Inquisitive Quest

Glen Piper Superintendent Of Schools

.  Two major concerns in Gary’s life were beginning to weigh heavily on him, the first was the enlightenment of the Apostolic Christian Church, and a never before spiritual  calling to acknowledge and accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.   Gary approaching Church Elder Ronald Nelson,  questioning him of the prerequisites of becoming a brother in the church, Ron explaining the cleansing rites of repentance, its time frame, acceptance and the role of an Elder. His second concern was work related and in direct conflict with his first, one of being involved in the falsification of  warranty paperwork at Kiowa Service as prescribed by owner Steve Miller.

.  Gary having realizing there was no way he could compromise his commitment to the Lord.   Entering Steve Miller’s office, a decision to terminate his employee status at Kiowa Service having been determined.  The conversation was brief, Gary communicating his abrogation about leaving,  according Steve a two-week notice,  affirming a stay to the first of July, fulfilling  the final consummation of the harvest season.  Steve raising from his desk,  presenting an understanding, having discussed the parts person discernment of his warranty position in the past, and was aware of Gary’s affiliation with the Apostolic Church. He thanked his departing employee for his service,  offering his hand,  aspiring him well in his future endeavors.  Gary leaving, relieved, his resolution accomplished, with a wonderment persisting of what the Lord had in store for him.

.  The final two weeks brought a paradox of emotion,  having sojourned at the Service Company for over five years, sometime experiencing twist and turns on this enlightening journey thru this agricultural John Deere environment.  The forty-three years old Gary, unemployed,  and bolstering a layman’s resume of jack of all trades, a master of none,   experienced in everything from a 33 week army missile electronics school and the arming circuit of a missile nuclear warhead to providing,  the correct shears for a 12 bottom John Deere plow,  was now seeking an employment opportunity.  Gary contemplated the possibilities, Humphrey Implement,  acquainted with three of Bud Humphreys four sons, Jim, Kim and Sam, and with other prospective  employers encompassing his contingency list, including  the City of Kiowa and Barber County.

.  Gary realized  another option existed,  but would be very reluctant to impose it, Murrow Construction, discerning  difficulties could prevail working for his father-in-law.  His quest was about to begin when his wife noticed an ad published in the Kiowa News, Jan pointing out,  USD 2 55,  the Kiowa’s School District was accepting applications for three custodian/driver positions to fill vacancies at the Grade School and Hardtner Middle School.

.  The next morning,  Gary entering the USD 2 55 office on Main Street,  introducing himself to the lady seated at a desk, making the acquaintance of Wanda Eckert,  the Superintendent’s secretary.  Gary mentioning the Kiowa News ad about the openings for custodian/drivers, leaving with application in hand, thanking her saying he would return.   The application information completed,  Gary once again returning, with a smile Wanda motioning him towards the open door to the superintendent’s office.   Sitting behind his desk was Glen Piper,  the newly commissioned superintendent of schools who Gary was acquainted with.   Glen and his wife Donna sometimes attending the Apostolic Christian Church with Donna’s family member,  plus Gary having assisted Glen and his two son’s, Ty and Troy, at the Kiowa Service securing parts during harvest, Donna’s family having a farm at Burlington.  Glen welcoming him,  beckoning Gary to be seated,  the superintendent handed the application , apprising that Gary was applying for a position as a custodian/driver,  then glancing  briefly at  the application,  looking up at Gary and without hesitation asserting,  “you have the job”.The first reaction from Gary was one of  speechlessness,  then a acquiescent  “thank you”.   Piper continued with an annotation that as policy the notice in the paper would continue for one more edition,  followed by a notification to applicants of their acceptance or failure for the position,  at which time it would become public. Leaving the district office Gary understood the unsaid message, the ensuring events of the morning having been thrust upon him without forethought,  sensing  mixed feelings, one of accomplishment,  but another of humility and most of all an overriding essence that a higher authority had intervened.

.  The three new custodian/drivers given their official employment notification, were instructed to join the two prevailing high school custodian’s, Joe Cox and Craig Ragan to meet with Superintendent Piper at the district office.  Gary having made the acquaintance of Joe and Craig, but was introduced to Pam Cooper and Bud Winters,  both residence of Hardtner.  Glen giving a presentation about his expectations from  the group,  adding they were to answer to the principal of the school,  and like the academia, they were still subject to his discretion and supposition, meaning in reality,  they worked for him. Continuing,  he gave the building assignments, Bud Winters securing the  middle school position at Hardtner,  Pam Cooper would join Gary at the Grade School in Kiowa,  and Joe and Craig to remain at the high school.

