Erath county fall 2015 by RedFin

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!"#$%"&'( !)**+'$,, Congratulations to Erath County’s happy couples.

The Hamptons are a sort of “all for one and one for all” group of high achievers that bring out the best in each other.

'.19),:#'.1((/,:/9# &#;/1<),:#;/:1=)/9 The Art Briles Story.

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Joyce Whitis’ passion for all of life’s treasures has shown through her amazing adventures.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

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CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN

Every day, liberals and moderates are trying to take away from Texans what we hold dear to our hearts through tradition and faith in God. “It is my belief that what America was, what Texas is and what we can be together is far greater than history has ever reported. Government needs to stay out of the people’s way so they may innovate, create and prosper.”

As your Representative I Will: » Be the voice for the unborn and defend life at all cost » Defend & Restore our 2nd Amendment rights » Protect the institution of traditional marriage » Be a champion for our students & educators alike » Work to eliminate wasteful spending » Defund lazy, obsolete & bureaucratic governmental agencies » Secure and defend our border » Ensure that your personal liberties and freedoms are not stripped away.

TO MAKE A STAND, YOU MUST RISE “I believe in Texas traditions, Texas boldness and most of all Texas people. I believe that hard working, law abiding Texans, not Austin, are the best and brightest decision makers for their families, their communities and their schools. Like you, my family and I are tired of those in Austin fighting for what the establishment wants and against what the people want. If you agree with me that the Austin establishment politicians are the problem, not the solution then I ask you to stand along with me to defend Texas against the liberal tyrants that insist on invading our state.”

» Restore local control of our children’s education and future.

www.BrentGraves.com Pol. adv. paid for by Brent Graves for Texas House

Hometown Living At Its Best

Barbara Hampton & Associates Realty

Awards:

• 2014 SAOR Top Producer, Also 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2005 • 2014 Top Farm & Ranch Producer, Also 2011, 2009 and 2005 • 2015 Reader Choice Award for Best Realtor® • 2013 FIRST EVER platinum Multi-Million Dollar Producer with over $33 Million in Sales • 2015 Truila Top Ranked Agents in Texas

www.barbarahamptonandassoc.com 1702 W South Loop | Stephenville, TX 76401

JJ Hampton - Realtor® CELL: 254-592-3480 OFFICE: 254-968-6226

A PROVEN

Champion AND

A L L A RO U N D

R E A LTO R ®

Hometown Living At Its Best

contents 10

For the Love of Twirling

Margo Dausin shows that baton twirling is alive and well at TSU.

If You Climb In The Saddle, Be Ready For The Ride

The Hamptons are a sort of “all for one and one for all” group of high achievers that bring out the best in each other.

Tiffany Dornan: A Dog’s Best Friend AKC registered or not, Tiffany Dornan loves them all.

A View From the Saddle

Saddle maker Justin Hawks creates beautiful, durable saddles to last a lifetime and hopes one day to teach others to do the same.

Loving and Living Life’s Wonders

Joyce Whitis’ passion for all of life’s treasures has shown through her amazing adventures.

32 64

Memphis’ March Honors Life, Raises Funds for Premature Babies

Memphis’ March is a 5K fun run that Brittany and Matt Magin created to honor their daughter’s life and bring hope to families who are spending their days and nights worrying and praying over a child in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The Milton Brown Story

Milton Brown: The Original Father of Western Swing

Death List: Trail of Terror

Local author Sherri Knight brings to life three days of terror that occurred 41 years ago in Erath County.

about t he cover

The cover photo is of Devin and Ryan Culpepper, who were married on May 5, 2015. To see the Culpeppers and the other newlyweds / engaged couples featured in our Hometown Happiness section, turn to pages 62-63.

Erath County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

contents

Finding the Light of Hope in the Darkest Hours

When the storms of nature clashed violently with the storms of life, the community of Stephenville came to the rescue.

100

Four Generations of a Scouting Legacy: The Donald F. Smith Family

For the Smith family of Stephenville, scouting is truly a fun family legacy worth repeating, from generation to generation.

110

3D Ultrasound Imaging Technology at Texas Health Stephenville to Aid in Heart and Vascular diagnoses High-frequency sound waves produce clearer pictures of the heart.

118

Kenneth Wyatt, the Artist, the Preacher, the Man

Like the art this Texas icon creates, Kenneth Wyatt shines with warmth, light and homespun humor.

128

Stephenville Ophthalmologist Helps Bring the Gift of Sight to Sub-Saharan Africa

For seven months, Kerr lived and worked in the African country, treating patients of every age and socio-economic status as part of a medical mission to Swaziland.

140

Chasing Challenges & Leaving Legacies The Art Briles Story.

150

i n i sesvueery

Hometown Happenings

A glimpse inside a few of the exciting events recently held in Erath County.

Hometown High

Congratulations to Erath County’s seniors and graduates.

Hometown Bundles of Joy

Welcoming Erath County’s newest residents.

150

Scenes of Erath County

Erath County Living

Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Erath County is a great place to live.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

From the Publisher PUBLISHER

Summer has flown by! We here at Erath County Living hope that you have had a blessed one! We are thrilled to introduce Kyle and Halsey Clark as a welcome addition to our team. Our long-term goals are to continue to improve your hometown publication, as well as build a larger web presence to both connect you, and share what Erath County has to offer. We are excited to have them a part of our team, and we look forward to what the future holds! In this issue, you’ll read about many special people in Erath County, including Joyce Whitis, the Hampton family, and the Smith family! These people are just a few examples of why Erath County is so special. We want to thank you all for the many submissions of Bundles of Joy, Seniors, Hometown Happiness, and Hometown Happenings! This truly is a magazine for the locals by the locals so keep them coming! You may see some familiar faces – maybe even your own! Email our Content Coordinator, Noel Betush, at Noel.RedFin@gmail.com to find out more. As always please don’t forget to check out the index of advertisers in the back of the magazine and SHOP LOCAL! Need extra copies of the magazine? Pick up your extra copies today at the Chamber of Commerce or ANY advertisers’ locations. ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook at: Erath County Living Magazine for additional updates on our magazines.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brittny Sanchez

CREATIVE | DESIGN

enVision Creative Services

OFFICE MANAGER

Hayley Six Hayley.RedFin@gmail.com

OFFICE ASSISTANT CONTENT DIRECTOR CONTENT COORDINATOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

PROOF READER PHOTOGRAPHERS

COVER PHOTO SALES

Please take the time to thank all of our wonderful advertisers, as they allow us to produce and distribute this publication free of charge to you. Thank you, and we look forward to many more wonderful issues of Erath County Living! Wishing you many blessings,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Justin and Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark Justin.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 301-3828 Kyle.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 304-1044 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Erath County Living Magazine 8

Erath County Living

Red Fin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark

CONTRIBUTORS

Rusti Fisher Brittny Sanchez Brittny.RedFin@gmail.com Noel Betush Noel.RedFin@gmail.com

Halsey Clark Hayley Six Blu Dornan Gotcha Photos Landi Whitefield Photography Leah-k Photography Malinda Julien Mikka Hill Photography Miller Studio Plan-it ink Riley Studio Devin & Ryan Culpepper Photo by Plan-it ink Brenda LaComb Brittny Sanchez Dustin Whitley Justin Six Kyle Clark

Jessa McClure Joyce Whitis Kim Benestante Landi Whitefield Martha Helton Nick Pernokas Peggy Purser Freeman Rebecca Parvaresh Stuart Chilton Terry McKeown Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Dublin Chamber of Commerce / EDC Stephenville Chamber of Commerces

Erath County Living© is published semi-annually by Red Fin Publishing. www.redfinpublishing.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 301-3828 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Love FOR THE OF

TWIRLING

By Landi Whitefield Photos by Landi Whitefield Photography and provided by Fine Arts Department Records, Dick Smith Library, Tarleton State University and Margo Dausin

“I used to be a twirler,” said the lady sitting beside me. She was clearly excited about the halftime show that was about to begin on Memorial Field. She clasped her hands together in anticipation and stood up ready to cheer for “The Sound and the Fury of Tarleton” to march out onto the field. The band was announced under the direction of Dr. Gary Westbrook, and then they announced the lady’s obvious favorite, Feature Twirler Margo Dausin. Margo took the field front and center, ready to twirl in her glistening costume. 10

Erath County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Erath County Living

I was dazzled as Margo would leap in to the air and throw one baton, then two, then three.... I wondered how she kept from giving herself a concussion! She even left the field to change costumes like she was Katy Perry at the Super Bowl. Flawless is all that I can say. Her songs were perfectly choreographed to the band’s superb halftime show. After the game I was very curious about how Margo learned such an intricate sport. I contacted Margo to find out how she learned the sport of baton twirling. I have to admit I thought baton twirling was somewhat of a dying sport, but I was pleasantly mistaken! Margo invited me to follow her around at one of the many National Baton Twirling Association sanctioned events that she competes in every spring. It was the beginning of spring break, and instead of being on a beach in Mexico like some college kids, Margo was at a contest perfecting her craft. Margo approached me in a ball gown, looking as magical as Cinderella at eight in the morning. Margo greeted me and walked gracefully to her lane to model in her fancy ball gown. There were about 100 girls of all ages present to show their skills. Margo gave me a brief synopsis about baton twirling and all that it entails. Margo’s day consisted of a beauty pageant with an interview much like Miss America. Then she changed into her “strut” costume where she twirled without actually throwing the baton. After lunch she had another costume change and completed her twirling routines

where she twirled one, two and three batons. Margo was one of several collegiate twirlers present representing their universities. After speaking with contest director, Vicki Ray, who is a former twirler, coach, and judge, she told me about the history of baton twirling. It began in Eastern Europe and Asia at festivals and through soldiers twirling their rifles. In the US, it began because the male drum majors began twirling their “mace” (large baton-like metal rod with a ball only on one end) to show off, but then WWII started and the men went off to war. The women were left to entertain the crowds and most bands went from all male to female during this time in history. The baton as most people know it was invented because it was easier than twirling rifles or a “mace.” The girls learned to steal the show and entertain the crowds. Twirling’s hay day was in the 1950s and 1960s and most people’s mothers tried their hand at it, including Margo’s and my own. At the contest I asked a little girl what her favorite thing about twirling was, and she said “the costume.” All of Margo’s costumes are exquisite. I asked her if the university has them made for her. Margo chuckled at my question and said, “actually, out of all of my Tarleton costumes, only one was made especially for me; all of the others my mom made.” Margo stated that she is careful with her costumes and uses them as long as she can, because new ones cost upwards of $1000. I was thinking to myself that this girl must really love baton twirling the costumes alone plus tuition is enough to scare any parent!

Hometown Living At Its Best

Next in my exploration of the art of twirling, I reached out to Mr. Gary Spur, Collections Archivist at TSU’s Dick Smith Library. He helped me explore the history of twirling at the university. The first twirler at the then John Tarleton State Agricultural College was in fact a man, named Marvin Zindler. Due to the limit of photography at the time, no photos exist of him twirling his baton, although there are many articles that detail what a showman he was. After the war started the first girls band was formed and the first majorette was Barbara Kinchloe, under the direction of the first female drum major at the college, Dorothy Brunson. Some of the first female baton twirlers at the college were Martha Rhew Dawkins, Doris Jean Sisson, Peggy Durham, and probably the most decorated was Betty Knudson. I asked Margo when she began taking baton lessons, and she informed me that she started in the 4th grade. She saw a cousin twirl and begged her mother for lessons. Margo’s coach was Pat Montgomery at Alamo City Strutters in San Antonio. She took weekly lessons and practiced for 2 to 4 hours daily, which lead to her being the twirler at her high school. Her coach, Pat Montgomery, stated, “Twirlers are all unique and competitive, and Margo is no different. I have enjoyed watching Margo grow from a little girl into a graceful young lady who is fun and energetic. I consider Margo part of my family.” 14

Erath County Living

Margo was accepted to five universities, but she chose Tarleton because she loved the band, the band director, and because it felt like home. She hopes to one day be in the sciences, possibly a marine biologist or even a math major. Margo continues to compete all around the state through the National Baton Twirling Association contests, most recently placing 2nd runner up in the state, an accomplishment that she is eager to bring back to TSU. Margo hopes to one day see the sport of baton twirling in the Olympics. It seems many want the same thing. Reportedly there are many twirling organizations in the US, but none have succeeded in navigating the Olympic politics enough to get the sport into the games. Baton twirling isn’t dead - far from it, and it is truly one of those sports that isn’t done because there is a paycheck, or a gold medal; it is done for the love of the sport. Feature Twirler, Margo Dausin, is a welcomed addition to the legacy of the sport and band at TSU. Margo will accompany the award winning “Sound and the Fury of Tarleton” in November to the State UIL competition where they have been invited to participate in the college exhibition. There they will show the high school bands across the state how it is done. Go out and support not only Texan Football, but also “The Sound and the Fury of Tarleton” along with Feature Twirler Margo Dausin. Her talent as well as her inward and outward beauty will not disappoint. Getting to know and see Margo will make you even more proud that such a wonderful university is right here in Erath County.

“TWIRLERS ARE ALL UNIQUE AND COMPETITIVE, AND MARGO IS NO DIFFERENT. I HAVE ENJOYED WATCHING MARGO GROW FROM A LITTLE GIRL INTO A GRACEFUL YOUNG LADY WHO IS FUN AND ENERGETIC.” - Pat Montgomery

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Erath County Living

By: Joyce Whitis Photos provided by the Hampton Family

Family is a word that defines us from the beginning of time. Those that enjoy a good relationship with members of their immediate family somehow seem happier, more at ease in a complicated world, and especially sure of themselves and their position in the community. The Hampton family is like that. They are a sort of “all for one and one for all” group of high achievers that reflect the best in each other. History tells us about John Hampton, father of Edd Hampton, grandfather of Johnnie Hampton, great-grandfather of Johnnie Wayne and Ronnie Hampton, great-great grandfather of Jackie Johnette (better known as J.J.), Angie and Row Hampton and great-great-great grandfather of Marty Yates and Kason Prince.

« JJ Roping with Marty

watching in the background.

