Clean air, low crime rates, ample opportunities for growth, a low cost of living & people as warm as the Texas sunshine— just a few reasons we’re proud to call Perryton home.
PERRYTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
(FP)
7.333" x 9.833" IFFC
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE www.facebook.com/perryton www.perrytoncdc.com
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Contents Welcome.................................................................. 4 Perryton Is a City on the Move Fast Facts............................................................... 5 Demographics & Important Contact Information History.................................................................... 6 Born on the North Texas Prairie Health Care.. ........................................................... 8 Community-Focused Care
CommunityLink.com
production manager Amanda white director of publication design kelly friederich managing editor Laura Wilcoxen copywriting DAVID BALLARD, jay nehrkorn, Laura Wilcoxen proofreader Christina Reese photography coordinator/copy consultant jay nehrkorn photography Tanya Gastineau Terry Estes lead design kacey wolters website creation & support JOSH CHANDLER director of media purchasing DIANA VAUGHN
business development
Real Estate........................................................... 12 Cozy Country Living; Convenient Urban Life Business & Commerce.. ......................................... 14 Perryton in Motion
director of business development director of sales regional director of publications business development manager marketing consultant marketing specialist customer service director customer service representative
George Prudhomme debbie moss Sean Corrigan Bonnie Ebers Kane Underwood Shawna Williams kathy Risley eric Lambert
advertising ad research Mary kopshever mildred walker ad traffic Carol Smith ad design mindy brock Josh Mueller kacey wolters
information technology
publishing systems specialist
christopher miller
executive leadership
Education.............................................................. 10 Embracing a Bright Future
1 800-455-5600
production
chairman and founder chief financial officer
Craig Williams Rhonda Harsy
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com. FOR INFORMATION Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce, 2000 South Main,
P.O. Box 789, Perryton, TX 79070, Telephone 806-435-6575, Fax 806-435-9821, www.perryton.org
© 2012 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Recreation & Events.. ........................................... 16 History, Heritage, & the Great Outdoors Worship.. ............................................................... 20 Perryton Church Directory Our Best Sides...................................................... 22 A Photographic Journey Index of Advertisers.. .......................................... 25
www.perryton.org
3
Welcome Perryton is a City on the Move
T
here’s no need to choose only prosperity, natural beauty, or hometown values when looking for your new home. When you choose Perryton, Texas, you choose it all. Born on the High Plains of Texas in the early 1900s, Perryton is the gateway to Texas for travel and business. Located just minutes from Oklahoma and less than an hour from Kansas, the city enjoys year-round visitors from throughout the United States. Perryton has natural beauty, with spreading plains under a big Texas sky; clean, clear lakes; and vast wheat farms that have earned the county its well-known title as “Wheatheart of the Nation.” Rooted in the soil, Ochiltree County is a fertile agricultural region, with abundant natural water reserves from the Ogallala Aquifer. The county is among the leaders in Texas not only for grain production, but for livestock as well. Active oil and gas fields produce vast amounts of petroleum, while a growing wind farm industry is opening the region to green energy jobs. As
a classic High Plains city, Perryton is home to fascinating history, including a pre-Columbian settlement yielding new secrets about an ancient native people. In true Texas tradition, Ochiltree County is home to wide open spaces for business expansion, as well as a workforce that’s second to none and an extremely competitive cost of living and doing business. Homes are affordable and the neighborhoods friendly. Shopping for both necessities and treats is easy, as Perryton has wonderful shopping areas boasting everything from “big box” retailers to a charming downtown with shops offering a variety of unique treats. Restaurants and dining places serve delicious treats, while fitness and sports facilities keep residents in shape. Families with children will find award-winning public schools boasting high academic achievement, providing excellent education at every grade level, from preschool through community college. Medical services are superior
and include the progressive Ochiltree General Hospital. Perryton is easily accessible via roadway — including the only U.S. highway that runs from Canada to Mexico — and offers a modern airport for private aircraft. The “front door” for this City on the Move is the Chamber of Commerce. Working through community leaders and volunteers, the Chamber is the source of energy for this enjoyable city. It’s also the first stop for anyone looking for more information on this outstanding community. Drop by, log on, or give us a call — we can’t wait to welcome you!
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce 2000 S. Main Street P.O. Box 789 Perryton, Texas 79070 phone 806-435-6575 :: fax 806-435-9821 www.perryton.org
Brian Brian G. G. Diedrich Diedrich Financial Financial Advisor Advisor 118 S. Main Street • Perryton, TX 79070 118 S. Main Street • Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-7173 Bus. 806-435-7173 www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com
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Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Population Perryton, 2010.................................................. 8,802 Change since 2000.....................................+13.22% Ochiltree County, 2010..................................... 10,233 Change since 2000.....................................+13.62% Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Cost of Living 2011 U.S. average is 100. Perryton............................................................. 78.5 Ochiltree County................................................... 78.9
Climate average temperatures ( degrees fahrenheit )
January high........................................................ 45° January low......................................................... 18° July high.............................................................. 91° July low............................................................... 65° Average annual high........................................... 68.5° Average annual low............................................ 41.3° precipitation
Average annual precipitation..........................20.9 inches Source: usclimatedata.com
Distances to Major Cities (Highway Miles) Amarillo, Texas..................................................... 117 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma....................................... 236 Wichita, Kansas.................................................... 254 Tulsa, Oklahoma.................................................... 297 Santa Fe, New Mexico........................................... 378 Albuquerque, New Mexico....................................... 380 Dallas, Texas........................................................ 404 Denver, Colorado................................................... 416 Kansas City, Kansas............................................... 450 Source: Google Maps
Services
Perryton city hall
110 S. Ash P.O. Box 849 Perryton, TX 79070-0849 phone 806-435-4014........................ fax 806-435-2490 form of government
Perryton, the seat of Ochiltree County, is governed by a mayor and five council members who adopt policy. A city manager is employed to implement policies.
