The Annual HIV/AIDS Conference will be Thursday and Friday October 3-4 at the Clarion Meridian Hotel in Oklahoma City. To register call (405) 271-4636. A limited number of scholarships are available. The conference will deal with prevention, vaccines, legal issues and 'burnout'.

Geary Police Geary Police Chief Robert Haley told MY93 News that a stolen Cadillac Escalade SUV was recovered in the 600 block of East Winnview in Geary Tuesday afternoon about 4:30 pm. The "On-Star" Tracking System in the vehicle notified police. The car had been stolen from Anadarko. No damage was reported and there have been no arrests. Sometime after midnight Wednesday morning, an OG&E truck was reported stolen from the 600 block of Rock Island in Geary just a block away from where the stolen car was recovered near the Canadian line. The White 2001 Ford pickup had 4-wheel drive and 4 tool boxes containing about $10,000 worth of tools inside. At least one of the elections in Longdale has been decided. There was only one candidate for town clerk, Velma Freeberg. For the Board of Trusteesin Logdale, the race will be between James McGuire and Janet Woods. The filing period ended Wednesday.

September 24, 2002 The Annual Victorian Fashion Show and Luncheon will be Saturday, October 12 at the Kingfisher Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10 and reservations can be made at (405) 375-5176. The event will begin at 10:30 am. Lunch will be at noon. Followed by the Fashion Show featuring designs of 1892. Proceeds will benefit the Seay Mansion of Kingfisher.

Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers are investigating a theft of a car stereo and speakers taken from SOS Salvage east of Watonga. No loss estimate was available since the vehicle did not belong to the reporting party. The incident was reported Sunday. On Monday Sheriff's Officers were notified of a stolen C-96 engine from an oil well site between Southard and Okeene. The gasoline engine belonged to "Iron-Sites" of Oklahoma City and was valued at $5,500. The Blaine County Conservation District has no-till grass drills for rent; also aerators, and gopher machines. Go by the office at 221 East Main in Watonga for details or call 623-4740. The only filling Monday at the Blaine County Election Board was Janet Woods who will run for the Board of Trustees in Longdale. No one has filed yet for the office of town clerk. The filing period continues through Wednesday.

September 23, 2002 A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new highway through Geary will be Wednesday at 10 am on the east side of Broadway and Main. Special guests will be Representatives of the Department of Transportation, Du-It Construction Company, Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, plus other state dignitaries. A reception will follow at City Hall. Everyone is welcome. The new highway is part of the northwest passage through Oklahoma. Firefighters Watonga Firefighters were called to the 700 block of East 4th last Thursday on a smoke investigation. The resident reported smoldering debris had blown out the furnace vent at his residence. There was no damage. The furnace was turned off and a serviceman will be called. Watonga Firefighters say the Kentucky Fried Chicken Store had a deep-fat fryer ignite Saturday afternoon. The overhead vent and surroundings had to contain the fire since the exhaust extinguisher had also failed. The fire was brought under control by hand-operated extinguishers belonging to the fire department. The incident has been attributed to mechanical failure. The store will be closed for a short time for clean up. Firemen were at the scene for an hour.

Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers say a victim on the east side of Watonga reported a window broken on her vehicle August 30 and a zipper bag stolen which contained a daily planner, and a gold ring with diamonds valued at $60. There was no estimate of damage on the vehicle. Watonga Police Watonga Police investigated a traffic accident Friday afternoon when vehicles driven by 19-year-old Tasha Mills of Geary and 44-year-old Carol Bomhoff of Watonga collided near Main and Prouty. The Police report indicates the eastbound vehicle driven by Mills was attempting to turn left and failed to yield to the westbound vehicle driven by Bomhoff who had possible head injuries. Total damage was estimated at $3,300. The accident occurred just after 4 pm Friday. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is sponsoring a caravan across Western Oklahoma Saturday, October 5. Participants will meet at 11:15 am at the Cherokee Trading Post on Interstate-40, Exit 71 near Clinton. They will proceed to Texola, eat lunch at Windmill Restaurant at 2:15 pm, then head to Texola for a ceremony of the Will Rogers Memorial Highway dedication at 3 pm and return after the ceremony. Everyone is welcome. For information, see the website oklahomaroute66.com

September 19, 2002 The Watonga Community Theatre Membership Drive will be Thursday, September 26 at the Ice House, 103 West Main in Watonga. Participants will enjoy a selection of salads and will be entertained by singers. Memberships start at $10. They ask you to RSVP by Monday, September 23.

