Update on Guns, Child Abuse Case

UPDATE: Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart said Thursday night that investigators hope images from video cameras in the home of Naaman Adcock will show what really happened in the early morning hours on Tuesday. Adcock was arrested later Tuesday for allegedly pointing a gun at the head of his wife's 5-year-old son, and other charges. His wife Tabitha was also arrested for failure to protect the child, and other charges. Lockhart said investigators served a search warrant earlier Thursday on the Adcock home near Liberty, north of Muldrow, seeking additional evidence. He said they found the video cameras, which were confiscated. Lockhart said, "After the arrest of Mr. and Mrs. Adcock we learned that additional evidence was possibly inside the residence that would assist in the prosecution of the Adcocks. During the search investigators found video cameras that could reveal the incident on tape. All evidence will be sent to the OSBI for a forensic search of the hard drive and the cameras." Both Adcock and his wife are free on bond. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Crow's Case Continued to June 25

The case of Morgan Nicole Crow, 23, of Muldrow was continued to June 25 on Judge Larry Langley's disposition docket to allow Crow to obtain an attorney, according to court records. Crow is charged with child endangerment, permitting abuse, in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw. She is accused of allowing her boyfriend to allegedly scald her 7-month-old daughter. The charge against her was filed April 8, shortly after Crow took the child belatedly to Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith for the burns. The child was taken on to a Little Rock hospital, and the boyfriend, Alexander Turner, 26, of Fort Smith is charged with child abuse in district court. Crow entered a not guilty plea to the change on April 23, and on May 23 she submitted an application for a court-appointed attorney. Alexander also pleaded not guilty, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 19 in district court. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sallisaw Man Wanted on Drug Charges

A bench warrant was issued Tuesday for Gary Glenn Caves, 58, of Sallisaw on various drug charges following an investigation by the Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Charges filed in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw on the same day are possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, maintaining a place for keeping or selling controlled substances, acquiring proceeds from drug activity, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Task force members had to break down the home's door to enter the home when no one answered knocks or shouts. In the report filed with the charges, the task force members reported finding 10 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive as methamphetamines. They also found a digital scales, a .38-caliber hand gun, a loaded .22-caliber rifle, ammunition for both guns, $115 in cash, and 14 counterfeit $100 bills in a storage shed. Caves was not at the residence, and a woman found there said the suspect had been there but she did not know where he went. She also refused to talk about the counterfeit bills. According to court records, Caves will have a bail bond of $50,000. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

City Backs Hospital's Possible Need for Loan

Sallisaw City Commissioners voted to back Sequoyah Memorial Hospital's possible need for a not-to-exceed $1.3 million loan, if applied for, at a special city meeting Wednesday. Debbie Knoke, the hospital's chief executive officer, explained that, for some unknown reason, the Medicare program began decreasing payments to the hospital in late March. The delay in payments is causing cash flow and salary problems for the hospital, John Robert Montgomery, city attorney, explained to the commissioners. Montgomery explained that, because the hospital is backed by a city and county trust, both the city and the county must approve any loan applications the hospital submits. The county is expected to approve the request on Thursday (May 29). The hospital is also funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1978. Knoke said the hospital administration and Medicare are working on identifying and correcting the problem. She said the hospital received $70,000 in Medicare payments Tuesday, and is expecting another large payment on Thursday. If the payments increase, the hospital may not need to seek a loan to cover bills and salaries. "We brought in a consultant today (May 28) to work on the problem," Knoke said after the meeting. The loan, if needed, will be applied for at the hospital's bank, Firstar in Sallisaw, and the hospital's inventory and/or accounts receivable will be used to secure the loan, if necessary. Knoke said Sequoyah Memorial Hospital is considered one of the top hospitals in the state, and both Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson and Commissioner Ro Poindexter praised the hospital. "The hospital has a lot of good things going for it," Poindexter said. Knoke said she is sure the problems will be corrected, and Medicare patients "should not worry." Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Keota Couple Killed in Crash

A Keota couple, who at one time attended church in Sallisaw friends said, were killed in a two-vehicle crash at about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday. Martin Dyer, 81, and Hilda Dyer, 77, were pronounced dead at the scene, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported. According to the OHP report, Martin Dyer was driving a 1994 Lexus west on State Highway 9, when truck driver Kindle Thompson, 44, going north in a 2006 Freightliner, failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of State Highways 9 and 26. The OHP reported the Lexus hit the side of the truck and came to rest under the truck. The Dyers were pinned for about an hour and were freed by the Keota Fire Department. Thompson was not injured in the wreck, the OHP reported. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Police Officer, Wife Arrested

