Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2026

BUILT TO LEAD

TERRY WILSON

SOLDIER • STATESMAN • TEXAN FAMILY-FRIENDLY FALL Autum Bucket List Activities

KIDS & EDUCATION JISD Celebrates 110 Years

WORTH THE DRIVE Old West Meets New in Hico

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE

n an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, 76537 Life constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive: its people and their impact. Since its inception in 2021, 76537 Life, Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,600 homes and businesses monthly. Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell. Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people. Has, to date, mailed close to 400,000 magazines within the 76537 area. But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.

This month, we celebrate the people, places, and traditions that give 76537 its unmistakable character—from courageous leadership and the "decicentennial" of Jarrell ISD history to small-town adventures, family traditions, and the grand spectacle of the State Fair. As fall begins, I hope these stories inspire you to explore somewhere new, honor the legacies that shaped us, and appreciate the neighbors who continue building our communities for the future.

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PUBLISHERS Cathy Payne • Mike Payne COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds SENIOR WRITER/COPY EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda A. Thornton • Charlotte Kovalchuk • Greta Bauer GRAPHICS Ann Marie Kennon ∙ Joni Mozis DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Jesse Payne ADVERTISING 512.746.4545 • info@myjarrell.com 76537 Life is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper. Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. 76537 Life is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to 76537 Life, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com

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CONTENT

IN THIS ISSUE 5 / COVER FEATURE • Col. Terry Wilson is Bulit to Lead

8 / KIDS & EDUCATION • Jarrell ISD Turns 110 11 / FAMILY • Fall Bucket List Activities 14 / BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT • Camp Briteside 18 / WHAT MAKES TEXAS 'TEXAS' • The Texas State Fair 22 / WORTH THE DRIVE • Old West Meets New in Hico 24 / ASK A PRO • Inner Space Cavern 28 / NEIGHBOR LEIGH • Seeking Counsel

ASK A PRO

FEATURED PROFESSIONALS Meet our Pros — industry professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends. To learn more about becoming a featured pro, contact info@myjarrell. com or 512.746.4545

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COVER FEATURE

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nnon • p h oto c ou rte s y Re p. Te r r y Wi ls o n

Meet

TERRY WILSON 

A SOLDIER’S APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, AND TEXAS’ FUTURE Long before Terry Wilson began working on state budgets, education policy, workforce development, or emergency preparedness, he spent 32 years serving his country as an American soldier. That experience continues to shape the way Colonel Wilson approaches his work as the Texas House District 20 representative. His record in the Legislature reflects a leader focused not simply on identifying problems, but on understanding the systems behind them, bringing the right people together, and investing in solutions designed to work for the long term. Nowhere is that more apparent than in one of his signature priorities: education.

EDUCATION WITH A DESTINATION Public and higher education became a major focus for Rep. Wilson after he was elected to the Texas House. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III in 2021, he helped oversee the portion of the state budget responsible for public and higher education—more than one-third of the entire Texas budget. But he has consistently argued that educational success should not be defined exclusively by a four-year college degree. His interest in vocational education began during his Army career. As an acquisition executive, Colonel Wilson was responsible for moving completed military research and devel-

opment into production. He saw defense contractors rely on foreign partners because the United States lacked sufficient domestic production capacity and skilled workers. For him, the shortage was more than an economic concern; dependence on overseas manufacturing could also put American intellectual property and national security at risk. That experience became a catalyst for his efforts to expand Career and Technical Education in Texas. During his tenure as Article III chairman, Wilson helped direct major invest- 

At a Glance

RETIRED U.S. ARMY COLONEL 32 years of service • Decorated Combat Veteran TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE House District 20 LEADER IN THE TEXAS HOUSE Chairman, House Committee on Higher Education FOCUS AREAS Education & Workforce • Higher Education Property Taxes • Defense & Veterans Infrastructure • Disaster Preparedness PERSONAL Married to Shannon for 30 years and father to William, a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, and Benjamin, a member of the TAMU Corps of Cadets. Rep. Wilson earned a BS in Business Administration from Texas A&M University and an MS in Strategic Logistics Plans and Management from the Air War University. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 26  7 6 5 3 7 L I F E

COVER FEATURE

College is one path to success, not the definition of success.

ments toward P-TECH programs that allow schools to partner with community colleges, technical colleges, and industry. Students can begin exploring careers as early as 7th grade and work toward certifications, college credit, associate degrees, and workforce experience while still in school.

devastating 2025 Hill Country floods, served on the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. He carried legislation in the House requiring outdoor warning sirens in flash-flood-prone areas and supported stronger emergency planning for youth camps.

