Nitschkes’ Circle N Ranch Recognized as Audubon Bird-Friendly Habitat
By Anthony Hauck – Communications Manager, Audubon Conservation Ranching,
Waurika, Oklahoma — The Circle N Ranch, home ranch of Nitschke Natural Beef, owned and operated by Gary and Lauren Nitschke, has received a Bird-Friendly Habitat Certification from the National Audubon Society. Nitschke Natural Beef products and promotional materials can now carry the Audubon Certified bird friendly seal, which recognizes their origin on lands managed for birds and biodiversity.
The Nitschkes’ entire ranch is enrolled in Audubon Conservation Ranching, a sprout up habitat program working to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in Oklahoma and across the U.S. Uniquely, Audubon Conservation Ranching connects consumers to conservation through the marketplace, distinguishing products that come from lands actively managed for wildlife through rotational and regenerative grazing practices. At the Circle N Ranch, this means the Nitschkes are using their cattle beyond beef production, but also to create a mosaic of habitat for priority birds, including flagship species such as the Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlark, and the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher – Oklahoma’s state bird.
For the Nitschkes, the habitat partnership with Audubon is the next step in an evolution of stewardship dating to 2003, when they became second-generation ranch owners.
“Audubon Conservation Ranching provides our ranch with another level of distinction, as well as program standards that align with our lifelong values of caring for the environment and animals,” Lauren Nitschke said. Lands must meet program standards in the areas of habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal health and welfare to receive Audubon’s bird-friendly certification.
Thomas Schroeder, Audubon Conservation Ranching Manager in Oklahoma and Texas, said the Nitschkes’ ground-up philosophy, long focused on building organic matter and putting health back into the soil, is the base for good grassland habitat. “Healthy soil makes for healthy grass, and healthy grasslands make for healthy wildlife,” Schroeder said. Added habitat enhancements, including the conversion of some cropland back to grasslands, will benefit pollinating insects and a host of other grassland-dependent bird species, including the Bell’s Vireo, Dickcissel, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, Sedge Wren, and Upland Sandpiper.
Nitschke Natural Beef specializes in custom, family-sized cutting orders with a Dallas-Fort Worth and north Texas delivery area. The Circle N Ranch is also a producer for the Grassfed Livestock Alliance, which supplies locally-produced grassfed meats to the Southwest Region of Whole Foods Market. For more information, contact Nitschke Natural Beef.
Nitschke Natural Beef
All Pasture • All the Time
https://nnbeef.com
For more information about Audubon Conservation Ranching in Oklahoma and Texas, contact Thomas Schroeder at (512) 663-2944.
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Rufous Hummingbird. Rufous Hummingbird. Walter Nussbaumer/Audubon Photography Awards
INHOFE STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING LAKES, WATERWAYS AND FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS IN OKLAHOMA
WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, questioned witnesses at a hearing on the Water Resource Development Act Oversight: USACE Implementation of Water Infrastructure Projects, Programs and Priorities.
Witnesses included: the Honorable Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Inhofe: First, let me thank Senator Capito for allowing me to take place in this order. I have had occasion to spend some time with both the gentlemen, Spellmon and Michael Connor, and we are in agreement about so many different things; it’s so important for my state of Oklahoma. I have to share with the rest of the people here about how serious of a flood that we had in 2019. The only ammunition we had at that time was the Tulsa Levee and West Tulsa Levee system. Now, this actually was at a time, it was put together, it was actually when I was four years old. It far exceeded its service life. So, we had the levee system. And when our flood came, in 2019, more people – professionals – believed that we were going to be breaking the levee and really having a disastrous situation. It did perform, and I can remember actually being personally down there when the water was coming through, and nobody thought that it was going to be able to hold. We put in emergency things right after that, and now, we are in a situation that certainly Secretary Connor is familiar with as something that is serious, and I know you are aware of the seriousness of this thing. So, we have this levee system, and we are hoping and doing everything we can to ensure that we are going to be able to hold this out in the event of another one. It was a close call, a very close call.
