Inside:
Scenes from The 27th Annual Mardi Gras - PK Style
Fly Fishing on the Brazos
A day in the life of a Marina Manager
Meet the new owners of The Wildcatter
Our Architectural Home Feature...
“Yellowstone” on the Brazos
Our Iconic Home Feature... Hell’s Gate remodel turned into ultimate family retreat
Plus Business Briefs and much more inside....
SPRING EDITION 2025
Rc}e« B
A eclc
egle f« ·he
e·l«e a«ea
Page 19
O¼« Iclc He Fea·¼«e
He’¯ Ga·e «ede ·¼«ed l· ¼·la·e
fal× «e·«ea· Page 6
Plus many more stories inside:
• PK Business Briefs, 32
• Getting to know the Palo Pinto County EMS District 1, 54
• “Yellowstone” on the Brazos, 43
• A day in the life of a Marina Manager, 60
Baseball at Rocker B
(469) 269-2990 | info@texasphotoworks.com
F× Fl¯hlg ·he B«a߯
J.D. Rbe«·¯, Ñe« f Fl¯·lc·¯
l¯ b«lglg ·he f× fl¯hlg
eÖ¨e«lece · PK ad ·he ca
B«a߯ RlÐe« Page 12
F« 0 · 16.6K Mebe«¯ l
f¼« ×ea«¯, ea« Ñh’¯ behld l·
Page 28
The Wldca··e«
Mee· ·he eÑ
Ñe«¯
Page 23
P¼¯:
•Sa× Chee¯e
•Scee¯ f« Ma«dl G«a¯
•ad «e!
FÖ HÑ Re¯«·
The a·e¯· ·hel« «ece· eÖ¨a¯l
Page 30
Wece · ·he
S¨«lg Edl·l f PK Magaßle!
Spring is here! My absolute most favorite time of year! Mardi Gras always serves as a kick-off to the season and this year it did not disappoint! You will find lots of scenes from the festivities inside. I loved seeing all the local faces up and down the parade line, as well as visitors to the area. I’m going to apologize in advance if we didn’t get your names captured correctly inside, we sure tried, but our note pad took a beating along the way and we didn’t write quite as legibly as we should have! Next year, we’re going digital with capturing your names. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses that had entries, without you, Mardi Gras would not be what it is! There were lots of pre-parties and after-parties and I loved hearing from local businesses that this was their best Mardi Gras (business wise) to date.
Rocker B is such an economic engine for our entire area, check out all the big changes going on out there and if you’ve never been to Rocker B, you have to check out the spectacular photos inside, you’ll be amazed!
I love our iconic home feature that sits in the heart of Hell’s Gate. Talk about folks that know how to remodel a home to fit a crowd both inside and out with spectacular views and comfort!
Who knew you could Fly Fish on the Brazos? J.D. Roberts, owner of Finstincts is bringing the fly fishing experience to Possum Kingdom Lake and the local Brazos river area and he knows how to do it!
Inside, we’ll introduce you to the new owners of The Wildcatter, as well as share what we refer to as “Yellowstone on the Brazos” - a 14,000 square foot Texas mansion perched high above the Brazos River. The pictures are gorgeous!
Get to know the Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District 1 inside, the story is very informing. Also, discover what a day in the life of a Marina Manager looks like, check out the expansions at Fox Hollow, read up on Business Briefs and so much more.
Time to start working on the early summer edition! I hope you enjoy this issue, and I want to thank you in advance for supporting our advertisers that make this magazine possible.
Be well!
Kim
Vol. 5 | No. 1 Spring 2025
Publisher: Kim Nussbaum
Contributing Editor: John Jarvis
Digital Editor: Kim Nussbaum
Contributing Writers: Jon Delp
Michelle Ince, PhD
Kim Nussbaum
Steve Nussbaum
Barbara Vincent
Contributing Photographers: Erika Carter
Kim Nussbaum
Matthew Renfro
Texas Photo Works
Distribution: Mailed to paid subscribers Distributed through strategic rack locations
Digital replica edition can be found on our website pk-magazine.com
Questions about advertising, content, distribution? info@pk-magazine.com 940-573-7170
PK Magazine is produced by The UPS Store 7355
KSN Family Investment, Inc. 101 N FM 2353 Unit 101 Graford, TX 76449 940-573-7170
Story Ideas? Send them our way! info@pk-magazine.com
Next Issue: Early Summer 2025
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Matthew Renfro
The back outdoor living space features a sloping yard down to the lake, large oak trees, a small pool, fire pit and enough seating for sixty people.
Every issue of PK Magazine features an iconic home, and this time around the spotlight shines on a Hell’s Gate ranch that has been in the heart of it all since 1985.
This issue’s highlighted home recently was transformed from an ’80s lake house to a modern family compound by the Hooker and Inman families from Wichita Falls, who joined forces to create their ultimate family retreat.
Brian Hooker and Anthony Inman have been friends for years. They work on various boards and are active members of Christ Academy in Wichita Falls, and their families have been active sponsors of Young
Life in Wichita Falls.
Hooker and his wife, Rose, have two children, while Inman and his wife, Katie, have four children. The two couples have lots of extended family and friends that love the lake, and the Hookers have been coming to PK their whole lives.
Hooker’s father has owned a condo in Sportsman’s World for many years. Both of them are avid pilots, and they love the airstrip and convenience of the runway in Sportsman’s World.
The Inmans, meanwhile, spent a lot of time at Lake Kemp near Seymour, Texas.
The two families had always talked of buying a place together, but never got around to pulling the trigger until one day during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Hooker and Inman were talking as they looked at a few properties online during lunch. The pandemic changed the way many people looked at life, and it was then that they decided it was time to buy a home at PK, while their children were still young.
The two men purchased a large Hell’s Gate ranch with a great sloping yard down to the water. The home they chose was built in 1985, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an addition with two more bedrooms. It had a wooden deck that overlooked both the expansive yard and Hell’s Gate. The structure hadn’t been touched since the 1980s, but the two families had a vision of the family retreat they could create on the property. Inman is in the commercial construction business in Wichita Falls, so a project of this size didn’t scare him – or Hooker, either.
The first thing they did was hire Joe Ross out of Wichita Falls as their architect. Ross came to the lake, and he studied how people use their homes and outdoor spaces. He helped create the outdoor vision of the house to go with the interior functionality that would make the home a modern family retreat the two families could share for years.
Construction began in in October 2020 and took 18 months to complete. The bones of the original home remain – but, other than the front of the house, the remodel was a complete rebuild.
