50¢ For Circulation: 772-3301 Fax Line: 7 72-7329 For All Advertising 772-3301 Email: [email protected]Jena Skarda says the Western Oklahoma Christian School’s annual Soup Supper will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today in Clinton. For more information contact the Clinton campus at 323-9150. Funds will go toward all campuses... Donita Smith says the Western Oklahoma Quilt Guild will meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Clinton Senior Citizens Center. Radonna Sawatzky will be speaking about entering quilts in the county fair and what judges look for when critiquing a quilt. Everyone is welcome to attend... Melanie DeFehr says the Cross Country Booster Club meeting will be 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the field house. Officer election for the 2012 season will take place... B.J. Brown says Mid America Food orders for January are being taken at the First United Methodist Church offices - 817 N. 7th in Weatherford - from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Final orders will be taken Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m... Debbie Willis wants to remind everyone to bring by six cans of food or a $5 donation in honor of her 35th anniversary to 1417 E. Main. Donations can be dropped off from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday... •Please see Pot, Page 3A •Please see Tower, Page 3A Establish ed 1900 Weatherford, Okl ahoma Friday, January 20 , 2 01 2 Inside: TV Weekly Chamber Special Section All your local news and events! Auriel Verser/WDN Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce President Wes Magill (left) and board member Jared Deck set up the stage in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Ballroom in the Student Center Thursday afternoon in preparation for the annual chamber banquet last night. The banquet featured a Johnny and June Carter Cash tribute band. Larissa Graham City Editor The Weatherford Board of Adjustments granted a variance Tuesday night, paving the way for a new cell phone tower to be erected in Weatherford. According to City Attorney David Duncan, the city has been in negotiations with the cell phone company for at least seven to eight months. “There have been a few bumps along the way,” Duncan said, “but it looks like it’s going to happen.” The variance approved by the Board of Adjustments allowed the cell tower to be moved from its intended location, which caused concern from nearby residents who were concerned about being in the tower’s “fall zone.” The new location, Duncan said, is directly south of the fire station and is several feet further east onto a piece of land that will be leased by Legacy Bank. If the tower does fall, the new location means it will only affect city property and Legacy Bank. The new cell tower, Duncan said, is beneficial Variance board approves cell tower Larissa Graham City Editor A search warrant led officers to the discovery of an alleged marijuana growing operation last week, according to an affidavit filed from an Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics agent. On Jan. 11, the agent served a search warrant in the 100 block of S. Bradley with the assistance of the District 2 Drug Task Force, the Weatherford Police Department and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. While serving the search warrant, the agent made contact with residents Jonathan Tyler Wallace, 21, and Nicole Short, 19. According to the affidavit, officers located an indoor marijuana grow in one of the Alleged pot growing operation located by cops Auriel Verser Social Media Editor The Weatherford Regional Hospital recently received a Small Hospital Improvement Program grant for $7,503.80 to help offset costs related to the implementation of prospective payment systems, improve data collection activities to facilitate reporting to Hospital Compare, or support quality improvement and care transition activities. “With the ever-changing healthcare environment, it is important that rural hospitals continue to meet the new Medicare requirements and maintain pace with their larger, urban counterparts,” said Corie Kaiser, interim director of the Oklahoma Office of Rural Health. “Through the SHIP Grant, rural hospitals are able to put the funds towards areas that will help increase their efficiency, quality and performance.” A total of 59 hospitals across the state received grants totaling $442,724. The SHIP programs are targeted to help small, rural hospitals that are essential access points for individuals on Medicare and Medicaid. The SHIP grant assists smaller hospitals in getting up to speed with larger, urban hospitals. To qualify for the grant hospitals must have less than 49 staffed beds and rural – or located outside of a metropolitan area. “The SHIP grant helps fund the hospital’s progress toward an electronic health record,” said Claudia Wright, RHIA, director of health information management at WRH. “The hospital is able to purchase additional items such as software and computers which will improve the hospital’s patient quality, patient safety and allow the hospital to receive other benefits associated with an electronic health record.” The SHIP grant is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Hospital receives grant Larissa Graham City Editor Gun and knife enthusiasts are in luck – G&S Promotions is sponsoring a gun show in Elk City this weekend. Every year, G&S – an organization based out of Wister – hosts three gun shows in Elk City. Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, shoppers can head to the Elk City Civic Center at 1016 Airport Industrial Road and browse a wide assortment of new and used guns, knives, ammunition and accessories, according to Stephanie Ellif with G&S Promotions. “It (the Elk City show) is one of the larger ones,” Ellif said, adding that the winter shows tend to see an increased turnout. “People aren’t getting outdoors,” Ellif said. “They can’t go fishing, they can’t go swimming. And at this time of year a lot of people are thinking about changing out their hunting rifles.” Approximately 120 vendors will be at the show over the weekend, and Ellif estimates it will bring between 800 and 1,000 members of the public. Customers are encouraged to bring in their own items to be bought, sold or traded. The show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7, and children 12 and under are free. Elk City gun show set for this weekend G&S Promotions will host a gun show at the Elk City Civic Center Satur- day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Transcript
50¢For Circulation: 772-3301 Fax Line: 772-7329 For All Advertising 772-3301 Email: [email protected]
Jena Skarda says the Western Oklahoma Christian School’s annual Soup Supper will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today in Clinton. For more information contact the Clinton campus at 323-9150. Funds will go toward all campuses... Donita Smith says the Western Oklahoma Quilt Guild will meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Clinton Senior Citizens Center. Radonna Sawatzky will be speaking about entering quilts in the county fair and what judges look for when critiquing a quilt. Everyone is welcome to attend... Melanie DeFehr says the Cross Country Booster Club meeting will be 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the field house. Officer election for the
2012 season will take place... B.J. Brown says Mid America Food orders for January are being taken at the First United Methodist Church offices - 817 N. 7th in Weatherford - from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Final
orders will be taken Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m... Debbie Willis wants to remind everyone to bring by six cans of food or a $5 donation in honor of her 35th anniversary to 1417 E. Main. Donations can be dropped off from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday...
Country Booster Club meeting will be 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the field house. Officer 2012 season will take place...
United Methodist Church offices - 817 orders will be taken Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30
•Please see Pot, Page 3A
•Please see Tower, Page 3A
Established 1900 Weatherford, Oklahoma Friday, January 20, 2012
Inside:TV WeeklyChamberSpecial Section
All your local news and events!
Auriel Verser/WDNWeatherford Area Chamber of Commerce President Wes Magill (left) and board member Jared Deck set up the stage in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Ballroom in the Student Center Thursday afternoon in preparation for the annual chamber banquet last night. The banquet featured a Johnny and June Carter Cash tribute band.
Larissa GrahamCity Editor The Weatherford Board of Adjustments granted a variance Tuesday night, paving the way for a new cell phone tower to be erected in Weatherford. According to City Attorney David Duncan, the city has been in negotiations with the cell phone company for at least seven to eight months. “There have been a few bumps along the way,” Duncan said, “but it looks like it’s going to happen.” The variance approved by the Board of Adjustments allowed
the cell tower to be moved from its intended location, which caused concern from nearby residents who were concerned about being in the tower’s “fall zone.” The new location, Duncan said, is directly south of the fire station and is several feet further east onto a piece of land that will be leased by Legacy Bank. If the tower does fall, the new location means it will only affect city property and Legacy Bank. The new cell tower, Duncan said, is beneficial
Variance boardapproves cell tower
Larissa GrahamCity Editor A search warrant led officers to the discovery of an alleged marijuana growing operation last week, according to an affidavit filed from an Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics agent. On Jan. 11, the agent served a search warrant in the 100 block of S. Bradley with the assistance of the District 2 Drug Task Force,
the Weatherford Police Department and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. While serving the search warrant, the agent made contact with residents Jonathan Tyler Wallace, 21, and Nicole Short, 19. According to the affidavit, officers located an indoor marijuana grow in one of the
Alleged potgrowing operationlocated by cops
Auriel VerserSocial Media Editor The Weatherford Regional Hospital recently received a Small Hospital Improvement Program grant for $7,503.80 to help offset costs related to the implementation of prospective payment systems, improve data collection activities to facilitate reporting to Hospital Compare, or support quality improvement and care transition activities. “With the ever-changing healthcare environment, it is important that rural hospitals continue to meet the new Medicare requirements and maintain pace with their larger, urban counterparts,” said Corie Kaiser, interim director of the Oklahoma Office of Rural Health. “Through the SHIP Grant, rural hospitals are able to put the funds towards areas that will help increase their efficiency, quality and performance.” A total of 59 hospitals across the state received grants totaling $442,724. The SHIP programs are targeted
to help small, rural hospitals that are essential access points for individuals on Medicare and Medicaid. The SHIP grant assists smaller hospitals in getting up to speed with larger, urban hospitals. To qualify for the grant hospitals must have less than 49 staffed beds and rural – or located outside of a metropolitan area. “The SHIP grant helps fund the hospital’s progress toward an electronic health record,” said Claudia Wright, RHIA, director of health information management at WRH. “The hospital is able to purchase additional items such as software and computers which will improve the hospital’s patient quality, patient safety and allow the hospital to receive other benefits associated with an electronic health record.” The SHIP grant is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Hospital receives grant
Larissa GrahamCity Editor Gun and knife enthusiasts are in luck – G&S Promotions is sponsoring a gun show in Elk City this weekend. Every year, G&S – an organization based out of Wister – hosts three gun shows in Elk City. Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, shoppers can head to the Elk City Civic Center at 1016 Airport Industrial Road and browse a wide assortment of new and used guns, knives, ammunition and accessories, according to Stephanie Ellif with G&S Promotions. “It (the Elk City show) is one of the larger ones,” Ellif said, adding that the
winter shows tend to see an increased turnout. “People aren’t getting outdoors,” Ellif said. “They can’t go fishing, they can’t go swimming. And at this time of year a lot of people are thinking about changing out their hunting rifles.” Approximately 120 vendors will be at the show over the weekend, and Ellif estimates it will bring between 800 and 1,000 members of the public. Customers are encouraged to bring in their own items to be bought, sold or traded. The show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7, and children 12 and under are free.
