Vinita Daily Journal

02/07/2025

Vinita View
From Behind the Desk
by Vinita Superintendent Gabe Schmidt

Vinita Schools: Investing in Our Scholars’ Future

For 35 years, the community of Vinita has invested in its schools, demonstrating a strong commitment to our students' success. This tradition continues with the upcoming bond election.
The bond proposal will fund critical improvements, including a new tornado shelter at Hall-Halsell Elementary, essential repairs at Will Rogers Elementary and Ewing Halsell Middle School for water abatement, roof replacement at Vinita High School, and security upgrades to classrooms and facilities. We will also purchase two new school buses and a new pickup truck for our FFA program.
Investing in our schools means investing in our children's futures. Your vote ensures your voice is heard. And our children have the resources they need to succeed. Let's continue this tradition of excellence by voting on the upcoming bond election, the Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit https://www.vinitahornets.com/bond-proposal for more details.
Thank you to those of you who shared your input with our survey in the fall and to the Royal Blue Ribbon Investment Team's work to develop a good plan to benefit our students. In the future, we will continue working together to cast a long-term vision for Vinita Schools.
We are blessed to live in a growing community. Whether that is watching our youngest Hornet grow into a graduating scholar or seeing the investment in our community from homeowners to local businesses, Vinita is a great place to grow!
Remember: Your vote matters! For a bond election to be approved 60% or more of voters must approve the ballot proposition.
Why Hall-Halsell for the first safe room? Demographic study shows future student enrollment growth here first.
Where to vote? Voters will go to their usual polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Why two propositions? Oklahoma statute requires districts to separate maintenance and transportation into separate propositions.
Coffee & Conversation, 2/11 at Daily Brunch Cafe
Tuesday morning, I'll have a cup of coffee in hand and be available to chat. You're welcome to join me for Coffee & Conversation at Daily Brunch Cafe on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 7 to 8 a.m. Let's share ideas, ask any questions about the bond election, and anything else that's on your mind.
Spring Conferences
Remember, Thursday, Feb. 13, from 3:30-9:30 p.m., are spring parent/teacher conferences. Then enjoy a 4-day weekend with a conference break, with school being out on Friday, Feb. 14, and also on President's Day, Monday, Feb. 17.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by David Burgess
Larissa Esparza performs with the VHS pom squad at halftime of the Hornets' Tuesday night game with Skiatook at the James E. Sooter Activities Center.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by Whitney Collins/Vinita FFA Ag Boosters
Eighth-graders Clancey Collins, Ayanna Graves and Blakley Collins kick off the Vinita FFA’s annual Labor Auction last Sunday with auctioneer Greg Highsmith. The auction raised over $17,000 for the chapter.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Vinita seventh-grader Ella Hoodenpyle (right photo) holds her winning poster at a Lions Club meeting. In the left photo, Ella receives her $125 prize for winning the local and regional Peace Prize Poster for Vinita Lions Club. She also won the state contest and will receive that prize at a later date. At the prize presentation were (from left) Vinita Lions Club President Judy Echenrode, Lions District Governor David Woodall, Ella’s mother Angel Hoodenpyle and Ewing Halsell Middle School art teacher Heidi Stephens.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by David Burgess
Jaycee Hensley, Jenna Bandy and Jolee Doggett battle Skiatook's Autumn Franklin for a rebound in the Lady Hornets' 52-38 win Tuesday night.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by David Burgess
Bodee Carter defends against a baseline jumper by Skiatook's Braylon Banks in the Hornets' 52-38 loss Tuesday night.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Vinita Public Library Children’s Director Danielle Fraser-Smith traveled to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries in Oklahoma City this week to collect more than 100 books awarded to the library through a grant.
See this and related story in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by Angela Thomason
Home of Hope’s annual Chocolate Affair saw the return of many longtime and new attendees on Wednesday, with best friends Eva (Franklin) Woolman (left) and Denielle (Robison) Shafer getting a kick out of Denielle’s 4-year-old son Ellis Shafer pretending to take a bite out of the decorative giant chocolate bar created by Home of Hope’s Stephanie Steward.
See this in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

Photo by Angela Thomason
Local author and retired Eastern Trails Museum Director Kathleen Duchamp was inducted into the Vinita Hall of Fame at the 2024 Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet Jan. 30, with VACC board member Aaron Simms presenting her the award.
See this and related story in the Weekender in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/07/2025

02/07/2025

02/07/2025

Congratulations Mrs. Colvin, Vinita High School Teacher of the Year!

02/06/2025

****FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION go to the following link:
https://www.vinitahornets.com/bond-proposal

02/05/2025

Darryl Starbird’s 61st Annual Rod & Custom Show – The Next Generation

📅 February 14-16, 2025 | 📍 Sagenet Center, Tulsa, OK

Over 1,000 custom cars & hot rods, $10K "Go for the Gold" award, and the Pacer’s 50th Anniversary celebration! Enjoy a demolition derby, indoor hooning arena, live rock’n roll, contests, and more.