The other thing I wanted to make sure I had time to mention is our MKARNS. You know people don’t realize that we are navigable in Oklahoma. We are the most inland navigable system in the country, and it’s something that people don’t realize. We have more miles of fresh-water shoreline than any other of the 50 states. Now, there’s a reason for that. Because ours are all man-made lakes. Man-made lakes give you a lot of shoreline because they have a dam down and they go across a lot of it. People are not aware, but that is something serious. The other thing that is of concern is that we are navigable in terms of having the capability to take care of the things we need. For example, our navigation way coming to the state of Oklahoma is 98 percent 12-foot channel. That means that we have two percent that’s not a 12-foot channel; it’s a 9-foot channel. That’s one of the things that’s been on our list for a long period of time. It’s been authorized, and I just want to make sure that I take this opportunity, Mr. Connor, reminding you of what you and I have talked about before and the seriousness of what we are facing now with these two projects. One being, of course, the levee system; that it would hold up for not another hundred years, but start working immediately with top priority. I believe that it has that along with the deepening of the MKARNS.
Would you share your thoughts on those two projects?
Connor: Senator Inhofe, thank you for the conversations regarding these projects and the ongoing dialogue. I think they represent two very high priority aspects of the overall Army Corps of Engineers program. That is, obviously, in respect to the levees, our need to maintain, rehabilitate and do any new construction with an eye towards resilience; particularly given the 2019 flooding situations. We know what extreme events can bring, and so that brings a focus to move forward with your project in west Tulsa. The inland waterways issue with the 12-foot navigation channel, I think I remember during my confirmation process, I mentioned that I had done some background in preparation for talking with you. I saw the Port of Tulsa, and I was really was taken aback at the Port of Tulsa. My first trip out of the box here was on the Mississippi River, Illinois River, seeing the dam and locks system and talking with the folks involved in our navigable inland waterways and moving commerce on that system and the need for reliability, the benefits that exist from efficient delivery, arguably, and our need to maintain and improve that system so that it continues to be an important part of our commerce system. Part and parcel, that’s one of our priorities is shoring up the supply chain, and so from that standpoint, I am with you in the importance of those projects, sir.
Inhofe: And I appreciate that very much. The last thing I would mention is on our lakes development. I never knew why it was this way, but it always seems that they were concerned with navigation and flood control but not recreation. We have so many great opportunities for recreation, and that is something that we are looking at for the first time. I actually, I was chairman, I guess, of this committee during the ’07 WRDA legislation. We made some advancement at that time and again in 2020, but I would like to say that we have all changed in our priorities on the lake system that we have. We recognize that recreation is a very important opportunity for us in our state of Oklahoma. I would hope that you would agree that that is an area that we need to concentrate on for everyone’s benefit.
Connor: Absolutely, Senator. I have a long history at the Interior Department. I was glad to hear when I came over in this position that we have more campgrounds in the Army Corps of Engineers program than the National Parks Service. I understand the importance of that, particularly during the pandemic. We’ve seen how people have gone to recreate in federal facilities outdoors. It’s an important part of the portfolio because it serves those communities in which we exist.
Inhofe: Well, I appreciate that and thank you, Senator Capito.
Downtown Again Schedule
2021 EVENT INFORMATION – May 15, 2021
As mentioned above, the focal point of this year’s event will be celebrating Sorosis Park on the North end of Main Street. There will also be many things to come see, shop, and take part in all up and down Main Street.
- Downtown Dash 5K & 1 Mile Walk
- (Registration 8am, 9am Start. All ages welcome)
- Farmer’s Market Season Opener 8 AM-11:30 AM
- Cornhole Tournament – 11 AM
- 3v3 Basketball Tournament – 1 PM (Adult & Youth divisions)
- Sorosis Park – 5:30 PM
- Live Music
- Artist Dr. Palmer Mural Signing
- Pop-up Dog Park @ The Lawn
- Food (Taco Truck, Circle D Cafe & more)
- Crafters & Pop-up shops
- WVFD Beer Garden (D & MAIN)
- Inflatable Kid’s Zone
- Dunk Tank
- Free Activities
- Evening Movie (9 PM)
Women’s Rodeo at Coyote Hills Arena
There were two women’s ranch rodeos Saturday morning at Coyote Hills Arena. The rodeo was sanctioned with the Women’s Ranch Rodeo Association.
