Visit Junction & Kimble County

TO VISIT JUNCTION

TPhe JuncTion eagle K c s 1882 ublished in

imble

ounTy

ince

Same location for 44 years.

Junction Automotive supply A complete source of automotive parts, supplies...

State Inspection Station • AND •

The friendly staff at Junction Automotive, Kari Gass, Jessie Rae Cantrell, Ricky Alvarado and Connie Stapp, invite y’all to come in and check out all they have in stock.

Oxygen & Acetylene for all your welding needs!

815 mAin • Junction, tX. 76849 • (325) 446-2501

T he S chulze

family welcomeS you To

K imble P roceSSing WILD AND EXOTIC GAME PROCESSING! SPECIALTY PROCESSING SUMMER SAUSAGE SMOKED SAUSAGE JERKY BACON BURGER

CHORIZO SNACK STICKS BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

WE ALSO CARRY RIBEYES!

Best Steaks in Town!

GIVE US A CALL FOR ALL YOUR PROCESSING NEEDS

325-446-2826 830-459-7286 ASK ABOUT OUR MILITARY DISCOUNT

1502 MAIN ST. • P.O. BOX 42 • JUNCTION

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C ON T E N T S LETTER FROM THE KIMBLE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Pg. 5

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Pg. 7

SPRING SUMMER AN “OUTLAW” IN OUTLAW COUNTRY

Pgs. 9-12 Pgs. 14-18 Pg. 20

FALL

Pgs. 22-24

WINTER

Pgs. 26-27

MAP

Pgs. 28-29

TOURING JUNCTION AND K.C.

Pgs. 30-36

ANY SEASON

Pgs. 37-48

EXCITING EVENTS IN JUNCTION A RIVER WORTH SAVING CHURCHES, CLUBS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Pg. 42 Pgs. 50-51 Pg. 54

TO VISIT JUNCTION COV ER P HO T O BY

S H A D MCIN T OSH

M ESS AG E Welcome visitors!....to one of the most beautiful areas in the great state of Texas! I know, I know.....everybody says it.

I encourage you to come see for yourselves. With miles of running water for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and camping under the dark, star-filled skies....adventurers to Kimble County find that their experiences in “The Land of Living Waters” far exceed expectations.

To those of you interested in escaping fast-paced urban life, you’ll find that your time here can be as tranquil and restorative as you want it to be. Still, throughout the spring and summer months, there are fun activities, with a casual country flavor, for you to explore and enjoy. Think rodeos, parades, cool, smooth water, fat fish!

And, if it’s hunting you’re interested in, this is the place to be! There’s some venison waiting for you in Kimble County.

In this guide, we’ve provided a sampling of the resources and activities available during your visit here. We’ve also included a bit of the interesting history specific to this region.

I thank the staff of The Junction Eagle for the extra time and hard work required to prepare this guide. Ashley Lundy took the lead in putting together this “Visitor’s Guide”, a major project in addition to her regular responsibilities at the paper, and I think she did an excellent job. Apparently, I’m not the only one. The Texas Press Association recently selected last year’s guide, which Ashley was also the driving force for getting published, first place (Weekly, Division II) in the “Special Sections” category for our 2019 Spring Visitor’s Guide.

As always, I appreciate the knowledge, research, and generosity of Frederica Burt Wyatt, our county historian....a treasure-trove of all things Kimble. Also included is an editorial piece by Austin Price – A river worth saving: Who will protect the unheralded Llano?

Take special notice of the outstanding photographs throughout the Guide including our striking cover photo taken by Shad McIntosh. We asked for photos to highlight the beauty and activities of Kimble County. We were wowed at the gorgeous photos we received. Thank you for sharing!

Please shop with our advertisers. The businesses who have advertised in this guide are prepared to help you find whatever you need. They appreciate your business and will go out of their way to make sure you are well served, with typical Texas Hill Country hospitality.

Thank you for choosing to visit us. We’ll look forward to seeing you again, because visitors to Kimble County tend to return... and return again... and then, often, they decide to stay!

DEBBI E COOPER K I S T LE R , PUBL I SH E R

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A DV E RTI SI N G I NDEX

Affordable Air & Heat ..................

Allison Well Service ......................

Best Western Plus Dos Rios .......

Bierschwale Land Co. ...................

Bon Ton Roulet Cabins ................

Bushong Land Surveying ..............

Buster’s Laundry ............................

Capital Farm Credit ......................

CarQuest ........................................

City Sweets and Eats ....................

Cool River Cabin ..........................

Cooper’s Bar-B-Q .........................

Cowboy Cottage ...........................

Cravey Construction ....................

Devil’s Sinkhole Natural Area .....

Econolodge .....................................

Elite Automotive ............................

Exciting Events ...............................

First State Bank .............................

Gipson Construction ...................

Harames Ironworks ......................

Harames Paint and Body .............

HCFA Summer Classic Rodeo ...

Heap Law Office ............................

Hill Country Artisans ...................

43 55 44 49 19 33 43 55 25 17 19 17 31 33 19 19 25 42 56 33 25 25 47 13 31

Holiday Inn Express ............................

Honey Bean Coffee & Tea Co. ..........

Isaack’s Restaurant ..............................

Jazzy Cowgirl ........................................

Johnson’s Pest Control .......................

Junction Automotive/NAPA ..............

Junction Burger Co. ............................

Junction Deer Processing ..................

Junction Eagle........................................

Junction Fuels .......................................

Junction National Bank ......................

Junction Police Department ..............

Junction Warehouse ............................

Kevin Wall Dirt Work .........................

Kimble County Farm Bureau ............

Kimble Hospital ...................................

Kimble Processing ...............................

Korner Store ........................................

Legends Inn / America’s Best Value ..

Lowe’s Grocery and Market .............

Lyssy & Eckel Feeds ............................

Molesworth Cedar Shearing .............

Paddler’s Porch ....................................

R.D. Kothmann Real Estate ...............

44 7 52 31 43 2 7 23 5 25 43 13 23 33 43 13 3 8 19 6 38 33 8 49

Rhino Linings of Kerrville ...................

Robinson Plumbing ..............................

Rodeway Inn of Junction ....................

Rowe’s Chevron....................................

Roy’s Garage .........................................

Sheriff Hilario Cantu ...........................

Simon Bros. Mercantile .......................

Simon Bros. Cafe ..................................

Simply Generations .............................

Sonic Drive In .......................................

South Llano Farm .................................

Spring Branch Trading Post ................

Spurs Liquor ..........................................

Star Stop Food Mart 17 .....................

Star Stop Food Mart 18 .....................

Subway ...................................................

Surety Title ............................................

Texas Tech University-Jct ....................

Tony B Kayaks .......................................

Trey Sullivan Real Estate ....................

U.S. Border Patrol ................................

West Bear Creek General Store ......

West Central Towing and Recovery Whitetail Junction ................................

25 23 44 8 25 13 38 38 31 17 23 53 8 17 53 17 49 7 8 49 13 31 25 21

The Junction Eagle Established 1882

2019

215 North 6th Street • Junction, Texas 76849 325-446-2610 • Published each Wednesday

MEMBER OF THE

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

L E TTER FRO M THE K.C. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 is going to be a year of growth and

Rich Mann

change and we at the Chamber are excited to introduce our new Executive Director Lisa Herring.

Lisa is a life-long resident of Junction and is excited to return after having been gone for almost ten years. One of Herring’s first goals is to launch the “Executive Director Out on the Town” initiative where she will be visiting Chamber members, non-members and local organizations, to gain insight into how the Chamber can evolve to better meet our community’s business and tourism needs. She is looking forward to meeting a lot of you in that capacity and learning more about how

the Chamber can benefit your different businesses, grow community partnerships and advance collaboration for the betterment of our beloved community.

The Chamber looks forward to the energy and drive that Lisa brings to this position. Her passion for the advancement and success of Tourism and our local business community will serve her well as she looks to be a valuable partner to all the members and organizations partnering with the Chamber. The Board of Directors would like to officially introduce our great community to the next leader of our organization.

Kimble County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Steve Brown, President Alton Davis Jessica Gardner, Vice President Kelli Harames Andrew Heap Megan Holland Ford Johnston Holly Pope Hal Rose

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Welcome Visitors and Newcomers GROCERY & MARKET

We have everything you need to make your camping trip fun and

STOP BY FOR ALL YOUR CAMPING, BBQ AND RIVER NEEDS! You’ll find everything you need under one roof!

• Swimsuits • Sandals & Water Shoes • Hats • Outdoor Clothes & Cover-ups • Sunscreen • Tubes and Water Toys • Child’s Floaties • Life Jackets • Fishing Gear • Bait • Proctor Silex products

• Outdoor Dutch Oven • Cooking Utensils • BBQ Necessities • Propane Cylinders • Charcoal • Lighter Fluid • USDA Select Beef • Tents • Camping Gear

1102 Main St. • Junction • 325-446-2650 • Monday - Sunday

• Sleeping Bags • Air Mattresses • Beef Jerky • Beer, Wine & Ice • Deer Feeders • Batteries • Flashlights • Dried Sausage • Camouflage Gear • Film & Cameras • Ammo

7 A.M. - 10 P.M.

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MESSAGE F ROM TH E

MAYO R

WELCOME TO KIMBLE COUNTY! For whatever your reason for visiting, we welcome you. If this is your first time or your twentieth time, we welcome you. We know why you are here: the same things that keep us here.

The reasons why so many like you come to Kimble County are numerous, but I’d bet it is relat-

ed to: great people, the land, or the water. As for myself, this was my grandparent’s home. Visiting here each summer, I enjoyed swimming in the lake, fly fishing every day for bait, setting trot-lines each evening, varmint hunting whenever I could, feeding steers, riding mini-bikes and “harvesting” (picking up and eating a few) pecans.

In each of these three things (people, land and water), we have been truly blessed, and we gladly share our bounty with you!

This year has been a bit dry in the rainfall department, but your enjoyment of this great country will not be disappointing. The rivers and streams are running quite well with clear cool water as usual, and my scouts tell

Junction’s premiere burger joint!

Follow us on Facebook

for Daily Lunch Specials and Burger of the Month!

446-2695

1619 Main

me there are more deer, turkey (and yes, hogs) than ever before.

We are so excited about what is planned this year. We have quite a few events scheduled so be sure and check out the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street for flyers and keep this Visitor’s Guide handy, read The Junction Eagle and watch for notices on its Facebook page and website, and check out our new Junction Tourism and Economic Development websites. They are great!

We know you love this area nearly as much as we do, so why don’t you “bring a friend” with you the next time you head this way.

- Russell Hammonds

The Honey Bean Coffee and Tea Co. 1502 Main St., Junction, TX 325-215-1626 Open Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m .

Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Follow us on Instagram @ TheHoneyBean or Facebook for daily pastry menus!

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Outdoor Learning Center HOME OF THE JUNCTION BOYS

P.O. Box 186 • 256 Red Raider Lane • Junction, TX 76849

S.T.E.M IN NATURE AT JUNCTION

www.junction.ttu.edu

(325) 446-2301

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RENT YOur Kayaks & Canoes

TONY B KAYAKS

tfitt u O r

ive

te R e l p m

Co

ers

here!

830-609-8836 • 830-609-8329 325-446-3360

315 US Hwy. 377 South Patio Bar and Grill & GENE’S GO TRUCK STOP

Clean Bathrooms • Open 24-Hours Corner of Interstate 10 and Hwy. 83 Junction, TX • 446-3102

WELCOME VISITORS!

LIQUOR

Check out our Facebook page for specials and special events at Paddler’s Porch.

126 Flatrock Lane Junction, TX 76849

325-446-2829 PaddlersPorch.net

Coldest Beer in Town!

Good Food - Cold Beer

Great Times!

Call for Bar & Grill, and River Shuttle Hours.

Korner Store DRIVE THRU

WELCOME VISITORS & NEWCOMERS! HUGE Selection of Liquor, Beer & Wine Ice • Gifts & Novelty Items

WE HAVE A DRIVE THRU!

TUBE RENTALS FISHING GEAR• WORMS BEER • ICE • SNACKS FOUNTAIN DRINKS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SETH & LYNDSAY BARCLAY - OWNERS

2323 N. Main Street Junction, TX • 325-446-4200

601 S. LLANO • JUNCTION, TX 76849 • 325-446-8823

MON. - WED.: 8 A.M. - 9 P.M. | THURS. - SAT. 8 A.M. - 10 P.M. | SUN. 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.

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The “Land of Living Waters”, Kimble County, boasts three rivers — the North Llano, the South Llano and the main Llano — numerous creeks and dozens of streams, and is many a fisherman’s favorite playground.

Though fishing is great all year round, one of the most popular times of the year to fish the Llanos is in the Spring. The weather is mild, and the fish are biting!

A variety of fish are available for the catching, including the largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, perch, channel catfish, and the much sought-after monster yellow catfish.

Whether you are a serious angler outfitted with all the latest gear, or just want to doze and drown some bait, there is a special place for you on the

waterways in Kimble County.

Visitors can fish while kayaking the rivers or stay on the banks and cast a line. Anglers can gain access to the rivers at several county road crossings and at the South Llano State Park.

Anglers can then float between public crossings.

Recently there have been two public access points added.

South Llano at County Road 150: A kayak/canoe launch and a quarter-mile of bank fishing access on the South Llano River upstream of Junction at the County Road 150 bridge crossing.

Main stem Llano at Pete’s Pecan Patch: A kayak/canoe launch, 800 feet of bank fishing access and day-use picnicking areas, surrounded by a historic pecan orchard near Junction at 325

FISHING LICENSES CAN BE PURCHASED AT Lowe’s Grocery West Bear Creek Hill Country Sporting Goods

Kimble County Road 3121.

A map, area descriptions and special conditions on public use for each site can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website.

The biggest rivers, the South Llano and the main Llano, provide a variety of fishing situations. As you drift downriver, you will encounter alternating tranquil pools and stretches of small rapids.

Visit the www.tpwd.state.tx.us for rules and regulations.

