Owens Retires from Sallisaw Police Dept.

Sallisaw Police Lt.  John Owens

A 27-year career has come to a close for Lt. John Owens, whose last day on the job was Dec. 31.

“All my time has been at the Sallisaw Police Department,” he said Tuesday. He spent two years as a reserve officer and 25 years as a full-time officer.

Owens said that nine grandchildren -- and one on the way! -- as well as his role as a board member of the Sallisaw NOW Coalition will be keeping him busy long after his career ends.

Looking back on his time with the SPD, Owens noted, "The department has a great bunch of people. It makes your job a lot easier when you have a good team.”

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said working with Owens has been “great” and that he was hoping to talk him out of retiring. “He has been a great employee and friend,” he said.

Owens said that in his spare time, he plans on doing lots of fishing and on completing “honey-do” tasks for his wife, Donna.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Law Enforcement on Lookout for Drunk Drivers

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are teaming up with nearly 100 law-enforcement agencies across Oklahoma to combat impaired driving this New Year’s Eve.

The goal is simple: To make Oklahoma as safe as possible by getting impaired drivers off the roads. Additional deputies, officers and troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers across the state before, during and after any checkpoints.

During the New Year’s holiday last year, there were a total of 374 crashes in Oklahoma. Five of those crashes were fatal, resulting in the deaths of five people. Two of the people killed were in alcohol/drug-related crashes.

Of the 374 crashes last year, 45 of them were alcohol- and/or drug-related. This means that more than 12% of the holiday crashes on Oklahoma roads involved a potentially impaired driver.

If impaired drivers are on the road tonight, they will be found, and there will be zero tolerance for impaired drivers.

Everyone is highly encouraged to find a safe ride by calling a sober driver, using a cab, Lyft, Uber or any other ride-share service. Better yet, have a designated driver. Have fun and enjoy life, but do not, under any circumstances, drive while impaired by alcohol and any other substance. The cost is too high.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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It’s Time for Eagle Watching!

Each winter you can follow Oklahoma eagles on a path to adventure as hundreds of them make their way to the Sooner State.

Winter is the perfect time to head out in search of the approximately 800-2,000 magnificent eagles during the season’s peak. Migrating to Oklahoma from Canada and the northern states in search of warmth, these birds join nearly 80 pairs of bald eagles that are year-round residents of Oklahoma, creating a birder’s paradise filled with boundless eagle-viewing opportunities.

The bald eagle’s trek into Oklahoma begins in November and early December and peaks in January and February, when numerous bald eagle-watching events pop up around the state to take advantage of the increased numbers. 

Primarily a fish-eater, the bald eagle prefers to settle near Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers for easy access to food. Groups of eagles will rest together, or “roost,” in trees along the shores, with the same roost trees being used each year. With 7-foot wingspans and bright white crowns, the grand size and distinguished appearance of the birds make them easy to spot and watch. 

Here are some tips for watching the eagles:

The best time to observe eagles is around sunrise or sunset.

Wear warm, neutral-colored clothing and appropriate outerwear. 

Bring binoculars, a camera (preferably with a zoom lens) and a field guide to help you identify eagles and other bird species you may find along the way.

For some eagle-viewing events, a portable camp chair or lawn chair is recommended.

Always call ahead to state parks or wildlife management areas for up-to-date eagle-viewing information before your trip.

One of the most popular locations for eagle watching is the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian.

Take your binoculars and hiking boots to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and venture out to spot southern bald eagles on the nest. Located along the upper half of the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir south of Vian, the refuge is known for its winter eagle sightings along numerous hiking trails and observation areas scattered throughout the park. This picturesque area of northeast Oklahoma is a haven for a variety of wintering birds and wildlife with plentiful shoreline, river bottoms and wooded swampland. 

As an added bonus, visitors are invited to sign up for the annual Eagle Tour and Loon Watch events, which take place weekly from late January to early March. Start the tour by viewing the refuge’s live webcam, which documents the lives of the eagles that occupy a nearby nest. Operated by the George M. Sutton Avian Research Center, the webcam documents adult bald eagles, their eggs and eaglets. Observe the eagles on the webcam and then take off on the park’s 25-person tour bus to go search for them in the wild. Afterward, head over to neighboring Tenkiller State Park for more eagle- and loon-watching. 

