1 hometown living at its best
2 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
3 hometown living at its best DreamHome YOUR AWAITS CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • TILE & STONE • VINYL • AREA RUGS (940) 322-3129 • 2213 GRANT ST. • WICHITA FALLS • BREEGLE.COM • M-F 8:00-5:30 • SAT. 9-1
On the Cover Contents 12 HELPING AND HEALING Johnelle Donnell, Wichitan of the Year in 2021, has a long history and passion for helping those in need, whether it’s through ministry work or homeopathy. 22 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Texas Ranch Roundup 28 BIRD IS THE WORD Wild Bird Rescue gives back to nature and the community. 36 HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE Work Services Corporation is a company with a heart for people with disabilities. 44 4-H SPOTLIGHT Meet Kallie McCorkle, who paved her way through 4-H by sharing her songwriting and vocal talents. 50 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Hire Heroes Indoor Golf Tournament 52 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Meet our tiniest new residents! 56 A PASSION FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION MSU’s Lifelong Learning Center provides adults over 50 opportunities to learn with people of similar ages and interests. 64 FROM TENNESSEE TO TEXAS Local author Deb Cornelius is passionate about stories of early pioneer life in Wichita County and has written a book in the hope that their history will stay alive for years to come. 74 BUILD A BOUQUET A behind-the-scenes look at three stunning fall arrangements, along with tips and fun facts to help you create your own seasonal masterpiece. 28 36 44 64
8 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
9 hometown living at its best 5 Eureka Circle, Suite A | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | theartofdentistrywf.com L OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Dental Health | Restorative Dentistry Orthodontics | Teeth Whitening | Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry | Endodontics | Advanced Technology Looking for a caring and experienced team of dental professionals? We are here for you. For 45 years, we’ve been honored to care for generations of families, creating healthy, beautiful smiles across Texoma. At The Art of Dentistry, you’ll discover what sets us apart from the moment you arrive. Our experienced team is committed to making you feel right at home, caring for you and your family as if you were our own. With decades of combined expertise, we pride ourselves on finding solutions when others can’t. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we provide a comprehensive range of services under one roof, making your dental care both comfortable and convenient. We always welcome new patients. Whether you are new to Wichita Falls and the Texoma area, or simply seeking a better dental experience, we invite you to call our office at 940-691-6066 to learn more. BEFORE AFTER Dr. Steve Burross and Dr. Chad Jackson YOUR FAMILY. YOUR SMILE. OUR PASSION.
10 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group G “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:18 Brooke Graham Wichita Falls Living Magazine© is published quarterly by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 N Main Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Cindy Kahler Thomas Todd Giles Regan Nabors Becca Nelson Sankey PHOTOGRAPHERS RB Photography Veronica Lopez Photography Jenna Larue Photography Cindy Kahler Thomas MEDIA GROUP HOMETOWN H Getting your shirt stuck on the drawer pull, a fly that keeps buzzing in your ear, people chewing loudly, slow drivers; these are all things that are generally annoying. After this summer, I would also add buying a house to the list. The past several months have been a rollercoaster as we have tried to navigate buying and selling in a tough market. After one particularly long week of house drama, we received our inspection report to discover that unknown to us, we had a carpenter ant infestation and HVAC issues. That was the moment that my sanity was compromised. I curled up in my reading chair and wallowed in self-pity, opened my phone and the first thing on my feed was a video of a surviving camper from Camp Mystic singing a version of “Hallelujah” that she rewrote as a tribute to the young lives lost in the tragic flooding this summer. Perspective hit me like a freight train, and it was then that I remembered that in the grand scheme of life, this time of frustration would be a mere blip on the radar. Lately, I have been trying to reframe my thoughts during the “annoying” moments that may impact how I’m feeling. It’s okay to allow ourselves space to feel emotions, however, learning to put those emotions in perspective can truly shift our mindset for the better. I know that our house saga will have a conclusion, it may not be wrapped up timely with a pretty bow, but God’s plan supersedes my timeline. As you flip through this issue, I hope you’ll carry the word “perspective” with you. Many of the stories you’ll read here feature people and organizations in our community who embody positivity, resilience, and a renewed outlook on life. As always, thank you to our advertising partners for helping us share the stories that make up Wichita Falls. If you have your own story, photo, idea or suggestion to share, please reach out anytime (office@hometownmedia.group)! COVER PHOTO Provided by Johnelle Donnell Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations office@hometownmedia.group Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group Haley Ragsdale Social Media Editor Camela Dietrich Accounts Receivable accounting@hometownmedia.group Hello Wichita Falls!
