bmonthly August 2024

upfront

Welcome to August friends and our annual “Back to School” issue. As I write this Upfront, I am wondering “Where did the summer go?” Bartlesville Public Schools will resume classes on August 15th. When you read this Upfront, most kids will be heading to school in two weeks, and our daughter Grace will be starting her freshman year of college on August 26th. I will write more about that later in the Upfront.

Debbie Neece, our history guru, wrote about the Limestone addition for the feature story. In June she wrote about the Pennington Hills addition. In the late 40s and 50s, Bartlesville was booming. The city had to move east, which back then was just farm houses and woods. By Armstrong Bank on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Nowata Road, at one time there was a beautiful limestone school. The whole area was starting to grow. On the last page, I included a photo of what Memorial Park Cemetery looked like when it first opened. I love looking at this picture. You can see miles and miles with only a few trees scattered on the horizon. Today the Limestone addition has so many businesses and homes where there once were dirt roads and very little life. Oh! Who remembers the drive-in theater where the Sparklight building and Davis funeral home are now? I would love for someone to open up a drive-in movie theater like the good old days.

Christy and I have been working with B the Light Mission to get the final environmental testing needed to satisfy the requirements of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the City of Bartlesville. We started the remodeling construction projects last September, and we are close to being ready to open. We are putting in security cameras now and just got our chiller working, which has been off all summer. It has been very hot in our building, but it costs around $4500 a month to run our air conditioner. Each month we will have an update for you, our readers, on what’s going on with

B the Light Mission. We always want to be transparent with our timeline and our needs to get this building open. Our community is in need of a place to help our lost brothers and sisters, who need a hand up not a hand out. It will take the community to make this happen, and we are ready to start helping. For all who have donated, we thank you! Without your donations, we would not be able to operate. If you would like to donate, please go to our website at www.bthelight.org. You can make a one-time donation or sign up to be a monthly donor for just $20 a month. Any donation is welcomed, so we can continue to help those in need.

Finally, I want to talk about our daughter Grace as she begins her freshman year at Ottawa University. She will continue to play the sport she loves and works so hard at…Basketball. As each one of our kids has moved out and started their own lives, we always had Grace here with us. She’s been my security blanket. I knew this day would come but didn’t know it would come this fast. She is ours, and she is the baby of the family. Throughout our 19 years of marriage, we had to share our 6 kids with their mom and dad, but with Grace she was ours. I still remember her starting at Wayside and going to the assemblies they had. I also remember her first day at Central when she was entering 6th grade. From that point we blinked, and she graduated from high school. I know we want our kids to grow and pursue their dreams, but for Dad in about 35 days from writing this she will be gone. I won’t be opening her door to say “love you, goodnight.” I’ll be doing it by text. The silver lining to this is that we have 5 grandbabies who will have school plays, dances, and their own sporting activities that we will go watch. For all the parents who are experiencing their child’s first day of kindergarten or their first day of their senior year, cherish those moments because you will wake up one day and say I can’t believe they’re gone. God bless, Keith

Volume XV

Issue VIII

Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by ENGEL PUBLISHING

Offices located in Downtown Bartlesville in the historic Price Tower 510 Dewey Ave, Suite 400, Bartlesville, OK 74003 P.O. Box 603, Bartlesville, OK 74005 www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly

Publisher Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Graphics Engel Publishing matt@engelpublishing.com

Director of Sales & Marketing Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Community Liaison Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Project Manager Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Administration Shelley Greene Stewart

Delivery and Distribution Tim Hudson Calendar/Social Media calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Contributing Writers

Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Kelly Hurd

Aaron Kirkpatrick, Jay Hastings, Jason Fullerton

Brent Taylor, Keith McPhail, Jay Webster Abigail SIngrey, Joe Todd Mike Tupa, Maria Gus, Lori Just

Contributing Photographers

Debbie Neece, Todd Edwards, Brett Price Bartlesville Area History Museum, Josh Wright Sherri Doe, Andy Dossett, The Prarie Cowgirl Kids Calendar Jessica Smith

ABOUT THE COVER

Remembering the Limestone Addition in our annual Back-to-School issue.

Creative concept by Keith and Christy McPhail

Design by Engel Publishing

bmonthly Managing Editors Keith and Christy McPhail with daughter, Grace.

Charlie Daniels

by Lori Just

A long-time Bartlesville resident is helping children find their God-given potential with financial assistance in where they want to go to school.

Charlie Daniels has maintained a keen interest in education for many years and helped found the Opportunity Scholarship Fund (OSF), an organization that provides low income families scholarships to private schools.

His awareness of the different schooling environments began at a young age when his dad worked for Phillips Petroleum and their family moved around a lot. When they were in Oklahoma City, Charlie had two different school experiences there. At the time, he had a serious childhood disease, they cured it, but it kept him out of school for one year. His mother hired a tutor so he wouldn’t lose pace.

“We’d do lessons every morning and by noon she was gone,” he said. “I had the rest of the day to play which I thought was great.”

Then in seventh grade his parents put him in a private school, and he applied himself to that first lesson as he always had, and got poor marks.

“I had never seen a D before,” he chuckled. “I was shocked to my soul.”

He talked to the teacher and was told he had to bring his standards up, and he realized “these people are serious; they demand real work out of you.” He worked very hard that year and got the occasional A, but he liked the challenge because it stretched him. By the end of the year he was making steady Bs.

The next school year the family moved to Bartlesville. Coming from an environment where the male teachers wore coats and ties and were referred to as “sir,” Charlie said he was “primed for bear” to attend Bartlesville High School.

Curiously, he remarked, in his junior year he had his best teacher and his worst teacher. He thought it was strange that in this good school system that he could get so much out of his English class but so little in his physics class. This strengthened his observation of the impacts different teaching methods has on a student.

He also discovered during this time that he was not equipped to be an engineer after struggling in Algebra. So, after high school he went down to the University of Oklahoma with a plan to go to law school.

“Before I went down, I had a stroke of good luck,” he beamed. “A kid I knew that was a year older came back from there and sat me down and said ‘you cannot go to OU and study like you are studying in high school. They mean business down there.’ So I

took him at this word and studied my tail off my first year, and it paid off. The professors respected me, and I made good grades. I’m glad he told me that because it set me on the right course.”

After graduating law school, Charlie went to work with Phillips Petroleum. He spent six years in Amarillo before transferring to Bartlesville.

“I walked into the General Counsel’s office and said, ‘hi, I’m here, what am I going to do?”’ he recalled. “His first words were ‘do you have a passport?’ and I did, so he said, ‘good, you’re going to Indonesia next week. We’re doing a deal over there and need a lawyer.’ And that’s how I accidentally fell into a career as an international lawyer.”

He worked for alongside a young negotiator for some time, and they got along really well while they traveled to all the countries and did deals. Then one day, the negotiator announced he was getting married and asked Charlie to be his groomsman.

“I walked into the Bartlesville Methodist Church where they were doing the wedding rehearsal,” he said. “My friend runs down the aisle to me and said, ‘you see that redhead up there, she’s single.’ Well, that was Julie, and I thought to myself this party is picking up.”

Charlie and Julie got married a couple years later and were sent to London not long after that for nine years with the company. While overseas, they had two boys, Hunter and Fletcher.

“We always got funny looks when people would hear us parents talk first and then our children,” he laughed. “We sounded like Okies and our kids talked like Christopher Robin in their English accents. It was an interesting experience.”

The family moved back to Bartlesville after their older son had attended a Montessori preschool in London. So, Charlie and his wife were considering which grade school to select for their boys and asked friends for advice.

“We settled on Wayside,” he said. “But the older boy struggled it. Looking back, I see how different the school environments must have been for him. The Montessori was quiet and orderly while public school was more like free-range chickens, which, to most kindergarteners, isn’t a bad thing.”

They fretted about what to do and a friend suggested that the private Catholic school had orderly classrooms, smaller classes and good prep.

“They won’t take us, we are Methodist!” he had exclaimed. And his friend countered with “can you write a check?”

They enrolled their son and saw a complete turnaround in his response to school. Then in middle school they were able to transfer their sons to public school and both graduated from BHS.

“When the oldest was a senior, I was asked to run for school board which I did and won,” he said. “I saw school administration from the inside out. And I’d see things and go ‘Oh, I didn’t know they were doing that. I wish I had known this.’ I tried to make some changes, and we made some progress, slowly. I completed two terms.”

This was at a time, he said, “winds of change were freshening up with Earl Sears as a big figure in Oklahoma Legislature.” Sears voted in favor of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship for handicap children.

“He likes to tell this story,” he grinned. “He wasn’t going to vote for it initially, but then he got a call from Jeb Bush. He thought it was fake, but it was the real Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida and champion of school choice. and after talking to Jeb he changed his mind.”

A couple of years later the State opened it up to tax credit scholarships. Charlie got involved on the ground floor of getting the OSF going statewide. Scholarship granting organizations like OSF are authorized by statue to take donations and give donors a tax credit of 50-70% of the donation. Then the organization turns around and applies the donation to member schools for scholarships for lower income families. OSF has 65 member schools in the state including two in Bartlesville: Wesleyan Christian School (WCS) and Paths to Independence (PTI).

“These aren’t huge, last year we collectively might have given out 3-4,000 scholarships which is under 1% of the school population,” he said. “But we are allowing kids that can’t afford the tuition get into private school. I once heard something that stuck with me: ‘do you want a society in which only people with money can choose the best school for their kid?’ And I think in an ideal society, every child should go to the school that enables

them to realize their God-given potential.”

For most people, Charlie believes, public school is the answer, but for some it isn’t. He thinks parents know the best school environment for their child, but if they have the opportunity to choose the kid is better off.

“Scholarships like ours help families choose what is best for their child,” he said. “I salute public schools here for cooperating with private schools like PTI. And if a family didn’t have the means to place their child in that kind of specialized environment, we can help.”

Charlie recently founded the Council of Oklahoma Private Education, which seeks to assist private schools in their mission. Bartlesville has four private schools: WCS, PTI, Beacon Academy and St. John Catholic School. There are also two home school opportunities, Classical Conversations and Cornerstone and Oklahoma Connections as a virtual charter.

“Never in my life would I have thought I’d get on a board for a virtual school,” he smiled. “I thought how can a kid can sit in front of a computer all day and learn. But I learned quickly that a slice of the 700,000 students in Oklahoma don’t flourish in a classroom for various reasons or do a normal schedule due to non-traditional personal or family aspirations. But the straw that tipped me to get onboard four years ago was when it was explained to me that if a child misses 5th hour on Thursday, they can watch it at midnight on Friday. If they didn’t understand a lesson, they can replay the video. You can’t do that in a conventional school.”

His virtual school has had an in-person prom at the aquarium and a high school graduation at a drive-in theater. He said they looked like kids anywhere with their beach balls, celebrating and all the cars honking to make noise. With their ACT scores above state average, he says, they are educating kids well, but just doing it in a different way.

While not all his community efforts have been focused on education, Charlie has also been president of the Boy Schout Council, OK Mozart, Washington County Bar Association and the Washington County Soccer Club. He was a scoutmaster, soccer coach and referee for several years. Charlie and Julie have been married 47 years They have their two sons, added a beautiful daughter-in law, Amanda, and have three grandchildren. He retired as Senior Counsel from Phillips in 2002.

His unique journey through school as well as watching his kids flourish in their individual education environments has paved the way for his continued efforts in allowing Oklahoma students find their best opportunity to succeed.

“I learned a long time ago no two kids are alike, even within the same family. Heck, no two schools in the same school system are alike,” he acknowledged. “Somewhere in there is an ideal school for every kid. And each kid can find a school just for them instead of allowing their street address tell them where to go.”

Limestone Addition . . . A Look at its

Growth and Annexation

by Debbie Neece & the Bartlesville Area History Museum

When you consider the size of current Bartlesville, it is hard to release the idea that before the 1950s, our city was contained west of the Caney River. In addition, although we had locally paved roads, the exterior roads were often two-lane country roads, sometimes still dirt.

Highway 75 entered Bartlesville from the north, entering Bartlesville by crossing the Caney River Bridge, traveled south across Cherokee Avenue to Fourth Street, east on Fourth Street to Comanche Avenue, south on Comanche Avenue across the Veteran’s/Memorial Bridge and south to Ochelata, Ramona and Tulsa. Highway 60 entered Bartlesville from the west and traveled down Third Street (currently Frank Phillips Blvd.) to Cherokee Avenue where the driver made the decision to turn south and continue to Highway 75/60 or turn north and follow Highway 75 north to Dewey and Kansas. Decisions, Decisions! Along the travels south, Highway 60 branched east at current Nowata Road on a trek towards the Limestone Addition and the town of Nowata.

Annexation brought the Highland Park/Tuxedo, Oak Park, Jane Phillips, Pennington Hills, Woodland and Limestone Additions into the city limits, not necessarily in that order. With each consolidation, our education system took a jolt as smaller schools, often one-room structures, were consolidated into larger structures, offering better educational opportunities. Such was the consolidation that resulted in the Limestone School District.

Early education was received through subscription schools like the one-room schools at Silver Lake, Rice Creek and Fish Creek. At these schools, parents paid tuition costs or offered in-kind payments in the form of room and board. For Native American children, teacher salaries were paid by the Cherokee Nation, allowing the Indian children attendance free of charge. After statehood, two one-room schools emerged as educational leaders, Highland Park/Tuxedo School and Limestone Prairie. The schools each had one teacher who taught all eight grades. In 1923, the Limestone Prairie School became the Limestone School and in 1939 the original school building was razed and replaced by a depression-born Works Progress Administration (WPA) era native stone building containing three rooms and an auditorium. In 1945, three additional classrooms were added to the building and, in 1950, Middale School consolidated with Limestone School. Between 1953-1956, additional classrooms, a wooden-floored gymnasium, lunch room and kitchen were added to Limestone School which was still not recognized in the Bartlesville City Directories until 1955. By 1959, Ranch Heights School and Wayside School were added to the area.

