

Welcome to Hamilton and the Hamilton Dove Festival @ Heritage Days!

Whether you’re here for the festivities, a hunting expedition, visiting family or competing at Circle T, we’re glad you’re here and hope you enjoy your stay.

If you’ve been away a while, we hope you find familiar faces and some new things, too. If it’s your first time, nothing would please us more than for you to recognize “what a hometown should be” right under the X in Texas, and decide to make it your hometown too.

Hamilton is home to Hamilton Healthcare System, which includes the award-winning Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton Wellness Center and three rural health clinics throughout the region.

The state-of-the-art system and exceptional medical staff - many of them homegrown - rank Hamilton General Hospital among the top rural hospitals in Texas. HGH also is our largest employer.

Hamiltonians take a great deal of pride in our school system, and on Friday nights in the fall, you’ll find most of us at Kooken Field cheering on the Bulldogs and the Bulldog Band. The community supports the school system, providing excellent facilities and outstanding teachers focused on providing quality educational experiences for Hamilton’s youth. Students at Hamilton High School consistently excel in state and national competitions in academics, athletics and vocational programs.

Circle T Resort is another significant contributor to Hamilton’s economic vitality and brings thousands of visitors to the area from across the Southwest with its two covered world class rodeo arenas, Crossfire Steakhouse specializing in hand-cut, certified Angus beef, sound stage overlooking a bar and dance floor, two pools and rustically modern hotel.

Hamilton is a Film Friendly community, a part of Keep Texas Beautiful and hopes to become a Main Street community soon.

The city is also home to Hamilton Civic Theatre, and if you happen to be in town during one of its productions, make your reservations for an evening of quality entertainment by talented local actors and actresses.

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Hamilton Economic Development Corporation keep eyes to the future, always working to bring the best way of life to our rural community.

We hope you enjoy this glimpse of Hamilton. Explore, experience and enjoy our city, and if you like it like we do, we’ll welcome you “home.”

Hamilton County telling the story of Hamilton County

Military and Billy the Kid collections in the historic jail 113 West Henry in Hamlton Open Saturdays at 1 p.m. or by appointment 254-688-0165.

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

3

HVFD:

We’ll Be There Generations of Hamilton men and women have served the community of Hamilton as volunteer firefighters. Several father-son duos serve on the force, and many follow in the footsteps of their grandparents and great-grandparents.

The Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department serves the City of Hamilton and Hamilton County with 15 volunteers who give their time selflessly to serve the community.

The mission of Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department is to protect lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the City of Hamilton and Hamilton County through emergency response, education and prevention.

The men and women of HVFD attend sporting events, Dove Festival, Heritage Days, health fairs and other events to ensure help is just a breath away for Hamilton citizens.

And you can always count on a handful of

fire trucks in the annual Dove Festival parade, unless they get called away to a fire at parade time. Kids of all ages love the chance to climb atop the trucks and throw candy to spectators along the route, ride on top to the homecoming pep rally when they are seniors or get hosed down as part of water day at Summer Music Camp.

These volunteers also assist with community projects, and their motto is “We’ll Be There.”

Live life IN

FULL

bloom

Hamilton Floral & Gifts

114 N. Bell, Hamilton • 254-386-3194

4

• • • • •

Arrangements Decorations Clothing Jewelry Gifts Welcome to Hamilton

What does MCBank stand for?

Mike Lovell, BSA; Don Gromatsky, Branch President; Mandy Blackwell, Loan Officer; Kay Reed, Loan Officer; Jane Mentzer, New Accounts Representative; Weston Nolan, Teller; Debbie Eoff, New Accounts Representative; Tracy Wenzel, Teller

With a strong history of service, a deep commitment to community, and a robust array of products and services for our customers, MCBank lives its 130-year-old legacy every day.

MCBank

is My Commitment to provide service excellence to my customers.

MCBank

is My Choice of where to bank.

MCBank

invests in My Community to make it a great place to live.

MCBank

offers More Choices of how to bank: in-person, online, and mobile.

What does MCBank stand for? It stands for you—providing you with the best banking experience you’ll find anywhere. Want to know more? Stop by or give us a call. We’re ready for you!

1005 C East Main Street, Hamilton, TX 76531 | 254-386-4461 | www.mcbanktx.com

Member FDIC

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News 5

THINGS

to do in Hamilton 1. Dove Festival/Heritage Days 2. Car show 3. Tractor pull 4. Drug store ice cream at Jordan’s 5. Storm’s Special/cherry lime-squeeze 6. Cannon ball off the diving board 7. 6 a.m. run with cross country team 8. Friday night Bulldog football 9. Archery at Bulman Bridge 10. Kayak at City Lake 11. Walk from downtown to park 12. Selfies 13. Historical markers 14. Be a day maker w/ Hamilton Floral 15. Inspection sticker for free!

16. Stuffed avocado at Central Perk 17. Tunes at The Grain 18. Rexes Exes at the theater 19. Anvil shoot 20. Parsley’s Crossing 21. Christmas on the Square 22. Ann Whitney story 23. Billy the Kid at old jail 24. Greater Tater Wednesday 25. Bite My Butt at HPL 26. Hidden Valley brittle by Rayann 27. Thaw out at Heritage Place B&B 28. Predict the weather at Smoke Shack 29. Education at the Donut Shop 30. Heart attack in a sack at food truck 31. Pancake supper at St. Mary’s 32. Leon River/Cowhouse fishing 33. Zeb’s eggs

34. Stomp grapes at the winery 35. Coffee at One Way 36. Step back in time upstairs at Yates 37. Watch World Series at Circle T 38. Water flowers w/ Master Gardeners 39. Maker Space at the library 40. Soaring at the airport 41. Journey to the Cross at FBC 42. Mother’s Day Lutheran chicken 43. Methodist Fall Festival 44. Pie at Rosie Joe’s 45. Deanna’s rum balls at stock show 46. Tai chi at Wellness Center 47. Cattle sale at sale barn 48. Chat w parrot at Farm Stuff 49. Test drive a big green tractor 50. Bacon at Pederson’s 51. Nap on a recliner at Higginbotham’s 52. Courthouse tour 53. Buy kimono at Burlap Rose 54. Bill Chappell art at Germania 55. Lunch with the Lions 56. Photos w scarecrow at patch 57. PEEC Spring Fling 58. Band concerts 59. Wagyu beef 60. Dublins at Ranglers 61. Gustine melons at Farmers Market 62. iPhones fixed at Rountree 63. Boots at Watsons 64. Art at Ramsey Gallery 65. Craft beer at Rustic Lantern 66. HHS prom grand march on square

67. Ring the bell w HHS champs 68. Ride the fire truck to homecoming 69. Cemetery Walk 70. Local authors’ books at HHN 71. Easter egg hunt at nursing home 72. Learn about yourself at HGH 73. Relaxing massage 74. Adjustement with chiropractor 75. Boots N Bling 76. Band BBQ cookoff 77. Quilting at One More Stitch 78. Here’s your sign at 6 Spokes 79. Golf at Perry Country Club 80. Go hunting!

81. Trash Bash/Keep Ham Beautiful 82. Trick or treat on the square 83. Custom steak at Quality Meats 84. Baseball at Kiwanis Park 85. Mural at post office 86. McMullen Gardens 87. Goodfellows Christmas deliveries 88. Daddy-daughter dance 89. Scoot a boot a Jayson Harris 90. Safari in Evant 91. Get a trim at Texas Cutz 92. Tour of Homes 93. Camp Gladiator workout 94. Get your car detailed at Bulldog 95. Community Thanksgiving lunch 96. Count stars on a clear night 97. Chase fireflies and butterflies 98. Ride bikes on the trail 99. Neighbors visiting on the porch 100. Pick up pecans on courthouse lawn

Nancy Anglin Yates Owner/Escrow Officer 112 N. Bell/P.O. Box 248 254-386-5450 fax 254-386-8548 yateshamilton@gmail.com 6

Welcome to Hamilton

Forget everything you think you know about

BILLY THE KID

So you thought Billy the Kid was killed as a young man in Fort Sumner, New Mexico?

