Day dreaming

6 ways life would change if Texas secedes from the Union

As long as you don't show belly button, it's technically family-friendly attire.
Dallas Mavericks
First order of business for the country of Texas, Rick Perry is named interimpresident.
Photo by Gage Skidmore
When militant hipsters in Austin inevitably push to annex Colorado, Willieobliges.
Photo by Jeremy Keas
Now that's a welcoming worthy of a Texas president if we've ever seen one.
Photo courtesy of Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Micah H. from Arlington had a busy weekend. On November 9, he created a petition through Whitehouse.gov asking for Texas' peaceful secession from the United States. It has 20,120 signatures and counting.

We all know this Lone Star State schtick by now. But, just for fun, let's say it's really happening this time. Here are the six biggest changes headed to Texas when it (once again) becomes its own country:

1. Arlington is declared the new capital. This would not only pay homage to the honorable Micah H., it would allow Cowboys Stadium to become Texas' version of the White House. I'm sure Jerry Jones would draw up a very reasonable rent agreement. There's already plenty of parking, a ton of unused suites and a tour system set-up. Win-win-win.

2. Rick Perry is named interim president. It's only fitting, really. But we can't have Ricky running around forever. A proper election will be set up, pitting the state's political powerhouses of George W. Bush, Kinky Friedman, Ron Paul and Willie Nelson against each other. Our money's on Willie.

3. Militant hipsters in Austin push to annex Colorado. With recreational marijuana use approved by popular vote, Willie obliges. Plus, the Rocky Mountains make a perfect canvas for the Mount Rushmore-esque carvings to honor Davy Crockett, Chuck Norris, Pat Green and the frozen margarita.

4. The Mavs Dancers become official ambassadors. Might as well put those brand-spankin'-new-uniforms to good use on the worlds stage. As long as you don't show belly button, it's technically family-friendly attire.

5. Daniel Vaughn is named barbecue czar. Tragically, he stages a coup d'etat after Willie is spotted eating ribs with sauce.

6. We finally secure the border — to Oklahoma. The free ride's over, wind lovers.

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RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

Courtesy photo

Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away; he was 88.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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