Gray's Trial Set for Second Week in August

Angela Gray, the 39-year-old Muldrow woman accused of failing to help a Muldrow boy after an ATV crash, will go to trial on the charge during the week of August 10.

The trial date was set Thursday by District Judge Jeff Payton, who will preside at the trial.

Gray faces a charge of failure to stop at an accident resulting in non-fatal injury, contributing to the delinquency of minors, and selling or furnishing alcoholic beverage to a minor. The charges alleged Gray was driving an ATV when it crashed south of Muldrow on September1, 2013. The crash left a teenager, Christian Mayberry of Muldrow, with a severe brain injury.

Gray pleaded innocent to the charges. She and Kyle Lewis Brannon, 18 at the time, are alleged to have left Mayberry lying injured and unconscious while Brannon and another teen cleaned up the crash scene by removing beer cans and a cooler. According to the investigator's report filed with the charges, Gray fled the scene and did not report the injured Mayberry. Consequently it is believed Mayberry lay for hours before medical help was sought for him.  The charges allege Gray was driving the ATV and was drunk at the time of the crash.

Brannon is charged with destroying evidence, obstructing an officer and, in a second case charge, accessory after the fact. He pleaded innocent to the charges. His case is also set for trial sometime during the week of August 10 to 17. A court official said the trial docket was still being drafted as of Friday.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Vian Hires Levi Risley as New Police Chief

The Vian Board of Trustees, in a lengthy special meeting Thursday evening, hired Levi Risley of Vian as the town's new police chief.

Risley is reported to be an experienced police officer and is a captain with the Fort Smith Police Department where he has worked since 1989. He replaces Alan Ellis. Ellis was dismissed by the board of trustees July 24. Vian Mayor Dennis Fletcher said Ellis was dismissed "For the good of the service. Our expectations weren't being met."

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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FEMA Denial to Be Appealed

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied individual assistance to individuals who had property damage due to flooding earlier this year.

Stever Rutherford, Sequoyah County Emergency Management director, said he received word of the denial Wednesday, but he plans to appeal that decision. To do so he needs information from those who had damage.

"Please call me at my office at 918-775-1216," Rutherford requested. "If no one answers leave the following information:

*name of property owner;

*address where damage occurred;

*telephone number where property owner can be contacted;

*a list of pictures of damage and other pertinent information.

Rutherford said this information needs to be called in even if it has been reported previously or if the property owner contacted FEMA directly

Rutherford said, "We need as many people as we can to get us this information promptly as we have a short deadline to meet for this to be appealed. Oklahoma Emergency Management has requested this information be gathered so we have everything we need."

Rutherford continued,"We are disappointed that the initial request was denied, but we want to have as many people reporting damage as possible to have the best opportunity to get this denial overturned."

The needed information also covers any business that was damaged during flooding between May 5 and June 22. Business owners may call Rutherford's office and leave the same information that is required above. Rutherford said if he needs any further information he will call back.

He said he believes there was more damage than realized and when FEMA surveyed the county the inspectors had wrong addresses and wrong telephone numbers.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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No Fire Found at Apartment

A report of smoke at Garden Walk Apartments in Sallisaw Thursday may have been from a burned out heat lamp, Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong reported.

Armstrong said the fire department received the call at about 5 p.m. but when they arrived at the second-floor apartment they could not find any smoke or fire. "It may have been from a burned out heat lamp, and there also were candles burning," Armstrong said.

He said firemen checked everything out in the apartment but found nothing amiss.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Golf Tournament Raises Money for Education Grants

The Sallisaw Educational Foundation's annual 4-man Golf Scramble will be held August 8 at the Shadow Creek Golf Club in Sallisaw.

The tournament is the primary fundraiser for the foundation, which provides grants for Sallisaw teachers to enrich the learning experience of their students. The foundation has awarded more than $20,000 in grants to teachers in kindergarten through high school.

