PK Magazine Early Summer 2022 by pk-magazine

PK M A G A Z I N E Our featured home: Lonestar Manor Jeff and Jennifer Connole take us inside their beautiful 12,000 square foot home on the west side. Inside: A tour of Fuelish Pleasure II Hard work pays off A heartwarming story on the Graford Jackrabbits state win in basketball Early Summer Edition 2022

4 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 Table of Contents Cover Photo: John Kelly, Jimmy Edwards, Jeff Browning, Lisa McClure, Brigitte Cooper and Amy Browning enjoy a beautiful morning in Hell's Gate on Fuelish Pleasure II. All of this - plus much more inside! Fuelish Pleasure II If James Bond had a boat....a behind the scenes tour of the Galeon 519 Sky, owned by John Kelly from Wichita Falls. Page 8 Page 14 Lonestar Manor Jeff and Jennifer Connole take us inside their beautiful 12,000 square foot home on the west side of Possum Kingdom Lake Our Featured Home: How HB3031 changed the course of land ownership at Possum Kingdom Lake, and the volunteers that made it happen Page 28

David How The Divestiture

Changed PK Forever Short Term Rentals on the rise What's driving it? Page 36 Page 55In Graford, it's all about family, culture - and winning! A heartwarming story on the 2022 Graford Jackrabbits first Texas State 1A Championship in Basketball A win decades in the making one movies are made of

vs Goliath:

KimThanktheWepressuressharedfromTexasbigger.aoverHBdecadesJackrabbitsLookingyou51"PKDoJeffwaithomeSpeakingKelly,GateInothingmorerelaxingthanadayinHell'sGate,evenifyougobypontoonandnotyacht,likedo!Inthisissue,we'lltakeyouonatourofFuelishPleasureII---you'veseenitoutinHell's--theonethatmakesyouwonderifJamesBondisonboard.ThankstoownerJohnofWichitaFallsforgivingusagrandtour!oftours...JeffandJenniferConnoletakeusonatouroftheir12,000squarefootlocatedonthewestsideofPossumKingdom.I'mgladIwasabletogoonthisonetillyouseetheir40footcustombarinside!IonlywishyoucouldtastethemargaritasConnolemixedupforusafterthetour!youevergetinaruttryingtofigureoutwheretogoeat?Neveragain!WechargedthreeFoodies"withfindingtheirfavoritedishesacrossPK,andtheydelivered!Seepages46fortheirtoppicksforbreakfast,lunch,anddinner.Idiscoveredalotofnewideas,andwill,too!forafeelgoodstory?Well,turntopage55foramustreadonhowtheGrafordearnedtheschool'sfirstTexasState1AChampionshipinbasketball.Itwasinthemaking-astorymoviesaremadeof!3031didn'tgetsignedintolawbyitself.IttooktheworkofthePKLAandit'svolunteers50tripstoAustinandalotofpoliticalmaneuvering.TheireffortspaidoffintheformofthrivingPKrealestatemarket,andatouristandbusinesscommunitythatisonlygettingReadallabouthowthedivestiturechangedPKforeverstartingonpage28.TechAthleticDirector,KirbyHocuttandhisfamilydeemPKas"theirhappyplace"wakeboarding,tohiking,toeveningsaroundthefirepitwithfamilyandfriends,KirbywithuswhatmakesPKtheirhomeawayfromhomeandhowheescapestheofbeingaPower5AthleticDirector.hopeyouenjoyallthesestories,pluslotsofbusinessnewsandbriefs.TimetogoworkonJulyissueofPKMagazine!youtoallofouradvertisersandreadersforyoursupport.Bewell!

EarlyVol.2|No.2Summer2022 Publisher: KimNussbaum ContributingEditor: JohnJarvis DigitalEditor: KimNussbaum ContributingWriters: SteveNussbaumLorettaFulton ContributingPhotographers: KatieErikaCarterNussbaum Distribution: DigitalMailedtoPaidSubscribers2,500distributedthroughstrategicracklocationsreplicaeditioncanbefoundonourwebsitepk-magazine.com Questionsaboutadvertising,content,distribution? PKinfo@pk-magazine.com940-573-7170MagazineisproducedbyTheUPSStore7355KSNFamilyInvestment,Inc.101NFM2353Unit101Graford,TX76449940-573-7170 StoryIdeas? info@pk-magazine.comSendthemourway! NextIssue: July2022 Welcome to the early summer edition of PK Magazine! IfLettheseasonbegin!ourcoverphotodoesn't make you want to hit the lake, I'm not sure what will! There's

Publisher's Note 6 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Erika Carter

Kelly has two children, Makenzie, age 25, and Parker, age 23, andthethreeofthem,alongwithhisgirlfriend,BrigitteCooper enjoy spending time on their yacht. Makenzie is a newly engaged, first grade teacher and graduate of Midwestern StateUniversity.Brigitteisthe“firstmate”andultimatehostess.

From Houston, the Fuelish Pleasure II traveled to Lewisville, Texas, forsome finishingworkbeforefinallymakingits wayto itsfinaldestination

Kelly said the yacht’s unique design gets plenty of looks from boatersinHell’sGate,andthefamilylikestominglewithother boat owners and enjoy all that the lake has to offer Their vesselisonethatstandsoutonthelake,anditeasilycouldbe inaJamesBondfilmwithitssleekdesignandtransformerstyle

Kellyboughttheboatnewin2020,andthevesselmadequite the journey to Possum Kingdom Lake Kelly traveled to Fort Myers, Florida, to see the boat before he bought it, and the vesselthentraveledacrosstheGulfofMexicotoHouston

8 | PK MAGAZINE |EARLY SUMMER 2022

Over the past few years, their time during the spring has been spent following Kelly’s son, Parker, around the country playing baseball Parker is a senior and the starting third baseman for the nationally ranked Texas Tech University baseball team.

“Parker doesn’t get to enjoy (the family’s boat) as much, because he’s always off playing baseball during the summer, ” Kellysaid “Butthewholefamilylovesit”

The first noticeable thing about the yacht is its ultra sleek design. It looks like something out of a James Bond movie. The exterior has many unique features, the most obvious of which are the side wings that fold out and make a much larger deck spaceforentertaining Ononesideofthecraft,thewingfolds out and makes a sit up bar for two that opens to the galley kitchen inside The other side expands to add more room for seatinganddeckspace

On any given weekend, many beautiful yachts can be seen cruisingPossumKingdomLake

Any boat over 40 feet can rightly be considered a yacht, and there are plenty of those to be found on the lake But one that stands out is the “Fuelish Pleasure II,” which is owned by John Kelly Kelly, who hails from Wichita Falls, Texas, said he’s been a frequentvisitortoPossumKingdomLakehiswholelife.He’sthe president and owner of Kelly Propane and Fuel, which is based inWichitaFalls.

All the doors and windows in the boat slide open to let the entire boat feel more open The main cabin sports a sloped glass ceiling that slides electronically to open up the captain’s chairandlivingspace,andtheentirespacehastheultimatein designsophistication. Thevessel’sinteriorisatestamenttoluxury.Thegalleykitchen has a dishwasher, convection oven, refrigerator and stove top, and there’s also a washer and dryer on board, with walnut cabinets and doors and white leather seating throughout The salonfeaturesatelevisionthatcanbeloweredintothecustom cabinetry, and down the steps are two large bedrooms that resemble five star hotel rooms, with custom bedding, lighting and cabinet storage, as well as their own luxury bathrooms Therealsoisabunkroombelowthedeck Kellysaidhisfamilyhasn’tspentthenightoutontheyacht,but henotedthattheydolovetocookandentertainontheboat

Theyacht,a2019Galeon510SKY,measures54feetlongand features two 670 horsepower motors in a state of the art engine room It was made in Poland and features the latest in modernEuropeandesignandtechnology.

If James Bond had a boat...

Thebackdeckofthevessellowerstoallowforeasyaccessin andoutofthewater,andthereardeckfeaturesisahalf circle seatingspacethatswivelstoeitherfaceinsideorlookoutover the water Under that seating space is a hydraulic lift that exposesalargegaragespaceforlaketoys.

Theentirejourneytookabout45days

His family had a home on the west side of the lake for many years, he said, but these days he and his majestic watercraft resideatTheHarbor.

See photos on pages 9 11

One of the many unique features of the Galeon 519 Sky is the swivel bank of seats that can face out or swivel and face the cabin Fuelish Pleasure II has sliding glass doors and windows throughout that can transform the space in seconds The galley features modern walnut cabinets, state of the art appliances, and marble counter tops PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 9 On board Fuelish Pleasure II

Fuelish Pleasure

II 1 0 | PK MAGAZINE |EARLY SUMMER 2022

The saloon features high end leather seating for lounging or dining A retractable television raises out of the custom cabinetry for viewing

The main cabin is similar to what you'd expect in a five star hotel. It features modern accent lighting, top of the line bedding and built in seating that can be used as a work space, or as a vanity.

Cabin number 2 features sun lights to the bow, luxury walnut storage cabinets, and modern built in lighting

Pictured left to right: Amy Browning, Brigitte Cooper, and Lisa McClure enjoying a beautiful day in Hell's Gate on the Bow of Fuelish Pleasure II

END

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 1 1

PIctured above: John Kelly enjoying the expandable bar area off the side of the yacht Jimmy Edwards taking in the beautiful lake view Lisa McClure, Brigitte Cooper and Amy Browning relaxing on the transformable seating on the stern

1 2 | PK MAGAZINE |EARLY SUMMER 2022

Jeff Connole said he first heard about Possum Kingdom Lake from one of his finance managers in 1989 He said he always wantedtocheckoutPK,andhefinallymadeatriptothearea in2001. Connole, who said he raced speedboats on Lake Conroe in the1970s,boughtahomethefirstweekendhevisitedthelake. The original house measured 5,800 square feet and sat on a half acre lot, with 5 feet on each side of the house One year later, he bought the land adjacent to his property and built a 2,100 square foot “toyshop” that houses his two boatsand

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Kim Nussbaum otherlaketoys.Then,in2017,Connoleguttedtheoriginalhome and added 7,000 square feet to the existing structure, for a new home measuring more than 12,000 square feet. The entire expansiontook18monthstocomplete,hesaid Beforeexpandingthemainhouse,though,Connoleboughtthe house next to his and completed an extensive remodel of the 3,000 square footstructure Heandhiswifelivedinthesmaller housewhileexpandingthemainhouse,anditnowisusedasa guesthouse

The entire estate is surrounded by a rock wall and gated front entryfromtheroad Theexpandedpropertyencompassesmore than840feetofslopingwaterfront,anamountalmostunheard of at PK. The estate also features a large area for a summer garden Connole is retired from the car business, where he owned five dealerships in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He said he’s still a partner with his son in those dealerships, but that his son runs theshownow This 12,000+ square foot west side estate encompasses more than 840 feet of sloping waterfront, an amount almost unheard of at PK. The lakefront home sits on 4 acres in a quite cove, with four separate buildings on the property. The inset to the right is the original home, which measured 5,800 square feet.

1 4 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 Our feature home, Lonestar Manor

JeffandJenniferConnole Thelakefronthomesitson4acresin a quiet cove, with four separate buildings on the property in additiontoapumphouseforawaterwell

Every issue of PK Magazine features an iconic home on Possum Kingdom Lake but to make the cut, it has to be one thatpeopletalkabout. There are hundreds of beautiful luxury dwellings surrounding the lake that qualify, but this issue’s featured home is the beautiful west side estate called “Lonestar Manor” by owners

Story

Onceinsidethelargeentryway,visitorsareimmediatelydrawn

into the huge bar area with a great view of the lake The bar, one of the cornerstones of the home, measures 40 feet long and features hand carved walnut from top to bottom It took more than nine months to complete, and it’s nicer than most barsthatcanbefoundinfive starhotels

Jeff Connole is a self described conservative and a big supporterofformerPresidentDonaldTrump,andiftherewasa home at PK that resembled Trump’s Mar a Lago estate, it would be Lonestar Manor In fact, the Connoles were the guests of the former president at his rally in El Paso during the runup to the 2020 presidential election They sat right behind TrumpandfirstladyMelaniaTrumpattheevent

The couple recently purchased a home in Southlake and are remodeling that dwelling. They still plan to spend most of their time at PK, but said they needed a place in the Dallas Fort Worthareawhentheyvisit Theysaidtheysharethehomewith threerescuedogsandtwocats.

continues on page 17

Visitors entering their PK estate property drive down a wide, paved driveway to the main house A huge fountain out front andlargecustommetaldoorsatthegrandentryareattention grabbers, but once inside the only word that comes to mind is “opulent.”