Ochiltree County county courthouse
511 S. Main Street Perryton, TX 79070-3127 phone 806-435-8031........................ fax 806-435-2081 www.co.ochiltree.tx.us The county is governed by the Ochiltree County Commissioners Court, made up of four county commissioners and the county judge.
electricity
Xcel Energy (city)................................... 800-895-4999 North Plains Electric Coop (rural)............... 806-435-5482
& water
City of Perryton Utilities Maintenance......... 806-435-5503 Utilities Collection.................... 806-435-4014 ext. 3408
Communications & Media high - speed internet , telephone ,
& cable/digital
Allegiance Communications....................... 806-435-3231 PTCI..................................................... 806-648-1111 Windstream Communications.................... 806-435-2050 radio
KEYE FM 96.1/AM 1400........................ 806-435-5458 KXDJ FM 98.3....................................... 806-648-2650 newspaper
Government
Demographics & Important Contact Information
form of government
Utilities
garbage , natural gas , sewer ,
Source: city-data.com
Fast Facts
Perryton Herald...................................... 806-435-3631
county offices
Auditor................................................. 806-435-8044 Commissioners Precinct 1.......................................... 806-435-8031 Precinct 2.......................................... 806-435-8031 Precinct 3.......................................... 806-435-8031 Precinct 4.......................................... 806-435-8031 Constable.............................................. 806-435-6150 County Attorney..................................... 806-435-8035 County Clerk.......................................... 806-435-8039 County Judge......................................... 806-435-8031 Extension Office..................................... 806-435-4501 Justice of the Peace................................ 806-435-8020 Sheriff (non-emergency).......................... 806-435-8000 Tax Assessor-Collector.............................. 806-435-8025 Treasurer............................................... 806-435-8046 www.perryton.org
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history Born on the North Texas Prairie
O
fficially organized in 1889, Ochiltree County was named for William Beck Ochiltree, a colonel of the Confederacy and later a Republic of Texas district court judge who moved to the region in 1840 to practice law. The village of Ochiltree remained the county seat until 1919, when the newly formed town of Perryton took over the title. Both Perryton and Ochiltree County played an exciting part in North Texas history. In the 1870s, the prairie lands of North Texas were a dangerous area for settlers to travel, as it was still a known territory for Comanche and Kiowa hunting parties hostile to oncoming settlers. This all changed in 1874 when the U.S. military launched a campaign to remove Native American tribes from the region. Known officially as the Red River War, the campaign saw the last free band of Southwestern Comanches, led by Quanah Parker, surrender in June 1875 at Fort Sill, Okla., thus effectively ending the war and opening the land up for settlement. In 1878, soon after the Red River War, a pair of ranchers named Tom Connell and Dee Eubanks established the first recorded ranch in Ochiltree County. By 1885 another rancher, Henry W. Cresswell, owned much of the land in Ochiltree County, with his operating headquarters on Wolf Creek. Not surprisingly, the
surge of farmers and ranchers settling in the area coincided with the establishment of the railroad some 30 miles east of the town of Ochiltree in Lipscomb County. This made travel to the railway a relatively close one- to two-day trip for the ranchers and farmers of the area. The railroad continued to expand, and in 1919, the construction of the North Texas and Santa Fe Railway was laid from Shattuck, Okla., to Spearman, Texas. The railway was designed to tap into the emerging wheat market of the area. In the same year, the town of Perryton was established on the railway some 15 miles north of Ochiltree. In an unprecedented move, the entire towns of Ochiltree, Texas, and Gray, Okla., literally picked up their buildings and moved from their locations to form Perryton. This engineering feat was so impressive at the time that it merited a cover story in a 1920 issue of Popular Mechanics. Demand for wheat was high after World War I, and the population of Perryton more than doubled, from 2,331 citizens in 1920 to 5,224 citizens by 1930. However, the population declined in the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely limited the production of the county’s staple crop. But in 1951, the discovery of gas and oil in the southern part of the county led to a new economic
The railway was designed to tap into the emerging wheat market of the area.
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Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
boom in Perryton. By 1970, the population of Perryton had grown to some 9,704 citizens. Ochiltree County boasts much more than just agricultural and oil history, though. Buried City, a pre-Columbian settlement of the Plains Villagers that lies on the south banks of Wolf Creek just outside Perryton, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (see page 7). Ochiltree County offers a wealth of history within its borders. Anyone who enjoys investigating the past or just getting a feel for what life was like on the early North Texas plains will be delighted with the historical record that Ochiltree County has to offer.
Williams
Plumbing, Heating & a/C, inc.
“Where Quality Still Counts” salEs sERViCE iNsTallaTiON
806-435-5047 www.williamsplumbing.net 801 S. Main • Perryton, TX m16498
TaClB006102C
Museum of the Plains 1200 N. Main, Perryton 806-435-6400 www.museumoftheplains.com Hours: Mon.–Fri.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.. 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Bringing Ochiltree County’s vibrant and colorful past all together is the Museum of the Plains in Perryton. The museum is home to over 10,000 artifacts chronicling the history of Ochiltree County, including numerous artifacts from the Buried City. The Main Building is devoted to the lifestyles of early settlers, with exhibits that display the furnishings, clothing, and religious and personal items of early settlers, placed in natural, homelike settings. The Natural History room features displays of fossils, bones, and Native American artifacts, including one of the most complete arrowhead collections in the area. Located in this same area is an outstanding oil and gas exhibit featuring several interactive displays. The Great Hall offers exhibits on everything from covered wagons to cars, planes, farm equipment, and fire engines. Local brands and a variety of barb wire are also featured. Specialized buildings give visitors a glimpse into an old-time general store, a family home circa 1905, and a historic church. The gazebo, added in the courtyard in 2008, has been the setting for many lovely weddings. The 1900 depot, moved from Fargo, Okla., is joined by a bright red Santa Fe caboose. Every year in August on the Saturday closest to the 22nd the Museum of the Plains hosts Pioneer Day in conjunction with the Wheatheart of the Nation Celebration. Pony and wagon rides, games for young and old, musical entertainment, homemade ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage on a stick, and cold drinks make for a very enjoyable day at the Museum of the Plains.
