When Native American artist Damon Neal of Texas begins a project, he always is reminded of his own roots.
“I am a full-blood Native American Indian. I derive my subjects from nature, my dreams and my visions, a “spiritual journey” through my faith and my culture – a personal release from the everyday world.”
Neal, a native of Plano, Texas, a Dallas suburb, is a member of the Jicarilla (hick-uh-ree-ya) Apache tribe, but says he also has the Cherokee, Wichita, Caddo and Delaware tribes in his bloodline.
At the Chickasaw Nation’s 2017 Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur, Oklahoma, his first time to attend, his two-dimensional pen and ink category drawing “The Journey” was awarded second place.
A lifelong sketcher, Neal first attended the Griner Middle School Arts Academy then moved on to the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, both in Dallas. In those schools, he learned basic drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry and print making and figure drawing.
“I was so fortunate to attend Griner and Washington,” Neal said. “Instead of athletics at Washington, everyone worked on singing, dancing, playing instruments or drawing, painting and sculpting. It was a real blessing and an awesome experience.”
Following high school, Neal attended the Art Institute of Dallas, where he studied graphic design and illustration.
“I would describe my artwork as being suburban Native American surrealism,” he said. “I am a Christian, and I also follow the traditions of my Apache tribe. Both are very inspirational to my artwork.”
Neal said he likes to take his sketch pad to public places. He said this always draws a curious group who ask questions and provide suggestions. People’s comments lead to some good ideas, he said.
Nearly all of Neal’s artworks have been judged first, second or third place since the first drawing he entered in competition at age 13.
He has had winning entries in many competitions, including the Texas State Fair, where he contended with thousands of entries, and at the Koshare Indian Museum in La Junta, Colorado.
Neal often speaks to students where he shares his work. In addition he creates charcoal, chalk or pastel works on a large sketch pad before the congregation at his church as his pastor preaches.
“Rather than use music or drama, he wanted another way to visualize his messages,” Neal said. “He thought creating an artwork live while he preached would be just what he was looking for.”\
“I concentrate on what I’m creating and don’t always hear the sermon, but the pastor’s and my subjects always turn out to be the same,” he said. “I also don’t always finish my drawings, but that, to me, is symbolic. It means there is still work to be done, we always have spiritual work yet to be done.”
Neal’s artwork can be viewed in booth 98 at the Chickasaw Nation’s Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur Saturday, May 26. He will also be available at a reception for the artists at the Artesian Hotel in downtown Sulphur Friday evening, May 25.
“One of our professors once told us, ‘Love what you do, do what you love, and always – always – do more than what people expect,’” Neil said. “It’s stuck with me, and it’s a good driver.”
It’s hard to think about Terral, Oklahoma without thinking of mouth-watering watermelons.
People from all over love the watermelons grown in Jefferson County and every summer they will drive any distance to Terral just satisfy that craving.
The Blevins Brothers, Jerry and Charles, have been providing watermelon fans with what they crave for over 20 years.
Jerry and Charles grow the watermelon and canteloupe right in Terral.
However, they sell more than just watermelon and canteloupe.
Customers who stop by their shed just south of Terral on Highway 81 can find canteloupes, pickled okra, pickles, plum jelly, and salsa. Sometimes they even have tomatoes.
They sell around 1200 quarts of pickles a year. The pickles are the result of the labor of Charles and Loretta Blevins.
Some customers pick up 5 or 6 cases at a time.
A woman from Decatur picks up 10 cases per month to resell at her stand.
At one time there were watermelon patches all over southern Jefferson County.
Doug Gunter, who has been working with them since he was in high school, remembers he and his friends picking watermelons out in the heat all hours of the day and evening.
One time a crew from south Texas came up and while picking watermelons they engaged in a little contest with the south Texas boys.
The Texas crew had already been picking for a while during the season and it was still early for Doug and his friends.
The Terral boys outdid the Texas boys by loading their truck faster.
It shocked the Texas professionals that they had been outdone by some high school boys from Oklahoma.
Doug remembers the football team working during the summer and being ready for the season. Coaches would only have to practice once a day so the players could pick melons the rest of the day.
The cost of production has affected the growing of watermelons in Terral.
At one time about 75% of the people in Terral were involved in the watermelon venture.
Charles has been growing watermelons since 1969. Together he and Jerry have been growing and selling watermelons for over 20 years.
Charles got into the business because of his father-in-law.