The goal, the Representative has said repeatedly, is to give students multiple pathways to success while ensuring workforce programs correspond to jobs Texas actually needs.

Now, as Chairman of Higher Education, he similarly connects economic growth with national security; helping lay the groundwork for the Texas University Fund, which established a $1 billion investment fund to support university research. More recently, he authored and passed HB 127, creating a Research Security Council to help Texas institutions protect sensitive research and intellectual property from foreign threats.

That philosophy continues today. Recent state investments include approximately $850 million in a permanent Texas State Technical College endowment, as well as programs supporting equipment and short-term training for high-demand careers. Rep. Wilson also advocates greater cooperation among school districts, colleges, workforce boards, and employers rather than asking students to navigate separate systems on their own.

PROTECTING TEXAS’ FUTURE Terry Wilson’s military background is also evident in his work on defense, emergency preparedness, and higher education research. During his time as Chairman of the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs, he focused on protecting Texas military installations while strengthening the communities surrounding them. His priorities include military family quality of life, professional license portability for military spouses, preventing encroachment around installations, and ensuring Texas remains positioned to attract new military missions. The same emphasis on preparedness extends to natural disasters. Rep. Wilson has advocated stronger coordination among local responders and state agencies and, following the 6

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GROWTH WITH ACCOUNTABILITY Closer to home, Rep. Wilson has also focused on problems created by Central Texas’ extraordinary growth. In Williamson County, that includes the rapid expansion of aggregate production operations—the quarries and facilities supplying the sand, gravel, and crushed stone necessary for roads and construction. He has pushed for reforms addressing air quality, noise, traffic safety, groundwater use, setbacks, and reclamation while acknowledging the industry’s importance to a growing state. That balance is characteristic of his approach: economic growth and infrastructure are necessary, but so are accountability, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and protection of the communities affected by that growth. Across issues as different as school finance, skilled trades, military readiness, research security, disaster planning, property taxes, and infrastructure, a common thread emerges from his years in office. Pol. Ad. Paid for by the Terry Wilson Campaign

The mission may change, but the method is familiar: identify what Texas will need next, bring the pieces together, and start building before the need becomes a crisis.

AFFORDABILITY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY As Central Texas grows, Wilson has emphasized the importance of ensuring families and small businesses can afford to grow with it. Reducing the burden of property taxes remain central to that effort. He supports reining in rapidly rising home appraisals, arguing that meaningful relief requires addressing the appraisal process that drives tax bills higher. Wilson has also backed efforts to reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses, which he describes as the heart of the Texas economy. On top of having passed the first meaningful property tax reforms focused on small businesses, his approach connects fewer regulatory costs with local job creation and relief from the rising expenses facing employers and consumers alike. Energy and insurance costs are part of the same affordability challenge. Wilson supports expanding energy production to lower utility bills and prices at the pump, as well as curbing lawsuit abuse that he says contributes to higher health, home, and automobile insurance premiums. He also helped pass the constitutional amendment permanently prohibiting a state income tax in Texas. As new industries reshape the region, Wilson has called for local data centers to be held accountable for their effects on surrounding communities. For Wilson, attracting investment must go hand in hand with protecting taxpayers, managing costs, and ensuring economic growth improves residents’ quality of life.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc h u k • p h otos c ou rte s y JI S D

or the last century, Jarrell ISD has grown alongside the community it serves. What began as a small, close-knit school system has evolved into a rapidly growing district with new campuses, expanded programs, and an increasingly diverse student population. Yet as Jarrell ISD celebrates its 110th anniversary, Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks says one of the district’s most important accomplishments is not simply how much it has grown, but how much of its original spirit has remained intact.

