Melyn Johnson was recently acknowledged for work in our communities by the Girl Scouts during the 2016 Women of Distinction luncheon held August 4 in Amarillo with the Take Action Award. Congratulations to Melyn! For details about the award and how Johnson was chosen for this award see Saturday's paper. If you are from out of town and would like to purchase a copy of the paper, we have an e-edition available. Call the paper office at 580.338.3355 and speak to circulation.

As children at the Guymon Public Pool slid down the new slide that was installed this summer, community members cut a ribbon to commemorate the new installments. Guymon Chamber of Commerce, City of Guymon members, Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Seabord members and more joined in during the ribbon cutting.

Four people were arrested on drug charges last Thursday during a search warrant for unlawful possession of drugs.
Kevin Michael McDowell, 44, of Guymon, Holly Jo Montoya, 42, of Guymon, Aaron Eugene Stone, 19, of Yukon, Okla., and Tina Jo Vigil, 28, of Colorado Springs, were booked into Texas County jail after the search.
About 9:22 p.m. on Thursday, Texas County Sheriff's Department and Guymon Police Department executed a search warrant for unlawful possession of controlled substances at 115 S. Sunset Lane. in Guymon.
Law enforcement officers located a testable amount of methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana. Officers also found digital scales, glass meth pipes, metal spoons with heroin residue, containers containing marijuana seeds and several items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also found an unidentified white powdery substance that will require laboratory testing for identification.
The four people were arrested on violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act and are each being held on a $10,000 bond.

The first day of school is right around the corner or has already commenced in Texas County. Soon, the tardy bell will be ringing and students will be buzzing in the hallway. Tyrone Public Schools shows the first day for the 2016-17 school year started today. Classes at Guymon Junior High School and Guymon High School begin on Aug. 17, while elementary schools in Guymon begin Aug. 18.
Heading back to school? You can email back-to-school pictures to guymondailyeditor@gmail.com to be featured in the Guymon Daily Herald. Include names and the grades they are going into.

Guymon Fire Department said one person was injured on Wednesday after an explosion in Hooker.
City of Guymon Emergency Management Public Information Officer Miranda Gilbert said the explosion is reported to be caused by the ignition of natural gas and that GFD responded to the explosion in Hooker to assist Hooker Fire Department.
GFD Assistant Fire Chief Grant Wadley said they were en route to aid Hooker Fire Department but their assistance was canceled. Wadley said one person was taken to a Guymon hospital.
The investigation is ongoing.

Officials said one person was injured Wednesday morning after fumes caught fire in south Hooker, Okla.
Bennett Construction Company said one of their employees - who was working - suffered burns after fumes from the gas ignited.
The employee was transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The investigation is ongoing.
Read Thursday's edition for more information.

The Officer Down Memorial fundraiser is set for Sat., Aug. 13 in Guymon. Beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing through 8 p.m. at Oklahoma Park, the event will include food, family fun and a photo booth. Let’s not forget to mention that people will have a chance to dunk a few of Texas County’s sheriff’s deputies in a big tank! Bring all of your friends and family out for a great evening! Proceeds raised will go to the Officer Down Foundation.

The event will kick off at 7 p.m. and continue through 9 p.m. at East 5th Street and North Main Street, right outside of the Main Street Guymon office. The event will have traditional African music, dancing, costumes food, story telling and more. Azuma: African Celebration represents South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eretria and Zimbabwe.

TOMORROW: Tuesday, August 16 is Entry Day for the Texas County Fair. Come join the fun and enter your items from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Questions can be directed to Rocky Richardson at 651-3639

Yukon, Okla. – Congressman Frank Lucas will hold town hall meetings in Beaver, Guymon, and Boise City on Monday, August 22nd and Tuesday, August 23rd. Residents of these locations are invited to attend and share their thoughts on current events in Washington. Lucas will be discussing his work in Congress, taking questions about issues important to constituents of the Third Congressional District and asking for input on legislation currently before Congress.

Monday, August 22, 2016
Beaver Town Hall Meeting
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Beaver County Farm Bureau
812 S. Douglas
Beaver, OK 73932

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Guymon Town Hall Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
PTCI Meeting Room
607 S. Main
Guymon, OK 73942

Boise City Town Hall Meeting
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
PTCI Room
115 West Main Street
Boise City, OK 73933

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating a man's death after he was found dead with stab wounds Saturday in Beaver County.
Jesus Estrada, also known as Gilbert Rodriguez, 48, was found dead inside his Knowles home by his employer, OSBI reports. According to the medical examiner's office, Estrada was stabbed to death.
Saturday afternoon, Beaver County Sheriff's Office requested OSBI's investigative and crime scene assistance with the homicide. OSBI special agents have served several search warrants in the area to collect evidence in the case. OSBI Spokesperson Jessica Brown said the agency is running some good leads but cannot release any further details. No arrests have been made, but special agents are following leads.