Get outta town!

Everyone in Hamilton County knows that Ollie L. “Brushy Bill� Roberts was the real deal. He even went before the governor of New Mexico at the ripe old age of 90 to seek a pardon for his transgressions.

But the pardon did not come, and the poor man died of a heart attack, or maybe a broken heart, on the steps of the newspaper office in Hico in 1950.

Brushy Bill had all the stories, dates and facts in order, and even had a wonky ear and scars in the right places to prove he was the notorious outlaw. His grave is in the Oakwood Cemetery on Highway 281 in Hamilton, and his admirers stop by on the daily to leave him a coin, a bandana or a beer in remembrance of his adventurous life.

If you want to learn more about this colorful character of Hamilton history, Hamilton County Historical Museum on Henry Street just off the square has a cool exhibit on him, upstairs, in the old jail.

Whether you believe the story or not, Brushy Bill was a character who made history in Hamilton County and bridged the gap between these days and the wild frontier.

hat We love w we do and too! you will,

dig this!

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

20 years of serving Hamilton TX Lic #18470 A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

620 S. Rice in Hamilton colin.digthis@yahoo.com 7

Going once, going twice…

Hamilton Commission has the right price

Y’abletabid…. here today, not tomorrow… will ya’ fill the gap… you nearly had her… won’t take ya’ twice…sellin’ at the gate… going once… going twice… SOLD! Purchased by local businessmen and ranchers Roland Poe and Bob Wright, the Hamilton Livestock Commission, now the Hamilton Commission Company, was relocated three miles north of Hamilton on the well-traveled Highway 281 in the early 1970s.

Construction of the new facility began in 1973, and the first livestock Derek Poe sale was held at the new location on the first Tuesday of 1974. Ever since, a bustling trade of sheep, goats and cattle has commenced.

Arguably one of the largest sheep and goat sales in Texas is held at the Hamilton Commission Company each Monday at 10 a.m. led by auctioneer extraordinaire Randy Boone, and a vibrant weekly cattle sale runs every Tuesday at high noon with the son of the late Roland Poe, Mr. Danny Poe, wrangling the mic as head auctioneer.

Carrying forward a spirit of continuity and a tradition of developing deep-rooted, trusted relationships, owners Dr. Charles W. Graham, DVM and his grandson, Tyler Graham, brought on Derek Poe to serve as general manager and hired local businesswoman Kristen McFarlin as business manager.

The grandson of Roland and son of Danny, Derek Poe was recently recognized by Hamilton’s Chamber of Commerce as the 2018 Agriculturist of the Year.

Amongst the chatter of a Hamilton Commission Company sale, you may very well hear an Aggie “Whoop!” Dr. Graham is a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Veterinary Class of 1961.

Poe graduated from Texas A&M University in 1999 and both Tyler Graham and McFarlin were members of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2006.

Through trusted leadership, the Hamilton Commission Co. is able to provide a fair marketplace for buyers and sellers and touts having private buyers and professional feeder and packer buyers in attendance at each sale.

For decades, cattlemen, farmers and ranchers from Hamilton

and surrounding areas have relied on the friendly service, professional care of livestock, competitive commissions, purchasing power and fair market trading all provided by the Hamilton Commission Co. Here today, and you can bet the Hamilton Commission Co. will be here tomorrow, ready and willing to fill the gap.

Whoop!

Where

Dr.

gather Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

423 South Rice, Hamilton • 254-386-5960

J.D.

REPUBLICAN

Sheffield

State Representative HOUSE 8

DISTRICT

59

Welcome to Hamilton

JORDAN PHARMACY

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Pharmacy

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Gift Shop

@Jordanpharmacyandwellnesscenter

254-386-3111 ♦ 107 North Rice Street ♦ jordanpharmacy.com ♦ jordanpharmacy@ embarqmail.com

A little bit

WILD 10

Welcome to Hamilton

Find refuge from the hustle in

If you want to travel on the wild side, visit Buena Vista Wildlife Safari just south of Evant on Highway 281, where wild animals are on the prowl, waiting for humans just to come and look at them.

Get up close and personal with longhorn cattle, with their seven-foot horn spans, standing with the watusi, who look like their cousins with stouter horns.

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV park is a bit of the jungle in the center of Texas.

With everything from axis deer to zebra, BVWS raises dall sheep, llamas and blue wildebeest, among other gorgeous wild animals.

The animals are not caged but walk freely on the “beautiful mountain” that inspired the facility’s name.

The RV park has full hook-ups, pull-through spaces, a bath house with laundry facilities, a clubhouse and covered horse stalls.

There also are three fully furnished cabins with great views of the wildlife park, petting zoo and gift shop.

EVANT THE CROSSROADS OF TEXAS

Stop in and shop locally owned stores featuring art, woodwork, resale items, antiques, home goods, baked goods, and more.

Explore the Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park and linger in one of the beautiful cabins or your own RV overnight. Attend the local rodeo; visit a winery; attend the Pearl Bluegrass Jam and Stage Show. Whatever you choose to do, we hope your trip to Evant will be a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

SEPTEMBER 7 SEPTEMBER 28

Iron Man Rodeo 13th Annual Fall Chill Car Show & Chili Cookoff

with Bloody Mary Contest, Swap Meet, and Junk in the Trunk 7:00 PM Music in the park OCTOBER 4 OCTOBER 5 OCTOBER 11

Evant School Homecoming Evant Rodeo Fall Open House

at stores on square 5:00-7:30 PM OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 23 DECEMBER 7

Trunk or Treat in the city park Feed the Hunters on the Square First Evant Market Day on the Square Small Business Shopping Day Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree lighting at the city park

Gifts  Art  Crafts Unique Treasures Paintings  Sculptures Carvings  Jewelry A Main Street Shop in Evant 254-865-3878

Located in the

Main Street ShopS in evant

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

Located at the junction of Highways 281 and 84, an hour from Waco, 1½ hours from Austin, and 2 hours from DFW, Evant is a full family destination.

11

PCC:

Training ground for champions A slight breeze moving across Hamilton from the west carries with it the chatter of proud local golfers gathering at the Perry Country Club to discuss the recent success of another state-bound group of Hamilton High School golfers who honed their skills on the local nine-hole course.

There are very few communities that can boast seven team state championships and four individual state champion medalists, not to mention the countless number of other trips student-athletes from HHS have made to the Capital City as state finalists.

All groomed at the local Perry Country Club, Hamilton teams first won state on the boys side in 1997. Both the boys and girls reached the pinnacle in 1998 and 1999, and the Lady Bulldogs won twice more in 2000 and 2001.

Gary Schoen Jr. won Hamilton’s first individual gold medal in 1987, followed by Bryan Lightfoot in 1989, Aaron Gardner in 1999 and Kelli McKandless in 2000.

HHS representatives have become an expected attraction at the annual Texas UIL State High School golf tournament, and as recently as 2018, the Lady Bulldogs capped a three consecutive year run as state finalists.

From seeds planted in 1934, a tradition of golfing excellence has bloomed with children in Hamilton growing up and learning the game of golf on the course west of town, a fertile treasure nestled just off FM 218.

