VICTOR CASEY CHARLES ALLCOTT
Ignite Adams PARC Announces Partnership with Specialty Providers
At Ignite Adams PARC, our team partners with renowned local providers to provide worldclass therapy treatments and technology to get our patients active and back to their lives as soon as possible. Specialty services and programs include treatment and recovery plans in Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care & Infection Management, Renal Disease and Palliative Care.
We are pleased to introduce the exceptionally trained and highly skilled team of medical professionals who provide a continuum of care for our guests as they transition from the acute hospital setting to Ignite Adams PARC for their post-acute rehabilitation. Our newest partnership with these providers will allow for Ignite Adams PARC to continue to be at the forefront of healthcare as this esteemed team provides daily and weekly support to our clinical and therapy team to guide our guests’ recovery and treatment plans.
Thomas Loafman, APRN-CNP Cardiology Specialist
Tyler Woods, APRN-CNP, CWS Wound Specialist
Georjane Woodburn, APRN, FNP Pain Management Specialist
Samantha Nunn, APRN-CNP NP to Medical Director
Dr. Robyn Lovitt-Fry, MD Medical Director
Rebecca Rhone, APRN-CNP, CWS Wound Specialist
Travis Buchanan, PA-C Pain Management Specialist
upfront
Welcome to September, friends! I hope you had a great summer. It seems that summer just came and went. I’m writing this upfront during the afternoon of August 20th. Tomorrow, we go to print for September, and it’s also the day we take Grace back to college. I will talk about that later in the upfront.
This month, I called upon Jay Hastings to write the feature story about the early “Lawmen” of this area. I love Jay’s writing…the story he tells is really good. Think about this, we didn’t have any lawmen in Bartlesville until Oklahoma became a state. This was Indian Territory and it was the wild, wild west where most men carried a sidearm. Since this land was dangerously lawless, people pretty much did what they wanted and the community self-punished. Just think about the heavy burden the first lawmen carried during that period. Most, if not all, of the criminals he encountered were just bad ombres and everyone carried a gun. He had a lot of responsibility to bring law and order to a whole new state and city.
The cover I chose is Griff Graham. He was the second sheriff in Washington County. I love this image. When I first saw this picture, I knew this was going to be the cover. We put a wanted poster behind him because that’s a man I wouldn’t want to tangle with if I were a criminal. I hope you get a sense of what many of these men went through to protect Bartlesville and Washington County. Hats off to each one of these great men who brought justice and peace to our great city and county.
For this month’s Profile, we also chose Jay Hastings. Jay has been a constant with the Bartlesville Monthly Magazine for the past three years. Each month, he writes Let Freedom Ring, which I specifically chose him to write when we initiated this segment. I want people to know about the history of this great country, and each month
he delivers. He, also, wrote the story of the Oklahoma City Bombing’s 25th Anniversary for our March issue and knocked it out of the park. This month, Jay brings a personal perspective to law enforcement; and, when he retires, he will be the longest-serving police officer in the history of the Bartlesville Police Department. Congratulations, Jay, and thank you for serving our great community!
Ok, here we go…I have been coming back and forth all day to write this upfront. Christy and I went to dinner tonight with Grace and her boyfriend, Ayden, and my dear mother-in-law, Dona. Tomorrow is the big day when we take Grace back to college. In a blink, she was here on the first of May, and now I will wake up tomorrow, taking her back to Ottawa, Kansas, so she can continue her dream of playing college basketball. It’s special to me because I was the one who first coached her in basketball; and now, if I play her one-on-one, she would beat me each time. That’s ok with me. Every time I get to see her play, there couldn’t be a prouder dad than me! So, for all the thousands of people over the last eight years who have read my upfronts and the hundreds of stories I’ve written about our family and our life; this is always the toughest one to write. Grace is ours, with a blended family of six kids and our son Tyler in Heaven, which I will write about next month. Eighteen years of being apart, getting married, and this little miracle child we had together, helped me get over my addiction and be the father she deserved; the father all my kids deserved! Tomorrow will be a good day and we will get through it together. However, for her dad, she will always be the anchor of this family and she will always be my little Gracie girl. Also, her lamp in her room will stay on until she returns!
God bless, Keith
Volume XVI Issue IX
Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by ENGEL PUBLISHING
New office located in the B the Light Mission 219 North Virginia Avenue, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003 www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly
Publisher Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com
Graphics Engel Publishing matt@engelpublishing.com
Director of Sales & Marketing Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com
Community Liaison Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com
Project Manager Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com
Administration Shelley Greene Stewart
Delivery and Distribution Dewayne Engel Calendar/Social Media calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com
Contributing Writers
Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Kelly Hurd Jay Hastings, Brent Taylor, Keith McPhail Jay Webster, Abigail SIngrey, Mike Tupa Lori Just, Miriam Walker, Joe Todd Greg Wheat, Maria Gus
Contributing Photographers
Bartlesville Area History Museum Mike Tupa, Kelly Hurd, Debbie Neece
Kids Calendar
Jessica Smith
ABOUT THE COVER
Remembering the early Lawmen who helped tame the wild Washington County.
Creative concept by Keith and Christy McPhail
Design by Engel Publishing
September 2025
Keith and Christy McPhail, Managing Editors
Captain Jay Hastings
by Lori Just
After nearly four decades in uniform, one name stands out as a pillar of consistency and leadership in the Bartlesville Police Department (BPD). With 39 years of service, Captain Jay Hastings is the longest-serving officer in the department’s history—a milestone that reflects dedication to a community and a profession that has evolved dramatically since he first started.
Born and raised in Bartlesville, Jay graduated from Sooner High School in 1982, the last graduating class before the school become Bartlesville High School. From a young age, law enforcement was already on his radar.
“I had a friend whose dad was a deputy sheriff,” he said. “I met some of the old timers, and was always interested in their stories. As I got older, that interest never went away.”
In February 1986, he was hired as a jailer for BPD, just as the city completed a remodel of the station on Hensley. Within a year, he had also become a reserve officer, riding with the night shift on his days off. Then came the October flood of 1986.
“I was scheduled to work that night. I came in for my shift and ended up sandbagging all night trying to keep the water from getting into the parking lot,” he remembered. “The newly remodeled building flooded that weekend.”
In January 1988, he graduated from the police academy and officially became a full-time patrol officer. His first years were spent on the night shift with five years of patrolling Bartlesville while most of the city slept.
“A lot of times, we were the only ones out there, you felt like the keeper of the city at night,” he said. “We did a lot of building checks, caught some burglars. It was about knowing your community and protecting it.”
His career steadily progressed: field training officer, accident investigator, then a move to evening and day shifts. In 1999, he accepted a temporary assignment in the detective division and was promoted to full-time detective in 2000.
“I’d always thought about being an investigator, and once I got in, I knew it was the right fit,” he added.
He became one of the department’s first designated domestic violence investigators after the city received a new federal grant. He expanded his focus into child abuse cases, working closely with Family Crisis and Counseling before agencies like Ray of Hope existed.
“I served on the Washington County multidisciplinary team and other community boards,” he said. “That kind of outreach was really important.”
Promotions followed: first to sergeant, then to lieutenant overseeing the detective division. In 2008, he was chosen by then-Chief Tom Holland, to attend the prestigious invitationonly FBI National Academy program held at the FBI Training
located within the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The 10-week experience was physically, mentally and professionally demanding.
“That was a huge moment,” he recalled. “It was intense. We did physical training every day. We ran, trained on the Marine Corps obstacle course, and took leadership and supervision classes. I was in training with about 250 other law enforcement professionals from across the country and internationally. It really gave me a broader perspective not just in terms of police work, but in leadership and community engagement.”
The culminating challenge was the legendary “Yellow Brick Road,” a rigorous obstacle course run that tested physical and mental stamina.
“I wasn’t 22 years old anymore,” he laughed. “I was 44 when I went, but I actually enjoyed it. It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.”
Graduating from the 234th session of the National Academy not only advanced his leadership training, but it also expanded his professional network and opened doors for future roles. Upon returning, he was promoted to captain. In addition to overseeing detectives, he became the department’s Public Information Officer and served as the Chief’s designee for community relations.
“I spent 23 years in the detective division,” he beamed. “I just loved working as a team, solving problems together. That’s what I thrive on.”
In more recent years, he’s taken on administrative responsibilities including a critical role in designing the city’s new police station, which opened around 2018. He now oversees the department’s communications and dispatch center. One of his biggest recent projects was managing a $2 million bond initiative to upgrade the radio communications system.
“We partnered with Phillips Petroleum and Dave Herdman, who was instrumental in designing the new radio site here in
Facility
Bartlesville,” he explained. “Now we’re on the OKWIN network, and agencies across the state can communicate here including the Highway Patrol. Before, if they were north of Tulsa, their radios didn’t work.”
When asked what kept him in the job so long, his answer is simple.
“I started when I was 22 and when people ask why I did it, sure, you can say it’s about helping people, but for me, it was about serving my community,” he said. “My family’s here. I lived here. I wanted to give back in a meaningful way.”
That commitment continued through every shift change, every new role and even every technological leap.
“Back in the day, we didn’t have computers or cell phones,” he recalled. “We had a list of pay phones in the patrol car. We’d tell dispatch which one we were going to, and that’s how we communicated.”
Over the years, he learned how to de-escalate tense situations, work with families during tragedy and stay calm under pressure.
“There’s a lot more to police work than writing tickets and making arrests,” he said. “People don’t always see that. We’re counselors, problem-solvers, community builders. Some of the most rewarding parts of my career weren’t about catching the bad guys, they were about helping the ones who couldn’t help themselves. It’s challenging, but it’s meaningful.”
Jay has also never let the job fully define him. Behind the uniform is a musician, photographer, historian, writer and problem-solver. Music was an early outlet from the pressures of police work. What started as a hobby became something more when a few fellow detectives decided to start a band.
“We were called Signal 29—that’s actually a police radio code,” he said with a smile. “We played 80s rock and covered songs at local restaurants, events, even a few casinos. It was a lot of fun.”
He also spent about 10 years playing guitar and drums with his church’s worship band.