The Buried City Located on private property in the Wolf Creek valley, just southeast of Perryton, is the “Buried City,” one of the most important archaeological sites in the United States. The site was first excavated in 1907 by T.L. Eyerly, a natural history professor at Canadian Academy, making it the first formally investigated site in the state of Texas. Eyerly wrote, “The immediate surroundings are very picturesque and pleasing to the eye. Situated in a bend of Wolf Creek, with its abundant supply of crystal waters, and covered at this place with plenty of timber, the site was well fitted to attract with its beauty the hearts of whatever people which may have constructed these walls which now lay in ruins.” Eyerly, however, mistakenly concluded that Buried City was nothing more than a burial site. Later studies have determined that Buried City is much larger than originally thought and represents the remains of a sedentary horticultural village that stretched for several miles along the valley. Although only a small portion of the village has been excavated, it is likely that several hundred houses and associated activity areas are spread up and down the valley. Several different house styles have been identified, including oval semi-subterranean forms known as pithouses and large square to rectangular surface structures outlined with local stone. The ruins have been radiocarbon dated to between 1250 to 1400 A.D. The inhabitants of Buried City practiced a diversified subsistence economy that relied on a combination of hunting, gathering, and farming. This strategy provided the flexibility needed for occupying a region where the climate can be unpredictable from one to the next. Animal remains recovered during excavations indicate that just about every type of mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, and fish available in the region was consumed, although bison were particularly important. Plant foods utilized by these people included a variety of indigenous seeds, nuts, and fruits. Domesticated plants raised in gardens at Buried City included corn, beans, squash, sunflower, marshelder, and tobacco. According to archaeologist and anthropology professor Dr. David T. Hughes, who directed studies at the site in the 1980s, Buried City was abandoned prior to Coronado’s passing through the region in 1541. The reasons for this are uncertain, but may have been due to climate change, depleted resources (particularly trees), or incursions into the region by nomadic Plains tribes from elsewhere. Probably no later than A.D. 1400, and certainly, by A.D. 1450, the people at the Buried City abandoned their village along Wolf Creek, Hughes wrote. Evidence indicates that these people migrated to central Kansas and established new villages. “Over the next century they apparently returned sporadically to hunt, revisit important places, and perhaps even tried to resettle the valley. If so, the resettlement effort was unsuccessful and Wolf Creek became just another stopping place for the later Plains nomads groups that took over the Texas Panhandle during the 15th and 16th centuries.” But what is most fascinating to scholars is the possible identity of Buried City’s ancient inhabitants. Documenting his work at the site in 1931, Dr. Warren Morehead of the Peabody Foundation of Phillips Academy wrote, “… this small and picturesque plain may be justly considered one of the strategic centers in American Archaeology. Apparently all agree that the remains are not Pueblo … yet it is a distinctive departure from ordinary Plains or Buffalo cultures as we understand the term.” The latter refer to the bands of Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa that settled the Southern Plains in the following centuries. For example, the establishment of large sedentary villages containing several hundred people remains undocumented elsewhere in the Texas panhandle. Additionally, the pottery produced at Buried City has notable differences from the pottery made elsewhere in the region, including abundant decoration of the rims and a variety of surface finishes. Lastly, the degree of dependence on farming and stored foods by the villagers on Wolf Creek is much greater than other populations that inhabited the region to the south. Combined, all of these traits are more similar to what has been documented on the Central Plains and provides clues as to who these people were. Hughes believes, however, that the legacy of Buried City lived on, writing, “The people of Buried City and other Southern Plains villages are the likely ancestors of the Northern Caddoan or Plains Caddoan peoples: the Wichita, Pawnee, Arikara, Kitsai, and others whose names are lost in time. Who were the people of Buried City? Traces of them can be found in all of these modern peoples.” Source: Texas Beyond History: Buried City. Exhibit written by Dr. David T. Hughes. Accessed at www.texasbeyondhistory.net, created by the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory and the Department of Anthropology, Texas
Window Fashions, Etc. Plantation Shutters • Upholstery Fabrics & Service Solar Shades • Area Rugs • Wood & Vertical Blinds Roman Shades • Custom Draperies & Bedding
123 S. Main • Perryton, texaS 79070
Tel: 806.435.4288 • Fax: 806.435.5828 www.perryton.org
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Health Care
CommunityFocused Care
Ochiltree General Hospital 3101 Garrett Drive, Perryton 806-435-3606 www.ochiltreehospital.com Community determination brought about the creation of Ochiltree General Hospital, which has been serving Ochiltree County for more than 40 years. Built with funds from two publicly approved bond issues, the hospital admitted its first patients in January 1967. Today, Ochiltree General Hospital is a full-service hospital and a Level 4, state-certified trauma center.
Services • Emergency: 24-hour emergency care is provided by specially trained physicians and nurses using advanced medical technology. • Home Health: Traveling care providers provide physician-directed nursing, therapeutic, dietary, and social care. • Hospice: Medical, social, and therapeutic care is offered in the home or care facility for terminally ill patients and their families. • Laboratory: OGH provides in-house serology, hematology, blood banking, and chemistry to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
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• Physical Therapy: Inpatient and outpatient rehab services for recovery after surgery, illness, or injury. • Radiology: Imaging services include radiography, digital mammography, CAT scan, ultrasound, and MRI. • Respiratory Therapy: Two full-time therapists provide cardiopulmonary testing and treatment. • Social Services: Assistance in dealing with the financial, social, and emotional problems that arise with illness and hospitalization, including after-care referrals. • Trauma: State-certified, Level 4 trauma care provided by physicians and nurses certified in specialized adult and pediatric trauma care. • Women and Children: Prenatal care, obstetrics services, and specially designed delivery suites.
