THE
Priceless Please Take One!
MARCH 2017 / VOLUME XI / Issue VIII
Tulsa to Oklahoma City and everywhere in between
“
HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION
ON THE COVER...
Looking Forward IN THE CORRIDOR
Jeff McCommas and Heath Gray of McCommas Construction are shown hard at work with a remodeling job located between Wellston and Chandler. Throughout this issue, you may find help with whatever improvement you wish to make at your home. We have also included a directory on pages 10 & 11 to make finding your specific project easier.
Magazine...
April Sporting Guide
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©2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to The Corridor Magazine, at the above address. Advertising claims and the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers or its affiliates.
The Corridor Magazine is published by The Corridor, LLC www.corridor-magazine.com PUBLISHER:
Joe Gooch (405) 823-7561 joe@corridor-magazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:
Cheryl Payne
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Jeree Milligan
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY: Jeree Milligan, Rick Reily, Diane
Brown, Pastor Paul Ragel, Anita Reynolds, Andrea Byers, Missy Husted, and Donnie Schroeder
MAY
JUNE
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JULY
Patriotism
Real Estate / Industry
AUGUST
Back To School
SEPTEMBER
Fall Festivals
OCTOBER
Dining
NOVEMBER
Giving Thanks & Hunting
DECEMBER
Christmas
JANUARY
Health and Fitness
FEBRUARY
Bridal Issue
MARCH Home Improvement
CUSHING PLUMBING
PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Paul Magdeburg, Jr. 106 E. Moses / Cushing / OFFICE: 918-225-3215
CHANDLER MEMORIAL WORKS “We Design Memories”
The ONLY Monument Craftsman in Lincoln County Philip & Kim Beloncik
312 S. Cleveland Ave. / Chandler, OK Phone/FAX: 405-258-0305 www.chandlermemorial.com THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 3
Home Improvement 5 Editorial 6 It’s Time to Do This! 10 Home Improvement Directory 14 DIY or Don’t
by Joe Gooch
by Robbie McCommas
by Jeree Milligan
20 Best ROI Home Improvements for Sellers by Oklahoma Country Homes
26 Kids on The Corridor 34 Major Brice Clayton Coleman
by Jeree Milligan
by Donnie Schroeder
37 40
Agra Baseball Schedule Pastor Paul’s Passages by Paul Ragle
Delilah’s Dilemmas by Diane Brown
44 52 54 58 61
Notes on The Corridor
Decades of Growth
Dining Guide
Recipes
by Rick Reiley
by Robbie McCommas
Philip L. Tislow CPA, Inc. 915 Manvel / P.O. Box 187 Chandler, OK 74834 405-258-2837 / FAX: 405-258-2838 phil.pltcpa@cotc.net 4 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
EDITORIAL
by JOE GOOCH
OK girls: I have found some good help for you. When hubby says, “I don’t have the tools to do that” or “remember, I’m taking the kids the game tonight”...call the pros I have listed on pages 10 and 11! I would love to have been a carpenter, mechanic, or just good with tools; I envy and admire those who are. I honestly believe the Home Improvement issue is the most popular of The Corridor themes, however, the good Lord chose to mold me into and old story teller. Before I start rambling this month, I need to apologize to the Agra businesses, schools, and parents for leaving out their 2017 baseball schedules in the February issue. No matter how many times you proof something, occasionally you’re going to make a mistake. Look in this issue on page 37.
we will soon have an online presence, though we will continue to be a print magazine that you can still pick up at all the regular places. I love it when you call me! However, if you miss the popular Delilah’s Dilemmas by Diane Brown, you don’t need to start hunting all over town. Or if your child is featured in Jeree’s Kids On The Corridor, here’s what you do. Go to issuu.com, a popular magazine hosting service and simply search for The Corridor and you should be able to see our publication. Now you can get Jeree’s recipes quick and easy each month. Wow! Just like Life Magazine ...or maybe I could become Hugh Hefner? Ha! Ha!
“To error is human to really screw something up you need a computer”. If you know me, you have heard me say that... often. There was a show on TV a few years ago with a theme song that started with “Moving on up to the city!” Well The Corridor Magazine is moving on up! By that I mean
THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 5
HOME IMPROVEMENT
It’s Time to Do This! by ROBBIE McCOMMAS
“It’s time to do this!” Rachelle South stated with determination during a meeting with a contractor she and her husband, Shawn South, hired to complete their home remodel. Beginning with new guttering and roof, new windows, extensive work in the kitchen, as well as bedroom paint and flooring, the couple is eager to get their project underway. The South’s hired Jeff McCommas with McCommas Construction to do the work. McCommas walked through the home with the Souths listening to their requests and explaining his procedures to transform their home from start to finish. “I’m not good about matching stuff,” with frustration Rachelle said standing in her kitchen as they talked about drawer pulls. McCommas explained that she didn’t have to have pulls, he told her they can design the new cabinets with cut outs for openings called finger pulls. She opted to have the traditional pulls to keep the guys’ working hands off the new cabinets! Their kitchen is soon to boast granite countertops replacing formica, new cabinet doors, drawers, some new cabinets, a new sink, faucet and lighting. McCommas explained colors, styles and products to help their home look its best, and maintain durability. The house, built in 1987 is like any other 30 year old home that needs updating. They bought the home in 1994 and have raised their family in the quiet country neighborhood. “Replacing old windows with Low-E glass will make the windows 15-20 percent more energy efficient,” McCommas explained. Low-E means low emissivity, having the power to radiate light and heat. Rachelle said she’s excited to get some of the summer heat out of the kitchen window. McCommas said the new windows would help. “We’ll start in the bedroom, take the carpet up and paint. Get the windows ordered, sheetrock the bonus room, then hit the kitchen,” McCommas confirmed. Keeping a job organized is priority for a contractor. Once they sign a contract, the steps to special order materials, demo the job and begin building back take place. “The owners goal of a home improvement project is threefold, to update, provide energy efficiency and to build equity in their home,” McCommas explained. “All these things can be accomplished with the right plan, 6 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
design and experienced contractor.” A downside to remodel is a few weeks of home disarray. Owners must move their belongings to make room for construction. With plastic totes full of kitchenware stacked up, Rachelle asked if she could help by removing kitchen cabinet doors. “No,” McCommas said firmly then with a chuckle, “Stay out of my way!” In business for 25 years, McCommas said he has provided remodels for dozens of residential and commercial customers. “One of the biggest questions I get from my customers is, ‘Am I better off to remodel or to sell as is and
build new?’,” McCommas stated. “There’s no simple answer to this question, each project is individual in itself. You have to factor in property value, equity, location and overall expectations of the customer.” “I encourage customers to build the design they want, using the products and styles they like without second guessing themselves. I tell them not to get in a hurry, take their time, and don’t make rash decisions,” he continued. “One of my most important tasks is to educate. I share knowledge of building processes and products to better inform my customers so they can make wise choices. I want them to develop a plan where the end product meets their expectations and they know how much it will cost before they start.” “With interest rates at an all time low and property values on the rise, right now is probably the best time I’ve ever seen for a home owner to use the equity they have in their home to finance their house improvements,” McCommas informed. “Interest rates are sure to increase and material costs keep rising, so the time is now for a homeowner to get the most for their dollar. Hire your contractor, contact your lender and turn your dreams into reality.”n
McCOMMAS STRESSES
STEPS TO HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
1 Develop a plan in your budget.
2
Research contractors. Gain references.
