clm jan07 - country line magazine · browning, todd eldredge and irina slutskaya this was kinda...

4 • The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine C OU N T RY L I N E M AG A Z I N E

WI N T H I S I S S U E

F E A T U R E S

boot-strap tough series: leo stokes . . . . . . . . .11nfr roundup 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15state-fish art contest calls for entries . . . .19

D E P A R T M E N T S

Nashville Music News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Texas Music News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

’Round About Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12by Sandra Greaney

Homespun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Cowboy Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14by Marc Bradberry

On Pit Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16by Chuck Licata

The Texas Outdoor Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18by Larry LeBlanc

Fishing Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19by Don Gordon

Well, here we go — another year.A fresh start. Do you have a plan for2007? I always think I do, but this yearI wrote it down. A list of things I wantto get done and things I want to do.Statistically most people never writedown goals, which means most ofthem never get them completed.

There are a few things to considerwhen you are planning goals, or NewYear’s resolutions. First and mostimportant is to make them realistic.Simple goals build your confidenceand teach you to be obedient anddisciplined. Try simple things likewriting one handwritten letter amonth, call an old friend every month— only eat ice cream one day perweek. Well, the ice cream one mightbe tough, but doable none the less.(Check out this Web site for details.www.goal-setting-guide.com.)

Everyone wants to betterthemselves and have meaning to theirlife. Take a piece of paper, napkin,paper bag, whatever and stop for aminute right now. You have a minute,if you choose — and write down threethings you want to get done this year.Tear it out or fold it and put it in yourwallet or billfold — in a place you willsee it when you go there. If you do this— you will be in the top 10 percent inthe world for goal setting — a niceplace to be.

So many people go through lifeand then, at the end, say, “I wish Iwould have …” Don’t be one of thosepeople! Take pictures of your friendsand family, tell people you love them,read a book, take a walk without yourMP3 player in your ear. God speaks tous all and so often we miss themessage. He tells us to call someone orputs someone on our heart and wedon’t realize He is telling us to go seethem or make amends to them. Hegives us an idea that is perfect for us toaccomplish and we don’t do it. He

puts something on our heart like a jobor a volunteering position and wedon’t act on it. He does speak to us;we just don’t always listen.

I am speaking from personalexperience, and this year I want to dobetter. I think inside we all want to dobetter or make changes in our lives. Iwant to learn to listen. I want toaccomplish a few things that matter.

There are those that look at things theway they are, and ask why? I dream ofthings that never were, and ask why not.—Robert F. Kennedy

All our dreams can come true — ifwe have the courage to pursue them. —Walt Disney

This year make a list. Dosomething special. Listen to Godspeaking to you. Oh and share aCountry Line Magazine with someone.Happy New Year and God bless youand your family in 2007.

T. J. [email protected]

C OU N T RY L I N E M AG A Z I N E The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine • 5

P U B L I S H E R & E D I T O R | T. J. Greaney

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R SShirley Baker, Marc Bradberry, Sheryl Bucsanyi,

Don Gordon, Sandra Greaney, Larry LeBlanc, Chuck Licata, Pauline Reese, Patty Ruland

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M A I L I N G A D D R E S S9 5 0 8 C H I S H O L M T R A I L • A U S T I N , T E X . 7 8 7 4 8

L E T T E R S & C O M M E N T ST J @ C O U N T R Y L I N E M A G A Z I N E . C O M

O R M A I L T O A D D R E S S A B O V E

GRETCHEN WILSONON ICE

One of country music’s hottestsingers performed with Olympic andWorld skaters, including KurtBrowning, Todd Eldredge and IrinaSlutskaya

This was kinda weird, but cool –Gretchen Wilson joined some of theworld’s top ice skaters on her firstnetwork special, “Gretchen Wilson’sCountry on Ice.” The exciting showbroadcast on NBC-TV on Dec. 23.

Gretchen and her 3/4 Ton Bandperformed a 14-song live concert withher full lights-and-sound set as theskaters displayed their talents in avariety of skating routines to her songson the ice. The combination ofcountry music’s CMA, ACM, andGrammy winning artist with theOlympic, World, and NationalChampion skaters guarantee“Gretchen Wilson’s Country on Ice’’was much like her debut album —Here For the Party.

Always a crowd-pleaser, four-time

World Champion Kurt Browningskated to the rousing “All Jacked Up.”Two-time Olympic medalist IrinaSlutskaya, six-time U.S. champion andWorld Champion Todd Eldredge andthree-time U.S. titlist Michael Weiss,Jennifer Robinson, Caryn Kadavy,Amber Corwin and ice dancersElizabeth Punsalan & Jerod Swallowskated to sometimes beautiful,sometimes high energy but alwayscrowd-stirring interpretations ofGretchen’s music.

Included in the show were hits like“Redneck Woman,” “Here For TheParty,” “When I Think AbutCheating” and “California Girls” fromGretchen’s Here For The Party and AllJacked Up albums as well as her new hit“Come To Bed” and “Heaven HelpMe” from her upcoming third albumdue out this spring.

The “Gretchen Wilson’s CountryOn Ice” special will re-air twice onThe Style Network on Friday, January5, 2007 from 5 – 7 p.m. EST andSunday, January 7, 2007 from 10 a.m. –noon EST.

CHARLIE DANIELS’BOOK WILL BE HEREIN MARCH ’07

Growing Up Country: What MakesCountry Life Country (Hardcover;March 13, 2007; Doubleday-Flying


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Check out our menu, music calendar and events at

WWW.POODIES.INFO

Dolphin Press; $19.95). Daniels hasbrought together an all-star roster ofcountry greats — from musicians toNASCAR drivers to rodeo cowboys —to share their personal stories of thejoy, hilarity, and of course, theheartache of the country lifestyle.Whether it’s stories of barely scrapingby, or tales of weathering cheatinghearts and wayward women, thesepieces come together to show just whatmakes country living country.

The impressive roster ofcontributors includes: Kix Brooks, SaraEvans, Dolly Parton, Ty Murray, DobieGray, Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood,Jimmy Carter, Clint Black, CarrieUnderwood and many, many more.

CARRIE UNDERWOODROCKS EVERYONE

At year’s end, Carrie Underwood,the reigning CMA Female Vocalist ofthe Year, captured the most weeks at #1on Billboard’s country album sales chartand airplay chart. Her debut disc, SomeHearts, tallied 14 weeks at the chart’ssummit in 2006. According toSoundScan information reflectingDecember retail activity, Underwoodscanned 199,114 units in just one weekand claims the #1 best-selling countryalbum and #6 best-selling all-genrealbum. In 2006, her chart-topping singleshave accumulated 11 weeks at #1.

Since its release on November 15,2005, Carrie Underwood’s Some Heartshas sold 4,294,504 CDs.

