Page 2
■
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Vance’s
TOWERING project
New air traffic control facility set to open at one of the Air Force’s busiest airfields By Jeff Mullin Senior Writer
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE — The men and women who work in the control tower at Vance Air Force Base spend their days looking down on the bustle of activity at one of the busiest air fields in the Air Force. That is their present. But if they look to the east, and up, they will see their future.
Getting a late start Looming over the present Vance tower, which was completed in 1972, is the new tower scheduled to be opened later this year. Construction of the tower was delayed because of a design change involving the size of the elevator and stairwells. The areas must be large enough to accommodate emergency personnel and a gurney. That delayed groundbreaking from October 2011 to last summer. “That was probably the biggest delay,” said Braven Dyer, project engineer with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “They had to go back and redesign to accommodate those two items. Our original completion (date) was May of 2012.” Most of the tower is made of precast concrete, said Dyer. The design delays caused the Vance tower to lose its “place in line,” with the firm in Tulsa that manufactures the precast pieces. A parking garage project in Stillwater moved ahead of it. The new projected completion date, Dyer said, “is the million-dollar question.” The contractors doing the construction say the new tower will be finished in late July. When the tower is complete, said Donita Hazlett, base civil engineer, the Air Force will have 60 days to move all equipment and furnishings out of the old tower before it is demolished. “The big thing is the communications and the controlling equipment,” Hazlett said. The tower project originally was allotted $10.7 million through an insert by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act passed by Congress in 2009. But the final cost of the tower is expected to be $9.5 million, Dyer said. The cab floor of Vance’s present tower is 63 feet high, which will reach only to the seventh floor of the new tower, the cab floor of which will be 96 feet above ground level. The new tower not only will be taller but larger — 6,665 square feet to the current tower’s 2,294. The present tower cab is 56 percent smaller than the Air Force standard, too small to accommodate updated equipment and multiple controllers and trainees. The old tower also has no elevator. In addition, the new tower will meet all safety and fire codes. “There will be a lot better visibility,” said Hazlett. “That was one of the goals of the project, that the tower controllers and the SOF (supervisor of flight)
have a lot better visibility.” That will be facilitated in part by the shape of the cab, which was constructed on the ground, then lifted into place by a crane. “The lines along the east-west side are longer, so it’s not symmetrical,” she said. “It’s got two longer sides, which should give a lot better, clearer visibility to the folks up in the tower.”
Little more room to grow Vance has the fifth busiest air traffic control location in the Air Force, said Lt. Col. Donald Callaghan, commander of 71st Operations Support Squadron. The new tower not only will help train student pilots at Vance but air traffic controllers as well. Vance trains a number of controllers in both the tower and radar approach control every year. Currently there are 21 3level air traffic control trainees at Vance, with 10 more expected in the next three months, Callaghan said. “The new tower will add to our existing training capacity, since there will be more room for controllers and trainees without overcrowding,” Callaghan said. “Since the new tower has significantly more area, it provides for the inclusion of a room dedicated to the tower simulator and separate training and break rooms, drastically cutting down on crowding and distractions. “This added capacity will also allow for more dual-qualified controllers (those certified in both the Radar Approach Control and tower). The new tower also will incorporate new equipment for airfield lighting and new digital voice recording capacity.” The new tower will contain a simulator room, training classroom and offices. In addition, the simulator room will serve as a tornado shelter. This will be Vance’s third control tower since the base was built in 1941, Hazlett said.
Ongoing projects The tower is the only new construction presently ongoing on base. An ongoing project involves renovation of the base’s enlisted dormitories. That is a $6.5 million project to replace the heating and air conditioning systems in the 1950s-era dorms, as well as modernizing the kitchens. One goal is to make the dorms more energy efficient and eliminate a possible mold issue due to moisture on the old heating and cooling lines. “They’re doing the second of two buildings,” said Lt. Col. Richard Ward, deputy commander of 71st Mission Support Group. “We’re on schedule with the second building.” “We’re not going through and redecorating or redoing any of the layout,” said Hazlett, “we’re primarily doing heating and air conditioning to control moisture. We had some minor mold issues, nothing that was a health risk, but we didn’t want it to get there. Plus the kitchens were kind of dated.” There is one kitchen on each
A crane lifts the cab for the new control tower at Vance Air Force Base into place on a recent Saturday morning. The framework for the cab was constructed on the ground, then hoisted into place. The new tower is expected to be open later this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF SGT. JAMES BOLINGER)
floor of the buildings, one of which has a capacity of 52, the other of 53. A $30 million project for outside runway repair has been pushed back to fiscal year 2015 by Air Education and Training Command. “There’s no new construction right now because we’re in a continuing resolution,” said Ward. Department of Defense and Congress have declared a moratorium in funding military construction (milcon) projects in FY 2013. The courtyard area in the base’s temporary lodging facility is being revamped with construction dollars from FY 2012. New lighting will be
TURN YOUR TO DO LIST INTO YOUR DONE LIST!!
HARDWARE The Helpful Place
• LAWN & GARDEN • OUTDOOR LIVING • PAINT • HOME GOODS • TOOLS • ELECTRICAL • BEDDING PLANTS • POTTING SOIL • DECORATIVE ROCKS • GARDEN TOOLS
added and sidewalks will be redone. “We want to make it so people want to be outside and enjoy that area,” Hazlett said. Dyer’s other project is installation of high expansion fire suppression foam systems for two of Vance’s hangars, 141 and 129. In case of fire, those systems can quickly fill the hangar with foam to douse the flames. That likewise is being paid for with FY 2012 funds. That project is in the design phase. “That’s so we have more capability to do more maintenance,” he said. The base’s No. 1 future military
construction project is a proposed $17.9 million effort to expand and consolidate existing flying squadron facilities. The goal is “to bring them up to size standards,” said Hazlett, “because right now they are all undersized and significantly cramped.” Besides, there are issues with heating and air conditioning. “Their heating and air conditioning systems, especially in the two main flying squadron buildings, are very old and antiquated,” he said. “They can’t keep up with the heat that we have in the summer.”
Oklahoma Believing in the American Dream
“Being Oklahoma auctioneers has been more than just a business. We feel we have helped many farmers and ranchers with their business while making many good friends. Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are, hard working business men and we are proud to have the opportunity to represent them”
Buying & Selling Mineral Leases
Last year we sold over 16 million dollars of mineral interest in Oklahoma & Kansas, in the horizontal Mississippian play, and negotiated over 5 million in mineral leases for our clients.
Come visit our new location 806 Okla. Blvd., Alva, OK
A Successful Auction Takes An Experienced Company.
GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
Ranch Land • Farm Land • Hunting & Recreational Land • Farm Machinery • Minerals
2215 W. Willow Enid, OK 73703 580-237-3335
®
DEAN GOLL Real Estate & Auction, LLC
“Specializing in Land, Minerals & Farm Machinery Sales”
580-327-8217 • ALVA, OK
Dean Goll - Broker/Auctioneer • 580-327-7246 Todd Hamilton - Sales Assoc. • 580-747-7825 Todd Hamilton www.deangollauction.com
Dean Goll
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 3
VOLUNTEER efforts Friends of Salt Plains group augments the refuge experience for visitors By James Neal Staff Writer
CHEROKEE — From crystal digging to bird watching, trails and educational programs, Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge provides memorable outings for more than 140,000 visitors each year, all possible in large part by the work of a dedicated group of volunteers. Greg Birkenfeld, refuge manager, said the Salt Plains’ ability to offer public programs and maintain refuge facilities has been augmented significantly by the work of Friends of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, a volunteer group formed in 2009. Birkenfeld said the refuge has a paid staff of five people, including himself, responsible for managing the 32,000-acre refuge, its trails, visitor center, selenite crystal digging area and public programs. According to figures provided by Birkenfeld, more than 40,000 people visit the refuge each year for crystal digging, and more than 100,000 people visit the refuge for birdwatching, trails and the automobile tour. “With the small staff we have, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we do without the volunteer help,” Birkenfeld said. He said the friends group in the last year has helped build two new observation towers, relocated a historical marker, assisted with conducting wildlife surveys, and helped stage public events. “They’re a very important group,” Birkenfeld said. “They’re fairly new, but they’ve helped us out tremendously.” Sid Landwehr, president of Friends of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, said the group just wants to “help out where we can.” He said one of the big areas where the volunteers are stepping in is the refuge’s visitors’ center. Volunteers are staffing the center on weekends in the summer, allowing the facility to stay open during the height of the refuge’s visitor traffic. “That is important to us,” Landwehr
Richard Winn, vice president of the group, said the volunteers are working with Army Corps of Engineers on a plan to dredge the lake and rehabilitate marsh habitats. The habitats support hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, including the endangered whooping crane, each year. Winn said the lake has silted in over the years, a condition compounded by the ongoing drought. He said much of the marsh area has dried up, cutting down on the habitat for migratory water fowl. “In a lot of places you only have a foot of water covering things under normal rainfall conditions,” Winn said. “With the drought, you’d have to hunt real hard to find a four-footIt’s important to me to try to rehabilideep spot in that lake.” The volunteers are in the tate the lake and keep the recreation process of submitting and the wildlife around. If you haven’t paperwork to the Corps of spent time watching the birds around Engineers to dredge from the lake, you need to come up and check it out. the dam, extending along A person just falls in love with it.” the shore line and then working toward the center Richard Winn, of the lake. Winn said the eventual vice president of Friends of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge plan is to dredge the entire lake and use the dredged silt to build up walkways and Landwehr said this year’s festival will existing islands. But, he said, administrative processes begin the evening of April 26 with star gazing at the Great Salt Plains State Park involved in requisitioning a major Corps campgrounds and a movie in Cherokee. dredging project are considerable. “It’s going to be a long process,” A full day of events is slated for April 27, including a crystal dig, with prizes; Winn said, “and the more we get bird watching with the refuge staff; involved in it, the longer it seems it’s nature trail walks; dedication of a new going to take.” But, Winn said, preserving the refuge trail; children’s activities and games including fishing, archery and woodcarv- is worth the effort. “It’s important to me to try to rehabiling; exhibits from Oklahoma City Zoo; itate the lake and keep the recreation and and a guided bird watch in the evening. “It’s really a good family deal, and a the wildlife around,” he said. “If you good way to get out and enjoy the haven’t spent time watching the birds around the lake, you need to come up and refuge,” Landwehr said. Volunteers also help stage the annual check it out. A person just falls in love Youth Fishing Derby, set June 1 this year. with it.” For information on the Salt Plains Friends of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge also are working to National Wildlife Refuge go to make sure the refuge and the wildlife are www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile preserved for future generations to enjoy. /id.6588. said, “because it allows more people to come in and see the refuge.” He said the volunteers enjoy staging public events that give more members of the public, particularly children, an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the refuge and its wildlife. One of the group’s largest events is Crystal Dig and Birding Festival in April. Scheduled for April 26-28 this year, the event features three days of activities for kids and adults.
“
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge provides memorable outings for more than 140,000 visitors each year. Pictured are some of the common sights at the refuge and state park (clockwise from top), including a small flock of pelicans standing on the spillway at Salt Plains State Park; a sign greeting visitors at the entrance of the refuge near Cherokee; a shorebird viewing platform near the entrance of the refuge; a visitor using a garden spade to scrape the sides of a hole while digging for selenite crystals at Salt Plains’ digging area. (Staff Photos and File Photos by BILLY HEFTON)
Page 4
■
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
a
FRIEND
in need
Mission Mentors program offers children someone who can be there just for them By Jeff Mullin Senior Writer
FAIRVIEW — In August 2010, Garet Edwards was approached about joining a fledgling mentoring program for young people in the Fairview area. But he decided he didn’t want to join the Mission Mentors group. “I thought it was a good deal, but I probably didn’t have time for it and didn’t think it was for me,” said Edwards, who operates a cattle ranch some 10 miles west of Fairview. Given the fact the match support coordinator of the new group was Randi Lackey, his wife’s first cousin, it isn’t surprising Garet changed his mind. “They hounded me a little bit,” said Edwards of Lackey and his wife, Kaci. “After I got into it I was very thankful they did.” In the years since, the initially reluctant Edwards has become not only a mentor but one of note. First he was named Mission Mentors’ 2012-13 Mentor of the Year and, in January, was one of 35 outstanding youth mentors recognized during Oklahoma Mentor Day at the state Capitol. Mentors are asked to spend an hour a week with their mentee, but Lackey said Edwards goes above and beyond that. “I don’t think he really knew what he was getting himself into,” she said. “He has had a really good time with those boys. We ask for an hour a week, and they are together a lot more than that.” Edwards started out mentoring Clint Swanson, whose family he had known for years. Six years ago in
February, Clint’s father was killed after falling in the bathtub and hitting his head. So he took Clint under his wing, taking him hunting and fishing, among other activities. But now that Clint is 16, in high school an involved in sports and has a girlfriend, they don’t spend as much time together, Edwards said. “We still hang out, talk and text,” Edwards said. “It gives them somebody to talk to. I was that age one time, and it is tough for a teenager.” But Clint’s younger brother, Koby, now 14, “was just dying for me to be his mentor,” Edwards said, and so he took over that role. “They are more like my little brothers than mentees,” said Edwards. Besides hunting and fishing, Edwards and the boys have attended the International Finals Rodeo, gone bowling and attended local basketball games. “They are good boys, a good family, they just needed somebody to take them to do boy stuff,” he said. He admits he is uncomfortable when people praise him for his involvement with the boys. He said he gets as much or more out of the experience than they do. “I take them fishing, and I may not even get a pole out,” he said. “It is fun to sit and watch those boys have a blast. I take them deer hunting, and I might not even get out of the truck, but they have a blast. It is just rewarding to watch them grow up.” Garet and Kaci Edwards have a seven-month-old daughter, Katie, to
whom the Swansons are like big brothers, he said. Mission Mentors has 85 volunteer mentors, Lackey said, up from 50 when the program began. “Our goal is 100 by next year,” she said. “In a town of 2,500 people, that’s quite a few people involved.” The program began after Fairview school superintendent Rocky Burchfield attended the
morning performance of a fourth-grade play at Cornelsen Elementary School. “Twenty five to 30 percent of the kids didn’t have a parent there,” Lackey said. “Nobody was there to watch them. He drove back in for the evening showing, and it was the same thing.” In the wake of that incident, Mission Mentoring was born. It was patterned after a similar program at Western Valley Academy in Oklahoma City. The difference is under Western Valley’s program there is a mentor for every child. “We had to start with the ones who needed it the most and grow
from there,” Lackey said. The goal of Mission Mentoring is “to give them a special friend,” said Lackey. The program is open to any willing adults, who must first apply, pass a background check and then be approved by the group’s board of directors. Mission Mentoring’s schoolbased program is for students in grades 1-5, and all
Fairview Mentor of the Year Garet Edwards (second from right) poses with his mentees, Koby (far left) and Clint Swanson, and former Tulsa mayor Kathy Taylor, a trustee of Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Edwards was honored by OFE as one of 35 outstanding mentors from throughout Oklahoma. (Photo provided)
mentoring takes place at school. In the community-based program, for youngsters in grades six through 12, mentors have “a lot more freedom to go other places,” with their young charges, Lackey said. “One raises cattle, and he took his mentee out to work with him, and the mentee had never seen a cow before,” she said.
Thus far, she said, the program has been a success. “We do surveys with the teachers at the end of every year, and they see changes, better attendance, for one thing, because the kids show up thinking their mentor might come today,” Lackey said. “The kids are happier all around.” For his part, Edwards said he has learned much more about himself than he has taught the Swanson brothers. “I learned that there is more to life than just your day-to-day deal,” he said. To anyone thinking about becoming a mentor, Edwards said, he advises them to give it a try. “I am the ideal poster person for this thing,” he said. “It doesn’t take a whole lot of time, but a little bit goes a long way. I know guys who go down to the elementary school, maybe an hour a week, and those kids look forward every week to seeing that person, knowing that somebody cares. “It has the same effect on the older kids, they just don’t show it as much. There are plenty of people able to give an hour a week, and it might mean a kid will be in the library or the gym rather than roaming the streets.” He says he is grateful his wife and her cousin worked on him until he agreed to be a part of Mission Mentors. “At least try it,” Edwards said. “It is worth everybody experiencing it once. After the first sitting, I was hooked.” More information about Fairview’s Mission Mentors program can be found at www.mission mentors.com.
