Schoolhouse Collectables

Schoolhouse Collectables
Corner Of Zinn And West 2nd Street
Blair, Oklahoma. 73526
580-563-2854

I returned to Altus, something like 21 or so years ago. I've driven past this little shop, a countless number of times, during all of that time. Each and every time, its always been closed. But lucky me, it just so happened to be open, this past Saturday! (19 Mar 11) Now my wife and myself both, did a double take, and that little ole car of mine, just knew what were were thinking, because it did a quick left turn to head back.

Now we've both seen shops very similar to this, but again, this just isn't your run of the mill, second hand shop nor antique shop. No matter where you walk, no matter where you turn, you will see something that will catch your attention! This is one of them places where time seems to stand still, memories of times past come rushing in and stories begin to be told. Could one, ask for anymore? I think not!

I do highly suggest, you give the owner, Dee Ann Roberts a call, before heading out for a look see. And yes, she is available for appointments.

Video Best Viewed In HD, Full Screen.

Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

Altus Water Well

CITY OF ALTUS WATER WELL

In such a dry and arid climate, it was essential to the early pioneers of the Altus community that a source of water be available for personal and drinking use. A historical site presently marks the spot on the north side of the Downtown Altus Square where one of the first wells was dug and used by citizens of the Altus community.

One of two hand dug wells in 1889-90 by Mr. Sam Neal, provided the lone soft water supply in the area for several years. It was 35 feet deep and was protected by a cement curb. Early-day citizens would carry water from this well to their homes and it was also from this hole that water was secured to fill the horse troughs which once centered the streets around the Square.

Before it provided water for the town that is today Altus, Oklahoma, the well was the only water supply for the Neal family, and surrounding homesteaders. Another water well, which was dug on the southwest corner of the Neal homestead was actually built first but it's water was very hard. As it was not adequate for consumption, the second well was dug. This soft-water well was dug on the southeast corner of the homestead. It was used for making food and drinking, while the hard-water well was used for watering the animals. According to Lloyd Neal, Samuel's 89 year-old son, the soft-water well was the only source of water for the whole county, until the town was established. It was without a doubt the gathering place "to wet your whistle and get the news."




During the later 1880's, the first non-Indian settlers trickled into the remote areas of Southwest Oklahoma. As a result of a crippling drought they had encountered in Texas, many of the disheartened individuals ventured north. An acceptable source of water was a supreme challenge to the settlers who came to settle in this area. They found the shallow streams often too salty to drink and well they dug were often contaminated with large amounts of gypsum.

Therefore, the water dilemma burdened these new inhabitants to a much greater degree than it had the Indians. First, these homesteaders were farmers, not buffalo hunters. Second, they were restricted to little more than a quarter section of land, or at most, 320 acres. Only a fortunate few would locate enough water on their new lands to even supply their household and animals.

The water well came into prominence when it became necessary to move the town of Frazer from its original site on Bitter Creek, three miles west to the present city of Altus because of a devastating flood in 1891. According to local politician and historian, Mr. Howard Cotner, "Altus is a Latin term which means "high" for high ground. Altus was first known as Buttermilk Station, then Frazer, then Leger, and finally back to Altus."

The Southeast corner of the Public Square in the town of Altus was established by planting two cast iron wagon spindles and ten pounds of coal at a dept of two feet, from which point a cross (X) on the curbing of the public well bears "N. 50 degrees W 26 feet 9 inches, and the Bogard corner to Sections 17-18-19& 20 bears S. 7 degrees W 81 feet 10 inches.

W.C. Jarboe, after being first duly sworn, says that he is of lawful age, and a resident of the town of Altus, in Jackson County, Oklahoma, and has been a resident thereof for 25 years, that said town was originally platted and dedicated and named as "Altus" in 18989, and continued to carry that name until about 1901, when it was changed by the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway Company to "Leger", and the name of the post office also changed to conform to that name, and the town was known by said name of "Leger" until 1905, when the post office and railway station was changed back to the original name of "Altus" and the town has been known and designated generally as "Altus" continuously since said change.

Rediscovered in 1989, restoration of the well became a major community project as part of the "89er" Centennial Celebration for the State of Oklahoma. After the well was rediscovered in near perfect condition in the early months of 1989, several interested citizens decided to restore the landmark as a local historic marker. A cement slab over the abandoned well had the inscription "WPA 1937" printed on it. It is believed that was the year the wells were originally sealed.




