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Round Ryan May 23 2019

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“Roy” said Rex Armstrong.

“Huh”, was my rather intelligent response.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     Until next week.

Ryan Town Council Discusses Police Officer Post

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Ryan Main Street

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

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

He was also concerned about people speeding around the school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cody Rodriguez was added to the Ryan Volunteer Fire Department.

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

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

The Ryan Public Utilities Authority meeting followed the regular meeting. 

The bills, claims and invoices were paid. 

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

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

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

There being no further business the  meeting was adjourned. 

Jefferson County Livestock Exhibitors Host Pancake Dinner at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

Photo by Kylie Waters

The Jefferson County Fairground was packed Thursday, Feb. 15th with people from all around the county to enjoy a great pancake dinner. This dinner, consisting of pancakes, sausage, and bacon, was a fundraiser for the Jeff Co. livestock exhibitors. All the proceeds will be used to supply the meal for the Waurika and Ryan Premium Banquet.

Emily Waid, Seth Waid, Lexie Streeter
Photo by Kylie Waters

The Waurika FFA would like to thank the members that attended and helped as well as the Waurika 4H and Ryan FFA and 4H members that got involved. There were also countless volunteers that helped prepare and serve the meal. The fundraiser would not have been what it was without these people helping.
The Waurika Local show will kick off this Thursday at the Jeff Co. Fairgrounds at 1:00 p.m. with the “teacher showmanship” competition. We hope to see you there in support of our local livestock exhibitors!

Riley Hobbs
Photo by Kylie Waters

Round Ryan July 5 2018

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Ryan Main Street

Praise the Lord! We received some measurable rain Sunday afternoon.  The pavement is still wet and conditions are cloudy.  I haven’t mowed in 3 weeks now.  There is nothing to mow.  Our grass is laying dormant on the ground.  Plants have had to be watered from the water hoses. God’s blessings of rain far surpass any garden hoses.  He just hasn’t seen fit to send much our way yet.  Our temperature was 94 degrees around 3:00 pm yesterday and when the front blew in, it was 74 degrees. The temperature stayed there all night.  I got out and watered the plants this morning, anyway.  We desperately need rain around Ryan.  The grasshoppers have really begun to move into town again. 

 I went over to see Mom Saturday afternoon after going to Wichita Falls.  I spent some time with her and was on my way back to Ryan on Highway 81 just north of Ringgold and I could see an animal beginning to cross the highway.  It’s body was slim and low to the ground, and I assumed it was a coyote.  I was getting closer to the animal and it was slowing down and so was I when we met, face to face, on the highway.  It was a tiny baby deer, and I saw no sign of its’ mother.  It just stood there looking at me.  My car was dead still, and I honked at the baby deer, it didn’t even move at first, then I honked again, and it began running back from the direction it had originally started crossing.  Its’ little feet were slipping on the pavement of the highway as it was trying to move quickly to get away from this foreign object that it was facing.  I know there are an abundance of deer around our area, but, my heart went out for this little guy or gal.  I hope it found a safe place and still has its’ mother to care for it somewhere out there.

Kim’s news for this week:

Yes, it is true Ruffy Tuffy got a straw hat, too.

Every morning I go ride with Foxy by my side.

Then Foxy and I go to the ball park, where she can play ball and bark.

Everyone have a blessed week, a safe 4th of July and please remember to keep praying for rain and for each other.

Round Ryan July 19 2018

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Ryan Main Street

We were blessed here in Ryan last week on Tuesday and Thursday with nearly 2 inches of rain each day.  I will be getting on the mower this week, finally.  Temperatures over the next week are expected to be over 100 degrees, and no rain mentioned in the forecast.  We will get through it.