The couple loves to entertain, and Jeff Connole is famous for his margaritas, but it’s his wife’s recipethatheusestomake

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 1 5

The bar, one of the cornerstones of the home, measures 40 feet long and features hand carved walnut from top to bottom It took more than nine months to complete, and it’s nicer than most bars that can be found in five star hotels

It was after Connole almost died from a medical procedure that his wife convinced him to slow down and enjoy what he had built. Jennifer Connole describes her husband as a “total workaholic,”butafterhishealthcrisisthecouplemovedtotheir expansivePossumKingdomestatefulltime

them. The bar has two televisions and a large fireplace surroundedbybeautifulcustom madefurniture

To the other side of the bar area is an exquisite dining room. On one side is a beautiful view of the lake, while the other three sides are surrounded by climate controlled wine closets. Eachwineclosetisopentoviewandhasacustommetaldoor, and up to 1,800 bottles of wine can fit in the entire storage area

Thecenterpieceoftheroomisarounddiningtable,with seating for 10 and gorgeous gold chairs. The intricate black and gold table was made in Italy and shipped to PK, and the Connoleshadtokeepthetableinstoragewhilethehomewas beingfinished

The huge master bedroom is adjacent to the bar area and overlooks the lake, and it sports an arched ceiling that almost looks like liquid gold The bedding is custom made, with beautiful fabrics and textures. The master bath has a his and herstoiletroomandtwolargecustomclosets,andattachedto the master bedroom is a “safe room ” that’s built to withstand 400 mphwinds Outside the master bedroom is one of the many outdoor spaces, and it’s the one that Jennifer Connole said she really enjoys, because she loves the lake view and watching the beautifulsunsets.

Lonestar Manor, continued...

One of the events the couple enjoys at the lake every year is the neighborhood fireworks show they help sponsor in their cove. The Connoles share the fireworks show with friends and neighborsinthesamecoveasTheBreakers JeffConnolehelps sponsor the show, with Action Fireworks hired to put on the event This year ’ s fireworks show will take place July 2, and each year the group spends roughly $18,000 to $19,000 on the fireworksdisplay

The bar is so large, in fact, that once construction began the Connoles realized the need to expand the back wall out another9feetsoitwouldfit Beautifulchandeliershangabove thebarareatoaddtotheelegantspace

Jeff and Jennifer Connole inside their beautiful home.

“Itjustdependsonhowcozyyouwanttoget,”Connolesaid.

Just down from the dining room is a huge chef’s kitchen that featurestwohugeislandsandcustomcabinets,andjustoffthe kitchen is the family room that houses an 18 foot long custom sectional made especially for the home. This space is where the couple, and their rescue dogs, like to relax on the plush sofaandwatchmovies.

Beautiful metal doors lead off the family room to the main outdoor living space The space is large enough to accommodate more plush custom furniture on the patio. The area is just a few steps away from the lake and the home’s huge custom dock. The patio features a large grill, a huge smokerandapizzaoven,alongwithafulloutdoorkitchen Themainhousefeaturesfivebedroomsanda“dormroom”for visitorswithfamilies,aswellassixbathrooms.Theguesthouse, meanwhile, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms All told, 22peoplecansleepveryeasilyattheestate.

It’s not uncommon for the couple to travel over to Hemmingway’sintheirSchiadapowerboatandendupbackat their house with a large group of friends gathered around the beautiful bar Their vessel could be one of the most unusual watercraft to be found on the lake, too. The boat features a 2,000 horsepower motor, and it’s built for performance and speed. The company is based in Long Beach, California, and makes just 10 or 11 boats each year Jeff Connole said he boughthisfirstSchiadainthe1970s.

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 1 7

Jennifer Connole designed and furnished most of the home herself,andthecouplereliedonseverallocalbusinessestobuy themanycustompiecesintheirhome

JeffandJenniferConnole’sbeautifulwestsideestateisoneof the most luxurious homes on the lake, and the couple put their heart and soul into making the home truly spectacular Those lucky enough to be invited to a party and drink margaritas at theLonestarManorshouldn’tpassuptheopportunity.

The home features an exquisite dining room The centerpiece is this round dining table, with seating for 10 and gorgeous gold chairs. The intricate black and gold table was made in Italy and shipped to PK. The dining room is surrounded by three walls of climate controlled wine closets Each wine closet is open to view and have custom metal doors. Up to 1,800 bottles of wine can fit in the combined units

Pictured above: Jennifer and her mom bought this mosaic while traveling to Jordan, They had it shipped back to Texas and it now resides in the entryway of the home at Possum Kingdom

Lonestar Manor, continued...

Pictured to the right: The custom bar includes a beautiful seating area complete with a gorgeous fireplace and custom furniture. The seating area overlooks the main patio, as well as the lake.

1 8 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 More photos on page 21

The family room is just off the kitchen and houses an 18 foot long custom sectional made especially for the home

Chef's kitchen features two huge islands and custom cabinets

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 2 1 Lonestar Manor, continued...

A climate controlled, 2,100 square foot "toy shop" houses two boats and other lake toys. The estate features a large area for a summer garden End of story

This space is where the couple, and their rescue dogs, like to relax on the plush sofa and watch movies

Beautiful metal doors lead off the family room to the main outdoor living space. The space is large enough to accommodate more plush custom furniture on the patio The area is just a few steps from the lake and the home's huge custom dock The patio features a large grill, smoker and a pizza oven, along with a full outdoor kitchen The Connole's enjoy hosting pizza parties, where Jennifer brings the flour in from Italy.

Hank and Jennifer Erler both spent parts of their respective childhoods living in Texas, with Jennifer who grew up in Abilene havingbeentothelakeinheryoungerdays

The Erlers have three children, two of whom are still in school, and the family lives in Southern California, where Hank Erler is in the real estatebusiness

Anewbeginning for

Fox Hollow Resort

Theshow’spremiseistofollowaroundlottery winners as they go through the process of buying a new home with their newfound wealth, and the episode that grabbed his attention featured homes on Possum Kingdom Lake. Erler called to his wife to watchtheshowwithhim “Thatplaceisbeautiful!”heexclaimed

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos courtesy of Hank Erler

Popular outdoor beach and

Watching the episode brought back fond memories from their younger days, so the couple researched businesses in the Lone Star State and found a listing for World Famous Fox Hollow Resort in July 2020. It had been a local west side business for decades but was closedatthetimebecauseoftheCOVID 19pandemic

World Famous

The Erlers loved what they saw and bought the property in January 2021 Hank Erler said he planned to spend 60 days in Texas overseeing the first phase of improvements, but ended up staying 90 daysinstead.Headdedthatheknewhewouldneedhelprunningthe resort, and it had to be somebody who could see his vision for Fox Hollow, so he contacted Gary Latimer, who Erler had met and watched work at the casino at Harrah’s Resort Southern California Thetwohadmetatthecasino’sbarbutdidn’tknoweachotherwell. Story continues on page 24 as new owners get back to their Texas roots

Locals enjoy live music at Foxy's Outdoor Cantina boat slips added swim

New

area Restaurant and Bar PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 2 3

The couple’s research for a potential business started about four years ago, when Hank Erler was watching an episode of “My Lottery DreamHome”onHGTV

They flew to PK to look at the potential business venture, and Erler said he immediately saw a “diamond in the rough” with Fox Hollow. TheHungryFoxRestaurantwasclosedbecauseofthepandemic,but the business also had some older cabins, as well as short and long termrentalsforRVsandtrailers

A television show featuring Possum Kingdom Lake proved to be the sparkaCaliforniacoupleneededtogetanearlystartontheir“empty nest”plantomovebacktoTexas.

Nevertheless,ErlerofferedtobringLatimerandhiswife,Gina,outto Possum Kingdom to see the place. Erler described Gary Latimer as “themasterofmixology,”andsaidhe’sfamousforhisexoticcocktails

In fact, the Latimers ended up loving PK so much that their grown daughters are planning to move to the area and work at the resort, too. Last year was a whirlwind of activity to get the resort ready for the busy season, with a slew of improvements, including gutting and remodeling several old cabins and giving them a modern look. The Erlers also paved the parking lot, remodeled the restaurant, completed a total remodel of kitchen, added the outdoor cantina spaceandbroughtinnewdocks

Erler said the business now does in half a day what it used to do on its busiest day, and that spurred he and his wife to make even more improvementstotheproperty

The couple worked for a week in the restaurant and refused to take any pay while they explored the area At the end of the week, the LatimerswereontheirwayfromCaliforniatoPK Theyboughtahome on the property and have been managing the day-to-day operations eversince

This year, the couple remodeled more cabins and are putting finishing touches on their three bedroom cabin, which will be the showplaceofthesite Thecabinwillfeaturehigh endfinishes,witha largenewdeckandexpansiveviewsofthelake.Otherimprovements include the purchase of three modular homes that are available for sale. During the winter months, the Erlers also removed some older mobile homes and added some RV slots They’ve also been busy improving the pavement around the property, and have added new pontoon boatsandwaverunnersforrent

Gary Latimer, "the master of mixology," is well known for his exotic cocktails such as the Blackberry Elite Mojito pictured top left; Bloody Mary top right, and the Ghost Pepper pictured to the left

2 4 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Erler also bought more land this year around Fox Hollow to accommodateanyupcomingexpansionplans,butheandhiswifeare still deciding what to do with the new property. They are exploring adding a gym and expanding RV rentals. A swimming pool is being added to the property, too, but construction won’t be finished until nextyear.

Rendering of outdoor pool opening in 2023

Overall, Erler estimated the price tag for all the improvements at morethan$15million,includingtheadditionalproperty. Iftheearlypartofthisyearisanyindication,though,itoughttobea huge season for the World Famous Fox Hollow Resort, and the Erlers plan to bring their entire family to PK for the summer and make it a truefamilybusiness. ForHankErler,thebestpartabouttheimprovementsarethepositive reactionsfromcustomersandstaffabouttheproperty.

From the looks of things, the couple may have found their own “lotterydreamhome”

When:68pmJuly29 Sponsor:PossumKingdomMuscleBoatAssociation Where:BreakersMarina Details:ShowoffyourboatandpreregisterfortheHellon WaterPokerRun Entertainment:Vendors,foodtrucksandmusic Admission:Free HELLONWATERPOKERRUN When:10a.m.July30

July 4th 2022 Two Weekends of Fun & Fireworks!

This year we will get twice the fun by bookending the traditionalJuly4thholidaythatfallsonaMondaythisyear. Bothshowswillbebiggerandbetterandpromiseagoodtime byall.

Gate show is a major undertaking from a logistical and manpowerstandpointandhadtobescheduledforJuly9th

Registration:8am,BreakersMarina;eventbeginsat10am

ThelegendofthePKFireworksshowis evenmentionedinTexasCountrymusicartistJoshAbbott’s Texasbucketlistsong,“MyTexas” Thisuniqueshowfeatures shootingfireworksfrombothsidesofthecliffsatHellsGate. Thissynchronizedshowmakesforaspectacularshowtothe boatsandonlookersbelow.

AccordingtoPKCCExecutiveDirector,StacieWilliams,the famousHell’sGateshowhadtobemovedtoJuly9thTheHell’s

Entryfee:$100donationperpokerhand

ThePossumKingdomChamberofCommerce(PKCC)hasbeen theorganizerandsupporterofthefamouseventsince1988 ThePkchambermustraiseapproximately$40,000thisyearto payfortheshowTheydothiswithalotofcommunitysupport inthewayofsponsorshipsandTshirtsales.Theshowmaylast lessthananhourbuttheorganizationoftheeventtakesan entireyearThisyear’sshowwillbeSaturdayJuly9thinHell’s Gate.

