-Week of 11.16.09-

Show # 1093, originally aired 8.9.08

This week it's the Best of Texas Country Reporter! Meet a baseball-loving nun with a few tips for the Houston Astros. Sister Damian, Incarnate Word Academy/Catholic Church, Houston, TX MAP 713-668-0423

Spice up your life with a chili ristra. Refugio Garcia, San Elizario, TX 79849 MAP

Plus, find out how one panhandle piano player found inspiration in the West Texas wind. Doug Smith, www.dougsmith.com Lubbock, TX MAP 800-269-7552

Show # 687, originally aired 10.28.00

19 yr old expert fiddler keeps the old-time music and culture of the Appalachian mountains alive with his fiddle -true homestyle fiddling! Josh Goforth, 740 Lonesome Mountain Rd., Marshall, N.C., 28753 423-439-4317

For as long as he can remember, Stinson has been making the types of musical instruments that you don't often see -- mandolins, dulcimers, mouth bows. Stinson Behlen, 1010 S. 14th, Slayton, TX 79364 806-828-5358

Big Lake, TX claims an incredible 121 sets of twins in its history. Currently, there are 32 sets represented by 1 or both siblings living in town. Regan County Economic Development, 1106 Ohio Ave., Big Lake, TX 76932. 915-884-2288

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-Week of 11.9.09-

Show # 1092, originally aired 8.2.08

Ride along with a couple that puts the "mow" in motorsports! Tim and Patty Robinson of the LSMRA. Email Patty: preciousmowments@boldwireless.net or Tim: mowron@boldwireless.net or visit www.mowerracing.com for more information.

Have a bona-fide New York hot dog without setting foot in the Big Apple. Thomas Tafuro, NY's Finest Hot Dogs, 6806 S. Service Road, Big Spring, TX 79721 (I-20 Exit #184, Moss Lake Road) MAP 432-393-5489 or P.O. Box 3152, Big Spring, TX 79721

And meet a man with a scientific mind and an artistic hand. Stephen Briscoe, Custom Stained Glass & Etching, 5730 Waverly Circle, Port Arthur, Texas 77640 MAP 409-736-3582

Show # 685, originally aired 10.14.00

Richard's been driving trucks for 27 yrs. He has also completed over 1000 model cars and trucks over the past 40 years. Richard Daniel, 3575 CR 226, Gatesville, Texas 76528-3217 254-494-3359

Betty Garza has worked at the Olmos Pharmacy soda fountain for over 30 years! Betty Garza, Olmos Pharmacy, 3902 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 210-822-3361 or 210-826-4466

Meet a man who lives in a hut and teaches others to live off the land. Mike Borowski c/o Wilderness School, 99 Woodside Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011 207-729-8616

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-Week of 11.2.09-

Show # 1091, originally aired 7.26.08

Meet a woman who's pretty much completely preoccuppied with...pigs! Roxanne Ward, Bainer Switch, TX. 806-385-4585

Try the newest fad in fatty foods - Chicken-fried Bacon! Frank Sodolak, Sodolak's Original Country Inn. Just off of Highway 60 West in Snook, TX. MAP 979-272-6002

Plus, discover the hidden healing powers of native plants in the South Texas scrub brush. Benito Treviño, P.O. Box 442, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 MAP 956-486-2576 or www.rancholomitas.com

Show # 684, originally aired 10.7.00

Visit the Sky Vue Dive-In in Lamesa, known for its famous "Chihuahua" sandwich. Sam Kirkland, 1001 N. 3rd Street, Lamesa, Texas 79331 806-872-7004

Martin Hill collects motion picture production equipment from the golden age of Hollywood. Martin Hill, Midland, NC. wmartinhill@yahoo.com 704-455-9345

Abby Abernathy helped rebuild the old Royal Theater featured in the motion picture "The Last Picture Show". Royal Theater-Abby Abernathy, P.O. Box 1070, Archer City, TX 76351 877-729-ROYA (L) www.archercity.org

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-Week of 10.26.09-

Show # 1090, originally aired 7.19.08

It's the Best of Texas Country Reporter! Browse among the bouffants at a beauty shop turned bookstore. Kathy Patrick, Beauty and the Book, 690 FM 728, Jefferson, TX 75657 MAP 903-665-7520

Eat a brisket that will have you saying Holy Smoke! Annie Ward, New Zion BBQ, 2601 Montgomery Rd., Huntsville, TX 77340 MAP 936-295-7394

Plus, share a bittersweet memory of times past with our friend Opal Hunt. Winters, TX MAP

Show # 683, originally aired 9.30.00

Harvey is an illustrator, sketching his fellow soldiers that were killed in WWII. In 1963 he created the smiley face that we all recognize today. Harvey Ball, Worcester, MA

We follow John as he takes a trip down the Trinity River to get inspiration for the symphony he plans to write about the river. John Gibson, 8300 Skillman #212, Dallas, TX 75231 214-503-7754 or 214-768-3842

Ray started the Llano Estacado Driving Society 12 years ago. Members get together to show off their horse-drawn buggies and keep the art of driving alive. Ray Thomas, 4705 47th St. Lubbock, TX 79414 806-799-7851

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-Week of 10.19.09-

Show # 1081, originally aired 5.17.08

Solve the mystery of a famous photo with help from one police sketch artist. Artist: Lois Gibson, HPD. Sailor: Glenn McDuffie, Houston, TX MAP 281-931-7956

Support our troops with a woman who has 'stayed the course.' Robbie Maxwell, Hwy 69, Huntington, TX 75949 MAP 936-422-4137

Plus, see how these veteran veterans honor their fellow soldiers. Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group. Pastor "Buddy" Blake & Capt. Jerry Kelley. Beaumont, TX MAP 409-835-4838

Show # 682, originally aired 9.23.00

Nolan salvages old aluminum from grounded aircraft , melts it down and recycles it by making it into items people can enjoy. Nolan Salmon, 1117 W. Harrison St., Memphis, TX 79245 806-259-2318

Carolyn is the master behind the obituary writers' conference. This being their 2nd annual event, they get together and to discuss and learn obituary writing. Carolyn Gilbert, 8117 Preston Rd., Suite 680, Dallas, Texas 75225 214-696-9499

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-Week of 10.12.09-

Show # 1080, originally aired 5.10.08

See how one man saves space AND the environment by living in a Tiny Texas House. Brad Kittel, Tiny Texas Houses, 20501 E. I-10, Luling, TX 78648 MAP

Take shelter from a Texas snowstorm at the New York Hill Restaurant. New York Hill Restaurant, Thurber, TX MAP

Plus, meet a painter who won't leave her family farm until she captures a full year of memories. Virginia Vaughan, Manor TX MAP See her paintings

Show # 681, originally aired 9.16.00

Brenda takes treasured keepsakes and turns them into teddy bears for friends and family to enjoy. Brenda Kippa, 333 W. Front Street Hawkins, TX 75765 903-769-9162

The town of Plainview, TX is covered in cows! More than 40 ceramic cows have been painted and displayed around town to help tourism & town spirit. Amy Hatch, 710 W 5th St., Plainview, TX 79072 806-296-7431

He spends his days maintaining the Texas Giant at Six Flags but a night he's a singer entertaining his fans all around Denton. Brian Houser, Denton, TX.
www.brianhouser.com

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-Week of 10.5.09-

Show # 1079, originally aired 5.3.08

Dig into a West Texas bed and breakfast for fine wine, dining, and...um...dinosaurs. Jennifer & Steve Wick, Ten Bits Ranch, 6000 North Country Road, Terlingua, TX 79852 MAP 866-371-3110

Meet a craftsperson whose work is featured in every state park in Texas. Martha Gonzales, Bastrop State Park, TX MAP

Plus, don't mess with Texas...or the trash-talking, litter-fighting, self-proclaimed padre of Padre Island. Billy Sandifer, Padre Island, TX MAP

Show # 665, originally aired 5.27.00

Lubbock's only overnight news photographer see's a lot of bad things on that shift. But one night he videotaped a puppy that was brought back to life. Carl Roach or Bill De Tournillon, KCBD 5600 Ave A, Lubbock, TX 79404 806-744-1414

This dairy is the home to Belle, Blue Bell's singing spokes-cow. It's also a 50 yr-old dairy where they make cheese and teach kids about farms. Ralph & Faith Frerichs, 3117 St. Hwy 159, La Grange, TX 78945 1-800-382-2880 or 409-249-3406

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-Week of 9.28.09-

Show # 1078, originally aired 4.26.08

Eat til you're seeing double with the Fried Pie Twins. Sandra Harvell & Nell Hoce, Mamaw's Fried Pies, 113 Highway 110, Whitehouse, TX MAP 903-871-8100

Shell out some wampum for a night's stay at the TeePee Motel. Bryon Woods, 4098 N. Highway 59, Wharton, TX MAP (979) 282-8474

Plus, see why a Southeast Texas man dedicated his life to telling the story of a WWI soldier he's never met. Leroy Perego, Buna, TX MAP

Show # 664, originally aired 5.20.00

Marvin invented the first "Mr. Bendo" in the 1950's. Mr. Bendo is the 22 ft tall muffler store mascot that stand out front and hold a muffler. Marvin Fillip, 9543 South U.S. 67, San Angelo, TX 76904 915-949-1111 or 915-949-2333

Fred has over 50 antique washing machines. He opened a museum that just so happens to be the only working laundromat museum. Fred Wilson, 700 W. Hubbard, Mineral Wells, TX 76067 940-328-1662

Bob is the manager of the Pitchfork Ranch where they work like the old days. Bob's been capturing the old ways and has a book called "Pitchfork Country". Bob Moorhouse, P.O. Box 120 Guthrie, TX 79236 806-284-2223 or 806-742-0497

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-Week of 9.21.09-

Show # 1123, originally aired 3.7.09

Meet a man who uses sustainable, green technology to live off the grid in the most remote part of West Texas. John Wells, 2500 Mailbox Rd., Alpine, TX 79830. 432-371-3272 www.thefieldlab.org lifeoffthegrid@yahoo.com

Visit Uncle Henry's Tamales, where they put a Creole twist on a classic Hispanic dish. Hal Guillory, 4358 E Lucas Dr., Beaumont, TX 77708 409-924-0302

The Stokes Bros. have been fixing cars in Brownwood together since the 1940's. Odus & Orus Stokes, Brownwood, TX

Show # 663, originally aired 5.13.00

Bob grows crystals from his own formula, then he photographs them using colorful technology that he also invented. Bob (Robert) Alcott, 1213 Stone Corpus Christi, TX 78418 361-939-7946

Since 1960 Paul has netted herring and hauled them up a hill above a dam so the herring can spawn. He has saved the entire stretch of the 10 mile river. Paul Bettencourt, 110 Binefit St., Pawtucket, R.I. 401-726-4034

Back in 1950 Jimmy founded the 1st little league team in Texas. We catch up with him at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Austin Little league. Jimmy Farrell, P.O. Box 3001, Austin, TX 78764 512-442-1175 or 512-472-6844

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-Week of 9.14.09-

Show # 1121, originally aired 2.21.09

Mark Witham has a collection of perfectly restored military vehicles, including a few tanks. Mark Witham, Royse City, TX

Find out why they call this unbalanced baker the crazy kolache lady! Jody Powers, Zamykal Kolaches, 709 Main Street, Calvert, TX 77837 979-364-2386
www.zamykalkolaches.com

Visit Eve's Garden, a green bed and breakfast oasis in the far west Texas desert. Clyde Curry & Kate Thayer, Eve's Garden, Ave C and N 3rd St., Marathon, TX 79842. 432-386-4165 www.evesgarden.org info@evesgarden.org

Show # 662, originally aired 5.6.00

K.R. has written a collection of songs about the history of the Texas Revolution. He performs them for kids all across the state. K.R. Wood, P.O. Box 40184, Austin,, TX 78704 512-383-0717

Plus, visit a radio deejay who drives a car that once belonged to Buddy Holly! Bill Clement, 1714 Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, TX, 79401 806-744-5859 www.kdav.com

75 year-old Mary Rugg has waited tables at a truckstop for 34 yrs. She started writing poetry a few years ago, one a tribute to truckers. Mary Rugg, 3220 Voss Dr., El Paso, TX 79936 915-778-9819

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-Week of 9.7.09-

Show # 1069, originally aired 2.23.08

British mechanic Steve Wynne resurrected the DeLorean Motor Company and is building new cars by hand in Humble, TX. Steve Wynne, 15023 Eddie Dr., Humble, TX 77396. 1-800-USA-DMC1 www.delorean.com

Old Rip is a legendary horned toad, preserved and on display in the Eastland Courthouse. Kelly Armstrong, Eastland, TX 1-877-2OLD-RIP

Some of the best beef in the country comes from a West Texas ranch with a female trail boss. Minnie Lou Bradley, 15591 CR K, Memphis, TX 79245 806-888-1062. www.bradley3ranch.com

Show # 661, originally aired 4.29.00

Juanita takes pods from the Mascagnia Butterfly vine and paints them to look like real-life butterflies. Juanita Brookins, 311 Astoria Dr., San Antonio, TX 78220
210-337-5845

Glassblower Tim de Jong and steel sculptor Jimmy Harwell make unique desk and floor lamps. Tim de Jong & Jimmy Harwell, P.O. Box 1724 Wimberley, TX 78676. 512-847-9559 or 512-847-7056

75 year-old Mary Rugg has waited tables at a truckstop for 34 yrs. She started writing poetry a few years ago, one a tribute to truckers. Mary Rugg, 3220 Voss Dr., El Paso, TX 79936 915-778-9819

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-Week of 8.31.09-

Show # 1068, originally aired 2.16.08

Rediscover art from your childhood...like you've never seen it before. National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar Street, Abilene, TX 79601 MAP 325-673-4586

Meet a man who was destined to become...a carpet cleaner. Nathan Thomas, vacuum collector, Wayside, TX MAP

Plus, go on a backroads junk gathering extravaganza with the Junk Gypsies. Junk Gypsies, Janie Sikes, Amie Sikes, Jolie Sikes-Smith. 4345 Alexis Court, College Station, TX 77845. 979-776-5151 or junkmail@gypsyville.com

Show # 655, originally aired 3.18.00

Carole has made and delivered chicken soup (for free) for the sick and infirm in Lubbock since the 1960s. Carole Curlee, 3806 68th St., Lubbock, TX 79413 806-795-0982

Three friends from grade school have opened the "Three Gentlemen School of Etiquette" in Houston. They teach young boys fine dining, grooming, and civility. Robert Hayes, Donnell Cooper, James Tennard. 7457 Harwin Drive #392 Houston, TX 77036 713-785-2490

Plus, hop in and travel with us as we explore the wonders of spring in Texas.

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-Week of 8.24.09-

Show # 1067, originally aired 2.9.08

Meet a man who once stood shoulder to shoulder with "The King," Elvis Presley. Simon Vega, Little Graceland, Rt. 2, Box 94, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 MAP 956-551-2038

Keep score during a game of dominos beneath an old cedar tree in East Texas. The Domino Tree, Hemphill, TX MAP

Plus, find out why this saddle maker claims she's the best that's ever been. Wendy Allen, 201 N. Patrick St., Dublin, TX MAP 254-445-4766

Show # 654, originally aired 3.11.00

Cy has studied where creativity comes from for years. Now she teaches a class of finding the artist within all of us. Cy Brinson, P.O. Box 386, Pottsborro, TX 75076. 903-786-9038

Scott spends a week doing a job then writes about it for a chapter for his book. We follow him as he trains to be a firefighter. Scott Gross, P.O. Drawer 1515, Center Point, TX 78010-1515 1-800-635-7524 or 830-634-2122

The "bell man" fixes and finishes old English hand bells. Choirs from around the world send their bells to his little shop in Bellville. Mark Bond, P.O. Box 265, Bellville, TX 77418 1-800-375-BELL

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-Week of 8.17.09-

Show # 1066, originally aired 2.2.08

Meet a fine art, forensic detective who won't be fooled by any fakes. Claire Barry, Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2792 MAP 817-332-8451

Find big flavor in a small town at Royer's Round Top Cafe. Bud Royer a.k.a. "The Pie Man." Royer's Round Top Cafe, 105 Main St, Round Top, TX 78954 MAP 979-249-3611

Plus, rescue wild cats from the urban jungle before it's too late. Peggy Atkerson, Barn Cats. PO Box 293152 Lewisville, TX 75029. 972-315-2875 or e-mail:info@barncats.org Rhonda Cox, Feral Friends, 972-671-0429

Show # 653, originally aired 3.4.00

Stephen has a collection of over 2000 radios at his shop. People come in, pick out an old tube radio and he restores it for them. Stephen Kuhn, 107 N. Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644. 512-398-7777 www.neonradio.com

Cosette is carrying on the ancient tradition of "ebru" a Turkish method of floating paint on water, combing it & applying silk. Cosette Russell, 2502 Inwood Place Austin, TX 78703 512-472-4227

The El Paso table tennis club has been meeting for 50 years. It has several national title holders and an 88 yr-old 6 time champ who won't give up. Robert Compton, Tornillo, TX www.elpasotabletennisclub.com

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-Week of 8.10.09-

Show #1058 originally aired 12.8.07

Leaf through the life of a longtime bookseller with a library in his living room. Robert Jones, Imported Books, 2025 W Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75208 MAP 214-941-6497

Meet a man who can turn your functional firearm into a functional, frame-able, firearm. Gary Richards, San Antonio, TX MAP 210-382-7482 www.grengraving.com

Plus, discover the hot hot hot work of a painter who's inspired by fire. Drew Lawrence, Kerrville, TX MAP 830-896-8209 or drewrlawrence@yahoo.com

Show #652, originally aired 2.26.00

Ace started a barbershop and all of his equipment comes from the turn of the century. It is the only working barbershop museum we know of. Ace Polson, 8436 Denton Hwy #207, Watauga, TX 76148 817-428-8281 http://www.back-n-time.com/index.html

This company raises, picks, processes & sells pecans. Folks can bring their own pecans and sell them or the Papes' will crack them for a minimal fee. Kenneth Pape, P.O. Box 1281, Seguin, TX 78155 830-379-7442 http://www.papepecan.com/website1001.htm

Mike is in charge of the Monk seals at Sea World. They aren't for entertainment, but they are studied to try and find out why they are becoming extinct. Bob McCullough, 10500 Sea World Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 210-523-3630 http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio

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-Week of 8.03.09-

Show # 1057, originally aired 12.1.07

Have a drawn-out lunch with a group of West Texas comic book artists. Will Terrell, Lubbock, TX 79411 MAP elsketchoclubo.com

Give the second hand on your second-hand watch a second chance in Paris, TX. Frank Poye, Master Jeweler, Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas 75460 MAP 903-785-7661

Plus, go for the gold with an amazing athlete in his golden years. Jeff Harrell, Blanket, TX 76432 MAP E-mail: jeff@web-access.net

Show # 651, originally aired 2.19.00

Cathy is the staff photographer at the Dallas Zoo. She documents everything that goes on and takes some of the best photos of animals. Cathy Burkey, Dallas, TX. 214-942-3678 ext 15

Cary paints mascots in oils on gymnasium floors and walls in schools all across the state. Cary Clawson, Meridian, TX http://clawsonstudios.com/

We caught up with Hardin Tobin to watch as he received the highest Medal of Honor from the French government for his efforts during WWI.

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-Week of 7.27.09-

Texas Country Reporter - Show # 1056, originally aired 11.24.07

Get your creative juices flowing in band class with a real turkey of a musician. Ray Sanders, Normangee, TX MAP www.turkeybaster.net E-mail: rsanders@normangeeisd.org

Meet a West Texas man who can turn back the clock on rusty license plates. Gerald Thiele, 1830 Marshall, Vernon, TX 76384 MAP 940-553-4000

Plus, experience life on Lake Of the Pines through the poetry and memories of an old friend. Milton Watts, Poet O' the Pines (order online), Jefferson, TX MAP E-mail: ATaylorWatts@hotmail.com

TCR Classics - Show # 650, originally aired 2.12.00

Bill started his art career with cartoons then turned his attention to preserving history with a book of courthouse drawings. Bill Morgan, 116 Sun View, Sunnyvale, TX 75182. 972-203-1752 or 1-800-886-0689

Visit a great barbeque place in Huntsville that's run by a church. Holy Smoke Barbecue, 2601 Montgomery Rd., Huntsville, TX 77340.

Rex is a singer/songwritier and has several CD's. Today he's even more famous for his southwest jewelry designs made with fossilized bone. Rex Foster, P.O. Box 97, Comfort, TX 78013 www.rexfoster.com

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-Week of 7.20.09-

Show # 641, originally aired 12.11.99

Fourteen of the finest, fittest, best looking men from Sun City Georgetown are in the new "Aged Beef" calendar. All its proceeds go to charity.

Louis and his wife Joyce run a store in Panna Maria. Inside their little store you can find groceries and grave sites for sale. Louis or Joyce Manka, Rt. 1, Box 130, Hobson, TX 78117 830-780-3175

In the 1800's Charles Goodnight revived the population of bison in the panhandle. Their descendants now captured live in Caprock Canyon State Park. Danny Sweptson, Texas Parks & Wildlife, P.O. Box 659, Canyon, TX 79015 806-455-1492

Show # 1055, originally aired 11.17.07

Take to the skies with some batty Austinites who are really making a splash. Red Bull Flugtag Competition, Austin, TX MAP Ellie Applen, E-mail: Ellen.Applen@us.redbull.com

Meet an international business student who's milking her degree for all it's worth. Chrissy Omo, Blanco, TX MAP E-mail: rockycreek246@aol.com

Plus, visit the smallest bank in America and meet the people who keep it in mint condition. Roddy Wiley Jr., Oakwood State Bank, 300 N Main St., Oakwood, TX 75855 MAP

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-Week of 7.13.09-

Show #1054 originally aired 11.10.07

Meet a small town mayor with some big ideas on tourism and recycling. Mayor Johnny Anders, Anders Paint & Body, 701 N. Swenson St., Stamford, TX 79553 MAP 325-773-3061

Play cowboys and Indians all over again at a vintage, Western toy store. Bob Terry, Wild West Toys, 106 W. Main, Azle, TX 76020 MAP 817-444-4320 www.wildwesttoys.com

Plus, visit a Hill Country homeless shelter with a million mosquito-eating residents. J. David Bamberger, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, 2341 Blue Ridge Dr. Johnson City, TX 78636 MAP 830-868-2630 www.bambergerranch.org E-mail: brp@tstar.net

Show #640, originally aired 12.4.99

This store has been in business and owned by Robert's family since 1911. It is housed in the oldest building in downtown Dallas. Robert Hirsh, 911 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202-3164 214-742-8284

Doug travels the state with his Texas Camel Corps educating folks about camels in Texas history. Doug Baum, Rt. 2, Box 198, Valley Mills, TX 76689 http://www.texascamelcorps.com/ 254-675-HUMP

Plus, go behind the scenes with the Texas Country Reporter production crew to see how we film the show's signature helicopter shots!

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-Week of 7.06.09-

Show # 639, originally aired 11.27.99

Beck Gipson's daddy Fred Gipson wrote "Old Yeller." We went to Mason where Fred, the book, and the legend it has created was honored with a statue. Beck Gipson, Kerrville, TX 830-896-4106

Danny uses an old Polaroid camera to make paintings of southwest landscapes using a mysterious process. Danny Phillips, 202 W. Morse Fredericksburg, TX 78624. 830-997-0078

Tina Parker hand makes some of the best candles with the most unique scents. They make them in an old lumber yard building the old fashioned way. Tina Parker, P.O. Box 1120 Frankston, TX 75763 903-876-3047 or 903-876-4893

Show # 1053, originally aired 11.3.07

Go for a high flying ride with a young man who's doing whatever it takes to save a historic airport. Jared Calvert, Ranger Airport, 1402 Oddie St., Ranger, TX 76470 MAP

Meet a woman who's turning her treasures of the sea into beautiful crustacean creations. Peggy Green, Navasota, TX MAP www.shellartist.com

Plus, discover how two west Texas radio personalities helped shape the sound a nation. Bud Andrews & Virgil Johnson, KDAV Radio, 1714 Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, TX 79401 MAP 806-744-5859 www.kdav.com

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-Week of 06.29.09-

Show # 638, originally aired 11.20.99

We got a new ford Excursion and since it's as big as Texas we decided it need to look like Texas. So we took it in and had it painted like a Texas flag. Ted Karako, 10611 New Church Rd. Dallas, TX 75238 214-340-1200

The "ladies only" Seguin Shakespeare Club has been meeting in the same building since 1900, in the same room, with the same chairs on every other Wed. Nancy Ewald, 16 Baer Creek Trail, Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-3396

Instead of a traditional bedding plant business or nursery, the Arnoskys grow flowers for cutting arranged into the Texas Garden Bouquet. Frank & Pamela Arnosky, 12550 FM 2325 Wimberley, TX 78676 830-833-5428

Show # 1047, originally aired 9.22.07

Check the mail with a woman who's creating pins and pendants from pretty postcards. Stephanie Lindsey, Austin, TX MAP website: www.babyjane.us

Enjoy great food, fine dining, and even an overnight stay at Santos Taqueria. Manny Silerio, Santos Taqueria, 205 San Antonio St., Mason, TX 76856 MAP 325-347-6140 or santostaqueria.com and Sandstone Cellars

Plus, discover the incredible past of a former Yankee turned West Texas baseball coach. "Doc" Edwards, San Angelo Colts. Foster Field, 1600 University Ave., San Angelo, TX 76904 MAP 325-942-6587 or www.sanangelocolts.com

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-Week of 6.22.09-

Show # 637, originally aired 11.13.99

Cool Crest has been in business for over 60 years. It was built by Ria's late husband, Harold in 1937. There are no gimmicks-just pretty plants. Ria Metzger, 1400 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 210-732-0222

Erv & Sonja take folks out into Corpus Christi Bay to interact with bottlenose dolphins. They believe it's a great alternative to the zoo. Erv & Sonja Strong, Rt. 1, Box 185, Ingleside on the Bay, TX 78362 361-776-2887

W.T. uses what he learned at a machine shop and in the jewelry business to make miniatures of just about anything he can think of and they all work. W.T. Ripley, 806 N.W. Highway 36, Comanche, TX 76442 915-356-5128

Show # 1046, originally aired 9.15.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, Visit a museum filled with beautiful sculptures by an artist that no one has ever heard of. Artist: Tod Richardson. Museum Contact: Paula Horner, Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78029 MAP 830-896-2553

Meet a kid who's signing his life away...collecting hundreds of autographs. Heath Johnson, Paris, TX MAP 903-784-0509

Plus, take a trip to prairie dog town and meet a woman who's rescuing these adorable little range rodents. Lynda Watson, Lubbock, TX MAP 806-799-5806

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-Week of 6.15.09-

Show # 636, originally aired 11.6.99

Kevin Fitzpatrick started practicing rope tricks on his ranch then finally took his rope tricks on the road. Now he performs just about anywhere. Kevin Fitzpatrick, HC - 3 Box 498 E, Bandera, TX 78003 830-796-7272

Show #1045, originally aired 9.08.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, Go walking in Memphis with a soulful singer who's bringing the blues back to one Panhandle cotton community. Blues Boy Willie, Memphis, TX MAP 806-433-8275

Meet a man with a serious collection that's part of a balanced breakfast. Chuck Eissler, Kerrville, TX MAP 830-792-3008

Plus, find out how a group of visually impaired valley residents are beating the odds and going birdwatching. Mel Pineda, United for Sight, Weslaco, TX MAP 956-459-8591

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-Week of 6.8.09-

Show # 635, originally aired 10.30.99

Evelyn is one of the best and most prolific quilters we know. She has made hundreds of quilts and has almost 50 at her house to show off. Evelyn Sorenson, Palestine, TX.

