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Doris Baker Inducted into Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame

Doris Ann Baker of Waurika joined her husband in the Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame.

Baker and her late husband, Henry Baker, shared  their love of music ever since marriage.

In 1981 the couple began working with the Texas Playboys and began to perform what has become known as Western Swing Music.

Baker began her foray into the genre by learning  every Bob Wills song suggested to her.

In 1982, Gene Crownover took Henry and Doris to Turkey, Texas for Bob Wills Day. He asked Henry to play bass for the outdoor show. Gene predicted they’d never miss this annual event in Turkey again if they only went once.

That prediction came true.

In 1999, Henry and Doris bought the future “Church of Western Swing” (COWS) in Turkey- a 100 year old Assembly of God church-and made it into a music theater known as the “place to be” in Turkey, Texas for Bob Wills music. 

In 2011, the COWS was  named Music Venue of the Year in Texas by Governor Rick Perry, through the Cowtown Society of Western Music.

With the venue grew the band, The COWS Swing Band. 

Over the years Doris and Henry hosted Valentine, Halloween and Christmas parties in addition to organizing seven days of music shows during Turkey’s Bob Wills Days, held the last week of April.

Doris was always the hit of the evening. 

Some of the musicians and singers she worked with included her husband Henry Baker, Curly Lewis, Tommy Perkins, Benny Garcia, Eldon Shamblin, Billy Dozier, Gene Thomas, Bob Kiser, Bob Womack, Gene Casaway, Bobby Boatright and Leon Rausch.

Helping Hands Food Pantry News

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The JeffCo Helping Hands Food Pantry Board of Directors has been assisting this summer with the summer reading program at the Waurika Library. The food the library uses each Thursday does not come from the pantry itself. Rather, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (RFBO) provides balanced meals through a special grant and does not take away from the food given twice a month. The RFBO recognizes for thousands of children, the end of school means months of wondering whether or not they will have enough food to eat.  Thanks to support from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Education and the community, children 18 and under can receive nutritious meals and/or snacks through the Regional Food Bank’s Summer Feeding Program at more than 130 locations in 31 central and western Oklahoma counties, and Waurika is one of those locations. We only use the food from RFBO’s program because we live in a community where the other four days are covered by other various groups and individuals. The board would also like to note that the pantry is open on the Friday following the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Each household may pick up food once a month. For families or individuals who are picking up food for the first time each calendar year a valid ID and proof of residence in Jefferson country will be required when filling out paperwork. JeffCo Helping Hands Pantry is a Client Choice Pantries are completely centered around the client and their individual and/or family needs. Clients are not given a pre-made box of food items that frequently contains products they do not like, cannot eat due to health or religious reasons, or do not know how to prepare. Rather, in this method clients have the ability to choose which food items they want, much the same way as you decide what you would like to eat when you shop at the grocery store. It is more cost effective, prevents waste, treats clients with dignity and ensures they are receiving the items they need and will eat. JeffCo Helping Hands Pantry exists as a non-profit ran by volunteers and its purpose is to provide a supplement of food for residents of Jefferson Country who find themselves in need. This is a supplemental food program and is not designed to meet all the nutritional needs of a person or family.  When determining the amounts of food given, we take into account the size of the family and the ages of those in the household. While pantry’s goal is to have enough food to supplement the needs of all who come, in the event that we run out of food on a particular day the pantry will close until the following scheduled distribution time. We will allow others to pick up food for neighbors and those who are shut-in at the discretion of the reception volunteers as long as the person who is getting food picked up on their behalf is already registered with the pantry and a note is sent. JeffCo Helping Hands receives funding from businesses, corporate and private foundations, civic organizations, religious groups, participating agencies, and individuals. Therefore, they are limited in their resources based on giving of these entities. The board is always looking for volunteers to come and help on truck delivery days and food distribution days. For more information on volunteering or how you can help financially please email the pantry at jeffcohhfoodpantry@gmail.com. 

Kenny Wall Retires After 28 Years of Service

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 It all started in January of 1991. 

Kenny Wall had begun a journey in county government by becoming  the District 1 County Commissioner in Jefferson County. 