Jerry and Charles remembers the days of the Terral Watermelon Festival. It was a popular event for 50 years.
Besides watermelons, there was usually a parade, a classic car show, live music, mule jumping contests, and a dunk tank.
Doug Gunter remembers that most the trees down by the Baptist Church in Terral had trucks under them with farmers selling watermelons.
Years ago, Doug remembered supplying Rush Springs with watermelons for their festival.
Charles said the old timers remembersputting stickerson Terral watermelons saying “Rush Springs Watermelons” then loading them on the train.
Over the years they have got to know quite a few people, many of them have become loyal customers and friends.
During our interview, people were waiting in line to pick up their load of watermelon and canteloupes.
Tonya Wickware and her son Wrangler pull up with another load fresh from the field and everyone jumps into action.
Over the years there is no telling how many melons the Blevins have sold.
It’s nice to see them carrying on the Terral Tradition—supplying the country with the best watermelons money can buy.
A special thank you goes out to the Ringling Eagle for their much appreciated help with compiling these results, also thanks to the OSU Extension Office of Jefferson County for getting these statistics to the newspapers in a very timely manner. Everyone’s help is appreciated.
More pictures will be added this week!
Hollis Dickey Award Winners
Samantha HornerDalee BarrickRandi Linton
Cattle:
Heifers:
Red Angus: Class 1: Laken Deboard, Ryan 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Class 2: Laken Deboard, Ryan 4-H, Breed Champion, Res. Grand Champion
Hereford: Randi Linton, Ryan FFA, Breed Champion
Mini Hereford: Class 1: Lakin Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Class 2: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Breed Champion
Shorthorn: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, Breed Champion, Grand Champion
Maine: Dalee Barrick, Waurika FFA, Breed Champion
Commercial: Rance Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Michael Gore, Ryan FFA, Breed Champion
Steers:
Angus: Lakin Howard, Ringling 4-H, Res Breed Champion; Cody Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, Breed Champion
Cody Ramsey – Grand Champion and Intermediate ShowmanshipKynlee Waters – Reserve Grand ChampionBraden Jackson – Grand ChampionLaken Deboard – Reserve Grand ChampionCaitlyn Ramsey – Junior ShowmanshipKylie Waters – Senior Showmanship
Sheep:
Ewe:
Southdown: Reese Reynolds, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion, Grand Champion
Speckled Face: Sam Brown, Ryan FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Sadie Smith, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion
Crossbreed: Houston Scott, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Haylee Jo McGuire, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; 3rd Place Brock Smith, Ryan FFA, 3rd
Showmanship: Jr.- Reese Reynolds, Waurika 4-H; Int.- Houston Scott, Waurika FFA; Sr.- Sam Brown, Ryan FFA; School Group- Waurika
Houston Scott – Grand Champion, Intermediate ShowmanshipHaylee Jo McGuire – Reserve Grand ChampionCaitlyn Ramsey – Reserve Grand ChampionAsia Smith – Reserve Grand ChampionTeddy Brown – Senior Showman, Breed Champion
Goats:
Doe:
Div.1: Class 1: Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Charley Sellers, Waurika 4-H; Class 2: Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Kaylee Morris, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Div. 2: Class 3: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 1st, Div. Champion; Abby Davis, Waurika 4-H, 2nd; Hannah Williams, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Kaylee Morris, Waurika FFA, 4th; Class 4: Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Div. 3: Class 5: Addison Jackson, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion, Grand Champion; Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Division Champion; Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 3rd; Emily Waid, Waurika FFA, 4th; Class 6: Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 1st; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Savannah Lashley, Ryan FFA, 4th: Div.4: Class 7: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Res. Div. Champion; Addison Jackson, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 3rd; Class 8: Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA, 1st, Div. Champion, Res. Div. Champion; Savannah Lashley, Ryan FFA, 2nd;
Wether Goat:
Div. 1: Class 1: Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H, 1st, Div. Champion, Res. Grand Champion; Jaci Jo Gholson, Waurika 4-H, 2nd, Res. Div. Champion; Lexi Streeter, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Class 2: Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 1st; Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 2nd; Lexi Streeter, Waurka FFA, 3rd; Gracie Walling, Waurika FFA, 4th; Div. 2; Class 3: Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 1st; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Riley Ross, Ryan 4-H, 4th; Class 4: Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA, 1st, Div. Champion, Grand Champion; Tucker Mashore, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Div. Champion; Seth Waid, Waurika FFA, 3rd; Showmanship: Jr.-Caitlyn Ramsey, Waurika 4-H; Int.- Isaac Gholson, Waurika FFA; Sr.- Braden Jackson, Ringling FFA; School Group- Ringling
Addison Jackson – Grand ChampionBraden Jackson – Reserve Grand Champion, Senior ShowmanshipIsaac Gholson – Grand Champion, Intermediate ShowmanshipReese Reynolds – Reserve Grand Champion, Junior Showmanship.
