McAlester Living - Summer 2024 by mcalesternews

Student of theYEAR

holistic medicine treatments

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McAlesterliving Editor’s LETTER

PUBLISHER

Reina Owens

NEWS-CAPITAL EDITOR

Derrick James

DESIGNER

Dawnyal Hill

EDITORIAL STAFF

Derek Hatridge

ADVERTISING STAFF

Connie Poole

Jessica Banks

Phyllis Hurlbut

CIRCULATION STAFF

Matt Gunion

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

MJ Brickey

David Dishman

Brandy Jeffries

Madalyn Nix

Adrian O’Hanlon III

Parker Perry

Glen Puit

elcome to the Summer, McAlester Living’s Summer Edition offers a set of stories and articles from around the community, including one about a local student who recently won a new car.

Pittsburg graduate was recently named the Patriot Auto Group of McAlester and McAlester News-Capital‘s Student of the Year — winning a free 2024 Jeep Compass courtesy of the car dealership.

The Class of 2024 valedictorian tells us about her volunteering and community service, who made a difference in her education, and more.

She also told us about the upgrade from her previous vehicle that was being held together by zip ties and will help her travel safely back and forth from Stillwater, where she plans to pursue a degree in counseling.

Other stories include how two cousins came together to start a holistic medical spa in McAlester after seeing a need for the area. The two women bring five elements together to give clients a natural approach to healing.

Former journalists of the McAlester News-Capital share their stories of the late James Beaty and how working with the Oklahoma Hall of Fame journalist helped them during their time at the MNC.

The magazine also tells the story of Donna Parham and how the McAlester business owner’s flower arrangements make area occasions better with her arraignments.

Artists from the remaining Dancing Rabbit Music Festival show in July are also highlighted in this edition.

It also includes spring food recipes from Jessica Banks, while MNC Publisher Reina Owens provides drink recipes.

Also included are About Town photos from MNC Sports Editor Derek Hatridge and a story about students from Oklahoma State University using gardening to help others from the Oklahoma State University’s Extension Office.

An event calendar provides information regarding upcoming events in McAlester.

For a series of in-depth looks at what’s going on in the area this Summer, take a break and check out our McAlester Living Summer Edition.

ON THE COVER:

Photo by Madalyn Nix Photography; graphically altered by Dawnyal Hill.

—Derrick James

Hensley Kidd cried tears of joy when her name was read aloud as the winner of an intense-blue 2024 Jeep Compass.

The recent Pittsburg High School graduate was named the McAlester News-Capital and Patriot Auto Group’s Student of the Year during a banquet held at the McAlester Country Club in May.

“I think I was in shock. I could not believe my name had been called,” Kidd said. “There were so many deserving students there standing with me. Once I finally realized it was my name that had been called, I just became very emotional. I have worked so very hard over the last four years, and I think it was just very overwhelming.”

Kidd said the car she won would do wonders for her and take away the stress and expenses she has endured from the car she drove during high school.

“The car would not just be a mode of transportation, it would also symbolize my independence,” Kidd wrote in an essay as part of the nomination process. “Most importantly for me, it would reduce the financial strain on my mother and grant her the peace of mind, knowing that I have a safe and effective vehicle.”

Patriot Auto Group and the McAlester News-Capital continued a partnership to recognize area high school seniors through a Student of the Year program that honors students’ achievements in the classroom and in their communities.

Patriot Auto Group LLC Principal Dealer Tatton Manning and Patriot Auto Chief Operations Officer Seth Knighton presented Kidd with the brand-new vehicle.

Including the estimated tax, title, and license for the vehicle, the total award package was $30,000.

Kidd graduated from PHS as valedictorian with a 4.15 GPA and has several accolades to her name including being named the Beta Iota Junior High Youth 2020, Miss McAlester’s Outstanding Teen 2021, and Miss McAlester

By Derrick James STAFF WRITER

YEAR

Student of the is the definition of resiliency

PHOTOS BY Madalyn Nix

2024. Along with being the recipient of several scholarships, Kidd has dedicated more than 400 hours to various community organizations, demonstrating a commitment to giving back and supporting the community.

She plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in counseling.

“When I lost my dad, my mom did the right thing and sent me counseling,” Kidd said in a video essay played at the banquet. “But the counselor didn’t really understand what I was going through and didn’t realize how to help me and I want to be able to come back and help my community and help kids that have gone through stuff like I have.”

When asked what she would say to other teenagers that are going through a loss, she said to give them “something to be proud of.”

“My mother always told me and my brothers that we do not get to use the death of our father as an excuse to make poor decisions. My father would have never wanted his death to have a negative impact on us in that way. I never forgot her telling us that,” Kidd said. “One thing I would tell a teen who is going through something similar is that just because you lose someone, it doesn’t have to derail your life and your future. Just because they are not here does not mean they are not still looking down on you with pride. Give them something to be proud of. Do it for you and for them.”

Kidd said the car she was driving, the bumper was being held on by zip ties and a screwdriver had to be used to get the vehicle to shift. The car is now being repaired to be given to her brother.

“My brother Grayson is turning 16 in December, and I have decided to pass that car on to him so that my mother does not have to purchase a vehicle for him,” Kidd said. “He is just as excited to get my old car as I was to win the new one.”

Kidd was among Top 6 finalists that included McAlester’s Brooklynn Sumner, Quinton’s Tannah Davison, Kiowa’s Mollie Bain and Jaylee Wills, and Wilburton’s Laney McAlester.

