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Accident on HWY 79 West of Waurika

By
Curtis Plant
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There was a one car accident Tuesday evening 05/29/2018 at approximately 8:17 pm  on SH79 at County Road 2750, approximately 4 miles west of Waurika, OK in Jefferson County.

 According to a report from Oklahoma High Way Patrol, a 2005 Dodge Pickup driven by Matthew T. Miller (SIC), white male, age 32, of Wichita Falls, TX. was transported by Waurika EMS to Jefferson County Memorial Hospital. Transferred to Kell West Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, TX by Life Flight. Admitted in fair condition with head and arm injuries.

 The vehicle driven by Miller was westbound on SH79. It went left of center striking a positive median barrier then rolled one half times then slid approximately 160 feet striking another positive median barrier then rolling another half time before coming to final rest.

 According to the report Miller had been drinking and was impaired.

The report also states that he was “Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs.”

The vehicle was equipped with seat belts and they were in-use.

This accident was investigated by Trooper Ben Smith #780 the Stephens County Detachment of Troop G.  Assisted by Trooper Jacob Mackey #694 of Troop G,

He was also assisted by Waurika Police Department, Waurika EMS, Waurika Fire and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Terral Celebrates All School Reunion

By
Curtis Plant
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The Biennial Terral All School Reunion was held on October 6th.  There were over 140  in attendance.  Thank you to Karen Duke Linton for taking pictures.  Special thanks to the Ryan Ag Boosters for catering lunch again this year.  Thank you to Mr. Fouse and Mr White for allowing Alumni to tour Terral School.  Thank you the Terral Alumni Association committee members for all of their hard work.  Thanks & appreciation to everyone who worked on getting the community center ready for the reunion.  Thank you to the News Journal & The Ryan Leader for the great coverage.

Union Valley School students: Peggy Evan’s, Avery Linton,  Norma Hofman Land, Etta Mitchell Clark,  Billy Bryant,  Henry Evan’s

Class of 1945- Peggy Thomas

1947-Bobbie Nell Weatherly, Mary Lou Feneglio

1949-Virginia Peterson Tanner

1950- Phil Davis,  Oteka Gunter Russell

1952- Opal Reynolds, James McKinley, Charlene Echols, Freta Brown, Mary Crawford

1953- Wayne Jackson, Thomas Adams, Myrtle Alsup, James Duke

1954- Billy Bryant,  Pat Anderson Wright,  Shirley Mc Donald Shelton

1955- Clifford Duke 

1956- Ken Adams,  Peggy Duke Tomerlin, Charlie Wright 

1957- Frances Delaney Pohlpeter, Barbara Williams Ray, Shirley Stoneman Roberts 

1958- Leonard Langford,  Patricia Pollan Duke

1959- Jerry Smith,  Loma Duke Wells, Peggy Evans,  Junior Lorentz

1960- Donald Wayne Duncan,  Irene Lovelace Clingenpeel, Harold Bussey

1961- Sue Stout Kirkpatrick,  Judy Smith Cartwright

1962- Glenda Sue Bussey

1963- Sue Harrison McKinley, Fred Thomas, Angie Kirby Jackson,  Anna Lee Bryant 

1964- Bill Sloan, Gail Parker, Quandel Morgan

1965- Terry Wagner, Gerald Tallon, Etta Mitchell Clark,  Sue Langford Smith,  Junior Harrison,  Cecil Duke 

1966- Ronnie Ewing, Beverly Martin Blevins 

1967- Sandy Reynolds Scully, Mary Sloan Owen’s

1968- (back row) l-r, Johnny Sloan,  Greg Williams,  Geary Don Tallon, Johnny Bright, Glen Pruett (front row l-r) Karen Gunter, Linda Duncan Harrison 

1970- Glenna Martin Gore, Jeri Smart Langford,  Joy Duncan

1971- James Pollan, Linda Smith Turner,  Patsy Pruett Deweber, Joe Butler 

1973- Billy Smart,  Manya Harrison Reid, Johnny Reynolds,  Tommy Duke 

1974- Randy Anderson,  Donna Keeling Pickens, Kim Collins, Karen Bright 

1975- Cecilia Lovelace,  Jo Keeling Smart

1976- Clinton Ray Bussey, Charlie Reynolds,  Teresa Alsup Montgomery,  Rick Cabrera

