Officials Share How Veterans Center Will Impact Sallisaw

Future home of Sallisaw's veterans center on Hwy 59 South.

Now that Sallisaw has been selected by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission as the home for Oklahoma’s newest Veterans Center, questions abound as to how the facility will impact Sallisaw.

City officials are ecstatic over the selection and feel that only good things will come from the veteran center relocation from Talihina.

Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens said he envisions a boom to the city’s economy from many aspects of the project, including more jobs, more visitors to the city and more new business in the city.

Sallisaw City Manager Keith Skelton said he was proud of how the community came together to provide an attractive proposal, which edged out Muskogee and Poteau for the relocation.

“This project will give our veterans a facility that will enhance their quality of life; a facility in a community that will enhance the veterans for who they are and what they have done for our great country,” Skelton said.

Officials said the city worked closely with Cherokee Nation, Sallisaw Improvement Corporation, Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, local banking institutions and other community leaders and businesses to secure property and other incentives.

George Bormann, the city’s economic development director, said being able to host a $100 million facility will definitely impact the city in a positive way.

Bormann said while there is no official timeline for the project, he has heard the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs construction is usually completed within three years. ODVA officials are in the process of securing a design and architect.

The building itself will include 175 beds for veterans in a skilled nursing facility, according to Bormann. The facility should bring between 200-250 jobs to the city, including some during the construction phase.

Funding for the $100 million project will include $65 million in federal matching funds along with $35 million financed through the state of Oklahoma.

The ODVA’s latest facility in Lawton is touted as “the crown jewel of Oklahoma,” because of its fishing pond with a gazebo, a walking track around the facility and pond that is well-lit at night. A chapel is available to residents and their families as well as the community, and an auditorium serves as a storm shelter, holding hundreds of people.

Bormann said since the Sallisaw facility will be even newer and include more state-of-the-art amenities, he would expect the construction to include many of those features, and possibly more.

“While Lawton was the latest one built, ours should be even more state-of-the-art with more amenities,” Bormann said.

Included in the city’s proposal was a 90-acre tract of land just west of South U.S. Highway 59, which includes approximately 900 to 1,000 feet of highway frontage on Hwy. 59 and approximately 2,000 feet of frontage along Drake Road.

Martens said the location’s proximity to Interstate 40, along with other incentives, is what set Sallisaw apart in the selection process.

“We are very happy with our selection, but most importantly, it was a decision made with the best interest of the veterans and their families in mind,” Martens said.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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New Local Group Spreads Kindness at Hospital

NHS administrator Stephanie Six (second from right) with The Kindness Krew from the left, 

Judy Martens, Rowena Freeman, Rhoda Wilson, and Carrie Carberry.

There’s a new organization in town, and it’s all about helping the local hospital.

The Kindness Krew is a new volunteer group, dedicated to spreading kindness at NHS-Sequoyah, according to group spokesperson, Judy Martens.

Sallisaw’s First Lady and former executive director of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, Martens said the group is “all for a cause; nothing for applause.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, the Kindness Krew hosted an employee appreciation breakfast, allowing both hospital shifts to enjoy the meal.

“That’s the first of many projects that we’re going to do,” said Martens, adding that the local hospital has been a passion of hers.

Another project coming soon is decorating the mammography room at the hospital, to make it “more homey” while patients get their 3-D mammograms on some of the hospital’s newest equipment.

Martens said the group, which is in the process of obtaining a 501(c)3, plans more projects in the future.

“We’ll do something at Christmas, taking care of the hospital employees,” she said. “We’ll do several of these kinds of projects and then get into fundraisers.”

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Location Changed for Sallisaw's Halloween on Elm Street

The Sallisaw Police Dept. has changed the location of their annual Halloween on Elm Street scheduled for tonight due to the expected heavy rain. 

The new location will be inside the Sallisaw Fire Dept. located at 110 N. Walnut St. 

Trick-or-treaters can come inside out of the rain for candy from 5-8 p.m. Vendors will be set up passing out candy and goodies inside the station thanks to cooperation from the Sallisaw Fire Dept.

Due to limited space there will not be hot dogs, bounce-arounds, or games.