Perryton Health Center Expansion Part of the Ochiltree County Hospital District and located on the campus of OGH, Perryton Health Center provides general practice care that includes full family medicine, pediatric care, and obstetric services. Part of the Ochiltree County Hospital District and located on the campus of OGH, the newly
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
expanded Perryton Health Center provides general practice care that includes full family medicine, pediatric care, and obstetric services.
The Seasons 401 SW 24th Avenue, Perryton 806-648-1884 Independent living with peace of mind can be found at The Seasons, which offers spacious apartments with assisted living services that include: • Three full-course meals each day • Maintenance services that include weekly housekeeping, free laundry facilities, and daily trash removal • Planned activities • Local transportation • Medication management Convenient amenities for residents include a gift shop, library, and beautiful common areas for dining and relaxing.
www.perryton.org
9
Education Embracing a Bright Future
Perryton Independent School District 806-435-5478 | www.perrytonisd.org
Meeting New Challenges and Tooling Up for the Future The commitment of Perryton Independent School District to providing a quality public education for the area’s young people hasn’t changed over the district’s decades of service; in fact, it’s as strong as ever. But changes are taking place in the district to ensure that it continues to follow through on that promise in the years to come. Along with facility improvements, Perryton ISD has also embraced new leaders who are excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Renewed Vigor One of the more notable changes at PISD in recent years is the district’s new superintendent. Originally from Briscoe, Texas, Robert Hall came to Perryton after working as a teacher in Guymon, Okla. He then served as the principal of Edwin F. Williams Intermediate School for his first four years at Perryton ISD before being promoted to the superintendent position in March 2010. Hall has brought a blend of classroom experience, administrative experience, and youthful enthusiasm to the position. “Whenever I went to school to be a teacher, I knew that I wanted to teach and to provide a role model for kids,” Hall said. “Once I started 10
teaching I still wanted to be that role model, but I saw avenues that would allow me to be that for many more kids than what I could see in a classroom. So I chose to go the administration route, and I knew that eventually I wanted to end up in a superintendent position, lead a district, and be an example to the kids that if they’ll work hard they can make their own dreams come true as well.” While excited about the opportunity to work in this capacity, Hall says that leading a district in a time when education is rapidly changing and so much is demanded of American educators hasn’t been without its challenges. Still, it’s the challenge and the chance to work with young people that make it so rewarding. He is also quick to recognize how vital the dedication of the district’s other new administrators, as well as its teachers, has been to the success of Perryton ISD and its Recognized status with the Texas Education Agency. “No Child Left Behind is a system that calls for 100 percent of kids to be passing, which is
“Our day-to-day activity is just trying to help kids be successful.” Robert Hall, Perryton ISD Superintendent almost an impossible challenge, but we embrace that and we go out there every day and try to make it happen,” Hall said. “It excites me as a new superintendent that we get to take these
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
kids from all different kinds of backgrounds and try to help them all be successful. “All of these changes in the education system have also brought on more personnel and changes to kids’ schedules,” he continued. “It’s really nice to have a group of administrators who are willing to work so hard to keep up with these changes and teaching staffs who are willing to be flexible and help students make good decisions about their education. It’s just amazing to me how much is asked of them and their willingness to try to go out there and make it happen.”
Rejuvenated Facilities An upcoming change that has injected a lot of excitement into the community is the plan to renovate Perryton Junior High. A bond election in 2011 resulted in 68 percent approval for a $19.5 million bond to remodel and expand the circa 1920s structure that once served as the elementary, junior high, and high schools. The multi-phase renovation is expected to take place over the next three years and will include a complete overhaul of the existing building’s interior plus additions that will house a new practice gym, cafeteria, dining area, and performing arts classes. According to Hall, the key to the renovation’s success will be in adding space and a technology-friendly infrastructure while also maintaining the historic building’s classic exterior look. The mandate from the community was to put a state-of-the-art heart behind the familiar face of this Perryton
icon, and the result will be a school for the future that links students to the town’s history. “That building has been here almost as long as the community itself,” Hall explained. “The last time that we held a bond election we looked at the possibility of doing new construction and not utilizing that facility, and the community turned that down because of the pride in that structure. So many people had gone through it, and many older community members graduated from it as their high school. So we looked at a different plan where we would go in and renovate. What we want with the completed project is that from the road it looks like the same building that has always been there, but when you open the doors you’ll find a 21st-century environment that is up to date and a great learning environment for today’s kids. “It’s amazing how many people have responded with gratitude that we’re going to work within that building,” he concluded. “It’s a good old building and it’s so symbolic of this community; it just needed to be rejuvenated to teach kids for years to come.”
Other Essentials, Accolades, and Accomplishments • Enrollment of approximately 2,362 • Six campuses, including a high school, junior high, intermediate school, elementary school, pre-K and kindergarten center, and an alternative school • Recognized District status with the Texas Education Agency in 2010 • Texas Education Agency Gold Performance Acknowledgement in attendance districtwide • Wright Elementary campus recognized as Exemplary in 2010
• Numerous choir and band members at PISD advanced to state level in both solo and ensemble competition • Competitive and successful athletics programs producing state qualifiers in golf, track, crosscountry, and power lifting as well as area finalists in baseball and basketball • The high school agriculture program has had representation in public speaking and livestock judging competitions at the state and national level • The Perryton High School Rangers football team is in its fourth season at the freshly renovated Ranger Field, which features an astroturf playing surface
Frank Phillips College – Allen Campus 806-648-1450 | www.fpctx.edu
“Start Here … Go Anywhere” Frank Phillips College (FPC) provides college courses, distance education, industry training, and community service classes and programs to more than 65,000 students each year. The college has a main campus in Borger and a satellite campus in Perryton — the Allen Campus. The college service area covers 9,392 square miles in the top nine counties in Texas. Its Allen Campus is the northernmost facility of higher education in Texas. The Allen Campus project began with an initial investment of $500,000 from the Perryton Community Development Corporation, supplemented with donations from businesses and private individuals. A $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic
Development Administration helped to put the project over the top, and the campus opened in 2005. Frank Phillips College is an invaluable member of the Perryton community.
