Visit Junction & Kimble County 2021

t i s i V Y T N U O C E L & KIMB

Kimble County, the Land of Living Waters in the Valley of the Llanos TPublished he JuncTion eagle in Kimble County Since 1882

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 JAMES GILLILAND & A COLD CASE

Pg. 5 Pgs. 7-8

SPRING

Pgs. 9-13

FUN

Pgs. 10-11

SUMMER

Pg. 14-19

FALL

Pgs. 22-24

WINTER

Pgs. 26-27

FARMERS MARKET

Pgs. 28-31

TOURING JUNCTION AND K.C.

Pgs. 32-38

ANY SEASON

Pgs. 39-50

EXCITING EVENTS IN JUNCTION

Pg. 44

Kimble County, the Land of Living Waters in the Valley of the Llanos COV ER P HO T O BY

CA NDACE MORRISON

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 fastpaced 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.

As always, I appreciate the knowledge, research, and generosity of Frederica Burt Wyatt, our county historian....a treasure-trove of all things Kimble.

Take special notice of the outstanding photographs throughout the Guide, most provided by non-professional locals and visitors.

We asked for photos to highlight the beauty and activities of Kimble County. We were wowed at the gorgeous photos we received. Thank you to all who shared!

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 S H E R

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A DV E RTI SI N G I NDEX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Century 21.......................................

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

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

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

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

Devil’s Sinkhole Natural Area .....

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

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

Ferris Consulting............................

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

Grab N Go Fuel Mart...................

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

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

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

HCFA Summer Classic Rodeo ...

25 46 51 21 35 45 54 25 54 21 17 33 35 21 25 44 55 56 17 35 25 25 49

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

Heinrichs Art Studio...........................

Hill Top Fuel Mart.................................

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

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

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

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

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

Junction A&M Club..............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .............

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

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

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

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

Sheriff Allen Castleberry......................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traci Happner Phillips..........................

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

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

West Bear Creek General Store .....

West Central Towing and Recovery..

Whitetail Junction ................................

21 15 53 46 38 52 33 45 15 2 17 23 5 25 45 23 35 45 15 3 12 21 6

40 35 51 23 46 25 15 40 40 33 17 23 53 17 51 5 54 51 15 33 25 20

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

Junction Texas is truly the “Land of Living Waters” with more running water than any other county in Texas.

In fact, some 300 miles of beautiful, clear, running water can be found in Kimble County, welcoming you for hunting, fishing, kayaking, tubing,

hiking, bird watching, or just sitting under an old pecan tree along the river watching the beautiful night sky. Junction’s Historical Museum is something to boast about along with a variety of restaurants and motels with great shopping and the

friendliest people you will ever meet!

Visit Junction for a true glimpse of nature at its finest where you can relax and make new friends! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Board of Directors of Kimble County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Outdoor Learning Center S.T.E.M IN NATURE AT JUNCTION

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

www.junction.ttu.edu

(325) 446-2301

Rich Mann

L E T T ER FRO M THE KIM BLE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMME RCE

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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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James Gilliland and a cold case

By Frederica Burt-Wyatt

In days of yore, the Territory of New Mexico did not attain statehood until 1912. Afore that date, in the late 1870’s and 1880’s, prospective settlers were eager to “take up land” and establish homesteads in the “land of opportunity”. Local persons making an investigative trek to the Territory returned home with encouraging reports of the land to be settled.

With the admonition in mind, “Go West, Young Man”, several migrations left Kimble County to seek a home of milk and honey in the western territory. This following bit of history, however, is about James Robert Gilliland, a member of only one of those families. James, born 1874, in Brown County, Texas, was the son of William Franklin Gilliland, a native of Pike County, Missouri, and the latter’s wife, Rosetta Moore Gilliland, born in Illinois.

The Gilliland (sometimes spelled “Gililland”) family moved to Kimble County shortly after James was born and settled in or near the Rance Moore colony. The site, originally settled by Rolly Gentry, was on a creek (now bearing the name of “Bear”), not far from the future landmark known as Brambletye. One tributary of West Bear “Viejo” Creek is named “Gilliland”; however, it has not been verified the stream-as a namesake of W.F. Gilliland and his family.

When Kimble County was organized in February of 1876, the father, W.F. “Billy” Gilliland, was elected the first tax assessor. Local history reveals the latter was a

member of the Bear Creek volunteers who joined the posse to trail the Comanches on Christmas Eve, 1876, after young Isaac Kountz and Sam Speer were killed by the Indians. Other neighbors from Bear Creek in the posse group were N.Q. Patterson, Andrew Patterson and P.C. Lemons, who joined Dr. E.K. Kountz, Billie Waits, John A. Miller and Jerry Roberts in the pursuit.

