Thursday, April 30, 2020

CASC Kicks Off Food Pantry for Students and Employees


The recent COVID-19 pandemic has left many facing unprecedented and challenging circumstances. Some are now finding themselves unemployed, some are facing financial challenges, and many are facing an entire upheaval of their daily lives. Focusing on the students and work family, and taking a holistic approach to their well-being, is always a priority for Carl Albert State College. To aid in this time Carl Albert will be opening a food pantry for students and employees only. 

The food pantry will operate each Thursday beginning Thursday, May 7th. Students and employees must present their campus ID in order to receive food items. To be mindful of social distancing guidelines, the pantry will be open for curbside pickup on Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm on both campuses. Included in the bags are dry goods such as beans and pasta, soup, grits, oatmeal, bottled water, and more. One bag can feed two individuals. Two bags maximum, per person, will be distributed. 

On the Poteau Campus, vehicles will pull up in front of the Student Center for curbside pickup. At the Sallisaw Campus, vehicles will pull up in front of the Mayo Center for curbside pickup. Stations will be set up outside each building. 

“Our primary focus is always on the well-being of our students and employees,” said President Jay Falkner. “We realize that the pandemic has been life-altering for many in our Carl Albert family, and our goal, to the best of our ability, is to fill a need they may have. We hope the food pantry will in some way ease the burden of this challenging time.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carl Albert State College has moved to a distance-learning format throughout the end of the semester and summer months and required students to move out of campus housing. Additionally, buildings on campus remain closed to the general public. The situation is ever-evolving and evaluated consistently to determine the best and safest course of action for the entire Carl Albert community.

Happily, enrollment is now open and the Viking family is looking forward to an exciting fall semester, welcoming new students, current students, and staff and faculty back to campus. 

“We have attacked this challenge head on, and we are looking forward to the growth that will stem from this season,” said Falkner. “We have always been a resilient campus community, and it’s been heart-warming to see how we’ve banded together, and been truly Viking Strong.” 


KXMX News Staff 


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Residents Urged to Respond to 2020 Census


Only 45.6 percent of Sallisaw residents have responded to the 2020 Census, a U.S. Census Bureau official said Wednesday.

Those numbers are in line with a lot of other Oklahoma communities, said Mary Jenkins, a Census Bureau representative and the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce’s partnership coordinator.

Jenkins said it is “vitally important” for residents to respond to the Census, which has been in the U.S. Constitution since it was written in the 1700s. She said a lack of participation will bring in fewer dollars to the community and will impact the area for at least the next 10 years, when the Census will be held again.

The benefits of Census reporting include about $675 million in grants, Jenkins said, which will go toward clinics, hospitals, bridges, roads and more. That money is all based on the Census count, Jenkins told Chamber officials. Additional money will also go toward school lunches, grants for youths and even the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Answering the Census is an easy process, Jenkins said, and the information will impact almost every facet of life, whether you realize it or not. Census numbers determine representation in Congress and are also used by businesses looking to move into the area.

“Sallisaw is on the cusp of being able to court larger restaurants,” Chamber President Jaime Henson said, but only if more people respond to the Census.

Answering the Census takes about 10 minutes, Jenkins said, and it asks questions such as your name, birthdate, the number of people in your household, your relationship with them and your nationality. “It isn’t complicated at all,” she said, and there are no questions requiring your personal information.

“We just want to get everybody counted,” Jenkins said.

The most preferred way to answer the Census is online. Residents should have received letters from the U.S. Census Bureau earlier in the year about the count that include an identification number. Just plug that number into the Census website, 2020census.gov, and answer the questions. You may also respond by phone or mail, Jenkins said.

Don’t worry if you have lost your identification number. You can still respond to the Census.

Residents with post office boxes won’t receive the letter, but they can still respond by entering their street address on the Census form. Residents who don’t respond will be visited at their home by a Census employee.

Don’t worry about your information being shared or used against you in any way. Jenkins said Census workers are sworn to keep all information private. They face a $250,000 fine and a five-year prison sentence if they don’t comply.

