Members of Waurika FCCLA recently attended the South 4 District Leadership Meeting in Duncan. Approximately 500 students from southwest Oklahoma attended the meeting held at the Simmons Center. This year’s meeting, called “The Great Leadership Adventure”, centered on an outdoor camping theme. Members wore their new chapter tshirts, which followed the theme. FCCLA chapters collected 400 pounds of aluminum pull tabs to donate to their service project, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Oklahoma. The highlight of the meeting was the Oklahoma City dance troupe, Generation Why, which entertained the students, as well as delivered messages about anti-bullying, suicide prevention and overcoming adversity. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is the student leadership organization that accompanies the Family and Consumer Sciences program at Waurika High School.
FCCLA Attend Leadership Meeting in Duncan
Waurika Library News January 10, 2019
How will Artificial Intelligence affect crime, war, justice, jobs, society and our very sense of being human? The rise of AI has the potential to transform our future more than any other technology—and there’s nobody better qualified or situated to explore that future than Max Tegmark, an MIT professor who’s helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial.
How can we grow our prosperity through automation without leaving people lacking income or purpose? What career advice should we give today’s kids? How can we make future AI systems more robust, so that they do what we want without crashing, malfunctioning or getting hacked? Should we fear an arms race in lethal autonomous weapons? Will machines eventually outsmart us at all tasks, replacing humans on the job market and perhaps altogether? Will AI help life flourish like never before or give us more power than we can handle?
What sort of future do you want? ‘Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ empowers you to join what may be the most important conversation of our time. It doesn’t shy away from the full range of viewpoints or from the most controversial issues—from superintelligence to meaning, consciousness and the ultimate physical limits on life in the cosmos.
Don’t forget to use smile.amazon.com to support the Friends of the Waurika Library when you use Amazon. It works just like Amazon with your existing account. When you login, simply choose ‘Friends of the Waurika Public Library’ as the charity you would like to support. Many events and programs at the library are supported by the Friends of the Waurika Public Library. Sponsorship of the Friends starts at just $10. For more information or to become a sponsor, please visit the Waurika Public Library.
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/
Terral Alumni Scholarship Awarded
Due to generous donations the Terral Alumni Association awarded three $3,000 scholarships this year. The scholarship recipients are:
Randi Linton
Emily Morales
New policy impacts out-of-state services for SoonerCare members
OKLAHOMA CITY Significant changes to SoonerCare’s out-of-state (OOS)
services policies will take effect Sept. 1, impacting members seeking
specialty medical care outside of Oklahoma.
Medical care that currently requires a prior authorization from SoonerCare
will have new documentation requirements for approval that must be
received 10 days prior to the medical service (except for true medical
emergencies), or it will be denied. The provider performing the service
will also have to be contracted with SoonerCare.
Medical staff at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) have
constructed a list of providers outside of Oklahoma that are contracted
with the agency and can provide care for complex medical services that are
not available in-state.
SoonerCare members will no longer be able to self-refer to out-of-state
providers. All requests for out-of-state services must be submitted by a
contracted provider (M.D., D.O., A.P.R.N., or P.A.) If the member does
not receive approval from SoonerCare, members may be responsible for the
costs of the services.
“Until we receive requests for reimbursement for meals, travel and
lodging, SoonerCare typically does not know beforehand if a member is
receiving their specialty care out of state,” said OHCA Senior Medical
Director Dr. Robert Evans. “That meant we could not always ensure our
members were receiving the best care for their medical needs or control
the costs of their services, which is part of the prior authorization
process. With these rule changes, we will be able to monitor the care our
members receive as well as keep costs down by making sure providers are
vetted through our regular enrollment process and agree to our state¹s
rates.”
“It is also important for our members who live in border communities in
Oklahoma to know that if they go to see their primary care doctor, for
instance, who practices in Texas or Arkansas within 50 miles of the
border, they will still be able to see that doctor, as long as the doctor
is contracted with SoonerCare,” said Dr. Evans. “If they travel out of
state to see family and end up in the emergency room, as long as it is
medically necessary, SoonerCare will cover them, as well. Only those
specialized medical services regularly requiring prior authorization are
subject to more careful control.”
The policy revisions define coverage and reimbursement for out-of-state
services for SoonerCare members. They also spell out provider
participation and prior authorization requirements including medical
records requests for out-of-state providers.