3
Hire a contractor who will determine the cost of a project before starting.
4 Have the contractor specify design and products they will use.
5 Remodel left is Heath Gray (carrying countertop) and Jeff McCommas.
Make sure the contractor supplies a payment schedule and a written contract. THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 7
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D L O
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HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY Your Home Improvement Go To Businesses on The Corridor
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
FURNITURE
AUCTIONEERS
HOME DECOR
Country Comfort Perkins.............................................................................. 405-547-5046 Caldwell Heat & Air Chandler……………………........................ ………………405-258-2278 Mike’s Heat & Air Conditioning Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0579 Ball Auction Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-1511
AUTO DEALERS NEW & USED
Crown Auto Bristow.............................................................................. 918-367-3423 Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-1616 Randy Bowen Chevy GMC Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0055
BANKS & FINANCING
Stroud National Bank Perkins, Stroud, Wellston................................................. 918-968-2545 Central Oklahoma Federal Credit Union Davenport......................................................................... 918-377-2341
BUILDINGS-STEEL & PORTABLE
Circle K Steel Building Construction Paden............................................................................... 405-932-4664
CONSTRUCTION
Bud Blakley Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-1108 Diamondback Construction Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-5122 Mills Construction and Welding Cushing…………………………………........................ …..918-225-1833 McCommas Construction Chandler........................................................................... 405-240-0942
ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS
Starks Electric Cushing............................................................................ 918-225-1175
FARM EQUIPMENT
Sullivan’s Farm & Ranch Center Prague & Stroud............................................................... 918-968-1902 Vintage Tractors HWY 18 @ 18B................................................................ 918-866-2511
FERTILIZER
Lincoln County Farm Center Cushing............................................................................ 405-258-0770
FLOORING
Deans Flooring Center Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0535 10 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
Brown Furniture Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-1717 Second Chance General Store Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-5230 Root Furniture Cushing............................................................................ 918-285-5300 Boomer Blinds & Shutters Stroud…………............................. …………………………918-968-2579 Cedarline Woodworks Cushing............................................................................ 918-225-3232 Copper Penny Cushing............................................................................ 918-306-4242 Old Songs Sung Here Cushing............................................................................ 918-225-3458
INSURANCE
Hinson Insurance Stroud, Wellston, Prague, Seminole, Shawnee................918-968-3743 Thompson’s Insurance Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-5002 State Farm - Kent Clovis Stroud............................................................................... 918-962-2552
LAWN & GARDEN
Lincoln County Farm Center Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0770 Great Plains Yards Chandler............................................................................. 405-240-766
LUMBER-PAINT-HARDWARE-LIGHTING
Bud Blakely Lumber Company Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-1108 Cushing Lumber Co Cushing............................................................................ 918-225-1713 Chandler Hardware Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0260 Lincoln County Farm Center Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0770 Perkins Building Supply Perkins.............................................................................. 405-547-2406 Stroud Rent-A-Tool Stroud............................................................................... 918-968-2077 Terrell Lumber Prague.............................................................................. 405-567-2251 T.H. Rogers Lumber Bristow.............................................................................. 918-367-3359 True Value Hardware Stroud............................................................................... 918-968-3942
METAL RECYCLING
LD’S Salvage Chandler........................................................................... 405-240-5360
HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY CONTINUED MONUMENTS
Chandler Memorial Works Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0305
PETROLEUM
Burk Oil Stillwater........................................................................... 405-372-0066
PLUMBING
Cushing Plumbing Cushing............................................................................ 918-225-3215 Linn’s Plumbing…………………………..........................405-258-5171
RENTAL TOOLS
Stroud Rent-A-Tool Stroud............................................................................... 918-968-2077 Tool Time Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-5122
REALTORS
All Seasons Realty Davenport......................................................................... 405-443-7122 Oklahoma Country Homes Wellston............................................................................ 405-820-2345 Premier Realty-Century 21 Stroud, Chandler.............................................................. 405-258-1324 Realty Plus-Remax Chandler………………………......................... ……………405-258-0857 Tommye Waltman and Associates Cushing.......................................................................... 918-225-KEYS
Mike Bendele Co.-United Country Chandler........................................................................... 405-258-0408
STEEL
Circle K Steel Paden............................................................................... 405-932-4664 Stillwater Steel Stillwater........................................................................... 405-377-5550
OTHERS
A to Z Property Management Cushing……………………………………………...............918-225-2937 Calvin Country RV Depew…………………………………………….................918-367-1222 Chandler Tax Chandler……………………………………………..............405-258-0593 Foam Factor Chandler……………………………………………..............405-258-5800 Grandstaff RV Park Cushing……………………………………………...............918-223-5274 Hill’s Dozer Service Stroud............................................................................... 918-968-2318 Nic’s Propane Cushing……………………………………………...............918-223-5274 Phil Tislow, Certified Public Accountant Chandler………………………………………….................405-258-2837 Stroud Tire Stroud……………………………………………..................918-987-1900
THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 11
Grant E McNeal, CFP® Financial Advisor 108 West Broadway Cushing, OK 74023 918-225-3004 12 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
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Boomer Blinds & Shutters 718 W. Main Stroud (918) 968-2579 Tulsa (918) 298-3890 OKC (405) 632-9022 Why should you buy your shutters from Boomer Blinds & Shutters? 1. Price-Best Price Guarantee 2. Quality-All hardwood construction assures you that your shutters will last a lifetime, backed up with our lifetime guarantee!
