Coming off one of the most successful seasons in nearly two decades, the Enid High Baseball team is ready to make a run back to the state tournament this year. “Last year we won regionals and made state for the first time since I’ve been here,” said 8th year head coach Brad Gore, “I was so proud of that team. They worked so hard to get there, and Edmond Santa Fe just outplayed us in our first-round game.”
The good news is that they only graduated two seniors off of last year’s team, and only one of them was a starter. “Surprisingly we are still a fairly young team this year,” said Gore, “we only have 4 seniors this year, but all of our young guys now have a bunch of experience.”
Over the offseason, Coach Gore talked with his players about what they needed to do to be better this year – cut down on strikeouts at the plate and for the pitchers to cut down on their walks. “It’s still early, but so far we have done a better job on both,” Gore said.
This year’s team has some real star power, headed by senior Pitcher and Third Baseman Jake Kennedy and junior Center Fielder Garrett Shull. “Jake is a hard-nosed competitor who gets people out,” said Gore. “He throws in the upper 80’s and low 90’s, and has a great changeup. He’s just a good ball player. When he’s not pitching, he’s in the field, has a knack for driving in runs, and is a good baserunner and is headed to Cowley College next year. As for Garrett, he is one of the top-rated players not only in the state, but the country. He’s committed to play at Oklahoma State, which shows you how much of a difference-maker he is. He’s really good at everything. Your typical 5-tool guy.”
While the team is full of what Coach Gore called “good ballplayers, and great kids” a couple more stood out to him. “Our Catcher, McCage Hartling is rock solid. He’s consistent, sprays the ball around the park and can occasionally really get ahold of one. Also, Brock Slater bats leadoff and is just a great kid. He leads by example and is a great, coachable teammate.”
When talking about goals for the year Coach Gore said they break the season into three parts – win district, win regionals and win state. “Listen, we have a really good team that can make a run at state this year. It just takes getting hot at the right time, so we are just going to try and be as consistent as we can be and put ourselves in a position to win. These are super kids, they are really fun to coach and I know they can win a bunch of ballgames.”
Enid Pacer/Plainsmen Pride of the Plains is Proudly Sponsored by Slater Mechanical!
Keith Lea was born in Sayre, OK in 1951 and spent time in Claremore before moving to Enid as an elementary student in 1960. He attended Hoover, Waller and Enid High where he played basketball (10th grade) and football (10th-12th). He was on the State Championship team in 1967 and he made the all-conference football team his senior year. After graduation, he went to college at Southwestern in Weatherford where he earned a Physical Education and Industrial Arts degree. He taught and coached football, basketball and track at Longfellow, Emerson, and Enid High, for almost 40 years! He is also known for starting the first weight class at Enid High. Coach Lea retired from teaching and coaching at Enid at the ripe young age of 66. He was elected to the E Club Hall of Fame in 2017.
When asked, Coach Lea said he was inspired to coach so he could be like his coaching idol Coach Greenhaw, his position coach in high school.
Coach Lea has been married to his wonderful wife Lisa for 42 years, and they have 2 grown children, Heather and Tyler. You can find Keith coaching his grandson’s pee wee football team, and working in the EPS maintenance department. Although Coach has had some health issues in the past, his nominator said he was “too tough to die!” It was also said that “you could not find a person with a bad thing to say about Keith. He would give you the shirt off his back.” Coach Keith Lea, a true Local Legend!
LOCAL LEGENDS IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY HUMPHREY AND GUARANTEE ABSTRACT CO.!
From taxes to Easter, April is a busy month. What many may not know is that April is also National Donate Life Month.
National Donate Life Month raises awareness about organ donation. April is full of events and activities that encourage people to register as organ donors, but the month also celebrates and honors those who have donated and saved lives.
Most people register to be a donor when receiving or renewing their driver’s license. Organ donation status can be confirmed by the presence of a small, red heart on an individual’s license or ID. For those who are unsure, additional information about status and how to become an organ donor can be found at lifeshareoklahoma.org.