.  With the school custodial assignments in place, the new employees would have to fulfill the second part of their custodian/driver positions, that of bus drivers.  The State of Kansas requiring all school bus driver to have a valid class B driver’s license,  and attend prescribed mandatory driver safety and first aid classes.  The first order of business was to obtain their class B license,  five member from USD 2  55 were to go to the DMV in Medicine Lodge for the written and driving test exam.  The assemblage composed of a recently hired South Barber tennis coach,  a high school teacher, Veda Holt,  the new grade school music instructor, Cathy Cox, and new custodians Pam Cooper and Gary,   Bud Winters being exempt having already licensed.  The drive to Medicine Lodge was anything but subdued, Gary discovering that Veda Holt, who was more or less in charge, was quite a conversationalist keeping everyone entertained with South Barber related anecdotes.

.  Arriving and completing the written exam, the group filing outside accompanied by a driving examiner,   leading him to the school suburban they had arrived in,  the examiner halting the procession shaking his head,  letting them know  the suburban didn’t meet the test requirements for the class B license.  A perplexed Veda Holt returned inside with the DMV instructor to place a call to the school district office.  Wanda Eckert  transferring the call to Glen, the superintendent assuring Veda that he would take care of the situation.   Twenty minutes later, a Medicine Lodge 16 passenger school bus arrived, the superintendent having contacted the district office at Medicine Lodge about borrowing a bus.  The five complying with the license driving requirement, all that remained was their attendance in the Driver’s Safety and First Aid classes which also to be held in Medicine Lodge.

.The suddenness of events in one’s life finding Gary’s sequestered uncertainty beginning to make itself visible, with his involving communion with the Load.

Kiowa Grade School

.Gary’s first inner structure acquaintance with the South Barber Elementary School, commonly referred to by the populace as,  The Grade School,  was an engrossing colloquium from the past,  built by the WPA in the 19 30’s.  It was inherit from his childhood,  people, places and events of the past instilled some sort of haunting mystical spell, especially the inner walls of a  domain from an earlier era, one that absorbed,  listened,  and witnessing the initiation that was the foundation of those years.

.  From the street the building appears to be a single story structure with the exception of the gym,  but in reality the educational facility has a lower level.   Beneath the east portal and wing resides the cafeteria, kitchen and classrooms.  Beneath the southwest portal is the library,  boiler room and beneath the gym stage on the south resides the girls and boy dressing rooms, on the north the music room.  Normal access to the school was by the Main Street entrances or the Miller street south teacher walkway.  The two west side gym doors allowed access for school bus traffic.  Remaining was a stage exit door, two others on the east wing, the kindergarten being the only classroom to have its own exit door to a sand playground on the south.

.  Gary’s first accordance, entering the building on his first day was the abandon silence.  After a brief search,  discovering a lone person in the building, introducing himself to Shirley Sieber.  Shirley and Ed Hermon being the two departing custodians,  with Shirley agreeing to defer her exit until Pam Cooper  was available, Pam asking and receiving a delay in her starting date.   Shirley very well versed in her duties,  explaining the assignments to be completed during the summer months, most of which had already been accomplished.   The first project Gary was called upon was to assist Shirley in the stripping and waxing of the kitchen and cafeteria floors,  Shirley was well adept in the procedure,   having already accomplished her appointments of classroom floors.  Gary discovering the assignment laborious and somewhat coalescent,  the Kansas summer heat having taken up residency, the buildings window mounted air conditioning units not being allowed to be activated until the teachers arrived at the start of the school year.

.  With Shirley’s departure and Pam’s arrival, the two working together began restoring the rooms to accessibility,  a classroom appearance once again attained, the hall floors the last to be addressed with an effervescent shine.   Glen Piper’s arrival in the building found him presenting a walk thru inspection and an introduction to Juanita Smith,  the newly appointed principal.  The Grade School having done without onsite principal’s in the past, Misses Smith to continued her commission as a fourth and fifth grade english teacher,  as well as the dual role of Grade School principal.  Gary’s work day schedule was a first, an anomaly,  a 50 hour week during the summer months, and the normal school year requiring a 60 hour work week, 12 hours per day,  5 days a week. The school district having found a way of getting around the required overtime.