« The family

celebrating in Vegas

Hometown Living At Its Best

John Hampton owned and operated the largest wagon train in this area back in 1919 and his usual run carrying oil well supplies was between Stephenville and Desdemona. His wagons were eight wheelers and were pulled with a dozen horses and mules at a time. Those were the days of unpaved roads, deep mud or deep sand, steep hills to climb and no roadside service. Desdemona was a boomtown, and the drillers were clamoring for supplies and depended upon John Hampton to bring them. The story goes that on these hauls in the mud, John, who always drove the lead wagon, would watch the team and just before they were going to stop he would yell, “Whoa!” He said this was necessary in order to keep the animals from learning they could stop without his command. He would pretend to inspect the harness and talk to the animals and when he had decided they had rested enough, he’d crack a whip over their heads and get them pulling together until they made it over the hill. That is a Hampton trait that is still going strong today. When the going gets tough they just unite and pull together. For instance just this past month, Barbara, the mother of J.J., Angie, and Row, along with Angie, took a seat in a double cab pickup, pulling a trailer with seasoned roping horses and drove from Stephenville, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada with few stops along the way and no sleep. Angie’s son, Marty Yates was roping in an event in California and needed another horse, so grandmother and mother joined together to bring it to him. “We only stopped for rest where the horses could be taken care of,” Barbara said. “Those animals are special and without a great horse, a cowboy might as well sit in the bleachers and watch. So our rest stops depended upon where we could find rest for the horses. On this trip we also hauled a horse for Jake Corkill.” After watching Marty rope and tie his calf, mother 22

Erath County Living

and daughter took a little side trip from California to Utah on the way back to Texas. When asked to drive into Utah and drop off a horse, the thought that it was miles away and not in the plan to not shower or sleep in a real bed, they simply nodded, got in the cab and stepped on the gas. When Marty qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last December, the entire family loaded up and went out to cheer for him from the reserved seats. The entire family includes 88-year-old great-grandmother Helen Hampton, who took off from her job at Erath County Dairy Sales to drive from Stephenville to Las Vegas. As Marty roped and tied his first calf, the Hamptons in the stands jumped to their feet and shouted and clapped along with the other spectators. Marty had been roping and tying calves for most of his 20 years and had been coached by every Hampton that could get in a word! He grew up dragging a rope around the house, and as a youngster he was roping everything in his great-grandmother’s house. Helen Hampton, or Meme, was Marty’s only baby sitter. He refused to stay with anybody else. “He was still in diapers and roping everything,” Helen laughed. She looked at the big ceiling fan turning rapidly over the dining table. “He even roped my ceiling fan,” she said. “But he was never any trouble. Marty was a good kid. We taught him to be polite, say ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘no ma’am’ and he still does. Since he has been so successful in the arena, several people have interviewed him and every one of them has remarked how polite Marty is. That makes our family proud. You know Marty’s dad died in a car wreck before he was born, so his granddad, Johnny Wayne, made up for that loss of a father every chance that he got. He was so proud of Marty.” Johnny Wayne Hampton was a man that you could not get out of your mind once he became your friend. He had so much knowledge of rodeo, and he

Marty Yates after winning the 4th go round in Vegas.

Ricky Prince, JJ and Kason cheering on Marty at the NFR

JJ Roping on Martyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horse Easy.

Hometown Living At Its Best

ÂŤ Jonny Wayne bulldogging with Ronnie Hampton hazing. 24

Erath County Living

understood animals and how they behaved and reacted to situations. He had rodeoed earlier in life but when Marty came along, he just gloried in each success of that talented grandson. Hundreds of friends attended Johnny Wayne’s funeral at Cowboy Church in Erath County, and today his name comes up in any conversation about rodeo. It is said that his spirit flys with his grandson to rodeo performances in distant places and that the encouraging presence he always provided is watching from the fence. There is no question but that Marty feels that too and he’s often spoken of it in almost spiritual tones. In fact, Marty Yates is always quick to say how much he owes to his family that is always there for him. He can get pretty emotional when an interviewer asks him about his family. Angie Hampton Yates is the mother that all professional cowboys would like to have backing them. Many have similar moms and dads, but Angie has been the lone parent that has driven so many miles. Her trips with Marty would doubtless circle the

« AJRA finals Marty Yates at the age of 7 JJ when she was younger running poles at her first Rodeo.

earth. For those not familiar with rodeo lingo, it’s called “haulin,” and Angie has spent a lot of years behind the steering wheel, hauling a youngster to play days at first and then junior and finally senior completion. Her reward was usually watching him claim a winning saddle and a buckle, because Marty Yates was an early winner. Today the trophy saddles won by family members fill a goodsized room in Barbara’s house with a spill over in a room at Barbara Hampton Real Estate office in Stephenville. Today, Angie takes horses to her son, or more recently, stays at home and takes personal care of Chicken, Marty’s champion roping horse that was chosen 2nd Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year in 2014 by competitors and announced at Nationals Final Rodeo. “Marty left today for Reno,” Angie typed in a message on Facebook. “I was planning to go too but Chicken needs a little more R&R so I’m staying home with him.” There go the Hamptons again. Where there is a need, there is always a family member to pick up the slack. So Angie will stay at home, taking special, personal care of horses and run her insurance business in between. All of the Hamptons are very familiar with hauling horses and occasionally cattle to rodeos as that sport has always played a large part in their extended family. Johnny Hampton’s dad, Mr. Ed, liked racehorses and spent a large part of his life training and racing them. Johnny liked bulldogging, and Helen says that he had a great horse that he rode in rodeos. Ronnie Jack and Johnny Wayne both liked roping and competed in that event. Ronnie Jack competes in team roping, which is extremely popular around this area. Johnny Wayne and Barbara (Richards) Hampton’s children; Angie, Row, and J.J. were hauled all over the country as they were growing up and competing in Junior Rodeo events. They won a lot of buckles and saddles as youngsters, but it was J.J. who decided to play hard and win it all! J.J. has won more trophies than any woman that ever competed in rodeo events. There are probably more than a hundred saddles as well as dozens and dozens of silver buckles, rosettes, ribbons, trophies and banners. A complete list of her accomplishments in the arena is almost beyond belief. World Champion Titles in the Professional Women’s Rodeo Association include: 6 Hometown Living At Its Best

John and Kason running the chutes for practice

All Around Cowgirl titles; 4 Tie-down Calf Roping; 3 Breakaway Calf Roping, and 4 Team Roping Header. She has also earned 4 Breakaway Calf Roping Champion titles in the United Professional Rodeo Association, 6 World Titles in Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, and 2 Extreme Calf Roping Champion Breakaway Roper titles. As a fitting tribute to her expertise with a rope, J.J. has been inducted into the following halls of Fame: Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame; Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame; Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and Tarleton State University Rodeo Hall of Fame. But like the rest of the Hamptons, J.J. didn’t accomplish her awards without help from other family members. Barbara Hampton once said that she didn’t rope or ride, she just opened the chute gate. Knowing Barbara, you immediately become aware that she is the driving force behind everybody. Row said his mother is the “Warden” and keeps everybody in line. Meanwhile Barbara Hampton Real Estate is flourishing. “After we went out of the dairy business, I decided that real estate would be my choice because I could set my own hours and could take kids to school and pick them up. I could still be pretty independent.” Barbara has won countless awards in her chosen field, as has her daughter, J.J. who joined the company in 2001. Since that time, J.J. has 5 years as Top Producing Agent in the Stephenville Association of Realtors plus other multiple awards including Platinum Multi-Million Dollar Producer and is the first ever agent to produce over $33 million in sales. J.J. does this as her paying job but on holidays and weekends she ropes calves and wins other awards. 26

Erath County Living

Johnny Woodrow, known as Row, is brother to Angie and J.J. and has won several events in arenas roping calves. He teamed up with Trevor Brazil in team roping as a teenager. The young cowboys won the Texas High School Championship in 1994. Trevor, the winningest professional cowboy ever, is a close friend of the family and has visited with the Hamptons often through the years. He and Row are close friends. Angie says, “I was 2 months pregnant when my husband was killed. My family took care of me. My mother, my grandmother, my dad, my sister and brother, they were all there for me all the time. The day that Marty was born there were 50 or 60 people in the waiting room! Without the support of everyone life would have been really hard. I am so appreciative of everyone’s help. “When Marty showed that he wanted to rope, local cowboys took him to teach. Cody Ohl picked him up from kindergarten and took him to rope. Later Trent Walls helped him by teaching him more control.” Kason, J.J.’s son, was born in April 2009. Although he isn’t showing that he cares much about roping, he is there for many events and made the trip with the rest of the family to Las Vegas for the National Finals in December. After watching Marty win another round and ready to face yet another interviewer, he looked at his family gathered around, smiled and said, “Let’s say a prayer.” “OK, go ahead,” someone said, to which Kason, clutching his hero’s hand said: “Thank you, Lord for Marty getting the money, and not breaking the barrier, and for getting a good calf.” And all the Hamptons gathered together for one of their own, added a heartfelt, “Amen”.

Family at JJ’s induction into the Tarleton Rodeo Hall of Fame

« Big John posing with Row

and JJ at the AJRA finals.

« Kason Prince’s

first rodeo, with his Meme.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Erath County Living

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The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce thanks its members for a successful banquet! X

The Chamber’s “Once Upon a Time” Fairy Tale Adventure was an unforgettable evening as our talented members showcased their amazing products and services in a unique way and raised over $40,000 to help the Chamber continue investing in programs and resources that benefit businesses, residents and visitors alike!

zCostume Contest Winnersz

Best Couple:

Beauty & the Beast (Brad & Brianna Hodges)

Best Group:

Snow White & the Seven Dwarves (TexasBank)

Best Individual The Mad Hatter (John Baxter)

Best Overall

Dorothy & the Tornado (Wesley & Crystal Rose)

zVolunteer Awardsz Past Chamber Board Chair: Wendell Hollingsworth

Past Ambassador President: Diane McCoy

Beulah Brown Ambassador of the Year: Emily Roberson

zMember Awardsz

Rising Star Award: KWBY Radio (Jody Lee & Sara Caudle)

Shining Spur Award: Tanglewood Pharmacy (Ed Horton)

Blazing Boot Award: Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital

Entrepreneur of Agriculture: The Hay & Feed Ranch (Nathion & Julie Griffin)

Agriculture Producer of the Year: Blue Jay Dairy (Johan & Sonya Koke)

Friend of Agriculture: Cowboy Capital of the World Pro Rodeo Association

zAgriculture Awardsz

Erath County Living

Tiffany Dornan: A Dog’s Best Friend By Joyce Whitis Photos by Blu Dornan and Malinda Julien

Tiffany Dornan, a little anxious but confident, stood by the ring ready for the agility trial to begin. Beside her sat a little brown dog, ears alert, tongue out, heart beating fast. It was as if Ollie knew what mattered most today. He certainly knew the course that lay ahead. He and his human partner had been over it many times. He was especially alert this morning. When they inspected the ring, they saw that the running would be on dirt, his favorite ground cover. He sat up a little straighter and waited ... impatiently. Tiffany looked around at the other dogs and their partners gathered for the trial. Compared to the other dogs waiting, Ollie might have looked like the poor relative that had snuck in the back door to see the excitement. Many of the other contestants were AKC registered dogs with most being in the herding group. A Border collie, black and white coat shining like it had been polished, walked on a leash with its owner. It didn’t take much imagination to sense that beneath that beautiful coat there were powerful muscles ready to respond as the dog ran and jumped and crawled and leaped across the set course, finishing with a perfect weave pole performance.

O l lie

Hometown Living At Its Best

Jeeter 34

Erath County Living

Some twenty or thirty dogs in Fort Worth ready to run this agility course were similarly beautiful examples of the various breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. In short, they were the aristocrats of the dog world; the top dogs; the winners; the dogs you want your dog to emulate if you are a breeder or just a dog owner. Ollie looked up at his partner. It was plain that he saw no difference between himself and all the others meeting this morning to show what they had learned and were capable of. He was where he liked to be; beside his partner, and she was smiling. Although some of the other handlers at the agility trial had smiled when they saw Tiffany walk in with the little brown mixed breed dog, others knew that she would not be there unless she felt confident. They had a “wait and see” attitude and they were about to see! Where did this “mutt” come from? Who could trace his parentage? Was his dad a ‘traveling salesman’? Nobody knew, and for a while nobody cared. In fact nobody cared about this puppy until Tiffany Dornan was talking to a friend at the animal shelter in De Leon one day. The shelter was full and the administrator was going to have to find a place for this little pup soon. His time was running out. It was decided that Tiffany would become a “foster parent” until there was room for him or until a forever home was found. So began a relationship between a true animal lover and a little abandoned puppy. Meanwhile, Tiffany, as a foster parent, was supposed to be looking for a forever home for Ollie. Several different prospective adoptive parents called and wrote out their qualifications, but none were a match. Tiffany always found a reason why the prospects were incompatible. Eventually, she decided that nobody outside of herself would be suitable to care for Ollie, so she adopted him and he became part of the family. A bath, nail trim, and flea dip was necessary when she first saw the little brown dog, and Tiffany could take care of that immediately. She had learned dog grooming soon after graduating high school when living in Ohio. A family friend was a dog groomer by profession, and he was happy to teach Tiffany. It was also that family friend who first introduced her to agility and the equipment needed for training. Her first agility dog, Hoot, was an Australian cattle dog. He didn’t have much speed, but

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made up for it with personality. She competed in many agility trials in Ohio and in 2009, Tiffany moved to Stephenville, Texas. She now owns The Dog Salon, a small grooming and training business on Lingleville Road. “Eva (Tiffany’s mother-in-law) is a handy ‘grandmother’ for our dogs,” Tiffany said. “Eko is one of my Australian Shepherds, and he was born deaf. He doesn’t go to agility trials. He would much rather stay with Grandmother.” Tiffany uses sign language to communicate with him, and ironically she says he is the best listener of the four. “He wears a bell so we can keep track of him in the pastures, since we can’t call out to him,” she joked. Looking at Eko with the long beautiful white coat around his neck and chest with shades of grey and black on his back and upper legs, you would never suspect that when rescued by Tiffany, he was in danger of dying from neglect. “When I first saw him, hanging around the family rodeo arena, my heart just stopped,” Tiffany said. “He was just a bag of bones, hair matted and fleas and ticks galore! I just couldn’t stand to see him like that, and when Hometown Living At Its Best

Jeeter

O l lie 36

Erath County Living

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I found out that he was unwanted by his family … well, I picked him up and took him home with me.” Eko sat still, staring at his benefactor. It was easy to imagine that he was smiling. Jeeter, also an Australian Shepherd, is a pure bred dog with papers. “He belonged to a former boyfriend,” Tiffany said. “I broke up with the boyfriend but kept his dog!” She laughed. “He is almost 12-years-old and still competing in agility.” This longevity can be attributed to Tiffany’s care, feeding and training programs, and overall love for her dogs. Jeeter went over to sit by Eko. “Who’s your best friend?” Tiffany asked. Jeeter put one front paw on Eko’s shoulder! Tiffany continued to talk to the dogs as they both watched her face and hands and followed her commands without missing anything. Marvel, a mostly freckled or blue merle Border collie, is the youngest canine in the Dornan household. While most people think black and white when they think Border collie, these dogs can be a variety of white and another color such as red, blue merle or red merle. Marvel is typical of this extremely energetic breed, almost continually begging for somebody - anybody to throw a ball, a Frisbee, a toy, a ball cap…anything for her to

retrieve and have thrown again. All the dogs have their own beds inside the house with Tiffany and husband Blu. Except for Ollie, he doesn’t need a dog bed because he prefers sleeping on his dad’s pillow! They also have their own swimming pool, which they love especially in hot weather and where they can get good exercise. Ollie ran the agility course that first day and finished with a qualified run. Since that time he has jumped through hoops, run over teeter-totters, run at warp speed through the weave poles and raced through vinyl tunnels. Tiffany credits part of Ollie’s enthusiasm for agility to their routine Starbucks stops on the way to trials. A white chocolate mocha for Tiffany and a “puppichino” for Ollie get them both in “the zone.” His first run was in May 2013, and the little homeless mixed breed has been competing since that time earning points towards the Master Agility Championship (MACH). Ollie is also trying to earn enough points to qualify him for the AKC National Agility Trial, which will be held in Tulsa in March of 2016. Tiffany is planning to be there. The little stray brown “mutt” will be at her side.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

A VIEW FROM THE SADDLE: JUSTIN HAWKS’ JOURNEY by REBECCA PARVARESH photos by KATE MATHESON & provided by JUSTIN HAWKS 42

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Saddle maker Justin Hawks creates beautiful, durable saddles to last a lifetime and hopes one day to teach others to do the same.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Karbala, Iraq

The ride of life takes us all on many stops along the way. For local saddle maker Justin Hawks, his ride started on the Hawks Livestock Ranch in Billings, Montana. From there he’s seen the wilderness of Montana, the 8 seconds spent on the back of a bull and the joy of raising a family in Stephenville, Texas. “I was born in Billings and all my family is from Montana. We currently still have a ranch up there, so during the busy times of year such as calving, haying and the shipping seasons, I pack up shop and head north to help my dad and brother on the ranch.” His grandparents’ place, the NNN Ranch, is where he first found that spark of interest in bringing old saddles and tack back to life. That spark followed him the rest of his life and became a raging passion that leads him in his saddle making business today. “I grew up on a ranch in Montana and was around cowboys my entire life. My grandparents also had a large ranch and would get hired men that cowboyed and buckarooed around different regions,” Justin said. 44

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“With that comes an influence from those regions, so I was always intrigued by the different styles of saddles, silver mounted bits and gear from other areas of the country. In my grandparents’ barn was a tack room with a work bench and a few leather repair tools and plenty of pieces of worn out and torn up tack I was always trying to fix up.” Justin’s love of fixing and mending saddles went hand in hand with his love for bull riding. He spent years making his way through dozens of towns while pursuing his love of riding in the rodeo. During that time, he made his way to Stephenville, Texas and he’ll honestly tell you how he got here, “Rodeo and a woman! My ex-wife Joy, who was a champion bull rider and bareback rider and has her name on the walk of fame, she lured me here. My children, Colt and Cody, have lived here their whole lives and are now students at Stephenville High School. So now, Stephenville has become home to me as well and I really like this town and the people. It’s an absolutely wonderful place to raise a family.”