Vendors need to be there to set up from 4-4:30 p.m. Tables will be provided.

So don't be tricked by the rain, bring the little ones "in" for candy and treats!

KXMX News Staff

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Skating Rink to Open in Sallisaw

Newly remodeled interior of The Rink.

It’s been a few years since Sallisaw had a skating rink for the city’s youngsters to enjoy.

But that is about to change when the newly remodeled skating rink opens later this month in Sallisaw.

Larry Crowe purchased the former roller rink building at 128 N. Sioux Street three years ago, and was waiting for the right time to remodel and develop the kind of family-oriented business he wanted.

“We just want a place where kids and families can come and enjoy themselves,” said Crowe, adding that the response to the local rink has been overwhelming thus far.

Crowe is no stranger to skating rinks. At the age of 13, he skated competitively, and in his middle years, placed second in a regional tournament in men’s figures in roller skating under amateur classifications.

“I love skating; it’s really helped me a lot,” Crowe said. “And it’s really great exercise.”

Over the years, Crowe has opened other skating rinks across Oklahoma, including two in Oklahoma City, one in Moore and another in Holdenville. He enjoys being able to invest in communities and into the lives of the children in these communities.

Sallisaw, with its close proximity to Lake Tenkiller, where Crowe spent much time growing up, is one of the communities in which he wanted to invest not only money, but time.

A sneak peek of the interior of The Rink this week revealed an impressive skate rink, which has been covered in a ventilated and cushioned PVC sport court floor, which Crowe said would allow for softer falls than a concrete floor. Lighting over the rink has been restored, and three lighted starbursts will be centered by a mirror ball. Construction was continuing in the snack bar area and the bathrooms. Work also continued in the skate rack area at the front desk, which has custom lighting features.

“It’s been cleaned up, refloored, a lot of ceiling tiles replaced and carpeted down the hallway,” Crowe said of the renovations.

The corner DJ booth has been re-carpeted and painted and will be updated with sound equipment.

“We’re going to play a lot of pop music,” Crowe explained, adding that the music will be screened ahead of time for bad words and adult content. “We don’t play anything that has to be edited.”

He said in addition to today’s pop music, skaters can skate to Christian rap and Christian pop as well.

Crowe expects all the renovations to be complete and ready for opening in late November. The Rink will be open from 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. There may be other nights during the week The Rink may open; it will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Special birthday party packages will be available as well.

A uniformed officer will be on hand both nights so that The Rink can continue to provide a safe, fun place for youngsters, teens and families. Crowe said he does not plan to offer video games, pool tables or ice hockey, simply because there “isn’t room.”

For more information about The Rink, including employment opportunities, visit its Facebook page, The Rink – Sallisaw, OK.

And be sure to check The Mix 105.1 Facebook page tomorrow for a sneak peek of video footage from inside The Rink.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Holiday Express Arrives Dec. 6 in Sallisaw

Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced its schedule for the 18th annual Holiday Express train, which will include a stop in Sallisaw at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The schedule includes 22 communities in eight states on 27 dates. At each stop, visitors can board the train, visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. Each event is free and open to the public.

In Sallisaw, the train will be stopped at West Port Arthur Place.

In addition to free, public events, KCS’ Holiday Express has a charitable component. Over the past 17 years, the project has raised well over $2 million to purchase gift cards, which are donated to The Salvation Army at each scheduled stop. These gift cards are used to purchase warm clothing and other necessities for children in need in the local community.

“KCS is proud to continue this long-standing tradition of bringing joy to communities throughout our network with the Holiday Express train,” said KCS president and chief executive officer Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. “This project brings people together, helps build relationships in the community and supports our corporate vision and values.”

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the 2018 KCS Holiday Express fundraising campaign may do so by visiting www.kcsouthern.com Holiday Express or by clicking here. The campaign will close Oct. 31.

The KCS Holiday Express was built on the tradition of the Santa Train, which ran on a segment of the network bought by KCS in 1997. In 2000, a group of warm-hearted KCS employees noticed that the Santa Train was the only Christmas some kids had, and that some kids did not have essential items like coats, hats and gloves, so they committed to elevating the project. In 2001, volunteers transformed a retired freight train to the experience that communities throughout KCS' U.S. service territory enjoy today.

