David Deaton
David L. Deaton is the Digital Editor at Oklahoma Welcome. Deaton is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. As Digital Editor, David has enjoyed being on the cutting edge of electronic media and news reporting. He has previous experience in journalism and had written a regular column for a local newspaper prior to joining Oklahoma Welcome.
Deaton is married and has three daughters. In his spare time he participates in softball, football and baseball from the comfort of his own couch and works diligently to save his garden from the heat, drought and insect pests. David's favorite television shows include "The Big Bang Theory," "American Idol," and HLN's Mysteries. His favorite food is hamburgers. He has won several 1st place prizes for his secret chili recipe at the CASC Chili Cooking Contest.
David is a member of Springhill Baptist Church where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. He is also a Board Member of the Nashoba Youth Foundation. Deaton is a regular volunteer for the Poteau Chamber of Commerce events.
Website URL: http://www.oklahomawelcome.com
Keith Clarke
Keith Clarke is a graduate of Confederation College in Thunder Bay Ontario.
He cut his teeth in television news as a Cameraman/editor/videographer and later in virtual media as the Internet opened up many avenues for writer/photographers. His writing and photography have appeared in publications and websites throughout North America.
Keith has been married for 12 years. With his wife Mechelle, their stable of children includes 3 girls and 2 boys. The oldest daughter is a hairdresser like her mother, next is a Halloween born son who lives in northern Canada. Then comes the football/softball/basketball playing 10 year old girl followed by a 7 year old gymnastic whiz, her first word was Daddy. Finally comes a rambunctious 3-year-old boy who should be named Amuck, because that's what he runs.
As Slash, Keith coaches Mountain Gateway Roller Derby's travelling team, the Sisterhood of Steel. With his wife (Shear Shock), they run the team, which is very active in our area as an athletic team as well as holding fundraisers for those in need. Keith can be approached at any time or place to talk Roller Derby and is always trying to recruit new converts.
An old punk rocker, Keith still jams regularly with a few friends
around town on the old classics, and has gained an appreciation for loud straight ahead driving Rock music.
Lundy Kiger
Lundy Kiger was born on October 4th to Ronnie and Shirley Kiger.
He received his public education at Panama Public Schools and worked at Kiger's Drug Store for eight years.
After graduating from high school, Kiger attended his first two years at Poteau Junior College (CASC) and completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University (NSU) in Tahlequah.
After graduation, Kiger became an area manager for a regional restaurant chain based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a teaching degree Kiger later entered public education for six years at Shady Point Public Schools and then nine years at Panama Public Schools.
Kiger taught in the classroom and coached football, basketball and baseball. He was also Vice-Principal while at Shady Point Schools and Middle School Principal at Panama.
Kiger had a teaching field that included social studies, English, physical education, safety, and journalism.
Kiger went on to complete Master's in Education and completed an additional 16 hours toward his Superintendent's certification.
Kiger taught school for a total of 15 years before going to work for AES Shady Point and has been at AES for the past 20 years.
Kiger has one son, Joe Ryan and three step daughters, Miranda, Hailey and Mya. Kiger is married to his wife, Samantha.
Kiger enjoys college football, politics, golf and most sports that have a playoff or championship game. Kiger also worked as the Public Address Announcer for the Panama Razorbacks football team for sixteen years.
While announcing Razorback football, Kiger also did the color and play by play on the radio for local high school playoff games that included Panama, Spiro, and Stilwell.
Kiger also worked for many years on the radio with Bob Marchant on the Bob Marchant Scoreboard Show.
Glenda Wise
Decorating Wisely With Glenda Wise
Glenda is a true multitasker and wears many hats.
She is a Real Estate Agent for Connie Wise Real Estate, Partner in Don Wise Construction and Owner of Big Gunns Production. She was also a Wedding/event planning for 10 years.
She sits on the Board of Directors and is current President of Friends of Buckley Public Library. She is on the Board of Directors and Secretary for the Women’s Crisis Services, and serves as Chairman of ICC Oktoberfest, Regional Director Oklahoma Kids.
Of course, most importantly Glenda is a mommy of 2 fabulous girls!
Jerry Davidson
My life is made up of all things outdoors. I own Pleasant Valley Archery & Deer Processing in Poteau, Oklahoma. My desire is to share the outdoors and my experiences with OKW readers.
Donna Deaton
Donna teaches language arts, is the advisor for the newspaper, and co-sponsors the Literati at Wister High School. She is married to David Deaton and is "Maaaaaaahhhhhm!" to Lauren, Larissa, and Logan. She is an active member of Spring Hill Baptist Church where she works in the babies' Sunday School class and helps with other ministries and programs.
Donna volunteers at various events in the community such as the Cavanal Killer, Lights on the Island, and BalloonFest. She enjoys reading just about any type of book and watching her girls play ball.
Website URL: www.oklahomawelcome.com/blog/Donna.html
Kodey Toney
I am not an expert. I'm just a father who is trying to learn as much about Autism as I can to help my child. I hope that I can help others with the information I, and I from you. I ask anyone who has questions or comments about something I have written, or autism, please contact me at pervasiveparenting@hotmail.com. I will try to answer questions as I have time, and if I find it interesting enough I may touch on it in my column.