A Fort Smith police officer and his wife were arrested late Tuesday and booked into the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw on various charges. Officer Naaman Adcock, 40, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, reckless conduct with a firearm, feloniously pointing a firearm and child endangerment. His wife Tabitha, 31, was booked on charges of failure to protect a child, child endangerment, possession of a firearm while intoxicated and reckless conduct with a firearm. Adcock had a $24,000 bond and his wife was held on a $14,000 bond. Both bonded out at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday. It was reported Wednesday afternoon that Naaman Adcock resigned from the Fort Smith Police Department. According to the deputys' report, Tabitha Adcock's 12-year-old daughter alerted authorities to the shooting at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, when she ran to a neighbor's house to report a shooting in the Adcock's mobile home. The neighbor called police. When deputies were driving to the Adcock home, near the Liberty community northeast of Muldrow, they passed a SUV driven by Tabitha Adcock. According to investigators she told them that she and her husband were shooting tires in the yard, and nothing was amiss. Her two children were with her in the SUV and told investigators that Naaman Adcock had put a gun to the head of Tabitha Adcock's 5-year-old son and threatened to shoot him. Later Tabitha Adcock admitted her husband had held a gun to the child's head but said that "It wasn't loaded." Lockhart said when deputies talked to the children Tabitha Adcock interrupted, and it was obvious that she did not want the kids to tell what happened because Naaman Adcock would lose his job. Lockhart said that, "During domestic cases it's nothing unusual for the victims to protect the offender." When deputies arrived at the Adcock home they were greeted by Naaman Adcock with gun drawn. The report relates a deputy then drew his gun and ordered Adcock to drop his weapon. Adcock, according to the report said, "What? Oh really, are you going to shoot me?" Naaman Adcock later surrendered his weapon to a deputy, and told the deputies that he and his wife were in an argument and she left. That's when he began shooting holes in the walls of the mobile home. He admitted to deputies that he had been drinking. One of the children told investigators that Naaman Adcock had thrown the 5-year-old boy out the front door before grabbing him by the shirt and pointing the gun at his head. Lockhart said Tuesday evening that investigators determined that a disturbance had occurred and the wife was giving different stories and not wanting to cooperate. Through interviews with both Naaman and Tabitha Adcock and the two children, it was determined that "Both parties fired the weapon inside the residence while the children were in the house." Lockhart said the deputies throughout the investigation remained in contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Fort Smith Police Department, keeping them aware of the investigation. Lockhart said Naaman Adcock was not arrested at the time of the incident because he was in his own home. The arrests followed the investigation and interrogations of all those involved later on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning deputies did confiscate the nine guns found in the Adcock home. The guns were turned over to the Fort Smith Police Department. Also on Tuesday morning, the Fort Smith Police Department put Naaman Adcock on administrative leave, with pay, while the investigation took place. Sequoyah County Undersheriff Roger Fuller said the incident report was turned over to the Sequoyah County District Attorney's office where formal charges will be decided upon. The two children were reported to be in the custody of relatives.

Guns Confiscated in Shooting Investigation

A Fort Smith police officer was placed on leave Tuesday, and nine guns of various types were confiscated during the investigation of a shooting incident at about 2 a.m. Tuesday in the Long community, north of Roland. Undersheriff Roger Fuller said the investigation revealed an intoxicated person, identified later as Fort Smith Police Officer Naaman Adcock, fired shots into the walls in his home during an argument with his wife. A child ran to a neighbor's to report the shooting, and the neighbor called police. No one was injured and no arrests were made, Fuller said. It was reported that Adcock was placed on leave, with pay, while an internal investigation was done by the Fort Smith Police Department. A criminal investigation may also take place, it was reported. The two children were in the custody of their mother. In Sequoyah County, the investigation was conducted by the sheriff's office and the State Department of Human Services. "The report was turned over to the district attorney's office, and they will decide what to do next," Fuller said. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