SPRING

SPRINGTIME FISHING ON THE RIVER

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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2nd Weekend in March Hunting and trapping enthusiasts don’t want to miss Junction’s Predator Calling Contests, plus the Washer Pitching Contest. Held annually, usually the second full weekend in March, the Predator Calling Contest draws folks from all over the state who are ready to win big prizes and help to limit predator population depredations. The contest is held at the Coke Stevenson Center on Highway 83 in Junction. Registration takes place the Saturday morning of the event. Teams spend the rest of

the day and through the night trying to hunt and trap the largest or the most mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, red and grey foxes and raccoons. Weigh-ins usually take place at noon on Sunday, the following day. The 2021 event takes place on March 13-14.

If predator calling is not your thing, there is a washer pitching contest that takes place that weekend as well at the Coke Stevenson Center.

70TH ANNUAL EASTER PAGEANT April 11, 2020 The annual Easter Pageant is presented each year on the outskirts of Junction and is performed under the stars at the amphitheater below Lover’s Leap on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. In 2020, it will begin at dark on Saturday, April 11.

More than 70 volunteer actors of all ages, wearing brightly colored costumes, will portray the narrated story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The cast and crew are comprised of people from all facets of the Junction community. These individuals dedicate countless hours to keeping this local tradition alive.

The Boy Scouts assist with parking and distributing programs the night of the Pageant. Though some folks enjoy the tailgating style of viewing the pageant and listen to the message over the sound system, others can view it from inside of their vehicles and tune into the local radio station for the broadcast. Actors are not identified, preferring to keep the focus on the Biblical characters, and for the purpose of bringing renewed faith to the audience.

OUTDOOR WOMEN GONE WILD April 18, 2020

IF… archery, kayaking, orienteering, trailer backing, self defense, fly fishing/fly tying, tomahawk throwing, kayaking, atlatl spear throwing, dutch oven cooking, decorating walking sticks, beekeeping, basic didgeridoo, basic rock wall climbing, straw bale gardening, washer pitching and cornhole toss are on your “bucket list”…AND...you are a female…then “Outdoor Women Gone WILD in Kimble County” is absolutely for you... and your mom, daughter and girlfriends.

Held annually on the 3rd Saturday in April, ladies learn, laugh, and develop a new appreciation for the out-of-doors, and make some new friends in the process! Good-natured fun is encouraged, as participants try their hands at new-fangled sports and crafts! This year, the event is on April 18, 2020.

For more information on this wonderful event in Junction and Kimble County, call the Chamber @ 325-446-3190.

Torri Collins- Ehrlich

SPRING

JUNCTION’S PREDATOR CALLING CONTEST

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April 25, 2020 Texas’s 11th-largest spring with many cascading water spouts

Junction A&M Club

Kimble County’s beautiful, unspoiled rivers are a major draw for visitors to the Junction area. The ever-flowing South Llano River is a clear, vibrant river with aquatic flora and fauna that “junctions” with the North Llano River to form the main Llano River. The Llano later joins the Colorado River, which then winds its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

A series of aquifers give birth to the S. Llano in places like the incredible 700 Springs. There, springs gush forth from between craggy rocks, releasing millions of gallons of spring water, enough water to keep the river flowing at a steady pace year around, even during periods of severe drought.

700 Springs is located on a privately-owned ranch but is opened to the public once a year, due to the generosity of the land owner.

This year’s gathering will be held on April 25. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for meeting location and time. Bring a picnic lunch to eat on the bank, and listen to the spoken history of this natural wonder.

ANNUAL JUNCTION A&M GOLF TOURNAMENT April 25, 2020 On April 25, the Junction A&M Club will host its 13th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament and Silent Auction. This tournament is hosted annually at the Junction Golf Course in the month of April. It continues to be growing success. It is the goal of the Junction A&M Club to aid any Junction high school student who desires to attend Texas A&M University and become a part of the Aggie Network.

The Junction A&M Club began actively fundraising in 2008.

Its fundraising efforts have allowed the Club to endow two permanent scholarships through the Texas A&M Foundation. The first is called the Junction A&M Club Endowed Scholarship. The second is entitled the Junction A&M Club Endowed Scholarship in Honor of the 1954 Junction Boys. The Club continues to add funds to these endowments which increases the Club’s giving capability. Club members are committed to raising scholarship money so that any student from Junction who aspires to attend Texas A&M University will have the resources available to them.

Keep up with the Junction A&M Club on Facebook at www. facebook.com/JunctionAgs. Gig’em Aggies!

BLUEBONNET CASA CRAWFISH BOIL May 9, 2020 Party on the beautiful Granite Ranch! Bluebonnet CASA will host its annual Crawfish Boil on May 9, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The annual event is held the second Saturday in May. It is a huge party, and you’re invited! A ticket purchase of $30 (which supports CASA’s mission of advocating for abused children)

includes a delicious authentic Cajun crawfish boil, hamburgers and roasted pig. The event also includes live music and a silent auction. This year, Wagon Aces Band will be performing. 100% of the proceeds are used to serve the children of Bluebonnet CASA.

SPRING

7OO SPRINGS DAY TRIP

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Throughout the year, Kimble County boasts several hundred different species of birds. Whether you are an experienced birder or an admirer of nature, you will likely notice the variety of beautiful winged creatures.

The area’s rivers and numerous streams, as well as its geological and biological diversity, make Kimble County and Junction an excellent area

for bird-watching.

Locations are now listed on the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail West on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Among the favored spots on the Trail’s Llano Loop are the Junction wastewater treatment ponds, the Schreiner Park, Texas Tech University at Junction (with advanced permission), the South Llano River State

Park and the adjoining Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area.

Just five miles southwest of Junction off Highway 377, the state park offers several high quality wildlife observation blinds. The maintained river habitat and feeding schedules assure that visitors don’t have to be seasoned birders to spot and enjoy the array of birds inhabiting the area.

KIMBLE CO. BIRDS

South Llano River State Park and TTU Junction Llano River Field Station to hold Third Annual Birding Festival Submitted by South Llano River State Park The South Llano River State Park will host the Third Annual South Llano River Birding Festival, sponsored by the TTU Junction Llano River Field Station and the Friends of the South Llano River State Park. The Festival will be held Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26.

The Festival will feature last year’s popular events: the Golden-cheeked Warbler Walks, Birding the Riparian, Birding Around Town, and Birding Golf Cart Tours of the Llano River Field Station. The “Great Texas Birding Classic Big Sit!” will again be held on Sunday morning, with all participants welcome.

More than 250 species of birds have been observed at the Park, including sought-after species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler, a federally designated endangered bird, and the Black-capped Vireo, which was recently delisted as an endangered species. Both birds nest in the park.

During the Festival, guided walks will offer participants a chance to spot new bird species for their lists. Ample “free time” between walks, tours, and presentations will provide visitors a chance to enjoy the Park’s popular bird blinds, each meticulously cared for by Park staff and volunteers.

Holding this Festival in the Park and the City of Junction highlights the area’s biodiversity. Birding along the South Llano River is top notch and has been attracting visitors from all over the world.

For more information about this event and how to register, please see the Festival’s registration link at https://indico.ads.ttu.edu/confRegistrationFormDisplay.py/display?confId=1414

Michael West

SPRING

B IR D S A-PLENTY

Eared Grebe (winter) Pied-billed Grebe (winter) Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Cattle Egret Green Heron Wood Duck Green-winged Teal (winter) Blue-winged Teal (migrant) Northern Shoveler (winter) Gadwall (winter) American Wigeon (winter) Ring-necked Duck (winter) Lesser Scaup (winter) Ruddy Duck (migrant) Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel (winter) Wild Turkey Northern Bobwhite Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper Various “peep” sandpipers (migrant) Rock Dove White-winged Dove Mourning Dove Inca Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Greater Roadrunner Great Horned Owl Common Nighthawk Common Poorwill Chuck-will’s-widow Chimney Swift Black-chinned Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Green Kingfisher Ringed Kingfisher Golden-fronted Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker (occasional) Northern Flicker (winter) Eastern Wood-Pewee Vermilion Flycatcher Ash-throated Flycatcher Great Crested Flycatcher Western Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike (winter) White-eyed Vireo Bell’s Vireo Black-capped Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay Scrub Jay Common Raven Purple Martin

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Cliff Swallow Cave Swallow Barn Swallow Carolina Chickadee Black-crested Titmouse Verdin Bushtit Cactus Wren Canyon Wren Rock Wren Carolina Wren Bewick’s Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet (winter) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling Cedar Waxwing (winter) Yellow-rumped Warbler (winter) Black-and-White Warbler Wilson’s Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Summer Tanager Rufous-crowned Sparrow Cassin’s Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow (migrant) Field Sparrow Lark Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Savannah Sparrow (migrant) Song Sparrow (winter) Lincoln’s Sparrow (winter) White-crowned Sparrow (winter) Dark-eyed Junco (winter) Northern Cardinal Pyrrhuloxia Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Painted Bunting Rufous-sided Towhee Canyon Towhee Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark (winter) Yellow-headed Blackbird (migrant) Great-tailed Grackle Common Grackle Bronzed Cowbird Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole Scott’s Oriole House Finch Pine Siskin (winter) Lesser Goldfinch House Sparrow

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KIMBLE HOSPITAL WELCOMES YOU TO JUNCTION We hope you stay safe while you are here!

Should you need medical care, our five local medical providers are here to help!

Level IV Trauma Center Open 24 Hours

Emergency Medicine Specialists Available Through Telemedicine

Andrew J. Heap Heap Law Office, P.L.L.C. Attorney at Law

heaplawoffice@gmail.com Post Office Box 321 131 N. 6th Street Junction, TX 76849

Phone: (325) 446-2323 Fax: (325) 446-2468

349 Reid Road Junction, TX 76849

325-446-3321

Welcome Hunters and Visitors

THE JUNCTION POLICE DEPARTMENT HOPES YOU HAVE A SAFE TRIP AND A ENJOYABLE TIME IN JUNCTION!

sheriff hilario cantu and

Jail administrator Jack Noah

dispatchers

James DeLeoN Jacob chiLDress seth barcLay PrestoN mcDoNaLD

Jailer

Jerry WaLLace

deputies

arthur LeistikoW James steWart keLby broWN steve broWN courtNey caNtu travis broWN raNDy miLLicaN bryaN PayNe

ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU DURING YOUR VISIT!

325-446-2766

RUDY SUPAK - CHIEF BOBBY BUSCHA RUPERT PEÑA JR. RUPERT PEÑA III TODD WARD DAVID TEEL RUBEN SAUCEDA BLAKE MORROW

ALWAYS CALL

CECIL CONNER JACK NOAH MATT SUTTLE RICHARD ELLIOTT -

AN EMERGENCY!

NICOLE GRUBBS -

911 IN CASE OF

CODE ENFORCEMENT ANIMAL CONTROL

(325)-446-2913 • 102 N. 5TH ST. • JUNCTION, TX

www.cityofjunction.com • police@cityofjunction.com

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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SUMMER

PADDLE, TUBE , KAYAK

THE LLANO RIVERS

W hat better way to cool off d u r i n g a h ot su m m er d ay t h an i n the spri ng fed L l an o R i ver s w i t h fr i en d s an d a cold beverage .

SOUTH LLANO RIVER MAP

MAIN LLANO RIVER MAP

I-10

Junction

N

YATES CROSSING TAKEOUT 20.4 MILES

37

CK TRO FLA SSING O CR

SCHREINER PARK

.

377

7S 377

TH U O SO LAN ER L IV TE R A K ST AR P

N

KC 314 TAKEOUT 15 MILES

N.

STATE PARK TAKEOUT 11.2 MILES

S. FM 2169

BURT CROSSING 5.4 MILES

.5 M 377 N.

37

7S

.

FIRST ROAD CROSSING

1.4 MILES

S

ILE

(PRIVATE ROAD)

BOONE’S CROSSING 3.6 MILES

0

I-1

Junction

-10

I

DAM PUT-IN 0.0 MILES

SECOND ROAD CROSSING PUT IN 0.0 MILES

At the time of this publication, Flatrock is not a put in/take out location.

If tubing or kayaking is your heart’s desire, the South Llano Paddling Trail at Junction is one of 38 official Texas Paddling Trails. The views are spectacular!

The designated “trail” begins southwest of Junction at the South Llano River State Park, continues downstream to Flatrock Crossing and ends at Junction Schreiner Park (City Park) above the dam.

Kayakers or canoers can leave a vehicle downstream or hire a shuttle service for launch or pickup. Parking is available at the South Llano River State Park for a small fee and is free at Schreiner Park.

Those planning to float or paddle the river are encouraged to visit the South Llano River State Park office for river condition information and cautions, approximate paddling times and fishing and current wildlife info.

There are small rapids, occasional riffles and runs, but the river is relatively flat. Groups of friends and families will have an enjoyable time floating one of the most pristine rivers in Texas.

Need to Rent a Kayak, Tube or Canoe?

See page 8 for river outfitters advertising in this guide.

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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S OUT H LLAN O R IVE R STAT E PARK What some consider the nicest park in Texas’ entire state park system awaits visitors to Kimble County. South Llano River State Park is located about five miles from Junction on Highway 377 South. The river is one of the main attractions, but is only a part of the beautiful natural environment.

Besides a large rafter of Rio Grande Turkeys, examples of abundant wildlife frequently seen in the park include native whitetail deer, jack rabbits and cottontails, exotic animals such as axis and fallow deer and black buck antelope, along with armadillos and roadrunners.

Bird watchers flock to the park in search of the ‘lifer’ on their bird lists. Wildlife blinds have been built by park volunteers and avid birders, offering excellent vantage points from which to observe the park’s varied bird life.

The area is also on the western edge of the migratory route of the monarch butterfly. Each season brings a different attraction. Spring and summer mean warm temperatures and river recreation in the cool, clear waters of South Llano River.

Visitors can take a refreshing dip in one of three easily accessible pools of water or glide down the river on an inner tube. Tubes can be rented for $8 a day at park headquarters.

For those who are a bit more adventurous, there are private canoe services available. Fishing is available at any time of the year. Guadalupe bass, the state fish of Texas, large mouth bass and catfish are pulled out of the river daily. The South Llano is also an excellent river for those interested in fly-fishing.