1979- Jowana Bussey Duff, Randy Harris 

1980- Barbara Reynolds Foster, Debbie Tanner

1981- Becky Fulton, Rhonda Jackson Smoot

1982- Tony Fulton 

1986- Karen Duke Linton

Waurika Sorosis Club Hosts “Let’s Talk Waurika”

By
Monica Bartling
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Last Thursday evening the Waurika Sorosis Club hosted Let’s Talk Waurika.  Rain and cold weather moved the meeting inside the Fellowship Hall of the Methodist Church, but did not dampen the enthusiasm for the presenters and the public forum after where attendees shared their visions for Parks and Recreation for Waurika.  “It was a great start to a much bigger conversation,” Sharon Duncan, project chairman stated. “Waurika has a beautiful landscape to work with and we are thrilled that so many came out and provided excellent ideas for the project.”  This is the fourth year that the Sorosis Club has sponsored the Let’s Talk Waurika event. 

Monica Bartling

Cody Simmons, Waurika Public Schools Superintendent, was the first presenter and gave an excellent update on how the most recent bond issue had significantly helped the elementary, middle and high school campuses, the athletic fields, and provided technology upgrades that benefit all students.  He also provided an update on the on-going virtual learning plans for the school and also thanked the community for its continuous investment in our children. 

Waurika Supt. Cody Simmons

Next up on the program was Richard Gillespie, President of Jefferson County Hospital.  Mr. Gillespie spoke about the improvements taking place at the hospital through the investment of Duncan Regional Hospital in our facility.  One of the main improvements is the air handling capabilities and air conditioning systems being added at this time.  These improvements allow patient rooms to have updated airflow that do not recycle the same air and replace the current hotel style units. This is a significant upgrade and will improve the overall patient care. There will also be a new backup generator installed. This upgrade will provide electrical power to the whole building. He also talked about the new rotation for Doctors from Duncan Regional Hospital who are now providing patient care for those patients in the skilled care wing of the hospital.  Gillespie said that one cent sales tax bond should be retired a little ahead of schedule. The $2,100,000 loan started in February of 2017 for seven years. The balance is now $843,000.  In closing, Mr. Gillespie thanked the Team at JCH for their dedication to providing exceptional quality care. He also thanked the community for their strong support of the hospital.

Richard Gillespie, President of Jefferson County Hospital

City Manager, Kyote Dunn, was next up on the program and he talked about how he was now almost three months into the job and was still learning, but is already working on a CDBG Grant to provide a major improvement and repair on Waurika’s Sewer System as well as several additional grants for various projects that he would like to pursue. The CDBG Grant will allow the City to perform much needed maintenance and repair on the City’s sewer system and will save the City almost $300,000. 

Dunn also mentioned that he is pleased with the current path that Waurika is on and will work diligently with the community and various groups to continue pushing Waurika forward. 

Waurika City Manager Kyote Dunn

Jefferson County Commissioner for District One, Bryce Bohot, was next on the program.  He talked about the retirement of the Hospital Bond coming up in a couple of years and how our community needed to begin considering keeping that one cent sales tax to support Jefferson County.  He mentioned that we do not want to be consolidated with another county and lose the local presence of our government offices and that having the funds from the 1 cent sales tax go to the county, might help us avoid that happening. 

Dist. 1 County Commissioner Bryce Bohot

At the conclusion of the four speakers, Brad Scott, former City Manager and community leader, lead a community forum on the vision for Waurika’s Parks and Recreation opportunities and what the group felt was the best use for our open spaces.  When the 50 plus attendees entered the meeting, they were asked to go to 7 stations where easels had questions about parks and recreational needs. The questions asked and the responses are listed below. Scott discussed the responses on the boards and talked about additional plans and ideas that were still in the concept stages.  When Scott was city manager, he started working with a small group of citizens to work on clean up projects and to come up with a three, five and longer-term plan for parks and recreation for the city.  This group has worked with Craig Williams from Williams Landscape in Lawton to assist his efforts with main street beautification, Sorosis Park updates and to maintain the flowers and flower beds at Veterans Park.  With the Sorosis Park project coming to conclusion soon, the group wanted to bring in more thoughts on what the community felt were the biggest needs to enhance Waurika as the best place to live, work and play. 

