I pledge allegiance...

Fifth graders at Lakehoma Elementary participated in National Anthem Day Last week. Students began the day by pledging allegiance to the flag, reciting the Preamble of the Constitution and singing the National Anthem around the flagpole before school. (Staff photo by Carol Brimm)

Winchester honored as Woman of the Year

Carol Brimm

The Journal Record recently selected Rep. Susan Winchester as the “2006 Woman of the Year”. This award was launched in 1981 to recognize outstanding women in the business community and has evolved over the years into a statewide event. Over 600 people attended a dinner in her honor at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City on Thursday night, Sept. 14.

“Representative Susan Winchester is a strong role model who has achieved significant accomplishments in her career and community,” said Mary Melon, publisher of the Journal Record. “She is everything a Woman of the Year should be.”

Each year 50 “Women Making a Difference” are selected from different walks of life from across the state. They represent excellence and dedication in their professional, civic, and personal spheres of influence. Out of the 50, one is recognized as the “Woman of the Year” for her achievements and contributions to the state.

Winchester, who attended the dinner with her husband Jim, was surprised to by the attendance of several family members, including her mother, Mary Spurlin, of Chickasha.

“I was excited. There are so many remarkable women in the state of Oklahoma, to be chosen is just an unbelievable honor,” Winchester said.

Winchester says her grandmother who ran the Chickasha Food Market for many years and later purchased an aerial spraying business was the most inspirational figure in her life.

“A career woman far beyond her time, she ‘shattered glass ceilings’ without ever knowing they existed; believed in the ethic of long hours and hard work; and instilled in me the belief that I was loved, I was special and I could do and be anything I ever wanted as long as I believed in myself and tried my very best,” Winchester said.

In 2005, Winchester proved that she could indeed become anything she wanted when she became Oklahoma’s first woman Speaker Pro Tempore – the second-highest position in the House. She is responsible for presiding over the House in the Speaker’s absence and also is an ex-officio voting member of all House committees.

“The responsibility of running the House of Representatives on a daily basis, coupled with the ability to have passed several significant pieces of legislation that hopefully will have a long-term impact on the future of Oklahoma has been a unique experience that I would never have anticipated and will never forget,” said Winchester, whose political career began in 1998.

Winchester was elected whip for the Republican House Caucus after her first term and was later named first assistant minority floor leader - .the second-highest position within the caucus and the only female member of the leadership team. She also is a member of the National Council of State Legislators and the American Legislative Exchange.

In 2005, Winchester was named one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation chosen to participate in the Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the Council of State Governments. Winchester, a two-time honoree of The Journal Record’s 50 Making a Difference, received the 2006 Citizen Recognition Award from the Oklahoma Library Association and the 2006 Kate Barnard Award from the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services. In 2004, she received the Exceptional Commitment Award from the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals.

Before her career in politics, Winchester was an educator and a businesswoman in the agricultural industry. For more than a decade, she co-owned and operated American Dusting Co. and Chickasha Flying Service, selling the business in 1989. She then worked as coordinator of adult training and development of Canadian Valley Career Tech and then was the graduate programs coordinator for Leadership Oklahoma. In 1992, she started Winchester Group – an educational group that provides training and consulting for profit and nonprofit businesses, which is still in operation.

Winchester also is a member of the Chickasha, Mustang and Tuttle chambers of commerce, the Grady County Economic Development Council, Rotary International and the First Presbyterian Church of Chickasha.

Local students win awards at State Fair

Carol Brimm

Each year the Oklahoma State Fair hosts the Junior Art Exhibition in the City Arts Center, just east of the Oklahoma Art Museum at 10th and May in Oklahoma City. This year a total of 1,181 entries were submitted from 81 schools statewide. Judy Osborn and Ann Taylor of Norman judged the entries, selecting 712 pieces for the show. Of those, 317 were awarded Merit Distinctions, including students at Lakehoma Elementary, Mustang Elementary and Mustang Creek Elementary.

Lakehoma Elementary students, Sawyer Gepford, second grade; Alina Magruder, fourth grade Makena Schroeder, second grade, Wyatt Coffman, second grade, Steven Fruit and Clayton Gepford ,who have moved on to Mustang Middle School, each received Merit Distinction Awards for their entries in the art exhibition. Sawyer Gepford drew a dirt bike rider in crayon, Magruder submitted a crayon picture of an Ice Skater, and Schroeder drew a lion in colored pencil.

Other Lakehoma students whose art was selected for the show were: Aaron Bechtel, Daniel Byford, Destiny Dennison, Blake Donaldson, Cassandra Houghton, Sierra McKee, Nicolas Ortiz, Aaron Phillips, Neeley Russell, Sara Ryczkowski, Emily Schneider, Nate Thaler, and Tyler Wardlaw.

Each of the six students at Mustang Creek Elementary whose entries were selected for the show received Merit Distinctions. Ali Booth, third grade, made a fish picture; Chandler Brown, second grade, drew a cat; Bradley Fowler, fifth grade, submitted an oil pastel fish; Shelby Pennington, second grade, drew a dog. Amber Hildago, sixth grade, won for a watercolor and Aaron Miller, sixth grade, submitted a prismacolor.