Jay runs a hardware/appliance/farm supply store but won't sell anything powered by electricity. It's a general store in the heart of Amish country. Jay Lehman, P.O. Box 41 Kidron, OH 44636 330-857-5757 http://www.lehmans.com

Callie Bunn has started a campaign to save the Bob White quail in Jones County. Callie Bunn, Stamford, TX. 915-823-3831

Show # 1044, originally aired 9.1.07

Allen Wilson restores and makes classic children's pedal cars. Allen Wilson, 1709 St. Cecilia, Kingsville, TX 78363 361-595-1015 http://www.kidillacs.com/ kidillac@swbell.net

The Camp Verde General Store has been open for more than 150 years, starting as an outpost for Jefferson Davis' failed Camel Corps experiment. Since then it's served the community as a general store. Camp Verde General Store, 285 Camp Verde Rd. East, Camp Verde, TX 78010 830-634-7722 www.campverdegeneralstore.com

Myna Potts opened a museum to preserve the ghost town of Medicine Mound, Texas. Myna (Hicks) Potts, Medicine Mound Museum, 8450 South FM 91, Quanah, TX 79252 940-839-4344

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-Week of 6.1.09-

Show # 634, originally aired 10.23.99

This pest control specialist travels to schools spreading awareness about the benefits of bugs. Bill Schroeder, CorPest Service Co., P.O. Box 181314, Corpus Christi, TX 78480 361-949-9747

George lives in desert with no electricity, running water, or telephones. Here he makes handmade moccasins for folks everywhere. George Clair (Grey Wolf), P.O. Box 600, Snowflake, AZ 85937 831-429-2228

The Wodrich's have been planning and painting hundreds of giant murals on the sides of buildings all over the state for almost 15 years! Dayton & Sandra Wodrich, 10498 Kratz Road, Brenham, TX 77833 979-836-0834

Show # 1043, originally aired 8.25.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, hear a very special song about a very special place - Big Bend National Park. Jack Kingston's "The Devil & Mr. Good Lord," sung by Spider Johnson, www.spiderjohnson.com Big Bend National Park - www.nps.gov/bibe

See how a worm on a hook inspired one skilled silversmith to create fishing jewelry. Jimmie Luckey, Round Top, TX MAP 979-249-3379 or visit Jimmie's Ebay Store

Plus, travel to the Gulf Coast and witness the magic and majesty of a baby sea turtle release. Dr. Donna Shaver, Padre Island National Seashore, PO Box 181300, Corpus Christi, TX 78480-1300 MAP 361-949-8068 www.nps.gov/pais/naturescience/stsr.htm

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-Week of 05.25.09-

Show #633, originally aired 10.16.99

Josh has been using his voice professionally since he was 12. Now he's 16 and he has his own radio show and announces his school's football games. Josh Campbell, P.O. Box 561, Harper, TX 7861 830-864-4973

Joe has opened his home and its 32 acres as "Lookout Mountain." In addition to a restaurant and art gallery, he takes guests on nature tours. Joe Day, 5300 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-5010

Ben Forsyth's 15 years old and a little league baseball player. In his spare time he repairs old baseball gloves, learning in the shadows of Fran Fleet. Fran Fleet, 8201A Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, CA. 707-795-3895

Show #1042 originally aired 8.18.07

Jeff Scarbrough is turning heads in West Texas oil country with his all-electric car. Jeff Scarbrough, Odessa, TX. ALLELECTRICCARS@AOL.COM

Susie Fowler creates hand made clay pots using objects from nature to form patterns in the clay. Susie Fowler, 25001 Hwy 71 West, Spicewood, TX 78669. 512-264-9923 www.shadetreepotter.com Susie@shadetreepotter.com

See the stark beauty of the desert through the eyes of one wandering painter. Mimi Litschauer, PO Box 304, Marathon, TX 79842. 432-386-4453 www.mimilitschauer.com mimi@mimilitschauer.com

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-Week of 05.18.09-

Show # 632, originally aired 10.9.99

Craig has always loved the pipe organ. He could never find one to play, so he turned his house into one! Craig Elders, 3825 Huntswick, Ft. Worth, TX 76123. 817-346-1062

The Corral Theater just might be the only outdoor walk-in theater in Texas. For 33 years folks have enjoyed watching movies in a renovated horse pen. Mary Anderson, Flite Acres Road, P.O. Box 109, Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-2513

A man turned his cattle ranch into a hummingbird sanctuary. He even built an observatory for folks to watch the 4,000 hummingbirds that live there. Dan Brown, P.O. Box 556, Christoval, TX 76935 915-255-2254

Show # 1041, originally aired 11.8.07

Blanche Harris holds the distinction of "oldest practicing female barber in Texas." At 89 years old, she still runs a one-chair barbershop out of her garage in Mineola, TX. Blanche Harris, 800 Wren Street, Mineola, TX 75773. 903-569-3574

Robert & Laurie Williamson converted an 1800's farmhouse into an upscale restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Robert & Laurie Williamson, Valera, TX. 325-636-4556 www.rancholoma.com loma@web-access.net

Meet a Gulf Coast tour guide and her finned friends, a family of dolphins in the Laguna Madre. George & Scarlet Colley, PO Box 2611, S. Padre Island, TX 78597 956-761-7178 www.fin2feather.com fin2feather@aol.com

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-Week of 05.11.09-

Show # 631, originally aired 10.2.99

Stewart's shop has turned into the local hang out for all the guys around Emory. At his shop he makes some of the best handmade fishing rods around. Stewart Mahanay, Rt. 1 Box 184-A2, Emory, TX 75440. 903-473-3426

Ed is a former park ranger for the Alibates National Monument-the only one in Texas. Today he's a flint knapper making arrowheads out of the Alibates. Ed Day, Trading Post/136 E. Broadway, Fritch, TX 79036. 806-857-9499

Hardin Tobin is one of the last living veterans of WWI. He and his brother signed up for the army & went to France to fight in 1918. Only he survived. Hardin Tobin, Central Texas.

Show # 1040, originally aired 8.4.07

If you think there's no "I" in team, then you've never met this lonesome Panhandle track star. Stryker Peña, Samnorwood, TX 79077

At Mary's Café, indulge yourself in some of the finest chicken-fried steak the backroads have to offer. Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX (254) 672-5741.

Visit a hundred year old house that came from a catalog. Betty Bundy, Port Aransas Preservation & Historical Association, P.O. Box 677, Port Aransas, TX 78373 Ph: (361)-853-4151

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-Week of 05.04.09-

Show # 630, originally aired 9.25.99

Bill has been a pilot all his life but now makes spinning wheels. He also spins on them and his wife weaves what he spins. Bill Wyatt, Wyatt Wheels, 4315 Heather Wood, San Antonio, TX 78217 210-657-6177 wyattwh@megsinet.net

Ralph burns wood chips and makes an engine run off of wood smoke, a forgotten way desperate people in Europe kept there cars running during WWII. Ralph Wilhelms, P.O. Box 1473 Castroville, TX 78009 830-931-9356

This hospice nurse has taken in over 70 unwanted and neglected pigs--mostly pot bellies. She pays to feed them from her own pocket. Angharad Rees, 831 US Hwy 289 Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4737

Show # 1030, originally aired 5.26.07

Bob is one of the organizers of the Vintage Baseball League, a league of teams across Texas playing baseball like it was played in the 1880's. Bob Wettemann, McM Station, Box 638, Abilene, TX 79697-0638 325-793-3864 www.mcm.edu

Meet a Texas musician who is making his own upright bass, from a good, old-fashioned washtub. Bob Flesher, 806-358-3214. www.amediasys.com\galvatone.html bob@amediasys.com

Judy Seaton and her makeshift East Texas family overcome hard times with hard work on a small, back-to-basics farm for people who have fallen on hard times. Judy Seaton, Murchison, TX

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-Week of 04.27.09-

Show # 629, originally aired 9.18.99

Laura is the editor of a nostalgic Texas magazine called Remembering Texas. She pulls old Texas news stories and adds from turn of the century papers. Laura Kestner, P.O. Box 430 Dublin, TX 76446 (254) 445-3645

This amateur astronomer has an observatory in his backyard. It comes complete with retractable window and rotating dome. Don Callahan, Rimrock Observatory, 606 Rimrock Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 896-4580

A retired U.S. deputy marshal now full-time artist, Don paints whitetail deer that live near his small ramshackle studio located in south Texas. Don Keller, South Texas.

Show # 1029, originally aired 5.19.07

Clarence Hutchison is the self-proclaimed "Popsicle Stick King", crafting models of famous Texas landmarks with nothing but popsicle sticks...and patience. Clarence Hutchison, 830 Thornton Carter St. Mexia, TX 76667 (254) 472-0740

Walter is a tree farmer from the Piney Woods with some odd ideas about interior design. His barn houses a collection of more than 23,000 license plates from around the world. Walter Mauritzen, Carthage, TX. (903) 693-5208

Michael Tewes is the world's leading expert on wild cats. He's trying to save the endangered ocelot, a very rare and secretive cat of south Texas. Michael Tewes, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, MSC 218, Kingsville, TX, 78363-8202 (361) 593-3972 www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/feline

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-Week of 4.20.09-

Show #628, originally aired 9.11.99

Gerrold takes pictures of and collects things that inspire him to paint then puts them into his artwork. Gerrold Marshall, 1505 Arbor Ridge Drive, Ft. Worth, TX 76112. (817) 496-1114

Charolette restores old trunks…leftovers from long ago. P.O. Box 536 Spearman, TX 79081. (806) 659-3027 or (800) 553-2649

Monroe is Quanah Parker's great-grandson. He and his Native American wife Sandra travel the state talking to folks about the American Indian culture. Monroe & Sandra Tahmahkera, Rt. 2 Box 24B Dublin, TX 76446. (254) 445-4350

Show #1028 originally aired 5.12.07

Thomas Anderson plays the carillon bells at the University of Texas clock tower in Austin. Every day thousands of UT students hear him play as they walk across campus. Thomas Anderson, Austin, TX. 512-232-3991 (Office)

Palo Duro Canyon State Park features cabins on the wall of the cliff face. Now you can spend a night in the desert, with all the creature comforts of home. Doug Huggins, 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015. (806) 488-2227 www.palodurocanyon.com

Meet an incarcerated artist who is passing hard time with hard work, crafting beautiful furniture behind bars that ends up in the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Charles Russell, Huntsville, TX.

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-Week of 4.13.09-

Show # 612, originally aired 5.22.99

Paul hunts fossils and artifacts and finds historical items on McFadden Beach. The most clovis points (spear heads) are found on this 28 miles of beach. Paul Tanner, Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St. Port Arthur, TX 77640. (409) 982-7000

Ed races homing pigeons. As a member of the Denton Pigeon Club he races with other pigeon owners in North Texas. Ed Holmes, Sanger, TX. (940) 458-3519

These brothers cut hair at the Marine recruit bootcamp in San Diego. They took over for their dad who did it before them. Mario & Joe Busalacchi, San Diego, CA. (619) 583-5090.

Show # 1027, originally aired 5.5.07

Visit a retirement home for aging athletes, where the track stars have four legs. Lynn Reardon, owner of LOPE Texas retrains race horses for a new life. Lynn Reardon. LOPE Texas, 1551 Highway 21 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612. (512) 565-1824. www.lopetx.org

Discover how a pair of Bald Eagles beat the odds and survived Hurricane Rita. Vidor, TX

Meet a group of photographers determined to document Texas' most sacred places. David Brown, New Corn Hill, TX. www.texaschurchproj.com

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-Week of 4.6.09-

Show # 611, originally aired 5.15.99

Vicki owns one of the best stocked fishing supply shops in Texas and she specializes in plastic worms. She is known to all as the Worm Lady. Vicki Anderson, 109 W. 3rd St. Eddy, TX 76524. (254) 859-5889 or (888) 877-9676

Mayhaws are wild berry-like plants that grow wild in the swamps. John has raised an orchard of hybrid mayhaws and sells them to people to make jelly. John Harrington, 4794 Scales, Orange, TX 77630. (409) 735-7355

Dan Robbins invented a national craze: the Paint By Numbers picture! Dan Robbins, Oakbrook, IL. (630) 963-3732

Show # 1026, originally aired 4.28.07

Pick a pocket or two during a rowdy game of eight-ball with the Rack Pack. Harlan James, San Antonio, TX. (830) 257-6338

Light up your life with the oldest lamp shop in Lufkin, Texas. Bud and Sammie Endersby, Custom Lamps and Shade, 108 S. 1st Street, Lufkin, TX 75902. (936) 699-2300

You can meet a small town dairy farmer who's creaming the competition by delivering fresh milk the old fashion way. Chris Hague, Crowell, TX.

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-Week of 3.30.09-

Show # 610, originally aired 5.8.99

Jeffrey's been an artist all his life and he has stuck with crayons the whole time. He creates amazing works of realism using nothing more than crayons. Jeffrey Robert, P.O. Box 171074, Arlington, TX 76003-1074. www.jeffreyrobert.com

Anahuac's refuge encompasses 35,000 acres of coastal marsh and prairie bordering Galveston Bay. It is home to thousands of alligators & waterfowl. Kelly McDowell, Refuge Manager. P.O. Box 278, Anahuac, TX 77514. (409) 267-3337

Paul makes toy soldiers from his tiny shop in Galena, IL. It just so happens that he looks just like Gen. U.S. Grant and Galena was Grant's hometown. Paul LeGreco, 245 N. Main, Galena, IL 61036. (815) 777-0383

Show # 1025, originally aired 4.21.07

Visit the state's biggest, best, and only... RV Art Gallery? Paige Bridges, www.vintagetraveltrailerart.com RV Art Gallery & KOA Campground, 500 W. 53rd St, Texarkana, TX 75503 MAP (903) 793-7517

Have a blast with the cap gun collector. Charles Trois, 300 Trois Lane, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 MAP (830) 685-3090

And glide through history with two genuine American heroes at the Silent Wings Museum. Doug Flynn & Allan Todd. 6202 N. I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403-9710 MAP (806) 775-2047 or www.silentwingsmuseum.com

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-Week of 3.23.09-

Show # 661, originally aired 4.29.00

Juanita takes pods from the Mascagnia Butterfly vine and paints them to look like real-life butterflies. Juanita Brookins, 311 Astoria Dr., San Antonio, TX 78220. phone: 210-337-5845

Glassblower Tim de Jong and steel sculptor Jimmy Harwell make unique desk and floor lamps. Tim de Jong & Jimmy Harwell, P.O. Box 1724 Wimberley, TX 78676 phone: 512-847-9559 or 512-847-7056

75 year-old Mary Rugg has waited tables at a truck stop for 34 yrs. She started writing poetry a few years ago, one a tribute to truckers. Mary Rugg, El Paso, TX

Show # 1069, originally aired 2.16.08

Meet a car mechanic who gave his favorite blast from the past a new future. Steve Wynne, DeLorean Motor Company, 15023 Eddie Drive, Humble, TX 77396 MAP 281-441-2537

Pay respects to Old Rip, the state's most famous horny toad. Kelly Armstrong, Eastland Chamber of Commerce, Eastland, TX MAP 1-877-2OLD-RIP

Plus, visit a hard-working, female trail boss on a legendary, West Texas ranch. Mimmie Lou Bradley, Bradley 3 Ranch, 15591 CR K, Memphis, TX 79245-5003 MAP

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-Week of 3.16.09-

Show # 655, originally aired 3.18.00

Carole has made and delivered chicken soup (for free) for the sick and infirm in Lubbock since the 1960s. Carole Curlee, 3806 68th St., Lubbock, TX 79413 806-795-0982

Three friends from grade school have opened the "Three Gentlemen School of Etiquette" in Houston. They teach young boys fine dining, grooming, and civility. Robert Hayes, Donnell Cooper, James Tennard. 7457 Harwin Drive #392 Houston, TX 77036 713-785-2490

Plus, hop in and travel with us as we explore the wonders of spring in Texas.

Show # 1068, originally aired 2.16.08

Rediscover art from your childhood...like you've never seen it before. National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar Street, Abilene, TX 79601 MAP 325-673-4586

Meet a man who was destined to become...a carpet cleaner. Nathan Thomas, vacuum collector, Wayside, TX MAP

Plus, go on a backroads junk gathering extravaganza with the Junk Gypsies. Junk Gypsies, Janie Sikes, Amie Sikes, Jolie Sikes-Smith. 4345 Alexis Court, College Station, TX 77845. 979-776-5151 or junkmail@gypsyville.com

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-Week of 3.9.09-

Show # 654, originally aired 3.11.00

Cy has studied where creativity comes from for years. Now she teaches a class of finding the artist within all of us. Cy Brinson, P.O. Box 386, Pottsborro, TX 75076. 903-786-9038

Scott spends a week doing a job then writes about it for a chapter for his book. We follow him as he trains to be a firefighter. Scott Gross, P.O. Drawer 1515, Center Point, TX 78010-1515 1-800-635-7524 or 830-634-2122

The "bell man" fixes and finishes old English hand bells. Choirs from around the world send their bells to his little shop in Bellville. Mark Bond, P.O. Box 265, Bellville, TX 77418 1-800-375-BELL

Show # 1067, originally aired 2.9.08

Meet a man who once stood shoulder to shoulder with "The King," Elvis Presley. Simon Vega, Little Graceland, Rt. 2, Box 94, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 MAP 956-551-2038

Keep score during a game of dominos beneath an old cedar tree in East Texas. The Domino Tree, Hemphill, TX MAP

Plus, find out why this saddle maker claims she's the best that's ever been. Wendy Allen, 201 N. Patrick St., Dublin, TX MAP 254-445-4766

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-Week of 3.2.09-

Show # 653, originally aired 3.4.00

Stephen has a collection of over 2000 radios at his shop. People come in, pick out an old tube radio and he restores it for them. Stephen Kuhn, 107 N. Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644. 512-398-7777 www.neonradio.com

Cosette is carrying on the ancient tradition of "ebru" a Turkish method of floating paint on water, combing it & applying silk. Cosette Russell, 2502 Inwood Place Austin, TX 78703 512-472-4227

The El Paso table tennis club has been meeting for 50 years. It has several national title holders and an 88 yr-old 6 time champ who won't give up. Robert Compton, Tornillo, TX www.elpasotabletennisclub.com

Show # 1066, originally aired 2.2.08

Meet a fine art, forensic detective who won't be fooled by any fakes. Claire Barry, Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2792 MAP 817-332-8451

Find big flavor in a small town at Royer's Round Top Cafe. Bud Royer a.k.a. "The Pie Man." Royer's Round Top Cafe, 105 Main St, Round Top, TX 78954 MAP 979-249-3611

Plus, rescue wild cats from the urban jungle before it's too late. Peggy Atkerson, Barn Cats. PO Box 293152 Lewisville, TX 75029. 972-315-2875 or e-mail:info@barncats.org Rhonda Cox, Feral Friends, 972-671-0429

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-Week of 2.23.09-

Show #652, originally aired 2.26.00

Ace started a barbershop and all of his equipment comes from the turn of the century. It is the only working barbershop museum we know of. Ace Polson, 8436 Denton Hwy #207, Watauga, TX 76148 817-428-8281 http://www.back-n-time.com/index.html

This company raises, picks, processes & sells pecans. Folks can bring their own pecans and sell them or the Papes' will crack them for a minimal fee. Kenneth Pape, P.O. Box 1281, Seguin, TX 78155 830-379-7442 http://www.papepecan.com/website1001.htm

Mike is in charge of the Monk seals at Sea World. They aren't for entertainment, but they are studied to try and find out why they are becoming extinct. Bob McCullough, 10500 Sea World Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 210-523-3630 http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio/

Show #1058 originally aired 12.8.07

Leaf through the life of a longtime bookseller with a library in his living room. Robert Jones, Imported Books, 2025 W Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75208 MAP 214-941-6497

Meet a man who can turn your functional firearm into a functional, frame-able, firearm. Gary Richards, San Antonio, TX MAP 210-382-7482 www.grengraving.com

Plus, discover the hot hot hot work of a painter who's inspired by fire. Drew Lawrence, Kerrville, TX MAP 830-896-8209 or drewrlawrence@yahoo.com

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-Week of 2.16.09-

Show # 651, originally aired 2.19.00

Cathy is the staff photographer at the Dallas Zoo. She documents everything that goes on and takes some of the best photos of animals. Cathy Burkey, Dallas, TX. 214-942-3678 ext 15

Cary paints mascots in oils on gymnasium floors and walls in schools all across the state. Cary Clawson, Meridian, TX http://clawsonstudios.com/

We caught up with Hardin Tobin to watch as he received the highest Medal of Honor from the French government for his efforts during WWI.

Show # 1057, originally aired 12.1.07

Have a drawn-out lunch with a group of West Texas comic book artists. Will Terrell, Lubbock, TX 79411 MAP elsketchoclubo.com

Give the second hand on your second-hand watch a second chance in Paris, TX. Frank Poye, Master Jeweler, Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas 75460 MAP 903-785-7661

Plus, go for the gold with an amazing athlete in his golden years. Jeff Harrell, Blanket, TX 76432 MAP E-mail: jeff@web-access.net

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-Week of 2.9.09-

Show # 650, originally aired 2.12.00

Bill started his art career with cartoons then turned his attention to preserving history with a book of courthouse drawings. Bill Morgan, 116 Sun View, Sunnyvale, TX 75182. 972-203-1752 or 1-800-886-0689

Visit a great barbeque place in Huntsville that's run by a church. Holy Smoke Barbecue, 2601 Montgomery Rd., Huntsville, TX 77340.

Rex is a singer/songwritier and has several CD's. Today he's even more famous for his southwest jewelry designs made with fossilized bone. Rex Foster, P.O. Box 97, Comfort, TX 78013 www.rexfoster.com

Show # 1056, originally aired 11.24.07

Get your creative juices flowing in band class with a real turkey of a musician. Ray Sanders, Normangee, TX MAP www.turkeybaster.net E-mail: rsanders@normangeeisd.org

Meet a West Texas man who can turn back the clock on rusty license plates. Gerald Thiele, 1830 Marshall, Vernon, TX 76384 MAP 940-553-4000

Plus, experience life on Lake Of the Pines through the poetry and memories of an old friend. Milton Watts, Poet O' the Pines (order online), Jefferson, TX MAP E-mail: ATaylorWatts@hotmail.com

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-Week of 2.2.09-

Show # 641, originally aired 12.11.99

Fourteen of the finest, fittest, best looking men from Sun City Georgetown are in the new "Aged Beef" calendar. All its proceeds go to charity.

Louis and his wife Joyce run a store in Panna Maria. Inside their little store you can find groceries and grave sites for sale. Louis or Joyce Manka, Rt. 1, Box 130, Hobson, TX 78117 830-780-3175

In the 1800's Charles Goodnight revived the population of bison in the panhandle. Their descendants now captured live in Caprock Canyon State Park. Danny Sweptson, Texas Parks & Wildlife, P.O. Box 659, Canyon, TX 79015 806-455-1492

Show # 1055, originally aired 11.17.07

Take to the skies with some batty Austinites who are really making a splash. Red Bull Flugtag Competition, Austin, TX MAP Ellie Applen, E-mail: Ellen.Applen@us.redbull.com

Meet an international business student who's milking her degree for all it's worth. Chrissy Omo, Blanco, TX MAP E-mail: rockycreek246@aol.com

Plus, visit the smallest bank in America and meet the people who keep it in mint condition. Roddy Wiley Jr., Oakwood State Bank, 300 N Main St., Oakwood, TX 75855 MAP

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-Week of 1.26.09-

Show #640, originally aired 12.4.99

This store has been in business and owned by Robert's family since 1911. It is housed in the oldest building in downtown Dallas. Robert Hirsh, 911 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202-3164 214-742-8284

Doug travels the state with his Texas Camel Corps educating folks about camels in Texas history. Doug Baum, Rt. 2, Box 198, Valley Mills, TX 76689 http://www.texascamelcorps.com/ 254-675-HUMP

Plus, go behind the scenes with the Texas Country Reporter production crew to see how we film the show's signature helicopter shots!

