June 11, 2026 by Bob Hampton
Welcome to Downtown Rotary! Future President Jon Dearolf opened the Thursday meeting right on time with a large crash of a bell. Rabbi Hartman led us to the Lord in grateful prayer followed by Past Pres Arnold Oliver leading us in the pledge to our flag and a song, “Smile.” If hearing that song did not put a smile on your face then your “smiler” is broken. Way to go, Arnold, and with a very important birthday coming up on the 30th. Lance announced that his Mother-In-Law, Chrys Stephenson, fell and hurt herself. The Club lifted her in prayer. The “Bragg Bucket” was passed but humility prevented large announcements. To add to a perfect day, Alan Donaldson introduced a new member, Angela Culley. Welcome Angela to Rotary!
Don’t forget the “End Of Year Party” on June 25th. You have to get those RSVP’s in by the 18th. Also, don’t forget the Blood Drive on the 18th at the Forum from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Acting President Jon then introduced today’s program, the new data center and how it will impact all of us and this community. The man with all the information was really a neat guy by the name of Jack O’Neill. Mr. O’Neill is a Dallas man and graduate of SMU. (For orientation purposes that school is 47 miles east of another fairly well-known school TCU). Jack has a wife, Lindsey, and a daughter Grace. He brought with him an information loaded power point to show the company and all the particulars that will make this a worthwhile addition to this community. First, is the company itself “Skybox Data Center.” The main office is in Dallas with the CEO, Rob Morris; CFO and Co-Founder Travis Young; and Haynes Strader, Chief Developer. They have purchased close to 400 acres in WF Business Park which will eventually contain ten buildings covering 1.8 million square feet of computers and network equipment. They will be a major provider for daily commerce, communication, entertainment and emergency services. This facility will be right on the US 287 highway and will provide jobs for 2000 or more construction workers. When the company opens it will provide over 300 jobs. In his presentation, Jack emphasized that Skybox will become a major tax provider for Wichita Falls, and the company comes with a history of active community support. (I believe I heard him say that he would look forward to joining Rotary.) Water, electricity, and AI are all subjects of concern and Jack was very obliging by carefully going over each concern which seemed very workable. The work begins in November and the completion is expected in 2032 or early 2033. It was a great program with an outlook for a tremendous jump start to our future in north Texas. Thank you, Jack, and your assistant Barrett Bumgarner.
Acting Pres Jon closed us with “The Four Way Test.”