KUYKENDALL HEARING AID CENTERS
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY RANGE WIRELESS Products Provide BLUETOOTH YOUR CELL PHONE CALLS TO YOUR HEARING AIDS NEW ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL BEST IN CLASS FEEDBACK ELIMINATOR Todd Kuykendall WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL Greg Kuykendall B.S., BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist WIRELESS TV MEDIA CONNECT BOX Board Certified in H.I.S. Oklahoma LIC# 597 Oklahoma LIC# 451 ★ FREE EVALUATION ★ 3201 N. Van Buren, Suite #200 FREE Wireless Basic 580-234-6168 Remote Control with 1-866-872-8244 Purchase of a set of Range Wireless “Serving Northwest Oklahoma Since 1940’’ Hearing Aids • Enid • Woodward ($150 Value)
Expires March 15, 2013
• Stillwater
• Ponca City
www.kuykendallhearing.com
FREE Consultation With This Coupon Expires March 15, 2013
The Best Meals Begin With The Finest Meats from Big Country!! Northwest Oklahoma’s Only Full Service Old Fashioned Meat Counter HACCP Certified!
ENROLL NOW! CLASSES START APRIL 30th
Over 100 Years Combined Experience In Butchering and Meat Processing
Home Champ of ionsh Smoke ip d Hot Lin ks
• Custom Butchering • Curing & Smoking • Processing for the Home Freezer • Deer & Elk Processing
606 W. Willow • 233-8666 Open: Mon - Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5 We Accept USDA Food Stamps
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 5
Canton trying to
STAY AFLOAT
Community working to keep its fishing derby activities from disappearing along with lake By Robert Barron Staff Writer
CANTON — Residents are trying to recover from a loss of a major source of industry: Canton Lake. Oklahoma City claimed its water rights to Canton Lake, due to a drought that has lasted more than a year, and began drawing 30,000 acre feet of water from the lake last month. And as the water left, it also left Canton residents wondering how they will survive a loss of revenue generated annually from those who have used the lake in the past for recreational purposes. One of the main attractions held at the lake each year is fast approaching. The annual Walleye
Rodeo, set May 16-19, is a major economic driver. But this year, participants may be building sand castles instead of fishing, as the lake is extremely low. The drawdown of the water from the lake has left it virtually dry, with much of the lake floor exposed and little fish habitat remaining. Supporters are considering alternative events to take the place of the traditional lake activities, hoping to still attract annual participants. Matt Fuqua, of Canton Lake Association, said a poker run is planned, along with a 5K run and one-mile fun run/walk. The poker run will raise money for a team involved with Relay for Life, a
cancer research fundraising event. A music festival also is scheduled, with several of the top area bands recruited to play, Fuqua said. “We have all sorts of things going this year. We don’t want it to keep us down,” Fuqua said. Although still in the planning stages, the new Walleye Rodeo events include a barbecue cookoff, culminating in a meal for poker run participants and 5K runners. Fuqua said it is not clear whether the event will be expanded into a public feed. Also scheduled is a show of classic vehicles, and the music festival will be held on the rodeo grounds May 18. Fuqua said CLA members want to keep the fishing derby alive. The Walleye Rodeo fishing derby is the oldest in Oklahoma, he said, and organizers fear if they let it die, it will be difficult to bring it back. “We’re trying hard to make a super weekend in Canton,” he said.
Members hope to replace the normal water-based events with others until the lake comes back, although no one knows when that will be. A sand castle and sand sculpture building contest is planned along Sandy Beach Cove, Fuqua said. He said the area makes the most sense to supporters, although people will have to walk quite a distance to reach areas where there is water. “We don’t know how big it will be over time,” he said. The loss of the water from Canton Lake has dealt a big blow to the community, which bases nearly its entire income on the lake. Fuqua compared the loss of water to “a kick in the groin.” “We want to keep the buzz going and keep people coming,” Fuqua said. Donnie Jenkins, a tour guide at the lake and owner of a hotel on the lake’s edge, said he did not
know how the new events will affect the Walleye Rodeo. The state biologist at the lake will talk to Army Corps of Engineers representatives about whether there will be enough water remaining in the lake to stock walleye for the fishing derby. “There should be some fish left in it,” Jenkins said. “The town is hurt. Anything will help.” Canton Lake was built for flood control, water supply and irrigation. Later, secondary purposes were included that added wildlife habitat and recreation. Oklahoma City pays the Army Corps of Engineers for rights to the water. Oklahoma City officials had planned to seek the water for some time but postponed the request as long as possible, said Debbie Ragan, spokeswoman for Oklahoma City Public Utilities Department. Oklahoma City is using the water to replenish its drinking water supply in Lake Hefner.
Page 6
■
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
As history repeats, Garber to SHOWCASE its past By Robert Barron Staff Writer
GARBER — The town is using something new to restore something old. An old drugstore building in downtown Garber is being remodeled to include a public library and museum that will focus on early day Garber, which originated as an oil field community. Funds are mostly from increased city revenue generated from renewed oil and gas activity in the Mississippi Limestone formation in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas. Hal Long, chairman of the “drugstore committee” in Garber said about $7,000 has been spent to place a new roof on the building and begin other renovations. The building, which contains a back bar and soda fountain, will be separated into one area for a public library and an area where volunteers will read to local children. Long said the soda fountain and back bar are original with the building. “It makes a nice centerpiece to have historical things built around,” Long said. The building was donated to Garber Community Improvement Association
about two years ago, and supporters began to discuss the project then. In addition to the new roof, Long said a drop ceiling was installed and the walls will be renovated as a place to hang photos and other mementos. Glass cases will be placed so historic items can be viewed. The rear of the building, where medicine originally was stored, will be designed to resemble an early day drugstore and separated from the public with glass, Long said. The committee also may try to purchase a lot adjacent to the drugstore and place some smaller, antique equipment to resemble an early day oil field. “Plenty of people have oil field equipment they would donate,” Long said. The city is named after Martin Garber, whose family participated in the Land Run of 1893, claiming land that is the town today. Today, Garber has a population of 822, according to the 2012 census. Martin Garber is the father of Milton C. Garber, a former U.S. congressman, Enid mayor, newspaper editor and judge. In October 1899, Garber Town Co., owned by brothers Milton C. and Burton A. Garber, platted the town.
Hal Long stands at the soda fountain bar inside the old drugstore, in downtown Garber, that is being renovated into a musuem thanks to a boost in town revenue from oil and gas activity. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)
Give Yourself a Better Night’s Sleep!
Over fifty million people use a fan to help them get a better night’s sleep. SleepFans are the first fans designed to help you fall asleep quicker and sleep more soundly. SleepFans’ unique design: • Generates a soothing sound (red noise) that promotes relaxation • Allows adjustment of the soothing sound volume independent of the fan speed • Masks background noise that distract from sleep • Produces cooling air movement, conducive to rest • Is quieter than its traditional counterpart • Moves 20% more air and uses 15% less energy than its traditional counterpart
323 South Grand •
Grand Avenue Lighting 580-237-4656
just
Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON
REWARDS
Kingfisher to pay forward success By Phyllis Zorn Staff Writer
KINGFISHER — Kingfisher and Capitol Hill high school are partnering to the benefit of both, thanks to a $71,000 Reward Grant from Oklahoma Department of Education. Kingfisher is one of six schools across the state to receive the grant as part of the Raise the Grade Together initiative. “These schools are among the best performing schools in the state,” said State Superintendent Janet Barresi. “To qualify for the grants, these educators had to be willing to share their best practices and educational strategies with schools in the most need. I’m thrilled to be able to offer this financial incentive for excellence and am pleased with the willingness to embrace such partnerships.” Jason Sternberger, superintendent of Kingfisher Public Schools, said a portion of the
grant money will be given out among the entire Kingfisher school district. “We’re making a donation to the education foundation,” Sternberger said. “When they wrote the grant they wanted to let all the teachers have something.” The reason is because each teacher in the Kingfisher system contributed to the high school’s success, he said. “Of course the high school is going to have a big celebration later this spring or at the start of the school year,” Sternberger said. High school staff will have a professional development retreat provided by grant money, and each library in the Kingfisher district will get about $1,500 as well, Sternberger said. Kingfisher got to choose which school to partner with, Sternberger said. Among the state’s priority list of schools in need of improvement, Capitol Hill, in Oklahoma City, was closer in proximity,
Sternberger said. Sammy Jackson, KHS principal, said the ways in which the partnership with Capitol Hill will flesh out will be driven by what the Oklahoma City high school needs. “We’ll meet with Capitol Hill and their professionals and see what they need help with,” Jackson said. “We’ll let them kind of determine where it goes.” For instance, if math is a weak area for students at Capitol Hill, math will be an area that gets much focus, Jackson said. Kerri White, assistant state superintendent of educational support, said the purpose of the grant is to see schools celebrate successes while seeking continuous improvement in student learning, school culture and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to see schools removed from the Priority School list while seeing an increase in the number of Reward Schools. State Department of Education will monitor mentoring activities between the two schools. The grant period runs from now until June 2014.
