Schools to Close on Monday, Walkout Plans Underway

Schools, churches and other organizations were scrambling this week preparing for a teacher walkout on Monday, to protest the state’s lack of funding for education.

The state legislature passed a bill this week to fund teacher raises. The bills includes a $1-per-pack tax on cigarettes, a 3-cent increase on gasoline, 6-cent tax increase on diesel fuel, and a 3-percent increase on oil and gas production, from 2 percent to 5 percent. Gov. Mary Fallin said she planned to sign the bill.

But House and Senate leaders agreed to pass a separate measure to repeal the $5-per-night hotel-motel tax that was expected to raise about $45 million after what was termed “furious lobbying” by the hotel and motel industry.

State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw) and State Senator Mark Allen (R-Spiro) both voted against the bill. Allen said he was concerned about the hotel-motel tax. Bennett has indicated he opposes any tax increases.

In the meantime, Sequoyah County’s school superintendents met Thursday morning in Sallisaw, and decided to close their schools, including the Indian Capital Technology Center, on Monday so teachers, if they wished, could attend the planned protest at the state capitol in Oklahoma City.

Scott Farmer, Sallisaw Schools superintendent, said a decision on shutting down schools for the remainder of the April 2-6 school week would be decided over the weekend, and information would be posted on the schools’ Facebook pages and sent to parents through the School Messenger system.

The following information was provided to parents:

“Sallisaw Public Schools will be OUT OF SCHOOL on Monday, April 2nd.

Decisions for Tuesday, April 3rd, and beyond are pending and will be made over the weekend after we consult with our staff.

As soon as we have the information we need to make a decision on whether or not we will have schools on April 3rd we will post that decision ..., on our website, and through our SchoolMessenger calling service.

Thank you for working with us and your continued support.”

Muldrow Superintendent Ronal Flanagan provided the following information:

“If that teacher walk-out takes place, Muldrow Public Schools will close effective Monday, April 2, 2018. Schools would be closed indefinitely until Oklahoma state leaders create a permanent, sustainable plan to pay educators a professional, more competitive salary. Information concerning this closure will be shared with you through your child’s school principal, on social media, and online at www.muldrowps.org.

“We are still working through a number of issues and concerns about the impact of potentially closing schools. I do, however, want to share a few details that may be helpful as you determine how your family will manage during a closure:

“-All school sites in the district will be closed. Any school days affected by the shutdown will be made up at the end of the school year like snow days.

“-Child Nutrition Services will work with our community partner to provide breakfast and lunch free of charge at the middle school cafeteria. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents must provide transportation to and from the school site during the allotted time frame.

“-We will open the high school on Tuesday April 3, 2018, to allow 11th grade students to complete the ACT, and our 12-month-employees will serve as test proctors. Juniors will be asked to test that day from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.”

Flanagan goes on to announce that district-run extracurricular programming, including athletics, will be suspended but spring varsity-level teams and activities are the only exceptions.

In Sallisaw, Farmer said arrangements are being made for ACTs, and will be announced on Facebook.

Sallisaw Schools will be serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, and throughout the week if the walkout continues, at the old Sallisaw Middle School cafeteria. That cafeteria was chosen because of its central location.

Meals will be free to all students age 18 and under, but transportation will not be provided.

Roland School Superintendent Randy Wood said Roland teachers voted to walkout on Monday, and were to meet Thursday evening to make further plans.

Wood said Roland Schools will continue to serve students meals. The meals will be served in the junior high school cafeteria. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m.

The juniors will be returning to school on Tuesday (April 3) to take their ACTs, Wood said, and administrators will proctor the test.

And, like in Muldrow, varsity sports will continue. Wood explained that, since all schools are continuing their varsity programs, if a school doesn’t compete it is considered a forfeit.

If the teacher walkout continues past Monday, Wood said Roland School will inform parents and the public through the SchoolWay program, on the schools’ website, and on the school marquee. Parents may also call the school since the staff will be answering the phones, he added.

