Inquisitive Quest

Robert and Sandi ready for school

.  Jan was disappointed having applied for the Grade School Secretarial position and not being accepted,   Judy Rocket from Hardtner  receiving the school principal Juanita Smith’s approval.   Gary was cognizant of a possible partiality implications, Mrs. Smith a long time resident of Hardtner,  a community of less than 175  and in all likelihood were friends of Judy and her husband Gary.  His wife Jan still convivial with her employment at the Bank of Kiowa, disappointed but accepting the school abnegation,  her position as a bank teller still remained a comfortable appointment.

.  The Main Street school lawn mowing application was in progress when Judy Rocket approached with a discerning expression on her face,  stating Gary’s presences was required in Misses Albright’s  second grade room.   Upon arrival,  finding the classroom vacated by the students,  custodian Pam Cooper standing at the entrance. Gary questioning her why he was summoned, his co-worker remaining at the door,  refusing to enter the premises.  Gary entering, looking about, discovering an immediate answer, the remains of a student’s breakfast, the  discharge decorating a desk and the surrounding area of the floor.  Pam giving him a stifling look,  her posture stiffening,  and with a declarative voice,  “I don’t do vomit”,   abruptly turning away,  leaving Gary to provide for the rooms disparages culmination.   Gary shrugging, setting about the task,  concluding he had inherited a new juridical responsibility,  coming up with a  job description title,    “Jurisdictional Exemplary for the hygienic ascendancy of vomit”.   Not exactly a fragrance enhancing position, but one of caliber, especially the first two weeks of the school year,  when  the lower grade classes are most likely to propagate the unsightly discharge.

.  The Theatrical Study Program of Northwestern State College at Alva  extending an invitation to the surrounding community elementary schools to attend their musical adaptation of the Wizard of Oz.    Vee Hill, and Jane Thompson’s 1st grade,  Norma Feaster and Jeannie Albright’s 2nd grade all enthusiastic for the presentation.   The morning of the event found Gary and Pam addressing the high school,  each retrieving a respective Blue Bird forty passenger bus to be stationed on 9th Street,   adjacent to the school gym’s west door to await the students.  Gary was designated to provide for Misses Hill and Thompson’s first grade class,  the students filing out of the gym single file into the waiting transports,  the two teachers reminding the student as they entered, they could talk but hold it down.

.  The bus journeying south,  crossing of the Santa Fe tracks and the Oklahoma Stateline,  Gary accomplishing a 55 miles per hour momentum,  noticing  Pam’s  trailing bus falling further and further behind,  a curiosity beginning,  could she be experiencing some type of trouble.  Encompassing the twoway radios  microphone,  Gary attempting to communicate with Pam concerning her possible hindrance,  a brief silence,  then Pam’s voice finally responding.   Gary asking if there was a problem?    Pam’s immediate reply, “the bus won’t go over 40 miles per hour.   Gary questioned if she had the bus in fourth gear?  she replied,   “Affirmative”.    Gary continued, asking if she had engaged the 2speed axle.   The silence was deafening,  then a reply,  “What’s that?”   Trying not to sound contemptuous,  he explained,  if she would commission the clutch and pull the small protruding lever connected to the gear shift to an upward position,  it would switch the 2speed axle to high,  and the bus’s speed would increase. Jane Thompson whom was sitting across from Gary, sporting a grin on her face, having overheard the conversation,  Jane having accompanied her husband Monty, the Middle School football coach and  the team’s bus driver on out of town games.  Her expression acknowledging Pam’s lack of bus driving experience.

.  Arriving at the college, finding  the parking area according  several buses from outlying areas,  the musical production being performed in Herod Hall,  a landmark auditorium on the campus.   The grade school students again in their perfection,  lining up to enter,  Gary questioning Pam about attending the performance,  her answer was negative,  she preferred to remain with the bus.   Gary joining the class as they began to enter,  his daughter Sandi among Misses Feasters second graders.  Standing at the door waiting for the class to finish filing past,  an unexpected visitor,  Juanita Smith,  the school principal.   Gary’s curiosity was aroused, wondering who covered her English class,  Juanita acknowledging, Bev Molz,  the Chapter One reading instructor was substituting in her absence.   The program commencing,  Gary seated with Juanita,  both enjoying the musical production,    The presentation coming to an conclusion,  his attendance a rewarding benefit of his school employment, a second benefit was more lasting, the joy reflected in the smiling faces of the students.

A home for Bert & Ernie

.  Jan was to be a bird sitter.   Gary standing  there for a minute,  stretching out his response with a long drawn out    Oooookay.      Pam Cox, who frequented Jan’s Stateline ceramic business,   asking if Jan could look in and feed her birds while she and husband Bob were on vacation.   Gary was aware of Bob’s printing and clock repair on Main Street,  but had no idea the couple were engaged in the raising and selling of a variety of birds.  It was a given conclusion when Pam asked, that Gary would accompany his wife to the Cox residence, Pam proudly showing her aviculture collection, explaining the duties of how to feed and water the caged feathered vocalists.  The couple taking on the responsibility.  A bird avidity was not one of Gary’s attributes,  but upon the return of the Cox family,  a new additions resided at the. Willson residence,  a pair of glowing white Budgies.

.  Finding the appropriate location was not difficult, the small room at the rear of the kitchen that provided for the wash machine and water heater would be suitable for their domain.  The new residential endeavors receiving a welcoming reception, Robert and Sandi being questioned for applicable names,  and without hesitation the two birds were appropriated as Bert and Ernie,  a reverence to the television incarnate.   The two newly acquainted residents firmly established, Jan finding that Ernie in reality should have been endowed Ernestine,  thus a search for a larger more suitable habitat was in order.  Fulfilling a trip to Wichita,  a three tier wooden dowel constructed domicile was purchased,  the much larger quarters,  a provision for a possible family expansion.

