News Page NEWSTown Board Meeting Agenda Thursday, April 8,2021April 7, 2021NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... EASTER EGG DRIVE BYApril 5, 2021NEWSThe Hennessey Care Center held an Easter egg drive by this afternoon (Friday, April 2, 2021) for children to come by and get a basket of treats. Many of the residents were outside on the porch where they could see the children get their baskets. There were lots of smiles from both the residents as well as the children. Like this:Like Loading...... M&M POPS CONCERTApril 5, 2021NEWS / SchoolM&M POPS CONCERT The Pride of Hennessey held their spring concert Tuesday evening (March 31st) featuring pop and movie music. It was a fun night with the stage band playing along with popular TV shows and movies. While resetting the stage band director Adam Ray led the audience in an interactive musical trivia game. The Jazz band played several numbers then the flag team performed routines. M&Ms were passed out with an admission donation. Like this:Like Loading...... Cruisn’ Oklahoma Hennessey EditionApril 5, 2021NEWS / Upcoming EventsLike this:Like Loading...... The 55 Second Egg HuntApril 5, 2021NEWSTHE 55 SECOND EGG HUNT The 2021 Hennessey Lioness Club annual Easter Egg Hunt is now in the history books. Hundreds of Hennessey children lined up for the opportunity to get their prized eggs filled with goodies, Saturday, April 3, 2021. As they lined up, mothers and grandmothers offered tips and strategies to their contestants. The Easter Bunny was on hand for photo ops. Scooter Thompson, one of the event hosts said, “It’s just as much fun for us as it is for the kids”. With the sound of the siren from an OHP car, the mayhem began and ended about as fast as it started. Be sure to watch the video on this weeks All About Hennessey Show, Thursday, the 8th premiering at 6pm. Like this:Like Loading...... Hennessey Board of Education 3/31/21March 31, 2021NEWS / SchoolLike this:Like Loading...... WIND DRIVEN FIREMarch 30, 2021NEWS30 mph winds helped a fast moving grass fire this afternoon south of Dover. Smoke was thick all the way to Hennessey. Union Pacific Rail Road stopped the trains for several hours because the fire was close to the tracks and for poor visibility. The fire was located south of Red Fork Dr and west of the railroad tracks in Dover. Several residents were seen watering down their yards. Kingfisher, Dover and Loyal firefighters worked the fire for several hours with help from the Kingfisher County Sheriff dept. for traffic control. Additional photos by Traci Macy. Like this:Like Loading...... EGGSPLOSION AT SONICMarch 26, 2021NEWSThe Easter Bunny made a stop at the Hennessey Sonic this week depositing hundreds of colorful eggs. Still not sure why a bunny brings eggs… LOL. Like this:Like Loading...... TRUCK WRECK BLOCKS ROADMarch 26, 2021NEWSExxon Rd (E650) at N2840 was blocked this morning when a transport semi rolled over in the ditch. The wreck happened about 5:30 am this morning, (Thursday, March 25, 2021) and took crews several hours to clear the scene. No information was available about the driver, or if there were any injuries. It is reported that this is the 2nd truck since January that ended up in that same ditch. Photo by: Nadia Monreal Like this:Like Loading...... From the Hennessey Senior Citizen’s CenterMarch 24, 2021NEWSA Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Hennessey at 11am on Friday, March 26 Like this:Like Loading...... CHECK OUT THE NEW WELLNESS MERCANTILE SALON!March 24, 2021NEWSThe Mercantile Salon located inside the Wellness Mercantile Suite #4, offers a variety of services.Regular Hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-5pmWalk-ins available during regular working hours and after hours by appointment.They accept all forms of payment – Cashapp, Venmo, Paypal, Cash, Check or Card.You can schedule an appointment at (405) 853 – 5126 Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY DANCE STUDIO ENROLLMENT WEEKMarch 22, 2021NEWSYou can begin to enroll online TODAY – Friday the 26th! Visit www.redleve.com/enrollment Prefer to download the forms? Find them on the website as well on the enrollment page! If you prefer to visit and enroll in person you can! Open Studio enrollment Tuesday – Thursday from Noon – 5pm. 17172 E Conoco Rd, Hennessey. On the website you will also find Dress Code, Policies, Class styles and times, see the full schedule for everything available. Have questions email them @ Redlevedance@gmail.com, Text at (405) 295-5779 or message them on Facebook! Like this:Like Loading...... HAPPY 65TH RAYMOND!March 22, 2021NEWSAbout 150 friends got together Saturday afternoon at the Gathering Place South of Hennessey to wish a friend happy birthday. Raymond Kerby has been a staple in Hennessey and in the oil field and is known for his orneriness, kindness and work ethic. If you missed the party, be sure to wish Raymond happy birthday in the comments! Like this:Like Loading...... CAT TEAM BACK IN ACTIONMarch 22, 2021NEWSJust as the sun came up today (Saturday, March 20, 2021) the 300 block in Hennessey was humming with chain saws and tractors at Gladys Overbay’s home. The Hennessey Community Action Team made quick work of clearing trees, brush, and demolition, so work could be done to the house. See the complete story on this weeks “The ALL ABOUT HENNESSEY SHOW, Thursday night. Like this:Like Loading...... MOE BANDY BROUGHT THE MUSICMarch 20, 2021NEWSHennessey went all country last night (Friday, March 19, 2021) when country legend Moe Bandy and his band filled the Cow Palace with his hits. Hennessey’s Buck Goucher warmed up the crowd then Jake Bowers closed out the night. Moe helped Scott Hajek celebrate by singing happy birthday as the crowd cheered. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY DANCE STUDIO OPENS SOON! 2021March 16, 2021NEWS / Featured Business“Starter Up” Season Enrollment March 22nd – 26thOpen Studio 23rd – 25th 12 – 5pmOnline Enrollment will be available.More information for exact class schedules and how to enroll online will be available soon.Styles of Dance Offered: Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Adult Dance Fitness, Latin Rhythms, Modern, Lyrical / Contemporary Combo.You can reach RedLevé through facebook messenger, email: redlevedance@gmail.com or text them @ (405) 295-5779. Like this:Like Loading...... THANK YOU FROM ANGELS DAYCAREMarch 9, 2021NEWSAngel’s Daycare closes its doors after 27 years of being in business in the Hennessey community and surrounding areas. We thank God for giving us the privilege of working in the childcare business without any incidents. My sister Leonor Ortega started the business in 1995 and decided to retire in 2010. I continued with the business with the support of my family, which I give many thanks to. I want to thank our employees we had throughout the years, because without them we could not have had such a successful business. I want to give thanks to the parents that trusted us with their precious children. I want to tank the town of Hennessey for allowing us to utilize their building for our business. I am just very thankful for all the support everyone has given us and for all the great memories and children we had an influence on. Thank youAide Gutierrez Like this:Like Loading...... SMALL, STEADY IMPROVEMENTSMarch 9, 2021NEWSThe Town of Hennessey is making a notable difference with improvements around town. Some are big, like the drainage project on the east side of town and some are small, like the new sidewalk in the 100 block of West Oklahoma St. Both sides of the first block of sidewalks were broken bricks, holes and mud. At a recent Trustees meeting, the board voted to repair the north side sidewalk along the new Wellness Mercantile building. There was discussion about doing the south side in the near future. Like this:Like Loading...... PITTS PROMOTED TO SERGEANTFebruary 12, 2021NEWSPITTS PROMOTED TO SERGEANT Hennessey police officer Aaron Pitts, was promoted to sergeant during last night’s Hennessey Board of Trustees meeting. Pitts, a Hennessey High School grad, has been a police officer for Hennessey since July 2017. Hennessey Police Chief Ed Cangiano said, “The decision to promote Aaron was due to his outstanding performance in our community and as ranking officer, he will cover for me when needed.” Pitts is the Hennessey schools officer and is DARE trained. He is loved by the teachers and respected by the students. This post made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... BOARD HIRES NEW SUPERINTENDENTMarch 3, 2021NEWSThe Hennessey School board voted after executive session this afternoon to hire Jason Sterberger as the new School Superintendent. Sterberger is currently the superintendent for Kingfisher Public Schools. Jason and his wife Jackie met with board members, Angela Avila, High School Principal and Stacy Mack, Early Childhood development Principal during a meet and greet after the meeting. Sterberger starts full time the first of June. Like this:Like Loading...... HAJEK DISPLAYS AT HENRY FORD MUSEUMMarch 1, 2021NEWSBrent Hajek has been preserving race car history for a very long time and displaying them in his Ames, Oklahoma Museum. Over the years, he has loaned these cars to events and museums all over the country. Probably one of the most prestigious museums in the country, is the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. If you are a Ford car guy, this is the top of the pile. Hennessey grad Brent Hajek was recently invited to display one of his many historic classic race cars at the Henry Ford Museum. The car is a red 1966 Ford Galaxie that was owned by stock car driver Wendell Scott. August 29th marks what would have been Scott’s 99th birthday. Although Scott passed away in late 1990 at the age of 69, his legacy continues to be felt in NASCAR today. He was the first African American driver to race full time in the NASCAR premier series and the first to win a race. Scott’s 1966 Ford Galaxie is on loan to The Henry Ford Museum courtesy of Hajek Motorsports, of Ames, Oklahoma. Hajek previously loaned the car to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Museum said, “We are proud to exhibit it, and to share the story of a pioneering driver who overcame almost every conceivable challenge in his hall-of-fame career.” Photo credit: Wes Duenkel Motorsports Photography. Like this:Like Loading...... LAST CALL FOR HHS HALL OF FAME!March 1, 2021NEWS / SchoolHennessey Public Schools – HHS Hall of Fame Nomination Form (2021 deadline extended to March 5!) https://www.hps.k12.ok.us/531001_3 Like this:Like Loading...... FIREFIGHTERS STORM TRAININGFebruary 28, 2021NEWSHennessey volunteer firefighters attended a National Weather Service storm spotter training webinar Wednesday night (February, 23rd). 12 firefighters, along with Hennessey Police Chief Ed Cangiano, were present to learn the basics of severe weather spotting. The class outlined the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure, identifying potential severe weather features, information to report, how to report information, and basic severe weather safety. The National Weather Service will be conducting an advanced webinar class on March 30th. Like this:Like Loading...... CONSTANT CONVOY OF BUSSESFebruary 27, 2021NEWS / SportsWhen the Eagle Event Center (The Dome) was being planned, there was a great deal of talk about how large tournaments and events would bring people to our town. Well, if you want to see what success looks like, drive by the Dome almost any day this week and well into next week, and it will be clear. The constant flow of busses and people from all over the state are coming to Hennessey for the State Basketball playoffs. Each team brings several hundred people that eat, buy gas and spend time in our small town. This facility is a great example of how economic success should look. If you meet someone from another area, welcome them to Hennessey and show off our hospitality. Like this:Like Loading...... THE EAGLES NEVER GAVE IT BACKFebruary 27, 2021NEWS / SportsThe Tonkawa Buccaneers’ joy coming off their 68-44 District win over Mounds on Tuesday (only their second W of the season) was short lived, knowing they had to face the well-rested and very hungry Hennessey Eagles (12-4, #6) in Thursday (February 25) night’s opening round of the 2021 Oklahoma Class 2A Championship Series Regional at the Eagle Event Center in Hennessey. The Bucs opened the game with a little hope, forcing an Eagle turnover on the first possession, then taking the early lead. That lead lasted until Eagle Senior Juan Dominguez knocked down his first of 4 Three’s, giving his Eagles the lead at 11 mid-way through the 1st quarter. The Eagles never gave it back. Thanks in large part to outstanding defense in the 2nd quarter (giving up only 1 field goal and 5 total points), while posting 20 on offense, which was hammered home by a JuanDo steal and 3 point buzzer beater from the mid-court logo, the Eagles led by 20 at half, 37-17. The starters only saw minimal minutes in the 2nd half, giving way to the bench, who scored the final 26 points of the game in last 1 1/2 quarters. Leading all scorers for the Hennessey Eagles was Sophomore 6-man Layton Choate with 20, going 6 of 8 from the free-throw line, and nailing 2 Three’s, and 4 Two’s. Dominguez was the leading scorer among the starters, getting 18 points (15 in the first two quarters). Freshman Jael Torres followed with 12 points in the paint. Cristian Rodriguez had 5, Christian Tovar 2, and Wade Vinson’s technical foul shot rounded out the starter’s points. With Choate leading the way, Hennessey’s bench had 37 total points: Ethan Munroe with 5, Sebastian Gonzalez with 3, Garret Vinson, James Sims, Noah Moery, and Kolby Painter each with 2 points, and Weston Smith with 1.The Thursday night win did two things for the Hennessey Eagles. The win moves the boys to the Regional Championship game on Saturday night at 8:00 pm in the EEC versus Boone-Apache (6-11), who got the 40-37 upset win versus the Area’s 3rd best team Amber-Pocasset (15-9, #11) on Thursday night. The win also guarantees the Eagles a spot in next week’s Area Round (March 4-6) to be played at the Stride Bank Center in Enid, marking the 8th time in 10 years that head coach Brady Page’s Hennessey Eagles have advanced to Area. -EagleVoice Like this:Like Loading...... WIN, AND ADVANCEFebruary 26, 2021NEWS / SportsThat is the singular focus of the Hennessey Lady Eagles entering the 2021 Oklahoma Class 2A Basketball Championship Series Regional, playing through the Consolation Bracket, following their District loss to Stroud on Tuesday evening. Win, and advance is exactly what our girls did versus the Tonkawa Lady Bucs (4-9) on Thursday, (February 25) afternoon at the Eagle Event Center. Both teams started slow, testing the waters in the 1st quarter, with the Lady Eagles holding a 1 point lead, 7-6 after one. The offensive pace quickened from there with both teams hitting double-digits each of the next 3 quarters. It’s hard to say a made basket in the 2nd quarter was the difference in the game, but Larissa Macy’s only bucket in the contest was a 3-pointer in that 2nd quarter, a quarter the Lady Eagles won by three, 17-14, and held on to win by two, 54-52. Senior Gracie Mills led the Ladies in scoring with 18 points, with 8 made field goals in the paint, while going 2 for 8 from the line. Juliana Macy was perfect from the line, 6 of 6, with 3 field goals and 12 points for the Junior. Also in double-figures was Yuridia Rios knocking down 10 points off the bench. Harlee Dowell followed with 8, off two made 3’s and a 2. Noelle Pollard had a 4th quarter 3 for her points. The Lady Bucs were almost perfect from the free throw line in the 2nd half, keeping the game within reach, going 10 of 12, and 18 of 23 for the game. The Lady Eagles finished 8 of 14 from the line. Win, and advance. And advance is what they will do, as the Lady Eagles (6-10) will play Friday night at 6:00 pm at the EEC in Round 2 of the Regional Consolation versus the loser of Thursday night’s game between top-seeded Amber-Pocasset (#4, 20-3) and Cordell (9-10). – EagleVoice Like this:Like Loading...... ONE BIG HUNK OF ICE!February 21, 2021NEWSMost of us in Hennessey know him as a plumber, but Boyd Poteet is also an artist, dabbling in many forms of art. He has a labyrinth in his front yard and likes to make ice sculptures when the weather cooperates. Boyd said, “I have been doing ice sculptures for about 40 years or so. I started doing them in my front yard, but not many people got to see them since I live in the country. When Tim Taggart (my cousin) built Taggart’s Garden Center, I started doing them there where more people could enjoy them.” The past few weeks has been perfect for making ice and this year’s sculpture is about 25 feet tall. You can see the sculpture south of Hennessey on Highway 81, but you better hurry, it’s warming up and it won’t last long! Like this:Like Loading...... BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE ON THE PRAIRIEFebruary 19, 2021NEWSBEAUTIFUL SUNRISE ON THE PRAIRIE Hopefully this is a sign of no more cold and snow for Hennessey. Like this:Like Loading...... 4.2 EARTHQUAKE THIS MORNINGFebruary 19, 2021NEWSThe USGS reported a 4.2 earthquake this morning (February 19, 2021) at 7:56am, near Manchester, Oklahoma. Did you feel it? Like this:Like Loading...... IT LIT UP THE SKY FOR MILES!February 18, 2021NEWSA large underground natural gas pipeline exploded and caught fire about a mile and a half east, and 4.5 miles south of Ames about 5:30 this morning. (Thursday, February 18, 2021) The fire could be seen for miles as it lit up the sky. This photo was taken a mile south of Loyal by Ty Gardner. The Ames and Meno fire departments responded and there were no injuries. It could be seen from Hennessey and Enid as a big orange glow in the sky. Did you see it? If so, where from? Like this:Like Loading...... SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AT HENNESSEY SCHOOLSFebruary 16, 2021NEWSSIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AT HENNESSEY SCHOOLS Hennessey High school and Elementary school have suffered significant water damage. Overnight pipes burst in the ceiling of the east wing of the high school causing significant water damage to many of the rooms. Water was running out into the parking lot creating a large area of ice. All of the rooms in the east and north wing of the high school have several inches of standing water and the ceilings are down in several of the north rooms. The elementary school also had standing water in all of the north and some of the south rooms but there was no ceiling damage. Dr. Woods sent an email to all of the school staff and teachers advising them to stay out of the buildings until further notice. There are many hazards such as falling ceiling tiles, electrical cords standing in water and slip hazards. Dr Woods said in his email, “As it looks right now we will be full time virtual for the remainder of the week.” Watch for the Hennessey School update video on Wednesday evening for a complete report and timeline when school can reopen. This post made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... EMERGENCY TOWN MEETING – KEEP WATER RUNNINGFebruary 15, 2021NEWSThe Hennessey Board of Trustees called an emergency meeting today at 1pm to encourage residents of Hennessey to keep a steady stream of water running in their faucets. This meeting was to allow adjustments to water bills to reflect normal usage for the month of March 1st billing cycle. Hennessey Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman said, “We need to keep the water moving. We have had several water meters freeze on our side of the meter.” Over the next few days it is very important to keep a trickle of water moving especially the hot water during these frigid temperatures. Hot water pipes will freeze in half the time of cold. If you have pipes on an outside wall open the cabinet doors to let heat in. Keep the doors open to your bathrooms to keep the heat in areas where there are pipes that could freeze. Like this:Like Loading...... POWER OUTAGES NOT LIKELY NOW REVISEDFebruary 15, 2021NEWSREVISED – Excessive electricity usage due to the severe cold temperatures has led to rolling power outages throughout the Midwest, from Texas to Montana. OG&E first issued a statement saying they would for the first time in its history, be implementing temporary power service interruptions for customers across its area. They have now rescinded this saying this may not be necessary. They are asking everyone to please conserve electricity where possible. In a phone interview, Jeff Hyatt with Cimarron Electric, told All About Hennessey, “As of right now Western Farmers Electric that supplies us with power is saying they have enough capacity to carry us. But this could change at any time.” A rolling blackout is a way for a power company to conserve power by turning off one circuit at a time. This is generally done for about 1 hour at a time. Then, they move to another circuit and continue this until more capacity is found or the load reduces. Oklahomans can take simple conservation steps: Lower thermostats to 68 degrees or below if health permitsAvoid using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryersTurn off lights and unplug small appliances that you do not need or are not usingBusinesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possibleLarge consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes Like this:Like Loading...... MORE ON THE WAYFebruary 15, 2021NEWSAnother Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of our area from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday Evening. The National Weather Service is predicting an additional 6 to 8 inches of snow accumulation possible over portions of central and southeastern Oklahoma. Travel will be difficult to impossible. Stay with All About Hennessey for real-time updates. Like this:Like Loading...... FRIGID FIRE CALLFebruary 14, 2021NEWSHennessey Fire Department responded to a report of smoke at 300 West Oklahoma about 2pm this afternoon. Smoke was visible outside the home as the Firefighters arrived. The smoke was from a heater malfunction. There were no injuries and no fire damage to the home. Like this:Like Loading...... BLIZZARD LIKE CONDITIONSFebruary 14, 2021NEWSStrong winds, record cold temps, and heavy snow today made things miserable for most of Oklahoma. (Sunday, February 14, 2021) The first round of snow came in overnight dropping about 4 inches. Around noon the second round of heavy snow arrived in Hennessey dropping another 6 to 8 inches. 