Led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car “Rudy”; a flat car carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a gingerbread boxcar; an elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose. Each car is dressed in lights.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Former Employee Accused Embezzlement

A bench warrant has been issued for a Lincoln, Ark., man who is accused in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw, of embezzlement.

Thomas Jeremy Cook, 40, a former employee at OK Foods in Muldrow, is accused of keeping work clothes issued to him by his former employer and offering them for sale on social media.

The items believed issued to him and perhaps other employees, and offered for sale, were 27 Carhart shirts, 15 pair of Carhart denim pants and two Bulwark jackets. The total worth of the merchandise was listed at $3,774.

According to the court record, Cook left his employment at OK Foods on Aug. 7.

His bond on the bench warrant, issued Oct. 16, is $2,500.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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American Pickers Plan Area Visit in December

“American Pickers,” the popular History Channel television show about the great search for junk, has announced they will be visiting eastern Oklahoma again. They first passed through in 2015.

A Facebook post announced Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are visiting Arkansas, Louisiana and eastern Oklahoma in December.

“We’re looking for private collections and want to hear your story,” they posted on Facebook.

American Pickers is looking for leads and want to explore collectors’ hidden treasures. Anyone with a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, may send name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. facebook: @GotAPick

The pickers only pick private collections, no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public.

“American Pickers” airs on the History Channel. The show follows the skilled pickers as they hunt down objects with historical, collectible and pop culture value that have been long forgotten by their owners. Along the way, they meet people whose stories open a window into American lives and history.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Bench Warrant Issued for Sex Offender

A bench warrant has been issued for a 26-year-old man, with a Muldrow address according to court records, for failure to register as a sex offender.

Jesse Ray Riddle was released Sept. 26 from the Sequoyah County Jail, and expected to register as a sex offender within three days. According to the record, Riddle was convicted of lewd molestation on July 23, 2012.

Riddle was interviewed by a sheriff’s department investigator on Oct. 12, according to the report. The report says Riddle told the investigator that since he did not have an address he did not know how to register. The report goes on to say that Riddle was staying with a Vian woman at the time, then he went to another home in Sallisaw.

Riddle was reported to have said he would be staying with his mother in Fort Smith.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Oct. 16 by the Sequoyah County District Court, and it carries a $5,000 bond.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Chosen as Site of Veterans Center

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission announced today that Sallisaw has been chosen for the relocation of the state veterans center that was formerly located in Talihina.

Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens stated that members of  the commission voted unanimously to move the center to Sallisaw. 

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the citizens of Sallisaw and I am very proud that the members of the board chose Sallisaw for the move," stated Martens.

Sallisaw was one of three finalist cities being considered for the move.

"A lot of people have worked and came together as a community to get it to this point," added Martens. 

The proposed building site for the veterans center is 90 acres on south Highway 59 that is currently privately owned. 

An official press release from Sallisaw City Manager Keith Skelton  is expected next week.

KXMX News Staff

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Deadline to Request Absentee Ballots Nears

Less than a week remains for registered voters in Sequoyah County to apply for absentee ballots to be mailed to them for the Nov. 6 General Election, County Election Board Secretary Cindy Osborn said.

Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the county election board no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 31 to be processed in time for the election.

Absentee voters may apply in person at the county election board office or may send their applications by mail, fax, or e-mail. An online version of the form may be filled out and submitted electronically at www.elections.ok.gov. Any registered voter eligible to vote in the election may vote by absentee ballot without stating a reason, Osborn said, however absentee voters can activate certain special conditions in the following circumstances:

• Registered voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may apply for absentee ballots only by mail, fax, e-mail, 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.

• Registered voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may apply by mail, by fax, by e-mail, 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, residents of Sequoyah County living overseas, and the spouses and dependents of each group may apply only by mail, by fax, or by e-mail. For more information and instructions, military and overseas voters may visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website: www.fvap.gov/oklahoma. 

For more information on absentee voting, contact the county election board at 110 E Creek Ave., Sallisaw, Ok. 74955. The telephone number is 918-775-2614. The county election board’s fax number is 1-918-775-1205.

