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Friday, March 29, 2024
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Citizen’s hear the latest about Waurika

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Last Thursday, March 15, citizens joined at the Waurika Depot to attend the “Let’s Talk Waurika” program sponsored by the Waurika Sorosis Club.

Several leaders from the community addressed those in attendance and answered questions about the future of Waurika.

Waurika is still gaining momentum from the successes from last year and the development of new businesses in the area.

Thursday evening at the Waurika was a spirited event that informed the public on what is happening in the county.

Here is a list of those who addressed the audience:

State Senator Chris Kidd,

Jefferson County Hospital: President, Richard Gillespie,

City of Waurika – Jacob Eck,

Waurika Public Schools – Superintendent Roxie Terry, Principal Cody Simmons, Principal Nat Lunn,

Waurika Police Chief Gary Whittington,

Sheriff Jeremie Wilson,

County Commissioner Bryce Bohot,

NRCS – Sandra Nobile,

OSU Extension – Leland McDaniel,

Jefferson County Food Pantry – Adam Brinson,

Waurika Development Trust – Roy Bartling,

Chamber of commerce – Jon Waid.

Jon Waid – Waurika Chamber of Commerce President

Sen. Chris Kidd arrived and informed the public of what is happening at the State Senate. He reported that their have been six votes to fund education and thus far all six have failed. He said he coveted everyone’s prayers and will continue to work for the citizens of Jefferson County and Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State Senator Chris Kidd

High School Principal Nat Lunn spoke highly of the kids in middle school who came up from Waurika Elementary. He thanked Cody for all his hard work. He also thanked the faculty and staff of the middle and high school for all their hard work.

Waurika Elementary School Principal Cody Simmons

Sheriff Wilson said he had recently hired a full-time CLEET certified officer/instructor to educate students about drugs at the elementary schools. He also stated that crime was down in the county. Some of that may be due to the many reserves he has he said. He went on to say that the biggest asset he has is the people in the community who report crimes to the sheriff’s office. He recognized the dispatchers and thanked them for keeping situations calm.

Sheriff Jeremie Wilson

Waurika Police Chief thanked everyone for their support. He has served in Waurika for the past nine years and looks forward to many more. He encouraged citizens to contact his department if they ever needed anything.

Commissioner Bryce Bohot talked about new bridges and the deteriorating condition of the courthouse building. He says that most counties have twenty plus insufficient bridges.

OSU Extension Agent spoke about youth programs like 4H. He says it’s more than just showing animals. He also talked about fire-ant control. His office helps farmers with soil and cattle and anything related to agriculture.

Waurika Development Trust – Roy Bartling talked about the new Disc Golf Course coming to Waurika and talked about reclaiming the old city swimming pool just north of far west Broadway as a skate park. He introduced Gary Duncan. Gary is in the process of contacting vets about returning to the area and retiring.

Roy Bartling – Waurika Development Trust

Jeffco Helping Hands Food Pantry was represented by Rev. Adam Brinson.

Adam referred to Matthew 25 and talked about being passionate to help those in need. He said you never know when you may find yourself in need.

A year go Jefferson county was considered a food desert until the food pantry opened.

Currently the pantry serves more than one hundred and thirty families and households. Eighty-four of these families have children.

It cost between $400 and $500 per month to feed those who utilize those services.

The Waurika Housing is remodeling the facility where the food pantry is housed. Once the remodelling is complete shoppers will be able to pick out their food rather than just pickup an already packaged box. Adam expressed deep gratitude for Kimberly Gholson and the housing allowing the food pantry to use the housing facility.

Those who are in need of food can visit the food pantry on the second and fourth Friday of the month.

The next available time for pickup will be this Friday.

Before closing his speech, Adam thanked area churches and individuals for their generous donations.

Jefferson County Residents Featured in “You Can’t Take it With You”.

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The latest production of the Duncan Little Theatre is a Pulitzer Prize winning play called You Can’t Take it With You written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.

Many are probably familiar with the film version staring Jimmy Stewart and Lionel Barrymore. 

The play is a hilarious comedy that was first performed on Broadway in 1936. 