Brad Scott, former city manager and community leader.

Question One: “What is your favorite type of outdoor Recreation and fun?”. Responses: Green Space for open play for kids and families; walking, basketball, picnic areas, swimming/water play; walking, bicycling; hunting and fishing; and planting flowers.

Question Two: “Does Waurika need a Splash Pad and Where should it be located?”  We had 10 yes responses from the group and about 10 more from people who couldn’t attend, but asked to be included.  Responses to location were varied and equally divided between Harmon Park (close to the former golf course/clubhouse) and Centennial Park.  One concept presented was a splash pad in conjunction with a Water Park like Boomtown Bay.  We had one no because of water treatment issues. 

Question Three: “Would you use a Walking/Fitness Trail through Harmon Park?”  Nine participants voted yes to this with one clarification about clearing the poison ivy first.

Question Four: “Would you enjoy a Par 3 golf course at Harmon Park?”  We had seven participants respond yes to this question with no negative votes.

Question Five: “Do we need more playground equipment at Centennial (former Jaycee) Park?” Responses were all yes. Suggestions for equipment were:  Volleyball, tetherball, small basketball area, sandbox, tricycle path, large artboard, new swings and a soccer goal. Also mentioned was to update the current metal equipment with new paint and to add a few items for younger children. 

Question Six: “What is your vision for using the clubhouse at the former golf course?”  Several mentions were made for a restaurant with a bar and grill, patio space, outdoor music venue, and a family gathering spot. 

Question Seven: “When was your last visit to Harmon Park and what did you do?”  Responses:  Two years ago, took family pictures; five years ago, pictures; often for disc golf; 2 years ago, cleaning up brush; 1 month ago, to let kids and dogs run around; and pictures.  

Scott wrapped up the meeting by making sure that people were aware that work continues on all the spaces and that the pavilion at Harmon Park was one example of work completed.  He also invited everyone to a community event and fundraiser on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Sorosis Park at D and Main.  Proceeds from this event will support continued beautification efforts. 

What to look for when kenneling your pets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postmaster, Shirley Gaines Honored for 40 Years of Service

By
Curtis Plant
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 In her private office at the Waurika Post Office the walls are covered with framed recognitions for her commitment to the U.S. Post Office. 

The latest one contains a framed recognition pin with a ruby setting congratulating her for 40 years of service. 

 Her first job with the postal service began years ago in Shelbyville, Missouri where she lived with her husband Kenneth. It was he who talked her into being a clerk in the post office there. That job only lasted for a short while. 

However, when she moved back to Oklahoma she went to work for the Comanche post office and stayed 8 years. 

After Comanche she applied for the Postmaster job in Mannsville and got it. Next, she went to Wilson as Postmaster. 

She says it has been a great 40 years. Shirley has had a great life.

Shirley was born and raised in this part of the country. She grew up near where the Grandview school is now. 

She met her late husband Kenneth on Valentines Day. He was serving at Ft. Sill at the time. They married six months later. One of their children was born on February 12th and the other born on the 14th. 

Kenneth was from Missouri, thus the reason for them being there when Shirley found her first job for the post office. 

She acknowledges that her faith in God has been important to her and has seen her through the years. She is also grateful for the people she works with, she has a good staff. 

Forty years has gone by fast but they have been good years. 

Mahota Textiles takes spot in First American Art Magazine’s list of top art events

By
Tony Choate
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The Chickasaw map design depicted on this blanket uses almost entirely straight lines and filled in circles. It is fashioned after a 1723 historical map – an illustration of how the Chickasaw people visualized relationships with other tribes at the time. It is one of three designs of Mahota Textile’s “Heritage Collection.”

SULPHUR, Okla. – Since its launch in October 2018, Mahota Textiles has already made waves in the Native American art world. The First American Art Magazine named the founding of Mahota Textiles to its Top 10 Native Art Events of 2018.

“I think the story really begins with Mahota and the Chickasaws,” Wheeler explained, referring to a Chickasaw matriarch in her lineage – the namesake for both her co-op and the new business.

“In 1844, she came from Mississippi during Removal and was a widow,” Wheeler explained. “She wound up coming to what is Burneyville today, in Indian Territory. She was an older woman when she came. That is, to me, where my story begins, with the Chickasaw named Mahota.”

