DAMON MCKINNEY
Damon McKinney was born in Pekin, Illinois, and he attended school at Seiling High School in Seiling, Oklahoma. After high school, Damon went to college at Southern Arkansas University, in Magnolia, Arkansas. He met his wife, Amy McKinney, when they were both working at Lowes. She says, “This man could always make me laugh, and within a year, we were married,” and they’ve been married for 27 years. They moved to Arkansas for about 6 years, but they’ve lived in Enid for approximately 20 years. Together, they have 7 children, Logan (22), Mya (20), Tony (14), Lily (11), Aurora (8), Jacob (7), and Ryker (2). They adopted a group of siblings in May of 2023, and according to Amy, Damon would tell you it was one of his most important accomplishments.
Together, they’ve fostered for over 5 years, and in September 2023, they were named the Foster Parents of the Year in Northwest Oklahoma. They’ve had over 15 children in their home throughout the years, and they also volunteer at Youth and Family Services as well.
Damon has served on the Martin Luther King Board, and he’s involved in the Great Land Run that gives back funds to the school district. When he can, Amy says he’s out there volunteering and helping! During Christmas, he also works with the Salvation Army.
Damon teaches and works at Enid High School, and he’s been there for over 12 years. At Enid High, he takes on many roles. He teaches yearbook, digital arts/journalism, and ACT preparation classes, and he’s a junior class sponsor and National Honor Society sponsor. Damon’s also over the homecoming dance, the Blue Court, and
prom, and he’s a great DJ at the Special Education Prom. As a teacher, he’s very talented, and he’s passionate about what he does. His wife states, “He amazes me with his motivation and passion for his students. He takes time with them and builds that relationship to help them be successful in the world.” His former student, Trinity, continues with, “He treated students as young adults – it was never surface level connections or education. I feel like he always tried to connect with his students, and it was evident that he genuinely cared.”
Damon is a selfless man with a giving heart, and he gives that heart to the community. His wife finishes with, “I know I am a better person because of my husband, Damon McKinney,” and that’s what makes him a Local Legend.
The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and the heat is gone! It’s the most wonderful time of the year – almost! As October makes its grand entrance, so does fall, and it is long overdue! After our heat wave of a summer, I can not wait for the temperatures to continue to drop and for my hoodies to make their way out of my closet! However, as fun and lovely as fall is, October also means Halloween… which is not my favorite time of the year. I do not like anything remotely scary... With that being said, we chose to write about Garfield County’s hauntings – makes perfect sense, right? With Halloween around the corner, we wanted to lean into the “spookiness” of October for this month’s cover story. We chose to talk about the mysteries and hauntings surrounding Enid and Garfield County, and to do so, we spoke with the authors of Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma, Tammy and Jeff! This story only scratches the surface of their book, which covers many hauntings throughout Garfield County, and some of the stories have occurred at some of Enid’s most well-known places. So, if this piques your interest and you want to learn more, pick up a copy of their book and get into the spirit, or should I say join the spirits! And on behalf of us here at Enid Monthly, we hope you have a Happy Halloween!
BLAK E REESE
BY BLA K E REESE
For some, Halloween is more than costumes, horror stories, and candy, but for others, Hallow een is all that and more. On this holiday, peo ple love to seek out frightening activities, sto ries, costumes, parties, and so on. In honor of Halloween, this story will touch on some of the haunting, mysterious, and spooky stories right here in Enid and Garfield County. And who better to dive into these stories than the au thors of Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma
Tammy Wilson is a local resident here in Enid, and she’s known by many. For those who don’t know her, she’s a former City Commissioner, and she currently owns and runs Jezebel’s Emporium & Tea Room, which doesn’t mention the many other hats she also wears. In addition to Tammy, Jeff Provine helped tell the haunted stories of Garfield County. Jeff is an author and professor local to Oklahoma, and his previous publishing aren’t limited to just Garfield County. His Haunted series also touches on Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Guthrie, and Norman, and he has other works as well.
When it comes to hauntings, paranormal activity, and the supernatural, many are skeptical while others believe in it wholeheartedly. Tammy has always had a fascination for mystery and anything spooky, and her interests reflected that. Whether reading ghost stories or folktales, she’s always been drawn to stories of the “unknown.” After she was married, she lived in a house where a lot of strange things occurred, and her interest for exploring and investigating haunted places was born. With that being said, it’s important to mention her feelings towards the unknown. She states, “While I do believe there are a lot of unexplainable things that happen, I also have a healthy amount of skepticism.”
As for Jeff and his fascination with the unknown/paranormal, he states, “I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal and strange… It’s the ‘what if’ that really intrigues me.” As a middle-schooler, he spent a summer reading the Enid Public Library’s collections of fairy tales and fables, which later turned into bigger collections. When it comes to his beliefs, he shares, “I’ve in-
terviewed so many people who have had similar experiences and no reason to lie that there is certainly something going on. My favorites are the people who specifically say, ‘I don’t believe in ghosts, but…’” After all, any healthy beliefs or fascination come with a decent amount of skepticism.
The Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma, book covers unusual stories about places in Garfield County, but it also touches on a good deal of history on the area. And the book is backed by a lot of research, in addition to collections of stories and legends Tammy has collected from community members over time. With her collection of stories and his research, Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma, was created.
