Monday, November 25, 2019

The Need to Stand for the Right to Life; By State Rep. Jim Olsen

State Rep. Jim Olsen

In our Declaration of Independence, we declared that there are certain unalienable rights, most notably, the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The most important of these is the right to life. Without the right to life, you cannot exercise any other right. In the history of western civilization, we have agreed that innocent people have a right to life.

If innocent people have a right to life, may I ask, who is more innocent than an unborn baby? What crime have they committed to be worthy of death? Surely we would all be united in the defense of innocent, unborn children.

Many people object here by arguing that it is not a baby until it is born. Before birth, the baby is merely a clump of cells, so removing it is like removing a cyst or cancerous growth in your body. According to this line of thought, there is nothing wrong with abortion. Besides, an unborn baby can’t survive on its own without its mother anyway. So, therefore, an unborn baby doesn’t have a right to life.

It's amazing what some people can convince themselves of, isn’t it?

Intuitively, most women who have had a baby know their baby was alive in the womb. They fondly recall the first time they felt the baby move. Just look at the expression on a woman’s face when she tells you about how her baby reacted to her touch and voice while in the womb.

In the past, we didn’t know much detail about how quickly a child develops after conception. Today, we know that only 21 days after conception, a baby has fingers, toes, a heartbeat and brainwaves! At 12 weeks, the baby can smile in the womb. How could anyone take the life of a baby now that we know these facts to be scientifically accurate?

Well, since a baby can’t survive with their mother, it has no right to life. Really?
I have a precious one-year-old grandson. I can tell you that without his mother, or someone else helping him with nearly everything, he would not live very long. Doesn’t he still have a right to live?

We see lessons in history that mirror this. In Nazi Germany, official government documents that were used to teach and train citizens likened Jewish people to rats and roaches. They convinced the public to treat them as less than human and that they were not quite people. We remember the years of tragedy that followed, don’t we?

If you and I went back in time to Germany in the ‘30s and ‘40s, would you and I have defended the right to life of the Jewish people? I would like to think I would have done the right thing.

Well, it’s not 1941, but the question for us today is, will you and I defend the life of unborn babies in this day and hour.

Surely, it is our obligation as a civilized people to defend the right to life! Let’s stand together and pray together that elected officials and courts on the state and federal levels will recognize the right to life! The unborn babies are depending on us!

Rep. Jim Olsen represents District 2 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Seqouyah County.

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Sheriff's Office Assists in Case


The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jasmine Lea Meikle, age 38, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma was sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment, and 1 year of supervised release for Unlawful Use Of A Communication Facility. The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Information alleged that on or about September 24, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly and intentionally used a communication facility, a cellular telephone, in facilitating the commission of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a felony.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

KXMX News Staff


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Bubba’s Dairy Bar Offers Free Turkey Dinner


A Vian restaurant is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 28, (Thanksgiving Day) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The fifth annual dinner will be at Bubba’s Dairy Bar. The meal will be dine-in only and the menu will feature turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and more.

For more information or to donate a dessert, contact Bubba’s owner Linda Casteel at (918) 773-3020.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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CASC Crowns Maci Crandell as Miss CASC 2020


Eight contestants vied for the title of Miss Carl Albert State College on Thursday evening in the Hamilton Auditorium. At the conclusion of the competition, CASC crowned Maci Crandell as its Miss CASC 2020.

Maci, a sophomore Allied Health major of Poteau, also won Miss Congeniality and the Talent Award for her vocal performance of ‘Rise Up.’ She was also voted Crowd Pleaser from ballots located in the program book, earning her an additional $100 cash scholarship. Maci’s social impact platform focused on ALICE training — Active Shooter Response Training.

In addition to her crown and title, Miss CASC will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship to be used to wardrobe and travel to the Miss Oklahoma Pageant in June 2020. Along with the official crown, box, floral bouquet, and cash scholarship, Maci will receive: a 16-hour tuition waiver to CASC, photoshoot and required photos for Miss Oklahoma, and a $250 Children’s Miracle Network donation.

