Train Hits Car in Muldrow

An unidentified elderly woman was injured at 5:34 p.m. Thursday when a train struck her vehicle.

The woman told Muldrow Police that she didn't hear the train's whistle as she was crossing the tracks.

Muldrow Police Officer Brad Roberts said the woman was taken to an area hospital and treated for her injuries which were not life-threatening.

Roberts said the train was traveling through Muldrow at about 45 mph when it struck the car.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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CASC SOEA Chapter Brings Home Three National Awards

From the left, Susan Hill, SOEA Chapter Advisor, stands with Annabell Jackson, Raven Cheney as they display their individual and organizational awards with CASC President Dr. Jay Falkner

In the spring of this year, the Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA) at Carl Albert State College earned an outstanding reputation at the State Conference, bringing home first place in four out of five competitive events. Now, the chapter has expanded their recognition beyond state borders, receiving three awards at the national level. The awards ceremony served as the climax of the NEA Aspiring Educators Convention held in Houston, Texas last month. 

During the ceremony Annabell Jackson was named the recipient of the Jeffery “JD” Miller Outstanding Underclassmen Award.” Jackson was nominated by her local chapter based on her involvement in chapter activities and her resilient attitude. Jackson is a Pre-Elementary major, planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Special Education.

Susan Hill was named the 2018-2019 National Outstanding Local Advisor. Hill, a CASC instructor of Fine Arts and Communications, was instrumental in reviving the local chapter because she felt the 89 students majoring in education needed to have experiences that would benefit them on their journey to becoming teachers. Serving as faculty advisor, she took chapter members to numerous conferences and events and helped them plan professional development activities.

In addition, the CASC SOEA chapter received recognition for Outstanding Local Excellence. This award was presented to chapters who planned and executed activities related to the four core values of teacher quality, community outreach, legislative action, and social justice. 

According to SOEA State Coordinator Kim Littrell, receiving these awards was no small feat. “We were ecstatic to bring these honors back to Oklahoma. Most of the awards go to the state of Pennsylvania, which produces the highest number of America’s educators. When you compare our state membership of 500 to their state membership of 13,000, it’s easy to understand why it is hard for us to compete. Because of CASC, Oklahoma not only competed but gained our first national recognition. This is a big deal,” stated Littrell.

The chapter is proud of their accomplishments and humbled by the recognition received in their first year as a revitalized organization. With a new and larger officer team in place, the group has already begun filling the calendar with events for a new school year. According to Hill, “The future of Oklahoma education is looker brighter every day with education majors like those at Carl Albert State College. We look forward to doing what we can to equip them and enable them to be the best teachers possible.”

SOEA membership is open to any CASC student interested in education-related careers. The $30 annual dues provide a free t-shirt, membership in the local chapter, OEA, and NEA, and numerous scholarship and leadership opportunities. For more information about SOEA or to discuss hosting joint projects with the group, contact Susan Hill at 918-647-1472. 

KXMX News Staff

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Dove Season Opens Sept. 1; Free Hunting Days Coming Soon

Dove hunting season will open Sunday, Sept. 1, across Oklahoma. The dove opener is always a highly anticipated opportunity for many hunters to get back into the field and harvest some game after the long, hot summer.

Bagging a daily limit of 15 birds might prove to be more difficult this year than in the past, thanks to rainy conditions earlier this year, according to Josh Richardson, migratory game bird biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

“Dove numbers are probably down a little this year. The heavy rains we had in the spring probably disrupted the early nests. But the summer nests were likely in good shape. There are still plenty of birds out there,” he said. 

Cooler-than-average conditions could hold down the number of doves flocking to feeding fields and watering holes during the first days of the hunting season. “This doesn’t mean the birds are gone; they are just scattered more and move less on cooler, overcast or rainy days,” Richardson said. "If the following week is warm and dry, the Free Hunting Weekend should be looking good."

FREE HUNTING DAYS

The first full weekend of September is traditionally Free Hunting Days in Oklahoma. This year, on Sept. 7-8, Oklahoma residents can get outdoors to pursue game in season without the need to carry a state hunting license. 