Carter Waid and Justin Sullivan are appearing in the play. 

Waid will appear in the November 23rd performance as Mr. Kirby, a serious business man.

Waid is intrigued with his part. His participation in this production is as a fill-in for Derrick Miller who is both a producer and an actor in this play. He also plays Mr. Kirby. However, he has to absent on the 23rd, thus the reason Waid is filling in.

Carter Waid and Derrick Miller

“Don’t let life get the better of you and steal your relationship with your family,” is Waid’s impression of the plays overall theme. 

Waid has been performing plays with the Duncan Little Theatre for years. He really likes this play and believes audiences will love it.  

Justin Sullivan appears in all the performance as Paul Sycamore, the man who manufactures fireworks in the basement. 

Sullivan enjoys acting and particularly loves this play and its sentiment—money isn’t everything. 

Like Waid, he too has been performing with the Theatre for many years. 

Sharon Burum is the director for the play. Burum has a long history with Duncan Little Theatre. She was the Stage Manager for the play “Oklahoma”, which was the first large production performed at the Simmons Center.

Other cast members include:

Derrick Miller plays Mr. Kirby and serves as one of the producers of the play. He is currently teaching journalism at the Duncan Middle School. Before teaching, he was a reporter for the Duncan Banner for nine years. 

Carra Spigner, plays the role of the prim and proper Mrs. Kirby. Her biggest challenge will be keeping a straight face.

Cara Spigner and Derrick Miller

Rick Rogers, an eighty-five year old practicing attorney in Duncan, is playing the role of the IRS agent. In his spare time, which is limited, he carves and serves on the City Appeals Board. 

His wife, Carolyn is also performing in the play. Not only does she love performing, she started the Duncan Trust Authority and helps with beautification of Duncan. 

Rick Rogers and Carolyn Rogers

Kathrine Farrow serves as the co-set designer along with Michael Harris. Farrow has a role as a ballerina dancer. 

Kathrine Farrow

Floyd Wininger has been working with the Theatre since 1981. He has not only acted in plays, but he has also directed. In this production he is playing the role of Grandpa.

Floyd Wininger

Opening night is this Friday evening, November 15, beginning at 7:30 pm.

The next performance will be on the following night at 7:30. Additional performances will be on the November 22 & 23rd also at 7:30 pm. 

A scene from “You Can’t Take it With You”.
Another scene from rehearsal .

Editor’s Note: A special thank you to Sharon Burum , the director, for allowing us to attend the rehearsal and take pictures as well as interview the cast.

Carrie Underwood and Pioneer Woman among those added to OK Hall of Fame

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OKLAHOMA CITY, May 17 – The 91st class of outstanding Oklahomans have been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.  These accomplished Oklahomans will join the 691 individuals who have been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame since 1928.  The Honorees were officially announced at a luncheon on May 17th, hosted by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum.  New inductees were presented to a roomful of past Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees.

“It’s incredibly inspirational to be surrounded by such an accomplished group of people who have literally created our history,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum.  “The Oklahoma Hall of Fame announcement luncheon gives past inductees the first opportunity to congratulate the new class.”

The 2018 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees are: Paul Allen, Enid; Mo Anderson, Waukomis; Ree Drummond, Pawhuska; David Rainbolt, Oklahoma City; Jon R. Stuart, Tulsa; Carrie Underwood, Checotah; and Charlie Christian, Oklahoma City, will be inducted posthumously.    The 2018 Class will be formally inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 15, in Tulsa.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was founded in 1927 with the purpose of honoring Oklahomans in their lifetime with the state’s highest honor and educating Oklahoma’s youth on our rich history.  The Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, opened in 2007 with the intent of giving the public access to the stories of these and other inspirational Oklahomans.

“Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is Oklahoma’s Highest Honor” Rich said.  “The recognition of our state’s greatest asset – our people – is the foundation upon which our organization was created.”

Along with being honored at the formal induction ceremony, the 2018 Honorees will be recognized in November with the unveiling of their portraits at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.  In addition, their biographies, photos and videos will be accessible through interactive exhibits in the Museum.