"For Tammy, the notable stories in the book that are most interesting and active are the ones surrounding the Gaslight Theatre, The Spot, and the Paramount Realty building. For Jeff, the John Wilkes Booth legend, Imo Cemetery, elevator-repairmen at the Knox Building, and Gaslight Theatre are some of the more interesting stories. The book also covers some of Enid’s other notable hauntings, like the Broadway Tower, the Alton Mercantile, and more. The chapters correlating to the photos included in this month’s cover story are Ghost Signs at Alton Mercantile, Broadway Tower of Terror, Dead Man’s Cave, Morbid: The Haunted Museum, Barside Tales, Murder Three Times: The Corner of Grand and Broadway, and Dollie Douthitt.
Gaslight Theatre has undergone many changes, names, and owners, until being bought by Gaslight Theatre in 1989. Originally owned by Walter S. Billings, the building was sold at a sheriff’s sale in No-
vember 1921 to his mother, Henrietta. It was ravaged by a fire in November of 1922. After the fire, Henrietta rebuilt the Theatre into a one-story motion picture playhouse with apartments on the second floor. Henrietta lived in the apartments until she passed, and she passed in the building from an illness in November of 1933.
Per the book, “It turns out that almost everyone who has spent any amount of time in the theater has at least one ghost story.” The tech booth has been a place of mystery and dread for many. Some have heard footsteps and talking from voices upstairs, when they knew no one was there, and others have heard knocks from the booth. On two separate occasions, people recall hearing knocks in the tech booth. For one instance, two men, who weren’t likely to be sharing ghost stories, opened the door after hearing the knock to see who was on the other side, only to be greeted by nothing. On another occasion, a set of castmates heard knocks, too, but they stood firm on not wanting to see who was on the other side. According to the book, “Many troupe members have stories of seeing the man in the tech booth, standing there and watching. Everyone describes it as unsettling at best.”
Another mysterious instance that is known to be rather common is hearing a woman singing or music from a piano coming from the stage, which Jeff himself has heard. However, there is no piano in the
auditorium. And being that it is a theatre that performs musicals from time to time, singing isn’t out of the ordinary. However, hearing singing when no one else is there with you is out of the ordinary, to say the least. And more than once, cast and crew members have heard the singing only to be stunned when finding out no one was there.
As to why Gaslight Theatre may be so active and mysterious, the book mentions a couple of different theories, including how theatres are considered “liminal spaces.” The book continues with, “Theaters exist between the real world and the world of make-believe…” and goes on to refer to such spaces as “in-between spaces.” Perhaps mixing reality with fiction allows ghosts and other entities to mix their own versions of reality and fiction. Other theories suggest that theatre people are lively and exuberant, and as such, they are just as lively in the afterlife. Theatres are also home to numerous donations and random finds, so perhaps some of the items have spirits or ghosts attached to them. Whatever the reason may be, it’s safe to say that the Gaslight Theatre ghost(s) seem to like to put on a show, too.
When asked about the scariest thing she’s seen or heard of in Enid, Tammy refers to a story called ‘Granny’s House’ in the book. She used to live in a big house on Broadway that was built in 1910. The house had a few different owners before the Johnson family acquired it in 1956. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson lived in the home with one of their daughters. Their daughters were identical twins, but only one of them lived at home as the other had a home and family of her own. The family knew the house as “Granny’s House,” and over time, Dr. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, and their daughter passed
away. Jayne, the twin with her own family, was the only survivor from their immediate family for some time. Over the years, several members of their family have claimed to have heard and seen things they can’t explain.
In 1996, Tammy and her husband moved into the home after Jayne had inherited it – Jayne was Tammy’s step-grandmother. Whilst living at ‘Granny’s House,’ Tammy and her husband welcomed two children. When her second daughter was born, they moved her first daughter into Jeanne’s old room, Jayne’s twin who had passed away. Tammy’s daughter spent a good amount of time with her “Nana Jayne,” as she called her. According to the book, “One summer day when the baby was about eighteen months old, she was sitting on the bed in her room. The child looked up at the doorway as if someone had just walked into the room and said, ‘Hi. Hi, Nana Jayne.’” However, no one was there. Years later, that same child woke up one night, and she stated that someone had come in and sat on her bed and woke her up. She began to have bad dreams and no longer wanted to sleep in there, but all she’d mention about her dreams was that there was a scary man at the bottom of the stairs.
Time went on, and one night, Tammy woke in the middle of the night to the sounds of sobbing. After investigating the house and waking her husband, they found nothing and returned to bed. The next morning she’d asked her family about the sobs, to which they responded that Jeanne had a fiancé who’d been killed in a car accident, and she spent quite a bit of time crying over him. Time went on, and their family sold the house, which meant they had to move. Her daughter’s bad dreams stopped, and the house remained unoccupied for about a year. They eventually offered to buy the house
and decided to remodel it before moving back in. While it was unoccupied, Tammy’s friends and family had frequented the house for odds and ends here and there, and they all had their own experiences and stories to tell. Eventually, Tammy had an experience of her own that involved overpowering feelings of unease. As a result, she hired a paranormal investigation team.
When the investigators conducted their investigation, they recorded a women saying, “Hello,” the same way Jayne had said it. And while the house had been unoccupied, Jayne had passed away. The recording resembled her voice so much it brought family members to tears. The team was able to verify their claims that the house was possibly haunted, but they didn’t feel as if there was anything threatening to it. Years later, the house was sold to family friends, and they still experience ghosts at ‘Granny’s House.’
