COMMUNITY CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! I've got a feeling it's going to be a good year all around. 

It's already the second week in January and things are getting back to "normal" after the holidays.

 The agenda for the first Tuesday's regular City Council meeting was not posted on the City Clerk's door this week so I haven't been able to determine if it was held and what business was conducted. Generally the regular City Council meetings are held on the 1st and third Tuesdays of the month, and committee meetings are held as voted on by the general council.  The agendas are required to be posted on the city's website also, www.cityofwatonga.org, but for some reason the City Clerk doesn't think she has to comply with that requirement.  Many citizens have been trying to get the City to post agendas on its website, as sometimes people cannot get by the City Clerk's office to see what is posted on that door. 

Beside city council meetings, there are lots of other events going on this month in Watonga.

The Watonga Hospital Auxillary is holding a BLOOD DRIVE at City Hall on Tuesday, January 14, 11 am to 6 pm.  Call 580-233-9323 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  No appointment is needed, but knowing how many people are coming helps the staff be prepared. 
 
The Watonga Library is hosting a program called "Eat Better, Move More" every Tuesday  in January from 11:00 - 12:00 noon.  It's a series of mini-talks on fitness and nutrition.
 
Don't forget the Brisket lunch served at the Mercy Watonga Hospital on Thursday, Jan 9.  A full brisket sandwich box lunch, including dessert and drink, for $5.00! 

Saturday, Jan. 11, is breakfast by the Masons at the 100F building on Main Street at Burford from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

On January 12, the Kiwanis is holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Watonga Christian Church, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm.  Proceeds from this fundraiser go to further the youth programs sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Watonga, including summer youth program, sports activities, and scholarships. The food is delicious and served with a smile, so come out and support this fundraiser.

On that same afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., the Blaine County 4-H Club is putting on it's "Share-the-Fun" talent show at the Liberty Theatre.  Admission is free.  This program helps encourage youth to develop public speaking, poise, and self-confidence skills by performing before an audience.  Come out on Sunday afternoon to find out "What does the Fox say". The public is invited to come show support for these youth and their efforts.
 
On Monday, Jan. 13, Byron Berline will be performing at the Liberty Theatre.  Admission is FREE but donations are accepted to help bring more entertainment to the Theatre.  Watonga and the surrounding area has lots of talent and we are fortunate to have a place for musicians to perform.  A  big "thank you" to Jon Diamond for his efforts to bring (hopefully regular) musical events to the Liberty Theatre sponsored by the Cowboy Church.
The Liquid ART evening at Whirlwind Winery in Watonga on Saturday, Jan 18.  Call 580-623-4269 for your reservation, as attendance is picking up.  Bring a friend and help support the Phoenix Circle Foundation's efforts to bring art classes to Watonga!  All funds go to provide art supplies -- the wine tasting is complimentary and generously provided by Whirlwind Winery who is doing their part to support the arts in Watonga.   You'll have a great time without having to drive to another city, and you'll go home with your very own work of art.  You don't have to be an "artist" to participate! 

 

Additional dates are February 15 (celebrating Valentine's Day), and March 22, 2014.  Watch the facebook page for Liquid ART and watonga news blog for more information and pictures of the art pieces we will recreate. 

 

FINALLY, on January 29, 2014, the First United Methodist Church is holding its annual Pancake & Sausage Supper at 5:00 - 7:00 at the church in Watonga.  Tickets are available in advance from members of the 1st UMC or at the door.  It's the best deal around -- $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12, FREE for children 3 and under. And EVERYONE knows how good the smoked sausage is!  Come have a great meal, visit with friends, and support this community activity.

Have a great January and watch for updates as we become aware. 

 

LIVING NATIVITY play at Liberty Theatre

WOW!  On Sunday afternoon  we attended the LIVING NATIVITY program at the Liberty Theatre.  I have to say that it was especially excellent!  We all know that Watonga has some talented people, else we wouldn't have an active theatre group. With everyone's busy schedules, it is harder and harder to put on live entertainment at the Theatre, but the building itself is a treasure our town should be proud to have (and I know we are proud of it!) but should also make use of to bring the arts to Watonga. 

