Twelve Days of Shop Sallisaw Begins Tuesday

Shoppers and merchants will find that the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Annual Shop Sallisaw event has a new format for 2020! The Twelve Days of Shop Sallisaw event kicks off Tuesday, Dec. 1 and will run through Sat., Dec. 12.

Marty Green, the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, stated that participants need to be aware of changes made to the way the Shop Sallisaw event will work this year. One of the major changes will be that no tickets will be distributed to participating merchants to be handed out to customers.

To enter the drawing shoppers need to visit participating merchants between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12 and make a purchase of at least $20. Receipts for purchases will be used to enter the drawing. Receipts must show business name, purchase amount and date of purchase. If the receipt provided by the business does not contain the name of the business it will need to be signed and/or verified by the business owner. 

Service businesses such as banks and  insurance companies can also be participants along with retail shops. Receipts for payments paid at service businesses will be treated the same as retail receipts as long as the payment amount is $20 or more.

Shoppers can make one qualifying purchase per day during the "12 Days of Shop Sallisaw" event. At the time of the drawing participants can have a maximum of 12 entries.

The Chamber of Commerce will have forms prepared and available to be picked up that shoppers will need to complete and turn in with their reciepts on the day of the drawing. Forms can be picked up starting Dec. 1 or they will be available during check-in the day of the drawing.

The drawing will be held Sat., Dec. 12 on the lawn of the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library. There will be multiple sign-in stations beginning at 5 p.m. Chamber officials will gather receipts and forms and draw for the lucky winners. 

Prizes awarded will be $100, $200, $300, $400 and $500. Participants can only win in one drawing.

The chamber will be providing event logos for participating merchants to display in their business.

The chamber would also like to give the winning stores/businesses the same amount of prize money in hopes of encouraging all businesses to advertise the event by telling their customers to save their receipts and use it at the Shop Sallisaw drawing.

For more information, call the chamber at (918) 775-2558.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

E.O Smith Plans to "TP" Parade Goers

Smith's helpers included his daughters (left to right) Emma Gann, 

Avery Smith and their friend Raelynn Girty.

District 5 Tribal Councilor E.O. “Jr.” Smith has found a unique and entertaining way to safely pass out candy at Vian’s Christmas parade this Thursday, Dec. 3.

Smith has collected 280 rolls (and counting) of toilet paper, which will be filled with candy and thrown to parade-goers. And, as many shoppers know, toilet paper has been in short supply lately so it may be even more popular than the candy!

“Hopefully people will remember that and it will be like a campaign card,” he said.

Smith said he has more toilet paper coming, just in time for upcoming parades elsewhere in Sequoyah County.

Smith’s festive mood belies the fact that he was released from a Kansas hospital just a week ago after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was hospitalized for a week, he said, with pneumonia on top of coronavirus. “It was touch-and-go for a couple of days,” he said, but now he is off oxygen and the only problem he is currently facing is the mountain of council paperwork left in the wake of his hospitalization and recovery.

 Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

City of Sallisaw Disinfectant Machine Operational

The City of Sallisaw has announced that its new Hypochlorous Acid machine is now installed and is operational. Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI) is a powerful oxidant that is 100 times more efficient at killing pathogens than Chlorine Bleach. 

The city purchased the machine with CARES funding through the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Council. The cost of the machine was paid 100% by the grant. The City will use the disinfectant to fight the COVID-19 virus, as well as disinfection of all city and public equipment and facilities.

According to City Manager Keith Skelton, the HOCI machine can make up to 312 gallons of disinfectant per day. “With COVID numbers continuing to grow, we want to make this product available to our citizens to help fight the virus. The City will make the disinfectant available to all government agencies and school districts in Sequoyah County at no cost. If we have amounts available, citizens may also pick up the disinfectant as they need it, also at no cost.”

The disinfectant may be used in a sprayer, or on a rag to wipe down areas. To obtain the disinfectant, the City asks that you call city hall at (918) 775-6241 and schedule an appointment for Monday-Friday 3:00-4:00 pm. The pickup location is the Sallisaw Parks Department on West Quesenberry, east of Elm Street. Those who wish to obtain HOCI are asked to bring a plastic container (with lid or cap), not exceeding 5-gallons. HOCI has a shelf life of 3-6 months if it is stored in an airtight container.