Tournament registration will be at 8 a.m. August 8, when donuts will be served, and tee-off time is at 8:20 a.m. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m.

The entry fee is $200 per team. First place will win $500, second place will win $300, and third place will win $200. Additional prizes will be awarded for the longest drive and the closest to the pin. Anyone who makes a hole in one on the third hole will win a car from Blue Ribbon Auto Group!

For more information contact Eric Karr, foundation president, at 918-775-1510.  Anyone who wishes to help with the tournament or sponsorship may contact Erika Martens at 918-776-2000.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Fishing Is a Lifetime Sport, Young Angler Says

Fishing is a sport that can fill a lifetime. School-age football, baseball and some other sports may have to be given up as age advances but fishing lasts a lifetime.

That's what Blayke Haggard knows, and why he has been fishing nearly all his 17 years, and said he will fish his whole life.

Haggard, 17, of Gans and a friend, Justin Alzate, 18, (Alzate, left, and Haggard, right, above) fish as a team in youth bass fishing tournaments. They most recently competed in the High School State Championship on the Arkansas River at Muskogee. Haggard said they finished 11th and the fishing wasn't very good.  "The changing river conditions had a lot to do with it," Haggard said about the poor fishing. "And the heat."

From July 8 through 11, the two young fishermen competed in the High School Bass Fishing World Championship, sanctioned by The Bass Federation and affiliated with the Student Angler Federation. They didn't finish at the top, but the experience was worth the trip. This was the third year the teenage team competed in the world championship. Last year, Brent Haggard, Blayke's father reported, the pair won the Multi-species Division at the world championship. The championship was held at Lake Pickwick in Alabama, close to the Haggard grandparents. Grandfather Haggard is who made a fisherman of son Brent, who was followed by his son Blayke. Fishing is a family sport, supported by the boys parents and grandparents, Brent  pointed out.

Tournament fishing is also supported by sponsors, Brent said. Blayke's sponsors include Sallisaw Lumber, Merrill Self Storage, Frankie Sullivan, Woodward Construction, Diamond Smiles Dental Care, Z-Launch, Williamson General Contractors, Hawg Hunter Custom Baits, Berkley Baits and "the moms and the dads and the grandpas and grandmas," Brent added.

Blayke won't say what bait he uses. The rules don't allow live bait, so fishing is done with artificial lures, he explained. This biggest bass he's caught in competition, so far, was four pounds, Blayke said. But his biggest catch was from a pond, where he pulled in a six and a half pound bass. Unfortunately that wasn't  a competition.

The Haggards explained that the youth fishing tournament competitors fish from a boat piloted by an adult, for safety, and they may get advice from their boat captain, but the preparation and fishing is all done by the youths.

Blayke said his favorite place to fish is Grand Lake at Grove, because, "That's where the big fish are." Big fish get Blayke's heart pumping. He explained, "I'm an adrenalin junky. When I'm playing football or baseball (for Sallisaw High School where he will be a senior), or when I'm pulling in a big fish, my heart is pumping so fast. Fishing is another sport I love to do."

Blayke said he fishes "every chance I get. Every opportunity I get, I'm on the water."

Brent said he hopes to see more young people in the county compete in bass fishing and similar tournaments. He said it is a growing sport, and many colleges now have fishing teams. Sequoyah County has three youth fishing teams, he reported.

But, Brent added, "At the end of the day, it's not about the money or trophies, it's about the looks on the boys' faces when they get up on that stage." The stage is where the awards are presented at the end of the tournament.

That success has led Blayke Haggard to a lifetime decision.

"I will fish forever," he said.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Miss Rodeo USA Kirbi Allen Will Highlight Sallisaw Rodeo

Miss Rodeo USA Kirbi Allen of Springdale will be appearing in all three performances of the Sallisaw Lions Club Rodeo Thursday through Saturday.

