Editing Los Ybanez, Texas (section)

==History==
Los Ybanez was organized in the late 1970s (formally incorporated in 1983) as one of several Texas municipalities that were organized in order to legalize local sale of alcoholic spirits. These were usually small areas of land, adjacent to larger towns or cities. Others included [[Impact, Texas|Impact]] near Abilene, TX and Orbit near Monahans, TX.

Texas law provides that all its 254 counties are essentially "dry"; that is, liquor sales are not allowed. Local governments can opt for these sales through "local option" elections. The western half of Texas is generally and historically dry, though as the metro areas grew, most allow liquor in clubs, some on sale in stores.

Los Ybanez was founded by members of the family of Israel G. and Mary Ybanez. Ybanez purchased a tract of land outside all towns from the state of Texas (which had obtained title from the federal government after World War II.) The land had been used for soldiers' barracks during military training exercises at an adjoining glider base. Family members were moved to the land to occupy the houses and establish residency. Later they incorporated as a town, got a US Post Office, and legalized liquor sales. The store operates to this day as a drive through only operation, accepting only cash.

The Ybanez family also founded a local radio station, KYMI (later [[KJJT]]) as a vehicle for advertising for the liquor store business. KYMI began on 107.9&nbsp;MHz, but moved to 98.5 in 1996 when a station in Odessa upgraded facilities. KYMI received money for a new transmitter and antenna in return for agreeing to change channels.<ref>Federal Communications Commission decision regarding change in channels http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Orders/1995_Orders/da950395.txt . Sources: 1)"Texas Almanac" published Annually by Belo Corporation. 2)Ongoing coverage of liquor election controversy Lubbock Avalanche Journal Archives 1980-1982. 3) Interview with Israel Ybanez published in Broadcasting Magazine (now Broadcasting & Cable) 1991.</ref>