Snow in Beaver County November-December 2004- Click to enlarge

Early November morning 2004	Neighbors cars and yard shows wet snow.	Neighbors snowy fence.	Tree had beautiful leaves but gone.	Snowy Second street Snowy second street.
Wet snow covers yards and little on road.	It use to be Rotary Park.	Snow covers neighbors garage.	Nice wet snow	Snow covers trees
Early morning shows snow on sandhills

With snow comes muddy roads --- Click to enlarge

Did you ever think we would see muddy roads. Been this way just all fall	Lots of water still on county roads	It was tough going on muddy roads in Beaver County.	Going down hills is "fun".	Turning corners. One must be careful.

Alabaster Caverns cave tours have been temporarily suspended due to a large rockslide
at the entrance into the caverns. The slide occurred sometime on December 25th, the
only day in the year we are closed to the public.
The slide has blocked the concrete walkway into the cave with very large gypsum
boulders and rubble. There appears to be no damage to the interior of the cave or
the new cave lighting. Currently with the technical assistance from a geologist, the state
is  in the process of determining the safety and stability of the remaining formation
around the entrance.
Hopefully there will be safety clearance within the week to begin the removal process.

Beaver Public School would like to join all other districts in Oklahoma in recognizing the important contributions that our local school board members make to our community.

These men and women take countless hours of their time to help make sure that our school district is providing a quality education for our students here in Beaver. We are certainly proud of the job they do and appreciate their dedication to the children of our community.

They serve as representatives of our community in the education of our kids, so let them know you appreciate what they do by saying thanks. I am truly blessed to be able to work with these men and women as we strive to be the best school in the state.

Beaver School Board members are: Chris Janko, Tammie Cline, Mechille Pester, Alan Clark, and Lance Sutton.

/s/Scott Kinsey

The first meeting of the new year for the Beaver Aglow Lighthouse will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2005 at the First Security Bank in Beaver. We are looking forward to a great New Year of God’s richest blessings!

Sharing with us will be Tamara Hegwood of Goodwell. She has been married to her husband, Wesley, for 26 years. Together they have three birth children, six adopted children, and four grandchildren. Seven children are still at home, two attending OPSU and five in homeschool. Her household can at any time include a number of extras as well as a varied menagerie of animals.

A woman of God’s wisdom, Christ’s light of love shines brightly in Tamara’s life, as she "looketh well to the ways of her household." Her adornment is that of a "meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Tamara and her family attend Living Word Fellowship Church in Guymon where she is a cell group leader. She has recently returned to school with the goal of attaining a degree in Christian counseling.

You are encouraged to make the time to attend. For more information contact Twyla Young at 580-778-3527.

PTCI has entered into an agreement with Cebridge Connections to purchase their cable television facilities in the exchanges of Boise City, Beaver, Forgan, Hardesty, Hooker and Laverne in the Oklahoma panhandle as well as Spearman, Booker, Darrouzett and Follett in the Texas Panhandle.

"PTCI looks forward to providing video service options in these communities," said Ron Strecker, CEO of PTCI. "We anticipate our actual possession of these properties to take place within 120 days after the signing of the documents, at which time, we will work closely with Cebridge to make a seamless, customer-friendly transition."

Cebridge will continue to operate cable TV systems in a number of other Oklahoma and Texas communities, beyond those listed above.

An Oklahoma Panhandle legislator has been appointed to serve on two House committees that affect public schools and the state’s highway infrastructure.

State Rep. Gus Blackwell, who is starting his second 2-year term in the State House of Representatives, has been assigned to the House Committee on Common Education and to the House Transportation Committee by Speaker Todd Heitt, R-Kellyville.

"Obviously transportation issues are important to rural Oklahoma, and I am pleased that my request to be on this committee was approved," Blackwell said. "I intend to push for transportation improvements and other road developments in District 61, including the completion of the S.H. 54 four-lane project."

The House Transportation committee reviews all bills relating to transportation issues and makes recommendations. The panel can offer assistance on the district level, bring district issues to the attention of the Department of Transportation and ask for assistance in developing solutions.

Blackwell said he will help convey information concerning transportation improvements back to the communities of his district and will work with transportation improvements and the division engineer to help prioritize projects. Blackwell said he and other committee members also can offer input to the state’s eight year transportation master plan.

Blackwell said he also requested to be a member of the House Common Education committee. That committee reviews measures that affect all aspects of the state public school education system and can make recommendations before education measures reach the House floor for consideration by the entire House of Representatives, he said.

During the last legislation session, the Common Education committee increased teacher benefits and the minimum salary levels, as well as increased health insurance benefits and adjusted retirement provisions. The panel also is responsible for reviewing school election and school finance procedures.

"As part of my continued commitment on education, serving on this committee will allow me to be a voice for rural Oklahoma and to my district about issues relating to funding and other common education matters," Blackwell said.

The lawmaker also has been named chairman of the House Committee on Corrections and Criminal Justice. Those two committees recently were combined into one panel by Speaker Hiett.

Blackwell graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and earned an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological University. Blackwell also has a bachelor of science degree from Panhandle State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

An informal discussion of a 1-cent sales tax increase was heard during the Town of Beaver’s Board of Trustees regular meeting on Dec. 9.

Mayor Mike Ford called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Those present were Ford, Chris Berry, David Glascock, Bobby Mosburg and Mary Sallee. Also present were City Manager Don Jenkins and Clerk Barbara Chockley.

If approved by the voters in the Town of Beaver, revenue from the sales tax would be earmarked for streets and sewers. The current 2-cent sales tax was passed by the voters in the Town of Beaver in 1968.

"At our last meeting, we informally discussed a one percent sales tax increase, which would be voted on by the people," Ford said. "We have discussed in the past about our sales tax collections, which have remained steady at about $250,000 per year. If you figure the cost of goods going up, our tax collections have actually decreased percentage wise. We are also looking at other places to increase revenue, which includes annexation of land south of Beaver."

The sales tax increase and annexation will be further discussed at the January monthly meeting scheduled for Jan. 13, 2005, Ford noted.

In other action at the December meeting, the Board:

Issued a building permit to Billy Cates to move a trailer house on the lot at 301 Ave. I. He will be removing all the structures currently on this lot.

Approved a resolution for REAP funding from OEDA in the amount of $36,000. The Town of Beaver will be sponsoring Beaver County on this project to make the fairgrounds handicap accessible.

Adopted a resolution calling for an election of board members and treasurer in April of 2005.

Voted to move the access to the gun range. One acre will be pulled from the CRP program to access the range. The USDA will be refunded $288.42 for the portion pulled from the program.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the following amounts: $29,313.14 from the General Fund; $21,510.39 from the Cash Utility Fund; $2,178.65 from the Bus Transit Fund; $158.47 from the Airport Fund; $493.89 from the DOC Fund.

During the Public Works Authority portion of the meeting, the Board:

Voted to place a dumpster for Brenda Maness on the west side of Ave. A on 3rd street and Ave. A in the right-of-way of Barbara Cunningham’s lot.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the PWA Operating Fund in the amount of $33,503.69.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Tipoff times for the first Beaver High School basketball games of the New Year have been changed, according to Beaver High School Principal Mike McVay.

Beaver’s games against Follett at the Duster Dome will begin at 5 p.m. with only varsity contests (girls first). The change is partly due to Oklahoma’s Orange Bowl game against Southern California that same night.

The BHS teams are finished with the first portion of their 2004-05 schedule. The Lady Dusters stand 4-2, while the Dusters are undefeated at 6-0.

December 23, 2004

Drawing of proposed wellness center in Beaver,

This is the new Beaver Wellness Center that officials would
like to construct in Beaver. Cost estimate is $2.3 million.
 

A pure example of the "No Man’s Land Can-do Spirit" is
manifested in the proposed Panhandle Community Center.

The planned facility, which has a preliminary cost estimate of
about $2.3 million, will include a recreation center to meet the
recreation and fitness needs of all ages through its outstanding
design, state of the art equipment and innovative programs.

The building will be 225 feet by 200 feet with two full size
basketball courts, along with many other amenities. A site
for the building has not yet been determined but many options
have been visited.

The group has already had many fund-raisers with many more
planned in the future - including the giveaway of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
 

Other amenities include:

•A quality licensed daycare for 21 children is planned to
provide Beaver County residents with affordable and reliable
daycare. The daycare will be designed to enhance learning. An
indoor playground is planned to provide children with physical
education and a recreational area adjacent to their housing facilities.

•An enjoyable experience for all ages will feature a 5-foot salt
water lap pool for water aerobics, lap swimming, physical therapy
or relaxation.

•A fitness area, which includes an indoor cushioned walk/jog track,
cardiovascular training area, aerobic studio, stretching area and
muscle toning and strength training area to help motivate residents
to begin or continue an exercise program.

•A senior meal program that will provide seniors with nutritious meals
designated to help them stay healthy. The program will provide
well-balanced, hot, nutritious meals as well as the opportunity to
meet new friends and take part in recreational activities and exercise
classes.

•Adjoining meeting rooms will have maximum flexibility for use
of space achieved by the utilization of operable walls, which when
opened creates a flexible assembly area, which will have the
ability to host events with attendees ranging from five to 500.

The project has been designed to provide the panhandle
community with a central health, physical activity and recreation
gathering place. It is the result (so far) two years of research and
planning. The challenge has been to meet not only the current
needs but to plan for future needs.