The well was shaped in a star design from top to bottom. It even had 15 feet of water still in it! Altus Mayor Boozie McMahan appointed a committee to oversee the restoration project. Mr. William Appleby, Altus architect, was asked to draw a sketch of the proposed restoration design. Heavy June rains soon hit the area causing the brick wall lining to crumble-making a restoration of the original well impossible. The plan was then changed to create an exact replica of the well directly over its original site. With the assistance of city employees and other dedicated individuals, the project was completed in early spring of 1990.

On March 9, 1990, the unveiling of the monument took place. Many of the descendants of Altus" pioneer families attended, including Lloyd Neal. During the memorial dedication ceremony of the historic water well site, the members of the Altus-Jackson County Well Preservation Committee recorded the following remarks:

"Dug deep in the rich fertile soil of Jackson County long before Oklahoma became a state, this well is a symbol of all the hopes and dreams that our pioneer forefathers brought with them, when they entered old Greer County to find new worlds to conquer, new lives to live and new towns and communities to build.

May each person who follows find the courage of a Sam Neal, who by his own hands dug deep into the soil until he found the life-giving stream of pure fresh water, that not only supplied the immediate needs of his family, but those of many others, as our fledgling town and county took shape and spread its wings to finally emerge as a progressive All-American community that continues to lead Southwest Oklahoma to new discoveries, progressive enterprises and depths of human compassion.




It is all together fitting that the marker that caps the well is made of granite from the mountains that grace our northern horizon, which have always stood as a beacon, pointing the way to our homes, our families and our hearts.

The brief history and the historic picture that is engraved upon this marker will outlast the centuries, bearing testimony that the people of Altus and Jackson County cared enough to save a portion of their God-given heritage, and to pass it on to those who are to follow in the years to come."




The City of Altus water well represents a significant contribution to the development of the Altus community. In such a dry and arid climate, it was essential to the early pioneers of the Altus community that a source of water be available for personal and drinking use. Without such a water source available, the town which became the Altus community as we know it today quite possibly might never have been developed. Even today, an adequate source of water is a must for the agricultural economy of the area. Now, we rely upon a much larger source of water - Lake Altus located approximately 17 miles to the north.

OESC Text Scam

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission issued a warning today on a text phishing scam aimed at unemployed Oklahomans.

“Our job is to protect Oklahoma consumers from fraud and phishing scams, which are often used to gain personal information for identity theft,” Pruitt warned. “Oklahomans should never give out personal information in response to an e-mail or text. Authentic companies, banks and government agencies will never ask for personal information through text message.”

“Phishing” is the fraudulent attempt by con-artists to obtain personally identifiable information from the public by sending millions of e-mails or text messages randomly to anyone with an electronic account. These e-mails appear to be from a company or government agency, and are designed to look authentic, right down to the company or government logo.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has received reports about texts that ask consumers to call a telephone number for assistance with unemployment paperwork. When consumers call the number, they are asked to enter their unemployment debit card number before being transferred.

“The OESC does not use text messages to reach consumers,” said Richard McPherson, executive director of the commission. “If you receive such a text, please do not call the number. Instead, report the text to the commission.”

To report a text, consumers can call the OESC at (888) 980-9675 or the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029. To file a complaint online, go to www.oag.ok.gov.

OESC is a major partner in Workforce Oklahoma. Workforce Oklahoma centers are located across the state and provide a variety of services for free. In-person help with unemployment claims also is available at no cost to customers.

The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the complaints received by OESC for criminal or civil action, but in the meantime, Pruitt wants consumers to be cautious.

“Consumers should always be wary of providing their personal and financial data to unknown entities unless they initiate the call,” Pruitt said.

To find the nearest Workforce Oklahoma center, call toll-free (888) 980-9675. To file an unemployment claim through OESC, call (405) 525-1500 in the Oklahoma City area or (800) 555-1554 for all other areas. Claims also can be filed online at www.unemployment.ok.gov.

Dora Lou's Place

Dora Lou's Place
114 North Main Street
Altus, Ok. 73521
580-471-3438

The other day, my best friend and partner in life, were out and about, on the Square when we happened to come across a little store by the name of, Dora Lou's Place. Now one might think the owner would be Dora Lou but shock shock, you'd be wrong. (Actually her name is Jennie.) This cute little shop was actually named after a family member, who first built this place back in 1903. It was first opened as a Drug Store.