Last Tuesday, the Ryan City Council met. The first thing on the agenda was for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.  There were a couple of deputies there to discuss the concern of the Jefferson County dispatch service.  After discussion between both groups, Ryan Council told them they would meet with them after their next council meeting at the Jefferson County Commissioners meeting in August.  The concern was that they felt all communities should be asked to be a part of this service, and pay a fair share across the board.  Ryan Council felt it wasn’t fair for Ryan, Waurika, and Ringling to foot the bill for all the towns or communities within our county.  There were other items on the agenda, but, this was the most notable. 

The wedding shower for Macie Jo  Wright and Austin Masoner is planned for July 29th from 2-4pm at the Ryan Church of Christ.  There is a hostess box at Ryan Drug Store if folks would like to put in any money for the couple. 

This past Friday night, I missed an invitation to the Rockin H Land & Cattle Co. in Temple, Oklahoma, for the birthday celebration for Dana Major.  She celebrated her 70th birthday with a lot of friends and family at the restaurant.  I saw a video on Facebook of Dana blowing out her candles on her cake.  I don’t think they had 70 on the cake, but it still took her some pretty good breaths to get them all blown out.  She had a good time, and it looked like everyone else did, too.

Prayers to the family of Glen Martin during their loss of Glen this past week.

Kim’s news for this week:

Foxy was quite a sight wearing her straw hat at the Ranch-Round-Up Rodeo Saturday night.

I have to give God a cheer for no car damage when I hit a deer.

Everyone have a blessed week and please pray for rain and for each other.

Cowboys Snap Losing Streak With Victory Over Thackerville

Photo by Sheree Hanson

While the Ryan Cowboys snapped a long losing streak last Thursday against Thackerville, it was still a difficult weekend for the Ryan squads.

Last Thursday, Thackerville edged the Cowgirls, 36-33, while the Cowboys scored a 42-39 victory over the Wildcats on Raymon West Court to end a six-game skid.

Ryan traveled to Healdton last Friday and fell in both contests. The Lady Bulldogs took advantage of poor shooting by the Cowgirls to gain a 43-26 verdict.

Healdton, 18-2 on the year and ranked 18th in Class 2A, rolled to a 48-13 victory over the Cowboys.

Against Healdton, the Cowgirls got off to a tough start falling behind the Lady Bulldogs, 9-1, after one quarter.

All of Healdton’s first-quarter points came on three converted long range field goals.

The Cowgirls battled the Lady Bulldogs on even terms in the second quarter and were competitive most of the rest of the game trailing by 15 points with just three minutes to play.

Ultimately it was the first quarter deficit that was too much to overcome.

Lily York led the Cowgirls in scoring with 10 points.

Coach Steve Spangler’s Cowgirls are still playing without one starter.

The Cowgirls have lost nine straight to the Lady Bulldogs dating back to the 1993 season.

The Cowboys were short-handed also as two starters were missing against Healdton with illness.

Healdton got off to an impressive start and took a 14-3 lead after the first quarter.

The Bulldogs struggled, however, in the second quarter, but the Cowboys could not trim the margin and trailed 19-5 at the half.

For the second time this season the Cowboys came out of the intermission and could not score a point. The Bulldogs went on a 16-0 run in the period for an insurmountable 35-5 lead heading into the final frame.

The Cowboys broke the scoring drought, but Healdton still managed to outscore Ryan, 13-8, to set the final margin.

The 13 points scored in the game is the second fewest in school history and is the fewest since recording only 15 points in a 1988 encounter with Sulphur.

Dawson Tomberlin was the leading scorer for Coach Judd Matthes’ squad with seven points.

The Cowboys have lost six of the last eight meetings with the Bulldogs dating back to the 1993 season.

In the game with Thackerville, the Cowgirls trailed by a 9-5 count after the first quarter and again it was hot outside shooting by the Lady Wildcats that doomed the Cowgirls.

Thackerville’s nine points came on three treys.

Thackerville was able to increase the margin to 20-15 at the half before the Cowgirls came alive after the halftime break and managed to narrow the score to 26-24 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats sealed the victory by scoring the last seven points from the free throw line. The Cowgirls could not cut into the deficit in the final frame thanks to missing three of five charity tosses.