The 91st Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 15, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center. In celebration of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s 91stinduction ceremony, past inductees Becky Dixon and Jane Jayroe Gamble will serve as emcees.

For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony or making a nomination to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, contact Brenda Schwartz, director of Honoree Relations, at 405.523.3209 or bbs@oklahomahof.com.  Tickets and table sponsorships for the event will go on sale August 24.  For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame or Gaylord-Pickens Museum, call 405.235.4458 or visit OklahomaHoF.com.

Biographical information on the 2018 Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductees:

Paul Allen | Enid

Born and raised on the family farm in northeast Nebraska, Paul Allen worked on the farm until leaving for the University of Nebraska. After earning his business degree he was hired by the George A. Hormel Company, working in Fremont, Nebraska and Austin, Minnesota, before relocating to Oklahoma City in 1967 to manage the Hormel production plant.

Seven years later he and Dave McLauglin co-founded Advance Food Company in Enid, quickly making the community home.  The company was sold in 2010 with approximately $800 million in sales and 2400 employees.  Today the business is owned by Tyson Foods.

Allen’s contributions to Enid include $1-million to launch Enid Public Schools’ $90-million bond issue; supporting Forgotten Ministries, a home for newly-released, non-violent offenders; the relocation and renovation of Enid Symphony Hall, our state’s longest-performing symphony; leading a $4-million capital campaign for the YMCA; the creation of a $2-million scholarship fund for Enid-area graduating seniors; and the construction of The David Allen Memorial Ballpark, dedicated to their late son.  The $3-million ballpark annually hosts the National Junior College Division II World Series.

Allen has been inducted to the Enid Hall of Fame and received the Pillar of the Plains Award. He remains in Enid with his wife Joan and has two sons, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Mo Anderson | Waukomis

The youngest of five born to tenant farmers in rural Oklahoma, Mo Anderson was the first in her family to earn a college degree.  She taught elementary school before entering the world of real estate.  Her first Century 21 franchise quickly rose to the third-highest producing of the company’s 7,500 locations in North America. She served on the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, including two terms as chairman, and convinced Keller Williams Realty Co-founder Gary Keller to expand outside of Texas.  Anderson became the regional director for Oklahoma and the co-owner of two local market centers.  In 1995, she became president, CEO, and partner of Keller Williams Realty and in 2005 was named vice chairman of the board where she continues to focus on nurturing and growing the company’s culture.

As author of A Joy-filled Life: Lessons of a Tenant Farmer’s Daughter who became a CEO, Anderson currently is touring North America speaking about her book in a presentation called 7 Pillars of a Joy-filled Life, encapsulating the lessons she has learned over her lifetime.  She also has launched MoAnderson.com, an on-line community allowing her to fulfill her dream of mentoring others.  Splitting her time between homes in Edmond and Austin, Texas, Anderson is actively involved in both communities.

 Ree Drummond | Pawhuska

An award-winning blogger, photographer, and celebrity chef from Bartlesville who first grew a fan base around her award-winning blog, “The Pioneer Woman,” Ree Drummond launched her career when she began writing about life as a cattle rancher’s wife on their Osage County cattle ranch. As her content grew, including a food section filled with recipes, so did her fan base—eventually attracting over 20 million page views per month. This led to cookbook deals and her first televised appearance on the Food Network’s Throwdown! With Bobby Flay in 2010, where she beat the celebrity chef in a Thanksgiving-themed cooking contest.  The following year, her successful television series, The Pioneer Woman was launched.

In 2016, Ree opened the The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, home of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Known as “The Merc,” the 25,000-square-foot historical building, purchased and renovated by the Drummonds, includes a two-level restaurant, retail store, and bakery.  The Merc attracts visitors from all fifty states, and many countries, to Pawhuska and the surrounding area.  Earlier this year, she opened The Boarding House—a three-story, eight-room hotel right down the street from the Mercantile, and will open a pizza restaurant, event space, and steakhouse in Pawhuska later this year. Ree lives on the family ranch with her husband Ladd and their four children.