GROWING WITH JARRELL During her time with the district, Dr. Hicks has watched Jarrell ISD become larger and more complex while continuing to prioritize the relationships at the heart of its schools. “We have welcomed many new students, families, and staff members; opened new campuses, expanded programs, and developed stronger systems to meet changing needs,” she says. “Even with that growth, the district has continued to emphasize relationships, collaboration, and doing what is best for students.” That growth has happened remarkably quickly. For those who have joined the district more recently, it may be difficult to appreciate just how many of the systems and opportunities now considered part of everyday life in Jarrell ISD were built in a relatively short period of time. According to Dr. Hicks, many began simply as solutions to immediate needs, with small groups of employees working together to solve problems as they arose. Over time, those efforts developed into district wide systems and programs. That evolution, she says, reflects the adaptability and persistence of the people who have built the district along the way.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE The recent period of rapid growth has been particularly meaningful to Dr. Hicks. While an expanding district brings opportunities to broaden academic programs, extracurricular activities, student services, and career pathways, it also requires employees to continually adapt and make thoughtful decisions while continuing to serve students. “Watching our 8

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Top: Jarrell's original school house, completed in 1916. Bottom: Teachers celebrating Jarrell's 110th Birthday Celebration Facing page: Jarrell ISD's current campuses

KIDS & EDUCATION

staff rise to that challenge and continue building systems for a larger, more complex district has been remarkable,” she says. Through all of that change, however, one thing has remained constant: Jarrell ISD’s sense of community. Although the district has grown, Dr. Hicks says the personal connections that have long defined Jarrell remain among its greatest strengths. Staff members know their students, families support their schools, and the community continues to come together during both celebrations and challenges. That sense of connection is also what makes her most proud of the district’s people. She points to the resilience, flexibility, and willingness to improve demonstrated by employees throughout the district, as well as their commitment to raising expectations and creating more opportunities for students. “Jarrell ISD is a special place because of its people,” Dr. Hicks says.

“Our students bring energy and possibility to the work, our staff members are deeply committed, and our community genuinely wants its schools to succeed.”

A NEW CENTURY AHEAD Today, those opportunities extend far beyond the traditional classroom. Jarrell ISD continues to strengthen instruction and leadership development while expanding academic, career, fine arts, and extracurricular opportunities designed to prepare students for life after graduation—whether they are set on a path to college, a career, military service, certification programs, or other training. As Jarrell ISD considers its next 110 years, growth will continue to shape the district. The challenge, Dr. Hicks says,

will be ensuring new systems and facilities can keep pace with an expanding student population without sacrificing the relationships and sense of belonging that make the district distinctive. She sees that growth as an opportunity as much as a challenge: a chance to develop stronger programs, facilities, and support systems while creating even more pathways for students to discover their potential. Looking ahead, Dr. Hicks hopes Jarrell ISD becomes an even stronger, more innovative, and comprehensive district—one with exceptional learning opportunities, facilities that keep up with growth, and a continued investment in educators and leaders. Above all, she hopes the district’s greatest tradition continues for another 110 years: “Most importantly, I hope Jarrell ISD remains a place where every student is known, supported, challenged, and prepared to succeed.”

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by Greta Ba uer

Autumn Adventures

FAMILY

A Fall Bucket List for the Whole Family

Whether it’s enjoying seasonal sips, getting crafty at home, exploring local festivals, or hitting the road in search of vibrant fall foliage, there’s no shortage of ways for families to make the most of the season together. Make some room on the calendar and start checking these festive adventures off the family fall bucket list.

SPOOKY SEASON Embrace the spooky season with a visit to these haunted houses:

FALL FESTIVAL FUN TEXAS PUMPKIN FEST: Head to Leander for a fall extravaganza packed with pumpkins, carnival rides, magic shows, train and pony rides, and family friendly games. October 10 to November 1 at 8760 FM 2243, Leander FALL FESTIVAL: Make your way to Georgetown for a day of farm-filled fun at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, including a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, pig races, apple cannons, fireworks and more. Now until November 8 at 14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown CENTRAL TX PUMPKIN FEST: In Temple, Central TX Pumpkin Fest brings pumpkins, farm animals, zip lines, live music, food trucks, a wine and biergarten, and plenty of ways to turn a fall day into an adventure. Now until November 1 at 2651 Bob White Rd., Temple