For additional election-related information, visit: www.elections.ok.gov.

 Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Woman Named Volunteer Mediator of the Year

Judge Elizabeth Brown presents Betsy Rutledge with a certificate recognizing her as the Volunteer Mediator of the Year for the Early Settlement East Mediation Program in Tahlequah.

Betsy Rutledge, of Sequoyah County, has been selected as Volunteer Mediator of the Year for the Early Settlement East Mediation Program, whose office is located in Tahlequah.

Rutledge was certified by the Oklahoma Supreme Court as a mediator in 2016 for all 77 counties of Oklahoma. Her qualifications of mediation include Small Claims and Civil Cases, Family and Divorce Cases, Consumer/Merchant and Landlord/Tenant Cases, and Real Estate Cases. On the average, Rutledge mediates 2.6 cases each time she goes to court. 

Early Settlement East Director, Stacey Stephens, called Rutledge a very loyal volunteer.

“She is loyal to her community and the program. Mediation and keeping the peace for families is Betsy’s passion,” Stephens said. “And Betsy loves the fact that Sequoyah and Adair County judges give families in court cases the opportunity to mediate.”

For more information on utilizing mediation or becoming a certified, volunteer mediator, contact the Early Settlement East office in Tahlequah at (918) 444-3008.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Healthy Living Staff Talks to Belfonte Students

Belfonte School students learned about bullying and other Healthy Living subjects 

during Red Ribbon Week this week.

People Inc.’s TSET Healthy Living Program (HLP) staff spent the morning Wednesday at Belfonte Public Schools providing education to students on the topics of Healthy Living and bullying.

The staff includes Lindsie Dyer, program director and YS counselor, Kim Netz, HLP Program coordinator, Heather Silva, HLP Wellness coordinator, and Micki Kimble, YS counselor.

“We take every opportunity that the schools give us to educate students on subjects such as bullying, healthy living, self-esteem, child abuse prevention, etc.,” said Dyer. “Today all four of us were able to see many ah-hah moments when the information we were giving them began to sink in and that to us is the most rewarding part of what we do.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Comes Together for Safe Halloween Event

Halloween is right around the corner, and that means the Sallisaw Police Department’s Halloween on Elm Street is not too far away either.

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said that ghouls and goblins can expect lots of fun at this year’s event. “It's just a great place to come, especially to bring children,” Franklin said. “It’s a safe environment.”

Franklin said one of the aspects that makes this event so special is that so many businesses, churches and civic groups in the community come together so that the children in the community have a safe, fun place to trick-or-treat for Halloween.

“We’re fortunate at the police department to get to call it ours,” he said. “But we couldn’t do it without everybody’s help.

“There is a lot of work and a lot of time involved, but it is a great event,” he added.

Kids can enjoy bounce-arounds in front of the police department, and Immanuel Baptist Church is once again offering free hot dogs for participants. Elm Street, from Cherokee to Chickasaw, will be blocked off, as will Chickasaw in front of the police department, according to Franklin.

Katie Horton at the police department coordinates this event, and if your business, church or civic organization would like to have a table and pass out candy, you’re asked to contact Katie at the Sallisaw Police Department at 918-775-4141.

Halloween on Elm Street is a safe way for kids to trick or treat and bring the community together. This fun event will be held on Halloween, next Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 pm. The set-up for businesses is from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

The Sallisaw Police Department hopes to make this year’s event bigger and better than it’s ever been before. They expect several thousand children and parents to enjoy Halloween On Elm Street.

The Mix 105.1 and Mix TV will be there, playing some spooky music and passing out candy, so stop by and see us! 

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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

   

Information for General Election

           

Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for the Nov. 6 General Election, Sequoyah County Election Board Secretary Cindy Osborn said.

Please keep the following information and tips in mind as the election approaches.

- Early voting will be available at the county election board office from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Early voting is also available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3. 

- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait times will likely be shortest at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Anyone in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

- Anyone who needs to look up their polling place, verify their registration information, or view a sample ballot can do so online. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website: www.elections.ok.gov. Those who vote by mail can 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 of identity is required): Show a valid photo ID issued by 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 providing 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 Sequoyah County Election Board during early voting or at their assigned 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 became physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Oct. 30 still can 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 additional election-related information, visit: www.elections.ok.gov.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Vian Board Changes Policy on Eagle Feathers

Natalie Briggs, Kim Christie, Wynona Christie and William Christie stand 

in front of the Vian School Board office.

