A guide to
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma 2016
W W W . C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N S P U B . C O M
Thank you for choosing Community Connections Publishing as your resource for relocation and visitor information! We strive to bring you current and relevant details to help you decide how to spend your time in Pontotoc County, OK. Whether it’s the rich history, amazing local attractions or just enjoying nature, we hope you enjoy your sneak peek! Community Connections Publishing LLC. 1115 N. North St. Suite C Peoria, IL 61606 Phone: (844) 625-4909 Fax: (309) 863-2100
Pontotoc County Schools Vanoss High School
McLish Middle School
Francis Elementary School
Tupelo High School
Latta Elementary School
Konawa High School
Pickett-Center School
Washington Elementary School
Allen High School
Latta Junior High School
Ada High School
Byng Junior High School
Ada Junior High School
Homer Elementary School
4665 County Rd 1555 Pontotoc, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 759-2503 18461 County Rd 1480 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-4114
13844 County Road 1560 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-7669 4665 County Rd 1555 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-7800 110 N Richmond St Allen, OK 74825 Phone: (580) 857-2416 1400 S Stadium Dr Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 310-7220 223 W 18th St Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 310-7260
600 Highschool Ave Stonewall, OK 74871 Phone: (580) 777-2240 106 7th Ave Tupelo, OK 74572 Phone: (580) 845-2381 701 W South St Konawa, OK 74849 Phone: (580) 925-3221 600 S Oak Ave Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 310-7303
13925 County Road 1560 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-3300 500 S New Bethel Blvd Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 310-6723 1400 N Monte Vista St Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 559-0212
For more schools visit: www.google.com & www.yahoo.com
BATTERIES FOR
EVERYTHING GOLF CART . AUTOMOTIVE . MARINE CELL PHONE . COMMERCIAL . MOTORCYCLE CAMCORDER . FARM ATV’S BACK-UP BATTERY
WE SELL & SERVICE GOLF CARTS
1001 W MAIN ST. ADA
580.310.9600
ADA BATTERY CENTER
Police & Emergency Services Ada Police Dept 231 S Townsend Ave, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-4466
Ada Fire Dept 201 S Broadway Ave, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-8076
Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Dept 100 W 13th St, Ada, OK 74820 Phone :(580) 332-4169
Pickett Volunteer Fire Dept 9940 County Rd 1542, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 421-9668
Chickasaw Nation Police Dept 1130 W Main St, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-9022
Byng Fire Dept 110 Byng Ave, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-2545
Roff Police Dept 110 E Main, Roff, OK 74865 Phone: (580) 456-7942
Konawa Fire Dept 122 N Broadway St, Konawa, OK 74849 Phone: (580) 925-3775
Statford Police Dept 230 S Hyden Ave, Stratford, OK 74872 Phone: (580) 759-2371
Ada Emergency Management 231 S Townsend Ave, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-8015
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma
HISTORY, INFO, & DEMOGRAPHICS PONTOTOC HISTORY & INFO
Pontotoc County is in the south central part of Oklahoma. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,492. Its county seat is Ada. The county was created at statehood from part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory. It was named for a historic Chickasaw tribal area in Mississippi. According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Pontotoc is usually translated “cattail prairie” or “land of hanging grapes.” Pontotoc County comprises the Ada, OK Micropolitan Statistical Area. The Chickasaw Nation’s headquarters are in Ada. The present Pontotoc County was part of the land that the U. S. government granted in 1830 to the Choctaw tribe via the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. In 1837, the Chickasaw tribe was granted land within the Choctaw domain. In 1857, the Chickasaw Nation formed its own government on this land. However, few Chickasaw settled there until after the Civil War, mainly because of attacks by various Plains Indian tribes. The first settlers located in the vicinity of Boggy Depot during the 1840s. Camp Arbuckle was established to protect migrants traveling on the California Road. After the Civil War, settlements began spreading through the area. Some of the new settlers were illegal white intruders and outlaws. The first post office was established at Stonewall in 1878. The town of Ada was founded in 1890. After three railroads built linesthrough Ada, it became the dominant community of the area. Ada was named county seat when Pontotoc County was created. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 725 square miles (1,880 km2), of which 720 square miles (1,900
km2) is land and 4.8 square miles (12 km2) (0.7%) is water. The Canadian River forms the northern boundary. Cattle ranching was one of the most important economic activities in this area up through the territorial period. Agriculture rose to prominence in the early 20th Century, with cotton being the most important crop. Cattle raising reemerged as the major industry, and the county is sometimes called “Hereford Heaven.” Other important economic activities include limestone quarrying, cement production, light manufacturing, services and government. The city of Ada is the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation, and the base of the Carl Albert Indian Health System.