SILO OF SCREAMS: Celebrate the Halloween season with five full-size haunted attractions covering more than 30,000 square feet, including a hospital, maze, asylum, post-apocalyptic incinerator, and creepy clown funhouse. For families with younger kids, Silo of Screams also offers designated Family Days with no scare actors, bounce houses, face painting, and candy. 1511 Industrial Blvd., Temple SCARE FOR A CURE: This isn’t your typical haunted house: SCARE for a CURE creates immersive, interactive haunted adventures that put visitors right in the middle of the story. Even better, the all-volunteer nonprofit uses its Halloween adventures to raise money for the Breast Cancer Resource Center and other local charities. 14219 Littig Road, Manor SCREAM HOLLOW WICKED HALLOWEEN PARK: Make a night of it at this 20-acre Halloween park just outside Bastrop, featuring multiple haunted attractions, live music, food and beverages, gift shop, and Halloween History Museum. 149 Split Rail Lane, Smithville

FILL UP YOUR FALL BASKET Stock up on some delicious fall fare at a local farmers market: JARRELL FARMERS MARKET: The weekly market is returning with fall fun, local vendors, local shopping, food and plenty of community spirit. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at Tractor Supply, 143 Town Center Blvd. WOLF RANCH FARMERS MARKET: Make a Saturday morning trip to the Wolf Ranch Town Center, where around 100 local vendors gather each week with fresh produce, meats, honey, eggs, dairy, breads and more. Saturdays from 8am to 1pm at 1015 W. University Ave. ROUND ROCK FARMERS MARKET: Head to Rock Creek Center for this year-round Saturday market featuring locally grown produce and responsibly raised meats, eggs and other Texas-made goods. Saturdays from 10am to 2pm at 2111 N. Interstate 35. 

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SOAK UP SOME FALL FOLIAGE While Central Texas may not be famous for New England-style fall foliage, there are still plenty of places to catch the season showing off its reds, golds, and oranges. � LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA: About three hours southwest of Jarrell, Lost Maples is one of Texas’ best destinations for fall color, with rare bigtooth maple trees that can turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. � GARNER STATE PARK: This beloved Hill Country park about three-and-a-half hours southwest of Jarrell follows the Frio River and offers colorful wooded hillsides, scenic trails and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. � MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK: Located an hour from Jarrell just southeast of downtown Austin, McKinney Falls is an easy option for a taste of fall foliage closer to home, with wooded trails, limestone scenery and the picturesque Onion Creek.

CRAFT YOUR WAY INTO FALL MAKE A FALL LEAF SUNCATCHER: Bring the colors of autumn indoors with this simple window craft. Cut a leaf shape from construction paper, then fill the center with colorful pieces of tissue or kite paper arranged in your own pattern. Seal it between two pieces of clear contact paper, trim the edges and hang it in a sunny window. When the light shines through, watch the reds, oranges and yellows glow like stained glass. BUILD A SPOOKY TREE: Turn a fallen branch into a miniature Halloween centerpiece. Start with a sturdy branch and a base made from dry florist’s foam, then paint the branch black or another dark color. From there, let the kids take over: add creepy-crawly spiders made from buttons and yarn, tie Halloween ribbons and bows to the branches, string a garland of candy corn and beads, and drape novelty spiderwebs over the bare spots. The finished tree makes a fun centerpiece for a table, entryway or porch—and you can keep adding new decorations as Halloween approaches. Inspired by PBS KIDS’ DIY Spooky Tree.

MAKE SCENTED FALL SALT-DOUGH ORNAMENTS: Turn an afternoon of crafting into a fragrant fall activity with this recipe from The Imagination Tree. � 1 cup flour

� 1 cup salt

� up to 1 cup warm water � Autumn-colored food coloring � 1 tablespoon cinnamon � 1 teaspoon nutmeg Roll dough about ¼-inch thick, cut out leaves, pumpkins and other fall shapes, and press real leaves into the dough for detailed impressions. Poke a hole near the top and bake at 200–285°F for about three hours, turning as needed. Once cool, paint or glaze and add a ribbon. Hang them in windows, string them into a fall garland or display them on an ornament tree.