The home now features two master bedrooms, and both overlook the lake. There also are two guest rooms, as well as two large bunkrooms that can sleep a dozen in each room. The entire home has space for 32 people to sleep, and it also includes six bathrooms.
The main living room and kitchen are built to host large groups, and the living room is anchored by three large leather sofas on one end near a large TV. At the other end of the room is a cozy seating space for four, with a fireplace and another TV above the fireplace.
The two living spaces are separated by a large dining room table that seats a dozen people. The dining space is anchored by a large wet bar and coffee bar, and the huge open space has soaring ceilings and windows that let in an abundance of natural light.
Once you enter the sprawling ranch, your eye is immediately drawn to the wall of floor to ceiling windows that lead directly to the heart of Hell’s Gate.
The main living space features floor to ceiling windows, two living spaces, a dining table for ten, plus a wine and coffee bar.
The luxury kitchen features custom cabinetry, eight burner gas stove, two dishwashers, two sinks and great views of the entire property.
The entire back of the home was rebuilt and has floorto-ceiling windows that overlook the lake and outdoor space. The kitchen is open to the main living space, and it includes a huge window that overlooks the lake and all the outdoor activities. The kitchen also features highend appliances, two large refrigerators, two sinks and two dishwashers. Off the kitchen is a large laundry and mud room.
The home’s modern design and décor features a wealth of high-end finishes, which both families chose together. One notable upgrade in the home is the electrical outlets that can accommodate modern-day electronics under the kitchen bar space, which these days is a must for families with teenagers and friends.
A bright, open and modern feel is conveyed by the custom hardware on all the doors and cabinets, and the extra-wide hallway down to the bedrooms makes the home feel spacious, even when large groups are present. The huge parking-lot-style driveway on the side of the gated home is well-built for the many vehicles of friends and family alike, and the real showstopper is the wall of glass overlooking the outdoor space, yard and lake.
The outdoor space originally featured a wooden deck, but in its place is now a covered outdoor space with multiple seating and lounging areas. The space also includes a small pool for relaxation and watching all the activities at Hell’s Gate. The tiered patio leads down to the beautiful, sloping yard with mature oak trees, and a large gas firepit is surrounded by the mature oak trees in the yard, making it the perfect spot for campfire stories and s’mores. The patio and outdoor living space have seating for more than 50 people.
The first large event the families held at their remodeled home was the wedding of friends associated with Young Life in Wichita Falls. The program is one of the shared interests that brought these two families together, so it seemed fitting to have that wedding as the first event.
The home is now a showplace that will create memories for these two families for years to come. Some of the couples’ children are now in college or graduating, and the home will be the center of activity when they visit.
The Hookers and the Inmans said they enjoy being in the middle of Hell’s Gate, but they also love the natural solitude of the area when the boaters leave. For them, their shared home is the best of both worlds.
The old addition was torn down and new bedrooms, bunkrooms and bathrooms were added to the original Hell’s
home.
The original living room featured dark, paneled walls but had the bones to be converted to the ultimate family retreat.
above: Brian and Rose Hooker, along with Katie and Anthony Inman enjoy creating family memories at their
The Hooker and Inman families have been friends for years and active sponsors of Young Life in Wichita Falls.
The Hookers and Inmans have built the ultimate family retreat and its always a party at their iconic lake home located in the heart of Hell’s Gate.
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos contributed by J.D. Roberts
Although the Possum Kingdom Lake area is not known for its fly fishing, J.D. Roberts and his team at Finstincts make it a point to cater to this type of outdoors experience. Roberts is the owner of Finstincts, a fly fishing and outdoor guide service located in the PK area, and his love for fly fishing and the outdoors is almost contagious – so much so that he has been able to turn his passion into a living.
Roberts, who attended West Texas A&M University on a rodeo scholarship, has been around the outdoors his whole life thanks to his father, Dan, who had a successful music career as a singer-songwriter and shared his love of the outdoors with his son.
Dan Roberts moved his family to Texas from Nashville, Tennessee, in 2000, after spending time from 1995 to 1997 touring with country music legend Garth Brooks. Dan Roberts wrote the song “Beaches of Cheyenne” that Brooks made famous, and it was the success of that song, along with his music career, that allowed him to relocate his family to Texas.
After attending West Texas A&M, J.D. Roberts moved to Montana, where he became immersed in fly fishing. He spent five years in Montana leading horse packing and fishing trips through Yellowstone National Park. The connections he made during that time were invaluable, and that prompted him to bring western-style fly fishing
to Texas upon his return to the Lone Star State in 2018.
From there, he started getting requests from people to take them on fly fishing trips, so he set up his unique guide service the following year.
But it was when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020 that his business really took off. J.D. Roberts knew how special Possum Kingdom Lake was, along with this part of the Brazos River, and people were eager during that time to get out away from civilization and be outdoors.
At first his business grew by word of mouth, but things quickly expanded from there, so he added boats and guides to handle the demand. These days he has eight guides and six boats, which means he can take groups of up to a dozen on one of his trips.
Finstincts does a lot of corporate trips for folks. No experience is required, and the experience is the closest thing guests will find to a fly-fishing trip in Colorado, Wyoming or Montana.
The Finstincts team leads trips down the Brazos from Valentine’s Day through Christmas. The guides take guests fly fishing on PK from mid-May to July, when the striped bass are biting, and J.D. Roberts described this experience as being similar to a saltwater fly-fishing experience.
He noted that a trip with the Finstincts team includes all the food and equipment any fisherman might need.
Pictured right: Finstincts provides all the equipment and instructions to have a great fly fishing experience right here on the Brazos river.
“Just bring your shoes,” he said. “It’s so easy, even a cowboy can do it.”
J.D. Roberts and his wife, Sawyer, have fixed up a hundred-year-old rock house in Graford, and it’s there that they bring people who want to explore fly fishing in the area. Sawyer Roberts helps with marketing and keeping up with all the nitty-gritty details of each trip.
In late 2024, J.D. Roberts received an official sponsorship from outdoor fishing brand Orvis, and the Orvis store in Fort Worth recently played host to an event highlighting his devotion to the sport. It was the largest crowd the local Orvis store ever conducted.
For J.D. Roberts, getting to share this lifestyle with his wife and daughters, 3-year-old Layne and 1-year-old Hadlee, is the most important part. He said he wants each trip to be an experience to remember – and a chance for anglers of all experience levels to enjoy fly fishing while exploring PK and the Brazos River for themselves.
“It’s all about education and getting new people involved in the sport,” he said.
Lots of great guides and experiences can be found at PK, but Finstincts offers something a little different. For more information, visit the website www.finstincts.net or check out @finstincts on Instagram.