.  The wooden structure proving to be an adequate abode for the two nestling Parakeets,  except for Bert’s inquisitive nature,  soon discovering he could peck at the dowels,  opening a fissure,  and enjoy the freedom of flight throughout the house.   Gary doing his best to discourage it, replacing the missing wooden restraints immediately.   Robert and Sandi’s interest in the two birds soon waned,  the youths  finding school and outside activities more attuned to their appreciation,  but this was to be expected,  Gary inheriting another incumbency of custodial care.  Ernestine giving indication of expectancy, by composing a nest,  but wasn’t resolute in her accomplishments, her demeanor began to change , and she began to display signs of physical distress.   A question to Pam concerning the ailments, the bird having developed a disorder that was common to parakeets.

.  Ernestine passed on, soaring in the boundless heavens,  an additional beauty added to God’s Realm.  With Ernestine’s demise,  Bert soon became despondent,  refraining from eating,   getting weaker,  but still a relentless worker at freeing himself from his prison.   Rising at 4:30 a.m.,  readying for work,  Gary entered the bathroom,  a bereaved sight,  finding Bert floating in the commode,  his nighttime flight having gone awry.   Gary having no affinity for the despondency encountered by Bert’s passing, so when Robert and Sandi questioned about the disappearance of Bert,  the story was,  Bert manage to gain his freedom thru an open window and was enjoying his life amongst the towering trees, soaring with the clouds,  and once again free of confinement to join in the activities with all the other birds.

.  The brisk Kansas winters required an ample supply of  firewood for the Hurricane Wood burning stove .  Gary always keeping an eye open for free firewood.  Huber Farney offering to oblige, mentioning  the old growth of wind breaking trees surrounding his large two story farmhouse needed to be removed,  as he had planted a newer growth of row trees, and they were big enough for a wind break.  The Farney’s older tree row was a combination of Cedar and Osage Orange,  better known as hedge.  As a novice with a chainsaw,  Gary entered the firewood escapade full of confidence with his 16 inch Homelite,  expecting the readymade tree row would succumb without any difficulty, he was wrong.  It was his first experience cutting hedge, having heard it was slow burning, giving off lots of heat,  and  was high on the list of best firewood,  if not the best.  What wasn’t said was, its qualities of slow burning high heat was due to its hardness,  and those qualities also could devour the chain on a under-powered 16 inch chainsaw.  Saving face he proceeded to harvest just enough of the cedar to justify his attempt,  and for the Farneys to see that he had been there.

.  All was not lost in a search for firewood, Gary having taken notice of the news on television about the  influx of Dutch Elm Disease that was sweeping Kansas and Oklahoma.  He was very much aware of the detriment to elm trees on both sides of Main Sreet between 9th and 11th street, bringing it to the attention of Glen Piper, as several of these trees were on school property.   The City of Kiowa finally taking action, having the  most severely affected Elms removed, Gary suspected it was a result of Glen placing a call to some higher authority about the Dutch Elm problem.   The elm tree take down and removal wasn’t a total loss, visiting with  city employee,  Tex Dixon, discovering the city would be hauling the trees to the dump on the cemetery road, Gary mentioning he was willing to haul off limbs up to sixteen inches in diameter.  Apparently Tex got the word out to those falling the trees,  Gary able to compile a host of good size limbs,  piling them along the driveway and fence line of his residence.  When he was employed at John Deere he looked into buying a log splitter, finding it cost prohibitive, but recognized that ingenuity was free.

.  At work he came up with a four foot I beam,  a remnant from the assembly of the new Service Company shop, having it two chisel blades welded to it to form a cutting edge V,  then mounting a three inch diameter  cylinder with a push plate on the end.   A discarded Service Company electric 10 thousand P S I hydraulic pump,  previously used for endowing fittings on high pressure hoses,  was a meaningful source to activate the hydraulic cylinder.  The time consuming work to begin,  chain sawing the logs in useable lengths,  and introducing his homemade log splitter to the elm.  The appliance was absolute in performance, young Robert accompanying Dad in the log splitting operation,  Gary placing the logs in position, while Robert operated the hydraulic pumps control button, the two recognizing a summer’s work,  for a winters heat.

611 Dickinson St.

.  The subject of selling the house having been discussed in the past now elevated to a higher level of consideration,  a third party involvement was necessitated if the plan would come to fruition.  Gary and Jan, friends with the Ott brothers,  both whom were in Jan’s high school class of 69,  Brad, a Vice President at the Bank of Kiowa,  his wife Deb,  a Realty Agent being approached about marketing the Willson’s house.

.  The five years of Willson ownership of the Roth family heirloom on N. 11th St. having marked improvement to the once unlivable structure.   The two-story aperture with a new roof,  an outside facial coat of paint,  every room wall acquainted with a new acrylic covering,  an application of central heat installed,  the lowering of the downstairs living and dining room ceiling to an acceptable 8 feet,  the yard enhanced with fencing,  and the installation of a triple wall chimney wood burning stove.   Gary realizing the time and cost invested in the improvements,  suggesting an asking price twice his $7500  dollar acquisition amount, Deb agreeing to the amelioration and would start the solicitation.

. . Joe Potter and his wife Judy  finding an interest in the Kiowa property,  Judy employed as a dietary person at the middle school in Hardtner,  Joe a past custodian driver for the school.   Deb Ott entertaining their application,  representing both the buyer and seller at the Farmers Home Administration office in Medicine Lodge.  Gary soon discovering it was more arduous to sell a house than to purchase one.  Among the inspection requirements,  an inspection by a licensed certified electrician to sign off on the electrical status of the dwelling.   Gary making an attempt to find a local state certified electrician.  Deciding on another avenue,  addressing the City of Kiowa electrical engineer Ed Maddox about inspecting the house and  filling out the paperwork for the sale approval.  Gary mentioning that it needed to be done by a licensed certified electrician,   and he would be more than happy to compensate Ed for his time,  but again another astonishment,  Ed was not licensed by the State.  Gary was stymied,  not wanting to endeavor someone he didn’t know from Medicine Lodge to inspect the wiring,  there was always the possibility that the sixty year structure wouldn’t meet a strict interpretation of the requirements and would incur a multitude of expense.