11 hometown living at its best
12 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
13 hometown living at its best Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by JOHNELLE DONNELL Johnelle Donnell, Wichitan of the Year in 2021, has a long history and passion for helping those in need, whether it’s through ministry work or homeopathy. HELPING &Healing
OOne of Johnelle Donnell’s favorite quotes by the late pastor Timothy Keller reads, in part, “If you ever try to love somebody who has needs, someone who is in trouble or who is persecuted or emotionally wounded, it’s going to cost you. …Somehow their troubles, their problems, transfer to you. …But if you hold on to your emotional comfort and simply avoid these people, they will sink.” It is a quote that embodies Donnell’s years of service to others in Wichita Falls and beyond. The 2021 Wichitan of the Year was a prison chaplain for a decade at the Wichita County Jail, served on multiple nonprofit boards, and is the visionary behind Faith Refuge, a shelter for females struggling with homelessness and addiction. “Our family did mission work years ago and saw firsthand the reality of poverty, addiction, abuse, and hopelessness,” Donnell said, adding that mission work coupled with her prison ministry helped her realize the staggering number of women living on the streets who end up in jail. “I learned they had no safe place to go upon release from jail, so they were vulnerable and desperate to know how to overcome their hopeless state.” Faith Refuge, now 13 years old, can house 100 women and children. Its mission, Donnell said, is to provide Christ-centered programs and services that lead the homeless and addicted toward self-sufficiency. TOP: Donnell family at the nonprofit she founded, Faith Refuge. CENTER: Johnelle Donnell RIGHT: Barry & Johnelle Donnell 14 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
15 hometown living at its best
16 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “I am still involved through an upcoming capital campaign to expand our facility so we can house more women with children,” she said. “I also teach the ladies in our recovery program and coordinate meals and monthly meetings linking our students with community women.” Donnell turned her own hardship into an opportunity to help others after a lung injury in 2020, which she said her pulmonologist described as a “catastrophic health event.” Donnell underwent a battery of tests, surgery, and treatment with pharmaceutical medication that, she said, “ultimately did more harm than the injury itself.” She turned to an experienced homeopathic practitioner for help. According to the National Institutes of Health online, homeopathy was founded in the early 19th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor. Hahnemann practiced on his patients the precept of “like cures like,” also known as the principle of similars. “Chopping a red onion can cause tears, a drippy nose, and sneezing, so a homeopathic remedy made from the red onion is used to treat a person experiencing similar symptoms,” Donnell explained. “In the preparation of homeopathic remedies, tinctures from natural substances are prepared in such a way as to release their energetic power. Rather than countering disease with antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, or diuretics with their predicted side-effects, homeopathy matches a remedy with a person’s unique symptoms, and the body’s terrain is corrected without side-effects or drug interactions.” Donnell said homeopathy not only cured her lung injury, but also her chronic dry eyes (for which prescription medication cost her $600 a month), arthritis, and seasonal allergies. Unlike mainstream pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathic remedies permanently alleviate symptoms, and the remedies are no longer needed once the life force is restored, she said. By the time COVID hit, Donnell was sold on homeopathy’s life-changing benefits. She studied Joette Calabrese’s Gateway 1 & 2 curriculum, training to be a home prescriber, so that she could “spread the good news” to others, she said. She has taught the same homeopathic classes she took online in 2021 and is now continuing her education remotely through an intensive four-year program in London. With homeopathy making a comeback in the United States, a documentary, “Introducing Homeopathy” was developed, and Donnell, called an ambassador for the film, was asked to join its editing team. In April 2024, she attended the film’s red-carpet screening near Washington, D.C. “The goal is to become a Netflix docuseries so that more people will hear about homeopathy and understand why it is the fastest growing medicine in the world,” Donnell said.
17 hometown living at its best BOTTOM LEFT: Johnelle Donnell & Alyssa Meddelin are both enrolled in the 4 year course at Center for Homeopathic Education in London to become homeopathic practitioners. TOP: Johnelle Donnell, Micki Elia, and Julian Shereda-McKenna, with “Introducing Homeopathy.” CENTER LEFT: Kim Elia, producer of “Introducing Homeopathy” & wife Micki. CENTER RIGHT: Johnelle Donnell at the red carpet premiere for “Introducing Homeopathy,” held at the Joint American Homeopathic Conference in Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. BOTTOM RIGHT: The stars of the docuseries, “Introducing Homeopathy.”
18 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Following a homeopathic health regimen does not necessarily mean eschewing pharmaceutical drugs; in fact, Donnell, said, because homeopathy and Western medicine can be used together, one of her own doctors has recommended that some of his patients contact Donnell for homeopathic treatment. Donnell has assisted individuals suffering from conditions such as arthritis, insomnia, bronchitis, pneumonia, sciatica, gout, allergies, and asthma. “One of my first cases was a young boy, 4 years old, with allergies and asthma, and his mother, a nurse practitioner, often rushed him to the ER with anaphylactic reactions to environmental allergens,” Donnell said. “His breathing issues were similar to those I had from my lung injury, so I knew some of the remedies that would work for him. Using homeopathy, his vital force was restored, and his need for drugs and his ER visits were eliminated.” Whether through homeopathy, jail ministry, or Faith Refuge, Donnell keeps in touch with many of the people whose lives she has touched. The reason is quite simple: “I want to lighten the load for people,” she said. “I want to see their quality of life improve. If there's anything I can do to help them, that gives me great joy. I feel like that's what God has called me to do.” † TOP: Monthly meeting of the North Texas Homeopathy Community. RIGHT: Richard Pitcairn , his wife, & Johnelle Donnell
19 hometown living at its best
20 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.groupI VANGUARD CUSTOM HOMES: BUILDING MORE THAN HOUSES, WE’RE LEADING THE WAY In a world full of cookie-cutter houses and one-size-fits-all solutions, Vanguard Custom Homes was founded with a bold vision: to lead from the front. Established in 2021, Vanguard may be new in name, but it’s built on a rock-solid foundation of professionalism, innovation, and trust. Jorin Slaybaugh didn’t enter the homebuilding industry to follow trends, he came to set the standard. The name “Vanguard” says it all: the tip of the spear, the forward edge of progress, the place where craftsmanship meets purpose. At Vanguard, every home is more than a project, it’s a personal commitment. Clients quickly discover that they’re working with someone who is not just technically sharp and detail-oriented, but also deeply relatable and invested in their vision. Whether it’s leveraging the latest building technology or streamlining the process for maximum efficiency, Vanguard brings big picture thinking and on-the-ground know-how to every build.