Find out more about eagle-watching or other fun activities at travelok.com. 

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Sheriff Honors Department Employees

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane honored several employees Dec. 16 during the office’s annual awards banquet and Christmas dinner.

Lane said more than 150 people attended the event. “We had another great banquet. We had a great meal and were blessed to be able to give several gifts out to employees, attendees and to all of the children that were there,” he said in a press release.

“I am flattered to see the amount of support our sheriff’s office has from the community. We have had another great year and will continue to protect and serve our community,” he added,

The following awards were handed out:

Deputy of the Year -- Colton Goff

Investigator of the Year -- BR Rutherford

Jailer of the Year -- Robert Rice

Reserve Deputy of the Year -- Robert “Bub” Johnson

Dispatcher of the Year -- Whitney Day

Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year -- Cory Masterson

Sheriff’s Choice Award -- Deputy Jeff Neighbors

Meritorious Service Award -- Steven Jenkins

Appreciation Award -- Mac Moad, Sequoyah County Mounted Search and Rescue

Appreciation Award -- Randy Freeman, Sallisaw animal control

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Sallisaw Woman Charged with Grand Larceny

An arrest warrant was issued Dec. 27 for a Sallisaw woman who allegedly stole car keys and a wallet from a woman in Muldrow.

Amber Elizabeth Cox, 41, is facing a grand larceny charge in the case, records reveal.

On Dec. 14, a Muldrow police officer was dispatched to East Shawntel Smith Drive. When the officer arrived, he spoke with Drew Emily Cantwell, who told him Cox had reached into her car with force while Cantwell was occupying it and took her car keys from her hand. Cox also reportedly took a wallet from Cantwell that contained about $300 in cash and gift cards. She then fled from the scene, leaving Cantwell stranded.

On Dec. 17, a different officer took another call regarding the two women. Cox told the officer the wallet was in the dumpster at Cantwell’s store. A search of the trash bin led to the discovery of the wallet, which still contained Cantwell’s identification cards, but the cash and gift cards were gone. Cox told the officer Cantwell’s father had taken the cash.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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January is Stalking, Human Trafficking Awareness Month

The Board of Sequoyah County Commissioners proclaimed January human trafficking and stalking awareness month at their weekly meeting Monday.

According to sources, human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the United States, bringing in about $32 billion a year -- more than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

More than half of trafficking victims are under age 17, but adults can be victimized as well, officials said.

The crime of stalking is also on the rise. Statistics show that one in six women will be stalked at some point in their lives. About one in 17 men will be stalked.

Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said stalking and human trafficking make his job more difficult. “It’s a tough job when you see this day in and day out, for advocates and police.” He said his department has been “inundated” with stalking cases. “It’s a shame we always have to be on defense” against such crimes, he added.

In other business, the commissioners awarded a pair of bids, one for the interior renovations being made at the Sequoyah County Health Department and one for the purchase of a tractor for county District 1.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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DiamondNet, FOX in Negotiations

Television viewers in Sequoyah County may soon notice one of their networks is not available if current negotiations break down with FOX.

DiamondNet is negotiating with the FOX Corp. to continue to offer their networks, including the FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, FOX Deportes and FOX Soccer Plus on your lineup, as well as the local FOX station.

DiamondNet wants customers to know they are attempting to reach a fair agreement, but FOX is demanding significant rate increases that will directly impact monthly bills.

If DiamondNet and FOX are unable to reach an agreement by midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31, FOX may force DiamondNet to stop airing its stations.

For more information, go to https://buff.ly/39h2liU and enter 74955 for your ZIP code.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Agency Proposes Tenkiller Entry Fees

A proposal by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation could force Lake Tenkiller and other state parks to begin charging entrance fees beginning as early as next spring.

Among a list of proposed modifications for state parks issued Oct. 30, Tourism and Recreation noted that at the state’s 33 parks, with a total of 117 park entrances, 52 of them could begin charging an entry fee of possibly $8 to $12. The changes would likely include Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Lake Thunderbird, Sequoyah and Lake Eufaula state parks. 

Greater Tenkiller Area Association President John Ellis wrote a letter to Jerry Winchester, the executive director of the Tourism and Recreation Department, and posted it on the group’s Facebook page and urged other concerned citizens to contact area legislators.