20 plus mph wind and 6 degree temps drove the wind chill into negative numbers. The driving wind piled up the snow creating large drifts on the roadways and around buildings. ODOT plow trucks arrived in town about 2 pm and cleared most of Main St but the intersections and town roads were untouched. The snow ended in the Hennessey area about 3pm. The next storm is predicted to arrive on Tuesday, bringing additional snow to our area. Like this:Like Loading...... THE LATEST STORM MAPS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICEFebruary 14, 2021NEWSLatest timing of the onset of snow across the area overnight tonight with the first potential round and then when the heavier snow will occur Sunday. Stay with All About Hennessey for full storm coverage and closings. Like this:Like Loading...... DO YOU NEED A WARM PLACE?February 12, 2021NEWSThe Hennessey Ministerial Alliance is working on helping anyone with a need, heat, shelter or food. If you need help, or know someone that does contact the Hennessey Town Hall 405-853-2416, after hours call the Hennessey Police 405-853-4444, or your church. Transportation will be available if needed. A lifebelt on the ice swimming spot at wintery beach Like this:Like Loading...... OHP DISCOURAGES TRAVEL DURING UPCOMING WEATHER EVENTFebruary 12, 2021NEWSThe Oklahoma Highway Patrol is encouraging residents to stay home during the upcoming winter weather event. Starting on Sunday, OHP is discouraging any travel because of the dangerous conditions that will be caused by the winter storm.OHP is partnering with the Oklahoma National Guard to have Stranded Motorist Assist Response Teams (SMART) ready to assist stranded motorists if needed. These teams will be placed strategically throughout the interstate system Sunday through Wednesday. We will have teams on I-44, I-40 and I-35.The teams will consist of 8 to 10 national guardsmen and troopers with three to four national guard vehicles and one to two troopers. The teams will respond as a convoy to any emergencies. They will have equipment to remove vehicles from roadways but their main goal will be to rescue any stranded motorists and get them to a warm and safe location.This is a joint effort between the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Despite this effort, there is not enough personnel to be in all places across the state at once. Depending on the conditions and the call volume, it could take a team several hours to get to a stranded motorist.That is why OHP is asking everyone to stay home. If you absolutely have to get out, let others know your planned route and expected arrival time. Check brakes, wipers, fluids and tire pressure. Pack warm clothing, blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, sand or cat litter, jumper cables, non-perishable food and drinking water. Charge your phone before you go and take a charging cord with you.Allow extra time for your drive. Slow down and avoid distractions. And as always, make sure to buckle up.Beginning Friday afternoon, OHP and ODOT will be working to remove abandoned vehicles already on the shoulders of highways. This will make it easier to identify stranded motorists who actually need assistance over the coming days. Like this:Like Loading...... OHP Discourages Travel During Upcoming Weather EventFebruary 12, 2021Breaking / NEWSThe Oklahoma Highway Patrol is encouraging residents to stay home during the upcoming winter weather event. Starting on Sunday, OHP is discouraging any travel because of the dangerous conditions that will be caused by the winter storm. OHP is partnering with the Oklahoma National Guard to have Stranded Motorist Assist Response Teams (SMART) ready to assist stranded motorists if needed. These teams will be placed strategically throughout the interstate system Sunday through Wednesday. We will have teams on I-44, I-40 and I-35. The teams will consist of 8 to 10 national guardsmen and troopers with three to four national guard vehicles and one to two troopers. The teams will respond as a convoy to any emergencies. They will have equipment to remove vehicles from roadways but their main goal will be to rescue any stranded motorists and get them to a warm and safe location. This is a joint effort between the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Despite this effort, there is not enough personnel to be in all places across the state at once. Depending on the conditions and the call volume, it could take a team several hours to get to a stranded motorist. That is why OHP is asking everyone to stay home. If you absolutely have to get out, let others know your planned route and expected arrival time. Check brakes, wipers, fluids and tire pressure. Pack warm clothing, blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, sand or cat litter, jumper cables, non-perishable food and drinking water. Charge your phone before you go and take a charging cord with you. Allow extra time for your drive. Slow down and avoid distractions. And as always, make sure to buckle up. Beginning Friday afternoon, OHP and ODOT will be working to remove abandoned vehicles already on the shoulders of highways. This will make it easier to identify stranded motorists who actually need assistance over the coming days. Like this:Like Loading...... SPECIAL HENNESSEY SCHOOL WEATHER CHANGESFebruary 10, 2021NEWSAs of now this is how school will operate tomorrow(Thursday, February 11th) Stay with All About Hennessey for any changes. Grades 6 – 12 will stay home and learn virtually no matter what the weather does. Grades PK-5 will come to school as normal starting at 9am. All busses will run one hour later than normal. Chromebooks and chargers will be sent home with each student in case there are additional weather days. PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS AT ALL ABOUT HENNESSEY FOR FULL DETAILSThursday, February 11thVIRTUAL DAY FOR MS/HS STUDENTS-EVEN IF SCHOOL IS CANCELLED FOR THE ECC OR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS!MS/HS Virtual Bell Schedule 1st hour 11:00-11:25 (25 min) 2nd hour 11:30-11:55 (25 min) 3rd hour 12:00-12:25 (25 min) 4th hour 12:30-12:55 (25 min) 5th hour 1:00-1:25 (25 min) 6th hour 1:30-1:55 (25 min) 7th hour 2:00-2:25 (25 min) *PT Conferences – from Tuesday and Thursday will be rescheduled for a later date.*If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please stay warm and safe! Due to the uncertainty of the weather over the next few days, please check your email each morning and evening for updates. We will monitor closely and update each day as needed.***CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Like this:Like Loading...... WEATHER ADVISORYFebruary 9, 2021NEWS…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY… WHAT…Freezing drizzle and freezing rain. Total ice accumulation of around one tenth of an inch are possible across southeast and south-central Oklahoma. Lighter amounts of ice expected elsewhere.WHERE…Portions of central, western, and southern Oklahoma and northern Texas.WHEN…From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Wednesday.IMPACTS…Difficult travel conditions are likely. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slick sidewalks and parking lots are also expected.ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Ice accumulations across southeast and south-central Oklahoma could impact trees and power lines. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages. In Oklahoma, call 844-465-4997 for road information. MAP OF ROAD CONDITIONS Like this:Like Loading...... NOMINATE YOUR HHS HALL OF FAME NOMINEEFebruary 9, 2021NEWSHHS Hall of Fame Nomination Form with RulesDownload Like this:Like Loading...... Hennessey will be hosting the 3A-1 Area Tournament in the Eagle Event Center!February 8, 2021NEWS / SportsLike this:Like Loading...... HELP NEEDED FOR HENNESSEY AFTER PROMFebruary 5, 2021NEWS / SchoolLike this:Like Loading...... WORKING IN THE MUDFebruary 5, 2021NEWSHennessey public works crew were working in the mud this morning (February 3rd) repairing a water leak along South Cimarron Street. They have been working their way around town repairing small leaks. Like this:Like Loading...... WHEAT FIELD SWIMFebruary 5, 2021NEWSA gaggle of Canadian Geese were enjoying the sun and the large puddle left by recent rain. They were swimming in the wheat field along East 7th Street this morning (February 3rd). Like this:Like Loading...... NEW WALKING TRACK HOURSFebruary 5, 2021NEWSThe walking track at the new Eagle Event Center has become a very popular place. So, they have added hours that the track will be available. The new hours and days are: Monday through Friday 6:00pm to 9:30pm. They are working on a weekend schedule but don’t have anyone to manage it yet. Also, the Event Center will be hosting several OSSAA playoff events and walkers will not be allowed during these events. All About Hennessey will post those exceptions when the schedule becomes available. Like this:Like Loading...... MEET THE CANDIDATESFebruary 5, 2021NEWSMEET THE HENNESSEY TOWN TRUSTEES CANDIDATES There are 2 Hennessey trustee seats up for the April 6th election. Two have filed for the positions. Keith Meek is the incumbent and will run again. The other candidate to file is Harold Shaw. They are unopposed and will fill the position openings. Kati Walters is unopposed for the Town Clerk and Shelley Burch is unopposed for the Town Treasure. Each candidate was sent a list of questions and their responses are published here. Keith Meek Q. Are you originally from Hennessey? A. Yes Q. Where did you graduate High School? A. Hennessey High Q. Did you attend College, if so where, degree? A. I attended UCO for 2 years but did not graduate Q. What is your full time job/business? A. I work full-time as a pipeline operator for Mustang Gas Products, I also work for the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy. Q. In one paragraph why are you running? A. Before I filed I was thinking about all of the accomplishments and all of the hard decisions that we have made as a board and as a town over the last 4 years. Then I started thinking about the future of Hennessey and what that could look like. As I was doing that I felt a need to be involved and a responsibility to continue to be a voice for the Town of Hennessey Harold Shaw Q. Are you originally from Hennessey? A. lived most of my 54 years Q. Where did you graduate High School? A. Graduated 1984 from Hennessey Q. Did you attend College, if so where, degree? A. N/A Q. What is your full time job/business? A. I’m a consultant in the oilfield Q. In one paragraph why are you running? A. I’m running to be involved in my community and learn a little bit about politics and maybe get more people to run for trustee. Hopefully we can get more than 10% of our town out to vote for this election. So to Citizens of Hennessey please get out and vote, whether it’s for Keith Rachel or me please just go vote. Thanks Harold Shaw Kati Walters Shelley Burch Like this:Like Loading...... EAGLES ROAD TRIP DROPPED GAMESFebruary 3, 2021Featured News / NEWS / SportsThe two week “road trip” to end the regular season did not get off to a great start, with both the Hennessey Eagles and Lady Eagles dropping their games against Oklahoma Christian Academy in Edmond on Monday (February 1, 2021). Though both Hennessey teams carried leads into halftime, both fell in the end, with the ladies losing 55-49, and the boys 57-52.The Hennessey Lady Eagles (5-7) and the OCA Lady Eagles (11-4, 2A #12) share not only mascots, but also playing style and ability. Hennessey started slow, not getting their first score until the 5:30 mark of the 1st, but after head coach Aly Seng’s 2nd timeout in the 1st 5 minutes of play, the Lady Eagles responded. Though out-rebounded in the 1st half 18 to 12, our girl’s shooting touch and team defense paced them to a 28-23 halftime lead. Hennessey held serve in the 3rd and had a 39-36 lead going into the final quarter. That is when the OCA defense tightened and their offense got on track. The Hennessey girls only managed 1 made field goal in the 4th, and were outscored 19-10, dropping their 7th game of the season, 55-49. Junior Point Guard Kassidy Amburn had arguable her best game of the season, especially on the offensive end. Aided by staying out of foul trouble, Kass was able to guide the offense all 4 quarters, leading the team in scoring with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 assist. Amburn knocked down 3 Three’s and was 8/10 from the free throw line, pushing the team to their season-best 15 of 20 at the “charity stripe.” Gracie Mills followed with 13 points off 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot. Juliana Macy was perfect from the line and had 1 made 3 for 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists (and an ankle taped “too tight” by her father). Sister, Larissa Macy nailed 2 Three’s herself for 6 points to close out the scoring. Noelle Pollard brought down 2 rebounds and an assist, and Harlee Dowell, off the bench, had 6 boards with 1 assist.The second game of the evening pitted the Class 2A #6 ranked Hennessey Eagles (10-2) against the 2A #14 ranked OCA Eagles (11-5), with both teams standing toe to toe, battling blow by blow. After winning the opening tip and scoring on a made free throw on their first possession, Hennessey held the lead until early in the 2nd quarter, from which point the game saw 11 ties or lead changes into the 3rd quarter. The 3rd quarter is when Hennessey lost the game (or OCA won it, depending on which side of the court you sat). After taking the lead at 33 with 6 1/2 minutes to play in the 3rd, OCA never trailed again, winning that quarter 14-6, and holding on for the 57-52 win. Jael Torres led our boys with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Juan Dominguez got hot briefly in the 4th, but cooled, and finished with 12 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals defensively. Wade Vinson had 2 Three’s for 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists. Christian Tovar added 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 assist, with Cristian Rodriguez closing out the starter’s points with 3, off 1 “made field goal” and 2 assists. Layton Choate came off the bench to score 2 points, with 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Eagles and Lady Eagles continue the regular season this Thursday at Cashion versus the Class 2A #3 ranked Wildcats (15-3) and the 2A #14 ranked Lady ‘cats (13-5). – EagleVoice – Photos by Patrick Courtney Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY EAGLES AT ENID STRIDE BANK CENTERFebruary 3, 2021Featured News / NEWS / SportsThe Hennessey Eagles and Lady Eagles got a taste of playoff basketball Saturday night (January 30, 2021) in the annual Downtown Festival at Stride Bank Center in Enid. To get a feel for a possible Area Tournament venue, against a top-ranked opponent, Hennessey met the Lomega Raiders and Lady Raiders in a cross-class, neutral-site contest.Buzzsaw. That is what the Lady Eagles (5-6) ran into when they took the court versus the Class B, #1 Ranked, and Undefeated Lomega Raiders (18-0). Don’t let the Classification fool you. This Lady Raider team is better than 95% of all girls programs in the State of Oklahoma. They showed this from the opening tip with a pull-up 3-pointer to start the game. Though this was the closest the score would ever be, it did not stop the Hennessey Girls from fighting every possession until the final horn, with the game ending 86-38 Lady Raiders. Lomega made 11 Threes in the game, 5 coming in the 1st quarter alone, as they cruised to a 34-12 lead after 1. The 2nd was the best quarter for the Lady Eagles with 13 points for, and allowing only 10 from their opponent. Juliana Macy nailed 3 3-pointers herself and had a team-high 12 points. Gracie Mills followed with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 blocked shot, before fouling out midway through the 4th quarter. Sophomore Larissa Macy added 7 points, including 1 made 3, with 2 rebounds, before she fouled out in the 4th, as well. Harlee Dowell got 6 points, and 2 steals, with a team-high 5 rebounds. Kassidy Amburn and Yuridia Rios each had 2 points, and Kadee Meeker had 1. Our ladies can hold their heads up and know they played a team that averages almost 80 points per game with an average margin of victory of 45, and knowing what they need to work on and what they can become under first year head coach Aly Seng.The Eagle boys knew what they were up against going into the contest versus Class B #4 Ranked Lomega Raiders. Holding onto a precious Top-8 seed at #6 in Class 2A, the Eagles (10-1) have no room for any slip-ups prior to this Thursday’s OSSAA playoff bracket reveal. The two defensive minded teams traded blows, and boards, and steals, and turnovers, with Lomega holding a 1 point lead after 1 (12-11). Hennessey tightened the defensive screws even harder, taking the lead and a 7 point cushion at half behind Senior Juan Dominguez’ 12 first-half points. JuanDo finished with a team-high 17, with 1 rebound, and 5 steals (also a team-high). Coming off his 24 points on Friday night versus Tulsa CHEF, Freshman Jael Torres found things a little tougher in the paint against the Raiders. It shows how good he is, and how good he will become, when an “off night” still nets 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocked shots. (I think he already has us spoiled, and we still have another 3 1/2 years to watch him develop). Senior Point Guard Wade Vinson also made it into double figures with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Christian Tovar and Cristian Rodriguez each got 2 points to close out the starters totals. Layton Choate was the spark the Eagles needed in the 2nd quarter, nailing a 3 en route to a bench-high 9 points for the Sophomore, adding 4 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Hayden Ryel capped off the Eagle scoring with 2 points. Final score: Hennessey 54, Lomega 36.The Eagles and Lady Eagles finish the Regular Season with a 2 week “road trip” of sorts, beginning