The founder of Mahota Textiles, Margaret Roach Wheeler (center), displays an assortment of new products from the “Heritage Collection” alongside Bethany McCord (left) and Taloa Underwood.

The threads of Wheeler’s history are depicted in Mahota Textile’s company logo. With an aesthetic similar to early hand-carved Native American glyphs, or perhaps the age rings of a tree, the logo traces five generations of Chickasaw women: Mahota, Nancy Mahota, Juel, Rubey and Margaret.

Out of this lineage across three centuries of Native American history, Wheeler developed as a painter, sculptor, educator, Native historian, weaver and 2010 Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee.

“We are makers of art, of story – the threads that connect the inspiration of our ancestors to all of us in a modern world,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler’s labor of passion is shared with a small team of hardworking women.

“It is all love. It is all things I love to do, people I love to be with,” Wheeler said. “People have come in that are so talented to help me with this venture. It is not happenstance, but how things are supposed to go and fit together. It is wonderful.”

At Wheeler’s side are a student of weaving named Taloa Underwood and the business-savvy Bethany McCord.

The Chickasaw map design depicted on this blanket uses almost entirely straight lines and filled in circles. It is fashioned after a 1723 historical map – an illustration of how the Chickasaw people visualized relationships with other tribes at the time. It is one of three designs of Mahota Textile’s “Heritage Collection.”

Using three new designs crafted by Wheeler, Mahota Textiles launched its first line of blankets, pillows and bags called “The Heritage Collection.”
As part of Mahota Textiles’ “Heritage Collection,” the Chickasaw map design uses almost entirely straight lines and filled in circles. It is fashioned after a 1723 historical map, an illustration of how the Chickasaw people visualized relationships with other tribes at the time. The map was originally crafted onto deerskin and delineates an understanding of population, power, influence and diplomacy within a 700,000-square-mile area, including waterways and trade routes.

The sun symbols design, thanks to its inspiration, had no way around being round. The sun was frequently represented in Southeastern design through what are now called sun circles. Sun circles have been found on a range of objects including burial items and adornments to stone disks used as paint palettes. They often include concentric circles and spirals, and may contain a cross or inverted scalloped lines within a circle.

With these new heavily-researched and uniquely-designed products in hand, Mahota Textiles began spreading the word.

This blanket shows the sun circles motif from Mahota Textile’s “Heritage Collection.” Sun circles have been found on a range of objects including burial items, adornments and stone disks used as paint palettes. They often include concentric circles, spirals and may contain a cross or inverted scalloped lines within a circle.

“We mailed books out to the Smithsonian, the Heard Museum, all major museum gift shops to get some interest there,” Wheeler said. She gave heavy credit to Underwood, who came in after her college courses to iron out samples and prepare envelopes for shipping.

Wheeler said she sees Mahota Textiles as a way to give back to the tribe which has supported her on her journey. She will pass the baton, relinquishing ownership to the Chickasaw Nation and operations over to the women who have made the business possible.

She said she is happy to carry on the title of founder and donate new designs to the company going forward.

“I am truly blessed with who I have come in contact with,” Wheeler said, referring to her team at Mahota Textiles. “I am putting all my eggs in their baskets so they can carry this on.”

Upcoming product lines for Mahota Textiles will be themed after the summer and winter solstices and designed by Taloa Underwood. Plans to include guest artists like Joanna Underwood Blackburn are also in the works.

Visit the cultural center Father’s Day weekend for comedy and creativity

By
Tony Choate
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SULPHUR, Okla. – Father’s Day weekend means two days full of creative and comedic fun at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Road.

Father’s Celebration

Celebrate the special men in your life during the Father’s Celebration Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17.

Take a step back into time at the Living Village and enjoy stickball, stomp dancing, children’s cultural crafts and more.

Native Creativity Day will take place Saturday with a celebration of Native American artists. The event will showcase a variety of creative mediums.

The film, “Trouble with the Curve,” will be screened 1 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Anoli’ Theater.

Fathers will receive free admission to the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center and discounts in the gift shops.

Native Comedy Showcase

Guests will enjoy the comedic entertainment of Adrianne Chalepah 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 16, in the Anoli’ Theater.

