I think he said the mule's name is "Missy" ... I think, well, I have been wrong, wait.... oh my gosh, that's his wife's name..
Iowa Tribe is home to a special herd
Ashley Stockamp A typical pasture south of Perkins houses a not so typical type of livestock.
The Iowa Tribe is home to one of Oklahoma’s unique buffalo herds and pastures 62 buffalo. Officially known as the American bison, buffalo have always been important to American Indians because they represent their spirit and the life they lived.
Traditionally, every part of the bison served a purpose, and agriculture specialist Ken Knight said they try to hold that tradition at Iowa Tribe. The dung is even used as diaper powder and fuel.
The meat is used as a healthier alternative to other red meats, which is important to the elders of the tribe.
“The Indian population suffers from diabetes,” Knight said. “The buffalo meat is healthier for the elders.”
The meat is not the only unique feature to the bison, they are also very agile. Knight said the fences are all eight feet because they have to be, but if a bison really wanted out they could jump the fence.
He said they are more temperamental than cattle and can run between 30 and 40 miles per hour. He said regardless of their size, they are sure footed and agile creatures.
“They are not the type of animal you get out of your car to take a picture of,” Knight said. “You are better off taking pictures from inside.”
The bison herd is just one of the many unique features for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. A few other attractions include the Gray Show Eagle House, the surface water program and the horse program. More at http://www.iowanation.org/.
Finally home
• Youth Force hands over keys of remodeled house to Spiva family
Monique Headley Like the instant after the top twists off a shaken soda pop, Momentum Makeover’s fizz may be fully exhausted but the sweetness remains.
On Thursday, Heather and Jeff Spiva and sons Thomas and Jonathan came home after about 10 days away to find a home wholly renovated and decorated by hundreds of hands. More than 100 youth and adult volunteers, workers and businesses donated hundreds of hours of time, countless years of expertise and priceless resources to turn the well-loved house into a well-turned home.
How does it feel?
“It feels wonderful. I was so excited to see what they had done, on the way over my hands were shaking,” said Heather Spiva. “All week Thomas was yelling, ‘Move the bus, move the bus.’ Last night, Jonathan got sick with nerves.”
Though there may have been nervousness, in his new home, Thomas smiled.
“I love it,” he said. “My room has the horses.”
Thomas is quite the hippophile, tirelessly committed to his equestrian love, said his grandmother, Jane Lambert.
Positioned prominently in the room for Jonathan is a painting one of his favorite things, soccer. Both murals were painted by First United Methodist Church of Stillwater member Bill Miller.
It took everything from everyone to complete the makeover.
“By the grace of God,” said Alton Carter, director of youth services at First United and director of Youth Force Stillwater, “we did it!”
All the hard work was worth it, said Kate Ray of Yukon First United Methodist Church.
“You learn a lot about yourself and what you can do,” she said.
“You don’t have as many limitations as you think.”
Jessica Woods of Yukon said the business of giving back made her happy.
“I’m so happy this house is going to this family. They are going to be blessed,” she added.
Others like Ean Bonjour and Cody Stout were exhilarated by the physical work involved in the project.
“I love the feeling of doing labor,” said Bonjour.
“It makes me feel wonderful to work and help others,” added Stout.
On Thursday night, the family slept in its refurbished home. Today, Heather Spiva said, they will transfer belongings from storage and complete the settling-in process.
“It’s always nice to come home,” said Jeff Spiva.
Ed's Note: LaNeta Guth and Mt. Zion Methodist Church youth were here helping on this project... this is a follow up story...
