2020: Year in Review

Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part series looking back on the top stories of the year.

COVID-19 had already made its impact known, disrupting schools, graduation and everyday lives along the way. But, adjustments were made and our lives continued, if not normal, as close to it as possible.

However, the virus was just part of the news this year. There were still elections, football games, festivals and fun had. The following are top news stories in Watonga and Geary for the second part of the year, July through December.

- July -

Watonga Grads Earn UCO Scholarships

The University of Central Oklahoma recently awarded the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship to Watonga High School graduates Lavender Cisneros and Eden Waggoner in recognition of their demonstrated talent and distinguished achievement in leadership, citizenship, service and communication.

Cisneros and Waggoner, both members of the graduating Class of 2020 at Watonga High School, are among 56 students chosen for the scholarship from the 210 finalists who were interviewed by Central faculty and staff leaders for the university’s leadership scholarship programs.

Cisneros and Waggoner will receive a tuition waiver for nine hours of classes each semester, a $1,250 yearly stipend for room and board and a one-time $1,000 global and service stipend.

Independence Day Festivities Planned for Area

The weird, the wild and the wacky can’t stop the annual Watonga and Geary Independence Day celebrations. In Geary, there will be the annual display put on by the volunteer fire department. They will set the night sky ablaze at the north end of town starting about dusk on July 4. The city has noted the fireworks will be visible all over town and asks residents and visitors not park along the highway or block roads. The city display is funded by donations.

Residents can set off their own fireworks that day as well, provided they follow city ordinances and take precautions to prevent fires from starting.

Accident Takes Life of Geary Man

A Geary man was killed in a Pottawatomie County car crash.

According to the report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Stephan Ely, 24, of Geary, was southbound on State Highway 102 north of McCloud about 8:30 a.m. when his Ford Explorer went left of center.

It struck a Ford pickup, driven northbound by Brian Gilliam, 58, of Wellston, on the driver’s side rear fender. Ely overcorrected, the report shows, and left the roadway to the right. The Explorer reentered the highway and flipped, entering the northbound lane. There it was struck by an oncoming GMC Yukon, driven by Patricia Hernandez, 36, of Oklahoma City.

Hernandez, the driver of the Yukon, was trapped in the collision and died at the scene, as did Ely.

Blaine Co. Primary Election Results

There were Republican contests between Kristi Campos and Jennifer Haigler for county clerk and between Tony Almaguer and Travis Daugherty for county sheriff. Haigler, who won the clerks seat 1,028 votes to 600, will face Democratic challenger Tracey Walker in the November general election, while Daugherty, who took the sheriff’s race 1,055 to 599, will face Democrat Brian Johnson in November as well.

For residents of the Geary School District, the choice for seat five was between incumbent Randall Base, who has served for 20 years and challenger Cecil Harrall. Harrall unseated the incumbent both in Blaine County, with 63.95% of the votes, and in the district, with 59.14%.

In the Watonga School District, seat five went to challenger Shawn Cox who unseated incumbent Lane Edsall by earning 61.31% of the votes.

Gorman Set to Begin Journey at UAFS for Lady Lions’ Basketball

Cacie Gorman will have the honor of furthering her career at the collegiate level as a student-athlete for the University of Arkansas -Fort Smith women’s basketball team beginning this season.

Gorman, who committed just prior to the start of her senior season in November to play for the UAFS Lady Lions, said the recruitment process happened in a flash.

Following a successful summer of play with her Oklahoma UNITY travel team under coach A.J. Hawkins, she was contacted by UAFS women’s basketball head coach Tari Cummings.

“Coach T invited me and my family for a visit. I felt it was the right place to go after my UAFS visit,” Gorman said. “I’m thankful for where I am going once I met the coach and staff at UAFS.”

A 6’1” standout forward for the Lady Eagles who was selected to the 2019-20 Three Rivers All-Conference Team and graduated from Watonga with a 3.97 GPA, Gorman has already established a great connection with Cummings.

House Catches Fire in Watonga

A house fire in the 600 block of North Noble left a home heavily damaged According to Fire Chief Robert Daugherty, the cause of the July 9 fire remains under investigation. Neither the resident nor any of the approximately 20 firefighters that responded were injured in the blaze. Trucks from Watonga, Hitchcock and Greenfield came out to fight the fire.

Daugherty said rolling multiple departments to a fire ensures the rest of the town where the fire occurs has fire protection while its department is on scene. In the event of multiple fires in a town, additional municipal trucks can respond.

The home would reignite. According to the Watonga Fire Department, the cause of both conflagrations is undetermined and under investigation. Both Watonga and Hitchcock fire departments responded. The home was significantly more damaged during the second fire, which had firefighters on scene for more than two hours.