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Best ROI Home Improvements for Sellers article provided by OKLAHOMA COUNTRY HOMES
Deciding on improvements for your home is simple when you are planning for yourself or your family, but deciding on which improvements will maximize a return on investment can prove to be a little trickier. Choosing based on what a buyer might find appealing and still keeping in mind how much of that investment will end up paying off can prove to be complicated. Determining which improvements, updating or upgrades will add the most value if often difficult. Through Researching Data & Surveys we have compiled this list of the most common home repairs and what you’re potential Return on Investment: CLEAN & DECLUTTER COST: $200 - $500 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $0-$2,500 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 575-650% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best)10! Simplifying and reducing personal belongings while presenting a clean and comfortable environment puts buyers at ease and actually helps them begin placing their own furniture & belongings in the home. UPDATE & BRIGHTEN COST: $350 - $2,500 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $1,500 - $3,500 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 250-375% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 9! This suggestion while a bit broad can be helpful in increasing your Return on Investment. Simply replacing dark dingy curtains that block out natural light or replacing old out of date light or plumbing fixtures can give a home a fresh less dated look. LANDSCAPING COST: $250 - $2,500 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $250 - $3,500 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 150-500% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 10! Something as simple as raking out the old leaves left from winter & throwing in fresh colorful flowers & plants to pouring sidewalks or creating an outdoor living area can give you big bang for your buck! Be mindful not to go overboard with things like a swimming pool or outdoor spa as these are actually low on the ROI list and many buyers don’t 20 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
want the upkeep or maintenance of these types of “upgrades” and may prevent a buyer from purchasing your home solely on that one thing. UPGRADE FLOORING COST: $1,200 - $4,000 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $1,200 - $5,500 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 100-150% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 9! This one only gets a 9 mainly because this would be a case by case basis; and knowing what a potential buyer might like as far as type of flooring; whether they would want carpet or tile, etc. is probably one of the biggest guessing games. However, if your carpet is worn or heavily soiled, or flooring is damaged this should rank high on your list of improvements; as an appraiser, might flag it for a repair upon sale anyway. Buyers don’t typically want to walk in to a new purchase and have an immediate expense of flooring. ROOF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT COST: $2,500 - $12,000 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $3,500 - $15,000 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 115-150% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 10! If your roof needs repair or is close to the point of needing a replacement this should be #1 on your list! Your home must have an insurable roof in order for buyers to obtain financing. If you believe you might have damage have a qualified roofing company inspect your roof prior to placing your home on the market to avoid any potential problems that might cause delays or losing a buyer. If your repair/ replacement issue was caused by hail, storm etc. a portion may be covered by filing a claim with your insurance provider. KITCHEN AND/OR BATH REMODEL COST: $2,500 - $18,000 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $5,000 -$25,000 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 200-375% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 9! This choice would be one of the best ways to WOW a potential buyer depending on the level of materials & fixtures you choose. For example: Re-tiling an outdated shower or even better replacing a pre-fab
unit with a porcelain tub and/or walk-in tile shower bring maximum return on investment. ADDING SPACE/SQUARE FOOTAGE COST: $2,500 - $20,000 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $5,000-$30,000 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 200-400% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: (10 being best) 10! If you can add/maximize your square footage without completely adding on a brand-new room, your return on investment chances are high. For example, a bonus room with no flooring or heat & air ducted in doesn’t count toward the square footage of your home upon sale, leaving money on the table. Going to the expense to finish out such rooms will add instant value to your home. PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR COST: $1,000 - $2,500 ESTIMATED BENEFIT: $1,800 - $4,500 RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 180-275% RATING OF IMPORTANCE: 10! Painting your home interior/exterior gives a fresh, clean and move-in ready feel to buyers. Make sure you choose Neutral, pleasing and complimentary tones when doing such home improvements; don’t just go with your taste or try to match your child’s neon green décor; while one buyer might “like” your color choice you may turn other potential buyers away – think of pleasing most everyone’s sense of color. To get more information on Maximizing your Return on Investment or to receive any of the following free handbooks or brochures (can be mailed or emailed in pdf format) OR to receive information on our upcoming Seminars including:
BOOKLETS & BROCHURES #1 What to Expect from the Closing Process #2 House Hunting Checklist #3 More Home Improvement Tips #4 Staging My Home #5 Home Loan Toolkit Brochure #6 Complete Oklahoma Home Buyers Guide #7 Complete Oklahoma Seller’s Guide Our goal as a company is not to be a “Sales Team” but “Service Providers” so our buyers and sellers are educated and equipped with the most current and up to date information giving them the BEST outcome in every transaction. We would love to help you in moving forward in one of the most important financial transactions you have in life and we appreciate your trust in us! We also offer a free one hour NO-OBLIGATION consultation to spend time with you one on one giving you the opportunity to ask any questions; providing a free market analysis on your home; discussing topics such as this one provided above. We will walk with you every step of the way should you decide to buy or sell a home. Get in touch with one of our associates today to see what sets us apart from other companies. This article has been written & provided for you by:
Jamie Barnes Saxon; MBA, ABR, GRI, SRS, EPRO 405 820-2345 Direct Line or Text Jamie@OklahomaCountryHomes.com
Tracy Scott Howard; Farm & Ranch Specialist, Managing BrokerOwner, Staging Coordinator, MBA , Licensed Interior Designer 405 227-3181 Direct Line or Text
Tracy@OklahomaCountryHomes.com
www.oklahomacountryhomes.com
• FIRST TIME HOME BUYER • WHAT DO YOU MEAN SCORE? I DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS A TEST • UNDERSTANDING USDA, FHA, VA, & FARM CREDIT • AND MORE UPCOMING FREE SEMINARS ...simply call, text or email with your name, address, email address if choosing pdf format, and which booklets or brochures by number you would like to receive and we will gladly send the information your way. CALL: 405 356-2727 TEXT: 405 820-2345 Email: OklahomaCountryHomes@Yahoo.com
OKLAHOMA OWNED – OKLAHOMA SERVICE – OKLAHOMA VALUES
WE LIVE & WORK NEAR YOU – WE COVER OKLAHOMA!!! THETHE CORRIDOR / FEBRUARY CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 2017 21 21
22 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
Crusin’ on 66 Notice of 29th Annual
SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 7
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Burk Oil Co., Inc. Serving Oklahoma for Over 40 Years
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3215 S. BOOMER RD. • STILLWATER, OK • 405-372-0066 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 25
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New Book Causes Gravestone Search Search for gravestone begins by historical society because of new book by SALLY FERRELL Because of a book by Chandler native Wayne Pounds, The Lonesome Death of Billie Grayson and other Early-Day Lincoln County Killings (Tate Publishing 2015), the board of the Lincoln County Historical Society is making a public plea for help in restoring Billie Grayson’s gravestone to its place in Rossville Cemetery. Copies of the book were sent to the Museum of Pioneer History to be sold for benefit in appreciation for help in accomplishing research by Pounds. He has used museum resources for previous publications of prose and poetry. A graduate of Chandler High School and with a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, he went to Japan to teach. He continues to live there, now a retired university professor after thirty years. Why at this time a book about county killings? “No very good reason at all”, says Pounds. The county “boasts no special iniquity, just the average criminality of the state. The killers and victims are all average. Social backgrounds are presented in order to make sense of the messes people make of their lives”, he explains. Seven stories are included in the book, all carefully researched history from 1897 to 1941. The title story is a shoo-in for a movie. It includes pictures of the old stone outhouse at Rt. 66’s Seaba station where nearby Billie Grayson, 18, and her friend Helen Grandstaff, 12, climbed into a man’s car for a ride home. The station and outhouse are listed in the National Register of Historic Places for significance to travel and historic Rt. 66. Readers will know it as being near the place where the two girls were abducted. The story traces Sheriff Roberts on his hunt for the suspect who had fled to Ohio. Dramatic trials followed with conviction, largely due to the unshakeable testimony of the girl who got away. Small town Chandler was flooded with state and national press. Author Pounds has discovered a jagged stone believed to be the pedestal on which Billie Grayson’s grave marker was mounted. The cemetery caretakers do not find Billie listed as buried in the cemetery, but a mid-1960s DAR survey does. She is listed as buried in the Rossville Cemetery in August, 1941. No day is listed and unfortunately no gravestone photograph. The broken stone remnant is near the graves of Samuel and Ida Gray, the parents of Billie’s
stepmother, Delpha Gray. Billie’s true parents were Edward Moffet Grayson and Betty Glied Grayson. Billie is shown in the 1930 census as living in Stroud with her father and his mother, Anna Grayson. The missing headstone could be in someone’s backyard or garage. Perhaps it was a target for vandals as the case drew state and national attention. The discovery of a young woman’s body in Chandler’s Oak Park Cemetery, leaning against a gravestone with all her clothes folded and placed beside her, shocked the community and many far beyond. One Chandler man recalls childhood memories when citizens feared the killer would strike again and kept their doors locked. The county historical society asks help with information that might lead to return of the missing gravestone. They hope that the marker may be restored to its place in Rossville Cemetery and in Lincoln County history. Call 405.258.425; email lincolncountyhs@sbcglobal.net; or mail to 719 Manvel Ave., Chandler, 74834. Books are available at Chandler and Prague museums, Full Circle Bookstore, Okla. City, and Amazon.com. Copies have also been placed in Lincoln County public libraries.