 

If you can, get out and see ithe program this evening. It is short and sweet. the pre-show musical entertainment was extra-special and highlighted some of the local talent this town has. I highly recommend the program!  The Watonga Community Theatre board is serving cookies and punch and hot cider afterwards. 

/Linda

Community Calendar for December

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
 and singing songs of joy and peace. - Joni Mitchell

Thanksgiving Day is over; we can now officially begin putting out the Christmas lights, Santa, reindeer, manger scenes, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and whatever else represents the Christmas season to each of us (not that everyone waits this long!).  Personally, I really don't like to get all of the tinsel out until after Dec. 10.  But this year I'll probably get busy earlier, since the weather is going to be pleasant this next week and our children are coming to visit in mid-December.  As soon as I put on the James Taylor Christmas CD I get in the mood to bake and decorate the house.

In keeping with the real spirit of Christmas, bear in mind that there are needs in our community that YOU can help with. 

DHS Christmas Angels Trees (for children in custody and foster children) are placed in the following places in Watonga: Alco
Cornerstone Bank
First State Bank
Nazarene Church

 • Pick an Angel...
• Register the Angel with the initial & number
• Please do not wrap the gift
• Return the Angel to DHS office at  410 W. Main, Watonga, OK by December 2, 2013 ** Please attach Angel to the gift when you return it

 

Feather Warrior Casino is holding a canned food drive, and a toy drive.  On Friday and Saturday (one time per week), you can take in an unwrapped toy (worth $5.00) and receive $10.00 in FREE PLAY.  On Monday and Tuesday (one time per week), take in THREE canned goods and receive $5.00 in FREE PLAY.  Of course, you can take in your canned goods and unwrapped toys at ANY TIME just to help out.

There are lots of activities in town and surrounding communities to put on your calendar. Mary Larsen from the Chamber of Commerce does a great job of promoting events and putting them on the Community Calendar.  The calendar can be accessed by going to the website www.watongachamber.com and then clicking on CALENDAR on the top bar. Here are some of the things NOT TO MISS:

The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored "IT PAYS TO SHOP WATONGA" program is going on NOW.  A perfect time to buy that Angel Tree gift and enter your name for the drawing for Watonga Bucks!!

Sat. Nov. 30 -- SHOP WATONGA. Today is Small Business Saturday -- support your local busiensses AND for each $10.00 purchase at participating Watonga merchants you get an entry into a drawing for Watonga Bucks (drawing to be held on Dec. 19).
 Dec. 6 - Santa's Village and Holiday Bazaar at Blaine County Fairgrounds  9:00 am - 4:00 pm. There are lots of homemade gift ideas -- you can get most of your Christmas shopping done here!
Dec. 7 -- HOSTY DUO  performs at ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK LODGE --General Admission is $10.00, or book a room and see the concert for $105.00.  ROOMS also available at the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse just down the street from the Park. Call 580-623-4269 for discounted rates for that weekend.   
Dec. 8 - The Living Nativity live performance at Liberty Theatre.  2:30 pm.  Adult tickets are $8.00, members Free, and you can get in for half-price if you bring an unwrapped toy for the Blaine County Angel Tree.
Dec. 15 -- First United Methodist Church of Watonga will present its annual Christmas Cantata at the 10:50 a.m. service.  420 N. Weigle.  Everyone is invited.
Dec. 18 - Community Christmas Choir program at Liberty Theatre. Support our local talent by sharing an evening of beautiful music.
Dec. 19 - Centennial Park on Main St. (City Hall if weather is bad) -- 5:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce's drawing for Watonga Bucks (everyone who shopped at participating merchants and entered their name into the drawing is eligible).   Come out and have some hot chocolate and see who won $500, $200, $100 (2) or $50 (2) for shopping in Watonga -- it might be you! 

OK. I'm tired of typing for now.  Time to get out and SHOP!  But check back later for more news.
/linda

Thanksgiving

The beginning of the holiday season started this past week with a covering of snow and freezing temperatures!  On Sunday Nov. 24, the Ministerial Alliance of Watonga hosted the annual Community Thanksgiving dinner at the Foley Building at the County Fairgrounds.  Many of our local churches, both ministers and members, provided the food, cooked, and served the homemade meal, including the Oasis Church, First United Methodist Church, Christian Church, First Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, and the Nazarene Church.  If I've neglected to mention any church by name, please forgive me. Pastor Steve Davis from the Methodist Church gave a short sermon, and we were treated to some beautiful Christian music by Matt Giles and his wife, and from Doug Jackson and his daughter.  Applemarket donated 25 turkeys for the dinner.  Around 175 people showed up in spite of the cold snowy weather. The attendance shows us the need in our community, and those who worked on providing the dinner deserve a big "thank you" for their Christian spirit. 