In April of 2003, the Beaver County Health Services Committee
grouped together with the Beaver County Health Department, the
Oklahoma State Turning Point Association and the Office of Rural
Development to form the Beaver County Health Awareness
Partnership.

A "healthy community" is the shared vision for Beaver County for
the 21st Century. A healthy community means a good economy
and a chance for good jobs. A healthy community means
recreational opportunities for children and adults. A healthy
community means involved citizens who want to make things better.
And a healthy community means strong, quality health education.

All citizens in Beaver County, as employers, public servants,
concerned citizens, educators, parents and family members deserve
nothing less than the best quality of life. Our health status, our personal sense of well-being and our community’s ability to thrive socially and economically are all tied together.

If a community experiences poor health outcomes among its
citizens, businesses in that community experience more
employee absences, families experience higher costs for health
care and community health organizations experience greater
demands on their limited resources.

Achieving a "healthy community" will require local partners
working together. The Beaver County Health Awareness c
ommittee invites everyone to become involved. The group meets
on the third Tuesday of each month in the EMT Building at noon.

Help pave the way.

The Beaver County Health Awareness committee will soon be
offering engraved bricks to individuals, groups, clubs and
businesses to help build the Panhandle Community Center.

A brick walkway constructed of engraved bricks will lead to the
entrance of the new facility. Brick order forms will be available
at the Beaver County Health Department, Beaver County Memorial
Hospital, Bank of Beaver City, First Security Bank.

If you would like to purchase a brick as a gift to a loved one,
a gift certificated will be supplied to you for them to open.

Cost of the bricks are $50 for a four inch by eight inch brick for
individuals or family members and $100 for businesses. An 8x8
brick will be available also for $500. Custom characters, logos
and art work will be available.

Jeffrey Thomas Lee, of Beaver, was awarded an undergraduate degree at Oklahoma Christian University’s (OC) winter graduation exercise December 17.

Lee received a bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies. He is the son of Thomas and Carol Lee.

Lee was among 135 candidates who were awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees in ceremonies held in Hardeman Auditorium on the OC campus.

Oklahoma Christian, a private, four-year comprehensive university ranked seventh overall in the 16-state Western region by U.S. News & World Report, offers degree programs in more than 60 fields of study in three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Biblical Studies and the College of Professional Studies. The university also offers two graduate degree programs in Biblical Studies in addition to one- and two-year master of business administration programs.

December 9, 2004
 

With two misses, Kolby McDonald is the 14th - and final - winner of the Football Contest sponsored by The Herald-Democrat Sports Page Club.

McDonald won the contest via the tiebreaker, guessing that Beaver and Pawnee would combine for 632 yards in their Class A semifinal contest last Saturday. The two teams actually had 644 combined yards.

Five other contestants also had two misses. They were: Cheri Sutton, Clinton Haskell, Troy Bowles, Trey Pool and Chuck Salisbury. There were 102 entries in last week’s contest.

Each week, the winner of the contest received $25 from The Herald-Democrat. This year’s contest ran for 14 weeks until every Beaver County football team was eliminated from the playoff chase. Beaver made the longest trek this season, reaching the Class A semifinals.

Here’s a look at this week’s results:

Pawnee 29, Beaver 7.

Tonkawa 34, Healdton 20.

Weeletka 46, Morrison 6.

Shattuck 58, Fox 12.

Purcell 16, Newscastle 13.

Sulphur 48, Heritage Hall 21.

Berryhill 27, Victory Christian 6.

Clinton 28, Broken Bow 0.

Tulsa Union 27, Jenks 17.

Auburn 38, Tennessee 28.

Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3.

Here’s a look at the past winners:

Week 1 - Jim Maynard.

Week 2 - Kaleb McDonald.

Week 3 - Tammie Patzkowsky.

Week 4 - Donna Bowles.

Week 5 - Justin Ediger.

Week 6 - Dustin Cross.

Week 7 - Cara McDonald.

Week 8 - Cara McDonald.

Week 9 - Mechille Pester.

Week 10 - Todd Kerr.

Week 11 - Chad Greenfield.

Week 12 - Cody Sutton.

Week 13 - Kyndal Sutton.

Week 14 - Kolby McDonald.

November 11, 2004
 

The Board of Education of Beaver School District hereby announces that statutorily qualified individuals interested in running as a candidate for the # five seat on the Beaver Board of Education may file to run as a candidate for this seat at the Beaver County Election Board between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., December 6 through December 8, 2004.

An election shall be held to elect a board member for member position number(s) Five, on the second Tuesday in February, that being February 8, 2005, with a run-off election to be held on the first Tuesday in April, that being April 5, 2005, if no candidate for the board member position receives more than 50% of the vote. The polling places shall be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Board Member Position on Ballot:

The voters shall elect a board member for board position No. Five, which has a 5-year term of office.

Qualifications of Candidates for Office:

To be eligible to be a candidate for member of the board of education of a school district, a person must have resided in the district for at least six (6) months preceding the first day of the filing period, and have been a registered voter registered with the county election board at an address located within the geographical boundaries of the district for six months preceding the first day of the filing period.

No person shall be eligible to be a candidate for or elected to be a member of the board of education of a school district unless the person has been awarded a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.

A person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving embezzlement or a felony under the laws of this state or of the United States or who has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contender to such misdemeanor involving embezzlement or felony or who has been convicted of a crime in another state which would have been a misdemeanor involving embezzlement or a felony under the laws of this state or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contender to such crime shall not be eligible to be a candidate for or be elected to any state, county, municipal, judicial, or school office or any other elective office of any political subdivision of this state for a period of fifteen years following completion of his sentence or during the pendency of an appeal of such conviction or plea.

No person shall be eligible to be a candidate for or serve on a board of education if he or she is currently employed by the school district governed by the board of education or is related within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity to any other member of the board of education or to any employee of the school district. The following are relatives within the second degree: A candidate’s spouse, child, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, spouse’s child, spouse’s grandchild, spouse’s brother, spouse’s sister, spouse’s grandparent, grandchild’s spouse, parent’s spouse, and child’s spouse.

November 4, 2004

Residents of the Town of Beaver will soon see higher utility bills following the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees on October 7.

It was decided to increase the base water rate by $2.50, trash $1, sewer $1 and the water increments by $.10, according to Mayor Mike Ford.

"Our cost of operations is going up, just like everyone else’s," Ford said. "I think we’ve had two 50 cent increases over the last few years to satisfy the water resources board since they hold the note on our sewer pond improvements. We don’t want to increase people’s cost of living, but this makes good business sense for the Town of Beaver."

Ford called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Those present were: Ford, Mary Sallee, Bobby Mosburg and David Glascock. Chris Berry was absent. Others in attendance were City Manager Don Jenkins and City Clerk Barbara Chockley.

The Board also purchased two new cars for the Beaver Police Department. They were bought with a $5,000 down payment and a 2-year payoff. The Board accepted the lowest bid of 3.63% from the Bank of Beaver for the lease purchase. Payments will be $925.77 per month for two years.

"It was time to upgrade our police cars," Ford said. "We made a good deal from the state of Kansas on the two units. We want to keep our officers in reliable transportation. It also keeps our costs down to drive lower mileage vehicles."

In other action, the Board:

Allowed the clerk to destroy records, which have reached the limitation of keeping.

Awarded a bid of $3,500 to James Pratt for the cleaning of the property at 302 Ave. J (Terry Head). Other bids were: Billy Cates, $4,400 and Faron Pugh, $4,000.

Requested a refund of $6,011 from workman’s comp for the unused portion of the 2000-01 loss fund.

Approved the application of Jonathan Glenn to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the following amounts: $33,277.14 from the General Fund; $19,023.03 from the Cash Utility Fund; $3.200.79 from the Bus Transit Fund; $75.39 from the Airport Fund; $297.01 from the DOC Fund; $815.67 from the Street & Alley Fund; $230.92 from the Recreation Fund and $411.61 from the Firemen’s Fund.

Also approved were claims and purchase orders in the amount of $31,882.37 from the Public Works Authority Fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

City Manager Don Jenkins has asked residents to be careful what they flush down their toilets.

"We have been experiencing a high number of sewer stoppages in the past several weeks," Jenkins noted. "This is up tremendously from year’s past."

Jenkins said crews are finding heavy hand or shop towels in the lines. He has asked that people instead throw those in the dumpsters.

"We are finding that our insurance company is beginning to deny these claims," he said. "This is why we want to alert our citizens to be more careful."

Jenkins said at the October meeting he discussed a sewer maintenance program. "We are looking at very expensive equipment needed to help solve these problems. We are working toward that right now," he said.

Mock" Election at Beaver Schools

Students at Beaver Schools, grades 4 – 12, participated in a nationwide student "mock" election for President of the United States.

The election was held on Thursday, Oct. 28 and the results were tallied and sent to the Daily Oklahoman to be added to the rest of the Oklahoma students. The students voted overwhelmingly for George W. Bush who received 191 votes to John Kerry’s 15 votes.

High School students also voted on the U. S. Senate race with Coburn receiving 64 votes to Carson’s 12 votes and Bilyeu’s 4 votes.

Students in grades 4 – 8 were required to register to vote in the school library and they received voter identification cards. They have been studying elections, voting requirements, political parties and symbols, and the Presidential candidates in their Social Studies classes as well as in their Library classes. The students were encouraged to show their voter ID cards to their parents and discuss the election with them. When students placed their votes on election day, they had to sign the poll sheets and they received patriotic bookmarks.