These free days also provide a perfect chance for current hunters to gather up some folks who have never been hunting and give them an experience that might open a door for them, as well as help continue a time-honored American tradition. 

This year, open hunting seasons during Free Hunting Days include squirrel, raccoon, beaver, striped skunk, coyote, dove, rail, gallinule, teal, and resident Canada goose. State Game Wardens will not check for state hunting licenses or permits for residents on those days. But all hunters who plan to pursue teal, geese, rail or gallinule on Sept. 7-8 must carry the federal waterfowl stamp unless exempt. 

GET LICENSES ONLINE

This year’s dove opener will be the first with the Department’s new Go Outdoors Oklahoma online licensing system. Using a computer or a mobile device, dove hunters are now able to buy hunting licenses and get a HIP permit immediately at license.GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com. The licenses and permits are delivered via email to the hunter, and the electronic versions are now valid proof for license holders in the field. 

The easiest way to interact with the Department is to download the free Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices. Experience new customer service features allowing customers to purchase, access and store license information, no matter where they are. The app is also a legal means of carrying licenses in the field. And hunters are able to complete e-check forms through the app, regardless if there is a cellular connection. The app automatically syncs when cellular service returns. 

The mobile app also provides handy access to the hunting and fishing regulations guide, wildlife management area information and maps, and even access to the online hunter education certification course. 

All sportsmen and sportswomen – especially lifetime license holders and returning customers – should sign in to the Go Outdoors Oklahoma online system to update their information and complete their profile setup. New users are invited to create a profile.

For complete information and license requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

KXMX News Staff

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Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to Give First State of the Nation Address Saturday

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

                 

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. will give his first State of the Nation address to the Cherokee people as part of the 67th Annual Cherokee National Holiday. This year’s Holiday theme is “Rising Together.”

Chief Hoskin was sworn into office on Aug. 14 along with Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. As part of his “First 100 Days” initiatives, Chief Hoskin has already announced a $30 million plan to repair hundreds of Cherokee homes, an executive order raising the tribe’s minimum wage to $11 per hour, the proposed creation of the tribe’s first cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Affairs position and the appointment of a Cherokee Nation delegate to the U.S. Congress.

Chief Hoskin’s first State of the Nation address will highlight even more of his “First 100 Days” initiatives.

“Today we find Cherokees living in every state of this country and all across the world. For a people who have been counted out many times before, I believe it speaks to the heart and the resolve of the Cherokee people that in 2019, we are still here, more than 370,000 citizens strong,” Chief Hoskin said. “We are working hard each and every day to build a healthier foundation for our Cherokee families. We strive to preserve our language and our culture for future generations. And we are doing all of this collectively, because we know the Cherokee Nation is better off when we, as Cherokees, rise together.”

The State of the Nation address follows the Cherokee National Holiday parade in downtown Tahlequah, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The address will be given at the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion 117 S Water Ave.

For the complete Cherokee National Holiday schedule, visit https://holiday.cherokee.org/. 

KXMX News Staff

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Pervasive Parenting Receives Advocacy Award

From left, Terry Yarbery, Linda Calloway, and Kodey Toney, show off the Oklahoma Turning Point Community Health Champion Award the Pervasive Parenting Center received during a ceremony in Oklahoma City recently. The award recognizes the service and dedication of those that make their communities better. 

Pervasive Parenting Center, C.P.R.C. in Poteau, was recently honored with a statewide award for its work in advocacy for people with disabilities. PPC was recently awarded the Oklahoma Turning Point 2019 Community Health Campion Award. This is a statewide honor.

Director Kodey Toney was presented with the award during a recent conference on Wednesday, August 21, in Oklahoma City.

The award is sponsored by Oklahoma Turning Point which works with small communities throughout Oklahoma to help transform public health by implementing improvement initiatives. They seek input from communities to help identify priorities and create local solutions. They have worked with communities across Oklahoma to provide local innovations such as community health centers, extensive walking trails, community gardens, improved school health activities and advocacy for health improvement policies.