She thanked several individuals and organizations for helping her become the woman she is today, but none were more important than the two family members she has lost.

“I want to thank my Papa, who recently passed away unexpectedly. He was my biggest fan and supported everything I ever did. He always cheered the loudest for me,” Kidd said. “Lastly, I want to thank my father, Shawn Kidd, for instilling in me that importance of hard work and integrity and for being there with me every step of the way.”

• Contact Derrick James at djames@ mcalesternews.com

THE TOP 10 FINALISTS

Mollie Bain of Kiowa

Cameryn Brown of McAlester

Tannah Davison of Quinton

Annie Dawson of Lakewood

Hensley Kidd of Pittsburg

Samantha Long of Crowder

Laney McAlester of Wilburton

Anthony Reagan of Savanna

Brooklynn Sumner of McAlester

Jaylee Wills of Kiowa

TOP 6 FINALISTS

Mollie Bain of Kiowa

Tannah Beth Davison of Quinton

Hensley Kidd of Pittsburg

Laney McAlester of Wilburton

Brooklynn Sumner of McAlester

Jaylee Wills of Kiowa

By DERRICK JAMES STAFF WRITER

Over his nearly 40-year career as a journalist for the McAlester News-Capital, the late James Beaty was a mentor for several journalists.

Beaty died unexpectedly on May 12 following a medical emergency.

The award-winning journalist started his career in 1985 after graduating from East Central University in Ada. Beaty was also a graduate of Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton and Hartshorne High School.

Beaty’s writing over his career helped expose several issues related to corruption and nepotism in local governments that led to dismissals, resignations, and even criminal charges against several individuals — earning him several state and national awards for his reporting.

His weekly Ramblin’ Round music column was a favorite, with his writings making their way onto music forums across the globe.

His reporting lauded him into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2017. The McAlester News-Capital contacted several journalists who worked with James over the years.

The following short stories are written by those who had the opportunity to work and learn from James during their time in McAlester.

Former coworkers remember James Beaty Remembering James Beaty

Parker Perry’s memories of James Beaty

TBy PARKER PERRY FORMER MN-C STAFFWRITER

hank you, James Beaty, for everything “He was a friend of mine He was a friend of mine Every time I think about him now Lord I just can’t keep from cryin’ ‘Cause he was a friend of mine” -Bob Dylan

I must admit when I drove into McAlester, Oklahoma in the summer of 2014, I didn’t know too much about Bob Dylan. I had probably heard the name before. But I wouldn’t have been able to tell you anything about the singer-song writer from Minnesota who rose to prominence in the 1960’s and has a whole center devoted to him in Oklahoma — and a few songs now on my personal playlist, too. You could say I learned a lot about

Dylan by sitting across from James Beaty in the newsroom at the McAl- ester News-Capital. James was a big fan of Bob Dylan, and he wrote numerous stories about him in his columns over the years. But you could also say I learned a lot of other things by sitting across

See Perry PAGE 24

Remembering James Beaty

A walk down memory lane

By GLEN PUIT FORMER MN-C MANAGING EDITOR

When I was a brand new, extremely motivated editor at the News-Capital, James and I decided we were going to work on a story together. This was the first time we worked a story together and I could tell right away James and I were going to hit it off. It was clear he didn’t care how long his workday was going to be. He didn’t care how much labor it was going to take. He just wanted to get the story. So, James and I huddled. We worked out a plan for who was going to do what, what information we were going to seek and how we were going to get it for this particular story. The days went on, we each went about our tasks, and it soon became apparent

that my part of the assign ment wasn’t going as well as I’d planned. It was going to take me longer than expected to get the records I was after. I was telling James about this when, in a moment of frustration, I uttered a cuss word while describing the delays I was facing. James told me he understood and

At the end of the day, however, James came into my office and asked very politely if he could talk to me about a difficult issue. I told him, ‘Of course, James, you can say anything to me.’ He proceeded to tell me in the most gentle, courteous, soft-spoken, James-like way

See Puit PAGE 25

Remembering James Beaty

By ADRIAN O’HANLON III FORMER MN-C STAFF EDITOR

James Beaty always aimed to be accurate and fair in everything he covered during his nearly four-decade career. Those attributes led to his induction into the Oklahoma Journal-

The life and times of James Beaty

ism Hall of Fame and made him a beloved newspaper man in Pittsburg County. I saw James’ diligence in election cover- age in my first year as editor at the News-Capital in 2017 — and the entire MN-C team knew the importance of edu-

See O’Hanlon PAGE 26

Remembering James Beaty

The legend of James Beaty

By DAVID DISHMAN FORMER MN-C STAFFWRITER

A fox is known to be a sly, clever creature, often personified to be mischievous and sneaky and to put it bluntly, Pittsburg County has had its fair share of foxes.

But many of those charac ters served time, lost jobs or had to own up to their sins in the public eye because they were all outfoxed by James Beaty.

James and I worked togeth er for nearly three years at the start of my career. I’d moved to McAlester site unseen, in part because I’d been impressed with the leadership at the McAlester News-Capital, including James. I had no idea how much I could learn from one man.

big stick,” because I’m pretty sure James had been busting crooks in southeastern Oklahoma since Teddy’s administration.