Don’t miss one of the biggest indoor car shows in the country!

More info: StarbirdCarShows.com | 918-406-8966

02/05/2025

SWOSU Jazz Festival Celebrates 55 Years

The 55th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival is coming up on Feb. 13–14 in Weatherford, Okla. A tradition spanning over five decades, the festival is one of the region’s most anticipated music events, drawing high school musicians, jazz enthusiasts, and acclaimed performers. This year’s schedule includes workshops, performances, and opportunities to enjoy music from both emerging and celebrated artists.

Featured Performers

The legendary Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Scotty Barnhart, will headline the festival. The Orchestra has won 18 Grammy Awards and performed for royalty, in films, and at major jazz festivals worldwide, upholding the legacy of its founder, pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie. Their most recent accolade includes a 2024 Grammy win for Best Large Jazz Ensemble for “Basie Swings the Blues.” This esteemed 18-member orchestra features some of the greatest soloists, composers, arrangers, and vocalists in jazz history.

Event Schedule

Thursday, Feb. 13
• 7 p.m. “In the Mix” Combo Performance: Members of the Count Basie Orchestra will perform an intimate small group concert in the Fine Arts Center. General Admission tickets are $10.
• 9 p.m. “In the Mix” Hors d’oeuvres Rendezvous: Attendees can gather in the Lobby Lounge of the Best Western Plus for conversation and light snacks provided by the SWOSU Music Department.
Friday, Feb. 14
• 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Big Band Festival: Middle school, high school, and collegiate jazz bands from across the region will perform throughout the day at the Fine Arts Center, Berrong Recital Hall, and other venues on campus.
• 9:30 a.m. “Practice Tips for Improv” Clinic: Led by Dave Hanson, SWOSU Jazz alum, in the Hilltop Theater.
• 11 a.m. “The Count Basie Orchestra 1935–2025: A Complete History” Clinic: Led by members of the Count Basie Orchestra at the Hilltop Theater.
• 1 p.m. SWOSU Jazz Orchestra Concert: Directed by Dr. Richard Tirk, this performance in the Fine Arts Center will feature guest soloists from the Count Basie Orchestra. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for seniors, and $25 for general admission.
• 3 p.m. Playing the Basie Way Clinic: Led by members of the Count Basie Orchestra at the Fine Arts Center.
• 5 p.m. Jazz with Pizzazz Buffet Dinner: Held at the Timothy D. Day Business Enterprise Center, this pre-concert dinner includes transportation to and from the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $25 or $55 with the "Atomic Basie Pass."
• 8 p.m. Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Concert: Directed by Scotty Barnhart, this main event will showcase the full orchestra in the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for students, $20 for seniors, and $35 for general admission. The “Atomic Basie Pass,” which includes both the concert and the buffet dinner, is available for $55.
Regional university, high school, and middle school jazz bands will be performing for comments and ratings during the Big Band Festival. Outstanding high school and middle school soloists will receive certificates, with two soloists earning free tuition scholarships to a 2025 SWOSU Music Camp of their choice.
Non-performing groups are welcome to observe performances, clinics, and concerts. Clinics are free and open to the public.

SWOSU Jazz alumni have a unique opportunity to participate in the festivities. All former jazz students are invited to join Dr. Terry Segress, former SWOSU Music Department Chair and founder of the SWOSU Jazz Festival, on stage as the opening act of the festival. This alumni band performance celebrates the program’s history and offers a chance for past students to reconnect. Alumni can learn more here: https://swosujazzfest.com/alumni-information/.

Tickets for all performances are available online at https://bit.ly/48SmU4n. The festival is made possible through support from the SWOSU Foundation, which helps provide and organize masterclasses for high school students and accommodations for guest artists and organizers. Donations to support SWOSU Jazz can be made at https://swosufoundation.com/give/give-to-swosu-jazz/.

For more information about the festival, contact Dr. Richard Tirk at [email protected] or visit www.swosujazzfest.com.

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About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of over 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
Here's a preview at https://music.apple.com/.../i-cant-give-you.../1611507371

02/04/2025

Photo by David Burgess
Dakota Smith draws a foul as she attempts to pass in the Lady Hornets' 63-30 win over Colcord Saturday afternoon.
See this in Tuesday’s edition in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/04/2025

Photo by David Burgess
Zaden Nowlin tries to prevent a pass by Oologah's Ayden Gaines in the Hornets' 60-56 loss to the Mustangs Friday night.
See this in Tuesday’s edition in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal

02/04/2025

Photo by DJ Johnson
Vinita’s John Webb was escorted by his parents, Victor and Melissa Webb, prior to the Hornets’ recent ‘Senior Night’ dual against Pawhuska in the James E. Sooter Activities Center.
See this in Tuesday’s edition in print and online at reidnewspapers.com/vinitadailyjournal