PPC was recognized for their work and dedication in helping families throughout the rural area of eastern Oklahoma. Among the many programs they have helped to bring to this part of the state is training for parents and professionals, Sibshops, parent support groups, conferences, autism screening, social groups, peer mentoring, tutoring, and awareness of existing resources.

The OTPC's Community Health Champion Award Program recognizes the service and dedication of those that make their communities better. The OTPC encourages nominations of initiatives, projects or events in Oklahoma that contribute to health improvement and quality of life in the community it serves through strategic partnerships and/or coalition efforts.

“This is an extreme honor to be recognized for all the hard work that our staff, board members, and families have done,” said Toney. “We continue every day to try and provide the services that we would like to see for our children. Because it is so important to us, the passion is there every day to build a better community for everyone, but especially those with disabilities. That is why it is humbling to receive this recognition. We are just doing what we love.”

KXMX News Staff

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City to Pick up Tree Limbs and Brush From Recent Storm

Beginning Monday, September the City of Sallisaw will begin removing tree limbs and brush from debris caused by recent storm.

Officials with the city have posted the following guidelines for the pickup. 

*Limbs must be no longer than 10 feet in length and stacked next to the curb. 

*Limbs/brush should not be placed next to fire hydrants or gas meters. 

*Do not stack limbs in the ditch line, as this will impede water flow should we receive additional     rainfall. 

The city will begin pickup in the northwest area of the city and work their way through each neighborhood. 

The city has asked residents to please remember, only tree limbs and brush, will be picked up. 

KXMX News Staff

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Vian Man Arrested on Drug Charges

An Aug. 16 arrest for an outstanding warrant led to additional charges for a Vian man.

In addition to the warrant, Mark Anthony Shade, 44, now faces a felony charge of bringing contraband into a jail facility and possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

When a Sequoyah County Sheriff’s deputy arrested Shade, the deputy searched him and found a black zip-up case containing a glass smoking pipe and a small, clear plastic bag with a crystalline residue inside it.

The deputy then asked Shade if he had anything else on him, to which Shade replied that there may be something in his pack of cigarettes. A further search uncovered a 3-inch-long plastic straw inside the pack that also held a crystalline substance inside.

When Shade was transported to the Sequoyah County Jail, the deputy warned Shade that if he brought any drugs with him into the jail he would be charged with a felony. The deputy then asked Shade one more time if there was anything else on him, but he insisted that he had nothing. 

But when Shade was searched while being booked into jail, a detention officer found on him a small, clear bag containing a crystal-like substance, one mall, clear bag containing a green leafy substance and a clear bag containing one white pill.

The crystalline substance tested positive for methamphetamine, the green substance tested positive for marijuana and the pill was Oxycodone. The substances were sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for further testing.

The felony contraband charge is punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for 1-5 years, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The paraphernalia charge is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Ruger's Grill Named Chamber Member of the Month

Chamber Pres. Marley Abell, left, presented the award for Chamber Member of the Month 

to Ruger's Grill. Accepting the award was Jordan Pace, son of owner, Tana Pace.

Ruger's Grill was named the Chamber Member of the Month Wednesday during the monthly membership meeting of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce.

Following a meal catered by Marias' Mexican Restaurant, Ruger's Grill was recognized by Chamber President Marley Abell.

Ruger's Grill, located at 118 E Cherokee, is owned by Tana Pace. It opened in August 2017 and is named for Pace’s firstborn grandchild. 

The company expanded in 2018 with the addition of Journey’s Banquet Room.

Pace is opening another business, Shadee Oak Wing Shack, on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Both business names are in honor of Pace’s second and third grandchild, respectively.

Pace, who was raised in Sallisaw, said “it’s a bit sentimental to me to be a part of a business” in the city, and she thanked the chamber and its efforts to help small-business owners.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Chamber Discusses Sallisaw Growth

Jaime Henson, Interim Director of Carl Albert State College

The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce looked toward the future during its monthly meeting Wednesday at Indian Capital Technology Center.

At the meeting, chamber President Marley Abell discussed upcoming events that are planned around the area, including the Sallisaw High School Boosters’ annual auction set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Perry F Lattimore Stadium. Serving for the BBQ dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Abell also talked about a tour and grand opening ceremony at the new Aviagen facility that is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. The time has yet to be determined, Abell said.