Mustang Elementary had the entries of 12 students selected for the show with four receiving Merits of Distinction. Megan Dorman, now in middle school, received the Merit Distinction for her Soap/Ink drawing. Joshua Head, fifth grade, drew an F-150 in pencil; Ashleigh Ridenhour, fifth grade, wove a scarf of yarn and straw; and Cristal West, fifth grade, made a tennis shoe of glue and red modeling clay.

Other Mustang Elementary students whose art was selected for the exhibition were: Grace Austin, Michael Ball, Ben Biorato, Sayge Brown, Ashton Evans, Meagan Grossinger, Troy Huddleston, and Holly Shade.

For twelve-year-old Mustang Middle School student, Aaron Phillips, this was the second time his artwork was selected to appear at the state fair. Phillips’ fifth grade art teacher at Lakehoma Elementary, Teresa Hutter, entered the drawing, which Phillips did in her class last year.

His first entry was a crayon picture of a lion that he drew in second grade. Phillips did not win an award for the picture, but it was an honor to be chosen at such a young age, his mother Susan Phillips said.

Phillips says he wants to be an artist when he grows up.

“I used to like doodling in school,” Phillips said. “I started drawing before I took any art classes. I like mechanical pencils best, but I use some colored pencils too.”

Phillips favorite thing to draw is a cow. He said he drew a cow for Western Days that was very funny.

“It had an eye on the side of its head and its tongue was sticking out,” he said. “It was a black and white cow, but I also like to draw chocolate milk cows. I make them brown.”

Phillips’ mother says he likes cartooning and when he entered middle school this year he wanted to take Art for the whole year.

“His life’s aspiration is to be an artist,” his mother said.

Phillips is the son of John and Susan Phillips of Mustang.

All student art will be on display at the Oklahoma State Fair through September 24.

MHS student sent to hospital, another arrested for drug distribution

Carol Brimm

A fifteen-year-old female student was taken to the hospital from Mustang High School on Monday and a sixteen-year-old female student was arrested at the school for Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute, according to police.

Captain Willard James said a teacher notified school administrators that a fifteen-year-old female student was exhibiting symptoms of intoxication or drug use in class. Administrators notified school officers and called the Rescue Squad, James said.

According to police, the girl said she had taken two and a half Xanax several hours before and officers found half a Xanax in her possession. Officers and administrators contacted a sixteen-year-old female and found one Xanax in her possession. The sixteen year old was arrested and transported to Mustang police department and later released to her parents. She will face felony charges in the juvenile justice system, James said.

MHS Assistant Superintendent Bonnie Lightfoot said MHS school policy states that any student in possession or under the influence will be suspended for the semester with an option of returning in 10 days if they agree to drug testing and counseling. Drug distribution results in suspension for the rest of the year with no 10-day option.

Parked trailers continue to be an issue at local feed store

Caleb Soptelean

The trailers in front of Norman’s Kennel Supply are an issue once again.

Councilman Scott Gibson says he has been concerned about the longtime business not honoring a commitment to remove some of their unsightly trailers after he went to bat for the business in a recent council meeting.

Gibson parked his car in front of the business briefly on Saturday morning during Western Days.

Gibson said he had a “short conversation” with business co-owner Karyl Hightower that lasted no more than a minute.

“I barely got out of my car,” he said, noting he was 30 feet from the building.

“I parked there to make a point to talk to her about it,” he said. “I was dramatic and emphatic about it.”

Gibson said Hightower was outside the business talking to him before he got out of his car. “I barely got out of my car” and only got 10 feet from the car, he said.

Gibson accused Hightower of “being very liberal with the truth” about what happened.

He alleges she not only has not removed two trailers from the front of the business, but has added one.

When questioned about this, Hightower said Gibson may be referring to a delivery trailer, which is periodically used to make deliveries.

Norman Hightower, Karyl’s husband, accused Gibson of harassment and said it “is gonna cease.”

Mr. Hightower said he wasn’t at the business when the incident happened, but said he Gibson confronted him a week after the council last considered an ordinance that would require the Hightowers to remove all of their trailers. Council nixed this idea, and asked the business to work with them to make the property look neater.

Mrs. Hightower said she planned to remove two of the four trailers in front of the business last weekend. In addition to the two in front of the business, there are two on the side. Mrs. Hightower also said she would have one of the trailers painted.

“We agreed to move them,” Mrs. Hightower said. “They didn’t ask for a time frame.”

She said they do not own a semi-truck and have been waiting for a friend to help them move the trailers.

Gibson said some of the trailers could be pulled out by a pickup with a fifth-wheel attachment.

“Every feed store in Oklahoma City uses trailers for their flammable stuff,” Norman Hightower said of the trailers, which are used to store hay. “I can show you 15 of ‘em. One in The Village has six trailers sitting in front of her business.”