Winners of Rodeo Number 2
Above: Top Team of both rodeos:1st Push Hard Cattle (Nessa Smith, Billie Franks, Rebecca Wilson, Michelle Dyer)
2nd Espuela (JV Thomas, Ginny Jo Thomas, Kelsey Love Thomas, Heather Borg)
3rd McClemore Cattle (Presley Reid, Nakona Danley, Gracie Paul, Rasey Runyan)
Above:
Winners of rodeo #1
1st Calvary Cross in order from right to left to right Whitney Hall, Stephanie Spillers, Pam McCleskey, Brooke Wilson
2nd Push Hard Cattle (Nessa Smith, Billie Franks, Rebecca Wilson, Michelle Dyer)
3rd Espuela (JV Thomas, Ginny Jo Thomas, Kelsey Love Thomas, Heather Borg)
Above: Top Horse Gracie Paul received handmade headstall buckle donated by Dyer Horseshoeing (Submitted Photo)
Above:
Top Hand Kelsey Love Thomas
She received a handmade headstall buckle donated by Dyer Horseshoeing
(Submitted Photo)
Lionel Richie to Receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today announced that pop music icon Lionel Richie will be the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Richie will be honored with an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., that will be broadcast nationally on PBS stations May 17 at 9 p.m. ET.
A songwriting superstar of the first order, Richie is known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and he co-wrote one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” for USA for Africa. His song catalog also includes his early work with the Commodores, where he developed a groundbreaking style that defied genre categories, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy.” Richie achieved the incredible distinction of writing No. 1 songs for 11 consecutive years.
Beyond his own impressive music career, Richie has mentored young artists as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol” for the past four seasons and is set to return for the show’s 20th season.
“In so many ways, this national honor was made for Lionel Richie whose music has entertained and inspired us — and helped strengthen our global connections,” Hayden said. “Lionel Richie’s unforgettable work has shown us that music can bring us together. Even when we face problems and disagree on issues, songs can show us what we have in common.”
Richie’s songs are part of the fabric of pop music and American culture. The Tuskegee, Alabama, native has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide. He has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, four Grammy Awards, the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016, and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017.
“This is truly an honor of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to be receiving the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,” Richie said. “I am proud to be joining all the other previous artists, who I also admire and am a fan of their music.”
Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. The honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and other music specialists. Previous recipients are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Garth Brooks.
Richie will receive the Gershwin Prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., on March 9. PBS stations will broadcast the concert — “Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” — at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 17, (check local listings) and on PBS.org and the PBS Video App as part of the co-produced Emmy Award-winning music series. It will also be broadcast to U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world via the American Forces Network.
Please visit our virtual newsroom for additional materials and media assets related to this announcement.
“Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” is a co-production of WETA Washington, D.C.; Bounce, a division of Concord Music Group; and the Library of Congress.
“As producer of the vibrant series since its inception, we are excited to bring this new concert honoring Lionel Richie to the American people in collaboration with the Library of Congress,” said Sharon Percy Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA. “This special production exemplifies WETA’s ongoing commitment to showcasing arts and culture in the nation’s capital and honoring leading artists who have made extraordinary contributions to popular music.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Library of Congress, WETA and our member stations to celebrate Lionel Richie and his extraordinary artistic contributions,” said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. “As America’s largest stage for the arts, PBS remains committed to bringing the best of music, theatre and dance to our audiences.”
Major funding for the broadcast is provided by the PBS and public television viewers. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor. Additional funding is provided by the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Fund and the Leonore S. Gershwin Trust for the benefit of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board, Michael Strunsky, trustee; AARP; Universal Music Group; the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; and William C. Burton. Air transportation is provided by United Airlines.
About Lionel Richie
International superstar Lionel Richie has a discography of albums and singles that are second to none. With more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, he has been awarded an Oscar, a Golden Globe, four Grammy Awards, the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016, and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017. In March 2018, Richie put his handprints and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, one of the oldest awards in Hollywood. He recently received the Ivor Novello PRS for Music Special International Award.
Richie sold out arenas worldwide with a set list of his brightest and best anthems on his All The Hits, All Night Long Tour. In recent years, he also headlined festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Glastonbury, drawing the festival’s biggest crowd ever with more than 200,000 attendees.