Others Offer Help

GardenWalk apartments in Sallisaw has arranged for meals for students only. Apartment sources announced the following this week:

“ALL meals will be served in the GardenWalk Community Room located at 1901 W. Ruth in Sallisaw:

“On April 2 at 11 am, while supplies last, soft and hard tacos provided by Taco Bueno will be served. Drinks provided by GardenWalk.

“0n April 3 at 8:30 am, while supplies last, sausage biscuits and sausage burritos (first 100 served) provided by McDonald’s will be served. Drinks provided by GardenWalk.

“On April 4 at 11:30 am, while supplies last, 15 large pizzas, provided by Mazzios, will be served. Drinks provided by GardenWalk. 

“Please plan to join the GardenWalk staff should your children have need of meals during the teacher walkout. Meals will only be served to children in grades 12 and under, and will only be served if the walkout occurs. Meals will not be served if school is in session.

“For any questions, contact GardenWalk at 918-775-6717.”

The Rev. Craig Clark of Trinity United Methodist Church, on U.S. Highway 64 between Muldrow and Roland, will offer a day camp for the children of working parents.

Clark said day camp will be open at the church from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and about 15 volunteers will be assisting. Some of those volunteers are teachers. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Clark said, “We will be open every day that the walkout lasts. Teachers from Muldrow, Roland and Moffett said they will come and help. The pastors from other churches have also said they will ask for volunteers. We’ve got plenty of room and plenty of volunteers.”

For information contact the church at 918-427-4151.

The Roland Fire Department is collecting canned foods for organizations who will be feeding school children. Fire Chief James Edwards said canned goods may be dropped off at the fire station at 300 S. Roland Rd., behind the police department.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Operation Snowball Arrests 36

On Wednesday, 24 suspects were arrested in Sallisaw by Sallisaw police, and officers from the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said the sweep was titled “Operation Snowball.”

He said, “Operation Snowball stems from an investigation into drug sells in and around Sallisaw. As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued on 24 people. The arrest teams deployed from the Sallisaw Police department early Wednesday morning and began serving the arrest warrants. At the end of the day all but two of the warrants had been served. Along with the arrests of the 22 people with warrants, officers also arrested an additional 14 people for various charges including trafficking cds, eluding, cultivation of marijuana, possession of cds, and warrants from other agencies.”

The arrestees include:

-Josh Call on charges of unlawful use of telecommunication device, trafficking illegal drugs, possession of paraphernalia, and eluding a police officer;

-William Condra on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cds), and possession of paraphernalia;

-Emily Davis on charges of possession of cds, and possession of paraphernalia;

-Michael Dover on a charge of unlawful use of a communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Sabrina Drymon on charges of possession of cds and paraphernalia;

-Kelsee Flynn on charges of possession of cds and paraphernalia;

-Thomas Gann on a charge of unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Devon Gillispie on a charge of unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Andrea Goad on a charges of unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Jeremy Harris on a charge of unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-John Hill on charges of possession of cds and paraphernalia;

-Randall Hull on a charge of public intoxication;

-Rudy Hutson on charges of obstructing an officer and a Sallisaw warrant;

-Michael Kelly on charges of possession of cds and of paraphernalia, and unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Cassie Kioski on charges of possession of cds and paraphernalia;

-Kendra Martinez on charges of possession of paraphernalia, and unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Christian McCoy on charges of trafficking cds and two felony warrants out of Sequoyah County;

-Patricia Mitchell on charges of unlawful use of communication device to facilitate a drug crime, and a felony warrant;

-Robert Mitchell on a charges of unlawful possession of cds and unlawful use of telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Charlee Rose on charges of unlawful use of telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime, possession of cds, and felony warrant;

-Tarren Rose on charges of possession of paraphernalia and cds with intent;

-William Rowe on a charge of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-David Silva on a charge of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Dustin Smith on charges of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime, possession of cds and of paraphernalia;

-Michael Sparks on a charge of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Trenton Steeley on charges of possession of cds with intent, and possession of paraphernalia;

-Tammy Thomison on a charge of endeavoring/conspiracy to manufacture cds;

-Aaron Webb on charges of possession of cds, and unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Jimmy Webster on a charge of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Johnathon Wilkins on a charge of unlawful use of telecommunication device, and a felony warrant;

-Jordan Johnson on a charge of unlawful use of telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Daniel Rose on a charge of unlawful use of telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Joshua Smith on a charge of unlawful use of telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Charles Condra on a charge of unlawful use of a telecommunication device to facilitate a drug crime;

-Eloy Hernandez on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of cds with intent and possession of paraphernalia.