PONTOTOC DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 37,492 people residing in the coun-
ty. 71.2% were White, 17.4% Native American, 2.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 1.1% of some other race and 7.2% of two or more races. 4.1% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). As of the census of 2000, there were 35,143 people, 13,978 households, and 9,421 families residing in the county. The population density was 19/km² (49/mi²). There were 15,575 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (22/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.80% White, 2.06% Black or African American, 15.51% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 5.36% from two or more races. 2.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 13,978 households out of which 30.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.90% were married couples living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% were non-families. 28.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.98. In the county, the population was spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 12.50% from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males. The median income for a household in the county was $26,955, and the median income for a family was $35,400. Males had a median income of $26,785 versus $18,939 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,664. About 11.80% of families and 16.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.10% of those under age 18 and 11.70% of those age 65 or over. (Information gathered from wikipedia.com)
LOCAL HEALTHCARE
P O N T O T O C C O U N T Y, O K L A H O M A
911
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES CALL
Rolling Hills Psych. Hospital 1000 Rolling Hills Ln Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-3600 Integris Heart Medical Clinic 625 N Monte Vista St Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 310-0500
Chickasaw Nat. Medical Center 1921 Stonecipher Blvd Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-3980
Arbuckle Memorial Hospital 2011 W Broadway St Sulphur, OK 73806 Phone: (580) 622-2161
Mercy Hospital 430 N Monte Vista St Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-2323
Atoka Memorial Hospital 1200 W Liberty Rd Atoka, OK 74525 Phone: (580) 889-3333
WANT YOUR AD
HERE?
CALL 1-844-625-4909
PONTOTOC COUNTY, OK
Community Activities Wintersmith Park
Wintersmith Park is also another great place to check out. With over 150 acres of land, a lake, walking trails, an amphitheater, and much more. Wintersmith Park 18th St & Scenic Drive Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-6300 For more information visit: www.facebook.com/pages/Wintersmith-Park-Historic-District/113834928626602
McSwain Theatre
The McSwain Theatre is one of Oklahoma’s premiere live entertainment venues, with performances featuring all types of music including country, rock, gospel, oldies and more! This magnificent, family destination brings a wide variety of music to fans of all ages. Come see old-time favorites such as the monthly country music variety show featuring Jae L. Stilwell and the Crossover Band, or catch a classic movie on the McSwain Theatre big screen. Family shows, comedy acts, variety shows and children’s entertainment are always fan favorites at the McSwain Theatre as well. The theatre is also equipped to host stage plays, special events and more! McSwain Theatre 130 W Main St, PO Box 627 Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-8108 For shows and other information visit: www.mcswaintheatre.com
2016 HOROSCOPES
