Weekly Washita Valley Now in Our 12th Year of Service Published Every Wednesday Delivered Free to Over 15,000 Homes Take One FREE! PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid Chickasha, Oklahoma Permit No. 8 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Volume 12 Issue 29 • December 24, 2014 • Offices: 920 S.4th - Chickasha, OK • [email protected] • Phone: 405-224-7467 • Fax: 405-224-7469 • www.washitavalleyweekly.com Shepherds experience Angelic event Dateline Bethleham - Bethleham is filled with people this week as citizens are returning to their hometowns for the census. Inns are reported to be full to overbooked with visitors. Sleeping space is at a premium. Emperor Caesar Augustus of Rome has declared that every citizen throughout the country should return to their hometown so that a census can be taken. The census is required so that taxes can be assessed from the population. One couple, Joseph and Mary from Nazareth could not find a place at an inn and were forced to stay in a stable. It just so happened that Mary was pregnant and while staying in the stable her baby was born. This is her firstborn child, a son and she wrapped the infant snuggly in cloth and used the manger for a crib. Later that night a group of shepherds came to the stable to view the newborn boy. When asked how the shepherds found out about the birth in the stable and why they made their way there, they reported that they were approached by Angels. “We were just guarding our sheep last night”, said one of the shepherds, “when the sky lit up like daylight with a host of angels. Let me tell you that was pretty frightening. One of the Angels told us not to be afraid. He said that he brought us good news. That a Saviour is born in David’s city (Bethleham). He told us to go look in a stable”. One of the other shepherds chimed in, “All of a sudden there were angels everywhere saying ‘Glory to God in heaven, and peace to all those who He favors’. It was amazing!” See “Angels” on Page 2 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship December 24th 6 p.m. Epworth UnitEd MEthodist ChUrCh Childcare for children up-to 3yrs old provided. 4th and Iowa, Chickasha 405-224-3320 Starting at $119 Last Minute Ideas! Open til 5pm on Christmas Eve 0% Interest ‘till 2016 Ask for Details Hours M-F 9-5:30 Sat 9-5 Jewelry Repair / Custom Design / Free Estimates / Watch Batteries 327 Chickasha Ave - Downtown 405-224-9021 • 800-924-9021 & Diamonds Page 2 Washita Valley Weekly “Angels” continued from page 1 “My Community Magazine” December 24, 2014 December is Food For Fines month at Chickasha Library The shepherds said that the angels disappeared as quickly as they had come. At that point they decided to come into Bethleham and see for themselves this baby that the angels had revealed to them. For the sixteenth year, December is “Food for Fines” month at the Chickasha Public Library where overdue fines may be paid through Dec. 31 with a donation of non-perishable food. “The food will be given to our local Food Pantry. There is such a great need this year that I am asking everyone who comes to the Library to contribute,” said Library Director Lillie Huckaby. “Even if you do not owe a fine, please donate some food for the Food Pantry. Twenty-one boxes of food were collected and given to the Food Pantry last year. I think we can do more this year, let’s try.” The value of the food does not have to equal the amount of the fine. Any donation will cover any fine. However, if a book has been lost, the replacement cost of the book must be paid. Only the fine itself will be waived. “In addition to the much-needed food, many overdue books come home to the Library. Not having to repurchase popular titles means the Library can buy more new books,” Huckaby said. For more details, call the Chickasha Public Library at 222-6075. Todd’s Tire Center Leads Christmas Effort Mary Green-Young and Matthew Green-Young joined other members of Epworth United Methodist Church in telling the story of the Birth of Jesus in the Festival of Light’s Live Nativity. WVW Photo by JJ Francais. Everyone at the stable was amazed at the shepherds story. The shepherds then returned home to their flocks singing and glorifying God for all they had experienced. Mary, the new mother, said she would never forget the shepherds and their stories and experiences with the angels. The innkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was glad to be able to help in a small way during this exciting time. TEA Party Seeks Donations The Grady County TEA Party is seeking donations for a fund raising garage sale to be held early next year. Donations may be dropped off at the TEA Shack located on South 4th, or by calling Mark Keeling at 405-320-8797 and arranging for pick up. All donations are appreciated. Interesting but useless fact: Mexico City sinks about 10 inches a year. Dogfucius Say: Brains are wonderful. I wish everyone had one. Friends of The Salvation Army at Todd’s Muffler and Tire Center gave the first business gift of the holiday season recently when they presented a $750 donation to help TSA make Christmas merrier for hundreds of local families. From left are Steve Essex, Bubba Manuel, Donna Casey, Todd Morris and Lt. Alan Grimes, who leads the TSA for Grady and Caddo Counties. TSA Red Kettles are visible at Walmart, Atwoods and other local retailers. Local gifts remain local to help families in need. With a little more than a week to go before Christmas, the drive is far short of its $50,000 goal. Persons interested in volunteering or giving may call 405-224-5647. Christmas Spirit Library offering ancestry.com sessions A woman went to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. She said to the clerk, “May I have 50 Christmas stamps, please?” The clerk replied, “What denomination?” The woman says, “God help us. Has it come to this? Give me 6 Catholic, 12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists.” More Stories, Pictures & Slide Shows at www.ChickashaToday.com Chickasha Library patrons are invited to participate in Ancestry.com Night on the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ancestry.com is a website where you can explore your family history and start your family tree by accessing billions of genealogy records including Census, SSDI & Military records. “This is a great way to try Ancestry.com for the first time or just have the time to utilize it,” Library Director Lillie Huckaby said. There will be someone available to provide limited help and guidance in using it. Reservations are suggested due to the limited number of computers available. AROUND THE CLOCK HOME CARE SERVICES “Private Special Care for You or Your Loved One” 313 Chickasha Ave. Downtown Chickasha, OK www.aroundtheclockhc.com 405-222-6493 (fax) Patti Abercrombie RN Owner/Administrator 405-222-6478 We wish you a Merry Christmas! Thanks for reading us! Thanks for advertising with us! Happy Holidays Merry Christmas SHOP LOCAL! SHOP LOCAL! Seated (L-R): Donna Gibson, Ad Consultant; Debbie Watts, Owner/Office Manager; Deneva Chaney, Graphics/Web Master; Standing (L-R) Jerry Pittman, Editor/Ad Consultant; Wayne Watts, Owner, Publisher/Ad Consultant; JJ Francais, Photographer/Community Laison; Not Pictured Cindy Yancey, Ad Consultant; Kyle