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Waurika City Commissioner’s July Meeting

By
Curtis Plant
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 The July 8th regular meeting of the Waurika City Commissioners was lightly attended. 

One of the first things decided on was the use of the future REAP Grant funds to be used to chip and seal the road that circles the Elementary School. 

According to those present, it has been awhile since the road was resurfaced. 

Next, the commissioners adopted their Five Year Plan. The plan is required in order to apply for a REAP Grant. 

The interlocal agreement with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for Dispatch Services in the amount of $3,027.20 per month was approved. This agreement must be approved annually. 

The contract with A&A Wind Pro to lease property with Waurika was approved. 

Bids were opened for the 1983 Chevy Truck belonging to the Waurika Fire Department, which had been declared as surplus. The highest bid of $1,100.00 was accepted. 

Bids were opened for a surplus declared 2008 John Deer Mower. The bid for $300.00 was accepted. 

Bids for the unused rolls of insulation that had previously been declared as surplus by the City of Waurika were opened. The highest bid was in the amount of $750.00. It was accepted. 

The commissioners approved a new digital camera system for the new police patrol vehicle in the amount of $3,280.00. 

Claims in the amount of $32,701.79 for the City of Waurika were approved. 

It was reported that 25 loads of leftover millings from the road work on Hwy 70 east of Waurika was donated to the City of Waurika. 

Acting City Manager reported that work continues on the Presbyterian Church. 

Code enforcement continues, according to  City Clerk, Michael Bryant. Currently there are 19 properties in the process of being cleaned up. There are 25 more that will be brought into the process in the near future. 

It is a slow tedious process but it will pay off in the future says Bryant.

The City of Waurika now hired a new police officer. His name is Matt Peck. There will be an article in an upcoming issue about him and his experience. 

One of the main concerns the police department faces is the break ins and thefts that have been occurring on the north side of town.

 In other business, Commissioner Henry Lara suggested that the police officers write down the street lights they  notice out at night so PSO can be contacted about repairing them the next day. 

The Go Bonds, funds which have already been approved, the revenue of which comes in from the bond, in the amount of $40,255.31 were approved. 

The financial report by RS Meacham was accepted and approved. 

Overall it has been a good year for the city financially. One of the reasons is the revenue generated by the pipeline company temporarily operating in Waurika. 

Commissioner Bill Everett complimented acting manager Brad Scott for his management. He said he could remember the shape the city was in before Brad took back over. 

There being no new business, the Waurika City Commissioner  meeting was adjourned. 

After a short break, the commissioners reconvened to conduct the business of the Waurika Public Works Authority (WPWA).

The minutes from the previous meetings were approved. 

Bids on the John Deer D140 Mower were opened. The Mower only has 60 hours on it.  No bids were accepted.  

The city purchased a new $800.00 air compressor for the water department. 

Claims in the amount of $55,353.85 for the WPWA were approved. 

Next, the finincial report from RS Meacham was approved. 

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned. 

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center gears up for its busiest day of the year

By
Toni Hopper
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DUNCAN, Okla. – It’s the ninth year for the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center to offer its free National Day of the Cowboy celebration, Saturday, July 27. With funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council, the museum is able to provide live music and a children’s art project during this event. This day is also the busiest day of the year for the Heritage Center.

Designed as a fun celebration and a way to give back to the community, there’s no admission charge into the museum on the National Day of the Cowboy. Guests can choose to attend morning, mid-day or afternoon and they will be able to enjoy everything planned. All the fun is indoors. The entire day of activities, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is for families and individual fun – no matter the age.

All the fun is indoors. Music, exhibits, a few surprises and interesting individuals – an author, bison ranchers, a basket weaver– will be available for guests to meet.

This year, a nationally-touring exhibit, Bison: Ancient. Massive. Wild., is available to see and the art project will be bison related. It will be the final weekend to see the bison exhibit. It is the largest exhibit the Heritage Center has hosted and is a visual, educational and historical display.