COWRA looking to tap S. Canadian River

Caleb Soptelean

Despite the disbandment of one local water trust, another one is continuing on.

The Central Oklahoma Municipal Water Trust was recently disbanded, but the Central Oklahoma Water Resources Authority is still looking for water for county entities.

The El Reno City Council recently appropriated $29,060 for COWRA in order to try to obtain water from the South Canadian River. El Reno has wells in the North Canadian River, but not the South Canadian River, said Mike Mathis, Oklahoma Water Resources Board attorney.

COWRA would have to work with local landowners to procure rights to the South Canadian River, Mathis said.

Mustang’s COWRA fee is $21,170, according to Mustang’s COWRA representative Richard Riley.

This is the second funding cycle for the organization since its inception, said Riley.

Eight Canadian County entities are members of the group, Riley said. These include Mustang, El Reno, Yukon, Piedmont, Okarche, Calumet, Union City and Canadian County.

The organization’s fees are determined based on population. Yukon’s fee is approximately $34,000, Riley said. Other members include Canadian County, $8,120; Piedmont, $6,000; Union City, $2,000; Okarche, $1,780; and Calumet, $900.

COWRA is currently working with Benham Group Engineers of Oklahoma City to try to obtain additional water sources, Riley said. COWRA is paying Benham Group $40,500 for a hydrological study. The study shows that in 2025, Canadian County will need nearly 20 million gallons of water a day at its maximum usage; almost double the current maximum usage.

On Tuesday, COWRA met and heard a proposal for water rights from Aqua Group of Oklahoma City.

Aqua believes they can meet COWRA’s water needs for the next 30 years through a well field that would be located between Lake Thunderbird and Stanley Draper Lake.

Aqua’s president Bill Varner said the business has the exclusive water rights to more than 16,000 surface acres from the Garber-Wellington Aquifer.

Aqua’s hydrogeologist Jim Roberts said they are proposing a well field that would be located in a portion of the aquifer that has very low arsenic levels.

Building a pipeline from the well field in Cleveland County would cost COWRA “a lot less than spending $200 million to pipe water from southern Oklahoma,” Roberts said.

Aqua’s attorney Rick Goodwin said the group has “lots of water that we already represent” and noted the company has proposed a contract to the city of Yukon.

“We think we’re a good fit for COWRA. We feel like we can provide you what you need … the only thing it takes is time.”

COWRA will be hosting a legislation luncheon at the Canadian County Regional Hospital at noon on Friday, Sept. 29.

COWRA recently inked a $20,000 contract with lobbyist Shawn Lepard.

Lepard said there is $140,000 left over in the state’s current budget. He believes COWRA might be able to obtain $40,000 to $60,000 of that amount. This funding could be used for such things as well drilling.

Crocodile Hunter's life and death affect area woman

Carol Brimm

The life and death of Australian Crocodile Hunter and well-loved television host Steve Irwin had a profoundly personal impact on one Oklahoma City woman. Irwin died Sept. 4 when a stingray’s barb pierced his chest while he was diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Jennifer Lance, of Oklahoma City, whose life was influenced by Irwin, wrote a tribute to him that was published in an online newspaper in Queensland, Australia. A gentleman who lives just 8 miles from the zoo read the tribute and was so impressed he contacted Lance requesting her permission to post it at the Australia Zoo.

“He printed it, placed it in a plastic cover, added flowers and tacked it up at the Zoo. This was very special. I wish that I could attend Steve’s Celebration of Life Ceremony, but I did feel some closure having this placed at the zoo,” Lance said.

Lance says she was inspired to follow her life’s passion by watching Irwin on Animal planet in the mid 1990s. She became a volunteer at the Oklahoma City Zoo and later a Junior Curator there.

“I saw him doing what he loved and saw how important it is for people to live out their dreams doing what they love to do,” Lance said.

After leaving the Oklahoma City Zoo, Lance established Critter Tales, a non-profit agency designed to promote awareness of wildlife and conservation in children ages 3 to 10 years old with interactive hands on programs.

“Steve Irwin brought us a good message – everyone can make a difference. I try to pass that message on in my programs with children,” Lance said.

At Australia Zoo at Beerwah, south Queensland, floral tributes were dropped at the entrance, where a huge fake crocodile gapes, the Associated Press reported.

“Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors Worldwide are today in mourning for a beloved friend and respected leader. The global response to the loss of Steve Irwin and the public outpouring of empathy we have received has been overwhelming, and a significant comfort to those of us who knew him. This is not just a loss for us, but for a planet full of people who loved him so well, and for the world’s precious wildlife that he laid his life on the line to protect,” says a tribute to Irwin on the Australia Zoo website, www.crocodilehunter.com.au.

Below is a copy of Lance’s tribute to Irwin:


Tribute to Steve Irwin

My name is Jennifer Lance. I am 34, married 16 years, and the mother of three boys ages 13, 9, and 7 years. I live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the U.S.