Show #1054 originally aired 11.10.07

Meet a small town mayor with some big ideas on tourism and recycling. Mayor Johnny Anders, Anders Paint & Body, 701 N. Swenson St., Stamford, TX 79553 MAP 325-773-3061

Play cowboys and Indians all over again at a vintage, Western toy store. Bob Terry, Wild West Toys, 106 W. Main, Azle, TX 76020 MAP 817-444-4320 www.wildwesttoys.com

Plus, visit a Hill Country homeless shelter with a million mosquito-eating residents. J. David Bamberger, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, 2341 Blue Ridge Dr. Johnson City, TX 78636 MAP 830-868-2630 www.bambergerranch.org E-mail: brp@tstar.net

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-Week of 1.19.09-

Show # 639, originally aired 11.27.99

Beck Gipson's daddy Fred Gipson wrote "Old Yeller." We went to Mason where Fred, the book, and the legend it has created was honored with a statue. Beck Gipson, Kerrville, TX 830-896-4106

Danny uses an old Polaroid camera to make paintings of southwest landscapes using a mysterious process. Danny Phillips, 202 W. Morse Fredericksburg, TX 78624. 830-997-0078

Tina Parker hand makes some of the best candles with the most unique scents. They make them in an old lumber yard building the old fashioned way. Tina Parker, P.O. Box 1120 Frankston, TX 75763 903-876-3047 or 903-876-4893

Show # 1053, originally aired 11.3.07

Go for a high flying ride with a young man who's doing whatever it takes to save a historic airport. Jared Calvert, Ranger Airport, 1402 Oddie St., Ranger, TX 76470 MAP

Meet a woman who's turning her treasures of the sea into beautiful crustacean creations. Peggy Green, Navasota, TX MAP www.shellartist.com

Plus, discover how two west Texas radio personalities helped shape the sound a nation. Bud Andrews & Virgil Johnson, KDAV Radio, 1714 Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, TX 79401 MAP 806-744-5859 www.kdav.com

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-Week of 1.12.09-

Show # 638, originally aired 11.20.99

We got a new ford Excursion and since it's as big as Texas we decided it need to look like Texas. So we took it in and had it painted like a Texas flag. Ted Karako, 10611 New Church Rd. Dallas, TX 75238 214-340-1200

The "ladies only" Seguin Shakespeare Club has been meeting in the same building since 1900, in the same room, with the same chairs on every other Wed. Nancy Ewald, 16 Baer Creek Trail, Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-3396

Instead of a traditional bedding plant business or nursery, the Arnoskys grow flowers for cutting arranged into the Texas Garden Bouquet. Frank & Pamela Arnosky, 12550 FM 2325 Wimberley, TX 78676 830-833-5428

Show # 1047, originally aired 9.22.07

Check the mail with a woman who's creating pins and pendants from pretty postcards. Stephanie Lindsey, Austin, TX MAP website: www.babyjane.us

Enjoy great food, fine dining, and even an overnight stay at Santos Taqueria. Manny Silerio, Santos Taqueria, 205 San Antonio St., Mason, TX 76856 MAP 325-347-6140 or santostaqueria.com and Sandstone Cellars

Plus, discover the incredible past of a former Yankee turned West Texas baseball coach. "Doc" Edwards, San Angelo Colts. Foster Field, 1600 University Ave., San Angelo, TX 76904 MAP 325-942-6587 or www.sanangelocolts.com

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-Week of 1.5.09-

Show # 637, originally aired 11.13.99

Cool Crest has been in business for over 60 years. It was built by Ria's late husband, Harold in 1937. There are no gimmicks-just pretty plants. Ria Metzger, 1400 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 210-732-0222

Erv & Sonja take folks out into Corpus Christi Bay to interact with bottlenose dolphins. They believe it's a great alternative to the zoo. Erv & Sonja Strong, Rt. 1, Box 185, Ingleside on the Bay, TX 78362 361-776-2887

W.T. uses what he learned at a machine shop and in the jewelry business to make miniatures of just about anything he can think of and they all work. W.T. Ripley, 806 N.W. Highway 36, Comanche, TX 76442 915-356-5128

Show # 1046, originally aired 9.15.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, Visit a museum filled with beautiful sculptures by an artist that no one has ever heard of. Artist: Tod Richardson. Museum Contact: Paula Horner, Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78029 MAP 830-896-2553

Meet a kid who's signing his life away...collecting hundreds of autographs. Heath Johnson, Paris, TX MAP 903-784-0509

Plus, take a trip to prairie dog town and meet a woman who's rescuing these adorable little range rodents. Lynda Watson, Lubbock, TX MAP 806-799-5806

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-Week of 12.29.08-

Show # 590, originally aired 12.19.98

Stephanie has made candy houses for 42 years. She uses all kinds of candy and trinkets to make her eye-pleasing creations. Stephanie May, Dallas, TX.

This couple spends each Christmas alone in their RV in a different place in the woods each year. Ernie & Randi Alfoldi, Denton, TX. 940-497-2161.

Carol Cohanky of Flower Mound remembers her childhood Christmases in Mystic, CT. We follow her Santa (a.k.a. Brady White) and also see what he does at night. Brady White, 46 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-789-1074

Show # 1008, originally aired 12.23.06

Deck the halls in the middle of the West Texas desert. Gage Hotel, 101 Highway 90 West, Marathon, TX 79842 www.gagehotel.com

Discover a magical Old World tradition known as the Christmas Pickle. Linda Dietert, Curator of the Sophienburg Museum. 401 W. Coll St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 MAP (830)629-1572 Toll Free: 1- 866-629-7674 www.nbtx.com/sophienburg

Plus, meet a special young man who's overcoming incredible odds to celebrate Christmas...just like all the other kids. Colby Havard, Vidor, TX MAP

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-Week of 12.22.08-

Show #642, originally aired 12.18.99

After 35 years this small-town Santa is retiring. He's also the town's Justice of the Peace and kids know him as the "sucker man" because he gives them out to all kids. Dick Cranford, Electra, TX. 940-495-4048

Keith and the other members of Sun City's Woodworker's club make hundreds of toys to give to needy kids at Christmas. Keith Johnson, 103 Stetson Trail, Georgetown, TX 78628 512-864-0678

Show #1060 originally aired 12.22.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Visit a life-sized winter wonderland cut from huge blocks of ice. ICE! at the Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051 MAP

See how one hill country family keeps a red and green Christmas tradition alive. Texas Specialty Cut Flowers (Poinsettia Farm), Frank Arnosky,12550 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676 MAP 830-833-5428

Dance with the sugar plum fairies in far West Texas for the last performance of the Nutcracker in El Paso. UTEP Ballet, Ingeborg Heuser, 500 W. University Ave, Union Bldg. West, Room 2009, El Paso, TX 79968 MAP Beverly Kerbs-Ward, 915-747-6060

Plus, every one loves fruitcake and we've got 'em by the thousands. Collin Street Bakery, Bob McNutt & Jerry Grimmett, Corsicana, TX MAP

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-Week of 12.15.08-

Show # 636, originally aired 11.6.99

Kevin Fitzpatrick started practicing rope tricks on his ranch then finally took his rope tricks on the road. Now he performs just about anywhere. Kevin Fitzpatrick, HC - 3 Box 498 E, Bandera, TX 78003 830-796-7272

Show #1045, originally aired 9.08.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, Go walking in Memphis with a soulful singer who's bringing the blues back to one Panhandle cotton community. Blues Boy Willie, Memphis, TX MAP 806-433-8275

Meet a man with a serious collection that's part of a balanced breakfast. Chuck Eissler, Kerrville, TX MAP 830-792-3008

Plus, find out how a group of visually impaired valley residents are beating the odds and going birdwatching. Mel Pineda, United for Sight, Weslaco, TX MAP 956-459-8591

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-Week of 12.8.08-

Show # 635, originally aired 10.30.99

Evelyn is one of the best and most prolific quilters we know. She has made hundreds of quilts and has almost 50 at her house to show off. Evelyn Sorenson, Palestine, TX.

Jay runs a hardware/appliance/farm supply store but won't sell anything powered by electricity. It's a general store in the heart of Amish country. Jay Lehman, P.O. Box 41 Kidron, OH 44636 330-857-5757 http://www.lehmans.com

Callie Bunn has started a campaign to save the Bob White quail in Jones County. Callie Bunn, Stamford, TX. 915-823-3831

Show # 1044, originally aired 9.1.07

Allen Wilson restores and makes classic children's pedal cars. Allen Wilson, 1709 St. Cecilia, Kingsville, TX 78363 361-595-1015 http://www.kidillacs.com/ kidillac@swbell.net

The Camp Verde General Store has been open for more than 150 years, starting as an outpost for Jefferson Davis' failed Camel Corps experiment. Since then it's served the community as a general store. Camp Verde General Store, 285 Camp Verde Rd. East, Camp Verde, TX 78010 830-634-7722 www.campverdegeneralstore.com

Myna Potts opened a museum to preserve the ghost town of Medicine Mound, Texas. Myna (Hicks) Potts, Medicine Mound Museum, 8450 South FM 91, Quanah, TX 79252 940-839-4344

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-Week of 12.1.08-

Show # 634, originally aired 10.23.99

This pest control specialist travels to schools spreading awareness about the benefits of bugs. Bill Schroeder, CorPest Service Co., P.O. Box 181314, Corpus Christi, TX 78480 361-949-9747

George lives in desert with no electricity, running water, or telephones. Here he makes handmade moccasins for folks everywhere. George Clair (Grey Wolf), P.O. Box 600, Snowflake, AZ 85937 831-429-2228

The Wodrich's have been planning and painting hundreds of giant murals on the sides of buildings all over the state for almost 15 years! Dayton & Sandra Wodrich, 10498 Kratz Road, Brenham, TX 77833 979-836-0834

Show # 1043, originally aired 8.25.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter, hear a very special song about a very special place - Big Bend National Park. Jack Kingston's "The Devil & Mr. Good Lord," sung by Spider Johnson, www.spiderjohnson.com Big Bend National Park - www.nps.gov/bibe

See how a worm on a hook inspired one skilled silversmith to create fishing jewelry. Jimmie Luckey, Round Top, TX MAP 979-249-3379 or visit Jimmie's Ebay Store

Plus, travel to the Gulf Coast and witness the magic and majesty of a baby sea turtle release. Dr. Donna Shaver, Padre Island National Seashore, PO Box 181300, Corpus Christi, TX 78480-1300 MAP 361-949-8068 www.nps.gov/pais/naturescience/stsr.htm

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-Week of 11.24.08-

Show #633, originally aired 10.16.99

Josh has been using his voice professionally since he was 12. Now he's 16 and he has his own radio show and announces his school's football games. Josh Campbell, P.O. Box 561, Harper, TX 7861 830-864-4973

Joe has opened his home and its 32 acres as "Lookout Mountain." In addition to a restaurant and art gallery, he takes guests on nature tours. Joe Day, 5300 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-5010

Ben Forsyth's 15 years old and a little league baseball player. In his spare time he repairs old baseball gloves, learning in the shadows of Fran Fleet. Fran Fleet, 8201A Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, CA. 707-795-3895

Show #1042 originally aired 8.18.07

Jeff Scarbrough is turning heads in West Texas oil country with his all-electric car. Jeff Scarbrough, Odessa, TX. ALLELECTRICCARS@AOL.COM

Susie Fowler creates hand made clay pots using objects from nature to form patterns in the clay. Susie Fowler, 25001 Hwy 71 West, Spicewood, TX 78669. 512-264-9923 www.shadetreepotter.com Susie@shadetreepotter.com

See the stark beauty of the desert through the eyes of one wandering painter. Mimi Litschauer, PO Box 304, Marathon, TX 79842. 432-386-4453 www.mimilitschauer.com mimi@mimilitschauer.com

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-Week of 11.17.08-

Show # 632, originally aired 10.9.99

Craig has always loved the pipe organ. He could never find one to play, so he turned his house into one! Craig Elders, 3825 Huntswick, Ft. Worth, TX 76123. 817-346-1062

The Corral Theater just might be the only outdoor walk-in theater in Texas. For 33 years folks have enjoyed watching movies in a renovated horse pen. Mary Anderson, Flite Acres Road, P.O. Box 109, Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-2513

A man turned his cattle ranch into a hummingbird sanctuary. He even built an observatory for folks to watch the 4,000 hummingbirds that live there. Dan Brown, P.O. Box 556, Christoval, TX 76935 915-255-2254

Show # 1041, originally aired 11.8.07

Blanche Harris holds the distinction of "oldest practicing female barber in Texas." At 89 years old, she still runs a one-chair barbershop out of her garage in Mineola, TX. Blanche Harris, 800 Wren Street, Mineola, TX 75773. 903-569-3574

Robert & Laurie Williamson converted an 1800's farmhouse into an upscale restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Robert & Laurie Williamson, Valera, TX. 325-636-4556 www.rancholoma.com loma@web-access.net

Meet a Gulf Coast tour guide and her finned friends, a family of dolphins in the Laguna Madre. George & Scarlet Colley, PO Box 2611, S. Padre Island, TX 78597 956-761-7178 www.fin2feather.com fin2feather@aol.com

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-Week of 11.10.08-

Show # 631, originally aired 10.2.99

Stewart's shop has turned into the local hang out for all the guys around Emory. At his shop he makes some of the best handmade fishing rods around. Stewart Mahanay, Rt. 1 Box 184-A2, Emory, TX 75440. 903-473-3426

Ed is a former park ranger for the Alibates National Monument-the only one in Texas. Today he's a flint knapper making arrowheads out of the Alibates. Ed Day, Trading Post/136 E. Broadway, Fritch, TX 79036. 806-857-9499

Hardin Tobin is one of the last living veterans of WWI. He and his brother signed up for the army & went to France to fight in 1918. Only he survived. Hardin Tobin, Central Texas.

Show # 1040, originally aired 8.4.07

If you think there's no "I" in team, then you've never met this lonesome Panhandle track star. Stryker Peña, Samnorwood, TX 79077

At Mary's Café, indulge yourself in some of the finest chicken-fried steak the backroads have to offer. Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX (254) 672-5741.

Visit a hundred year old house that came from a catalog. Betty Bundy, Port Aransas Preservation & Historical Association, P.O. Box 677, Port Aransas, TX 78373 Ph: (361)-853-4151

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-Week of 11.3.08-

Show # 630, originally aired 9.25.99

Bill has been a pilot all his life but now makes spinning wheels. He also spins on them and his wife weaves what he spins. Bill Wyatt, Wyatt Wheels, 4315 Heather Wood, San Antonio, TX 78217 210-657-6177 wyattwh@megsinet.net

Ralph burns wood chips and makes an engine run off of wood smoke, a forgotten way desperate people in Europe kept there cars running during WWII. Ralph Wilhelms, P.O. Box 1473 Castroville, TX 78009 830-931-9356

This hospice nurse has taken in over 70 unwanted and neglected pigs--mostly pot bellies. She pays to feed them from her own pocket. Angharad Rees, 831 US Hwy 289 Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4737

Show # 1030, originally aired 5.26.07

Bob is one of the organizers of the Vintage Baseball League, a league of teams across Texas playing baseball like it was played in the 1880's. Bob Wettemann, McM Station, Box 638, Abilene, TX 79697-0638 325-793-3864 www.mcm.edu

Meet a Texas musician who is making his own upright bass, from a good, old-fashioned washtub. Bob Flesher, 806-358-3214. www.amediasys.com\galvatone.html bob@amediasys.com

Judy Seaton and her makeshift East Texas family overcome hard times with hard work on a small, back-to-basics farm for people who have fallen on hard times. Judy Seaton, Murchison, TX

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-Week of 10.27.08-

Show # 629, originally aired 9.18.99

Laura is the editor of a nostalgic Texas magazine called Remembering Texas. She pulls old Texas news stories and adds from turn of the century papers. Laura Kestner, P.O. Box 430 Dublin, TX 76446 (254) 445-3645

This amateur astronomer has an observatory in his backyard. It comes complete with retractable window and rotating dome. Don Callahan, Rimrock Observatory, 606 Rimrock Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 896-4580

A retired U.S. deputy marshal now full-time artist, Don paints whitetail deer that live near his small ramshackle studio located in south Texas. Don Keller, South Texas.

Show # 1029, originally aired 5.19.07

Clarence Hutchison is the self-proclaimed "Popsicle Stick King", crafting models of famous Texas landmarks with nothing but popsicle sticks...and patience. Clarence Hutchison, 830 Thornton Carter St. Mexia, TX 76667 (254) 472-0740

Walter is a tree farmer from the Piney Woods with some odd ideas about interior design. His barn houses a collection of more than 23,000 license plates from around the world. Walter Mauritzen, Carthage, TX. (903) 693-5208

Michael Tewes is the world's leading expert on wild cats. He's trying to save the endangered ocelot, a very rare and secretive cat of south Texas. Michael Tewes, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, MSC 218, Kingsville, TX, 78363-8202 (361) 593-3972 www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/feline

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-Week of 10.20.08-

Show #628, originally aired 9.11.99

Gerrold takes pictures of and collects things that inspire him to paint then puts them into his artwork. Gerrold Marshall, 1505 Arbor Ridge Drive, Ft. Worth, TX 76112. (817) 496-1114

Charolette restores old trunks…leftovers from long ago. P.O. Box 536 Spearman, TX 79081. (806) 659-3027 or (800) 553-2649

Monroe is Quanah Parker's great-grandson. He and his Native American wife Sandra travel the state talking to folks about the American Indian culture. Monroe & Sandra Tahmahkera, Rt. 2 Box 24B Dublin, TX 76446. (254) 445-4350

Show #1028 originally aired 5.12.07

Thomas Anderson plays the carillon bells at the University of Texas clock tower in Austin. Every day thousands of UT students hear him play as they walk across campus. Thomas Anderson, Austin, TX. 512-232-3991 (Office)

Palo Duro Canyon State Park features cabins on the wall of the cliff face. Now you can spend a night in the desert, with all the creature comforts of home. Doug Huggins, 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015. (806) 488-2227 www.palodurocanyon.com

Meet an incarcerated artist who is passing hard time with hard work, crafting beautiful furniture behind bars that ends up in the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Charles Russell, Huntsville, TX.

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-Week of 10.13.08-

Show # 612, originally aired 5.22.99

Paul hunts fossils and artifacts and finds historical items on McFadden Beach. The most clovis points (spear heads) are found on this 28 miles of beach. Paul Tanner, Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St. Port Arthur, TX 77640. (409) 982-7000

Ed races homing pigeons. As a member of the Denton Pigeon Club he races with other pigeon owners in North Texas. Ed Holmes, Sanger, TX. (940) 458-3519

These brothers cut hair at the Marine recruit bootcamp in San Diego. They took over for their dad who did it before them. Mario & Joe Busalacchi, San Diego, CA. (619) 583-5090.

Show # 1027, originally aired 5.5.07

Visit a retirement home for aging athletes, where the track stars have four legs. Lynn Reardon, owner of LOPE Texas retrains race horses for a new life. Lynn Reardon. LOPE Texas, 1551 Highway 21 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612. (512) 565-1824. www.lopetx.org

Discover how a pair of Bald Eagles beat the odds and survived Hurricane Rita. Vidor, TX

Meet a group of photographers determined to document Texas' most sacred places. David Brown, New Corn Hill, TX. www.texaschurchproj.com

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-Week of 10.6.08-

Show # 611, originally aired 5.15.99

Vicki owns one of the best stocked fishing supply shops in Texas and she specializes in plastic worms. She is known to all as the Worm Lady. Vicki Anderson, 109 W. 3rd St. Eddy, TX 76524. (254) 859-5889 or (888) 877-9676

Mayhaws are wild berry-like plants that grow wild in the swamps. John has raised an orchard of hybrid mayhaws and sells them to people to make jelly. John Harrington, 4794 Scales, Orange, TX 77630. (409) 735-7355

Dan Robbins invented a national craze: the Paint By Numbers picture! Dan Robbins, Oakbrook, IL. (630) 963-3732

Show # 1026, originally aired 4.28.07

Pick a pocket or two during a rowdy game of eight-ball with the Rack Pack. Harlan James, San Antonio, TX. (830) 257-6338

Light up your life with the oldest lamp shop in Lufkin, Texas. Bud and Sammie Endersby, Custom Lamps and Shade, 108 S. 1st Street, Lufkin, TX 75902. (936) 699-2300

You can meet a small town dairy farmer who's creaming the competition by delivering fresh milk the old fashion way. Chris Hague, Crowell, TX.

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-Week of 9.29.08-

Show # 610, originally aired 5.8.99

Jeffrey's been an artist all his life and he has stuck with crayons the whole time. He creates amazing works of realism using nothing more than crayons. Jeffrey Robert, P.O. Box 171074, Arlington, TX 76003-1074. www.jeffreyrobert.com

Anahuac's refuge encompasses 35,000 acres of coastal marsh and prairie bordering Galveston Bay. It is home to thousands of alligators & waterfowl. Kelly McDowell, Refuge Manager. P.O. Box 278, Anahuac, TX 77514. (409) 267-3337

Paul makes toy soldiers from his tiny shop in Galena, IL. It just so happens that he looks just like Gen. U.S. Grant and Galena was Grant's hometown. Paul LeGreco, 245 N. Main, Galena, IL 61036. (815) 777-0383

Show # 1025, originally aired 4.21.07

Paige Bridges captures RV camping from yesteryear on canvas. Her paints hand front and center in the state's biggest, best, and only... RV Art Gallery? Paige Bridges, Wills Point, TX. (903) 560-1672. www.vintagetraveltrailerart.com

You will have a blast when you see this cap gun collection of over 5000 square feet vintage pistols! Charles Trois, 300 Trois Lane, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. (830) 685-3090. www.troisestate.net

You'll glide through history with two genuine American heroes at the Silent Wings Museum. Doug Flynn, 6202 N. I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403-9710. (806) 775-2047. www.silentwingsmuseum.com

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-Week of 9.22.08-

Show #558, originally aired 5.9.98

Merle is one of Dewitt County's "Pickers & Pluckers." They pick wildflowers to replenish the state's only month-long live exhibit. Dewitt Co. Wildflower Association, P.O. Box 995, Cuero, TX 77954. 512-275-9942

25 years ago Barbara Hutchinson started the Easter Hill Country Tour at the age of 40. Today, well over 1,000 participate each year. Barbara Hutchinson, 5409 86th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424. 806-794-3201

Oma Bell is the last surviving sister of a prominent Hill Country ranching family. She's donating the property to a home for needy children. Hill Country Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 67, Ingram, TX 78025. 830-367-2131.

Show #919, originally aired 4.9.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out why this legendary law enforcement officer is responsible for the phrase...One riot, one Ranger. Joaquin Jackson and Liz Jackson, Box C101 - Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, TX. 79830. 432-837-8143. MAP

Is it art or is it junk? Meet an artist with a welder who says it's a little bit of both. Gary Russell, 5380 Creekside, Melissa, TX 75454. 972-837-2365 MAP

Plus, her distinctive voice has taken this yodeling cowgirl from Fort Worth all the way around the world. Devon Dawson, 817-521-4969, www.cowtownopry.org, dawson@ev1.net

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-Week of 9.15.08-

Show #609, originally aired 5.1.99

Ray has played music all his life. He looked into his Scottish heritage and started playing the bag pipes. Now he builds them in his garage. Ray Hughes, 2607 77th St. Lubbock, TX 79423. 806-745-2600

Jim's family has been making clocks since the 1830's and in America since 1842. Jim Verdin, 444 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45202. 513-241-4010 or 800-543-0488

Hugh restores wagons, carriages & buggies dating back to the Civil War. He uses the wagon to promote his home town. Hugh Shelton, RFD 3/Gonzales, TX 78629. 830-672-3609

Show #1018 originally aired 3.3.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Visit a shop in the hill country where strung out Steinways come back to life. Bernard Mollberg, 377 Paw Print Lane, Blanco, TX 78606 MAP (830) 833-2210 or www.mollbergpiano.com

Find out how to throw a truly festive fiesta with the "piñata lady." Jo Juarez, Suite 113, 8407 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78250 MAP (210) 688-9550

Plus, it could have been abandoned forever, but now one Texas chef is serving up good eats at the Eola School. Mark Cannon, Eola School Restaurant, Eola, TX MAP

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-Week of 9.08.08-

Show # 608, originally aired 4.24.99

Leonard has amassed a collection of 12,000 license plates. He decided to find something to do with them so he started building birdhouses out of them. Leonard Dunnahoe, 2175 Collins Lane Aransas Pass, TX 78336 361-766-2249

For 49 years, the Men's Bible Class has presented the Easter Pageant, a play presented in pantomime at an outdoor amphitheater on a hillside. Chuck Gifford, Chamber of Commerce, 402 Main Street, Junction, TX 76849 915-446-3190

For 41 years only 2 men have made the Grammy Award. John learned from the first & now he is passing that knowledge & the Grammy Legacy on to his son. John Billings, 609 W. Clinton, P.O. Box 257, Ridgway, CO 81432 970-626-3860

Show # 1017, originally aired 2.24.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who travelled nearly 300,000 miles to create his own brand of Texas History. Robert Wanat, PO Box 547, Castroville, TX 78009 MAP (830) 538-3174

Sink your teeth into a jaw-breaking banquet of delicious dishes made entirely from rocks. Bill and Lois Patillo, Corpus Christi, TX MAP www.rockfoodtable.com New - Watch it now!

Plus, find out how one bright builder is bringing half-priced homes to Huntsville. Dan Phillips, Huntsville, TX MAP 936-291-1882 www.phoenixcommotion.com New - Watch it now!

