Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Couple Charged with Damaging Rental Property

Arrest warrants were issued April 15 for a pair of Sequoyah County residents charged with malicious injury to property (over $1,000), a felony, and misdemeanor petit larceny.

Dennis Allen Coughran, 59, of Muldrow and Heather M. McCully, 43, of Sallisaw each face up to two years in the State Penitentiary, a fine of up to $1,000 or both if convicted of the felony counts. They both face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500 on the larceny charge.

On April 2, a Sequoyah County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to Muldrow and spoke with David Brown, who said he had rented a trailer to Coughran. McCully also lived in the trailer and is listed as Coughran's wife. Brown said he had served Coughran with an eviction notice through the court system and that he was supposed to be out by 5 p.m. April 1. Brown said that when he went to the residence around 5:30 p.m., he noticed that someone had cut the wires to the trailer’s breaker box, taken the copper from the air conditioner, removed the coil and taken the 220 wiring. Brown also said someone had run over the sprinkler system at the home, destroying it. He estimated damages at about $6,000.

An investigation later revealed that Coughran sold several of the allegedly stolen items to a metal scrap yard in Fort Smith. Coughran had provided the scrap yard with a Sallisaw address but no one answered the door when police tried to make contact. A phone number for Coughran was no longer in service and a phone number for McCully was answered by a woman who said the phone did not belong to McCully but she was willing to take a message for her. The female then hung up and further attempts to call her were unsuccessful.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer



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2021 Downtown Diamond Daze Begins Friday


This year’s Downtown Diamond Daze will be held Friday and Saturday, Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marty Green said.

The newly renamed weekend event will be filled with family fun for all ages and this year’s celebration will even have a new location. It will take place along Oak, Choctaw and Elm streets from Cherokee Avenue, and the Stanley W. Tubbs Memorial Library lawn will also host some events.

Sallisaw Main Street’s Finger Lickin’ barbecue contest is back this year and the group will be selling taster kits to those in attendance.

Downtown Diamond Days is sponsored by the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce and Sallisaw Main Street.

Following is the schedule of Downtown Diamond Daze events:

Friday, April 30

Main Street “Pig” -- Indian taco sales at lunchtime

Vendor set-up in assigned places after 5 p.m.

Barbecue contestants set up on Cherokee Avenue

6 p.m. -- Talent Contest preliminaries on the GRDA Stage

6 p.m. Treasure Hunt rules and details will be released

Saturday, May 1

10-11 a.m. -- Car Show registration and setup

10-11 a.m. -- Diamond Daze Cornhole Tournament sign-in

11 a.m. -- Cornhole Tournament begins

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- Children’s area opens

11 a.m. -- Talent Contest preliminaries (2nd Round) on the GRDA Stage

11 a.m. -- Taster kits go on sale for the barbecue contest

Noon to 4 p.m. -- Hot air balloon rides (weather permitting)

2 p.m. -- Barbecue Contest award presentations on the GRDA Stage

3-3:30 p.m. -- Local Singer Drake Hyde on the Pocket Park Stage

3:30 p.m. -- Award presentations for Car Show winners

3:30 p.m. -- Cornhole tournament awards

5 p.m. -- Music by the Black Diamonds on the Pocket Park Stage

6-8 p.m. -- Cruise Night on Cherokee Avenue

6:45 p.m. -- Final round of Talent Show -- Top three perform on the Main Event Stage

7-8:30 p.m. -- Crossroads -- Main Event Stage

9 p.m. -- Main attraction Greg “The Ultimate Aldean” West on the Main Event Stage

The deadline to enter the Finger Lickin’ Barbecue Contest has already passed, but talent show, car show, cornhole and treasure hunt participants can find entry forms at sallisawchamber.org, by calling (918) 775-2558 or stopping by the chamber office, 101 N. Wheeler.

The event will also feature a Children’s Zone, complete with inflatables and other fun activities.

Vendors are welcome to sign up for Diamond Daze for May 1. Arts and crafts vendors are free, as are businesses/chamber members/non-profits. Food vendors and food trucks are $50. Vendor applications are now available at the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce and the chamber’s webpage, where payment may also be made.