Adrianne Chalepah, Kiowa/Apache, is an entertainer from Anadarko, Oklahoma. In 2010, her comedy career took off when she teamed up with the popular comedy troupe “49 Laughs Comedy.”

Chalepah’s performances continue to gain recognition, landing her features in magazines and on television. In 2012, she was honored to open for first lady Michelle Obama. In 2014, she founded the “Ladies of Native Comedy” super group.

Chalepah has performed alongside comedy giants such as Margaret Cho, Dane Cook, the late Ralphie May and Jarrod Carmichael at the Hollywood Improv.

Tickets for Chalepah’s showcase are $3 for children age 12 and under; $4 for adults; or $6 combo deal that includes ticket, popcorn and drink.

Exhibits

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is currently showcasing two exciting, historical exhibits.

The Te Ata Exhibit and the Sculpting Cultures: Southeast and Southwest Native Pottery Exhibit will be available to visit during the celebration.

Explore the life of Mary “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher and her journey to become one of the greatest Native American performers of all time now through Sept. 2 in the Aapisa’ Art Gallery.

View items owned and worn by Te Ata, as well as memorabilia and props from the recently released, award-winning film.

The Sculpting Cultures: Southeast and Southwest Native Pottery Exhibit features historic Pueblo pottery from the Keres language family and modern pottery from Five Tribes artists.

This exhibit is a partnership with the Indian Arts Research Center at the School for Advanced Research and the Museum of the Red River. The pottery will be displayed in the Aaittafama’ Room now through Sept. 2.

The Father’s Celebration and exhibits are open to the public at no charge.

For more information about any of the upcoming events, call 580-622-7130 or visit www.chickasawculturalcenter.com.

Shop Local Campaign: England Farm and Fuel

By
Monica Bartling
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David England was a little late to the Shop Local interview this week.  He was called out to help the Hastings Fire Department with a tractor and grass fire. David has been a Volunteer Fireman in Waurika for 22 years. He and his wife, Lisa Gilmore England, are not only business owners of multiple businesses but have a strong belief that you give back to the communities in which you live. “We want Waurika to thrive,” David said. “This is our home. We all need to do what we can to make it a better place and we all need to Shop Local to keep what we have.”

David and Lisa own England Construction, England Fuel and Farm Supply which includes a greenhouse operation in summer months, England Tax Service, provide U-Haul rentals and offer bulk feed delivery. “We also carry Cattle-Lac brand liquid feed, which allows us to feed your cattle for you,” David said.  “At the store, we have a full line of sack feed and mineral, including custom mineral as well as chemicals and fertilizer.”

  They also offer pay at the pump 100% gas, highway & farm diesel that is available 24 hours a day.  “Our goal is to provide products and services to Waurika and surrounding communities that other businesses do not offer,” David stated.  “There is some cross-over in the oil products we carry, but we try not to compete with our business neighbors.” “We shop locally every time we can. We are in Beaver Lumber and Plumbing and Johnson Auto and Tractor multiple times a day.  That’s just one example.” 

Prior to purchasing Pilgreen Fuel and Farm, David owned a construction business and was away from home a great deal. “I felt like I lived in hotel rooms and, while I really enjoyed the construction work, I wanted to be home more.  In 2011, I was hauling wheat for Ralph Pilgreen and he asked me to buy his business.  I thought about it and decided the timing wasn’t right,” David stated.  “As the travel began to wear on me more and more, however, I decided to take a little different career path and bought Ralph’s company in 2012,” David continued. “We still have the construction company which does mainly dirt work and utility construction and also have trucks that provide sand and gravel to the area as well as hauling much of our own products. A Lot of what I learned from that business has carried over to all the different types of business we have now.” 

David is a 1987 graduate of Waurika High School and attended Waurika Schools from Kindergarten to high school graduation.  Lisa attended schools in Terral until the ninth grade, when she moved to Waurika and graduated in 1985.

Lisa married her high school sweetheart, Lee Gilmore, and was married to him for 25 years before he died suddenly in 2012.  While Lisa knew David in high school, and were also neighbors, it was work that brought them together. “Lisa and I started dating after I went to her for a tax problem that I asked her to help me resolve.  I have to admit that I probably asked more questions that I needed to and kept going back for more and more tax advice and buying a lot of feed before I finally got her to go out with me.” They were married in 2014.  Lisa has two children, Sydney Gilmore and Robert Gilmore and David has two daughters and one son, Shelby England Phillips, Davida England Harris and J.D. England.  They have six grandchildren. 