He was who I imagine Teddy Roosevelt was referring to when he said, “Speak softly and carry a

I quickly learned the legend of James Beaty as people in the community revered him for his work. His music columns were beloved. People always told me how kind and considerate he and talked about them often. But boy, you did not want to attempt to deceive him or the public. Try to bury something and he’d expose it in a heartbeat, unearthing information with surgical precision.Speaking of surgeons, one of my favorite James stories came on a normal day at the

Remembering James Beaty

FORMER MN-C STAFF DIGITALEDITOR

The news of James Beaty’s passing hit me hard, especially considering I had spoken with him just a week or so before. Our conversation had revolved around some film projects I was working on, all of which were music-related. James was thrilled about them; his enthusiasm was infectious. Our shared passion for music was one of

Ramblin’through the Beaty years

See Brickey PAGE 27

Remembering James Beaty

Perry... CONTINUED FROM 17

from James. Things like how to be a professional journalist, how to be trustworthy, how to be loyal to friends and family and how to be faithful to Jesus. James was the perfect mentor for a 22-year-old bright eyed kid who drove from Ohio to McAlester to work at the paper. James built me up and wanted me to succeed. He taught me to be careful with sources who wanted to lead me down “the yellow brick road” and use the paper for their own interest, but he also encouraged me to be aggressive and track down stories that would lead to positive change.

I recall being with James while interviewing a soon-to-be U.S. Senator, staying in a courtroom well past midnight waiting for a jury verdict, sitting across city officials in contentious interviews, celebrating winning awards, playing on the same trivia team and going to church. During all these experiences, I remember James being kind and compassionate. Even during intense moments, like when a defense attorney screamed and cried in his face, he was calm, assertive and determined to find and James uncovered numerous misdeeds through his reporting and held people accountable for their actions during his career. And he didn’t do it out of spite. He did it because of his commitment to the truth and what’s right. At the end of my tenure at the News-Capital, after all the lessons he taught me while working in the often thankless news industry, I still had the bright eyes and the determination to leave the world a better place. And that was in large part due to being around James.

I pray for his friends and family. “James was a friend of mine James was a friend of mine Every time I think about him now Lord I just can’t keep from cryin’ ‘Cause James was a friend of mine”

• Perry is currently Public Information Officer for the federal court in the Southern District of Ohio..

Courtesy photo

James Beaty could be heard performing at the Hartshorne Hard Times Festival.

CONTINUED FROM 18

that he was a man of faith and that saying that cuss word in our prior conversation, even out of frustration, made him uncomfortable. There was no need for it. I agreed and apolo- gized.

I told James I would make a point of not doing that again. I went home that night and reflected on what a man of integrity and character James was. I was initially concerned I’d left James with a bad impression, but we bonded even more after that.

I learned a lot about James that day. I learned just as much about myself and how I needed to change as a manager. To this day, I think about that conversation a lot. I am very thankful for it.

It is a cliché used too often, I sup- pose, but the first thing that comes to mind for me when I think about James is that he was “old-school.” A throwback. In a world of corporate journalism and suits and ties, James wore a tee shirt and jeans to work. He had a hairstyle that reminded me of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. I don’t ever remember him using a tape recorder during interviews

Remembering James Beaty

(although he may have.) Instead, he mostly just wrote down in his note pad what people were saying and somehow managed to get it perfectly accurate time after time. I also remember shortly after I started at the job James asking me if he could continue to write music reviews and columns. Of course he could, I told him. He was a writer’s writer and I really admired this about him.

The other aspect of James that I have thought about a lot in recent weeks is how much James loved Oklahoma and that he was truly a “local” report- er. James had the talent to go anywhere and make a lot more money, yet he had no interest in doing so. One time he and I rode together to the Oklahoma Press Association awards. During that ride, we spent hours talking about Oklahoma (he mostly talked and I listened.) He was full of stories. Some were hilarious. Some were tragic. Some were just stories about people. I knew at the time I was in the presence of a special person. He cared more about the community he served than he did about prestige, recognition and money. It was an honor to say I knew and worked with James.

• Puit is currently a corporate communications manager in Las Vegas.

Remembering James Beaty

cating the public ahead of a major election year in 2018. So we partnered with Ignite McAlester in 2018 to set two forums for voters to learn more about candidates running for the state representative seats in Districts 17 and 18; Pittsburg County commissioner seat in District 1; a runoff election for McAlester City Council Ward 6; plus more information on a local question on alcohol sales, and a state question on medical marijuana. When candidates asked for the questions in advance, James was always adamant in sticking with the newspaper’s policy of not giving the questions in advance. James would always respond with something like “that wouldn’t be fair to the other candidates if you got the answers to the test before they did.” He firmly believed in giving each candidate the same opportunity, a blank slate, an open forum that eliminated any bias. We crafted the questions to get candidates’ responses to important issues in our community and made sure they would present opportunities for voters to learn more before going to vote.

inform voters because we shouldn’t take for granted the power citizens have to choose our government. I’ll always remember cheering with James after the newspaper won the community leadership category at the Oklahoma Press Association for those candidate forums.

James was one of the most genuinely kind people I’ve known. I’ll miss seeing him around with his yellow notepad and hearing his interesting stories — from wrestling a bear, to hitchhiking all over the country, to teaching music at the prison, to the rare snippets he shared from being at 48 Hours

In Atoka. He will be missed.

• O’Hanlon is currently the Public Information Officer for the City of McAlester.

I’ll always remember those brainstorming sessions with James and his determination to be as fair to every single candidate as possible. I’ll always remember how that planning and seeing the team bring it all together — the forums, the livestreams, the stories — made us both proud to

Brickey...