.  Once again deciding on another tact, meeting with Ed at his makeshift office in the ancient brick city garage, asking if he would at least take a look at the residence to see if there was something outstanding that needed corrected.  Ed agreeing to do a walk-thru, the two proceeded, Gary noting that with all the years of  wiring changes, knob & tube, romex and conduit, he felt like a tour guide in a museum displaying the turn of the century electrical wiring.   Their walk thru completed, Ed not finding anything outstanding except the multiple types of wiring.  With Ed’s departure Gary sitting at his typewriter,  composing an official looking document stating the residence was concurrent with the Fm H A requirement, adding a footnote stating,  “at the time of installation all wiring in the residence complied with existing electrical codes”.   below the bottom signature line,  Gary typed, ” Kiowa City Electrical Engineer”.   Ed didn’t hesitate in fulfilling his signature to the document, or accepting a token compensation, the Fm H A also in acceptance

.  Just when Gary thought everything was copacetic, Deb announced that there were problems with the sale and with the Potters loan approval.  The Farmers Home Administration in Medicine Lodge finding an additional compulsion, a newly formulated  Federal  Statute to meet the loan requirements. The residence had to comply with a storm a window provision,  the antiquated screens on all the windows was no longer acceptable.  Gary telling Deb about a similar problem when applying for  loan to buy the house.  The FmHA refusing because of  the house didn’t meet requirements, , but agreeing if Gary borrowed another $2000 to bring it up to their standard.  Gary asking Deb to mitigated with the FmHA,  the Willson’s would reduce their selling price to cover the cost of the storm window expenditures, if the Potters would agree to the installation after the sale.   Again all seemed well until another resolution came about, the Potters were required  on acquisition of their loan to post a one year housing insurance premium.   Visiting with Joe Potter discovering they were without the financial resources for a required insurance provision, plus Joe mentioned a concern about the utilities deposit.   Gary was resolute in concluding the sale,  even if it meant his financial involvement issuing a personal check for the Potters insurance and agreeing to leave the utilities in his name for the first month.

.  With the sale completed a very familiar three bedroom house at 611 Dickinson Street was a rental, the North 11th Street house they were leaving being the old Roth family home place,  the Dickinson house also having a Roth identity, it had been the home of Jan’s grandmother, Martha  (Bampy) Roth,  her town residence upon descending from the farm.  The moving experience beginning, the furniture and household goods discovering a new home, the kiln’s and accumulation of countless molds finding storage at the Murrow residence.   The satellite dish once again installed on a roof mounted platform, being a rental, Gary’s father-in-law Bud providing the Dickinson Street platform,  Gary well adept at aligning the dish for satellite acquisition. The new residency providing a solace of confection,  no longer having  to rely on an accumulation of firewood to supplement the heat or the covering of the north windows with plastic to restrict Chuck Payne’s open field winter wind.  Jan no longer having to hang clothes on a clothesline, the rental house not having a 240 volt outlet for a dryer.  The fact that the North 11th Street residence resided with open pasture on two sides, moving into the Dickinson Street house was like moving from the farm  into town.

Robert – not a starter but a finisher

.  The little league baseball season having arrived,  Robert endorsing it with his first year of participation,  the baseball contingent being made up of fourth and fifth grade students, many of the  fourth graders novice at their first experience of fastpitch hardball.  Keith Rathgeber being the coach,  the youths all wearing K signature baseball caps,  and green embossed tee shirts displaying the team’s name,  Kiowa.   Young Robert Willson wasn’t a starter, taking more aphorism in the wearing of the uniform than excreting an athletic presentation on the field of play.   The Kiowa team having eleven players,  finding Robert and Shawn Alexander starting the game on the bench, the two somewhat non-enthusiastic spectators, aware that eventually they would end up in the game, Keith accomplishing the little league rule,  all members of the team would participate in the game

.  Gary allocating his Saturday mornings with his son, recalling his past in what preceded Little League baseball in Oakland California in the early 1950’s, the Police League,  sponsored by the Police and the Oakland City Recreation  Department.  Gary could identify with Robert,  as a youth he addressed the same situation, a nonstarter,  except when there was a no-show, but found a way to be activated in almost every game.  Gary’s dad instructing him on the fingering used by pitchers to acquire that different pitches, but more important was the ability to get the ball in the strike zone.  Robert acquiring confidence,  developing his pitching arm,  the two spending time at the ball field, his sister Sandi a reluctant participant in returning the baseballs during a batting practice session.  Gary having his son concentrating on just throwing strikes, even a five finger release,  just get the ball over the plate.   Gary approaching Keith about Robert’s acquired ability of consistency getting the ball over the plate,  which sometimes  was the quandary of the team.  The base on balls from the opposing team accounting for their score unless the incomparable Matt Tucker was pitching.  Robert soon gained a reputation, the bases loaded from a previous pitcher missing the strike zone ,  finding he would be called upon to enter the contest and not walk another batter.

.  Medicine Lodge was hosting the final championship game, the score tied, Medicine Lodge at bat in the last inning with the bases loaded.  Matt Tucker, the workhorse starter of the team,  having exhausted his pitching arm in the grueling game,  a chant from the Kiowa residence in attendance,  “Robert,  Robert,  Robert”, all expecting Keith to call Robert, but instead of Robert, the coach addressed his son Brad, who was playing shortstop.  Gary not  recalling  Brad ever pitching,  but hadn’t attended every game and knew  Brad was stout in athletic ability.  A censure echoed from the Kiowa fans  in disappointment,  the coach’s son taking  the mound and without hesitation, promptly walked in Medicine Lodge’s  winning run.    What could have been a shining moment turned out to be a cloudy day, what could have and should have, wasn’t

.  The Kiowa Service Company was no longer under the reign of Steve Miller,  Miller having relinquished ownership, the John Deere dealership proclaiming a new name to Kiowa,  Darrel Surface.   Gary having difficulty picturing the Service Company without a Steve Miller, and was totally surprised when receiving a phone call from the new owner.  Gary noting,  Steve McCreary,  whom Miller had instilled to replace Gary as parts manager had given notice,  he and  wife Tudi,  who operated Conejo’s restaurant were moving back to Wellington.  The parts manager giving notice just weeks prior to the beginning of harvest.  Darrel having been informed of Gary’s experience, inquiring if he would be able to give some assistance thru the rigorous upcoming custom cutting season.