Visitors to the Heritage Center for its biggest event of the year always remark how much they enjoy meeting the special guests booked. This year’s out-of-town guests include Oklahoma author, Kristi Eaton of Tulsa, who wrote “The Main Streets of Oklahoma: Okie Stories from Every County”; Pauline Asbury owner of Habasketry, of Oklahoma City, who will demonstrate basket weaving; and bison ranchers James and Sandy Stepp from Wichita Buffalo Co. at Sandy Springs Farm in Hinton. The Stepps will feature their products, share stories about bison herd management and have a surprise for the children. Also, visitors get a chance to see “A Texas State of Mind” that has original paintings from Nocona, Texas artist, Larry G. Lemons. 

Live music entertainment will be the Cowboys at Heart band, with Allen Wooten, Missy Frye and Gaylon Blankenship, from the Comanche Opry in Comanche. They have been entertaining the guests to the Heritage Center for years on Duncan’s original National Day of the Cowboy celebration. 

“I am a cowboy at heart and from this area. The Heritage Center is history of this area,” Wooten said. His band formed about six years ago and the Heritage Center is one of their favorite venues to perform. Plenty of chairs are staged so visitors can sit and enjoy the music or dance if they choose. Wooten and his band also perform during jam sessions at his Cowboy Opry venue on Thursday nights. 

Frye, one of the band members, began playing guitar in 2005 and has been singing for most of her life. 

“Allen and I have jammed together since 2005, but probably playing consistently (as a band) for audiences the past six or so years. The Heritage Center is special because of all the history it portrays from our ancestors,” Frye said. “My grandparents came across the plains in a covered wagon so seeing life size images of all they saw as children is interesting to me. Not to mention all the kind people who have invited us to play each year. It is so much fun and a highlight for the band.”

Blankenship’s name may be familiar to fans of Summer Breeze, who he played with for years, also having opened for many country bands. “I quit playing music in 1986, then started back in 2006. I love playing with Missy Frye and Allen Wooten. We have so much fun playing together.”

Over the years, they have performed at ranches, rodeos, firefighters’ banquets, Fourth of July celebrations and cowboy church events. They play traditional cowboy songs, with some gospel and old country tunes mixed into their sets, which vary from venue to venue. 

And while the more mature visitors enjoy the music, children can play in the Interactive Area, the Duncan General Store and create an art project to take home. Each year, the art project is different. 

Visitors can experience the 4D theater, Campfire Theater, and tour the Garis Gallery of the West on this day of free admission. Tours will not be provided on this day and guests or large groups wanting to learn more about the history of the museum and the Chisholm Trail are encouraged to pick another day to visit.

FYI:

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center’s National Day of the Cowboy background information. 

In 2016, the Heritage Center was awarded the “Cowboy Keeper Award” by the National Day of the Cowboy non-profit organization. The award is given to those who make substantial contributions to the preservation of pioneer heritage and cowboy culture, while also inspiring others to do the same. Since 2010, the Heritage Center has been celebrating National Day of the Cowboy with a free admission day. In 2013, Oklahoma state legislators approved a resolution to officially recognize NDOC. 

Please visit our website: www.onthechisholmtrail.com and our Facebook page to learn more about all of these activities and other events.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Located at 1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway in Duncan. Call 580-252-6692 for information. It is an official “Best Heritage Attraction,” an Oklahoma Outstanding Attraction, a National Day of the Cowboy ‘Cowboy Keeper” and a Top Ten Western Museum – True West Magazine. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center Association is a 501c3 non-profit.

Continuing One Cent Sales Tax Will Benefit Many Departments

By
News Release
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On August 23, Jefferson County voters have an opportunity to vote on continuing a one cent sales tax that is currently providing funding for the Jefferson County Hospital.  Hospital officials project their obligation will be paid off this year.  Jefferson County Commissioners want to keep the one cent tax and use it to place the county in a better financial position.  According to Jeffco officials continuing the tax will provide vital funding to meet mandated obligations and position the county to spend money on other important areas like rural fire, better roads and courthouse repairs as well as repairs at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. 

County officials are presenting a series of Town Meetings to answer questions and talk about how the county works and how funding and budgeting works for counties across Oklahoma.  “Our initial One Cent Tax was passed by voters in 1992.  It was slated for general county operations, and for the support of county civil defense, OSU extension, county law enforcement, county-wide rural fire protection and fair board maintenance and operations,” according to Bryce Bohot, District One Commissioner. “If you consider it’s now 30 years later and how the cost of everything has risen, that the limited dollars we have to work with can only be increased by sales tax, then it’s vital that this proposition passes. Having these dollars available means that we can actually accomplish all the items mentioned in the original proposal,” Bohot continued.  “We still have the same needs, and these dollars will allow us to budget for each of the areas and to have dollars available for matching grants that will make the dollars go even farther.”