Becoming a Donor
The human body is home to 78 organs, and each has its own purpose and function. However, donating isn’t limited to organs. The list of tissues and organs that can be donated continues to change and grow, but as of now, a donor can give organs, tissues, corneas, blood, platelets and bone marrow. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, “One donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 more.”
There are currently more than 106,000 people on the national waiting list for transplants, 600 of which are Oklahomans.
Heather Dean, manager of communications for LifeShare Oklahoma and advocate for organ donation, shared more about donating, donor qualifications and National Donate Life Month. “Everyone can register to be a donor, so don’t rule yourself out because of age, medical history or disease,” she said. “People often think they’re not eligible to be a donor because they’re too old, or because they have preexisting conditions, but that’s not true.”
She continued, “At the time of death, medical professionals will determine whether or not you can become a donor.” As for what can be donated, she explained, “LifeShare recovers both organs and tissue, and the life-saving organs are lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas and intestines.”
LifeShare also recovers tissues, which include corneas, tendons, heart valves, veins, skin and bones. A primary care physician can share additional information about donor qualifications.
With more than 100,000 Americans currently awaiting organ, blood and tissue donation, the list is growing at an alarming pace. “A new name is added every nine minutes, and everyday 17 people die waiting,” Dean said. “It’s important for every community to donate because that list is made up of diverse people who need different blood types and tissue types to receive the gift of life.”
Fortunately, the number of Oklahomans participating in organ donation is on the rise as well. “In Oklahoma, during 2020 and 2021, we had record-breaking years of organ donation and lives saved.”
Oklahomans Awaiting Organs
Lendl and Cristil are both on the transplant waitlist, and they’re both waiting for a kidney. Being on the waitlist is different for each individual, but on average, the wait time varies between three to five years. Cristil has been on the waitlist for six months, while Lendl has been on the waitlist for two and a half years.
Lendl’s Story
Lendl was given a powerful antibiotic that destroyed 80% of his kidneys, sending him into renal failure. This resulted in his name being placed on the transplant list. While he waits, he watches his diet and keeps up on his medication. He said the whole process has been a roller coaster of emotions, and he compared the wait to packing for a vacation he knows nothing about. While he waits, he says that he’s seen the best come out in people, and that’s been the best part of the process for him. “People have really rallied around me, and they keep checking on me. The support is very encouraging.” He went on to say, “Seeing the good come out in people has been the best part of this.”
According to Lendl, one of the hardest parts has been the wait for someone to pass. However, he recognizes the selflessness of organ donors and their decision to donate. “We have to remember that they made a very unselfish decision to donate their organ(s), so I feel like I not only have to live my life for myself, but I have to live my life for my donor,” he said.
He went on to say, “I have to live the best life I can live to honor these individuals for their heroism.”
Cristil’s Story
Cristil’s kidney failure began five years ago, and within the last year, her kidneys have taken a turn for the worst. She’s been active on the transplant list for six months, but she’s been dealing with the deterioration of her kidneys and the health issues that accompany it for the last several years.
She began dialysis in December, and she’ll continue with the treatment until she gets a match for a kidney transplant. This may take as long as five years.
Dialysis is a process that performs some of the duties our kidneys perform, and it does so in an effort to keep the body in balance. Dialysis removes extra fluids and waste from the body, and this helps prevent them from building up. Dialysis also keeps safe levels of minerals in your blood, and it can help regulate your blood pressure. It’s a type of treatment that helps your body when your kidneys aren’t able to.
Being on dialysis has been a major life adjustment for Cristil because it requires so much from her. She states that it’s hard juggling work, dialysis and all of the doctors’ visits.
In addition to being a full-time teacher, Cristil goes to the dialysis center in Enid three days a week for four hours at a time. Fortunately for Cristil, the staff helps make the experience less daunting. “The dialysis center is amazing. The people there are so friendly and helpful, and they’re very nice.”
“I’m so thankful that I have them because it would be so much harder if I didn’t have a place where I felt comfortable.” She said the process has humbled her because she sees that she has a lot to be thankful for.
“You can really start to feel sorry for yourself, but then I look around and see how much I have to appreciate.” For Cristil, the best part has been feeling the amount of love she’s experienced. “I have a great support team, and I have great friends and family.”
