Category Archives: Articles

Welcome back.  I was on the lookout for an interesting place to hang my hat last Friday night and I had the good fortune to catch the opening night of an exhibit that just fit the bill. The Claremore, Oklahoma Museum of History was my first stop for the opening night of a display about the life of Clara Ann Fowler. Clara was born on November 8, 1927 in Claremore where her dad worked on the railroad and her mom picked cotton.  She was the youngest of eight and like many in that era her parents often struggled to make ends meet. While she was growing up the family lived in many small towns in northeast Oklahoma including Foraker, Hardy and Avant, frequently in houses without electric or indoor plumbing. By the time Clara was in high school they had landed in Tulsa.

When Al Clauser and his Oklahoma Outlaws band heard eighteen year old Clara sing at a school function they booked her to sing with them on their fifteen minute program on Radio KTUL in Tulsa. The program was sponsored by the Page Milk Company and before long Clara Fowler became known as “Patti Page.”

From 1947-1950 Patti recorded a series of semi-successful songs and then in 1950 she had her first million selling records with “With My Eyes Wide Open I’m Dreaming.” 1950 was also the year Patti released her version of “The Tennessee Waltz” and a major star was born.

In the later 1950s Patti appeared on many TV variety shows including Ed Sullivan, The Dean Martin Show and Steve Allen. Then in 1952 she had her own series, The Scott Music Hall on NBC. She went on to star in different series on ABC and CBS as well, making her the first person to have shows on all three major networks.

The 1960s brought more hit records, starring roles in movies and numerous television appearances as Patti became one of the most recorded performers in the U.S. In the ‘70s she recorded additional albums and made guest appearances with the country’s leading symphony orchestras which were broadcast live.

Patti toured the country doing live shows throughout the eighties and nineties and in 2005 she headlines a series of performances in Branson, MO. Then in September 2012 without any fanfare she announced on her website that she was retiring because of health problems. On January 1, 2013 Clara Ann Fowler died at the age of 85 but the recordings and filmed performances of Patti Page will live on forever.

I’ve just scratched the surface of all the information that is in the exhibit so if you want to learn more, in my opinion a trip to Claremore and their museum is well worth the effort.

After the opening, a special reception was held at the Will Rogers Memorial where Bob Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, spoke about Patti Page’s legacy. Listening to Patti’s younger sister Peggy speak was a special treat and there were several other family members in attendance as well. It was a wonderful night as the family took questions from the guests about Patti that seemed to bring her back to life.

Another highlight of the evening was a performance by singing star Darla Z who sang several of Patti’s hits. Darla has opened for Wayne Newton in Las Vegas and is currently working on a screen play for a movie.

Will Rogers, Patti Page and Claremore all made for quite an exciting Friday evening.

Saturday night brought more tornadoes and heavy rain to the Oklahoma City area as 400 close friends of a man who is fortunately still with us gathered at the National Western Cowboy Hall of Fame for a surprise 75^th birthday celebration. I was happy to be a part of this great occasion. My friends this is still a story in the making as there will soon be a life size bronze statue of this man on his favorite horse erected on the Chisholm Trail west of Oklahoma City.

I’ll be bringing you more on the history of the Chisholm Trail and just who this man is and where the bronze will be placed soon. Till then I’ll see ya down the road……………

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The short course I am leading about Footprints in the Dew continues to go very well and last weekend found me at a big bash in Oklahoma City making more contacts for the project. And now to the Santa Fe Trail…..

Welcome back. The year was 1827 and in Kansas City wagon makers, blacksmiths and horse traders were already in demand. After the United States invaded Mexico in 1846 the lands bordering New Mexico became the next great frontier for adventurers and by the end of 1848 the flood gates were open, increasing the demand for these trades even more. At its peak in 1858 one thousand eight hundred wagons were headed west as traders, gold seekers, settlers and the military kept the Santa Fe Trail as busy as many modern day highways. Spaniards called this “La Jornada” or ‘The Journey.”

The trail crossed nine hundred miles across mountains and prairies that were filled with danger. I’ve recently traveled along part of the route, camping at night in some of the same locations where early travelers stayed. With good water, the Santa Fe Trail remained open most of the year except in the winter when the water would freeze. Some travelers chose the shorter Cimarron Trail which started in Dodge City, Kansas and went south but water was much harder to find along this route.

