Muddy Roads Cause Accident in Dewey County
One person was hospitalized with injuries sustained in an accident in Dewey County shortly after 12:30 this morning. Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Jennifer Tapaha, 19, of Seiling, was a passenger in a vehicle that slid off a county road and rolled over after the driver of the vehicle lost control due to muddy road conditions. Tapaha is listed in stable condition.
Elk City Commissioners Sign Contract on Industrial Park Land
Elk City Commissioners, serving in their role as members of the Industrial Authority, announced yesterday that they have signed a contract to purchase 130 acres for a new Industrial Park. The land is north and east of the intersection of 20th Street and Falcon Road. Jim Mason, Director of Economic and Community Development said the Commission recognized the need for a new industrial park due to the lack of space in the City’s current park. Mason also said the City is initiating meetings with the Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority to explore the possibilities of applying for a Federal Economic Development Administration grant to assist with developing streets and infrastructure in the Park.
Winter Weather Cause of Accident in Grady County
An Elk City man suffered only a hand injury in an accident in Grady County yesterday that claimed the life of a teen from Alex. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 44 year old Sanford Hicks of Elk City, was driving East on State Highway 19 and struck a pickup driven by 18 year old Cody Alexander of Alex when Alexander lost control of the truck due to slush on the road and went into a broad slide. Alexander was pinned inside his truck for about 45 minutes.
Elk City Man Charged in Beckham County Court
An Elk City man is charged in Beckham County District Court with “Lewd or Indecent Proposals or Acts to a Child Under 16” and “Lewd Molestation”. Darrell Toler, 47, allegedly engaged in lewd acts and inappropriately touched a 7-year-old child.
Embezzlement Charges Filed Against Elk City Man
An Elk City man is charged in Beckham County District Court with “Embezzlement”. Jonathan Snowder, 28, allegedly took just over $6300 in checks from Guardian Oilfield Services that were to be made out to and to be deposited into the account of Sooner Rubber Products. However, the authorizes contend that the checks were deposited and/or cashed at the banking establishment where Snowder has an account.
Thomas Fay Custer District Adopts Resolution
The Thomas Fay Custer School Board of Education has adopted a resolution presented by the OSSBA to request that the Oklahoma Legislature provide an additional two years to fully implement current reform efforts. Superintendent Rob Royalty says it has to do with the new teacher evaluation system. Royalty said the OSSBA is asking for the delay until there is something concrete in place.
City of Clinton Receives Check from AMBUCS
The City of Clinton was presented a check of nearly $4600 from AMBUCS at this week’s City Council meeting. City Manager Steve Hewitt said the funds will be used for a handicap lift at the swimming pool. AMBUCS partnered with the City and other civic organizations to raise the funds presented to the City.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
City Council Rejects Healthy Community Resolutions
The Clinton City Council decided to reject five ordinances and a resolution surrounding Healthy Communities. The proposed policies addressed tobacco licensing and restrictions, establishment of a Farmers Market, and a complete street philosophy. Councilman Bob Marcy said the proposals were “too restrictive”. The proposals were presented by Alicia Howe, a member of the Custer County Health Action Team.
New Economic Development Committee Created by City Council
The Clinton City Council voted in favor of the creation of an Economic Development Advisory Committee with the Chamber of Commerce. The Council approved the new committee creation with the amendment of adding Councilman Jason Hulin as a member of the committee.
County Commissioners Approve Grant Application
On Tuesday, Custer County Commissioners approved an application for grant dollars. Emergency Management Director Mike Galloway said the County is seeking $10,000.00 in grant monies. Next week commissioners will consider an agreement with the City of Clinton and Custer County to consider an administrative fee for applying for grant monies for the City of Clinton.
Ambulance District Election Approved for Thomas-Fay-Custer District
Custer County Commissioners have approved a resolution and proclamation for an election for the establishment of an ambulance district for the Thomas-Fay-Custer School District. Jeff Gose, Thomas Mayor, said the reason for trying to establish the ambulance district comes from Sinor EMS advising that service in that area would be discontinued. Chair of the Commissioners, James Covey, said they only possible legal conflict may be with Blaine County. Blaine County already has ambulance service and the called for election must fall within the entire school district. The proposal, which calls for an annual recurring Ad Valorem tax of 3 mills, will be held May 14, 2013.
Three Face Additional Charged in Beckham County
Three people, who already face charges in Beckham County District Court for embezzlement from the Beckham County Rural Water District #2 in Erick, now face additional allegations of trafficking in food stamps. Billie Jean West (60 years of age), Ronald West (65 years of age), and Sheila Elizondo (37 years of age), all of Erick, are proprietors of the 4-E Drive Thru. It is alleged they had suspiciously large transactions at the drive thru, with a number of transactions over $200.00. Court records show clients made voluntary statements that they paid with their SNAP Benefit EBT card for purchases that included cigarettes, hot meal, and non-food items, and were charged more than what they owed when they paid with their EBT card.