Richie took fans on a spectacular musical journey with his latest album, Live from Las Vegas along with his most recent tour, the “Hello” tour, which kicked off in summer 2019. The album, which was released on August 16, 2019 was No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart. The album also marks the legendary artist’s first release on Capitol Records.
Richie was a judge on ABC’s “American Idol” for the past four seasons and is set to return to the judge’s chair for the show’s 20th season. He launched his Las Vegas headlining residency show, Lionel Richie — All the Hits in April 2016. In an unforgettable evening featuring his brightest and best anthems that have defined the music icon’s unparalleled career, Richie took his fans on a spectacular musical journey, performing a variety of his seminal hits. Richie recently extended his “Back to Las Vegas” residency at Wynn Las Vegas’ Encore Theater with a 12-show engagement in 2022.
About the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honors living musical artists whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin, by promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding; entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations of musicians.
In making the selection for the prize, the Librarian of Congress consulted leading members of the music and entertainment communities, as well as curators from the Library’s Music Division, American Folklife Center and Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division.
The Gershwin name is used in connection with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song courtesy of the families of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. GERSHWIN is a registered trademark of Gershwin Enterprises.
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
Applications deadline March 30 for graduation honor cords
All Chickasaw citizens who are seniors in high school are eligible to apply for honor cords to display while graduating.
Braided in yellow, purple and blue rope, the honor cords feature a medallion displaying the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation. The application deadline for these honor cords is March 30.
Chickasaw seniors may also apply for a one-time reimbursement of graduation expenses.
Approved high school senior expenses include graduation announcements, caps and gowns, class rings, letterman jackets, and senior pictures. Up to $150 will be reimbursed for costs associated with these purchases.
For more information, contact Chickasaw Nation Youth Services Division by phone at (580) 310-6620, email at YouthSupportReimbursement@Chickasaw.net or visit
Chickasaw.net/Services/Children-Youth/Youth-Support-Reimbursement-Program.
JEFFERSON COUNTY PATHWAYS HOSTS INAUGURAL “TEENCON”
WAURIKA, Oklahoma – On Wednesday, October 19th, the Family Life Center of the First Christian Church of Waurika was packed with students for the inaugural “TeenCon,” a conference for county 6th & 9th graders to give them the tools needed to make smart choices for their health.
Over 140 students from Ringling, Ryan, and Waurika attended the all-day conference, where they learned the myths vs facts about substance use, the harmful effects of vaping, celebrating everyone’s unique differences, and real stories of prevention. After being served lunch, students had the option of participating in either an art workshop, archery tag, or dance, before heading to their final workshops. Workshops were presented by Define Your Direction, Lighthouse Behavioral Health Centers, the Oklahoma National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and Wichita Mountains Prevention Network.
The conference was organized by Wichita Mountains Prevention Network (WMPN), a substance misuse prevention agency, and Jefferson County Pathways, a countywide coalition started in 2021 to empower county residents to address teen marijuana misuse and other issues important to their communities. According to Jennifer Gormley, CBPS Coordinator with WMPN, this conference was months in the making. “Planning for the event began last fall when coalition members voiced a strong desire for a uniquely Jefferson County event. We chose to target 6th & 9th graders because they are just starting their middle and high school years, with all the pressures that come with it, and felt there was a great need to bolster their behavioral health. We are incredibly please with the outpouring of support the conference has received from the communities, school districts, and local businesses.”
Parents were also effusive in their praise. Said one mother to the planning committee, “Thank you so much for all your hard work you put into the TeenCon program. [My son] thoroughly enjoyed it, he had a great time and had some good facts that he came home and talked to me about. Thank you for all you do!” The conference was so successful, the Jefferson County Pathways coalition is already committed to organizing TeenCon 2023.
Interested in learning more about Jefferson County Pathways, and how you can get involved to help your community? Email Jennifer Gormley at jgormley@wmpn.org for more information and to get access to coalition meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom.
Ryan Alumni Gather Over Labor Day Weekend
he Ryan High School Alumni Association held its bi-annual alumni banquet over the recent Labor Day weekend.
The highlight of the weekend was the banquet held in the high school cafeteria/auditorium where the majority of the people in attendance walked across the stage to graduate from Ryan High School.