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

CN Launches Connectivity Survey, Free Mobile Hotspot Program

The Cherokee Nation recently launched a new connectivity survey and a $3 million program to provide connectivity to Cherokee households lacking internet access to assist in overcoming some of the virtual challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The connectivity survey will provide the Cherokee Nation data to make informed decisions on the best way to improve internet access for its citizens. It also allows families currently lacking internet at home or an existing mobile Wi-Fi device, the opportunity to qualify and apply for the Respond, Recover and Rebuild Mobile Hotspot Connectivity Assistance program.

The online application is available at www.cherokee.org under the yellow Respond, Recover and Rebuild Mobile Hotspot Connectivity Assistance Program tab.

“The Cherokee Nation is faced with the ongoing digital divide that cripples Cherokee students, families and elders from having the connectivity they need to thrive,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “This program is designed to deliver a temporary solution to Cherokee households lacking another internet option, and it’s also giving us meaningful information as we develop the long-term plan of bringing affordable, reliable broadband to Cherokee communities.” 

The RRR Mobile Hotspot Connectivity Assistance program will provide households lacking internet with a mobile hotspot including up to a year of service, which is valued at more than $900.

Simply start by completing the survey. If determined a household may qualify, respondents will be prompted to fill out a short application.

The program is open to Cherokee households inside the reservation and at-large within the United States, and there are no income requirements. Because of limited supply, priority will be given to Cherokee households with kindergarten through 12th-grade students. 

Funding for the program is part of the Cherokee Nation’s COVID-19 Respond, Recover and Rebuild efforts Hoskin previously announced.

“During the pandemic, the Cherokee Nation launched the largest emergency food distribution effort in our tribe’s history to fight food insecurities and delivering more than 30,000 boxes of food in our communities,” Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said. “A vital role in that effort was communicating all the delivery sites and events to our elders and citizens. Many of them do not have access to thei and Wi-Fi capability. This survey and connectivity option can help us bridge these gaps so that we can reach our citizens more quickly with important messaging they need.”

The mobile hotspots are powered by AT&T’s cellular network. The Cherokee Nation will ship the devices directly to households. Please ensure all information in the application is correct before submitting.

Those who need assistance with the online application process or who need additional information can email Cherokee-Connect@cherokee.org.

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Blood Institute Keeping ‘Fingers Crossed’ for 2021

As Oklahomans celebrate the holidays and wrap up the year, the Oklahoma Blood Institute has its “fingers crossed” for 2021! This holiday season, blood donors will receive a free, long-sleeved “2021 Fingers Crossed” t-shirt.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is hosting a blood drive with the Walmart Sallisaw from 1:30-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 on the bloodmobile. People 16 and over are urged to give blood. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be managed as schedule allows. 

“Oklahomans have really done their part throughout 2020 to ensure the local blood supply despite the numerous challenges this year has dealt our community, and we thank them for their selflessness,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Blood Institute. “We urge you to take just an hour out of your busy schedule to give the precious gift of life — and offer families hope, healing and comfort this holiday season.” 

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is the local, nonprofit blood supplier, supporting the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.  

All donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to identify potential convalescent plasma donors.*

Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. The Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and 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 the 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. Donors who are 17 years old must weigh at least 125 pounds and those 18 and over must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo identification is required.

Donors ages 16 or 17 need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma.

This test has not been FDA-cleared or -approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation. 

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

County Commissioners Discuss Safety Awards

The Board of Commissioners for Sequoyah County paved the way for annual safety awards at their weekly meeting Monday.

Steve Carter, the District 2 commissioner, said the awards, which the commissioners approved, were made possible by funding from the county’s insurer for safety and the awards can be handed out in two different ways: By sending out a lump sum to each county receiving the funding or the money could be deducted from each county’s insurance payment for the coming year.

“The funding is based on each county’s accident rate,” Carter said, “and (Sequoyah County’s) is really low. If you have accidents, you don’t get safety awards.”

