Disaster Housing Grants Available

Families whose homes were damaged and are now uninhabitable during the recent severe weather events that began April 30 may apply for an up to $1,500 grant through Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency’s Richard S. Lillard Emergency Housing Assistance Fund. OHFA has allocated a maximum of $500,000 to be used for natural disasters this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

Eligible Uses
Payment of one month’s rent
Rental deposits
Utility deposits
Hotel accommodations

Funds will be paid directly to the housing, hotel or utility provider. Funds cannot be banked for later use.

Documentation Needed/Eligibility
*Eligibility is limited to the head of household (HOH) and spouse
*Must have been displaced (home not habitable) in an affected disaster area
*Must have a referral from the American Red Cross or alternate MARC form and/or FEMA documentation if a Presidentially Declared Disaster certifying the damaged home is in a declared disaster area and the home was occupied by the applicant at the time of the disaster. If an American Red Cross and/or a FEMA referral are not available, OHFA will review other documentation to attempt to establish eligibility. OHFA may consider photo IDs, utility bills, utility provider statements, local county assessor data, emergency management documentation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evacuation orders, and other disaster documentation.
*Must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) number for each adult household member - provide SS or INS card or other documentation with the SSN/INS number, if no documentation is available, submit full number for OHFA to verify
*Must provide a valid photo ID for each adult household member
*Must provide an executed copy of a lease in the name of the HOH or spouse, which shows the contract rent and security (rent) deposit amount, if requesting funds for payment of one month’s rent or security (rent) deposit; Owner/landlord will be required to complete a W-9 form
*Must provide an executed copy of a lease in the name of the HOH or spouse which shows the utilities to be provided by the family, if requesting funds for payment of utility deposits; Must provide name, address, phone number, and account number for each utility provider; Utility must be in the name of the HOH or spouse
*Must provide the name, address, and phone number of the hotel and a hotel confirmation number, if requesting funds for payment of hotel accommodations; Hotel reservation must be in the name of the HOH or spouse; Hotel establishment will be required to complete a W-9 form; OHFA will pay up to $125/night (excluding tax) for hotel accommodations
*Family may qualify for any or all of the above assistance up to the maximum grant amount of $1,500.

For more information, call the disaster hotline: (405) 419-8196.

KXMX News Staff

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DHS Taking Requests to Replace SNAP Benefits Lost Due to Weather

Many Oklahomans have been affected by our state's recent severe weather, including families served by one of more of the Department of Human Services' (DHS) programs. For some families served by DHS, this may include the loss of food that was purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as "food stamps") benefits due to a loss of power for an extended period or flooding. SNAP recipients whose households lost food as a result of the severe storms may request a replacement of benefits up to the monthly amount received for May 2019.

"We are extremely saddened about the devastation and loss so many of our neighbors have experienced," said Patrick Klein, director of Adult and Family Services. "While people are getting back on their feet, we want them to know DHS is here to help them. We encourage families who have been affected to request a replacement of their benefits immediately."

To request a replacement of SNAP benefits, complete the Request for Destroyed Food Replacement form within 10 calendar days of the loss, and return the form to your local DHS county office.

Recipients who have lost their food benefit card may request a replacement card online at www.connectebt.com, or by contacting Conduent at 1-888-328-6551. Persons needing food assistance may apply for SNAP at OKDHSLive.org via computer or mobile device. Those unable to complete the application online may also visit their local DHS county office. Persons receiving state benefits, foster care reimbursements, adoption assistance or Child Support on the "Oklahoma Mastercard" debit card who have lost their card due to the storms may request a replacement card by calling 1-888-401-9843 for non-Child Support Mastercards, or 1-888-929-2460 for Child Support Mastercards. If their home has been completely destroyed and they have no way of receiving a replacement card in the mail, recipients may request the replacement card be sent to them at an alternate mailing address.

"Our agency is dedicated to providing help and offering hope to vulnerable Oklahomans," Klein said, "and we are here to offer support in whatever way we can."

Anyone needing to apply for benefits may do so online at OKDHSLive.org. For help with other DHS services, individuals should contact their local DHS county office. For services other than DHS, please call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Oklahoma website.