Saturday,

Theeventwill featurefoodtrucksandparkingisavailable.

Thecompanythatputsontheshowwasn’tavailableJuly2nd, sotheeventwasmovedtoJuly9th

Sponsor:PossumKingdomMuscleBoatAssociation

SHOW&SHINEBOATSHOW

Payouts:Progressivepotforbest,secondbestandworsthands

Benefit:ProceedsgotoEast,WestandEliasvillevolunteerfire departments Entertainment:SouthofMayhemperformingatHell’sGate,24 p.m.

July 9, 2022

2 6 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

POSSUM KINGDOM CHAMBER COMMERCE

Mark

ThePossumKingdomHell'sGateFireworksshowisknown acrossthecountry.Ittakesasmallteamofdedicatedexperts andahugeamountofcommunitysupportAccordingtoKevin VanDuser,localauthorandhistorian,fireworkshowsofvarious typeshavebeengoingonatPKsincethe1960’s

Theseearly showsweresponsoredbyindividualsandputonatvarious locationsonthelake

TheBreakersMarinaandthesurroundingcommunitywill behostingashowonJuly2nd.Thisshowisonthewestside andcanbeseenbyboataswellasbyland

OTHERUPCOMINGEVENTS:

your calendars for the annual Hell's Gate Fireworks Show

Since the banks had to carry these loans, they didn’t always offer the best rates and terms compared to other lending programs.Updatingpropertiesbecamealmostimpossiblefor those who needed to borrow money, and there also were no updatedsurveysforanyoftheland.

What started as a commissioned study by The Staubach Group to analyze BRA’s return on its leases turned into a grassroots effort by PK homeowners to take control of their own properties. At that time, BRA’s board was led by powerful political appointees who held huge sway over the state’s water resources. Many in the state felt BRA’s responsibility was to manage the water, not to be in the land management business. Residents had no representation on who managed the board and felt unfairly taxed on their properties,withnosayinhowthelandwasbeingmanaged.

Story continues on page 34 2 8 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

When the Staubach report was presented to local residents, it became quite clear that BRA rates for leased property weregoingtogoup.Totheresidents,itappearedthatmany homeowners would be priced out of the market, with no chancetoowntheirland.

LandgrewupinBreckenridge,Texas,whileherhusbandhails fromClarendon,Texas ThecouplemetatTarletonUniversity and married in 1971, and they have been active members of thePossumKingdomLakeAssociation(PKLA)since2005.

The banks, real estate agents, title companies and BRA all worked together to help people buy their homes and lease back the land. The whole process made things very unorthodox and more difficult to get a deal done For instance, if a person wanted to buy a home at PK back then usingoneofthegovernment sponsoredprograms,theywere out of luck. The only places not under BRA control were The CliffsandSportsman’sWorld Land, recalling one of the first meetings in Austin with area representatives and senators, said volunteers didn’t have a lot of support for the divestiture bill Then Gov. Rick Perry expressed his opinion that the bill would pass when “hell frozeover,”andatfirstitlookedlikehewasright Thefirstbill failed,andBRAhadnorealinterestinselling.

The PKLA and the Lands were one of many volunteers instrumental in the passage of the BRA divestiture bill in 2009, and folks who own property at Possum Kingdom Lake nowadays probably have no idea what it was like before the billbecamelaw. Before then, the only way to borrow money to buy property atPossumKingdomwasthroughoneofthethreelocalbanks

The two would soon find out, though The volunteer group learned to rely on some of the local homeowners in the area who had experience raising money and working with lobbyists, and who knew which legislators were needed for political support They also had local homeowner Michael Pattersononboard,readytofinancethedeal

“I was a retired biology teacher, and Monte is a retired footballcoach,”Landsaid “Weknewnothingabouttheinner workingsofAustinandgettingthingsdone.”

OneofthosevolunteerswasCarolynLand.

The first group of concerned citizens met in 2006 to discuss trying to buy the land away from BRA That discussion kicked off a multiyear fight by a group of local volunteers, and the ensuing bureaucratic and political battles were huge In the end,though,determinationandtenacitypaidoff.

David vs Goliath: How The Divestiture Changed PK Forever

For decades before 2009, the Brazos River Authority (BRA) ownedthelandaroundPossumKingdomLakeandleasedthe landbacktothehomeowners

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Illustration by Kim Nussbaum

It may be hard to imagine buying a dream lake house and notowningtheland,ornotbeingabletoborrowmoneytofix up the property because the bank wouldn’t loan money on lease property, but that’s what area homeowners faced just overadecadeago

There’s a saying that goes, “If you want to get something done, find a person that’s already busy,” and that saying aptly describes Land She and her husband, Monte Land, have owned property at Possum Kingdom Lake since 1975, and her grandparents had owned a cabin at Caddo Bay since1949

1991 “This brought those people back Now people could get longerloanterms,lessmoneydownandworkwithabroader rangeofbanks”

To that end, the group gambled and threw its support toward Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio. The volunteers’ gamble paid off when the Republican won his election in 2008andbecamespeakerin2009,andHB3031keptmoving forward

Klapper and Powell agreed that the instant equity for homeowners was a huge advantage of the divestiture, and PKhomeownersafter2009owefolksbehindthePKLAandit’s volunteers a huge debt of gratitude. Their efforts paid off in theformofathrivingPKrealestatemarket,andatouristand businesscommunitythatisonlygettingbigger. vs Goliath How The Divestiture Changed PK Forever

3 4 | PK MAGAZINE |

Land and the other volunteers knew from their failed first effort that they needed more statewide support, and their aceintheholewasthatpeoplefromallacrossTexasowned homes at PK. So they urged all those homeowners to reach out to their state representatives with a preprinted neon card. These brightly colored cards stated the facts of why BRA needed to sell the land and emphasized that it had no business being in the land management business. The volunteers sent the cards to folks who then forwarded them totheirlocalstaterepresentativesandsenators.

theirownland

The delicate political dance began as the volunteer group built support for the bill from the right people in Austin. Land said that having the support of the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives was critical to their efforts, as that’swhodictatesthestate’slegislativeagenda

Meanwhile, Patterson was working with concerned local citizensonthedetailsofthepurchase.Accordingtoarchived articlesintheLakeCountrySun,Pattersonknewtheonlyway it would work is if he had the support of the local homeownersandPKLA

EARLY SUMMER 2022

Their plan paid off when legislative support for HB3031 begantotakeshape

The political maneuvering continued for months, during which time Land and the other volunteers traveled to Austin more than 50 times to meet with committees and other agencies.

“The divestiture was the best thing to ever happen to real estate and the community out here,” said Valerie Klapper, whohasbeensellingrealestateatPKfor20years “Itwasa bigdealforeveryone.”

"I guess hell did freeze over today," Perry quipped as he signed HB3031 into law

“I guess hell did freeze over today,” Perry quipped as he signedHB3031intolaw,accordingtoLand TheimpactonPKrealestatewasfeltalmostimmediately.

appraised value For almost all of them, this turned into instantequityintheirpropertyandallowedthemtonowown

As the bill looked to be heading toward passage, an unnamed congressmen told Land: “I’ll support your bill if you promisetostopsendingthoseg nneoncards” HB3031 ultimately won passage to become law in May 2009 and, according to reports in the Lake Country Sun, Patterson bought the land from the BRA for just over $50 million Accordingtonewsreportsfromthatsameyear,homeowners wereabletobuytheirlandatadiscountedrateofthe2008

Story Continued.... David

“WebasicallylivedinAustinforfouryears,”Landsaid.

“Before the divestiture, you would lose 15 percent to 20 percent of your buyers, because they couldn’t own the land,” addedMikePowell,whohasbeensellingPKrealestatesince

“We’d go down to Austin and see these neon cards all over theplace,andinallthepoliticians’offices,”Landsaid

on page 38 3 6 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Short termrentals(STRs),alsoknownasvacationrentals,have been on the rise at Possum Kingdom every year since the divestiture of the land surrounding the lake back to the homeownersbytheBrazosRiverAuthority(BRA).

The STR industry is seeing huge growth, especially outside urban areas According to AirDNA, a site that follows trends in theindustry,STRrevenueswereup27percentin2021andare expectedtobeup23percentover2021thisyear Infact,STR revenues could break a record this year and surpass the pre pandemicnumbers

The price of property, especially lakefront property at PK, has become too expensive for many to buy, but STRs offer an alternative for people to come enjoy the lake and its surroundings

Short Term Rentals on the rise at PK

For decades before the divestiture, BRA owned the land and homeowners leased the land from BRA, which made it illegal for homeowners to lease their properties That has since changed, however, and the popularity of online marketplaces such as Airbnb and Vrbo have made it easy for homeowners andinvestorstoleasetheirpropertiestoweekendvisitors

Most areas around Possum Kingom Lake allow short term rentals. The exceptions are The Cliffs, The Harbor, The Ranch, Gaines Bend and most of the condominiums These neighborhoods have specific property owner association rules against short term rentals, but those rules can be difficult to enforce. Most homeowners don’t seem to mind the STRs; they justdon’twantthemnextdoor

sometimes these teams and their fans have had a hard time findingplacestostay.

These short term rentals are booked almost every weekend during the busy season, but they’ve also proven to be popular duringtheoffseasonaswell WiththelossofTheCliffshotelto a fire in April, these STRs are more important than ever for largegroupsandbigevents

For years the only hotel at PK was The Cliffs Resort, followed laterbyLushResort.TheSTRshavefilledthathousingvoidand created a big market that provides tax revenues for the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce (PKCC). The county collects hotel/motel tax revenues from all hotels, cabins and STRs in Palo Pinto County, and the local chamber gets 7125 percent of those tax revenues The remaining 2875 percent is split with other communities in the county. The tax revenues collected by hotels in the Mineral Wells city limits, meanwhile, stayinMineralWells

Other notable large events include the PK Muscle Boat Association’sHellonWaterPokerRun,theFourthofJulyholiday weekend and numerous weekend fishing tournaments Local businessesrelyontheseeventsfortheirincome

According to AirDNA, people are looking for adventure and outdoor stays. The STR numbers are down in urban areas but are skyrocketing in rural areas with lots of natural beauty and thingstodo. Takenasawhole,thedatashowsthattheSTRbusinessishere tostay andwiththerecentlyreleasedPaloPintopropertytax values, more people could decide to recoup some of the moneytheyspendontheirvacationhomes

Investors, meanwhile, are looking for properties to convert to STRs, and that demand is keeping local property management companies busy One of those companies is Lush Property Management, which is locally owned and operated by Bo BennettandClaySpringer Bennett,whowithhiswife,Gelasia,alsoownstheLushResort, saidhispropertymanagementcompanygrewoutofaneed to control the house next to the resort Itspreviousowners Story continues

For example: Over the past few years, the Rocker B Ranch in Graford has brought in more than 20,000 people from all across the country for weekend baseball tournaments, and

Story by Steve Nussbaum

“They are very limited on how they can use these funds from the county,” said PKCC director Staci Williams “They must go back into the chamber budget with the specific purpose of marketingPKandputtingmoreheadsinbeds”

Lush Property Management is an example of how to make the concept work for owners, guests and neighbors alike When Bennett first opened Lush, a concerned neighbor came over because he heard that Lush would be allowing live bands to play.

Bennett said it’s been a good relationship eversince Lush Property Management’s formula for success is that most of its homes can accommodate between eight and 20 people, and the properties can be rented forbetween$1,600to$2,500anight.Each homehasveryspecificrulesthathavetobe followed by the guests, and those rules are communicated to them throughout the rentalprocess

EARLY SUMMER 2022 allowed large groups to stay at the hotel, andmanytimestheseguestswouldgetvery loud and make their way over to the resort. So,in2017,Bennettconvincedtheownerto let him manage the property, and Lush Property Management was born Today the company has 15 short term rentals that it managesonthelake

Bennett assured the neighbor that things would remain under control, and he asked the neighbor to trust him. The key, Bennett said, was keeping the lines of communicationopen.

3 8 | PK MAGAZINE |

Acoupleofyearslater,afterseeingthejob Bennett and Springer had done with that short term rental property, the neighbor asked if Lush would manage his property, too.