You can see old wagon tracks along both trails along with the grave markers of those who didn’t survive the trip. The end of the Civil War in 1865 brought about the demise of these historic trails as railroads expanded westward. The mud, mosquitos, bad weather and treacherous river crossings that were typical of wagon travel became a thing of the past.

The military outposts that were constructed at strategic points along the trails to protect travelers are mostly gone as well. Forts Mann, Atkinson, Union, Larned and several others attempted to keep the peace from the Indian tribes whose lands were in the area. Dozens of books and movies have depicted the perils of travel along the old trails, including encounters with robbers, dangerous wildlife and hostile Indian tribes.

It’s all an important part of American history and the not for profit Santa Fe Trail Association in Colorado is dedicated to keeping the story of the Trail and the people who traveled it alive. The association maintains maps of the parts of the trail that can still be walked by visitors and the historic landmarks along the way. Now that spring is here you may be looking for a road trip and they are a great place to start and if you want to learn more their number is (620) 285-2054.

Moving along to another story which includes some Oklahoma history. Elder Care’s big fundraiser, The Good, The Bad & The Barbeque took place last weekend at the historic Cross Bell Ranch and despite the threat of bad weather the turnout was great. Hundreds of guests enjoyed great food, music from three bands and an entertaining live auction lead by Roger Skelly. The proceeds from the event support Elder Care’s many programs for senior adults and their caregivers.

For those of you who may not know Elder Care is the only not for profit provider of these services in the region. From humble beginnings in a church basement in 1983, the organization has grown to serve over 800 people each month, including residents of Nowata, Osage and Washington counties. Among the many programs designed specifically for people 60 and older, Elder Care offers physical therapy, professional care management, adult day health and a medical clinic. Over the past year Elder Care has been recognized with several significant awards, most notably Best Not for Profit Organization in Oklahoma in 2014. With over 19,000 not for profits in Oklahoma, I’d say that’s quite an honor.

Elder Care’s Golden Opportunities program which provides a wide range of educational, travel and social opportunities has also been acclaimed as the most innovative program for seniors in the state.

The next time you are on Swan Drive, stop in and take a tour. I have. You may be surprised by all the resources available to you there. They also offer an open house at 10 AM on the first Monday of every month. For more information call (918) 336-8500.

You may have heard that I am offering a short course through OSU’s adult education program about my project Footprints in the Dew. Next week former Osage County D.A. Bill Hall will be joining me to discuss his investigation of the murder of E.C. Mullendroe in the 1970s.

Join us if you can or till next time, I’ll see ya down the road…….

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The attendance at my OSU seminar about the life of Chub Anderson is good and everyone seems very interested in the project.

And now a story sure to give you nightmares……………

Welcome back. The dictionary defines horror as shock, revulsion and dread and the witnesses who were called to the stand described the Century 16 Theater tragedy in just those terms. During the opening week of testimony which I just attended, my preassigned seat was approximately twelve feet directly behind the defendant. At the request of the victims his name will never be mentioned in this story. They believe that the focus of people’s attention should not be on the shooter but on the overwhelming heartbreak that he has caused.

With that I’ll take you back to the scene of the catastrophe that occurred during the premiere of the Dark Night Rises which I described last week. Its three o’clock in the morning. The midnight showing had a full house when the admitted shooter began his rampage and the shooting didn’t stop until he had emptied his guns. Shortly thereafter he was arrested outside the theater.

According to the lead investigative officer for the Aurora Police Department the seventy people who were wounded had all been taken to one of several hospitals in the area and the survivors were being interviewed at a local high school. The building had been secured with police officers at every entrance and at 3 a.m. only the dead were still inside the theater.

It was the investigator’s first time to see the crime scene and as he retraced the shooter’s path from the exit door near the screen he found an assault rifle on the floor near a plastic clip that the killer used to prop open the exit door. The odor of tear gas and gun powder still filled the air as the investigator continued exploring inside the theater. As he walked, he slipped on what he discovered was blood covering the floor. There was blood everywhere, on the hand rails, the walls and the seats and it was the most gruesome scene he had ever witnessed in over twenty-five years in law enforcement. Many in the courtroom wept when at the D.A.’s request, the investigator went on to explain what had disturbed him the most.

