Student Files Lawsuit Against School, Teacher

A Muldrow High School graduate has filed a lawsuit against the school and former teacher Julie Boshers and is asking for an amount in excess of $75,000, plus damages, interests and costs.

School officials said they cannot comment on pending litigation.

George Christopher Brown, who is now 19 years old, alleges in the lawsuit that during his senior year and beginning in August 2016, he fell victim to “severe, pervasive and abusive harassment, bullying, isolation, criticism, mocking and physical assault.”

Brown alleges that both he and his parents reported the bullying to school officials, but “no action was taken to stop the behavior of the students involved.”

The petition continues, “Brown was physically assaulted at school on multiple occasions after the bullying had been reported.

“The continued bullying and harassment caused George Brown to become depressed, and experience severe anxiety and stress.

“George Brown was diagnosed with medical disorders directly related to the bullying he experienced.”

The lawsuit also alleges that on Sept. 29, 2016, he was assaulted by Julie Boshers’ son, on school grounds, while she was the teacher on duty.

The lawsuit alleges that “Boshers, mother of the bully, took no action to try and prevent or stop the student bully from assaulting and brutally battering George Brown.”

The student Boshers “proceeded to flip George Brown over his back and violently throw him to the concrete floor of the pavilion and then repeatedly beat him about his head and torso causing severe and permanent, mental and emotional injuries, emotional distress, mental and physical pain and suffering and depression.”

Criminal charges related to the incident were later filed against Julie Boshers but were then dropped.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Brown by attorney Jeff Edwards of Flynn, Edwards and O’Neal of Roland.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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2018 Primary Election Results

Election results are for Sequoyah County Precincts only. Results are not official until certified by election board.