Did Steve Irwin make me want to run out and jump on crocodiles or capture venomous snakes? No, but his energy traveled from within himself into his eyes, into his hands, his words, his actions, and into my heart. I think many others from young children to adult had the same reaction. He made us want to come to Australia and see the wonders and beauty of the land and wildlife. He made us care that all living things have a purpose in the Earth’s ecosystem.........we are all connected. He reminded us that one single person can make an enormous difference.

My family first saw Steve on television in the mid 1990s. His enthusiasm and passion came to us in our living room. We were half way around the world and yet it felt like we were following right behind him on his adventures. We became Australia Zoo members via mail in 1997. The Newsletter was one sheet typed black and white, then a small black and white magazine with photos, and now a beautiful full color magazine. We sent Bindi animal shirts from Oklahoma every year, and then later little Bob. My oldest son won a contest by naming the first rhino iguana born at the Australia Zoo. We watched the Zoo grow from afar. We watched Steve and Terri on Crocodile Hunter, and Croc Files. We purchased Crocodile Hunter hats and T-shirts. We wore them to the opening day of Collision Course. I flew to L.A. to try out for The Croc Hunter Challenge, which unfortunately never aired.

Steve’s passion inspired me to get up and get out and do something with my own passion. I became a volunteer at the Oklahoma City Zoo, and was hired on in the Zoo’s education department. I remained as staff at the Zoo until July 2005. In January of 2006 I founded a non-profit organization entitled Critter Tales Inc. (www.crittertalesinc.com) I take live animals and animal artifacts into schools scout groups, churches, libraries, and more for educational hands-on programming to promote awareness of wildlife and conservation.

I keep the Irwin’s and the Australia Zoo staff in my thoughts as I push forward in my own endeavors. I watched how hard all of them work to make things happen. They give me the “I can do it” mind-set. I don’t follow movie stars or famous singers. The Irwin’s were not acting -They are real people who were doing what they love, and invited the whole world to come along. We thank them for sharing their lives with us. Steve Irwin stood for something - he still does....he stands for love, and caring, for passion, for wildlife, conservation, and making dreams become a reality.

My purpose is to connect kids to nature. Steve made a difference! He made an impact on millions of people, wildlife, conservation, and little me in my living room in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I will carry on with his mission! I know that his family, friends, the Zoo staff, and countless others will do the same.

My heart hurts for Terri, the children, and the rest of the family. Their loss is tremendous. We cannot even fathom. We are praying for them!

“CRIKEY - we will miss you Stevo!”

When is your child too sick for school?

Carol Brimm

It’s 7 a.m. and your child says, “Mommy can I stay home today? I’m too sick to go to school.” How do parents decide if this is a true medical condition that requires keeping their child out of school or a simple case of the sniffles?

Dr. Mitch Earley, D.O. will help parents determine if their child is too sick for school in his presentation, “What to do before the bell rings” at the Integris Women’s Health Forum Thurs., Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the cancer center conference room at Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

“Parents face a difficult decision to try to decide if their children are too ill to be sent to school,” Earley said. “The biggest mistake parents often make is assuming their children have a fever without making sure the temperature is accurate. It is important to know if what the child has is viral or bacterial. If it is viral, antibiotics will be of no help to the child.”

Earley says having good information will make the decision easier but parents know their child better than anyone else.

“If they feel like something is wrong they should keep the child at home and have them looked at by a medical professional,” Earley said.

The Integris Women’s Health Forum runs through Sept. 22. Topics presented in the final three days include:

Wednesday, September 20

“Time Lost is Brain Lost” by Charles Morgan, M.D., Shartel Church of God at 10:30 a.m.

“The Fight against Fat” by Saeed Ahmad, M.D., Shartel Church of God at Noon

“You’re Not Alone” by Trenton Horst, D.O., Shartel Church of God at 1:30 p.m

Thursday, September 21

“It’s Therapeutic” by Brent Tipton, M.D., Integris Southwest Medical Center at 10:30 a.m.

“Statin Safety” by Brent Beson, M.D., Southwest Medical Center, at Noon

“What To Do Before The Bell Rings?” Mitch Earley, D.O., Southwest Medical Center at 1:30 p.m.

“Web Chat: Time for ‘The Talk’”, Mary Ann Bauman, M.D., Karen Massey, RD, S, CDE and Rebecca Mild-Williams, Licensed professional counselor at intetrisOK.com at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 22

“Living the Good Life” by Avis Scaramucci, owner of Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante and Bar and Painted Door; Shelly Cook, owner CDS Designs; Chefs Shawn Davidson and Trey Ferguson; Marilyn Appiah, D.O., Nonna’s in Bricktown 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $25 and pre-registration is required for a cooking demonstration, lunch and a presentation on the aspects of menopause and a fashion show.

Anyone interested in learning more about or attending any of these events should visit integrisOK.comor call Integris Healthline at (405) 951-2277 or toll free (888) 951 – 2277.