.  The School buses were gated at the high school,  six 40 passenger Bluebird coaches,  one standard  54 occupancy bus, and three 12 passenger 4 wheel drive Chevrolet suburban’s.   The bus driving assignments were dictated by location, high school custodians Joe Cox and Craig Ragan would provide for the middle school transfer route to Hardtner utilizing 40 passenger buses.   Bud and Pam, both residence of Hardtner would drive suburban’s securing  north and east of highway 281 in Hardtner,  their routes included the non-blacktop  rural roads.   Gary was appointed the longest route, his 1974 Suburban the oldest,  a maroon and gray 4 wheel drive,   his journey encompassing 38 miles,  with 10 miles of dirt road,  supposedly maintained  with the township road grader.  Just prior to the start of school,  Gary notified Glen  he was going to run his route several time to make sure he introduced himself to the parents of his charges, and at the same time projecting an arrival time, enabling the students to be promptly available in the morning.

.  The teachers began arriving before the start of the school year, making ready their classrooms, the Two custodians meeting with Juanita for any additional instructions.   Gary having taken the time to assemble a diagram,  similar to a blueprint of the school, designating all the rooms and areas of the building, presenting it to Pam to discuss  the work responsibility within the building.  Pam glancing at the diagram, apparently having already come to a decision,  immediately asserting she would be responsible for Misses Cantrell and Misses Golliher’s 3rd grade rooms, misses Albright’s 2nd grade room and the Special Ed room.   In addition she would do the girls restrooms,  the administrative offices,  cafeteria floors,  the stairwell and east section of the hall,  then  turning away,  saying it was all she would do

.  Gary finding he had inherited two thirds of the building, with 8 classrooms, Mrs. Forester’s Kindergarten, Mrs. Hills and Thomson’s first grade rooms, …..Mrs. Feaster’s second grade, Mrs. Elwood’s, Millers, Smiths and Mr. McGee’s 4th and 5th grade classrooms, plus the  teachers’ lounge,  the gymnasium, its floor three times daily, stage, bleachers, downstairs dressing rooms, Cathy Cox’s music room, Mrs. McKinley’s library, and three-quarters of the upstairs and all of the downstairs hallways.

.  Additionally he had  two city blocks of yard mowing and edging, plus  the building’s heating system, maintaining the manual fill, low pressure steam boilers,  also replacement duty for the abundant fluorescent lights and ballast, responsible for the school crossing light and the privilege of rising and  lowering the National and State flags on the flag pole each school day. Gary questioned whether the time allotted for his bus route,  the school and its grounds would be sufficient,  the answer would arrive with the start of school.

Low pressure steam boilers – the school’s heat

.  Gary’s school day began at 5 a. m. unlocking the gate to the fenced security area accommodating the school buses at the high school,  accessing his Suburban for the journey to the grade school.  The custodians first assignment,  for a winter’s day, the firing of the two large low pressure steam boilers, otherwise,  his attention then given to the vacuuming of the library, the cleansing of two male restrooms,  finishing with his upstairs rooms desk tops  and the classroom chalk boards returned to an unused appearance, followed by the dusting of all horizontal surfaces, an unlocking of the entrance doors,  an activation of the Main Street flashing crossing caution light and the posting of the flags all to be accomplished in an hour and forty-five minutes before the 7:00 a.m. bus route embarkation.  In addition to his morning and afternoon regular suburban bus route, Gary inheriting a noon route,  providing the return of the rural morning Kindergarten students to Hazelton and east of town.

.  Gary found Mrs. Elwood’s math,  and Mr. McGee’s downstairs Science 4th and 5th grade classrooms,  conveniently vacated during the last period of the day enabling him to accomplish their room before the end of the school session.  The floors of Gary’s other six rooms and the hall were managed upon returning from his bus route as was the gym floor, it having been done in the morning,  and on an as needed basis,  especially during weather activity with the student utilizing the gym at noon, and while waiting for their bus transportation. The custodians goal was to have his eight classrooms in pristine posture at the beginning of each day when the teacher entered the room.  The other custodian, Pam Cooper,  evoking another tact, cleaning her classroom during the day, while the students participated at recess,  music or other out of classroom activities,  the teachers and students never really experiencing a primeval  classroom accomplishment.    This being his concluding task before the ending his day at 6:00 p.m. with the return of the suburban to the high school.