FOR STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 4

Republican

HEATH EUBANKS                                  844

MARK DEAN ALLEN                          1,202

FOR STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 4

Democrat

EDDIE MARTIN                                   2,617

CHRISTOPHER FORD                         1,211

FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 15

Republican

RANDY RANDLEMAN                          260

JEREMY WARREN                                 110

FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 15

Democrat

JUDY ROSS MOORE                             398

PENNIE EMBRY                                     318

STATE QUESTION NO. 788

FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES                3,545

AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO        2,826

FOR GOVERNOR

Republican

CHRISTOPHER BARNETT                         62

DAN FISHER                                              323

ERIC FOUTCH                                             26

KEVIN STITT                                             330

TODD G. LAMB                                         592

BARRY GOWDY                                          32

BLAKE COWBOY STEPHENS                 150

GARY A. JONES                                         190

MICK CORNETT                                        224

GARY RICHARDSON                                254

FOR GOVERNOR

Libertarian

CHRIS POWELL                                            8

REX L. LAWHORN                                       3

JOE EXOTIC                                                  2

FOR GOVERNOR

Democrat

DREW EDMONDSON                             2,914

CONNIE JOHNSON                                    950

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Republican

EDDIE FIELDS                                           509

DANA MURPHY                                        604

DOMINIQUE DaMON BLOCK                   95

MATT PINNELL                                         888

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Democrat

ANASTASIA A. PITTMAN                      1,486

ANNA DEARMORE                                 2,137

FOR STATE AUDITOR AND INSPECTOR

Republican

CINDY BYRD                                            1,061

CHARLIE PRATER                                      768

JOHN UZZO                                                  243

FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Republican

ANGELA BONILLA                                    330

MIKE HUNTER                                        1,154

GENTNER DRUMMOND                           611

FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Republican

WILL FARRELL                                          721

LINDA MURPHY                                        650

JOY HOFMEISTER                                     714

FOR COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

Republican

LESLIE OSBORN                                        684

KEITH SWINTON                                       646

CATHY COSTELLO                                    717

FOR COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

Democrat

FRED DORRELL                                     2,955

SAM A MIS-SOUM                                    658

FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Republican

DONALD CHASTEEN                               927

GLEN MULREADY                                 1,075

FOR CORPORATION COMMISSIONER

Republican

BOB ANTHONY                                          920                          

BRIAN BINGMAN                                      610

HAROLD D. SPRADLING                          502

FOR CORPORATION COMMISSIONER

Democrat

KEN REICH                                                 497

BEAU WILLIAMS                                      829

BLAKE CUMMINGS                                  997

ASHLEY NICOLE McCRAY                   1,293

FOR U. S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 02

Republican

BRIAN JACKSON                                      281

MARKWAYNE MULLIN                        1,114

JARRIN JACKSON                                     500

JOHN McCARTHY                                     264

FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 02

Democrat

CLAY PADGETT                                       1,150

VIRGINIA BLUE JEANS JENNER            609

JASON NICHOLS                                      1,098

ELIJAH McINTOSH                                     834

LEFLORE COUNTY

FOR STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 4

Republican

HEATH EUBANKS                                 590

MARK DEAN ALLEN                         1,258

FOR STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 4

Democrat

EDDIE MARTIN                                   1,256

CHRISTOPHER FORD                         2,214

KXMX News Staff

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Remember the Removal Cyclists Complete Ride

Sallisaw Native and mentor cyclist Jennifer Barger Johnson was greeted 

with big hugs from her children Olivia and Sam upon her return.

Cherokee Nation citizen Autumn Lawless and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizen Darius Lambert lead fellow Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists down Water Avenue in Tahlequah as the cyclists complete the three-week Trail of Tears memorial ride.

Cyclists from the 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride arrived in Tahlequah Thursday, finishing their three-week trek that retraced the northern route of the Trail of Tears.

                                                           

The ride started on June 3 in New Echota, Ga., the former capital of the Cherokee Nation prior to forced removal to present-day Oklahoma. Cyclists from the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians rode nearly 1,000 miles through portions of seven states.

The Cherokee Nation held a return ceremony at the tribe’s new Cherokee National Peace Pavilion in downtown Tahlequah on Thursday, where tribal leaders, friends and family gathered to greet the returning cyclists.

“These Cherokee men and women have honored our ancestors by riding hundreds and hundreds of miles from New Echota, Ga., to the Cherokee Nation capital in Tahlequah, Okla.,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “Along the way they have formed new bonds with fellow Cherokees, gained a deeper understanding of what their ancestors endured, and faced their own personal adversities only to defeat them, because that’s what Cherokees do. I am so proud of the 2018 Remember the Removal cyclists and what they have accomplished.”

The original Remember the Removal Bike Ride was held in 1984, and in 2009 the leadership program resumed. Each year cyclists learn about Cherokee history, language and culture while gaining a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by their ancestors who walked the Trail of Tears.

“I participated in the bike ride because I wanted to know where I come from,” said Cherokee Nation citizen and 2018 Remember the Removal cyclist Lily Drywater of Tahlequah. “Being Cherokee is a huge part of my identity, and the removal is a huge part of our history. I wanted to learn how resilient my ancestors were and to further realize how strong I am.”

During the journey from Georgia to Oklahoma, Remember the Removal Bike Ride participants visited historical landmarks that were important to Cherokee people, including Blythe Ferry in Tennessee, which was the last part of the Cherokee homeland walked by the ancestors before beginning their journey into Indian Territory. They also visited Mantle Rock in Kentucky, which provided shelter to many Cherokees as they waited for safe passage across the frozen Ohio River.

This year, Cherokee Nation Businesses Executive Vice President Chuck Garrett, an avid cyclist, also joined the Remember the Removal cyclists during a portion of the ride.

“This ride personifies the experience of pain and self-doubt, but this team rallied around each other and pushed forward,” Garrett said. “That is something to be proud of not just today, but for a lifetime.”

Of the estimated 16,000 Cherokees forced to make the Trail of Tears journey to Indian Territory 180 years ago, around 4,000 died due to exposure to the elements, starvation and disease.

The 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride cyclists are:

Cherokee Nation

Emilee Chavez, 18, Tahlequah

Daulton Cochran, 21, Bell

Courtney Cowan, 24, Kansas, Okla.