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CONCEAL CARRY CLASS Saturday, May 13th - 9am-5pm Meets the Oklahoma State Statutory Requirements for classrom and live fire prior to obtaining your Oklahoma handgun license (conceal/open carry) (HANDGUN/AMMUNITION can be provided at an additional cost)
To REGISTER: www.lighthousetts.com/schedule/html OR Email brian@lighthousetts.com
INSTRUCTOR is a 12-year veteran police officer and CLEET instructor. THE CLASSROOM PORTION will be held at 512 E. Main in Stroud. THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 31
32 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
Remembering Former Creek County Sheriff
MAJOR BRICE CLAYTON COLEMAN by DONNIE SCHROEDER
When I met Larry Coleman Sr. and Larry Coleman Jr. and heard just a few of the exploits of Larry Sr.’s father, Brice Coleman, it occurred to me what a remarkable man he was. I wish I had had a chance to meet him in person and get his story, though from all accounts Brice was a man of few words. He never boasted about his accomplishments, his cases solved, his missions in Vietnam or Korea or any awards he earned. Truthfully, if he were alive today he probably would not have wanted to share as much of his story as I learned from his family and their wonderful collection of old newspaper clippings. That just wasn’t the kind of guy he was. However, one thing is certain. Brice Coleman was as much a distinguished a soldier, policeman, sheriff and father as any man could ever hope to be. His story of service began in 1950 when he forged his mother’s signature to enter the U.S. military to serve his country during the Korean War. When Brice returned to Bristow from the 45th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army stationed in Korea, he was already a Sergeant with several commendations. His next important accomplishment would be completing his high school education, which he proudly did in 1953. This was a challenge which he took on with intensity, ultimately becoming senior class president at Bristow High School. Following graduation, he returned to the U.S. Army and served both in Vietnam and in Germany. Brice, an accomplished pilot, truly found his niche in the Army 34 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
as a helicopter pilot. He went to various universities, flight schools and training programs to become an officer and a helicopter pilot. His unit was one of the first helicopter squadrons to be sent to the Vietnam War. Larry Sr. recounted that many men have approached him telling him of his father’s heroism. Because of his sacrifice and ability as a pilot, he was able to transport critically injured men to military physicians in extreme circumstances. Because he was never out for any glory, these are stories that Brice never shared with his sons. During one year of service in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three air medals for valor, 21 air medals and two Purple Hearts. His family moved around frequently
in the early years as his career evolved. When his 11-year career of active duty was complete, Brice Coleman transitioned from the military to a position serving as a police officer in Seminole, OK. However, he got the itch to get back in the pilot’s seat again and joined the National Guard. Coleman served as a flight instructor for Southern Airways at Mineral Wells, TX. When he was discharged in 1967, he was a Major and Battalion Commander at Fort Hood, TX. He then returned to his hometown of Bristow, OK. Later that year Brice was elected to the office of Creek County Sheriff at the age of 36, a post that he would hold for 14 years because he knew the importance of the position and felt it necessary to
represent and protect the people of his county and community. “Dad rarely carried a gun,” noted Larry Sr. “In many situations that I witnessed or heard of over the years, he just had a way of talking to people in a manner in which they could understand and respect. When he talked, you listened.” That respect must have been returned in many instances throughout his service. Likely the biggest catch during his time as Sheriff was the apprehension of career criminal Rex Brinlee, Sr. Brinlee was accused of theft. A Bristow man was scheduled to testify against him until Fern Bolding, a 28 year old Bristow kindergarten teacher the Bristow man’s wife, started her husband’s truck the morning of February 2, 1971. When she turned the key, the truck started, setting off a bomb planted by Brinlee that killed Fern Bolding instantly. Sheriff Brice Coleman would oversee the trial of Brinlee, which would eventually conclude with Brinlee being convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. As a Sheriff, Brice Coleman was very proactive. He was not the type to sit behind a desk all day, though the job of Sheriff was ever becoming increasingly an admin-
istrative one. He fought for better pay and better resources for his deputies. He also highly encouraged cooperation from citizens of the communities. As he put it, “No one should ever hesitate to call the Sheriff’s office. I would rather make a call and find out I wasn’t needed, than to not make one and let a criminal get away.” One of the newspaper articles that the Coleman family kept that was printed in the Sapulpa Herald, dated July 6, 1969, recounted how Sheriff Coleman spoke of the great work that his six deputies did to keep the peace in Creek County. He said, “My deputies are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” In an average week he said that his deputies would work 90 to 110 hours. He remained Creek County Sheriff until 1980, the same year that he retired from the Oklahoma National Guard. Following service to his country and to the people of Creek County, he stayed busy as a selfemployed contractor until his death at his home south of Bristow on July 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife JoNell Coleman and his four sons, Larry Sr., Bruce, Michael and Lewis, along with ten grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
During the 1970’s, Sheriff Coleman is shown
conducting a Creek county marijuana bust.
In 2016, Brice Coleman became the first former Sheriff to be in-
ducted into the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Hall of Fame, an award that was accepted on his behalf by his family members. His name also now graces a stretch of Highway 48 in Creek County, which is designated as Major Brice Clayton Coleman Memorial Highway, effective July 1, 2012. Larry Coleman Sr. shared with me that his dad was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. “He took care of everybody,” Larry said. During the memorial for Brice at the airport they showed a slideshow of old photos from his life. A gentleman asked to speak to Brice’s widow, JoNell Coleman. The man explained to her that he had been coming by the Coleman’s house for several years to buy some of the things that her husband sold. He informed her that he never knew that Brice was a highly decorated military man. It just wasn’t like him to retell his own exploits. The man went on to tell JoNell that he had an uncle in Texas that he stayed with when he was a young man. The uncle had a picture of himself and another man on the mantle. He remembered a conversation he had with his uncle concerning the other man in the picture. His uncle explained to him that the mystery man in the picture was the chopper pilot who saved his life in Vietnam. The man had chills watching the slideshow at Brice Coleman’s memorial when he realized that Brice was the man in the photograph with his Uncle. He visited with him for years and never knew. He told JoNell Coleman that he couldn’t wait to call his uncle to share his discovery. Both during his military career and as Sheriff, Brice Coleman stuck his neck out during the worst of situations, never for any glory, but rather to protect his men, county, and country. Brice was a man with a big heart and few words. n THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 35
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Parks Brothers Cremation Center of Oklahoma Parks Brothers Funeral Service, independently owned and operated by the Parks family since 1913, proudly announce the opening of the only on-site crematory in this area. When you choose a cremation service by Parks Brothers funeral service, your loved one never leaves our personal care – which means your loved one will be cared for with dignity by our staff. Many of our families are surprised to find there are so many choices with either cremation or burial. It is our desire to assist you in crafting appropriate arrangements so your family
and friends may share their grief and comfort each other. With full-service funeral centers in four locations, services are customized to fit your needs, whether you choose cremation or a traditional funeral service. Our experienced staff will assist you with insurance, social security, and veteran’s benefits. We also have a website that provides information regarding all funeral services including complete obituaries, a guest book to share condolences and memories, and the memorial video.