Custer County Man Faces Blaine County Sex Charges

According to a report from the District Court of Blaine County, a Thomas man has been arrested and charged with three counts of rape, two counts of forcible sodomy and lewd molestation.

The reports show that Joey Dale Pearson, 29, had a sexual relationship with an underage victim that began in summer 2019. At the time, Pearson lived in the city limits of Canton. The probable cause affidavit shows Pearson and the victim had intercourse more than 10 times and oral sex as well. He made videos and took photos of the victim on his cell phone and the victim sent nude photos by social media or via text messages.

Pearson was booked into Custer County Jail July 2 and charged with first degree rape, victim under 14, second degree rape, victim under 16, first degree rape by instrument, two counts of forcible sodomy and lewd molestation. His cell phone has been taken for further forensic investigation. He remains in Custer County Jail as of press time in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Sports Scholarship Recipients Named

Rogelia Camarena, Halie Elston, Ethan Henderson and Emma Hussey were named as recipients of scholarships awarded by the Republican. All are 2020 WHS graduates.

Camarena plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biology. She played basketball and ran track and cross country. Elston plans to attend Oklahoma State University at Oklahoma City, majoring in cardiovascular sonography and biology. She ran cross country and track and had a 4.0 GPA. Henderson plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University majoring in pre-pharmacy. He played football and baseball and wrestled. Hussey plans to attend Murray State and major in agriscience technology. She played basketball, softball and ran track and cross country.

Local Showman Takes National Title

Sage Hanrahan of Okarche exhibited the National Champion Lim-Flex cow-calf pair at the Limousin Junior National Show. Her heifer WLR Fiona ET went on to win Supreme Female at the All American Limousin Futurity, becoming the first female in breed history to win the title twice. Sage is the daughter of Nina Hanrahan, Okarche and the granddaughter of David and Suzy Burns, Nelson Burns and Jimmie Miller Smith, all of Geary. Nina Hanrahan | Watonga Republican

Joe Jackson Selected to Class A All-Vype Preseason Football Team

It was announced late last week that Watonga High School junior standout offensive back Joe Jackson was selected to the Class A Preseason All-Vype Football Team as an honorable athlete.

Jackson, who was a star running back and outstanding defensive back last season as a sophomore for the Eagles, is expected to lead Watonga’s runheavy offense and be worked in at quarterback this upcoming 2020 season.

Geary’s Battle on Main Street Wrestling Tournament Officially Cancelled This year’s Battle on Main Street exhibition wrestling tournament has been canceled.

The event, which was scheduled for this Saturday evening, was officially canceled via an update on the event’s Facebook page.

“We are making the decision to cancel Battle on Main Street,” said a post on the page on Tuesday. “At this time entries are less than 100. Deadline is not until midnight tonight, but with current number of entries it would be financially irresponsible of us to hope that we would have the entries to cover the bills.”

Outside of the financial reasoning behind the tournament being canceled for a second straight year, the COVID-19 pandemic was also a major factor.

OSSAA’s David Jackson Says Fall Sports Still on as Scheduled

Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) executive director David Jackson spoke on July 23 during a Zoom meeting with reporters regarding the current state of Oklahoma high school sports and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to high school sports reporter Nick Sardis of The Oklahoman, Jackson assured that high school sports are to go on as regularly scheduled this fall.

However, Jackson said individual school districts will have the power to make decisions on several issues related to handling the coronavirus when an athlete tests positive.

- August -

Elementary Supplies Covered by Donor

An anonymous donor has lifted a huge burden off struggling Watonga parents.

Lori Graham, principal of Watonga Elementary, said a donor who wished to remain anonymous ponied up $4,000 for school supplies for elementary students. That amount was matched from school fundraiser incomes, especially popcorn and pickles and the lunchtime healthy frosty fundraisers.

Racing Returns to Longdale There are a few unmistak

There are a few unmistakable sounds, and one of those will resonate in Longdale again this fall when racing returns to Longdale Speedway. The first meet is scheduled for Oct. 23-24 highlighted by open wheel racing on the 3/8 mile track. Friday, Oct. 23 will open with the tumbleweed modified madness featuring USRA modifieds along with limited "sport" modifieds and champ 305 sprint cars. ASCS Sooner Region 360 winged sprint cars make their return Saturday, Oct. 24 to Longdale Speedway. Also on hand will be USRA modifieds and limited "sport" modifieds.

District Clarifies Back to School Plan

The Watonga School Board, meeting in regular session Aug. 10, readjusted its return to school plan. The revised plan includes many of the already-agreed upon items, such as self-screening for students and employees for fever or other symptoms of Covid-19. Those who have been diagnosed with the virus may return to school if three days have passed since recovery (no fever), if the patient has improved respiratory symptoms such as cough, and 14 days have passed since diagnosis. If someone has symptoms but does not seek diagnosis, they must meet the first two markers as well as be 14 days since the onset of symptoms.