While building his family, Justin also spent time in the military and now works in private security. Through the years, he’d call the leather working passion his hobby but the artistry of his work has definitely turned some heads. The love he has for his craft seems to be something out of his hands completely and rather in his blood. “An interesting fact I just learned from my uncle, who is an amateur genealogist for our family, is that our first ancestor came here in 1635 but his father was a Saddler and owned a shop in London, so apparently its in my blood. Only took 380 years for it to come to the surface again.” He humbly refrained from calling any of his work ‘art’ but acknowledged the level some have achieved in the craft of saddle making. “To me, I don’t think of it as art because I am far from an artist, although there are artistic attributes to it, but I consider what I make as tools - functional tools. I do know makers who are artists, and I am in awe of some of the saddles made today for the leather shows.”

“My hope is that business continues to grow and flourish, and someday give a hand to someone else looking to make saddles.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

His beautifully, handcrafted functional tools are built to last a lifetime, much like the saddles he tinkered with on his grandparents’ ranch as a boy. Perhaps one day, the intricacy and beauty of one of his saddles will spark interest in another young person willing to take up the craft. “I enjoy the fact that someone will use what I’ve made that will last a lifetime if cared for. I see 100-yearold saddles on display in museums and I always look to the makers mark and wonder if someday one of my 100-year-old saddles will be in a cowboy display in some museum somewhere.” The process of leather working and saddle building has retained a bit of nostalgia through the years. The process remains the same along with many of the tools of the trade. Justin recalls the road that led him to learn the tips of the age old process, “When I had just gotten out of high school in Billings, I asked around and tried to get a couple of local saddle makers to take me on as an apprentice, but it never happened. Then I discovered rodeo and started riding broncs and fighting bulls, which

led to an eventual career as a bullfighter in the PRCA and PBR, and the saddle making dream got pushed to the back of my mind and forgotten.” Forgotten for a moment but not lost for good, the desire to learn more about making saddles remained. Though the standard routes for learning about saddle making are generally an apprenticeship or school, the second would be the route Justin ended up taking. “Fast forward quite a few years and I’d retired from rodeoing and joined the military. Then I got out and became a security contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well, the contracting paid very well and I decided to buy myself a new saddle. I’d always ridden custom made saddles, but they were hand-me-downs or pawn shop specials, so I got to looking around and heard about a school in Montana and decided I’d do that and just build my own new saddle!” Justin recalled the school’s ability to accomplish his dream of a custom saddle, and also how it gave him a solid start to his career as a professional saddle maker.

Hawks and Flint Rasmussen at the Dillon, MT PRCA rodeo 46

Erath County Living

“The school was Montana Horseman Saddle Building School in Belgrade, Montana. It was a 6-week school if I remember correctly. We built a class saddle and then our personal saddles. Apprenticeships are hard to come by, so I do recommend a school - it’ll give you a solid foundation to start from.” Saddles are not a purchase made very often by riders. They are an investment that takes a while to afford. A cowboy or occasional rider needs something dependable that will last for years to come. Justin has honed his abilities to create lasting, durable, and beautiful saddles that are not only worth the investment, but able to be enjoyed for decades when cared for properly. “I truly strive to make a comfortable saddle to ride that fits a horse correctly. It takes generally 2 to 3 weeks for a saddle that has some tooling or stamping. The fastest I’ve ever made a saddle was in 3 days, and I just built a rough out saddle for a cowboy in North Dakota that took a week. There are quite a few steps, and the sequence of making a saddle has to follow general guidelines for it to come together smoothly.”

His experiences have been plenty, as he improved his skills through the years. The learning experience he’s had is something he hopes to pass along to the next generation looking to participate in the saddlery pastime. “At some point I’d like to be able to offer an apprentice/school type scenario for interested individuals. I’ve been fortunate that I can now make a living as a saddle maker; it is something I truly enjoy and will continue to do until they put me in the ground. I’ve also branched into the making of saddle trees to give me absolute control over the quality of my saddles. My hope is that business continues to grow and flourish, and someday give a hand to someone else looking to make saddles. I recently had a friend stay with me, and I helped him build his first saddle. I found it to be a great experience, to see the pride he had in his work when he finished it.” You can see Justin’s handy work on his Facebook – Hawks Custom Saddlery or on Instagram: @ hawkssaddles.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Erath County Living

PLANNING

Galas

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Proms

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“I wouldn’t take anything for those years I spent teaching,” says Joyce. “You make a lot of friends, and you hope that you have helped shape a child’s life for the good.” 52

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Loving & Living , Life s Wonders by N I C K P E R N O K A S photos provided by J OYC E W H I T I S & M I L L E R S T U D I O S

At the height of the Depression, a farm wagon pulled into a gathering at an old crossing on the Red River. Doanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store marked the spot where only fifty years earlier, millions of Longhorns had their last glimpse of Texas as they headed up the Western Trail toward Kansas. By the Thirties, the biggest excitement there was the annual Doanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picnic. The wagon drew nearer the crowd, where a lot of other wagons and a few automobiles were parked. The younger girls in the wagon spotted the brightly painted sign for the sideshow in front of a tent on the side of the field. One of the girls, who was a neighbor to the couple that drove the wagon, had a nickel tied up in the corner of her handkerchief on the slim chance that she needed something at the fair. Coincidentally, the sign promised that great wonders waited on the other side of the faded canvas for five cents. A hawker outside the tent pointed to a huge serpent painted on the side of a tent.

Hometown Living At Its Best

“Come in and see the biggest snake in the world,” he cried. The little girls were in a dilemma. They both wanted to see the snake but only one had a nickel. The other girl’s parents did not have an extra nickel for her to spend, and there were none to be found dropped in the dirt. As the day wore on, the girls knew that they would have to leave without seeing the snake. They made a pact. The girl with the nickel would go in, and see the snake, and then come out, and tell the other girl what it looked like. Paying her nickel, she entered the tent, and saw before her a fairly small python. “It was definitely not the biggest snake in the world,” laughs Joyce Whitis, “but my friend was so excited when I came out that I started telling her what a big snake it was. It grew, and grew, and I entertained everyone on the way home that night with the marvels of this huge snake that I’d seen.” That night was a sign of things to come for the little girl from Chillicothe, Texas. Her story telling would evolve into the career of a writer eventually. She owes much of this to her parents.

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“Mother read to me every day, and was better educated than many of the other mothers at that time,” says Joyce. Joyce’s interest in history also started early. Her parents were history buffs, and her mother’s grandfather had served in the Civil War. Joyce’s mother taught her a lot about the war including many rarely heard songs. She still has the old Magnolia Motor Oil schoolbook, which we would call a graphic novel today, which pictorially displays Texas history. It was published in 1928, the year before her birth, and was handed down to her by her brother. “He would sit down on the back porch steps and read it to me. I was fascinated by it, and that’s where I started learning Texas history, before I ever started school.” In the fourth grade, Joyce wrote a poem about the Alamo that was based on this book. It was published in Children’s Playmate Magazine. She kept writing, and she wrote a story about Gene Autry, who was one of her childhood matinee cowboy heroes. She sent a copy to Gene, and he replied with a really nice letter, which she still treasures. Joyce continued to write, and in 1945, she

wrote the school song for her high school in Chillicothe. In 1950 Joyce graduated from Midwestern University with a BS in education. She went right into a banking job in Dallas. It was here that she met a handsome banker, Thomas B. Whitis, Jr. They married, and settled into a life in Dallas. A son, Thomas Benton III, was born in 1952. Around this time, the senior Tom was getting tired of his banking career, and he had a yearning to be a farmer. He began to study real estate ads in the Dallas Morning News, and he started visiting farms around Stephenville. He found the place he wanted near Huckabay, and was able to purchase it from the Texas Land Board, using his WWII service in the United States Navy to qualify for the GI Bill. When Tom decided to move to Stephenville in 1953, it was a culture shock for Joyce. The town was small, and different than the city she’d thought she’d always live in. The road out to the land he had purchased for $50.00 an acre was unpaved and barely a path. There was only an old house on the place, so the couple rented a place in town. Tom went to work building fence and clearing land, while Joyce took a job teaching school at Huckabay. Joyce found

a friend just across the street to keep Tommy while she was at school. It cost $1.25 a week for him to stay there, during the day, for five days. They’d decided to go into the dairy business when they moved to the country, so building the dairy barn came first, then buying cows, and eventually building a house. In those days you couldn’t get a loan to build a house in the country so they built the house of cement block, using part of the dairy paycheck each month. They were able to move into the as yet unfinished house on June 6, 1956, which is celebrated nationwide as “D-Day”. “I have a lot of interests, but I love Stephenville and Huckabay,” Joyce said. “I want to stay in this house and watch cows and horses grazing the Coastal field until they carry me away.” Joyce taught that first year at Huckabay School. Barbara was born at the Stephenville Hospital the following October, so Joyce stayed at home with the children for a while. In 1957, Joyce returned to teaching. Joyce eventually taught at the Desdemona, Lingleville, and Huckabay schools until 1970. She was on the Huckabay school board. Joyce wrote the school songs for Huckabay

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and Lingleville. She created school papers for Huckabay, The Pow Wow and Desdemona, Pigs’ Tale. While teaching in high school she was a sponsor for senior trips across the southern part of the United States. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. “I wouldn’t take anything for those years I spent teaching,” says Joyce. “You make a lot of friends, and you hope that you have helped shape a child’s life for the good.” Meanwhile, the dairy business was going strong. In the 1970s, the Whitises showed award-winning dairy cattle. In 1971 Joyce was named Adult 4-H Leader of the year. In 1972, she led the drive to put Stephenville’s famous cow, Moola, on the square. In 1977, Joyce was named National Dairy Woman of the Year by the National Dairy Association in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the only woman from Texas ever so honored. In 1978, Joyce resumed one of her loves - writing. She began freelance writing for Holstein Friesian World, Hoard’s Dairyman, Country Woman, The Dallas Morning News, and others. This career continues today 56

Erath County Living

with articles in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune and Erath County Living. 1978 was important for Joyce in another area as well. She helped organize and incorporate the Erath County Humane Society. “This was basically my idea, but a lot of like-minded people joined in this effort to take care of homeless animals. We received donations that made it all possible. Without the cooperation of a caring population, establishing a shelter and continuing our work would not be possible. “ This was followed up with a plan that united the ECHS with Stephenville and Erath County in a policy for the humane treatment of animals. This resulted in the much-needed animal shelter that Stephenville has today. Joyce began boarding dogs on the farm in 1974. People started asking her to groom them, and a new business developed. By 1984 Joyce had purchased a building in Stephenville for Joyce’s Animal Farm. It was a full-service grooming and boarding facility with a pet store. She found that there was a demand for snakes, especially from male Tarleton students. As Joyce began to

purchase and sell snakes, she found that she lost her fear of them. Joyce actually became fond of an albino python, and had a special snake home built for her that included part of a tree stump and a long, sturdy tree limb in it. One day the Stephenville librarian asked Joyce to bring some animals and reptiles to the library for the children to see. Her special python was so popular that soon she was taking her across the county for show and tell sessions. Eventually the snake was sold; by then she was nine feet long. “It’s very strange, but I really liked that snake. I still think about her. I think it’s funny that you can feel that way about any animal.” For a time Macaws became popular with the local cowboys. Joyce began selling birds. One day Tom and Joyce were at a bird auction, and saw a baby monkey in diapers riding around on the shoulder of a visitor.

“Those years in the pet shop were exciting.” Hometown Living At Its Best

Joyce didn’t think that the monkey looked happy with his owner, so by the end of the sale the monkey had a new owner. The little spider monkey rode all the way to Stephenville with his arms wrapped around Joyce’s neck. With no place to put him, he spent his first night sleeping in bed with the Whitises. Joyce named him Elvis. A longtime companion, his ashes now rest on a shelf in the sitting room. “Those years in the pet shop were exciting,” Joyce remembers. “Friends dropped in for a cup of coffee and to see what was new. First Tom, and then Tommy and Beverley joined me, and their children were partly raised here. Barbara had a business, Kid Klub, just down the street, and her girls dropped in often. It was a great family time for us all, but eventually I decided to sell the business. Tom and I wanted to spend some time traveling.” Tom and Joyce spent some of their vacations touring Civil War battlefields. They developed an interest in antiques, and a beautiful grandfather clock that was one of their purchases resides in the living room. Plates

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from each of the states and seven foreign countries that they visited line the walls. A collection of crosses adorns the wall of another room. A front room in her house is dedicated to Civil War memorabilia, and contains an extensive library of rare books on the subject. Joyce was instrumental in putting the Confederate Memorial Monument up on the courthouse square in 2001. She wanted to make sure the Confederate veterans who settled Erath County were not forgotten. Her son, who has since passed away, actually wrote the inscription on it. Later, as Joyce was a descendant of a Confederate veteran, she was able to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and she participates in many of their functions. Joyce is also the president of the local UDC chapter. Joyce’s husband passed away in 2006. “When you sit down in a rocking chair and retire, you’re done. I don’t ever want to retire. I hate that word.” That’s probably the reason Joyce keeps going so hard. For all her efforts to preserve history, and benefit the community, she was awarded the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Community Builder Award in 2009. Joyce feels

that one thing she would still like to get done in Stephenville is having a bronze cowboy statue in the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame. “Stephenville needs a bronze cowboy. If we’re the Cowboy Capital, then we need to promote it.” Joyce knows the cowboys, and counts many, such as Sid Miller and Ty Murray, as her friends. Many of their pictures decorate her walls. Western paintings, and memorabilia fill much of the cedarshingled ranch house. It’s fitting that she was chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the Stephenville Rodeo parade in 2014. Joyce’s formerly homeless old poodle and her calico cat sleep in her lap when she reads at night. Her “pet” squirrel checks in on her from the front door. Her Great Danes, Stonewall Jackson, and Robert E. Lee, watch over her. Will Rogers once said that you could tell everything you needed to know about a person by the way they treated their dog. There are a lot of animals out there that know Joyce, and would agree.