BILL GAITHER & THEHOMECOMINGFRIENDS

Gospel music favorite Bill Gaitherand his Homecoming Friends inviteyou to “Throw Your Heart Wide Open”on February 9 as the Bill GaitherHomecoming Give It Away Tour heads

to the Frank Erwin Center. Tickets arecurrently on sale.

This is your opportunity toparticipate in an evening of music andpraise and to share your faith andfellowship with those around you.

Gaither explains that “faith, friendshipand music” are the things best enjoyedwhen we give them away. The GaitherHomecoming Give It Away Tour 2007is just that. Audiences can lookforward to an evening jam-packed withmusic and celebration.

Homecoming concerts have unitedfans world wide, year after year, withthe classic and timely Gospel sounds ofthe Gaither phenomenon whichstarted as an impromptu taping in aNashville studio in 1991. After thetaping, “Southern Gospel musicartists…lingered and gathered aroundthe piano, singing, swapping storiesfrom the old days and sharing a fewlaughs and tears.”

Gaither joins a cavalcade ofsingers, musicians and comedians,whose collective talents have beenhonored with countless awards,including Grammys and Doves. Yearafter year the Gaither HomecomingTour has been ranked by the musicindustry at the top of their lists formost concert tickets sold worldwide inany music genre. Joining Gaither arethe Gaither Vocal Band; Ernie Haase& Signature Sound; Jessy Dixon; Jeff &Sheri Easter; Lynda Randle; IvanParker; Russ Taff; Gordon Mote; TheIsaacs; Mike Allen & Ben Speer.

HEARTLAND RINGSOUT THE OLD YEARWITH HEARTFELT“THANKS” TO FANS

Heartland — the fastest risingcountry group of 2006 with the hottestsong in the nation, “I Loved Her First,”still going strong, rang in the New Yearwith Sean Hannity’s prime time Foxspecial “A Nashville New Year WithSean Hannity,” that aired nationallyon New Year’s Eve.

“A Nashville New Year with SeanHannity” aired on Fox News Channelnationwide on New Years Eve (12/31)at 10 p.m. (EST) and will re-air on Jan1 at 1 a.m. (EST).

The group has more than amplereason to ring in the New Year withcelebration. With their debut albumsales well over the 200,000 sales markand downloads approaching 250,000on the internet, Heartland has thedistinction of their song being the most“in demand song” for weddings in morethan a decade — proving that thegroup and “I Loved Her First” willsurely endure the test of time.

Jason Albert, lead singer ofHeartland said “This has been a veryexciting year with so much that hashappened for Heartland. Having arecord deal and a number one song inthe same year is incredible. Right nowit’s great to be at home with ourfamilies for the holidays and have alittle R&R after just getting done withthe extensive touring schedule that wehad, but we are also looking forwardgetting back on the road after the firstof the year.” Jason went on to say hewould like to thank everyone who hasmade some of Heartland’s dreams areality and would especially like tothank all the fans that have beencoming out to the shows and buyingtheir albums. The group is lookingforward meeting a lot of their new fansand friends in 2007 as the travel acrossthe country.

Look for Heartland’s new release inJanuary 2007 Built to Last.


IFHappy 2007! A new year bringsthe promise of new music! Gary P.Nunn told me he’s breaking ground ona new CD this month. It’s a Texican,two steppin’ yee haw line up of greattunes. I can’t give away the songs he’spicked but if you’re a Gary P. fan thenthis album will be a jewel in yourcollection!

Along with new music there arenew projects. Sadly, after nine and ahalf years Cooder Graw is breaking up!I spoke with Matt Martindale beforeChristmas and he told me that he’sgoing back to practicing law. That’sright, Matt is and has been a lawyer forquite some time! He said that “the guysare still a close family of friends andthere is no animosity between them.They just decided to take more time tobe with their family.” Now don’t gettoo upset. He’s not quitting musiccompletely. As the matter of fact he’sstarting his own band — The MattMartindale band! It’s rumored thatJake Pyatt (Rodney Pyatt’s son) isgoing to play lead guitar. They won’thit the road as hard as The CooderGraw band so you’ll have keep an eye

on the Web site to catch them in atown near you. There will also be a CDout this summer! Matt has a myspacepage and he’ll have a Web site up soonat mattmartindalemusic.com.

Kimberly Kelly, a Waco native and

Texas singer/songwriter, is currently inthe studio working on a CD as well.Jeremy Watkins is producing thealbum and she has a legend and one ofTexas’s finest piano player’s Mr. EarlPoole Ball appearing on all of thetracks! They started production atCedar Creek in Austin, but are

finishing up in Holland, Tex. atAwesome Works Recording with StevePalousek. She’ll start touring the Texashonky tonk circuit soon — to find outmore go to kimberlykellymusic.com.

Great news for my amiga, SunnySweeny! Big Machine Records ispicking up her latest release“Heartbreakers Hall of Fame” and willbe putting it out nationwide March 6!She’ll be shooting a video sometimethis month for her single “If I Could”to be released in February.Congratulations on the record deal,Sunny!

Jason Allen just released a newalbum Live at Gruene Hall and his firstsingle “Kickapoo Creek” got to numberfour on the Texas Music Chart! Thenext single will be “It’s your World” socall your local radio station to requesthis latest! His schedule will slow downjust a little to spend more time onwriting, but that’s good news for thefans — more songs!

I’d like to say thanks to MichaelMolone for being such a wonderfulhost to Gary P. Nunn, my husbandJohn, and I. We stopped at hisworkshop to see some of his famoushandmade cowboy hats and trappings.Michael has done thousands of hats forpeople like Jerry Jeff Walker, EmmyLou Harris and even for movies likeLonesome Dove! You can find Michaelout at Luckenbach most everyweekend.

Guys just a little fair warning …Valentine’s is coming up! See ya’ll inFebruary!PAU L INE R EESE I S A P ROUD T EXASMUS IC IAN . TO F IND OUT MORE , V I S I TWWW.PAUL INEREESE .COM

KENNY CHESNEYHITS THE STUDIOWITH WILLIE NELSONEntertainer of the Year Co-Produces theLegendary Red Headed Stranger

When you grow up makingcountry music, there are artists youlove and there are artists who make amark on you. For Kenny Chesney, thepride of Luttrell, Tenn., the fact thathe’s a classicist when it comes tocountry music is reflected in howconversant he is in the catalogues ofGeorge Jones, Merle Haggard, WaylonJennings, Conway Twitty and ofcourse, Willie Nelson.

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So, it was both an honor and adream come true when Chesney gotthe phone call from Nelson’s campinquiring about his interest inproducing the multiple-Grammy-winning songwriter/stylist. Interestdidn’t begin to cover it, and so WillieNelson has entered the studio to makea record with Chesney and hislongtime co-producer Buddy Cannon.