Lily Drywater, 21, Tahlequah

Dale Eagle, 23, Tahlequah

Jennifer Johnson, 48, Oklahoma City, mentor rider, Sallisaw native

Autumn Lawless, 22, Porum

Amari McCoy, 21, Sallisaw

Parker Weavel, 21, Tahlequah

Sky Wildcat, 24, Tahlequah

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Nolan Arkansas, 18, Wolfetown, N.C.

Brooke Coggins, 23, Birdtown, N.C.

Darius Lambert, 17, Wolfetown, N.C.

Seth Ledford, 18, Wolfetown, N.C.

Lori Owle, 47, Birdtown, N.C.

Jan Smith, 62, Yellowhill, N.C.

Ahli-sha Stephens, 34, Birdtown, N.C.

Bo Taylor, 48, Big Cove, N.C.

The 2018 Remember the Removal Bike Ride is chronicled on Facebook at www.facebook.com/removal.ride and on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #RTR2018, #RememberTheRemoval and #WeRemember.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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NOW Coalition Gets $150,000 Grant

The Office of National Drug Control Policy recently issued $2.74 million in enhancement grants through the CARA Act of 2016 to current and former Drug-Free Communities programs.

The Sallisaw NOW (New Opportunities Working) Coalition is one of only two Oklahoma organizations that received a grant. The NOW Coalition received a three-year grant for $150,000, or $50,000 a year. The grant is through the Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act (CARA).

Amy Edwards, prevention specialist with the Now Coalition, said this is the first year the coalition has been awarded the grant. Plans are to use the funds to purchase two additional prescription drop boxes and to continue the fight against opioid addition.

The coalition’s priorities are prescription drug abuse prevention, alcohol awareness and underage drinking prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco control.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Governor Signs 10 Commandments Bill; By State Rep. John Bennett

The governor last week held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 2177, which will allow the display of the Ten Commandments alongside other historically significant founding documents such as the U.S. or Oklahoma Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Magna Carta or others in state buildings, public schools or on other public property.

The governor signed the bill into law in May, but held the ceremonial signing to allow myself and the bill’s other authors and co-authors to attend and celebrate this significant legislation. Also in attendance was noted historian and my friend David Barton, who helped with historical research and provided documents to support this measure. I also want to thank Sen. Mark Allen who co-authored this bill in the Senate. I greatly appreciate him working so hard to get the bill passed in the Senate. Frank Cargill, the superintendent of the Oklahoma Assemblies of God, was present as well.

This bill doesn’t mandate the display of the commandments; it simply allows them to be shown alongside other historically significant documents that helped form the basis of the United States of America’s civil and common laws.

It was a long fight to get this legislation passed and signed into law. I’m unsure why opponents fought so hard against this. Should we not teach our children in school that they should kill, steal or lie? Should it be against the law to teach them to obey their father and mother?

The facts are the Ten Commandments have been part of our nation since its inception. They are deeply imbedded in our national culture and a basis for our nation’s laws. The display of the commandments is both legal and historical. The commandments had as dramatic an impact on the founding of our nation as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights They have been displayed in U.S. institutions since the very founding of our nation.

For example, in 1776, immediately following the United States of America’s separation from Great Britain, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were placed on a committee to design a seal for the new nation. Both separately proposed featuring Moses prominently in the symbol of the new nation.

The Ten Commandments is displayed in the U.S. Capitol, the National Archives, in the U.S. Supreme Court, in many state capitols and in scores of other Legislatures, courthouses and other public buildings across America.

Further, Americans from coast to coast recognize the important contributions made to our society by the Ten Commandments. This is not advocating for religion but rather recognizing a significant historical contribution for our nation.

The fact that some may not agree with all of the commandments does not mean they shouldn't be displayed, any more than the fact that not everyone agrees with all pf the protections granted by the Bill of Rights would prohibit its display.

Aside from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, it is difficult to argue there is any single work that has had a greater or more far-reaching impact on centuries of American life, law and culture than the Ten Commandments. For this reason alone, the Ten Commandments merit display.

I’m thankful this bill was signed in to law, and I’m thankful we can recognize the important historical significance the Ten Commandments have on our great nation and on the state of Oklahoma.