Several children were born to the W.F. Gillilands in Kimble County, and the family was still residing in county when the 1880 United States census was enumerated. Some accounts relate the family migrated to New Mexico circa 1887, but serious trouble was to loom on the horizon.

On a winter day, February 1 in 1896, a judge and his little son, then eight years of age, were to mysteriously disappear while traveling home to Mesilla after a court session at Lincoln. To realize the part James Gilliland, one of Kimble County, Texas’ earliest settlers, would play in this saga, and to better understand the ongoing mystery of White Sands, New Mexico, the following account is about two alleged ambushed victims, Judge Albert Jennings Fountain and his small son, Henry.

Judge Albert Jennings Fountain, pictured below, was born in 1838 in Staten Island, New York. When he was a young man, he moved to northern California and

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changed his surname of Jennings to adopt one version of his mother’s maiden name, Fontaine. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1860. While on the west coast, he joined the Union Army and served as a First Sergeant with California’s First Infantry during the Civil War. In 1862, Fountain participated in the Union’s recapture of the New Mexico Territory. While there, he married Marianna Perez of Mesilla in October of that year. After the Civil War, he moved his family to El Paso, returning to Mesilla in 1873.

He was a well-known Indian fighter in protecting the Territory and acquired the title of Colonel Fountain. As a Republican, he was elected to the Texas Senate on November 30, 1869, and was Majority Leader of the Texas Senate during the 12th and 13th sessions (18701874), serving with Governor Edmund Jackson Davis.

Senator Fountain spearheaded frontier protection and is credited with the reactivation of the Texas Rangers during his political tenure. He was known as the kingpin of western Texas and also served in the New Mexico House of Representatives fourteen years after his Texas legislative service. From 1871-73, Fountain had served as Lieutenant Governor of Texas.

During his time in New Mexico and beyond, Judge Fountain acquired multiple adversaries, and his disappearance was thought to be from one of his encounters with suspected cattle rustlers and others who walked on the wrong side of the law. Fountain, accompanied by his little son, had been to the Lincoln County court, and had obtained thirty-two indictments against multiple ranchers for theft of cattle or defacement of brands. One account related he received a message urging him to drop the cases. A death threat accompanied the warning.

At any rate, he did not heed any threats and began his long homeward trek.

When he and his son failed to arrive home, the route of their journey was traced to the White Sands, a present-day missile range near Alamogordo. The Fountain’s wagon was found near a pool of blood and other evidence of a possible ambush; however, no bodies were ever found or recovered.

A trio composed of a well-to-do rancher and two

of his cowhands was among the accused. Sheriff Pat Garrett and a posse pursued the three men, but after a deadly shoot-out, he did not apprehend them. The suspects had returned gunfire, remembering the fate of Billy the Kid! Garrett negotiated a truce and departed with his mortally-wounded deputy. When a new sheriff was elected, the three suspects agreed to cooperate.

Eventually, Oliver Lee (a well-to-do rancher) and two of his ranch hands, William McNew and James Gilliland, would be tried at Hillsboro, New Mexico, for the suspected killing of little Henry Fountain. James Gilliland, then in his early twenties, had lived in Kimble County as a youngster before his family’s move westward. No sufficient proof of murder or wrongdoing was presented, and after a few minutes, the jury declared the three men innocent. No person was ever charged with the murder of Albert Jennings Fountain.

Oliver Lee, mentioned herein, later served in the New Mexico House of Representatives. He had also been a Deputy United States Marshal. A section (640 acres) of his homestead ranch is now the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park near Alamogordo, New Mexico.

After the trial, James Gilliland established a New Mexico ranch, successfully operating it for the next forty years. Upon retirement, he and his wife settled at Hot Springs, now Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he died August 8, 1946.

Throughout the years, many theories have been postulated and multiple accounts have been written, but the disappearance of Albert and Henry Fountain has remained New Mexico’s mostfamous and intriguing unsolved mystery. The cold case has spanned the last one hundred and twenty-five years!