.  Gary having never been introduced to Darrel,  agreeing to work evening and weekends,  his  curiosity aroused about the new proprietor.  Darrel, unlike Steve Miller, was a hands-on person,  the new owner vested with experience in all aspects involving the company, working the parts counter,  mounting a ten-wheeler for a combine delivery, assisting in the shop setup contingency,  a hegemony in leadership, a man for all seasons.  Gary’ brief harvest employment was meaningful, having invested over five years of his life behind the parts counter,  and the experience of working for Darrel Surface was a pleasure

.  It was brought to the community’s attention by Rex Zimmerman the editor of the Kiowa News,  publishing an article about an ongoing county investigation of the rumored misappropriation of funds by Kiowa’s Barber County Ambulance Service, mentioning the names of Bev and Lonnie Williams, the Williams directing the ambulance operation from their residence.  It was common knowledge the ambulance service was more or less a family endeavor, the two Williams, their son Monty, Bev’s sister Doris, her husband Ed Hermon, along with good family friend Billy Duval,  and the assistance of  the Kiowa Hospital nursing staff.  The article projecting a possibility the ambulance service might be removed from a Kiowa location, and all emergency service dispatched from  Medicine Lodge.   The Kiowa news publishing a notice about a public meeting at the Kiowa hospital to discuss a resolution.

.  The event finding Hospital Administrator Buck McKinney, a barber county representative, Lonnie, Bev, the ambulance personnel and several other concerned citizens in attendance, including Gary’s wife Jan.  The corollary was to cement the ambulances Kiowa location and if it would make a difference,  Lonnie and Bev’s offering to step down as ambulance  management.  Buck McKinney stating he was  willing to accept responsibility as Ambulance Director, and have the total ambulance operation managed and dispatched from the Hospital.  It was acknowledged that there would be a transition period, and the Barber County representative dictating the need for additional ambulance personnel.  The following week,  a notice was published in the Kiowa News soliciting persons interested in a EMS position, and enrollment in an accelerated EMT class,  also as an ambulance driver,  a very concerned Jan Willson enrolling in the EMT program.

.  Gary having thought’s,  but considering his 12 hours days for the school,  having no desire to inoculate himself into the world of emergency response,  then unexpectedly  answering a request to assist the evening EMT class as a responsive victim for instructional purpose.   Notwithstanding he was exposed to the modus operandi of  the ambulance service,  noting it normally operated with a three person crew on emergency runs,  a combination of two EMT’s or R N’s and a driver,  the on-call responders scheduled for a 12 hour shift with a five-minute response time.  Gary’s attendances assisting the class began to dwell  on his conscience,  discovering his school bus Defensive Driving course,   First Aid and Class B driver’s license fulfilled the prerequisites for an  ambulance driver.  The inevitable happened, he soon found his name on the monthly ambulance schedule as a driver, while Jan continued her  EMT training.  The new  driver  keeping abreast of his wife’s accelerated EMT class,  the one hundred fifty hour course  normally spanning upwards of 90 days,  depending on the instructor, the Kiowa class completing it in less than six weeks.  Upon its conclusion, the group journeying to the Kansas Emergency Medical Service Center in Wichita for their written and the five station practical tests.

.  Gary’s interest peaked knowing the intensity and dedication his wife exhibited to obtain her goal,  and shared Jan’s anxiety waiting for the notification letter from the K E M S.   The letter with the test results having arrived,  Jan and just one other of the seven applicants passing,  which they were told was not unusual.   Gary was aware the scheduling  and hours with the ambulance service were in conflict with his school hours and bus driving duty,  but with some unexpected assistance,  resolved both.  Glen Piper granting Gary permission to take call during his school hours on the condition he notify Judy Rocket if he had to leave.  The other conflict was  concerning his bus route, and resolved by hospital Director of Nursing Sharon Ragan,  who graciously offered to cover Gary’s ambulance calls when he was on his school bus route.  Gary wasn’t alone with his EMS schedule conflicting with his work day hours,  Jan employment at the bank sometimes finding her name on ambulance call for a day shift, but Marvin Ott the bank president making allowances for her also to take call.

.  It was a Saturday morning when the hand-held ambulance radio broke the silence, “Kiowa ambulance we have a call”.  the adrenaline kicked in,  it was Gary’s first run as a driver.  He was on call with Doris and Ed Hermon,  but what added to his concern was the weather, Kiowa was in the midst of an ice storm.  Gary pulling the ambulance out of the shed,  the roads covered with patches of slick black ice,  the conditions dictating a slow response,  the driver feeling handcuffed, red lights and siren at 35 mile per hour.  An arrival in Hardtner, entering the callers home,  a dimly lit, small two bedroom house, cluttered and reeking with the smell of a badly vented gas heater, directed to a bedroom.   Doris and Ed checking on the unresponsive elderly man,  immediately determining he had expired.  The wife insisting she wanted him. removed from the house right now.   Doris calmly explaining they were not authorize to transport him, but would place a call,  and in all probability have to wait until the coroner arrived before notifying the funeral home for transport.  Gary finding the wife’s non grievous deportment somewhat puzzling,  but it wasn’t for him to judge.