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CAMP BRITESIDE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

r lot hurt k by A nn Ma r i e Ke nnon • p h by otosChcaou rtetes y Kova CodylcHi

A Place for the Whole Family

he owners of Camp Briteside—members of the Gold Bird Family investment group— believe a family restaurant should be a place where kids can be kids, parents can relax and everyone can enjoy being there together. “It’s a little bit restaurant, a little bit playground, a little bit neighborhood hangout and a little bit backyard party,” says investor Cody Hirt. “We want parents leaving Camp Briteside saying, ‘That was actually fun,’ instead of just, ‘Well, the kids had fun.’” While children have room to play, explore and burn off energy, parents can enjoy a good meal, cold beer or cocktail, and time with friends. Recently, the locally owned business has been making changes to ensure the restaurant is every bit as appealing as the play experience.

SOMETHING FOR THE GROWNUPS “We’ve learned a lot since opening, and most importantly, we’ve listened to our guests,” Cody says. After hearing that parents wanted more options created for them, Camp Briteside began expanding its menu with more adult-focused choices. One of the most exciting additions is pizza— not simply as an easy children’s meal, but as something guests would visit specifically to enjoy. “We wanted really good pizza—great crust, quality ingredients, and something you’d come to Camp Briteside specifically to eat, whether you have kids with you or not,” Cody says. “Family-friendly doesn’t have to mean kid food.” 14

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COME TOGETHER — ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE Camp Briteside has also introduced a more flexible ordering process, particularly for large gatherings. Guests no longer need to wait for an entire party to arrive or coordinate one group order. Each family can arrive separately, order food or another round when ready, and leave without waiting to split a check. The model makes Camp Briteside an easy gathering place for birthday parties, sports teams, school groups, neighborhood get-togethers, company events, and family celebrations. Guests can find a spot, order pizzas for the table, grab a drink and let the kids play— without everyone having to follow the same schedule. “Our goal isn’t to turn tables as quickly as possible,” Cody says. “We want people to feel comfortable staying awhile. That’s what Camp Briteside is built for.”

GROWING WITH THE COMMUNITY The changes reflect what Cody has learned from local families: They aren’t simply looking for another place to take their children. They want places where they can genuinely spend time together and where adults can have as much fun as the kids.

“The people giving us feedback aren’t anonymous customers somewhere—they’re our neighbors and friends, and families we see around Georgetown every day,” he says. “We want them to know we’re listening.” Guests can expect more food and drink ideas, adult-focused menu additions, seasonal specials, family events and surprises throughout the year as Camp Briteside continues to evolve. “Bring the kids. Bring another family or bring five families,” Cody says. “We want Camp Briteside to be the kind of place where the kids ask to go and the parents are happy they did.” Ultimately, Cody hopes Camp Briteside becomes more than another place to eat: “We’re trying to create one of those places your kids remember growing up.”

8701 RANCH ROAD 2338 GEORGETOWN SUN-THURS • 11AM-8PM FRI-SAT • 11AM- 10PM (512)-368-4644 • AUSTIN@ GOLDBIRDGTX.COM

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THE TEXAS STATE FAIR A MEGA-EVENT CELEBRATING TEXAS CULTURE

WHAT

MAKES TEXAS

“TEXAS”? by Li nda A . T h or nton

In 1886, a group of Dallas businessmen “planted the seed” and organized the first state fair on a North Dallas farm, attracting 100,000 visitors in its first season. Today the fair has reaped the bounty with more than two million visitors annually. The longest-running fair in the nation—24 consecutive days—features more than 100 daily attractions in the world’s largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings at the Fair Park in Dallas, designated a National Historic Landmark. Along the way, their ride safety program is considered an amusement industry model.

SAVOIR-FAIRE OF THE FAIR After a visit to the livestock exhibits and birthing barn, which are almost mandatory at any state fair, the fair takes on a personality all its own and promotes its “Texas-size” bold culture. Since 1952, Big Tex, a 55’ tall icon, has been the fair’s official greeter, welcoming visitors in his heavy Texas twang. Claimed to be the world’s tallest cowboy, he has a hinged jaw so that he appears to be “speaking” as he announces the daily events.