In other business, the commissioners:

*Approved a lease-purchase agreement between the Sequoyah County commissioners and Firstar Bank on behalf of the McKey Fire Department.

*Approved a standard rental service agreement between Cintas and the Sequoyah County clerk’s office.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Bubba’s in Vian Hosting Free Thanksgiving Meal

Bubba’s Dairy Bar in Vian is hosting its sixth annual free Thanksgiving meal Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., but Bubba’s owner Linda Casteel says the restaurant will continue handing out meals as long as there is a need or until the food runs out.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Casteel opted to serve the meal as a take-out option instead of a dine-in meal in order to keep workers and diners as safe as possible.

The meal will include all the traditional Thanksgiving fare, including turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dressing, rolls, dessert and tea. Bubba’s Dairy Bar is at 507 E. Schley (Highway 64) in Vian.

Casteel said she was amazed at how many Vian residents turned out to make this year’s meal so special. “This year we had so many donation we didn’t have to buy anything! The town came together and wanted to be such a big part of it!”

Casteel said she was disappointed that the meal couldn’t be held indoors, because “We will miss the fellowship,” but she noted that everyone’s health and safety was more important.

When asked why she provides this meal every year, Castell said, “My family does it just to give back. Each year has gotten better and better. People tell us we are blessing them, but truthfully, they are blessing us!”

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Muldrow Man Pleads Not Guilty After Alleged Intoxicated Fight

Brannon Vonholt

A Muldrow man pleaded not guilty Nov. 18 to charges of public intoxication, destruction of city property and disorderly conduct, court records show.

Brannon Eugene Vonholt, 28, was arrested Nov. 14 after a short standoff with Muldrow police. At 8:02 p.m., police reports indicate, a Muldrow police officer was dispatched to the Wilson Rock Road and Southeast 10th Street intersection in reference to two males fighting.

As the officer arrived in the area, he located a large, blue city trash can in the road with trash cans lying around it. Pulling past that, the officer continued on to Dewey Street, where he found the male reporting party standing next to a Dodge Charger. The male said two men were fighting when the older one, Randall Vonholt, ran up to his car window and asked him to let him in as Brannon Vonholt had a pipe and hit the Charger, damaging the front fender and hood.

After ensuring no one was injured inside the disarrayed home, officers learned that a female had called dispatch saying that Brandon Vonholt was in a tree at nearby residence. Upon arriving at that location, a short standoff ensued, but Vonholt soon agreed to come down from the tree,

Vonholt appeared to be highly intoxicated and was verbally threatening to law enforcement. While attempting to place Vonholt in a police car, Vonholt kicked an officer in the leg and head and inflicted heavily damaged on the inside of the patrol car.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Residents Urged to "Stay Safe This Thanksgiving"

There were 246 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sequoyah County on Sunday, according to the Oklahoma Department of Health, the county’s emergency management director told county commissioners Monday.

Steve Rutherford, speaking at the commissioners’ weekly meeting, urged county residents to “stay safe this Thanksgiving,” a sentiment echoed by all the commissioners.

In other business commissioners:

*Opened bids for a new telephone system for the Sequoyah County Courthouse. They will take some time to consider each bid before making a final decision.

*Contingent on the district attorney’s go-ahead, the panel approved a lease-purchase agreement between the Sequoyah County commissioners and Firstar Bank on behalf of the McKey Fire Department.

*Reaffirmed a county resolution setting the land line tariff rate for Sequoyah County. The tariff rate is used to assist the county’s 911 center in its operations.

*Opened a public hearing on the final report on the water system improvements project for the Lee Creek rural water district. Millie Vance discussed the project’s completion and the next steps required to get the project finalized. District 3 Commissioner Jim Rogers praised Vance for her efforts on the project. “This really has gone very smooth. It was kind of nice to have Millie driving the bus,” he said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Vian Peace Center Thanksgiving Meal Set for Saturday

The Vian Peace Center is keeping up with its traditional free Thanksgiving feast this year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday meal will be available via drive-through only.

Coronavirus has changed so many things about life in 2020 and the holidays were not left out. Richard Tyler of the Vian Peace Center said this is the center’s eighth year to provide the Thanksgiving feast to the community and, as much as he and his crew of workers wanted to have diners inside the facility with them, they would much rather play it safe.