Pictured left: J.D. Roberts, his wife Sawyer and their two daughters, Layne and Hadlee enjoy living the outdoor life.
Pictured right: J.D. Roberts, owner of Finstincts is bringing the fly fishing experience to Possum Kingdom Lake and the local Brazos river area.
What started out as a family retreat and a place to play baseball has turned into Rocker B Ranch, one of the premier youth baseball facilities in the country.
In 2005, Lance and Lauren Byrd bought a 320-acre ranch in Palo Pinto County as a family retreat. The ranch is nestled near the Palo Pinto mountains along the Brazos River and is just a few miles from Possum Kingdom Lake.
The Byrds built the original baseball field in 2013 as a place for family and friends to play during their gatherings and have a good time while at the ranch. Lance Byrd played baseball at Baylor, and his children became interested in the sport, too, but he never thought his love of the game would turn into an economic engine for the entire area.
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Matthew Renfro
In the first issue of PK Magazine, which came out in spring 2021, one of the stories highlighted the growth and history of Rocker B. At the time, the luxury ranch destination had just finished a major expansion to include three baseball fields, along with new lodging and a clubhouse.
In 2021, estimates called for Rocker B to bring more than 14,000 people to the area, and things have continued to grow since then; this year’s estimates puts that number at more than 110,000. The ranch’s success attracted the interest of youth sports leader Unrivaled Sports, which added Rocker B to its baseball and multisport division in January.
Story continues on page 20
First class amenities for players and families offer a unique Texas experience for teams from across the country.
The sports bar area is a favorite spot for parents to catch a game on the big screen TVs, cozy up to the fire or enjoy an adult beverage.
Lance Byrd described the Rocker B experiences as a “tournacation,” meaning that it’s much more than just a baseball tournament for the families who come to visit. They enjoy a lot of baseball, certainly, but the onsite pools, fishing accommodations and outdoor experiences combine the elements of a family vacation with the baseball tournament atmosphere.
Last year, Rocker B added 22 cabins and increased the number of rooms to 50 to go along with a new baseball field. There’s also a huge second lagoon-style pool with private cabanas and the Goodnight shaded event space, which welcomed the legendary musical duo The Bellamy Brothers in concert last year.
The exponential growth of Rocker B made Lance Byrd
realize he couldn’t keep the facility growing at such a rapid pace as the sole investor. The Byrds first were approached by Ripken Baseball, which is owned by Unrivaled Sports, to conduct a tournament on site, and several months later an agreement to sell Rocker B to Unrivaled Sports was completed. Ripken Baseball stands for the same values that made Rocker B successful under the Byrds’ ownership and vision.
This year the new ownership team has added a 90,000square-foot paved parking lot, two new lighted fields, more restrooms and concessions, and a new team bunk room. Rocker B Ranch added softball to its sports offerings last year and will continue to welcome softball events this year.
B offers a lot more than just baseball. Their goal is to create a “Tournacation” for families to create memories that will last a lifetime.
There is potential for more youth sports fields at the facility, such as lacrosse and flag football, and there also are ideas about expanding lodging on the site. If 2025 is an expansion and transition year, 2026 has the potential to see further expansion.
Lance Byrd is staying on as a consultant, while his brother, Bart Byrd, will continue to manage the property and tournaments. Rocker B has six people who live and work on the ranch year-round in addition to 10 to 12 fulltime employees. The facility also conducted between 20 and 30 corporate events last year.
This season there are plans to hire up to 30 more employees, and the students in the Graford school district have been a huge part of the team at Rocker B. The
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) group led by Tonia Parsons has been a great partner with Rocker B, and last year two-thirds of the graduating class worked at the facility.
What started out as a family retreat turned into a family business, and now it’s part of one of the biggest sports groups in the country, with a huge economic impact – and if all goes as planned, that impact will just keep getting bigger. That’s good news for the entire Possum Kingdom Lake area, and Palo Pinto County as well.
Congratulations to the Byrd family members and the sports legacy they have built. There really is no place like Rocker B and PK.
It’s all about the views at The Wildcatter Ranch Resort. Kevin and Linda Fullerton, Kallie and George Doubleday, with their two boys Hays And Cline are the new owners of The Wildcatter ranch between Possum Kingdom and Graham, TX.
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Matthew Renfro
What does a researcher with a doctorate in humanwildlife interactions and her engineer husband do when deciding their next chapter in life? For Kalli Doubleday and her spouse, George, they moved to Graham, Texas, and purchased a large western hospitality resort to accompany their already successful wedding venue business.
Doubleday was a professor at the University of Texas in Austin, and her research led her to India to study the cohesive existence of tigers and humans in rural areas in an effort to preserve the natural habitat for the wild animals, and to prevent their extinction from living alongside humans.
The couple has two boys, 6-year-old Hays and 3-year-old Cline, and they wanted to raise their children in her hometown of Graham. They have owned and operated the wedding venue Sparrow Creek Ranch with Doubleday’ parents, Kevin and Linda Fullerton, since 2012.
The ranch, located between Possum Kingdom Lake and Graham, has been in the family for many years. Before moving to Graham, Doubleday was able to run the events venue remotely from Austin with her parents’ help. Her father is a master builder, and he and his righthand man Allen Slater built the Sparrow Creek facility by hand. The entire facility has incorporated unique items into the decor, such as old steel beams from an abandoned bridge, and it’s marketed to couples across the country who want a unique wedding location.
Sparrow Creek had always used the catering and lodging facilities at Wildcatter Ranch & Resort, so it seemed like a natural fit when the previous owner decided to sell the 1,500-acre property. After 18 months of negotiating, the Doubledays and Fullertons closed the deal in November 2024.
Doubleday described the first day of owning the Wildcatter resort as “the worst day of my life.” It was Story continues on page 26
since 2012.
pouring rain, she said, and there was no hot water on site for more than 200 guests staying at the ranch. To add insult to injury, the credit card system wasn’t working, either. Thankfully, they were able to get everything back into working order in a few hours.
The Wildcatter Ranch is a Western-style resort with a steakhouse that is open to the public. It features a 16room hotel, 16 cabins and a pair of two-bedroom homes, as well as a 14,000-square-foot mansion. The Wildcatter Ranch and Sparrow Creek are fantastic places to conduct a Western-style destination wedding or a corporate event.
Before buying the Wildcatter, Doubleday said she had considered building a boutique hotel on the square in Graham, so the combination of the two venues seemed to be a natural fit.
The Wildcatter attracts corporate customers from across the country, as well as many foreign guests. Each room on the property has a unique theme and offers a taste of Texas hospitality.