Best Viewed In HD Full Screen

Now once you enter the front door, (Done up by none other then Billy Innes himself!) you note how the hands of time, seems to come to a complete stop. Seemingly coming from afar, you'll hear a Welcome. Not to fear, that's Jennie just being her friendly self who enjoys welcoming all who enters. Check out all of them little nooks and crannies, because you might find that special something you've always been looking for.

Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

Story Productions

Story Productions
401 South Main Street
Altus, Oklahoma 73521
(580) 471-4605

Meet Sam Story, a self made man, who firmly believes in the production of quality, hand made products. For as long as he can remember, this is something that he has always done. Friends and family members alike, all spoke of his high craftsmanship and how he should present his works to the general public. And so on the 8th of February, 2000, he opened up his wood working shop. He is proud of what is called, his Rustic Sidekick folding, portable table. He can build one to your own personal design, our you can purchase one, ready made. Have a design in mind for that little something? Well then, just let Sam know and he will be more then happy to build it for you!




Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

This & That

Nothing But Bargains!

Meet Wayne Croft! I've know Wayne for as long as I've been back in Altus. I do believe that Wayne and his lovely wife Pat, are fixtures here in Altus. Its outstanding people, just like these who make Altus what it is today. A town where you know your neighbor not only by sight, but also by name.

Wayne kinda retired from the business world, but found sitting watching television, just wasn't for him. So, he decided to start another small business venture called, This & That. He is located at, 703 South Main Street and only offers some of the best used furniture around. You'll find that he isn't over priced and just loves to dicker with his friends. Note here, he considers everyone in Altus, as his friend and neighbor. So just feel free to dicker upon something that catches your eye, or, just sit and enjoy some of his stories over a cup of hot coffee. Believe me, Wayne is a one of a kind fella, you'll never soon forget!

Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

The Back Door

The Backdoor had advertised within its menu, they were offering what was called, The Valentines Day Dinner Special, for $34.99. This was to include your choice of a rib eye steak or filet mignon, french fries or baked potato and dinner salad. We placed our order for a well done rib eye steak, a medium filet mignon, with baked potato's and the blooming onion. Beverages of choice was lemonade and coffee.

The beverages arrived first with the dinner salad, shortly thereafter. I couldn't help but to note, how dirty the coffee cup was and requested another. The server returned with a new clean cup, but almost forgot to remove the dirty one, until I reminded him.

The blooming onion arrived and it was found to have been overly cooked and overpowering with chili powder. The wife only had a single piece while I, ate at least half. Now if you know me, then you'll also know that I just love hot and spicy foods. But this was way beyond spicy, to the point of almost being gross.

Once the dinner salads were finished, our steaks arrived. The rib eye was thin reminding me of a ham breakfast steak, and it appeared to have been medium rather then well done. The filet mignon had one of them little wooden signs pressed into it, stating it was well done.

It was at this point, where I was about ready to call over the manager and complain about our order. But just to prevent a scene from taking place within a room full of people, I just kept this to myself and bit my tongue.

It was noted that after a patron got up to leave, the table would be cleaned but the floor remained mostly, unkempt.

And now, lets see what that ole scale of 1 to 5 has to say. Cleanliness 2, service 3, food quality and taste 3, food value, 2. Something kept bothering me about the taste. It was almost as if, we had eaten the same meal before, but at a different locations. Did some checking and found that the Western Sizzlin, Fred's Fish And Steak, Tres Rios, The Friendship Inn along with the Backdoor, are owned and operated by the same people. Hence, the same taste but at several different locations. Did not someone once say, that being different is the spice of life? If so, then why cookie cut the same meal, at different locations? Now if you might, take a peek at the short video before reading on?

After the meal was over and done with, our server brought the bill over. Without paying much attention, I just offered my card and shortly thereafter, we got up to leave. It wasn't until we had arrived back home, that I then took a closer look at our billing for that evenings meal. We had been charged for baked potato's that was to have been included within The Valentines Day Dinner Special!



Just a added note here? For the overall best value in dinning out, I'd suggest hitting up the Western Sizzler. Its a buffet with all the steaks tasting the same, at the above listed locations, but at a much more reasonable price.