Her journey has given her a “renewed faith in the human race.” She continues to wait on the gift of life, but she also realizes what a gift life is in itself.
Living Donors
Live donors aren’t unheard of, but they’re not as common as deceased donors. Mike and Meagan are members of the Enid community, and they have both given the gift of life.
Giving the Gift of Life: Mike and Mindy
Mike gave the gift of life to Mindy, and he gave her the chance to be a mother. Mindy said, “Mike’s kindness allowed me to be a mom.” She went on to say that Mike was a superman to her.
Mindy was diagnosed with kidney disease when she was 30 years old. She managed it with medication for a few years, until it became too much for even the medication to handle. When she was 33, her kidneys began to fail, and she had to begin dialysis. Mindy was on dialysis for six and a half years, and she said that it was “life altering.”
She was fortunate enough to do it at home with the help of her husband, but it was still a three and half hour process, five times a week. During this time, Mindy learned that she would not be able to have children naturally, and this was a direct consequence of needing an organ transplant. She was devastated by the news, stating that the life she dreamed of as a child was “shattered into a million pieces.”
In 2017, Mindy received the gift of life, a new kidney. “Mike gave me a second opportunity at the life I wanted to live,” she said. “His kindness, generosity, spirit and love gave me an extra push to be the person I knew that I was.”
The icing on the cake for Mindy was that, one year after receiving a kidney, she and her husband became parents through adoption. Mike gave Mindy a second chance at the life she dreamed of, and according to Mike, the best part of the process has been the new relationships he’s gained with Mindy and her family.
A Daughter’s Gift: Meagan and Lonnie
On Valentine’s Day 2022, Meagan gave the gift of life to her father. Lonnie, Meagan’s father, was born with one kidney, although he was unaware of this until he was 50 years old. At that time, his doctors started keeping an eye on his kidney. Over the next few years, his only kidney began to steadily decline, and he was put on the transplant list.
Meagan attended a few of Lonnie’s doctors’ appointments, and that’s where she learned more about being a live donor. When she mentioned donating to her father, he was adamantly against it because he wanted to prioritize her health and wellbeing. They talked about it for several months, and for his birthday one year, she got him a can of kidney beans. She then proposed talking to his doctors about the possibility of her being a live donor.
Lonnie took his questions to his doctors, his biggest concern being his daughter’s health. Meagan got the ball rolling from there, and on Valentine’s Day in 2022, she gave her father one of her kidneys.
They chose to share their story in hopes of informing others about the process and life after. “We’re okay with doing this because we want people to know that it’s not necessarily easy, but it’s totally doable. I’m living a normal life, and he doesn’t have to do dialysis – he can live a normal life too,” Meagan said.
Lonnie was nearing retirement, and Meagan didn’t want her father to spend his retirement in poor health or on dialysis. Meagan gave her father the gift of life, and now, with a healthy kidney, he is able to enjoy his retirement years.
A Recipient’s Story: Cindy and Kenny the Kidney
Cindy received her new kidney in 2020. She was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease when she was four years old, and as the years went on, her kidneys slowly started to deteriorate. She was put on the transplant list in 2020, and she was fortunate enough to only be on the list for four months.
Cindy underwent a successful kidney transplant operation and was released from the hospital on her 43rd birthday. Since then, she has named her kidney “Kenny the Kidney,” and the sign outside of her office reads, #KeepKennytheKidneyhealthy.
After she was given the gift of life, Cindy said, “I want to be a better person.” Cindy states that she learned a lot through her journey, and now she is an advocate for organ donation. “You have the chance to save someone’s life, and I think it’s important that people realize it doesn’t matter your age, race, or sex. Everybody can make a difference,” she said. “The more you share, the more you know, and the more you grow.”
National Donate Life Month brings awareness to organ donation and registration, and it celebrates those who have donated and saved lives. Organ donors have allowed individuals to go on and live the life they’ve dreamed to live.
For questions about becoming an organ donor, contact a medical professional or visit lifeshareoklahoma.org for more information.
