A unique new place for people to vacation or *stay-cation is coming to Lubbock.

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A Lubbock couple is bringing a new type of Airbnb to the Hub City, after converting six grain silos into a neighborhood of miniature homes.

Rick and Carol Pevey are set to open the Hub City Silos next month in West Lubbock, near Erskine Street and Alcove Avenue.

“I just have always kind of loved grain silos. I’m quirky like that a little bit. So, I kind of like the not-so ordinary things,” Carol said.

Rick was hesitant when Carol first approached him with the idea of turning silos into Lubbock’s newest boutique Airbnb. But, after a year of convincing and a year of hard work, they are almost ready.

“We’re just super excited. It’s unique to Lubbock. We just really want a family-friendly place that people can come out and just kind of unwind, get away from the crazy world,” Carol said.

The largest silo, named ‘The Watson,’ came from a friend of Rick’s in Ralls, where he is originally from. Once an operating grain bin, it’s now complete with a large living room, dining area, microwave, mini-fridge, and large bathroom. There’s also a loft with a second floor for the king bed and a covered balcony outside.

“The sunsets out here are gorgeous...you just can’t beat them,” Rick said.

Carol found the five other silos on Facebook from Oklahoma. They’re meant for couples, with a queen bed, TV, bathroom, microwave and mini fridge. The smaller silos are each named after a grandchild.

“They all know which one is their silo, and they wanna know when they can come stay in them, so they’re very excited,” Carol said.

The Peveys wanted to fill the silos with furniture and antiques from the South Plains. Some pieces have a rich history, like a 1930′s bathtub in the main bathroom.

“The tin that’s all on the inside is actually from, we bought it from Lamesa. A guy was tearing down two chicken houses that his dad had owned, and they had produced eggs that they made into powdered eggs that they made for the military during World War II. So, we think that’s kind of cool,” Carol said.

They hope people will rent the whole place out for vacations, staycations, family reunions or bridal parties for a wedding. People can also rent one or two silos and make some friends. They plan to have games, animals, roping dummies and a firepit for entertainment.

“Think kind of like a campground. When you go camping, you kind of get to know the people you’re around. And that’s kind of what we want to have going on out here,” Carol said.

Later, the couple hopes to add a putting green near the silos and another Airbnb renovated from a boxcar.

The Hub City Silos grand opening is March 12. After that, they will have their own website and can be found on Airbnb.

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Tex-Ethiopian restaurant Smoke'N Ash BBQ in Arlington was named one of 2022's best restaurants by the New York Times.

ARLINGTON, Texas —

Tucked within an unassuming strip mall in Arlington is a culinary labor of love.

At Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Texas barbecue meets an unexpected twist: Ethiopian flavor.

Back in 2018, the restaurant’s owners, Fasicka and Patrick Hicks, opened it and began serving traditional BBQ dishes like pork ribs and brisket.

They decided to get creative and began blending the barbecue with spices from Fasicka Hicks' home country of Ethiopia.

"I think it was really a hit right away,” Fasicka Hicks said.

There's likely no other restaurant in the world serving Tex-Ethiopian barbecue.

The couple’s journey to creating fusion began when Patrick Hicks purchased a trailer to pursue his passion for barbecuing.

"I just started selling barbecue on the side of the road, and it kind of just expanded to here," Patrick Hicks said.

“We had multiple customers lining up every weekend, they looked forward to it,” Fasicka Hicks said.

They had such a large following, the couple ended up opening their restaurant steps away from the side of the road where their first loyal customers showed up.

"We kind of just planted our seeds right here in this parking lot, and it just blossomed,” Patrick Hicks said.

It was more like an explosion.

First, Texas Monthly featured the couple’s restaurant. Then, last year, the New York Times named Smoke’N Ash one of the top 50 restaurants in America in 2022.

“I said ‘Woah, what is going on here?!” Fasicka Hicks said. “It’s just amazing. I cannot explain it. I wish our parents were living to experience that, 'cause everything we learned we’ve learned from them.”

Early on, the couple focused on mastering traditional Texas barbecue dishes.

As time went on, Fasicka Hicks began serving Ethiopian side dishes like Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew) and fluffy Injera flatbread.

There was new life when customers had an idea that was a game-changer for the restaurant.

"What started it was the customers asking, ‘Can I have your Ethiopian meat combination plate with barbecue?”

That’s how the flavors of Texas barbecue and Ethiopia came together.

"It was an amazing blend, and we never thought that it was possible,” Fasicka said.

