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Operation Christmas For Local Children

By
Curtis Plant
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0

Waurika Fire Department Operation Christmas Applications can be picked up at DHS or Waurika City Hall.

1. Parents and child must live in the Waurika School District. If your child is of school age, they must attend Waurika Public Schools. This will be verified through the school.

2. The cut off age is 12 years old. 

3. There will be NO children allowed at the fire station when picking up gifts.

4. You will be contacted by phone with additional information about pick-up time. 

5. Applications must be turned in by 5:00 p.m. on November 30th at Waurika City Hall. It is located at 122 S Main St.

Waurika Crowns Royalty at Band Carnival

By
Colton Bryant
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 Saturday, November 3rd was Waurika High School’s annual Band Carnival held at Waurika High School. There were different activities like the ring toss, cake walk, face painting, football, and basketball. Before all the activities were opened up the crowning for King and Queen was held. The students range from Pre-K all the way up to High School. For the Pre-K and Kindergarten age group the Queen was Charleigh Baxter and her King was Jantzey Simmons. For the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade the Queen was Gabi Gunter and the King was Brodi Franco. In the 4th and 5th grade was Queen, Mia Garcia, and King, Tack Reynolds. For the Middle School, the Queen was Trish Julian and the King was Alex Gomez. The Waurika High School Band Carnival Queen is Emily Waid and Band Carnival King was Riley Cronin. 

“We had a great crowd, and these things take help from other people.  I’m proud of how things went this year,”  WHS Band Director Everett Hodges said.

Riley Cronin and Emily Waid are the High School Band King and Queen

 

Alex Gomez and Trish Julian are the Waurika Middle School King and Queen.

 

Charleigh Baxter and Jantzey Simmons won the kindergarten category

 

Gabi Gunter and Brodi Franco won for the lower elementary school category (grades 1-3).
(Submitted Photo)

 

Senior Profile: Gatlin Black

By
Austin Dyer
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0

This will be Gatlin Black’s last year attending Waurika Schools. 

1. How do you feel about your last year?

“I’m going to miss it, but I’m ready to see the world.”

2. Sum up your school experience?

“It has been adventurous and unpredictable.”

3. What activities and organizations have you participated in?

“I’ve been involved in baseball, basketball, football, FFA, cross-country, student council, NHS, and the academic team.”

4. What are your plans for the future?

 “I plan on studying business.”

5. Favorite Memory at WHS?

“Definitely going undefeated and becoming district champs for my senior year.”

6. What teacher’s class has best prepared you for the future?

“Coach Jessie’s history class, he taught me to respect and wisdom. He also taught me to be ready for the real world.”

7. Give advice to underclassmen?

“Learn how to cheat early.”

8. Anyone you want to think?

“Family, friends, teachers, Rickey Bobby, and God.”

9. Do you have a fear about leaving? “No.”

10. Are you going to miss being at WHS?

“I will miss the good times and memories, but I’m ready to see the rest of the world.”

Nurse Practitioner Katy Barnett Becoming Part of Community

By
Curtis Plant
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0

 Katy Barnett, APRN-CNP plans to be a familiar face in the Waurika community. Barnett has been with Waurika Family Care since July as a primary care provider seeing patients of all ages.

Katy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) and received her master’s (APRN-CNP) from Walden University.

Originally from Archer City, Texas, Katy moved to Addington when she married her husband, Blake, who is a ranch hand at the Stewart Ranch. “For many years, I drove to Wichita Falls to work at United Regional Hospital in the Medical ICU department, “said Katy.

As a third generation nurse, Katy has always wanted to help others. “My grandmother was a nurse, and my mom is a Nurse Practitioner” shared Katy. “Being a nurse has afforded me a way to help others and to give back to the community.”

Katy works full-time in the Waurika Family Care clinic seeing patients for a broad range needs. “Coming to work in Waurika has been everything I expected and more,” smiled Katy. “It has allowed me to get back to the basics and help those that have limited access to healthcare. And it doesn’t hurt that I work much closer to home!”

She is looking forward to making new friendships, new connections and becoming part of the community. “I recently joined the Sorosis Club and my son, Slade, attends school in Waurika and I plan to become more involved in the school system as he grows,” said Katy.