PCC not only includes a beautiful, challenging and expansive golf course, Hamilton’s privately-owned establishment also offers swimming, fishing, a clubhouse complete with a kitchen and bar, and special tournaments and events. Two notable events include the annual Harry Bullard Memorial golf tournament in May which includes a fish fry, Calcutta and live music, and perhaps the largest event hosted by the PCC, the Gary Schoen, Jr. Memorial golf tournament each July.

Per the PCC website, pcchamiltontx.com, “At Perry Country Club, we know your free time and leisure activities are important.

We offer a diverse range of services to meet the cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of our customers in the Hamilton area. Whether you are looking to meet new or old friends or just get away from it all, PCC can help.”

For a day of relaxation in Hamilton and an opportunity to join champions of past, present and future in rocking the pins, give PCC a call at 254-386-3383.

Farmers Market Hamilton Local Fresh Produce

Bedding Plants, Hanging Baskets, Fruit Trees & Succulents Seasonal decor Nuts and Pecans Preserves, Pickles and Local Honey Baked Goods and Desserts Homemade Bread Fresh salads, wraps and soups MONDAY - FRIDAY 9- 5:30, SATURDAY 9-3

822 East Main St., Hamilton 254-386-5004

12

Welcome to Hamilton

Hamilton: A welcoming place to hunt Located deep in the heart of central Texas, Hamilton is a community with Texas-sized personality.

As a gateway to the Texas Hill Country and a convenient drive from some of the states’ largest cities including Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin, travelers and hunters alike meander through the rolling hills separated by scenic valleys to find Hamilton nestled just beneath the “X” in Texas each and every Labor Day weekend for the annual Dove Festival @ Heritage Days celebration.

Regarded as the Dove Capital of Texas, Hamilton has been welcoming hunters on the opening weekend of dove season for the past half-century.

In addition to hosting bountiful dove hunting opportunities, Hamilton’s hillsides are peppered with an abundance of whitetailed deer, hogs, turkey, ducks and other wildlife, attracting hunters and trappers to Hamilton County year-round. Hamilton’s doors are opened wide, providing a welcoming home for hunters and their families to enjoy the great outdoors.

Hunting and fishing gear can be purchased from local chamber of commerce retailers, including Bottlinger Grain, Brookshire Brothers, Farm Stuff Feed Store, Higginbotham Brothers, Ken’s True Value, Lawson Implement, MICOBE, Ranglers Convenience Stores, Watson’s Ranch and Farm Supply and West Henry Feed Store.

Official Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase at Brookshire Brothers, Higginbotham Brothers, Ken’s True Value and Ranglers Convenience Stores.

Following the harvest, hunters and trappers can rely on local merchants as well, including Hamilton Quality Meats, Wenzel Lonestar Meat Company, and Whaley Deer Processing for processing needs, and for professional taxidermy, Blackdog Taxidermy and Next 2 Nature Taxidermy are two of the best in the business.

For more information on hunting and fishing in Hamilton, contact the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce at 254-386-3216, or pay them a visit at 103 North Rice on the west side of the downtown square in Hamilton.

We bring Central Texas banking with more range.

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A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

Hamilton Branch 200 South Bell St | (254) 386-8124

BancorpSouth.com © 2019 BancorpSouth. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC.

13

Once upon a time Hamilton dreamed of a livrary...

Brad Martin bmartin2@txfb-ins.com 254.485.3171

Merridee Wells mwells@txfb-ins.com 254.223.0054 804 S. Rice St. Hamilton, TX 76531 254.386.8131

HAM0819

Ashmore Plumbing

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

New Construction Electric Sewer Service Remodels Water Heater Installation Sewer and Water Lines Disposals Gas Lines and Repairs

386-3845

M-41869

14

Proposed design of library expansion and renovation One of the most exciting stories in town is the Hamilton Public Library.

The library’s facility has outgrown its space, and last year kicked off a fund-raising campaign to renovate and expand its space. The goal is almost met, so it won’t be long before groundbreaking and the construction of a center that will be the envy of Central Texas.

The expanded library will provide a large, dedicated space for the Hamilton County Genealogy Collection, which started out in a corner of the library in 1992 and grew into its own building before being donated back to the library a few years ago, prompting the need for expansion.

The project also will double the size of the children’s room to accommodate a wider range of activities for families; add a community room for senior and adult classes or meetings, teen after-school activities and other events; and add more new and unique features designed for libraries of today and tomorrow.

In addition to housing more than 17,000 books, Hamilton’s library, which is located at 201 N. Pecan, a block off the square, hosts Books & Butt, Boo for Books, Accelerated Reader testing, MakerSpace, Bots and Books, bookmark contests and a summer reading program, all free to the community and surrounding area.

(254) 386-5954 • www.hamiltontexas.com Welcome to Hamilton

Places to stay Amwell Guest House 405 W. Boynton 254-386-4533

Hamilton Inn 1447 S. US 281 254-386-8864

Budget Inn Hamilton 704 N. Rice 254-386-8589

Inn at Circle T 4021 SH 36 254-386-3209

Circle T Arena RVs 254-386-3559

Little Bear Creek Ranch Lodge 4660 SH 36 254-386-8658

Ensor RV Park 254-386-6812 Haile’s RV Park 254-386-8855 Hamilton Fair Park 254-644-9849

McGregor Livestock Bunkhouse 254-784-4201 Western Motel 1208 S. Rice 254-386-3141

Sharing the gospel of our savior Jesus Christ

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Family Fun Night Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 215 West Main St in Hamilton 254-386-8155

Moore’s Service Center SINCE 1991

1425 E. Highway 84 Star, TX 76880

325-948-3595

MooresServiceCenter.com

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

15

St. John Lutheran Church and Preschool Listen in on KCLW 900 The Lutheran Hour Sunday 8 am Sunday Morning Message Wednesday 6:30 pm Sunday 7:30 am

122 Cheyenne Mesa, Hamilton 254-386-3158 www.stjohnhamilton.org Join us for

Opening/Breakfast Sundays 8:30 am

Sunday School Sundays 9 am

Church Worship Sundays 10 am

Quilting

Tuesdays 9 am

Youth

Wednesdays 6 pm

Men’s Bible Study Thursdays 6:30 am

A heart for Hamilton County and the World.

16

Welcome to Hamilton

Red Wing Dove: From back yard to vineyard Red Wing Dove Winery started from small beginnings. Owners Susan and Ellis Vandiver started with grape vines in pots tended in their back yard in Plano. The little vines produced. Susan made wine, and it was good.

When the Vandivers, engineers by trade, decided to retire they found Hamilton County and purchased their little slice of heaven in the Gholson Creek Valley.

The idea of a winery took root. Those potted Shiraz and Pinot Blanc vines found themselves amongst friends. At home in the fertile limestone-enriched soil, they grew. Ellis tended. They produced. Susan made wine. It was good.

Six years ago on Labor Day weekend, Red Wing Dove Winery opened its doors.

From those first producing potted vines, Red Wine Dove Winery has grown. This year’s production is estimated at around 8 tons of grapes. The Vandivers have added Tempernillo, Viognier and Ruby Cabernet grapes to their Shiraz and Pinot. Shiraz continues to be their staple and the base of many of their wines.

RWDW produces sweet and dry wines.

White Dove, an off-dry blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, is their signature wine. It holds a Silver Medal from the Lone Star Wine Competition.

Also boasting a Lone Star Wine Competition Silver Medal is Red Wing Dove’s Tinto de Portejas, a Shiraz Port Wine.

Tinto de Texas, a dry red made from Spanish Temeranillo grapes, holds a Lone Star Wine Competition Bronze medal.

As the winemaker for Red Wing Dove, Susan has developed several unique wines popular with locals and visitors alike.

Orange Blossom is a super sweet wine created from Pinot Gris and Viognier.

Fermenting the grapes with whole fresh oranges gives the wine a crisp, citrus flavor.