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THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 39
by Pastor Paul Ragle
Habitat for Humanity
I have a great passion for the work of Habitat for Humanity International in my own community and across the planet. Habitat volunteers help families build homes and become homeowners. Again and again, I meet folks who assume that Habitat for Humanity gives away homes. Not so! Habitat works to extend a hand up to people who might otherwise not be able to own a home. By building homes with volunteer labor and using economical construction materials, and selling Habitat homes with no interest loans, Habitat for Humanity helps families often afford a home of which they can be proud. Many Habitat volunteers, like me, are amateur builders who bring varying amounts of skill and experience to the work. Habitat volunteers work in all kinds of weather. We show up on our days off or, after we get off work from our own jobs, to work on another family’s home. Some Habitat volunteers travel to faraway places to build homes, sleeping on air mattresses in church gymnasiums or, as in Stroud, OK, where volunteers enjoy the luxury of staying in a dormitory with hot showers. I’ve volunteered in over a 40 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
dozen states, and I can testify, Habitat volunteers are well fed. Folks tend to feed Habitat volunteers very well! But one might wonder what motivates a volunteer worker to keep showing up to build Habitat homes? As a pastor, I have seen the devastating effects of unstable living conditions on families and especially children. There are too many families in too many cities who are forced to expend large amounts of precious income on rental housing and utilities. Too many families must choose between keeping the utilities on or buying needed groceries. Habitat seeks to help families to be able to purchase affordable homes. In most cases, families are able to buy a Habitat house for much less than they can rent an apartment or a dilapidated house with high utility payments. Owning a Habitat home gives a working family a stable place to dwell so they can break out of the spiral of poverty. One of my favorite things as a Habitat volunteer is having the opportunity to work alongside family members who are working to build their home. Habitat families must work “sweat equity” hours on their own home or other Hab-
{
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PA S TO R PA U L’ S PA S S A G E S
itat homes in order to qualify to own a Habitat home. So Habitat houses aren’t cheap! It takes quite an investment of time and money to become a Habitat homeowner. Habitat volunteers get “stoked” with joy when we get to work alongside moms, dads, kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who are working on their family’s house. What a pleasure to help a new Habitat family insulate their new house, or nail the deck on their new roof! Although we do have skilled Habitat volunteers without whom we really could not get along, one of the exciting things about being a Habitat volunteer is learning new building skills. In Stroud we are blessed to have Mr. John Owens leading and teaching our volunteers. Every time we build a Stroud Habitat house, I either learn a new skill or learn a better way to do various building tasks. I didn’t always know how to lay out and frame a wall, to run trusses, deck a roof, or do sheet rock, but through Habitat for Humanity and John’s patience, Joe Bill Shelhope, Bob Pearman, and others like us have become skilled wood butchers!. (I am ever indebted to these guys who have helped me undo my mistakes!) Habitat volunteers concentrate on safety first, comradery and fun second, and construction of affordable and stable homes for our families. We love working together, eating, and making a better world, one home for one family at a time. If you are interested in volunteering to help with a Habitat build, please contact those of us who serve on the board of the Stroud chapter of Habitat for Humanity; my email address is ragle_p@yahoo.com. Look for Stroud Habitat for Humanity on Facebook! n
CIMARRON HEARING AID CENTER
827 East Main / Cushing, OK
CIMARRON HEARING AID CENTER / 827 E. MAIN / CUSHING, OK 918-225-0364 / TOLL FREE 800-808-0364 / EMAIL: cimmhear@sbglobal.net
THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 41
Chris Hodge - Broker/Owner / 405-443-7122 Jason Hughey / 405-795-7850 • Paula Fuqua / 405-240-3084 • Johnna Plunkett 918-290-0735
chrishodge@allseasonsrealtyok.com www.AllSeasonsRealtyOK.com
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251 27th - Stroud - STUNNING EXECUTIVE HOME!!! on 28+ mol acres. 2 PONDS Stocked, This home should be in HOMES BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE. It has 5BRs, 3LAs, 5BAs, Beautiful huge walk-in master shower, SHOP 60x40 Heated with 2 separate overhead garage doors. Stable, cabana with large open fire pit. Many more photos and too much to list. Call for more info.
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42 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
Sparks OK
113 E 7th, Stroud and 310 S Third SOLD! 122 E 2nd, Davenport 511 N. Ford - Update, 3/2, new roof, covered deck 812 E. Hwy 66 - 15 acres mol, home, shop, garage
20 CLEASON - 2100 Sq ft, $42 a Sq ft!! 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Fireplace, Super nice Solitaire DW, Storm Cellar, Corner lot, plus more. Seller had their previous home under contract but it did not sell/close so they are having to sell this one. Their loss is your gain! Come look and make offer!
SOLD! ! G N I D N E P 1107 N 3RD - Lovely 3BD/2BA brick. Handicap accessible bathroom, storage bldg, fenced
LINCOLN COUNTY FARM CENTER Hwys 66 & 18 Chandler • (405) 258-0770 www.lincolncountyfarmcenter.com
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stroudtruevalue@gmail.com www.facebook.com/stroudtruevalue THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 43
Delilah’s
DILEMMAS
While Delilah lay unconscious in recovery after surgery, Eli and Hannah, Delilah’s
imperious and supercilious mother, had
arbitrarily decided that Delilah would be moving back to Georgia...
Eli wanted Delilah to be safe. And though Hannah would claim the same, what she really wanted was for Delilah to be under her watchful eye and controlling thumb. Dooby, Karon, and Buford, Delilah’s father, suspected the suggestion would not sit well with Delilah, but they all kept their opinions to themselves, and all for different reasons. Dooby wanted to avoid any confrontation with Hannah, with whom he’d had a long-standing acrimonious relationship; at least on Hannah’s part. Buford wanted to discuss the matter with Delilah, once she was well enough. And Karon? Well, Karon remained quiet because she feared that if she uttered even one word, it would turn into a complete verbal annihilation, and the removal of Hannah’s eyes by way of Karon’s freshly manicured nails. And she didn’t have time to get another manicure. “Buford, I’m exhausted,” Hannah said, her long southern drawl whining like a jet engine. She swung her taupe cashmere travel wrap over the shoulder of her black and taupe herringbone, wool suit, then spun on her black Ferragamo pumps and headed for the door of the waiting room. She dramatically whirled toward her husband. “Are you coming, Buford?” she demanded. Buford raised a hand to his wife and nodded. Then he turned to Dooby. “I’ve booked two rooms at the Ambassador Hotel downtown, in case anyone needs to rest. Just give them my name,” he said. “We’ll stay,” Eli interjected quickly with a concurring nod at Dooby. “At least until she comes around.” “You have my cell number,” Buford said. “Call if you need anything or if there’s any change. We’ll be back later.” And then Delilah’s parents were gone. “I think Delilah was switched at birth,” Karon said. “There is no way she could be the offspring of that woman. More likely Damien. Yeah, Damien would be her offspring. Her dad seems nice, though.” “He is,” Dooby said. “Babe, why don’t you stretch out on that couch, and try to get some rest.” 44 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
by DIANE BROWN Karon did as Dooby suggested, and he covered her legs with his jacket. Joel, having polished off all his snacks, excused himself and exited the waiting room in pursuit of more nibbles. Dooby, Eli, and Jacoby settled into stiff, uncomfortable chairs. They sat in contemplative silence as the hands of the clock on the waiting room wall crept from one number to the next. “It was either a tragic coincidence, or it was planned,” Dooby whispered, out of the blue. “Excuse me,” Eli said. “Let’s just say it wasn’t an accident,” Dooby continued. “Do we automatically assume the target was Delilah? Or could the target have been Blaize?” “The threats have been against Delilah,” Eli offered. “True,” Dooby said. “But who was tasked with being Delilah’s shadow?” “Blaize,” Dooby, Eli, and Jacoby said in unison. “Did Blaize get threats before she went to the ranch?” Eli asked Jacoby. “Well, yeah. But they were the usual, hothead threats you get when you bust someone,” Jacoby said. “That doesn’t fit,” Dooby said. “They’d have to know Delilah and Blaize would be at that spot.” “Who DID know they would be riding the fence?” Eli asked. “Who knew they were going to be at that spot?” “Just those of us on the ranch,” Dooby said. “And Odie, Patty, and Fiona,” Karon said, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “How did they know?” Dooby asked incredulously. “They were there,” Karon said. “We were playin’ poker when Blaize told Delilah about the call from the neighbor.”