When she’s not helping patients achieve good health, she loves spending time with her family especially going fishing, watching a Texas Rangers baseball game, splurging on Reese’s Peanut butter cups and Christmas!

You can schedule your appointment with Katy Monday through Friday by calling 580-228-3669.

Community Comes Together to Honor Local Heroes on Veterans Day

By
Curtis Plant
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0

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

Chickasaw Nation Documentary Wins Heartland EMMY® Award

By
Tony Choate
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0

“And Our Mothers Cried” Vividly Brings to Life Native American Experiences During the Indian Boarding School Era of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

ADA, Okla. — The Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored “Winter Fire—And Our Mothers Cried,” with an EMMY® Award in the Documentary – Historical category.

“And Our Mothers Cried” vividly brings to life the Indian boarding school era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For several generations of Native American children, including some Chickasaws, attending boarding school meant separation from their families and indoctrination into a culture that wasn’t their own. The schools, which were guided by the infamous slogan, “Kill the Indian. Save the Man,” prohibited most students from speaking their own language and emphasized labor-intensive trades that would assimilate them into white culture through military-type institutions.

The documentary presents a stark contrast between these schools and schools established and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, which were designed to prepare Chickasaw children to compete in a rapidly changing world. “And Our Mothers Cried” presents compelling stories from some of the Chickasaw elders who lived through the boarding school era. Their experiences weave a complex story of sorrow and survival, but also one of hope and resilience from a time when tribal governments and culture were under attack.

“Winter Fire,” part of Chickasaw.tv’s original programming lineup, is a documentary series about Chickasaw history, culture, people and present-day tribal issues. Each episode documents the Chickasaw stories and oral histories that have been passed down through the generations about topics such as removal, the revitalization of the Chickasaw language, traditional medicine, and Indian boarding schools, as in the episode “And Our Mothers Cried.”

“Our intention with Chickasaw.tv was to create a repository—a digital Smithsonian, if you will—to document our culture, legacy, and traditions for future generations,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “We believe it is vital to tell the stories of the Chickasaw people and the role the Chickasaw Nation has played in history from our own point of view because we believe it adds important context to the historical narrative.”

Chickasaw.tv is a high-definition, a video-rich network focused on emphasizing the culture, legacy and continuing contributions of the Chickasaw people. Originally launched in 2010 under the leadership of Governor Anoatubby and relaunched in 2017 on a dynamic, new, multi-device platform, it is the first online video network of its kind by a Native American tribe. The interactive, high-quality content is available on mobile, tablets, desktop, Apple TV and Google Chromecast, with enhanced functionality and a user-friendly experience. The expanded original programming and the release of the Chickasaw.tv app on Apple TV and Google Chromecast reflect the Chickasaw Nation’s continued commitment to technological innovation and cultural preservation.

Click here to watch the EMMY® Award-winning “Winter Fire—And Our Mothers Cried.”

Wildlife and Christmas among the subjects of new artwork at Chickasaw traveler centers

By
Tony Choate
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0

OKLAHOMA CITY– (Oct. 30, 2018) This autumn and winter, Chickasaw Country travel centers in south-central Oklahoma will showcase artwork by Native American artists Linda Kukuk and Brad Woods, and a special Christmas show of art by Native American youth.

 

Guests to Chickasaw Country can see Kukuk’s paintings at the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur. The Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis will display the photography of Brad Woods. The Chickasaw Information Center in Tishomingo will host a Native American Youth Christmas show.

 

“The artwork displayed at these centers deepens every guests’ experience and offers insight into Native American culture and heritage by bringing new and emerging artists to the public’s attention,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of corporate development and tourism for the Chickasaw Nation.

 

Shepherd also noted that the tourism centers offer a wealth of information for visitors and residents alike.

 

“The centers offer guests incredible information about local attractions and events taking place throughout Chickasaw Country during the holidays,” she said, “and they also offer unique gifts—from Made in Oklahoma goodies to Native artwork.”

 

Each of the exhibits will run through Feb. 28, 2019.

 

Linda Kukuk, Chickasaw Visitor Center, Sulphur – Exhibit runs Nov. 1 through Feb. 28

Kukuk is a lifetime resident of the Oklahoma City area, and a self-taught artist. She paints some watercolors, but is primarily a scratchboard artist specializing in realistic pictures of wildlife, pet portraits, Native Americans, and portraits. Kukuk is a signature level member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA.)