The crowd in the theater had been mostly young teenagers and pre-teens and when the shooting started many of them called out on their cell phones. As panic broke out the phones were dropped throughout the theater and they were still on. When the investigator arrived the news media had gotten ahold of the story and were broadcasting live from the scene. It was mayhem. Standing just inside the theater door with only the dead, what would give him nightmares were the dozens of cell phones ringing. The friends and families of the victims were frantically calling hoping their loved ones weren’t among the dead and would pick up the phone.

It was none too soon for me when I started going south on US Highway 25 out of Denver. The route is a treat for the eye as the snow packed peaks of the Rockies go by. Crossing into New Mexico, the first town you come to is Raton which is the highest point on the railway system. It’s also the first exit that that will take me to Cimarron and Philmont. I’ve covered the Boy Scout ranch before and the vision of Waite Phillips’ that made the ranch a reality. While I was on the road word reached me that Waite’s only son, “Chope” Phillips died last Sunday. I wrote about Chope several years ago right after I met him. This story, along with stories about the St. James Hotel and the Express UUBar Ranch can be found online at www.originalbuffalodale.com  This spot is a favorite layover for me and after a week of horrific testimony the beauty of the surroundings was just what I needed to recharge my batteries.

After resting up at the UUBar I headed east out of Cimarron where the old Santa Fe Trail is still in use. First used by American Indians, the trail offers awesome views of beautiful grasslands as well. The Santa Fe Trail crosses another famous trail, Governor George Nigh’s southwest passage highway which goes straight east through the Oklahoma panhandle where miles of the majestic plains roll by like tumbleweeds. But that’s another story for another day.

This weekend you will get the chance to explore some wonderful scenery and history right here at home when Elder Care’s big fundraiser, The Good, The Bad & The Barbeque takes place at the Mullendore Cross Bell Ranch. For ticket information call Elder Care at (918) 336-8500.

If you are interested in local history you might also want to check out a short course I am offering through the OSU extension program in Bartlesville. The course will focus on my book about the life of Damon “Chub” Anderson in three two hour sessions held at Arvest’s eastside branch.. Contact Sally Banard for enrollment at (918) 812-3807.

So if I don’t run into you at the ranch, till next time I’ll see ya down the road……

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The first part of my coverage from the Century 16 theater shootings

Welcome back. I am in Centennial, Colorado, a southern suburb of Denver which is just two miles east of 1-25. In the parking of the Arapahoe County District Courthouse I am surrounded by satellite trucks from all the major TV networks and the portable stages from which the reporters are sending in their daily commentaries.

Before I go any farther let me take you back to July 20, 2012 and the reason we are all here. Along with other theaters across the country, the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado was featuring the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. Several of the theater’s many screens were featuring the movie and the sold out midnight shows had received a lot of attention in the media.

The movie had been on for about thirty minutes when a man dressed in black entered one of the auditoriums through the front exit door nearest the screen. He threw a canister of tear gas into the audience and began shooting, spraying bullets into the crowd from three different weapons, a shotgun, a rifle and a pistol. In a matter of minutes twenty people were killed and seventy people were wounded, many while trying to escape. The shooter was wearing full body armor and a gas mask which made it difficult for people to defend themselves. After the attack he calmly left the theater through the same exit door and police found him standing next to his car in the parking lot outside the theater.

We now know that the shooter was twenty-seven year old neuro-science student James Holmes and his trial started on Monday. Legal experts here are saying that this could be the most complicated trial in history, largely because of Holmes’ psychological condition.

Security is tight as D.A. George Brauchler and Judge Carlos Samour, Jr. have laid out strict rules for courtroom observers and the press. In an unusual move, the full component of jurors and alternates is being seated and the identities of the actual jurors will not be known until after the verdict. The 19 women and 5 men are being escorted to and from the courtroom in secrecy all of which is unprecedented.

Holmes is represented by attorney Tamara Brady who had fought to have the trial moved to another locale because she does not believe he can get a fair hearing in this area. She has said that the case is “just too big.” Holmes has 165 charges against him including many for first degree murder and if he is found guilty the jury will have to decide between life in prison or death by lethal injection. A unanimous vote of all twelve jurors would be required for Holmes to receive the death penalty.

On the other hand, if Holmes is found “not guilty by reason of insanity” he could be sent to the Colorado State Mental Institute in Pueblo where the length of his stay would be determined by doctors. According to Denver Magazine, in Colorado the average stay in a mental health facility for individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity from 1995-2013 is 7.3 years. Although this is unlikely in Holmes’ case, like other high profile patients such as John Hinkley, he could eventually enjoy a level of privileges that would make him essentially a free man.