Towering 65 feet above the Midway, the $5-million Texas Skyway is a gondola ride which transports visitors around the fairgrounds. With a cost of over $2 million to build, the famous 212-foot Texas Star Ferris Wheel guarantees you the best 20-story view of the fair and the Dallas skyline in a 12-minute ride. More than 70 carnival games, rides, and attractions are also featured on the State Fair of Texas Midway. Take the advice of experienced fair attendees and visit the Midway before eating too much of the rich, unique foods that all seem to begin with the words “deep fried.” Though everything from butter, alligator, Twinkies, cheesecake, pork ribs, banana splits, and a batter-based fried Coke compete to steal the spotlight from Fletcher’s brand corny dogs, the famous food invented at the fair in 1942 remains the “top dog,” though turkey legs, hot roasted corn, and funnel cakes are still fan favorites.

“Well, thank y’all kindly for noticing my new size 96 Lucchese boots.” 18 18

Big Tex discussing his giant custom footwear S E P T E M B E R 2026  76537 L I F E

WHAT MAKES TEXAS, "TEXAS" The Red River Rivalry games continue, as the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma play their annual game during the State Fair at the Cotton Bowl. Every evening, colorful floats, larger-than-life puppets, and performers dressed in ornate costumes wind through the grounds in the Drive Like a Texas Starlight Parade. Attend the State Fair of Texas Rodeo — free with admission—as the excitement builds up to the world finals. The acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil meets country music in an all new production entitled “Songblazers.” Daily free live music is included with admission on multiple stages throughout the park. For the perfect ending to your visit, attend Mattress Firm’s Illumination Sensation, which features pyrotechnics, acrobats, and fireworks.

TUCKED AWAY ATTRACTIONS Watch for signs at concession stands featuring the Big Choice Award Winners, the best tasting and creative food winners from a record 77 entries this year.

For a quiet respite, visit the Texas Discovery Gardens. In addition to over seven acres of garden, there’s a Snakes of Texas exhibit and a daily noon butterfly release.

Bring your favorite prepared dish from home and enter various contests at The Competition Kitchen.

Visit the African American Museum featuring a special Nelson Mandela exhibit or the Hall of State that celebrates Texas culture.

The Swifty Swine Pigs, a fair favorite, dress for success and compete in races held multiple times daily.

Scan the code to visit the official State Fair website.

There is nothing unusual about a local Texas artist paying homage to the fair’s 140th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, except that this quirky and marvelous, yet to be unveiled sculpture is made entirely of butter.

DEEP-FRIED HISTORY: HOW STATE FAIRS BECAME AN AMERICAN STAPLE

he nation’s first official state fair was held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841 and drew thousands of visitors. Its primary purpose was to promote farming and livestock breeding and share vital information. As the United States transitioned to an industrial nation, the fair organizers adapted by introducing carnival rides, entertainment, and specialty foods, but always kept a focus on their traditional farming and livestock themes.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

by Gre ta Ba uer

Old West Meets Small-Town Texas in Hico

Wild West legends, pecan tree-lined riverbanks, and small-town hospitality all come together in Hico, a charming historic Texas town about 2 hours north of Jarrell. Here, visitors can spend the day in a museum tracing the story of an infamous outlaw, browsing Western goods and antiques, and indulging in artisan chocolates and farm-to-table meals as they enjoy all the storied Texan charm that make Hico (pronounced high-koh) special. A WALK THROUGH THE PAST Founded in 1883 along the Texas Central Railroad, Hico grew from a community rooted in cotton and cattle into a bustling commercial center. Today, traces of that history remain along Pecan Street with Victorian-era buildings, limestone and brick facades, and colorful vintage advertising murals. History buffs can follow one of Hico’s most intriguing legends to the Billy the Kid Museum, where exhibits explore the controversial story that notorious outlaw Billy the Kid may not have been shot and killed by Pat Garrett in New Mexico in 1881 but lived in Hico under the name Brushy Bill. A statue of Billy the Kid stands downtown as another nod to the town’s Wild West lore. For a deeper look into Hico’s past, the Hico Retrospective Museum—located upstairs in Blue Star Trading—showcases historic photographs, artifacts, and other pieces of the community’s story. Even simply wandering downtown offers a glimpse into Hico’s past, with historic buildings now housing a lively collection of modern businesses.