Elk City gun showset for this weekend
G&S Promotions will host a gun show at the Elk City Civic Center Satur-day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DEAR ABBY: I caught my 16-year-old daughter, “ K r i s t a , ” s m o k i n g marijuana. I punished her
for it, but never told my wife because I was afraid she’d force me to make a decision that I don’t want to make. I have been married to my second wife for three years. For much of that time, Krista has been a nightmare. When she goes to school, more often than not she’s in the principal’s office for bad behavior. At home she’s worse. She doesn’t listen to anyone. We have tried every type of punishment we can think of and nothing has worked. Recently, my wife brought up the idea of sending Krista to a boarding school for troubled teens. At first, the suggestion made me angry, but after the marijuana incident I am more receptive to it. I am wracked with guilt. Sending my daughter away makes me feel like a failure as a father. But there may be no other choice. How does a parent know when enough is enough? -- FED-UP FATHER IN MINNESOTA DEAR FATHER: Do not send your daughter away to a boarding school for “troubled teens” without first having a psychologist identify what is troubling her. If you do what your wife is suggesting, your daughter could return home with more problems than she left with. Sending her away should be a LAST resort. Some family counseling should be tried first.
DEAR ABBY: A friend has been confiding in me, telling me her husband abuses her. She says it has gone on the entire 12 years they have been together. He does it in front of the kids, sometimes even while she’s nursing or holding their youngest. He also threatens to shoot her. I’m afraid for her safety. She left him once, but went back after he promised to change and temporarily became the charming man she wishes him to be. She knows she needs to leave again, and I have told her I’ll help her in any way I can to make it happen. She’s trying to hold out until she finishes her degree and can financially support the kids on her own. I’m afraid she won’t make it that long. I feel so helpless. I worry that by standing by and not taking some kind of action, I’ll be partly responsible for anything that may happen to the kids. On the other hand, she tells me these things in confidence. What can I do
to help? -- TERRIFIED FOR MY FRIEND DEAR TERRIFIED: Continue encouraging your friend to leave. A man who abuses, terrorizes and threatens to shoot his wife - in front of the children, yet - would have no hesitation about hurting all of them. By now she should have realized that her abuser will never be the man she imagined him to be. The time to leave is while things are calm - before his next outburst. In order for him to control her, he needs to keep her dependent. If he senses that she’s nearing a point where she can support herself and the children without him, he could explode. Make sure she knows how to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The toll-free number is (800) 799-7233. The experts there can help her formulate as safe an escape plan as possible.
DEAR ABBY: I am currently in a relationship that has become a roller coaster ride for the last few months. My significant other is always accusing me of cheating. He also starts arguments for no reason. Sometimes I wonder if he is having an affair and trying to throw the blame on me for his guilt issues. What do you think? -- ARGUED OUT IN INDIANA DEAR ARGUED OUT: That’s very possible. Another reason might be that he’s no longer interested in you and wants to break up. Rather than tolerate his emotional abuse, take the bull by the horns and ask him.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Keystone pipeline, medicalresearch and Mitt Romney
PAGE 2A - WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012
The Weatherford Daily News (SECE 670940) is published Tuesday t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y mornings by Weatherford News, Inc., P.O. Box 191, 118-120 S. Broadway, Weatherford, OK 73096. Periodicals postage is paid at Weatherford, OK. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes, Form 3579, to the Weatherford Daily News,P.O. Box 191, Weatherford, OK 73096
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Subscribe online at wdnonline.com
Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby
Contact UsInternet Site www.wdnonline.com E-Mail Address [email protected]
OPINION
Quote of the DayA superior man is modest in his
speech, but exceeds in his actions.~ Confucius ~
Friday, Jan. 20:• 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - bring in dona-tions for Food 4 Kids to H&R Block.
Saturday, Jan. 21:• 9 a.m. - Regional Spelling Bee at the Weatherford Middle School cafeteria.• Girl Scouts day at the Great Plains Family YMCA in Weatherford.
ArgusHamilton
Columnist
Daughter’s behavior puts her on the brink of banishment
HO L L Y W O O D - G o d bless America, and how’s everybody? The White House rejected
the Keystone pipeline bringing oil to the U.S. from Canada Wednesday. The environmentalists don’t want oil coming from a country that doesn’t hate us. They will never persuade us to go solar if someone’s not blowing up our buildings. President Obama wrote Iran’s leader a letter proposing direct talks on the Straits of Hormuz. He’s willing to be photographed meeting with Iran’s leader. Obama’s decided he can beat Romney so easily he’s going to lose New York and California to make it sporting. President Obama disclosed he’ll give his Democratic convention acceptance speech this fall at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It seats 74,000 people. The stadium is already sold out, but Obama persuaded the job fair to give him half an hour. Newt Gingrich’s ex-wife Marianne gave a two-hour interview to ABC News airing out the dirty laundry in their marriage. This could actually help him. America once had a president who cut taxes and cheated on his wife, and it will forever be known as Camelot. The Costa Concordia’s Italian ship captain was arrested in Italy Tuesday. He crashed his ship and left on a lifeboat with passengers aboard the sinking liner. The incident didn’t help Italy convince their bondholders that the country will always be there for them. Pittsburgh medical researchers discovered Tuesday that a person’s adult stem cells could possibly be used to make them grow younger. Many doctors have been tinkering with it. Ron Paul has used it on his supporters for years and now they all look 25. The GOP candidates held another presidential debate in South Carolina on CNN Thursday. They all vowed ahead of time that it would get rough. They had to hold the debate in a parking lot because the dump trucks full of dirt couldn’t get through the door of the studio.
Occupy Wall Street protesters threw a smoke bomb over the White House fence and onto the South Lawn while protesting in Washington Tuesday. There were no arrests. As long as you want to bring down capitalism the White House attitude is, boys will be boys. ABC News found Mitt Romney pays 15 percent tax on his investment income. He is doing the best he can. He only makes $15 million a year, he can’t afford to support the Mormon Church, all his children, all of his father’s wives and the Federal Treasury, too. Mitt Romney fended off charges by Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum Thursday. The poll numbers barely moved. Day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year, Mitt Romney stays at twenty-five percent like it’s a rent-controlled apartment. NASA scientists disclosed that the Earth was pelted by rocks in a meteor shower that broke away from Mars last year and hit North Africa. The Palestinians were upset. They had been praying for Allah to throw rocks at Israel and he didn’t adjust for the wind. The Pentagon sent troops to East Africa last week supported by U.S. military forces in Saudi Arabia. U.S. troops in Iraq withdrew to Kuwait who are covering U.S. Navy off Iran. Apple just came out with a new app that tells you why our troops are in any country you click on. AT&T’s National Pro-Am asked Tim Tebow to play with Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach next month. He’s wanted as an endorser, a broadcaster and for golf tournaments. The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas just asked him to join the Legends show as a Jesus impersonator.
Oklahoma LotteryPick 3 winning numbers for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 3-9-2
Pick 4 winning numbers for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 6-2-2-3Cash 5 winning numbers for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 7-8-18-23-36
Powerball winning numbers for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 6-29-34-44-50 Powerball: 28
Hot Lotto winning numbers for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 7-10-15-17-39 HotBall: 8
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 3A
bedrooms in the residence. The grow contained “several marijuana plants in different stages of maturity,” the affidavit stated. Officers also reportedly found several glass jars that contained marijuana, a container with five baggies of packaged marijuana, digital scales, equipment used in cultivating marijuana and other types of drug paraphernalia. In another bedroom officers located a “small glass pipe” and “a bong with marijuana in a bowl,” the affidavit stated. Wallace allegedly told police he had “been growing some of the marijuana plants since August or September 2011
and had moved them into the house when they (Wallace and Short) moved into the residence in October 2011.” He also allegedly told officers he had begun growing more plants since moving into the home and that there were several people he supplied with marijuana. Wallace was arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Short was arrested and charged with cultivation of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pot•Continued from Page One
Tower•Continued from Page One
to both the city and the cell phone company. “If the city did it (constructed the tower) at its own expense, it would be about
$90,000 to $100,000,” Duncan said. Now that the variance has been approved, the tower plan will be reviewed by Planning and Zoning Board.