When asked about the scariest thing Jeff had heard of in Enid/ Garfield County, he mentions the chapter titled, ‘Black Bear’s Dark Figures.’ In 1893, more than 100 towns were founded on a single day. As time progressed, more and more of the towns became ghost towns. Today, there is a cemetery named Baldwin Cemetery northeast of Covington, although it is most commonly known as “Black Bear Cemetery” due to the creek that runs near it. A deserted church is located across the road, although it may not be as deserted as it appears.
Over time, an interest in different religions grew, and people began experimenting with darker arts. One of the darker arts that was practiced included performing rites in places that were once-consecrated. Some mention rumors that the church was shut down due
to choices and paths they took, but one thing that isn’t up for debate is what continues to be found at the church. According to the book, “To this day at this old church, animal bones are said to be found in the midst of freshly blackened spots on pillars and concrete where sacrifices took place.” Said rituals are alleged to have invited “something dark” to the area. The site has become quite interesting to those interested in the paranormal and unknown. The book goes on to state, “Numerous paranormal investigators, including researchers and authors Cathy Nance, Logan Corelli and Mike Ricksecker, have been to the site collecting photographs, video and audio recordings and chilling personal experiences.” From faces in the windows in photos and orbs to EVPs from the basement catching a whispered, “You shouldn’t be here,” some things truly can’t be explained. The book continues and mentions that in the basement, some have been touched, scratched, and even struck. One person even claimed to have been pushed, and he was pushed hard enough to have fallen feet from where he was standing.
However, those instances aren’t even what the church is most famous for. It is most famous for the dark figures that loom over the area. Some have seen figures that resemble humans, but the most frightening figure mentioned is called a “crawler,” which, according to the book, is “a term used by investigators for a human-sized visible entity that scampers low on long limbs.” Jeff states, “The spooky stories at the old Black Bear Church certainly make me break out in goosebumps. Creepy crawlers, shadows, unseen forces knocking people over… yikes!” The book continues with, “Beyond straying on their own, the spirits can follow those who visit. Visitors who have gotten terrible feelings, even crying and vomiting from the stress, said that the invading darkness continued even elsewhere until they underwent cleansing…” From investigators to visitors, those who visit this area don’t seem to be alone.
Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma, is a book full of stories about the mysterious and unknown surrounding Enid and Garfield County. If you want to learn more about the mysteries surrounding our town, it’s a great place to start! With Halloween right around the corner, Haunted Garfield County, Oklahoma, is sure to make you feel in the spooky season!
FOCUS ON Wellness News from Be Smart About
Roughly 1 in 8 women in the United States develop breast cancer in their lifetime.* As a patient, friend or family member, nearly everyone is affected by this disease in some way. Rebecca Lewis, MD, primary care physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, talks about the importance of screenings for early detection of breast cancer.
Why is early detection of breast cancer so important?
Regular breast cancer screenings are important because they can detect breast cancer years before symptoms develop. Early detection is key, because success rates are much higher when breast cancer is detected and treated during its early stages. A visit with your primary care physician is a good first step in breast health care because he or she can provide guidance on what screenings may be appropriate for your personal health.
What types of screenings are important?
There is a comprehensive range of imaging and biopsy services available at St. Mary’s Women’s Imaging Center including:
• 2D and 3D digital mammography (breast cancer detection)
• Invenia™ Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) (for breast cancer detection)
• Breast biopsy (ultrasound, fine needle, stereotactic)
Breast Health
How effective is digital mammography?
Mammograms are the most widely used imaging method for detecting breast cancer, often spotting issues before anything can be felt. Low-radiation digital mammograms are very effective in identifying abnormalities in the breast. The American Cancer Society® strongly advises women who are age 40 and older to have a yearly mammogram. Individuals who are at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or history of high-dose radiation exposure prior to the age of 30, may require screening earlier than 40. If you believe you are at a higher risk, make sure to talk to your primary care physician about when to begin screenings.
3D mammography, which is also called tomosynthesis digital mammography, available at St. Mary’s Women’s Imaging Center, is different from standard mammography because it takes multiple images of the breast at various layers, providing more precise detail. This can help make it easier to identify abnormalities and is particularly useful for evaluating dense breast tissue. It can also reduce the number of callbacks for repeat testing.
What does having dense breasts mean and what screening is needed for this?
Dense breasts have a higher proportion of glandular and connective tissues as compared to fatty tissue. Women who have been told they have dense breasts should be aware that it can make it difficult for screening mammography to detect tumors. What’s more, women who have dense breasts are also at increased risk for breast cancer.
Additional imaging tests – ultrasound, MRI or molecular breast imaging – may be needed for complete evaluation.
What is breast ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a noninvasive, non-radiation exam-
ination that uses sound waves to detect disease and locate possible abnormalities in breast tissue. It is designed to provide doctors with precise images for efficient diagnosis of breast problems, and can be effective in distinguishing certain abnormalities in the breast such as lumps, solid masses and cysts. The systems enable the physician to perform high-resolution panoramic imaging or 3D scanning in real time.
The Women's Imaging Center is the first provider in the Northwestern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas regions to use the ABUS for breast cancer screening. This system is used in addition to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue and no prior interventions. ABUS can help improve detection of small cancers in dense breast tissue that cannot be seen on a mammogram alone.
When would a breast biopsy be necessary?