Local elementary gets playground map

Stacy Barnes

A group of volunteers from the AT&T Telecom Pioneers painted a large U.S. map on the basketball court of Mustang Valley Elementary’s playground Saturday. Twelve members of the Omega Delta Phi Fraternity from The University of Oklahoma lent their talents to the project, which took nearly five hours to complete. In all, close to 25 people worked on the map.

The AT&T Telecom Pioneers is a philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the community in a variety of ways. They paint at least three U.S. maps per year at area schools in addition to a host of other community projects. Members of the group volunteer their time at Hornets and Redhawks games, participate in an asthma walk and a heart walk to raise money for those causes and do “Christmas in April”, where members spend eight to ten hours on home innovations for a needy family.

This summer the group donated fans for the elderly and gave money to the Fireman’s Fund during the wild fires. The group also shows concern for the environment. Each year the Pioneers conduct a phone book pick up to recycle books from metro businesses. They also pick up trash in local parks.

“Our main focus is education,” said Publicity Chairman Rick Parker. “We are very involved in junior achievement.”

Money to pay for the group’s civic activities comes from dues, and internal fundraisers.

“We bring in vendors and get a portion of their proceeds,” said Vicki Broaddrick, Education Coordinator for the group. Broaddrick, who arranged for Valley’s map to be painted, says she will also give the school a packet of games for the children to play on the map.

“The games are oriented around helping them (students) identify the states,” Broaddrick said.

Where are they now?
Living a dream

Stacy Barnes

Setting the bar high is what Mustang High School graduate Trent Dick is all about. As a high school senior, Dick discovered what he wanted to do with his life while attending his first Dallas Cowboys football game.

“When I got there (Texas Stadium) and saw that I knew then that during the week, whatever I did, I wanted it to contribute to that Sunday when 65,000 people filled that stadium,” Dick said.

So he set out to do just that. As a freshman at The University of Central Oklahoma, Dick says he started a notebook that would prove invaluable. He began calling the Dallas Cowboys organization, finding out names of key people and what department they were in. For three or four years, Dick says he called and talked to secretaries, asking to speak to the people in his notebook, keeping track of who came and went and making sure to contact them each several times throughout the year.

After three years at UCO, Dick transferred to Oklahoma State University where he took a job at the physical plant working for the janitorial staff, performing duties like inventorying parts and washing mop heads.

“It was a horrible job,” he said. “I hated it and I knew it wasn’t getting me where I wanted to go. So I went to Gallagher Iba Arena and introduced myself to everybody and asked them what I could do.”

No positions were available at that time, but nearly a year later, Dick got the call that one had opened up. He spent the 2005 season working as the equipment manager for the OSU Cowboys football team.

“It didn’t take long for my boss, Matt, to figure out I was a Dallas Cowboys fan and he asked if I would be interested in interning at Dallas,” said Dick. “Of course I was and Matt said, ‘if you do a good job for me this season I’ll recommend you for it.’”

That year, over Spring Break Dick decided it was time for some face-to-face meetings with the people he had been contacting over the years. So with notebook in hand, he set off for the Dallas Cowboys headquarters with no interviews or meetings scheduled.

Arriving unannounced, Dick says he hit the main office and began spouting off names.

“I had my notepad and the secretary was just paging everybody on the list,” Dick said. “Most were too busy to meet with me, but one man, Bruce Mays, the operations manager came and showed me around and introduced me to some of the people on my list. Some of them said they remembered talking to me. He introduced me to Mike Kurowski (assistant equipment manager)."

That experience reinforced Dick’s desire to be part of the Dallas Cowboys organization and he went home more determined than ever.

“I knew I wanted to get a summer internship so as soon as the OSU season wrapped up I started calling,” Dick said.

Things “fell into place” and by the summer of 2006 Dick had graduated from OSU with a double major in business and sports management and landed the job as a summer intern for Dallas. There he worked as the equipment manager for the Cowboys, a job that allowed him to work right alongside the players and coaches. Some of his duties included packing and unpacking the entire facility for camp and working directly with players on clothing, pads, and shoe adjustments, just to name a few.

“It was literally a dream come true,” Dick said. “It’s just like every kid’s dream, but I knew my work wasn’t done. ”

Dick spent the summer on the “socks and jocks” side of the operation working closely with players and coaches and putting faces with names in the hopes his summer internship would turn in to something more permanent, which it did. Just last week Dick learned he is hired as a full-time intern in the Dallas Cowboys marketing department, a job that has no official end attached.

“Right now there is a hiring freeze,” Dick said. “But if I do a good job and prove myself, I’ll get on when they start hiring again. The guy I’m working with was a full-time intern for three years before he was hired.”

Dick says he hopes it doesn’t take that long, but even if it does, he is thrilled to be right where he planned.

On Sunday he reached another goal as he shadowed his new boss, this time in a suit where he planned to “Schmooze” with the people watching Dallas beat the Washington Redskins from the suites. Working on the other side of the building with the “slacks” is another dream come true for the former Mustang resident.

“This whole experience is unbelievable,” Dick said. “My freshman year of college I wrote down my goals and signed and dated them. I wrote that I wanted to have a full-time position with the Dallas Cowboys by 2008. Even if I don’t get hired full time at least I’ve done it.”