Today is Thanksgiving Day.  It will be filled with football, family, friends and lots of food for most people. Let us be thankful for the blessings in our lives, not just today but every day of the year. Let us be thankful that there are people who care about others. Let us be civil in our conversations and discussions about local and world events even if we don't agree with one another.  And most of all, it is my prayer that we can all be kind to each other.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY to all!
/Linda

Thur 11/21/2013

It is sad when people become so closed-minded that their bitterness is all that comes through. When a person who claims to be a Christian cannot accept that there are those who disagree with him/her and bad-mouths that person, smiles and even gives gifts to that person but then stabs them in the back, they've lost sight of what it means to be a Christian.

This blog is intended to report what is going on in Watonga and surrounding area that I hear about so that information can be shared and not hidden.  It covers both good and bad. We've tried to balance reports of actions taken by our City officials to reports of upcoming events in the community.  We welcome comments but only ask that they are not racist, unintelligible, or just downright mean spirited.  One does not have to agree with what is written here. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. No one is blocked from commenting unless those comments become inappropriate in the arena of decency.  Let's please just keep a civil discourse going.   [Ed.]

Hearing on BARRETT v. CITY OF WATONGA

Thursday 11/14/2013
You'da'thunk the City of Watonga had a BIG court case going on over at the Blaine County Courthouse on Thursday.  All of the city bigwigs (except Leroy Lage)  were present and they even brought reinforcements.  City Clerk Harriett Nitzel brought her husband Terry Nitzel; ex-mayor Dale Green was present, current Mayor Clay Loosen and his girlfriend Nicole, and of course Dan Webber, City Attorney were present.  There was no reason for ANY of them to be there. The issue at hand was on a legal technicality and it was not a hearing on the facts of the case. The defendant's motion to dismiss would be decided from the written briefs and attorney arguments, not testimony by either party.  Nonetheless, the city officials took an hour and a half off from their work to sit quietly in the lobby. None of them were in the courtroom except for Dan Webber when the case of  LINDA BARRETT vs. CITY OF WATONGA was called for hearing on the Motion to Dismiss filed by the City's liability insurance carrier.  The matter was heard by a visiting Judge.  Dan Webber was permitted to sit in as an "observer".    

The basis of the motion to dismiss was that Ms. Barrett, the plaintiff, had not filed her lawsuit "timely".  Under state law, a person with a claim against a municipality cannot file a lawsuit until and unless specific pre-suit requirements are met under statute.  The claimant MUST give notice  of his/her claim to the government agency (the City) by a specific written notice with specific content to the City Clerk,  and wait 90 days for the City to consider it before the claimant can file a lawsuit.  Then any lawsuit must be filed within a certain time after the expiration of the 90 days. According to the law, the written claim MUST be given to the City Clerk (not the Mayor, not a councilman, not the city attorney). 
Prior to filing suit, Ms. Barrett had made several attempts to resolve her dispute with the City for wrongful termination (the basic facts are public record in plaintiff's petition) by correspondence with the Mayor and city councilmen and discussions with city council members about her claim prior to her formal notice to the City Clerk in November 2012.  During this time period, the City was in turmoil over the resignation by Dale Green and his subsequent refusal to honor that resignation;  the issue being brought up that any action taken by him or by city council while Mr. Green presided at city council meetings after his written resignation were of no effect; and the preparation of a complaint to be filed with the Oklahoma Attorney General to enforce Mr. Green's resignation and stop him from presiding over city council meetings.   On June 5, 2012, Clay Loosen presided over the council meeting as temporary mayor, and at that gathering Loosen announced to the public that he wanted "anyone who has a problem" with the city to try to work it out with the appropriate city department head and if  a resolution couldn't be accomplished, then to come to him before bringing matters to the city council.  [The official minutes of City council meetings generally document only the "action" taken on agenda items and how each councilmember voted.  The official minutes of the June 5, 2012 meeting do not reflect the Mayor's statement but a recording of the meeting does.  The City Clerk and Mayor claim that they do not have a recording of that meeting in 2012 because they do not keep recordings for more than three months.]  Following the then-sitting mayor's instructions, Ms. Barrett communicated with the Mayor, as the mayor had requested of the public and in an effort to avoid negative publicity for the City. [ As anyone can read in the plaintiff's petition, the allegations of conduct by the City Clerk are not pretty and specific evidence that would be presented at a trial would not put a good light on the city official(s).]  When the Mayor did not respond in any way to letters and phone calls, Ms. Barrett proceeded with a formal notice to the City Clerk, as required by statute, which was received by the Clerk on November 26, and then proceeded to file the lawsuit.