Swine
Gilts:
Berkshire: Class 1: Eston Hardy, Ryan 4-H, 1st; Koble Lewis, Ryan 4-H, 2nd; Class 2: Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Jordan Longest, Ringling FFA, 2nd. Res. Breed Champion; Avery Combs, Ryan FFA, 3rd
Chesterwhite: Class 1: Hayden Brown, Waurika FFA, 1st, Breed Champion; Madisen Rhoades, Ryan FFA, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Carter Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd
Duroc: Class 1: Walker Rawlings, Jefferson Co. 4-H; Class 2: Coltin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Zoey Mercer, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Kendi Barron, Ringling 4-H, 3rd; Maddy Ridenour, Ringling 4-H, 4th; Kalen Weldon, Ryan 4-H, 5th; Kanyon McGahey, Ringling FFA, 6th; Jasmine Villarreal, Ryan 4-H, 7th; Racen Williams, Ryan 4-H, 8th; Class 3: Samantha Horner, Waurika 4-H, 1st; Rhett Roberts, Ringling 4-H, 2nd; Carter Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Class 4: Haley Poage, Ryan 4-H, 1st
Hampshire: Class 1: Koble Lewis Ryan 4-H, 1st, Breed Champion; Austin Smith, Ringling 4-H, 2nd, Res. Breed Champion; Beane Combs, Ryan 4-H, 3rd; Kage McGahey, Ringling FFA, 4th
In her private office at the Waurika Post Office the walls are covered with framed recognitions for her commitment to the U.S. Post Office.
The latest one contains a framed recognition pin with a ruby setting congratulating her for 40 years of service.
Her first job with the postal service began years ago in Shelbyville, Missouri where she lived with her husband Kenneth. It was he who talked her into being a clerk in the post office there. That job only lasted for a short while.
However, when she moved back to Oklahoma she went to work for the Comanche post office and stayed 8 years.
After Comanche she applied for the Postmaster job in Mannsville and got it. Next, she went to Wilson as Postmaster.
She says it has been a great 40 years. Shirley has had a great life.
Shirley was born and raised in this part of the country. She grew up near where the Grandview school is now.
She met her late husband Kenneth on Valentines Day. He was serving at Ft. Sill at the time. They married six months later. One of their children was born on February 12th and the other born on the 14th.
Kenneth was from Missouri, thus the reason for them being there when Shirley found her first job for the post office.
She acknowledges that her faith in God has been important to her and has seen her through the years. She is also grateful for the people she works with, she has a good staff.
Forty years has gone by fast but they have been good years.
This is your chance to get to know the candidates for seats on the Waurika City Commission.
We listed them in alphabetical order according to last names. However, we listed Mayor Carole Eakin first because she is the incumbent.
Each candidate was asked the same general questions. We asked them to tell us a little about themselves, why they wanted to serve (or continue to serve) on the city commission, and then lastly we let them say whatever they wanted that would help voters know them better.
Editor’s Note: Every candidate was given a chance to appear on video. However, some of them chose not to do so. We respect that. All the candidate’s profiles and interviews will appear in the upcoming week’s paper.
Note: Each candidate was allowed to say whatever he or she wanted and the length of each video was determined by the length of their answers.
Carole Eakin
Mayor Carole Eakin talks a little about where she grew up and her education at Oxford in England. She then talks about her time on the city commission and the things that have been accomplished during her twelve years serving the community. Mayor Eakin addresses the water rates and the state of the finances of the city. Lastly, she talks about what she would like to see accomplished for the city in the future.
Adam Brinson
Adam is the pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Waurika.
He was asked the same questions posed to the other candidates. He talks about his education and how he came to live in Waurika. During the interview, he talks about his views and what inspired him to become a candidate for the city commission. He simply wants to serve the needs of the people and do what is best for the city of Waurika.
Amber Delaney
Although Amber’s interview is the least lengthy of all the interviews, she is specific and to the point. Amber talks about her work at the Terral School. She discusses the importance of family, and her desires to see the city continue to prosper.