Entrance fees could result in the closing of a restaurant inside the Tenkiller park, a concessionaire that pays its own way, Ellis said.

“If you have to pay $8 or $12 just to get to it, why would you go there when you can just go to a restaurant down the road for free?” he said. “Not knowing exactly what they had in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to give them some of our thoughts and concerns about what impacts of charging fees at the main entrances to Tenkiller would have. We particularly focused on the businesses in the park that are privately owner, a marina, the restaurant and a dive shop.”

“Plus, there are five residences on the north border of the park whose only access to their house is park roads,” he noted.

For decades, other residents of the area have used park roads like any other rural roads in the area. For many locals, driving around the park instead of through it could add 8 miles or more to their daily commutes, he said.

Only one Oklahoma state park currently charges an entry fee. The cost to enter Natural Falls State Park in West Siloam Springs is $5 per vehicle and several others charge day-use fees for specific features within the park, such as the dunes at Little Sahara State Park.

“They haven’t said anything about what kinds of considerations they would give to residents who are affected, both inside or outside the parks,” Ellis said. “There hasn’t been a lot I’m aware of put out by the department, other than the little bit you can read in the press.”

According to Winchester, legislative approval is not required to begin charging the entrance fees, which are expected to bring in about $8 million that would go toward park upgrades and repairs.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Dwight Mission Slates Public Meetings Jan. 18

The Dwight Mission Board of Directors will host a pair of public meetings Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, to discuss the future of the program, answer questions and hear concerns. 

The Tulsa-area meeting will be at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2929 E. 31st St. The Oklahoma City-area meeting will be at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church’s north campus, 14501 N. Rockwell Ave.

The board is looking into the possibility of streaming the events, but arrangements are still uncertain.

In November, the board issued the following statement:

“With great sadness, the Dwight Presbyterian Mission Board of Directors has voted to suspend all operations at the Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center effective December 15, 2019. In the midst of diligent work, prayers and discernment, we continue to pursue the best options for the facility with hopes to develop a model to extend the legacy to future generations. In the interim, we recommend campers seek out opportunities for camp and other connectional ministries through their church and Presbytery for 2020. We ask for our Community's continued prayers in these trying times.”

For more information, contact the Dwight Mission Inc. Board of Directors at dwightmissionboard@gmail.com.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Follow Your Instinct! Give Blood Jan. 2

Share the priceless gift of blood donation with Oklahomans in need this holiday season. 

Oklahoma Blood Institute encourages healthy adults to “follow their instinct,” and set aside about an hour from their busy schedules to donate blood. The holidays are typically a challenging time for the life-saving blood supply; and one donation can save the lives of up to three area patients.* 

Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive with Walmart Sallisaw on Thursday, January 2, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Each blood donor will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved holiday-themed t-shirt. 

“The simple, yet selfless, act of donating blood this holiday season will give patients in local hospitals a chance to spend precious time with their families,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “The cost- just an hour of your time- is certainly less than other gifts most of us will give this season. But there’s nothing that has a greater impact.”

Blood recipients have the opportunity to send a message of appreciation to their individual blood donor, anonymously, through Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Thank the Donor™ program.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the supply must be constantly renewed. If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As the nation’s 6th largest non-profit blood collector, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. 

It takes nearly 1,200 donors a day to meet those needs. Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling or texting 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.

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Donate Blood and Receive a Free OKC Thunder Ticket!

Oklahomans who “Thunder Up” to save lives at the Oklahoma City Thunder Holiday Blood Drive will get a voucher for a free Thunder ticket to a select home game at Chesapeake Energy Arena in OKC! 

The OKC Thunder will support Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Holiday Blood Drive on Friday, December 27, at the Civic Center at 111 N. Elm in Sallisaw. Donors can give blood from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

In addition to a ticket voucher, donors also receive a free, commemorative, long-sleeved Thunder-themed t-shirt.*

Donors can show their Thunder pride, by rolling up a sleeve and sharing the priceless gift of blood during the holiday season. Blood donations are especially needed during the holidays, since so many people are busy, yet the need for blood remains constant for patients across Oklahoma.