State Representative Clay Pope has been appointed to a joint task force on automobile industry equity. The purpose of the task force is to determine if inequities exist in Oklahoma's laws regarding the purchase of the latest manufactured model used vehicles and the sale of used rental vehicles. Pope told MY93 News that the task force will determine if the same taxes are applied to used vehicles and rental cars when they are sold. They will also study the excise tax on new and used cars and the possibility of switching to a straight sale tax and eliminate the excise tax altogether. Pope says they are still trying to iron out differences that showed up after the new car tag bill was passed 2 years ago.

September 18, 2002

Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers were summoned to the Roman Nose Riding Stables last Saturday where the tack room had been entered by prying the hasp off the door. Stolen was a 3500-watt generator, post hole digger, 2 saddle bags, several saddles, and a tool box with tools. Total loss was $1300. An oil field theft was reported from a pump station 8 miles west of Watonga. Sheriff's Officers say the site owned by Enogex had a door broken and a solar panel removed. Loss was $200. Another larceny was reported from 9 miles southeast of Okeene last Thursday where the victim says a 15-kilowatt generator and a power washer were missing. Total loss was $2,500.

September 16, 2002 Firefighters A mutual aid call sent Watonga Firefighters to an out-of-control tank battery fire 5 miles west of Loyal early Saturday morning. The loyal and Hitchcock Fire Departments had originally been called to the fire; but when a tank split open Watonga was called to help. One Hitchcock Firefighter was injured. Nineteen-year-old Brand Scheffler suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face and hands. He was treated at Okeene Hospital and released several hours later. Hitchcock had 2 trucks destroyed and Loyal lost one fire truck because of the explosion. Sunday, Watonga Firemen were called to the 300 block of West 'A' where a carbon monoxide alarm was sounding; but since the power had 'flickered' a few minutes earlier, that was believed to the cause. No CO was detected. Also, Sunday, a trash and junk fire was reported from 7 1/2 miles west of Watonga. It had been deliberately set. Last Friday, Watonga Firemen assisted the EMS on a call one mile west of town. A smoke investigation last Thursday sent Firefighters to the 100 block of North Prouty where a major failure in the breaker panel caused the problem. The power was left off.

Watonga Hospital Board members have a special meeting scheduled for tonight at 7 pm. An executive session is scheduled to discuss with their attorney rhe Quorum Health Resources Contract. Another executive session is planned to discuss a personnel matter concerning Kathy Vermillion. Watonga Police On September 11th, Watonga Police were told that a vehicle had been struck sometime during the day; but the owner did not know where the vehicle was located when it was hit. The owner discovered the damage while the car was in the driveway. Estimates of repairs is $1,000. "A Walk for Health" is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 in Oklahoma City beginning at 5:30 pm at the Renaissance Hotel and continuing to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. Participants can also continue through the historic Heritage Hills area and return to the hotel for a distance of 4 miles. Communities throughout the state are encouraged to hold similar events to get Oklahomans "Walking for Health". Their goal is to have 100,000 participants statewide. Call (405) 271-6127 to more information. Also, October 2 is "Walk to School Day" for kids.

September 13, 2002 Highway Patrol Watonga Police investigated a traffic accident Thursday when vehicles driven by 66-year-old Billy Barnes of Garden Grove, California and 37-year-old Teresa Reddick of Loyal collided near highway 33 and Burford. Police say the vehicle driven by Barnes made an improper turn and struck Reddicks' vehicle. There was one passenger; but no one was injured. Damage was estimated at $5,800.

Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers are investigating a burglary reported Wednesday. The victim said a 4x8 trailer was missing from his property located 8 miles southwest of Watonga. Also missing was a toolbox. Total loss was $275.

September 12, 2002 Farmers and ranchers who suffered losses during the ice storm last winter are reminded that the upcoming loan application deadline is Tuesday, October 1. Counties that are eligible for the loans are Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Dewey, Garfield, Grady, Kingfisher and Major Counties as well as a host of other counties across the state. The loans will be made at an interest rate of 3.75 per cent. The loan amount will be determined by the actual loss, minus any compensation, the repayment capacity, and the security available. Contact the Farm Services Agency for assistance. The Watonga First United Methodist Church will have open house Sunday beginning with Sunday School at 9:30 am, worship at 10:45 am and lunch at noon. Everyone is invited. Childcare will be available for infants and toddlers. Also, the Christ Community Church is having their 25th anniversary celebration Sunday. They have invited former pastors to attend. The morning starts at 10 am. Lunch is at 1 pm. There's a carnival during the afternoon and a Christian music concert in the evening.