.  The Bank of Kiowa was under siege,  the Compliant Examiners with the FDIC having explored the regions of documents for two weeks,  then  an unexpected pronouncement,  Roger Noble the loan officer bewildering bank management,  and the Kiowa  community with his resignation.  The sudden departure of Roger was more of a concerned than just his position as loan officer, the Noble family also being responsible for the custodial care of the bank,  Roger, his wife Pat and son Stuart in the undertaking.  Marvin Ott the Bank’s president was acquainted with Gary and Jan’s custodial responsibility at the Apostolic Christian Church,  inquiring if they would be interested in replacing the Noble’s family application as the banks custodians.   The couple accepting the offer and were pleasantly surprised at the wages for the service,  Gary noting that Roger Noble and his family were paid well,  500 dollars per month for their service.

.  The couple immediately organized a duty schedule,  with Jan’s employment as a teller, after closing hours she would remain with cleaning duties in the lobby, employees area, restroom and breakroom.  Gary would return at night,  disabling the alarm system entering,   vacuum the carpets, mop the restroom,  check for additional trash in the offices left by late afternoon workers and ensuring the glass doors and drive thru window were spotless.   the work endeavor included the outer appearance of the yard and the maintenance of the water softener and H-Vac system.

.  The inevitable happened,  the Bank Examiners returning once again in search of documented amiss.  Gary curiosity aroused, was aware of the office used by the examiner’s and their leaving discarded  non-shredded notes, some with a mention of irregularities and a name,  but nothing conclusive.   On July 17th, 1986, the Bank of Kiowa was permanently closed,  the published explanation being it no longer meant FDIC requirements,  Marvin Ott accepting full responsibility for it’s demise.   Roger Noble having applied and accepting a position as Vocal Music Director at USD 2 fifty five,  Kiowa’s Middle and High School,  his name no longer a banking presence but still a pillar in the community.   The banks closing was a loss for the Kiowa community and the employees,  but also a loss for the Willson’s with Jan’s employment as a teller and the recently added custodial care income.

.  Jan’s EMT status having initiating a never before compassion,  a new-found interest in healthcare and community service.   With the loss of her bank employment she approached Director of Nursing, Sharon Ragan at the hospital,  being hired as a nurse aid,  continuing to expressed her desire to further her education and pursue a nursing degree.   Gary was in total agreement with his wife’s healthcare ambition,  but realized the difficulties they would have to overcome within the family, recalling what Jan’s mother had said in the past when told of her aspirations of college and getting a nursing degree,   “Why would you want to do that, you have a good job at the bank.”

Pratt Community College

.  The closing of the Bank of Kiowa was a detriment to the community,  but Jan Willson’s loss of employment was a life changing accession to a new trajectory, enrolling at Pratt Community College to acquirer an associates of science nursing degree with a goal of becoming a R. N..  Gary was totally committed to his wife’s ambition but several obstacles were manifested mainly regarding finances.  The tuition,  fees,  books, could be reconciled with the application of a Pell Grant and  student loan, but the most prevalent encumbrance would be of addressing  Jan’s transportation means for the 106 mile round trips to Pratt, especially during the adversity of winter.

.  Gary pondering for a solution, realizing that Jan’s gas guzzling New Yorker would have to go, and at the same time desiring to rid himself of the ill-fated Ford Van.  Being the lone wage earner since the bank closing, although Jan had visited with the Director of Nurses Sharon Ragan  working part-time as a nurse’s aide at the hospital,  Gary was having some doubts about getting a loan approval to finance a car for Jan.  For the very first time he approached his father in California, explaining Jan’s desire to become an R.N.,  the families financial shortcomings  including her transportation needs.  The Elder Willson didn’t hesitate, Gary could hear it in his voice, the prospects of having an R.N. in the family meant his approval.   His Dad posting a check doubling the amount Gary thought sufficient and when sending back the excess amount, his father tore up Gary’s check, the Murrow family still questioning their daughters adjudication.

.  It was Jan who first to prompted Gary’s attention to a 1982  red,  4-wheel drive SR5,  Toyota Tercel Wagon stationed at the corner of Bill Bogner’s Main Street dealership.  Gary wasn’t enthralled about Jan’s choice but agreeing to test drive the Tercel, the couple driving east of town discerning  a slight grinding sound oscillating  from the rear wheels. Gary suggesting they look at Bogner’s other automobile endeavors at the old Jacks Ford establishment that Bill had purchased when Steve Miller relinquished all his Kiowa Service properties.   Gary having already spotted  a small fwd.,  4 speed Isuzu pickup,  branded as a Chevrolet that had been traded in by Brad Ott.  Gary having inquired with Brad as to its condition and reason for trading, Brad confirming, the pickup was in good condition and the reason for trading was his desire for a larger pickup.   Gary could see Jan’s heart was set on the red Toyota, deciding to  approach  Bill about a duel trade,  the New Yorker and the Ford Van for the Tercel and the Isuzu, with the provision that the Toyota’s  possible wheel bearing problems would be alleviated.   The trade-in agreement was consummated,  Jan’s school transportation accomplished,  Gary finally disposing of the collateral damaged  misrepresented Ford Van, the couple both now suited with 4 wheel drive vehicles. .

.  The family was visiting the Murrow’s, Gary’s stepping outside briefly to retrieve his ambulance radio from the car,  noticing black smoke rising from what appeared to be downtown Kiowa.  Remarking as he entered the house,   there must be a fire  downtown,  no sounding of a fire siren as customary in the past,  the  volunteer fire service recently making a decision to no longer alert the citizens when they were called, the fire department appropriated funds to equip each member with a  radio.   The family  continuing with their visit, Gary once again departing outside questioning what he had seen earlier,  a concern starting to materialize with the continuing rising presence of a billowing  black smoke cloud,  the families curiosity must have spiked,  they soon joined him in observing the display.   The curiosity was too much,  deciding to appraise the situation,  driving the short distance, discovering the Kiowa Fire Department on the scene at Bogner Chevrolet.

.  Gary noticing that they had yet to block off Main Street,  and it appeared the fire was in the basement automotive service area,  and from the amount of smoke that cars might be engulfed.  He watched as Bill Duvall retreated up from the flame ridden below ground level, emerging out of the  smoke,  giving notice to the others the possibility of an explosion and  that they would have to approach cautiously.    Gary returning to the Murrow residence, going to the kitchen sink for a glass of water,  discovering almost no water pressure,  giving evidence of his apparition,  the family starting to realize the seriousness of the situation and a reason for concern.