Over the last few years, in the winter months, park personnel have released rainbow trout into the river.

In 2017, the South Llano River State Park became “Dark Sky Approved” by the International Dark Sky Association.

Park personnel take great care to keep light pollution to a minimum in order to let the stars over Texas shine their brightest. The park offers Star Party’s throughout the year, allowing the public to view the planets and stars through some large, professional telescopes.

Fall finds the park exploding in an array of colors, rivaling

SLRSP

the views in the northeast, with oaks and red oaks painting the hillsides with shades of yellow, orange and red.

For those who are looking to be a bit more active, there are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. If you enjoy Geocaching, there are many “caches” of varying difficulties hidden around the park.

The park also offers guided hikes, bike programs, special events, Atlatl, nature based programs for all ages. See weekly events in The Junction Eagle or updated monthly events at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river/.

SLRSP

Remember that reservations are recommended for weekend and holiday stays and can be made on the web at www.tpwd@state.tx.us, or by calling the Central Reservations Center at (512) 389-8900.

More information can be obtained by calling Texas Parks and Wildlife toll free number (800) 792-1112, calling the park directly at (325) 446-3994 or by sending a request for a brochure and map to: Did you know? You South Llano River State Park don’t need a fishing license HC 15 Box 224, to fish off the bank of any Junction,Texas 76849 Texas State Park!

SUMMER

SPEND A WEEKEND AT THE

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16

SUMMER

JUNCTION’S PUBLIC POOL & SPLASH PAD Don’t let Junction’s small town population fool you! The Schreiner Park (City Park) boasts a large public pool with a splash pad for children.

The pool and splash pad are usually open from late May until the beginning of August, Tuesdays-Sundays, closed on Mondays.

Regular swim usually takes place in the afternoon with adult swim in the morning. A designated “family night” takes place a couple nights a week. The pool and splash pad area can also be booked for parties.

Daily admission is $2 per person and for regulars, a season pass is available for $100 per person. A 25 visit pass is $43.75 per person.

Swimming lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced swimmers are also available.

An updated pool schedule and pool contact list will be posted on the City of Junction website prior to this summer’s swim season.

COWBOYS AND CAJUNS TOGETHER AGAIN June 6, 2020 The Cowboys and Cajuns, Together Again event is held annually the first Saturday in June. This year’s event will kick off at 6 p.m. on June 6 along 5th Street on the Courthouse lawn.

Come hungry and enjoy a traditional crawfish plate dinner from Hot to Trot Crawfish of Welch, Louisiana. Dance for free, eat for a fee. Bring your dancing shoes too, and boot-scoot to the tunes of Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys. Tables and chairs will be provided, but if you prefer to sit on the shaded green grass of the courthouse lawn, bring a lawn chair or a blanket. There is a cooler/bottle charge of $10 and drink set-ups are available for sale.

Also at this event, the Miss Kimble County Pageant takes place, and Miss Kimble County and her court are announced for the upcoming year.

FREEDOM FESTIVAL July 2 - 4, 2020

The 2020 4th of July Freedom Celebration in Junction will begin the evening of Thursday, July 2, with a free fireworks display that won’t disappoint. For the best view, gather along the banks of the South Llano River at the Schreiner Park at “dark thirty”. Come early and enjoy the park’s amenities.

On the morning of Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m., head over to Main Street to take in the traditional patriotic Freedom Parade. Everyone is invited to participate...on your bikes, your horses, motorcycles, trucks, ATVs or on your feet. Just gather prior to the parade at Schreiner Park (City Park).

For more information, contact the Kimble County Chamber of Commerce, (325) 446-3190.

4TH OF JULY ALSO ON CAMPGROUND PARADE JULY 4 South Llano River State Park Meet at the overflow parking lot (across from campsites 18 and 20). Bring your bike, your kids in a wagon or stroller, or your friendly dog on a leash, and join in for a patriotic parade around the one-mile campground loop! Decorating will begin at 9 a.m. Some decorations will be provided but bringing your own is encouraged.

Parade starts at 9:30 from the overflow parking lot.

17

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SUMMER

AUGUST

14 & 15, 2020

RODEO WEEKEND SUMMER CLASSIC RODEO Friday & Saturday Evening Each year, the Hill Country Fair Association sponsors a two-day rodeo and dances in Junction. On the weekend of August 14 and 15, there will be lots of fun activities: class reunions, family reunions, a parade and a car show all throughout the day. The Summer Classic Rodeo gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the rodeo events start at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The Cadillac Rodeo Company will be the stock contractor this year.

Following the rodeo each evening, there will be a concert and dance at the Rodeo Pavilion just above the arena. Follow the Hill Country Fair Association Facebook page for rodeo concert performers. facebook.com/hcfajunctiontx

SUMMER CLASSIC RODEO PARADE Saturday • 10 a.m.

The Summer Classic Rodeo Parade takes place on Saturday, August 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Traveling the length of Main Street and back, it will feature creative homespun floats, including class reunion floats.

After the parade, be sure to check out the cars at the Martin Memorial Car Show at the Kimble County Courthouse.

MARTIN MEMORIAL CAR SHOW Saturday • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Do you enjoy examining antique vehicles? Are you wowed when you look under the hood? Are you old enough that the cars evoke good memories...wild memories (Ronald, Don, Dennis??)... of your youth?

Well, then, the Martin Memorial Open Car Show is for you! The event is held each year in conjunction with the Hill Country Fair Association’s Summer Classic events and parade on the second Saturday in August, this year, on August 15.

Trophies and prizes are awarded. The event is held on

the streets surrounding the Kimble County Courthouse in downtown Junction, beginning at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $25.00.

Judging takes place at noon, and the awards presentation is at 4 p.m.

A variety of vendors selling food and other goods will be surrounding the courthouse as well. Vendor spots are $20.

Erica Rojas is the coordinator of the car show and vendors, and may be reached at 325-4462955 or 325-446-5658 for more information.

19

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CABINS BON TON ROULET On the South Llano River Newly constructed cabins!

One cabin has a queen bed and the other has a queen bed and a full bed. Both are fully air conditioned and heated, offer a kitchen ready for those great river meals, include bed linens, Dish TV, and internet “sometimes”. Two night minimum required. Weekly and monthly discounts available. Consideration is given on pets on a case by case basis. River access from both cabins, including the “pool” which offers steps into the water. Great location for birders, too! Come and “pass a good time” at the Bon Ton Roulet Cabins on the beautiful South Llano River!

Call 325/446-3154 for more info!

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By Frederica Burt-Wyatt (In 1998, this writer became aware of Baz L. Outlaw when his great-nephew, Thomas M. Outlaw of Des PlaIns, Illinois, wrote in hopes of learning more about Baz’s life in Kimble County. Information was scarce, as the Courthouse had been a victim of arson in 1884 that caused a gaping hole in early records. Tom visited me at Kimble Museum in 2002, as he was eagerly searching for something pertaining to Baz’s older half-brother, Young M. Outlaw. Several persons authoring Wild West stories attributed the probability Young was killed in Georgia by Baz before the latter came to Texas. but that was never proven. As a result of Tom’s queries, I became fascinated with the intriguing Outlaw legend.)

The 1880 United Census enumerated June 10 in Kimble County reflected one Baz L. Outlaw as residing in Precinct 3.

The subject was a farmer then 23 years of age (most references relate 1854 as his birth year). He was born in Georgia, but in that census year, he was living in the household of William Estes, a freighter who was three years older than Baz. Their locale was in the near vicinity of Gentry Creek.

It was not unusual to find an outlaw in the early days of this county, known throughout the state as a stronghold for outlaws. It was, however, interesting to find someone bearing the name of “Outlaw”. This first record of Baz Outlaw in Kimble occurred just three years after the big outlaw roundup in 1877 that had culminated in an open-air venue for district court proceedings at Kimbleville, first county seat for the newly formed Kimble that had been organized in 1876 from Bexar County.

By 1878, the local seat of government had been moved to Junction City, and saloons and gunslingers kept law enforcement officers, including Texas Rangers, busy. During the year of 1878, at least eight persons were killed around the newly-constructed Courthouse Square.

It was an exciting time in local history, and the aura of Kimble County was alluring to many, especially young men seeking adventures in taming the West.

Baz Lamar Outlaw, whose given name varies from “Sebastian” to “Basil”, “Baselle” and “Bass”, was the son of well-respected parents, Dr. Meshack Napoleon Bonaparte Outlaw and Mary Ann Smith Outlaw of Lee County, Georgia. His father was a physician and would eventually relocate to Arkansas, but his second son, Baz, had found his way to Texas and moved westward to Kimble.

As an expert marksman with his pistol, Baz aspired to join the Texas Rangers, and on the 10th day of August in 1885, he was mustered into Company “E “of the Frontier Battalion by Captain Frank Jones at Toyah, Texas”. Baz’s application reflected he was a cowboy, 26 years of age, 5’ 10” tall, with dark hair and light complexion. A later document related the handsome young man had blue eyes.

Baz Outlaw’s ensuing record reflected his engagement in several shootouts and killings. With enthusiasm he “upped ” his service, for on May 31, 1887, he became a member of Company D under the leadership of Captain Frank Jones. The future beaconed to Baz, and by 1890, he had attained the rank of First

Sergeant, and was later appointed a U. S. Deputy Marshal. At Alpine, Texas, on February 6, 1893, he applied for the position of “Special Ranger,” and Ranger Captain Frank Jones was one of three who recommended Baz for the latter position.

Baz Outlaw’s sad demise occurred April 4, 1894, at El Paso, where he was a participant in a shoot-out. During the fracas, he shot and killed Texas Ranger Joe McKidrict, who was accompanied by Constable John Selman in attempting to arrest Baz. Selman received gunshot wounds during the incident, and he was livid with rage.

John Selman, although in law enforcement, had a dubious past and had walked on both sides of the law. Nevertheless, Selman added another notch to his gun as he returned gunfire and mortally wounded Baz, who died some hours later. Baz Outlaw was the third person to be buried in the Evergreen-Alameda Cemetery in El Paso.

On April 19, 1895, John Selman was to kill another notorious person who had drifted to El Paso after leaving Kimble County. John Wesley Hardin, a well-known former gunslinger who became a lawyer while in prison, left the local area after his aborted marriage to teenager Caroline Lewis of London, Texas. Hardin reportedly had gone West to legally defend “Parson Jim” Miller, said to be a professional killer.

The questionable John Selman met his own fate exactly two years after the Baz L. Outlaw finale. On April 4, 1896, Selman was shot and killed by U. S. Deputy Marshal George Scarborough. Ironically, he was buried in the historic Concordia Cemetery, where John Wesley Hardin had been laid to rest less than a year before in 1895!

Welcome all Hunters!

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22

FALL

WEEK E ND KOW KICK FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL & BBQ COOKOFF September 5, 2020 The Kow Kick Family Fun Festival is an old-fashioned community gathering with traditional music under the shade trees of Schreiner Park. This year, the Kow Kick will be held Saturday, September 5.

The annual Labor Day weekend event has arts and crafts for sale, rides and attractions for children, food and drink concessions, a BBQ cookoff, a washer pitching contest — and it all adds up to a fun day with friends and visitors in the park.

The Kow Kick will also host Junction’s 6th annual Lone Star BBQ Society-sanctioned cookoff with a guaranteed payout of

$5,000!

The arts and crafts booths are manned by exhibitors from around the state. For children, there are amusement rides, games and other attractions.

The washer pitching contest has a $1,000 guaranteed payout.

There are awards presented for the youngest and oldest persons attending, the longest-married couple and the person who traveled the longest distance to attend. The Little Mr. and Miss Kimble County Pageant also takes place that morning.

There is no admission charge, so come join the fun!

4TH ANNUAL UP AND BACK BOAT RACE September 5, 2020 Attention experienced paddlers! The Fourth Annual Up and Back Boat Race kicks off on September 5, at 9 a.m. at the Schreiner Park (City Park) dock. Race participants will have 12 hours to paddle and portage upstream to the First Crossing, then back down to the starting line at the park. The total paddling length of the race is about 32 miles.

This event will be fun for spectators too! Everyone is encouraged to cheer participants on at the park dock at 9 a.m. as they embark on their fun river adventure.

Other points of access to track participants’ progress are Flatrock Crossing, South Llano River State Park Crossing (parking fees may apply), Boone’s Crossing and the First Crossing.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Schreiner Park pavilion at 9:15 p.m. All participants who complete the race by 9:00 p.m. will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 cash and many other great prizes.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Hoyt Moss at 325-446-6565.

OKTOBERFISCH October 16-18, 2020 Fly fishing in the Texas Hill Country is a pleasure that many avid fly fishers yearn for, and there is no better place than Kimble County!

Each year, the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers Club hosts Oktoberfisch, a festival for all those who delight in Texas fly fishing and want to enjoy one of the crown jewels of Texas rivers, the South Llano River at Junction. This year, the event will take place October 16-18...rain or shine!

Event highlights include Llano River fishing, shuttles to river access points, fishing prizes, seminars, raffles, catered steak dinner, fly-tying classes and vendor booths.

Visit www.fredericksburgflyfishers.com for more information.

23

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DEER PROCESSING DEER • HOGS EXOTICS

ROBINSON

Plumbing & Septic Systems Mark Robinson Residential and commercial plumbing Septic system installation 609 Main Street Ofc. (325)446-4395 Junction, Texas 76849 Fax (325)446-4640 Cell (830) 459-7050

OWNERS: Lynn and Judy Nickelson

Open 7 days a week during hunting season Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day 325-446-2048 • 325-257-7039 110 Holt Smith St. • Junction, TX

South Llano Farm Growers of Premium Hay Hay for sale. ALL TYPES.

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Junction Warehouse company Calling all Birders!

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Junction Warehouse carries a wide variety of bird seed/feed bird houses and bird feeders?

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FOR ALL YOUR FEED NEEDS! Purina Feeds • deer Blocks • corn alFalFa Hay • Protein Pellets • Maize deer Feeders • tiMers • deer stands 810 Main St • 325-446-2537 junctionwarehouse.com

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Open Sat. until 1 p.m.