The first two town meetings were held Monday evening in Addington and Hastings.  The full meetings are posted to Facebook under the Friends of Jefferson County Group.  “We encourage everyone to attend one of the meetings,” Bohot stated.  “However, having the full meetings with all the questions and answers available provides a great way for people to watch from home.  I’m also available to answer any questions you may have.”

At both meetings the same questions were asked.  Attendees wanted an assurance that this was not an additional tax or a new tax; that it would not raise their property taxes and that the county would not come back in a couple of years and ask for an additional increase. Attendees also wanted to make sure there would be dollars available to support our rural fire departments and that those monies would be distributed fairly. 

 “Oklahoma law allows rural counties to have up to a 2 cent sales tax for county operations,” Bryce Bohot said at both the Hastings and Addington Town Meetings.  “We are not allowed to go back to the voters for more sales tax.”

“Having the two cents of sales tax will actually allow us to go back to the original list of items on the 1992 Proposition and begin working with the various groups to get their items budgeted,” Bohot stated. “For the past several years, we have never gotten past the basic mandated items and have not been able to fully fund those items. This additional tax projected to be approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per month will allow us to not only fund the items mentioned, but also to begin saving dollars to use as matching funds to make the county funds go farther.”  “Currently we spend all our time trying to cover whatever urgent need we have at the moment. These dollars will allow us to actually plan for a stronger future for all of us.”

“Rural Fire Department funding was part of the original sales tax proposition and is vitally important to our county,” Bohot stated.  “I’m part of the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department and I fully understand how important all the volunteer departments are to the county. I’m pleased that all the departments are coming together once a month to meet and share information.  I’ve talked with several of the volunteers and talked about the budgeting process and how it would be great for them to come to the budget planning session and bring their projected needs for the coming year. We would visit with them about providing funding for their priorities and would make that part of the budget.”

Denise Bacon, Addington resident, made an excellent point when she asked the group if this helped them understand the importance of shopping local because your sales tax stays right her at home and supports the towns and Jefferson County. 

“I hope voters understand that this not asking for a tax increase, but to keep the one cent that is already in place,” County Commissioner, Ty Phillips explained. “Voters have supported the one cent tax for the hospital for the past 23 years and the hospital is retiring their debt and no longer needs the funds.  Keeping the one cent that is already in place for the county will go a long way toward allowing us to get Jefferson County up to mandated standards and also so we can have funds to use for matching grants that can help all our organizations including emergency services and rural fire.”

There are three more town meetings that all residents are invited to attend.  Monday, August 15 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center; Monday, August 15, at 7:30 at the Claypool Community Center and on Tuesday, August 16, at the Waurika Presbyterian Church.

Odell Hooper: WW2 Veteran Remembers War

By
Curtis Plant
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 Waurika is honored to have as its special guest for this year’s Memorial Day Parade, a WWII veteran who was born west of Waurika in the Hooperville community and went on to serve his nation with distinction, Odell Hooper. 

Hooper is related to Gary and Sharon Duncan;Gary and Jane Carter; and Roy and DeeAnn Himebaugh. 

Of the16 million Americans who served in WWII only about 496,000 were still alive in 2018. Odell Hopper is one of them. 

During the years towards the end of the great depression, Hooper realized he didn’t want to be a farmer like his father. Instead, he made the trek to California where he eventually found a job working for Douglas Aircraft. Odell had no idea how much his life was about to change. Instead of a steady life as a farmer, his life was about to be filled with adventure.

Recently, Hooper related the story of his time in WWII to his great niece, Jill B. Jones. Her article appeared in the May 26th edition of the Duncan Banner. 

Like most young men of his time, he joined the military after the United States entered the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Hooper joined the Army Air Forces and was trained as an aerial gunner. 