Fast Facts • Frank Phillips College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. • A dual-credit partnership program allows high school students the opportunity to enroll in college courses while still in high school, earning simultaneous academic credit from both the college and the high school. • Frank Phillips College provides non-credit continuing-education courses to businesses and the public, awarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs). • Frank Phillips College is committed to the GED program and helping people complete their high school equivalency. Services include GED preparation and instruction for basic skills, workforce, or college entry. There is no charge for GED classes. • Frank Phillips College offers distance education. • FPC offers seven Division I intercollegiate athletic programs, as well as summer athletic camps for youth and adults. • Features of the Allen campus include bright, open meeting spaces and common areas; a student resource center; three distance-learning classrooms; a conference center; a computer lab; general use classrooms; an allied health/nursing classroom; an industrial technology laboratory; and a hydroponics greenhouse.
www.perryton.org
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Real Estate
Cozy Country Living; Convenient Urban Life
Century 21 Golden Spread Realty – The GOlD Standard
Gina Deal
Broker/Owner
806-435-5444
200 S. Main • Perryton, Texas 79070 century21@ptsi.net
Members of: Texas Association of Realtors National Association of Realtors Se Habla Español Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Century21 — the most recognized name in real estate. But our real story is beyond numbers; it’s a standard! It’s about shared values, beliefs, and hard work from everyone that is a part of Century 21 Golden Spread Realty. Every member of our team is focused on bringing superior service to our community. Averaging 2.7 million visits a month, Century21.com affords sellers tremendous exposure. Buyers can browse an average of 250,000 listings, get daily updates when Century 21 listings that meet their criteria come on the market, and crunch numbers with user-friendly financial calculators.
www.century21.com or www.century21espanol.com 12
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
“P
erryton is a place you could call home,” said Gina Deal of Century 21 Golden Spread Realty. “It’s a place you feel a sense of community, a place where you can raise your kids, and a place you feel safe.” Apparently, many residents — and new residents — agree. The housing market is tight with little turnover in inventory — a real seller’s market. Deal says that houses sell quickly on average in three days, and all rentals are full. According to Sherrie Rima of All State Realty, 63 homes sold in 2010. In 2011, through the first two quarters, 34 homes had been sold, showing that home sales were steady and consistent. For those seeking to make a sound investment, homes in the Perryton area are appreciating in value, contrary to trends in most regions in the United States. In fact, the median sales price of a home rose from $101,800 in 2007 to $114,349 in 2011. The value of land is on the rise as well and might serve as a good investment for those looking to build homes. Rima says the cost to build in nice residential areas ranges from $85 to $115 per square foot. And living in Ochiltree County gives residents the best of both worlds: the coziness of country living with all the conveniences of urban life. Homes in the area are usually brick. Typical amenities include fireplaces, formal dining rooms, dens, decks, and patios. Fenced yards, front porches, and garages are also common in many homes. The cost of building a new threebedroom home is $85 to $115 per square foot. Affording a home is made easier by a low unemployment rate of around 4.3 percent,
substantially below the national average of over 8.7 percent. There are also opportunities for commercial growth in Ochiltree County. Commercial businesses can find available locations by contacting private real estate agents, the Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce, or the Community Development Corporation (CDC). “Perryton is recovering nicely from the recession, and the oilfield is booming once again,� said Rima. With very affordable homes available, it is indeed a great place to live and work! Special thanks to Sherrie Rima of All State Realty and Gina Deal of Century 21 Golden Spread Realty for their assistance with this article.
www.perryton.org
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Business & Commerce Perryton in Motion
A Strong Economy Perryton and Ochiltree County have demonstrated a remarkable ability to weather national economic downturns. Through the first half of 2011, Ochiltree County’s unemployment rate was less than half the U.S. rate and substantially lower than the overall Texas rate: unemployment rate , may
2011
United States.......................................................8.7% Texas.................................................................7.9% Ochiltree County...................................................4.3% Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Perryton’s appeal goes well beyond simple data, though. “Some of Perryton’s greatest advantages aren’t ones you can evaluate with numbers and charts,” said Sheryl Hardy, executive director of the Perryton Community Development Corporation. “The generosity of the people, the local governmental agencies’ pro-business attitudes, and a laidback lifestyle are among the town’s valuable assets you can appreciate fully only by experiencing them. We get to enjoy the benefits of living in a town with clean air, uncongested travel routes, superior schools, diverse cultural events, a low cost of doing business, and a variety of recreational opportunities — not to mention a friendliness as warm as the Texas sunshine!”
Transport & Infrastructure U.S. Highway 83, which connects Canada to Mexico, passes through Perryton, as does Texas Highway 1. 14
Just three miles east of Perryton is the county airport, with a 5,000-foot paved runway with lights and instruments. Fuel and service are available for all types of aircraft here. The city of Perryton provides water, sewer, natural gas, and trash services within city limits. High-speed Internet is available through multiple providers. Electricity provider Xcel Energy is currently revamping its systems, including those in the Texas Panhandle, to provide for higher usage rates. It is estimated that the company will spend as much as $318 million on its power grid through 2014, improving reliability and increasing transmission of power generated by the Panhandle’s growing wind energy facilities.