Horton, Distribution. God Bless America Happy New Year SHOP LOCAL! December 24, 2014 www.washitavalleyweekly.com Death Notices Memorials Lanell Annette Kern ... Funeral services for Lanell Annette Kern, 90, of Chickasha, were held on Sunday, December 21, 2014 in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Vaughn Wand officiating. Lanell Annette Kern was born March 10, 1924 in Abilene, Texas to David A. Shackelford and Hattie H. (Harvey) Shackelford. She died on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at her home in Chickasha. She grew up and graduated high school in the Abilene, Texas area. She went to California and worked at an airplane factory as a welder during WWII. She also joined the Navy Waves in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1945. She married James Poke Kern on July 17, 1945 and he also was a Veteran from WWII and was in the Marines. They were married for around 55 years, until his death in July 2000. Lanell was kindhearted, a precious, loving mother, and a devoted wife. She was a committed Christian, who prayed daily. She was Pentecostal Holiness and prior to becoming ill she attended The House of The Lord on 12th and Oregon in Chickahsa. She was buried in Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, Oklahoma, next to her husband, under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. Cathy Jane Miller ... Memorial service for Cathy Jane Miller, age 60 of Chickasha, Oklahoma, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2014 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Bryan Haynes will officiate. Cathy Jane was born the daughter of Darrell D. Eubank and Mary Jane Adams Eubank on August 29, 1954 in Chickasha. She died on December 14, 2014 at her home in Chickasha. Cathy grew up in Rush Springs and graduated from Rush Springs High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond for one year. She then returned to Chickasha where she worked for AO Optical for five years and later worked for Gabriel for about ten years. While in Chickasha, Cathy met and married Burton Miller. They made their home in Chickasha and were blessed with one daughter, Misty, who was born in 1978. Misty was the love of her life and they both shared a love for animals. She was preceded in death by her parents, Darrell and Mary Jane Eubank. Survivors include her daughter Misty Miller of Tuttle. Service was under the direction of the McRay Funeral Home. Complete obituaries and memorials with pictures (when provided) are posted on our on-line newspaper at Washita Valley Weekly Page Consider Pre-Need Sevices Now www.ChickashaToday.com Genevieve ‘Genny’ Newton ... Funeral services for Genevieve Newton, 87, of Chickasha, were held Monday, December 22, 2014 in Epworth United Methodist Church with Reverend Scott Keneda officiating. Genevieve C. Newton, known by most as ‘Aunt Genny’ was born on September 20, 1927 in Yale, Oklahoma to Thomas Anton Newton and Angie B. (Holcomb) Newton. She passed away Friday, December 19, 2014 in Chickasha. Genny was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church and she loved her church and church family. She always remembered the birthdays of many family and friends and sent them birthday cards. She was fond of good food with the fellowship of those she cared about. Genny loved Christmas time. She loved people and was quite the “social butterfly.” Three years ago, Genny moved to Nowata Gardens and loved living there. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 320 S. 4th Street, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your own choice. Interment was in Lawson Cemetery located near Yale, Oklahoma, under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. 707 East Choctaw • 405-222-0080 Across from Grady County Fairgrounds Saturdays by Appointment Open Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m Hal Cletis Lee ... Funeral Service for Hal Cletis Lee, age 85 of Amber, was held Monday December 22, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Pocasset. Mr. Lee was born September 25, 1929 in Purcell, Oklahoma. He was the son of Hal and Velma (Bingham) Lee. He died Friday December 19, 2014 at his home in Amber. Graveside service was held at 2:00 pm Monday December 22 at the Green Hill Cemetery Lindsay, Oklahoma under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home of Chickasha. Cheryl Renee Martin ... Funeral service for Cheryl Renee Martin, of Wichita Falls, TX, was Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel, Chickasha, OK. Cheryl Renee Martin was born August 30, 1979 at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to Jerry and Teresa Ann (Johnson) Martin. She passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Wichita Falls, Texas at the age of 35. Cheryl was a graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. She worked at Sheppard Air Force Base in support of the troops in clothing and uniform sales. Interment was in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, OK, under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Eva M. Redger ... Funeral service for Eva M. Redger, of Chickasha, OK, was held Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Eva M. Redger was born August 20, 1923 in Cimarron, Kansas to John and Mary (Koehn) Redger. She passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 in Chickasha at the age of 91. Miss Redger moved to Chickasha from Kansas in 1976. She had formerly worked for Bee Hive Day Care Center. She was a member of the Plainview Mennonite Church. Interment was in the Plainview Mennonite Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home, Chickasha, OK. Today’s News - Today! Click On It! www.chickashatoday.com “There are no winners or losers in life, only choosers.” Matthias Schmelz Experience the Unbelievable Quality of 4K Ultra High Definition Television. 49” to 81” Screens. FREE LG GPad Tablet with Your Purchase. Hurry, Free Offer expires soon. In an effort to provide additional giving at Christmas, the Chickasha Lions Club recently sponsored a Bedlam Football OU-OSU raffle ticket fund-raising project. Don Riley congratulates long-time resident Homer Hulme as this year’s winner. Just Some Thoughts Ladies, if a man says he will fix it, he will fix it! There is no need to remind him every 6 months about it. A friend of mine was complaining about how expensive his upcoming wedding is costing him. He is really going to be upset when he finds out what his divorce is going to cost. I once won an argument with a woman ... in this dream I had. My mother-in-law is coming for an extended visit. I guess I have to clear out half my closet so she will have a place to hang when she sleeps. I tried exercise but I am apparently alergic to it. My skin flushed, my heart raced, I got sweaty and short of breath. I think this is very dangerous. Established Since 1973 Deb orah Best Wishes FromSteve and Jennifer Osborn Joh nso n/T amm y He nry “Come visit us at the new store at 426 Chickasha Ave.” Where Beautiful Floors Begin CARPET MARKET 804 S. 3rd St • Chickasha 405‑222‑0899 3 www.carpetmarketok.com ALLEN’S T V - APPLIANCE 426 Chickasha Avenue 405‑222‑0597 We Believe in Oklahoma Do you need premium assistance? Are you part-time with no insurance? Are you losing insurance? Need