OSAGE
TEXAS
ELLIS
KAYBEAVER
Le FLORE
CADDO
CIMARRONWOODS
GRADY
McCURTAIN
CREEK
ATOKA
KIOWA
GRANT
BRYAN
DEWEY
CUSTER
BLAINE
MAJOR
HARPER
PITTSBURG
CRAIG
LINCOLN
NOBLE
PAYNE
WASHITA
GARFIELD
CARTER
ALFALFA
LOGAN
LOVE
GARVIN
PUSHMATAHA
MAYES
COAL
GREER
TILLMAN
HUGHES
WOODWARD
TULSA
ADAIR
COMANCHE
BECKHAM
JACKSON
STEPHENS
ROGERS
ROGER MILLS
LATIMER
CANADIAN
CHOCTAW
COTTON
KINGFISHER
CHEROKEE
MUSKOGEE
HASKELL
DELAWARE
JEFFERSON
PAWNEE
McINTOSH
NOWATA
PONTOTOC
SEQUOYAH
McCLAIN
OKMULGEE
OKFUSKEE
JOHNSTON
OKLAHOMA
HARMON
OTTAWA
WAGONER
CLEVELAND
MURRAY
MARSHALL
POTT
AWAT
OMIE
WAS
HIN
GTO
N
SEM
INO
LE
Legend
Source: Oklahoma Office of Rural Health (2011) Health Resources Services Administration (2011)
SHIP Grantee
SHIP Grantee & Critical Access Hospital
Critical Access Hospitals & Small Hospital Improvement Program Grantees in Oklahoma2011
ProvidedShown above are 59 state hospitals that recently recieved the Small Hos-pital Improvement Program grant funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduate student Dalton Shane Holdge of Yukon was recently selected as the first time award recipient of a Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity award. Holdge received the Douglas Morlan Blubaugh Memorial Spirit Award during the TKE Founders Day 2012 celebration. Holdge received the award for his hard work, dedication, perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. He graduated from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in 2009 and two years later he graduated Summa Cum Laude at SWOSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree. He is currently working on his Master of Education in Sports Management degree and will graduate this summer. The late Doug Blubaugh
is a fellow TKE fraternity member and was an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling. Blubaugh’s family was able to extend the award to Holdge and al lowed him to wear Blubaugh’s Olympic Gold medal for pictures. Holdge said his main support is his family, much like Blubaugh’s. He wants to thank the fraternity for such an honor that he has received and that he is proud to represent Doug Blubaugh for TKE. “I didn’t know Doug Blubaugh personally, but to see the look in peoples’ eyes when they talk about him, I know it is an honor, a privilege, and celebration,” Holdge said. Holdge is excited about the future in helping out his TKE chapter at SWOSU and continuing his education at SWOSU. He said he wants to thank the
university for everything it has given him and hopes that one day he can give a fraction of it back. Holdge is the son of Leanna Farmer and the late Steve Holdge of Fort Cobb and the grandson of Nelda and Bobby Kee of Carnegie.
SWOSU grad studentreceives fraternity award
ProvidedDalton Shane Hodge of Yukon was recently named recipient of a Tau Kappa Epsilon fra-ternity award.
PAGE 4A - WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012
Police Reports
Arrested: Pearl Longee, 56, of Weatherford, for alleged knowingly concealing stolen property and larceny from a retailer. Roxie Ann Berthiaume, 61, of Weatherford, for allegedly obstructing an officer.
Wednesday 7:27 a.m. – stalled vehicle – Main and Washington – car was moved from roadway. 8:15 a.m. – 10:01 a.m. – school patrols – walk through – all okay. 8:43 a.m. – larceny – 2700 block of N. Main – report taken on a stolen trailer. 9:53 a.m. – larceny – 1300 block of E. Eagle Road – arrested Longee. 11:01 a.m. – stalled vehicle – 300 block of W. Main – car was gone on arrival. 12:49 p.m. – suspicious person – 400 block of E. Huber – all okay.
1:39 p.m. – public assist – 200 block of S.W. Main – fingerprinted subject for school. 2:29 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. – school patrol – walk through – all okay. 3:26 p.m. – traffic contact - Eads and Washington – arrested Berthiaume. 4:06 p.m. – animal call – 500 block of E. Eads – dog that was hit by a car was picked up. 4:54 p.m. – parking problem – Arapaho and Kansas – vehicle was legally parked – spoke to owner about complaint – owner said he would move vehicle. 5:14 p.m. – contact subject – 100 block of W. University – spoke to subject on welfare check – all okay. 6:12 p.m. – contact subject – 200 block of S.W. Main – spoke to subject who loaned her car to someone who had not gotten it back – advised subject it was a civil matter. 10:36 p.m. – public assist – 1000 block of Gartrell – building checked secure.
Arrested: Angel Alberto Gomez, 18, of Weatherford, for alleged failure to stop for a stop sign, failure to comply with compulsory insurance law, operating a motor vehicle without a valid operator license and failure to obtain registration and title within 30 days of purchase of a used vehicle.
Thursday 12:03 a.m. – traffic contact – 7th Street and Oklahoma – arrested Gomez.
Fire Reports
Wednesday Firefighters were dispatched to a life alert alarm in the 9000 block of N. 2436 Road Wednesday approximately 12:18 p.m. Upon arrival, they found the patient at the front door. The patient did not know why the alarm went off. Firefighters assisted the gentleman with resetting his alarm and returned to the station.
OKLAHOMA CITY – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi has been invited to give testimony Thursday to the Kansas State House Education Committee about Oklahoma’s progress in passing and implementing conservative education reforms. “I’m excited to tell our neighboring state about the bold reforms we passed last year thanks to our State Legislature and Gov. Fallin,” Barresi said. “I will
Superintendent Barresi to testify before Kansas education committeedetail how we are moving forward in implementing these reforms – through our waiver request from No Child Left Behind, which wi l l g ive our school districts needed flexibility, to the expansion of programs that will give schools more transparency and more data to drive decision making, and parents more choice.” Kansas Representative C l a y A u r a n d a n d
chairman of the House Education Committee said, “Oklahoma is doing some very exciting things to raise student achievement and we wanted to learn from one of the leaders of those efforts. I share Dr. Barresi’s passion for providing challenging educational opportunities to students and I know our committee will benefit from our southern neighbor’s experience.”
While in Topeka Barresi plans to outline her C³ plan, which assures each student in Oklahoma will be college, career and citizen ready by the year 2020. She also will discuss reforms such as third-grade graduation, which will put an end to social promotion and make sure each child can read on grade level before passing from third to four th
grade - A-F report cards for schools, which will transform obscure metrics into easy-to-understand grading systems for parents and community members; Achieving Classroom Excellence requirements, which require high school seniors to pass four of seven end-of-instruction exams before graduating; and more educational c h o i c e s t h r o u g h scholarship opportunities
and technology offerings.Barresi also plans to detail the state’s new Teacher Leader Effect iveness evaluation system; a new student data system, which will be rolled out in part this spring; and the transition to Oklahoma C³ Standards, which encompass Common Core State Standards and the state’s recently updated Social Studies Standards.
Memorial service for Jana Lee (Payne) Alvis, 72-year-old Weatherford resident, was 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Missonary Baptist Church with Bro. Matt Wyatt officiating. Jana Lee was born Oct. 1, 1939 in Colony to Eugene Alfred and Agnes Daisy (Chastain) Payne and passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1 in Weatherford. Jana Lee was raised and attended school in the Colony and Weatherford area where she graduated from Weatherford High School. She worked at 3M for 28 years and later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University where she also worked for several years. Jana Lee enjoyed
doing art and church activities. Memorials may be made to the Weatherford Missionary Baptist Church. Jana Lee is survived by a daughter-in-law, Leanna Kysar-Mercer of Weatherford; one brother, Raymond Payne and wife, Melba of Bowie, Texas; one sister, Lynn Dita Jones of Oklahoma City; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Gerald Payne; and son, James Greig Alvis.
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 5A
Southwestern Oklahoma State University will once again have a summer science and mathematics academy in 2012 on the Weatherford campus. Dr. Brian D. Campbell and Dr. David Esjornson, chemistry and physics professors at SWOSU, have received program funding for $41,600 from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for the summer academy that will be July 15-27. The Summer Science and Mathematics Academy (SSMA) is designed to give up to 32 high school juniors and seniors a two-week campus experience studying the relationship between science, mathematics, technology and society. It is also intended to motivate the participants to pursue higher education and careers in science, mathematics and technology. Other objectives for the SSMA are to meet the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) curriculum as well as
National Education Standards in Science and Mathematics (NSES, PSSM). The two-week SSMA program will be located on the SWOSU campus with participants living in university residence halls, eating in the cafeteria and taking classes in lecture halls and laboratories. Participants will have access to SWOSU facilities and equipment. There is no charge for the participants. All costs are covered by the OSRHE and SWOSU. Participants will engage in short courses of biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, space science, health, mathematics and physics with an application competition the final days. Students will have laboratory activities, field experiences, and participate in a problem solving competition. For questions about the SSMA, please contact Dr. Campbell at 774-3118 or by email at [email protected].