Mckayla Lopez was named First Runner Up of the competition. Mckayla is a Sophomore Criminal Justice major of Greenwood, Ark. and offered a vocal performance of ‘La Vie En Rose.’ Mckayla’s social impact platform: Save the Strays. Mckayla will be awarded a $500 tuition waiver to CASC, floral bouquet, and a $300 cash scholarship.

Connie Gonzalez, a Sophomore Allied Health major of Moyers, was named Second Runner Up. Connie sang “Scars to Your Beautiful” as her talent and focused her social impact platform on: Self Love. Connie will receive a $250 tuition waiver to CASC, floral bouquet, and a $200 cash scholarship.

Marlene Miller, a Freshman Allied Health major of Howe, was named Third Runner Up. Marlene performed a classical piano rendition of ‘Fur Elise,” with her social impact platform being: Homelessness. Marlene will receive a $250 tuition waiver, floral bouquet, and $100 cash scholarship. 

The other contestants in the competition were: Larissa Deaton of Poteau; Madeline Humphries of Poteau; Destiny Cothren of Bray-Doyle; and Karlie Terrill of Roland.

Miss CASC 2019, Claudia Jones, performed the song ‘Popular’ and bid farewell to the crowd, then presented the new Miss CASC 2020 with her crown and sash.


KXMX News Staff

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Friday, November 22, 2019

Muldrow Church Plans Tour of Christmas


A Muldrow church is preparing to present its ninth annual Tour of Christmas.

Eastside Freewill Baptist Church has scheduled shows Dec. 6-8 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each night. The church is at 1302 S. Main, just north of the Interstate 40 interchange in Muldrow.

Eastside’s pastor, Anthony Williams, said nearly 120 cast members are required to put on the shows, which offer a live-action look at what a busy town of Bethlehem might have been like during the time of Jesus Christ. The cast is an “all hands on deck” team that works tirelessly to put the annual event together, Williams said.

The tour starts with a hayride that takes visitors through 12 scenes of the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

“This event brings a more personal touch to the story of Christmas,” Williams said. “Every year we add something new (to the program),” so even people who have been to the show before will find something to catch their eye, he added.

“We consider (the Tour of Christmas) a gift from our church to the community,” Williams said.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Mark Your Calendars For Holiday Parades!


The Vian Lions Club will kick off the holiday season in Sequoyah County with its 40th annual Christmas parade, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5. Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Vian Baptist Church. Judging will be at 5:45 p.m. and the parade will start at 6 p.m. This year's theme is "Songs of Christmas."

Other area towns will hold their parades on Dec. 14. Towns schedule their parades in a manner that allows participants and spectators to travel across the county attending each one.

GORE: The parade, whose theme is “Disney Does Christmas,” will be at 11 a.m.

ROLAND: The annual parade is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m.

MARBLE CITY: Lineup begins at 1 p.m. north of town, with the parade following at 2 p.m.

MULDROW: The Muldrow Christmas parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. The theme will be "Old Time Christmas."

SALLISAW: Sallisaw's "Old Time Christmas" will start at 6:30 p.m. Lineup for the parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Choctaw Street.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Candidate Filing Set to Begin Monday, Dec. 2


Candidates for the Board of Education in Sequoyah County school districts will file their Declarations of Candidacy beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 2nd, and continuing Tuesday and Wednesday, Sequoyah County Election Board Secretary Cindy Osborn said today.

Osborn said the official filing period ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th. All candidate filings will occur at the Sequoyah County Election Board office, 110 E Creek Ave, in Sallisaw Oklahoma, Osborn said.

The Board of Education positions at stake will be filled at the Board of Education Primary Election scheduled Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 and the Board of Education General Election on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020. If only two candidates file, the position will be filled at the General Election. If more than two candidates file, a Primary Election will be held. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the total votes cast in the Primary Election, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will meet in the General Election.