Eventually, Hooper was assigned to a B-24 crew. The B-24 was also known as the “Liberator”. At the age of 19 he found himself headed to war. He landed near Ipswich, England at Buckingham Field in February 1944 as part of the 453rd Bombardment group. The 453rd would   take part in 259 missions and 58 crew members would give their lives to win the war. In the article that appeared in the Duncan Banner, Hooper is quoted as saying that on one day of combat they lost 60 planes with 600 men being shot down.

Hooper’s own plane was shot down on March 8, 1944. The plane crashed near Balkbrug, Holland. Before crashing, Hooper and his co-pilot put on their parachutes, shook hands, and jumped. 

After jumping things didn’t go as well as planned. After attempting to pull the rip cord three times, he realized that his chute was on upside down and the cord he had been pulling on was just a strap. The rip cord was on the other side. Hooper grabbed the correct cord and was able to land safely. 

Only four of the ten who bailed out that day were able to avoid capture by the Nazis. Hooper lay in a ditch for several hours covered with his chute and weeds trying to stay warm and avoid capture. Once it was dark he was able to locate a haystack, dig a hole under it and hide until found by a local farmer. 

Over the next four months he would move from one location to another with the help of strangers and the use of fake passports and identities to avoid capture. Eventually, he was able to find a train that would take him from Antwerp to France. France was an ally with the US. His plan was to make it to France and reclaim his identity as well as his freedom. However, that was not to be the case.

Hooper was surprised and surrounded by the enemy and taken into custody before he could make to France. That was August 1944.  It is his belief one of those pretending to help him possibly betrayed him to the enemy. 

During the following six months he spent time in a POW camp in Poland where he survived on very little food and water and was subject to interrogations but avoided the torture many of his fellow soldiers faced. 

Germany began to realize in early in 1945 the war was closing in on them. In February of that year many POWs died during forced marches. Because Hooper had contacted diphtheria, he was sent to a camp in Barth, Germany by train. 

May 1945 victory was declared in Europe. Hooper’s camp was liberated by the Russians and by July he was back home and was discharged in November. 

Although Hooper didn’t become a farmer he was glad to be back in his home State of Oklahoma. He spent the next thirty-two years working for Montgomery Ward in Duncan, Oklahoma. Not only was he become the manager of the tire department for the store, he also venture into a second career in real estate. Over the next twenty years he sold lots of land around the Waurika lake. 

Waurika is grateful for Hooper’s service to his country and proud to honor him as a special guest of this year’s Veterans Parade.

Don’t fall victim to the myths about Medicare

By
Bob Moos
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By Bob Moos, Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

 Navigating Medicare can be challenging under the best of circumstances. It becomes even more difficult when someone new to Medicare falls victim to the myths, or misconceptions, about the health care program.

Let’s take a look at the most common myths in hopes that you’ll avoid the confusion that could cost you time or money.

Myth No. 1: Medicare is free.

 Medicare’s hospital insurance, known as Part A, has no premium if you’ve worked throughout your life. But the outpatient services coverage, or Part B, does have a monthly premium, as does the prescription drug insurance, or Part D.

In addition, there are deductibles and co-payments for certain services. Overall, the traditional Medicare program covers about 80 percent of your costs, which means you’re responsible for the other 20 percent.

Many people buy a “Medigap” supplemental health insurance plan from a private company to help cover those out-of-pocket costs. Or they opt out of the traditional Medicare program and purchase a Medicare Advantage plan from a private insurer to receive their Medicare benefits.

Myth No. 2: Medicare covers everything.

 Though traditional Medicare pays for many health care services, it doesn’t cover all of them. For example, it doesn’t pay for standard dental, vision or hearing care. If you’re interested in any of those services, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan that offers extra benefits.

Myth No. 3: You’ll be automatically enrolled when it’s time.

 That’s only partially true. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. (You’ll still need to sign up for Part D.) If you’re not on Social Security yet, you must enroll in Medicare yourself.

For most people, the best time to apply for Medicare is during the three months before your 65thbirthday, the month you become 65 and the three months after you turn 65. So, let’s say your birthday is Aug. 15. That means you can sign up from May 1 through Nov. 30.

Myth No. 4: Everyone pays the same for Medicare.

 If your annual income is below $85,000, or $170,000 for a married couple, you pay the standard Part B and D premiums. But if it’s more, you pay a surcharge. In 2018, the surcharge for Part B ranges from $53.50 to $294.60 per month, depending on your income. That’s in addition to the standard $134 premium.