Burial Services When your loved one has chosen to be buried, the ceremonies you design revolve around the casket being present. Traditions may be followed, with a viewing, and then a funeral service in the chapel. A private service at the graveside could then follow these more public events. But let’s just say this: there is no ‘hard and fast’ formula for honoring your loved one when burial has been selected. We’re here to listen to your concerns, share your experience, and help you to arrive at the perfect way to gather together, prior to your loved one’s interment in a cemetery of your choice. ished 1970 Establ
2800 N VAN BUREN ENID, OKLAHOMA 73703 580-233-1400 LADUSAUEVANS@SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM WWW.LADUSAUEVANS.COM
Spring Service Event! Starting at
2799.
$
Many models to select from
F.W. ZALOUDEK CO. KREMLIN, OK • 580 -874 -2211
Midweek Special
10%
Off Service
• Tuesday is Senior Citizens Day (55 and older) • Wednesday is Ladies Day • Thursday is Military Day
Valid only at Northcutt Toyota. Maximum discount of $150. Must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law. Offer expires 3/31/13
In colder weather, moisture and adverse road conditions put your vehicle’s vital systems to the test Minor issues leading to bigger problems could leave your vehicle susceptible to breakdown. To help you save as you maintain the health of your Toyota this spring, Northcutt Toyota is hosting our Spring Service Event now through March 31. To schedule your service online, simply click the button or call one of our Service Appointment Coordinators at 800-749-9536
Get
YOUR
CAR
Ready for
Spring!
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 6:00pm Sat: 8:30am - 4:00pm
TOYOTA SERVICE
3201 W. Owen K. Garriott • Enid, OK 73703 • 580-234-5171
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
backIN
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 7
BUSINESS
Medford cautiously enjoying returning oil field action By Cass Rains Staff Writer
MEDFORD — Increased plays in oil and natural gas exploration has brought a boost to Medford’s economy. That means improvement throughout the town, as well as growth in area sales tax revenues and school enrollment. “I think for the most part everyone is loving it,” said Medford City Manager Dea Mandeville. “It’s brought increased business to the downtown, especially the cafes, the grocery store and convenience store.” Industry workers have filled properties throughout Medford, even leading to the remodeling of some homes. “I think the landlords are happy. There’s not very many vacant properties,” Mandeville said. “We’ve even had several houses that sat empty for several years that have been purchased, remodeled and rented.” Areas schools have reported increased enrollment, and the few problems brought on by the resurgence in the energy industry are problems other towns would be envious to call their own. “The main thing is housing, especially temporary housing,” Mandeville said. “A lot of these workers have an RV they live in while working here. Sometimes it’s difficult for them to find a place to park.” She said in the past two years, three new trailer parks have been built in the area because of the boom. “I would say our sales tax is up 35 to 40 percent,” Mandeville said. “We’ve had probably, with all the houses, we probably have another 15 new water customers.” The boom also has attracted several food trucks. They set up along the highway during the lunch rush to feed hungry workers. The trucks are there Monday through Friday and bring in quite a crowd, Mandeville said. Although there were indications the boom was coming, Mandeville said she did not anticipate what has occurred. “We heard there was going to be some activity going on,” she said. “You go down to the courthouse and see all the landmen in the
courthouse looking at land deed books, so you know something was going on. “It is way bigger than I ever anticipated it would be.” Mandeville said city officials realize the boom eventually will end and they are trying to not get involved in projects they cannot afford without added benefit of the energy industry in town. “We don’t want to get wrapped up in projects that will cost more than what we can afford to maintain,” she said. Mandeville said the city just wrote a grant for a new swimming pool. If approved, some of the money would go toward that project. She said other capital improvements are planned, such as new awnings, dugouts and fencing for the baseball field and some sewer line replacement. Irma Gonzales (above) shows Terry Johnson the soda selection at the Grab-n-Go food truck in Medford. Mobile home lots (left) are for rent in the town. (Staff Photos by BILLY HEFTON)
“We have had so much truck traffic,” she said. “That is going to be an issues for the county when this is all over.” Mandeville said temporary housing is in great need. She said she wishes someone would build another motel. “The motel here, there’s just no vacancies. She’s booked.” The oil boom also has brought related businesses to Medford.
Beck Oil Field Supply of Hennessey has opened an operation in town. “We’re excited to have them here, Mandeville said. “They’ve invested with us in Medford.” Best Well Service is open two miles outside of Medford. Mandeville said Remote Oil Field Services also has purchased a building in town and plans on moving operations downtown. There is also a new
Subway sandwich shop inside the Jiffy Trip. “Things are looking up,” Mandeville said. “I think most people know this is maybe another five years and this is going to be over. I think they appreciate we’re going to conserve the money and not blow through it.” Mandeville said the city plans to take advantage of the boom but not spend more than it should. “We’re going to be doing some community improvement projects and improvements to the city,” she said. “There will be some wear and tear in the city when this is all over but not to the extent of what the county and state will be doing.” Mandeville has worked for the city of Medford for 25 years, 11 as city manager. She said she remembers the last oil boom. “I can remember in the late-’70s and ’80s when there were oil wells going in then,” she said. “We never thought it would come back like it has. “For the most part I think people are happy it’s happening.”
Page 8
■
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Enid News & Eagle
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
580-540-8948 866-359-9421
All Types of Roofing Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Windows • Patio Covers Siding • Fencing • Concrete
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 9
BLAZINGa trail Fairview takes advantage of oil boom to shore up its economy By James Neal Staff Writer
FAIRVIEW — Major County currently is enjoying a boom in its economic development, thanks in large part to the county’s central location for oil and gas activity in the Mississippi and Woodford oil plays. While new drilling has remained slow in Major County, the county has become a central staging area for service companies working in Alfalfa, Woods and Grant counties to the north, and Blaine County to the south. Oil field service yards that were abandoned in 2009-10 have reached capacity again, often under new ownership or new leases for new service companies that have been attracted to the area. Fairview City Manager Paul Southwick said formerly vacant service yards and Fairview Industrial Park are full of oil field service companies, most of which are staging in Fairview and working in surrounding counties. Southwick said having all of those new workers in town is boosting the city’s sales tax revenues. “They’re not long-term businesses that are going to be here forever, but for five, six years ... they are driving growth in our sales tax income,” Southwick said. The presence of Oil field service crews also is driving high occupancy rates in Fairview motels. Southwick said local rooms “stay pretty-well full,” and the city is exploring a development agreement to build a 50-room hotel at 722 N. Main, near the Main and State intersection downtown. Southwick said the city is “still negotiating but getting very close” on a development agreement, and he hopes to have the development under way by June. Major County Economic Development Corp. also is taking
extra steps to capitalize on the increased economic activity. The MCEDC business incubator currently is operating at full capacity, with four businesses occupying incubator space. Current businesses in the incuba-
MCEDC has a waiting list for businesses wishing to advertise on the billboard. MCEDC Chairman Mark Stubsten said demand has been so high for incubator space and business development services, MCEDC
came into this area because of the oil and gas industry,” Stubsten said. MCEDC also is pursuing construction of a new duplex to help meet housing demand in the community. Stubsten said that project is in the initial planning stages but likely would involve MCEDC building the duplex and selling it to a property manager. “We don’t want to go into the housing business, and we don’t want to go into the rental business,” Stubsten said, “but we do want to help address the housing issue, because that is an area where we’re always in short supply.” Stubsten said MCEDC also has extended its partnership with the city of Fairview, Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Fairview Savings & Loan and Farmers & Merchants Bank to offer the Fairview storefront improvement contest. The partner entities put up $11,000 last year to promote improvements to downtown business fronts.