“We are so grateful and proud to partner for the twelfth year in a row with the Oklahoma City Thunder for this amazing blood drive, which has saved more than 33,000 lives since it began,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “The Thunder and their fans are the true definition of the Oklahoma Standard: committed to making a difference in the lives of patients in our community hospitals during this season of giving.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the state’s independent, non-profit blood center. Volunteer donors provide all of the blood needed by patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide. 

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

*While supplies last. 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 

KXMX News Staff

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Cherokee Nation Graduates Six from Language Program

(L to R): Front row: Rachelle Johnson and Rebecca Nagle. Back row: Eric Marshall, 

Jonathan Blackbear, Schon Duncan and Jeromy Miller.

The Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program graduated six students Saturday, Dec. 14, during a special commencement ceremony at the Armory Municipal Center in Tahlequah. 

Jeromy Miller and Rebecca Nagle, of Tahlequah; Rachelle Johnson, of Welling; Jonathan Blackbear, of Locust Grove; Eric Marshall, of Rocky Mountain; and Schon Duncan, of Stilwell, each received a copper gorget, a bandolier bag and a certificate of completion during the ceremony.

“The Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program is a vital part of our efforts to not only preserve and protect the Cherokee language, but to perpetuate it so that generations from now, more Cherokees are speaking our beautiful language,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “That’s why we’re investing more dollars into this and other language programs, allowing more Cherokee citizens the opportunity to not only learn the Cherokee language, but to then teach it to others.”

The Cherokee Nation established the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program in 2014 to teach adults to be proficient conversational Cherokee speakers and teachers. Participants receive a $10 per hour educational stipend and typically spend 40 hours per week for two years immersed in the Cherokee language with master-level fluent Cherokee speakers.

Master speakers Doris Shell, Cora Flute, Gary Vann and Jerry Ross teach participants the Cherokee language in a classroom setting. In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to visit Cherokee-fluent elders in order to learn and practice speaking the language. The students also visit community organizations and schools to showcase and teach the language.

“This experience has been very fulfilling,” said Blackbear. “When I first saw the program being advertised I knew it was something I wanted to do. I came from working as a pharmacy tech at Hastings, and a lot of times our first language-speaking elders didn’t quite understand what was being presented to them so now if I find myself back in health I will be able to communicate with them in our language and make a difference.”

Blackbear said his plans are to continue learning the language, but also to pass it on to his family and community.

“I want to be able to get to the point where we hear Cherokee being spoken on a daily basis, and now with my completion of this program that’s the next big step for me to be able to help teach my family and the communities out there the language and make people realize it’s still alive, it’s still here, we just have to continue to share it,” Blackbear said.

The program has now graduated 16 conversational, second-language Cherokee speakers since its first graduating class in 2016. This year is the program’s largest class of graduates.

“This cohort of graduates is our largest yet, and we now have six new language advocates and learners with conversational speaking ability and the skills to teach other learners,” said Ryan Mackey, curriculum supervisor. “With the new expansion under Chief Hoskin’s leadership, we will be able to graduate as many as sixteen new learners a year.” 

As part of his first 100 days initiatives, Chief Hoskin proposed the largest investment in language programs in the tribe’s history, which was approved by the Council of the Cherokee Nation in November. The initiative included dedicating millions of dollars in business profits to create a new language program facility as well as growing the size of the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program.

The program will bring in new students every six months beginning in 2020.

For more information including program qualifications, visit https://language.cherokee.org/language-programs/cherokee-language-master-apprentice-program/ or call the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program office at 918-207-4964.

KXMX News Staff

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Man Wanted for Stealing Casino Ticket

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Sallisaw man who allegedly stole money from a man who fell asleep at a Roland slot machine.

Charles Jason Jarvis, 41, faces a grand larceny charge after he reportedly stole a $126.95 slot machine cash-out ticket from Roderick Allen Releford on Nov. 8 at the Cherokee Casino in Roland. 

Releford had reportedly fallen asleep while playing a slot machine, allowing Jarvis to print out the ticket and redeem it at another slot machine.

Security personnel at the casino were able to give officers the direction Jarvis had headed when he left the casino.

Jarvis was stopped on U.S. Highway 64 near Roland Road, about 1 mile east of the casino. He denied stealing the ticket and refused to provide any details about the incident.