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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 RIVERS

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FUN

Junction Disc Golf- Give it a throw Wanda Blackburn, TX HC MAGAZINE: OCT-DEC 2020

Have you seen metal baskets susPhoto courtesy Linda Moss/Junction Disc Golf. pended on poles above the ground, with a series of chains around the basket, and wondered what those contraptions were exactly? Those are disc golf targets, but instead of using a golf club, a frisbee-like disc is thrown at a high rate of speed. Discs are weighted and designed slightly different from frisbees to provide control by the thrower. An experienced disc golfer tries to mitigate the elements or change his throwing strategy to make difficulties work in his favor as he navigates the course.

Disc golf (DG) courses are often located in public parks or in conjunction with ball golf courses. Disc and ball golf use some of the same descriptive terms such as fairways, tees, holes, drivers and putters. The object of both sports is to hit the target in as few strokes as possible. DG can be played individually or in groups Disc golfers and spectators watch as Jeremy Bolf makes a throw during the or teams and it’s an ideal family sport July Sizzler tournament in Junction. to include the kids.

DG courses are usually 9 or 18 holes Chapman said. It gives them and local golfers the opporbut overall course sizes vary depending on their location. tunity to participate with more experienced players in a Some courses are designed for easier play for beginners relaxed atmosphere. “The Sizzler, which is played on the or novice players, while others can be quite challenging, last weekend in July, is a sanctioned event that is more depending on the terrain, elevation and other natural serious.” dynamics. Even the wind plays an important factor as Regarding accomplishments through the years, it catches the discs. And Hill Country course X “out of Chapman said, “We’ve watched the events grow from four bounds” or “in the rough” hazards take on new meaning as participants try to throw their discs away from brush, Photo courtesy Linda Moss/Junction Disc Golf. thorns and prickly pear.

Hoyt Moss and Charlie Chapman both grew up in Kimble County, graduated from Junction ISD and have been friends since the third grade. Both are avid outdoor enthusiasts.

Moss has participated in the grueling Texas Water Safari boat race for 20 years and Charlie is the team captain. TheX two founded the Up and Back boat race on the South Llano River in Junction.

Moss is now Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Junction, a job which allows him to be in the outdoors, designing and helping improve recreational spaces for locals and visitors. Chapman is a sales manager in New Braunfels and over a decade ago, he and Moss began Junction Disc Golf.

“I started playing 20 years ago and have been playing at least once a week ever since,” Chapman said. He’s seen the sport gain in popularity among amateurs and professionals. “When I started playing, I signed up for the PDGA, Professional Disc Golf Association. My membership number was 22553. As of today, there are 143,960 members, Co-founder of Junction Disc Golf and course designer Charlie Chapman of New Braunfels shows his skill in the which doesn’t include the players that just play casually.”

Twice a year, Junction hosts tournaments that bring in Lover’s Leap Top of Texas Shot, which is over 600 feet players from a wide area. “The Freezer, which is played with over 200 feet of elevation change. The popular shot, on the last weekend of February, is a fundraiser event played at annual Junction Disc Golf tournaments, is a that brings in players who are not tournament players,” fundraiser for Junction Lions Club scholarships and charity funds.

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Photo courtesy Linda Moss/Junction Disc Golf.

A hole-in-one disc golf shot from high atop Junction’s scenic Lover’s Leap mountain wins this 1986 Chevrolet S-10 4x4 wrapped with tournament ads. The contest has been played at Junction Disc Golf tournaments for several years.

Despite its popularity and some very close throws, the truck is still available.

Photo courtesy Linda Moss/Junction Disc Golf.

Junction Disc Golf attracts amateurs as well as Professional Disc Golf Association members to sanctioned tournaments. A group of locals has enjoyed playing in one of the events. Left to right: Robert Walker, Ben Walker, Craig Geddis, Blade Dodson and JD Davila.

The Top of Texas Shot is very meaningful for Moss, too. “The truck itself belonged to T.A. “Bud” Chandler, a longtime math teacher at JISD. He was Hoyt’s uncle and was also a Lion,” Linda explained. “After his death in 2017, the truck was fixed up and painted with disc golf and Lions Club logos as a potential prize for any golfer who could ace the basket.”

You don’t have to be a tournament participant to try your hand at the popular throw; just purchase a ticket and give it a go. Has anyone ever won the truck? “We’ve had some great golfers come really close,” Linda said. “They usually walk away with a $100 bill, a new cooler or a portable disc golf basket.”

Disc golf provides good exercise in the fresh air and if you get hooked, you’ll want to play again and again. You might even install a basket in the backyard to hone your throwing skills.

The beautiful Junction Disc Golf courses welcome you, offering an opportunity to learn a new, fun sport with family and friends!