State Takes Prisoners, Jail Loses Money

Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart said he lost $150,000 Tuesday. That's when the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) took 20 prisoners, sentenced to state prisons, out of the county jail in Sallisaw. Lockhart explained he was paid $27 a day per inmate who was sentenced in Sequoyah County District Court but had not yet been transported to a state prison. After the prisoner was sentenced and while awaiting transport, the county was paid that $27 a day per prisoner by the state until a cell at a state prison became available. But a new DOC director, Robert Patton, is quickly moving inmates to the state facilities to reduce costs. That doesn't make sense, Lockhart said. According to the DOC website, which lists costs for 2010, the cost per prisoner depends on the prisoner's offense. It costs the state $75.87 per day for maximum incarceration per prisoner, $42.41 for medium incarceration, $40.43 for minimum incarceration, $42.55 for community incarceration, and $36.31 for the work center. Lockhart said the Sequoyah County Detention Center must absorb the money lost. He said a couple employees have quit, and will not be replaced, which is one of several plans to save money. "We will make it," Lockhart said. "We will just have to adjust." Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sheriff's Auction Starts at 10 a.m. Saturday

About 200 items will go on the auction block at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds in Sallisaw. The sheriff's surplus and forfeiture auction includes 150 guns, four vehicles, generators, chain saws, and too many other items to mention. Sheriff's department personnel were setting up the auction on Friday for an early viewing from 3 to 6 p.m. The building will open for early viewing at 8 a.m. and the auction will begin at 10 a.m. Lockhart said one item of note is considered an antique. It is an 1873 Winchester lever-action .38-caliber rifle. "It was issued to the U.S. Marshals in the 1800s," Lockhart said. Bidders on guns of all sorts are reminded they must have a background check to purchase a gun. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Kitchen Short Probable Cause of Blaze

No one was injured in a mobile home fire on Chestnut Street last week, Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong said. The home was destroyed, and the family found temporary housing with family members, he added. Armstrong did not have a loss figure on the trailer, which was rented by the family. He said the owner is waiting on the insurance adjuster to get a loss amount. The family was awakened by smoke and flames coming from the kitchen, and were able to escape out the back door. They called 911 for help. "We arrived on the scene at 1:30 a.m. and had the fire under control in 20 minutes," Armstrong said. "We were at the site for about two hours," to make sure the fire did not rekindle. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Accused Kidnapper Pleads Not Guilty

Accused kidnapper Matthew Ryan Cruise, 23, of Muldrow entered a not guilty plea to attempted kidnapping at his initial court appearance Wednesday in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw. His case has been placed on Judge Larry Langley's felony disposition docket at 9 a.m. May 28. Cruise remains in the Sequoyah County Detention Center in Sallisaw where he is being held without bond. Police said Cruise approached four teens, two boys and two girls, as they were walking home from the Muldrow Park on May 4. He approached one of the girls and asked if she smoked. She replied no, then Cruise allegedly grabbed her and tried to get her into a pickup truck in the parking lot of a convenience store. The girl broke away and the teens ran away. Her mother contacted police immediately, which led to the discovery of surveillance videos, which led to the identification of the truck. Police reported the investigation eventually led to Cruise, who was arrested without incident May 16 at his residence in Northdale Estates north of Muldrow. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Bunch Man Sentenced

A 57-year-old Bunch man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Muskogee this week to serve 151 months imprisonment, and was also given a money judgment of more than $395,000 on drug charges. Ralph Eugene Johnson was arrested on charges that arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. attorney's office in Muskogee reported. Johnson was indicted in August 2013 and pled guilty in October 2013. The indictment alleged that on June 19, 2013, Johnson was found to possess, with the intent to distribute, methamphetamine and marijuana. Johnson remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service until he is transported to a federal prison where he will serve the nonparolable sentence. Kyle Waters, assistant U.S. attorney, represented the United States in the case. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

School Board Sells Bonds for Building

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The Sallisaw School Board approved $990,000 in general obligation building bonds for the new middle school at a special meeting Wednesday. School Superintendent Scott Farmer said the board received four bids on the bonds, and awarded the contract to National Bank of Sallisaw, which submitted a 0.45 interest rate bid. "We were ecstatic," Farmer said. That's because the interest rate is lower than last year's winning bid, at 0.534 percent from a Kansas bank. Farmer explained the bonds are to be sold annually, over a 12-year span, and this year is the second year for the sale. The school board members also toured the middle school construction site. Farmer said the construction is on target for a fall 2015 opening. The new school has a $15.8 million budget. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sallisaw Budget Tentatively Approved