Candidates may file for the following offices:

Belfonte School District C-50 --Office No.3 (3yr)
Brushy School District C-36 --Office No. 3 (3yr)
Gans School District I-4 –Office No.5 (5yr) No.3 (3yr unexpired)
Liberty School District C-1-- Office No. 3 (3yr)
Marble City School District C-35—Office No.2 (3yr)
Moffett School District C-68—Office No.3 (3yr) Office No.2 (2yr unexpired)
Muldrow School District I-3 Office No.5 (5yr)
Roland School District I-5 Office No.5 (5yr)
Sallisaw School District I-1 Office No.5 (5yr)
Vian School District I-2 Office No.5 (5yr)

PARENT COUNTY – SEQUOYAH
AFFECTED COUNTY- MUSKOGEE
Gore School District I-6 Office No.5 (5yr)

PARENT COUNTY – MUSKOGEE
AFFECTED COUNTY-SEQUOYAH
Braggs School District I-46 Office No.5 (5yr)
Vo-Tech No. 4: Zone 2 (5yr)

CITY OF SALLISAW
Mayor, 3 year term 
Chief of Police, 3 year term

For more information, contact the Sequoyah County Election Board at 918-775-2614.


KXMX News Staff


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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Deer Gun Season Officially Begins Saturday

Guner Womack, 18, of Morrision, took this monster buck in Pawnee County with a bow earlier this year. Record trophy bucks could be in the cards for Oklahoma's 2019 deer gun hunting season, which opens Saturday, Nov. 23. (Via Facebook)

The most highly anticipated day of the year arrives Saturday for many thousands of Oklahoma hunters. The state’s deer gun season officially begins a half-hour before sunrise Nov. 23.

For many sportsmen and sportswomen, the 16-day season will be the best time to put meat in the freezer and maybe hang a trophy on the wall.

And some big-time trophies are certainly out there this year ­­— Guner Womack, 18, of Morrison, will vouch for that. Just a few weeks ago, Womack took his bow out for an archery hunt on family land in Pawnee County. That evening, the Oklahoma State University freshman got his first-ever archery harvest and most likely a No. 1 ranking in the official Oklahoma Cy Curtis big game record book.

Womack’s buck green-scored 192 6/8 net, which if stands will put his name atop the list for Oklahoma’s largest typical whitetail bucks taken with a bow.

Overall, the state’s deer population is in great shape this year, thanks to abundant (in some cases record-setting) spring rainfall and a fairly mild summer, said Big Game Biologist Dallas Barber with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“Along with habitat conditions, deer numbers look good over most of the state.” That means plenty of deer are moving about with the rut, or breeding season, underway.

“The rut has been going strong over the last two weeks across much of the state,” Barber said. “While most does have been bred by the time gun season starts, it will not be uncommon to still see bucks seeking does that have yet to be bred.”

Deer hunting plays a major role in the Wildlife Department’s deer herd management strategy. For the past several years, the Department has stressed the role deer hunters play with the slogan “Hunters in the Know … Let Young Bucks Grow!” Barber praised hunters for their voluntary participation, because every time a hunter decides to pull the trigger, he or she is making a management decision.

This year, he is hoping hunters will harvest more does than they did in 2018.

“It still remains as important as ever to place emphasis on doe harvest to keep a healthy, thriving population,” Barber said. Antlerless deer harvest becomes even more important in the state’s deer management plan when populations grow.

According to the 2018-19 Big Game Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, hunters took 39,409 does, amounting to 36 percent of the 2018-19 harvest, well short of the 40-45 percent target range.

Doe harvest helps keep populations in balance with available habitat, helps maintain healthy buck-to-doe ratios, and helps synchronize fawning when conditions are most favorable for fawn growth.

To help hunters plan their opening-day outing in the deer woods, here are up-to-date regional reports from Wildlife Department field personnel.


Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation


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Muldrow Church Plans Tour of Christmas


A Muldrow church is preparing to present its ninth annual Tour of Christmas.

Eastside Freewill Baptist Church has scheduled shows Dec. 6-8 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each night. The church is at 1302 S. Main, just north of the Interstate 40 interchange in Muldrow.

Eastside’s pastor, Anthony Williams, said nearly 120 cast members are required to put on the shows, which offer a live-action look at what a busy town of Bethlehem might have been like during the time of Jesus Christ. The cast is an “all hands on deck” team that works tirelessly to put the annual event together, Williams said.