The U.S. Census Bureau has a program that will bring representatives to the community to help residents fill out the Census, Jenkins said, and communities can schedule events to bring more people out.

Chamber Executive Director Marty Green said Wednesday that he wanted to thank local businesses and he urged Sallisaw residents to spend local. 



Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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OSBI Arrests Webbers Falls Police Chief

Matthew Crittenden

Webbers Falls Police Chief, Matthew Crittenden, was arrested Wednesday evening by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

Crittenden, 36, of Vian is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to OSBI Public Information Officer Brooke Arbeitman.

Crittenden allegedly assaulted another police officer during an altercation late Tuesday evening at approximately 11 p.m. The OSBI was called in to investigate the incident.

"He's only facing one count at this time but he will likely face additional charges," Arbeitman said. 

Crittenden was taken to the Muskogee County Detention Center. 



KXMX News Staff 


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National Guard to Fly Over Sallisaw Hospital Friday

                                                    (Air Force photo)

The 125th Fighter Squadron will be flying over several medical centers in Oklahoma to honor frontline COVID-19 responders and to support the state’s reopening on Friday, May 1. This is part of the Oklahoma National Guard's Salute to Oklahoma.

The aircraft are expected to fly over NHS-Sequoyah in Sallisaw at approximately 2:34 p.m. 

After Sallisaw, the aircraft can be seen in Stilwell at 2:38 p.m. and Tahlequah at 2:41 p.m.

The flyovers are a salute to healthcare workers, first responders, transportation drivers, grocery workers, and other essential personnel supporting the COVID-19 effort in Oklahoma. 

Viewers are encouraged to practice safe social distancing and to refrain from gathering in large groups to view the flyover.


KXMX News Staff 


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OBI Slates Sallisaw Blood Drive May 1


As coronavirus concerns continue, blood donation remains an essential health care activity. 

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will host a blood drive at the Walmart store in Sallisaw from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, May 1. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, and appointments are strongly encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.   

“We urge healthy adults to donate blood so that the supply can be maintained for our local patients who depend on blood products during treatment for cancer, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. All phlebotomy staff will wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility to ensure only healthy people are present.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). The Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

The FDA reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion. 

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling or texting Greg at (479) 652-2362, or visiting obi.org. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.

Please note that 16-year-old donors must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; and 18-year-olds and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.


KXMX News Staff 


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Teen Life-flighted After Accident


A two vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon ended in multiple injuries and one teen being Life-flighted to an Arkansas hospital. The accident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. on County Road 4670, three miles east of Sallisaw.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) report, Luke Hiser, 18, of Salliaw, was driving a 2008 Ford Focus southbound when the vehicle's right side tires went off of the right side of the road. Hiser reportedly overcorrected to the left and began to broad-slide. A 2002 Honda Accord driven by 39-year-old Kimberly Keith, of Sallisaw, was northbound and struck in the passenger side by Hiser. Hiser's vehicle rotated and departed the highway striking a fence and coming to rest.

Hiser was transported by Pafford EMS to NHS Sequoyah in Sallisaw where he was treated and released with head and internal trunk injuries.

Jace Lester, 19, of Sallisaw, a passenger in Hiser's vehicle was Life-flighted to Washington Regional in Fayetteville, Ark. in critical condition with head, leg and internal trunk injuires. According to Lester's mother he was in stable condition Thursday morning and was being transported to Tulsa for surgery.

Keith was taken to NHS Sequoyah where she was admitted in stable condition with head and internal trunk injuries.

Michael Parish, a passenger in Keith's vehicle, was not injured.

Hiser's condition was noted in the OHP report as impaired with illegal drugs. The cause of the collision was listed as driving under the influence.

Seatbelts were in use by Keith and her passenger but not in use in Hiser's vehicle. 

The OHP was assisted at the scene by Pafford EMS, Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office and Life-flight.



KXMX News Staff 


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Hidden Hero...Brianna Gibson


As the coronavirus continues to make global headlines, The Mix is taking a look closer to home and honoring the “Hidden Heroes” right here who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep life as close to normal as possible. 