Lush recently hired three new employees whomeetallguestsatthepropertiesduring their arrival and departure times. These employees also monitor the properties from theroadandbyboat.

Springer said that Lush has very few problems with guests because of this method of oversight, and added that much of the company ’ s business comes from peoplewhoarehavingfamilyreunions.

Short Term

Rentals, Continued... Story continues on page 64

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 3 9

What’sinaname?For“LetUsDoItLandscaping,”itsnameis everythingthenursery’scustomersneedtoknow.

Since2003,whenDustinKirklandandafewfriendsstartedthe business,thecompany’smottohasbeen,“Letusdoitsoyou don’thaveto!”

ThescopeofKirkland’slandscapingworkincludessodand plantinstallations,lighting,irrigationanddrainagesystems,and outdoorentertainmentvenuessuchasvolleyballcourts,patios andputtinggreens.

“Wedoalotofresearchonwhatwillsurvive,”Fergusonsaid.

“Therearenumeroushybridtypesoftheseplantsthatmost peopledon’tknowaboutthatareveryvibrantandbeautiful, whichisourspecialty,”Kirklandsaid.

The crew at Let Us Do It Landscaping is ready to serve you

“THINGS WE THINK THE DEER WON’T EAT” Deer have a mind of their own, said Frances Ferguson, manager of the nursery, and what they will (and won’t) eat depends somewhat on how “humanized” they are Ferguson has a list of plants that deer tend to avoid, and a few of the plants are listed below (for a full list, stop by the store): Asparagus fern | Honeysuckle | Salvia Cactus | Snapdragons

Besidethevarietyofplantsinstock,thenurseryalsocarries metalyardart,hummingbirdfeeders,fertilizers,hangingbaskets andpottedplantsforgifts,aswellastopofthelinepottery

Theymeanit,too

Kirkland’slandscapingprojectscanbeseenallalongthe shoresofPossumKingdomLake,includingprivateproperties andcommercialbusinesses.Amajorrecentinstallmentwasat Petey’sRVResort&MarinaAfewoftheothercommercialjobs includeTheCliffs,GainesBendandBonitaShores,aswellas numerousquickfixprojectsforrealestateagents. Mostofthecompany’sbusinessisforindividualproperties,but Kirklandsaidhehasthemanpowerandknowhowforanything “We’restillequippedtotakeonanysizeproject,whetherit’s commercialorindividual,”hesaid

Let Us Do It Landscaping serving PK since 2003

LUDI theacronymfor“LetUsDoIt” isfullylicensedand insured,andtheownersandemployeesarecommittedto providing the highest level of quality services The repeat businessandcustomerreferralsspeakforthemselves,andthe companyanditsemployeesareknownfortheirprofessionalism, integrity,honestyandfairness.

“Weselltonsofcactus”

Both Ferguson and Kirkland preach the value of low maintenance,lowwaterplantsforlandscaping Ifaraised gardenistoacustomer’sliking,Kirklandsuggestsplanting succulentsandvarietiesthathaveafragrantscentto“keepthe crittersoffofthem,”hesaid,includingsage,salvia,herbs, rosemaryandcactus

LET US DO IT LANDSCAPING 617 N FM 2353 (940) 779 4001 (office) | (940) 779 3795 (nursery) http://www letusdoitlandscaping com/ 4 0 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Bothstayplentybusy

ThebusinesshasgrownimmenselysinceKirklandstarteditwith aborrowedpushmower,butthesameworkethicstillapplies Hehandlesthelandscapingsideofthebusiness,whileFrances Fergusonisinchargeofthenursery.

Onephaseofthebusinessisalwaysindemand,hesaid “Lowmaintenancexeriscapingisourspecialty,andhasalways beenthehighestdemandwehave,”Kirklandsaid

“Wehaveasmorgasbordofitall,”Fergusonsaid

On the nursery side of the business, Ferguson has been managerofthenurseryforthreeyears.Onethingshehas discoveredinherjobisthatcustomersmainlyarelookingfor selfsufficientplantsthatwillthriveindesertlikeenvironments

Story by Loretta Fulton

Thedemandsofanathleticsdirectoratamajoruniversitycanseem endlessthesedays

HocuttgrewupinSherman,Texas,andspentmuchofhisyouthatLakeTexomaHisspouse,meanwhile,grewupinKansasCity andspentalotoftimeonlakesinthatarea

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos contributed by Kirby Hocutt

Pictured left to right: Texas Tech Athletic Director, Kirby Hocutt; wife, Diane; son, Brooks; family friend, Cooper Scott, and son Drew, enjoying an afternoon at Lush Resort.

PK is their Happy Place

Hocuttandhiswife,Diane,aretheparentsoftwoboys Theiroldest,Drew,is20yearsoldandawalkonfootballplayerat

Story continues on page 42 PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 4 1

TexasTech,whiletheiryoungest,Brooks,isasenioratFrenshipHighSchooljustoutsideLubbock. ThefamilytriestospendasmuchtimeaspossibleatPK but,asHocuttputit:“Thatdoesn’talwayshappen,andnotnearlyas muchasthey’dlike”

Afterall,thecollegesportslandscapeischangingrapidly,andthese historicchangesincludethetransferportalforathletes,the“name, imageandlikeness”(NIL)licensing,conferencerealignmentsandhuge budgets andallwhilerequiringahighlevelofoverallperformancein everysport TexasTechUniversity’sdirectorofathletics,KirbyHocutt,understandsthesedemandsmorethanalmostanyoneelse,and wheneverhetakesabreakfromtheseconstantchallenges,heandhisfamilyenjoytheir“downtime”attheirpropertyonPossum KingdomLake.

4 2 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

PK is their Happy Place,

Finally,inspring2015,thecouple’stwoboyswereplaying leaguesoccerinDallas,andtheHocuttsdecidedtovisit

story continued....

RelaxingatPKdoesn’talwaysgoasplannedforHocutt, though, especially in the everchanging world of college athletics TheCOVID19pandemicthatroaredthroughtheUnited Statesin2020posedatremendouschallengefortheworld ofcollegeathletics,asuniversityadministrationsfacedan uncertain future with canceled events, heightened safety precautionsatsportingevents,andlostrevenues.Despite those hurdles, Hocutt managed to navigate Texas Tech throughthosedifficulttimesinfairlygoodshape Areturntonormalcyappearedtobeonthehorizonin2021, butthatturnedouttobeamirageforHocuttandTexasTech

Hocutt's fondest memories are sitting around the fire pit with family and friends.

Bythefallof2015,thecouplehadboughttheirfamilyretreat atPK.Hocuttsaidtheyendedupbuyingthefirsthousethey lookedat,andit’sbeentheir“happyplace”eversince FortheentireHocuttfamily,thelakeiswheretheycanturn offtheirtelevisionandcellphonesAllofthemenjoyspending timewithextendedfamilyatPK andthemanyRedRaiders whocallPKhome,too Theboysenjoysurfingbehindthe family’sboat,fishingoffthedockandjumpinginthelake, whileHocutt’sfondestmemoriesaresittingaroundthefirepit withfamilyandfriends

Story continues on page 52

HocuttbecameTexasTech’sathleticdirectorin2011,after havingheldthesamepositionattheUniversityofMiami.He andhisfamilymadesmalltripstothelakesaroundLubbock, but he kept hearing about Possum Kingdom Lake during conversationswithfriendsandcolleagues

Hocuttsaidhisentirefamilylovesthelake,butnotedit’shis wifewhoprobablyenjoysitthemost.

“Wethoughtthisisthemostbeautifullakewe’deverseen,” hesaid

PossumKingdomontheirwaybacktoLubbocktoseewhat thebuzzwasabout.TheymadeareservationatTheCliffs,but arrivedlateatnightandcouldn’treallyseeanyofthelake

Thenextmorning,thecouplewalkedouttotheedgeofthe cliffanduptheobservationdeckattheresort,andHocutt saidtheycouldn’tbelievehowgorgeoustheplacewas

Occupation: Owner A1 Diamondback Painting

Weaskedlocalfoodiestotelluswhattheirgotodishesarein andaroundthePossumKingdomLakearea. Howdidwedecidewhototapforfoodies? Whenyouwalkintoa localrestaurantonanygivendayornight,you'lllikelyfindoneof thesethreethere! Whatwedidn'texpect,washowmucheachof thesethreefoodiestooktheirassignmentseriously! Ourlocalrestaurantsworkhardtobringgreatfoodtothelake,so asyouperusethroughourfoodiestoppicks,wechallengeyouto supportourlocalrestaurantsandtheirhardworkingstaffsand givethemallatry!

Meet the PK Foodies:

On average, how often do you eat out each week: 4 5 times a week

By Kim Nussbaum food-ie noun : a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads

Favorite thing about Possum Kingdom Lake: The beautiful views, tranquility, and friendly people!

On average, how often do you eat out each week: 4 times a week

Name: Nicky Rosandich III

4 6 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Nicky Kristal Pat

On average, how often do you eat out each week: About 3 times a week

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, walking, boating and photography

Hobbies: Golfing, Happy Hours, Cooking, Gardening, and did I mention Happy Hours?

PKFoodies

Name: Robert "Pat" Murchison Occupation: Cotton Merchant

Hobbies: Love to golf Favorite thing about Possum Kingdom Lake: The beauty of the lake and Texas people. It isn't the ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean, but it will do!

Favorite thing about Possum Kingdom Lake: The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking and the perfect way to relax at the end of the day I also enjoy the great group of friends we have met here at the lake.

Name: Kristal White Occupation: Family Manager

THE CAFE

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

PKFoodies

Hands down the blackened catfish filets, partnered with grilled veggies, jambalaya, house made tarter sauce and grilled lemons. All I could say was, more please!

BEST SALAD LUSH RESORT

I recently had family in for my birthday and everyone wanted Chicken Fried Steak It was an easy decision to go to Hemmingway's with the mashed potatoes and green beans almandine. No complaints from the troops.

PKFoodies

Ahi Tuna Salad screams lake life. Very fresh & great presentation. Thanks, Chef Mike!

The cheeseburger is a gorgeous, hand made patty cooked to perfection I like that they toast the bun. It's always great!

BOONDOCKS

PKFoodies

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 4 7 PKFoodies PK Foodies Picks...

The catfish comes in strips with light crispy breading. It's fried perfectly. You get your money ' s worth here!

The crispy chicken strip salad is so good It's made with fresh crisp iceberg lettuce, not all that fancy stuff. The chicken is so crispy, but juicy inside. Garnished with honey mustard dressing!

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

BEST CATFISH Possum Hollow Catfish is cooked great We love to boat over and eat outdoors Beautiful patio and big helpings! Great price point, too!

2 OLD CROWS You have to catch Cheryle on the day she prepares her Seafood Salad it is to die for Lobster, crab and shrimp with all the extra goodies that she accompanies within. Forget about it loveliness!

BEST BURGER MURCH BURGER LUSH RESORT

WORLD FAMOUS FOX HOLLOW RESORT

First of all, they make their patties by hand The green Chile burger loaded is an absolute mess of a delight You can actually taste and enjoy the love they put in it

This steak is always cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside and not overcooked

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

STEELE GRILLIN' I order the pan fried and it is thin without a lot of breading. You get meat in every bite.

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

Prime beef patty with very fresh vegetables. The secret sauce is amazing! Love the name, too!

THE CAFE

PKFoodies

Cheryle is THE BEST CAJUN COOK IN TEXAS. Everything on her menu is perfect and she's always mixing it up with unique dishes with great, mouthwatering presentation!

PKFoodies

LUSH RESORT Chef Mike has the art of a poached egg down to a science Perfectly poached and a heaping of ham sure to melt in your mouth. Bon appetit with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary!

best dessert

PKFoodies

2 OLD CROWS Being a native New Orleans type of gal it's easy peasy for Cheryle She specializes in Cajun! Always check the menu because something Cajun with be there in style!

BEST PASTA DISH

4 8 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 PKFoodies PK Foodies Picks... best cajun food

THE CLIFFS RESORT Crawfish Fettucine! You can't beat the flavors built up in this dish and the presentation is perfect

BEST BREAKFAST

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

THE CLIFFS RESORT Crawfish Fettucine is awesome! I have been eating that dish for 16 years now Spiced just right! My go to on the lake when I'm craving pasta.