“Wait, who’s Fiona?” Eli asked anxiously. “What call?” Dooby demanded. Karon sighed. “Fiona is Odie’s friend. She recently moved here from Alaska,” she said. “And evidently a neighbor on Parkland Road called Saturday and said there was a hole in the fence. Or maybe it wasn’t a neighbor, just someone driving by that saw the hole along Parkland Road. I don’t know.” Dooby and Eli exchanged a furtive glance. “You need to run a check on Fiona,” Dooby told Eli. “And we need to have Charlie visit with the neighbors,” Eli added. Delilah found herself in the middle of a vast emptiness. There was pink everywhere; soft salmon pink, dusty rose, pale blush, and taffy. The pinks you only see at dawn or dusk. A faint, light gray mist rolled into the vastness and swirled with the pinks. Delilah absorbed the beauty of the scene like inhaling fresh air. She smiled. She had never felt so calm and peaceful. It occurred to her that in the unlikely event she were to ever take up yoga, this would be the place she’d go in her mind. “Delilah?” Blaize murmured. “Blaize!” Delilah cried out, as Blaize seemed to magically appear from the mist. She was wearing a coral, chiffon dress with a full skirt. Her skin practically glimmered, and her eyes were bright. “Oh! Thank goodness you’re alright,” Delilah said with a relieved sigh. “I was so worried about you.” Blaize’s eyes widened with surprise and she smiled. “I’ve never been better,” she said. “You look fabulous,” Delilah said. She stretched out her
arms to embrace her friend, but Blaize was just out of reach. “Listen, Delilah,” Blaize said. “It’s time for me to go home, but before I go, I just want you to know how glad I am that we became friends.” “Me, too,” Delilah said. She thought a moment. “When you say home, you mean your apartment in Oklahoma City, right?” “No,” Blaize replied slowly. “It’s a different kind of home.” “You mean like a nursing home, or a veteran’s home?” Delilah asked. She couldn’t explain why it popped into her head, but it did. She was suddenly a bit embarrassed. Blaize tilted her head and began nodding. “Veteran’s home,” she said, grinning. “I like that. Yeah, you could call it a veteran’s home.” “Will I see you again?” Delilah asked. Blaize smiled endearingly. “One of these days,” she said. “Just know that all is as it should be, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Promise you’ll be happy for me.” “Of course,” Delilah said. Suddenly, Blaize began to fade into the mist, and Delilah began to feel something was amiss. She remembered what had happened. She remembered the last time she saw Blaize. This wasn’t real. But it FELT so real. Blaize was gone when Delilah heard the last thing she said. “Remember.” “Tambourines and elephants,” Delilah said softly. “That’s it,” said the unfamiliar voice of a man. “Wake up, Miss Beauregard. Wake up.” There was no more pink; no more gray mist. There was only darkness, and pain, and that alien voice urging Delilah to open her eyes. And so, she did, with great effort.
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The first thing she saw was the body attached to the voice. He stood about five feet, eight inches tall, and his cobalt blue scrubs hung loosely on his thin frame. His dark hair was cropped short, and there was something about his soft, blue eyes that instilled a sense of tranquility in Delilah. She blinked feverishly, and looked about the room. She felt the IV in her arm before she saw it. “We’re going to move you into a regular room in just a minute,” he said. “Do you know where you are?” Delilah nodded. “What’s your name?” she croaked. “Darren,” he replied, checking the digital readouts of the beeping machines attached in one way or another to Delilah. “How do you feel?” “I’ve been better,” she said. “But, now that I give it some thought, I’ve also been worse.” Darren smiled. “Well, that’s good, right?” Delilah chuckled weakly. She wanted to ask about Blaize. She knew in her heart that Blaize had died, but when had she died? Where was she now? Had her parents been notified? She sighed. “Do you remember what happened?” Darren asked. Delilah nodded. She raised her right hand to her left shoulder, but the lines of the monitor offered some resistance. “The surgeons removed the bullet about an hour ago,” Darren offered. And then he began an itemization of her maladies, consequential side effects, and restrictions, both short term and long hall. “I take it back,” Delilah finally said. “Maybe I haven’t been worse.” Darren transported Delilah to her private room, un-
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hooked and unplugged her many tubes and IVs, assisted her with evacuations and ablutions, and then settled her back in her bed. She was completely exhausted. Meanwhile, in the waiting room, the surgeon was relaying Delilah’s condition to what he would later refer to as ‘an audience.’ They were allowed to go back to Delilah’s room, two at a time, but only for ten minutes each. Eli spent his ten minutes kissing Delilah’s hand, and her forehead, and her cheeks. Dooby just sat on the edge of the bed and massaged Delilah’s legs, while Karon blubbered and wailed incomprehensibly. No one said anything about Blaize. And when Delilah tried to broach the subject, they all dismissed her inquiries and told her there was time enough later to discuss it. This perturbed Delilah to a small degree, but she simply didn’t have the strength to fight back. By 9:00 AM, Delilah’s room was empty of visitors, and she was sleeping. Jacoby was on his way to Oklahoma City in the agency’s Crown Victoria, with Joel riding shotgun as far as the ranch. Dooby was on the phone with Charlie, the Lincoln County Sheriff, and Eli was on the phone with George, the director of the agency, to have him run a check on Fiona. Karon was on the phone with Marietta, giving her a list of items she and Gus were to bring to the hospital that afternoon. Once all their calls concluded, the three decided to grab a bite of breakfast, after which, Karon would be taken to the Ambassador Hotel for a little nap. They stepped toward the bank of elevators, when Delilah’s parents emerged from one of them.
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“Oh, look,” Karon said sardonically. “It’s Buford and the Beast.” “Karon,” Dooby warned, though he couldn’t help but smile. “Please,” Karon insisted with sarcasm. “Not like you weren’t thinking it.” Delilah’s parents approached Eli, Dooby, and Karon. Hannah was the first to speak. “Well?” Hannah demanded, as if the use of any additional words were a waste of time and energy. “She’s fine,” Dooby said. “They have her in a private room. She regained consciousness for a while, but she’s sleeping now.” “What room is she in?” Hannah ordered. “412,” Dooby replied with some trepidation. Hannah immediately began making her way toward Delilah’s room. Dooby cut a pleading glance at Buford. Buford just shook his head with disgust, and took off after his wife. Karon quickly advanced after them. Dooby followed Karon. “Oh, this can’t be good,” Eli said as he brought up the rear. By the time Eli made it through the door, Hannah was already at Delilah’s bedside, shaking her awake. “She really needs her rest,” Karon barked, as she moved toward Hannah. “You need to just back off, Missy,” Hannah said, practically pouncing on Karon. “This is MY daughter. And I think I’m perfectly capable of determining what she needs.” “Excuse me?” Karon said, hackles raised. Delilah blinked feverishly, and shifted in the bed.
