Barn, Trailer Reported a Total Loss

Firefighters from Gans, Redland and Muldrow battled a barn fire west of Gans off State Highway 141 on Tuesday morning. Muldrow Fire Chief Allen Faulkner said the barn, a travel trailer parked next to the barn, and items stored in the barn were a total loss. Faulkner said the Muldrow and Redland fire departments were called in to assist the Gans Fire Department with the fire. He said between 20 and 25 firemen fought the blaze for two to three hours.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Expanded Health Center Opens

The Cherokee Nation opened its new $10.7 million Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw on Monday. At the ribbon cutting, above, are (from left to right) Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor Frankie Hargis, Dental Director Dr. Stephen Jones, CNCR Executive General Manager Cheryl Cohenour, Health Services Executive Director Connie Davis, Health Services Deputy Executive Director Dr. Charles Grim, Tribal Councilors David Thornton and Joe Byrd, Cherokee Spiritual Leader Crosslin Smith, Health Services Executive Medical Director Dr. Roger Montgomery, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Janelle Fullbright, Secrectary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr., Little Cherokee Ambassador Ashlin Sutton, CNB Executive Vice President Chuck Garrett, Little Cherokee Ambassador Chase Lowrey, Treasurer Lacey Horn, Little Cherokee Ambassador Lauryn McCoy and Jr. Miss Cherokee Chelbie Turner.

The 30,000-square-foot expansion doubles the size of the existing health center. The annex features a new physical therapy department, mammography and drive-thru pharmacy, as well as a built-in community safe room.

The new annex features paintings from Sequoyah County natives, mother and son, Mary Adair and Daniel HorseChief, as well as Jeff Edwards, Marion Goodwin and Raymond Bolin.

The tribe completed a $4 million renovation of Redbird Smith Health Center's main building last year, adding dental space, a new fitness room, six rooms that double as storm shelters and a large community room available for rent by the public for $75.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Water District #3 Lifts Boil Advisory

Rural Water District #3, which serves the Hanson, Central and Gans areas, lifted a precautionary boil advisory on Tuesday. A spokesman for the district said a series of tests were done on the water and it was found to meet regulatory drinking water standards, and is safe to drink. The advisory was issued last week when the saturated ground, caused by heavy rains, resulted in a broken pipe. The water district's maintenance department has been working on repairs ever since, and reports further work may be required.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Wildlife Refuge Open, Kerr Dam Releasing Water

The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, south of Vian, is open again, after it was closed earlier due to flooding on the Arkansas River and in the refuge. Refuge Assistant Manager Scott Gilje said Tuesday, "Stoney Point Boat Ramp is the only one closed. They are releasing water at (Robert S.) Kerr Lock and Dam, and the water level is dropping." Robert S. Kerr Lock & Dam is releasing 340,000 cubic feet of water per second, in an effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, to minimize the risk of flooding in the region. Gilje said visitors may check on the refuge by visiting the refuge Facebook page or by calling the refuge at (918)773-5251.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Free@YourLibrary--Summer Programs

Free programs for all ages will be offered in June at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw, Bethia Owens, librarian announced. Following is the schedule. For information about any of the programs contact the library at (918)775-4481.

*Story Time for preschoolers is held at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the library.

*Kindersongs-Rollicking Good Time Music for Kids, 10:30 a.m. June 4 at the Sallisaw Civic Center for school age children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Brian Kinder is a singer and songwriter who along with his wife Ms. Terri, performs rollicking good time concerts for kids. Their music invites audience participation.

*Animal Avengers Heroes of the Wild at 10:30 a.m. June 11 at the Sallisaw Civic Center for school age children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Animal Avengers will feature live wildlife from around the world that possess unique abilities. The audience will interact with the animals through hands-on volunteering, questions and answers and crowd participation activities.

*Hero Day at 10:30 a.m. June 18 at the library parking lot. Children may visit with local police officers and firemen and see their vehicles.

*Ann Lincoln, Magician, at 10:30 a.m. June 25 at the Sallisaw Civic Center. Ann Lincoln will perform amazing feats of strength and courage in her magic, juggling and comedy show. Ann is inspired by the people and characters in books she reads, when she finds out that "Every hero has a story."