 

“Rather than always doing scratchboard art in the traditional sense, I enjoy experimenting by starting with white clayboard, adding either watercolor, acrylic ink, India ink, or a combination of these, and then doing my scratchwork on the surface I’ve prepared,” she said.

 

“My extensive travels throughout Africa, Europe, Russia, and the South Pacific have given me a myriad of interesting subjects to paint and draw,” she said. “I love painting almost any subject and, being a Choctaw Indian, I definitely enjoy painting Native American and American wildlife subjects.”

 

Brad Woods, Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center, Davis – Exhibit runs Nov. 1 through Feb. 28

Woods is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and grew up near Sulphur. His love of nature and the outdoors led to a degree in biology with a focus on wildlife from East Central University in Ada, and that love of the outdoors influences his photography today.

 

“I express my images in the way the moment made its impression on me, and how I remembered it,” he said. “I don’t simply snap the shot, I take the shot and develop it as an artistic expression.”

 

Woods’ photography has twice been honored as the Best of Show at the Artist of the Arbuckles Photography Expo. Woods has also shown his work at the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur and Exhibit C in Oklahoma City.

 

Woods said he studied art through different mediums and those studies helped shape his photography.

 

“I started photography when I was 14 years old, still back when most cameras were film. While in school, when others joined up for sports I enrolled in an extra hour of art,” he said. “I always enjoyed learning and developing my talents in many areas including drawing, painting with watercolor, acrylic and pastels. However, over the years, photography is where I enjoyed expressing myself the most. I believe all the others helped me develop my own artistic viewpoint.”

 

Visitors can meet Woods and talk with him about his works at an artist reception from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center.

 

Chickasaw Country Native American Youth Christmas Art Show, Chickasaw Nation Information Center, Tishomingo – Exhibit runs Dec. 1 through Feb. 28

 

The Chickasaw Country Native Youth Christmas Art Show will run from December 1, 2018, through February 28, 2019, at the Chickasaw Nation Information Center in Tishomingo.

 

The show will feature works of various mediums and subjects created by Native American students in grades one through 12. One hundred percent of all sales will go to the artists.

 

“Working with young Native American artists is a great way to promote developing talent and build future partnerships,” said Mrs. Shepherd. “We’re excited to show off the work of these young artists.”

 

As part of the show, Chickasaw Press author Trey Hays will hold a book signing in celebration of his children’s book “Little Loksi” that was recently published. The signing takes place from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Later that night, attendees can enjoy the Johnston County Christmas Parade in Tishomingo. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Tishomingo High School parking lot and proceeds down Main Street to Capitol Street. Families can get pictures with Santa or The Grinch after the parade.

 

# # #

 

Chickasaw Nation Information Center in Tishomingo, Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Nation Information Center serves as a gateway for the many attractions in this historic section of the Chickasaw Nation, including the Chickasaw Capitol Building and Council House Museum, Chickasaw White House, Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and Blue River. Located at the intersection of Capitol and Main streets, the 10,700-square-foot Information Center houses the Chickasaw Nation Tourism Department, tribal Office of Special Events, Johnston County Chamber of Commerce and Johnston County Historical Society. To learn more, call 580-387-2762 or visit Chickasaw Country’s website at ChickasawCountry.com.

 

Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis, Oklahoma

Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center is located at the southwest corner of exit 55 on Interstate 35. Opened in November 2012, the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center has several amenities including a lounge area, vending machines, an outdoor children’s playground, a dog park and Bedré Fine Chocolate right next door. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the center call 580-369-4222 or visit Chickasaw Country’s website atChickasawCountry.com.

 

Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Visitor Center is located at the northeast corner of Broadway and State Highway 7 in Sulphur and next to the historic Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa. Opened in November 2013, the Chickasaw Visitor Center includes a lounge area, a gift shop and multi-media video room. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the center, call 580-622-8050 or visit Chickasaw Country’s website at ChickasawCountry.com.