Be sure to come out to the 99th Annual Panhandle Exposition tonight! Ribbon cutting is at 6:00 p.m. and exhibits will be open. The fair will close at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, on Friday it will close at 10:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Also, don't forget to check out the carnival nightly during the fair!

Other special events include:
1. Guymon Fire Department setting up a cooling/misting for heat relief
2. Memorial Hospital providing for a Kids’ “Doctor dress up” Photoshoot Friday evening, complete with full costumes for kids, FREE of charge
3. Apollo MedFlight sponsoring the photo shoot, and bringing back the OKC Zoo with live shows every half hour Friday evening
4. State Representatives Casey Murdock and Senator Bryce Marlatt to join the opening ceremonies Wednesday at 6 pm
5. A tribute and memorial to Eva Mussman, fair secretary for past 15 years. Bring out a rose in her honor. See details at the fair.
6. All exhibits open following opening ceremonies
7. All fair goers can enter to win a FREE 65 inch LED RCA smart TV!
8. Meet and Greet new Memorial Hospital CEO Troy Zinn Friday evening in the commercial building.

Upcoming Fair Events:
Thursday:
• 10:00 a.m. - Fair opens for the day
• 4:00 p.m. - Entries taken for the Kid's Pedal Power Tractor Pull Contest, the actual contest will take place at 6:30 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m. - Meat Goat Show judging will take place
• 4:30 p.m. - Entries taken for the Perky Vegetable Contest, have the kids come out and decorate a vegetable!
The contest will be from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• 9:00 p.m. - Fair closes for the day

Friday:
• 10:00 a.m. - Fair opens for the day
• 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - 4-H Home Economics Judging Contest
• 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Entries for the Sheep Show
• 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Oklahoma City Zoo
• 6:00 p.m. - Judging of the Sheep Show
• 10:00 p.m. - Fair closes for the day

Saturday:
• 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Entries for Beef Show and Bucket Calf Show
• 10:00 a.m. - Fair opens for the day
• 11:00 a.m. - Great All-American Turtle Race
• 1:30 p.m. Entries for the Panhandle Expo Pie Contest
• 2:00 p.m. - Judging of Panhandle Expo Pie Contest
• 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Entry for Tractor Pull
• 5:00 p.m. - Release of Poultry and Rabbits
• 6:00 Antique Tractor Pull and Machinery Sow - South end of Fairgrounds
• 7:00 p.m. Fair closes
• 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Pick up entries

