WELCH—The Welch Public Schools Enrichment Foundation has received a $75,000 donation from a Welch High School alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous. The Foundation will use the donation to partially fund a new computer lab in classroom 107 of the Delbert Lovelace High School when the transition of teachers and classrooms is made to the new Kenneth Sooter Middle School, which is being constructed now as a result of a successful 2011 bond package approved by Welch school district voters.

When first notified of the the sizable donation, the Foundation inquired of school officials the most pressing large project needed. Administrators have identified a new computer lab that will be utilized by all district students for mandated online testing as the best use of the funds. The total estimated cost of the project, which will provide 40 new touch-screen computers outfitted with Windows OS and Microsoft Office software, is projected to be $96,000. The new lab will provide all district students with increased access to technology and the Internet, while also providing a reliable platform for state-mandated testing.

The anonymous donor has offered to match funds raised by the community, up to another $25,000. Combined gifts from the donor and the community can entirely fund the computer lab project. To that end, the Foundation host a fundraiser, Sat., May 19, 2012, at the Welch Civic Auditorium. If the community raises funds in excess of those needed to complete the computer lab, the Foundation will work with the district to identify another need that could also be funded. In short, whatever amount is raised by the community (up to $25,000) will automatically be doubled by the anonymous donor.

MIAMI, Okla.—Rodeo Miami is seeking entrants for the 2012 rodeo parade to be held Fri., Apr. 27, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. You may enter by completing the form below and returning to the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau by Apr. 25, 2012.

Photo courtesy B. Mooney Photography http://www.bmooney.com, Click to see larger version

TULSA—The Tulsa State Fair Ringmasters have awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Amanda Scott, of Welch FFA. The Ringmasters granted the scholarship because Scott has exhibited great character, work ethic, and community involvements, which the Ringmasters view as qualities necessary to achieve success and further her educational career. The Ringmasters seek to recognize Scott for her agricultural involvement and achievements.

The enormous response in applications was at an all-time high of 96. Applications are thoroughly reviewed by the Ringmansters’ Scholarship Committee. Criteria for receiving the award are: involvement in extracurricular activities associated with the high school; community participation; economic need; participation in the Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Shows; and, completion of a short essay outlining the applicant’s long-term educational goals. Of the 96 applications received, 30 were selected to receive $1,500 scholarships based upon the above criteria.

The Tulsa State Fair Ringmasters is a citizen volunteer group from the Tulsa area. The Ringmasters dedicate their time and efforts each year to raise funds to support Oklahoma’s 4-H and FFA youth throughout the Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Auction and to help raise funds for the continued growth of the Junior Livestock Auction Fund. The fund which was established in 2001, and the first and only scholarship was $500. Through the dedication of the Ringmasters, the scholarship program has grown immensely and will have an immeasurable impact on the youth of Oklahoma, who are the future of Oklahoma agriculture.

WELCH—The Welch High School football program is selling 2011 Welch Football highlight films for $10 each. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy,  contact any football player.

WELCH—The Welch Public Schools library is having book fair starting Fri., Apr. 20-Fri., Apr. 27, 2012. The book fair will run each day until 3:30 p.m., and Thur., Apr. 26, until 6:00 p.m. or the last person leaves.

The book fair has a luau theme, and patrons can shop online from now until Apr. 30 at: http://onlinebookfairs.scholastic.com/default.aspx?f=2951503 . Merchandise will then be shipped to the school for distribution after the Apr. 30.

Additionally, Welch students, grades 7-12, will be entered in a drawing for a $15 gift certificate to the book fair if they “like” the library’s new Facebook Page page, “Welch Wildcat Library,” by Wed., Apr. 25.

WELCH—The Town of Welch has announced a public hearing to be held at town hall, 124 W. Third St., Welch, Okla., Thur., Apr. 26, 2012, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The Town of Welch is considering applying to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Drinking Water Construction for funding assistance. Water quality has been identified as a community priority need and a tentative decision has been made to seek funding from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for approximately $150,000 in CDBG funding to perform water system improvements.

According to public notice of the hearing, the purpose of the hearing is to meeting is “to enable comments of the specific project activities that are proposed and to provide a clear explanation of probable impacts on the community/county and residents should the project be funded.” Many specific details regarding eligible activities and program requirements will be provided at this public hearing.

For additional information please contact Town Clerk, Kenni Morton, at 918-788-3616.

Here is the notice of public hearing as PDF:

Here is the agenda for the hearing as PDF:

WELCH—Enrollment for Welch Pre-K will Mon., Apr. 23, 2012, from 5-7 p.m.

Enrollees must be four years old by Sept. 1, 2012.

