Officer Matt Ellis goes "Above and Beyond"

His boss said the officer went "above and beyond" but the officer said he didn't do anything that any Sallisaw police officer wouldn't do. Patrolman Matt Ellis helped save the life of a young girl who was attempting suicide. She was not successful due to Ellis' efforts. Because he worked so hard to get help for the young girl, who was in Texas, Ellis (above, middle) received a letter of commendation from his superior, Lt. John Owens (above, left) with the blessing of Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin (above, right). Nevertheless, Ellis remains modest. "I don't believe it was above and beyond the call of duty," Ellis said. "Most officers would have done the same thing."

Ellis explained the young girl's suicide threat was brought to his attention by a family, with a 13-year-old daughter, who had just moved to Sallisaw from Texas. The daughter had been texting with a Texas school mate. That school mate, also 13, was threatening suicide for an  unknown reason. The dad and daughter didn't know what to do, so they came to the Sallisaw Police Department, where they found Ellis.  "The young lady came in with concerns about this friend in Texas. She showed me the phone app messages. The girl had taken some pills," Ellis recalled. Ellis got what information he could and called the police department in that Texas community. They were not helpful but that didn't stop Ellis. He continued his investigation and with the help of Facebook was able to find the suicidal girl's name, date of birth, and where her mother was employed. Ellis called that Texas police department again. This time they took him seriously. Ellis said, "Two hours later they called back. They were able to contact the girl at home. She had taken some pills and they took her to the hospital." Ellis continues to be modest. "Basically, all I did was what we'd do if contacted by another law enforcement agency. We do welfare checks all the time. We've done that countless times, especially if it's about a child expressing suicidal thoughts," Ellis said about the Sallisaw PD.

Ellis has been with the Sallisaw PD for three and a half years. He intends to stay and take continuing education courses through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, also know as CLEET. His superiors hope he stays on too. Police Chief Terry Franklin said, "I felt like he needed a letter of commendation. I'm fortunate to have officers like him who are concerned about people's welfare. I'm proud Matt took the initiative and I'm proud Lt. Owens took the initiative for a letter of commendation." Owens said the same, simply. Owens said, "He did a good job. I'm proud of him."
By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director



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Brannon Due Back in Court on August 14



Kyle Lewis Brannon, 19, of Muldrow will be in court again in two weeks, facing charges of destroying evidence and obstructing an officer. Brannon entered a not guilty plea to the charges on April 30. The charges, filed April 15 in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw, are in relation to an ATV crash on Sept. 1, 2013, that left Christian Mayberry, 16, at the time, paralyzed. Mayberry's family has contended ever since the crash south of Muldrow that Mayberry was not driving the ATV. They claim Angela Landon Gray of Muldrow was the driver, and had been drinking. Their claims have been backed up by multiple witnesses. In the case against Brannon, it is alleged that he and a juvenile friend cleaned up the crash site, removing beer containers and a cooler, so that those involved would not be blamed for the crash and Mayberry's injuries. In the meantime, Mayberry's parents, John and Kim Mayberry, filed on May 15 in district court, a civil lawsuit against Gray, claiming negligence on her part, and that she was driving the ATV, not Christian. That case is ongoing. Brannon's next court appearance will be at 9 a.m. August 14 on Judge Lawrence Langley's jury trial sounding docket. Stephanie Milburn, Assistant District Attorney, will be representing the state. Court officials explained that docket is for the judge to determine if enough evidence has been presented to proceed with a jury trial. Christian's supporters are hoping to fill the court room at the August 14 hearing.  By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

 

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Backpacks Needed for School Giveaway

Catholic Charities in Sallisaw needs backpacks. The non-profit organization is planning a school giveaway on August 6 at the Sallisaw Civic Center and is including backpacks in the giveaway. So far the charity has only about 100 backpacks, but is planning on helping 450 students with supply packets. "It looks like we are going to be a little short on the backpacks!" said MaryLynn Lufkin, Catholic Charities coordinator. Lufkin said anyone wanting to help less fortunate kids be better prepared for school may drop off new backpacks at the back door of Catholic Charities, located at 409 N. Adams in Sallisaw, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Monday or Tuesday. Lufkin said, "The giveaway is Wednesday, so we need them before the giveaway." By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

 

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Three Charged for Three Burglaries

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office and Sallisaw Police worked together to catch three alleged burglars recently. They are Vickie R. Randolph, 27, of Ardmore who was charged July 23 in district court with three counts of burglary in the second degree, three counts of grand larceny and one misdemeanor count of possession of  a controlled dangerous substance without prescription; Kyle Joseph Stewart, 25, of Spiro who was charged with three counts of second-degree burglary and three counts of grand larceny; and Christopher Stephen Taylor, 25, of Sallisaw who was charged with three counts of second-degree burglary, three counts of grand larceny and one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of a controlled, dangerous substance without a prescription.