help re-qualifying? Are you Native American and want freedom to choose and additional benefits? Page 4 Washita Valley Weekly “My Community Magazine” December 24, 2014 Sheriff’s Food Drive feeds almost 700 kids Assistant School Superintendent Robyn Morse retires Members of the Chickasha Public School Foundation last week presented a plaque t retiring Assistant Superintendent Robyn Morse during a reception in her honor. Morse, who served as an ex-officio member of the CPSF board for several years, leaves the district after almost 30 years of service. Pictured are, from left, Conrad Duprez, Morse, Alan Todd and Abby LaForge. (Washita Valley Weekly photo by JJ Francais) The Grady County Sheriff’s Office second annual holiday food drive at Homeland had enough food and money donated to feed almost 700 elementary children across Grady County that participate in the backpack program. Chickasha Homeland Manager Shawn King, Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Officer Lisa Hatchett, Homeland Asst. Manager Karol Jenkins and Sheriff Jim Weir with baskets of food for delivery. Cocktail Party Advice A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party. Their conversation was constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice. After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asked the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?” “I give it to them,” replied the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.” The doctor was shocked, but agreed to give it a try. The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared the bills. When he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a bill from the lawyer. “Sorry, there is no remote control for life. You have to get up off your lazy butt and change it yourself”. ... Seymore Folkes Your Business + Your Community + Washita Valley Weekly = Successful Marketing. Let Me Show You a Plan to Make it all Add Up! 405-224-7467 office Jerry Pittman Editor, Print Marketing Specialist 5 Star Rating Work Boots Grand Opening Steppin Out 725 W. Grand Chickasha JUSTIN RUGGED TAN COWHIDE WATERPROOF STAMPEDE™ SQUARE TOE, Steel Shank, Waterproof Full Bootie Construction, ASTM Electrical Hazard Rated Reg. 149.99 Sale $139.99 224-3123 JUSTIN TAN PREMIUM ROUND TOE, Steel Shank, ASTM Electrical Hazard Rated Reg. 119.99 Skilled Nursing Facility Rehabilitation & Long-term Care 3003 Iowa • P.O. Box 400 • Chickasha,OK 73023 405-224-0909 • Fax: 405-224-6975 At the Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit we say thank you and best wishes for the Holidays and a Happy New Year! “Caring from the Heart” Sale $109.99 Assisted Living Center 404 South 29th • P.O. Box 400 Chickasha, OK 73023 405-224-1717 • Fax: 405-224-9362 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Sat 10-8 Sunday 1-6 “Best wishes for a Happy Holiday season and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and good will throughout the year.” “ May your home be filled with joy and laughter throughout this Holiday Season.” All of us at Jay’s Jewelry extend our warmest Holiday Greetings. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Amy’s Dog Grooming 1927 S.6th Chickasha Tue - Sat 7am - 6pm Thome Cook Insurance 501 W. Chickasha 405-224-3652 327 Chickasha Ave - Downtown 405-224-9021 • 800-924-9021 God Bless America December 24, 2014 Washita Valley Weekly Page www.washitavalleyweekly.com 5 Santa and Sheriff team for food drive The Grady County Sheriff’s Office was at Homeland recently with Santa Claus for the final push on the Sheriff’s food drive. Pictured with Santa are Isom and Bryne Braziel. Santa Claus only comes once a year. That is enough to visit some people! Tour of Homes donates $2,500 to Resurrection House Members of the Chickasha Christmas Tour of Homes committee last week presented a check for $2,500 to the Resurrection House, representing the proceeds from the 2014 tour. Pictured are, front row, from left , Sheila Mosley, committee member; Julie Hibbard, Resurrection House representative; Anna Mosley; Dwight Yokum, whose home was on the tour; back row, from left, Tim and LuJuana Smith, whose home was on the tour and Dianna White, committee member. (Washita Valley Weekly photo by JJ Francais) Vapor Lounge e-cigarettes e-liquids & Accessories FREE 7ml bottle of “e” Liquid with any purchase! (with this ad) A Healthier Alternative To Smoking Chisholm Trail Mall 1206 N. Hwy 81 #47 Duncan, OK 73533 580-786-5022 210 S. 4th St. Ste. C Chickasha, OK 73018 405-224-1919 TNT Spirits and Wine Cellar Over 30 Years of Service Gift Packs “I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.” Shirley Temple 5 $ 00 OFF Crown Royal® Regal Apple Expires 12-31-14 from $12.99 Gift Cards Available Chickasha’s Largest Selection of Wines & Spirits 750MIL 405-222-2754 Menu Located in Grandview Shopping Center 611 West Grand, Chickasha “At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit we say.... • Carpet Sales • Carpet Cleaning Mike McGill Ok Carpet 1502 Missouri Ave. (405) 222-8971 Thank you and Best Wishes For A Wonderful Holiday Season” At the holiday season our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit we say thank you and best wishes for the holidays and a happy new year. Open ‘til 3pm December 24th All of us at Ross Seed joins in saying Thank You for your patronage and in wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year! www.dehartac.com ® START RIGHT. START HERE.® 412-416 Choctaw - Chickasha 405-224-222 405-224-2222 We Believe in Oklahoma 1201 South 4th Street - Chickasha 405-224-0184 Page 6 Washita Valley Weekly “My Community Magazine” December 24, 2014 Christmas Eve services set; Heart of School Foundation Names Francais Christmas Meal is Thursday Executive Director Several churches have special services planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to observe the reason for the season. Also, Bible Baptist Church, 226 29th St., will host its Heart of Christmas Meal on Christmas Day. The annual event is open to everyone in the community and dinner will be served from 11 am to 1 pm. For those who can’t get to the church, delivery of meals is available by calling 405-224-1569. “We already will be delivering about 500 meals to those in the Mobile Meals program,” said David Brinkman, associate pastor. Those folks do not need to call for delivery, which will begin at about 10:30 a.m. Each child 12 and under in attendance Thursday will receive a toy. Brinkman said you must be at the church to receive the gift. Brinkman said Pastor Kim Hayes would deliver a brief Christmas message at about noon. “We’ll also have music with several people singing and playing,” he said. Other Christmas Eve and Christmas Services to held this week at Chickasha Churches include: • Epworth United Methodist Church, 4th & Iowa, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Childcare for children up to three years old will be provided. • First Christian Church, 6th & Kansas, will hold two services on Christmas Eve. The first will begin at 5:30 p.m. will feature a Christmas play by the church youth. At 11:15 p.m. that evening, the church will conduct a more traditional Christmas Candlelight Service of worship and communion. Both services will conclude with the solemn lighting of candles. • First