KXMX News Staff

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Ms. Jordan’s School of Dance to Stage ‘Peter Pan’ as Spring Recital

For almost six months, company members and dancers at Ms. Jordan’s School of Dance in Sallisaw have been preparing for their spring recital.

Three months of rehearsals will culminate in the production of “Peter Pan,” set for this Saturday at the Alma Performing Arts Center. A matinee performance at 2 p.m. and evening performance at 7 p.m. are planned.

Company members Brenna Sawney, who plays Captain Hook, and Kaytie Bell, who portrays Wendy, say this recital will be like no other.

“This Peter Pan story is a little different to the traditional one,” said Sawney, 18, who has been dancing at MJSOD for more than 10 years. “It’s kind of a combination of all the different Peter Pan stories that have been told. We made it our own.”

In addition to dancing, aerialists will fly high above the stage, which will add to the excitement of the show, according to Bell.

“Some of our best productions were ‘Frozen” and ‘The Little Mermaid,’ but this will be one of the best,” said Bell, 17, who has been dancing for 12 years.

Sawney said she is excited to bring the sinister Captain Hook to life on the stage.

“I’ll tell you, I have played lots of different kinds of characters – good characters, heroes of the story and princesses, so it’s really fun to play a different side, being the evil, dark side of the story,” Sawney said.

Like Sawney, Bell also looks forward to portraying Wendy, a different kind of character for her.

“From wearing a dress to dying my hair brown, it’s been kind of crazy,” said Bell. “And I get to fly this year. The technical crew has gotten its workout with this production.”

With a dancing cast of almost 300 youngsters and 50 company members playing characters in the show, the cast just wants to stage something the audience of all ages will enjoy.

“We try to put on a show people will want to watch,” Sawney added.

Tickets for the show are $8 and are available at the door.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Walkingstick Disqualification Upheld By Cherokee Nation Supreme Court

David Walkingstick

The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court has upheld the disqualification of Principal Chief candidate David Walkingstick by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.

After a hearing last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled today (Wednesday) that Walkingstick and his attorneys, Brian Berry and Jason Reese, offered no additional testimony or evidence to support the allegation that Walkingstick illegally used funds from the Cherokees for Change LLC for his campaign.

“The Court … finds that the conclusions reached by the Election Commission are supported by sufficient evidence for the Commission to reach its conclusion disqualifying Walkinstick (sic),” the Supreme Court decision states. 

It lists as principal among that evidence was Walkingstick’s campaign associate, Rusty Appleton, served as the listed financial agent for the campaign at least officially until May 6, and after he created the Cherokees for Change LLC on Feb. 21. The Court contends that during that time, the LLC “actively campaigned for Walkingstick with a website, videos, two mailings, solicitation of donations and other activities.” The Election Commission also found that both a physical address and a post office box were shared by Walkingstick, his campaign and CFC.

The Supreme Court decision further states that it is unrefuted that CFC raised $59,625 and expended $25,884.92 entirely in support of Walkingstick and his running mate without reporting any of this financial activity to the Commission.

Appleton contends in an affidavit that Walkingstick knew he had created CFC as an LLC entity to accept donations and make expenditures for his candidacy. Several campaign contributors signed affidavits that they were directed to Appleton and CFC when they advised they didn’t want names listed on financial disclosures.

In the Supreme Court’s conclusion, they concur with the Election Commission’s findings.

“All of this activity and the record demonstrate the Election Commission properly found that the facts constitute evidence that Walkingstick knew Appleton had created Cherokees for Change to solicit and receive contributions in support of his candidacy and he and Appleton had engaged in solicitation of unlawful campaign contributions,” the Supreme Court order states in its conclusion. “Most importantly, all of this was done outside of the control and knowledge of the Election Commission.

“It is therefore the decision of this Court that the disqualification of Principal Chief Candidate David Walkinstick (sc) by the Election Commission is hereby affirmed,” states the decision, signed by Chief Justice James G. Wilcoxen, and Justices Lee W. Paden, Lynn Burris and John C. Garrett.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Summer Vibes and Saving Lives May 31

Help save the lives of local patients by donating blood this summer!

Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive with Vian Community on Friday, May 31, from 12:15 to 6 p.m. at the Marvin’s IGA. Each blood donor will receive a trendy “Summer Vibes” t-shirt and free admission to their choice of Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City (1 entry) or Safari Joe’s H2O Water & Adventure Park in Tulsa (2 entries).

“Summer is a particularly challenging time for the blood supply,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “People go out of town, and are busy with activities, and get out of their normal routine of giving blood. We encourage healthy adults to spare just an hour of their time to save the lives of their neighbors.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute relies on donations from approximately 1,200 donors each day to meet the needs of patients statewide. One blood donation can save as many as three lives.

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donations can be made as often as every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. 

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 a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s generous donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances statewide.

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

KXMX News Staff

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State Rep. Olsen Offers Assistance, Guidance on Flooding Questions

State Rep. Jim Olsen

State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) today issued the following statement providing assistance in answering questions related to recent flooding in Seqouyah County and the surrounding areas:

“Over the last few weeks, Oklahoma has seen near-historic flooding levels across the state. The Arkansas River has risen significantly in recent days and will likely continue to rise with more expected severe weather in the forecast.

If you or your loved one is affected by the flooding, please reach out to my office for assistance in finding answers to your questions. I will help connect you with the right people to get you the help or information you need. I may not have the answer myself, but I will go to work for you to ensure the citizens of District 2 and eastern Oklahoma get the support they need during this challenging time. 

You can reach my office at (405) 557-7315. Please leave a message and I’ll return your call as soon as possible. You may also email me at jim.olsen@okhouse.gov for help as well. 

As a reminder, please be cautious as you navigate the area. Flooded areas may look shallow or still, but they can be extraordinarily dangerous beneath the surface. Turn around, don’t drown.”

KXMX News Staff

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Volunteers Needed at Roland Shelter

Volunteers are desperately needed at the flood relief shelter set up at the Roland High School. The shelter is currently providing three meals per day plus a dry place to sleep for those displaced by the flood.

Organizers are asking for volunteers to help serve the meals. They are serving approximately 75 people per day at this time. Meals are served at 8 a.m. noon, and 5 p.m.

Donations of food are also needed.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to enter through the main entrance to the Roland High School. There are tables set up just inside the doors. However, organizers have stated that they are very short-handed so please look for someone to ask how you can help. 

The flooding is expected to last for several days s0 please consider helping serve our community.

KXMX News Staff

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Flood Waters Continue to Rise; Relief Efforts Continue

 

Aerial Photo of Moffett, Courtesy of Austin Collins, 

Freelance Photography

Our communities continue to be impacted by historic flood waters in Sequoyah County and surrounding areas.

Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford said the town of Moffett continues to be the hardest hit in the county.

“It’s still rising,” Rutherford said. “It’s still coming.”

Flood waters there drove residents from their homes during a mandatory evacuation last week, and the Arkansas River at Van Buren is not expected to crest until tomorrow or Thursday, Rutherford said, bringing river levels to over 42 feet, approximately 20 feet above flood stage.

The good news for Webbers Falls residents is that those flood waters have already crested there. The Corps of Engineers advises that flood waters in the Webbers Falls area have started to recede.

The rising waters have put area rescue teams to work. Rutherford said the swift-water rescue team from McKey Fire Department has been assisting with rescues in the Fort Gibson area, bringing people out of their flooded homes to safety.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers remain on scene here in eastern Oklahoma keeping an eye on flooded roads. Both lanes of Highway 64 from Roland into Arkansas are completely blocked. The OHP Emergency Response Team is on indefinite assignment in our part of the state. Officials are keeping a close eye on Highway 59 near the Kerr Dam. Rutherford said officials did not think it would have to close.

He did say 64D from Highway 64 to I-40 is closed in the Dora area, and a portion of Old 64 between Muldrow and Roland is closed; a lot of back roads throughout the county are also closed.

And the I-540 bridge and Midland Boulevard bridge from Van Buren into Fort Smith were reopened Tuesday after closing late Monday night.