ARIES March 21 - April 19 Your ruler, the rambunctious Mars with a takes-no-prisoners manner, zig zags through the houses of your chart in 2016. He pays special attention to personal growth, love and marriage, and the expansion of philosophy and just regular wandering around. Mars begins the year making direct hits to the house of both one-on-one intimacy, and funds received from other people. He stays on a wild ride through that house for the first eight months of the year with an occasional peek into the house of philosophical thinking. Neptune is his silent partner, bringing a spiritual element to life... a kind of acceptance or “it is what it is” attitude. Jupiter is in the house of the workplace and in this position gives you a sense of purpose, better working conditions, or possibly a new job with increased salary. Since this house is also connected to your health, Jupiter brings you more vitality and physical strength. In September this lucky star moves into the house of marriage and improves on an already blooming love affair or your marriage. If you’re single he has been known to bring that special person to the scene. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 The Fifth House, that place of daring but light-hearted love, creativity, sports, and -- yes -- children, is your key to happiness this upcoming year. The always sultry Taurus has an inner bad boy/bad girl and he or she swims to the surface in 2016, bringing you any number of new and lusty adventures. You’ll be redefining your image, too, with Jupiter in this house, expanding your capacity for love... and that thirst is real. The eternal teacher Saturn is in the Eighth House of intimacy, and it’s cooling off those one-on-one sexy encounters. Now it’s not about sex, it’s about love. Love is in the air all year, Bull, but you will be also dealing with deeper issues. It’s true that our belief system rules our lives, and for you with Uranus in the Twelfth House you are in for an upheaval or reversal in what you believe, as both philosophical and religious ideologies are up for change. With Pluto in the Ninth, some of you may be returning to school, or taking extra academic classes. When these two heavy-hitters, agents of change are in the mix. You are not only ready for change, but celebrating it. GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Mercury, your ruler, runs rampant this year and so do you, Gemini. As the year begins he stops in his tracks and reviews his status, and sets a pattern for your behavior for the upcoming twelve months.This year this occasionally superficial but darling rascal makes his list and checks it twice (that is, moves into retrograde motion) four times instead of the usual three. He is a tad more impulsive than usual but the big news is he is taking on Saturn and actually opposing that stern taskmaster all year. During those times when testing is inevitable, there is no end to the targets: romantic unions, friendship, or career. You’ll get in there and dig deep and this could be one of the most transformative years in decades. You want your way this year and will use any means to achieve that end. With Neptune holding tight to your Tenth House you have decided that your career must have more personal meaning, and look for more authenticity in all areas of your life. The largest star in the heavens, Jupiter, is helping you achieve inner peace in the Fourth House, the place of home and family of origin, and in the Eleventh House, too -- bringing new pals your way, and a possible special love interest. CANCER June 21 - July 22 Cancer, you already know that home, career, and love can present the most crucial of life’s continuing challenges, and this year the cosmos decided you need to review or polish each and every one of these categories. You are bonded to the home more than any of the other signs and there could be that first signal in March when a Lunar Eclipse shines its heavy and bright light on your sanctuary. Although this wild card drops a hint about change on the premises as early as March, it isn’t until September that Jupiter moves into the Fourth House and this actually spells out new happenings are eminent.