“Even I’m excited,” says the

reigning Country Music Associationand back-to-back Academy of CountryMusic Entertainer of the Year. “I wasout in the middle of the room today,just listening to it all go down … Youcatch the players’ eye, and they’re allfeeling it, too. And you look in thevocal booth, and there’s Willie Nelson,with his headphones on … It’s hard tobelieve … and you’re the one makingsuggestions about trying it this way.”

Drawing on the songbooks of someof contemporary music’s best writers —ranging from Kris Kristofferson toDave Matthews, Guy Clark to JimmyBuffett, Randy Newman to Nelsonhimself — this is destined to be avocalist’s album, with arrangementsdesigned to support the songs and thesinger. Something that harkens back toNelson’s vintage work, while bringingin the brightness and warmth ofChesney’s own work.

“When you hear him sing, there’sonly one Willie,” Chesney enthuses.“You just want to make a record that’sas good as he is … You want to live upto the standard he defines.”

Chesney first met the Texas iconwhen he appeared on the USA all-startelevision special filmed at New YorkCity’s Beacon Theatre to celebrateNelson’s 70th birthday. That night,Chesney reached back into thelegend’s catalogue for “The Last ThingI Needed,” demonstrating a sensitivity

and understanding of the song thatstood out amongst a stellar cast thatincluded Eric Clapton, Lyle Lovett,Sheryl Crowe, Aerosmith’s StevenTyler among many others.

“Willie Nelson’s an Americanclassic,” Chesney explains. “To bemaking music with him like this is thekind of thing you don’t even dream …and the best part is: everybody involvedseems to feel exactly the same way.”

GUITAR FOR A CAUSEIf you are looking for a cause this

year, consider buying yourself a guitar!A custom Ovation acoustic, build

for Freddy Powers is being sold as partof the fundraising efforts on behalf ofthe Freddy Powers Parkinson’sFoundation.

The Freddy Powers OvationGuitar “Django Style” was made

especially for Freddy and DjangoPorter, the guitar player in Freddy’sband and is one of only three in theworld! Complete with Freddy Powersname down the neck in Mother ofPearl with initials “FPPF” at base ofneck and “Red Tulip” all in Mother ofPearl. Also features built in tuner.Check it out at Heart of Texas Musicon Lamar in Austin, Tex.

The Freddy Powers Parkinson’sFoundation has already been a bigcontributor to Capital AreaParkinson’s Society and will continuetheir efforts through the sale of theOvation guitar.

TY ENGLAND SCORESFIRST #1 HIT ONTEXAS CHARTS WITH“TEXANS HOLD ’EM”

Oklahoma native Ty England andhis Okemah-based record label, TripleT Records, are celebrating his first #1record on the Texas Music charts with“Texans Hold ’Em.” The swingingtribute to Texas women, written by Tyand his business partners Tim Condictand Tim Russell, tops both the TexasRegional Radio chart for the weekending December 1, and the TexasMusic Chart for the week endingDecember 4.

“What an incredible birthdaypresent!” exclaimed Ty, who celebratedhis birthday in December. “I want tothank all our friends at radio acrossTexas and Oklahoma who took achance on this song and showed theirsupport.”

“Texans Hold ’Em” is the secondsingle from Ty’s current album, Aliveand Well and Livin’ the Dream, which healso produced. The first single was“Redneck Anthem.” The album isavailable at tripletrecords.net.

England and Triple T will release athird single, “The Perfect Girl,” in thespring.

For more information on TyEngland, including his current tourschedule, visit tyengland.com.

RADNEY FOSTERJOINS GUITAR TOWNPROJECT

Dualtone Recording Artist andTexas singer/songwriter, Radney Foster,signed Flight, a 10-foot tall Gibson

Guitar sculpture designed by visualartist Tom Music in December.Foster’s current CD is titled, ThisWorld We Live In.

Seventy unique guitar sculptureshave been artistically designed by localAustin and talented visual artists andare being placed throughout the streetsand businesses of Austin. Each is a oneof a kind piece of art depicting favoritemusical or Texas themes. In the Fall of2007, the sculptures will be auctionedoff and will benefit four local charities:The Health Alliance for AustinMusicians (HAAM); The AustinMuseum of Art (AMOA); AmericanYouthworks; and the Austin Children’sMuseum. PHOTO CREDIT: DustinDowning

BABY NEWSCongratulations to Anne Hudson

(KVET 98.1 and ME TV host) andhusband Fred Andrews ofHoneybrowne! They’re expecting theirfirst baby in July ’07.


LLEO STOKES IS NO NEWCOMERto the Texas music scene. His vocaland stage talents have had himfronting bands around the state and hisown band for the last few years.Recently we sat and talked at Hill’sCafe during one of thesinger/songwriter nights he hosts onTuesdays, and he was visibly excitedabout his new album and band.

In the last ten months Stokes hascompletely changed band members.It’s a hard thing to do and you need tohave band members who see the visionand hear the music.

“It’s an entirely different lineupand we’ve crafted a much differentshow,” said Stokes. “I am very excited

and this band is the best.” The band’s name is the Grifters

and includes Justin Douglas onguitar/mandolin/dobro/vocals, JohnKelley, guitar/keyboard/vocals, BenSwan on Fiddle, Bobby Daniel on BassGuitar and Jeremy Bow on drums.

Stokes was well known for hisWestern swing music, but his newestalbum is different.

“I’ve always been influenced byWestern Swing and love it to this day.We still keep a few high-energy swingtunes in the show and the CD willhave some original swing tunes that Iwrote. We just don’t play as much of itas we used to, though.”

The songs are the meat of any CD

andStokes’ pen wasat work on thisdisc.

“I personallywrote about halfof the songswhile John andJustin wrote therest. They are alloriginal songs,written bysomebody in theband,” Stokesexplains.

Another great plus on thisproject is the whole CD was doneusing only the guys in the band.

“I’m a big believer in thatchemistry.”

“This is my second CD and weplan to have a release party atAntone’s on Jan. 10,” Stokes told me.“I’ll put this CD up against anythingthat comes out this year. It’s just agreat CD, simple as that!”

A confident and exciting answerfrom this Texas music machine.

Stokes has been smart in hisplanning — he has already gottenbooked at a few classic gigs.

“We’ve scored a number of gigs atplaces like the Saxon Pub, Antone’sand Graham Central Station, as well asmaintaining our regular dance hallschedule.”

This is the beginning of a longhaul — lots of playing and smallamounts of sleeping.

The new CD has, as of this printdate, has yet to be named, but keepyour ear to the radio and watch forupdates here in Country Line Magazine.

LeoStokes and the Grifters will be a forceto be reckoned with in 2007 andbeyond.

leo stokes

B O O T - S T R A P T O U G H S E R I E SYou hear a lot about a handful of Texas musicians and rightfully so, but thereare just as many, even more, who have worked hard playing the samebarrooms and dancehalls that have never won the gold buckle. In this seriesof articles in 2007 we will introduce you to some of these hard-workingmusicians and encourage you to go see them play and maybe buy a CD. Theyget up every day and pull on their boots with long days and long nights aheadof them. It’s Texas music, boot-strap tough.