Last night’s Fort Smith bridge closings routed traffic from I-40 to Highway 59 in Sallisaw south to Highway 9/271 and into Fort Smith on I-540 as one of the only ways into Fort Smith from Oklahoma. That additional traffic, though it prompted some delays, did not have a significant impact for Sallisaw or Sequoyah County.

“When the water goes down, I’m sure we’re gonna find some problems,” Rutherford explained.

Rutherford said if more rain falls in our area or to the north, those Fort Smith bridge statuses could change. For any road or highway closings in our area due to the flooding, visit okroads.org. In Arkansas, you can call or text (501)-569-2374 daily between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for help navigating around flooded highways.

Rutherford also reminds residents not to drive into flood waters as they move very swiftly with the current, and warns parents not to let their children play in the flood waters, as snakes, debris and other contaminants are in it.

“The water is not healthy to be in,” Rutherford explained. “Also, the current in it will knock them off their feet. It’s not like a swimming pool.”

If you are one of those affected by the flood waters, the Red Cross shelter at Roland High School is still open. Rutherford said they still have room for more and cots are available there. Volunteers are also assisting with feeding people.

Red Cross officials encourage individuals and families heading to shelters to bring clothing for a few days, bedding, toiletries, essential medications, and a child’s stuffed animal, blanket or other items for your children.

Sandbags are still available at the Sequoyah County Emergency Management office at 110 E. Creek Ave. And anyone wanting to donate clothing and toiletry item can drop those items off at the emergency management office from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and those will be distributed to agencies assisting with flood relief.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for Moffett

As flood waters continue to rise a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the town of Moffett. 

The order was issued Friday after officials met to view the flooded area and discuss options. U.S. District 2 Congressman Markwayne Mullin viewed the area by helicopter Friday morning prior to the meeting.

According to Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford the flood level is expected to be historic.

"There's never been one like this here," Rutherford stated. "We don't know how deep it will get. They are constantly upgrading the figures. But they are predicting it to be the highest ever."

Residents of Moffett have been working hard to move valuables and furnishings before the water reaches their homes. Some roads in the area are already closed due to water.

Inmates of the Sequoyah County Jail have been working all day Friday filling sandbags that are free to the public affected by the flood. Sandbags can be picked up at the rear parking lot of the emergency management building which many know as the old Agent's Funeral Home Building at the corner of Elm and Chickasaw in Sallisaw.

Previously recorded water levels are somewhere around 35 feet, according to Rutherford. And at the moment experts are predicting the water to reach at least 41 feet.

KXMX News Staff

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Loose Barges Make Impact with Webbers Falls Dam

Photos Courtesy of News on 6

The two loose barges on the Arkansas River have made impact with the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam 16.

As the two barges hit gates of the dam at 11:55 a.m. Thursday, they could be seen breaking apart on video and are now being pushed against the dam gates by the force of the flood waters.

Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford said he had spoken with Sheriff Larry Lane, who was on the scene. 

“The barges are pretty well destroyed,” Rutherford said, adding that Corps of Engineer personnel felt certain before impact that the dam would hold and that it was likely only a few gates might be damaged.

Sources say the barges belonged to Oakley and were carrying fertilizer, weighing approximately 3,800 tons.

A spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said although the barges have made their impact, they are submerged and pinned against the dam. The situation could still be precarious, as large pieces of the barges could still break through to float down the river.

As a precaution, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and OHP will continue to have I-40 and U.S. 64 closed until more information is known to ensure traffic can travel safely.

For updated information about road and highway closings in our area, visit okroads.org.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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Loose Barges Located, But Not Yet Secured

Two barges that got loose from the Port of Muskogee Wednesday evening have been located this morning southeast of Muskogee’s Davis Field near where Spaniard Creek meets the Arkansas River. They appear to be approximately 4-6 miles north of the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam 16.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has several boats at the barges and officials are trying to determine the best way to secure the barges, which appear to be tied together and lodged against rocks, tree limbs or other debris at this time.

Local, county and state officials are monitoring the situation.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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