By TRAVIS RUIZ
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Travis has been a seasonal member of The Guymon Daily Herald staff since June 2009. Since then, he has climbed the ranks from being a reporter to his present title of Lead Reporter. He regularly designed the front page of The GDH while also providing news content. Today marks his last day of full-time work with The Daily Herald as he will return to school at West Texas A&M University where he will complete his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication. In the meantime, Travis will continue to be a Special Correspondent and will continue with this opinion column.
It was three years ago that I packed up all my belongings (mostly clothes) and said 'See ya later, Guymon.' I was chasing a dream and headed to college. I was going to do big things and never look back.
Little did I know that I would return on all my school breaks to my little hometown, but guess what... I did. I was given the amazing opportunity to grow as a journalist in my hometown. Being a reporter for The GDH has been an amazing learning experience that I wouldn't trade for the world.
Since I was literally about three years old, I would watch the news on TV and I knew exactly that's what I wanted to be. I knew that one day I wanted to be that man who informed people on the issues that matter. Most importantly, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make a difference by telling other people's stories. I believe journalism is a public service and I truly feel the power of community journalism.
I'm not going to lie to you, when I first thought about working at the newspaper, I really wasn't fond of the idea. I mean, I love journalism, but never did I want to do print journalism. Now, I wouldn't trade the experiences and the lessons I've learned from this job. I feel as though I've grown tremendously in a professional and a personal aspect because of my time at this newspaper.
I was always proud of growing up in Guymon, but I never realized it... until I left. I missed walking into Walmart and knowing every other person. I missed that hometown feel and that Panhandle kindness. Throughout my time at this newspaper, I have been extremely blessed to meet so many amazing people. The people of this town have been nothing short of amazing and supportive.
I love helping others and telling their stories. It's truly my passion and it's my hope that I made a difference in this community, even for just one person. It's why I do what I do and I will never settle for anything less than my best. Goodbyes are never fun to say, especially when it's the last thing you want to do. Today, I don't say goodbye to the hometown that I love, but rather... it's a see ya later.
Thank you to the entire staff of The Guymon Daily Herald. Each of you have made an impact on my life and my heart and beginnings will always be with you. To Katie, Allison, Christie, Brandi, Miranda, Shawn, Myrna, Brenda, Sandra, Helma, Rick, Matt, Peggy and the other circulation girls: Thank you so much for your continued support and please continue to do what you do. I was so fortunate to work with a great group of newspaper professionals. We had some good times and I can bet that once I leave the newsroom will have some peace and quiet. You guys made a difference in my life.
Thanks to the community of Guymon for embracing me and helping me along this journey. To Alex Blanchette, the visiting student from the University of Chicago; Guymon Code Enforcement Officer John Shaffer; Carol Batterman and the rest of the crew at Panhandle Area Sheltered Workshop; Chief Eddie Adamson and the entire Guymon Police Department; Sheriff Rick Caddell and all the officers of the Texas County Sheriff's Department; Chief Clark Purdy, Assistant Chief Dean McFadden, Assistant Chief Grant Wadley and the entire Guymon Fire Department; Ronni Malone, Kandi Chesnut and the entire Board of Directors for the Guymon Chamber of Commerce; Ron Strecker, Chris Purdy, Leslie Kraich, Carol Grider and all the members of the PTCI Public Relations Staff; City Manager Ted Graham, Public Works Director Ivan Clark and the support staff at the City of Guymon; Mayor David O'Sullivan and the Guymon City Council; Superintendent Doug Melton, the Guymon Public Schools support staff and the School Board; Karen Parish and the entire staff at the Texas County Court Clerk's Office; Texas County Emergency Manager Harold Tyson; Judyth Campbell and Jerry Tucker at the Texas County Assessor's Office; Amy Green of Walmart; Jennifer Lovell and the Convention and Tourism Board; Debbie Browning of KGYN Radio; Joe Denoyer of KSCB Radio; Laura Rojas, Ben Briscoe and Maxine Ridling of KFDA NewsChannel 10; Larry Phillips and staff at The High Plains Daily Leader (Liberal, Kan.) and of course the many people who have helped me with stories. I'm probably leaving out some people, so I apologize, but I can't thank you enough for the time and support each of you have given me.
Thank you to my family. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma and the rest of you: I love you and I hope you know how much each of you mean to me. I am truly blessed and I couldn't have done it without your support. And finally, thank you. Thank you to every reader because without you, this newspaper would merely be a piece of paper. Thank you for trusting me to provide you with news. Thank you for stopping me in the middle of town to show your support. Thank you for being so receptive. Thank you for letting me tell your story.
