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“Wearing a seat belt is the number one thing anyone can do to help prevent death or injury during a vehicle crash,” said Harris. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56 percent of vehicle occupants nationwide who were killed between 6 pm and 6 am were not wearing their seat belts, which is why one focus of this year’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign is nighttime enforcement. During the week of “Click It or Ticket”, participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement, writing citations day and night. A campaign kickoff press event will be held at St. John Health System in Tulsa on Monday, May 21 at 11 am. For a complete list of speakers and more details, please visit ohso.ok.gov/clickit. There seems to be a misconception among those who drive and ride in pickup trucks that their large vehicles will protect them better than other vehicles would in a crash. The numbers say otherwise: 61 percent of pickup truck occupants who were killed in 2016 nationwide were not buckled up. That’s compared to 42 percent of passenger car occupants who were not wearing seat belts when they were killed. Regardless of vehicle type, seat belt use is the single most effective way to stay alive in a crash. “Our goal isn’t to write citations, but we do know tickets talk,” said Lieutenant Joe Williams with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. “The ‘Click It or Ticket’ program gives us a chance to get out there on the roads and really focus on drivers and passengers who aren’t buckled up.” “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits,” said Lt. Williams. “Help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up — every trip, every time.” For more information on the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, please visit www.ohso.ok.gov/clickit |
Click It or Ticket Campaign Kicks Off in Oklahoma
Cameron University Foundation establishes endowed scholarship in memory of alumnus, staff member Patrick Copeland
The Cameron University Foundation has established an endowed scholarship thanks to the family and friends of the late Patrick Copeland, a CU alumnus and staff member. The Patrick Copeland Memorial Endowed Scholarship in English and Foreign Languages will benefit full-time students who are pursuing a degree in the English & Foreign Languages discipline with preference given to students who have declared a major in International Languages.
“As a family, we could not think of a better way to honor Patrick,” says his sister, Candi Bridges. ”Cameron University’s former slogan, ‘My University,’ defined Patrick as a whole. His heart was left on that campus when he left this earth. He loved his students and co-workers, and his passion for foreign languages was unmeasurable. This endowment ensures that his love for learning and teaching will never die, and he will continue to help students even after his death.”
Copeland, who passed away in January 2018, was a native of Waurika. He earned an Associate in Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008, a Bachelor of Arts in International Languages with a minor in Spanish in 2009, graduating Cum Laude, and a Master of Science in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology in 2012 from CU. Copeland was inducted into Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society, serving one term as the chapter president. In 2016, he was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education. A Senior Library Associate, he also served as an adjunct instructor of Spanish, Latin and various workshops. He was pursuing a Ph.D. at the time of his death.
Endowed scholarships managed by the Cameron University Foundation provide financial assistance to deserving students in perpetuity. To learn more about establishing an endowment, contact the Office of University Advancement at 580-581-2999.
Carrie Underwood and Pioneer Woman among those added to OK Hall of Fame
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?
Hand-Picked Group to Begin Wielding Powers over State Agencies
A small group of unelected citizens, all appointed by Republican state leaders, will soon be exercising significant powers to decide how the state’s top agencies spend their funding and which services they should provide.
Legislators and Gov. Mary Fallin added $2 million to the state budget this year to pay for state agency audits to be conducted by a private firm and overseen by a commission of Oklahoma business leaders.
Conservative lawmakers say this private-sector approach work will uncover waste, fraud and unnecessary spending that goes beyond agencies’ legislative or constitutional directives.
But the new funding has drawn critics from both Republicans and Democrats, who say the audits are expensive and are likely to reveal little beyond agencies’ need for more money to carry out their core missions.
A larger concern, they argue, is that the state is potentially politicizing the audits and giving a group of businessmen undue influence over how the state spends taxpayer dollars.
A Focus on Cost-Cutting
The task of overseeing the audits falls to the newly formed, nine-member Agency Performance and Accountability Commission. The general concept of the group was spelled out in a billapproved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Mary Fallin last year. Appointed by Fallin and GOP House and Senate leaders, the commission is in the process of hiring a firm that will conduct the first round of performance audits. Performance audits are designed look at how effective and efficient programs are.
Instead of just forwarding cost-saving recommendations to the audited agencies – the case with traditional audits – the law creating the commission says the agencies “shall implement the recommendations” unless otherwise directed by the Legislature.