See Junction’s tourism website www.junctiontexas.com and click on Disc Golf for a video, photos of events and tournament info. You can also visit its Facebook page or contact Hoyt Moss, 325-446-6565 or Charlie Chapman, 512-557-2482.

Contact Billy Nelson at 361-774-2775 of Bill and Ted’s (Ted Henderson) Awesome Disc Golf Adventures about Texas tournaments and gear. www.pdga.com has sport details, history and current events.

FUN

people who showed up for the first Sizzler to seeing 288 players signed up this year before COVID forced a cancellation.”

Both Moss and Chapman say the help and support of the City of Junction, Kimble County, Junction Economic Development Corp., Junction’s Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board has been invaluable.

Junction’s DG courses are built alongside some of the most scenic natural resources of Kimble County. There are currently two 18-hole DG courses in operation. A free public course is played around the City Park and baseball fields along the west wide of the South Llano River as it runs through town.

Another course is located on the 9-hole ball golf course a short distance away on FM2169 and is a pay-to-play field. A third course, which was in the County Park on the east side of the river, was washed away in the 2018 flood, but will be ready to play again soon. The parks are shaded by huge pecan trees and include sidewalks, picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, a city pool and restrooms.

DG is a sport that doesn’t need any fancy equipment or special type of clothing. Just bring your own discs. Discs suitable for casual players can be purchased inexpensively at most sporting goods stores.

Moss and his wife Linda are also members of the Junction Lions Club. “The Lions Club has been assisting with disc golf tournaments for four years, simultaneously hosting food and toiletry drives for our local food bank and raising money for scholarships and charities with the Top of Texas Shot off of Lover’s Leap,” Linda said.

The craggy peak of Lover’s Leap is a well-known local landmark on Loop 481 which overlooks the town, its parks and golf course. This event has provided some of Chapman’s most memorable times through the years. “It’s called the Top of Texas Shot and it’s a 600+ foot shot with 200+ feet of elevation change. We place a basket in the middle of a dirt parking lot and if someone makes a Hole-in-One, they win a 1986 Chevrolet S-10 4x4 that has been wrapped with tournament ads. The Junction Lions Club uses this for a fundraiser at each event.”

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12

SPRING

B IR D S A-PLENTY

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

KIMBLE CO. BIRDS 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

Laurie Oliver

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)

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.

Michael West

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

Korner Store DRIVE THRU

TUBE RENTALS FISHING GEAR• WORMS BEER • ICE • SNACKS FOUNTAIN DRINKS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SETH & LYNDSAY BARCLAY - OWNERS 601 S. LLANO • JUNCTION, TX 76849 • 325-446-8823

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

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SPRING

7OO SPRINGS DAY TRIP April 24, 2021 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 24. 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 2022 Please join the Junction A&M Club in 2022 for its 14th 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 14, 2022

Party on the beautiful Granite Ranch! Bluebonnet CASA will host its annual Crawfish Boil in 2022, 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 advo-

cating 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.

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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SUMMER

PADDLE, TUBE , KAYAK

THE LLANO RIVERS

There i s no better way to cool off on a h ot su m m er d ay t h an i n spri ng-fed Llan o r i ver s w i t h fr i en d s an d a cool 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.

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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

Where Learning to Paint is Always Friendly

Beginner to Advanced Classes in oils and acrylics, includes all materials and equipment.

Fine Art Oil & Acrylic Paintings are available in our Gallery!

John Heinrichs, Professional Arst/Instructor

349 Reid Road Junction, TX 76849

325-446-3321

Welcome Visitors sheriff allen castleberry and administrative assistant: misty phillips Jail administrator deputies Seth Barclay

dispatchers

Kelli harameS JacoB childreSS JameS deleon Jana mcGee

trustee supervisor: Jerry Wallace

Billy hull triStan heBert Stephen Wherry roland moreno Steve BroWn traviS BroWn randy millican Bryan payne

627 Main Street, Juncon, TX 76849, (325)215-2122, Tues.— Sat., 10am—5pm heinrichsartstudio.com

Scholarship

Golf Tournament

Held annually in April at the Junction Golf Course

We are committed to raising scholarship money so that students from Junction who aspire to attend Texas A&M University will have the resources available to them. Check our social media for more information on Club events.

ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU DURING YOUR VISIT!

325-446-2766

facebook.com/JunctionAgs • twitter.com/JunctionAggies www.aggienetwork.com/club-page/junct/

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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.