The meal will be handed out at the Vian Peace Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. Tyler urges people to remain in their vehicles and wait for volunteers who will bring out meals. There are no requirements or income guidelines for those requesting a meal.

The event, which fed nearly 280 people last year, is held each year in honor of Jean Rozell Campbell, the late pastor who started the event in 2012 at her church, Christ the King.

For more information, call Tyler at (479) 739-5351.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Vian Peace Center Thanksgiving Meal Set for Saturday

The Vian Peace Center is keeping up with its traditional free Thanksgiving feast this year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday meal will be available via drive-through only. 

Coronavirus has changed so many things about life in 2020 and the holidays were not left out. Richard Tyler of the Vian Peace Center said this is the center’s eighth year to provide the Thanksgiving feast to the community and, as much as he and his crew of workers wanted to have diners inside the facility with them, they would much rather play it safe. 

The meal will be handed out at the Vian Peace Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. Tyler urges people to remain in their vehicles and wait for volunteers who will bring out meals. There are no requirements or income guidelines for those requesting a meal. 

The event, which fed nearly 280 people last year, is held each year in honor of Jean Rozell Campbell, the late pastor who started the event in 2012 at her church, Christ the King. 

For more information, call Tyler at (479) 739-5351. 

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

Agency Seeks Christmas Donations for Hospice Patients

Peters Agency Care Management is collecting supplies for hospice patients for the second year to help make the patients’ Christmases a little brighter. 

There will be a donation box at the Peters Agency office, 926 E. Cherokee Ave. in Sallisaw, where people can drop off new/unused items such as small blankets, pens, pencils, crossword or word search puzzles, socks, playing cards, warm hats, gloves, and individually wrapped snacks. Christmas cards are also welcome. 

If you come by the agency office and don’t see a donation box, knock on the door and someone will come and assist you. 

For more information, call Haleigh Blount at (918) 774-5188.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

City Commissioners Discuss COVID-19 Impact on Staff

COVID-19 has had a slight impact on the City of Sallisaw, with about 10 employees coming up positive since the pandemic began, according to City Manager Keith Skelton. 

Skelton, speaking Friday at a special meeting of the Sallisaw Board of City Commissioners, said there is currently one confirmed case on the staff, with two more possible cases, and six staff members are in quarantine. Skelton said the city is handling the situation on a case-by-case basis but admits the increase in cases around the state is a bit of a concern. 

“We’ve been lucky as far as the city work force,” he said. “There was only one instance where I’ve had to send an entire department home. We’re hanging in there.” 

Skelton said that Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s announcement this week that all bars and restaurants must now close at 11 p.m. shouldn’t have much of an impact on Sallisaw businesses, but it does spotlight the continued need for everyone to be diligent when it comes to safety measures like hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing. 

City Clerk Dianna Davis said the city staff is doing a great job of checking temperatures in the mornings and again at lunch time and they are being extremely cautious on the job. 

Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens urged not only City of Sallisaw employees, but all city and area residents to remain vigilant in their health safety measures over the Thanksgiving holiday, pointing out that the recent increase in coronavirus cases in the United States has come right on the heels of Halloween. “Be very careful over the holidays,” he said. 

Martens asked Skelton about a special acquisition the city made due to the pandemic, a machine that makes a disinfectant spray that can be used to treat areas and destroy virus particles and other dangerous substances. Skelton said the machine is on site and the city will release information about it as soon as it is up and running and ready for citizens to use. 

In other business, the commissioners: 

*Approved a 48-month lease-agreement with Altec Industries Inc. of St. Joseph, Mo., for a 2020 Altec 47-foot digger derrick in an amount not to exceed $245,000. 

*Approved an amendment to an audit agreement engagement with FSW&B CPAs PLLC of Stillwater, Okla., in an amount not to exceed $6,500 to cover additional costs related to a single audit. 

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

This Holiday Season Consider the Child in Foster Care

The holidays are a time for gathering with friends, family, and loved ones. Many of us happily anticipate taking part in yearly traditions and look forward to reuniting with those we care about. Particularly as Thanksgiving arrives, we often take time to reflect on our fortunes, acknowledging what we are grateful for and anticipating being surrounded by a loving and caring community. 