In 2008 he left the District 1 Commissioner position to become the manager of projects for the Circuit Engineering District number 6. 

As the only full-time employee of District 6 he worked for nine counties as an overseer of the road and bridge projects, and hired the engineers for the projects. He would then oversee the project all the way through to completion. 

Although the Oklahoma Cooperative Circuit Engineering Districts were set up in 1997 there wasn’t any money available for the hiring of employees until 2008. Kenny Wall was the first full-time employee for District 6, Jefferson County is a part of that district.

He was the one who set up the way the district 6 is operated. 

Because there wasn’t any money to hire other staff personnel he had to be creative. Most of the work he did by himself. 

His office was in his home because they didn’t have the money to buy offices. 

The individual counties worked with Wall on the projects. 

The districts are funded by the Department of Transportation. 

Wall said he was able to give back around $540,000 to the counties in his district each year. 

His goal was to always do what he could to help the individual counties the best he could. 

What he will miss the most will be the interaction with the commissioners of those counties. 

What he will enjoy about retirement is working with his reining horses and competing in shows. 

He has been participating in the reining horse competitions for about 20 years. 

He recently won first place in a competition at Shawnee after sitting out for about a year. 

Wall will also enjoy spending time with his grandchildren. He and his wife Sheila have three. Their daughter Shandra Yasuda has two girls and a boy. 

Joel is 13.

Abby is 7.

Elly is 4.

He says they keep him busy. But he enjoys them immensely.

Ricky Martin Seeks Another Term as District 3 Commissioner

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He’s completing his second term as the District 3 County Commissioner and looks forward to another one if elected. 

In a recent interview, he was asked about what he felt like was the greatest accomplishments over the past four years and he quickly responded “the equipment we have paid for and the roads we have built.” 

He said that recently they have received quite a bit of help from the Comanche Tribe with the roads. “They are talking about maybe finishing the roads going on into town (Ryan).”

He wanted to address the concern that he wasn’t getting enough REAP Grants. “I’m trying to get all the money for the county that I can. It’s not easy, plus you have to match the funds you get in a REAP Grant.”

Martin said that some have even complained about him working on the weekends and after hours. 

“I do it because it helps us to stay caught up. Plus I like doing it. I like working.”

Martin believes that the hours of a county commissioner are 24-7. 

“If you get a call about a flood or a road damage you have to go when called. It’s not just an eight hour a day job.”

 Martin has lived in Terral his whole life.

“Except for the two years  I was in the army.”

Before becoming the county commissioner of District 3 he had driven a truck for a living. 

What he has enjoyed the most is the getting to know and help the people of his district. 

He says that being commissioner is a good job. He acknowledged that the pay is not that much, but he enjoys the work. 

During the next term he wants to rock more roads and clean up more of the ditches along the side of the road. 

He has some ideas about saving money.

When they get all of the equipment paid for he would like to see the district get some newer trucks. 

He’s also proud of the new county barn. It was built with a $45,000 REAP Grant and local volunteers and of course the county hands. 

Rash Barrett loaned the county the track hoe to set the beams.

David England loaned them some equipment.

Tony Rodriquez helped by welding the beams.

Ty Phillips came down and helped. 

Martin says that they have good hands working in District 3. 

His goal is to finish all the current projects before the end of the year. 

Jefferson County Commissioner Minutes April 9 2018

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD ON APRIL 9, 2018 AT THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 220 NORTH MAIN, ROOM 102, WAURIKA, OKLAHOMA:

PRESENT:

Ty Phillips, Chairman

Bryce Bohot, Vice Chairman

Ricky Martin, Member

Chairman Phillips called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Traci Smith acknowledged that proper notice was given on April 6, 2018 at 8:50 a.m. and the agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside the courthouse and posted on the first-floor bulletin board.

Others present:

Marcey Howell, Commissioners Secretary

Emily Follis, County Treasurer

Kim Berry, Court Clerk

Jeremie Wilson, Co Sheriff

Jimmie Williams, Undersheriff

Josh Phillips, Bruckner’s 

Jimmy Gallaher, JCEM

Chris Snow, Jeff Co Health Dept.