This was just the beginning of the mushrooming growth to happen in the Limestone area. Where there were children, there would be schools, homes and businesses. Considered rural farmland development with sparce family dwellings, Limestone

Limestone Elementary School in 1945

Limestone Prairie School in 1915

Memorial Park Cemetery

was not part of city of Bartlesville. However, Limestone citizens saw a need for city water access, formed their own water company, and began laying water lines. Keep in mind, even though the Limestone School District was a rural area and the school was not annexed into Bartlesville until April 1962, business growth exploded.

On April 30, 1929, the Regional Planning Commission approved the original 30-acre Memorial Park Cemetery plat (now 47-acres) weaving the fabric of the first “business” development in the Limestone area. The Memorial Park Association officed in the Union National Bank at Third Street and Johnstone Avenue as they began organizing “The Garden of Memories” bordering Nowata Highway 60 and surrounded by a rustic fence of native stone and black grill work panels.

Standing two-plus stories tall, Memorial Park Cemetery’s pièce de resistance is the “Tower of Memories,” a Spanish architectural style monument of natural stone standing sentinel and dedicated to Washington County WWI veterans with a corner stone which reads “In Memoriam To Those Who Served

Their Country.” The dedication ceremony was held Decoration Day/Memorial Day, 1930, under the direction of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

In the late 1920s, the Limestone area was way out yonder, in the country. There was virtually nothing for miles in any direction, barely a tree or home in sight, and the road was still two-lane, and dirt. To reach the Limestone area, a person took the Tulsa Highway 75 South to the Nowata highway intersection, then the Memorial Park Cemetery was about 1.5 miles east on Nowata Highway 60, southeast of Bartlesville. Shortly after the cemetery plat was approved, the Limestone area was recognized with rural home addresses and solid surface road paving began; however, the paving stopped at the Memorial Park Cemetery and the state and county were in serious discussions about who would complete the pavement to the Nowata County line. A task the state of Oklahoma finally facilitated.

Bartlesville has a colorful vaudeville to cinema history beginning with downtown Bartlesville opera houses, followed by moving picture theaters; and, in 1948, Video Independent Theatres brought the Hilltop Drive-In to 4201 East Nowata Road, directly across the road from Memorial Park Cemetery. The official grand opening was October 9, 1948, showing “Angel and the Badman” starring John Wayne and Gail Russell. Admission for “kiddies” was ten cents and adults forty-five cents. There were two shows nightly, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., rain or shine. The concession stand was centrally located or the “concession cart” was available for personal service at one’s car. The drive-in accommodated 550 automobiles with private in-car speakers, an RCA sound system and a 35’x45’ outdoor screen sturdy enough to withstand 100-mile-per-hour winds. Jack Corgan, highly recognized architect from Dallas, designed elevated ramps to

provide perfect movie sight; and the construction contractor was J.D. Lee, who also completed an open-air theater in Shawnee, OK.

Phil Hays was the theater manager who installed “Phil’s Playground” with playground equipment, a petting zoo and pony rides at no cost to patrons…the perfect babysitter on Hilltop Family Nights. Adults and teens alike have vivid memories of Wednesday “Buck Nite.” It was amazing to see how many people could cram into or hang onto a vehicle, even a trunk full for one dollar per carload. There was a lot of “monkey business” happening at the drive-in too. The seven little Houdini’s were escape artists; among the monkeys, Popcorn, Lee, and Walter were constant culprits.

In June of 1974, the Hilltop Drive-In gained a heavenly purpose when a Drive-In Church was presented by Bartlesville’s First United Methodist Church with services each Sunday morning from June to August. The “come as you are” church offered refreshments in the concession stand and Christian fellowship for all. The Hilltop Drive-In Church continued for 15 years, until the theater was torn down. At that time, the Sunday church services were moved to Eastland Shopping Center and broadcast live on Bartlesville-based KYFM 100.1 Radio.

Sunday, November 20, 1983, marked the final evening of the Hilltop Drive-In. Moviegoers enjoyed “Foul Play” and “Deal of the Century” starring Chevy Chase before silence fell over

the gathered cars. Not only did 1983 end the Hilltop Drive-In, the year also brought a close to the era of the drive-in theater in Bartlesville. In 1992, the Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise established a new location at 4125 SE Nowata Road followed by Cablevision the following year at 4127 SE Nowata Road, at renumbered addresses.

During the early 1950s baby boom, the Limestone area was a scantly occupied intersection on your way to Nowata. However, beginning about 1955, the Limestone Addition burst wide open with business growth. Some businesses were Mom and Pops that have left lasting relationships with our memories, while some took up real-estate for a few years before moving elsewhere. High school students found Johnston’s Drive-In (1955-1962), at the Junction of Highways 75 & 60, the perfect after school hangout, until Cecil Brooks opened his Brooks Fine Foods at that location (1967-1972) bringing family dining to the traffic filled corner. Then, the Green Country Restaurant planted roots (1973-1997) with a wide variety of dining options. Then, the lot was cleared and, in 2000, Sonic Drive-In took a perch on one of the busiest intersections in town, 3800 Nowata Road.

Street Names Changed – In Oak Ridge Heights: Capitol Drive to Jefferson Road, Circle Drive to Smysor Drive, Crest Road to Red Bud Lane. In Sivalls Heights: Toledo Road to Hill Drive and Hollywood Street to Fairview Road.

Byte of History: The Sonic Drive-In was founded in 1953 in Shawnee, OK by Troy Smith. He began the business as Troy’s Pan Full of Chicken, followed with a root beer stand named Top Hat. Discovering the Top Hat name held a copyright, he took inspiration from his Louisianna travels and branded his own drive-in restaurant…Sonic, coining the slogan “Service at the Speed of Sound.” He also incorporated carhops on roller skates and gave mints with the meals showing his customers they were “worth a mint.” Troy Smith died in Oklahoma City in 2009 leaving a legacy of 3,550 Sonic Drive-In restaurants in 46 United States and growing; among them, 271 locations in Oklahoma and 956 in Texas. Bartlesville’s first Sonic was located at 1317 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. (1972-2015), followed by 5308 Nowata Road (19841990), 304 S. Osage in Dewey (1995-present), 3800 Nowata Road (2000-present) and 271 SW Adams Blvd. (2015-Present).

Just to the north on Washington Blvd., Stumpff Funeral Home arrived in 1967 and continues to serve Bartlesville at 1600 S. Washington Blvd., 57 years to date. Next door, at 1660, a series of steak houses occupied the building between 19711979, followed by Wilmco Drilling Oil Field Service, Fraser-Freiburger Real Estate, County Health Department and H&R Block Income Tax

(1991-present), 33 years at this location.

On the opposite corner, the Limestone School occupied the stone building at 1701 S. Washington Blvd. from 19391986; then the building served as the Bartlesville School Food Service and Public-School Maintenance Plant. Between 20062007, the school district began the process of disposing of the property, which became reality September 2007 when Hurricane Development purchased the seven-acre site, demolished the building and constructed a building for Armstrong Bank.

Since 1978, 3801 Nowata Road has been THE go-to-place for equipment rental for 46 years. The corner has been occupied by Sooner Rental, Limestone Rental, RSC, and now United Rentals, carrying everything from hand tools and lighting to heavy equipment and welders. With nearly 1,200 locations across North America, and 13 locations sprinkled throughout northern Oklahoma, United Rentals has access to any equipment your project needs.

The Limestone 66 Service Station (1967-1992) was established at 3901 Nowata Road. Then, from 1993-present, Phillips 66 Convenience Store & Gas occupied this location, creating 57 years of fueling and snacking service.

Next to our current Sonic Drive-In, 3910 Nowata Road has cared for the lodging needs of Bartlesville visitors since for 69 years. The Cupola Tourist Courts (1955-1972); Green Country Inn Motel (1973-2003); and currently the Patel family own and manage the Econo Lodge (2004-Present).

Byte of History: Leo Maranz was educated as a mechanical engineer and began his career in electrical refrigeration. While selling ice-cream freezers, he created his version of a soft-serve ice-cream dispenser. In 1950, Maranz partnered with Harry Axene who had once worked for the Dairy Queen chain. The partners

set forth selling their “Tastee-Freez” dispenser to independent franchise entrepreneurs. The result was an Americana icon. The number of franchises grew to nearly 1,800 locations across the United States by 1957. In 1982, Taste-Freez was sold to the parent company of Dog-N-Suds hot dog restaurants. That marked the decline of Taste-Freeze. By 1992, there were only 340 locations and now there are very few locations available.

Tastee-Freez was the place for frozen summer treats - Malts, Shakes, Nutty-Buddy, Doozy Bar, Tastee-Freez Ice-Cream Sandwich or a Jumbo Banana Split paired with a hamburger or hotdog. Bartlesville’s first Tastee-Freez was located at 1201 W. Frank Phillips Blvd. from 1959-1981. In 1965, a second separate franchise location opened at 3920 Nowata Road through 1981. Both Bartlesville locations disappeared when Tastee-Freez was sold in 1982. Gone is Tastee-Freez but we gained Jared’s Frozen Custard at 4607 Nowata Road (2003-present).

From 1972-2022, Gail Inman operated Gail’s Fashion Flair

Beauty Shop and Gail’s Hairstyling at two locations: 5200/5202 Nowata Road and 3918/3920 Nowata Road. After 50 years of dedicated service, in January 2022, Gail retired and now enjoys facilitating Gail’s Estate Sales in the Washington County area.

At 4004 Nowata Road, a series of Kerr McGee gas stations operated from 1969-1997. Now, GTO Automotive continues the automotive service at that location. And tucked in behind GTO Automotive is Rush Overhead Door Service at 4008 Nowata Road.

Byte of History: Remember the “Mom and Pop” businesses mentioned earlier? In 1976, Phil Goodwin was vice president of the Goodwin Construction Company and began the Goodwin Overhead Door Company, servicing commercial and residential electric doors at 139 SE Cholwell. In 1977, Goodwin changed the name of the company to Bartlesville Overhead Door Company and operated at the same location through 1983. In 1977, Elton “Butch” Rush Jr. became a serviceman at the Bartlesville Overhead Door Company. In 1983, Butch Rush established the Rush Overhead Door Service, an affiliate of the Bartlesville Rolling Shutter Company, at 3703 SE Kentucky, through 1993. In 1994, Rush Overhead Door Service moved to 4008 Nowata Road and has remained at that location. Rush is a Mom and Pop company that has been a Bartlesville staple for the last 41 years.

4012 Nowata Road became a Texaco Service Station in 1955 and continued to serve as a Texaco station under various owner/ operators though 1992 when College High school graduate, Robby Hard purchased the station and hung his shingle as Robby’s Limestone Texaco and U-Haul Company. Medical complications forced his retirement in 2020 but Robby gained quite a following because his service was second to none and “everyday was lady’s day.” Robby passed away in 2021 and rests in the neighborhood, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Barlow Lumber

4013 Nowata Road was the home of Charley Leathers (19551986). He was well known in Washington County as a member of the Gray Men of the Red Cross, a County Commissioner and, as a member of the Hillcrest Country Club, he had a golfing reputation. In July 1938, Charley opened Bartlesville’s Fun Center, El Centro, at 4015 Nowata Road with an outdoor dance pavilion, 9-hole “pitch and putt” golf course, 18-hole miniature golf and shooting range. Leathers and Hamp Scudder held turkey shoots there each fall. El Centro was a “hopping joint” and very profitable as a night club too, until lightning struck June 1952 and burned the building to the ground. He vowed to not rebuild, but planned to pursue a dream…a dream of a shopping center. And, so it was…Charley Leathers entered a land option agreement with building contractors Jim Diamond and D.B. Clothier of Diamond Realty Company in March 1959. Mr. Leathers died 1986 and rests in Memorial Park Cemetery. In 1996, his “home-site” property became O’Reilly Auto Parts and continues today, 28 years later.

The Shopping Center address became 4015-4019 Nowata Road. 4015 became the home of Limestone Drug, Ben Franklin, Flair Flowers and Steve and Diane Leroux’s Printco; 4017 became Foodland Grocery and H&H Food Center; and 4019 became Limestone Cleaners, Walls Bargain Center and Encouraging Word. The Nowata Road Liquor Store was in the shopping center until they built a stand-alone building at 4101 Nowata Road in 2009 and are still at that location.

The shopping center is now 4015-4049 Nowata Road, with address changes and a sizable remodel about 2004. In 2005, Dean and Deana Price established Price’s Meat Market at 4025 Nowata Road, joined by Tumbleweeds Steakhouse in 2010 at 4049 Nowata Road.

4100 Nowata Road has been a builder’s paradise since 1955 when Limestone Lumber Company and the Diamond

Construction Company established at that location (1955-1964); followed by Diamond & Cottongim Material Center (1965-1967); and Overlees-Woods Lumber (1968-2001) when the business moved to 4425 Nowata Road and joined Mill Creek Lumber, Carpet and Tile.