The ranch offers trail rides, hiking and horseback riding, and there are longhorn cattle on site. Guests can also enjoy skeet shooting and roping lessons. All this is just minutes from Possum Kingdom Lake, and the entire facility sits on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Brazos River Valley below.
The Doubledays have taken some of the typical wrangler activities and taken them to the next level for corporate events. One of the most popular is the Sasquatch scavenger hunt, where participants are given a Polaroid camera and must take pictures along the way to earn points – but the team can lose points if Sasquatch takes a picture of the team instead.
Other activities include country-western line dancing and a hiking-trail mixology tour.
“There is no lack of ideas, and that is the strength of what will improve the resorts,” Doubleday said.
The new owners have streamlined the resort’s processes and services, made large upgrades to the internet and are maximizing the natural beauty of the site. Plans also call for improving the road up the hill to the resort and steakhouse, and upgrading and expanding the facilities.
Doubleday and her team have begun offering monthly specialty events, too. Upcoming events include barn dances at Sparrow Creek, wine dinners, a crawfish boil on the patio, and more events throughout the spring and summer.
The Wildcatter and PK make for a marvelous destination for any event. No matter whether guests want to relax at the resort, enjoy the ranch activities or explore the best lake in the state, the Wildcatter resort and Possum Kingdom Lake are a match made in Texas.
Each cabin at The Wildcatter features a different theme and true rustic elegance.
The Hotel at The Wildcatter features 16 rooms and several conference rooms for corporate meetings.
Wildcatter Ranch and Resort gives guests the chance to experience the beautiful Palo Pinto area for themselves
For more about the ranch house on the Wildcatter property, turn to page 43 and read about the 14,000 square foot Texas Mansion perched high above the Brazos River.
From 0 to 16.6K Members in four years.
Chad Nix, a local boat salesman at the Slalom Shop on Possum Kingdom Lake, has deep roots in the Possum Hollow area, where he and his sisters cherish their childhood memories of lake life.
His brother-in-law Carl Cross and sister Kerrye Cross owned a boat at Villa Marina for many years during the 1980s and 1990s, which helped contribute to the family’s love for boating at PK. Before joining the Slalom Shop, Nix worked in construction as an electrician and built cabinets for homeowners around the lake.
In 2021, Nix envisioned creating a Facebook group for local residents, part-time visitors and PK enthusiasts, and on Feb. 26 of that year the Possum Kingdom Connection launched on that social media site. It has since grown to more than 16,600 members, with an average increase of more than 15 members per day –and that daily number spikes during peak seasons.
The group welcomes posts from restaurants and businesses, and many of those notices showcase daily specials while serving as a valuable platform for real estate agents.
Nix, who takes pride in reuniting lost pets with their owners through the group, typically checks for mutual friends or shared interests within the group when he reviews requests to join. He noted that many requests come from members adding friends or homeowners from PK.
When asked about the group’s popularity, Nix explained that typing “Possum Kingdom” in the Facebook search bar usually brings up Possum Kingdom Connection. He said he believes the group has fostered a community eager to stay connected to the lake and updated on local events. He noted that he’s observed increased activity in the group during reports of fires or weather changes, as many members consider PK their second home and rely on the group to be their eyes and ears for updates when they are away.
Nix said he aims to keep Possum Kingdom Connection free from negativity, preferring it not to become a platform for complaints, but he does allow some rants, particularly when they expose businesses that seem to be taking advantage of local residents.
“I see so much of that, because they think that because the owners have a lake house, they can charge double or triple for their work,” Nix said, adding that business referrals, recommendations and raves are always welcome.
Those who aren’t yet a member of Possum Kingdom Connection might want to consider joining the group to find items for sale, recommendations, referrals and more. One of those new members might even rescue a pet along the way.
So much has happened since PK Magazine interviewed Hank and Jennifer Erler in May 2022.
To recap: The Erlers, who were living in California, purchased the World Famous Fox Hollow Resort in July 2021. They reached out to their friends Gary and Gina Latimer, who also were living in California, to come visit Possum Kingdom. The Latimers worked for a week in the restaurant, and by the end of that week they were on their way from California to PK. The Latimers bought a home on the property and have been managing the dayto-day operations ever since.
We caught up with Hank Erler to get the scoop on all the exciting things happening at Fox Hollow, and he detailed everything that has taken place in the last three years. He and his wife are living at Possum Kingdom full time in their place on the lake, and one son is going to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
The Latimers, meanwhile, have since set roots here, too, with all their children and grandchildren moving here. Erler said they truly are the heart of Fox Hollow.
Foxy’s Cantina is an exciting new addition to Fox Hollow, and it’s not just a bar. It’s where lake life meets great food, with great company and unforgettable nights.
Foxy’s Cantina has an indoor-outdoor vibe and offers visitors and locals alike another option on the west side
of the lake for dining and drinks. The giant glass roll-up wall is sure to be a lot of fun during the summertime weekend concert series. People will be able to enjoy the music from inside or outside the building.
Foxy’s will be offering convenient food options for those who want to grab food and take it on their boat to go.
Last summer the business introduced pizza with fresh, homemade in-house sauce, as well as other to-go items.
The menu and food at Foxy’s Cantina is completely different from what’s available at the Hungry Fox.
This summer the business will be offering in-app ordering with dockside delivery, so folks can pull up in a boat, grab some food, and go.
Also, Fox Hollow Resort is back to serving food and drinks seven days a week.
Foxy’s Cantina’s offseason hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. From Thursday through Sunday, the Hungry Fox takes over and is open with everyone’s favorite dishes and cocktails.
Foxy’s isn’t just an early week gathering spot, either; it will still be opening up for special events, such as big games, celebrations, and certain weekends that just deserve a little extra fun.
Save this number and spread the word: (940) 900-FOXY (3699).
Foxy’s Cantina is a new bar and dining establishment with an indoor-outdoor vibe, offering a unique menu, including homemade pizza, and convenient boat-to-go food options. The Cantina features a giant glass wall for enjoying summer concerts and will offer in-app ordering with dockside delivery this summer
The newly constructed Cantina serves up lakeside views and is adjacent to The Erler’s other restaurant, Hungry Fox Restaurant located at the World Famous Fox Hollow Resort on the west side of the lake.
Come by boat or land and enjoy your stay at the World Famous Fox Hollow Resort that offers rooms, two restaurants, RV spots, docks, fuel and an abundance of fun. (940) 549-1801 (Main & Hungry Fox Restaurant) (940) 900- FOXY (3699) - Foxy’s Cantina
Story by Michelle Ince | Photo by Erika Carter
Ashley Clayton, Crystal Cove’s manager and Trina Rooker are ready for the season.