We must never forget the principles on which our nation was founded. Allowing the display of the Ten Commandments will help us remember.

John Bennett represents Oklahoma House District 2. He can be reached at (405) 557-7315 or John.Bennett@okhouse.gov.

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Children Invited to Summer Camp

Dwight Mission is offering a free summer camp July 1 through 7 for families who may not be able to afford this summertime tradition.

The camp is for youngsters in grades 3 through 9, and is funded totally by scholarships, said Leigh Woodruff, the mission’s guest group director.

Activities slated for camp week include games, swimming, arts and crafts, Bible study, archery, singing, dancing, canoeing, praying, worship services, and making friends.

For more information or to register for the camp call 918-775-2018 or email leigh@dwightmission.org.

More information is also available on the mission’s website at www.dwightmission.org.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Marble City Festival Is June 30

The 14th annual Marble City Mayhem and Fireworks Show includes a Speed Challenge

 up Marble City hill on June 30.

June 30 is a happening time in Sequoyah County, with Marble City Mayhem just one of the events planned.

The 14th annual Marble City Mayhem and Fireworks Show is a family-oriented fundraising event featuring a veterans’ military ceremony, food, live music, kids’ games, inflatables for the kids, face painting, and a free fireworks show sponsored by St. Clair/US Lime.

The Car Show and Speed Challenge is back by popular demand and is an event like none other in the county. Beginning at the stop sign in downtown Marble City, drivers and vehicles registered for the event will accelerate up the Marble City hill for about one-eighth of a mile. The police chief will clock the vehicle and radio the speed back to the master of ceremonies at the bottom of the hill.

The speed to beat is 116 miles per hour!

The winners will be crowned Top Speeders!

The veterans’ military ceremony will open the festivities at 9:30 a.m.

Other events include a horseshoe tournament starting at 12:30 p.m., and a performance by Matt Garland and Shotgun Reunion from 7 to 9 p.m.

The free fireworks show will conclude the festival at dark, or about 9:15 p.m.

For more information contact MarbleCityFestival@gmail.com or call 918-315-2583.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Give Blood and Let the Adventure Begin

The Oklahoma Blood Institute has a new adventure in store for donors who give blood to help patients in local hospitals!

Blood donors who give at the following drive will receive a limited edition “Let the Adventure Begin” t-shirt, and their choice of voucher, for either two free admissions to Science Museum Oklahoma, or two free admissions to Safari Joe’s H2O Water and Adventure Park in Tulsa:*

· Garden Walk Apartments Sallisaw - Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Science Museum Oklahoma offers hundreds of hands-on exhibits, daily live chemistry and physics shows, art galleries, the chance to explore the stars in the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and much more in the museum’s 350,000 square feet.

Safari Joe’s H2O features the new Reptile Rush Slides & Raptor Rapids Water Roller Coaster as well as one-of-a-kind reptile and animal attractions.

“This summer, we want to give donors another extraordinary reason to give the priceless gift of blood,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Patients need blood 365 days a year, but the summer months present a unique challenge since so many of us are busy with travel and activities, and we may get out of our normal donation routines.”

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do. Blood donation takes just about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.

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

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

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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July 4th Events Span the County

Here comes July 4th and the best of all summer holidays offers a bang up slate of events for entertainment in Sequoyah County.

Events kick off on June 30 with both Marble City Mayhem and Roland’s Iron Mountain Festival.

The 14th annual Marble City Mayhem and Fireworks Show is a family-oriented fundraising event featuring a veterans’ military ceremony, food, live music, kids’ games, inflatables for the kids, face painting, a car show and speed challenge, and a free fireworks show sponsored by St. Clair/US Lime.

The veterans’ military ceremony will open the festivities at 9:30 a.m. Other events include a horseshoe tournament starting at 12:30 p.m., and live music from 7 to 9 p.m. The free fireworks show will conclude the festival at dark.

The Roland Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Iron Mountain Festival that runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 30, with the fireworks show at dark.

The festival includes free entry to the town swimming pool, a car show, food and craft vendors, inflatables and games, a photo booth, and door prizes.

