Community News
’67 graduate publishes two books
Cowboy Psalms
You might call him successful. Of course, it’s according to how you measure success. As an author, you might want to judge him by the number of his books that have been sold.
Ron Secoy, Christian cowboy poet and author of two books, figures if it is numbers that determine success then he isn’t. Ron’s first book, Cowboy Psalms, has sold less than 500 copies. It was released last September; published by Tate Publishing in Mustang, OK.
His second book, The Cowboy, the Creation and the Creator, has been out since early June. That volume of Christian cowboy poetry has sold less than 20 copies. He went with PublishAmerica to produce that book.
Secoy is a former resident of Benld and Gillespie and a 1967 graduate of Gillespie Community High School. He is a graduate of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, earning a bachelor of arts in mass communications and the University of Oklahoma School of Health Sciences with a bachelor of science degree as a physician associate.
“Accounting-wise,” according to the 63 year-old Secoy, “there is more red than black ink in the ledger.” But, Secoy admits that his ideas of success may be a little different than others. He counts success in intangible but what he calls ‘precious’ things.
“Just like watching an Oklahoma sunset astride my quarter horse Rogan is priceless so are a lot of things that you can’t purchase with a greenback or deposit in the bank.”
He points out that his books are chocked full of local color, western culture and themes about the Big Trail Boss that have no value except deep within the heart and spirit of a person. At the recent Summerfest in Fuqua Park in Duncan, Oklahoma a smile spread across his face while he wiped away sweat when someone pointed to Cowboy Psalms saying, “I got one of those Bibles.”
Comments like that he counts as success.
Another indication of success was the woman who bought the book so she could read it to her six year-old son. The boy was decked out in cowboy hat and boots during the Day of the American Cowboy last July at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, also in Duncan. The gift shop there carries both his books.
Then there was the lady who bought a copy at the Center and wanted it personally dedicated to her 100 year old father. Secoy says it does his heart good to know people think his books are good enough for their kids and their parents.
Cowboy Psalms and The Cowboy the Creation and the Creator grew out of poetry Ron Secoy has recited at numerous churches, mostly cowboy churches, in the Oklahoma counties of Stephens, Cotton and Comanche. His intent was to present the gospel in a version palatable to cowboys and those who love the western lifestyle. When he’s approached for a book by someone in a cowboy hat, boots and a big belt buckle – what he calls a cowboy three piece suit – he thinks that is success.
“I’m not a cowboy by trade. I’m a poet by the grace of God. I’m a Christian cowboy poet by calling. That’s it. The Big Trail Boss called me a few years back and I’ve been writin’ the poetry ever since.”
Ron got introduced to cowboy church three years ago. He says it took a lot of prayer, counsel and heart searching to leave the traditional environment of Central Baptist Church in Central High, Oklahoma and venture “down the trail”.
“From Sunday school and business meetings
To sermons uttered from red dirt floors
Prayer meetings with beans and cornbread
And services in the great out of doors…”Excerpted from the poem “From Three Piece Suits to Cowboy Boots” in the book The Cowboy, the Creation and the Creator.
Secoy got a request from a person to send a copy of Cowboy Psalms to her daughter at a youth camp in Arkansas. Come to find out the girl was a counselor at Camp War Eagle. She wanted several copies for the other counselors. He said just knowing his book was being shared with people who influence youth is a sign of success to him.
The Cowboy, The Creation, The Creator
Most of his poems were read aloud at Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church in Duncan and Cross Creek Cowboy Church in Marlow. Some of the poetry is about or dedicated to the people there.
“Time spent among people and critters rubs off on you. When it comes time to put pen to paper whatever flows is usually what is most familiar to you. Like in the Bible when it says out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks so the poems flow.” He explained.
Both books are full of characters from cowboys to truckers to soldiers or family members. You’ll find horses, cattle, wolves and a cow dog. He’ll take you back to the pony express, Gold Rush and cattle drives then fast forward you to 9-11 and the new times along the old Chisholm Trail. Oklahoma is his favorite subject whether it’s the Land Run or a sunset over the Wichita Mountains. Guess he thinks success is about letting others know about where he lives.
Living on six acres with Anneliese, his wife of 30 years and Rani-Anne, his teenage daughter, Secoy settled in Central High. Oklahoma 19 years ago after a 20 year stent with the US Army. When it came time to retire he knew he wanted to be west of the Mississippi and not live in an apartment building. The quietness of the country suits him as does the sound howl of pet wolves, the nicker of their three horses or the bark of the black and white cow dog. Success may just be living the lifestyle you like.
A measure of success might be the woman at Rush Springs, Oklahoma who wants to use Cowboy Psalms for a Bible study. Secoy thinks that’s also an honor. He doesn’t put himself up there with King David who wrote the Book of Psalms in the Bible but admits he meant his book to reflect the relationship the cowboy has with the Big Trail Boss (God) just like King David’s relationship with God.
Secoy continues to write. His next book will be a devotional. He plans on marrying his poetry with scripture then add in some prose of encouragement; all in cowboy vernacular. After that a book of poetry dedicated to the state of Oklahoma. He also mentioned he owes his writer friend Dutch Henry of Appomattox, Virginia, a book of poetry based on Dutch’s novel, “We’ll Have the Summer”.
While his favorite venue is a cowboy church Ron Secoy has done readings at other churches, a nursing home in Colbert, Oklahoma, the Rush Springs (Oklahoma) Lions Club and even onstage at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. At Cameron he was part on annual program called the “Cowboy Story Hour”.
Ron says he is open to reading his poetry and talking about the books and of course, the Big Trail Boss anywhere, anytime. “I’ll saddle up and get on down the trail anywhere the Big Trail Boss leads.”
He can be contacted via his Facebook page or emailed at rsecoy@cowboypsalms.com. His website is cowboypsalms.com. The books can be found on Tate Publishing, PublishAmerica, Amazon or Barnes and Noble websites.
You might catch him at a festival, rodeo, church or library. He’ll be glad to sell you a book. Of course, he’ll sign it “God Bless and Happy Trails”. That’s success to him.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