A gas service station that has been long forgotten was located at 4101 Nowata Road. The corner has hosted the Hilltop Super Service Station (1955-1961); Woods Cities Service (19621964); Wolfe’s Citco Station (1965-1967); Fina Service Station (1968-1974); Daisy Service Station (1976-1977); Mustang Gas (1978-1982); U-Haul & Trailer Hitches (1983-2003). Then the lot was cleared and Nowata Liquor built their stand-alone building at this corner (2009-present).

4107 Nowata Road has been a food service location since the Hilltop Drive-in Café began (1955-1968). George Yocham opened Yocham’s Drive-In Restaurant from 1971-1979. The Hamburger Shop operated there from 1982-1984; then, donuts took over with various Daylight Donuts owner/operators from 1985 to present.

4125 Nowata Road became the Examiner Enterprise in 1992 and 4127 Nowata Road became Donrey Cablevision/Cable One in 1993. As the world evolved towards digital entertainment, and Covid brought “work at home” situations and a new reality to everyday life, both businesses felt the strain. This building was remodeled to become the Bob Loftis Furniture store. 4201 Nowata Road was once home of the Hilltop Drive-In and has been replaced by the Davis Family Funeral Home.

4425 Nowata Road has been a dedicated builder’s haven with Barlow Lumber Company (1971-1975); Barlow Interior and Tapjac Home Center (1976-1986); Tapjac Home Center (1987-1991); Mill Creek Lumber, Carpet and Tile (1992-2001) and Overlees-Woods Lumber joined Mill Creek Carpet (2002-2013). Overlees-Woods continues serving Bartlesville’s building needs, 56 years strong.

Johnston’s Drive-In

Byte of History: In 1928, Jess Overlees and William Kruse purchased the Toalson Lumber Company at 3rd and Cherokee in Bartlesville. In 1930, the Overlees-Kruse Lumber Yard was issued a permit to erect a new two-story building at 300 S Cherokee Avenue (current location of Pizza Hut). The duo parted business ways June 1954 when Mr. Kruse sold to Harry Woods. OverleesWoods Lumber continued at 300 S. Cherokee. In 1962, Jay McKissick became the bookkeeper for the company and worked at the 4100 Nowata Road address when the company moved in 1968, becoming a partner in 1972. In 1989, Scott McKissick became a salesman for the company. Today, Jay, son Scott, and daughter Leslie McKissick continue the Overlees-Woods tradition.

Two long-time spiritual residents have been Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 4811 Nowata Road since 1971 and Bartlesville Southern Baptist Church at 5111 Nowata Road since 1979. And, short-timers included a collection of dance and ballet schools.

For the past 41 years (1983 to present), the Forest Creek Condominiums at 5201-5281 Nowata Road have offered a host of admirable amenities in their one-and two-bedroom apartments

including attached patios, fireplaces, cover parking and a swimming pool.

Byte of History: The Tulsa-based, QuikTrip Corporation opened its first location in 1958 as a small grocery store. They expanded outside Tulsa in 1964, tapping into Missouri in 1968 and Iowa in 1974. However, they did not begin gasoline sales until 1971. In 2016, Forbes magazine ranked QuikTrip 33rd on a list of the largest private companies and QT has been ranked one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” According to their website, there are 1,083 QuikTrip locations in the United States with 85 of the locations in Oklahoma.

From 1965-1967, Bartlesville had a QuikTrip Grocery at 5202 Nowata Road, current location of Bella Vita Beauty Salon. In addition, QuikTrip #32 was at 341 NE Washington Blvd. (19651996), then #32 was rebuilt at 102 SW Washington Blvd. (Tuxedo/ Hwy 75) (2000-Present); store #42, 420 SW 14th Street (19671997); and #37, 1835 SE Washington Blvd. (South of Nowata Road) (1998-Present). This represents 59 years of Bartlesville QuikTrip service.

Green Thumb Nursery began at 5220 Nowata Road (19771988) then moved to 4605 Nowata Road from 1989 to present with owners Gary Wahlgren and Larry Glass.

5312 Nowata Road was the Ranch Acres Service Station (1964-1982), followed by the Jack Griffith’s Gas Up (1984-2004).

For Your Convenience (FYC) Gas Station and Convenience Store operated at this address from 2012-2024. Now, all Bartlesville eyes are watching in anticipation of what will be constructed upon the cleared lot at the northwest corner of Nowata Road and Madison Blvd.

6101 Nowata Road Tri-County Vocational Tech open house December 14, 1968, serving Osage, Washington and Nowata Counties with vocational, technical and commercial education for High School, Post High School and Part Time adult evening students. (1968-Present) 56 years. In 1988, the Tri-County Business Assistance Center opened at 6501 Nowata Road as a small business start-up incubator.

6601 Nowata Road was the home of John and Lovenia York, where they operated York Wedding Planning and Supplies and

York Refrigeration from 1957-1974. Mrs. York was employed as a saleswoman for Hough Homes and Realty from 1975-1982. Mr. York died in 1979 and Lovenia in 2012, both are resting in Memorial Park Cemetery. This address was renumbered and has served as Bartlesville’s Youth Shelter since 1990.

With this much growth, problems were bound to arise beyond infrastructure enhancements. Limestone School was a standalone district serving first to twelfth grades with seam bursting enrollments and a challenging financial situation. Just two years prior, the Bartlesville school district began receiving state aide, placing Bartlesville in prime position to receive Junior and Senior students from Limestone. The school board members at both Bartlesville and Limestone agreed consolidation and annexation were the best paths forward. March 1962, approximately 80 carriers distributed petitions gathering registered voter’s signatures in order to call an annexation election and the March 27th vote of the people resulted in annexation. Madison Middle School was opened in 1958 and Sooner High School in 1966 to help spread the wealth of upper grade students.

Around Town with Edgar Weston

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

Welcome Back…Our next stop is the Federal Building or Washington County Courthouse at northeast corner of 5th Street and Johnstone Avenue.

Between 1931-1932, the Federal Building was erected with the post office on the ground floor, federal and county offices on the second floor and the federal court room and offices on the third floor. Designed by architect James E. Wetmore, the interior finishes included marble walled corridors with bronze doors and grill work. The granite, brick and limestone on the exterior was accented by the Spanish design terra cotta tiled roof. The Federal Building had all the modern conveniences including a water purified drinking system and a heat/chilled forced air system.

The granite cornerstone of the 108’x92’ three-story building was laid August 1, 1931 before a handsome crowd of townspeople. Postmaster John Johnstone took trowel in hand and sealed the cornerstone containing a metal time capsule with a list of dignitaries, copies of local newspapers and other items of local interest.

The post office opened for business and building exploration on July 2, 1932. Mail was received at the loading platform along the alley on the east side of the building. Prior to 1956, the courthouse address was 412 S. Johnstone Avenue; however, the 400 block of Johnstone Ave was renumbered and the Federal Building became 418 S. Johnstone Ave. to accommodate other businesses in the block. In 1985, the courthouse address was changed again to 420 S. Johnstone Ave.

In 1966, the post office moved to its new location at 615 S. Jennings. Then, in 1972, Washington County purchased the building from the Federal Government for $115,000 and the building became the home of the Washington County Courthouse and the County Sherriff’s office with a holding jail in the basement before the Sheriff’s office moved to the new

correctional facility on Adams Blvd.

Located at the southeast corner of 4th Street and Johnstone Avenue, the C.E. Burlingame building, at 400 S. Johnstone Ave., held the anchor at the opposite end of the block from 1956-1971. The top of the Burlingame building held an embedded stone that read “C.E. Burlingame” in the shadow of the neon sign upon the Maire/Burlingame Hotel directly across the street to the west. The upper two floors of the three-story Burlingame building were filled with various oil, gas and real-estate companies, while the first floor was dedicated to Denton’s Fashion 1956-1969. From 1972-1997, Public Service Company of Oklahoma operated at this address before relocating to the original Bartlesville Interurban warehouse at 4th and Comanche. In 2005, Washington County government offices moved into the Burlingame Building.

Tucked between the two corner anchors was the ministrip mall that once housed the Crystal Barbers, Bartlesville Optical, Kenny’s Buffet, Merle Morman Cosmetic Studio, Dan’s Men and Boys Clothing, various eateries, Washington County Hamburger Store, O’Briens, Lot-A-Burger, Christian Science Reading Room, Ian’s Catering, The Rolling Pin and the J-Bar. The mini-strip mall buildings, recognized as 402-412 S. Johnstone Avenue, were razed in 2019 and replaced with a paved parking lot.

To Be Continued…

AUGUST CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Diaper Dandy Basketball Camp (Ages 4-10)

9AM; OKWU Gym

Central Middle School

Registration

9AM; Central Middle School

Weekly Storytime Babies & Toddlers

10AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Weekly Storytime Preschool

11AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Wee-Cycle Fall/Winter Sale

1PM; Washington County Fair Grounds

Diaper Dandy Basketball Camp (Ages 4-10)

9AM; OKWU Gym

Wee-Cycle Fall/Winter Sale

9AM; Washington County Fair Grounds

OWKU Shooting Camp (9th-12th grade girls)

3PM; OKWU Gym

Wee-Cycle Fall/Winter Sale

8th Grade Registration

All Day; Madison Middle School

1 5 10 15 16 11 22 23 7 6 8 9 3 2

9AM; Washington County Fair Grounds

Elite Camp Basketball (9th-12th grade girls)

12PM; OKWU Gym

7th Grade Registration

All Day; Madison Middle School

Central Middle School Cup Camp

8:30AM; Central Middle School

6th Grade Registration

8:30AM; Madison Middle School

Weekly Storytime Babies & Toddlers

10AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Weekly Storytime Preschool

11AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Bruin Camp (9th Grade)

All Day; Bartlesville High School

Back to School Bash/ Fun Run

7:30AM; Delaware Tribe of Indians Complex

Big Event 25th Annual Fundraising Gala

6PM; Hillcrest Country Club

Back to School Bash

4PM; Dewey United Methodist Church

Free School Supplies, Free haircuts, Immunizations for kids, Petting Zoo and more!

1st Day of School

Times Vary; District-wide

Weekly Storytime Babies & Toddlers

10AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Weekly Storytime Preschool 11AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Meet the Bruins 5PM; Custer Stadium

Weekly Storytime Babies & Toddlers

10AM; Bartlesville Public Library

Weekly Storytime Preschool

11AM; Bartlesville Public Library

BPS Back to School Night 6PM; Bartlesville High School

Bruin Football vs Bishop Kelly (Scrimmage) 7PM; Custer Stadium

AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR

Sat, Aug 3

8 AM

Bartlesville Farmers Market

Frank Phillips Park

Bartlesville Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, homemade items and more. The farmers market has a wide variety of fresh produce, grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork, fresh eggs, baked goods, raw honey and homemade goods. Enjoy music and shopping! There is something for everyone at the farmers market!

Sat, Aug 10

12 PM

BPS Back to School Bash

Delaware Tribe of Indians 5100 Tuxedo Blvd.

6 PM

BIG Event: Big Brothers Big Sisters 25th Annual Fundraiser Hillcrest Country Club

8:30 PM

Sibling Soundscape Palace Rooms 309 Dewey Ave.

Songs & stories: A private dinner and listening room experience with Ashlee Elmore and Jarrod Elmore.

Thu, Aug 15

2 PM

Gentle Reads

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave

4:30 PM

Veterans Social Hour Crossing 2nd 215 E. 2nd St.

Together With Veterans Bartlesville, OK is hosting a Veterans Social Hour at Crossing 2nd. Join us in a casual atmosphere for Veterans to network and visit with other Veterans and community partners. Fri, Aug 16 5 PM 6th Annual Red Dirt Weekend

The Refinery at the Johnstone-Sare Building Sat, Aug 17 10 AM Monthly Lego Club

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

5 PM

Ducks Unlimited Annual Dinner

Hilton Garden Inn

205 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

Thurs Aug 29

7:00pm

Bruin Football vs Newcastle  Custer Stadium

One

the

Caregiver and Home Care Services

A Different Side of Bruce Goff

by Debbie Neece & the Bartlesville Area History Museum

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m totally enthralled with Architect Bruce Goff. On a recent trip to Pawhuska, I met an interesting gentleman with a wealth of knowledge about Washington and Osage County history. One thing led to another and he mentioned that Pawhuska had a Bruce Goff designed gas station. “SAY WHAT?” Well, like a few historians before me, my bigger-than-life curiosity took me to the old Miller Bros. Knight Service Station at 21st Street and State Highway 60 & 99 in Pawhuska. The years have taken their toll on the building that resembled nothing I had seen of Goff’s work before but I was intrigued and the research began.

After his WWII service, Buford Miller started the Miller Bros. Service Station in Dewey, about 1947. The original station was located across the street to the south of its present location on Highway 75 North at 16th Street. His brother, Clyde, served the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Theater during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he briefly went to California but soon joined Buford in the service station and propane gas business. Their brother, Dannie, known as Doc, also worked for the family business.

The 1950s were a building frenzy in Washington County bringing the Adams Building, Phillips Apartment/ Hotel, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Price Tower for the H.C. Price Pipeline

Co. and the development of the Pennington Hills Addition exploding on the east side of the Caney River. In 1953, Bruce Goff designed and managed the construction of Shin’enKan, Joe Price’s bachelor home; and, in Dewey, he was commissioned to design the C.A. Comer house at 1316 N. Creek (1956-1957)…just a few blocks from the Miller Bros. Service Station. Is this all a coincidence? Perhaps not.

The contractor who heavily invested his talents into Goff’s designs was Calvin Mason, founder of Dewey’s Bluestem Foundry and a man of great accomplishments. When I contacted Deborah Smith, Calvin Mason’s daughter, she said her dad built the “round gas station” off-site and took it to Pawhuska where he made alterations and assembled the structure. The Miller and Mason families were generational friends. The Millers often brought propane to the Mason property and Deborah’s granddad spoke highly of the Miller family.