The tour starts with a hayride that takes visitors through 12 scenes of the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

“This event brings a more personal touch to the story of Christmas,” Williams said. “Every year we add something new (to the program),” so even people who have been to the show before will find something to catch their eye, he added.

“We consider (the Tour of Christmas) a gift from our church to the community,” Williams said.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Dwight Mission to Cease Operations



The Dwight Presbyterian Mission’s board of directors recently voted to suspend operations at the Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center, effective Dec. 15.

In a statement released Tuesday, the board said “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.”

A post in early November revealed that the mission has run at a “considerable loss. This was made possible primarily by financial assets from the past. That safety net of reserve funds has diminished greatly and is nearly exhausted. This means that if the ministry of Dwight Mission is to continue, significant changes must be made immediately.”

According to the most recent statement, questions or comments can be addressed to DwightMissionBoard@gmail.com.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Vian Peace Center’s Thanksgiving Meal is Nov. 23


The Vian Peace Center and Youth Service is planning its annual Sister Jean Camble Memorial Thanksgiving Meal from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. The meal is free to the public.

The menu will include smoked turkeys, mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. The Center would welcome dessert donations, Richard Tyler said Tuesday.

“The event lets lots of elders come together and catch up with one another,” he said.

The peace center started as a food pantry in 2010 and has expanded ever since. In 2013, the center helped 780 needy families, Tyler said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Vian Prepares for "Songs of the Holidays" Parade


The Vian Lions Club will kick off the holiday season in Sequoyah County with its 40th annual Christmas parade, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5.

Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Vian Baptist Church. Judging will be at 5:45 p.m. and the parade will start at 6 p.m. A $100 prize will go to the grand prize float of the parade. 

This year’s theme is “Songs of the Holidays” and the Vian High School band has been chosen as grand marshals.

Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to email entry forms to Karen Fisher at karrots51@yahoo.com. Entry forms are available at the Vian Tenkiller News office, Miss Lilly’s or Armstrong Bank in Vian.

Parade categories are as follows: Float (pulled by motorized vehicle), 4-wheeler/ATV, Motorcycle/Bicycle, Color Guard, Honorable Mention (Judge’s discretion), Animal (with or without cart), Band, and School Club.

Other award winners will receive cash prizes as well, including Honorable Mention, $50; second place, $75 and third place, $50. There will also be a $50 prize for each category winner. The winner of the School Club category will also receive $100.

Santa Claus will be on hand at the gazebo in Vian’s downtown park, along with the announcement of parade winners.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Chamber Releases Holiday Events Schedule


Holiday fever is in the air and the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for it's annual Christmas events. From a free Thanksgiving meal to Santa and an "Old Time Christmas" there will be plenty of activities for all to enjoy!

The following events are scheduled:

Tuesday, Nov. 19 -- Forms for the parade and storefront decorating contest are available at the Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, Nov. 21 -- Annual Christmas Tree lighting in Sallisaw begins at 6 p.m. on the lawn of Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library. Santa Claus will be on hand in the gazebo to hear children’s Christmas wishes!

Wednesday, Nov. 27 -- Annual community-wide Thanksgiving dinner at Sallisaw Middle School. Free for everyone!

Friday, Dec. 6 -- Storefront decorating contest entries are due at the chamber office. Judging will be Dec. 9, so leave your lights on!

Monday, Dec. 9 -- Judging for the storefront decorating contest

Thursday, Dec. 12 -- Christmas parade forms are due today and may be turned in by 5 p.m. at the chamber office. Every entry, including single vehicles,  must have a form, not just floats!

Saturday, Dec. 14 -- The Shop Sallisaw Giveaway will be at 5 p.m. on the library lawn. You must be present to win and you MUST have all of your numbered tickets with you

Saturday, Dec. 14 -- Annual holiday parade. This year's theme will be "Old Time Christmas." Lineup will begin at 6 p.m. on Choctaw Street and the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Float entries will be divided into three categories -- Business, School & School Organizations and Churches & Nonprofits

Need more information? Contact the chamber at (918) 775-2558.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Roland Man Arrested for DUI


An Oct. 21 traffic stop led to the arrest of a Roland man for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol, a felony.

