Business Management Workshop Scheduled for August 30th in Goree

      Being in business is no easy task, just ask anyone who is self-employed. Managing cash flow, finding a skilled labor force, honest employees, and keeping everyone working is not as simple as you might think. So, how do people do it?  How do they keep their head above water and stay on-task day to day?

     The Knox County Visioning Group will be discussing this topic in their next Business Development Workshop. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be on hand to cover the topic of business management and best practices.  They can answer questions that all small or large businesses have from business planning to tips and tricks for managing your business more efficiently.

     The SBDC specializes in business planning for companies that employee one person or 1000. All their services are free of charge. They have offices located in Abilene and Lubbock.  They can help you design a simple budget or an elaborate business plan. For more information, check them out at http://www.ttusbdc.org/abilene/.

     This workshop is the fourth in a series hosted by the KCVG. It will be held August 30, 2011, in Goree at the Knox Prairie Events Center (cafeteria room), 820 W. Holly Street, from 6-7 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  Door prizes are given out at each meeting as well as attendance prizes at the end of the year for those who have been faithful attendees. The workshops are free to attend. They are intended for training businesses and individuals in best practices. For more information, call 940-459-4121. 

KCVG Meeting Thursday at Front Porch Quilts

Knox County Visioning Group

Thursday, August 18, 2011

4:00 p.m. Benjamin, Front Porch Quilts

Agenda

Program

Tour - We will meet at Front Porch Quilts in Benjamin. Pam Duke will give us a tour of her business and tell us about what they do. We will then convene our meeting in her back meeting room. 

Share the News - Time for each organization or company to give an update their upcoming events.

KCVG Upcoming Events

1. Business Development Workshops -  Business Management (August 30)
2. County-wide Brochure update
3. Cowboy Christmas Ball - December 16 - Update and Sponsor Forms
4. TMCN Annual Conference - October 19th - Abilene Civic Center
5. Discuss dates for KCVG 2012 Planning Meeting

Next KCVG meeting will be 

September 15th in Munday at Quality Implement.

Knox County Brochure in the Making

The Knox County Visioning Group has embarked on an exciting, new project: a county-wide brochure! This brochure will feature all of Knox County and its assets. The KCVG is projecting a fall debut for the brochure.  A participation form has been mailed to all businesses throughout the county.

“The KCVG has discussed the need for a brochure many times, but now we are making it a reality,” said Jimi Coplen, KCVG Director. The brochure will feature advertisements of businesses county-wide as well as historical attractions. A detailed county map will also be included as well as a list of accommodations and restaurants. 

The brochure will be distributed at Chambers of Commerce throughout the county as well as high traffic areas such as motels, restaurants and convenient stores. It will serve as a tool for anyone who needs a map or a list of services available in the county. “The maps are useful to industry throughout the county as well as visitors. This year, the Texas Forest Service utilized county maps to find various county roads during the fires. That is just one way it can be used,” said Ms. Coplen. 

All businesses in Knox County should have received notice of the brochure by mail. If you did not receive one, please call the KCVG office.  Sarah Reeves, KCVG summer intern is following up with local businesses by phone and email. “We don’t want to leave anyone out that wishes to participate,” said Coplen. The brochure will likely have a shelf life of two years.  

The deadline for advertisements has been extended to August 5. After that the KCVG will be working on the historical information as well as getting maps ready. Once all elements are complete, the brochure will be printed and distributed in the late fall. “It is a fantastic project that we are excited to see come to fruition,” said Coplen. For more information, call 940-459-4121. 

Check out These Great Events! Adventure Awaits!

For more information, check us out on at www.facebook.com/kcvg.catch.the.vision.

Bobby Boatright Music Camp - July 10-14

Interested in learning to play the guitar or fiddle? Then you won't want to miss the 11th Annual Bobby Boatright Music Camp slated for July 10-14, 2011 at the Knox Prairie Event's Center in Goree, Texas. Come and learn western swing from legends! Guitar and fiddle lessons will be taught by Glenn Mclaughlin, Ronny Dale Shultz, Jess Meadors and more. Cost to attend the camp is $425. There are 30 slots available at this time. Please contact us for an application. 


The camp is put on by J.W. Sollis Productions from Crowell, Texas. http://www.sollisproductions.com/


For more information and articles about past events, check out Bobby Boatright Music Camp on Facebook! Click on the Facebook link on the right side of this page. 