Hopefully this program will make students more aware of their responsibilities and rights as American citizens and will encourage them to become registered voters as adults!

Beaver Schools announce Honor Roll’s for the first nine weeks of the 2004-2005 school year.

Fifth Grade - Carson Depew, Tristan McQuitty

Sixth Grade - Jeramiah Campbell, Rafael Chavez, Shaye Gregory, Anna McDonald, Cody Sutton, Cole Trippet

Fourth Grade - Austin Anderson, Logan Baldwin, Shelby Brown, Kalen Gabel, Joshua Jacobson, Ryan Nash, Shelby Perry, Cody Sharp

Fifth Grade - Kimber Clark, Sara Frederick, Slayde Meyer, Dalee Parker, Morgan Price, Tyler Welch, Makayla Winchester

Sixth Grade - Erin Becker, Samuel Becker, Ben Engelman, Shawn Hampsten, Jodi Kennedy, Tanner McFarland, Cody Miner, Rachael Mosburg, Catie Rife, Savannah Tillman, Blake Williams

Beaver Schools announce perfect attendance for the
1st nine weeks of the 2004-05 school year.

Pre-K - Cheyenne Caldwell, Hadley Cates, Jayden Clark, Timothy Jacobson, Bailey Judd, Devyn Lansden, Kolby McDonald, Ashley Merklin, Gabe Osborn.

Kindergarten - Braden Bobeck, A’ryeona Corbett, Chance Gregg, Averi Lansden, Gunhar Martin, Darian McQuitty, Landon Weber, Cherish Winchester, Kylian Winchester

1st Grade - Fernando Castillo, Melissa Chavez, Dolcey Heflin, Kaitlin Holman, Brianna Hoover, Andrew Linville, Allex Looper, Abijah Osborn, Nicole Price, Hunter Starr, Connor Sutton, Dylan Tillery

Second Grade - Callie Campbell, Garrett Daniell, Shayln Farrington, Kirsten Holman, Ben Phelps, Brandon Robertson, Dillon Sharp, Hadley Skaggs, Tyler Steele, Garrett Weber

Third Grade - Kevin Butterfield, Chris Cates, Gunnar Lansden, Hunter Miner, Coleman Osborn, Jaden Pierce, Cash Pool, Vance Romero, Dianna Royall, Kyndal Sutton, Emory Tillman, Amber Wilson, Drake Zimmerman

Fourth Grade - James Akridge, Logan Baldwin, Shelby Brown, Monte Campbell, Kalen Gabel, Harley Hackley, Kalie Hoover, Morgan Martin, Kaleb McDonald, Alan Merklin, Heath Thomas

Fifth Grade - Luis Chavez, Carson Depew, Cheyenne Edwards, Sara Frederick, Mackenzie Hardin, Uriel Martinez, Dalee Parker, Morgan Price, Zach Pugh, Ryan Renshaw, Heriberto Ruiz, Brittny Taft, Tyler Welch, Makayla Winchester, Nathan Woods

Sixth Grade - Erin Becker, Samuel Becker, Nathan Brennon, McCayla Brown, Allan Butterfield, Jeremiah Campbell, Shawn Hampsten, Michael Mathis, Cody Miner, Edmond Morrison, Rachael Mosburg, Catie Rife, David Riggs, Cody Sutton, Cole Trippet, Blake Williams

Seniors - Bobby Arnold, Katy Clark, Jennifer Glascock, Trey Jamison, Sara Kinney, Paige McVay, Stefani Overton

Juniors - Tova Durfey, Anny Gomez, Willy Lopez, Kristin Carpenter

Sophomores - Kara James, Lacey Penland, Joshua Malone

Freshmen - Ellie Bridwell, Brie Jones

Eighth Grade - Kamee Gabel, Kaylee Mathis, Kyler McDonald, Erin Tillery, Dessha Woods, Tanner Yeomans

Seventh Grade - Denae Lee, Samantha Sharp

Seniors - Brent Bechthold, Misty Burghardt, Jeniffer Covel, Blake Davis, Kelli Finley, Chad Greenfield, Kristi James, Rosalba Martinez, Adam Mosburg, Dustin Pester, Meagan Richardson, Drew Russell

Juniors - Kyle Barby, Michelle Harness, Kyra Littlefield, Brandon Renshaw, Chuck Salisbury, Blake Trippet

Sophomores - Cody Campbell, Ashleigh Carpenter, Janeth Carreon, Tye Richerson

Freshmen - Janene Estala, Amanda Frederick, Nathan Jones, Janel Lamar, Irene Lopez, Myriah McVay, Jasper Osborn, Sidney Rife

Eighth Grade - Emily Chockley, Harrison Erdman, Kael McFarland, Krista Mounsey, Chris Penland, Haley Pierson

Seventh Grade - Jacob Bridwell, Sarah Cassingham, Paige Cleveland, Randa Depew, Diana Frederick, Kira Jacobson, Wil Parker

Beaver School will begin the 2004-05 school year with teacher in-service on Tuesday-Friday, August 10-13.

Classes for students will begin on Monday, August 16. This will be a full day of classes with buses running and meals being served. School will begin a little earlier in the morning and dismiss earlier in the afternoon.

Plans now, according to Superintendent Scott Kinsey, include a warning bell at 8:05 a.m. with classes beginning at 8:10 a.m. A 50-minute period schedule will be followed through the day with lunch schedules to remain approximately the same.

Primary students will be dismissed around 2:40 p.m. with the Elementary students to follow at approximately 2:45 and JH/HS students at 2:50 p.m. Exact times will be set during teacher in-service week.

As always, free and reduced lunch applications are available at enrollment, and parents are encouraged to fill out these forms if they feel they would qualify. Junior high students are reminded that lunch period is a closed campus for them. All JH students will go to the lunchroom to eat.

An accident insurance supplemental program is offered for parent’s convenience. Neither the school, nor any school official is compensated by the insurance company. A company that provides supplemental accident insurance through approximately 400 school districts in Oklahoma has been selected.

"The school system assumes no financial responsibility for medical cost of an accident occurring to a student while on school grounds, participating in a sport or other school activity," Kinsey stated. "The school only makes the forms available during enrollment. The school has NO role in claims and other correspondence with the company."

Regular summer maintenance has continued with floors, rooms and other facility upkeep. The district hopes to have the new activity bus in by school time also. Beaver school will also continue to have limited access to facilities through certain entrances like last year for the safety of students and staff. All visitors and non-school personnel will have to check in with and sign in to receive a visitor’s badge while on campus.

"Thank you for your cooperation as we attempt to provide a safe environment for your kids to learn in," Kinsey said.

The 2004-05 calendars should be delivered to patrons during the last couple of weeks of July. Parents and students should note any new changes in the handbook rules. School officials also encourage parents to make sure students are following dress code requirements and are appropriately dressed when coming to school so as to avoid being sent home to change for possible violations.

Students are also reminded that book bags/carry bags are not allowed in grades 7-12. This is for the safety of students and staff.

New staff members this year include Mrs. Patricia Konkel, second grade; Mrs. Vickie Osborn, first grade. Also, Jill Frassler will be a teacher assistant and Nick Oswald will be in the maintenance area.

"The teachers, administration and staff of the Beaver School system look forward to another year of working with and education your children," Kinsey added.

TILDEN, Nebraska - During his many years of being the World Cow Chip Throwing Contest Champion, Beaver’s James Pratt has traveled many places.

This weekend, he will travel north to Tilden, Nebraska, where he will defend his world title in a cow chip throwing contest as part of the community’s festival, which begins Friday.

"They asked me to be the Grand Marshal of the parade," Pratt said. "They are going to put me in a horse-drawn wagon. I am looking forward to the trip."

Pratt left Beaver Wednesday for Oklahoma City, where he met his wife, Sonya. They will head to Nebraska on Thursday.

Many events are planned for Saturday, including the cow chip throwing contest. Many people are signed up for the event. Pratt, though, is not just making the trip for fun.

"I plan on winning," he said.

Other activities are scheduled for Sunday - including the prairie parade at 4 p.m.

Pratt has received a few hundred dollars from many in the community, who have responded to help him make the trip. Several others from Beaver will make the trip later in the week.

"Everyone has helped out a lot, not just for this but lots of other things," Pratt said. "I sure appreciate everyone’s support."
 

The Beaver Tennis Association Open Tennis Tournament went well. After a short rain delay, 70 matches were played in two days. In the 14 and under Girl’s singles, Janel Lamar came away with 1st place and Emily Chockley won 2nd. The scores in that division were as follows: Janel Lamar of Beaver, def. Erin Tiller, of Beaver, 8-1; Emily Chockley, of Beaver, def. Landry Cordes, of Meade, 8-2; Janel Lamar def. Emily Chockley 9-8 (7-4); Landry Cordes def. Erin Tillery 8-6; Janel Lamar def. Landry Cordes 8-0; and Emily Chockley def. Erin Tillery 8-5. In the Girl’s 14 and under doubles, the team of Erin Tillery and Emily Chockley of Beaver won the top prize by defeating the team of Landry Cordes and Kendall Wiens of Meade 6-2, 6-0.