The agency is moving away from single-case agreements with non-contracted
providers. SoonerCare members currently receiving out-of-state services
through these agreements are being transitioned to regularly-contracted
SoonerCare providers who agency medical staff have determined provide the
same level of care.
“The agency understands that a number of our members have very complex
medical needs and we are dedicated to ensuring our members currently
receiving care outside of Oklahoma have a warm, sensitive transition to a
new, in-network provider,” said Becky Pasternik-Ikard, OHCA Chief
Executive Officer. “Our medical staff has worked tirelessly to identify
facilities and providers who will continue the level of care our members
deserve.”
“We believe these changes will maintain and strengthen SoonerCare members¹
access to quality care as well as control our program costs. We also want
to ensure Oklahomans are using our excellent Oklahoma providers and
specialists when possible,” said Dr. Mike Herndon, OHCA Chief Medical
Officer. “Dr. Evans and our legal and medical staff worked for more than
18 months researching and writing these policies to be fair and rigorous
to ensure the highest level of care for our members and to identify an
extensive network of SoonerCare-contracted providers.
“Dr. Evans personally contacted physicians and facilities of the highest
caliber to secure contracts and vet the expertise if a service was not
available in Oklahoma,” said Herndon. “The policy also provides
transparency so providers have a clearer picture of the services available
for our members. And finally, it ensures the agency is in compliance with
federal and state regulations.”
In 2019 the Oklahoma legislature passed HB 2341 which limited SoonerCare
members¹ services to in-state providers when possible. The Sept. 1 changes
to OOS services will allow OHCA to maintain compliance with federal and
state regulations.
If you are a SoonerCare member and have questions about these changes,
please contact the SoonerCare Helpline at 800-987-7767 or visit
http://okhca.org/OOSmembers/.
Summary of out-of-state services changes for SoonerCare members and
providers:
€ Members who see out-of-state primary care providers will see no changes,
as long as the provider is SoonerCare contracted and practices within 50
miles of the state border.
€ Members who need emergency care when out of state will see no changes,
as long as the trip to the ER was determined medically necessary by
SoonerCare.
€ Specialty care outside of Oklahoma for members must be with a provider
contracted with SoonerCare and receive prior authorization.
€ Complete documentation for prior authorization will need to be received
by OHCA 10 days before a scheduled out-of-state service unless it is a
true medical emergency.
€ OHCA will no longer enter into single-case agreements with
non-contracted facilities for out-of-state services.
Ryan Homecoming
(l-r) 9th grade escort Ethan Burden 7th grade princess Hannah Williams, 9th grade escort Dusty Snider 9th grade princess Whittany Spangler, 9th grade escort Julian Rodriguez, 12th grade escort Walter Snider, 11th grade candidate Diamond Chazaretta, homecoming king Andrew Villarreal, queen Lily York, 12th grade escort Gunner Phillips, candidate at large Kodi Duke, 12th grade escort Parker Carey, 12th grade escort Jonathan Clark, 10th grade candidate Danielle Garza, 9th grade escort Login Snider,
8th grade princess Aubree Snider.
Crown bearer Kovin Lewis, Flower girl Tinlee Lowry
Photo by Sheree Hanson
The King is Andrew Villarreal
The Queen is Lily York
Photo by Sheree Hanson
Round Ryan October 17 2019
This has been a productive season for Ryan cross country. The young runners in Jr. High School show improvement constantly and the High School boys seem to shave time off with each passing meet, but the High School girls have taken cross country to a new level here in Ryan. This last week the Cowgirls have won their third team title in a row, Lilybet Harmon won her third individual title in a row and the Cowgirls have had five of the top ten finishers for the third time in a row. Next weekend the cross country team will be competing at regionals. At 12:30 this Saturday, we will all have the opportunity to watch this team in action at Waurika. Basketball season will be starting soon. To be honest, I have never really followed the sport. I’m short, slow and uncoordinated, so it is easy to figure out why it’s not my sport. In an effort to be fair I may give it a try this season, if nothing else it will give me a chance to see the new/old gym. The football game this week will be against long time rivals Waurika Eagles. This rivalry spans many decades and having witnessed it from both sides, I am glad to see that the modern version is much more genteel than it was in the old days. Come out to the game and see some good football. Game time is at 7:30 friday night at the Bob Givens Sports Complex. If you play your cards right you might be able to get some supper as well.