.  The grade school retaining the original Superior Boiler Works Pawnee boiler, one of two installed when the school was built in 1936,  the second boiler,  a kawanee,   slightly smaller in capacity,  both boiler having never been fitted with automated water level controls and had to be filled manually,  but having at least one safety device, fitted with an electric sensor that would shut the system down if no flames were detected.   The steam boilers providing the only source of heat for the entire building,  every room including the gym having fixed radiators.  The radiators speaking up when first experiencing the steam,  with a clanging sound out of a movie script.  Their clamor and clanking resonating throughout the building,  caused by non-returning  condensation, when the heat from the steam was applied to a cold convector.

.  Directed by Glen Piper,  Gary journeyed  to Wichita  attending  a two-day steam boiler operations, maintenance and safety class, his only operational knowledge was limited, coming from Ed Hermon the departed custodian.  The two-day boiler indoctrination provided an insight to the maintenance aspects, the checking and replacement of steam traps, the large industrial return pumps,  the inspection of the boiler tubes for leakage and the cleansing of the oxidation formed on the numerous tubes and seals.   Also included was the proper monitoring of water  level and pressure, Gary realized,  although the boilers were a remnant from a past era,  it was interesting that an another precipitous realm was making his acquaintance.

.  The daytime experience found the yard endeavor time consuming,  the only grass cutting appliance was a five horsepower Snapper mower with a 32 inch swath.  Mowing during the school day required scheduling, as there was an access restriction to certain areas dictated by the presence of students.   The grounds encompassed two city blocks,  including the little league baseball diamond,  which was always in a state of request for attention. The Main Street and sidewalk enhancing the length of the building,  each with four entrances, demanded an ongoing edging application.

.  The most arresting situation confronting the teachers, one that could cause untold frustration,  the failure of the copy machine.  Gary finding some staff members mechanically inclined,  able to remedy minor obstructions,  others obliging their ignorance,  calling upon him for assistance.   The lone copier having an antiquated backup, something the custodian hadn’t experienced since his Burckhalter Elementary ascendancy in Oakland,  an ink filled,  hand cranked mimeograph machine, the throwback to the  past,  seeing limited use.  Superintendent Piper approached Gary with a solution to the copy machine down-time quandary,   asking if he would be interested in working with the contracted vendor,  whom was finding it difficult to respond from Wichita every time a problem developed with the machine.   Gary agreeing to work with the serviceman,  the two meeting at the Grade School on a Saturday afternoon.   The technician  field-stripping the copier down to its component parts, Gary observing, taking notes, comprehending  their function,  and how to determine and resolve any problems.   The vendor satisfied with Gary’s hands on approach, his acknowledgement of the equipment’s operation,  and discernment to diagnose the cause of a malfunctions.

.  Glen asking about  the Wichita vendor,  questioning if their Saturday meetings came to resolution and the results, Gary relating the event was successful, expressing confidence that he could resolve most of the grade schools copy machine problems.   Glen continued, asking if he would be susceptible in performing this service for all the district copiers,  and if so,  he would see that he receive a monthly stipend as compensation.   Gary was somewhat hesitant in accepting Glens offer, considering the added responsibility, but also witness to  the inconvenience caused by a down copy machine, deciding to accept the undertaking.

The rumblings aloft announcing the coming event.

.  The twelve-hour work day fulfilled, a quiet evening at home,  then calling it a night,  the rumblings aloft announcing a coming event.  Gary distinguishing the quiescent  patter of rain starting to fall,  not unusual for late September in Kiowa,  a welcome sound providing a relief from the enduring hot summer.   An wakening at 4:30 a. m.,  the rumble of thunder projecting thru the darken morning environment, the rain still descending from lightning silhouetted clouds, not drawing any concern.   Leaving his residence for the high school,  his school Chevrolet Suburban arrested behind the locked fenced  enclosure,  the rain still descending.  Gary proceeding to his appointed morning tasks at the school and by its sound, noticing a definite increase in the rain.   A concern with the weather starting to formulate,  a subconscious thought beginning about the condition of his dirt roads.  The newly acquainted school employee having never experienced the advent of a large amount of rain on his route,  but being an imparted optimist, surely the rain wouldn’t be a detriment to the  four wheel drive suburban in keeping his route schedule.