The city of Fairview has teamed with other organizations to enhance the offerings at nearby Gloss Mountain State Park (above). Gloss Mountain Homes (right) at Major County Industrial Park in Fairview takes advantage of the county’s incubator program. (Staff Photos by BILLY HEFTON)
tor program are Gloss Mountain Homes, From the Woods BBQ Sauce and Pickles, LearningRx of Northwest Oklahoma and John’s Farm Organic Whole Wheat and Beef Products. MCEDC office manager JaNae Barnard said MCEDC staff also works with businesses throughout the county to provide help with business plans, financing, marketing, accounting and legal questions. Barnard said Fairview and Major County businesses are receiving increased exposure from an electronic billboard placed in 2011 at the U.S. 412 and Oklahoma 8 junction in Orienta, north of Fairview. The billboard offers 24 rotating advertisements, and Barnard said
is in the process of building a new spec building to house additional business expansion in the industrial park. Start of construction on the 3,400 square-foot spec building was delayed by the Feb. 25 blizzard. “That spec building has been brought about by a tremendous amount of interest in the industrial park by a number of companies that
The results results of of the the first first contest contest The were: were: First place, place, $5,000: $5,000: CJ’s CJ’s •• First Country Store. Store. Country place, $3,000: $3,000: Sage Sage • Second place, Brush Junction. $2,000: Quick QuickRent Rent • Third place, $2,000: to Own. mention, $500 $500 each, each, • Honorable mention, House and andVine Vineand and Tin Lion Coffee House Branches.
Stubsten said response was so good for the first contest, the sponsors have donated an equal amount of money to extend the contest to 2013. He said improving the aesthetics of Fairview’s downtown is important to the city’s efforts to bring in more shoppers and tax revenue. “If people drive through and everything is decaying and going south, we basically lose our tax base,” Stubsten said. “We find that people like to shop in a community where it looks like something is going on and things are freshened up and clean.” He said creating an attractive downtown shopping scene is essential to keeping shoppers’ money in town, and to attracting visitors. MCEDC also is working to attract tourism to Major County through partnerships with Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and improvements to Gloss Mountain State Park, northwest of Fairview on U.S. 412. MCEDC and Gloss Mountain Conservancy have undertaken several improvements in recent years at the park, including addition of trails and covered picnic pavilions. The conservancy is working on plans to add electric service and an ADA accessible restroom at the park. Stubsten said the improvements have led to “tremendous growth in the number of visitors” at the park, and helped increase the tourism draw of the entire county. The park and Major County also gained some extra exposure this year when OTRD selected Gloss Mountains as the cover photo for the annual state visitors’ guide. “By doing some different things to improve the park we’ve seen tremendous growth in tourism, and that facility is becoming more and more widely known all the time,” Stubsten said. For information on events, attractions and economic development in Major County go to www.ok majordev.org.
Agriculture drives our local economy
Agriculture plays a very important role in the communities we serve. We know that when we help ag producers grow their crops and raise their livestock, we are helping the local economy grow. Many area businesses are based on serving the ag community. What’s good for agriculture is good for
3535 West Garriott • (580) 234-4095 Tool boxes • Hitches • Spray in Bedliners • Window Tinting Fiberglass Bed Covers & Camper shells • And much more!
our community. We’re local and we know agriculture. Stop by and see us.
FARM CREDIT OF ENID, ACA 1605 W. Owen K. Garriott • 233-3489 www.fcenid.com
At the heart of Farm Credit Services – People
Wells Fargo Advisors in Enid John Pollard makes Enid his primary office location John Pollard, Vice-President - Investment Officer, with Wells Fargo Advisors has relocated his office to Enid. John had previously officed out of the Wells Fargo Advisors branch in Edmond, Oklahoma. While John will continue to have an office in Edmond to service his clients there, his primary office will be the Enid branch located at 201 North Grand, Suite 500.
John Pollard Vice President, Investment Officer 201 North Grand Suite 500 Enid, OK 73701 (580)233-6400 phone (800)510-6401 toll-free (580)233-9200 fax john.pollard@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.
1802 North Van Buren • ENID, OK • 580-237-1557 www.zaloudeksmarine.com
Page 10
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
IMAGE is everything Hennessey is rebranding to market existing business and attract growth By James Neal Staff Writer
an ‘
HENNESSEY — The town is developing a new marketing campaign to “re-brand” the town’s image and attract new residents. Hennessey United, the town of Hennessey and KJ Productions of Enid are teaming to develop a consistent brand for the town and develop new marketing materials. Hennessey mayor Wes Hardin said the campaign was born of a desire to market the community’s high quality of life to young families. “We have a wonderful quality of life here in Hennessey, and we’d like to get that message out to families,” Hardin said. He said Hennessey is a great place to raise a family and offers good opportunities to hard-working people. “This is one of the last true free-market places in America,” Hardin said. “You can come here and if you want to work hard you can make it.” He said Hennessey offers prospective residents good schools, two medical clinics and close proximity to hospitals in Enid and Oklahoma City, a good library, cheap utilities and a relatively low sales tax rate. Hennessey has a current city sales tax rate of 3.5 percent and total combined sales tax rate, including the county and state rates, of 8.75 percent. Hardin said the new marketing campaign is not just about attracting new residents and businesses — it’s about supporting existing businesses. “Sure, we want new businesses, but we definitely want to help the ones who have been here and stuck with us through the hard times,” Hardin said. Jimmy Berkenbile, president of Hennessey United, said the new marketing campaign will be an economic development tool to strengthen local businesses. Hennessey United is a coalition of local civic leaders, town officials and volunteers. It originally formed in 2000 as Hennessey 2010 to form a 10-year vision for the town. Berkenbile said the new brand and marketing campaign will “help get everyone on the same page.” “It will create a kind of trademark for our town that shows the unity — what Hennessey is all about,” Berkenbile said. Once the new brand is created, Berkenbile said Hennessey United hopes to form a coalition of downtown business owners, similar to a local chamber of commerce. “In a small community the best way to get things done is in a united fashion,” Berkenbile said, “and that’s what we’re trying to do with this (branding campaign).” Jack Quirk, president and CEO of KJ Productions Marketing Group, said the branding campaign will help create a unified image of Hennessey and its future. “When the sign on the south end of town is different than the logo on the police cars, and that’s different than the sign on the north end of town and the water tower, there’s no consistency,” Quirk said. “This will help create an image for the town. They need a brand so they can say ‘this is us, this is what we do, and this is what we’re all about.’” Quirk said he’s excited to be a part of the marketing campaign since Hennessey is his hometown. “This has always been something I wanted to do, but I have never had the opportunity before,” Quirk said. “The opportunity now is to try to help them with their branding, marketing and execution.” Quirk is working with Friesen Designs of Enid to develop the logos and print marketing. Friesen Designs developed the logos and marketing material in the city of Enid’s recent branding campaign. Quirk said the branding campaign will be a “multiple-year program,” beginning with several months of initial development, already in progress.
Staff photos by BILLY HEFTON
AMAZING time
’
Alva concentrating on addressing city’s needs during oil, retail boom By Cass Rains Staff Writer
ALVA — Business is booming, and growth in the oil industry is spreading expansion throughout the community. “Things are still going well,” said Alexandra Mantz, with Alva’s Community and Economic Development Directors and director of Alva Chamber of Commerce. “People and businesses still call, interested in Alva.” Play in the oil fields of northwest Oklahoma has to led to “amazing growth in Alva’s tax base, as well as increases in population.” “We’ve got a lot of entrepreneurial businesses that have come in the last year,” Mantz said. “A lot of their interest is due to our growth.” Like other cities benefiting from the oil boom, Alva has encounter an all too common problem — a housing shortage. “We continue to have some housing issues,” she said. “There is new housing going in. People are building, which is exciting, but there is always a demand for housing here.” Mantz said the thought in Alva was interest would wane and the calls for information about the city would slow down toward the end of the year.