ProvidedSWOSU will host a summer science and mathematics academy on July 15-27 in Weatherford. The campus is designed for 32 high school juniors and seniors and is made possible by a $41,600 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Among those involved in getting the grant were (from left): Dr. Radwan Al-Jarrah, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. David Esjornson and Dr. Brian Campbell, both from the Chemistry and Physics Department; and Dr. Lori Gwyn, director of spon-sored programs.
SWOSU to host summerscience and mathematics academy
The Weatherford Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host its first meeting of the spring semester on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bonny Board Room - formerly Skyview Room - in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Memorial Student Center. Speaking on the topic of Women in Media, Dr. Melinda Burgess of the SWOSU Department of Psychology will be the guest presenter at the general
club meeting. Lunch will be served, and anyone is invited to attend. AAUW works to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The group’s annual spring luncheon will be coming up on Friday, Feb. 24, with guest speaker Jana Christian, president of The Etiquette School of Oklahoma. For more information, contact AAUW President Patsy Parker at 774-3284 or at [email protected].
University women’s groupto host meeting Jan. 24
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Wellness Center Intramural Development team has added a new sport for the 2012 spring semester. Students will now be offered soccer in addition to volleyball and basketball. According to Intramural Development employee Chase Kimbrough, SWOSU students can go to www.imleagues.com to register their team or individually. Each
team needs four players to participate with seven players maximum. Further registration information can be picked up at the Wellness Center front desk. Also, “Like” SWOSU Intramural Soccer on Facebook for updates about leagues, meetings and scores. Kimbrough can be contacted directly at [email protected].
SWOSU offering intramural soccer
Since 2004, January has been recognized as National S t a l k i ng Awa r en e s s Month and Southwestern Oklahoma State University is participating in the annual event. The National Center for Victims of Crime started the initiative to inform the public and increase knowledge of stalking. In the United States alone, 3.4 million people over the age of 18 are stalked annually. SWOSU’s own Violence Intervention Prevention and Ear ly Response Program (VIPER) is doing its part to increase awareness. According to coordinator Wendy
Henson, informational posters are scat tered throughout the campus, a large banner is hung at the General Thomas P. Stafford Center, a special meeting of the Community Educa t i on Response Team has been called, and additional information
will be distributed through media campaigns. For more information contact Henson at [email protected], visit the national website at www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org and like VIPER’s Facebook page (SWOSU Violence Prevention).
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 7A
Jim Morrison
Keeping the
Faith
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” Isaiah 30: 18
I must give credit to Joni Eareckson Tada’s daily devotional thought (l/16/12) as the seedbed for this article. We all have longed for many things over the years.
As a teenager I longed for a certain young lady to show some measure of positive response. But, alas, it never happened. I longed to play baseball on a field of grass but I had to risk broken teeth by fielding ground balls on a dirt field baked by the summer sun to the density of concrete. Today, I may long for a good night’s sleep free from racing thoughts or concerns of the world. Our longings are often full of selfish concerns that, if fulfilled, would provide only temporary relief. The Scripture listed in Isaiah exposes the nature of our Heavenly Father. His longings are entirely other-centered. He sees us go about in our busyness, often without any thought of His desires for us. The verse states that He longs to be gracious to us. His desire is to bless us, to demonstrate his love and favor in ways we can only imagine. To put it plainly, “He gets up in the morning to show compassion to His highest creation.” We may be prone to say, “I don’t see much evidence of that in my life.” This may be because He doesn’t have your heart or attention. The blind man could only be healed when he placed himself in the presence of Jesus so the Master could touch his eyes. The young couple longing for a life of unaltered bliss will only experience the joy of a lifelong union by building their house upon the Solid Rock and committing themselves to growth in their marriage. Having worked with college students all my life, I mentally greet each spring semester with a longing to be able to get an audience with every graduating High School senior. If it were possible, I’d like to drill a hole in their head and pour into them the things I’ve seen and learned. God longs to bless them and pour His Spirit into them so they will make wise decisions and place themselves in a position to be healed from their hang-ups and misplaced priorities. Many of our church’s young people enter college with a Junior High faith. After being subjected to the marketplace of ideas of the classroom and campus culture, they come away confused and unsure of what they believe. They are ill-fitted to enter the secular world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ to which they were called. However, thank God for those who see their college years as an opportunity to be “on mission” for Jesus. They hit the campus looking for a Christian group that will provide the atmosphere and culture that will enhance spiritual growth and provide service opportunities. They understand that God longs to be gracious to them. But he can only operate on surrendered hearts. I’ve known many over the years who “grew up in their spiritual pilgrimage” in college. They found that God really does have a plan for them - a plan to prosper them and …and give them hope for the future. If fact, all their longings can be met in Him. That is, if He has a surrendered heart with which to work.
Longings of our heart
A record number of educational administration master’s degree students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford will be serving as interns in numerous Oklahoma public school districts and career technology centers during the current spring semester. Dr. Mary Aspedon, professor in the SWOSU Department of Education, said the 80 graduate students have been taking all of their classes through distance education using interactive video. The students recently traveled to the SWOSU campus for a day-long internship orientation meeting conducted by Aspedon and Dr. David Henderson. Aspedon said the meeting prepares the interns for the duties they will assume as future administrators working under the mentorship of cooperating administrators in their school districts. The meeting was in the SWOSU Wellness Center. For
many of these graduate students, this was their first visit to the SWOSU campus. Aspedon said they made many positive comments about the pleasing appearance of the SWOSU campus and facilities. The graduate students will be serving their internships in the following school districts: Altus, Anadarko, Bartlesville, Beggs, Bethany, Broken Arrow, Clinton, Crooked Oak, Cushing, Depew, Edmond, Elk City, Enid, Eufaula, Grove, Haskell, Hulbert, Jay, Kremlin-Hillsdale, Lawton, Mannford, Millwood, Minco, Moore, Morrison, Mustang, Ninnekah, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Union, Pond Creek-Hunter, Shidler, Snyder, South Coffeyville, Stigler, Stillwater, Tulsa, Vici, Weatherford, Whitefield and Yale and in Francis Tuttle, Ft. Cobb-Kiowa, Moore-Norman and Canadian Valley career tech centers.
SWOSU hosts record number ofeducational administration students
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) will host its sixth annual workshop for plasticulture farmers on Feb. 11 at the Moore Norman Technology Center, 13301 S Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by workshops from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The modest $10 fee includes lunch. Farmers who use the plasticulture method of raised-bed gardening may not farm many acres, but this year’s theme shows that they are “World Class Innovators.” Program coordinator Micah Anderson will give a brief overview of how the plasticulture program works and show slides of vegetable gardens across the state using this technology to produce bountiful crops. Presenters will share their own innovations and demonstrate equipment and methods they use to maintain
productive gardens. Innovations include a new strain of okra, a waterwheel transplanter and surrounding plants with organic clay to protect them from extreme temperatures. Practical help from soil and vegetable specialists will describe composting, soil enrichment with cover crops, irrigation strategies and pumpkins that can be grown successfully on plastic. Awards will be presented to the best Marketer, Innovator and Farmer/Grower of the Year. Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, who farms in north central Oklahoma, will present the awards. Anyone interested in learning more about this farming technique is welcome to attend. Please RSVP no later than Feb. 7 to Ashley Carroll at (405) 522-4330. Late registration after Feb. 7 and at the door will be $15 per person.
Plasticulture workshop set for February in OKC
MUSKOGEE – As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs continues its efforts aimed at eliminating Veteran Homelessness nationwide by 2015, the Muskogee VA Regional Office (VARO) is making substantial progress locally for Oklahoma Veterans. According to data released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the number of homeless Veterans in Oklahoma declined by 25 percent from 2010 to 2011. Nationally, the reduction in Veteran homelessness was 12 percent over the same time period. The Muskogee VARO actively participates with private and public organizations to identify and assist Veterans and their families in accessing benefits and services available to them. “The Muskogee VARO is fully committed to
supporting the elimination of Veteran homelessness. Through our outreach efforts and priority handling of homeless Veteran’s claims, we have been able to expedite our claims processing efforts and provide benefits and services to these Veterans to help them stabilize their lives,” said Jason McClellan, director of the Muskogee VARO. During fiscal year 2011 - which ended in September - the Muskogee VARO completed 227 claims for benefits for Veterans identified as homeless. Through the first three months of fiscal 2012, the Muskogee VARO has completed 62 claims for benefits. Homeless Veterans seeking assistance may contact the Muskogee VARO located at 125 S. Main Street in Muskogee or at (800) 827-1000.