At the hearing on Thursday, plaintiff's attorney argued that" strict compliance with the statute" was required and followed with the November 26 notice to the City Clerk. The defendant's attorney argued that the earlier written and verbal communications to the Mayor constituted "constructive notice" to the City , that "strict compliance" with the statute requiring notice to the City Clerk was not required; therefore the lawsuit itself was not filed timely.  None of the facts of the case or the allegations of wrongdoing by the City Clerk were brought up. The Judge ruled in favor of the defendant's argument and the case was dismissed on the technicality of using the dates of earlier communications instead of the formal notice of November 26 as the beginning of the timeline.  The plaintiff's attorney gave notice that a motion to reconsider would be filed.
Another hearing will be scheduled.

Town Hall meeting with Frank Lucas

[Editor's note:   This is an essay.  It contains not only facts but also some of my personal views.]

Representative Frank Lucas was in Watonga on Thursday afternoon, preaching to his choir.  Less than twenty people (I counted fourteen) showed up and Mr. Lucas basically told his constituents what they wanted to hear:  that Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) is bad, that the Senate isn't helping matters, and that nothing is going to be done in Washington for the next couple of years except for possibly the passing of “his” Farm Bill.  

He did acknowledge that government is being strangled by (1) campaign finance reform that allowed contributions to political campaigns to go to PAC's, taking control of those funds out of the hands of the political parties with a wide platform and putting control into small groups with specific agendas; (2) the Supreme Court decision that allows corporations to be treated as individuals with regard to contributions to political campaigns (which means that the wealthy, individuals or businesses or unions, can basically push their agenda through with the size of their check); and (3) the public's general attitude of disgust with politicians.

One problem with our government is money in the political system; the other is that Congressmen are no longer statesmen but are strictly politicians.  Our government representatives seem to have lost the knack of working together toward a goal.  

Now that it is apparent that the Affordable Care Act is going to be the law of the land (in spite of all of the time and effort spent –in vain - to repeal it or modify it after the fact) the only thing Mr. Lucas seems to be interested in is pushing forward his Farm Bill.   It's a complicated matter and there are definitely many layers to the issue, but as long as the public keeps their heads turned toward one side of the fence and doesn't look at the other side, politicians like Frank Lucas will be able to use their speaking skills to convince their followers  that there is only one side to the issue. Except for a few intelligent comments and questions from the audience, the town hall meeting was like a  preacher giving a sermon to a group of true believers, with every derogatory word and phrase about President Obama and the current administration being responded to with an "Amen".

As for Obamacare (a derogatory term referring to the Affordable Care Act), which Mr. Lucas believes is bad for the country because it will be subsidized by federal spending, most of his gerrymandered constituents really don't know the details of what the law actually entails.  They only know what they've been told in unfavorable terms by politicians, news pundits, and talking heads who are against it.  If anyone would bother to listen to anything other than FOX entertainment, they might be able to see a positive side to Obamacare.  Talk to someone who will now be able to get health insurance coverage, or someone who will now be able to go to see a doctor without fear of getting a bill they cannot pay. 