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 5, 2021 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 5 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, 2021

The 2021 4th of July Freedom Celebration in Junction will begin the evening of Friday, 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 Saturday, July 3, 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.

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1/2 Price Cheese Burgers After 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Come by for fast and friendly service, everyday!

This is how you Sonic!

Happy Hour 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

325-446-9200

2337 North Main St. • Junction, TX The Original

COOPER’S Follow us on Facebook for

Daily Lunch Specials & Burger of the Month!

www.junctionburgerco.com

446-2695

1907 Main St.

M-Sat

11 a.m.-9 p.m.

BAR-B-Q

Welcome Visitors

A Family Tradition Since 1953 Dining room operating at 50% capacity

325-446-8664

Outside Dining

&

NOT A FRANCHISE

Drive Thru Window

2423 N. Main • Junction • Exit 456 IH 10 N., Highway 83

Next to Rowe’s 24-Hour Chevron, Gene’s Go and Motel 6 & across from McDonald’s

Business Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (7 days a week)

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SUMMER

AUGUST 13 & 14, 2021

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 13 and 14, 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.

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 14, 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 14.

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 325-4465658 or ericag.rojas@yahoo. com for more information.

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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 make sure that “the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas”. The park offers Star Parties throughout the year, allowing the public to view the planets and stars through some large, professional telescopes.

SLRSP

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

Welcome all Hunters!

Family • Corporate • individual

JUNCTION, TX www.WhitetailJunctionRanch.com

Contact Tommy @ 210-247-8317 for rates or more information

Trophy Whitetail & Exotic Hunts

Our lodge at Whitetail Junction Ranch offers all our guests Hill Country lodging with all the comforts of home.

Our facilities are relaxing and very quiet. Experience the Texan style of western living with all the modern day amenities including a pool table and television for your entertainment.

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Your home away from home..

Legends Inn Low Motel Rates, Great Hotel Value!

Free continental BreakFast TV • WIFI • Pool ouTdoor PaTIo • GrIll area

Locally owned and operated.

1 Mile South

1908 Main St • Junction Exit 456

325-446-8644 We’re In Town!

Hunter, Biker and trucker Friendly!

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!

171 KC 150, Junction TX • email: dearnol@yahoo.com 10 miles from the only stoplight in town on US Hwy 377 South

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, texas 76849

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

DEVIL’S SINKHOLE

STATE NATURAL AREA Rocksprings, Tx

National Natural Landmark

EXPERIENCE THE BAT TORNADO Tour starts at the Rocksprings Visitor’s Center.

Reserve your tour at

830-683-2287

or devilssinkhole@swtexas.net Nature walk, birding & day tours. Motorcycles welcome.

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22

FALL

5TH ANNUAL UP AND BACK BOAT RACE August 21, 2021

Attention experienced paddlers! This year the Fifth Annual Up and Back Boat Race kicks off on August 21, 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. Normally this event is held during the fall in conjunction with the annual Kow Kick Family Fun Festival and BBQ Cookoff.

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 325-446-2622 or 210-289-2982.

WEEKEND KOW KICK FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL & BBQ COOKOFF September 4, 2021

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 4.

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 7th 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.

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!

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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.

Junction, TX • 830-683-7322

Junction Warehouse company Calling all Birders!

Did you know...

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

Come visit us today!

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.

Starting Labor Day open Sat. until 5:30 p.m.

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FALL

H U NTIN G

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 5 West Bear Creeks Hunters Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 London Community Hunters Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Simon Brothers Hunters Lunch in Roosevelt 11:30 a.m. - until food runs out!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Junction Warehouse Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 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 5.

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 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 27, 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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Call the Burtons for all your HVAC needs!

Veteran and Senior Citizen Discounts on Service Calls TACLB012854C

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

Harames Ironworks Steel & Quikrete Sales

haramescompanies.com James Harames & robert Harames owners

317 Industrial Dr. • Junction, TX 76849

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830-834-0850

Nathan Silva: Owner

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2105 Main St.

24 hour: 512.745.0003 eliteautomotiveandtire.com

Junction, TX 76849

Roy’s

Garage

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Wrecker & Tire Service

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

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YOUR AUTO PARTS HEADQUARTERS

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26

WINTER

FIRST ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY CHALLENGE

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 Monday, November 1.