Great, traditional breakfast. Nice size helpings. Always consistent They offer a nice weekend buffet, as well

NOT SURE I don't eat Cajun food

2 OLD CROWS

THE CLIFFS RESORT

The amount of food you get for your money is amazing. I love their scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and lightly buttered wheat toast. You will not leave hungry!

THE CAFE Homemade Daily! A must try if you have any room left after the large portions they serve with every dish!

THE CAFE I absolutely love the chocolate meringue pie It reminds me of the pie my grandmother made The slice of pie is very generous.

WORLD FAMOUS FOX HOLLOW RESORT I normally don't have dessert or eat all of it, but their homemade peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream is the most amazing! The flaky crust and warm peaches are amazing. If you don't like it, I'll buy it!

The Chicken Alfredo is the bomb. Pasta is cooked perfect and the Alfredo sauce is creamy and rich with just enough garlic flavor. Chicken is tender and juicy throughout

THE CAFE

THE CLIFFS RESORT Steak, chicken or crawfish with an unforgettable view Absolutely fulfilling with sour cream, avocado and salsa Accompany with a margarita made with love by Sherri.

Hands down the best ambiance inside and and the gorgeous sunset views in the evening outside. I love that they have acoustic music inside and separate music playing outside. The fireplaces in the winter make it feel so cozy

PKFoodies

best quesadillas

PKFoodies

Sweet Heat Butterflied Shrimp The best appetizer at PK Big, beautiful shrimp cooked crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, topped with a spicy sweet heat

PK GENERAL STORE

best ambiance

LUSH RESORT OR HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE Lush for the perfect view of PK. Hemmingway's for indoor dining

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

Sweet Heat Butterflied Shrimp Butterflied perfectly and seasoned amazingly No need for dinner afterwards. Excellent in taste.

BOONDOCKS I like their quesadillas they are full of cheese, onions and bell peppers with plenty of chicken The flour tortillas are nice and crisp on the outside.

BEST PIZZA

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE, LUSH RESORT,

Homemade fresh pizza! A must try! Their crust has just the right amount of garlic, toppings are always fresh and they give you a generous amount of cheese

PKFoodies

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 4 9 PKFoodies PK Foodies Picks...

Definitely have to go with PK General Store for the best pizza! The crust is just the right thickness and has great flavor. They put plenty of meat on each pizza and it tastes great leftover for breakfast!

THE CLIFFS RESORT, WORLD FAMOUS FOX HOLLOW RESORT Views, views, views! All I can say is, write all the names down on a piece of paper, put in a hat and draw one You will NOT be disappointed!

PK GENERAL STORE After living in New York and Chicago, I'm always wanting the right crust PK General Store makes their own and it's what the doctor ordered Hands down delicious!

THE CLIFFS RESORT Great presentation, nice quality ingredients. This dish will definitely fill you up.

best appetizer

LUSH RESORT Lush has the best seasoned hand made tortilla chips and guacamole. Their guacamole is always super fresh and seasoned perfectly.

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

PKFoodies

Perfectly fried and have them tossed or dry they definitely start games off right Great ranch dressing to accompany them with. best fries

THE CLIFFS RESORT I'm not a big tuna person, but the tuna salad sandwich on white bread was so refreshing after a hot day on the golf course. It was light and gave me some energy.

PKFoodies

BEST PO BOY

2 OLD CROWS Always on the menu and when she does a fried oyster or any seafood one, watch out it will be coming in hot! Accompany with fresh fruit sprinkled with Tajin Lights out! best hot or cold sandwich

NOT SURE I have not tried a Po Boy sandwich on the lake

HEMMINGWAY'S CRAFT HOUSE

The Chicken & Shrimp Bayou Sandwich is great! The bell peppers, onions, Cajun seasoning, garlic, provolone and gator sauce really pack in the flavors!

STEELE GRILLIN'

PKFoodies

LUSH RESORT Chef Mike hand cuts potatoes and fries them to perfection. BOONDOCKS They are crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside PK ONE STOP Sized correctly and seasoned wonderfully Sprinkled with parmesan cheese Excellent taste!

LUSH RESORT Seared tuna sandwich on that bread is amazing. Seared to perfection and stomach happy Always a no brainer for lunch best wings

PK SPORTS BAR & GRILL Patty's wings are nice and juicy on the inside. The sauce on the outside is just the right heat.

5 0 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 PKFoodies PK Foodies Picks...

PK ICE HOUSE

Fried bologna with fried egg at PK Ice House! Bueno prepares great food A thick piece of bologna with cheese fries Definitely give this one a try!

BOONDOCKS These wings come lightly breaded, cooked to perfection Eight different sauces are available, all are great!

at PK Ice House promises a great presentation! Bueno packs it all in, they are a little messy, but well worth the effort! NOT SURE I haven't tried nachos on the lake

and

PK ICE HOUSE The #10 Can Nachos

| EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 5 1 PKFoodies PK Foodies Picks... best onion rings

BOONDOCKS Beautifully cut and dipped and fried So nice to an onion ring that crunches through when you bite it doesn't pull apart A basket a

wide and

BOONDOCKS These onion cut hand get a big bite of onion with the homemade You don't need Ranch with

rings are

these!

ketchup or

battered You

BONITAVILLE

Choose Beef, Chicken or Brisket coupled with fresh ingredients, beans and lots of cheese. Plenty to go around to share. Are you hungry yet?

eat

BOONDOCKS Their rings are cooked perfectly. Golden brown and crispy. You can't go wrong dipping them in ketchup or cream gravy!

meal Thank you to our PK foodies for taking the time to share your favorite PK Bites! PKFoodies best nachos

batter.

InMayoflastyear,TexasA&Mmadeastrongpushtohire longtimeRedRaidersbaseballcoachTimTadlock.Tadlock hadbuiltoneofthebestbaseballprogramsinthecountry, with the Red Raiders being frequent participants in the CollegeWorldSeriesHocuttlockeddownTadlock’scontract andwasabletokeephiminLubbock.

Forthenextseveralweeks,Hocuttspenttimesporadicallyat PK,buthewasstillworkingevenwhenhewasatthelake so muchso,infact,thatlongtimePKresidentandRedRaider ScottDueseroffereduphishomeofficeatthelakeforHocutt totakemanyofhisimportantcalls.

OnApril1oflastyear,men’sbasketballcoachChrisBeard announcedhisdeparturefromtheRedRaiderstotakeonthe samepositionattheUniversityofTexas Beard’ssquadhad madeanappearanceinthenationalchampionshipgamein 2019andhadmadeTechacontenderintheBig12.Atthe sametime,theuniversitywasgettingreadytoopentheDustin RWombleBasketballCenter,astateoftheartfacilitywitha pricetagof$322million

Then,inJuly2021,newsbrokethattheUniversityofTexasand the University of Oklahoma were leaving the Big 12 conferencetojointheSoutheasternConference.Thiswasone ofthebiggestsportsstoriesof2021,andHocuttwasrightin themiddleofit,becauseTexasTechhadbeeninthesame conferencewithUTsince1958,andtheRedRaidershave beenintheBig12sinceitsinceptionin1996.

Thefalloflastyearbroughtsomedisappointingresultsfor theRedRaidersinfootball,soHocuttdecideditwastimeto makeamidseasonchangeatheadcoach MattWellswas dismissedandreplacedbyinterimheadcoachSonnyCumbie, whoguidedtheteamtoabowlwinanda75record.Hocutt thenhiredBaylorassistantJoeyMcQuiretoleadtheprogram

HocuttquicklyhiredWestTexas

Onthemorningthenewsbroke,Hocuttwaswithhisfamilyat theirbelovedlakehouse,tryingtogetinaweekofrestand PK is their Happy Place, story continued.... relaxation,andhehadlefthisphoneatthedocktotakea rideonaSeaDoopersonalwatercraft.Whenhegotbackto thedock,heimmediatelyknewsomethingwasupandspent therestofthedayonhisphone Hetoldhiswifethathe neededtogetbacktoLubbock,andsheunderstoodthe urgencyofthesituation

Story continues on page 54

5 2 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

nativeMarkAdamstoleadtheteamafterBeard’sdeparture, andthenewcoachbeatBeard’sLonghornstwicein2022 whileguidingtheRedRaiderstoanicerunintheNCAA postseason tournament before falling to Duke. The Red Raidersfinishedtheseasonranked12thinthenation.

Hocuttwasassignedtothesmallcommitteerelegatedto

forminganewBig12 Asaresult,thecommitteeandthe remaining Big 12 members welcomed Brigham Young University, the University of Houston, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Central Florida to the conference In the short term, these new members outperformedthetwoschoolsleavinginbothfootballand basketball,andHocuttwasinstrumentalinstabilizingthe conferenceandthefutureofTexasTechathletics.

is their Happy Place, story continued.... Pictured far left: Pictured left: Pictured above: Hocutt Family HIke Brooks Hocutt wakeboarding Drew Hocutt wakeboarding PKistheir Happy Place 5 4 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

Withallthechangesincollegeathletics,Hocuttremains confidenttheuniversitywilldoitsparttostayaheadofthe curveHe’sstillbullishoncollegeathleticsandtoutsthegreat opportunitiesitprovidesallthestudentathletes

McQuireisahighenergycoachthathasseemedtounite theTexasTechfanbase.

Atthetimeofthisarticle,theRedRaidershadtheNo.1 rankedrecruitingclassheadingintotheupcomingseason, anditappearsthatMcQuirewillgettheuniversity’sfootball programbackontherighttrack Hocutthasalsooverseen wellover$100millioninfacilityupgradescommittedthisyear.

In Graford, it’s all Iabout n Graford, it’s all about family, culture family, culture - and awinning! nd winning!

Story by Steve Nussbaum Photos Contributed by Jeff Bell

But the story isn’t just how this school won the state championship game It’s also how this small town of just over 600 people supports this athletics program and helped buildittowhatitistoday. For the entire community, it’s all about family The tradition of winning has kept the town and its residents together for decades. The community supports all the local sports, to be sure, but basketball is king. The local high school gym is open all the timefor story continues on page 56

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 5 5

Jeff Bell and the 2022 Graford Jackrabbits celebrate the schools first Texas State 1A Championship in Basketball. A win decades in the making one movies are made of. Graford,Texas,isthesmalltownthatmany folks who live at Possum Kingdom Lake travel through to get to the Dallas Fort Wortharea. Thosepassers bymayeatatTheCafé,but not many might know about the long tradition of sports excellence especially basketball inthistight knitcommunity. In March, the Graford Jackrabbits took home the Texas State 1A basketball championship trophy for the first time. The school’s championship was decades in the making and represents the crowning jewel for a community that eats and sleeps Jackrabbitsbasketball This small school, located 12 miles from Possum Kingdom Lake, is rich in basketball tradition and community support. Before this year, the Graford boys’ team had been to the final game of the Texas state tournamenteighttimes,butitwasinMarch that the squad finally won the big game in San Antonio This season ’ s Jackrabbits posted a 37 3 won loss record and beat the defending state champion, Texline, 42 39inthetitlegame

EARLY SUMMER 2022 youngsters to practice their basketball skills In the summertime, the local youths frequently spend all day at the gymworkingontheirgame

It’s also not uncommon for parents and local residents to go to the gym and rebound balls for the youngsters while they practice These volunteers might not have one of their own children on the team, but they still want to do their part to buildanotherchampionship caliberteam

Jeff Bell also went on to describe his wife, Jennifer, as a saint,addingthattheboysallcallher“MaBell”

The significance of the Bell family’s collective win can be tracedbackto2020,whenJakeBellwastheheadbasketball coach at Martin’s Mill. His team had posted a 40 0 record heading into the state championship and was the overwhelmingfavoritetowinthestatechampionship Onthe

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It’s no surprise, then, that basketball is what engulfs the town’scollectiveattentionforthenextsevenoreightmonths

In the gym, only state championship banners hang from the rafters Iftheschooltriedtohangallthedistrictandregional banners,thegymwouldbeoverflowing.