Tara Brown, OSU Educator

Derek Durbin, 911 Coordinator

Tammy Richardson, Election Sec

Sandra Watkins, Assessor

Martin made the motion to Approve Regular Meeting Minutes held on April 2, 2018. Second: Bohot.  Aye Votes: Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved.

Phillips made the motion to Approve Claims and 4 Blanket Purchase Orders.  Second: Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips. Motion Approved.

Bohot made motion to Approve Monthly Report from Officers and Monthly Consumable Report for Districts.  Second:  Phillips.  Aye Votes; Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved. 

Bohot made motion to Approve District #1 Transfer of Funds from accounts T-1A PS in the amount of $20,000.00, T2A in the amount of $40,000.00, T2B Rentals in the amount of $10,000.00, and T-6 Workers Compensation in the amount of $40,000.00 and transfer to T-3 Capital Outlay in the amount of $110,000.00.

Second:  Martin. Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Bohot made motion to Approve Opening Bid # 876 for a 2018 or Newer Truck Tractor for District #1 and approve vendors as follows:

Bruckner’s Truck 4520 NW Freeway, Wichita Falls TX 76306 2019 Mack Truck $118,929.00 DECLINED

Premier Truck P O Box 1867, Ardmore OK  73401 2019 Freightliner 122SD $116,950.00 DECLINED

Summit Truck 5549 Chuzy Dr, Wichita KS  67219 2018 Mack Truck CHU613 $104,523.00 ACCEPTED

Second:  Martin.  Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

No Action on how Deductible Fund account is Funded and possible use of fund to pay loss from the first dollar on claim # SWC181170 for Sheriffs Dept Unit #41 2014 Ford Explorer.

Bohot made motion to Disapprove the use of $10,000.00 from the Deductible fund account for the deductible on Insurance Claim SWC181170 for Sheriff’s Department Unit #41 Ford Explorer.  Second;  Philips.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Disapproved. 

No Action regarding Generator Tabled from 3-26-2018 Meeting;

No Action Renew Contract with AT&T on temporary basis Tabled from 3-26-2018 meeting;

Review monthly report of Co Treasurer to State Auditor and Inspector for the month of March 2018;

Phillips made motion to Approve Assessor’s Office to be closed on Friday May 11, 2018 to attend Southwest District Assessor’s Meeting in Cordell, OK.  Second; Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved. 

Bohot made motion to Approve purchase of Vaccine refrigerator monitoring system.  Second:  Phillips.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved. 

Tabled District #2 Lease Agreement with ODOT for the purchase of 2018 John Deere 6110M Cab Tractor w/Tiger Boom Mower through ODOT County Road Machinery and Equipment Revolving Fund.

Tabled 324-A Claim for District #2 purchase of 2018 John Deere 6110M Cab Tractor w/Tiger Boom Mower through ODOT County Road Machinery and Equipment Revolving Fund to Deere and Company for the amount of $135,000.00;

Martin made motion to Adjourn at 11:00 a.m. Second:  Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Minutes taken by Traci Smith

Approved by:  JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Ty Phillips, Chairman Bryce Bohot, Vice Chairman Ricky Martin, Member

ATTEST:  Traci Smith, County Clerk

County Commissioner Minutes March 26 2018

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD ON MARCH 26, 2018 AT THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 220 NORTH MAIN, ROOM 102, WAURIKA, OKLAHOMA:

PRESENT:

Ty Phillips, Chairman

Bryce Bohot, Vice Chairman

Ricky Martin, Member

Chairman Phillips called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Traci Smith acknowledged that proper notice was given on March 23, 2018 at 8:36 a.m. and the agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside the courthouse and posted on the first-floor bulletin board.

Others present:

Marcey Howell, Commissioners Secretary

Gail Kelley, Deputy County Treasurer

Kim Berry, Court Clerk

Jeremie Wilson, Co Sheriff

Jimmie Williams, Undersheriff

Jeff Raley, Floyd Law Firm Attorney

Tara Brown, OSU Educator

Tammy Richardson, Election Sec

Ashley Bayless, Deputy Assessor

Martin made the motion to Approve Regular Meeting Minutes held on March 19, 2018. Second: Bohot.  Aye Votes: Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved.