York finished with 17 points for the Cowgirls and she was responsible for all five of Ryan’s first quarter point total.

Thackerville moved to 15-3 after this win.

The Cowgirls are 25-13 against Thackerville in the last 38 meetings, but have now lost two in a row to the Lady Wildcats.

The Cowboys established a seven-point lead after the first quarter and were able to extend the lead to 20-11 at intermission.

The Wildcats cut into the lead in the third quarter and trailed only 30-24 heading to the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys could not shake the Wildcats mainly because of a struggle at the free throw line.

For the entire game, Ryan only converted on 35% of its free throw attempts.

Skyler Parkhill led the Cowboys in scoring with 14 points and he scored five of the Cowboys’ eight first-quarter points and was the only player for the Cowboys to score in every quarter.

It was the fourth win in a row for the Cowboys over the Wildcats.

The Cowboys and Cowgirls were to have met Geronimo last Tuesday on Raymon West Court.

Both squads return to action tonight by traveling to Burneyville to face Turner for a doubleheader.

Tomorrow night will be Senior Night for the Cowgirl and Cowboy basketball teams as they play host to Temple.

Ryan will finish the regular season on Tuesday as they travel to Empire.

The Class A District Tournament will begin on February 9 at Central High

Round Ryan October 11 2018

Ryan Main Street

If you haven’t noticed by now, my last two articles failed to include the usual conclusion of praying for rain. He has blessed us nearly beyond measure with the answered prayer for our much needed rain. I am not going to pray that He turns it off by any means, either. I can’t even keep track now of how much or when we have received our rains over the last 2 weeks. We are getting more rain as I am writing this article. We are heading for lows in the 40s over the coming week. Highs are predicted in the 70s and a couple of days in the 60s. Enough about the weather. Thank the Lord for providing for us,weather and otherwise.

I went and picked up Brionna this past Friday evening in Bowie. We missed the ballgame, but, saw the final score of 84 to 38 in Ryan’s favor. I bet that was quite a game! Brionna, Kim and I went to the horse show Saturday morning at the Crossbrand Cowboy Church in Waurika. Brionna participated in one of the events. She showed Ruffy Tuffy in the halter show. She got a ribbon for showing. Kim participated in 3 events and got ribbons for all of the events she participated in, too. It was a fun time and we got to meet some new people and we also got to see Mary Elizabeth Pierce from the Whispers of Hope Horse Farm.  She had 6 horses and a group of riders that all had a good time, too. They travelled from Wichita Falls, Tx. 

This coming Saturday, starting at 3:00pm, there will be the Fall Festival in the Ryan park across from City     Hall. There are several activities planned for that day, so, be sure to work it into your calendar. Have your money with you, too, so that you can make purchases and donations to the Ryan Community Regeneration.

Then, Sunday, there is a benefit dinner at the Ryan Senior Citizen Center for Sammy Overstreet.  Sammy has been diagnosed with cancer. Please get out and support him by attending this benefit dinner. The food will be great, too.

There is a wedding shower for Shaylee Kimbro and Ryan Chester this Sunday at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Ryan.

This last Saturday, we lost another resident just outside of Ryan. Nam an Mendoza, from Sugden, passed away and they are having his service this week.  Prayers to Barbara and their family during their loss.

Kim’s news for this week:

At the Cowboy Church Horse Show, Ruffy Tuffy won 4 ribbons and Foxy won 1. Brionna got to show Ruffy Tuffy for me.  It was a no wreck day and everything went okay.

Everyone have a blessed week. Please pray for each other.

Round Ryan September 20 2018

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Ryan Main Street

This past week has been a very eventful week around here. It was homecoming week for our Ryan School.  