That gives the group more powers than those of other private-led commissions that the Legislature created in the past. For example, the Incentive Evaluation Commission, charged with making recommendations on many business tax breaks, only had an advisory role and could not instruct agencies on what to cut or keep.
Rep. David Perryman, D-Chickasha, said he believes this is an attempt by lawmakers to circumvent the Legislature and agency directors who control spending decisions, with the goal of cutting budgets and shrinking government.
“Theoretically, under Oklahoma law, when an agency head is hired, they’re supposed to have expertise in wherever they are serving,” Perryman said. “So we are basically taking away their ability to function in their own areas of expertise and, instead, having this group come in and dictate that something needs to be done a certain way.”
Perryman said because just three Republicans – Fallin, Senate Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka – had any say in selecting the members, he questions how objective and non-partisan the commission will be. The commission could “conceal” findings that might not coincide with the views of those leaders, giving political cover to cut budgets or reduce services, he said.
State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones, a Republican who is running for governor, said he’s also concerned.
A request for proposal, which set out the scope of work for companies that wanted to bid, is proof that the audits won’t be independent or meet the standards his office must meet, he said.
Instead of honestly evaluating whether an agency is performing correctly, needs more money or can cut costs, the document specifically requires the firm to identify cost-cutting moves.
Among other things, the request says the firm “will be expected to explore savings” by identifying areas where the level of service exceeds what is necessary, or by consolidating agencies and privatizing services.
Jones said it’s improper for such a request to require the auditor to assume that costs need to be cut.
“You can’t have pre-determined outcomes,” he said.
Jones said his office was invited to bid on the audits or recommend who should do the audits. But he declined because he didn’t believe the request for proposal would allow him to perform a truly independent audit.
“We didn’t want any of our fingerprints on this,” he said.
He said concerns over politicizing the process would have been moot had Fallin not vetoed a billin 2013 to create the Joint Legislative Committee on Accountability.
Jones said his office would likely be able to perform the audit more cheaply than a private firm could. The state auditor’s office does not make a profit, and would be better qualified than a company that may not even be located in Oklahoma, he said.
‘A Fresh Look’
Republican leaders have defended the commission and expressed confidence in its members, who are volunteering without pay.
At the commission’s first meeting in December, McCall, the Speaker, called the effort a “fresh look” and said taking a “very private-sector approach” can be more productive than a traditional government audit.
“The vision for this commission is not to just look at financial matters – those are currently reviewed,” he said. “But this will look at the processes agencies use, the programs they are involved in and their structure and other various things.”
Senate leader Schulz added, “There never can be too much oversight” when it comes to deciding how taxpayers’ dollars are spent.
In a recent email to Oklahoma Watch, Schulz said, “It’s not surprising that Capitol insiders would reject the infusion of common sense and business acumen (the commission) will undoubtedly bring. Legislators, agency directors and taxpayers should expect (the commission) to provide actionable ideas and best practices that will ensure more efficient delivery of government services and expenditure of taxpayer dollars.”
Bob Sullivan, who heads the Tulsa-based oil and gas firm Sullivan and Company, is among those on the accountability commission. He also said commission members will bring a fresh perspective. The language requiring agencies to follow the recommendations is necessary because it gives “teeth” to their work.
“It makes me feel better that we are going to be spending time on something that has some chance of being implemented here,” he said.
Outlook for Audits
The company that wins the bid to do the audits will face tight deadlines. A preliminary report is due Sept. 28, and a final one is due Dec. 31.
Only a small number of agencies will get a look this year. The commission is to audit the 20 largest state agencies on a rotating basis, but the $2 million in funding for fiscal year 2019 will only go so far.
The request for proposal, issued well before the 2019 budget was approved, says agencies that could be audited in the first year are the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Safety, the District Attorneys Council and the Office of Juvenile Affairs.
The commission planned to meet May 9 to discuss its next steps and review proposals from five bidders. It also was expected to discuss when the Department of Education would be audited and how to pay for it.
But the meeting was called off when the group was told that its notice didn’t comply with the state Open Meeting Act. Another meeting will be scheduled.
The commission is required to publish its final report and a follow-up report online. The reports track whether agencies are following audit recommendations.