The coronavirus pandemic has changed grocery shopping for a lot of people and many are now opting to order groceries online and pick them up at the store. If you have been fortunate enough to get an online spot for grocery pickup at the Sallisaw Walmart lately, chances are you have encountered our next KXMX “Hidden Hero,” Brianna Gibson.

“To many she is our very own personal shopper,” Caty McMurtry wrote in her letter nominating Gibson. “I personally know that when something was out (of stock at the store), she reached out to try to find an approved replacement for me,” her letter continues.

As COVID-19 health safety guidelines have turned life upside-down for many, Gibson has been a shining light for those in need. 

“One thing you’ll notice about Brianna is she’s always smiling and always has a friendly hello,” McMurtry added.

Gibson said that she “was kind of surprised but excited about being nominated. She said she feels that by keeping a good attitude, it will bring comfort to stressed-out customers. “Most of our customers have been awesome and patient with us,” she said.

Gibson was also nominated as a hidden hero by Brittany Thompson, whose recommendation letter lauded Gibson’s hard work and love for her family.

“She doesn’t just grocery shop for us and put herself at risk every day, she also puts her kids at risk every day by going back home. She is a hero to everybody in more ways than one and she deserves so many blessings!”

“Brianna doesn’t just grocery shop for us,” Thompson said. “She looks after us through phone calls and on Facebook. She will literally ask me if I need anything from Walmart because she knows that I have an infant at home.”

Gibson is the mother of Gracie, 7; Grayson, 6; and Ridge, 2.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Juvenile Found Dead at Sallisaw Motel


A juvenile was found dead in a Sallisaw hotel Tuesday evening.

Officers with the Sallisaw Police Department responded to a call at the Motel 6 on Cherokee Avenue at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday. 

Upon arriving on the scene officers immediately began CPR. Details of what transpired prior to police arrival or the condition of the juvenile upon arrival are not being released at this time. The juvenile was pronounced dead on the scene.

According to police officials, the juvenile died under "suspicious circumstances." 

"The case is currently being investigated by the Sallisaw Police Dept.," Sallisaw Police Captain Jeff Murray stated.

The juvenile's body has been turned over to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's office.

"No persons are in custody but there are persons of interest," Murray added.

No information regarding age or sex of the juvenile is being released at this time.


KXMX News Staff


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CN to Provide Food for 5,000 More Elders

CN employee volunteers distribute boxes of food to elders as part of the tribe’s effort to help Cherokee elders fight food insecurities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cherokee Nation is receiving additional food supplies to help feed 5,000 more Cherokee elders thanks to a program provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Cherokee Nation’s Disaster Household Distribution plan was recently approved by the USDA and is allowing the tribe to help more Cherokee elders keep their pantries full while they stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the help of community organizations around northeast Oklahoma, we have conducted the largest emergency food distribution in Cherokee history as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With these additional resources from the USDA, addressing food insecurity will continue to be a top priority as we provide food to 5,000 more Cherokee elders,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “We appreciate the USDA’s help to ensure our most vulnerable citizens can continue to social-distance as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Before the USDA’s approval of additional emergency food resources, the tribe had already distributed food packages to more than 18,000 Cherokees in need through emergency tribal funds, supplies from Cherokee Nation casinos and produce donations from Walmart. The Cherokee Nation Food Distribution Program administered by the tribe’s Human Services department is on track to serve more than 22,000 individuals in March and April.

The Cherokee Nation is one of several federally recognized tribes to be approved to use USDA foods from the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. 

“The most important way for our elders to stay safe is to stay home. While many people can make trips to the grocery store when they need to, our elders can’t, and they shouldn’t. We want them to avoid exposure to this virus as much as possible,” Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said. “With the additional USDA foods, we can ensure more of our elders are taken care of and that they have enough food during these difficult times.”

Over the next 30 days, the Cherokee Nation will distribute the additional food packages to elders who have not previously received a food package during the Cherokee Nation’s COVID-19 response efforts.