Her first appearance will be in the rodeo parade, carrying the American flag, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

"I consider Sallisaw like my home," Allen said Thursday afternoon. She explained she has been in the Arkansas-Oklahoma area all of her life and has relatives in Fort Smith.

Allen is the 26-year-old daughter of Charlie and Theresa Allen and a University of Arkansas graduate. She obtained her degree in Agricultural Communications in May 2014 and hopes to put her entrepreneurial skills to work in the future with one of her numerous business ideas.

As Miss Rodeo USA 2015, Allen will speak throughout the year about her platform "Putting One Foot in Front of the Other." Developed from personal experience dealing with juvenile arthritis, her platform sheds light on childhood health issues that present physical, as well as emotional, obstacles. Through encouraging words and actions, Allen wants to educate and inspire the countless individuals affected by juvenile arthritis and other health related complications. "I had great doctors and great insurance. Not everybody has that," Allen said. "I want to give back to those who weren't as fortunate."

She also knows she is a role model for youngsters. "I remember what it was like to be that little person who looks up to the young lady with the crown on her hat. I know it is 100 percent important to be a role model."

Born into a rodeo family, Allen said her father rode bulls and her mother was Miss Rodeo Arkansas in 1977. "I think we are the only mother-daughter (rodeo royalty) duo," Allen said. She added her mother is her inspiration, and, "My mother is the glue that holds it all together."

Allen also did some barrel racing and competed in the show pen too, in western pleasure and reining. She doesn't get to ride her own horse as much as she likes, because she must fly to appearances. Her next is in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, next weekend. Consequently the rodeo producers must provide her with a horse. 

"Hampton Rodeo (Company) will provide me with a horse this weekend. His name is Willie. I call him Willie the Wonder Horse." Allen is grateful for Willie, and has ridden him numerous times before in other rodeos. "It's nice to ride a horse you know."

Allen concluded, "I am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful Lions Club rodeo and what they do for the community."

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Man in Critical Condition

A 19-year-old Sallisaw man was listed in critical condition Thursday at a Fort Smith hospital after a crash on U.S. Highway 64 east of Sallisaw.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported Tristean Simmons, 19, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet pickup west at about 5:57 a.m. when he ran off the road to the left. He then drove back onto the road and over corrected to the left, causing the truck to overturn one and a quarter times. The truck came to rest on the driver's side. Sallisaw Fire Department personnel had to cut Simmons from the truck with the Jaws of Life.

Simmons was transported to Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith by Pafford EMS. He was listed in critical condition with a head injury, the OHP reported.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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City Starts Sealing Streets on August 4

The City of Sallisaw will begin fog sealing, or oiling, streets on August 4. City officials said fog sealing rejuvenates and extends the life of the asphalt.

City crews will begin work on Honeysuckle and continue south to Redwood. Work is expected to last several days and will be east of U.S. Highway 59 north.

The drying time is about 45 minutes and streets will be marked. Drivers are asked not to drive through the area immediately after the spraying of oil.  The city stated it will not be responsible for vehicles damaged by hot oil as a result of ignoring signage and driving through barricades on freshly oiled streets.

Residents are also asked to have all vehicles, boats, campers, etc. removed from the road to be sealed.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Tenkiller Fireworks Extravaganza Rescheduled Again

The Fireworks Extravaganza at Lake Tenkiller has been rescheduled again. It will now be on Sept. 6. Originally scheduled for the Fourth of July, the show was cancelled due to the high water level on the lake. The show was then to be held on Sept. 5, but John Ellis, president of the Greater Tenkiller Area Association, announced, "My apologies to all the college football fans that also enjoy Lake Tenkiller. I did not realize the Sept. 5 date I selected for the rescheduling of the 2015 Fireworks Extravaganza was also the date of opening home games for OU, OSU. Tulsa and Arkansas. This oversight has been fixed. The Fireworks Extravaganza will be held Sunday evening, Sept. 6."

