July 27, 2023 Spokesman 

President Stacie called the membership to order at high noon asked Dr Dave Hartman to offer the invocation.  Before Dave gave the invocation, he paused to remind us that today would have been our good friend and fellow Rotarian Rick Orr’s 70th birthday.  In Dave’s prayer he remembered all our friends and loved ones who have gone before.  David Spencer then came forward and led us in the pledge and as we were not in the Forum’s Ballroom today,    Susan had no piano, so we tackled our song a cappella.  David explained that he wanted our song selections to have a patriotic or Texas ethnic vibe to them so today he led us in the singing of “America the Beautiful.”    By the way, does anyone know the original name of the poem that became “America the Beautiful”?  Answer at the end of the article.

 

There were no visitors or guests to introduce today and for birthdays, Carol Murray recognized Judge Jeff McKnight as the lone birthday boy this week.  The judge was presented his hat and stickers and all the other birthday accouterments that Carol came up with.  Then the Judge reach into the zip lock baggie of questions and drew his question to answer, “What make you weird?”  His answer was simply that he liked different kinds of music especially the non-lawyer type.  Happy Birthday Jeff!

 

For the Sunshine Report Andy Kocher thanked the membership for their prayers and reported that his mother-in-law did well with her open-heart surgery, and we got an update on John Deason that his treatments were successful, and he was cancer-free.  

 

Benay Ayers was then recognized by the chair to present a Paul Harris Fellow Certificate to immediate past president Arnold Oliver. 

 

Noros Martin was up next to induct a new member, MSU Associate Professor, Dr Scott Manley.

 

And then it was “Brag Bucket” time with Carol Murray.  We had several brags this week.  Tommy Richardson highlighted     he played golf earlier in the day and Richard Boyd shot a one under par – well done!  Treston Teague bragged on his 9-year-old daughter and Noel Filer let everyone know that a new business, Next Level Golf had opened in Wichita Falls and encouraged folks to pay them a visit.  Benay then bragged on the Texas Rangers for the season they’re having and as of today’s meeting they were on a 6-game winning streak! 

 

Josh Phillips then introduced Mr John Burrus to discuss the City of Wichita Falls 10-year plan.  Mr Burrus is the Director of Aviation, Traffic and Transportation.  By the time Mr Burrus had completed his presentation it was easy to see that during the next decade there were numerous capital improvement projects slated for the city. 

 

John explained that he had acquired grant funding and was looking for projects.  He indicated that part of the City’s future is    to work with Sheppard Air Force Base to procure a snow removal system because in recent years snowstorms have shut down the base for days because roadways have been impassable.  He also reported the City’s Master Plan had been updated and it included $50 million worth of improvements for the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. He indicated there are projects for new aircraft hangars construction and an updated fuel farm. He also said 3 new hangars were slated for Kickapoo Airport and the terminal building will be rebuilt next, followed by a new maintenance facility.  John did indicate that since the City acquired Kickapoo not a single general fund tax    dollar has been spent on any improvements to the area.  Leaving the airports, John reported that Bus Shelters are part of the City’s plan for the next ten years.  He said the goal is to build 100 bus shelters within the next decade.  He also said there is a Bus Transfer Project being discussed around the Maplewood Avenue / Sikes Center Mall area. 

 

                 Upon leaving the bus station, John turned to traffic situations within the city.  He said the City is studying what the new traffic patterns will be with the addition of the new high schools.  He also said there was a large project planned that will involve striping the roadways for separate bicycle lanes.  He further added that traffic signals in the downtown section will be revamped.  He said the traffic signals in the downtown area are over 80 years old and in desperate need of an overhaul.  To go along with this, he indicated the City had received a $2 million COVID grant that was going to be used over the next several years to upgrade and provide street lights for the downtown area. 

Before taking questions John closed his presentation by adding that bicyclists will see improvements made to the Circle Trail and along Lake Shore Drive. 

 

One concern was voiced by a member about the number of manhole covers along Taft Boulevard and the fact that all are below grade which causes everything but a smooth ride along that busy thoroughfare.  John indicated he would refer that issue to the Director of Public Works.  Another member inquired about the future of Castaway Cove and John indicated the waterpark makes a profit for the City and new features are planned to be added to the park.

President Stacie thanked John for his presentation and said the speaker’s book this week would be going to Christ Academy School.   

 

To close the meeting, Stacie asked Noros to come forward with the “Rotary Minute” for the week.  Noros reminded the      membership that the club needs new members in order to thrive and he encouraged everyone to bring a friend or co-worker and introduce them to Rotary.

 

Stacie then led us in the Four-Way Test and adjourned the meeting at 1p.m.

 

“Pikes Peak” was the original name of the poem written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895 that became what we now know as “America the Beautiful” ---- now you know!