By Trevor Brown
Oklahoma Watch
Terral News and Happenings May 17 2018
QUOTE OF THE DAY – “A life not lived for others is not a life” – By: Mother Teresa
CONGRATULATIONS – To the Terral Kindergarten Class and Eighth Grade Graduating class.
I would also like to recognize the Ryan Senior Graduating Class, congratulations and the best of luck with your new adventures of your life.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – Wednesday night Kids for Christ, GA’s and RA’s will not have services through the summer. We will start again in August whenever school starts again.
Hope everyone has a great summer!
TERRAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT – Will be selling T-shirt until May 31st. Cost is
$15 for regular sizes and $17.00 for 2XL to 4XL. All proceeds go to the Volunteer Fire Department. You may pick up an order form at City Hall and drop it back by the City Hall.
FBC GIRLS IN ACTIONS – The GA’s had their Appreciation and Awards Breakfast on
Saturday, May 12th, Thank you parents for attending and GA’s we appreciate you so much.
A special “Thanks” goes out to Bro. Ayers of the Assembly of God Church for being our guest speaker we really appreciated your words about mission work. We had a great year and a great group of girls. I am looking forward to a bigger and better year next year. I will see you girls at the swim party next month. Have a great summer! Jesus loves you and so do we: Mrs. Shirley and Mrs. Kunkel.
COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST – Tony Rodriquez, Brenda Bryant, Archie Fulton, Scotty Day,
Tom Baysinger, Sue Linton, Martin Villarreal, Sr., Joe Harnois, Esther Grimes, Marie Pollan,
Virginia Tanner, Darlene Hall, T.K. Delaney, Manuel Villarreal, Shana Reed and our military stationed around the world. May God keep you in His loving care.
Round Ryan May 17 2018
It’s been a great week, but, this is the first week that we’ve not been blessed with a bit of rain. Maybe this week, we will have a better opportunity for some, if the Lord is willing. The days are now nearly constant for highs in the 90s. I try to get any outdoor work that needs to be taken care of done early in the mornings. It doesn’t take long for our seasons to pass, anymore.
This past week has been a busy week for most folks around Ryan. Brionna and I went up to Waurika to Doc’s Place to eat dinner Thursday evening. Brionna had fried shrimp and I had a grilled pork chop with peach chutney. It was a very good meal.
Saturday evening, we attended the Ryan graduation ceremony/ I was surprised that they didn’t have a guest speaker, but, they don’t always have 2 Valedictorians and 2 Salutatorians either. Take Kimbro and McKenzie Lewis shared the spots for the Valedictorian of the class, and Dawson Tomberlin and Cara Williams, shared the spots for the Salutatorian. Each one of them gave a speech. Cara Williams, along with her speech, played her guitar and sang a song. She is very talented young lady. Congratulations to all of the Ryan graduates. Good luck to all of you and God be with you all.
Sunday was Mother’s Day and Brionna and I made it to church. Edna had commented in Sunday School, that she hoped someone from her family would be there at church with her. She did indeed have both Natalie and Leslie with her husband, David. After church, I decided not to go home to cook for use, but, instead, headed to eat out at Bill’s. It seemed like we had to park about a half mile away from the restaurant, but, they were packed. We stood outside for a while, then went inside the entryway and stood for another while. I saw Ramona Bryant and got to talk to her for a little while. She is living in Duncan at an independent living facility that is only about a year old. She really does like it where she is. We also ran into Joyce and Lynn Plant while we were standing outside. They had their kids and some of their families there, too. We finally got to sit on the benches and visit for a little bit. I told Joyce that you have to be really hungry for Bill’s fish to have to wait for as long as we did. Our final wait was about an hour and a half. It was all worth it, though. The fish and hush puppies and the cole slaw, were all delicious. Then, to top off our meal, they brought all the mothers out a chocolate covered strawberry for dessert. I imagine most restaurants were pretty crowded with families, trying to get Moms out of the kitchens.
We didn’t get over to see Mom as I had originally planned. I had a cold and didn’t want to get around Mom or the other residents in the home. I called her and wished her a Happy Mother’s Day, though. My brother, Mel, took her out to eat there in Nocona at Del Rios. He said she really enjoyed her outing.
Our kids will be having their last day of school this Friday. Ya’ll have a great summer!
Kim’s news for this week:
This week I was not alone, my friend, Brionna, was home. She went with Foxy and me to see Ruffy Tuffy. That wasn’t all–me, Foxy, and her played ball.
Ruffy Tuffy got hurt in his stall, but, he’ll be okay after all.
Everyone have a blessed week. Pray for rain and for each other.
Jefferson County Students Receive Scholarships
On April 14, registered students took an exam on Oklahoma history, geography and people in the hope that their high scores would earn them a cash scholarship or tuition grant. This year the organization made available more than $450,000 in scholarships to students statewide.
“This program is designed to reward Oklahoma students who have taken an interest in the rich history of our great state,” said Shannon L. Rich, president & CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum. “It also encourages Oklahoma students to stay in state to attend college and be inspired remain here to live and work after receiving their degrees.”
Tuition grants and cash scholarships were awarded to 128 students from 53 counties in Oklahoma. The students were recognized during a scholarship awards ceremony at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, on Monday, May 14th, in Oklahoma City. A complete list of winners by county is available at OklahomaHoF.com.
From Jefferson County
$1,000 tuition grant
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha
Landry Forsyth
Waurika High School, 9th
$1,000 tuition grant
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
Holland Noel Carter
Ryan Public School, 11th
Westbrook Nursing Home News
We hope all the ladies had a wonderful Mother’s Day. We sure did.
Oldest Mother
On Friday we had our annual Mother’s Day Tea honoring each lady with a flower. Also honoring each lady with framed certificates. Our oldest: Klova Dee Shaw; youngest: Patricia Woodard; and mother with the most children: Bonnie Wallace. We enjoyed delicious punch and snacks provided by our wonderful dietary Manager Cora Bailey. We enjoyed music and singing by Gene Wilkerson who honored our ladies with a Mother’s Day song he wrote. It was beautiful. A special thanks to everyone who helped make this day so special.
Youngest Mother
This week is Nursing Home Week. We have several activities planned and dressing up each day. Monday is crazy hat and sock day; Tuesday is western day; Wednesday is Hawaiian day; Thursday is Patriotic day and Friday is sports day. On Friday we will enjoy a party and have drawings for door prizes.
Mother with the most children.
We really appreciate all of our visitors and volunteers. Have a Blessed Week.
Voter Registration Deadline is June 1
Friday, JUNE 1, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the JUNE 26th STATE & COUNTY PRIMARY & SPECIAL ELECTION FOR CITY OF WAURIKA, JEFFERSON County Election Board Secretary TAMMY RICHARDSON said today.
RICHARDSON said that persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 18 years old may apply to become registered voters.
Those who aren’t registered or need to change their registration may apply by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight Friday, JUNE 1.
RICHARDSON said applications postmarked after that time will be accepted and processed, but not until after JUNE 26.
The County Election Board responds in writing to every person who submits an application for voter registration. The response is either a voter identification card listing the new voter’s precinct number and polling place location or a letter that explains the reason or reasons the application for voter registration was not approved. RICHARDSON said any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the County Election Board office.
Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 220 NORTH MAIN RM #203, and at most post offices, tag agencies and public libraries in the county. Applications also are available at www.elections.ok.gov.
Niles City performs at Red River Valley Venue & Opry
The Red River Valley Venue & Opry House hosted a country music event on Saturday, May 12th, in Byers, Texas at the newly restored (former) Byers Methodist Church.
Niles City, a Country/Rock/Blues/Funk music group from Ft. Worth, entertained for two hours; delighting the audience with a variety of genres ranging from classic country to gospel music. These EFI recording artists are talented singers, songwriters and musicians who are no strangers to the music industry. Most of them have over 20 years in the music industry; offering an amazing and professional entertaining experience. They recently opened for headliners at Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth, including country artist, Steve Wariner, as well as opening for Kiefer Sutherland and his band the same weekend. Read more about Niles City and these amazing musicians on their website www.nilescityband.com and on their Niles City official FB page.
Based on the numerous positive comments and feedback from those in attendance, they have been invited to return. That date and time is yet to be determined, but we anticipate it to be within the next couple of months. The Red River Valley Venue & Opry House official FB page will post dates for this and all upcoming music/entertaining events, as they are confirmed. For more information regarding the venue, dates and rental pricing, please contact, Jerry McMahan @ 281-785-1990.