Channing Michael Ernesto Bowman Channing Michael Ernesto Bowman was born to Michael and Yesenia Bowman of Weatherford 9:39 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Weatherford Regional Hospital. At birth, he weighed five pounds and 12.9 ounces and was 19 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Ernesto and Irma Soto. Great grandparents are the late Isabell Moralez of Weatherford, M. Consepsion of Weatherford and Sylvia Villa of Durango, Mexico. Paternal grandparents are Mark and Tina Bowman of Weatherford. Great grandparents are Harold and Lois Holley of Camargo, Beth and Jack Blackwell of Enid and Mervin Bowman of Vici. Great-great grandparents are Jimmie Ayres of Vinita, Mindora Oriento, Philippines and Estrella Pajelan. Channing will join one sister, Cashlie Renee, three and a half.
Channing Michael Ernesto Bowman
Birth Announcement
Mary Lou Olson Funeral services for Mary Lou Olson, 74-year-old Corn resident, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Assembly of God in Weatherford with Pastor Wesley Warren officiating. Burial will follow in Corn Mennonite Brethren Cemetery in Corn under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home of Weatherford. Mary was born Nov. 7, 1937 in Carbondale and passed away Tuesday at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University will again participate in the Mind Games competition on KSBI-TV in Oklahoma City, and coach Dr. Kevin Collins is seeking SWOSU students who are interested
in the competition. SWOSU students won $10,750 in scholarship money during the inaugural season of Mind Games this past fall. One SWOSU team reached the semifinals and the other team made it to the quarterfinals. SWOSU competes against other Oklahoma colleges and universities in Mind Games, which is a buzzer-quiz game comparable to Quiz Bowl or Jeopardy.
SWOSU i s l ook ing for interested students t o c o m p e t e i n t h e team. Questions for the competition come from all academic fields. All SWOSU students who excel at this type of game are invited to try out. Interested students and those searching for more information should contact Dr. Collins at [email protected].
SWOSU team to participateagain in Mind Games competition
The Weatherford Arts Council is planning a “Jazz with Pizzazz” candlelight dinner in conjunction with the upcoming SWOSU Jazz Festival on Friday, Feb. 10. The dinner will be hosted at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center Ballroom on the SWOSU campus. The jazz festival concert will follow at 8 p.m. in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center. Kev in Co l l i n s s a i d everyone is invited to the
dinner which will have a menu of blackened chicken with butter cream shrimp sauce, red bean and rice, corn la crox, tossed salad with fried onions and vinaigrette, hot rolls, assorted cakes, coffee and tea. Because the special dinner is being offered at cost, with no profit, it is essential that tickets be purchased in advance, no later than Feb. 3. People interested in purchasing tickets should email Kevin Collins at [email protected]. Tickets are $16 for the dinner only or $26 for a ticket that also includes admission to the Jazz Festival. “All are invited to make a very special evening out of one of Weatherford’s most treasured cultural traditions,” Collins said.
PAGE 1B – WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012
SPORTS
Mike DiGiovannaLos Angeles Times ANAHEIM, Calif. - Clay Daniel remembers the first time he saw Yu Darvish in person. It was at a 2002 tryout on an island off the coast of Japan, when the lanky right-hander, who signed a six-year, $60-million deal with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, was only 16. “He was a fungo bat, about 6 feet 4 and 160 pounds, and he was only throwing 85-88 mph,” said Daniel, then the Angels’ international scouting director. “He was still a baby, but you could tell he had a chance to be something special.” Dodgers special adviser Tom Lasorda had a similar reaction when he saw Darvish in the 2004 Koshien National High School Baseball Championships as a senior in 2004. “I fell in love with him,” Lasorda said. “Wow, he had a great arm. I would have signed him on the spot.” Both came away from those early Darvish dabblings feeling jilted, like a kid looking through a store display window at a shiny toy he couldn’t have. Daniel saw Darvish pitch about a dozen times
as an amateur, and he told the pitcher’s family the Angels were willing to offer a lucrative bonus to lure him to the United States. But in Japan, it is considered an affront to the nation for a star high school player to bypass the professional leagues there and go directly to the U.S., so Daniel’s recruiting pitch fell on deaf ears. “It would have taken millions of dollars, an astronomical amount, to get him then,” said Daniel, now a major league scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks. “But his father wasn’t going to have any of that.” Lasorda went so far as to invite Darvish and his father, Farsad, who is of Iranian descent, and his mother, Ikuyo, who is Japanese, to his hotel suite, an invitation that was accepted. But he knew the odds of convincing the pitcher to sign were “about a 100 to 1.” “He had a little bit of a thought about coming over, but he wanted to stay,” Lasorda said. “Those teams over there, if they want that kid, they will not let him leave the country.” The Dodgers had been scouting Darvish since he was 15. “There’s this misconception that we start
learning about players when they’re ready to come to the U.S.,” said Acey Kohrogi, the team’s director of Asian operations. “Actually, we’ve already known about them for a long time.” Now, of course, everyone knows about Darvish, who went on to star for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and is being touted as the best Japanese pitcher to come to the U.S. The Rangers paid Nippon $51.7 million for the right to negotiate with Darvish, and with Wednesday’s deal, they have invested $111.7 million in the 25-year-old with a wide array of off-speed pitches to go with his 95-mph fastball. The Angels, who play the Rangers 18 or 19 times a year, will have to contend with an ace right-hander who could neutralize their predominantly right-handed-hitting lineup. “He had the stuff, and his feel for the strike zone was pretty special,” Daniel said. “He made his mark in Japan. Now he has a chance to make his mark here.” (Staff writer Dylan Hernandez contributed to this story.)
Rangers sign Darvish
ProvidedThe Texas Rangers signed Japanese phenom Yu Darvish to a six-year, $60 million deal Wednesday. The Rangers outbid other teams such as the Angels and Dodgers for the services of the pitcher.
While the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is charged with conserving the state’s wildlife, agency officials are quick to point out the crucial role of its partners, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation who just donated $86,250 for wildlife management efforts in the state. At its January meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission recognized the NWTF for its donation as well as for its role as a long-term partner in wildlife conservation. Presenting the donation to the Commission was Gary Purdy, senior regional director for the NWTF. Under Purdy’s leadership, the NWTF’s current donation includes $40,000 to help fund the purchase of the recently acquired Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area, over $30,000 to fund habitat projects and equipment purchases, and $10,000 for the Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools Program. Other projects funded by the donation include sending representatives from the Department to regional meetings and conventions held by the NWTF, building habitat signs to be placed on public use areas, and supporting the Department’s annual Wildlife Youth Camp. There were two viable NWTF chapters in Oklahoma when Purdy was hired by the
organization about 15 years ago. “We have 56 Chapters in the state of Oklahoma right now,” Purdy said. “That’s a lot of volunteers, and that’s a countless number of hours that these volunteers spend raising money.” The NWTF is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and other wildlife that, according to its website at nwtf.org, has spent more than $372 million throughout North America to conserve nearly 17 million acres of habitat. That has included over $1 million spent in Oklahoma over the years by Oklahoma chapters alone. The Commission also recognized BancFirst for its long-standing tradition of supporting the Dolese Youth Park Pond annual trout season in Oklahoma City. The two-month long trout season, held during January and February each year at Dolese Park (located near 50th and Meridian) features several stockings of rainbow trout provided through BancFirst’s donation. As a result, Oklahoma City residents enjoy an affordable and entertaining opportunity to catch a fish they don’t catch at other times of the year when water temperatures are warmer. The trout season at Dolese is also popular, according to Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries
for the Wildlife Department. “The most recent survey indicates that over 14,000 hours are spent fishing this 18-acre lake over the two-month season,” Bolton said. “Over 50,000 trout are stocked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 at a cost of $10,000.” According to Hank Bradley, executive vice president of business development for BancFirst, their participation is well worth the effort. “I was 12 years old before I caught a trout, and that was in Red River, New Mexico,” Bradley said. “And to see these kids at this age have the opportunity to do this in Oklahoma City - it’s just unbelievable, and we’re just proud to be a part of it.” Part of the “Close to Home Fishing” program, the Dolese trout season is a result of a partnership between BancFirst, the Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. The “Close to Home” fishing program provides fishing areas that are often just a short drive away from even the most urban locations, saving families time and gas money. In addition, it allows parents and children to fish together after school or on a busy weekend. The season is open now and will run through Feb. 28.
