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Library News June 22 2018

By
Darren Biby
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Week 2 of the Summer Reading Program started on June 11th. Ramona Johnson and Heidi Townsend took over setting up activities for the week.  

On Monday, after Drop Everything And Read, Ramona talked about the importance of books and then had the kids make their own books using rubber bands and craft sticks to bind them.  After reading and crafts the kids went outside to draw on the bricks with chalk while lunch was made. Thanks to Vicki Etheridge and Starr Heron for making and serving PB&J with a side of fruit.

On Tuesday, after DEAR time, the kids talked about seeds and growing plants.  After the discussion, the kids got to plant some flower seeds in cups. Next, they drew flowers in the books they had made yesterday.  For lunch, we thank Dee Goss and her team at Circle D’s for providing corn dogs, french fries and drinks. Thanks to Richard and Patricia McGriff for serving lunch.

On Wednesday, Ken Smith and members of the Comanche Masonic Lodge came to help out and donate to the Summer Reading Program. The Comanche Masonic Lodge makes a sizable donation each year that really helps support the Summer Reading Program.

After DEAR time, the kids learned about recipes. Then, they added the recipe for Rice Krispies Treats to the books they made.  Next, the kids proceeded to make Rice Krispies Treats for themselves. The kids had fun mashing and shaping the treats and of course eating them.  Wednesdays are pizza day! We thank Kristie Gaines and her team at Waurika Quick Mart for providing the pizzas and thanks to the Waurika Lions Club and Comanche Masonic Lodge 41 for serving.

On Thursday, after DEAR time, Ramona Johnson read ‘Our Day at the Zoo’ to the kids. ‘Our Day at the Zoo’ is a children’s book produced by the OKC Zoo. The book is part of a promotion by the OKC Zoo giving free passes to those that read the book. Kids attending received free passes to the zoo! If would like free passes to the OKC Zoo, you can come by the library and have your child read the book or read it to them.

Ramona Johnson reads to students at the summer reading program.

After reading, Madison with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden came to talk about animals with the kids. She also brought along a tenrec, a Savannah monitor lizard, and some Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The kids had a great time. 

Thank you, Madison!

After the visit from the zoo, it was time for lunch. Thanks to Adam Brinson and Jeffco Helping Hands for providing pancakes, sausage, fruit, potatoes and milk for lunch. Thanks to the Waurika Alumni Association for serving.

Friday wrapped up Week 2 of the Summer Reading Program. Fridays are park days and after Drop Everything And Read, the kids headed outside for some fla-vor-ice and play.  Once the kids came back inside, it was time for lunch.  Thanks to the Waurika Fire and Police Departments for grilling hamburgers. Thanks to Carol Prewitt and Melicia McFadden for prepping and serving lunch.

Thanks to Ramona Johnson and Heidi Townsend for coordinating this week. Thanks to Karlee Berthiaume for all of her assistance. Thanks to Brittney Helterbran for all of her help. Thanks to Destiny Foster and Presley Parker for volunteering this summer.

Thanks to all of the people in our community that support this wonderful program.

It’s not too late to sign your child up! Programming runs each weekday, June 4 – July 27 – with the exception of the July 4 holiday. Reading and activities will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Children attending the Summer Reading Program must be picked up by their parent/guardian by noon each day.

Children must be registered to attend. In addition to registration, age requirements include children entering first grade in the fall through those entering fifth grade in the fall. Older school-aged children are welcome to participate as helpers. For information or registration forms, visit the Waurika Public Library or call 580.228.3274.

The Summer Reading Program is free to attend. The public library, community organizations and individuals care about your children. Together we raised funds to offer daily educational programs and week-day lunches to keep your children’s minds and bodies fed this summer. Whether keeping track of the amount of time your children spend reading or the number of books they’ve read this summer, children who attend the Summer Reading Program keep their minds active and enter the new school year ready to succeed.

For information about events, activities and more, visit our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/WaurikaPublicLibrary/

Terral News and Happenings

By
Shirley Gambill
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Quote Of The Day- “Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.” -Booker T. Washington

   CITY WIDE CLEAN UP- The Town of Terral will have a City Wide Clean Up on April 20-21st., Friday and Saturday. Roll offs will be placed on the corner of E. Apache & N. Fourth on Friday Morning April 20th. Anyone who pays a trash bill monthly is welcome to use the roll offs. Let’s take pride in our town and use this time to clean up. 

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU- Clifford Duke partied on April 9th. “81” years. Rick Gambill will celebrate on the 11th.

 TERRAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Attention to all students: It is time to apply for Terral Alumni Scholarships. 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 district. Terral Alumni Association does not discriminate in its scholarship program on the basis of race. The committee will be making the final decision for the scholarships in April. 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.

   COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST- Tony Rodriguez, Brenda Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day, Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary Loo Duke, Flor

ita Villarreal, Glen Martin, Robert Harnois, Esther Grimes, Marie Pollan, Virginia Taner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shana Reed and our military stationed around the world. May God keep you in his loving care.

Waurika Student Council Award Students With Noble Character Award

By
Dalee Barrick
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Bosten Smith with Dalee Barrick

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.

Community Comes Together to Honor Local Heroes on Veterans Day

By
Curtis Plant
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Members of the community stood in the freezing cold out of respect honoring those members of our armed forces who have served our nation so faithfully.

Stores were closed, banks were closed, and families and friends observed the memorial service in downtown Waurika at Veterans Park to observe Veterans Day following the annual parade.

Jon Waid served as master of ceremonies at this year’s Veterans Day Memorial Service.
Photo by Curtis Plant

The service began with the presentation of colors by the Sheppard Honor Guard from Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.

Waurika graduate (class of 1999), Lieutenant Commander Misty R. Probst of the United States Navy, was the featured guest speaker.

Propst attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois in 1999 and graduated Fire Controlman “A” school in 2000.

Her initial tour was aboard the USS Hayler (DD 997). Subsequent tours included : USS MAHAN (DDG 72). She was selected for the Seaman to Admiral (STA21) commissioning program in 2005.

Lt. Commander Misty R. Probst was the featured guest speaker.
Photo by Curtis Plant

 

Lt. Commander Misty R. Probst.
Photo by Curtis Plant

Propst graduated Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in 2008 with a B.S. In Psychology and a B.A. In History.

She was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in 2008. After commissioning, her first tour was onboard the USS MONTEREY (CG 61) as the Electrical Officer.

In 2011 she entered Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command as a Training Officer.

Propst second tour was onboard the USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111) as the Fire Control Officer.

She also served as the Assistant Force Personnel Officer for Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC).

Sheriff Jeremie Wilson, Deputy Derrick Durbgin, and Police Chief Justin Winslett.
Photo by Curtis Plant

Lt. Probst earned her M.S. In International Relations from Troy University. Her first Department Head tour was onboard the USS COMSTOCK (lsd 45) as the Operations Officer. She is currently serving as the Operations Officer onboard the USS COWPENS (CG 63) in San Diego, California.

She is married to David Propst of Staunton, Virginia. They have one daughter and one son, Dakota and Trey.

In her speech she said, “I’m very happy to be back in Waurika today to be a part of this Veterans Day ceremony. I grew up in Hastings and moved here to Waurika during junior high.

“I owe so much to the people of this town. They taught me to work hard, persevere and the true power of encouragement.

“I remember growing up with my step-dad Johnny Stewart. There was a picture of his US Navy ship on the wall. We have so many members of our community who are veterans. As a teenager I didn’t realize that.

“My neighbor in Hastings, J.R. Gillespie, told me three things I needed to do to be successful in the Navy: Show up on time, wear the right uniform and keep my nose clean. I manage to do that most days in my service.

“When working at the Country Cooking Cafe with Joe and Debbie Jinks. Many of our coffee drinkers were veterans. I remember Jim Phelan. He was an aircraft pilot. He stayed in touch with me by sending me cards and letters.

“Ed Keith told me that one day I would be Lt. Montgomery (Montgomery was her maiden name).” It was his encouragement that inspired her to become an officer she said.

People stood in the freezing weather to honor our veterans.
Photo by Curtis Plant

“My graduating class of 1999 had about ten members who joined the military. Most of us chose the Navy because Tyler Miller assured us that we would sleep in a clean rack instead of sleeping in the mud like the Army. Thank you Tyler, I appreciate that,” She said.

“On my first plane trip to Chicago and then to boot camp my time was made bearable because of letters from my mom, Joyce Gresham, who wrote me every single day. I really appreciate that Mom.

“The outpouring of kindness of people from Waurika always surprises me. In boot camp and on to deployment, I received cards from Debbie and Joe that had been signed by many members of the community who left little notes for me. These cards and letters meant so much to me and encouraged me. Especially during boot camp when all day I was getting screamed at.

“My courage to begin a career in the Navy and continue to serve is because of you.

“Even last year when I was promoted to Lt. Commander, I received a great reminder of my small town home still cared when I received a card and notes of congratulations.

“I ask you to cherish the veterans who still live here in our community. Stop and listen to their stories of adventure and faith.

“Without my faith in the Lord, I could never have made the US Navy a career.

“My comfort comes from Hebrews 13:5 where God says, ‘He will never leave me or forsake me.’”

She gave a special recognition to Vietnam vets who may not have been given a proper welcome upon their return home.

She thanked all the veterans present for their service at home and abroad.

She closed with the song, “God Bless the USA” that she says was introduced to her by her “amazing” teacher, Pat McGriff.”