CONTINUED FROM 23

the many bonds we had formed over the years. When I first joined the McAlester News-Capital in June 2010, I was going through a tough period. James recognized this and reached out, knowing I needed something to lift my spirits. He invited me to help him sift through newspapers for stories to submit to competitions. What began as a professional task soon turned into a delightful ritual. We spent countless hours laughing and unearthing the best pieces, forming a tradition that we both cherished. James often told me that participating in these competitions kept the job fun and invigorating, a sentiment that truly resonated with me.

From that first summer to my departure in March 2016, James taught me invaluable lessons about integrity, ethics, and the importance of pouring one’s heart into work. His mentorship was transformative. In those moments, he jokingly dubbed me “Babe Ruth” because I had a knack for predicting which articles would win. This playful nickname was a testament to the fun and camaraderie we shared. One particularly memorable day, James pointed out that we needed a column to submit, but we didn’t have one that would make the deadline unless we wrote it imme- diately. With a mix of determination and humor, I pointed at James and declared, “James, today I’m going to write you a 1st Place, National award-winning column.” He laughed, perhaps a bit skeptically, and

responded, “Oh yeah?” That day, I wrote what would become the NNA’s 2012 best serious column. His belief in me, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, inspired me to aim higher and achieve more. James was not just a colleague but a friend who inspired me to be a better person, a better journalist, and the best version of myself. Our shared love for music was a cornerstone of our friendship, creating a bond that transcended the professional realm. Our discussions about music were rich and varied, covering everything from the classics to contemporary hits. These conversations were a refuge, a space where we could both escape and dream. My relationship with James, along with Kevin Harvison, formed a trio of the most pure and wholesome friendships I’ve had — I am better because I know them. James’s presence was a source of strength and joy, his wisdom a guiding light. As I reflect on the years spent at the McAlester Capital, I realize how much James gave me. His mentorship, friendship, and the lessons he imparted have left an indelible mark on my life. I can only hope that in some small way, I gave something back to him. Whether through our shared laughs, the successes we celebrated, or the simple act of working together, I hope I enriched his life as much as he did mine. James Beaty was a remarkable person, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit, passion for journalism, and love for music will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his life.

• Brickey is currently a Nashville publicist and film producer

Remembering James Beaty

MCALESTER NEWS-CAPITAL

Former Managing Editor James Beaty died suddenly at the age of 72 following a May 12 medical emergency. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2017.

Remembering James Beaty

Dishman...

CONTINUED FROM 22

office when I’d received a tip that a doctor had been fired for showing up to surgery drunk. I couldn’t get very far in proving it and had hit a wall. Multiple calls to McAl ester Regional Health Center were getting me nowhere and I didn’t know what to do. James picked up the phone and proceed ed to dial the cell phone for the CEO at the time. Now, this executive always seemed to shoot us straight, but was stuck in a predicament when he fielded the call from James.

He didn’t feel he could outright tell James the hospital had fired a surgeon because disclosing a personnel matter like that could land him in some questionable legal standing, and he told James something to that extent. I had expected this answer and waited for James to thank him and tell him that he understood.

Wrong. In a stroke of brilliance, I heard James say, “Well let me ask you this, would you agree that the number of staff you employ in total is a matter of public record?” He paused while the executive on the other line must have issued some sort of agreement because James then asked, “So how many surgeons does McAlester Regional Health Center employ?”

Another pause while a number was provided to James, who scribbled everything down in a yellow notepad.

“And how many surgeons did the hospital employ yesterday?”

Got ‘em. Forced to admit the discrepancy of one surgeon between that day and the day before, James was able to confirm the tip, we were able to write the story and break the news. I will think about that move for the rest of my career. The softspoken, kind hearted journalist conducting an interview like it a maestro. He was in control the entire time, and it was absolutely brilliant. James and I partnered up on a lot of stories during my time in McAlester, and ate a lot of chile rellenos at our favorite Mexican joints. We talked about a lot more than work over the years, and I’m so privileged to have called him my friend. James, we will forever miss you down here, but you left quite a legacy in Oklahoma. There won’t be much corruption to write about in heaven, but I hear the choirs of angels are mighty compelling, and I can’t wait to read your reviews.

• Dishman is currently Executive editor at the Coloradoan in Fort Collins.

Micah Windham,BSN/RN/Administrator

Kristy Montray RN, Director

Medical spabrings new holistic medicine to treatments

By DERRICK JAMES STAFF WRITER

Wendy Ragan and Katie Rings said they opened The Element Theory in 2023 after realizing there was not a lot of options for holistic healing available in the McAlester area.

“We would have to go to Tulsa or Oklahoma City or Dallas to get any of these treatment options,” Rings said. “And especially working with more holistic minded patients over there, I was like, ‘we need to bring something like this to McAlester.’”

McAlester

Ragan explained the duo, who are also cousins, wanted a place where all their favorite holistic modalities could be accessed under one roof.

“You can go do halotherapy or red-light therapy, but it’s not all in one area,” Ragan said. “That’s kind of how we came about.”

The medical spa features five modalities — metal, water, wood, fire, and Earth, and is recommended to be done in the specific order for optimum healing.

“We researched the best way to stack the modalities, it’s called bio stacking,” Rings said. “It’s just the best way to experience each of these modalities.”

Clients start with metal, which features the VIBE bed, which is a frequency, vibrational, and sound therapy mat.

