Representing the Dennis Cattle Company of Grady, Oklahoma, Skyler and Bayler Smith placed 5th and 6th out of 11 in the open class with their Hereford heifers “Sassy” and Fallon” at the Ft Worth Stock show last week.
This was their 1st big show! Great job girls!
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) water monitoring staff announced the release of the agency’s 2017 Beneficial Use Monitoring Program (BUMP) reports providing detailed physical, chemical, and biological water data from approximately 1,300 stream, lake, and groundwater well sites across Oklahoma. Created in 1998, BUMP provides data necessary for water quality management decisions by identifying impairments to the “beneficial uses” of Oklahoma’s water resources, as well as determining causes for those water quality impairments.
Oklahoma’s “beneficial uses” form the backbone of the state’s Water Quality Standards, and are assigned to individual lakes, streams, and stream segments based upon the primary public benefits derived from those waters. Currently recognized beneficial uses of Oklahoma water include public and private water supply, fish and wildlife propagation, agriculture, primary body contact recreation (such as swimming), secondary body contact recreation (such as boating or fishing), navigation, and aesthetics.
“The BUMP water quality annual reports are the culmination of a year’s worth of field and lab work,” said OWRB Executive Director Julie Cunningham. “The OWRB’s monitoring programs exist due to the vital economic and social importance of Oklahoma’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and aquifers as well as the associated need for their protection and management.”
The water data contained in the OWRB’s annual BUMP report is collected from about 130 lakes and 100 stream segments at approximately 600 sites throughout Oklahoma. The Groundwater Monitoring and Assessment Program (GMAP), added to BUMP in 2012, consists of a network of approximately 750 wells in Oklahoma’s 21 major aquifers, where the OWRB monitors both water levels and water quality.
“Oklahomans can be proud of the scientific expertise, professionalism, and dedication of the OWRB’s water quality standards staff and water monitoring teams. The BUMP monitors are out sampling during all sorts of conditions, year-round, to make sure Oklahoma’s water planners have the comprehensive water quality data they need,” said Bill Cauthron, chief of the OWRB’s Water Quality division.
For lake sampling, generally a minimum of three to five stations per lake are sampled depending on the size of the reservoir. Sampling stations are located to represent multiple zones of the lake with additional sites on many reservoirs as necessary. The stream monitoring network consists of permanent sampling stations in each of the state’s 82 water planning basins, as outlined by the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, and a smaller network of additional reference sites. Assessing Oklahoma’s groundwater is achieved through both a baseline monitoring network and a long-term (trend) monitoring network within each of the state’s 21 major aquifers. This provides information on individual aquifer characteristics as well as a more general assessment of the Oklahoma’s groundwater.
The 2017 lakes, streams, and groundwater BUMP reports are available on the OWRB website. Each stream, lake, and well site featured in the report includes a detailed fact sheet and map of data collection sites.
For additional information, visit the OWRB’s Monitoring & Assessment page.
BATON ROUGE, LA (04/21/2020)– Karlee Belle Gholson of Waurika, Oklahoma, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Gholson was initiated at Oklahoma State University.
Gholson is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”
The Waurika Farm Bureau invites you:
“ Join us for lunch on Friday, February 23rd. We will be hosting a hamburger feed in front of the office in honor of Farm Bureau Week”.
We were blessed with close to 6 inches of rain last Friday. It started Thursday evening around 6:30pm, when the winds and clouds came in. We lost our electricity until 2:31 Friday morning. It was off for nearly 8 hours. It was cooler to go outside than it was to stay in the house with no air circulating. Brionna was home with me and she wasn’t too fond of being without electricity. People used to do without electricity, but, modern amenities have come to spoil us. And, cooler days are right around the corner and summer is officially behind us.
This next Tuesday will be the evening of the Ryan City Council meeting at 6:00.
On Friday, October 5th we will be having another sidewalk sale for our Ryan merchants.
Megan and Joby Edwards were blessed with a baby boy, Joc, nearly 2 weeks ago. Congratulations to them on their new baby.
This Friday, there will be a meeting at the Mercantile to discuss Christmas decorations around town if anybody is interested in helping with that . The meeting will be held at 6:00pm.