Green said the organizers of this event were thrilled to get Downtown Diamond Daze up and running again after the disappointment of last year’s cancellation of the festival because of the coronavirus.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer



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Arrest Warrant Issued for Failure to Register

Michael Richard Sivak Jr

An arrest warrant was issued April 15 for a Wagoner man accused of failing to register as a sex offender and living within 2,000 feet of a school, both felonies.

Michael Richard Sivak Jr., 36, faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine for not registering, and he faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000 on the second felony count.

On April 13, a Muldrow police officer was contacted by an employee of the Garvin County (Okla.) Sheriff’s Office in regard to Sivak, a registered sex offender. An unidentified caller had informed Garvin County that Sivak had moved to Muldrow without notifying them.

The Muldrow officer then went to the address provided and spoke with a female who said Sivak had married her daughter April 5. She stated that Sivak had stayed at that residence from April 8-12. The home is within 2,000 feet of Muldrow Elementary School.

A check of Sivak’s criminal history revealed that he was a registered sex offender as of 2019, but failed to register with the Muldrow Police Department for his stay, which lasted beyond the 72-hour limit, was within 2,000 feet of a school and he was at that residence with a juvenile without a self-referral to the Department of Human Services.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

TSET Healthy Living To Host Public Discussions Friday


The TSET Healthy Living Program will host public discussions at the Sallisaw Performing Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 23.

The free event, which will only take 15-30 minutes of your time, will allow area residents to discuss their creative ideas to promote health, perceived barriers to health and local resources. Light refreshments will be served.

The Performing Arts Center is at 601 W. Choctaw. For more information, visit the TSET Healthy Living Discussions Facebook page.



Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Late-Spring Cold Snap Expected Tuesday Night


Sequoyah County residents will be under a freeze warning from 11 p.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Wednesday as a strong cold front moves into the area.

The unprecedented cold snap is expected to bring freezing temperatures to Eastern Oklahoma and even the possibility of a light spring snowfall mixed with rain. Look out for frost over much of Northeastern Oklahoma. Temperatures are expected to dip throughout the day Tuesday as the cold front brings gusty north winds and sharply colder temperatures. Because temperatures have been so warm recently, little snow accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Max Smith, chairman of the Sallisaw Farmers Market, said Tuesday that folks with outdoor plants should be sure and cover them up overnight to protect them from the frigid temps, noting that if you use plastic to cover your plants, make sure it is not touching the plants. Also, Smith said, if you have a sprinkler on your fruit trees, turn it ON. The water will freeze on the blooms, leading to a big chunk of ice, Smith said, but it will also protect the buds from the freeze.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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CN unveils first electric transit and school buses in region



The Cherokee Nation on Monday unveiled its first public, rural eco-friendly electric buses to transport employees and tribal citizens to work and tribal health centers, and its first electric school bus, which is the first of its kind in the state of Oklahoma.

The two electric transit buses and new charging stations built to accommodate the vehicles were purchased through a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant awarded to the tribe in 2018, along with other funding sources, as part of Cherokee Nation’s ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint.


Cherokee Nation’s transit services produce more than 500,000 vehicle miles for an average of 110,000 riders each year within the tribe’s 14-county reservation in Northeast Oklahoma. Routes increase the mobility of Cherokee Nation citizens and for many, represent a lifeline to vital services.

The $375,000 electric school bus is for student transportation at Sequoyah High School.

“The Cherokee Nation has always been a leader in environmental conservation and forward-thinking efforts that will reduce harmful activities impacting our natural resources,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “As we work to reduce our carbon emmissions by 25 percent by 2027, we are wisely investing in sustainable projects that will have many long-term benefits. Our responsibility as stewards of the land, air and water will always be one of our most signficant values, and introducing these eco-friendly transit vehicles into our fleet is an example of how we can make a great difference in our environment.”

The tribe’s new electric buses will produce zero tailpipe emissions and are expected to reduce harmful carbon emissions within the tribe’s jurisdiction by more than 5 million pounds over the lifespan of the vehicles. The two new electric transit buses will be used to replace existing diesel-powered buses serving routes between Tahlequah and the Catoosa-area, and West Siloam Springs and Stilwell.

“Taking care of our land, our water and our air has always been important to Cherokees. We understand the sacred responsibility that comes with being good stewards of everything the Creator has given us,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “Replacing traditional transit buses with eco-friendly vehicles is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint we are leaving on the Earth.”