“It’s good for any anxiety, stress, inflammation,” Ragan said. “It gets down to the cellular level. It’s really like you’re thinking relaxing, but it’s also doing some more healing that you don’t know about. It has lots of different albums, different vibrations, different sounds that go with each

The medical spa features five modalities — metal, water, wood, fire, and Earth, and is recommended to be done in the specific order for optimum healing.

Halo therapy is a part of the Earth modality at The Element Theory.

After the 20-minute session with the VIBE bed is complete, the client will head into the water room, where a state-of-the-art cryo chamber awaits.

The eCabin cryo chamber exposes the body to extreme cold temperatures for a short period of time. That time is anywhere from one to three minutes but never exceeding three minutes. The neck and head are outside the cryo chamber. Once the client is inside the cryochamber, with the correct height, they can begin the session. Once the client reaches certain temperatures, the fans slowly turn off. If the client gets all of their checkmarks, then the session is over. There are three different levels they can do which include mild, default, and intense.

contains an infrared sauna.

Clients start with metal, which features the VIBE bed, which is a frequency, vibrational, and sound therapy mat and get to choose their soundtrack. album.”

“Good for muscles, migraines, any tension,” Ragan said. “Think of it kind of like an ice bath. It’s just a full body ice pack.”

The next session is the wood room and

“It heats up with you, which is way more healthier than if you were just to walk in to like, 180 degrees,” Rings said.

From the wood room, the client will then go into the fire room.

“So, it’s red light, near infrared light, that is pretty much good for just about anything,” Rings explained. “It basically increases your healing time by four times the normal amount. So if you tore a ligament or broke a bone or sprained an ankle or anything, it can heal the body quickly because it goes down to the mitochondria of the cell. It goes down deep and repairs the cells from the inside out.”

The final modality is Earth.

“So, our Halo therapy, which is our salt cave/booth,” Ragan said.

She explained the client will have the choice between sitting in the larger salt cave, or a smaller concentrated booth depending on the relief that is sought.

“So, we have a booth that you would go in

The Element Theory is located at 500 E. Cherokee in McAlester.

Katie Rings and Wendy Ragan opened The Element Theory in 2023 after realizing there was not a lot of options for holistic healing available in the McAlester area.

if you’re stopped up in the midst of like a sinus flare up, or cold, anything like that. That’s where you want to be. It’s about 10 minutes because it’s more concentrated. It breaks up all that mucus so you can get it out of there. It’s like a toothbrush for your lungs, basically,” Ragan said. “The salt cave, you’re in there for 25 minutes just because it’s a bigger room but it’s a more relaxing environment.”

The total cost for all five elements is $150 and takes approximately an hour and a half depending on which treatments are chosen at each modality.

Clients also have the choice to do one room at a time for $40.

“If you’re new to us, your first time is $1 for one room,” Ragan said. “So, if you want to try out any room, it’s just $1.”

The Element Theory is also having a summer special on Tuesdays through August where a person can buy one room for $40 and a second for $5.

Each room does have a list of contraindications, but a lot of them are a “check with your physician first” before using, according to Ring.

“There’s really not a lot of contraindications, but there are some,” Ring said “So we just say, check with your physician.”

Gift cards and packages are also available for purchase.

Those who are interested in making an appointment or have any questions can contact Rings and Ragan by calling 918-916-3062 or by visiting their website at www.theelementtheoryok.com.

• Contact Derrick James at djames@ mcalesternews.com

OSU Student Farm doubles acreage to serve Oklahoma food banks

By GAIL ELLIS OSU AG COMMUNICATIONS

The Oklahoma State University Student Farm is in its second year of operation and has harvested over 7,000 pounds of cool-season crops in 2024.

The idea was sparked by First Cowboy Darren Shrum, husband of OSU President Kayse Shrum, and is facilitated by the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Department head Justin Quetone Moss leads the project and secured a partnership with Rachael Condley, director of Stillwater’s Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center, to deliver fruits and vegetables to the food center and serve Payne County residents. Fresh produce is also supplied to Pete’s Pantry, the food bank located on campus.

Co-managers Matt Beartrack and Lynda Carrier work alongside a small group of OSU Extension assistants and student employees to harvest a variety of cool- and warm-season crops. Located on the west side of campus on Highway 51 in Stillwater, the site’s initial 2 1/2 acres produced more than 54,000 pounds of food for residents in 2023. This spring, the team doubled its planted acreage with seasonal favorites featuring cabbage, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, sweet corn, spinach, potatoes and onions. New additions this year include sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes.

The OSU Student Farm is a hands-on living classroom for employees and volunteers involved in all aspects of vegetable production from planting, irrigating and fence building to weeding and harvesting. Beartrack said the team has improved the logistics of its daily deliveries to Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center in Stillwater.

“This year, we’re more streamlined and communicating better about how much space we have for cold storage and what can be

delivered,” he said.

The farm appreciates the generosity of P&K Equipment for donating the lease of two John Deere tractors. Great Plains Kubota also has provided the use of a Kubota tractor.

Installation of a post-harvest wash station is expected by August to prepare fruits and vegetables for distribution to food banks in Oklahoma’s metropolitan areas. This new feature is made possible through a partnership with the OSU Innovation Foundation and support from OSU’s Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

As the original site of the OSU Swine Research and Education Center, the land, swine barn and caretaker’s house sat vacant for over a decade before OSU began transforming the space. The house now serves as the farm’s headquarters and has undergone minor renovations, such as painting, cleaning and repairs on the home’s water and central heat and air systems.