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EF Every year I hear people say “well …I’m glad it’s a New Year” and I getcompletely dumbfounded by thatstatement. As if “a year” has anything todo with it. I guess we could go as far tosay “I’m glad this decade is over, or“Goodbye, December” or even “I amglad this week has come to an end.” Ifind it more fitting to say “I’m glad it’s anew day.” To lump all the good and badthings that happen in a year, a month oreven a week to me is too overwhelming.Therefore I want to welcome in January1, 2007 and say thank you for today!Every day brings new things to learnabout, people to meet, friends to makeand yes unfortately sadness, sickness,stress and the list could go on and on.Therefore my new goal is to look to thisday and this day only. Actuallysometimes minute by minute is all wecan take! Whatever your outlook is, myprayer is that you enjoy today, thisafternoon and even this minute withfriends and family partaking in the thingsthat matter most. Here are some ideas toponder as we enter in to 2007.

A N Y T I M E R E S E A R C H Y O U R R O O T Sin the genealogy department at the

Lorenzo de Zavala State Archivesdepartment of the Texas State Library.Open Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.512-463-5463

E X P E R I E N C E A L E G E N D , joinhundreds standing in line for a chanceto see a taping of “Austin City Limits.”Call 512-471-4811 ext. 310 or writefrom out of town to P.O. Box 7158,Austin, Tex. 78713

A N D T H E Y ’ R E O F F ! Try your luckat horse racing at Manor Downs. 512-272-5581, manordowns.com

T O U R T H E C A P I T O L B U I L D I N G512-463-0063

V I S I T T H E M U S E U M and library ofthe 36th president, Lyndon BainesJohnson. 512-482-5137

D I S C O V E R A U S T I N ! This is a great

one for the entire family. Park atPalmer Auditorium, take the “Dillo”and tour downtown Austin and theUT area. 512-478-0098

G O I C E S K A T I N G ! Great fun andexercise can be accomplished in onevisit to the ice skating rink atNorthcross Mall. 512-451-5102

R E M I N I S C E and take in a show atone of Texas’ oldest theatres, TheParamount Theater, located indowntown Austin. 512- 472-5411

T A K E A S T R O L L through thetwelve-acre grounds at Laguna GloriaArt Museum and enjoy an exhibit.512-458-8191

J A N 1 - 3 1 E X P L O R E T H EW I N T E R G A R D E N S and experience thepeaceful pleasure of the Hill CountryMeadows at The Lady Bird Johnsonand Wildflower Center. In January theadmission is free! wildflower.org

J A N 5 - 6 T A K E A T R I P D O W N B I GR I V E R KXAN-TV’s “On the Porch”journalist Jim Swift will join the cast ofTexARTS’ BIG RIVER (TheAdventures of Huckleberry Finn) onFriday. Jan. 5 (8 p.m.) and Saturday,Jan, 6 (2 p.m.) at the ParamountTheater.

Swift will appear as the character“Harvey Wilks,” a cameo performanceas the gentleman whose imposter,“The King” will be played bycelebrated Austin actor Ian Scott. Itwill also feature Broadway starLawrence Hamilton and over 30Austin performers and 10 MusicalTheater Academy students. For ticketscontact: GETTIX at 866-443-8849.

J A N 1 5 M A R T I N L U T H E R K I N GJ R . M A R C H A N D F E S T I V A L More than10,000 march to the historic campus ofHuston-Tillotson University for anoutdoor festival in honor of Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. on this nationalholiday. Performances by some of theAustin’s finest jazz, blues, and gospelmusicians. 512-505-3006, htu.edu

J A N 2 1 R O A L D D A H L ’ S W I L L Y W O N K Aat the Paramount Theatre. Join Willy

Wonka and his band of OompaLoompas as they lead Charlie, thespoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonousAugustus Gloop, gum-chewing VioletBeauregarde, and Mike Teavee througha labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessonsand giggles galore. Live actors, puppetsand songs make this a scrumptiousmusical treat for the entire family.Presented by The Kennedy CenterIMAGINATION CELEBRATION® onTour. 866-4GET-TIX, austintheatre.org

I D E N T I F I C A T I O N D A Y at the TexasMemorial Museum. The public isinvited to bring natural objects (fossils,rocks, gems, insects, etc.) for freeidentification by Texas Natural ScienceCenter scientists and other experts. 512-471-1604, texasmemorialmuseum.org

JAN 16-20 SUPPORT CENTRAL TEX AS4H AND FFA YOUTH at the Travis CountyYouth Show at the Travis County ExpoCenter. These students have beenworking hard all year and are excited toget to show off their animals andprojects. traviscountyyouthshow.org

JAN 29-FEB 26 NO SCHOOL , GOLFSCHOOL at Harvey Penick Golf Campus.On AISD staff development days TheFirst Tee of Greater Austin will behosting “No School, Golf Schools” at theHarvey Penick Golf Course. The GolfSchool is on Monday, Jan. 29 & Monday,Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Entry fee is$25 per youth and includes, three hoursof instruction, lunch and a round of golf.512-732-0380, firstteeaustin.orgE -MA I L YOUR EVENTS TOSANDRA@COUNTRY L INEMAGAZ INE .COMFOR CONS IDERAT ION. S PACE L IM I T SOPPORTUN I TY.

b y S a n d r a G r e a n e y

HILL COUNTRYBOWHUNTERS3D Benefit Shoot

Hill Country Bowhunters will be hosting a 3D benefit shoot for David “Bowwiz”

Lynch on Sunday, Jan. 28 to help offset the medical bills that Bowiz has incurred. In the Austin area archery circles, Bowiz

has been a man amoung men.

Shotgun start, start time depending on weather.

BBQ for sale and raffles of donated items.

For info, ideas, or donations, please e-mail Steve Pack at [email protected]

Denton Goodson at [email protected].


LF Looking for new ideas for dinner?We’ve got three words for you: “Don’tBe Blah.” That’s the message from theNational Pork Board to remindconsumers about delicious alternativesfor mealtimes.

The lively campaign is gearedtoward younger consumers who wantto be better cooks, but feel constrainedby time demands and old habits.

The most widely eaten meat in theworld, pork accounts for approximately38 percent of daily meat protein intakeworldwide, and it certainly has itsdelicious merits. Who can resistmouth-watering pork chops and crispybacon?

Not only is pork great-tasting, italso gets top marks for good health,too. It is loaded with protein, vitaminsand minerals and is an excellent sourceof thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitaminB-6, phosphorus and protein, as well as

a good source of zinc and potassium.“Besides the added nutritional

value, many cuts of pork are as lean asother cuts of meat,” said Terri Barber,the Texas Department of Agriculture’sstate marketing coordinator forlivestock.

Pork tenderloin meets thegovernment guidelines for the ‘extralean’ category.

