From The Files of The Seminole Producer

Seminole Police Chief Kenneth Higdon today submitted his resignation to City manager Gerald Wilkins and Mayor Waldo Lilly. The move came at 9 a.m. this morning in a called meeting at the city manager’s office and his resignation will be effective March 1.

In a prepared statement Chief Higdon cited health reasons for his resignation. He was commended by both Wilkins and Lilly for his many years of service in various public offices of Seminole County.

Wilkins sad this morning that a successor has been tentatively selected for the Police Chief post and that an announcement will come when the appointment has been confirmed. The new police chief announcement will be made in the next few days, possibly as early as tomorrow, Wilkins stated. Several applications have been interviewed.

Higdon served as desk sergeant in 1965 under former Police Chief Lester Bush. He became head of the Seminole Police Department two years ago when Bush stepped down from the post. Higdon is a longtime Seminole resident and former Seminole restaurant operator. He also served as court clerk, deputy court clerk and had a short tour of duty as deputy sheriff prior to joining the city police department.

In a farewell statement, Higdon stated “due to my recent hospitalization my health will not permit me to perform duties as police chief of the City of Seminole, therefore, I have submitted my resignation as chief of police to the governing board of the city, effective March 1, 1973, trusting that a suitable replacement can be found by March 1.

“I would like to compliment the citizens of Seminole for their loyalty, cooperation, and assistance during my tenure as police chief and the furtherance of law and order. And to the loyal employees of the police department both present and past, I wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for their untiring effort in the duties as enforcement officers.

“To the few employees and to a few citizens who have not found it in their heart to cooperate in their effort in the law and order, I express my sympathy and offer my prayers.”

Higdon went on to praise the police auxiliary, the Department of Public Safety, the FBI and OSBI for their efforts in supporting the Seminole Police Department. He also praised Sheriff Bill Merryfield and the county deputies for their fight against crime.

Higdon said in his statement that he will continue to reside in Seminole and will continually be interested in law enforcement and prevailing law and order. He said that he would do his utmost to regain his health and spend most of his time improving his ranch properties and upgrading his cattle herd.

City Manager Wilkins noted that the resignation of Chief Higdon has not been a sudden action. The matter has been discussed for some time, Wilkins stated. “The Chief asked that a public announcement of his resignation be made at the time a successor has been selected. We have respected this wish,” Wilkinson stated.

Mayor Lilly stated that the resignation is accepted most certainly with deep regret by all involved in the administrative department of the City of Seminole. “Chief Higdon accepted the position of Chief of Police two years ago under very trying circumstances. The complete reorganization of this department from the old statutory government to the charter form of government was a complete success. Chief Higdon was responsible for this transition,” Lilly stated. -oOo School Daze - On Tuesday the debaters went to a speech tournament at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.

Elisa Moran won first in women’s extemporaneous speaking.

Jan Poplin won first in poetry interpretation.

Reggie Whitten won first in men’s extemporaneous speaking.

In the semi-final round Seminole had three teams. Reggie Whitten and Neal Martin were to meet Elisa Moran and Greg Givens but for forfeited to Givens and Moran, who won first in debate. Also in the semi-finals were Mark Reynolds and Gary Parish who lost to Duncan on a 3-2 decision. This gave them a third-place tie with the other Seminole team. ~ Student Council members are now selling tickets for the Twirp Spaghetti Dinner. It will be held at the Junior College on Tuesday, February 13. Anyone wanting to buy a ticket may purchase one rom the following people: Jerry Colclazier, Mike Vanlandingham, Malia Wantland, Sandy Hodges, Becky B owling, Ricky Jackson, Mary Ann Landrum, La Dawn Mize, Lynn Lofgren, Jane Ware, Danette Reynolds, Debbie Friend, Nancy Wall, Terri Wright and Wanda Taylor.

Tickets may also be purchased at noon in the gym. Tickets are $2 apiece.

TWIRP means “The Woman Is Required to Pay.” ~ School Daze Slants – Brenda Leonard not being afraid of a dog… Scott Winlock wondering about some patches… Mike Kiesel getting pinned in between two cars… Bobby Alexander and Chez Evans taking a snooze under a table… Dan Trammell wanting his name signed to his work… Brenda Barnes needing advice… David Shipman using a brush… Kathy Griffith having her name forgotten… Alonzo Newton falling asleep… David Watson telling the time… Lana Reynolds attending a meeting… Debbie Fish hurrying to lunch… Steve Stewart wearing stiped socks… Dana Sanders having a bad cold… Mark Reynolds secretly reading the paper… Gary Wood making faces… Cathy Morgan being embarrassed.