Suspects Arrested in Hit-and-Run Case

Chandler, Kelton             Sutton, Precious

Sallisaw police have arrested two persons believed involved in a hit-and-run on Tuesday that left a male victim in critical condition.

Capt. Jeff Murray said Kelton Chandler, 24, and Precious Sutton, 22, were arrested early Wednesday. Chandler was booked into the city jail on charges of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, leaving the scene of an accident in which there were injuries, and child endangerment. Sutton was booked for being an accessory to a felony. Both were transported to the Sequoyah County Jail after their arrest.

The couple’s three children, ages 5 and 2 years old and 10 months old, were placed in the custody of a relative. The three children and their parents, Chandler and Sutton, were all in the vehicle when the alleged hit-and-run took place, Murray said.

The suspect's vehicle, a gold Buick LeSabre, was found at about 1 a.m. Wednesday near Lake Tenkiller, Murray said. The car was reported to have an Arkansas tag, which helped investigators find the vehicle and the suspects.

Murray said the hit-and-run occurred at about 5 p.m. Tuesday on Hickory Street, near Charlie’s Chicken on Cherokee Street in Sallisaw.

The hit-and-run victim is Daren Nibarger, 38, of Sallisaw. He is reported in critical condition with head injuries in Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.

Murray said witnesses reported Nibarger yelled at the vehicle to slow down shortly before being struck.

Murray said, “It is my understanding that a verbal altercation began which evolved into a physical altercation. Nibarger ran to the north and seconds later was struck by the vehicle, which was being driven backward at the time.”

Murray said it is believed that the suspects are originally from northwest Arkansas and recently moved to near Lake Tenkiller and Fin and Feather Resort.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Man Struck in Hit-and Run, Police Search for Vehicle Involved

One individual has been transported by Life Flight after being struck in a hit-and-run accident. 

Eye witnesses report that a male individual was exiting a vehicle near the corner of Hickory and Cherokee near Charlie's Chicken when he was struck by another vehicle which left the scene.

Police are searching for a gold 4-door Buick with Arkansas license plate 843-UKU. The vehicle should have a damaged, driver's side tail light, according to Sallisaw Chief of Police Terry Franklin. The identity of the driver is unknown at this time.

The name of the injured individual has not been released. Reports indicate that he sustained severe head injuries.

If you see the vehicle please contact the Sallisaw Police Dept. at 918-775-4141.

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Blood Drive T-shirts Are OU Crimson or OSU Orange

Oklahoma Blood Institute is kicking off football season with this season’s new “Win from Within” Bedlam t-shirts!

Walmart Sallisaw will host a blood drive with Oklahoma Blood Institute from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 9 on the bloodmobile. 

All donors will receive a free t-shirt in their choice of OU crimson or OSU orange.

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can make a life-saving difference for their fellow Oklahomans by giving blood. 

“Whether you bleed crimson or orange, our love of football runs deep here in Oklahoma,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute, “But saving the lives of our neighbors and friends through blood donation takes the definition of winning to a new level.”

Health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable for gift cards and apparel in Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store, are provided to donors. If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, funds will be given to Global Blood Fund, a charity organization helping to procure much-needed blood center supplies in developing countries.

Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling Greg at 479-652-2362.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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County Relief Efforts Continue

Relief efforts for those suffering from Hurricane Harvey continue throughout the nation and in Sequoyah County.

Sonic Drive In and Journey Church in Sallisaw and Sallisaw’s Garden Walk Apartments and affiliates are all accepting donations for the victims in Texas.

Sonic Drive In and Journey Church will be accepting donations through Friday for delivery by volunteers over the weekend.

Denise Norvell of Sonic said, “I’ve got 30 cases of water coming in for Texas.”

The apartment complexes, which include Garden Walk and Rose Rock in Sallisaw and Savannah Park in Vian, will be accepting donations through Sept. 9. However, they plan the first delivery on Thursday.

Items most needed are:

*bottled water

*blankets

*baby diapers of all sizes and wipes

*baby formula and baby food

*canned food items of all kinds

*toiletries such as toilet paper, shampoo, body soap, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, etc.

*towels and washcloths

*clothing of all sizes and varieties for men, women, infants and children

*new socks and underwear

*cleaning supplies

*dog and cat food

In addition Fred Chapman of Vian recommends donation be made for the hurricane and flood victims through Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Donations may be made on the organization’s web site at sheedogia.org through Pay Pal. Information on donating is available on the web site in the top right hand corner.

Chapman said the organization, although small, is made up of first responders and retired military.

The Sheep Dog chapter in Benton, Ark., is sending a team to Houston and the surrounding area to offer whatever aid is needed.

“It’s just a little outfit of trained, dedicated people who want to help,” Chapman said.