That’swhythetremendousamountof

Graford Basketball story continued.... pride for the Jackrabbits and their on court success has endured for generations of players. It’s that pride that drives Graford’suniquecultureofcommunityandsupport

Jackrabbits head coach Jeff Bell, who left a successful program in Brock to come to Graford in 2020, played an integral role in this year ’ s successful title run Bell didn’t take sole credit, however, heaping praise on his longtime loyal assistant, Jarod Westmoreland, as well as his own son, Jake Bell,whohelpswiththeteam.

Jake Bell is also the Graford high school principal, and he had his own successful coaching career before getting his doctorate and going into school administration. Jeff Bell described his son as his “right hand man ” and said he knew Jakewouldgrowuptobeagreatcoachandleader.

Every August, the buzz all over town is the same: “What do you expect from the basketball team this year? What will the competition look like? Which players will rise to the top and leadtheteam?”

The rival basketball squads that travel to play in Graford know to expect a battle, and the Jackrabbits realize they’ll get the other teams’ best efforts as well, because beating Grafordisabigdeal

Thencame2022,andopportunityreareditsheadagain,this timeatGrafordforJeffBell.

A father/son hug like none other for the Bell Family

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 5 7

morning of the state championship game, though, as the teamwaspreparingtoplay,JakeBellgotwordthatthegame was canceled because of the COVID 19 pandemic For Jake Bell and his team, there would be no opportunity to win a statechampionshipthatyear Opportunitiessuchasthatone comealongrarely,ifever,andthedisappointmentwasfeltby theentireBellfamily.

Jeff Bell said he thought the Jackrabbits were good even at the beginning of the season, but he wasn’t sure how things wouldplayout “Ittakesgreatleaders,teamchemistryandalittlelucktowin itall,”JeffBellsaid.

Allthreecoachesadmittedthatthey“workedthedog”outof the Graford boys this past season and the Jackrabbits rose to the occasion. The team fell into place, and when the final buzzer sounded, Jeff Bell said he’d never hugged his son so hard. He knew how much this meant not just for himself, but also for his son, who had come so close to the top prize in 2020 If one family could be calledbasketballroyaltyinGraford,

All three coaches admitted that they “worked the dog” out of the Graford boys this past season – and the Jackrabbits rose to the occasion. The team fell into place, and when the final buzzer sounded, Jeff Bell said he’d never hugged his son so hard.

Story continues on page 58

Jeff Bell and his son Jake Bell walking onto the floor of the Alamodome as they prepare for the championship game

Larry Lemley’s son, Trent, was a senior on this year ’ s team. JeffLemleyalsohadtwoboysontheteamthisyear:Cyeand Mckennon,bothfreshmen

on page

The Lemley clan, rich with Graford basketball tradition... The family's basketball roots can be traced back to Ronnie Lemley (pictured in the center), who was on the 1965 Graford team that made it to the state tournament. Ronnie Lemley had three boys who played for Graford: Brian, Larry and Jeff. Brian Lemley played on the 1988 team that went to state, and his twin boys, Brad and Jess, were on this year ' s title squad. Larry Lemley's son, Trent was a senior on this year ' s team. Jeff Lemley also had twin boys on the team this year: Cye and Mckennon, both freshmen.

though, it probably would be the Lemley clan, because there werefiveLemleyboysonthisyear’swinningteam.Thefamily’s basketball roots can be traced back to Ronnie Lemley, who was on the 1965 Graford team that made it to the state tournament

RonnieLemleyhadthreeboyswhoplayedforGraford:Brian, Larry and Jeff. Brian Lemley played on the 1988 team that went to state, and his twin boys, Brad and Jess, were on this year ’stitlesquad.

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The Lemleys understand better than most the basketball tradition at Graford, and all of them know that each generation wants to outdo the previous one The family loves the small school life and sharing all their familymemories

Graford Basketball story continued....

Story continues 82

“Thisisforcharity,”saidassociationpresidentSharlaCarver.“This isforfun”

It’s been a heckuva lot of fun since 2016, when seven couples decided they could stage a poker run like the one they had attended in the Austin area Except for 2020, when the poker run was canceled because of the COVID 19 pandemic, it’s been a huge success In 2019, for example, 111 boats participated, and the eventraised$20,000thatyeartobenefitthefiredepartments.

Last year 80 boats took part in the festivities, and sponsors are hopingforanevenbiggerturnoutthisyear

Or maybe even a helluva good time After all, it’s the annual (except for 2020) Hell on Water Poker Run, set for Saturday, July 30 The event is sponsored by the Possum Kingdom Muscle Boat Association and benefits Possum Kingdom’s East, West and Eliasville volunteer fire departments And with a little bit of luck even if it’s bad you could take home some prize money. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best, second best and worst poker hands.

Story by Loretta Fulton

Mix together a bunch of muscle boats, a few hands of poker, some good music and food all with beautiful Possum Kingdom Lakeasabackdrop andyou’vegotyourselfaheckuvagoodtime

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“Themorestopsyoumake,thebetterchanceyouhavetomake abetterhand,”Carversaid

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 6 1

Photos from past event courtesy of Hysight Aerial Photography

At the end of the day, the dog tags are turned in for cards to makeapokerhand

Folkswhoareintomuscleboatslovetotraveltoeventslikethe

Poker chips can be redeemed for raffle items, and casino tableswillbesetupattheBreakersforparticipantstoplayreal casinogameswhilelisteningtomusicandvisitingwithfriends

The poker run begins July 30 at 10 am, with registration at the Breakers Marina beginning at 8 a.m., but the party gets started the night before with the Show & Shine Boat Show, set for 6 pm to 8 pm at the Breakers Vendors and food trucks will be onsite Preregistration will be open, too, and Hell on Water “ swag ”willbeavailable

The event is designed to raise money for the fire departments, andtoraiseawarenessfortheparticipatingbusinesses.It’salso anopportunityforparticipantstoshowofftheirboats

Possum Kingdom poker run, Carver said, and many PKMBA members participate in similar events at various lakes in Texas andotherstates.It’sallforfunandtoraisemoneyforcharities, she said, which makes putting an annual event together worth theeffort. “It’salotofwork,butalotoffun,”Carversaid.

The poker run is a daylong, leisurely event, not a race, and the band South of Mayhem will perform from 2 pm to 4 pm at Hell’s Gate to add a party atmosphere to the event. Numerous businesses on the lake will participate, and at each of those businesses,adogtagwillbehandedouttoattachtoalanyard

“Existing docks change due to boat sizes and boat upgrades,” saidKhiliFerguson,whoworksatPossumKingdomDocks.

A concern right now for builders is a shortage of paint, he said For a while, treated lumber and certain types of steel were in shortsupply,butnowit’spaint “Itjustseemskindofrandom,”McCrackensaid

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Pictured above: This custom dock in Gaines Bend, owned by Scott Dueser was built by McCracken Construction. The dock provides utility space for boats, personal watercraft, as well as additional entertainment space and storage.

“There is a huge demand,” said Reese McCracken, owner of McCrackenConstruction

Business also is booming at Possum Kingdom Docks, which Joy and Russell Madden bought from an established owner in 2009. The business also advertises carports, fencing and demolition amongitsotherservices

p g g p g

Newconstructionaccountsformuchofthedock buildingsideof thebusiness,butnotallofit,asolderdocksalsoneedrepairsand upgrades

By mid April, traffic already had increased at the lake, and it’s expectedtogrowallsummer.Manyfirst timevisitorsalsoendup liking what they see and eventually make a permanent move to the lake That means more business for everyone at the lake, includingdockbuilders.

Storage can be a problem on a dock at Possum Kingdom, though, because the Brazos River Authority, which controls the lake, limits storage buildings to 42 square feet. Because of that limitation, McCracken Construction has seen an increase in requests to build overhead storage racks, including some with electric hoists The racks, which are built into the ceilings of the storage facilities, are used to store floats and other items that takeupspace.

“Thathastakenoffreallywell,”McCrackensaid. FergusonandMcCrackenadvisecustomerstogettheirordersin as soon as possible, as it can take several months to build a new dock, depending on square footage, the size of the customer waiting list, weather conditions and the availability of constructionsupplies.

AtornadothatstruckinMarchalsodamagedordestroyedsome docks, which added to the demand, McCracken said Even with emergencyrepairjobs,McCrackensaidhestrivestokeepupwith deliverycommitments.

“I think it’s going to be a good summer for everybody out here,” McCrackensaid

New features and improvements are a part of the dock building business, Ferguson said, noting that new toys, sun covers, slides, diving boards and remote controlled boat lifts are just some of theadditionalfeaturesthatcustomerswant

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 6 3

Another new dock making its way to its forever home at Possum Kingdom Lake. Photo courtesy of Possum Kingdom Docks.

Lake businesses were among the few firms not adversely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic Many people ended up seeking refuge at the lake, which brought new business and an increaseddemandforconstruction,includingdocks

Springer says Lush Property Management uses VRBO as its booking site of choice, as it tends to be the most popular choice at PK. A recent search of potential properties revealedpricesaslowas$190pernightfor a small, one bedroom lake cabin and as high as $2,200 per night for a large home Bennett says he has gotten three new inquiries since the property tax valuations came out in April, and he added that demand has increased since the fire at the InnattheCliffs.

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“It’s awesome to see people from around the country come together for a family reunion at one of the properties,” Bennett added The company also has had its homes used for bachelor and bachelorette parties. The guests were described as “respectful,” and there have been no problems stemming fromrowdybehavior

The other thing that makes short term rentals appealing at PK are the rates, Bennett said, which are affordable for most families and make for a very popular weekendgetaway. These short term rentals are good for the area,andtheyprovideanoptionthatdidn’t exist 12 years ago. Based on trends and data, they should continue to attract new guests.

Not all management companies are created equally, but the actions taken by Bennett and Springer with Lush Property Management prove they’re looking out for thewholecommunity.

Short Term Rentals,

Continued...

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 6 5 Local Business News GOLDENCOVE/WATERRUSH 2334SanbarRoad Graford,TX76449 (940)6543060 www.owproperties.com www.pkwaterrush.com Ifyou’veeverrentedoneofthe11bungalowsatGoldenCove, youmaynotrecognizetheplacenow. Since Oct. 1, 2020, Golden Cove has been owned by OakwoodPropertiesLLC,locatedintheDallasFortWortharea, andthecompanyhasbeengoingallouttospruceupthe place. “Abeautifulfacelift”isthewayJesseSwansondescribesthe transformation. SwansonmanagesGoldenCoveforOakwoodProperties,and healsorunsWaterRushpontoonrentalsfromthestoreat GoldenCove Thankstothenewownership,Swansonsaid,peoplemaybe Story by Loretta Fulton amazed at what’s going on with the Golden Cove bungalows “They want the place to look better,” Swanson said. “We’re updating everything.” Story continues...

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“Thereisafullgrill,fryerandpizzaoven,”KellyHimessaid, addingthatapressurecookerisalsobeingaddedtothe lineup

“That’showIgotmynicheatPossumKingdom,”Swanson said, but he noted that those watercraft are now only availableforspecialevents

Thatincludesinteriorrenovations,freshpaintandthe removalofrottenwoodontheoutside,inadditiontotree trimmingandroadimprovementatthesiteNewfencingalso isbeingadded,andguestswillbeabletoenjoyanew1,600 squarefootpavilion,whichcanberentedforevents

TheotherbusinessthatoperatesoutofGoldenCoveis WaterRush, which is owned by Swanson and Ginamarie Nordstrom.TheWaterRushwebsitedescribesthepairas“Fort Worthpeepsthathavetradedthecubiclesofcorporate Americaforalake!”

Itdidn’ttakelongforthelake’sresidentsandvisitorsto welcomethenewowners. “Wewanttothankallthecustomersthathavetakentimeto comeinandmeetbothSteveandI,”KellyHimessaid “We appreciatehowfriendlyeveryonehasbeen”

Swansonsaidthepropertyhadn’tbeenwellmaintaineduntil thenewownerstookover.Swansonsaidtheyareattentiveto detailsandlistentosuggestionshemakes,trustingthathe knowsbest.