Bradley James Tarr, 50, was also charged with three misdemeanors, one for speeding, one for not carrying his driver’s license and another for not wearing a seat belt.

On Oct. 21, a Roland police officer was running radar when he spotted a silver 2013 Hyundai Tucson speeding on U.S. Highway 64, just east of Roland.

After clocking the sport-utility vehicle at 90 mph in a 60 mph zone, the officer pulled the man over.

When he approached the driver, Tarr, the officer reportedly noticed the man had red, watery eyes and appeared very drowsy.

The officer asked Tarr for his driver’s license and insurance. Tarr said he didn’t have his license on him and that he didn’t know where the insurance information was because it was his girlfriend’s car. The officer also saw that Tarr was not wearing a seat belt.

When the officer escorted Tarr to his police vehicle, he reportedly could smell alcohol on his breath. Tarr denied being under the influence and insisted he was able to drive with no problem.

The officer administered sobriety tests, which Tarr failed. He told the officer “if you just give me a ticket and let me go home, I’m happy.” Tarr finally admitted to having “like three or four beers within the last 30-45 minutes.” He was subsequently arrested.

Tarr requested a blood test rather than a breath test, so the officer took him to Northeastern Health Systems Sequoyah to draw his blood.

He was then taken to the Sequoyah County Jail.

The DUI charge is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to five years or a minimum of 28 days of treatment followed by 30 days of aftercare at the defendant’s expense.

The punishment for speeding is a fine of up to $205, imprisonment for up to 10 days or both. The penalty for not carrying a driver’s license is a fine of up to $500 and up to 6 months of jail time. Not wearing a seat belt is punishable by a fine and court costs not to exceed $20.



Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Roland Gearing Up for the Holidays


The town of Roland is getting in the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas tree lighting and parade set for mid-December.

The tree-lighting ceremony will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the City Park.

The annual parade theme is “Old Time Christmas” and is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Both events will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will have eight classes for float, band, choir, truck, horseback, four-wheeler, tractor and antique cars. 

The chamber is offering cash prizes in three categories -- nonprofits, antique cars and open. The first-place winner in each category will receive $100, second place will receive $75, and $50 for third place.

Parade staging will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Roland High School. The parade will head south on Roland Road, ending at the Roland Hills Shopping Center.

Niki Morgan with the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce said Tuesday that organizers in Roland, Muldrow and Sallisaw are team up each year to offer their holiday parades on the same day. The schedule will allow people to start their day at the Roland parade, head to Muldrow’s parade and end the day with the Christmas parade in Sallisaw, she said.

“Every year we are trying to grow and grow and grow and get the community more involved in both events,” Morgan said of the Roland events.

Organizers are still seeking entrants for the Roland parade. Entries may include church and civic groups, horse and motorsport enthusiasts, businesses, teams and bands and more. 

Every community member is invited to celebrate the spirit of Christmas!

There will be plenty of cookies, hot chocolate available and the Roland school choir will provide entertainment. Crafts and food will also be available, but the parade would not be complete without a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!

To register for the Roland parade, go to the chamber’s website or Facebook page. You can also email or call Roland Firstar Bank. All entries are welcome, providing they are family and community friendly.

Participation in the parade is free but registration is required. Entry deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 11. Late entries may not be allowed to participate.

In case of inclement weather, the chamber will determine by 8 a.m. whether the parade will be held Dec. 14 or be rescheduled, Morgan said.

At the tree-lighting, the chamber has brought in 20 Christmas trees that businesses can sponsor for $50 each for a decorating contest. The community will be able to vote on their favorite tree by placing boxed food items under the tree. The tree with the most boxed items wins a traveling trophy to keep for a year, newspaper ad space, an office party and more.



Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Pair Charged With Five Felonies


Two people from Sequoyah County were arrested Oct. 30 on five felony charges and a pair of misdemeanors.