“I’ve always found music therapeutic,” he shared. “It helps me decompress. I’m not the kind of person who wants to be on all the time. I need space to recharge, and music gives me that.”
Creativity runs in his family. His father was an artist and exhibit designer for Phillips Petroleum, his brothers played guitars and his grandmother was also a painter.
“I think it’s just in my blood,” he reflected. “Whether it’s music, photography or writing—being creative helps me relax and stay grounded.”
Photography became another passion, particularly landscape and wildlife photography, as well as night photography; a technically demanding genre that Jay enjoys sharing with others.
“I love going out to the country and shooting abandoned buildings or old houses under the stars,” he said. “You can light them up with flashlights and do long exposures. It’s called painting with light. It sounds crazy, but shooting at night gives you more control than during the day. You’re not fighting the sun; you’re creating your own light.”
He’s even mentored others in learning night photography.
“If you can take good photos in total darkness, you really understand how your camera works,” he said. “It teaches you a lot about light and that makes you a better photographer overall.”
Later in his career, Hastings found a new outlet that combined two of his strengths: writing and investigation. But instead of solving crimes, he began exploring history.
“I call it investigating history,” he said. “There are so many untold stories out there especially in local railroad history. I started looking into it, and the deeper I went, the more fascinated I became.”
He writes monthly articles for this publication and has given public presentations on the history of regional railroads. He also served on the Friends of the Bartlesville Area History Museum board.
“It started as a hobby, but it turned into something I really enjoy,” he said. History is like detective work—sometimes you have to turn over a lot of rocks to find the truth.”
Outside of work and hobbies, family remains the center of Jay’s life. Together, he and his wife, Shelley, who works for the Department of Human Services, have three adult children and four grandchildren.
“We actually met through work,” he said. “She was assigned to Washington County at one point. We both understand the challenges of public service, and sometimes we come home and end up talking shop.”
Now empty nesters, Jay and his wife are beginning to look toward retirement and all the hobbies and travels they’ve postponed.
“She keeps asking me what I’m going to do when I retire,” he laughed. “But I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”
When asked if he’s ever received formal recognition or awards, he answered candidly.
“I’ve never been Officer of the Year or anything like that,” he said. “And that’s okay. I’ve always seen my role more as support and leadership. I’m more of a listener than a talker. I’ve always been that way—just quietly observing, working behind the scenes. I’ve never been interested in being the center of attention.”
It’s that humility that’s helped him lead with integrity throughout a long and diverse law enforcement career. Captain Hastings has worked in nearly every area of BPD from investigations to building security, to managing communications and technology.
“I’ve had the opportunity to help people, and that’s what matters,” he said. “I’ve also learned that to stay grounded, you have to step outside the job sometimes and pursue your passions, give your mind a break and find your balance.”
So, whether he’s capturing the night sky, uncovering forgotten history or fixing a technical glitch no one else can, Captain Jay Hastings continues to be a steady presence as a quiet professional who has shaped his community in ways both seen and unseen.
Washington County’s
by BPD Captain Jay Hastings
Early Lawmen
One of my responsibilities as the Administrative Captain at the Bartlesville Police Department is to supervise the 911 Dispatch Center housed in the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Each day, I check in on our dispatchers. As I walk into the lobby of the WCSO, I’m met with the faces of all the sheriffs who have served Washington County. I wanted to learn more about them, and what life as a law enforcement officer was like in the early years, at the time of Statehood.
On September 17, 1907, the people of the Indian and Oklahoma Territories voted favorably for statehood. The vote was certified and delivered to President Theodore Roosevelt, and on November 16, 1907, Roosevelt issued Presidential Proclamation 780, admitting Oklahoma as the forty-sixth state.
Oklahoma’s path to statehood was complex, primarily due to political maneuvering and unique circumstances of the territory. The land was acquired in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase and was dubbed “Indian Territory”; the intended site for Native tribes subject to forced removal and relocation by the federal government. The creation of Oklahoma Territory in 1890, followed by the merging of Oklahoma and Indian Territories, marked a step toward statehood, but several factors delayed its formal entry into the Union.
Eastern representatives worried about the potential shift in political power with the addition of new western states, while
Southern Democrats feared a Republican-leaning state. A 1905 proposal by tribal nations for a separate state of Sequoyah was ultimately rejected by Congress. After much debate and negotiation, Oklahoma officially became the 46th state on November 16, 1907.
Lighthorse Police were a mounted police force established in Indian Territory as early as 1820 by the Five Tribes: Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole. They were originally named after Revolutionary War General Henry Lee, nicknamed “Lighthorse Harry” for his cavalry’s speed. The Lighthorse Police were responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and apprehending criminals within their respective nations.
With Oklahoma’s statehood in 1907, the position of sheriff became an elected office for each county, which continued a tradition from the Indian Territory and mirroring practices in many other states. The Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association was formed around this time to support efforts of the state’s 77 sheriffs.
Early Oklahoma law enforcement was characterized by a patchwork system relying heavily on federal marshals and local officials. The U.S. Marshal’s Service was initially the primary law enforcement body, but its limited resources and jurisdiction were further restricted with admittance to statehood. Overnight, the number of marshals and deputies within Oklahoma dwindled from 175 to 25 as Oklahoma’s state constitution went into effect. Consequently, other key law enforcement players developed, including county sheriffs and local police departments, many of which evolved from town marshals and night watchmen. When Oklahoma’s constitution established the Office of Sheriff, the
Early Area Lawmen
description of duties were similar to those of English sheriffs centuries before, largely political rather than focused on performing tasks related to law enforcement. Those early officials faced significant challenges such as limited resources, a vast territory, and lack of organized training and communication systems.
In April 1907, the Bartlesville Daily News started printing formal announcements for candidates running in the first Sheriff election in Washington County. Some of the candidates announcing their intention to run for Sheriff were republicans Harvey “Shy” Fullen, William Keeler, W.H. Hatch, and William Speck, and democrats A. R. Harrington, Smith Lounsbury, Ernest Lewis, James A. Brown, John D. Jordan, William O. McInroy, and
James Gray. As a result of the primary election in June 1907, Keeler and Jordan won the republican and democratic nominations, respectively. In November of that same year, Jordan was elected to serve as the first Sheriff of Washington County and served in that capacity until his death in 1914.
In January, 1911, a state enforcement officer, E. L. Kraeer, became critical of Sheriff Jordan for not assisting her with a raid on a resident selling liquor. State Officer Kraeer had visited B.E. King’s establishment on Third Street early in the day. At that time, she was given the grand tour and treated with the utmost respect. Kraeer said King showed her his illicit goods, including two cases of beer and a bottle of what looked like whiskey. Kraeer also saw a large freezer holding several “cool ones”. She admitted it was her first inspection and believed it went quite well.
Officer Kraeer requested Sheriff Jordan assist her with raiding King’s place. Kraeer claimed Jordan refused to help her in any way, and ignored her request to lend an officer to aid her with serving a warrant. When Jordan was questioned about her complaint, he responded, “I told her I would positively have nothing to do with it. There’s no use; as fast as I carry the booze out the front door, they bring it in the back door”.
After seven years in office, Sheriff Jordan initially sought another term; but, in June, 1914, he withdrew his candidacy due to health reasons, further stating he’d held the office long enough, anyway. Following his death, a local outlet reported, “Uncle John” has been Sheriff of Washington County since statehood. Sheriff Jordan became ill and was under a doctor’s care. He was not able to leave
his room, and on Saturday evening, October 31 (1914), he passed away. Hundreds gathered at his funeral to pay their respects to Sheriff Jordan. He was taken to Ramona where he was laid to rest in the cemetery next to his mother, which he had requested.”
On November 12, 1914, Griff Grahm, Sheriff-elect of Washington County, was required to take office early as determined by County Attorney William J. Donohue following the death of Sheriff Jordan. Graham then appointed Al Koonce, night desk sergeant of the Bartlesville Police Force, to the position of Undersheriff.
Shortly after Grahm took office, there was a jail break. Inmate Jeff Duree was being held in the Washington County jail, thenlocated on the fourth floor of the courthouse in Bartlesville. On January 29, 1915, Duree, awaiting transport to the state penitentiary, managed to escape.
Following a swift investigation, Sheriff Grahm announced two people had been taken into custody for aiding in Duree’s escape. Dan Duree, Jeff’s brother, and Annie Wright were arrested the following day. Wright was charged with smuggling saws into the jail area, which Jeff used to saw through two three-quarter-inch soft steel bars. Wright also smuggled in a sixty-foot rope used to hoist up two by fours used to pry the bars apart. Dan stood outside the courthouse as lookout and further assisted by tying the rope around the two by fours. Jeff tied several bed sheets together and used them to lower himself down the outside of the building to the ground.
The escape took place around 7:30p, as a couple walking by the northside of the jail observed the inmate dropping down the side of the courthouse. The couple immediately alerted the Sheriff’s Office
and the night jailer conducted a prisoner count, discovering Jeff Duree was missing. Once notified, Sheriff Grahm contacted civilian A.W. Sluthour of Nowata County, who owned two bloodhounds. Sluthour arrived around 04:00 a.m. the following morning. The bloodhounds were said to be the best in the state and immediately took up a scent trail from where Duree had dropped to the ground. The dogs followed the trail to the east side of the courthouse but, after a short time, turned around and returned to the starting point. Too much time had passed from when the escape had occurred to still have a fresh scent trail.
Sheriff Graham immediately began a thorough investigation into the escape. It was determined Wright had made several visits to the jail but was always in view of a jailer while visiting Duree. The day before the escape, however, the jailer had stepped away to answer the telephone. It was in that short time, Wright gave the
saws to Duree. Further, later that evening when all the inmates were ordered into their cells, Duree remained out. As a result of the investigation, Sheriff Grahm suspended all visits to the jail and further issued an order that any persons coming to the jail would be searched before allowed admittance and accompanied by a jailer at all times. Jeff Duree was eventually captured and sent to prison.