Commerce and Retail With more than 200 specialty shops, restaurants, and service businesses, Perryton has truly become the regional commerce center for the Texas Panhandle. A recent Main Street Enhancement Project in downtown Perryton added new full-width brick sidewalks, decorative street and pedestrian light fixtures, ornamental trees, and a visitors center/restroom facility to an already healthy downtown shopping sector that
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
includes a variety of restaurants; top-quality lodging, including bed and breakfasts; attractions, including the Museum of the Plains and the Perry Memorial Library; and numerous retailers and service businesses, including: antiques • auto parts • barber/beauty shops clothing • cycle shop • department store electronics • fitness facilities • florist furniture • gifts gourmet/specialty foods/candies greeting cards • groceries • hardware insurance agencies • jewelers • movie theater office supplies • pet supplies • photographers sports equipment • video rental
Agriculture* As Ochiltree County’s slogan, “Wheatheart of The Nation,” suggests, agriculture is a major part of the economy in Perryton. The farming sector continues to produce both employment and revenue for the area, with agricultural values for the county exceeding $245 million in 2010. Ochiltree County ranks 20th among the 254 Texas counties in total agricultural receipts, with an estimated direct impact on the local economy of $324 million.
The rich soil of Ochiltree County is made up of clay and loam, perfect for growing wheat, sorghum, corn, and alfalfa. Among Texas counties, Ochiltree ranks third in wheat production and 16th in both grain sorghum and corn production. A mild climate with low humidity, combined with ample water supplies, also makes the county ideal for livestock, and hog and cattle ranches are some of the major employers in the area. Ochiltree County ranks second in hog production and 12th in cattle production among Texas counties. In fact, the largest area employer is Texas Farm, a hog-raising operation that employs over 320 people. *Agricultural production and economic impact data from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Energy Production The oil and gas industry has deep roots in the area, with the first oil lease filed in 1912. In 1955, Woodson Oil Company brought the oil industry to Perryton in full swing, drilling the No. 1 Perry Unit on the southeast edge of Perryton. The leasing and drilling that followed brought several other service companies to town and solidified the presence of the oil and gas industry in Perryton.
Since then, the industry has thrived and provided many jobs to the Perryton area. Oil-related businesses make up a large portion of employers in the area, with four of the top 10 employers in the county in the oil and gas industry. Linn Energy, LLC, which in May 2011 purchased a significant amount of Andarko Basin oil and natural gas property located in Ochiltree and Lipscomb counties, Texas, and in Ellis County, Okla., cited among significant factors in their acquisition of these assets a net production of approximately 2,700 barrels of oil per day; proved reserves of approximately 10 million barrels; and more than 165 proved low-risk infill drilling locations. Ideally located in the North American wind corridor, Perryton is also working toward becoming a player in wind energy. In his address at the North Plains Research Field 2006 Ag Day, then State Rep. David Swinford said that Perryton has an estimated potential to generate 11,000 megawatts per hour through wind energy, and at its full potential in the Panhandle, the industry could have an economic impact of $14 billion over a 10-year period. Local economic development organizations continue to explore wind energy as a viable economic generator in the region.
Help in Building Your Business Ochiltree County businesses are fortunate to have two active organizations working to build a better and stronger community for businesses and residents. The Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce not only provides services like
networking, advertising, referrals, and more to members, but it also provides a medium for businesses, individuals, and organizations to unite their voices for progress. The Chamber helps create job opportunities through stimulation of industrial and commercial growth. It works toward continued development and improvement of existing area industries. It seeks the improvement of community facilities, including streets, highways, parks, schools, marketing facilities, and human resources, and it brings conventions, sales meetings, and other gatherings to the city. The Perryton Community Development Corporation promotes the benefits of doing business in Perryton and Ochiltree County, proactively working to draw new businesses to the community through a group of services that include marketing, site selection guidance, and incentives packages. Free, confidential business advice is offered to entrepreneurs through the PCDC’s partnership with the Entrepreneur Alliance. The PCDC also promotes regional businesses, attractions, and events on the Perryton Pipeline (www.perrytonpipeline.com), a regularly updated community blog that debuted in April 2010 and which has drawn a very positive response from area residents. In addition to new programs, the PCDC is adding staff members. “The CDC added an additional business specialist to our staff to assist businesses and industries with their expansion endeavors,” said Hardy. “For some, that means guiding them through the business startup process. For others, it may mean helping them find a new location.” A recent success story for economic development was the opening of the Watonga Cheese Factory on Main Street in Perryton in June 2010, with an accompanying retail store that opened in December 2010. The business was recognized as a natural fit for this farming and dairy region, and the PCDC worked with the company to build an incentives package that brought them to Perryton.
www.perryton.org
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Recreation & Events History, Heritage, & the Great Outdoors
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Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Wolf Creek Park/Lake Fryer Lobo Trading Post 806-435-4559 | www.loboatwolfcreek.biz It’s an American motto. Hard work deserves much-needed rest. Nowhere will you find a place where grit and dedication are more duly rewarded with rest and relaxation than at Wolf Creek Park and Lake Fryer. Built in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl era, Wolf Creek Park and Lake Fryer were meant to offer shade from the searing hard times and sun. Now the park and lake offer visitors breathtaking vistas and outdoor beauty for maximum relaxation. Named one of the “Top 10 Swimming Holes” by Texas Monthly, Wolf Creek Park and Lake Fryer, located just off Highway 83 near Perryton, offer a variety of activities for the whole family.