Ellis encouraged everyone to go to their football games on Saturday, then come to the fireworks show on Sunday, Sept. 6, the day before Labor Day.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Drive-by Shooting Suspects Sought

Adair County authorities issued an all-points-bulletin at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday for two vehicles believed involved in a drive-by shooting in Adair County.

Police reported the vehicles drove by an Adair County private residence and fired shots from rifles and handguns into the residence.  One vehicle was described as a 1980s red pickup truck, with a single cab, and occupied by two males. The second vehicle is an older model silver SUV.

Anyone who sees the vehicles or with information should contact their local law enforcement.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Muldrow Loses K9 Officer

The name of the Muldrow Police Department's K9 officer, Zeke, who died July 24, has been submitted to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Muldrow Police Chief George Lawson said Zeke's handler, Robert Allen, was involved in an investigation and had left the dog in his 2014 Tahoe with the air conditioning running. The air conditioner failed and when Allen returned to his unit he found Zeke dead.

"Robert is heartbroken," Lawson said. The pair had worked together eight months. Before that, Zeke's handler was Brad Roberts, who had worked with the dog for three years. "We are all heartbroken," Lawson said.

To avoid a conflict of interest, Lawson had the sheriff's office investigate the dog's death. Lawson said he received a letter from Investigator Charles House Tuesday. House found no fault on the part of the officer and the animal's death was due to the malfunctioning air conditioning unit in the vehicle.

"Zeke was a huge asset to this community," Lawson said. "He worked houses, schools. Roland doesn't have a K9 and would call us. If the sheriff's office needed him or even the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, he would go."

A statement released by the Muldrow Police Dept. stated, "It is with great sadness that we inform our residents of the passing of our K9 Zeke. Zeke was seven years old and worked for the MPD for over 4 years. Zeke assisted in over a hundred alerts over his career resulting in numerous drug arrests. Zeke passed as a result of heat stroke from a malfunctioning patrol unit. Thank you to the many individuals, businesses, and Cherokee Nation who assisted with donations in obtaining the funds to purchase him. Zeke will be missed and I ask for your thoughts and prayers for Brad Roberts and current handler Robert Allen who are missing their partner."

Lawson said the K9, who cost about $10,000, was paid for by donations from individuals and businesses. He stated it was too early to think about getting another one. 

"We need to let the pain subside first," Lawson said.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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CASC Enrollment Night is Thursday

Carl Albert State College (CASC) is hosting an Enrollment Night on Thursday at the Poteau campus. The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first floor of the F. L. Holton Business Center. It is especially set up for single parents but other students needing to use this time to apply for admission and/or enroll for fall classes at Poteau, Sallisaw or online are encouraged to attend.

Among the topics to be presented are steps to becoming a CASC student, financial aid, and the new Health Information Technology degree that is available completely online.

Refreshments will be available and also bouncy houses will be set up to entertain children while parents prepare to become CASC students.

For more details call Jessica at 918-647-1264.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Saddle Up for the Sallisaw Rodeo

The 72nd Sallisaw Lion's Club IPRA Rodeo kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with the rodeo parade, followed that night by the first of three rodeo performances. The rodeo itself begins at 8 p.m. each night, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at the rodeo grounds.

Marley Abell is the Lions Club Rodeo chairman. He is in his 13th year helping put on the rodeo, and has been chair for the rodeo committee for "six or seven years." He said he continues because the Lions Club gives at least 95 percent of the money earned at the rodeo back to the community.

"The big thing for me is I know it is making a difference, and it makes a difference for those who really need it. We have very, very little overhead." Abell said last year the Lions Club gave $12,000 to Eastside Elementary School for new playground equipment. About $3,000 a year is used to provide eyeglasses to those who cannot afford them. The Lions Club also has a special affection for foster children, and holds a Christmas party, with gifts, every year for local children in foster care.