Baptist Church, 324 W. Colorado Ave., will hold a special Candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. And, on Sunday, Dec. 28, the church will have a family-style worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Worship Center. There will be no Sunday School that day. • Holy Name Catholic Church, 210 S. 7th St., will hold a Midnight Mass beginning at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. There will be a Spanish Midnight Mass as well. At 9 a.m. Thursday, there will be a Christmas Day Mass. • St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 124 6th St., will celebrate The Eve of the Nativity on Wednesday with morning prayer at 7:30 am, evening prayer at 5:30 pm, carols at 10 pm, and Midnight Mass at 10:30 pm, with a reception to follow. On Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ will be celebrated with morning prayer at 9:30 am, Holy Eucharist at 10 am and evening prayer, 5:30 pm. • Parkview Christian Church, 2828 South 9th Open Christmas Day St., will have a Christmas 11am to 10pm Eve service beginning at 6 pm. Candy Cane Chill is back at DQ®! Tempt your taste buds with a delicious Blizzard® treat, a devine Dear GOD, Royal™ Shake or a decadent Blizzard® treat in a We read Thomas Ediwaffle cone! They’re only available for a limited son made light! But time so head to your DQ® now and enjoy! The Chickasha Public School Foundation board has appointed JJ Francais as Executive Director. Francais succeeds Joyce Black, who has been serving as interim director. He began work on Dec. 11. As Executive Director, Francais will be responsible for continuing the Foundation’s existing programs and developing new programs to enhance the educational opportunities for students in the District. He has had a diverse mix of private sector and public service jobs “My passion has always been to help others become successful members of society,” he said. Francais didn’t always call Chickasha home, having moved here in 2006. JJ Francais “Growing up I considered both Dibble and Chickasha hometowns, not unlike many of our youth, I thought I wanted to go to college outside of Chickasha. I thought I wanted to ‘see the world’ and then come back to Oklahoma,” he said. Francais moved to Chickasha to attend college, earning a B.A. in history from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Upon graduation, he began advertising test prep services, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one personalized tutoring. John Rood, the C.E.O. of Next Step Test Prep, discovered one of the advertisements and recruited him as a tutor. JJ was quickly promoted to regional manager and began working with various student groups to offer workshops on test prep, soft skills, resumes, and numerous other topics. He was then led to Heart 4 Children Ministries (H4CM) where he served as Director of Fundraising and as Southwest Oklahoma Coordinator. During his tenure annual revenue increased 400 percent. Most recently, Francais has served community liaison, photographer and reporter at the Washita Valley Weekly. Mr. Francais also serves as a mentor with Chickasha High School Robotics, a board member of the Grady County Historical Society and the USAO Alumni Association. His is Chair of the Chickasha Chamber Ambassadors. The Foundation invites you to a Business After Hours meet and greet, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, on January 22, 2015 from 5 pm to 6 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 900 Choctaw Avenue. Candy Cane Chill Treats in Sunday school they said You did it. So I bet he stole your idea. --Sincerely, Donna 720 West Choctaw Chickasha To Go Orders 405-224-1712 chan-web Design STAND OUT! Order your Ice Cream Cakes Now! Happy Holidays from Your Friends at DQ! Graphics & Web Design Call Now! 405.535.5842 Get Your Business Noticed! God Bless America December 24, 2014 Computer Scam Bryan boyd of PC Service and Repair is reporting that he has had several customers contact him about a computer scam. Bryan says to watch out for phone calls from fake employees of large companies. They will advise that you have a bad virus or infection on your computer, and instruct you to allow them access to your computer to remove these serious threats. “No one should have previous knowledge about the files on your computer. If they really knew what was on your system, this would be a serious invasion of your privacy. But, they really don’t know, and they won’t find out, unless you let them have remote access to your computer,” said Boyd. He urges you to not allow anyone access to your computer unless you have called them. If someone calls, just hangup. If you find that you have let someone access your computer, turn the computer off. “Life is like a tenspeed bicycle…Most of us have gears that we never use.” -- Charlie Brown in Peanuts “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare: it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” -- Senaca Donna Gibson Advertising & Promotion “We Reach More People for Less Money” 405-224-7467 office • 405-448-0071 direct “There are no rules around here! We’re trying to accomplish something!” -- Thomas Edison “Lets keep the Christmas Spirit all year long.” Seymore Folkes Old Fashion Bible Preaching & Country Gospel Music Sunday Morning The Triple Cross Band Dr. Dale Linebaugh Currently on Sabatical Come Join Us! 2 Services - No Ties - Hot Coffee - Fresh Donuts Loud Country Gospel Music - Short Sermons Other OppOrtunities Wednesday Night Bible Study - 7:00 pm Eatin’ Meetin’ - First Wednesday Night - 6:30 pm 7 From the Sheriff’s Desk Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir Office: 405-222-5085 Emergency: 911 A Merry Christmas to everyone in Grady County. As this year closes I want you to know we have much to be thankful for in our county. One way we track crime statistics is by assigning case numbers to all reportable crimes and qualifying incidents that occur throughout the year. I am pleased to report that this time last year we had used 1158 case numbers while this year we have used only 1030. This represents over a ten percent drop in crime this year. I believe this is a result of our deputies being proactive in their duties. When not on specific calls they are patrolling, making traffic stops and checking buildings and residences. I am very thankful for the people we protect and serve in our county. I am sure if you have been watching the news over the last several weeks you have seen citizens, media talking heads and politicians berating and bad mouthing law enforcement officers all over our fine nation. This is not the case in our neck of the woods. I have lost track of how many times people, who live in Grady County, have approached us on the street, in restaurants and on calls have thanked us for our service. They would say things like, “ignore what you are hearing in the news, I know what a difficult job y’all have and I appreciate all you do.” On behalf of our Deputies and every law enforcement officer in our county, I want to thank you for all of your support. As a demonstration of why your support is not misplaced, I want to relate an incident that occurred December 1st. Just after midnight, Rush Springs Officer Aaron Mitchell and Deputy Corey Loftice responded to a possible heart attack. Upon arrival they found a 56 year old male unconscious and unresponsive. They were informed he had been down and not breathing for thirty minutes. Rather than waiting on EMS they immediately began CPR. At 0346am he was admitted to the Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City in stable condition. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his condition and passed away later that day. The point being, they cared enough to give it their all and gave him a fighting chance. The Grady County Sheriff’s Office has been busy collecting non-perishable food and money for our food drive. We want to thank everyone who has donated to us. We are able to deliver food to almost 700 needy elementary children in Grady County schools on the backpack program. We have several large donors we’d like to recognize: Secrett Braziel, Vicki Stewart and Bart and Carol Bingham. We’d also thank Homeland for pairing with us for the 2nd year, Karol and Shawn really go above and beyond and we appreciate them! We had a busy November with lots of things going on, including our 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Banquet. We’d like to thank everyone who donated door prizes for our event. We recognized Sgt. Phil Blevins as Deputy of the Year, Diane Grahm as the Dispatcher of the Year, Deputy Dick Lee as the Reserve Deputy of the Year and Lisa Hatchett was recognized with the Sheriff’s Award. We had a great turn out with law enforcement from Donuts across the county. Cinnamon Rolls We hope everyone Pastries has a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy Cakes New Year. Once again, Cookies Delicious as always, my office is Kolaches Brownies open to you, if you’d like Open 7 Days a Week to visit with me, call or Mon-Fri 4:30am - 3pm come by my office. 601 South 4th| Chickasha the holiday Sweet Spot! 8:15 Adult Sunday School 9:00 Early Service 10:30 Morning Service 11:15 Childrens Church Pastor Lynn Walker Washita Valley Weekly Page www.washitavalleyweekly.com Sat Sun 4:30am - 2pm 6:00am - 12 noon COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH 4092 Norge Road (Hwy 92) Chickasha 405-320-0055 We Believe in Oklahoma Snyders Paradise Donuts 405-224-2907 Page 8 Washita Valley Weekly “My Community Magazine” Christmas Homecoming for the Common Good By REP. DAVID PERRYMAN D-Chickasha, Dist. 56 Growing up, we received a number of papers and magazines. Among them were the Farmer-Stockman and Progressive Famer, but my favorite was the Saturday Evening Post. It included very readable articles and novellas, but illustrators of “Americana” such as Norman Rockwell and John Phillip Falter “made” the magazine. Today, Rockwell prints make me pause to admire the detail and deeply inhale the air of nostalgia so adeptly communicated by the artist. Norman Rockwell’s subjects were varied. Much of his brightly colored art focused on the holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas. He painted an abundance of the Jolly Old Elf in a multitude of situations and predicaments. Tree trimming and families at their dinner tables are among the most memorable. However, the one print that resonates most clearly is a lithograph simply called “Homecoming.” The artwork shows a man being greeted with the genuine love and admiration of a community of nearly two dozen people whose eyes, smiles and posture unconditionally shout WELCOME. Subtly, we are drawn into the scene and share in the affection toward the man. The quality that underscores the message of “Homecoming” is that the person being greeted is seen only from the back. Consequently, we do not know whether he is a returning hero or a former lost soul Glory to God in the highest, on earth, good will towards men! Luke 2:14 Thank you for your business this past year and we look forward to serving you in 2015. 352-04308 Morrison Propane 813 U.S. 81, Minco who has sought and received forgiveness and redemption. We are unable to determine whether his travels have allowed him to attain great wealth or have taken him through the depths of despair and addiction. He may be a returning prodigal son or may have been recently released from prison. Perhaps he has suffered from mental illness. What Rockwell communicates is that he is a human being and all eyes are focused on him and not the three or four small packages under his arm. In fact, except for the fact that color was added to this print, festive wrapping paper was added to the packages and the picture later appeared as the December 25, 1948 cover on the Saturday Evening Post, there is little, if any indication that the return was associated with a holiday at all. What Rockwell communicates in drawing us into the scene is that EVERYONE is deserving of human compassion and not just this holiday season, but EVERYDAY in America. Otherwise, there is not a scintilla of difference between us and ANYONE else who shares compassion only with those whose presence makes them “comfortable.” Another set of Rockwell prints hang in my office. They are titled the “Four Freedoms” and in addition to Religion and Speech, include “Freedom from Fear” and “Freedom from Want.” Claiming the first two is a hollow victory if fear and want control our lives. • That is my Christmas message, but it is being scrambled by negative and destructive cable news networks that pelt us endlessy and manipulate us with fear, hate and despair. We can do better. Merry Christmas. Contact me at any time at 800-522-8502, or [email protected]. A holiday wish for pleasant surprises, yummy treats and happy faces for you and yours. May this Christmas be your best ever. December 24, 2014 Wildflower Plot should blossom next spring The Rural Neighbors Home Extension Club recently completed a beautification project in conjunction with the Beautification Office of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The groups committee sought out a site with the assistance of ODOT, located East of Chickasha on Highway 9 just passed the Golf Course exit. Crimson Clover and White Oxide Daisys were selected and planted on a berm on the Northside on the highway and in the median in the same area. The OHCE club purchased the seeds with funds they have raised this past year. “This is one of the first wildflower sites planted in the past 3 years due to the area drought,” said Melody Johnson, Director of Beautification for ODOT. Brad Mirth with ODOT helped with the site selection. According to Mirth some of the wildflowers may make a showing next spring. Pat Brownen is President of the Rural Neighbors group. Keep warm and cozy all winter One of the true joys of the holidays is to say thank you and wish you the best in the coming year. We appreciate your business and wish to express our gratitude to those who have made our progress possible. Danny and Vicki King Richard’s Printing, LLC 2200 S. 29th Street Chickasha - 405-224-8640 God Bless America We would like to Thank all of our customers and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Buchanan’s Heating & Air for any Heating & Cooling Needs 405-224-2053 December 24, 2014 Washita Valley Weekly Page www.washitavalleyweekly.com CAAC’s Student ‘Art & Energy’ Calendars Available Enjoy the beautiful artwork of creative area students ALL YEAR with the NEW 2015 