Breast biopsies are used to check suspicious or unusual areas in breast tissue for cancerous cells. The newest procedure, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, uses a minimally invasive system in which the doctor uses mammography (stereotactic-guided biopsy) or ultrasound to locate the suspicious area. He or she then makes a tiny incision in the breast and uses a small probe with a vacuum to gently draw, cut and collect tissue into the probe's hollow chamber.
To make an appointment with Dr. Lewis, call 580-233-5553. To view the provider directory, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com. To learn more about our imaging services, call 580-249-3930 or visit stmarysregional.com/imaging.
Physicians are on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
*American Cancer Society (ACS)
Rebecca Lewis, MD
Teen SCENE
BYSOP H I A FAULK Italy
Hey y'all, and welcome back to Teen Scene in ENID MONTHLY!! This past June, my dad and I went on an amazing vacation to Italy. I loved it so much, so I wanted to tell you everything we did. Let's go!!
We flew out of OKC and landed in Atlanta for our 7-hour layover. My dad and I probably walked around 6 miles exploring the whole airport. The time flew by because it was SO big and had lots of cute little shops to look around. Our plane to Venice was HUMONGOUS!! Probably the 2nd biggest I had ever been on. We got an emergency exit seat, which was pretty cool because we had double the legroom and were right by the bathrooms. The food was not very delightful, but I made it through, and I rewatched the first season of Riverdale to help with the time. We landed in Venice on June 16th around noon. If you don't know anything about Venice, then a primary thing to know is that it has no roads, no cars, and it is all made up of waterways. The “streets” are little rivers!! We took a water taxi to the general area where we were staying. I brought a HUGE suitcase, and my dad made me walk for, what felt like, a whole mile dragging it on these uneven and rocky roads. After we got settled in the hotel, we changed and explored the city. I have never seen a more fascinating destination than I did that day.
We stayed in Venice for a couple of days, which was a good amount of time to get what we wanted to done. We went on a tour of the city and visited some archaeological, breathtaking buildings and churches. We rode the gondolas in one of the biggest riverways in the city. The next day we went on an island-hopping tour and went to Burano and Murano Island. Burano is known for its lacemaking, which some women make BY hand. Murano is known for their professional glassblowing!! It was really cool to see the process of both lace and glass creation.
We stayed in Rome for the rest of our time in Italy. We visited Sorrento, Amalfi, The Vatican, Tuscany, and Pompeii as well. Sorrento is known for its lemons and beaches. We were walking down a strip and saw a lemon the size of my head!! Amalfi was also a very beautiful coast. In my words, I’d say ‘Instagram-worthy.’ The Vatican is one of the smallest countries in the world. What makes it fascinating is that it is in the middle of another country!! Outside of St. Peter’s Basilica, we saw the Pope blessing newly wedded couples. It was so cool!! Pompeii was also a very fascinating city. I had always heard about it in class and read about it, but I never thought I would get to visit it. The story behind it is tragic, but the remembrance is so amazing. Tuscany was my 2nd favorite place we went to behind Venice. The rolling hills and hilltop cities were breathtaking!! It reminded me a lot of Meteora in Greece.
Thank you for reading this month's article, I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions about my trip, please email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com I would love to go into more detail about it!! I hope you have an amazing October! See you next month.
Adult Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
The Glassmaker
Author: Tracy Chevalier
As we get into the cooler fall months, I knew I wanted to cozy up with a good historical fiction read. The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier had been sitting on my shelf since its release in June of this year, tempting me each day with its beautiful cover. I finally picked it up, and excluding one large qualm that docked it a few points, what my mind kept coming back to over and over was how absolutely interesting the story was.
The Glassmaker follows the Rosso family of Murano, Italy, through the centuries, spanning from the Renaissance in the 15th century clear up to present day. What we see is this very intriguing dynamic where the island, and the family, want to stay true to themselves and their history – making the same things, in the same way – yet facing changing demands and pressures as the outside world changes too. The family, for example, must shift from making elegant pitchers and bowls to making small beads that can be stitched into clothing and accessories or even used as currency. Change does not come easily though, especially for certain members of the family, but the Rosso women are the ones that know what must be done for the business to continue.
The one quirk of The Glassmaker is that the author takes large jumps ahead in time without the characters aging to the same degree. For example, we meet Orsola, the eldest daughter, as a young girl, but by the book’s end, over five hundred years later, she’s only in her sixties. Perhaps other readers can grasp this easily, but for me, I just couldn’t understand it. And I think that tied in to why I could never quite connect with the characters. I enjoyed the book for its sense of place and its history, not necessarily the characters. That being said though, I did like this book overall, and I learned a lot, which I always appreciate with historical fiction.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Glassmaker today!
EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU
Young Adult Book Review
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
What the River Knows
Author: Isabel Ibañez
Continuing this month’s apparent theme of “Historical Fiction with a Gorgeous Cover,” I chose Isabel Ibañez’s What the River Knows as my young adult read. The book was released in October 2023, and is the start of a duology, with the sequel expected next month, in November 2024. There is a little bit of a magical element in the story, but it is primarily an enemies-to-lover romance mixed with the action and adventure of an archeological dig in 1880s Egypt.
Nineteen-year-old Inez lives in Buenos Aires, but when she learns that her parents have mysteriously died while working in Egypt, she immediately sneaks away to board the next steamship. Once she arrives in Cairo, she joins her guardian, Tío Ricardo, and his
handsome right-hand man, Whit, as they continue to search for Cleopatra’s tomb, work that Inez’s parents were involved in. Tío Ricardo and Whit repeatedly try to send Inez back home, but she won’t be deterred. Even an encounter with a crocodile and a storm at sea can’t stop her from figuring out what happened to her parents. In the end though, a devastating betrayal, a tragic death, and a budding romance will leave Inez in a complicated position.
Now, this book does not have the fastest of starts – it takes it awhile to get going. I think, too, that the writing could have been a little better. If the dialogue had been sharper, if the descriptions had been less repetitive, this book’s 400 pages could have been reduced down a bit. The encouraging thing, though, is that the last quarter of the book is certainly the best part, so it does have the momentum – and a cliffhanger – to carry into the second book. I think if author Ibañez can clarify some aspects going forward, can keep the action going, and can properly tie up all the loose ends, this could be a solid duology for the young adult genre.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of What the River Knows today!
Let’s meetUP!
Are you single, divorced, or widowed? Are you having a hard time finding that special someone that shares your values because you are a working professional that struggles to find time to date? Or maybe it’s hard to find a place that you feel comfortable in to approach a prospective date? Have you tried the many different apps and are sick of them? How often do people meet organically in this day and age of zoom meetings and grocery delivery services anyway? This month, we’re shaking things up and introducing another new concept to our community: speed dating. You read that right; we are not joking.
Dating today involves meeting people online, which can often be unsuccessful because getting to know someone through an app can be challenging or even sometimes dangerous. Are they really who they say they are? Do they really look like that profile pic? Do I feel absolutely sure that I will be safe when I meet them in person? In 2024, studies show that speed dating has increased by 60% due to the rise of people wanting to get back into face-to-face meetings and getting to know someone without the pressure of traditional dating. momentumHQ will be hosting the first meetUP Speed Dating event on Thursday, October 24 from 6-8pm. If you’re single and looking to mingle with other working professionals that you may never get a chance to meet, please join us! Registration is required to participate. Information can be found at www.momentumhq.org.
Don’t forget to take advantage of our Day Pass for your one-off meetings with clients or if you just need a day away from your home office to spice things up a bit and get things done. You can purchase it in advance online at www.momentumhq.org or come on in and we’ll take care of you. momentumHQ is located at 1909 W. Owen K. Garriott. See you there!
mHQ Member Highlight
University of Oklahoma: OUtreach Prevention Surfaces NWOK Office
This is a grant funded program by OU’s Public and Community Services Department providing substance abuse and mental health services to women with children or who are pregnant with the mission to overcome obstacles they face to help them succeed. The administration offices are located at momentumHQ, however, most counseling services are performed in the client’s home. For more information, please contact momentumHQ at 580-599-1939.
Indian Hills Plaza Business Spotlight
Kenyon Chiropractic
Kenyon Chiropractic has been in business for many years focusing on better care through chiropractic solutions. Each client benefits from an individualized care plan depending on their needs whether it’s chronic pain relief management, recovery from an accident, or general muscle tension and headaches. Schedule your appointment today online at www.kenyonchiro.com or by calling 580-237-2289.
“Live the Creed"
While they may have graduated seven seniors off of last year’s 26-win team, the 3rd year of Coach Chris Jensen’s Enid Pacer Softball team has not missed a beat. At the time of this writing, they are 18-5 and have their eyes set on winning the district and hosting postseason games.
“I can’t say enough about this year’s team,” said Coach Jensen, “we are young, but really stepping it up. Our defense and pitching has really kept us in these tough, close games and out hitting has really been a bit of a surprise. We are scoring a little more than we did last year.”
As usual in softball, it starts on the mound, where the Pacers turn first to freshman Gracie Combrink who is currently 10-2 in the circle. “Gracie gets a lot of strikeouts and can be dominating. She already has an above average fastball, and a really good screwball. She also plays everywhere on the field and we’ve been trying her out at leadoff this last week and she’s really responded,” said Jensen. When Combrink needs a break, Jensen says he has faith in both Rylee Thedford and Andee Rader to help out the team. “Both Andee and Rylee are good pitchers,
too. They are strike throwers, which let’s our defense work. And since our defense is a strength, it’s a good thing for us.”
As far as hitting goes, the team looks to Palmer Pasby to knock the ball around the yard. “Palmer is our three-hole hitter and can really hit,” said Jensen, “she is over .500 on the year, has a couple of home runs, and is just really good. She’s also a really good catcher and infielder and behind the plate keeps the other team honest. When you have some of these close games, the other coaches see her throwing down to second and think twice about running. Keeping them at first is a real plus.”
If there is one thing Coach Jensen would like to improve on, it’s base running. “I’d like to steal more bases,” he said, “a lot of that is about timing and getting a good jump. That (stealing bases) would really help us out this year.”
The future is bright for these Pacers, and it will be exciting to see if they can make it #alltheway this year.
BYDALE N MCVAY
THE LAW OF THE Land Show Me the Money
Howdy fishermen (and women)! High schools across the nation are expanding their sport repertoire to include a new activity: fishing! If you grew up in the Oklahoma Panhandle like me, this most likely wouldn’t have been an option. If you were lucky, you knew a farmer with a tailwater pit that held some channel cats and blue cats in which you could wet a line. There certainly was no fishing at Lake Optima (if you haven’t heard of it, look it up on Wikipedia; what a disaster).
Chisholm High School has started a new bass fishing club that competes in statewide tournaments. While still relatively new, Chisholm had TWO teams place in the top ten out of over 60 teams this past weekend at Keystone Lake. Gradee Adair and Kutter Smith (sophomores) placed second, and Hayden Hatchel and Kelson Hamilton (seniors) placed sixth! Hayden said more than anything he likes the competitive part of fishing tourneys (if you saw either him or Kelson play sports, you’d know why) and also the fact it brings a different group of same-aged kids together at each event. He’s hopeful to be able to compete in the state tournament in the Spring. His boat captain was his father, Glen Hatchel, (don’t tell Glen, but I’m a better fisherman than he is). Ha!
Gradee’s favorite part (other than the fishing itself) is the rush of 80 bass boats roaring off before the sun rises. Gradee has already been contacted by universities for potential college scholarships for their bass clubs (more on that in a bit.) If you know Gradee, this part won’t surprise you; he wanted to give a special thanks to Kyle Smith (Kutter’s dad) for being their boat captain and former Chisholm Superintendent (and all-around good guy) Royden Tilley for filling in when needed.
As for scholarships, most universities offer “Bass clubs,” which are club teams not sanctioned by the NCAA. That allows participants to keep their winnings as well as use sponsorships. Universities in Oklahoma that provide scholarships include Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University, the University of Central Oklahoma (Go Bronchos!), and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
The 2024 Oklahoma College Bass Championship will be held at Ft. Gibson in October. For more information on Oklahoma high school club tournaments, see obnhs.profishingtournaments.com
Go get those lunkers boys!
RE al Life
Luminous Looks for the “Water Closet”
Bathroom lighting has seen major innovation in recent years and has come a long way from the boring—and unflattering—overheads and fluorescent makeup mirrors of years past. We are now seeing bathroom lighting trends more similar to those in other spaces of the home— from fanciful chandeliers you might typically find in a dining room to the textured pendants often used in living rooms to every type of wall sconce imaginable! According to sources at REALTOR.com, some of the latest trends include the following:
BUBBLE CHANDELIER What better way to create a centerpiece in the bathroom than to take a geometry lesson from the bathtub? A bubble chandelier is glamorous and a piece that can instantly transform a bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Simple sconces can be added to provide more lighting as needed.
TASSLED TIKI PENDANTS For the more adventurous approach, try some tassel tiki pendants. Tassels on light fixtures don’t have to be vintage and formal—they can be modern and fun. Get a set of tassel-enhanced lights for your guest bathroom to make a unique design statement. Just be sure they aren’t the main light source—but an added.
SCALLOPED CHANDELIER A scalloped edge chandelier is a perfect blend of modern and classic when you choose one with clean lines and organic texture. Neutral tones will complement dark walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a bold yet sophisticated choice that elevates a space.
ARMED WALL SCONCE If your bathroom tends to be darker, a bright-light duo of double-headed wall sconces might be the solution. Placing a matched set of armed wall sconces on either side of your mirror provides a sense of symmetry to your room. They provide a mid-level lighting source to add to overhead or natural lighting.
RUSTIC BRONZE SCONCE Bronze sconces add Old World charm with a modern twist. They have the ability to work in a more modern bathroom, with marble accents and gold fixtures, or for a more rustic one. They are also adaptable enough to work in a more minimalist space with lots of white and wood.
Regardless of your specific taste, light fixtures are an easy and inexpensive way to update your space and add interest and appeal to your home.
BYMOLLY NICHOLAS
CROSSWORD PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 17
PUZZLE ANSWERS
EASY
SUDOKU FOUND ON PAGE 16
HARD SUDOKU FOUND ON PAGE 16
OCTOBER 1 – 31
Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
A Broader View: The 1893 Land Run in an Era of American Change Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
OCTOBER 1
6 – 9 pm
Tri-State Marching Contest
Selby Stadium (801 W. Iowa)
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
7 pm
Planetarium Show
NOC-Mackie Planetarium (Randolph & Hedges)
OCTOBER 2
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Sensory-Friendly
Family Day
Spirit Express (3104 N. Van Buren, Bldg. B)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 3 11 am – 12 pm
Veterans Coffee Social
OK Military History
Exhibit (4125 W. Garriott)
Enid's Enid's E-vents E-ventsE-vents
October Events
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 27, 30 – 31 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Thursday, 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm Friday & Saturday
Nightmare Warehouse Gold Spot Dairy (424 W. Walnut)
Enid’s haunted house. You’ll love every scary minute!
OCTOBER 4 – 5
6:30 – 8:30 pm Tombstone Tales Enid Cemetery (212 W. Willow) Wagons leave every 15 minutes.
OCTOBER 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 18 – 20, 25 – 27 10 am – 5 pm Friday & Saturday, 1 – 5 pm
Sunday Fall on the Farm
Red Bird Farm (8812 N. Hwy 81) $10 admission for Hay Maze, hay rides, play land and the Spooky Forest.
OCTOBER 4
All Day
Free Friday Open House and Free Coworking Day momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
6 – 9 pm
First Friday Oktoberfest Downtown Enid
6 pm
Live Music: Stacey
Sanders
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
6:30 pm
The Air Force Ball
Stride Bank Center (301 S. Independence)
OCTOBER 5 8 am
Paint Enid Pink 5K Color
Run
Crosslin Park (1520 W. Oxford)
Registration $35
11 am – 3 pm
Family Farm Day
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Celebrate our agricultural heritage in the Cherokee Strip!
Time: TBD
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. West Virginia Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
2 – 6 pm
Enid Pride Garfield County Courthouse Lawn (114 W. Broadway)
7 pm
Witches and Warlocks Ball
RED (302 E. Maple)
7:30 pm
Auto Racing: ASCS
Sooner Region Sprints
Enid Speedway (312 E. Oxford)
8 pm
Live Music: Skeleton
Station Band
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
OCTOBER 7
6 pm – 11 pm
Pumpkin Painting & Cocktail Party
RED (302 E. Maple) BYO Pumpkin, we will supply the Paint!
OCTOBER 8
12 pm – 6 pm
Open House: Blossom
Beauty Bar
Blossom Beauty Bar (2601 N. Van Buren)
4 – 6 pm
Sensory-Friendly Family Nights
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E. Maple)
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 9
5:30 pm
OSU Alumni Association
– Cherokee Strip
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 10
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 11 – 13
Times
TBA
Sooner State Kennel Club Dog Show
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W Purdue)
7:30 pm Friday & Saturday, 2 pm Sunday
The Farndale Avenue
Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of MacBeth
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 11
8:30 am
Working Women
Breakfast Club momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
6 pm
Live Music: Jazz Daddies Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
6 pm – 9 pm
Daddy Daughter Dance
RED (302 E. Maple)
NON ALCOHOL EVENT$20 per Duo
OCTOBER 12
8 am – 12 pm
Mo’s Market
Downtown Waukomis (121 S. Main)
10 am – 1 pm
4RKids Walk & Carnival
4RKids (710 Overland Tr.)
10 am – 2 pm
Sunset Plaza Second
Saturday
Sunset Plaza (610 S. Cleveland)
7:30 pm
If you would like a free listing for your event, please email robert@enidmonthly.com by the 5th of the month PRIOR to your event! Events are as accurate as possible as of print date. Please see VisitEnid.org for any updates/changes, or scan this QR code.
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
Enid Symphony Orches-
tra: Peter and the Wolf
Enid Symphony Center (301 W. Broadway)
8 pm
Crow Party
Jezebel’s Emporium & Tea Room (121 E. Broadway)
8 pm
Live Music: Bobby Bennett Band
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 15
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 16
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 17
11 am – 12 pm
Veterans Coffee Social
OK Military History Exhibit (4125 W. Garriott)
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Haunted Gym
Champion Park Gym (700 N. 10th St.)
8 pm
DJ Dance w/Dale
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
OCTOBER 18 – 19
7:30 pm
The Farndale Avenue
Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of MacBeth
Gaslight Theatre (221 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 18
6 pm
Live Music: Rocky Kanaga
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9:15 pm
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. BYU
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
OCTOBER 19
9 am – 12 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee: Christmas in October (1601 W. Chestnut)
11 am – 3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional
Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
6 – 8 pm
Trunk or Treat
Oakwood Bowl (4709 W. Garriott)
9 pm
Latin Night
RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 21
5 – 8 pm
Sensory-Friendly Family Night
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 22
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 23
8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Women’s Business Summit of Northwest Oklahoma
Autry Technology Center (1201 W. Willow)
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 24 – 26 7 pm
Live Theater: Angel Street
The Turpin at Gaslight (221 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 24 12 pm
Business Book Club hosted by Drew Ritchie momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott)
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
meetUP Speed Dating momentumHQ (1909 W. Garriott) Register: momentumHQ.org
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
OCTOBER 25
11 am – pm
United Way of Northwest Oklahoma 90’s
Chili Cook-off
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
6 pm
Live Music: Lane Haas
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
OCTOBER 26
10 am – 5 pm
The Market Neighborhood Shops Craft Show
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
TBD
Watch Party: Oklahoma State v. Baylor
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
Special event for Alumni Association Members w/ Free Apps and Special Giveaways
6 – 8 pm
Haunted Gym
Champion Park Gym (700 N. 10th St.)
8 pm
Live Music: Shiloh Band
Moose Lodge (302 E. Purdue)
9 pm
Halloween Bash and Costume Contest RED (302 E. Maple)
9:30 pm
Karaoke
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 29
6 – 8 pm
Trunk or Treat Red (302 E. Maple)
OCTOBER 29
6:30 pm
Trivia
Enid Axe (104 N. Independence)
OCTOBER 30
7:30 pm
Trivia
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Skaraoke RED (302 E. Maple)
OCTOBER 31
5 – 8 pm
Enid Geeks Game Night
Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6 – 8 pm
Trivia
Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Singo
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
9 pm
Halloween Rave RED (302 E. Maple)
Coming Attractions
A Literary Season
Gaslight Theatre is ready to kick off their new season with a literary season! Their mission is two-fold; they want to provide an environment for aspiring actors, directors, technicians, and designers to practice and educate themselves in the art, and they want to provide a wide range of high-quality theatrical entertainment.
Current board president, Katie Pearce, states, “I’m most excited about having a season that not only the artists will enjoy, but also the community. We are a theater for everyone to participate in any way that they feel comfortable. We strive to keep a safe space for all involved to educate and explore the dramatic arts.” She wants to highlight the fact that the Gaslight is open to participation in more ways than one! Whether you’re looking to act, volunteer, or for a night out, the Gaslight Theatre has you covered! You can find audition dates and more information on the Gaslight’s Facebook page.
Their season kicked off in August with a show directed by Tammy Wilson titled, Taming of the Shrew. In October, they have The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's
Production of Macbeth, which kicks off on October 11th. It will be directed by Janet Jones, and it’s described as, “When amateur theatre goes hilariously wrong,” and the play will be produced by Park Avenue Thrift. As for the directors this season, Katie is also excited to welcome some directors who’ll be new to Gaslight!
Throughout the season, you can expect classics and fan favorites with twists! From Pride and Prejudice to The Three Little Pigs to the musical Drowsy Chaperone. Gaslight will also have a Drama Camp for kids, which will be for elementary-aged children. So, there is truly something for everyone, including a special Christmas show put on by the Gaslight teens!
With new takes, plot twists, and interesting points of view, this season is shaping up to be an exciting one! When you attend Three Little Pigs: A Wolf’s Tale, you’ll get the story we’ve all heard, but the perspective from which it’s told is new! From the Wolfs point of view, dive into the woods and meet the 3 pigs ready for a new adventure! If you attend Pride and Prejudice, you’ll be in for a “bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely” show! Directed by Christianne Chase, Gaslight’s Pride and Prejudice is described as, “This isn’t your grandmother’s Austen!”
Regardless of which show, who directs, or who acts, what you can count on is a night of fun and storytelling! As you and yours come together to make memories at the Gaslight Theatre, keep an eye out for the upcoming showings, and check out their Facebook page for audition dates if you’re interested in joining the fun!
BYEMILY L EBARON
NOW SERVING!
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Aaahh, October. The breeze turns cooler, carrying chill and thoughts of pumpkins, cinnamon, holidays, and warm comfort food, and the cravings start kicking in for items served in a Thanksgiving dinner. You can almost smell the cloves and nutmeg already! With pumpkins becoming abundant, as one prepares any food, the mind tends to drift towards pumpkin-based favorites. Pies, breads, coffees, desserts - the options are endless and delicious! For October's Now Serving, I present a Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, a perfect pairing for any time coffee is served. This particular recipe is more like an upside-down cake with a caramel sauce at the bottom than a cobbler in a 13x9, and it serves up to 16. It can also be halved and baked in an 8-inch casserole dish. More pecans, vanilla ice cream, and a cup of coffee complete this dish!
Now Serving, Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler!
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Ingredients
For the cobbler
• 2 cups + 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup pumpkin puree, not pre-seasoned pie filling
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla
For the topping
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 3 cups very hot water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and spices. Set it aside.
3. In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, melted butter, and vanilla together to combine. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well to create a thick batter. Pour into an ungreased 13x9 pan with high sides and spread evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, stir sugars and pecans together. Spread evenly over the top of the pumpkin batter. Slowly pour the hot water over the pecan/sugar mixture, and DO NOT MIX. Bake 30-40 minutes or until the middle is set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with more pecans and vanilla ice cream if desired.
Aging Matters
October means football, pumpkin spice everything, Halloween, and . . . Medicare open enrollment. If you are one of the over 65.6 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, you have no doubt been barraged with information and offers for Medicare Advantage plans. While these plans may be a good choice for younger healthier adults, those who are older or have serious or chronic health conditions might want to think twice.
What’s the Difference?
By Lori Waken
cause of increases in administrative burden and complicated approval and reimbursement issues that often leave patients receiving less care than they need.
Original Medicare is a government health insurance program available to all adults over age 65 plus people having other qualifying conditions. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are a bundled alternative to original Medicare. These plans are run by private insurance companies regulated by the government, and they were designed to increase efficiency and lower the cost of providing medical care. Medicare Advantage plans can be attractive because they offer affordable rates, simplified coverage, and a yearly limit on healthcare expenses. Many plans also offer extra coverage for services including vision, dental, and hearing.
At first glance, Medicare Advantage plans can be appealing. Advertising efforts to convince people to choose or switch to them have been very successful with more people choosing MA plans over traditional Medicare plans each year. The difficulty comes when people choose a plan before fully understanding its limitations and find themselves unable to receive the medical care and services they need.
Medicare Advantage plans can be a bad choice for people wanting to have flexibility in choosing their doctor. Plan holders must choose “in-network” providers, who can change from year to year and can be difficult to locate. Many providers do not accept MA plans be-
The preapproval requirements in Medicare Advantage plans leave many patients unable to be admitted to skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehab, and physical therapy when needed. It can also lead to inability to schedule outpatient procedures or tests and may delay elective surgeries.
Copays for hospitalizations and other higher forms of care quickly outpace the costs covered by traditional Medicare and Medigap policies. It can be difficult to switch from a MA plan to a Medigap plan, so those who fall ill and need more health services find themselves with much higher out-of-pocket costs than expected. Many medical professionals discourage Medicare Advantage plans because, based on their experience, these plans can lead to delays and insufficient care for patients that need it most.
There are tradeoffs no matter which you choose. In a nutshell, Original Medicare provides more flexibility and access to care. Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits and coverage but may limit your access to care. Overall cost savings will depend upon the type and amount of care needed.
There are many sources of information available detailing the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Before being enticed by the promises offered by “too good to be true” Medicare Advantage advertising, talk to a trusted insurance provider or search online websites such as Medicare.gov or articles such as Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You? | U.S. News (usnews.com) and Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans Explained · Chapter Medicare (askchapter.org)