The Sallisaw rodeo is popular entertainment for many. Abell  said, "We've had people from all over the world come to the rodeo. We've had people from England, Australia, etc." Abell said he believes when tourists driving through get to Oklahoma, they look for Western culture events to attend, and sometimes for local rodeos.

"Last year we had a couple from New York. He was a retired New York highway patrolman. They parked their camper at KOA and hung out with us for the whole rodeo. It was interesting," Abell recalled.

New this year at the rodeo, but not new to rodeo, is trick riding. Two performers will be on hand, Haley Ganzel, (photo above) who also has two movie credits to her resume, "Cowgirls 'n Angels" in 2012 and "Dakota's Summer" in 2014. She will be joined by an 11-year-old trick rider, Madison Schala. Both will perform nightly.

The drill team, Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders, which has appeared at the Lions Club Rodeo in the past, will return this year.

A new announcer will be on hand, Monty Stueve, and the hilarious rodeo clowns will be headed up by Dusty Myers. Adding even more excitement is the wild horse racing for adults and the mutton bustin' and calf scramble for the kids. In the calf scramble, the ribbon on each calf's tail is worth $5. Abell said the clowns conduct the calf scramble and, from the arena each night, will invite all kids under the age of 12 to come on down and try to catch a calf's ribbon.

Of course at the center of the rodeo are the riding and roping events, from bareback and saddle bronc riding, to roping, to steer wrestling, and bull riding. Some of the best cowboys in the country will be competing.

At the end of the evenings, at about 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, dancing will be held and will feature Libby Starks and Bandit on Friday and Sherman Connelly and War Pony on Saturday.

Admission to the rodeo and all its entertainment is $7 for adults and $5 for children age 6 through 10 each day. Children under age six will be admitted free.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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CASC Gets $2.1 Million Student Support Services Grant

Carl Albert State College (CASC) in Poteau and Sallisaw has received a five-year $2,116,410 Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 30, 2020. It will serve 285 CASC students at both the Poteau and Sallisaw locations each year.

Deborah Cummings serves as grant writer for Carl Albert and stated, "I'm excited to have a hand in keeping such an excellent program at CASC." Cummings along with SSS Coordinator/Counselor Kim Hughes worked together on the grant application.

One of the federally funded TRIP programs, SSS provides assistance to first generation and/or low income students as well as disabled students in their pursuit of a college degree. Carl Albert State College's SSS program was first funded in 1973 and was the first of CASC's seven TRIO grant programs. Cummings explained, "When we receive a grant award, it is a brand new grant program, not a continuation of the previous grant. We have to submit a new proposal for the national competition each time one of our TRIO grants expire."

The SSS staff at Carl Albert provides many services for program participants, ranging from counseling, tutoring, advising, financial aid assistance, transfer assistance following graduation and much more.

Hughes states, "The SSS grant would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and long hours put in by our grant writer, Deborah Cummings. We also received valuable help from our IT department, especially Jeri Lowrimore, Michael Martin and Keith Barnett. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate their hard work for our students. This grant funds many services to our students to help improve graduation rates, retention, and transfer. The success of this grant means success for our students and success for Carl Albert State College."

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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One Vehicle Accident Occurs South of Sallisaw

Sallisaw Police, Fire and Rescue, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were called to the scene of a one-vehicle accident on Sallisaw's south side, just outside city limits Tuesday morning. 911 reported a vehicle, a white van, left the road on U.S. Highway 59 south and went into the Sallisaw Creek. No details are available at this time regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of the vehicle's occupants.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Warner to Take Office August 14

More than 3.500 Cherokee Nation citizens cast ballots Saturday in two different tribal council run-off elections and a third tribal council race that was so narrow the tribe's Supreme Court ruled another election be held.

Unofficial voting results from the Cherokee Nation Election Commission show, in District 6 which is eastern Sequoyah County, Bryan Warner garnered 619 votes to Natalie Fullbright's 526 votes. 