Recently an announcement was made, placing views on agriculture from Oklahoma and the Panhandle at the forefront of American politics.
Both Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and District 61 Representative Casey Murdock have been named to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's new Agricultural Advisory Committee.
"I am honored to be chosen to contribute to the development of agriculture policy through the Agriculture Advisory Committee for the Trump Campaign," Murdock said in an online statement. "Since agriculture is Oklahoma's Second largest industry, the opportunity to shape national agriculture policy will help improve agriculture in Oklahoma. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Trump and the other members of the advisory committee to support our agricultural communities."
"The men and women the committee will provide pioneering new ideas to strengthen our nation's agricultural industry as well as provide support to our rural communities," the announcement states. "Mr. Trump understands the critical role our nation's agricultural community plays in feeding not only our country, but the world, and how important these Americans are to powering our nation's economy."
It goes on to further note that the formation of the board represents Trump's endorsement of those appointed to the committee, with "diverse skill sets and ideas that can improve the lives of those in agricultural communities."
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with each member of the committee to support Donald J. Trump and his campaign to be the next President of the United States of America," National Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee Charles W. Herbster said. "As a fifth-generation farmer, Owner of Herbster Angus Farms, and Owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Conklin Company, a company that specializes in agriculture and animal health products, among others, I look forward to working with this esteemed group of individuals."
The executive board members will meet on a regular basis. The board is made up of more than 60 members representing a diverse set of skills and backgrounds relating to agriculture.
Other members of the board are: Sam Clovis, National Chief Policy Advisor for the Donald J. Trump Campaign for President; Rebeckah Adcock, CropLife, Senior Director, Government Affairs; Robert Aderholt, Congressman from Alabama and Chairman, Subcommittee on Agriculture; Jay Armstrong, Kansas Wheat Commission and Chairman, Farm Foundation; Gary Black, Commissioner of Agriculture, Georgia; John Block, Former USDA Secretary; Mike Brandenburg, State Legislator, North Dakota; Terry Brandstad, Governor of Iowa; Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas; Chuck Conner, CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; Mike Conaway, House Agriculture Chairman; Jack Dalrymple, Governor of North Dakota; Dennis Daugaard, Governor of South Dakota; Rodney Davis, Congressman from Illinois, House Agriculture committee and Subcommittee Chair of Bio Tech; Eddie Fields, Senator, Oklahoma and Chair Senate Ag and Rural Development; Steve Foglesong, Former President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; Jim Gilmore, Former Governor of Virginia, Chairmain of Report on Terrorism and Agro-Terrorism; Bob Goodale, Former CEO of Harris Teeter; Bob Goodlatte, Congressman of Virigina, Former Chairman House Agriculture Committee; Mike Green, State Senator of Michigan, Appropriations Agriculture Chair, Senate Agriculture Committee Vice Chair; Helen Groves, Rancher, daughter of Robert Kleburg (King Ranch), well known in Texas and the ranching world; Ron Heck, Iowa farmer and past president of the American Soybean Association; Dave Heineman, Former Governor of Nebraska; Hans Hunts, State Legislator of Wyoming, Wyoming House Ag Committee, Rancher; Cindy Hyde Smith, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce in Mississippi; Brent Jackson, State Senator of North Carolina; A.G. Kawamura, former Secretary of Food and Agriculture of California; John Kautz, California wine producer, CEO Ironstone Vineyards; Charlotte Kelly, Tennessee cotton grower, gin operator; Mark Killian, Commissioner of Agriculture of Arizona, farmer and rancher; Brian Klippenstein, Protect the Harvest; Tsosie Lewis, Former CEO of Navaho Nation's Agricultural Products Industries; Forrest Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil, Protect the Harvest; Mike McCloskey, CEO Fair Oaks Farms; Beau McCoy, State Senator, Nebraska National Chr. Council of State Governments; Ted McKinney, Former Director of Global Corp. Affairs for Elanco Animal Health; Sid Miller, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture; Jim Moseley, Former consultant on agriculture at the Environmental Protection Agency, Former Deputy Secretary of the USDA; Brian Munzlinger, Chairman of the Missouri Senate Ag Committee; Tom Nassif, President of Western Growers, Former Ambassador; Garry Niemeyer, Former President of National Corn Growers; Bill Northy, Iowa Secretary of Ag; Sonny Perdue, Former Governor of Georgia; Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas; Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture; Bruce Rastetter, Summit Ag Group of Alden, Iowa; Jim Reese, Secretary of Agriculture for Gov. Mary Fallin; Larry Rhoden, Senator of South Dakota, House Majority Leader and Senate Majority Whip, Chair Senate Ag Committee; Pete Ricketts, Governor of Nebraska; Pat Roberts, U.S. Senator of Kansas; Marcus Rust, CEO Rose Acre Farms; Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Attorney General, Co-Chair of the National Association of Attorney General Agriculture Committee; David Spears, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Dole Ag Advisor, Senior Vice President of Mid-Kansas Cooperative, Inc.; Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry; Red Steagall, Official Cowboy Poet of Texas; Annette Sweeney, Former Iowa House Agriculture Chair, Farmer, Agriculture Advocate; Kip Tom, CEO of Tom Farms LLC; Johnny Trotter, CEO of BarG; Steve Wellman, Former President of the American Soybean Association; Walt Whitcomb, Maine Ag Commissioner; John Wilkinson, Chairman of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, Georgia State Senate.

The 99th Panhandle Exposition officially opened Wednesday night. Harold Mussman, husband of the late Eva Mussman, cut the ribbon. Eva was the long-time fair secretary who passed away earlier this month. (Staff photo/Shawn Yorks)

The first day of school is filled with anticipation. Students meet their teachers for the year, new supplies are carried and placed in lockers and desks, and nice new clothes are chosen for the special day.

It comes with a roadblock: many schools have a dress code. It can make picking just the right thing for that first day when everyone wants to look nice just a little harder.

That's what the twin daughters of local mother Kara Curtis found out on Wednesday after the girls' first day of their junior year at Guymon High School. After getting dressed in their very best to look good for that first day, they were informed in the hallway that their outfits were causing "concern", and were advised to be aware of the length in the back could be affected by their school bags. The girls were not pulled from class.

"It is my understanding that the outfits Alex and Avery wore to their first day of Junior year were of 'concern' to several faculty and staff members at Guymon High School," Curtis wrote. "They were dress coded and told their clothing was inappropriate."