.  Gary’s ambulance radio echoed a call,  not a medical application, but a station call for the ambulance  to be employed at the fire scene in readiness.   The fire having grown intense, its effulgence broadcasting skywards casting an increasing glow on  the horizon in the diminishing light as darkness began to prevail,  and reportedly could be seen from the aspects of Alva and Anthony thirty miles away.  The inferno consuming Bogner Automotive,  spreading east to the adjoining buildings on the south side of  main street,  continuing its havoc, spreading to the building with the 2nd floor Masonic Lodge.   The congruous structure an emblematic town fixture,  a personal concern for some of the citizens as they watched the building and artifacts, historic in nature, being engulfed in flames.

.  The fire continued seemingly unabated,  its flames reaching ascendancy, a call for additional assistance being extended to the other townships, Medicine Lodge,  Anthony and Alva Oklahoma answering the call.   Kiowa was soon without water pressure,  the local residence finding a trickle in their faucets, the water tower supply being prostrated.   The arrival of tanker trucks  from the outlying communities began resourcing the extraction of water from the Medicine River and journeys to the local farm ponds to supply the much  needed inhibitor.  The battle-line of resolution was drawn at Gamble’s Hardware Store, the firefighter struggling, a ladder truck from Alva arriving,  conveying its affluent stream of water from a higher elevation,  preventing a breach of the building’s  firewall.  The pyre was halted,  the combatants finally staying the fire carnage,  Bogner’s  Main Street Chevrolet Buick,  the Masonic Lodge and others a loss,  Gambles surviving with smoke damage.   A consensus,  the town was blessed,  the normally strong Kansas winds were silent that night,  omniscience was contemporaneous in the Kiowa community.

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Wichita Zoo Rain-forest

.  The conclusion of the school year finding it was adventure time for the grade school students, the first and second graders boarding Gary’s 46 passenger school  bus for a 90 mile journey to the Wichita Zoo.  The exhibits numbering  over 2500 species including the usual suspects,  lions, tigers,  elephants, and the relatively new children’s petting zoo consisting of mostly farm animals.   A glass enclosed lowland gorilla domain and a magnificent indoor rain-forest with waterfalls and tropical unhindered birds, an impressive focal point for the students as well as the bus driver.   Mrs. Hill, Thompson, Albright and Feasters students displaying their best behavior, Gary having volunteered to accompany the group as a rear guard to assure that no stragglers were left behind, discovering the real joy was the expressions on the Kid’s face.

.  Another year and another end of year grade school class destination for Gary.  Mrs.  Cantrell and  Golliher’s  third grade classe  was ready,  having waited all year for this class activity,  a trip to the Alabaster Caverns,  6 miles south of Freedom Oklahoma.  Gary  having position the bus on the west side of the gym, watching the class board for the 60 mile journey, the students yet to realize the magnitude of their adventure.  It had been over 12 years since Gary had acquainted Freedom and the Alabaster Caverns,  and was still awestruck when crossing the Cimarron River.  He never mentioned to anyone that he and fellow band member Jerry Willis had attempted to fish adjacent to the bridge crossing,  only to discover later what the locals knew, there were no fish because of the contamination from the sulfate and chloride mining upstream.  Arriving at the Alabaster Caverns State Park, the property being one of just three venues in the world where black veins of alabaster are found  the other two localities were in Italy and China.   The State of Oklahoma purchasing the 200 acres in 1953,  the property being used as a nuclear fallout and emergency supply storage shelter.  In 1956 it was designated a state park and open to the public.

.  The students having been introduced to a uniform state park guide in the visitors center giving a presentation,  the lady annotating  the exhibits of the various types of gypsum mineral and the caverns, Oklahoma Native American heritage.  Relating that the use of the cavern during the late eighteen hundreds was a haven for outlaws during a period when the Oklahoma Panhandle was called  the Oklahoma Badlands.  The guide,  with the class in accordance, proceeded down the path to the entrance of the cavern abyss, disclosing the temperature inside the three quarter mile of cavern length,  ranged between 52 to 58 degrees,  depending on the season,  adding  the journey thru the cavern would take one hour.  Once endowed within, the entrance no longer providing a detectable source of afferent,  the walkway course broadcasted with the dimly lit effervescent lights,  the once bubbling class now strangely silent as the they filed into the largest room of the cavern,  60 feet in length and 50 feet high,  the guide pointing out the veins of alabaster.  Continuing,  the observant group soon reaching a wooden bridge,  finding a stream flowing beneath, the water entering from a hidden source and exiting the same,  the guide pointing out the residency of 5 species of bats that hung from the heights of the promontory cave.

.  Reaching a mid-point,  the group was halted,  the Criterion again explaining  to the group,  they were about to experience total darkness, the lights in the cavern would be extinguished briefly and not to be afraid.  A deafening  silence among the third graders was prevalent,  the lighting within the cavern was removed,  a total darkness unveiled, and with the stillness of silence,  a surreal environment of total abandonment was present,  each person acquainting themselves alone in a capsule darken world for the first time.  Even Gary appreciated the demonstration,  an experience of solitude, a taste of reality.  The restoration of light, the sound of voices  finding a relief for many who never experience the perception of absolute darkness.   Continuing the journey,  the guide referencing several ancillary passage’s that branched out from the tours main access route,  ten other small,  but aurora reaching openings providing entrance.   The hour-long tour consummating,  the class arising from the profundity of the earth,  once again imbuing the blue sky and verdant Oklahoma air.   A tram ride back to the visitors center, the provided  sack lunch in hand,  the third graders finding the spacious grounds a place of contentment to relate their recent experience with each other.