Phillips made the motion to Approve Claims and 24 Blanket Purchase Orders.  Second: Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips. Motion Approved.

Phillips made motion to Approve Resolution #85-2017-2018 for Surplus of Equipment for County Clerk’s Office Inv # F-299-36 Savin Copier/2554-Leased. Second: Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved.

Phillips made motion to Approve Resolution #86-2017-2018 for Disposing of Equipment for County Clerk’s Office Inv # F-299-36 Savin Copier/2554-Leased- Returned to Standley. Second:  Bohot.  Aye Votes: Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved.

Tabled Discussion/Action regarding Generator.

Martin made motion to Approve Resolution #87-2017-2018 Opening New Account T-5-Highway Donation Fund.  Second:  Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Martin made motion to Approve the Receipt of check #3781 in the amount of $8974.54 a donation from Chickasaw Nation for Road 7/10 miles East of Hwy 81 for 2/10 miles on Co Rd 2160 Terral, OK for estimated improvement for District #3 Road.  Estimated Chip and Seal in amount of $7,200.00 and estimated Flex Base Rock was $1774.54. Reimbursement for road work done to be deposited into CIRB 105-3 in the amount of $1770.18 for actual cost and balance to be put into T-5-Highway Donation Fund.  Second:  Bohot.  Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Discussion on New 911 System and Equipment with Jimmy Williams regarding the dates of May 7th, 2018 for installation, May 21, 2018 for training, and May 23, to go live with new system.

Tabled the Renewal of Contract with AT&T on temporary bases, it was not available at the time of meeting.

Phillips made motion to Approve Resolution #88-2017-2018 to Remove Burn Ban effective at 9:30am.  Second:  Martin.  Aye Votes:  Bohot/Phillips/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Phillips made motion to Approve the formation of the Jefferson County Educational Facilities Authority by Trust Indenture for and on behalf of Jefferson County, Oklahoma. Second:  Martin.  Aye Votes:  Bohot/Phillips/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Bohot made motion to Approve Consideration and Resolution #89-2017-2018 accepting the beneficial interest in the Jefferson County Educational Facilities Authority created by a Trust Indenture for and on behalf of Jefferson County, Oklahoma, in all respects in accordance with the terms of said trust indenture; and declaring an emergency. Second:  Martin.  Aye Votes:  Phillips/Bohot/Martin.  Motion Approved. 

Phillips made motion to Adjourn at 10:23 a.m. Second:  Bohot.  Aye Votes: Martin/Bohot/Phillips.  Motion Approved. 

Minutes taken by Traci Smith

Approved by:  JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Ty Phillips, Chairman Bryce Bohot, Vice Chairman Ricky Martin, Member

ATTEST:  Traci Smith, County Clerk

It’s about time for fishing season

Fishing is just around the corner, although with a temperature of 18 right now, it’s a little hard to imagine. It won’t be long however before I start  getting pictures of Houston Scott and Slade Cathey with huge bass taken from their local ponds! As warm afternoons and sunshine raise the temps, the big bass will start hanging out in the shallows.

New Heritage 40th Anniversary Tracker for $9,995.00

This really signals the beginning of fishing season and the lake bite will quickly follow. With that in mind it’s time to start getting your fishing rig ready to go. We discussed a few weeks ago about working on your tackle during this down time but now you need to concentrate on your boat.

After being winterized and stored for a few months, we need to do a complete check; batteries, controls, electrical and have the engine serviced, including oil change. Hopefully, making that first trip to your favorite spot trouble-free.

It doesn’t matter if your ride is a $40,000 bass boat, Jon boat, pontoon or your family pleasure boat as long as you get out and enjoy our Waurika Lake.

A lot of you may not remember, but in the early 70’s, “bass boats” existed, but not as we know them now. They were small, around 14ft and very narrow to have access to brushy shoreline areas. They were driven from the bow seat using a stick drive, which took a little practice to get used to!

Skeeter Boats, I believe, was the first to manufacture what would be known as a bass boat.

 

The First Bass Tracker in 1978

The earliest of what could truly be called a bass boat is credited to Holmes Thurman who founded the Skeeter Boat Company of Liberty, Texas in 1948.