Student ‘Art & Energy’ calendar! This is a project of the Chickasha Area Arts Council (CAAC) for the Rock Island Arts Festival 2015. Calendars are available for purchase NOW through the CAAC and make wonderful, memorable gifts for family, friends, co-workers and that someone special! As part of the 6th annual Rock Island Arts Festival 2014, which was September 26-28, a new event was held – a Student Art Contest! From all the drawings submitted, 13 winners were selected and each received a cash award, as well as the honor of having their drawings featured in an 8 ½ by 11 inch 2015 wall calendar. All students were instructed to use only colored pencils to create their original ‘Art and Energy’ themed drawings. The award winning students are in grades two through ten and attend schools in Anadarko, Chickasha, Minco and Ninnekah. The grand prize winner is Tanashia Bell from Ninnekah High School and her drawing is featured on the calendar cover. Other student award winners with drawings in the calendar are Jayda Moore, 2nd grade in Anadarko; Yesenia Ramirez, 3rd grade in Minco; Jordyn Lee, 4th grade in Ninnekah; Hennessy Yates, 4th grade in Ninnekah; Lily Keith, 5th grade in Chickasha; Stephen Rodriguez, 5th grade in Chickasha; Abbegail Pettit, 5th grade in Chickasha; Antonia Maldonado, 6th grade in Chickasha; Amber Kawaykla, 6th grade in Chickasha; Adriana Lara, 10 grade in Ninnekah; Hannah Johnson, 10 grade in Ninnekah; and Morgan Mitchell, 10th grade in Ninnekah. Teachers of the winning students are Ms. Kirtley in Anadarko, Ms. Ledford in Chickasha, Mrs. Jones in Minco, Mrs. Hutton, Ms. Moore and Mrs. Rowell in Ninnekah. Calendars may be purchased for $10 by calling Erin at (405) 388-3038 or emailing [email protected] with contact information. All profits from the ‘Art & Energy’ calendars will help fund the 7th Annual Rock Island Arts Festival on October 2-4, 2015. Erin Ledford, Chair of the RIAF 2014 Student Art Contest, is shown with three of the winners. The students were recognized and received their calendar at the annual membership meeting of the Chickasha Area Arts Council on December 8. Shown from left to right are Jordyn Lee of Ninnekah, Ms. Ledford holding the new ‘Art & Energy’ calendar, Lily Keith of Chickasha and Hannah Johnson of Ninnekah. The cover of the calendar features the grand prize drawing of Tanashia Bell, a sophomore at Ninnekah High School. Calendars may be purchased for $10 by calling (405) 388-3038 or emailing [email protected] and leaving contact information. All profits from the ‘Art & Energy’ calendars will help fund the 7th Annual Rock Island Arts Festival, which is October 2-4, 2015. See More Stories, pictures & Slide Shows at www.ChickashaToday.com COOK’S SEPTIC SERVICE • Tank Cleaning • DeQ CerTifieD 405-643-2108 / 580-550-0545 To l l F r e e 1 - 8 7 7 - 3 6 9 - 7 3 0 5 PIT $5 OFF OIL CHANGE STOP Expires one per customer cannot combine with other offers 3/31/15 T OP ST PI P O ST T PI Got someone hard to buy for? Gift Certificates Make GREAT Stocking Stuffers! U-Haul Truck Trailer Rental “We can cover all your moving needs and Supplies” Over 20 Years in Business •Locally Owned and Operated, “ Owner on site daily” 224-6685 408 W. Country Club Rd. • Chickasha “At the close of another year, we gratefully pause to wish you a warm and happy holiday season.” From the Staff at Domino’s Pizza Happy Holidays Airplane Flight-Seeing Tours T Domino’s Pizza 806 S. 4th, Chickasha T Festival of Light T T 9 T SAVE 20% with this ad 20 Minute Tours T 6pm - 9pm (most nights) T Adults $40 Kids (under 12) $30 Reservations: 405-224-8359 Chickasha Airport Hanger 4 (Far West End) We Believe in Oklahoma January 13 Elections Tuesday January 13th residents of Alex will have the opportunity to vote in a Special Town Election. The voters will be asked to all the Town Clerk-Treasurer by appointed by a majority of the Town Board of Trustees? Ballots will allow a “yes” vote for the proposition and a “no” vote against the proposition. Also, residents inside the Bray-Doyle School District will be voting on two bond proposals. Proposition 1 will allow the school district to incur an indebtedness for 10 years of $2.510,000 to provide funds for the ‘purpose of constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures and equipment and acquiring and improving school sites’. Proposition 2 is for $300,000 ‘to provide funds for the purpose of purchasing transportation equipment’. That tax is for 5 years. Bond funds are collected through real estate taxes in the area or district that is affected. It’s the Little Things that Mean the Most! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you to all my customers for your support. I look forward to serving you in 2015. Alan’s Benchworks 510 South 4th - Chickasha 405-222-1181 Page 10 Washita Valley Weekly “My Community Magazine” December 24, 2014 Buy - Sell - Trade Classified Ad Deadline is each Friday Afternoon at 3:00 pm - Use the Handy Form at the Bottom of the Page PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AREA CODE WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER. THE WASHITA VALLEY WEEKLY REACHES READERS IN BOTH 405 AND 580 AREA CODES. ______________________ Classified Ads in This Section are Priced at $5 for the first 15 words. 25¢ each word over 15 words. Drop your ad by our Office at 920 S 4th in Chickasha or call 405-224-7467 with a Credit Card. “Lets Sell Something Today!” (Commercial and Business Ads slightly higher) ______________________ For Sale: Antique Duncan Phyfe dining set, china cabinet and buffet. 405-8264431. (51) ______________________ Good Clean Soft Grass hay for sale, $40 to $50 bale. 405-863-5584, 7798761. (53) ______________________ WANT TO BUY MINERAL RIGHTS. CALL 405224-6653. 10-14 Looking For A Pet? Call or stop by Chickasha Animal Shelter. We have lots of pups and loving pets. 203 N. Genevieve, Chickasha or Call 405-222-6093. ______________________ I Buy Vintage Mens watches, guns, pre 1920 postcards, antiques and items of interest. Call Dan 405-5742543. (tfn) ______________________ FREE CLOTHING and household items. 823 Choctaw Avenue, Chickasha. Monday - Saturday 9am-12/1-4pm. (tfn) ______________________ Larry’s Coins, Buying gold and silver coins, medallions, stamp collections, shotgun rolls of coins. Want to buy acoustic guitar and graded baseball cards, inserts & autographs. Throwing thousands away? I’ve seen it happen! Let me sort through your large batches of coins before you give them to the bank. I will find all the silver and error coins and pay you for them. 405248-1985. ( 04) Bose Wave ll Radio, $200. New solid cherry 6 drawer dresser with mirror, $250. 580-695-1043. (51) ______________________ We would like to have your Spencer Grocery receipts and your Best Choice Brand UPC Barcode Labels for Friends Fur Change. Call Stephanie, 405-3200037. ______________________ Concrete Work & Tree Trimming, driveways, curbs, etc. Free estimates and reasonable rates. Call Scott, 405-779-4293. (tfn) ______________________ For Sale: International tractor, 3 cylinder diesel with 60” Woods finish mower. Clean, good shape. $4550, 580-606-3716. (51) ______________________ 1994 Chevy Camaro. 