National Wild Turkey Federation recognized for conservation contributions
Darcie DickSeniorGuard
Vs. Harding University: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1
PAGE 2B - WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012
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SPORTSRandy GallowayMcClatchy Newspapers FORT WORTH, Texas - To almost all involved, thanks for the college football season of 2011. You guys gave us a lot of everything. The season was a good one, even with a yawner “Rematch” as a finale. It was also a bad one for the BCS concept, and that’s a great thing. And then there was the most awful scandal in the history of a sport that knows scandal. At the top of 2011 Best in Show was the RG3 story, which can certainly be nominated for the best ever football story in this state. A player from Baylor suddenly became a nationwide fame name. Second best? That came on the political front, where there was finally some serious slippage with the BCS stranglehold. A Final Four in college football is now coming, so the door will be open to a much-needed real tournament of 16 teams in the future. Then, however, 2011 also gave us the lowest of the lows. Penn State. Never ever again, let’s pray. But moving on: The college football season of 2012 went on my radar about the same time LSU finally crossed the 50-yard line in the BCS National Championship Game. Granted, this eager anticipation is mainly a provincial one since it centers on the local school out on University Drive. TCU in the Big 12. Bring this thing on. As a self-appointed TCU gimme-cap and T-shirt street alum, and mainly because I love to stir up other football “elements” in our state, I lost count a long time ago on how many arguments I’ve had over the past three or four years with the Austin-based orange element, the Lubbock element, the Okie element, and yes, the Aggie element, although that one is no longer a factor in any Big 12 loud debate. All Frog Face devotees know this argument well. It starts with this kind of comment from “those people:”“Got to admit TCU is a good team, but there’s no way it’d survive week after week playing a Big 12 schedule.”
Ever heard that one, Gary Patterson? “I think I have,” said Patterson, laughing. “And I don’t know the answer, but the good thing is, we’re getting ready to find out what happens week after week.” After being in four conferences (if you count the Big East) in the 14 seasons since Patterson first arrived at TCU as the defensive coordinator, the Frogs have been readmitted to the club. As it was with the old SWC, when TCU was a long-standing member, if you play football in this state, you want to be in the Big 12, even with the ongoing uneasy future of the conference. When four teams bolt in two years, that’s uneasy. And when DeLoss Dodds is still a power broker, who really knows what’s next. The Aggies, of course, were disgusted enough to pull up deep state roots and move on. But that’s another story. The Frogs’ story is about a program that survived and then thrived nationally under Patterson without being in the Big 12 family. Near-impossible, but TCU did it. When the College Station revolt led to the departure of Texas A&M, that opened the Big 12 door for TCU. Where does that door lead? At the moment, eight months away from the 2012 kickoff, that door leads to eager anticipation. Patterson admits he shares that eager anticipation. “It’s exciting for everyone involved with TCU,” he said. “You can feel the excitement even this early. We know we can play at the Big 12 level because we’ve demonstrated that. But can we do it every week? It’s a legitimate question.” Patterson breaks down that question like this: “In one area, based on the talent we have coming back - quarterback, running backs, receivers, a lot of the defense - I feel good. But in another area, we’re probably a year away. “That’s with our depth.” When the Big 12 invitation for TCU came last fall, Patterson’s first words were, “We’ve got to grow our depth.” Nothing had changed when we talked last week. “We grew up our team, depth-wise, this season, and we have grown it for the future, and we have to keep
growing it,” he said. “How well we do in this area will answer the question about us being able to do it every week. “But we aren’t going into this move with the goal of just being competitive in the Big 12. Our goal doesn’t change from where it’s been the last few years. Win the conference, compete for a national championship, win a national championship.” For Patterson, that’s not a prediction for 2012. “I’m just saying our team goals are the same goals as with an Oklahoma or a Texas and so on,” he said. While nothing is official, if TCU assumes the A&M schedule as expected, the conference home games next season at the new Fort Worth yard will be against Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Iowa State. That leaves road contests at Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Kansas. As Top 25 polls for the 2012 season popped up last week, Oklahoma was a unanimous top 10 pick. Kansas State was nicely ranked, as was West Virginia. The Longhorns also received a few bottom 25 mentions, and personally, I wouldn’t overlook Okie State. But the Frogs were in the top 15 category in most all polls, and as high as No. 10 in the SI.com national rankings. That raises expectations, which Patterson said he welcomes. And even with a defensive coach reputation, Patterson laughed when he talked about what awaits in the Big 12. “I know this much, you’d better have a quarterback and you’d better be able to score points, plenty of points,” he said. “Even I will tell you offense is an emphasis for us. “As far as defense, I’ve got one objective in mind: Hold ‘em to field goals. Hold ‘em to as many field goals as possible.” Everyone says Patterson is a defensive-minded coach, and that’s not going to change. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t adjust my thinking,” he said. Eight months and waiting. Waiting on some brand new big local fun and even more good arguments with certain football “elements.”
After years in wilderness, TCU back home in Big 12
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball team fell at home for the first time this season on Wednesday night, suffering a 65-60 loss to Kansas in front of 2,247 fans inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowgirls, who had won their previous eight home games, fell to 10-4 overall and 2-3 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks improved to 15-2 and 4-1. The Cowgirls trailed by double figures for a good portion of the first half andwere down 10 with less than a minute to play. Sophomore Tiffany Bias hit a runner in the lane with 12 seconds left and stole the ensuing inbound pass and laid it in to end the first half with OSU trailing 33-27.
Kansas hit 50 percent of its shots in the half before finishing at 48 percent to become just the second team this year to shoot at least 40 percent from the floor against OSU. Four minutes into the second half, the Cowgirls trimmed the deficit to two at 37-35, but the Jayhawks responded with 10 of the game’s next 12 points to extend the lead back to double figures. OSU mounted one final run, getting a jumper from junior Lindsey Keller to draw within one at 56-55 with 3:38 remaining before KU countered with seven points in a row. Bias drilled a long 3-pointer to get the Cowgirls within a possession at 63-60 with 11 seconds remaining, but the Jayhawks tacked on a pair of free throws to end the contest. Bias led OSU with 18 points and was joined in double figures by junior Toni Young, who finished with 12 points, and freshman Liz Donohoe, who added 10 points. KU’s Carolyn Davis scored 18 points, while Aishah Sutherland finished with 15 points and 22 rebounds.
Cowgirls suffer first home loss against Kansas
Monday Commercial
Jan. 16Team Standings1. Crimson & Clover2. Hanson Anesthesi3. Health Express RX4. NAPA5. Hebrew Nationals6. Edward Jones7. Penner PlumbingIndividual ScoresHigh Game: Ted King - 237High Series: Ted King - 633Team ScoresHigh Game: Edward Jones - 811 High Series: Edward Jones - 2223Other scores: Cody Roberts - 230, Jeff Priefert - 215, Randy Greer - 206
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Jan. 17Team Standings1. Longhorn Haters2. SKW Guys Too3. Team Extreme4. Time For Dinner5. Southwestern Lanes6. Bad Timing7. We’re Working On8. SKW GuysIndividual ScoresHigh Game: Jus t in Williams - 204, Sabrina Lee - 163High Series: Jus t in Williams - 517, Renee Lee - 411Team ScoresHigh Game: SKW Guys Too - 328High Series: Longhorn Haters - 2351
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 3B
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Kathy Van MullekomDaily Press (Newport News, Va.) Garden catalogs are more than pages and pages of pretty pictures for casual enjoyment. They inspire you to improve or reinvent your yard. They describe each plant down to the number of petals on the flowers or how the leaves are arranged on stems. They also introduce you to the latest and greatest in plant development, whether it’s a new color in a coneflower or a bigger and better tomato. For 2012, Burpee’s catalog introduces its Boost Collection of six nutrient-rich vegetables designed exclusively for home gardens. All were naturally bred by traditional hybridization, with no gene t i ca l ly modi f i ed organisms, or unwanted GMOs, according to a Burpee spokeswoman. B u r p e e c l a i m s i t s Boost veggies provide higher levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. For example, a half cup of Cherry Punch tomatoes delivers 90 percent of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, and Sweet Heat peppers produce 65 percent more Vitamin C than the average garden pepper. Its Healing Hands salad mix with four greens - mustards, radicchio and lettuce - can be harvested every three weeks for several salads. Home gardeners can purchase Boost via the print catalog or online at Burpee.com. The Gold Standard hybrid cucumber with five times the beta-carotene and Healing Hands Salad Mix are available as seeds only; the tomatoes and peppers in the collection come as seeds or plants. Here are f ive more catalogs, all free, worth getting because they offer a wide selection of growing material for Zones 3-10 and they do double duty as educational material:
Brent and Becky’s Bulbs A lway s known f o r spectacular spring- and summer-flowering bulbs, Brent and Becky Heath have added a few perennials to their summer catalog. This year, Becky recommends a Veronica called Royal Candles with royal blue
spikes that look showy in the full-sun summer border; it grows 10 to 15 inches tall and is cold hardy Zones 4-9. The catalog also includes a couple new Colocasias, or elephant ears that add a touch of the tropics to your warm-weather gardens no matter where you live. They grow in the ground or look stunning in large pots on your patio or porch. One of the new ones is Bikini-Tini with bluish gray leaves with dark purple veins and leaves that face upward and fill with water when it rains; they stand on sturdy stems in full sun or partial shade and are rated cold hardy to Zone 6. The Heaths, who live and garden in southeastern Virginia, also like Eucomis, n icknamed p ineapple lily, because its fresh and finished flowers give the garden beautiful structure. The Heaths introduce the new Twinkle Stars with pink flowers that feature stamens that almost “glitter” with pollen; it grows 24 to 30 inches tall and is cold hardy Zones 7-9. To get the free print catalog, visit www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or call toll free (877) 661-2852.