21 hometown living at its best Visit vanguardwf.com to learn more or get in touch today. 940-782-1567 | jorin@vanguardwf.com “WHY LIVE IN A HOUSE BUILT FOR SOMEONE ELSE,” Slaybaugh often says, “WHEN YOU CAN BUILD THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS?” That’s not just a tagline, it’s the mindset behind everything Vanguard does. From modern aesthetics to classic comfort, from cutting edge innovation to rock-solid dependability, Vanguard Custom Homes is redefining what it means to build in Wichita Falls. When you’re ready to stop settling and start creating, Vanguard is ready to lead the way.
HOMETOWN Happenings
23 hometown living at its best A CELEBRATION OF COWBOY CULTURE IN WICHITA FALLS Since its inception in Wichita Falls in 1981, the Texas Ranch Roundup® has been the original ranch rodeo event in the nation, growing into one of the most anticipated gatherings in North Texas. This year’s 44th edition of the roundup was a testament to its rich history, blending traditional rodeo thrills with charitable efforts and community impact. As a major highlight, the event also served as a qualifier for the prestigious WRCA World Championships in Amarillo, bringing together top ranches from across the state to compete for the ultimate prize. This year, 10 historic ranches, each with a legacy of skilled cowboys and hardworking ranch hands, competed for the chance to head to Amarillo in November for the World Championships. After a weekend of intense competition, it was R.A. Brown Ranch from Throckmorton, TX, who took home the coveted 2025 Texas Ranch Roundup winning team prize, securing their spot in the next level of rodeo excellence. Their victory is a proud moment not only for the ranch but also for the entire community, highlighting the level of skill and dedication that defines Texas ranching. The Texas Ranch Roundup is much more than just a rodeo; it's a charitable event that has raised more than $4 million for the community. Funds raised during the event support the North Texas Rehab Center, West Texas Boys Ranch and the West Texas Rehab Center, ensuring that the spirit of giving is as strong as the rodeo spirit itself. This year, the Texas Country Music Association named the Texas Ranch Roundup the “Charitable Music Event of the Year”, recognizing the event’s unwavering commitment to both country music and philanthropy. In addition to the rodeo and concert, the event attracted thousands of visitors to Wichita Falls, giving a significant economic boost to the city. Local businesses, hotels and restaurants saw a surge in foot traffic, and the roundup's ability to bring in such a large crowd underscores its importance to the area. The economic impact is undeniable, with the event serving as a key driver for local tourism and commerce. The Tradeshow, featuring everything from custom leatherwork to hand-crafted spurs and boots, drew crowds eager to take home a piece of the ranching lifestyle. Attendees also enjoyed a cattle dog challenge and a ranch horse competition throughout the weekend. As the sun set over the Texas plains, the 44th Annual Texas Ranch Roundup proved once again that it is more than a rodeo—it’s a cherished tradition, a charitable cause and a vital economic contributor to Wichita Falls. Whether you're a seasoned cowboy or a first-time visitor, the Texas Ranch Roundup is a must-see event that celebrates the heart and soul of Texas. Next year's event will be July 17-18, 2026. THE 44TH ANNUAL Texas Ranch Roundup Written by REGAN NABORS | Photos by RB PHOTOGRAPHY
HOMETOWN Happenings
25 hometown living at its best
26 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
27 hometown living at its best HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS + FULL BODY SKIN EXAMS Don’t skip important preventative measures against skin cancer. Our licensed providers provide the patient with a comprehensive full body, head-to-toe skin exam. Everyone, regardless of age is recommended to have these preventative skin exams at least once a year. If there is a family history or personal history of Melanoma and/or Squamous or Basal Cell Cancer, we do recommend more than one screening per year. We are set apart by our personable approach to healthcare for patients of all ages. Your needs and wishes are first while providing the most current treatments and therapies. We are seeking to partner with and employ military family members either transitioning to civilian life or those just transferring to Sheppard Air Force Base for the first time. Acne • Skin Cancer • Psoriasis • Hair Loss • Rashes • Dermatitis • Skin Screening • Eczema • Mole Removal • Skin Cancer Removal MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY 2601 Harrison St. Ste. 500 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | 940-322-9606 www.heightsskin.com | @heightsderm_wichita_falls | Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm i We also offer ... THE SURGERY-FREE CHOICE Surgery is not the only option for treating skin cancer. The GentleCure approach cures 99%+ of basal and squamous cell skin cancers— without surgery, wounds, or long recovery. Discover the surgery-free treatment option at GentleCure.com to Greater Heights TAKING YOUR SKIN
Written & Photographed by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS BIRD is the Word 28 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
29 hometown living at its best W Wild Bird Rescue gives back to nature and the community. When we see birds soaring overhead, something deep inside us stirs. Their flight represents freedom, hope, and possibility. Whether we realize it or not, the presence of birds enriches our lives. Wild Bird Rescue is hopeful that their presence in the community will help the public’s understanding of wild birds and their beauty. Wild Bird Rescue recognizes and honors the deep connection between humans and birds and acts upon it. Injured, orphaned, or displaced birds are brought into their care and are treated with dignity and compassion. Their mission is to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds with the goal of returning them back into their natural environment. They are located on the shores of Lake Wichita, right along one of North America’s major migratory corridors. Every spring and fall, tens of thousands of birds pass through our city, but migration is dangerous, and birds often face challenges from storms, predators, and accidents. That’s where Wild Bird Rescue
30 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