All of this is good news for Texas’almost 4,000 pork producers as thestate ranks 13th in national porkproduction. Hogs are mainly raised inCentral and East Texas and in thenorthern Panhandle.

So, this season, Don’t Be Blah.Explore new pork recipes. Visittexaspork.org and try your hand atsomething new and different.

Below, check out two recipesyou’re sure to enjoy!

GRANDMA’S HINTS

Egg whites, cornstarch, coconut in three separate bowls. Dip shrimp in each then fry. Sounds like a strange combination

but it works and tastes great!

Rock salt, vinegar, flour. This combination mixed together and rubbed

on copper cleans neatly.

Rock salt and water in the bathtub. Soak antique linens in for discoloration. Rinse thoroughly

and hang to dry. An old technique that works.

Burned crust in pan? Place baking soda and water in and boil on stove.

This loosens the black crust and the rest is easy to clean.

? ?

??

b y S h i r l e y B a k e r

BANISH THE DINNERTIME BLAHS!

SUPER SPECIAL SALAD RING

2 pkg lemon gelatin2 cups mincemeat11/2 cups hot water1/2 cup chopped nuts2 cups orange juice (or apple)

Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Add orange juice andchill until slightly thickened. Stir in mincemeat andnuts. Pour into an 8 inch ring mold, oiled lightly. Chill until firm. Delicious filledwith chicken salad. Distinctively different and delightful!

Ginger Pork Stir Fry 4 servingsConvenient frozen vegetable blends make this stir-fry a fast weekday meal. Start aside of rice as you marinate your pork cubes and dinner is ready in a flash. Serve withpurchased eggrolls and some fortune cookies. (Per serving: 193 calories, 6 g. of fat)1 lb boneless pork loin, 1 tsp sesame oil

cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 tsp Minced fresh ginger1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 clove garlic, minced1 Tbsp vinegar 1 Tbsp water

1 pkg (16oz) frozen stir-fry vegetablesBlend soy sauce, vinegar, oil, ginger and garlic in shallow dish. Add pork;

marinate for 10 minutes. Spray large non-stick skillet with vegetable spray.Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add pork and stir-fry for 3minutes. Stir water and vegetables into pork. Cover and cook 5 minutes oruntil vegetables are crisp-tender.

Fiery Island Pineapple Pork Chops 4 servingsThe tropical flavor of pineapple mixed with pork is a wonderful combination, anddefinitely not the pork chops you grew up with! Serve with grilled summer squash.(Per serving: 245 calories, 5 g. of fat)4 boneless pork chops, 1/2-inch thick 2 Tbsp pineapple juice 4 tsp Jamaican Jerk seasoning 1 tsp minced fresh ginger 1/3 cup hot pepper jelly 4 slices fresh pineapple (cored,

1/2-inch thick) or canned pineapple rings

Coat chops with jerk seasoning; set aside for 5 minutes. Meanwhile,combine jelly, pineapple juice and ginger and microwave on high for 30 to60 seconds or until melted. Grill pork over medium-high heat for 5 to 6minutes per side, turning once. Baste frequently with glaze. During last 3minutes of grilling time, place pineapple rings on the grill. Baste with jellymixture. Grill pineapple until heated through. Serve pork chops withpineapple.

B Y G E O R G E A Y R E ST E X A S D E P T . O F A G R I C U L T U R E


IFFirst rodeo of the year

It’s funny how certain times ofthe year and weather can bring backold memories. Every January whenthe weather starts really turning coldand Christmas and New Year’s are outof the way, I start to think about thefirst rodeo of the year. As a childgrowing up in Odessa, Tex., theSandHills Stock Show and Rodeowas always the big event. As asanctioned PRCA Rodeo mostprofessional cowboys will call“Odessa” the first rodeo of the year.

If you have ever been to Odessayou’re familiar with sand. There islots of it, hence the name SandHillsStock Show and Rodeo. The stockshow portion of the week long eventis called the Sandhills Hereford andQuarter Horse Show. Why theHereford name you wonder? Well,the story goes in 1932 the first stockshow in Odessa was put together byan Ag teacher and a pioneer Herefordrancher from the town. First prize fora champion steer was going to be abig sack of flour. Well the show washeld and the champion steer that was

picked by the judge turned out to bean Angus steer. There were a lot ofunhappy Hereford breeders from thearea. The following year, the 1933show organizers decided to gettogether and make a rule change thatonly Herefords could enter the show.A rule that still stands today after allthese years.

The SandHills Stock Show andRodeo is held today in the EctorCounty Coliseum. When I wasgrowing up in the early 60s, thisindoor rodeo seemed like a giantbuilding. The Ector County Coliseumwas built in 1955 and worked verywell for cold January days in westTexas. This rodeo has come a longway since its beginning. Mygrandmother told me a story aboutsome of the first rodeos in Odessa.She said that the ranchers and townspeople would park their model Ts sideby side to form sort of an arena, thenstring lariat ropes from radiator cap toradiator cap on the front of the carsto deter a loose horse or steer fromleaving the arena.

The first rodeo of the year in

Odessa has also had many celebritiespass through its doors throughout theyears. When I was young, mymemories include seeing stars from tvshows such as Michael Landon (LittleJoe), Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty),Milburn Stone (Doc), James Arness(Sheriff Matt Dillon), Ken Curtis(Festus), Rex Allen and Fess Parker(Daniel Boone). Back in the early 60sthese stars were very popular on lateevening TV shows. Remember therewere only three channels to watch ifthat many. These celebrities wouldput on a small show during themiddle of the rodeo to entertain thecrowd. One year I arrived to see manyextra lights hanging from the insideceiling of the coliseum. I asked mymother why those lights were thereand she told me that she thoughtthey were filming a movie while therodeo was going on. Indeed theywere. It was a movie called “Whenthe Legends Die” with RichardWidmark as one of the stars.

The concrete wall inside theEctor County Coliseum surroundingthe arena was pretty tall as I

remember, but during oneperformance a rodeo bull had decidedhe wanted to exit but didn’t like thegate area. The bull ended up airbornestraddling the wall and the front rowseats with his head in someone’s lap.A photographer from the Odessapaper snapped the shot with perfecttiming and the picture ended up onthe front page.

The SandHills Stock Show andRodeo will start off the seasonJanuary 4 –13 and will also be thefirst stop of the 2007 Wrangler ProTour.

QUEST IONS OR COMMENTS? E -MAILMLBRADBERRY@CENTURYTEL .NET

b y M a r c B r a d b e r r y

Dave Marcum, 52, died Sunday,Dec. 3, 2006.

David Kevin Marcum was born July30, 1954, in Louisville, Ky.

He was a radio personality for over30 years at numerous stations around thecountry including KVET 98.1, andrecently hosting a morning show for RealCountry, an ABC-Disney Networkstation.