Also, one juvenile male was charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of cds with intent, and possession of paraphernalia.

Franklin added the Sallisaw Police Department thanked the Sequoyah County District Attorney’s Office, Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals, and the OSBI for their hard work on making Operation Snowball such a success.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Cherokee Scholarship Recipients Named

The Cherokee Nation Foundation (CNF) on March 22 announced the names of scholarship recipients for the 2018-19 academic school year. CNF is awarding $210,000 to 29 high school graduates and 59 current university students.

“We received a record number of applications this year and are thrilled to have the opportunity to support these students as they pursue their dreams of higher education,” said Janice Randall, Cherokee Nation Foundation executive director. “Thanks to our loyal donors and support from Cherokee Nation administration and Tribal Council, we continue to advance our mission to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so that they can reach their full potential.”

Included in the awards were the first round of scholarship recipients benefiting from the organization’s Leave a Legacy endowment matching program. CNF launched the initiative in 2016 in an effort to create new opportunities for Cherokee youth and achieved their campaign goal in October 2017. With full support from their board of directors, CNF is continuing to matching qualifying donations as their funds allow.

Applications were evaluated based on academic achievement, community and culture involvement, and future plans to serve the Cherokee people.

Sequoyah County Scholarship recipients are as follows:

Sequoyah County

Caleb Armer, Muldrow High School, Cherokee Scholars

Erin Crawford, Carl Albert State College, Carl Albert State College Scholarship

Cade Floyd, Muldrow High School, Cherokee Scholars

Cassidy Floyd, Roland High School, Cherokee Scholars

Michelle Hughes, Northeastern State University, Audie Baker Memorial Scholarship

Emily Johnson, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics, Cherokee Scholars

Seth Sifuentes, Muldrow High School, Cherokee Scholars

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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CASC Choir Concert Is April 5

The Carl Albert State College (CASC) Concert Choir will hold its spring concert at 7 p.m. April 5, 2018 at the Hamilton Auditorium in Poteau.

The concert will feature songs from the Renaissance era to songs of American film, as well as songs of hope and inspiration.

Admission into the concert is $5 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. All proceeds from the concert will go to benefit student scholarships and the CASC Music Department.

The choir is led by Bill King of Poteau and is composed of CASC students and community members from across the region.

Members include Devon Mathews of Heavener; Kali Burgess and Ciera Diggs of Howe; Eric Chavarria of Marietta; Michael Walker of Muldrow; Chaz Holt of Oklahoma City; Dana Davis of Sallisaw; Caleb Dolan, Stephanie Fisher and Toby Huff of Spiro; Danette Russell of Talihina; Gloria Evans and Jarred Jones of Wilburton; Larissa Deaton, Logan Deaton, Tristin Hagelberger, Cindy Hill, Seth Hill, Danielle Jones and Thomas Oare of Wister; Clayton Kasbaum of Wright City; Jillian Branscum, Kyndel Canon, Mallory Clay, D’Leisa Graves, Diana Grindstaff, Amy Hall, Ron Hall, Jeri Hobday, Lauren Hughes, Kim Hughes, Crissy Keaton, Suzanne King, Mariah Midgley, Emily Scowden, Joyce Woodruff and Shirley Yandell of Poteau.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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GardenWalk Offers Free Meals if Teachers Walk Out

As Oklahoma prepares for a possible teacher walkout beginning April 2 most folks agree that there will be students with disrupted schedules and resources.

GardenWalk of Sallisaw is pledging to help ensure local school age children will have the nutrition they need should school be out the week of April 2. Here are the details of the lunches that will be available. All meals will be served in the GardenWalk Community Room located at 1901 W. Ruth in Sallisaw:

-April 2, 11 am, while supplies last:

Soft and hard tacos provided by Taco Bueno. Drinks provided by GardenWalk.