Beartrack said additional expansion with an organic focus is planned for later this fall; an OSU doctorate student will oversee the production of an acre of certified natural-grown produce.

“We’re about to plant summer crops on it and finish the fence,” he said. “The irrigation is in, the pipe poles are set and we’ll be ready to grow strawberries on it this fall.”

Even the most experienced gardeners face challenges with growing vegetables, and the Student Farm is no exception.

Despite the team’s attempt to rotate the planting location of its cool and warm season crops, squash bugs and other common insects keep the gardening crew on alert. Although some of the produce is smaller this year compared to 2023, abundant rainfall has required less irrigation, and the farm’s crop is thriving.

“The quality of the produce — like our cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli — is awesome this year, and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the public on watching the season’s progress as they drive by the farm,” Carrier said.

MITCHELL ALCALA | OSU Ag Communications Employees at the OSU Student Farm plant onions and potatoes at the student farm at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in February.

Oklahoma

Red Dirt artists

DANCING RABBIT MUSIC FESTIVAL | Courtesy Photo Jake Smith performs May 11 at the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival on Choctaw Avenue in McAlester.

By BRANDY JEFFRIES FOR THE NEWS-CAPITAL

PHOTOS BY Derrick James AND Derek Hatridge

The Dancing Rabbit Music Festival returned in May with classic country music vibes to then take a vibe roller coaster experiencing a loop and twist into rock and soul.

The lineup on May 11, 2024, began with Okie-native, Autumn Ragland, with her Americana sound. Followed by 90s country singer Wade Hayes. Headlining the 2024 season was Grammy Award-Winning Producer of the Year, Jake Smith. Smith is better known as The White Buffalo.

The free festival takes over a portion of Choctaw Avenue about a block long with a large stage on one end and food trucks parked at the other end.

Activities start around 5 pm and a few local businesses stay open to cater to the foot traffic.

A Battle of the Bands kicked off the June lineup, which was dubbed as “a vibe” by Dancing Rabbit Music Festival coordinators. Bruiser Force is a local band with McAlester natives who planned to attend and entertain during the Battle of Bands.

Headlining the June show, Grammy-nominated Amythyst Kiah. She studied Tennessee-musicality from Bluegrass to Honky-tonk that gracefully pairs well with her exquisitely-trained voice. Her song “Black Myself” is fresh and soulful.

Leading up to Kiah, EG Vines and Eddie 9V were expected to create the energy. Eddie 9V gives electric soul with country vibes. Starting with EG Vines to send us back into the 90s not to reminisce with classic country, but with alternative rock embracing an inner-anarchist vibe. Yes, “a vibe” rollercoaster settling back on track where the festival season started, country roots.

The summer portion of the festival season ends July 27 with red-dirt vibes. Two Okie-based groups lead the lineup mix –Five Year Gap and Roz, the band. Also, before the headliner, the festival is bringing back Good Looks with new songs from their new album.

And the summer festival ends with the last artist, Cody Canada and the Departed.

Songs by the Artists

The White Buffalo

“Wish It Was True”

“Don’t You Want It”

Wade Hayes

“Old Enough To Know Better”

“On a Good Night”

Autumn Ragland

“Better To Be Loneyly”

“Love, Liquor, and a Place to Die”

Amythyst Kiah

“Black Myself” “Hitchin’ a Ride”

Eddie 9V

“Beg, Borrow, and Steal”

“Little Black Flies”

EG Vines

“Over the Sun” “The Swim”

Cody Canada and the Departed

“Unglued” “Inbetweener” Good Looks “Almost Automatic” Can You See Me Tonight?”

Five Year Gap

“Chalk Houses” “Loop de Loop” Roz the Band

“Don’t Need U”

“Alright”

Cody Canada made his mark with Cross Canadian Ragweed from 1994-2010 before developing the Departed. Bring your favorite lawn chairs and wear your comfy shoes. The July forecast of vibes looks like the evening will begin with a 90-percent chance of girl rock with Roz followed by a strong influence of alternative country by Five Year Gap. Later into

the night, expect Good Looks with calm chords with possible slow dancing followed by red-dirt vibes by Cody Canada and the Departed.

And if it’s red-dirt country that suits your vibe, be prepared for a fall return of the festival November 9 with The Great Divide, The Damn Quails, Red Dirt Rangers, and Noah Bowman.

JUL

July

McAlester Freedom Fest

LOCATION: Southeast Expo center

McAlester Oklahoma

The event includes musicians giving our gift to celebrate our Freedom with a July 4th concert, fireworks show, resources rally,

July 4-July 6

Carlton Landing Freedom Fest

LOCATION: Carlton Landing, OK

Freedom Fest in Carlton Landing is a three-day celebration from July 4th to July 6th, filled with fun and patriotic activities for the whole family. Join us as we celebrate our nation’s independence with a lineup of exciting events, including live music, fireworks,

delicious food vendors, and engaging community activities. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories in the heart of our beautiful lake community.

July 5

Eufaula 4th of July Celebration

LOCATION: Lake Eufaula, OK Cove around Xtreme

TIME: Festivities begin at dusk.

Eufaula’s Annual Fourth of July Fireworks is Friday, July. They will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display.

The show will light up the sky over Lake Eufaula, providing a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable night.

This is a family-friendly event.