The additional food packages from the USDA are designed for a household of one or two members, but the tribe can also provide additional food packages to elders who have a larger household size. Each food package will contain a variety of nonperishable food items such as canned meats, cereal, pasta, rice, soup, canned vegetables, canned fruits and more.

Elders in need of food supplies can call the Cherokee Elder Food Hotline at (918) 316-1670. Callers will need to provide the elder’s name, phone number and address.


KXMX News Staff 


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Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Catholic Charities Food Giveaway Today, Tomorrow


Catholic Charities in Sallisaw is giving away free food today and tomorrow.

Pam Wemhaner said milk, oranges, potatoes, carrots and seedless watermelon will be available for pickup until 2 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Just drive up to the back door of the Catholic Charities building, 409 N. Adams, she said.

“You won’t have to fill out a bunch of forms,” Wemhaner said, which will make the process a lot faster and will allow for strict social distancing guidelines.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Monday, April 27, 2020

Health Department Still Testing for COVID-19


As Sequoyah County recorded its third COVID-19 death late last week, the Health Department says that even if the state hasn’t reached the peak of coronavirus cases, the numbers should starting dropping soon.

Mandi Collins, the public information officer for the Health Department, said Monday that there are currently 3,280 positive cases of the virus, along with 197 deaths, including the most recent case, which was a person in their 60s with underlying health conditions. Sequoyah County has 12 current cases.

Last week, Collins said, the Sequoyah County Health Department tested 11 people, and the department averages about two to three tests per day.

As Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions last week, including the opening of hair salons and other personal service businesses. Restaurants will begin opening this week for in-person dining, but with strict health guidelines, such as separating dining tables, in place. 

Collins said with the easing of COVID-19 limitations, positive cases could begin to climb again if “the public doesn’t follow guidelines” like wearing masks and frequent hand washing. 

The Health Department has not received any antibody tests, which will indicate whether a person has been exposed and recovered from COVID-19.

If you are having symptoms such as shortness of breath and a dry cough and want to be tested, residents are asked to call the Health Department at (918) 775-2021. You will be screened and scheduled for a testing appointment.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Four to Seek County Commissioner Position


Four Sequoyah County men are in the race for District 2 County Commissioner. The incumbent commissioner, Steve Carter, is running for re-election and he will be opposed by three candidates, Beau Burlison, Michael Cobb and Jay Alred.


Steve Carter, Incumbent

In regard to seeking his re-election Steve Carter stated, “Over the past 15 years, hard work has brought in over $30 million dollars of outside money to our county.”

Carter is a lifelong resident of Sequoyah County, an Army veteran, a graduate of Oklahoma State University, an OSU-accredited commissioner, an OSU-trained Roads Scholar commissioner, a 45-year member of the Oklahoma Masonic Lodge and a 41-year member of Ironworkers Union Local 584. 

“Over the years I have served Sequoyah County on many boards. I serve locally on the County Health Department board, the County Community Sentencing board and the Kibois Community Action Agency board. I also serve our county on outside boards as well, including the SIG/SIF Insurance Board (which provides insurance for our county), the OSU County Officers Training advisory board, Oklahoma Department of Transportation advisory board, the eight-county Circuit Engineering board and the Governor’s Workforce Investment board. I have also served our county and state on the National Association of Counties Transportation committee. This puts me in a position to learn where and how to acquire the funding that we need so that we can have the much-needed improvements that we deserve in Sequoyah County. As your commissioner, my dream is to get the best for Sequoyah County and that takes working hard every day,” Carter said.

Beau Burlison

Beau Burlison, a football and wrestling coach at Vian Public Schools, said in an interview that he feels there are things he can do to make a better district and he is excited by the opportunity to run for office.

Burlison is a 1995 graduate of Vian High School. He said his philosophy as county commissioner was tied to his role as a coach. “Seeing results, setting goals and attaining them rubs off on people” and brings them together, he said. Burlison said he will also bring reasonable and fair decision-making to the office if elected.

“I have worked in the public school system and volunteered for over 15 years promoting the future of the youth of our community,” Burlison said. “I now see a need to do the same for the entire county. I plan to be a leader in the community for a long time.”