According to the officers'  report filed with the charges, officers were investigating burglaries reported on July 14 when told the suspects were driving an older Chevrolet Trailblazer and they were in the Muldrow-Roland area. They stopped the vehicle in Roland at about 7 p.m. July 16. Randolph was driving the vehicle, and the officers reported she was "non-compliant and combative' at the time, and had to be placed in custody. Taylor was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. The officers reported finding used drug paraphernalia, including needles, in the vehicle, which they were told about by Taylor and Randolph. Later the two suspects were interviewed at the county sheriff's office in Sallisaw, and both agreed to speak to officers after they were given their Miranda Warning. Randolph confessed to burglarizing three homes, where a weed eater, leaf blower and chop saw were stolen. At another home items stolen included a television, a gun, a compound bow, a weed eater and a laptop computer. At a third home two televisions were stolen. The officers confirmed that all the items were taken to area pawn shops in Sequoyah County and Fort Smith. Taylor told the investigators that Randolph would drop he and Stewart at the homes to be burgled, and wait for them to return with the stolen items. Stewart surrendered to authorities on July 17. All the stolen property was reclaimed and paid for by the victims, and the officers reported they would be reimbursed by the district attorney's office. Taylor's bond was $7,500. Randolph's bond was $30,000 and Stewart's bond was $35,000. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director



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Woman Hospitalized Following Wreck

A Greenwood, Arkansas woman was hospitalized after a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday near Keota in Haskell County. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported Malorie Alumbaugh, 28, of Greenwood was transported by EMS to Stigler Hospital, then transferred to Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith with internal injuries. She was listed in stable condition. The OHP reported Alumbaugh was driving west on a county road when her 2003 Nissan left the road on the left, struck a ditch and rolled one-half time, coming to rest on its top. The accident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. Story by Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Murder Suspect Possibly in Our Area

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is offering a $5,000 reward for information for the whereabouts of James Douglas Manken. Manken, 40, is a murder suspect in an Adair County death. OSBI officials have received information through interviews that Manken could be in Northeast Oklahoma or Northwest Arkansas. Manken is wanted as a first degree murder suspect in the death of Wayne Wennerholm. Reports indicate Wennerholm was found beaten to death in an Adair County home. OSBI Special Agent Gary Perkins said, "If someone comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Manken, they will be eligible for the $5,000 reward." Perkins urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of Manken to contact the Adair County Sheriff's department at 918-696-2610  or the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017. 

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Carl Albert Opens Doors to Students Monday

For people even thinking about going to college this fall, Monday night at Carl Albert State College is all about helping make it happen. President Garry M. Ivey said, "The time has come for many in our area to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their family members. There is still time to be a student at Carl Albert State College this fall. To help students find time to enroll for fall, we are going to be available at Poteau and Sallisaw from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4."

The starting spot at the Poteau campus is Hemphill Hall. Assistance with admissions, financial aid, housing, enrollment, business office, and compass testing will be available Monday night. The same services will be available at the Sallisaw location at 1601 Opdyke. The campus bookstores will be open at both locations as well.

Jay Falkner, Enrollment and Retention Director, said, "Monday night is going to be a lot of fun with refreshments, prizes, and even some scholarship opportunities. We realize it is hard for many of our current and potential students to get to campus during the day, so hosting this evening event is for the convenience of our students in preparing for fall."

Dr. Jason Morrison, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, "We hope to have a great crowd Monday night at both our locations. As we enroll students, we are anxious to take a look at the needs of our students with regard to the classes we offer, the time of day students can attend college, etc. It is our goal to do all we can to make it possible for anyone wanting a college degree to get that degree at Carl Albert."

More information can be obtained by calling the Enrollment Center at 918-647-1393 or call Sallisaw at 918-775-6977.

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Trooper Faces Additional Charge

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Eli Davies, 33, is now facing another charge, in addition to driving under the influence, filed July 9 after a wreck July 3 on Applegate Cove Road, south of Sallisaw, which damaged his vehicle and destroyed an OHP patrol boat. First Assistant District Attorney Jack Thorp announced Thursday that Davies will also be charged with a misdemeanor count of carrying a firearm while intoxicated. Thorp said the charge carries a range of punishment from $50 to $500 fine and/of 10 days to six months in the county jail. Davies is on administrative leave from his lake patrol post while an OHP internal investigation is conducted. By Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director





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Haskell Man Sentenced

A Haskell man, who has many aliases according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Muskogee, was sentenced on Friday to 35 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for failure to register as a sex offender. Albert Preston Alexander, 42, is also known as Alexander Preston, Albert Shadon, Preston Alexander, Reton Alexander and Albert Preton Alexander. The indictment against him alleged that from May to Sept. 4, 2013, Alexander was required to register as a sex offender and knowingly failed to register and update his information as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Alexander has a sex-related felony conviction in California. The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Marshal's Service. Alexander was indicted in September and entered a guilty plea in U.S. Court in Muskogee in December.