Crystal Cove RV Resort is one of the new businesses at PK. This campground is located at 501 Fish Haven Road, and many locals may remember it when it was called PK Lodge.
Ashley Clayton, Crystal Cove’s manager, said the park has 96 sites that are available in three different sizes.
“We have the standard site, which is off the water, and waterfront and island sites,” she said.
The “island” is really a peninsula that offers 360-degree views of the water for those who want a more scenic experience. There are 17 of those sites available, she said.
All sites come with water, sewer and electricity accommodations, which are included with the rental fee. There are three bathrooms that are heated and cooled, and the boat dock has 10 slips that can be rented per day or per month. There are two boat ramps, and kayak rentals will be available this summer.
Crystal Cove has Wi-Fi, and is both pet friendly and big-rig friendly. The park also has paved roads and some shaded sites available.
Owner Blake Howard said Crystal Cove has a uniqueness that stems from being so close to the lake, which allows campers to walk from the back of their RV to the lake’s edge.
Howard and his partners already had built RV parks in Abilene and at Lake Whitney, and they also built Water Ridge Estates, which is just down the road from Crystal Cove. When PK Lodge was for sale, the business partners knew right away that an RV park would be a great idea for the area.
Howard called in local companies Altum Dirt Work and A&C Irrigation to build the park, which officially opened at the end of last summer.
He said Clayton does a great job managing the park, and she helps bring a personal touch to the business.
Howard also noted that Trina Rooker has been with Crystal Cove since it opened and has been a good asset to the management team, as she’s managed RV parks before and has a wealth of knowledge around the RV life.
Howard said he’s excited for the upcoming high season, because it will be the first full summer for Crystal Cove to be open.
“It should be fun,” he said.
To book an RV site, guests can call the office at (940) 260-5078 or book online at www.crystalcovervresort.com. The website also allows guests to choose which site they are interested in, and to check availability. Sites can only be reserved three months in advance. If inquiring about renting for 30 days or more, calling the office is required.
Story by Michelle Ince | Photos by Erika Carter
For Piyush Mesuria, owning gas stations has always been a passion. He and his wife, Jaymee, are now the new owners of the North Forty on FM 2353, and new changes have already taken shape.
“You don’t know how many gas stations we have looked at,” Jaymee Mesuria said. “Piyush found the North Forty, and the rest is history.”
The couple met in Stephenville in 2010 and got married four years later. They have two sons: Carter, born in 2015, and Carson, who came along in 2019.
Piyush and Jaymee Mesuria with their two boys, Carter and Carson. The North Forty offers a full kitchen, and the business is also expanding its inventory to include more household items and groceries.
According to Piyush Mesuria, it’s been a crazy ride, but he also added: “We wouldn’t be here without our family’s support.”
In addition to running the North Forty, the Mesurias stay busy watching their oldest play select baseball. They do all this on top of commuting from Peaster each day.
The North Forty offers a full kitchen, and the business is also expanding its inventory to include more household items and groceries. The store also has tackle and bait for fishermen, as well as wine, beer and a wide variety of other drinks. The Mesurias also noted that the liquor store adjoined to the North Forty also carries an excellent selection of adult beverages.
The Mesurias have added new shelving to the store and said they listen to customer recommendations as well. Jaymee Mesuria is working on expanding the menu, and the selection of products continues to grow. The couple also plans to update the gas pumps at a later date.
Story and photo by Kim Nussbaum
Clint Brookover opened his first food trailer, Nacho Gringo, last spring. The popular eatery is known for its burritos, with breakfast burritos being his bestseller. Customers have a wide variety of meats to choose from, including chorizo, brisket, beef fajita, pulled pork, shrimp, bacon, sausage, ham and chicken. Breakfast quesadillas and tacos are also on the menu. Extras can be added to any order up to the “kitchen sink,” which includes all the meats. The lunch and dinner menu includes a taco plate, quesadilla plate or burrito plate, and each comes with rice and beans.
Brookover prides himself in the meats he serves. He said all of them are tender and have a distinctive smoky flavoring from being slow-cooked with loving care. The rice and beans also are elevated with spicy goodness and flavor, he said.
At Nacho Gringo, customers can make their meal as spicy as they like by adding a dash of Brookover’s signature sauces. For those that like it mild, the choices range from roasted red, creamy avocado ranch, sweetspicy barbecue or creamy cilantro lime. Those who prefer medium-hot should go for the creamy jalapeno, while the brave ones who like it hot should try the habanero sauce.
The success of Nacho Gringo prompted Brookover to buy a smaller food trailer that he named Nacho Gringo Jr. and debuted last fall. It’s more mobile and can easily
make its way to events such as Possum Fest and Mardi Gras. Nacho Gringo Jr. sports a different culinary vibe, with a menu of nachos layered with Brookover’s signature queso blanco, to which customers can add meats such as brisket, pulled pork, fajita beef, chicken, Texas chili or all-beef hot dog.
Nacho Gringo Jr. also serves up all-beef Nathan’s hot dogs on a poppyseed bun. Choices include the basic hot dog, the “sauerkraut dog” with spicy mustard, the “Coney dog” with Texas chili, shredded cheese and fresh onion, the “Chicago dog” with tomato, pickle spear, banana pepper, fresh onion and relish, the “brisket dog,” or the dog topped with jalapeño cheddar cheese sausage.
Brookover said he was prepared for the ups and downs of operating a seasonal business, but added it definitely has been a learning curve – and more extreme than he thought.
“When it’s good, it’s good,” he said. “And when it’s dead, it’s dead.”
He said his busiest days are typically Thursdays through Sundays during the seasonal period, but with the addition of Nacho Gringo Jr., he said he expects hot dog sales to be “crazy” this coming season.
Brookover and his wife, Michele live in a home they refurbished in Sky Camp.
The food trailers can be found Wednesday through Sunday at 308 N. FM 2353, next to PK Crafters.
Clint Brookover, pictured left, with his two food trailers. Nacho Gringo, far left and Nacho Gringo, Jr, far right.
The food trailers can be found at local events, as well as 308 N FM 2353 at PK Craters Wednesday through Sundays. 940-328-2055
Their tender meats, all-beef Nathan’s hot dogs on a poppyseed bun, breakfast burritos and freshly made specialty sauces are quite the rave.
The ranch house at the Wildcatter could aptly be described as “Yellowstone on the Brazos.” The luxury estate sits on a cliff high above the Brazos River, with spectacular views of the river valley below. The entire estate has a rustic Texas feel but offers luxury stylings and amenities.