This next Sunday, October 20th from 11:00-2:00 there will be an Indian Taco dinner to raise funds for some of the community projects that are happening around Ryan. It will be at the Sr. Citizens Center and the cost will be donations only. I understand that they still need desserts if you would like to donate some sweets. Take outs are available and Heather Casebolt guarantees that the food will be delicious.
If you have been paying attention, you will have noticed that dirt work is going on out on the highway across from the football field. They are coming along with the future home of the next dollar store for this area.
Fall weather is finally upon us and it is wonderful. Not to appear ungrateful but we could have done without that freeze the other night. Ah well we have to take the bad with the good. I am starting to see mums and pumpkins around town, decorating street corners and porches. With the fall colors a, pumpkin flavored everything and the cool air, it seems that the main part of football season is here. GO IRISH!!!
Christmas On the Trail is coming up and we will be having another meeting on the 25th of this month. If you are interested, you can attend or you can call or come see us with your ideas. We are still looking for vendors and volunteers. We are adding games and activities every week.
I am sitting here listening to Adele sing about setting fire to the rain. I’m not sure the lyrics make a lot of sense but she sure can sing. Until next week.
Waurika Go Bond Money Well Spent on Life Saving Device
Members of the Waurika, Ryan, Hastings, and Addington Fire Departments recently met in Waurika to see the new Genesis-Rescue System in action. It is Genesis’ version of what was previously known as the “Jaws of Life”. The demonstrstion was conducted by Randy Williams.
This new system is battery operated and very fast. It is more efficient. Members of the various fire departments watched demonstrations and some even participated in hands-on experience with the Genesis-Rescue System.
Chickasaw Astronaut inducted into National Native American Hall of Fame
PHOENIX – Chickasaw astronaut John Herrington is among 12 individuals inducted into the inaugural class of the National Native American Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies were Oct. 13 in Phoenix. Herrington, who was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, is one of seven inductees from Oklahoma.
Herrington, the first enrolled citizen of a Native American Nation to fly into space, made a comparison between the induction ceremony and a 40th-anniversary celebration of the Apollo 10 mission.
Apollo Astronaut and Oklahoman General Thomas Stafford invited Dr. Herrington to the celebration as a fellow Oklahoman.
“When I arrived I realized that I wasn’t just an observer, but a participant,” said Herrington. “I was seated alongside the folks that made history in the Apollo program and I was being included in their press conference. As my dad said, ‘I was walking in some pretty tall cotton!’
“I feel the same way about being inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame. I was in the company of my heroes and people I have admired growing up. That’s a very humbling feeling and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Governor Bill Anoatubby said that Herrington is a great role model.
“While his accomplishments as an astronaut are impressive, what is perhaps even more impressive is what John Herrington has done to promote education,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “His commitment to promoting education has no doubt changed the lives of countless young Native Americans.”
During the STS-113 mission, he helped install an aluminum structure onto the International Space Station, giving him the opportunity to achieve his goal of “turning a wrench in space.”
That goal was inspired by his maternal grandfather, Cub Owens. Herrington singled out his mother Joyce, and her father when asked about his childhood Native American role models.
“He was an incredibly talented mechanic and I believe he could have taken apart a diesel engine and put it back together blindfolded,” Herrington said. “I used to watch him work on engines at the pump station he managed south of Wetumka, just off Hwy 75. Having only a grade school education he raised a remarkable family and took care of those he loved.”
Since retiring from NASA Oct. 1, 2005, Herrington has focused on encouraging Native American students to pursue an education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In 2008, his passion for promoting STEM education led him to ride a bicycle more than 4,000 miles across the United States to personally encourage young Native American students.
After years of promoting education, Dr. Ed Galindo, a Native American instructor he met in Idaho during his bike ride inspired Herrington to continue his own. In 2014, Herrington earned a doctorate in education from the University of Idaho.
Dr. Galindo worked with Herrington to focus his research. He noted that while there were numerous studies looking at the reasons Native American students were not successful in education, few looked at the reasons for success, even though there are quite a few successful Native American engineers and scientists.
Herrington interviewed numerous successful Native students in STEM programs in Idaho to find why they were able to succeed.
“What it came down to is that they were saying it worked because of the hands-on learning. They could do stuff with their hands. They could see the practical nature of what they were doing, and they could tie it to their learning. And it was fun. They worked with their friends. They collaborated. It was this cooperative type of learning environment. And I realized that growing up, that is what worked for me.”