“Fisherman come from all over to fish the lake.” According to Brenda Huddleston, Wolf Creek Park manager and Lobo Trading Post restaurateur, the park’s main draw is its fishing. “Fisherman come from all over to fish the lake,” said Huddleston. “We keep it very well stocked. We go in a rotating schedule of what we stock, but we have a lot of record-setting bass, and some big blue cat weighing over 14 pounds.” The park’s well-equipped bait house offers all the fishing gear you need. And for everyone’s safety and convenience, there is a handicappedaccessible, floating fish dock. But if you aren’t into fishing, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Water sports include swimming,
kayaking, and canoeing. Or you can camp in the same places as early frontiersmen did while enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. The park has many trails to explore, and hikers often glimpse deer, antelope, turkeys, bald eagles, and many other species of native wildlife. Other options for land-lovers include the park’s multipurpose tennis/basketball court, two playgrounds, and the best in outdoor cooking. Wolf Creek Park is a favorite place for camping, and it’s easy to see why. Ninety-four RV
hookups provide full electricity and water, so you can enjoy creature comforts and nature at the same time. There are picnic tables and barbeque grills throughout the campground, and restrooms and hot showers are provided on the north and south shores. For the camper who enjoys a more rustic experience, there are several wilderness areas scattered around the lake, ready for you to pitch a tent. Roads in these areas are
& Company
Gifts and Accessories
“Always More Than You Can Imagine” Charlotte Hale – Owner
404 S. Main • Perryton, TX 79070 (806) 435-4189
www.charlotteandcompany.net
www.perryton.org
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designated “non-through traffic,” allowing a peaceful camping experience. Huddleston says history buffs will enjoy exploring and may turn up some items of interest, like arrowheads. “The area covers a buried Kiowa Indian city, where archaeologists have found thousands of artifacts.” Visitors in need of useful outdoors supplies, like camping, fishing, and picnic items, will find what they need at the Lobo Trading Post, where they can also enjoy a great meal at The Lobo.
Wheatheart of the Nation Celebration
Business Center • Free Breakfast Free High Speed Internet Meeting Facilities • Indoor Pool Fitness Center 2601 South Main Perryton, TX 79070 806-434-1010 www.baymontinns.com/hotel/19218
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Like many towns in the United States, Perryton owes much to the establishment of the railroad. When the residents of Ochiltree moved their homes to what is now Perryton to be close to the railroad, they had no idea their practicality would be celebrated every year with the Wheatheart of The Nation Celebration. This annual event, now in its 92nd year, marks the day the first train steamed through Ochiltree County on August 22, 1919. The celebration offers a cornucopia of festivities, including the areas largest parade, marching bands from the surrounding communities, dances, a car show, barbecue, rodeos, demolition derby, volleyball tournaments, golf tournament, a Wednesday community church service, a block party with karaoke, food and late shopping, a carnival, a festival in the park and a free breakfast from United Supermarket on Saturday morning. The weeklong celebration culminates on the Saturday closest to August 22nd (Perryton’s actual birthday) with a full day of events. The celebration has gone on since that first year in 1919 when the town moved to Perryton. The weeklong event, which also commemorates the wheat harvest, ends with a parade closest to the anniversary.
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce President Marilyn Reiswig says it’s a wonderful thing for the community. “The Wheatheart of The Nation is a wonderful time for the citizens of Perryton to have fun and celebrate the city’s birthday together! With all the different events and activities going on you are sure to find something to suit your interests, connect with your friends, and even welcome new friendships! Our community is so blessed and now is the time to celebrate those blessings that the Lord has provided.” About 6,000 people come to the celebration — to a town with a population of roughly 8,800, that means a lot. Reiswig says that the large numbers coming to Perryton boost the local economy and strengthen the community and its pioneer spirit. Thank the Lord that blessings endure!
Oil Patch Golf Tournament Starting back in 1972 or ’73 — it’s become such a tradition, Chamber President Marilyn Reiswig laughingly says she can’t remember which — some oil field veterans started kicking around the idea of celebrating the success they were having. After some deliberation, they decided they would stop kicking and start hitting … with a golf club. Almost 40 years ago, these oil field men began the Oil Patch Golf Tournament, held at Perryton Municipal Golf Course. Sponsored by the Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce, the tournament draws players from all over the region to put their skills to the test on this 18-hole course. The tournament began as a two-day event, but due to its popularity, now plays out over 2.5 days. Every year, the Chamber plans for 500, and at the last tournament, golfers didn’t disappoint — 480 golfers signed up for the four-man tournament, and action began with 24 teams playing Friday; 38 teams on both the Saturday morning and afternoon rounds; and 20 teams on Sunday’s round, devoted to more serious golfers. According to Reiswig, there are 14 different on-course sponsors, offering everything from food to beverages. “This is a great way to network, gain new customers, thank old ones, and talk about oil and gas and how it has blessed the community.”
The event, which is one of the Chamber’s two major fundraisers for the year, is a lot of hard work, and Reiswig says that for a town of Perryton’s size, it’s quite a feat to put the tournament on. “It’s the sponsors that really make this happen,” she said. “We rely a lot on the support of our members.” Reiswig, whose father worked for Halliburton, knows this collection of golfers well. Even after all these years of being a resident of Perryton, Reiswig’s voice grows thick with emotion as she describes those early Saturday morning tee times. At sunrise, the golfers take in the breathtaking, rich red sunrise that runs warm through the veins of every native of the Texas Panhandle. Reiswig is convinced something makes those who labor in the gas and oil industry different. “They have the pioneer spirit, but also the rugged gambler spirit,” she said. “There is a strength that these people have that encourages you to go on and keep trying. We have seen a roller coaster ride in the oil industry, and seeing these men have a sense in their gut of the industry coming back again gives you courage.” When asked what the golf tournament means to her, Reiswig says, “just a lot of close friends who are near and dear to my heart.”
