Cherokee Messenger & Republican

12/18/2024

Our official 2024 Christmas Edition will be dated Dec. 26, and will be on store shelves, and delivered to the Post Office Monday, Dec. 23, but due to timing on some of the business ads, they are being shared here to help give plenty of notice.

08/26/2024

08/07/2024

The Purple Heart Medal weighs about an ounce – but it carries an immense weight of sacrifice, courage and honor.

Purple Heart Day, observed annually on 7 August, honors the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The day is set aside for Americans to remember and honor those who valiantly represented their country and were decorated with a Purple Heart in the name of the President. It is also a time to highlight the rich history and significance of the Purple Heart medal.

This year, on the 10th anniversary of Purple Heart Day, the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) is observing Purple Heart Day to ensure that the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten and that their courage continues to inspire future generations.

The History of the Purple Heart
While Purple Heart Day is just a decade old, the origins of the Purple Heart medal date back to the American Revolutionary War when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, an award intended to recognize meritorious service, on 7 August 1782, there was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. The badge was presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action” and was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver.

Badge of Military Merit

Washington only gave out three of the badges himself and, instead, authorized subordinates to issue them as they saw fit. The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived and relaunched in 1932; this time as the Purple Heart. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or lost their lives in the line of duty.

During the Revolutionary War, Continental Army soldiers William Brown and Elijah Churchill were the first soldiers to receive the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to the Purple Heart. William was most likely bestowed the honor for his service during the Siege of Yorktown, while Elijah was recognized for his gallantry at a battle near Fort St. George on Long Island, NY. The first service member to be given the modern-day Purple Heart was Army General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Purple Heart Day Origins
Purple Heart Day was first observed 7 August 2014 and has been honored every year since. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten. While it’s not a federal holiday, there are many ways to honor Purple Heart recipients. Major League Baseball teams recognize local Purple Heart recipients during games on 7 August. Also, regional government offices pause to recognize the service and sacrifice of their local heroes. And veteran and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients.

Purple Heart Facts
The color of the Purple Heart was chosen to represent bravery.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still presented to service members.
Over 2,000,000 Purple Heart medals have been awarded (including eligible casualties in World War I who may not have been awarded the Purple Heart) since it was created in 1782.
President John F. Kennedy is the only U.S. president with a Purple Heart. Kennedy, who served in the Navy during World War II, injured his back when a Japanese destroyer collided with his patrol torpedo boat near the Solomon Islands. As his boat sank, Kennedy refused to let his injury stop him from towing a badly burned crew member to safety. Kennedy swam with the man’s life jacket strap clenched between his teeth for three miles before reaching an island and bringing the man safely to shore.
Famous Purple Heart recipients include actors such as James Arness, Charles Bronson, James Garner, and Rod Serling, writers including Kurt Vonnegut and Oliver Stone, and athletes like Warren Spahn, Pat Tillman and Rocky Bleier.
The first woman to receive a Purple Heart was Army LT Annie G. Fox for her heroic actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Annie, who was serving as the chief nurse at Hickam Field, Hawaii, remained calm throughout the attack on Pearl Harbor and her hospital, and successfully directed hospital staff to tend to the wounded as they came in from the harbor.
Purple Heart Day is a poignant reminder of the bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness of the men and women who have been wounded or killed in action while serving the United States. It is a day to honor their legacy, educate the public, and show solidarity with those who continue to serve. It is also a reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who have fought to protect it. Please use Purple Heart Day to reflect on the significance of this medal and the stories of the heroes who wear it.

06/21/2024

Olympic events coming to OKC in 2028

OKC TO HOST OLYMPIC EVENTS: The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games just confirmed Oklahoma City will host two of the events — Softball and Canoe Slalom. Both the Canoe Slalom and Softball venues in Oklahoma City are built to international competition standards, ensuring a high-quality experience for athletes and fans. This decision means cost savings for the LA28 games by not having to build new venues for those events. LA28 says “it also recognizes that the Oklahoma City community has consistently supported top events for both sports and is confident that they will for these Olympic competitions as well.” ❤️

06/19/2024

Election Results from today, June 18, 2024, are in and here’s how Alfalfa County voted. Due to the Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday, and subsequent early deadline, results will not be printed until the June 27, edition.

05/01/2024

TO OUR VALUED ONLINE EDITION SUBSCRIBERS:

We do apologize but the company that hosts our website had one of their main servers crash yesterday morning. They are making the necessary repairs as quickly as possible but as of now they have no timetable for when repairs will be done. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. This issue is impacting a very large number of newspapers.

11/29/2023

08/16/2023

WE WOULD LIKE TO CALL ATTENTION TO AN ISSUE WITH THIS WEEK’s EDITION, AUG. 17, 2023. WHILE WORKING ON THE ARTICLE FOR THIS YEAR’s PARADE MARSHALS FOR THE GREAT SALT PLAINS STAMPEDE RODEO, WE INADVERTENTLY MADE A MISTAKE ON PARADE MARSHAL JUDY ALLISON’s BIOGRAPHY AND LEFT OUT TWO OF HER CHILDREN ROD and DONELLE.

I Travis Barnard, Editor of the Cherokee Messenger & Republican/Fairview Republican, take full responsibility for the error and offer my sincere apologies. The correct version is listed below and will be republished next week. I terribly regret the mistake on my part.