Myth No. 5: Having poor health will disqualify you from coverage.

Medicare can’t reject you, or charge you higher premiums, because of a health problem. It can’t discriminate based on a pre-existing condition. In fact, about two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries live with at least two chronic conditions.

Myth No. 6: Medicare covers long-term care.

Many people don’t realize until it’s too late that Medicare typically doesn’t pay for long-term “custodial” care – the kind of personal care that helps you with such day-to-day tasks as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing and eating.

Medicare does cover some skilled nursing or rehabilitative care if a physician orders it after a hospital stay of at least three days. You pay nothing during the first 20 days of your care and then part of the cost for the next 80 days.

Myth No. 7: Medicare and Medicaid are the same thing.

The two programs are often confused. Medicare covers health care for people 65 and older and for people with certain disabilities. Medicaid helps cover health care for people with low incomes and few resources. Some people qualify for both.

Myth No. 8: A lot of doctors don’t take Medicare.

The vast majority of doctors accept Medicare. The traditional Medicare fee-for-service program offers the broadest possible access to health care professionals.  You can go to any provider who’s taking new Medicare patients.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, often require you to go to doctors within their network of providers or pay more for getting care elsewhere. So, before signing up for a particular Advantage plan, make sure you’re satisfied with its network of providers.

Even after 53 years, Medicare is still misunderstood. If you’re in doubt about some aspect of the Medicare program, please visit www.medicare.gov or talk with a customer service representative toll-free at 1-800-633-4227.

Jennie Mosely appointed Director of Chickasaw Nation Real Estate Services

By
Tony Choate
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ADA, Okla. – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby has appointed Jennie Mosely director of Chickasaw Nation Real Estate Services.

Mrs. Mosely, a Chickasaw citizen, manages all operations over the Chickasaw Nation’s land base, including oil and gas leases, farming and grazing, land purchases, and transfer to trust status of property. Also, the department works extensively with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) with land ownership and legislative updates.

“Jennie Mosely understands the vital role land ownership plays in the lives of the Chickasaw people and the progress of the Chickasaw Nation,” Governor Anoatubby said. “Her education and experience have prepared her to help ensure land ownership continues to benefit the Chickasaw people for generations to come.”

Real Estate Services also manages commercial leasing for all Chickasaw Nation departments in addition to property purchases. Mrs. Mosely directs a staff of seven in an office she describes as “incredibly busy.”

While attending East Central University, she landed a part-time job with the Chickasaw Nation as a personnel clerk in the human relations department. She continued her studies and graduated with a business management degree.

“If it wasn’t for the Chickasaw Nation, I am not sure I could have earned my degree,” Mrs. Mosely said. “What the Chickasaw Nation provides to students are opportunities for the future.”

After graduating in 2000, Mrs. Mosely spent 15 years working for the BIA in the real estate services division.

It was at the BIA, thanks to sage advice from her Kiowa-Comanche father, Guy Ware, and Chickasaw mother, Kathy, that Mrs. Mosely understood landownership is key to “sovereignty.” The family cattle business was near Anadarko, where Mr. Ware still holds title to his family’s trust allotments.

“I was raised and immersed in the importance of protecting your land,” Mrs. Mosely recalls. “Landownership is how Native Americans really protect and preserve sovereignty, as well as their cultural identity. If you own the land, people can’t tell you what to do with it. My parents always told me to do right by our Native people.”

The opportunity to join the Chickasaw Nation allowed Ms. Mosely to help her tribe.

“It was important for me to give back, and it was personal, too,” she said. “My heart has always been in real estate services. Protecting your land base makes it possible to continue as a strong tribe and to create economic development to ensure a viable future for our children and citizens.”

The personal aspect is from a fascinating 1911 lawsuit between her great-great Chickasaw grandmother, Ida Anoatubby, who prevailed in a case where a farmer planted cotton on her allotment land but paid no fee. At the time, her grandmother was a minor. Her guardian was with her every step of the way. She won the case before the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 1915.

Mrs. Mosely and her husband, Palmer, are the parents of four children. They are Palmer Mosely IV, 19; Ethan Lovell, 16; Grayson Mosely, 6, and Maverick Mosely, 5. Mr. Mosely also is employed by the Chickasaw Nation as Undersecretary of Self-Governance under the Department of Interior Services.