Donations may also be made through the Red Cross by donating on the Red Cross web site, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by texting HARVEY to 90999, which automatically donates $10 to the Red Cross.

To donate to the Salvation Army visit their web site at helpsalvationarmy.org , call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or text STORM to 51555.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Autism Screenings Will Be Offered Sept. 25

The Pervasive Parenting Center (PPC) will provide free autism screenings from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 25. The screenings will be by appointment only at Carl Albert State College in Sallisaw.

Kodey Toney, PPC director, said, “Thanks to training from the Oklahoma Autism Center, and a donation from the Cherokee Nation, the PPC will offer screening services in the area on a monthly basis. We know that early identification and intervention are key to ensure optimal outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.”

Toney continued, “The initial stage in this process is awareness and screening. That is why we are doing this.”

Toney said screening provides families who have concerns about their child's development to quickly and efficiently find out if their child is at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and needs further assessment.

Screening is not the same thing as diagnostic evaluation and cannot identify whether a child does or does not have autism. Instead, screening is a tool, or stepping stone, that can determine what the next step should be. If you have concerns about your child's development, screening can show possible risk for ASD or other delays and what sort of further assessment may be needed. All screenings include resources and referrals to help the family take the next steps toward providing for their child's long-term developmental health.

“We saw a need in the area,” said Toney. “We have some screening resources in the area, but they are very limited, and have become harder to access. This is something that we can offer and bring to families if necessary.”

According to the Center for Disease Control 1 in 68 are diagnosed with the neurological disorder. ASD affects children’s social and language skills. The PPC was created to help families in eastern Oklahoma find resources available for people with disabilities. For more information, or for an appointment call (918) 647-1255, or tyarbery@pervasiveparentingcenter.org.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Local Man Wins Art Show Grand Prize

Daniel Horsechief said his painting “Generations” was inspired by his mother, 

Mary Adair of Sequoyah County.

The Cherokee National Historical Society announced the winners of the 22nd Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show at an awards reception Friday night.

Cherokee Nation citizen Daniel Horsechief of rural Sallisaw was awarded the grand prize for his visual arts piece titled “Generations.”

“The piece was inspired by my mother and pays tribute to women and their role in our culture,” said Horsechief. “I’ve been participating in these shows for a long time, and I am honored and humbled to receive this award. To me, this recognition means sharing. Not only are we sharing a part of who we are as artists, but we’re taking on the responsibility of sharing the culture and art of the Cherokee people.”

The premier Cherokee art show features 115 pieces by 70 artists divided into two divisions: traditional and contemporary.

The traditional division is defined as “arts originating before European contact” and consists of three categories: basketry, pottery and traditional arts.

The contemporary division is defined as “arts arising among the Cherokee after European contact” and consists of seven categories: paintings, sculpture, pottery, basketry, beadwork, jewelry and textiles.

“This show is an incredible testament to the creativity, interpretative skills and quality of Cherokee artists, and we celebrate the opportunity to share their work with thousands of visitors during the Cherokee National Holiday,” said Dr. Charles Gourd, executive director of the Cherokee Heritage Center. “We want to thank all of the artists for their dedication to their craft and for their work that supports our mission to preserve, promote and teach Cherokee history and culture.”

Artists competed for a share of more than $10,000 in prize money, sponsored by Cherokee Nation Businesses.

For a complete list of winners and photos from the reception, please visit www.Anadisgoi.com.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is the premier cultural center for Cherokee history, culture and the arts. It is located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Sallisaw Main Street Launches New Web Site

Sallisaw Main Street has launched a new web site that will keep the community updated on the activities of the organization that promotes the city.

“We are so happy to announce the launching of our Sallisaw Main Street web site. This site has been tailor made to reflect our purpose in the community and our accomplishments thus far. Please access our web site at sallisawmainstreet.org and catch up on our upcoming events. If you have a passion for our community we invite you to log on to our website for more information concerning our organization. Come grow with us!” the web site announces.

Sallisaw Main Street lists the organization’s purpose, its programs and its events.

The next event is Thursday Night Local on Sept. 21 on the lawn at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library. This event includes food – Indian tacos and funnel cakes – made by Sallisaw Main Street members themselves in their own food trucks. Thursday night includes pop up shops of all kinds, music and a movie aimed at families. “The Secret Life of Pets” is the movie scheduled for Sept. 21.

Participants may also sign up for the annual BBQ and Band Fest, held April 20 and 21 this year, and the annual Cruizin’ 64 Car Show and Blues Fest that will be held Oct. 13 and 14 this year. This event also includes a chili cookoff.

Information is also available on the site about Main Street’s grant and Brick Paver programs, both designed to enhance downtown Sallisaw.

The web site announces to everyone that “Sallisaw Main Street has it all!”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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