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Erath County Living

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Hometown Happiness Wishing much love and happiness to Erath County’s newlyweds!

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photos courtesy of

DeWayne Keith and Taylor White

Mattie & Christian Ibarra

Wedding scheduled for November 6, 2015

Est. May 29, 2015

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Kristen & Michael Fick Est. December 27, 2014

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Sterling & Jackie Foster Est. January 3, 2015

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Hillari & Karlton Keesee

Whitleigh & David Oliver

Est. November 1, 2014

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Est. April 11, 2015

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Lauren & Sidney Leyendekker Est. May 9, 2015

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Devin & Ryan Culpepper Est. May 30, 2015

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Memphis’ March Honors Life, Raises Funds for Premature Babies By Jessa McClure | Photos provided by Magin Family

Erath County Living

“We truly believe that God gave her to us for a reason. If that’s to help other people and help babies, then that’s what we’re going to do.”

On the sprawling acreage surrounding a little church in between Stephenville and Dublin, dozens of people gather to celebrate the life of Memphis Rein Magin. Although she only lived 13 days on this earth, she has already made an impact on the Dublin and Stephenville communities and helped bring resources to premature babies and their families all over the country. It’s called Memphis’ March. It’s a 5K and fun run Brittany and Matt Magin created, with the help of Green’s Creek Methodist Church, to honor their daughter’s life and bring hope to families who are spending their days and nights worrying and praying over a child in the neonatal intensive care unit. Hometown Living At Its Best

“When we first started going to Green’s Creek Methodist Church the congregation had talked about doing some sort of service ministry. They just weren’t sure who they wanted to help,” Brittany Magin said. “My dear friend, Patti Miller, who also attends the church, suggested that we do a 5K in honor of Memphis. It was like it was meant to be.” The church ran with the idea to create a running event and formed a committee to make it happen. “All of the proceeds we make are donated directly to the March of Dimes,” she said. “We hope that each year it just gets bigger and bigger.” Even though the church has a membership of less than 50, they have managed to raise more than $23,000 in the last three years for the organization that funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Magin said they chose the March of Dimes as the recipient of the event because of what the local March of Dime chapters did for the young family in their most difficult moments. “I was in the NICU every single day for 13 days. I had just had a traumatic delivery and felt like I’d hit a brick wall,” she said. “[The Waco March of Dimes chapter] was there for me in the NICU. They were there to answer questions. I learned so many facts about babies and why women have premature babies and what they do in the 66

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NICU to help them.” The representative from the organization also explained why their daughter was receiving surfactant replacement therapy, which helps to keep premature lungs expanding and helps to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). “If it wasn’t for the surfactant that the March of Dimes helped research and come up with, I wouldn’t have even had her for 13 days,” Magin said. “After they helped me, I thought, I need to start telling people about this great charity.” As the family grieved and worked to find a way to keep their daughter’s memory alive, they got some happy news—they were expecting. And this time it was twins. Although they were elated at the idea of bringing two new babies into the world, they were worried about the chance of delivering prematurely again. There fears were realized when it was discovered that Magin had developed a pregnancy complication that might put her boys at risk. Doctors put her on immediate bed rest—first at home and then an hour and fifteen minutes away in the maternal observation ward at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Magin spent 89 long days in the hospital waiting for the birth of her sons. But there was a ray of hope in the form of another March of Dimes representative. “The woman from the local March of Dimes chapter would come and visit me a couple times a week,” she said.

Magin said Memphis’ March is not only a way to honor their daughter’s memory, but is a way to give back to the organization that gave them so much.

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Erath County Living

The family hopes that by sharing their story and bringing attention to the organization that they will help others who are struggling with grief. “She taught me how to crochet. I made the boys little hats in the hospital. She would come and bring me brochures to read and she helped connect me to people who were in my same situation.” The Dublin Elementary School teacher said the representative helped give her hope and companionship when she felt out of touch with reality. “She would just come up there and talk to me,” she said. “That meant so much when I was sitting there every day. Yes, my husband came up every night, but that made for a long day. She became a very good friend.” Magin said Memphis’ March is not only a way to honor their daughter’s memory, but is a way to give back to the organization that gave them so much. Because the event has become so successful, the Magins were named the Ambassador Family for the Waco area March of Dimes. The family hopes that by sharing their story and bringing attention to the organization that they will help others who are struggling with grief. “There is nothing worse in this life than losing a child. I would not want anyone to experience that,” Magin said. “But if it happens, you have to find something to help you get through it. Our charity event is how we do that. We

truly believe that God gave her to us for a reason. If that’s to help other people and help babies, then that’s what we’re going to do.” Today, the Magins have two rambunctious two-yearold boys—Kash and Kreek—to run around after. But even in the joy and busyness of raising their two miracle babies, they never forget the memory of their daughter. The couple has tried to keep their daughter’s memory alive by making sure their sons know about their sister. Because Memphis is buried nearby, the family visits her gravesite often. “When we bought this land after we got married, I said, ‘Matt, I cannot live beside a cemetery.’ So, he put up a privacy fence,” she said. “Who would have thought that we would have Memphis buried right there. We walk across the fence and go visit her. She’s right there beside us. I truly believe there is a purpose for everything.” This year’s run will be on November 28 at Green’s Creek Methodist Church. Magin said there will be barbecue and live music at the end of the race, and those interested in being a part of Memphis’ March can contact her at 254-485-6626 or visit facebook.com/pages/ Memphis-March. Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown HIGH Hometown Happenings Please join us in congratulating Erath Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 graduates with prayers and well wishes for their future endeavors. Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink, Miller Studio & Leah k photography Austin Stufflebean Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Iris Hidalgo Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Madison Carpenter Class of 2015 Photo by Miller Studio Ian Horton SHS Class of 2015 Photo by Leah k photography

Lauren Traylor Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Drisana Oxford Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Taylor Castleberry Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Mitchell Pair Class of 2015 Photo by Miller Studio Justice Bethea Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Cole Nugen Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Maggie Gill SHS Class of 2015 Photo by Leah k photography

Lauren Gutierrez Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Kayla Derouineau Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Dalia Felipe Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Taylor Herrera Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink Carolina Lopez Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

Miller Parham SHS Class of 2015 Photo by Leah k photography

Justin Wade Class of 2015 Photo by Plan-it ink

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Hometown Living At Its Best

Mil t on Brown THE

STORY

Milton holding the microphone with his Musical Brownies in 1932. His group was featured on radio stations WBAP in Fort Worth and WFAA in Dallas. He earlier had a show on a Stephenville radio station.

Most western music critics say Western Swing music would not exist today without Milton Brown’s contribution and dedication. By: Stuart Chilton

Erath County Living

He only lived 32 years. However, during his lifetime, he changed the tempo of Country Western music. His name? Milton Brown, and he is known as the “The Original Father of Western Swing.” Brown was born just outside Stephenville on Sept. 7, 1903, and lived his first 15 years in Erath County. When he was 15-years-old, his family moved to Fort Worth. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth. His life was cut short when he died on April 18, 1936. He had suffered injuries five days earlier in a tragic automobile accident between Fort Worth and Jacksboro. Brown is buried in the Smith Springs Cemetery in his native Erath County, northeast of Stephenville.

A promotional photo from 1934 featuring Milton with the Musical Brownies. Milton is holding the microphone, while his brother, Derwood, is in the background, RI0_AK? V@9 a88I9v %@9 J0K MK V@9 right appears to be Roy Lee, playing the guitar.

Brown with his two brothers. Milton is on the left with Derwood in the center and Roy Lee on the right. The photo was made in the early 1920s. Derwood later played V@9 a88I9 AK AIVMKÂ&#x2030;U 50K8q ]@AI9 #M_ 99 played the guitar.

A portrait of Milton in his later years. He died on April 18, 1936, as a result of an automobile accident on the Fort Worth-Jacksboro highway. He was only 32 years old. Hometown Living At Its Best

Brad Thompson, semi-retired Stephenville businessman, reviewing old photos of Milton Brown. Thompson, 92, remembers Milton Brown and his Musical Brownies playing at various locations in Erath County.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was only a youngster; however, I remember people talking about Milton Brown, and I also remember listening to him on radio.â&#x20AC;? ~Brad Thompson

Photo of Milton during his senior year at Arlington Heights School in Fort Worth. After graduating from high school, Milton became a cigar salesman. He lost this job due to the Great Depression in the late 1920s. 76

Erath County Living

Following his high school graduation, Brown went to work as a cigar salesman. When the Great Depression took hold in the late 1920s, he lost his job. His musical career began in 1930 upon a chance meeting with Bob Wills at a dance hall in Fort Worth. Wills was playing a fiddle with a local group. They were playing the “St. Louis Blues,” and Brown joined in with his voice. Wills was impressed with Brown’s singing and the musical ability of his brother, Derwood, who played the fiddle. His other brother, Roy Lee, played the guitar. Brad Thompson, 92, an Erath County native and a long-time Stephenville businessman, vividly remembers Milton Brown and his band, the Musical Brownies. Thompson recalls, “I was only a youngster; however, I remember people talking about Milton Brown, and I also remember listening to him on radio.” Before the Musical Brownies came into being, Brown and the Wills’ Fiddle Band played medicine shows. They soon obtained a radio show on a Fort Worth station – WBAP. The show was sponsored by the Aladdin Lamp Company. Upon the company’s suggestion, the band’s name was changed to the Aladdin Laddies. In 1931, the group was employed by the Light Crust Flour Company, which was headquartered in Fort Worth and headed by W. Lee O’Daniel, who became Governor of Texas in 1938 and in 1941 was elected U.S. Senator from Texas. O’Daniel soon named the group the Light Crust Doughboys. Brown’s voice added much to the group’s popularity. O’Daniel turned down Will’s request to play dances in the Fort Worth area. Then in 1932, Brown had a disagreement with O’Daniel over his need for more money so he could support his aging parents. O’Daniel refused Brown’s request, and Brown resigned. He hit the western musical trail, forming the world’s first Western Swing band, the Musical Brownies. Getting back to Thompson’s remembrances, the semiretired Stephenville businessman says one of Brown’s first musical jobs was playing in Dublin at the Red Top Dance Hall. Thompson also points out, “Brown also had a show on a local Stephenville radio station. Their home base was at the Crystal Springs Dance Hall in Fort Worth. ” It didn’t take long after departing the Light Crust Doughboys for Brown and his group to become a success.

They were featured on the Fort Worth radio station WBAP and played many dances in Texas and Oklahoma. Brown and Wills remained close friends. Wills based his band, The Playboys, in Waco. One of the biggest breaks to come Brown’s way occurred in 1935. He signed a contract with Decca Records. Under their label, he recorded 36 songs. Brown sang the lead vocal on most of these records. Two of his most popular songs were “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Corrine, Corrina.” In April 1936, Brown suffered a severe injury in an automobile accident between Fort Worth and Jacksboro. At first, his injuries did not appear to be life threatening; however, a broken rib punctured one of his lungs, and he soon developed pneumonia. He died five days after the accident. Most western music critics say Western Swing music would not exist today without Milton Brown’s contribution and dedication. The final sentence on his tombstone is printed in large, all capital letters. It reads -- “THE ORIGINAL FATHER OF WESTERN SWING.”

Milton Brown’s Tombstone is located in the Smith Springs Cemetery, immediately northeast of the Stephenville city limits. It is about 200 yards north of U.S. Highway 377. Brown’s monument depicts a JA6TMR@MK9 b0KH98 5_ V]M T08AM VM]9TUv

Hometown Living At Its Best

HOMETOWN

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Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Happenings 13th Annual Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil

The Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council held their 13th annual Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil on March 21, 2015 at the Faith Lutheran Church gymnasium. With a turnout of over 300 people, great food and live music by Jay-B and the Zydeco Posse, the event was a huge success. To find out more about the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council or their annual Ragin’ Cajun event, call 254-965-6190 or visit their website at www.ctfac.com. Photos courtesy of Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council

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Death List: T R A I L OF T E R ROR

By Kim Benestante | Photos by Riley Studio and provided by Sherri Knight Getting inside the mind of a killer isn’t just reserved for law enforcement detective work – it’s also essential in portraying the written story of a hideous crime and its longtime ramifications on its victims. Yet trying to understand and explain evil also can be mortifying, exhilarating, often exhausting and always groundbreaking for writers like award-winning author Sherri Knight, a longtime Erath County resident whose latest book will be the subject of an upcoming fundraiser for the Stephenville Historical House Museum. Death List: Trail of Terror is the true, creative nonfiction story of three men who escaped from a Colorado prison in August 1974 on a vengeance mission to get even with old grudges in Texas. Terrorizing or killing any person or animal in their way, the trio’s three-state crime spree came to a halt in Erath County, following what many longtime residents remember as three days of sheer terror that summer 41 years ago. Having already kidnapped two young women in New Mexico and killing a West Texas rancher whom one of the escapees resented, the convicts eventually landed in Erath County, a previous home of one. Leading more than 200 lawmen from federal, state and local police forces down the county’s backroads, the convicts terrorized and harmed citizens, killed several dogs and murdered a woman north of Huckabay simply “because she got in the way of their hunt for a fast car, guns and ammunition,” Knight explained. “I interviewed at least one person from every place that was broken into,” Knight said about researching those six Erath County households for Death List, 82

Erath County Living

published in 2012. Despite a time-lapse of over four decades, the author recalled common denominators among the victims she interviewed: “They were all very much traumatized and had very clear memories—so much so, I was able to write creatively with dialogue; the story told itself,” she said. “Once I got into it, I was very much consumed by it—one of those, ‘The story got a hold of me.’” Even in her initial stages of research, Knight was admonished by a former police officer that had been involved in the siege. When she approached him for an interview, “He said, ‘Don’t write this book if you know what’s good for you,’” Knight recalled. “It was fear; plain and simple. It was fear,” she surmised about his harsh reaction. “I respected that; he was afraid that Jerry Ben Ulmer was out on parole and would come get him.” The crisis was riddled with terror— profoundly impacting the community, officers of the law and local officials, Knight said, noting how eerily reminiscent the event was