 

About Chickasaw Country

Nestled in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country is a regional tourism organization representing 13 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. As the official destination tourism organization, Chickasaw Country includes 7,648 square miles, 11 percent of Oklahoma’s total 68,597 square miles. Chickasaw Country, a division of the Chickasaw Nation, is a tourism source for visitors and communities within the region and promotes destinations, attractions and festivals. Chickasaw Country is a diverse and culturally-vested destination, with new adventures and experiences around every corner.

About the Chickasaw Nation
With more than 60,000 citizens, the Chickasaw Nation is the 12th largest federally-recognized Indian tribe in the United States. The Chickasaw Nation has an annual economic impact of more than $2.4 billion in Oklahoma. The tribe has more than 14,000 employees. A democratic republic with executive, legislative and judicial departments, the tribe’s jurisdictional territory includes all or part of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma.

Terral Students Visit Happy Days Ranch

By
Curtis Plant
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0

Terral students visited the Happy Days Ranch Pumpkin Patch. As always, they had a great time!

Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo

Tuesday’s Election: All the information you need

By
Curtis Plant
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0

 Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for the November 6 General election, Jefferson County Election Board Secretary Tammy Richardson said today.

Please keep the following information and tips in mind as the election approaches.

– Early voting will be available at the County Election Board office from 8.am. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. USE ONLY IF STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICES ARE ON BALLOT: Early voting is also available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

– Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait times will likely be shortest at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Anyone in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

– Anyone who needs to look up their polling place, verify their registration information, or view a sample ballot can do so online. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website: www.elections.ok.gov. Those who vote by mail can also check the status of their ballot using the Online Voter Tool. Sample ballots are also available at the County Election Board office.

– Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person at the precinct polling place or during early voting at the County Election Board to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law (only one proof of identity is required): Show a valid photo ID issued by federal, state, or tribal government; or show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by the County Election Board; or sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)

– Physically disabled voters who cannot enter the polling place, need help marking their ballots, blind or visually disabled voters and illiterate voters may be assisted by a person the voter chooses. In all cases, a person providing such assistance may not be the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. A person providing assistance also must swear or affirm that the voter’s ballots will be marked in accordance with the voter’s wishes. Alternatively, all blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled voters in Jefferson County may use the audio-tactile interface (ATI), a feature offered on all Oklahoma voting devices, to vote privately and independently, either at Jefferson County Election Board during early voting or at their assigned polling place on election day.

– Voters who have moved since the last election, but who have not transferred their voter registration to their new address, may do so on Election Day by going to vote at the polling place where their registration has been in the past. While voting, they may fill out a form instructing the County Election Board to transfer their registration to the new address before the next election.

– Those who became physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Tuesday November 30 still can request an emergency absentee ballot. Those who might qualify for an emergency absentee ballot should contact the County Election Board office at (580) 228-3150 as soon as possible for more information.

– Any violation of election law will be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities. Electioneering is not allowed within 300 feet of a ballot box. It is also unlawful to remove a ballot from the polling location, possess intoxicating liquors within half a mile of a polling place or to disclose how you voted while within the election enclosure.

For additional election-related information, visit: www.elections.ok.gov.

Deadline to Request Absentee Ballots Nears

By
Curtis Plant
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0

 Less than a week remains for registered voters in Jefferson County to apply for absentee ballots to be mailed to them for the November 6 General Election, County Election Board Secretary Tammy Richardson said today.

Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, to be processed in time for the election.

Absentee voters may apply in person at the County Election Board office or may send their applications by mail, fax, or e-mail. An online version of the form may be filled out and submitted electronically at www.elections.ok.gov.  Any registered voter eligible to vote in the election may vote by absentee ballot without stating a reason, Richardson said, however, absentee voters can activate certain special conditions in the following circumstances:

• Registered voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may apply for absentee ballots only by mail, fax, e-mail, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Registered voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may apply by mail, by fax, by e-mail, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Military personnel, residents of Jefferson County living overseas, and the spouses and dependents of each group may apply only by mail, by fax, or by e-mail.  For more information and instructions, military and overseas voters may visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website: www.fvap.gov/oklahoma. 

For more information on absentee voting, contact the County Election Board at 220 N. Main Street, Room #203, Waurika, OK.  The telephone number is (580) 228-3150.  The County Election Board’s fax number is (580) 228-2775.

For additional election-related information, visit: www.elections.ok.gov.

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