.A decision to digress early from the school was decided on, the adornment from the sky having increased to an incessant downpour.  Seated in the suburban engaging the journey,  Gary well aware that he had never before driven the dirt artery to the David Meyers farm in such weather conditions.   Crossing the Medicine River bridge, proceeding northeast on the glistening blacktop of Highway #2 towards Hazelton, finding the visibility difficult thru the downpour searching for the second mile section turnoff.  Stopping at the turnoff,  exiting from the suburban  in the cascading effusion to manually engage the four-wheel drive,  accessing the front wheels,  rotating the four-wheel drive lock on each wheel.  Employing the four-wheel drive shift lever, adroit in confidence, Gary entered his plight thru the nebula of precipitation   The visual acuity sporadic with each pass of the wiper blades, the 4 wheel drive front wheels attempting to assert its authority,  plowing forward on the peaking crown center of the road,  its stability causing a concern. .

.  The rear of the Suburban processing a will of  its own,  sliding towards the bordering edge of the road  but the enabled front wheel drive exhorting its call,   somehow pulling it back on course.   Its wheels in rotation traversing the quagmire at a crawl,  the vehicle continued, then inevitable happened.  The slick lateral slope of the road was too much to overcome, the rear of the car sliding off the avenue into a mire of cataclysm, followed by the front.   Several attempt being made with the 4wheel drive in low, but the suburban remained a captive of the unforgiving quagmire       The sound of the rain pelting,  the swish of the windshield wipers,  the vehicle idling,  a glow from the dashboard lights in the darkness,  providing a resonating aura,  a sense of dejection starting to prevail,  but it was short-lived,  an awakening.

.  Gary reaching for the two-way radio,  knowing that Glen Piper would be at the District Office, the Superintendent always steadfast at his station during inclement weather.   Glen acknowledging the driver’s dilemma, then coming right back with,  having placed a telephone call to Keith Rathgeber,  relating that D & W  would be arriving in a tow truck to remedy his plight.  It wasn’t long till Gary could see the headlights in the rear-view mirror,  rescue was in sight, the tow truck approaching

. Embarking from the winch mounted vehicle in the pouring rain was Keith and Scott Rathgeber evaluating the situation,  pulling the cable towards the front of the Suburban,  finding the large towing eye bolt fastened to the frame beneath the bumper,  hooking the cable,  the vehicle ready to commence its appointment.   Scott sitting behind the wheel of the truck encouraging it forward, Gary remaining in the Suburban,  also attempting to edge its movement.   The towing vessels straining,  its wheels spinning,  and then a sudden jumping lateral movement,  the towing venture sliding sideways off the road joining the Suburban in the quagmire,  its wheels spinning, unable to muster any traction at all.  With both vehicles now disabled, Keith and Scott seemed perplexed at what to do,  Gary once again addressing the two-way radio,   communicating with Glen,  explaining the situation, suggesting he might call David Meyer and make him aware of what was going on.

.  Glen coming back on the radio, just gotten off the phone, David was on his way.  Ten minutes having expired when the lights of the tractor could be seen advancing toward them, as it neared Gary could see that it wasn’t David’s  4430 John Deere, but his cab-less old 4020,  a John Deere mainstay from 1963 to 1972.  David stopping,  face drenched and  water streaming off his poncho, without hesitation fastening a rope to the truck as Keith unhooked the Suburban.  With  Scott aboard the tow truck, the 4020 having little trouble pulling it back onto the muddy road,  Keith and Scott acknowledging they could make from there, David saying he would see that Gary and the school vehicle would get to the blacktop. Fastening the rope to the Suburban, Gary steering they proceeding 1 1/2 miles to the Meyers farm, David’s two daughters Sherrill and Loretta boarding the Suburban more concerned on being late for school than the weather.

. The towing journey continuing,  the two vehicles in tandem for the remaining 3 1/2 miles before reaching the blacktop at Gerlane Road.    A very wet and soaked David Meyers was understanding,  not admonishing the inexperienced mud driver,  but enlightening him,  that during inclement weather, whether it be rain or snow,  always take the alternative river road by Girty’s and approach his place from the west.  Then adding the secret of staying on a mud slick road, always drive in the ruts from the previous traffic.  Knowing that he would once again encounter the mud when returning the girls after school,  Gary was indebted to the farmer for the lesson, he would journey the river road route with an appreciative  thank you to David Meyer.

Robert in Uniform

.  Robert having made a decision, the young man aspiring  to become a Cub Scout.   Gary recalling his venture into Scouting,  according a benediction,  but also remembering the encumbrance of attendance and participation,  sometimes not always a convenience when other contingencies presented themselves to a nine-year old.   The attire of a uniform always presenting a presentation of self-esteem regardless of the person’s perspective.