War Pony will play live music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

For information on the car show call Dave Phelps at 918-774-2088; for events information call Dave Richards at 479-414-1226; and for vendor information call Cody Click a 479-420-3024.

Sallisaw activities kick off on Saturday with the 3rd Annual Fourth of July Weekend Sallisaw Oklahoma Cruise Night from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information call or text 918-315-7914.

The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce completes holiday activities with the annual fireworks show at dark on July 4. The show will be held at Sallisaw High School.

Vian’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza is July 3, sponsored by the Vian Community Foundation. The fireworks show will be preceded at 8 p.m. by the presentation of Vian’s Favorite Sons and Daughters awards at St. John Stadium.

A Pig in the Park free cookout will begin at 5 p.m. July 4 in the Webbers Falls Park, hosted by area churches. The fireworks show, sponsored by the town and the Webbers Falls Fire Department, will begin at dark.

At Lake Tenkiller, the Greater Tenkiller Area Association (GTTA) will present the Lake Tenkiller Fireworks Extravaganza at dusk (9:30 p.m.) on July 4. They recommend the best viewing is towards the dam.

George Harris, GTAA board member, said the fireworks show at Lake Tenkiller is always a sight to behold and is a great way for people and families to enjoy a quality display.

In Fort Smith the July 4 celebration begins at noon in the Harry E. Kelly Riverfront Park with a car show, live music, and concessions. The Mayors 4th of July Celebration concludes at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks over the river.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Help Available for Homeless Veterans

On July 4, many Americans may remember the phrase, “Home of the free because of the brave.”

The phrase invites us to remember U.S. fighting men and women both now serving and the veterans who served in the past.

But how many Americans realize that some veterans, and their families, are currently, or on the verge of being, homeless. The fact that the warriors who fought for the freedoms to be celebrated on July 4 may not have a home prompted the Veterans Administration to organize the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, or SSVF. The grant program is managed though Ki Bois Community Action in 24 counties in southeast Oklahoma.

Louise Musselman of Sallisaw is one the case managers for the area, and currently has a case load of 13 veterans and their families.

“It’s amazing to me how many veterans need help,” Musselman said.

Musselman recently helped a veteran, his wife and four children find a place to live in Muskogee.

Another case involved a 70-year-old veteran who was taking care of his 90-plus-year-old father. When the father died, the 70-year-old nearly lost his home. That case was concluded happily with the veteran now in his own home.

Musselman explained that many veterans who spent most of their adult lives in the military left the chores of daily living up to the military. When they retire or leave the service, they sometimes have no experience managing finances, housing, utilities, etc. Consequently some become homeless.

Musselman said the SSVF assistance is considered short term, but the program puts the veteran and his or her family in touch with other organizations that can provide long-term help.

The SSVF can provide short-term rent, utility payments, and some household goods, etc.

Musselman said, “We provide case management, and help them learn how to get out of the situation. We provide help with disability and social services, with substance abuse treatment, with money training and how to handle finances.” 

To qualify for the services, the veteran must be the head of the household and meet other certain requirements. They must have identification, their DD214 (proof of service), their veteran’s health card, Social Security card and tribal ID if appropriate.

To be eligible for SSVF, veteran families must be low income and be either homeless or imminently at risk of homelessness.

SSVF provides the following supportive services:

-Supportive services to very low-income veteran families in or transitioning to permanent housing.

-Community outreach related to veteran’s needs and program goals.

-Community and veteran specific services and resources to benefit participant.

The program provides referral to:

-Job search and employment assistance

-Temporary financial assistance

-Housing search services

-Daily living services

-Health care services

-Personal financial planning services

-Transportation services

-Fiduciary and payee services

-Legal services

-Childcare services

No veteran will be turned away. If a veteran doesn’t qualify, they will be referred to other services or programs.

Musselman said the program does have limitations. It cannot provide the veteran and family with some simple items, like a coffee pot, a lamp, a shower curtain.

“But we are more than happy to take donations,” Musselman said.

Veterans really appreciate hygiene items and simple things like a notebook and pens.

