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Terral News and Happenings October 26 2018

By
Shirley Gambill
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QUOTE OF THE DAY – Something will grow from all you are going through. And it will be YOU! By Curiano.

TERRAL CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE – Our annual City Wide Garage Sale is scheduled for November 2 & 3.  If you would like to be put on the list please call Shirley at 437-2337 and have your address put on the map.  Maps will be at the local businesses and the post office on Thursday Evening.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH KIDS FOR CHRIST – On October 31st, we will not have our RA’s, GA’s and Kids for Christ. Kids will be busy spending time with family and Trick or Treating.  We will resume our regular schedule on November 7th.

PUBLIC NOTICE – The Town of Terral City Council meeting will be moved forward to November 13th due to November 12th being celebrated for Veterans’ Day.  Terral City Council Meeting will be at the City Hall on Tuesday, November 13th at 6:00 p.m.

BINGO NIGHT – The First Baptist Church Girls in Action will be having their Annual Bingo Night on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at the Terral Community Center.  Admission will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo will begin at 6:00 p.m. A Snack bar will be provided and a bake sale.  All proceeds go to the activities, crafts, and outings for the GA Group.  Come out have a good time and support our kids.  Each game is $1.00 or a cover of $25.00 for the night for 30 Games.  All prizes are valued at $30.00.  It is a great way to start your Christmas shopping.

CRAFT SHOW & BINGO – The FBC Girls in Action will be holding a Craft Show and Bingo on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at the Terral Community Center.  The Craft Show will be from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m.  Come on out and select some unique gifts for Christmas.  Gift wrapping will be available.  Bingo will start at 3:00 p.m. Tables will reserve for $10.00 each. If you would like to reserve a table call Shirley at 437-2337 or 437-2545 after 5:00 p.m.  All proceeds go to the FBC Girls in Action for activities, crafts, and outings for the group. Hope to see ya there!

IT’S-A GIRL – Tatum Nicole Walker made her appearance on October 15, 2018, at 9:05 p.m. She weighed in at 9 pounds and 9 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.  Proud parents are Courtney Cook and Jim Walker.  Proud Grandparents are Jason and Mary Esther Cook of Saint Jo, Texas. Proud Great Grandparents are Santos and Yolanda Castillo.  Congrats to the whole family.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST – Family and friends of Florita Villarrreal, Family and Friends of Elena Gomez of Ryan, A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Wyler, Amy Alsup, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriquez, Carrie Villarreal, Brenda 

Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day, Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary Loo Duke, Esther Grimes, Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shawna Reed, Hardy Johnson and our military stationed around the world.  May God Keep you in His loving care.

Ace Dyer Serves as Principal for the Day

By
Curtis Plant
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Ace Dyer served as “Principal” for a day this past Monday. He won the opportunity as a part of a drawing during the Elementary School Carnival. 

 Ace Dyer served as the Principal for the day Monday 

He turns seven today!

It was the luck of the draw at the recent Elementary Carnival that allowed him to serve in the highest office of the Elementary School in Waurika. 

It’s something that only happens once a  year. 

Dyer said they began the day by greeting the kids with Principal and newly appointed Superintendent Cody Simmons. 

After that they went to the gym and had Rise and Shine.

Dyer and Simmons then enjoyed a great breakfast together. 

After their morning meal they went around looking at things that may need improvement at the school. 

He said they looked for cracks in the walls and the condition of the ceiling tiles. 

Dyer said he and Mr. Simmons had to go to the store to get a new radio. 

Dyer looked comfortable setting behind the big desk. He was dressed in a pressed long sleeve shirt and a tie. 

He is in the first grade and its his only time to ever get to serve as Principal for the day. Dyer said he was very lucky because this is the last year that Mr. Simmons will be the Elementary Principal. 

When he grows up he may be a rancher and a principal. Although he said the principal has a lot of work to do. 

At the end of the day they made announcements to all the students. 

It was a great day for Dyer, it’s one he will never forget. 

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.

Strother Ironman Welding Contest

By
Doug Gunter
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Kolby Goff and Isaac Gholson competed in a welding contest last Friday. They placed 3rd , there were 40 teams competing.

Waurika Bands Perform at Fundraiser Sunday

By
Curtis Plant
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Waurika’s High School and Middle School bands performed at the Fiesta Fundraiser this past Sunday at the Waurika High School.

More performances from the Waurika Band Concert. (l-r) Regena Bradley, Hope Cummings, and Brooklyn Barnes Photo by Curtis Plant

After the delicious Mexican meal, honor band members were introduced and various members performed solos.