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24

FALL

H U NTIN G

2019 low fence Kimble County buck photographed by Macy Ledbetter.

H

unters love coming to Kimble County. Among the rolling green hills, lush valleys, abundant streams and broad vistas typical of the western edge of the Texas Hill Country, wildlife is plentiful, as is local hospitality. Folks here welcome hunters each fall and throughout the year. Businesses and merchants make special efforts to accommodate these part-time residents.

F R E E J UN CTION HUNTE R S GATH E R I N G S FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 West Bear Creeks Hunters Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 London Community Hunters Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Simon Brothers Hunters Lunch in Roosevelt 11:30 a.m. - until food runs out!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Junction Warehouse Fajita Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Kimble County Wild Game Dinner 6:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Center

Each year, the fall season is kicked off with a party on “hunting season eve” hosted by West Bear Creek General Store. Everyone is invited, so out-oftowners and locals have an opportunity to meet and greet. Along with excellent food, beverages and prizes, there’s an excitement in the air. Expectations are always high for hunting success. This year, the gathering will start at 11 a.m. on November 6.

The next morning, all are invited to downtown London to enjoy a traditional hunter’s breakfast at 9:30, at the community center, sponsored by the London Community Association. A bake sale usually takes place that morning as well.

Directions aren’t necessary. When you get to London, just follow your nose!

After breakfast, go ahead and head on over to the little community of Roosevelt for a hunter’s lunch at Lyssy and Eckel Feeds and Simon Brothers Mercantile. Roosevelt is located 18 miles west of Junction off I-10. Plan to participate in the many door prizes and raffles

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON KIMBLE COUNTY

offered while meeting hunters from all over. Lunch is served from 11:30 until the food runs out!

On the second Saturday of hunting season, the folks at Junction Warehouse welcome everyone to show up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a fajita lunch and another round of visiting. By now, stories abound of monster bucks, majestic axis, elusive turkeys, wild hogs and of the one that got away, so there’s no shortage of conversation. Tall tales??

On November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, there will be more great, exotic food and chances to win prizes.

The Chamber of Commerce and Junction Volunteer Fire Department host the annual Wild Game Dinner at the Stevenson Center, starting at 6:30 p.m.

There are raffled prizes galore and lots of guns. All you need is an appetite and a winning ticket or ten!

Remember Kimble County when you plan your hunting experience. Know that you’ll have fun, be welcomed, appreciated..........and well fed!

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Welcome to Junction!

EliteANDAutomotive TIRE SERVICE 24 HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Nathan Silva: Owner

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Harames brotHers Paint & body Plus, llC (325) 446-2970

Harames Ironworks Custom Fabrication, Welding, Sandblasting and Steel Sales

(325) 446-4248

James Harames & robert Harames owners

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TRUCK ACCESSORIES grille guards bumpers of Kerrville

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Automotive Shop 24/7 Roadside Service • 24 Hr Wrecker Service

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26

S E A SON LIGHTED TREE DISPLAY AT SCHREINER PARK November 1 - January 31 When driving through Kimble County at night in the winter on IH-10, one may notice the bright glow of Christmas lights from the interstate. Exiting off 457 and taking the Martinez Street Bridge and loop 2169 over the South Llano River Bridge will take you to the beautiful display of illuminated pecan trees in Schreiner Park (City Park). A total of sixty trees in the park and several in town have been decorated with brightly colored Christmas lights. The lighting of the Schreiner Park trees is the result of a collaboration of the City of Junction, Junction Tourism Board, Junction Texas Economic Development Board, Junction Lions Club and the many businesses and individuals who have sponsored the lighted trees. This year, the lights will be turned on Sunday, November 1.

The lighted trees make for a great Christmas Wonderland photo opportunity.

FUN RUN/ WALK & TRIATHLON

November 14, 2020 Kick off the Christmas season with this family friendly event.

The Holiday Fun Run/ Walk Under the Lighted Trees takes place on Saturday, November 14, and is sponsored by the Junction Lions Club. Participants gather below the South Llano Bridge at Schreiner Park (City Park) to start the holiday themed fun run/ walk through the park. Brightly colored powder is dropped from the bridge to signal the beginning of the event. The run ends under the lighted tree Christmas display where free hot cocoa and popcorn is served.

This year the Lions Club is also adding a run/bike/paddle triathlon to the event. Follow the Junction Lions Club Facebook page for event updates and more information.

Lacey Murr

WINTER

LIONS CLUB HOLIDAY LIGHTS KICKOFF

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December 5, 2020

Celebrate the Christmas Holiday at the South Llano River State Park on Saturday, December 5, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Gather around the front porch of Walter Buck’s historic ranch home and decorate trees, take pictures with Santa, enjoy some Christmas tunes on the front porch, sip hot chocolate, and more! Come dressed in your ugliest Christmas sweater for the ugly Christmas sweater contest.

PARADE OF LIGHTS & PICTURES WITH SANTA December 11, 2020 Friday, December 11, at dark thirty, businesses, organizations and individuals in Junction decorate their vehicles and floats in Christmas theme and travel down Main Street in Christmas Spirit. Candy and goodies are thrown to parade goers. The best place to view this small town parade is from the sidewalk in front of Kimble County Courthouse.

After the parade, head down to the Schreiner Park to have your child’s picture taken under the lighted trees, where Christmas wishes will be heard by Santa during the Lions Club Pictures with Santa event. There are usually other children’s activities taking place during the event as well as free hot cocoa and treats given away.

JUNCTION’S TRIAL ON THE PECOS TRAIL Annually each February Each February, Junction hosts what many consider the largest TSDA-sanctioned sheep dog trials in Texas. The Sixth Annual Trial on the Pecos Trail will take place on in February at the Hill Country Fair Grounds. Over 75 sheep dog handlers from all over Texas and the United States, and even a few from other countries, bring their sheep dogs to Junction to compete in herding sheep. This event isn’t for just those competing. Spectating is encouraged at this free, family-friendly event. Come watch these amazingly disciplined dogs at work!

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FARM TO MARKET 2169, WEST

If the motorist opts to turn right on 2169 after crossing the suspension bridge (South Llano River Bridge) over Lake Junction, his view will reveal the rugged face of the Lovers’ Leap mountain as the road continues over a bridge above Cedar Creek. The old Scudder Water Hole is at the mouth of the creek as it flows into the South Llano River to the right. To the left on Kimble County Road 181 is the site of the annual pageant staged by local talent each Easter Eve. The paved FM 2169 is routed past the rodeo arena, where many horses were raced in days gone by. The facility was erected in 1935 by the Hill Country Fair Association and is still a popular site for staging rodeos. The excellent golf course is adjacent to the arena. The Boy Scout camp grounds, inaccessible to the general public, are next. The

2169 route then leads to the entrance of the Junction Campus of Texas Tech University.

FLAT ROCK LANE

Approaching the Tech entrance, turn right onto Flat Rock Lane and follow the road to the old crossing on the South Llano River.

This is one of the more spectacular views of the sparkling river. Flat Rock Lane will shortly intersect Highway 377.

US HIGHWAY 377, SOUTH

A left turn onto the highway leads to a scenic drive with meandering curves and water crossings. Before the days of modern highways, the river was forded every mile or so as the traveler made his way in a southerly direction.

By the time the southwestern city limits are reached on 377, historical markers will relate the histories of the pioneer Bradbury Settlement and the Christmas Eve killing of young Isaac Kountz by Comanche Indians in 1876.

The historic ranch established by John J. Smith is along this route. At Crisp Creek, another marker tells of the early Four-Mile Dam. South Llano River State Park and Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area are

on the left on Park Road 73.

Continuing along 377, the highway crosses Potter and Joy Creeks, and at a distance on the left, Chalk Bluff, at the mouth of the creek bearing the same name, is a familiar landmark. Long ago, tourist cottages were located along the banks of the river, offering a delightful respite for well-to-do tourists from the crowded cities. After crossing Fox Hollow, one arrives at the historical site where the pioneer R. M. Turner family established an early ranch.

Crossing Bailey Creek, one finds an historical marker on the left describing an early roundup of a lawless element who “holed up” in the area. The next creek crossing is at Cajac, site of the historic Wooten Cemetery.

A bit further, a crossing of the South Llano River provides a breathtaking glimpse of the beautiful stream. A restored Evergreen schoolhouse, now utilized as a residence, is on the left before crossing a murmuring streamlet known as Fleming Draw.

Another crossing of the South Llano River is imminent, and the view on either side is exceptional. To the right is the mouth of Little Paint Creek. The Continued on page 32

Barbara Barnes

LOOP 481

Leaving the eastern limits of Junction, a drive along Loop 481 via the overhead suspension bridge, the traveler can view the waters forming Lake Junction as the river blends into a backdrop of Lovers’ Leap and Alta Vista Mountains. By-passing Farm-to Market 2169 and saving its surprises for another trip, the motorist accelerates to climb the steep road carved from the side a mountain named in memory of a legendary Indian couple who leapt to their deaths because their love was forbidden by their tribes.

Before reaching the summit of the hill, a sign beckons to the right to a scenic area, where a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings is an awe-

some sight. The concrete cross, erected many years ago by the Men’s Bible Class of Junction, and a gigantic Old Glory proudly flies in the breezes adding patriotic emotion to the site. This park area was donated in 1934 by Mrs. Frank L. Wilson in memory of her husband.

For some, the access to the overlook is easier if they continue to the top of the hill, turn around, and approach the entrance from the east. Loop 481 continues on past a roadside park, where the right-of-way is bright with redbud blossoms in the springtime. Ultimately, the loop intersects the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10.

Laurie Oliver

By Frederica Wyatt

Miles upon miles of pristine waters meander through Kimble County, and the highways and byways along the streams and adjacent hills provide an unusual view of this area of the Hill Country.

The scenery is unsurpassed by any other part of the state. Wildflower drives boasted by neighboring counties pale in comparison to the panoramic countryside of the local area.

Although travelers catch a glimpse of the hills and streams as they travel hurriedly along the Interstate highway bisecting the county, those who opt for a relaxing motor trip can choose other routes via the many roads traversing the area.

A map of the county appears on pages 24 & 25, but because of size limitations, not all the routes in this story are shown. A more detailed map can be picked up at no cost at the Chamber of Commerce of Kimble County, 402 E. Main St.

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TOURIN G & KIMBLE COUNTY

Dianna Goodman

Further along, there is a roadside park overlooking Contrary Creek as it unites with the South Llano River. The Guthrie Crossing of the Llano is near the old Paint Rock Springs, a stop on the Fort McKavett-Fort Terrett-Fort Clark Military Road.

STATE HIGHWAY 41

As you near the “top of the world”, Highway 41 leads east to the Garvin Store area. Several dry crossings of the headwaters of Paint Creek are along this route. If you choose to continue on 377 to Rocksprings, you pass the entrance to the Devil’s Sinkhole.

We suggest you opt for Highway 41 and travel until you reach Highway 83, and then turn left to return to Interstate 10 east of Junction. A portion of the famous Y-O Ranch is along the 83 route, and the ranches along the way reflect a memory of the Old West. You will traverse a part of Kerr, Edwards, and Kimble counties as you pass this way.

the traveler.

As the highway nears the northern limits of Kimble, a country lane (KC 370, popularly known as “Whiskey Road”) leads to London. But, continuing on 83, the head draws of Big Saline Creek are ahead.

FARM-TO-MARKET 1773

The next “fork in the road” is FM 1773, also known as Palmer School Road. That road leads to London, and if time permits, a traveler may want to return home via that route.

FARM TO MARKET 1221

At the intersection of 1773 and 1221, the Saline Community will be along the way. Several dry crossings of Little Saline Creek are encountered, and the historic cemetery and school are interesting landmarks of the Little Saline Community just over the line in Menard County.

US HIGHWAY 377, NORTHEAST

If the traveler chooses to take the 377 exit near Junction, he will find unexpected sites along the way. Gentry Continued on page 34

US HIGHWAY 83

Following Interstate-10 westbound into Junction, a right turn on US Highway 83 will lead into Menard County and on to the northern limits of the lower “48.”

As one passes the entrance to the airport, the Callan Graham Field, and the Coke R. Stevenson Memorial Center, an

Laurie Oliver

Continued from page 30 next surprise comes as the road dips, and there, historic Telegraph Store comes into view. A marker relates the legend and lore of the area. Nearby is the ranch homestead established by the late Governor Coke R. Stevenson, who served in the highest office of Texas from 1941 to 1947.

The motorist continuing on 377 reaches Telegraph Hill, a steep and formidable ascent. KC 120 leads to the Watson Divide, but we advise the winding 377 for the most spectacular views. Home Draw and Christmus Hollow (so named for pioneer Theophilus Christmus — not “Christmas”) are to be approached with caution. In the distance, one can catch a glimpse of Paint Creek and its adjacent bluff.

Further along, a deep canyon on either side of the road is Bowie Creek, for the legendary Jim Bowie of Alamo fame.

Shortly, one approaches the dividing line between Kimble and Edwards counties. For those wishing to continue their southward journey, sites in the next county include Seven Hundred Springs (inaccessible to the public except for one Saturday each March when this writer, Frederica Wyatt, chairman of Kimble County Historical Commission, is privileged to host a “day at the Springs” for all interested persons).

historical marker tells of the Christmas Eve killing of Sam Speer in the Indian attack of 1876.

An adjacent marker relates the history of the first court held in Kimble County. The site was in the distance, along the main waters of the Llano River.

The county seat, in 1876-77, was old Kimbleville, but no courthouse had been built, so the court sessions were held under the spreading canopy of oak trees.

US Highway 377, northeast, directs a traveler to London, but that course can be earmarked for another trip!

A steep incline known as Foley Hill on 83 is ascended as the valley of the Llanos is left behind. The ranch country is scenic and a delight for sightseers, as wildflowers, blossoming redbud trees, and sumacs line the highway. Crossings of the headwater draws of Gentry Creek are some of the landmarks with informational signs erected by the Texas Department of Transportation. The roadside park along the way provides an invitation for a relaxing “break” for

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM es under Interstate 10 and leads past Joy Creek and other streams and draws.