Someoftheitemsonthemenuarehamburgers,Philly cheesesteaks,Reubensandwiches,shrimppo’boys,grilled cheesesandwiches,chickensandwiches,hamandturkey subsandsandwiches,fries,pizzaandwings,andlowcarb wraps. Fried bonein chicken and chicken tenders were recentlyaddedtothemenu,too.

“Theyrespondpositively,”Swansonsaid

Alongsidethefooditems,customerscanfindtraditional conveniencestoregoods,aswellasbait,tackle,lifejackets, beachbags,hatsandshirts,withsweatshirtsandfishing shirtstobeaddedsoon

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 6 7

Theyaretakingfulladvantageoflifeonthelake,too. WaterRushrentsoutsixpontoonboats,butthebusiness originallyfeaturedJetovatorsandflyboardsforadventurous soulswhoprefersoaringabovethebluewatersofPossum KingdomLake.

Guests at Golden Cove have access to kayak and paddleboardrentals. One of six pontoon boats available to rent at WaterRush. PKONESTOP 1716ParkRoad36 Graford,TX76449 (940)7794021 http://pkonestopbusinesssite

Thatdoesn’tmeanthey’restrangerstoPossumKingdomLake, though SteveHimesgrewupinHurstandspentlotsoffun timesatthelakewithhisfamily,whichhashadavacation homeatthelakesincethe1970s KellyHimes,meanwhile, movedtoTexasfromWisconsinin2016

Insidethestore,customerscanfindallsortsofstaples,plus plentyoffoodtoeat,includinglunchanddinneritems,in addition to threeegg burritos, toasters and more for breakfastBreakfastbowlswithnobreadalsoareavailable

Local Business News, continued

Thesitealsohas100mobilehomesites,whichSwanson describesasa“lakeestatepark.”Someareoccupiedfull time,hesaid,whileothersareavailableonweekends

Thecouplethankedthepreviousownersfortheopportunity tobuythebusiness,whichdubsitself“ConvenienceStore, DeliandGrillinGraford”The“OneStop”inthename includeseverythingfromgaspumps,tobreakfast,tobeach andfishingsupplies

MuchisnewatPKOneStop,includingownersSteveand KellyHimes,whotookownershipofthebusinessFeb.9.

Thestoreisopensevendaysaweek,andthegasoline availableatthepumpsisnonethanolfuel,whichisusedin recreationalvehicles,lawnequipmentandothervehicles Diesel,regular,midgradeandpremiumfuelvarietiesare availableforpurchase

ThursdaythroughMondayfromtheirhomeinNorthRichland Hills

SteveHimeslivesfulltimeatthelakeKellyHimescommutes

Beforebuyingthestore,SteveHimeswasaclaimsexaminer intheDallasarea,whileKellyHimesstillisemployedbya workers’compensationinsurancecompany.

NAYLORBYTHEWATER 461N.FM2353 Graford,TX76449 (940)7793142 wwwnaylorbythewatercom

Thethreecabins andaswimmingpool areexpectedto be open Memorial Day weekend, just in time for the beginningofthesummertimeinfluxofvisitorstothelake(For

Operatingastoresevendaysaweektakesacrewof people,andthecoupleisgratefulfortheemployeeswho makeitpossible.

“Wehaveagreatteam,andwecouldnotdoitwithout them,”KellyHimessaid

Local

few boats to rent Its website now proclaims: “Possum

Business News, continued

of the many new menu

Thecompany’sreputationhasgrownovertheyearssinceJay Naylorandhisexwifeopenedthebusinessin2005witha

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OneofthebestknownbusinessesonPossumKingdomLake foryearshasbeenNaylorbytheWater.

Frozen Daiquiris to go are one items at PK One Stop

KingdomLakeBoatRentals,JetSkiRentals,Swimsuits,T shirts,Shorts,Sandals,Shades,LifeJackets,Tubes,andBoat Accessoriessince2005.” That’samouthful,butNaylorcouldsoonbeinvolvedin anotherventure,asheandDanaHiltonhavepartneredto buildthreenewrentalcabinsonthelake.

AirbnborVRBO

Naylor by

“We’regettingclosetoretiring,”Hiltonsaid. Basedonalltheactivitythetwoareinvolvedin,though,that mightnotbeaneasythingtoguess

Allthreewillhavetwobedroomsandtwo

“Isawaneed,andIbuiltthemtofillaneed,”Naylorsaid

Local Business News, continued

Besidesalltheworkinvolvedwiththenewventureand runningthebusiness,thecouplehassomethingelseinmind

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moreinformationonconstructionprogress,checkoutWillow

Eventually,thecabinswillbeavailabletorentthrougheither

“She’sredefiningbusy,”hesaid

Bothhavebeenplentybusytheirentireadultlives Hilton, whohailsfromKeller,Texas,movedtoPossumKingdomLake aboutayearagoafterbeinginthewinebusinessinthe

the Water carries a wide array of t shirts. New additions to Rock Creek Camp & RV Resort

“After9/11,itjustwasn’tthatmuchfunanymore,”hesaid.

Naylor By The Water is stocked with seasonal goods such as t shirts, swimwear, lake toys, large variety of flip flops, wet shoes and more. ROCKCREEKCAMPANDRVRESORT 201RockCreekRoad Graford,TX76449 (940)7792766 www.rockcreekrvresort.com RockCreekCampandRVResortisfamilyownedand operatedandthenewowner,DianeWallace,continuesto makenewadditionsandimprovementstotheresort. Visitorswillfindanewstoreontheresort,ParadisePoint, thatcarrieseverythingyouneedforyourstay. Inaddition, Wallaceisaddingapool!

CoveCabinsatPossumKingdomonFacebook.)

Foracouplenearingretirement,thepairstaysawfullybusy. They’redoingmuchoftheworkonthecabinsthemselves, andNaylorevenjokedaboutHilton,whostands5feet,2 inchestall,climbingaladdertohangshingles

DallasFortWorthareaNaylormovedtotheareain2006,a yearafteropeningNaylorByTheWater.Beforethat,helived intheDallasareaandworkedasanaircraftmechanicfor AmericanAirlines,buttheterroristattacksofSept.11,2001, changedhisperspectiveonlifeAfterthat,hesaid,theeasier paceoflakelivingbecamemoreappealing.

bathrooms,andtwoofthemwillhavealoft.Sixtoeight peoplecanbeaccommodatedcomfortablyineachcabin, makingthemidealforweddingparties,familyreunionsand more Hiltonwilloverseethecabinsoncetheyopen,whileNaylor willtakecareofwatercraftrentalsandthestore Naylor also manages 12 apartments and a commercial building.Theapartmentsinitiallyweredesignedforworkersin theareawhoneededacomfortableplacetoliveata reasonableprice.

THEBREAKERSMARINA 5001CampDavidRoad Graham,TX76450 (940)5496470 (940)7819840

“Anythingyoumightneedontheboat”isthewayStreit describesthestore’sinventory

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AftertheMemorialDayweekend,avaryinglineupoffood truckswillbestationedatthemarinaonSaturdays The truckswillofferbarbecue,hamburgersandotherpopular fooditems.

TheBreakersMarinawillbethecenterofattentionJuly29 30whenithoststheannualHellonWaterPokerRun,but therewillbeplentytoseeanddobeforethen DarrenStreit,coownerofTheBreakersandBassHollow Lodge&Store,locatedjustamileaway,iseagertoshowoff thenewamenitiesandimprovementsAnewliquorstorewith wateraccess,calledLakesideLiquor,isnowopenadjacent totheconveniencestoreatBassHollow Theconvenience storeoffersbothregulargaspumpsandapumponthedock forboatsandotherwatercraft.

Streitandhispartnersboughtthetwobusinesseslastyear andhaveseenanuptickinbusinessVisitorstothelakeare enjoyingtheimprovementsmadeatthebusinesses

Itemscarriedinthestoreincludebeer,wine,fountaindrinks, groceries,boatanddockaccessories,fishingsupplies,T shirts,capsandmore.

BassHollowisopensevendaysaweek,andtheconvenience storesoonwillhavea24houricemachineAvarietyofslip sizesareavailabletorentatthemarina,whichalsohas24 hourfuelpumpsandashipstorethat’sopenonFridays, SaturdaysandSundays.

Forfolkslookingforaplacetostayatthelake,BassHollow Lodgeoffers10recentlyrenovatedcabinsandninehotel

BASSHOLLOWLODGE&STORE 4553FM1148 Graham,TX76450 (940)5490104 wwwbasshollowcom

Local Business News, continued

“It’llbesomethingdifferentallthetime,”Streitsaid.

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 7 3 rooms. The cabins have covered porches with outdoor seating,whichmakesthemperfectforviewingthepristine watersofPossumKingdomLake.Charcoalbarbecuegrillsare available,andthere’splentyofgrassyareasandasand volleyballcourt,too.BassHollowalsohasRVspacesfor nightlyrentals AbigtreatforvisitorsissetforJuly2,withtheannual fireworksshowatthemarina It’sahugecommunityevent, Streitsaid,withboatersenjoyingthesightsandsoundsall aroundthelake “It’sreallyimpressive,”Streitsaid“Wetrytomakeitalittle bettereachyear.” Local Business News, continued Pictured left from The Breakers: Luke Parmer and Cameron Streit. Pictured right: Allison Aylor, Amanda Boyle and Elizabeth Rose PossumKingdomMarine 1770FM2951 Graford,TX76449 (940)7792855 www.possumkingdommarine.com JustabouteverythinghaschangedattheformerSandy CreekMarina includinganewnameandfacility butthe mostimportantpartofthebusinessremainsthesame “We’rethesamepeople,”saidClintBurkett,who’sbeenthe generalmanagersincethestoreopenedin2000. Customerscanexpectthesameserviceandprofessionalism atthenewPossumKingdomMarinethattheyfoundattheold SandyCreekMarina Thenamechangecamewhenthe ownerssoldasistermarinaonHubbardCreekReservoirat BreckenridgeTheBreckenridgefacilitykepttheSandyCreek namebuthassincechangedit ThePossumKingdomstoreisn’tonthewater,whichmeansit isn’ttechnicallyamarina,Burkettsaid,soPossumKingdom Marinewasselected. Customershave areasontobeexcitedaboutthenew,

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Thebadnewsforcustomersisthatmanufacturersarestill backlogged.Watercraftinventoryislow,Burkettsaid,andthe onesthatareavailableforsalecostmorethantheydidon thedaytheywereordered.NoYamahaWaveRunnersare availablerightnow,Burkettsaid,addingthathehasplaced depositsforadozenunitsfromlastOctoberbutdoesn’tknow whentheorderswillbefilled

The15,000squarefootbuildingcandisplayseventoeight boatsinside,andanotherthreeareonviewunderalarge outdoorawningBesidesboatsales,PossumKingdomMarine offersparts,accessoriesanddrystorage

Soeventhoughinventoriesmaybelowerandpriceshigher thanwhathewants,Burkettsaidtheglisteningnewfacility, withitsspaciousshowroom,isbringingsmiles. “Weareveryhappyandthrilled,”hesaid.

Local Business News, continued New showroom at Possum Kingdom Marine Possum Kingdom Marine is ready to serve you.

largerfacility,whichisonthesamesiteastheoldonethat wasdestroyedbyfirelastyearTheblazecameontheheels oftheFebruary2021icestormthatcrippledmuchofthe stateandcausedmajordamageattheoldmarina

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 7 5

HerfirstdayonthejobwasSept 23,2021,justaweekawayfromPossum

Getting to know Staci Williams Executive Director, Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce

Fest,thechamber’sbiggestfundraiseroftheyear.

Story by Loretta Fulton Photo by Erika Carter

Staci Williams Executive Director Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce

story continues...