By all accounts from the judge, the attorneys and the reporters here in the parking lot of the courthouse, this trial will last several months and cost millions of dollars before it is over.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for The Good, The Bad & The Barbeque at the Mullendore Cross Bell Ranch. This is a rare opportunity to visit this historic ranch and help support Elder Care.

Welcome back.  The celebrities were out in full force this past Saturday night in Oklahoma City as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum held their 54^th Annual Western Heritage Awards. What a night it was! The event actually started on Friday with a big “how do you do” kind of gathering that is always popular with great finger food and drink and gets everyone in the mood for Saturday night.

Rex Linn started things off on Saturday morning with an interview of four of John Wayne’s children, Patrick, Ethan, Melinda and Marisa and his granddaughter Anita which was open to the public. For Wayne fans like myself this was quite a treat. All of his kids and his granddaughter had been in his movies and their behind the scenes recollections were quite entertaining. They also told stories about Pawhuska born movie star Ben Johnson, Jimmy Stewart and Maureen O’Hara along with many others that had the crowd hanging on their every word.

The Wild Goose was mentioned quite a bit as all of the Waynes had spent a lot of time on board. If you’re not familiar with the Wild Goose, this was the name of John Wayne’s boat that he kept in Newport Harbor, California.  The boat was originally commissioned as a U.S. Navy YM-1-Class yard mine sweeper and was put into service in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

The Wild Goose was decommissioned in 1946 and was sold to a wealthy Canadian. In 1956 Max Wyman bought the ship and traveled the world. When John Wayne bought the boat in 1962 he gave her a complete makeover and renamed her the Wild Goose. Wayne kept the boat until his death 17 years later and entertained not only his family but most of the notable celebrities and political figures of the day including two Presidents. All of the kids remembered having great fun on the board and that Wayne just loved that ship. I also learned that Jacques Cousteau’s famous ocean explorer The Calypso is the sister ship of The Wild Goose which is still available for charter in Newport Harbor.

This was a great start to what I knew would turn out to be a special evening. There was music of course, beginning when Michael Martin Murphy introduced Wylie Gustafson who sang his hit song “Where Horses Are Heroes”. After that Burns Hargis presented John Hughes’ children with a statue and formally inducted John into the Hall of Great Westerners. Many other awards were given for western fiction and non-fiction, photography and poetry, all leading up to the inductees into the Hall of Great Western Performers.

The first honoree was Ken Maynard (1895-1973) who by all accounts was a real “man’s man”. Maynard started out as a rodeo performer with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. After serving in World War I, he came home and got a big role in Ringling Brothers’ Circus. In 1923 his first silent film was released and an international star was born.

James Coburn was the other inductee and after appearances in more than 70 films I’m sure most of you are familiar with him. Coburn also appeared in dozens of TV shows from Bonanza to Perry Mason. 1966 was his breakout year with a role in the film “Our Man Flint’.

The HBO series Hell on Wheels- Return to Hell won the award for outstanding fictional drama and several of the stars were there to accept the award. Then Rex Linn and Jennifer Rodgers-Etcheverry presented “Klondike” with the award for best television feature film and “The Homesman” for outstanding theatrical motion picture.

The grand finale of the evening was the presentation of the Chester A. Reynolds Award to Harvey Dietrich, a man of great character and accomplishments. The sold out crowd gave him a standing ovation. As I said, quite a weekend and an event that I would definitely recommend for next year if the creek don’t rise.

Moving forward, James Holmes attorney doesn’t dispute that Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others when he started shooting in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Next week I’ll take you there with me for opening statements where a jury of not 12 but 24 individuals will decide Holmes’ fate.

Till next time I’ll see ya down the road……………………..

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This is a wonderful event to meet and mingle with leaders in western arts and heritage.

Welcome back.  It was 1961 in Oklahoma City and the event I’m getting ready to tell you about was then held at a place known as the Cowboy Hall of Fame. According to their records, the ceremony was created to honor and encourage the accomplishments of those whose works in literature, music, film and television keep the spirit of the American west alive. I wasn’t there back then but I have attended several Western Heritage Award ceremonies over the last dozen years and as a veteran event attendee I can tell you it’s a must. This year on April 17^th there’s the big Jingle Jangle Mingle party when the halls of the museum will be filled with food and drink and guests will be decked out in their finest western wear and jewelry. This is always a popular event as the rich and the famous rubs elbows with the rest of us celebrating the cowboy way of life and then on April 18^th the real awards begin. This is a big production and in my experience tickets go quickly so if you’re interested in tickets for Saturday call now.

