KCVG May Meeting a Success

      The KCVG met on May 17, 2012, in Benjamin at the courthouse for their monthly meeting.  It was a great time of brainstorming and sharing about different events that are taking place around Knox County. 

Chad Roberts, City Manager of Knox City, updated the group on the Knox City Community Center. They are hoping for a completion date of 2012. The Knox County Hospital District has torn down the old clinic building and is replacing it with a new clinic along with a pharmacy. The sidewalk project is coming along good. It will be completed in October. The intersection will be done in July. The downtown businesses on the west side are rocking the outside of their buildings. Knox City is looking for buildings to accommodate some new businesses: China Wok, and a new screen printing business. They also have a new donut shop open.

Jerry Coplen, the new Ag Agent for Knox County gave the group and update on 4H projects.

Bob Cude updated the group on Goree.

Kathy Rainwater, Benjamin Chamber of Commerce Representative,  told the group about the Benjamin Homecoming taking place the 2^nd weekend in June. They will be having a parade and are encouraging participants.

Dwayne Bearden, City Manager of Munday, updated everyone on the city-wide clean up taking place in Munday May 19. They will have roll off dumpsters at the MEC. He also told us about a new company, Outlaw Productions. They are hosting the dances in Munday. Munday is also participating in the 82/287 garage sale taking place June 2. Munday also has a local artist painting the building at the swimming pool. Jamie Lowrance will be the manager this summer.

Travis Floyd, Knox County Judge,  updated the group on the “Matter of Balance” workshops that he and Lorrie are involved in. He also reminded the group that the Double Mountain Coach is available to take residents to doctor’s appointments and shopping as needed. They are looking for a new board member from Knox County who serves the business community. They meet quarterly.  He also touched on the Good Earth Mechanics project happening at Brine Lake.  One owner met with Jimi at the courthouse this past week to discuss grants.

Lorrie Coop, Texas AgriLIFE Extension FCS Agent,  updated the group on her child safety – car seat workshop. They gave out 32 car seats and did several seat checkups.

The group discussed good topics for upcoming Business Development Workshops. No-till Farming Practices was agreed on for our Farming topic. Other good topic ideas included how weed killer affects the ground water, blogging and having a website.

Jimi Coplen, KCVG Director upated the group on the upcoming music camp that will take place July 8-12 in Goree.  She also informed the group that June 23^rd is the Truscott Street dance.

The group also discussed how to proceed with the Farmer’s Market idea that was put into the 2012 plan of work. Everyone agreed this year would be a good time to focus on educating the public on how to make their garden’s profitable. We will host a series of workshops or a one-day symposium to address different gardening topics.

Youth Engagement – The group agreed a “Career Day” for next August/September would be a great event. It could be hosted on the Goree campus and we could invite neighboring counties to come and hear speakers and discuss career options with kids. We also want to include certification programs for wind and solar. We will also add plumbing and HVAC as these will be needed in Knox County.