Herrington, a board member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, said increased membership in that organization is a good sign.
“This past September our conference in OKC had the largest enrollment in AISES history. That tells me the word is getting out and more Native students are seeking out careers in science and engineering. AISES is a fantastic organization and it provides a unique opportunity for Native students to connect with Native professionals and their employers.”
In 2015, he joined the first lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and other high-level officials scheduled to speak at the first-ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering.
Part of President Barak Obama’s Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative, the event was designed to provide American Indian and Alaska Native youth from across the country the opportunity to interact with senior Administration officials and the White House Council on Native American Affairs.
“The fact that this gathering is on a national stage and is supported at the highest level of our government, should give the students a strong indication that their thoughts and aspirations matter,” Herrington said at the time. “Regardless of the venue, my message to students is for them to believe they are capable of accomplishing great things in life. I believe the steeper the climb, the more satisfying the view from the top.
“If a little kid from rural Oklahoma can achieve his childhood dream of flying in space, these students should believe they are capable of achieving their dreams, whatever they may be,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t come easy, but every positive step forward along their life’s journey will improve their chances for success.”
Today, he continues that work of motivating Indian students and explaining how to help them become successful.
Other members of the inaugural class of the Native American Hall of Fame from Oklahoma are: Jim Thorpe, Sac and Fox; Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee; Maria Tallchief, Osage; Allan Houser, Apache; N. Scott Momaday, Kiowa and LaDonna Harris, Comanche.
Other members of the inaugural class are Elouise Cobell, Blackfeet from Montana; Lori Piestewa, Hopi from Arizona; Billy Mills, Oglala Dakota from South Dakota; Vine Deloria, Standing Rock Sioux from South Dakota and Lionel Bordeaux, Sicangu Lakota from South Dakota.
More information is available at www.nativehalloffame.org/.
The evolution of a young artist
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.”
Terral News and Happenings October 26 2018
QUOTE OF THE DAY – Something will grow from all you are going through. And it will be YOU! By Curiano.
TERRAL CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE – Our annual City Wide Garage Sale is scheduled for November 2 & 3. If you would like to be put on the list please call Shirley at 437-2337 and have your address put on the map. Maps will be at the local businesses and the post office on Thursday Evening.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH KIDS FOR CHRIST – On October 31st, we will not have our RA’s, GA’s and Kids for Christ. Kids will be busy spending time with family and Trick or Treating. We will resume our regular schedule on November 7th.
PUBLIC NOTICE – The Town of Terral City Council meeting will be moved forward to November 13th due to November 12th being celebrated for Veterans’ Day. Terral City Council Meeting will be at the City Hall on Tuesday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m.
BINGO NIGHT – The First Baptist Church Girls in Action will be having their Annual Bingo Night on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at the Terral Community Center. Admission will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo will begin at 6:00 p.m. A Snack bar will be provided and a bake sale. All proceeds go to the activities, crafts, and outings for the GA Group. Come out have a good time and support our kids. Each game is $1.00 or a cover of $25.00 for the night for 30 Games. All prizes are valued at $30.00. It is a great way to start your Christmas shopping.
CRAFT SHOW & BINGO – The FBC Girls in Action will be holding a Craft Show and Bingo on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at the Terral Community Center. The Craft Show will be from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Come on out and select some unique gifts for Christmas. Gift wrapping will be available. Bingo will start at 3:00 p.m. Tables will reserve for $10.00 each. If you would like to reserve a table call Shirley at 437-2337 or 437-2545 after 5:00 p.m. All proceeds go to the FBC Girls in Action for activities, crafts, and outings for the group. Hope to see ya there!
IT’S-A GIRL – Tatum Nicole Walker made her appearance on October 15, 2018, at 9:05 p.m. She weighed in at 9 pounds and 9 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. Proud parents are Courtney Cook and Jim Walker. Proud Grandparents are Jason and Mary Esther Cook of Saint Jo, Texas. Proud Great Grandparents are Santos and Yolanda Castillo. Congrats to the whole family.
COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST – Family and friends of Florita Villarrreal, Family and Friends of Elena Gomez of Ryan, A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Wyler, Amy Alsup, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriquez, Carrie Villarreal, Brenda
Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day, Tom Baysinger, 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. May God Keep you in His loving care.