“What’s going on?” she said, groggily. “Oh, my poor, poor girl,” Hannah cried, reaching, with difficulty, to kiss Delilah’s cheek. “Now, don’t you worry about a thing. Your daddy and I will take care of everything. Once you’re well enough, we’ll take you back to Georgia where you can recover properly.” Delilah squinted. She shook her head slightly. “When did you get here? And what . . . what are you talking about?” she said. “You’re coming home with us,” Hannah said. “We think . . .” “You! You think,” Buford clarified. “I want to discuss the matter with Delilah, when she’s feeling up to it. Which is not the present moment.” “Eli agrees with me. Don’t you, Eli?” Hannah said imperiously. Everyone looked at Eli. His eyes went wide. He really did not want to discuss the matter now. Yes, he agreed Delilah needed to be in a safer place, and perhaps the place was Georgia, but, like Buford, he didn’t think this was the time to make that decision. He stalled. With her right arm, Delilah reached for the nurse call button. In unison, Buford, Hannah, and Eli asked her what she needed. She just starred at them as she pressed the button. A few seconds later Darren’s voice cracked over the intercom. “Can I get you something, Ms. Beauregard?” he asked. “Yes,” Delilah replied, still glaring at her parents and Eli. “Pain killers. Lots of pain killers.” It didn’t take long for Delilah to fall back asleep, once her visitors had been exiled to the waiting room.
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Hannah was the only one to protest. When 4:00 PM rolled around, Delilah was awake, though still tired. To placate her mother, Buford had taken his wife to lunch and then shopping, because she just couldn’t stand the tedium of waiting around. Karon had taken a nap, and was on her way back to the hospital from the Ambassador Hotel. Eli and Dooby sat in Delilah’s room while she ate a small snack from the vending machine. She had just said that there was something odd about the incident, when the door to her room swung open, and in walked George with a grim smile and sad eyes. George took hold of Delilah’s hand and squeezed it gently. “I’m pleased you’re recovering,” he said softly. His head dropped slightly, along with his voice. “And I’m sorry about Blaize. Tragic accident. I assume it was hunter?” “I was just about to tell Eli and Dooby, I don’t think it was an accident,” Delilah said pensively. George let go of Delilah’s hand, and stepped to the foot of the bed. “What makes you say that?” Eli asked. “Well, we had stopped at the fork in the creek,” Delilah said. “And Blaize was looking out toward the road. Then all of a sudden, she had this shocked look on her face, and she lunged at me and knocked me off Bronte, about the same time the shot was fired. Not only that, when I tried to get up, she made me stay down on the ground. She said they were still there.” “So,” Dooby said slowly. “She saw them.” “She saw something,” Delilah said. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin and placed the napkin
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on the tray. “Did she say who it was?” George asked. “I mean, that could be crucial in nailing this guy.” “No,” Delilah cried. “The only thing she said was . . . tambourines and elephants.” Eli, Dooby, and George exchanged scowls. “Tambourines and elephants.” George echoed. “Where have I heard that?” Eli said. “Three Dog Night song?” “Creedence Clearwater Revival,” Dooby corrected. “What does that mean?” George asked. Eli and Dooby shrugged and shook their heads. Delilah drew in a deep breath, and shifted to a more horizontal position. Dooby took the que and suggested they leave so that Delilah could get more rest. Once the three men were in the hall, George informed Eli that the investigation of Fiona produced nothing suspicious or incriminating. George invited Eli and Dooby to join him for dinner, but Eli quickly declined, indicating they were having dinner with Delilah’s parents. As George stepped into the elevator, and the door closed, Dooby looked at Eli. “What was that all about?” he asked. Eli turned toward Dooby with a solemn expression. “I know who did it,” he said, sadly. He shook his head. “Now I have to prove it.” Who can it be? Will Eli get his man? Or woman? Or will they get him first? The saga continues in the April installment of Delilah’s Dilemma in the Corridor Magazine.
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Notes
ALONG THE CORRIDOR
by RICK REILEY
Local Song Driver BEN McKENZIE I’ve heard Ben McKenzie’s name tossed around here and there for about a year and a half now. In different musical circles from songwriters to music lovers to radio station hosts. After hearing his name again last week from another new, young musician friend of mine, Josh Hebensperger, I decided it was high time to find out more about him. I saw a few videos online, bought an EP collection on iTunes, did a little preliminary research and then dove in headfirst to contact him and get the story on Ben McKenzie. Ben’s voice is comfortably seasoned and one that immediately draws and holds my attention. His songs intrigue me because he’s writing about every day occurrences in the life he lives and knows. Not so much the sing song, bouncy, made up fluff that caters to the whims of today’s commercial radio audience. (Not that today’s commercial stuff is all bad. 52 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
It’s just that it’s a very predictable formula that I tire of easily). He fits well into the Red Dirt scene. Now, I readily admit this is a genre that I can’t describe other than good music made by many folks I know. Rock, country, acoustic, folk, with some hillbilly twang tossed in for good measure. It tells a story I can relate to. And usually makes me feel good. Or better. I do know that there is something in the red dirt air that has caused a whole new crop of writers/songwriters/singers/musicians to be coming out of the woodwork these days. So much so it’s hard to keep track. In fact it’s impossible to keep track unless you devote all
your time to it. There is definitely something going on here. If you follow the music scene at all you know what I’m talking about. Ben McKenzie, 24, grew up in Crescent, Oklahoma but considers himself to be from Stillwater. He grew up listening to his mother’s records and oddly enough, enjoyed them. That was what set the hook for his desire to create music. He received his first guitar when he was four years old and says he’s ‘still trying to learn to play’. He also says he’s always had a ‘hankering to write’. And he does a good job of both. He’s recently been in the Boohatch Studio in Ada, recording a project under the steady, well
known and respected hands of red dirt songwriter/artist/producer Mike McClure. He hopes the CD will be available to the public in April. McKenzie attended school at Bacone College in Muskogee for a while until being drawn to Stillwater by the ever growing music scene. It appears to have been a good move and a good fit. He hosts a Sunday night open jam night at Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater the same place that boasts of hosting Garth Brooks’ first performances when he was a student at OSU. His controlled, husky voice reminds me of a cross between Marc Cohn (Walkin’ in Memphis) and the more rhythm and bluesy aspects of Joe Cocker with some beefy red dirt country flavor tossed in as a added attraction. When he sings, I’m drawn in to listen. Though only 24, he has a knack for breathing poetry into the stories of ordinary lives most of us lead. It is a real gift to be able to do that. His first EP titled ‘Drive-Ben McKenzie’ is available on iTunes. A nice 5 song collection, songs about- what else? Life, love and searching for meaning in the madness that life sometimes hands us. Here’s a little sampling of his lyricsfrom ‘Pick It Up As You Go’-
“...say a little prayer when you can, try to be the better man....” Great advice for a man at any age. And from ‘Diamonds’- a song that many in love can relate to, when the ego gets caught up in the love lines and you bruise the one you love‘I guess I met my match and the joke is all on me...’ describes the moment you realize you’ve done something very stupid....and the next line is one that seems to beg forgiveness‘We can’t change those days behind us but I could try to change my ways......’ One of the highlights he mentions is playing at the Red Dirt Gypsy Cafe for the first time last year. In fact there is a video of him and Kaitlin Butts on Youtube performing his song ‘Tulsa’ at this event. (Just search ‘Ben McKenzie Kaitlin Butts Tulsa’ and it should pop right up. ) He is looking forward to his second appearance at this annual event in Stillwater on April 26th. (There will be upwards of 50 or more Oklahoma songwriters appearing at this one evening ‘round robin’ of songwriters.) Ben also opened for Jason Boland and the Stragglers last June and lists that as a great moment in his burgeoning career. He’s also been doing shows with the Reed Southall Band lately and speaks highly of that experience. In addition to regular Stillwater appearances, he’s also performed in Sand Springs at Sandite Billiards, live on local radio stations and says his spring schedule is filling up with shows in Oklahoma with hopes to hit the Texas circuit in April. He cites the work of Oklahoma singers/songwriters John Moreland and Mike McClure as big influences as well as the old standard bearers of the craft, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and Guy Clark, three names that have influenced generations of singer/songwriters and music lovers. I am really looking forward to
hearing his new work, especially with McClure at the controls. If you’re up for it I’d recommend checking out one of his Sunday open jams at Willie’s. To keep track of him and find out where’s he’s playing next you can find him on Facebook. There are some video clips there as well as on Youtube. A little searching online will produce some results. His initial 5 song EP, ‘Drive- Ben McKenzie’ can be sampled and purchased on iTunes. When you’re searching just remember, he’s the ‘Ben McKenzie’ musician from Stillwater, not that movie star guy. At least not yet!