Bruce Goff was a creative genius, known for incorporating odd materials into his organic architecture and one-of-akind structures, like glass cullet, Woolworths ashtrays and goose feathers. However, the Pawhuska gas station was definitely different, resembling a small tin grain silo. The Pawhuska Miller Bros. station opened for business August 24-25, 1957 with

The Mays family operated competing smoke shops in Osage county; Poor Boy Smoke Shop and Liquor, two miles west of the Skiatook High School and the Strike Axe Smoke Shop and Gift Store at Pawhuska. The family also operated the Osage Trading Post and Mays Oilfield Services.

Jule Maskrod of Bartlesville as the first manager. The Maskrod family moved to Pawhuska with their six children prior to opening the station. The station sold tires, petroleum products and gave free towels with the purchase of 10 gallons of gasoline and S&H Green Stamps with purchases.

Built during the heyday of Highway 60/99 traffic, the round service station had a cone shaped roof with an antenna on top, two wings extending from the roof base, four petroleum storage tanks, four gas pumps, a hydraulic car lift south of the building and tires galore. Miller Bros. was recognized as “Oklahoma’s Largest Distributor of Miller Tires,” also selling B.F. Goodrich and Armstrong tires. Clyde’s son, Mark Miller was just a youngster when he and his brother, Mitch, were tasked with painting the round gas station orange. Over the years, the tin structure has been altered with blue paint and a rock veneer applied by Shannon McGuire while Jesse Davis was manager.

announced Stanley Birkert of Dewey would be the Fairfax operator. Free coffee, gifts for the kiddies and other favors were offered as enticements to visit during the grand opening.

Now attended by third the generation of Millers (Buford-ClydeDoc, Mark-Mitch, and Blake), the Dewey station, at 1600 N. Osage Avenue, is owned and operated by Sam Sparks. Miller Bros. has built their clientele through polite full-service operations. I remember my mother running errands in Bartlesville, noticing she needed gas and making the trip to Miller Bros. in Dewey because “her guys” pumped the gas for her. After 75 years of business, Miller Bros. continues to operate full-service, 7 days a week as it has since inception…with integrity, mannerly greetings and full-service that brings customers back time and time again…because you feel special…like family. Stop by to see Sam or Blake soon.

The Miller Bros.’ Pawhuska “Round Station” was where childhood memories were made. At this full-service pitstop, customers were greeted with a friendly smile, a fill-er-up, oil check, windshield cleaning and a soda for the road trip. The grain bin looking gas station has had several purposes: gas station with tire sales, Strike Axe Trading Post and Smoke Shop (1991ish) and a place where a fifteen-year-old could work for summer cash and be impressed by a “Dukes of Hazzard General Lee” car that stopped by for service and a tire smokin’ exit.

Miller Bros. was a wholesale gasoline and propane distributor, tire company and operated a chain of resale stations in Bartlesville on Highway 123 South at 14th Street, Dewey at Highway 75 & 16th Street, Pawhuska at Hwy 60 & 99 and 21st Street, Tulsa at 1108 E. Admiral, Nowata, Springdale, AR and a few peppered around Kansas with locations at Sedan and Independence. In addition, Miller Bros. opened a station one mile south of Fairfax on Highway 18 between September 26-27, 1959. Bill Adams was the Pawhuska station supervisor who

Did You Know?

Kansas born, Bruce Goff’s family settled in Indian Territory living in Tulsa, Henrietta and Skiatook. He was an artistic child prodigy who became a well-known architect, holding a 70year architectural career with a portfolio of over 500 projects, although only a quarter of the projects were realized. Among the realized projects was the Miller Bros. Round Service Station, Pawhuska’s only claim to Goff fame. The architectural drawings for the Round Service Station are only two sheets which are prestigiously archived at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Now You Know *

Kathryn Van Leuven . . .

The 1st Woman Assistant Attorney General in the Nation

by Kay Little, Little History Adventures

Lately, I have found a lot of information about certain women in Nowata history, so I would like to share about one of those.

Kathryn Nerdy was born in 1888 in Ft Smith, Arkansas and grew up there. She was always interested in the law and worked at her father’s law office. She took a special 18-month course of study at the University of Chicago but did not earn a law degree. Even though she did not earn a law degree, she became a leading figure in legal circles and was the first woman to hold several public positions. Her legal career was mostly in the new state of Oklahoma.

In 1904, Kathryn married attorney Bert Van Leuven and they settled in Nowata. She assisted her husband in his law practice. In 1913, she passed the bar, reportedly with the highest score among those taking the test. She opened her own law office and divorced Bert.

She later received an appointment as Assistant County Attorney of Nowata County, making her Oklahoma’s first female prosecutor. She later became the first female Assistant Attorney General of the state of Oklahoma. After the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, she removed the Tulsa Chief of Police and 27 of his men from the police force, because she blamed them for the massacre.

She returned to private practice in OKC. In 1930, she and

her son, Kermit, established the first mother and son law firm in the United States, which was her most cherished ambition. That same year, she ran for the Oklahoma State Senate as a Democrat, finishing 7th in a 10-candidate primary election. She helped set up the Oklahoma Job Insurance program. Kathryn submitted a plan to President Roosevelt that became a model for the Federal Food Stamp Distribution Plan. She was able to do this because she had developed a relationship with The First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She authored the Oklahoma law that established the first literacy commission and also authored the first law that made child desertion a felony. She served as legal advisor, legislative counselor and secretary for Oklahoma Associated Industries in the early 1940’s. Kathryn later served as the attorney and service director for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1857.

One of her claims to fame is that she prosecuted a big case in 1921 that involved a woman charged with murder. At the time, it was not legal to summon women for jury duty, so Governor Robertson decided the woman being charged with murder should have a woman lawyer as the prosecutor.

Kathryn also had other interests, like playing bridge, in which she was a champion player. She was a skilled horsewoman, a good cook, a poet and a writer. In her younger years, she felt that she should be involved in many clubs, but after her life got very busy, she did not feel the need to be so involved.

Her family was Methodist, her husband was Episcopalian, but she was a Christian Scientist. In 1939, Kathryn Van Leuven was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. She died in 1967 in OKC at the age 79 and is buried in OKC.

BARTLESVILLE FLY-IN

We live, work, and play in Bartlesville, and we’re proud to serve our neighbors with integrity

Experienced, Honest, Local

by Jay Webster

The Surgeon General has been in the news recently. (Not a sentence you get to write every day. Also why Surgeon General? Are these people weighing in on today’s trendiest health topics in between shifts at the local ER? And since we are here, is it like POTUS? Can we say SGOTUS? A quick review of their website declares they are one of the nation’s uniformed services — a branch committed to the service of health. If there are uniforms, are there metals involved, or at least merit badges? “For valor in the face of tooth decay from sugary treats and also coming up with that thing about waiting 30 minutes after eating before you swim . . . we award you the silver toothbrush and rank of Surgeon Private First Class.” Also, this is quite possibly the longest continuous pair of parenthesis I’ve ever used. Probably warrants a warning from the SGOTUS.)

Anyway

. . .

The Surgeon General’s biggest responsibility seems to be fighting for the general populace’s health by dropping warning labels on all the things we enjoy: smoking, drinking, eating meat (and especially doing all those at once). In short, if it makes you feel like ‘Mericans, stop it.

But like an actor suddenly turned Rockstar, the office of the Surgeon General now wants to expand its market from just consumables to entertainables as well. (The news was met with the same enthusiasm of an album release by said actorturned-rockstar.) Despite calls for the SGOTUS to stay in their lane, our highest-ranking medical professionals offered these

two bombshells a couple of weeks ago (following our co-pay).

First, SGOTUS released a statement declaring guns kill people - specifically young people. I know it’s fashionable to show up to the party late, but really? Guns are killing people? If it didn’t get our attention a year ago when guns became THE leading cause of death for children and teens, I’m not sure a brightly colored warning sticker on our government-issued assault weapon is going to do it. We’ve shot seven of the men who have held the office of President in this country. Four of them fatally. Shooting people is apparently about as American as you can get. But if you think a strongly worded warning sticker will help, I’m all for it.

Maybe people should have to sign the warning label as part of their background check. “Says here you have prior arrests for domestic violence. Hmmm. Before I sell you a gun with absolutely no safety training whatsoever that shoots 60 bullets a minute, do you promise to be really, really careful and only use this on squirrels and overly aggressive deer? OK, good. Please sign this warning sticker and here’s your free largecapacity magazine in case you run into two deer at once … and the second one has antlers … damn beast. Also, says here you don’t have to notify anyone in your family you bought the gun. It can just be a surprise.”

Not satisfied with being a killjoy on our American rights, SGOTUS then turned their ire on our social media accounts. Somehow kids averaging 5 hours a day on the socials where they harshly compare themselves to each other and engage in cyclical bullying is creating developmental issues and worse. But I showed the General. I wrote a snarkily-worded post on the Facebooks from my ghost account. I think they got the message that I was none to pleased with them doing their jobs.

Look, if the Surgeon General is really bent on the mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation, I have an area they should look into: Humans.

That’s right, what if every human came with a Surgeon General’s Warning sticker? “Warning: Prolonged contact with me may result in extreme hypertension and a desire to ducttape your ears closed.” “Warning: You know how painful it is to run naked through a poison ivy patch? You’ll enjoy that more than having a cubicle next to me.” “Warning: Exposure to me may rot or severely decay your self-esteem and joy in this life.”

“Warning: I will announce I’m sorry, but… but I’m actually not sorry in the least. Good luck.”

At the very least we could offer general warnings for the various age groups in this life “Warning: I’m 60+. Left unattended, I may wear suspenders so I don’t have to button the top of my pants anymore to keep them on.” “Warning: I’m twenty-something. Repeated exposure to me may produce feelings of frustration when I act like the first person to discover injustice, high-interest loans, and nature itself.” “Warning: I’m 90+. My vocabulary has not been updated since 1963. I may produce extreme social anxiety when you introduce me to your ‘diverse’ friend group.”

The warning label I wish I had seen is for the teenage phase

my wife and I now find ourselves experiencing in our home. Though to be honest, I should have recalled the symptoms of this cycle from my own bout with the disease. I can still recall sitting across the kitchen table from my parents (age 13) in tears because our cocker spaniel, Sandy, was unfairly made to live…outside…while we enjoyed all the creature comforts of our cul-de-sac home. “She should have a place inside at the table with us!” It was all my parents could do to let me continue living with them.

Now my own child routinely comes home with the spazmatic energy of a chipmunk on Meth mixed with teen-angst - all of which leaves her mother and I both questioning our life choices. On more than one occasion we have suggested that she run at top speed around the block or potentially just gnaw ferociously on a tree limb like a badger for some relief . . . for us all.

Life isn’t easy. A few warning stickers from SGOTUS may help.

“Warning: Family gatherings often produce trigger moments that may cause you to want to sniff glue in the bathroom.” “Warning: Mondays have been known to cause people to quit their jobs and set their desks on fire. Use extreme caution.” “Warning: Reminding your wife a third time (about anything) may result in divorce or death in your sleep.”

If you woke up tomorrow and found yourself to be the SGOTUS, what warnings would you issue?

Think of the power. You could really do anything you wanted, because your work is largely going to be ignored anyway. Name one warning sticker that has changed your predetermined behavior. “Warning: Tornadoes have been proven to cause severe property damage and even loss of life. I doubt it. Let’s go out to the front porch and see.”

If I was SGOTUS, I would issue warning stickers that I could wear myself. “Warning: 90 seconds into our conversation I’m going to involuntarily start moving backward due to social anxiety. It’s me and not…well… part of it may be you.” “Warning: Unannounced stop-ins to our house may result in all the lights suddenly turning off, whispered shouting, and a horrible attempt to pretend we are not home.”

The options are endless. What would you do as SGOTUS?

Next month I’ll be doing my annual interview with my daughter, Evanjalyn, on “What I Did on My Summer Break.” We’ll see you then.

Cheers, my friends.

OK A+ Schools Institute Integrating the Arts Into the Classroom

by Kay Little, Little History Adventures

Several years ago, Sandy Kent, the Executive Director for Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute, asked me to be a part of OKA+. It is an educational program to help integrate the arts into all areas of the school. I was a little concerned that I would not fit in because I am not a classroom teacher anymore, but she helped me understand that as a historian and sometimes working with classroom teachers, I would be able to learn quite a bit and add to some of the curriculum. At the time I was teaching Oklahoma history to a group of homeschoolers and was able to incorporate some things I was learning. It really added to the lessons.

I also met a teacher who taught at Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless children in OKC. She invited me to share my Land Run program a couple of times with her students. It was so good to see the school implementing OKA+ methods.

Sandy told me that what she does is “help schools integrate arts into all areas of school. OKA+ Schools Institute’s main work is a network of schools that is a whole school model in which we provide all teachers in the school with training together so that they can build the work together.” You can see her passion in this. She and the teachers involved in this program are making sure all students have the best opportunity to be successful in their adult world.

Bartlesville is blessed to have Wilson and St. John Schools be a part of OKA+. I have heard from several local teachers how fun it is to integrate the arts into all the curriculum. The

vision for Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at UCO is “We envision schools that work for everyone through arts integration.” The mission statement says, “We ignite creativity, imagination and innovation in students, teachers, and schools.” They accomplish this by providing quality, arts integrated, professional development for educators and schools, facilitating networking among educational communities and partners, pursuing ongoing research opportunities, and creating specialty projects and opportunities for students, teachers, and schools. Imagine being able to incorporate some of the students’ favorite music, dancing, create pieces of art, pretend to be a newscaster and many other forms of art into the curriculum. Studies have shown that students who are engaged in the arts tend to be better students and happier students.