Dave was a deacon of thePresbyterian Church, a Stephen ministerand was commissioned by the governor ofKentucky into the Order of KentuckyColonels.

Honorary pallbearers were members

of the Stephen Ministry of FirstPresbyterian Church and Erick Faust andMark Fowlkes. Memorials: Should friendsdesire, memorials may be given toCommunity Hospice of Texas forHospice House West.

Survivors: Wife of seven years, Amy;children, Lily and John; mother andstepfather, Elizabeth and Ralph Jacksonof Rockmart, Ga.; sisters and brother,Sherry Bledsoe and her husband, Denneyof Douglasville, Ga., Vicki Rowe and herhusband, Bruce of Lewisville and JonMarcum and his wife, Clare of Tucker,Ga.; numerous nephews and nieces.

This issue of Country Line Magazineis dedicated to long-time friend

DAVE MARCUM • 1954 - 2006

countrylinemagazine.com

The only Texas-Country Music, Cowboy,

Outdoor and Lifestyle magazine brings you all

this and more on our website!

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AF Although five cowboys hadalready clinched world titles headinginto the 10th and final round of theWrangler National Finals Rodeo, therewas no shortage of drama ascontestants in three events sweated itout until the very end.

A record crowd of 18,224 watchedcontestants win world titles in teamroping, steer wrestling and barrelracing in the Thomas & Mack Center,the home of the Wrangler NFR since1985.

Team ropers Matt Sherwood(Queen Creek, Ariz.) and Allen Bach(Weatherford, Tex.) claimed titles inheading and heeling, respectively,becoming the first non-partners toclaim world titles since the event wassplit into two categories in 1995.

Bach, along with partner ChadMasters (Clarksville, Tenn.) won thelucrative average title and a $41,088payday. While that pushed Bach overthe top for his fourth career world titleand first since 1995, it left Masters just$848 behind. Masters began the 10-day event 15th in the world standings,but catapulted himself to second placewith a top-notch Wrangler NFR.

Meanwhile, Sherwood, whoreached his first Wrangler NFR withthe help of heeler Walt Woodard,ended an unbelievable week bycapping it off with a 4.1-second run onSaturday.

Although ecstatic, both had hopedto win titles with their partners.

“I wouldn’t have had this type ofsuccess without Walt,” Sherwood said.“It’s disappointing that it ended up theway it did for Walt. Not takinganything away from Allen, but it’sdisappointing to start something andnot end up winning together.”

Added Bach, “Switching partnersthis year, I knew there was a goodchance of ending the year withdifferent champions in heading andheeling. I have mixed emotions. I wishChad could be here now. He really

roped great and showed so muchmaturity for his age.”

Earlier, steer wrestler DeanGorsuch (Gering, Neb.) clinched hisfirst world title by throwing his final-round steer in 3.6 seconds, giving himthe average title and enough money torally past 2004 World Champion LukeBranquinho on the final night.Gorsuch ended the year with$194,268, about $14,000 more thanBranquinho.

“This means the world to me,”Gorsuch said. “Next to the birth of myson, this is the best. My little boy willhave a dream one of these days to be aworld champion. It’s awesome tofinally accomplish that dream.”

Barrel racer Mary Burger (PaulsValley, Okla.) placed second onSaturday with a run of 13.75 secondsand held off regular-season standingsleader Brittany Pozzi (Victoria, Tex.)by some $2,500. For Burger, the 58-year old earned her first world title.

Pozzi finished sixth in Round 10with a time of 14.14 to win theWrangler NFR average title, but afourth-place finish — just .09 secondsaway — would have given her theworld title.

The rest of the events already hadtheir titleists determined earlier in theweek, but many of those same cowboysdidn’t let up Saturday as they setseveral event and season records.

World Champion All-AroundCowboy Trevor Brazile (Decatur, Tex.)set the PRCA’s single-season earningsrecord en route to winning his fourthall-around buckle and fifth world titleoverall. He won $329,924 in 2006,breaking the mark of $320,766 set lastyear by bull rider Matt Austin.

Bareback rider Will Lowe(Canyon, Texas) officially claimed histhird world title on Saturday and alsoset the event record for single-seasonearnings at $280,227. KellyTimberman owned the previous recordof $225,181, set two years ago. Lowealso set the Wrangler NFR earningsrecord for bareback riding, bagging$128,302 in 10 days in Las Vegas.

Tie-down roper Cody Ohl (Hico,Tex.) won his fifth event gold buckleand sixth overall on Saturday. His2006 season will go down in history asthe best ever in his event as he earned$298,112, including a Wrangler NFR-best $132,652 among tie-down ropers.

World Champion Bull Rider B.J.Schumacher (Hillsboro, Wis.) had aone-of-a-kind week in Las Vegas. Hewon $142,644, the most ever at aPRCA rodeo, and brought Wisconsinits first PRCA title since bareback

rider Jack Buschbom in 1960. Cowboys and cowgirls weren’t the

only honorees on Saturday. TheWrangler NFR Top Stock Awards wereannounced as Classic Pro Rodeo'sWise Guy took top honors in barebackriding, Greg Kesler’s Country Cat wasthe top-ranked saddle bronc horse andDavid Bailey’s Lucky Strike was namedthe top bull for the second straightyear.

The Wrangler NFR, an annual LasVegas event since 1985, is the world’spremier rodeo. Only the Top 15contestants in each of rodeo’ s eventsqualified for the event.

National Finals Rodeo Roundup 2006

Trevor Brazile, who led the race by $70,000, picked up his fourth all-around world title Saturday.

Steer wrestler Dean Gorsuch hadthe biggest night of his career,winning his first Wrangler NFRtitle with 47.80/10 and his firstworld title with $194,268.

Barrel racer Mary Burger, 58, proved that experience may be moreimportant than age when she won her first world title Saturday nightwith $189,185.


FFirst off, I hope you all are enjoying

some “family” time during theholidays. I hope you and yours had asafe Christmas and I hope you made“do-able” New Year’s resolutions!

The new year of 2007 certainlybrings change on the national racingscene — especially in NASCAR. We’llthrow you some media updates andfinish off with some exciting newsconcerning the host of this magazine.A lot of this material is courtesy ofstockcarfans.com and jayski.com.

David Poole and Marty Snider toHost Sirius Radio Show

NASCAR beat reporter andcolumnist David Poole and veteranbroadcaster Marty Snider will host adaily talk show, SIRIUS NASCARRadio’s “The Morning Drive,”exclusively on SIRIUS. Starting Jan. 1,The Morning Drive will air everyweekday morning from 7-11 a.m./etexclusively on SIRIUS NASCARRadio / channel 128, the new 24/7year-round radio channel dedicated toNASCAR.