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-Week of 9.1.08-

Show # 602, originally aired 3.13.99

Bonnie raises Japanese Koi on her hill country ranch. Koi are an ornamental carp that do well in stock tanks by eating algae & mosquito larvae. Bonnie Grier-Lyons, P.O. Box 715, Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4439

Rick's family has made wooden shoes since the 1700's. Klompmaker in Dutch means "shoemaker" and that's what he does in Holland, Michigan. Rick Klompmaker, Wooden Shoe Factory, 447 South U.S. 31, Holland, MI 49423 616-396-6513

Walt restored the bridge that our show made famous, the Regency Bridge. We had a big celebration and even Governor George Bush showed up. Walt Lambert, 6901 West Okmulgee Lane, Muskogee, OK 74402 918-687-1339

Show # 1016, originally aired 2.27.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Travel deep below the Texas soil to visit a bachelor pad built on a launch pad. Bruce Townsley, Clyde, TX 79510 MAP (325) 529-4949 or www.atlasmissiletours.com

Meet the Mozart of Mozzerella at Corpus Christi's favorite pizza parlor. Bubba Jacobs, Panjo's Pizza, 1320 Airline Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 MAP (361)-991-1539

Plus, it's a family tradition that tricks the eye; discover the lost art of Faux Bois.
Carlos Cortes, 1101 South Saint Mary's St. San Antonio, TX 78210 MAP (210) 472-3966 or www.studiocortes.com

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-Week of 8.25.08-

Show # 601, originally aired 3.6.99

Brian runs the Art Car Museum. It is the only one in the world and it houses a strange and unique collection of art cars. Brian Taylor, 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007. 713-861-5526

The Keltgens raise llamas. They allow neighborhood children to come visit the llamas and borrow them for shows. They also make crafts from the wool. John & Linda Keltgen, 250 Imerial, New Braunfels, TX 78132 830-964-3182

Michael was paralyzed 13 years ago in an auto accident, yet he still trains horses. 6 years ago he began riding them again, too. Michael Richardson, P.O. Box 1535, Boyd, TX 76023. 940-627-6927

Show # 1015, originally aired 2.10.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover the truth behind the finest gourmet dining experience in Lubbock, Texas. Leigh Kiselis, Skyviews Restaurant, 1901 University Ave, Ste 600, Lubbock, TX 79410 MAP 806-744-7462 www.hs.ttu.edu/skyviews

Meet a man who's high caliber metal art will blow you away. Terry Jones, Gun Sculptor. 721 North Main, Jewett, Texas 75846 MAP (903) 626-5707 or
www.tmjcreativesculptures.com

Plus, experience life along the Red river with our old friend Wildwood Dean. Treasure River by Wildwood Dean. www.redriverscholar.com

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-Week of 8.18.08-

Show #600, originally aired 2.27.99

Lehman is the teacher who heads the solar car team at the Winston School. The students create these cars & race them internationally. Lehman Marks, 5707 Royal Lane, Dallas TX 75229. 214-691-6950

Refugio farms hot chili peppers then strings them up into chili ristras, a holiday tradition in El Paso. Refugio Garcia, P.O. Box 1640 San Elizario, TX 79849. 915-851-2288 or 800-690-9831

This former CPA & RN lost her sight due to vasculitis 5 yrs ago. Soon after she began painting and now has sold more than 300 of her colorful works. Lisa Fittipaldi, 4209 Malaga Dr., Georgetown, TX 78628. 512-863-4074

Show #1006, originally aired 12.9.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a man on a mission to walk across Texas. That's right, all of it! Jon "Bunky" McConal, A Walk Across Texas. Granbury, TX 76048 MAP 817-573-1573 or jonmccon@swbell.net

Find out why the North Texas town of Clark fell right off the map. Mayor Bill Merritt, DISH, TX 76247 MAP (note: most maps have not updated yet.)

Plus, discover all the fundamentals of flight in the palm of your hand. Bob Wilder, Rubberband Airplanes, Colleyville, TX 76034 MAP (817) 498-6316 or rjwmaw5@comcast.net

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-Week of 08.11.08-

Show #599, originally aired 2.20.99

Monty is the J. P. in Rising Star. He also is the owner of the local flower shop and he whistles to entertain himself and others. He's really good! Monty Jones, P.O. Box 828, Rising Star, TX 76471. 254-643-2023

Carol practices the Japanese art of yuki-oi woodblock printing. Her works are based on sketches compiled from her Hill Country nature journal. Carol Brown, 107 Glenn Oaks Drive, Boerne, TX 78006. 830-249-8121

Meet a man who makes chairs out of discarded trees from work crews. He also makes memory chairs using old things from your past. Daniel Mack, 14 Welling Ave, Warwick, NY 10990. 914-986-7293

Show #1005, originally aired 12.2.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, discover two Texas artists who are making a metal animal kingdom, filled with all creatures great and small.

One crafts miniature scenes of nature in bronze. Andrew Wilks, Hereford, TX 79045 MAP (877) 564-1981 or www.andrewwilks.com

The other forges life sized longhorns in chrome. Bettye Hamblen Turner, Miles, TX 76861 MAP (325) 468-5041 or www.BHTSculpture.com

Benini Sculpture Ranch, 377 Shiloh Rd, Johnson City, Texas 78636 MAP (830) 868-2247 or www.sculptureranch.com

Plus, meet a woman who's using her green thumb to grow her very own backyard orange grove. Helen Waller Thomas, Grand Prairie, TX MAP (972) 264-6320

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-Week of 08.04.08-

Show # 598, originally aired 2.13.99

The Old Time Wooden Nickel Co. makes over 5 million nickels a year. They also have a museum to show off their collection of different nickels. Herb Horning, 345 Old Austin Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. 1-877-4NICKEL (1-877-464-2535).

Sally is an expert & caretaker of jellyfish at the Texas State Aquarium. Jellyfish are the most fragile creatures on earth, but Sally is allergic. Sally Hoke/Monica de la Garza, Texas State Aquarium/P.O. Box 331307/Corpus Christi, TX 78463. 512/881-1216 or 800/477-GULF.

We re-visit J.B. as he retires his windmills to a "windmill farm" in Spearman. He has spent his life building them and now he is giving them away. Roger Buchanan/Burl Buchanan, Box 157/Spearman, TX 79081. 806/659-3888.

Show # 1004, originally aired 11.25.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a salute to the folks who make the Friday night lights a little brighter.

He's been on the sideline in Decatur for more than half a century and he's never missed a down. Coy O'Neal and Coach Kyle Story, Decatur High School, 750 East Eagle Summit Drive, Decatur, Texas 76234 MAP 940-393-7200

We'll spend halftime in San Antonio with a drill team like no other in the state. Amanda Camellia, Thomas Jefferson High School Trick Roper Team. 723 Donaldson Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201 MAP 210-736-1981

Plus, he's the only radio announcer most Brownwood High fans have ever known, with a name you'll never forget. Dallas Huston, Brownwood High School, 2100 Slayden & 10th St., Brownwood, Texas 76801 MAP (325) 646-9549

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-Week of 07.28.08-

Show # 597, originally aired 2.06.99

After being diagnosed with a polio related disease, this wood-turner began making canes from mesquite gathered on area ranches. Lynn Hargrove (Deceased)

Meet the Prairie Dogs: the oldest garage band in Texas. Mike Borger, P.O. Box 52100 Amarillo, TX 79159.

Show # 1003, originally aired 11.18.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who's turning muddy, grimy, dirty cars into masterful works of art. Scott Wade, San Marcos, TX 78666 MAP 512-393-8823 info@dirtycarart.com or www.dirtycarart.com

Take a trip to Fort Davis for a brand new old-fashioned broom that's sweeping up the competition. Ron Cox, Davis Mountain 1800 Working Broom Shop, 401 State St., Ft. Davis, 79734 MAP 432-426-3297 or broomsquires@hotmail.com

Plus, experience the majesty of Big Bend National Park through the eyes of two talented hikers bent on creating a book. Big Bend National Park by Laurence Parent and Joe Nick Patoski. MAP University of Texas Press, 512-471-7233.

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-Week of 07.21.08-

Show #589, originally aired 12.12.98

Tom's dad started the garage in Sierra Blanca in 1911 and Tom still manages it. Over the years business has dropped off and now there's almost none. Tom Ellison, P.O. Box 9/Sierra Blanca, TX 79851. 915/369-2421.

Les makes drill team uniforms for most of the high schools and colleges in Texas. She's been doing it for 25 years now. Les Ray, P.O. Box 322 Hillsboro, Texas 76645. 254/582-2383.

Meet a melodeon builder who makes music deep in the heart of Cajun country. Larry Williams. Iota, LA.

Show #1002, originally aired 11.11.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who knows his way around a cattle pen and a number two pencil. Brian Asher, 8357 County Road 3105,
Snyder, TX 79549. MAP 1.888.277.9814 or asherbrian@hotmail.com www.brianasherart.com

Travel across the country on a railroad that's only two inches tall! Darrell Cowles, Texas Western Model Railroad Club, Forest Hill, TX MAP www.texaswesternmrc.org

Plus, dance all night to the toe-tapping tunes of East Texas Zydeco music. Ed Poullard, 951 Hillebrandt, Port Arthur, TX 77701. 409-835-7114. 409-656-3591. epoullard@nationwide.net or www.lesamiscreole.com

Larry's French Market, 3701 Atlantic Hwy, Groves, TX 77619 MAP 409-962-3381 www.larrysfrenchmarket.com

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-Week of 07.14.08-

Show #588, originally aired 12.05.98

Dr. Bill has been a vet for 53 years. He still makes housecalls & his operating room is in the back of a feed store. Dr. Bill Griffin, 1000 Industrial Blvd. Borger, TX 79007. 806/274-5742.

In this Discovers America segment, Frank lives on Indian land where his grandfather and dad were drum makers. He makes them the way his elders did. Frank Mirabel, Taos Pueblo, NM.

Lady feeds truckers free Thanksgiving dinner out on the interstate in a rest area. Tara Hernandez, 111 Valley View Dr. Kerrville, TX 78028. 830/792-5198.

Show #1001, originally aired 11.04.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who's spicing up the cowboy life with a true taste of West Texas. Jerry Baird, 2363 Uvalde, Snyder, TX MAP 817-219-0766, www.jerrybairds.com or Bill Walsh, 956-495-8348

Find out how thousands of wriggling red worms are revitalizing Texas soils. Jay Mertz, Rabbit Hill Farm, 288 SW CR 20, Corsicana, TX 75110 MAP
903-872-4289 or www.aogc.org/pages/rhf/index.htm

Plus, they may be little, but these teeny steeds are out to help kids in need. Veronique Matthews, Hearts and Hooves, 608 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 MAP 512-376-7667 or heartsandhooves.org

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-Week of 07.07.08-

Show # 587, originally aired 11.28.98

13-year-old Charley collects antique fishing lures and sells them at his own booth during first Monday Trade Days. Charley Baugh, Rt. 4, Box 222-4 Wills Point, TX 75169. cbaugh@vzinet.com

Ann collects fragments of broken glass left over from the old Sandwich Glass Factory that closed in 1888. The glass is kept in a national museum. Ann Barber, 3 Freeman St./Sandwich, Mass 02563. 508-888-1434.

Jim and the Texas Historical Commission have been searching for the lost Rene LaSalle shipwreck, the Amable, for 20 years. Now he thinks he found it. Jim Bruseth, 512-463-4565.

Show # 1000, originally aired 10.28.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Travel to West Texas and discover a creature that exists nowhere else on Earth. Gary Garrett, 5103 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025 MAP (830) 866-3356 or garygarrett@tpwd.state.tx.us

Visit the Oval Office...without leaving the Lone Star State. Ron Wade, Longview, TX MAP (903) 236-9615 or www.ronwadebuttons.com

Plus, join a sewing circle that's three generations wide...a quilted tradition that goes all the way back to the Civil War. Laverne Brackens and Lillie Mayes, Fairfield, TX MAP (903) 389-3933

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-Week of 6.30.08-

Show # 586, originally aired 11.21.98

Charley & his brother Guy put together crossword puzzle in the shape of Texas each week. The answers all have to do with Texas. Charley Orbison, P.O. Box 2882 Denton, TX 76202. 940-349-2730.

Hal started the Sierra Booster fifty years ago and he has always delivered it from his very own airplane. He is the oldest licensed pilot in the U.S. Hal Wright, P.O. Box 8/ Loyalton, CA 96118. 530-993-4379.

Cindy photographs and interviews common people in their 80's & 90's for a traveling exhibit called the "Gathering of the Wisdom People". Cindy Pickard, Box 226, Vanderpool, TX 78885. 830-966-6170.

Show # 993, originally aired 9.09.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...With season tickets, great seats, and plenty of popcorn, it's baseball heaven for one fun loving nun. Sister Damian, Incarnate Word Academy/Catholic Church, Houston, TX MAP 713-668-0423

Surf's up in Corpus Christi at the one and only Texas Surf Museum. Dan Parker, 312 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 MAP (361) 888-7873 or www.texassurfmuseum.com

Plus, he's Texas' very own Geppetto, a man who found a way to bring his wooden creations to life. S. Gary Roberts, 8613 Honeysuckle Trail, Austin, TX 78759 MAP 512-345-1521 or sgricr71@cs.com Review of Gary's book, Masterful Woodturning

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-Week of 6.23.08-

Show #585, originally aired 11.14.98

Roxanne is known as the pig lady. She collects pigs and is also the 2 time world champion hog caller. She has never lost a contest that she entered. Roxanne Ward, Rt 1 Box 55 Littlefield, TX 79339. 806-385-4585.

Trevor is a wildlife biology grad student studying & banding a colony of Mexican Freetail bats in the old Fredericksburg & Northern Railroad tunnel. Trevor Tanner, South of Fredericksburg and 12 miles east of Comfort. 830-644-2478.

Hugh owns the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He photographs the animals and has opened it up for people to visit. Hugh Morton, P.O. Box 129/Linville, N.C. 28646. 828-963-4461.

Show #992, originally aired 9.02.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Learn all about a little instrument with a big sound as one of Texas' best harmonica players gives us a lesson on the blues. Rob Roy Parnell, 237 Swiftwater Cove, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 MAP 512-784-3699 or www.robroyparnell.com

Re-disover the world of wildflowers, as we check in with our old friends at Wildseed Farms. Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Dr. or PO Box 3000, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 MAP 800-848-0078 or www.wildseedfarms.com

Plus, meet a man who acheives the impossible everyday...just by coming to work at 102 years of age. Leon Jenkins, Southeast Texas Regional Airport, Beaumont, TX. (Leon passed away on January 27th, 2007.)

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-Week of 06.16.08-

Show #584, originally aired 11.07.98

Guy and Jiu Ling Cole make violins. She grew up in China and he in America. Now they are one of the only violin making teams in the world. Guy Cole or Jiu Ling Cole, 1309 Andromeda Way, Arlington, Texas 76013-8315. 817-492-8350.

David collects and restores antique RV's & campers. The Smithsonian Institute has asked to display several of his RV's. David Woodworth, 19800 Descanso Dr./Tehachapi, CA 93561. 661-822-3352.

Bethany operates the biggest butterfly ranch in Texas & ships them for release at weddings, funerals & special occasions. Route 1, Box 447A Mathis, TX 78268.
830-537-3465.

Show #990, originally aired 8.19.06

Can a real-life Yankee ever become a true Texan? Thomas Tafuro & Christie Kitchens enroll in a school called Cowboy Eye for the City Guy to convert a Yankee into a Texan. Christie Kitchens, Kerrville, TX. www.cowboyeye.com

Meet a really good barber who's got a really bad case of the blues. Tracy Herron, Tracy's Barber Shop, 5971 Williams Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78412. 361-992-6092. www.bahdesign.com/tracyherron

Hit the backroads in search of the most remote grocery store in West Texas near Ruidosa. Celia Hill, State Highway 170 West, Ruidosa, TX. 432-229-4534. lajunta170@hotmail.com

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-Week of 06.09.08-

Show # 583, originally aired 10.31.98

Three generations of the Marshall family are cutting hair at the same shop. James opened the shop 36 years & and hired his daughter and granddaughter. James Marshall, 607 North Greer Blvd/Pittsburg, TX 75686. (903) 856-5535

David repairs historical markers as part of the THC's Historical Markers 2000 project. He's traveled all over the state & cleaned up 4000 signs. David Danenfelzer, Texas Historical Commision/P.O. Box 12276/Austin, TX 78711-2276. (512)463-6100

Shank is the oldest cowboy on the Deep Hollow Ranch, birthplace of the American cowboy. It's the oldest cattle ranch in America, started in 1658. Shank Dickinson, Deep Hollow Ranch/P.O. Box 835/Ranch Road/Montauk, NY 11954. (516) 668-2744

Show # 989, originally aired 08.12.06

Meet the woman responsible for putting up half of the fence line in South East Texas. Betty Ann Seifert, 189 Nelson Rd, Yorktown, TX 78164 MAP (361) 564-3842

Find out if this North Texas preacher really has lost his marbles. Rev. Carroll G. Smith, Lakeside Church of God. 9396 Confederate Park Road, Fort Worth, TX 76135 MAP 817-237-5500 or www.lakesidechurchofgod.com

Plus, pack an easel and some oil paints, it’s time to travel Texas with the Outdoor Painters Society. Outdoor Painters Society, www.outdoorpainterssociety.com

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-Week of 06.02.08-

Show # 582, originally aired 10.24.98

David is a scrap-iron salesman. He sells what he can but with the rest he creates beautiful junk sculptures. David Strickland, 508 Bond St.\Red Oak, TX 75154.
(972) 617-3037.

Kris has been an artist and sculptor all her life. Now she does portraits of people as marionettes, strings and all. Kris Smith, 1170 Hillsboro Mile #203/Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062. (956) 426-4957.

An outsider from Ohio moved to Lipscomb and has revived the town with an art gallery and a dance platform just like the pioneers used. Debby Opdyke, Dance Platform/107 Main Street\Lipscomb, TX 79056. (806) 862-2900.

Show # 988, originally aired 08.05.06

Fly through the trees with the greatest of ease at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. David Beilharz, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, 1223 Paleface RR, Spicewood TX, 78669 MAP (512) 264-8880 or www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com

Find out how one small town is keeping the Last Picture Show alive. Don Stribling, Movieland, 4 N. Austin Ave, Lamesa, TX MAP (806) 872-2750

Plus, walk and talk with a former Warden of the Texas Prison System, as we explore the history of Joe Byrd cemetery. Jim Willett, Byrd Cemetery and Texas Prison Museum, 491 Highway 75 N. Huntsville, TX 77230 MAP www.txprisonmuseum.org or 936-295-2155

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-Week of 05.26.08-

Show # 581, originally aired 10.17.98

The Grahams are giving away their restaurant in Schertz by holding an essay contest. With $100 dollars and the right 250-word essay you can win it. Jim Graham & Nathalie Graham, Nathalie's Restaurant/Essay Contest/P.O. Drawer 820/Schertz, Texas 78154. (210) 945-0051

This inventor has come up with an automatic lawn mower that mows an acre an hour all by itself. Grady Jones, 225 W. Broad/Freeport, Texas 77541.
(409) 265-6191 or 239-2649

Larry is a third-generation artist who has carved a magnificent life-size wooden carousel. Larry Pefferly, 1823 Heart-Leonard Rd/Cornersville, TN 37047.
(931) 293-2674

Show # 925, originally aired 5.21.05

Meet a man who sees a thing of beauty in every wrecked car on his lot. Jerry Perry, Crashmasters. 7413 Andrews Highway, Odessa, TX 79765. 432-339-0265.

Discover an impressive petaled display of flowers that's downright wild. Sam Jones, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens. 8545 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78413. (361) 852-2100 www.ccbotanicalgardens.org

Plus, follow the majestic flight of a South Texas falcon up and down the western hemisphere. Alan Tennant, Wildlife Researcher. 432-386-4119.

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-Week of 5.19.08-

Show # 580, originally aired 10.10.98

Meet Grace Berry, the 100 year-old reporter for the Thorndale Champion. Grace Berry, Thorndale, TX 76577.

Larita is a wildlife artist. She makes her studio/gallery in an old mattress factory her family has run for more than 60 years. Larita Billups and Cecil Cox, 242 Sycamore Abilene, TX 79602. 915-677-4451.

Visit the Bluebird Taxi Company in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Bill Deaver, 622 N. Main St./Hendersonville, N.C. 28739. 704-693-3544 or 704-693-9896.

Show # 924, originally aired 5.14.05

March with us to San Antonio, and meet a man who's keeping up the beat with his past. Fred Diaz-Alamo City Band, American Legion Hall, Post 2, 3518 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201. (210)-733-0120. www.alamocityband.org

Take a peek into an oh-so-silent South Texas House of Prayer. Father Kelly- Lebh Shomea House of Prayer- La Parra Ranch, P.O. Box 9, Sarita, TX 78385. (361)-294-5369. www.lebhshomea.org

Plus, when it comes to capturing Kodak moments in the wild, this photographer is a natural. Ruth Hoyt- Puerto Rico Ranch, PO Box 3, Linn, TX 78563. (956) 481-3700. www.ruthhoyt.com

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-Week of 5.12.08-

Show # 579, originally aired 10.03.98

Rob's works as a pharmacist at Wal-Mart but he also makes trophy bats on his own lathe. He always tests them out with his kids in the back yard. Rob Sellers, 609 Lux, Waco, TX 76706. 254-662-5041

Maggie tends Monticello's vegetable garden where the same varieties planted during the time of Thomas Jefferson still grow. Maggie Thompson/Whitney Espich, Monticello, P.O. Box 217, Charlottesville, VA 22902. 804-984-9822.

The MC&SA Railroad has been keeping the little logging community of Camden alive for 100 years. Robert Moore, 936-398-2511 Ext 207.

Show #923, originally aired 5.7.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Head southwest in search of some really big bluebonnets. Waynelle Strachan at the Old Alazan Ranch. 122281 N. Lood Rd. Clint, TX 79836. www.texasbluebonnet.com   MAP

Sally Jones lives in an RV and works at the Big Bend Ranch State Park visitors center, one and a half hours down a 26-mile dirt road behind a gate. Tony Galindo, P. O. Box 2319 Presidio, TX 79845. 432-229-3416.

Plus, She's been inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, but just wait till you see what this natural born roper calls her greatest pride of all. Sherri Mell & the R.O.P.E.R. Team. P.O. Box 201512, San Antonio, TX 78220. 210-633-2042, www.eisd.net, smell@eisd.net or roperapp@thebigjungle.net MAP

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-Week of 5.5.08-

Show # 577, originally aired 09.19.98

Glenn has been collecting matchbooks for over 50 years. He has amassed a collection of over 250,000 matchbooks from all over the world. Glenn Reedholm, 511 Horseshoe Ln, Burkburnett, TX 76354. 940-569-9281.

Clyde makes primitive animal sculptures from cedar trees with his chainsaw. Clyde Jones, Box 44, Bynum, NC 27228.

Tex is the founder of almost 60 year-old Camp Longhorn, a summer camp for kids in Inks Lake. He is also a former Olympic swimmer. Tex Robertson, #1 Longhorn Rd. Burnet, TX 78611. 512-793-2811.

Show # 922 originally aired 4.30.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Spend some time in the workshop with the blind handymen. Phil Parr and the Blind Handyman Show. 936-634-9500, 1604 Southwood, Lufkin, TX 75904. phil@philparr.net , www.acbradio.org MAP

Find out why this East Texas artist loves making homes for gnomes. Joseph Hopps of Arbor Castle Birdhouses. www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com MAP

Plus, meet four men from four walks of life who are making one incredible sound. Fraven Adams- 806-765-0050. Singing Plainsmen -806-795-9978 . Lubbock, TX. www.harmonize.com/singingplainsmen/ MAP

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-Week of 4.28.08-

Show # 576, originally aired 9.12.98

Jack has been collecting Texas Movie Posters for over 50 years. He has so many now that he has to keep them in a separate house. Jack DeVere, 4737 View, San Antonio, TX 78228. 210-432-5365

Leola makes lye soap in her backyard kettle. She uses it to wash her laundry and as a home remedy. Leola Althaus, Burton TX.

In this Discovers America story, Duane Pasco is one of the best totem pole carvers in America. He lives on an island outside of Seattle. Duane Pasco, 19330 Widme Road, N.E./Poulsbo, WA 98370. 206-779-5584

Show # 921, originally aired 4.23.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Find out how these East Texas cowpokes have found their way back to the farm via New York City. Guy and Pip Gillette at the Camp St. Cafe. 215 S. Third Street, Crockett, TX 75835. For more info dial (936) 544 8656 or toll free, (877) 544 8656. Visit the Camp Street Cafe on the web at www.campstreetcafe.com MAP

Meet a couple of cousins who have brought art and commerce back to downtown Golden, Texas. Karen Musgraves and Cathy Pegues. Belben Nest Gallery. FM 779 & 1799, Golden, Texas. 903-768-2335. Visit www.texaspaintedladies.com or www.belbennest.com . MAP

Plus, there hasn't been a movie theater in Marfa for as long as anybody can remember but a blind man on a bicycle is bringing the silver screen back to life. Gary Olliver. P.O. Box 1174, Marfa, TX 79843. 432-729-4280. Email Gary at golliver@sbcglobal.net MAP

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-Week of 4.21.08-

Show # 559, originally aired 5.16.98

A husband and wife artist team create 'marquetry' - an ancient art form. Spider Johnson, P.O. Box 1247 or 105 Fulton St., Mason, Texas 76856. 915-347-6360

This school bus driver has been driving the same route for nearly 50 years! Lester Henry/Gonzales I.S.D. 830-672-9551

94 year-old man makes wooden airplane propellers. Back in the 20's he was a barnstormer flying from town to town taking folks on their first flight. Ray Hegy, P.O. Box 124 Marfa, TX 79843. 915-729-4249

Show # 920, originally aired 4.16.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter-find out how Decatur High School is getting more horse power with girl power. Rick Elmore, Decatur High School, 1201 W. Thompson Street Decatur, Texas 76234. 940-627-2155. www.decatur.esc11.net/Campuses/dhs/ MAP

Roll a few frames with a custom fit bowling ball. Pete and Mike Joseph. 8951 Dyer El Paso, TX 79904. 915-751-4551. MAP

Plus, meet an East Texas woman who’s threading the past to the present by restoring old quilts.Genell Dement. 903-639-4147. Hughes Springs, Texas.

