May Meeting from Tammie

KCVG, Knox County Visioning Group, met in a regular meeting on May 1, 2008 in Truscott at their ‘new’ Community Center at 6:00 p.m. Those present were made welcome and introductions were in order due to the fact that there were and are, inevitably, new faces at every meeting. After enjoying a wonderful meal, the meeting was called to order by Judge Floyd.

1. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• First on the agenda were committee reports. Dwayne Bearden chairs a committee devoted to training and education. He reported that two CNA classes, EMT training and welding classes had been provided by the KCVG. Other subjects discussed for the future were heating and a/c, plumbing, carpentry, food handler licensing and GED classes. And finally, it was mentioned the economical benefit of Double Mountain Coach for a transportation option in a time when fuel is skyrocketing.
  
• Barbara Rector chairs another committee which focuses on retaining businesses in our county and helping them in any way possible. It was reported that the business surveys are being returned and will be beneficial in assessing the needs of our businesses. Preliminary assessments discussed include: computer skills, accounting skills and banking. It was noted that the local grocery stores were seeing a positive impact in regards to high fuel prices. Folks were more willing to shop at home.

2. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: THE SCOOP, by Remelle Farrar

• Youth Engagement Day: YEDay is scheduled for May 13th (8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) at Knox City ISD with students from Benjamin, Crowell, Knox City/Obrien, Munday/Goree and Seymour to attend. The purpose of YEDay is to instill pride, sense of place and history in our youth, to engage their opinions and place them in leadership and finally to emphasize that they have the tools, education and cultural advantages to accomplish their limitless career dreams. Those at the meeting were challenged to donate their time for registration, guide, etc.
  
• Tourism Symposium: The symposium (June 26th-28th) was discussed. The challenge of lodging guests in our county during this event was mentioned. One of the goals of the symposium will be to identify our strengths in regards to tourism and then develop means of showcasing those strengths. Remelle suggested the development of a Tour Committee which would be primarily responsible for setting up and conducting a tour of our county to the places of interest that may be possible drawing cards. She also suggested that a Coordination Committee be constructed to deal with the logistics of the event.
• Ag Diversification: Ag Diversification Day slated for July 31st
  
• Housing: The subject of housing will be discussed further at the next meeting. “Practical Solutions to Housing Challenges” will be presented by Joe Franco of the Texas Rural Development Association.
  
• Regional Youth Summer Health Camps: Remelle emphasized that anyone who knew of students interested in pursuing careers in the health industry or the pharmaceutical field needs to share camp information with those students. Scholarships are available.

For more detailed information about the above topics and more search: http://www.thescoopofknoxprairie.blogspot.com/

3. OPEN DISCUSSION:

Durwood Thigpen invited everyone to attend the 1st Ranch Rodeo in Munday.

4. NEXT MEETING:

Scheduled for June 5th in Benjamin at 5:30 p.m.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Upon leaving the meeting, everyone was invited by Jerry Bob Daniel to tour the points of interest in Truscott. The group walked to the former Baptist church which is being renovated into a hunting lodge with five rooms located in the basement. Then, the next place on the tour was the completely renovated bank building which serves as an office space on the first floor and lodging on the second floor. The history was so interesting and anyone would enjoy spending more time in this corner of the prairie.

A BIG THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY OF TRUSCOTT FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN YOUR NORTHERN NECK OF KNOX PRAIRIE, TO JERRY BOB FOR THE NICE TOUR AND HIS ROLE IN MAKING OUR PRAIRIE STAND OUT ABOVE THE REST AND FINALLY THANK YOU TINA FOR THE WONDERFUL MEAL!