With your home life it could range from some minor renovation, to someone moving in, to an actual move. But, wait! Change can only take place in accordance with how much insecurity you can tolerate, which, for you, water baby, is minimal. Cancer does love to be safe and this may just be the year you question the caution you’ve been living with. A big change that feels scary at first can turn out great! Then there’s Uranus in the Tenth House of career, promising more rocking and rolling in the area of your work or your image. The last area to be stirred is Pluto still in the Seventh House of total commitment, hammering away at your love life and asking you to be even more true or faithful. It could be that this year, when Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto are up at bat and all will whack that ball out of the park, it’s not personal, it’s business, Cancer. Leo July 23 - August 22 Dramatic, generous, and romantic, Leo, you are everyone’s dream date... and 2016 isn’t any different, except that you could be even more giving. Jupiter, the gift giver, could outdo himself this year with the beautifully wrapped baubles given for no particular reason. He’s in the Second House of you-belong-to-me and there is an abundance of intimacy and good feelings. If you have one -- or if you want one -- a love affair emits the glow that films and novels are born from. The majority of the stars hover around the place that signifies your partner zone, and they are flashing a green light with almost any new idea you conjure up. You could be tempted to totally overlook restrictive Saturn in the place of letting the good times roll. He does keep nudging you in the direction of making a commitment to that long-time love, improving your performance on the job, and keeping a watch on finances. It will become harder and harder to ignore his nudges this year, especially with the wildcard eclipses doing their job. They are shining their light on the financial houses and reminding you to keep it all real and not take unnecessary risks. Overall, you couldn’t ask for a better year to expand on both your emotional happiness and your financial future. Virgo August 23 - September 22 The year begins with the largest star in the heavens, Jupiter, in your own sign and in the house of who you are. What could possibly be the result of this position? Expansion of your personality, emphasis on your own personal growth and happiness, and a general “me, me, me” attitude. You are certainly in for one of the best years of your life, Virgo, and in September this gift-giving star moves into the house of finances and you can also look for expansion in the flow of funds. In direct opposition to all this is Neptune in the house of whom it is we love, possibly ready to blind you to reality... and your ruler Mercury is adding to the confusion. This year is more about an inner journey and possibly remembering or wanting to relive a time when love was wild and wicked and you want more of the same. The eclipses in Pisces and Virgo this year shake up the status quo if you let them as they rattle the houses of Me and You. Libra September 23 - October 22 Your ruler Venus is pushing you this year, as she scoots through all of the twelve signs and then some, waking up old dreams, forgotten talents, and stirring new ambition. By mid-October she’s right back where she started in the house of communication along with sometimes prissy Saturn, who behind the scenes is quietly refining your everyday chatter. Venus ends the year in the house of love and December could be that important month that sees you making an important change. Jupiter lends a helping hand and takes the form of an angel whispering in your ear, and you’ll seem to intuitively know all the right words and moves. In September he moves into your own sign of Libra and you enjoy the limelight fully. Jupiter in Libra opens the door to the good life, and lightens up your personal life as well as your relationships -- both personal and professional. This cosmic gift giver is increasing your self-confidence, your sex appeal, and your charm... and it shows, Libra. You’re magnetic this year. Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Always a force to be reckoned with, Scorpio, you aren’t in the mood to settle in any of the areas of your life this upcoming year. Whether it’s your lover’s intentions, career issues, or that shoved under the carpet family secret everyone’s been whispering about for years, with your ruler Pluto in the Third House, you are aiming for clarity. Never really chatty, you do definitely this year adopt a “take no prisoners” attitude surrounding communication. The wily but wise Pluto literally pushes you to shed light on matters that have been buried. Neptune brings a touch of mystery as well as spice to the Fifth House of the light love affair, or the one-night stand. Here, you bring passion and intensity and could turn a short love story into a 500-page novel. Mars, co-ruler of