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-Week of 4.14.08-

Show #558, originally aired 5.9.98

Merle is one of Dewitt County's "Pickers & Pluckers." They pick wildflowers to replenish the state's only month-long live exhibit. Dewitt Co. Wildflower Association, P.O. Box 995, Cuero, TX 77954. 512-275-9942

25 years ago Barbara Hutchinson started the Easter Hill Country Tour at the age of 40. Today, well over 1,000 participate each year. Barbara Hutchinson, 5409 86th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424. 806-794-3201

Oma Bell is the last surviving sister of a prominent Hill Country ranching family. She's donating the property to a home for needy children. Hill Country Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 67, Ingram, TX 78025. 830-367-2131.

Show #919, originally aired 4.9.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out why this legendary law enforcement officer is responsible for the phrase...One riot, one Ranger. Joaquin Jackson and Liz Jackson, Box C101 - Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, TX. 79830. 432-837-8143. MAP

Is it art or is it junk? Meet an artist with a welder who says it's a little bit of both. Gary Russell, 5380 Creekside, Melissa, TX 75454. 972-837-2365 MAP

Plus, her distinctive voice has taken this yodeling cowgirl from Fort Worth all the way around the world. Devon Dawson, 817-521-4969, www.cowtownopry.org, dawson@ev1.net

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-Week of 4.7.08-

Show #609, originally aired 5.1.99

Ray has played music all his life. He looked into his Scottish heritage and started playing the bag pipes. Now he builds them in his garage. Ray Hughes, 2607 77th St. Lubbock, TX 79423. 806-745-2600

Jim's family has been making clocks since the 1830's and in America since 1842. Jim Verdin, 444 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45202. 513-241-4010 or 800-543-0488

Hugh restores wagons, carriages & buggies dating back to the Civil War. He uses the wagon to promote his home town. Hugh Shelton, RFD 3/Gonzales, TX 78629. 830-672-3609

Show #1018 originally aired 3.3.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Visit a shop in the hill country where strung out Steinways come back to life. Bernard Mollberg, 377 Paw Print Lane, Blanco, TX 78606 MAP (830) 833-2210 or www.mollbergpiano.com

Find out how to throw a truly festive fiesta with the "piñata lady." Jo Juarez, Suite 113, 8407 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78250 MAP (210) 688-9550

Plus, it could have been abandoned forever, but now one Texas chef is serving up good eats at the Eola School. Mark Cannon, Eola School Restaurant, Eola, TX MAP

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-Week of 3.31.08-

Show # 608, originally aired 4.24.99

Leonard has amassed a collection of 12,000 license plates. He decided to find something to do with them so he started building birdhouses out of them. Leonard Dunnahoe, 2175 Collins Lane Aransas Pass, TX 78336 361-766-2249

For 49 years, the Men's Bible Class has presented the Easter Pageant, a play presented in pantomime at an outdoor amphitheater on a hillside. Chuck Gifford, Chamber of Commerce, 402 Main Street, Junction, TX 76849 915-446-3190

For 41 years only 2 men have made the Grammy Award. John learned from the first & now he is passing that knowledge & the Grammy Legacy on to his son. John Billings, 609 W. Clinton, P.O. Box 257, Ridgway, CO 81432 970-626-3860

Show # 1017, originally aired 2.24.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who travelled nearly 300,000 miles to create his own brand of Texas History. Robert Wanat, PO Box 547, Castroville, TX 78009 MAP (830) 538-3174

Sink your teeth into a jaw-breaking banquet of delicious dishes made entirely from rocks. Bill and Lois Patillo, Corpus Christi, TX MAP www.rockfoodtable.com New - Watch it now!

Plus, find out how one bright builder is bringing half-priced homes to Huntsville. Dan Phillips, Huntsville, TX MAP 936-291-1882 www.phoenixcommotion.com New - Watch it now!

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-Week of 3.24.08-

Show # 602, originally aired 3.13.99

Bonnie raises Japanese Koi on her hill country ranch. Koi are an ornamental carp that do well in stock tanks by eating algae & mosquito larvae. Bonnie Grier-Lyons, P.O. Box 715, Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4439

Rick's family has made wooden shoes since the 1700's. Klompmaker in Dutch means "shoemaker" and that's what he does in Holland, Michigan. Rick Klompmaker, Wooden Shoe Factory, 447 South U.S. 31, Holland, MI 49423 616-396-6513

Walt restored the bridge that our show made famous, the Regency Bridge. We had a big celebration and even Governor George Bush showed up. Walt Lambert, 6901 West Okmulgee Lane, Muskogee, OK 74402 918-687-1339

Show # 1016, originally aired 2.27.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Travel deep below the Texas soil to visit a bachelor pad built on a launch pad. Bruce Townsley, Clyde, TX 79510 MAP (325) 529-4949 or www.atlasmissiletours.com

Meet the Mozart of Mozzerella at Corpus Christi's favorite pizza parlor. Bubba Jacobs, Panjo's Pizza, 1320 Airline Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 MAP (361)-991-1539

Plus, it's a family tradition that tricks the eye; discover the lost art of Faux Bois.
Carlos Cortes, 1101 South Saint Mary's St. San Antonio, TX 78210 MAP (210) 472-3966 or www.studiocortes.com

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-Week of 3.17.08-

Show # 601, originally aired 3.6.99

Brian runs the Art Car Museum. It is the only one in the world and it houses a strange and unique collection of art cars. Brian Taylor, 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007. 713-861-5526

The Keltgens raise llamas. They allow neighborhood children to come visit the llamas and borrow them for shows. They also make crafts from the wool. John & Linda Keltgen, 250 Imerial, New Braunfels, TX 78132 830-964-3182

Michael was paralyzed 13 years ago in an auto accident, yet he still trains horses. 6 years ago he began riding them again, too. Michael Richardson, P.O. Box 1535, Boyd, TX 76023. 940-627-6927

Show # 1015, originally aired 2.10.07

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover the truth behind the finest gourmet dining experience in Lubbock, Texas. Leigh Kiselis, Skyviews Restaurant, 1901 University Ave, Ste 600, Lubbock, TX 79410 MAP 806-744-7462 www.hs.ttu.edu/skyviews

Meet a man who's high caliber metal art will blow you away. Terry Jones, Gun Sculptor. 721 North Main, Jewett, Texas 75846 MAP (903) 626-5707 or
www.tmjcreativesculptures.com

Plus, experience life along the Red river with our old friend Wildwood Dean. Treasure River by Wildwood Dean. www.redriverscholar.com

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-Week of 3.10.08-

Show #600, originally aired 2.27.99

Lehman is the teacher who heads the solar car team at the Winston School. The students create these cars & race them internationally. Lehman Marks, 5707 Royal Lane, Dallas TX 75229. 214-691-6950

Refugio farms hot chili peppers then strings them up into chili ristras, a holiday tradition in El Paso. Refugio Garcia, P.O. Box 1640 San Elizario, TX 79849. 915-851-2288 or 800-690-9831

This former CPA & RN lost her sight due to vasculitis 5 yrs ago. Soon after she began painting and now has sold more than 300 of her colorful works. Lisa Fittipaldi, 4209 Malaga Dr., Georgetown, TX 78628. 512-863-4074

Show #1006, originally aired 12.9.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a man on a mission to walk across Texas. That's right, all of it! Jon "Bunky" McConal, A Walk Across Texas. Granbury, TX 76048 MAP 817-573-1573 or jonmccon@swbell.net

Find out why the North Texas town of Clark fell right off the map. Mayor Bill Merritt, DISH, TX 76247 MAP (note: most maps have not updated yet.)

Plus, discover all the fundamentals of flight in the palm of your hand. Bob Wilder, Rubberband Airplanes, Colleyville, TX 76034 MAP (817) 498-6316 or rjwmaw5@comcast.net

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-Week of 3.3.08-

Show #599, originally aired 2.20.99

Monty is the J. P. in Rising Star. He also is the owner of the local flower shop and he whistles to entertain himself and others. He's really good! Monty Jones, P.O. Box 828, Rising Star, TX 76471. 254-643-2023

Carol practices the Japanese art of yuki-oi woodblock printing. Her works are based on sketches compiled from her Hill Country nature journal. Carol Brown, 107 Glenn Oaks Drive, Boerne, TX 78006. 830-249-8121

Meet a man who makes chairs out of discarded trees from work crews. He also makes memory chairs using old things from your past. Daniel Mack, 14 Welling Ave, Warwick, NY 10990. 914-986-7293

Show #1005, originally aired 12.2.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, discover two Texas artists who are making a metal animal kingdom, filled with all creatures great and small.

One crafts miniature scenes of nature in bronze. Andrew Wilks, Hereford, TX 79045 MAP (877) 564-1981 or www.andrewwilks.com

The other forges life sized longhorns in chrome. Bettye Hamblen Turner, Miles, TX 76861 MAP (325) 468-5041 or www.BHTSculpture.com

Benini Sculpture Ranch, 377 Shiloh Rd, Johnson City, Texas 78636 MAP (830) 868-2247 or www.sculptureranch.com

Plus, meet a woman who's using her green thumb to grow her very own backyard orange grove. Helen Waller Thomas, Grand Prairie, TX MAP (972) 264-6320

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-Week of 2.25.08-

Show # 598, originally aired 2.13.99

The Old Time Wooden Nickel Co. makes over 5 million nickels a year. They also have a museum to show off their collection of different nickels. Herb Horning, 345 Old Austin Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. 1-877-4NICKEL (1-877-464-2535).

Sally is an expert & caretaker of jellyfish at the Texas State Aquarium. Jellyfish are the most fragile creatures on earth, but Sally is allergic. Sally Hoke/Monica de la Garza, Texas State Aquarium/P.O. Box 331307/Corpus Christi, TX 78463. 512/881-1216 or 800/477-GULF.

We re-visit J.B. as he retires his windmills to a "windmill farm" in Spearman. He has spent his life building them and now he is giving them away. Roger Buchanan/Burl Buchanan, Box 157/Spearman, TX 79081. 806/659-3888.

Show # 1004, originally aired 11.25.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a salute to the folks who make the Friday night lights a little brighter.

He's been on the sideline in Decatur for more than half a century and he's never missed a down. Coy O'Neal and Coach Kyle Story, Decatur High School, 750 East Eagle Summit Drive, Decatur, Texas 76234 MAP 940-393-7200

We'll spend halftime in San Antonio with a drill team like no other in the state. Amanda Camellia, Thomas Jefferson High School Trick Roper Team. 723 Donaldson Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201 MAP 210-736-1981

Plus, he's the only radio announcer most Brownwood High fans have ever known, with a name you'll never forget. Dallas Huston, Brownwood High School, 2100 Slayden & 10th St., Brownwood, Texas 76801 MAP (325) 646-9549

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-Week of 2.18.08-

Show # 597, originally aired 2.06.99

After being diagnosed with a polio related disease, this wood-turner began making canes from mesquite gathered on area ranches. Lynn Hargrove (Deceased)

Meet the Prairie Dogs: the oldest garage band in Texas. Mike Borger, P.O. Box 52100 Amarillo, TX 79159.

Show # 1003, originally aired 11.18.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who's turning muddy, grimy, dirty cars into masterful works of art. Scott Wade, San Marcos, TX 78666 MAP 512-393-8823 info@dirtycarart.com or www.dirtycarart.com

Take a trip to Fort Davis for a brand new old-fashioned broom that's sweeping up the competition. Ron Cox, Davis Mountain 1800 Working Broom Shop, 401 State St., Ft. Davis, 79734 MAP 432-426-3297 or broomsquires@hotmail.com

Plus, experience the majesty of Big Bend National Park through the eyes of two talented hikers bent on creating a book. Big Bend National Park by Laurence Parent and Joe Nick Patoski. MAP University of Texas Press, 512-471-7233.

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-Week of 2.11.08-

Show #589, originally aired 12.12.98

Tom's dad started the garage in Sierra Blanca in 1911 and Tom still manages it. Over the years business has dropped off and now there's almost none. Tom Ellison, P.O. Box 9/Sierra Blanca, TX 79851. 915/369-2421.

Les makes drill team uniforms for most of the high schools and colleges in Texas. She's been doing it for 25 years now. Les Ray, P.O. Box 322 Hillsboro, Texas 76645. 254/582-2383.

Meet a melodeon builder who makes music deep in the heart of Cajun country. Larry Williams. Iota, LA.

Show #1002, originally aired 11.11.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who knows his way around a cattle pen and a number two pencil. Brian Asher, 8357 County Road 3105,
Snyder, TX 79549. MAP 1.888.277.9814 or asherbrian@hotmail.com www.brianasherart.com

Travel across the country on a railroad that's only two inches tall! Darrell Cowles, Texas Western Model Railroad Club, Forest Hill, TX MAP www.texaswesternmrc.org

Plus, dance all night to the toe-tapping tunes of East Texas Zydeco music. Ed Poullard, 951 Hillebrandt, Port Arthur, TX 77701. 409-835-7114. 409-656-3591. epoullard@nationwide.net or www.lesamiscreole.com

Larry's French Market, 3701 Atlantic Hwy, Groves, TX 77619 MAP 409-962-3381 www.larrysfrenchmarket.com

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-Week of 2.4.08-

Show #588, originally aired 12.05.98

Dr. Bill has been a vet for 53 years. He still makes housecalls & his operating room is in the back of a feed store. Dr. Bill Griffin, 1000 Industrial Blvd. Borger, TX 79007. 806/274-5742.

In this Discovers America segment, Frank lives on Indian land where his grandfather and dad were drum makers. He makes them the way his elders did. Frank Mirabel, Taos Pueblo, NM.

Lady feeds truckers free Thanksgiving dinner out on the interstate in a rest area. Tara Hernandez, 111 Valley View Dr. Kerrville, TX 78028. 830/792-5198.

Show #1001, originally aired 11.04.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man who's spicing up the cowboy life with a true taste of West Texas. Jerry Baird, 2363 Uvalde, Snyder, TX MAP 817-219-0766, www.jerrybairds.com or Bill Walsh, 956-495-8348

Find out how thousands of wriggling red worms are revitalizing Texas soils. Jay Mertz, Rabbit Hill Farm, 288 SW CR 20, Corsicana, TX 75110 MAP
903-872-4289 or www.aogc.org/pages/rhf/index.htm

Plus, they may be little, but these teeny steeds are out to help kids in need. Veronique Matthews, Hearts and Hooves, 608 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 MAP 512-376-7667 or heartsandhooves.org

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-Week of 1.28.08-

Show # 587, originally aired 11.28.98

13-year-old Charley collects antique fishing lures and sells them at his own booth during first Monday Trade Days. Charley Baugh, Rt. 4, Box 222-4 Wills Point, TX 75169. cbaugh@vzinet.com

Ann collects fragments of broken glass left over from the old Sandwich Glass Factory that closed in 1888. The glass is kept in a national museum. Ann Barber, 3 Freeman St./Sandwich, Mass 02563. 508-888-1434.

Jim and the Texas Historical Commission have been searching for the lost Rene LaSalle shipwreck, the Amable, for 20 years. Now he thinks he found it. Jim Bruseth, 512-463-4565.

Show # 1000, originally aired 10.28.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Travel to West Texas and discover a creature that exists nowhere else on Earth. Gary Garrett, 5103 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025 MAP (830) 866-3356 or garygarrett@tpwd.state.tx.us

Visit the Oval Office...without leaving the Lone Star State. Ron Wade, Longview, TX MAP (903) 236-9615 or www.ronwadebuttons.com

Plus, join a sewing circle that's three generations wide...a quilted tradition that goes all the way back to the Civil War. Laverne Brackens and Lillie Mayes, Fairfield, TX MAP (903) 389-3933

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-Week of 1.21.08-

Show # 586, originally aired 11.21.98

Charley & his brother Guy put together crossword puzzle in the shape of Texas each week. The answers all have to do with Texas. Charley Orbison, P.O. Box 2882 Denton, TX 76202. 940-349-2730.

Hal started the Sierra Booster fifty years ago and he has always delivered it from his very own airplane. He is the oldest licensed pilot in the U.S. Hal Wright, P.O. Box 8/ Loyalton, CA 96118. 530-993-4379.

Cindy photographs and interviews common people in their 80's & 90's for a traveling exhibit called the "Gathering of the Wisdom People". Cindy Pickard, Box 226, Vanderpool, TX 78885. 830-966-6170.

Show # 993, originally aired 9.09.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...With season tickets, great seats, and plenty of popcorn, it's baseball heaven for one fun loving nun. Sister Damian, Incarnate Word Academy/Catholic Church, Houston, TX MAP 713-668-0423

Surf's up in Corpus Christi at the one and only Texas Surf Museum. Dan Parker, 312 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 MAP (361) 888-7873 or www.texassurfmuseum.com

Plus, he's Texas' very own Geppetto, a man who found a way to bring his wooden creations to life. S. Gary Roberts, 8613 Honeysuckle Trail, Austin, TX 78759 MAP 512-345-1521 or sgricr71@cs.com Review of Gary's book, Masterful Woodturning

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-Week of 1.14.08-

Show #585, originally aired 11.14.98

Roxanne is known as the pig lady. She collects pigs and is also the 2 time world champion hog caller. She has never lost a contest that she entered. Roxanne Ward, Rt 1 Box 55 Littlefield, TX 79339. 806-385-4585.

Trevor is a wildlife biology grad student studying & banding a colony of Mexican Freetail bats in the old Fredericksburg & Northern Railroad tunnel. Trevor Tanner, South of Fredericksburg and 12 miles east of Comfort. 830-644-2478.

Hugh owns the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He photographs the animals and has opened it up for people to visit. Hugh Morton, P.O. Box 129/Linville, N.C. 28646. 828-963-4461.

Show #992, originally aired 9.02.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Learn all about a little instrument with a big sound as one of Texas' best harmonica players gives us a lesson on the blues. Rob Roy Parnell, 237 Swiftwater Cove, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 MAP 512-784-3699 or www.robroyparnell.com

Re-disover the world of wildflowers, as we check in with our old friends at Wildseed Farms. Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Dr. or PO Box 3000, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 MAP 800-848-0078 or www.wildseedfarms.com

Plus, meet a man who acheives the impossible everyday...just by coming to work at 102 years of age. Leon Jenkins, Southeast Texas Regional Airport, Beaumont, TX. (Leon passed away on January 27th, 2007.)

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-Week of 1.7.08-

Show #584, originally aired 11.07.98

Guy and Jiu Ling Cole make violins. She grew up in China and he in America. Now they are one of the only violin making teams in the world. Guy Cole or Jiu Ling Cole, 1309 Andromeda Way, Arlington, Texas 76013-8315. 817-492-8350.

David collects and restores antique RV's & campers. The Smithsonian Institute has asked to display several of his RV's. David Woodworth, 19800 Descanso Dr./Tehachapi, CA 93561. 661-822-3352.

Bethany operates the biggest butterfly ranch in Texas & ships them for release at weddings, funerals & special occasions. Route 1, Box 447A Mathis, TX 78268.
830-537-3465.

Show #990, originally aired 8.19.06

Can a real-life Yankee ever become a true Texan? Thomas Tafuro & Christie Kitchens enroll in a school called Cowboy Eye for the City Guy to convert a Yankee into a Texan. Christie Kitchens, Kerrville, TX. www.cowboyeye.com

Meet a really good barber who's got a really bad case of the blues. Tracy Herron, Tracy's Barber Shop, 5971 Williams Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78412. 361-992-6092. www.bahdesign.com/tracyherron

Hit the backroads in search of the most remote grocery store in West Texas near Ruidosa. Celia Hill, State Highway 170 West, Ruidosa, TX. 432-229-4534. lajunta170@hotmail.com

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-Week of 12.31.07-

Show # 583, originally aired 10.31.98

Three generations of the Marshall family are cutting hair at the same shop. James opened the shop 36 years & and hired his daughter and granddaughter. James Marshall, 607 North Greer Blvd/Pittsburg, TX 75686. (903) 856-5535

David repairs historical markers as part of the THC's Historical Markers 2000 project. He's traveled all over the state & cleaned up 4000 signs. David Danenfelzer, Texas Historical Commision/P.O. Box 12276/Austin, TX 78711-2276. (512)463-6100

Shank is the oldest cowboy on the Deep Hollow Ranch, birthplace of the American cowboy. It's the oldest cattle ranch in America, started in 1658. Shank Dickinson, Deep Hollow Ranch/P.O. Box 835/Ranch Road/Montauk, NY 11954. (516) 668-2744

Show # 989, originally aired 08.12.06

Meet the woman responsible for putting up half of the fence line in South East Texas. Betty Ann Seifert, 189 Nelson Rd, Yorktown, TX 78164 MAP (361) 564-3842

Find out if this North Texas preacher really has lost his marbles. Rev. Carroll G. Smith, Lakeside Church of God. 9396 Confederate Park Road, Fort Worth, TX 76135 MAP 817-237-5500 or www.lakesidechurchofgod.com

Plus, pack an easel and some oil paints, it’s time to travel Texas with the Outdoor Painters Society. Outdoor Painters Society, www.outdoorpainterssociety.com

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-Week of 12.24.07-

Show # 486, originally aired 12.21.96

Lady feeds truckers free Thanksgiving dinner out on the interstate in a rest area. Tara Hernandez, 111 Valley View Dr. Kerrville, TX 78028.
(830) 792-5198

Ride along on the night before Christmas with the border patrol agents. George K. Cronin, 8935 Montana Ave. El Paso, TX 79925.
(915) 540-7880

In addition to the millions of lights & displays, Wonderland festivities include entertainment, parade, plays and skating. Wonderland of Lights, Marshall Chamber of Commerce 213 W. Austin Marshall, TX 75670. (903) 935-7868

Show # 955, originally aired 12.17.05

See a new twist on holiday lighting. Ed Mosley, Ed's Lighted Yard. 3479 Texas Hwy 29E. Llano, TX. Visit www.eds-lightedart.com or call 866-247-2162 for more information. (MAP)

Meet a man who designs jewelry...for Christmas trees. Jim Morris, 608 Earl Garrett St. Kerrville, TX 78028. Visit www.jmdesigner.com or call 830-896-8878 for more information. (MAP)

Plus, one viewer chosen at random shows us how she decks the halls. Harriet Rivers, New Braunfels, TX.

And just when we were feeling down, Santa Bob returns in the nick of time.

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-Week of 12.17.07-

Show # 590, originally aired 12.19.98

Stephanie has made candy houses for 42 years. She uses all kinds of candy and trinkets to make her eye-pleasing creations. She is now stopping. Stephanie May, no information available.

This couple spends each Christmas alone in their RV in a different place in the woods each year. Ernie & Randi Alfoldi, 7100 S. Stemmons/Denton, TX 76205.
(940) 497-2161.

Carol Cohanky in Flower Mound, TX remebers her childhood xmas' in Mystic, CT. We follow her Santa a.k.a. Brady White and also see what he does at night. Brady White, 46 Armistice Blvd/Pawtucket, RI 02860. (401) 789-1074 or (401) 725-6481.

Show # 1008, originally aired 12.23.06

Deck the halls in the middle of the West Texas desert. Gage Hotel, 101 Highway 90 West, Marathon, TX 79842 www.gagehotel.com

Discover a magical Old World tradition known as the Christmas Pickle. Linda Dietert, Curator of the Sophienburg Museum. 401 W. Coll St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 MAP (830)629-1572 Toll Free: 1- 866-629-7674 www.nbtx.com/sophienburg

Plus, meet a special young man who's overcoming incredible odds to celebrate Christmas...just like all the other kids. Colby Havard, Vidor, TX MAP

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-Week of 12.10.07-

Show # 582, originally aired 10.24.98

David is a scrap-iron salesman. He sells what he can but with the rest he creates beautiful junk sculptures. David Strickland, 508 Bond St.\Red Oak, TX 75154.
(972) 617-3037.

Kris has been an artist and sculptor all her life. Now she does portraits of people as marionettes, strings and all. Kris Smith, 1170 Hillsboro Mile #203/Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062. (956) 426-4957.

An outsider from Ohio moved to Lipscomb and has revived the town with an art gallery and a dance platform just like the pioneers used. Debby Opdyke, Dance Platform/107 Main Street\Lipscomb, TX 79056. (806) 862-2900.

Show # 988, originally aired 08.05.06

Fly through the trees with the greatest of ease at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. David Beilharz, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, 1223 Paleface RR, Spicewood TX, 78669 MAP (512) 264-8880 or www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com

Find out how one small town is keeping the Last Picture Show alive. Don Stribling, Movieland, 4 N. Austin Ave, Lamesa, TX MAP (806) 872-2750

Plus, walk and talk with a former Warden of the Texas Prison System, as we explore the history of Joe Byrd cemetery. Jim Willett, Byrd Cemetery and Texas Prison Museum, 491 Highway 75 N. Huntsville, TX 77230 MAP www.txprisonmuseum.org or 936-295-2155

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-Week of 12.03.07-

Show # 581, originally aired 10.17.98

The Grahams are giving away their restaurant in Schertz by holding an essay contest. With $100 dollars and the right 250-word essay you can win it. Jim Graham & Nathalie Graham, Nathalie's Restaurant/Essay Contest/P.O. Drawer 820/Schertz, Texas 78154. (210) 945-0051

This inventor has come up with an automatic lawn mower that mows an acre an hour all by itself. Grady Jones, 225 W. Broad/Freeport, Texas 77541.
(409) 265-6191 or 239-2649

Larry is a third-generation artist who has carved a magnificent life-size wooden carousel. Larry Pefferly, 1823 Heart-Leonard Rd/Cornersville, TN 37047.
(931) 293-2674

Show #987, originally aired 07.29.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Escape the city noise and travel to a desert oasis surrounded by hot springs. David & Krissy Sines, Chinati Hot Springs, Box 67 Candelaria Route, Marfa, TX 79843. MAP (432) 229-4165 or www.chinatihotsprings.com

Meet a woman who's turning the twelve days of Christmas into the twelve years of Christmas. Gladys Green, 402 South Wells, Edna, TX 77957. MAP (361) 782-6265

Plus, uncover the bravery of female World War II pilots at the WASP museum. Nancy Parrish, WASP Museum, 210 Loop 170, Sweetwater, TX. MAP (325) 235-0099 or www.waspwwii.org/museum

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-Week of 11.26.07-

Show # 580, originally aired 10.10.98

Meet Grace Berry, the 100 year-old reporter for the Thorndale Champion. Grace Berry, Box 237/Thorndale, TX 76577.