Schools who are interested can visit the website at www. okaplus.org and see the “Become a Member” information. They can also visit an OKA+ Network School. We have the opportunity at THE Art Auction to learn more about OKA+ and how we can help the program to continue. It promises to be a fun night of showcasing several Oklahoma artists, including our very own Jon Lindblom, Lori Roll, and Josh Waddell. THE Art Auction will be held September 13, 6:30 pm, UCO Boathouse, 732 River Sport Dr., OKC. More information is available at www.okaplus.org/the-art-auction or by contacting OKA+ Schools at 405-974-3779 or aplusmail@uco.edu.

B the Light Update: Moving Forward

Homelessness is an epidemic that seems to grow over time with each passing month, and Bartlesville has indeed faced the effects of this dilemma.

Time is not always on the side of the homeless, but we continue to move forward helping those that are stuck in this cycle.

If nobody reminds them that they have a purpose to get up in the morning, then they might not know it.

Although we are still closed, B the Light has been instrumental in helping our guests right where they are. But from the outside and not really capable of seeing in, many don’t know about the progress being made.

Here’s this month’s update!

Through the generosity of our partners at the Agape Mission, we have been given a box truck that we’ve been using for donation pick-ups and supply runs. Our amazing friends at Family Promise donated a 12 passenger van that we will use to transport and pick up our guests. You’ll see us around town, as we’ve just gotten the signage on our new vehicles.

Thanks to Alex Dout, with Bartlesville Health and Rehab, we now have a portable shower trailer that we have put to good use. Once we are open, we’ll have the availability to go on site to different locations, so that we can help our neighbors who are not yet ready to commit to the program we have here.

And finally, WE HAVE CHICKENS! The guys have completed the chicken coop, adding in some extra shade. The raised garden beds have finally started giving back, and we have vegetables, and another job opportunity for our guests.

We don’t know of anyone who has tried and then not failed, at least once or twice. Or more.

Be the Light continues to be the right balance of love and help, without the hindrance of enablement.

We will always get into the boat with you, but you have to help row.

Also notable to mention, at this time due to the parameters set in place at the city and state levels, we’ve not been given the green light to open full time. We are still giving out shoes and clothing if needed, and we also allow our homeless neighbors to have their mail sent here, so they can keep receiving any

important documents, as well as keep up with family.

We’ve been asked several times regarding the possibility of opening a cooling shelter during the hot days. The truth is we are waiting to cool the building until we have the occupancy permits in place. In order to steward the donations received with the utmost diligence, we are counting onthe other cooling stations in Bartlesville to continue to give a helping hand to those who need to cool off.

B the Light continues to

partner with many with the same vision as ours!

Local speakeasy NineteenOEight selected B the Light Mission as the beneficiary of their most recent sold-out comedy event, featuring comedian Julie Drake. This support will aid the mission with our ongoing efforts to help Bartlesville’s homeless population.

ALSO COMING SOON!

The Keller Williams Gives Back Charity Golf Tournament, benefitting B the Light Mission, will be held in our own city at the Adams Golf Course.

Friday, September 20th it’s all going down, and they’re still looking for sponsors and donations of prizes. Contact Linda Robertson for more information at 918-440-8535.

On the other side of this issue are those that are diligent in helping us do what we can, as we move our friends to that next step; one that includes an escape from homelessness and abject poverty.

We are often unaware of what fates cross our paths as we journey through life, and again, time won’t wait past the moment.

Is there an urgency in our city to help our friends on the street? Absolutely and without a doubt. We’ll continue to help our homeless neighbors one life at a time, and within the parameters of what’s been set before us.

Life is about that “one more chance” - and B the Light continues to be that for our neighbors on the streets of Bartlesville.

See you next month!

Agapè Mission - Agapé Love

by Miriam Walker

Agape by its very definition, is selfless love.

This is a love that gives to others, sacrificing our time, energy and resources for someone else who is going without.

“Serving at Agape is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.” Joyce Cowan

With little or no effort at all, the team at The Agape Mission here in Bartlesville, are experts in Agape love. To be certain, there is definitely an effort put forth in the day to day operations of running Agape, but the loving part takes no effort whatsoever.

I walked into The Agape Mission a year ago, and I was met with an amazing team of volunteers and staff, who welcomed me with open arms. What I felt as a fellow-volunteer was love, and here we are a year later and nothing has changed. I still feel the love. And although I’m no longer there every day, I did take time this week to catch up with a few of my favorite co-laborers.

“This place just feels like home. Our clients feel accepted, because they are.” Susan Garrison

Sherri Smith is the Executive Director of The Agape Mission, and this February they will celebrate 25 years of being an integral part of the Bartlesville community. They serve the homeless, the hungry, the underemployed, and those suffering from abject poverty.

Agape has grown quite a bit in 25 years. They opened in a small building located at 309 South Bucy, and now they are occupying a much larger space just a half of a block north. Years ago Sherri was not only the cook, but the one responsible for getting the volunteers in place. And although that responsibility now belongs to Joyce Cowan, the term “well-oiled machine” comes to mind.

“They don’t look down on you here. I started doing community service 14 years ago, and over time I developed a desire and drive to help out. They took a chance and hired me, and it kept me out of prison for sure.”

Chef Roy Parker

Chef is an amazing cook, and my biggest challenge each day was not eating up all the food. But trust me when I tell you that Chef isn’t the only one chef’ing in there. Between Sally Derr’s blueberry pineapple dump cake, Jackie’s banana pudding, and all the other baked desserts they strategically throw together on the daily, our clients are well fed.

You know, the fundamentals of human kindness are often never learned while existing in a past filled with pain and suffering. Many of our clients come for the kindness. Sure they’ll eat, but they

keep coming back because this is the only place they feel accepted and loved.

“I love seeing the people each day, I love serving them.”

Cassie Fugett

Cassie also loves them. She loves them so much that while they’re waiting in line to eat, she’ll bring them their tea or coffee. When I first witnessed this I knew that this place was special. I had found a group of people right here in Bartlesville that cared and loved the homeless as much as I did.

But it’s not just the homeless. Many are so financially strapped that they have to choose between the electric bill or medicine. Food sometimes becomes an afterthought.

Our clients know they can count on the Agape Mission for lunch, and for love.

“We’re showing the love of Jesus by serving.”

Jackie Breen

Also housed in Agape, is Food For Kids. Coordinator Rissie Soderstrom has been the driving force behind this amazing program since 2005. Her team makes sure that the children of Bartlesville eat.

The numbers are staggering. During the 2023-24 school year, 168 children and youth were identified as being displaced. Per Sarah Rowe, who works in our schools, 94 of that number are displaced elementary school children in our city.

Back-to-school is nearly here, and many kids are going from the hotel to the shelter. When school is out during the summer the numbers soar, as Agape has the opportunity to feed and connect with our youngest neighbors.

Trust me when I tell you it’s not without a feeling of sadness really, to look in the eyes of a hungry child, knowing full well they had nothing to do with the choices that dropped them into this story.

But that’s a story for a different time.

COMING UP SOON

- ON AUGUST 27th, Agape’s annual fundraiser takes place! Empty Bowls is held on the 4th Tuesday of each August. Raising money to feed the hungry people of our community, Empty Bowls will be held at the Bartlesville Community Center, from 11:30 to 1:00.

“Feeding hope, with love and dignity.”

Sherri Smith

The Agape Mission is a shining light, and Bartlesville is thankful for the service, the outreach, and for the love that is, the Agape Mission.

The Road Less Traveled

Telling Fear of Failure to Get in the Back Seat

by Kelly Hurd

I’ve never taken you down this road before, but no worries. It’s good to explore unfamiliar territory once in a while.

In my mid-twenties, I was a stayat-home mom living out on a ranch with a four-year-old, red-headed, blueeyed, only-child daughter. I started feeling a tug that maybe – just maybe – I might consider homeschooling as an educational option. That thought scared me. Where in the world did that thought even come from? Homeschooling wasn’t exactly widespread, normal, or even accepted back in the early 1990s. But there it was, rolling around in my head and tugging at my heart.

Other questions made this road of thought a bumpy one. What would people think? What about socialization? Could I do it? Where do you even get curriculum? Could this be the Lord speaking to my heart, or is it just me?

Maybe you’ve been there – maybe you are there. This one’s for you.

There wasn’t a road map back then. Not only was I pioneering new territory, I was daring to go where few had gone before.

Today, I have a sign in my office that says, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I like those words because looking back on my life, I wonder what would have happened if I had let fear of failure keep me from stepping out in faith on more than just the homeschooling decision. Experience has taught me that fear of failure is most assuredly a thief of success.

So, before I had to make the big decision, I decided to just give it a try while she was four. Now, I don’t recommend this because most four-year-olds might not react well to this decision, but in my case, little Sheyanne loved my undivided attention during our “school” time – which only lasted about an hour each day, at most.

And, to my surprise – four-year-old Sheyanne started reading Dick and Jane books by Christmas that year! I was elated, stunned, and amazed! I had actually taught my daughter to read – and she loved it!

Now, I expected everyone in my family would be just as happy about this as I was, but I’ll never forget the day my four-yearold sat down on the couch with my mother-in-law back then, to show her what she had learned. I smiled after Sheyanne finished the book and then told her grandmother she was going to be

homeschooled – innocently expecting support and encouragement.

This.Did.Not.Happen.

Right before little Sheyanne’s dancing eyes, her grandmother got up off the couch, stormed out the door, and left.

Well crud, I hadn’t thought of family resistance as one of the rocks in the road – but sometimes you sure enough might run into it.

Because I have no intention of taking the long road, let’s scoot on around this bend where the view gets better, and I want you to see it.

I did homeschool Sheyanne – and her sister who is almost eight years younger – and I have no regrets about doing it. Sheyanne was homeschooled kindergarten through 12th grade. Her younger sister, Gracie, was homeschooled kindergarten through 10th grade and then entered public school and graduated in the top of her class.

Sheyanne went on to college, received her degree, and graduated summa cum laude. Gracie completed college in just two years and went on to receive her Master’s Degree – also summa cum laude.

As for socialization, both girls possess amazing social graces and can walk into any age group and have good, intelligent, mature conversation.

Homeschooling wasn’t hermitization. Homeschooling was an investment in not only my children’s education, but also in their attitudes, behavior, world view, work ethic, and day-to-day relationships. You can’t teach a child who doesn’t respect and listen to you.

It was a full-time job that required intentionality, sacrifice, planning, and self-discipline. Yes, at times I wanted to quit. But – I’m so glad I didn’t. It was worth the bumps and curves in the road. And, I would do it all again if given the chance to relive it.

So, this month I’m encouraging you to take the road less traveled when you feel the tug, because there’s joy in the journey of living life by faith – and by the seat of your pants.

#AdventureAwaits at the end of your comfort zone.

Thanks for going “On the Road” with me this month!

Steven Russell

Jana Russell

A Dining Adventure

by Aaron Kirkpatrick

Toots Drive-In is an old-fashioned diner an hour and a half north of Bartlesville, between here and Wichita. Nestled in Howard, Kansas, it’s the kind of place you either stop at because you live there or because you haven’t seen a restaurant in so long you figure you should eat while the eatin’s good. And the eatin’ is VERY good at Toots. They serve oldfashioned hamburgers, curly fries, milkshakes, and pie to die for! The menu is more extensive, but I always order the basics because they are so delicious.

I discovered Toots by accident, driving home from Wichita with a friend. We were starving after a long day, so we decided to roll the dice and try this hole-in-the-wall in the middle of nowhere.

As we walked up, there were men in work shirts and overalls chatting around the outside order window. We opted to eat inside, and when we opened the door, we discovered it was packed. With only around 20 seats inside, there wasn’t a lot of room for the line, which snaked from the counter to the door.

As we stepped into the back of the line, two boys and a girl finished their order and sat at a table near the door. The boys sported camo ball caps, and all three wore roper jeans and Dudes. They were teasing and laughing as 16-year-olds do, and it was clear one on the boys and the girl were flirting. As they were seated right next to our part of the line, I picked up that the boy “with” the girl was named Tristan* (note: Tristan’s name has been changed). With so many people ordering, the cooks were struggling to keep up, and the line was moving slowly. Before his name had been called, Tristan answered a phone call, and then all three of them suddenly got up and left.

We moved up to the counter and ordered about 3,000 calories worth of classic American deliciousness, before grabbing a couple of empty seats at a table next to two old farmers. I settled in to wait as they bemoaned the drought and the price of hay. Eventually, one of their names was called, and they got up to gather their food. We were one order closer to dinner!

Tristan re-entered, this time alone. He took his former seat with his back to the door and began killing time on his iPhone. Moments later, the door opened and a woman walked in.

“TRISTAN!” She yelled. “What the hell are you thinking?”

Phones down, everyone. This just got interesting.

“I was closing up at work when someone sent me a picture of you with a GIRL sitting in the middle seat of your truck between you and Curtis.”

I made eye contact with my buddy across the table and silently mouthed, “Who is Curtis?” He silently responded, “The friend. Is she Tristan’s mom or older sister?” I shrugged.

“You and Becky just broke up two days ago! How could you do this to her after all you’ve already put her through? Everyone in town already knows. She will be heartbroken.”