The fusion was born out of love.

Patrick Hicks, a native of Waco, grew up watching his family’s love for barbecuing.

The couple met in the '90s, six months after Fasicka Hicks immigrated from Ethiopia to the U.S. She landed in North Texas, but home stayed with her.

Their passion for cooking and serving others quickly became their love language.

“We work so hard, and I know that where she came from... we're just blessed that we’re together,” Patrick Hicks said as he fought back tears.

“He was the first person who understood my English when I came here," Fasicka Hicks said.

That love is also shared with loyal customers who become fast friends, such as Mike Hogan.

“Patrick makes Texas barbecue the way Texas barbecue should be made, but there’s certain things he does that are very unique. His chicken and ribs are the best in North Texas,” Hogan said.

It’s why he celebrates the restaurant’s national recognition.

“I know how hard they work and how they put so much love into everything they do,” Hogan said. “I was so proud to open up the New York Times and, say, ‘I know that place! I know those people!’”

The Hicks have created a flavor that now ships nationwide. They’re drawing in customers from all 50 states and have plans to move to a larger location.

Beyond sharing their bold flavors, the couple’s hope is to inspire.

“For me, it’s the possibility of American dream,” Fasicka Hicks said. “That's what it’s about for me, because I never thought when I first moved here one day I’ll be one of the best in America... let alone opening a restaurant here. But with hard work, good attitude and just being optimistic, anything is possible."

Those are the ingredients that created their recipe for success.

by Rod Williamson

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Vanderbilt sailed into the lead at the Stallings Invitational ON Friday on the strength of five lop-sided victories.

The Commodores came within a whisker of averaging 1,000 pins (199.8) over the slick and tricky AMF All Star Lanes in notching wins over Tusculum, 10th-ranked Maryland-Eastern Shore, Lincoln Memorial, Coppin State and North Carolina A&T.

Vanderbilt leads second place Sam Houston State by 230 pins with host Aggies third. Vandy and Tulane were the only teams to go 5-0 on the day.

There was a somber overtone to the day’s bowling, the result of a tragic bus accident Thursday involving the Delaware State team that injured many, several seriously. In the close-knit bowling community, many of the competitors had friends involved.

If there was any good news, it appears that some of the injuries are not as threatening as first feared.

Vanderbilt’s featured match was the day’s finale against the sixth-ranked NCAT Aggies, who jumped out to a quick 8-pin lead. That deficit would quickly vanish as the steady Commodores won the second baker game by 37 pins.

Vandy’s lead would swell to 65 pins after the third game, aided by Victoria Varano’s two strikes and another of many 10th frame strikeouts by All-American Mabel Cummins.

The margin ballooned over the last two bakers as the Commodores zeroed in on their line and put up their best two scores of the day —228 and 237—for a closing 1,067-916 win.

“It was tough sledding today,” Vandy head coach John Williamson said. “It was a grind. We (associate head coach Josie Barnes) talked about wanting to try to control the pocket, not necessarily try to strike. They bought into that.”

It seems redundant to report that Cummins was outstanding, but the senior neuroscience major was exactly that from her anchor position. Time and again she registered strikes in the final frame, often making an otherwise competitive game appear to have been a blowout.

“Mabel was 100 pins over (a 200 pace) today,” Williamson said, “and on these lanes that is impressive. When you are doubling or striking out in the 10th you can really pour it on.”

Freshman Alyssa Ballard was a steady and consistent contributor from her second spot in the rotation, which was Paige Peters, Ballard, Varano, Caroline Thesier and Cummins all day.

“I thought as a group we did a good job of working together,” Willamson added. “We sprinkled in some nice strike runs and seemed to get what we needed when we needed it for the most part.”

The lanes were challenging as evidenced by the field’s modest scoring pace. Vandy was by far the most consistent team and hovered at or near the 200 mark the entire day with just a couple exceptions.

The tournament continues at 8:30 a.m. CT Saturday with five team games.

With the withdrawal of the Delaware State team, the competitive agenda has been altered to include a complete round-robin of the 12-team field. That means Sunday will have one team game and a two-game baker bracket to decide the final standings.

The Commodore matches are streamed live on the Vanderbilt Athletics YouTube site.

Austin, TX. - Austin is not only one of the most expensive cities to rent an apartment in Texas, but it's also one of the most expensive in the US.

For example, after a huge spike in rental prices over the last couple of years, the average cost of rent in the Lonestar State's capital is now over $1,800 a month! Unfortunately, not everyone in the city can afford to pay that much for housing.