Larita is a wildlife artist. She makes her studio/gallery in an old mattress factory her family has run for more than 60 years. Larita Billups and Cecil Cox, 242 Sycamore Abilene, TX 79602. 915-677-4451.

Visit the Bluebird Taxi Company in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Bill Deaver, 622 N. Main St./Hendersonville, N.C. 28739. 704-693-3544 or 704-693-9896.

Show # 986, originally aired 07.22.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Get new parts for your old car from the Antique Auto Collector. Stacy Brown, Antique Auto Supply, 1225 Colorado, Arlington, TX 76015. (817) 275-2381 MAP

Find out how one Korean War veteran became the last person to ever graduate high school in Spade, Texas. Sherman Jones, 806-622-2258

Plus, check in with the winners of last summer's Texas Country Star competition. Now 10 City Run is taking to the airwaves with their first single and a brand new video! www.10cityrun.com

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-Week of 11.19.07-

Show # 579, originally aired 10.03.98

Rob's works as a pharmacist at Wal-Mart but he also makes trophy bats on his own lathe. He always tests them out with his kids in the back yard. Rob Sellers, 609 Lux/Waco, TX 76706. 254-662-5041

Maggie tends Monticello's vegetable garden where the same varieties planted during the time of Thomas Jefferson still grow. Maggie Thompson/Whitney Espich, Monticello, P.O. Box 217/Charlottesville, VA 22902. 804-984-9822.

The MC&SA Railroad has been keeping the little logging community of Camden alive for 100 years. Robert Moore, 936-398-2511 Ext 207.

Show # 977, originally aired 05.20.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Learn how to make the ultimate handyman accessory, duct tape wallets! That's right, duct tape wallets! Louise Stevens, 960 Pecan St. Azle, TX 76020 MAP (214) 802-9175 or johnny.stevens2@gte.net

Enjoy classy cuisine made from farm fresh Texas foods in San Antonio. Brian & Elise Montgomery, Texas Farm to Table, 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215 MAP (210) 444-1404

Plus, find out why they call them cow-BOYS instead of cow-MEN. Riggin Johnson, Paducah, TX MAP

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-Week of 11.12.07-

show #577, originally aired 09.19.98

Glenn has been collecting matchbooks for over 50 years. He has amassed a collection of over 250,000 matchbooks from all over the world. Glenn Reedholm, 511 Horseshoe Ln/Burkburnett, TX 76354. 940-569-9281.

Clyde makes primitive animal sculptures from cedar trees with his chainsaw. Clyde Jones, Box 44/Bynum, NC 27228.

Tex is the founder of almost 60 year-old Camp Longhorn, a summer camp for kids in Inks Lake. He is also a former Olympic swimmer. Tex Robertson, #1 Longhorn Rd. Burnet, TX 78611. 512-793-2811.

Show #976, originally aired 05.13.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a painter whose innovative technique is a stroke of genius. John Bramblitt, Denton, TX. MAP www.bramblitt.net
John's artwork is featured on the Texas Governor's Committee 2006 poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Congratulations from Texas Country Reporter!

Find out why two thousand British Royal Air Force pilots came to Texas during World War Two. Henry Madgwick, No 1 BFTS Museum Inc. 119 Silent Wings Blvd. Terrell, TX 75160 MAP (972) 524-1714

Plus, visit a museum dedicated to life during the Great Depression. Robert Smith, 1013 South 7th, Lamesa, TX. MAP (806) 872-3413

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-Week of 11.05.07-

Show #576, originally aired 09.12.98

Jack has been collecting Texas Movie Posters for over 50 years. He has so many now that he has to keep them in a separate house. Jack DeVere, 4737 View/San Antonio/78228. 210-432-5365.

Leola makes lye soap in her backyard kettle. She uses it to wash her laundry and as a home remedy. Leola Althaus.

In this Discovers America story, Duane Pasco is one of the best totem pole carvers in America. He lives on an island outside of Seattle. Duane Pasco, 19330 Widme Road, N.E./Poulsbo, WA 98370. 206-779-5584

Show #975, originally aired 05.06.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a man with a passion for the spinning windmills of West Texas. Kees Verheul, PO Box 5110, San Angelo, TX 76902. MAP (800) 854-1656, E-mail: aermotor@wcc.net or visit aermotorwindmill.com

Cross the Rio Grande aboard the last hand pulled ferry on the US border. Los Ebanos, TX MAP

Plus, meet a man named Ran Horn, from Van Horn, an artist who's obsessed with...none other than...Van Gogh. Ran Horn's Van Gogh Gallery, 202 East Broadway, Van Horn, TX. MAP www.vangoghtx.com

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-Week of 10.29.07-

show #559, originally aired 05.16.98

A husband & wife artist team create 'marquetry' - an ancient art form. Spider Johnson and Lora Hunt, 915-347-6360. P.O. Box 1247 or 105 Fulton St., Mason, Texas 76856.

This Silver Star has been driving the same school bus route for 48 years, the longest we know of. His goal is 50 years. Lester Henry, 830-672-9551. (830/540-4605 Private).

94 year-old man makes wooden airplane propellers. Back in the 20's he was a barnstormer flying from town to town taking folks on their first flight. Ray Hegy, 915-729-4249. P.O. Box 124 Marfa, TX 79843.

show #974, originally aired 04.28.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Find out if a bird in the hand is really worth two in the bush. Ron Smith, 100 W. Moore Rd. #24, Pharr, TX 78577. MAP (956) 781-4542 or www.northbirding.com/carver

Meet a man who's busy as a bee making all natural wax candles. Jon Peavy, 132 Fort McKavitt St., Mason, TX 76856. MAP 888-574-2445 or beeswaxco.com

Plus, he calls them hurricane Rita's forgotten victims; fallen oaks, pines, and magnolia trees. Now this East Texas artist is putting wasted wood to good use. Keith Allison, 3865 N. Tram, Vidor, TX. MAP (409)783-9882 or www.allisonartgallery.com

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-Week of 10.22.07-

show #558, originally aired 05.09.98

Merle is one of Dewitt County's "Pickers & Pluckers." They pick wildflowers to replenish the state's only month-long live exhibit. Merle Bramlette, 512-275-9942. P.O. Box 995, Cuero, TX 77954.

25 years ago this Silver Star started the Easter Hill Country Tour at the age of 40. Today, well over 1,000 participate each year. Barbara Hutchinson, 806-794-3201. 5409 86th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424.

Oma Bell is the last surviving sister of a prominent Hill Country ranching family. She's donating the property to a home for needy children. Oma Bell Perry, 830-367-2131. P.O. Box 67, Ingram, TX 78025.

show #973, originally aired 04.21.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet up with our old friend from West Texas at the Hotel Limpia. Joe Duncan, Hotel Limpia, P.O. Box 1838 Ft. Davis, TX 79734. 1-800-662-5517 or www.hotellimpia.com MAP

Discover the hidden healing powers of native plants in the South Texas scrub brush. Benito Treviño, P.O. Box 442, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. (956) 486-2576 or www.rancholomitas.com MAP

Plus, find out why one artist is making myths out of metal. The answer...is blowin' in the wind. David Smith, 16818 Red Gully Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478 MAP (281)277-2974. dsmith192001@yahoo.com or www.davidsmithart.com

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-Week of 10.15.07-

show #557, originally aired 05.02.98

A woman shoed horses in New York for 17 years, but now sculpts life-sized "line sculptures" of horses from straight steel rods. Esther Benedict, 830-460-8176. HC 3, Box 978 Bandera, TX 78003.

This Silver Star founded a home 35 years ago. He's now retiring so that he can spend less time on administrative duties and concentrate on the kids! Buddy Owens, 956-585-4847. Rio Grande Children's Home, Rt., 11, Box 535, Mission, TX 78572.

This first mill in Texas almost closed, but a beginner has taken over. It's producing blankets on all original equipment dating to 1886. Mary Leggett, 915/853-2541. 409 S.W. Main St., Eldorado, TX 76936.

show #972, originally aired 04.14.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a fisherman who picked up a plasma cutter, headed for the junkyard and reeled in some art. Michael Gilbert, Michael's Metals. (281) 996-0779. Friendswood, TX. MAP

Travel to South Texas to watch the birdwatchers at the World Birding Center. Jennifer Owen, World Birding Center, 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive. Mission, TX 78572. (956) 584-9156 Ext. 234 www.worldbirdingcenter.org MAP

Plus, visit the renovation of a historic West Texas home that once housed two presidents. Bill Scott, PO Box 8586 Midland, TX 79708. (866) 684-4380. Home located at: 1412 West Ohio Ave. Midland, TX 79701. MAP www.bushchildhoodhome.org

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-Week of 10.08.07-

show #556, originally aired 04.25.98

While members of the Texas Baptist Men Camp Building Ministry travel all over the state, their wives go along to sew blankets and clothes for the poor. Neva Baxter, 806-983-3954. Rt. 4, Box 76, Floydada, TX 79235.

This Silver Star saw that border history was disappearing, so she started taking pictures to preserve it. She now has numerous awards. Rose Trevinio, 956-724-7924. 102 Mize Drive, Laredo, TX 78045-1986.

This suburban dweller practices the ancient craft of tinning, creating housewares from tools that date back 200 years or more. C.D. Preston, 830-257-4539. 1309 Carol Ann, Kerrville, TX 78028.

show #965, originally aired 2.24.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...It's a little bit shuffleboard and a little bit bowling. Find out why curling fever is sliding into Texas. Mark Davis, E-mail: mdavis@wbap.com website: www.dfwcurling.com Duncanville, TX MAP

Meet a woman who's making an impression on the art world with her unique printing techniques. Deda Garlitz, Photo gallery: DedaGarlitzArt.Shutterfly.com E-mail: dgarlitz@ktc.com Kerrville, TX MAP

Plus, visit the only drugstore/soda shop in the world where you can sit and sip a secret concoction called The Grapefruit Highball. Therman Bridges, 104 E. Columbia, San Augustine, TX 75972. (936) 275-3401 MAP

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-Week of 10.01.07-

show #536, originally aired 12.06.97

Two sisters have been playing the accordion as a duet for more than 50 years in local parades and rest homes. Ruby Schwartz & Allene Presley, Ruby: 915-465-4309 Allene: 915-658-5914

'Faye's Texas Naturals' sells homemade jellies and sauces made with the very hot petin pepper. Faye Irby, Faye's Texas Naturals. 800-231-3293. P.O. Box 116, Goliad, TX 77963

Man creates humorous and bizarre face sculptures with paper-mache. Alan Gerson, 409-836-4935, 307 W. Alamo, Brenham, TX 77833

show #964, originally aired 2.18.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Travel to Coleman, Texas where bootmaking is a family tradition. Tex Robin, 115 W. 8th Street Box 35, Coleman, TX 76834. (325) 625-5556. www.texrobinboots.com MAP

Sidle up to the soda fountain for a real root beer float at The Old Store. Don Frei, 712 Hwy. 320 Westphaila, TX 76656. (254) 584-4994. www.theoldstorewestphalia.com MAP

Plus, find out why one West Texas town is going to pieces. John & Bette Hope, 211 Ninth Street, Levelland, TX 79336. (806) 894-4062. E-mail: jdhope@llano.net MAP

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-Week of 9.24.07-

show #535, originally aired 11.29.97

Maynard & Kenny Haddad own and operate the H & H Car Wash and Coffee Shop. It opened in 1958 and it hasn't changed a bit. Maynard & Kenny Haddad 701 E. Yandell, El Paso, TX 79902 ph# 915-533-1144

George is carrying on a Luling tradition by painting cute moving characters on oil pumps. George Kalisek, Luling Chamber of Commerce, 421 E. Davis, Luling, TX 78648 ph# 830-875-3214 www.lulingcc.org

Imogene has been teaching Second Grade for 55 years. She's even taught 4 generations of the same family. Imogene Glenn Rt. 1, Box 374-A1, Yantis, TX 75497 ph# 903-878-2697

show #963, originally aired 2.11.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...The fuel is unleaded and the food is premium. Find out where you can get gasoline and gourmet grub all under one roof. Franson Nwaeze, Chef Point Cafe. 5901 Watauga Road, Watauga, TX 76148. (817) 656-0080. www.chefpointcafe.org E-mail: chefpoint@comcast.net

And for dessert, dig into the valley's newest taste sensation - grapefruit pie! Will & Julie Klement, 4508 N. Taylor Rd. McAllen, TX 78504. (800) 580-1002. Grapefruit Pie Recipe E-mail: mrscitrus@aol.com

Plus, he's painting the town in reds, greens and blues, but he'll be spending the night in the county jail. Harry Hamlin c/o County Attorney Steve Payson, 2201 South 5th Street, Lamesa, TX 79331. (806) 872-5610

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-Week of 9.17.07-

Show # 534, originally aired 11.22.97

Nick Nichol makes vases, bowls, and tables from huge tree trunks hoisted and attached to a large wood lathe. Sadly Nick has passed away.

Betty plays music on the saw with her blind granddaughter, Janet, accompanying her on the piano. Betty Rector HCR 1, Box 16, Friona, TX 79035 ph# 806-265-3420 blr@wtrt.net

This artist rescues antique hardware and fixtures from abandoned homesteads and recycles it on his ornate birdhouses. Randy Martin "Out on a Limb" P.O. Box 1144, Van, TX 75790 ph# 903-963-7686

show # 962, originally aired 2.4.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Folks are flocking to this Gulf Coast souvenir shop to meet the biggest celebrity in Port Aransas. Cassandra Clark and Chester. P.O. Box 2608 Port Aransas, TX 78373. (361) 749-7602

He takes beat up basses and makes them new again. Meet a restorer who won't let the music die. David Graham. Graham's String Shop, 1936 East Abram St. Arlington, TX 76010. (817) 861-2518. www.grahamsstringshop.com

Plus, see what happens when a potter throws new light into an ancient art form. Bill and Maggie Finley. Finley Pottery, 6914 CR 271 Mico, TX 78056. (830) 612-2030. www.finepots.com

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-Week of 09.10.07-

Show # 533, originally aired11.15.97

Reed collects driftwood from the Brazos River and enhances it with sculpture. Reed Hubbell 20316 County Road, Brazoria, Texas 77422-8381 ph# 409-798-7914

Cornelia Cope is an 89-year-old tennis coach. She gives free tennis lessons to area children. Sadly Cornelia has passed away.

Linda is the 87-year-old mayor and rural mail carrier for Channing, TX. She does the mayor's duties and drives a 105 mile long mail route every day. Linda Underwood (Ethel's granddaughter) P.O. Box 23, Channing, TX 79018 Ph# 806-659-3983

Show # 954, originally aired 12.10.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, visit a tiny Texas town that is the inspiration for many a musical masterpiece. Doug Smith: Visit www.dougsmith.com or call 1-800-269-7552.

We remember our friend Opal Hunt and her touching story. Opal Hunt passed away earlier this year.

Plus, pies so high they touch the sky! Debbie and Gerald Wiles, Rock Inn Cafe. Located at 207 West California Street, Seymour, TX 76380. 940-888-2322.

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-Week of 09.03.07-

Show # 532, originally aired 11.8.97

Patrons at this farm pay for produce by leaving money in an old cash register on the porch. Jan Balekian at the Double Oak Ranch ph# 817-430-4536

John restores antique radios with original parts. John Campbell HC 70, Box 302, Sabinal, TX 78881 ph# 830-988-7150

A video scrapbook of our favorite moments and memories from the 2nd Annual Texas Country Reporter Reunion.

Show# 953, originally aired 12.3.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a big crime in a small town and it's got the whole community wondering who pulled off the "camper caper". Don Hemby, 2908 Nicholson Drive, Tyler, TX 75707. Call 903-581-2604 or 903-549-2130.

Visit a Texas bed-and-breakfast that's way out west. The Gage Hotel: 102 W. Hwy 90 Marathon, Texas 79842. Call 1-800-884-GAGE or visit www.gagehotel.com

Plus, he was just looking to gather antique wood from a forgotten farmhouse, but he found so much more. Doug Ricketts, 15951 Hwy. 213 Higgins, TX 79046. Call 806-862-2205 or write to doug@ricketts.com

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-Week of 08.27.07-

Show # 531, originally aired 11.1.97

The University of Texas at El Paso band director teams up with several scientists to study the science of the steel drum. Larry White Fox Fine Arts Center, Room M301 500 West University Avenue El Paso TX 79968-0552 ph# 915-747-7802 www.utep.edu

This Silver Star has been repairing watches at the same store for 50 years. James Reeh Staudt's Jewelry, 1705 16th St. Orange, TX 77630 ph# 409-883-2107

Paula creates large brick murals for companies across the country then she flies her own plane to check on her projects. Paula Collins, 1223 Highland Park Rd. Denton, TX 76205 ph# 940-383-3384 www.sculpturelady.com

Show #952, originally aired 11.26.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a farmer who's turning bad breath into big business. Bob Anderson, Gourmet Garlic Gardens. 12300 FM 1176 Bangs, TX 76823. www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com (866) 348-3049

Go on a night time swamp tour in search of the state's biggest lizards. Amos Cooper, 10 Parks and Wildlife Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77640. (409)736-2551 or amos.cooper@tpwd.state.tx

Plus, find out how one south Texas grocery man is bringing a big sound to little towns. Jim Helmke, La Vernia, TX. E-mail: paradesound@yahoo.com

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-Week of 8.20.07-

show #530, originally aired 10.25.97

They still play nine pin bowling at the old Fischer Bowling Alley. There's no machines here. Children set the pins and return the balls. Jo Schwab or Doris Rust (the Club Manager) ph# 830-935-4800

This 76-year-old Silver Star shoes horses from the back of his pick-up, covering a five county area. Wayne Williams, No information available.

Two friends share their passion for restoring old Ford Model T and Model A's. Julius Neunhoffer 2505 Lower Turtle Creek Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 ph# 830-257-8168

show # 951, originally aired 11.19.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a couple determined to revive Vaudeville. Granger and Penny Esch, Salado Silver Spur. www.saladosilverspur.com

Visit a hotel where everyday is a blessing. Helen Feldhousen, Hotel Blessing.

And find out how one woman is hot on the trail of Texas history. Lisa Lee. 3615 Valley Haven Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339. (281) 359-6607

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-Week of 08.13.07-

Show # 529, originally aired 10.18.97

Day or night, Joni chainsaws fallen trees into huge bear sculptures in front of her small town gallery. Joni Hamari Hamari Gallery, Highway 39, Ingram, TX 78025 ph# 830-367-4476

Gerald makes recordings of animal calls for use by nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Gerald Stewart, Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls, P.O. Box 7594, Waco 76714 ph# 800-537-0652 or 254-772-3261 www.johnnystewart.com

At 90 years old this spirited senior still competes in seniors' track meets and wins! No information available.

Show # 950, originally aired 11.12.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover who's behind the classical murals of Fredericksburg, TX. Lee and Matt Casbeer, LMC Murals. Call 866-493-4863 or visit www.lmcmurals.com for more information.

Meet a man who's a real model citizen. Edgar Seay Sr., MAL Hobby Shop. 108 S. Lee St. Irving, Texas 75060. 972-438-9233
or toll free in the USA at 877 602 2366. www.malhobby.com

And see why everyday's a piece of cake for one East Texas baker. Margie Begley. 409-584-1447. Broaddus, TX.

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-Week of 8.06.07-

Show # 528, originally aired 10.11.97

Real Musgrave is the creator of the Pocket Dragon collectibles, very popular in Europe with clubs and even a cartoon show. RETIRED. Real & Muff Musgrave 800-355-2582

This Silver Star has been building Spanish flamenco guitars for 40 years. Tom Blackshear, No Information Available

Survivor of WWII's Bataan Death March travels to White Sands, NM to witness a soldiers' memorial march. Menandro Parazo, 6705 Morningside, El Paso TX 79905 ph# 915-565-7607

Show # 949, originally aired 11.5.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover how many mesquite trees it takes to make a forest. Carrie Atchison: 806-746-5801, or mail to Rt. 3 Box 216 Lubbock, TX 7940

Hit the nail on the head...at the hammer museum! Butch Lackey, Hammer Museum 540 S. San Antonio St. Center Point, TX 830-634-7783

Plus, twin sisters take us back to simpler times through the art of poetry. Jo Ellen Fant: 409-962-1250, Mail to- 4000 Harrison, Groves, TX 77619 and Dorothy Roberts: 409-722-5515, Mail to- 215 Hardy Ave., Nederland, TX 77627. For book purchasing information contact Susan Seymour at 409-727-7471, or mail to 1828 Franklin, Nederland, TX 77627

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-Week of 7.30.07-

Show # 528, originally aired 10.11.97

Real Musgrave is the creator of the Pocket Dragon collectibles, very popular in Europe with clubs and even a cartoon show. RETIRED. Real & Muff Musgrave 800-355-2582

This Silver Star has been building Spanish flamenco guitars for 40 years. Tom Blackshear, No Information Available

Survivor of WWII's Bataan Death March travels to White Sands, NM to witness a soldiers' memorial march. Menandro Parazo, 6705 Morningside, El Paso TX 79905 ph# 915-565-7607

Show # 949, originally aired 11.5.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover how many mesquite trees it takes to make a forest. Carrie Atchison: 806-746-5801, or mail to Rt. 3 Box 216 Lubbock, TX 7940

Hit the nail on the head...at the hammer museum! Butch Lackey, Hammer Museum 540 S. San Antonio St. Center Point, TX 830-634-7783

Plus, twin sisters take us back to simpler times through the art of poetry. Jo Ellen Fant: 409-962-1250, Mail to- 4000 Harrison, Groves, TX 77619 and Dorothy Roberts: 409-722-5515, Mail to- 215 Hardy Ave., Nederland, TX 77627. For book purchasing information contact Susan Seymour at 409-727-7471, or mail to 1828 Franklin, Nederland, TX 77627

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-Week of 7.23.07-

Show # 527, originally aired 10.4.97

Rose is one of the last accordion repair persons, yet can't play a note. Rosie Ridgeway 329 Piper Blvd., Port Aransas, TX 78373 ph# 800-654-1402 Accordion.Rose@centuryinter.net.

This 81-year-old Silver Star has been a volunteer fireman for more than 50 years. No information available.

The Concho River is one of the last fresh water pearl producers. Our pearl hunter uses these unique purple stones in Texas style jewelry. Mark Priest, Owner of Legend Jewelers 16 East Concho Avenue, San Angelo, Texas 76903 ph# 915-653-0112 www.legendjewelers.com

Show # 948, originally aired 10.29.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...They're a husband and wife team that really mows down the competition. Tim and Patty Robinson of the LSMRA. Email Patty: preciousmowments@boldwireless.net or Tim: mowron@boldwireless.net or visit www.mowerracing.com for more information.

Meet an artist who is really making waves in Seadrift, TX. Dieter Erhard, the Art=Center Seadrift. Call 361-785 5050 or write to 601-609 Broadway, Seadrift TX 79833. Visit www.artcenter-seadrift.com for more information.

And find out why birdwatchers are flocking to one South Texas backyard. Allen Williams: 956-460-9864, or mail to 750 W. Sam Houston, Pharr, TX 78577.

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-Week of 07.16.07-

Show # 509, originally aired 5.31.97

The Lajitas Trading Post is one of the only places you can get tinajas, a stone vessel hand carved by Mexican craftsmen. Roger Gibson, owner Lajitas Trading Post. Lajitas Trading Post Star Route 70, Box 436 Lajitas, TX 79852 ph# 915-424-3234

Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of the Nation" we visit their rose garden of 30,000 rose bushes. Tyler Rose Garden 420 South Rose Park Tyler, TX 75702 ph# Museum 903-597-3130, Garden .903-531-1212 www.texasrosefestival.com

Three cowboys patrol Fort Bliss' most remote areas. They call themselves Range Riders. Dean Wood or Capt. Collins Public Affairs U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center Fort Bliss, TX 79916-0058 Ph# 915-569-9211 or 915-568-4623

Show # 947, originally aired 10.22.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...He's a former Texas Master Plumber who gave up wrench wrangling for finger picking. Chuck Lee, Lee Banjo Company, 112 Silverwood Ovilla, Texas 75154. Call (972) 617-5576 or visit www.leebanjos.com for more information.

He's a hard workin' cop that's really hoofin' it. Officer Maurice Floyd of the Fort Worth Police Department Mounted Patrol. Visit www.fortworthpd.com/mounted.htm for more information.

Meet a man who holds a special seat at the Capitol. Richard Eisenhour, Collections Coordinator. 201 E. 14th St. Austin, TX 512-463-5495

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-Week of 7.09.07-

Show # 508, originally aired 5.24.97

The Cascarone Ladies meet once a week to make 1000s of confetti-filled eggs or "cicerones." The money they raise helps to restore local historic buildings. Peggy Anderson Night in old San Antonio 511 Paseo De La Villita San Antonio, TX 7820 ph# 210-226-5188.

The McDonald Observatory is a world-class facility where visitors can take a peak at the heavens. McDonald Observatory Visitor Center P.O. Box 133 Fort Davis, TX 79734-1337 ph# 915-426-3640 mcdonaldobservatory.org

Local high school students are restoring La Purisima Mission's pews. It's an effort to keep historic mission open. Arturo Morales, Restoration Chairman LaPurisima Mission 328 Nevarez Rd. El Paso, TX 79927 ph# 915-859-7718

Show # 925, originally aired 5.21.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Meet a man who sees a thing of beauty in every wrecked car on his lot. Jerry Perry, Crashmasters. 7413 Andrews Highway, Odessa, TX 79765. 432-339-0265.