At the front of the home is a courtyard with a large pool and waterfall grotto, and it’s the focal point of the property. Off the courtyard is the rustic front door that leads to the front entry hall, which includes a long gallery space with stone accents.
Guests entering the huge main living space are greeted with a wall of windows that give them an incredible view of the Brazos River. The main living is anchored by a huge stone fireplace and soaring ceilings open to the second level. Huge beams and rustic chandeliers add to the Texas-style design. Adjacent to the living room is the wide-open living and dining room. The dining room features a rustic table that seats 14 people. The kitchen has an eightburner gas stove and oven, plus two side-by-side refrigerators with a knotty-pine cover to match the cabinets. The entire kitchen is loaded with custom cabinetry and countertops.
Off the main living is a large library and music room, making it a wonderful spot to read a book by the fire, and a custom-painted secret cabinet door hides the home’s electronics.
The master bedroom features another stone fireplace, and a door that leads to the back patio that offers a glimpse of the valley views below. The master bath is huge, with wood vanities, a whirlpool spa and a custom stone shower.
The outdoor patio, which runs the full length of the home, includes another large stone fireplace and outdoor kitchen. The meticulous grounds are surrounded by huge oak trees, and the views seem to go on for miles.
The ranch house at Wildcatter Ranch & Resort is a truly one-of-a-kind property even the “Yellowstone” TV series fictional character John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner, would envy.
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Matthew Renfro
The ranch house sits on a point overlooking the Brazos River and what was once a booming oil town of Herron City. The wildcatters of the early 19th century inspired the name of the ranch and resort.
The courtyard features stone decking, a large pool and waterfall with hot tub grotto.
entry way leads to a gallery space with Mexican tile and stone walls.
The entry leads to a open living space with spectacular views.
The living room has soaring ceilings and rustic beams along the entire space. The room is anchored by a huge stone fireplace. The three tiered antler chandelier hangs above the rustic space.
The dining room is open to the living space and features seating for fourteen.
Pictured left: The kitchen has a large eight burner gas oven, two islands, two refrigerators, two sinks and custom cabinetry and counter tops throughout.
The master bathroom offers a large tub, stone shower, custom vanities and views for days.
The cozy bedroom has its own fireplace and easy access to outdoor living space.
The library/music room is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fireplace and rustic ambience of the beautiful home.
The outdoor patio and living space run along the entire back of the home with spectacular valley views.
Chamber members and guests enjoyed a casino night and fabulous meal catered by 2 Old Crows.
Chamber President, Sue Cathey welcomes guests with an update on Chamber happenings and upcoming events.
and
Justin Burney (pictured left) presented The Star Awards to Tammy Marsh (center) and Laurel McCracken (not pictured) for their years of volunteer work coordinating the Mardi Gras shrimp boil and Todd Burns for his work on engineering a barge for the iconic 4th of July Fireworks in Hells Gate.
Sabrina Sparkman was the big winner of the night, finding not one, but two hidden immunity idols at Outwit, Outplay, Outlast Survivor Casino Night.
Heather Pettus Lindley, Chamber Board Member and Staci Williams, Executive Director of PK Chamber of Commerce prepare for the “Survivor” Auction.
Ronnie
Folks who’ve noticed the white building complex next to Graham Savings at the four-way stop of FM 2353 and Park Road 36 may know it as the location for the Possum Kingdom Family Health clinic, which is operated by Palo Pinto General Hospital.
The facility, known as the Land Patterson Building, is owned by a taxpayer-funded political subdivision of the state known as the Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1 (ESD No. 1).
The ESD, which leases a portion of the building to the family health clinic, has its administrative offices in the center of the building. The other portion of the building houses a paramedic-staffed, full-time emergency medical services (EMS) station operated by Sacred Cross.
ESDs are local political subdivisions of the state that can provide fire, rescue, EMS and other emergency services. They are governed by a board of five commissioners who are appointed by the court of county commissioners in which the ESD is located. ESDs are primarily funded by an ad valorem (property) tax that, under the Texas Constitution, cannot exceed 10 cents per $100 of property valuation. ESDs also can levy a sales and use tax for additional funding.
Story by Barbara Vinson | Photos by Erika Carter
The idea for a special governmental entity to provide fire protection and EMS originated in 1949 at the behest of farmers and local property insurers, who hoped to provide adequate funding for rural areas against the devastating effects of fire damage. In response, the Texas Legislature created Rural Fire Prevention Districts (RFPDs). These special districts levied a property tax capped at 3 cents per $100 of property valuation and served as the precursors to ESDs.
As the state’s population grew, more areas looked to the Legislature to create a better-funded form of the existing RFPDs, so in 1987 the Legislature created, with voter approval, ESDs that were equipped with broader powers and responsibilities than RFPDs. The ESDs also were given the capability to tax at a higher rate of 10 cents per $100.
ESDs originally were divided into two classifications, with a different set of laws pertaining to each based on the population of the district. In 2003, and again in 2011, the various laws were refined by first converting all RFPDs into ESDs, then later uniting all ESDs under one set of laws. This conversion process resulted in RFPDs being granted more powers and access to higher taxing authority under the broader ESD statute.
Story continues on page 56
However, the conversion did not automatically raise the authorized tax rate of 3 cents per every $100 of property valuation for the RFPDs. A converted RFPD is still required to have an election if it desires to take advantage of the 10-cent cap now available to it as an ESD.
ESDs are designed to ensure adequate funding of local fire, EMS, rescue and other emergency services. An important principle behind ESDs is to spread funding for vital emergency services among everyone within the district who might depend on those services.
Simply put, ESDs are an answer to fundraising efforts, such as bake sales and barbecues, that typically take time and effort away from service providers while still leaving them in difficult financial straits. Tax revenues can be used by ESDs to hire full-time emergency personnel, contract with other entities that have full-time fire and emergency medical departments, and to buy new equipment and facilities.
Even more important for some areas is the ability of ESDs to contract with volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services organizations and provide a stable funding source for those entities. ESD tax revenues can mean more time to focus on training and the provision of emergency services rather than fundraising and other activities. Through stable funding, many established ESDs have considerably reduced fire and medical response times, and have allowed local entities to provide enhanced services, thus saving lives, property and money for local citizens.
The establishment of an ESD can also result in a better Insurance Services Office rating within the ESD service area, which can lead to lower insurance premiums for businesses and homeowners. The result is fair, evenly shared support from all the citizens who get fire response and emergency medical care from their local emergency services organization or the ESD itself.