The dress code does not mention gender, but does mention length requirements. The first rule in the code states, "Skirts, dresses, shorts, and culottes are to be mid-thigh or below. Blue jeans are acceptable without holes or tears. Biker shorts, tights, and leggings may be work if outside garment meets dress code policy." The full code is in the student-parent handbook on pages 21 and 22, and can be found online at guymontigers.com.

The Guymon Daily Herald continues to follow this story and will share updates.

Myrtle Leisure, left, was presented the first-ever Eva Standard award Saturday afternoon at the 99th Panhandle Exposition. The award was named after long-time fair secretary Eva Mussman, who passed away a few weeks ago, and is given to an individual who is an outstanding volunteer both with the fair and in the community. The award was presented by Eva's daughter, Helen Mussman Foster. (Staff photo/Shawn Yorks)

The Guymon Community Blood Drive is scheduled Thurs., Aug. 25 from noon to 7 p.m. at Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, located at Sixth and Quinn St.
Vote for your favorite local hero (law enforcement or fire department). You must be present to donate and receive a free Boots vs. Badges t-shirt. Donors will also be entered into a drawing for $300 off furniture at Guymon Furniture Store courtesy of William King and Guymon Furniture. The drawing will be held at the end of the November blood drive.
Photo ID or donor card is required. You must be at least 17 years old to donate blood. Donors that are 16 years old may now donate with a signed parental consent form.
Blood is needed everyday. The need is real, and there isn’t a substitute for blood. It can only come from volunteer blood donors. Please support the patients of the High Plains Region; give the gift of life!

A new plate touted as promoting tourism and helping to crack down on uninsured drivers in Oklahoma was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon, with fair amounts of both praise and scorn from Oklahomans online.

The new plate features a depiction of the state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher and promotes the Oklahoma Department of Tourism's website, TravelOK.com. Two visible boxes for registration decals displaying the month and year separately are still part of the plate design. The new plates will be printed on prismatic sheeting to make them more visible at night. Drivers will begin to receive new plates in January 2017.

"The new design will act as a traveling bill board for those looking to experience and explore our beautiful state," Governor Mary Fallin said. "Just as important, the new plates are more clearly visible at night and will aid our law enforcement officers as they work to keep us safe."

The current issued plates are said to be past warranty and are beginning to deteriorate, with dulling reflective sheeting, making them difficult to see at night.

According to a release from the state, the Oklahoma Safety Council and the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police spoke during this year's legislative session on the importance of more visible plates. The plates are used by law enforcement officers to locate suspected felons and respond to Amber and Silver alerts.

"When a state trooper pulls someone over, the first thing that trooper does is run the license plate," Oklahoma Highway patrol Chief Ricky Adams said. "That's how we alert our dispatchers that we are on a stop and get our first clue of a potentially dangerous situation. The ability to quickly see and easily read a tag number in bad weather or low light conditions is of paramount importance to law enforcement."

Insurance Commissioners John Doak stated Oklahoma is a national leader in uninsured drivers, making the roads less safe and, "unfair to the majority of Oklahomans who comply with the law and drive responsibly". Doak hailed the reissue as a reliable way to increase the number of drivers with insurance.

Oklahoma Tax Commissioner Dawn Cash said the state is owed roughly $4 million from Oklahomans who are not in compliance and failed to pay their registration fees last year.

"Not only is that unfair to the Oklahomans who are following the law and registering their vehicles, it also significantly diminishes revenue going to public schools, local governments and other priority needs," Cash said.

The new plates are authorized under House Bill 3208.

The No Man’s Land Rifle and Pistol Association (NMLRPA) will hold the .22LR Sporting Rifle Steel Challenge Match for August on Sunday morning August 28. The range will be open for practice at 8:00am, and the match will begin at 9:00am.
For more information on matches contact Billy Eagan in the evenings at 580-651-9557, Chris Hinchey at 338-8423 or Chet Krone at 580-461-1805.

On Friday evening, Guymon's Cemetery Board convened in a special meeting at City Hall to consider requests for variances at cemetery plots at Elmhurst Cemetery, as well as discuss how the current rules may be handled. The new cemetery sexton was also introduced to the board toward the end of the meeting.
During consideration of variance requests, board members were in agreement that for the sake of simplicity and fairness, the rules need to be enforced.
Board Member Bill Landess expressed his concerns about giving an allowance, as the board works to determine how the rules need to be enforced and if any rules need to be changed.
Marit Edwards was present at the meeting to address the removal of items from her granddaughter's grave and plots owned by the Edwards family. Edwards had a request for a variance in order to replace a purple bench at the site that was removed last month when the former cemetery sexton removed many items from graves without notice.
Read Monday's edition for the full story of the Cemetery Board's discussion concerning the rules and regulations. E-editions are available. To purchase, call 580.338.3355 and speak to circulation.