Other events on the horizon include the Bassnanza Fishing Tournament scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, at Kerr Lake, as well as Cruizin’ 64 Chili Contest and pop-up shops set for Saturday, Oct. 12. That event will be hosted by Sallisaw Main Street and the chamber and will feature a cornhole tournament for the first time ever.

The chamber meeting also featured several guest speakers, including Jaime Henson, the interim director of Carl Albert State College (CASC); Randy Wood, Sallisaw Public Schools’ superintendent; and Bryan Warner, deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Henson said she was “very excited about being in the position and excited about things going on at CASC,” including the concurrent program that has increased its enrollment by 106 percent. She said the future looks bright for CASC students. “This is only going to make this experience more impactful on students’ future,” she said.

Randy Wood, Supt.of Sallisaw Public Schools

Wood, the new superintendent at Sallisaw Public Schools, echoed Henson’s statements, adding that he “lucked out” by getting to work at Sallisaw because “my heart’s still here.” 

The superintendent also said the school year was off to a great start. “Do people realize how good the Sallisaw school system really is?” he noted. 

Wood pointed out that his goal is to create a comfortable school setting for students that is free of harassment and bullying. “We want them to be happy,” he said, which will make learning that much easier for them.

Bryan Warner, Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation

Warner, the Cherokee Nation deputy chief, discussed the importance of collaboration with Sallisaw civic leaders and other people around the area. He said the opportunity for a great future “takes all of us.”

Warner also said the first congressional delegate from the Cherokee Nation was a great step in bringing the nation closer to its goals. 

Warner discussed a $30 million program the nation is undertaking that will improve housing for elderly, handicapped or disabled Cherokees. 

He said 75 percent of the $30 million will go toward improving housing and 25 percent of the money will be spent with area community organizations. Warner said his goal is to modernize the buildings and make them self-sufficient.

The deputy chief also announced the Cherokee National Holiday will be held this weekend beginning with an awards banquet on Thursday. Events include a powwow Aug. 30-31 with a parade scheduled for Aug. 31 at 9:30 a.m. 

Warner pointed out that the Cherokee Nation had recently passed its largest-ever budget. He said $10 million of that budget will fund an area child development center that will serve children from 6 weeks of age to age 5.

“There are so many projects in the pipeline and I can’t wait” to implement them, Warner said, then reminded attendees that “this is not just about Sallisaw. It’s about Sequoyah County” and expanding services, he said.

George Bormann talked about the plans for the new Veterans Center being built in Sallisaw. With an artist’s rendering of the center on display behind him, Bormann said the center should be open in 20-24 months from now. The center is expected to create about 300 jobs with an average salary of $40,000 per year, he said.

With the future on their minds, the speakers sounded a common theme -- the growth of Sallisaw and the surrounding communities.

“If we work together there are no limits to what we can do,” Warner said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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FEMA Slates Legal Clinic

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is having a flood recovery legal clinic for anyone needing assistance in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The clinic will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave., in the Community Room.

The event will provide free legal help for victims of the May 2019 flooding that devastated the entire area. Topics include what FEMA benefits are available, housing issues, contractors, replacing legal documents and more.

The clinic will be hosted by the Center for Arkansas Legal Services and the University of Arkansas School of Law’s pro bono and community engagements program.

Those seeking assistance are asked to bring identification and any paperwork, such as FEMA loan denials, with them to the event. Appointments are strongly encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, or for more information, call Michelle Medina-Torres at (479) 785-5211, extension 203.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Sallisaw Woman Charged With Embezzling

A Sallisaw woman has been charged with two felony counts after reportedly making suspicious purchases at the Sparks Country Store, according to an affidavit filed Aug. 26.

The affidavit shows that Raven Marie Jewell, 22, is being sought on charges of embezzlement and possession of forged notes or instruments.

From June of this year through Aug. 17, Jewell reportedly made several purchases at the Sparks Corner Store north of Sallisaw on an open charge account in the name of Circle D Construction. 