NOTE: I'm gonna try uploading the video, directly to this, your Altus site. Will it work?


Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

Ice Storm Of 2010

On the 27th of January, was very much like most other days. It was reported, that a major ice storm was heading to our little area of the world. Most just laughed this off, because the day was sunny, clear and had reached almost 70 degrees.

Come the 28th of January, a cold front moved across Oklahoma and by 4 in the afternoon, all electrical services for the southwestern part of the state, became a thing of the past! It was reported, 1,000's of power poles and toppled.

On the 29th, help started pouring in from several Oklahoma communities, plus Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. It was also around this time, the sound of chain saws and power generators could be heard, filling the evening hours. Radio reports started passing out information upon Emergency Shelters, what to do, how to do it and maintained a air of calm through out the entire area.

When the lights went out, our only means of keeping warm was provided by our gas stove. For those with a all electric home, had to turn to other means to keep themselves warm. Shopping of course, came to a total stand still for several hours. But glad to say, United Supermarket soon reopened their doors with limited generator power. Crowds waited for well over a hour, just to get into the store. Once admitted, the wait time to any register was well over a hour. Unlike other larger communities, Altus maintained a state of clam. There was no name calling, pushing or shoving for emergency type items. Needless to say, emergency items sold out exceedingly fast!

Our local Community Center became our Emergency Shelter, housing those who for whatever reason, needed help. Help was offered in the way of getting warm, having a hot meal and for some, being able to have a place to stay until the power was restored. On a happier note, the Harlem Globetrotters event set for the 1st, had to be canceled. But, being the troopers that they are, they put on a 2 hour show for those staying at the shelter. Thank You Harlem Globetrotters For A Job Well Done!

As will happen, people started to crawl out of the woodwork, selling their wares. Batteries of every size and description, chain saws, generators, along with a large number of those offering their help. And yes, most items offered, were highly over priced. People were being warned, not to deal with this kind of sale offers but instead, report them to the local police department.

On the afternoon of the 29th, I got a hold of my trusty camera and headed out the door. I just had to see what was or wasn't happening here in our sleepy little township of Altus. And with that, take a peek at the below posted video.

As the video shows, ice was measured at between 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches which covered everything. Surprisingly, there was little to no damage to personal property, other then to trees and power poles. Needless to say, it could have been much worse!

Power started to be restored, at approximately 1 in the morning on the 3rd of February. As of this post, its being reported that there is still 35% of Altus, without power.

Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

Used Furniture & Appliances

Wanting to redecorate but lacking funds to do so? Well friends, head on over to the Used Furniture, Appliances & Whatzit Shop! Located at: 213 & 217 West Walnut Street, (580-679-4655) in beautiful downtown Altus, Oklahoma. You'll find just about anything your heart desires starting from A all the way through Z, stashed someplace within these 4 shops. In the mood to dicker prices? Well then friends, just dicker away!

Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

The Enchanted Door

Have you ever been out and about, and then come across something out of the ordinary? Well several weeks or so ago, my bestfriend and better half, were out shooting pictures of the Town Square, (Our Walk Upon The Town Square Blog Entry.) during the wee hours of the morning. When all of a sudden, we discovered The Enchanted Door. The reason we stopped dead in our tracks, was because of the wonderfully lighted window display. Needless to say, this little shop peeked our curiosity and we made it a point, to visit this quaint little place the following day. Won't you now view this short video?

Believe it or not, we found that time came to a stop, as we looked about in every nook and cranny, discovering itmes that could be considered old, but yet new. It wasn't much longer when we also came to realize, The Enchanted Door, was acutally alot larger in size then we first thought. If your anything like us, we do highly enjoy poking about, looking at itmes which bring back fond memories. Before we knew it, more then 2 hours had passed from the time we had entered this wonderful shop!

The Enchanted Door is owned by a lovely lady, by the name of Lisa Worrell. You'll find she'll be very helpful in locating that 'Special Item' and if its not in stock, she'll order it or inform you of where it can be had at. If you have any questions, then please feel free to ask.

The Enchanted Door is located at, 111 West Commerce Street, which is located on the north side of the downtown square. I have just found out, The Enchanted Door has its very own web site! It can be accessed, by clicking here.



Your Altus Mystery Shopper...