“Things have definitely picked up since the new year and continue to be very busy,” she said. “Our calls have not dropped off for interest in Alva. If anything, we’re getting more calls than we were at the end of the year.” Mantz said oil boom has kept current businesses busy and brought in others. “Our restaurants are full. It’s an amazing time. We’ve had a lot of entrepreneurial businesses,” she said. “Their sales are amazing. They could certainly attest to that. As far as new business, we’ve got mom and pop retail stores opening up, a new gym ... things keep popping up.” City Manager Joe Don Dunham said one hotel already has opened in Alva and another is being built. He said Alva has experienced a second boom. “We’ve had some retail come to town,” he said. “We’ve had a retail boom.”
With such growth and an increase in tax revenues, Alva is working to find the best avenues of growth, Dunham said. He said there is a city initiated community effort to create a strategic plan for Alva with city officials and a group of community stakeholders. The purpose is to ensure the city plans for future needs and not just with the current windfall from the oil boom. “That’s always a concern, trying not take on more than what you can pay for in the long run,” Dunham said. “Right now, we’ve got a group of concerned citizens that are working on strategic plan for Alva that is about halfway through. We’re working through that process.” Mantz said the city is focusing on its needs with the added revenue. “At this point, like any municipality, we can’t spend it until we have it,” she said. “Our city is focusing on the needs of the city.” Dunham said one of the top priorities for Alva is street repairs. “... Our streets are in dire need of attention,” he said. He said larger projects are being considered with thoughts of overall costs and long-term operations. Dunham said the city is also considering other means of funding. “We’re looking at different grants. That’s always a consideration,” he said, adding they must weigh the value of the grant with whether they can afford the matching funds. “We’re weighing all our options. We’re not passing anything up. We’re looking at everything.”
Proudly Insuring Oklahoma & Kansas Farms, Families & Businesses!
TRACTOR PARTS Used, New and Rebuilt Tractor Parts Computerized Tractor Parts Locating System. Backhoe and Small Dozer Parts Available
From Spindles To Overhaul, Kits, Give Us A Call!
• Auto • Home • Farm • Commercial • Federal Crop • Crop Hail
Mennem Insurance Brad Mennem, Owner/Agent 116 N. 2nd • Medford, Oklahoma 580-395-2397•1-800-361-5545 menneminsurance@att.net
STURGEON’S C
O
R
N
E
R
800-345-4456 * 580-776-2245 * MENO, OKLAHOMA LON * PHIL * RED
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 11
Writer: If all could know
LEVEL OF LOVE
without devastating loss
homecoming night.” The final day of Sarah’s life was well chronicled, LAMONT — When Desbien said. “There were so many picLorrie Desbien went through a nightmare no parent should tures taken of her that day,” have to know — burying a Desbien said. “There were a lot of cameras out child — one of her that night.” ways to find peace The small comwas to write a book munities of Deer about it. Creek and Lamont That book, “Losgathered around the ing Sarah: A Desbien family Mother’s Journey to immediately. Peace,” was more “The homecomthan her means of ing queen came that expressing herself. It night,” Desbien said. chronicles the first Lorrie Desbien “She still had on her difficult year after Sarah Ray died in a car wreck crown. A couple of kids on Interstate 35 the night of stayed the night that night.” Her students did little the Deer Creek-Lamont High things like bring her cookies School homecoming. Desbien had just begun “to help her feel better.” teaching preschool at DCLA Sarah’s fellow students in August 2011. Sarah died memorialized her in their own ways as well, like wearing Sept. 23, 2011. Sarah decided to stay out a her favorite color at while after the homecoming important moments. “At graduation last game. It wasn’t long afterward two officers came to the year all the boys wore purDesbien home to notify the ple shirts under their caps and gowns,” Desbien said. family that Sarah was dead. Supporting Desbien “She was so easy to raise, such a good kid, and she and her family in the wake made good grades,” Desbien of the tragic death is part of said. “She kind of had an old the fabric the small town is soul. I don’t know if she was- made of, Desbien said. “It’s just like a family n’t meant for this world very long and she just had a head here,” Desbien said. “I can’t start, but she could always think of a better place to look past the stuff that trips heal than this place.” The experience changed the rest of us up.” Desbien said she purpose- Desbien’s understanding of fully waited a year after the world in many ways, but Sarah’s death to publish the it brought one thing into book about the family’s jour- clear focus. “I think the thing that I ney after the loss. “It told the story of what have pulled away from this we’d been through,” Desbien situation more than anything said. “It began on homecom- else is I know that I am ing night, and it ended on loved,” Desbien said. “I knew
By Phyllis Zorn Staff Writer
I was loved before, but I really know that now.” What she wishes the readers of “Losing Sarah” would understand is that others care. “I wish that everyone could know what I know now, without having to go through this,” Desbien said. “I wish everyone could know the level of love that I know now without having to lose a child.” It’s too easy for people to get caught up in the unimportant things, Desbien said. “That stuff doesn’t matter,” she said. “The only thing that matters is love.” Desbien lives in Ponca City. She has a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree as a reading specialist. She teaches English at Deer CreekLamont High School.
To local author Lorrie Desbian, “Losing Sarah: A Mother’s Journey to Peace” (above) was more than her means of expressing herself. It chronicles the first difficult year of life after Sarah Ray died in a car wreck on Interstate 35 the night of the Deer Creek-Lamont High School homecoming. Desbian, a DCLA teacher, said the support of the DCLA communities after the death of her daughter, Sarah Ray (left), was key in her survival during a dark time in her life. The book is available through bookstores in the Ponca City area and online through Amazon.com. (Photos provided)
Page 12
â–
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Enid News & Eagle
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Waukomis sees a little GROWTH By Bridget Nash Staff Writer
WAUKOMIS — This little town on U.S. 81 is booming. Waukomis is adding as many as four businesses to the town: TNT Gunworks and Subway, construction of which along the highway is nearly complete, and two more expected to open by summer. Waukomis Park Committee, Waukomis Public Schools, the city of Waukomis and several churches and other donors recently raised $22,000 to purchase a new, large LED sign for the town, said Tim Vanover, Waukomis vice mayor. The sign, placed in town park, is used for town announce-
ments. Vanover said the town has two more new signs welcoming people into Waukomis, one of which is painted on a large propane tank. “We’ve got a big propane tank,” said Vanover. “It’s one that the trucks fill out of. It’s owned by the Ames Co-Op.” Vanover said Waukomis FFA chapter painted the other new welcome sign in Waukomis. Construction and renovation in the town of Waukomis is a sure indicator that the city is growing. “The city of Waukomis has constructed a brand new shop and maintenance building for city employees,” said Vanover. “The C.F. Hays community building
has been renovated by the Waukomis Fair Board.” Waukomis Cemetery sustained damage from a tornado last year, said Vanover, and there has been some rebuilding at the cemetery. “Waukomis Cemetery Board built a new maintenence building,” said Vanover. The cemetery board is seeking donations to help pay for the repair and there will be a 5K race, the Sooner Celebration Run, in August to raise funds toward that end. Waukomis also boasts new homes being built in the area. “The new building addition, Chisholm Trail Estates, has two new houses going up. Good-sized houses,” said Vanover.
■
Page 13
SPURT
Waukomis Park Committee, Waukomis Public Schools, the city of Waukomis and several churches and other donors recently raised $22,000 to purchase a new, large LED sign for the town, said Tim Vanover, Waukomis vice mayor. The sign, placed in the town park, is used for town announcements. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)
experience direction
A National CPA & Advisory Firm Where are you headed? How do you gain a competitive advantage when the only certainty is change? We can help. BKD knows what you need to know. Our advisors share their thought leadership in print, in person and online. We’ll help you understand and confront the issues facing your business so you can forge ahead with certainty.
Jon Redelsperger // Partner 580.237.3300 // bkd.com
THE ROAD TO
E V E RY W H E R E SERVING ENID SINCE 1984
Family Owned & Operated
ARNOLD RV PARTS & SERVICE
PARTS - SALES 2525 ROCK ISLAND BLVD.
