Ep 15. A Town Revitalized?

A Town Revitalized? is the fifteenth episode of the sixth season of NOW on PBS. In this episode, viewers are taken to the small town of Olney, Texas where a community has come together in an effort to fight economic decline and bring life back to their town.

The episode begins by providing some background on Olney, which over the years has lost many of its businesses and residents due to the decline of its main industry, oil. Viewers are introduced to Pete and Emily Bonds, a couple who own a local business called Bonds Ranch, which raises premium beef. The Bonds have taken it upon themselves to help bring new life to Olney by investing in the town and encouraging others to do the same.

The first project that the Bonds took on was renovating an old vacant building on the town's main street. They turned the space into a modern steakhouse called The Wildcatter, which has quickly become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. By breathing new life into an old building, the Bonds were able to create jobs and bring more customers to the struggling downtown area.

The Bonds' success at The Wildcatter inspired other local business owners to take action and try revitalizing their own establishments. The episode features several other small business owners, such as the owners of a men's boutique and a vintage store, who have made efforts to spruce up their businesses and attract new customers.

Viewers are also introduced to the Olney Chamber of Commerce, a group of community members who are dedicated to making Olney a better place to live and work. Through the chamber, the community has started several initiatives, including a mural project and a beautification program for the town's parks. These projects have helped to create a greater sense of community pride and foster a more welcoming environment in Olney.

One of the most notable initiatives highlighted in the episode is the Olney Hamilton Hospital. The hospital, which had been in danger of closing due to financial struggles, was saved thanks to the Bonds and their partners who invested in the facility and helped implement new management. The hospital now serves as a vital resource for the community and has created new jobs in the process.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the positive impact that all these initiatives have had on the town. Businesses are reopening, the streets are bustling and people are feeling more optimistic about the future of their community. The Bonds and their fellow community members have proven that even a small town can make big changes with the right attitude and a little bit of initiative.

A Town Revitalized? concludes by highlighting the challenges that small towns across America face when it comes to economic development. The episode notes that the success of Olney was made possible by the community's willingness to work together and invest in their town. The message of the episode is clear: by coming together and taking action, any community can create a brighter future for itself.