KCVG Monthly Meeting Recap

The KCVG met on Thursday, March 24^th at the Wichita Brazos Museum in Benjamin. Mary Jane Young told the group about the humble beginnings of the historical commission and museum being housed in the courthouse, and later opening this magnificent building in June 2009.

Emily Nelson, Director of the Knox City Chamber of Commerce handed out a 2011 calendar of events for the Knox City Chamber. She also reported on her chamber banquet that honored the energy businesses in Knox City. They had 160 people in attendance. She also reminded the group about the TxDOT meeting that was set for 6:30 pm that evening in Knox City to discuss the street and sidewalk project.

Mitzi Welch, Benjamin Chamber president reported that the Benjamin Chamber is seeking funding for a metal cowboy statue that will be placed on the corner of Hwy 82 and 6. Mr. Barrington out of Throckmorton will build this statue.

Jimi Coplen, KCVG Director discussed the upcoming Yes You Can! Program that will be starting soon. This program is done in conjunction with the AgriLife Extension Service. Lorrie Coop will be doing the classroom side of this soon with high school kids. The KCVG will use remaining grant funds to help pay students salaries to work in area businesses. There are fewer grant dollars this year, so the program will be smaller. We will be seeking out kids who need a job for the summer and employers who would like to hire them.

Ms. Coplen also reported the upcoming welding class that will start in April. Ads are running in both newspapers. The class is limited to 15 students and will cost $150 per student.

Ms. Coplen also discussed the April Business Development Workshop. The topic of this workshop will be Customer Service and Hospitality Training. It will be held in Munday at the Perry Patton Center on April 26^th from 6-7 p.m. People are encouraged to tell business owners and friends about the workshop, and the possibility of sending employees.

The first annual Knox County Adventure Days is slated for June 17-19. This will be a heritage tourism event, exposing people to what is available in their own backyard. The group is working on a photography scavenger hunt, an amazing race, a 5K race, a hiking trip, and more. A committee is being formed to hash out details of this event. Anyone wishing to help plan this event is encouraged to contact the KCVG.

The KCVG Summer Internship through Ogallala Commons deadline was extended to April 15^th. It was originally set for March 25^th. Juniors and seniors as well as college kids are welcome to apply. Applications can be found at high schools as well as the KCVG office in the courthouse in Benjamin.

The group discussed the upcoming Summer Music Camp. We are still awaiting details on a final date. The KCVG will be helping with this event. The Knox Prairie Events Center has added 8 showers and additional furniture to their dorm rooms and accommodations will be even better this year. Last year’s camp hosted around 15 students. We would like to get 50 people signed up this year. The registration fee covers room and board as well as instructor’s fees for four days of camp. No age limit or prior music experience is needed. More details to come.

Additional flyers were shared about upcoming events such as:

• ·      Texas Midwest Community Network Luncheon in Stamford on March 30^th from 11:30-1:15.
• ·      Texas Midwest Community Network meeting on How to Create a Local Leadership Training Program, March 31^st from 5-7 at the WCTCOG Board Room in Abilene.
• ·      Rain Water Harvesting Program on April 8 at 6pm at the Perry Patton in Munday.
• ·      A Texas Rural Leadership Program being offered through Cisco College. The class will be held once a month for 8 months. This class is open to anyone wishing to learn more about leadership. The price is $320 to attend.

The KCVC is made up of various entities, businesses and individuals from each city in the county.  Sponsors investing in this community include Knox County, the Munday Development Corporation, the Knox City Economic Development Corporation, the City of Munday, the City of Knox City, the City of Goree, Quality Implement, First National Bank, Citizen’s Bank, Knox County Hospital, Knox County Abstract, AEP and Circle Bar Ranch.  The KCVC meets monthly and is open to anyone wishing to get involved in community and economic development in Knox County.

Welding Course Begins Soon

Ever wish you knew a little bit more about welding? Now is your chance. The Knox County Visioning Group will be hosting a 40-hour welding course for anyone wanting to learn to weld. The course will be taught by Rick Moeller and will start in April.

The course will cost $150 per student and will consist of 10 classes at four hours each. Students will learn various beginning welding techniques. The course is limited to 15 students. You must be at least 15 years of age to take the course.

Employers are encouraged to send employees. This will help them be more versatile as well as learn a new skill that could potentially benefit your company.

To register for this class, please call the KCVG at 940-459-4121 or visit www.facebook.com/kcvg.catch.the.vision for more information. 

Ogallala Commons Partners with KCVG to Build Community Internships

Ogallala Commons (www.ogallalacommons.org), a nonprofit community resource network working in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, is working with the Knox County Visioning Group to create a community internship in 2011 for motivated youth and college students.  Through this program, summer interns have the opportunity to carry out projects that add value to their local communities and institutions, while interns gain skill development, paid work experience, and hometown career exploration opportunities.