Luckily, savvy renters who know where to look can still find options around the metro area for less than half that amount.

1. Villages at East Riverside

As mentioned, renting in Austin is expensive. Therefore, one affordable option is shared living with roommates. The Villages at East Riverside has four-bedroom, four-bath units that start at $600 a person (bedroom).

Amenities include a pool and clubhouse, in-unit washer and dryer, recycling services, and a fitness center and ball courts.

2. The Sterling House

Another shared living community, The Sterling House has two-bedroom apartments starting at $660 a person.

Residents enjoy being within walking distance of the University of Texas, a pool and clubhouse, free WiFi access, planned social activities, and a courtyard and sundeck.

3. Cameron House

The Cameron House is also located within walking distance of campus. The property has one-bedroom units that rent for as low as $782 a month.

Amenities include social spaces and study lounges, a swimming pool and fitness center, in-unit washer and dryer, and on-site retail.

4. La Cima

La Cima has one-bedroom apartments that start at $774 a month. However, there are certain income restrictions that residents must meet.

For example, a single-person household must make under $46,380 a year.

Community amenities include things like partially-paid utilities, washer and dryer hookups, controlled access for more security, and car charging stations.

5. Tuscany Park at Buda

For those seeking affordable living outside the city, Tuscany Park at Buda has one-bedroom units that rent for as low as $544 a month.

Amenities include a pool and clubhouse with WiFi, package service, a fitness center, a grill and picnic area, and laundry facilities.

6. Aspire at Onion Creek

Located in southeast Austin, Aspire at Onion Creek has spacious one-bedroom apartments that start at $556 a month.

Residents enjoy in-unit washer and dryer, WiFi, a swimming pool and fitness center, a pet play area, and a multi use room.

7. Town Lake

Town Lake has one-bedroom units renting for as low as $520 a month.

Amenities include controlled access for more security, a pool and spa, a fitness center and ball courts, walk-in closets, and high-speed internet access.

8. Montgomery House

Finally, one last budget-friendly apartment community for renters in the city. The Montgomery House has one-bedroom units starting at $782 a month.

Residents enjoy being a close walk away from campus, community-wide WiFi, on-site retail, controlled access for added security, a multi use room, and package service.

After meeting at an H-E-B during Christmastime in 2021, Abe Mease knew exactly where he would propose to his now-fiancée Kolean Crawford. With rose petals romantically tossed on the floor of the Healthy Living aisle, Mease, 44, asked Crawford, 38, to marry him at the H-E-B in Leander (north of Austin) on November 23.

The two originally first locked eyes at the H-E-B in Burleson, near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Mease told MySA he was looking at apartments and stopped by the H-E-B before heading home for the day. Crawford was in the area grabbing groceries before continuing her Christmas shopping.

In the Healthy Living aisle, Crawford approached Mease, asking him for a good recommendation on protein bars as she had just started working out again. After the two chatted for about 20 to 30 minutes, Mease asked for her number.

"We talked on the phone endlessly for a couple of weeks before finally meeting in person again," Mease said. "Every time we were together we had an amazing time. We are both quirky and goofy. We always have a blast together and were very comfortable with each other from the beginning."

Both currently live in Glen Rose, southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. However, Mease said he picked Leander to proposal in due to them visiting family for Thanksgiving. He explained how he knew an H-E-B proposal was fitting to their quirky story and personalities, adding they even have matching tattoos of the GPS coordinates for the H-E-B in Burleson.

Mease said his sister Emily Duran, who lives in Leander, contacted H-E-B for help on the proposal, which they gladly agreed to. Using the excuse to pick up last-minute Thanksgiving items, Mease led Crawford to H-E-B.

@lindyfoster When there is proposal in aisle two of @H-E-B but you are on tamale duty at work #fyp #heb #proposal #tamale #pork #chicken ? original sound - Lily

"I was a nervous wreck as I didn't know what to expect in the store or what end of the aisle my sister set everything up," Mease said. "We really never even had a chance to discuss details of how it was going to play out. Not every H-E-B layout is the same. I was trying to be calm and collected to not let off any vibes. Kolean picks up on every and all emotions from me."

Once he got the aisle number, Mease walked with Crawford and asked her the question, "Will you marry me?" Mease said Crawford is a very shy person and froze once she realized what was going on. However, after the nerves went away, she said, "yes."

The two haven't set a day yet but Mease said they hope to have something in early 2023 – or they might even elope because they are both spontaneous.