In addition to the arts awards there’s the Hall of Great Western Performers award which is always exciting and another award called the “Great Westerner”. The evening wraps up with Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award, named for the museum founder.

This year’s featured celebrity guests are Patrick and Ethan Wayne which is another reason I think tickets will be hard to get, the longer you wait.  Patrick and Ethan will help present the Wrangler awards in film, television, literature and music. James Coburn (1928-2002) and Ken Maynard (1895-1973) will be inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers. In the middle of all this is the ceremony for the Hall of Great Westerners inductees. There are two people this year and the first is someone I know many of you Bartlesville, OK natives have heard of.

Born on May 16, 1933 in Bartlesville, he bought his first cow in junior high school. After graduating from high school in 1951, he went on to attend Oklahoma A&M where he earned a degree in Animal Science before taking over the operation of the family ranch. He and his college sweetheart Lorna Jane Moleod were married in 1956 and raised four kids, together. A member of the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, a leader in the state ranching community and now a honoree at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage, John Hughes stature continues to grow.

The Hughes Ranch was initially a cow-calf operation and then was converted to a stocker operation. Today the ranch, which lies along highway 123 in Osage County, is easy to spot because it is also home to hundreds of wild mustangs.

The other inductee Cotton Rosser is a legend in rodeo circles. His Flying U Ranch has provided livestock for the National Finals Rodeo in Denver, the big Houston Rodeo and another fifty or so other events every year. Born in 1928, Rosser and his family operate one of the largest rodeo stock breeding operations in the world.

Through my research I found that these two men fit the criteria for the “Great Westerner” to a t:

1. Exceptional contribution to the advancement of Western heritage and traditions over a lifetime. 2. Individuals who promote America’s rich Western heritage through their leadership and patronage of art, business industry, environmental, education, humanitarian, government or philanthropic organizations. 3. Achievement of national significance and historic relevance. 4. Exemplification of the traditional Western ideals of honesty, integrity and self-sufficiency over a lifetime.

Look for more on this party next week and with cowboy history in mind don’t forget Elder Care’s big shindig out at the Crossbell Ranch in May. Till next time I’ll see ya down the road….

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To all of you who are still waiting for a copy of Footprints in the Dew I am working hard to get the book into print. Stay tuned.

Welcome back.  In the past I’ve written about the importance of volunteers and the great service they provide to organizations throughout our community. These dedicated people donate their time saving thousands of dollars in salary and benefit costs which makes it possible for many not-for-profits to survive.

One volunteer group that I have never mentioned and that seldom gets its due unless you suddenly need them began in Rome in 6 A.D. You may not know it but your local part-time or on call volunteer firefighters usually work at other jobs when they are not responding to fires, accident scenes or health emergencies. These men and women spend hundreds of hours training in fire suppression, first aid and lifesaving. They also learn how to repair equipment and keep it at the ready which can take hours after they respond to a call. This maintenance which frequently occurs at rural fire stations is as important as the response to the call itself.

After watching our local team work an out of control fire this past weekend that threatened several homes, I think that these fearless people should be considered heroes to all of us who live in rural areas and depend on them, That said I am hoping that some of you might like to join this noble group so here’s the pitch:

First of all make sure you’re ready to commit. This is serious stuff and taking on this type of responsibility isn’t for everyone.  It’s dangerous and requires long hours of training and preparation. There is an age requirement and you have to pass both a background check and a physical fitness test. If you think it might be for you, contact your local rural fire department for screening. Then get ready for the 110 N.F.P.A. certified course that all volunteer fire fighters must take. After completing the course many people decide to pursue a career in either firefighting or as an E.M.T. so volunteering is a good place to start.

If hazardous materials, arson, public safety, civil defense and disaster relief interest you, this may be your calling. If it is you will be joining a much larger group of volunteers not only in the United States but also Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and many other countries where people depend on their V.F.D. So next time you get the chance thank a fireman or better yet send them a check.

I’ll end this week with the inspiring history of some of our fellow Americans from World War II which you may have heard of:

James Stewart, Actor, Bomber Pilot and General.