Since 2007, Ogallala Commons has created 54 internships in 5 states that provided enterprising youth and adults with a paid work experience, plus hands-on learning about the wealth, potential, and challenges of their hometowns.  Community Internships build a diverse range of skills for interns in community development projects, leadership development, entrepreneurship, nonprofit outreach, agricultural careers, health care, renewable energy, social networking, and rebuilding local food systems.  In addition to workplace skills, these internships offer networking with other rural interns working in 6 adjoining states--opening doors to new learning opportunities after the internship, while providing good experiences for job searching and resume building.

Ogallala Commons Community Internships can range from four weeks to ten weeks during the summer, and are available for students ranging from juniors in high school to college and graduate students. In addition to specific projects and activities, interns supervised by Ogallala Commons are exposed to eight experiences essential to living in the Great Plains: rebuilding local food systems, conserving natural resources, learning and sharing local history, youth engagement and entrepreneurship, community development and nonprofit work, public speaking, fostering a sense of place, and designing a career path.

Ogallala Common's main funding partner for creating Community Internships is CHS Foundation, the major giving entity of CHS, an energy, grains and foods company with a stewardship focus of building vibrant communities.

For more information about the KCVG and Ogallala Commons Community Internship, contact Jimi Coplen at 940-459-4121.  Also visit http://www.ogallalacommons.org/communityinterns.html  to learn more about the program, or to read blogs and see photos of what interns have accomplished in past years.

The annual Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show is this Saturday. Don't miss it!

Work, Live and Thrive in Knox County

County-wide Job Fair

Are you an individual in search of a job?  Are you a business owner who is desperate to find some employees? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to come and check out the KCVC Job Fair on March 3, 2011, at the Munday Events Center (formally the Young Farmers Barn) from 6 – 9 p.m.

The Knox County Visioning Team is hosting the job fair to help businesses find qualified workforce in the area and help job seekers find employment.  The job fair environment helps match local businesses with the perfect applicant. It allows applicants the convenience of knowing what jobs exist throughout the county in one, convenient location. It also offers people information on education opportunities and training that is available to them. It's a win-win opportunity for everyone.   

The public is invited to attend free of charge. Even if you are not seeking employment, please stop by.  There will be agencies on hand like Workforce Solutions, Vernon College and TSTC to discuss training opportunities, education opportunities and more.  The Munday and Knox City Development Corporations will also be on hand to discuss various businesses opportunities that are needed in their communities.  The KCVG will also be taking applications for a summer internship.

Are you considering expanding your business? Are you opening a new business? Will you need seasonal employees? If your business is looking for employees for any reason then you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Businesses can set up a table, interview applicants and even hire right on the spot. Or, they can meet potential employees and set up a time to come back for an interview.  The cost to set up a table is $25. 

If you are looking for a job, simply show up March 3, 2011, at the Munday Events Center between the hours of 6 – 9 p.m.  Bringing a resume is not required, but it can be helpful when talking to businesses. Most businesses will have their own applications and are more interested in meeting you.  Remember, some may want to interview you on the spot, so dress accordingly. Also, if you aren’t looking for a job, but are curious about what kind of jobs are available in Knox County, come and take a look.  

The KCVC is made up of various entities, businesses and individuals from each city in the county.  Sponsors investing in this community include Knox County, the Munday Development Corporation, the Knox County Development Corporation, the City of Munday, the City of Knox City, the City of Goree, Quality Implement, First National Bank, Citizen’s Bank, Knox County Abstract, AEP and Circle Bar Ranch.  The KCVC meets monthly and is open to anyone wishing to get involved in community and economic development in Knox County.

Please contact the KCVC Director, Jimi Coplen at 940-459-4121 for more information. 

Find the KCVG at the San Antonio Stock Show

Will you be at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo this Saturday? If so, stop by the Texas Experience pavilion and see us. The Knox County Visioning Group will have some great give away items, plus you can see why we like to call it "Adventure County".  Check out the map below to see exactly how to find us.  We will only be there for one day - this Saturday, Feb. 19th, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Stop in and say hi!

Brine Lake

Imagine being able to salt water fish in Knox County!  This could be a reality if someone had a passion for starting a fishery at Brine Lake in Truscott, Texas.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Duke, who is the project manager at Brine Lake.  We discussed the potential this lake has for Knox County.  Due to the large salt content, oceanic fish could live here.  However, this endeavor would have to be started by an experienced individual with an entrepreneurial vision for this type of work.