2016 HOROSCOPES your chart, plays a big part in your intimate and unsolved mysteries as he begins the year flexing his muscle. He spends the year traversing the most personal sector of your life, shaking it up and one of the many answers you are seeking suddenly is within vision. With Saturn’s influence, whether you are prosperous or not, you feel there is a lack of funds. You want to know what actually belongs to you, whether its hard cash, a trust fund, or that antique trunk that’s been in the family for generations. Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Wow, Sagittarius, in 2016 you could not be more into your own interests and developments if you wanted to. It looks like the stars are giving you a free pass to indulge in your own pleasures and pursuits. Nice! As the year begins, eight of the moving stars are in the eastern hemisphere of your chart, the hemisphere that is all about you and what you want. Saturn, the wisdom figure, is in your sign, and as you indulge yourself totally, you are taking those indulgences seriously. There is nothing trivial about your personal interests this year. It’s the personal stars, though, that add zing to everyday life and they revolve around your love interests. Mercury, Venus, and Mars will be moving quickly through the relationship houses, so that your partner gets some well-deserved attention. The mischievous star Mercury rules the house of love and committed relationships and he stops and starts four times this year, which is out of the ordinary, bringing more of those torrid interludes that you do love. This is the kind of year you may have dreamed about in the past... and here it is in living color, Sag. Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Your ruler Saturn’s two year stay in the lofty Sagittarius is now underway, Cap, and you may have noticed ever so slightly in the past year or two how elements of your life are seemingly fading away. It’s subtle, as if you catch the action out of the corner of your eye, but you are in a finishing up phase, especially in career matters. What is actually happening is you are clearing the decks for a new bigger and better beginning. Those wild-card eclipses in 2015 and into 2016 drop a hint or two about career elevation or change as early as March, but it isn’t until September that Jupiter moves into the Tenth House and actually spells out new happenings that could be eminent. As the year begins you have Pluto in the First House of your chart and there is a new intensity to you personally as well as in both love and career relationships. This is basically a getting-in-touch-with-yourself transit and you could be surprised at your own control issues and how deep they really go. Despite this new awareness you just can’t help yourself, especially in those hot and sexy matters of the heart. You might actually stake a claim this year. Aquarius January 20 - February 18 The always on the move Aquarian plays it true to form in 2016. Uranus, your ruler, still occupying the Third house nurtures your need for constant learning, offbeat conversations, and short journeys off the beaten track. More curious and ambitious than ever, the craving for sexy affairs of the heart is quite strong. Jupiter, the largest star in the heavens, is in the house of intimacy, and in September he enters the house of faraway places and that yearning becomes too strong to ignore. For that single Aquarian who truly follows his heart it could be you find love on foreign soil. To satisfy these desires, even if they are brought down a notch, you may be working harder to attain the necessary funds. With Neptune, the star of illusion, disillusion, and dissolving conditions, in the house of income, you’ll be fine-tuning that area of your life and the last four months of the year could see you not only improving your financial situation but exceeding your expectations.
Pices February 19 - March 20 Here you are in 2016, Pisces, deep into the magic of the once-in-a-lifetime transit of your ruler, Neptune, to your Sun. More than likely you are redefining your romantic world, reshaping your body image, and even contemplating finishing that novel. Although you do have a list of priorities for the year, love is your first concern and your romantic life is on fire! Good times are very much on the agenda with two eclipses in your own sign, and it’s all about you -- what it is you want, whom you love, and what you look like. Behind the scenes and prodding you firmly is the very wily and wise Pluto, taking up residence in one of the health houses. This is the year you begin a stricter and healthier daily regime as the need to take better care of yourself continually grows and you just could become your own project. From January through September it’s all about love, personal pleasure, and your body image. In September these are still priorities but your romantic life becomes lustier and more sex driven, while your mind turns toward finances and career. (astrology.com)
RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT Ada Scrap Works 326 E 9th St, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 421-9506
Ada Metal Co 10363 Co Rd 3510, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-6084
Oklahoma Disposal & Sanitation 1904 N Broadway Ave # D, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-8175
Ada Landfill 12701 County Rd 1520, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 436-1403
WCA Waste of Oklahoma 12225 OK-3W, Ada, OK 74820 Phone: (580) 332-8111
B & S Sanitation 7191 CR 1620, Roff, OK 74865 Phone: (580) 456-7560
• Currently less than 35% of households and less than 10% of businesses in the U.S. recycle. (EPA 2011) • Those levels have barely improved in 15 years despite billions of dollars spent on competitions, symposiums, awareness campaigns and sorting technologies. • The experience at the bin needs to be improved for the general public, which is why we have introduced society-wide standardized labels. • If the US recycling levels can reach 75% it will be the environmental benefit of removing 50 million cars from the road each year and it will generate 1.5 million new jobs. Improving and increasing recycling is one of the greatest opportunities for our environment, our natural resources, and our economy! (recycleacrossamerica.org)