In the Girl’s 16 and under singles Kyra Littlefield of Beaver won 1st with Kaylee Kennedy of Beaver coming in 2nd. The scores for that division were as follows: Kyra Littlefield def. Kaylee Kennedy 8-3; Kyra Littlefield def. Jenee Thomas of Beaver 8-2; Kaylee Kennedy def. Jenee Thomas 8-3. Jaclyn Gage of Perryton won 1st and Chelsey Meier of Beaver 2nd in the women’s open singles. The scores were Jaclyn Gage def. Chelsey meier 8-6; Heather Cassingham of Beaver defeated Callie Chockley of Beaver 8-0; Chelsey Meier def. Heather Cassingham 9-7; and Jaclyn Gage def. Callie Chockley 8-5. In the women’s open doubles division Chelsey Meier and Callie Chockley of Beaver came in 1st and Kaylee Kennedy and Jenee Thomas of Beaver came in 2nd. The finals score was 6-0, 6-1.

Samuel Becker of Beaver came in 1st and Jacob Bridwell of Beaver came in 2nd in the boy’s 12 and under singles. Becker defeated Bridwell 8-2 in the finals. The boys 14 and under singles final came down with Jay Pillars of Beaver winning 1st by a score of 9-8 (7-5) over 2nd place winner, Kade Lamle of Beaver. In other matches, Jay Pillars def. Samuel Becker 9-8 (9-7) and Kade Lamle def. Jacob Bridwell 8-5. In the boy’s 14 and under doubles final the team of Samuel Becker and Cole Trippet of Beaver won 1st by defeating 2nd place winners Kade Lamle and Jay Pillars of Beaver 6-4, 6-2.

The boy’s 16 and under division ended with Zac Kile of Perryton winning 1st and Shay Hogge of Beaver winning 2nd. Andres Ontiveros of Beaver bested Garrett Nichols of Beaver to win the consolation bracket. The scores for that division were as follows: Casey Flynt of Turpin def. Louis Najera of Perryton 6-2, 6-4; Zac Kile def. Casey Flynt 6-0, 6-0; Dakota Farrington of Beaver def. Andres Ontiveros 6-4, 1-6, (10-8); Cole Trippet of Beaver def. Garrett Nichols of Beaver 6-3, 6-4; Shay Hogge def. Tyler Kile of Perryton 7-5, 6-4; Andres Ontiveros def. Tyler Kile 7-5, 5-7, (10-7); Garrett Nichols def. Louis Najera 6-0, 6-3; Garrett Nichols def. Casey Flynt 6-3, 6-3; Andres Ontiveros def. Garrett Nichols 1-6, 7-6, (10-5); Zac Kile def. Dakota Farrington 6-2, 6-1; Shay Hogge def. Cole Trippet 6-4, 7-5; Cole Trippet def. Dakota Farrington 4-6, 6-2, (13-11); and Zac Kile def. Shay Hogge 6-3, 6-2.

In the 18 and under boy’s doubles the team of Drew Russell and Chase Trippet of Beaver won 1st with the team of Zac Kile and Tyler Kile of Perryton coming in 2nd. Shay Hogge and Dakota Farrington of Beaver won the consolation bracket. Scores for that division were as follows: Casey Flynt of Turpin and Louis Najera of Perryton def. Garrett Nichols and Andres Ontiveros of Beaver 6-4, 4-6, (10-8); Zac Kile and Tyler Kile def. Shay Hogge and Dakota Farrington 6-3, 6-3; Drew Russell and Chase Trippet def. Casey Flynt and Louis Najera 6-0, 6-2; Shay Hogge and Dakota Farrington def. Garrett Nichols and Andres Ontiveros 6-7, 4-6, (10-7); Drew Russell and Chase Trippet def. Zac Kile and Tyler Kile 6-4, 6-0.

In the men’s open singles division, Chase Trippet of Beaver won 1st place in a battle with 2nd place winner Blake Trippet of Beaver. David Madden of Beaver bested Ty Trippet of New York in the consolation bracket. The scores for that division were as follows: Ty Trippet of New York def. Drew Russell of Beaver 7-5, 6-2; Chase Trippet def. Ty Trippet 6-0, 6-1; Blake Trippet def. David Madden 6-4, 4-6, (12-10); Ty Trippet def. Graham Russell of Beaver 6-0, 6-2; David Madden def. Drew Russell 6-1, 6-1; David Madden def. Ty Trippet 6-1, 6-1; Chase Trippet def. Blake Trippet 6-2, 6-1.

In the men’s open doubles division, the team of Chase Trippet of Beaver and Brett Trippet of Forgan won 1st with the team of Blake Trippet and Todd Trippet of Beaver coming in 2nd. The team of Larry Flynt of Turpin and Steve Hedrick of Hooker won the consolation bracket. Scores in this division were as follows: Ty Trippet of New York and Cole Trippet of Beaver def. David Madden and Gene Madden of Beaver 2-6, 6-1, (10-4); Blake Trippet and Todd Trippet def. Larry Flynt and Steve Hedrick 6-3, 6-4; Chase Trippet and Brett Trippet def. Ty Trippet and Graham Russell 6-0, 6-2; Larry Flynt and Steve Hedrick def. David and Gene Madden 6-0, 6-2; Chase Trippet and Brett Trippet def. Blake Trippet and Todd Trippet 6-3, 6-7 (7-3), 6-1.

In the Men’s 35 and Above Division Darin Workman of Liberal won 1st with David Streiff of Liberal winning 2nd. The consolation bracket was won by Danny Lamar of Beaver. The scores for this division were as follows: Danny Lamar def. Steve McQueen of Beaver 6-1, 6-1; David Streif def. Kyle Tillery of Beaver 6-0, 6-1; Darin Workman def. Danny Lamar 6-3, 6-0; David Streiff def. Omar Zantua of Beaver 6-0, 6-4; Omar Zantua def. Steve McQueen 6-1, 6-1; Danny Lamar def. Kyle Tillery 6-2, 6-0; Danny Lamar def. Omar Zantua (Injury Default); Darin Workman def. David Streiff 6-1, 6-1.

In the men’s over 35 doubles a three-way tie for first was decided with the team of Larry Flynt of Turpin and Steve Hedrick of Hooker taking 1st, Darin Workman and David Streiff of Liberal taking 2nd, and Tom Lee of Beaver and John Lee of Ashland came in 3rd. The scores were as follows: Lee and Lee def. Workman and Streiff 6-7, (6-8), 7-5, 7-6 (10-6); Flynt and Hedrick def. Omar Zantua and Dick Trippet of Beaver 6-3, 6-0; Workman and Streiff def. Flynt and Hedrick 3-6, 7-5, (10-7); Lee and Lee def. Zantua and Trippet 6-4, 6-0; Workman and Streiff def. Zantua and Trippet (Injury Default); Flynt and Hedrick def. Lee and Lee 6-3, 7-6 (7-4); Todd Trippet of Beaver filling in for an injured Omar Zantua, and Dick Trippet def. Workman and Streiff 6-0, 6-1. In the deciding match Flynt and Hedrick def. Workman and Streiff 4-6, 7-5, (11-9).

  The Beaver Fire Department is now accepting donations for its Fourth of July fireworks show, according to chief James Pratt.

Anyone wishing to give to the annual show may contact Pratt at 625-3494 (home), 806-339-4739 (cellular) or 625-4402 (work).

Firemen plan to have the show on Sunday, July 4.

Pratt also noted that the firemen will open their fireworks booth around the 15th of June at the Beaver County Fairgrounds.

Marti Jones, graduate of Beaver High School and Kalie Radcliff, graduate of Forgan High School each received $1000 scholarships from Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Over the past 15 years, Panhandle Telephone has awarded $80,000 in college scholarships to High School Seniors from across the Oklahoma Panhandle. This year, PTCI has awarded an additional $10,000 in college scholarships to High School Seniors representing nine different High Schools from across the Oklahoma Panhandle.

The Oklahoma Economic Development Authority (OEDA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is currently accepting bids to provide services for persons 60 years of age or older residing in Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Woods, and Woodward counties.

The following services will be considered for funding: nutrition, homemaker, transportation, health promotion, medication management, legal assistance, and family caregiver support services for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2004 and ending September 30, 2005. Not every service will be available in every county. Specifications for these services may be obtained at the following Proposers’ Conferences, which will be held at the OEDA Conference Room, 330 Douglas in Beaver:

10:00 A.M. May 26, 2004

Transportation and Legal Aid Services

10:00 A.M. May 27, 2004

Caregiver Support, Nutrition and Homemaker

The Request for Proposal Guide (RFP) will be issued to interested parties at this time. All potential services providers are required to attend this conference.

For additional information, please contact Bill Heaton or Leona M. Perry, OEDA Area Agency on Aging, at (580)625-4531.

Beaver Booster Club held their Annual All Sports Banquet on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at the fairgrounds.

The athletes of Beaver High School received recognition and certificates for the accom-plishments in the various sports programs they participated in throughout the year.

The Booster Club awarded scholarships in the amount of $500 each to Dace Jamison and Taryn Evans. The Stafford Brothers Award was presented to Ty Ford and the Fighting Heart Award and scholarship was presented to Dillon Cramer.

The Booster Club would like to thank Seaboard Farms for the donation of pork tenderloin for the meal and also thank the 7th and 8th grade class officers for serving at the Banquet.

We look forward to providing this banquet each year for the athletes of Beaver High School and hope to continue for many years to come.