*Zooperheroes! at 10:30 a.m. June 26 at the library. For all ages presented by the Oklahoma City Zoo. Do bats have Super Sonar Lenses like Batman? How do spiders climb on walls like the Amazing Spider-Man? Is there a creature who can smash with the power of the Incredible Hulk? Meet such critters through interactive demos, role play and stories and explore animals that inspire super heroes.

*Teen Service Projects at 2 p.m. every Wednesday when teen will learn, safely, about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM.

*PiYo at 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the library, for adults. This is an exercise class that is a combination of Pilates and Yoga. Those wishing to participate must contact the library to pre-register. The class size is limited, but a waiting list will be kept to replace drop outs or perhaps schedule a second class.

Owens concluded about June's schedule, "We are a very busy place."

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Son Allegedly Stabs Father in Arm

A son allegedly stabbed his father in the arm on Saturday and is being sought for the assault.

The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department reported a deputy was called to a residence on State Highway 101 at about 5 p.m. about an assault and battery at the residence. The deputy spoke with Patrick Mitchell who reported he had been stabbed in the left arm by his son, Jeremy. According to the deputy's report, Patrick Mitchell said he came out of his son's home when his son came out from the residence next door. Patrick Mitchell said Jeremy yelled at him, "Where is the party?" and started walking toward him. Patrick Mitchell said that, since he and his son have had trouble in the past, he got in his vehicle, rolled up the windows and locked the doors. But, he reported, Jeremy broke the driver's side window with his fist and stabbed his father in the arm. Patrick Mitchell reported Jeremy yelled he was going to kill him. Patrick Mitchell then started the vehicle and backed out of the driveway, as Jeremy chased him. Patrick Mitchell said he drove to another residence and called 911.

The deputy also spoke with a nearby witness who confirmed the story. He said he heard glass break, and saw Jeremy Mitchell chasing Patrick Mitchell, who was in a vehicle and backing out of the driveway of the residence. The deputy looked for Jeremy Mitchell but was unable to locate him. The deputy reported Patrick Mitchell had a one-inch stab wound to the upper left arm. Sheriff Ron Lockhart said a warrant will most likely be issued for Jeremy Mitchell's arrest. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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

     

Bennett Explains Vote on Road, Bridges Money

State Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw) said recently he voted in favor of a bill that would affect the County Improvement for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) fund with "great reservation."

Bennett said, "My county commissioners did not support taking any money from the CIRB fund, but after months of negotiations between the Senate, House and governor this is the agreement we had before us. The CIRB funds are very important for the districts across the state of Oklahoma, especially in rural districts. I voted yes because the Oklahoma Legislature is constitutionally bound to balance the budget. I also voted yes because we were able to protect the five-year plan for the county roads and bridges. This bill will not delay any projects."

Bennett said that it was not long ago that there was no money in the CIRB fund.

"The Democratic-controlled House and Senate never gave money for these projects." Bennett said. "It was once the Republicans took control that we allocated money for the roads and bridges across the state and for the counties. There is currently approximately $230 million dollars in the CIRB Fund, $37 million was taken out of the FY2015 fund, then an additional $13 million was taken out of CIRB for a total of approximately $50 million. FY2016 $21 million was taken out of CIRB for a total of approximately $70 million. Even though this money was taken out of CIRB there is still approximately $230 million in CIRB and an additional $120 million will be added to CIRB for a total of $450 million dollars. 

"Every fiscal year there will be an annual deposit into CIRB which will be capped at $120 million," Bennett continued. "There will be enough money to fund the five-year plan for fixing county roads and bridges. It was not an optimal plan but it was necessary to balance the entire state budget. Sometimes leaders have to make unpopular decisions. This is one of those instances where I had to make the right decision to ensure we balance the budget. I support programs that repair and build up our infrastructure and I did all I could to protect the five-year plan for future improvements in our counties."

The legislation was approved and now awaits consideration by the Oklahoma Senate.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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