There are more than 340 ESDs covering 97 counties in Texas.
Palo Pinto County covers 986 square miles, or 6.3 million acres, including 34 square miles of water. There are about 30,000 full-time residents in Palo Pinto County.
Decades ago, the voters of Palo Pinto County created a countywide RFPD to provide taxpayer support for fire protection throughout the county. That RFPD eventually became Palo Pinto County ESD No. 1, which provides fire protection and EMS services for almost the entire county. A separate, smaller ESD No. 2 provides EMS services in Palo Pinto County around the Santo area.
As a converted RFPD, ESD No.1 has a capped property tax rate of 3 cents per $100 of valuation. That cap cannot be increased without the approval of the voters at an election called for that purpose.
In 2024, the average home in Palo Pinto County was valued at $213,166, and that home paid an ESD tax of about $59.05. The sales tax rate for ESD No. 1 is $0.0265514.
There are multiple methods for providing emergency services to the citizens of an ESD, which often is created in an area that already has a service provider. A prime example of this is a volunteer fire department, which usually exists as a nonprofit corporation.
ESD No.1 contracts with numerous volunteer fire departments to provide fire protection throughout the county. Around the lake, these volunteer fire departments are PK Lake East and PK Lake West. Generally, funding for these fire department service providers is provided by the property taxes collected by ESD No. 1.
EMS services throughout the county (excluding ESD No. 2 and the city of Mineral Wells) are contracted by ESD No. 1 with Sacred Cross, which operates four fully staffed paramedic stations at the ESD No.1 facility at PK, Gordon, Graford and just west of Mineral Wells on U.S. Highway 180.
In addition to staffing for the advanced life-support ambulances, EMS service provider Sacred Cross employs managerial-level supervisors in the county to direct medical protocols and supervise the four stations throughout the county. These supervisors supplement EMS responses as needed. Generally, funding for Sacred Cross EMS services is provided by the sales taxes collected by ESD No. 1.
In mid-2024, ESD No.1 hired Danny Watkins as the fulltime ESD fire chief to coordinate and direct the ESD’s fire and EMS service providers. Watkins has been a Story continues on page 69
PK local residents, Troy and Sherry Welch enjoyed attending the Mrs. Texas International pageant in March. Lauren Jackson was crowned Mrs. Texas International 2025. Jackson is the daughter of Sherry Welch.
As a child, I always dreamed of participating in pageants, but my mother, concerned about the potential impact on my development, didn’t allow it. Fast forward to age 42, when a dear friend encouraged me to step into the spotlight and compete in the Mrs. Texas International pageant. I saw it as a remarkable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Once I made a decision, I dive in wholeheartedly, and this time was no different. I approached the pageant with a commitment to excellence.
My platform focused on alopecia and hair loss awareness, a cause close to my heart. Speaking from my own experiences and helping others navigate their journeys was incredibly fulfilling. The sisterhood I discovered with the pageant community was a beautiful surprise; I connected with empowering and inspiring women who shared my passion.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was my connection with the younger girls. They were genuinely drawn to me, and I cherished the opportunity to encourage and support them. To say that this pageant experience has transformed my life would be an understatement. I aspire to empower other women and young girls to embrace their voices and make a meaningful impact in the world!
I¯lde ·he W«d f a P¯¯¼ Klgd La}e
Story by Jonathan Delp | Photos courtesy of Leslea Cochran and Felecia Ongley
Human perspective sees the world differently from a distance.
Stand on a windy curve of Possum Kingdom Lake’s roughly 300 miles of shoreline, and the far banks look like piles of clumped broccoli. Limestone cliffs stand like chunks of golden brownie. Vacation homes rest like Lego blocks planted in Texas soil, and the boats that cruise its calm arcs are white specks and the quiet thrum of engines under a stoic sun.
View The Cliffs Marina from a distance, and rows of blue-roofed floating docks rest on a southeastern piece of the lake. Come closer, and those boats that were white specks are now a dad and son fishing for stripers, or college youths headed to Hell’s Gate, or a new retiree who wants to read a book on the water. Reach the docks of The Cliffs Marina, and for so many who have come to enjoy this rolling tranquility, up close is a select group of bustling facilitators who enable the play on this natural canvas, such as the Possum Kingdom Lake marina manager.
Leslea Cochran is the assistant general manager of The Cliffs Marina, a home for boaters that rests below the overlook of The Cliffs Resort. Along with its sister marina at Bluff Creek, it’s a member of the Austinbased VIP family of marinas. The Cliffs Marina is full service, so boaters can get their tank of gas and store their vessel in the same place. It’s a place of abounding lake hospitality.
Leslea Cochran, assistant general manager of The Cliffs Marina
“We try to offer everything we possibly can, from fun clothing and lake attire for little and big kids,” Cochran said. “Snacks, drinks, fuel, pump-out, ice, some bait and tackle, rental boats and Sea-Doos, kayaks. … But the one thing that people who have not visited the marina may not know is that we have a great staff.”
Leading this staff is managing owner and general manager Dan Ongley, who also serves in the same roles at Bluff Creek Marina with his wife, Felecia, just across the lake. Ongley got into the marina business in 2015, when he and his wife sold their trucking company and partnered with VIP Marinas Group founder Austin Cameron. Since then, he has been inseparable from Possum Kingdom Lake.
“This is my happy place,” Ongley said. “PK is a unique place, and I cherish every moment I spend here. We all look forward to our days at PK. This place captures your heart – and once you’re here, you become a PKer for life. My wife and I are those people, and we love to fully enjoy every day we have at PK.”
Dan Ongley, managing owner of The Cliffs, engaging in another passion of his when he’s not managing The Cliffs
Ongley said his responsibilities overlap with Cochran’s in many ways, although no one day is the same as the next.
“Our daily routine at the marina is constantly evolving,” he said.
Visitors who have heard of the archaic lake lore of Hell’s Gate rent 24-foot pontoons and personal watercraft. At the ship store, summer gatherers pick up sun hats, decorative pillows, and cold beer and ice cream. On a sprawling lake ecosystem that is more vacation home than work grind, and more state park than highway, this idyllic centerpoint of kinetic activity is brought to life by Ongley, Cochran and the staff. “It is so rewarding to see how much our staff grows every year, and how they handle the many daily tasks,” Cochran said. “As many know, our summer staff are mostly high school and college-age kids. Very few of them show up on day one having ever been on a boat, much less knowing how to drive one – then seeing the summer end with all of them comfortably driving boats and Sea-Doos, and even giving instruction to customers renting units. And the willingness to learn and take on new roles and responsibilities each summer.”
