Notes from October 9, 2025 by Tommy Richardson
President Cara skillfully gonged us to order at 12:06pm. Dr. David Hartman gave the invocation, David Spencer led us in the pledge and singing of Home on the Range. Judy Koetter presented birthday celebrants Lisa Stephens-Musick and John Deason with homemade cinnamon rolls. Two remaining cinnamon rolls were auctioned and Spin won them with a bid of $40.
Matt Deason, Alan Donaldson, Monica Horton, and John Deason introduced guests for today. Andy Kocher informed us his brother-in-law has passed away. Please keep Andy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Noros Martin was up next with the brag bucket. Braggarts included Andy for Cara and her work in promoting Rotary, Arnold Oliver on his attendance at his 73rd High School reunion, Will’s mention of two new starts for Habitat for Humanity and his son’s exploits as QB for the Legacy Freshman team, Monica for the BBB, and Judy on the upcoming Gala for Beacon Lighthouse.
Josh Phillips presented a check to our Rotary Paul Harris Fund (Benay Ayers & John Deason as representatives) to kick off the work with the City of Wichita Falls & Boys & Girls Club in the renovation of the dilapidated tennis court adjacent to Rotary Park. The renovation will include pickleball courts and tennis courts.
Announcements included a reminder about our ongoing membership drive, World Polio Day on Oct. 24, and 120 years of Rotary in Grapevine on Nov. 8th.
Josh Phillips introduced our program, Moriah Williams, with Chamber of Commerce. Moriah has been with the Chamber for three years. Her presentation primarily told us of the surge in activity in Wichita Falls in the last 34 months. She emphasized we have experienced a $1.7 billion investment in the area with $520 million currently under construction. Included in this are two new high schools, 568 primary jobs and 1144 secondary jobs. An Amazon Distribution Center is due to open next month. Panda Biotech is up and running, Vitro has $320 million expansion in the works.
New construction completed in the last 34 months include $120 million at SAFB, North Texas State Hospital, Delta Hotel and Convention Center, Hampton Inn, and a new Boys and Girls Club on Rosewood. New retail includes United Supermarket, Home Goods, Beall’s, Win-Co and several restaurants. We have a new data center coming with 300 new centers in the near future.
One Interesting side note. She indicated the Attebury Grain Elevator has been sold and will be torn down. HALLELUJAH!!!!
We closed with the Four Way Test at 12:59pm.