Mindy Smiley and Chris Riffle holding a framed sketch of the Altus Reservoir vision during a presentation at the Altus Community Center.

City Manager Gary Jones speaking into a microphone during a presentation at the Altus Community Center.P1 AquaX jet ski team members walking toward the Altus Reservoir event area, carrying equipment along a tree-lined road.F-22 Raptor soaring in the sky during a flyover at the Altus Reservoir Stampede Kickoff event.Families and attendees gather near the Altus Reservoir for the Stampede Kickoff, with folding chairs and strollers in tow.Earlier today, the City of Altus recognized a local artist whose vision helped turn decades of conversation into real progress. During a special presentation, City Manager Gary Jones shared the story of how Altus resident Mindy Smiley created a hand-drawn sketch of what the city reservoir could one day become. That sketch became the spark that ignited support and excitement for what has now become Phase One of the Altus Reservoir Project.

Mindy's artwork, once just an idea on paper, offered a visual path forward. It helped community members and leaders alike imagine the possibilities and push for action. To honor her impact, the City presented Mindy with a framed print of her original sketch, which will now be on display at the Altus Community Center as a lasting reminder of how big ideas start small, and how Altus is a place where vision turns into action. Her husband, Jack Smiley, who later became Mayor of Altus, also played a key role in helping bring that vision to life.

"We don’t have a key to the city," said Jones during the ceremony, "but what we do have is gratitude. Mindy gave us the spark, and that spark turned into a plan. And now that plan is becoming a reality."

Following the presentation, attendees made their way across the reservoir to witness a thrilling F-22 Raptor flyover, offering just a preview of what’s to come. For those who missed it, the full demo and air show experience can be enjoyed this weekend at the Altus Air Force Base Airpower Stampede.

For more information, visit https://www.altus.af.mil/Altus-Airpower-Stampede

Mindy Smiley's creativity helped shape the future of Altus. And now, her sketch is more than art—it's a symbol of what can happen when vision meets action.