WOSC Signs Agreement With Wayland Baptist University

Note: This Will Be The 5th And Final Update. Read Below As This Story Unfolds.


Western Oklahoma State College signed an articulation agreement with Wayland Baptist University on Thursday. This agreement provides an easy transition for area residents from an associate degree to complete a bachelors degree.

The document identifies how many of WOSC associate degrees will transfer into Waylands Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Christian Ministry and Bachelor of Science in Nursing with as little as 18 months of additional class time.

Right now, there are primarily two options for students wanting a bachelors degree. They can commute an hour or more for each class meeting or attend an online institution or ITV courses with instructors on a television screen, said Dr. Jay Givens, executive director and dean of WBUs Altus campus, located at Altus Air Force Base. What Wayland offers is a regionally accredited degree with the opportunity for local student support services and live instructors for many classes, depending on the major a student selects.

Dr. Phil Birdine, vice president for academic and support services at WOSC said he is excited about this partnership and the formal agreement.

“Its a win-win for everyone: for Wayland, for Western and for our students. We feel like it will provide our students with a viable opportunity to further their education for the baccalaureate degree,” Birdine said. “We have an outstanding relationship with Wayland. They’ve been easy to work with, and we have tried to put our heads together from time to time to think of solutions for all of our students.”

While the WBU campus is located on the base, security procedures developed in 2007 have made base entry for classes more accessible for civilian students. In 2008, Wayland also started offering classes at WOSC to provide easier access to the community.

In addition to the bachelors degree programs, Wayland also offers two masters degrees in Altus and three more graduate degree programs online.

Western also has articulation agreements with seven other four year institutions including Cameron University, Mid-America Christian University, Midwestern State University, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and University of Central Oklahoma.




My Comment To The Altus Times. (Sure this won't be placed into print because my comments, never do appear!)

Is this not, in violation of Church and State? Does this not mean, Western Oklahoma State College supports only the Christian Ministry and or, the Christian Ministry only supports Western Oklahoma State College? No matter how you look at this, be it good, bad or indifferent, this just isn't right. Will the college now hang a cross upon its many signs? This appears to be a move to add more funds and members to the church.

I maintain a web site supporting Altus but this merger between state and church will not be supported upon the Altus site.




My concern was addressed to both the college and to our state representative, here are their replies.

I am not sure what you are talking about.  If it is the article in the
Altus Times, you would see we have articulation agreements with many
universities including UCO, Cameron, SWOSU, Northern, etc.  Your
comment does not address those universities.  Our goal at Western is
to help all individials who want to pursue an education to be able to
achieve that dream without having to leave Altus. That is one way we
can serve our community.  Carol Kendrix, Dean


My friend! I do not consider you a pain in the rear. Good common sense talk is always welcome. Lets take a good look at this. The idea of seperation of church and state is and always seems to be misconstrued. When Thomas Jefferson wrote, in a letter about seperation of church and state he was referring to prohibiting the state or government from imposing a religion or the making of a church as the government choice like the church of England. I believe the agreement between WOSC & WAYLAND is an opportunity for our students to be able to work toward a grad degree without having to travel. Some cannot afford it. Religion is and can be taught, it is by choice selected and not forced on anyone. You can go off to another issue from this in that this will allow for all religions to be introduced should they choose. I believe this country was founded on Judeo-Christian values and will continue to support those values. Thanks for your email.

Note how the Dean of the college tried to avoid the question and work the association of the church into the list of other colleges? We all knew she'd defend this money making marriage.

Now our State Representative, Mr. Charles Ortega defines this marriage as part of our evolution to the powerful country we are today. Believe me when I say, Mr. Ortega has my total respect as a man and Representative of Oklahoma. But as you can see, he has a very strong tie with our local church groups.

One thing wasn't mentioned by either party and that is, our local college is indirectly funded by both the local community and directly funded by the state. If this was a private college then this subject matter would have never came up.




By allowing my fingers to walk upon this ole keyboard, it was found Oklahoma has roughly 18 universities, 14 colleges, 1 private liberal arts college and 15 other listed colleges and universities, with 13 being church affiliated.



I've been in communication with Carol Kendrix, the Dean Of Technical Education and believe it or not, she passed my message along to Randy Cumby, the President of WOSC. Messages received and responded to will appear below.