-
SERVICE 580-233-0822
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
120 120 YYears ears of of Progress Progress
The First State Bank Of Pond Creek, Oklahoma PROGRESS BEGINS Progress began in 1893 when The First State Bank was established in Pond Creek, making it one of the oldest, full-service banking institutions in the State of Oklahoma. The First State Bank was the hub of financial activity for many farmers and ranchers as well as the primary lending source for many Northwest Oklahoma businessmen.
A TRADITION EVOLVES The First State Bank of Pond Creek remained a financial center for Northwest Oklahoma through sound banking principals and a reputation built on a customer service policy second to none.
THE TRADITION CONTINUES Whether you’re needing assistance with a personal, commercial or agricultural requirement, you can depend on The First State Bank of Pond Creek to provide expert financial support and exceptional customer service. The Main Bank in Pond Creek also provides a 24 hour ATM facility for customer convenience.
Your Ag Marketing Source! Setting the Standard in the Auction Business for over 50 years! Choose the company with the experience of more than 5,000 successful auctions combined with a knowledgeable, dedicated and aggressive auction team.
Farms Ranches Recreational Land Minerals Equipment Impressive Marketing Impressive Performance Impressive Results
THE ENID BRANCH BANK The First State Bank’s Enid Branch Bank in the Heritage Hills Center also provides friendly, personalized service with all the amenities of a large bank. Customers of The First State Bank can transact full service banking activities at our Enid Branch Bank, including new accounts, CD’s, loan payments, deposits and check cashing. The Enid Branch Bank is also available for all types of consumer, real estate, and commercial loans, plus two ATM facilities to serve you. Located at the Heritage Hills Center, and at the intersection of Cleveland and Chestnut.
The First State Bank Of Pond Creek, Oklahoma
2nd and Broadway • Pond Creek, Oklahoma • 532-6611
ENID BRANCH BANK 2112 W. Willow • Heritage Hills Center • 233-4747 MEMBER F.D.I.C.
One Grand Center, 201 N. Grand Suite 600 • Enid, OK.
580-233-3066 www.wigginsauctioneers.com
Page 14
■
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Drummond: Small town, big HEART By Bridget Nash
need assistance,” said Mann. On May 18, Drummond Community Club will host Drummond Festival. Events will DRUMMOND — This northwest Oklaho- include a garage sale at the park, where resima town may be small but it has a big heart. dents can sell their items out of the trunk of Jeanne Mann, Drummond PTA treasurer their cars. There also will be inflatable games and Drummond Community Club member, for the children, bingo hosted by the said residents of Drummond are focused on the Drummond Public Schools quiz bowl team, a school, children and families of their town. car show and a burn out. Lunch will be served One of the unique ways Drummond PTA during the festival. has strived to help the school and the town’s Also during the festival will be a trap shoot residents is by competition north of opening a thrift Drummond Fire Station. store. Locals may bring “We are their own firearms and ammunition, and the currently open clay targets will be prothe first and vided. Early third Saturday registration is of each month required for from nine to “We help out a lot of the school the trap shoot. noon,” Mann groups in Drummond. We also try to Town of said. Drummond’s help families who need assistance.” The town of number is 493Drummond 2900. has allowed Jeanne Mann, the PTA use of Drummond Drummond Community Club member a building in Community downtown Club members Drummond, also work to and the thrift store workers are all volunteer. host a watermelon feed fundraiser in the fall. “We’re raising money for new playground “It’s nice to be able to have a way to help equipment for the elementary school,” said out,” she said. “Anybody from the Drummond Mann. “It’ll take two or three or four years to community is welcome to be a part of the comraise the money for the playground. munity club.” The town of Drummond also has been hard “It’s been really successful. We price things really low. All clothing is just one dollar,” said at work assuring quality water service. “We have our new pump house up,” said Mann. The low pricing at the thrift store helps Karla Stanley, Drummond town clerk. “We local residents purchase things they need for finally got it up and going. So far our water is their families without having to leave town or doing good.” Drummond also recently hired a new water spend a lot of money. supervisor, Dan Kehnemund, who acted to “It’s kind of a two-for-one benefit.” Donations to the thrift store may be make sure Drummond residents had water dropped off at Drummond Town Hall during during the recent power outage by filling the times the thrift store isn’t open. The store Drummond’s water tank prior to the Feb. 25 does not have space for large items but accepts snowstorm, said Stanley. The town has several businesses including donations of clothes, toys, small appliances a welding service, lawn care service, bank, and other small household items. Drummond PTA also hosts other fundrais- post office and quick shop. Drummond also contracts with Garfield County Sheriff’s ers and helps purchase classroom supplies. The school also is a main focus of Department for a sheriff deputy locally. Drummond city elections will be April 2, Drummond Community Club. “We help out a lot of the school groups in and the positions up for election include four Drummond. We also try to help families who trustees, town clerk and treasurer. Staff Writer
“
Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON
The new gel mattress by Serta®
Proudly Made In U.S.A. Where Quality Counts
• Sofas • Recliners • Sectionals • Adjustable Beds
• Mattress • Dinette • Bedroom Sets • Water Bed Acc.
Furniture If You Haven’t Shopped Beds Unlimited, You’re Not Saving Money!
Beds Unlimited Inside Oakwood Mall
FURNITURE & MORE, INC.
580-242-6915
Enid, Okla.
Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5:30 Sat. 10-3
4800 W. Garriott Enid, OK
WAY OUT WEST WESTERN STORE
(580)233-5186
Need Health Insurance? Individual, Group and Medicare Supplements
402 C South Oakwood 237-2101
We Buy Gold & Silver
Curtis and Beverly Ediger Family Owned and Operated for 32 Years
CHECK US OUT. WE HAVE HOUSE BRAND PRICES THAT ARE JAW DROPPING
ALVA’S MARKET
706 FLYNN – One block west of downtown square
580-327-2992
A Friendly Ma & Pa Market Operated by Randy and Mary Hamilton
Bakery
Kyle Lillie klillie@insuranceservicesnw.com
Annette Kroeker Lillie, CLU, LUTCF annettelillie@ingfp.com
Donuts fresh everyday Pies Decorated Cakes Muffins Fresh baked breads Cheesecakes
Grocery/Meat/Produce We have a full line of produce, meat cut fresh everyday, and a complete line of grocery items. Also available is in-store seating. 5613 N. Oakwood Rd. • Enid
580-242-2488
Call in orders welcomed Harvesters welcomed
Deli
Roasted Chicken Fried Chicken Chicken Strips Sub sandwiches - made to your order Okra Fresh salads Deli lunchmeats Cheese-many different kinds Catering for all occasions Meat, cheese, fruit, vegetable tray
ALVA’S MARKET - 7th and Flynn St. Alva, OK 73717 • (580) 327-2992 alvasmarket@hotmail.com
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Page 15
a dark cloud’s
SILVER LINING
Woodward coming back after deadly 2012 storm By Cass Rains Staff Writer