Enrollment will take place in Pre-K classrooms. Play centers activities will be demonstrated, and snacks will be provided. This time is to meet teachers, ask questions, and fill out intent-to-enroll forms.

For more information, call 918-788-3129

Parents of the Welch junior class after-prom would like to give a special thanks to all who donated to make Welch’s 2012 after-prom a very special event. Thanks for making after-prom a success!

• The Store in Bluejacket
• Charlie’s Chicken in Miami
• Clanton’s Café
• El Calvario in Miami
• El Vallarta in Miami
• KuKu in Miami
• Long John Silvers in Miami
• McDonalds in Vinita
• Montana Mikes in Miami
• Parnellis Pizza in Vinita
• Pizza Hut in Vinita
• Sonic Drive In in Miami and Vinita
• Subway in Vinita
• Taco Mayo in Vinita
• Cow Creek Pecan Co. & Café in Welch
• Bill Hodge Chrysler in Vinita
• Green Country Ford in Vinita
• Quapaw Tribe
• Arvest Bank in Vinita
• Arvest Bank in Miami
• First National Bank in Vinita
• First National Bank in Miami
• Oklahoma State Bank in Vinita
• Welch State Bank
• Security Bank and Trust in Vinita
• Joyful Learning in Miami
• Rhonda’s Beauty Shop in Welch
• Makin the Cut in Welch
• Welch Grocery Store
• Welch Fitness Center
• Brian Kelly Farm Bureau
• TAG in Welch
• Helena Chemical Co. in Welch
• Goforth Jewelry in Miami
• Jim Thomas Funeral Home in Welch
• Sooner Printing in Miami
• Dale E and Carolyn Hudson-Welch
• S&B Sports in Vinita
• C&L in Vinita
• Shout and Sack in Vinita
• Tag Office in Miami
• Westco in Vinita
• Westco in Miami
• Carter’s Foods in Vinita
• Daylight Donuts in Vinita
• Performance Fitness in Vinita
• Blossom Shop in Vinita
• Sun Kissed Floral in Miami
• KAMO in Vinita
• Ann’s Flower Shop in Miami
• Family Video in Miami
• US Wipe in Miami
• Security Finance in Miami
• ACE Hardware in Vinita
• Riggs Drug Store in Chetopa
• Stage in Vinita
• Chetopa State Bank
• V&V Drug in Vinita
• IAFF Local in Miami
• Osborn Drug in Miami and Vinita
• Pizza Hut in Miami
• Golden Spike Restaurant in Vinita
• Jessica Bruce
• WelchOK.com

WELCH—All prom-goers: Don’t let the fun end with the dance! Come join us at the Welch Civic Auditorium for entertainment and games through the night (1-4:30 A.M.). All junior and senior students and their guests are invited to attend after-prom festivities.

After-prom is a “lock in” event. All students and guests must be signed in by 12:50 a.m. Once signed in, attendees will not be permitted to leave and re-enter. Chaperones will be on hand for the entire night. If students choose to leave, their parents will be called and they will not be eligible for prizes and money given away at the end of the night.

Entertainment and attractions include:

• A scavenger hunt with prizes for the winning team (weather permitting)
• A jousting event and obstacle course contests
• Music and games (hosted by Tyson Wynn)
• Photo booth

Free snacks will be provided throughout the night.

If anyone has a curfew before 4:30 a.m., arrangements should be made to have them picked, as their dates will not be allowed to re-enter after taking them home.

Prizes and money will be given away after breakfast at the conclusion of the event.

This will be an alcohol and drug free environment.

MIAMI, Okla.—The second round of the Justin Berry “Balling for Berry” Memorial Basketball Tournament will begin at 9:00 a.m., Sat., Apr. 28, 2012, at the Miami High School Activity Center in Miami, Okla.

The playing fee is $15.00 per person and teams of 3-5 persons are allowed. Registration and playing fees are due by Apr. 21 (organizers can arrange to pick up playing fees if needed). Please make checks payable to Justin Berry Memorial Scholarship. If sending by mail, please send registration and fees to Nikki Mullen, 2N Main, Ste. 507, Miami, OK 74354.

Other activities will include a free throw contest, knock out contest, and a roping contest.

All proceeds will benefit the Justin Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund.

To register, please contact Nikki Mullin at 918-961-1046 or mullin_nik5 {at} hotmail {dot} com. If you’d liek to make a donation to the Justin Berry Memorial Scholarship fund, please contact Kyrie Panter at 918-533-8903.

If you’d like to pre-order tournament t-shirt with the above art on them, visit the Justin Berry Memorial Facebook Page.