The Cherokee Nation is the only tribe in the country and the only entity in Oklahoma to receive federal grant funding in 2018 to purchase the two electric transit buses that will be used to transport tribal citizens and employees.

“I’m proud that the Cherokee Nation is continuing to lead the way among local, state and federal governments as well as tribal nations as we find new and innovate ways to better care for our environment,” said Cherokee Nation Secretary of Natural Resources Chad Harsha. “These new eco-friendly transit routes and our new electric school bus will soon be providing reliable transportation that helps our citizens and students.”

Monday’s announcement by the tribe is part of a week-long celebration of Earth Day. Activities include:

• Tuesday, April 20 – Tribal leaders met at 4 p.m. to celebrate after the Bee Conservancy awarded Cherokee Nation with a grant for two pollinator houses to be built at the tribe’s heirloom garden in Tahlequah, in addition to the 16 bee pollinator homes previously placed in the garden as part of First Lady January Hoskin’s initiative to boost the population of pollinators while improving the environment.

• Wednesday, April 21 – The Cherokee Nation will host an e-waste and battery recycling event from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah.

• Thursday, April 22 – On Earth Day, a solar panel roof installation will kick off at 1 p.m. at the Mid-County Community Building in the Peavine community of Adair County. Principal Chief Hoskin will also read an Earth Day proclamation celebrating the tribe’s clean energy initiatives such as investing millions of dollars into sustainable communities by providing solar panel roofs at Cherokee community buildings to lower utility costs and provide renewable energy upgrades.

• Friday, April 23 – The Cherokee Nation will hold a free drive-through tree giveaway to hand out 500 trees on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Cherokee Nation heirloom garden from noon to 2 p.m.



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Moffett Students Collect Items for Blessing Boxes

Students at Moffett School recently participated in a drive to collect items for area community blessing boxes. Over 5,000 cans of food, nonperishable items and personal care items were collected.

Shannon Edwards, sponsor for the Student Wealth Activity Team (SWAT) at Moffett and Brushy Schools, said there is a total of 12 students that are currently a part of SWAT. “I want to teach and encourage my students to give back to the community," Edwards said.  Edwards is also the school nurse for Moffett and Brushy schools. 

Nehemiah Reagan, a Moffett student, said, “Every day after school I would go into our pantry and fill up my backpack full of canned foods to take to school the next day. I didn’t care if I won the pizza party. I just wanted to help feed families in need.” 

“All five of my kids were nose to nose about who was filling up a bag from the pantry and bringing in the donations that day,” said Jessie Reagan, Nehemiah's mother.


After all donations were gathered on April 9, Edwards and the team went to Belfonte, Liberty and Muldrow to give a portion of donations to each blessing box.

Blessing Boxes can be found in Roland, Moffett, Gore, Sallisaw, Belfonte, Brushy, Vian, Muldrow, and Liberty communities.

For those wanting to donate or volunteer contact Lindsey Dyer at email Ldyer@peopleinc.org or Shannon Edwards at sedwards@moffett.k12.ok.us.

Anna Ramos, News Staff


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Monday, April 19, 2021

County Commissioners Announce Spring Cleanup Plans


Sequoyah County commissioners have announced their plans for this year’s Spring Cleanup.

District 2’s cleanup will be Saturday, April 24, and dumpsters will be placed west of Vian, by the railroad tracks in Marble City, at the West Tenkiller Fire Department and at Blue Water Boat & RV Storage at the intersection of Blackgum Landing Road and State Highway 100 (across from Blackgum Baptist Church).

In District 3, cleanup will continue for two days, Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25. Dumpsters will be placed at Pier 7, Old Blunt Baptist Church, Best Mart in Gans, the Brent Community Center in Gans, Anglen Grocery in Nicut, Akins Grocery (where the Dumpster usually sits. There is a water meter there now; please place trash beside the meter), the Rocky Point Fire Department, Gans School, Highway 59 (across from the old Sparks Convenience Store) and the Maple Fire Department (on the west side of the building).

District 1 Commissioner Ray Watts said that he will announce his district’s spring cleanup plans later this week.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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CASC Joins Other Community Colleges in Academic Partnership


Carl Albert State College, Connors State College and Eastern Oklahoma State College announced an academic partnership Thursday that will expand access and provide additional educational opportunities for students in Southeast Oklahoma.