.  The bus driver approached the two teachers relating that some of the kids wanted to explore more of the parks realm, Gary telling them he would see if it was permissible and if so he would take the group on an expedition to find some of the ancillary entrances to the cavern.   An affirmation from the two instructors  found the campaign on a search mission, finding eight of the ten well concealed openings,  but only two with a width for human access.   A further exploration, Gary chaperoning the students on a venture to find some of the other natural attributes of the awe-inspiring parks  domain discovering a trail leading to other caves and the renown natural rock bridge.  The adventurous class activity concluded,  once again finding the school bus returning to Kiowa,  its occupants  having obtained an adventure and a better understanding  of nature and a bus driver with an acknowledgement of the rewards that those in the teaching profession experience every day.

.  An impressive experience for Gary, the fourth and fifth grade class were destined to  travel the 35 miles to the Great Salt Plain Lake  five miles east of Cherokee Oklahoma,  its presence having the distinction of being  the only location in the world where selenite salt crystals in hourglass inclusions are found.   The students able to forage on the salt plain bordering the 9000 acre lake,  fed by the salt fork of the Arkansas river.  Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Elwood escorting the class, the bus halting in the digging area of the desolate expanse of the salt plains, Gary having visited the state park with his family but preferring the lake over the crystal inflected flat area.  The lake was without a doubt the most unusual one in  Oklahoma,  providing a prevalence depth of only four feet, a dam on the east withholding the reservoir of water. The fourth and fifth graders lost their enthusiasm shortly after arriving, it was understandable, digging for salt crystals wasn’t very exciting.

.  Gary made some attempt to enact some stimuli from the boys by relating that during world war 2, this area was a bombing range, and in all probability their might still be ordnance just below the surface.  The itinerary for the return called for a  stop at the Dam and its picnic area for a sack lunch, with a hesitation at Kegelman field,  an Air force Base training station.  The runway at the base was an axillary facility used by the small jet trainers stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid.  The journey home concluding,  unlike the other class year trips, the students brought home  souvenirs, if not in a sack, wearing the salt on their clothing as testament to The Salt Plains State Park.

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King James Holy Bible

The years of attending both Sunday and Wednesday nights Services at the Apostolic Christian Church  began to assimilate with Gary,  the fellowship with the members not the only benefaction,  the ecclesiastical message from the pulpit instilling a consequential testament.  The congregation expressing unity with total humility and solace of purpose, A new horizon emanated, there was a another subservient admission of life other than the worldly ways of society,  Gary imbibing the words of the bible, his meaning of thought having found a comforting solace.

.  Gary  having witnessed Jan’s acceptance of Jesus Christ and the acquiesce of becoming an Apostolic Christian Sister in faith,  first approached Jan’s Uncle,  Raymond Roth, a Church Minister, but subsequently embracing a hierarchy, Ronnie Nelson,  the Church’s Elder,  petitioning him to the prerequisites for acceptance in the apostolic brotherhood.   Ronnie patiently explaining  the church required no more than what was in the bible.  A term of repentance was first in order to demonstrate and  acknowledge the wrongdoing in one’s life and to make amends  privately or personally and in some means approach those whom you have offended,  giving penance for your censurable action and beseeching absolution.  Gary, evenings meeting in prayer with Ron Nelson in his home, discussing the lamentable occurrences of the past, receiving guidance on a desirable approach to fulfill his commitment with the Lord’s direction.

.  Ninety days having passed,  the traditional repentance temporal for those seeking affiliation with the Apostolic Christian Church  was thirty to sixty days,  most prospective disciples having family members abiding in the congregation for generations.  Gary in abeyance, but never questioning his accession,  his faith in the Lord firmly resolved, acknowledging the decision to proceed was at the discretion of  Ron Nelson.   A day of atonement  having arrived, the total apostolic congregational membership present for a closed session attendance,  an open colloquy of the aspiring brethren.   Gary standing before the brothers and sisters, a warm glow of solace empowering him, acknowledging his total acceptance and certitude, Jesus was Lord and Savior, answering inquiries of his affirmation and belief in his salvation thru Christ

.  The inherent faith protocol consummated, the baptism being affirmed for the following week.   Gary having a decision to make, it was tradition that the baptismal recipient embrace a church member to accompany him as a  sponsor,  to attest to his communion and to assist in the baptismal ceremony. The person also to stand with him and the minister,  providing a towel to edulcorate the baptismal water upon his emergence.   Jan’s  family and most of the congregation expecting Gary to approach Jan’s Ministering Uncle,  Raymond Roth to conferred the carriage of sponsorship,  but to their surprise another finding prominence in Gary’s acuity.   A person of esteem religious conviction,  one whom Gary had many pontifical discussion with,  a man who lived with total divination to Lord in every aspect of his life, his statue presenting a prodigious ascendancy on the new disciple.   His choice a disappointment to his in laws,  but an atonement of his commitment, Gary espousing Frank Kisling, a farmer,  friend and true believer from Burlington Oklahoma.

.  The Baptismal water vessel was filled, the last time availed was when Gary’s wife Jan was emerged into it cleansing waters years earlier, the church endowment having  no additional proselytes.   The  Church,  their traditions of a by-gone era,  discomforting to some inaugural visitors,  but finding the kindred membership all in attendance for the ceremonial occasion.   The new disciple stepping into the sacrosanct of water, Ron Nelson proclaiming the baptismal sacraments,  the laying on of hands.  Gary to be  immersed,  the church elder placing his hand on the adherent,  submerging him in the cleansing waters,  a new personage in Christ arising.   With an accommodation of dry clothes,  the newly announced person in Christ standing before the pulpit,  the congregation,  each walking down the center aisle to greet their new brother in faith,  the traditional bumping of chins by the men to symbolize a greeting with the holy kiss,  a handshake from the women,  an adulation of blessing expressed by all, some with joyous tears,  for the first time in his life Gary experiencing a worldly emptiness,  but replaced by the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.