Gary “Lebo” Duncan
Gary is a native of Waurika. His family roots run deep here. In this interview, he speaks in depth about his experiences in business, his family history, and talks about things he would like to see accomplished in the city. Gary says he wants to see the city grow and he has various ideas of how that can happen. He wants to bring his business experience and leadership skills to the city commission.
As stated earlier, there will be more about the candidates in this next week’s paper.
Candidates who did not wish to participate in the video interview include:
ADA, Oklahoma – A new era in wellness opportunities for the community was ushered in as Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, along with dozens of Chickasaw citizens, community members and dignitaries, dedicated the new Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center, Oct. 16. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 228 Seabrook Road, is designed to meet the needs of Chickasaw families and other community members by providing wellness amenities and programs focused on improved health.
Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center is almost twice as large as its predecessor, the Chickasaw Nation Family Life Center, which is adjacent to the new facility.
Governor Anoatubby said the new facility is a direct result of the increase in awareness of the link between physical activity and overall well-being.
“Over recent years, more and more Chickasaws and employees have recognized the importance and benefits of exercise, leading to this new wellness center today, he said. “The building houses the cutting edge in fitness technology and will usher in a new approach to how we exercise. It will help Chickasaws, and others, reach new heights of physical fitness, as well as overall health and well-being.”
“Physical fitness is the foundation for our total wellness. It is fundamental to our mission, to enhance the overall life of the Chickasaw people.”
Designed for all generations and with an emphasis on families, the Wellness Center offers cutting-edge amenities to encourage healthy habits for young people.
“It is exciting to see the future of fitness for our citizens and employees. A future in which fitness is fun and our exercise is supported by the latest science and cutting-edge technology. A future that involves the whole family,” Governor Anoatubby said.
The expansive Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center features a free weight area and weight machine area; a large studio for fitness classes; an open cardio room, a children’s exercise area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, an elevated walking track, and a hydration station.
The 25,350-square-foot facility also features a state-of-the-art interactive PRAMA studio, a circuit-based, group training system that combines three dimensional movements with cardio intervals. The cutting-edge system combines lights and music to create an immersive and fun experience. Interactive workouts can be programmed for beginners to elite athletes. Only three other facilities in the United States feature this system and the Ada Wellness Center is the first in Oklahoma.
The Wellness Center exercise areas are fully-equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and elliptical machines, rowing and targeted muscle group machines, free weights and strength-training equipment. In addition, the Wellness Center will continue to offer numerous exercise classes, from abdominal training to Zumba. The new Wellness Center is located across the street from the Family Life Center, which will remain open for swimming pool and sauna access. Opened in 2004, the Family Life Center marked a major milestone in the tribe’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive health care services.
Also located in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo, the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Centers provide education, mentoring, monitoring, incentives and access to activities to promote exercise, nutrition and overall improved health. By providing access to equipment and services offered at the four wellness centers, the Chickasaw Nation helps build healthier communities and reduce the health disparities faced by many Native Americans. Membership to the facilities is free for tribal citizens and employees and is also open to community members at a reasonable price. For more information, please visit chickasaw.net/wellnesscenters.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, center with large scissors, is joined by Chickasaw Nation elected officials, Chickasaw citizens, staff and dignitaries during Oct 16th ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center, 230 Seabrook Road, Ada, Oklahoma.
CONGRATULATIONS- I would like to send our congratulations to the Terral graduatimg Kindergarten Class, Eight Graders and to all the Ryan Graduating Class. Best of Luck in whatever you pursue.
Quote of the day- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1-3
Terral School – May 7th is our Graduations. May 8th is Field Day for 5th through 8th grades. May 9th we will not have school- Professional Day. May 10th is our Awards Assembly at 9:00am. and the last day of school.
FBC Girls in Action Group – School is almost out and we will be out for the Summer also. Last day for our kids or Christ is May 8th. We are gearing up for our Mother’s Appreciation Breakfast on May 11th. End-of-the-Year Pool Party will be announced as soon as scheduled. Special Thanks to everyone who supported us this year.
Terral Alumni Association – Attention All Students: It is time to apply for Terral Alumni Scholarships. The deadline is May 3, 2019, and the application must be postmarked on or before that date to be considered. The following are eligible to apply: 1)Have graduated or will be graduating from Ryan High School. 2) Are attending or will be attending an accredited institution of higher learning full-time, 12 hours per semester. 3) Reside in the Terral, Oklahoma school district. Terral Alumni does not discriminate in its scholarship program on the basis of race. The committee will be making the final decision for the scholarship in May. The applicant receiving this scholarship must be enrolled and confirmed by the institution’s registrar before the check is mailed directly to the institution in the Fall and in the Spring. If you have not received a scholarship application in the mail and are interested in applying, please contact Karen Gunter, 580-437-2347, Thanks- Johnny Reynolds, President.
