It felt as if the entire charming and friendly town of Wheeler came out to celebrate Mel’s Diner being named one of our best top 40 cafes in Texas. With over 200 people, including the high school football team and their coach, celebration was in high gear, including a lively jam session with talented locals picking and singing. Owners Mel Ray and Susan Coate, along with their daughter, April Hampton, have established Mel’s as an institution in this small Panhandle town. One of the local celebrities I had the honor of meeting was 5-year old Stormy Merriweather who has been “writing” a weekly column, “The Storm Report,” in the local Wheeler Times for the last two years. (See pic). I didn’t miss the opportunity to give her my card. You never know when you’re going to need new, young talent.