Continued from page 32 Creek, and the cemetery bearing the name of the pioneer Raleigh Gentry family, are landmarks along this route.

Teacup Mountain, an unusual geological formation, is on the left as you view the Bradbury Mountains and Mesa Flats. A county road (KC 314) is on the right before reaching the ruins of the Teacup School. On 377, Reynolds (or Runnels) Peak is on the left, and Red Creek lies just ahead. To the right, FM 3480 crosses the creek and connects with FM 385. But continuing to travel in a northeasterly direction on 377, one reaches Reichenau Gap, where an historical marker relates the history of Adolph Reichenau and his namesake gap in the hills.

A short bridge spans the Big Saline Creek on the approach to London. The community cemetery is on the right, and signs mandate a slower pace through the little town. The post office was established in 1882, as related by an historical marker.

Churches, businesses, a dance hall, residences, a community hall and fire station are proof the town is alive and well. A capsule history of London is revealed on a marker at the community hall. A short distance away, Highway 377 passes the tri-county intersection

of Kimble, Mason and Menard. The highway leads directly to Mason.

FARM TO MARKET 2169

East FM 2169 at Junction basically follows the route known as the Old Spanish Trail.

It was a portion of the San Antonio to Fort Terrett Road. Near town, it is now a corridor leading to local industries. As one leaves the northeast limits of Junction on 2169, he finds an historical marker telling of “Old Oliver,” a pecan variety developed by the late Y. P. Oliver. The ancient river bed known as “The Bogs” is twice forded before the traveler reaches Cloud Point, halfway between St. Augustine, Florida, and San Diego, California, on the OST. To the left, on private property, is the 1879 rock home built by William J. Cloud. A marker adjacent to the one for Cloud Point, gives a brief history of the settlement established by Alfred P. Browning and John A. Miller.

On further, three low-water crossings provide a breath-taking vista of Johnson Fork Creek. The next intersection is at Segovia, a namesake of a city in Spain. A turn to the left will take one past a crossing of Sycamore Creek and on up the “big hill.” FM 479 is on the left, but for this time, we suggest staying with the 2169 route. The road cross-

FARM TO MARKET 385

FM 385 in the eastern part of the county provides an unusual vista of the Blue Mountains. The White Bluff community is along this route between Harper and London.

The road crosses Falls Prong, Little Devil’s River and James River, and the descent down Coffey Hill is exciting.

The Brown community and its cemetery is along the way. This is the route traveled by Don Francisco Amangual and his cortege in 1808 while mapping a road to Santa Fe. One of the more enchanting views along this passage is from Jones Hill, as travelers descend into the Llano River Valley.

Just before the crossing on the Llano (known today as Yates Crossing, but in an earlier time, as Beef Trail Crossing), FM 1871 winds into Mason. Along 385, one continues a drive that will culminate at the intersection with Highway 377, three miles south of London. We suggest stopping south of Yates to read the legend of the Beef Trailing Crossing etched on an historical marker. A waterfall empties Red Creek into the Llano above Yates Crossing. During rainy seasons, when the creek is flowing, the waterfall is a captivating sight.

FARM TO MARKET 479

Another distinctive route near Junction is FM 479 off Highway 2169, east.

This course is within the bounds of the Blue Mountains, and the unpaved county route (KC 420) known as Blue Mountain Road, connects 479 with 385.

However, if one continues eastward on 479, he will cross Jim Little Creek and enjoy glimpses of wildlife along the way. Just before reaching the James River, the road passes near the old homestead of frontiersman and Texas Independence veteran Creed Taylor.

Immediately left, are the remains of a post office, known as Noxville since 1912. This was “new” Noxville, for the original Noxville is several miles further along this course. The communities were named for Noah Nox, who settled in the area long ago.

KC 443 is near “new” Noxville and connects FM 479 with US 290.

The ranching country is scenic, and one leaves “old” Noxville to the left as the stream known as Little Devil’s River is spanned by a low-water concrete bridge. The Noxville School, built in about 1880, is still standing (but is now on private property.) The Nox-

FARM TO MARKET 1871

FM 1871 is another scenic route, and it is reached

Dorothy McNeil

& KIMBLE COUNTY

Brenda Caillouet

TOURIN G

US HIGHWAY 290

Signs will point the way until one reaches Highway 290, where an overpass on Interstate 10 will take one to the designated route eastward. Here again, several dry draws near the heads of streams are crossed, including Little Devil’s and the Pedernales Rivers. FM 479 is by-passed before turning left on FM 385.

by a turn from FM 385.

Myriad creeks are crossed as one journeys toward Mason. Along this road is the site of the John L. Jones Ranch, memorialized by an historical marker. A highway sign denotes the Blue Mountain community, and the road passes an intersection with the James River Road. In Mason County, another crossing of the Llano offers a splendid view. Known familiarly as White’s Crossing, the river is an enticement for sightseers and anglers.

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FARM TO MARKET 2291

Following another scenic road, the traveler is greeted by water crossings, mountain scenery, and historic sites along FM 2291, northwest of Junction.

The route can be accessed via IH-10, about six miles west of Junction at the Cleo exit ramp.

After the first crossing of Bear Creek, what appears to be a “mirage” appears on the horizon. Actually, it is a threestory mini-castle built by Englishman William Hall in the 1890’s. He named the structure “Brambletye,” and a capsule history is related on the historical marker there.

Nearby is the site of one of the first settlements in Kimble County, and an historic cemetery adjacent to the road

has been in use since 1870. Another crossing of the creek is just ahead, and one will pass the site of the first Murr ranch in Kimble County. Henry and Adam Murr, natives of Pennsylvania, settled in Kimble after their discharges from the Army at Fort McKavett.

Shortly after again crossing historic Bear Creek (this is the west tributary of the creek and was once known as Viejo), a traveler will approach the site of the historic Morales Ranch. Nearby is Cleo, once a thriving post office. The Bear Creek schoolhouse still serves as a community gathering place.

Two more crossings of Bear Creek are ahead on 2291, as the traveler continues northward. Ranches are on either side of the road, and the old Spiller schoolhouse sits to the right of the paved road.

This route is the pre-1941 JunctionMenard Highway, and 2291 eventually leads into the town of Menard.

Brenda Caillouet

ville Cemetery is some distance off the traveled road on KC 473. More ranches are traversed before travelers reach the intersection of 479 with 290, a short distance south of the town of Harper.

Bois d’Arc area of the county. We suggest a right turn, where an underpass on IH-10 allows the traveler to continue a journey past Stark Creek and on to the Copperas community. The historic cemetery, school, and the old Methodist Church are located there.

After a crossing of Copperas Creek, a sign on FM 1674 notes that Ft. McKavett is some miles to the north.

LOOP 291

Continuing on the route first taken, Loop 291 will take one to an overpass of the interstate highway and lead to the Buck Hollow community. A bridge spans the North Llano just above its confluence with Maynard Creek, and the traveler continues on to another interstate underpass, where the community of Roosevelt is on the horizon.

The Presbyterian Church that doubles as a community center is on the left, as well as the remnants of the old schoolhouse. A nearby marker relates the Fort McKavett-Fort Clark-Fort Terrett military road traversed the countryside at this location.

The historic Roosevelt post office, Lyssy and Eckel Feeds, Simon Brothers Mercantile, Backdoor Cafe and several residences, are located at this townsite.

After leaving Roosevelt in the background, the River Road (KC 260) is on the right. The current route continues up the steep incline known as Roosevelt Hill. After reaching the summit, a left turn again takes the traveler over IH10 and then the access road continues parallel to the Interstate in a westerly direction.

Continued on page 36

Rebecca Davis

Laurie Oliver

FARM TO MARKET 1674

FM 1674 follows a westerly direction out of Junction. This segment of highway was once a part of Highway 290, also known as a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. The road crosses Elm Slough, draining from the north, before one catches a glimpse of the North Llano River near Falls Creek. Two historical markers near the Bolt Ranch relate interesting history.

A campsite of Marquis de Rubi in 1767 was at the junction of Bear Creek with the North Llano River, and during the settlement of the county, a Texas Ranger camp was at the same location.

The six-mile crossing of the North Llano on 1674 is a short distance past the turn off to 2291. Some creeks (dry except in the wet season) include Nixon Draw and Calf Creek. Ten-mile crossing of the Llano just past KC 2731 provides another scenic view. In an autobiography, Peregrinations of a Pioneer Printer, J. Marvin Hunter wrote of a trip in 1898, “The distance to Sonora (from Junction) was sixty-five miles, and the road was not much more than a cow trail. I remember we went up the North Llano for twenty miles, crossing that beautiful stream many times. It was in the month of March, and while glorious Spring had not yet burst forth, the scenery along the route was entrancing, and the rippling waters and overhanging crags presented a grandeur that cannot be described by my pen.” FM 1674 forks as one leaves KC 274 to the left. The route of 1674, straight ahead, will ultimately lead to ranches located in the

36

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TOURIN G & KIMBLE COUNTY

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 260

Although KC 260 is unpaved, the drive is worth the effort of pacing to a slow speed and enjoying the surrounding beauty of the river and the hills. At the southwestern edge of Roosevelt, the road is accessed. It winds along the North Llano River; hence, the local name “River Road.” This was the old Junction-Sonora highway and was a part of the OST route in earlier days.

Along 260 is the Cedar Hill Cemetery, and we suggest returning to Roosevelt from this point. A river crossing just beyond the cemetery is a bit treacherous to the novice driver and to those unfamiliar with the riverbed’s eccentricities.

FARM TO MARKET 1674, NORTH

Still another interesting route is FM

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 370

In the northeastern part of Kimble, County Road 370 west of London between Highways 377 and 83 was dubbed “Whiskey Road,” probably because it was a direct route between London’s dance hall and the liquor store just over the line in Menard County. Today, the road has many crossings of Big Saline Creek before reaching a plateau. There are ranches and a subdivision of rural homes.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 320

The right fork of the road will bring surprises. A wondrous view of the river is ahead as the road (KC 320) parallels the stream for a distance. Both Sycamore and another stream known as Cedar flow into the river along the way.

The historic Ivy Chapel and School are along this route.

The county road eventually intersects FM 385.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 210

The county road known as KC 210 off FM 2291 leaves Cleo behind as it meanders west with scenic crossings of West Bear Creek. Even the head draws are spectacular, although they are mostly devoid of water except during the rainy seasons. Once upon a time, a post office serving the ranches of the area was located along the way and was known as Roca Springs. The road intersects the Fort McKavett Road (FM 1674).

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 450

An account of country lanes would be incomplete without mention of the old Segovia Road (KC 450) This was a part of the old Fort Terrett to San Antonio Road, and later a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. The road winds easterly from the Segovia Truck Stop complex, and first crosses Sycamore Creek.

The Segovia schoolhouse, now a private residence, is on the right, and the remains of a once-thriving post office are adjacent to the road.

Two crossings of Johnson Fork Creek

are along this course, and the Johnson Fork Settlement, founded by the Joys and other families, is commemorated by an historical marker near a Johnson Fork tributary known as Joy Branch.

Remnants of old rock fences can be seen along the road. One can enjoy a panoramic view of Joy Valley as a steep hill is ascended. The end of the road intersects with FM 2169.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 410

Another county road that bears mention is KC 410. It crosses Johnson Fork Creek and after meandering on a plateau, dips suddenly into the Sycamore Valley. KC 410 is a link between 2169 and the Blue Mountain Road.

Because of space constraints, this article has touched on only a few of the many country lanes in Kimble County.

They are maintained by the county, but they criss-cross private properties.

It is well for each motorist and passenger to remember that all flora, fauna, driftwood, rocks and the like belong to and are under the control of the landowner and should not be taken from along the road. Some roads are deadends with no outlet, while others are a short-cut between heavier traveled roads.

Slow speeds and careful driving are a must, as many of these routes are caliche-based and unpaved. Their locations are along streams, for in bygone days, it was a must to have water nearby for weary travelers, for horses used for transportation and for livestock being driven overland.

Enjoy your drive “off the beaten path” in Kimble County.

KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 321

Nearer Junction, the Pipe Line Road, so named because the Texas-New Mexico Pipe Line’s facilities were erected along the route, is actually KC 321, off FM 2169.

A wondrous view of Johnson Fork Creek is along this route, and after a while, after winding past mountain peaks and crags, a spectacular view of the Llano River greets the eye. At the end of the road, a decision must be made whether to take the left or the

Brenda Caillouet

SUTTON COUNTY ROAD

Sutton County is just ahead, but a short drive a bit further will add a delight to the trip. Another overpass is negotiated, and the county road offers an outstanding vista of the landscape as the route dips into the North Llano River Valley near the Cedar Hill Church of Christ. Turning left, one finds the serenity of Camp Allison is phenomenal.

Shortly, the road bypasses the Cedar Hill School just before another fording of the river. Eventually, the road will lead past old Fort Terrett, now a ranch headquarters. The fort is on private property and not open to the general public. The route leads back to the IH10 access route, where a left turn will lead to the overpass, and one’s course is retraced back to Roosevelt.

1674 as it traverses the countryside on the way to old Fort McKavett, now a State Historical Park. That site is one of the best preserved frontier forts in the state.

Both East and West Copperas Creeks flow along 1674 on its northbound route.

A marker will tell of the site known as the Coalson-Pullen Settlement. The Murr Community, with its neighborhood church near the highway, is “out this way.”

After reaching the Fort, a left turn is toward Sonora, while a right turn will lead into Menard.

Rich Mann

Continued from page 35

right fork. If one turns left, the Grobe Crossing of the river is a short distance away. This route, KC 314, leads to an intersection with 377.

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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ANY SEASON

YEAR ROUND FUN AT THE

PARKS ALONG THE LLANO COUNTY PARK

SCHREINER PARK Located along the western bank of the South Llano River, just below the historic metal suspension bridge that leads from town to Interstate 10, Schreiner Park, also known as City Park, bids welcome to locals and visitors alike.

A dam spans the river at the park, creating a reservoir that provides Junction with drinking water. Lake Junction, as some call it, is an attractive location for fishermen who want to set up a lawn chair and fish from the bank. The park is dotted with picnic tables and barbeque pits, and throughout the spring and summer, families can be seen gathering for outdoor meals, reunions and even washer-pitching. Organizations use it for group events.