Commissioners tentatively approved the Sallisaw city budget, at $16,688,764 in the general fund, during a two-day meeting that concluded Tuesday. The budget includes an approximate 6 percent raise in utility rates that Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson opposes. The final vote on the budget will be at the June 9 regular Sallisaw Commission meeting. Ferguson said utility rate increases are impacting communities throughout the country. "It's a problem not isolated to us," Ferguson said about the cost of electricity. "The price of production is going up." She said the federal government imposes new regulations on the power industry, many involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and those regulations are paid for by the end users in home towns like Sallisaw. Sallisaw's rate increase will be across the board, she said, including electricity, sanitation and water. "It's a long-term problem that needs a long-term solution," Ferguson said. "That's our challenge, to provide good rates for a good quality of life." City Manager Bill Baker said the commissioners only voted on one item during the budget meeting, to earmark $100,000, if needed, from the contingency fund for a new animal shelter. Ward 2 Commissioner Ro Poindexter has worked on improving the animal shelter for years, and will help seek donations for the project. Even though some spoke out about cutting the city's budget and the city's debt, the commissioners tentatively approved giving the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce $30,000; the Sallisaw Improvement Corporation $30,000; the KiBois bus service $35,000; and the Main Street organization $15,000. Baker said, "These agencies put that money right back into the city to help the city grow and prosper. It's an investment." Baker said he also expects Diamond Net, the city-owned telecommunications system which provides TV, Internet and telephone service, to be in the black this year. The service is over $7 million in debt, and is paid for by Diamond Net revenues. Baker said, "It is a huge asset to the city, and has become almost a regular utility that everyone needs." Baker concluded, "In my opinion, the budget meeting went very well." Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sallisaw Memorial Day Service Is Monday

Members of American Legion Carnie Welch Post 27 in Sallisaw will sponsor the Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. Monday at the Sallisaw City Cemetery. Bill Aydelott of Sallisaw said this year's special speaker is Major Leister of the Arkansas National Guard. Special music will be presented by Holly Bormann, Dana Davis and Melanie Drummond. The service will be held in the cemetery gazebo. Aydelott said, "This service is designed to honor those who have given their lives to provide our freedom." The Memorial Day Service at the Fort Smith National Cemetery will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday and a Memorial Day Service will also be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Akins Cemetery Pavilion. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sallisaw Man Killed Saturday

A Sallisaw man was killed Saturday when his motorcycle crashed on Interstate 40 about 125 miles east of Fort Smith. James A. Harwell, 49, was pronounced dead at Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway at about 12:12 p.m. Saturday, according to the Arkansas State Police. Police reported Harwell was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle east on the interstate when, at about 9 a.m., he veered off the road, struck cable guards and was thrown from the motorcycle. His funeral is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw and will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Viewing will be at the funeral home from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Kidnapping Suspect Charged

Kidnapping suspect Matthew Ryan Cruise, 23, of Muldrow will take his first trip to district court Wednesday when he is arraigned on charges that he attempted to kidnap at 14-year-old girl in Muldrow on May 4. Cruise was picked up on a warrant for his arrest Friday, and he remains in the Sequoyah County Detention Center in Sallisaw where he is being held without bond. Muldrow Police Officer Brad Roberts investigated the case. He said the 14-year-old girl and three friends were walking home from the Muldrow Park on that Sunday, when, in the parking lot of a convenience store, Cruise allegedly came up to the girl and asked her if she smoked. She said no, but then Cruise allegedly grabbed her by the arm and tried to get her into a pickup truck parked in the store's lot. The girl got away from the suspect, and she and her friends ran away. The girl's parents called police. Roberts obtained photos of the pickup truck from surveillance cameras, and released them to the public. The photos led to the truck's owner, who said he had loaned the truck to another man. That driver, and a woman who was a passenger in the truck, were in the convenience store. The girl and one of her friends positively identified Cruise from a photo lineup, Roberts said. The officer said Cruise was arrested without incident Friday at his home north of Muldrow in the Northdale Estates. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Kidnap Suspect Remains Jailed