Hometown Living At Its Best

compared to this summer’s prison outbreak by two convicts in New York. One especially frightening moment during those days in 1974 was when the Texas Rangers notified then-District Attorney Bob Glasgow. “They told him these convicts were after him and to take precaution,” Knight said. “Rumors emerged they had a death list.” She conducted 60 interviews before completing Death List; afterward, Knight began to rethink her fascination with researching and writing about justice—a passion and second career since retiring as a teacher of mostly history for 31 years in 2004. Becoming the mind of a killer also includes diagnosing what makes that person proverbially tick; and it’s discovering the heartbreaking, yet fascinating impacts to victims, too—sometimes uncovering private, gut-wrenching facts of which no one has previously spoken. Writing about evil and its often permanent side effects is an emotional process—exacerbated because it is mostly carried out in silence. The creative process itself is cerebral and conducted in isolation – a phenomenon which arguably parallels the silent, private anguish a victim of heinous crime endures and attempts to process over time. One of those experiences of which Knight became acquainted while researching Death List occurred when she located one of the young women kidnapped by the escapees. Knight discovered the women were abducted from their vehicle in New Mexico and brought to Texas, witnessing the convicts’ actions prior to their entry into Erath County. With the aid of a mutual friend, the author was able to obtain an interview with the woman, Janice Marie Lefever, now a Colorado resident. “She was terrified, but ended up suffering a bit from Stockholm,” Knight said about Lefever’s torment. During the interview, Knight came to her own conclusion that Lefever suffered from Stockholm Syndrome, the psychological occurrence in which hostages empathize, have positive feelings toward and even defend their captors. Lefever was 22 at the time of the abduction. “One man (Dalton Williams) raped her repeatedly,” Knight said about Lefever’s experience. When the men finally released the women in a hotel room in Graham, “they were told to wait one hour before calling the police; and they did,” Knight said about the seeming oddity that the women obeyed—even after their captors left. Williams 84

Erath County Living

also gave Lefever a note to give to his mother. “She still had that note in her billfold,” Knight said incredulously. “She sent me the note,” the author revealed, adding it has been donated to the Stephenville museum. The convicts’ three-day reign of terror came to an end after barking dogs alerted law enforcement to the escapees running across the Wise Ranch on the Lingleville Highway—ironic since the men shot several dogs during their crime spree. One convict was killed; the other two were taken into custody and eventually accepted a plea bargain ahead of imprisonment. “At this point, I’d already decided writing about people who got on the wrong side of the law wasn’t good for me,” Knight said recently from her 1891 home near downtown Stephenville. “I just don’t think I want to do this anymore—getting inside the minds of people who are evil is just not how I want to spend my life…When it took over my dreams—that’s when I decided enough is enough.” Nevertheless, the book has been a hit and remains sold out. And while the five-time author subsequently has declined numerous crime research and writing projects following her epitome, Knight has agreed to take part in the upcoming Sundown on the Square fundraiser October 10th benefiting the museum; the event will coincide with the institution’s annual By Gone Days on the Bosque celebration. The idea for Sundown on the Square was hatched by a female group of community volunteers after a few of the women—Metta Collier, Brenda Taylor and Stephenville City Secretary Cindy Stafford—were at The Fitness Center in Stephenville early one morning. While on the elliptical

machines, the trio began talking about those days of terror, and how Taylor’s own father had been shot by one of the convicts. “Back then there was just three TV stations—ABC, NBC & CBS,” Collier recalled; “and they were all here. All the streets were desolate, except for black (Chevrolet) Blazers with lawmen.” Initially, the women thought they’d ask Knight to release more copies for a book signing, Collier explained; then Collier relayed the possibilities of the event to her good friend, Marion Cole. “We discussed the idea and then it just grew,” Collier said. Stephenville resident Patricia Weldon and Diane Wilson, secretary of the Stephenville Historical House Museum Board, were soon helping with brainstorming. Eventually, the group was ready to enlist Knight—the key to launching their innovative plan to raise money for the museum. Knight remembered how she was introduced to the fundraiser. “Diane Wilson called me and asked me to lunch with Metta Collier and some other ladies,” the author noted. “I had no idea what it was about.” During the meeting, Collier relayed the group’s plan to feature a community event that would take place in conjunction with her personal passion, By Gone Days on the Bosque— an added event that would commemorate more recent days of yore and simultaneously raise funds for the repairs needed for the Center Grove Schoolhouse. “She said, ‘We have an idea for a fundraiser and it all depends on whether you’ll agree to be a part of it,’” Knight recalled about Collier’s pitch. If the author would agree, Sundown on the Square would entirely be centered on Death List, Collier explained. Knight was perplexed – the book had been

sold out for a year and was only available as an E-reader; Collier then asked Knight if she would consider releasing more copies. “I said, ‘I’ll go you one better and make sure the book will be printed as a hardback copy,’” Knight said. Following the meeting, the group took their plan to the museum board for approval. Soon, longtime Stephenville resident “Jane Hickie got involved—she was actually the one who came up with the name of the event,” Collier noted; “then we went to July Danley (Chamber of Commerce CEO and President) to discuss how to best utilize the Stephenville downtown square to host Sundown on the Square.” Many others have been instrumental to organizing what Collier hopes will become an annual event, including Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Executive Director Julie Crouch who will host a children’s art contest; Jody Caudle and Dan Delgado who are handling live music arrangements; and Miller Wells and Opal Black who will donate artwork for raffles. There will be vendors, including food, wine and beer and a photo booth inside a vintage 1970s van. “Stephenville’s fortunate to have a group of workers who love the community and give back,” Collier said, emphasizing many others also are helping. She’s especially thrilled Knight will release 100 hardback copy editions of Death List to be promoted as a collector’s item; each book will be numbered and signed by the author, along with some of those folks she interviewed,

and given as an appreciation gift for anyone donating $100 or more to the museum’s restoration project. Knight experienced her first critical acclaim with her first book, Tom P’s Fiddle, a true story about her great, great uncle, Tom P. Varnell written in 2008. Her entry into the literary world wasn’t exactly planned. Following retirement, she’d been helping plan a family reunion and discovered Varnell’s history: he had killed a man. “I became very, very interested,” she recalled, and began wondering, ‘Was he a good guy, or a bad guy?” What started out as a two-year research project soon developed into Knight’s initial effort at writing about being “on the wrong side of law,” she said. “I became very fascinated with justice—especially justice in Texas…His story turned out to be wilder than any Wild West movie,” she said, adding Varnell was subjected to five trials during the 1880s in Texas, and then lived in jail for a year while deliberations ensued before being found guilty. “He had killed a man in self-defense,” she explained, yet spent nine years in prison following the verdict; he was subsequently pardoned by the governor. Tom P’s Fiddle was written in a fashion that would become Knight’s signature style. “It put me into a part of what’s called ‘creative, non-fiction,’” she explained—a manner of writing about historical facts, while using socalled poetic license to fictionalize some of the dialogue to keep the story flowing and connecting elements.

Critics took notice. In 2009, Knight entered Tom Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fiddle into the North Texas Book Festival, with the book placing in the top three of entries. The recognition helped her with book salesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially since she was self-publishing. She also knew the key to sales would be to identify the correct target audience. Realizing that she needed to market her book to genealogy groups enabled her to sell more copies of Tom Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fiddle than any book sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did not write the book to become famous,â&#x20AC;? she stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wrote it as a story that needed to be told.â&#x20AC;? Knight continued to be interested in how justice worked in 19th Century Texas, with her research leading her to write her next three books, Vigilante to Verdicts: Stories from a Texas District Court and co-written with James Pylant, The Oldest Profession in Texas: Wacoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legal Red Light District, the latter about the only town in the state where prostitution was legal (1889 to 1917). A companion book, Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who Among Early Wacoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pimps, Madams, Prostitutes & Shady Ladies, was also published. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After these books, I began wondering, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? she remembered, adding her thoughts evolved to asking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What was the biggest criminal event in Erath County?â&#x20AC;? The rest is proverbial history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very excited about Sundown on the Square,â&#x20AC;? Knight said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am amazed and awed at the women who decided to make this a reality. I am humbled they decided to center it around my book.â&#x20AC;? But whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for the author? The next chapter of her career likely will be a hybrid of her work as an intuitive historical writer and teacher. Holding dual Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in English and History and a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from Tarleton State University (coincidentally, her husband and editor, Arden, holds like degrees), she will continue to research, but potentially more serene historical occurrences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to open a research facility at the museum in the springâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for those looking into history and local genealogy,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The research part of all my books is my favorite thing,â&#x20AC;? Knight explained when asked where her passion will lead her next. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I follow every rabbit down every rabbit hole.â&#x20AC;? As for where that next rabbit leads her: the story remains untold.

Sundown Â on Â the Â Square Â is Â slated Â for Â the Â evening Â of Â Oct. Â 10 Â in Â conjunction Â with Â the Â Stephen-Â ville Â Historical Â House Â Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â annual Â By Â Gone Â Days Â on Â the Â Bosque Â taking Â place Â earli-Â HU WKDW GD\ 7KH LQDXJXUDO EHQHÂżW ZLOO EH WKH FRPPXQLW\ÂśV ÂżUVW FRPPHPRUDWLYH IXQGUDLVHU UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLQJ RQ E\ JRQH GD\V IURP D PRUH UHFHQW era Â and Â will Â highlight Â events Â from Â Death Â List: Â Trail Â of Â Terror, Â the Â book Â from Â Erath Â Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â award-Âwinning Â author, Â Sherri Â Knight. Â Death Â List LV WKH WUXH FUHDWLYH QRQ ÂżFWLRQ VWRU\ RI three Â men Â who Â escaped Â from Â a Â Colorado Â prison Â in Â August Â 1974 Â on Â a Â vengeance Â mission Â to Â get Â even Â with Â old Â grudges Â in Â Texas. Â Eventually Â ÂżQGLQJ WKHLU ZD\ WR (UDWK &RXQW\ D SUHYLRXV home Â of Â one Â of Â the Â convicts, Â Death Â List Â reveals Â the Â sheer Â terror Â for Â Stephenville Â and Â Erath Â County Â from Â those Â three Â days Â when Â residents Â DQG ORFDO RIÂżFLDOV ZHUH ZDUQHG QRW WR FRPH RXW of Â their Â homes Â amid Â the Â escapeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Â crime Â spree Â that Â included Â harming Â and Â killing Â anyone Â or Â animal Â standing Â in Â their Â way. Â The Â story Â features Â 60 Â interviews Â from Â residents, Â hostages Â and Â others Â impacted Â by Â the Â horror, Â including Â some Â of Â the Â 200 Â lawmen Â from Â federal, Â state Â and Â local Â police Â forces Â who Â descended Â on Â the Â county Â in Â a Â frantic Â search Â to Â stop Â the Â men Â from Â their Â reign Â of Â terror. Â Sundown Â on Â the Â Square Â will Â include Â live Â music Â from Â the Â 1970s Â and Â a Â photo Â booth Â in Â a Â vintage Â van Â from Â the Â era Â from Â 5 Â p.m. Â â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Â 9 Â p.m. Â There Â also Â will Â be Â storytelling, Â a Â childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â art Â con-Â test, Â shopping Â and Â vendors Â offering Â food, Â beer Â and Â wine. Â Local Â artists Â will Â donate Â artwork Â for Â UDIĂ&#x20AC;HV DQG .QLJKW ZLOO UHOHDVH KDUGEDFN copy Â editions Â of Â Death Â List Â to Â be Â promoted Â as Â a Â collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â item. Â Each Â book Â will Â be Â numbered Â and Â signed Â by Â the Â author, Â along Â with Â some Â of Â those Â interviewed, Â and Â given Â as Â an Â appreciation Â gift Â for Â anyone Â donating Â $100 Â or Â more Â to Â the Â museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â restoration Â project. Â Sponsorships Â of Â $100 Â are Â available Â for Â individuals, Â and Â of Â $500, Â $1,000, Â $2,500 Â and Â $5,000 Â for Â businesses Â and Â individuals. Â Proceeds Â from Â Sundown Â on Â the Â Square Â will Â go Â toward Â repairs Â needed Â for Â the Â museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â Center Â Grove Â Schoolhouse. Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Happenings 2015 Stephenville Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 2015 has been a busy year for the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce with 30 ribbon cuttings occurring since January of this year. To find out more about the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce and how they serve their members and promote the many community events, you can visit their website at www.StephenvilleTexas.org. Photos courtesy of Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

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Erath County Living

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Hometown Living At Its Best

Finding the

Light of Hope in the Darkest Hours By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos provided by STARRY Counseling

Erath County Living

In the midst of crisis, counselors nurture children, strengthen families, and restore

hope. “Did you hear about the boy on Main Street? It’s so sad. Everyone saw the signs...but no one ever thought he would do such a sad thing.” It happens everyday across the country. A community crushed by deadly, permanent choices for temporary problems. A storm of emotions blow over the town as the news spreads and everyone ask why. This could have been any teenager’s story, but this young man and his father chose a better outcome. After his parents’ divorce, this fifteen-year-old boy had a hard time adjusting and making good decisions. His dad saw his struggle and sought help. Together, they began meeting with a counselor and soon the teenager learned how to identify the emotions brought on by his parents’ divorce. After several months of working with their counselor, he and his father began communicating more clearly and their relationship grew stronger. The boy learned to make wise choices. Their renewed trust has transformed their father/son relationship. This is just one of the stories at STARRY Counseling.

There are many happy endings. But recently, happy endings came to a screeching halt when the storms of nature clashed violently with the storms of life. However, this is Stephenville, a community that acts out compassion everyday. Mindy Spruill, Regional Director, remembers, “At the end of April 2015 a storm ravaged STARRY Counseling offices. The roof was ripped off of our building and as a result, everything inside was damaged and the space was completely unusable. We worried about how this would affect the children and families that we serve. Our landlord, Brian Haile, jumped into action and began the rebuilding process. However, due to the extensive damage, we knew that it would be several months before the work would be completed and we could return to our office. It was at that time that the community started reaching out to us.” Mindy explained, her pride in the community reflected in her voice. “We were ‘blown away’ by the support we received. Compassion Counseling Center/ Hometown Living At Its Best

Oakdale Methodist Church and Harvey Baptist Church provided us space so we could continue our services uninterrupted. Countless others, such as Lakeside Baptist Church of Granbury, Pecan Valley Centers and various community members donated office supplies and therapy items to aid us during the interim. We have now established a temporary office in Stephenville just steps away from our original office and have hopes to be back into our original office in the fall of 2015. Thanks to the dedication and support of our community, we were able to serve the members of the community during a very uncertain time for us. We couldn’t be more proud to call this community home.” The STARRY Counseling Program provides counseling services to children, youth and families in 32 Texas counties. Programs include education and community outreach to minimize the risk of child abuse and neglect. Crisis intervention counseling helps resolve family crisis situations, and the parenting programs give parents tools to help their children grow and succeed. STARRY’s Emergency Shelter provides short-term residential care to children who have been removed from their families because of abuse or neglect. In this safe environment, children receive the structure, supervision, solution-focused therapy, encouragement and the love they need to feel hopeful. Foster Care & Adoption extends 24-hour residential care to children needing to live temporarily or permanently apart from their family. Foster parents give children an opportunity to share life in a positive, nurturing, Christian family environment. SAFE (Shelter Alternatives & Family Empowerment) provides a safe haven for homeless and runaway youth while working with their families. SAFE also helps the community with families, schools, and others to prevent kids from running away or becoming homeless. STARRY program emphasizes prevention and family empowerment by supporting children, families and the community to make a difference for children. It is our belief that tough times don’t have to last forever. The care 94

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and assistance offered through STARRY helps dispel the darkness of conflict and offers a measure of hope that families can be restored. Vicky Gonzalez, Counselor II, shared her heart: “What I love about working with STARRY is it gives me the opportunity to be a voice for kids that often have their voice not heard. It is incredibly rewarding when I can communicate their worth to them through the avenue of a counseling session or a camp. When working with kids and families, my goal is to intervene as early as possible to help lessen the stress of family conflict or discord.” Janet Rollings, Counselor II, says, “STARRY gives me the opportunity to walk alongside the kids that I work with and empower them to find productive solutions to the problems they face. One of the most fulfilling things in working with kids and their families is to help them identify cycles and patterns that aren’t working for them and then create healthy alternatives that promote the family’s growth.” Finding the light of hope in the darkest hours, STARRY’s goal continues to be a beacon of light for children, youth and families. In the midst of crisis, counselors nurture children, strengthens families and restores hope. For more information about STARRY Couseling Services please call: 254-434-5232 or 877-279-7079 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.starry.org/”www.starry.org.