Dick gives credit for much of his success to his family, some former bosses and at least one teacher in Mustang.

“My parents are unbelievable and Terry Barnett at Larry’s (Homeland), I learned so much from him every day. He taught me how to be detailed and thorough and Larry Anderson is just a great guy to work for,” said Dick of the bosses he worked with for six years. And of the teacher who taught him to “solve the problem,” Dick said: “One of the biggest influences on me was my teacher Mr. McGarry. He was my woodworking teacher for three years and my soccer coach for three years. He highly influenced me and is someone I will always remember.”

Happenings @ Town Center
'The Pink Panther' to show in the park

Desiree Webber, Justin Battles and Gloria Shotwell

Christiana Ferris will lead the discussion on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Stephen King’s The Dark Half on Tuesday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. Ferris will compare one of the earliest scary stories with the contemporary horror novel The Dark Half.

“Mysterious Fears and Ghastly Longings” is the book discussion series planned for the fall season at the Mustang Public Library. Other books in the series are Frankenstein, Mutation, Dracula, Salem ’s Lot, Northanger Abbey and The Mistress of Mellyn. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register and to pick up their books for the series. “Mysterious Fears and Ghastly Longings” is made possible through a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Oklahoma children’s author Judy Goodspeed will visit the Mustang Public Library on Monday, October 2nd. She will read from her two books during preschool story time at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Goodspeed’s books are Perky Turkey’s Perfect Plan and Perky Turkey Finds a Friend. Preschool story time is for children ages 3 to 7. Copies of the Perky Turkey books are available for purchase and autographing.

Mustang Public Library Customer Survey will be accepted through Monday, October 2. Survey were mailed with City of Mustang utility bills but are also available at the library and on the library’s website at www.cityofmustang.org.

Surveys will be used by the Mustang Library Board of Trustees in their long range planning process. Customer input on what services and programs will be needed by the community over the next five years.

For more information, contact Long Range Planning Committee Chair Bill Edwards at 376-1244.

The American Radio Relay League donated a two-disk CD-ROM entitled “Your Introduction to Morse Code.” The disks and accompanying booklet provide all the characters required by the FCC to be used on code exams, the letters of the alphabet, numbers from 0 to 9 and common procedural signals. Audio books circulate for two weeks and may be renewed if no one else is waiting for the materials. For more information about library services and programs, please call 376-2226.

The Mustang Senior Center will host speaker Shirley Berry to talk about Heart Healthy Walkers. Berry will visit the Senior Center on Tuesday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. On Wednesday, September 27th, at 11:00 a.m. Rendy Tipton will talk about mental health. After the programs attendees are invited to stay for lunch, which starts at 11:30 a.m. Reservations must be made by noon of the previous day. For more information, contact the Senior Center at 376-1297.

University of Oklahoma students will present a low-sodium cooking class will be offered on Wednesday, September 27, at the Senior Center. The OU students conducting the cooking class are doing so as part of their internship program to become a dietician. To make your reservations, call the center at 376-1297.

Are you looking for a fun sport activity for your five or six year old? Sign up for Basketball at the Recreation Center. This is a great first time basketball league for your children. The cost is $30.00 and includes a tee shirt. Each team will play six games and the season starts on Saturday, October 7th. Space is limited so come by today to the Recreation Center, at 1201 N. Mustang Road , and register.

Space is still available to sign up for fall leagues in both Six-on-Six Flag Football and Adult Basketball. Call 376-3411 for details on registration fees and how to enroll. Space is limited so register soon.

Don’t miss the fun! The Parks and Recreation Department will have the first “Movie in the Park” on Saturday, September 30th. The movie will be “The Pink Panther” with Steve Martin. The movie will start at 7:00 p.m. and is free; so, bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and join the fun.

Personal trainer Debbie Lazur is teaching a boot camp class on Mondays and Wednesday mornings 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. This class will help you lose weight and sculpt your body to make you look slim and trim.

Upcoming events at the Park and Recreation Department included 5th and 6th grade dance, new aerobic classes, Fall Break Mini Camp, Fall Fest and Craft Show and the 24th Annual Spooktacular. Stop by and pick up a calendar of events today. For more information, contact Mustang Parks and Recreation at 376-3411.

To view the Community Calendar for a listing of programs and events, check the website at www.cityofmustang.org or tune into channel 20.

Mustang Police host Cleet training

Carol Brimm

Police officers from Sulphur, Enid, Ponca City, Yukon, Newcastle, Blanchard, and Mustang attended Advanced Accident Investigation training at the Mustang Police Department this week. Captain Willard James, who is presenting the class along with Robert Lower of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said the 13 officers attending the two week long class will receive 80 Cleet Accredited hours for the training.

“These officers will receive approximately 50 algebraic formulas in this class to help them determine speed estimates from skid marks,” James said. “The class will focus on giving officers the information needed to determine speed based on airborne equations, vaults and flips.”