Discover an impressive petaled display of flowers that's downright wild. Sam Jones, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens. 8545 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78413. (361) 852-2100 www.ccbotanicalgardens.org

Plus, follow the majestic flight of a South Texas falcon up and down the western hemisphere. Alan Tennant, Wildlife Researcher. 432-386-4119.

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-Week of 7.02.07-

Show # 507, originally aired 5.17.06

Walter investigates UFO sightings & abductions. Walter Andrus, 103 Old Towne Road Sequin, TX 78155-4099 ph# 210-379-9216

The Confederate Air Force rescues and refurbishes WWII planes then they send them soaring in the air again. Confederate Air Force Midland International Airport 9600 Wright Dr. Midland, 79711 ph# 915-563-1000

Show # 924, originally aired 5.14.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- March with us to San Antonio, and meet a man who's keeping up the beat with his past. Fred Diaz-Alamo City Band, American Legion Hall, Post 2, 3518 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201. (210)-733-0120. www.alamocityband.org

Take a peek into an oh-so-silent South Texas House of Prayer. Father Kelly- Lebh Shomea House of Prayer- La Parra Ranch, P.O. Box 9, Sarita, TX 78385. (361)-294-5369. www.lebhshomea.org

Plus, when it comes to capturing Kodak moments in the wild, this photographer is a natural. Ruth Hoyt- Puerto Rico Ranch, PO Box 3, Linn, TX 78563. (956) 481-3700. www.ruthhoyt.com

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-Week of 6.25.07-

Show #506, originally aired 5.10.97

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center exhibits TX fish found in Ponds, Lakes & Streams. It has two million gallons of 'underwater' exhibits. 5550 Flat Creek Rd. Athens, TX 75751 ph# 903-676-2277 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc

The Licon Family has been making asadero cheese for 70 years using milk from their dairy. Maria Licon and Gene Licon Jr. ph# 915-851-2705

The entire congregation at St. Mary Church has moved on, all but the Rev. George Anderson and his wife Hazle. They still have weekly services just for the two of them. No information available.

Show # 923, originally aired 5.7.05

Sally Jones lives in an RV and works at the Big Bend Ranch State Park visitors center, one and a half hours down a 26-mile dirt road behind a gate. Tony Galindo, P. O. Box 2319 Presidio, TX 79845 ph# 432-229-3416

World Champion Rodeo Competitor Sherri Mell teaches disabled children to ride through the ROPER program. Sherri Mell, P. O. Box 201512, San Antonio, TX 78220-8512 ph# 210-633-2042

The biggest Bluebonnets in Texas grow naturally in the Big Bend area. Waynelle Strachan raises them in greenhouses for cut flowers. Waynelle Strachan, Alazan Bluebonnets, 12281 N. Loop Rd. Clint, TX 79836 ph# 915-851-1238

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-Week of 6.18.07-

Show # 505, originally aired 5.3.97

Chuck creates intricate tables that resemble fancy lace, out of iron he likes to call his creations ironwood lace. Chuck McCarthy, 68 Sundown Parkway, Austin, TX 78746-5258 ph# 512-926-9633 or 512-327-2863

At 84, Stubby Baldwin is the world's oldest rock-n-roll weatherman. Sadly Stubby passed away in 2002.

We visited the new Wildflower Center to celebrate spring and wildflowers and it's open year round. National Wildflower Research Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, TX 78739 ph# 512-292-4100 www.wildflower.org

Show # 922, originally aired 4.30.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Spend some time in the workshop with the blind handymen. Phil Parr and the Blind Handyman Show. 936-634-9500, 1604 Southwood, Lufkin, TX 75904. phil@philparr.net , www.acbradio.org

Find out why this East Texas artist loves making homes for gnomes. Joseph Hopps of Arbor Castle Birdhouses. www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com

Plus, meet four men from four walks of life who are making one incredible sound. Fraven Adams- 806-765-0050. Singing Plainsmen -806-795-9978 . Lubbock, TX. www.harmonize.com/singingplainsmen/

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-Week of 6.11.07-

Show # 497, originally aired 3.8.97

At 26, Chris owns a thriving furniture co. that provides unique pieces made of stone & steel. Chris Wynn 'Furniture by Design' 1131 Slocum Dallas, TX 75207 ph# 214-760-2450

Not much has changed in pottery over the last 2,000 years. Sonny is a potter and is passing the art along to two young kids. Sonny Moss, Mud Creek Pottery, 501 Main St. Calvert, TX 77837 ph# 409-364-3730

Hallie is known as a legend around Big Bend country. Her daughter has opened a museum to honor her mother's life. Hallie Stillwell, Stillwell Ranch HC-65 Box 430, Alpine, TX 79830 ph# 915-376-2244 www.freeranger.com/stillwell

Show # 921, originally aired 4.23.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out how these East Texas cowpokes have found their way back to the farm via New York City. Guy and Pip Gillette at the Camp St. Cafe. 215 S. Third Street, Crockett, TX 75835. (936) 54- 8656 or toll free (877) 544-8656. www.campstreetcafe.com

Meet a couple of cousins who have brought art and commerce back to downtown Golden, Texas. Karen Musgraves and Cathy Pegues. Belben Nest Gallery. FM 779 & 1799, Golden, Texas. 903-768-2335. Visit www.texaspaintedladies.com or www.belbennest.com

Plus, there hasn't been a movie theater in Marfa for as long as anybody can remember but a blind man on a bicycle is bringing the silver screen back to life. Gary Olliver. P.O. Box 1174, Marfa, TX 79843. 432-729-4280. Email Gary at golliver@sbcglobal.net

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-Week of 6.4.07-

show # 496, originally aired 3.1.97

The past 44 years, domino players from all over gather in Halletsville in hopes of winning the title of best in dominoes. Bob Pesek, TX State Champion Domino Tourney, Knights of Columbus Hwy77 S. Hallettsville TX 77964 ph# 512-798-2267

In commemoration of Sam Houston's 200th Birthday, the city of Houston and artist David Adickes created a 67ft statue of Big Sam. Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center P.O. Box 1230 Huntsville, TX 77342-1230 ph# 409-291-9723 www.samhoustonstatue.org

Topaz, the state gemstone of Texas, is only found in the creek beds of Mason, TX. Wilburn can spot one from a mile away. Wilburn Shearer P.O. Box 641 Mason, TX 76856 ph# 915-347-5783

show #920, originally aired 04.16.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter-find out how Decatur High School is getting more horse power with girl power. Rick Elmore, Decatur High School, 1201 W. Thompson Street Decatur, Texas 76234. 940-627-2155. www.decatur.esc11.net/Campuses/dhs/

Roll a few frames with a custom fit bowling ball. Pete and Mike Joseph. 8951 Dyer, El Paso, TX 79904. 915-751-4551.

Plus, meet an East Texas woman who's threading the past to the present by restoring old quilts. Genell Dement. 903-639-4147. Hughes Springs, Texas.

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-Week of 5.28.07-

Show # 495, originally aired 2.22.97

Duane Simpson makes furniture from old telephone poles, telegraph poles, oil field sucker rods, etc. Duane Simpson, Lone Star Iron Works, 229 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028-5304 ph# 830-896-3323

Galveston is a lot more than a beach resort. She's one of the most colorful cities in the state. Galveston Convention & Visitor Bureau, 2106 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, TX 77550 ph# 800-351-4236 www.galveston.com

Flocks of wild Red Crown Parrots are living free in the Rio Grande valley. Father Tom helped get them named a resident species. 956-421-3936

Show # 919, originally aired 4.9.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out why this legendary law enforcement officer is responsible for the phrase...One riot, one Ranger. Joaquin Jackson and Liz Jackson, Box C101 - Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, TX. 79830. 432-837-8143.

Is it art or is it junk? Meet an artist with a welder who says it's a little bit of both. Gary Russell, 5380 Creekside, Melissa, TX 75454. 972-837-2365

Plus, her distinctive voice has taken this yodeling cowgirl from Fort Worth all the way around the world. Devon Dawson, 817-521-4969, www.cowtownopry.org, dawson@ev1.net

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-Week of 5.21.07-

Show # 494, originally aired 2.15.97

Back in the 1800s a faith healer named Don Pedrito healed thousands. Even today people still use his folk remedies for healing. For directions to the shrine please contact the Falfurrias Chamber of Commerce ph# 361-325-333 or www.falfurrias-tx.com

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for Johnson Space Center. Exhibits include interactive activities as well as neat artifacts from US space missions. Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Road 1 Houston, TX 77058 ph# 800-972-0369 www.spacecenter.org

In his spare time, yardman Ridge Floyd tours the world as a classical concert pianist. Ridge Floyd P.O. Box 650 Hunt, TX 78024 ph# 830-238-4754

Show # 914, originally aired 3.5.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, try the newest fad in fatty foods from the big city of Snook, TX.: Frank Sodolak, Sodolak's Original Country Inn. Just off of Highway 60 West in Snook, TX. PH#-979.272.6002

Give a warm welcome to blooming flowers and chirping birds…springtime is almost here!

Plus, find out how this former track star is overcoming the odds and proving what it means to be a soldier. Scott Palomino, El Paso, TX. PH#- 915-240-3082. spizz2413@yahoo.com

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-Week of 5.14.07-

Show # 493, originally aired 2.8.97

Jeff Synder takes his 1974 Cadillac to do battle at the Demolition Derby. No Information Available.

Evers Hardware opened in 1885 and it is still owned and operated by same family. A step inside is like a step back in time. Evers Hardware, 109 W. Hickory, Denton, TX 76201 ph# 817-382-5513

Don Belcik came home to care for his sick father and picked-up his profession of welding and now Don is a sought after sculptor. Don Belcik, P.O. Box 1696, San Antonio, TX 78296 ph# 800-232-5580

Show # 913, originally aired 2.26.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, explore the final frontier with a handmade telescope. Tom Noe, Teleport Telescopes, 4030 North Highway 78, Wylie, TX, 75098. PH#-972-442-5232. www.teleporttelescopes.com or tomnoe@teleporttelescopes.com

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of an Old West oasis. Dieter Gerzymisch, Cattleman's Steakhouse, near Fabens, TX (30 Miles east of El Paso) PH# (915) 544-3200. www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com

Plus, find out why this Texas author is singing the blues. Kathleen Hudson, PhD. P.O. Box 291945 Kerrville, TX. 78029. PH# 830-792-1945. www.texasheritagemusic.org

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-Week of 5.7.07-

Show # 492, originally aired, 2.19.97

Hot mineral water flows from natural springs underneath Marlin some people believe that the water has healing powers. Dr. David Fedro, Hwy Business 6 West, Marlin, TX 76661 ph# Marlin Chamber of Commerce 254-883-2171. Dr. David Fedro, 254-883-3578 www.marlintexas.com

In commemoration of the TX Centennial, the Hall of State was constructed to honor the heroes of the TX Revolution. Hall of State, 3939 Grand Ave. Fair Park Dallas, TX 75315 ph# 214-421-4500 www.hallofstate.com

Ed Montana plays music at the Big Texan steakhouse, works cattle and tours Europe as a country music sensation. Ed Montana, 3333 East 3rd Street, Amarillo, TX 79104 ph# 806-376-5674

Show # 912, originally aired 2.19.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a fire fighter who never gets tired of the daily grind. Jonathan Flynn, Fireman's Coffee, 1802 Winding Hollow, Katy, TX. 77450. PH#- 281-398-6747 or 281-808-3766.

Plus, re-visit the red earth of Tara right here in Texas. Bobbie Hardy, Gone With The Wind Museum, 408 Taylor Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. PH#- 903-665-1939. www.scarlettohardy.com

Find out why the war in Iraq is hitting a close to home for this close-knit family of shoe cobblers. Jaret and Walter Tatar, Wayne's Shoe Repair, 407 West Main, Denison, TX 75020. PH#- 903-465-9301.

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-Week of 4.30.07-

Show # 485, originally aired 12.14.96

Bobby Rodriguez found families of craftsmen in Mexico who make furniture from old wood. Bobby Rodriquez, 1155 Larry Mahan, Suite K El Paso, TX 79925 ph# 915-566-2025

Muleshoe is home to the state's oldest national wildlife refuge. It is a wintering area for waterfowl & sand hill cranes. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, Don Clapp, Manager, P.O. Box 549, Muleshoe, TX 79347 ph# 806-946-3341 www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/muleshoe/index.html

Johnny Holick makes the famous Texas A&M Corps of Cadet Sr. Boots. At the age of 89, Johnny is retiring. Sadly Johnny has passed away, but Holick's Boot Shop is still in operation. Holick's Boot Shop 106 College Main College Station, TX 77840 ph# 979.846.6721 www.holicks.com/

Show # 911, originally aired 2.12.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a man who's coming out of retirement to perform a real class act. M.G. Vasquez, Lounge Singer, 109 Bowling Green Drive, Victoria, TX. 77904. PH# 361-578-4763. Mvasquez@cox-internet.com

Find out why El Paso locals are going loco for "The old place by the graveyard." Leo Duran, L & J Cafe. 3622 East Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. 915-566-8418

Plus, discover how a historic and nearly forgotten hotel found it's salvation...in the sweet strains of a melody. John Defoore, Beckham Hotel. 115 E Commerce St. Mineola, TX 75773. 903-569-8037. www.pineywoodspicknparlor.com

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-Week of 4.23.07-

Show # 484, originally aired 12.7.96

Tina & her sidekick Birka are members of the search & rescue team -- they spend hours training to save people's lives. Children Education Search & Rescue, P.O. Box 612441, DFW Airport, TX 75261-2441 ph# 817-679-0988

Sims Spur Co. is the largest spur manufacturer in the country. Sims Spur Company, Pax Irvine, 1108 Main Street Bandera, TX 78003 ph# 210-796-3803

Allan Carr carves rocking horses. He has restored an old horse statue that stood out in front of Donaho Saddle shop since the Civil War.

Show # 902, originally aired 2.11.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a little bit of Hollywood right here in Texas, find out how this pint-sized production team is making movies. Linda Seto, Young Actors Studio, 11496 Luna Rd Suite G Dallas, TX 75234. 972-401-2090. www.youngactors.org or contact@youngactors.org

Learn where to get tamales by the truckload. Mike and Mark Hale, Pedro's Tamales, 800-522-9531. www.pedrostamales.com or pedro@tamale.com

Plus, it's the final chapter in the history of a beloved Gulf Coast Landmark. Matagorda Island State Park, PO Box 117, Port O'Connor TX 77982. 361.983.2215 or www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/matagisl/

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-Week of 4.16.07-

show #535, originally aired 11.29.97

Maynard & Kenny Haddad own and operate the H & H Car Wash and Coffee Shop. It opened in 1958 and it hasn't changed a bit. Maynard & Kenny Haddad 701 E. Yandell, El Paso, TX 79902 ph# 915-533-1144

George is carrying on a Luling tradition by painting cute moving characters on oil pumps. George Kalisek, Luling Chamber of Commerce, 421 E. Davis, Luling, TX 78648 ph# 830-875-3214 www.lulingcc.org

Imogene has been teaching Second Grade for 55 years. She's even taught 4 generations of the same family. Imogene Glenn Rt. 1, Box 374-A1, Yantis, TX 75497 ph# 903-878-2697

show #963, originally aired 2.11.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...The fuel is unleaded and the food is premium. Find out where you can get gasoline and gourmet grub all under one roof. Franson Nwaeze, Chef Point Cafe. 5901 Watauga Road, Watauga, TX 76148. (817) 656-0080. www.chefpointcafe.org E-mail: chefpoint@comcast.net

And for dessert, dig into the valley's newest taste sensation - grapefruit pie! Will & Julie Klement, 4508 N. Taylor Rd. McAllen, TX 78504. (800) 580-1002. Grapefruit Pie Recipe E-mail: mrscitrus@aol.com

Plus, he's painting the town in reds, greens and blues, but he'll be spending the night in the county jail. Harry Hamlin c/o County Attorney Steve Payson, 2201 South 5th Street, Lamesa, TX 79331. (806) 872-5610

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-Week of 4.9.07-

Show # 534, originally aired 11.22.97

Nick Nichol makes vases, bowls, and tables from huge tree trunks hoisted and attached to a large wood lathe. Sadly Nick has passed away.

Betty plays music on the saw with her blind granddaughter, Janet, accompanying her on the piano. Betty Rector HCR 1, Box 16, Friona, TX 79035 ph# 806-265-3420 blr@wtrt.net

This artist rescues antique hardware and fixtures from abandoned homesteads and recycles it on his ornate birdhouses. Randy Martin "Out on a Limb" P.O. Box 1144, Van, TX 75790 ph# 903-963-7686

show # 962, originally aired 2.4.06

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Folks are flocking to this Gulf Coast souvenir shop to meet the biggest celebrity in Port Aransas. Cassandra Clark and Chester. P.O. Box 2608 Port Aransas, TX 78373. (361) 749-7602

He takes beat up basses and makes them new again. Meet a restorer who won't let the music die. David Graham. Graham's String Shop, 1936 East Abram St. Arlington, TX 76010. (817) 861-2518. www.grahamsstringshop.com

Plus, see what happens when a potter throws new light into an ancient art form. Bill and Maggie Finley. Finley Pottery, 6914 CR 271 Mico, TX 78056. (830) 612-2030. www.finepots.com

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-Week of 4.02.07-

Show # 533, originally aired11.15.97

Reed collects driftwood from the Brazos River and enhances it with sculpture. Reed Hubbell 20316 County Road, Brazoria, Texas 77422-8381 ph# 409-798-7914

Cornelia Cope is an 89-year-old tennis coach. She gives free tennis lessons to area children. Sadly Cornelia has passed away.

Linda is the 87-year-old mayor and rural mail carrier for Channing, TX. She does the mayor's duties and drives a 105 mile long mail route every day. Linda Underwood (Ethel's granddaughter) P.O. Box 23, Channing, TX 79018 Ph# 806-659-3983

Show # 954, originally aired 12.10.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, visit a tiny Texas town that is the inspiration for many a musical masterpiece. Doug Smith: Visit www.dougsmith.com or call 1-800-269-7552.

We remember our friend Opal Hunt and her touching story. Opal Hunt passed away earlier this year.

Plus, pies so high they touch the sky! Debbie and Gerald Wiles, Rock Inn Cafe. Located at 207 West California Street, Seymour, TX 76380. 940-888-2322.

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-Week of 3.26.07-

Show # 532, originally aired 11.8.97

Patrons at this farm pay for produce by leaving money in an old cash register on the porch. Jan Balekian at the Double Oak Ranch ph# 817-430-4536

John restores antique radios with original parts. John Campbell HC 70, Box 302, Sabinal, TX 78881 ph# 830-988-7150

A video scrapbook of our favorite moments and memories from the 2nd Annual Texas Country Reporter Reunion.

Show# 953, originally aired 12.3.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a big crime in a small town and it's got the whole community wondering who pulled off the "camper caper". Don Hemby, 2908 Nicholson Drive, Tyler, TX 75707. Call 903-581-2604 or 903-549-2130.

Visit a Texas bed-and-breakfast that's way out west. The Gage Hotel: 102 W. Hwy 90 Marathon, Texas 79842. Call 1-800-884-GAGE or visit www.gagehotel.com

Plus, he was just looking to gather antique wood from a forgotten farmhouse, but he found so much more. Doug Ricketts, 15951 Hwy. 213 Higgins, TX 79046. Call 806-862-2205 or write to doug@ricketts.com

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-Week of 3.19.07-

Show # 531, originally aired 11.1.97

The University of Texas at El Paso band director teams up with several scientists to study the science of the steel drum. Larry White Fox Fine Arts Center, Room M301 500 West University Avenue El Paso TX 79968-0552 ph# 915-747-7802 www.utep.edu

This Silver Star has been repairing watches at the same store for 50 years. James Reeh Staudt's Jewelry, 1705 16th St. Orange, TX 77630 ph# 409-883-2107

Paula creates large brick murals for companies across the country then she flies her own plane to check on her projects. Paula Collins, 1223 Highland Park Rd. Denton, TX 76205 ph# 940-383-3384 www.sculpturelady.com

Show #952, originally aired 11.26.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a farmer who's turning bad breath into big business. Bob Anderson, Gourmet Garlic Gardens. 12300 FM 1176 Bangs, TX 76823. www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com (866) 348-3049

Go on a night time swamp tour in search of the state's biggest lizards. Amos Cooper, 10 Parks and Wildlife Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77640. (409)736-2551 or amos.cooper@tpwd.state.tx

Plus, find out how one south Texas grocery man is bringing a big sound to little towns. Jim Helmke, La Vernia, TX. E-mail: paradesound@yahoo.com

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-Week of 3.12.07-

show #530, originally aired 10.25.97

They still play nine pin bowling at the old Fischer Bowling Alley. There's no machines here. Children set the pins and return the balls. Jo Schwab or Doris Rust (the Club Manager) ph# 830-935-4800

This 76-year-old Silver Star shoes horses from the back of his pick-up, covering a five county area. Wayne Williams, No information available.

Two friends share their passion for restoring old Ford Model T and Model A's. Julius Neunhoffer 2505 Lower Turtle Creek Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 ph# 830-257-8168

show # 951, originally aired 11.19.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Meet a couple determined to revive Vaudeville. Granger and Penny Esch, Salado Silver Spur. www.saladosilverspur.com

Visit a hotel where everyday is a blessing. Helen Feldhousen, Hotel Blessing.

And find out how one woman is hot on the trail of Texas history. Lisa Lee. 3615 Valley Haven Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339. (281) 359-6607

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-Week of 03.05.07-

Show # 529, originally aired 10.18.97

Day or night, Joni chainsaws fallen trees into huge bear sculptures in front of her small town gallery. Joni Hamari Hamari Gallery, Highway 39, Ingram, TX 78025 ph# 830-367-4476

Gerald makes recordings of animal calls for use by nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Gerald Stewart, Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls, P.O. Box 7594, Waco 76714 ph# 800-537-0652 or 254-772-3261 www.johnnystewart.com

At 90 years old this spirited senior still competes in seniors' track meets and wins! No information available.

Show # 950, originally aired 11.12.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover who's behind the classical murals of Fredericksburg, TX. Lee and Matt Casbeer, LMC Murals. Call 866-493-4863 or visit www.lmcmurals.com for more information.

Meet a man who's a real model citizen. Edgar Seay Sr., MAL Hobby Shop. 108 S. Lee St. Irving, Texas 75060. 972-438-9233
or toll free in the USA at 877 602 2366. www.malhobby.com

And see why everyday's a piece of cake for one East Texas baker. Margie Begley. 409-584-1447. Broaddus, TX.

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-Week of 02.26.07-

Show # 528, originally aired 10.11.97

Real Musgrave is the creator of the Pocket Dragon collectibles, very popular in Europe with clubs and even a cartoon show. RETIRED. Real & Muff Musgrave 800-355-2582

This Silver Star has been building Spanish flamenco guitars for 40 years. Tom Blackshear, No Information Available

Survivor of WWII's Bataan Death March travels to White Sands, NM to witness a soldiers' memorial march. Menandro Parazo, 6705 Morningside, El Paso TX 79905 ph# 915-565-7607

Show # 949, originally aired 11.5.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...Discover how many mesquite trees it takes to make a forest. Carrie Atchison: 806-746-5801, or mail to Rt. 3 Box 216 Lubbock, TX 7940

Hit the nail on the head...at the hammer museum! Butch Lackey, Hammer Museum 540 S. San Antonio St. Center Point, TX 830-634-7783

Plus, twin sisters take us back to simpler times through the art of poetry. Jo Ellen Fant: 409-962-1250, Mail to- 4000 Harrison, Groves, TX 77619 and Dorothy Roberts: 409-722-5515, Mail to- 215 Hardy Ave., Nederland, TX 77627. For book purchasing information contact Susan Seymour at 409-727-7471, or mail to 1828 Franklin, Nederland, TX 77627

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-Week of 2.19.07-

Show # 527, originally aired 10.4.97

Rose is one of the last accordion repair persons, yet can't play a note. Rosie Ridgeway 329 Piper Blvd., Port Aransas, TX 78373 ph# 800-654-1402 Accordion.Rose@centuryinter.net.

This 81-year-old Silver Star has been a volunteer fireman for more than 50 years. No information available.

The Concho River is one of the last fresh water pearl producers. Our pearl hunter uses these unique purple stones in Texas style jewelry. Mark Priest, Owner of Legend Jewelers 16 East Concho Avenue, San Angelo, Texas 76903 ph# 915-653-0112 www.legendjewelers.com

Show # 948, originally aired 10.29.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...They're a husband and wife team that really mows down the competition. Tim and Patty Robinson of the LSMRA. Email Patty: preciousmowments@boldwireless.net or Tim: mowron@boldwireless.net or visit www.mowerracing.com for more information.

Meet an artist who is really making waves in Seadrift, TX. Dieter Erhard, the Art=Center Seadrift. Call 361-785 5050 or write to 601-609 Broadway, Seadrift TX 79833. Visit www.artcenter-seadrift.com for more information.

And find out why birdwatchers are flocking to one South Texas backyard. Allen Williams: 956-460-9864, or mail to 750 W. Sam Houston, Pharr, TX 78577.

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-Week of 2.12.07-

Show # 509, originally aired 5.31.97

The Lajitas Trading Post is one of the only places you can get tinajas, a stone vessel hand carved by Mexican craftsmen. Roger Gibson, owner Lajitas Trading Post. Lajitas Trading Post Star Route 70, Box 436 Lajitas, TX 79852 ph# 915-424-3234

Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of the Nation" we visit their rose garden of 30,000 rose bushes. Tyler Rose Garden 420 South Rose Park Tyler, TX 75702 ph# Museum 903-597-3130, Garden .903-531-1212 www.texasrosefestival.com

Three cowboys patrol Fort Bliss' most remote areas. They call themselves Range Riders. Dean Wood or Capt. Collins Public Affairs U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center Fort Bliss, TX 79916-0058 Ph# 915-569-9211 or 915-568-4623

Show # 947, originally aired 10.22.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter...He's a former Texas Master Plumber who gave up wrench wrangling for finger picking. Chuck Lee, Lee Banjo Company, 112 Silverwood Ovilla, Texas 75154. Call (972) 617-5576 or visit www.leebanjos.com for more information.