Finding the light of hope in the darkest hours, STARRY’s goal continues to be a beacon of light for children, youth and families.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Happenings Ben Hogan Legacy Golf Series On June 5th and 6th, the Ben Hogan Museum and PAR Country Club hosted the Ben Hogan Legacy Golf Series – From PAR to Pasture. Senior tour pro Steve Elkington (who has a CBS show called “Secret Golf”) was there to film the event. He played with little 6-year-old Ben Jones, who was named for Ben Hogan. Heading the list of celebrities was Texas Hall of Fame golfer Bruce Devlin, a native of Australia who turned pro in 1961 and had eight victories during his PGA Tour career. Photos courtesy of Gotcha Photos

Famed pro golfers Devlin and Elkington together.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Happenings Dublin Happenings

The first half of 2015 has been a busy year in Dublin, Texas. With events and festivities that have included the annual St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Celebration and Parade, Miss Dublin Pageant, Positively Dublin annual Chamber Awards Banquet, Ben Hogan Golf Classic and more, there is always something to see and do! To find out more about these and other upcoming events, call the Dublin Chamber at 254-445-3422 or visit their website at www.dublintxchamber.com. Photos courtesy of Dublin Chamber of Commerce

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For the Smith family of Stephenville, scouting is truly a fun family legacy worth repeating, from generation to generation.

1968 Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canoe Trip

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FOUR GENERATIONS of a SCOUTING LEGACY:

the

Donald F. Smith Family by Martha Helton | Photos provided by the Smith Family

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law…” These familiar words have formed on the lips of many a boy scout since the Boy Scouts of America was formed in the early 1900s. Amazingly, these words have been and are spoken by four generations of Erath County’s Donald F. Smith family. These words are also imprinted on their hearts and continue to shape their lives with lifelong values, friendships and shared family experiences—all wrapped up in fun. And for the Smith family, scouting is truly a fun family legacy worth repeating, from generation to generation. Troop 39 was started in the late ’30s--when scouts answered President Franklin Roosevelt’s request to collect food and clothing for the needy as the Great Depression ravaged the country. Service to God and country has continued through the BSA across the nation and in Troup 39. Since the beginning of Troop 39, there have been 23 scoutmasters who have led and encouraged and coached many boy scouts over the years to achieve their goals. The most dedicated and honorable scoutmaster was Donald F. Smith. He served from 1967-1987, a total of 20 years—the longest of any man that served in his position. The present day Scout House is named in honor of Donald F. Smith for his dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 39 and Stephenville, Texas. “Dad achieved Star Scout as a youth, and Hometown Living At Its Best

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when I joined as an 8-year-old, he joined as an assistant Cubmaster with E.R. Henningsen,” Larry Smith, Don Smith’s son, recalls. “Back then, scouting was very popular in first though twelfth grades—at a time when our nation seemed to promote scouting and service. Most of my school buddies were active in scouts. Our next door neighbors, Bob and June Walker and kids, were also big into scouting. My three sisters all earned the highest Girl Scout award—the Girl Scout Gold Award. My mom was an active Girl Scout leader, helping in my sisters troops.” A core part of scouting is earning some of the more than 120 merit badges, with subjects ranging from careers, sports, hobbies, and scouting skills. It’s like a trophy case you can wear on your chest. And the Smith family cheers each other on in their accomplishments. “I earned 36 merit badges from ages 11-17,” says Larry. “I felt such a sense of accomplishment each time my mom sewed one on my sash. The most challenging badge for me was the lifesaving badge because it was the most physical. Swimming is hard work. But I would say seeing my son, Cory, earn his Eagle Scout is my most rewarding merit badge experience.” Cory had scouting instilled at an early age. “Even before I was old enough to join, I remember going to events with my dad and grandfather,” relates Cory. “When I reached the second grade, I was able to join Cub Scouts and my dad was the Cubmaster for Pack 18. This was also during the time when my grandfather (Don Smith) was the scoutmaster of Troop 39. Upon my graduation from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, my grandfather stepped down and my dad stepped in as the Troop 39 scoutmaster.” Building leaders with integrity is a big part of scouting. With Donald, Larry and Cory all involved in scoutmaster roles, the vision has been cast for the upcoming young men to aspire to those roles of leadership. “My grandson Caleb Smith is a Life Scout and well on his way, my grandson Connor Jones is well on the path having recently completed the Bear Rank and is now a new Webelos Cubscout and my grandson Garrett Jones is four and still is a few years out but is already working on his swimming skills,” proud grandpa Larry shares. Larry’s daughter, Mary Kaci Jones, has some scouting experience but is now into other pursuits. “She started in Brownies and went to Girl Scout camp. She also became 102

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Smith Family active in 4H and music and she is a very accomplished Stephenville High School French horn band member.” Those leadership skills came in handy as an adult when Larry was just starting in the workforce. “I learned leadership at the young age of 11 and as a young manager out at Comanche Peak, I was watching my new supervisors under me. I was also leading a scout troop of 30 kids with new patrol leaders under them. I realized the learning curve was just the same—they were having the same management troubles. I turned to the scout handbook, written for fifth grade level kids,

Cory and Caleb 2011

Larry and Cory 1999

and realized the leadership information was applicable in both situations. That was fun to see.” That same knowledge is also useful in his position as a training and development consultant in human resources at Tarleton State University. Another aspect of scouting that has impacted the Smiths is striving to “…do my best to God and my country…” This excellence in achievement inspires this family, so much that Larry and his son, Cory, received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931 and is a council‐level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. About receiving the award, Larry says, “It is indeed humbling as it is the highest award a Boy Scout Council can offer.” Ingrained in the Smith’s family is the principle of giving back. Of course great-grandpa set the “giving back” bar for the Smith family by serving twenty years as a scoutmaster and grandpa, son and grandson are scoutmasters. Also, Larry currently serves on the board of the 17-county Texas Trails Council. The younger ones have this rich legacy to look up to and absorb what it means to give back. Crisp, cool mornings listening to mountain streams under a clear blue sky… the boy scouts, more than any other organization, teaches about the wonders of the outdoors and how to maneuver when exploring it. “The best thing about scouts is the opportunities to camp and enjoy the outdoors. I spent six summers as a youth at Camp Billy Gibbons on Brady Creek (located 13 miles south of Richland Springs, Texas). I went on a canoe trip in northern Minnesota and Canada, and I went backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico,” says Larry. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s largest national high adventure base. Its 34 staffed camps and 55 trail camps provide an unforgettable adventure in the gorgeous expansive views along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. For many scouts, it’s a rite of passage to return to their troop, having climbed and conquered. “Where else does a young person have an opportunity to go learn self-confidence and leadership,” asks Larry, Hometown Living At Its Best

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“then step into the outdoor environment for immediate application and learning? This summer a trek of eleven young men and adults returned from a Philmont trek— my son and grandson among them. They hiked, sheltered, entertained and cooked for themselves in the New Mexico mountains for twelve days. They completed a hike to the summit of Mt. Phillips at over 11,700 ft. The boys indeed walked taller with their newly strengthened selfconfidence and experience.” Larry made the exciting journey to Philmont himself in the 1960s and Cory completed his own trip in the 1990s. “I was fortunate to go on a trek at Philmont when I was 16-years-old and have looked forward to going back ever since I stepped off the trail,” says Cory. “To be able to go a second time, and this time with my son, is truly special. I hope Philmont holds a special place in his heart now, too.” The shared sense of community and sheer fun made up of family and friends is a wonderful by-product of scout involvement. “Scouting provides families the opportunities to share experiences and build some great friendships as well. Also, as an adult leader you have as much or more fun than the scouts,” Larry smiles. “And watching the kids mature and become more self-reliant while learning and strengthening their leadership skills is so much fun.” “I’m very proud that my family has such a history with scouting in Stephenville,” says Cory. “I’ve personally witnessed the impact that scouting can have on a person’s life and have seen how lives were changed with my dad, grandfather and others as scoutmasters. I hope I can provide the same impact to the youth in Troop 39 today.”

“Scouting develops the boys of today into the young men who will lead tomorrow.” --Cory Smith 104

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Caleb and Cory Philmont 2015

Donald and Troop 39

Connor and Larry Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown UNIVERSITY Hometown Happenings Please join us in congratulating Tarleton State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 graduates with prayers and well wishes for their future endeavors. Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink Zach Price & Lindsey Little TSU Class of 2015

Lisa Ann Wiseman TSU Class of 2015

Erin Harless TSU Class of 2015

Brittany Elliott TSU Class of 2015

Amber Macy TSU Class of 2015

Bailee Mauldin TSU Class of 2015

Lauren Casey TSU Class of 2015

Macie Wagstaff TSU Class of 2015

Lauren Yarbrough TSU Class of 2015

3D Ultrasound Imaging Technology at Texas Health Stephenville to Aid in Heart and Vascular Diagnoses T

ravis Shepard never imagined a twisted ankle would save his life, but it did. Shortly after returning to work following a recent battle with the flu, the 44-yearold truck driver twisted his ankle while trying to load a truck bed. Despite the pain, Shepard tried to continue his work, but after he began having trouble breathing, his coworkers convinced him to see a doctor. “I was recovering from the flu and didn’t think anything of the way I was breathing,” Shepard said. “But, I didn’t want my coworkers to worry about me either, so I went into the emergency room.” Caregivers at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville Emergency Room immediately connected him to a heart monitor and began tracking his heart rate. Doctors discovered Shepard had a heart rate of 155. He was admitted to the hospital to undergo further testing. “The first priority was to determine the cause of the irregular heart function,” said Dr. Brandie Williams, cardiologist on the medical staff at Texas Health Stephenville. “A twisted ankle typically doesn’t cause this type of reaction, so we knew there had to be something else going on.” 110

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Dr. Williams knew she had to get Shepard’s heart back to a normal rhythm, but to do this safely, she had to get a better look at his heart. Dr. Williams performed a transthoracic echocardiogram, a cardiac function test that captures images of the heart and chest area that helps doctors determine if the heart is functioning properly. The test showed Shepard had congestive heart failure, a condition that occurs when the blood flow out of the heart slows, causing back up in the blood flow into the heart through the veins, which causes congestion in the body tissues and requires immediate medical attention. In addition, he had atrial fibrillation, a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Combined, the two conditions were causing his heart to only function at 13 percent. To return his heart to a regular rhythm, Dr. Williams had to perform an electrical cardioversion, a procedure in which a patient is given an electrical shock on the outside of the chest. 112

Erath County Living

The cardioversion test can only be done if no blood clots are present in the two upper chambers of the heart and with Mr. Shepard having congestive heart failure, the risk of having blood clots was high. “Because the heart is out of its normal rhythm, the shock from the cardioversion “resets” it to a normal rhythm, but if it is done and blood clots are present, it could potentially give the patient a stroke or other complications,” said Dr. Williams. To find out if clots were present, Dr. Williams performed a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), a test that involves swallowing a small ultrasound device that allows a closer view of the atria (top two chambers of the heart). Because it is inserted into the esophagus, which is located closer to the heart, doctors are able to capture more detailed images of the heart and its arteries, which helps surgeons better treat patients with heart failure, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. “Ultrasound imaging is beneficial because it’s a

relatively non-invasive way to look inside the body,” said Dr. Williams. “This technology provides a new dimension for us to view live images of the heart. This will greatly assist in providing more accurate diagnoses and more efficient care.” Traditional cardiac ultrasound equipment provided only flat, two-dimensional images in black and white. Doctors could only use 3D images of heart valves by looking directly at them during surgery - after the surgical site was ‘open’ and the patient had been put on a bypass machine. “The live 3D images allow us to see the valves and the heart at work. It greatly increases our ability to understand the heart’s functionality or lack thereof.” “I was shocked when I learned about my condition,” Shepard said. “I’d gone to the hospital thinking it was my ankle and found out I could have suffered a heart attack at any moment. My ankle injury may have saved my life.” According to the American Heart Association, there

are nearly 5 million heart failure patients in the United States and the number is expected to grow. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart failure is key as well as having a close to home, high-level care. The 3D TEE system has enhanced the heart capabilities at Texas Health Stephenville. “This technology will allow us to provide a more individualized course of care, improve efficiency and quality of care and outcomes for our cardiology patients,” said Dr. Williams.

To learn more about Heart and Vascular services at Texas Health Stephenville, visit www.TexasHealth.org/Stephenville or call 254-965-1516.

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Hometown Happenings 2015 Stephenville Chamber Banquet

The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce held their annual Chamber Banquet on February 27, 2015 at the City Hall at City Limits. This year’s theme was “Once upon a time…a fairy tale experience,” and guests took full advantage of the city’s premier social, dinner and auction event to dress up as their favorite storybook characters. Photos courtesy of Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

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Hometown Happenings Paint the Town and Kids Fired Up

The Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council hosts many events throughout the year including their recent “Kids Fired Up” and monthly “Paint the Town” events. During “Kids Fired Up”, children and their parents had fun glazing a ceramic watering can with a local artist, which they were able to fire in the CTFAC kiln and take home with them. During the monthly “Paint the Town” events, attendees bring their own beverage of choice and paint along with a local artist to create their own work of art that they are able to take home at the end of the evening. To find out more about the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council or to learn more about upcoming events such as these, call 254-965-6190 or visit their website at www.ctfac.com. Photos courtesy of Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council

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% 5 \ THE ARTIST, THE PREACHER, THE MAN Â By Peggy Purser Freeman | Photos by Riley Studio and provided by Kenneth Wyatt

The light and life Doctor Kenneth Wyatt molded into his recent sculpture of John Tarleton, Erath County pioneer and founder of Tarleton State University, is a perfect example of the masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touch. In this prestigious eight-foot bronze sculpture, Kenneth went beyond copying an old photo. Conceived by meticulous research and fed by paradoxical facts of Tarletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for education and his unwavering austerity, this Kenneth Wyatt work emerged from the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soul. Wyatt paintings hang in offices, homes, churches, and museums. President Bush, Queen Elizabeth, farmers, bankers, movie stars, clergy and almost every other occupation known collect them. The artwork of Dr. Kenneth Wyatt speaks to the soul in a language that overflows from his passion to the heart of those who pause and look deeper. His art reflects the spirit of people, the beauty of creation and the grandeur of the Creator. 118

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I met Kenneth when I was fourteen at a youth assembly in Waco. He was a pastor in Chillicothe, Texas at that time. I knew him best as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Preacherâ&#x20AC;? who taught with modern day parables and a large dose of humor. His Bible studies and small group sessions helped us face our fears and grab on to our dreams. The artist, Dr. Kenneth Wyatt, like the preacher, gives the world a glimpse of God, humanity, and the thoughts and feelings that live within each of us. His religious paintings hang in churches of all denominations and in more than ninety countries. His ability to paint diverse subjects from landscapes, children, and flowers to western scenes, portraits, and animals is amazing. However, being known as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best Western and religious artists hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed this down-to-earth, uncommon man. With over

LIKE THE ART THIS TEXAS ICON CREATES, KENNETH WYATT SHINES WITH WARMTH, LIGHT AND HOMESPUN HUMOR.