There is a large pavilion which provides a covered gathering place. Located next to the pavilion, a basketball court is available. Part of the local disc golf course is also available. The park also contains a pool complex.

Although the park has no hook-ups, visitors can stay for no charge up to three days. Also, public consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Dianna Goodman

The County Park lies just across the South Llano River from Schreiner Park. It can be accessed by going east across the South Llano River Bridge and taking the first left. The park closes each night at 10 p.m., and no overnight camping is permitted. Also, public consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

On both the south and north ends of the park are restrooms and playground equipment. The park also contains sand volleyball courts, a basketball facility and part of the local disc golf course.

Throughout the entire park, wheelchair-access walkways connect the various improvements to private picnic areas, where families can gather to cook on BBQ pits and grills.

The natural assets of the park site are numerous. Large pecan trees provide a canopy of spring/summer shade, and the view across the small lake into Junction is picturesque.

The park also features a canoe launch, allowing those with watercraft easy access. By paddling around the lake and upstream a bit, an angler can gain access to a great fishable water.

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

ANY SEASON

GOLF TAKE A SWING AT THE JUNCTION GOLF COURSE The Junction Golf Course is known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife and tranquility. It is located at the foot of Lover’s Leap, a scenic overlook of the city of Junction, the Easter Pageant grounds and the Hill Country Fair Association facilities.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to build the course in 1926…. raising money, removing rocks, clearing trees, hauling dirt and building ponds. Today, the course is operated and maintained by the 80+ members of the Junction Golf Club.

All golfers are welcome to play. Usually, no tee times are required, but you can call the clubhouse (325-446-2968) for information. The course has lots of trees, ponds and a creek that make it a most challenging course.

There are women’s and men’s tee boxes on every hole. The course is open everyday from 8:30 a.m. until dark. There is a

scramble each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Join the fun, and give the local boys some competition.

Green fees are $20 plus tax per person for 18 holes and $10 for 9 holes. Cart rentals are $15. Disc golf players can access the disc golf baskets on the course for $5. Players are welcome to bring their own adult beverages and ice chests. Golf shoes or tennis shoes are to be worn; no boots or shoes with heels are permitted.

There are soft drinks and snacks available at the clubhouse, and also gloves, balls, tees, logo caps and towels.

Recent course improvements and abundant rains have the 2020 course in excellent shape. Are you ready to test your skills on the links?

DISC GOLF Disc golf in Junction has grown exponentially over the past 12 years.

Currently there are two full, 18 basket courses to play from in Kimble County: the City Park Course and the Junction Ball Golf Course, but repairs to the County Park Course and a new course are in the works.

Due to the severe flooding of the Llano River in October of 2018, many of the baskets on the County Park side were lost, and with the closing of the county park for flood repairs, many are unavailable for play.

Less than a mile south of the City and County parks, you can rent a golf cart and sling discs in style on 18 additional baskets at the ball golf course.

The Schreiner Park where the City Park Course is located offers free camping for up to three nights, as well as newly remodeled bathrooms and incredible views. The scenic park has walking paths, picnic areas, a playground, a basketball court, pavilions and lots of shade provided by large old pecan trees.

The goal is for there to be 72 baskets

and four complete courses available for play by June of this year. Repairs are being made to the course on the County Park side of Lake Junction and a new course at the Hill Country Fair Grounds is in the works.

Disc golf players are welcome year ‘round to enjoy the beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country. The Freezer and Bill and Ted’s Most Excellent Sizzler Disc Golf Adventure tournaments offer challenging courses and enticing payouts.

Since the inception of these events, participants have been throwing discs off of Lover’s Leap, with its 700-foot drop in elevation, with hopes of winning cash prizes. This year, the bar has been raised, with a chance to win a custom-painted truck. Junction enthusiasts aim to rebound from the flood damage and make the local course the number one disc golf destination in Texas. Come see these incredible courses for yourself or visit Junction Tourism Board’s website for more details. www.JunctionTexas.com.

DISC GOLF TOURNAMENTS Bill and Ted’s Most Excellent Sizzler Disc Golf Adventure July 30 - August 1, 2020 Freezer - February 26 - 28, 2021

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

ANY SEASON

Whether camping on the river or staying in one of Junction’s other quality lodging options, be sure to take a look at the night sky before you rest your head on a comfy pillow.

Kimble County’s distance from any major city has aided in its low-light pollution and has made it a perfect spot to get a spectacular view of the night sky.

In 2017, the South Llano River State Park became “Dark Sky Approved” by the International Dark Sky Association. The park ranks “3” on the Bortle Scale, which ranks skies numerically from 1 to 9 (with 1 being the darkest skies and 9 being least dark). This darkness provides visitors to the park with a spectacular view of the stars. This designation will ensure the protection of the dark skies not only within the park boundaries, but also for the local community and out-of-town guests.

ANY TIME OF THE YEAR

The Texas Parks and Wildlife website offers a variety of interactive resources to make the most of your stargazing experience.

• Star Location Map • Clear Sky Chart • Real-Time Dark Sky Monitoring • Current Night’s Readings • Sun and Moon Data • Spot the Space Station Follow the South Llano River State Park Facebook page for night sky event updates.

DID YOU KNOW: The path of totality for the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse makes its way directly over Junction?

What better way to view this once-in-alifetime astronomical event than in beautiful Kimble County!

Gibson Colvin

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

41

LOVERS LEAP

Brenda Caillouet

Passing through? Staying a while? Either way, Lovers Leap is a must see! Just less than a mile from the courthouse, this Kimble County geographical landmark towers 1,916 feet over the South Llano River valley.

To get the best view of the huge limestone bluff, take FM 2169 West past the Junction Golf Course and the Hill Country Fairgrounds.

It will take you past the bottom of the magnificent bluff. At the base is a hiking trail. Take a right at Loop 481 and just a quarter mile up, see the entrance for the Frank L. Wilson Park Sce-

nic Overlook on the southeast side of the mountain. The park is open to the public.

Visible from Lovers Leap are the Junction Golf Course, Disc Golf Course, Hill Country Fairgrounds, South Llano River, and South Llano River Bridge.

Sunrise, sunset and starlit nights are especially breathtaking when viewed from the top of Lovers Leap. You will not want to miss this panoramic view of Junction’s beautiful scenic valley.

THE

“DEER HORN” TREE

Jim Modgling

Junction’s “deer horn” tree is located in front of Kimble Processing on Main Street and it provides a unique photo opportunity.

The antler tree was built by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Kimble County in 1968-69 and is lit with Christmas Lights in the winter.

Club members have maintained it since then.

“In the preliminary stages of planning, the location for this proposed bridge was described as ‘the setting for this bridge, especially as approached from the East, is going to be simply magnificent. The new highway will come over the high hills for a splendid view of the canyons and the valley, and on down quite a large canyon to the bridge site, across a pretty stream, and into town’.”

- Frederica Wyatt, South Llano River Bridge, 2012

SOUTH LLANO RIVER BRIDGE One of the structures Junction is most known for is its majestic South Llano River Bridge.

Construction on the quarter mile long bridge was finished mid1937 and only took 15 months to complete.

The bridge has since had several

structural updates and still stands strong even after the devastating October 2018 flooding.

The pedestrian walkway on the bridge gives a magnificent view of the South Llano River and Lovers Leap.

ANY SEASON

MUST SEES SITES IN JUNCTION

42

Join us in

JUNCTION, TEXAS for these

Exciting Easter Happenings Easter Saturday Morning.

CITY PARK PAVILION

3rd Annual “Hit for Sticks”

Kimble County

Benefiting Lexi Cardwell Scholarship Fund

Annually, the Saturday after Thanksgiving November 28, 2020

Softball Tournament

LIONS CLUB EASTER EGG HUNT 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

AGES 1-8 YEARS

For more info: 214.714.5653 or 325.446.6043 ____________________________________________

SCARF PET PARADE 11:30 a.m.

DRESS UP YOUR PET & JOIN IN THE FUN FOR FREE! Easter Eve, Saturday, April 11 70th ANNUAL EASTER PAGEANT

AMPHITHEATER BELOW LOVER’S LEAP • DARK THIRTY ______________________________________________

Outdoor Women Gone WILD

2020-2021 Events!

SM

in Kimble County Annually, 3rd Saturday in April Saturday, April 18, 2020 SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK

JUST FOR WOMEN! JUST FOR FUN! ______________________________________________

700 Springs Ranch Tour April 25, 2020 MEET AT COURTHOUSE IN JUNCTION.

Freedom Celebration

Annually July 4th Weekend July 2nd, 2020 FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY! DARK THIRTY • CITY PARK, ALONG THE LLANO RIVER

Sponsored by City of Junction

July 4th PARADE ON MAIN – 10 AM

CELEBRATE THE 4TH IN JUNCTION!!! ____________________________________________

Hill Country Fair Assoc.

Summer Classic Rodeo

May 1, 2020 COKE STEVENSON MEMORIAL CENTER

For more info: Derrick Ard, 325.215.9425 ______________________________________________ Kimble County

Disc Golf Events

BBQ Cook-Off & Kow Kick Family Fun Festival

Crawfish Boil

May 9, 2020 For more info: 325.347.6474 ______________________________________________

Sixth Annual Junction’s “Trial on the Pecos Trail”

Up & Back Boat Race

www.texassheepdogassoc.org ____________________________________________

Oktoberfisch Fly Fishing Festival Annually 3rd Sat. in Oct. - Oct. 16,17 & 18 2020 ENJOY FLY FISHING, CLASSES, VENDORS, RAFFLES & FELLOWSHIP

10/83 RV PARK, 2145 N. MAIN 325.446.3138

Veterans & Boy Scouts Troop 420 Placing of Flags

Hunters Welcome Events

For more info: 325.446.3157

Deer Hunting Season Opens

website: www.fredericksburgflyfishers.com ______________________________________________

FLAGPOLE AT JUNCTION CEMETERY ON US. HWY 377 S

1st Weekend in November

For more info, Chamber of Commerce: 325.446.3190 ____________________________________________

Cowboys & Cajuns Together Again

Annually 1st Saturday in June Saturday June 6, 2020 ON 5TH STREET BESIDE THE COURTHOUSE

STREET DANCE “Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys” Dance for Free, Eat for a Fee HOT-TO-TROT CRAWFISH BOIL, WELSH, LA ___________________________________________

• LIONS CLUB PICTURES WITH SANTA

OFF – $5,000 Guaranteed Payout WASHER PITCHING CONTEST – $1,000 Guaranteed Payout KIDS’ CARNIVAL • LIVE MUSIC • RIDES • VENDORS • KIDS ACTIVITIES ____________________________________________

Memorial Day Monday - May 25, 2020 8 am - TRIBUTE CEREMONY Honoring Fallen

“Saluting our Military and Fallen Heroes”

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MAIN ST.

• LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, December 11, 2020 • At Dark

Santa Claus will hear Children’s wishes immediatly following the parade in City Park under the Trail of Lights. more info: 325.215.9376 LONE STAR BBQ SOCIETY SANCTIONED COOK- For ___________________________________________

Memorial Day Celebration

10 am - PARADE ON MAIN -

• COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CANTATA Annually in December

Labor Day Weekend, Sat. September 5, 2020

Labor Day Weekend, Sat. September 5, 2020 For info: Hoyt Moss 325.446.6565 or Charlie Chapman SOUTH LLANO RIVER - BEGINS & ENDS AT THE DAM 512.557.2482 ______________________________________________ For more info: 325.446.2622 or 210.289.2982 ____________________________________________ Bluebonnet Casa

SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK

MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN, ENDING IN JUNCTION CITY PARK -

Junction’s 6th Annual

Kimble/Menard FNRA Banquet

• CHRISTMAS TRAIL OF LIGHTS - CITY PARK Sunday, November 1, 2020 (evening) • LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN JCT. Annually in December • 4th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH Saturday, December 5, 2020 • 2 - 5 p.m.

For more info: 325.446.5658 ericag.rojas@yahoo.com ____________________________________________

Junction A&M Club Scholarship Golf Tournament www.junctionaggies.com fb.com/junctionaggies ______________________________________________

Christmas Happenings

Fun activities for the Family. For more info: 325.446.3994

Open Car Show

DINNER & SILENT AUCTION AFTER TOURNAMENT

EAT WILD GAME, WIN GUNS & HUNTS & LIVE AUCTION OF HUNTS & RESORT TRIPS! ___________________________________________

Annually, 2nd Full Weekend in August- Aug. 14 & 15 HILL COUNTRY FAIRGROUNDS DANCES & PARADE and Annual Martin Memorial

Motorcade leaves PROMPTLY at 10 a.m. for Ranch. Bring Bag Lunch and Lawn Chairs. For more info: 325.446.3190 ______________________________________________

April 25, 2020

WILD Game Dinner

TSDA Sheep Dog Trials Annually in February

HILL COUNTRY FAIRGROUNDS

4th Annual

Predator Calling Contest March 13-14, 2021

Predator Contest with Cash Prizes and Drawing at end of Contest on Sunday (Must Be Present to Win).

For more info: 325.446.3190 ___________________________________________ 4th Annual

Predator Washer Pitching Contest March 14, 2021

$1,000 Guaranteed Payout

For more info: 325.446.3190 ___________________________________________ FRI: Hunters Appreciation Lunch WEST BEAR CREEK GENERAL STORE SAT: London Hunters Breakfast LONDON COMMUNITY CENTER Fort Worth Dallas SAT: Hunters BBQ Lunch SIMON BROS. MERCANTILE/LYSSY & ECKEL FEED/ROOSEVELT

Hunters Lunch

2nd Saturday in November HOLEKAMP’S JUNCTION WAREHOUSE COMPANY ___________________________________________

El Paso

10

Junction

35

San Antonio

Houston

37

Corpus Christi Laredo

FOR EXACT EVENT DATES AND TIMES, VISIT: www.junctiontexas.net OR CONTACT: Kimble County Chamber of Commerce & Junction Visitor Information

402 Main Street, Junction, TX 76849 • 325-446-3190 • Email: JunctionTX@cebridge.net

43

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

Welcome Visitors & Newcomers!

