The Duncan Banner

Local News

Related Photos

  • Jeff Kaley

    6-30 McCarter
June 30, 2008

Homecoming honors

Jefferson county residents share lunch with outgoing state representative

Jeff Kaley

It was much like a family reunion, and Kathy and Ray Gene McCarter were soaking up the affectionate atmosphere in the fair building at Jefferson County Fairgrounds on June 19.

“Kathy and I love it here. The people of Waurika and Jefferson County are the best, best, best people in the world,” Ray McCarter told a crowd of about 150, who stopped in to share a hamburger and chips with the outgoing state representative from District 51.

Unlike some politicians who show up in rural communities like Waurika around the time of an election, the McCarters have been more than just occasional visitors. Both have roots in the community and the county, which still remain deeply entwined with the area.

“Kathy’s from Addington and she was born in the hospital (in Waurika),” Ray McCarter said, during an appreciation luncheon that was organized by the Waurika Volunteer Fire Department. “I’m from Comanche, but I spent five years as a teacher and administrator at Waurika, and our daughter (Tammi) is teaching here now, and Kathy and I can’t thank you enough for the way you’ve taken her in.”

The crowd at the picnic-style luncheon was indicative of ability McCarter has displayed for being able to comfortably cross all social and political boundaries. Local city and county officials from Terral to Addington were present, and McCarter was at ease mingling with business folks, farmers and ranchers.

There were Republicans in the crowd, including Sen. Don Barrington, and a special guest arrived early in the festivity. Although she had been in San Diego, Calif. on Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Duncan native, appeared and shared a hug and a burger with her longtime friend and fellow Democrat.

McCarter will officially complete a 12th straight year in the House of Representatives in November.

Because of Oklahoma’s term limit law, the third term will be his last, and the Marlow resident isn’t planning to take his political career to a different level.

“I’ve enjoyed every second of representing District 51, especially Waurika and Jefferson County. I hope in the future, you elect someone to take my place who’ll work hard for you — and I think that person should be (2008 District 51 Democratic candidate) Tommy Cosgrove,” he said.

“But I’ve had enough politics,” McCarter added. “I’m old enough to draw Social Security and a teacher’s retirement and a pension for 12 years of service to the state.

“Now, all I want to do is just hang around and squeeze my little great-granddaughter!”

It should be noted, however, when the retiring representative made that statement, Kathy McCarter could be seen rolling her eyes.

As she and the well-wishers know, Ray McCarter’s never been known to sit still long.

Text Only
Local News
  • DALC gets grant from Dollar General

    Duncan Area Literacy Council will be able to buy some more curriculum for its program with a $3,000 grant it was awarded by Dollar General Literacy Foundation this week.

    May 23, 2012

  • Library prepares for summer reading program

    It might be called a reading program, but there will be far more to do this summer at the Duncan Public Library than just reading.

    May 23, 2012

  • Fame Academy students Nathan Self, Mallory Anderson, Hayden James, Keeton Ruiz, Brianna Coria, Jordan Abbe, Stefeno Ruiz, Adam Baldwin and Leroy Newcomb show off the mural they helped create at the school. They’re gonna live forever

    Through art, the students of Fame Academy made a colorful impression on the town of Meridian.

    May 23, 2012 2 Photos

  • Empire FFA chapter holds awards banquet

    Empire FFA held its annual awards banquet May 8 with a buffet provided by FFA families and the entire chapter.

    May 23, 2012

  • Council discusses property buffer for hotel

    To counteract the removal of a buffer of trees, the Duncan City Council on Tuesday approved a site development plan for the Apollo Estates to create a new kind of buffer.

    May 23, 2012

  • Commission tables water district items

    The board of Stephens County Commissioners tabled bids on two services for the Stephens County Rural Water District 4 for the second consecutive week at the request of the water district.

    May 22, 2012

  • Weekend storm left many in area without power

    The city at large lit up Sunday morning around 8 a.m., with lightning strikes illuminating areas for a split-second at a time.

    May 22, 2012

  • Fire department fundraiser raises more than $12,000

    The Duncan Fire Department raised more than $12,500 during its Fill the Boot fundraiser May 17-18. Funds go to the Muscle Dystrophy Association in Wichita Falls and helps local patients.

    May 22, 2012

  • Dean Backr, left, and Joseph Lujan Carnival crews

    Warmer weather and school letting out means more time for fun in the sun. One of the season’s first opportunities is with the Duncan Lion’s Club Carnival.

    May 22, 2012 2 Photos

  • Arrest made in hit and run

    A Marlow man is in police custody after admitting to law enforcement he was involved with a hit-and-run accident that left the victim with major injuries.

    May 22, 2012