Author: Tracey Lange Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
If you’re looking for a good Irish book to read this month to mark St. Patrick’s Day, We Are the Brennans is a wonderful choice. The debut novel of author Tracey Lange, it was released in late 2021 and is now available in paperback. The Brennans are a large family of first- and second-generation Irish immigrants living north of New York City. They own a very successful pub in town, but all their problems and all their secrets come to a head with the opening of a second location.
Sunday, the only daughter and sister, abruptly fled to Los Angeles five years ago, without any explanation for her family or her fiancé, Kale. Now, she has returned home to heal, physically and mentally, after a bad car crash, and is tasked with making heads and tales of her brother Denny’s accounting books at the pub. Unbeknownst to anyone else, he has made a handful of risky money decisions – like using the first pub as collateral – that have jeopardized everyone’s future. For Kale, in addition to the anxiety of the opening, the return of Sunday has brought up so many unanswered questions – which are even more complicated now that he has a wife and son of his own. What the family comes to realize is that the root of everyone’s problems is a certain family enemy – who now has a prime opportunity for sabotage to take them all down.
We Are the Brennans is a great family drama, with a splash of mystery and a splash of romance added in too. It feels simultaneously like a deep, thoughtful book and a light, fun book. There is also a really unique stylistic choice at the beginning of every chapter that helps the book flow quickly. So, this March, pour yourself a Guinness and get absorbed into the messy, yet wonderfully loyal, Brennan family.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of We Are the Brennans today!
Author: Rosanne Parry Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Author Rosanne Parry is well-known for her chapter books A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild, but Last of the Name didn’t receive as much attention. It came out originally in 2019 and then was re-released in paperback in late 2022. It is a work of historical fiction, focusing on two young Irish immigrants who come to New York City in the spring of 1863, during the American Civil War.
Kathleen, aged 16, and Danny, aged 12, arrive without any family or any connections, so when they learn of two job vacancies, they immediately jump at the opportunity – even if it means Danny has to dress like a girl to be a laundress. He is a very talented singer and dancer, though, so when he can, he sneaks away in his normal clothes and performs on street corners for tips. His act ultimately catches the eye of a wealthy theater owner, who offers him the wages and stability that he and his sister have been dreaming of. Unfortunately, around them, the hostilities between the races and social classes reach a breaking point. An angry mob forms to protest the draft for the war, and soon businesses and homes are being looted and set on fire. Suddenly it seems like everything Kathleen and Danny have worked toward, their hope for a better future, is put into jeopardy, yet again.
What really works in Last of the Name is the balance. Kathleen’s tenacity is balanced with Danny’s charisma. The difficulties that they face are balanced with humor and levity. The true facts of the story are balanced with entertaining tales. Plus, the bond between the siblings is just beautiful, as is their devotion to their heritage and their faith through all the adversity. Overall, Last of the Name is a good example for kids – and reminder for any reader – that even though there is animosity and hate in the world, there is also love and compassion and generosity to overcome it – a superb book.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Last of the Name today!
March Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, Woman holding dark Blue Ribbon for supporting people living and illness. Healthcare, hope and World cancer day concept
Prevention is key to keeping your colon healthy.
If you’re 50 and see your doctor periodically, you no doubt have been advised to schedule a colonoscopy. But many people put off having this important procedure. Kay Khamvanthong, MD, family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Family Physicians Associates, says colonoscopies can save lives, but many people fear the preparation involved or that it will be painful. “The preparations used now are much easier to take and don’t require you to drink as much liquid,” she says. “There is no pain involved in the procedure because you are under anesthesia. And the procedure itself only takes about 15-20 minutes.”
Colorectal cancer is third-most-common cancer in both men and women, and the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S. It’s expected to cause about 52,550 deaths during 2023.
However, due to increased screenings, rates have declined for the past 20 years. Dr. Khamvanthong says the purpose of a screening colonoscopy is to find polyps, which are growths in the lining of the colon that can become cancerous. “We remove them before they have a chance to become cancerous,” she adds.
Are you at risk?
If you have a history of colon polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon/rectal cancer, you may be at increased risk. Diets high in red meat, processed meats, low-fiber diets, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can also contribute to the chance of developing colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle combined with routine colon screenings can be helpful in preventing colon cancer.