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

November 20, 2021 The First Annual Hill Country Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, November 20. Compete as a relay (one person per leg) or go solo. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Martindale Tri, the swim leg will be replaced by a paddle leg (solo boat or SUP). We’d love for you to join us here in Junction, Texas for a day of fun and friendly competition! Run is 7-ish miles, bike is 15-ish miles and paddle is 5-ish miles. The course starts and ends at Junction’s city park. Classes are simple: relay, man’s solo and women’s solo. Contact Hilary Jackson at hilcjackson@gmail.com for more information.

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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December 4, 2021

Celebrate the Christmas Holiday at the South Llano River State Park on Saturday, December 4, 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 10, 2021 Friday, December 10, 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 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!

WINTER

CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH

28

Come one, come all to

Farmers M Saturdays 9

These patriotic themed cookies will be ready for July 4th celebrations, but Angela Pena, of Pena Cookie Company, is willing to make whatever cookies meet your needs.

While Ricky Weaver manages Rocking R Ranch and gathers eggs and makes jams and jellies, wife Donna Chance grabs her camera and documents ranch life in both color and black and white.

Sisters Donnette Dickerson and Znobia Wootan just couldn’t stay retired, so now they’re just tired.

Raising, tending and selling kid goats and various exotic chickens leaves them with little time for lounging!

The Martins, Tammy and Gary, bring the results of their hard work to the market each Saturday.

to the Junction area

Market

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Above, College student Lauren Zion, an entrepreneur in the making, makes her money on Saturday mornings selling all manner of goodies…breads, sweets, salsas, infused olive oils and more.

Coffee, tea and these! At the Honey Bean Coffee and Tea Company food truck, Candace Morrison offers everything needed to get your day of Farmers’s Market shopping off to a great start!

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM From the kitchen of Regina Suttle are sweet loaves that, with some of her flavored teas, make a delectable treat.

Sandee Doss of 6D Ranch shares her considerable culinary talents, producing handmade breads, pretzels, pizzas and home-canned goods that are “made with love”.

Jurahee Silvers sells charcuterie boxes and boards, sourdough bread, eggs, ready made meals, plus poultry and goat meat, at her La Cabra booth.

Vegetarians need not stop here.

West Texas Beef Company offers all the things carnivores love.

Every kind of beautiful fresh produce grows around Hunt, and the bounty is offered each Saturday morning by Bridget’s Basket.

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

Soaps too pretty to use? A basket full of Calamity Jane’s Soaps makes for attractive decor until you enjoy using the so-good-for-yourskin goat’s milk soap.

One look at these irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls have folks grabbing their wallets, but the Gipson Girls, clever mother/daughter team Mikki and Loryn, also upcycle glass bottles and aluminum cans into decorative candles.

Young ladies Sharla Morrison and Lauren Yung combine their talents and interests to provide homemade goodies, vegan, gluten free granola, breads, produce and lovely hand painted cards. The Farmers Market totes are their creation.

Tonja Cornelius Timms of Mountain Home Farms has fresh tomatoes, zucchini, habaneros, cucumbers, homemade pickles, homemade jams, pepper relishes and soaps for market goers to pick from.

TOUR IN G

32

& KIMBLE COUNTY

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 34

Markell Rowe

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.

Ann Lemon

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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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 36

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

Barbara Barnes

Continued from page 32 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 34 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

Rick Peurifoy

& KIMBLE COUNTY

Clay Sterret

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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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.

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.

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.

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

LOOP 291

Continuing on the route first taken,

India Houser

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 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.

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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

& KIMBLE COUNTY 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.

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 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 neighbor-

hood 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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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

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PARKS ALONG THE LLANO COUNTY PARK 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.

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.

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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 2021 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 13 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, 2021 Freezer - February 26-28, 2022

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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

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LOVERS LEAP 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

Laurrie Allen

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

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

44

Join us in

JUNCTION, TEXAS for these

Exciting

2021-22 Events!

Cowboys & Cajuns Together Again

Kimble County

Eat Wild Game, Win Guns & Hunts & Live Auction of Hunts & Resort Trips! ___________________________________________

DRESS UP YOUR PET & JOIN IN THE FUN FOR FREE! Easter Eve

ON 5TH STREET Beside the Courthouse Street Dance “Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys” Dance for Free, Eat for a Fee Crawfish Boil ______________________________________________

AMPHITHEATER BELOW LOVER’S LEAP • DARK THIRTY ______________________________________________

4th Annual “Hit for Sticks”

• CHRISTMAS TRAIL OF LIGHTS - CITY PARK • LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN JCT.

Outdoor Women Gone WILDSM

Benefiting Lexi Cardwell Scholarship Fund

• 4th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH

Easter Happenings Easter Saturday Morning.