Matthew Ryan Cruise, 23, of rural Muldrow remained in the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw Monday, after his arrest Friday evening by Muldrow police. Cruise was booked on an attempted kidnapping charge. Muldrow Police Officer Brad Roberts investigated the alleged kidnap attempt and arrested Cruise, who surrendered without mishap he said.  On May 4 two 14-year-old girls and two boys were walking home from the Muldrow Park. The girls told police that Cruise, who they positively identified in a photo lineup, came up to them in the parking lot of a convenience store and asked if one of the girls smoked. She said, "No." Then, she told police, Cruise grabbed her and tried to get her into the pickup truck parked in the store parking lot. The girl got away and the teens ran home and told their parents, who contacted police. The pickup truck was later identified on surveillance cameras at the park and the convenience store. Roberts said the owner of the truck actually called police after seeing the story in the media. He told police he loaned the truck to another man. That man, who was the driver, and a female passenger, were in the convenience store when Cruise allegedly grabbed the teenage girl. Roberts said the driver and the other passenger would not face charges. Roberts said all the information gathered in his investigation will be turned over to the district attorney's office. Roberts was praised by Muldrow Police Chief George Lawson for his quick work on the case. Roberts thanked the public. He said police received many calls from people who identified the pickup. "We couldn't have done this without the public's help," he said. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Cherokees Studying Hydroelectric Plans

A plan is in the utility works at the Cherokee Nation to build and operate a hydroelectric plant at the W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam south of Muldrow. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act, or WRRDA, report released last week includes a section that would allow the Cherokee Nation to construct, operate and market a hydroelectric generating facility at the lock and dam. Cherokee Principle Chief Bill John Baker said, "We're glad this is now a renewable energy option for us and we look forward to exploring this and other opportunities. I worked with these lawmakers on this issue and I couldn't be happier with the result." The WRRDA act report was released last week by the WRRDA committee, on which U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, both of Oklahoma and Republicans, serve. Mullin said, "WRRDA lifts a federal halt on the Cherokee Nation's ability to construct, operate and market power for a hydropower facility on the W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam." A spokesman for the Cherokee Nation said the hydroelectric facility is only being studied at the present time, and no concrete plans have yet been developed. The report now goes to the full House and Senate, which is expected to occur this week. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Attempted Kidnapper Arrested in Muldrow

Matthew Ryan Cruise, 23, of Muldrow was arrested on Friday, May 16, for the attempted kidnapping of two 14 year old girls on Saturday, May 4th.  Cruise was arrested in the parking lot of the Quickway Store in Muldrow.

On Saturday, May 4th, two teenage girls were approached by a white male near the Muldrow Park. Another male pulled up in a  truck. One of the men grabbed one of the girls by the arm but the girl managed to pull away and run to safety. 

Authorities released a photo of the truck which we showed you in our original report. Authorities were able to locate Cruise due to the truck photo. Cruise was arrested and taken to the Sequoyah County Jail. For more stories visit our website at kxmx.com

Civil Lawsuit Filed over ATV Accident

The family of Christian Mayberry filed a civil lawsuit Thursday in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw, claiming a 38-year-old woman was driving an ATV on Sept. 1, 2013, when a wreck occurred that left Christian with severe head trauma. The lawsuit seeks in excess of $75,000, plus court costs and all past, present and future medical expenses. John and Kim Mayberry accuse Angela Landon Gray of wrecking the ATV which threw Christian 12 feet from the ATV, where he lay for at least three hours before being discovered. It is also alleged that Gray was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Christian, now 17, is slowly recovering, and is in rehabilitation. Gray's teen son and Kyle Lewis Brannon, 18, were arrested last month on allegations that they were called to the accident scene by Gray, and they destroyed evidence by removing a cooler and beer from the scene, and for obstructing law enforcement. It is alleged they may have moved Christian. Gray has admitted she was a passenger on the ATV. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Vian Students Bring Home Awards

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker inspected Vian freshman Morgan Robinson's business display at the May 6 Entrepreneurship Day in Tahlequah. Other winners from Vian at the two Entrepreneurship Days in Tahlequah and Claremore are:  Hannah Hart,$400 for first in the middle school division in Claremore; Cash Wright, $400 for first place in the middle school division at Tahlequah; Jordan Wells and Mikeesha Watts, $200 for third in the middle school division in Tahlequah; and Brooklyn Jumper and Alexis Kleman, $100 for fourth in the middle school division in Tahlequah. Winners from the Claremore Entrepreneurship Day were Hanna Hart, $400 for first in the middle school division; Kaytie Bell and Allison Guthrie, $200 for third place in the middle school division; TeeJay Trotter and Lance Leaf, $50 for fifth place in the middle school division; Jacob Cowart, $200 for third place in the high school division; Morghan Taylor, $100 for fourth place in the high school division; and Morgan Robinson, $50 for fifth place in the high school division. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Felony Suspects Found on Facebook and Arrested

