Latest
Old timers visiting Allen often ask me “what has happened to downtown Allen?” They are referring of course to our missing stores downtown. They are gone and I don’t think they’ll be back. I wrote an article some years ago and the lead was this: “One by one, the lights are winking out in rural America.” I was referring to the hundreds of little towns in the USA that have mostly vanished.
Read moreEvery day is a gift from God. Sadly, many do not realize that.
Read more
Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.org.
Read more
Okay, let’s just accept it. Christmastime is a confusing mixture of Bible stories, family traditions, myths, and fun Santa Claus tales. Especially for kids like little Luke.
Read more
Project 2020 and the Town of Boley announce SELF MADE: Boley, Oklahoma Boley, Okla. -- In a collaborative effort with GRANDchild Productions and C.J. Kirkland, a freelance writer with a focus on conveying stories that exemplify the human spirit, Project 2020, and the Town of Boley are pleased to announce an evening celebrating Black Excellence. The celebration will take place on February 4, 2023 @ 6 pm at the Boley Community Center featuring LIVE performances from local artist, “Colored Memories”, and the book launch of SELF MADE: Boley, Oklahoma SELF MADE is a creative non-fiction work written by author C.J. Kirkland: a collection of personal narratives accompanied by stunning images culminating in an understanding of the soul and spirit of Boley residents: those who built this town and those who remain a part of its tapestry and truth. “Colored Memories” is comprised of twenty-five digitally colorized photographs from Boley, the “crown jewel” of All-Black Towns. The exhibit is made possible by The Coltrane Group, an Oklahoma-based organization focused on the revitalization of the All-Black Towns of Oklahoma. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of Black History in Oklahoma and the significant role Boley played in our state and in America. Project 2020’s main purpose, in partnership with the Town of Boley, is to assist and aid in the growth and revitalization of our historic downtown district and its businesses. Through façade grants, donations, and hosting events, we strive to preserve and restore our historic architecture, land, and rodeo while maintaining its unique charm and beauty. This is a free ticketed event open to the public. For detailed information about this event, please contact Karen Ekuban at karenekuban@yahoo. com or 303-476-3779. For tickets visit Eventbrite.
Read more
The descents of the late Roy and Mary Ann Ballard of Clearview met at the Clearview Main Street Community Building for a pre-Christmas celebration. Roy and Mary Ann had three girls named Shirley, Marilyn, and Lavada Marie (deceased). Those three girls had eight children. Those children now have fifteen children together, the oldest an OSU graduate, one a junior at Pitt State, one is a first-year student at OSU, one is a first-year student at University of Arkansas, the others are in high school and elementary school. One senior has signed to play softball at Tulsa University. Shirley and husband Donnie Nero and Marilyn and husband Ted live in Clearview. On Christmas day, Shirley hosted the family at her home. Roy and Mary Ann would be immensely proud of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Read more