Nearly 100 alumni, family and friends gathered for the banquet that was highlighted by a catered meal from Branding Iron of Wichita Falls, TX.
Rob Givens, a 1975 graduate of RHS, was the featured speaker for the afternoon.
Givens recounted the story of how Brown Brothers Dry Goods in Ryan got its name and a little history behind it.
The last operator of the store was Givens’ dad, Bob Givens, who was known to most everyone in Ryan as a businessman and supporter of all Ryan High School activities.
Bob Givens, for whom the athletic complex is named at Ryan, was the public address announcer at the high school football games for 50 years.
After the elder Givens graduated from high school at Ryan, he joined the army and his son told the story of his dad being missing in action at one time, but returned home and never left Ryan again.
The presentation and introduction of classes was done by Tommy Johnson.
Following the introduction of the classes, the oldest graduate, youngest graduate and the graduate who traveled the furtherest were recognized and awarded a copy of the book, “The Pride of RHS: A Sports History of Ryan High School.”
Earning the oldest graduate present was Nell Largent. The youngest graduate was Alana Miranda. The person traveling the furtherest was Gary Reynolds, who came from Jackson, Tennessee.
The reading of RHS graduates who have died since the last banquet was done by Angela Sullivan, T. Johnson, Furman Clark and Don Johnson.
Since the banquet was interrupted by the pandemic, it had been three years since the association had gathered for the banquet held every two years. A list of 98 names was read to the crowd.
D. Johnson, president of the alumni association, read the names of the scholarship recipients for the past three years. The alumni association awards two scholarships to the top two seniors of the Ryan graduating classes each year.
In the program, it was noted that 35 scholarships have been given through the years in the amount of $46,350.
All of the current officers were re-elected to serve again and they will be tasked along with other volunteers to put together the next banquet which will be Labor Day weekend of 2024.
Plans are being made to try and encourage increased attendance at the banquet – especially among the local people. Many RHS graduates traveled across the state and beyond and this event would be enhanced by the participation of local people.
The class of 1972 sponsored an event on Saturday night at the American Legion as they were celebrating their 50th year since graduating at Ryan.
The class of 1962, celebrating their 60th year since graduating, also had a good representation present at the banquet.
JEFFERSON COUNTY PROCLAIMS RED RIBBON WEEK OCT. 23-31
LAWTON, Oklahoma – The councils of Ringling, Ryan, Terral and Waurika have all issued a proclamation declaring October 23 – 31, 2022 as Red Ribbon Week. The nation’s largest and longest running drug-use prevention program, Red Ribbon Week was started in 1985 as a response to the torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico when people began wearing red ribbons to honor his commitment and dedication. Now, schools and communities across the country commemorate Red Ribbon Week through wearing ribbons, participating in events, educating youth, and pledging to live drug-free lives.
The Wichita Mountains Prevention Network (WMPN) and Jefferson County Pathways Coalition worked together to get the proclamation brought forward. Each community was enthusiastic in their support, and the councils wasted no time approving the proclamation at their October meetings.
“We are thrilled that Ringling, Ryan, Terral, and Waurika have joined our campaign to raise awareness for Red Ribbon Week,” says Jennifer Gormley, Community Based Prevention Services Coordinator with WMPN. “With the constant pressure to turn to alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, we must do all we can to show students that we support them.” Coalition member Lauren Nitschke of Waurika agrees. “It is so vital that we empower our youth with the tools they need to make smart choices for their health, and we are proud to see our communities stand behind this effort.”
Wondering how to get involved in Red Ribbon Week? There are many ideas at www.redribbon.org, such as:
• Plant red flower bulbs
• Decorate cars and plan a neighborhood Red Ribbon “Cruiseby”
• Enter the Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest
• Use the #CelebrateLifeLiveDrugFree and #RedRibbonWeek hashtags in your social media posts
• Talk to the kids in your life about the importance of abstaining from drugs and alcohol
Wichita Mountains Prevention Network (WMPN) is a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe communities through promoting proven substance abuse prevention strategies among teens and adults. WMPN is grant funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. For more information on how you can protect your teens, please contact CBPS Coordinator Jennifer Gormley at jgormley@wmpn.org, and follow WMPN on Facebook.
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