CITY PARK PAVILION

LIONS CLUB EASTER EGG HUNT 10 a.m.

AGES 1-8 YEARS

SCARF PET PARADE 11:30 a.m.

70th ANNUAL EASTER PAGEANT

in Kimble County Saturday, May 1, 2021 SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK

Just for Women! Just for Fun! ______________________________________________

700 Springs Ranch Tour April 24, 2021 MEET AT COURTHOUSE IN JUNCTION.

Annually 1st Saturday in June Saturday June 5, 2021

Softball Tournament Saturday, June 12, 2021

For more info: 214.714.5653 or 325.446.6043 ______________________________________________

Freedom Celebration

Annually July 4th Weekend Friday Night—July 2nd, 2021 Free Fireworks Display!

DARK THIRTY • CITY PARK, ALONG THE LLANO RIVER

Motorcade leaves PROMPTLY at 10 a.m. for Ranch. Bring Sponsored by City of Junction Bag Lunch and Lawn Chairs. For more info: 325.446.3190 July 3rd PARADE ON MAIN – 10 AM ______________________________________________

Junction A&M Club Scholarship Golf Tournament April 17, 2021 Dinner & Silent Auction after tournament

www.junctionaggies.com fb.com/junctionaggies ______________________________________________

Kimble/Menard FNRA Banquet

Celebrate the 4th in Junction!!! ______________________________________________

Hill Country Fair Assoc.

Summer Classic Rodeo

Annually, 2nd Full Weekend in August- Aug. 13 & 14 HILL COUNTRY FAIRGROUNDS DANCES & PARADE and Annual Martin Memorial

TBD COKE STEVENSON MEMORIAL CENTER

Open Car Show

Kimble County

Junction’s 6th Annual

WILD Game Dinner

Annually, the Saturday after Thanksgiving November 27, 2021

Christmas Happenings Annually in December

Saturday, December 5, 2020 • 2 - 5 p.m.

SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK

Fun activities for the Family. For more info: 325.446.3994 • COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Annually in December FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MAIN ST. • lighted christmas parade

Friday, December 10, 2021 • At Dark MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN, ENDING IN JUNCTION CITY PARK • Lions Club pictures with santa

Santa Claus will hear Children’s wishes immediatly following the parade in City Park under the Trail of Lights.

For more info: 325.215.9376 ___________________________________________ Sixth Annual Junction’s “Trial on the Pecos Trail”

TSDA Sheep Dog Trials Annually in February HILL COUNTRY FAIRGROUNDS

www.texassheepdogassoc.org ____________________________________________ For more info: 325.446.5658 ericag.rojas@yahoo.com ______________________________________________ For more info: Derrick Ard, 325.215.9425 ______________________________________________

Disc Golf Events

BBQ Cook-Off & Kow Kick

Family Fun Festival For info: Hoyt Moss 325.446.6565 or Charlie Chapman Labor Day Weekend, Sat. September 4, 2021 512.557.2482 ______________________________________________ Lone Star BBQ Society Sanctioned Cook-Off – Bluebonnet Casa

$5,000 Guaranteed Payout LIVE Music • VENDORS • Kids Activities ______________________________________________

TBD

Up & Back Boat Race

Crawfish Boil

For more info: 325.347.6474 ______________________________________________

Memorial Day Celebration

Memorial Day Monday - May 31, 2021 8 am - TRIBUTE CEREMONY Honoring Fallen Veterans & Boy Scouts Troop 420 Placing of Flags FLAGPOLE AT JUNCTION CEMETERY ON US. HWY 377 S

For more info: 325.446.3157

10 am - PARADE ON MAIN -

“Saluting our Military and Fallen Heroes”

For more info, Chamber of Commerce: 325.446.3190 ______________________________________________

4th Annual

Predator Calling Contest March 2022

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

For more info: 325.446.3190 ___________________________________________

Labor Day Weekend, Sat. September 5, 2020 SOUTH LLANO RIVER - BEGINS & ENDS AT THE DAM

For more info: 325.446.2622 or 210.289.2982 ______________________________________________

Hunters Welcome Events 1st Weekend in November

Fort Worth Dallas

Deer Hunting Season Opens

FRI: Hunters Appreciation Lunch WEST BEAR CREEK GENERAL STORE Sat: London Hunters Breakfast LONDON COMMUNITY CENTER 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

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

Welcome Visitors & Newcomers!