High Country Gardens Brakelights red yucca, a plant known to be a hummingbird magnet, is a new introduction for this company which specializes in perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs that require little water. Cold hardy in Zones 5-10, the yucca produces narrow strips of foliage with dark-green, grassy non-spiny leaves that are compact and evergreen. Its nectar-rich flowers keep hummers coming all summer long. High Country Gardens, loca ted in Santa Fe, N.M., also unveils its Harvest Booster Perennial Collection with small- and medium-sized flowering perennials that, when planted into and around vegetable gardens and potted vegetables, attracts bees for pollination. The 12-plant selection is cold hardy in Zones 5-9 and includes Pink Lace beebalm, Select Blue cat mint, Blue Fortune agastache, purple coneflower, Little Lemon goldenrod and Rotkugel oregano. If beneficial bees rank high on your list, Peter’s
Purple beebalm is what you need, especially if you want a species resistant to the powdery mildew that plagues most beebalms. Cold hardy in Zones 6-10, it puts on a two-month display of lavender-purple flowers and requires little water to keep the show going. To get the free print c a t a log , v i s i t www.highcountrygardens.com or call toll free (800) 925-9387.
Logee’s The cover of Logee’s new catalog showcases what it does best - offers rare and hard-to-find plants like the container-grown Fukushu kumquat on the cover. Inside, the catalog profiles 68 new plants, including staghorn fern on volcanic rock, Bienvenue hibiscus with 6-inch, pink-swirl blooms, variegated Chinese violet with light pink-lavender blooms and orange lipstick plant. Located in Connecticut, Logee’s celebrates 120 years of offering tropical and hardy fruiting plants and an assortment of fragrant and tropical plants for containers. The company rounds out its catalog with hardy jasmine, red pass ion f lowers, mandevilla, bamboo and angel’s trumpet. Some of its oddities include chenille plant with furry-red catkins, lollipop flower with spires of yellow rocket-shaped lollipops and Chinese perfume plant with scented yellow blooms you can enjoy several times a year. When you order, you get 2
It’s time for a fresh crop of gardening catalogs
Courtesy MCTFor 2012, Burpee’s catalog introduces its Boost Collection of six nutrient-rich vegetables designed exclusively for home gardens.
1/2- or 4-inch potted plants that can go in containers or in the ground. To get the free print catalog, visit www.logees.
PAGE 4B - WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012
HELP WANTED 13
HELP WANTED 13
HOUSEHOLD GOODS 38
HOMES FOR SALE 71
HOUSES, UNFURN 28
APTS, UNFURN 23
STORAGE FOR RENT 31
WANTED TO BUY 48
PRO. SERVICES 9
MISCELLANEOUS 85
HELP WANTED 13 GARAGE SALES 37
FOR SALE MISC 43
FOR LEASE OR SALE 73
MOBILE HOME/SALE 68
OFFICE SPACE 30
Quality concrete! Driveways, sidewalks, barn floors, patios, and safe rooms. 580-235-5706 or 620-397-3716.
Goldmann’s Electric. No job too small. 580-772-2172.
Satellite Installer Needed. No experience necessary. Will train. $800-1,800 p/week. Proper work vehicle required. 972-832-2908.
Sonic Drive-In has immediate openings for all shifts, all positions. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Apply within.
C & C Weed Control hiring Spray Technicians. Full/Part time. Call John at 580-774-9176.
Full time position available at fast paced Behavioral Health Facility. Applicant should be licensed or have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a mental health related field with experience working with children. Excellent benefit package provided. Send resume to Red Rock BHS, Attn: Terrica Grunewald, 90 N. 31st Clinton, OK 73601, applications available at same location or visit our website at www.red-rock.com EOE/AA M/F/H/V.
I m m e d i a t e o p e n i n g f o r c o o k M o n d a y - F r i d a y 8:30am-1:30pm. Apply in person at 601 E. Kee, ask for Sandra.
Need to hire delivery/part hand, welders, and a pump & valve builder. Benefits include vacation, health insurance, 401K & profit sharing. Apply 8am-5pm at Bird Equipment, Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark Bldg. 220, Burns Flat, OK 580-562-3124. Also, looking for Quality Control person for Code Shop.
A N A D A R K O D O Z E R & T R U C K I N G t a k i n g applications for General L a b o r e r s . C o n c r e t e experience preferred. Great benefits and competitive wages. Apply in person: Elk City 1121 South Main, Hinton Hwy 281, South 3 miles, East side of road.
Job Coach/HTS Warehouse Assistant. Needs to have forkl i f t experience. Ful l time/part time. Training and benefits available. Apply at 308 N. Wilson, ask for Michelle.
The Holiday Inn Express Hote l & Su i tes is now accepting applications for a Breakfast Person, Part time position. Individual must be self-motivated, able to work alone, and customer friendly. Applicants may pick up application at 1501 Airport Rd. between 8am-5pm M-F. EOE.
Need independent contractor for delivery of The Oklahoman newspaper i n Hydro , Eakley, & Colony area early morning hours. Call Mike at 405-702-3316.
The United Methodist Health Care Center, Clinton, OK has immediate openings for cooks on all shifts in our Cafe, which features restaurant sty le d in ing. We offer excellent working conditions, competitive salary, 401k, paid vacation, and sick leave. Please apply in person at 2316 W. Modelle, Clinton, OK.
Fast paced, family owned restaurant has opening for full or part-time cook. Must be a dependable, fast moving, self motivated multi-tasker. Open Tuesday-Saturday, only open 2 nights and closed on Sunday & Monday. Apply in person at Downtown Diner (123 W. Main Street).
Insurance Inspec tor PT i n We a t h e r f o r d . Wo r k independently in the field to verify measurements and condition of homes for insurance companies. No sales. Computer experience, digital camera, car, cell phone required. Knowledge of home construction and customer service experience a plus. Paid Training. Paid per assignment or minimum $12/hr. Apply at www.mueller-inc.com Ref#14621.
Housekeeping job open. Apply at Scottish Inn, 616 E. Main. Weatherford.
Taking applications. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. All appliances with washer/dryer. No pets, no smoking in apartment. 580-343-2525 ask for Lori.
2 bedroom house. Washer/dryer, refrigerator, stove. $475 /mon th . No pe ts . 580-772-4479.
2 bedroom, 1 bath house in Clinton with attached garage, includes appliances. No smoking, no pets. Call Lori 580-343-2525.
3 bed, 2 bath w/storm shelter. 2.6 miles northeast of Binger. $650/month 405-826-8599.
Office space for lease. Nice &
Large. 580-772-2351.
New mini storage facility. 5x10, 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 13x25, and 13x30. Carport 12x42 . 580 -774 -1844 , 580-302-0799.
Newest self storage, various s i z e s . 5 8 0 - 7 7 2 - 8 6 2 0 , 580-774-2056.
GARAGE SALE 711 East Arlington
Fri: 5:00-8:00pm Sat:7am-5pm
Jan 20-21
25 yrs. of accumulations. Collectables, knicknacks, dishes, kitchenware, & tools.
MOVING SALE Corner of Clark
& Broadway Saturday: 9:00am -? January 21
Huge Moving Sale. 4 large storage buildings. Over 30 years of accumulations. Too many things to mention.
Antique living room set for sale. Hide-a-bed couch, 2 chairs, $100. or best offer. 580-756-0121.
M o v i n g o r p a c k i n g ? Newspaper Bundles of 100 available for $2. Come by Weatherford Daily News, 118 S. Broadway in Weatherford or call 580-772-3301.
I buy mineral rights. Call 580-772-5581.
Year end Sale! Save Thousands! Own Land ZERO down. Turn Key. New and Repo homes. Top dollar for your trade! 2500 dollar furniture allowance w/ new home purchase. 405-631-7600 or 405-602-4526. W.A.C.
3 bedroom, 2 bath, with basement. 1468 sq. ft. 209 E. Arapaho. $105,000. 580-774-9001.
3 BR, 1 BA brick home in Huber addition. 1319 sq. ft. CH/A, fenced backyard. 812 N. Illinois St. $110,000. 918-636-9225.
Office Suite for lease. First National Bank. Call John 580-772-5574.
Newspaper endrolls for sale.
White, no print. $1.00 per pound. Weatherford Daily News 118 S. Broadway in Weatherford or call 580-772-3301.