Michael Cobb

Michael Cobb grew up in Wagoner, where he graduated high school in 1982 before attending OSU/Okmulgee. He moved to Vian in 2002.

For four years, Cobb helped coach the Vian Elementary wrestling program and also served on the board of Vian Little League baseball. 

For the past five years, Cobb has served on the Vian Board of Education and has been the board’s president for the past 18 months.

“If afforded the opportunity to serve as Sequoyah County District 2 commissioner, I will work hard to assure that our roads and bridges are better maintained on a more consistent basis. I believe that we have some of the best county workers. Leadership is what is lacking here,” Cobb said.

There is plenty of room for improvement, Cobb said. “No matter how good we get, there is always room to improve and we should diligently seek areas in which we can become better at what we do. Improvement is a continuous process. If I am elected I will better serve the needs of the second district,” he said.

“Experience is what sets me apart from the other Republicans running for this office,” Cobb said. “I recently retired after 35 years in the aircraft industry. I have 10 years experience of presiding over multimillion-dollar budgets, ranging from $7.5 million to $15 million annually. I spent 10 years running the chemical lab at the plant. I have extensive experience with audits at the international, federal, customer and local levels. As a part of my role in these positions, I frequently wrote and updated technical specifications.”

“I also dealt with different governmental agencies at all levels on a routine basis. I know how to make tough decisions when necessary and then how to face the storm that follows. I know how to work with others to get things done as well. Please feel free to ask any other questions that you have. As a local rancher I drive these county roads and we have some things that we need to change to improve our roads. The basics are being neglected. Crowning the roads, cutting out the potholes, cleaning the ditches, keeping the culverts opened up and unobstructed and maintaining the watersheds to allow for proper drainage and minimize washouts are absolute musts. Improvement is a continuous process and we will constantly be looking ways to get better and more efficient at what we do. Nobody will work harder or study more than I will! If elected, all people of District 2 will be better served. I will bring leadership and experience to this office.”

Jay Alred

Alred has also thrown his hat into the ring. In a statement announcing his candidacy, Alred said, “I am excited to announce my candidacy for Sequoyah County Commissioner District 2. While I have made my home in District 2 for the past 10 years, I have been well acquainted with Sequoyah County for over 30 years.

“As county commissioner, my goal would be to make this the best district it can be. I stand on the platform that all will be treated equally. I will work to the best of my ability to clean up right-of-ways and to improve county roads in the district.

“I have worked for Cherokee County for the past eight years and currently serve as the flood plain administrator and safety coordinator. This position allows me to work closely with Cherokee County residents, Cherokee County commissioners, emergency management and the 911 office. I understand the issues we face in District 2, and the people of Sequoyah County are of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to bringing my experience working with local government to help meet the needs of District 2.”


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Farmers Market To Reopen May 9


The Sallisaw Farmers Market will reopen Saturday, May 9, with drive-through service from 8 a.m. to noon.

Max Smith, chairman of the Farmers Market, said Monday that only produce and food items would be available. He said arts and crafts vendors may be able to participate in the next few weeks as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Smith said all vendors and customers are asked to wear masks. Vendors will also have hand sanitizer on hand, he said.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Sheriff's Dept. Assists in Drug Case


The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Takila Shauntel Carpenter, 34, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). 

The indictment alleged that on or about Sept. 19, 2019 the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Each year methamphetamine cuts short the lives of hundreds of Oklahomans and thousands more across the nation. As the death toll continues to rise, drug cartels continue to flood our country with this poison. I commend the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and HSI for this multi-jurisdictional investigation. Their investigation and the resulting prosecution prevented kilograms of methamphetamine from distribution into communities and has put an end to this defendant’s role in trafficking drugs.” 

“Methamphetamine ravages and negatively impacts societies across this nation, and individuals involved in the trafficking of this dangerous drug are contributing to the demise of countless lives and devastation of our communities,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas. “Every time we put a meth pusher behind bars, we’re protecting our citizens and that’s a win for public safety.” 