“It is a favorite with Moscato drinkers,” said Susan.

Peño Vino is a dry white made of pinot gris grapes. Susan gave it a kick by fermenting the grapes with whole jalapenos.

Not only does the wine carry the flavor of the jalapeno but in the 2016 vintage, it reflects the heat, too.

“I used big whole jalapenos from HEB in 2015.,” said Susan. “It had flavor but no heat. In 2016, I used locally grown jalapenos. It finishes with a gentle burn.”

Perhaps the favorite with locals is Red Wing Dove’s Sangria wine. A super sweet red wine, Susan ferments Shiraz with whole, fresh oranges, lemons, limes and cherries. Beware, unlike many of its counterparts, this is a full-bodied wine.

Red Wing breaks out the sangria alongside locally made tamales for a winery dinner on the last Friday of the month. Of course, the tamales would pair nicely with the Peño Vino, too!

Every Saturday, Susan fires up the brick oven and guests can enjoy pizza with their wine from 4 to 6:30 p.m. She makes the dough and uses fresh basil from the garden to produce mouth-watering margherita pizzas.

Ladies night at the winery is the third Thursday. Susan creates a main dish and everyone brings snacks to share.

RWDW has fun events all year. Sign up for updates at redwingdove.com.

Tasting Room Open to

Enjoy Delicious, Award Winning Wines Friday 4 - 7pm Saturday 1 - 7pm Sunday 1 - 4pm

http://www.redwingdove.com

Red Wing Dove Vineyard & Winery 9112 FM 2005, Hamilton, Texas 254-386-7359

Wood Fired Pizza

Homemade ,flaky crust and fresh farm ingredients.

Available every Saturday with a glass of wine 4 - 6:30pm

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

Beautiful View overlooking vineyard and Gholson Creek Valley from tasting patio 17

A story to tell:

HCHC records history Many folks in our community know county history in a way not captured in history books. They were eye-witnesses to historic events, or they heard the stories from those who were. History is largely telling stories as accurately as we can.

Hamilton County Historical Commission believes recording them for future generations is of paramount importance.

In 2018, with funding provided by Andy and Julie McMullen, the commission began recording the stories of Hamilton County residents. Stories about the early settlers, the Comanches and the last of the Indian raids, the cotton boom of the 1900s, the cattle business, the World Wars and Hamilton schools kept commission volunteers busy and enthralled through most of the year.

The interviews were recorded by a videographer and court reporter. The products will include videos with closed captioning, and written transcripts which the commission hopes to compile into a pamphlet.

These materials will be housed at the Hamilton Public Library. It is also hoped that the materials will be placed with the Baylor University Oral History Program.

To date, a dozen interviews have been conducted. Currently, the commission is working to finalize extant videos and transcripts before resuming interviews, as soon as late 2019.

History is open-ended. What is happening today is history

tomorrow. Therefore, the oral history project is open ended as well, and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Hamilton County Historical Museum began recording interviews more than a decade ago. In the ’60s, ethnographers captured the stories of Hamilton residents which now reside in Texas Tech University’s Southwestern Collection. The commission is picking up on the work of others and moving forward.

Over the next year, the Commission will conduct video interviews with the county’s real historians, folks like you, who have a story to tell. If you would like to contribute, contact the commission at PO Box 141, Hamilton 76531

family owned and operated

Frida’s mexican restaurant

254-386-4324 254-386-5074

1204 South Rice Street Hamilton, Texas 76531

full bar available Monday - Thursday & Sunday 11- 9 & Friday - Saturday 11 - 10 18

Welcome to Hamilton

don’t miss

REXES EXES! Hamilton Civic Theatre will present “Rexes Exes” Sept. 2829, Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13. Pictured are Nicki Lamb and Kym Jeschke in “Red Velvet Cake Wars,” the prequel to the upcoming play, in which they will reprise their roles as Jimmie Yvette and Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen. HCT will present “The Last of the Guacamole Queens,” the finale to the series, in the spring.

Dig in at www.hamiltontexas.com or call 254-386-5954 to volunteer.

2019-2020 SHOWS

REXES EXES Sept. 28-Oct. 13, 2019 CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA December 2019 LAST OF THE GUACAMOLE QUEENS Spring 2020

Hamilton Civi iviC C tHeater Ross Street Theater in Hamilton • Purchase tickets at www.hamilton-theater.org.

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

19

PIT STOP AUTOMOTIVE & TIRE REPAIR

254-386-2325 24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (40-mile radius) AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY (on-call technician) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

611 HIGHWAY 281 NORTH • HAMILTON

Riley Funeral Home Funerals | Cremation | Advance Funeral Planning 402 W Main | Hamilton, Texas

www.rileyfuneral.com

386-3117

Dona’s

Bail BondS 254-223-3143 Dona Kindle

505 E. Ross St. Hamilton, Texas 76531

254-386-8444

20

Ann Whitney: Frontier School Teacher Ann Whitney was a heroine who saved her young students from a vicious attack of Comanche Indians led by a white renegade.

Ann Whitney was born in 1835 in Massachusetts and moved to Texas to follow her dream of teaching and she died on July 9, 1867, in her oneroom classroom. Her school was located near the Leon River in the Warlene Valley six miles northeast of Hamilton near the present location of The Dutchman. Her school was a poorly built log room that consisted of one door, one window, and openings between the logs to help ventilate the room during the hot, summer school days.

On this hot July day, young Amanda Powers noticed a group of Indians riding toward the school. However, Miss Whitney had poor eyesight and she assured her class that it was just some cowboys coming by to check on their children at school.

Amanda knew better, and she grabbed her younger brother and they climbed out the window running to safety.

By now, Miss Whitney was aware of her mistake. The Indians had gathered near the school and were taking her beloved horse, Mary. She began to beg the Indians to kill her and spare her students.

Miss Whitney bolted the

door and shoved her students out of the window while warning them to run to the river and hide.

All but two escaped. John Kuykendall and Louis Manning were trapped in the room while Indians began shooting arrows through the openings in the walls. Even though her body was filled with arrows, she found an opening in the floor, shoved the boys under the floor, and covered the loose board with her long dress to hide them.

The Indians and renegade broke through the door finding her arrow-filled body covering the loose board.

The renegade pulled both boys out and asked them to go with them. John agreed to go (he was returned months later) but they left Louis.

As this was happening, Amanda Howard and her sister-in-law rode their horses near the school to witness the attack. They fled through the valley warning the settlers of the Indian attack.

A posse was formed but the attackers had escaped. None of her students were killed.

What a wonderful legacy this woman left! She was truly a teacher who loved her students. It is no wonder our elemetary school is named after this heroine...Ann Whitney Elementary.

- Cheri Jordan

TACO LOCO

1103 S Rice St, Hamilton, TX 76531

Welcome to Hamilton

Since 1950 It’s been all about

The Burger ...and the Chicken Fried Steak!

Make mi ne a Storm’ s Special, Please!

923 E. Main St. Hamilton, TX 76531

386-3143

Friends of Hamilton ISD

Investing today in tomorrow’s future The Friends of Hamilton ISD Education Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved non-profit organization. Friends of Hamilton ISD is committed to cultivating learning opportunities for students and advancing innovation in the classroom.

Outreach of the organization includes a wide variety of things throughout the year. Students enrolled in dual credit classes at Hamilton High School will be eligible to apply for financial assis-

FoHISD and HISD boards Dena McGregor, Broker Jacob Robertson, Realtor Danny Whitehead, Realtor 254-206-1200 254-721-9713 Mary Jo Schooler-Singleton, Realtor 254-784-3334

100 North Bell, Hamilton (254) 386-8464 www.mcgregorrealestate.net

PRAY BEFORE YOU EAT!