A store employee alerted Circle D’s owner, Joshua Davis, about the suspicious purchases, 37 in all, which totaled $1,369.08.

Davis told police Jewell did not have permission to use the account and never had permission to use it. 

Sparks Corner Store turned over employees’ statements about Jewell’s 37 purchases, which reportedly show that each time Jewell made a purchase, she signed for the transactions with different names.

The store also provided the Sallisaw Police Department with copies of all of Jewell’s receipts and with video footage of the most recent transaction.

The embezzling charge carries a punishment of imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than two years or in the county jail for no more than a year, by a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The second charge, possession of forged notes or instruments, is punishable by imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for no more than two years or in the county jail for no more than one year and a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Bail for Jewell was set at $5,000.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Sallisaw NOW Coalition Receives Grant

The Sallisaw NOW Coalition was recently awarded the Partnerships for Success Grant, which will total $1.5 million over five years.

The project’s goal is to increase the prevention infrastructure and reduce youths’ use of alcohol and marijuana and it will focus on people ages 9-20.

The coalition plans to meet their goal through implementation of the Strategic Prevention Framework process, as well as evidence-based environmental strategies such as high-visibility enforcement of social host laws and retailer education. 

The following objectives will be accomplished with the program: Increasing active participation in the coalition to its 160 members and increasing the capacity to implement policy-based, community-level approaches as measured by 65 percent of adult coalition members attending training. 

The program also seeks to increase youths’ capacity to implement strategies as measured by 75 percent of young coalition membership participating in training; to decrease the percentage of youths saying they obtained alcohol from “someone I know 21 or older” to 54 percent for 10th-graders and 48 percent for 12th-graders; to decrease the percentage of youths reporting they obtained alcohol from a store to 7 percent for 10th-graders and 10 percent for 12th-graders; to decrease past 30-day alcohol use among students in grades 6-12 to 16 percent; and to decrease past 30-day marijuana use among students in grades 6-12 to 7 percent. 

The total population of Sequoyah County is 42,391, but demographics within the community differ between young people and older people. 

Many senior citizens call Sequoyah County home, and their population, about 62 percent, is mostly white, followed by Native American (20%) and the remainder are Hispanic or of two or more races. 

The youth population in the school district, on the other hand, is primarily Native American (40%), followed by white (39%), youths belonging to two or more races (11%), Hispanic (8%), African American (2%) and Asian (1%). 

“We anticipate serving 10,000 people each year and reaching a total of 32,000 people through the life of the project,” said Amy Edwards, project director.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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Craig Campbell Coming to Lee Creek Tavern for Free Show

Chart-topping country music artist Craig Campbell visits 

Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland on Sept. 2 for a free performance.

Chart-topping country music artist Craig Campbell visits Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland on Sept. 2 for a free performance.

One of country music’s rising stars, has had back-to-back hits since his start in the industry just seven years ago. On Sept. 2, Craig Campbell is set to perform at Lee Creek Tavern just inside Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland.

The concert is free to the public, standing room only. Campbell takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Campbell exists in a sweet spot between tradition and modernity, and his fans keep coming back for more.

The singer-songwriter began his career in 2011 with his self-titled record. The album featured the hits “Family Man,” “Fish” and “When I Get It,” each reaching the Top 50 on the Billboard US Country charts, with “Family Man” landing at No. 14. The singles sent the album to No. 14 on the charts.

Through hits like “Keep Them Kisses Comin’,” “Outta My Head,” “Outskirts of Heaven” and “See You Try,” Campbell has kept his eyes on his mission – to bring his fans true country music with a spin all his own. His forthcoming debut project, highlighting his latest trio of singles, sticks to the artist’s timeline of sharing his life story and offers up the next chapter to country music fans across the country.

Campbell’s dedication to the craft made him not only understand the importance of crafting songs like the fan-favorite “Tomorrow Tonight” with trusted collaborators, but to also keep writing. It’s an ethos that led Garth Brooks to cut Campbell’s track “All American Kid” on his “Man Against Machine” album.

Campbell has released two studio albums and two extended plays.

For more on Campbell, visit www.craigcampbell.tv.

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.

KXMX News Staff

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