Surveillance video at the casino revealed Releford as he was falling asleep at the slot machine. Jarvis can be seen walking by the sleeping man several times. He then went reached over and printed out the cash-out ticket. Releford woke up and reported the incident to casino staff.

Records show that Jarvis was convicted of two previous felonies, including knowingly concealing stolen property by the Sallisaw Police Department in June 2014. He received a three-year suspended sentence for that offense. In September 2015 he was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. He received a five-year suspended sentence in that case.

Grand larceny is a felony that is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

Jarvis’ bond was set at $5,000.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Two Face Burglary Charges

Two men from Sequoyah County are facing burglary charges, according to a police report.

Nico Treyshon Castleberry, 21, of Roland and Nickolaus Carl Hodges, 30, of Muldrow were charged Dec. 10 with second-degree burglary, the report indicates. Castleberry was also charged with knowingly receiving stolen property, a misdemeanor.

On Dec. 10, a police officer on patrol spotted the men heading south on Comanche Loop West in Roland. The officer made contact with Castleberry, who was known to have a valid Sequoyah County warrant, and handcuffed him.

The officer noticed that Castleberry’s pockets were bulging with items. Sticking out of Castleberry’s hoodie pocket was a vacuum-sealed plastic bag. The officer also discovered a plastic bag containing a green, leafy substance. Castleberry admitted the drugs were his but said he did not have an Oklahoma medical marijuana card.

Castleberry was then arrested and the officer continued searching the man’s pockets. Castleberry was holding a plastic Walmart bag that contained several items that he claimed had been traded to him by Hodges. Castleberry refused to say what he traded for the items.

Castleberry told the officer that he and Hodges had been at the home of Hodges’ aunt. He was then transported to the Roland Police Department.

The officer later went to a home said to be frequented by another male, Kyle Hanna. A search of that location turned up several items that Castleberry said were traded to him, including a red Jax case, a gold chain with a leopard head, a sandwich bag full of pins, a plastic container with a pin, an empty blue box, a black box of leather coasters and an Amazon Kindle.

The officer also found a black sock that contained three plastic baggies that each held a white residue, as well as a letter addressed to a woman and a pair of debit cards with different women’s names on them.

Castleberry told officers he was walking down the road when he saw Hodges on the front porch at 131 Comanche. Castleberry said that when he left the home, he grabbed a plastic bag that contained the two debit cards and put the letter in the bag.

He said the three men, including Hanna, entered Hodges’ aunt’s home through the front door, which was unlocked. Hodges went into his aunt’s bedroom and began gathering items to trade to Castleberry for marijuana.

Hodges was later brought to the police department, where he told officers he did not trade any items, and he denied giving Castleberry the black sock with the trio of bags holding a methamphetamine residue.

When Hanna arrived, he told officers he didn’t steal anything at the home, but he said Hodges tried to trade a government phone to Castleberry. Hanna was then allowed to leave.

When Hodges’ aunt was informed about the theft, she said she wanted to press charges on all three men.

Castleberry and Hodges were later transported to the Sequoyah County jail to face district charges.

The green, leafy substance found on Castleberry tested positive for marijuana and weighed about 16 grams, the report shows.

Castleberry was convicted of the same charge in May 2019, records indicate.

The felony second-degree burglary charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years. Castleberry’s additional charge of knowingly receiving stolen property, is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to a year or by a fine of up to $500 or both.

Castleberry and Hodges will appear in court at 9 a.m. Feb. 5, 2020. 

Castleberry’s bond was set at $25,000. 

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Cherokee Nation Businesses’ Donate $20K

Officials from Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses present a $20,000 check to Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare, which manages the Cherokee Nation Angel Project. The annual campaign ensures Cherokee children in need receive clothing and other gifts at Christmas. (L to R) Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner; Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.; Misty Blunt, prevention manager for Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare; Amy McCarter, community relations manager for Cherokee Nation Businesses; Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Cherokee Nation Businesses and its employees are continuing an annual tradition of making Christmas dreams come true for thousands of children in northeast Oklahoma by supporting the Cherokee Nation Angel Project.

Along with a $20,000 contribution from CNB, employees from the tribe, its business arm and entertainment properties personally adopted more than 700 angels. 