Community health fair planned

here May 20 at BCMH facilities

A community health fair will be held May 20, 2004, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beaver County Memorial Hospital facility. "Together We Make a Difference" is the theme selected for the health fair, a joint partnership of Beaver County Memorial Hospital and OEDA Area Agency on Aging.

Health screenings, bone density screenings, educational booths and displays and break-out sessions will be on-going throughout the morning. Break-out sessions will begin at 9 a.m. in the hospital East wing with Dr. Farrach speaking on "Prostate Health", Jane Lee speaking on "Food for Thought for Caregivers", Leona Perry speaking on "Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention" and Susan Trippet, ARNP, and Allison Bennett, ARNP, speaking on "Alzheimer’s Disease".

Bring your lunch and spend your noon hour with us and listen to Lana Shaffer speak on "Women’s Health Issues" in the EMS building. A drawing for door prizes will be held at 1 p.m. for those who have registered at the health fair.

Health and wellness services have advanced greatly in recent years and much information is available to those who wish to make informed decisions concerning their healthcare.

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your healthcare knowledge. Plan to attend the "Together We Make a Difference" community health fair.

Five Beaver High School seniors have been named "honor students" for the Class of 2004.

Those students are: Taryn Evans, J.P. Harness, Kassie Howard, Marti Jones and Sabra Stone.

Evans is the daughter of DeeLyn and Eddie Pool and Kevin and Tracy Evans. She has been active in cross country, cheerleading, basketball, track, NHS, STUCO and yearbook.

She is the FFA president and the senior class student council representative. Taryn is also involved with UMY and has taught dance and cheerleading for the last two years. She has two siblings, Trey Pool, a college student at OSU and Cash Pool, a second grader.

Taryn plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University where she will be part of the Ranger cheerleading squad.

Harness is the son of Mark and Annette Harness. He is an active member of the First Christian Church youth group and is a member of the BHS varsity tennis team and works at Pizza Hut.

He has three sisters: Terri and Tracey, both BHS graduates and Michelle, a sophomore.

J.P. Plans to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State University and major in computer graphics and animation.

Howard is the daughter of Alva and Luisa Howard. She is vice-president of the National Honor Society, vice-president of the senior class and a member of the girls varsity tennis team.

She has two sisters, Cyndy Montoya and Shauna Nichols, one niece, Cheyenne and three nephews, Brady, Garrett and Logan.

Kassie plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall.

Jones is the daughter of Casey and Jan Jones. She has twin siblings: Brie and Nathan.

Marti has been active in softball, basketball, NHS, STUCO and FCA. She is president of NHS, a member of the yearbook staff and was captain of the academic team.

She is also active in the First Baptist Church and youth group. Marti plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and major in premed.

Stone is the daughter of Larry and Debbie Thompton of Beaver and Bret and Belinda Stone of Guthrie. She has four brothers, Ryan, Andy, Tyson and Brayden and one sister, Krista.

Sabra is the secretary of NHS, president of STUCO, editor of the yearbook and is also involved in cheerleading, basketball and track.

Some of Sabra’s accomplishments this year include being named "most athletic girl" by the student body, being selected as this year’s basketball homecoming queen and being selected to the All-Conference basketball team.

She plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall and major in education.

The Town of Beaver’s Board of Trustees met March 11 for their regularly scheduled meeting.

Mayor Mike Ford called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Those present were: Ford, Mary Sallee, Bobby Mosburg and Chris Berry. David Glascock was absent. Others in attendance were: City Manager Don Jenkins and City Clerk Barbara Chockley.

During the meeting the Board:

Met with Cebridge Connections representative Steve Lowe, who discussed the recent improvements that have been made to the cable television system.

Accepted a bid from Starr Construction for the labor to make improvements at the ballpark. The concrete work is to begin immediately and bids will be taken for the materials needed to construct awnings over the bleachers.

Voted to declare the property on the south half of block 9 in Ray’s Addition of Beaver a public nuisance.

Accepted bids for fencing material at the airport in the amount of $1,794 from Beaver Lumber.

Executed a request of funds for $1,804.79 from the 2002 REAP funds for engineering fees, fencing materials and labor to construct the fence at the airport.

Closed out documents for the 2002 REAP funds.

Approved a draw request in the amount of $1,794 for fencing materials for the airport improvement project.

Discussed addresses that have been assigned to residences and businesses in the past will remain as are and not be changed. The Post Office has been given a list of all the addresses in Beaver to aid them in the home delivery of mail.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the following amounts: $24,873.70 from the General Fund; $21,284.31 from the Cash Utility Fund; $2,458.37 from the Bus Transit Fund; $131.14 from the Airport Fund; $3,337.74 from the DOC Fund and $2,023.30 from the Street & Alley Fund.

In the Public Works portion of the meeting, the Board:

Tabled any action on the purchase of a trash truck until more bids can be obtained.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the PWA Fund in the amount of $44,658.50.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Cassingham, a 1984 graduate of Beaver High School, has been honored by the Oklahoma Highway Users Federation for his effort during the May 8 tornadoes in Oklahoma City.

Trooper Cassingham is the son of Bill Cassingham, Forgan, and Donna Bowles of Beaver. He earned a Humanitarianism Award for his role in saving several people, including an infant, last spring.

The tornado hit the southeast side of Oklahoma City at approximately 3:15 p.m. last May in the vicinity of I-240 and Sooner Road. Trooper Cassingham had gone to the area to assist where needed.

During the downpour of rain, he cut the seat belt loose on an infant from a severely damaged vehicle. He then checked the infant for injuries and asked an adult to care for the child while he went to rescue the infant’s mother who had sustained several lacerations to the face.

After removing the mother from the vehicle - and certain that help was on the way - Cassingham went to look for trapped citizens at the Lincoln Bank, which was demolished.

Despite spewing natural gas and downed electric lines, Trooper Cassingham crawled into the crumbled remains of the building and pulled two employees to safety.

"Trooper Cassingham is to be commended for his actions on May 8, 2003," said Paul Matthews, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Highway Users Federation. "His decisive action, without regard to his own personal safety under perilous conditions, is a strong testament to his valor and courage. His actions are consistent with the highest standards of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol."

Cassingham received the award last Thursday (April 1) at a luncheon in Oklahoma City. His father, Beaver County Sheriff Bill Cassingham, and brother, Trooper Gary Cassingham, attended the ceremony.

Amy Costner was the evening’s keynote speaker. Awards were given out by Clark and Mr. Mike McVay, high school principal. Special presentations were given by Mrs. Sheryl Melton, McVay and Mrs. Barbara Glascock.

Closing remarks were given by Superintendent Scott Kinsey.

Those students honored were:

Honor (4.0): Marti Jones (12), Jennifer Glascock (11), Sara Kinney (11), Paige McVay (11), Tova Durfey (10), Anny Gomez (10), Willy Lopez (10), Janeth Carreon (9), Josh Malone (9), Lacey Penland (9), Jacob Winchester (9), Ellie Bridwell (8), Brie Jones (8), Nathan Jones (8), Irene Lopez (8), Emily Chockley (7), Marina Dobbs (7), Kamee Gabel (7), Kyler McDonald (7), Erin Tillery (7), Dessha Woods (7), Tanner Yeomans (7).

Scholarship (3.99-3.75): J.P. Harness (12), Kassie Howard (12), Bobby Arnold (11), Katy Clark (11), Kelli Finley (11), Meagan Richardson (11), Drew Russell (11), Blake Trippet (10), Kara James (9), Janene Estala (8), Amanda Frederick (8), Janel Lamar (8), Kael McFarland (7).

Achievement (3.74-3.5): Taryn Evans (12), Sabra Stone (12), Brent Bechthold (11), Chad Greenfield (11), Kristi James (11), Trey Jamison (11), Rosalba Martinez (11), Stefani Overton (11), Brandon Renshaw (10), Chuck Salisbury (10), Cody Jo Campbell (9), Tye Richerson (9), Myriah McVay (9), Jay Rose (8), Krista Mounsey (7), Haley Pierson (7).

Merit (3.49-3.25): Brandi Bechthold (12), Dillon Cramer (12), Dace Jamison (12), Katey Luethy (12), Candice Rose (12), Kirby Smith (12), Misty Burghardt (11), Blake Davis (11), Edgar Enriquez (11), Adam Mosburg (11), Zack Rankin (11), Kyle Barby (10), Kyra Littlefield (10), Kody Martinez (10), Wade Payne (10), Donald Venable (10), Sarah Tibbetts (9), Chase Trippet (9), Sidney Rife (8), J.T. Yeomans (8), Chris Penland (7), Melda Skipper (7).

At its regularly scheduled meeting on March 1, the Beaver Board of Education renewed the contracts of high school/junior high principal Mike McVay and elementary principal Read Cates.

President Chris Janko called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Those present were: Janko, Mechille Pester, Tammie Cline, Alan Clark and Jamie Kee. Others in attendance were: Lance Sutton, Mary Lou Reddick, Jan Payne, Shanna Gregg, Staci Dillahunty, McVay, Cates, Lucy Venable, Scott Kinsey and Vickie Starr.

Both principals were hired unanimously by the board following the executive session, which happened later in the meeting.

Earlier, Sutton was given the oath of office to Seat No. 4. Sutton ran unopposed in February’s school election.