No Tangles Salon&

Breakfast & Lunch

Specials

Kelsey’s Street Eats 110 North Railroad, Hamilton

tance. Graduation Seniors can apply for one of three scholarships offered each year.

Elementary, Junior High and High School teachers can apply for innovative teaching grants, including but not limited to technology and other innovative programs. The Friends of Hamilton ISD Board of Directors will award grants based on instructional need, feasibility and longevity.

Mini Grants were developed as a way for parents and other supporters to give directly to the teacher of their choosing.

Teachers request a Mini Grant for items needed in their classroom. Donors can give to a specific Mini Grant requested by a teacher or they can gift monies for future use by the teacher. As needs are identified, special projects can be named and funded by the foundation. Examples of past special projects included: book fair books for students grades PreK-8th, welders for High School Ag Mechanics and an Elementary Counseling Center.

Other initiatives that Friends of Hamilton supports include a Homecoming Tailgate, Shining Apple Awards-an opportunity for outgoing Seniors to recognize a teacher that has made an impact on them, Employee Appreciation Banquet and Teacher Appreciation Week.

The goals of the Friends of Hamilton ISD Education Foundation can only be reached with the help of charitable donors. We invite you to reach out if you are interested in including the organization in your planned giving or getting involved in another way.

Follow us on

SPARKLE BOUTIQUE

386-3432 421 W. MAIN, HAMILTON TX

22

Welcome to Hamilton

Volunteers: Heart of the community

Bret Partin

115 E. Henry Street Hamilton, Texas 76531 (254)-386-3331 bret@partinagency.net

DIAMOND

H CONSTRUCTION

SAM HALL

NEW CONSTRUCTION  REMODEL

254-688-0254

Live outdoor music venue  Family friendly restaurant

Open Thurs - Sat  110 S. Bell, Hamilton  254-784-5122 A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

23

R SILVE

Hamilton General Hospital earned the TMF Hospital Quality Improvement Silver Award from TMFÂŽ Health Quality Institute for excellence in patient care and safety.

Committed to quality.

Committed to you.

400 North Brown, Hamilton

(254) 386-1600

hamiltonhospital.org

A Leader in Rural Texas Healthcare Hamilton Healthcare System stands at the forefront of rural Texas healthcare facilities.

With a licensed medical/surgical hospital, three rural health clinics, a behavioral health clinic, wellness center and EMS service, community-owned HHS provides a wide range of patient-focused care and treatment with a commitment to patient satisfaction.

Continuity of care is imperative to the healing process.

Hamilton Healthcare JAMES R. LEE System offers a wide spectrum of outpatient CHIEF OF STAFF services conveniently located in our community. Outpatient services include physical therapy, diabetic education, eye clinic, heart failure program, sleep lab services, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management and wound care.

HHS is a hometown healthcare system. Staff members care for their patients on a personal level, because many of them are their neighbors and friends — the people they see every day in the grocery store and at community events. From infancy to senior adulthood, local residents know they can count on Hamilton Healthcare System’s medical staff to take care of them.

A staff of knowledgeable, compassionate professionals makes HHS what hometown healthcare should be!

General surgeon treating a broad range of conditions that require surgery at your local hospital.

RYAN ADAMS, M.D.

Texas’ brightest physicians now available at 7 am

Family Practice Rural Health Clinic Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday 7 a.m. - 5p.m.

400 North Brown Hamilton, Texas 76531

254-386-1700 Hamilton Healthcare System’s

Solutions Behavioral Health group and individual counseling for seniors • adults • adolescents • families Talk to your physician or call for more information.

254-386-1800

400 North Brown in Hamilton

HAMILTON WELLNESS CENTER

General Surgeon

• Weight Training

For a referral contact your physician at

Family Practice Rural Health Clinic (254) 386-1700

• Cardio Equipment • Fitness Pool

Total orthopedic care including:

• 24/7 Access

• • •

• Group Classes

knee replacement surgeries shoulder and knee scopes hand surgeries including carpal tunnel release

KEITH ELLISON, M.D. Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon For a referral contact your physician at

Family Practice Rural Health Clinic (254) 386-1700

400 North Brown across from Hamilton General Hospital Day Passes Available.

254-386-1670

www.hamiltonhospital.org/wellness-center

Mills County Chamber of Commerce

FARDUELTE CHILI LUNCH GES Annual Hunter’s Appreciation

BEVERA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

GOLDTHWAITE PAVILION N GU LUNCH STARTS @ 11 AM • DRAWING @ NOON GS

DRAWIN SILENT N AUCTIO

SILENT AUCTION • LIVE MUSIC & MORE!

Mills County, Goldthwaite Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 308 • Goldthwaite, Texas 76844 www.millscountychamber.com • gcc@centex.net • 325-648-3619

A DECADE OF GROWTH Prairie Experience X Annual Garden Fundraising Event October 5 Goldthwaite Pavilion Tickets Available Call 325-648-2750

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

27

D I R E C T O R Y 28

Hamilton, Texas

Y OF OMMUNIT

JOIN A C

CG STRONG 4 WEEKS OF UNLIMITED GROUP WORKOUTS ALL FITNESS LEVELS

Cindy McKay, Barber 106 N. Bell St, Hamilton TX HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon

ALL-STAR CERTIFIED TRAINERS ATTEND ANY & ALL LOCATIONS

Helping Hands

To request To assistance or offer request assistance or help to our offer to help ourour community, community, find us on Facebook page.

CAMPGLADIATOR.COM Kathleen Payne, Trainer • 254-216-9624

find us on our Facebook page: Hamilton Texas Helping Hands.

7K Consulting Commercial Insurance Specialists 7K Consulting Commercial Insurance Specialists

Healthcare • Commercial Residential

7K Veteran Owned & Family Operated

Veteran Owned & Family Operated

Christina Keay

Owner/ Agent Christina Keay

817.908.3386 Christina.y.Keay@gmail.com Owner/Agent

8 1 7 .9 0 8 .3 3 8 6

Christina.y.Keay@gmail.com

James Keay

Owner/ Agent J ames254.661.0787 Keay

Jimkeay1@gmail.com Owner/Agent

2 5 4 .6 6 1 .0 7 8 7

Jimkeay1@gmail.com

Jeff Layhew, owner

254-386-7891

L&L

RV

sites at Fair Park

35 per site .

$

254-644-9849 • 254-223-0821

Sassy Saurkraut

Veterinary Clinic DR. JOSH LACKEY

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

386-8195

405 N US HWY 281 • HAMILTON M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat 8 a.m. - 12 noon Hwy 281 North * Hamilton Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

D E  S I GNS

Handmade Creations Alterations  Gifts Healthcare • Commercial Laundry  Dry Cleaning

Residential

254-386-8100

JeffE.Layhew, owner 615 Main, Hamilton “A personal touch 254-386-7891 in a special way”

Lone Star Iris Society For all your LP Gas needs!

386-3113 • Tanks for sale or rent • Bottles filled

An affiliate of the American Iris Society.

Join us on the

1st Saturday

405 N. Rice Hamilton

most months

254-597-1183  254-386-2310 howdynabors@yahoo.com Follow Lone Star Iris Society on Facebook

Welcome to Hamilton

Melanie J. Housden AAMS®

Wealth Advisor

110 N. Bell St | PO Box 871 | Hamilton, Texas 76531 | 254.386.4500 mhousden@carsonwealth.com

Client relationships are extremely important to me. Everyone has a story to tell and I want to know my client’s story, dreams, goals and aspirations.

Melanie learned the secret to success working alongside her grandfather at his hardware store in McLean, a small town in the Texas Panhandle where she grew up. “My success in developing lifelong relationships with my clients comes from the skills my grandfather taught me,” she said.

Melanie holds a business degree from Wayland Baptist University, her Series 7, 63, 66, Insurance License and the AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation and has almost two decades of experience in the financial industry.

“Learning what is important to my clients enables me to devise a plan that will help them in their pursuit of financial freedom through all aspects of their lives and will allow their legacy to continue in their families’ lives. They are like a part of my family and I treasure each one of them; they are everything to me. If I can help ease their financial worries, I am successful.” said Melanie. “As an independent advisor, I can better provide personalized, impartial investment strategies based on my clients’ individual needs and goals. There are no quotas, hidden fees or pressures to sell a firm’s products for the sake of the firm, only the client’s interest.”

In May 2018, Melanie joined fellow advisor Ron Carson on stage to share her journey at the Excell conference, one of the top financial advisor conferences of the year. “[She] has shown incredible courage and determination to do what’s right by her clients, to the extent that it guides every decision she makes as an advisor… I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional standards she has set in terms of trust and transparency, both for the clients of her firm and for our entire profession” said Carson, founder and CEO of Carson Wealth.

She was interviewed by Matt Ackermann with InvestmentNews at Excell about her departure from Edward Jones and will continue to be a voice in the world of finance.

Melanie currently resides in Hamilton with her husband Rick. They have two daughters: Alex, a News Anchor with KOCO News 5 in Oklahoma City, and her husband Reagan Reich, and Abbie, who is pursuing her degree at Hardin Simmons University.

Melanie loves spending time with her family, traveling and shopping. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Economic Development Corporation.

Services Offered ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

Comprehensive Financial Planning Wealth Management Retirement Planning Asset Management & Investment Planning Tax Savings Strategies Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer Legacy Planning Charitable Giving Education Savings Planning Transition Planning Lifetime Income Strategies Insurance Analysis Life & Disability Insurance Analysis Long Term Care Insurance Social Security Optimization Special Needs Planning Trust Services Risk Management

www.facebook.com/melaniejhousden www.carsonwealth.com/team/members/melanie-j-housden Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

29

Hometown Designz

LATEST DESIGNS IN CLOTHING + PLUS SIZES | PURSES | CHILDREN & NURSERY | HOME DECOR

t s i w T m o t s u C a h t i w e u q i WITH LASER ENGRAVING & EMBROIDERY A Bout

Oh the places you will see:

Post office mural & Bulman Bridge

About 90 post offices across Texas feature murals dating back to the Great Depression and a New Deal-era program, the Public Works Art Program, which paid 37 artists nationwide to beautify public places with depictions of local culture.

Forty artists participated in Texas, including Kansas-born Ward Lockwood (1894-1963), who said the “Texas Rangers in Camp” in Hamilton’s post office was his most popular based on the public’s response.

Visitors often come through Hamilton just to see the mural, which depicts four men sitting around a campfire. The fresco secco mural was completed with Treasury Section of Fine Arts funds in 1942.

Between 1934 and 1943, about 97 murals were installed in 66 post offices and federal buildings throughout Texas. Of those, about eight have been lost or destroyed.

Lockwood served in Europe in World War I and taught art at the University of Texas at Austin and University of California at Berkley.

Original construction of the Bulman Bridge was done

by King Bridge Company in 1884. It was moved from Pottsville in 1953 to its location on Bear Creek NW, then to CR 301 at the Leon River and now rests in the Pecan Creek Park.

Its original arch span was 25.9 meters and was part of the Texas enhancement program, which funded its refurbishment and move to the park.

Western Inn

386-3141 1208 S. Rice, Hamilton AMENITIES INCLUDE: POOL FRIDGE MICROWAVE TV FREE WIFI RESTAURANT WITH BAR NEXT DOOR For reservations, call or go to booking.com A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

31

We Sell TRAILERS!

Hunting AND Fishing LICENSES

SOLD HERE

Hamilton, TX

FULL SERVICE LUMBER YARD & HOME CENTER

Paint

Lumber

Hardware

Tools

Insulation

Roofing

Plumbing

Electrical

Furniture

Appliances

YOUR HUNTING & FISHING HEADQUARTERS

Your ONE STOP SHOP for building supplies!

ME Our CUSTO

RS are KEY

!

FREE House Key

Predator LED Hunting Lights & Accessories

with coupon

1305 S. Rice

www.higginbothams.com

(254)386-3212

Monday - Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm

32

Welcome to Hamilton

Parks and trails fun for all ages

When the Texas sun takes a break from beating down and the weather feels just right, there’s nothing better to do than to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Hamilton.

Fortunately enough, there are several trails available to do so! You could see some of the best parts of Hamilton along these trails, including Kooken Field, where the Hamilton Bulldogs make history year after year featuring inimitable skills in track, football, marching band, and more.

You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from several parks where the whole family could experience so good old fashioned bonding time, and if all the fun in the sun gets too sunny to be fun, a dip in the Hamilton City Pool could be just what you need! It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. with an hour of adult swim time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and an admission fee of just $2 a person. The snack bar, kiddie pool and high dive all ensure that kids and adults of all ages are bound to have a splish-splashing good time.

Hamilton’s trails also take you through several beautiful views, often used for family photo ops, senior formals and more. These scenes can bring out the photographer in everyone with beautiful foliage, a clear, sparkling creek and even the occasional wildlife.

For people-watchers, Hamilton’s trails also take you past baseball fields, beautiful gazebos, a soccer field and more.

Who would think a simple walk could feature so much?

A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Open Daily 9 am - 6 pm • Closed Wednesdays N US Hwy 281 • 254-386-3018 www.dutchmanshiddenvalley.com

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

33

Hamilton Churches Abundant Life Assembly500 N. Rice

First United Methodist 215 W. Main

Back Roads Church

Grace Pentecostal 809 S. Manning

Barn Church 7374 Hwy 36 E.

Indian Gap Baptist 370 FM 1702

Calvary Baptist 161 E. SH 22

Littleville Baptist Hoard Street

Christian Fellowship 724 W. Coke Episcopal Church/Hamilton Hwy 281 South Park Heights church of Christ Faith Baptist- 110 CR 404

Living Waters 720 S. Bell St. John Lutheran 122 Cheyenne Mesa Outreach Church of Christ 302 N. Rice

First Baptist- 220 S. Bell

St. Mary’s Episcopal South College

First Presyterian 600 N. Rice

St. Thomas Catholic 707 Nicholson

Dona’s

Wild Blue Yonder

Hair & Fashion Salon

Dona Kindle

386-3662

505 E. Ross St. Hamilton

FARM STUFF

1/8 page CATTLE • HORSE • SHEEP & GOATS • CHICKEN • DOG • DEER 557 N US HWY 281 - HAMILTON

254-784-3624

2 MILES NORTH ON HWY 281 NEXT TO PIT STOP MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. | SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 3 P.M.

34

Hamilton Soaring Club began two years ago and has produced two licensed teen glider pilots with several others in training. The program inspired Hamilton High School to offer aviation as a vocational program with classes to begin this fall. The soaring club meets every Saturday, weather permitting, at Hamilton Municipal Airport. HISD also offers vocational programs in cosmetology, welding and phlebotomy.

Welcome to Hamilton

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

254-386-8903 Extension 1

ExtEnsion 2

Family-Owned One StOp ShOp

Hwy 281 North and West Hwy 36 in Hamilton

Park Heights church of Christ

1300 East Boynton • Hamilton, Texas • 254-386-3953 We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where it is silent. We call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways.

Schedule of Services

Leadership

Websites

Sunday Bible Classes 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:25 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. (no 3rd Sunday evening services)

Elders Barry Christian John Jones Pete Jordan

Park Heights www.parkheightscoc.com

Wednesday Bible Study

7:00 p.m.

Thursday Ladies' Bible Class (no Summer classes)

10:30 a.m.

Deacons Don Harrison Ronnie Gass Gospel Minister Tom Moore

Radio Program www.harrisandmoore.org Preacher’s PC Blog www.fromthepreacherspc.org Audio/Video/Tracts www.tullstar.org

Our congregation is involved in mission work in Brazil, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Costa Rica, and schools of preaching in the United States.

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

35

The Rustic Lantern Taphouse 12 Ice Cold Beers on Draft 8 wines on tap

Chicken Fried Steak • Fish Burgers • Sandwiches Salad Bar

117 North Rice in Hamilton 254-688-9648

grow in Christ with u e m s!

Co Christ-centered Half and Full Day Educational Programs for

3-year olds 4-year olds Kinder-bridge

St. John Lutheran PreSchooL 122 Cheyenne Mesa, Hamilton • 254-386-3332

Residential & Commercial Farm & Ranch Proudly serving Hamilton County for over 37 years

(254) 386-5904

www.christianrealtytx.net

LAWSON WELL SERVICE

Agriculture still king of Hamilton economy It’s a constant reminder of the power of Texas, that our state leads the nation in cattle, cotton, hay, sheep and goat production, and our home county of Hamilton is still economically driven by agriculture. In fact, the 2017 Ag Census reported over $62,000,000 in agriculture products sold in Hamilton County alone.

According to Hamilton County Farm Bureau president Benny Hromadka of Hico, in the last census there were 1163 farms within the country, encompassing 483,812 acres.

“Interestingly enough,” said Hromadka, “this showed a slight increase in number of farms and increased farming acreage, over the 2012 numbers. The new census will tell if this trend has continued.”

Diversification is the key to agriculture in Hamilton County with cattle and related products (milk) leading the way at over $53 million. Other county ag leaders include sheep and goats, a category which continues to grow, plus hay, small grains, including oats, wheat and sorghum, pecans and rounding out those commodities are some egg and chicken production, and fruit and vegetables. Even cotton has seen a reemergence as a cash crop in the last couple of years, but will never return to the glory days of the early 1900s when cotton covered more than 45,000 acres in the county, which also was home to five cotton gins.

Hamilton County is no different than the state we are a part of… Agriculture is still King!

33 years serving water well installation and service in Central Texas.

Call 254-386-5053 Linda Lawson Lic.# 58555KP

36

Jody Lawson Lic.# 59313KLP

Welcome to Hamilton

LAWSON I M P L E M E N T

EST 1939

Your Central Texas John Deere dealer Hamilton, TX 254-386-8103

Goldthwaite, TX 325-648-2272

www.lawson-implement.com

Refresh. Relax. Inspire.

Kevin and Wendy Cude opened Wendy’s Wellspring Cottage at Heritage Place B&B as a ministry for couples in full-time ministry to use to recharge.

Kevin’s great, great grandfather homesteaded the land for Heritage Place in 1888. Kevin and Wendy live on the place east of Hamilton with their official greeter Brutus, pet deer Bambeezi, cows, chickens and a herd of pygmy goats.

“We own the place but really what do we own?” said Kevin, who is a minister at Living Waters Church in Hamilton. “You can’t own peace and tranquility. We are fortunate enough to be stewards of it and have the opportunity to share it.”

The B and B boasts a one-bedroom cottage that the Cudes built with their own hands.

Friends and church members joined in and the Cudes began hosting family, friends and those in the ministry in March 2017.

Thanks to a donation from the church, guests are supplied with a golf cart and have the run of 240 acres of land. The nature experiences are endless.

Sit in Adirondack chairs by a campfire and watch

the stars. Hike or bike through trails down to the fully stocked tank for fishing, kayaking or simply being.

“There is something magical about water and nature that helps refresh the soul,” said Kevin.

They decided to open the cottage publicly on Air BnB to help offset the cost of the ministry.

The response has been tremendous.

“Just the unique cozy place we were hoping for to get away from the city,” wrote one reviewer.

“It’s not just a stay its an experience,” reported another.

“A slice of heaven that warms the soul,” wrote another.

What sets this cabin apart? Perhaps it’s the freshly harvested honey and warm homemade bread that awaits their arrival. Maybe it’s soaking in the claw footed tub while watching the Cudes’ pet deer from the large plate glass window. It could be because it is completely off the grid no TV and wifi.

The reviews all point to the hospitality of the hosts.

“It’s a whole sensory experience,” Wendy said. “You feast with your eyes first.”

Smoked fresh daily on Pecan wood

Nita & Glen’s

BBQ DINE IN • TAKE OUT • CATERING

38

Tue-Thurs 10-6 • Fri 10-8• Sat 10-3 1107 S. Rice Street, Hamilton •

254-784-0967 Welcome to Hamilton

Thank you to our community supporters!

INTERNET - PHONE

254-785-3278 www.usapathway.com

Will R Hale llC Ramon L. Haile CFP, CPA Will R. Hale CPA, CFP

Misty Clepper Brenda Dennison CPA

aCCounting SeRviCeS

Tax Planning • Estate Planning • Tax Preparation 733 N. Rice, Hamilton • 254-386-8151

Playoff-bound Bulldogs, 2018

Bulldog Boosters BAYER MOTOR COMPANY boost the Bulldogs

1012 E. Main St | Hamilton

IT TAKES A MINUTE TO CHANGE A LIFE

WWW.FPACP.COM | 254-386-3171 1315 EAST HWY 22 HAMILTON, TX 76531

Florals · Boutique Antiques · Gifts 618 E. Main · 123 E. HEnry St.

386-5909

40

In Hamilton, we love our Bulldogs, and perhaps the best representation of that devotion can be found within the confines of the numerous families, friends, community members and Hamilton ISD alumni that make up the Bulldog Athletic Booster Club.

Aiming to enrich the educational experience of our students, the Hamilton ISD Athletic Booster Club provides funding to support quality interscholastic athletic programs, promotes attendance at sporting events and works to build school spirit within the student body and community.

Through volunteerism, program ad sales, Bulldog apparel sales, annual membership dues and by inserting the fun in fundraising, the Bulldog Athletic Booster Club has supported Hamilton’s student athletes and school system by purchasing team uniforms, upgraded sports equipment and critical medical instruments for a safer sports environment, equipping both coaches and training staff the needed resources to properly care for not only our student athletes, but visiting teams as well.

Keepers of the gates, books, scores and concessions, the Hamilton ISD Athletic Boosters are making an impact and are always welcoming new members. Submit an email to gpoe@hamiltonisd. org or call local real estate agent and booster club president Julie Watson at 254-216-3515 for more information on how to join the team.

In Hamilton, we love our Bulldogs, and the proof is in the pudding…pudding available at the next Bulldog Booster Club spaghetti luncheon.

Welcome to Hamilton

We

our BULLDOGS!

First Baptist Church

220 SOUTH BELL, HAMILTON TX 76531 | 254-386-8141

Dr. Drew Dabbs, pastor Matthew Stephens, student minister

Advancing the Gospel.

FBC is a diverse family of believers unified in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to glorify God through worship, missions, the study and sharing of holy scriptures and loving service to all people.

A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

41

St. Mary’s dates back to 1891

CLEPPER REMODELING Floors to Ceilings interior and exterior

NO

B

TOO SMALL

We do it all!

JO

FREE ESTIMATES Wesley Clepper (254) 784-3734

Carter Winters Attorney at Law

Above, St. Mary’s Church. Below, First Presbyterian

St. Mary’s Anglican Church was the first Episcopal church in Hamilton County, dating back to 1891.

The building is of carpenter Gothic design and constructed of beaded cypress in the shape of an inverted arc with star and crescent moon cutouts on the ribs.

In 1966, a bronze plaque was mounted on the building by the Texas State Historical Society designating the church a Texas Historical Landmark.

The first congregation included 14 Southern families who had moved to Hamilton after the Civil War. Members raised enough money to build the church and purchase stained glass windows.

The bell, which hands above a 54foot tower, was a gift from the Rice Stix Mercantile Co. in St. Louis and has rung before every service since its installation in 1896.

The small congregation still serves the community with its traditions – hot cross buns, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, Lenten brown bag lunches and Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Criminal Defense Felonies • MisdeMeanors

P.O. Box 431 Hamilton, Texas 76531 carter@winterslaw.org

office 254-386-8941 cell 254-688-0692 fax 254-386-8942

Hamilton County Master Gardeners a non-profit educational and charitable association working with the Texas A & M AgriLife Extension to improve gardening skills throughout the community.

Meetings 3rd Tuesday (Jan thru June & Sept thru Dec) Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?

Call 254-386-3919 or email: colin.digthis@yahoo.com

42

Welcome to Hamilton

-

All types of equipment for any size job!

Roads - Pads - Site Work - Right of Ways - Water Lines - Trenching Lakes - Brush Clearing - Demolition - Fencing - Cattle Guards - Entry Ways

ROAD CONSTRUCTION & REPAIR

PROMPT & DEPENDABLE SERVICE

Circle T Resort: Luxury in the country A world class rodeo arena and event center, Circle T Arena lies just west of Hamilton on Highway 36. Boasting two covered arenas, 175 RV spots, almost 500 stalls and bleacher capacity for 1600 people, Circle T is host to a spectrum of events from rodeos and ropings to concerts.

This fall, their schedule boasts the World Series Team Roping Qualifier and the 40+ Team Roping Championship, a circus, Stock Horse of Texas, Longhorn Show and the American Junior Rodeo, just to name a few. Every weekend brings a new and exciting event to Circle T. The World Series Team Roping series is five events that bring between 2000 and 2500 teams to the arena for each four-day event. The event pays out around $2.5 million in prize money!

Circle T’s resort-style atmosphere offers two swimming pools, a dance floor, full bar, steakhouse and the Inn at Circle T. Conveniently located inside Circle T Arena, the Crossfire Steakhouse offers sophisticated dining in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Hand-cut, certified Angus beef steaks are served alongside sides like Green Chili Grits and Texas-sized baked potatoes. The steakhouse menu offers a selection of seafood including Mahi Mahi, shrimp, salmon and trout. Handcrafted desserts like the classic Crossfire bread pudding with whiskey caramel sauce put the perfect finish on a world-class dining experience.

After dinner, dance the night away to live music on a floor that plays host to multiple concerts throughout the year. Bands

enjoy playing on a one-of-a-kind stage overlooking the longest granite bar in the state of Texas. The Cantina at Circle T serves ice cold beer and a selection of Texas wines.

Wake up to horses and green pastures. The Inn at Circle T is Texas hospitality at its best. With modern big city luxuries in a Hill Country setting, the inn offers many amenities including a full, hot breakfast every morning. Guests are sure to appreciate the warm hometown family atmosphere at the Inn at Circle T. Circle T is proud to call Hamilton home. It is a title sponsor for Hamilton Bulldog athletics and contributes to hometown organizations throughout the year. This year the steakhouse hosted a benefit dinner to raise funds for a digital mammography unit at Hamilton General Hospital. Circle T also hosted the first ever Chris Kyle Memorial Roping.

Historical Markers

Col. George R. Freeman, 200 W. Main w Elise Waerenskjold, courthouse lawn wFrances Marion Graves Home, 201 W. Ross wFrederick B. Gentry, Graves Cemetery, 281 North wKnights of Phtyias Lodge Hall, 110 W. Main wManning-Gordon-Henderson House, 121 S. Rice wPresbyterian Church, 600 N. Rice wSt. Mary’s Church, 120 W. Main wTwin Oaks, 222 Baker wUnited Methodist Church, 215 W. Main wWilliam Thatcher Baker, IOOF Cemetery, 281 North wDurham Ranch House wJJ Jack Durham House wBulman Bridge wPost Office Mural wGallery Wall w Ann Whitney Memorial wBilly the Kid gravesite wCourthouse wHamilton County Historical Museum wFirst Baptist Church, 220 S. Bellw Hamilton National Bank, 101 E. Henry

Hometown Designz

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t s i w T m o t s u C a h t i w e u q i t u o B

WITH LASER ENGRAVING & EMBROIDERY 113 S. BELL HAMILTON, TEXAS 76531 | 254-784-3112

Nancy Anglin Yates 112 N. Bell/P.O. Box 511 254-386-8558 fax 254-386-8548 yateshamilton@gmail.com 44

Welcome to Hamilton

Kelly A Kuhl

Financial Advisor

MKD-8652B-A

Above left, Hamilton County Youth Fair is a big event every January at Jayson Harris Pavilion. Top right, Hamilton High School participated in the Bulldog Sweep Trash Off for Keep Hamilton Beautiful.

113 B East Henry Hamilton, TX 76531 254-386-3855

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Hamilton Herald-News | hhnpaper.com | 386-3145 A Publication of Hamilton Herald-News

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Hamilton municipal airport Located on U.S. Highway 281 three miles South of Hamilton, Hamilton Municipal Airport offers a gateway to the world.

The runway is 4,998 feet long with plenty of ramp area for private jets. Hamilton has both Jet-A and 100LL fuel. Selfservice fuel is available 24 hours a day with a major credit card and full-service fuel is available by appointment.

A courtesy car is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Splash. Soar. Stroll.

Hamilton city pool

Hamilton City Swimming Pool is 3,700 plus square-feet of summer fun for Hamilton families. The historic pool house was built in the 1930s as a WPA project. Located at 321 East Pierson, the pool is close to downtown along the city park trails.

Hamilton city parks Hamilton takes pride in 78 acres of beautiful parks. Walk along the beautiful 1.5 mile paved nature trail at Pecan Creek Park and stop to take pleasure in the park that features playgrounds and a sports complex. The Bullman Bridge was relocated from the Leon River. The rare bowstring iron bridge now leads pedestrians and cyclists to a local nature trail. Fair Park is equipped with a baseball field, rodeo arena, pavilion, RV spots and livestock barns.

www.hamiltontexas.com

HAMILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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PROMOTE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

FREE ENTERPRISE – LIMITED GOVERNMENT SYSTEM. THE ONE ORGANIZATION IN WHICH YOU AND OTHER BUSINESS PEOPLE JOIN HANDS ON PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR CITY.

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ASSURE

NECESSARY CIVIC IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF AN INCREASED POPULATION. HIGHER EDUCATION STANDARDS AND A HIGH LEVEL OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP.

TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE LOCAL TRADE, COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS, POSITIVE CONSUMER-BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND OTHER PROGRESSIVE ASPECTS THAT HELP TO BENEFIT THE GROWTH OF HAMILTON

Resort-Style Atmosphere

500 Stalls  175 RVs  2 Swimming Pools  Dance Floor

Texas Two Best Covered Arenas

Home to multiple world class events with BIG payouts!

Circle T Arena

Full Service Bar On-site catering

5 miles west of Hamilton on Hwy 36  254-386-3559  www.circletarena.net

Equine Events

Concerts  Parties

Crossfire Steakhouse

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Inn at Circle T

Sophisticated Dining with Rustic Flair Premium, high quality steaks & seafood

Hometown Friendly Atmosphere

Rooms & Suites  Meeting Rooms  Complimentary Breakfast  Superior Quality Service