Unfortunately for children in foster care, the holiday season can be difficult. Without a permanent family, children can be deprived of the types of precious memories and childhood experiences that can make the holiday season so warm and special. 

There is hope. CASA volunteers play an important role in the lives of foster children. Volunteers work hard to develop a trusting relationship with the children they serve and advocate directly to the courts representing the children’s best interests. 

“The consistency of a caring adult plays an important role in making the holidays memorable for a child,” said Suzanne Hughes, Executive Director at CASA for Children. “A CASA volunteer can provide the stability and support that a child in foster care might not be able to find elsewhere.”

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, but also a time to be mindful of others who may not have a family to celebrate with. CASA is challenging more members of the community to become a part of the solution by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. 

The volunteer recruitment, screening, and training process have all moved online during the COVID pandemic in order to continue to expand the CASA volunteer roster. Online classes are forming now for McIntosh, Muskogee, Wagoner, and Sequoyah Counties to begin on in January 2021. 

For more information or to find out how you can help visit www.casaok.org or contact Jenny Crosby at (918) 686-8199 or via email at jenny@casaok.org.

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

ODOT Engineer Gives Updates on Area Road Projects

Chris Wallace, District 1 ODOT Engineer

The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce announced new board members Wednesday at their regular monthly meeting and heard from guest speaker District 1 engineer Chris Wallace with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Chamber President Jaime Henson said the new members, Amy Edwards, Dustin Walters, Glenda Callahan and Justin Pettit will bring a new vitality to the group.

ODOT Engineer Chris Wallace gave the group an overview of the function of ODOT and touched on some area projects.

Wallace stated that the ongoing I-40 project east of Sallisaw is expected to wrap up by Christmas. This area has been riddled with traffic accidents and the completion will improve travel. 

Wallace said the I-40 project replaced three bridges that had been flagged as substandard. The state originally had roughly 1,000 substandard bridges when ODOT began their bridge initiative. They currenty have fewer than 100.

Engineers with ODOT are continuing to look at ways to improve heavy traffic flow just south of the I-40 and Highway 59 south interchange. Wallace presented a video presentation of a roundabout that is being considered to solve the problem. ODOT will hold public meetings and meet with city officials before making a decision. Upcoming construction of the new VA Center on Highway 59 south will also increase the need for a traffic solution in this area.

Other projects mentioned include replacing the I-40 bridge over Big Sallisaw Creek west of Sallisaw. ODOT is also planning maintenance projects along Highway 64 between Sallisaw and Muldrow. The widening of Highway 59 north has been delayed until 2023 due to state budget cuts.

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Angel Tree Car Show Slated for Dec. 5 in Fort Smith

A car show to benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, so get your hot rods revved up -- and some cool new toys ready to go!

The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Greg’s Too Car Care Center, 6800 Phoenix Ave. in Fort Smith, Ark., and will end at 1 p.m.

This event is free for all and there is no entry fee to enter the show. Organizers  just ask that you consider donating toys as your entry fee. Food will be served and fun will be had by all! 

 Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

   

Roland Man Puts Up a Fight Before Arrest

A Roland man was arrested Oct. 31 and charged with three felony counts of assault and battery, according to court records.

Jesse Tyler Harvey, 29, faces two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer. The assault and battery counts are punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to five months in prison or both, while the aggravated charge carries a penalty of a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to five years or both.

His bond was set at $4,500 and he was released Nov. 1.

On Oct. 31, two Sequoyah County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to arrest Harvey for public intoxication near a public alley behind the Shady Lane Apartments in Roland. Harvey was highly intoxicated and smelled strongly of alcohol.

Deputies became involved with Harvey that night after the man’s wife called 911 to report that he had cut himself and had left their apartment armed with the weapon.

Harvey reportedly assaulted a deputy, head-butted him, tried to grab his holstered weapon, his belt and his vest before kicking the officer in the chest. When backup arrived, officers had to use force to get Harvey into a patrol car, but once he got to the Sequoyah County Jail, his behavior improved.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com