Flashbacks

25 Years Ago May 31, 1995

Trio Busted For Having 500 Pounds Of Pot Outside Washita County Truck Stop

Oklahoma Highway Patrolman James Bassinger arrested three people outside Pendleton’s Truck Stop last week on charges of trafficking marijuana.

In a written affidavit, Bassinger said he was called out by an employee of the truck stop after a suspicious looking van arrived.

Jesus Borunda, Rogelio Hernandez and Angela Evirez became stranded at the truck stop, located off I-40, when their van broke down. The key was broken off inside the igntion and it would not start.

Bassinger discovered five large “boxes” in the back of the vehicle, all full of marijuana.

The estimated total weight was 500 pounds.

The suspects are being held on felony counts of trafficking, a crime which carries a penalty of at least four years imprisonment and fines of $25,000 to $100,000.

BF Base Tagged As Foreign Trade Zone

The Oklahoma House of Representatives gave final approval Friday to a measure that would designate the Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base in Burns Flat a Foreign Trade Zone.

Action on Senate Resolution 3, which was sponsored by Rep. Jack Bonny, came on the final day of the 1995 legislative session. The measure was then forwarded to Governor Frank Keating for consideration. The governor has 15 days to respond.

According to Bonny, federal law provides for states and other government jurisdictions to assist in the process for designating certain areas as Foreign Trade Zones. These zones lower the cost of business by offering certain tax and tariff advantages.

“This will allow Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base to be used as a stopover point for goods on their way all over the world,” Bonny said. “This designation will encourage the use of this site by persons and business entities seeking viable locations to conduct profitable and desirable business opportunities.”

Bonny said in the wake of the North America Free Trade Agreement and the expansion of the so-called “global economy,” this designation could mean a great deal for Western Oklahoma.

Lights And Sidewalks Head Topics Of Annual Main Street Dinner

A look at how downtown Enid lit their Square for Christmas and a discussion of the upcoming sidewalk project around the Square in Cordell will highlight Main Street Cordell, Inc.’s 2nd Annual “Meat and Potatoes of Design” meeting for downtown property and business owners, Tuesday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grapevine Galleria. There is no charge for the dinner, however those attending must RSVP to Jean O’Halloran by noon, Monday. Seating is limited.

50 Years Ago May 28, 1970

Wheat Harvest Will Start In County Early Next Week

The 1970 wheat harvest in Washita County is expected to get under way the first of next week -- unless the weather interferes.

The Oklahoma wheat harvest began Monday in the Walters area of southern Oklahoma where the first load was delivered to an elevator. However, the moisture content was 18 percent.

The dry weather during May, coupled with above normal temperatures and high winds, has reduced considerably the estimates of per acre yield in Washita County.

Local observer Harlan R. Hinds reports only .30 inch of rain has fallen in Cordell for May, up to Thursday. Of that amount, .22 fell this week -- .07 Monday, .08 Tuesday, and .07 Wednesday.

Based on conditions May 1, the yield in this county had been predicted at 29.1 bushels per acre by the Oklahoma Crop and Livestock Reporting Service. Don Harbeston, office manager of the county ASC who grows wheat himself, estimated the county yield at 20 to 23 bushels. He said it might go to 25 bushels. The crop last year averaged about 33 bushels.

Roy Whatley, manager of the General Mills elevator in Cordell, expects combining to start in Washita County the first of next week.

County 4-H Youths Go To State Roundup

Fifteen Washita County 4-H Club leaders are attending the forty-ninth annual Oklahoma 4-H Club Roundup at Oklahoma State University May 26-29, hopefully to return with some state awards, according to George R. Salwaecheter, County Extension 4-H Agent.

The group, accompanied by Salwaechter and Mrs. Virginia Walker, Extention Home Economist, boarded a bus at 8 a.m., Tuesday, following a breakfast for 4-H’ers and their parents hosted by the Cordell National Bank.

Washita County delegates Glee Dale and Lee Ann Beutler, Canute, will present their clothing demonstration.

Donna Hildebrand, Cordell, will give her demonstration of rose pruning and attend a photography workshop.

Valerie Kilhoffer, Burns Flat, and Ann Hughes, Dill City, will present an automotive demonstration, “Wheel Attire and Care” -- then Ann will attend a “pedal pushing” workshop for beginning organists.

Paual Banwart, Dill City, will give a patriotic talk in the regular 4-H talk class.

Trudy Bond, Colony, will model her tailored wool outfit in the state 4-H dress revue.

Louise Burns, Dill City, will present her illustrated talk on personality improvement and attend a citizenship workshop.

Steve Flaming, Corn, will compete in the automotive skills driving contest and the boys state dress revue.

Mike Hughes, Dill City, will present his talk on cooperatives.

Tim Knight, Dill City, will compete in a tractor driving contest and attend one of the short courses.