Monday night, February 1st, at Oklahoma Christian Academy in Edmond. Boys (only) JV starts at 4:30 pm, with the Lady Eagles Varsity at 6:00 pm, followed by the Eagles at 7:30 pm. (Note: times moved up from previous schedules) -EagleVoice Like this:Like Loading...... THANK YOU FROM THE PATOCKA FAMILYFebruary 1, 2021NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... NO INJURIES ACCIDENTFebruary 1, 2021NEWSHennessey firefighters, Highway Patrol and Kingfisher EMS responded to a single vehicle accident at the corner of Cemetery Rd and Conoco Rd tonight at about 8:30pm. No one was injured and the names of vehicle operator has not been released. Like this:Like Loading...... EAGLES OF THE WEEK 01/29/21January 29, 2021Featured News / NEWS / SchoolPre-K – Knight Hix, Alondra Becerra, Kensley MoultonKindergarten – Fernanda Perez, Kevin Reyes, Hilario Torres, Adelynn Bryson First Grade – Leonardo Hernandez, Juliana Gonzalez, Nicole Talamantes, Valeria Valles Second Grade – Parker Ross-Underwood , Tony Valles, Kinslee Moeller, Savana Hopkins Third Grade, Adriona Fischer, Israel Gonzalez, Dylynn Johnson, Wyatt Brown Fourth Grade – Gracie Michelson, Valeria Munoz, Isaiah McKinnon, Colton Racer Fifth Grade – Mia Rodriguez, Brandon Lopez, Brandt Beaman, Kason Scruggs Like this:Like Loading...... LAST EAGLES HOME GAMEJanuary 29, 2021Featured News / NEWS / SportsA 14 day layoff between games can either leave a team rusty or rested. Let’s hope it’s the latter, with the Eagles and Lady Eagles slated to play 8 game over the next 2 weeks to close out the regular season. The Eagle Event Center opened its doors on Friday (January 29, 2021) for final home basketball game before the playoffs, hosting the Arrows of Tulsa CHEF (Christian Homeschool Educators Fellowship). The Eagles and Lady Eagles each posted victories in the final home regular season game, with the Girls winning 35-29, and the Boys 69-56.The rust was evident early for the Lady Eagles, especially on the offensive end, getting a hard-fought 14 points by the end of the first half. The Arrows’ Elysa Marks posted 10 points in the 2nd quarter alone, leading the visitors to a 7 point lead after 2. Things changed quickly in the 2nd half, keyed by outstanding defense from the home team. Our ladies only allowed 2 made field goals and 8 total points the rest of the game. Led by Juliana Macy’s 13 points, going 7 of 9 from the free-throw line, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist, the Lady Eagles won the 2nd half 21-8. Senior Gracie Mills added 8 points, with 7 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. PG Kassidy Amburn had 6 points, including 1 made 3, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 assists. Also scoring was Yuridia Rios with 5, including 7 rebounds, and Noelle Pollard with 3 points, 4 rebounds and a steal. Larissa Macy and Harlee Dowell aided in the win off the bench, but did not score.In the nightcap, the Eagles hit the ground running, pounding the paint early through the hands of Jael Torres, who had 12 points in the 1st quarter, and finished with a team-high 24 points and 7 rebounds, before taking the 4th quarter off with the rest of the starters. After the Eagles’ dominance was established down low, then the long-range game was put on display, with 6 made 3’s: 2 each from Juan Dominguez and Cristian Rodriguez, and 1 each from Layton Choate and Sebastian Gonzalez. Dominguez finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals; Rodriguez with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, Choate with 7 points, 2 rebounds, and a steal. Other starters on the scoreboard included Wade Vinson with 8, 4 boards, 3 assists, and 5 steals, and Christian Tovar with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Bench points came from Gonzalez’ 3 and Freshman Garret Vinson adding 2. Overall, the Eagles brought down 33 rebounds and 13 steals as a team. The Eagles’ victory was #200 in the coaching career of Brady Page, now 200-58, all at Hennessey. He and his Class 2A #6 ranked team will go for win number 201, and number 10 on the season, Saturday night versus the Class B #4 ranked Lomega Raiders at the Stride Bank Center in downtown Enid. The Lady Eagles will tip it off first at 7:20pm against the #1 ranked, undefeated Lady Raiders. -EagleVoice Like this:Like Loading...... TILLMAN UNOPPOSED FOR SCHOOL BOARD…December 14, 2020NEWSDavid Tillman is unopposed for the seat on the Hennessey Public Schools Board of Education. Incumbent Dr. James Matousek, DVM seat is up for reelection and he decided at the last minute to run again but was unable to register. Matousek said, “I got to the Kingfisher County Court House at 4:35 pm and all of the doors were locked.” He then tried every door all around the building and was unable to get in or get anyone’s attention. According to the Kingfisher County Board of Election’s website, the filing period was, Monday, December 7 – Wednesday, December 9, from 8am to 5pm each day. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... Hennessey Football FundraiserJanuary 22, 2021Featured News / NEWS / SportsLike this:Like Loading...... BUY GAS HELP SCHOOLJanuary 21, 2021NEWSBUY GAS HELP SCHOOL Sonny and Yash Patel, owners of the Hennessey Eagle Mart convenience store, are donating a portion of all gas sales to Hennessey Schools. The Patel brothers went to high school in Chicago and after graduation heard that the Hennessey store was for sale from a relative in Enid. They purchased the store in 2011 and moved to Hennessey and have been making improvements ever since. The most recent improvement was all new signage and new electronic gas pumps. Sonny said, “The new pumps allow us to sell gas 24/7 and to take credit cards at the pumps.” The Patel family has 2 children in Hennessey schools. They wanted a way to help the community so they decided to make this contribution to the school. Sonny said, “We are going to do it for one year, if it goes well we will keep it going.” Photo: in store, Mike Patel, Sonny Patel. Not pictured Yash and Disha Patel. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION AWARDS 2020December 22, 2020NEWSHennessey Middle School and Hennessey High School teachers would like to thank the Hennessey Educational School Foundation for funding these 2020-2021 Grants for Teachers. Outstanding Grants Awarded:*Moving Chairs – Debbie Hladik*Say Cheese – Elizabeth Curran*Graphic Design Introduction – Elizabeth Curran*Lights, Document Camera, Learn – Lisa Bossa*Worms Are Our Friends – Kim Fehring*mBot Part Deux* – Kim Fehring*Full STEAM Ahead – Cheyenne Baxter, Janell Edsell, Kim Fehring, Valerie Shamburg, Frances Streck, Randi Simpson*Can you hear me now? – Kim Fehring*Coding Raspberry Pi – Patrick Courtney*Arts and Crafts – Jennifer Ullery*Recreado el Canon: Diversifying the English Curriculum – Jenna Matousek*Grammatically Correct – Linzie Briley, Kaylena Grellner, Lezlie Hardin, Stacy Ward*Music FUNdamental – Beth Berkenbile*All Eyes On the Teacher – Lezlie Hardin*Inquiring Minds Want to Know – Valerie Shamburg*WWII Research – Jennifer Ullery Like this:Like Loading...... BRIGHT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE COUNTRYDecember 15, 2020NEWSWe all are familiar with the Griswold Christmas movie where you can see the lights from space. Tony Harris and Shelly Wood have created a Hennessey version, without the space part. This amazing display is located at 1203 N 2900 road, north east of Hennessey, and is worth the ride to see. Much of the display was hand made by Tony and is growing every year. This all started about 15 years ago in town. They recently moved out to the country and gave the display room to grow. Tony said there are about 30 or 40,000 bulbs in the displays that he checks on every night. Like this:Like Loading...... TOWN BOARD MEETING 12/10/20December 11, 2020NEWSThis video made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... SNOWY SUNDAY MORNINGDecember 15, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey area is in a winter storm warning until 6pm tonight. Several inches are expected. This would be a great day to plan some indoor winter activities. The Hennessey area is in a winter storm warning until 6pm tonight. Several inches are expected. This would be a great day to plan some indoor winter activities. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY TOWN COUNCIL SEATS AVAILABLEJanuary 19, 2021Featured News / NEWSHENNESSEY TOWN COUNCIL SEATS AVAILABLE This coming April 6th, there will be 2 Hennessey town board seats along with the treasurer and clerk positions up for vote. 20 year board member, and former Mayor Wes Hardin said, “I have done my duty, it’s someone else’s turn”.Keith Meek, completing his first 4 year term said in an email, “I haven’t completely made up my mind but I’m leaning towards not running.”The treasurer position held by Teresa Weber since 2007 will be up for vote along with Kati Walters, who was appointed the clerk in August when Tiffany Tillman stepped down. Both Weber and Walters said they will file for reelection. Candidate filing is Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 1-3, at the county election board at the Kingfisher Courthouse. The election will be April 6th. Like this:Like Loading...... DRAINAGE SOLUTIONSJanuary 19, 2021Featured News / NEWSMajor drainage changes are underway on the southeast side of Hennessey to stop flooding. The Town of Hennessey was recently awarded a CDBG grant that is making it possible to fix the flooding around the area of the Senior Citizens Center and Cristo Rey Church. This includes areas around South Walnut, 1st and 2nd streets. Grade Works Construction of Hennessey was awarded the contract, and work began about a week ago. This is one of several infrastructure grants the town has been awarded recently. Like this:Like Loading...... BASKETBALL HOMECOMING 2021January 16, 2021Featured News / NEWSBASKETBALL HOMECOMING 2021 This year’s homecoming king and queen are Gracie Mills & Juan Dominguez. Last night’s Homecoming was done a little different. The event was held at the end of the boy’s game late in the evening to give the girls more time to prepare. This was the first basketball homecoming held in the new Eagle Event Center. The homecoming court included: Freshman Attendant & Freshman Escort – Taryn Jech & Jael Torres Sophomore Attendant & Sophomore Escort – Chloe Moery & Seth Simunek Junior Attendant & Junior Escort – Kassidy Amburn & Cristian Rodriguez Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Lindsey Meek & Christian Tovar Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Hunter Miller & Wade Vinson Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate –Gracie Mills & Juan Dominguez Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Desiray Mosby & Noah Moery Flower girl and Crown bearer – Ellie Sipe & Joel Robles This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... WELCOME HOME MAYOR BERT PARADEJanuary 13, 2021Featured News / NEWSResidents along Oakwood Road south of Hennessey were startled with blaring sirens and flashing lights this afternoon for a get well parade. The Hennessey Police, fire department, Life EMS, town employees and friends took part in a loud welcome home Mayor Bert Gritz parade. Bert came out and waved at the passersby, and several fire fighters gave him a belated Christmas gift. Like this:Like Loading...... IT’S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS!November 28, 2020NEWSMany Hennessey folks took advantage of the nice weather to decorate their homes. Like this:Like Loading...... MIKE WOODS RETIRESJanuary 12, 2021NEWSDR. MIKE WOODS RETIRESDuring the Monday night’s regular January School Board Meeting, the Hennessey School Board went into executive session (closed to the public) to go over Dr. Woods regular evaluation for the 2021-2022 school year. When they returned from Executive session, School Board President Dr. James Matousek announced, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce Dr. Woods’ retirement” During an executive session, Woods submitted his resignation. Woods said, “It’s time for me to retire and work on some things I have had on my mind for a long time.” Woods will stay through the end of this school year effective June 30th. This is Woods 5th year at Hennessey. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... SMALL TOWN LIVING HAS BENEFITSNovember 28, 2020NEWSUsing a volunteer staff and help from the Hennessey CAT team, Roosters restaurant brought a Thanksgiving meal to many that may not have had one. Rhonda Stotts, Roosters owner, had an idea to open the restaurant and serve a home cooked dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Rhonda said, “Everyone volunteered to help, it was wonderful. We served a lot of people that dined in and carried out.” Jimmy Berkenbile rallied the Community Action Team to help deliver to anyone that could not get out. This included several that were quarantined with COVID and Hennessey Police officers working on the holiday. Like this:Like Loading...... BIG CHANGES FOR HENNESSEY CHRISTMAS EVENTSNovember 28, 2020NEWSThis video explains when this year’s Hennessey Christmas events will take place and what they will entail. For full details stay tuned to All About Hennessey! Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY FFA ANNUAL FUNDRAISERJanuary 11, 2021NEWSThe annual FFA calf fry and labor auction drew a smaller crowd than normal this year. This is the biggest fundraiser for the group followed by the Blue and Gold Sausage and shop project sales. Jorge Huizar, Hennessey’s FFA instructor said, “The lack of attendance did hurt the fundraiser. Seats were filled, but we probably had half of the attendance we normally have. We were also short on kids participating this year. But, the 14 kids that did participate, averaged $380. Which is still pretty good.” Huizar stated, “Overall; even though money raised decreased from previous years, we all feel very fortunate and appreciative for all of the community support, and to have been able to pull this event together; given the circumstances.” Representative Mike Dobrinski, Senator Chuck Hall and Senator Casey Murdock were in attendance. Like this:Like Loading...... The Hennessey Reserve Angels InformationNovember 17, 2020NEWSAre now are now taking applications from those families in need, at the Hennessey Town Hall. You must sign-up for this program and provide income proof for ALL adults residing at the residence. The Reserve Angels are also taking names for those who want to adopt children. To do this, please message Shelley Burch on Facebook or call Town Hall at 405-853-2416. The drop off for donations is at Town Hall located at 123 S. Main Street Hennessey. (gifts are provided for ages newborn to 18, in High School) Please leave them unwrapped. The Angels will also provide gifts to our Hennessey Care Center. * NOTE* if anyone knows of a senior citizen who lives alone and could use a cheer up with a gift, please let Shelley know. You don’t have to adopt to help, you can purchase and donate toys, toiletries for our teens or help wrap gifts (wrapping day TBA). NOTE: New changes this year are… Must show proof of income (Kingfisher county guidelines) Deadline for all gifts is December 18th, Applications for families need to be turned in ASAP. All Angels will receive 3 wrapped gifts. Gifts will be delivered December 24th (starting at noon). The Reserve Angels are also accepting applications for DOVER KIDS as well, but they are not purchasing gifts for them, just collecting information for the Dover Schools. This is to just lend a helping hand to get Dover started. Same income rules apply for Dover families. If you would like to adopt a child, the Reserve Angels are collecting names for Dover. Message Shelley Burch on Facebook or call Town Hall at 405-853-2416. Like this:Like Loading...... FEEDING THOSE IN NEEDNovember 17, 2020NEWSChristmas table decoration. Christmas dinner plate, cutlery decorated festive decorations. Winter holidays. Christmas card. Free space for your text. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Like this:Like Loading...... HORSING AROUND!December 30, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Horseman’s Club, started by Darla O’Brien, in efforts to provide a place for kids like her daughter to have a place to learn how to better ride and train their horses. The members get together two times a month, March through November, and run barrels and poles on their play days. The events are held in at the Hennessey rodeo grounds or in Geary. Recently, the club held their annual banquet where they announced their annual awards. Awards are based on run times and attendance. Everyone is welcome to join by simply joining the Hennessey Horseman Club Facebook page to know when the play days are happening. The club is supported by Darla O’Brien and James and Milea Nelson and by the many sponsors that have helped it from the start. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... SET YOUR TREE LIMBS OUTNovember 16, 2020NEWSThe Town of Hennessey has made arrangements for Bullis Enterprises to pick up tree limbs from the ice storm starting Wednesday, November 18. The limbs must be set near the curb and will only include pickup for inside city limits. If you have any questions please contact the Hennessey Town Hall at (405) 853-2416 Like this:Like Loading...... LIONS PRESENT AWARD TO JUDGE ROBERT LOVELLNovember 12, 2020NEWSToday, November 12th, Judge Robert Lovell was presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by Lion’s Club President Tim Riddle.This award was created in 1973, named after the founder of Lion’s Club International, it is the highest honor of recognition to an individual’s dedication to humanitarian service.There have been only 3 other Lion’s Club members to receive this honor in the Hennessey club; Bill Cerny, Roy Johnson and Paul Babiak. Judge Lovell has been a member of the Lion’s Club for 65 years! story and photos by Angela Bruner This story made possible by: Like this:Like Loading...... DELIVERING A BRIGHTER CHRISTMASDecember 24, 2020NEWSAfter a short, very loud parade around town, The Hennessey Reserve Angels struck out on their annual delivery about noon today (Christmas Eve). Hennessey Police, Fire, Town employees and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol helped bring Christmas to 161 children from 57 families around Hennessey, as well as every resident at the Care Center. The Hennessey Town Hall was full of gifts ready for dispatch by the volunteers that included bicycles, a drum set and hundreds of donated items for many that would not have any Christmas gifts if it was not for the Reserve Angels. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY’S 2020 NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTMAS PARADEDecember 20, 2020NEWSThis year’s untraditional Christmas parade took the show down the streets of Hennessey neighborhoods rather than Main St. The Hennessey Police escorted the parade throughout the town with Santa riding on a fire truck bringing up the rear. The Hennessey School band set up at the Care Center and provided Christmas music for the residents and onlookers. Let us know if you watched and enjoyed this new version of our small town’s celebration. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... HELP FOR HONDURASNovember 10, 2020NEWSOn November 4th, 2020, the president of Honduras declared a state of emergency and established a code red alert for the entire country. The Honduran population has been greatly affected by the devastating effects of Hurricane Eta, and will continue to see its repercussions. Many communities are now isolated without food, water, and other supplies. It will be a long process to restore the required infrastructure to evacuate those in need. Naomi Gomez is from Honduras from the city of El Progreso and is currently living in Oklahoma and attending Hennessey High School. Her family and friends are still living in Honduras. She is fundraising for her community to help those who were impacted by the hurricane.Naomi is coordinating with Para Vos Honduras which is a campaign of many Hondurans all around the USA coming together and collecting any and all types of donations! All these supplies will be shipped to their destination in Miami, Florida. The funds from this fundraiser will go directly to the supplies and shipping. If for any reason you can’t donate money, Naomi is collecting donations such as: Non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing and blankets, personal hygiene products, Infant supplies such as formula and diapers. Call her for more information on the drop off point at (512) 971-1608 Donations can also be dropped of at 802 W Jack Choate Ave here in Hennessey! Like this:Like Loading...... FUN ON A SNOWY DAYDecember 15, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey area was covered in 4 inches of snow today (Sunday) so building a snowman or snowwoman was the thing to do! Families put on their winter gear and spent the day in the snow having some outdoor fun. This was the first measurable snow of 2020. More snow is predicted for Tuesday. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTIONNovember 5, 2020NEWSThe Board of Education of Hennessey Public School District hereby announces that statutorily qualified individuals interested in running as a candidate for the # 1 seat on the Hennessey Board of Education may file to run as a candidate for this seat at the Kingfisher County Election Board between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5p.m., Monday, December 7 through Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY WINS $65,000 GRANTDecember 14, 2020NEWSThe Town of Hennessey applied for and received a matching $65,000 REAP grant. This will be used to replace waterlines on S Cimarron and on W 6th streets. Hennessey Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman said, “This will be ready to go out for bid shortly and work can begin soon.” The total cost of this project is $130,196.97, with the town paying half and the grant covering the rest. This is the second REAP grant in a row that Hennessey has received. Town Trustee Richard Simunek said, “So, in two years, Hennessey has received a total of $260,000 in grants for infrastructure improvement. That’s a quarter-million dollars! Tiffany has done a marvelous job with these recent grant applications.” This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... Halloween Hennessey Style 2020November 2, 2020NEWSMAIN ST HALLOWEEN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Hundreds of witches, Spidermen and scary creatures roamed Main St. this afternoon attending the annual Hennessey businesses Halloween event. All the business along Main St, set up tables, and benches and were greeting the masked children with treats. Tonight, (Saturday) will be the traditional house to house Halloween along with the activities at the Care Center, Trunk or Treat at the local churches and the haunted Library. These events will happen from 6pm to 8pm. HALLOWEEN HENNESSEY STYLE The streets were filled with creepy and scary creatures tonight for Halloween. Several churches held Trunk or Treat events where children had many opportunities to gather their treats in one place. The annual Haunted Library was dark earie with many treat opportunities throughout the building. This was day 2 of Hennessey Trick or Treating. Like this:Like Loading...... 7TH STREET BY RAILROAD CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION.December 10, 2020NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... CANS FOR ANGELSDecember 9, 2020NEWSEach year the Hennessey FFA collects aluminum cans at their collection site on Oklahoma St. The FFA then cashes in the cans for recycling, and the Hennessey Masons match the amount. This year the FFA decided to donate their can proceeds to the Hennessey Reserve Angels program. The Reserve Angels helps families in need with Christmas gifts. Recycled cans brought $168 this year. The Masons matching contribution brought the amount to $336. If you would like to donate your aluminum cans you can do so anytime at the corner of Oklahoma and Mitchell Rd. behind the Hennessey Ag building. Like this:Like Loading...... IT’S ALMOST TIME TO MAKE THOSE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONSDecember 4, 2020NEWSIT’S ALMOST TIME TO MAKE THOSE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS… If exercising more is on your list, join Legends Fitness Center LLC; they have all the equipment you need to start the year right. And as an added bonus, current and new members get a 10% discount at Sparky’s Eatery! They have salads and wraps!Legends Fitness Center 108 S. Main St. Hennessey 405-853-0449 Like this:Like Loading...... GETTING FESTIVE!December 2, 2020NEWSHennessey town crews were busy taking advantage of the sunny day today decorating light poles on Main Street. Like this:Like Loading...... THE EXTRAORDINARY COMPASSION OF A SMALL TOWN.December 7, 2020NEWSOn Christmas Eve in 2005, Hennessey Reserve police officer, Bryan Burch was working the evening shift and stopped by Loves Country Store for a break. While there, Bryan’s wife Shelley Burch met up with him. They met a woman that night that stopped by and mentioned that she had her 2 grand kids and there were no gifts for them for Christmas. The Burch’s decided then to do something about it. They went shopping to find gifts for the children. Shelley and her mom split the cost and got enough gifts for each child to receive 3 or 4 presents. This was just the beginning. For the next few years, Shelley would buy and wrap gifts. Bryan would deliver the gifts to 5 or 6 families in his police car on Christmas Eve. This is what is now called the “Hennessey Reserve Angels” and now involves dozens of volunteers and serves about 100 children and 40 senior citizens each year. This small operation is now a big production and is based at the Hennessey Town Hall, where Shelley works. She will receive applications from families in need and adoptees for those who wish to help adopt a family by buying gifts from their wish list. About this time in December, the Hennessey Town Hall starts to look like Santa’s Workshop. Gifts are stacked in all the offices. Bikes are lined up in the council room and there is always something being assembled in the lobby. There are many ways to be a part of this great charity. Wrapping day is a big affair at the Hennessey Baptist Church Activity building where volunteers prepare the hundreds of gifts for delivery. The group also holds a fundraiser at the Hennessey Fire Station selling about 150 pork butts to help them raise money. At noon on Christmas Eve, Shelly’s Angels gather at the Hennessey Town Hall. Deliveries are handled by Hennessey Town employees, The Hennessey Police Department, Hennessey Fire Department, Kingfisher County Sheriff’s office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol. They leave the Town Hall with lights and sirens blaring and convoy to make their first delivery at the Hennessey Care Center. Then, strike out to deliver all of the gifts to the families all over Hennessey and Dover. Shelley said, “It takes a village, and I live in the best one. No kid should go without a Christmas gift, ever!” If you know of a family in need, or would like to help with gifts please call the Hennessey Town Hall 405-853-2416 This story is made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... AS BAD AS 2002?October 27, 2020NEWSThis is another one of those storms we will remember for a long time. The one we will always compare it to is the BIG one of 2002 when there were people without power for over a month. This one is similar when it comes to tree damage and powerlines down. All over town you can here that loud eerie pop and crack, as large limbs break and crash to the ground. Hennessey Police and Town crews were busy all day dragging trees off the roadways. The Fire department responded to several powerlines being ripped off homes by falling trees. Ice up to a half inch accumulated on anything stationary. The roads in the area improved about noon and other than low hanging trees or powerlines down, travel was not hindered. There most likely will be additional power outages tonight as the temperatures fall and we get additional freezing rain. If you are without power please call your electric provider. OG&E 800-522-6870, Cimarron Electric 1-800-375-4121 This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY FAMILY IN NEEDDecember 2, 2020NEWSThere is a Hennessey family that is close to our All About Hennessey team that is in need. This is the family of Mariana Gonzalez who works for All About Hennessey. Her mother, Lupita Gonzalez was hospitalized for about a week with COVID-19, and the family has no medical insurance and no income at this time. If you can help in any way it would be greatly appreciated. This Gofundme site was set up to accept donations. https://gf.me/u/y9u6st Like this:Like Loading...... A SPECIAL THANKS FROM STACI HENDERSONNovember 28, 2020NEWSAs most of you may know, the last half of 2019 was a hard year for Aaron and I. My husband of seven short months passed away of a heart attack. I was in shock. He was only 32. We had a son and I was 18 weeks pregnant. Life can change in literally the blink of an eye. I wasn’t ready for this.I just wanted to tell every single person who helped do or donate anything that we are forever grateful. We have had so many helping hands it’s hard to keep track. Because of all the help and donations, we were able to start a new chapter and a new home. What an adventure it’s been!!With the thought that it would only be a long weekend, getting my ducks in a row, we were invited to stay in Jimmy and Beth Berkenbile’s second home. That short stay ended up being 4 months! Keep in mind, they only knew me from my time working at Golden Chick. Who does that?? Who reaches out to, basically a stranger, and gives them refuge? Being in my home, where my husband’s presence was still so strong, was more than I could handle. I was, and still am, so grateful for that respite.The GoFundMe allowed me to replace my car, which had just broken down to a newer, more reliable vehicle that I could afford. Jimmy helped me find a trailer home, and due to the generosity of so many people, personally and with the CAT Team auction fund raiser, a new plot of land was prepared, the trailer was moved, and we were able to move in the day after I had Bryson.I would like to give a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to the following people & businesses: • Jimmy & Beth Berkinbile, & Eagle Propane— Gosh, where do I even start… The use of your second home, seeing to needs I didn’t even know I had, introducing me to an amazing church family…. I could never list it all… We love you both so much!• Bert Gritz with Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home for taking such good care of my late husband. Aaron and I appreciate your compassion and understanding while we were grieving.• David Fuksa with Grade Work Construction, who put in many hours in dirt work, and preparations on the land, and putting in my driveway, so that it would be ready for us to move in.• Preston Smith with Hennessey Septic Tank Services for donating his time installing the septic system for our new home. • The Town of Hennessey for fill dirt and rock for land prep.• Golden Chick for sending enough food after Travis’s passing that lasted days!• The Masonic Lodge #56 for providing and serving food during the auction fund raiser.• The Community Action Team for organizing the auction fund raiser, and for managing all the donations that came in until the funds were used.• The Cowboy Church of Apache, The Corinth Baptist Church of Elderado, Scott, Deanna, & Scotty Henderson, Connie Clayton, & Dover Christian Church for sizable monetary donations. • Hennessey High Football Boys for donating tons of gifts, clothing, and gear for Aarons birthday as well as inviting him to run with the boys onto the field during the first game. This was so meaningful for Aaron and it made my heart happy to see him so excited!• Russ & Marissa Choate, Randy & Robin Green, David & Katrina Fuksa, and all the members from the Dover church who also helped assemble things for our home.• Amy Barrie & Krystal Turner for hosting a beautiful baby shower at our church.And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my parents, Mark and Karen Guffey. Dad put in my electrical service and the fact that they live only a couple of doors down, has been a great comfort to me and my boys. I love you both so much! The notebook I had been keeping track of everyone, and everything they had done got misplaced. If I have missed mentioning anyone, I do apologize! It’s been a little crazy over here! I have seen our community pull together for people, and families in need, I never thought we would be in that position. I have been humbled in many ways since Travis has been gone. I have been trying to do my best to take a new look on things, and to get us closer to God. My boys and I will forever be grateful for all your help.Sincerely,Staci, Aaron, & Bryson Henderson.November 24, 2020 Like this:Like Loading...... ATV POKER RUNOctober 24, 2020NEWSAbout 15 ATVs rumbled through Hennessey today for an afternoon of driving and rolling dice for a good cause. The group gathered at Vernost Winery about 1pm and traveled all over the area ending up at Friends Bar. The event was to raise money for the Donnie and Patty Shaw Benefit. Like this:Like Loading...... PORK BUTTS FOR ALL!October 24, 2020NEWSThis weekend was the annual Reserve Angels fundraiser. Town employees, police, fire and many others got together and spent the day smoking 150 pork butts to sell. This is the group’s largest fundraiser that will help buy Christmas gifts for Hennessey families in need. Every year on Christmas Eve, Hennessey Firefighters, Police, town employees and others distribute gifts to over 150 children in our area. If you would like to donate you can contact Shelley Burch at the Hennessey Town Hall 405-853-2416 Like this:Like Loading...... THE AGAPE APPAREL BUS NEEDS HELPJanuary 7, 2021NEWSHelp is needed to get the Agape Apparel Bus on the road. Since its announcement back in August, clothing donations have been pouring in. Ish Engle, Pastor of the Hennessey First Christian Church said, “We have received plenty of clothes donations for the mission, but we really need help to pay off the bus.” Engle said about $1,400 is needed to pay it off, and they really need some help. When complete, this will be a mobile clothing ministry for anyone in need. Mobility makes this bus available at church events, back to school bash, block parties or disasters if needed. If you wish to help, you may make a donation at the Hennessey Community State Bank “Agape Apparel Account”. Like this:Like Loading...... GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER AFFECTS LOCAL BUSINESSESNovember 16, 2020NEWSOklahoma’s Governor Stitt signed an executive order on Monday that will affect Hennessey businesses. The order goes into effect on Thursday, November 19th and states all restaurants and bars must keep all tables and seating 6 feet apart. Workers are required to wear masks, and bars must close at 11pm each night. At the noon press conference, the governor said we should practice “the three W’s”, Wear a mask, Wash our hands and Watch distance between people. All of this is in response to the rising COVID numbers in Oklahoma and other states. Governor Stitt said, “We do not want to close our businesses and this will allow us to stay open safely”. Local Hennessey businesses will be taking action to conform to the requirements. Roosters owner, Rhonda Stotts said we will remove some of the bar stools and space seating to every other table. Family Café owner, Sara Fisher said, “I have a lot of seating area so this shouldn’t be a problem. Gail’s Grill will be affected the most because of limited seating. Gail’s Owner Tammy Dobbs said, “We will just do as we did before and offer to go orders and curbside pickup.” We will up date everyone on our other restaurants and any changes they might have. this story possible by Like this:Like Loading...... READ OUR VETERAN’S DAY ISSUE & DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE IT’S FREE!November 11, 2020NEWShttp://www.allabouthennessey.com/newspaper NOTE: If you do not see a picture of your veteran in our special, please send it to angie@kjfimworks.com and we will add them to our folder for next year. Make sure to put their name and service if you know it. Like this:Like Loading...... TOWN STORM UPDATEOctober 28, 2020NEWSYour browser does not support HTML5 video. Like this:Like Loading...... Cross Country gets BIG send off!November 4, 2020NEWS / SportsThe Hennessey girls Cross Country team headed to State this morning. There was a big send off for them at 10:30am. Kids lined up along with the band as police, sheriff and fire escorted them on their way out. Our girls will run at 1:00pm and we will post the results. GOOD LUCK GIRLS! photos and story by Angela Bruner This post made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... STUDENTS AND TEACHERS GET AWARDSNovember 2, 2020NEWSMasonic Charity Foundation, Coronado Lodge 56 recognizes Kindergarten and 4th grade students each year as their Student of the Day Program. These students are selected for their academics, attitude, and citizenship. This awards goes to Kindergarteners Now 1st graders: Dahlia Valles and Benny Lecthenberg 4th graders now 5th graders: Cash Macy, JoHanna Matousek, and Stephanie Valles District teacher of the year Lissette Sosa Elementary Site Teacher of the Year: Kaitlyn Norton Like this:Like Loading...... FAST MOVING GRASS FIREOctober 30, 2020NEWSHennessey and Dover fire fighters made quick work of a fast moving grass fire Friday afternoon. The fire started in the southwest part of a pasture at the intersection of EW650 and NS2880 roads and moved quickly north towards 2 nearby homes. Hennessey’s brush trucks and tanker were backed up by Dover’s tanker and brush truck. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... TREE DISPOSALOctober 30, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Emergency Tree Disposal site will be open this Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm Like this:Like Loading...... DELIVERING MAIL IN AN ICE STORMOctober 30, 2020NEWSWe all take for granted what it takes for our mail to magically appear in our mailboxes every day. The USPS motto is “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” If you notice, this doesn’t include many of the situations we regularly experience in our area such as extreme winds, mud, powerlines down, falling ice, and bridges out just to name a few… And then there are the ice storms! Darla OBrien, one of the Hennessey rural mail carriers said “One of my tools for delivering mail this week includes a hammer.” The storm that blanked the Hennessey area this week made it difficult to get mail into the boxes. Obrien said, “You could tell when I delivered because the ice was off the box.” Obrien has been with the Hennessey Post Office for 14 years and travels about 125 miles per day and delivers to about 425 mail boxes. All 4 of the rural carriers said this line of work is really hard on vehicles with all the county roads and weather. All the Hennessey carriers agreed that the people they deliver to are amazing. Some of the things residents have left for them include; hand sanitizer and toilet paper. During the holidays, people make them hot chocolate and treats. The Hennessey Post Office services 2101 customers not including the PO boxes. Their rural delivery area includes Hennessey, Dover and Loyal. The Hennessey mail carriers include; Sherrie Cross, Cindy Wilczex, Tammy Plaster, Dawn Kunkel, Darla Obrien, Scot Meier, Rebecca Riggs, Arron Hyatt and Bryclyn McCreary. The Post Master is Jason Witt. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... NEARING THE END OF THE MADNESS +19 PHOTOSOctober 28, 2020NEWSToday things started to improve and we are starting to see the end of the crazy October 2020 ice storm. Throughout the day, heavy rains helped to melt the heavy ice covered trees, making it easier for the power companies to work. OG&E started early this morning to restore power to the school and the Hennessey Care Center. Slowly, power started to return to areas that have not had power for several days. It will be a little longer for those that have poles or wires down. The Hennessey road crews continued to clear the streets and the Town Hall made arrangements for residents to dump treelimbs at the sewer lagoons at the intersection of Cemetery and West Oklahoma Ave. At noon, the Hennessey First Baptist Church served Frito Chili Pie lunch and the First Christian Church served a chicken & noodles dinner at the Baptist Activity Center for anyone that needed a warm meal. Hennessey Schools will reopen tomorrow (Thursday) and follow their regular schedule. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... HOLIDAY FOOD BOXESOctober 26, 2020NEWSHennessey Ministerial Alliance is taking orders for holiday food boxes for families in need. To receive a free food box, you will need to contact any of the local Hennessey churches and get on the signup sheet. The deadline for signup is November 30th.The boxes will be available for pick up at the First Christian Church on Friday, December 11th from 2 to 5pm. If you have questions, you may contact any of the Hennessey churches. this story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... BALD EAGLE SPOTTINGOctober 26, 2020NEWSSeveral bald eagles have been reported over the past week south of Hennessey. This one was seen south east of Hennessey Saturday evening. Have you seen one? Let us know! This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... FISH FUNDRAISEROctober 26, 2020NEWSThere was a good turnout Saturday, October 24th for the fish fry fundraiser for the Hennessey Senior Citizens Center. The center also serves lunch daily and is open to the public. The weekly menu can be found at AllAboutHennessey.com This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... PIONEER TELEPHONE COOP PRESENTS CHECK TO METHODIST FOOD MINISTRYOctober 21, 2020NEWSCindy Gore and Madison McCollum with Pioneer Telephone Coop presented a check for $550 to the food bank today, October 21, 2020. Pioneer Telephone, Cindy Gore said this is a great community service and they wanted to help any way possible. The money was given from Pioneer as well as Cimarron Electric, Farm Bureau (Jack Choate III) and other anonymous businesses. Jeannie Brown of the Hennessey First United Methodist Church, who has been running the food bank for 15 years was very appreciative of the donation and said it would help a lot in feeding local families. The Good Samaritan Methodist Food bank helps about 45-50 families twice a month. They are open every 2nd and 4th Wednesday and are located across the street from the First United Methodist Church in Hennessey at 201 S Cherokee St. If you are in need of food assistance, please come by on one of the days it is open or call 405-853-2569. PJ Stewart, Kenny and Jeannie Brown and Cindy Gore of Pioneer. Like this:Like Loading...... WORKING ON A LEAKOctober 21, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey water department completed replacing a leaking fire hydrant this afternoon at the corner of E. Nebraska and N. Cimarron St. The plan was to wait until school got out, then make the repair as quickly as they could and return the water service. The crew also installed a valve that would allow them to service the hydrant in the future without shutting down the entire system. Recently, anytime they have to make a repair to a line they are installing valves to help isolate areas of town helping to reduce outages during major repairs. Like this:Like Loading...... LZ TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERSOctober 20, 2020NEWSMembers of the Hennessey Volunteer Fire Department, LIFE EMS, and Hennessey Police were treated to the “Famous” Fire Dept. ribeye sandwiches last night for helicopter training. Air Evac LifeTeam EMS helicopter service flew in and landed their Kingfisher based aircraft at the Hennessey Fire Station. This was to offer “LZ” Landing Zone training to show how to safely land a helicopter during a medical emergency. After the class they got a close look at the high tech flying emergency room and the crew answered questions. Hennessey Fire crews have called upon helicopter medial services 3 separate times this year for critically injured patents. The first was in March for a motorcycle accident victim, the second was in May for a pickup crash north of Hennessey, and the third was for a multi vehicle head on collision east of town last September where 2 helicopters were called in. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... ENID PURE STOCK NATIONALS $3,000 TO WINOctober 19, 2020NEWSEnid Speedway hosted the Pure Stock Nationals on Saturday and the Hennessey racers did very well. Mark Smith started 6th in A and was able to navigate the 50 lap, and pass through tech to win! Matthew Smith started 7th but lap 47 had some issues and had to pull in finishing 10th. Michael Meek started 10th and finished 6th. Hesston Shaw started 10th and ran 2nd. Logan Macy started 11th and ran 3rd! Hennessey swept the 1, 2, & 3 podiums in the final race of the year! Photos Provided. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... HHS CLASS OF 2000October 17, 2020Featured News / NEWSThe Hennessey High School class of 2000 gathered tonight for their 20 year reunion. The event was held at classmate Kaleb Hladik’s home, east of Hennessey. Summer Berkenbile-Munroe said, “We were hoping for a few more but the COVID virus probably kept some of them home.” This is the second HHS class reunion this month. The annual Hennessey High School Gathering, AKA, all classes’ reunion, was held on October 4th at Jimmy & Beth Berkenbile’s home in Hennessey. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... YOUNG HUNTERS WEEKENDOctober 17, 2020Featured News / NEWSThis weekend is the 2020 Oklahoma Youth deer hunt event where young hunters can shoot their first deer. The Hennessey Powder and String Club sponsored the local event to help young hunters with their trophy. The event was held at the Powder and String Clubhouse west of Hennessey and 10 year old Mason McGee was the first one in with a 127 pound spike deer. Mason said, “I got him about 30 minutes after sunup with a 243 rifle, south of Lacey”. Jack Choate lll and helpers prepared Antelope stew and chili for anyone stopping by. Choate said, “The high wind today probably kept the deer from moving, hopefully we will see some more kids this evening.” THIS STORY MADE POSSIBLE BY Like this:Like Loading...... BIG TURN OUT FOR TRUMP EVENTOctober 17, 2020Featured News / NEWSNearly a mile long parade of vehicles from Hennessey, Crescent, Enid, Dover, Aline, Fairview, Lacey, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Waukomis, Anthony Kansas and even a truck driver who was driving through, stopped, put out his Trump flag and joined in. Everyone lined up off 51 and made the rounds from Mitchell to 7th and down Main Street twice around. Following, everyone stopped at Memorial Park for a short rally. State representative Denise Crosswhite Hader and her husband Canadian county commissioner Marc Hader were driving by and spotted the event and stopped to show support. Denise Crosswhite Hader spoke a few words to the crowd and encouraged everyone to get out and vote. Jay Ladwig led everyone in the pledge of allegiance, prayer and short unprepared speech that was well received. Susan Henry, president and coordinator of the OK2A group spoke briefly inviting all to attend their meetings held every 1st Thursday, at 6:30pm at the Cow Palace. This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... BUSY AFTERNOON AT THE PATCHOctober 13, 2020Featured News / NEWSThe Friends of the Hennessey Library Pumpkin Patch was hopping this afternoon with the Lions Club fall carnival. There were lots of games for children to play and win prizes along with lots of photo opportunities with the pumpkins. The Patch is open Monday – Friday 3-6pm, Saturday noon-6pm, closed Sunday. Like this:Like Loading...... NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR PARKOctober 13, 2020Featured News / NEWSDuring last week’s Hennessey Board of Trustees meeting, town administrator Tiffany Tillman, spoke to the board about the possibility of new playground equipment at the Pat Hennessey Park. Tillman said they could combine funds from a grant, the money that Hennessey United had set aside and some money from the town to purchase some equipment. Tillman said, “This would be nice equipment, like the ones at the aquatic center/splash pad now.” Tillman also said that the playground equipment company had a matching grant available and she applied for it and we will see what happens.” This story made possible by Annie’s Flowerhouse & Gifts Like this:Like Loading...... NEW POLICE CHIEFOctober 12, 2020Featured News / NEWSHENNESSEY’S NEW CHIEFLast month, after long time Hennessey Police Chief Hank Weber resigned and the town trustees assigned Ed Cangiano as the interim chief. At this month’s regular meeting, they hired Cangiano as the full time chief. Cangiano is a retired Master Sergeant from the Air Force, retired Lieutenant from the Bethany, Oklahoma Police Department and was the Sr. master instructor for Taser International based in Phoenix, Arizona. Cangiano has been the assistant chief with the Hennessey Police Department since January 2018. This story made possible by Legends Fitness Center Like this:Like Loading...... A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY!October 8, 2020Featured News / NEWSToday was a very special day for Christine Phillips who celebrated her 111th birthday. Phillips is officially the oldest living person in Kingfisher County and the second oldest living Oklahoman. Although Phillips and the residents of Countrywood Assisted Living Center in Kingfisher have been taking lots of precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they celebrated her birthday with just as much excitement and joy as they would have in a normal year. Her family and friends planned a special drive-by parade for her this morning. Even though this year has been rough, Mrs. Phillips is a reminder to all of us that we can make it through even the toughest of times. Story and Photos by Emily Faith. Like this:Like Loading...... THE PUMPKINS ARE HERE!October 8, 2020Featured News / NEWSHennessey Friends of the library were busy today setting up the 2020 Pumpkin Patch. This is their annual fundraiser that features lots of fun and exciting events and of course, pumpkins! The Patch opens Tuesday, October 5th and the hours are: Monday – Friday 3-6pm, Saturday noon -6pm, closed Sunday. Like this:Like Loading...... Town Board Meeting Agenda for Thursday, October 8, 2020October 7, 2020Featured News / NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... HOMECOMING 2020October 15, 2020NEWSHOMECOMING QUEEN MADISON VENDETTI AND KING KADEN RAPP This year’s homecoming court was Freshman Attendant & Senior King Candidate – Avery Vendetti & Jay Jech Sophomore Attendant & Senior King Candidate – Larissa Macy & Kenny Simpson Junior Attendant & Senior King Candidate – Juliana Macy & Ervin Granillo Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Vanessa Alaniz & Kaden Rapp Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Lindsey Meek & Casyn Lott Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Soldayana Tarango & Kaden Hawk Senior Queen Candidate & Senior King Candidate – Foocou & Justin Neilson This story made possible by Like this:Like Loading...... TOWN RENEWS POLICE CONTRACT WITH SCHOOLOctober 12, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Board of Trustees agreed to renew their contract with Hennessey Public Schools to provide a school resource officer. Hennessey Police officer Aaron Pitts will be the dedicated, full time school resource officer. Officer Pitts is D.A.R.E. certified and will be working with students in this education program in the school system. This story made possible by Hyatt Pest Control and Lawn Spraying. Like this:Like Loading...... LOOKING FOR ROSASeptember 28, 2020Featured News / NEWSWe are looking for “Rosa” she would be 46 year old right now. She most likely is not named Rosa anymore as she was adopted out. she would be Hispanic Female with dark brown eyes and Dark brown hair . She was brought from Mexico when she was 6 years old with a family friend named Esther Gonzalez of Henessey, Oklahoma. Thinking Rosa would have a good time on vacation before she started school her mother agreed to let Rosa go to the states with Esther. Esther didnt return Rosa when she was supposed to go back . Rosa’s mom trusted Esther because they were friends. Esther payed a lot of attention to Rosa. Esther’s parents are Rosa’s sisters god parents. Rosa’s mom still live next door to Esther’s parents home to this day. Rosa was allowed to go to Oklahoma with Esther with clear intentions she was to bring Rosa back home to her family.The family kept trying to get help but with out money and not understanding english they didnt get the help they needed to get Rosa back. Instead Esther Gonzalez allowed her husband to beat on Rosa to the point school officials noticed. We have been told that Rosa was enrolled at Hennessy Elementary school and the school reported the marks on Rosa. The state of Oklahoma got involved and they said they had tried contacting the family which they never did. The family got a letter in English after the adopted family already had her for a year and thats when Rosa’s family found out they had already adopted her out. The mom in mexico said she never gave her up, she doesn’t know how to read or write. Esther had Rosa using the name Rosa Maria Gonzalez . Which is not Rosa’s legal name. Rosa’s little brother Andres has been helping his family look for Rosa. Andres will be doing DNA this coming up week. Let’s pray Rosa has done DNA too.Please message, call or text me with any information you have.Thank you so much Josephine 916-289-1028Hola Estamos buscando a “Rosa”, ella tendría 46 años en este momento. Lo más probable es que ya no se llame Rosa porque fue adoptada. ella sería una mujer hispana con ojos marrones oscuros y cabello castaño oscuro. La trajeron de México cuando tenía 6 años con una amiga de la familia llamada Esther González de Henessey, Oklahoma. Pensando que Rosa la pasaría bien de vacaciones antes de empezar la escuela, su madre accedió a dejar que Rosa fuera a los estados con Esther. Esther no devolvió a Rosa cuando se suponía que debía regresar. La mamá de Rosa confiaba en Esther porque eran amigas. Esther le prestó mucha atención a Rosa. Los padres de Esther son los padrinos de las hermanas de Rosa. La mamá de Rosa todavía vive al lado de la casa de los padres de Esther hasta el día de hoy. A Rosa se le permitió ir a Oklahoma con Esther con la clara intención de llevar a Rosa a casa con su familia. La familia siguió tratando de conseguir ayuda, pero sin dinero y sin entender el inglés, no consiguieron la ayuda que necesitaban para recuperar a Rosa. En cambio, Esther González permitió que su esposo golpeara a Rosa hasta el punto que los funcionarios escolares notaron. Nos han dicho que Rosa estaba matriculada en la escuela primaria Hennessy y la escuela informó las notas de Rosa. El estado de Oklahoma se involucró y dijeron que habían intentado contactar a la familia, lo que nunca hicieron. La familia recibió una carta en inglés después de que la familia adoptiva ya la tuvo durante un año y fue entonces cuando la familia de Rosa se enteró de que ya la habían adoptado. La mamá en México dijo que nunca la abandonó, que no sabe leer ni escribir. Esther hizo que Rosa usara el nombre de Rosa María González. Que no es el nombre legal de Rosa. Andrés, el hermano pequeño de Rosa, ha estado ayudando a su familia a buscar a Rosa. Andrés estará haciendo ADN la próxima semana. Oremos que Rosa también haya hecho ADN. Por favor envíeme un mensaje, llámeme o envíeme un mensaje de texto con cualquier información que tenga. Muchas Gracias Like this:Like Loading...... NEW HYBRID POLICE CAROctober 13, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a new 2020 Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor, Hybrid Police Car. The car has full time all-wheel drive and will come ready to use fully outfitted with all of the necessary equipment. The board questioned that this is a hybrid and how it will perform. Hennessey Police Chief Ed Cangiano said, “It has 313 horsepower and a top speed of 137 mph. It performs as good as a normal gas only car. It has a savings of about $3400 per year in gas costs.” Ed also said, “I was looking for a way to save on gas mileage. The current Explorers get about 13 miles per gallon. The new hybrid version will get about 24 MPG. A great deal of the day the cars are idling, these cars go into battery mode and use no gas, and the battery is guaranteed for 8 years.” The car will be purchased using the special restricted emergency budget and will not come out of the general fund. (Stock photo not actual car) This story made possible by Freedom Lawns LLC Like this:Like Loading...... LIFE CHAIN EVENT IN HENNESSEYOctober 5, 2020NEWSIt was a beautiful day for the Life Chain event today, October 4th. standing with Hennessey residents was Mike Sanders and family and the great group from Victory Baptist Church Like this:Like Loading...... ACCIDENTOctober 4, 2020NEWSTwo vehicle accident south of Titewater on 81. Police are directing cars please use caution if driving in that area. Like this:Like Loading...... We’re Going In AmericaOctober 4, 2020NEWSTune in next Tuesday for We’re Going In America! Come along with Jack and crew on this big adventure, and learn how Hennessey, Oklahoma is kind of a big deal in the Pioneer network. And find out why Jack and Mariana are dressed this way.Be sure to head over to the We’re Going in YouTube Channel and subscribe so you never miss an episode! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeTFKaHJa-9qGz0-3KTS80g Like this:Like Loading...... DOVER REDFORK DAYS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENTOctober 4, 2020NEWSThis evening Saturday, October 3, started the Dover Redfork days cornhole tournament, at the park right off of highway 81 in Dover. Many competed in the tournament while spectators enjoyed food from B&K Porkers, played in the bouncy house, enjoyed live music from Scott Adkins and even watched football. This tournament goes on through tomorrow. #allabouthennessey Like this:Like Loading...... DON’T FORGET YOUR RED LIGHTS!October 2, 2020NEWSShow Support for OUR FIRE FIGHTERS AND EMS. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI GATHERING 2020October 4, 2020NEWSThe crowd for the annual HHS Alumni Gathering was much smaller than usual thanks to the COVID pandemic. But for the 30 alumni attending it was another great time shared by all. Danny & Glenda Bossa, Kim Hawk, Shirley Koons and Beth Berkenbile prepared the wonderful meal with music from Rusty Lovell. We look forward to having everyone back next year on the 1st Saturday in October, the 2nd. Like this:Like Loading...... HEAD-ON COLLISION EAST OF HENNESSEYSeptember 16, 2020Featured News / NEWSYesterday afternoon at approximately 1:30pm, 2 vehicles collided head-on while crossing the Skeleton Creek Bridge 12 miles east of Hennessey on Hwy 51. Both drivers were seriously injured and both were air lifted by Medi-Flight and Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter services. Hwy 51 was closed for several hours while the wreck was cleared. The OHP was assisted by Hennessey Fire Department, Life EMS, Crescent Police and Marshall Fire Department. No details were available and victim’s identity or condition and will not be released until all next of kin could be notified. Like this:Like Loading...... WRAPPING THE BUSSeptember 16, 2020Featured News / NEWSRoyal Signs owner, Terrell Prince and crew, spent a very long day Saturday wrapping the new Hennessey Schools activity bus with a really cool Eagle graphic. Prince said, “This was a great deal of work forming the 35 foot graphic around every contour of the bus. We still have another full day of work to complete it.” The new bus arrived a few months ago but because of the virus materials were hard to come by. Like this:Like Loading...... SEWER LINE REPAIRSeptember 28, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Board of Trustees voted at an emergency meeting last week to hire Luckenbill Construction of Enid, to repair a collapsed sewer line. The line was being cleaned out due to slow flow when the contractor’s cleanout tool got stuck. The repair is at the alley just west of Main St. on 4th. Luckenbill will replace 23 feet of the line and use their camera to inspect the rest of the line. Like this:Like Loading...... Town Council Meeting 09/12/20September 16, 2020Featured News / NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... BARGAIN SHOPPERS GOT OUT EARLY FOR THE TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE TODAY!September 22, 2020NEWSThere is still time to get out and shop. Maps are available at all quick shops. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY GETS NITRATE WARNING FOR WATER, BUT FIXES PROBLEM QUICKLY.September 22, 2020NEWSAttached is the notice that went out to all Hennessey water customers. Hennessey as since taken a new water sample back to the lab for a rush test and got word that the results are way below the limit so right now our water is at a safe level. The maximum level is 10 and it tested 20 on September 2nd as of September 18 it tested 5.7. Like this:Like Loading...... CAT TEAM HONORS MEMBERSeptember 22, 2020NEWSThe Community Action Team CAT met last night for their regular scheduled meeting & election of officers. The most important item on the agenda was to acknowledge Shirley Koons. The following is a special message about Shirley. Shirley has dedicated countless hours of her own time and has donated quilts to every benefit. Her quilts have wrapped numerous people with love and warmth. Her positive personality and high energy keeps this group motivated and pushing forward. Shirley will always have a special place with the CAT Team and will be greatly missed. We are sending prayers to her and her husband for safe travels on their next chapter in life. Like this:Like Loading...... Town Hall Calls Emergency MeetingSeptember 22, 2020NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... WILDFIRE SMOKE UPDATESeptember 20, 2020NEWSAreas of haze from wildfire smoke to our west will increase a bit tomorrow,Sunday, September 20th, especially later in the day. This will be less dense than the smoke we saw this morning. Periods of haze will remain possible into the upcoming week.Near-surface smoke, at 2 p.m. MDT September 19, 2020. NOAA. Near-surface smoke refers to the smoke that will hover within 8 meters (26 feet) of the ground—the kind responsible for burning eyes and aggravated asthma. Like this:Like Loading...... APPRECIATION AWARDS TO RESERVE OFFICERSSeptember 16, 2020NEWSHennessey Police Chief Ed Cangiano presented Chad Hurst and David Fuksa plaques of appreciation for their outstanding service as reserve officers for the town of Hennessey. Hurst and Fuksa resigned as long time reserve offices recently due to personal reasons. Alison Hurst, Chad’s wife, also received recognition for supporting her husband and the Hennessey Police Department. Like this:Like Loading...... FRIENDS CAR SHOW 2020September 16, 2020NEWSFRIENDS CAR SHOW 2020 Custom cars and motorcycles converged on Hennessey today for the annual Friends Bar Car and Motorcycle show. Food, music and even a burn out contest entertained the crowds as they checked out the cars and bikes. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY UNITED RED CARPET NIGHT 2020September 16, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey United Association hosted their annual Red Carpet Night at the Town Library auditorium last night. Special presentations were made by the Community Action Team, Friends of the Library, Lions Club, Ministerial Alliance, Powder & String Club, Hennessey Public Schools teachers of the year and Hennessey United Association. Library volunteer of the year Flo MillsHennessey Public Schools Teachers of the YearEarly Childhood Center Lissette Sosa, ECC & District ElementaryMiddle School Nathaniel ParkerHigh School Patrick CourtneyLions Club, Lion of the Year Molly BonhamCommunity Action Team Outstanding CAT Member Justin Choate & David FuksaHennessey Ministerial Alliance Good Samaritan Award Jack Quirk & Dr. Mike WoodsHennessey United Citizen of the Year Kaden Mitchell, Scott Hajek & Jack QuirkPowder & String Club Delbert Torre Like this:Like Loading...... LOUD BOOMSeptember 12, 2020Featured News / NEWSWe have checked with all sources and think the loud boom was a jet breaking the sound barrier nearby. It was heard all over northwestern Oklahoma. Have of yet, there have been no earthquake reports. Thank you Joanna Goff for this video. If anyone has any details please comment. Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Like this:Like Loading...... AGENDA FOR BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2020September 9, 2020NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... COVID UPDATE FROM HENNESSEY SCHOOLSSeptember 8, 2020Featured News / NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... OPENING A SCHOOL IN A PANDEMICSeptember 7, 2020Featured News / NEWS / We're Going InStarting school any normal year is a lot of work but there is no play book for starting a new year during a pandemic. On this episode We’re Going In America, Jack has an all access pass to look behind the curtain to see how Hennessey Public Schools in Oklahoma made it look easy. This story actually started about 3 years ago when Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods started taking the school down a technology path that put them in a good place for a pandemic. Using grant money, the school was able to install large interactive panels in every class room. Originally, these were intended to create a richer teaching environment in the class room. Sometimes the right tools are not obvious. For example, the school found that some business tools, not school tools, worked just right for this situation. Every classroom’s interactive panel was equipped with a Poly video conferencing unit and Pragmatic business networking equipment and software. This equipment allows the teacher to record their entire class and make it available to students regardless of where they are, in class or at home. To help minimize face to face contact, the school implemented a portal that allowed parents to enroll their children without coming to the school. As a first line of defense, the school installed a comprehensive video based heat detection system at the entrance of every building along with portable units that could be used where needed. Once again, looking outside the box, the school found a way to detect fever in a crowd using equipment designed for another use. This system scans up to 30 people per second capturing the temp of every student and staff member as they enter the buildings. Every class room has been optimized to allow for social distancing. Masks must be worn when social distancing is not possible such as hallways and common areas. All lockers were sealed up and every room and hall is equipped hand sanitizer dispensers. Additional bus routes were added to allow social distancing and family units are to sit together with seats between others. Masks must be worn while on the buses. Lunch schedules were split to reduce the amount of students present at one time and lines were eliminated by placing pre prepared food trays on the tables for every student. In addition, a special grant was obtained that allows every student to eat lunch for free. All scenes filmed with Jack or Dr Woods without a mask were done on green screen in a closed studio setting, or during a weekend while school was closed and no one else was in the building. Dr. Mike Woods, Hennessey Public Schools mwoods@hps.k12.ok.us Things mentioned in the video: RUS – Rural Utilities Service Grants https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agen… Sentry Security Solutions https://sentrysecuritysolutions.com/ Pragmatic conferencing https://pragmatic-conferencing.com/ Polycom phone systems https://www.poly.com/us/en If you have an interesting topic for “We’re Going In America” drop us a note Jack@KJFilmWorks.com Like this:Like Loading...... CAR VS POLESeptember 4, 2020Featured News / NEWSA northbound car on old N Mitchell Rd failed to navigate the corner at Hwy 81 and struck a pole about 9:30pm last night. (Friday, September 4, 2020) There were no injuries but occupants were checked out by Kingfisher EMS. Hennessey Police and fire were joined by OHP and Kingfisher County Sheriff dept. Like this:Like Loading...... SUPPORT OUR POLICE!September 4, 2020NEWSSUPPORT OUR POLICE!This Saturday, September 5 starts the Light up the Night in BLUE. Show your support for our police Sept. 5th – 13th. Our next Light up the Night will be the first Saturday in October, RED for Fire and EMS and then, first week in November GREEN for our vets. Garrison Lumber has all three colors. Only $1.75 each Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY’S INTERIM POLICE CHIEFSeptember 3, 2020Featured News / NEWSAt today’s special Board of Trustees meeting (Thursday, September 3, 2020) Ed Cangiano was named as the interim police chief filling the position left vacant when Hank Weber resigned. Cangiano is a retired Master Sergeant from the Air Force, retired Lieutenant from the Bethany, Oklahoma Police Department and was the Sr. master instructor for Taser International based in Phoenix Arizona. Cangiano has been the assistant chief with the Hennessey Police Department since January 2018. Cangiano was also recently assigned the position of Director of Emergency Management for Hennessey. This job includes preparing plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. He also helps to lead the response during and after the emergencies; in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, non-profit organizations, and other government agencies. The new chief position will take place on September 11. Weber has been the Hennessey Police Chief for 11 years, and stated in his letter of resignation the main reason for departing is for better pay and retirement benefits. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY FFA MEMBER IS A NATIONAL FINALISTSeptember 2, 2020NEWSHENNESSEY, OKLAHOMA – Kaden Mitchell of the Hennessey FFA Chapter is a National Proficiency Award Finalist in the area of Turf Grass Management. There are only four members from across the country that are selected per proficiency area each year. Kaden will now compete with three other FFA members from Georgia, Illinois, and Kentucky for top honors at the 2020 Virtual National FFA Convention in October. Mitchell owns and operates Mitchell Lawn Service, which is a lawn care business. His business has grown in size and equipment over the years. “The single greatest challenge I faced is my financial responsibility from the beginning,” Mitchell said. “This meant reinvesting my profits into equipment upgrades. Equipment is expensive, so in order to save money, I began to research price differences and purchase new equipment during the winter months when lawn care equipment is on sale. ”Over the last five years, Mitchell said he has established respect and trust from customers through the quality of his work. He said he has proven himself to be competent in all aspects of entrepreneurship and has demonstrated he can handle the business while also managing three employees. Mitchell is the son of Jill Vincent and Kyle Mitchell.. His agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser is Jorge Huizar. A turf grass management supervised agricultural experience typically involves the planting and maintaining of turf for outdoor beautification, owning a lawn-mowing service, improving recreational areas, producing sod for sale and managing golf courses. Like this:Like Loading...... NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTHSeptember 2, 2020NEWSNATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Each week throughout the months of September and October THE KJ FILMWORKS ALL ABOUT NETWORKS will recognize a Hispanic business from our area that is one of our sponsor/partners. MES NACIONAL DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA Cada semana durante los meses de Septiembre y Octubre LAS REDES “TODO SOBRE” DE KJ FILMWORKS reconocerán a un negocio Hispano de nuestra área que es uno de nuestros patrocinadores/socios. What is National Hispanic Heritage Month? PARADES, CONCERTS, DANCING and FOOD FAIRS are all a part of National Hispanic Heritage Month but what is it and why do we celebrate? September 15th – October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures and extended histories of the American Latino Community. This celebration originated and was first proclaimed in 1968 as a week but amended in 1988 to become National Hispanic Heritage Month. The all about network will be recognizing our Hispanic sponsor/partners and their businesses starting September 1st and throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. ¿Qué es el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana? DESFILES, CONCIERTOS, BAILES y FERIAS DE COMIDA son parte del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, pero ¿qué es y por qué lo celebramos? Del 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre es el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, un momento para reconocer y celebrar las muchas contribuciones, las diversas culturas y las historias extendidas de la comunidad latina estadounidense. Esta celebración se originó y se proclamó por primera vez en 1968 como una semana, pero se modificó en 1988 para convertirse en el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. La red all about reconocerá a nuestros patrocinadores / socios hispanos y sus negocios a partir del 1 de Septiembre y durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY POLICE CHIEF RESIGNSAugust 31, 2020Featured News / NEWSLong time Hennessey Police Chief Hank Weber, submitted his letter of resignation today to the Town Hall. The letter states that he is moving on to Colorado where he Has accepted a job. In the letter, Weber says the main reason for departing is for better pay and retirement benefits. The Town Trustees will vote to accept or reject the resignation at a special meeting on Thursday morning at 8:30 am. Like this:Like Loading...... MAJOR HENNESSEY WATER REPAIRAugust 28, 2020Featured News / NEWSWhat started as a well-planned overnight water repair turned into a nightmare for the Hennessey water department. The plan was to work through the night and install a new valve at the base of the water tower. This repair would allow them to turn off the water tower when major repairs are done to the system allowing water pressure to return quicker. Grade Works Construction worked with the Hennessey water dept to prepare the site the day before. They turned off the water at 10pm and the plan was to have it back on at 6am. As the sun came up it was clear the water was not close to coming on. They came across several additional pipes and valves that needed attention. As the morning went on it was clear that there would be no water by noon so the school decided it would dismiss class at 11am. By now these guys have been working for more than 24 hours without sleep in knee deep mud. Finally at about 12:30 they completed the repair and the water was restored. Like this:Like Loading...... Water Update #2August 28, 2020NEWSThe water crew is now installing the last valve and then will connect the pipes completing the work. It is estimated that we will have some water by noon then full pressure by early afternoon. These guys and women are running on more than 24 hours without in knee deep mud to get the water. Thank you for understanding. We will post a video about what happened later today. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY WATER UPDATEAugust 28, 2020NEWSCrews worked all night to replace valves at the base of the water tower. Additional repairs were needed after opening up the area where all the main valves are located. Estimated completion is about 10am this morning. These guys are running on no sleep and are working as quickly as possible to get the water back on. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY SCHOOLS ON KWTV NEWS 9August 27, 2020NEWS / SchoolNews 9 multimedia journalist, Barry Mangold, spent this afternoon at Hennessey schools learning about how Hennessey is leading the way with interactive classrooms and COVID-19 safety on campus. Mangold interacted with Mrs. Woods 1st grade class using the interactive system. The children participated asking questions and talked about their experience with all this new technology. This will air on KWTV News 9 at 10pm tonight Thursday, August 27, 2020) Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY SCHOOLS UPDATE WITH DR. WOODS, AUGUST 27thAugust 27, 2020NEWSThis week, Hennessey Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods talks about: Covid-19 process at school, Buses and transportation, and the first Eagles football game requirements.Links and contact info:Dr. Woods email mwoods@hps.k12.ok.usHigh School & Middle School Principal, Angela Avila aavila@hps.k12.ok.usElementary School Principal Barry Crosswhite, bcrosswhite@hps.k12.ok.usEarly Ed Principal Stacey Schovanec staceyschovanec@hps.k12.ok.us Counselors, Tammy Tillman ttillman@hps.k12.ok.us, Jill Moery jmoery@hps.k12.ok.usMain School phone number 405-853-4321Bus routes, Gary Beaman email: gbeaman@hps.k12.ok.usEnrollment, Renee Curry’s email: rcurry@hps.k12.ok.usAthletics, Paul Hix email: phix@hps.k12.ok.usMain school website: www.hps.k12.ok.usText System; Text YES to 67587Parent Wen Gate Portal: https://ok.wengage.com/Hennessey/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2fhennessey Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY ATHLETICS EVENT PROTOCOLS COVID-19 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALLAugust 27, 2020NEWS / School / SportsLike this:Like Loading...... COVID-19 CASES IN HENNESSEYAugust 26, 2020Featured News / NEWSWe are aware that there has been a significant rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in our community over the past week. Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman has been in contact with Dr. Mike Woods, Hennessey school superintendent regarding the number of exposures seen in HPS students. Additionally, Mayor Bert Gritz has spoken with Dr. Charles Ferrell regarding the number of cases in Hennessey. Mayor Gritz has also been in contact with Jill Vincent, RN, Director of Nursing at Hennessey Care and Rehab Center due to the increased number of cases at the Center. At this time, the Town is encouraging all residents to be diligent in taking the proper steps to help slow the spread of the virus. These steps include the use of masks when in close contact with others, or in large groups or gatherings, proper handwashing using an anti-bacterial hand soap and washing thoroughly under warm water for a period of at least twenty seconds. The use of hand sanitizer also helps in the prevention of spreading the virus. Additionally, physical distancing is important. Try to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. Should someone come in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, it is important to self-quarantine and immediately seek advice from a medical professional. Gritz said he and Town Administrator Tillman are watching the numbers daily and will continue to monitor the situation very closely and will keep in contact with state and local heath authorities. Like this:Like Loading...... CLIPPER NOT CLOSINGSeptember 7, 2020NEWSOn August 14th, we wrote The Hennessey Clipper was closing based on an email sent to the Hennessey Town Hall. The email stated that it was transitioning the paper to a bi-monthly publication that will focus on government, public policy, judicial issues, and economic issues that affect western Oklahoma and will cover a multi-county region in western Oklahoma, versus just Hennessey. Because it will no longer be a weekly publication, they will no longer be able to publish legals or obituaries under Oklahoma statute. On Friday, September 4th we received a call from Paul Laubach, owner of The Clipper’s parent company Trail Miller, stating that the Hennessey Clipper was not closing. During the conversation, Laubach stated that he was keeping the name of the paper, it just would not be focusing on covering news and events only in Hennessey as before. The paper would keep the name Hennessey Clipper but will focus on politics in northwest Oklahoma and publish less frequently. Laubach also stated that the Trail Miller Company is based in Okeene not Seiling. Laubach said, “We will be issuing prorated refunds to any of our Clipper subscribers that wish one.” Like this:Like Loading...... GROWING LIKE A WEEDAugust 24, 2020Featured News / NEWSWhat started with a little ALL ABOUT HENNESSEY Facebook page, 3 years ago, has developed into full on regional information and news network. This exciting network called “KJ FilmWorks – All About Network”, consists of All About Oklahoma, All About Hennessey, All About Kingfisher, All About Okeene and All About Stillwater. Each site is operated by people that actually live in each of the respective communities keeping the news and information local not rehashed national information. These sites are operated by KJ FilmWorks based in Hennessey. Jack Quirk, owner said, “This is a very exciting endeavor with overwhelming support from these communities.” Stay tuned for more exciting news coming this week. KJ FilmWorks is owned by Jack Quirk who is a member the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and the Society of Professional Journalists. (SPJ) Like this:Like Loading...... OWL RESCUE AT THE MACY’SAugust 24, 2020NEWSJacob Frost saw this guy around 8:30 this morning and thought it was dead. Later he drove by and the owl turned and looked at him. After a few phone calls, Tanner Beckner helped to free it from the wire. It had hit the top wire with it’s wings over the top and it’s head below it. It then apparently spun around it a few times. It was quite a mess. Tanner was a pro at getting it and working it around the wire. Lark Joyce called a rehab facility and they were able to give instructions over the phone. It may take it a few days to rest up and fly off. It can hop around, so it should be able to hunt mice and such until it’s ready to fly away. It was placed in a grassy area with shade and water at Tracie Macy’s parents house so they can follow it’s progress. If it’s still on the ground in a couple of days, they will then take him to a rehab. Tanner checked him out and all his bones are good. Just really tore up from the barbed wire. Thank you Tanner for helping Them! You’re a true owl whisperer! (Photos by Tracie Macy) Like this:Like Loading...... COMING SOON TO HENNESSEY, THE AGAPE APPAREL BUSAugust 23, 2020NEWSWhat is that you ask? It is a bus full of clothing, coats, and shoes of all sizes. It will be a mobile clothing ministry for anyone. Mobility makes this bus available at church events, back to school bash, block parties or disasters if needed.There will be a Fish Fry Fundraiser Saturday, August 29 at the First Christian Church in Hennessey. Proceeds will go to pay for the bus. “This bus even has a handicap lift and that was one of the main features that made it perfect” said Susan Henry organizer of this ministry. “We are taking donations of clothing, shoes and accessories, to be given away free to those in need in our area. Anyone from a newborn to a care center resident. There is a great need in our community for a clothing ministry and we think making your donations mobile will bring help to where it’s needed.” All clothes donated will be washed and sorted before going in to the bus. Agape has been blessed with a washer and dryer. Donations can be made in person at the Fish Fry where the bus will be parked for all to see, or through Community State Bank “Agape Apparel Account”. It will be based out of the office of the welding shop across from 4T’s if you would like to drop off items during the week. Thank you to everyone who is making this happen for our community. Anyone who would like to help wash and sort clothes is welcome. For more information contact Susan Mark Henry on facebook. Pictured are Susan Henry, organizer and Barbie Caulder not pictured Angela Bruner of Agape Apparel. Like this:Like Loading...... DIFFICULT COVID WEEK IN HENNESSEYAugust 20, 2020Featured News / NEWSThe Hennessey area has had very low COVID-19 numbers since the beginning of the outbreak. But this week the numbers jumped significantly to 31. As a precaution, the town has closed the pool for the remainder of the year. The pool was only scheduled to open on weekends until Labor Day. Town Administrator, Tiffany Tillman said, “anyone that has booked the pool for a private event will still be able to use the pool. The splash pad is closed for repairs.“ According to Hennessey Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods, This weekend’s school volleyball tournament will go on as scheduled at the Eagle Event Center but no spectators will be allowed in the building. As of today (Thursday, August 20, 2020), all of the new cases are at the Hennessey Care Center. Director of Nursing, Jill Vincent said, “We have 25 of the 34 residents, and 6 staff members that have tested positive. 2 residents have been hospitalized.” Vincent went on to say, “The 6 staff members have been sent home and all of the residents are isolated to their rooms.” All of the staff and residents will be tested again on Monday. The Care Center is getting help from their corporate offices as well as for the State Department of Health. According to the website coronavirus.health.ok.gov, there have not been any deaths from the virus in Hennessey. Like this:Like Loading...... SOME GOOD NEWS, HENNESSEY’S TAX REVENUE IS CLIMBING.August 19, 2020NEWSSOME GOOD NEWS, HENNESSEY’S TAX REVENUE IS CLIMBING. 2020 Hennessey Sales Tax Collection – Prepared by Richard Simunek Hennessey received a double Christmas present based on the August receipt of sales taxes. First, sales taxes collected in Hennessey increased from $86,976.01 in July to $99,521.94 for August, a 14.4% increase. Total sales tax income from all sources equals sales tax income collected in Hennessey plus User tax income. User taxes totaled $26,872.20 for the August report from the state. User taxes are from on line sales such as Amazon, phone tax, and electricity tax. User taxes have been fairly stable and have increased in a few instances. Total Sales Tax income equaled $126,394.14, exceeding the break even point of $120,000 income required to balance the town budget. But the town budget could not have been balanced without some severe cost cutting measures enacted by the Town Council. These measures included termination of the Public Works Director and Head Librarian, the cancellation of a couple service contracts with the work now performed by town employees, and other cutbacks. No more budget cuts will be necessary if the current total sales tax income is maintained. So the August sales tax revenue was a double blessing for Hennessey. As explained by Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman in the August Town Council meeting, the sales tax income from any purchase in Enid by a Hennessey resident who takes delivery of the product in Enid goes to Enid. However, if the purchase in Enid by a Hennessey resident is delivered to Hennessey, the sales tax income goes to Hennessey. The point of delivery is the basis of allocating the sales tax income to towns. The data below is for sales taxes collected in Hennessey and does not include User taxes. 2018 July: $200,987.18 August: $193,164.70 September: $138,190.93 October: $167,513.50 November: $149,015.73 December: $177,526.37 Six Month Average: $171,066.40 2019 July: $170,653.80 August: $107,662.16 September: $103,208.75 October: $123,469.04 November: $101,740.99 December: $126,821.40 Six Month Average: $122,259 (Oil prices dropped dramatically in 2019.) 2020 January: $127,029.73 February: $122,362.09 March: $107,561.83 (Coronavirus business and personal restrictions announced.) April: $102,717.13 May: $90,786.48 June: $84,433.46 July: $86,976.01 August: $99,521.94 Eight Month Average: $102,673.58 March to August Average: $95,332.81 The FY 2020/2021 Projected Budget is based on $120,000 monthly sales tax income. Reserves for the General Town Fund (Non-obligated Funds) are $780,000. Like this:Like Loading...... NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGAugust 19, 2020Featured News / NEWSBEFORE THE TOWN OF HENNESSEY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Like this:Like Loading...... RESERVE ANGELS T-SHIRT FUNDRAISERAugust 18, 2020NEWSAngelsHENNESSEY RESERVE ANGELS FUNDRAISER T-SHIRT ORDER FORM To show support for our first responders (Reserve Angels) we are selling t-shirts. The design is a flag with a thin blue line (police) red (ambulance/fire) line twisted together. We are proud to have such a caring group of first responders. They do so much for our community. All proceeds go to the Reserve Angels program which makes sure no Hennessey child goes with Christmas gifts. This year the need will be greater than ever with so many families out of work due to Covid-19. As always, thank you for your continued support. Orders forms can be picked up at the Hennessey Town Hall or emailed or downloaded on All About Hennessey. Payment is due at the time order is placed. Cash or check only. Checks should be made out to Reserve Angels. Contact Shelley Burch for any questions 405-699-1025 or on Facebook. T- Shirts $18.00 sizes 2XL – 6XL $20.00 Shirt Shirt color – Ash Grey and are Gildan Cotton/Poly Blend HENNESSEY RESERVE ANGELS T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER DOWNLOAD FORM HERE! Like this:Like Loading...... RODEO TIME HENNESSEY STYLE!August 17, 2020NEWSLast night (Saturday, August 16, 2020) wrapped up the annual Hennessey Open Rodeo with a big turnout. The event featured Mutton Busting, Dummy Roping and Greased pig and calf scramble for the kids. The main events included Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Tie-down Calf Roping, Team Roping, Breakaway Steer Wrestling and Bull Riding. Both nights were capped off with a dance. This story sponsored by: Gail’s Grill Like this:Like Loading...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY AAH!August 17, 2020Featured News / NEWSHAPPY BIRTHDAY AAH! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR WONDERFUL SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN US FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS! Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY’S NEW TOWN CLERKAugust 17, 2020Featured News / NEWSAt last week’s Hennessey Board of Trustees meeting, Tiffany Tillman, Hennessey’s long time Town Clerk, submitted her resignation. The board appointed Kati Walters as the new town clerk. The town clerk’s job is to keep the journal of the proceedings of the board of trustees, keeps the book of ordinances, has custody of documents and records archives, and has custody of the town seal. The job also includes to attest and affix the seal of the town documents and make daily deposits for the town among other duties. Tiffany Tillman has been the Hennessey town clerk since 2006 and will keep her position as the town Administrator. Tillman’s resignation letter stated that due to the added responsibilities given to her as the Town Administrator it was in the best interest for her, and the town, that she resigns as the Town Clerk. Like this:Like Loading...... 9 POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES AT CARE CENTERAugust 17, 2020NEWSThe Hennessey Care Center confirmed in an email today that they have 9 official positives as of Sunday. Most of them are asymptomatic. Jill Vincent, Director of Nursing said, “We are getting the remaining Residents and staff tested today. We are getting full cooperation from our corporate and state to get all the supplies and assistance we need.” The Hennessey Care Center has been on lock down since the beginning of the pandemic yet like many other businesses and care centers it got in. They have and are following all of the CVC guidelines such as no visitors or allowing no one other than staff to enter the building. All of the residents’ families have been notified. Like this:Like Loading...... KEEP OUR HENNESSEY STREETS CLEANAugust 17, 2020NEWSGrass and trash on the streets has become a problem. Town ordinance # 7-1A-4 says, “DEPOSITING TRASH UPON STREETS OR SIDEWALKS: It is unlawful for any person to deposit, throw, or sweep into or upon the streets, alleys, parking or sidewalks of the town, paper, rubbish, grass, weeds, tree trimmings, dirt, trash, crates, boxes or other refuse of any kind. (1992 Code – 19-6” Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman said, “In some cases, our guys have had to go and sweep up the mess because there was so much of it.” Mayor Bert Gritz said, “Not only is trash and grass on the streets a mess it causes a lot of storm drainage problems”. If you have questions you can call the Hennessey Town Hall at 405-853-2416. Like this:Like Loading...... COVER FOR THE KIDDOSAugust 17, 2020NEWS / SchoolStanding in the rain and wind is miserable, so the school did something about it! A few weeks ago, the school built a covering over the sidewalk where the small children wait to be picked up. At the same time, a cover was built behind the high school kitchen to keep the cooks dry and out of the wind as they load the truck with food for the elementary building. Like this:Like Loading...... END OF THE 130 YEAR OLD HENNESSEY CLIPPERAugust 14, 2020NEWSEND OF THE 130 YEAR OLD HENNESSEY CLIPPER. The Hennessey Clipper announced in an email to the Town Hall today that it was transitioning the paper to a bi-monthly publication that will focus on government, public policy, judicial issues, and economic issues that affect western Oklahoma and will cover a multi-county region in western Oklahoma, versus just Hennessey. Because it will no longer be a weekly publication, they will no longer be able to publish legals or obituaries under Oklahoma statute. The Hennessey Clipper was established June 13th, 1889 and was purchased by the Walter family in 1904. Bill and Barb Walter operated the paper until it was sold in January 2014. The paper was published weekly by The Trail Miller Company based in Seiling, Oklahoma up to today’s announcement. Trail Miller owns several papers including the Hennessey Clipper, The Okeene Record, The Canton Times, and The Dewey County Record according to the Oklahoma Press Association Facebook page. All About Hennessey called the Clipper office for information about people that have paid subscriptions to the paper but there was no answer. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 13TH, 2020August 14, 2020NEWSHENNESSEY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 13TH, 2020 This is the entire Hennessey Board of Trustees, and the Hennessey Utilities Authority meetings. Highlights include: • Rezoning land north of Hennessey • Discussion to declare Property at 220 S Main St dilapidated • Discussion to plan a town long term planning session • Accept the resignation of Chad Hurst, reserve police officer • Appoint an Emergency Management Director • Accept the resignation of Tiffany Tillman, Town Clerk • Various actions and promotions with several town employees • Discussion to replace a water pump at the sewer lagoons View both of the agendas here Like this:Like Loading...... Town Agenda August 13thAugust 14, 2020NEWSLike this:Like Loading...... Early Voting Begins for Runoff Primary; Absentee Ballot Return Options AvailableAugust 12, 2020NEWSEarly voting for the August 25 Runoff Primary begins this week for voters in fifty (50) counties. Early voting is available this Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Counties with state or federal runoff elections will also have early voting on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While some voters in these counties will have a runoff primary election, others may only have a local or county election or no election at all. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said it is important to make sure you have an election before you head to the polls. “I always recommend checking the OK Voter Portal before you head to the polls to find your polling place and view a sample ballot. If you have a sample ballot available in the portal, that means you have an election in your precinct. If no ballot is available, it means you do not have an election,” said Ziriax. Secretary Ziriax also reminds voters that Oklahoma is a closed primary state. “In order to vote in a party’s primary or runoff primary, you must be a registered voter of that party. The Democratic Party, however, has made an exception for Independent voters for the 2020 and 2021 election years. If you’re an Independent voter you may ask for a Democratic Party primary ballot,” Ziriax said. The Republican Party and Libertarian Party have chosen to keep their primaries closed. Voters who have requested an absentee ballot for the August 25 Runoff Primary have several return options. Absentee ballots can be returned by the United States Postal Service or a private mail carrier, provided delivery documentation is provided. Standard absentee ballots, the most common form of ballot, can be hand-delivered to the county election board provided the ballot is returned no later than the end of business day, the Monday prior to the election. Only the voter may hand-deliver his or her own absentee ballot. Please be prepared to show proof of identity when you drop off your ballot. You will be asked to show the same identification that is required when you vote at the polls. Absentee ballots returned by mail for the August 25 election must be received by the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can track their absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place during early voting and on Election Day. While masks or face coverings are not required at voting locations, they are strongly recommended. You will find more information about COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website. URL Guide: Early Voting: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Early_Voting.html OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html Closed Primary State: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html Absentee Ballots: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/index.html Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html County Election Board: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections: State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html Like this:Like Loading...... CAT AND THE EAGLESAugust 11, 2020NEWS / School / Sportshttps://youtu.be/ewYWG9QelIQCAT AND THE EAGLES!The Hennessey Community Action Team (CAT) reminds you to come out and meet the Hennessey Eagles on Friday, August 14th starting at 5:30pm at the football field. There will be Food Trucks, inflatables, a dunk tank, games, and you will be able to purchase apparel. The Blue and White scrimmage will start immediately afterwards. Like this:Like Loading...... POOL CREW LAST WEEK DAYAugust 8, 2020NEWSThe last weekday swim for the inaugural 2020 year for the new aquatic center was last night. (Friday, August 7, 2020) The pool will remain open on weekends: Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm, and Sundays 1pm to 7pm, until Labor Day. Hennessey Mayor, Bert Gritz said, “The new pool has been a great success! I’ve been amazed at the number of the people enjoying this new facility. There have been days where there were over 250 attending. It’s has been wonderful to see adults enjoying it as much as the kids! Thanks to the people of Hennessey for their overwhelming support!” Like this:Like Loading...... FREEDOM FROM MOWING!August 8, 2020NEWSIf you are like me, I dread mowing my yard: the dust, allergies, and the heat. Fortunately, there is a new mowing service in Hennessey with the perfect name: Freedom Lawns. Tony Blackburn, a veteran and owner of the new business, is a very patriotic guy. Tony said, “I served the American public to keep them free in the military. Now, I want to serve the American public again to keep them free from mowing. I thought it would tie together.” Freedom Lawns can handle any yard, big or small, Kingfisher to Enid, and anywhere in between. Tony said, “We can also handle commercial and annual contract jobs.” Freedom Lawns is a full service company offering mowing, bagging, mulching, edging, trimming, shrub, and other landscaping needs. Free yourself from that dreaded mowing and give Freedom Lawns a call. 405-853-5299. Please like and follow Freedom Lawns LLC Facebook page. Like this:Like Loading...... HENNESSEY TOWN TRUSTEE SIMUNEK’S PLANAugust 3, 2020NEWS Town Council Notes For Town Council Meeting, Thursday, August 13, 2020 by Richard Simunek I am introducing two motions this evening. The first motion is to establish a Grant Writer Position/Program. The second motion is to place the following item on the Town Council agenda for all future Town Council meetings: “Community Development, Long Range Planning, and Grants.” The purchase of the two used rusted steel buildings with their leaky roofs as well as the consideration given to tearing down the old Library/History Building readily demonstrates the major mistake made by past Town Councils. The $20,000 purchase of the two used rusty steel buildings with their leaking roofs documents the Town Council’s complete lack of knowledge of grants and how they work to improve and enhance a community. Seeking grants automatically infers long range planning. This is a mistake that has cost Hennessey taxpayers not thousands and thousands of dollars but hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why has this occurred? Voluntary Hennessey Firefighters must complete training to be certified. Hennessey Police officers must complete training to be certified. Annual training is often required. Town Council members must be trained in community development and grant classes and worshops offered by the Oklahoma Municipal League and various Oklahoma State Agencies. Historically, Town Council members have not attended these classes specifically designed to help towns and communities achieve a better future. For example, the REAP Grant Workshop is held in Enid, just 20 miles away. Yet, no past or current Town Council member has attended the workshop. The Grant Writing Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League is in Oklahoma City, just a little bit over an hour away. Yet, no past or current Town Council member has attended the workshop. Because the Town Council has not actively pursued grants, Hennessey citizens are paying for street maintenance and automated water meters out of their own pockets while subsidizing other towns who are receiving REAP and CDBG grants for street maintenance and automated water meters. REAP and CDBG grants are funded by taxpayers including, of course, Hennessey taxpayers. Let’s go through three examples. REAP GRANTS (Example 1) Hennessey received a total of $416,452 from Fiscal Year 1998 to 2010, an annual average of $32,034. Then, inexplicably, Hennessey stopped submitting grants. See “REAP Grants received by Hennessey” handout. The purpose of having “Community Development, Long Range Planning, and Grants” as a continuous Town Council meeting agenda item is to insure consistency and continuity in seeing grants into the future. Hennessey should be applying for REAP and CDBG grants annually. The Town Council should have been doing this 10, 20, and 30 years ago. Long term goals should have been identified, priorities established, and grants sought according to established priorities. AUTOMATED WATER METERS (Example 2) Hennessey taxpayers are paying for the town’s automated water meters (AMR) out of their own pocket and, at the same time, subsidizing other towns who are receiving REAP grants to install AMR meters. Billings received a $71,970 REAP grant, Helena $45,735, Kaw $25,810, and Ringwood $33,657 for AMR water meters. See “Fiscal Year 2020 REAP Grant Awards” handout. The money for REAP grants and CDBG grants are from taxpayers, including Hennessey taxpayers. Therefore, Hennessey taxpayers are fully paying for AMR water meters out of their own pockets and, at the same time, subsidizing towns like Billings, Kaw, Ringwood, and Helena. STREET IMPROVEMENTS (Example 3) Canton, with a population of 596, received a CDBG-REAP Match Grant of $272,727.26 in Fiscal Year 2020 for sidewalk and street maintenance. So, once again, Hennessey taxpayers are paying for Hennessey street improvements out of their own pockets and, at the same time, subsidizing other towns who are actively seeking and receiving street improvement grants. See “Fiscal Year 2020 REAP Grant Awards” handout. If Canton, with a population of only 596, can pursue and receive a $272,727.26 grant for street improvements, we in Hennessey certainly should be able to do the same. This concludes the three examples. PAVILION The Town Council spent $20,000 for two used rusty used steel buildings with leaking roofs for a proposed Pavilion. It would have been an architectural disaster. It could have been so much simpler and better. Grants generally require a 20% to 25% contribution by the grant seeker. The town paid $50,000 for the old lumber yard land. The lots cost $47,000. And, finally, the town had $20,000 to throw in the pot. That is a total of $117,000 for a contribution by Hennessey to apply for grants. With this $117,000 contribution, Hennessey could have applied for grants up to a range of $468,000 to $585,00 and put something architecturally pleasing on that land for a Pavilion. The Town Council’s $20,000 purchase of the two rusty buildings with their leaky roofs has completely stalled the Pavilion project. As stated previously, the $20,000 purchase of the two used buildings documents the Town Council’s complete lack of knowledge of grants and how they work to improve and enhance a community. Hennessey can have a beautiful architectural pleasing Pavilion. It can be done through Hennessey Foundation giving and grants. OKLAHOMA TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT The Enhancement Program of the Oklahoma Transportation Department (OTD) is another source of funding, including sidewalks. But that is not why I listed them here. Rather, OTD was funding historic preservation projects for which would have been ideal for the Hennessey Library/History Center. However, that historic preservation program was canceled for Fiscal Year 2020. An opportunity was lost. See “Oklahoma Transportation Department” handout. Note the large amount of OTD grants. Many OTD grants range from $400,000 to over a half million. Our neighbor Okeene received a grant for $438,179. Cherokee received a grant for $671,054. Thomas received a grant for $633.086. GRANTFINDER SOFTWARE PROGRAM Following the Grant Writing Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League a year ago, I requested the Grant Writer software costing $50 be purchased. It has taken a year for the town government to order the software. It’s frustrating to say the least. The following is taken from the Oklahoma Municipal League regarding the GrantFinder software. “Unlike other research tools on the market, GrantFinder is not filled with extraneous grants that may not be relevant to cities and towns. We’ve searched and sorted through thousands of grants to identify more than 7,500+ federal, state, corporate, and foundation grant programs available to municipal organizations.” “The program allows municipalities to search for grants specific to their needs by utilizing 10 unique search filters.”See GrantFinder handout. The GrantFinder software is an example of the assistance provided by the Oklahoma Municipal League and State agencies to help communities—but is largely ignored by the Hennessey Town Council. Hennessey should have had this GrantFinder software years ago. SUMMARY Community development and long- range planning are probably the most important issues on a community’s Town Council agenda. This is true for many communities and towns across the USA. This is not the case for Hennessey because there is no money. For Hennessey, there is no money because it does not actively pursue and promote the Hennessey Foundation and lacks a consistent grant writing strategy involving long term planning. If Hennessey is to maintain streets, parks, and other existing amenities and establish new amenities like the Pavilion, it will have to be through the Hennessey Foundation giving program and grants. There is no alternative. END 2020 Hennessey Sales Tax Collection 2018July: $200,987.18 August: $193,164.70 September: $138,190.93 October: $167,513.50 November: $149,015.73 December: $177,526.37 Six Month Average: $171,066.40 2019July: $170,653.80 August: $107,662.16 September: $103,208.75 October: $123,469.04 November: $101,740.99 December: $126,821.40 Six Month Average: $122,259 (Oil prices dropped dramatically in 2019.) 2020 January: $127,029.73 February: $122,362.09 March: $107,561.83 (Coronavirus business and personal restrictions announced.) April: $102,717.13 May: $90,786.48 June: $84,433.46 July: $86,976.01 Seven Month Average: $103,123.82 March to July Average: $94,494.98 The FY 2020/2021 Projected Budget is based on $120,000 monthly sales tax income. Reserves for the General Town Fund (Non-obligated Funds) are $780,000. Fiscal Year 2020 REAP Grant Awards Hennessey article, Kingfisher Times and Free Press, December 18, 2019: “An agenda item to complete the new water meter installations was struck down by the mayor FOR LACK OF FUNDSwhen he was told it would take $146,305 to install the remaining 300 meters (out of the town’s total of 1,200 meters). Billings, 502, 100 AMR Water Meters, $71,970 Burlington, 157, Gas lines, $39,000Cashion, 874, Main sewer line, $59,100Geary, 1,277, Gas lines, $40,000Helena, 1,420, 150 AMR Water Meters, $45,735Hennessey, 2,229, Water line, $45,000Hillsdale, 122, Water tower, $20,251Hitchcock, 117, Drainage & streets, $80,000Hunter, 166, Sewer lift station, $31,500Kaw, 369, 100 AMR Water Meters, $25,810Kildare Fire Dept, New tanker truck, $20,900Kingfisher, 4,924, Fire hydrants, $23,969Lamont, 393, Water well house, $30,050Loyal, 84, Water systems, $50,000Manchester, 99, Water tower, $20,251Meno, 237, Drainage, $36,419Nash, 195, New water well, $74,995North Enid, 924, Streets, $83,052Okarche, 1,335, Rehabilitate 3 water wells, $90,000Okeene, 1,149, Mini excavator, $45,491Perry, 4,928, WWTP fencing, $30,000Ringwood, 510, 124 AMR Water Meters, $33,657Wakita, 326, Gas system, $8,568COMBINED CDBG-REAP MATCH GRANT Canton, 596, Streets and Sidewalks, $272,727.26 Source: Hennessey Grant Guide Grant Writer Position/Program Grant Writers at the Grant Writing Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League fell into several categories. The most common was the assignment of grant writer duties to a full-time town employee. In this situation, grant writing duties were not the primary duties of the town employee. One small town had an unpaid volunteer grant writer at the Workshop. Free lance grant writers solicit grants for towns and then are paid by the town based on a percentage of the grant obtained. The structure of the Grant Writer position is important, but perhaps not as important as the goal of consistency. One strategy is to have employees in the Library responsible for applying for library and history grants, the police department responsible for police grants, and the Town Administrator/Town employee responsible for large capital type grants, especially those administered thru state and federal agencies such as REAP and CDBG. A final decision should be determined by those involved. For the larger capital improvement type grants, it is almost required that the grant writer is a town employee in order to develop the budgets, cost estimates, and studies often required of larger grants. Federal grants, which account for 90% of grant monies, require more documentation and therefore more time to prepare and administer. REAP and CDBG The Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administered by the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority (NODA) are probably the easiest grants to obtain. Applying for these two grants should be done annually. CIP and Priorities Establishing a Grant Writer program automatically implies establishing long-term priorities. These long term priorities need to be specified in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Grants can be penalized or automatically denied because the grant request objective is not included in the CIP. The CIP should be continually updated with CIPs for 5 year, 10 year, and 20 year goals. Hennessey’s CIP is not a well thought out plan for the future. Grant Workshops In order to be eligible to apply for a REAP grant, the town must have an attendee at the REAP Workshop usually held in August. It would be desirable to have a backup attend also. Attending the Grant Writing Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) is a must for the Grant Writer seeking grants sponsored by various Oklahoma agencies. As with many community service workshops, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the attendees is as much benefit as the information shared by speakers. There are other grant writing workshops sponsored by civic oriented entities. Those Hennessey persons writing grants for the Hennessey community should be encouraged to attend these workshops. END GrantFinder “In our short time of using Grant Finder, we have been able to find and apply for over 20 grants. These grants range from law enforcement, fire, library and numerous non-profit agencies in our community. Laramie will be a subscriber for years to come. Sandra Newland, Grants Manager, Laramie County, WY Who uses GrantFinder? GrantFinder helps communities and organizations of all sizes secure the grant funding they need. To date, more than 800 cities, towns, counties, regional planning organizations, and council of governments have subscribed. Bigger, Better Data Unlike other research tools on the market, GrantFinder is not filled with extraneous grants that may not be relevant to cities and towns. We’ve searched and sorted through thousands of grants to identify more than 7,500+ federal, state, corporate and foundation grant programs available to municipal organizations. Powerful Features *Access to our cloud-based platform from anywhere 24/7. *Custom Grant alert emails for popular grant categories catered to your preference. *Interactive calendar allowing users to see upcoming grants and grant deadlines. *Online administration tools to add, edit, and delete users. *Over 7,500+ grants being updated and more added daily. Order Information GrantFinder should be ordered thru the Oklahoma Municipal League. The cost is $50 per licensee. “We are happy to announce that the Oklahoma Municipal Services Corporation (OMSC), the business arm of OML, has signed an agreement with GrantFinder to bring at a greatly reduced cost of $50 per year for an online tool to enable our members the access to over 7,500+ grants. The program allows municipalities to search for grants specific to their needs by utilizing 10 unique search filters.” For more information and order form, go to https://www.oml.org/grant-finder For any questions, contact Nancee Morris at nancee@oml.org Oklahoma Transportation Department Eligible Projects: Pedestrian and Bicycle facilities Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Education Activities Acquisition of Scenic or Historic Easements and Sites Scenic or Historic Highway Programs, including Tourist and Welcome Centers Landscaping and Scenic Beautification Historic Preservation (Suspended in 2020) Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures, or Facilities Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising Archaeological Planning and Research Mitigation of Highway Runoff and Provision of Wildlife Connectivity Establishment of Transportation Museums (Suspended in 2020) Recently Awarded FY 2019 Funds: 21 towns in 2019 with a population of 5,000 or less were awarded $7,450,368. The average award per town was $354,779. Just about all towns used their funds for ADA compliant sidewalks to connect man street, schools, parks, businesses, and swimming pool. Award amounts ranged from $52,200 to $689,194. Towns with their population and grant amount are: Chandler, 3,124, $550,028 Cherokee, 1,558, $671,054 Chouteau, 2,081, $485,000 Coalgate, 2,082, $304,340 Comanche, 1,567, $689,194 Elmore City, 693, $166,520 Jay, 2,528, $316,000 and $235,262 Kaw City, 373, $137,357 Krebs, 373, $74,400 Newkirk, 2,220, $553,000 Okeene, 1,154, $438,179 Prague, 2,412, $491,926 Stringtown, 404, $52,200 Sulphur, 4,997, $434,500 Thomas, 1,197, $633,086 Tushka, 305, $144,000 Valiant, 737, $400,000 Vian, 1,375, $221,520 Waurika, 1,952, $160,000 Wilburton, 2,642, $292,000 REAP Grants received by Hennessey 1998, Clean, video sewer lines, manholes, $31,569 1999, Backhoe, $24,000 2000, Sewer line repair, $29,725 2001, Sewer system upgrade, $30,000 2002, Sewer line replacement $45,000 2003, Sewer improvements, $26,375 2004, Water system upgrade, $18,261 2005, Fire truck (CDBG), $45,000 2006, Stormwater Drainage Improvement, $48,122 2007, Purchase New Town Hall Building, $40,000 2008, Library Complex Accessibility (Handicap entrance), $45,000 2009, Engineering services, $25,000 2010, Fire hydrant replacement, $30,000 2011, None 2012, None 2013, None 2014, None 2015, None 2016, None 2017, None 2018, None 2019, None 2020, Larger water line, $50,000 Hennessey received a total of $416,452 from Fiscal Year 1998 to 2010, an annual average of $32,034. Then, inexplicably, Hennessey stopped annually submitting grants. Only two grant requests were submitted after FY 2010 which were rejected. No REAP grant requests were made in 7 of the 9 years following 2010. Having a Hennessey Grant Writer and an established Grant Writing System prevents these kinds of lapses. There are three very positive and valuable lessons to be observed in the 1998-2010 REAP grants. First, grant money is available. Two, grant money is available for a variety of purposes. Third, and most important, Hennessey obviously has a superb grant writer(s) with superb skills. The Hennessey Town Council needs to unleash their potential by instigating a Grant Writing System and giving it priority among the town’s goals and long-term planning. Source: Hennessey Grant Guide Like this:Like Loading...... FREE SCHOOL LUNCH FOR ALLAugust 3, 2020NEWSRita Huntsberger, Child Nutrition Director at Hennessey Schools, was in a virtual leadership meeting last week with the State when she caught wind of a program that would offer free lunches. Rita got busy and rounded up all of the necessary data and submitted it in the nick of time for the Provision 2 program. Rita said, “This program will allow every student in the district regardless of income to have free lunch for 4 years.” Rita also said, “The state will review our numbers in November and if everything is good it will lock us in for 4 years.” Hennessey’s free or reduced lunches is currently at 92% and it is not likely to change soon so Rita is confident that the school will get the full 4 year free lunch program. Rita has been the Child Nutrition Director for about 10 years and it is her job to keep an eye out for programs like this. It is important that everyone still needs to apply for the free or reduced lunch program this year so the school has the statistics to keep the program going. If you have questions please contact the school at 405-853-4321. Like this:Like Loading...... BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!August 3, 2020NEWSBackpacks, pencils, hotdogs and swimming were all on tap last evening at the annual Back to School Bash put on by the Hennessey First Christian Church in joint effort with all of the Hennessey churches. The church parking lot was set up with tables of every school supply a student could need, all free of charge. After that, free hotdogs and snow cones were available at the Hennessey Aquatic Center. Then, there was a free swim for all. If you missed out on the free school supplies, you can call 405-853-5951 to make arrangements to get yours. This story made possible by S&J Heating and Air. Like this:Like Loading...... NEW HENNESSEY TRUCK AND AUTO REPAIR BUSINESSAugust 2, 2020NEWSR&H Truck and Autos, owned by Colby Robertson and Landon Harak, opened recently after buying the business from longtime owner Mike Ritz. Co-owner Colby Robertson said, “This is a family business and we want our customers to feel welcome.” The shop can handle just about any type of Auto, Truck or heavy equipment diagnosis and repair. Both owners have experience in a wide range of vehicles. Landon has a background in heavy equipment and trucks and was recently working at Yellow House John Deere. Colby is experienced in light truck and autos having worked at Dobrinski Chevrolet and Jacksons of Kingfisher. The partners have plans to remodel the shop and add some new equipment and services. The shop is located at 114 W Oklahoma St, Hennessey, and is open Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. Phone 405-853-6955 Like this:Like Loading...... TODAY’S HENNESSEY COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM PROJECTAugust 1, 2020NEWSAt sunrise this morning, (Saturday, August 1, 2020) an army o