When folks flock to downtown Cherokee Aug. 26, for the annual Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo Parade, they’ll get to see not one, not two, but three very deserving ladies who will serve as this year’s Parade Marshals.
For many years, Carolyn Waugh, Rita Porter and Judy Allison have served behind the scenes of the rodeo and have served untold thousands of their famous Sloppy Joes to hungry fans, now the trio will get their time in the spotlight as the 2023 Parade Marshals.
Carolyn Waugh and her late husband, Duane L. Waugh, were blessed with two children Jeff Waugh of and Charles Waugh both of Cherokee.
She grew up in Buffalo and has been a fixture in the rodeo concession stand since the 1970s.
Carolyn has been an avid supporter of the Cherokee Booster Club and Cherokee Round-Up Club through the years.
When asked what the Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo means to her, Carolyn said, “It has been such a blessing for my sons, my six grandchildren and 14 great grand children.”
As far as being recognized as a Parade Marshal this year, she had this to say, “It is wonderful to be recognized as part of a great rodeo.”
Some of her favorite memories of the rodeo include the lifelong friendships made along the way through the 53 years she and that Duane have lived here.
Carolyn is employed at C&D Supply LLC, a business started by her late husband. She added Duane blessed her and her sons with a lot to remember him by.
Her hobbies include putting puzzles together, working crossword puzzles, find a words and painting.
When asked what advice on life she would like to share with others Carolyn said, “Enjoy whatever life brings your way every day! Thank the Lord for your blessings!”
The next 2023 Parade Marshal will be Rita Porter. Rita is married to another former Parade Marshal, Butch Porter.
They have two children, Kelly and Shelly, and grandchildren Shelby and Paden Porter.
Rita grew up in the Alva area and has been involved in rodeos for about 60 years, from rodeos in the local surrounding area to the NFR when it was in Oklahoma City and Guthrie. She has also been to the NFR is Las Vegas four times.
She is heavily involved in her church in Alva, was a member of ESA, taught school and kept books for her husband’s trucking business.
When asked what the Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo means to her, Rita said, “We’ve been members of the Round-UP Club for many years. It’s kept our family busy and together.”
As far as being recognized as a Parade Marshal this year, she had this to say, “I’m very honored, but I’ve never been in a rodeo in my life!”
Some of her favorite memories of the rodeo include when her husband, Butch, was in the bull riding three weeks before they got married. Rita said she prayed he didn’t break a leg or anything else. Later on, he moved to ba****ck riding and roping.
Her hobbies include sewing, lawn care and gardening.
When asked what advice on life she would like to share with others Rita said, “Do the best with what you have and God will take care of the rest!”
Rita added she has been to a lot of rodeos in her lifetime and have always enjoyed them. She added she feels Glennis Porter should have been a Marshall. She deserved to be honored as she kept books for many years back in the day.
The third Parade Marshal for 2023 is Judy Allison. Judy and her late husband Ron were blessed with five children, Rod, Donelle Kevin and Brandi and the late T.J. Allison. Judy has 15 grandkids and five great grands.
She grew up in Kiowa, Kan. Over the years she has worked in the concession stand and watched her husband and Butch Porter team rope together in the 70s.
Judy volunteers in the community at the Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop.
When asked what the Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo means to her Judy said, “It’s a social outing I look forward to every year. It’s a time to meet up with old friends, have a taco platter and watch the rodeo.”
As far as being recognized as a Parade Marshal this year she had this to say, “It’s an honor to be named a Parade Marshal with two of my best friends since moving here in 1975. We spent a lot of time together in the concession stand.”
Some of her favorite memories of the rodeo include watching her granddaughters being crowned royalty and watching her grandsons riding sheep and calves.
Though she is retired, Judy still works part-time at Cherokee Floral.
Her hobbies include watching TV and working jig saw puzzles.
When asked what advice on life she would like to share with others Judy said, “Spend time with family and friends and enjoy life as it’s getting shorter all the time.”
Cowboys and Cowgirls will be pitting their skills against each other in Ranch Bronc, Ba****ck Riding, Saddle Bronc, Girls Breakaway, Calf Roping, Girls Barrel Racing, Jr. Barrel Racing (13 and under), Bull Do***ng, Team Roping, 40/40 Team Roping and Bull Riding and Tie Down Roping.
Performances will get underway nightly at 8 p.m., with the crowning of Princess and Jr. Princess slated for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, with the Queen the crowning taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The queen contestants include Emma Schupbach and Mackenzie Smith; Princess contestants are Bristol Creswell, Caroline Rapp, Brynley Roadenbaugh, Elizabeth Waugh and Madison Weve; and Junior Princess contestants are: Ramsey Green, Blair Keller, Ella Keller, Lainie Larwick, Sterling Metcalf, Logan Parks, Quinn Parks and Dally Walborn.
The Landon Newlin Memorial Cash and Prize Scramble, sponsored by Judge Loren Angle, BancCentral and United, will held nightly for kids under 10.
Following rodeo action Saturday, the ever popular ATV Barrel Race will be held. Admission is $10 for 12 and under and $20 for adults. Those wishing to take part must enter before the rodeo starts on Saturday. Helmets will be required.
Those wishing to enter the ATV Rodeo need to contact Tyler Rice at 580-747-5359.
Slack Night will be held on Friday. Concessions will be available and are being sponsored by Cherokee Round Up Club.
This year’s rodeo is KPRA/IPRA/CePRA approved. Sumner Rodeo Company will be the stock contractor for the event.
The Rodeo Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.
Following the rodeo performance on Saturday, a dance will be held at the fair grounds Also during the rodeo, a grill will be given away that has been donated by Ace Hardware (David and Nancy Parr).