n
When he sings, I’m drawn in to listen. THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 53
DECADES OF GROWTH
THAD WHITE Building Supply In 1977 Thad White was building roll away homes in Paden, a little town a few miles east of Prague. With extra building supplies stacked around, people began stopping by to purchase from him...
by ROBBIE McCOMMAS
...Eventually, Thad opened his own lumber yard with secretary Rhonda Vass filling out purchase tickets while sitting on a bundle of lumber. Forty years later, Thad White Building Supply has gone through four decades of growth and changes. One thing that stayed the same is Rhonda, 76, is still filling out purchase tickets. Except, today she fills them out in the comfort of a new office building. “I’d say it’s the prices,” Rhonda recently said as she explained why people would drive 50-60 miles to buy building supplies from them. “With the amount of shingles we handle, we have almost every color. We sell knotty pine doors for $115 while stores will charge over $200.” Though Thad is seldom seen at the lumber yard anymore, the 75-year-old bachelor is more likely spotted at a cow sale or tending his cattle. “Thad was a carpenter,” Rhonda explained. “He built over 100 houses and moved them out of here. Then in 1977, he quit and hired a carpenter to build them for the next five years. It was so hard to move a finished house out for all the building supplies that he stopped all together.” The hustle and bustle at the lumber yard is going strong with Rhonda’s family filling nearly every position. Her son Kevy Vass does the buying, another son, Ricky Vass loads out and keeps everybody going in 54 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
the yard while her granddaughter, Linsey Norman, tends to the books and orders, and her grandson, Colby Vass, works in the yard. Rhonda explained they supply builders with whole house packages. Their trucks deliver goods all over the state, but more than anything they sell to individuals who have home improvement projects underway. She said customers will pick up building supplies for a contractor they’ve hired. A sign on the wall inside the office reads, Do you want to talk to the man in charge, or the woman who knows what’s going on? “Some guy brought that in here,” Rhonda explained. “Thad would often say, ‘You’d better ask
A sign on the wall inside the office reads, Do you want to talk to the man in charge, or the woman who knows what’s going on? The very busyThad White Building Supply yard. Rhonda’. A lot of people have thought I was his wife. Thad would tell them, ‘I don’t have a wife, I’ve never been married’.” The atmosphere at the lumber yard is welcoming with bar stools that line the counter, and a television that plays above it, candy and cool drinks are offered for sale, there are family photos on the walls along with several pictures of youth and livestock whom the business supports. All this amid an array of hardware. A full kitchen extends behind the office area. Rhonda informed they built it to help their employees have a place to cook their own lunch. She said after the only cafe in town closed, the men got tired of cold sandwiches. Now they enjoy hot crockpot meals. Rhonda seems to be an encourager to customers whether on the phone or in person. Meanwhile, outside the door, the yard is buzzing with fork lifts and trucks being loaded for a steady stream of customers. Today, with whole buildings designated to store windows, doors, or specific lumber and roofing, the business has come a long way from one building and one fork lift in the early years. n Richard Wilkinson stacking shingles at Thad White Lumber Supply. THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 55
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HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 10:30am - 2:30pm
AND Don’t Forget...We Have Drive-thru Service!
Z 918-968-4228 /918-290-9078 Z
OPENING SOON!
Come Try Our Delicious Steaks and Baked Goods
LOCATED IN DAVENPORT ON ROUTE 66 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 59
Enjo
OOM BANQUET R
! AVAILABLE
211 N. Cleveland • Cushing • 918-225-2299
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!
WORKING MAN SPECIAL
1605 West Broadway • Drumright, OK • 918-352-3434 HOURS: 7am-9pm • CLOSED TUESDAY & SUNDAY
EL POLLO de la CASA
ALL YOU CAN EAT
Served with Rice
CATFISH
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER
FRIDAYS 4-9pm
Mon - Thur 11 to 9 • Fri & Sat 11 to 10 • Sunday 11 to 3 OWNERS: Manuel & Nellye Chicas
ALSO...DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS!
Reservations & Carryout Available Banquet Rooms Available! Call to Reserve!
BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK ON THE CORRIDOR!
GREAT FOOD AWAITS at DAN’S BBQ on ROUTE 66!
D I N E I N A N D CA R R Y O U WE CATER
A N Y W H ER E. .. TO A N Y O Highway 66 / Davenport OK
918-377-2288
HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10-9 / FRIDAY-SATURDAY 10-10 / SUNDAY 10-3 60 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
NE
T!
THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 61
62 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
Ralph’s
PACKING COMPANY
Call Today!
Just Imagine..
800-522-3979
GRILLING A JUICY RIB EYE STEAK FROM RALPH’S PACKING...
GRILLING Marinated Flank Steak Ribeye Steak • Pork Burgers • Hot Links Bratwurst • Bacon/Cheddar Burgers No Junk Yard Dogs • Smoked Sausage
Get Your Grilling & Smoking Items for all Your Family Gatherings!
SMOKING
Seasoned Pork Shoulder Brisket • Bologna • Ribs Country Style Ribs
Family Owned & Operated Since 1959 / 500 West Freeman / Perkins, OK / www.ralphspacking.com THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017 63
CROWN AUTO WORLD BRISTOW
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One o f pre-owthe best ned c ar selec on Ro tions ute 66
ARGE
FOR T
RAM B HE OX!!!
COMMERCIAL TRUCK HEADQUARTERS
from
SAlES AND SERVICE tulsa to OKC 901 S. Roland • 918-367-3423
ARCADIA
WELLSTON
LUTHER
64 THE CORRIDOR / MARCH 2017
DAVENPORT
cN SAPULPA KELLYVILLE
BRISTOW
DEPEW
STROUD
www.bristowdodge.com