I was riding my bicycle to make a delivery before I opened the store this morning and I noticed Debbie Patrick had moved her car a couple of times away from her usual parking place in front of the old post office building. She was parked across the street beside the Mercantile and was looking out her window across the street and I asked her what was going on. She said there was something in her parking spot and it wouldn’t move. I got a little closer and it was a really big turtle. It had taken up residence in her parking spot and was resting. She said she had tried to get it to move, but, it wouldn’t move. I got off my bicycle and got hold of a chair and tried to budge it to change its spot, but, it sure didn’t want to. It took a bite out of the end of the chair when I was trying to get it to move over to the grass. It finally was in the grass, turned over on his back, and so I told Debbie he must be tired out and so was I. I made my delivery and after I was riding back to the store and Debbie had moved to her parking place and she told me the turtle made it across the street and up the steps to the sidewalk in front of Jimmy Ferris’s place. I rode over to the side of the building and caught a picture of him as he was traveling. I guess he made it up the hill from the creek. (see picture below)
Kim’s news for this week:
Saturday, Ruffy Tuffy was very happy, he got a day off cause I went to a Woman’s Church Conference in Comanche.
This past week we can’t complain, but, Praise God for the rain.
Everyone have a blessed week. Pray for each other.
The next time you are driving into Ryan, Oklahoma, take a look to the right before you come to downtown. The 22-year old Chisholm Trail scenery that has always been an eye-catching welcome suddenly appears a little different. Its subtle change might have you turn around and crawl back by. The Chisholm Trail mural!! Something’s different. The sage-covered hillside scenery has a focused depth to it. And the cattle, the cowboys and horse-drawn wagon come alive on the forefront of the dimensional landscape. To passersby, it’s beautiful and a nice addition to the town. To the people of Ryan, it means so much more.
What started out as a pipe dream for the Ryan Regeneration Group became reality during the month of July. The talk began in early 2018 to develop a plan to refurbish the 40-foot long mural depicting a scene from the glory days of the historic Chisholm Trail. A path laid by drovers, cowboys and the cattle they ran from deep in Texas through Ryan and into Kansas throughout the last half of the 19th century. The mural is the work of M.H. Henry, an artist, a passionate advocate of preserving the Trail’s history and a resident of Bowie, Texas. With the structural assistance of Hershel Shofner, the sign was erected in 1997. This mural stamped Ryan’s presence in southern Oklahoma and was a proud addition for the citizens of the town. The timing was perfect, with hundreds of former students pouring into town for the Ryan High School reunion in September. Everyone was in awe of the work and happy to know that our history would now be shared with everyone that passed through the town.
Over the next two decades, the mural stood strong, but began to take on the effects of the intense weather of southern Oklahoma. With the birth of the Regeneration group, thoughts began to come into words about assisting with its refurbishment and longevity. The suggestion came up to find an artist to bring the mural back to life. But not only that, find someone that shares the passion of beautifying the town. Maris Blanchard, granddaughter to Theresa Blanchard, was approached by the group to see if she would consider taking on this timely task. As recalled, the group did not even have to fully ask her help, as Maris excitedly interrupted and said, “I would LOVE to help you with the mural.” It was a joyous occasion not only for the Regeneration group, but just as much for Maris. Her father, Bobby Blanchard, was a 1975 graduate of Ryan. Back in her childhood, Maris came back to Ryan frequently with her Dad. She and her Dad shared the love of going out on land northeast of Ryan to hunt for cow skulls or any skulls she could find. Along with spiders, bugs and critters that she could talk her Dad into taking home. Maris found this would be one of her many outdoor passions that still carries on to today. Bobby passed away in 2007 and with this, Maris’ memories of Ryan started to fade over the years.
At the beginning of the project, Maris began the preparation and studied the work of Mr. Henry so that her efforts would accent his vision. All the way down to the brands on the cattle that depicted the symbol of ranches in the local area. Maris unexpectedly and pleasantly found help as the citizens of Ryan became her eyes, ears and cold-water providers during the intensely hot days of late July. Work on the project started early in the morning and went on till sundown. What could have been an arduous task became a celebration as she moved slowly and carefully through bringing the wonderful scene back to life. The town was vibrant with talk at Stick’s and the Parlor about the young lady working on our mural. It did not take anyone long to find out that Maris invited everyone in to the scene going on at the junction of Highways 32 and 81. Among the topics of interest were Maris’ other hobbies and line of work such as taxidermy and making organic home décor themed around animal cadavers and skeletal remains. Many were intrigued and Maris was endless with conversation as she learned hunting in this part of Oklahoma is right up there with football as a favorite sport.
Now with the task complete and the mural looking like new again, the Ryan Regeneration group share the joy of their pipe dream becoming a reality. And as the folks of Ryan cherish anew this testament to our heritage, the warmth and joy of knowing that the spirit of the town stretches far past the limits of the ranches and fields surrounding the city.
A very special thanks go to so many of the hard-working, fun loving members of the Ryan Generation group. A special thanks to Sherry and Eddie Pewitt, Heather and Crosby Casebolt, Dennis Underwood and many others for showing up and sharing time with Maris. A very, very special Thank You goes out to Walker and Linda Ryan. Not only for providing the scaffolding, which without it, the project could not at all have been completed. But for your warm-hearted, incredible hospitality each day this project was going on. Maris said that she has found her second home in Ryan and a new extended family that would make her Dad proud.
Quote of the Day– Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. -Og Mandino
Public Notice– Due to Veteran’s Day failing on our regularly meeting date, the Town of Terral City Hall.
You are invited– Come have cake and coffee with us on November 3, 2019 to celebrate the 85th birthday of James Gordon Mckinley, held at the Terral Community Center from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. No gifts please just the gift of your company. Hope to see you all there!
Terral First Baptist GA’s– We have finished the “Armor of God” series and now we are learning the books of the Bible. We are now studying the New Testament books of the Bible. We will have a Halloween Costume Contest on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. Our upcoming events are a Craft Show on December 7th from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. and bingo will start at 5:00 p.m.
Craft Show– The Terral First Baptist Church Girls in Action Group will be having a Craft Show in Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 to 2:00pm. To reserve your table call Shirley at 580-437-2337. Tables are $10.00 each. We will also have our annual BINGO starting at 5:00pm. Cost of Bingo is $1.00 per game or a one-time pay of $25.00 for the night. Baked goods and a Snack Bar will be provided. All proceeds go to the Girls in Action for crafts and outings. Thanks in advance for your support.
Community Prayer List- Teresa Sexton, A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Wyler, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriguez, Scotty Day, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Shawna Reed, Hardy Johnson and our military stationed around the world- Kurtis Morgan & Chris Cox. Our prayer is for God to keep you in his loving care.
New to the library’s collection is James Patterson’s “Home Sweet Murder”. This Large Print edition includes two true-crime thrillers as seen on Investigation Discovery’s Murder is Forever TV series.
HOME SWEET MURDER. Lawyer Leo Fisher and his wife Sue are a sixty-one-year-old couple enjoying a quiet Sunday dinner at home. Until a man in a suit rings their front door claiming to be an SEC agent. By the end of the evening, two people will be shot, stabbed, and tortured. And two others will fare worse…
MURDER ON THE RUN. The middle-aged housekeeper found dead with a knife in her throat was bad. But the little boy was worse. After a bloody double homicide that puts Omaha, Nebraska, on the map, Detective Derek Mois promises the boy’s parents he will catch the killer, no matter how long or far he runs.
Last week’s article incorrectly stated the date for The FRIENDS of the Waurika Public Library Fall Used Book Sale. The correct date for the sale is Saturday, Oct 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The Used Book Sale will be held at the annex across from the library. We’ll have lots of books to choose from at great prices. Don’t miss it!
“Our Day at the Zoo” is a story about children that visit and imitate a variety of animals on a trip to the OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden. The book is available for check out at the Waurika Public Library and patrons that check out “Our Day at the Zoo” will receive one free voucher good for general admission for four people to the Oklahoma City Zoo good through March 31, 2019.
Story Time is held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for children and toddlers. Each week we read stories, and have games and puzzles for the children to play with after reading.
For information about events, activities and more, visit our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/WaurikaPublicLibrary/
We’ve had some beautiful days in the last week. We still are getting to experience the presence of winter amidst each week that passes. Looking at our forecast for this week, there are great chances for rain every day through Saturday. We are heading for some more cold days, but, we have days that are quite warm amongst them. Our temperature this morning was 70 degrees and we are expecting to have temperatures in the 40s before the day is over. We so desperately need the rain. I hear farmers talking about their wheat crops and they are having to send their cattle to sell them about a month early than usual. The crop wouldn’t thrive without the presence of moisture. Things might beginning to look better in our present drought situation.
This morning’s news on Channel 7 KSWO out of Lawton had 2 things of interest. The first being that Ryan was mentioned regarding our Senior Citizen meal site is possibly facing closure. There is a meeting being held at the meal site at 11:00 this morning to discuss this. This would be a great loss for our community as well as surrounding communities that take advantage of at least one good meal per day in our 5 day work week. Not only does this site offer meals, but, they offer fun and games to all who want to go to participate. This might be the only time some of our folks are able to get out and socialize with others. I hope and pray that the outcome of their meeting today will show favor to our meal site and allow this facility to keep serving our community. This site employs several individuals, too. They are in need of maintaining 25 citizens daily and they have had 24 regularly. Just 1 more person to allow them to remain open. Please show your support if you are over 60, and get out and eat and see what a good time they have down there. The meals are around $2.00 per person. The last time I went out to eat, the drinks alone were more than $2.00.