31 hometown living at its best steps in, providing a haven for birds who need help getting back into the wild and for the care of those that aren’t able to be released. Executive Director Jeff Bryant got involved in the organization to “give back.” He previously led a life as a professional musician, and when that part of his life changed, he moved here to Wichita Falls and eventually became involved with Wild Bird Rescue. “To me, ending up here is a blessing. Laura Grimsinger, the president of the board of directors, called me and said, ‘We really want you out here. We really want you to do this. Please think about it.' So, I came out here and realized that I loved this place and fell in love with the cause and wanted to give back. I felt that I had led a blessed life, and it was time to give back. The board of directors wanted to know my vision of what I wanted the organization to do. I believe it is important that we raise our visibility in the community and educate the next generation coming up.” Not all of the birds can be released. Often, because of injuries sustained in the wild, they find their forever home at the rescue. Avian Ambassadors are birds that live at the facility due to their injuries.
32 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “They can still have a good life even though they cannot be returned to the wild. These birds are used for educational purposes. We take them to schools and social events so children and the community can see them up close to learn from them, and realize what we do out here. It is so cool to take those animals out and see how people react to them, and see their eyes light up. We like to educate and explain how important birds are to our ecosystem,” Jeff explained. “We take good care of our ambassador birds. The birds are personable and they all sit on a glove and go places,” Jeff said. “We have children come out to read to them. The birds love it and all sit up front in their enclosures. Informational placards tell interesting facts about each bird. We have a barn owl named Lindsay who will sit on your glove, lean up against you, and fall asleep while you pet her.” Another one of the ambassadors is Morticia, or Morty, who is a black vulture with a wingspan of almost 5 feet. Jeff explained that when it isn’t baby bird season, Morty comes out of her enclosure and gets to fly free in the main building and that if she likes you, she will ride on your shoulder and pick at you to play.
33 hometown living at its best Due to a grant, the organization was able to install heating boxes to keep the birds warm in the winter, and with another grant, they were able to install cameras all over the campus. People can log in to the website to watch the birds twenty-four hours a day. “When it comes to baby bird season, we are super busy. We take in between 1,500-2,500 birds a year. They are not all babies, but that is our busiest time. Obviously, our main goal is to rescue them, rehab them, and get them back in the wild as soon as possible,” he said. “The baby birds have to be treated specially, especially the owls and the raptors. The public is not able to see them because human interaction could imprint the birds, and they may not know how to steer clear of humans. The owls and the raptors are fed by humans with masks on to have as little impact as possible,” according to the Director of Rehabilitation, Melissa Rose. She oversees all the activities associated with the care and rehabilitation of the birds. “When it is time to release the owls and raptors, we field test them for 3 days to ensure they can hunt. And because of that wonderful grant, we can watch them and see when they are ready,” Jeff said gratefully. They also have many projects that they do on campus. One such project is a greenhouse that Jeff built to grow vegetables for the water birds and help the rescue become more selfsustaining. The Boy Scouts have also volunteered their time and talent and built a lovely patio for visitors to sit in the shade and watch the ambassador birds. The facility itself is beautiful — a peaceful, welcoming place built with love, maintained by a small army of passionate volunteers. They have an average of 37 volunteers who spend countless hours feeding, cleaning, rehabilitating, releasing rehabbed birds, and caring for the ambassador birds. Birds can be dropped off day and night at 4611 Lake Shore Drive. Donations are always welcome and needed as the rescue is completely dependent on the generosity of the community and the foundations that support them. They accept cash, checks, and PayPal. Donations can be made through their Facebook page and their website, wildbirdrescuewf.org. Wild Bird Rescue isn't just about birds — it's about hope for the future. †
34 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
35 hometown living at its best
36 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Written & Photographed by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS & provided by WORK SERVICES CORPORATION HOPE Brighter Future for a
37 hometown living at its best
38 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group OOne of our local employers is doing more than providing jobs—they are providing hope. “Work Services Corporation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people with disabilities through training and employment,” according to David Toogood, the Chief Executive Officer of WSC. “It operates like a for-profit business model. The way we do our mission is by creating lines of business and selling products or services to customers, so we can hire people to do that work. Hiring those people is our mission, but we use this business model to accomplish that goal,” he explained. We have a portfolio of 18 different lines of business that we conduct for our single mission to hire people with disabilities." One of their lines of business is an in-house paperclip factory where huge spools of wire are fed into a machine that creates the individual paperclips. They are then counted out and bagged for distribution. WSC also has contracts with the federal government, such as post office servicing, where they put mail into P.O. boxes at military bases. They also staff the dining facilities on Sheppard Air Force Base. The food service is the largest line of business in which WCS is involved. The company also does janitorial work, and they just started a new contract for this at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo. The organization operates in South Oklahoma and Texas, and spans over 1,000 miles. “Litter pickup, safety rest area staffing, and maintenance are our second-largest line of employment. We have a woodworking manufacturing facility where we have many projects and make many things, from steaks and lathes for surveying for an engineering company to wooden tent pegs for the ARMY. We make very thin crates that carry thin pieces of sheet metal for the Defense Logistics Agency,” he said. They have also started manufacturing components that are used to create kits that are often purchased by schools or homeschool proponents. These kits are used to build a mechanical arm or a mechanical device that can pick up an object using hydraulics. “It is a STEM kit and is the only kit that can be used to enter a national competition called the National Fluid Power Association Action Challenge. So, people from all over the country buy those kits from us to participate in the challenge,” David shared. Work Services Corporation is a company with a heart for people with disabilities