-April 3, 8:30 am, while supplies last:

Sausage biscuits and sausage burritos (first 100 served) provided by McDonald’s. Drinks provided by GardenWalk.

-April 4, 11:30 am, while supplies last:

15 large pizzas (approximately first 100 served) provided by Mazzios. Drinks provided by GardenWalk. 

Please plan to join the GardenWalk staff should your children have need of meals during the teacher walkout! Meals will only be served to children in grades 12 and below. The meals will only be served if the walkout occurs. Meals will not be served if school is in session. 

For any questions, contact GardenWalk at 918-775-6717.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Indictments Include Bunch Woman

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in announced this week that Waylon Lee Williams, 37, Chassidy Dawn Burke, 36, Jesse Ryan Catron, 37, Evonnie Marie Simmons, 38, and Josh Caleb Simmons, 38, all of Stilwell; Amber Rae Kirk, 36, of Lincoln, Ark.; Carl Alvin Cushing, 59, of Westville; Megan Charise Watkins, 26, and Kris Lee Hall, 40, both of Stilwell; Sharon Eloise Davis, 51, of Bunch; and Brianna Lillian Smith, 47, and Donnie Dean Burke, 34, both of Westville, were each indicted for drug conspiracy, punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000,000 fine or both. 

Waylon Lee Williams and Chassidy Dawn Burke had previously been indicted on Feb. 18 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, and up to a $1,000,000 fine or both.

The original indictment alleged that on or about July 28 Williams and Burke knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable quantity of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

In March, the Grand Jury returned an indictment which superseded the original indictment. The Superseding Indictment alleges that Williams, Burke, Catron, Evonnie Simmons, Josh Simmons, Kirk, Cushing, Watkins, Hall, Davis, Smith, and Donnie Dean Burke, beginning in 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about Jan. 29, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States.

The charges arose as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the District 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Stilwell Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “As we all know, methamphetamine is destructive to individuals, families, and communities, and the cost to society is beyond measure. Attacking a serious problem requires a serious commitment. The agencies that participated in this investigation gave the citizens of Adair County and Eastern Oklahoma that commitment. The agents worked thousands of hours and sacrificed their nights and weekends, and missed family gatherings for the sake of completing a professional, thorough investigation into the drug trade in and around Adair County, Oklahoma. The lead agents, who are with the DEA and OBN, worked closely with members of the United States Attorney’s Office and were assisted by prosecutors in the District 27 District Attorney’s Office. The teamwork that was involved throughout this investigation from beginning to end is an example of how federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies should work together for the benefit of the public we all serve.”

District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp said, “Rural Oklahoma communities have been hit hard by methamphetamine. Long term, multi-agency investigations, targeted at suppliers of methamphetamine, are extremely important to our local efforts to protect the public. An investigation of this magnitude would not be possible without the participation of all the agencies involved. I am proud to have been a part of this effort and know that the citizens of Adair County and the surrounding area appreciate the resources devoted to fighting against the sale of methamphetamine.”

A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Bennett Visits with School Superintendents

State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw) recently visited with Sequoyah County school superintendents at the state Capitol. From the left are Bennett; Victor Salcedo, superintendent, Vian Public Schools; Greg Reynolds, superintendent, Brushy Schools; and Larry Henson, Central Public Schools. 

Bennett said, “It was good to have these superintendents visit me at the state Capitol. Education funding and teacher pay raises are much on everybody’s minds right now, and I’m glad to have the chance to hear their perspective and get their input.” Bennett can be reached at (405) 557-7315 or John.Bennett@okhouse.gov.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Cherokee Nation Donates Vehicle to Vian Police Dept.

(L to R) Cherokee National Treasure Tommy Wildcat, Tribal Councilor Bryan Warner, Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr., Vian Police Chief Mark Fisher, Tribal Councilor E.O. Smith, Vian Town Administrator Keith Boshers and Vian Mayor Dennis Fletcher.

Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently joined Tribal Councilors E.O. Smith and Bryan Warner in presenting the keys to a Ford Explorer to the Vian Police Department.