Kimble County 1922 N. Main Junction, TX

325-446-3462

Helping you is what we do best!

“What’s Bugging You?” www.johnsonspest.com

SPIDERS | SCORPIONS | CENTIPEDES | ROACHES | ANTS | FLEAS | TICKS | MICE

904 College St. • Junction, TX • (325)446-2561

Call the Burtons for all your HVAC needs!

Veteran and Senior Citizen Discounts on Service Calls TACLB012854C

WE RECYCLE

510 Main • Junction • 325-446-2314 Kary & Lee Warden - oWners • ceLL 325-446-6937

J unction n ational B ank

Serving The Community Since 1935

Neighborhood bankers involved in building the dreams of the community ... offering products and services with a personal touch!

LOANS

DepOSit ServiceS

• Real Estate • Agriculture • Consumer • Commercial • Auto • Equipment

• Deposit/IRA Accounts • Debit Cards • Online Banking • Bill Pay • Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes

NOw AvAiLAbLe • JNB Mobile App • Biometric ID • JNB Mobile Deposit • Merchant Services • Self-Service Coin Center

Junction National Bank, old fashioned values and modern-day conveniences!

701 Main St. • Junction, TX 76849 www.junctionnational.com

Community Room available

325-446-2531 Toll free in TX 888-414-7400

Great Places to Stay in Junction 3 3-Diamond rated by AAA Best of the Best Award Winning Hotel Customer Service Champion Award Winner for the past 10 years!

Special rateS for reunionS, groupS, SeniorS & hunterS! • Large outdoor pool • Full hot breakfast, open early • Microwave/refrigerator, all rooms • BBQ grill & picnic tables

DOS RIOS

Exit 456 just off I-10

184 Dos Rios Drive • Junction www.bestwestern.com/dosrios

325-446-3700

• Full Free HOT Breakfast • Refrigerators in all rooms • Outdoor pool/picnic area • Truck & RV parking • Short walk to restaurants

of junction

325-446-4588 NEXT TO DAIRY QUEEN

2343 N. Main Exit 456 off I-10

2-Diamond rated by AAA

2012 Roadway Inn of the Year!

2015 Roadway Inn of the Year Finalist!

ASK ABOUT OUR GROUP SPECIALS!

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/tx982

NOW OPEN IN JUNCTION! COMPLIMENTARY Express Start

3-Diamond rated by AAA

Meeting Room available

BREAKFAST FULL FITNESS CENTER RV & TRUCK Parking Available

325-215-4377 • 304 DOS RIOS DRIVE • JUNCTION RESERVATION WEBSITE: WWW.IHG.COM

4545

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KIMBLE COUNTY LIBRARY & THE O.C. FISHER MUSEUM

Library operating hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday’s hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Friday’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whatever brings you to Kimble County, make plans to stop in for a visit to the local library. The recently remodelled library offers state-of-the-art amenities, comparable to larger city libraries.

There are 16 public computers with access to the internet, free of charge. Wifi is available for laptops and can be accessed inside and outside of the library and after hours.

The library offers a wide variety of magazines and newspapers and thousands of books in print, audio materials, DVDs and ebooks.

A beautiful coffee bar may be enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere next to the newspaper section of the library. Coffee, bottled water, tea and cookies are available daily. An outdoor patio is also available for those who like to relax with a good book out-of-doors.

The library also features the “Kimble Krafter’s Korner”, where local artists display their crafts and art. Throughout the year, the library hosts book-signings, lectures and musical programs.

During the summer months, the library offers numerous programs for all age groups, including puppet shows, field trips, reada-thons and themed summer reading activities.

Housed inside the Kimble County Library is the the O.C. Fisher Museum. It houses the memorabilia of US Congressman O.C. Fisher, a Kimble County native who served in Washington for 32 years and was known as “Mr. States’ Rights”. There is a duplication of his D.C. office, and relics of his political life and writings are on display.

KIMBLE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM What started as a distant, maybe unattainable, dream for local folks is now a reality. Kimble County has a new, spacious, functional genealogy/ historical museum facility. The county’s former obsolete, “what-are-we-going-to-do-withit” hospital building has been carefully and beautifully transformed. The multi-year renovation construction is finished, and the historical artifacts, documents, photos, furniture and fixtures have been updated and catalogued and moved from the 1938 American Legion Hut building on Fourth Street.

In addition to the displays featuring the history of Kimble County and the surrounding Hill Country, the museum features one room containing memorabilia from the collection of native son, former Governor Coke R. Stevenson. There is also a dual-room area for the Frederica Burt Wyatt Genealogical Section to be used to facilitate research. A former hospital room has been retained largely intact, complete with Kimble Hospital memorabilia. There are a kitchen area and meeting rooms.

The dream has been realized due to the enormous work and financial support of many, many people. Please check by the new Kimble County Museum at 2101 N. Main.

K.C. Historical Museum Hours Monday - Friday 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday are by appointment only. Call (325) 4464219 or (325) 446-2477 to schedule an appointment.

ANY SEASON

MUSEUMS

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WORTH THE DRIVE FORT MCKAVET T STATE HISTORIC SITE Standing atop a windswept remote hill, the remains of a 150-year-old West Texas fort beckons curious visitors to the site that is now considered one of the best preserved and most intact examples of a Texas Indian Wars (1850–1875) military post. Take in the spectacular Hill Country vistas and experience the history of early West Texas life through the real stories of the infantrymen, Buffalo Soldiers, women, and children who lived at what Gen. William T. Sherman once described as “the prettiest post in Texas.”

Its biggest event of the year is West Texas Heritage Day, which is usually the first Saturday in May. This event features more than 150 reenactors, infantry, artillery, and cavalry demonstrations, and much more.

You’ll want to show up early for the newly remodeled Simon Brothers Cafe weekend special dinners. Tables fill up quickly!

ROOS EVE LT

LON DON The Kimble County town of London has survived fires and other calamities to become a community that is proud of its heritage and its part of the history of the area.

The town was established

by Len L. Lewis, a horse trader and former Union Army officer from Illinois.

The Western cattle trail went through London, and residents witnessed thousands of head of cattle being driven through their town.

(In more recent years, a private airplane made an emergency landing and taxied right down Main Street in London.) Lewis was the first postmaster. Mail was deliv-

ered to his home where locals were required to pick out their own mail. He also operated a hotel, wagon yard and served as justice of the peace.

Israel Pettigrew opened a blacksmith shop, and a drug store was built by Dr. J. M. Burt, a pharmacist and “traveling” dentist. There was also a cotton gin, and optimistic residents built a school and three churches.

The London Dance Hall, a cultural icon, has been open over 100 years and features live music most weekends!

Drop by on November 2, the morning of open hunting season, for a free Hunter’s Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at the London Community Center.

Over the years, the fortunes of the little village of Roosevelt have waxed and waned. (Locals pronounce it to rhyme with “blue”, as did its namesake, Teddy Roosevelt, a long ago visitor.)

The once-thriving community boasted a school, with winning basketball teams, a dancehall, mercantile store, filling station, hotel, barber shop, telephone exchange, churches and even a Masonic Lodge. Most of those no longer exist, though some of their remains are still visible.

Located just 18 miles west of Junction off I-10, the all-but-forgotten community gained momentum again in 1996 when the Simon family purchased an old building, which was once owned by a Simon ancestor and was named Simon Brothers Mercantile. In 2018, the mercantile and Backdoor Cafe were purchased by Lyssy and Eckel Feeds. Though under new ownership, the Simon family is still greatly involved.

The mercantile, a something-for-everyone general store, containing a post office, antiques, gasoline, feed, supplies and an abundance of personality, is the de facto community center.

Though the actual population of Roosevelt is less than 20, it provides the nexus for all socializing for the area. The unofficial “city council” roundtable meets daily for coffee, to solve problems, both local and worldwide, and to dispense advice. There are afternoon domino games and old-fashioned cheeseburgers, fries and more excellent cuisine in the aptly-named Simon Brothers Cafe.

Simon Bros. Mercantile and Lyssy and Eckel Feeds and friends host a lunch for hunters on opening day of deer season, the KC Chapter Mule Deer Foundation Banquet, a parade on Christmas Eve, a New Year’s dance with a fireworks show and whatever else might serve as an opportunity to have some fun!

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T E X A S T E C H J U N C T ION LLANO RIVER FIELD STATION & OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER

by Robert Stubblefield TTU Junction Director One of the best and continuous successes of the Texas Tech University Center at Junction’s Llano River Field Station (LRFS) is the Outdoor Learning Center (OLC). Since 2003, the OLC has served over 70 independent school districts, 35,000 students, and hundreds of teachers. The schools that attended show markedly increased student achievement and for that reason, choose to come back year after year. The high quality, hands-on STEM curriculum is available at both the elementary and secondary levels and completely engages and motivates students. The fact-of-the-matter is – standardized test scores improve after attendance at the Outdoor Learning Center.

In addition to the OLC, the LRFS summer academic programs bring over 140 college students and faculty to Junction for two 15-day intensive sessions. Courses are field-based and taught face-to-face in areas of Mammalogy, Herpetology, Ornithology, Field Geography, Field Ecology, Photography and Vegetation and Wildlife Inventory and Analysis Techniques. Students and faculty lodge at the field station but spend time in town exploring local businesses and restaurants.

The LRFS also hosts numerous conferences and workshops for local, state, national and international organizations. The center is home to the historic Texas A&M Junction Boys experience and attracts many Aggie and “Bama” fans to the practice field. With over 80 documented species of birds at the field station, birders from all over the nation gravitate to the center to walk the trails and along the river in order to cross off a greatly sought after bird sighting from their list. An average of over 4,000 visitors and guests utilize the field station and OLC each year, making it an integral part of the community and revenue generator for the local businesses and the city of Junction.

Visit our website for more information about the Texas Tech University Center at Junction’s Llano River Field Station and the Outdoor Learning Center: www.junction. ttu.edu.

All photos courtesy of TTU

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A River Worth Saving: Who Will Protect the Unheralded Llano?

The Llano River is an ecological gem in Texas Hill Country, supporting dozens of native and rare plants and animals. But due to weak state environmental protections, the Llano — along with other waterways in Texas — is increasingly facing pressure from industry and development.

BY AUSTIN PRICE • JANUARY 7, 2020 n a February day in 2018, Bill Neiman walked me along the perimeter of a Pilot Flying J truck stop in Junction, Texas, five miles upstream from his farm.

Semis revved and hissed in the 24-lane fueling station — some bracing for the long haul across the desert on Interstate 10 — as Neiman sidestepped trash in his muddy boots, knelt to the concrete, and motioned for me to kneel with him.

He pointed to the pavement. It was concave, like a locker room shower, inclined toward a central drain.

“Every drip of what’s coming out of those trucks: hazardous waste, fracking fluids, not to mention spills at every fueling lane of diesel, axle grease, transmission fluids,” he said in a penetrating North Texas twang, “the first flush during a rain, it all goes through the drains and into that concrete flume.”

He pointed beyond the chain link fence, off the truck stop property. “That flume goes right to the river and dumps it all in the water. Never touches land.”

The town of Junction gets its name from the nearby confluence of the North and South Llano River. From there the emerald waters of the Llano proper flow 100 miles through a mosaic of mesquite and cedar, rocky outcrops, and open rangeland. It then runs right into Texas’s Colorado River to form Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, one of six reservoirs built to manage floods and sustain Austin’s water supply. But Neiman and others upstream think of the river as a gem of Texas Hill Country — a wild and scenic river, but without Wild and Scenic River status.

In fact, in Texas, only a 196-mile section of the Rio Grande in the Big Bend benefits from the federal protection warranted through the 1968 Wild and Scenic River Act. The other nearly 191,000 miles of Texas

waterways are potentially subject to the demands of private enterprise: sand mines, dams, fracking, private wells, and so on.

Or, in the case of the Llano, a concrete flume that delivers effluent to the flowing river.

In 2014, Tennessee-based Pilot Flying J built this truck stop on the banks of the North Llano, despite protest from Neiman and other local residents. Construction crews cleared riparian grasses and scraggly oaks as Neiman delved into Texas’ convoluted river policy and wrote a complaint to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This wasn’t the first time Neiman, a native grasses and flower seed farmer, had tried to run private development off his local public river. In 1999, he sued a sand and gravel company called Weirich Brothers, Inc. for increasing turbidity in the river near downtown Junction. As a result, the company packed up their dredge lines and bulldozers and moved to another site, another Texas river.

This time, Neiman’s complaint fell on deaf ears.

But this treatment of Texas rivers isn’t unique to Pilot Flying J. Nor is it unique to the Llano. In fact, as far as Texas rivers go, the Llano has managed to escape a lot of the stress of human impact that many rivers in the state face, such as the Brazos and Trinity rivers that flow through the state’s urban triangle — an urbanizing region of the state boxed in between Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Even in the 1950s, when the writer John Graves paddled his canoe down the Brazos, he could foresee how ambiguous boundaries between private development and public rivers would cause local waterways to fall through the cracks of environmental protection. “Maybe you save a Dinosaur Monument from time to time,” he wrote in his 1959 Goodbye

Austin Price

O

The Young Writers Awards, presented by Yale Environment 360 and the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, honor the best nonfiction environmental writing by authors under the age of 35. Entries for 2020 were received from six continents, with a prize of $2,000 going to the first-place winner. Read all the winners at: https://e360.yale.edu/series/ 2020-young-writers-awards to a River, “but inbetween such salvations, you lose ten Brazoses.”

As the public Llano flows its 100 miles through private-property Texas, who’s looking out for one of the state’s last wild rivers?

The Llano isn’t a mighty Western river by any means.

But I’ve grown attached to it. I got married on its riverbank, and when I lived in Austin, I considered it a respite from the city’s Barton Creek and a reminder of wilder rivers in wilder places. But beyond that, the Llano River is home to numerous species of bass, gar, armadillos, rattlesnakes, and migrating monarch butterflies — as well as to farmers like Neiman who live off the river, grow crops with its water, and care for its banks.