“This generous donation from CNB ensures hundreds of Cherokee children in-need will have a Christmas wish fulfilled this holiday season,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Across our 14 counties, we are able to show our love and dedication to our youngest citizens. That’s the Cherokee way, to give back to our communities and our families this time of year.”

This marks the 14th consecutive year CNB and its employees have participated in adopting angels for the annual program.

“As a company, we take great pride in giving back to the Cherokee people and in supporting our friends, neighbors and communities,” said Chuck Garrett, chief executive officer for CNB. “Our employees are especially dedicated to supporting the Cherokee Nation Angel Project and its heartwarming mission to help families in need during the holidays.” 

CNB’s contribution, including toy drives held at numerous casinos, helps the tribe’s holiday effort by providing gifts for children who might otherwise go without.

“This year there are approximately 1,900 Angels signed up for the Angel Project,” said Misty Blunt, prevention manager for Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare. “Without this generous donation from Cherokee Nation Businesses the project would not be nearly as successful. We truly appreciate their help in making Christmas brighter for many Cherokee children and their families.”

Children whose parents or caregivers applied for participation in the program are represented anonymously as angel ornaments hanging on Christmas trees located in various Cherokee Nation and CNB facilities. The Cherokee Nation Angel Project has successfully helped children in need for more than a decade.

The Cherokee Nation Angel Project assists Cherokee children who fall under low-income guidelines and reside within the Nation’s 14-county jurisdiction.

KXMX News Staff

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Follow Your Instinct! Give Blood December 23

Share the priceless gift of blood donation with Oklahomans in need this holiday season. 

Oklahoma Blood Institute encourages healthy adults to “follow their instinct,” and set aside about an hour from their busy schedules to donate blood. The holidays are typically a challenging time for the life-saving blood supply; and one donation can save the lives of up to three area patients.* 

Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive with NHS Sequoyah on Monday, December 23, from 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on the bloodmobile. Blood Drive sponsored by “Oasis Coffee House” Each blood donor will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved holiday-themed t-shirt and a 20% off Coupon from Oasis Coffee House. 

“The simple, yet selfless, act of donating blood this holiday season will give patients in local hospitals a chance to spend precious time with their families,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “The cost- just an hour of your time- is certainly less than other gifts most of us will give this season. But there’s nothing that has a greater impact.”

Blood recipients have the opportunity to send a message of appreciation to their individual blood donor, anonymously, through Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Thank the Donor™ program.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the supply must be constantly renewed. If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As the nation’s 6th largest non-profit blood collector, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide. 

It takes nearly 1,200 donors a day to meet those needs. Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by calling or texting 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.

KXMX News Staff

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Officer Recognized for Preventing Armed Robbery

Sallisaw Police Officer Josh Rogers

Sallisaw Police Officer Josh Rogers was recently presented the City of Sallisaw Coin and recognized by Chief of Police Terry Franklin after Rogers stopped an armed robbery from occurring.

According to Franklin, Officer Rogers was on patrol in the early morning hours of Nov. 29 when he spotted a vehicle parked at the Dollar General Store near Kerr Blvd. and Cherokee. The store had been closed for several house so Rogers pulled in to investigate.

When Rogers turned around to make contact with the vehicle, he observed two males jump in the vehicle and try to leave but they were stopped by the dead end of the parking lot on the south side of  the building and unable to go further. 

Upon making contact with the vehicle Rogers found three juvenile males from Pope County in Arkansas. The juveniles were runaways who had stolen a vehicle, gun and purse and were trying to get to Florida, Franklin said.

During a search of the vehicle Rogers discovered a clown mask, two ski masks, duct tape, drugs and a loaded 9mm pistol. 

The juveniles told Rogers that they had been parked in order to put duct tape on the license plate of their vehicle and were then planning to go next door to the EZ-Mart convenience store and commit robbery.

One of the males stated that he was going to have the gun pointed at the clerk and fire a shot into the ceiling if they refused to hand over money.

"Due to Officer Rogers' action and excellent patrol tactics he was able to disrupt a deadly situation before it happened and may have possibly saved the life of the store clerk and the juveniles involved," Franklin stated.

"Officer Rogers is a dedicated employee of the city and continues to grow as an officer daily," Franklin added.

Rogers was presented with a letter of recognition and the City of Sallisaw Coin which is given to city employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.

KXMX News Story

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