There is also the option of solar ponds for producing electricity. And, I'm sure there are many other entrepreneurial type endeavors just waiting to be explored. We just need some creative folks to explore the possibilities. 

If you know someone who might be interested in starting a business like a fishery, please tell them about Brine Lake.   The Knox County Visioning Group can help them explore the options of getting started.  

This is just one way to live out your dream in Knox County!  If you are interested in starting any type of business here,  please talk to any member of the Knox County Visioning Group. We would love to help you get started. 

Taking Action in 2011

Welcome to 2011. It came fast and will leave just as quickly. That is why it is so important to plan your 2011 goals now. Don't wait.

Take five minutes and think about these things to get started:  Where would you like your business or organization to be this time next year? What projects would you like to mark off your list of things to do?  How will you get those things done?  Think about what steps or action you can implement to get there. Write it down, and try to see it through.  It doesn't have to be big and grand. The key is implementation.  How will you break it down into feasible steps?

If you need a little inspiration for goals, I would highly recommend subscribing to this web site:  http://smallbiztrends.com  It is full of great ideas for small businesses and organizations.  I literally can't stop reading it.  You won't regret it and might even find yourself stepping outside the box just a little.

Mark your calendars for January 20th for the next KCVG meeting in Goree at the bank building (Trainham Ice) at 3:30 p.m.  We will be discussing our 2011 Plan of Action which has some pretty cool stuff in it.  Also, January 24th for an Issues Identification meeting hosted by AgriLIFE Extension. This is your opportunity to discuss the issues you feel are prevalent to Knox County.  (More information coming soon!)

Hope to see you there.

Cowboy Christmas Ball

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Slip on your boots, grab your partner and get ready to dance (or just listen) to the legends of Western Swing!  The Knox Prairie Events Center in Goree Texas is hosting a Cowboy Christmas Ball on Dec. 17th at 8 p.m.

Come and enjoy an evening of Bob Wills music.  Listen to Leon Rausch, Tommy Allsup, Bobby Koefer, Jimmy Young, Steve Ham, Ginny Mac, Terry Thompson, Ronny Dale Shultz, George Uptmor, Wendell Sollis, and Ron Ellis. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from the City of Goree at 940-422-5306 or visit http://cityofgoree.blogspot.com/

Don't miss your opportunity to hear living legends.  Bring your friends for an early Christmas treat.  Tickets are going fast, so call today and get your tickets reserved. 

This is a spectacular event right in our own backyard. We hope you will support it!  The City of Goree has done a great job bringing you a fantastic event. If you want to see more things like this, show your support by sharing this information with all your friends on Facebook or Twitter. http://cityofgoree.blogspot.com/

"Under One Fence, Waggoner Ranch Legacy" Book Deputes in Truscott, Nov. 22

The public is invited to a book signing event for Wyman Meinzer on November 22, 2010, from 5-8 pm at the Circle Bar Ranch Lodge in Truscott, Texas.

Hosted by the Knox County Visioning Group and the Circle Bar Ranch, this event is a must see! Meet renowned wildlife photographer, Wyman Meinzer, and hear about his new book "Under One Fence, the Waggoner Ranch Legacy".

For more information, visit www.wymanmeinzer.com and www.thecirclebarranch.com or call Jimi Coplen at 806-254-2067.

KCVG Has Made it to Facebook

A quick search of Knox County Visioning Group and the click of the "like" button will keep you up to date on the happenings of the KCVG via facebook.  We hope you will "like" us and become a friend on Facebook so we can continue to communicate.  Thanks in advance! Oh, and share this news with your friends who use facebook! 

The MEC!

Yesterday I took a tour of the MEC in Munday, Texas.  Did you know that Munday had a place called the MEC? It is the Munday Events Center. It is a wonderful space (roughly 4700 square foot with central heat and air) for hosting events. Many of you may know it as the Young Farmers Barn, used for stock shows, etc.  And, they will continue to host stock shows....and much much more!

The walls of the barn have been insulated with a spray on insulation, then covered with a wood siding. The floors are concrete. Tables and chairs have been added. It still boasts a large concession stand area and plenty of parking outside.

 

The Knox County Visioning Committee will be hosting the 2010 Job Fair at the MEC on November 8th from 6-9 p.m. Businesses looking for employees need to get signed up.  The public will be invited to come and tool through the showcase of businesses who are looking for employees.  Applications and interviews can be done on the spot, or set up for a later date with individuals. It's a time to let people know you need an employee and make a match with a qualified applicant!