39 hometown living at its best “There is a sewing section where we make vehicle flags for TXDOT and have just started a commercial project where they started making fabric pouches for weapons cleaning supplies,” he added. WSC also has a linen folding business and a contract with Magic Aire to assemble fans in casings to help Magic Aire with their production line. WSC has approximately 880 employees. They participate in state and federal programs that award indefinite duration contracts to non-profits who hire people with disabilities. This means that they never have to compete again for those contracts; however, WCS must guarantee that 75 percent of labor hours fulfilling the contracts must be done by people with significant disabilities. They also have to meet performance standards and charge a reasonable market price. In addition to providing hope and jobs, WSC has created a sister nonprofit called WSC I Care Fund. The purpose of it is to provide financial support for people who work for WSC who go through times of need. “Somebody may have a house burn down or perhaps their car breaks down. What we find is that in times like that, some of them come from low-income or possibly poverty situations. When something tragic happens in their lives, it starts an irreversible downward spiral. For example, ‘I need money to get through this, but I can’t get to work because I don’t have a car; so, I can’t get to work and I don’t have money.’ What this nonprofit does is to intervene to stop that spiral from starting and carry someone over to get through their troubles, and hopefully keep their job and help them get back up on their feet. The I Care Fund raises most of the money from our employees’ payroll, where they donate, and the cool thing about it is that, because we are a separate company, [WSC] can donate $2 for every dollar raised. So, it triples their funding through WSCs' matching funds. It has turned into a very significant resource that we have to help people,” David said. People outside
the organization can donate directly to the WSC I Care Fund. One hundred percent of the donated money goes to help people. “What we want people to know about us is that we exist. We are a reputable employer that provides good jobs for people to do a variety of things, and we are focused on helping people with disabilities reach their vocational aspirations. In some respects, we don’t want to be known differently from any other employer. We have real jobs, real wages that, in some cases, are the best in the area. When you come here to work, it is a real job just like any other employer. But on the flip side if you have experienced either flat out discrimination in the work place or just have been made fun of because people thought you were different and people stereotyped you and made it difficult for you to get accommodations, we hope to be a lot different than any employer that you have had those troubles with. Everything that we do revolves around making sure you have all the tools needed, that you are treated with respect and dignity, and that you are part of the team. And that you can be valued,” he said.
41 hometown living at its best Even the building on Hatton Road caters to those with disabilities, and not just by being handicap accessible. It has been designed with a meditation room for overagitated employees or someone who needs a moment alone, a weight room to work out frustrations, a putting green, and a basketball court just for fun. The building is light and bright with a surplus of windows, but what makes this organization shine is its ability to provide hope to people with disabilities who don’t have a job or are not happy with their job. “What drives us is to generate hope,” David said. †
42 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
43 hometown living at its best
KALLIE SHEA McCORKLE Photos provided by THE MCCORKLE FAMILY 4-H SPOTLIGHT NAME: Kallie Shea McCorkle, 18 PARENTS: Matt and Gina McCorkle 4-H CLUB: Valley View Club WHERE DO YOU LIVE: Iowa Park, TX
45 hometown living at its best HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE 4-H AND PROJECTS? 3 years. WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I am involved in the Rabbit Club, Shotgun, Archery, Fashion Performance and visual arts, including writing and performing music, guitar, and photography. I am also involved in leadership. ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? Yes, I am a Valley View Club 2024-2025 Reporter WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHOWING? My favorite part of my projects is that no matter where or what it was, I always learned at least one new thing, met new people (some of which are now my closest friends), and heard people’s stories. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? 4-H has taught me to take initiative, keep records, the principles of a business meeting, how to share my ideas, and ask the right questions. But most importantly, it grew my confidence more than anything else I’ve ever done. The same stages that felt scary that I was shaking on, even a year ago, didn’t seem nearly as intimidating as when I returned to them this year. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? 4-H showed me that it was possible to achieve anything I put hard work into. 3 years ago, I never thought that I would be where I am today, finding small success in the arts, singing songs I wrote for people I have never met, being an officer and state title holder. 15-year-old me would probably stare at you for a second before saying, “Really? Wow, we did it!” and I didn’t have to do it alone. I did it with my family and a whole community cheering me on each step of the way.