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$2.8 Million Road Dedicated

The Cherokee Nation and Adair and Sequoyah County commissioners dedicated a $2.8 million road improvement project on Tuesday. The project repaired a bridge and repaved 4.2 miles of roadway stretching from southern Adair county to northern Sequoyah County. At the dedication are, from the left, Sequoyah County Commissioner Jim Rogers, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Janelle Fullbright, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittendon, Adair County Commissioner Sam Chandler, Tribal Councilor Joe Byrd, and Cherokee Nation Transportation Planner Rob Endicott. The Cherokee Nation used $2.8 million from Tribal Transportation Program funds for the road. The Nicut road and bridge improvement project will provide safer travel for citizens in the Rock Fence to Belfonte communities. Baker said, "The Cherokee Nation makes investments in important infrastructure like this because it improves the lives of all citizens residing and traveling in our jurisdiction." Levi Eagle of Stilwell drives Nicut road frequently and said the project was much needed in the community. He said, "This new road is a great thing, and I really thank the Cherokee Nation for their work." In a press release the tribe reported that, in fiscal year 2013, the Cherokee Nation completed $17 million in road improvement projects. 

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Donations Needed for Back-to-School Giveaway

Sallisaw First Assembly is taking donations for a back-to-school giveaway.  Suggested donations are new or gently used summer and winter clothing, coats and shoes for both male, female, children and adult. Donations may be dropped off at the church office at 420 West Cherokee, Tuesday-Friday, 8:30-5. Donations can also be dropped off at Sallisaw Family Fitness during their regular business hours. The last day to drop off donations is August 7th. A back to school giveaway will be held in August to distribute clothing. This is First Assembly's second annual back-to-school giveaway.

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Cherokee County Man Pleads Guilty in U.S. Court

Jerry Wayne Morrison Jr. also known as Hootie, 34, of Lost City northeast of Tahlequah in Cherokee County, entered a guilty plea Friday in U.S. District Court in Muskogee to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge resulted from an investigation by the District 27 District Attorney's Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Morrison was indicted in November. The indictment alleged that on about November 30, 2012, Morrison a felon owned a 9mm caliber pistol which was shipped via interstate commerce. The range of punishment is not more than 10 years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fine. Morrison will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentence. 

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Two From Florida Arrested, Pot Confiscated

Two men from Florida were arrested on Interstate 40 on July 10, and 23 bundles, weighing about 23 pounds total, of a green leafy substance that tested positive as marijuana was confiscated from their vehicle. Arrested were Harvey Herrera, 45, of Miami, Florida and Edwin Rodriguez, 39, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Both suspects were charged Friday in Sequoyah County District Court with unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who arrested the two reported he stopped the vehicle driven by Herrera after clocking his speed at 75 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour speed zone. The trooper reported both men seemed nervous, so he called for the OHP drug-detecting dog. The dog alerted on the vehicle's trunk. That's where the troopers found two large boxes containing the marijuana. While placing the two under arrest, the trooper reported Rodriguez admitted he had some marijuana inside the crotch of his pants. Story by Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Police Chief Warns of Continuing Phone Scam

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin would like to warn residents that a scam we reported on earlier is continuing. Franklin said, "We would like to advise the citizens of Sallisaw about a recent scam that was brought to our attention. A male subject has been contacting citizens stating that they have a warrant out for their arrest and that they will not be arrested if they go get a prepaid credit card and give the card numbers to him over the telephone. DO NOT give credit card information to this person. If you have a question about whether or not you have a warrant, feel free to contact the Sallisaw Police Department or the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office."

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Sheriff Warns Residents of Scam

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of a scam being attempted in our area. They have received reports that someone is calling local residents posing as a member of the sheriff's department. The caller informs individuals that they have a warrant with the Sequoyah County Sherriff's Department. To take care of the warrant they are instructed to go to Walmart and purchase a Green Dot card and provide the caller with the  ID number on the card. 

Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart stated that the Sherriff's department does not make telephone calls attempting to collect warrants. This is another scam generated from outside of the country. Lockhart encourages anyone receiving one of these calls to contact your local law enforcement agency and do not given any personal information out over of the phone. 

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Stilwell Man Sought by Fort Smith Police

An arrest warrant was issued for a Stilwell man on Wednesday, following a shooting in Fort Smith on Wednesday morning. Stacy Lisenberry is wanted on suspicion of first-degree battery. Lisenberry was last seen driving a gold SUV, police said. One woman received non-life threatening injuries in the shooting. She was identified by police as Elisa Nakedhead. She was shot once inside a duplex on Phoenix Avenue near South 70th Street at about 7 a.m. The man who rents the apartment, Brett Pearson, was arrested on suspicion that he hindered the investigation, police said. Neighbors said they heard two gunshots and saw the SUV drive off. Story by Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Man Charged with Molestation

A 31-year-old Sallisaw man was charged with lewd molestation and three counts of sodomy of a victim under age 16. The charges were filed Friday in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw. Christopher Jason Netz was arrested July 3 and is being held in the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw on a $125,000 bond. According to information filed with the charges, Netz allegedly molested a girl during her years between ages 6 and 11. The victim informed her stepmother on June 23 that Netz had sexually assaulted her, and she had told a friend about the inappropriate contact about two years earlier. She told investigators she did not report the assaults earlier because he was frightening, and was living with the family. An investigation in 2012 did not result in charges. The victim said Netz once asked her to take photos of her friends in underwear but she refused. Netz told investigators he first touched the girl inappropriately when she was six years old in Vian.

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