Anyone who would like more information about the program or who would like to make a donation may contact Musselman at her office in Muskogee at 918-681-7525 or on her cell phone at 918-931-1474.

And, if a homeless or near homeless veteran needs help but has no transportation, Musselman said, “Our staff will go to them if there are transportation issues.”

Musselman concluded, “We do everything we can to help. It is very rewarding.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Early Primary Voting Starts Thursday

Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for the June 26 primary election, but early voting will be available Thursday and Friday, said Cindy Osborne, Sequoyah County Election Board secretary.

Osborne said early voting will be available at the election board office in Sallisaw from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 21 and 22. Early voting will also be available on June 23, (Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Tuesday, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait times are usually shortest at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Anyone who needs to look up their polling place, verify their registration information, or view a sample ballot may do so on line. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the Oklahoma State Election Board website at www.elections.ok.gov. 

Those who vote by mail may also check the status of their ballot using the Online Voter Tool.

Sample ballots are also available at the county election board office.

Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person at the precinct polling place or during early voting at the county election board to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law (only one proof is required). They may show a valid photo ID issued by a federal, state or tribal government, or show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by the county election board, or sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after election day.

Physically disabled voters who cannot enter the polling place, need help marking their ballots, blind or visually disabled voters and illiterate voters may be assisted by a person the voter chooses. In all cases, a person providing such assistance may not be the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. A person proving assistance also must swear or affirm that the voter’s ballots will be marked in accordance with the voter’s wishes. Alternatively, all blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled voters in Sequoyah County may use the audio-tactile interface (ATI), a feature offered on all Oklahoma voting devices, to vote privately and independently, either at the election board during early voting or at the polling place on election day.

Voters who have moved since the last election. But who have not transferred their voter registration to their new address, may do so on election day by going to vote at the polling place where their registration has been in the past. While voting, they may fill out a form instructing the county election board to transfer their registration to the new address before the next election.

Those who become physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. on June 19 may still request an emergency absentee ballot. Those who might qualify for an emergency absentee ballot should contact the county election board office at 918-775-2614 as soon as possible for more information.

Any violation of election law will be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities. Electioneering is not allowed within 300 feet of a ballot box. It is also unlawful to remove a ballot from the polling location, possess intoxicating liquors within half a mile of a polling place or to disclose how you voted while within the election enclosure.

For more election information visit www.elections.ok.gov.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Man Arrested After Stealing Two Vehicles and Breaking Into Vian Home

 Cody Reynolds

Diver Blake Cox assists with recovery of the stolen Tahoe.

Early Tuesday morning Sequoyah County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 28-year-old Cody Reynolds of Claremore in connection with two vehicle thefts and a home burglary that occurred south of Vian.

 At approximately 03:00 a.m Tuesday, June 19 Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Deputies and Vian Police officers responded to a reported home burglary and vehicle theft. Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the suspect had crashed his vehicle in a wooded area south of Vian. The suspect had then gone to a nearby residence and stolen a vehicle. The suspect then traveled down the road approximately a mile and crashed this vehicle as well. 

The suspect then went to another nearby residence and entered this home without permission while the family slept inside, stole several items, including a firearm, laptop computer and cash and loaded them into the homeowner's 2017 Chevy Tahoe which was parked in the victim’s garage. The suspect then started the vehicle and backed through the garage door and left the property. 

The OnStar system was then used by the victims and deputies to track the stolen Tahoe’s location. The OnStar GPS showed that the vehicle was at the Vian refuge boat ramp. Deputies went to the location and found the suspect lying in the roadway near the boat ramp. He was still in possession of the victim’s gun and was soaking wet. 

Sheriff Larry Lane arrived on scene and contacted Vian resident and former fire chief, Ed Barton, who was fishing near their location. Mr. Barton came to the location and used his boat mounted sonar to locate the stolen Tahoe. Emergency management director, Steve Rutherford then contacted diver Blake Cox to assist with the recovery of the Tahoe. 

It was initially thought that there were two suspects involved, but upon further investigation it has been confirmed that Reynolds was alone the entire time. Reynolds is being held without bond at this time, pending numerous official charges. 