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9,000 paintings and sculptures, at 84 years of age, his humor and zeal for life and creating are stronger than ever. Those who know him best say Kenneth’s mood swings alter his style. He may paint still life one day and a herd of stampeding horses in a thunderstorm the next. In the Tarleton sculpture Kenneth captures the joy of Tarleton, the man who was denied education as a child but bequeathed it to millions. Much like John Tarleton, Kenneth Wyatt’s life began in meager circumstances. “Growing up and working with my father on roofs, I picked up a piece of leftover copper and started my first art project—a three dimensional of a horse. When we built our own home, I helped my dad with everything. I didn’t want to share a room with my brother or sister, so took the basement and had a bunkbed. I grew tired of looking up into a blank ceiling and started sketching horses and scenes. But I grew a little worried about what mom would say when she realized I was drawing on the ceiling. When she finally saw it, she suggested I use paint. She loved art and encouraged me. As I painted scene after scene on the ceiling, I felt a little like Michelangelo. My folks even let me paint a little on the walls. I recently dropped in to see the old house. The people who own it now, seemed pleased to say the paintings are still there.” Kenneth Wyatt’s drawing and sketching with doodles of cars, horses, and other animals, embellished the borders of his school and homework papers. “I don’t believe that the drawings helped my grades any,” Kenneth said with a splash of laughter that danced around his words, “but at least the teachers didn’t insist that I stop decorating my reports with them!” In college at McMurry in Abilene, he helped the cheerleaders paint signs with spirited images of the college’s mascot, the Indian. One game that Kenneth remembered the most was a “big rivalry.” The opposing team had to come into town on the main highway. “We painted a huge Indian on the road where the team could see it as their bus pulled into town. I’m surprised we didn’t get arrested for defacing public property, but we didn’t. The city even left it there for a while.” Few artists have the work ethic of Kenneth Wyatt. He paints eight to ten hours a day and still finds time to speak to groups all over the county. He was declared the official State of Texas Artist early in his career. In 2013, he was named Southern Baptist Communicator of the year. When I visited with Kenneth, he had just finished the smaller version of the Tarleton sculpture and a huge work of art for a rancher. The painting is an eight by ten foot painting, featuring a cowboy on horseback, leading horses by waving a 120

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Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, the fifteenth President of Tarleton State University, presented Kenneth with a doctoral degree.

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Kenneth and the love of his life, his wife, Veda, on Appalachians scenic drive through five states.

Daughter Jill, her husband Matt and their son Jake with Kenneth and Veda at Christmas in the Tulia Gallery.

Texas Lone Star flag. “This rancher wanted a painting with the Texas flag in it. I’ve seen horses trained to follow a flag and thought it would be appropriate to follow a Texas Lone Star. I used my grandson as the model...cheap labor,” Kenneth said with a soft laugh. With a little encouragement, he spoke of the honor he felt when he painted the National Day of PrayerFocus on the Family gift to President George Bush. “It’s an honor to be asked to do things like that, but even more to get to know Dr. James Dobson from Focus on the Family. The very best time was when I got to visit with Ronald Reagan for an hour and a half. He was the real thing. I painted him wearing a yellow slicker on horseback in the rain. I’m sure the Queen saw that one and that is why she had to have one just like it.” Like the art this Texas icon creates, Kenneth Wyatt shines with warmth, and with light and homespun humor. The Wyatts’ forty-year-old business is a mission, offering a unique blend of the Western and Christian lifestyles portrayed through art. “It’s a family business,” Kenneth says. “Our daughter, Jill, has become an excellent watercolor artist and Jake is growing into his art. My son-in-law is a major part of our business, doing everything from building frames and barrels to tubes for shipping. My son has developed into an excellent cartoonist.” Kenneth Wyatt’s works speak to people from all walks of life. Kenneth’s books, like Cup of Daisy, a treasure of his poetry and paintings, are a special mix of poignancy and laughter. The Apostles—paintings of Christ’s disciples and the stories of the model used and what the artist wanted to show in the world-renown paintings is in its fourth printing. “It’s strictly a gift from God,” is Dr. Wyatt’s own explanation. “Some people tell what they see in words. I show it with paint.” Kenneth Wyatt’s art speaks with a message and it touches each person in a different way. It’s that message that makes the man—that opens the window of his soul and gives us a glimpse of his Creator. Visit KennethWyatt.com

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Hometown Happenings Paint the Town Blue and Stop the Silence Cross Timbers Family Services held their annual “Paint the Town Blue” and “Stop the Silence” events on April 16, 2015. Community members and local businesses, including Texas Bank, SPARD, Cross Timbers Orthopaedics and First Financial Bank, participated in the “Paint the Town Blue” event by wearing their Blue Child Abuse Awareness shirts and spreading the word throughout the community that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. That evening, the 3rd annual “Stop the Silence” event was held at the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame Plaza. This event is held as a rally against child abuse, sexual abuse and other violent crimes. The balloons released following the march represented a child abuse survivor from our area in the past year. Sponsors of the events included Cross Timbers Family Services, CASA for the Cross Timbers Area, Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center, Erath County Juvenile Probation, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Stephenville Police Department, Erath County District Attorney’s Office, Boy Scouts, JR High Choir, Tarleton Women’s Basketball Team, and Erath County Court at Law. To find out more or to purchase your Stop the Silence t-shirt for the 2016 events, email stopthesilenceErathCo@ gmail.com. Photos courtesy of Cross Timbers Family Services Left-Right-CTFS Staff Member Elizabeth Herrera, Volunteer Lacy Caballero, CTFS Staff Member Silvia Zamora

Texas Bank Employees

First Financial Bank employees

The Balloon Release

Lucero Family Participates in the March

Stop the Silence Participants March around Courthouse

SPARD Employees

Cross Timbers Orthopaedics Employees and Dr. Evans

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Erath County Living

Stephenville Ophthalmologist Helps Bring

the Gift of Sight to Sub-Saharan Africa By Jessa McClure | Photos provided by Trevor Kerr

For seven months, Kerr lived and worked in the African country, treating patients of every age and socio-economic status as part of a medical mission to Swaziland.

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“I always try to encourage my friends who are ophthalmologists to go [overseas] as well because it can make such a difference to people in these countries.”

As the sun sets in Sub-Saharan Africa, Stephenville ophthalmologist Dr. Trevor Kerr arrives back at his home away from home in a rural village in Swaziland. Although his tiny dwelling has electricity, the country’s stormy season has knocked out the power. The doctor switches on his headlamp before going inside so he can have enough light to prepare his evening meal. For seven months, Kerr lived and worked in the African country, treating patients of every age and socio-economic status as part of a medical mission to Swaziland. “I was put in contact with a South African ophthalmologist who was working there [in Swaziland]. I contacted him during my fellowship and agreed to go,” he said. “There were only two ophthalmologists working there when I arrived. We provided the bulk of the eye care for the country.” 130

Erath County Living

Kerr worked in two different ophthalmology clinics during his seven-month mission—one in a more populated area and one in a rural setting. Throughout his time in the country, Kerr and his team treated thousands of patients. Some of their needs were simple, but others traveled miles on foot to seek care for injuries or severe vision impairment. “There’s not really a good ambulance service, so some people would come into the clinic several days after an injury.” Although the majority of the doctor’s patients were poverty-stricken, they did treat patients from surrounding countries that were from well-developed areas. This was surprising to Kerr who did not think patients would drive from the cities to a rural mission clinic. “We served an area of 400,000 to 500,000 people, which included parts of South Africa and southern

Mozambique,” he said. “We did have some wealthy patients from these areas who would drive to their appointments in fancy cars.” Although some of his patients were from wealthier parts of the region, the majority of Kerr’s patients were poor and unaware of the simple procedures that could save them from a lifetime of struggle. “There were people with cataracts who didn’t know why they were blind. They just knew they couldn’t see,” the ophthalmologist said. “We actually worked with a group that would identify people in the community who might have cataracts. We called them Cataract Case Finders. They would go out to rural parts of the country and identify people who were blind.” Many of the older population in Swaziland do not realize there is a cure for their blindness, so they just simply stop participating in life. Kerr said this is a problem because a significant portion of the people between the ages of 30 and 50 have died of HIV and AIDS, leaving grandparents to take care of orphaned grandchildren. “The grandchildren don’t understand that their grandparents cannot see? They don’t know how to ask and it’s not really respectful to ask their grandparents.” So, Kerr and his team worked to identify these people and help them get the medical attention they needed. “There are a lot of people around the world who are blind, but can have their vision improved with surgery,” he said. “This mission gave me the Hometown Living At Its Best

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opportunity to help people with these issues and bring relief and supplies to the ophthalmologist who was working at the mission clinic in the country.” Even though Kerr knew he would be living and working in a third world country, nothing could really prepare him for what he would face when he arrived. “It’s very different than here,” Kerr said. “It was very discouraging to see the poverty and the effects HIV and AIDS have had on the region. There are a lot of orphans.” The doctor saw several infants who were fighting disease, and he said he and his team did the best they could to help these tiny patients. “Being there taught me to value the resources we have here in the US,” he said. “It also allowed me to learn some techniques and skills I would not have had the opportunity to learn in a first world country.” Kerr also said his time in Africa also reminded him why quality patient care is so important. This has helped to shape the practice he began when he returned from Swaziland. “When I came back, I joined Stephenville Medical and Surgical Associates,” he said. “My practice is a combination of comprehensive ophthalmology, which is glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts, neuro-ophthalmology, which has to do with the connection between the brain and the eyes, and oculoplastics, which is surgeries related to the eyelids and the tear ducts.” 132

Erath County Living

“This mission gave me the opportunity to help people with these issues [blindness] and bring relief and supplies to the ophthalmologist who was working at the mission clinic in the country.”

Kerr works with a few other ophthalmologists, including his brother, Dr. Kevin Kerr, who has also participated in medical missions. “My family is very supportive,” Kerr said. “They were concerned about my health and well-being, but were overall supportive. I even had several family members visit me while I was there.” The ophthalmologist’s family was supportive in part because they knew Kerr had always had an interest in the medical field and mission work in general. “I love science and I love people, so medicine is a good combination of the two,” he said. “I had several family members who went into the medical field and I saw how much they were enjoying it. It made me interested in it as well. I knew I wanted to do medical mission work, and you can’t do medical mission work without some training.”

Kerr chose ophthalmology as his focus because of its compatibility with medical mission work. “It is well-suited because you can go in and make a huge quality of life difference in a very short period of time.” He hopes to continue to make short-term trips around the world to give the gift of sight to the less fortunate. “I actually went to [South America] this past spring to do some ophthalmology work on the Ecuador/Columbia border,” he said. “But I hope to go back to Swaziland so I can bring supplies. It’s hard for them to get supplies.” The ophthalmologist also hopes he won’t be alone on the next mission trip. “I always try to encourage my friends who are ophthalmologists to go [overseas] as well because it can make such a difference to people in these countries.” Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Happenings 2015 Positively Dublin Chamber Banquet

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce held their annual Positively Dublin Chamber Banquet on January 26, 2015 in the old rock gymnasium. Award winners included: Faith in the Future of Dublin - Thomson Services, LLC - Colin Thomson, Business Leader of the Year - Dublin Family Dentistry - Dr. Brandi Harris, Dublin Citizen of the Year Clyde Shubert - DISD Maintenance Supervisor & Community Volunteer, Spotlight on Excellence - Dublin Corner Lot Gang Member Ike Wade - Business owner passionate about Dublin, Kenneth McDaniel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello My Friendâ&#x20AC;? - Myra Sojourner - Five Star Dairy Queen Field Rep., Billy Kloster Ambassador Award - Luke Wade - Hometown boy singing his way into the hearts of millions, Chamber Shining Star award - presented to City Manager Nancy Wooldridge by past Chamber President Mac McMullen and Volunteer of the Year - Michael Haley - Good fellow with a heart for service. Photos courtesy of Plan-it ink

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Positively Erath

Photo Contest

The contest, with the theme “Erath County Landscapes and Landmarks” was held from December 2014 to the end of February 2015, with contest entries submitted online through the Positively Erath! website – www. positivelyerath.com – in four categories: 11 and under; 12 and over; Adult; and Professional. Entries were judged by Julie Lowrance, Kurt Mogonye, and Mary Waters, and the winning photographs were exhibited at sixteen different venues throughout Erath County beginning in March 2015. The winning photos were on display through the summer at Tarleton State University in the Dick Smith Library.

Professional

Positively Erath! is a group of local volunteers whose mission is to share the diversity of talent, natural beauty and historical and cultural opportunities of Erath County, Texas. We honor the successes of the past, celebrate the present and embrace the possibilities of the future. More information is available on our website at www.positivelyerath.com

11 and Under

Dustin Roberts

1st Place. Michaela Medina 136

Erath County Living

2nd Place: Michaela Medina

3rd Place: Remington Back

Adult

12 and Over

1st Place: James Terrell

1st Place:Jake Bagby

2nd Place: Molly Stewart

2nd Place: Sarah Welch

3rd Place: Claire Wilkison

3rd Place: Jake Bagby

The photo contest will be an annual event with the theme of the 2016 photo contest set for “Cactus and Cowboys”. Entries must be submitted online via www.positivelyerath.com no later than February 26, 2016.

Thank you

A big to our community for continuing to support our annual Stephenville Optimist Club Auction. STEPHENVILLE

“Stopping time with a single click”

Since 1973, in partnership with our auction donors and auction buyers, we have raised more than $1,000,000 for programs and projects benefitting children and youth in our community. Now, we are working on our second million!

Mark your calendars for our next auction May 6, 2016

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For more information on donations or questions, call 817.279.3099

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Chasin g & Leav Challenges ing Lega cies The Art Briles Story.

Loving an Life’s Wd Living onders

Joyce Whitis’ passion treasure s has sho for all of life’ s wn amazing through her adventu res.