We will also have various agencies there to talk to businesses and potential employees about services they can offer them.  It's a great time for businesses to make a connection with the public and find employees.

For more information on the job fair, contact Jimi Coplen, KCVC Director at 940-459-4121 or jimiedc@srcaccess.net.  And, if you need to book the MEC for your event, call Mark Reed!

Have a great day!

Work, Live and Thrive in Knox County

Where did October come from? I don't mean literally, I mean how on earth did it get here so fast? The time-speed thing does not make me happy, but this cool weather is awesome. Now is the time to do all the things we put off because the weather was too hot!

The Knox County Visioning Team is doing just that! The board of directors met yesterday to take care of some business and plan the 201o Job Fair! The tentative date is Nov. 8th and location is still being determined. This will be an adult job fair. Anyone looking for employment, thinking of changing jobs, or just moving to the area, should attend the job fair. It will be free of charge to the public.

Area businesses looking for employees can set up a table with a representative from their organization. There will be a small set up fee of $25. Sponsorships will also be available.

Dynamic connections can be made and two problems can be solved in one place. Businesses can find good employees and local folks can find great jobs! So, be watching area newspapers and this blog for more information. For more information, email me at jimiedc@srcaccess.net.

Happy Fall!

Catch the Vision!

Welcome to The Scoop!

This is my first blog entry as the new Knox County Visioning Committee Director. With big shoes to fill, I hit the ground running last week, September 15, 2010.

It has been exciting to hear about the various programs that have taken place since the inception of the Visioning Committee. Truthfully, I've followed the group for the past few years. Believe it or not, the undertaking of a county-wide community development group is almost unheard of. But, as forerunners, Knox County is leading the way and has been a model for how to work together across the state of Texas.

The Visioning Committee met on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the Knox City Community Center. These meetings are held monthly. Representatives from each community come together to tell what is happening in their community as well as discuss ways to prosper the county as a whole. I recommend anyone interested in this county to carve out some time and come to a meeting. The next meeting will be October 21, 2010. Location to be determined.

The Visioning Team has some exciting projects on the horizon. First, they will partner with Lorrie Coop and the Texas Agrilife Extension Service to hold a forum in the near future. Citizens will be invited to come and discuss what they feel is needed in the community. This is an important time and perfect place to share your ideas for the community. This was done in 2004 and many of the issues presented have been accomplished.

The Visioning Committee will use the new information to gain insight on valuable projects for the future. The Extension Service will use it to do their plan of work for the county. The date has not been set, but we hope to accomplish it in early November.

Next, the Visioning Committee will continue to develop tourism materials...this time, in the way of an audio CD. Some visitors come to Knox County as part of a group tour, but many come as individuals and are not sure where to begin their "site seeing" tour. The committee is looking into ways to put together an audio CD of all the interesting places in the county. This CD will give the listener incredible history about the various locations. The travelers can take the scenic tour at their leisure, and feel like they have a personal tour guide riding in their vehicle. (If anyone in Knox County can help the committee get these CDs produced, please contact me.)

This is all I will tell you for now! Keep visiting The Scoop for more information, or come to one of our meetings. We look forward to seeing you! I personally look forward to meeting you and hearing your vast ideas for sustaining the community. Feel free to stop by my office in the courthouse at Benjamin.

A year already?

Dear KCVC friends,

Consider this your first installment in my new, and continuing, personalized just for you, Knox County travel, adventure and event guide. After all how sad will it be if the whole world discovers our wonderful real ranch country home before you do?

Whether you are interested in fabric, quilts, old fashioned nostalgia, great sales or just the punch and cake.... or even if you’re not into any of those, it is BIG news that one of our new businesses in the bustling metropolis of downtown Benjamin, population conservatively under 200, has its first anniversary next week!

Having a new business open in Benjamin was noteworthy, having it become a recognized stop for tour groups and individual travelers and adopted by our heritage tourism friends on the Real Ranch Country Travel Map, distributed by the Texas Historical Commission, Lubbock Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau is amazing!

The successful first year of Front Porch Quilts is a great stepping stone for all of Knox County as we build on our efforts to bring folks in to discover, and spend some time and money with us in our unique home place!

So, I'm passing along to all of you this invitation to join the ladies at Front Porch Quilts, in celebrating with cake and punch Saturday, April 3rd, any time between 10 am and 2 pm. If you've never been in the store, now’s a great time to see what all the tourists are so excited about! It’s easy to find, no GPS needed, just look for the old west store front on the South side of Hwy 82, east of the flashing light.