Kimble County

Helping you is what we do best!

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

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325-446-3462 • 800-969-2516 1922 N. Main • Junction, TX

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

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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 • Auto • Commercial • Equipment

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

OTHER SERVICES • JNB Mobile App • Biometric ID • JNB Mobile Deposit • Merchant Services • Self-Service Coin Center • eStatements

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

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325-446-3700

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

of junction

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

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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 Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Other days are by appointment only. Call (325) 446-4219, (325) 446-2477, 325-446-6265 or 361-660-3169 to schedule an appointment.

ANY SEASON

MUSEUMS

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

48

ANY SEASON

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 delivered 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.

Drop by on November 6, 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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KIMBLE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: (325] 446-3190 HILL COUNTRY FAIR ASSOCIATION: (325] 212-9160 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HCFAJVNCTIONTX

,1

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

50

ANY SEASON

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. 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 three 15-day intensive sessions.

Courses are field based and taught face-to-face in areas of Mammalogy, Herpetology, Ornithology, Field Geography, Field Ecology, Entomology, Photography, GIS, and Vegetation and Wildlife Inventory and Analysis Techniques. Students and faculty lodge at the field station but also spend time in town exploring local businesses and restaurants.

The LRFS also hosts numerous conferences and workshops for local, state, national and international organizations. 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 lists. 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.

For more information about the Texas Tech University Center at Junction’s Llano River Field Station and the Outdoor Learning Center, visit www.junction.ttu.edu.

All photos courtesy of TTU

51

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

trey sullivan real estate www.treysullivan.com

Farm & ranch ReSidential • coMMeRicial

SureTy

TiTle Company Serving KIMBLE, EDWARDS, MENARD COUNTIES lee@suretytitleco.com robin@suretytitleco.com

325.446.8552 • fax: 325.446.8772 1802 MAIN ST. SUITE C • Junction

R.D. Kothmann Real estate

1802 Main St. • Junction, tx 76849

seRving the hill CountRy sinCe the ‘40s 1701 main st.

JunCtion, tX

oFFice: 325-446-3725 • Mobile: 325-446-6060 Fax: 325-446-3679

gReeR anD Kelly Kothmann www.KothmannRealestate.Com

325-446-3013

DOING BUSINESS IN KIMBLE COUNTY FOR OVER 30 YEARS. Real Estate Appraisals, Brokerage, Consulting & Mapping Call us Today for a Consultation!

(325)446-3052 • (325)446-2763

JUNCTION, TX www.bierschwalelandco.com

Paul E. Bierschwale, ARA, CRE Real Estate Broker, Appraiser

Aaron D. Bierschwale, ARA Real Estate Appraiser

Scott Phillips Real Estate Broker Cell: (432) 631-0589

Justin P. Bierschwale, ARA, MAI Real Estate Appraiser

Nathan Tonne, MAI, ARA Real Estate Appraiser

Erin Giesler Appraiser Trainee

Bierschwale Land Company, LLC is a full service appraisal, brokerage and consulting firm established in 1982. Through the years, our office has provided valuation expertise, litigation support and consultation services to our clients throughout the nation. Our background in real property valuation provides a unique perspective to clients in search of brokerage services. We also offer consulting and mapping services on recreational properties. Learn more about how our office can assist you in all your real property needs.

517 College Street • P.O. Box 154 • Junction, TX 76849

Est. in 1950

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

Jennifer SideS - Owner

We serve cold beer!

e at n a c u !

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Enjoy Hill Country Hospitality Homemade Desserts Banquet Facility & Catering Available

Closed Monday Tuesday - Saturday 6 A.M. - 9 P.M. • Sunday 6 A.M. - 2 P.M. 1606 Main Street • 325.446.2629

53

JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

Hill Top Fuel Mart

Numerous construction-ready designs & floor plans to choose from.

B r a n ch g n i r p S Trading PosT Specializing in Cedar Cabins Since 1972

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JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM

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Let my experience work for you!

Call “The TEXAS Land Lady”

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Texas Real Estate Broker & Land Specialist

512-393-9996

HillCoBroker@gmail.com

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DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

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Your Information Technology Specialist We’re Your One-Stop Shop For: • Hardware/Software Purchasing, Setup & Support • Network Design/Wireless Networking • Data & Fiber Optic Cabling • Connecting Satellite Offices via Virtual Private Network • Data Backup/Disaster Recovery • New Office Builds & Relocations • Phone Systems

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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

Like us on Facebook: FirstStateBankJunction