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 Dean Burris represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.



KXMX News Staff 


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Cherokee Nation Donates 2,500 Masks to First Responders

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner prepare KN95 personal protection masks to be distributed to first responders and emergency personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cherokee Nation is providing first responders and emergency personnel in northeast Oklahoma with a supply of personal protection masks to keep them safe as they continue the fight against COVID-19 in their communities.

The Cherokee Nation is providing more than 2,500 KN95 protective masks to fire departments, police departments and emergency management teams across the tribe’s 14 counties that expressed a need for the equipment. The tribe is also sending an additional 5,000 KN95 masks to the Navajo Nation, whose citizens have been impacted by the virus more than any other native community in the country. 

“Fire departments, emergency management operations, law enforcement and ambulatory services face uncertainty every day. That’s why Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and I want to ensure all of our first responders and emergency personnel are provided the resources they need to continue protecting our communities and keeping citizens safe,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “We also want to help our brothers and sisters in the Navajo Nation who have taken the hardest hit in Indian country at the hands of this devastating virus. We do this because as Cherokees, we know the importance of lending a helping hand in times of uncertainty. We will get through this as long as we remember that we are all in this together.” 

For many first responders, securing protective masks has been difficult because of low supplies and high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Cherokee Nation’s own health system properly stocked with personal protective equipment, tribal leaders worked for several weeks to secure the KN95 masks for area first responders. 

“We know how important first responders are to so many families during this crisis, and how vital it is for them and their departments to have all the safety standards they need to perform essential emergency services,” Warner said. “It is important to protect those who protect us. These men and women dedicate their lives to save the loved ones of others every day. Their courage gives me every bit of confidence we will get thought this unprecedented crisis together.”

The tribe donated the masks to fire and police departments that expressed a need, including Bluejacket Volunteer Fire Department in Craig County, Butler Volunteer Fire Department in Delaware County, Centralia Volunteer Fire Department in Craig County, Chance Community Fire Department in Adair County, Disney Fire Department and Police Department in Mayes County, Foyil Community Volunteer Fire Department in Rogers County, Inola Fire Department in Rogers County, Lakemont Shores Fire Protection District in Delaware County, Nicut Rural Fire Department in Sequoyah County, Redland Fire Department Inc. in Sequoyah County, Stilwell Fire Department in Adair County, Tahlequah Fire Department in Cherokee County, Taylor Ferry Fire Department in Wagoner County, Vian Volunteer Fire Department in Sequoyah County, Warner Volunteer Fire Department and Police Department in Muskogee County and Welch Fire Department in Craig County. 

Dante Sanders, the fire chief at Taylor Ferry Fire Department in Wagoner County, said his department receives multiple medical calls each day, placing first responders in close contact with other individuals. He said the masks will be vital to performing their daily operations safely. 

“We serve around 3,500 people in our district, so with the donation of the protection masks our fire department will be able to use the masks to help keep us safe and help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus in our community,” Sanders said. “These masks are greatly appreciated, and we are thankful for the help of the Cherokee Nation.” 

Cherokee Nation also donated 100 masks each to the emergency management departments in each of the Cherokee Nation’s 14 counties, which include Adair County, Cherokee County, Craig County, Delaware County, Mayes County, McIntosh County, Muskogee County, Nowata County, Ottawa County, Rogers County, Sequoyah County, Tulsa County, Wagoner County and Washington County.


KXMX News Staff


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Friday, April 24, 2020

Sequoyah County Reports Third COVID-19 Related Death

 

Sequoyah County has recorded its third death since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandi Collins, Public Information Officer with the Sequoyah County Health Dept., confirmed that as of Friday, April 24 Sequoyah County has had 11 positive cases and three deaths.

Across the state of Oklahoma there have been 3,121 positive cases and 188 fatalities.

1,884 individuals are being reported as recovered with 952 currently active cases. 

Hospitalizations statewide are 155 with 99 being reported in ICU.

***These numbers will be shown on today's Oklahoma State Dept. of Health website when updated.


KXMX News Staff


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