And, while you are in Benjamin, how many of you have never been to our wonderful museum, just across the road, had a fresh sandwich at BJ's (um the very best picnic fare anywhere!) or visited the unique and very successful Santa Fe on the Brazos where you can also see the work of our own Official State Photographer? Imagine, a day of tourism adventure right here in your own backyard! And just in case you use up that whole quarter tank of gas, 2 gas stations right here on the highway, so you can surely make it back home before sundown!

Now I don't want to overexcite you on your first foray around Knox County but if you're going North to get home any way, go ahead and make that 1 mile detour off Hwy 6 to see Truscott and the renovated, recreated, preserved, romantic heritage to be respectfully re-discovered there, view the old Bank and the Church turned Lodge, and if you still have a little adventurous spirit left in you follow the blacktop on out 5 or miles or so to the Truscott Brine Lake and see the salt, that's right I said salt, lake of Knox County. It's a naturally beautiful drive, with great improvements by the Corps of Engineers, that make it the ideal place to stretch your legs and picnic on that sandwich and cold drink from BJ's.

Going home by 82 East? Be sure to stop and see the National Historic and Natural Landmark, The Narrows and take in the fact that right here, where you live, are two phenomena. One is the fact that here is the continental divide of watersheds, one river sending water to the Mississippi and one to the Gulf of Mexico with just this narrow ledge of rough country between them, and two that every explorer, native culture and adventurer to the Southwest visited and noted this unique place, known for providing the best grass, the surest source of water, dependable hunting and winter shelter. Let your imagination soar, it’s better than any movie!

Alright, now that you are in the awe inspired frame of mind, take a southern turn on the FM Road to Rhineland and tour the Cathedral in the cotton field. The door is always open! And I'm personally putting up a $10 guarantee that you cannot visit and read the story of this place of worship hand built by German immigrant farmers and school boys persevering through World War, the Depression and the Dust Bowl, without a lump in your throat! I promise you'll leave with no excuses for not meeting your own goals! If you call ahead and get Dot Myers to come over and lead you through, it'll take a little longer, but you will experience one of the best stories in rural America.

Some of you will have to go South to get home and so will travel across Knox County's other National Historic Landmark the river bridge between Benjamin and Knox City. Stop and savor, it'll only take a minute. And you can tell your grandkids about it! This is one of only 3 known remaining bridges of this era and type in the United States. The one on Hwy 83 at Wellington, the only other still in use in Texas, is currently being torn down by TXDOT in the never ending development of 4 lane highways. This crossing of the Brazos has been featured in movies and books and is rumored to have been among the first places utilized for dancing to Bob Wills big band sound. That’s among the little known facts of Knox County, which you can learn by visiting the previously mentioned museum, much like the fact that Wills was, for a while, a Baptist preacher in Knox County, before rounding up the famous Playboys! Imagine! Oh and while your thinking about it, here's another fact, the bridge your standing on was the first one designed by an engineer of the Texas Highway Department, as it was called before becoming the mega giant agency Texas Department of Transportation.

If you are going home by a western trail, you surely already know that you are traveling everyday through true American history, the fabled real ranch country, made famous by dime novels, western movies and Remington paintings. About the only place left in the world where you can drive through miles and miles of God's scenery, Mama Cows, and native grass with only an occasional ranch entry, house off in the distance or occasional real working cowboy getting out of a pickup to interrupt the view. But, did you know you are living your life in the true setting made famous by the most widely read author in Europe, whose most famous work set a whole series of adventure novels, featuring an American Indian brave and his faithful sidekick the German adventurer turned cowboy, in the flats and breaks between present day Benjamin and Lubbock? This popular series also became the basis for the European version of early silent movies, then the first "talkies", western cowboy movies, and later a string of movies akin to our Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns and finally a spoof series much like Mel Brook's Blazing Saddles, even an opera based on the adventures of Ole Shatterhand? It's true read all about it on the internet! Just don't expect to read the books, unless you can read German, Dutch or French. They were never released in the US.

Well, I'm afraid that is all the adventure and shocking revelations about Knox County you can handle for one Saturday's tour time. But tune in next week and we'll talk about what you can see and do on a short day tour to Knox City, Munday, Goree or Vera this spring!

Meantime, don't forget the original message here, get on out of the house next Saturday and help celebrate the successful first year of Front Porch Quilts!

Until next time,

Your trusty tour guide,
Remelle