The board was reorganized as follows: Janko, president; Pester, vice-president; Cline, clerk; Clark, member and Sutton, member.

In other action, the Board:

Approved a request from Beaver Beyond 2000 for the use of the auditorium on March 31 for the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Community Connection Tour.

Approved a resolution for schools and libraries Universal Services (E-Rate) for the 2004-05 school year.

Approved financial reports as presented.

Heard from Mrs. Reddick, who was present to request an extra fund raiser for next year’s junior class because of the small size. The sale of butter braid was approved.

Heard from Cates, who reported on the following: report cards out on March 3, enrollment above 200, possible 50 pre-K students next fall, spring activities, Tri County teachers’ meeting, fine arts and teacher evaluations.

Heard from McVay, who went over the calendar events and updates for March and offered congratulations for outstanding achievements in different organizations. He said the JH/HS enrollment is 170 students.

Heard from Superintendent Kinsey, who presented next years tentative calendar to be approved at the next meeting. He also discussed staff development requirements by the district and possible options for staff who were not present for various reasons. The board requested the staff development committee to present possible options for future staff development requirements to be met for board consideration. He also discussed a REAP grant with the intention to upgrade the high school computer labs and the new school board member workshop this April.

Approved the following encumbrances: $4,714.86 from the General Fund; $75 from the Building Fund and $176.33 from the Child Nutrition Fund.

The meeting ended at 8:30 p.m.

This Thursday, April 1, 2004, will be the last Beaver Education Support Team Meeting at 5:30 in the board room. The theme for next year’s Scholars’ Banquet will be voted on so the decorations can be purchased during the summer months. Parent input is really needed to help with this matter, and parents are urged to attend this meeting.

The Primary and Elementary Penny War has ended and the winners will be announced as soon as the pennies are counted. All these pennies go into the B.E.S.T. funds for these students.

B.E.S.T. would like to thank all the students’ parents who collected General Mills Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup Labels this school year.

The Box Tops are equal to ten cents each and are mailed in on March 31 of each year. This money goes to buy educational equipment, awards, and educational needs for our Beaver Students. These two programs will be ONGOING and please keep saving these up.

B.E.S.T. appreciates all donations which can be mailed to Beaver Schools, c/o B.E.S.T., P.O. Box 580, Beaver, OK 73932.

The J.O.Y. Circle at Beaver First Christian Church invites you to participate in the Women’s Seminar being held March 27, 2004. Registration, coffee and donuts will begin at 8:30. We anticipate the seminar being over by 4:30 so everyone has a chance to return home before dark.

Andrea Esquivel from Clayton, NM, will be leading our worship time and presenting a musical concert.

Roberta Carman of Lubbock, TX, daughter of Louise Barr, will be the main speaker. Three workshops will be offered. Sandy Milbern from Boise City will be conducting a workshop on how the older women are to teach the younger women in the church. Renee’ Powers from Liberal will be talking about the "excellent wife."

Our third workshop will be open for men and women alike. Larry and Wilma Williams from Dodge City will be discussing the problems of single parenting, giving suggestions and help to single parents, and offering suggestions to those of us who will be providing the support they need.

Please call the church office at 625-4505 for more information. The registration fee is $5.00. We would like an idea of the number who will be attending so we can plan for the lunch that will be provided. There will be nursery for infants up to age 5, donations accepted.

Do you remember those good ole’ school days... the coal shed, hopscotch, blackboards, the basic primer, and of course, the ever popular school spelling bees? Can we rekindle your memories of days gone by and encourage you to enter this year’s Senior Spelling Bee?

The OEDA Area Agency on Aging is looking forward to having you as a speller in our upcoming Senior Spelling Bee scheduled for Friday, April 9, 2004 at 1:15 p.m. at the OEDA building, 330 Douglas Avenue, Beaver, Oklahoma. "School Days" is the theme for the day.

The Senior Spelling Bee will be an event full of fun, fellowship and the spirit of competition...bringing seniors together from all over the OEDA region, including Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Woods, and Woodward counties. Spellers are encouraged to bring supporters. Just let us know an approximate number a few days prior to the event.

Please call by April 6, or sooner, to let us know that you will participate as a ‘Speller.’ All spellers should arrive a few minutes early on the day of the senior spelling bee to register and to be assigned their participant number.

Spelling guides are available for all persons 60 years of age and over who are interested in competing in the Senior Spelling Bee. To request your copy of a practice spelling guide, call the OEDA Area Agency on Aging today at 1-800-658-2844 or 580-625-4531. A copy will be mailed to you as soon as we get your call.

We had several competitors last year and hope to have even more this year! We look forward to your participation in this year’s Senior Spelling Bee!

Kimber Clark, Joshua Collison, Carson Depew, Tristan McQuitty, Slayde Meyer, Makayla Winchester

Benjamin Engelman

Jacob Bridwell, Sarah Cassingham, Randa Depew, Jordan Estala, Kira Jacobson, Sherif Lotfy

Emily Chockley Marina Dobbs, Kyler McDonald, Erin Tillery

Janel Lamar, Myriah McVay, Sidney Rife, Jay Rose

Ashleigh Carpenter, Janeth Carreon, Sam Engelman, Kara James, Drew Long, Sarah Tibbetts

Kyle Barby, Annie Gomez, Shay Hogge, Kody Martinez, George Payne, Chuck Salisbury, Blake Trippet, Donald Venable

Misty Burghardt, Kelli Finley, Jennifer Glascock, Chad Greenfield, Trey Jamison, Adam Mosburg, Zack Rankin, Meagan Richardson, Drew Russell

Brandi Bechthold, Taryn Evans, Michael Farrach, Tyler Harmon, J.P. Harness, Katey Luethy, Candice Rose, Kirby Smith, Sabra Stone, Sterling Strong, Alyssa Wilson

Erin Becker, Samuel Becker, Jeremiah Campbell, Rafael Chavez, Shaye Gregory, Jodi Kennedy, Anna McDonald, Tanner McFarland, Cody Sutton, Cole Trippet, Blake Williams

Samantha Sharp

Kamee Gabel, Kael McFarland, Dessha Woods, Tanner Yeomans

Ellie Bridwell, Janene Estala, Amanda Frederick, Brie Jones, Nathan Jones, Irene Lopez

Josh Malone, Lacey Penland

Tova Durfey, Willy Lopez

Bobby Arnold, Katy Clark, Sara Kinney, Paige McVay, Stefani Overton

Kassie Howard, Marti Jones

Chance Gregg, Logan Long, Gunhar Martin, Kolby McDonald, Darian McQuitty, Payton Russell, Preston Yates

Chelsea Akridge, Oakley Cudd, Allex Looper, Nicole Price, Connor Sutton

Callie Campbell, Michael Cano, Garrett Daniell, Shalyn Farrington, Amy Fisher, Brittany Miles, Alyssa Mounsey, Anna Parker, Dillon Sharp, Garrett Weber, Chris Wolfe

Drew Dobbs, Gunnar Lansden, Trae Pugh, Kyndal Sutton, Emory Tillman, Amber Wilson, Drake Zimmerman

Logan Baldwin, Kevin Butterfield, Monte Campbell, Kalen Gabel, Nicole Guzman, Ryan Nash, Shelby Perry, Cody Sharp, Heath Thomas

Sadie Campbell, Kimber Clark, Joshua Collison, Carson Depew, Cheyenne Edwards, Sara Frederick, Mario Gonzalez, Mackenzie Hardin, Slayde Meyer, Morgan Price, Zack Pugh, Ryan Renshaw

Erin Becker, McCayla Brown, Allan Butterfield, Rachael Mosburg, Hayden Plain, Samuel Becker, Mizael Castillo, Jodi Kennedy, Anna McDonald, Nick Pugh, Cody Sutton

Nathan Brennon, Sarah Cassingham, Randa Depew, Jordan Estala, Diana Frederick, Aaron Hall, Kira Jacobson, Sherif Lotfy, Kristy Noble, Samantha Sharp, Taylor Smith, Levi Williams

The contract of Superintendent Scott Kinsey was renewed for the 2004-05 school year by the Beaver Board of Education at is regular monthly meeting January 28.

President Chris Janko called the meeting to order. Those present were: Janko, Tammie Cline, Alan Clark and Mechille Pester. Jamie Kee was absent. Others in attendance were: Lance Sutton, Ralph Tatton, Dane Konkel, Read Cates, Lucy Venable, Kinsey and Vickie Starr.

Upon returning to open session, the board voted unanimously to renew Kinsey’s contract for the next school year.

In other action, the Board:

Approved a request from Ralph Tatton and Dane Konkel to use school facilities for a concert April 16 in connection with the Cimarron Territory Celebration.

Approved an amendment of Trudi Brown’s contact.

Heard and approved financial reports as presented. No reports from the Activity Fund were available.

Heard from Cates who reported on the following: with basketball season coming to an end he commended his students for being well behaved at the games, local livestock shows, enrollment at 203, progress reports, writing mandated testing and teacher evaluations.

Heard from McVay, who was absent but had handouts concerning calendar updates, academic team achievements, homecoming activities, basketball honors as well as OCDA and OMEA choir participants.

Kinsey discussed the new trailer for band and other school group use, staff development meetings, voting on Feb. 3 and contracts up for renewal with principals’ in March, certified personnel in April and support staff in May.

Discussed the activity bus and possible options. Clark had concerns with the basketball homecoming events being held in the afternoon and lead discussion in that manner.