For the at-large tribal council seat, former school teacher Wanda Hatfield won, receiving 754 votes to Betsy Swimmer's 697 votes.

In District 14 Rogers and Tulsa counties, Keith Austin won with 498 votes to William Pearson's 425 votes. Pearson was the certified winner in the tribe's June 27 general election with 534 to Austin's 533 votes. The recount results had Pearson with 525 votes and Austin with 519 votes. The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court granted a motion to hold a new election since the recount in the tight race between the candidates could not be mathematically certain.

Warner, Hatfield and Austin will be sworn into office at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 14 during an inauguration ceremony at Sequoyah High School's gym in Tahlequah. They join Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Rex Jordan, David Walkingstick, Shawn Crittenden, Dick Lay and Buel Anglen on the tribal council.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Another Pain Clinic Doctor Loses License

Another Roland pain clinic doctor will no longer be able to practice in Oklahoma. Dr. George B. Howell, 80, lost his license Thursday when the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision voted 8 to 0 to revoke his license.

Howell represented himself at the hearing and told the media, "As far as I'm concerned, the physicians that sit on the board and look down their noses at me probably don't know anything about chronic pain management-probably not a one of them."

The board noted that a patient died from an overdose of pain pills a day after seeing Howell. The patient had needle marks on the arms, legs and feet, which suggested IV drug use. The prosecution pointed out that at least four of Howell's patients died from drug overdoses and three others died under "suspicious circumstances."

The prosecutor argued that Howell did not practice responsible medicine and prescribed thousands of prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, and other powerful drugs. Assistant Attorney General Jason Seay said the number of dosages prescribed was 3,511,053. "That's how many dosages of CDS came out of just one pharmacy in Arkansas for 38,160 prescriptions prescribed by the defendant," Seay said. 

Howell said he will either retire or practice in another state where he still has a license.

In May, Dr. Roland V. Myers Sr., who also practiced out of the same Roland clinic, surrendered his license rather than be prosecuted for over prescribing narcotics.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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No Information Available on Robbery Suspect

Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart said Monday there has been no information about a suspect who fled from police Saturday night. Lawrence Patterson, a black male, crashed his vehicle at the Interstate 40 exit at Vian, Lockhart said. Patterson fled on foot before deputies, responding to the crash call, arrived.

Lockhart said he believed Patterson was wanted on a Sebastian County  warrant for robbery, which is why he fled from the crash scene.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Update on Vian Police Department

Vian Mayor Dennis Fletcher said Monday that five applications for the town's open police chief post have already been received, and advertisements for the job are just beginning to go out. 

Fletcher said the Vian Board of Trustees voted in a special meeting Friday to let Police Chief Alan Ellis go "for the good of the service." Fletcher said of Ellis, "Our expectations weren't being met."

Fletcher hopes the post will be filled quickly, since the five Vian police officers cannot work, by state law, without a supervisor. Fletcher said they are at home for the moment, but Vian officials are determining if they can be paid legally. "It wasn't their fault they had to be laid off," Fletcher said. 

Fletcher said several of those applying for the job appear to be "really qualified." He said a former chief from Fayetteville had applied along with persons from Fort Smith and Muskogee. The Vian Board of Trustees will be reviewing applications and hiring a new police chief. "We are working diligently" to fill the position, Fletcher said. 

He added, "We are grateful to the sheriff and his deputies. They've done a fine job. We are not losing any police protection."

Sheriff Ron Lockhart agreed to take calls from Vian after the police Chief's dismissal Friday. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

New Security at High School Will be Done by August 13

By the time Sallisaw High School opens doors for the new school year, on Aug. 13, new security will be in place.

School Superintendent Scott Farmer said the $50,000 project at the high school will be finished by Aug. 13 when students report for the first day of school.

"We are proud of it," Farmer said. "It is an entrance design that forces visitors into the front office instead of giving them immediate access to the commons area and the students." The high school building has two public entrances on the north and south sides that open directly into the large commons area. The school principal's office is on the south side. Farmer said the new secure entrance has hallways that funnel visitors directly into the office area (in above photo).

