My article’s title refers to the eight people missing from Allen. I suppose they are anyway. The Census count in 2010 was 934 but in dropped to 926. I guess we will just have to make do. If you know who they are or were, let me know.

Judging how a few neighborhoods look these days compared with 10 years ago I am surprised we are not missing even more. But do not despair. Our city fathers have instituted some actions which we all hope will help. An effort will be made to clean up some of these somewhat nasty yards, derelict cars parked or strung about and abandoned in front yards. Move ‘em to the back yard? Well, I hope not. Haul ‘em off? Yes. At least it can make those who live in those neighborhoods able to live a little better and healthier lives.

I went out and bought some diesel fuel to use on my perpetual spring-time lakes. About any sort of oil base, kerosene, diesel, or oily product in small amounts render these puddles free of mosquito growth. And for the sake of public health and for our children, let us do that now. Our Little kids are helpless to defend themselves from these disease spreading little monsters. And yes, they do cause a lot of misery and sickness in Allen every year. And yes, junk cars along with trash strewn around also promote disease. Right there in your own yard. And yes, those mosquitoes bite us big kids, too.

Local press stories will probably tell us all we need to know about population shifts, drops, and gains but I know many of you are interested in our local census. So here is a little bit more on how our area is doing. Our county seat, Ada has gained a little. Ada is up to 17,229, from 16,884. Not much but it is better than a loss like Holdenville had. Holdenville lost nearly 6% of its population but Latta, Byng and Durant had healthy growth. Note: Cities with declining populations also struggle with trashy neighborhoods and poor vaccination rates. Go figure.

After a great start with vaccinations against the dread Covid-19 participation has gone down drastically here in Oklahoma. “Herd immunity” will not be attained by July 4. Does this mean we might go back to the dark days of masks and being kept away from meetings such as going to church again? Possibly. But not doing a better job complying on vaccinations it is about as irresponsible as ignoring our mosquito problem. What is our problem? Health authorities fear it is a mixture of ignorance and misinformation. I can say this: After Pat and I got our second vaccination we had a great feeling of being rid of the fear of this dangerous disease. I encourage anyone who has put off availing themselves of this relief, please get their free shot now.

Early participation on “getting shot” was great. Above the national average even. But now I see on the news that Oklahoma has joined the “choice few” other states that are now singled out as not finishing up the job in ridding their state of this problem. States such as Mississippi, Wyoming, Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Idaho and Georgia are included and on this embarrassing list of noncompliers.

Like I have said before, I always enjoy hearing from my readers. I appreciate those taking time to drop me an email and am regularly surprised at where the emails originate. The local weekly papers really do get out and around. Hope you all have a good week and that you are enjoying the great women’s softball we are getting to watch this week.

Be sure and go to your church this Sunday. It needs your support more than ever.

Wayne Bullard, DPh

cwaynebullard@gmail.com