But the Llano is an abused river, as Neiman showed me. It’s public property taken advantage of by private business and landowners through ambiguous environmental protections. And these damages are often unseen by the public.

As per Graves, save a Big Bend from time to time, but in between, you lose a Llano. The question is: As the public Llano flows its 100 miles through privateproperty Texas, who’s looking out for one of the state’s last wild rivers?

— A few weeks later, I met Tyson Broad, the watershed coordinator at Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station, for lunch in downtown Mason. “I respect property rights,” he told me between bites of his Reuben.

“But there’s private property and there’s public property. A lot of people only respect private property rights.

Rivers of this state, they belong to everybody.”

Our table overlooked the main street that runs through town. Broad explained how from downtown Mason, 100 miles due west of Austin and a crossroads between the fracking grounds at Permian Basin to the west and the Eagle Ford Shale to the south, you wouldn’t know that the Llano flows through some of its most iconic geography just a few miles away. There, the river widens and winds through limestone bluffs spotted with ashe juniper and prickly pear hanging onto gritty soil atop sandstone bluffs. Beyond those bluffs, the land opens up to rolling hills spotted with springgreen mesquite and deeply rooted live oaks.

But in Mason, the town square buzzes with a West Texas industrial energy. Broad and I talked over the clatter of semis that barreled through town on the abnormally wide main street. “What is that?” Broad said at one point, almost to himself, as a series of trucks sped closely past, carrying oversized hauls of fracking pumps and cylindrical tanks.

The river takes second place to the boomtown mentality in this town and others like it in Central Texas. But Broad’s trying to change that, or at least change some of the status quo land management practices that threaten the river.

In 2016, Broad co-wrote a Watershed Protection Plan with another researcher at the field station named Tom Arsuffi. The plan lays out concerns with current land management practices, such as the adverse ef-

fects on riparian habitat, wildlife, groundwater levels, and so on, and offers recommended actions for better managing riverbanks. Since nearly all of the land along the Llano is privately owned, the plan’s key audience is landowners. For that reason, direct references to climate change are glaringly absent, and of course, the plan isn’t a regulatory document.

Even so, the strategy hasn’t been met with complete receptivity. “When word had gotten around that this research was funded by the EPA, ranchers came to the station extremely skeptical of the Watershed Protection Plan,” Arsuffi told me when I visited him at the Llano River Field Station. “They thought it was a conspiracy for the federal government to come in and take their lands. I had to explain to them what the plan involves. There would not be any regulations. It would be all stakeholder-driven.”

But although Broad and Arsuffi’s plan isn’t policy, there are laws in Texas that are supposed to protect public waterways like the Llano, though these laws are ambiguous at best.

According to an online Texas River Guide published by the state’s Parks and Wildlife Department, a navigable river that flows through private land is deemed public up until the gradient boundary, which has been defined by the Texas Supreme Court as “located midway between the lower level of the flowing water that just reaches the cut bank and the higher level of it that just does not overtop the cut bank.”

This definition seems to assume that a cut bank doesn’t change with erosion, or even with human alteration. The River Guide goes on to admit that “it is often difficult to determine … where the boundary lies between [public water] and the adjacent private property.” It then suggests, almost sarcastically, that if we really wanted to understand land allocation along public waterways, we should next “bone up on the real estate laws of 19th century Spain and pick up some advanced land surveying techniques, and you will be on your way to becoming an expert.”

There is no clear boundary between private land and a public river — with the favor of ambiguity tipping toward private developers.

In other words, there is no clear boundary between private land and a public river — with the favor of ambiguity tipping toward private developers. And even if the gradient boundary were clearly defined, some landowners don’t always abide by the rules.

Across from the field station, Arsuffi drove me in a golf cart down to the Llano, passing his riparian restoration projects — tangles of saplings and grasses in fenced-in enclosures to keep out invasive axis deer and other species — before reaching a viewpoint. Just across the river, about 20 feet wide here, Arsuffi pointed out evidence that a bulldozer had cleared a path to the river, taking out the cut bank and vegetation and leaving behind about a quarter-acre of overturned gravel.

“About a month ago, the guy who owns this property wanted to create access to the river,” said Arsuffi. “It was a cut bank, they just mowed it all down. Illegally.” He showed me bulldozer tracks that had certainly crossed the gradient boundary, clearcutting riparian habitat — all within view of the creators of the Watershed Protection Plan.

Neiman blames absentee landowners who own land along the Llano but reside in the city. “A thing that comes with these landowners is clearing all the way to the water’s edge and making it look like a lawn, bringing in exotic seeds like Bermuda grass, like they’re in Dallas,” he said. “They come to the country and immediately start making it look like the city.”

Other practices are less imposing but just as harmful, if not more so. While surface water belongs to the state of Texas, groundwater belongs to the landowner, as governed by Texas’s rule of capture. This common law grants landowners the right to pump and capture the water beneath their property, regardless of the effects

Austin Price

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on neighboring wells or neighboring rivers.

“The rule of capture has often been called the law of the biggest pump,” writes Texas A&M natural resource law expert Ronald Kaiser. “And under that rule, Texas springs will continue to go dry.”

Neiman told me a common saying in Texas: if everyone were to withdraw the water they are entitled to by law, then Texas rivers would immediately go dry. In other words, the state’s water policy has overpromised how much water there actually is in some regions.

The only thing saving rivers from that fate is not a governing policy or protection plan. Ironically, it’s the fact that landowners are absentee. They simply aren’t there to overdraw water.

Nearly half of the land around Junction is owned by absentee landowners, a trend that started with the mid-1990s collapse of the livestock industry in this part of Texas and continued as parcels of land were fragmented and sold. This land fragmentation has two effects on the watershed. First, there are fewer people on the land, which may suggest less human impact. Much of the landscape has begun to change, to rewild, without constant human habitation. Coyotes and other predators have begun to return. Unused wells leave the water in the watershed to continue on down to the next stakeholder.

But Neiman laments that with an increase in absentee landownership comes a disconnect from the idea that a river is home to its inhabitants — a relationship that some might call “stewardship” but what conservationist Aldo Leopold said best when he spoke of a “land community.” “You gotta have a certain tenacity to look after this river,” said Neiman, “and that comes with having a local stake in it.”

Unless you’re a riverside landowner like Neiman, it’s hard to find a sense of place on a public river that’s surrounded by inaccessible private land. This is a problem across the state. Ninety-five percent of land in Texas belongs to private landowners. Much of the remaining 5 percent lies in the Big Bend region or other parts of West Texas, 500 miles or more from where most of the state’s population resides.

The Llano River belongs to a public that’s never seen it. We own it, but how do we care for it? How do we find land community with a river surrounded by private

property that no one lives on? How do Texans even know that they should care for this river, when it’s been masked by vague protections, its value outstripped by a $13-billion dollar truck stop chain and development up and down its gradient boundary?

—

“It’s not like I’m against truck stops. But I sure wouldn’t put one right on a river, particularly if it was one of the last clean rivers [in the state].”

“I get it. I actually have two or three 18-wheelers myself. You gotta have ‘em. It’s not like I’m against truck stops,” said Neiman as he walked through the open gate of the chainlink fence on the edge of the Pilot Flying J property. “But I sure wouldn’t put one right on a river, particularly if it was one of the last clean rivers [in the state].”

He carefully slipped down the yellow lichen-covered incline of the concrete flume to a trickling stream at the bottom. The water was opaque, with streaks of greasy rainbow. A discarded car power inverter lay half-submerged. “But I really wouldn’t even put this in a dirty river,” Neiman said. “Kids know this isn’t right.”

The hiss of hydraulics overhead, we followed the concrete STR to the end of the flume. The runoff dripped into the mud of a cleared bank. Just beyond the flume’s reach, the waters of the North Llano babbled in marshy channels. There’s no telling where the gradient boundary would be on this ever changing, human altered riverbed.

A single axis doe burst from the brush ahead, startled from her original path into the concrete channel.

Neiman and I watched her struggle up the other side of the flume, hooves slipping on the oil-slicked lichen.

Some of the impact we have on wild places is subtler than others. We turned back to Neiman’s pickup, parked next to so many others beneath the tallest artificial structure in the town of Junction: a flashing sign of green and red lights against a darkening sky. DIESEL, $2.95/gallon.

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CHURCHE S , CLU B S & CIVIC ORG A NIZAT ION S

Worship Di rectory FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 202 South 8th Street 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 10:55 a.m. - Morning Worship 6 p.m. - Evening Worship Steve Myers, Pastor FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 904 Main Street 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 10:55 a.m. - Morning Worship Steve Curry, Pastor FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 201 S. 11th Street 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11 a.m. - Morning Worship Rev. Jim Barker Co-Pastor Laurie Barker COLLEGE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST 815 College Street 10 a.m. - Bible Study - Sunday 11 a.m. - Church Worship 6 p.m. - Evening Worship 6:45 p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Class Pastor Bryce Stewart TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1119 Main Street Sunday Holy Communion 11 a.m. - year round Rev. Sam Hunnicut

1 FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH 3759 S US HWY 377 (4 miles south of Junction) 11 a.m. - Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. - Sunday Fellowship 7 p.m. - Wednesday Youth Service 6:30 p.m. - Wed. Youth Fellowship Daniel Henderson, Pastor JUNCTION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 1209 College Street 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Morning Worship SAVED BY GRACE TABERNACLE OF JUNCTION 602 S. Llano St. Services: 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. - Saturday Thursday - 7 p.m.

Rena B. Sue, Pastor LONDON BAPTIST CHURCH U.S. Hwy. 377 10 a.m. - Sunday School 11 a.m. - Morning Worship Dan Wynn, Pastor IVY CHAPEL 3rd Sunday of each month @ 7 p.m.

LONDON METHODIST CHURCH 9 a.m. - Sunday Service Steve Curry, Pastor

ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH 114 South 7th Street 11 a.m. - Sunday Morning 6 p.m. - Wednesday English/Spanish Rev. Innocent Eziefule

GOODWILL BAPTIST CHURCH 1201 North Llano 10 a.m. - Sunday School 11 a.m. - Morning Worship 5 p.m. - Evening Worship Rev. Enrique Alvarado

CEDAR HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST 11 a.m. - Sunday Morning Clyde Duke, Preacher

MEN’S BIBLE CLASS 100 Blk. North 16th Street 8:50 a.m. Sunday Morning Broadcast live at 9 a.m.

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH 209 North 15th Street 10 a.m. - Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School 7 p.m. - Evening Worship 7 p.m. Wednesday Worship Rev. Donna Carroll HILL COUNTRY BAPTIST CHURCH 322 South 11th Street 10 a.m. - Sunday School 11 a.m. - Sunday Morning Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - Youth & Kidz Club John Guerrero, Pastor

LONDON CHURCH OF CHRIST U.S. Highway 377 10 a.m. - Bible Study 11 a.m. - Worship Ministers: Glenn Berkemeier Philip Leach THE RIVER APOSTOLIC CHURCH 143 East Pine Street 2 p.m. - Sunday Rev. & Mrs. Shad McIntosh CASA DE ORACION/ HOUSE OF PRAYER 2014 N. Main Pastors James and Irma Williamson Sunday services - 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday service - 7:00 p.m.

FULL LIFE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH Red Barn Theater 10:00 a.m. Potluck Breakfast 10:30 Service Pastor Lee Warden

ME E T I N G S DAEDALIANS STUDY CLUB 3rd Thursday of month from September to May 3 p.m. at various locations JUNCTION LIONS CLUB 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month 12 p.m. at Meals on Wheels JUNCTION ROTARY CLUB Every Thursday 12 p.m. at Isaack’s

BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION 1st Monday of the month 5:30 at Paddlers Porch CITY COUNCIL Second Monday of the Month 5:30 p.m. at the City Meeting Room PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Last Tuesday of the Month 6:30 p.m. at City Council Meeting Room

LETI STUDY CLUB 3rd Tuesday of the month from September to May 5:30 p.m. at various locations

JUNCTION TX TOURISM BOARD Last Wednesday of the Month Noon at Holiday Inn Express

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB 3rd Tuesday of the month Noon at Big Hungry

SPRINGS OF LIFE EMMAUS GATHERING 1st Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLE ASSO. 1st Monday of the month 7 p.m. at Isaack’s

LONDON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 1st Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. at London VFD Meeting Room

EAGLE BOOSTER CLUB First Monday of the month 6 p.m. at City Sweets JUNCTION TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 1st Tuesday of the month 5:15 p.m. City Meeting Room FRIENDS OF THE K.C. LIBRARY Meets Annually in April and various times throughout the year SAM COFFEY ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS (SCARF) Last Monday of the month 5 p.m. at College Street Church of Christ Annex FRONTIER GUARDS CAMP, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, MARY HARLOW GRIFFITH CHAPTER, ORDER OF THE CONFEDERATE ROSE 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m. at the Kimble County Historical Museum AMERICAN LEGION BURT M. FLEMING POST #237 MEETING: 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m.

American Legion Building

COMMISSIONER’S COURT 2nd Tuesday of the month 9 a.m. County Courtroom PREDATOR MANAGEMENT BOARD 2nd Tuesday of the month 5:30 p.m. Kimble County Courthouse/ Agrilife Office JISD SCHOOL BOARD 2nd Wednesday of the month 6 p.m. at JMS Library KIMBLE HOSPITAL BOARD 4th Monday of the month 6 p.m. Hospital Meeting Room KIMBLE COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION 4th Tuesday of the month 4 p.m. at K.C. Historical Museum ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Monday & Thursday 7 p.m. Kimble County Library

FREE RECYCLING EVERY WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., behind the City Hall building

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ALLISON

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The best place to work, play, raise a family and retire!

First state Bank has been providing banking services here for over 70 years, serving the local real estate market as “the #1 real estate lender,� promoting the business community, supporting the ranching industry and helping our community and our youth. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful county, and let us know how the friendly folks at First State Bank can help you.

First state Bank offers a variety of loan types to serve you: real estate lending, home construction, consumer, home equality, as well as internet banking service.

The Friendly Bank

First State Bank 2002 Main St. (325)446-3391

www.fsbjunction.com

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