Know the symptoms
Early colon cancer usually has no symptoms, which is why screening is very important. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms such as abdominal pain, which can vary in location and intensity, or a change in bowel habits, such as frequency and consistency of stool, can occur. In an advanced stage, some people can experience unexpected weight loss, abdominal distention, anemia, jaundice, passage of bloody stools, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor.
Man suffers painful abdomen injury and holds painful area with hands, Gastritis, Stomach pain, Reflux acids.
Who should be screened?
Patients should get their screening colonoscopy when they turn 45. However, because African Americans have a 20 percent higher incidence rate, initial screening for them is recommended at age 40.
If you have a family history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives, the screening guidelines are slightly different. It is recommended to start 10 years younger than the age of diagnosis, or age 35, whichever is earlier.
People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.
For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history.
People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
Colon health suggestions
Stay away from tobacco
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Exercise
Eat healthy
Avoid alcohol
CTA: Schedule an appointment with Dr. Khamvanthong by calling 580-233-5553 or online at stmarysphysicianassociates.com.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
Last night’s dinner was a King Ranch Casserole….something my husband has had his eyes on since he was told he could not eat beef or pork. When I first looked at the article written by “Berly’s Kitchen”, I thought it had ranch dressing as a main ingredient, but I WAS WRONG!!! King Ranch Casserole actually is a wonderful Tex-Mex entrée that has deep roots in the heart of Texas. Rumor has it, this recipe originated on the famous King Ranch in Kingsville, Tx. However, the family has never taken credit. Regardless, this casserole is full of flavor and the Hubs LOVED it! I looked at several recipes online and most had 2 cans of cream soups in them, but this recipe did not…it had 2 cups of sour cream. And looking through the comments, I learned that THIS recipe is THE ORIGINAL recipe…so that’s what I gravitated to. The other thing that I really liked about this recipe is that it freezes well. Always a plus when I am only feeding 2 people and the recipe calls for 6-8 servings. The next time I make this dish, I think I may add a can of drained black beans to increase the protein and fiber in the dish. You could probably add a can of corn as well, but for us, that would probably increase the carbs too much for the Hubs blood sugar levels.
Anyways, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!!! Happy cooking!
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
1 Cup White Onion (diced)
3 Large Garlic Cloves (minced)
2 cups Sour Cream
5 cups Chicken (cooked and chopped)
16 Ounces Salsa Verde (jarred)
10 Ounces Tomatoes and Green Chiles
4 Ounces Green Chiles
2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
4 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
20 Small Corn Tortillas (cut into fourths)
Instructions
1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch or 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, then set aside.
2) In a medium skillet, melt the butter over low-medium heat, then add the onions. Cook the onions until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes, then add the garlic. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3) In a large bowl, combine the onions, garlic, chopped chicken, sour cream, salsa verde, tomatoes, green chiles, and cumin. Set aside.
4) Cut the tortillas into quarters. Spread one fourth of the chicken filling into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, then place a layer of tortillas over the cheese. It’s okay if the tortillas overlap some. Repeat this process of chicken filling, cheese, and tortillas 2 more times (total of 3 layers) making sure to use all the tortillas. Spread the last of the chicken filling on the top, then top that with the last cup of cheese.
5) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sides are bubbly. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Pollinator gardens seem so…last year’s garden. However, pollinator gardens play a large role in today’s horticulture for many reasons. The loss of pollinators, including honeybees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps, beetles, and small mammals, play a critical role in our food production system. A healthy pollinator population is vital to producing marketable commodities such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes and forage crops. More than 100 U.S. grown crops rely on pollinators. The added revenue to crop production from pollinators is valued at $18 billion. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems needed for clean air, stable soils, and a diverse wildlife. The decline of 45.5% of managed honeybee colonies within the last 15 years is attributed to multiple factors. Many articles have been written on the effect of diseases, pesticides, pollutants/toxins, habitat loss, effects of climate variability, agricultural production intensification, and pollinator or crop management practices. Pollinator gardens by introducing plants and flowers in urban areas can help with the loss of habit and increase local fruit tree and vegetable garden production.