Bi-monthly radio show debuts Jan. 4#89-Faith Motorsports will debut a

bi-monthly radio show on Jan. 4,enabling Morgan Shepherd fans toenjoy regular updates on the team’sprogression through the 2007 raceseason. Faith Motorsports Radio willproduce a bi-monthly 15-minute show,“Racing With Jesus,” to be hosted byveteran sportswriter Tim Stephens, theteam announced. The show’s firstedition will air at 7 p.m./et on Jan. 4.

Sirius to Provide UnprecedentedNASCAR Driver-To-Pit Crew RaceCoverage In 2007

SIRIUS Satellite Radio announcedthat it will present unprecedented liveradio coverage of NASCAR racesstarting in 2007, making listeners feellike they are on top of their favoriteteam’s pit box on race day. In additionto the live race broadcast, SIRIUS willtake fans into the cars and pits bydevoting up to 10 additional “TeamTalk” channels that will carry thedriver-to-crew communications of upto 10 different race teams duringNextel Cup Series races.

Ricky Rudd will pilot a Robert YatesRacing Ford Fusion in 2007

Sponsorship will come fromMasterfoods USA. The primaryMasterfoods brand on Rudd’s car willbe Snickers, which will sponsor the carfor 29 races. Car owner Robert Yatessaid he has not yet decided whetherthe Snickers car will carry the #28 or#88. An announcement on that will beexpected soon, though Yates hintedthe #28 might carry the day, whichRudd said would be fine with him.“From a driver’s standpoint, I wasalways proud to drive the #28 becauseof the history of the car,” Rudd said.

And finally, K-MAC SportsProductions of Austin and the“Texas Outdoor Zone” show willcontinue their partnership into 2007

At the later part of 2006, K-MACSports entered into an agreement withthe “honorable” (cough, cough) T.J.Greaney and started posting the showon the kmacsports.com Web site.Thus, listeners could go tokmacsports.com and download the“Texas Outdoor Zone” at anytime,

24/7, for free. Thus, if you happen tomiss any part of the “Texas OutdoorZone” — or you want to hear it again— you can simply go to the Web siteand download it. Enjoy!

Oh, yeah … we’re less than 30 daysfrom the Daytona 500, which starts theNASCAR NEXTEL Cup season onFeb. 18 at Daytona InternationalSpeedway.

CHUCK L ICATA , AN AWARD -WINNINGWR I TER , HOSTS T H E M OTORSPORTSZONE RAD IO SHOW ON AUST IN KVET-AM 1300 ( SATURDAYS 10 – 11AM CT ) .HE I S A LSO CO - OWNER OF K-MACSPORTS PRODUCT IONS, AN ONL INECOMPANY THAT BROADCASTS H IGHSCHOOL ATHLET ICS AND SHORT-TRACKAUTO RAC ING. E-MAIL:[email protected]

b y C h u c k L i c a t a

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6 - 8 am Every Saturday

Morning

OUTDOOR RADIOL I V E I N A U S T I N

The Texas Outdoor Zone Radio Show

Exclusively on 1300AM The Zone

TWatercraft sitting up for a year can bea problem

There are a lot of boats out therethat have not been in the water for overa year and there are a number ofmaintenance functions that should bedone prior to taking them out. A fewcommon problems that folks can expectto run into is todays subject.

One that can be expected in jet skisthat has sat up for a while is a deadbattery. I do not mean one that needscharging, but terminal, so expect to buya new battery.

Other areas of concern with jet skisare the hull seals. They should bechecked for dry rot and just to make surethey are still in place. All cables shouldbe lubricated and the list can go on andon so it pays for you to at least check yourowner’s manual for maintenancerecommendations. To make sure all iswell most dealers will check over your jetski for around $80 and tell you whatneeds doing before you put it in thewater, and to my way of thinking that isa good, inexpensive investment.

Another potential problem with allwatercraft is with the fuel system. Fuel

lines need to be checked for dammage. Iffuel stabilizer was not regularly usedbefore putting the craft away the fuelsystem can be gummed up and containenough water from condensation to puta halt to your water focused fun.

The fuel we purchase today has tohave the worst storage capabilities of anygasoline in history. The current product,when left to sit over six months, willgum up the entire fuel system in anyengine. The carburetors or fuelinjection system will be filled with ashellac type substance that cannot beremoved with a bottle of fuel systemcleaner, but will require a person whoknows what they are doing todisassemble the fuel system, soak, scruband in some cases replace the lines andparts in order to get you back on thewater.

Another attribute of the modernfuel with 10% ethanol in it is it willbegin to soak up water from theatmosphere. So, beside low octane andthe propensity to gum up the works if lefttoo long unused, you can now count onyour fuel soaking up water, and I canguarantee you that water in the fuel doesnothing to enhance the performance ofyour watercraft. Most repair shopsrecommend water separator filters on allboats nowadays to remove the wateraccumulation from the fuel supply.

Water pumps have always been apotential problem because people tendto forget about them until the engineoverheats. Manufacturers have longrecommend that a water pump impellerbe changed every year in outboards, but

have backed off of that somewhat. But ifyou want to make sure you hold thepossibility of burning up an engine to aminimum replacing the impeller everyyear is cheap insurance and that is apotential problem eliminated before itbegins. I checked with a couple shopsthey will check over a boat for around$125, but that depends on the engine

type and size, and here again that ischeap insurance if it cost double thatamount. The last time I checked a newengine can be a five digit investmenthanging on the back of your boat, so it isnot wise to buy into the false economy ofnot getting it checked annually.

So neighbors do not get caught withbig plans for an outing on the water andfind out when the hull hits the waterthat you have a problem. Be proactiveand get it checked out prior to the tripand then enjoy all that your watercraftand the water have to offer.

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To keep your jet ski in top operating condition have it checked by aprofessional.

Texas Parks and WildlifeDepartment game wardens and otherauthorities will begin enforcing therequirement for all qualifying trailvehicles to have a current Texas OffHighway Vehicle (OHV) decal properlymounted on their trail vehicles whenused at OHV venues on public land inTexas.

A Texas OHV decal costs $8 and isgood through Aug. 31 of the year it ispurchased. Many other states requiresimilar decals. A decal bought in Texasis also valid in other states and otherstates’ decals are valid in Texas.

Revenue from decal sales will beused to provide grants to helpmunicipalities, counties, state or federalagencies and non-profit corporationscreate or improve OHV recreation areasin Texas.

Non-street legal motorcycles, allterrain vehicles (ATV) and non-streetlegal four-wheel drive vehicles are

required to display the OHV decal whentrail riding on public lands in Texas. Thelaw applies to all public lands in Texasincluding municipal, county, state orfederal lands where OHV recreation isapproved and legal. Street legal OHVsdo not require the Texas OHV decal nomatter where they are used in Texas.Decals are not required for vehicles usedon private land.