Shawn Johnson & Pam Cooper

Another Kiowa Grade School fall semester  commencing,  Pam Cooper,  Gary’s custodial co-worker having a work related adversity.  Pam once again complaining about her difficulty utilizing the backpack vacuum on the carpet installed the previous year in the first thru third grade classrooms,  deciding to use a floor push vacuum sweeper and having to move every desk to accommodate its employment.  The floor sweeper, a remnant from the past,  Gary using it daily for the downstairs library and Sally Foresters kindergarten room by Gary.   Mrs. Forester’s room having been the only prior carpeted room in the building with the exception of the office and library.   Gary suggesting Pam approach Juanita Smith the Grade School Principal about requesting a new floor vacuum sweeper, explaining her difficulties with the backpack and mention the age of the floor sweeper.  Pam’s rapport with the Principal was questionable at best, previously having been discovered making direct undisclosed out-of-state long distance calls at 6:00 a.m. on the school’s telephone to her ex-husband in Michigan failing to disclose her actions to administration.

.  Gary by happenstance,  waiting for his afternoon bus route to commence in school secretary Judy Rocket’s office, that adjoined  Principal Juanita Smiths.   Pam Cooper entering Juanita’s office, accosting the principal about acquiring a new floor sweeper for her custodial duties.   Juanita was patient, acknowledging her request,  but illustrating that all the custodian’s in the district utilized the more efficient backpack appliance,  and it would be questionable if Superintendent Piper would approve the request.   Gary and Judy could hear Pam getting belligerent about her discomfort using the backpack, her preference for a floor machines and in a questioning voice rebuked the Principals logic.   Juanita,  remaining composed,  replying,  Pam would have to make do with what she had to work with.  In a sudden burst,  Pam slammed her school keys on Juanita’s desk and exited  the building, the Principal looked up,  noticing that Judy and Gary had witnessed the incident.

.Gary’s first thoughts was of Pams scheduled bus route,  immediately suggesting to Juanita  he would fine and ask Cathy Cox, who was licensed,  if she would accommodate Pam’s student delivery duty.  Gary returning after securing Cathy’s availability, finding  Juanita clasping a purse, it was Pam’s,  who in her haste had left it.   Gary offering to return it, knowing that Pam and her boys had moved into an apartment across the street from the school.  Crossing  south of the school, Gary approached Pam’s place of residence,  able to see her thru the screen door  sitting in a rocker,  her actions giving concern,  she was rocking back and forth with a look of asperity on her face.   Handing her the purse,  Gary concurred with her litigation,  soliciting her to apologize to Juanita and return to her school duties, but it was to no avail, her temperament still abounding, a look of consternation on her face.

.  With Pams termination, Gary now the schools solitary custodian accepting Pams classroom and cleaning assignments,  not a new experience,  having accorded the responsibility during her sick day absences’, but recognizing the custodial vacancy annunciation was in need of  immediate attention,  an available person coming to mind, his brother-in-law,  Shawn Johnson.    Shawn was currently employed by their father-in-law’s business,  Murrow Construction.  Bud having let some of the family know he wasn’t too enthusiastic about hiring Shawn,  acknowledging the provision until Shawn could find other employment.  Gary informing the Johnson family of the school custodial vacancy,  Shawn was very receptive, immediately retaining and submitting an employment application at the School Central Office.

.  Gary being privileged to a discerning relevance by superintendent secretary,  Wanda Eckert,   divulging that Juanita Smith upon hearing about Shawn’s application was  detrimental to his employment,  questioning his character,  having established a reputation during his prior South Barber school years.  Gary questioning the reasoning,  deciding to talk to Glen,  approaching the Superintendent’s office on a deliberate mission to affirm Shawn’s qualifications.  Glen acknowledging  Gary’s approbation for his brother-in-law’s employment and mentioned that he respected Gary‘s advocacy.   The conversation turning,  the superintendent directing a response from Gary with a question.  If Shawn was hired, he wanted assurance that Gary would administer a degree of awareness to Shawn’s propriety,  Gary understanding  the reality of what was not being  said, in other words keep an eye on him.

.  Gary,  for the first time in five years of maintaining two-thirds of the custodial assignments for the school finding relief with the accession of Shawn,  some of the workload responsibility being lifted.   Gary no longer singularly responsible for the two most time consuming projects,  the mowing,  and the never accomplished continuous floor maintenance of the gym.   Shawn volunteering to dust mop the gym floor before, during and after school,  Gary still involved with the care of the stage,  dressing rooms and bleachers.   The school year continuing, Gary maintaining his 12 hour  schedule,  arriving and unlocking the gate to the fenced High School bus security area at 5:00 a.m.   Shawn arriving about the same time,  their schedule coinciding at the beginning of the day,  but differing in the afternoon,  Gary accomplishing an hour for lunch at home,  working till 6 pm,  Shawn taking a thirty minute lunch and finishing his day at 5:30.

 As the year progress, Gary noticed an abridgment in his brother-in-law starting time,  it wasn’t consistent,  some mornings arriving at the school as late as 6:00 a.m.,  nevertheless,  finding him staying later in the day to maintain his required hours, but soon that too was displaced, entertaining an earlier departure time.   Gary reasoned it was none of his business considering the work was being accomplished, the only impropriety of gravity was Shawn’s fallacious documentation.   It was Gary’s responsibility to delivery the Grade Schools custodians self endorsed handwritten time cards to the Central Office, the custodians were district employees under the supervision of the Superintendent,  not the principal of the school as most of the public assumed.  Gary couldn’t help but notice Shawn’s late morning appearance and his early departures, but his hourly written record didn’t reflect actuality,  Shawn’s time card always proclaiming a 12 hour day and a 60 hour week.

.  It wasn’t long, coming to the conclusion,  his brother-in-law’s perspective of the school was just that, a school, nothing more, nothing less.   Gary feeling different, having stood in the darken school hallway before sunrise, the surroundings casting an echoing silence, its 50 years presence giving voice to the embroilment of a learning citadel,  soon to come to life with the bustle and vibrant expectation of young students  and the caring natured atmosphere  radiating from  educators in the classroom.  Shawn was a definite asset but Gary having a sense that Shawn’s school employment would not be one of longevity,