Records show that Michelle Brown (Ross), 40, and Roi Michel Harrison, 40, both of Vian, were charged with second-degree burglary and grand larceny, as well as two counts of larceny of an automobile and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction. The two also face misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Between April 30 and October 30, the duo reportedly broke into a home in Vian and stole several items, including a wood stove, tractors, weapons, bar stools, antiques, a 2000 Ford F250 V-10 pickup, a black BMW and more.

On Oct. 29, a Sequoyah County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the home to meet with John Eddy. Eddy told the deputy that his deceased brother’s property had been broken into and he gave the deputy a list of the stolen property.

Two days before meeting with Eddy, the deputy was at the home and saw the white Ford truck loaded down with wood. When the deputy learned where Ross lived, he drove by her home and saw the same truck still loaded with wood.

The pair had reportedly posted some large windows for sale along with a wood-burning stove and a wood-burning terra cotta outside stove. Eddy said all the items had been stolen from his late brother’s house. The deputy then obtained a search warrant.

On Oct. 30, deputies served the search warrant for the stolen property. When they arrived at the couple’s trailer home, Ross was detained in the driveway. The officers then entered the home, where they found Harrison in arm’s reach of a loaded .17-caliber rifle. He was handcuffed and escorted outside.

Several of the stolen items were allegedly discovered inside the trailer and both stolen vehicles were outside the home.

Ross and Harrison were then transported to the Sequoyah County Jail.

During an interview, Harrison admitted going into the deceased man’s home on several occasions in the past six months and that he had stashed the stolen items in the vacant house next door to his home. A search of that property turned up about $10,000 worth of stolen items.

When Ross was interviewed, she admitted going to the Eddy home with Harrison and told officers she knew about the gun found in her home.

A call to the district attorney’s office alerted deputies that Ross is currently on a five-year deferred sentence from 2017 and is not allowed to have weapons in her possession. The deputies also learned that Harrison in currently on a 20-year Department of Corrections sentence from 2015 in Muskogee County.

The couple was also found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

The burglary charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years. Grand larceny carries a punishment of imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for no more than eight years, a fine of up to $1,000 or both, and restitution.

Larceny of an automobile is punishable by imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for up to five years, a fine that is equal to three times the value of the stolen property or both.

Possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Possession of a controlled dangerous substance carries a term of up to one year in prison and a fine of no more than $1,000. The paraphernalia possession count is punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

Ross and Harrison were released on $15,000 bond each.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Monday, November 18, 2019

CASC Eligible for 2021 Aspen Prize



The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today named Carl Albert State College as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes—including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity—15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

“This is an incredible honor for the faculty and staff members here at CASC,” said Dr. Jay Falkner, CASC President, “to be named an Aspen Prize Top 150 Community College in the nation. The Aspen is one of the most prestigious awards in higher education, and we are thrilled to be included in such esteemed company of successful and innovative leaders in higher education.”

President Falkner continued, “our team of administrators, faculty, and staff members have embraced the opportunity to showcase the remarkable facets of our college. CASC is home to some of the most phenomenal individuals in our region, and I am deeply proud of their collaborative efforts that have led to this recognition of CASC’s student-centered and community driven philosophies.”

The 150 community colleges named today as eligible to compete for the 2021 Aspen Prize were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving as few as 500 students and as many as 75,000 students, these colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. 

Data show that over the last two years, student retention, graduation rates, and degree completion have improved at the top tier of 150 Aspen Prize-eligible colleges.

“Community colleges play a vital role in developing talent and enabling social mobility across the country, and it’s critical for them to get better at what they do,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We’re pleased to see evidence that these institutions are improving, that more are delivering on their promise. We’re also pleased to play a role in honoring outstanding community colleges and sharing what works to ensure great outcomes for students—through graduation and beyond.”

The top ten finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2020. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished jury will make award decisions in spring 2021. 

Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence are: Miami Dade College (FL) and Indian River State College (FL), 2019; Lake Area Technical College (SD), 2017; Santa Fe College (FL), 2015; Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA), 2013; Valencia College (FL), 2011.

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize


KXMX News Staff


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