For more info or a Texas OHVdecal, call Texas Parks & WildlifeCustomer Service Center (CSC) at 512-389-8917. Decals can also be bought atselected parks and retail stores listed onthe TPWD Web site.www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ohv

Texas Off Highway Vehicle DecalsEnforced Starting January

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FFor all you anglers who have missed

certain things like launching your boat inthe dark from a crowded take-off site orinhaling two-stroke smoke instead of a bigbreakfast. Take heart! Tournament time ishere! Soon, morning’s chill will bevanquished by the rush of adrenaline thatcomes from blasting off to your startingwater.

Fishers of Men are starting theirfourth year in Central Texas, and theyhave grown every year. Parents whosechildren love to fish should try theyouth/adult division of Fishers of Mentournaments. I can’t think of a betterstarting point for an aspiring pro-angler.The adult team division’s competition hasbeen very tough, and likely even more sothis year. The first tournament will beheld Saturday, Jan. 20 on Lake Belton.You can register at the meeting Friday,Jan. 19, 6 p.m., following the official pre-fish day. The meeting is to be held at theBelton Church of Christ, 3003 N. Main.Belton, Tex. Dinner will be provided,along with a speaker, a raffle and drawingof your take-off number.

The Fishers of Men Tournament onLake Belton is two weeks before theSkeeter Bass Champs Tournament on thesame lake. Skeeter Bass Champs hasimplemented some changes in theirpayout this year. Every tournament willpay $20,000 for First Place. In addition,they have changed the date of thechampionship tournament from

following the last event on ChokeCanyon on June 2 to a two-daytournament on Oct. 20 – 21 in which theCentral and South divisions will fishtogether. The payout in this one event is$100,000 — cash guaranteed.

Skeeter Bass Champs is promotingone of the largest Big Bass Tournamentsthat I have ever heard of. After the regularseason, on July 29 the Dodge Mega BassTournament will be held on Lake SamRayburn. The hourly prize for Big Basswill be a new Dodge truck and cash willbe paid ten places per hour. The overallwinner will receive a Hemi Dodge quadcab truck.

A cold morning with fog on thewater gave way to a beautiful, blue birdday by weigh-in time at the Fishers ofMen Open Tournament held on Dec. 2on Lake Austin. Thirty-five teams bravedthe 36˚ cold-front conditions in hopes ofthe $2,000 check offered by Texas BoatWorld of Harker Heights, the new Tritondealers of Central Texas. Some of theirhopes were dashed by high pressure thatallowed only fifty-six bass to be brought tothe scales.

Eddy and Ronnie Maynard have myadmiration for bringing in 19.43lbs of fishon such a tough day. They targeted thethick grass in eight feet and shallowerwater by flipping a one-ounce Oldham jig.

Second place winners were PaulCarmen and Dale Read. They werefishing water that had produced for them

in the past using a Sinko type bait. Theirwinning weight was 15.21lbs.

Bo Berry and Randy Tawater fishedthe upper end of Lake Austin near the lowwater crossing for five fish that weighed14.51lbs. They were flipping Bass AssassinEager Beavers and Hawg Caller jigs.

Big Bass honors went to Bill Guzman.His only keeper, a 9.01 bass, was goodenough for a sixth place finish. Bill wasfishing a black and blue jig around a docknear Ski Shores.4th Yung Follis/Scott Mahoney 11.07lbs5th Don Crowell/Randall Vaughn 10.78lbs6th Bill Guzman 9.01lbs7th Bud Croom/Lynn Prince 8.76lbs8th Phillip Smith/Matt Millard 8.36lbs9th Randy Sutz/Don Schwetze 6.78lbs10th Tom Yester/Eric McGaha 6.20lbsThanks to Jeff Cook, Director of Fishers ofMen, for info on open.

At this date the FLW Tournament

Trail is still coming to Lake Travis on Feb.15 – 18. Daily weigh-in will be at thePalmer Events Center in Austin.

Check out my new Web site atcapitolviewguideservice.com (built byDarrin LeBlanc). 513-736-6552

FOR CURRENT F I SH ING REPORTS ON AREA LAKES AND MORE — L I S TENTO THE T EXAS OUTDOOR ZONE RAD IOSHOW, SATURDAYS 6 – 8 A .M . ON 1300 AM, THE ZONE OR V I S I TWWW.TEXASOUTDOORZONE .COM.

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’07 Skeeter Bass Champs Tournaments Feb 3, Lake Belton | Mar 3, Lake TravisMar 31, Lake LBJ | Apr 28, Lake BeltonJune 2, Lake Choke Canyon | Oct 20, location TBA (Championship)

ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION AT BASSCHAMPS.COM

’07 Fishers of Men TournamentsJan 20, Lake Belton | Feb 24, Lake TravisMar 17, Lake LBJ | Apr 14, Lake AustinMay 19, Lake StillhouseFor more info or guide service, call Jeff Cook 512-413-4178. www.fomcentex.com

Texas students in grades 4 – 12 areinvited to enter the ninth annualWildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest.The State-Fish Art Contest is part of aconservation education programdesigned to spark the imaginations ofstudents while providing valuable lessonsabout fish and the importance ofconserving Texas’ aquatic resources.

To enter, students must create anillustration of the Texas state fish or oneof the other state fishes and write acomposition on its behavior, habitat andconservation. Texas students areencouraged, but not required, to depictthe Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass.Texas entries are judged only againstother Texas entries no matter what fish isdepicted.

State-Fish Art Contest entries arejudged in three categories: grades 4-6,grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. One Texas

winner from each category will beselected. Those winners will thencompete at the national level for best ofshow and art of conservation stamphonors. (Winners are invited to attendthe national awards ceremony atMinnesota’s Mall of America eachsummer and winning designs will befeatured on the official State-Fish Artwebsite. One piece of artwork in eachgrade category will be selected as thenational best of show winner, and oneentry will be chosen as the annual art ofconservation stamp award and befeatured on Wildlife Forever’sconservation stamp for the coming year.)

Entries must be postmarked byMarch 31, 2007. For details on thecontest and how to enter, go to thecontest Web page.

The contest is sponsored by WildlifeForever, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department, Rapala, The Art InstitutesInternational Minnesota, Mall ofAmerica, North American FishingClub, Minnesota Twins and Cheap Joe’sArt Stuff.

“Wildlife Forever strongly believesconservation education will ultimately

determine the future of our fish andwildlife heritage,” said Wildlife Foreverpresident and CEO Douglas H. Grann.“The State-Fish Art Contest is a fun andinnovative way to introduce America’syouth to the wonders of our naturalworld.”

The Texas Freshwater FisheriesCenter is a facility of the Texas Parks andWildlife Department that incorporates avisitor center, educational programmingand a production fish hatchery. It islocated 75 miles southeast of Dallas andis open Tue – Sun. For more info, call903-676-2277 or visit the Web site....Fish art contest infowww.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishartFisheries center Web pagewww.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc

State-Fish Art Contest Calls for Entries

2006 Winner: Anna McCaleb,Grades 4-6

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clm jan07 - country line magazine · browning, todd eldredge and irina slutskaya this was kinda...

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