On Wednesday, if you were on Washington Street, at about 9:15am, here came a little crew from the school. It was Heidi Townsend and TJ Dewbre, and 8 little preschoolers, walking to the drug store to get a tasty treat of an ice cream cone. They each one held onto a rope and walked in an orderly fashion, nearly a mile, to get to town. There were some dressed in a costume to go along with the week’s event.

It seemed like they all had a really good time. We had a table and chairs fixed up for them when they came. 

On Friday, there was a good crowd to attend the homecoming football game. There was a special half time honoring Phil Elerick and the 1988 Ryan football team. Most of the men on the team  from that time period were there for this. We had a parade downtown before the game and saw some very good looking floats. Our Cowboys won that game 30 to 14. Holland Carter was crowned Homecoming Queen at the game. 

Saturday, Macie and Austin exchanged their wedding vows. It was a very pretty setting for their wedding. They were married just up north and east of Duncan at Kendall’s View venue.

Sunday, there was the Indian Taco dinner to raise money for the Ryan Beautification Group.  It was a very good meal. I hope they raised a good bit of money so that it can be used in different ways to benefit the community.

I have not yet been able to find a buyer for the pharmacy. I keep extending my date of closure, thinking that something good will happen and the store will be able to stay open. 

Tuesday afternoon, Robin told us that Ricky’s mom had passed away. Prayers to Ricky and his family during their time of loss. 

This coming Saturday is the 4th Saturday of the month and the food commodities will be distributed at the Ryan Food Bank. 

Kim’s news for this week: 

On Sunday, once again, Dustan gave Ruffy Tuffy a trim and Penny was with him. On Monday, I was glad, I had lunch at Circle Dee’s with my dad. Foxy couldn’t go, she was sad. 

Everyone have a blessed week. Pray for rain and each other, please.

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.

Round Ryan May 9 2019

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  I have been remiss in my reporting or lack there of on the activities of the Ryan Beautification group.  If you have been down to the Ryan Business District on Washington then you will have noticed the new Ryan Cowpersons banners that have been installed on the newly repainted light poles.  They are really nice looking, so if you see any of the folks responsible, be sure and commend them for their hard work.

 The school year is drawing to a close and various groups and organizations are having their year end festivities.  The sports banquet is Monday night and the FFA banquet is having theirs Tuesday night.  As I mentioned in an earlier column, the Ryan School Variety show will be Tuesday, May 14th.  Be sure to come out and watch the many talented kids.  

  On Saturday, May 18th there will be a dance sponsored by the American Legion.  There will be concessions available.  There will also be a live band consisting of Bill Roberson, Cary Gore and Gene Chesley.  I’ve heard Mr. Roberson and Mr. Gore play and sing but I believe this will be a first for me to hear Mr. Chesley, I understand he plays a fine dobro guitar.  Be sure and come out and support the American Legion, hear some good music and have a good time.

  For the book portion of this column I will be discussing one author and several of her books.  Angie Debo, in the early and middle part of the twentieth century wrote a great deal about Oklahoma history and also the history of the Native American People and how the government dealt with the people that were moved to make way for westward expansion.

  Ms. Debo was born in Kansas and moved with her parents to Indian Territory as a small child.  Her dissertation, “ The Rise and Fall of the Choctaw Republic” was published by the University Press and received much praise, but her next book, “And Still the Rivers Run” was more controversial.  This book described how the Five Civilized Tribes were first moved to Indian Territory and then deprived of the very land and resources granted to them by federal treaty.  With the passing of the Dawes Act in 1887, non-tribal members were able, with the help of the very people that were tasked with protecting the tribes, to swindle their way to ownership of what was formally tribal property.  Ms. Debo had a hard time finding a publisher for “And Still the Waters Run”, but it eventually found a publisher with the Princeton University Press.  Angie Debo went on to write among others, “The Road to Disappearance”, The Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma”, “A History of Indians of the United States” and “Geronimo, The Man, His Time, His Place”.  If you have any interest in history, any or all of these books are well worth the time spent finding and reading.

 Until next week.

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