Work at The Cliffs is closely aligned with work at Bluff Creek, as Bluff Creek includes a boat service center and boat dealership that caters to members at The Cliffs.
The routines of marina life depend on the season. Possum Kingdom Lake simmers through winter, then bursts into a crescendo of activity throughout spring and summer.
“During the offseason, we spend time counting inventory, ordering new merchandise for the store, planning, budgeting and getting ready for summer,” Cochran said. “During the summer season, we’re working to make sure the marina and ship store stays stocked. There are so many moving parts to making the operations successful, and there is something different every day.”
The team’s diligent work – and sense of having fun where they work – coalesces in one Monday each summer, known as “Monday Funday.” The staff picks a Monday to ride out in their pontoon boats and SeaDoos to treat themselves to the activities they provide for others for much of the year. They have lunch, tie up at Hell’s Gate, and ride around making a splashing ruckus with their personal watercraft.
S·«× c·l¼ed f« ¨age 61...
Ongley noted the change in the lakeside atmosphere as the summer begins.
“The start of summer is an exciting time for us, as the marina comes back to life with our members and customers buzzing around,” he said. “It brings everyone together and marks the beginning of summer fun. July 4th is particularly special on PK, rooted in the old Texas country song saying, ‘If you … never seen fireworks on PK’ (from the song ‘My Texas’ by Josh Abbott Band), making it an event everyone should experience at least once in their life.”
Ongley was referring to the legendary Hell’s Gate fireworks show that’s conducted by the Chamber of Commerce each year. The waterfront spectacle, which fills the lake with visitors, will mark its 38th year in 2025.
On a lake known for pleasant relaxation, the marina routine is contrasted by occasional oddities, including the time a customer shared a video of a large buck swimming from Gaines Bend (across the lake) to The Cliffs. The buck regally swam the distance, climbed onto shore and sauntered inland. On another occasion, a customer brought a baby pet raccoon along on their boat.
Once in awhile, too, laughter can be heard when stocking ice turns into a lakeside swim. Ship store team leader Allana Douthit took an unplanned dip when she tried to throw a bag of ice from the shore to a boat and fell into the water. At least it was a hot summer day for a cool dip!
Like any great business based on the mystique of the water, The Cliffs also has one or two superstitions.
“We don’t talk about rain or storms on the weekends,” Ongley said. “We only want those on the weekdays. Weekends in summer are the biggest part of our business, so we don’t like to mention bad weather at all.”
Ultimately, busy days at The Cliffs Marina require paying attention and providing excellent customer service for boaters who need directions, advice on fishing spots, or maybe a little help knowing how they look in a new pair of sunglasses. It’s a service the staff at The Cliffs takes prides in for boaters and members, who know they are in good hands.
“People are just happy when they are here,” Cochran said. “It seems things slow down a little bit when you’re at the lake, and you can enjoy whatever you are doing – even if it’s nothing. The beauty of PK and its surroundings are amazing, and I never get tired of that.”
A lot of time and energy at The Cliffs is spent caring for vessels, updating leases, managing inventory, ordering supplies and making sure customers have what they need. This environment comes with inherent logistical challenges, but Ongley also noted a different type of challenge: time.
“The summer always seems too short,” he said. When he’s not working on the marina docks, Ongley likes to fish, go tubing with his grandchildren, or cruise the lake with his family. The lake’s influence is everpresent for him, as it is for workers at The Cliffs, who have such a love for the water that they want to draw a career from it.
When Cochran was asked where she likes to spend her time when she’s not on the docks, she answered with just three words: “At the lake.”
F« «e lf«a·l ab¼· Ðl¯l·lg
The Clff¯ Ma«la, ca (940) 779-2308, ¯ed a eal
· Clff¯a«la@Ðl¨a«la¯.c, « Ðl¯l· ·he Ñeb¯l·e ÑÑÑ.·heclff¯a«la.c.
continued from page 56...
valuable addition to the ESD, and he has been instrumental in training the volunteer fire departments in coordinated fire protection and suppression throughout the county.
In addition to Watkins, the ESD also employs Mistie Garland Clasby as its administrator.
Taxpayers can choose to donate to their local volunteer fire department above and beyond their taxes. ESD No. 1 encourages that any such donations be made by taking into consideration the overall operations of ESD No. 1, in addition to localized needs. For example, if a local volunteer fire department finds it difficult to keep volunteers in the area during normal working hours, taxpayers can then consider making a restricted donation to the fire department for staffing during weekdays.
The first quarter Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours was hosted by 2 Old Crows on March 14th. Owner Cheryle Christopher and her talented team served up beef, pork and chicken fajitas with all the fixins’, Cheryle’s famous Queso Blanca, chips, freshly made guacamole, chips, salsa, Mexican shrimp cocktail and Texas caviar. Chamber members enjoyed a fun evening of good food and networking.
Jesse Swanson was the lucky winner of the door prize, Ranger Baseball tickets, provided by Graham Savings
Cheryle Christopher takes a quick break from her busy kitchen at 2 Old Crows to snap a shot with her JR. Christopher always puts on a great Mardi Gras pre-party! This year was no exception.
Photos by Kim Nussbaum
PK Locals, James Pendergraft, Kim Mitchell, Jamie Harris, Russell Mitchell and Kelly Pendergraft. Staking their spot for the Mardi Gras Parade, PK Style!
World.
PK Locals share fun pics from around the lake with friends and family!
-Photo submitted by Holly Chandler Blakelee, Jenna and Neilee Hutt with Barbara and Mark Vinson at Lush Resort Mardi Gras after party.
-Photo submitted by Barbara Vinson
Took all five of us 2 hours to complete the PK Puzzle!
submitted by Jo Lynn Miller
Residents of The Cliffs donate money to Charlie’s Angels
Pictured left to right: Angelia Hardin, Magyn Whitaker, Ric Hayward, and Linda Hayward present check to Charlie’s Angels for $5,120.00. Not pictured: Sherri Dobbelaer, Cathy Bender, Valerie Gribble, Ann Laughlin and Patty Poulos.
Residents of The Cliffs raised funds with a dinner and silent auction on January 11th. Special thanks to all the vendors that donated an item to the silent auction. Residents of The Cliffs support this local charity annually and encourage regular donations from our residents to provide 300+ meals weekly to those in need.
Tegan Nowak, age 9 (pictured far left) shares a poem she wrote about Possum Kingdom Lake with our readers.
We couldn’t agree more, Tegan! PK is a special place! Keep writing and sharing your work with us! PK Magazine