July 5-July 7

Paracon Oklahoma

LOCATION: McAlester

They have a weekend planned with speakers, vendors, ghost hunts, and a wild west themed Masquerade Ball.

The speakers will be focusing on all things paranormal and metaphysical. Meet various authors and investigators from multiple states as well as TV personalities Dave Schrader (Holzer files), and Mike Goncalves and Chris Smith (The Wraith Chasers).

The vendor area will feature psychic readers, Oddities, authors and book signings, and various other specialty items including items from the Haunted Oklahoma Route 66 Museum! Vendor area is FREE to the public.

July 12-July 13

Founder’s Day Rodeo

LOCATION: Pittsburg, OK

For a great time in a small town, head to Pittsburg for the Founders Day Rodeo this July.

Located near McAlester, the town of Pittsburg puts on a fun and exciting weekend of festivities. Celebrate with the community and visitors from surrounding areas with family-friendly entertainment including exciting rodeo events like bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, mutton busting and more. From ladies break-away roping to bull riding for all ages and a nightly calf scramble for the kids, this wild west event is something the whole family will enjoy, so don’t miss it.

AldridgeApartments

July 23

Vino & Vinyls

LOCATION: Spaceship Earth Coffee. McAlester

Veni, vidi, vino, & vinyls or whatever Caesar said.

Join Kayla for another paint night. This time the canvas is old vinyl records. Participants can create their own design on used vinyls or follow along with the “Let it Be” theme as an homage to Kayla’s favorite band, The Beatles.

Ticket purchase provides all supplies needed including apron, paint, paintbrushes,

vinyl, and a complimentary beverage of your choice. Purchase your tickets now to secure a spot.

July 25-July 27

Whole Hawg Days & Poker Run

LOCATION: Eufaula

Whole Hawg Days & Poker Run in Eufaula is a celebration of summer that includes a parade, car show, barbecue cook-off, cruise night and much more. This annual event is brought to a close on Saturday with the much-anticipated Whole Hawg Poker Run, held by boat and motorcycle around Lake Eufaula. Pick up poker chips at participating marinas around the lake, then return to the starting point to see which lucky player has created the best five-card stud poker hand. This poker run features plenty of fun and cash prizes.

July 27

Dancing Rabbit Music Festival

LOCATION: downtown McAlester

Don’t miss the exciting evenings of live music during the 2024 Dancing Rabbit Music Festival series in downtown McAlester. Enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, shopping and local beer spread along downtown McAlester. Grab your favorite drink, a bite to eat and prepare for a memorable night of entertainment for all ages.

August 17

Pickle Fest

LOCATION: Atwood

Join in the Pickle-y Fun during the 2024 Handcrafted & Homegrown Shopping Trail in Hughes County, Oklahoma. Visit nine shops with all kinds of Homegrown & Handcrafted Pickles including:

Okie Trading Post, Wetumka 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lambert’s Farm & Ranch, Holdenville 8 a.m. to noon

Sister Act III, Holdenville 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RebelAnn’s Creations, Holdenville 8 a.m. to noon

Beautiful & Bronze, Holdenville

Durbinshire Farm, Atwood 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

T-Jay’s Diner, Calvin 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Granny’s Garden, Calvin 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rocky Top Winery, Allen noon - 6 p.m.

August 30-September 1

Choctaw Labor Day Festival

LOCATION: Choctaw Nation Capitol Grounds

The Choctaw people have gathered on the grounds of the Choctaw Capitol for many years during the Labor Day weekend to celebrate family, fellowship together and to honor Choctaw traditions.

As in Labor Days past, the weekend schedule is packed full of events to accommodate those who enjoy sporting events, traditional events like gourd dancing, princess pageants, or just family time on the grounds. For more information, visit laborday. choctawnation.com. #ChahtaLaborDay

September 3-7

Pittsburg County Free Fair

LOCATION: Southeast Expo Center

Pittsburg County’s Annual free fair returns Sept 3rd-7th. Come out and enjoy arts and crafts, judging contests, vendors, great food and much more! Full schedule of events will be announced in coming months!

September 14

Wine & Art Festival

LOCATION: Eufaula

Save the date for the Eufaula Wine & Art Festival this September. Held downtown, this fun event invites everyone out to enjoy food trucks, live music and art. This year’s festival will feature a kid’s area that includes bounce houses, yard games, and an art tent to create unique artwork. Guests 21 and over will also enjoy a variety of wines while browsing vendor booths. Don’t miss all the fun and drinks in Eufaula at the annual Wine & Art Festival.

Sept. 14

2nd Mac-Town Cruise Night 2024

LOCATION: McAlester

Come on out and cruise the street. Hang out and show your cars off. Please drive safe and be courteous of others.

Sept. 27-28

Oklahoma Homestead Rendezvous

LOCATION: McAlester

Learn more about sustainable living at the Oklahoma Homestead Rendezvous in McAlester this September. This event will feature guest speakers and demonstrations about a variety of topics including running a self-sustaining homestead and/or farm. Guests are invited to sample delicious prepared foods, enjoy live music and browse vendor booths featuring handcrafted artisan goods.

Citywide Garage Sales

LOCATION: McAlester

Annual City-Wide Garage sale on Sept. 27th and 28th! No permits will be needed on these days to host a garage sale! More information TBA

BETTER GOLF

HEROESEveryday

Donna PARHAM

By BRANDY JEFFRIES FOR THE NEWS-CAPITAL

Yes, she’s on the go. She’s even hard to pin down even when seen carrying two phones.