.  The Kiowa Den meetings being embraced in the Scout Hut.  The hut  located across the street from the Grade School  on 10th Street, the upstairs utilized by the older Boy Scouts,  the basement pavilion relegated for the younger Cubs.   Keith Hoffman, a diesel mechanic at Kiowa Service abiding in lieu of a Den Mother,  tinctured as a Den Father, his son, Kenny, the same age as Robert, with Gary having volunteered as assistant Den luminary.   The young cadre ready to accomplishing the Cub regiment of scouting beginning with the rank of Bobcat, followed by attaining the requirements in the Wolf and Bear Manuals, and the final accolade, a Webelos accomplishment before acquiring the scouting entry arrow of light, all prerequisite before advancing into the plaudits of mature scouting.

.  Gary finding Cub Scout guidance was a gratification,  the communion with the younger understudies providing a forbearance of a previous era,  the adventurous ambitions of an insouciant time of life,  his son Robert prevailing with an attitude for accomplishment.  The program to encourage elective projects, understandably finding the association of boys not very innovative when left to a decision,  parental guidance was found to be the operative.   Gary recognizing Robert’s  indecision on choosing a project,  likewise  he and Keith  realized that most of these first undertakings would probably be parental ideas.  With Roberts indecision,  Gary presented a proposal, having introduced Robert and his sister to the realm of the night sky,  utilizing a five-inch reflector telescope he had purchased through a Spiegel catalog.  Submitting his novel idea,  a constellation sphere of the night sky projected by inserting strings of miniature Christmas tree lights  thru a blackened cork framed board,  the figurative  outline of the sky’s well-known constellations illuminated in a darken room. The two proceeding with this novel idea,  using illustrations from a star map,  the miniature lights substituting for the stars. The Den displaying their projects, Robert’s project was by far the most unique, of course that was his dads opinion.

.  A second opportunity for the young impresario’s of the Cub Scout accumulation, a project more attuned to the Den members approval, a 12 by 4 by 4 inch block of pinewood,  to be carved in the shape of a racing car,  and fitted with the packaged provided axle and wheels.  The finished product enabling the boys to enter a competition,  entertaining a raised platform drag strip,  the Cubs releasing the sculptured models in paired contention, the models racing down the elongated runway,  concluding the fastest car in an elimination race.  Each participant allowed two attempts, Robert first competitive appearance a loss, taking his disappointment in hand ready for the second performance. This time  finding his car finishing first, Gary having applied a coating of graphite to the axles,  enhancing the model racing expenditures mobility.  Robert’s car continued to excel, the over all winner, Gary recognizing, at that age acknowledgement is important but fleeting.

.  Gary was apprehensive about the overnight field outing the Den was about to experience.  He and Robert to journey a mile west of town,  then 3 miles north to a camp ground near the Medicine River,  an area employed by the Scouts.   Arriving they found Jerry McNamar,  the Kiowa District Scout Leader in uniform,  and expediting the campgrounds provisions,  three large tents and a number of smaller canvas shelters providing the overnight accommodations.  Roger Robinson,  his son Paul  a Scout, setting up a spit mounted already partially cooked pig on a hand operated rotisserie, the pork endeavor  final dispatch to be completed over a grill by the ordained scouts.  Gary having just returned from an expeditionary journey,  exploring the Medicine River, when his attention was drawn by a commotion originating from a group of Cubs in one of the tents,  Entering the now empty tent, looking about,  suspiciously according its contents, Gary apprehending a magazine emitting from the sleeping bag of John Thomas.  , Gary not surprised at his find, especially among the ascension of inquisitive boys  when billeted together. the encompassing  magazine in question, none other than Playboy,  Gary retreating outside, deciding to cede his find as,  undiscovered.

.  Gary concluding the world would be a far better place if all mankind would adhere to this oath On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

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.   Doris taking the situation in stride,  telling the lady she would see what she could do.   Calling the hospital on the phone, finding out that Dr. Chris had arrived.  Explaining the saturation to Chris,  who said the subject  was his patient and because of the road conditions, rather than calling the coroner and funeral home, the ambulance could transport the deceased to the hospital where he would sign off stating the patient expired during transport and they could continue on to the funeral home.  The Trip back to the hospital was uneventful.  Dr. Chris meeting them at the rear E.R. door, the hospital placing a call to the Fisher Funeral Home notifying Birdie Fisher about the deceased and the ambulance would transport.

.  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.”