John Johnson was elected Sheriff of Washington County in 1919. Soon after taking office, he arrived at the courthouse one morning and announced his “Buick Six” had been stolen overnight from his garage in Dewey. His deputies were inclined to think the Sheriff was joking, but he soon convinced them he was not, and he didn’t see anything funny about it at all. Johnson believed his vehicle was taken by local car thieves out of revenge as he had been cracking down on them and their thievery.
Johnson, age 54, passed away on February 17, 1920, at his home in Dewey, after suffering a lengthy illness. He was buried in the Dewey Cemetery. Undersheriff C. F. Reid served as Interim Sheriff until 1921, when he decided to run for County Treasurer. The next primary election for Sheriff brought about several candidates, including Republicans Andrew Henderson and J. H. Hatch, both deputies, and Charles Gurtner, constable, and Democrats special deputy John Creed, county jailer Dave L. Stokes, and former-Sheriff Grif Graham.
Andrew Henderson won the general election and served as Sheriff of Washington County from 1921 through 1924. On Monday night, December 29, 1924, it was reported local Ku Klux Klansmen burned a fiery cross on north Johnstone Street in a district heavily populated by Black people, referred to as the Negro District. The
exact purpose of the cross burning was not formally announced but was said to be in protest of liquor consumption and distribution by residents of the district.
Sheriff Henderson found himself in conflict with the Klansmen when he was called to the district in response to a disturbance. Henderson went alone, armed with a rifle. When he arrived, he noticed a large group of men gathered. “What’s up,” the Sheriff was reported to have asked about the burning cross. One of the men grabbed at the Sheriff’s rifle but was commanded to let go. The man complied, then Henderson had some words with a number of the men.
While still onsite, Sheriff Henderson was asked to authorize another cross be burned nearby, which he refused. Defeated, at least in that moment, the men got in their vehicles and drove away. Later, one of the Klansmen involved claimed Henderson was under the influence of liquor when he arrived on scene, an accusation Henderson simply stated was false.
John J. (Jawn) Creed, or “Honest John”, as he was known to his countless friends through out Washington County, was elected to serve as Sheriff in 1924 by one of the largest majorities for a public official. Before the election, the talk of the town was that a policeman, as was Creed, had about as much chance of being elected sheriff as a star in the heavens. It is believed this talk only served to increase Honest John’s popularity and made his election a certainty.
At the time, Honest John had only one known fault, that being he refused to learn to drive a vehicle.
Creed began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Iola, Kansas. His second year on the job, he became the Assistant Chief, and his third year he served as Police Chief. Creed then became a Special Agent with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Police and served in that capacity for two years. He later moved to Bartlesville, where he worked for three years as a furnace man at the Zinc Smelters. Creed was asked to take a position at the smelters as a Special Officer, which he served as for another six years. He then joined the Bartlesville Police Force as a plain clothes policeman until elected Sheriff of Washington County in 1924.
The Peace Guardians of Washington County consisted of a Sheriff, Undersheriff, four field deputies, three jailers, and a number of special deputies, scattered throughout the county. The special deputy commissions were issued by the Sherriff, approved by the county commissioners, and served without salary.
Theodore H. Hull became Undersheriff when Sheriff Henderson was elected, and served four years in that role. Sheriff Creed reappointed Hull to continue as Undersheriff when he came into office. Hull was an old resident of Bartlesville, coming to town in 1906.
Like Sheriff Creed, J.C. “Tuck” Tucker
also worked at the smelters before starting a career in law enforcement with the Bartlesville Police Force in 1921, where he served until Creed was elected Sheriff. At that time, Tucker joined Washington County as a Deputy. Tuck was described as an able and efficient officer who is always on the job.
Deputy C. L. “Rabbit” Hough brought a lot of experience as a peace officer to the county as well. “Rabbit” served several years as a Special Service Officer for the Santa Fe Railroad. He worked the railroad in the towns of Ottawa, Florence, and Independence, Kansas before being transferred to Bartlesville, where he served the next five years. Hough left the railroad and was appointed Deputy of Washington County once Creed became Sheriff. Hough was described as a quiet unassuming officer but one who “knows his eggs”. Deputy Tucker described Hough as “more or less bashful except when it comes to eating”.
Deputy Leon Root was born in Bolivar, New York, and was described as having a boyish look. Root spent time in Arkansas and other deputies said that gave him the necessary stuff to face the world. Root served in the Army in 1915 and in World War I, where he saw active duty abroad and was wounded at Argonne. After the war, he returned to Bartlesville.
Deputy Root took up the study of fingerprints and later graduated from the University of Applied Sciences in Chicago, Illinois. Root started his law enforcement career
serving for the Dewey Police Force, before being appointed Deputy by Sheriff Creed. His experiences with collecting fingerprints have become a valuable tool in solving crime in Washinton County.
J. W. “Mack” McCracken is another historical deputy for Washington County. Mack’s only noted failing was that he parted his hair down the middle, which other deputies believed was in effort to hide a bald spot. McCracken was a Police Officer in Gas City, Kansas, before moving to Bartlesville.
The Bartlesville Police Department was officially established in 1907, when Oklahoma entered into statehood. At that time, Bill Turner was elected Chief of Police. The Department’s establishment replaced the U.S. Marshalls as the official law enforcement agency of the town. Chief Turner and a force of three men kept law and order in wide open Bartlesville. Turner held the position of Police Chief from 1907 until 1909.
Under Turner’s tenure, the first municipal court was held December 1, 1908. Oscar E. Leanard Jr. was the first police judge and J.T. Shipman was the first city attorney. The first case tried in municipal court was a man charged with public drunk who pleaded guilty and was fined $5.00 plus $6.75 in court costs.
From December 1, 1908, to December 17, 1909, there were 1,184 arrests, of which nearly half were for public drunkenness. On December 14, 1908, a man was
fined $1.00 with a court cost of $6.75 for leaving a horse and wagon in the street without fastening said horse. That same day a woman, on a complaint signed by another woman, was fined $5.00 with court cost of $10.50 for conducting a place of prostitution.
Following Turner, Charlie Allen was appointed Bartlesville Police Chief from 1909-1914. Lou Gaston served as Chief 1914-1925, L.W. Turner 1925-1948, Harold Stalker 1948-1949, J.D. Saunders 1949-1950, F.E. “Gene” Richardson, 1950-1951, and W.J. Jarvis 19511976. During Jarvis’ 25 years as Chief, he increased the force from 16 to 51 officers.
By 1963, only three men had stayed with the Bartlesville Police Department long enough to retire. They were Basil Bailey, Swede Thompson, and Pete Wilson. Wilson became an officer in 1924
while Bailey and Thompson joined the department in 1925. Bailey was one of the first motorcycle officers in the city, and Thompson had a goose that would follow him everywhere he went, including while on shift. Thompson retired in 1957, Bailey in 1960, and Wilson in 1961.
When Bailey started at the police department in 1925, the department had only one vehicle, which was a Dodge truck with a heavy wire cage on it called the “Black Moriah” The paddy wagon was the first motorized vehicle the department ever had. Chief L.W. Turner purchased a Ford in 1926. Later, the department purchased an armored 1930 Ford when Pretty Boyd Floyd and his gang was on the loose.
In 1924, there was a six-man force that worked 12-hour shifts,
in 1926 with a Basil Bailey Motorcycle.
US Marshalls in 1907
Washington County Courthouse
seven days a week. The Police Department was located at 126 W 2nd street in City Hall. Later, the department moved to the old Koppel Building at Fourth and Dewey, before moving to a location on Johnstone just North of Hensley.
By the 1920’s, law enforcement methods were changing and becoming more sophisticated. The State of Oklahoma formed the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) in 1925 to assist with the investigations of crimes throughout the state. With the popularity of travel by automobile increasing, as well as improvement of the state highway systems, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was established in 1937, and immediately began enforcing traffic laws on state highways.
Locally, in 1926, the Bartlesville Police Department consisted of a Police Chief, Night Captain, two desk Sergeants, a Sanitary Inspector, one plain clothes policeman, traffic officer, and four regular patrolmen. The force worked twelve-hour shifts to cover the city. The police chief at the time was Lawrence W. Turner, who had considerable experience as a peace officer. Turner came from New Mexico, where he was a deputy sheriff and peace officer for several years.
Turner moved to Bartlesville in 1917, where he worked in the furniture business for several years. Turner was a candidate for the Washinton County Sheriff in 1924 when John Creed was elected. Sheriff Creed named Turner as one of his chief deputies when he won the election. After only eight months of serving in that position, the City Commission of Bartlesville named Turner Police Chief in August, 1925.
In September 1949, the Bartlesville Police Force were outfitted with new “Natty Uniforms”, which resembled those of the highway patrol. A description of the uniforms and the officers wearing them included, “The trousers are of army pink, blouses of dark brown, contrasting epaulets, and caps of the pink. Each patrolman is equipped with a battle jacket of the brown gabardine and their Sam Browne belts and holsters are of black leather. Adding a final touch of color are shoulder patches with the lettering in gold
‘Bartlesville Police Department’. Police Chief J.D. Saunders listed seventeen members of his police force including one woman, Mrs. W.D. Krumpelin. Seven of the patrolmen are young men recently added to the force. The young blood balances out the years of experience and trained judgement of the older members of the force. B.S. Ingram is a juvenile officer working school safety patrols. Drivers who speed in school safety zones will receive no quarter according to Chief Saunders. No more warnings will be given out and violators will face a hefty fine of $20.”
Doing research for this story has given me insight into the experiences of our county’s early law enforcement officers. It would take a while for the law to establish much order, though. Early settlers. Cultural clashes. Prohibition. Prostitution. Oil. Gangsters. There’re some colorful stories, to say the least, and I was only able to cover to 1950! They fought and struggled to lay the ground work for future lawmen. Even so, standardized statewide training for law enforcement officers wouldn’t come until the establishment of the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) in 1962.
BPD “Natty Uniforms”
The Harrington Race Track
by Debbie Neece
Albert R. Harrington arrived in Bartlesville in 1905 and quickly established himself as a “liveryman” with a stable at 308-312 S. Keeler Avenue. Harrington had a thirst for the best and quickest horses and traveled near and far to purchase winning stock. Originally, the Belle Meade Race Track, operated by H.D. Lannom and the Bartlesville Driving Club, was the place to test the speed and endurance of horses and dogs while putting money “in the hat” for the bragging rights. However, the Bartlesville Fair Association and A.R. Harrington turned their sights towards establishing their own race track in the heart of Bartlesville.