Lisa knew the feed store operation since she and Lee had owned and operated Gilmore Supply from 2006 to 2012 and also the Greenhouse operation.  “The greenhouse operation is my favorite.  I’ve always enjoyed working with plants and flowers and my time in the greenhouse is an escape from sitting at the desk and doing tax work and bookkeeping,” Lisa said.  “The greenhouse is very calming. Kids love the greenhouse.”  They get most of their plants from Red Dirt in Guthrie.  “I like that all our plants are grown in Oklahoma,” Lisa added. “We have people from all over come to the greenhouse.  Last spring, we had a customer from Eastern Oklahoma.  When they left you couldn’t get one more plant in the back of their truck or in their back seat. I like helping people with their plants.”

Both David and Lisa enjoy helping people and answering questions. David’s experience in construction and his personal farming operation for all those years is very helpful when people have questions about a construction project. “I’m not a salesperson, but will answer questions and give advice,” David added. “I get questions about the best type of fertilizer to use and quite often about rock and construction work. We still have a full construction company.  I like building things.”  Lisa added, “He’s pretty creative and a perfectionist.”

When asked what has changed in their businesses, both agreed that it’s regulations. We sell anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate and other dry fertilizer products. The ammonium nitrate is audited quarterly by the Department of Agriculture and annually by Homeland Security.  “We have to have an evacuation plan, as well as yearly training with our safety consultants so that we are prepared if something were to go wrong with our storage,” David said. “Regulations are strict, but these are the best fertilizers for southern Oklahoma especially because of the hot temperatures,” David explained. “We sell 60 to 70 truckloads of anhydrous ammonia during season which is pretty much in July and August. We sell ammonium nitrate year-round. We are the only dealer for ammonium nitrate in about a 100-mile radius. We have delivered as far as Apache and Davidson and everywhere in between.”

How do they keep up with all their businesses? “Everything is seasonal, so it all works out, and it takes a lot of teamwork from us as well as our employees and our customers, which we think are some of the best around,” David explained.  It does mean that they are busy 12 months out of the year and that vacations are taken whenever they have breaks.  “We like to travel,” Lisa said.  “I like it when he goes with me to tax schools, because that gives us some time together.” 

Lisa has been preparing taxes for eleven years.  “I started by working with Marilea Burge helping her with payroll and bookkeeping for her customers. She was a great mentor.  When she passed away, I became friends with her daughter, Lynda Cantrell. When Lynda moved away, I purchased the business from her,” Lisa stated.  “I’ve always enjoyed organizing and keeping receipts, doing bookkeeping and other paperwork. Strong organizational skills are a large part of keeping businesses and individuals straight for tax purposes.” 

Lisa is a QuickBooks Pro Advisor and recertifies with the Internal Revenue Service every year. “Recertifying includes annual testing to make sure I’m current on tax changes,” Lisa said.  “Tax law changes every single year.” Lisa is a member of the National Association of Tax Preparers and attends the Oklahoma State University tax school annually to make sure she is current on changes in farm and ranch regulations and laws. 

When asked the best advice they could give couples starting a new business David was quick to reply, “Keep up with your paperwork.” Lisa added, “Organization and having all the paperwork is the most important thing.”  “We started providing print outs to farmers and ranchers at the end of each year that show everything they purchased from us,” Lisa continued. “That’s a service we provide and it sure helps with tax reporting.”

David smiled and added, “My advice is to make sure you have a good bookkeeper.”  He may have been thinking back to the payroll tax advice needed that led him to begin talking to a certain tax expert a few years ago.  David and Lisa work hard and have a great partnership in all they do.

Terry Forst Named to Hall of Fame

By
News Release
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 OKLAHOMA CITY, May 21 – The 93rd class of Oklahomans has been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. 

These accomplished Oklahomans will join the 706 current Members of the prestigious hall. 

The 2020 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees are: Calvin J. Anthony, Stillwater; Gary Batton, Clayton; Martha Burger, Oklahoma City; Charles Dennis “Denny” Cresap, Afton; Terry Stuart Forst, Waurika; Stephen M. Prescott, M.D., Oklahoma City; Francis Rooney, Tulsa; and John W. Smith, Del City. The 2020 Class will be formally inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 12th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel and Conference Center, Norman, Oklahoma. 

