Beutler story on Price unfolds two Big Winners

Mark Beutler’s story on Jason Price in the Wednesday, Aug. 20, edition provided another reminder of what great citizens Kingfisher County produces.

This remark applies both to Price, program manager for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, and to Beutler, who is the director of communications and marketing for the same organization.

Price is a product of Dover schools and Beutler of Cashion schools. Both have made major successes of their lives. I am not surprised at all by the major success either has achieved.

I remember Price for his determination and smarts as a former intern with this newspaper.

As Beutler’s story said, he was born prematurely with a condition, cerebral palsy, that left him a quadriplegic.

The Price story regarded him completing 25 years of service with the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

I remember him wheeling into the Times and Free Press office in his wheelchair looking for a summer job after his senior year in high school.

I had already seen some of his work, so I put him to work in the news department. I knew that his physical limitations wouldn’t limit his production and I wasn’t disappointed.

The fact that he was the son of the late Audie Price, a successful professional and businessman, and Brenda Price, a hard-working Dover school teacher, didn’t hurt, either.

Beutler, who began a string of successful public relations posts after graduating from Central State University and has 35 years of service in newspapers, television and public relations, described Jason’s work ethic perfectly when he quoted him saying, “I had no excuse, I had no sob story mentality,” describing his attitude toward life.

Jason quickly made a place for himself in the local newspaper as a teenager and then went on to college, ultimately earning a master’s degree.

I count myself fortunate due to the opportunity to know both of these fine men. Full disclosure: I haven’t met Mark in person, only indirectly hrough phone calls and the mail. He’s provided a number of outstanding articles for this newspaper over the years.

Then, On The Same Page

Then, on the next column over from the Page One story on Price was the laudatory commentary by T-FP Publisher Barry Reid on local businessman (M6 Wrecker and Recovery Service owner) Tyrel McLane, who I always consider “Mr. Positive.”

Tyrel and his twin brother, Tyson, grew up in a family without a father in it.

Many of the skills that might normally be taught early on by a father, they have acquired on their own through hard work, sharp minds and paying strict attention.

Why Are Local People So Successful?

I have often mused about the large numbers of highly successful people Kingfisher and Kingfisher County have produced. The numbers include local residents still living here and others who have gone on to success at state and national levels.

I have come to the conclusion that it is due in large part to the pioneer heritage of this county and the attitude that imparted to local parents: “If a job needs to be done, it’s up to me to do it.” That, and there’s no excuse for failure.

People locally expect the very best effort from their children, whatever the children’s interest areas – scholastics, athletics, music, FFA, cheerleading and many others.

It would be difficult to find a better place than right here to raise a family and to live a happy and successful life.

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