I leave you with my favorite quote. President Kennedy summed it up well. I'm off to make a change because I do not want to miss the future. The future's bright, so look out.
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." -President John F. Kennedy.
See ya later Guymon. I will miss you.
The views and opinions expressed in TotallyTRAV are those of Travis and are not necessarily those of The Guymon Daily Herald or any other entity therein. Travis, a Guymon native, is currently the Lead Reporter for The GDH while attending West Texas A&M University where he is a junior majoring in Mass Communication- Broadcast Journalism. He is proud to be a member of The GDH staff bringing resident's the most comprehensive local news.
By TRAVIS RUIZ • The Guymon Daily Herald
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The power to make a difference. We all have it, but do we use it? Tuesday is YOUR opportunity and simply put, nothing is better. What is Tuesday? Unless you've been living under a rock, then you know it's Election Day. There are many hotly contested contests in this primary election, both locally and on the statewide scale. In Texas County, we will chose our next county assessor. It seems to be the big race of the area, judging by the signs and numerous newspaper ads. This position is extremely important because it deals with appraising so I hope we can all chose the best person for the job. Also in the area is the race for State Representative. Incumbent Gus Blackwell is running against Seth Adams of Hooker. It's a hotly contested race that is ever-so important to our area being represented at the state level. The governor's race is also in the spotlight. On the democratic side, Jari Askins and Drew Edmondson will square off for the state's highest position. On the Republican side, there are four contenders but the top two are Mary Fallin and Randy Brogdon. Oklahoma is extremely lucky to have those four in the top to run our state. I believe that all are great individuals who want nothing but greatness for our beloved state. I've made my decision on all the candidates and I hope you have too. Inform yourself and go out and vote, because, yes... YOU CAN make a difference! There's just something about election season that I love. Maybe it's the extra patriotism or the sense of pride I get when I see people who want to improve things. I love driving around town and seeing signs and people being informed. It's what America is about... everyone having a voice. I'll be screaming. See YOU around town. I'm Travis. The views and opinions expressed in TotallyTRAV are those of Travis and are not necessarily those of The Guymon Daily Herald or any other entity therein. Travis, a Guymon native, is currently the Lead Reporter for The GDH while attending West Texas A&M University where he is a junior majoring in Mass Communication- Broadcast Journalism.
By TRAVIS RUIZ • The Guymon Daily Herald
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Community... I've been using this word a lot lately, but what does it mean? It means.... Coming together in the worst of times and the best of times. Being there for your neighbors, friends and family. Helping out those who need out help when we can. Supporting great causes like the Crashin' for a Cure Demolition Derby, Team Kaci, and Relay For Life. And Celebrating. Guymon has been faced with many issues where the word community really comes in to play. It's the reason many, including me, love this city. I truly believe Guymon is a community. I'm proud to be from a place that is ever so willing to help a family in dire need of our help. It warms my heart to know that a family that just moved here is getting the help that they so desperately need. The Ramirez family, who lost their two-year-old son on Sunday need our help. I hope we can all find it within us to help this family, no matter how small or big. I interviewed this family Tuesday and let me tell you, it was not easy. My heart hurts for this family. It's hard to imagine the pain they are going through but I was glad to help get their story out. It disappoints me to see some residents placing blame on anyone in this situation. This family does not need our criticism, instead they need our help and our prayers. It's not our place to blame anyone. This could happen to anyone, all it takes is three little seconds and someone can be gone. That's what happened to the father. He had his son with him and three seconds later he was gone. It doesn't make them bad parents in the least bit. I hope and I pray that our community can continue to come together in these bad times, and of course, the good too. Together, we are a community. Together, we are Guymon. See YOU around town. I'm Travis.
The views and opinions expressed in TotallyTRAV are those of Travis and are not necessarily those of The Guymon Daily Herald or any other entity therein. Travis, a Guymon native, is currently the Lead Reporter for The GDH while attending West Texas A&M University where he is a junior majoring in Mass Communication- Broadcast Journalism. He is proud to be a member of The GDH staff bringing resident's the most comprehensive local news.
By TRAVIS RUIZ • The Guymon Daily Herald
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I've decided... I'm weather bi-polar. As much as I love being able to wear shorts and a short-sleeved Polo, I want fall to be here. There's something about those crisp evenings that are just a bit chilly where you can sit outside sipping a nice cup of hot chocolate. Something about those fall colors and wearing a hoodie. Something about being able to cuddle up to a loved one while listening to a train passing through. Something about those Friday night football games with the crowd hollering and cheering for the home team. It's the fall time and I love it. Just as much as I love the fall, I also love winter, summer and the spring. They all have their good and bad parts. I suppose, for now, I'll just deal with the summer. Summer is a special time. I love hearing neighborhood kids outside playing while the birds are chirping. I love going to get a snow cone, washing my truck and most of all... I love the good times and laughter outside. OK, <insert record scratch> enough of that pretty talk and let's get to the real local issues. I've always believed that you can't have bad news without good news, so here goes. The good news: A great job to the Leadership Guymon Class of 2010 for their work on the Cemetery Directory Project. It's great to see leaders in Guymon realize what this city needs and step up to make a difference. I hope we can all find it within us to help them and make a donation of some sort. Also, a commendation to all those who donated blood to the Boots v. Badges Blood Drive by the Coffee Memorial Blood Center this last week. Giving blood and encouraging others has always been one of my passions. Sadly, I was not able to give blood this time because my heart rate was too high. Weird, I know... but I suppose I just had a lot on my mind... Plus it was extremely hot outside. Speaking of the heat, I have decided to start "cooling off" my truck before I get in it to drive. You know how in the winter, you warm your car up a few minutes... well I want to do the opposite in the summer. Good idea? I think so! Finally, a round of applause to our local firefighters! They were very busy last weekend with it being the Fourth of July. It seemed like every time I was outside, I heard sirens. Hats off to Clark Purdy, Grant Wadley, Dean McFadden and all our dedicated firefighters for their continued service that they provide. And now, the bad news: Last month, at the school board meeting there was not one member of the public present. It's been like this for nearly every meeting I've ever attended. This is a shame. The next board meeting is Monday at 7 at the Junior High and I'd like to see more public participation. I may not be a parent, but I still think it's beneficial and good to participate in the discussion. Share your opinion with the school board, because believe me, they are all amazing individuals who are always ready to make improvements and listen. I think Guymon is really a special place and it can be even more special if we just all work to make it better. It's 2010 and our city is more than 100 years old. Lets work together to make it a great day, everyday in Guymon. See YOU around town. I'm Travis.
The views and opinions expressed in TotallyTRAV are those of Travis and are not necessarily those of The Guymon Daily Herald or any other entity therein. Travis, a Guymon native, is currently the Lead Reporter for The GDH while attending West Texas A&M University where he is a junior majoring in Mass Communication- Broadcast Journalism. He is proud to be a member of The GDH staff bringing resident's the most comprehensive local news.
By TRAVIS RUIZ • The Guymon Daily Herald
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Do you want the good news first, or the bad news? I never quite knew how to answer that question, so I suppose I'll just answer logically. I'll take the bad news first so it makes the good news all that much better. Greetings, Guymon. It is my absolute pleasure to re-join you with yet another round of my 'Totally Trav' opinion column. I suppose I'll explain my gap in writing to the heat. It was just too hot to write. Just kidding, as you may know... I've been back in town since shortly after the first of May and things haven't slowed down since. It's great to be back in my hometown for yet another hot, hot and can you say HOT summer! It's hard to believe that June is almost over. Time goes by fast, when you're having fun! That all being said, I'll give you the bad news first. Suck it up, Guymon. Mow your lawns, pick up your trash... Make our town look nice! For heaven's sake, is it THAT hard to simply do everyday chores like those? Or at least find someone to help? There are tons of people willing to help if not able. I find it sad that we need an actual city ordinance to make our city look nice and kept. Shouldn't we have enough pride to do it without being told? Don't park your cars in your yards, don't let your grass get knee-high and don't let trash gather! Lets work together to make our town look the best it can. And now, the good news. And why I'm proud to call Guymon home. Last week's Crashin for a Cure Demolition Derby rocked! Bob Fajen and the rest of the crew did a phenomenal job in raising awareness and funds for local cancer patients. It's people like them who inspire others. Guymon residents truly showed up in full force for the event. It was great to see everyone out having a good time, all for a cause! We should support and do things like this more often! So, you've heard my take on a few issues in Guymon-- what I call the bad news and the good news. I want to here what you think! Shoot me an e-mail! See YOU around town!
The views and opinions expressed in Totally Trav are those of Travis and are not necessarily those of The Guymon Daily Herald or any other entity. Travis, a Guymon native, is currently a staff writer for The GDH while attending West Texas A&m University where he is a junior majoring in Mass Communication- Broadcast Journalism.