Wheat farmers have until Monday September 30 to apply for crop insurance. There are several crop insurance products available. Farm Bureau says they offer 'revenue assurance' as the best way to manage risk. It offers a higher payment under federal rules than multi-peril and it provides coverage for many weather and other related losses. The deadline also applies to oats, barley and rye. Among the honorees during Southwestern University's Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be Alvin Alcorn who spent his childhood in Geary and attended the Geary Public School. He later taught school at Greenfield. He was Citizen of the Year in Edmond in 1976 and selected for the Edmond Hall of Fame in 1983. The ceremony will be at halftime of the Southwestern football game Saturday, October 5. Voters in Longdale will go to the polls November 5 to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees and the office of town clerk. Filing period will be Monday through Wednesday, September 23 - 25. Deadline for registration to vote in this election is October 11. Contact the Election Board for details.

September 11, 2002 Firefighters Watonga Firefighters were called to Eagle Auto in the 300 block of East Main Tuesday afternoon where a 1988 Dodge Caravan had been pulled around the shop area just a few minutes earlier. The vehicle apparently already had a fuel leak. The vehicle was to be repaired shortly. The vehicle was a total loss. A resident 2 miles northeast of Watonga told firemen that a gas odor was detected near an oven Tuesday when the oven was turned on later and the oven door was opened. Fire came out. The propane tank was shut off by firefighters and the propane company who had just arrived to repair the oven.

Highway Patrol The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a milk truck driven by 26-year-old Tyler Gene Walker of Enid struck a 350-pound calf on highway 8 near Hitchcock early Tuesday morning. After the impact, the southbound vehicle ran off the left side of the road and overturned onto its side. The driver was transported to Okeene Hospital by Okeene EMS but his condition is not known. The accident was reported at 4:35 am, 3 miles south of Hitchcock. Chisholm Trail Technology Center is now offering free tuition to employees of public schools in the district. Students must pay for books and fees. Also free tuition is now available for senior citizens. Again, student fees and books are not included. Chisholm Trail also has the free tuition waiver scholarship for recent graduates of Kingfisher, Watonga and Lomega Schools. Full-time day programs include computer web services, business and computer technology, computer repair and networking, health careers, construction, telecommunications, practical nursing, automotive service, and marketing. For information call 800-608-8324.

September 9, 2002 The Watonga Grade School and Middle School 4-H will meet tonight at 6 pm at City Hall. Anyone age 9 to 19 can enroll. They will discuss possible fund-raisers and upcoming events. Parents are encouraged to attend. Contact Charlotte Sawyer or Patty Huffman for information. Highway Patrol The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a tractor trailer driven by 25-year-old Craig Newsome of Springfield, Illinois was northbound on highway 281 near Greenfield when the vehicle got too close to the east side guard rail. The truck took out about 300 feet of the guardrail before coming to rest about 1.7 miles north of Greenfield. The driver was treated and released from Watonga Hospital for neck, chest, and leg injuries. The Watonga Fire Department responded to the scene; but since the vehicle was carrying corrosive chemicals, a haz-mat team had to be called from Norman to clean up the area which wa sealed off for about 24 hours. The Department of Environmental Quality also was on the scene. Trooper Tony Lucero said the damage was estimated at $60,000 to the truck and trailer plus the cost of its contents. Firefighters Watonga Firefighters were called to the 500 block of North Leach Sunday afternoon to assist Watonga Police on a child arson. Apparently a 16-year-old male was burning an "ant den" in his yard. The youth was advised of the error of his ways and also told the penalties for arson. Firemen assisted a subject in the 100 block of South Sampson to get back into bed Saturday afternoon on a public assistance call. The Watonga Eagles have their home opener Friday night against Kingfisher, Pre-game activities begin at 6 pm with Friday night previews, then an interview with the Coach at 7 and live from the field at 7:15. Join us after the game for 'Friday Night Finals'. The Oklahoma Children's Cancer Camp will be Friday through Sunday September 20-22. It is sponsored by the Watonga Firefighters and Fire Angels. If you would like to help with the camp, call the Fire Station at 623-7378 or call Mark and Cyndi Huff at 623-4114.