“ORDER FOR THOMAS!” the cashier shouted. The second farmer walked to the counter.

Tristan had maintained an impressive poker face through the barrage, only now looking up from his phone. “She needed a ride home from school,” he said. “Curtis and I gave her a ride. It’s no big deal.” Gaslighting at its finest.

Curtis entered the restaurant, asking what was taking so long. She wheeled on him. “Curtis, how could you encourage this behavior? You’re supposed to be a good Christian influence on my son!”

I received a soft kick under the table. “Mom!” my buddy mouthed, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Tristan, if you don’t knock this nonsense off and apologize to Becky, I swear I’ll take the keys to your truck for a MONTH!” She emphasized “month” to underscore the threat.

“Mom, I don’t know what you think you saw, but it’s no big deal. We weren’t hanging out, just giving a friend a ride home. Relax.”

“TRISTAN! AARON!” Both our names were shouted into the small dining room. Curtis hustled over to collect their order, and I gathered extra napkins for the road.

As Curtis set their order down on the table, his mom’s voice took on an ominous tone.

“Tristan,” she asked, “if you only gave her a ride home, then why did you and Curtis order three milkshakes?”

He sat frozen. As we passed, I leaned down and patted him on the shoulder and muttered, “Good luck, Tristan.”

That was one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.

Life is Full of Lessons

by Jason Fullerton

I stepped off the plane and asked sarcastically, “What happened to Alaska?” As I walked across the tarmac towards the terminal, I was convinced that our pilot had landed in the wrong location. As we took off just over an hour ago, we were surrounded by beautiful mountains, majestic trees, and crystal-clear lakes. Now in Bethel, four hundred miles west of Anchorage, we found ourselves on the Alaskan Tundra…a vast, harsh landscape that looked more like West Texas than the Last Frontier.

Over the next seven days our team would help with the construction of a church that will serve the city of Bethel and the villages along the Kuskokwim River. Throughout that week I watched the scenery became oddly charming. Vast open spaces, tall grasses, never-ending sunsets, and the simple beauty of a river caused me to embrace a place locals call the “Real Alaska.” But I was captivated by more than just the scenery; I was amazed by the lessons a missions trip can teach.

Life is full of lessons. Soon, students will head back to school, some may begin a new job, become new parents, empty nesters, or even retirees. In each season, God is always trying to teach us. David wrote in Psalm 25:5, “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.”

On my trip to Alaska, I found myself in the posture of a student learning many lessons. Short-term mission trips have a way of teaching you about yourself and most importantly, the Lord. Missions trips are adventurous, unpredictable, exciting, and exhausting times of teaching and growing. Something special happens on a missions trip as God reveals Himself to us and teaches us new and exciting lessons that can change our life. Here are just a few of the lessons I learned in Alaska. I fully believe that the more we seek to learn, the more God teaches us.I hope you can glean from these lessons as well.

WHO YOU ARE BECOMING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

• We live in a results-driven society. This tension causes us to work, push, and strain to achieve and accomplish. We feel that we will be honored for what we do, not who we are.

The Bible reminds us, however, that our most important reward comes from being found in Christ.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus.” An excessive focus on doing results in us neglecting who we are becoming in Christ.

WE MAKE LIFE MUCH TOO COMPLICATED.

• I’m often guilty of over-complicating the beauty and simplicity of life. But a missions trip, especially one in Alaska, boils down to a few simple priorities: proper hygiene, good food, decent rest, fulfilling work, and meaningful connections. For most of my trip, everything I needed was found in a backpack, and life was very simple. There was no rush, no stress, no facades. It was a time of love, joy, and peace as bonds were formed through sharing a common vision.

STRIVE TO BE FRIENDLY, FLEXIBLE, AND FULL OF GRACE

• The unpredictability of a trip, the uncomfortable nature of being away from home, the lack of sleep, jet lag, and unfamiliar surroundings can produce unsettled feelings. These external stimuli sometimes make a person behave or speak contrary to their nature. Reminding yourself each morning to see the best in others, maximize your moments, and put others first provides the best experience for everyone involved. But this lesson is not just for trips. Being friendly, flexible, and full of grace benefits us daily by refocusing our priorities on what truly matters!

As I walked back up the steps to the plane at the end of the missions trip, I thought, “What happened to me in Alaska?” On the flight back to the beautiful version of the state I was accustomed to seeing, I reflected upon the many lessons that God had been teaching me. One will certainly stick with me: God is always teaching. Am I willing to learn?

6:00 pm, August 26

Hilton Garden Inn

Silent and Live Auction

Guest Speakers:

Sports

Special thanks to our In-Kind Sponsors!

VIP:

Amos Radlinger, Chinowth & Cohen

Armstrong Bank

Armstrong Bank

Bartlesville Regional United Way

Bartlesville Regional United Way

Colonial Storage

George Johnson Appraisal

Cady Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

East Cross Church

TOUCHDOWN:

First Investment Corporation

Fourstone Wealth Management

Haberstroh Family

Haberstroh Family

Heath Potter, DDS

Heath Potter, DDS

KWON KYFM KRIG KPGM

Sponsors

CHAMPIONSHIP:

Legacy Capital Private Wealth of Wells Fargo Advisors

Musselman Abstract

Musselman Abstract

City Church

Dale & Stefani Summerlin

Dink’s BBQ

DSR

Colonial Storage / George Johnson Appraisal

Equity Bank

American Heritage Bank

Arvest bank

American Heritage Bank

American Heritage Bank

Gorman Management Company

Arvest bank

Arvest Bank

Keleher Outdoor Advertising

Ascension St. John

Gorman Management Company

Kevin Lynch, Re/Max

Fincher Fencing LLC

Keleher Outdoor Advertising

Gorman Management Company

Kevin Lynch, Re/Max

Inco Electric

The Atkinson Real Estate Team

Keleher Architects

Andrew Barnes, Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies

Delaware Tribe

Kyle & Jessica Wade

Keith & Lynda Kliewer

Kyle & Jessica Wade

Lawrence Roberts Real Estate, McGraw Realtors

Lawrence Roberts Real Estate, McGraw Realtors

Larry & Elizabeth Thrash

Larry & Elizabeth Thrash

Kevin Lynch, Re/Max

Larry & Elizabeth Thrash

Osage Casino

Matt & Jill Epperson

Moxie on Second/ Bartlesville Print Shop

Precision Lawn Care

Osage Casino

Meghan Snead KW Realty

Doug

Precision Lawn Care

Moxie on Second

Jason

SAFETY:

Bartlesville Print Shop

Senator

Doug & Linda Brillhart

Mark

Richey Roofing & Construction

Jason & Sammy Epperson

Senator Julie & Charlie Daniels

Meghan

Mark & Debbie Haskell

Meghan Snead, KW Realty

Richey Roofing and Construction

Play for Burk Foundation

Play for Burk Foundation RCB Bank

Prosperity Bank

Richey Roofing and Construction

Pure Health Performance

Spencer & Camie King

Pure Health Chiropractic

Truity Credit Union

Roger & Suzanne Shiflet

Truity Credit Union

Regent Bank

Ron & Mecca Freeman

Safari Smiles

Regent Bank

Ron & Mecca Freeman

Stotts, Archambo, Mueggenborg, Barclay, PC

Suzanne & Tim Duhon

Whaling Construction FIELD GOAL:

Scott Gillette Agency - Farmers Insurance

Stotts, Archambo, Mueggenborg, Barclay,

Spencer & Camie King

Suzanne & Tim Duhon

Whaling Construction

Scott Gillette Agency

Stride Bank

Stotts, Archambo, Mueggenborg, Barclay, PC Gateway Bank

Valor Payroll Solutions

Visit Bartlesville

Champion for Mental Health

Support the Samaritan Sports Spectacular

by Abigail Singrey

Help Samaritan Counseling & Growth Center score big at the 2024 Sports Spectacular, their annual fundraiser that supports mental health in the local community. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bartlesville. Featuring Dinks BBQ, a cash bar, an inspiring speaker and a live auction, the event will be a fun night to remember.

Guests will hear insights from speaker Jacie Hoyt, the OSU women’s head basketball coach. Hoyt became the head coach of Oklahoma State women’s basketball on March 20, 2022, after transforming the Kansas City program from 2017 to 2022. With deep Big 12 roots, Hoyt—who played for her mother, a Kansas coaching legend—led Kansas City to its first postseason in a decade, achieving an impressive 81-65 record. In her first season at OSU, she turned a team predicted to finish ninth into a 21-win squad, earning a third-place finish in the Big 12 and an NCAA tournament berth.

Another highlight will be the live auction, which fundraising and event chair Kristin Curd said is always fun and lively. Live auction items will include tickets to suites at games featuring the Denver Broncos, Kansas State University and more. Local artist Jon Lindblom will donate a painting, and Tri County Tech has donated cooking classes.

The funds raised help Samaritan Counseling subsidize their services. They provide a sliding fee scale to help remove financial barriers to seeking counseling or psychotherapy services.

“We want to provide quality, affordable mental health care to everyone,” Executive Director Ben Ames said. “We’re really excited about the future.”

As the newly appointed executive director, Ames at first was reluctant to leave his previous agency. But friends and family encouraged him to make the move, and he kept feeling a tug on his heart telling him that Samaritan was where he was supposed to be. Now, he’s working to help usher Samaritan into their 50th year serving the Bartlesville community.

Their mission is more important than ever now. Samaritan Counseling therapists help people battling loneliness, depression and so many other issues.

“Especially since COVID, the need is so great for mental health services,” Curd said. “You can help by attending the fundraiser, serving on the board or donating money.”

Last year, Samaritan Counseling provided 4,800 sessions of counseling, benefiting around 750 people of all ages. They offer individual counseling, couples counseling and family counseling, and their therapists help find the best solution

for each person. Some therapists at Samaritan are licensed to provide EMDR therapy, which involves using specific eye movements while thinking of traumatic events to lessen the emotional impact of them, and dance motion therapy.

Samaritan Counseling & Growth Center partners extensively with other nonprofits and businesses in the community. In addition to being a Bartlesville Regional United Way agency, they also are working with On the Rock to provide services to area youth. They also offer group classes and workshops for organizations that need that training.

“We walk side by side with the nonprofits in our community,” Ames said.

Samaritan Counseling also helps employers make mental health services available to their employees. They are the preferred provider for the Employee Assistance Program for Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips, among others.

“The most important thing folks can do is be self-aware of our own well-being,” said Ames. “We will all have moments where we have struggles and difficult seasons. Samaritan is here for everyone.”

Don’t sit on the sidelines! Get your tickets for the 2024 Sports Spectacular at www.supportsamaritan.org.

Title Sponsor: Ascension St. John Jane Phillips

$1000 Per Team | Sponsorships Available Register by 9.15.2024 | Check-In at 11:00am Lunch | Shotgun Start at Noon | Prizes Four Person Scramble | Mulligans Included SCAN ME! All proceeds benefit the TCT

Braden Garrison

Dewey Champion Named Gatorade Athlete of the Year

by Mike Tupa

Upward he climbs the rocky face, bloody knuckles clawing skyward, groping for the next crack,the ground too far below, the mountaintop hidden in clouds. This is the measure of a warrior — to dream, to pursue, to battle the odds, to persevere no matter the cost, even when the prize seems lost.

Fatigued to the bone, he continues to dare, because that’s the measure of his soul — a composite of Quixotic zeal, ruggedness and ardent prayer.

Finally, his fingers grope the highest peak; he rises to his feet on the celestial crest and instantly comprehends the full truth: The real glory is in the view.

- M.J.T.

Braden Garrison is acquainted with the rarified panorama of conquest known only by eagles and conquerors.

To put it simply, this Dewey High School cannon was the best prep shot putter in the state — among all classes — for the 202324 year. He heaved the 12-pound shot 64-feet-4.75-inches — the sixth-longest throw in Oklahoma high school state track meet history. He also shattered the former Class 4A state meet record by more than two-and-a-half feet.

But the gold medal wasn’t Garrison’s only precious prize — or even his most important. As a result of the Brobdingnagian achievement at state, Garrison was named last month as the 2023-24 Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year — given to only one athlete in the state.

That was the real pinnacle of the summit, the vertex of the victory. For four years, Garrison had hungered with passionate desire, trained through pain, exuded gallons of sweat and rose above all his challenges to earn the state honor. “I thought about it ever since my eighth-grade year,” Garrison said. “I remember my dad telling me, ‘You’re in the running for this.’ I didn’t understand that at the time because I was just a kid.”

In fact, football seemed to be Garrison’s avenue to acclaim. But as a sophomore he popped the third-longest shot put throw in the state in 4A. “I think that (winning the bronze in 2022) so fired him up and he saw what he could do,” Dewey High head coach Dan Close said. “He was just very aggressive. Nothing intimidated him, nobody intimidated him.”

At the 2023 state meet, Garrison pulled off a gold-medal upset — with a distanced of 55-3.5 — that verified Close’s observation. “We were sure he was going to get second,” as a junior in the 2023 state meet, said Garrison’s father Brant. “When he won ... it put him a year ahead of schedule.”

During the summer of 2023, Braden Garrison finally broke the 60-foot milestone. He struggled during the 2024 high school season to register 60 feet — even though he rang up a lengthy

string of victories at 58-something or 59-something distances. But, at state he put it all together.

On his second throw in the state final he hurled the orb 617.5. On his next turn, he made history at 64-4.75. State officials halted the competition to certify the throw and the record, Brant said. This also was the 22nd longest throw in the nation for the season.