The solo artist were accompanied by Starr Herron and band director Everett Hodges.

2017-2018 SCOBDA Honor Band members

Riley Hobbs – 1st chair HS Baritone

Michael Bryant- 6th chair HS trumpet

Sara Tolle- 4th chair HS French horn

Trenton Helloms- 6th chair HS French Horn

Kaytlyn Williams- 4th chair JH Flute

Mallory Adkins- 11th chair JH Flute

Chloe Adkins- 7th chair JH trumpet

Hannah Lamons- 10th chair JH trumpet

Hope Cummings- 3rd chair JH clarinet

Regena Bradley- 7th chair JH clarinet

Brooklyn Barnes -12th chair JH clarinet

Kaylee Morris- 4th chair alto sax.

Pilot Flies to All 108 Airports in Oklahoma’s System

By
Sandra Shelton
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ENID, OK –  Lt. Col. Deirdre Gurry this week completed her personal mission to fly into all 108 public-use airports within the Oklahoma Airport System (OAS). Gurry is a military and general aviation pilot and hangars her plane at Enid Woodring Regional Airport (KWDG). 

In pursuit of general aviation, Gurry purchased an RV6 aircraft a little more than a year ago. Itching for an aviation adventure, it was mid-winter when she began looking for a goal to keep her busy. She said the idea came to her when she received the 2018 Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) official aeronautical chart during the Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day event held in Tulsa.

Gurry’s journey launched this past December and was fulfilled April 24th at Duncan’s Halliburton Field (KDUC).  Over a four month period, she took nine day-trips with the Oklahoma Panhandle being her longest. 

“I enjoyed finding buildings with paintings on the roofs. It’s fun to think about the people who leave the art just for us pilots to find! I’ve seen an eight-ball, a smiley face, and even a rooster!” said Gurry. “One thing that was a small, but fun, challenge was transiting between the airports that were very close. I would only do one “touch and go” or “low approach” to wet grass fields, and then move on to the next. With some airports very close, switching frequencies, finding the airport, and scanning for traffic kept me on my toes.”

Oklahoma has 4 commercial airports and 104 public general aviation airports and Gurry landed at every one of them.  The OAC is a non-appropriated agency funded directly by users of the state airport system through aircraft excise and fuel taxes, and aircraft registration fees. These taxes and fees generate $5 million on average annually funding the OAS.

“Lt. Col. Gurry probably has some great insight as to how the Aeronautics Commission is doing in our mission to maintain and improve the state’s airports,” said Grayson Ardies, deputy director of the Commission. 

“Pilots using the state’s runways can tell you that our pavement has dramatically improved over the past two decades, and we are proud of our 108 airports. A commitment by state, local, and federal officials has resulted in what is now a well-maintained comprehensive airport system,” Ardies continued. “OAC’s recently proposed Airport Construction Program (ACP) which invests $130M of federal/state/local funding in 66 projects will go a long way in helping ensure the state’s runways, taxiways, and other infrastructure items are the best they can be for the users of the system.”

Nearly twenty years ago, federal funding for Oklahoma general aviation airports was significantly lower. The Legislature providing dedicated funding sources enabled agency staff to develop an ACP proving to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) that the state was serious about improving their air transportation system, and now, the FAA uses Oklahoma as a model when talking to other states. 

“My home airport is Woodring Regional in Enid. The runway is in great condition and very long. And the shorter runway is great for those strong-crosswind days.” said Gurry. 

The 2,000 foot extension to the runway at Enid Woodring Regional Airport completed a few years ago would not have been possible without the largest State/OAC airport grant ever of $2.5 million. The extension was done so that T-38 trainer jets from nearby Vance Air Force Base could land and takeoff from the Enid regional airport rather than having to go to Wichita or Tulsa to train when the main runway at Vance is closed for maintenance. The record investment from OAC was necessary because the FAA could not invest what it usually would because the extension was driven mostly by military rather than civil aviation demand. This is just one example of several critical state investments in airports that the OAC has been able to do.

The core responsibility of OAC has been to ensure that the needs of communities and commerce across the state are met by a system of public airports, the Oklahoma Airport System (OAS). Since 2001, OAC has received $82 million from aviation-generated revenues and invested $68 million in airport infrastructure across the State—83% of the revenue that OAC received has been invested in airport infrastructure. That is a rate of return the users of the OAS, who pay the aircraft taxes and fees, can be very proud.