Ernest Borgnine, Gunner’s Mate on the destroyer USS Lamberton, who served ten years and then re-enlisted in 1941 to fight the Japanese.

Kirk Douglas who served on a U.S. Navy sub chaser and was wounded in action.

Dale Robertson, a Tank Commander under General Patton and twice wounded in action.

Lee Marvin, a U.S. Marines sniper, wounded in action and buried in Arlington National Cemetery next to Joe Louis.

Art Carney, served in the U.S. Army and was wounded on D Day in Normandy resulting in a limp he had for the rest of his life.

George Kennedy enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor and served for sixteen years.

James Arness was an infantry man in the Army and was severely wounded in Italy.

Don Knotts fought with the Army in the Pacific theater.

Raymond Burr served with the U.S. Army and was shot in the stomach at Okinawa.

John Wayne volunteered three times to three different branches but was considered unfit due to pre-existing injuries.

Audie Murphy, America’s most decorated soldier, who served in the U.S. Army.

These are just a few of the famous people who could have chosen a much different path during World War II but decided to fight for our country instead.

Before I go I want to thank all our service men and women for all they’ve done and will do.

Till next week, I’ll see ya down the road….

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The snow has been outstanding in Colorado and New Mexico this year. Here is the report from a couple of my favorite resorts….

Welcome back. I’ll start this week with the snow report from Angel Fire Resort in northern New Mexico. As many of you know this is one of my favorite areas of the country and this year the skiing is outstanding.  They have had 198” inches of snow and all the lifts and trails are open just in time for spring break.

The ski area is hosting the “Fiesta del Sol” over break which includes contests and special parties. They have also installed a giant airbag for skiers and snowboarders who want to test their skills with special jumps and tricks. Angel Fire is a perfect family resort and an easy drive from my home base in Bartlesville.

I’ve often mentioned Cimarron, New Mexico in my column which is just thirty miles from the slopes. If you are unable to ski like myself, a stop at the St. James Hotel offers the opportunity to spend the night in an historic lodging dating back to the early settlement of the area. Philmont Boy Scout Ranch is just down the road as well and it is always worth a visit no matter what the season.

My friends at the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado tell me the skiing is also fantastic at nearby Wolf Creek ski area. Wolf Creek has had over 200 inches of snow and their entire 1600 acre ski area is open. This mountain offers trails for everyone from the novice to the expert skier.

The Springs Resort has some special lodging and ski packages for Wolf Creek and all of their guests have 24 hour a day access to the 23 soaking pools on the property which are fed by the natural hot springs there. The Springs encompasses the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring and is situated alongside the Pagosa River. I can tell you from experience that this is a wonderful place to stay and there is nothing like the hot springs to ease your aches and pains.

In other sporting news, I was able to attend Saturday night’s sold out professional boxing matches at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma and the boxing fans in attendance got their money’s worth. The promoter Tony Holden is well known in the boxing business and in 1990 with a world champion in his stable  he was king of the hill so I knew it would be a good show. Always on the lookout for a story, I’ve interviewed professional boxer Kenzie Morrison both for the paper and on the radio and I knew his dad. Even if you are not up on boxing, Kenzie and his brother Trey Lippe Morrison are names I think you will be hearing frequently in the future. They are the sons of World Heavyweight Champion and film star Tommy Morrison whose story has been told many times before. Tony Holden was Tommy’s promoter and now he is helping Kenzie and Trey make a name for themselves in a tough business. In their early twenties Kenzie and Trey are rising stars in the sport and with Tommy’s blood in both of them, my scoop of the week is to catch one of their local fights while you can. Before long you’ll have to spring for airfare to a major venue and your seats will cost a whole lot more. If you haven’t heard, both boys won their fight with a knockout in the first round.

I’m wrapping up this week with a “save the date” reminder for your calendar. Each spring Elder Care in Bartlesville holds their annual fundraiser The Good, The Bad and The Barbeque at the Mullendore Cross Bell Ranch which is opened to the public just for the event. There is always great food and music and lively silent and live auctions with something for everyone.

This year the date is Saturday May 9^th and the event chairperson, Virginia Sawyer, tells me that there will be new bands and other surprises in store for guests. Call Elder Care at (918) 336-8500 for ticket and sponsorship information.

Till next week, I’ll see ya down the road…..