The district is recommending face masks or other coverings in schools, but will exercise flexibility, especially for younger students. Students will need to supply their own face covers and those coverings must meet dress code regulations such as no messages or images that distract from learning. If a student cannot wear a mask because of documented medical conditions, a compromise will be sought. If none is available, the student may exercise virtual learning or blended learning programs.

Geary Bison Return to Learn

Geary Elementary secretary Sheri Lawson laughs as she takes teacher Tiffany Owings’ temperature before Owings entered the building Aug. 13 for the first day back to school. The temperature scan is part of the new safety protocols in place to combat the spread of Covid-19

Watonga Schools Opt to Begin Year Virtually

It’s August and we are finally back to school! On behalf of all faculty and staff I would like to welcome all of our students back. It has been a long but trying summer break. We are continuing to try and make decisions that will keep our school community as safe as possible.

Due to the number of staff members who are affected by the virus our 6th to 12th grades will begin virtually for the first two weeks of school. It is our plan to return these students to onsite learning on Sept. 8. Lunch will continue to be provided for middle school and high school students. It will be in the same grab and go format as the summer. The elementary school is not facing staffing challenges and will therefore return to school normally on Aug. 27

- September -

Council Agrees to Light at Four Way

There is a light at the end of Watonga’s tunnel. A stop light, that is.

City council, meeting in regular session Sept. 1. as the public works authority, discussed what, if anything, to do about the blinking light at the intersection of State Highway 3 and U.S. 281/270, commonly referred to as the four way.

The light has been blinking and traffic stopping in every direction, for longer than anyone can remember. The light was a regular red, yellow, green arrangement, but often malfunctioned and was changed to blinking red.

The city has been wrangling with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation about the light, how it should be configured and who should foot the bill. Last time the light was serviced, the cost to the city was more than $40,000 according to councilman Bill Seitter.

The city looked at a camera system but shied away from the cost of maintenance. Another system works off radar detection, is less susceptible to dust and dirt than the cameras and detects traffics, tripping the lights so that the oncoming vehicle can proceed if there is no other traffic.

ODOT is asking for a redyellow-green configuration. An estimate from Midstate Traffic Control to install the new light came in at $38,250. There is no figure on how much maintenance will cost.

Council determined to ask ODOT to pay for the light and the city will maintain it.

Blaine County Students Recognized at 4-H Roundup

State 4-H Roundup has developed many traditions over nearly a century, but this year’s event – a celebration of its 99th anniversary – was anything but traditional.

Youth still participated in contests this year, held campaign rallies and were recognized as record book and scholarship winners, but the event was all done virtually, even the Honors Night Assembly.

Blaine County 4-H member Caton Cope of Watonga was recognized as one of the top three record book winners in the Recreation and Leisure Arts. Caton is an eight year 4-H members and has participated in many activities throughout her 4- H career. She will be a senior at Watonga High School this year.

4-H members Caton Cope and Reiley Luckie of Okeene 4-H were the two delegates representing Blaine County 4-H. They participated in workshops, assemblies and state election all held virtually.

Lady Eagles Bring Home Trophy

The Watonga Lady Eagles came home Sept. 12 with a third place trophy for the Fairview Softball tournament. The Lady Eagles next play Crossings Christian at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 15 away and at home Sept. 17 vs. the Hinton Lady Comets.

Geary F.D. Does Memorial Climb Geary volunteer firefight

Geary volunteer firefighters suited up Sept. 11 for a memorial climb to honor the victims of the World Trade Center explosions. Wearing some 90 pounds of equipment and gear, the six volunteers climbed 110 flights of 15 stairs each to commemorate what the first responders at WTC faced. ‘We are doing this to honor our brothers and sisters – 343 of them – from 19 years ago as well as all those that lost their lives that dreadful morning,” said Fire Chief Jeff Choate. Shown here are Kolton Mooney and Greg Bingham descending one set of those 1,650 stairs. The volunteers climbing were Choate, Kolton Mooney, Kenzie Mooney, Keaton Akridge, Bingham and Tim Akridge

Lady Bison Qualify for Softball Regionals The Lady Bison softball

The Lady Bison softball team made school history as the first-ever fast pitch district champs. The girls clinched the title by soundly defeating Dover 14-2 in the first game and 11-0 in the second game when they held Dover to no runs. The softball girls next advance to Regionals Thursday and Friday of next week. Head coach Rick Scott was elated with the team's performance. "They've been preparing for this all season. They played as a team and just did an awesome job."

‘See You at the Pole’ Event Held

In spite of a drizzling rain, students, parents, teachers and staff gathered Sept. 23 for the 30th annual See You at the Pole.

The event looked different this year, but the fundamentals remained the same, a time set aside for prayer over the school and school year. It is organized and led by students.