Happy Birthday To You – Tooter Alsup celebrated her “84” on Sunday May 5th.
Community Prayer List – Katie Bussey, Gary Bussey, A.R and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Loo Duke, Esther Grimes, Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shawna Reed, Hardy Johnson, and our military stationed around the world. Our Prayer is for God to keep you in his loving care.
It was a quick exit for the Ryan Cowgirl slow-pitch softball team at the Class 2A District Tournament last Thursday in Sterling.
The Cowgirls dropped the opening game of the tournament to Sterling, 12-0, and lost to Geronimo in the second game, 10-3.
Ryan finishes the slow-pitch softball season with a 6-10 record.
The Cowgirls could get nothing done at the plate in the tourney opener against Sterling.
Ryan had only four base runners in the game shortened to four innings because of the run rule.
The Lady Tigers scored three runs in the first inning and added two more in the third inning before exploding for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to end the game.
In the elimination game against Geronimo, the Lady Blue Jays scored early and often.
Geronimo plated six runs in the first inning and added four more in the second inning.
The Cowgirls managed one run in the third inning when Samantha Good drove in Carter Combs to cut the Geronimo advantage to 10-1.
The Cowgirls added two more runs in the fifth inning with Lindsey Reake and Brooke Charmasson crossing the plate for Ryan.
In the sixth inning the Cowgirls put three runners on base but could not score and in the seventh inning the Cowgirls also had three runners on base but failed to cut into the Geronimo lead.
Central High claimed the district title with two wins over Sterling last Thursday night.
SEASON ENDING NOTES: The Cowgirls’ 2019 record is a slight improvement over last year’s 4-8 mark…The six wins is the most for a slow-pitch team since 2004 when the Cowgirls won seven contests…Up to five of those years Ryan did not field a slow-pitch team….The school record for most wins in a season is 19 accomplished by the 2001 season…The first slow-pitch team at Ryan was fielded in 1998…In district tournament play the Cowgirls have now lost six straight games…Ryan has won only eight district tournament games since beginning the sport in 1998…The Cowgirls won two games in 2017, but you have to go back to 2008 to find another district tourney win for the Cowgirls….Slow-pitch softball has never won a district title.
Ryan students recently held their annual Beta Club banquet.
During the ceremony new members were inducted, and others, including seniors were recognized.
This year’s Oklahoma State Beta Convention Winners are as follows:
Tawny Vanover – Runner-up American History
Daneil Alsup – Winner Math
Laken DeBoard – Runner Up Agriculture.
(l-r) Ryan Senior Beta Club members: Cara Williams, Randi Linton, Mckenzie Lewis, Michael Gore, Dawson Tomberlin, and Tate Kimbro Photo by Sheree Hanson
New Beta Club members in no particular order: Samantha Good, Ebony Marquez, Daniel Alsup, Emerald Chazaretta, Emilee Lowry, Tawny Vanover, Brooklyn Charmasson, Lily York, Madison Rhoades, Kodi Duke, Grayson Tomberlin, Juliet Spangler Photo by Sheree Hanson
This week, the Waurika High School Student Council recognized their middle school and high school “Good Character Award” winners. The award is given to one middle school and one high school student monthly on account of their good behavior. This award was started by the Student Council Officers with the help of two teachers,
Magen Allen and Janell Rochell. One can be nominated by teachers, faculty, or their peers by sending in a letter to the student council
8th Grader Bosten Smith was chosen for the January award in the middle school division. Her nomination was sent in with a letter describing her as, “kind to everyone, helpful, and positive.” The student council believes Smith exemplifies everything the character award stands for!
Isaac Gholson with Dalee Barrick
Bosten Smith with Dalee Barrick
Freshman Isaac Gholson received the character award for the high school division. His letter was sent in from a teacher. In the letter, the teacher explained Isaac’s class was given the opportunity to write a letter to one of their classmates complimenting them in order to gain bonus points. Instead, he wrote a card to everyone in his class so no one would feel left out.
Waurika has gifted athletes, scholars, and more. But we also have kind, compassionate students. This award is meant to recognize that and applaud it.