Dr. Paul Donohue
To Your Good Health
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For almost two weeks I had the itchiest fingers. I didn’t see anything, so I thought it might be the soap I was using. I changed soap and laundry detergent, but the
itching persists. I spoke with my neighbor who said I might have scabies. I almost fainted. I am writing to you to see what can be done. Please don’t use my name. I don’t want anyone to know. Could I have caught this from our two dogs? -- Anon. ANSWER: Calm down. Scabies doesn’t make you a pariah. It’s something that can happen to royalty as well as the rest of us. You don’t know for sure if you have scabies. Don’t go off the deep end on your neighbor’s diagnosis. You must see the family doctor. The scabies mite is a tiny creature, barely at the limits of visibility. It’s transmitted from one person to another through close contact. The mite doesn’t live long on inanimate objects, only about a day to a day and a half. It’s not likely for people to pick it up from doorknobs, books or any nonliving source. You didn’t get it from your dogs, if you have it. Animals have their own mites that can be transferred to humans. But those mites live only for a few days, and the female of those mite species cannot lay eggs on humans. Intense itching is the prominent scabies symptom. Itching intensifies at night. The sides of the fingers, the finger webs, the wrists, the backs of the elbows, the skin under the arms and the male genitals are places favored by scabies. Although it’s hard to see the mite, the mite tunnel is often visible. It’s created by the female mite and is the place where she lays her eggs. The tunnels are thin red, gray or brown lines. Treatment can be counted on to rid people of the mites. Permethrin cream and oral ivermectin are two dependable medicines. Be forewarned. Itching often continues after the mite has been eliminated. It comes from a persistent allergic reaction. Antihistamines can control it. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a male, 83. I have had a hemorrhoid operation. Recently, partly from standing all day as a host in a museum, I realized there was a small protrusion in the rectum. Is there anything I can do to get rid of it? I do use fiber and a stool softener every day. Hooray, we have the same great first name. -- P.M. ANSWER: Keep up the fiber and stool softener. That small protrusion might be another hemorrhoid. You can’t do anything on your own. You have to let a doctor see what the protrusion is. I like the name Paul, too. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am in my 90s and in full control of my mental faculties. As a little girl I was troubled with canker sores. The doctor gave me a smallpox vaccination, and I have never had a canker sore since. Do you believe me? When I tell others, they look at me like I am a loony. -- S.B. ANSWER: At one time, smallpox vaccination was a treatment for many conditions other than the prevention of smallpox. The theory was that the vaccine stimulated the immune system, which could then fight off things like canker sores. Smallpox has been eradicated. Doctors have no access to the vaccine. The practice has died. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My boyfriend, 55, spends more than $600 a month on vitamins. This sounds weird to me. How about to you? -- E.L. ANSWER: I have many letters from readers saying they spend similar amounts for vitamins. Few people in Canada and the United States have vitamin deficiencies. A balanced diet provides us with all the vitamins we need. Your friend is needlessly spending far too much money on vitamins. He ought to check to see he’s not overdosing with them.
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 5B
com or call toll free (888) 330-8038.
Niche Gardens Niche Gardens is a retail and mail-order nursery that has found its niche in nursery-propagated wildflowers and native perennials, ornamental grasses, and unusual trees and shrubs. Located in Chapel Hill, N.C., the nursery’s catalog is on the plain side with mostly
l is t ings of tr ied-and-true specimens like wild columbine cold hardy in Zones 3-8, artemisia cold hardy in Zones 3-10 and asters for Zones 4-8. New plant offerings include two dwarf conifers - Chamaecyparis Snow and Nana Gracillis - that are small enough for almost any garden and also add a touch of living art as they grow. Since deer are such problems for gardeners everywhere, the catalog features symbols indicating deer resistance, relying on the gardens’ own experience with deer, as well as published literature on the subject. You’ll also learn that native asters have new
names, as described under Ampelaster carolinianus, or climbing aster, which produces loads of tight, purplish-pink buds that open to reveal spidery rose-pink flowers that mature to lilac. At Niche Gardens, a mailbox covered in this vining aster blooms mid-October through November; the plant is cold hardy Zones 7-9 so it can be treated as a summer annual in colder climates. To get the free print ca t a log , v i s i t www.nichegardens.com or call (919) 967-0078.
Tomato Growers Everyone everywhere en joys f re sh , ju i cy , home-grown tomato for summertime sandwiches and salads and this catalog is all about tomatoes. New varieties for 2012 include Green Doctors and its cherry-sized green fruit and cherry cascade hybrid with cascading clusters of red cherry tomatoes - both perfect for popping in your mouth or on top of crisp salads. In all, there
are 15 new tomatoes, one All-America Selections new pepper and a rare new eggplant called Pot Black. You’ve got to be a seed-starting aficionado because all the tomatoes and all the other veggies are offered only by seed. Therefore, the back of the catalog is devoted to seed-starting equipment and supplies like jiffy pot trays, starting mix, soil warmers and tomato pens that are made
of heavy galvanized wire that fold flat for easy storing and last for many years of fresh homegrown tomatoes. To get the free print ca t a log , v i s i t www.tomatogrowers.com or call toll free (888) 478-7333.
Catalogs•Continued from Page 3B
Courtesy MCTTomato Growers cat-alog is all about to-matoes. New varieties for 2012 include Green Doctors and its cherry-sized green fruit.
WEATHERFORD DAILY NEWS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 - PAGE 7B
Garfield
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Play the All New Sudoku
Rachel RoubeinMcClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON - Despite the economic downturn, the rate of homelessness across the United States decreased one percent from 2009 to 2011, according to a report that the National Alliance to End Homelessness released earlier this week. But at a news conference Wednesday in Washington to discuss the report, officials who advocate for the homeless said they were still concerned about the future, as the slashing of the government’s budget has resulted in a decline in federal dollars for the poor. “This is just the beginning of another year of people sinking deeper and deeper into poverty,” Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., said Wednesday at the National Press
Club. Moore has sponsored legislation to reauthorize a federal assistance program to fight homelessness. In these tough economic times, housing has become too expensive for many, said Pete Witte, a National Alliance to End Homelessness research associate. Nearly 6.2 million Americans spent more than 50 percent of their incomes to pay rent in 2010, according to the State of Homelessness in America 2012 report. The alliance used data from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Justice, Labor and Commerce, and from the private real estate group RealtyTrac. It may not be exact, said Nan Roman, the alliance’s president and chief
Homelessness in the U.S.U.S. homelessness fell 1 percent nationwide from 2009 to 2011 despite the sluggish economy, likely due to the $1.5 billion in federal spending aimed at preventing homelessness.
Homelesspopulation fell nationally from 643,067 to 636,017,but rosein 22 states
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executive officer, as it relied on community counts. In 2011, about 636,017 people lived without permanent homes, down from 643,067 in 2009, according to HUD, although homelessness increased in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The study says that housing assistance programs that contributed to last year’s overall decline in homelessness should be used as a blueprint for coming years. “The homeless system has been proactive in figuring out what works better and adopting that,” Roman said. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, a $1.5 billion federal response to the recession, provided an innovative approach to helping Americans get back on their feet, she said. The program provides counseling services and money to eligible participants to prevent homelessness or help them find permanent homes quickly.
While grant money for the program runs out next fall, Roman said the needs of the most vulnerable should be a high priority and Congress should continue to couple permanent housing with supportive services. As unemployment remained high from 2009 to 2011, families were more likely to “double up,” Roman said. The prevalence of more than one family living together increased 53 percent from 2005 to 2010, according to the report, and shared living rose in 37 states. Such doubling up is “a gateway to homelessness,” Roman said. Eradicating homelessness starts with ending stereotypes and fostering conversation, Moore said. “We’ve got to start saying, ‘Poverty is not a bad word.’ We’ve got to talk about it,” she said. “This is us. This is any one of us who misses a paycheck.”
Homelessness•Continued from Page 7B
Paul RichterTribune Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - America’s new ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, assumed his post in Moscow this week and declared on his Twitter account: “This is going to be fun.” At the same time, he came under a scorching attack from state-run Channel One television, which Tuesday questioned his past efforts to promote democracy in the country, and said he was “not an expert on Russia.” McFaul is a well-known Russia scholar from Stanford University, and as a senior White House official helped design the Obama administration’s efforts to “reset” U.S. Russian relations. He said before leaving from Washington for his new post that he would work hard to strengthen the relationship.
But U.S.-Russian ties have been under increasing pressure, in part because approaching elections in both countries have sharpened nationalist rhetoric. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the Obama administration for its foreign policy on issues ranging from Syria and Iran to foreign adoptions. Victoria Nuland, the chief State Department spokeswoman, said that “as the Russian Federation knows very well... he is one of the government’s top experts on Russia.” She said McFaul will work to increase cooperation with the Russian government, but would also “speak out clearly” and continue to meet with Russians who want to make the country more democratic.
New U.S. ambassador to Russia assumes postWeek ending Jan. 17, 2012
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Guests joining the Hub City Squares for the January dance were from Hydro Hi-Steppers, Western Swing of Elk City, Perryton Promenaders, Altus Twirlers and Circle 8 in Oklahoma City, and Freddie McKee of Amarillo, Texas called the dance. Ray and Patricia Mills and Rex and Claudia Eagan hosted the dance. Neola Stephens, Kelvin Casebeer and Jacky Etris celebrated January birthdays. Don and Betty Kisinger celebrated a January anniversary. Members attending the dance: Kelvin and Kaye Casebeer, Glenn Cook, Jacky Etris, Art Fanshier, Glenn and Roselind McCulley, Ray and Patricia Mills, Mike and Myrna Perkins, Carl and Barbara Preston, Lois Schimmels, Neola Stephens, Bill and Alfreda Wells, Louis Williams, and Rex and Claudia Eagan. Bobby Willis will be calling the February dance and the public is invited to attend.