The first Skeeter boats were part flat-bottomed jonboat and part powerboat. The name came from the appearance of its distinct bow. Thurman thought it looked like a mosquito. Made from molded plywood, the first Skeeters rapidly became popular with Texas and Louisiana anglers.

Skeeter began building improved fiberglass models in the early 1950’s. The 1961 Skeeter Hawk was one of the first mass produced fiberglass bass boats available.

The basics of the modern bass boat came together for the first time; more hydrodynamic hull design, swivel fishing chairs, bow mounted electric motor, and rod holders. Not quite a Wright Brothers to space shuttle difference but close.

As anyone knows, if you wanted a boat of any kind in the 1970’s, you went to the dealer of your choice, picked out the model you wanted and then decided what kind of motor and other accessories you wanted on the boat and paid them to rig it out.

The first boat of this type I bought was from Lakey’s Marine in Wichita Falls in 1975. I can’t remember the brand but it was a 14ft green and white fiberglass boat that was so narrow that sitting in the bow seat you could rest your hands on the gunnels without reaching! Rigged with a 25hp Johnson motor, I thought it was the cat’s meow.

The First Bass Boat

That all changed in 1978 when Johnny Morris introduced the first “Bass Tracker”, the industry’s first fully accessorized, ready-to-fish boat, motor and trailer package at an unheard-of nationally published price of $2,995 and advertised it in their fishing catalog. The boat was an instant hit; I remember seeing my first tied up at my friends dock on Lake Arrowhead in 1979 – I was impressed! Then in 1982, TRACKER Boats opened its first plant in Lebanon, MO. It was dedicated solely to the manufacture of TRACKER fishing boats. In 1988, the company’s custom boat trailer factory opened in Ozark, MO. Each trailer is factory matched, custom fit, sized and color coordinated to the boat it will carry. In 2008, TRACKER Boats celebrated 30 years as the #1 builder of aluminum fishing boats, and as the acknowledged leader in innovative aluminum boat technology. Today, Tracker still builds some of the best, most affordable fishing boats in the nation.

There are a lot of great bass boat/fishing boats out there these days for you and your family’s enjoyment, hope this gives you an idea of how it all got started! Get in one and get out and enjoy your great Oklahoma outdoors!

Skyler and Bayler Smith Place at Ft. Worth Show

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Representing the Dennis Cattle Company of Grady, Oklahoma, Skyler and Bayler Smith placed 5th and 6th out of 11 in the open class with their Hereford heifers “Sassy” and Fallon” at the Ft Worth Stock show last week.

This was their 1st big show! Great job girls!

Caitlyn Ramsey Selected as Princess

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Caitlyn Ramsey (left) was named the 2018 National Miniature Hereford Breeders

Association princess. Caitlyn Ramsey’s parents are Casey and Ruslyn Ramsey.

Caitlyn Ramsey, a 5th grader from Waurika was named the 2018 National Miniature Hereford Breeders Association princess. To compete, Caitlyn had to submit an application along with her resume, answer an essay question and send a head and shoulder picture of herself. She, along with 6 other girls were then judged on their submissions by 2 non Mini Hereford breeders and 1 Mini Hereford breeder. To be a princess you must be between the ages of 10 and 14 and have Miniature Hereford cattle in your name as well as attend/show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. and Miniature Hereford Junior Nationals which will be held this year in Kearney, NE. The Miniature Hereford Breeders Association has always had a queen, but this year the queen coordinator added the princess title. “There are many young kids showing this breed and it’s time they were represented along with the older kids. By having a princess, it shows the younger girls that they too are leaders and someone to look up too.” Caitlyn along with queen Sarah Potter of Silverton, OR were crowned Jan. 20th in Denver at the annual MHBA banquet. Congratulations Caitlyn!

Terral Receives REAP Grant for 2018

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Vincente Villarreal, Town of Terral Mayor

Ronnie Ward, Executive Director of ASCOG

 

The Terral REAP grant of $45,00 will be used to install new water meter to customers. The current meters are obsolete and do not reflect an accurate accounting of water usage.

 

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