Watonga Police Saturday, Watonga Police were called to a location where a 19-year-old female was laying on the edge of the street. It was indicated that the girl had been riding on top of a pickup bed cover driven by 22-year-old Ernest Jonathan Edsall and the girl fell off. She was taken to Watonga Hospital and later by Medi-Flight to an Oklahoma City Hospital. Police arrested Edsall for driving while intoxicated and for allowing a rider outside the passenger compartment. Police believe alcohol was involved in the incident. Watonga Police investigated a traffic accident Saturday night where a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Tammie Davis of Watonga struck a vehicle that was parked behind her at the Easy Shop. Total damage was $1,500. No one was injured. Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers are investigating a case of attempted murder reported from the Parker Bridge northwest of Watonga. They were called to the scene about 3:45 am Sunday morning where an 'after-hours' beer party was in progress. During the party, several persons had gotten into an altercation with 36-year-old Tim Elston who had been cut with a knife at least 3 times in the chest and abdomen. There had also been shots fire. Police found 8 shell casings from a 32-caliber weapon in the area. None of the bullets had struck the victim. Elston was taken to University Hospital in Oklahoma City where he has already undergone 3 surgeries. At last report he was in serious but guarded condition. The incident is still under investigation. Later that night, a rollover accident occurred near Carlton involving 37-year-old Roger Boden. Officers arrested Boden for public intoxication while he was at Okeene Hospital and because he is a aterial witness in the stabbing. Sheriff's Officers also were notified that its driver near Geary recovered a stolen pickup. Chris Oler had reported the vehicle stolen the night of August 27; but had apparently found it on his own the next day. The 1999 Ford pickup had a blown-out tire but no other damage. The Watonga Fire Angels will sponsor a tailgate party Friday from 5:30 til 7:30 at the High School parking lot. A hamburger, chips, cookie and drink will cost $4. An additional hamburger is $2.

September 7, 2002

Two Geary men were killed in a traffic accident Friday night south of Geary. The driver, 43-year-old John Michael Morrow and his passenger 55 year old Rodney Lee Nivison were both killed as a result of a collision with a Peterbilt tractor hauling a 48-foot trailer. 53-year-old Gary Owen of Norman who was not injured drove the rig. According to the report by Trooper Cody Rehder, the vehicle driven by Morrow was northbound on Highway 270, then went left of center and struck the rear duals of the trailer. Geary Fire and Rescue extricated both the driver and the passenger. The accident occurred about 1/2 mile south of Geary at 10:15 pm Friday night.

September 3, 2002 Firefighters Watonga Firefighters say 3 juveniles allegedly tried to ignite 5 gallons of gasoline after pouring it into the street in the 500 block of South Prouty. The youths tried to set it on fire with a lit cigarette; but were unsuccessful. The fire was out when the first fire truck arrived. Blaine County Sheriff's Officers and Watonga Police were assisting. Watonga Police Watonga Police investigated a traffic accident Friday night when 44-year-old Iva White of Watonga, while riding a bicycle, struck a vehicle driven by 62-year-old Ray Wright of Watonga, who was northbound on Clarence Nash Boulevard. According to the report, Wright was attempting to pass the bicycle when they collided. White refused treatment for possible arm and leg injury. Total damage was $850.

Sheriff's Report Blaine County Sheriff's Officers are investigating 2 thefts of anhydrous ammonia reported Tuesday. One theft occurred at the Wheeler Brothers Elevator in Greenfield. A deputy discovered the theft sometime after midnight. They recovered a fill hose and other physical evidence at the scene. The other theft was reported from 5 miles southwest of Watonga where an unknown amount of anhydrous was missing from a private residence. Officers recovered a stolen vehicle Monday and arrested 45-year-old Randall Keesling after stopping the vehicle for a possible DUI violation and discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Weatherford. The driver was arrested for possession of stolen property and possession of a dangerous weapon after a felony conviction because he was carrying a 9-inch butcher knife. He was also arrested for driving while his license was suspended. The arrest took place in Longdale. Sheriff's Officers from a rural residence near Southard where the victims were making an overnight stop and the next morning they discovered some checks were missing is investigating a burglary. One check had already been passed in Weatherford and Police there are investigating. The Blaine County Excise Board met Tuesday and approved budgets for the County plus the towns of Canton, Hitchcock, Watonga and Longdale and budgets for the Watonga School and Geary School System.

August News, 16-31

     August News, 1-15

     July News