All you have mentioned is well and good, but only to a certain point. My main concern is, our college is not only funded by the local community but also by the state. Now if this was a private college, this subject matter would have never been addressed. Might I suggest a disclaimer notice be printed within your web site and other literature? (Your comment)

Mr. Altus Mystery Shopper. (Note, my given name does appear upon all correspondence with the exception of appearing here.)

You have made your opinion known and the administration of the college has been informed of your opinion. Since articulation agreements are encouraged by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, you will need to take up your concerns with them. You may visit the OSRHE web page at http://www.okhighered.org
You will also find Wayland Baptist University listed on the College & University listing at that state web site.
I am sure you are welcome to contact the OSRHE to confirm what I have just shared with you.
--
Carol Kendrix, carol.kendrix@wosc.edu
Dean Technical Education

My response to her was:

Your still not addressing the subject at hand but instead, passing the buck to the gentleman on your left. Just consider this case closed but rest assured, your comments will be noted.

Sincerely Yours

This is where it starts to get really good! Ms. Kendrix passed the buck to a Mr. Randy Cumby who sent the following message with my response added within same.

Carol Kendrix has forwarded me your email expressing your concern - I
am assuming - in connection with our signing agreement with Wayland
Baptist University?  Is that correct?

Yes sir, you are correct.

It also appears that you are concerned about separation of church and
state as it refers to colleges and universities.  Ms. Kendrix
explained that "articulation agreements" between colleges (both
private and state) are important in order to assist students to
transfer to and from each institution to assist students in making
sure that their courses will transfer - nothing more!  It is the
intent to make it easier for students who move in and out of
institutions (both public and private)  to get their courses at one
institution to transfer equally to another - thereby saving
students/families many dollars in the process.

Again, your 100% correct.

Western, and most colleges, have many agreements with colleges both
church affiliated and non church affiliated - again - to assist
students!

Is there not a separation between church and state? I can and do
agree, being affiliated with other non-church colleges and
universities, be they private or state funded is needed in order
for same to survive in todays economic world. But still the fact
remains, there must be a saperation between state and that of
the church without a marriage taking place.

Also, please be aware that Westerns funding comes from the state and
there are no direct dollars coming from our communities except for
tuition and fees for a student or those dollars that go into the state
through taxes and are appropriated to governing agencies and then to
public schools/colleges, other state agencies, etc.

True there are no direct funds being transferred from the local
community but nontheless, there is a transfer taking place. This
is being done everyday, through the taxes we all pay. Again, we
are speaking of public schools, colleges, universities and not
that, of a private institution. (Church Affiliated.)

This subject matter was brought to my attention by those who
wish to ramain anonymous but yet, voiced concern.

I hope this answers your questions.

I will be glad to answer any other questions that you might have.

Sincerely.

Sincerely Yours,

Okay, I just had to let em off of the hook. After all, one can not win the battle between our local college and that of the state. Example: A number of years ago, a person of authority employed by our local college became overly jealous. During his lunch break, he had left the campus, heading home for a quick bite to eat. Upon his arrival, he had discovered his wife fooling around, fired a .22 bullet into her head and proceeded back to work as if, nothing had happened. Long story short, he was never charged because of his standing within the community. Maybe someday when I'm overly bored, I'll write a story totally devoted to some of the underhanded goings on here.

If there is more to this story, then rest assured it will appear right here for all to follow.

I now turn my question to you, the reader of this page. Do you believe this is right or wrong. Regardless of your position in this, won't you please comment?


Your Altus Mystery Shopper...




Received the following comment from a lady who wishes to remain anonymous. Its off subject but then again, its not. You decide but I must admit, she does have a point here. I'm thinking she must be a visitor to Altus?

"Now you got my mind rolling. I have always hated the trash around here no thanks to careless people and it needs picked up! You may need to revamp my words here before print. Want to know why most islands ar talked about by visitors? Once they land they drive toward the village. Along the way, there are beautiful trees along the sides of the road well maintained. Do you think these just happen to be there? The people take pride of their islands and set them there! Upon arrival in these villages, the people live off of meager means BUT IT IS KEPT DEBRIS FREE. Not even cigarette butts. I mean, look at the walmart parking lot!! Its crappy! Dirty diapers, people, if you insist on using these disposable diapers, THROW THEM AWAY IN THE PROPER PLACE AND NOT IN THE PARKING LOT!"