The CACE Consortium, which is an acronym for Carl Albert, Connors and Eastern, includes the three rural, two-year colleges in Southeast Oklahoma. The three community colleges will partner to offer a wider variety of general education and major courses to students through faculty and course sharing.

The consortium was announced at a signing ceremony during a special meeting of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in Oklahoma City. The institutions’ presidents participated in the signing via a video feed into the Regents’ meeting.

Carl Albert State College President Dr. Jay Falkner praised the partnership as an innovative approach to help meet the needs of students in rural areas.

“This partnership is an important example of how institutions can work together to remove barriers to higher education and best serve the needs of all of our students and communities,” Falkner said. “Focusing our efforts on expanding access to additional courses will benefit all of our students. I am grateful for the cooperation and commitment shown by the academic leaders from all three institutions to make this partnership a reality.”




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Saturday, April 17, 2021

Vian Man Killed in Friday Collision


A 22-year-old Vian man died in a fatality collision on the Muskogee Turnpike Friday evening.

Steven Reaves was pronounced deceased at the scene by Muskogee EMS with trunk internal, head, arm and leg injuries.

The collision occurred nine miles south of Muskogee.

Two semis were also involved in the accident. Both drivers refused treatment at the scene.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) report, the cause of the accident is under investigation. The report states that it was raining at the time of the accident and the roadway was wet.

Keefton and Webber Falls Fire Departments assisted the OHP at the scene.


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Friday, April 16, 2021

Health Department to Offer Vaccines Saturday


The Sequoyah County Health Department will be providing the Moderna  COVID-19 vaccine from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 17, by appointment and walk-ins.

The Health Department has also announced that it is returning to its regular services, which will be offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call (918) 775-6201 to make an appointment.

COVID-19 testing is available at the Health Department from 8-10 a.m. on Mondays, and vaccines will be given during the week by appointment and walk-ins from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Thursday, April 15, 2021

Search Continues for Armed Gunman Involved in Roland Standoff


Authorities are searching a Roland residence in an attempt to locate an alleged armed gunman.

The incident has lasted several hours with multiple armed law enforcement officers surrounding a residence on W. Howard Street. 

Officials stated that the standoff began when Cherokee Nation Marshals, accompanied by a SWAT team, attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Justin Sharp (age unknown). Sharp allegedly pulled a gun on a police officer Tuesday during a traffic stop. He then led officers on a high speed chase before escaping on foot.

When officers approached the residence on Thursday, Sharp allegedly fired shots and announced that he would harm himself or anyone that attempted to enter the home.

Officers could be heard using a loud speaker repeatedly trying to talk Sharp out of the house. Neighbors stated that a woman and child originally in the home were able to get out safely early in the incident.

Witnesses report that officers were eventually able to blow in the door of the residence and gain entry. Authorities are still inside the residence at this time searching for Sharp. Neighbors state that officers are removing ceiling tiles and searching the attic at this time.

We will update this story and bring you more details as they become available.



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Roland Teen Has Successful Eyeglass Drive

Cambrey Jo Hull, Oklahoma Miss United States Agriculture, presenting Destry Graham of the Sallisaw Lions Club with donated prescription eyeglasses, eyeglass cases and prescription lenses.

Cambrey Jo Hull of Roland, Oklahoma Miss United States Agriculture, recently held an eyeglass drive in hopes of raising awareness of vision problems in children and adults. After the completion of her drive, Hull had collected 476 new and gently used prescription eyeglasses, 180 eyeglass cases and 2,136 prescription lenses.

Today, more than 250 million people are blind or have moderate to severe distance-vision impairment and nearly 1.1 billion people have near-vision impairment simply because they do not have a pair of glasses. Statistics show that unaddressed distance-vision impairment in many low- and middle-income regions is four times higher than in high-income regions.

Hull partnered with the Sallisaw Lions Club, which has an eyeglass program called OneSight. The program is committed to improving vision for the less fortunate. The Lions Club has a long history of serving the blind and visually impaired, and remains committed to continuing that mission into its next century of service.

Hull is a junior at Roland High School. She will be competing at the National Miss United States Agriculture Pageant in Orlando, Fla., in June.




Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Chief Hoskin signs ‘Mankiller/Soap Water Act’


Cherokee Nation leaders gathered with community members in Bell on Wednesday to celebrate the official signing of the Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act, new legislation proposed by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and unanimously approved by the Council of the Cherokee Nation earlier this week.

The act will inject at least $2 million in additional funding each year into the Cherokee Nation’s efforts at eliminating barriers to clean water access in the reservation. The act will also develop expert recommendations and help find solutions to remedy any deficiencies that negatively impact the health, safety and overall quality of life of Cherokee citizens.

“The Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act is a move in the right direction to ensure that everyone on the Cherokee Nation Reservation will be free of any barriers to accessing clean, safe water,” Chief Hoskin said. “Addressing individual and community infrastructure needs is critical. Although the Cherokee Nation invests substantial funding every year into improving water systems in Cherokee communities, we must expand our efforts and continue studying, identifying, and addressing the issues of our water systems. The Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act allows us to do that not only by identifying Cherokee citizens who continue to struggle with access to clean water, but by also providing the additional funding we need to ensure access to quality water systems for our Cherokee communities.”

The act is named in honor of former Principal Chief Wilma P. Mankiller and former Executive Director of Community Service Charlie Soap, who worked to create and improve water access in communities now serviced by the Cherry Tree Rural Water District, including the historic Bell water line in Adair County. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the historic Bell water line project, which Mankiller and Soap began planning as community organizers under the administration of former Principal Chief Ross Swimmer in 1981.

“Each and every time I visit the community of Bell here in beautiful Adair County, I can’t help but to think about the legacy left by former Chief Mankiller and Mr. Charlie Soap,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “These two Cherokees rallied a community to come together as one and to do the hard work it took to build that water line. Today, I think this new legislation is going to honor their efforts and give us the resources to make sure no Cherokee is left without access to a safe supply of water here in the Cherokee Nation reservation.”

The new law will require the Cherokee Nation Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, formerly known as the Community Services department, to conduct biennial studies and identify Cherokees who lack access to water systems. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will develop a plan of action to provide access to each Cherokee citizen identified through the studies. It will also identify the number of Cherokee citizens within each county of the Cherokee Nation reservation whose access to water is limited to a well water supply, and develop long-term strategies to bring rural water access to as many Cherokee citizens as possible.

“I want to thank the administration, the Council and the people that made this possible. A lot of credit goes to many people,” Soap said. “Most of all I want to say thank you to the community people that came out and worked in the hot sun and the cold winter days to put this water line in place [40 years ago]. Not only did they complete it, but they set a precedent for other communities. It inspired the community, it inspired gadugi. That spirit is still alive, we just need to recognize it and call on the people. They’ll help. Everybody working together – gadugi – is what made this possible.”

Under the new law, Cherokee Nation will prioritize low-income applicants for individual assistance. It will also help remove some barriers to assisting individuals, such as issues with land title.

Funding for community water system projects will prioritize rural water systems based on infrastructure deficiencies.

“Since 2015, I bet I’ve received thousands of calls relating to issues that this act covers,” said District 8 Tribal Councilor Shawn Crittenden, lead sponsor of the act. “This really is huge. Simply working together, listening, realizing we all have the same goals, can really, really impact our people in a positive way, as this does. Having the Mankiller and Soap names attached makes it even better.”

The law will also require the tribe to specifically conduct a comprehensive infrastructure analysis of the Cherry Tree Rural Water District in Adair County, including recommendations and cost estimates for necessary improvements.

The minimum of $2 million of additional annual general-fund dollars called for in the act effectively doubles the amount Cherokee Nation spends from the tribe’s own revenues. Cherokee Nation also spends federal funds on individual and community water system projects. Chief Hoskin said he hopes to also leverage these additional tribal funds to bring millions more in federal funding to water projects.

“This legislation is such a big deal for not just Adair County, but for all of the Cherokee Nation reservation,” said District 7 Tribal Councilor Canaan Duncan. “Work has already begun in Adair County and I know it has in other places. I’m just super thankful to be a part of that for all of our constituents.”

Chief Hoskin signed the act into law near the Bell water tower and a portion of the historic Bell water line project constructed in southeast Adair County.



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CN Sets April 17 Drive-Through Vaccine Clinic in Roland

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The Cherokee Nation is hosting a drive-through COVID-19 vaccination event that is open to the public at the Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17.