Sheriff Lane stated, “This could have easily turned out much worse for everyone involved. These victims were blessed that they weren’t awaken when the suspect entered their home. I'd like to thank Deputies Stone, Neighbors, Gabbert and Choate as well as the Vian police department for their quick response.  I’d also like to thank Ed Barton, who’s always willing to help when we call, and volunteer diver Blake Cox for coming out to help. Investigators Goode, Wheat and Frizzell are still conducting interviews and processing evidence which will probably take another day to wrap this case up, great work by all involved."

KXMX News Staff

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Sheriff’s Department Plans Tournament

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department has announced that the department will be hosting a co-ed softball tournament fundraiser on Aug. 4 at the McGee fields behind the KFC in Sallisaw.

The fundraiser is to raise money to purchase gym equipment for the department. Details are on the attached flyer.

To pay the entry fee, questions, or to make a donation contact Christian at the sheriff's department at 918-775-1213. 

The double-elimination tournament will start at 8 a.m., and the entry fee is $150. First place team will receive $250.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Billy Ray Cyrus at Cherokee Casino June 29

Billy Ray Cyrus

Triple-platinum selling country music phenomenon Billy Ray Cyrus is set to perform at Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland on June 29.

Cyrus takes the stage for the free show at 8 p.m.

The artist exploded onto the country music scene in 1992 with “Achy Breaky Heart,” which quickly reached triple-platinum RIAA status. The hit single about heartbreak became an international sensation, inspiring its own line dance.

Other fan favorites include the singles “Could’ve Been Me,” “She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore,” “In the Heart of a Woman,” “Busy Man” and “Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” the song that he teamed up with his musical daughter, Miley Cyrus.

Cyrus’ debut album, “Some Gave All,” was certified nine times platinum in the United States, selling more than 4,832,000 copies. The album earned the longest time spent by a debut artist at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was also the first debut album to enter No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. 

Cyrus has released a total of 14 studio albums, including 1993’s “It Won’t Be the Last” and 1994’s “Storm in the Heartland,” earning US platinum and gold status, respectively. A total of 10 compilation albums have also been released in his name, with “The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus: Cover to Cover” reaching No. 23 on the US Country Charts.

He has appeared in films such as “The Love Boat” and “Mulholland Drive.” He accepted the lead role for the medical drama “Doc” in 2001. The show ran until 2004.

Cyrus’ newest album, “Set the Record Straight,” was released late last year.

For more information on Cyrus, visit www.billyraycyrus.com. 

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

For more information on Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, visit www.cherokeecasino.com or call (800) 256-2338. All guests must be at least 21 years of age.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Drug Court Grads Donate Funds

Drug Court participants Chasidy Patton and Jeremy Clark, on the left, held a lunch fundraiser for their graduation project on June 15 and donated all of the proceeds raised to the Sallisaw Special Victims Unit. Accepting the donation are John Owens, center, with the Sallisaw Police Department, Amy Edwards and Taylor Chadwell, both with the Sallisaw NOW Coalition.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Voters Should Apply for Absentee Ballots

Voters in Sequoyah County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the June 26 primary election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Cindy Osborn said.

Although the Sequoyah County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on June 20, Osborn urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early. 

Absentee ballot application forms are available at the county election board office located at 110 E. Creek St. in Sallisaw. An online version of the form can be filled out and submitted electronically at: www.elections.ok.gov. A print form can also be downloaded at that address.

Ballots must be in the hands of county election board officials by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted.

Osborn said any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote. However, a voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district or a municipality to be eligible to vote in school district or municipal elections. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee.

“While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several advantages to absentee voters in some categories,” Osborn said.

By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, absentee voters can activate special conditions that make it easier for them to use absentee ballots. The reasons are:

• Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An Absentee Voting Board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible receive absentee ballots. These voters may apply only by mail, fax, or by email. Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in their units for application forms and additional information or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov/oklahoma) for more information and instructions. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any U.S. military installation and from U.S. Embassies and Consulates as well as on the FVAP website. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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