The 26-acre Harrington Amusement Park was located north of First Street/Hensley Blvd., between Johnstone and Dewey Avenues. October 1909, a crew of carpenters went to work thinning trees, shaping a first-class half-mile race track and building a grandstand and stables. The Bartlesville Baseball Association also join the labor force to help create a spot of beauty they also would enjoy. The theme was the “White City” with everything receiving a coat of white paint, even the tree trunks were whitewashed and a high board fence painted none other than…white. At the west end of the race track, a seventy-five-foot wide and a quarter mile circumference lagoon was installed for aquatic entertainment like rowboats and fishing derbies, a baseball diamond to the east and electric lights illuminating the entire park. The Bartlesville Fair Association and A.R. Harrington’s race track was completed November 1909 and formally opened May 30, 1910 through June 1st amid playing bands and cheers from over 3,000 spectators.
The Bartlesville Fair opened July 4-5-6-7-8, 1910 and was designed to rival the Oklahoma City Fair. With $9,000 in stakes and purses, the race track participated in the Kansas and Oklahoma horse racing circuit of which the Fair Association was a member. Horses arrived from Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and across Oklahoma. To ramp up the entertainment, the Bartlesville Fair Association invested $1,000 in bringing the W.S. Layton Fireworks Company to the celebration, including a train car loaded with fireworks, staff and sets. However, the public attendance was low and Harrington lost a substantial amount of money during the week-long event. On July 8th, nine carloads of the finest horses available shipped out to their next race point; seven cars to Oklahoma points and two railcars of horses to Omaha, Nebraska.
Financial difficulties resulted in the failure of the Harrington Race Track and the grandstand was dismantled December 31, 1912. However, during the life of the race track, the track was advertised in the Horse Review, Western Horseman, and Spirit of the West magazines.
In 1915, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 280, the Free Fair Law, allowing County Commissioners to collect property taxes to fund the operations of “free fairs.” Joseph Bartles and his mother Nannie, donated forty-acres of land for the fairgrounds and additional funding brought the Washington County Free Fair to Dewey, October 21-2223, 1915; where the entertainment continues each fall.
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Bartlesville Public Library Adult Craft Class
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Murder Mystery at NinteenOEight Nineteen0Eight
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Smith Brothers at Crossing Second Crossing 2nd
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Cow Thieves and Outlaws Reunion Woolaroc
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Bartlesville Community Center
Saddle Up
by Greg Wheat
I’ve always loved Western movies — there’s something about the John Wayne kind of life. Grit, toughness, justice, doing what’s right and standing up to what’s wrong — has always stuck with me. Life back then could be rough and difficult, but people pressed on, believing in better days. And no matter the odds, they kept going.
Life, in many ways, can feel like a Western. Not the Hollywood kind, maybe, but the real kind. Some mornings feel full of promise — like you’re setting out on a quiet, peaceful ride under the beautiful blue skies, warm sunlight on your back, tall trees ahead, and a cool stream winding beside you. But on other days, the trail turns dusty, difficult, and unpredictable — and can feel like you’re saddling up to ride straight into a storm. The weight of work, bills, broken expectations, difficult relationships, and past regrets can feel heavier than a packhorse in deep mud. And sometimes, it’s not just the external noise — it’s the internal battles. The ones nobody sees.
You try to do what’s right, even when others don’t see it or don’t agree. You keep going when it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You show up — for work, for family, for friends — while your soul is quietly worn out. But you do it anyway. Because you know that quitting isn’t an option. That kind of grit may not look glamorous, but it’s the truest kind of courage there is.
But here’s the truth every hardworking man and woman needs to hear — you don’t have to do it alone.
In the old Westerns, even those who were strong and independent had a trusted sidekick — someone who watched their back when things got tough. And in real life, we all need that too: people we trust, who encourage us when the ride gets hard, who inspire us, and ignite something in us that dares to dream and refuses to settle — the ones who know where we’ve been and not only encourage us, but help us get to where we’re going.
Maybe that’s a friend, a spouse, a mentor, or even someone you haven’t met yet. But they’re out there. And you don’t have to ride solo forever.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: no matter how heavy
life gets, there is always a way forward. Always. It might not look like what you imagined. It might not come as easy or as quickly as you hoped. But when you surround yourself with good people, stay honest with yourself, and keep showing up — you will move forward.
Pray. Dream. Believe.
Not because it’s trendy. But because it’s truth. Faith isn’t weakness — it’s what carries you through when your own strength runs out. You were never meant to walk through this life on your own. And you were certainly never meant to stay stuck.
You were built to go from here to there. From burdened to free. From exhausted to alive. From surviving to thriving.
“All things are possible for those who believe.” That’s not just a nice quote. It’s a promise. A whisper of hope. A reminder that even when life has kicked you around and left you feeling like you’re lying face-down in the dirt — you can rise again. Stronger. Wiser. More you than you’ve ever been.
The journey might not always be pretty. But it will be worth it.
So if today feels like one of those dusty, uphill days — take a breath. Step outside. Look up at the sky. Let the wind hit your face. Say a prayer. Speak a dream. Reach out to someone who lifts you up. And remind yourself that the story isn’t over.
You’ve got grit. You’ve got purpose. And you’ve got more strength inside you than you realize. The trail from here to there may be tough, but so are you. Even the roughest trails can lead somewhere beautiful, and you, my friend, were born to ride all the way there!
And remember this: there’s no shame in needing rest, in asking for help, or in admitting you’re tired. That doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. Even the toughest men and women in those Westerns had to stop and water their horses. Even the strongest riders knew when to slow down, take stock, and gather strength for the next mile. So don’t beat yourself up for needing a moment to breathe. Just don’t stay there too long. Dust yourself off, tighten the reins, and keep riding forward — because your destination is worth it.
Indian Territory Style Fair
As autumn crept over the rolling hills of Indian Territory, Native Americans began preparing for winter’s cold torture. However, there was time for one more bout of excitement, the Indian International Fair, Indian Territory style. Beginning in 1874, the three-to-four-day gathering was celebrated annually at Muskogee, I.T., featuring horse racing, commercial and domestic vendors.
The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, also known as the MK&T or Katy Railroad, arrived at Muskogee in early 1872, which greatly opened traveling possibilities. Muskogee was an enterprising town with about 300 residents and only 4-5
by Debbie Neece
businesses; however, when the International Indian Fair came to town, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell of the Mitchell House opened their doors to welcome the onslaught of visitors with food and lodging.
The “First Annual International Indian Fair” was a three-day event October 27-28-29, 1874, with an exhibition of horses, hogs, and poultry before a host of visitors from surrounding areas. The fairgrounds were located east of Muskogee where Spaulding Park is now located. Reportedly, a 160-acre tract of land was leased from the Creek Nation upon which fences and buildings were erected. On exhibit were handmade wagons and cotton
raised in the Cherokee, Creek and Seminole fields, all competing for premium awards. Of course, there were the usual encouraging words from respected leaders like Joshua Ross and Major John Foreman.
In preparations for the 1875 fair, the government agreed to supply “free grub” and the Fair Association collected six-hundred dollars in premiums. In addition, new buildings were added to the grounds; a 40’x100’ floral hall, stock pens, arbors and seating for spectators and judges. Since the Sedalia Cornet Band and a string band from the Miami and Ottawa tribes were engaged to perform, the Fair Association also built a band stand. On the grounds, two race tracks were constructed; one a mile-long track for racing and a second quarter-mile track for stock exhibitions.
The September 15-16-17, 1875, International Indian Fair was held with only fifty-seven Indians arriving from over thirty-five tribal nations joining in a three-day agricultural fair. Reportedly, the stars and stripes were flying high in the breeze and participants were adorned in their picturesque tribal attire with decorative face paint, colorful ribbons and flowing feathers. Before an estimated spectatorship of 3,000 people, the “Grand March of the Nation,” parade was led by the Cornet Band, followed by the ladies who entered premium competitions with the chance to win the three available side saddles. Next in the procession, the Arapahoe and Cheyenne women carried plain white banners, followed by the Cherokees with a banner of red, white and blue bars on a white background with the motto “Agriculture, the source of wealth.” The Creek, Osage, Caddo, Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, Arapahoe, Cheyenne then followed, each presenting motto laden banners. Hacks sold rides for 15 cents and wagon loads of watermelons were at every corner.
By 1876, mechanism had made its way into the Indian Territory and most Native Americans embraced the new opportunity. In addition, education was becoming important. The October 18-19-20, 1876, Indian International Fair had exhibits of various agricultural products, mechanical workmanship, and included educational and art accomplishments. The exhibits were filled with colorful handwork and quilts, canned fruits and vegetables, cotton baled with a Remington Cotton Gin and a wide collection of farm animals. The Ladies Culinary selections were the best of the best butter, jelly and preserves, pickles, cakes and breads. And, out in the arena, competition was fierce for the fastest horse or the best draft mule, oxen team, sheep and swine. Between competitions, the arena became the location of a friendly rivalry of foot races, lacrosse games, women’s ball games, pony races and baseball games. In addition, Professor Bellstedt organized a brass band to furnish musical entertainment throughout the events with his children playing the horn and drum.
The government made special arrangements to encourage Plains Indians to attend in order that they might see the achievements of others. As newspapers across the United States covered the annual events, more elaborate details began to emerge. Among the most favorable comments was the credit given to Chief Harjo of the Creek Nation for the grounds upon which the activity enclosures and buildings were erected and the placement of the
Cherokee and Creek Nation Star Guard and Light Horse Police as law enforcement, thus insuring a tranquil gathering. Liberal cash donations were made by Major John Foreman, Joshua Ross and others to help forward the annual fair.
The 1877 Indian Fair was noted as being an open race event with Whites, Freedmen and Native Americans participating equally as entrants and spectators. The male students attending the Tallahassee Mission School in the Creek Nation exhibited sixty varieties of fruits and vegetables, while the girls brought their home-made handiwork. Mr. W.R. Robertson of Springfield, MO, showed his 2,300-pound bull.
The transformation of the rough prairie into a notable annual fair and entertainment event brought the Indian International Fair world-wide acclaim in 1878 with honorable mention recognition at the Paris Exposition. That year the fair operated October 1–4 with one-thousand-dollars in premium prizes. The annual reunions of sorts, coupled with healthy competition and spiritual fellowship brought greater attendance each year, requiring constant upgrading and enlargement of the grounds.
Success continued until 1883, when dissention raised its ugly head and drove a wedge between the tribes causing postponement of the fair. Afterward, the fair continued to struggle through 1893, often postponing for weather related issues or lack of funds. Then, Oklahoma Territory opened to white settlers who created their own agricultural fairs and individual tribes held fairs close to home…Indian Territory Style.
Did You Know?
In 1894, the Muskogee Fair Association was formed under local management and the original Indian Fair grounds were leased to the new management. From the Indian International Fair evolved the Muskogee New State Fair in 1906, which was organized as the Oklahoma Free State Fair in 1916 and chartered in 1917. Due to increased expenses, eventually admission was charged, dropping the word free, and the Muskogee Fair continues.
Now You Know *
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autumn leaves &amazing events
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 6:30PM CLYDE LAKE dinner, Dancing, Fireworks, & more
100 Years of Woolaroc Iconic Preserve Set to Celebrate Centennial
by Kevin Hoch, CEO, Frank Phillips Foundation
On May 25, 1927, James D. Dole announced an upcoming air race that would start in Oakland, California and finish in Honolulu, Hawaii. He personally sponsored the race and provided a grand prize of $25,000 to the winning plane. Dole understood the key to unlocking the full potential of his pineapple operation involved marketing and logistics. Frank Phillips was also looking for opportunities to promote aviation and his company’s cutting-edge Nu-Aviation fuel. That is why he quickly snapped up the sponsorship of two Beech Travel-Air planes registered for the race – the Oklahoma flown by Bennett Griffin and the Woolaroc plane piloted by Art Goebel. Fortunately for Frank and Art, the Woolaroc plane would prevail – earning first place with a time of 26 hours, 17 minutes, and 33 seconds. A hangar was built to house this plane and commemorate the tremendous feat. This space would serve as the impetus for the expansive Woolaroc museum that we know today. As Phillips Petroleum Company experienced significant growth, so did Frank’s collection. This included, but was not limited to, a world-class collection of paintings, sculptures, and Native American artifacts. To house these objects, the museum underwent two major expansions in the 1930s that added gallery space on the backside. They also filled in the front windows with sandstone quarried on the property – a feature that you can still see to this day. In 1945, the museum expanded once again – adding more gallery space and the brilliant Rotunda, which has housed the Oil Man sculpture since 1947. This was Jane’s gift to Frank in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Through these various expansions, the Woolaroc plane was housed in different rooms in the museum and even ended up for a short while in what is now the bunkhouse gallery. This of course was not a proper location for the historic plane. Fortunately, in 1984, the trustees of the Frank Phillips Foundation, led by Richard Kane, launched strategic efforts to address this issue. The Woolaroc plane was restored to its old glory and found a more fitting and permanent home up the hill at the museum – in what is now the upstairs of Room 7.
instantaneously in Room 1, which houses artifacts from Spiro mounds – an initiative that he personally funded in partnership with the University of Oklahoma. As you walk through the museum, visitors quickly notice the signature bark frames that adorn so many of the world-class paintings – a testament to the craftsmanship of that era and Frank’s penchant for differentiating Woolaroc from other museums across the country. The depth of the collection is remarkable – and includes works by Frederic Remington, Frank Tenney Johnson, Charles Russell, E.I. Couse, Henry Balink, and William Leigh. Frank’s deep connection to Native Americans, Cowboys, Pioneers, and Outlaws is also evident and reflected in the many artifacts and exhibits that display their related objects. The stories that accompany these items truly bring the collection to life and transport you to a bygone era. Due to the generosity of Frank’s nephew, Phil Phillips, our museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of Colt firearms in the country. Gun aficionados spend hours gazing at these incredible tools that forged the West. Their wives must practically pry them from the room as we announce the museum is closing in 15 minutes. It is always such a delight when we host a first-time visitor for a private museum tour. As we introduce ourselves in the Rotunda, they start to sense that what they are about to see is special. By the end of the tour, a smile from cheek to cheek is typically visible – a sign that we have just added another friend and ambassador.
What makes the Woolaroc museum so unique is there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Frank’s appreciation and intentionality for preserving the West is represented
Heritage Farm Fall Festival Is Now a Seasonal Tradition
by Abigail Singrey
Drivers along Highway 75 can’t miss it—a giant caterpillar made of hay bales, smiling at passersby and signaling that fall has arrived. The quirky roadside landmark to Oklahoma Heritage Farm Store—and to one of the state’s most beloved autumn traditions, the annual Fall Festival, running this year from Sept. 27 through Nov. 2.
For owner Margaret Snow, Okie Joe carries more than seasonal charm. She named the caterpillar in honor of her father, Joe Gordon.
“My father loved children,” Snow said. “I like to think he looks down from heaven, sees all the kids running around and having fun, and smiles.”
Farming is in Snow’s blood. Five generations of her family have worked the land in Ramona, but her own path once led elsewhere. She built a thriving design career—with projects spanning furniture, product, and interior design—before the farm called her home. In 2000, she and her husband, Mike, returned to their roots, cultivating part of their 40 acres into a vegetable garden and opening Oklahoma Heritage Farm Store to share the bounty.
Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the store quickly became a community hub. Seasonal produce, local honey, homemade jams, and hand-crafted goods keep the doorbell chiming with customers throughout the week.
The Fall Festival
While the farm store stays busy year-round, the true highlight is the Fall Festival, which Snow estimates drew more than 20,000 visitors last year. One admission fee covers access to 35+ activities, with food trucks on-site and plenty of fall crops for sale—including pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and apples.
“The festival is all harvest-themed,” Snow said. “We don’t have any scary stuff.”
At the heart of it all is the 11-acre corn maze, designed each year by a professional team. This year’s theme, “Honoring Those Who Serve,” winds its way through twisty pathways where kids and adults alike test their puzzle-solving skills.
Other favorites include hayrides—sometimes pulled by draft horses—complete with story displays along the trail, as well as visits with the farm animals. Sparky, the miniature donkey, has a knack for stealing the spotlight.
Games, Thrills, and Traditions
Festival-goers can try their hand at pumpkin bingo, watch pumpkins fly from cannons and slingshots, or test their strength in a friendly pumpkin-launching competition.
“All ages like to see pumpkins fly,” Snow said with a laugh. “The big boys especially love seeing who can sling them the furthest.”
Children ages 4 to 12 can compete in pedal tractor pulls for prizes—complete with custom-built tractors and a weighted sled. “If you haven’t seen a pedal tractor pull, it’s a lot of fun for both participants and the cheering crowd,” Snow said.
For those seeking treasure, the Mining Company attraction lets kids sift through sand for gems and keepsakes. Families also line up for the cow train, where riders—young and old— climb into barrel cars painted like cows and pulled behind a small tractor. For those who want a keepsake, talented rock painters create a special work of art to take home to remember the festival.
Debuting in 2024 was a farm memorabilia display featuring collectible farm toys, adding to the festival’s mix of entertainment and education. An authentic antique chuckwagon gets fired up during the festival for cooking demonstrations. In addition, throughout the grounds, guests can explore exhibits on crop growing, animal care, and the Snows’ own generational farming heritage.
For Snow, the festival is about more than games, pumpkins, and hayrides—it’s about creating memories rooted in community and tradition.
“We just try to take care of people as best we can and give them some fun in a wholesome family environment,” she said. “This is a legacy for our family.”
For details, visit okheritagefarm.com.
Dustin Hancock AAMS™
Glory in Steps
by Mike Jerry Tupa
He peered at the boundless horizon, while his probing eyes could stand the sun, He laced his shoes in morn’s peaceful flush, waiting for the starter’s horn in the hush.
Who’s to say where the starting line ends and the unseen finish line begins?
Which requires more courage — the first stride or the sprint for the finish line glide? Could it be that pain and agony are needed phases that set us free? Are the cheers the motive for the race? or is the glory found in the chase?
-M.J.T.
Bartlesville High School’s cross country program has conquered the best of both worlds — training young people the virtues of discipline, team unity, physical conditioning and pursuing goals, while at the same time achieving incredible success.
Since 2014 Bartlesville has won six cross country state championships — the girls with four (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) and the boys with two (2016, 2017).
In addition, since 1986 four Bartlesville warrior runners have surged to individual state championships — Bryan Yockers (boys, 1986), Alison Uberecken (girls, 1987), Joey McNair (boys, 1999) and Rilee Rigdon (girls, 2017).
(Note: Rigdon finished as girls’ state runner-up in 2016. Bartlesville boys’ state cross country runners-up since 2000 include: Blake Culp, 2000; Henry Williams, 2016; Nathan Lauritsen, 2017; and Spencer Hales, 2019.)
Presiding during Bartlesville dust-raising success the past 19 seasons is returning head coach David Ayres — a Bartlesville graduate and former runner from the early 1990s. During his leadership, the sports has — to use the vernacular — exploded at Bartlesville.
During his rookie season as coach, cross country attracted 32 students total for middle school and high school.
This season, he expects to sign up approximately 150 pacers shortly after the start of school. He already has more than 100 at summer practice.
“The kids are getting
excited,” Ayres said. “They’re talking to friends we plan to get more kids out there.”
For those unfamiliar with the sport, on the Class 6A level a standard high school competition features separate 5K (3.1 mile) races for varsity boys, varsity girls, junior varsity boys and junior varsity girls, and two-mile runs for junior high boys and junior high girls.
Most varsity runs are limited to a maximum of seven runners per school.
There is dual scoring — individual finishes and team scores. Team scores consists of adding up the finishing places of the team’s five fastest competitors. For example, finishing third is worth 3 points, 11th place is worth 11 points, 28th place is 28 points, and so on. Like golf, the smaller the total the better.
So, why does a 12-year-old or a 15-year-old or an 18-year-old want to get out there and run five-or-more miles in blistering conditions — or rainy conditions or high-wind conditions — to train?
The motivation varies with individuals.
“My mom gave me a quarter for every practice,” Ayres recalled. Even though inflationary pressure would have certainly driven that run-by-bribe system, Ayres likes to think that he has helped create more intrinsic rewards for today’s runners.
But Ayres also benefited from a great influence — Lady Bruin state champion Uberecken, a next-door neighbor.
“She would drive me over to practice,” he said. “I thought it was training for track. Then I fell in love with it. ... Cross country is a lot like life — you get out of it what you put into it.”
He still believes cross country is an important sport to help cross-train athletes for other sports. For example, Lady Bruin tennis legend champion Erin Epperson ran cross country the fall of her senior year and then finished as state runner-up on the courts the next spring.
“I always tell the kids, ‘The more you run, the more you run,’” he explained. “Having so many kids really helps with our program. It helps the opportunity to fellowship. Cross country is its own club. ... There’s something about going out and experiencing something together.”
His advice to his athletes is: “Just push yourself every day. ... You’ll be surprised how far you can go. ... I’ve had kids who came out the first time and wanted to quit because it’s painful. ... But it gets better even in a couple of days. Don’t let the first time you come out define your (running) experience.”
Just call Ayres the cross country whisperer — he has somehow connected with the running soul of many student-athletes and helped them be the best they could be.
JOEY McNAIR
RILEE RIGDON
Bill Armstrong ... And His Navy Service at Pearl Harbor
by Joe Todd
Bill Armstrong was born 5 August 1926 in New Blaine, Arkansas. The family moved to Oklahoma when he was 2 years old because the farm was larger and the family could raise more cotton.
He graduated from Ralston High School in May of 1944. Wanted to join the Navy and the Superintendent of the Ralston Schools said he could get a deferment because he worked on a farm but wanted to do his part in the war.
After the war started, rationing did not affect the family because they grew most everything they needed. Joined the Navy 26 October 1944 because he had a brother that had joined the Navy in 1941 and became a Navy Pilot.
Sent to Great Lakes, Illinois for Boot Camp. Most vivid memory of Boot Camp was Lake Michigan being frozen over. After Boot Camp, was sent to Shoemaker, California on a Troop Train, which was just converted cattle cars. When the train stopped, they could not get off and could not mail a letter. Troop movements were classified at the time. At Shoemaker, was sent to the Navy Shipyards at Bremerton, Washington and assigned to the USS Franklin, an Aircraft Carrier. Had never seen the ocean before and thought it was an awful lot of water.
When he first saw the Franklin he thought the Japanese could not miss something that big. He was assigned to the B-4 Gunnery Division when he first went aboard to the crew of a 20 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun. He said cleaning his area took fifteen minutes then had nothing to do. If you were not busy, you were put on detail, so he always tried to find something to do.
Transferred to the 2nd Division and was on Lookout Duty 8 hours a day. His duty station was on the Superstructure of the Carrier. The Franklin went to Pearl Harbor and trained pilots to take off and land on the carrier for two weeks. Left Hawaii and joined the fleet at Ulithi Island. Left Ulithi and the airplanes off the Franklin attacked the mainland of
off. Bombs were sitting next to the airplanes to be loaded.
Japan. The USS Washington was providing protection for the Franklin. He was on Lookout Duty on the morning of March 18th and noticed something coming out the sun that was flying very low and coming down the flight deck the wrong direction.
He couldn’t tell what it was because of the sun. Planes were being launched from the Franklin then saw that airplane drop two bombs but did not have time to report anything. All the airplanes on the Franklin had just been refueled on the hangar deck and were either taking off or waiting to take
The Japanese bomb went down the elevator and exploded on the Hangar Deck and set everything on fire. The other bomb hit the Sick Bay and killed everyone there. The helped fight fire most of the day. About 900 crewmen were killed in the fires. The ship was listing and the USS Santa Fe jammed against the Franklin to keep it from capsizing and the wounded were taken aboard the Santa Fe. 704 officers and men brought the Franklin back to the States and they are known as the 704 Club. He served on the Franklin until he was discharged in June of 1946.
Bill says the grassland of Oklahoma is the second prettiest thing he has ever seen. The prettiest thing is the Statue of Liberty.
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Anti-Horsethief Association
by Kay Little, Little History Adventures
“R.J. Jones, age 55 or 60, height 5 ft 9 in. dark complexion, black hair, getting gray. Occupation, sitting around saloons and spinning yarns, has failed twice in business in the last two years.” This was the description of a suspected horsethief in 1901.
Major David McKee
In 1854, a group of residents in Missouri formed a vigilante group to help fight against the thievery in their area. This spread into Kansas and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). The organization was led by Major David McKee. It was called the Anti-Horsethief Association (AHTA), but the Civil War disrupted the association. When McKee returned home in 1863, he reorganized the AHTA.
This vigilante group was well organized, financially selfsustaining, and long lived. They usually did not take the law into their own hands when they caught the thief. Their policy was to take the thief through the court system to be punished. McKee did not want to hang any of the thieves. He just wanted to prevent criminality.
Membership in the organization was to any man 18 years or over who had good character. A lodge was formed with a minimum of 12 members. The charter fee was $5, with annual fees of 5 cents to 20 cents.
The organization has been labeled a “detective, protective, patriotic, cooperative, secret and fraternal association.” Their official pin was a horseshoe across which were the letters
AHTA and a horse symbol inset in the horseshoe, which stood for Humanity, Charity, and Justice. As you can tell by the name and descriptions the biggest concern was horse thievery because the horse was the most important part of a man’s property.
Once a member realized he had lost a horse, he notified the head of his group, and they sent two riders out on the trail of the thief. There were rare instances of a member being killed.
By 1928, the organization became known as the AntiThief Association because horses were not as popular and the people wanted the vigilante group to continue to catch all thieves, but the group eventually died out after the 1930s, having had over 40,000 members in 1300 lodges.
The first AHTA in the Twin Territories (Oklahoma) began in 1893. Between 1899 to 1909, the AHTA recovered 578 heads of stolen livestock and apprehended more than 400 suspected thieves. Several prominent political leaders in Indian Territory held a barbecue in honor of the organization.
Bartlesville formed a AHTA in 1901. In 1919, Dewey formed their own AHTA. The lodges were made up of large groups intent on protecting horse owners in the area. They also held picnics and other gatherings at the campgrounds, located south of Bartlesville at Silver Lake and then at Bartles’ old grove at the Caney River bend until the 1920s.
One of the Indian Territory officials wrote: “The AHTA has provided how people could band together for the common good. Before its existence, if a man reported the theft of a horse and sought to recover it or accused someone, he would draw the enmity of a gang and would suffer from his individual act. The association removed this handicap. It was all for one and one for all.”
Affordable apartments where you can enjoy new friends and feel right at home!
We have independent living apartments available to rent for those ages 55 or older. All apartments are unfurnished, 1 bedroom, $950 per month
Bartlesville Health & Rehab Community provides a wide range of quality health care services. Locally owned, BHRC offers 24-hour licensed nursing care, skilled nursing services, long-term care, and in-house physical, speech, and occupational therapy. And now, BHRC offers memory care for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. This brand-new Memory Care Center (Memory Lane) is a secure 16-room unit with aroundthe-clock nursing care. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (918) 333-9545. 3434 Kentucky Place • 918-333-9545 • www.bartlesvillehealthandrehab.com
TECH TALK TRI COUNTY TECH
ALL THE TALK HAPPENING AT TECH
PN APPLICATION DUE IN SEPTEMBER
The deadline to apply for the January Practical Nursing program is September 15, 2025. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards Licensing Exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To learn more or apply online, scan the QR code.
FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
Join us for the Tri County Tech Foundation’s annual golf tournament on October 2, 2025, hosted at Hillcrest Country Club. Whether you’re a small business or a large company, your support helps provide tuition assistance, emergency funds, and meals for students in need. To be included on the event poster, please commit by June 1, 2025
Use the QR code below to sign up or learn more about becoming a sponsor.
September is Workforce Development Month! Did you know that Tri County Tech offers customized training? View the complete list by scanning the QR code OR let us know what kind of training you need for your business! WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH
NEW ADULT CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
We’ve added a new way for you to get certified faster– this means starting your dream career sooner! We’ve divided many adult programs into shorter modules to get you graduated in as little as TWO MONTHS! We even have in-house financial assistance for most programs so you can graduate DEBT-FREE! Don’t wait; some classes start this month! To learn more or apply online, scan the QR code.
DENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know that Tri County Tech is more than just a school? We also offer low-cost quality care in a state-of-the-art dental clinic, in partnership with the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. You receive a FREE screening appointment to identify any service you need. Treatments are provided by students and are supervised by our faculty and a licensed dentist. Use the QR code or call 918.331.3218 to learn more and schedule your FREE screening today!
Tri County Tech’s FIRST Robotics Team is now accepting applications! High school students in Osage, Nowata, and Washington counties—this is your chance to build real robots and compete in epic challenges! Open to 9th-12th grade students, and there are opportunities for scholarships
No experience needed! If you enjoy science, technology, engineering, or math– this is for YOU! Apply below!
We’re open and ready for your business! All services are performed by students under the supervision of a licensed instructor. Cosmetolgoy clients can receive a variety of services, including hair, skin, and nails! Call 918.331.3236 or scan the QR code to schedule your appointment today.
We live, work, and play in Bartlesville, and we’re proud to serve our neighbors with integrity
Experienced, Honest, Local
by Jay Webster
Well, this is it.
This is the column where, once a year, I interview my 13-yearold daughter, Evanjalyn, about everything she did over her summer break. For many of you, this annual feature has become one of your favorite columns of the year. (Which kind of hurts my feelings because it includes the least contributions from me…)
Let’s get started.
J: So, your summer break has come to an end. It’s been a full one. Tell the readers what you did.
E: My first thing for the summer was Frozen Jr. Camp at CMT (Children’s Musical Theater), which was kind of nostalgic because my very first musical was at CMT, a
Frozen Kids Camp when I was really young. They let me in a little bit early, and it was really cool.
J: So, your first time when you did Frozen Jr., do you remember what part you played?
E: I was a snowflake. I was a very cute, tiny snowflake. They had to cut the snowflakes this year, and I was like, Hey, that kind of hurts my snowflake dreams, but whatever.
J: What role did you get this time around?
E: It was a very surprising casting, but I got to play Sven.
J: For those who don’t know, who is Sven?
E: Yeah, he’s the reindeer sidekick of Olaf the snowman.
He was very cute. They were trying us out for costumes and stuff, and they’re like, Okay, so we had this ugly costume where you get on crutches and you sorta walk on all fours. Or, we have this cute jumpsuit with some fur and antlers. So we’re gonna try the cute jumpsuit first. And it worked! I was like, Yeah!
J: I don’t know why, but somehow the jumpsuit made you look older. Probably because it’s not something you would normally wear on your own, like a typical fashion choice—you wouldn’t usually wear jumpsuits in your daily life, so it looked a bit occupational. And even though you weren’t expecting to be cast as a reindeer, you really pulled it off. You’re always so good at that.
E: Oh. This lady came up to me after the show, and she said, “You are the cutest, most talented, best reindeer I’ve ever seen in the history of reindeer, reindeer musicals, and reindeer in general!” I was like, Wow.
J: So you did a couple of performances, and then the show wrapped up, and then what did you do?
E: And then I got like one day or a weekend or something, and then we launched into Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was a great experience. It was something new that we’d never done before. I got to dance a lot more. Yeah, even though I’m not like the best at dancing. It’s so fun and cool to enjoy.
J: No one else would know you’re not a great dancer. That’s why you’re a triple threat. In comparison, your dad is a zero threat.
E: The dancing was so complicated. I had to do some fast costume changes because there’s never like a pause for dialogue. You just walk out and roll straight into the next song.
J: For those who don’t know, the musical is based on a biblical story from the Old Testament about a guy named Joseph and his eleven brothers. And so it has some drama to it, but there is a lot of humor in this show. Now that you’ve performed in the best musical ever, does it feel like now’s the time to walk away? Like, let’s just leave it here and never do another one?
E: Nice try.
After the show wrapped, I had like a whole five days to collect myself. And so it was fun. It was like a lot of wallowing on the couch. Like, I had nothing to do. I just went to Dollar Tree like three times in one day.
J: So, full disclosure, we are recording this interview from Chicago. I’m calling it a Work/Play-cation. I know you haven’t been willing to embrace my term.
E: No, you should just make an acronym. So WPV. I think it sounds cool.
J: Since I’m directing the interview, I’m gonna call it Work/ Play-cation. But the short of it is, we came to Chicago. Tell the athome audience about some of the things we’ve done since we’ve been here.
E: So, we decided that we would come and work on some things in Chicago.
J: What are you working on during our Work/Play-cation?
E: I’m writing a book. It’s going pretty well.
J: Give us your elevator pitch for your book.
E: Um, there’s like this friend group, and it’s made up of people of different ages at a coffee shop. They’re all pretty comedic characters.
J: Is there romance involved?
E: There is romance in the book. I mean, I’d love to have you guys proofread my book, but like, there’s romance in it. I don’t want you guys to get weird.
J: Why would you expect us to get weird?
E: Because you are my parents, reading a book I wrote about romance.
J: So, tell me, what have you enjoyed about being here and working here in Chicago?
E: You get to go to coffee shops, and it’s really cool because you look out and you’re like, oh my gosh, this is a city that I love, and I’ve been here like 14 times. And it’s like my home. It’s where I want to possibly live when I grow up or come here to get my master’s. I already have my whole life planned .
J: Yeah, that’s good. That’s never failed anyone.
E: This is like my favorite place to be. I love it. Plus, you get to work on a creative project that you love too
J: One of our favorite writers is Steinbeck, who wrote Travels with Charlie, where he said the test of any great trip is that it makes your day-to-day life that much more romantic. So, you show up at a French bistro and you smoke cigarettes and you write poetry and you think, Okay, I’ll be richer emotionally because I was here.
E: Hey, I was just wondering if John Lennon ever had a linen company.
J: What?
E: You know, John Lennon, does he have a linen fabric?
J: We should revisit spelling.
E: That would make it even better if he spelled it like his last name.
J: When you go back to school, what will you be doing?
E: I will be in eighth grade, and I think that’s going to be fun, but also I’m kind of ready for high school. It’s scary, but I don’t know. I am looking forward to being in broadcasting, which is going to be super fun. Shout out to Ms. Elmore.
J: Shout out to Ms. Elmore.
E: I’m looking forward to being a kind eighth grader. Kind to the younger kids. Kind to all the people.
J: I love that. I’ve seen you do that, but that’s literally the good you can do. I guess we’d better let these people go now.
E: Well, it was nice of you to let me join.
J: It would have been awkward otherwise.
Alright, cheers, friends. Until we see you again next month, do all the good you can do.
(MUCH more of this interview is available on the DreamersLIVE Podcast.)
Turn the Page
by Brent Taylor
If I could go back in time and do it all again, I think I’d be a journalist—not so much in today’s digital media soup, but in the old days, when journalists smoked pipes, wore cardigans, and called in breaking news stories from pay phones.
Journalism runs in my family. My uncle Rudy Taylor, cousin Andy Taylor, and cousin Jenny (Taylor) Dively have owned, written, and edited several newspapers in southeastern Kansas. I’ve always been a little jealous of them— except on deadline day.
I miss newspapers. Not so much the black smudge they left on my fingers when I read them front to back, but the moments they made me feel like I was a participant in the world and its events.
It startles me now when I see someone reading one. Newspapers take up so much space and require special folding skills—unless you have a desk to lay them flat, with the front page finally turned, revealing pages 2 and 3 like a secret.
Most kids who grew up in Bartlesville, if they had their picture in the Examiner-Enterprise, would eventually receive that photo—laminated, with a note from Arnold Moore.
I started most days of my life after college by buying a paper and reading it with a cup of coffee. I’ve started many fires with newspapers too—some literal, some metaphorical.
When I was a graduate student at Harding University, I had the financial resources of a turnip. So I saved fifty cents a day by reading the Arkansas Gazette on a stick at the public library. One of my favorite authors, Charles Portis—the quiet genius behind True Grit—once wrote for that same paper.
In honor of Charles Portis, a journalist at heart, here are a few of my favorite lines from True Grit:
• “But I had not the strength nor the inclination to bandy words with a drunkard. What have you done when you have
bested a fool?”
• “You do not think much of me, do you, Cogburn?”
• “I don’t think about you at all when your mouth is closed.”
• “On his deathbed he asked for a priest and became a Catholic… If you had sentenced one hundred and sixty men to death and seen around eighty of them swing, then maybe at the last minute you would feel the need for some stronger medicine than the Methodists could make.”
At Portis’s funeral in Little Rock on February 28, 2020, Ernie Dumas recalled a fellow Gazette reporter who came to the paper around 1959. His name was Patrick J. Owens.
“Owens was a Gazette reporter who came from Hungry Horse, Montana,” Dumas said. “He was brilliant and a great writer. He took notes with those big brown No. 2 pencils. When he finished, he stuck the end of the pencil against his chest and guided it down into his shirt pocket. By the end of the day, the top of his shirt would have dozens of black marks above his pocket. You can imagine what his shirt was like by the end of the week.”
Wouldn’t it be great to have a shirt as evidence of your creative forces? To wear it in public and have folks stare at the residue of your passion—writ carbon to cloth.
Portis understood that world and lived it. He understood something rare: the gravity of history and the absurdity of living in it. He wrote about real things with a straight face and a wry smile.
If I could go back, I’d chase stories with a notebook and a deadline—and maybe a pipe in my pocket. I’d walk into newsrooms where people still yelled “Copy!” and it was hard to think absent the din of a dozen smoking-hot typewriters.
And somehow, I’d know that what we put in print would stain fingers—and stay in minds—a little while longer than today’s world of endless digital ephemera.
Confidence & Community . . . Built Through Martial Arts
by Maria Gus
In Bartlesville, locally owned businesses don’t just provide goods and services— they shape the community. One bright example is Thunder Martial Arts, where owner and instructor Howard Nelson has been sharing his lifelong passion for martial arts with students of all ages. For Nelson, martial arts isn’t only about kicks and punches - it’s about self-discipline, resilience, and helping people grow into the best version of themselves.
Nelson’s journey with martial arts began 27 years ago, a personal path that quickly grew into a calling to teach others. When asked why he chose to open his own school, Nelson explained, “Opening my own school was about more than just teaching techniques, it was about creating a place where people could grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience.” That vision continues to drive Thunder Martial Arts today, making it a hub not only for physical training but also for building lifelong habits of focus and perseverance.
Life Lessons Beyond the Mat
The value of martial arts extends far outside the studio walls. Nelson has seen firsthand how the lessons learned on the mat, such as respect, perseverance, and goal-setting, translate into everyday life. “The confidence students gain in class empowers them in every area of life,” Nelson said. Whether it’s a child navigating school pressures or an adult facing new career challenges, the strength built in martial arts helps them meet those moments with courage.
Some of Nelson’s favorite memories are the success stories of his students. Shy children who once avoided the spotlight have grown into confident leaders, families have strengthened bonds by training together, and students who once faced bullying now serve as mentors and role models. Nelson recalled one student in particular who overcame bullying, trained with dedication, and ultimately became an instructor himself. “Seeing that transformation, watching someone go from a place of struggle to a place of leadership, is what makes all of this worthwhile,” he reflected.
Community Connection and Events
Thunder Martial Arts isn’t just a school, it’s part of the Bartlesville community. Students and families are encouraged to
participate not only in training but also in special events that showcase their progress. One of the most popular gatherings is the school’s annual Trunk or Treat, held each October. In addition, belt testings and community self-defense seminars bring together students, families, and neighbors in celebration of growth and achievement.
For anyone curious about martial arts, Nelson suggests simply trying a class. The school offers trial sessions so potential students can meet instructors, experience the atmosphere, and see if martial arts is a good fit. “Whether you’re brand new or returning after a break, everyone is welcome,” Nelson emphasized.
Bartlesville: A Place for Growth
Nelson is quick to credit Bartlesville itself for much of Thunder Martial Arts’ success. “Bartlesville is an incredible community, supportive, family-oriented, and full of people who value personal growth and connection,” he shared. Local families have embraced the school’s mission, making it a place where students aren’t just learning martial arts but also gaining tools for life.
Supporting Local Means Supporting Each Other
Bartlesville is fortunate to have a business community deeply invested in the success of its young people, and Thunder Martial Arts is working hard at doing its part. By supporting this locally owned school, residents aren’t just signing up for classes, they’re helping provide a safe, encouraging place where students can build confidence, self-discipline, and lifelong healthy habits. Through community events, youth programs, and a genuine dedication to empowering families, Thunder Martial Arts continues to give back in ways that make Bartlesville stronger, healthier, and more connected.
For more information look for Thunder Martial Arts on facebook or stop by to inquire about a class. Thunder Martial Arts is located at 1414 SE Washington Blvd in Bartlesville.
(918) 914-0883
howard@thundermartialarts@yahoo.com
Class schedule: Monday & Wednesday 4:30-8p
Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-8p
Saturnay 5-6p
Blank Space is not endorsed by or in any way affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Swift with Blank Space, Los Angeles’ premier tribute band that redefines what it means to celebrate music’s most iconic artist.
Fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti, who embodies Taylor’s spirit with every note and move, Blank Space is more than just a tribute—it’s a full-scale recreation of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking musicians and dancers, dazzling visuals, and intricate choreography, this show takes fans on a diverse musical era.
From her heartfelt country ballads to the electrifying pop anthems that shook the world, Blank Space delivers a seamless, song-by-song recreation of Taylor’s hits. Each performance is crafted with precision and passion, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the stories, emotions, and magic behind Taylor’s music.
Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with love, heartbreak, and the infectious energy that has made Taylor Swift a global sensation. Blank Space is not just a concert— it’s a celebration of music, connection, and the unparalleled
restaurant, some of whom will run special pre-show offers on their socials. Plan a trip through The Center’s community hall. You’ll find pop-up shops, signature beverages, a friendship bracelet making station, and more! The fun begins at 6pm!
In addition to Blank Space, both single and season tickets are now available for the 2025-2026 Broadway in Bartlesville! season. We’ve got you covered if you can’t commit to the full season with a specially priced family four pack or flex pass.
Generous donations from The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the following local sponsors make this show and Broadway in Bartlesville! possible: Arvest Wealth Management * bMonthly Magazine * C & M Plumbing * Cortney McClure Design * Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford * Examiner-Enterprise * Green Country Village * Keleher Architects * KGGF KUSN KQQR * Kool Kreations * KRIG KYFM KWON KPGM * Melody’s Creative Cuisine * Nowata Road Liquor * Phillips 66 * Osage Casinos * Robinett|King * Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rutledge * Dr. and Mrs. William D. Smith * Sparklight * Truity Credit Union * Visit Bartlesville.
B the Light Update: New Beginnings
by Miriam Walker
Welcome to September, as we eagerly await cooler temperatures and a changing of the season!
Parents in our city bid a farewell to their college students, and others welcomed a peaceful reprieve, as all ages headed back to higher learning. Well, I welcomed the reprieve. Lol. And as I sit here writing, I find my own mind wondering how my son will ever survive without his 8 daily snacks and 3 lunches. The poor boy is probably famished at this very moment.
As promised last month, we are diving deeper into what Phase 2 means for our unhoused clients here at B the Light. BUT FIRST - every room on the second level is now complete! The showers, toilets and urinals will go in within the next three weeks.
We’d like to send a HUGE SHOUT OUT to our very own Rock Minghetti for making Phase 2 a reality. Rock and his crew at MinCon Services have been working tirelessly to get our 2nd floor complete. We couldn’t do any of this without him.
With phase 2 our clients have now been with us for 15 months. Some have found work outside of B the Light and may already hold employment in our city. New beginnings rarely begin without help, and we’ll continue to network with companies here in Bartlesville, that might want to partner with us in the way of gainful employment for our formerly homeless neighbors. If this is something that your company or business is interested in, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
In Phase 2 they will now have their own room. The shared kitchen space and lounge is something that offers our clients a sense of normalcy. Some have been homeless for so long that they’ve forgotten what normal really looks like, or what it feels like. Phase 2 is getting them closer to a life no longer dependent on outside resources, and one that includes their own address. Each step takes them closer to what they may have imagined their life would be, once upon a time. Their story is not over, and B the Light is helping them to rewrite it.
We were given approval from the Fire Marshall, and we’re installing our smoke detectors now, but are still waiting for our CO2 detectors. Once they arrive they will be promptly installed. Rest assured, we are still utilizing all of our resources to assist those that come to us for help. We’ve said all along that although we are not ready to house the homeless overnight, we are still open to serve anyone that come through our doors.
I had an opportunity to sit down this week with our City Councilman for Ward 4, Aaron Kirkpatrick. Many in our city have been following the Unsheltered Homelessness Task Force from
the beginning. Aaron let me know that they have extended the Task Force for an additional 6 months, and will have quarterly meetings moving forward, to oversee the roll out of implemented items from the original 6th month time frame. This will ensure that both our unhoused neighbors as well as those who are housed, will continue to have a voice on the things that are most important.
COMING UP on October 22nd, will be one of those implemented items. The Helping Organization Summit will give all helping organizations an opportunity to to report what they’ve learned on the state of homelessness here in our city. They will also learn about all of the resources that are available for our unsheltered population.
Lunch will be provided by Agape Mission and The Lighthouse, registration is required, and seating is limited. Be watching for registration information on Aaron’s social media pages. The Helping Organization Summit takes place on Wednesday October 22nd at Tri County Tech, from 11:00 to 1:00. This is an exciting development for our unsheltered neighbors, as this will bring us closer to helping them in the most tangible ways.
Many of our Wesleyan college students are back, and over 200 of them will be coming to donate their time in the next couple of weeks. They are so appreciated in this community, and we are honored to be a part of their lives. OKWU also donated 40 armoires and as many chest of drawers for our residents. THANK YOU!
The homelessness issue in America right now is very complicated, although it need not be. For every person that has gone through horrible tragedies that caused them to spiral downward and then end up on the streets, there are the same number of people who have gone through similar circumstances, but had a different outcome. Perhaps their result did not cause them to lose everything, including a place to live. Maybe they had help, family, or a different mindset of hope altogether.
The point is, homelessness in America will never completely go away, and this is indeed unfortunate. But if we could begin to look at our homeless neighbors through a prism of humanity FIRST, then we will begin to realize that they are just like us. They wake up, they live, they have bad things happen, they sometimes lose control, they mask pain, and often they make choices that don’t always end well. We all experience these things from time to time. Perhaps we just had a different outcome.
And there but for the grace of God, go US…
See you next month.
It’s Getting Western Up Here
I never really liked my middle name. To start with, my first name is Kelly (Kel – Lee), so in my mind my second name should flow easily, and compliment the first beautifully, and happily, of course…
I had a grandmother whose name was Sue. I could have been happy with (Kel – Lee) Sue, especially since folks in the south typically use both first and middle names when talking to you or about you.
Why, even my husband has a cool middle name. It’s Wayne. His first name is John. Get it? John Wayne. How cool is that?!!
Well, my middle name is Lee, and when said together with my first name, it sounds like maybe my parents might have stuttered. (KelLee) Lee. But, none-the-less I’m stuck with it…and I try to make the best of it, but if you want to call me Kelly Sue, I just might smile at you and call you friend.
On the brighter side of redemption, recently I was given the pleasure of bestowing upon a community the perfect middle name for it, and yes, I’m talking Dewey, Oklahoma where #Western is its middle name!
Western just fits from Dewey’s downtown architecture to the Tom Mix Museum to a little group of folks committed to keeping the spirit of Tom Mix (Silver Screen Cowboy) and the historic Dewey Roundup alive.
Every year in downtown Dewey, they have what they call the Dewey Western Heritage Roundup and it’s western to the core from its vendors to the longhorn cattle drive through town, to the Wild West Show that evening. It’s a “ Y’all Come ” type of event!
AND did you know, they bring in bounce houses, mechanical bulls, and even have wagon rides all day long – and it’s all free?!! The only entertainment charged for is admission to the Wild West Show that evening and that’s only $10/person and kids 12 and under are free!
There’s just something good about a community that comes together to hold onto a way of life, a western way of life, that
by Kelly Hurd
kids still need to experience today. Now, adjust your bustle because the weekend of October 11th will be a western weekend in more ways than one. The night before Dewey’s Western Heritage Roundup, out at what was historically known as the Mullendore Ranch , but now known as the Cross Bell Ranch , on the evening of Friday, October 10th, they’ll be having a fundraising dinner for the Art of the Cowgirl with cocktails at 5:45 and dinner at 6:30pm.
You’re invited to step back in time with an authentic chuckwagon meal, served fireside, as the prairie comes alive with the soul-stirring fiddling and yodeling of Leah Sawyer and Carin Mari.
It’s all about celebrating western heritage, honoring the women of the ranching arts, and supporting the mission of Art of the Cowgirl which is to preserve and promote the cowgirl spirit through fellowship, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging artists and horsewomen.
The Teague family out at the Cross Bell invite you to come hungry, bring your boots, and be ready for a night you won’t forget.
So, I’m inviting you to get your planner out and put a circle around both October 10th and 11th for a western heritage weekend up here in northeastern Oklahoma that will be hard to top. First in Dewey, where #Western is its middle name and second, out on the Cross Bell Ranch where western has been its way of life back to the sovereignty of the soil.
Yep, take it from ol’ Kelly Sue, a little western does a body good every now and then!
To find out more about each of these events, please visit their websites at:
DeweyWesternHeritageWeekend.com
ArtOfTheCowgirl.com
John Wayne and I will see you there and we’ll be Calling to the Good!