Good Timers beltin’ out tunes

Caleb Soptelean

The Good Timers Band is back.

The gospel and country and western band plays twice a week at the Mustang Senior Center. Their first performance after a summer break was Sept. 7.

Al Black and Bill Owen started the band by singing in each others’ houses seven years ago, said Black’s sister-in-law Nita Mayen.

Mayen moved to Mustang five years ago from Lawton to be with her sister Vera Black.

“She used to talk about ‘em and tell me about them playing,” Mayen said, noting she would often hear the band playing in the background while talking to her sister on the phone.

The first thing Mayen did when she moved to Mustang was go listen to the band.

The Good Timers Band plays on Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Mustang Senior Center, which is located in the Mustang Town Center.

The band is all-volunteer and also plays in nursing homes and assisted living centers, including one night a month at Strawberry Fields Senior Citizens Apartments, 400 N. Trade Center Terrace.

Sports
Broncos sting 'Jackets, 42-17
Feldmann still the starter, coach says

Caleb Soptelean

There is no quarterback controversy.

That’s the word from Bronco head coach Ty Prestidge after last week’s 42-17 win at Choctaw.

Senior quarterback Brock Feldmann completed 25 of 50 passes and threw for 304 yards, including two touchdown passes and one TD run.

However, Feldmann threw three interceptions, two of which were tipped, and was pulled in the fourth quarter in favor of junior Josh West.

Monday, Prestidge declined to explain the reason for pulling Feldmann, but said he did a “fine job.” Feldmann completed only four of 13 passes he attempted in the fourth period.

West's statistics were limited, but showed two completions in three attempts good for 30 yards and one touchdown.

West and center Blake Cobb couldn’t get together on their exchanges, however.

There were three bad snaps after West entered the contest. The bad snaps resulted in two sacks and an incompletion.

Prestidge said Cobb was suffering from a hyperextended knee that only began affecting his play late in Friday’s game.

“He hyperextended his knee three weeks ago and never said anything,” Prestidge said.

Prestidge reiterated his support of Feldmann. “He’s leading the state in passing. There’s no reason to comment on anything other than he’s doing a super job.”

Looking toward Friday’s game at Putnam City North, Prestidge gave no reason that Feldmann wouldn’t start.

PCN is 1-2 on the year with a win over Edmond North and losses to Choctaw and Putnam City. Last week they lost to their rivals 24-14.

The Panthers have a throwing-oriented offense. This usually includes a tight end, three wideouts and one back.

Their quarterback is normally under center, but sometimes will drop back into shotgun formation.

Matt Veazey threw for 225 yards last week, but the Panthers had only one yard rushing.

Defensively, PCN uses a 3-5 “stack,” Prestidge said.

“They’ve got a very good program. They’ll come out ready to play.”

Sports
MHS harriers 1st, 2nd in home meet

Caleb Soptelean

The Mustang boys cross country team took second place in last weekend's home meet.

MHS scored 45 points, four behind Edmond Memorial.

Moore placed third with 84, while Putnam North was fourth with 185.

Kevin Schwab took top individual honors, placing first with a time of 16:06.

Aaron Goble was fifth individually with a time of 17:30.

Mustang's girls team took first place, but was the only large school represented.

Mustang's top five girls and their times were as follows: Bailey Thompson, 12:45; Kaite Stumpenhorst, 13:17; Shelby Bolton, 13:34; Jarett Floyd, 13:40; and Angela Zanotti, 14:02.

Sports
MHS softballers continue winning

Caleb Soptelean

The Mustang softball team continued its winning ways last week.

The Broncos defeated Edmond Santa Fe, Tuttle and Elgin and lost to Lawton McArthur and Midwest City.

Their overall record is 20-8, Coach Jerry Long said.

MHS defeated Edmond Santa Fe on Tuesday, Sept. 12 by a score of 8-3.

Julie Brunk was the winning pitcher and allowed only three hits.

Kelsey Newby led the team offensively by smacking two doubles. Julie Lofland and Autumn Foley also hit two-baggers, while Tori Joyner stroked a triple.

Foley and Newby both made three hits on the day.

At home against Midwest City on Thursday, Mustang lost 5-2. Ashley Paxton took the loss.

At Oklahoma City’s Hall of Fame Festival last weekend, Mustang knocked off Tuttle, 2-0, and Elgin, 12-2 and then lost to Lawton McArthur 1-0.

On Monday, Mustang defeated Putnam City 4-3. Paxton took the loss. Foley led with two singles.

Business
When it comes to daycare, size matters

Rebecca Barnes

Parents today are faced with a myriad of choices when it comes to choosing childcare. Stay-at-home parents and working parents alike must weigh the pros and cons of the choices they make, often struggling to find a solution that promotes the best interests of their kids without placing too heavy a burden on the family budget.

While institutionalized day care has been popular for several years, many working parents who have turned to smaller, in-home childcare services say the higher caregiver-to-child ratio they provide make them a smarter choice.