46 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? It’s way more than just animals. You name it, they’ve got it. The list is truly endless. I can confidently say my main project of performing arts is the smallest project in our county but County Extension Agent, Katrena Mitchell, made sure I had all the resources I needed to make it to the top. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? Music: In the two years I competed in musical categories I’ve performed on multiple stages such as Wilberger County Auditorium and Theater in Vernon, as well as Rudder Theater and Rudder Auditorium in College Station on campus at Texas A&M University. The first year I competed (2024) in the talent showcases Band/Solo category with my original song “I Don’t Want to Know” and won 1st place in district and 4th in state. I returned the second year (2025) in band/solo with another original song called “Bring Me Flowers,” and won 1st in district and 8th in state. I also competed in the vocal category with Miley Cyrus’ ballad “Used to be Young” and won 1st in district and 8th in state. Photography: For this being my first and final year competing in 4-H photography, I’m proud of the resume I’ve created for myself in the project. Over the course of the 2024-2025 4-H year, I’ve collectively entered 18 photos into 6 contests, 15 of which won awards; including 1st place in the “Animals Domestic” category and 2nd place in the “People and Motion/Action” category at state roundup. Fine Arts: 1st place in watercolor painting and fine arts reserve champion at 2025 Wichita County Junior Livestock Show. Gold Star Awards: After working for months on my first ever record book, interviewing with my county and passionately praying, I was thrilled to be presented my county’s 2025 gold star award. It was the last contest of my 4-H career and the piece to truly round it off and close a very important chapter of my life. OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED IN? In late 2022 I became an active youth student at Texoma Cowboy Church where I soon became a student leader helping out as a singer and guitarist in our worship band, leading my friends and family in song and prayer, taught a couple of lessons, learned many more, and assisted alongside my youth pastors, directors, and other student leaders in our group. In the summer of 2023 I was invited to join “SPARK” (a student lead worship rally formed by teens from all around Wichita county with the goal of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people that could fit in the Faith Baptist parking lot) as one of the lead singers and guitarist. In the two years I was a part of this band I learned so many valuable lessons about how churches run behind the scenes, the tech side of music, teamwork, friendship, and grew my relationship with Christ even more.
47 hometown living at its best WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? To say it is only one person would not be an honest answer. I firmly believe I have learned important things that lead me through my daily life from everyone who has ever been a part of it. First and foremost, my parents, and siblings. Following them are the people I refer to as my church family and obviously all the wonderful people who’ve guided me through 4-H these last three years. Every one of the above has offered up countless acts of kindness, bits of wisdom, encouragement, genuine friendship, and stability when I worked myself into a frenzy over things that seemed much scarier in the moment. Each one of these interactions and relationships have molded me into the person I am today and for that I am forever grateful. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? I plan to continue pursuing music, by playing locally and posting original songs and covers on social media. I will also continue serving in ministry in any way I can. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? Photography of all kinds (nature, sports, lifestyle, etc.), writing (songwriting, journaling, and sketching), music (creating, collecting vinyls and cassettes, discovering, learning). WORDS OF ADVICE: Through all the ups and downs of my life so far, I have found nothing more consistent and truer than the love Jesus has for me and all the people around me. I’ve seen him work in every aspect of my life that has led me to become the person I am today and the person I’m on my way to becoming. With that, I leave you with two important pieces of truth. “For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” -John 3:16-17, and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6. If you would like to check out Kallie’s music, please visit @kalliemccorkle_official on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also check out all her recent photography @kalliemccorkle_photography on Instagram.
48 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
49 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings ServiceMaster of Wichita Falls proudly hosted the "Indoor Golf Challenge" on July 20th at Next Level Golf, raising funds to support Hire Heroes USA - a non-profit organization that assists military retirees, veterans, and their spouses in finding meaningful employment and successfully transitioning into civilian life. Players enjoyed a day of indoor golf on the World Tour Links course, along with games, raffles, prizes, delicious food, and beverages generously provided by our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to all the players, sponsors, and supporters who made this event a success. Mark your calendars - our next fundraising event will return to Next Level Golf on Saturday, July 18th, 2026! HIRE HEROES Indoor Golf Tournament Photos provided by SERVICEMASTER OF WICHITA FALLS
51 hometown living at its best
1. Grae | Parents: Colton Barrett & Marleah Hoffman 2. Kamdyn | Parents: Sammy & Stacie Hankins 3. Bowen | Parents: Brandon Sulfstede & Kelsey Opheim 4. Hestan | Parents: Chad & Kayla Fleming 5. Granger Stiles | Parents: Jacob & Macye Gober 6. Dakota | Parents: SSgt Matthew & Kaylee Holcomb 7. Florence | Parents: Brian & Christine Acosta 8. Everett | Parents: Caleb & Ashlyn Kyle 9. Cleo | Parents: Tyler & Nayely Flores 10. Hudson | Parents: Ethan & Yvonne Oden 11. Zaiden | Parents: Quinton & Amanda Walter 12. Brexton | Parents: BJ & Tanna Dockins 13. Dorthea | Parents: Alex & Abbey Travelstead 14. Adelyn | Parent: Brenn Myers-Geurin 15. Georgia | Parents: Chase & Abigail Wilson 16. Steele | Parents: Santos Cross & Lindy McCall 17. Camden | Parents: Jonathan Murzone & Briana Rojas 18. Ember | Parents: Jacob & Michelle Hill 19. Sophia | Parents: David Vaccarella & Noemi Olalde Join us in welcoming Wichita Fall’s newest residents! Have your photographer share your sweet bundle with us for future issues, office@hometownmedia.group. 1 2 3 4 52 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography
11 6 5 7 12 9 13 14 10 15 8 11 16 17 18 19 53 hometown living at its best
Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 20 22 21 23 24 54 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group 20. Ella | Parents: Patrick & Caitlin Barker 21. Hadley | Parents: Jaremi & Shelby Gatewood 22. Madelyn | Parents: Billy & Carly Guilliams 23. Annie | Parents: Kobie & Cassidy Re’Koetter 24. Wrenley | Parents: Jaxon & Mackenzie Yates
940.636.9018 NMLS #1373566 Lender NMLS #411456 2304 Midwestern Parkway Suite 101 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 LSheppard@fnbtx.com • FHA/VA/USDA • Conventional Loans • Refinancing • Renovation • New Construction • Lot Loans Copyright© 2025. All rights reserved. Equal housing lender. First National Bank DBA First National Bank Mortgage. NMLS 411456. 3801 Fairway, Wichita Falls, TX 76310. 940-696-3000. www.fnbtx.com, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Information not intended to be a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates and terms may apply. Rates, fees, terms, and programs subject to change without notice. Not all loans, loan sizes, or products may apply. Loans subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet loan-to-value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals subject to program guidelines and subject to change without notice. Meet with the licensed loan originator above for more information. PRE-QUALIFY FROM YOUR PHONE 55 hometown living at its best
Written by TODD GILES | Photos provided by THE WICHITA FALLS MUSEUM OF ART AT MSU–TEXAS and THE LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER MSU’s Lifelong Learning Center provides adults over 50 continuing opportunities to learn with people of similar age and interests. 56 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
57 hometown living at its best
The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) at MSU Texas has come a long way since it opened in 2018. Today, under the direction of Sarah Fidlar, the LLC is 250 members strong and growing. Indeed, due to their increased membership numbers, the LLC recently relocated to their new home at another Texoma educational mainstay, the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU Texas. Provost Marcy Brown Marsden is excited to see the LLC’s new relationship with the WFMA bearing fruit: “The LLC brings energy to our campus by bringing this group’s eagerness to pose questions and propose answers in collaboration with each other and with people from our campus departments. I am excited to be around that energy!” LLC member Carrol Wilson reiterates this sentiment, saying, “It’s my belief that a university should serve its entire community, not just its students. Those at the more senior point in life still desire to learn and be challenged intellectually and artistically, and they have much to offer from their experiences and observations.” This collaborative, member-led community of learners have access to nearly one hundred noncredit university-level classes per year, as well as field trips to places like the Fort Worth Stockyards and Texas Ranger baseball games. “The LLC provides an opportunity for continued learning about a wide variety of topics ranging from art, religion, history and science to topics of local interest,” says member Ed Eckhart. “It affords social interaction with others who value curiosity about their world.” Courses include everything from one-time lectures to classes spanning several weeks. Each course is led by either interested community members, current and/or retired faculty, or LLC members themselves. They also have a book club, walking group, and host luncheons and other social events. Truly, the LLC is much more than just a place for folks to expand their minds; it’s a place to connect with a diverse array of neighbors and make new lifelong connections. 58 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
59 hometown living at its best
60 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