High School Principal Ernie Martens said the new door security system will be on timers, allowing students in and out when needed, but visitors will have to come to the office to be checked in. All doors are locked during the day, including those on the east and west sides of the building. The doors do open from the inside in case of emergencies, such as might occur during a fire.

"The security system is about the same as in the new middle school," Farmer said. "We did the elementary schools last year. This will make all four campuses secure."

Farmer said the schools also have measures in place in case the schools need to lock down for any reason to protect students. He said those measures are not made known to the public.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Town of Vian Without Local Police Force

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department has been notified by officials with the Town of Vian that they currently do not have a police chief and therefore the local police dept. will be closed until the position is filled. State statutes require that any Oklahoma police officer must be supervised by an active police chief within their department. Because of the absence of a chief Vian Police Dept. officers are not legally commissioned to perform their duties. 

Vian residence should call 911 if in need of police assistance. The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Dept. will be answering calls and assisting the citizens of Vian until this issue is resolved. Sheriff  Ron Lockhart stated, "We have a deputy in that area and have already responded to calls." Lockhart is concerned with the issue and is taking steps to ensure the safety of Vian residence. 

Information regarding the reason for the absence of a police chief has not been released at this time. We will bring you more details as this story develops

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Sheriff's Dept. Searching Vian Area for Robbery Suspect

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Dept. is currently searching for Lawrence Patterson, a black male, who is wanted out of Sebastian County for robbery.

At 8:25 p.m. Saturday Patterson exited Interstate 40 at the Vian exit and lost control of the vehicle he was driving. The vehicle overturned and Patterson fled on foot into the town of Vian, according to Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart.

If anyone knows his whereabouts or sees anyone suspicious in the area, please call 911. Patterson is wanted for a robbery that occurred in Fort Smith.

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FEMA Deadline Extended

Those who suffered from flood damage between May 5 and June 4 are being encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance from the Federal Management Agency (FEMA)

Steve Rutherford, Sequoyah County Emergency Management director, said Tuesday, "FEMA has extended the deadline for applying for the Individual Assistance for residents who suffered flood damage. You now have until Aug. 26 to apply for assistance. I encourage anyone who has damage to their home, road or other property to contact FEMA."

Michelann Ooten, Oklahoma Emergency Management deputy director, said, "The 30-day extension will help ensure that all residents of the designated counties are given ample opportunity to register for the FEMA Individual and Households Assistance program."

To apply contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or online at www.disasterrelief.gov.

Rutherford encouraged those suffering flood damage to call FEMA and get on the list for Individual Assistance, which stands a good chance of being approved. He said, "The governor has approved us (for Individual Assistance) and sent it to FEMA."

For more information contact Rutherford at 918-776-3787 or visit his office at 108 E. Chickasaw in Sallisaw.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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BP Donates to Scholarships

BP Corp. (formerly British Petroleum) recently provided $7,500 to Carl Albert State College (CASC) to award scholarships to five students from LeFlore, Latimer, Haskell, Pittsburg, or Sequoyah Counties majoring in a degree related to energy, science, math or education. Above, CASC President Garry M. Ivey accepts the donation from Kip Francis who represents BP.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Police, Firemen Face Off in Blood Drive

It's a blood battle July 28 and 29--a blood-donation battle between the Sallisaw Police Department and Fire Department. It's time for the Sallisaw Guns & Hoses Blood Drive.

The blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. both days, July 28 and 29, in the conference room at the Sallisaw Civic Center. Each donor will receive a limited-edition T-shirt and two zoo admissions while supplies last.

To make an appointment, call Jim Davidson at 479-652-2364, or sign up in the lab at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital. The hospital is sponsoring the blood drive, which will be conducted by the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Texas Blood Institute and Arkansas Blood Institute.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com