Smaller centers also can have an edge regarding cost, another big factor parents consider when evaluating potential caregivers for their kids. Melissa Pitchford, owner and operator of Precious Lil’ Angels in Mustang, said her business provides a much higher level of one-on-one attention at less cost than at the average institutional day care center.

“It’s much more personal here,” Pitchford said. “At a big center, one teacher may have 20 kids. Our child-to-caregiver ratio is much better than that.”

Cleanliness is another important dynamic when considering a childcare facility.

“Little ones love to put things in their mouths, so vacuuming is a big thing for us,” she said. “And we use bleach water and Lysol spray like it’s going out of style.” It’s an ethic parents notice, she said. The size of her facility is another factor that contributes to its hygienic advantage. Keeping her enrollment small and her facility clean has resulted in a surprisingly low rate of illness among her toddler clients.

Curriculum at Precious Lil’ Angels is based on the Funshine Express Early Learning series, a program that incorporates lessons for toddlers with art, music, games and other projects that helps little ones learn about the world while building social skills with other kids.

A 1995 graduate of Mustang High School, Pitchford began working as a day care center employee while still in high school and never left the field. Maintaining high standards in all aspects of the center’s operations isn’t easy, she admits, but she wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“It’s hard work, but the rewards of working with small children are so great,” she said. “I truly love what I do.”

For more information about the advantages an in-home day care service can provide to your child, call Pitchford at 376-5889.

Business
No more running! No more sweating! European alternative to liposuction now in Yukon

Carol Brimm

Europe’s best kept secret, VacuStep, is now available at Angie’s Therapeutic Solutions Inc. in Yukon. Owner, Angie Majka says VacuStep is highly acclaimed in Europe as a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The system works by combining an elliptical trainer and vacuum technology to increase blood circulation in the lower parts of the body like the hips, thighs, stomach and buttocks. The increased blood circulation causes unwanted fat cells to “break up” and burn off, according to Majka.

“VacuStep is the next best thing to liposuction at a much lower cost,” Majka said. “Customers can lose up to nine inches and reduce the appearance of cellulite in just a month by working out for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.”

The cost is $200 for 20 thirty-minute sessions (five times a week for four weeks). Maintaining those perfectly reshaped thighs, hips, stomach and buttocks requires only two or three visits a week at a cost of $10 per session.

“It is easier than a workout in the gym,” Majka said. “One of our biggest problems is getting people to understand they don’t have to work so hard. Most people are able to come off it and go to a business meeting.”

In addition to the VacuStep, Angie’s Therapeutic Solutions, Inc. also offers Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Stress Reduction Massage, Reflexology and Ear Candling in a relaxing, peaceful environment. Massages cost are: $35 for a 30 Minute Massage, $60 an hour and $90 for an hour and a half.

Majka and the shop’s newest massage therapist, Ami Rolen, are both graduates of the Central State Massage Academy. Majka has been a certified massage therapist for over 7 years and Rolen is very qualified in all the newest techniques, having just graduated in 2006.

First time customers will receive 10 percent off a massage from Majka or Rolen. Customer’s purchasing the $200 VacuStep program can get a month of free tanning.

Angie’s Therapeutic Solutions is located in the Old Mill Plaza at 314 Elm Ave., Yukon. Call 354-5699 for an appointment today!

Business
Personal service, low prices and old-fashioned charm still the standard at Star Pharmacy

Rebecca Barnes

If one-on-one service with a staff who knows your name and the old-fashioned charm of a drugstore soda fountain make you long for times gone by, the newly reopened Star Pharmacy, 302 W. Main in Tuttle, may be just what the doctor prescribed.

When the pharmacy’s longtime owner Jim Arganbright recently retired, he had some advice for the store’s new owner.

“He said, ‘you just take care of the town, because they’re like my family,’” said Chad Miller, who said he plans to do just that.

The personal service that has long been a hallmark at Star Pharmacy will continue to be the standard, and Miller said the pharmacy’s prices will always be lower than the chain stores. Free delivery in Tuttle will be available as well.

Recent renovations have restored the building to its early 20th century charm. A drop ceiling has been removed to reveal the original tile, and one-inch hexagon tiles have been added to the floor to mimic the 1920s style.

Customers who remember the pharmacy in its early years have been quick to let Miller know how they feel about the remodeling job.

“Our oldest customers definitely like it,” he said.

The younger generation has found a home there as well, making the soda fountain a popular hangout for the after-school crowd and at lunchtime. The full-service soda fountain has a menu featuring hog dogs, sub sandwiches, milkshakes and the shop’s famous “Salty Frogs.”

A native of Iowa, Miller moved first to Kansas City and then Oklahoma City while working for Eckerd Corporation and CVS. When he learned Star Pharmacy was in need of a new owner, he jumped at the opportunity.

“This is my dream job,” he said. “The people here have been so receptive and friendly. It’s a great community."

Miller and his family are in the process of selling their house in Edmond so they can establish a permanent home in Tuttle.

“My family and I are excited to make our home here in Tuttle,” he said. “I want to thank the community for welcoming us so warmly.”