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Bell County Living

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Ch a sing Ch a llenges

LEAVING LEGACIES T H E

A R T

B R I L E S

S T O R Y

BY TERRY MCKEOWN | PHOTOS PHOTOS BY PLAN-IT INK AND PROVIDED BY ART BRILES

Today, yo u â&#x20AC;&#x2122;l l mo s t l ik ely k n ow C oac h Br iles a s the he a d footba ll coach f or B ay l or Un i v er si t y, w her e he on c e ag a in t ur ned a n a iling progr a m in to a pow er house per for m er .

T he pa s t t wo y e a r s t he B a y l or Be a r s f o o t b a l l t e a m h a s b e e n b a c k -t o - b a c k Big 12 Ch a m ps.

It was a place where the people were hungry and anxious to get their football progr am turned around. I just came in to the right place at the right time.

Leaving a legacy isn’t easy. It takes patience and persistence and a tremendous amount of hard work, but the end result is always pride. And that pride can last for lifetimes to come, echoing into the next generation and the generation after that and the generation after that. In Stephenville, Coach Art Briles is a household name, but not for just his recent successes. Although he hasn’t coached in Erath County for well over a decade and a half, his legacy is the type that lives on. I recently had the very special privilege to sit down and talk with Coach Briles and hear firsthand about that legacy. Briles grew up playing football in Rule, Texas, where his father was head coach at the high school. Football and being a coach’s son was just part of everyday life for him. “I think you could classify us as a coach’s family,” Briles said. “That’s kind of all we know. That’s all I ever knew growing up. It’s just what we do.” After graduating high school, Briles attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship. During his sophomore year, he suffered an unthinkable tragedy when his parents and aunt were killed in a car crash as they were driving to a game to watch him play. After such a devastating loss, Briles could have easily 142

Erath County Living

given up. But as his later career would demonstrate, Briles is not exactly the giving up type. In the fall of 1977, he transferred to Texas Tech, where his high school sweetheart Jan was attending, and finished out his degree. He and Jan eventually married, and after completing grad school at Abilene Christian University, Briles started his career as a coach at Sundown High School. “Jan has been my rock,” Briles states. “She’s someone that just always has a lot of trust and faith and is very positive - supportive all the way. We knew we were a team from day one and that’s never going to change.” In 1988 Briles became the head football coach at Stephenville High School. His challenge: the daunting task of turning around a team that hadn’t been to the playoffs in nearly 40 years. “To put it bluntly: the football program there was just in bad shape,” Briles admitted. “They were coming off an 0-10 season just a couple seasons prior, and hadn’t been to the playoffs since 1952.” In his book, Beating Goliath, Briles writes, “In Texas, where football is king, this school was a long way off from any coronation.” It’s a fair question to ask what might draw a coach to

want to take on such a tall order. He says he wanted to make a difference somewhere. “It was a place where the people were hungry and anxious to get their football program turned around. I just came in to the right place at the right time.” When asked if he ever felt like he might have bitten off more than he could chew, he didn’t seem to like that idiom too much. “I don’t think you can ever bite off more than you can chew,” he said. “There might be times where you think, ‘hey this is going to be a tough role.’ But it’s all tough everywhere.” In Briles’ first season as coach, the Stephenville Yellow Jackets managed to tie against their archrivals, Brownwood—at that time, one of the biggest heavy hitters in Texas high school football. In fact, the last time Stephenville beat Brownwood was in 1963. “You need a ‘wow’ game or a game that grabs people’s attention and makes them think, ‘Hey, maybe there’s a chance.’ That was our ‘wow’ game,” Briles said. “It changed everything about the perceptions of Stephenville and the program at the time.” The very next season, the Yellow Jackets made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1952, and came out with Hometown Living At Its Best

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Briles believes that everyone’s just looking for a reason to smile. And that’s what we want, we want to make them smile.

a 10-3 record. They made it to the playoffs the year after that, and again the following year, and again the next. Finally in 1993, they won the state championship title. They won it again in 1994 making them back-to-back state champs. “When I first got [to Stephenville] there were more opponents’ fans at the games than our own,” Briles said. “To go from that to becoming one of the best fan football teams in the state, it was pretty special.” It’s worth noting that during Briles’ last two years as head coach, the Yellow Jackets were again back-to-back state champs (’98 and ’99.) In 2000, Briles crossed over into collegiate coaching at his alma mater, Texas Tech. Three years later he was hired as head coach at the University of Houston, where he was also a student. Similar to Stephenville, Briles was tasked with fixing up a football program that was in desperate need of revival. In the two years before Briles came on 144

Erath County Living

board, the University of Houston Cougars had only won five games. In 2001, they didn’t even win a single game. In his first season at Houston, Briles led the Cougars to a 7-5 record and snuck into a bowl game to finish out the year. In 2006, the team clung to a 10-4 record and clenched the conference championship. Today, you’ll most likely know Coach Briles as the head football coach for Baylor University, where he once again turned an ailing program into a powerhouse performer. In fact, the past two years the Baylor Bears football team has been back-to-back Big 12 Champs. Before Briles, the last time the Bears had won as many as 10 games in a season was back in 1980. I’m sure you can detect a pattern here. From Stephenville to Houston to Baylor, there’s an Art Briles signature of taking on downtrodden teams and turning them into champions. When asked about this calling card

in his career he simply said that he’s just always chased challenges. It’s something that motivates him. “If you can be different and have people believe in what you’re doing, then you have a chance to change people’s perceptions and the outcomes of a program that’s been dormant for years,” Briles said. As evidenced by his illustrious career, chasing challenges and changing people’s perceptions are all variables in Art Briles’ formula for creating a legacy. And to his fans and supporters, whether they come from Stephenville or Waco or wherever, Briles believes that everyone’s just looking for a reason to smile. “And that’s what we want, we want to make them smile.” To smile in Stephenville, find a seat at Memorial Stadium this fall and enjoy some Friday night football. You probably won’t see Briles there, but you can still feel the remnants of his legacy.

An Evening With Coach Briles An Evening with Art Briles benefiting Erath County United Way Coach Art Briles came home to Stephenville for a long overdue celebration of his accomplishments while at Stephenville High School, and the fundraiser for Erath County United Way was a huge hit, raising over $80,000! Briles won four state titles while at Stephenville and his football career continues to advance with him leading the Baylor Bears to back-to-back Big 12 championships and national prominence. Fellow coaches and friends enjoyed telling humorous and inspiring stories of their experiences with Briles over the years and his amazing impact on not only football players, but the community as a whole.

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Hometown Hometown Happenings Happenings 4th of July Parade

Stephenville held their annual 4th of July celebration, which included a parade, festival, concert, and fireworks. The celebration began with a parade that started at the city park and ended at Tarleton. A good time was had by all! Photos courtesy of Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

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Erath County

Confederate Veterans Remembering and honoring the more than 600 confederate veterans of the War Between the States who rest beneath the rich soil of Erath County, including Major George B. Erath, with the 2001 memorial dedication speech made by then mayor John Moser. Photo courtesy of

As Mayor of Stephenville, it is a pleasure and honor to be here with you today. I want to extend a special word of welcome to our visitors from out of town. We are glad you’ve taken time to join us today in dedicating this memorial and honoring the Confederate War veterans who are buried in Erath County. I hope you enjoy your stay, however brief it may be, and that you will return often. Let me also express my thanks to Mrs. Joyce Whitis and members of the organizing committee for inviting me to speak to you today. As I mentioned, we are here today to honor the Confederate War veterans who are buried in Erath County. The dedication of this monument fills the one remaining void in recognizing all of Erath County’s war veterans. The men we honor today fought in a war which pitted brother against brother and father against son. It was a long, bloody war which tore the country apart. But it ended more than a century ago. The politics and outcome of that war were decided more than 135 years ago. There is no one alive today with direct memory of that conflict, and hardly a handful still living who knew any of those who fought in it. What remains is the honor due to Erath County’s veterans of that war. But what, exactly, are we honoring? To me, we are honoring the courage and sacrifice made by men for a cause in which they believed. Not all causes prevail, nor or wars to achieve them always successful. What is constant and worthy of honor is the courage and sacrifice of men who answered when called to arms. These men did not hide or run away to Mexico. They did not flee to Canada, as some did in a later war. There have always been a few, then and in later wars, who object. No doubt there will be some who do so in future wars. Those who stand their ground and conscientiously object are due respect. Cowards who run away deserve only contempt. The men we honor today did not run away. I share with you a pride and respect for our heritage. These men are part of that

heritage. They were brave and dedicated men who underscored their beliefs with action, and danger to their own lives. Throughout mankind’s existence, it has been a willingness to risk the end of one’s life which changed the course of history. What causes someone to act in disregard for the paramount natural instinct of self preservation? Scientists and philosophers continue to seek an answer, without success. Even those who have intentionally gone in harm’s way cannot explain why. What we do know, and honor, is that these Civil War veterans were a part of our shared heritage who did so and answered the call to arms, even though it divided the country. Though their cause was lost, their honor was not. But the Civil War was not the only conflict to divide this country. It was not the only one in which Erath County veterans volunteered, participated and died for an unsuccessful cause. At least the veterans of the Civil War enjoyed respect and a warm homecoming often not afforded veterans of a certain later war. Yet there is a monument to veterans of that later war now present on this court house square.

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I am referring, of course, to the Vietnam War. Like many others from Erath County, I was a participant in that war. Like many other veterans, there are scars from that war which I will carry with me to the grave. They are not all physical scars. Some are the result of the misguided and undeserved disrespect we endured at the hands of many, but not all, fellow citizens upon return from that war. Those scars have faded, but they will never disappear. Yet there is at least a monument on this courthouse square to the sacrifices we made, though it too was for a lost cause and lost war. The monument to Vietnam veterans is not to the politics of that war. It is to the memory of those who fought in it. Yet unlike the Civil War veterans now known only to God and history, there are many Vietnam veterans among us today. We did not have to wait 135 years to see a monument erected to recognize the courage and sacrifices which took the lives of so many among us. It is indeed fitting that today we pause to honor all of Erath County’s war veterans, including those of the Civil War, regardless of personal judgments about the causes for which any may have fought. To me, this monument to Confederate veterans is not about politics. It is about courage, and sacrifice, and answering the call to arms. Shall we pick and choose which veterans to honor based on whether or not we agree with their cause and their war? If so, how shall we choose which veterans to honor and which to ignore among future wars? And there will be future wars. One is now in progress. On what basis shall we judge those who go in harms way today on our behalf, even as we speak? Let us honor the memory of Confederate veterans as we do those of previous wars, and wars yet to come. They too deserve to be honored and I am proud to be here for the dedication of this monument in their memory. It is long overdue. Thank you, Mayor John Moser, Stephenville

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HOMETOWN SCENES

Photo by Plan-it ink

Photo by Julie Crouch Photo by Plan-it ink

breathe, trust, let go -Mandy Hale Photo by Plan-it ink

What makes Erath County a great place to live? Right now, it’s the kids returning back to school, the anticipation of cooler temperatures, and spending time with family. Take a look at a few more reasons why we love

Erath County

Photo by Plan-it ink

“Nothing is

IMPOSSIBLE, the word itself says,

I’m Possible” -‐Audrey Hepburn Photo by Julie Crouch

index of advert isers 3-Shy Ranch ................................................................................ 73 Access Voice & Data, Inc. ..................................................... 124 Allen Financial Management, LLC. ................................... 149 Allied Body & Frame Co. ...................................................... 149 Ameriprise Financial .................................................................61 Animal Health & Medical Center .........................................99 Associated Well Services, Inc ...............................................97 Back at the Ranch......................................................................61 Barbara Hampton & Associates Realty. .............................. 2 BMY..............................................................................Inside Front Brent Graves .................................................................................. 1 Buckhorn Pumps, Inc ................................................................19 Cain Pool & Spa ....................................................................... 139 Carpenter Dirt Work ................................................................99 Clark Tractor & Supply.............................................................97 Coldwell Banker .........................................................................79 Cowboy Capital of the World Pro Rodeo Association..................................................Back Cover Cross Timbers Family Services. .........................................106 Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council ........................................ 60 Cross Timbers Orthopaedics .................................................17 Dublin Chamber of Commerce ............................................49 Dublin Economic Development Center ............................49 Easter Heat & Air ..................................................................... 149 Erath County Living ............................................................... 138 Exit Realty .................................................................................. 147 F & M Bank....................................................................................91 Fraser Agency, Inc. ...................................................................39 Fraser, Wilson & Bryan, P.C. ..................................................... 9 Furniture Mart........................................................................... 107 Germania Insurance ............................................................... 125 Gifford TV Electronics ........................................................... 147 Goin’ Nuts .................................................................................. 149 Golden Body Works ............................................................... 147 Hard Eight Catering ................................................................... 5 Hard Eight Marketplace ............................................................ 5 Hard Eight Pit BBQ..................................................................... 5 JJ Hampton – Realtor ................................................................ 2 Kyara Rane Salon & Boutique.............................................. 117 Landi Whitefield Photography ........................................... 139 Leah-k photography .............................................................. 138 Legendary Wedding & Special Events...............................51

Lelands of Stephenville..........................................................127 Lone Star Ag Credit ................................................................127 Members Trust Federal Credit Union .............................. 107 Mikka Hill Photography .........................................................106 Miller Studio ........................................................................ 28, 50 Natty Flat Smokehouse ........................................................ 135 Orkin Pest Control .................................................................. 135 Overhead Door ......................................................................... 60 Parks and Associates ................................................................61 Peacock’s Restaurant ............................................................. 90 Plan-it ink ......................................................................................91 Riley Studio .................................................................................38 Saddle Rags .............................................................................. 147 Scott’s Flowers ...........................................................................79 Security Storage ........................................................................48 Soup & More at the Corner Store...................................... 149 Star Arms ......................................................................................16 Stephen’s Health Care ..............................................................81 Stephenville Chamber of Commerce ...............................................30-31, Back Cover Stephenville Family Dentistry ..............................................29 Stephenville Funeral Home ................................................. 125 Stephenville Medical & Surgical Clinic ............................. 117 Stephenville Optimist Club.................................................. 138 SugarTree Golf Club ................................................................ 40 Sundown on the Square ..........................................................18 Tarleton State University ....................................................... 115 Texas Bank ..................................................................................... 7 Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital ..........Inside Back Texas Hill Country Furniture & Mercantile ..................... 135 Texas Pump Systems ................................................................19 Texas State Optical .................................................................. 115 The Hay & Feed Ranch.............................................................81 The N at Hardway Ranch ......................................................... 5 The Patterson Agency........................................................... 125 The Salon..................................................................................... 90 Trans-Texas Tire........................................................................ 124 Twisted J ........................................................................................ 3 Upland Bird Extravaganza ................................................... 138 Veldhuizen Cheese ....................................................................41 Wood ‘N Thangs ...................................................................... 139 Woods Furniture ....................................................................... 73

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible! 152

Erath County Living

Breathe easy again.

Better Breathers Program. At Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville, we work to improve not only our patients’ health but also their quality of life. That’s why we offer the Better Breathers Program to help individuals suffering from chronic heart and lung diseases. Private and group sessions combine therapeutic exercises and functional activities tailored to your individual needs. Don’t let your disease keep you from breathing in all life has to offer. For more information or to register, call 254-965-1516.

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