The Honorees were presented via Facebook video, with Oklahoma Hall of Fame Members Bart Conner and Bob Burke serving as hosts. The announcement can be seen on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame website, oklahomahof.com, YouTube channel and Facebook page. 

 TERRY STUART FORST, WAURIKA A fifth-generation Oklahoman, Terry Stuart Forst was born in Oklahoma City. She became general manager of The Stuart Ranch, the family ranch she grew up on near Caddo, in 2001. Through innovative planning and hard work Forst and her family have built an award winning equine program, cattle operation, and outfitting division. The Stuart Ranch is the oldest ranch in the state under continuous family ownership and encompasses over 40,000 acres in southeastern and southwestern Oklahoma. Forst served as the first woman president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and as a member of the American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Council. She was honored with the Master Breeder Award by Oklahoma State University, named “Top 50 Women Making a Difference” by The Journal Record, was the first female to receive the Oklahoma Cattlemen of the Year Award and inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. 

Forst, her two sons, and their families live and work on the ranch in Waurika. 

 “We proudly continue our mission in honoring Oklahoma’s best and brightest with our state’s highest honor” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum. “Since the first induction ceremony in 1928 the Oklahoma Hall of Fame has celebrated the inspiring stories of our native sons and daughters who committed their lives to overcome challenges for the betterment of Oklahoma, our nation and the world. The outstanding class of 2020 is no exception and we look forward to sharing their unique stories that bring an overwhelming sense of pride to communities throughout our great state”. 

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. 

Along with being honored at the formal induction ceremony, the 2020 Honorees will be recognized in November with the unveiling of their portraits at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum. In addition, their biographies, photos and videos will be accessible through interactive exhibits in the Museum. 

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 to the public September 1. For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame or Gaylord-Pickens Museum, call 405.235.4458 or visit OklahomaHoF.com.

Round Ryan April 12 2018

By
Mollye Compton
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0

What a week we have had around Ryan in regards to our weather.  We’ve had some really beautiful weather. We’ve had some great days to get outside and work on the yard, or whatever pleasurable things are to get us outside because it was so pleasant.  Well, after Friday afternoon was upon us, all of that changed.  The winds turned around and began blowing from the north, and they were really hard winds.  The kind of winds that, if you were sitting in your home, you could hear the shingles flapping around just a few feet above your head.  If the wind wasn’t enough, then, on Saturday morning, it was 30 degrees until around noon.  There was a bit of precipitation that turned to ice for a little while.  Sunday it was a bit warmer.  It made it up to around 60 degrees.  That was our heat wave for the weekend.  Today, the sun has been shining and it is very pleasant again.  I got on Facebook after I had received a message from a friend and the season we are in is being referred to is now Sprinter.  We don’t know if it is spring or winter, so, this catches whatever the condition is at the time.  We are still going to receive some pretty cool temperatures this coming weekend.  Our mesquite trees are even bearing leaves now, so, they think it is Spring. 

Our high school kids had their junior-senior prom this past weekend.  It was certainly cold that evening. 

We have a few folks in our community that needed to be lifted up in our prayers.  Joe Turner is still in Duncan Regional and is having some more surgery.  Please keep him and Fern in your prayers.  David Wingfield had surgery last week and prayers for him and his family that he will be restored to good health soon. Please remember Carlie Southard in our prayers.  Pat Bussey made it back home last week and she is going to Tulsa to the Cancer Center to get their opinion on what approach she needs to take in regards to the cancer she has.  Prayers for her and her family during this time. 

Terri and Chuck Sheffield will be making a trip to London, England this week.  Terri has been very successful in her insurance business and Farm Bureau is paying for their trip.  Prayers for them that they have safe travels there and back.  They will spend 9 hours on the plane before they get to their destination. 

Kim’s news for this week:

Before I got to the big flashing sign by the bridge, I look over my shoulder cause it sounded like I was getting pulled over. 

In Shelton’s parking lot I ran over my foot with a shopping cart..

Sunday afternoon, it was all I was hoping, me and Ruffy Tuffy turning back at the Cowboy Church roping.

Everyone have a blessed week.  Prayers for rain and for each other.

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