“As a lifetime resident of Vian, I get a firsthand look at the role that the Vian Police Department plays in this community and what it means to the citizens,” District 5 Tribal Councilor Smith said. “It means so much to invest back in my community and the lives of the Cherokee Nation citizens in and around the town.”

Police Chief Mark Fisher said his department is working on a new partnership with Vian Public School to provide a full-time school resource officer on their campus. When the time comes, this vehicle will provide that officer with needed transportation, and until then, it will be added to the department’s fleet of emergency vehicles. 

“As the chief of police and a member of the tribe, I would like to thank the Cherokee Nation for the vehicle donation. Both I and the town of Vian are very grateful for the support, and we hope to continue a very strong relationship with the tribe,” Fisher said.

The surplus vehicle was donated from Cherokee Nation Businesses fleet.

“Our local law enforcement agencies hold a great responsibility to protect and serve, and as a tribe we want to show our support to these men and women in any capacity that we can,” Hoskin said. “I commend Tribal Councilor Smith for working to meet a need that he saw in his home community and for serving his district of Cherokees and non-Cherokees alike.”

The Cherokee Nation regularly donates surplus vehicles to volunteer fire departments, police stations and schools throughout the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction.

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Muldrow Investigation Reveals Gun Owner, Break-in Suspects

Dalton Geren

Kaitlyn Willet

Muldrow Police released the name of the young man arrested for having a weapon on school property on March 15, and have also connected him to the burglary and vandalism at the Muldrow Cherokee Community Center on Jan. 14.

Dalton Geren, 19, was arrested on the Muldrow School campus before classes on March 15 by Campus Officer Paul Larkade.

According to the police report, during the police interview with Geren, he said he knew something about the community center break in because he had a friend who said it was “fun.” Geren changed his story several times, and was eventually charged with the community center burglary as well by Muldrow Police Sgt. Mark Harkins.

On Friday Harkins interviewed Kaitlyn Willet, 18, about the burglary and she admitted her involvement as well as that of a 17-year-old male who was interviewed.

Harkins’ investigation indicates there may be additional charges in relation to another building that was broken into as well as some vandalism to a local cemetery by some if not all of these individuals.

Geren was charged March 15 in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw with a misdemeanor count of possession of a weapon on school property.

According to the report filed with the charge, the campus police were tipped off that Geren had weapons in his 2000 Toyota Tundra truck.

Officers and the high school principal got Geren out of his high school class and he admitted he had a gun in his truck. Geren took the officers and principal to the truck and showed them where the gun was.

The officers confiscated a .22-caliber rifle and two large knives. Geren told the officers he had the items in the truck because he was at Wilson Rock Park and forgot to remove them before coming to school.

Geren was released on a $2,500 bond, and was to be arraigned on the charge last Wednesday in district court.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Woman Escapes Fire by Climbing Out Window

A woman was able to escape a fire that gutted her home early last Wednesday by crawling out a window.

The victim was able to break another window and get her vehicle away from the fire, and was able to save her dogs and cats, although one cat was reported missing.

Steve Rutherford, Sequoyah County Emergency Management director, put the victim in touch with the Red Cross so that she was able to get housing. Her name was not available.

The home was gutted but the woman did have insurance, Rutherford said.

Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong said the Brent, Sallisaw and Gans Fire Departments were dispatched at about 2:20 a.m. Wednesday to the home about seven miles south of Sallisaw and west of U.S. Highway 59 about one mile.

The woman told firefighters that when she woke up and opened her bedroom door the fire and smoke were coming from a room set up as an office and was also in the hallway to that room. The woman then crawled out her bedroom window to escape the blaze.

Armstrong said firefighters had the fire under control in about half an hour, but the rock home was gutted. The cause of the fire is undetermined, he added.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Dwight Mission July Camp Is for Underserved Children

Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center has set aside July 1 through 7 as a camp for underserved children who may not be able to afford the camping experience.

Mission staff said 25 camperships are available, and anyone hoping to join in may register online at dwightmission.org.

The camp will include fun and informational activities, including swimming, games, crafts, Bible studies, canoeing, a ropes course, sing-alongs and hot dog roasts.

The camps are for children in grades three and four and for junior high students.