Cherokee Nation Health Services will administer 1,000 vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis to any member of the public 18 years of age or older, including residents of Arkansas. Vaccinations will be offered without an appointment or any pre-registration requirements.

“The Cherokee Nation works hard each and every day to be a good neighbor and a good partner, and providing this important vaccine to the public is one more way we can do that,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “No matter where you live and regardless of whether you are a Cherokee citizen, we encourage you to visit one of our drive-through events or to reach out to our health services team to schedule your visit at one of our health centers.”

Any member of the public, regardless of residency, is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Cherokee Nation Health Services drive-through events or by scheduling an appointment at any of the tribe’s nine outpatient health centers in Northeast Oklahoma.

“Vaccinating outside of our health centers has allowed us the opportunity to connect with our communities in such a positive way, and providing them with hope through the vaccine is truly a blessing,” Cherokee Nation Health Services Executive Director Dr. R. Stephen Jones said.

Those looking to schedule their vaccine at a health center can call (539) 234-4099 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. No registration paperwork is required before calling and same-day appointments may be available.

“The vaccine events at our casinos have proven to be a great success at getting our communities and neighbors vaccinated,” said Cherokee Nation Health Services Deputy Executive Director Wayne Coldwell. “Our health team has done a great job at preparing for each event and our operations are smoother at each one. I’m so appreciative of their willingness to work long hours on the weekends to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Since receiving its first distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in December, the Cherokee Nation has administered more than 50,000 doses.

Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is at 109 Cherokee Blvd. in Roland.



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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Summer Children’s EBT Nutrition Program Resumes


Funds for the USDA’s Summer EBT for Children program are available once again for those households that received free or reduced school meals at a participating school. Households must apply online by April 15 to receive a Summer Nutrition EBT card.

The Cherokee Nation’s WIC Nutrition Program administers the Summer Nutrition Project, which is only available to those students eligible for free or reduced school meals during summer months when school is not in session.

Students do not need to be tribal members to apply. This is not the WIC program, but it provides the same foods WIC does. The Summer Nutrition Card works like a debit card. Food is loaded onto your Summer Nutrition Card before you receive it for three benefit periods. Each school-age child in the household will receive food on the Summer Nutrition Card for each of the summer months. You can use your Summer Nutrition Card at grocery stores that accept the Cherokee Nation eWIC card.


For more information, call the Summer Nutrition Project team at (539) 234-3265 or toll-free at (800) 256-0671, extensions 5257 or 5589. You can also email WICSEBTC@cherokee.org.



Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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Board Welcomes New City Commissioners

Judge John Cripps (left) swore in new city commissioners 
Kristen Peerson (middle) and Josh Bailey at Monday's meeting.

The Board of Sallisaw City Commissioners welcomed two new members at their April meeting Monday.

Judge John Cripps was on hand at the beginning of the meeting to swear in new Ward 2 Commissioner Josh Bailey and Ward 4 Commissioner Kristin Peerson and present them with certificates.

The commissioners then moved on to their consent agenda, where they cast official ballots for Mike Bailey, city manager of Bartlesville, and Craig Stephenson, city manager of Ponca City, to the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group. The panel also approved Mayor Ernie Martens’ reappointment of Matt Duke to the Sallisaw Planning Commission for a three-year term ending in April 2024.

In other business, the commissioners:

*Approved the issuance of audit engagement letters with FSW&B, CPAs PLLC of Stillwater for Fiscal Year 2021 audit services and landfill calculations

*Approved the issuance of a letter of engagement for professional services with RS Meacham, CPAs and Advisors of Clinton for consulting services related to financial matters for the City of Sallisaw

*Approved a $23,500 purchase order for a traffic control video detection system to be placed at the intersection of Kerr and Cherokee boulevards

*Approved an airport coronavirus response grant offer in the amount of $13,000 for the Sallisaw Municipal Airport

*Approved a business terms agreement with Tillman Infrastructure for negotiation of a lease agreement for the construction of a communications tower

*Discussed and considered the approval of an interlocal agreement between Sequoyah County and the City of Sallisaw concerning county road and bridge maintenance and other repairs

*Reviewed and discussed an ordinance that established regulations for transient merchants within Sallisaw city limits.


Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer


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