WOODWARD — Nearly a year after a tornado that caused millions in damage and took the lives of six people ripped through this city, the community still is recovering. The storm struck shortly after midnight April 15, 2012, killing six and injuring 36 people. The storm impacted 224 homes and businesses in Woodward County. Of those, 73 were destroyed, 22 sustained major damage and 21 had minor damage. Woodward City Manager Alan Riffel said recovery is ongoing. “There are a lot of things under way,” he said. “Homes have been rebuilt. We are seeing a lot of those areas that were hit the hardest being built back at this point.” While the process of repairing, and rebuilding in some cases, has been difficult, there have been improvements made following the wake of the storm’s damage. “The movie theater was damaged heavily,” Riffel said. “We had a deal in place for a new theater that was to be built there, and it accelerated that process. “That now has been opened since September. It’s active and very successful. It went from a two-screen theater to a six-screen multiplex.” Improvements also are being made at Hideaway Trailer Park, where four of the victims of the storm died. “That was taken over by a new ownership group. That has been upgraded and been rebuilt,” Riffel said. “There are a lot of improvements that have come from this process as well.” He said if something came back better than it was before, that was a “positive step.” With the help of a $350,000 donation from Apache Corp., an independent oil and gas and exploration company, Woodward has been able to upgrade its storm siren warning system
Woodward continues to rebuild its homes and businesses after a deadly tornado hit in 2012. (CNHI Photo / Woodward News) The tornado is seen in a lightning flash (right) as it hits the western edge of Woodward just after midnight Sunday, April 15, 2012. (CNHI News Service / Woodward News video)
which includes battery backup and redundant controls. “It was an excellent gift and very benevolent on their part,” Riffel said. “All storm sirens are in place with battery backup. We’re in the process now of handing off to neighboring communities those sirens that were salvaged from our former system to help some smaller communities in our area have warning systems.” Riffel said the gift from Apache Corp. not only benefited Woodward but many other communities in northwest Oklahoma. Following the storm, Riffel said Woodward was reminded of the spirit of Oklahomans by generosity that poured into the community . “It reassured of what level of spirit is alive in Oklahoma and northwest Oklahoma in particular,” the city manager said. It wasn’t just people, church or civic groups that donated time and money in the storm’s
aftermath. Oil and energy companies donated generously as well, Riffel said. The companies donated heavy equipment and labor to help with cleanup efforts, Riffel said, saving victims time and countless dollars. “It was a generous performance by those companies,” he said. “It offset a lot of the cost to victims and a lot of the costs to the community.” Riffel said the generosity also poured in from out of state. When Red Cross arrived to
provide relief efforts, they commented this was the only disaster response effort that was fully funded without bringing in other funds. A local group of relief agencies and community volunteers formed to create Recovery Woodward, to help coordinate relief efforts and create caseworker system to aid victims The group raised money to help individuals on a case by case basis by working with several area relief organizations. “Over $600,000 was raised to help victims replace what wasn’t covered by insurance,” Riffel said. “We learned there is a lot of heart. It was very reassuring of what the spirit of people and the generosity of people is at a time when it is very critical.” Riffel said even his peers offered any help they could following the tornado. “City managers across the state called and asked, ‘What we can do to help,’’” he said. “Enid is a prime example.” Riffel said Enid City Manager Eric Benson called the morning of the storm, offering to help. “Two days later I was returning his call for a couple of grappling trucks we needed to help clear some lots,” he said. “He offered to send operators along with those trucks. Eric Benson was the first one to be on my phone after the storm.” Riffel said other cities with similar experiences offered tips from lessons they’d learned in their own storms. He said city officials from Joplin, Mo., shared their tornado experience with key city of Woodward staff in a conference call following the storm. “They spent a couple of hours on the phone with us and helping us understand what their lessons were in their major tornado,” he said. “The lesson, the points they shared with us were very helpful.” He said Woodward received outreach from all levels following the tornado. “We had a lot of people coming in saying, ‘We will cook for whoever wants to come eat. We’ll be cooking here, and we’ll being going into the neighborhoods,’” Riffel said. “We had groups say we will go into fields where debris is scattered and go and pick it up and bag it. “It’s quite remarkable.”
Since Before Statehood...
A Tradition of Trust for Over 111 Years If someone you love dies without a will, what happens to the property they owned?
Jessica L. Caruthers
In a probate, property will be distributed pursuant to the Oklahoma rules of intestacy. Typically, someone’s surviving spouse and/or children will inherit the property. Grandchildren, parents, siblings, and other relatives may also inherit an interest in the land. If your loved one owed anyone money, those creditors may have interest in the property as well.
Please contact me immediately for a free consultation to discuss your estate planning or probate options. Together, we can determine which steps are right for you.
580-234-8447
www.westoklaw.com
The State Exchange Bank opened in Salt Fork, Oklahoma on October 1, 1901. As a result of circumstances brought about by the nation’s financial crisis in the early Thirties, the bank was moved to Lamont in 1935. Since its beginning, the bank has remained a locally-owned, independent community bank. We know you have many choices when it comes to financial institutions, and we strive to be your best financial partner. With familiar faces and trusted service, our philosophy has been to treat our customers as we would like to be treated. If you have any questions about any of your banking needs, feel free to call us, or better yet, stop by the bank. We will be happy to help!
Online Banking Now Available. Call today or visit our new website at: www.stateexchangebank.com
STATE EXCHANGE BANK
P.O. BOX 7 - (580) 388-4345 - FAX (580) 388-4376 - LAMONT, OKLAHOMA 74643
Locally Owned Since 1901 MEMBER FDIC
Page 16
Sunday, March 10, 2013
■
Enid News & Eagle
ENID’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SUPERMARKET
SALE
ONE DAY Daylight ONLY, Savings 8AM-8PM
While Supplies Last, Sold in Retail Quantities Only, No Rain Checks
USDA FRESH GROUND ROUND $ 69 Jumbo
2
Pack
Lb.
AQUA STAR COOKED ON SHRIMP ¢ PEELED,21-2TAIL 5 Count $ 99
GWALTNEY HOT DOGS
59
12 Oz. Pkg.
Ea.
79
Ea.
1
MARUCHAN RAMEN NOODLES 3 Oz. 6 Pack Select Varieites Limit 4 Please
1
$ 00 Ea.
4
Ea.
Limit 2 Please
4
Limit 4
ARMOUR VIENNA SAUSAGES 4.75 Oz. Original Only
39
¢ Ea.
8.5 Oz.
2/89
6-10 Ct. Box
2/
2/
¢Ea.
3
$
PARTY TIME BIG DRINK CUPS
5 30 Pack 14
4
24 Oz. Limit 2 Please
KEYSTONE LIGHT, 7 UP, RC, SUNKIST, A&W OR CANADA DRY MILLER HIGH LIFE 12 Oz. Cans $ 99 12 Oz. Cans $ 12 Pack Limit 2 Please
$
HIDDEN VALLEY ORIGINAL RANCH DRESSING
79 2/ 4 $
¢
Ea.
1
$ 00 Ea. 20 Count 16 Oz.
29 Ea.
Lb.
BEST CHOICE MUSTARD
Gallon
FRESH BAKED FRENCH BREAD $ 00 e c u od
1
Loaf
Pr
20 Oz.
89
VINE RIPE TOMATOES $ 00 2 Lbs./ 1
¢ Ea.
BEST MAID HAMBURGER SLICED DILLS & KOSHER DILLS
BEST MAID PICKLED OKRA 16 Oz. Limit 2 Please
MRS. FRESHLEY’S SNACK CAKES, SELECT VARIETIES
KRAFT ORIGINAL BBQ SAUCE 18 Oz.
TOSTITO’S 9-Limit13 Oz.2 Please
r e k Ba
VIRGINIA HAM 75 $ 99
ARMOUR SUMMER SAUSAGE $ 99 OCEAN SPRAY COCKTAILS JIFFY CORN MUFFIN MIX 64 Oz. Cranberry, 20 Oz. 3 Ea. $ Cran Grape, Cran
2
$ 99
y
li
¢
12 Oz. 16 Slices
Limit 2 Please
2/
2/89
JUMBO MILK Vitamin D
¢ & 2%.
24 Oz. Squeeze Bottle
$ 89
Raspberry or Cran Apple
6 Oz. All Varieties
De
HUNT’S KETCHUP
KRAFT AMERICAN SINGLES BEST CHOICE HAMBURGER BUNS & CONEYS ¢ 8 Count
4 Ea.
12 Oz.
YOPLAIT YOGURT
32 Oz.
$
2/
5
4
32 Oz.
8
98Ea.
2
$ 99 Ea.
BLUE RHINO PROPANE EXCHANGE
16 7
PAMPERS DIAPERS Jumbo Cruisers, 23-31 Count Jumbo Baby Dry, 31-36 Count Select Varieties
2/
KINGSFORD LIGHTER FLUID
KINGSFORD CHARCOAL 12.5-16.6 Lb. All Varieties $
$
$ 99
$
99 Ea.
After $3.00 Mail-in Rebate
Prices Good Sunday, March 10th, 2013 Only
JUMBO EAST 221 SOUTH 30TH 237-9700 Open 7am-10pm 7 Days A Week
VISIT ON THE WEB AT WWW.JUMBOFOOD.COM
Western Union Office Hours: 8 am till 10 pm 7 Days A Week
MONEY ORDERS ONLY 39¢ EVERY DAY
JUMBO WEST
2311 W. WILLOW 237-4170 Open 5am-12 Midnight 7 Days A Week