Williams proved the board of directors made the right choice when they hired her, and her predecessor in the post, Pam Wheat, was immediately impressed with her replacement Possum Fest is a major undertaking for the chamber each year, and lake residents always look forward to the event “Shejuststartedrightinonit,”Wheatsaid

WilliamssaidshewasgratefulthatWheatagreedtostayonforsixmonths tohelpherlearntheropes.Shenotedthatthejobhadbeenimportantto her predecessor, and Wheat wanted to make sure her replacement was well trained. “I think that shows how much she cares about this community,” Williams said

Rightoffthebat,StaciWilliamsshowedshehadwhatittakestosucceed asexecutivedirectorofthePossumKingdomChamberofCommerce

EARLY SUMMER 2022

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Wheat’s last day on the job was March 15, the same calendar day that she started working as an executive administrative assistant under executive director Gayla Chambers 16 years ago When Chambers retired in 2017, Wheat took over as executivedirector.

“Itwasagreatrun,”shesaid.“Itreallywas.”

She helped automate a new website, which made it easier for people to find information, and she noticed many new businesses especially entrepreneurial businesses spring up, too Once people are lured to the lake, they tend to stay, Wheat said, adding: “I think we ’ re going to see a lot of growth out here”

Wheat said she loved every minute of her job and plans to continuetovolunteerinthePossumKingdomcommunity.

WheatannouncedherplanstostepdownfromherpostinJuly 2021andwaspartofthehiringprocessforherreplacement

Wheat and her husband live in a house they built in Palo Pinto County, about 30 miles from the lake, and she said they are enjoyingtheRVlifeandhangingoutwiththeirgrandchildren.

couple is familiar with Possum Kingdom Lake, visiting often since 1994. A dream of theirs is to someday live at the lake, Williams said, adding: “Lake life is a little more laid back, and thepeopleherearejustamazing”

“Ihaveneverseensomanypeopleatthelake,”shesaid. Wheatsawalotofchangesatthechamberduringhertenure

Shesaideveryonewasamazedathowmanypeople regulars and newcomers showed up at the lake in late April 2020, a month into the pandemic. Being outdoors, especially on the lake away from crowds, seemed to be just what the doctor ordered,Wheatsaid.

Wheat was in charge of the chamber through fires, droughts and the COVID 19 pandemic, and she said the PK folks proved tobetoughthroughoutallofthosenotableevents.

Williams, an Austin native, previously worked as a compliance officer at First State Bank in Graham, where she had been employed for 13 years She graduated from Round Rock High SchoolandattendedTexasStateUniversityinSanMarcos,and she earned an associate of applied science degree in travel and hospitality from the International Aviation & Travel AcademyinArlington Williamsandherhusbandof28years,Matt,aretheparentsof threegrowndaughters.TheirfamilyhomeisinGraham,butthe

“We hope that everyone will still be excited to come out and watch,” Williams said “We’ve been told that it’s going to be bigger and betterthaneverthisyear”

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 7 7

From her vantage point, the future of Possum Kingdom Lake is bright, Williams said New people aren’t just looking at the lake, she said; they’re also making it their place to call home

Thecompanythatnormallyputson the show was unavailable on July 2, and the chambertriedtofindanothercompanyforthat date,butbecauseoftheterrain,themanpower neededandthesheerenormityoftheevent,no other business was available that could handle it.

“I hope that I can help promote our great businessesandhelpthecitizensinanywaythat Ican,”shesaid “Thisistrulymydreamjob” possumkingdomlake.com 362NFM2353 (940)7792424

A huge event for the chamber will take place Saturday, July 9: the annual Hell’s Gate

Fireworks Show, a major undertaking that takes lotsofhelp

One of her goals as executive director is to increasemembershipinvolvement.Thechamber conducts events at the lake and supports activities sponsored by businesses and organizations, and Williams said she hopes to see the familiar faces continue helping but she added that she wants new chamber memberstogetinvolved,too.

Many of them are buying existing businesses, too, or creating their own, and Williams encourages them to stop by the chamber for a visit.

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Snapshots of local PK Residents living their Kingdom Lake.

Local PK friends at The Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells celebrating Troy Welch's birthday Pictured left to right, starting from back row: John Kimberlin; Jeff Gossett; David Holley; Clay Springer; Tim Collier; Mark Vinson; Mark Anderson; Bryce Gentry. Front Row: Dustin Kirkland; Terri Gossett; Tammy Holley; Amy Springer; Connie Collier; Kevin Crooks; Cheney Hotchkiss; Pat Murchison; Holly Chandler; Barbara Vinson; Melissa Anderson

Photo submitted by Charles Caragey

best life in and around beautiful Possum

Say Cheese!

Will and Maggie Mooney doubles surfing on PK. Photo submitted by William Mooney

Photo submitted by Holly Chandler Bear Mooney in max relax mode on the swim platform Photo submitted by William Mooney

LuLu Reddin with a nice black crappie she caught off grandma's pole

Fun days at PK: Doug Macha surfing while his daughter, Sydney, was giving Aunt Melody a great big smile

Olivia enjoying spring break time with family.

Photo submitted by Melody Macha Blakelee Hutt, age 2, enjoying a beautiful day on the water and taking a boat ride from Gaines Bend to Hell's Gate

Photo submitted by Kim Nussbaum

Photo submitted by Rustin Goodgion

Hallie & Jolie Everson

Sweet 16 on the lake, May '22.

Chris Sisk dropping a line, enjoying the sunset at Golden Cove

Photo submitted by Jesse Swanson

Photo submitted by Holly Chandler She said yes! Alex Stauth and Katie Nussbaum are engaged! Even the giraffes are happy!

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 7 9

Photo submitted by Jenna Hutt

Troy and Sherry Welch enjoying Troy's Birthday Celebration at The Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells

Photo submitted by Linda Anderson Cousins Gage and Olivia headed out for a day on the lake Photo submitted by Rustin Goodgion

8 0 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 Never Miss An Issue Subscribe Today! PK Magazine will publish 4 issues in 2022. In order to make our mailing list for 2022, go to our website: pk magazine com 4 issues for $14 Complimentary copies also available around the lake. 100% Local Stories PK Magazine is produced by The UPS Store at PK Plaza 940 573 7170

Tony and Valerie bought their first place at PK in mid 90’s in Rock Creek Camp Later purchasing on Airport Rd in '03 Valerie says, “with the hot real estate market at PK, we sold thathomein2019andstartedtheirnewdreamandrecently completedconstructionontheirnewhomeinTheHillsAbove PK Valerie had spent a career in corporate America in the DFW area and felt they needed a change So, in 1999 they moved to Possum Kingdom Lake permanently. The job options were a little slim, so it was, “flip burgers or go into real estate”. Valerie joined Cabin Fever Realty and earned her license in 2002 This year marks the 20th year Valerie has been selling real estate out at PK. Tony Klapper joined his wife in the real estate business in 2017, after a career in sheet metal, and the dock building business to form The Klapper Team Valerie focuses on homes and Tony’s focus is onranch,undevelopedlandandofcourselakepropertiesas well It’s been a great partnership for the last five years In 2020 the Klapper’s son Cody joined the team and Valerie couldn’t be more proud of what Cody has done in such a shortperiodoftime.ThispastyearCody’swifeDaisygother license and has since joined The Klapper Team It really is a familybusinessforalltheKlappers.

2022 Marks Valerie Klapper's 20th year serving Possum Kingdom

I asked Valerie what has changed the most in her 20 years of selling real estate at PK. She said the prices! Never in her wildest dreams did she believe they would see $10million dollar homes on the market here at PK The market has changed significantly in the past twenty years and Valerie feels like she has seen it all! “Helping families purchase their dream vacation home or permanent residence as well as the numerous lifelong friends we have made along the way, truly is the most rewarding thing about this business. We are so blessed to share our success with our family and see them blossom in the same business”

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For Valerie, her 20 years of selling real estate at PK has always been about family. Valerie grew up in Arlington and her family owned a home on the peninsula from the early 60’stomid70’s Valerie’sfondestmemorieswerewakingup to the birds on the screened porch she shared with her 5 siblings at the 1 bedroom 1 bath cabin her dad built on Cedar Crest Circle. Valerie recalls the smell of the cedar treesandknewtheyweregettingclosetolakefrom30miles out.Valeriesays,“backthentheroadsweren’tsogreatand it was a much longer trip” Valerie has loved PK since her childhood When she married Tony in '79, she knew they would eventually purchase at PK to share those memories withtheirchildren

Valerie Klapper, (center front row) at home with family.

Story by Steve Nussbaum

Tim Ford tells the story of taking his son Teagan to the Graford gym before school started, all the way back when Teagan was in prekindergarten His son ’ s shot couldn’t yet reach the rim, so Teagan would spend the whole time practicinghisdribble

Graford Basketball story continued....

Tim Ford said he wanted his boys to play golf, but they both gravitated to basketball, and it was his fond memories from his time at Graford that made him want to give his sons that same experience. He said he loves the fact that basketball is thegluethatbringsthetowntogether

Tim Ford’s older son, Tanner, also was a star player at Grafordin2020.TannerFordwentontofeedhiscompetitive basketballspiritatTarletonStateinStephenville

Coach Jeff Bell thought the Jackrabbits were good even at the beginning of the season, but he wasn’t sure how things would play out “It takes great leaders, team chemistry and a little luck to win it all,” -Jeff Bell

“Teagan was able to control the tempo of the game and scored15pointsinthechampionshipgame,”TimFordsaid

8 2 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 about previous teams All the senior Lemley men were on successful teams, but it was the youngsters who took home the championship trophy this year Brian Lemley said it’s a combination of sibling and cousin rivalry that fuels the competitivespiritinthefamily.

The Graford Jackrabbits had a season for the ages, but it was a team built by generations of former players The winning culture at Graford has been handed down for generations, and it’s the bedrock for all the sports teams at the school The Jackrabbits pulled off a Hollywood type ending this year, and the entire Possum Kingdom Lake communityisproudoftheiraccomplishments

Tim and Teagan Ford are another father and son duo who havesharedintheGrafordbasketballtradition.TimFordwas an all state player for Graford in 1982, the year the Jackrabbits lost to Snook in the championship game. His son was the starting point guard for Graford this year and had oneofhisbestgamesoftheyearinthechampionshipgame.

Scenes from Bingo for Boobies A recent event hosted by Women Rock and their friends at PK The event exceeded goal by 30+% Women Rock, Inc is a 501 (c)3 organization led by a team of volunteers who provide education, support, mammogram ' s, rent/mortgage assistance, and more for women, men, and families affected by breast cancer. The event included an evening of bingo, silent and live auctions, Bite my Bisket Food Truck and live entertainment by Sean Eddy.

Sean Eddy, multi instrumental one man band

Pictured left to right: Cassie Sumpter, Madonna Cortez, Kellye Caldwell, Jan Powell, Julie Humphrey and Lori Boyd.

The PK Pirates were large contributors to the live auction Pictured to the left, from left to right: Leah "Skippa" Rogers, Chris "Chest Beard" Blashcke, and Captain Sam Ozier.

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g p g com |

Event volunteers

Pictured Above: Palo Pinto General Hospital were one of many table sponsors

s: Freeman and James Plowman, Carlos and Kim tters, Kelly Lee, Kara Wedow, Cathy Garrison, and oley

8 4 | PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022

The Annual Fore The Cause Golf Tournament presented by The Cliffs Marina, benefitting Folds of Honor, was held Saturday, March19thatTheCliffsGolfCourseatPossumKingdomLake. The event raised $17,000 for Folds of Honor The Cliffs Marina graciouslymatchedthatforatotalamountraisedof$34,000.

Presented by: Benefitting:

Firstplaceteam: BarrettClark,TomTennison,JasonHill,JohnTarpley Eachwon$500giftcardstoTheCliffs,totalof$2,000forFirst Place.

Secondplaceteam: NateCole,ToddRedwine,RyanHull,JustinLargent ThefourmanteamwonfourhoursonaFormulaCruiserat Hell'sGate

PK MAGAZINE | EARLY SUMMER 2022 | 8 5 Presented by: Benefitting: Thirdplaceteam: TheMarableTeam: Gaven,Riley,andRalph ThethreemanteameachwonaroundofgolfeachatThe Cliffs.

Michael DeLong won a round of golf for 2 people at The Cliffs Resort for CTP on Hole #15 Rustin Goodgion won a sleeve of golf balls for Longest Putt on Hole #7

Thankyouforsupport i n g

David Kniffen, Jr won a Kong Ice Chest for Longest Drive on Hole #18