Approved the following encumbrances: $54,716.73 from the General Fund; $5,077.15 from the Building Fund and change order in bond fund 34 #18 for <$791>.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The Beaver FFA and 4-H Livestock Show will be held February 16, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the Beaver County Fairgrounds. Cattle will show at 6:00 followed by the sheep then swine. Showmanship classes will follow each species. The judge for the show is Greg Kokojan, Ag Ed instructor at Drummond High School.

The Local Show allows students to exhibit their projects and get them show ready for the county, district, and state shows.

Exhibitors showing are: Ryan Renshaw, Cody Minor, Jordan Jett, Larissa Jett, Randa Depew, Carson Depew, Katie Rife, Zac Rife, Kelli Finley, Calleb McDonald, Kyler McDonald, Brittney Brown, Shelby Brown, McCayla Brown, Janel Lamar, Jacob Bridwell, Ellie Bridwell, Kade Lamle, Wade Payne, Kyle Barby, Cody Cline, Taryn Evans, Jay Pillars, Andrew Becker, Dillon Hilton, and Myriah McVay.

Exhibiting livestock gives the student the opportunity to learn cooperation, responsibility and practice the skills learned in FFA and 4-H.

Fire can almost always have some positive benefits whether it is a wildfire in August or a prescribed burn in March. The ecological benefits typically far out weigh the negative impacts. The goals of the land manager are the primary issue. Always ask why, when, where, what type, and how much when planning to implement a prescribed burn.

Consider short and long-term production goals, as well as effects on the soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans. Abide by the law and follow recommendations of burning standards for your area.

Burning standards and specifications can be obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Beaver County Conservation District, as well as the Texas Tech and the OSU Range Departments. We recommend you attend training to stay updated on standards and laws.

Proper planning, personnel and equipment are a must. Even many of our local fire departments are not properly trained or equipped for range fires. It is the time of the year when many folks burn their range, pastures and CRP fields for weed and brush control as well as improving wildlife habitat and forage quality.

Burning is a strong part of our culture and the evolution of our rangelands. Due to public disapproval primarily from urban folks, many land managers have reduced their use of fire and some have even eliminated its use. This could be the wrong way to deal with the issue. A best strategy might be to better educate our urban friends to the benefits of prescribed burning when properly performed. The key words are "prescribed" and "proper" when dealing with fire as a management tool. Know what you’re doing and do everything you can to prevent liability problems with neighbors. As managers, we can best educate our city dwelling friends of the positive aspects of fire through our actions.

The local NRCS and Conservation District advocate the proper use of fire as a management tool for improving range condition and manipulation of ecosystems. We are also committed to educating the public on the benefits of prescribed burning to all of society. Remember, follow the law, consider the effects of fire, be considerate to neighbors and most of all be safe.

BHS academic team headed for Regional

Give in Roman numerals the year John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Who was the first explorer to reach the South Pole? Name the composer of "Semper Fidelis". Who wrote "The Lady of Shalott"? What is the hardest form of coal?

Give up? (Answers at the end of the article). The previous questions are just a sampling of the type of questions the Beaver High School Academic Team face in a typical match, and they are flourishing in that environment. They are currently on an 8-game win streak this academic season.

The team breezed through the Oklahoma Red Carpet Academic Tournament Nov. 8, defeating all five opponents. Their overall season record stands at 11-2.

The Dusters met Buffalo in the first game and won the match with a score of 80-30. Dillon Cramer was the high point scorer in that game with 50 points, while Kassie Howard added 10.

Second game opponents were the Laverne Tigers. The Dusters were also successful in this match with a final score of 90-60. Individual scorers were J.P. Harness 20, Marti Jones 20 and Howard with 10.

The third round matched the Dusters with Forgan. The Dusters earned a 90-40 victory in the match. Jones and Harness scored 30 points each, while Cramer added 20.

Beaver met Gage in the fourth round and rolled to a 100-20 victory. Jones led the way with 40 points, while David Madden scored 20.

The fifth and final game featured the Dusters and the Ft. Supply Bulldogs and won 110-40. Jones led the way with 30 points, while Madden scored 20. Cramer also scored 10.

"Last year’s team made it all the way to state and was eliminated in the third round," coach Sheryl Melton said. "Although we lost all of last year’s team to graduation, this year’s team has the potential to do just as well. It’s a really well-balanced team. Each one has his or her area of expertise and all of them work together on the lightning rounds. It’s really fun to watch them work through the questions."

The Duster team also placed first in the District Seeding Tournament on Oct. 27 at Texhoma. They defeated all three of their opponents and will be one of the top-seeded teams in the Regional tournament planned Nov. 15 in Mooreland.

In the first round of District, the Dusters were pitted against Turpin and won 130-70. Captain Marti Jones led the team with 40 points, while Cramer and Madden both scored 10.

In the second round match, Boise City proved to be a tough opponent. With an oustanding fourth quarter lightning round, the Dusters won in a squeaker, 200-150. J.P. Harness led the way with 50 points, while Howard, Jones and Cramer all scored 10.

In the third game, the Dusters faced Texhoma. BHS jumped out to a quick start and never lost the lead. They finished the match with an impressive 200-50 win. Jones led the individual scoring with 50 points. Cramer added 30, while Madden and Katey Luethy added 20 and 10, respectively.

(Answers to the questions: MCMLXIII, Roald Amundsen, John Phillip Sousa, Alfred Lord Tennyson, anthracite. How many did you get right?)

Glen Love and Brian Stalder were co-winners of First Security Bank’s Football Contest, published last week in the Herald-Democrat.

Both Love and Stalder aced the contest and both guessed 85 yards in the tiebreaker, which was the combined penalty yards in the Beaver-Laverne game. The two teams actually had a combined 75 yards in penalties.

Five other contestants also had one miss. They were: Michelle Kimery, last week’s winner; Kathy Swartz; Marsha Harrison; Karen Finley and Eddie Pool.

Each week, the winner of the contest receives $25 from First Security Bank. This year’s contest will run until all of the Beaver County schools are eliminated from the weekly playoffs Weekly winnners’ names will be placed in a drawing for the grand prize of $250 from First Security Bank.

Deadline for entry is each Friday at 5 p.m. Entries can be dropped off at the Herald-Democrat, located at 108 Douglas, or they can be mailed to Box 490, Beaver, OK 73932.

Entries can also be FAXED to the office at 625-4269 or sent via e-mail to bvrnews@ptsi.net or to cowchip@ptsi.net.

Here’s a look at this week’s results:

Beaver 28, Laverne 0.

Turpin 51, Canton 32.

Forgan 56, Goodwell 0.

Hooker 33, Mooreland 7.

Sallisaw 34, Ft. Gibson 0.

Tonkawa 21, Woodland 14.

Glenpool 46, Tecumseh 14.

Okeene 27, Ok. Christian 0.

Weatherford 35, Deer Creek 14.

Thomas 20, Carnegie 6.

Oklahoma 77, Texas A&M 0.

Texas 55, Ok. State 16.

Here’s a look at the past winners:

Week 1 - Greggory McReynolds.

Week 2 - Kraig Ritterbush.

Week 3 - Nancy Lamle.

Week 4 - Conner Sutton.

Week 5 - Skee Hardin.

Week 6 - Cara McDonald.

Week 7 - Kirby Smith.

Week 8 - Becky Rankin.

Week 9 - Michelle Kimery.

Week 10 - Glen Love and Brian Stalder.

Make plans to attend the Country Holidays Fall Festival, November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Beaver County Fairgrounds in Beaver, Oklahoma.

Exhibitors from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Colorado will be displaying their gift ideas.

Lunch and concessions available. For more information contact Nancy Barth at 580-735-2685 or Sue Hergert at 620-357-8941.

Braden Bobeck, Cheyenne Caldwell, Averi Lansden, Alexandria Madden, Gunhar Martin, Darian McQuitty, Nazareth Reynoso, Payton Russell, Landon Weber, Tomas Wilkerson, Preston Yates

Oakley Cudd, Taylor Hardin, Alexis Janko, Allex Looper, Mollie Mounsey, Nicole Price, Hunter Starr, Dylan Tillery

Callie Campbell, Garrett Daniell, Jacob Davis, Shalyn Farrington, Alyssa Mounsey, Benjamin Phelps, Kathlynn Riggs, Dillon Sharp, Burgundy Sorter, Garrett Weber, Nichole Welch, Chris Wolfe

Chris Cates, Madison Cates, Drew Dobbs, Colton Douglass, Gunnar Lansden, Jaden Pierce, Trae Pugh, Amber Wilson, Drake Zimmerman

Andy Bennett, Shelby Brown, Kevin Butterfield, Monte Campbell, Kalen Gabel, Lexus Hackley, Cassandra Howell, Morgan Martin, Jaime Perez, Shelby Perry, Cody Sharp, Heath Thomas, Adrianna Tibbetts

Joshua Collison, Carson Depew, Trenton Downing, Cheyenne Edwards, Sara Frederick, Austen Reed, Tyler Welch, McKayla Winchester, Nathan Woods

Erin Becker, Samuel Becker, McCayla Brown, Allan Butterfield, Jeremiah Campbell, Shaye Gregory, Shawn Hampsten, Jodi Kennedy, Tanner McFarland, Hayden Plain, Nicholas Pugh, Ralyssa Taylor, Cole Trippet