TASTES OF THE TOWN One of the best ways to experience Hico is to browse the town’s shops, which offer everything from antiques and home décor to Western apparel, handmade goods, art, and gifts. The Hico Mercantile, housed in a historic 1895 opera house, brings together multiple vendors under one roof, while other downtown shops offer everything from custom leather goods to locally crafted treasures. A visit to Hico wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Wiseman House Chocolates, where handmade truffles, toffees, and other chocolate creations are crafted in a beautifully restored Victorian home. For another quintessential Hico treat, Hico Popcorn Works pops its own specialty popcorn in a variety of flavors.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

Peppermint Square includes a log cabin once home to some of Hico’s early settlers, a stage for outdoor concerts, and picnic tables for a picnic lunch.

Travelers can also choose from classic Texas comfort food to more contemporary fare. Hico’s food scene includes longtime favorites as well as chef-driven dining, farm-to-table offerings, and local Mexican cuisine. The historic Midland Hotel is home to the Chop House, while Two Clay Birds Bakery & Garden Market offers fresh produce, homemade goods, and a farm-to-table experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hico City Park provides a chance to stretch your legs along the Bosque River, while the park features walking and biking trails and picnic areas. For something a little more adventurous, the Siloville Climbing Gym transforms several abandoned grain silos into an epic rock climbing gym and obstacle-course experience.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP While Hico is easy to enjoy in a single day, staying overnight gives visitors more time to discover the town at its own pace. Lodging options range from historic accommodations and bed-and-breakfasts to a vintage Airstream and RV parks near the Bosque River. Scan the code to start mapping out your Hico adventure, or online at VisitHicoTexas.com.

Visit Siloville Climbing Gym for a one-of-a-kind climbing experience. The climbing gym is housed in a converted grain silo with climbing inside and outside. Test your strength and agility on the obstacle course and low ropes course or take a trip on the zip line. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 26  7 6 5 3 7 L I F E

ASK A PRO • NATURAL WONDERS Inner Space Cavern One of the best preserved caves in Texas, Inner Space Cavern has hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors since 1966 and offers a variety of activities year round. InnerSpaceCavern.com • 4200 S IH-35 Georgetown

KARST, AQUIFERS, AND RECHARGE The Edwards Aquifer is huge—the surface area above the aquifer covers about 3,600 square miles. Aquifers provide many people with drinking water, but also provide water for industrial and agricultural uses.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? In Hill Country, we hear a lot about aquifers and recharge, and occasionally karst. What do these terms mean, how do they relate to each other, and why are they important? Karst refers to the landscape characterized by the dissolution of soluble rocks (e.g., limestone, dolomite, or gypsum) by slightly acidic water. Some features of karst landscapes include sinking streams, springs, sinkholes, and caves. The process that forms these begins with rainwater. Rainwater picks up small amounts of CO2 from the air, and even more from decaying plant and animal matter in the soil, becoming carbonic acid. This weak acid travels through the soil, then through cracks and pores in the bedrock, slowly dissolving the rock, while making the cracks and pores larger. This process continues for thousands of years. As the water continues downward, it reaches an area where all the pores, cracks, and other spaces are full of water. Think about digging a hole in the sand at the beach. Dig far enough and the hole will partially fill with water. The upper surface is called the water table (at the beach, this would be sea level) and the area beneath the water table is the aquifer. An aquifer is a natural reservoir of underground water held within porous rock that can deliver water in usable quantities. In other words, you can dig a well and pump water out of it. In karst areas, large aquifers can form. The Edwards Aquifer, named after the Edwards rock formation, is the source of water in our area. These rocks formed more than 100 million years ago when Central Texas was covered by a shallow sea. Limestone formed in this shallow sea from the accumulation of shells and skeletons of marine animals, which were compacted and cemented together over time. The main mineral in limestone is calcite (calcium carbonate), which dissolves in carbonic acid. This created an enormous area underground for water storage. 24

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Aquifers have contributing, recharge and artesian zones. The contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer is mostly on the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country, where surface water runoff flows downhill to recharge (refill) the aquifer. The recharge zone is where the surface water sinks into the ground and enters the aquifer. Nationally, aquifers provide drinking water for almost half the population and more than 60 percent of farmland irrigation. Over the last 50 years, the amount of groundwater withdrawals has tripled. When groundwater is taken faster than it can be replenished (recharged) by rainwater, the water table is lowered and decreases the amount of water available for use. Over time, wells have to be dug deeper in order to reach the water table. The gradual land surface subsides when the spaces previously occupied by water become filled by downward movement of sediments.