Roland Police said they have solved five burglary and theft cases with two arrests made Thursday. Assistant Police Chief David Goode said the cases were solved with the help of Facebook, where one of the suspects posted a photo of herself with stolen guns. The victim positively identified the stolen property. The female is Crystal Thornburg, 23, of Roland. She was wanted on a second-degree burglary and knowingly concealing stolen property warrant before this investigation. Her arrest led to the second suspect, a male, Goode said. The male suspect was still in the Roland jail Friday morning, and had already confessed to the thefts. Thornburg was transferred to the county jail Thursday. Goode said his office was waiting on a judge to sign a probable cause affidavit before the male is transported to the county jail. Goode said both suspects will probably be charged with second-degree burglary, theft and vandalism. He said the cases solved, in addition to the gun thefts, include a stolen bicycle and a $5,000 power washer. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Doxie Dashers Needed for Diamond Daze

Doxie Dashers are needed to do some racing at the Diamond Daze Festival slated for June 5 though 7 at the Sallisaw High School campus. This year's dash is the second annual, and was a great crowd pleaser last year. The human entrants, limited to two, get T-shirts, trophies among other awards, trophies and bragging rights. This year's dash will be held on June 7 so that those from out of town can do their racing all in one day, said Judy Martens, executive vice president of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce which sponsors Diamond Daze. The entry fee for the dash is only $20 and the entry form and racing rules may be found on the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce website at www.sallisawchamber.com. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news on Diamond Daze, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Three car Pileup Sends Two to Hospital

A three-car wreck east of Sallisaw on U.S. Highway 64, near the road to the city landfill, sent one man and one woman to the hospital at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The two did not appear to have life-threatening injuries, it was reported. The pileup was believed to have occurred when one vehicle was turning, and another vehicle hit the first vehicle, then involving a third vehicle. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, and KXMX will report on the accident when more information becomes available. Stay tuned to KXMX, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sallisaw's Sirens Set Off by Wiring Problem

A wiring problem caused Sallisaw's tornado sirens to sound off at about 6 p.m. Monday, although no tornado had been spotted. City Manager Bill Baker reported to Sallisaw City Commissioners at their meeting Monday evening that the sirens sounded in error when a rural fire department was dispatched. Unfortunately, the sirens sounded during a severe thunderstorm, which sent some Sallisaw residents to their tornado shelters. City officials said Police Chief Terry Franklin would be looking into and finding the fault. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

U.S. Rep. Mullin Holds Town Hall Meeting

U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin visited shortly with Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson at the end of Mullin's town hall meeting Tuesday at People Inc. Mullin said he will work with local communities to improve and entice business to towns and cities. About 20 attended the meeting. Mullin discussed education, veterans' benefits and how politicians in the federal government are more worried about their political careers than the needs of the people. Mullin said that, overall, the VA Administration is doing a good job, but the administration does not have enough funding or accountability. It said all such federal programs are "huge bureaucracies." Mullin said his office has case workers who assist veterans. For information contact Mullin's office in McAlester at 918-423-5951. About education, Mullin said funding and administration are up to the state. But he criticized the federal government for issuing mandates upon education without funding those mandates. As an example he reported his own son, in the third grade, had to study five weeks for a mandated test which 30 percent of the elementary students failed. Mullin accused President Barack Obama and Democrats of "a complete abuse of power." He said about President Obama, "We don't have a leader, we have a politician. . .driven by his own supporters' agendas." In closing, Mullin said changes to the federal government begin on the local level."It starts right here," he said. "We are setting the tone for the next generation." Mullin is a Republican from Westville and represents Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District which includes most of eastern Oklahoma. stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Authorities Search for Person of Interest

Authorities are searching for Carl Dean Porter, age 26, from the Roland/Muldrow area. Mr Porter is a person of interest in the theft of a vehicle from the Sequoyah County Commissioner's barn located between Muldrow and Roland. On May 7th, between 3 and 4am, a Ford Crew Cab pickup was stolen from the County Barn. The truck was located last night at an apartment complex in Arkoma. Carl Dean Porter fled from officers last night after the truck was located. Porter has outstanding warrants from Sebastian County and the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department is actively looking for him at this time, according to Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mr Porter they are urged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Sawney Takes Sallisaw Ward 4 Post

Vicki Sawney was sworn in as Sallisaw's Ward 4 commissioner Monday evening by City Judge John Cripps. Sawney was chosen by city commissioners to fill the post last month, after the previous Ward 4 Commissioner Julie Ferguson, in back, was elected mayor. Also at the meeting Rex Whatley was honored for his 38 and a half years serving on the Sallisaw Planning Commission. Ferguson presented him with a plaque, and said he would still be welcome at all planning committee meetings.