Nathan Brennon, Randa Depew, Jordan Estala, Diana Frederick, Aaron Hall, Sherif Lotfy, Cort Pierce, Daniel Reed, Zachary Rife, Samantha Sharp, Katelyn Show, Destiny Fine

Beaver Elementary

Samuel Becker, Jeremiah Campbell, Shaye Gregory, Jodi Kennedy, Anna McDonald, Tanner McFarland, Cole Trippet, Blake Williams

Tristan McQuitty, McKayla Winchester

Jacob Bridwell, Sarah Cassingham, Randa Depew, Jordan Estala, Diana Frederick, Aaron Hall, Kira Jacobson, Sherif Lotfy, Zachary Rife, Samantha Sharp

Erin Becker, Benjamin Engelman, Rachael Mosburg, Cody Sutton, Savannah Tillman

Luis Chavez, Joshua Collison, Carson Depew, Slayde Meyer, Ryan Renshaw, Tyler Welch

1st Nine Weeks

Kael McFarland, Krista Mounsey, Haley Pierson

Janene Estala, Janel Lamar, Myriah McVay, Sidney Rife, Jay Rose, Morgan Schlehofer, Christina Show, JT Yeomans

Cody Campbell, Ashleigh Carpenter, Janeth Carreon, Morgan Downing, Samuel Engelman, Kara James, Kaylee Kennedy, Drew Long, Tye Richerson, Sarah Tibbetts, JJ Treadwell, Jacob Winchester

Kody Martinez, Brandon Renshaw, Chuck Salisbury, Donald Venable

Brent Bechthold, Misty Burghardt, Katy Clark, Edgar Enriquez, Jennifer Glascock, Chad Greenfield, Kristi James, Trey Jamison, Rosalba Martinez, Adam Mosburg, Zack Rankin, Meagan Richardson, Drew Russell

Brandi Bechthold, Dillon Cramer, Taryn Evans, Tyler Harmon, JP Harness, Lim Lanford, Katey Luethy, Candice Rose, Kirby Smith.

Emily Chockley, Marina Dobbs, Kamee Gabel, Kyler McDonald, Erin Tillery, Dessha Woods, Tanner Yeomans

Ellie Bridwell, Amanda Frederick, Brie Jones, Nathan Jones, Irene Lopez

Josh Malone, Lacey Penland

Tova Durfey, Anny Gomez, Willy Lopez, Blake Trippet

Bobby Arnold, Kelli Finley, Sara Kinney, Paige McVay, Stefani Overton

Kassie Howard, Marti Jones, Katie Clark.

The Beaver Kids Wrestling Program began with their sign-up Tuesday at the Commercial Building at the Beaver County Fairgrounds. All kids from the ages of 6 years old through 10 years old are welcome to join. (Age must be as of September 1, 2003)

Practices will be held each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:30-8:00 with optional tournament competition each weekend.

Joshua Jacobson began his season by attending the Snyder Open in Snyder, Oklahoma this past Saturday. Joshua competes in division 2 at 67 pounds. After dropping his first match to Daniels from Enid, Joshua worked his way through the consolation bracket picking up 3 consecutive wins, two of them with a pin. Joshua picked up his first win by defeating Taylor 6-3. He then pinned Deric White from Edmond in the 3rd period, which advanced him to the consolation finals where he held a 17-7 lead over Tyler Gifford from Elk City before securing the pin in the final period.

Joshua picked up a 3rd place finish on the day.

Another fun and exciting season is anticipated this year and it is hoped by the coaches that there will be several new faces as the Beaver Kids Wrestling Club begins their second season coached by Billy Cates and Robert Jacobson.

For more information, contact Robert Jacobson at 625-3078.

Mary Sallee was sworn into the office held by Gina Downing at the October meeting of the Town of Beaver’s Board of Trustees.

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Mike Ford. Those present were: Ford, David Glascock, Chris Berry and Bobby Mosburg. Downing, who resigned from the board, was absent.

"We are glad to have Mary on the board," Ford said. "She showed interest in the position at the last General Election, so we went to her when Gina resigned."

In other action, the board:

Continued the nuisance abatement on the listed properties of Jamie Wages, Jim Clower and Equicredit Corp.

Voted to rename a portion of 7th Street from Ave. A to Douglas Ed Calhoon Avenue.

Applied the $2,533.26 refund from Workman’s Comp as a credit to this year’s premium with OMAG.

Tabled the purchase of a gas chamber for the animal control program until more research is completed.

Tabled action on bids for rock hauling. Bids will be received at a special meeting on Oct. 14, 2003 at 5 p.m.

Accepted the quote from Williams Co. of Oklahoma City for MC800 oil. That is the same bid as the county at .897 per gallon.

Approved the proposal of Myers Engineering of Edmond for the Airport Improvement project.

Approved the non-primary Airport Entitlement Project information.

Approved claims and purchase orders in the following amounts: $29,494.57 from the General Fund; $21,593.24 from the Cash Utility Fund; $2,603.32 from the Bus Transit Fund; $57.78 from the Airport Fund; $186.09 from the Rec Fund and $2.49 from the DOC Fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.

In the Public Works portion of the meeting, the Board:

Accepted the resignation of Downing and appointed Sallee to fill out her position until the next General Election.

Approved a water line extension to the Indian Hills sub division and a 2" water meter tap for Dennis Zimmerman. Zimmerman Builders will pay for the pipe, and the city crew will lay the line.

Approved claims and purchase orders from the PWA Operating Fund in the amount of $34,464.74.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Beaver High School senior Kirby Smith is the winner of First Security Bank’s Football Contest, published last week in the Herald-Democrat.

Smith had just one miss and won the contest via the tiebreaker, guessing that Beaver and Mooreland would combine for 31 first downs. The two had 30 in the Dusters’ 64-0 victory.

Others with one miss included: Brandon McLemore, Francisco Garcia, Kyler McDonald, Michelle Kimery, Glenn R. Miller, Brenda Evans, Clinton Haskell, Dace Jamison and Tammie Patzkowsky. There were 139 entries in the contest.

Each week, the winner of the contest receives $25 from First Security Bank. This year’s contest will run until all of the Beaver County schools are eliminated from the playoffs. Weekly winners’ names will be placed in a drawing for the grand prize of $250 from First Security Bank.

Deadline for entry is each Friday at 5 p.m. Entries can be dropped off at the Herald-Democrat, located at 108 Douglas, or they can be mailed to Box 490, Beaver, OK 73932.

Entries can also be FAXED to the office at 625-4269 or sent via e-mail to bvrnews@ptsi.net or to cowchip@ptsi.net.

Here’s a look at this week’s results:

Beaver 64, Mooreland 0.

Forgan 40, Buffalo 7.

Turpin 33, Seiling 10.

Balko 48, Tyrone 12.

Texhoma 31, Boise City 6.

Clinton 28, McGuinness 0.

Jenks 47, Owasso 7.

Eufaula 21, Vinita 6.

Millwood 17, Bethany 13.

Noble 35, Guthrie 14.

Oklahoma 34, Missouri 13.

Oklahoma St. 51, Texas Tech 49.

Here’s a look at the past winners:

Week 1 - Greggory McReynolds.

Week 2 - Kraig Ritterbush.

Week 3 - Nancy Lamle.

Week 4 - Conner Sutton.

Week 5 - Skee Hardin.

Week 6 - Cara McDonald.

Week 7 - Kirby Smith.

As Beaver prepares to host Hooker this Friday, coach Mike McVay has a few cautionary words for his team.

Be ready to play.

"They are a team that is similar to the Mooreland team we just played," McVay said. "They are coming off a big year last year - a second-round playoff game and graduated a lot of people. They haven’t found their stride yet this year. Teams like this scare me the most. They are going to do whatever they can to catch us off guard. You better be ready to play them."

Being ready to play hasn’t been much of a problem for the seventh ranked Dusters so far this season. BHS is 7-0 overall and 5-0 in District A-1 and are coming off one of the most lopsided wins in school history - a 64-0 pounding of Mooreland last Thursday night. . It has been at least 30 years since a Duster football team has sported such a record.

"We are pleased with it, the kids are excited and the town’s people are excited. And that is good," McVay said. "That all comes together and creates an exciting atmosphere to be in. Even though we are happy, we are not satisfied yet. We realize there are a lot of things that can still happen. We have to take care of business. We control our own destiny."

If the Dusters do defeat Hooker, it will set up a big showdown in Texhoma on Oct. 31. McVay, though, says his players will only focus on Hooker this week.

"We will certainly address it this week," McVay said. "I told them after Thursday’s game to reset their aim for the Hooker Bulldogs. There are a lot of things to prepare for, and that is certainly our mind set this week."

Hooker enters with a 1-6 overall mark and a 1-4 record in District A-1 play. The Bulldogs’ lone victory was a 35-26 triumph over Laverne. HHS has lost to Texhoma (63-15), Seiling (13-6), Boise City (29-7) and Canton (26-33).

McVay’s Dusters were picked to finish third in the A-1 race this season, but with wins the next three weeks can win a District title for the first time since 1983. The coach is somewhat surprised by his team’s success.

"I don’t know if surprised is a good word, but if someone would have told me that we would be undefeated going into the eighth game of the year I might have raised an eyebrow - especially with the people on our schedule," McVay said. "The way our kids have worked hard and prepare