WTGFuels, Inc. Oilfield / Residential / Farm Propane / Fuel Delivery
518 S.E. Loop 143 P.O. Box 755 Perryton, Texas 79070
Office: 806-435-5426 Fax: 806-435-4437
www.perryton.org
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Worship Perryton Church Directory
All Saints Episcopal 22nd & Jefferson Perryton, TX 79070 806-648-2040 Bethlehem Lutheran Church 611 S. Grinnell Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3522 Church of Christ 1301 S. Jefferson Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-5901
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Community Worship Center
First Baptist Church
1302 Michigan Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-2037
2210 SW 15th Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-2506 http://cwcperryton.org
415 S. Baylor Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3641 http://fbcperryton.org
Church of the Nazarene
Cornerstone Church of God
First Christian Church
601 S. Ash Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-5110
901 S. Jefferson Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-4041 www.fccperryton.com
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
502 S. Amherst Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-5272 Community Christian Church 416 SW 4th Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-5751
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Fellowship Baptist Church 711 SW 24th Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3870
First United Methodist Church
Primitive Baptist Church
321 S. Baylor Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-6571
3rd & Birch Perryton, TX 79070
Foursquare Gospel Church
2122 Drake Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-2721 www.southsideperryton.org
821 S. Colgate Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-4692 Harvest Time First Assembly of God 1800 SW 24th Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-7775 Iglesia Christiana Canaan 421 S. Colgate Perryton, TX 79070 Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1000 SW 15th Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3802 Key Heights Baptist Church 215 S. Kentucky Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3013 www.keyheightsperryton.com Mennonite Brethren Church 2821 Ash Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3817 Perryton Ministerial Alliance PO Box 246 Perryton, TX 79070
Southside Baptist Church
Spanish Assembly of God 121 S. Fordham Perryton, TX 79070 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1801 Drake Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-2533 United Pentecostal Church 17 S. Elm Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3489 Victory Family Church 2322 S. Main Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3476 Waka Christian Center 10 Fuller Street Waka, TX 79093 806-434-0303 Westside Church of Christ Spur 192 & Highway 15 Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-0707 Word of Life Church 113 N. Colgate Perryton, TX 79070 806-435-3943
www.perryton.org
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Our Best Sides A Photographic Journey
High school football plays big in Texas, and the artificial surface of Perryton High School’s Ranger Field rivals the standards of professional teams.
Exhibits at the Museum of the Plains give visitors a look at the different eras of Ochiltree County’s history dating all the way back to pre-historic times.
Frank Phillips College’s Allen Campus in Perryton has been an educational and workforce development asset to the community since 2005.
Perryton’s housing market offers homes that are both attractive and a sound investment.
Lake Fryer offers great fishing, watersports opportunities, and beautiful scenery. 22
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Recently restored, this vintage Santa Fe Railroad caboose at the Museum of the Plains Depot is one of the museum’s most recent additions.
With ten uniformed officers, the Perryton Police Department keeps the peace in town around the clock.
Sponsored by the Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce, the Oil Patch Golf Tournament in Perryton is a tradition spanning four decades.
The Lobo Trading Post offers both supplies and a restaurant for visitors to Wolf Creek Park and Lake Fryer. www.perryton.org
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Helping Feed The World Feeding Our Local Economy
4200 South Main • Perryton, TX 79070 806.435.5935
texasfarmpork.com
Nippon Ham Group
Historical Home-Town Hospitality
Dorothy’s house & the outback cabin Quiet • Quaint • Peaceful Bed & Breakfast
Dorothy’s house • Antique Decor • Full Equipped Kitchen • Washer/Dryer • Internet & Dish • Continental Breakfast
the outback cabin • Rustic Decor • Wood Burning Stove • Internet & Dish • Microwave/Refrigerator • Continental Breakfast
310 S. Baylor • Perryton, TX 79070 806-202-4290 • E-mail: dotcampbell@hotmail.com 24
Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce
Index of Advertisers 93.7 MY-FM / KEYE 1400 AM............. 21 98.3 FM KXDJ......................................... 4 A to Z Landscapes.................................... 5 All Seasons Quality Plants & More........ 11 All State Realty – Sherrie E. Rima......... 13 Arkhoma Transports Inc......................... 19 Baymont Inn & Suites............................ 18 Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home Inc...... 20 Century 21 Golden Spread Realty.......... 12 Charlotte & Company............................. 17 Courson Oil & Gas, Inc.......................... 17 D orothy’s House & The Outback Cabin.............................. 24 Dutch Plumbing Co................................ 19 E Properties – Shirley Howard............... 13 Edward Jones – Brian G. Diedrich........... 4 FirstBank Southwest................................. 7 F orever Living Products – Tamarachena Pshigoda......................... 18 F oster Testing Co., Inc. / Wright Trucking Inc............................. 20 Frank Phillips College............................ 11 Hergert Ford, Inc.................................... 19 Hickerson Jewelers................................... 5 Interstate Bank...............Inside Front Cover Irwin Auto Co......................................... 17 Jines Real Estate....................................... 3 Lobo At Wolf Creek............................... 19 Museum of the Plains............................... 7 North Plains Electric Cooperative.......... 15 P erryton Community Development Corporation...................... 1 Perryton Golf Club................................. 18 Perryton Office Supply RadioShack....... 15 P TCI Communication & Broadband Solutions.............................. 2 The Seasons.............................................. 9 Sharp Iron Land & Cattle Company....... 21 T he Sidekick Cottage Bed & Breakfast................................... 25 Texas Farm............................................. 24 Upshaw Insurance.................................... 5 Waide’s Pharmacy, Inc........................... 19 Watonga Cheese Factory.......................... 4 WB Supply Company............................. 25 W illiams Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc............................... 6 Window Fashions, Etc.............................. 7 WTGFuels, Inc....................................... 19
Your Home Away from Home
505 SW 15th Ave. Perryton, TX 79070 806-648-2661 806-202-3326 806-202-2516 egeedye@ptsi.net
extended stay only
www.perryton.org
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