The Duncan Banner
7/14/05 — Velma Web Site

Government is tiny and efficient in this small Stephens County town. A clerk/treasurer. Cops and firemen. A few city workers. Just like things were decades ago.

But that doesn’t mean Velma’s not willing to plant a foot into the future. On June 1, Velma’s city Web site was born. Go to www.townofvelma.com for information on the police and fire departments, the Town Council and read the town’s budget. You can also contact the town clerk/treasurer, municipal court or Mayor Wayne Wright or other city officials.

The Web site was created and will be maintained by Anthony J. Foreman, owner of 4Mstudios and OutbackHost in Duncan and Deborah Christian, the town clerk and treasurer.

“The idea behind the Web site was to bring the community together through the Internet and to archive data,” Foreman said.

It’s also intended to keep the citizens of Velma informed on town meetings and agendas, learn where their tax dollars are being spent and to share other public information. “It is my hope to show your tax dollars working for you,” Christian said.

The new Web site is very much a work in progress. Foreman said. “It took him less than a month to develop but there was so much more to do,” Christian said.

Visitorsare able to see Velma’s unofficial accounts of history compiled and submitted by Donald F. Scott, who writes of settlers, the first store, church, bank and post office.

Eventually, the city hopes to have Web pages for classified ads, for local businesses to advertise, school happenings, announcements, an events calendar and a media gallery to submit photos.

Wenona Burton is impressed. “I’m so excited,” Burton said. “I didn’t know we’d be able to put an ad of our own regarding an even.”

Velma, which has a population of 664 according to the 2000 Census, was established in 1886. John Robert Frensley opened a store in 1880, after having saved his money along with two other partners who worked alongside him at the Block Ranch. Eventually the store was sold to a Mr. Dobbins, and in 1886 a post office was opened in the store.

Needing a name for the city, the citizens decided on Velma, the name of Mr. Dobbin’s daughter. This is just a taste of the history being told on the Web pages.

Christian is asking residents to submit pictures and stories to help build the history Web page. Today the town hall sits on the Frensley property and is leased by the city.

If you would like any information, want to submit stories or pictures, contact Christian at 580-444-3393 or e-mail her at Deborah@townofvelma.com.