For more information call Leigh Harvey, guest group director, at 918-775-2018.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw High School Students Protest for Peace

Between 30 and 40 Sallisaw High School students and adults attended the student-sponsored Protest for Peace Friday morning at Sallisaw High School. The protest was not a walkout, but a rally against gun violence in schools and a vigil for the 17 killed on Feb.14 at a Florida school.

Brenna Sawney and James Limbaugh, far left, and Olivia Coulter helped organize the Protest for Peace held before classes began Friday at Sallisaw High School. As Limbaugh reads the names of those killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, a Sallisaw student released a balloon in their memory. Limbaugh is also helping organize the student March for Our Lives to be held March 24 in Washington, D.C., and at state capitols throughout the United States, including Oklahoma City.

Although Friday’s protest at Sallisaw High School was organized by students they invited everyone to attend, and a few adults and parents did, including Jalene Slade of Sallisaw. Slade identified herself as an old hippie with a master’s degree, now retired. 

A proud family watches Brenna Sawney as she leads a Protest for Peace Friday morning at Sallisaw High School. Watching are, from the left, her sister Caitlin, and mother and father, Vicki and John Sawney.

Sallisaw High School students kicked off their Protest for Peace Friday morning with the singing of the National Anthem. Organizers Brenna Sawney, Olivia Coulter and James Limbaugh spoke at the rally, then read the names of those killed on Feb. 14 at a Florida High School while releasing balloons in their honor. Sawney told those attending, “We are here, because they aren’t.” The students ended the rally by registering to vote students who are age 18.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Public Invited to See Mission Renovations

The staff at Dwight Mission, northwest of Sallisaw, will conduct free tours of the facility on March 24 to introduce the public to mission renovations and extend invitations to the many summer camps available.

Dwight Mission was established in 1820 as a school for Cherokee children, and evolved later into a camp and conference center.

The mission and its grounds continue to evolve and a renovation has been held of the Heritage Center. Adult-friendly accommodations have also been added along with a tiny home for campers who want to experience tiny camping.

The tours will be held at 11 a.m. and at 1 and 2 p.m.

The staff invited, “Come spend an hour with us and learn about the wealth of history right here in our community. There is no need to sign up or register. Just show up for the tour that works best.”

The camp’s address is 100995 S. 4590 Rd, Vian. The phone number is 918-775-2018.

Dwight Mission’s Heritage Center has undergone major renovations which the public may see on free tours that will be offered on March 24.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sequoyah County Under Fire Weather Advisory

Sequoyah County will be under a FIRE WEATHER ADVISORY beginning at 1 p.m. Friday and continuing through the evening. Winds are predicted to be at 15-25 mph, and humidity at 20-30 percent. Any fires will likely spread rapidly. Burning is not recommended.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Cherokee Nation Honors Veterans in March

 The Cherokee Nation honored veterans at a recent ceremony. At the event are, from the left, Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Tribal Councilor E.O. Smith, U.S. Army veteran Fields Smith, Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Tribal Councilor Bryan Warner.

In  a ceremony honoring veterans are, from the left, Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Tribal Councilor Shawn Crittenden, U.S. Navy veteran Kenneth Golden and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

The Cherokee Nation honored U.S. Army and U.S. Navy veterans with the tribe’s Medal of Patriotism during the March Tribal Council meeting.

Fields Smith, 84, of Vian, and Kenneth Golden, 68, of Stilwell were recognized by Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service to their country.

Sgt. Smith was born in 1933 and drafted into the Army in 1955. Smith completed basic training at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas and trained to become an infantryman. Later, he completed Fire Directing Control School and was sent to Fort Polk in Louisiana where he spent the remainder of his two-year service term. During his service, Smith completed non-commission school and received a sharpshooter medal for his rifle skills. Smith received an honorable discharge in 1957.

“I want to thank the Chief, the Deputy Chief and the Tribal Council for all of the good work that they do for our people,” Smith said.

Sgt. Golden was born in 1949 and enlisted in the Navy in 1968. Golden completed basic training in Chicago. After basic training, he was transferred to the Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla., where he served as an aviation boatman mate. During his service, Golden was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and received an honorable discharge in 1972.

Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, please call 918-772-4166.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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