a look back into our archives
10 years ago
On the week of September 28, 2011, Kent Abernathy, son of Dr. Randy Abernathy, began his medical school journey with a prestigious white coat ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrowgate, Tennessee.
The Cordell Lady Blue Devil Fastpitch Softball team moved into the regional fastpitch tournament as district champions after defeating Apache in back to back games. The team was set to begin playing in the regional tournament on Thursday, September 29, 2011.
Australian veterinarians specializing in artificial sheep breeding made a visit to Cordell to work with Dwayne Hurliman at Hurliman Club Lambs.
The Cordell Memorial Hospital made a donation toward the Burns Flat Will Rogers elementary walking track project. The Quarter mile track was a part of the “Schools for Healthy Lifestyles” program.
Jason Claunch was named Rocky fire chief in a special town meeting. In the same meeting, Lance McCuistion was named Assistant Fire Chief of the Rocky Fire Dept.
Two kittens, belonging to a family of four other cats were found dead at the Cordell Municipal airport, with possible poisoning suspected. The kittens and their mother had all been living at the airport for over a year and a half and been taken care of by Charlie Brown.
20 years ago
On the week of September 26, 2001, Chevie Brown and Lacy Smith won homecoming king and queen. Members of the 2001 Blue Devil Homecoming Royalty were senior escort Matt Spradlin; junior attendant, Lindsay McKee; Homecoming King, Chevie Brown; Homecoming Queen, Lacy Smith; Senior Escort, Mark Stowers; and sophomore attendant Jessica Simpson. The flower girl was Kennedy Merrill and the crown bearer was Micah Waters.
The Blue Devil Football Team triumphed over the Hinton Tigers, ending the Blue Devil Homecoming bout with a score of 10-7.
The Cordell Care Center saw the construction of two new wings, with plans to accept new residents by November 1, 2001.
Voter turnout in Cordell for state question 695 was much higher than expected, with over 650 votes and counting as of press time.
Trick or Treat Night for Cordell residents was announced by Chief of Police Gary Coburn, who stated it would remain on the traditional date of October 31.
Cordell’s very own restaurant, Amazing Grazing, was featured on Jim Burrati’s “Discover Oklahoma” television show.
Rehearsals for Cordell’s Christmas Cantata were set to begin the following Sunday and continue each Sunday afternoon through December 2.
40 years ago
On the week of September 23, 1981, townsfolk looked forward to an upcoming downtown homecoming parade. The parade would feature floats, our very own marching band, a pep rally, and more. The festivities were held to amp up the Blue Devil Football Boys and their fans for the coming battle against the Hollis Tigers.
Highway Commissioner Marion A. Deil was scheduled to speak at the Chamber meeting in Cordell.
A Cordell couple was left homeless by a local blaze. Mr. and Mrs. Owen Bishop of 1201 E. Fifth, were forced to move into a local motel after their home burned down. According to Fireman Jim Scott, the cause of the blaze was unknown but began in either the hallway or closet
The Washita County Economy was booming, with retail sales reaching over one million dollars.
Another county producer well was staked, being the fourth well drilled by the Enserch Exploration Co.
Kristi L. Ervin, 20, of Colony, OK expired from head injuries related to a Custer County vehicle accident. Bollworms attacked county cotton
Bollworms attacked county cotton groups, with some fields having as much as 30-40% destruction.
The town of Canute saw the new construction of both a post office and bank facility. Both facilities were long overdue for expansion.
About $3,500 worth of antique furniture was stolen from the residence of Mrs. Anna L. Pritchard. Taken were a china cabinet, three piece couch, six drawer dresser, Duncan Phyfe table, and chairs, and buffet.