Within the next few weeks, Garrison won the Oklahoma Meet of Champions (60-0) and also captured the title in the hammer throw (176-1) at the Great Southwest (N.M.) Classic in June.

Garrison now has more mountains to climb. He is headed to Kennesaw State, which boasts one of the finest NCAA Division I throwing programs.

Next up, Garrison is setting his sights on either winning the NCAA championship or qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team in 2028 — or both.

Meanwhile, Garrison is still enjoying his statewide/national recognition.

“That’s cool the Gatorade gives that award,” Garrison said. “I’ve been working so hard the last few years to be the best I could be. ... Finally getting that award is so meaningful to me. ... My diligence paid off. ... Now my name is on the State of Oklahoma as one of the best.”

The story behind the story is Garrison’s training at a world class throwing facility — Throw Town Ramona (TTR) — less than a half-hour south of Dewey.Caleb Seal operates TTR, which in its short existence has hosted some international meets and brought the top throwers in the nation and world to Ramona.

Seal is proud of how Garrison has progressed at TTR. “During the summer of his sophomore and junior season he really progressed quite rapidly,” Seal said. “He put in a lot weight room and a lot of technical work.”

Garrison’s quickness and balance sets him apart as a superior thrower, Seal added.

The word “can’t” is not in Garrison’s lexicon. He has lifted “can-do” to a whole new level

Ron Price Pawhuska Marine Recalls Service in Vietnam

by Joe Todd

Ron Price was born 17 Oct 1948 in Pawhuska. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1967 and joined the Marines 6 Dec 1967. He joined the Marines because he had friends his age in the Marines.

He was sent to San Diego for Boot Camp. He said Boot Camp was total harassment, physical training, discipline and Marine history. Boot Camp lasted twelve weeks, then he was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA for ITR, Infantry Training Regiment. During the training, they were informed they would be going to Vietnam. ITR lasted about eight weeks, then sent to Camp LeJeune, NC and assigned to the 5th Marine Division.

While there, he was sent to Guantanamo, Cuba for two months. He then received orders for WESPAC, Western Pacific and he knew that was Vietnam. He was small and trained to be a tunnel rat. He left Norton Air Force Base and wondered if he would ever see it again. He was flown to Vietnam and arrived at Da Nang 1 April 1969. When the door on the airplane was opened, he recalled the heat and the smell. He was sent to Dong Ha and assigned to the 3rd Comat Engineers, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

On his first patrol near Khan Thien, they were ambushed, and the squad leader and radio man were both killed. His unit would go out in the field for forty-five days up to sixty days looking for the VC and NVA. They would have a position on a hill for a day or two then have to move, because any longer, you would get a rocket or mortar attack. On the patrols, he would carry a thousand rounds of ammunition in bandoliers, two water canteen and C rations. Each man also carried ammunition for the M-60 machine gun and two or three 61 mm mortar rounds. Each sweep he was on had about 40 men and they swept the area around Khe Sahn and could see into North Vietnam.

Most of the enemy was NVA because most of the VC were

killed in Tet 1968. He said that the siege of Khe Sahn was just a diversion to get supplies down the Ho Chi Mihn Trail. When supply helicopters landed, they could see flashes from gunfire in North Vietnam shooting at the helicopters and could not understand why they could not go into North Vietnam. He then went on road sweeps looking for land mines in the roads and he hated those sweeps. They left Khe Sahn and headed toward Laos to retrieve a helicopter that had been shot down.

Someone said they were in Laos and no one knew because he said there were no border markers in the jungle. They had gone to the river in a truck to get rock and take a bath with their uniforms on. On the way back, the truck hit a mine and turned over. One man lost a leg and sent to a hospital ship where he died. His unit was sent to Mutter’s Ridge, which overlooked the DMZ and fought the NVA for three days and 23 Marines were killed. The NVA had been fighting for the ridge for several months and units had been rotated in and out fighting the NVA. When the fight started, he was informed the NVA wanted to kill every Marine and he didn’t think he would survive but the artillery held the NVA off and they were able to get off the ridge. He was then sent to Da Nang to help clear the tunnels. All the civilians were moved out and he went in with a 45 pistol and a flashlight. He could stoop over and walk in the tunnel, and it went up and down. He would come to a room and it would be dark. He was crawling through a tunnel and heard breathing. He waited, shot and killed an enemy soldier in the tunnel and it bothers him to this day. That was his worst day in Vietnam.

He was in Vietnam 13 months and 20 days. He was discharged 24 Jun 1970 and returned to Oklahoma. He says Vietnam never leaves him. He thinks about it everyday and said PTSD never leaves you, you just have to live with it.

Coach Jerome Gibson

Remembering the Legacy of a Local Legend

by Debbie Neece & the Bartlesville Area History Museum

From birth, Carl Jerome Gibson seemed to have been destined for a career in sports as he was named for two baseball greats, Carl Hubbell and Jerome “Dizzy” Dean. Growing up in Nowata, Jerome spent many hours listening to the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio and playing ball… football, basketball and his first love baseball. As a youngster, his family lived near the baseball field and he practiced with every team available, no matter the age. Occasionally, he was even recruited to play with the adults at games.

Nowata High School didn’t have a baseball team; however, Gibson was a three-year Nowata Ironman letterman; also, a football quarterback and basketball captain during his senior year. He was a 1957 Nowata graduate and earned his Masters of Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Injuries sidelined him from college sports, but within a year of his NSU graduation, he embarked upon a career that led to coaching four State Championships for Bartlesville.

He taught and coached at Alluwe, Delaware and Copan before accepting a position at Bartlesville’s Central Junior High School in 1976. The following year, he was assistant baseball coach at College High School; then, in 1978, he became the Wildcat head coach and his legacy began. During that time, Bartlesville held a “crosstown high school rivalry” with the Sooner High Spartans east of the river and the College High Wildcats on the west. Tensions were high as Coach Gibson blended the two competitive softball teams for the 1982-1983 season; however, Coach sparked sportsmanship in all his Bartlesville Bruin players, resulting in great accomplishments.

As a 15-year head baseball coach, his teams won the 1980 Wildcat Class 3A and 1985 Bruins Class 5A State Championships.

In addition, as head softball coach, the Lady Bruins softball teams won the Girls Fast Pitch State Championships in 1982 and 1984.

Relationships that began as rivals quickly evolved into a team powerhouse with a 31-7 record and four tournament championships. The 1982 Lady Bruins beat Tulsa Union in Regionals to move on to State where they battled Putnam City for the win that took them to the State Championship against Broken Arrow, returning home with a WIN and State Championship bragging rights. The 1984 Lady Bruins held a 30-2 record as well as District, Regional and State Championships. When asked about the success of his teams, Gibson say everything just came together at the right time–experienced, skilled players, thanks to the coaches of Bartlesville’s American Legion and Blazers summer programs, his own staff of dedicated assistant coaches, and the commitment of each player on all his teams.

Coach Jerome Gibson retired in 1993 but the memories, comradery and championship records he brought to Bartlesville sports will long be shared in conversations. He was an Oklahoma All-State Coach (1985), coach of the Oklahoma/ California Series (1988), inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (1989), and the Oklahoma High School Fast-Pitch Softball Coaches Association (2002). In addition, Coach was inducted into the 2013 Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame; his 1980 Wildcat baseball team was inducted in 2017; and the 1982 Lady Bruins softball team was inducted in 2022.

In a recent visit to the Bartlesville Area History Museum, Coach Gibson donated his College High and Bruin baseball uniforms.

Indeed, a Coaching Legacy!

State of the Schools

Superintendent Chuck McCauley Talks About BPS

Enrollment is still growing at Bartlesville Public Schools. The bond issue approved in February 2023 allowed for funds to renovate existing spaces and add additional square footage at our two largest elementary schools. The project at Wayside Elementary is complete and ready for the 2024-25 school year and construction has begun at Ranch Heights Elementary. We are excited to announce that the Agriculture Center at Bartlesville High School is complete and ready for the first day of school.

This year, every student in the district is eligible for free breakfast and free lunch every day. Parents will no longer need to submit applications to participate in a free-and-reduced meal program. Instead, the district is asking all families to complete a simpler online Economically Disadvantaged form to ensure it receives the proper amount of state aid.

Every school in the district will begin the 2024-25 school year with a full time School Resource Officer (SRO), with two at the high school. The safety of Bartlesville Public Schools has long been a priority in the district. The district’s Director of Health and Safety, Kerry Ickleberry, works around the clock to ensure the district and its response teams are prepared and organized for any event. The district’s Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan is updated and reviewed annually by a committee made up of staff, community members, and first responders. Parents are also included on every school’s Safe School Committee.

Bartlesville High School will be offering a new Construction class this year for 9th - 12th grade students. The course will be an introduction to the construction industry and the associated trades. Students will explore opportunities in the field of construction through a blended learning approach that includes hands-on experiences, field trips, presentations by industry professionals, and classroom work. Over 100 BHS students have requested to enroll in the class.

The Bartlesville Public School District has again been recognized as a Project Lead The Way Distinguished District for its outstanding STEM program at every district school, providing pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This means that all six of the district’s elementary schools, both of its middle schools, and its high school individually earned Distinguished School status for 2023-24. Bartlesville is one of just 20 districts across the U.S. to receive this honor and the only district with that status in Oklahoma. This will be the third year of including Aviation as part of our STEM curriculum

alongside Computer Science and Pre-Engineering.

Thanks to a generous contribution from the Arvest Foundation and a growing partnership with Tri County Tech, BPS began offering an innovative childcare benefit for our teachers in August 2023. With this benefit, BPS certified staff receive reduced rates on childcare at Tri County Tech’s Early Learning Lab, a 5-Star NAEYC-accredited child development center. They also receive priority waitlist placement at the center. This year, BPS teachers will receive a 50% discount on the cost of this childcare.

We continue to provide comprehensive opportunities for students such as our Advanced Placement program, fine arts, and athletics. We are proud to offer choices for parents like full and part-time virtual options for all grade levels. Our elementary virtual program is housed at Richard Kane Elementary along with Central Middle School and Bartlesville High School for secondary students. It is a great time to be a Bruin!

Dancing in the Storm

by Brent Taylor

It was Christmas day, late afternoon, and the grandchildren had gone home to recover from the roller coaster astonishment of unwrapping Christmas gifts. Karen, in a quiet moment, said somewhat casually to me, “It is time.” I knew exactly what she meant. I took out the electric hair clippers and she sat before the mirror like a lamb awaiting the shearer. Her once long blond hair was thin and wispy. I shaved her head clean. It was done and there was nowhere to hide.

Karen has been fighting cancer for two plus years. Her hair, ravished by chemo treatments, has begun making a comeback. It is two inches long and shaped by genetic direction, like a newborns, only wiser, like a silver fox, spiced with salt and pepper. When her chemo treatments were done, she re-booted her activities, teaching yoga, playing and coaching pickleball, and gardening. For eight months since the cancer metastasized, she had not played or coached pickleball. With uncertainty framed by hope, and tempered by the reality of a body that had endured heavy doses of caustic drugs, she resumed playing, while coaching her pickleball students. We entered the Pan American Games at Tulsa University with uncertainty, knowing that she had lost not only her hair, but some dexterity of movement, muscle tone, and some sensation in her feet due to neuropathy from the chemo. Playing in the mixed division at the 4.0 level, Karen and I competed against other mixed teams, men and women from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas.

nearing championship point, when I kind of lost it. I teared up. I have experienced many proud moments in sports. I played in five USGA national golf tournaments and played on two high school state championship golf teams. I was also an AllAmerican in college golf. And I have been so bad that I cried in the middle of a baseball game. Ok, I was 9 years old. But now, we were on the cusp of realizing what would be my proudest moment in sports, playing alongside my pickleball and life partner. She has been through so much on this journey and has not only endured but has thrived. I am so proud of how she played. After a long layoff from tournament play, chemo, doctors visits, neuropathy, and uncertainty, we stepped back onto the courts together and somehow, beyond our wildest imaginations, we were a point away from winning the gold medal. With the championship point on our paddles, tears welled in my eyes. Get hold of yourself, I kept saying over and over. This is not over yet. Karen later told me that at that same point in the finale, she too was overwhelmed with emotion, and unlike me she rarely cries. When we won the final point, a feeling washed over me that was beyond description. And I realized that even in the midst of storms, you can dance in the rain, and when the storms abate, you find a rainbow.

Pickleball is fun! I like to say that whenever I lose, because it is true. But, something happened that I can only explain by saying we had help. We won the first match, 15-9, and the second match, 15-4. The third match, we were down 4-8, but came back to win 15-8. From there, we went to the semi-finals, and were down 8-13 to a very strong team. Digging deep, we found a way and came back to win 15-13. In the finals, we played an outstanding team from Arkansas, a team that we had played several times, and never beaten. We won the first game 11-7, after being down 1-7. It was during the clinching second game of the match,

Pickleball is just a game, but it is a remarkable setting for comebacks and people cheering people, and for hugs and prayers. Some days you realize you had help. And in that moment of victory, I knew beyond a doubt that it was true. Karen’s fight continues along with others fighting similar battles. I’m reminded of the three things you should do every day, according to Jim Valvano. The first is to laugh. The second is to spend time in thought. And the third is to be moved in emotion to tears. Laugh, think, cry…that’s a pretty good day!

“Cancer can take away all of our physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind. It cannot touch my heart. And it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.” Jim Valvano.