The truth is that the Affordable Care Act will benefit MILLIONS of people, including YOUNG ADULTS, THE ELDERLY, THE UNEMPLOYED, PART-TIME EMPLOYEES, THE SELF-EMPLOYED, AND SOME DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS!  How?  Here's just one example:  Every person needs health care at some point in their lives.  Currently,  hospitals write-off possibly millions of dollars in medical care costs which they are unable to collect from the uninsured, the poor, the elderly, young adults who don't make enough to either pay for insurance or pay for their medical expenses. Under the ACA more of those costs will now be paid. The  less money the hospitals have to write-off, the less they will have to raise fees for medical care to make up for the write-offs.  Granted, insurance companies will probably raise their premium rates because that is the business they are in -- profit, profit, profit--not a touch of "compassionate conservatism" in their corporate bones.   The only involved industries that don't get a direct benefit from the ACA are insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies ....corporate entities that help keep politicians in office with their millions of dollars in campaign contributions. There are too many other benefits that the public will see in the future to list here, but anyone with an open mind can find some good in the new law and how it will help ordinary Americans.  No, it’s not the perfect answer, but a “perfect answer” has not been proposed by anyone; even if it were, someone would object.  We have to compromise and see what happens, and I personally don't see what use it is to bad-mouth the law at this point except to make the public more devisive (and disgusted with politicians).  Let's move on.  

Years ago (early 1980’s?) when HMO’s came onto the market, most everyone whined and complained about it.  But the system had it’s good side, and I for one am glad I had HMO coverage when my son was born premature and had to stay in the hospital for six weeks in NICU . I didn’t have to declare bankruptcy after giving birth to a child who needed special medical care and an extended stay in the hospital.  Yes, the doctor who delivered him was one “on call” and not the doctor I had seen two days earlier for a prenatal check, but in the moments between life and death, it didn’t matter who the insurance company was going to pay for the delivery.  As years went by, more and more people saw the benefits of the HMO system  and then the PPO system, one of which was cost savings to the consumer.  [My son is now a healthy 28 year old, not covered under his parents health insurance and cannot afford his own health insurance coverage.  Even with good health, he still needs to see a doctor once a year and has to pay for it out-of-pocket. ACA will at the minimum allow him to get affordable health insurance coverage.]  

Anyway, Mr. Lucas seems to have lost sight of the fact that his congressional district covers a large group who live below the poverty line or are disabled or unemployed, and the Affordable Care Act (he couldn't even use the correct term while speaking to the group; when corrected, he tried to call it mandated healthcare) will benefit a large number of his constituents.  These are not just people who are lazy and don’t want to work and don’t want to pay for health insurance or pay their medical bills.   But  Mr. Lucas is working for individuals and businesses who don't really have to worry about the everyday issues of putting food on the table or going to the doctor. He works for businesses and individuals with money and doesn't see why those that "have"  should contribute to provide health insurance or health care for those who cannot afford it. 

Ironically, in the long run they pay for it anyway!  

The most interesting  thing I heard Mr. Lucas say was that he and his staff are going to give up their health insurance through the federal government and sign up with the DC health coverage exchange (as soon as he can get on-line and get signed up--another jab at the administration).
What a good citizen, you might say,  giving "one for the gipper".  My question - why?  I asked, Why would you all give up your good insurance to go into the exchange that you all complain is so bad?  Well, it happens that the law contains a provision that says congressmen and their staff must get coverage through the exchange.  So, he isn't doing it voluntarily, but is being required to do so.   As for Congressmen continuing to be paid during the sequestration or the government "shut-down", Mr. Lucas explained that there was a provision US Constitution that prevented congress from being unpaid and Mr. Lucas made a reference to it being a result of King George's relationship with the English Parliament  [anyone want to look that up?  I did, and I contacted an expert on the Constitution. Like much of what politicians tell us, a half-truth.... ?]

There is so much that the public doesn't understand about the Affordable Care Act, and most of what is spread around on the internet and social media is either half-truths, flat-out lies, or statements made that skew the facts.  Yes, the Act does help those who cannot afford to pay for health insurance (or healthcare itself!) and since the private sector doesn’t work to make health care affordable, the government has to step in.  That is what government is for – to help those who CANNOT help themselves.  Unfortunately there are a lot of people who WILL NOT help themselves who get caught in that net. 

The current health insurance plans that people are complaining about having to drop are plans that do not meet the requirements under the ACA.  More about that later …

Thanks for reading.  

"Young cat, if you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you would learn! The most wonderful stuff!"  the beloved Dr. Seuss