Editor’s Note: Mollye heard that the Ryan Senior site will stay open of they can keep between 20-25 regular attendees. If you get a chance you might want to stop by and support the Senior Center in Ryan.
The second thing I heard mention was concerning our daylight savings time. Our Oklahoma Legislature is trying to pass a bill that would have Oklahomans in a permanent daylight savings time status. As it is, we are in Central Standard Time 7 months of the year. They just keep expanding the daylight savings time on us at the national level. You might as well say, that would include us in the same time zone as Georgia and Florida. I will reserve my opinion on this one.
The Terral River Star Casino is still planning to open on March 1. It doesn’t look like the Ryan casino will be opening on the 28th of February. There is only 1 double wide mobile home out there at their casino site. I only hear things through the grapevine from out there.
This Saturday the Ryan Food Bank will be distributing at 10:00am.
Our trash service will be running on Saturday instead of Friday this week, due to the holiday we had Monday.
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Carrie Sheffield, from Terral. Carrie taught a lot of folks from Ryan and Terral. Prayers to her family and friends during their loss.
Kim is finally feeling much better. She has been down for 2 weeks, and has finally gotten back to work and to writing. Kim’s news for this week:
For 2 weeks I’ve been under the weather. Now I am healed and feeling better.
Foxy and I will begin to ride Ruffy Tuffy again.
Everyone have a blessed week. Pray for much needed rain and for each other.
At the suggestion of a relative, Dee Hazle walked into the sheriffs office in Cooke County Texas and began her career in law enforcement. This past week she walked into the sheriffs office in Jefferson County Oklahoma celebrating a 25 year career as a dispatcher.
For Dee it’s all about family.
Dee has two grown children, Deric and Kimberlee, and four grandchildren. Both have had long fruitful careers in the Navy. They both entered just after their high school graduations. Kimberlee is about to finish and she and her husband will retire to Abilene, Texas. Deric works at Dialysis Associates in Fort Worth as a radiology tech and general manager.
Life for Dee began in New Orleans, Louisiana. Shortly after birth. Her parents moved to Midland Texas where she lived until the end of her high school days.
Fast forward to October 4, 1994. That was the day that would forever change her life in ways she could never imagine. That was her first day as a dispatcher at the Cooke County sheriff’s office.
Becoming a communications officer, dispatcher, had never crossed Dee’s mind. However, her brother-in-law’s sister, Jimmie Kay, saw something in her leading her to believe she could not only do it, but be successful at it. She was right.
Initially, Dee was afraid to talk on the microphone. Now she’s a natural.
After a few years, Dee took a job with the Gainesville Police Department.
Eventually she moved to Waurika to take care of her grandmother, Zena George. Zena had worked for Willis Worley at the funeral home for many years.
Dee was looking out for her family.
She became a part of the Jefferson County family of law enforcement on January 1, 2001. At that time dispatch was housed at the INS facility across the street from the courthouse which had previously been the Gerken Richardson Auto Dealership.
Back then Stan Barnes was the sheriff.
Since then many officers and employees have come and gone.
Technology has changed as well.
Dee has to admit she doesn’t always like change. She still has a fondness for the old handwritten radio logs. Today all calls and incidents are entered into a computer.
Another change is how 911 calls are received. When Dee began they came in on a regular phone line. Today they come in on a computer that often gives GPS coordinates for where the call is coming from.
New technology has its advantages, but learning new technology can slow down efficiency. Imagine learning new methods while answering three phone lines, dealing with a crime in one town, a fire in another town, and an emergency in yet another all at the same time.
Over the years she has dealt with tragedy and triumphs. Thankfully, early on she was taught that you can’t bring the job home with you. Sometimes it is hard to do.
She loves her work. It’s a good day for her when everyone goes home safe.
Sometimes she is surprised she is working as a dispatcher. However, she doesn’t think of herself as just a dispatcher. She likes to think that she is out there on the scene with the officers and emergency personnel, anticipating their every need.
Dee’s had offers to work in other professions. Some more lucrative. However, she knows she would miss her family. After all, That’s what it’s all about for her. Family.