An effort by the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma attorney general has prompted the Vian Public School Board to change its graduation policy and allow Cherokee students to wear eagle feathers.

The Cherokee Nation got involved earlier this year after being contacted by a Cherokee family in Vian. 

William Christie, who graduated in 2018, was denied the right to wear his eagle feather to graduation. His sister Natalie is graduating in May 2019, and the family asked during an October school board meeting that she be allowed to wear hers. Tribal Councilor E.O. Smith and Deputy Attorney General Chrissi Ross Nimmo both spoke at the meeting. Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. also wrote a support letter on behalf of the tribe.

“The graduation ceremony will move forward and we believe without disruption. Rather, it will be enhanced by citizens of the community being able to express their religious sentiments, in this case Native American students wearing eagle feathers,” Hoskin said. “We appreciate that there is state protection for this, just as there is federal protection. We also thank the Vian Public School District for making this policy change."

Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter intervened this week by sending the Vian School Board a letter urging the board to permit the use of spiritual eagle feathers by Cherokee students at graduation, citing a state law.

“It has come to my attention that Cherokee tribal members who are students in your school are seeking to wear ceremonial eagle feathers on their graduation caps during their high school graduation,” Hunter wrote in the letter. “As chief law enforcement officer of this state, it is my duty both to protect the rights of Oklahoma citizens as provided for by law and to advise that the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act generally requires public schools to permit Cherokee students to engage in the spiritual practice of wearing eagle feathers to important events, such as graduations, even if this requires a religious exemption to an otherwise generally applicable rule. Accordingly, I urge the board to adopt or revise its policies to permit these religious practices at graduation.”

William Christie said Wednesday that he’s thankful for the backing of the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma attorney general to get the school policy changed.

“This means a lot,” Christie said. “I’m happy for my sister and other Native students who want to wear an eagle feather at graduation. Hopefully other schools will follow.”

For traditional Natives, an eagle feather is a symbol of Native pride. If a veteran or elder has gifted the feather, it is even more meaningful and a sign of the highest honor one can give or receive.

Under federal law, possession of an eagle feather is prohibited, though tribal citizens are permitted to have one for religious or spiritual reasons. A citizen of a federally recognized tribe can request permission to possess an eagle feather.

At the Cherokee Nation, forms are taken to the registration department, and then the registrar vets the applicant for citizenship and personally signs each application.

“We’re thankful to have a cooperative relationship between the Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s office and the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General and glad we see this issue in the same light – that our Cherokee students have the spiritual freedom to show who they are at a point in their life that should be marked with pride and celebration,” Ross Nimmo said. “We hope that other school districts in Oklahoma also follow the advice of the state attorney general.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Chandler Recognized as Oct. Chamber Member of the Month

Susan Chandler (right) was recognized for her service to the community at Wednesday's 

chamber meeting. Presenting the award was Jeff Mayo, chamber president.

The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce honored Susan Chandler as its Member of the Month at Wednesday’s membership luncheon at the People Inc. Conference Center.

Chandler first came to Sallisaw in 1979 to manage her parent’s Sears Catalog store franchise until it was sold in 1988, and that’s when she began her 30-year career with National Bank of Sallisaw, working her way up from teller to new accounts rep to branch manager and finally vice president of consumer and mortgage lending at the time of her retirement in March of this year.

She was encouraged by other bank officers to become active in the community, and specifically with the local Chamber of Commerce. She is a longstanding member of the Sallisaw Women in Business organization, holding all offices; helped organize the local Relay for Life; and participates with United Way. She has served on the Sallisaw Education Foundation and participated as a teacher in the Junior Achievement Program. Chandler has also volunteered for Sallisaw’s Diamond Daze festival, and has helped her son organize the festival’s car show.

She and her husband, David, a 17-year-employee of the city’s maintenance department, have one son, Keith, owner of Chandler Collision Center, and two grandsons.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director


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