“I feel very honored Governor Anoatubby and Secretary Wayne Scribner have trusted me.”

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

By
Curtis Plant
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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 Receives $45,000 REAP Grant

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News Release
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0

Waurika, OK – Dec.13, The Waurika Public Works Authority has been awarded the 2023 REAP Grant in the amount of $45,000. The Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) provides a means for communities to improve their infrastructure and quality of life by providing funding for various projects. This year the WPWA requested funding to install a generator and related equipment at the raw water station with an estimated cost of $50,000–this project will now be completed with a final cost of $5,000 to be funded by the City. The City has and will always diligently seek out any and all grant funding opportunities in order to improve infrastructure and minimize the burden of cost to the members of our community. The City was 1 of 57 applicants across the area to receive funding through the 2023 REAP program.

Waurika Go Bond Money Well Spent on Life Saving Device

By
Curtis Plant
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Photo by Michael Bryant

Members of the Waurika, Ryan, Hastings, and Addington Fire Departments recently met in Waurika to see the new Genesis-Rescue System in action. It is Genesis’ version of what was previously known as the “Jaws of Life”. The demonstrstion was conducted by Randy Williams. 

This new system is battery operated and very fast. It is more efficient. Members of the various fire departments watched demonstrations and some even participated in hands-on experience with the Genesis-Rescue System. 

Photo by Michael Bryant
Photo by Michael Bryant

Season Begins Under The New Bright Lights

By
Curtis Plant
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0

 Waurika’s Little League Baseball began the season under new lights this past Monday evening.

Front Row (l-r) Alan Castro, Ryder Barenthin, Carson Arzola, Brody Franco, Jaxton Simmons, Ryder Watkins, Noah Torrez, and Ledger Watkins
Back Row (l-r) Coach Cody Simmons, Gunn Gunter, Ethan Sewell, Erik Roy, Coach Justin Roy, Zander Barenthin, Tyson Graham, Aidan Jenkins, Aaron Torrez, and Coach Braden Watkins.
Photo by Curtis Plant

J.K. Townsend took time to recognize all of those who contributed in any way to the project. 

However, before beginning he took time to recognize past presidents of the summer baseball league. 

Some of those in attendance included: Coach Norman West – he set the record for the most years of service (20 years), Keith Salazar, Jim Bernard, Mary Bernard, Lori Wesberry, Steve Tyler, Joe Masoner, Sloan Lewis. 

Townsend said that this has been an ongoing project. 

There are 20 new lights that are powered by several thousand feet of wire. 

The project cost over $10,000.00.

Cotton Electric’s charitable foundation known as “Operation Roundup” provided the seed money to begin the project. They donated around $7000.00.

Jarrod Hooper of Cotton Electric located the poles the lights are mounted on. This saved over $4,000.00.

First Farmer’s Bank also contributed financially. 

Public Service Company also helped. 

The Waurika Chamber of Commerce and others helped raise funds. 

Carter Waid of 1st Farmers Bank threw the first pitch of the Little League Season.
Brad Turner of PSO received the pitch! Photo by Curtis Plant

Carter Waid was mentioned, he sits on the board of Cotton Electric. He also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the season. Brad Turner of Public Service Company of Oklahoma served as catcher for the pitch. 

Mr. Roxy Terry was also instrumental in the project while he served as Superintendent of Waurika Public Schools. 

Brad Turner helped install the lights.

Harold Winton lent a hand. It is said he worked several days on the project. 

Ronnie Bohot said on the Cotton Electric Board at the time. 

Bryce Bohot helped move the poles into place. 

Brian Morris was credited with designing the electrical system. 

Newton Plumbing and Electric donated all their labor.

Also mentioned was Waurika Schools Superintendent Cody Simmons. 

Keith Salazar of the City of Waurika helped with the trencher for several days. 

Tony Roberts also helped in various ways. 

Samantha Stallcup also worked tirelessly on the project. 

All of their help was deeply appreciated. 

Each person was given a medal, presented by some of the players. 

Signed metal baseball plaques were signed by each of the ball team members and presented to those organizations that made such generous contributions. 

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