Careful planning is essential to successful pollinator gardens. While flowering plants can grow in both shady and sunny locations, consider your audience. Butterflies and other pollinators like to bask on bare ground spots in the sun and some of their favorite wildflowers grow best in full or partial sun with some protection from the wind. Both plants and pollinators need water, but pollinators need standing water. Providing birdbaths or areas for mud puddling are essential to the pollinator. Also, remember to think about more than just the summer season. Pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into fall. But during the winter months, they also need places to live, procreate and tend to the lives of their offspring. Selecting the proper plants that do well in your soil and sunlight conditions will help ensure your plants thrive. Select plants that haven’t been treated with pesticides or neonicotinoids. Native plants are the ideal choice because they require less maintenance and tend to be heartier.
Successful pollinator gardens have a mixture of perennials and annuals, flowers and bushes. For selection of plants, Milkweed is a staple among pollinator gardens. It provides an abundance of pollen and a surplus of nectar to attract and keep pollinators returning. Plains Sage (salvia coccinea) is another great source of pollen and nectar. It has the added advantage of being a lovely bushy plant blooming near the end of May. Blackberry bramble vines also produce a lovely summer fruit, as well as spring flowering. Butterfly bushes are a beautiful summer bloom that attracts many types of pollinators in addition to butterflies. Winter jasmine bush blooms in the winter and spring and has a heady scent to attract late pollinators. This bush provides winter home protection to pollinators in the pupal and larval stages. Year round, the Witch Hazel bush creates a holistic environment for all types of pollinators in various life stages and should be a staple in all pollinator gardens. Some wonderful native flowers to include in a pollinator garden are Asters, Beebalm (wild bergamot), Black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia), Blanket flower (Gaillardia), Primroses, daffodils, coreopsis, and many of the different sages (salvias) and sunflowers, just to name a few. Many of these bulbs or flower seeds will remain dormant for the first year, or can be planted in the late fall to bloom the following spring or summer.
Fortunately in Enid, we have several of the best sources of native pollinator garden suppliers around. Check out Johnston Seed Company at 319 West Chestnut and Plants a Plenty at 622 E. Cambridge, off of N. 4th Street. Additionally, the OSU Botanical Gardens in Stillwater frequently have seeds and bulbs harvested to give away. As always you may want to check out some of the most recent news about pollinators, pollinator gardens and native plants through the OSU Extension Office Fact Sheets either at the Garfield County Extension Office at 316 E. Oxford Ave. or on the website extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets
OBA has impacted Jerry Koehn and his family for generations. Jerry Koehn, a long-time board member, alumnus, and OBA champion, embodies the OBA commitment. Jerry’s father, Vernard Koehn, was a 1937 graduate of OBA. He attended OBA along with his four younger brothers, eventually graduating in 1959.
Koehn went on to Enid Business College and studied accounting. He eventually became the Vice President of Operations at PT after working as an accountant. He had two children and two stepchildren, two of which went to OBA and have continued his legacy through sending their children to OBA. That’s four generations of the Koehn clan!
When I asked Mr. Koehn how OBA prepared him for his life and his career, he said that it taught him the importance of leadership, responsibility and community involvement. These values also came to show through Koehn’s service on the OBA board. He served more than 20 years on the board, even when times were tough. Starting his service in the 80s and seeing the school through its floundering and interceding on behalf of OBA, showed Koehn’s commitment to the school. He recalled the tough times and said: “There were some that suggested we throw in the towel. But, I didn’t believe that was supposed to happen. I remember walking in my yard before board meetings and sitting with Jake Rempel and Bryan Kroeker… I prayed, Lord, you are going to have to do something special if you want this to work out. Honestly, I saw no way at all. But, God showed a way. He had His hand in it all.”
Jerry Koehn’s commitment was officially recognized in 2015 when he was added to the OBA Wall of Christian Commitment. The continuance of the school has been a joy to watch for Mr. Koehn as he still stops by because of his love for the school and his grandchildren that are still here. He sees the similarities between his grandchildren’s experience and his own so many years ago. While there are major differences, the joy is the same.
Thank you, Mr. Koehn, for your commitment, evangelism, and having a hand in allowing this school, and its students, to flourish.