He's a hard workin' cop that's really hoofin' it. Officer Maurice Floyd of the Fort Worth Police Department Mounted Patrol. Visit www.fortworthpd.com/mounted.htm for more information.

Meet a man who holds a special seat at the Capitol. Richard Eisenhour, Collections Coordinator. 201 E. 14th St. Austin, TX 512-463-5495

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-Week of 2.5.07-

Show # 508, originally aired 5.24.97

The Cascarone Ladies meet once a week to make 1000s of confetti-filled eggs or "cicerones." The money they raise helps to restore local historic buildings. Peggy Anderson Night in old San Antonio 511 Paseo De La Villita San Antonio, TX 7820 ph# 210-226-5188.

The McDonald Observatory is a world-class facility where visitors can take a peak at the heavens. McDonald Observatory Visitor Center P.O. Box 133 Fort Davis, TX 79734-1337 ph# 915-426-3640 mcdonaldobservatory.org

Local high school students are restoring La Purisima Mission's pews. It's an effort to keep historic mission open. Arturo Morales, Restoration Chairman LaPurisima Mission 328 Nevarez Rd. El Paso, TX 79927 ph# 915-859-7718

Show # 925, originally aired 5.21.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Meet a man who sees a thing of beauty in every wrecked car on his lot. Jerry Perry, Crashmasters. 7413 Andrews Highway, Odessa, TX 79765. 432-339-0265.

Discover an impressive petaled display of flowers that's downright wild. Sam Jones, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens. 8545 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78413. (361) 852-2100 www.ccbotanicalgardens.org

Plus, follow the majestic flight of a South Texas falcon up and down the western hemisphere. Alan Tennant, Wildlife Researcher. 432-386-4119.

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-Week of 1.29.07-

Show # 507, originally aired 5.17.06

Walter investigates UFO sightings & abductions. Walter Andrus, 103 Old Towne Road Sequin, TX 78155-4099 ph# 210-379-9216

The Confederate Air Force rescues and refurbishes WWII planes then they send them soaring in the air again. Confederate Air Force Midland International Airport 9600 Wright Dr. Midland, 79711 ph# 915-563-1000

Show # 924, originally aired 5.14.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- March with us to San Antonio, and meet a man who's keeping up the beat with his past. Fred Diaz-Alamo City Band, American Legion Hall, Post 2, 3518 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201. (210)-733-0120. www.alamocityband.org

Take a peek into an oh-so-silent South Texas House of Prayer. Father Kelly- Lebh Shomea House of Prayer- La Parra Ranch, P.O. Box 9, Sarita, TX 78385. (361)-294-5369. www.lebhshomea.org

Plus, when it comes to capturing Kodak moments in the wild, this photographer is a natural. Ruth Hoyt- Puerto Rico Ranch, PO Box 3, Linn, TX 78563. (956) 481-3700. www.ruthhoyt.com

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-Week of 1.22.07-

Show #506, originally aired 5.10.97

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center exhibits TX fish found in Ponds, Lakes & Streams. It has two million gallons of 'underwater' exhibits. 5550 Flat Creek Rd Athens, TX 75751 ph# 903-676-2277 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc

The Licon Family has been making asadero cheese for 70 years using milk from their dairy. Maria Licon and Gene Licon Jr., ph# 915-851-2705

The entire congregation at St. Mary Church has moved on, all but the Rev. George Anderson and his wife Hazle. They still have weekly services just for the two of them. No information available.

Show # 923, originally aired 5.7.05

Sally Jones lives in an RV and works at the Big Bend Ranch State Park visitors center, one and a half hours down a 26-mile dirt road behind a gate. Tony Galindo P. O. Box 2319 Presidio, TX 79845 ph# 432-229-3416

World Champion Rodeo Competitor Sherri Mell teaches disabled children to ride through the ROPER program. Sherri Mell P. O. Box 201512 San Antonio, TX 78220-8512 ph# 210-633-2042

The biggest Bluebonnets in Texas grow naturally in the Big Bend area. Waynelle Strachan raises them in greenhouses for cut flowers. Waynelle Strachan, Alazan Bluebonnets 12281 N. Loop Rd. Clint, TX 79836 ph# 915-851-1238

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-Week of 1.15.07-

Show # 505, originally aired 5.3.97

Chuck creates intricate tables that resemble fancy lace, out of iron he likes to call his creations ironwood lace. Chuck McCarthy, 68 Sundown Parkway, Austin, TX 78746-5258 ph# 512-926-9633 or 512-327-2863

At 84, Stubby Baldwin is the world's oldest rock-n-roll weatherman. Sadly Stubby passed away in 2002.

We visited the new Wildflower Center to celebrate spring and wildflowers and it's open year round. National Wildflower Research Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, TX 78739 ph# 512-292-4100 www.wildflower.org

Show # 922, originally aired 4.30.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter- Spend some time in the workshop with the blind handymen. Phil Parr and the Blind Handyman Show. 936-634-9500, 1604 Southwood, Lufkin, TX 75904. phil@philparr.net , www.acbradio.org

Find out why this East Texas artist loves making homes for gnomes. Joseph Hopps of Arbor Castle Birdhouses. www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com

Plus, meet four men from four walks of life who are making one incredible sound. Fraven Adams- 806-765-0050. Singing Plainsmen -806-795-9978 . Lubbock, TX. www.harmonize.com/singingplainsmen/

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-Week of 1.08.07-

Show # 497, originally aired 3.8.97

At 26, Chris owns a thriving furniture co. that provides unique pieces made of stone & steel. Chris Wynn 'Furniture by Design' 1131 Slocum Dallas, TX 75207 ph# 214-760-2450

Not much has changed in pottery over the last 2,000 years. Sonny is a potter and is passing the art along to two young kids. Sonny Moss Mud Creek Pottery 501 Main St. Calvert, TX 77837 ph# 409-364-3730

Hallie is known as a legend around Big Bend country. Her daughter has opened a museum to honor her mother's life. Hallie Stillwell, Stillwell Ranch HC-65 Box 430, Alpine, TX 79830 ph# 915-376-2244 www.freeranger.com/stillwell

show # 921, originally aired 4.23.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out how these East Texas cowpokes have found their way back to the farm via New York City. Guy and Pip Gillette at the Camp St. Cafe. 215 S. Third Street, Crockett, TX 75835. For more info dial (936) 544 8656 or toll free, (877) 544 8656. Visit the Camp Street Cafe on the web at www.campstreetcafe.com

Meet a couple of cousins who have brought art and commerce back to downtown Golden, Texas. Karen Musgraves and Cathy Pegues. Belben Nest Gallery. FM 779 & 1799, Golden, Texas. 903-768-2335. Visit www.texaspaintedladies.com or www.belbennest.com .

Plus, there hasn't been a movie theater in Marfa for as long as anybody can remember but a blind man on a bicycle is bringing the silver screen back to life. Gary Olliver. P.O. Box 1174, Marfa, TX 79843. 432-729-4280. Email Gary at golliver@sbcglobal.net

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-Week of 1.01.07-

show # 496, originally aired 3.1.97

The past 44 years, domino players from all over gather in Halletsville in hopes of winning the title of best in dominoes. Bob Pesek, TX State Champion Domino Tourney, Knights of Columbus Hwy77 S. Hallettsville TX 77964 ph# 512-798-2267

In commemoration of Sam Houston's 200th Birthday, the city of Houston and artist David Adickes created a 67ft statue of Big Sam. Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center P.O. Box 1230 Huntsville, TX 77342-1230 ph# 409-291-9723 www.samhoustonstatue.org

Topaz, the state gemstone of Texas, is only found in the creek beds of Mason, TX. Wilburn can spot one from a mile away. Wilburn Shearer P.O. Box 641 Mason, TX 76856 ph# 915-347-5783

show #920, originally aired 04.16.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter-find out how Decatur High School is getting more horse power with girl power. Rick Elmore, Decatur High School, 1201 W. Thompson Street Decatur, Texas 76234. 940-627-2155. www.decatur.esc11.net/Campuses/dhs/

Roll a few frames with a custom fit bowling ball. Pete and Mike Joseph. 8951 Dyer, El Paso, TX 79904. 915-751-4551.

Plus, meet an East Texas woman who's threading the past to the present by restoring old quilts. Genell Dement. 903-639-4147. Hughes Springs, Texas.

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-Week of 12.25.06-

Show # 495, originally aired 2.22.97

Duane Simpson makes furniture from old telephone poles, telegraph poles, oil field sucker rods, etc. Duane Simpson, Lone Star Iron Works, 229 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028-5304 ph# 830-896-3323

Galveston is a lot more than a beach resort. She's one of the most colorful cities in the state. Galveston Convention & Visitor Bureau 2106 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, TX 77550 ph# 800-351-4236 www.galveston.com

Flocks of wild Red Crown Parrots are living free in the Rio Grande valley. Father Tom helped get them named a resident species. 956-421-3936

Show # 919, originally aired 4.9.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out why this legendary law enforcement officer is responsible for the phrase...One riot, one Ranger. Joaquin Jackson and Liz Jackson, Box C101 - Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, TX. 79830. 432-837-8143.

Is it art or is it junk? Meet an artist with a welder who says it's a little bit of both. Gary Russell, 5380 Creekside, Melissa, TX 75454. 972-837-2365

Plus, her distinctive voice has taken this yodeling cowgirl from Fort Worth all the way around the world. Devon Dawson, 817-521-4969, www.cowtownopry.org, dawson@ev1.net

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-Week of 12.18.06-

Show # 590, originally aired 12.19.98

Stephanie uses all kinds of candy and trinkets to make her eye-pleasing gingerbread houses. After 42 years she is retiring. No information available.

Each year the Alfoldis spend Christmas alone in their RV in a different place in the woods. Ernie & Randi Alfoldi 7100 S. Stemmons/Denton, TX 76205 ph# 940-497-2161

Carol Cohanky in Flower Mound, TX remembers her childhood Christmas in Mystic, CT. We follow her Santa a.k.a. Brady White to see what a day in the life of Santa is like. Brady White 46 Armistice Blvd Pawtucket, RI 02860 ph# 401-789-1074 or 401-725-6481

Show # 903, originally aired 12.18.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, find out where Santa spends his summer vacation. Lynn Haney collection (wholesale) 3515 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410 Hollyhocks Gifts (retail) 3521 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410 ph#806.780.8787 www.lynnhaney.com

Meet a man who's trading in his Christmas lights for barbed wire and rusted metal. Carl Loeffler, 21791 N US Highway 377, London, TX 76854, ph#325.475.3253

Plus, get in the spirit of giving as we introduce you to a very little boy… with a great big heart! Louise Elliott, PO Box 39295, San Antonio, TX 78218, ph#210.224.1843

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-Week of 12.11.06-

Show # 486, originally aired 12.21.96

In addition tot he millions of lights & displays, in Marshall the Wonderland festivities include entertainment, parades, plays and skating. Marshall Chamber of Commerce 213 W. Austin Marshall, TX 75670 ph# 903-935-7868 www.marshall-chamber.com

Every thanksgiving Tara feeds truckers w free Thanksgiving dinner right off of the interstate in a rest area. Tara Hernandez 111 Valley View Dr. Kerrville, TX 78028 ph# 830-792-5198

Ride along on the night before Christmas with the border patrol agents. George K. Cronin 8935 Montana Ave. El Paso, TX 79925 ph# 915-540-7880

Show # 955, originally aired 12.17.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, see a new twist on holiday lighting. Ed Mosley, Ed's Lighted Yard. 3479 Texas Hwy 29E. Llano, TX. Call 866-247-2162 for more information.

Meet a man who designs jewelry...for Christmas trees. Jim Morris, 608 Earl Garrett St. Kerrville, TX 78028. Visit www.jmdesigner.com or call 830-896-8878 for more information.

Plus, one viewer chosen at random shows us how she decks the halls. Harriet Rivers, New Braunfels, TX.

And just when we were feeling down, Santa Bob returns in the nick of time.

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-Week of 12.04.06-

Show # 435, originally aired 12.24.95

Sonya & Sasha Perez were accepted at the age of 14 into the Sweet Adelines, a women's singing group. Rhonda Perez 7120 FM 482 New Braunfels, TX 78132-4824 ph# 210-606-0481

Easter Hothan decorates a cedar tree out on Highway 83 each year for Christmas. In recent years people have joined her decorating efforts. Easter Hothan 1810 Jeanette st. Abilene, TX 79602 ph# 915-672-2582

We spent Christmas with the men who work on oil rig #152 in the Gulf of Mexico. No Information Avalible.

Show # 851, originally aired 12.20.03

This week on Texas Country Reporter, get into the spirit of the season with a man a who finds Santa Claus in every person he meets. Bill Keen, 121 Will Rogers, Schertz, TX 78154, ph # 210.632.6867 www.billykeenart.com or e-mail: peachykeen@stic.net

Find out why folks from all over south Texas flock to the home of three sisters. Janie Esther and Dorothy Minten 1188 East Jim Wells Co. Rd., 401 Rt. 1, Box 82A, Falfurrias, TX 78355, ph# 361.325.2068 or 800.276.4339
(Visits to the Christmas House by reservation only, Sept. 21st through March 31st.)

Plus, it could be the worst Christmas song ever written.

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-Week of 11.27.06-

Show # 382, originally aired 12.24.94

For 44 years, Arch McNeil has been chief elf of a Santa's workshop that makes toys for the needy year-round. Arch McNeil 7814 Forney Rd., Dallas, Texas 75227 ph# 214-381-7360

Louise Elliott has been delivering toys during Christmas for 26 years. Each year 65,000 gifts go to over 35,000 needy children. The Elf Louise Christmas Project P.O. Box 39295, San Antonio, TX 78218 ph# 210-224-1843 www.elflouise.com

Show # 799, originally aired 12.21.02

A Texas Country Reporter Christmas retrospective. We visit some of our favorite Christmas stories from the past thirty years.

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-Week of 11.20.06-

Show # 494, originally aired 2.15.97

Back in the 1800s a faith healer named Don Pedrito healed thousands. Even today people still use his folk remedies for healing. For directions to the shrine please contact the Falfurrias Chamber of Commerce ph# 361-325-333 or www.falfurrias-tx.com

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for Johnson Space Center. Exhibits include interactive activities as well as neat artifacts from US space missions. Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Road 1 Houston, TX 77058 ph# 800-972-0369 www.spacecenter.org

In his spare time, yardman Ridge Floyd tours the world as a classical concert pianist. Ridge Floyd P.O. Box 650 Hunt, TX 78024 ph# 830-238-4754

Show # 914, originally aired 3.05.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, try the newest fad in fatty foods from the big city of Snook, TX.: Frank Sodolak, Sodolak's Original Country Inn. Just off of Highway 60 West in Snook, TX. PH#-979.272.6002

Give a warm welcome to blooming flowers and chirping birds…springtime is almost here!

Plus, find out how this former track star is overcoming the odds and proving what it means to be a soldier. Scott Palomino, El Paso, TX. PH#- 915-240-3082. spizz2413@yahoo.com

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-Week of 11.13.06-

Show # 493, originally aired 2.8.97

Jeff Synder takes his 1974 Cadillac to do battle at the Demolition Derby. No Information Available.

Evers Hardware opened in 1885 and it is still owned and operated by same family. A step inside is like a step back in time. Evers Hardware 109 W. Hickory Denton, TX 76201 ph# 817-382-5513

Don Belcik came home to care for his sick father and picked-up his profession of welding and now Don is a sought after sculptor. Don Belcik P.O. Box 1696 San Antonio, TX 78296 ph# 800-232-5580

Show # 913, originally aired 2.26.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, explore the final frontier with a handmade telescope. Tom Noe, Teleport Telescopes, 4030 North Highway 78, Wylie, TX, 75098. PH#-972-442-5232. www.teleporttelescopes.com tomnoe@teleporttelescopes.com

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of an Old West oasis. Dieter Gerzymisch, Cattleman's Steakhouse, near Fabens, TX (30 Miles east of El Paso) PH# (915) 544-3200. www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com

Plus, find out why this Texas author is singing the blues. Kathleen Hudson, PhD. P.O. Box 291945 Kerrville, TX. 78029. PH# 830-792-1945.www.texasheritagemusic.org

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-Week of 11.06.06-

Show #492, originally aired 2.1.97

Hot mineral water flows from natural springs underneath Marlin some people believe that the water has healing powers. Dr. David Fedro Hwy Business 6 West, Marlin, TX 76661 ph# Marlin Chamber of Commerce 254-883-2171 Dr. David Fedro 254-883-3578 http://www.marlintexas.com/

In commemoration of the TX Centennial, the Hall of State was constructed to honor the heroes of the TX Revolution. Hall of State 3939 Grand Ave. Fair Park Dallas, TX 75315 ph# 214-421-4500 http://www.hallofstate.com/

Ed Montana plays music at the Big Texan steakhouse, works cattle and tours Europe as a country music sensation. Ed Montana 3333 East 3rd Street Amarillo, TX 79104 ph# 806-376-5674 www.edmontana.com

Show #912, originally aired 2.19.05

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a fire fighter who never gets tired of the daily grind. Jonathan Flynn, Fireman's Coffee, 1802 Winding Hollow, Katy, TX. 77450. PH#- 281-398-6747 or 281-808-3766. www.lonestarcoffees.com

Plus, re-visit the red earth of Tara right here in Texas. Bobbie Hardy, Gone With The Wind Museum, 408 Taylor Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. PH#- 903-665-1939. www.scarlettohardy.com

Find out why the war in Iraq is hitting a close to home for this close-knit family of shoe cobblers. Jaret and Walter Tatar, Wayne's Shoe Repair, 407 West Main, Denison, TX 75020. PH#- 903-465-9301.

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-Week of 10.30.06-

Show # 485, originally aired 12.14.96

A man found families of craftsmen in Mexico who make furniture from old wood. Bobby Rodriquez, 1155 Larry Mahan, Suite K El Paso, TX 79925. 915/566-2025

Muleshoe is home to the state's oldest national wildlife refuge. It is a wintering area for waterfowl & sandhill cranes. Don Clapp, Manager of Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 549 Muleshoe, TX 79347. 806/946-3341

Johnny Holick makes the famous Texas A&M Corps of Cadet Sr. Boots. Dad started the Aggie Band. At 89, Johnny's retiring. Holick's Boot Shop, 106 College Main College Station, TX 77840. 409/846-6721

Show # 911, originally aired 02.12.05

Meet a man who's coming out of retirement to perform a real class act. M.G. Vasquez, Lounge Singer, 109 Bowling Green Drive, Victoria, TX. 77904. PH# 361-578-4763.Mvasquez@cox-internet.com www.entertainmentbymg.com

Find out why El Paso locals are going loco for "The old place by the graveyard." Leo Duran, L & J Cafe. 3622 East Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. 915-566-8418

Plus, discover how a historic and nearly forgotten hotel found it's salvation...in the sweet strains of a melody. John Defoore, Beckham Hotel. 115 E Commerce St. Mineola, TX 75773. 903-569-8037. www.pineywoodspicknparlor.com

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-Week of 10.23.06-

Show # 484, originally aired 12.07.96

Tina & her sidekick Birka are members of the search & rescue team -- they spend hours training to save people's lives. Children Education Search & Rescue, P.O. Box 612441 DFW Airport, TX 75261-2441 ph#817-679-0988

Sims Spur Co. is the largest spur manufacturer in the country. Pax bought it 7 yrs ago after sustaining a rodeo injury. Pax Irvine, Owner. 1108 Main Street Bandera, TX 78003. ph#210-796-3803

A man who carves rocking horses restored an old horse statue that stood out in front of Donaho Saddle shop in San Angelo. Allan Carr, HC 12, Box 49 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 ph#210-997-7344

Show # 902, originally aired 12.11.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, it's a little bit of Hollywood right here in Texas. Find out how this pint-sized production team is making movies. Linda Seto, Young Actors Studio, 11496 Luna Rd Suite G Dallas, TX 75234. 972-401-2090. www.youngactors.org or contact@youngactors.org

Learn where to get tamales by the truckload. Mike and Mark Hale, Pedro's Tamales, 800-522-9531. www.pedrostamales.com
pedro@tamale.com

Plus, it's the final chapter in the history of a beloved Gulf Coast Landmark. Matagorda Island State Park, PO Box 117, Port O'Connor TX 77982 361.983.2215 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/matagisl/

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-Week of 10.16.06-

Show # 483, originally aired 11.30.96

We know one eccentric blacksmith who is making a bed of nails. Roy Bellows 507 E. Schubert Fredericksburg, TX 78624 ph # 830-997-7806.

Victor Cornelius is one of the largest menu designers, printers and manufacturers in the country. Cary Meeks, President Victor Cornelius Menu Company 400 West Main Eastland, TX 76448 ph # 800-654-9946 or www.victorcornelius.com

M.D. Davis travels to pictograph sites in Texas, she then recreates the images using her unique rock art. M.D. Davis, Davis Restorations, 9800 Brockbank Bdlg. A Dallas, TX 75220 ph # 214-351-6683

Show # 901, originally aired 12.4.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet a man who's hammered a living out of bright sheets of copper. Gerald Tobola, 10933 Birch, LaPorte, TX 77571 ph#281.470.2616 www.coppershadetree.com or gerald@coppershadetree.com

See what's cookin' off the old town square. Jerry Ebensberger, The Rosebud, 102 S. Main St. Victoria, TX 77901 ph# 361.573.5111 www.rosebudfountain.com

And find out why one woman's on a personal mission to support our troops. Robbie Maxwell, Hwy 69, Huntington, TX 75949 ph# 936.422.4137

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-Week of 10.09.06-

Show # 482 originally aired 11.23.96

We travel to Big Bend Ranch to meet David Sissom is one of the world's leading experts on scorpions. David Sissom 28 Canyon Rim Canyon, TX 79015 ph # 806-655-7673 or dsissom@mail.wtamu.edu

Foster Jolley has sold hot dogs for the past 60 years at the famous XIT rodeo, this living legend is retiring this year. XIT Rodeo and Reunion XIT Board of Directors P.O. Box 966 Dalhart, TX 79022 or www.dalhart.org/index.html

In 1950 when the drive-in theatre opened, Gene got a job there and now more than fifty years later he owns it. Gene Palmer State Highway 36 in Gatesville, one mile south of U.S. Hwy 84. Ph # 817-865-8445 or gcpalmer1@aol.com

Show # 900 originally aired 11.27.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, He's taking junk science to another level in his very own museum. Robert Little, 2501 Blue Jay Dr, Temple, TX 76502 ph# 254.778.1592

Plus, spin your wheels at the Windmill Farm Bed and Breakfast. Chuck Rickgauer, 6625 Colony, Tolar, TX 76476, ph# 254.835.4168 www.thewindmillfarm.com

And they're known as the Sensational Six…find out why these boys are the heart and soul of Blackwell, TX. Doug Cook, Principal, Blackwell High School ph# 325.282.2311

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-Week of 10.02.06-

Show # 481 originally aired 11.16.96

Jerry is chief engineer of the lunar laser ranging project at McDonald Observatory, but he's most famous for being a washtub bassist. "Washtub Jerry" Wiant, McDonald Observatory HC 75 Box 1337 MCD Fort Davis, Texas 79734-5020 ph # 915-426-3659 or www.as.utexas.edu and www.washtubjerry.com

McDonald's Trading Post has everything from soup to nuts. It's spread over 15 acres and has 60,000 square ft of space. Pete McDonald 1401 S. Columbia Plainview, TX 79072 ph # 806-296-9239 (Sadly Pete has passed away, but McDonald's Trading Post is still going strong)

Donnell is the night security guard for a shipwreck! The ship is one of LaSalle's ships that ran aground in shallow waters 300 years ago. Donnell Oker, Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin 78711-2276 ph # 512-463-6096

Show # 899 originally aired 11.20.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, keeping the beat means a lot more than patrolling the street. Lt. Greg Denman, 300 East Shepherd, Lufkin, TX 75902 ph#: (936) 633-0321 gdenman@lufkinpolice.com or www.lufkinpolice.com/bandnew.htm

Where can you find country cookin' in the Big City? Vern's Place, Vern Simmons, 3600 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226, ph# 214.823.0435

Plus, find out what made J. Adams pick up his guitar again after so many years. Jay Boy Adams, jayboy@musicoffice.com or www.jayboyadams.com

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-Week of 09.25.06-

Show # 480 originally aired 11.9.96

Donna is creating the world's largest brick sculpture all the way up in Cleveland, OH. Donna and Ned Dobberfuhl 632 West Sunset Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 ph # 210-659-7250 or www.sculpturaldesigns.com

Every year the folks of Albany put on the Fandangle, a musical cavalcade of local history. Ph # 915-762-3642 or www.albanytexas.com

Phillip Everett has created an oasis, a tropical rain forest, in his own backyard where he also raises exotic Birds. Phillip Everett Holly Street Aviaries 400 Holly St. Bridge City, TX 77611 ph # 409-735-9578

Show # 898 originally aired 11.13.04

This week on Texas Country Reporter, meet an artist who really is burning the candle at both ends. Lynda Wilson, 4955 County 429, Van Alstyne, TX 75495, ph#972.924.4991 www.batiksbylynda.com

Find out the secret behind the most unique house in Temple TX. Brenda White, 1714 S. 61st. St. Temple, TX 76504, ph#254.207.2806

Plus, go for a spin on one engineer's backyard obsession. Tim and Keith Ann Gearn, 3532 CR7, Hereford, TX 79045, ph#806.364.5655 timgearn@amaonline.com

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-Week of 09.18.06-