Dr. Jonathan Price, who recently presented “Old Mountains and Older Rocks: The Wichitas of Southwestern Oklahoma,” is one of many faculty members proud to share their expertise with their fellow Texomans. For Dr. Price, the LLC “provides an essential connection between the university and Wichita Falls in feeding the curious minds of our community. For me, as an educator, it’s always a joy to connect my knowledge to the intellectually curious.” Another regular presenter at the LLC is Dr. Greg Giddings, who shares his love of Texas literature by highlighting authors such as James Hoggard, John Williams, and Larry McMurtry. Dr. Gidding finds teaching at the LLC a nice change from his day-to-day work in the college classroom: “Visiting the lifelong learners is a treat for me because they are intrinsically interested in the material. They are not only interested; they are also engaged and enthusiastic.” Sarah Fidlar has done a superb job of bringing together a wide range of topics each year, including classes last spring such as “True Crime: The Valentine’s Day Murder” by Dr. Pam Morgan, “The Six Loves of Scripture” by Dr. Dave Hartman, “Dementia Care Giving” by Kathleen Duncan, and “An Afternoon Chat with Author Sandra Scofield.” Their Fall 2025 course catalogue includes classes led by Dr. Jeremy Duff, Jack Browne, Kristin Edwards, and Lynn Seman, just to name a few. They also have field trips scheduled to The Whiteside Museum of Natural History in Seymour, the Air Tractor facility in Olney, and a guided tour around the city of Grapevine. As Bob Gamber points out, “Sarah is tireless in her efforts to keep us engaged, constantly seeking new presenters and subjects and adding numerous field trips.” Debora “Rusty” Speake’s “favorite thing about the LLC are its members. It’s a great group. I love people and love it when a class is about someone’s personal experiences. As the LLC grows, we will have more opportunities to meet more people and continue to grow and learn and individuals.” And for Thomas Reed, “the LLC reminds us to look at the world around us; to be more than we might otherwise be.” Membership in the Lifelong Learning Center is open to all Texoma residents over the age of fifty and includes, along with unlimited courses throughout each semester-long membership period, discounts at the university bookstore, and access to Moffett Library and the Redwine Student Wellness Center. For more information on becoming a member, or to receive a course catalogue in the mail, you can call Sarah Fidlar at 940-397-4814 or visit msutexas. edu/lifelong-learning-center/. † 61 hometown living at its best
3910 WAYNE AVE STE 104 | WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308 940.691.0281 | WWW.KBONDJEWELERS.COM 62 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
GOOD FAST REAL Check Availability No Trade-Offs, Just Better Internet 63 hometown living at its best
R Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos provided by DEB CORNELIUS Rivers and Destinies is a newly written book by local author Deb Cornelius. It is a historical fiction novel about one of the earliest Wichita County settlers, Mabel Gilbert. While some may assume that Mabel is a girl’s name, Deb describes him as a “man’s man, full of grit, a real tough guy. " Rivers and Destinies is a sweeping tale of courage, love, and resilience from 1797 to 1863. Against the backdrop of Tennessee, two unlikely boys form a bond that defies societal norms. Something tragic happens in their lives that catapults them into a friendship which eventually grows into a partnership as they leave behind the Plantation to brave the untamed wilderness of the West in search of freedom. Along the way, they navigate treacherous rivers, rugged terrain, and profound realizations about themselves and their world. Local author Deb Cornelius is passionate about stories of early pioneer life in Wichita County and has written a book in the hope that their history will stay alive for years to come. From Tennessee to Texas 65 hometown living at its best
The book tells how Mabel Gilbert, with his privileged beginnings, and friend Henry, despite his enslavement, find liberation together on a journey that changes their lives. This extraordinary journey of friendship, resilience, and shared dreams will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of human connection and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The book parallels Gilbert’s actual journey and travels from Tennessee to Texas, where he eventually ended up in Dallas. Mabel, along with John Neely Bryan (known as the founder of Dallas) traveled by water on the Trinity River in a dug-out cottonwood canoe along with Gilbert’s wife, who was pregnant with the first pioneer baby born in Dallas. Gilbert’s wife had a part in the naming of the city of Arlington and Rivers and Destinies also reveals who the namesake of Dallas truly is, another mystery solved. Gilbert eventually ended up in Wichita County, where he spent the last three years of his life. Deb was born within ten miles of where Gilbert settled in Dallas, and her and her husband Tim now reside on Gilbert’s historical Wichita County property on Gilbert Creek close to the Red River. Mabel owned 4,000 acres in Wichita County at the time of his death and while there is no relation, Deb feels connected to Mabel and the land he lived on. “When I am hiking on my property, I feel these pioneers encouraging me, ‘Tell our 66 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
67 hometown living at its best
68 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
story so people will know,' and so I did.” She is profoundly committed to her passion project of sharing the stories of Mabel Gilbert and his friends and families. “What piqued my interest years ago is a book I came across while teaching 3rd grade. Dorothy Crowder was the author of Tales of Red River Valley. The first chapter was about Mabel and the mystery behind his story. There are amazing ventures surrounding this pioneer. Things that people don’t realize. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know,” she recalled. So, with years of determination, she set out to discover the details of Mabel’s life. “I would think of something in the middle of the night and quietly leave the room to research,” she said. "My husband Tim would find me and say, 'What in the world are you doing?” Tim finally encouraged me, saying, “If you are this interested in their story, other people will be too. So, you need to write a book.’ My husband said that he thought I had a crush on Mabel Gilbert,” Deb said with a grin. With Deb’s solid academic foundation and her pursuit of information, she spent countless hours browsing dusty records in small-town County Courthouses and historical societies. She spent even more time using the Internet to find information and relevant books for her research. Cornelius is thankful for the inter-library loan system, the General Land Office, and countless other entities as she took this project and ran with it. Beyond her professional pursuits, Deb finds joy in various activities. According to her website, she is a wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and storyteller and cherishes family time and enjoys being outdoors, immersing herself in the beauty of nature. She is thrilled to share this story and believes everyone’s lives are like rivers filled with twists and turns, rises and falls. Deb has been doing presentations in all the counties that Mabel Gilbert has had an influence on, and she also hosted a book signing at the Museum of North Texas History. Rivers and Destinies is available for purchase at Amazon.com. † 69 hometown living at its best
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx