2022 OPA BNC Award Winners Slideshow

BETTER NEWSPAPER

CONTEST WINNERS

News Story

FIRST PLACE

Ben Hutchens

The O’Colly Oklahoma State University

‘I was there’: OSU professor shares 9/11 experience

SECOND PLACE

Jordan Green

Northwestern News

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

THIRD PLACE

Jordan Green

Northwestern News

Jennifer Coonce knows where she should have been when the first plane slammed into the World Trade Center. That would be two blocks away sitting on the rooftop patio

of her apartment building enjoying her morning coffee and reading. Instead of relaxing in the morning sun, Coonce, an OSU graduate and now professor in the Spears School of Business, headed for a meeting in New Jersey. On the road, she asked the driver of the car service to turn up the volume of 1010 WINS, the news radio station they had on in the background. She heard something about plane crash. “I’m like, ‘Wait second, can you turn that up? Because live right by there,’” Coonce said. Coonce, working for KPMG at the time, was in Short Hills, New Jersey, chasing her first prominent lead in weeks. She said from her own wraparound 24 floor terrace she regularly saw people flying small planes and helicopters near the World Trade Center because at the time the airspace wasn’t regulated.

So she thought this was an accident.

Then the second plane hit.

“We both are like oh, this is really horrible,” Coonce said. Soon she arrived for her meeting, tipped her driver $20 and he called her good American for over-tipping. It’s funny, the details that stick with her.

“I got out in the parking lot,” Coonce said. “I didn’t want to go in the building because was freaked out. didn’t know what to do.” She couldn’t call her husband, Mike, because the cell towers supporting the area were overwhelmed. She knew he was working in Midtown, three miles away from the World Trade Center. “It was obviously extremely

stressful, but I knew he was always on time everywhere he went and so wasn’t worried about him,” Coonce said. Since she had a Dallas area code, Coonce could field calls not using towers in the immediate vicinity. She dialed her parents in Texas and updated them on her situation.

“And all I could get out to say was like, ‘I am so upset,’” Coonce said.

With no other place to go, Coonce walked into the building where she was supposed to do business. Everybody was frantic and communicating with friends and loved ones through instant messages.

Ultimately, a hotel was set up for Coonce and her co-worker on the trip, and they headed there.

“You only had the clothes you had on and you were dressed in like business casual, and your work bag,” Coonce said. “That’s what you got.”

At the hotel, she joined a crowd of people stuck there because the airport ceased operations. A room opened up and, finally, she got a call through to her husband.

“There wasn’t really anything to say, you know?” Coonce said. “He’s my best friend, but none of us knew what was happening or what we were even going to do the next day so we all just sat around watching the TV and, let’s be honest, drinking.”

Bath robes became pajamas the night of Sept. 11, 2001, as Coonce laid to rest one of the most horrific days in modern American history.

See was there on 4A

‘I was there:’

OSU professor shares 9/11 experience

FIRST PLACE

Suzanne Mackey

Garvin County News Star

Garvin County investigation leads to rescue of two Maryland children

SECOND PLACE Suzanne Mackey

Garvin County News Star

THIRD PLACE

Garvin County News Star

Garvin County investigation leads to rescue of two Maryland children

By Suzanne Mackey News Star Reporter

A child pornography investigation that began in Garvin County almost three months ago has led to the discovery and rescue of two young children in Maryland who were being sexually exploited by their parents.

Garvin County Deputies assigned to work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) began investigating the case in early April after receiving a cyber tip. That investigation led to the arrest of Warren Gilbert, 58, of Pauls Valley on April 13 for pos-

session of child pornography.

During the investigation deputies found Gilbert had been part of a group of individuals sharing and viewing images through Zoom calls and cloud-based file-sharing services.

“As a result of his arrest we downloaded several of his electronic devices and identified a man in Baltimore, Maryland, by the name of Neal Patrick Garith, who was sponsoring the Zoom calls in which these videos of child pornography were being displayed,” Garvin County Assistant District Attorney

Corey Miner said. While the Sheriff’s office continued working to identify other individuals on those Zoom calls, Miner worked to pursue charges against Garith and extradite him back to Garvin County.

“I researched my ability to bring somebody from another state to Oklahoma and hold them accountable for crimes that have occurred in Oklahoma and felt that I was on good legal footing,” Miner said.

On June 2, charges were filed against Garith in Garvin County District

See CHILDREN page 9

News Story

Beekeepers to the rescue: bees cause a buzz around town

BY BROOKLYNN PEEK reporter@cordellbeacon.com

Thursday, June 16, the City of Cordell called in the assistance of Tim McCoy of Hydro, OK to help in the removal of honey bees in Lee Park.

The bees had taken residence in an old tree that alas had fallen, causing damage and ultimately destroying their hive.

McCoy, Veteran owner of Second Wind Farms LLC, took to the situation with the proper precautions and calmness.

McCoy took the time to not only conserve the bees and their home, but also to educate and demonstrate how to properly approach, secure and handle the bees and their hive.

“The bees can smell the certain pheromones your body puts out when you’re scared, which they will detect as a threat,” stated McCoy. “If you start to get scared or nervous around them, simply take a few steps back and walk away. Do not run.”

Second Wind Farms LLC specializes in apiculture – the science and art of raising honey bees. From their bee yard they are able to manufacture and produce raw, unfiltered pure honey and beeswax bars.

Honey lovers can find Second Wind Farms LLC at the Weatherford Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning and on most Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

In addition to the Lee Park bee removal, another buzz-worthy bee fiasco happened just east of Cordell at the home of Chris and Misty Gossen.

PHOTOS BY BROOKLYNN PEEK

Above: A section of honeycomb covered in bees lies on the ground in Lee Park

Left: Beekeeper Tim McCoy lifts a section of honeycomb from the trunk of the fallen tree and points out the difference in color on various parts as he explains that the darker areas are the oldest

As several saw on social media, over 70,000 bees swarmed the Gossen’s back porch along the top beam Saturday morning, June 18.

“It was crazy to see how quickly they appeared and so many of them,” expressed Gossen.

She stated that after returning home that afternoon from their daughter’s softball game the bees had set up shop and taken over.

“It was amazing to watch the different formations of the hive. Chris, Ella, and I watched from a distance at the process. It was fascinating!”

Bee’s role as crop pollinators make them an important aspect and factor in agriculture. They pollinate crops, increase yields, and give rise to a lucrative honey industry.

“We chose to call a beekeeper because we had never had an issue with bees previously and to be honest had no idea where to even start. After this all started, we

BEES, Page 3

News Story

FIRST PLACE

Traci Chapman

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

Early voting breaks records

SECOND PLACE

Sam Hutchens

Guthrie News Leader

THIRD PLACE

Chris Mallow

Guthrie News Leader

By Traci Chapman Managing Editor

As early voting in the 2022 midterm wrapped up Saturday, something was clear – the turnout was one for the record books.

“We were absolutely amazed and happy about the turnout this year in terms of early/in-person voting and the number of absentee by mail responses we’ve had,”

Canadian County Election Board Acting Secretary Allen Arnold said. “It was a huge increase from anything we’ve seen before.”

Voting across the board – including early and absentee balloting – is historically lower in years that don’t include a presidential election, Arnold said. However, in 2022, at least as the numbers played out before polls opened Tuesday, that didn’t seem to be the case.

When compared to the 2018 general election – the last national election that did not include a presidential contest – early voting in Canadian County this election increased by 150%, data showed. According to tallies provided by Allen, 6,192 people cast an early/inperson ballot; 4,711 requested an absentee ballot by mail.

As of Monday morning, the county election board received 3,366 of those back – with two days left for those to arrive.

In 2018, 2,477 voters participated in early/in-person voting, while 3,380 mailed absentee ballots were processed

by the time the election ended.

And those higher early voters weren’t confined to one place, Arnold said.

“We saw early voters come from almost every single precinct,” he said. One difference between 2018 and 2022 was the change in early voting locations – including the addition of a second polling place on the east side of the county. Historically, early voting has been limited to the county election board office in El Reno, which presented severe space limitations; a move earlier this year to the former Department of Human Services building at 314 W. Rogers Street in El Reno helped to an extent, Arnold said.

“But we always felt that we could reach more early voters if we had another location on the other side of the county, where we know so much of the population is located,” he said.

That’s where Canadian Valley Technology Center came into the picture, as officials there offered the use of one of its large meeting rooms for early balloting.

That facility represented not only a closer alternative to voters in Yukon, Mustang and parts of Oklahoma City located in Canadian County — it also provided shorter wait times, Arnold said. “We typically would have people, especially on the Saturday, who would have to wait for a long time – much of that outdoors – at our office,” he said.

“This arrangement worked remarkably well – just the layout, the larger space for people to cast their vote, all of it.

“We were so lucky to have the Cowan Campus - we couldn’t have done it without them,” Arnold said.

Higher early voting and absentee turnout also helps board staff on election day,

Election worker Tammy Skaggs processes paperwork needed for a voter to cast a ballot during early voting Saturday at Canadian Valley Technology Center’s Cowan Campus. Canadian County saw record-breaking numbers of ballots cast in person before election day. (Photo by Traci Chapman)

Arnold said. Oklahoma state law allows county election boards to count those ballots before that day, which eases the workload after polls close at 7 p.m.

“We are able to count those — we meet in an open meeting — as long as we get special permission from Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax,” Arnold said.

“We open and scan

the ballots, then the sheriff’s department takes possession of those and locks them up until Tuesday – all of it is done in a public setting.”

Arnold said both the Cowan facility and Rogers Street location will be utilized as early voting venues in upcoming major elections, including the March 2-3 early voting scheduled for the determination of State Question 820, a measure that if passed would legalize the adult use of marijuana.

Residents cast their votes Saturday at CVTC’s Cowan Campus. At the end of early voting, almost 6,200 voters had submitted ballots – a new record, officials say. (Photo by Traci Chapman)

FIRST PLACE

Jessica Lane

The Express-Star

SECOND PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin

Sand Springs Leader

THIRD PLACE

Mike W. Ray

Southwest Ledger

Grady County's News Source

“It was 12 years of hell”

Road to Healing intiative gathers Indian boarding school survivor experiences

By Jessica Lane

The

Express-Star

Voices once silenced by the abuse of Indian boarding schools were amplified on Saturday.

Survivors took turns speaking into a microphone in front of a full gymnasium at the Riverside Indian School in Anadarko on July 9.

Anadarko was the first stop on the Road to Healing listening tour, organized by Secretary Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. One purpose of this initiative is to collect the stories of Indian Boarding School survivors.

know. Some are survivors some are decendents, but we all carry the trauma,” Haaland said. “My ancestors endured the horrors of the Indian Boarding School assimilation policies carried out by the same department that I now lead.”

Systematic abuse stripped Native American children of their language, culture, traditions and dignity.

“It was 12 years of hell,”

Donald Neconie, an 84-yearold survivor, said.

to speak his native Kiowa language, they washed his mouth out with lye.

The abuse included whipping.

“They said ‘if you cry, we will whip you” … “And then they whipped me. And they whipped me. And they whipped me into shape.”

Neconie recalled seeing another child with his clothes sticking to his back from blood.

The children were also sexually assaulted, he said.

“I still feel that pain. I still feel what this school did to me,” Neconie said. “I will never ever forgive this school for what it did to me.”

“Federal Indian Boarding School policies have touched every indigenous person I

Upon arrival at the school, many were stripped, washed with harsh chemicals such as lye, pesticides or kerosine. Each survivor who spoke recalled that their long hair was cut.

Brought Plenty, a Standing Donald Neconie, 84, survived 12 years of abuse at the hands of Indian boarding schools. He shared his experience during the Road to Healing listening tour which made its first stop in Anadarko on Saturday.

Neconie said when he tried

Young artists get in the groove

See SURVIVORS, Page 2A

Taylor Abbott, Rush Springs Watermelon

Queen promotes festival

By Jessica Lane

‘It was 12 years of hell.’ Road to healing initiative gathers stories of Indian Boarding School survivors

Jessica Lane/The Express-Star

The Express-Star

Thousands flock to southern Grady County every August for the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival.

Taylor Abbott, the 2022 Rush Springs Watermelon Queen has been busy planting a seed of excitement for the event, which takes place Aug. 13. The all-day festival fea-

News Story

FIRST PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

Work resumes on veteran center

SECOND PLACE Jacie Bennett, Charlene Belew, Andy Morphew & Tamara Gregor

The Duncan Banner

THIRD PLACE Ray Dyer

El Reno Tribune

LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

Following 8-month stoppage, now ‘back on track’

While appearances may oftentimes be deceiving, this is not the case with the Sallisaw veterans center.

If it appears that no work has been done for months on the new facility, it’s because no work has been done for months on the new facility.

But according to Joel Kintsel, executive director for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, that all changed on Oct. 7 after construction resumed on the multi-million-dollar project after an eight-month work stoppage.

“We had a work stoppage due to a dispute with the contractor, but that’s been handled, and things are back underway — October 7th we were back up,”

Kintsel said Tuesday. “Technically, the project never stopped, it just slowed down for awhile.”

The work stoppage, which Kintsel said lasted “about eight months,” occurred because the ODVA “had to make a change in the A&E (architecture and engineering) team.”

Following the September 2020 groundbreaking at the 90-acre location on U.S. 59 south of I-40, construction of the long-term care facility made major strides during the ensuing year, with the skeleton of the 230,000-square-foot center quickly taking shape.

But for the majority of the past year, the massive center has consisted primarily of exterior walls overlayed with green house wrap.

“We’ve had weather issues, we had this work stop-

“The project is back on track, and on schedule, and we’re meeting our deadlines, and this is gonna be a great thing for the Sallisaw area and for the Oklahoma veterans that are served by it.”

Joel Kintsel Executive director Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

Above, an architectural rendering of what the portico for the Sallisaw veterans center is expected to look like upon completion.

FIRST PLACE

Richard Barron

The Ada News

Tishomingo memorial

SECOND PLACE

Adrian O’Hanlon III

McAlester News-Capital

THIRD PLACE

Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

Tishomingo holds somber, emotional memorial for crash victims

By Richard R. Barron Senior Staff Writer

Tishomingo High School hosted a memorial ceremony that included a candlelight vigil Friday night at the school’s football field. The ceremony paid tribute to six students at the school who were killed in a midday Tuesday crash in the west side of the town of about 3000 about 40 miles south of Ada.

Many friends and relatives visited the improvised roadside memorial at the intersection of U.S. 377 and State Highway 22 before going to the school. The memorial grew as the week progressed as more people added memorabilia. The victims in the crash, whose names were provided by area funeral homes, were Brooklyn Enae Triplett, Memory Jade Billy (Wilson), Madison Patience Michelle Robertson, Austin Daniella Holt, Jessica Grace Machado “Gracie”, and Addison Joe “AJ” Gratz.

All six teenagers were killed when the 2015 Chevrolet Spark in which they were riding collided with a 1994 Peterbilt truck-tractor in combination with a dump semitrailer loaded with gravel, according to the report from the Okla-

News Story

FIRST PLACE

Scott Rains

The Lawton Constitution

Road to healing begins at Riverside Indian School

SECOND PLACE

Ashlynd Huffman

Oklahoma Watch

THIRD PLACE

Kassie McClung and Brianna Bailey

The Frontier

COMING TUESDAY:

Road to Healing begins at Riverside Indian School

Former boarding school students describe experiences

BY SCOTT RAINS scott.rains@swoknews.com

ANADARKO — “I spent 12 years in this hellhole, and it was hell.”

at was how Don Neconie, 84, a Kiowa tribal member from Anadarko, described his experience at Riverside Indian School from 1946 to when he graduated in 1958.

Neconie was one of several Native Americans who shared their stories Saturday at the rst year-long Road to Healing tour. e tour is the initiative of United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to bring to light the experiences of those who attended Indian boarding schools. Riverside Indian School, north of Anadarko, was the rst stop on the tour.

Based north of the Washita River, the Riverside Federal Indian Boarding School was established in 1871 at the boundary of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Reservation to its south and the Caddo, Delaware and Wichita Reservation to the north.

Originally known as Indian Territory before statehood, Oklahoma is home to the most Indian boarding schools in the nation’s history. Many are no longer in operation, but the ghosts of shared histories remain.

at time spent within the Indian Boarding School system has left many with profound trauma. Connected stories to that trauma, unique to each person, were expressed before Haaland and Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, who was born and raised in the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan.

Haaland is the first Native

American to serve as a cabinet secretary and preside over the Department of the Interior, which is tasked with protecting the nation’s natural resources and heritage, including the management of the Native American community and preservation of its varied tribal histories and cultures. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna of New Mexico.

In greeting those assembled, Haaland recognized that her tribe, too, was represented among the those to fill the school gym in Anadarko on Saturday.

“I’m sure I have more relatives in this audience than I know,” she said. “Hello, relatives.”

Citing the purpose of the Road to Healing tour, Haaland noted the day’s subject is part of a shared history for all American Indians.

“We all carry the history of trauma in our hearts,” she said.

Scott Rains/staff

Dolores Quoetone Twohatchet, of Comanche/Kiowa heritage, wraps United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland with a handmade shawl Saturday during the Road to Healing tour beginnings at Riverside Indian School, north of Anadarko.

FEATURE STORY

Feature Story

FIRST PLACE Braden Bush

The O’Colly

‘Our 9/11 baby’

SECOND PLACE

Gabe Trevino

The O’Colly THIRD PLACE Mallory Pool

The O’Colly

How an OSU linebacker is forever connected to an American tragedy

Or any day soon, for that matter. Which is normal for a woman over eight months pregnant. Borrelli intended to stay put at home until her due date.

not going to take the kids out of school.’ I was giving birth any day now.”

Braden Bush Staff Reporter

Maria Borrelli drove frantically toward downtown Brooklyn, despite smoke bubbling high into the background through her windshield. She hadn’t planned on leaving the house that day.

But she found herself scrambling to pick up her two kids from school. A plane had struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

“My husband called me when the first building got hit, and he goes, ‘Go take the kids out of school,’” Borrelli said. “And I’m like, ‘You’re crazy, I’m

The child she carried in her womb that day was Constantino Borrelli, now a redshirt sophomore linebacker for the Cowboys football team. It would be another 17 days before Constantino, or “Dino”, as the family calls him, would make his entrance into the world.

Seventeen long days.

But that day – Sept. 11, 2001, of course – would force Maria into her car on

a hurried trip to retrieve her children. Her husband, Joseph, watched the attack from his tire shop in downtown Brooklyn. The situation was dire.

As Maria checked her children out of school, in view of the horrific scene, a second plane hit the South Tower. The smoke was now billowing and spreading across the city. She hustled back toward home with a new realization of what was happening.

See 9/11 on page 4

‘Our 9/11 baby’

By Suzane Mackey News Star Reporter

In May, Elmore City

native Chris Figueroa completed his first Ironman triathlon in Tulsa, becoming part of an elite group of athletes who have earned the title of “Ironman.”

“It’s a very small percentage of people who will even attempt an Ironman in their lifetime,” Chris said.

And the percentage of people who will finish an Ironman triathlon, which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run, is even smaller – estimated at 1% of the total population.

Chris admits growing up, he was not the most obvious contender for an Ironman triathlon.

“I wanted to stay on the computer. hated any kind of being outside or being active or anything like that. Absolutely hated it,” he said. “If you had told 12-year-old Chris – or

finish line

my mom. If you had told my mom, ‘At 35, Chris is going to compete in an Ironman,’ she would have had a heart attack.”

Chris, who now lives with his wife and children in Yukon, said he was inspired to enter triathlon races as an adult after going with his youngest sister, April, to hear Amy Downs speak at a church in Norman, Oklahoma, several years ago.

Amy was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble of the Alfred P. Murrah Building after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. After being rescued, she embraced her second chance, going back to college and finishing her degree, losing a significant amount of weight, and becaming an Ironman triathlete.

At the time Chris heard her speak, Amy had just completed the Redman triathlon in Oklahoma City.

He thought, “If Amy can do that, with everything she’s done, then I

can do that, too.”

He signed up for an aquabike, which is a swim and bike combination race consisting of a 1.2 mile swim and 56-mile bike ride.

Though he’d been cycling long distances for a few years, the swim portion of the aquabike promised to be challenging.

“I’d never swam once. Like ever,” Chris said. “I had plenty of time to train, but up until that point when I signed up, I had never swam before.”

Chris and Amy eventually became good friends, competing in local triathlons together as part of a larger group of friends. That progressed to competing in a half Ironman, known as a 70.3 Ironman, in Arizona. Then in 2016 they decided to do a full Ironman triathlon.

“I can remember going and telling my wife, ‘Hey, we want to do an Ironman,’ and she was

Backroads baby

Whitney Hayes gave birth in her friend’s driveway

By Joani Hartin Staff Writer

On Monday morning, November 7, a local couple, Kyle and Whitney Hayes were getting their kids ready for school just like most days, a perfectly normal family living on Freeman Hill, just up from Whitney’s granddad Ted Freeman.

They got up at 6:30 to get the kids ready for the day, a normal day except for the fact that Whitney was as pregnant as pregnant can be, and because the doctors thought her baby might be a ninepounder, she was scheduled for an induction in Ada at 7 p.m. that night.

Whitney and Kyle are pretty ordinary people. They did most of their growing up in Love County and have lived here forever. Kyle works for a Michelin contractor and Whitney works for the county assessor.

As Whitney motored around the house getting Kysen, 11; Kailynn, seven; and Kynadee, three, ready to meet the day, her water broke at 6:50, which is also not an unexpected thing when you’re nine months pregnant. It just meant that the induction wouldn’t be necessary but a trip to the hospital would. Still pretty ordinary.

But what they experienced in the next hour on Monday morning sets them apart from

ordinary in a way they could never have expected.

“You only see stuff like this happen in the movies,” said Whitney, “but you never think it’ll happen to you.”

Boy, was she wrong.

After her water broke, Whitney still thought they could make it to Ada.

“We got dressed, and the contractions started coming faster,” Whitney explained. “About the time we crossed the cattle guard, we decided to go to Ardmore instead. But then we got to Lacy’s driveway, and I told Kyle to stop and see if Lacy was home.”

“Lacy” is Lacy Westfall, married to Jeremy Westfall. The Westfalls live about a half-mile from Whitney and Kyle. And on Monday, that was a particularly serendipitous thing for them, because Lacy is a medical professional – one with experience in women’s health.

Lacy began her career as a labor and delivery nurse at Mercy Hospital Ardmore.

After that, she spent time working in prenatal care in a private practice. Then she went back to school for her master’s and had started to midwifery school when she changed programs and became a women’s health nurse practitioner. Now she sees prenatal patients at the Good Shepherd Clinic in Ardmore. It’s almost like she’s been in

training for what happened on Monday morning. When Whitney told Kyle to stop at the Westfalls’ house, he admits he really didn’t understand the immediacy of the situation.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” stated Kyle. “When she told me to stop at Lacy’s, I said, ‘Whit, we don’t have time to stop at Lacy’s, we’ve gotta get to Ardmore,’ but she was like ‘No, we have to stop here.’”

Kyle, displaying enough good sense not to argue with his pregnant wife, stopped the car at the end of the Westfalls’ driveway, hoofed it up to the house, and after getting Lacy to the door, he filled her in.

Lacy, already in her scrubs and dressed for work, hoofed it back down the driveway to where Whitney was waiting at the car, surveyed the situation, and ascertained that Whitney wasn’t going to make it to Ardmore. Or even to a paved road.

“Lacy told me, ‘You’re about to have this kid,’” remarked Kyle, “and I said, ‘We’re not going to do it here, are we?’ and she said, ‘Yes, you are.’”

Lacy took charge, instructing Kyle to call 911, tell them what was happening, and ask them to send an ambulance.

Lacy’s girls, who had been getting ready for school when the hoopla started, brought blankets and pillows to the

car at their mom’s instruction. About 15 minutes later, at 7:28 a.m. in what could only be described as a team effort, Kopelyn Taylor Hayes was born, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces.

For years, Ted Freeman has bragged that he was the last family baby born on Freeman Hill and thought he’d be the last ever. Well, move over, great-granddaddy, there’s a new kid on the Hill – and she’s cute as a button.

When asked to describe the scene, Kyle – obviously a master of understatement –said, “I feel like we all stayed pretty calm.”

Of course, that was in retrospect. Because he later admitted that at the time, he felt anything but calm.

“I was freaking out on the inside, but knew I had to stay cool for Whit,” he said. “I was scared she was going to pass out, or the baby would end up in the dirt. I might have been more glad to see Lacy than Whit was.”

And that’s saying a lot, because Whitney admits that she was praying that Lacy would be home and 100 percent blessed that she was.

“If Lacy hadn’t been home, Kyle would’ve been delivering a baby on the side of the road,” Whitney laughed. “I guess God knew we needed her.”

Two minutes after Ko -

Hicks brothers win big at TJRA finals

wright and Bonham, Texas.

“The boys are already pumped up for next year,” said Nikki. “They both want to continue in this, whether it’s just as kids or as professionals, I don’t know, but they love it!”

pelyn’s birth, Love County EMS showed up, loaded up Whitney and Kopelyn in an ambulance and drove them to Ardmore. They spent the night in the hospital before being released on Tuesday, just like Whitney hadn’t given birth to a baby on a gravel road the day before.

“I hadn’t delivered a baby for a while,” said Lacy, “and I’d never seen a baby delivered outside a hospital, but it was always one of my dreams to see it happen.”

Lacy admits that she was nervous for a split second, mainly because she knew the baby was large.

“I knew what could go

wrong, but once I saw and talked to her, it was one of the most calm and peaceful deliveries I’ve ever been a part of,” Lacy continued. “Whitney was so strong and calm, and the baby was healthy and perfect. It was beautiful and couldn’t have gone any better. It was just like God meant it to be.”

Welcome to the world, Kopelyn Taylor Hayes, Love County’s own little backroads baby. Someday when you’re in kindergarten and all the other kids are giving the boring facts about their hospital births, you’re going to have a whopper of a story to tell.

Kopelyn Taylor Hayes

By Joani Hartin Staff Writer

Kason and Tate Hicks, sons of Thomas Hicks and Nikki Hicks, traveled to Texarkana, Arkansas for the Texoma Junior Rodeo Association Finals held Thursday, November 10 through Sunday, November 13, and they returned home with several prizes and some cash money.

Feature Story

FIRST PLACE

Denton Thomason

Nowata Star

Never give up on your dreams: A Nowata man’s journey to the National Wrestling Alliance

SECOND PLACE

Shalene White

The Madill Record

THIRD PLACE

Renee Fite

The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Never give up on your dreams A Nowata man’s journey to the National Wrestling Alliance

By Denton Thomason Staff Writer

“If you want to chase your dreams, put in the work. It doesn’t come easy.”

Those words were spoken by Nowata’s own Ryan Freeman, a 2009 graduate that is now living his dream of being a professional wrestler.

Now he’s known by his stage name “Rush”

Freeman and is a member of the Ill-Begotten wrestling team for the National Wrestling Alliance.

With his trademark mullet hairstyle, he’s a wall of muscle at 6-2 and weighs in at 235 pounds.

He’s living his dream today, but the road to becoming a professional wrestler demanded a lot of desire.

Freeman related how he was a mediocre student when he graduated from the NHS alternative school in 2009.

He’s worked at Sonic, rodeos with the Nowata Round-Up Club and did a stint with the City of Nowata mowing parks and patching potholes.

Freeman started getting serious about his future and graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He later earned his master’s of business administration online from Northcentral University.

His day job in construction safety management pays the bills and has led to him living all over the country, but he never gave up his ambition to become a professional wrestler.

Freeman recalled how he got his big break. He had attended The Nightmare Factory, a pro-wrestling school in Atlanta, and other wrestling schools like the Tried-N-True Academy.

That led him to land a job in the National Wrestling Alliance as a member of the ring crew. Think of them as similar to roadies in the concert music world.

The ring crew sets up and breaks down the stage and all of the equipment that goes into filming a professional wrestling event, load and unload vehicles and do just about anything they are asked to.

It wasn’t wrestling, but Freeman gave it 100 percent and continued his training regimen with maximum focus.

He had just finished his weight lifting routine in the hotel gym one night when he walked outside glistening with sweat, all pumped up and wearing a tank top with his wrestling shorts.

NWA President Billy Corgan, the lead singer from the 90s band Smashing Pumpkins, was visiting with one of the wrestling crews about putting together a match.

Corgan took one look at Freeman and decided to give him a shot in the next episode of NWA PowerrrSurge.

“The next morning they told me I was getting

a shot in a triple threat match. I immediately had like an out-of-body experience. Like no freaking way! I was so nervous. I’ve wrestled in a lot of indie shows, but never under the

bright lights,” Freeman recalled. He had a plan when he entered the ring, but the plan went awry.

“I had a plan and it didn’t go that smooth, but I relied on my training and experience from the multiple schools I went to. I got my chance to wrestle and I did well,” Freeman said. That one shot was all Freeman needed and he made the most of it.

Now he’s a member of the Ill-Begotten crew with teammates Alex Taylor and Jeremiah Plunkett, and recently performed at the NWA’s Crockett Cup Tournament held in Nashville, Tenn., that was aired on the payper-view streaming service FITE TV. His dad Kenneth Freeman was able to come watch the show as Ill-Begotten took on the Commonwealth Connection.

“Im so happy that I’m here. Now I’m fulltime traveling with the company in a fulltime role. I love the NWA,” he said. Freeman said his motivation is internally driven. His strength comes from within.

“I’m really self-motivated. I was raised to accept a normal lifestyle and I had to build my mentality to chase my dream,” he said.

He’s read books by world famous actor and body building icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others, and listened to a lot of selfhelp podcasts.

“Arnold is a good one. I’ve read his books and studied his body building. It just hit me one day. You can do anything when you put your mind to it,” Freeman said.

a professional wreslter in the National Wrestling Alliance. He’s worked extremely hard to earn a regular role as a member of Ill-Begotten, balancing a body builder lifestyle with the demands of the

He expressed how much he enjoys encouraging young people to follow their heart.

“I always like talking to kids who want to be a musician or artist or have a passion for something crazy. In wrestling, there’s thousands that train and only about 5-percent make it to a show. Those are the hardcore fans that put in 100 percent. put in 100 percent in the gym. worked my butt off with the ring crew. I show respect and it goes a long way,” Freeman said. His advice for the students back home in Nowata is simple.

“I went to the alternative school and I know things can be hard. I understand now that you have to have an education. You have to get through high school. Don’t drop out. Don’t quit. You have to get that paper, whether your a straight A student or a straight C student like me. Once you get through high school, life is yours and chase your dreams,” Freeman shared.

He discussed how the life of a pro wrestler isn’t as glamorous as it may seem.

It’s long hours on the road and only the

Nowata’s Ryan Freeman is living his dream of being

ring while still working an everyday job in contruction safety management.

Feature Story

Cimarron Valley

FIRST PLACE

Kaleb Tadpole

Cushing Citizen

Berlowitz, Crooks leave their mark at national camp

SECOND PLACE Kendra Johnson

Countywide & Sun

THIRD PLACE Traci Chapman

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

Berlowitz, Crooks leave their mark at national camp

Tiger duo looking forward to senior season

By Kaleb Tadpole

Tiger football’s Blaze

Berlowitz and Camden Crooks are getting ready for their last high school football season together. The two have played together since they were in the fourth grade and both agree that with all these years playing together, the chemistry they have built really benefits them on those Friday nights on the field.

“We just have a connection, we just always have ways to improvise in situations,” Berlowitz said. “He makes me look good and help him out here and there.”

Recently, both players participated in QB Impact Academy’s Impact Camp that took place June 2628 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The camp included 210 athletes from 24 states and even Germany. The camp was not short of football IQ as there were 32 coaches, including some college coaches, national trainers, and even some NFL greats. Players at the camp competed in a variety of drills including footwork, running routes,

one and one and other noncontact drills. Both Crooks and Berlowitz showed the camp what they had to offer, proving they can compete with anyone. Both took home their respective positions MVP trophy as Berlowitz took home the quarterback MVP and Crooks was awarded the MVP for the top skills player. This offseason for them has been about perfecting their craft and finishing what they started last year. The Tigers achieved a record of 9-1 in the regular season with their only loss coming from Tuttle. After a dominating regular season, the Tigers fell to Elk City in a close 21-14 loss in the first game of the playoffs. This outcome, although not what they wanted, left Berlowitz, Crooks, and the rest of the Tigers anxiously awaiting this next season.

“We’re all hungry in the offseason, we’ve all been working hard. We don’t want it to happen again,” Berlowitz said. “We just have to keep each other accountable and keep working hard so it doesn’t.”

It’s no secret that after

nearly 10 years of playing football together, Berlowitz and Crooks have developed great chemistry, but they also have a great feel for each other's strengths and weaknesses. Both players were asked what they thought made each other valuable players at their respective positions and neither of them were short on confidence nor compliments.

“His reads, he can read the defense really well,” Crooks said. “He knows where to put the ball and feel like when he is scrambling, he knows where I'm going to be, so he just throws it up to that spot.”

“His explosiveness, his speed, his way to get off the ball and just break away into the open field,” Berlowitz said. “I wouldn’t be where am today without him.”

With their senior season quickly approaching, it is time for both of them to think about life after high school. The two plan to continue their football careers into college. Neither is committed but say they have been in contact with

various schools.

For both Crooks and Berlowitz, their senior season will be a bittersweet end to their high school careers. Although soon they will be looking to put on a jersey that no longer says, Tigers, they will cherish a final season with their

friends, remembering what made them fall in love with football in the first place.

“Probably like the adrenaline on game night,” Berlowitz said. “Other than that, just the grind and everything you put into it in order to be successful, just the whole process of it.”

Camden Crooks and Blaze Berlowitz hold their MVP trophies at the QB Impact Academy football camp held at AT&T Stadium in Arlignton, Texas.

Philanthropists hope $1M gift inspires more help to survivors SECOND PLACE

Prominent Actors Seek to Advance Legacy of Survivors and Greenwood

Feature Story

FIRST PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

Man’s 900-mile walk of faith with a cross

SECOND PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

THIRD PLACE

Sheryl Ponce

The Elk City News

Carrying a cross, Arkansas man’s walk of faith is a 900-mile journey

Moses didn’t know why he was called by God, but he followed.

Abraham, after a lifetime waiting for a son, didn’t understand why God commanded that he sacrifice Isaac, but he was prepared to do what God asked.

When summoned to follow, The Disciples abandoned their fishing nets and worldly possessions to walk with Jesus during his ministry.

And Stanley Cate only knows that God wants him to walk to Minneapolis. So the 42-year-old concrete worker from Hartford, Ark., is taking Mark 8:34 literally — “… take up his cross and follow me” — and carrying an old wooden cross on his 900-mile trek north.

“It was just kind of a weird deal. I woke up one morning — I’d hurt my back a few weeks back — and I was just kinda sittin’ there praying to God, and I asked Him ‘Whadaya want me to do,’ and He said, ‘Minneapolis.’ And I had a cross outside, and He said, ‘You can still walk. Take it up to Minneapolis.’

So, that’s where I’m goin’,” Cate said Monday while resting in the shade of a tree alongside U.S. 59 a few miles north of Sallisaw.

He has no idea why he’s been called to trek to Min-

LYNN

Stanley Cate found respite in the shade of a tree along U.S. 59 Monday north of Sallisaw while carrying his old wooden cross from his home in Hartford, Ark., to Minneapolis, although he doesn’t know why God called him to make the 900-mile walk. “I guess I’ll know when I get up there.”

LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

ADAMS TIMES

Ukraine war touches Vinita

The war in Ukraine has now touched Vinita with the arrival of a mother and her son fleeing the death and destruction unleashed upon their homeland.

Larysa Kyiashehenko and her 20-year-old son, Dimas, recently arrived in Vinita to live with their host family after making the difficult journey from their home in the Ukrainian capitol of Kyiv, the country’s most populous city of 2.9 million people.

Mother, son flee Ukraine capital, live with Vinita family to run away there. People would bring their dogs and cats. At this time, if it happened at night it was terrible because all the lights were off. All the people panicked and nobody knew which way to go. It’s hell,” Larysa shared. “We have pain. We had our lives there. We had work and everything. We didn’t have to think about the future. We had to leave all of this to go somewhere safe,” she said. Her son, Dimas, said quietly, “It’s difficult.” During one walk back to their apartment after another run to the shelter, they returned to the horrifying sight of the collapsed upper half of the building next to theirs. It has been struck by a bomb or missile and 12 floors were in ruins.

Their new life at the quiet home of Lisa and Doug Taylor on Miller Street is stark contrast from their nightmare that began with the Russian invasion on Feb. 24. They had jobs, nice apartment, family and a normal life that turned overnight into what Larysa described as a “movie about the end of the world.”

The beginning “It was 5 o’clock in the morning. thought it was fireworks and people were worried. We found out then that it was war. We started to panic,” Larysa said. They had been given instructions that when the emergency sirens sounded, residents were to drop everything and run to the nearest bomb shelter.

“It was four times a day and we had to bring bag with water and necessities

“Half of the building was destroyed and had fallen down. This was in the first few days of the war. After that, we just stayed at the shelter,” Larysa said. She recounted how the citizens of Kyiv began to congregate in churches. Many fled the city to seek safety in western Ukraine and small villages in the countryside. Many others chose to flee the country and began trying to reach the border.

Some didn’t make it. They were shot when they encountered Russian soldiers.

“One family, a man and woman with children, were going to run away from the

Photo by Denton Thomason

Larysa Kyiashehenko and her son Dimas are applying for work permits after arriving in Vinita a little more than week ago, fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

city and they met a tank with Russian soldiers. They shot them and wouldn’t let them leave the city to save their lives. They just went off and killed them,”

Larysa said. She said that she never thought something like this would ever happen again after Europe was shattered by World War II.

“We never thought it would happen again, but the Russians are committing crimes against children and women. They can do anything, so they commit crimes,” Larysa said.

Dimas said cities where heavy fighting is taking place are littered with dead bodies.

“A whole city will smell

like dead bodies because nobody wants to remove them,” he said.

Larysa added, “They try to hide from Russians how many soldiers were killed. They say to them that they don’t lose anyone.”

“They are liars,” Dimas continued. “It is another world. They live in a parallel world. Only Russia and Putin and only their way.”

The journey to Vinita

Not long after the start of the war, Dimas and Larysa knew it was time to run.

“I was running to the shelter. I was so depressed and broken and See Ukraine Page 8

in North America.

FIRST PLACE

Clifton Adcock

The Frontier

As Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry booms, regulators struggle to keep up

SECOND PLACE

Janice Francis-Smith

The Journal Record

THIRD PLACE

Scott Rains

The Lawton Constitution

Sports Story

Do it for Lariat

OSU carries Lariat Larner's legacy to CNFR

After all, in some way, it was reminiscent of her personality.

A bright yellow butterfly appeared at Oklahoma State’s rodeo arena in late October and made its appearance known.

It was the rodeo team’s first practice after graduate assistant coach and teammate Lariat Larner died in a car wreck just days earlier.

Along with being a mentor and coach, Larner had long been one of the country’s top goat tying competitors. So the team couldn’t help but notice just where the butterfly showed up.

“It wouldn’t leave us alone at goat (tying) practice,” said Cheyenne Bartling, who competes in goat tying and breakaway roping at OSU. “It was just hovering around.”

Bartling and the team couldn’t help but wonder if maybe that was Larner showing she was still with them.

“If you had ever met Lariat, she’s definitely somebody you don’t forget,” said Kenna McNeill, who competes in goat tying and barrel racing. “She’s definitely that presence who’s bubbly, and she was there and everybody knew it.”

***

It had been a rough week following the wreck, and everybody was still trying to come to terms with the event.

But the team kept practicing and supporting each other throughout the process as it headed to its final rodeo of the fall season at Northwestern Oklahoma State.

“I think we were all pretty shell shocked at Alva (NWOSU),” OSU coach Cody Hollingsworth said. “I think it became kind of a blessing that that was the only rodeo we had left in the fall.”

The time off after that final rodeo on Halloween weekend gave the team time to process the situation, which

is exactly what Hollingsworth said everyone needed. The tragedy had put rodeo and competition into perspective. When the student-athletes returned in the spring, they had refreshed mindsets. And during that period, they had all came to the same conclusion.

“I think, ultimately, we all had an unspoken agreement that everything we were doing and working for was really to be for her,” McNeill said.

Entering the spring rodeo season, the women’s team was in position to win the Central Plains region – the region home to college rodeo programs in Oklahoma and Kansas, including OSU. Among the success of the fall season, Larner won two of the year’s first three rodeos in goat tying and placed third in the other. The team points accumulate throughout the fall and spring, determining the winner of the region at the end of the season.

Photo provided OSU rodeo athlete Lariat Larner (pictured) died in a car accident in October. Now, the Cowgirls have dedicated their season to her.

Braden Bush Staff Reporter

Sports Story

Lady Cats capture first track state title

By Austin Smith Sports Editor

The Seiling Lady Cats have become accustomed to winning State Titles on the hardwood. However, the girls made school history last weekend when they put up a dominant performance in the State Track Meet at Western Heights to win Seiling’s first Class A State Championship in the sport.

While the Lady Cats tallied 104 points at the event, the next best team from Turpin was barely able to muster half that with 56. It was a truly impressive performance led by the relay teams who scored enough points to take the title all by themselves.

Their winning effort started during the second event on Friday when Braci Nyberg, Kenly Gore, Shelby Seabourn and Shaylin Petty brought home the victory in the 3200-meter relay. With no preliminaries in the event, Seiling knew they’d have one chance to put their best foot forward to earn their first 20 points with a win.

After Nyberg and Gore got the Lady Cats out to a big lead with their 800-meter splits, it was Shelby Seabourn’s turn to take the baton. Seabourn got out to a good start, but heading into the final 100 meters, it appeared the runners from Laverne and Boise City were primed to pass her.

However, Seabourn had other plans and kicked it into high gear

Braci Nyberg and Shaylin Petty lead the pack in the 800-meter run. Petty would go on to win the race, and finished with four gold medals at the State Meet. Nyberg took third in the race, while also earning two gold medals and one silver.

for the home stretch. Not only did she hold the lead, but she separated herself from the competition in an inspiring effort that came in over nine seconds faster than she’d run all year long.

From there, Shaylin Petty was able to seal the victory despite the runner from Laverne putting up a heck of an effort to try to beat her. It was an impressive way to get on the scoreboard with a time of 10:06.01, which was nearly 42 seconds faster than their top mark of the year.

However, the Lady Cats weren’t done scoring points on Friday. The

(Continued to page 13)

Chamber of Commerce holds monthly meeting Biggs places second in nation at BPA event

Mack Miller

SeilingslatedGraduation

Vallerie Vaughn barely clips the bar in the high jump at the State Meet. Had Vaughn cleared the bar at four feet, six inches, she would have matched her season-best mark and finished in a tie for eighth place that would have earned the team a fraction of a point.

The Seiling Lady Cats are the Class A Track State Champions after putting up 104 points in the State Meet at Western Heights. This is the first title Seiling has won in track, and the second the girls won this year after winning taking the crown in basketball as well.

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE

Rodney Haltom

The Eufaula Indian Journal

Selmon statue

SECOND PLACE

Connor Choate

Marietta Monitor

THIRD PLACE

Joani Hartin

Marietta Monitor

2020 Duvall Annual Steer Wrestling Jackpot canceled

Selmon statue immortalizes brothers

Three country boys from Eufaula that played football at Oklahoma University now have their own statue, deservedly so. Lee Roy, Lucious and Dewey Selmon were immortalized in the form of a towering 7,000-pound bronze statue that was unveiled outside the northeast entrance of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24.

tional championships with an unmatched record of 54-3-1. It was the who’s who of Sooner football in attendance including Barry Switzer, Greg Pruitt, Keith Jackson, Joe Washington, Thomas Lott, Bob Stoops, Tinker and Steve Owens and many more.

have good honest, a firm handshake and a hug from someone we have not seen in years are just standard practice at the jackpot.

It is also relatively difficult to wash your hands for twenty seconds while inside of a porta-potty while it’s 85 degrees outside.

So, after five different decades of competition, we are going to have a year off. We encourage everyone on the weekend of May 15-17 to wear your favorite old Duvall Jackpot shirt then call an old friend and reminisce about your favorite memory of the jackpot or brag about your best run you ever made here. Most of all just continue to enjoy your family and stay healthy and see you all in May 2021,” said the Duvall family.

The brothers dominated opposing offensives from 1971-75, winning two na-

Senior night

“I’m very excited for them and their family. I talked to all the brothers and they’re excited about this. It’s been a long time coming but we finally got it and that’s what is important. They did something in college football that no one has done

James and Mills selected to All-Region team; Oliver named Coach of the Year

RODNEY HALTOM SPORTS EDITOR

Eufaula head basketball coach Jeff Oliver was named the Oklahoma Coaches Association Regional Basketball Coach of Year. Oliver led the Lady Ironheads to a 25-4 record and a No. 9 ranking and qualified for the state tournament.

Eufaula seniors Ashley Mills and Journi James were selected to the All-Region Classes 3A & 2A team. (No stats were available for players at time of print.)

OGBCA releases All-State teams

The Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association announced its 2020 All-State teams. The OGBCA released three teams - small, middle and large, divided with eastern and western selections.

Crusoe, Choctaw; Brionna Scott, Deer Creek

Middle school east: Taylen Collins, Muldrow; Lexi Keys, Tahlequah Sequoyah; Ruthie Udomouh, Victory Christian; Lizzie Shephard, Vinita; Autumn Hines, Adair; Zoey Whitely, Fort Gibson; Karly Wadsworth, Oologah; Alice Stevenson, Perkins; Elizabeth Cash, Grove; Hallie Reed, Vinita

Middle school west: Rylee Langerman, CHA; Averi Zinn, Anadarko; Korie Allensworth, Sulphur; Caley Young, Jones; Payton Jones, Alva; Katie King, Harrah; Lexie Davis, CHA; Brooklin Bain, Comanche; Lexie

Reihm, Alva; Jennifer Beebe, Kingfisher

Eufaula shuts out Checotah

OGBCA All-State teams

Large school east: Hailey Grant, Claremore; Wyvette Mayberry, Booker T. Washington; Chloe Martin, Bartlesville; Baylee Fincher, Ponca City; Jayla Burgess, Union; Ray Osborne, Sapulpa; Madison Wheat,

this team and it showed today. Their teammates wasn’t going to let them down,” Eufaula head coach Ryan Green said.

Small school east: Holli Lindley, Hartshorne; Tafv Harjo, Strother; MaKenna Murdock, McCurtain; Lindy Nowakowski, Dale; Cierra Axton, Battiest; Sydnie Womack, Howe; Chloe Brinlee, Latta; Kylie Wolfe, Strother; Ashley Johnson, Whitesboro; Zoe Nation, Howe; Shayni Green, Okay; Abbie Long, Preston; Savannah Macom, Porum; Hannah McCormack, Cameron; Jaclyn Shaffer, Kinta

Sallisaw spoils Senior night for Checotah

The Lady Ironheads started off fast

Small school west: Rachel Stanfield, Luther; Haley

announces Top12 college choices

Coweta; Makenna Burch, Jenks; Nakia Cullom, Will

Schrek, Canute; Calebi Cusher, Duke; Rachel Mc-

Rodney Haltom IJ • Demo Beggs’ Kendal Daniels is one of the top-ranked safeties in the nation. Beggs’ Kendal Daniels

Riley Davis carries on the family legacy.

SPORTS fOR THE wHOLE COMMUNITY

ROdnEy HalTOm

SPORTS EDITOR

The University of Oklahoma unveiled the bronze statue of lee Roy, lucious and dewey Selmon on Saturday.

RODNEy

ROdnEy HalTOm SPORTS EDITOR

The Eufaula Ironheads improved to 22-9 after defeating in-county rival Checotah 8-0 on Thursday. Eufaula

Eufaula senior alyssa Wise is escorted by her parents Jimmie and angela Wise.

RODNEy HA TOm SPORTS EDITOR Checotah senior natalie Knight with her family pictured left to right; Seth, Caleb, natalie, and parents Ginger and Tommy Knight.

place was assistant coach Malcolm Warrior and Jason Dowdy. Sallisaw jumped out quickly with four runs in the first inning. Checotah bounced back with runs in the third,

Sports Story B

Building Hugo’s legendary basketball program...

By KELLI STACY Hugo News Sports

FIRST PLACE

Kelli Stacy

Hugo News

Building Hugo’s legendary basketball program

SECOND PLACE

Kelli Stacy

Hugo News

THIRD PLACE

Jolee Waitman

Johnston County Sentinel

Three years ago, Demontre Akins made a tough decision: He chose not to return to his coaching gig with Idabel’s high school basketball team.

When he was younger, he didn’t dream of coaching the way so many athletes do after they hang up their cleats or sit down their ball. It was something that started because his son was playing little league football, and gradually it grew into a passion — one that helped him climb up the local coaching ladder until he landed an assistant coaching role at Idabel.

That Thursday night, he was fully prepared to walk away from coaching for the time being and go back to his former job at Tyson. When the phone rang Sunday evening and Hugo boys basketball coach Darnell Shanklin was on the other end, Akins’ trajectory changed.

“It was a blessing,” Akins said. Akins, a Hugo native who was coached by Shanklin his freshman and sophomore years of high school, couldn’t believe his good fortune. All Shanklin had to do was offer the job, and Akins jumped at the chance to take it. When the job became available, Shanklin said Akins was the first name he thought of, though Akins jokingly disputes this claim. The duo had a good relationship when Akins was in high school, and through the years they kept up with each other.

“The first thing you want to do is hire people who you feel like have your back and who’s going to come in and believe in what you believe in,” Shanklin said. “After playing in our system, he

understood the Hugo way so it was an easy transition.”

Shanklin handed Akins plenty of responsibility right off the bat, having him work with middle school, freshmen, junior varsity and varsity in his first year back in Hugo. Now, Akins is responsible for coaching the freshman and JV games, as well as being the varsity assistant coach.

Shanklin continues to run high school practices, which include all freshmen, JV and varsity players, but when it comes to games he wants to give his assistants a chance to really coach. He wants them to develop their skill sets and be prepared if he ever needs them to step in.

“I feel like if you’re going to hire someone as an assistant, they deserve the right to coach,” Shanklin said. “Of course, throughout the ball game I might recommend something or say ‘Hey, someone’s played enough,’ but I let them call their own ofof fense and defense and try to make sure they’re getting that experience because one of these days they might be the one who’s in charge. I mean, something could happen, heaven forbid, and I could be out for a week or a game or two, so he has to be prepared.”

Shanklin is used to coaches sticking around for five or so years, but in the past three years he’s had both assistant coaching spots vacated, and he’s been put in the position of finding coaches he’s confident can learn his style and execute it. Luckily for him, pitching coaches on coming to Hugo for basketball isn’t hard.

“To be honest with you, it’s not a hard sell because they know if they come to Hugo they’ll have a chance to win,” Shanklin said.

“They’ll have a chance to be in a program with a high success level. Most people look forward to coming here and being a part of our program. Not to brag or anything, but it’s been a successful program even before I was here. It was known all over the state.”

Entering into that program this year was Tanner Trent, who exclusively coached middle school last year. Shanklin said he spent time with superintendent Earl Dalke discussing Trent’s background and character before deciding he would be a great addition to the high school staff this year.

Trent is at the beginning of his coaching career, and Shanklin said he’s grown a lot in his year and a half at Hugo. Last year, Shanklin would attend middle school practices to help Trent learn the drills the high school uses and to mentor him.

“He’s a very sharp young man who caught on to everything really, really quick,” Shanklin said. “He believes in doing things the way I do it. He’s going to make sure kids behave and represent us the right way. We believe in the same things, so he’s going to make an excellent coach, no doubt.”

Last year, before Trent was a part of the high school staff, he would frequently attend practices and games looking for every opportunity to soak up coaching knowledge. It was behaviors like this that made Trent stand out to Shanklin, who was quick to offer him the assistant spot the minute it became available. He saw in Trent a drive and desire to do things the right way that let him know they would work well together.

“He’s eager to learn, no doubt about it,” Shanklin said. “Working with Trent is easy because we talk about people being like sponges and absorbing things, and he’s so

Services for L.D. Baines will be Thursday in Broken Arrow

In Honor of Coach Baines, Football stadium lights are being turned on Friday evening at 7 p.m. for one more hour at schools where he helped turn young boys into men: Ringling • Hugo • Commerce • Sand Springs • Miami • OSU

sharp. When you talk to him about different offenses and defenses and drills and you tell him one time and he catches on.”

There’s no shortage of young coaches out there who want to find their way onto Hugo’s sidelines under Shanklin’s guidance, and he’s landed two who are determined to continue the program’s success with the same culture Shanklin built and sustains to this day.

Trent and Akins landed coveted roles within Hugo’s basketball program, and they’re well aware of it. Coaching at Hugo is special, Akins said, because everyone within the program and everyone who cares about the program comes together like a family.

“There’s a lot of people sitting there waiting on (these openings) because they know the talent level of these kids and the community behind the basketball coach,” Akins said. “It’s a fun job, and he’s a good mentor.”

L.D. Baines

Former Buffalo and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Coach

Obituary on Page 4A...

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE

Blake Colston

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

Snow machines: Piedmont scores 60 as Wildcats

pound top-seeded Midwest City

SECOND PLACE

Blake Colston

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

THIRD PLACE

Blake Colston

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

Piedmont scores 60 as Wildcats pound top-seeded Midwest City

By Blake Colston Sports Editor

MIDWEST CITY — Piedmont’s entire team sprinted toward the end zone with one thing in mind.

Snow angels.

That seemed like the only fitting way to celebrate after the Wildcats’ 60-41 win over top-seeded Midwest City on a snowy Friday evening inside Jim Darnell Stadium.

“It reminded me of the intermediate playground in the winter, we were just going at it. We couldn’t even see the field to play sometimes, those snowflakes were so big,” PHS running back Cannon Wood said after running for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns. “It was just a good time out there. You don’t get many games like that.”

“I don’t know how many times I said on the headset, I’ll never forget that,”

Read The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette online at piedmontnewsonline.com

head coach Jeff Hall added of playing in a snowstorm during the first half.

“There were times we couldn’t even see the other sideline. I’ll definitely remember this forever.”

Piedmont (7-4) racked up more than 550 yards rushing in its wire-to-wire victory over a Midwest City team that had won eight straight entering Friday

night.

It was clear from the start that the five-time state champions had no answers for the ‘Cats flexbone attack. Wood scored untouched on a 64-yard run on his third carry of the game, which sent an early message to the Bombers (8-3).

“They have a good defensive line, but that set the tone,” senior offensive See Wildcats, Page 3B

Colston

Piedmont head coach Jeff Hall likened Piedmont's performance on of-

By Blake Colston Sports Editor

PHS running back Israel Robles runs away from Midwest City’s Josiah Johnson during the Wildcats’ 60-41 win over the Bombers. (Photo by Alan Chapman)

to see

NWOSU

By

Blake

Sports Editor

Softball nearing

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE

Jeff Harrison

Midwest City Beacon

For the love of the game

SECOND PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin

Sand Springs Leader

THIRD PLACE

Noah Ferguson

The Oklahoma Eagle

The new facility will be located at 7210 NE 36th St. on property the company is acquiring from the City of

City will

water and sewer lines to the property and construct a rail spur to serve the company.

Centrillium and MTG must meet a number of requirements for construction

Sports For the love of the game

Senior baseball club a hit with local residents

By Jeff Harrison Managing Editor

Lou Lawrence was all smiles as he strolled to first base on a hot Saturday morning.

The 76-year-old Midwest City man hit safely for the second time in the game. He reached safely first with a bunt single and later on a bloop hit to right field.

“That second one, I just stuck my bat out there and got a hit,” Lawrence said. “We’re just out here playing and having fun.”

Lawrence, who plays in competitive senior baseball tournaments, was one of nearly 40 men that plays in a new senior baseball club. The Oklahoma City Senior Baseball Club, which includes players from across the metro, meets every Saturday morning at the former Del Crest Middle School, 4731 Judy Dr. in Del City, for a game of baseball. The league is open for those ages 60 and over.

Baseball has a special place in the hearts of many on the field. They grew up playing baseball as children and cheering for the likes of Oklahoma native Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.

“Baseball never leaves you,” said Paul Martin, who helped found the club and coaches one of the teams.

companies follow all applicable

See CITY, page 12A

City New ward map presented to city council

Population growth spurs change in Ward

By Valerie Scott Staff Writer

The six districts of Midwest City will soon be having ary changes. The City of west City presented a new July 26 during a city meeting at Municipal Court. No action has been taken as the city is required to a 30-day notice of vote boundary change. The hearing was held to introduce the posed changes and allow any questions from the or the public. The final determination of the map will be at the Aug. 23 city council ing.

By Valerie Scott Staff Writer

Many of the players came together through adult softball leagues. Martin and Gary Hamner played together in a softball league in Midwest City. Hamner pitched the idea to Martin, who also plays in competitive senior league baseball tournaments.

“He [Martin] plays in a

See BASEBALL, page 12A

Every 10 years the six of Midwest City are redrawn ensure an equally distributed population. Each ward tioned according to how residents maintain a certain There will be no splitting adding wards to the existing districts of Midwest City redraw of the ward map sure an even population bution. The current city members will stay within current wards.

The city council members

See WARDS, page 12A

Local softball teams are preparing for the upcoming season. See page 1B

Above: A couple of teammates celebrate a run July 23 during an Oklahoma City Senior Baseball Club game at Del Crest Middle School in Del City. Below: Bruce McGrew delivers a pitch. PHOTOS BY JEFF HARRISON

Clark “Sonny”

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller

El Reno Tribune Sigler made Army Strong

SECOND PLACE

Kevin Green Claremore Daily Progress

THIRD PLACE Chuck Reherman Yukon Progress

first of a four-part series looking at this year’s recipients of the El Reno High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Four EHS graduates are being honored for their education and life achievements.

Four El Reno High School graduates have been named the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Finding Private Ryan

El Reno High School senior Ryan Sigler looks up for the next wooden beam on an obstacle course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Sigler enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a junior and spent his summer going through basic training. He used a special program from the Guard that allows him to return to school and finish his education. He currently is a private in the Guard assigned to Company B, 545th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. See related story and photos starting on Page 11.

Clark “Sonny” Kegelman; attorney Mark Henricksen; architect and businessman

Darin Miller; and educator Matt Goucher will be honored at the banquet hosted by the El Reno Public Schools Foundation.

The event will be 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Canadian Valley Technology Center.

Chamber, Tribune

host forum

Candidates for Ward 3 council to discuss ER

The El Reno Chamber of Commerce and El Reno Tribune are partnering a candidate forum prior to the Nov. General Election. The forum feature candidates

El Reno mayor City Council The candidate forum will be Nov. 1 at Redlands Community

El RenoNews

The one-hour will feature from a moderator well as the audience.

1942.

Career Tech, Redlands partner on business help

By CONRAD DUDDERAR Yukon Progress

Since midJune, dozens of Canadian County small businesses have

Oklahoma SBDC provides aid at no cost to anyone who wants to start a business or needs help improving

Candidates for the El Reno mayor position Steve Jensen Phillip Church. The candidates the Ward 3 council seat are Kevin and David Black. Each candidate will be given time to introduce themselves at beginning of forum. They will another brief to end the evening, explaining why they believe

Charles Clark (Sonny) Kegelman accepting the Distinguished Flying Cross,

Courtesy)

(Photo/Courtesy United States Army)

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE

Mike Tupa

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

TikTok Star

SECOND PLACE

Jeff Cali

The Ada News

THIRD PLACE

Josh Burton

Weatherford Daily News

What happened?

Bartlesville resident hits national prominence as a TikTok star

Bartlesville … what happened?

The most happening heartbeat right in town right now belongs to a 2022 Bartlesville High graduate who has catapulted into national prominence without going beyond his computer screen.

He’s the reason why Bartlesville’s most popular number — after ’66’ (as in the Phillips 66 company) — is ’77.’

To put it in the vernacular, Bartlesville’s James Droz is blowing up on social media.

He is approaching 500,000 followers and 10 million likes on the TikTok platform, people tuning in to watch

SeeDROZ,Page5A

Droz holds up his phone, showing off almost half a million subscribers to his TikTok account.

ELECTION 2022

Gubernatorial candidates hit pressing topics during debate

Gov. Kevin Stitt and state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister took the gloves off Wednesday in the lone scheduled gubernatorial debate tion cycle.

As Stitt and Hofmeister detailed their state, they sparred on abortion, forcement of the state’s medical juana laws, tribal issues justice reform, as well as other for the state’s poor rankings in the 90-minute hosted by NonDoc and News9. At times, the moderators’ appeared to become an as Stitt and Hofmeister centered answers on attacking each Hofmeister, a Democrat, the past four years of the stration while the GOP tried to tie his opponent Joe Biden, a largely unpopular in the state where all 77 counties for Donald Trump in presidential elections.

Although Stitt and Hofmeister were bers of the same political party, the debate ers a glimpse at the differences between candidates for governor.

Stitt said he would sign exceptions to Oklahoma’s abortion ban

Facing criticism for signing into law abortion ban, Stitt softened his stance on the procedure.

While maintaining he still believes conception, Stitt said he would sign legislation ing abortions for women who become

Pesky stumps standing in way of progress? We can FREE QUOTES!

James Droz sits in his command center, watching sports and making TikTok videos in reaction to final scores. His catchphrase? “What happened?” PHOTOS BY ANDY DOSSETT/EXAMINER-ENTERPRISE

Nolan Clay and Jessie Christopher Smith The Oklahoman

Sports Story

FIRST PLACE Jason Elmquist

Stillwater News Press

Dax Hughes’ path to regional title paved by supporting others

SECOND PLACE Reese Becker Enid News & Eagle

Selfless senior

Dax Hughes’ path to regional title paved by supporting others

By Jason Elmquist jelmquist@stwnewspress.com

Dax Hughes spent much of his youth crisscrossing the country to attend wrestling tournaments.

But the Stillwater High senior wasn’t competing in them all, he was there with his family as they followed his younger brother, Cael, who is now one of the nation’s top wrestlers in the Class of 2023 who has already committed to Oklahoma State.

“My parents would fly me all over the country to wrestle and he would tag along and watch and that was his thing,” Cael said. “So I’ve always been grateful for him being there.” The brothers were sparring partners, but the older brother didn’t find the success that his brother was having. But he still stuck with the sport. He found his way into the starting lineup for the powerhouse Class 6A wrestling program as a freshman and qualified for state the first time a year later by finishing fourth at the East Regional. He qualified again

last year, narrowly doing so as the fifth seed out of the East Regional thanks to the OSSAA’s decision to expand the field for state a few years earlier.

It was a brief trip to the top tournament in the state on both occasions.

As a sophomore, he won a pigtail match at 145 pounds that set him up for a match against the eventual state runner-up – who was a senior – before being knocked completely out one match later.

Last year, he won the 170-pound pigtail match against the fourth seed from the West Regional by technical fall, before losing backto-back matches to end his tournament. But the potential was there. His first loss was a 3-2 decision to the East Regional champion who eventually finished third in the state. His other loss, was to the wrestler who finished fourth at state.

Dax spent the offseason heading into this season bulking up a bit and started the season for Stillwater as the starter at 182 pounds.

JASON ELMQUIST/STILLWATER NEWS PRESS

Stillwater High’s Dax Hughes gets a hug from his dad and assistant wrestling coach Jeremy Hughes after beating Broken Arrow’s Elijah Hynes in the championship match at 220 pounds in the Class 6A East Regional on Saturday. See selfless Page B3

BUSINESS STORY

SECOND

Seismic startup

THIRD

OSU club pioneering NIL efforts for student-athletes

is swarmed with constant phone calls each day. His first objective each morning is to ring his business partner, Michael Bollig, a junior sports management student, to discuss that day’s plan. The calls can last nearly two hours, followed by another meeting over lunch.

all while balancing class, homework and being a college student.

“I think our dayto-day is just planning and executing, planning and executing,” White said. “It’s just a one-step process.”

helping student-athletes successfully improve their personal brand and maximize their name, image and likeness (NIL) potential.

NIL’s impact is farreaching.

James White might as well own a walkietalkie.

White, a junior marketing student at OSU,

He speaks and meets with his clients, five OSU athletes. A meeting with each occurs once a week. White and Bollig do it

The persistent interactions aren’t without reason. White serves as the general manager of fundraising for OSU’s Brand Squad, a blossoming student organization

After the policies were implemented allowing more than 480,000 college athletes the ability to profit off their personal image, college

See Startup on 4B

Branson Evans

Haneen Rashawn (right), is the president for the Brand Squad, a club at OSU that is revolutionary for helping athletes with their NIL ventures.

Editor-in-Chief

Dean Ruhl Sports Editor

The Comanche Times

Groundbreaking for new butchery in Comanche

SECOND PLACE

Brooks The Comanche Times

THIRD PLACE Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

By Todd Brooks

A vision and a dream that started a few years ago is now becoming a reality for Trey Clinkenbeard with the groundbreaking for the Red Plains Grand Butchery on Texas Ave. in Comanche.

“I’m just so excited to be here and to serve my hometown with this new opportunity,” Clinkenbeard said. Clinkenbeard had brought Ryan Walden on board in the process to be his plant manager. He also brought on consultant Marcine Moldenhauer, who has a background in butcheries, to help along the way with design and dealing with government regulations.

“She’s the brains behind everything and she’s held my hand through this whole process,” Clinkenbeard said. “Our vision is to help the ranchers and the agriculture economy in the area. And as crazy as the world’s getting right now, think that’s more important than ever.”

Clinkenbeard introduced city manager Chuck Ralls, by saying there’s nothing improved in the community without Chuck.

“We appreciate you coming out for this historic event,” Ralls said. “Small communities, especially in Oklahoma, they live and die with commerce. Everything that drives the development in these communities is through commerce. And that’s not possible without visionaries like Trey and the team that he’s brought together.”

Ralls said it was the first ground-

breaking the city’s had in more than 10 years for a new business.

“I think we’re going to have some more businesses coming in and this is kind of lighting the way showing people here that there are people who want to be part of the community and they’re investing their families and investing their money.”

Sen. Chris Kidd was the next to speak and he praised Clinkenbeard for the project.

“There’s people like Trey who can go anywhere and be successful,” Kidd said. “There’s even more to be said for someone who not only chooses to stay here, but make a significant impact and contribution to their community.”

Kidd said the meat-packing industry has had a stranglehold on farmers and ranchers to monopolize their profits.

“They’ve had huge profits for years and years while our farmers and ranchers just struggled to break even,” Kidd said. “Because of you and your team, there will be an alternative for farmers and ranchers and an alternative for them to get a fair price for their cattle. In addition, we as consumers will have a quality beef product that was locally grown to try.”

State Sen. Darrell Weaver, who grew up in Comanche, now represents the Norman area spoke next.

“Rarely do you have people that have influenced a community as much as (the Clinkenbeards) have,” Weaver said. “You’re doing a great

job of keeping (small towns) alive. This is the backbone of Oklahoma, these rural communities. I’m very proud of where I come from. And I’m very proud just to be able to stand here with this family.”

State Rep. Marcus McEntire said

he hopes Clinkenbeard can have an impact in the industry.

“You’re one of the cogs in the wheel to disrupt really what is a monopoly,” McEntire said. “With a small number of companies controlling the vast majority of the market,

we need disruptors like you, so thank you for doing this.”

Steve Carson, field representative for U.S. Sen. James Lankford, also praised Clinkenbeard for providing more competition in the industry.

“I was just firing off questions at

Trey earlier and he had an answer to every one,” Carson said. “He has a great business plan. He’s got a great business mind and confidence that this will be a successful venture.” E&W Construction in Comanche will do the building construction.

Anniversary celebration Lady Indians fall one win short of making state

tournament

By Todd Brooks

The Comanche Lady Indians left everything they had out on the floor in the area consolation finals against Bethel last Saturday in Ada. Unfortunately for Comanche they would come up two points and one win short of a trip to the state tournament as the Lady Wildcats won, 56-54.

With the exception of two ties early in the first quarter, Bethel led from start to finish. The Lady Indians never gave up, however, even when they were down double digits despite

Todd Brooks/The Comanche Times

The

HWC

The annual Christmas tree lighting event held Monday night was a huge success. That’s not just my opinion. It’s based in part on how our 21-month-old great-grandson’s eyes lit up while sitting on the street curb and watching all the fire trucks with their flashing lights. He didn’t have to say a word, his expression said it all.

This year’s event was not just a repeat of previous years. Thanks in large part to the injection of new energy provided by workers in the courthouse and others, there were new attractions, more for the kids to do.

It didn’t hurt that the weather was ideal. No rain, no shivering cold, just a cool, very pleasant evening.

Great-grandson Thomas and his two sisters had a great evening as did hundreds of other kids. On behalf of all the youngsters and us old folks too, thanks to all those who made it possible.

✦

Old friend Jim said, “This year there was a strong suggestion that no candy be thrown from vehicles in the Christmas parade. Not everyone got the message. Old habits, even dangerous ones, are hard to break.”

✦

The annexation of the Greenville School District into Marietta I-16 District is unavoidable. The school’s enrollment has dropped below the level that makes it possible for the school to financially continue. A YES vote by the registered voters in the Greenville district in the January 10, 2023 Special Election is something of a formality.

Annexation on the surface may sound simple, but it isn’t. It comes with a lot of hurt.

The kids who will be displaced may suffer emotionally with leaving a smaller classroom environment. Their parents’ life pattern will change because they will be driving farther to drop off and pick up their kids.

Another big hurt will come to those who own property in the

Okie Girl shaking things up

Okie Girl Nutrition brings healthy shakes and teas to Marietta

By Joani Hartin Staff Writer

On a recent drive down Main Street, you may have noticed a new business, Okie Girl Nutrition. Owner Holly Birks opened her store at 801 West Main Street on November 28, but has been around since this summer, first at a Frontier Days booth, and since then, doing home deliveries.

Okie Girl Nutrition provides herbal teas, meal replacement shakes, and protein coffees to customers. All of Birks’s menu items are Herbalife products, designed to promote a healthier lifestyle. The products are engineered to promote weight loss, boost energy levels, reduce stress, promote healthy digestion and heart health, and manage metabolism. “I’ve used the products for about two years,” said Birks. “I worked nights for almost nine years and had a bad habit of drinking energy drinks to keep me going. Those give you a temporary boost, but then your energy level crashes. After I switched to the Herbalife teas, I began to lose

weight because they are sugar free, and I stopped being so sluggish and tired. My body just reacted better to the herbal tea.”

The active ingredient is an herbal

extract, ginseng, that helps to jumpstart metabolism naturally. After discovering how well Herbalife products worked for her, Birks decided to start her own business

selling them.

“I knew I didn’t want to be working nights forever,” she explained.

Three propositions included in January election

County voters will be asked to cast ballots on Tuesday, January 10, to approve or disapprove of three separate issues. All county voters will receive one ballot, and, depending upon precinct, could be asked to vote on an additional proposition. County voters Only one issue is to be voted on

ment and supplies), five percent to county OSU Extension Office, five percent to county tax assessor, five percent to county clerk, five percent to county court clerk, five percent to county treasurer, five percent to county sheriff, and 50 percent to county general government (maintenance and operations of county

Business Story

FIRST PLACE Jayson Knight The Tuttle Times

Arrowhead Bison: Fresh, healthy & local

SECOND PLACE John Small Johnston County Sentinel

Arrowhead Bison: Fresh, healthy & local Bison Meat

By Jayson Knight editor@tuttletimes.com

The new family-owned Arrowhead Bison serves up top-quality bison meat by people who believe in going the extra mile, and feed their bison a unique blend, free of corn or soy, that delivers amazing flavor.

“It’s a little bit more protein than beef,” said owner/operator Colby Lovelady. “Depending on cut, you’re looking at anywhere between 60 and 80 percent less fat than beef. It’s really high in Vitamin B12 and iron as well. Some of the feedback we get, and some of the things we’ve experienced ourselves is it has so much more nutrients and minerals in it that it actually fills you up faster than beef does. A 10 ounce ribeye beef versus a 10-ounce ribeye bison, you can feel the difference in your stomach. You’ll be way more full off the bison.

“We have ground, premade burger patties, we also have bison bacon patties. It’s ground bacon mixed in with the bison and then formed into

a patty. We also have all your steak cuts: the filets, sirloins, KC strips, ribeyes, tomahawks, round roasts, sirloin flaps, shortribs, briskets, tritips, all that good stuff. Most of the cuts you’ll get out of beef, you’ll get out of bison as well.”

You can order online at arrowheadbison.com, where you can also find cooking directions, nutritional information, and other merchandise.

According to the site, “Bison meat can be some of the most tender and rich meat you can sink your teeth into. Please keep in mind though, it DOES NOT cook like beef. Can you marinate and season the same? Sure! But when it comes to grilling, smoking, slow-cooking, pressure cooking, or baking, bison meat can easily be over cooked. If you like your meat cooked medium well to well done, I would caution you before doing so. Bison is recommended to be cooked rare, medium rare, or medium.”

What’s the difference between buffalo and bison?

“That is probably the question we get asked the most,” Colby said.

“Buffalo was termed when the settlers came over, they came over and they’d never seen a bison before. And the closest thing they had to associate it with was a water buffalo or a cape buffalo, but their scientific name is actually bison bison. It doesn’t ever bother me, you know, if someone says ‘how’s your buffalo doing,’ that doesn’t bother me at all. The main difference is in the food industry because people will put buffalo meat as an ingredient, but they’ll put a picture of a bison, and buffalo meat is nothing near bison meat, as far as nutrition and the way it’s cooked.”

Arrowhead Bison came to be when COVID forced the Lovelady family to take some local scenic routes.

“During COVID, my wife and my girls, we had tested positive of it and everything was all shut down, and we started driving around, and there’s a herd out by Blanchard, and it was

“Depending on cut, you’re looking at anywhere between 60 and 80 percent less fat than beef. It’s really high in Vitamin B12 and iron as well. It actually fills you up faster than beef does.”

Colby Lovelady, Owner/Operator of Arrowhead Bison

just a real nice setting. The sun was setting and we saw this herd out there and I told my wife, ‘Hey, that’s something I want to do in retirement,’ and well, I couldn’t get it out of my head and I started researching it a lot and started watching a bunch of videos, reading about them. I feel like the industry is prime for bison meat to grow. There’s more and more people switching to bison, because they’re realizing the health benefits of it. We just thought it was a really good time to enter into this industry and give it a shot. We got our first animals last year, and we’ve been selling meat ever since and it’s going pretty well.”

Orders can be placed

on the website, but also over the phone at (405) 313-7983.

“They can even text in an order if they want, or email arowheadbison@ gmail.com. Patrons can also find Arrowhead Bison at the Mustang farmers market during the farmers market season Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon.”

For more information about Arrowhead Bison, find them on Facebook or Instagram.

BEWARE OF BISON

Bison have a reputation as being a bit ornery when it comes to their personal space. Do not consider them friendly.

Two people have been gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park so far this year,

the most recent being Monday, June 27 when a 34-year-old man was charged by a bull. The park advises people to stay at least 25 yards away from bison. Even Colby gives them their space.

“I put videos up of me feeding bison by hand and things like that,” the bison rancher said, “but I always have something between me and the bison, whether it’s a four-wheeler or I’m in the back of my truck, or something, and so people might see ranchers who privately own bison do those sorts of things, but that’s never ever something you want to do with a National Park herd. You

By Joy Gawf-Crutchfield Joy of Travel

Rancher Colby Lovelady stands with his bison in west Tuttle. Lovelady is the owner/operator of Arrowhead Bison. Order online at arrowheadbison.com. PHOTO PROVIDED

DIVISION 4 — Weekly Publications, population more than 12,000

special,” she said. “I didn’t use traditional hamburger meat. used creole-fusion, Jamaican-fusion flavors, with fire-roasted vegetables, jerk chicken, and andouille sausage as my meat.” She waxed further about some of her top recipes. “My favorite things to cook are eclectic comfort foods,” she said. “For example, Instead of traditional ground beef on fry bread tacos, use BBQ pulled pork. cook meatloaf with cheesy center. Belle’s Famous Chili is made with pulled jerk chicken and andouille sausage. love doing soups, stews, and chilis. My Sin-Amen Rolls are to die for!

“I like to do specialty ‘Mocktails,’ like virgin sangria and Shirley Temples. My favorite seasoning depends on what I’m cooking. use lot of salt, pepper, and garlic together. For another depth of flavor, use my blend with oregano, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, and chili powder. love creole/Cajun flavors, and also ‘sweet heat’ combos that you find in Caribbean food.”

‘I promised myself and God that I would never go back to the

I was living, and I was going to build a legacy for my daughter’

jobs to Pryor page 2

woodward

Local barbershop has amazing history

By Ashley Berends Staff Writer

With as long as Woodward has been around, there had to be sprinkles of historic places around town. One such place is The Guard Shack Barber Shop. The cute little octagon building located at the Y-intersection of Oklahoma, Main and Texas has been there since 1947. Currently it is operated by Sherry Luckie-Privette also known as the Barber Lady.

Luckie-Privette has a binder with a collection of news articles from local newspapers, the ‘POW  Book’ by Dr. Milt Lehr and information from the Alva Public Library regarding the WWII POW Camp. The camp was built to hold only Nazi’s and hard-core sympathizers. It was located in Alva on the west side of highway 281 and was in the area now used by the Airport on the east and the Woods County Fairgrounds on the west.

The camp was

authorized on June 30, 1942. September 15, 1942 it was under construction by civilians. Nov. 15, 1942 the Army took over from the civilian contractors and the American troops started to arrive.

On December 15, 1942 an announcement of it’s opening was made. By July 31, 1943 the first 19 German POWs came by truckload. Later the POW’s started arriving by train and they were quietly marched from the railroad station up Seventh Street while guards lined the streets. POWs arrive slowly, but steadily.

By Dec. 12, 1943 there were 1,035 in camp. By Feb. 23, 1945 there were 1,002 officers, 2,477 non-commissioned officers, and 1,478 enlisted men confined at the Alva POW camp.

The building that now houses the barber shop was first brought to Woodward by veteran Harold “Brad” Bradbury and his future wife Maudie Cleveland from the POW Camp. Once the camp closed, they got the idea to

buy a guard shack to use as a new business idea. There was just one issue, the shack was on 18 foot stilts and had windows all around it. Harold Bradbury devised an apparatus to lower the building to the ground and fold it up so it could be loaded on a truck.

The building was moved to the intersection and was called The Wagon Wheel Restaurant. Customers could drive up and could get their meals prior to fast food restaurants being invented.

“In the 1950’s the restaurant was the social scene for Northwest Oklahoma high school students. Maudie and her car hops served burgers, fries and other food that teenagers loved,” according to one article.

Over the years it’s been many things from a bait shop twice and a beauty shop. That changed once Carl Nielson started renting the building for his Barbershop in 1981 and later bought the building in 1997 from Maudie Bradbury after Brad passed away in 1996.

Sherry Luckie-Privette joined Nielson at the Barbershop in 2017. Nielsen decided to retire on New Years eve of 2020 after being a Barber for 60 years! “Since then, I have been on my own and am in the process of buying the building to continue the Barbershop tradition. My youngest daughter is currently in Barber School at Formations and will join me in July,” Luckie-Privette continued.

“I grew up in Laverne and would come to Woodward frequently. When we’d drive by I’d always tell my mom, ‘one day I want to work there!’ And to think now, it’s basically mine and I love what I do. It would be interesting, if these walls could talk,” she said. If you have an interest in a historic building in our reading area that you would like to know more about or have information on a building, please email me at aberends@woodwardnews.net

Oklahoma pension funds have little invested in Russia

By Janelle Stecklein CNHI

State Reporter OKLAHOMA CITY

— Oklahoma’s two largest state pensions say they managed to divest most of their Russian assets ahead of economic sanctions, minimizing

divested most of those just before they essentially became worthless.

As of Jan. 31, the $12 billion Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System had about $4.5 million in direct exposure to equity and fixed-income securities based in Russia, said Joe Fox,

“so minute” compared to the overall size of the fund, it would not affect her pension’s returns. Sigler said what Russian assets pensions continue to hold are essentially worthless, so her system will hold on to them in hopes that they one day recover.

on Russia have caused extreme illiquidity in all Russian securities,” Fox said in an email. “As a result, market-making activity in Russian securities has halted and investors holding Russian securities have been unable to liquidate any assets associated with

a combined unfunded liability of $8.9 billion and were 81% funded, according state officials. The pensions had $37.9 billion in assets.

State Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, who chairs the Senate pension committee, said if Oklahoma pensions had invested in

things.

“Sometimes you don’t know exactly what all is in that because they do try to spread the risk on financial investments,” he said. “(Our pensions) do try to protect themselves by the peaks and valleys of that, but if you’re asking me, just a lone invest-

Barber Sherry Luckie Privette holding her shop sign outside of The Guard Shack Barber Shop located at 2301 SW Main in Woodward. (Photo by Ashley Berends)

The Guard Shack Barber Shop building was moved to this location in 1947. (Photo by Ashley Berends)

Business Story

FIRST PLACE

D.E. Smoot

Muskogee Phoenix

Report paints dim picture

SECOND PLACE

D.E. Smoot

Muskogee Phoenix

THIRD PLACE James Beaty

McAlester News-Capital

Report paints dim picture

By D.E. Smoot dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com

A Department of Veterans Affairs report published in March recommending the closure of Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center and dis-

cussions about merging veterans’ health care services here with those provided in Oklahoma City spurred concerns about the potential impact on the local economy. The comprehensive report to the AIR (Asset and Infrastructure Review) Commission cites higher concentration of the veteran population within the Eastern Oklahoma market in the Tulsa area as a

basis for the recommendation.

A cost-benefit analysis shows it would cost an estimated $8.78 million to shutter the Muskogee VAMC and realign services with the veteran population in Tulsa, slightly more than the $8.56 million price tag of maintaining the status quo.

That cost of closing the facility would be much greater to the local economy. An

analysis of employment and payroll data for Jack C. Montgomery VAMC, along with its economic output estimates an annual loss of $390.8 million if the facility closed.

Jeff Underwood, director of industrial development for Muskogee City-County Port Authority, conducted the analysis based on data obtained from VA Central Office in Washington. The economic

impact analysis, requested by the Phoenix, was supported by Impact DataSource, an Austin, Texas-based economic consulting firm.

“The Medical Center’s direct employment of 1,415 supports an additional 652 jobs in the community, so 2,067 jobs are at risk if the facility closes,” Underwood states

Cost of shutting down VA medical center, merging with OKC spurs concerns

Business Story

FIRST

The Journal Record

Founders Tower auction brings back memories

SECOND PLACE Janice Francis-Smith

The Journal Record

THIRD PLACE

Founders Tower auction brings back memories

Abortion bill puts health care providers in legal crosshairs

BY JANICE FRANCIS-SMITH The Journal Record

Enid News & Eagle

BY KATHRYN MCNUTT The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – It was a chilly spring evening in 1969 when Patty Miller rode to the top of the 275-foot Founders Tower for a special dinner at the Chandelle Club that ended with an act of larceny.

“It was a big deal because it rotated,” Miller said of the penthouse restaurant. “It seems like there was a piano player too.”

It was Miller’s first time at the elegant restaurant. She and her roommate went with their dates as a prelude to the Violet Ball, the Sigma Kappa sorority spring formal.

“I don’t have a clue what we ate but it was the menu,” Miller said. “They were gigantic red menus. I had to have that menu because it was so big.”

And so, the 1969 Outstanding Senior Woman at Central State College and her date helped smuggle one out under her coat, his hand on her back to keep the menu from falling.

“We were two good Baptist kids. We really both of us were goody two-shoes,” Miller said. “It was the worst thing I had ever done in my life.”

The venue – one of only four penthouse restaurants in the country at the time that rotated 360 degrees – is memorable to thousands of Oklahomans who celebrated anniversaries, proms, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and other events there.

Many hope it will open again following an auction Thursday that includes the 20th-floor restaurant and two office spaces at the Founders Tower.

Potential bidders looking at the property at 5900 Mosteller Dr. have come from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas and Colorado, said Marcus Sippy, project manager with William & Williams Real Estate Auctions of Tulsa.

“People are buying before the interest rate goes up. We’re seeing a lot of interest,” Sippy said.

Residents of the condominiums on the third

OKLAHOMA CITY – Lawmakers are targeting health care providers in their outlaw abortion in Oklahoma in a move physicians and abortion rights activists. Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signed into of a slew of bills coming out of the Legislature that would imprison and fine health care who perform abortions. More bills are coming the governor has already promised to sign provide a financial incentive for anyone in drag a health care provider into court on suspicion they provided or assisted in an abortion. Reaction from medical professionals and was swift:

“Once again, Oklahoma politicians themselves in control of personal health that belong to Oklahomans and their families,” Alexis McGill Johnson, president, Planned Action Fund. “This ban, like all abortion harm real people – people who are making that they know will be best for themselves, their families, and their futures.”

“The Oklahoma State Medical Association committed to preserving a physician’s right and serve the needs of their patients without interfering in the doctor/patient relationship,”

Oklahoma State Medical President Mary Clarke a statement.

Lawmakers say they are generating multiple with duplicative and even contradictory in the hope that some measures will stand U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision on abortion summer.

“We want Oklahoma to be the most pro-life the country,” Stitt said as he signed Senate law on Tuesday. “We want to outlaw abortion state of Oklahoma.”

“What I love about this one (bill) is that a punishment in it for the mother of any Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks after signing bill making it a felony to perform an abortion, by up to 10 years in prison, Tuesday. AP PHOTO/SUE

The penthouse restaurant is one of three Founders Tower spaces on the auction block Thursday. COURTESY PHOTO/WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS

EDUCATION STORY

Small schools face teacher shortage

CADE KENNEDY

As the third and fourth grade students at Freedom Public School walk into the classroom, they’re greeted by a familiar face, but she’s technically their new teacher.

These students continue to rotate from classroom to classroom as they watch teachers, librarians and other staff pass the title of third and fourth grade teacher back-and-forth.

Because of a teacher shortage impacting Oklahoma, scenes like this are becoming more frequent across the state. It isn’t just happening in public schools, but across college campuses as well. This shortage isn’t a new problem in Oklahoma. Teachers have been fleeing the state or retiring early for the past decade. In July, the Oklahoma State Department of Education issued 1,473 emergency teaching certifications, an all-time high for a single month,

according to the agency. Despite the record high, those certifications only made up 41% of the 3,593 emergency certifications issued this summer.

Despite the certifications, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association’s annual back-toschool survey found 1,019 teaching jobs remain open in 328

school districts that serve 77% of Oklahoma’s student population. In the nine years the survey has been conducted, those 1,019 jobs set the record for the most openings in a year.

“Education leaders are incredibly grateful for the work legislators have accomplished in recent years in an attempt to ease

the shortage and strengthen the teacher pipeline,” OSSBA Executive Director Shawn Hime said.

“But the survey and other data paint a pretty clear picture: The work is far from done.”

One of the main reasons behind the shortage is money. Oklahoma is ranked 34th out of all 50 states in teacher pay, with the av-

erage Oklahoma teacher earning $54,762 for the 2020-2021 school year, according to the National Education Association. This figure puts Oklahoma teachers slightly above the regional average of $54,622 but below the national average of $65,293.

See SHORTAGE, Page 2

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

Carol Conner

The Fairfax Chief

Etter’s million dollar gift

SECOND PLACE

DeAnna Maddox

Yale News

THIRD PLACE

Carol Conner

The Fairfax Chief

Courtesy Photo

Jerry and Dr. Delores Etter recently announced a very large donation to redo Shidler’s Ward Elementary School. Shidler’s best benefactors already provide scholarships and awards to students and employees.

Etter’s million dollar gift

Carol Conner

T he F air Fax F C hie F

Some of us remember our Elementary School Days fondly, but few remember and honor those days like Delores Van Camp Etter.

Etter and her husband Jerry announced during Shidler’s Homecoming festivities that they are funding a renovation

Continued to Page 4 DONATION

BACKROADS BABY

✦ Baby delivered on the road - Page 5

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

Joani Hartin

Marietta Monitor

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

✦ Marietta HS Boys & Girls - Page 8

WILDCATS ADVANCE

✦ On to Waynoka Friday night - Page 12

Marietta Monitor

Only In Love County

arietta onitor

Greenville annexation vote set for January 10, 2023

By HWC

Greenville annexation vote set for January 10, 2023

SECOND PLACE

Joani Hartin

Marietta Monitor

THIRD PLACE

John Block

Stigler News-Sentinel

At this time of the year, the deer are a major traffic hazard. It is the period in their life cycle which is termed rut. They are on the move hunting a mate and have less sense than usual.

Love County has a large and apparently growing deer population. They aren’t multiplying as fast as the feral hogs, but that is another story.

This week a news release from Pittsburg County comes as a grim reminder of the danger that deer pose. Just before 8 p.m. Saturday, a Norman couple’s vehicle hit a deer on the Indian Nations Turnpike, went off the road, struck a tree and overturned. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

As many deer as are struck each year crossing Love County roads and highways, we are fortunate not to have more human loss. A dented car fender can be repaired, but the Norman couple’s four children will have a void in their lives forever. ✦

Old friend Jim said, “There isn’t much more scary than seeing a deer in your headlights, except seeing one eye to eye against your windshield.”

✦

Did you mark the straight party voting box on your Gen-

By Joani Hartin Staff Writer

Years of declining enrollment resulting in a massive cut in funding have forced the administration and Board of Education members at Greenville Schools to make the tough choice to request a voluntary

annexation with the Marietta Public School district.

During the past 25 years, Greenville has maintained an average enrollment of approximately 110 students. An enrollment of 100 entitled the district to federal and state funding sufficient to maintain

operations and meet Oklahoma State Department of Education certification standards.

However, since 2020, the district has enrolled 55-60 students. Due to a lag in calculation of state aid, the district continued to receive funding based on higher enrollment figures,

A helping hand

In the wake of disaster, Love County native Sam Porter’s team is the first on the scene

but beginning with this school year, their state funding dropped from approximately $273,000 to $43,700, a debilitating decrease.

In April, Greenville Superintendent Greg Raper told the Monitor that barring a 2022-23 enroll -

Please See “Greenville” Page 3

started calling people down there,” said Sam Porter, the Interim Director of OBDR, who is in his 25th year of disaster relief. “I was talking to the pastor at Calera while he was in the storm cellar with the sirens going.”

Later in the evening when the storms hit Idabel, Porter was on the phone with one of their southeastern Oklahoma team leaders, discussing damages.

Before Governor Stitt made it to the area to declare a state of emergency, dozens of Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers – some freshly home from six weeks of hurricane cleanup in Florida – were already on the ground in Idabel, and elsewhere in Southern Oklahoma, cleaning up.

When Porter was contacted on Friday night by the Oklahoma Emergency Management Director, he was able to tell the director, “We’re on it.”

By Saturday morning, November 5, Porter’s contingency included several chain saw teams, debris clean-up teams, and flood recovery teams, which can go in and get water damage cleaned up to help people get their houses livable as soon as possible. The group also includes shower trailers, feeding units, and more support personnel – a traveling oasis of help.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022 ✦ VOL. CXXVII NO. 8 ✦ 12 PAGES ✦ 75 CENTS

kind of feel like we need to recognize some of the other ones, too, because sometimes a pat on the back’s a really good thing.”

Marcussen teaches three seventh-andeighth grade Humanities classes, one sixthgrade English class, one sixth-grade Drama class and one class of Gifted and Talented students. Her G.T. students are currently preparing to host a Medieval Fair with a Robin Hood theme. Marcussen said

they’ll provide bags of toy coins to the teachers, so her students can rob from the teachers and give to the younger students. They will also be selling “dragon toes” - large dill pickles - and one student will dress as dragon. They held Medieval banquet on Feb. 5, and food for these events is paid for in part by

FireLake’s Receipts for Teachers program.

Marcussen said they alternate the theme every year between Medieval, Colonial, and Multicultural. So, her husband has built shed to store supplies and costumes.

“They (elementary students) kind of grow up seeing my older kids do it, so when they get in middle school, try to make it something fun for the G.T. project, so that they want to be part of it,” she said.

Marcussen’s Drama class also puts on puppet show or skit for the younger students once a month. Plus, they study Shakespearean comedies.

In Humanities class, Marcussen teaches about Greek and Roman mythology and King Arthur legends, as well as embroidery. She shows pictures of the Bayeux Tapestry, from France, which she has actually visited, and her students are working on a quilt embroidered with their names. Many of the subjects Marcussen teaches help

prepare her eighthgrade Academic Bowl Team to excel. She said they have qualified to attend the Oklahoma Junior Academic Bowl Association (OJABA) state competition this month in Dale.

Of course, first-person experience with a subject is best. So, Marcussen has taken several students on trips to Europe over the years. The trips are paid for by parents and arranged through companies like EF Tours or Explorica.

Since 2009, they’ve been to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Germany, Poland, and Hungary. One group visited Stratford-uponAvon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Marcussen said she suggested the Humanities class when the school needed another elective. One reason was that she never learned about Greek mythology until she went to college and wanted to change that for her students.

Marcussen was a non-traditional student who started a family young and attended Rose State College, then OBU, when her two daughters were in elementary school. Both she and her husband decided to go to college after he accidentally broke his neck while swimming. A former Marine, he recovered, but they worried about income should Marcussen become the sole

provider.

Marcussen studenttaught at Bethel, and has been there ever since 1989.

“I just feel like belong here. You know, it’s home,” she said.

“My parents moved quite a bit when was kid, and just kind of wanted my kids to have a place that we put down roots and belong.”

Marcussen said she could retire, but she enjoys teaching middle school students.

“I like them, you know, even though they can be annoying, they’re interesting, and you never have a boring day,” she said. “You never get bored with this job.”

“Retirement’s looming, and really checked into it. got all my stuff filed, but I’m not ready to give it up. There’s such shortage of teachers, and you know, we’re having a shortage of subs.”

Marcussen doesn’t wish to work as a substitute because she wouldn’t be able to get to know the students. But she does hope to work part time … eventually.

MARIA WRIGHT

Bethel second-grade teacher Maria Wright was also nominated for the POE Foundation “Excellence in Education” Award, but she was one of eight statewide finalists. Wright is happy for Marcussen, and glad to have been nominated by her peers.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. mean, she’s wonderful,” said Wright. “She’s a very deserving lady. So … just to be nominated … and considering who the nominations came from … it was very heartwarming.” When she’s not teaching, Wright sings at funerals and comforts family members. “I minister to families when they’re having, you know, hard times surrounding the death of a family member,” she said. “I have been honored to sing at some funerals for some people that I’m very, very close to in the community.” Wright has also sung

Bethel Middle School Teacher Reda Marcussen helps with a bucket as two of her sixth-grade drama students practice their puppet show on April 11. Marcussen recently won the POE Excellence in Education Junior High Educator Merit Award and was named the Teacher of the Year. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan having fun at reading time.

at the International Finals Youth Rodeo for several years. Wright was a kindergarten teacher for five years, and has taught second grade for 14 years. She returned to college when she was 31 for her bachelor’s degree and received her master’s degree a few years later.

“I started teaching in 2003, and became a teacher because want to love kids,” she said. “I want to instill in them the work ethic and the knowledge that they are very loved, and they are very important and valuable.”

“You know, you just have to show them every day, ‘I love you. care about you.’ And that starts with … greeting them at the door with a hug every day and listening to them and, you know, just building relationships a little at time.”

Wright said she has a reputation for being “firm, but fair.” Her classroom management is “very structured,” which helps students who need routine. She is also known for

“When we are reading a story, you know, if it has multiple characters, well, then we read it like there are multiple characters,” she said.

“And the kids develop a love for reading because make the stories come alive for them.”

“These (words) are what hear back from them. And so, then they go looking for those books in the library.”

Wright loves teaching when she sees children overcoming obstacles and learning.

“When a child makes the gains, and when you see them struggling, and you know their background, and you know, ‘Oh, honey,’how much that they have had to overcome,” she said. “And you work with them, and they do it. It’s just, there’s no feeling like it.”

Some challenges of the job have been frustration over state legislative decisions, but Wright keeps her focus on her classroom.

“We can try to affect change on the state level,” she said. “And that’s great. But know that can affect change in here.”

Bethel Lower Elementary Principal Jenny Affentranger agrees. In her recommendation letter for the Excellence in Education Award, Affentranger wrote about Wright, “She defines and purposefully teaches good character, encouraging students to strive for excellence. Students are recognized and praised for good character and learning successes on a regular basis.”

“Through our respect-based heart education, Mrs. Wright teaches students skills such as respecting others, having a giving heart, being team player, and respecting differences.”

Bethel second-grade teacher Maria Wright reads “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” to her class, adding expression to the characters. Wright was one of eight nominated state-wide for the POE Foundation Excellence in Education, “Kathy Cox Elementary Educator Merit Award.” Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Two Bethel Teachers Are Finalists For State Education Award

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

John Neal

The Oklahoma Eagle

Tulsa parent complains racial assignment caused ‘emotional stress’

SECOND PLACE

Jeff Harrison

Midwest City Beacon

THIRD PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin

Sand Springs Leader

TULSA PARENT COMPLAINS RACIAL ASSIGNMENT CAUSED ‘EMOTIONAL STRESS’

By John neal

A white Tulsa parent has filed a formal complaint with the Oklahoma State Department of Education alleging House Bill 1775 violations against a Tulsa Public Schools high school, stating that an assignment caused her child to suffer “emotional anguish” after reading material about the enslavement of African Americans, the history of white supremacist hate group Ku Klux Klan and other racially oriented topics in a 10th-grade English Language Arts class.

Through an Open Records Request, The Oklahoma Eagle received a copy of the complaint filed with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) on July 26, and the department’s investigative report about it. The report was heavily redacted, including removing references to the

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

Schools implement security measures

SECOND PLACE

Glen Miller

El Reno Tribune

THIRD PLACE

Glen Miller

El Reno Tribune

County schools implement security measures to help ensure safe year

It’s been 11 weeks since 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, armed with an AR-15 rifle, entered Robb Elementary School unobstructed through an unlocked door where he fatally shot 19 students and two teachers and wounded 17 others in the fourthdeadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

It was the last day of the school year in Uvalde, Texas, and the last day of life for 21 people.

“Enough is enough,” Vice President Kamala Harris demanded in the aftermath of the bloodbath. “As a nation, we have to have the courage to take action and to ensure something like this never happens again.”

Randy Wood, superintendent for Sallisaw Public Schools, has taken action he believes will keep his school district from enduring what occurred on May 24 in South Texas … and Feb. 14, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. … and Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary … and April 20, 1999, in Columbine, Colo. He’s constantly reminded by a message on his

LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

Denton Thomason

Vinita Daily Journal

Attucks School given new life

SECOND PLACE

Adrian O’Hanlon III

McAlester News-Capital

THIRD PLACE

Adrian O’Hanlon III

McAlester News-Capital

Attucks School given new life

Dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony held for new Boys & Girls Club

An old Vinita schoolhouse built during the era of segregation that had been shuttered for more than a decade has been given new life that will soon have hallways filled with children.

A gathering of Cherokee and Vinita officials was held in front of the historic Attucks School building Wednesday for a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Boys & Girls Club in Vinita.

The Cherokee Nation invested $3.5 million to restore the building to its original splendor, including resurfacing the original hardcourt wooden floors in the gym, installing new playground equipment with artificial turf, refurbishing classrooms, renovating bathrooms for each classroom, installing a kitchen and more. There was also painstaking detail put into the restoration effort to make it as original as possible, down to the color schemes.

Attucks School first opened in 1916 during the era of segregation and was for decades the heart of the black community living in Vinita.

More than just a school, it was also a gathering place for family and community events.

TWednesday’s ribbon-cutting and dedication was a special moment for 83-year-old Charlie Kirkendoll, who graduated from Attucks School in 1956, the same year that schools began integrating in Vinita. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 thanks to the efforts of the Attucks Alumni Association, which included Kirkendoll and other Attucks alumni like the late Glenda Downing. At the time, the goal was to keep the shuttered building from being torn down.

“This is a great occasion because I thought it’d never happen,” Kirkendoll said. The school was built as a two-room school with no heat

See Attucks Page 6

Denton Thomason Journal Reporter

Photo by Denton Thomason Charlie Kirkendoll, a 1956 graduate of Attucks School, addresses the crowd gathered Wednesday for the dedication of the building as the new Boys & Girls Club.

Education Story

FIRST PLACE

Clifton Adcock

The Frontier

After banning ‘critical race theory,’ Oklahoma lawmakers seek further school curriculum restrictions

SECOND PLACE

Clifton Adcock, Reese Gorman and Jennifer Palmer

The Frontier

THIRD PLACE

Dylan Goforth

The Frontier

Afterbanning‘criticalracetheory,’ Oklahomalawmakersseekfurther schoolcurriculumrestrictions

IN-DEPTH REPORTING

In-Depth Reporting

FIRST PLACE

Cade Kennedy, Jordan Green and Connor Gray

Northwestern News

Help wanted: Struggles of hiring in rural Oklahoma, three-part series

SECOND PLACE Joshua Hinton, Caitlin Hofen, Benjamin Kliewer and Jara Reeder

Northwestern News

THIRD PLACE

Nia Daniels and Jalen Martin The Gazette

Small schools face teacher shortage

As

third and fourth grade students at Freedom Public School walk into the classroom, they’re greeted by a familiar face, but she’s technically their new teacher.

These students continue to rotate from classroom to classroom as they watch teachers, librarians and other staff pass the title of third and fourth grade teacher back-and-forth.

Because of a teacher shortage impacting Oklahoma, scenes like this are becoming more frequent across the state. It isn’t just happening in public schools, but across college campuses as well.

This shortage isn’t a new problem in Oklahoma. Teachers have been fleeing the state or retiring early for the past decade. In July, the Oklahoma State Department of Education issued 1,473 emergency teaching certifications, an all-time high for a single month,

according to the agency. Despite the record high, those certifications only made up 41% of the 3,593 emergency certifications issued this summer.

Despite the certifications, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association’s annual back-toschool survey found 1,019 teaching jobs remain open in 328

school districts that serve 77% of Oklahoma’s student population.

In the nine years the survey has been conducted, those 1,019 jobs set the record for the most openings in a year.

“Education leaders are incredibly grateful for the work legislators have accomplished in recent years in an attempt to ease

the shortage and strengthen the teacher pipeline,” OSSBA Executive Director Shawn Hime said.

“But the survey and other data paint a pretty clear picture: The work is far from done.”

One of the main reasons behind the shortage is money. Oklahoma is ranked 34th out of all 50 states in teacher pay, with the av-

erage Oklahoma teacher earning $54,762 for the 2020-2021 school year, according to the National Education Association. This figure puts Oklahoma teachers slightly above the regional average of $54,622 but below the national average of $65,293.

See SHORTAGE, Page 2

Cimarron ValleyBulletin Board

Yale trust bankrupt

Yale Water and Sewage Trust files bankruptcy

By DeAnna

Maddox

An ongoing court battle between the Yale Water and Sewage Trust and BlueMark Energy, LLC led to the board of trustees opting, in a split decision to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in a special meeting held Friday, July 15.

Trustees Mayor Jason Brown, Richard Adsit, and Larry Brown voted in favor of filing for bankruptcy. Trustee Paul Rosenquist was absent and unable to vote due to contracting COVID-19 and Brian Porter Jr. abstained due to a conflict of interest due to his current position at American Heritage Bank in Yale.

Porter made it clear he was firmly against filing for bankruptcy prior to the vote. “Although know am going to be told I have to abstain from voting due to my position and conflict of interest” said Porter, “I am an adamant ‘no’ vote on anything we are proposing today.”

Wyatt Swinford of the Oklahoma City law firm Elias, Books, Brown and Nelson, gave a brief introduction on why bankruptcy for the Trust was being recommended prior to the agenda item discussion.

He explained the trust was being sued at a current cost of $1.4 million with interest being accrued monthly at a rate of 18 percent, as well as attorney fees. Although a good faith payment of over $211,000 (a cost determined by city officials based on gas usage by citizens in Feb. 2021) had been made, he said BlueMark representatives showed little interest in negotiating beyond a slight decrease to a 12 percent interest rate which had expired the Wednesday prior.

“BlueMark’s position is that the trust is contractually liable for the full amount of $1.4 million They are demanding the entire

amount including all of the interest. We believe the current demand is for approximately $1.5 million which itself is incurring interest at $25,000 per month,” said Swinford. "We have made every effort to aggressively defend this lawsuit on the trust’s behalf and continue to do so but with the understanding that we don’t want to spend all the trust and communities’ money unnecessarily.”

Swinford stated the estimated cost of pursuing litigation, whether winning or losing the case, would cause a significant increase to the already substantial cost of the litigation process.

“We estimate that to take the case on to trial will cost the trust anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000,” he said. “If we were successful with the case there would be appeals that could take a couple of additional years and that would be additional cost for the trust. If we lose the case, the trust would likely have a judgement against it for $1.5 million, plus attorney fees which could exceed another $200,000.

In addition, the interest would continue to accrue at $25,000 per month.”

Swinford said the trust had two options outside of filing for Chapter 7 — continue to fund litigation with additional expenses and an uncertain outcome, or pay the full amount to BlueMark with continuing interest until the amount is fully paid off

“Neither of these options are within the financial resources or means of the trust or of this community,” he said. “Thus, it is our recommendation as outside counsel that the trust seek bankruptcy protection.”

A statement read aloud on behalf of Rosenquist informed the public where he stood.

“This vote is a no win decision for our city and the citizens, no

matter what is decided While the potential bill savings that comes with a ‘yes’ vote may seem preferable I feel there is far too many uncertainties,” he wrote.

“I do not support a ‘yes’ vote for bankruptcy.”

Among the uncertainties discussed was government funding options. Section 10 of Senate Bill 1058 would allow $5 million of appropriated funds of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry be used to provide grants to incorporated municipalities affected by Winter Storm Uri in Feb. 2021.

The amended bill had been approved by the governor on May 26, 2022 but applications for funding had not yet been made available by the time of the meeting.

“So far those funds are not available and there is not yet an application process open.

To date, we have delayed the litigation to see if those funds would be forthcoming from the state,” said Swinford.

Porter stated he had spoken to Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, who said grant applications could be available by August, he continued to urge the other trustees to vote ‘no’ or table the item until the regular meeting set for August 9.

Swinford said the firm has attempted to appease BlueMark by offering whatever amount of grant funds that may be received.

“BlueMark has refused and they will not accept the amount of the grant, whatever that is, as settlement for their claims in the lawsuit,” said Swinford.

He said pretrial was set for Oct. 14 and it would take some time to go through the full filing process and informed the trustees a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later for the bankruptcy paperwork to be completed before that time.

“We have a built in window of

how long it is going to take us to prepare a file,” he said. Adsit estimated three to four weeks, Swinford said a two- to three-week timeframe is more likely.

In addition to time constraints, according to City Attorney Roger McMillan, having the entirety of the meeting posted to social media, the Trust was “tipping their hand” to anyone who may be watching, including BlueMark representatives who would now have access to all information discussed. Which is why prior to the special meeting all discussion involving the litigation was done in executive session.

“If our strategy is put in the newspaper the next day or is put on Facebook than why talk about having any strategy is because BlueMark will know exactly what our strategy is. There is a reason municipalities are given the ability to talk in private,” he said.

He went on to say it was not by Trustee choices in which this was done.

“We are not guaranteed $1.4 million,” said Adsit. “We make an application and then they go through the application and approve what they think we need Let’s say that the state gives us one million dollars, then we are still liable for $400,000 plus.”

Porter responded by saying while speaking with SOA Arthur he was assured by her that the municipality could receive funding within 30 days of the application completion.

“She also said although $5 million had been appropriated before this, that is not an open application statewide. There is very specific contingencies on applying to this and receiving it — it is very specific for the eight or nine communities that have been affected the most,” he said.

Trustee Larry Brown said his

Jim

reinstated as sole winner of 1912 Olympic decathlon and pentathlon

By

Thorpe

In-Depth Reporting

FIRST PLACE

Sam Hutchens

Guthrie News Leader

Guthrie’s 2002 football title and the family that won it

SECOND PLACE

Suzie Campbell

Countywide & Sun

THIRD PLACE

Traci Chapman

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

Guthrie’s 2002 football title-and the family that

This is the first installment in a seven-part series on the 2002 Guthrie Blue Jays football team. Reporter Sam Hutchens spent the summer tracking down a multitude of former players, coaches — and even a former Oklahoma City mayor — to tell the team’s championship story. The Guthrie News Leader will run a part weekly to correspond with the ‘02 team’s 20th anniversary.

By: Sam Hutchens

anything.

“It helps to be mindful that there

Reparations

will be those terrible days have to make look like good days. just have to get up, put on smiley face, and do whole bunch of stuff that don’t have the energy or emotional currency to do, but do it because it has to be done. If am being super honest, those are the hardest days.

That’s when am faking it.” This is the life of someone living with mental health condition.

For Vaughn, often feels like two lives. One is devoted to everyday life pursuits: his work as a business owner and technology maven, meals, laundry, coffee breaks, and his private time with his life partner and other friends

and family. The other is juggling medications, with all of their troubling side effects, therapists, and personal, sometimes dark moments alone.

Confronting hard truths In this article, we profile three Black Tulsans who have faced health issues and are forging ahead with their lives. We also detail the journey of a family member who devoted herself to supporting a mentally challenged family member. These individuals, too, have their highs and lows and carry their burdens. By telling their

I’m just not feeling like myself. I REALLY DON’T WANT TO COMPLAIN. I don’t really want to talk about it right now. I’m alright. MAYBE TOMORROW. You know what?... I’m NOT really OK

In-Depth Reporting

FIRST PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

Electricity, heat and drought

SECOND PLACE

Charlene Belew and Andy Morphew

The Duncan Banner

THIRD PLACE

Traci Chapman

Yukon Progress

Is it hot enough for you?

Oklahoma facing hottest part of the year

Even in Oklahoma in July, invariably someone will ask, “Is it hot enough for you?”

That’s akin to a bubbling egg alongside strips of sizzling bacon in the morning skillet making the same query.

In the event that it’s not hot enough for you and you embrace triple-digit temperatures, then you’re in the right place at the right time. Weather forecasters expect eastern Oklahoma to eclipse the 100-degree mark

LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

than 40,000

Honoring veterans

Thank you for serving

Kiersten Stone

In-Depth Reporting

WDN Lifestyles Editor

FIRST PLACE

Kiersten Stone

Weatherford Daily News

Overlooking history series

SECOND PLACE Derrick James and Adrian O’Hanlon III

McAlester News-Capital

THIRD PLACE Jesse Smith and Andy Dossett

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

Weatherford Public Schools will be honoring veterans with a luncheon and an assembly Veterans Day, November 11. The assembly will be at 9:45 a.m. in the Weatherford High School Gymnasium. Doors will be open at 9:30 a.m. for anyone from the public wanting to attend. The middle school and high school will be having the luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. All veterans and their family members are invited to attend the luncheon.

Golf carts will be available to help those who need assistance going to the PAC from the gymnasium. The gymnasium does not have an elevator but does have a chair lift. Those who need to use the chair lift are asked to arrive early. Burcham Elementary will be hosting its own assembly.

Overlooking history: a crisis dating back to colonization

Kiersten Stone WDN Lifestyles Editor

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article may be triggering for some as it discusses Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, as well as the statistics of and trauma caused by violence toward Indigenous women.

November is Native American Heritage Month.

Native American heritage has been overlooked throughout history and has since been ignored or altered to reflect a less cruel truth.

One of the ways Indigenous people are overlooked today is through the lack of acknowledgement from the public towards the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic.

The time has come to turn clocks back

Kiersten Stone WDN Lifestyles Editor

November is here and so is the end of daylight savings time.

Cause

“Fall back” is happening this weekend. Everyone will gain an extra hour early

•Please see Turning, Page 2A

In 2018, the Urban Indian Health Initiative performed the first large-scale examination of MMIW cases and found that 95 percent were not covered by national or international news. Thousands of reports every year of MMIW go unrecognized or are unaccounted for.

•Please see History, Page 3A

It’s been wild west election season

Behind the scenes this has been one of the most interesting political seasons I have ever seen.

As voters go to the polls Tuesday they will bring with them images of gun toting, haters and inmates with superimposed heads of the gubernatorial candidates. The insulting pieces of “dark money” advertising are frankly what makes folks not want to vote.

Now that we’ve seen how ugly the campaign can be, why did the candidates not tell us something positive about themselves, what their platform is or why they are running?

To blame really are media consultants who

•Please see Election, Page 3A

•Please see Unknown, Page 2A

Phillip Reid

Kimberly Lippencott/WDN

Members of the Washita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution present a Quilt of Valor to Vietnam veteran Robert Wayne Campbell Friday afternoon. Pictured left to right are Linda Stewart, Ellena Womack, Carol Ann Batterton, Campbell, Evelyn Hart, Marci Grant and Phillys Stevenson.

In-Depth Reporting

FIRST PLACE

Jennifer Palmer, Reese Gorman and Clifton Adcock

Oklahoma Watch

Gov. Stitt’s COVID-19 relief funds for students

SECOND PLACE Mindy Wood

The Norman Transcript

THIRD PLACE Keaton Ross

Oklahoma Watch

Federal Auditors Want OklahomaTo Return At Least

$650,000 of Governor’s COVID-19 Relief Funds

ThisstorywasproducedinpartnershipwiththeOklahomanonpro tnewsroom TheFrontier.

U.S.DepartmentofEducationauditorsrecommendedclawingbackmorethan$650,000 inmisspentfederalcoronavirusrelieffundsfromGov.KevinStittandreviewingan

by JenniferPalmer and ReeseGorman July19, 2022

COLUMN WRITING

Column Writing

FIRST PLACE

Jordan Green

Northwestern News

SECOND PLACE

Jake Adebayor

The Campus

Oklahoma City University

THIRD PLACE

Alison Malawey

The Cameron University Collegian

You find out who your friends are

One of the best country music songs of our time is “You Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence. If you’ve never heard it, you’re missing out on a powerful – and truthful – lesson.

The gist of the song is this: When you’re in a bad situation, your closest, best friends will be there to help.

I was reminded of this on the morning of Sept. 22, when my the Northwestern News experienced what we in the newspaper industry call a “problem.”

The campus newspaper is published Thursday mornings, so it is placed on racks around campus Wednesday nights for students, faculty and staff to pick up bright and early the next day. Every other week, editions are labeled and mailed to our subscribers.

For various reasons, the paper never made it to the racks Wednesday night, and no copies were labeled for mailing.

So, when I got up Thursday morning and learned that our paper hadn’t been distributed, I knew it was going to be a long day.

Thanks to a couple great friends, however, a bad situation turned into a fantastic lesson. When I realized what happened – or didn’t happen, rather – I called Caitlin Hofen, the News’ feature and entertainment editor, and Cade Kennedy, the News’ sports editor, to get some help getting the paper out.

The predicament meant all of our days had to start a little earlier than we planned, but Caitlin and Cade answered their phones and said they’d come to campus right away.

While they were heading to the campus

newsroom, I was driving downtown to the Alva Review-Courier to load boxes of newspapers into my truck.

into complete disarray. Situations like that arise from time to time, and they can leave us feeling stressed out, worried, scared, angry, you name it.

In those times, our real friends shine. They’re willing to help out, no matter the cost and no matter the sacrifice, to help us get through. That principle goes beyond occupational issues, too. I recently read a Winnie the Pooh story (you’re never too old for them) that talks about the value of friendship.

As soon as I finished loading the newspapers up, about a minute before rain started falling, that classic Tracy Lawrence song came on the radio. I breathed a sigh of relief. Just like he sang in the song, I already had a couple great friends waiting to help me.

Once I got back to campus, Cade and Caitlin got the newspapers ready to be mailed out, and I took papers to campus buildings. We had the work done in short order.

Now, the fact that our newspaper wasn’t delivered on time may seem trivial to those of you who haven’t ever worked in this business. But in the newspaper world, failing to get the paper on the racks in time – and failing to meet postal service mailing deadlines – is like waiting too long to jump off the tracks as a train speeds toward you. It’ll ruin your whole day, to say the least.

Even if you’re not a newspaper person, compare the plight we had to a time when you had a big project at work to tackle, but someone let you down or something threw your plans

Pooh and Piglet went to check up on Eeyore, who was feeling sad. Pooh and Piglet sat quietly with Eeyore and told him they’d stick around until he was happier. They didn’t say much else, if anything. Their mere presence was all their friend Eeyore needed to find joy once again.

That’s another great example of what friends do. They show up. They don’t always need to talk, have the answers or try to fix everything. They just need to be there.

Of course, on Sept. 22, I did need physical help – and that’s exactly what my friends gave me. Cade and Caitlin are two of the awesome student journalists on this newspaper who put their hearts into putting out a good newspaper every week.

We enjoy spending time together and have fun working as a team. It’s one of the best groups of people I have ever been around. Even though that morning didn’t start out well, the day ended more beautifully than I could have imagined. The times when we’re disappointed by some are the times when we can find encouragement and help in others. Bad times are the best times to learn good things about great people.

After all, in the tough times, we do find out who our friends are.

JORDAN GREEN

JORDAN GREEN SAYS

“The times when we’re disappointed by some are the times when we can find encouragement and help from others”

— Jordan Green

Column Writing

A chance to be back on the mat

I’m not saying it was that long ago but the last time I had set foot on a wrestling mat Ronald Reagan was president and “Platoon,” was the No. 1 movie at the box office. For years I had been wishing for an opportunity to roll around on the mat once more. Not competitively, mind you, but just to have a workout and a chance to remember my glory days of high school wrestling. So last week when Comanche wrestling coach Casy Rowell posted on social media that he was having open workouts at the wrestling room where anybody could come, I immediately messaged him and told him “I’m in.”

Last Thursday was the first workout I attended and there is no way to overstate how much fun I had. I had my memory refreshed on a few things and learned some new things.

I didn’t go in with high expectations, I just wanted to be able to get

Babblin’ Brooks

By Todd Brooks Publisher/Editor

up and down on the mat and not embarrass myself too much.

My main partner was Cade White, a Comanche junior who is a third of my age and a state placer at heavyweight the past two seasons. So, yeah, he took it easy on me.

It was a great workout and to me, it was so much more fun than just going to the gym to lift weights and walk on the treadmill. At the gym, the weights don’t fight back.

Which is one of the reasons Rowell is doing this. In addition to his love for the sport, he wants to give people an opportunity to have fun while they are working out and learning new things.

The classes are Tuesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at the Comanche wrestling room, the building behind the visitors’ side of the football field.

The workout sessions are free and open to men, women, and children,

who have an interest in wrestling whether they are experienced or have never wrestled before.

Participants can come to as many workout sessions as they want. There is no sign-up or commitment, participants just show up.

I woke up Friday morning a little stiff and sore with small matching bruises on my biceps. Getting the chance to once again do things like run a “double chicken wing” and a lock in a “cradle,” made a little soreness well worth it.

How much the participants push themselves is completely up to the individual. There is no forced participation or judgment. If an individual wants to sit out an exercise in order to catch their breath, it is totally fine. It had been 35 years since the last time I wrestled, so if I can do it, anyone can.

“The more people we have, the more fun it will be,” Rowell said.

Column Writing

FIRST PLACE

Connie Burcham

Watonga Republican

SECOND PLACE

Willis Choate

Marietta Monitor

THIRD PLACE

Brian Blansett

The Lincoln County News

A Bubble Off Plumb

By Connie Burcham Editor

This year has been tough, financially speaking. Inflation has been like a runaway train and people all over have had to make hard choices, like between paying for medication or paying the power bill. Now the City of Watonga is also facing some hard decisions. As I understand it, the

water supply and delivery system and the sewer treatment plant are shot, worn out, on their last legs. Improvements should have begun a long time ago, before the needs reached crisis level. The state is out of patience and is threatening to levy hefty fines if it isn’t addressed, and soon. Not to mention that no one wants to develop any housing or build a business here if there isn’t adequate infrastructure in place to accommodate the construction or rehab of buildings.

Nobody wants more taxes. Some of our citizens are on fixed incomes and don’t have the option of working more hours to increase that income.

But it appears that the city has few other choices. The city manager is looking for and applying for grants to help finance the necessary improvements. I say necessary because, folks, it is down to that. Push has come to shove. The can that has been kicked down the road can’t be kicked anymore because it is rusted out. The grants and loans will help, but the city must have some skin in the

more employees. Maybe they already live here or maybe they come here to live. They need housing so development fires up.

A higher population spreads that penny out to more households. Collections go up. The city repays its obligations faster. That means it looks better to the entities that make loans and give grants, just like you look better to your bank if you pay your car note off early. So the next grant or loan is easier to get and maybe the city doesn’t have to come up with so much match as before. The town grows and thrives. What if it doesn’t pass?

The fines mount up, services are cut, employees could be impacted, because the budget will take a big hit. The town will suffer and find it hard to hold its own, let alone grow. You can’t get blood from a rock.

At the end of the day, we all want services provided by government, albeit some of us want less than others. But, if we want good services, a solid infrastructure and the opportunity for growth,

By Mike State Representative District 59 Oklahoma

WASHINGTON, Rep. Mike Okeene, recently the Legislative Horizon Institute conference focusing American energy ture, which wrapped session Nov. Washington, D.C.

"I greatly opportunity Legislative Energy Institute

Column Writing

It’s never too late to learn new tricks, however old the dog. For me, that has been purchasing a flat iron last year. Now this may seem strange to decide in my 60s to master such hair care skills, but my experiences have not led me to want to pursue such endeavors.

When I was younger, a heated styling apparatus wasn’t deemed especially good for hair. For someone who likes her hair long and natural, that didn’t seem appealing. So several decades later, I’ve discovered they can work wonders with frizzy and curly locks.

THIRD

While I like wearing makeup and can dash it on in a few minutes, including liquid eyeliner, I was never one of those girls who would spend hours in front of a mirror, fixing my hair and make up. The shorter hair styles didn’t really appeal to me, nor could I manage to make my hair cooperate. In high school, we had sponge and plastic curlers, and some girls used cans for the big, wavy curls. But no matter how carefully I curled and rolled my hair, one section always went the other way. Curlers were uncomfortable to sleep on and left creases, too,

elementary school, when my mom used Scotch tape across my bangs to hold them in place so she could cut them straight. But one time, she cut above the tape, instead of below it, and I had these little fringes that stuck out about 2 inches long across my forehead. This followed the original trauma when I was 5 or 6, and she cut off my waist-length hair into a pixie. I hated the pixie. She told my dad and grandma that she was the one who had to wash and take care of it, not them, so she whacked it off. They didn’t speak to her for a few days. Maybe this is where my distrust came from, to not let others with scissors near my head.

As a young mom, I owned a curling iron – the kind with teeth – but was awkward with it and never really enjoyed using it, though I did manage to get curls sometimes. My own daughter was traumatized as I managed to tangle her hair in it, more than once, and we were both crying by the time I untangled her hair. After that, the apparatus stayed in the drawer until she was old enough to use it herself.

I was 35 the first time I “colored”

Getting rid of the frizz with a flat iron is useful

Column Writing

provide

being a topic of concern for SCOTUS.

the Trump administration would later fi the vacancy created during prior administration and repeat the process twice more to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Associate Justice Anthony McLeod Kennedy and the death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The Court, as it has now been effectively restructured along ideological lines, has advanced a more rigid assessment of existing case law. And Oklahoma v.

Castro-Huerta was its next victim.

to try “all criminal causes for the punishment of any offense.”, said Quapaw Nation’s Chairman Joseph Byrd. Opposition to the SCOTUS ruling is built upon long-standing legal precedent and more than 120 years of federal legislative acts.

Most significantly, opponents of the ruling view tribal sovereignty as indissoluble, subject only to modest clarifications that possess the limited effect of providing context. Oklahoma v. CastroHuerta, yields no such minimal contextualization.

the abuse of the child lasted at least several months, despite being named in at least nine referrals to the Department of Human Services (DHS). Calhoun’s daughter would only find relief when her mother called 911 after giving birth to another child.

Cerebral palsy (CP), a brain that impairs motor function, is lifelong condition that affects how the brain and muscles communicate. The severity of the 5-year-old’s challenge with CP remains unreported, however, her dependence upon parental figures at home was certain. Calhoun and Castro-Huerta, asserted Brown, “gave up” on the 5-year-old, refusing to

possessed a vocabulary of

While Castro-Huerta’s state appellate proceedings were ongoing, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma indicted Castro-Huerta for the same conduct. CastroHuerta accepted plea agreement for 7-year sentence followed by removal from the United States. (Castro-Huerta was not a U. S. citizen and was unlawfully in the United States.) Simply stated, putting aside parole possibilities, Castro-Huerta in effect received a 28-year reduction of his sentence.

EXCLUSIVE AND CONCURRENT JURISDICTION

Associate Justice Antonin Scalia died approximately nine months, 270 days prior to the end of the Obama Administration. As was the case 103 times throughout the country’s history, an American President was positioned to exercise the explicitly articulated power codified in Article II section 2 of the U.S. Constitution to advance a jurist’s successor.

is “damaging her organs and… slowly killing her”, according to court testimony provided during the 2017 state trial. The State of Oklahoma charged Christina Calhoun, 27, with child neglect in violation of 21 O.S. 843.5

(C) for failing to properly care of her daughter.

Calhoun was ultimately convicted in December 2017 and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

Victor Castro-Huerta, the victim’s stepfather, was criminally charged with child neglect by the State of Oklahoma, convicted and sentenced to 35 years of imprisonment in October 2017, with the possibility of parole.

And yet, legal redress and justice, for the young 5-yearold victim of Calhoun’s and Castro-Huerta’s malicious neglect would not remain settled with the state conviction of her mother.

Calhoun’s daughter quickly became less of focal point in the years that followed. Instead, challenges to the state’s authority to prosecute Castro-Huerta dominated media coverage, and evolved from formal appeal of his conviction to

Victor Castro-Huerta’s appeal of the state’s verdict, argued that the federal government’s jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by non-Indian against an Indian in Indian country is exclusive and that the State therefore lacked jurisdiction to prosecute him. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, relying on Bosse v. State, agreed with CastroHuerta and subsequently vacated Castro-Huerta’s conviction in April 2021. The appeal, specifically the grounds reasoned, precariously rest at the center of a long-standing conflict between the state’s (Oklahoma) interest and Indian country sovereignty.

The case, once elevated to SCOTUS last year, could go in different directions. It would either yield ruling that either provided some sense of closure for CastroHuerta’s stepdaughter or upend more than 100 years of federal Indian law and usurp congressional authority. SCOTUS took the latter option. In its 5-4 ruling in June 2022, the court made clear that “state sovereignty does not end at reservation’s border” (Nevada v. Hicks, 2001), as noted in the court’s opinion drafted by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, and Republican Party members quickly fashioned a principled stance that they would conveniently discard just four years later.

McConnell, the second longest-serving party leader in the upper chamber, first acknowledged that “… we are in the midst of the presidential election process” then determined “that the American people should seize the opportunity to weigh in on whom they trust to nominate the next person for lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.”

The party leader, McConnell, in response to criticism from democrats who pointed out that prior administrations have faced the same circumstance more than one-hundred time before, offered a significantly nuanced justification for his stance. “The Senate has not filled vacancy arising in an election year when there was divided government since 1888, almost 130 years ago”.

Although accurate, the U.S.

Constitution doesn’t qualify the authority of the President based upon the same convenient rationale.

The Obama Administration’s nominee, Merrick Garland, would not advance through the nomination process. Instead,

The ruling explicitly rejects the notion that Indian country is sovereign, and now possesses no greater authority than the state within who’s borders it exists. The Court’s dissenting opinion, drafted by Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, offered greater depth of opposition, “Where this Court once stood firm, today it wilts”, noted the jurist. Echoing the general sentiment shared by opponents of the ruling, Gorsuch noted that “After the Cherokee’s exile to what became Oklahoma, the federal government promised the Tribe that it would remain for- ever free from interference by state authorities.”

Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Chief Justice John G. Roberts and associate justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito, Neil M. Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett approached the majority’s ruling focused solely the claims stated in Castro-Huerta’s appeal, specifically challenges to state jurisdiction, the historic and evolved context of the usage of the term exclusive, as articulated in the General Crimes Act (1817), and the scope of a state’s sovereignty.

The court’s ruling is consistent with the state’s rights leaning ideology woven through the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization opinion, which eliminated the constitutionally protected right to abortion, further empowering states to establish laws that reflect their interests. If considered without context, Kavanaugh’s statement conveys an inherent authority that the state possesses and exercises to protect its interests.

Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, it must be noted, also effects a diminished authority of Indian country, as the court’s ruling establishes concurrent jurisdiction shared by the state of Oklahoma and Indian country. The outrage of Tribal leaders across Oklahoma and the nation was sudden and pointed. “The June 29 decision by the United States Supreme Court in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta ruling against legal precedent and the basic principles of congressional authority, as well as Indian law, is disconcerting and shocking”, offered Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.

“The ruling is a reversal of the precedent set in the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling only two years ago, which cited more than 120 years of federal law granting federal courts “exclusive jurisdiction”

The Court’s majority first established that “the Constitution allows a State to exercise jurisdiction in Indian country…” and that “Indian country is part of the State, not separate from the state”, thus concluding that the state of Oklahoma has jurisdiction. All considerations of claims thereafter were exercises of recounting evolved context.

In Oklahoma v. CastroHuerta, the court found that the General Crimes Act (1817) articulation of “sole and exclusive jurisdiction” is only used “in the description of the laws which are extended” to Indian country, not “to the jurisdiction extended over the Indian country.” The clarification was advanced via direct reference to Donnelly v. United States (1913). In the wake of the ruling, and dicta that may now serve to inform future rulings, Tribal nations must brace themselves for the continued erosion of their sovereignty. Calhoun’s 5-year-old daughter, a Cherokee Indian, must not be forgotten.

Although denied the full scope of justice once determined by the state of Oklahoma, and now beginning to wade through the loss of sovereignty paid for by the blood of her ancestors, she sits quietly in the center of a conflict resolved without regard to her person, and without the words to express how she may feel about it all.

‘State Sovereignty Does Not End At A Reservation’s Border.’

Column Writing

FIRST PLACE

Kelly Wray

By Kelly Wray For The Duncan Banner

SECOND PLACE

Lynn Adams

Sequoyah County Times

THIRD PLACE

Kevin Green

Claremore Daily Progress

You can’t put a teacher in horsein-buggy and then get mad when she can’t fly cross country. Not unless you’re nonsensical or a politician – or both.

That’s the basic message delivered by James Clear, author of The New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits, when he wrote: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Translation: If your system is antiquated, don’t expect modern results. That brings us to the (add throat-clearing voiceover here) MODERN system of schools, which originated in Prussia in the 19th Century. That’s the century before the one we are currently living, for those keeping score at home.

“More than 150 years ago,” a 2012 article in The Atlantic noted, “Massachusetts became the first state to provide all of its citizens access to a free public

ing these student groups separate,” Ebony Walton, statistician for NAEP, told USA Today.

The top is rising; the bottom is falling.

And the center?

Kelly Wray Banner contributor

burgeoning middle class. Homogeneity reigned, with students of like-socioeconomic status, like-values, and like dreams populating classrooms.

Then, slowly but dramatically the audience changed.

The edges of the American middle have been dissolving for five decades. And like dominos dropping from the edge of a table, many families have fallen from their place in the middle and landed in the growing “survivalist class.”

They’re not consumed with pursuing the American Dream as the Boomer Generation knew it; they’re more apt to be pursuing their next meal and hoping to make meet both ends of an every-shortening rope.

Well, we just aren’t the jelly doughnut we used to be. The center is starting to look more like a hole.

So, while Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters spends his time scouring elementary school libraries for naughty books and says “woke” every other word as if he’s trying to set a new Guinness word record, remember this:

Empirical research shows low socioeconomic status and exposure to adversity are linked to decreased educational success. In fact, some research goes as far as to state “the strongest predictor of student test scores is socioeconomic status.”

But you won’t hear Walters or his boss, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, mention that because under their leadership, Oklahoma still ranks top 10 nationally among states for the

In empathy with summer weather, Senior Life Master really warming classes, and the were warming This particular was standing room the 100-degree ture outside not attendance. Sometimes (the began) bridge below the top that experts never mistakes. We may assured that this case. As you cannot of the cards, it sible to do the of the time. Also, occasions when makes not only a downright howler. was played at pean Team Championships Lausanne, Switzerland. Auctions that five-level are something lottery. You should the best result the best possible Against six spades, led the club queen. overtook with continued with South ruffed high, discarded a diamond. declarer drew

Bridge for Bridge for

If your system is antiquated, don’t expect modern results

Column Writing

FIRST PLACE

Kim Poindexter

Tahlequah Daily Press

SECOND PLACE

Edwyna Synar

Muskogee Phoenix

THIRD PLACE

Mike Kays

Muskogee Phoenix

I try very hard to keep my pie hole shut in public settings, but it isn’t always easy. When I hear someone make a stupid or bigoted statement, restraint tends to evaporate. Some say this is because I’m a journalist; others, because I’m an Aries.

While all bigotry is a product of stupidity, not all stupidity is a product of bigotry. Sometimes, simple ignorance is at play. But when we learn we didn’t know of what we spoke, we should admit it and go on. Especially after we’ve been challenged by a scowling elderly woman headed toward the natatorium of a fitness center.

The news was on the other day at The Fit, and something was said about Pete Buttigieg. At first, I didn’t pay much attention; the political chasm between right and left has grown vast enough to swallow hundreds of golden calves, along with millions of idolaters. No tablets are needed to create the gap. And I’m normally not a defender of politicians, unless I happen to know the individual to be an upstanding person. Unfortunately, these days, when I do know a politician personally, that usually means I have evidence that said “public servant” is more of a “lying down” person –or just a lying one.

ire removed all doubt.

One of the older women –meaning one about my age – interjected her opinion about “Mayor Pete”: “I just love that guy.” A nearby man in his late 40s laughed and uttered an epithet used to malign members of the LGBTQ community. I won’t describe the bigot’s appearance or what he was wearing, but I’m sure most readers can develop a fairly accurate picture in their minds.

I couldn’t help myself. It just sort of came out.

I said, “Excuse me: Did you serve in Afghanistan?”

The look on his face suggested he believed I asked the question because I thought I recognized him from somewhere. He said, with an air of pride, “No, but I support the military.”

the bump and went our separate ways, she to a treadmill and I to the pool.

I felt guilty later, and asked my Facebook “friends” if I’d gone overboard. Based on the responses – more than 80 as of Friday afternoon, plus another three dozen or so strongly worded comments approving of my action – I’m guessing not. And many of the respondents were people whom I haven’t seen on my timeline in months. Several were what you might call “politicians” of a sort themselves, or better yet, regional dignitaries.

One guy from my hometown did weigh in to say he didn’t care about Buttigieg’s sexual preferences, but he didn’t like him because he disagreed with so many of his policies. Against my better judgment, I invited that fellow to cite which policies he objected to, since I was curious.

KIM POINDEXTER Executive Editor

I immediately asked another question: “Did you graduate magma cum laude from Harvard?”

He looked confused: “No but I took classes here [presumably meaning at NSU].”

“How about Oxford?” I persisted. “Go there as a Rhodes scholar?”

I could see he was starting to get suspicious: “You mean England? Ain’t never been overseas.”

I asked, “Are you a polyglot?”

He scowled: “What’s that?”

He didn’t reply – or hadn’t as of Friday afternoon. It’s possible that he, like many others, is reluctant to engage me in a debate, suspecting I might be able to take him down, and that others watching the action would pile on. If so, he would be correct.

When the criticism is aimed at a politician’s platforms, planks and policies, all bets are off, and the official or candidate is fair game. Provided the critic hasn’t fallen prey to propaganda, which these days is called “fake news” as an unjust pejorative aimed at all media. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you should do a better job than I do of staying mum. As the saying goes, it’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt. And with a single word, the object of my

I said, “I rest my case,” and turned to walk away. Cowardice had begun to seep in. They don’t have metal detectors at The Fit.

Seconds later, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around quickly, preparing to defend myself with a throat punch if necessary. I actually had time to decide on that course of action during the turn.

But it was the woman who “just loves” Mayor Pete, and she merely wanted to give me a fist bump. She was laughing so hard she was in tears. She said nothing. We did

In case you’re glowering and thinking about tapping out a scathing message to me on your keyboard, I’ll circle back around and say this: If your problem with someone is based on race, creed, religion, disability, country of origin, marital status, party of registration, sexual preference or gender identity, then you’re the problem. If it’s a matter of ideology, let’s get it on. But I warn you not to bring a knife to a gunfight.

I respect anyone who has a legitimate beef with a politician, right or left, because I have beefs with nearly all of them. I can, and often do, change my mind. But since I’m a journalist, I always have sources and evidence to back what I say. No fools were revealed that day, but there’s still hope.

SUSAN ESTRICH Creators Syndicate

A single little word can start big trouble

Column Writing

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

PUBLISHER’S VIEW

Book banning bill outrageous

“No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.”

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jennifer Sharpe The Journal Record

FISTA seeks more funds from taxpayers

Tuesday’s potential council vote on increasing the city’s commitment to funding FISTA seems like a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em with taxpayer money. And we’re not even getting to see the flop.

THIRD PLACE

Cindy Allen

Enid News & Eagle

Let’s put this out there to start: We believe in the concept of FISTA. An incubator to attract defense contractors, capitalizing on the fact that Fort Sill hosts components of two of the U.S. Army’s eight cross-functional futures commands. Those commands are designed to enhance the Army’s ability to protect the nation from new and erring global threats. Fort Sill is the region’s economic cornerstone and needs to be supported.

However, after an opening bid of $13-plus million in the purchase of Central Mall, raising their bet with $2.268 million to remodel the former Sears and Dillard’s retail spaces, the city is now being asked to up the ante with an additional $2 million. Could the next bet be an “all-in” raise of $6 million more than preliminary estimates show will be needed to finish the project?

The problem is they’re using taxpayer money in this high-stakes game and taxpayers are given little except “trust me.” With little information to go on, we can only assume that the $2 million, if approved by the council, will come from the economic portion of the Capital Improvements Program. That leaves $2 million less the city will have available to attract other economic interests.

We’re enduring a pandemic, have survived 2021’s deep freeze, murder hornets and had the joy of Christmas dampened by omicron and supply chain disruptions. What’s next? Well, the Legislature convenes in less than a month. I’m aware that just because a bill is proposed doesn’t mean it will become law — or even see the fluorescent light of day on the Capitol floor. But every session provides legislative offerings to which my initial response is “You’ve got to be kidding.”

As our 2022 intro, I submit SB 1142 by Sen. Rob Standridge which proposes that an opinion of ONE should be enough to get a book banned from a school library.

It’s the category of books he’s truly trying to constrain as the bill states, “No public school district, public charter school, or public school library shall maintain in its inventory or promote books that make as their primary subject the study of sex, sexual preferences, sexual activity, sexual perversion, sex-based classifications, sexual identity, or gender identity or books that are of a sexual nature that a reasonable parent or legal guardian would want to know of or approve of prior to their child being exposed to it.”

books that are being addressed. What if a similar bill were to target books on religion? Books on economics if the legislator didn’t believe in capitalism? Books on substance abuse?

We can have a debate as to what books should be allowed or not, but his proposed mechanism for evaluation and penalty is off the charts.

Simply, one person can claim a book is inappropriate and school officials are required to remove it. There’s no evaluation, no due process, no consideration. Request equals removal. Oh, and if you’re the school employee charged with inventory at the library and you fail to remove it within 30 days, you’re fired and can’t be employed at another school for a period of two years. And to sweeten the pot further, if you make such a request and the school doesn’t remove said offensive material within the prescribed time frame, you can seek monetary damages of $10,000 per day. Plus attorney’s fees of course.

As I said before, I’ll be surprised if this even makes it to the Senate floor, but as I told one local representative a couple of years ago, a bill, as written, reflects the author’s optimal outcome, their greatest wish.

Does anyone believe that allowing one single person to make the rules is a good thing? Ignore, for a moment, the topic of the

We’ll assume, for the sake of argument, that universities aren’t “public school districts,” but assume a similar proposal was offered regarding books of a religious nature in schools. Do you want one person who finds that topic offensive to make the decision for all? I’m sure supporters will fall back on what the bill defines as a “reasonable” person sees as objectionable, yet we’ve all seen outrageous behaviour proponents later justify as reasonable.

The problem isn’t with the topic of information Standridge wishes to control, it’s that he’s willing, in a perfect world, to allow one single person to decide. No oversight, no review, no recourse. I want it, therefore it shall be.

How about a bill that, if I object to an outrageous legislative proposal, it must be pulled. Just because I say so. If not, I get $10,000 per day from the author’s campaign funds?

Sounds fair to me.

David Stringer is publisher of The Lawton Constitution, a past-president of the Oklahoma Press Association and a media professional for over 40 years, more than half of that in Oklahoma. He can be reached at

david.stringer@swoknews.com.

Setting the pace for 2022

— Gideon J. Tucker

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

DAVID STRINGER COMMEnTary

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games coming up and playoffs next week, so we’ll have to have that same fighter’s mentality,” said Coach Lacy Darity.

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that she would like to know if they’re on a public entity’s Discord server and get parental consent.

“Was that done? Was there parental consent, or a place on Facebook or on the library’s page that said, ‘We have this chat room. If your kids want to participate in this, they need to fill out this

Lahman said the suspension of in-person activities would violate the Open Meeting Act, but that the agenda item was broad enough for board members to vote to temporarily shut down the library’s social media sites. That motion carried.

After being in executive

take a look,” Gilbert said.

Other agenda items

Gilbert, who makes hiring decisions for most city of Enid job positions, recently officially chose Ray to be the official library director after working with her directly for several months.

Ray had interviewed for

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The Stilwell Democrat Journal School is back in session: Bell Public School

SECOND PLACE Joshua Small Johnston County Sentinel

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Bristow News

Classes resume at Bell Public School on

Thursday,August11,2022.

Class begins at 8:15 a.m.

Class dismissed at 3:15 p.m.

Breakfast &Lunch will be served, and all meals will be free of charge to all students.

Buses will run their regular morning &afternoon routes.

New students may enroll Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. -1:30p.m. in the school's main office, or by calling Kay Duncan at (918) 696-7181.

We arealso accepting applications for Pre-K students ages 3-4. Students must be 3years old by September 1, 2022, all students must have an up-to-date Immunization Record.

THINGS YOU NEED TO ENROLL: Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Immunization Recordand CDIB Card.

ALLSCHOOLSUPPLIESWILLBEFURNISHED!

OPENHOUSEWILLBE HELD3:30-6:30P.M.ON

THURSDAY,AUGUST18

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The Ada News

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The Ada News

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McAlester News-Capital

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The Lawton Constitution

Elect Josh Powers

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Kathy Young

Enid News & Eagle

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The Lawton Constitution

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Jordan Green

Northwestern News

Annual car show - Larry Crawford stands on hot-rod Model T

SECOND PLACE

Colby Dalton

Northwestern News

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Colby Dalton

Northwestern News

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Whitney Marshall

The Thomas Tribune

A wind turbine in Custer County

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Carol Conner

The Fairfax Chief

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The Thomas Tribune

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Johnston County Sentinel

Fireworks

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McIntosh County Democrat

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Frederick Press-Leader

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Durant Democrat

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Jessica Lane

The Express-Star

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Durant Democrat

INDEX BIBLE QUOTE

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Jeremy Pyle

Yukon Progress

The hellfighter, grass fire

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Lynn McCulley

Sequoyah County Times

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Andy Morphew

The Duncan Banner

Grass fire scorches

35 acres

By Conrad Dudderar Staff Writer

Four of the eight Canadian County elected offices are up in 2022. Two incumbents have confirmed they will seek new terms, one will run

for the State Senate and the other is undecided.

Candidate filing period will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, April 13-15 for these four Canadian County offices: District 1 commissioner, District 3

commissioner, assessor and treasurer.

County officers are elected to serve four-year terms.

District 1 Canadian County Commissioner Marc Hader said he intends to file for a third

term next month. Hader was first elected in 2014, succeeding Phil Carson before being re-elected in a contested 2018 race.

At least one challenger already has emerged for

Stewart: ‘Right

it’s critical’ Commissioners ready to burn ban; special meeting fire dangers extreme

By Traci Chapman Managing Editor

A March 5 fire in north Yukon singed about 35 acres but did not cause any injuries or damage any structures as the fast-moving blaze raced across an extended swatch of grass land.

Capt. Scott Douglas of Oklahoma City Fire Department said the See Blaze, Page 6C

The Hellfighter

Oklahoma City firefighter Reece Gilbert walks toward a grass fire that threatened Christ’s Legacy Church and area homes Saturday afternoon near Northwest Expressway and Morgan Road. Oklahoma City Fire Department, with an assist from Piedmont and Richland fire departments, averted property damage or injuries. (Photo by Jeremy Pyle)

By Conrad Staff

With dry, tions returning Canadian County missioners are take emergency needed on a

The county’s burning prohibition pired Feb. 28 missioners determined recent moisture See Ready,

See Offices, Page 3C

Marc Hader Matt Wehmuller

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Phoenix

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The Lawton Constitution

Fort Sill Multiple Launch Rocket System

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Enid News & Eagle

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Billy Hefton

Enid News & Eagle

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living the dream’

FIRST

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Northwestern News

Trisyn Kalawaia leads his horse

Hawaiian rodeo team member finds love for rodeo at Northwestern and Oklahoma is where he’ll stay

SECOND PLACE

Jordan Green

By JACOB ERVIN Student Reporter

Northwestern News

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

THIRD PLACE

weekday, Trisyn Kalawaia finishes his gets ready to go practice wrestling, but always have two more legs than he a steer wrestler on the Northwestern from Hilo, Hawaii. a junior at Northwestern, majoring in business. transferred to Northwestern this year after years at Central Arizona College.

While Hawaii may seem like paradise to most people in Oklahoma, Kalawaia said he actually prefers life here.

Colby Dalton

Northwestern News

“As soon as I’m home for five days, I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m ready to go back,’” Kalawaia said. “Back home, I would do the same thing every day — work and practice. I couldn’t do anything or go to many rodeos. Now that I’m up here, I’m living the dream. I come up here, and I’ve been doing what I wanted to do since I was small.”

“Now that I’m up here, I’m living the dream. I come up here, and I’ve

Thinking of moving?

Photo provided Kalawaia is shown competing in a steer wrestling competition. A native of Hilo, Hawaii, Kalawaia is a junior at Northwestern majoring in agricultural business.

Photo by Colby Dalton

Kalawaia leads his horse around the Northwestern rodeo facility.

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The Fairfax Chief

Fancy dance

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The Fairfax Chief

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Sherry Stinson

The Fairfax Chief

With feathers and fringe swinging, Xavier Toehay fancy dances at the Tonkawa Powwow.

Pawnee Indian Veterans Spears, and Hominy

Band Chiefs Tim Jim, princesses as the colors

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The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Homegrown

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Mostly quiet day for former OK preps standouts as Pokes’ struggles continue

Oklahoma is playing a high stakes game as it looks to offer at least $700 million or more to win an electric vehicle battery factory that would employ thousands.

“This is the largest factory investment in the state’s history and one of the largest in the country,” Stitt said.

Other incentives are being weighed, as well, including a tax increment financing district in Pryor, where the operation like-

“Companies don’t drop billions and billions of dollars on the most advanced manufacturing facility in the country and then pick up shop and leave in five or 10 years.”

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FIRST

Andy Dossett

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

Last service

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Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

THIRD PLACE Richard Barron

The Ada News

LAST SERVICE

Hubbard reaches for her mother’s hand as she crawls down the aisle of First Christian Church during their last Sunday service after serving the community for 125 years. ANDY DOSSETT / EXAMINER-ENTERPRISE consumers. The “seed-to-sale” tracking system is Tracking deadline looms over Oklahoma’s marijuana industry Dale Denwalt Oklahoman DIVISION 2 — Daily and Online-Only Publications, population less than 40,000

passed hike to offer another issued Former Jenks keeps career grinding Brian son’s for his ‘Hostile Brandy USA TODAY SeePRESLEY,Page2A

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Stillwater News Press

College baseball player enjoys slip and slide with kids

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Enid News & Eagle

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Stillwater News Press

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THIRD PLACE Jimm Alley The Cameron University Collegian

Wonder Boys squash Rangers

By CADE KENNEDY Sports Editor

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Owen Hutcheson

The Fairfax Chief

Mugging cows

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Austin Smith

The Dewey County Record

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Tim Billy

The Thomas Tribune

Blake Bledsoe mugs a wild cow, while Buddy Bledsoe ropes her and holds the milk cup, so that Buddy can later milk it. These two won the overall Wild Cow Milking competition of the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo this weekend.

Talli Bledsoe parades

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The Lincoln County News

Chandler gets W, catching football pass

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Brian Blansett

The Lincoln County News

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Connor Choate

Marietta Monitor

40-19 over Ponies in district opener

BRIAN BLANSETT Staff writer

Ty Garver hauled in two touchdown passes and Casmen Hill romped for 258 yards as Chandler beat Kellyville 40-19 Friday night.

The win boosted the Lions’ record to 3-1 for the season and left them as one of the four leaders in the District 2A-2 standings along with Luther, Jones and this week’s Homecoming opponent, Meeker.

Despite the Lions dominating the stats and the scoreboard, head coach Jack Gray wasn’t pleased with their play.

“We played sloppy the first half,” he said. “We came out a little flat. The whole team was flat, just not fired up.

“As a unit, we weren’t doing things like we should. It was just little things, like staying on a block or blocking the right guy or being in the right formation. A lot of miscues.

“We’ll fine-tune a lot of things and we’ll be cooking a lot better.”

Chandler took a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter when quarterback Alec Jackson hit Corbin Hollon with a fade in the corner of the end zone.

The Lions pushed it to 14-0 early in the second quarter when Jackson scrambled until he found Ty Garver in the end zone. Hill ran for the conversion.

Chandler added two more scores, a five-yard run by Blake Rickner and a 76-yard catch-and-run by Garver.

That made it 26-0, but Kellyville’s Cody Barnes got the Ponies on the scoreboard when he picked a loose punt and ran it in for a touchdown. Trevor Sutton blocked the point-after, keeping the score at 26-6.

Early in the third quarter, Chandler stopped Kellyville on fourth down at the two-yard line, then put together a 98-yard drive that made the score 33-6 and took much of the remaining mystery out of the final score.

Hill peeled off two long runs and then raced 20 yards for the touchdown, making it 33-6 with 8:36 left in the third.

Jackson added a 6-yard run later in the period to make it 40-6.

Kellyville added two scores later, accounting for the final.

The Lions got Hill back after a game-and-a-half’s absence due to injury, and he put an exclamation point on the night, running 17 times for an average of more than 15 yards per carry and a touchdown.

“I think he got a little winded a couple of times,” Gray said. “You can run all you want to, but until you get out there, it’s a different deal. I thought he ran well and looked good.”

Sports Photograph Chandler gets W Stats

Above, Chandler’s Ty Garver (11) keeps his eye on the ball and plays through contact by Kellyville’s Nathan Stubblefield (23) during the second quarter Friday night. Garver appeared to come down with the ball, but the pass was called incomplete with no interference. Below, Casmen Hill looks upfield after leaving a would-be tackler in his wake. Photos/Brian Blansett

Sports Photograph SPORTS

2020 Duvall Annual Steer Wrestling Jackpot canceled

The Duvall family has canceled the 2020 Duvall Annual Steer Wrestling Jackpot via Facebook post on April 15.

PBR and BOK Center announce multi-year renewal continue bringing Premier Series action to Tulsa

FIRST PLACE

Rodney Haltom

McIntosh County Democrat

PBR Unleash the Beast event

SECOND PLACE

Rodney Haltom

McIntosh County Democrat

THIRD PLACE

Rodney Haltom

McIntosh County Democrat

“Good evening to our cowboy family. Unfortunately, our post tonight is to notify everyone that after

The PBR Riders) alongside day announced renewal elite Unleash petition, best bull Tulsa. The will continue Unleash during for several Positioned to the mid-May Finals, hold a crucial the race World Championship. “We our partnership Center make the Tulsa to one of stops on The Beast said PBR sioner Sean have been ments BOK Center past decade. and cowboys

Oliver named Coach of the Year

RODnEy HalTOm SPORTS ED TOR

Chase Daughterty successfully rides the bull known as Psalm 91 for a score of 84.25 at the PBR Unleash the Beast event in Tulsa.

Eufaula head basketball coach Jeff Oliver was named the Oklahoma Coaches Association Regional Basketball Coach of Year. Oliver led the Lady Ironheads to a 25-4 record and a No. 9 ranking and qualified for the state tournament.

Crusoe, Choctaw; Brionna Scott, Deer Creek

OU recognize five Individuals with honorary degrees, including J.C.

The University of Oklahoma awarded honorary degrees to five individuals in recognition of their extraordinary achievements and generous service to others.

Eufaula seniors Ashley Mills and Journi James were selected to the All-Region Classes 3A & 2A team. (No stats were available for players at time of print.)

and tragedy of pioneer life, who will be honored posthumously - Susan Stroman of New York City, a five-time Tony Award-wining director and

Middle school east: Taylen Collins, Muldrow; Lexi Keys, Tahlequah Sequoyah; Ruthie Udomouh, Victory Christian; Lizzie Shephard, Vinita; Autumn Hines, Adair; Zoey Whitely, Fort Gibson; Karly Wadsworth, Oologah; Alice Stevenson, Perkins; Elizabeth Cash, Grove; Hallie Reed, Vinita

mencement speaker

The event took place during OU’s 2022 Commencement ceremony May 13, at The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Middle school west: Rylee Langerman, CHA; Averi Zinn, Anadarko; Korie Allensworth, Sulphur; Caley Young, Jones; Payton Jones, Alva; Katie King, Harrah; Lexie Davis, CHA; Brooklin Bain, Comanche; Lexie

Sports Photograph

pound top-seeded

“They

Sports Photograph

Elgin’s Tucker pursuing his passion through rodeos

FIRST PLACE

Hugh Scott

Southwest Ledger

Tucker Garrett, bronc rider

SECOND PLACE

Matt Swearengin

Durant Democrat

THIRD PLACE

Austin Litterell

The Express-Star

FIRST PLACE

Chuck Reherman

Yukon Progress

Yukon/Mustang tournament diving catch

SECOND PLACE

Glen Miller

El Reno Tribune

THIRD PLACE

Glen Miller

El Reno Tribune

After a nearly week layoff, Red team will turn to the baseball mond this week.

The Millers pete in the Edmond morial Festival, Thursday at baseball field. The Red JV not played since win over Sand on March 5; the supposed to have games Monday day against but the weather those games and more than likely made up. The Millers though, still face uars, meeting game Thursday the festival.

The Millers

Wyatt Hartman makes a diving play on a shallow fly ball to right field during the Spring Break Festival at Yukon. The Millers went 2-0 in the festival. (Photo by Chuck Reherman)

By Chuck Reherman Putnam City North, Deer Millers and Moore round a.m. with the fifth place

Red in Edmond

FIRST PLACE

Andy Dossett

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

Bartlesville High’s Michael Smith

SECOND PLACE

Derrick James

McAlester News-Capital

THIRD PLACE

Richard Barron

The Ada News

Oklahoma players hold up the National Championship trophy Thursday after defeating Texas 10-5 in the final game of the WCWS championship series at Hall of Fame

Sports Photograph

Behind stout defense, Sooners win sixth championship

By Jesse Crittenden Transcript Sports Editor

FIRST PLACE

Kyle Phillips

The Norman Transcript

Softball catch over fence

SECOND PLACE

Billy Hefton

Enid News & Eagle

THIRD PLACE

Billy Hefton

Enid News & Eagle

OKLAHOMA CITY

— The Texas offense was already surging when Courtney Day stepped to the plate.

The Longhorns led 2-0 in the bottom of the first and had a runner on third base, as Oklahoma looked to be in trouble early. Needing one out, OU pitcher Jordy Bahl delivered the pitch down the middle to Day.

The ball soared off the Texas first baseman’s bat towards the centerfield fence with the makings of a two-run homer.

That was until Jayda Coleman got there.

The Sooners’ center fielder leaped in the air and made a spectacular grab before the ball cleared the fence, retiring the inning and keeping the Longhorns from taking a four-run lead.

It was that play, among several other defensive highlights, that helped lead the Sooners to a 10-5 win over Texas on Thursday. The win secures their second straight championship

in the Women’s College World Series and the program’s sixth overall.

For OU coach Patty Gasso, that play set the tone for the Sooners.

“I was a little sick to my stomach for a second as I saw [the ball] getting some distance,” Gasso said. “If Jayda [can] get up on the wall and reach, she’s going to catch it, and I know that about her. She is an incredible, incredible athlete.

“That was a big momentum turn for us because [of how] easily the score could have looked a lot different than 2-0. I was really proud of her efforts and trying to make some things happen defensively.”

That defense was particularly needed with the Sooners’ high-powered offense struggling, as they were held scoreless for the first three innings.

Another pivotal play came in the bottom of the third inning. With the Sooners’ still facing a two-run deficit, OU shortstop Grace Lyons scooped up a grounder

Jocelyn Alo gets final career game

By Tarik Masri Transcript Sports Writer OKLAHOMA

CITY

— A career for the history books received a fitting send-off during the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday. After starting out the game as in her usual spot the designated hitter, Jocelyn Alo was moved to left field with the Sooners three outs away from repeating as national champions. The first two pitches of the frame were popped up directly at the NCAA’s all-time home run leader and she caught them to give Oklahoma its first two outs. With Oklahoma holding a 10-2 lead in Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series final, OU head coach Patty Gasso gave the redshirt senior an opportunity to enjoy her last moments in an Oklahoma uniform. Alo was pulled from the game and received a standing ovation from the 12,257 fans in attendance at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium — a Women’s College World

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

OU’s Jayda Coleman makes a home run stealing catch Thursday during the Sooners’ game against Texas at Hall of Fame Stadium.

PHOTO ESSAY/ PICTURE PAGE

Photo Essay/Picture Page

FIRST PLACE

Sofia Granados

The Campus

Dia de las Velitas

SECOND PLACE

Sofia Granados, Mackenzie Shaw, Anna Schmidt and Blake Uhlig

The Campus

THIRD PLACE

Ka’Tavia West

The Cameron University Collegian

Photo Essay/Picture Page

FIRST PLACE

Owen Hutcheson

The Fairfax Chief

4th’s kaleidoscope of colors

SECOND PLACE

Allie Prater

Yale News

THIRD PLACE

Carol Conner, Joe Conner and Sherry Stinson

The Fairfax Chief

Photo Essay/Picture Page

FIRST PLACE

Brian Blansett and Rick Hester

The Lincoln County News

Sports week in photos

SECOND PLACE

Connor Choate and Austin Anthony Marietta Monitor

THIRD PLACE

Brian Blansett, Mario Holland and Jennifer Pryor

The Lincoln County News

Adults enjoy Tulsa Zoo presentation as much as kids

Photo Essay/Picture Page

SECOND PLACE

Michelle Pollard and Blayklee Freed

Tulsa People

THIRD PLACE Cory Young and Ross Johnson

Cutting away years of beauty, memories

Competition

Photo Essay/Picture Page

FIRST PLACE

Jason Elmquist

Stillwater News Press

Glencoe boys’ basketball wins state championship

SECOND PLACE

Scott Rains

The Lawton Constitution

THIRD PLACE

Billy Hefton

Enid News & Eagle

FRONTDESIGNPAGE

ans and other staff pass the title of third and fourth grade teacher back-and-forth. Because of teacher shortage impacting Oklahoma, scenes like this are becoming more frequent across the state. It isn’t just happening in public schools, but across college campuses as well. This shortage isn’t new problem in Oklahoma. Teachers have been fleeing the state or retiring early for the past decade. In July, the Oklahoma State Department of Education issued 1,473 emergency teaching certifications, an all-time high for single month,

according to the agency. Despite the record high, those certifications only made up 41% of the 3,593 emergency certifications issued this summer. Despite the certifications, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association’s annual back-toschool survey found 1,019 teaching jobs remain open in 328

school districts that serve 77% of Oklahoma’s student population. In the nine years the survey has been conducted, those 1,019 jobs set the record for the most openings in year.

“Education leaders are incredibly grateful for the work legislators have accomplished in recent years in an attempt to

Fairfax Chief scoops up OPA awards

Careful—Covid’s back

Front Page Design

FIRST PLACE

Shauna Belyeu, Wes Stout and LaDonna Rhodes

McIntosh County

Feb. 10

SECOND PLACE

Renee Fite

The Stilwell Democrat Journal

THIRD PLACE

Stacey Neal and Kathleen Guill

Frederick Press-Leader

CHECOTAH 10,000 CLUB A DRIVING FORCE

In January 1907, Oklahoma statehood loomed on the horizon. The imminent event would take place on Nov. 16. Checotah folks were excited. Businesses were proliferating. Prosperity seemed within easy reach. The town’s SEE 10,000 CLUB, PAGE A8

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER As the community of Checotah prepares to celebrate 150 years of history, the McIntosh County Democrat has researched newspaper archives for months to prepare this commemorative edition to reflect on the rich history, transformation and the progress of Checotah.

From railhead on the Texas Railway to a thriving community at the intersection of Highway 69 and Interstate 40, Checotah continues to be pivotal place on the territorial map of Oklahoma.

ary historian Emmy Scott Stidham, many of these stories and facts have been preserved in a way that only local, community journalism can maintain and save for future generations. Stidham, who graduated from Checotah in 1945 and then went on to obtain her degree in journalism, has been a wealth of knowledge to the local paper girls, and has even been inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. Whether it’s promoting the newspaper or promoting Checotah, Stidham, lovingly known as Ms. Emmy, knows the importance of retaining today’s information through STAFF PHOTO LADONNA RHODES Emmy Scott Stidham reflects over the history of Checotah’s past, present and future.

From the oldest archives of the McIntosh County Democrat, which goes back to 1907, to Checotah’s own honor-

Odd FellowS an important part of CHECOTAH history

Big Plans At “State of the City” Event

Santa Claus has Arrived!!

going and emphasized

situation over the

five years. He spoke about new business development, both in the downtown area as well as outside, with multiple new businesses and business expansions. Alsup listed six examples of each, including Yum-Yum Junction, Cleveland & Co, and Grand Ole Barbershop downtown, and T-Mobile, Starbucks, and Burger King outside of the downtown area. Alsup also stressed the importance of strong education and healthcare functions within the Guthrie community. As part of this he highlighted the city’s partnerships with Guthrie Public Schools and Meridian Technology Center, and talked about their facilities improvements, particularly Guthrie’s Charter Oak Elementary and Meridian’s South Campus. He also spoke of the partnership with Mercy Health and its facilities in town. Not all of Alsup’s statistics and discussions were positive ones; he spoke candidly about great needs around repairs and replacement of critical infrastructure, particularly Guthrie’s water system. The city already has work going on for new wastewater treatment plant, at cost of $20.6 million. In addition

to that, Alsup provided an estimate of just under $63 million to complete the needed repairs, including $31.4 million to replace 55 miles of water lines placed before 1975, $22.5 million to replace 22 miles of sewer line and infrastructure, $2 million to renovate the city’s water towers and standpipes, $1.8 million on renovations to the Guthrie Lake spillway, and $1.1 million for pump replacement at the main water plant. Most interesting and positive, however, were the upcoming plans for improvements to city parks and other amenities, through plan the City calls “Dreaming, Creating, and Planning for the Future.” Alsup discussed the coming “pop-up shop court”/retail incubator concept funded through grants from T-Mobile and the USDA, which is in progress and expected to open next year. He also went through the plans for Noble Park, in the “Elbow” area immediately west of downtown.

That project entails over $732,000 in work to build recreational trails, historical stations, fitness stations, pedestrian access bridge, and other amenities. These will be jointly funded by the City, an RTP grant, and in-kind labor and equipment contributions.

Alsup also highlighted the plans for the Owen Field Softball Complex, comprising over $2 million in construction work with half the funds coming from Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and half from local contributions.

The Owen Field project will result in three new softball fields, new lighting for one of the fields, new 1300-square-foot concession and restroom building, irrigation, and new parking lots. The City’s plan further includes $4 million for improvements at Guthrie

Christmas Dreams Renewed At “Christmas With Cops”

State

Guthrie Celebrates The Life Of Delores Stokes, Dedicated Volunteer And Community Servant

Conna Dewart Special to Guthrie News Leader Delores Stokes was a great inspiration to many in Guthrie.

She was mentor to volunteers, dedicated servant to community causes and to her church, loving wife and mother, and dear friend to those who were blessed with knowing her. Her life was celebrated at the First United Presbyterian Church on Thursday, December 15th, and she will be greatly missed.

It is no exaggeration to say that Delores was greatly responsible for much of Guthrie’s growth and many of our long-term festivities. Without her hard work getting volunteers for events, festivals, and community activities, many of Guthrie’s successful tourism activities and institutions would not exist today.

She was born in Guthrie in 1933, and Dr. Ransom F.

and help. From the Christmas homes tours to the wine festival, Delores Stokes was on the ground recruiting volunteers and working alongside them. Guthrie’s Jazz Banjo Festival depended upon her as the volunteer chairman, and Byron Berline’s Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival counted on her managing hundreds of volunteers as their volunteer coordinator for 25 years.

to the definition of SEDI provided in the program guidelines. This does mean that rural communities are included in the overall SEDI definition and in the same set amount.”

Ringrose delivered her at home.

She grew up in Guthrie, went to business school in Oklahoma City, and worked for GMAC.

license when her son was old enough for junior high. This led to her joining the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce and to her start as a community volunteer. Working with other Chamber volunteers, she helped guide tourists and helped to decorate Guthrie for holidays. She is said to be the person who started the tradition of the street corner decorations for Fall with the hay bales, pumpkins, and scarecrows.

“If you ever volunteered for her, your service was her joy,” said Stacey Frazier, current volunteer coordinator of the Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival and countless other Guthrie events, such as the Territorial Christmas Celebration and the Christmas Tour of Homes. “If you ever volunteered for me, your service is her legacy.”

The Victorian Christmas celebration and the lighted Christmas parade are her legacies. Mayor Jon Gumerson proclaimed “Delores Stokes Day” in commemoration of her community dedication in the year she was awarded the Guthrie Chamber of ComCITY » PAGE

During that time, she met her husband, Delbert Stokes, and they decided to move back to Guthrie in 1961 after their son, Dennis, was born.

Delores got her real estate

During her years with the Chamber, she started being the “go-to” person to get volunteers for anything needing to be done in Guthrie. She just seemed to have a way of convincing even the most stubborn homebodies that they should come out

“The $16.6 million is across both programs and is the minimum amount to be expended on SEDI owned businesses. OCAST will not set limit as to how much may be invested in or loaned to SEDI businesses. OCAST will work hard to ensure that

Photos by Brett Tennyson

Front Page Design

FIRST PLACE

Charlene Belew

The Duncan Banner

Fires rage during heat wave

SECOND PLACE

Charlene Belew

The Duncan Banner

THIRD PLACE

Charlene Belew

The Duncan Banner

FIRES RAGE DURING HEAT WAVE

Area agencies battle blazes across county

Woman dies from injuries from house fire

offered life-saving treatment until EMTs arrived and took the severely-burned Yourist to the hospital. No firefighters were injured. Beard told The Constitution he’d gone to the store for about 10 minutes. He was greeted by flaming horror upon his return. Along with losing his long-time partner, the home they’d shared for 13 years and all their belongings except for what he was wearing were smoke, fire and water damaged.

File photo Lea Yourist, 74, died Tuesday night from burns she received after being

“I’m not going to let it defeat me. You never know what you can do until you try.”

Persistence drives woman to earn diploma decades after leaving school

BY KIM MCCONNELL kim.mcconnell@swoknews.com

If you had to boil Mary Ferguson down to one word, that word would be persistent. Ferguson, at the age of 69, is working toward earning her GED. It’s goal she’s had since 1983, but life got in the way and delayed her dream bit. But she hasn’t given up and she’s working to pass tests in the five broad areas that constitute the process of earning a high school equivalency diploma. That’s because she has other goals, including attending college and earning her cosmetology degree. Persistence, said the members of her GED class at Great Plains Technology Center, as they listened to Ferguson’s interview and threw in observations of their own. After all, they are tightknit family, and family applauds each

See GED, 2A

Food basket tradition may come to end

Elgin senior hands out Thanksgiving baskets for last time

THE CONSTITUTION STAFF

MEDICINE PARK — Ben Roberts will make his last Thanksgiving basket delivery this year to some residents in Medicine Park.

Roberts, who lives near Lake Lawtonka, has been delivering the baskets since he was in elementary school. He is a senior at Elgin High School with plans to attend an Ivy League college next year as he pursues his dream of becoming doctor. The Thanksgiving baskets came about, he said, when he was 7 or 8 years old. “A long, long, long time ago when was maybe 7 or 8, it was my birthday party and said instead of buying me birthday presents, could people bring canned items and non-perishables,” Roberts said. That tradition has continued. Instead of birthday presents, Roberts

Scott Rains/staff “Dr. Mike” Leaming, left, and Mary Ferguson share stories of how she came to be in his GED class at Great Plains Technology Center, working toward a goal that she has dreamed of for decades.

Trainees share tradition with Sill, community

BY CHRISTOPHER WILSON

Fort Sill

Many Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends over a good meal, but for hundreds of basic combat trainees at Fort Sill the holiday will be spent learning to be soldier.

For Fort Sill leadership and Lawton community

members the holiday is a chance to share time-honored tradition and make trainees feel as at-home as possible despite being away from home. For Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Burnley, visiting Soldiers in training is something he does on regular basis.

However, Thanksgiving is a chance for him and Maj.

Gen. Kenneth Kamper, commanding general, to practice a leadership trait the two expect to see in all their subordinates — servant leadership.

“What we’re showing these future soldiers today is one of our Army traditions where leaders come out on

Thanksgiving and serve a Thanksgiving meal to their soldiers and thank them for their service and what they do,” Burnley said. While serving the trainees of Alpha and Delta batteries, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery traditional meal of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and more,

See Trainees, 7A

See Basket, 7A Courtesy photo Former Medicine Park Mayor Jennifer Ellis and Ben Roberts take moment to enjoy the flowers before getting ready to deliver Thanksgiving baskets. Roberts is a senior this year and says it will be his last delivery but hopes someone else will pick up the tradition.

DIGITAL MEDIA

Digital Media

FIRST PLACE The Oklahoma Eagle theokeagle.com

SECOND PLACE The Newcastle Pacer

THIRD PLACE Johnston County Sentinel

Digital Media

FIRST PLACE The Frontier readfrontier.org, Twitter, Facebook

SECOND PLACE The Journal Record

THIRD PLACE The Shawnee News-Star

at noon.

See HOMECOMING, Page 8

Photo by Jordan Green

Ten years ago, rural newspapers couldn’t get rid of reporters fast enough. Now some can’t find enough reporters to cover even the most routine news stories.

In Wellington, Kansas, the Wellington Daily News — previously owned by Gatehouse Media — laid off staffers and cut the newspaper to a weekly publication starting in 2008, the beginning of a turbulent time in the industry.

As stories went uncovered, readers canceled their subscriptions in droves, and the lone editor’s job became revolving door

of staffers, said Jeremy Gulban, the CEO of the paper’s new parent company, CherryRoad Media. “We’ve had to do rebuilding,” Gulban said. “We’ve had hard time finding staff, especially editorial staff, and we’ve had to come up with some creative ideas.”

Gulban’s company isn’t alone.

Across the nation, rural newsrooms are struggling to attract and retain credentialed reporters to inform the public about city government, education, breaking news and other happenings, leaving newspapers thinner and remaining staffers stretched to their limits. Newspapers didn’t always face

See NEWSPAPERS, Page 2

Chief and officials sworn in

Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet to perform in Branson

is immersive and deeply moving storytelling through dance, using contemporary ballet to convey the history of the Osage people from pre-contact to present day. Osage heritage and traditions are captured in stunningly beautiful stage performance using traditional drums, costumes, and dance. Through creative set design, the stage has been transformed into accurate depictions of Osage life over the last four hundred years. With Martin Scorsese’s movie Killers of the Flower Moon recently wrapping up filming in the present-day Osage Nation, Osage history is on the minds of many people. Visitors to Branson, Missouri will have two opportunities to experience the rich history of the Osage through artistic dance when Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet presented at The Mansion Theater on August 5 and 6. Art is a language common to us all. By retelling the dramatic narrative of the Osage in the art form of dance, Wahzhazhe speaks in a way all can understand. Ballet is the natural medium with which to tell such a story: Osage sisters Maria Tallchief and Marjorie Tallchief took the ballet world by storm in the mid-20th century, leaving an indelible mark on ballet, on the world, and on Osage culture. Wahzhazhe is continuation of this tradition. Wahzhazhe premiered in August 2012 to great acclaim.

Continued to Page 6 BALLET

with his father, Gerald Timothy “Cowboy” Curtin, Tim’s family owned and published the Watonga Republican for 69 years, making them the most consequential figures in the paper’s long history since the founding Fergusons. According to his obituary, Tim Curtin came home from Oklahoma State University to take over the Republican when his father passed. He then went back and finished college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Curtin was fierce advocate for his community and was heavily involved in local organizations like the Kiwanis Club, American

Kansas Pharmacy Burglary May be Linked to Watonga Crime

Burn Ban in Effect:

Central High FFA chapter has ‘Unheard Of’ Record Labor Auction total

By Toni Hopper The Marlow Review Central High FFA most likely broke its own record, with more than $41,000 being raised at its annual labor auction sale and dinner Thursday night. They wasted no time in sharing that “unheard of” news on their chapter’s FFA page. “It’s the chapter’s oldest tradition. It was great night,” said FFA instructor, Derek Mitchell. “We had 77 members, including the officer team and myself. The students are all 8th to 12th grade.” Each member will complete eight hours of labor for the person or company who won the bid on them. Additionally, two handmade, donated quilts, several T-shirts and quite a few baked goods were auctioned. One quilt was donated by Holly McElhaney, who also donated one to Elgin FFA, because she has students who attend that school; and another by Merna Mitchell, who owns CB Consulting. Highest bid was earned by senior FFA team member and officer, Carson Baker. She holds the Sentinel position in her FFA chapter. Mitchell said that was for $3,700.

“She’s really involved in the chapter,” he said. The moment was an emotional one for Baker, she said. “I started crying.” That’s because the company that won the bid, Five Star Solutions, is actually owned by her grandparents, Burt and Shirley Derryberry. “I expected them to bid, but not that much. My parents and grandparents have always been so supportive of me. This means so much to me. started showing pigs at the age of 2,” Baker said. She is the daughter of Raney and Kelly Baker of Central High. She also earned plain whipped cream pie in her face, served up by Bonnie Gatewood, who happens to be her cheer coach, mentor and family friend.

Mitchell said Baker has been a member of the FFA team for five years, has participated in livestock judging, earned Grand Champion heifer at the Stephens County Free Fair, is cheerleader, and is concurrently enrolled. She is also really involved in the school’s FCCLA chapter. Baker, 18, said she started showing cattle in sixth grade.

While she is undecided on college, though she’s been submitting applications, she has close friend who attended Oklahoma State University. She knows it has strong agriculture business program. She wants to teach children and do traveling social work through other coun-

Stitt wins Governor’s race; Russell and Wheeler win local

By Toni Hopper

The Marlow Review Oklahoma’s statewide turnout for the General Election

Tuesday, is at 50.30 percent, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board, as of 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) retains his position, with 638,910 votes, or 55.45 percent of the votes, which include Election Day, early voting and absentee mail. His opponent, Joy Hofmeister (D), trailed at 41.78 percent. Also in that race were Natalie Bruno (L) at 1.41 percent and Ervin Stone Yen (IND) at 1.36 percent. This was for all 1,984 precincts in the state. Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell

(R) also retains his seat, with 64.87 percent of the votes. Republican

Volunteers needed for Thanksgiving Day community meal

A few volunteers are already busy preparing for the annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, but more hands are needed and welcome, said Pam Spurlock, a member of the committee. Each year, about 1,000 meals are served on Thanksgiving Day, which includes deliverdeliver ies to homebound residents and to the Stephens County Jail. The event will be held at the First Baptist Church Life Center, and is open to anyone who wants to come and enjoy their meal with others on that day. Serving will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day). History of this event dates to 1996, when the first community meal was served. At that time, the dinner headquarters were at the First Christian Church in Marlow. This year marks 26 years of turkey tradition. Volunteer efforts will kick into high gear about a.m. on the day of the big meal, as the turkeys begin cooking.

but if I hadn’t, I’d probably have been in the Korean War.” He only wanted to serve two years, but was locked in for four years. He recalls those days with vivid detail. Photographs tell some of the story, Tucker fills in the rest with his memories.

Individuals wanting to assist, should arrive around 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. There are plenty of duties that need helping hands. Desserts are also needed. It takes about 50 volunteers to make the day go easier on everyone involved.

Audit review, security and grants among school board topics

By Toni Hopper The Marlow Review Marlow School Board members heard an audit presentation via phone, from Eric Bledsoe, with the CPA firm of Bledsoe, Hewett and Gullekson CPA, at its monthly meeting

Monday. Highlights of the presentation included the comparison of the general fund for 2021-22, which generated $11.5 million, compared to the prior year of $10.4 million and that the district was staying consistent with its revenue and expenditures.

“That means things are operating correctly and you’re not overspending,” Bledsoe said. He noted that when revenue increases, usually so do expenditures, which were up from $9.9 million to $11.1 million.

Bledsoe said in the special revenue funds,

or “building fund” in Marlow’s case, $1.5 million was earmarked, but the district spent about $25,000 more than it brought in. He still noted it was acceptable and concluded his review by telling the district to keep up the good work.

“The results of the audit had no findings which represents successful audit report and should give our stakeholders confidence in how the district is operating with their tax dollars,” said Superintendent Corey Holland. There were only two suggestions from the firm. One in regards to a request for stipends to be tied to a professional work day, and the other was for tickets to athletic events to be pre-numbered. Both items are being corrected, though they were only recommendations, not a rule.

“We have already made the first part of our processes and are moving to do so on the second suggestion,” Holland said. Holland said utilities have increased, and the district is spending about $68,000 on laptops. “We heard those were needed and will make those available.” He said that money also comes back to the district because federfeder al funds were covering the cost. Other big exex penses recently included textbooks purchased for $40,000, and the addition of a parking lot at the southeast corner of the main campus. The district is also upgrading security and placing cameras in areas that have been recently identified as being needed.

letter of resignation as the mayor of Piedmont Monday morning. Mayabb’s resignation comes less than one week after the October council meeting. He described himself as exhausted following his resignation. Monday evening, Mayabb provided a statement to The Piedmont Gazette. “Albert Einstein said, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different result.’

I’ve never claimed to be a genius, but the words of this smart man make a lot of sense to me after working with the city of Piedmont for the last three and half years.

“When ran for mayor, I had no clue was going to be filling customer service position that really held no importance for City Hall. hear from citizens every day about their concerns for the city and when discuss them at City Hall, there are little, or no actions made to correct them.

After careful consideration, have resigned my position as Mayor. Many restless nights and prayers have led me to feel at this time it would be better for me to step aside and let someone else be the change that Piedmont so desperately needs. Thank you, citizens of Piedmont, for putting your faith in me for the past three and a half years to try and make a better city for you to live in.”

Mayabb said he has lost a lot of hours over the last week wrestling with the decision. He added the city has a good council and said he thinks it will be able to con-

tinue with the positive movement that has been made.

In terms of his immediate future, Mayabb said he is still citizen of Piedmont and will still have voice.

“I have been raised to be giver and it will be hard not to give back,” he said. “I will take a little break and then you will see me back at it.”

Asked if he would ever consider running for public office again, Mayabb said, “Yes, if the citizens would allow me to.”

With the resignation of Mayabb, Councilwoman Melissa Ashford will ll his role as Mayor Pro Tem. City Manager Josh Williams said the city is working with the city attorney to determine a timeline for filling the position and trying to determine if there needs to be special election.

“The resignation of Kurt Mayabb as mayor was untimely and it is going to leave a void in our city government until such time that our government can be made whole again,” he said.

Williams said that he believes Ashford, who represents Ward 5, has the experience to lead the city in positive direction and continue the work that was taking place under Mayabb. He said the city and council will make sure work continues to move the city into the 21st century and cited ongoing water, sewer and road projects either underway or in the planning stages. He also said the city will continue to provide great services through its police and fire department along with city staff

“Business will continue to move forward and hopefully improve with whoever becomes the new mayor of Piedmont,” Williams said.

By Blake Colston

Sports Editor

Due to the threat of severe weather on Friday, Piedmont’s home football game against Carl Albert has been rescheduled to Thursday Nov. 3. Kickoff is set for p.m. at F&M Bank Stadium.

All senior night activities will

be held on Thursday, according to a social media post from the school district.

Read a preview about Thursday’s football game in today’s Piedmont-Surrey Gazette sports section.

Follow piedmontnewsonline. com for updates to local news and sports.

Can Buttigieg’s $1B plan help remove I-244 from Greenwood?

by kimber marsh

as she describes, with passion for “eclectic comfort foods.

The day Marria Morris beat out three-time chili cook-off winner with her first try, she knew that she had something special and could put her troubled past behind her. Still, the journey to opening Carabelle’s Eats & Treats, her catering business, was challenging. took her through personal tragedy, fractured coping mechanisms, the death of child, then several months in jail awaiting trial. She found the right people there to help her heal and move forward. Ultimately, cooking saved her life.

Morris’s talent and passion for food came from her father, Michael Morris, banquet chef for the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Tulsa for 15 years. In an interview with The Oklahoma Eagle, she talked freely about her father and the highs and lows of her life.

“He’d come home and cook with me, and we did lot of baking,” she said.

“When was 19, he passed away from Alzheimer’s. His body deteriorated, and took toll on me. had problems with drug use. At 24, met Carabelle’s father while dancing at strip club. He was drug dealer. It was really unhealthy relationship.

“Fast forward: my daughter was born with meth in her system. So – the state gave guardianship to my mother. really wanted to get her back. enrolled in culinary school, and was doing the best can. was sober for good stretches of the time, but then my child’s father and me would come in contact and throw me off.”

A major tragedy In her second year in school, a fire in the house where she was living changed everything in January of 2018.

“Me and my daughter were in the fire together,” she recalls. “We were asleep on the bed. woke up in panic, busted out window and jumped out.

CATERERS CONTINUED ON B1

to our AG farm and we signed a contract with them that we will provide a safe place for them to feed-out these quality animals for showing. And now we are going to come in and change the atmosphere around that which research says will affect the eating habits and feed-out programs. My objection would be for our FFA students and who would be liable for the damages that are done.” Curtis Blanc El Reno School Board member

Hamilton appointed to vacant school board seat, will run for

By

term

Stitt advocates ‘bold steps’

Road to Healing begins at Riverside Indian School

Former boarding school students describe experiences

graduated in 1958. Neconie was one of several Native Americans who shared their stories Saturday at the first year-long Road to Healing tour. The tour is the initiative of United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to bring to light the experiences of those who attended Indian boarding schools. Riverside Indian School, north of Anadarko, was the first stop on the tour.

Based north of the Washita River, the Riverside Federal Indian Boarding School was established in 1871 at the boundary of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache Reservation to its south and the Caddo, Delaware and Wichita Reservation to the north. Originally known as Indian Territory before statehood, Oklahoma is home to the most Indian boarding schools in the nation’s history. Many are no longer in operation, but the ghosts of shared histories remain. That time spent within the Indian Boarding School system has left many with profound trauma. Connected stories to that trauma, unique to each person, were expressed before Haaland and Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, who was born and raised in the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan. Haaland is the first Native

American to serve as a cabinet secretary and preside over the Department of the Interior, which is tasked with protecting the nation’s natural resources and heritage, including the management of the Native American community and preservation of its varied tribal histories and cultures. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna of New Mexico.

In greeting those assem

-bled, Haaland recognized that her tribe, too, was represented among the those to fill the school gym in Anadarko on Saturday. “I’m sure have more relatives in this audience than know,” she said. “Hello, relatives.” Citing the purpose of the Road to Healing tour, Haaland noted the day’s subject is part of a shared history for all American Indians. “We all carry the history of trauma in our hearts,” she said.

Council to look at conceptual designs for Shepler Park

BY KIM MCCONNELL kim.mcconnell@swoknews.com

City officials have pretty good idea about what they want to see in new and improved Ned Shepler Park.

Lawton Public Schools, city to swap park space

James said one of the biggest benefits for Lawton Public Schools is gaining ownership of land directly connected to school properties.

“So, when we found out that the city wanted to divest its land ownings, especially some city parks, we reached out to them to see if there was something that would benefit both the City of Lawton and Lawton Public Schools,” he said. One exchange centers on the Grandview sports complex, immediately west of Eisenhower Elementary and Eisenhower High schools.

Lawton Deputy City Manager Dewayne Burk said

See Parks, 2A

Now, it’s time to move forward with funding. Members of the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority (LETA) have signed off on conceptual designs for the downtown park, which stretches between Southwest 4th and Southwest 5th Streets, south of West Gore Boulevard. The long-time home of May’s Arts for All Festival, the tract also has hosted smaller gatherings, provides play space for youth from the Lawton Family YMCA, and has been gaining popularity after the Lawton Farmers Market opened on its east side

earlier this year. Already the site of the Bill Crawford/Candice Early statue, the park is the future home of the Celebrating Suffrage monument.

LETA hired the design firm Kimley Horn Associates to craft those conceptual designs, which will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday. The request will be for the council to accept those designs, action that could allow the park upgrade project to move forward. Estimated cost for the outlined work is $1.9 million.

“You can go raise money,” said Deputy City Manager Richard Rogalski, explaining fundraising efforts will be aided by having actual designs in hand, so people will know what’s being planned.

LETA Chairman Jay Burk said Kimley

See Shepler, 3A BY PAYTON WILLIAMS payton.williams@swoknews.com

Fort Sill bids farewell to garrison commander

Col. Rhett Taylor, Fort Sill’s garrison commander for the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, said goodbye to the post at a change-of-command ceremony on Friday. Taylor handed the flag of the Fort Sill Garrison over to Col.

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Layout & Design

Let the Games Begin

Story

by Ethan Davis | Staff Writer

Softball season for Rose State College has begun. After a long offseason, the Rose State softball team is eager to get back out on the diamond.

Sophomore pitcher Jayleigh Totten is fired up about getting back into the swing of things.

“I’m really excited; think we’re really prepared,” Totten said. “I really think that we all have a really good connection.”

Freshman first baseman Caton Muncy is also ready to get back to it.

“I’m beyond excited,” Muncy said. “We have a great group of girls that are really talented and just awesome people as well as players on and off the field.”

Last year, the Raider softball team went 26-20 and are looking to improve on that this season.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes to win; our main goal is to be No. 1 and win our conference,” Muncy said.

Head Softball Coach Nickie Madden is heading into her 10th season as head coach of the Raider softball team. Madden described this year’s team as a fun but intense group.

“They have some lofty goals but they’re willing to work for it,” Madden said.

With eight pitchers, four catchers and each position having a backup, Madden said this team contains a lot of depth, and there is no shortness of talent on the softball team this year.

“Talent-wise, everyone is

equivalent, so it’s kind of fun that they have to compete every day, and it just makes them better. I’m kind of excited to see how it pans out,” Madden said. If there’s one thing to know

about Madden, it is that she loves coaching softball.

“I love teaching; I enjoy watching these kids grow and develop,” Madden said. “With junior college kids, you only have

MAPS 4

them for two years, but it’s kind of fun to see them grow into what they should be and watch them transfer out and go do big things.”

To Madden, preparation is key when it comes to getting ready for the season.

“We’ve been in the weight room all fall; we started the spring out the same way, they’ve been hitting it hard in every aspect,” she said. “I think their attention to detail is what they’ve really been hammering and trying to get better at. We have two scrimmages before the season opens and think that’ll be a true tell of where we are.”

When it comes to a new season, there are always new expectations that come with it.

The coaches have expectations for their players and the players have expectations for themselves.

Madden said she put her expectations on the team’s shoulders.

“I wanted them to own it,”

Madden said. “One of the goals they said was to try to shoot for that No. 1 spot in the conference, and think talent wise if they go out and compete that’s definitely something that they should be able to fight for, so I’m kind of excited that was our mentality all fall.”

It’s clear to see that there is a lot of excitement around the softball team this year. To see what all the excitement is about, check out the softball team’s schedule at rscraiders.com.

Remembering History: African American Surgeon and Researcher Charles

& Photos

Social Media conflict leads to assault and battery arrest

locked in a bathroom at the time of his arrival.

“(Victim) stated she did not know where

Stephanie was. (She) showed me burn mark on the upper left portion of her chest. observed there to be small blistered area that was consistent with a burn,” he stated.

Cooper was able to locate Stollings barricaded in a room within the residence, hiding under a pile of clothes at which point he instructed her to come out.

Stollings was escorted to the patrol vehicle and placed in handcuff without incident, according to Cooper. She remained detained as Cooper continued his investigation of the incident.

Cooper stated while speaking with the victim he was told Stollings grabbed the victim by the hair and stuck lit cigarette to her chest.

in less than 30 minutes of the initial dispatch Cooper was contacted by dispatch and informed that Stollings had returned to the Cushing address and was threatening to burn down the house or break down the door. He says at this point he activated his emergency lights and continued en route.

“I was also advised by dispatch that Stephanie had allegedly previously set fire to (victim’s) room couple of years ago,” said

Cooper.

“(Victim) then said the altercation moved to the doorway of the front door and Stephanie was pushing down on (her) head so hard that her chin was pushing into her throat and she could not breathe,” he states. “(She) was very emotional while telling me about the events that took place.”

Cooper also states he spoke with the homeowner, who said she was unaware of any similar prior events as well as Stollings who said the altercation started because of a social media issue.

After being allowed access into the residence

Cooper spoke with the female victim who was

attacked her on Facebook.

Stephanie stated she yelled back at him and (victim) yelled at her not to do that anymore and grabbed Stephanie’s phone out of her hand and began yanking on her hair,” he reported.

Cooper goes on to say he asked Stollings about the victim’s burn to which she replied that she probably did it but was not trying to hurt anybody.

“Stephanie stated she was not trying to hurt anybody she was just trying to keep her phone in her possession,” states Cooper’s report. “(Victim) started grabbing her hair and sticking her ngers in her eyes.”

At this time, Cooper inquired whether Stollings had been drinking, he writes she responded by saying she had had three shots of vodka mixed with lemonade. Further investigation of the vehicle involved in the aforementioned incident, the residency of the event, and speaking with the victim led to Cooper placing Stollings under arrest and transported to Payne County jail. According to court documents Stollings was charges with one count of assault and battery with a $5,000 bond set under the special condition of no contact to the victim. As of Oct. 3, the matter was continued to Oct. 6.

“Stephanie said (victim) attacked her because (victim’s) boyfriend’s brother

Stephanie Stollings

It’s been 12 weeks since 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, armed with an AR-15 rifle, entered Robb Elementary School unobstructed through an unlocked door where he fatally shot 19 students and two teachers and wounded 17 others in the fourth-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. It was the last day of the school year in Uvalde, Texas, and the last day of life for 21 people.

“Enough is enough,” Vice President Kamala Harris demanded in the aftermath of the bloodbath. “As a nation, we have to have the courage to take action and to ensure something like this never happens again.”

Clifta Fugett, superintendent for Muldrow Public Schools, and Lori Wiggins, superintendent for Roland Public Schools, have taken

Clifta Fugett

action they believes will keep their school districts from enduring what occurred on May 24 in South Texas…and Feb. 14, 2018, in Parkland, Fla.…and

Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook

Elementary …and April 20, 1999, in Columbine, Colo. Fugett said safety is essential for students to feel secure enough to learn, and is always mindful of the district’s responsibility to safeguard the students in its charge. “We take the safety and security of our school as one of the utmost importance,”

Fugett said. “We realize that parents have trusted us with their most valuable people. We also understand that if students do not feel safe and secure, they will not learn.

For this reason, we work constantly to evaluate systems, campuses and protocol to best meet the need for safety and security.”

Fugett says the district is working to add an additional security officer to its campuses. “The school resource officer system is very valuable.”

She said camera systems have been updated, door locks and windows are working properly throughout the district, teachers and staff have received emergency training and the RAVE Panic Button Lori Wiggins

system has been implemented. Roland’s commitment to school safety is in lockstep with its eastern Sequoyah County neighbor. “Roland Public Schools

1. Virginia Tech, April 16, 2007 — 32 people were fatally shot and 17 others were wounded on the Blacksburg campus.

2. Sandy Hook Elementary School, Dec. 14, 2012 — 20 children and 6 staff members were fatally shot at the school in Newton, Conn.

3. Uvalde, Texas, May 24, 2022 — 19 students and teachers fatally shot at Robb Elementary School on the last day of school. The shooter entered the school unobstructed with an AR-15 rifle through an unlocked door.

4. Parkland, Fla., Feb. 14, 2018 — 14 students and three staff members were fatally shot and 17 others were wounded at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

5. Columbine High School, April 20, 1999 — 12 students and a teacher were fatally shot before the two shooters committed suicide. 21 additional people were wounded by gunshots at the Colorado school. The word “Columbine” has become a byword for school shootings.

6. University of Texas, Aug. 1, 1966 — 14 people were fatally shot and 31 others were wounded by a sniper on the Austin campus.

In Roland School Board meeting

The Roland Board of Education met on August 8 where they accepted five employees’ resignations and approved new hires for the 2022-23 school year.

Resignations were accepted from Debra Farris, Elementary teacher; Mikiah McDonald, teacher assistant/coach; Jonathan Moore, Middle School math teacher/coach; Sadie Carter; and Vicki Jeremiah, Special Ed Para. The board also approved Cindy Huggins and Heather Moore as adjunct teachers.

“A lot of our fluent speakers are not necessarily coming into the office asking for help so we had to figure out how to find and help them,”

Cherokee Nation Principal

Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.

“Speaker Services started out with just a few hundred thousand dollars to repair few speaker homes we encountered, and is now a program on its own that over the next three years we will dedicate over $7 million to serving.”

The Speaker Services program is under Cherokee Nation’s Language Department

Following an executive session, the board reconvened and voted to hire the following: Monica King, Teir II Para, Upper Elementary; Ashley Hammontree, Elementary teacher; Mason Wiggins, teacher assistant/coach; Seth Roberts, teacher assistant/ coach; Jessica Bruce, PreK teacher; and Alisha Prewett, PreK Para.

Following motion from board Vice President Charles Howard and a second motion from Kevin Flurry, board clerk, the board approved the FY 2022-23 certified personnel on temporary contracts.

In new business, the board

also approved employee contracts for the new school year. Superintendent Lori Wiggins gave recap of the teachers’ first day events and upcoming scheduled school events for August. She also reported on school enrollment numbers as of Aug. 8. The board was also notified of the updates to the Safe Return Plan concerning the most recent CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Wiggins was also granted authority to modify the 202223 school calendar, change and set school hours, assign students, and use school facilities to promote safety and well-being of students and staff in relation to COVID-19.

The superintendent also reported Moffett Schools will enter into an Alt Ed Program with Roland being LEA and in charge of their allocation for the new school year. Following recommendation from Wiggins to approve the Alt Ed Program, the measure was approved. Also approved for the 202223 school year were: Federal Program Assurances and the LEA Agreement; Roland Virtual Distance Learning Policy and Procedures; revised

Read The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette online at piedmontnewsonline.com

Vote to enter agreement with OKC deadlocks

By Michael Pineda Staff Writer

There is consensus on the Piedmont Council regarding the need for road reconstruction project of NW 164th Street between Mustang and Sara Road. How to go about it is completely different matter.

A motion to partner with Oklahoma City for the project ended in 2-2 vote, with Ryan Redus absent from the council meeting Tuesday night. The council will now wait to see if it can work with incoming Canadian County District Commissioner Tomas Manske before deciding to proceed without the county’s assistance.

Prior to

and much more, Williams said. It will be his first year as city manager to see the annual celebration in person. The mayor’s tree lighting will be held in downtown Piedmont Saturday, Dec. 3, running from p.m. to 9 p.m. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page, located at https://www. facebook.com/piedmontmayorschristmastreelighting/.

Moving forward City holds rst meeting a er mayor resignation

By

Local man with extensive criminal history sought on arrest warrant

Discovery

Prehistoric skull found at construction site

Mengers joins Hall of Fame

SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES

Running with the bulls

CHUCK

Sallisaw bullfighter Judd Napier throws caution to the wind protecting bull riders in rodeo’s ‘game of inches’

LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

For those viewing bull-riding competition from the safety of the Sallisaw rodeo grounds bleachers, nightmare would be finding yourself facing off against 1,800 pounds of steak on the hoof that you already know didn’t like a rider being on his back because he’s al-

ready bucked him to the dirt. And now that ill-tempered, slobbering, bulging-eyed bovine is looking to inflict as much pain and suffering as he can before locating the nearest exit.

It’s a situational nightmare for most. But for professional bullfighter Judd Napier of Sallisaw, it’s his dream job. “I start-

Sallisaw man charged with abuse of vulnerable

Just Folks Outside

adult

disabled adult at

A Sallisaw man is charged with a felony count of child sexual abuse following a report of alleged abuse to Sallisaw Police.

Thomas D. Holmes, 56, was charged July 22 in Sequoyah County District Court and an arrest warrant was issued for him the same day, according to court records.

Sallisaw Police officer Josh Rogers said on July

12 he made contact with a reporting party who said a juvenile under the age of 16 had told a family member they’d allegedly been sexually assaulted by their father for the past five years. The reporting party was able to provide two cell phones to authorities that contained messages between Holmes and the juvenile where Holmes was allegedly soliciting sexual favors from the juvenile, according to the probable cause affidavit in the case.

library

By ADRIAN O’HANLON

III EDITOR James Coddington told his spiritual advisor minutes before his execution that he was disappointed turning his life around made no difference.

nied him clemency this week despite the state’s

parole board recommending clemency with a 3-2 vote earlier this month. “I don’t blame you, and forgive you,” Coddington said, according to witnesses. Oklahoma prisons director Scott Crow told reporters Thursday the execution followed protocol “with no issues at all” as Coddington’s time of death came at 10:16 a.m. Witnesses said Coddington’s breathing did not seem labored. Coddington was convicted of first-degree murder in 2003 and received a death sentence in the 1997 murder of Hale, who was a week away from turning 74. Hale had befriended Coddington when they worked together at an auto parts shop in Choctaw for about three

Coddington, in his final statement before being executed Thursday, forgave Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt

McMahon Foundation joins forces with OSU

Emergency Management, church offer relief from heat

BY PAYTON WILLIAMS payton.williams@swoknews.com

Tuesday was the hottest day of the year so far in Oklahoma. A day where temperatures reached well above 110 degrees. For many, it’s an inconvenience. For the homeless, and those without air conditioning, it can mean death.

Like most people in Southwest Oklahoma, the high temperatures were on Comanche County Emergency Management Director Clint Langford’s mind on Monday. A conversation in the office led him to put together a cooling center in Lawton.

“I haven’t been here long, but this is the first time we’ve done it since

I’ve been working here,” Langford said.

Langford said that while temperatures have been high for several weeks, on day as extreme as Tuesday, it’s essential to have a place for people to get out of the sun.

“Days like today are absolutely brutal for anyone who’s outside, whether it’s workers or homeless population,” Langford said “We knew we had to do something for them.”

Plans came together quickly, despite the short notice, Langford said.

“We got an almost immediate response when we called for help on this,” Langford said. The process started Monday afternoon. Langford and others in Emer-

gency Management began calling for volunteers, and seeking possible locations. After talking to Pastor Mike Keahbone, they quickly settled on First Baptist Church.

First Baptist is perfectly located for cooling center. It’s in the center of downtown Lawton, and next door to the Lawton Area Transit System’s most active bus stop, and the Lawton Public Library. It’s an area lot of Lawton’s homeless residents tend to stay near in the day, fact that isn’t lost on Keahbone.

“When first got here, almost two years ago, that was one of the first things identified,” Keahbone said. “God has put us in strategic location to be able to help our community any time it’s in crisis.” Keahbone and Langford have

BY SCOTT RAINS scott.rains@swoknews.com

“It’s hot enough to cook an egg out there.”

It’s an adage heard every summer in Southwest Oklahoma, it seems. But the big question remains: Is it?

On Tuesday, with temperatures slated to hit up to 112 degrees by mid-afternoon, it ofof fered an ample opportunity to test the experiment outside The Lawton Constitution offices.

With sidewalk taking direct sunlight along the southern perimeter, as well as metal plates embedded above drain, cooking surfaces were ready for the contrast. In taking tips for the “eggs-periment” from WikiHow, the suggested aluminum foil surface instead of the readily available steel plate seemed like sort of a cheat.

amount of cloud cover earlier the sun was out. The temperature was well above the minimum suggested 100 degrees. With less-thanhumid conditions, the dry heat was identified as better to firm

Payton Williams/Staff

JT Thomas and his recently rescued dog, Queenie, get out of the heat at the Emergency Management cooling center, at First Baptist Church, 501 SW B.

At 1:30 p.m., the 108-degree temperature recorded by the National Weather Service served as sort of oven pre-heat for the exper-

iment slated for p.m. You don’t have to be an egghead to know this might not work. Following directions found online at WikiHow, two important ingredients seemed to be met for the endeavor to move forward.

Scott Rains/staff Tommy Gonzalez measures the metal grate serving as a griddle’s rising temperatures Tuesday afternoon as an “eggs-periment” of egg frying on the hottest day of the summer so far is underway. Johannes Becht/staff The reporter cracks open an egg for cooking on a metal grate outside The Constitution’s offices Tuesday afternoon as the temperature reaches 111 degrees. Check out the short video on our website www.swoknews.com See Eggs-periment, 2A DIVISION 1 — Daily and Online-Only Publications, population more than 40,000

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He then begin tracting specialist Air Force Base his way up to contracting ficer and other positions.

“I know what I possess with being have organization, skills, being able bigger picture,” said. “Also, having a legal background ing able to interpret on regulations, feel like I had necessary to be in here, and the skills to be able a city manager in Piedmont.

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EDITORIAL WRITING

this year.

She served as a mechanic during World War II as a teenager and saved her rations for her future wedding.

Throughout the years she made many diplomatic visits to such places as Germany and China to show improved relations between the countries.

Elizabeth guided a commonwealth during her rule over the nation’s remaining under British monarchy. The queen has partaken in charity work for more than six hundred charities and at least 2 billion dollars was raised because of her. Even though she was never supposed to be queen, a series of unfortunate events landed her in the position she was in.

She was loved by her country and performed a televised Christmas address every year.

There are many detailed plans for the queen’s death so there were many procedures put into place before she died. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, such events such as the coronation of Prince Charles were already planned well ahead of time.

There is a clear statement of the love her people had for her with the number of people who watched her funeral.

The broadcasted funeral peaked at around 37.5 million viewers overall on Sept. 19, which is the biggest audience in UK broadcast history according to the BBC and other news sources like ITV and

Sky. Students in some schools also watched the service to pay respects to the late queen. Many world leaders attended the funeral including United States President Joe Biden.

At the 1977 silver jubilee, the Queen said: “Although that vow was made in my salad days when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.”

Queen Elizabeth’s name has deep ties to British history and heavily influenced the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was loved by her country and the world. Her yearly televised Christmas messages will certainly be missed.

Oklahoma HB1775

Restricting Critical Race Theory

ashamed based on their race or sex.”

House Bill 1775 has definitely turned some heads after Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law restricting Oklahoma school teachers from teaching critical race theory.

HB1775 authors and supporters offered no credible evidence to support why this law would be necessary for Oklahoma schools of any type.

Many educators feel strongly for or against this bill especially because of the censorship implications it brings forth. Oklahoma is no stranger to censorship practices such as banning books in schools.

At a news conference on May 7, 2021, Governor Stitt said “This law is to teach kids about history without labeling a young child as an oppressor. Or he or she feels guilty or

Christopher Lehman is an Edmond native, Oklahoma State University graduate, and professor of ethnic studies at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He argues that critical race theory does not divide students or talk about one race being superior to the other. Instead, it sheds light on racial discrimination.

The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission argued that critical race theory does not teach students that the difference in their skin color is better than the other.

They are also disappointed that Governor Stitt chose to support HB1775. This bill opposes the work of the 1971 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.

President Joseph Harroz Jr., University of

Oklahoma is concerned with the fact that the new law prohibits higher education institutions from requiring students to have mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling.

“OU employees, including student employees, are still

it is important to continue to learn from our past to build an enlightened and resilient future.

“We stand firmly by our vision for equity board policy and remain committed to creating, building, and sustaining an environment that embraces racial,

Although some educators are opposed to HB1775, they are now going to have to abide by the new law. Some teachers fear they no longer have support; they want to be respected as professionals and not have to fear they are going to be reported if they offend anyone.

Tulsa public schools have been downgraded after a teacher found that their training which was to fulfill an accreditation requirement was offensive.

will not cost their school their accreditation. Simply feeling uncomfortable does not violate HB1775. Some teachers are overcompensating while trying not to offend anyone. They feel it is hard to follow rules when they do not know what the rules are, causing teachers to second-guess themselves.

required to complete the training, along with other necessary and essential employee training, such as sexual harassment and workplace safety,” Harroz said.

Dr. Sean McDaniel, Oklahoma City Public School Superintendent is for HB1775. He believes

ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity and that provides equitable access to a higher standard of educational success for all students with the intention of closing achievement gaps.”

OKCPS strongly agrees with House Bill 1775.

Mustang self-reported a violation of HB 1775 and was given the same punishment as Tulsa Public Schools.

The Tulsa Race Massacre group wants Stitt to veto the bill because of its possible implications on how the historical massacre is taught in Oklahoman schools.

Teachers want to know what they teach children

Because HB1775 is not clear, educators ask that legislation write clear instructions so that everyone knows what the law is, including the enforcement agencies.

“HB1775 was designed to codify the concept of Martin Luther King. He spoke of a day when people in America would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” Stitt said.

“HB1775 codifies that concept that so many of us believe in our hearts including me.”

Tereasa Neeley

Voices Editor

“We stand firmly by our vision for equity board policy...”

—Sean McDaniel OKC Public School Superintendent

Editorial Writing

FIRST PLACE Yale News

Adventures with Allie

Autism Acceptance Month

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PLACE The Fairfax Chief

By Allie Prater

April is Autism acceptance month.

During this month, it is important to educate yourself on autistic people, autistic traits, what to do if an autistic friend or loved one is having a meltdown or experiencing sensory overload, and how you can make a world that is more inclusive for the autistic people in our communities.

Identity first (they are autistic) recognizes and affirms the person’s identity in all that they are.

They are autistic. It is not a burden they carry, it is not something they can take off at the end of the day, and it is not something that needs to be cured. It is part of their identity, don’t take that away from them.

THIRD

PLACE Vian Tenkiller News

The knowledge that you gather during Autism acceptance month can help you create a better life for the autistic people around you year round, it is a step towards growth, not a pretty ribbon worn once a year.

First and foremost, a person is autistic, they do not have autism. Person first language (they have autism) praises the stereotype that autism is a burden, something they carry and something that needs to be fixed.

Person first language insinuates that autism is the same as a deadly disease, and is something that a person would be better without (e.g. “they have cancer”).

One out of every 45 people have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 2.2% of the population. To put that into perspective a bit, one out of every 95 people are born with red hair, less than 2% of the population.

Common signs of autism in adults include but are not limited to: having issues understanding what others are feeling or thinking. Getting anxious in social situations. Finding it hard to make friends. Seeming blunt, rude, or not interested in others without meaning to. Avoiding eye contact with others. Not understanding social rules such as, not talking over people.

The “do’s and don’t’s” of autism. Do not use the term “high functioning” or “low functioning”. These are outdated terms that were used before ASD was better studied, and more understood. Some autistic people are just better at masking, making themselves appear to be allistic (not autistic) for the comfort of the allistic people around them.

Do not support the organization “Autism Speaks”. Autism Speaks is a group that is ran by allistic people who’s funding goes towards prenatal tests and abortions to stop autistic people from being born. This organization uses fear tactics to encourage hate towards autistic people. Instead, support organizations like Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autistics for Autistics, and Yellow Ladybugs, which are run by autistic people and are there to support autistic children and adults, and to help promote education on autism. Do not “light it up blue”. The light it up

Special Recognitions at the Capitol

By Rep. John Talley

On Tuesday, I had the incredible honor of introducing a World War II veteran, Burton Richard Coate, on the House floor. Sgt. Coate, who today lives in Perkins, enlisted in the Army Air Corps when he was 18 and entered World War II in

president on this day, said the school’s focus is making communities great, and she is excited about the future of the university.

Outside of the House chamber, we continued committee meetings this week. I am the House author on several Senate bills,

which reduces court costs assessed to children in our juvenile justice system, must now pass the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee. Senator Jessica Garvin is carrying this bill through the Senate for me, and I appreciate her passion for this policy. As

blue campaign Speaks, incorrect autism. half of all Do not also popularized created to piece missing that “needs plays into children’s with a weeping horrific tragedy. The visualization decades of unsuccessful Autistic They need Not just in Be kind, Love one And learn

Only

was the absolute worst? For old Marietta fans and players, it is most likely a Bi-District round Class C playoff game in November 1964.

The Indians played at Maud with a strong north wind blowing the entire game. The temperature was dropping and near or at freezing by halftime. It is the only time I can remember fans building

Election

Precinct 430204: Marietta First Baptist Church, 402 W. Main.

Precinct 430101: Marietta School Auditorium, 408 Indian Way.

Precinct 430207: Rubottom Baptist Church, 3011 State Highway 32.

Precinct 430103: Thackerville First Baptist Church, 19266 US Hwy. 77.

Closings

(Continued

wood-burning fires in 55 gallon barrels along the sidelines, then taking turns trying to keep warm.

The only good thing about that night is that Marietta won 27-0 to move up in the playoffs. Three games later, all played in better weather, the Indians won the State Championship defeating Garber 39-15. Yes, those were the good old days.

(Continued from Page 1)

Precinct 430205: Turner School Auditorium, 22069 Hwy. 32.

The Love County Election Board is located at 405 West Main Street, Suite 103, and is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call the Love County Election Board at (580) 276-2242.

(Continued from Page 1)

Opinion: A Changing of Times

Current trends are breaking our democracy

The Marietta Public Works Authority and Thackerville Water Office will close Friday. There is no scheduled trash pickup on Fridays but the

By Connor Choate Staff Writer connor@mariettamonitor.com

It doesn’t take long to notice things in this world are changing.

As an industry, newspapers are assumed to be a dying breed but their importance is now greater than ever. When I visited a local high school recently to talk about journalism, I asked a simple question, “What does the newspaper mean to you?” My favorite and most honest answer I received: “The thing my grandfather reads.”

According to a Microsoft Corporation survey, the average attention span for an adult is 8.25 seconds, which is shorter than that of a goldfish. It’s no surprise that a Gallup survey from 2021 showed fewer Americans are reading books. In short, most people do not have the attention span to sit down and read a newspaper or really anything longer than a few sentences.

Ok, you can go check your phone real quick and come back to this article later.

This terrifying trend has a real effect on our ability to decipher what is truth and what is not.

Long gone are the days where we hear both sides of an argument and most times a meme is circulated to clarify a point of view instead of a well-researched article.

governments’ Facebook pages and produces half-baked PR articles that come across more ostentatious than informative. Our elected officials should seriously question the motive behind creating a position that adds such little value to Marietta when there are other more productive and profitable things the city could do with $41,000+ a year.

For example: continuing with road repairs and paving (which was budgeted for unlike this proposed position), revamping a local park or encouraging local development and business through a cooperative effort with the Love County Chamber of Commerce and the Love County Industrial Foundation. Both are entities that were created for the sole purpose of promoting and recruiting business to Marietta.

There is nothing more un-American than a government agency or politician telling you what is news and what is not. That has never been and should never be their role.

The city and government agencies should have the ability to interact with their citizens but it should never be their primary focus of energy or taxpayer dollars. Furthermore local government should work in unison with its established outlets, not decide to just create a position in order not to deal with them outright.

Our elected officials should seriously question the motive behind creating a position that adds such little value to Marietta when there are other more productive and profitable things the city could do with $41,000+ a year.

Transfer Station will be open. Red River Valley R.E.A. will be closed. Health Services

The Love County Health Department will be closed but the Mercy Health Love County Clinic will remain open.

Ministers plan Thanksgiving service

The Love County Ministerial Alliance’s Community Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for this Sunday, November 6 at the

is one of the only fundraisers the ministerial alliance has throughout the year and provides funds for emergency assistance to families stranded in Marietta.

People are going to social media platforms for news instead of their local news media. Celebrities, politicians and even local governments have flocked to social media in an attempt to control the narrative or promote themselves.

This leads some to either lose trust of local media or ignore them flat out, for which if we are not careful will be the end of our democracy as a whole.

Anytime the government or politicians start using social media as a mouthpiece for promoting themselves it should raise suspicion.

There is nothing more un-American than a government agency or politician telling you what is news and what is not. That has never been and should never be their role.

In a recent City Council meeting, the City of Marietta proposed a Community Liaison position, whose job description included: managing and creating social media content for the city, boosting customer satisfaction, working to resolve conflicts with the public and representing the City of Marietta at community functions. The meeting was originally reported in the October 14 issue of the Monitor.

Don’t worry if you are asking yourself, “Well, what will the Mayor or City Manager do then?” You’re not the only one as it’s a question I have fielded many times since the article published.

During this meeting, our Mayor and City Manager used

Newspapers have always played the role of informing its citizens, and our forefathers saw the news media’s role as an important part of our nation’s democracy: a free and responsible press.

If it wasn’t for the Monitor attending City Council meetings, you probably would have never known about this position and it could have passed with very little discussion or questioning.

When was the last time you made a $41,000+ purchase that you didn’t consult your spouse? Yet government does this frequently with the citizens footing the bill.

Or if something nefarious or illegal is to actually happen in local government, do you really think their Community Liaison is going to promote it as part of their “brand”? Probably not. Social media pages show you only the good, seldom the bad or even mundane.

Some might walk away from this article mad or want to start a subscription (we do take credit cards over the phone, by the way), but more than that, I would like for you to walk away wanting to get more involved within the community you live in. A community is only as good as its citizens.

At the Monitor, we have always believed that an informed citizen is a good one. It’s part of our “brand”.

EDITORIAL Enforcement of city’s water ordinance needed

By Tom Lokey Sentinel Co-Publisher

With the city of Tishomingo cautiously approaching stage two of its water conservation plan, it is time for serious consideration of city ordinance 2015-02 to be enforced.

This is the ordinance passed in 2015 declaring a public nuisance of anyone withdrawing more than their proportionate share of groundwater from the Pennington Creek watershed.

Pennington Creek flows from springs in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, and the watershed of Pennington Creek has been determined to include areas from which some of the local area mines are taking water.

The nuisance ordinance reads, in part:

The withdrawal of groundwater, in whole or in part, from the Pennington Creek subsurface watershed;

i. In excess of the amount that would be allowed by the application of the Equal Proportionate Share; or

ii. That otherwise interferes with, degrades, or undermines the water quality or water quantity of Pennington Creek.

“We are closely monitoring the flow of Pennington Creek and keeping the mayor informed of the flow in case the mayor needs to declare a stage two shortage,” Troy Golden, city manager, recently stated to the Sentinel.

Council considers As water level

By John A. Small Managing Editor

As Johnston County and the surrounding area continue to experience extreme drought conditions, the City of Tishomingo is again asking residents to voluntarily limit water use as much as possible.

But city officials have laid the groundwork for more stringent water conservation measures if current conditions do not improve.

During its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night, the Tishomingo City Council voted to remain at the Stage One water restriction for residences and businesses enacted by the council on Feb. 22.

But the council’s action also authorized Mayor Laura Wood to authorize Stage Two restrictions if the flow of Pennington Creek - the city’s sole source of water - continues to drop.

Water Mill Tishomingo one-fi be area.

According to Golden, stage one voluntary

Troy

Editorial Writing

FIRST PLACE The Newcastle Pacer

SECOND PLACE The Purcell Register

THIRD PLACE Countywide & Sun

EDITORIAL

Keep tax dollars out of private education

The people of Oklahoma may have voted Kevin Stitt back in the governor’s office and Ryan Walters in as secretary of education, but they did not give them a mandate to put public tax dollars into private education.

We believe voters only said they want conservative leadership in state government. They did not say they want publicly funded private school vouchers. Both Stitt and Walters have said they support vouchers and they will make this a priority in their new terms. Stitt said he wants to get the public on board.

We say the public is not on board, especially in rural Oklahoma.

The question becomes: Why is there such a push by Stitt and Walters to spend public education dollars on private education?

Are we becoming so internalized and selfish that we’ve lost the importance of providing public resources to those in need?

The idea of taxation is to provide for the welfare of all, especially those who cannot provide for themselves. In the case of education, tax-

ation is used to finance public sector expenditures to promote public advantage.

We don’t believe there’s a place for public-private partnerships when it comes to educating our children. The private schools have always been able to fund themselves. Those who have the monetary resources and don’t want their child in a public school can send their child to a private school. Many times there are scholarships available. These schools also have a business model that has worked for them. They don’t need public funding.

Even parents who have paid for their child’s private education are saying they believe they should be paying for it themselves, and government funds should be going to public schools.

Stitt and Walters say they want to get the public on board. We say no! Keep our public schools strong by keeping tax dollars out of private education.

— Mark Codner, Editor and Publisher

OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE / From the desk of Sen. Jessica Garvin

Opinion

The Oklahoma Eagle

Editorial Writing

FIRST PLACE

The Oklahoma Eagle

SECOND PLACE Midwest City Beacon

THIRD PLACE

EDITORIAL

Black Critical and Focus

on the history-making contributions of America began when Woodson and the Association the Study of Negro Life tory successfully lobbied creation of Negro History in 1926. They chose February that could birthdays of Abraham and Frederick Douglass. Rights activities on colleges puses in the 1960s agitated expanding the week month of February. Gerald Ford formalized History Month in 1976, ery President since has suit.

During these days when the very act of teaching history may be against the law, the need to observe Black History Month has never been greater. The city of Tulsa and the

practices are well documented. In fact, perhaps the 115 Republican legislators – 77 House and 38 Senate members who supported what the ACLU has noted in its lawsuit against the state as a “literally

censorship.

His House Bill 2988 would ban teaching the Pulitzer Prize winning “1619 Project,” by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times. We

Black history has taken new meaning in this political era. Education reports that since January 14 Republican-led states Georgia, Alabama, South lina, Virginia, Tennessee,

When it comes to history, Oklahoma’s GOP needs a factual lesson plan not more anti-history bills

GOV. KEVIN STITT DELIVERS HIS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS TO OKLAHOMA LEGISLATORS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT THE OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL IN OKLAHOMA CITY ON MONDAY, FEB. 7, 2022. ALONZO ADAMS / AP PHOTO

Editorial Writing

FIRST PLACE The Duncan Banner

SECOND PLACE

OPINION OUR VIEWS

THIRD PLACE

Some opinions are better left unsaid. Early last week, a controversial TikTok video surfaced from a Stephens County school board member and a Velma assistant volunteer football coach, Andy McGuire. The video, with the user handle @savagegent77, told parents if they support more than two genders, or allow their children to decide their genders, they should “find the busiest street that you can find … lay down on the center line and do the world a favor.”

Superintendent Raymond Rice told The Banner he wouldn’t comment on the video, but added that McGuire wasn’t representing Velma-Alma Public Schools and was protected by the First Amendment.

Office holders must be held to a higher standard

THIRD

Government records are public

T

ransparency in government allows us, the people, to maintain control of the government — and that means government records must be more accessible.

The Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and Open Records Act were written to help make the state’s government more transparent to taxpayers. The purpose of the acts is to ensure and facilitate the public’s right to access and review government records so they may exercise their inherent political power.

Oklahoma’s Open Records Act allows any citizen to request any public record from any public body — and requires those agencies to allow prompt and reasonable access to public records.

Public records are defined as all documents created or received by a public official or body, or their representatives, relating to public business, funds or property.

Editorial Writing

How would you knew someone you to vote? If is you’d just stay home involved?

Student loan debts should be repaid

The debate over “college loan forgiveness” appears to focus on an “either/or” option, and we wonder why.

Hold off for a moment on questions as to why an individual who willingly went tens of thousands of dollars into debt discovers that money had serious strings attached. For most of us, when we buy a car or house, we understand the borrowed money will have to be paid back, over time, with interest. Reneging on that agreement has consequences in that you may lose your house, have your car repossessed, and your credit damaged, perhaps to the point of bankruptcy. Most borrowers examine the risk they’re taking when they sign the loan agreement, and the terms, including interest, are usually emphasized verbally as well as being part of the legal transaction. So why all this talk of “forgiveness” of college debt?

First off, that debt doesn’t go away, it’s just paid by someone else. We were shocked to discover recently that colleges that have high default ratios on student loans are penalized by the various programs and have to cover that debt themselves. We know that’s

A great deal has been about what constitutes gal voting. Those who previous election was made concerted efforts up the rules. Individuals lieve otherwise insist voting rules are nothing than an effort to disenfranchise individuals (largely minorities and lower income groups) keep them from the polls. What’s slipped by ticed is that numerous made a significant shift decades ago. It’s kind

tle secret no one wants to: They really don’t want vote. Well, unless you them. The good news is nearly thirds of eligible voters lots in the 2020 election. news is it was only two-thirds. For as long as I can we’ve touted newspaper as intelligent, active and in the electoral process. study we did of Constitution ers says that still holds Our readers not only

PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST PLACE

Northwestern News

PAINTING THE TOWN

SECOND PLACE The Campus

THIRD PLACE

The Cameron University

Collegian

DIVISION 8 — Weekly Publications, population less than 1,500

Glencoe high school students and Alumni played each other in the annual alumni baseball game Tuesday, principal Chad Speer, Alum Kash Bundy, Logan Vyrostek, Cooper Stokes, Alum Jordan Beaver, Wyatt Manning, Bailey, Denton Ray, Brennan Tillman, Jesse Ross, Kaleb Stokes, Alum Chance Stokes, Caleb McClain, Maddox Maxwell. Photos by Allie

FIRST PLACE

Yale News

SECOND PLACE The Fairfax Chief

THIRD PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News

Prater

Denton Ray reaches for the ball as Alum Ryan Cook starts his slide into second base during the annual alumni game Tuesday, August 2.

Alum Ryan of the way

FIRST PLACE McIntosh County Democrat

SECOND PLACE Eastern Times-Register

firework show in the

The Fourth was hotter but not as hot Celebration put on by Mayor ington and The show lasted ty minutes mesmerized up with so bursting overhead. The entire ly with corn tions, pony inflatables,

THIRD PLACE Johnston County Sentinel

Nothing more patriotic 2 lake accidents,

STAFF PHOTO | LADONNA RHODES Cody Johnson was shot like a rocket from his revved up machine during an intense moment at the lawnmower races.

FIRST

golf tournament at Tuttle Soccer Complex

SECOND

THIRD

By Jayson Knight Managing Editor

Tuttle Soccer Complex, located at 1501 North Cemetery Road in Tuttle, hosted its first disc golf tournament Saturday, welcoming more than a hundred people out to compete and

the donations of our current 16 hole sponsors. Our goal is 18 hole sponsors. If we receive more, there are many ways to highlight sponsors beyond what we have planned.”

The club that met up Saturday at TSC was the Tri City Flyers.

“The club grew out of the Schrock

Weather

CA Letter Jackets

FIRST PLACE Midwest City Beacon

SECOND PLACE The Express-Star

THIRD PLACE OKC Friday

SPORTS

Bombers stun PCN

variance hospital

The Midwest City boys rallied past PC North on the hardwood. See page 1B

Midwest City residents enjoyed winter snow that blanketed much of the state last week. A few people and pups braved the cold weather last Wednesday for a trip to the dog park. And others enjoyed sledding and playing in the snow near Midwest City Elementary School on Friday afternoon. Nearly a half a foot of snow fell in central Oklahoma last Wednesday and Thursday.

BY

ordinance.

except industrial. Councilman

proposal to the hospital.

“This is but it’s actually the hospital,” Councilman sentiment.

3 — Semi- and Tri-Weekly Publications

FIRST PLACE Yukon Progress

SECOND PLACE The Duncan Banner

er Stadium.

Teams from middle school through varsity will get their first look at live action in the scrimmage.

The seventh and eighth grade teams will open the scrimmage

and the varsity will start at 9 p.m. and workout to around 10 p.m.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

YHS head coach Marshall Hahn said the scrimmages are open to the public and will give Yu-

day night feel,” Hahn said. “The cheer, pom and drumline will have a couple of things they will do and fans will get to see our teams from seventh through 12th grade.

“We are looking to get a lot

weren’t anticipating them mak-

ing. We are looking for consistency from the older players. We will limit their reps quite a bit, but hopefully with the 15 or so reps our ones will get we will see consistent effort and execu-

THIRD PLACE Sequoyah County Times

the to in.

21st FFA another

By Chuck Reherman Sports Editor

Despite the heat, the Yukon FFA IPRA Rodeo came close to setting new records in its 21st edition.

The hot temperatures didn’t deter the crowd of fans either night of the rodeo as the attendance figures came close to 2,600 combined for the two performances.

After canceling the rodeo in 2020 due to COVID concerns, rodeo officials were concerned about getting fans back into the stands. This year far exceeded the 2021 version.

And rodeo fans were treated to two good nights of rodeo that saw cowboys battle tough bucking stock and fast times in the timed events.

“I thought we had a good rodeo,” rodeo director Jim Bob Carson said. “It was hot, but we had good crowds and once the rodeo got started, we had a good breeze come in and (it) cooled things down.

“We had standing room only on Saturday night and all the officers for the booster club thought we

Millerettes draw tough

By Chuck Reherman Sports Editor the teams in the field,”

Twister Smith of Luther pulls back the rope as his horse Denise puts on the breaks in the tie-down calf roping event during Friday night’s Yukon FFA Rodeo. (Photo by Chuck Reherman)

CONTROLLED BURN

Stillwater News Press

ic case izations to plummet, now than they are will be and fall gious ing to Associated Center Research.

U.N. report: Climate change to get worse

By Seth Borenstein AP Science Writer

Deadly with extreme weather now, climate change is about to get so much worse. It is likely going to make the world sicker, hungrier, poorer, gloomier and way more dangerous in the next 18 years with an

highly vulnerable to climate change” and 15 times more likely to die from extreme weather, the report says.

Large numbers of people are being displaced by worsening weather extremes. And the world’s poor are being hit by far the hardest, it says.

BETTER NEWSPAPER

More people are going to die each year from heat

things are bad, but actually the future depends on us, not the climate.”

With every tenth of a degree of warming, many more people die from heat stress, heart and lung problems from heat and air pollution, infectious diseases, illnesses from mosquitoes and starvation, the authors say.

still be prevented or lessened with prompt action.

“Today’s IPCC report is an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership,”

United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “With fact upon fact, this report reveals how people and the

Just “extremely” ried about family ing COVID-19, 36% in January, caused infections lic health 34% say worried. deaths attributed since dominant navirus

Lincoln, ing Martinez

Carolyn Jones

Shawn Jackson Steve Replogle TERMITES & PEST CONTROL

A farmer monitors a controlled burn Monday on North 42nd. (Billy Hefton / Enid News & Eagle)

Still chasing

Softball

Friday, February 18, 2022

The time is now. With already consistent squads reloading rosters in the offseason, expectations have intensified at OSU this spring. A handful of teams rank in the top 10, and are primed for a postseason push. Optimism reigns across the sports landscape.

Dean Ruhl Sports Editor

player Chelsea Alexander said. “We take our softball. We play softball and we take our game to them. We’re not going to sit there and let you chase us. We’re going to chase you down and we’re going to defend what’s ours.”

Numerous core pieces from last season’s Women’s College World Series team returned. Where talent was lost, Gajewski methodically maneuvered the transfer portal, yanking a handful of premier players with plugand-play potential. Capped off with a formidable recruiting class, the recognition equaled the hype. The softball landscape is trying to keep up. In most coaches’ offices across the country, they’re chasing the Cowgirls. But OSU isn’t done chasing. “We don’t have that ring,” pitcher Tatum Clopton said. “We don’t have that

chase teams,” designated

championship trophy yet and that is what we’re still working toward so we need to not worry about what other people are doing to us and what they’re working toward which is usually beating us.”

In the small sample of games this season, OSU has been the chased. On opening night, No. 21 Arizona State attempted to claw back into the game against the Cowgirls late. Utah built lead and held a tie with OSU until Cowgirl center fielder Chyenne Factor hit walk-off home run. No. 20 Duke, led by pitcher Peyton St. George who fanned nine batters and allowed three hits, handed the Cowgirls their first loss in shoutout fashion.

See Chasing on 2A

Omaha aspirations

Cowboys reload for title push

Baseball

due to consistency.

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

It is an important yearly battle for Mike Rooney and the staff at D1 Baseball. Get the preseason rankings right. Rankings trigger vehement reactions from fanbases upset or thrilled with the amount of respect being showed to their team. Poorly judged preseason rankings can quickly be proven off-base and reflect poorly on the people making the selections. Rooney is one of three primary contributors to D1 Baseball’s No. preseason ranking given to OSU. The outlet’s confidence in the Cowboys is partially

“Especially in the preseason, when you’re ranking teams, you’re not always ranking upside as much as your ranking who are the teams that trust?”

Rooney said. “And under Josh Holliday, Oklahoma State’s been remarkably consistent.” Holliday, entering his 10th season as coach, has led OSU to an NCAA Regional every season. Holliday has set high expectation, but the expectation isn’t the only reason the Cowboys are favorite to compete for College World Series in Omaha. “I think we were all really optimistic on Oklahoma State,” Rooney said.

“They had really good offseason. It’s a program that’s extremely well coached and then when

(Aaron Fitt) saw them in the fall he was blown away by the depth. That’s the thing one thing that stood out to me when we were talking, he was like, ‘I just can’t believe how deep their roster is.’”

The Cowboys are deep. After losing five positional players with more than 37 starts and three of their seven most-used pitchers, there are few areas the Cowboys have an obvious weakness in. Holliday reloaded his roster with the transfer portal, bringing in sophomore pitcher Victor Mederos from Miami and slugger graduate student Griffin Doersching from Northern Kentucky. The Cowboys also enter 2022 with the No. 5 recruiting class according to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

See Omaha on 3A

Sp r ing Sports Edition 2022

Sydney Pennington

Nolan McLean

DIVISION 8 — Weekly Publications, population less than 1,500

they may have liked to play more or shoot more. They stayed true to what this team needed them to be. I’m super proud of all three of them for that. They are players championship teams need.”

After being two of the top three scorers on the team as sophomores, the pair took step back in the scoring department as juniors with an impressive group of freshman stepping up. Their scoring numbers would decrease even more as seniors, yet their impact on the game was vital as ever.

“Madison and Emalee’s contributions go way fur-

Continued

ther than what they score,” explained Coach Hamar.

“They make plays for us on lose balls and rebounds. They come up with big plays here and there, but always do the little things it takes to win. They can make big shots, and have in the past, but they didn’t always have to in order to have an impact on the game.” Klaver remained one of Seiling’s most trusted ball handlers and on-the-ball defenders. Meanwhile, Shook brought an element of toughness to the defensive end and glass that the Lady Cats desperately needed considering their young roster. As for Seabourn, her minutes increased each year, as a reserve point guard for the Lady Cats. Despite being one of the shortest players on the team, Seabourn was shining example of the kind of confidence and work ethic Seiling has become known for every time they step on the court. “I can’t say enough about this young lady,” said Coach

Back on top

Hamar. “Shelby is the first one to practice every single day. She is the rst one on the court, and the last one to leave. She spends as much time working on her game as anyone I’ve coached. She played her role for us, even if that role wasn’t necessarily on game night. Sometimes we just needed her to give her best effort in practice to help push us to be our best. No matter what how much she scored or got on the court, she played pivotal role in this Championship.” “We are going to miss all three,” he added. “This is group will remember forever because they worked hard, regardless of the circumstances to be

Seiling had 16 boards on the offensive end alone. The Lady Cats dominated both ends of the glass with 38 total rebounds, and went on to win 70-32. Nyberg led the way with 18 points for Seiling, while Whetstone and Hammons each tallied 12. Madison

Klaver added seven points, while Briggs scored six. Gore and Hamar both put in five, while Shelby Seabourn

knocked down a three and Paige Coons scored two. The win sent Seiling to the State Championship on Saturday against HydroEakly in matchup most predicted when the season began. As back-to-back State Champs of Class A, the Lady Bobcats were making their fourth-straight appearance in the Championship Game. Hydro-Eakly lost in 2019 when Seiling closed out their four-peat, before winning each of the last two State Titles. Last winter, they would defeat Vanoss in the State Championship after beating Seiling in the semifinals in game the Lady Cats had not forgotten. Still, it wasn’t going to come easy in this one. With Rees and Kira Berkey trying to lead the Lady Bobcats to third and final title in their incredible careers at HydroEakly, the Lady Cats knew stopping the sisters would be as difficult as it was for Seiling’s opponents during Macy and Karly Gore’s four-year reign as State Champions.

However, Seiling was up for the challenge, and that was evident from the opening tip. Not only did Seiling get an easy layup on their first possession, but they got pair of steals after that, leading to two more baskets to go up 6-0.

Unfortunately, neither team shot the ball particu-

larly well in the early going, and it would be Hydro-Eakly that took an 11-8 lead after quarter of play. With both teams being two of the best in Oklahoma at pressuring their opponents the length of the court, was a fast-paced game that saw both teams create turnovers. “Early we got down ve, and were able to bounce back with couple of baskets,” stated Coach Hamar. “Then we made one of our runs to take the lead, but neither team made one of those big runs that we typically have.

Usually one of these teams makes 15-point run where we overwhelm our opponents because we play so fast. Both teams just bounced back and forth all night and it stayed close the whole way.”

Still, Seiling would take the edge in that department by halftime, and took 2521 lead into the break. From there, both teams traded shots, reminiscent of prized heavyweight fight and the contest would come down to the nal seconds.

“Our girls weren’t afraid of the moment because they play so much,” said Coach Hamar. “Not just with us but with their summer team games as well. We’ve been in giant games. It would be easy to fold in that kind of pressure that we had late in this one, but their experience playing in games like this

helped them. With just over minute to go, and Seiling boasting one-point advantage, Coach Hamar called for the Lady Cats to run their four-corner offense in an attempt to run the clock out on HydroEakly. However, the Lady Bobcats chose to foul Teagan Hamar in order to guarantee they’d get the ball back. The foul ended up being Rees Berkey’s fourth of the game, but worked as Hamar missed her lone attempt at the charity stripe. From there, Hydro-Eakly brought the ball down and eventually took one-point lead with half a minute to play. Seiling brought the ball back down court and attempted to get an open look at game-winning shot, but the ball would eventually get deflected and bounce free. Hamar would end up collecting the loose ball just before Berkey could slow her momentum from running into her. The Lady Bobcats star player would end up getting called for her fth foul, eliminating her from the contest and putting Hamar back at the free-throw line with 16 seconds left. This time, the freshman stepped up to the line with ice in her veins and drilled each of her two attempts to give Seiling the one-point advantage.

“Someone asked me if was dad or a coach in that moment,” said Coach Hamar of his daughter’s late free throws. “I don’t think was either one, was just praying. That was the rst thing was doing when she stepped up to the line. She spends so much time in the gym putting up shots, and that’s what told her after the game. When

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE SEILING WILDCATS!

“The offense is working. We ran well, we just kept backing ourselves up with holding calls. We can’t start first-and-20.” Chandler broke in a new kicker John Casey to replace the injured Landon Miller. “He’s another freshman who played soccer with our other kicker,” Gray said. “He wanted to try and come in, and he’s not bad for four days of kicking football.

“He’s going to come in and help us.”

Game stats

Bulldogs visit unbeaten No. 7 Stigler Thursday night

taken it over and has added a few little things to it but other than that it’s Risenhoover’s stuff. Their kids have been running that since the dawn of time over there.”

Risenhoover, the former head coach at Stigler, is now an assistant at Muskogee and Shearwood is the current head coach.

in the district last week with a 3512 win at Seminole (3-4 and 1-2) and Stigler (6-0 and 2-0) defeated Locust Grove (1-5 and 0-2) 43-14. Top-ranked Lincoln Christian (2-0 in the district) and Stigler lead Berryhill (2-1) and Muldrow in the district standings. Stigler opened its season with a 31-6 home win over Sallisaw before topping Catoosa (56-6), Blackwell (520), Stilwell (55-14) and Seminole (34-8).

“It’s going to be big one,” Muldrow head coach Brandon Ellis said. “It’s going to be another tall test. They’re traditionally rich, they’re tough and they’ve been running that system since (Chris) Risenhoover put it in long time ago. Cade (Shearwood) has

ROLAND HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

“Those kids play hard and he’s got them going in the right direction,” Ellis said.

“The whole staff does a great job with them. They’re just a tough-nosed football team and they’re a really good high school football team.”

In their last meeting in 2019 the Panthers downed the Bulldogs 42-0 in District 4A-4 contest and Muldrow’s last win (47-46) in the series came in 2017 when the teams competed in 3A-8. Some of Stigler’s key players on offense are wide receivers Will Rose (5-foot-11, 170-pound senior), Morgan Jones (6-1, 180, sr.) and Mason Jones (5-10, 165, jr.), quarterback McKade Peery (5-11, 165, jr.), running back/

Rangers travel to Okemah Thursday for 2A-5 clash

LeA LessLey sports editor Roland travels to Okemah Thursday night for a District 2A-5 contest against the Panthers as the Rangers look to

register their second district win of the season. Kickoff at Okemah, which is located about 19 miles west of Henryetta just off I-40, is

scheduled for 7 p.m.

Roland (1-5 overall and 1-2 in the district)

lost 55-6 to Prague last week and Okemah (2-4 and 1-2) dropped a 5514 decision at No. 5

Vian. The Panthers lost 14-12 to Pawnee in their season opener before winning by forfeit over Wewoka and falling 3822 at Stroud. In its other district contests Okemah downed SequoyahTahlequah 42-26 and lost 35-0 to Warner. Some of Okemah’s key players on offense are quarterback Andrew Swayze (6-foot-1, 185-pound junior), running back Colton Par-

MULDROW HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

ish (5-11, 180, sr.), tight end Davon Johnson (61, 210, sr.) and linemen Wyatt Cooper (6-1, 270, sr.), Cameron Hicks (510, 295, sr.) and Conner Stacy (5-11, 245, soph.).

“Offensively they are in a wing-T and they hop into quads a little bit for some different things that they do offensively but mostly a wing-T,” Roland head coach Austin Cantrell said. “On defense we’ve just got to get lined up right and read our keys and study film obviously and know exactly what they’re trying to do,” Cantrell said. see RHs FOOTBALL, page

Muldrow grabs ‘really big win’ at seminole Friday

LeA LessLey sports editor Muldrow overcame a first-period deficit and outscored the Chieftains 21-6 in the final 12 minutes Friday

night inside Chieftain Stadium as the Bulldogs solidified their playoff chances with a 3512 District 3A-3 win at Seminole.

Muldrow (6-1 overall

and 2-1 in the district) visits Class 3A No. 7

Stigler (6-0 and 2-0)

Thursday night and Seminole (3-3 and 1-2) plays at top-ranked Lincoln

Lea LessLey sports editor

Roland running back Noah Hyatt tries to turn the corner during recent high school football contest at Vian. The Rangers travel to Okemah Thursday night for a District 2A-5 game.

Christian (5-1 and 2-0). Seminole took a 6-0 lead with 5:39 left in the opening period Friday night on a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Dontre Garfield.

Muldrow defensive back Trenden Collins returned a fumble 48 yards for touchdown with 9:16 to go in the

second stanza and David Frias’ point-after kick gave the Bulldogs 7-6 advantage.

Collins ran for 12yard touchdown with 8:22 remaining in the third quarter and Frias’ extra point made the score 14-6. Early (10:23) in the final frame the Bulldogs’

MHs FOOTBALL, page see BULLDOGs, page

Eli Crumrine crossed the goal line after a 15yard run and Muldrow led 21-6 following Frias’ kick. Nearly three minutes later Collins raced 71 yards for his third touchdown of the contest, and after Garfield rushed for 4-yard TD Collins Matthews Limore

Regional losses end Lady Bulldogs’ season

fourth-seeded team in the regional tournament, lost 5-3 to Hilldale (22-9) in their first game before falling 10-0 to Berryhill (22-6).

MULDROW HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL tournament by beating Poteau 6-1 on Thursday. Hilldale 5, Muldrow 3 (Game 1) The Lady Bulldogs trimmed three runs off a 4-0 deficit in the top of the fifth inning but the top-seeded Lady Hornets hung on to edge Muldrow in its regional tournament opener. In the top of the first inning Muldrow’s Allison Goodwin singled to left field with two outs but a strikeout ended the at-bat. Brooklyn Ellis led off the Hilldale first with a home run over the center field fence, and after Layne Sloan singled Lexi Cramp sent pitch over

In a winner’s bracket game Hilldale defeated third-seeded Poteau (23-14) 10-0 after the Lady Pirates had beaten Berryhill 3-1 in their tournament opener. Hilldale advanced to this week’s state

Purcell State qualifiers

Regionals at Washington

Perry, Chisholm, Jones in town today for baseball

State season

Chickasha beats Holland Hall, advances to title match

sha advance, bringing his PK save total to five in the postseason. Cruz saved two PKs against Elk City, and he saved another one in a 2-1 victory over Harding Charter in the quarterfinals.

“A lot of people look at him and think that he's not big enough to play the position,”

Mantooth said. “You can't judge a man's size by his stature alone. He's got heart the size of mountain.”

before an unsuccessful one. But Matthew Yokum stepped up and delivered the shot that sent Chickasha to the finals. On the other side, Chickasha keeper Raymundo Cruz continued to step up for the Fightin' Chicks. He saved two Holland Hall shots to help Chicka-

The Fightin' Chicks' playoff run began with a win in a shootout over Elk City. Quentin Mantooth then scored two goals in the quarterfinal win over Harding Charter. Now, the Fightin' Chicks get the chance to go for gold at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City on Saturday. Chickasha will face Clinton at 4:30 p.m. Chickasha players celebrate semifinal win in Chickasha on Tuesday. Austin Litterell/The Express-Star

Am-Po Panthers, other area baseball teams advance to state

By Austin Litterell

The Express-Star

AMBER — The Amber-Pocasset baseball team did not take the shortest path, but the Panthers still advanced to the state tournament. Am-Po hosted a Class 2A regional tournament Friday through Sunday and had to win three elimination games in a row after splitting games in Amber on Friday. The fifth-ranked Panthers went 2-0 on Saturday and 1-0 in Sunday to become one of three area teams to advance to state. The Panthers began the tournament by defeating Fairview on Friday, but a loss to

12th-ranked Haskell on Friday forced the Panthers to go the long way. Am-Po began Saturday by defeating Tonkawa in the first of three elimination games, and that win set up a rematch with Haskell. Am-Po needed to beat Haskell twice to advance, and the Panthers were up to the task. The Panthers took Saturday's game against Haskell, winning 6-4 to stay alive.

The Panthers then picked up an 11-1 runrule victory the following day to advance to the state tournament. The Panthers trailed 2-1 and 3-2 in the first game of the regional

championship, but they continued to battle. And the game completely turned in the fifth inning. The two teams entered the fifth inning tied at two runs apiece, and both teams loaded the bases with no outs in the inning. Haskell only scored one run in the fifth inning, and Am-Po scored four runs to take command of the game. The win set up one final regional game to decide the regional champion, and the Panthers pulled away.

The Panthers scored nine runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning and got walk-off hit from Wyatt Hearrell to secure state spot. Haskell took another

lead over Am-Po by scoring run in the top of the first inning, but starting pitcher Lawson Braden and the Am-Po defense shut down the Haymakers after that inning. AmPo's defense recorded three inning-ending double plays in the 10-run victory over Haskell. Braden threw all five innings on the mound to earn the victory.

And Haskell's lead did not last too long.

Brayden Bingham's base hit in the bottom half of the second inning tied the game at a run apiece, starting run of 11 unanswered runs to end the game. Am-Po loaded the bases in the fourth inning and got a go-

ahead run in the same inning. Boston Tointigh recorded a runscoring hit to give the Panthers a 2-1 advantage before the offense went for nine runs the following inning. Hearrell's two hits and three RBIs all came in the fifth inning. Before driving in the final two runs of the game, he drove in the first run of the fifth inning to put the Panthers up 3-1.

Bingham recorded his second RBI in the game to make the score 4-1 before Briar Anglin drove in the team's fifth run of the game.

Tointigh's second RBI made the 6-1. Sean Tallent made the score 9-1 by driving in two runs with

base hit couple of batters prior to Hearrell driving in the final two runs with his walk-off hit.

Other teams

Two teams in Class 4A advanced to the state tournament.

The Tuttle Tigers and Blanchard Lions got to host regional tournaments, and both teams took advantage.

Both teams swept their regional games, and both teams went 3-0 in regional play. The Tigers swept games against Kingfisher, Ada and Sulphur to advance to state. Blanchard swept games against Cache and Clinton to earn state spot.

Indians sting Jackets streak

Kingfisher 34-game winning streak. Tribune photographer Glen Miller) Freshmen come up with clutch plays as El Reno ends Kingfisher’s 34-game, two-year undefeated run A pair of freshmen came up with two upperclassmen clutch plays in crunch time as El Reno High School’s boys basketball team pulled off an upset that could affect two classifications for the upcoming playoff pairings. El Reno, now 8-7 on the year and ranked eighth in Class 5A among Westside schools, defeated Class 4A’s top-ranked Kingfisher 45-43 in nonconference play. It was the first loss of the season for the Yellowjackets (14-1) and snapped Kingfisher’s 34-game winning streak dating back to December of 2020. It was just the fifth loss for the twotime defending state champions since the start of the 2017-18 season. “We never thought we By GLEN MILLER millerg@elrenotribune.com See STREAK, Page 10 ER BoysHoops DIVISION 3 — Semi- and Tri-Weekly Publications

made by El Reno in the final 15 seconds with the game’s outcome still in doubt. Leading

34-32, El Reno’s Janae BlackHarmon

Ashlyn Evans-Thompson waves to the crowd after setting the school record, mark which had stood since 1999. Tribune photographer len Miller)

Guard felt range of emotions as the shots fell, points rose in quest for career scoring record

Despite

89 games and more than 1,200 career points under her belt, Ashlyn EvansThompson had freshman case of the butterflies going into the game with Kingfisher.

“I was really nervous,” said EvansThompson. Who could blame her?

Sitting on the home side of Jenks Simmons Field House was her family, friends and fans all focused on watching the task at hand — setting El Reno’s career scoring mark for 5-on-5 girls basketball.

Among those in the crowd were several former standout players including the person holding the record for 23 years, Sonja GatzDenwalt, who watched with mixed emotions.

“It was bittersweet.

Sad to see my 23-year record go, but I’m also very thankful and honored they wanted me to be a part of her big night. It was very humbling,” said GatzDenwalt. Across the court was rowdy student section with white marker board, counting down the points needed for the record set back in 1999 to finally be rewritten.

“I was nervous wasn’t going to score the 12 points and kept thinking, what if don’t get enough,” said EvansThompson. Her big night got off to a slow start with misses from inside and out of the 3-point arc. Then came the basket that seemed to calm those butterflies somewhat, a jumper with 3:42 left in the opening period to make it a two-point game.

From the sidelines Glen Miller See MILLER, Page 12

Evans-Thompson followed with 3-pointer from the left corner before setting up an old-fashioned trey with steal and a basket with 6:43 left in the half. Fouled on the play, she made the free throw to pull her team back to within one point and her magic number for the record to four. “At first I was doubting myself, thinking, man, this is not going to be a good game. Then got into a rhythm and the nerves went away. The crowd

One word is painted on the wall as a last reminder as the Oklahoma State

ways

by the Cowboys to knock off Texas on Saturday.

SALES PROMOTION

Sales Promotion

FIRST PLACE

Minco-Union City Times

Fall living guide

SECOND PLACE

Stigler News-Sentinel

THIRD PLACE

The Lincoln County News

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McIntosh County Democrat

2023 Gridiron guide

SECOND PLACE

Johnston County Sentinel

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The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Sales Promotion

50 Most Powerful

#1

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby administers all the Nation's programs and businesses and, indirectly its more than 13,500 employees. There are more than 200 tribal programs and services and more than 100 tribal businesses.

#2 OKC Mayor David Holt is finishing the last of the MAPS 3 projects and is already moving to implement MAPS 4 projects. He is constantly on the move overseeing and running the city’s business.

#3 Clay Bennett owns the OKC Thunder basketball team and is the CEO of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company.

#4 David Rainbolt is the executive chairman of BancFirst Corp. The bank was founded by his father Gene Rainbolt, who is also ranked among the most powerful.

#5 Judy Love and Larry Nichols share the number five ranking Both are active as chairmen and board members of many of the city’s most visible and largest nonprofit organizations.

#7 Tricia Everest is secretary of public safety and one of the founders of Palomar, which provides services for women.

#7 George Kaiser tied with Tricia. The Tulsa billionaire is one of the top 50 American philanthropists.

#9 U.S. Senator James Lankford was the director of student ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp before going to Washington for four years in the U.S. House then elected to the Senate in 2014.

See POWERFUL, Page 2

3. CLAY BENNETT OKC Thunder Chairman, CEO, Dorchester Capital

Sales Promotion

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Sequoyah County Times

Women’s Expo magazine and event

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El Reno Tribune

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Woodward News

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Experience Shawnee

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Photo Courtesy of Kathy Suttles Suttleimpressions Photography

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Publications, population less than 1,500

Community Leadership

FIRST PLACE The Fairfax Chief Trunk Show

SECOND PLACE Yale News

THIRD PLACE Vian Tenkiller News

Our fun Trunk Shows have had everything from farm fresh eggs to cool new clothing and t-shirts to Native inspired goods and more. We’ve had books, jewelry, art, flies for fly fishing, wooden signs, Pendleton pillows, and so much more.

With spring feeling firmly in place, here’s our chance to get back outside, visit with our friends and neighbors and support our downtown.

Pawhuska (faux were dozens

But we didn’t in traditional where they’re for the dance. off a rack at Mid-May is turn for filming. If it’s to be blers something of us another color as the movie workers.

So call now to reserve your spot in the sunshine! Two Carol

Two votes homa State bill’, the one lars from public private schools. While Senator Osage and Kay bill, as did the Senator Julie it. The bill needed the vote was The whole tax dollars on no sense in rural even make sense Tulsa World came We pointed week that the send money

Conner

DIVISION 6 — Weekly

was asked to help Advanced Placein the English knew it would but I very will-

sponsibility of ensuring all my students have this opportunity, so they can graduate and be fully prepared to enter college. This program has given me the opportunity to see my students grow in their reading

FIRST PLACE

population 3,000 - 6,000

to a greater understanding of what is taught each year, which helps teachers organize strategies, plan introduction of concepts and reduce repetition of content. As a result,

SEE TEACHER OF THE YEAR, PAGE A4

Community Leadership

McIntosh County Democrat

Chalk walk for domestic violence awareness

SECOND PLACE The Madill Record

THIRD PLACE Eastern Times-Register

The body of a child who went missing in the Emerald Bay community last Monday morning, April 11, was found Tuesday evening, April 12, in water near the shore of Lake Eufaula.

Zaiven Wyatt Houke, 4, ac-

SEE DROWNS, PAGE A2

Missing child drowns Freedom

Walk for awareness

Muskogee Nation Family

Violence Prevention Program and W.I.S.H. have scheduled a Sexual Assault Awareness Walk and Child Abuse Prevention Walk for: Friday, April 22 at 11 a.m. starting at McIntosh County Democrat (300 S. Broadway, Checotah) and ending at Veterans Park.

Sixty-five blue pinwheels

will be placed to represent how many children were confirmed to be abuse or neglected in McIntosh County and teal ribbons will be tied to a tree to represent sexual assault victims.

Kim Woodruff, executive director of Under One Roof, explained that Friday will push for people to recognize

SEE AWARENESS, PAGE A2

STAFF PHOTO | LADONNA RHODES

(Chris Green) opening the tomb as Jesus (Andy Parish) is raised

Lighthouse Christian Center’s production of Messiah.

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured from left are Superintendent Monte Madewell, District Teacher of the Year Lisa Peddy and CHS Principal Jennifer Campbell.

Community Leadership

FIRST PLACE

The Newcastle Pacer

Balancing oil and gas companies’, residents’ interests

SECOND PLACE

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette

THIRD PLACE Choctaw Times

When

oil,

gas and communities collide

By Mark Codner news@newcastlepacer.com

City Council members have been working towards developing best practices with oil and gas companies doing business within the city limits of Newcastle. To get there, they earlier held a special meeting to discuss ideas. Now they are planning a second topic-specific meeting but have not announced a date when it will be held.

Mayor Karl Nail said the oil and gas industry presents special situations and municipalities have to be cautious. He said the citizens need to be aware that another large metro-area community pushed back on production in their community, and the oil and gas companies went to the State Legislature and had the laws changed. This legislation significantly limited the ability of towns and cities to control oil and gas development in their city limits.

“Because of these changes, municipalities including Newcastle are only able to address road use, traffic, noise, odors, setbacks, and fencing. That’s really all we can look at. Everything else is under the purview of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission,” the mayor said. Nail said the council is doing everything they can to minimize the impact these activities have while still respecting the rights the oil companies have.

“We aren’t talking small dollars,” Nail said. “When these companies come in and they lease minerals, and they are leasing the minerals for laterals for two sections, that’s a significant investinvest ment, not counting the fact that they are going to spend $7 million-$10 million on a well when they drill it.”

City working to develop best practices with industry

• photo from Pixabay.com

In order to protect the interests of all involved, the City of Newcastle has been working towards best practices for municipalities when dealing with oil and gas drilling companies and area property owners. The City Council is planning a second special meeting to address related issues.

Nail said there have been oil and gas sites in Newcastle for 100 years. He said there is currently one pad with 13 wells on it, and the company is building two more for a total of 15. He added that there are existing companies which are continuing with their activities, and there are new companies also coming to town.

“The owners of those minerals have the right legally to explore the minerals they own, and we cannot do things that would not allow them to do that,” Nail said. “There’s a lot of money at stake. If we step out too far, they are going to be willing to do what

they need to do to reap the benefits of that investment.”

Nail said he believes the City has a good relationship with most of the companies and they haven’t had any that don’t want to work with the City.

Noise Issues

Of the issues the City has to deal with, noise has been the biggest. Nail said drilling and completion activities are inherently noisy.

“Right now, our ordinances provide for 16-foot sound proofing around the wells; however, in certain areas where there is no residential or what we consider protectprotect

ed areas, we sometimes allow them to not have that fencing on sites,” Nail said.

Some companies use sound walls, and some use shipping containers to control the noise.

“That has seemed to work pretty well during the drilling and completion phases,” Nail said.

The mayor said lot of the wells use gas lift as a way to better produce after the wells are drilled and completed, and that gas lift requires a compressor on site.

“So, we are still working with the companies to do everything we can to address the long-term, poten-

tially 24-hour per day noise, that compressors generate,” Nail said. “Companies have worked well with us. They have built walls around those compressors. We also require hospital-grade mufflers on those compressor units. We’ve done about everything we can to try to diminish the noise, but still there is going to be noise.”

Nail said the City can’t make it to where area residents can’t hear; however the City does have decibel levels set. He said according to the health department, these are levels that aren’t damaging.

“In our oil and gas meet-

OIL AND GAS on page 3

By RAY DYER rdyer@elrenotribune.com

English teacher selected as SKIE Award winner

them at a forum, they were not totally on the same page when it comes

to the city building its own fiber-optic Internet system. The top votegetter in the Tuesday General

Election will replace outgoing Ward 3 representative Tim Robinson, who

David Black Kevin Marr See WARD, Page 7

Patriotic spirit

Football is an intricate part of the American way of life from youth leagues to high schools, college and the professional ranks.

El Reno Public Schools teacher

Community Leadership

FIRST PLACE McAlester News-Capital Angel tree project

SECOND PLACE Tahlequah Daily Press

THIRD PLACE Weatherford Daily News

ANGEL SUPPORT

Community supports biggest Angel Tree yet

By ADRIAN O’HANLON

EDITOR

Community support helped make an Angel Tree project the biggest one yet.

The McAlester News-Capital McAlester Lions Club and Toliver Chevrolet partnered to organize an Angel Tree for which community members helped provide gifts for more than 421 children across Pittsburg County.

“The community really stepped up this year and came through for all the children and families in need,”

MN-C Publisher Reina Owens said.

“Children and teenagers placed on this tree were from McAlester Public Schools, Savanna, Kiowa, Indianola, Crowder, Haileyville and Hartshorne areas, and more. Thank you for the overwhelming amount of support from our community.”

This year’s project helped provide gifts for 421 children ranging in age from newborns to seniors in high school no older than 18 years old.

MN-C staff gathered an anonymous list of children in financial need over the holidays by coordinating with school counselors and nonprofit organizations focused on assisting local children.

The News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club started the Angel Tree three years ago to help people in need during the holidays at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community support made it possible for 278 children in need to receive a gift and clothes in the inaugural event and last year’s event helped more than 300 children in and around Pittsburg County. McAlester Lions Club helped deliver gifts and coordinate donations this year, while Toliver Chevrolet made a sizable donation to make the event the biggest ever this year helping more than 400 children

to receive gifts for the holidays.

“We can’t thank the Lions Club and Toliver Chevrolet enough for their partnership on this project,” Owens said. “They are crucial in helping get this project going to provide some help to our community over the holidays.”

The News-Capital received angel nominations from school counselors and community partners in October and early November.

Cards on trees at the News-Capital represent a child in and around Pittsburg County needing assistance over the holidays. Each child on the tree is anonymous and receives at least one outfit, shoes, toys, jacket, and gloves along with one small toy.

Malissa Fronterhouse and Priscilla Bevans told the News-Capital they picked angels from the tree because they wanted to help people in need over the holidays.

“When I was younger and my kids were little, I had to get help with something like this because I didn’t have money and I was walking to work,” Fronterhouse said. “I just feel like this is really important.” Bevans said she noticed families in the area in need in recent years so she and All-About-You Plumbing try to help the community each year. “We donate all the time,” Bevans said. “I’ve brought clothes and stuff to the youth shelter, we donate left

III

ADRIAN O’HANLON III Staff photo

MCALESTER FOOTBALL PLAYERS help deliver gifts for the 2022 Angel Tree project.

>> See ANGELS // Page A10

Community Leadership

FIRST PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

Media literacy curriculum

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Enid News & Eagle

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Stillwater News Press

SEQUOYAH AWARD WINNERS

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Yale News

The Lincoln County News

The PiedmontSurrey Gazette

DIVISION 3

By GLEN MILLER millerg@elrenotribune.com

ER SchoolNews

“There is a really good research report on the effects it will have with night and noise pollution. Our kids have invested thousands of dollars to go out here to our AG farm and we signed a contract with them that we will provide a safe place for them to feed-out these quality animals for showing. And now we are going to come in and change the atmosphere around that which

well site named “Battle Cry.” The site, which Stell says has already been outlined with stakes by Revolution Resources, will be located to the west of the district’s property. He said the site is the

See DRILLING, Page

News-Capital

The Lawton Constitution