Former City Manager Lloyd Haskins spoke to the commission about the city's debt of $45 million, at a 6 percent interest rate. He said Sallisaw's population was declining while utility rates continue to increase to cover the loss. He said from 2009 to the present the city has lost 2.4 percent of its population. "That's 400 people not paying sales tax and utilities," Haskins said. "We are not going forward or growing." He concluded, "We can't keep losing customers and raising utility rates." Haskins urged the commissioners to consider these issues during their budget meetings later this month. The commissioners opened bids for a high pressure sewer cleaner, which ranged from $43,390 to $57,000, and submitted the bids to the city staff for review.  They also approved the annual contract for operation of the city airport to Fort Smith Aviation Services; approved the purchase of two pickup trucks from Sallisaw Ford; earmarked monies. . .$122,000 from Union Pacific Railroad for closing three city street railroad crossings and $83,000 insurance for the old Extension Building destroyed in a fire. . .to the Capital Improvement Fund; and approved  renewal of the Worker's Compensation Plan, at a cost of $372,000 paid quarterly. That amount is less than last year's due to safety training and implementation.

Cherokee Casino Employees Clean Up Highway 59

Cherokee Casino Player's Club Manager Amber Nelson and Director of Marketing Shawn Payne, along with other casino employees, picked up trash along U.S. Highway 59 south of Sallisaw recently as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. Tara Vest, casino shift manager and community impact team captain at the Sallisaw and Roland Casinos, said, "Our employees are doing a small part in keeping Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation beautiful." She said the volunteers picked up more than 20 30-gallon trash bags of waste, and have additional cleanup days scheduled throughout the year. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

House Fire Caused by Electrical Short

A house fire in Sallisaw at about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday is believed to have been caused by an electrical short, Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong said. Firefighters had the blaze extinguished in about five minutes after arriving, he said. The fire was in a rental home on Country Lane, just off Houser Boulevard. The rental home was insured, but the renter had no insurance, Armstrong said. "We found a motel room for her," he said. The fire was contained to the bedroom, but the house did have major smoke damage, Armstrong said. The renter was not at home at the time of the fire. A neighbor saw the blaze and called it in. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, and visit the KXMX website at www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Injury Incident Under Investigation

Sallisaw Police are investigating an incident which sent a 53-year-old Sallisaw man to the hospital. The man told police he rode to Walmart on a bicycle late Monday, but does not remember anything after that. The victim said he thought he might have been hit by a car, but wasn't sure. He was found by friends with head injuries in a field next to Walmart. The police report reveals the victim was later treated in the emergency ward at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, then taken to Tulsa for possible surgery. Doctors said he may have suffered a concussion. Police reviewed Walmart's video tapes, but could not find the victim on the tapes. The bicycle he was believed to have been riding was found later at Downtown Apartments. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Sawney Will Be Sworn In Monday

Vicki Sawney will be sworn into office as Sallisaw's Ward 4 City Commissioner at 6 p.m. Monday, at the beginning of the regular city commission meeting. A reception will welcome her to the commission board at 5:30 p.m. in the Sallisaw Civic Center. Sawney was chosen by the commissioners from three nominations for the Ward 4 post. That seat was vacated when the previous holder, Julie Ferguson, won her bid for the mayor's seat earlier this year. Sawney previously served as the Sequoyah County Clerk before losing that post in a county election. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com.
By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

Muldrow Police Conducting Interviews in Abduction Attempt

Muldrow Police are continuing their investigation into an abduction attempt Sunday evening near the Muldrow Park. Officer Brad Roberts said, "We have located the pickup (above) in question and the investigation is currently continuing. Interviews have taken place and we have more interviews left to conduct. No arrest has been made at the current time." The incident involved two teen girls, age 14, who were leaving the Muldrow Park when approached by a white male who asked them for cigarettes. The girls replied they didn't smoke. The above truck then pulled up, driven by another white male. Roberts said one of the men then grabbed one of the girls by the arm. The girl jerked away and the teens ran away. They were able to describe the truck, which was also caught on the park's security camera, and said the man on foot got in the truck which then drove away. Stay tuned to KXMX for all the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