Jon Waid, President of the Waurika Chamber of Commerce served as master of ceremonies for the memorial service while Pastor Adam Brinson of the First United Methodist Church of Waurika offered the prayer for our veterans and the safety of our men and women who serve our nation in uniform around the world.

Misty R. Probst and her husband David.
Photo by Curtis Plant

Waurika DHS is Closing

By
Curtis Plant
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0

The Department of Human Services confirmed today that the Waurika Office will be closing. No firm date has been set as of yet. However, it will occur within the next few months. 

News reports out of Oklahoma City have stated that half of the DHS offices across the state will be closing during the next few months. These closures are due to the changes made because of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Other considerations for closing are due to possible reductions in the future state budget. 

Because of internet access it is believed services to the public will not suffer. 

According to various sources, most employees should be able to keep their jobs, they will just work from home or other locations via the internet.

Ryan Town Council Discusses Police Officer Post

By
Curtis Plant
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Ryan Main Street

Of the many items discussed Tuesday evening at the Ryan Town Council meeting, none were more interesting than the discussion about the possibility of a full-time police officer in Ryan. 

The question was asked by David Winfield because of his concern for the safety of citizens and local businesses. 

He was also concerned about people speeding around the school.

Mayor Terry Grantham said that for the past three years nobody has applied for the position. Prior to that the candidates that they did interview all wanted to live in towns other than Ryan. 

Grantham said that the last officer to work for the Ryan quit because he could never get any time off. People would call his house all hours of the night and day. 

It did come up in the meeting that the town does set aside $25,000 in the budget for a police officer. 

City Attorney, Kenzie Wheeler, said that $25,000 would not pay for one full-time officer. Besides the salary, there would also have to be money allocated for taxes and benefits that she said would possibly raise the cost for one officer to around $60,000 or more per year. 

Wingfield asked if there was a grant that would pay for an officer. City Attorney said that she believed that the grants available were for equipment. Wingfield said that he had read somewhere that in 2017 there was a “Safe Oklahoma” grant that distributed large sums of money to law enforcement in Oklahoma communities.

Other members of the council said that the Chickasaw Lighthorse Brigade and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department patrolled through the community regularly. 

One of the concerns of the council is the lack of sources of revenue. A rate increase on utilities, it was said, would possibly not be popular. (It was said in the meeting that electricity rates have not increased since 1987).

Grantham said there was a rumor that the Town of Ryan passed a tax in 1977 to pay for a city officer. According to Grantham, no record had been found to verify that. He said they had even checked with the election board and could not find a record of an election held in Ryan for that purpose.

Council members asked Wingfield if he and his neighbors would be willing to work together to form a neighborhood watch. 

Mayor Grantham said that the council would revisit the idea at the next council meeting. 

Grantham said he appreciated Wingfield bringing his concerns to the council.

Next, the trustees discussed the issue of the cooperative agreement between the Town of Ryan and the Jefferson County Sheriff (payment for dispatch services). It was brought up again that the trustees have a problem with only three towns paying for the dispatch for the whole county. That was one of the reasons for Ryan pulling out of the agreement.

Grantham and the trustees assured everyone in attendance that although Ryan is no longer paying the dispatch fee, the services (such as fire and city services) are still being promptly addressed when needed.

Cody Rodriguez was added to the Ryan Volunteer Fire Department.

 Wingfield reported later in the meeting that the Ryan Community Beautification Group was selling T-Shirts at Chunky Charms to help raise funds to help further the effort in improving the appearance of Ryan. 

Under New Business, Michel Delaney asked if the city could turn on the water running to his property south of Ryan. Delaney thought the city may have cut the line to his property. He was assured that was not the case. The city agreed to turn on the water for Delaney and he will see if the line is working properly. 

The Ryan Public Utilities Authority meeting followed the regular meeting. 

The bills, claims and invoices were paid. 

The trustees approved the purchase of a switch for the reclosure area for a price not to exceed $5000.00.

Grantham said that they have recently had a problem of citizens turning utility meters on that the town has turned off. Some will turn water on at night in order to take showers, cook, etc after the town has turned it off for non-payment. Other instances of utilities being stolen have occurred within the town limits. Three of these thefts occurred this past week. 

In order to remedy this the trustees passed a motion to have the city attorney to write ordinance(s) that will enable the town to fine those who tamper or steal city services (water/electricity) or tamper with the meters in any way.

There being no further business the  meeting was adjourned. 

Terral News and Happenings May 23 2019

By
Shirley Gambill
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Quote of the Day – “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Utnknown.

Terral City Hall- I wanted to update the citizens of Terral on your board of trustees. Those who will be on the board for two years is Meagan Duke and Santos Castillos. Those serving a four year term are Sue McKinley and Charlie Reynolds. Josie Garcia is finishing her four year term with two more years voted Mayor. Charlie Reynolds is our Vice-Mayor. Congratulations to you all. 