Guaranteed she will get back with you and meet your expectations. Donna Parham is well known for her behind the scene decorations for local school, business, and city events.

However, don’t forget her dedication to the McAlester Italian Festival. You may have seen her serving spaghetti or walking in the Christmas Parade with the volunteers. Parham served many years as a committee member and even served as chairman. She and her husband Mark, were crowned Rae and Regina at the Italian festival in 2022.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Donna Parham of Occasions On The Go by Donna poses in front of one of her creations for a banquet in May, 2024.

Parham, worked as a Cat Scan Technologist at McAlester Regional Health Center starting in 2006. She recently retired, however her heart says “Yes” to returning to help on occasions.

Speaking of “occasions”, since her retirement from radiology, she runs her own business. You can find her booth, Occasions On The Go by Donna, downtown in The Railway District inside a new store called Lady Rustic. Lady Rustic opened a little over a year ago. It was formerly Sanford and Sisters and Wood’s Pharmacy.

The owner of Lady Rustic, Leigh Ann Rubertus says, “She runs circles around me; Donna is a hard worker. Works seven days a week, sometimes all night. She’s always busy.”

Parham’s business was previously located inside McAlester Grazing Co. down the street for several months. And, she didn’t start there with her floral business either. Parham first started making arrangements at S&D on Chickasaw Avenue.

Parham’s hometown is McAlester, she graduated from McAlester High School, and truly wants to make sure McAlester makes progress. When she heard the Building Foundation needed volunteers to help sort items at the High School Museum, she fit in the time to help. She keeps in contact and continues to help with their efforts.

OKLA Theatre is making another comeback and she will soon hop on board to help revive and restore a local treasure. Her intentions are pure and for the best for everyone.

Currently, dance recital season is about to wrap, and Parham is on hand to help celebrate dancers with their family and friends. She spends hours preparing dozens of arrangements and sets up outside the venue.

There’s something about the gift of flowers that is so powerful and Parham can make the arrangements that foster heartfelt reactions.

“Every time I send this lady flowers, she cries.”

Parham tells the story. “Her husband is one of her first customers and every time he knows his wife is having a hard time, he orders her an arrangement.”

Her business offers more than flowers. She creates balloon arches with backgrounds, photo backdrops, table decorations, gift baskets, candy bouquets, memorial sprays, and casket saddles. She provides for weddings, proms, baby showers, and anniversaries. If you have an occasion, she has an arrangement.

“She’s a go-getter, for sure,” Rubertus said. “She can customize anything. She’s amazing.”

Submitted Photo

Pam’s Dance backdrop made by Donna Parham.

MCALESTER ITALIAN FESTIVAL | Courtesy Photo Donna and Mark Parham at the McAlester Italian Festival at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 2022.

MCALESTER ITALIAN FESTIVAL | Courtesy Photo

Donna and Mark Parham after their Rae and Regina coronation being served in the food tent at the McAlester Italian Festival at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 2022.

drinks summerrefreshing

By REINA OWENS PUBLISHER

Tito’s Blueberry Vodka Cocktail

The perfect summer drink that is also refreshing.

Ingredients:

2 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka

½ cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish

1 tbsp sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

Soda water

Ice

Instructions:

Muddle Blueberries: In a shaker, muddle blueberries with sugar and lemon juice.

Mix: Add vodka and ice, then shake well.

Serve: Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and stir gently.

Garnish: Add whole blueberries and a lemon slice.

Malibu Mojito

This zingy lime juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness, complemented by the coolness of mint leaves. Malibu Original, with its hint of coconut, is like a taste of paradise.

Ingredients:

50 ML Malibu Original

100 ML Soda Water

15 ML Lime Juice

10 Mint Leaves

Garnish: Lime wedge

Ice

Instructions:

Prep tie 5 min

Add the mint leaves into a highball glass

Pour in the lime juice, Muddle

Fill with crushed ice

Top up with soda water

Top up with Malibu original

recipes summerSizzling

By JESSICA BANKS ADVERTISING

Summer is a time for simple, quick and easy meals. Here are 3 to enjoy on a hot summer day.

Blackened Shrimp Bowls

(delish.com)

Yields: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Total TIme: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 pound shrimp, tails removed, peeled and deveined

1 ½ teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (1 tablespoon and 1 tablespoon)

1 cup fire roasted corn

1 red pepper, diced

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

Juice on 1 lime, divided

1 avocado, thinly sliced

Directions

Step 1: Make shrimp: in a large bowl, toss shrimp with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add shrimp and cook until opaque and charred.

Step 2: Make corn salad: in a medium bowl combine corn, pepper, and cilantro. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, juice of half a lime, and season with salt and pepper

Step 3: Build bowls: divide rice between 4 bowls. Top with shrimp, corn salad, and ¼ avocado each. Garnish with cilantro, squeeze with lime and serve.

Easy

Mexican Casserole Recipe (eatingonadime.com)

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Total Time: 35 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 can chili beans

1 can rotel

1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes

12-16 tortillas, quartered

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Step One: Brown meat in large skillet. Drain.

Step Two: Add taco seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomato to the skillet.

Step Three: Spray 9x13 casserole dish. Place a layer of tortillas on bottom.

Step Four: Pour half of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Spread tortillas over the meat mixture. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.

Step Five: Place another layer of tortillas over cheese and meat mixture. Pour the remainder of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Spread sour cream over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Step Six: Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly