Friday, April 27, 2018

Webbers Falls Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud


The U. S. Attorney’s Office in Muskogee announced today, April 27, that Leah Lynette Smith, age 51, of Webbers Falls was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for Wire Fraud. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Information alleged that on or about September 3, 2013, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the Defendant, for the purpose of executing a scheme to defraud California and other states, provided false affidavits claiming to be the rightful heir of unclaimed assets, thereby causing to be transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce payment of a check in the amount of $42,385.00.

“The defendant’s scheme came to light because an alert citizen became suspicious and notified the appropriate law enforcement agency. Following a thorough investigation by the FBI, the defendant was indicted, admitted guilt, and is being held accountable for her unlawful acts,” U. S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “Schemes to defraud individuals, businesses and government programs are common. I encourage everyone to keep a watchful eye for suspicious conduct that might lead you to believe that a person is engaged in activity designed to commit a fraud. We cannot combat this without your help.”

U. S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the hearing. Assistant U. S. Attorney Melody Nelson represented the United States. 

The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.       



KXMX News Staff

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Thursday, April 26, 2018

Tahlequah Woman Highlighted as Significant Woman in Oklahoma Agriculture

Marla Saeger

The fruits of tomorrow are a result of the seeds of today. 

For Marla Saeger, those seeds were sown as a young girl in her father’s garden. 

“That’s where my love of food began,” Saeger said. “I learned so much about raising food.”

Saeger’s father, Marvin Easley, raised a variety of fruits and vegetables in his garden. Born in the great depression era, it was how his family survived. As an adult, he spent hours researching in books and magazines. 

“Burgess Catalog and the farmer’s almanac were staples,” Saeger said. “He even worked with the tides and the moon. He knew to do the trilogy of corn, beans and squash growing together.”

The more time Saeger spent in the garden with her father, and canning in the kitchen with her mother, the more her love for raising food grew. She still has the tomato juicer they used to process tomatoes.

“He was definitely a big inspiration in my life,” Saeger said of her late father. 

With a couple of freezers full of produce, it is no surprise that eating vegetables comes natural to Saeger. 

Her decision to become an accountant also came naturally. Her dad was an accountant. 

“I was doing bookkeeping while I was still in high school,” Saeger said. 

After graduating from Broken Arrow High School in 1979, Saeger studied Economics at Oklahoma State University for three years. In 1982, Saeger married her high school sweetheart Bob Saeger and the two moved to his home town of Tahlequah. 

“He’s my rock,” Saeger said. “This week is the anniversary of meeting 41 years ago. We met at a church camp north of Sallisaw when I was 15 and he was 17.” 

After moving to Tahlequah, Saeger transferred to Northeastern State University to finish her accounting degree. 

Though she is a property manager, bookkeeper and accountant professionally, there is no denying what her true passion is. 

“The Tahlequah Farmers Market is my happy place,” Saeger laughed. 

This is Saeger’s eighth year serving as President of the Tahlequah Farmers Market Board. When she began in 2010, the market had been established a few years prior. Saeger did not waste any time finding ways to build on the existing foundation. 

She was a founder of Double Up Oklahoma, a statewide healthy food incentive program modeled from the Fair Food Network’s program that doubles the value of SNAP spent at participating farmers markets. She is still active in the program and participates in the statewide conference call each month. 

Her passion for growing the market to its best is undeniable, and her excitement contagious. 

When asked what her biggest role at the market is, her response was “hugger in charge.” 

“My absolute favorite thing is the relationships built throughout the years,” Saeger said. “We love our vendors and customers, we are like a family, and we would not be the market we are without them.”

Saeger said they strive to make the market a community event, a destination for people to enjoy coming together. They have introduced live music to the market every week with harps, bagpipes, soloists, a celtic band, and even an 8-string quartet. 

“I’ve worked really hard to create a comfortable space and a place for people to get fresh vegetables,” Saeger said. 

The hospitality booth now features free infused water, iced tea, ONIE calendars and literature, recipes, and reusable shopping bags and market t-shirts for sale. Additionally, the market features a food specialist and nutrition expert who prepares samples for every market.

A testament to the community atmosphere they have created at the market was their opening weekend. Unpredictable Oklahoma weather brought 28 degrees, sleet and snow for the first weekend in April, but there were still vendors and 105 customers at the Tahlequah Farmers Market. 

“We advertise rain or shine, I never thought about advertising sleet or snow,” laughed Saeger. “Our group is committed and dedicated. 

While the market has undoubtedly benefitted from her joy in being involved, it has also benefitted from her knack for numbers. 

Saeger began keeping numbers for the market in 2014 to track the growth of sales. From 2014 to 2017, their sales increased from $46,000 to $125,000. 

Saeger said they are the third most viable farmers market in the state. 

She has also been instrumental in the market’s unique farm-to-school program that targets third-grade students specifically. They take a mini farmers market to the school, one class of third graders comes to the market at a time, they receive a bag full of literature and 12 “veggie bucks” to go shopping at the market. 

“I become ‘Mayor of the Market’ and really ham it up for them,” laughed Saeger. 

She said she was blown away by how many students had never seen a fresh vegetable. 

“If you think about it, that’s true for a lot of students,” Saeger explained. “They see it in a bag, a can, a casserole or on a sandwich, not as a fresh product. But allowing them to meet the farmer that grew it is even better.”

Until recently, she and Bob had their own garden, but with all of the vendors at their market, Saeger said they have more than enough produce. In fact, she recently began another new project dehydrating, fine milling and vacuum sealing veggie powders. 

“They are great for soups, dip mixes, thickening sauces, and more,” Saeger said. “I made cheese balls for Christmas gifts from the veggie powders.” 

While there is no way to know what the future holds for the growth of the Tahlequah Farmers Market, one thing is for sure, Saeger is sowing the seeds with love.

Special by Betty Thompson

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CASC Sallisaw Hosts STEM Fair

First place winner Gracy Carson, middle with CASC representatives 
Jaime Henson, left, and Bryan Warner, right.

On April 18, 2018 Carl Albert State College-Sallisaw, welcomed students from Sallisaw and Muldrow Middle Schools to compete in the third annual STEM Fair.

The CASC STEM Fair was established to increase student motivation and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of the academic fair is to provide public recognition of outstanding students in Sequoyah County. The event is open to all 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in Sequoyah County Schools.

"We believe this event challenges students and helps develop personal initiative," said Jaime Henson, CASC Enrollment Management Specialist. "Education is not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills but the dynamic lifelong process in which students use their knowledge and skills to solve problems or to attempt to answer questions their curious minds may ponder."

The CASC STEM Fair was made possible through the generous sponsorships  from The Cherokee Nation, The Sallisaw Lions Club and Arvest Bank. Lunch was provided by Arvest Bank/Dale Phelps.

First Place winner was Sallisaw 8th grade student Gracy Carson with her project "Bridge Busters." Second Place winner was Sallisaw 8th grade student Cash Parkerson with his project "Where will it Grow?" Third Place winners were Sallisaw 8th grade students Serena Vang and Kaly Winton with their project "Ready Set Grow!"

3 Awards of Honorable Mention were awarded to:

Muldrow 8th Grade Student Kaden Chandler for his project "700 Degrees."

Sallisaw 8th Grade Student Garraway Nance for "Don't Tick Me Off."

Sallisaw 8th Grade Student Zeke Callahan for "Beat of the Heart."


KXMX News Staff

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Sallisaw Senior Places in State Essay Contest

Nathan Hubler

Nathan Lee Hubler, a senior at Sallisaw High School, has been awarded first place in a statewide essay contest, sponsored by the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma.

The annual contest, with divisions for both men and women, features prizes ranging from $2,000 to $100. The Sallisaw Masonic Lodge No. 120 will present the $2,000 check to Hubler. In addition, a $5,000 grant will be awarded in Hubler’s honor to Sallisaw High School from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. The grant may be used for any academic purpose the school chooses.

Topic for the essay contest was “Throughout United States history, individuals other than presidents have played significant roles that lead to changes in the nation’s economy, government or society. Select one important individual, other than a president, and the area in which he/she tried to bring about change. Describe the changes that came about as a result of his/her action.”

Hubler’s teacher, Dusty Sifers, facilitated the contest for the school.

“As an Oklahoman, I’m proud of Nathan Lee Hubler and of the school system which produced such fine work,” Mr. C.W. “Corky” Grigsby, state leader of the Freemansons, said in a news release. “We have some outstanding students and some highly skilled and dedicated teachers in our state. It’s a privilege for the Masonic fraternity to recognize such excellence.”

Local Masonic lodges have long been involved with the public education system, supporting the State Teacher of the Year program, providing college scholarships, purchasing books for school libraries, and providing volunteer time to assist teachers.

“We’re working to find new ways to support education,” Grigsby said. “We know it’s the most important thing we can do to assure the future of our state.”


Pam Cloud, Managing News Director


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Second Annual CASC Alumni Banquet & Awards Ceremony


The Carl Albert State College Alumni Association is set to host its second annual Alumni Banquet on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. in the Costner-Balentine Student Center on the Poteau campus. The Alumni Association will recognize the recipients of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards during the banquet. 

If you are a graduate of CASC or a friend of the institution, you are invited to join the CASC family for an evening of celebration, recognition and reminiscing. Tickets are $20 and advance registration is required. To purchase tickets, please call 918-647-1211. Limited seating available. 

Five individuals will be recognized throughout the evening. Recognition of these outstanding individuals ranges from their professional and personal achievements to their service, dedication and loyalty to CASC.

Matthew Huggins and Jeremy Warren will be honored as the two 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients. 

Matthew Huggins is a native of Stigler, Oklahoma and a 1991 graduate of CASC where he was a member of the Scholars Program. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University then later served his country in the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a military police officer. He currently serves the Unisys Corporation as the Sr. Director of Operations for its Global Services division.

Jeremy Warren served as an active member of the CASC Scholars Program and earned an Associate of Science degree from CASC in 1991. He completed his Bachelor of Undergraduate Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 1993. Mr. Warren has devoted his professional life to a career in healthcare. He serves as CEO and President of Sans Bois Hospice and Compassion Home Care, a company that provides quality care and service to rural Oklahomans. 

Along with the Distinguished Alumnus Awards, the CASC Alumni Association will be recognizing Buddy Spencer, Kathy Quirk and Phyllis Philippart with Wall of Honor Service Awards.

Buddy Spencer is the proud owner of Blue Ribbon Auto Group in Sallisaw, Okla. Mr. Spencer was inducted into the CASC Hall of Fame in 2009 for his outstanding contributions to CASC Sallisaw. He has been a driving force in the expansion of the Sallisaw campus and continues to guide fundraising efforts for scholarships. Mr. Spencer serves as a CASC Development Foundation Trustee and chairman for the CASC Sallisaw Committee for Excellence. 

Kathy Quirk graduated from CASC in 1995 and began her career at CASC in 1999 as Administrative Assistant for CASC Development Foundation. In 2012, she became the Executive Director of the Foundation. Ms. Quirk successfully coordinated fundraising efforts for scholarships, academic excellence programs, residential housing, and other beneficial initiatives which directly benefit CASC and the students it serves. She retired from CASC in 2015.

Phyllis Philippart began her career with CASC in 1993 as the Student Support Services Coordinator for TRiO Programs. She was later named the Vice President for Student Affairs and served the students of CASC until her retirement in 2009. Ms. Philippart remains a proud member of the CASC family and currently serves as the Executive Director of the CASC State Assessment Services Program.

“This is my dream job,” said CASC President Jay Falkner. “I’m honored to serve as the President of an institution that produces our caliber of graduates. Our students are phenomenal; our alumni are phenomenal; the support system of our communities and its members are phenomenal. I’m thrilled to recognize the professional achievements of our alumni and to say thank you to the dynamic support system CASC has in its community members.”

KXMX News Staff

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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Sallisaw Police Arrest Man for Indecent Contact with Juvenile

Jason Harjo

An investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department of a male subject who had been reported as trying to meet up with a juvenile female has led to the arrest of a 34 year old Sallisaw man.

A mother and daughter reported that the daughter, who was fourteen (14) years old, had received Facebook messages from a male who stated he was 34 years old. The daughter told the mother of this contact and the police were notified.

The male subject, who identified himself as James Welch in the messages, was attempting to talk to the juvenile, who had identified herself as 14, into meeting him near his house. The report was turned over to detectives and they began working to identify the male subject.

Detectives were able to reach out to Welch on Facebook while posing as a 15-year old female. After a brief conversation with Welch, he began trying to meet the female. Welch then sent a nude photo of himself. A meeting was arranged with Welch and he was ultimately taken into custody. Welch was then identified as Jason Harjo, who was using a fake Facebook account under the name of James Welch.

Harjo was charged with facilitating sexual conduct with a minor and lewd or indecent proposal to a child. Investigators believe that Harjo, or Welch, has tried to meet other juveniles in the past and are currently working to identify if there are any more victims. If you have any information, contact the Sallisaw Police Department at 918-775-4177.



Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Youth Coalitions Receive State Awards

Accepting on behalf of all Sallisaw and Central Youth Coalition members are left to right-Jamie Pool, Danielle Bethel, Amy Edwards (CYC sponsor), London Smoke, Sarah Hogner and Brenna Sawney.

The Sallisaw and Central Youth Coalitions were recently awarded the DHS Outstanding Youth Volunteer Leaders of Tomorrow Award in a ceremony in Oklahoma City. The students were nominated for their work and hours spent volunteering at monthly foster care meetings helping care for young foster children while the foster parents and social workers meet.

They were nominated for the award by the Sequoyah County DHS Office. The students were awarded at a banquet and reception in Oklahoma City on April 18 at the Oklahoma History Museum.

KXMX News Staff

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Plays Lee Creek Tavern


More than just a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Artimus Pyle Band gives fans a rock star performance, featuring one of the original members. The APB delivers hit after hit, from fan favorites “Free Bird” to “Sweet Home Alabama.” On May 4, The Artimus Pyle Band takes the stage inside Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland.

The free concert begins at 8 p.m. inside Lee Creek Tavern.

Long considered the wild man of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pyle’s powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the original band’s sound. He made his recording debut in 1974 with “Saturday Night Special.”

Pyle has most recently taken his skill on the drums and joined forces with Brad Durden on vocals and keyboard, Scott Raines and Jerry Lyda on guitar, and Dave Fowler on bass to form The Artimus Pyle Band. The foursome has created a sound that brings fans back to their southern rock ‘n’ roll roots, celebrating an era long ago.

The Artimus Pyle band has released four studio albums, including 1981’s “A.P.B.,” 1983’s “Nightcaller” and “Artimus Venomus” in 2007.

Pyle and his Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

For more information on The Artimus Pyle Band, visit www.artimuspyleband.com

Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland is located off Highway 64 on Cherokee Boulevard in Roland.


KXMX News Staff

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Registration Available for College Prep Institute

 

Cherokee Nation Foundation is now accepting applications for the seventh annual Cherokee College Prep Institute July 15-20 at Northeastern State University.

The weeklong camp connects students with admissions counselors from across the U.S. to analyze, prepare and complete college applications, identify scholarship opportunities, and explore schools of interest.

CCPI’s engaging curriculum, developed in cooperation with College Horizons and participating university faculty, includes interactive sessions focusing on ACT strategies, essay writing, interview skills and time management.

The Cherokee College Prep Institute is offered at no cost to Cherokee Nation citizens preparing for their junior and senior year of high school. All lodging, meals and testing expenses are provided by Cherokee Nation Foundation, Cherokee Nation Businesses and Northeastern State University.

Applications will be accepted through June 1 and are available online at cherokeenation.academicworks.com.

Participating universities include University of Arkansas, Bacone College, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Central Oklahoma, Duke University, Northeastern State University, University of Notre Dame, Oklahoma State University, Pomona College, Rogers State University, Stanford University, Swarthmore College and Yale University.

For more information, contact Jennifer Sandoval at j.sandoval@cherokeenationfoundation.org or call Cherokee Nation Foundation at (918) 207-0950.


KXMX News Staff

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US-64 Narrows Near Moffett Through Summer 2018


Westbound US-64 will be narrowed to one lane from the Arkansas River near Moffett to Roland in Sequoyah County beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continuing through summer for an ongoing bridge rehabilitation project.

Drivers, especially Fort Smith, Ark. commuters, can expect delays and should plan extra travel time or use an alternate route.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the nearly $6 million contract for this project to Haskell Lemon Construction Co., of Oklahoma City, in October. The overall project is scheduled to continue through spring 2019.

KXMX News Staff

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Martin Announces Candidacy for State Senate District 4 Seat

Eddie Martin

Eddie Martin, Democrat, of Sallisaw,  announced his candidacy for the office of State Senate District No. 4 with the following statement:

“Now is the time for a leader that will listen to, support, and vote for what is best for all of the constituents across the entire District. That is what I will do as your Senator.

“I was raised in Sequoyah County and a graduate of Sallisaw Public Schools. I attended college at Connors State in Warner and transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work.

“After college, my career began as a Social Worker for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services as a Child Welfare Worker. In 1987, Senator Larry Dickerson appointed me the Sequoyah County Election Board Secretary. That same year, I ran and was elected Sequoyah County Democratic Chairman. The following year I was successful in my campaign for 2nd District Democratic Chairman, which encompasses fourteen counties in Eastern Oklahoma. I was also appointed to the Arkansas-Oklahoma River Commission by Oklahoma Governor David Walters. While on the Commission, I lobbied effectively for the city lake in Roland, Oklahoma.

“My wife and I are currently in the long-term care industry and real estate investors, owning and managing commercial and residential properties. We have three boys, all of whom graduated from Sallisaw High School, are college graduates, and reside in Sequoyah County. We are also the proud grandparents of five; and three of our grandchildren are students in the Sallisaw Public school system.

“I stand for education – our children and grandchildren deserve the opportunity to receive the best education possible. In order for this to be achieved we must stand behind and support our teachers and administration.

“I support Oklahoma State Employees – they have been forgotten or ignored by so many legislators for too long.

“I see the need for modernizing infrastructure throughout Dist. #4. Our roads and bridges are in dire need of repair or replacement. I will fight for these funds for the entire district.

“I am a proud supporter of our active military and veterans. I respect them and vow to always work for the Heroes across District #4.

“I believe in the 2nd amendment.

“To the citizens of District #4: I promise to give you the representation you desire and can trust and I assure you that I am the candidate that will do what is right for all the people.

“I am asking all of the citizens in District #4 for their vote and their support in this very important election. Thank you, Eddie Martin.”

Martin faces Democratic opponent Christopher Ford of Poteau in the June 26 primary election. The seat is currently held by Sen. Mark Allen of Spiro, who is one of two Republican candidates for the office, along with Heath Eubanks of Vian.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Friday, April 20, 2018

Sallisaw Main Street Event Features BBQ, Music

The Hi-Fi Hillbillies will be performing on Saturday, April 28 during the 
Hot Pickin' Finger Lickin' BBB Cookoff and Band Fest.


Spring has already started heating up and the music and barbecue aren’t far behind.

Live music and tasty barbecue are on tap for Sallisaw Main Street’s annual Hot Pickin’ Finger Lickin’ BBQ Cookoff and Band Fest coming at the end of the month. The weekend of April 27 and 28 will see live music, a free family fun zone and a pop-up market in downtown Sallisaw.

Sallisaw Main Street board member Jaime Henson said Friday’s events kick off at 7 p.m. and include live performances by Haulin’ Oats, an acoustic band from Poteau, and 6’ Under, another local band. The Sallisaw Main Street food truck will have Indian tacos for sale, along with other “tasty treats,” according to Henson.

“All of our contest participants will be preparing their barbecue also,” she said, adding there will be about 10 teams competing in the barbecue contest.

On Saturday morning, activities begin at 10 a.m., featuring live music from the Hi-Fi Hillbillies and Katelyn Myers. A pop-up market will entice shoppers, while inflatables will keep the youngsters busy. There will also be a free family fun zone.

Henson said taster kits go on sale at 11 a.m. Saturday, and are only $7 each.

“For $7, you definitely get your money’s worth as far as a good lunch,” Henson said. “So you can sample all kinds of different barbecue. Each contest participant is encouraged to get creative and add different sides if they like. It’s not just barbecue; there will be extra sides to go along with it.”

Proceeds from the event will be used by Sallisaw Main Street to continue to restore and beautify the downtown district.


Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Ward Resigns as Hospital CEO


During Tuesday night's hospital board meeting Julie Ward submitted her resignation as CEO of Northeastern Health System Sequoyah (NHS) and it was accepted in executive session.

Charges were filed against Ward and her husband Robert Ward in March for knowingly concealing stolen property. The charges were filed after investigators questioned the couple about a stolen Kubota tractor that was located on their property. The couple was questioned separately and gave conflicting stories. The tractor had been stolen in February from Muskogee County. 

Both of the Wards are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings at 9 a.m. June 18 before Special District Judge Matt Orendorff.

KXMX News Staff

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

Statewide Crime Spree Halted in Sequoyah County

Eugene Minyard

Casey Bradberry

Ashley Robinson

Sequoyah County deputies and investigators have stopped a statewide crime spree after they arrested three individuals for multiple stolen property and theft offenses.

Casey Bradberry, 34, and Ashley Robinson, 33, both of Ardmore, and Eugene Minyard, 42 of Choctaw, were arrested Monday, April 16.

Authorities have recovered over 500 items that are believed to have been stolen from all over the state. Among the items recovered so far are: 3 stolen vehicles, one license plate, approximately 200-300 drivers licenses, ID’s & credit cards, tools, chainsaws, computer equipment, purses, DVD’s, mail, clothing, and cell phones. Investigators are diligently trying to piece this case together, as the crime spree apparently started by stealing a vehicle in Ardmore, then spread from there to Oklahoma City, Henryetta, McAlester, Stigler, Sallisaw, Muldrow, Roland, and Van Buren.

The trio was finally stopped and arrested near Vian after a short foot chase. The trio admitted to breaking into houses, cars, and mailboxes as well as using stolen ID’s to cash checks and fraudulently using credit and/or debit cards.

Sheriff’s investigators are contacting individuals and law enforcement agencies from all over the state to obtain theft/incident reports and are finding that they recovered some of the items before they were even reported stolen.

Charges are still pending on those arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.


Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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OBI Needs Donors to “Spring” to Save Lives April 24 – April 27


This spring, Oklahoma Blood Institute needs strong, bold, and fearless donors to give blood and help patients in area hospitals. And, because Oklahomans know the importance of weather safety during this time of year, all blood donors who give in the month of April will be entered for a chance to win a tornado shelter from FlatSafe. As an added incentive, donors will receive a coupon from Whataburger for a free honey butter chicken biscuit and be entered for a chance to win Whataburger for a year!

Blood donors will have their choice of inspirational t-shirt in one of three featured colors, “Strong” olive, “Bold” maroon, or “Fearless” teal. Healthy adults, age sixteen and up, have the opportunity to give blood at one of the following drives*:

· NHS Sequoyah; Tuesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

· Liberty Elementary/Community; Friday, April 27, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students at this drive will receive a goofy pen when they bring in a donor to donate.

“As the weather warms up, people get busy with activities and may get out of the routine of giving blood,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “But every two seconds, someone needs blood. If you have never donated or haven’t given in the past two months, please give at one of these blood drives to save local lives.”

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do. Blood donation takes just about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donations can be made as often as every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. 

Donors also receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store. If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Greg at 479-652-2362 or visiting obi.org.

*Blood donation not necessary to enter prize drawings. 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.


KXMX Staff

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Johnson Arrested on Second Rape Charge

Jeffrey Johnson, left, being escorted to the Sequoyah County Jail by Cpl Tucker Martens.


Jeffrey Johnson, 26, was arrested for a second time in less than a week on second degree rape charges.

Johnson was originally arrested April 12 after a victim under the age of 16 came forward and filed a report. Officers with the Sallisaw Police Dept. obtained an arrest warrant and Johnson turned himself in.

Johnson was charged with a felony count of rape second degree in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw on April 12 and plead not guilty. He was released on a $10,000 bond. 

On April 18 Johnson was arrested again after another victim under the age of 16 came forward. Johnson was charged in Sequoyah County District Court on April 18 with another count of felony rape second degree. 

The investigation is ongoing and more victims could be involved.

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