Terral News and Happenings

By
Shirley Gambill
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QUOTE OF THE DAY – “The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso.

I would like to take the time to say “Thanks” for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls while I was home after back surgery.  “Thank You” to Sue McKinley for doing my office duties while I was out of the office.  A special “Thanks” to Mary Alice Kunkel for teaching my GA Class on Wednesday nights at the church.  GA’s your notes and drawings were so very uplifting and I really enjoyed them.  While I am not 100% as of yet, I am on the road to recovery.  I could not have done this without my best friend and partner in life, my husband, Valton Gambill.  I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me.  Thank you all – Shirley Gambill.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GA’s -Thanks to all who came out on Saturday and supported our Bingo and fundraising efforts.

If you missed it, you will have a second chance on Dec. 1 to play Bingo again at 3:00 p.m. Come and join us!

TERRAL SCHOOL EVENTS – Thanksgiving Break will be Nov. 19-23.  School resumes on Nov. 26th. Nov. 26 we will have a game at Wichita Falls Christian at 4:00 p.m. there.

TERRAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT – The Terral Volunteer Fire Department is having a Toy and Food Drive for Christmas.  Donation boxes are located at the Terral City Hall.  The Drive will begin on November 1st through Dec. 15th. 

All donations will be given to those in need in Terral at Christmastime.  For more information, you may call  580-437-2337.

CRAFT SHOW & BINGO – The FBC Girls in Action will be holding a Craft Show and Bingo on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at the Terral Community Center.  The Craft Show will be from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Come on out and select some unique gifts for Christmas.  Gift Wrapping will be available.  Bingo will start at 3:00 p.m. Tables will reserve for $10.00 each.  If you would like to reserve a table call Shirley at 437-2337 or 437i-2545 after 5:00 p.m. All proceeds go to the FBC Girls in Action for activities, crafts, and outings for the group.  Hope to see ya there!

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST – A.R. and Martha Jane Goates, Wayne Wyler, Amy Alsup, Pat Bussey, Tony Rodriguez, Carried Villarreal, Brenda Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Daly, Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Martin, Adam White, Mary Loo Duke, Esther Grimes, Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shawna Reed, Hardy Johnson, and our military stationed around the world.  May God Keep you in His loving care.

Valedictorian Mackenzie Lewis Plans for Future in Education

By
Curtis Plant
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0

Her mother, Carol, a second grade teacher at Ryan has served as her inspiration to become an educator. 

Mackenzie will attend USAO in Chickasha this fall and begin her journey towards a degree in Elementary Education.

There are many things she enjoyed while attending Ryan, but what she loved the most was sports. 

She participated in basketball, softball, and track.

 One of this year’s Salutatorians—Cara Williams, will be rooming with Mackenzie at USAO. 

Another one of her favorite memories from growing up in Ryan is that she had her mom as her teacher. 

She’s a quiet, unassuming, thoughtful person with a constant smile.

When she is not deeply involved in reading a book of science fiction, she enjoys drawing (she drew the artwork for her mother’s Christmas card this past year). 

She also enjoys playing basketball, listening to rock music, and binge watching shows on Netflix. 

One of her favorite subjects in school was history. 

Although she doesn’t admit it, she is also a very good writer. 

Her favorite color is purple.

Just a few her accomplishments in high school are as follows: Beta, Co-Valedictorian, Southern 8 conference All- Star in Basketball, Southern 8 All-Conference Fastpitch softball, VYPE top 100 Oklahoma Basketball Players.

When she graduates from USAO she says she would be willing to teach in Ryan if her mother is still there.

Over all she has a positive attitude and friendliness that will take her far in life.  

We look forward to seeing where her hard work takes her. 

We wish her only the best in her future endeavors. 

Waurika Go Bond Money Well Spent on Life Saving Device

By
Curtis Plant
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0
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

Ryan Softball Seniors Honored at Home Game

By
Curtis Plant
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0

The Ryan Senior girls were honored recently at recent home game. The community expressed their gratitude for their commitment and hard work….

The following is a picture of the seniors and their parents.

(l-r) Darwin Deboard, Laken Deboard, Regina Reimer, Kory Reimer, Candice Keith, Justyce Keith, C.J. Keith, Sebastian Guzman, Sadie Guzman, Susan Torress, Josie Martin, Emilee Martin, and Jason Martin. These Seniors along with their parents were honored at the last home softball game of the season.Photo by Sheree Hanson

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