UPDATE NUMBER 4 The college has announced a Special "CLOSED" Meeting of the Board Of Regents, that will be held on Monday the 8th of June. If any news comes out of this, then I will insure it will be reported right here, for all to view. Question: Do you believe the subject matter will pertain to the above? ;)

UPDATE NUMBER 5 The board of regents met without a word coming out, about the aforementioned subject matter. But that doesn't mean the subject wasn't brought up behind closed doors. Needless to say, the entire community is talking about this and at the sametime, shaking their heads in wonder, how this merger could have happened.

Altus Failed To Celebrate...

Memorial Day!


"They Shall Not Grow Old"


They shall grow not old

As we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them

Nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun.

And in the morning

We shall remember them.

By: Laurence Binyon

One might believe, that Altus America would have heard the banging of drums, the sound of trumpets echoing through the town along with the cadence of both active and retired military, marching through out the city. The sad fact is, it was only our local VFW whom walked across the street to honor both the men and women within the Altus Cemetery.

Thunderbirds Fly The Missing Man Formation

I had read around a week or so ago, that Altus had no plans to honor our Vets. Needless to say, this little bit of news, highly upset me. I sat down here at my ole trusty computer and sent out a message to our Mayor and City Councel having said, it was a great pity that nothing was going to be done, to honor our vets. Would you believe, not a single one of them even bothered to respond to my message?

Its up to you the great citizens of Altus, to standup and make your voiced heard! Are we going to continue to disrespect our vets in this manner?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

UPDATE

I wanted to check upon another town, similar in size and population to Altus. The town of Klamath Falls, Oregon came to mind and it has a general population of right around 20,720.

I had found that Memorial Day doesn't last a single day nor does it last 2 days, but rather it lasts for 3 consecutive days! The sound of marching bands fills the air for all 3 days. F-16 aircraft will fly the Missing Man Formation, right over the town. Veterans march right along with active duty military, right through the middle of town. They have a small city park very much like our own, and within that park, flies more then 100 American Flags! People line the parade route with all waving the American Flag while at the sametime, cheering all of the Vets as they march past.

Mr. Mayor, City Counsel, and other powers that be within the city of Altus, are you taking note of this?

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H1N1 Flu Case Confirmed On AAFB

Jackson County Health Department officials in coordination with Altus Air Force Base officials announced today that a case of 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus has been confirmed in Jackson County.

The patient is an adult female who did not require hospitalization.

“Jackson County residents should not be alarmed,” said County Health Department Administrator Keith Reed. “Altus Air Force Base and our health department have been monitoring this case to limit exposure to others while confirmatory tests were pending. Base officials along with our staff have been interviewing individuals who have been in contact with the patient to determine if they should be tested also,” Reed added.




The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

“The virus is spread person-to-person, not by eating pork or pork products,”

Reed said. “There is no vaccine to prevent this new flu and the current flu vaccine used to prevent seasonal influenza will not provide protection against this new flu strain.”

Jackson County residents and personnel on Altus Air Force Base who experience flu-like symptoms should contact their physician. Some antiviral drugs may be used to treat persons at high risk of complications from the disease.

Health officials caution that aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever. Instead, use medications such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle aches associated with the flu. The use of aspirin in children has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disease in children, causing harmful effects to many organs, including the brain and liver.

The Jackson County Health Department reminds the public to continue to practice these recommendations to prevent the spread of influenza:

• Wash hands often to protect yourself from germs.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are often spread when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or “sneeze in your sleeve.”

• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, church, and running errands. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Persons with questions about H1N1 influenza may call the Jackson County Health Department at 580-482-7308 or the Oklahoma State Department of Health H1N1 influenza toll-free hotline at 1-866-278-7134, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular business hours.

Additional information on H1N1 influenza is available by visiting www.health.ok.gov or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

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NOTE: The Airman in question, was reported to have been seen at the Altus Air Force Base Clinic, the morning of the 15th., and yet this news was just now being reported?


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Hightower Park

Hightower Park is located at the corner of East Broadway and Park Lane. Although its not overly large, it does offer ones imagination to run wild. Presented here, are just a few photos which were taken today. Just click upon any image to enlarge.







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Sunset In Altus, Oklahoma

Click To Enlarge Image
15 May 09





Video Taken Early In The Evening,
With A Thunderstorm Heading Our Way.

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