Jonathan

918-327-3137

Charlene Bejcek 918-440-4763 Carolyn

Barbara Hopper 918-335-7202

918-766-2361

918-907-1327

918-214-3036

Mixology Tales an interactive upscale dinner experience

Learn history through cocktails

Immerse in themed dining

Dress the part

Experience live music

Discover historical recipes

Interactive dining adventure

Savor crafted flavors

Current Session: Before Prohibition & the Saloon

Join us at Nineteen0Eight for a unique culinary journey! For $75, enjoy a 4-course meal with 4 craft cocktails, live music, and an interactive dining experience. Our Spirits Through Time series spans 10 sessions, delving into the history of alcohol from before Prohibition.

Led by expert mixologist Canaan Kallweit, each session features historical recipes, local stories, and guest speakers. Immerse yourself in themed dining, dress the part, and learn as you savor the past. Reserve your seat today! Only three dinners this session!

This session transports guests to an era of bustling saloons, burgeoning distilleries, and local brews. Before Prohibition, alcohol flowed freely, becoming a staple of daily life for many Americans. Our cocktails reflect the flavors and traditions of the time, offering a taste of history in every sip.

Learn more about this & other events at nineteen0eight, Lollipops & Palace Rooms at:

Downtown Revitalization

by Joshua Wright

In a significant boost to downtown Bartlesville, the dynamic entrepreneurs behind popular local establishments Lollipops, The Palace Rooms, and The Nineteen0eight have been awarded a prestigious grant from the American Express and Main Street America Backing Small Businesses program.

This grant is a testament to the Kallweits’ relentless efforts to transform and revitalize the downtown area, creating vibrant community spaces that have become local favorites.

The Kallweits are no strangers to business success and community development. With a background that includes founding the national franchise system SeekingSitters, the Kallweits have a proven track record of growing businesses and making substantial contributions to their community. Along with their son Cannan, who has a culinary background and a love for restaurant entrepreneurship, the team has created a positive impact on the local economy.

The American Express and Main Street America Backing Small Businesses grant program was established in 2021 to support under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and growing their businesses. In its first year, the program awarded $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners nationwide. In its second year, the program expanded to award over $2.3 million to an additional 350 businesses. This year, the program will more than double its funding to over $5.7 million, providing 500 small businesses with $10,000 grants. Additionally, 25 recipients will be selected for $30,000 Enhancement Grants, which will support projects that create transformative change within their businesses and communities.

Adrienne Kallweit’s application for the grant highlighted her ongoing projects in downtown Bartlesville, where she has been instrumental in the restoration of historic buildings and the development of popular local businesses. The grant will provide essential funding to further enhance these projects, supporting the local economy and bringing new vitality to the downtown area.

“We are honored to receive this grant from American Express and Main Street America,” said Adrienne Kallweit. “We are sincerely passionate about revitalizing downtown Bartlesville and this grant will allow us to continue creating vibrant community spaces and supporting local economic growth,” said Adrienne Kallweit. “It truly validates the hard work and dedication we have put into revitalizing downtown Bartlesville. This grant will allow us to continue creating vibrant community spaces and supporting local economic growth.”

The Kallweits’ businesses, Lollipops, The Palace Rooms, and The Nineteen0eight, have become staples in the downtown Bartlesville community. Lollipops, a beloved woodfire and grocery store, offers a unique dining experience with its wood-fired eats and local produce. The Palace Rooms provides elegant accommodations that blend historic charm with modern amenities, attracting visitors from near and far. The Nineteen0eight, a speakeasy-style bar, offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying crafted cocktails and live music.

The grant will enable the Kallweits to expand and enhance these businesses, further contributing to the economic and cultural vibrancy of downtown Bartlesville. They are also in the running for the $30,000 Enhancement Grant, which, if awarded, will support additional development projects and community engagement initiatives.

The Kallweits’ entrepreneurial journey and dedication to community development have made them prominent figures in Bartlesville and beyond. Their media appearances, both local and national, have highlighted their expertise in business growth and community revitalization. With this latest recognition from the American Express and Main Street America Backing Small Businesses program, the Kallweits are poised to make an even greater impact on downtown Bartlesville.

As the Kallweits continue their work, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a downtown Bartlesville that is more vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. The Kallweits’ commitment to their community and their innovative business ventures serve as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs and highlight the potential for positive change through dedication and hard work.

309 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville

The Storyteller’s Story

by Regina Olivia Freckensburg

How do I write about a writer?

That’s how I began my interview with bmonthly Magazine’s newest writer, Miriam Walker. And that was my first question to her.

How do you tell, a storyteller’s story?

“The best a writer can do is tell the story the way they see it. If I can make my readers laugh, get angry, or even cry, then I’ve done what I set out to do. I don’t try to make my readers cry, mind you, but I have a tendency to write about the rejected and the castoffs. Their stories are not happy, and when I look into their eyes, I can see the sadness. I can feel it.”

By her own admission, Walker considers herself to be very OCD when it comes to her own writing.

She laughs and tells me she’s working on the writer’s OCD, and she admits that some of her stories have continued to impact her emotions many years after writing them.

“The OCD while writing comes with all the editing I do, and the sadness? Well, there’s always something to explain the sadness in a person’s eyes. But are we looking past the dirt and the dysfunction in order to see it?”

I think songwriter Andrew Belle says it best,

“Too much smoke, to see it. Too much broke, to feel it.”

Upon accepting this assignment I did my homework by reading both of Walker’s published works. Her first book, Homeless Has A Name, was published in 2019, and her second book, The Chronicled Life Of JuliusBub, was published in 2022. Both nonfiction, one is about the homeless people she met while volunteering over several years, and the other one is about her 13 year old grandson whom she adopted as a newborn.

My goal today is to share how our author decided to engulf herself into the homeless community, as an advocate for our neighbors on the streets.

As the Founder and Director of her own non-profit, Homeless Has A Name Inc., Miriam Walker now sits on the Board Of Directors at B The Light Mission here in Bartlesville. Walker relocated a little over a year ago, and it didn’t take long for her to link up with like-minded people, who have the same heart for the homeless.

“The homeless community is not unlike you and I really. They’ve experienced a different outcome for the same issues. The homeless drug addict? There are those that will have this magazine in their hands that are addicted to drugs.

The homeless alcoholic who staggers from the bench to the camps in the woods? There will be those that read this magazine, who’ll have to read it over several days, because they’ll be too drunk to focus.

Too harsh?

It is what it is, and I offer no judgment whatsoever, just a reminder that our friends on the street struggle with the same issues. They just had a different outcome.”

Miriam Walker is very candid about her own past struggles with addiction, and is now 13 years removed from a dependency to opioid pain pills. That addiction was replaced with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

“I think it’s funny when people call alcohol their lover.” She laughs. “I find it a very accurate depiction of life as an alcoholic. I’ve never called vodka my lover, but trust me when I tell you that it lived rent-free in my house for a decade or more, like a freeloading roomie that never paid their rent!”

She’s been sober for nearly 3 years now, and in ways both big and small, it’s allowed her to offer the homeless a level of compassion and understanding.

Same issue.

Different outcome.

“I’ve never been homeless, but I do know how dark the path of addiction is. Often hiding out in the shadowy corners here in our own city, the homeless addict doesn’t have a chance without help.”

And if the commonality of addiction wasn’t enough, finding out a very close family member was homeless, sealed the deal to engulf her into the cause.

“I was volunteering at an outreach nearly 10 years ago, when he got off the bus that was carrying the men from John 3:16.

Walker was in shock.

They literally grew up together but nobody knew where he was. Her relative now lives along the Oregon coast, and every so often he’ll send photo after photo in shutter-speed quickness. “He sends me pictures of the ocean,” she smiles.

“And then I know he’s okay.”

Walker has aligned herself with B the Light Mission because of the program they’re putting in place.

“We’re adamantly going against the status quo which by its very definition, is the existing state of affairs. What we see existing right now in Bartlesville in regards to the homeless is not working, and so it must be corrected.”

“B the Light is a Poverty Reduction Center, not a shelter. Yes we have beds, and yes we want them to stay! They just can’t stay the same once they get here. We will be confrontational to those things keeping our friends bound in homelessness.

Because if nothing changes, then nothing changes.”

Regina Olivia Freckensburg

No Longer...

Do I Want to Follow in My Dad’s Footsteps

by Dane Warner

It is hard from me to say this. The more days that pass, when I look into the mirror, I see my dad. I have always been proud of my dad. I have always been proud of my dad. It felt good when people would say that I’m following in his footsteps. But no longer.

My Dad, Chuck Warner overcame a very poor and hard childhood. But he went on to accomplish many things. He was a Golden Gloves and All Army boxing champion. After serving in the army, he enrolled into Kansas State University. There he formed an “Elvis” style rock and roll band which is how he met my mom Eudora. One night while playing a local club, (Even though my mom said she never went to places like that!), my dad spotted my mom in the audience. When the next break came, my dad went out to her table. My mom spoke first saying, “You get pretty wild up there.” My dad replied, “Honey, you look like you could get pretty wild yourself.”

A few months later, they were married.

My dad was always very health minded and athletic. He started the Tulsa Football Oilers, a semi-pro team that he owned and played for the first two years. He started the Jenks Quarterback Club and the TNT program (Tomorrow’s

New Trojans) both being flagship programs that were modeled across the state. He was a private pilot and competed in triathlons. However most people around these parts knew him from the business he and my mom developed. Boat Brokers Inc. They had dealerships in Tulsa, Grove, and Oologah. In 1975 they bought a small ranch west of Nowata. They downsized the boat business to a single location in Nowata that operated there for nearly 40 years.

Up to this point, I was proud when people saw a lot of my dad’s qualities in me. But this is when things changed. At a fairly young age of 68 he started developing Alzheimer’s. All I knew about this disease was that you would start forgetting things. I never knew the cruel, ugly side. Depending on the day, I watched my dad turn in to a complete different, angry, violent man. I watched him do things to my mom that were unbelievable, not remembering just a few minutes later he had done it.

There was a point in my life that I thought my dad would out live me. My dad was all about eating right, exercising, staying in perfect health. But this cruel disease stated taking its toll on his body as well as his mind. I have never been someone to blame God when bad things happen. But the night he died; I cried out to God saying “This was not fair!” He did everything right. “

I stated writing this with the statement, I do not what to follow in my dad’s footsteps. But that’s not true. Alzheimer’s does run in my family. I do not want my wife and family to have to go through this. However, my dad’s last words to my mom, during his last clear moment, showed his true love for her and understanding the situation. I am proud of my dad until his last breath. So whatever God’s plan is for me, I will be proud to follow in my dad’s footsteps.

Remembering the KCO&S

by Jay Hastings

In 1899, the Kansas, Oklahoma Central, and Southwestern Railway (KOC&S) built tracks south from a point near Caney, Kansas, to what would become Owasso, Oklahoma. The KOC&S was incorporated under the laws of the Indian (Oklahoma) Territory (IT) on June 14, 1893, and later in the state of Kansas on August 17, 1894.

The railroad had big plans to tap into the cattle industry. During the late 1800s, ranchers often moved their cattle north out of Texas, across Indian Territory to the Kansas state line, where the cattle would be loaded onto railroad cars and shipped to Kansas City. Accordingly, the railroad planned to run from its headquarters in Cherryvale, Kansas, southwest through Bartlesville, IT, and on through Guthrie, IT, then terminate in Vernon, Texas. The KOC&S obtained the necessary authorizations from Congress in December 21, 1893, allowing the line to run through Bartlesville, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Stillwater, Guthrie, and El Reno, IT. They obtained further rights to run a southern branch starting near Bartlesville south through Collinsville, Okmulgee, Wewoka, and Tishomingo, IT, on to Sherman, Texas. The railroad did some preliminary location and grading work, running south from the Kansas border near Caney through Collinsville.

In February 1899, the KOC&S made an agreement to turn the ownership of the railway over to the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe (AT&SF) Railway. All work done after that point was by the AT&SF, which was a much larger railroad, headquartered out of Topeka, Kansas. The line built under the KOC&S name was a single standard gauge track, leased to and operated by the AT&SF railroad. The track started just south of Caney, Kansas at a location specifically known as Owen and proceeded south, passing near the townsite of Bartlesville, which had eagerly been awaiting the approaching railroad for a way to ship out newly discovered oil.

The original railroad grade turned southwest from Bartlesville, along the northwest side of what is now the Phillips 66 parking lot. It ran west to the area of what is now the Phillips 66 Research Center, then turned south. It continued along the west side of Circle Mountain and its remnants are what we know today as Gap Road. You may also be familiar

with local folklore about Gravity Hill, the south end of Gap Road at Matoka. The original grading, obviously made for trains, required it be more gradual than most roads of the day, and is why, when in a vehicle, it appears you are rolling uphill rather than down.

The AT&SF eventually chose a more level path for the railroad, running straight south of Bartlesville along the west edge of the Caney River bottom. The line continued south to Collinsville and stopped a few miles further south near the establishment of Elm Creek. The completed line was fiftysix miles long and was close enough to gain some of the cattle business from the ranches along Bird Creek. Soon, the area of Elm Creek became known as Owasso, meaning “end of the trail”, or in this case, the line.

The KOC&S railway was sold at foreclosure June 29, 1900, and was absorbed by the AT&SF on July 2, 1900. Unfortunately, plans to build further south into the coal fields near McAlister, Oklahoma, never worked out for the railroad. The AT&SF did, however, extend their line another ten miles into downtown Tulsa in 1905, allowing opportunities for two well-patronized passenger trains. The Oil Flyer ran from Tulsa through Kansas City to Chicago and back, and the Tulsan ran daily between Tulsa and Kansas City. Sadly, the Oil Flyer was gone by 1968, and the Tulsan stopped operations in 1971.