This year the theme was ‘Return, Restore, Revive’ based on a Scripture passage from 2 Kings. The three hitch pins were returned to the Lord, restore relationships for healing and revive the nation.

See You at the Pole is held the fourth Wednesday of September each year and thousands of students nationwide meet at their school’s flagpole at 7 a.m. for prayer.

This year the event at many localities was live streamed to stay inside the Covid-19 protocols.

- October -

Lafferty Gives Verbal Nod to KU

Lydia Lafferty, a junior from Watonga, has made a verbal commitment to swim at the University of Kansas. Lafferty is a sprinter, specializing in the fly. She has gained various titles and top honors throughout her relatively short swim career, including a recent State Champion title in the 200 IM. Her home team is American Energy Swim Club in Edmond where her brother also swims.

The homeschool student is the daughter of Ladd and Leigh Ellen Lafferty. When asked about her decision, Lafferty responded, “I’m thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at the University of Kansas! Huge thank you to my family, friends and coaches for supporting me along the way. Can’t wait to be a Jayhawk! Rock Chalk!”

Edsall Completes First Solo Flight

Callie Edsall, Watonga, 15, flew the Schweizer 2-33 Glider Saturday to complete her first solo. She is pictured with her CFI-G (certified flight instructor - glider) Shane Preston, Tuttle. Callie has been flying a little over a year with the Hinton Glider Club. The Club will move it's operations back to Hinton after this weekend. The Club came to Watonga to fly while work was being done on the Hinton runway.

- November -

Eagles notch their first win

It took an ice storm, power outages, and a push to a Saturday afternoon game for the Eagles to get their first win of the season. The Watonga Eagles took on another Eagles team from Oklahoma Christian Academy in Edmond for their last home game of the regular season, which happened to also be Senior Day. Aaron Perez, Nic Mata, Kannon Kearney, Brendan Cole, Junior Clay, Luis Mata, Kyle Brown, Kerby Easter, and Tucker Estep stepped onto the field for the final time at the Eagles' Nest.

Back-to-back state champions

Powered by three top-12 finishes from seniors Riley Coleman, Jocelyn Turney and Caitlin Parker, the Watonga girls cross country team powered to the state championship in the 3,200- meter run last week in Edmond. Two other high finishers gave the Watonga girls five finishes in the top 20. Coleman finished second overall with a time of 12:11.68 to pace Watonga High School. Turney finished seventh with a time of 12:46.70, and Parker finished 12th with a time of 13:16.50. Freshman Shelby Miller finished 15th at 13:33.88. Landri Hussey, a sophomore, finished 19th at 13:44.71. Two other runners also ran for Watonga. Sophomore Julien Roman Nose finished 25th at 13:51.93, and junior Ady Hightower finished 122nd at 16:52.43.

Cy Walters Signs with NWOSU

Cy Walters said he was a little nervous and scared at the same time when he sat down to sign his National Letter of Intent Friday to run cross country at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He said he’s looking forward to running for the Rangers, and looks forward to working with Coach “K.” Cy Walters finished seventh in the Class 2A state cross country championships this season. From left, Scott Walters, Cy, Stacey Walters and Watonga cross country coach Jim Bob Coleman.

Foundation Works to Get Cats, Kittens Adopted

Big cats. Little kittens. Rambunctious, playful and some a little shy. White, brown, black, brindled, spotted or striped.

Whatever type of cat you fancy, the Watonga Community Cat Foundation has one for you.

Families interested in in adopting a new cat can apply online through the organization’s website, watongacommunitycats.o rg/adopt.

- December -

Geary Schools move to distance learning

The Geary Schools decided this week that all students will be in distance learning effective immediately and lasting through the end of the year.

“As you likely know, our community is experiencing an increased number of COVID-19 cases,” Geary Schools Superintendent Todd Glasgow said in a message on the district’s Facebook page. “After discussing the situation with local health officials, our school board and administration team, we have made the difficult decision to transition all district students to distance learning for three weeks in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.”

Students are expected back in the classroom when school resumes on Jan. 4, 2021.

Coleman to run at Rogers State

Riley Coleman will run cross country at Rogers State University next year, she announced on Facebook.

First Wave of COVID-19 Vaccines Set to Hit Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s frontline health care workers received a good dose of COVID-19 news last week when the state announced the upcoming arrivals of a vaccine to fight the virus.

The state is slated to receive about 43,000 doses initially, 33,000 from Pfizer and 10,000 from Moderno, between Dec. 11-14. The initial vaccines will go to people who are classified in the first phase of the state’s distribution plan.

Those include public health staff, long-term care staff and residents and health care workers working directly with inpatient COVID-19 care. The state estimates about 115,000 people are classified in the first phase.

The state first will focus on large population centers and critical care facilities across Oklahoma. Rural communities will lag slightly behind in receiving the vaccines, Frye said.