FBC Girls in Action- Our End of the Year Swim Party will be Thursday June 6, 2019. The bus will leave the church promptly at 6:15 pm. We will have the pool from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Then we will eat supper then return to terral. All who attend will be taken home. Make plans now to attend.

Happy Birthday to You- Bailey Wesberry  will celebrate “23” on the 24th.

Happy anniversary!- Stephanie and Boomer Wesberry will celebrate on the 28th.

Community Prayer List- Katie Bussey, Gary Bussey, A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wane Wyler, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriguez, Scotty Day, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal,Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary 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.

Easter Egg Hunters in Jefferson County

By
Curtis Plant
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Waurika Prize Winners

 5 to 7 age group

Kara Austin- wristband

Lundee Brackett- bike

Walking to 4 age group

Sheylenn Simon- wristband

Brycen Ramsey- bike

Waurika Baptist Preschool Easter Egg Hunt

Ryan Easter Egg Hunt

Waurika Easter Egg Hunt

Round Ryan May 23 2019

By
Curtis Plant
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0

“Roy” said Rex Armstrong.

“Huh”, was my rather intelligent response.

 “The name of the barber you worked for, his name was Roy.”

 If I had ever heard his first name, I certainly don’t remember.  Thanks Rex.

 The American Legion had their family night with food, music and dancing.  There was a pretty good crowd and the music was enjoyable.  Thanks to Bill Roberson, Cary Gore, Gene Chesley and David Sorrell.  The music for the most part was what I would call classic country.  I heard songs Saturday night that I had not heard in a long time.  All four band members taking turns singing lead and especially memorable was Mr. Chesley’s comedic turn a’ la Ben Colder.  Ricky Martin cooked the burgers and hot dogs, he did a good job.  I don’t care what Santos says’ I like my burgers thick.  There was also a fifty/fifty drawing and of all people, Dustan Bryant won.

     On my list of favorite books has to include, “One Good Turn: A Natural History of the Screwdriver and the Screw” by Witold Rybczynski.  This is a very interesting book that is exactly what the title says.  The author, an architect, professor and writer was asked by  a magazine editor in 1999 to write a short essay on the most useful tool of the last 1000 years. Mr. Rybczynski took the job and produced a really interesting and fact filled book about the screwdriver and the screw.  I know the book sounds odd but this is definitely a case of not judging the book by its cover.  Another book on the list is “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.  This was the last major work of Mr. Hemingway to be published before his death.  Almost any of his writing could easily make the list, be they novels or short stories, but this is one of my favorite books.  As I age, this story seems to grow on me even more.  There were also a couple of good movie versions of this story.  The first starring Spencer Tracy and the other a made for television movie, starring Anthony Quinn.  Both fine actors, in truth I would probably pay to watch either of them read the phone book.

     One of the questions that I get as a reader.  What do you read?  The answer is almost anything.  I had a wonderful teacher, Ms. Cleta Rickard.  I did for the most part enjoy the part of her class that covered English Lit.  No matter what else, you were going to cover Chaucer.  Don’t ask me why but he bored me to tears.  Maybe I’ll give it another try.  The late Mrs. Rickard grew up in Ryan as Cleta Huskey.  That doesn’t have anything to do with boring old Mr. Chaucer, it’s just a little FYI.  I guess I approach my reading much as I do my writing.  I start out one place and often end up someplace completely different.  That may speak to a certain lack of direction, just don’t tell Curtis.

     I am writing this on Monday evening as the storms that have been brewing all day seem to be (knock on wood) passing us by.  For those not so fortunate, I hope you escaped unscathed.

     Until next week.

Terral News and Happenings

By
Shirley Gambill
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0

QUOTE OF THE DAY – To serve oneself os pleasure, to serve OTHERS is joy,” -Sri Amma BHagavan. 

TERRAL ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT – Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, March 31st at the Terral Indians Baseball Field at 12:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. There will be three groups: Walking to three, four to six and seven to nine years old. Make plans to come enjoy the fun. Prizes will be given to the most eggs in each category and eggs will be marked for prizes. The Terral Volunteer Fire Department will be hiding the eggs for us again this year. Hope to see you there!

CITY WIDE CLEAN-UP – The town of Terral will have a city wide Clean-up on April 20-21st., Friday and Saturday . Roll offs will be placed on the corner of E. Apache & N. Fourth on Friday Morning April 20th. Anyone who pays a trash bill monthly is welcome to use the rolls-offs. Let’s take pride in our town and use this time to clean up.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST- Tony Rodriguez, Brenda Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day, Tom Bayslinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal , Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary Loo Duke, Florita Villarreal, Glen Martin,  Robert Harois, Esther Grimes, Marie Pollan, Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, MAnuel Villarreal, Shana Reed and our military stationed around the world.

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