College Police to Investigate Bomb Threat

The investigation into a bomb threat, scribbled on a mirror in a bathroom at Carl Albert State College Sallisaw campus, will be conducted by the college's police. It was reported an instructor first saw the message, which read only "Bomb today." Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said the city police received the call for assistance at 10:19 a.m. Tuesday, and were joined in the immediate investigation by deputies with the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The officers cleared the buildings, and students, who were evacuated immediately, were allowed to return to classes at 11:15 a.m. Judi White, the college's spokeswoman, said, the college, ". . .followed all policies and proceedures. The all-clear was given after authorities secured the area and determined the buildings to be safe." Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

College Evacuated After Bomb Threat Found

Detective Sandy Girdner with Sallisaw Police and many other law enforcement agencies scrambled to Carl Albert State College, Sallisaw Campus, after a supposed bomb threat was found scrawled on a restroom mirror. The threat only read "Bomb Today," which was enough to call out Sallisaw Police, the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and bomb squad. The message was found at about 10:45 a.m. and the college buildings evacuated. After a search, the students were allowed to return to their classrooms at 11:15 a.m., while law enforcement officers remained on the campus. Sallisaw Police said a statement would be issued as soon as approved by Police Chief Terry Franklin. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

CASC in Sallisaw Being Evacuated

Carl Albert State College campus in Sallisaw has been evacuated due to a threat of an unspecified nature, according to the Sallisaw Police Department. The Sallisaw Police Department are currently on the scene. We will bring you more information as this story develops.

For more local news visit www.kxmx.com.

Muldrow Police Investigating Attempted Abduction

Muldrow Police are searching for the driver and passenger in the above truck. The photos were taken from security cameras at the Muldrow Park. Muldrow Officer Brad Roberts said two girls and two boys, all about age 14, were walking home from the park at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday when the group was approached by a man on foot who asked if they had any cigarettes. The teens said no. Then another man drove up in the pictured truck, which was positively identified by the teens, and grabbed one of the girls by the arm. Roberts said the girl jerked away and the group ran away. They did see the man on foot get into the pickup truck. The teen girl immediately told her mother, who contacted the police at about 5:30 p.m. Other witnesses also reported seeing the above truck in the park, and several leads have developed, Roberts said. The teens said both men were in their 20s. The man on foot was described as wearing a black hat and blue shirt. The man in the truck was described as having shaggy hair, and wearing a plaid shirt and navy shorts. He also appeared cross-eyed. Anyone with information may contact Muldrow Police at 918-427-3296. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com.
By Sally Maxwell
Senior News Editor

Mullin Will Hold Town Hall Meeting in Sallisaw

U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Westville, will hold a Town Hall meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. May 13 at the People Inc. at 205 S. JT Stites St. in Sallisaw. Mullin said he will hold Town Hall meetings at all counties in his 2nd Congressional District during May. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com.
By Sally Maxwell
Senior News Director

Assistance Offered to Families Displaced by Fire

Paul Goleski with his dogs Catchie and Isabel are just one of six families who were displaced by a fire at Royal West Apartments Wednesday evening. Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong said the Red Cross and the Immanuel Baptist Church Disaster Team in Sallisaw are helping the displaced tenants find new homes. Two apartments were destroyed and four other units have heavy smoke damage, he said. Armstrong and an insurance adjuster were at the complex Friday morning to view the extent of the damage, and to determine if the six-unit apartment building can be saved or not. Armstrong said the cause of the fire is believed to have been a candle in one of the apartments. For the latest news stay tuned to KXMX or visit www.kxmx.com.

By Sally Maxwell

Senior News Director

Vian's Lacy Horn Honored

Lacy Horn of Vian, with trophy, was honored last month by the Native American Finance Officers Association. Horn, the Cherokee Nation treasurer, was named Executive of the Year by the association. As the Cherokee treasurer Horn oversees the tribe's $696.3 million budget. With her are the association's President Bill Lomax; the association's First Vice President VaRene Martin; and, on the right, Courtney Ruark Thompson, Cherokee Nation Government Relations executive director. Horn said her goal is to increase the tribe's funding to provide services to the Cherokee people. Stay tuned to KXMX for the latest news, or visit www.kxmx.com.
By Sally Maxwell
Senior News Director