164k miles, V-6, teal green, good tires, alloys, needs work. $1500 obo. 405-7852244. (01) Help Wanted E m p lo ym en t Op p ort un i t i e s Now Hiring BARTENDER at Washita Gaming Center. Please apply online at www. traditionsspirits. com or in person 405-392-4550 Small Non-Denominational Church in Chickasha, Ok, seeking ordained Pastor & Wife. Must live locally & have ministry calling. 405-381-8341 Glenhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation 3003 W. Iowa Chickasha,OK is taking applications for the following: LPN - 3-11 shifts. CNA - All shifts, Monday - Friday. CMA’s - Relief on all shifts. Looking for qualified candidates who are caring and want to make a difference for our residents. Benefits include vacation, sick pay, affordable health insurance. Apply in Person. Under New Ownership Wootton New Holland in Chickasha is seeking an experienced and motivated Technician. Must have own tools, valid driver’s license, and be able to pass drug screening. Competitive wages, depending on experience, and great benefits packages are available. Apply in person at 402 N 16th St. Chickasha. or Call for more info. 405-222-1451 DRIVERS NEEDED At Tuttle Plant 620 N. CimarroN rd. TuTTle 405-381-2393 ATLAS TUCK CONCRETE, INC. Mechanic Needed __________________ Merry Christmas! Full TiMe Medical and life insurance, 401K, Paid Vacation. Apply Standridge Equipment Co. 627 N. 16th - Chickasha, OK 405-224-4411 Big Red Bow For Your Car Every Christmas, holiday-themed car commercials spur millions to wonder ‘who gives a car for Christmas?’ immediately followed by ‘and where do they find those big bows?’ It turns out, plenty of people give cars for Christmas. December sees the highest rate of car sales all year. That is due, in part, to yearend discounts car dealerships pile on to existing inventories as they try to clear lots for the latest model years. According to TrueCar data from last year, December 31 is the best day to buy a new car. While some people might be able to buy cars as surprise Christmas gifts, a new car is usually not a surprise. A car is the second-most expensive purchase most families will make. Car buying is normally a carefully thought out and discussed process. That’s where the bow comes in. “It makes the presentation a gift. It really makes the car a gift,” said Lynda King, owner and operator of King Size Bows. King realized there was a niche for huge bows in the 1980s after searching for a big bow for her teenage daughter’s Christmas gift, a Volkswagen convertible. She ended up fashioning a bow on the fly then, but the idea for a company that makes and ships car size bows stayed with her. While King makes bows for all occasions, including building size bows, half of her business is bows for cars. King Size Bows have appeared on Oprah, in car commercials, such as the most recent Lexus ‘December to Remember’ ads, and as a giveaway from dealerships looking to gild their sales. With a retail price of $49.99, it may be the most affordable part about giving a car for Christmas. You can buy one here: http://www.kingsizebows.com/index.php ree Servic J&ET e Tree Trimming • Removal and Crown Reduction • Flower Beds • Firewood Landscaping • Sodding • Stump Grinding • Transplanting Trees Arial Lifts Available 405-222-0382 God Bless America Hometown Thrift Savings on Everything Buy-Sell-Trade Appliances•Furniture Antique•Unique 405-779-1291 405 W. Arkansas Ave. Chickasha, OK December 24, 2014 Washita Valley Weekly Page www.washitavalleyweekly.com For Sale by Owner 2002 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8, Black on Black with Leather Interior, Excellent Condition, Well Maintained. $4,000. Call 405-990-7449 Buy-Sell-Trade Sign Up Now for Self Defense License Class! Find Your Shooting Enthusiast’s Gift Here! SDA • FFL Transfers Handgun Class • New Gun Sales • Gunsmith Services Available Call for Next Class • Layaway on Purchases • We Buy Guns/Gold/Silver D&R Guns and Ammo 323 E Broadway - Anadarko FFL Dealer 405-247-3790 Tires - Tires - Tires - Tires - Tires - Tires Oil Changes - Oil Changes - Oil Changes Treated Wood • Custom Built • Delivery Available Workmanship, material & Satisfaction Garanteed LOOKING FOR FUN Come Water Usage on Priority List 11 By SEN. RON JUSTICE R-Chickasha, Dist. 23 I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving. As we enter the Christmas season and take a moment to reflect back over the year it’s important for us to be reminded that we are truly blessed and have the freedoms we’re allowed to enjoy because of the sacrifices of the many great men and women who serve and have served in the military. I had the opportunity to attend some very meaningful veteran programs this year and am so very appreciative for theirs and their families’ sacrifices. I hope we will never take their service and dedication to our country for granted but will continue to extend our appreciation throughout the holiday season and year for all of their sacrifices. As 2014 comes to a close and everyone is preparing for the Christmas holiday, we’re preparing for the next legislative session. The deadline for Senate bill requests was Dec. 12th. Organizational day is set for Jan. 6th and the bill introduction deadline is Jan. 22nd. The first day of session is the first Monday of February and this year that will be on Feb. 2nd. Of course, we won’t know until we reach some of these deadlines what issues we’ll be dealing with in 2015 but I’m sure water usage and conservation will again be high on the priority list. Even though we have had rain in many parts of the state, the drought is certainly not over for Oklahoma and the use of water is on the minds of many. Many residents often ask about water usage in the state and it may be of interest to you that statewide the water use is approximately 46 percent for crops and livestock, 32 percent for municipal and industrial, 14 percent for Thermoelectric power, seven percent for self-supplied residential and industrial and two percent for oil and gas. As we look at the usage percentages, it’s important to know that a tremendous amount of research is being done in the area of agricultural to use water more efficiently. In fact, due to the extensive research in recent years, there is less water being used per acre and with more production per acre. It’s important that these efforts continue to insure an adequate food supply and at the same time protect our greatest resource, water. Also there is much research being conducted in the areas of recycling water for use. Most of this research has been directed to agriculture and the oil and gas industry. As we move forward it’s certain that we will continue to see this research expanded to municipal and industrial use as well. Water for recreational use is also vital to the economy of Oklahoma and certainly cannot be over looked. Making sure we protect the quality of our rivers and streams is a very important part of this issue. Oklahomans must continue to work together in all areas to make sure our state’s economy stays strong and future generations have a state they can be proud of. To contact me at the Capitol, please write to Senator Ron Justice, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 520, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at [email protected], or call (405) 521-5537. Season’s Greetings 117 S. Main Alex 405-800-4875 Need Help . . . Don’t Be Afraid to Call 405-222-5483 The year end brings no greater pleasure than the opportunity to express to you Season’s Greetings and Good Wishes! May your Christmas and New Year be filled with JOY! visit Ward’s Custom Woodwork Many other items available & Handyman Services Available All Services are FREE and Confidential. Court Approved Parenting Classes. FREE Baby Food & Clothing [email protected] Reg. Table $225 - Childs Table $140 Child’s Ironing Board w/Iron $35 See-Saw’s Sm. $100 Med. $125 Double $250 Sand Box: $130 - *$140 (*with handles) Murphy Tables: Sm. $225 Lg. $275 Enviornmental Chemist, Inc. Denver Talley 405-224-2322 We Can Help! 1201 Choctaw Avenue - Chickasha w w w. w o m e n s c a r e p c . o r g Weekly Washita Valley PHONE 405‑224‑7467 FAX 405‑224‑7469 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Don’t Give All Your Cash to Santa ... Let Me Repair Your Computer! Spend Your Money on Something Else. 920 South 4th PO Box 2491 Chickasha, OK 73023 $95* Virus Removal & File Optimization www.washitavalleyweekly.com Established May 1, 2003, the Washita Valley Weekly is mailed free to residents of Grady and Caddo Counties of Oklahoma. The present circulation is 15.100. Out of area subscriptions are $75.00 a year. The Washita Valley Weekly will never intentionally print any erroneous reflection upon character, standing, or reputation of any individual or firm. The Washita Valley Weekly reserves the right to refuse any or all material submitted for publication which seems detrimental to the paper or the communities served. No material may be reproduced without the express written consent of the Washita Valley Weekly, including but not limited to classifieds, articles, and display advertising. The Washita Valley Weekly is not responsible for copy errors, typographical errors, or any unintentional error that may occur in advertising other than to correct it in the next issue after it is brought to the attention of the Washita Valley Weekly. First insertion of all types of advertising is proof of publication, and all adjustments will be made to the first appearance only. Liability is limited to the cost of ad insertion only. Call Bryan for your LOCAL answer to Computer Problems! PC Service & Repair Bryan Boyd (405) 224-6718 We Believe in Oklahoma Call for: • Software Installation • Computer Upgrades • Speed Optimization Page 12 Washita Valley Weekly Fair and Biased by Steve Fair “My Community Magazine” Steve Fair is National Committeeman for the Oklahoma Republican Party. He may be reached by phone at 580.252.6284 or email at [email protected]. Read more at stevefair.blogspot.com December 24, 2014 Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Government Deficits are when adults tell their legislators what they want and their kids pay for it. CAN AMERICA CHEAT HISTORY? tect the Constitution and its liberties. It’s not to provide benefits for your state.” In other words, pork is pork, no matter where it is. Last Wednesday, Dr. Tom Coburn gave his farewell speech to the U.S. Senate. He was emotional and reflective on his time in the Senate, but used Second, elected officials must get back to following the founding documents. Quite frankly, that is the only thing they have the legal authority the time to ask a very important rhetorical question: Can America cheat history? Can America’s Democratic Republic form of government survive to do - uphold the Constitution, but in modern times, the Constitution has longer than other countries that had similar forms of government? History been largely ignored. During his speech, Coburn read the ‘oath of office’ all Senators take and tells us the average life span of a Democratic Republic is about 200 years. then stated that many had abandoned their oath and responsibility for the If that is the case, then America is living on borrowed time at 238 years. mission of, ‘bringing home the bacon.’ Alexander Fraser Tytler, a Scottish judge and historian, said, “A democ “We established the Constitution to try to protect those rights and to racy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent delineate those rights. We put in the limitation of the government and outform of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time lined the rights of each individual citizen upon which the government shall that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the not infringe. Yet what comes out of this body and this Congress every day, public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the to my chagrin, infringes those guaranteed rights,” Coburn said. Third, elected officials must exercise oversight of government if Ameriresult that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, ca is to survive. “To know how to reach a destination, you must first know which is always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning where you are, and without oversight -- effective, vigorous oversight -- you will never solve anything,” Coburn said. It is the responsibility of Conof history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence: From bondage to gress to make sure government does a good job in spending our money. It spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; is the responsibility of Congress to make sure government doesn’t overfrom liberty to abundance; from abundance to selfishness; from selfishness reach and impede our liberty. Congress needs to hold bureaucrats accountto complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence; able. “Effective oversight is an effective tool to expose government overreach and wasteful spending, but it also markedly exposes where we lose from dependence back into bondage.” our liberty and our essential freedoms,” Coburn said. Tytler was right - no Republic has survived much more than 200 years. Coburn concluded with a message of hope. “I tell people everywhere Coburn addressed several areas America- and her government- must imI go … we do not have one problem we cannot solve,” he said. “There is prove if we are to survive. nothing too big for us. They’re all solvable. Can we cheat history? Can we First, if America is to survive, out of control spending must be addo something better than has been done in the past? I honestly believe we dressed. America is $18 trillion dollars in debt. Congress just passed can. But I don’t believe we can if we continue to ignore the wisdom of our a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill and sent it to the President. Coburn identified billions of dollars of duplication and waste in the budget and yet founding documents,” said Coburn. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle signed off on it. In fact many Repub- Can America cheat history? I’m not sure, but I predict we will be referencing Coburn’s ‘farewell speech,’ of 2014 for decades to come. licans fought for their chance to get to the pig trough to get something for Steve Fair is National Committeeman for the Oklahoma Republitheir state. Coburn admonished that practice in his speech. “Your state is can Party. He can be reached by phone at 580.252.6284 or by email at not mentioned one time in that oath,” he said. “Your whole goal is to [email protected]. His blog is stevefair.blogspot.com. God Bless America
© Copyright 2024