 David Rainbolt | Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City’s David Rainbolt graduated from the University of Oklahoma and the Tulane University Graduate School of Business.  After starting his banking career in Texas, he moved back home to Oklahoma in 1982 and began working to modernize the state’s banking laws.  He was CFO of the founding management team of United Community Corporation and, in 1992, became chief executive officer of BancFirst, its successor company.  During his 25 years as CEO, the company went public, expanded into metropolitan areas, and closed 34 acquisitions, growing from less than $700 million to over $7 billion at the time he became executive chairman in 2017.

Outside of banking, Rainbolt has been active in nonpartisan reform efforts, including civil justice, criminal justice, and common and higher education issues, most recently including Step Up Oklahoma.  His civic involvement includes chairing the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, Last Frontier Council of Boy Scouts, United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Children’s Center Foundation, Downtown Oklahoma City Incorporated, and Oklahoma Bankers Association.  He is currently chairman of the Dean McGee Eye Institute.

With his wife Kim, Rainbolt has three sons, making him a little league baseball coach for 24 years, and two grandsons.

 Jon R. Stuart | Tulsa

Adopted as an infant in Norway and brought home to Tulsa, Stuart was educated in Tulsa, and at the Culver Military Academy, the University of Oklahoma, and The University of Tulsa.  As chairman of the board and chief executive officer of First Stuart Corporation, Stuart is continuing in the family business.  He also is the managing partner of Jon R. Stuart Interests, L.L.C., its primary focus on energy, and is a trustee for the Stuart Family Foundation.

Appointed by His Royal Highness King Harald VI of Norway, Stuart serves as the Royal Norwegian Consul for Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.  He served on the City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority Board for more than 25 years, including five years as chairman.  The Port of Catoosa’s Maritime Park is named for him.  He has served on the Gilcrease Museum National Advisory Board and the Committee of 100—Tulsa, as a trustee for Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and Philbrook Museum of Art, as well as the Falcon Foundation in Colorado Springs, and served two terms on the University of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents.

He and his wife, DeeDee, continue to make their home in Tulsa.  Stuart is a third-generation inductee, following his grandfather W. G. Skelly, inducted in 1939, and his father, Harold C. Stuart, in 1983.

Carrie Underwood | Checotah

Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, she has sold 64 million records worldwide and recorded 26 #1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote. In 2013, the Grand Ole Opry member starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s three-hour holiday blockbuster, the Emmy®-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers.

Her latest platinum studio album, Storyteller, produced four #1 hits. 2017 marked her fifth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, Sunday Night Football, and last November, she co-hosted the CMA Awards for the tenth consecutive year. Earlier this year, she released the hit event anthem “The Champion” featuring Ludacris, which she co-wrote to open Super Bowl LII and was incorporated into NBC’s coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Her sixth studio album, “Cry Pretty,” will be released on September 14, 2018, on Capitol Records Nashville. She recently premiered the powerful title track and first single from the album, which she co-wrote and co-produced.

POSTHUMOUS

Charlie Christian | Oklahoma City   

Born in Bonham, Texas, Oklahoma City became Charlie Christian’s home at the age of two. From a musical family, Christian first began playing the trumpet and at age 12 was playing a cigar box guitar he made himself.  When his father and brothers formed a quartet, Christian received his first real guitar as a member of the group. They played Oklahoma City clubs, including those in historic Deep Deuce, before Christian’s reputation spread and he began touring across the United States before moving to California at the age of 23.

Christian had changed the way the guitar was played, he brought it to the forefront as a solo instrument, amplified its sound, and changed what it could do with his single-string solo technique.  Christian played with the greats—including Jimmy Rushing, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman.  Even today, courses on and the techniques of Christian are taught in universities and studios worldwide.

Carlos Santana has talked about the influence Christian had on him; B. B. King said he just wanted to be able to play like him, but never could; and the Jazz at Lincoln Center curator said he changed the sound of music forever.  Who would have ever imagined that at the time of his death, at only 25, young Charlie Christian would be respected worldwide as the “Father of Bebop” and an inspiration to the greats that followed?

Waurika Library News August 1, 2019

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The 2019 Summer Reading Program wrapped up last week on Friday, July 26th.

Monday July 22nd, Ramona Johnson returned to take over coordinating the last week.

After Drop Everything And Read, the kids made abstract art with some craft sticks and paint.

Thanks to Pat McGriff for preparing chicken, fruits and vegetables for lunch. Thanks to Starr Heron and Melicia McFadden for serving.

On Tuesday, after Drop Everything and Read, the kids continued working on their craft sticks. They painted them the day before and then glued them together.

Next, the kids went outside. Some of the kids made sidewalk art with chalk while others played kickball.

Thanks to Pat McGriff for preparing and serving spaghetti and green beans for lunch.

On Wednesday, after Drop Everything And Read, Nicole Hill and Jacey Smith from the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center came to talk to the kids.

Bill Eakin, Debbie Brandon, and Melicia McFadden serve pizza.

The kids each got a piece of lettuce to put in front of them while Franklin, a tortoise, went around and ate all of it.

After learning about turtles and tortoises, the kids made chimes out of small clay pots with nuts and bolts.

Thanks to Kristie Gaines and the Waurika Quick Mart for providing pizza for lunch. Thanks to the Waurika Lions Club for serving.

On Thursday, Heidi Townsend filled in for Ramona Johnson.  After DEAR time, the kids worked on making a book about what they had done over the summer. The covers of the books were coloring pages made from pictures of the kids.

As they finished up working on their books, the kids went outside to make sidewalk art with chalk and play kick ball.

Thanks to Mark Lehew and Susan Howard of Doc’s Place for providing chicken and french fries for lunch. Thanks to Carol Prewitt for serving.

Friday was the last day of the 2019 Summer Reading Program 🙁

After Drop Everything And Read, Ramona Johnson showed the kids how to churn butter with a family churner over 100 years old.

Once all of the kids churned the butter, they each got to taste a sample alone and on some bread.

Next, it was time for lunch. Thanks to Juan Alvarez and his team at Sonic for providing grilled cheese and tater tots for lunch. Thanks to Melicia McFadden for picking it up.

Thanks to Ramona Johnson and Heidi Townsend for planning activities last week. Thanks to Karlee Berthiaume for her assistance. Thanks to Brittney Helterbran for all of her help.

Thanks to Jazmine Simon, Presley Parker, Merzedez Brown, Jon Campiche, Tye Kier, and Tegan Kier for volunteering to help with activities and serving lunch.

Thanks to all of the volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and organizations that made the 2019 Waurika Summer Reading Program a great success!

Elementary school students invited to participate in Cameron University’s 2018 Young Learners Science Exposition

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Elementary school students from kindergarten through fifth grade who have created winning projects at their elementary school science fair are invited to participate in Cameron University’s 2018 Young Learners Science Exposition. The science fair, hosted by the CU Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering, takes place on Tuesday, April 24 in the McCasland Ballroom. The entry registration deadline is Wednesday, April 18. There is no charge to enter. To register an entry, contact the Cameron University Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering. For more information, contact Dr. Clint Bryan at 580-591-8006 or via email at clintb@cameron.edu

Now in its sixth year, the Young Learners Science Exposition is open to the winning projects at each grade level of area elementary school science fairs. Local school science fair coordinators must certify the project on the registration entry form for consideration.

Project categories include:

  • Behavioral science:  psychology, sociology, and family science
  • Natural science:  biology, chemistry, physics, agriculture, space science, and earth science
  • Engineering science: computer engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, and agricultural engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Geography/geosciences: a study in locations and places, people and events, and landscapes
  • Scientific method: an experiment that follows the experimental design of collecting evidence to disprove a stated hypothesis
  • Science illustrations/Drawing:  Illustrations are to be placed on 19” x 20” foam core board.

Projects should be set up in the McCasland Ballroom between 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Monday, April 23.  Public viewing is available from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  Trophy and ribbon presentations will occur Tuesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. First, second, and third place ribbons will be presented for various categories at individual grade levels.

Funding for trophies and ribbons has been provided by the Wichita Falls-Duncan Section of the American Chemical Society.

Round Ryan October 18 2018

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Ryan Main Street

What a week we now have behind us. We skipped fall and now we are having more winter-like weather. We had more rain this past weekend and are expecting more for this week. I got out Saturday morning in my car to make a couple of deliveries and decided I would drive over to the south bridge of Beaver Creek. Boy, that was a mistake! Water was barreling over the bridge, not from the water below the bridge, but, from the water coming down the hill across the road. I made my way over to the turn in for the city dump and sat there for a couple of minutes. I rationalized in my mind that if it began raining any harder, I was not going to be able to get back down that road in my car. I was able to turn around and made it back up the hill to make my deliveries, safely. I won’t ever do that again! Our earth is so saturated in this area now, that all of our moisture we are getting now is staying on top of the soil and running off to the nearest creek or river. Several bridges around our county have washed away. Edna Grantham lives out east of town and said the bridge between her house and the house of Iva and John Roark was not there anymore. I had water coming under my arch from my neighboring building here in town Saturday morning, too. 

The dinner for Sammy Overstreet surely brought in a crowd of people. Most of the Givens family came back home for this event. Lolly and I got there just as they ran out of spaghetti. We just patiently waited for them to bring out some more. There were a lot of workers there for the dinner. We had to sit in the front dining area because the back area was completely full. That says something right there. 

We have a celebrity in our midst around here. I missed the news broadcast on channel 7 out of Lawton last Wednesday at 6:00, but there was a news team from Lawton that interviewed Sarah Tyus last week. Sarah has been home schooled by her mother, most of her life since she was school age. She did attend Ryan School for a little while, before her mother decided she would teach her the necessary curriculum in a home school program, herself. Donna has done a good job with her. She has had some extracurricular activities that she has participated in as well. Sarah has been active in showing sheep with the Ryan FFA kids. She has also excelled in her archery skills. She has done very well for herself and I know her parents, Donna and Kevin, are very proud of her. Sarah is 16 years old now and I was asking her about whether she had a drivers license yet. She said she does not, and really doesn’t have a great desire to drive anyway. She will someday soon enough, I am sure. I am sure, too, that we will be hearing more about the accomplishments of this young lady as time progresses. Way to go, Sarah!

Kim’s news for this week: 

Last week I got to see Bryson Hernandez in a cross country track meet. It is so great. Next week he goes to State. Foxy went and didn’t complain about the rain. I’m still receiving knowledge from the Cowboy College. 

Everyone have a blessed week. Prayers to those that are suffering from illnesses or just in need of our Lord’s presence in our lives.

Waurika Library News January 30, 2020

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How far will you go to protect your family? Will you keep their secrets? Ignore their lies?

In a small town in Virginia, a group of people know each other because they’re part of a special treatment center, a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. But then the chamber explodes, two people die, and it’s clear the explosion wasn’t an accident.

A powerful showdown unfolds as the story moves across characters who are all maybe keeping secrets, hiding betrayals. Chapter by chapter, we shift alliances and gather evidence: Was it the careless mother of a patient? Was it the owners, hoping to cash in on a big insurance payment and send their daughter to college? Could it have been a protester, trying to prove the treatment isn’t safe?

‘Miracle Creek’ by Angie Kim uncovers the worst prejudice and best intentions, tense rivalries and the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. It carefully pieces together the tense atmosphere of a courtroom drama and the complexities of life as an immigrant family. Drawing on the author’s own experiences as a Korean-American, former trial lawyer, and mother of a “miracle submarine” patient, this is a novel steeped in suspense and igniting discussion. Recommended by Erin Morgenstern, Jean Kwok, Jennifer Weiner, Scott Turow, Laura Lippman, and more– ‘Miracle Creek’ is a brave, moving debut from an unforgettable new voice.

Check out ‘Miracle Creek’ by Angie Kim at the Waurika Public Library.

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.  Just go to ‘smile.amazon.com’ and select Friends of the Waurika Public Library.

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 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/

New Business in Waurika

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London-Keo is the owner of Waurika’s newest business on Main street—Daylight Donuts. 

They are open early in the morning until noon each day.

They have a wide variety of donuts, Croissants, Breakfast Burritos and Biscuits. 

What to look for when kenneling your pets

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STILLWATER, Okla. (May 14, 2018) – When planning a summer vacation, many people take trips that include their furry, four-legged family members. However, there will be times when vacations may not be very pet friendly.

Long car trips or airplane rides can be stressful to your pet, said Dr. Elisabeth Giedt, director of Continuing Education, Extension and Community Engagement at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University.

“Even if your vacation destination includes staying with friends or family, they may not be able to accommodate your pet,” Giedt said. “If this is the case, you’ll need to find a reputable kennel where your pet can stay while you’re gone. Kenneling your pet will allow your cat or dog to receive more attention and supervision than they would at home alone if you’re using a house sitter. In addition, a well-run kennel is staffed by trained personnel who will be able to spot any health problems should they arise.”

Much like parents do with their infants when searching for a daycare, do your research for reputable kennels in your area. Get recommendations from your veterinarian, friends and family. It is a good idea to check out the facility in person before your planned trip to make sure you are comfortable with the staff and the accommodations.

Giedt suggests asking if you can bring your pet’s own food, bedding and toys. Also, inquire about what veterinary services are available in the event of an emergency. Check for cleanliness of the kennel and the outdoor area where the pets will co-mingle. Make sure the facility is well ventilated.

“If your pet has any special needs, be sure to discuss this with the staff at the kennel ahead of time to ensure they are capable of meeting those needs,” she said. “Double check the dates you’ll need the kennel’s services and inquire about drop off and pick up hours. For those leaving on a trip early in the morning, you may need to drop off your pet the day before. If you return late in the day from your vacation, you may not be able to pick up your pet until the next day.”

Something else for pet owners to keep in mind is possibly scheduling your pet for a short stay at the facility before boarding the animal for an extended period of time. This will help ensure any issues can be worked out before your longer trip.

Most kennels will require pet owners to have their pets up to date on vaccinations and may ask for documentation. Your veterinarian can provide this information. Plan to bring any medications your pet may be taking, along with detailed instructions on how it is to be administered. Be sure to bring an extra day or two of medications in the event your trip is delayed. In addition, make sure your pet has proper tag identification. You may want to consider having your pet microchipped.

“Going on vacation is a fun and relaxing way for families to spend time together. Knowing your pet is being well taken care of will help ensure you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest,” Giedt said.

Gov. Anoatubby says state of Chickasaw Nation is strong and getting stronger

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TISHOMINGO, Okla. – During his annual state of the Nation address Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said that successful business diversification has led to significant advances in health care, housing, education and other services.

Gov. Anoatubby delivered the address Saturday, Oct. 6 to a crowd which filled Fletcher auditorium as well as an adjacent overflow tent on the Murray State College campus.

“Our business ventures grow each year, and through these economic development efforts we are able to generate the revenue needed to develop, expand and enhance programs and services,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the 1983 Chickasaw Nation Constitution.

“We have experienced remarkable growth under that Constitution,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “In the years following ratification, we turned our focus to economic development and business diversification, while maintaining education, health care, housing and other services as priorities.

“Today, the state of the Chickasaw Nation is strong. Through hard work and commitment to the Chickasaw people, we have more opportunities than ever before.”

Business diversification

Tribal businesses have experienced record revenue and net profits this year.

“We have worked hard over the years to diversify our businesses to fund programs and services.”

“We have successful businesses in many different areas — gaming, hospitality, chocolate, tourism, banking, manufacturing and other industries.”

A number of key partnerships through Global Gaming, Bedré Fine Chocolate, Chickasaw Nation Industries and other diverse businesses have helped enhance growth and increase brand recognition.

Bedré Fine Chocolate developed licensing partnerships with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Plans are also underway to make Bedré the official chocolate bar of the Dallas Cowboys.

Aligning the Bedré brand with such high-profile partners is one key to continued growth. As part of a similar strategy, the tribe recently developed a partnership which makes WinStar World Casino the official casino of the Dallas Cowboys.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, a federally chartered corporation established in 1996, continues to experience significant growth. Wholly owned by the Chickasaw Nation, CNI serves as a holding company with more than a dozen subsidiaries. Several CNI subsidiaries are leaders in their respective industries.

One CNI subsidiary, Filtra-Systems has developed a mobile filtration system designed for use in fracking operations. This mobile recycling system is capable of filtering up to 10,000 barrels of produced water per day, saving energy companies time and money, while also preserving water resources.

Corvid technologies, CNI’s engineering subsidiary, is working on a number of projects with large defense contractors. Corvid is currently expanding its headquarters and expects to add more than 350 new jobs in the coming years.

Education

Growth in business revenues benefits education services in several areas, including increases in the amount of scholarships and text book grants.

“It is essential to offer the financial support that is often needed to earn a college degree or other types of higher education,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “This past year we provided close to $20 million in scholarships, grants and other forms of financial support to more than 5,200 students.”

The tribe increased the amount of scholarships for tuition, the number of credit hours funded per semester and the amount of the text book grant.

“Early education is also vital to the success of children,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We recently opened a new Head Start Center in Sulphur further investing in development opportunities for our youngest students. We expanded the number of classrooms and staff to serve more children in the area.”

Health Care

Health care has long been a high priority for the Chickasaw Nation, which operates a hospital, four clinics, eight pharmacies, a diabetes care center, emergency medical services, four nutrition centers, eight WIC offices and five wellness centers.

This year alone, the tribe served more than 930,000 patient encounters, delivered more than 1,200 babies, filled more than 1.8 million prescriptions, served more than 60,000 meals to children and saw more than 177,000 visits to its wellness centers.

In February of this year, the Chickasaw Nation broke ground on a 32,000-square-foot pharmacy in Ada, which will enable the tribe to expand pharmacy services to include hypertension, asthma and immunization clinics.

Construction also began in February on a new 25,000-square-foot wellness center in Ada, which will be almost twice the size of the current facility.

Virtual Visit is a new initiative designed to allow patients to “visit” a doctor without leaving home.

“For certain illnesses and injuries, patients can see a doctor, receive a diagnosis and even medication using a smart device,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Our goal is to ensure that all Chickasaws have access to quality health care.”

Housing

Housing was one of the earliest services, beginning with the first Chickasaw Housing project in Fillmore, Oklahoma, 50 years ago. Since that time, the Chickasaw Nation has developed a wide range of housing programs.

Passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act in 1996 led to major improvements in housing programs.

“We immediately went to work conducting needs-assessment meetings to determine what building programs and services would most benefit Chickasaw families,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “From these meetings, among other things, we discovered that nearly 60 percent of the home loan applications being submitted by Chickasaws were being turned down by lenders.”

That led to development of the Chuka Chukmasi Home Loan Program. In the 20 years since the program was established, it has facilitated nearly $155 million in home loans to more than 1,400 families.

A variety of other services are also available.

“We have developed programs that assist with everything from home improvements, to down payment cost, and from counseling services, to installing storm shelters,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

Culture

Revitalizing Chickasaw culture and language is also a high priority. Therefore, the Chickasaw Nation takes a comprehensive approach, which includes the Chickasaw Press, fitness applications, online language lessons, stomp dance and traditional games.

Dozens of young Chickasaws are learning stomp dances through the Chickasaw Young Dancers program. This year, for the first time, the Chickasaw Nation sent its own team to the World Series of Stickball in Mississippi.

Aya, a walking and fitness app that integrates Chickasaw history, language and culture, was recently made available. An application featuring the songs found in the traditional Choctaw Hymnal was also released this year.

Level two of Rosetta Stone Chickasaw was released this year, bringing the total number of language lessons to 80. Forty more lessons are scheduled to be released this spring.

“Investing in our culture is a very high priority,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “The young dancers program, youth and adult stickball teams, language lessons, making traditional bows, flutes, beaded collars or corn husk dolls are important to who we are.

“We work to ensure that generations from now, Chickasaws will know who they are…that we are unconquered and unconquerable.”

Noting that the strength of the Chickasaw Nation is the result of a solid foundation and long-term strategic planning, Gov. Anoatubby said that the future is filled with the promise of even greater progress.

“Be certain, the Chickasaw Nation today is strong and getting stronger,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “With continued planning and a commitment to the Chickasaw people, we will prosper far into the future.”

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