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NEIGHBOR LEIGH

SEEKING COUNSEL

t was 99 degrees outside when I first lit my fire pit, because apparently my ability to make sensible decisions doesn't account for weather. Night after night this summer I sat beside an open flame, dripping with sweat and drinking water from a jug large enough to prepare me for a medical procedure. Anyone looking over the fence would have been justified in calling for a wellness check... but I have a termite metropolis to burn. We accumulated several cords of wood from eight trees we had to have cut down but didn’t have enough occasion to burn it. Hubby never got the chance to split the trunk pieces, so they have been decaying and composting for a while. When I got the bill to install a chemical border wall to protect the house from termites now living in my dirt, burning the logs became was no longer recreation — it was pest control, home maintenance, and revenge. Better yet, it allowed me to do absolutely nothing while still being productive; the Holy Grail of adulting. I sit quietly with a book and watch damaged logs disappear while crossing something off my mental to-do list. The summer light stays late enough for me to read until nearly 9pm, the backyard is pretty quiet, and for a little while, nobody needs anything from me. There are still wobbly car brakes and termites and a damaged roof and contractors and insurance companies and people who would very much like me to sign something today because this special price is only available while their truck is in my driveway. More reasons to miss Hubby. He was wonderfully useful in these situations. I could present whatever problem had just landed on my desk, along with the proposed solution and 28

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its alarming price tag, and he would generally have an answer before I finished explaining it. Sometimes it was well-pondered legal analysis and sometimes it was a quick, “That's stupid. We're not paying for that” and both were extremely helpful. I miss having someone right there who could cut through the noise and tell me what mattered. So somewhere between feeding another termite condo to the fire and reading my way through a stack of justice with competence novels, I realized I have need of a replacement advisory board: Sherlock Holmes, Jack Reacher, and Alex Cross. Sherlock, of course, is in charge of evidence. He would take one look at the rate of decay in my tree stumps, rub some sawdust between his fingers and announce that three of the eight trees never needed to come down in the first place. “The arborist knew that, of course.” “He said they were dying.” “Yes. I imagine he did. You paid by the tree?” “…yes.” “Thought so.” Then he would glance at the termite damage and explain it occurred after the trees were cut and was entirely preventable, at which point Watson escorts him from my property for his own safety. Reacher handles car salesmen and contractors. As a 6'5" former Army policeman who travels with no luggage, owns practically nothing, and has a particular dislike of those who prey on people they think won't fight back, I feel confident I would only have to say, “They want how much for the roof?” Reacher would look at the estimate, stare at the contractor, and that would pretty much be the end of that.

Finally, I have Alex Cross, James Patterson's detective and forensic psychologist who specializes in uncovering dirty secrets and occasionally elbow-smashing people trying to keep them. I am assigning him the substandard and overpriced bathroom remodel. This may not be the traditional way to manage a household, but I see very few drawbacks. So, while I once had a resident judge to consult about life's assorted nonsense, I've since assembled a replacement advisory board consisting of a Victorian cocaine enthusiast, a homeless former military policeman, and a detective with family issues. Hubby would probably find this completely reasonable, although he would likely also point out none of them actually have a law license. Then he'd look at whatever estimate was sitting on the kitchen counter and say, “That's stupid. We're not paying for that.” And, really, that's the only voice I'm trying to channel. Meanwhile, the woodpile is getting smaller as daylight saving time comes to an end. Texas will finally stop trying to cook me, and sitting beside a fire will cease to be evidence of mental instability. As It turns out, I rather like sitting quietly while solving problems. I just have to outsource some of the thinking to fictional people. Sherlock can size up the mechanics' levels of honesty, Reacher can intimidate the contractors, and Alex can terminate the bathroom remodel. And even though I only saved the house from pests, and not the whole planet from destruction, I'll celebrate like Project Hail Mary's much more adorable fictional geniuses, Grace and Rocky, and wobble around the fire pit, hollering: “AMAZE! AMAZE! AMAZE!”

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ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537