A substantial donation was made on her behalf to ensure that children and their families would receive the kind of Christmas that many of us enjoy and are blessed with every year. Mothers and fathers who perhaps would not be able to afford to purchase clothes or toys for their children or even a Christmas dinner will now be possible because of the kindness of one woman With her donation 35 children and / or families received gifts, hams and turkeys from a list of over 100 people that was provided to the Altus Police Department from the local office of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, local churches, local educators, local home health affiliates and local law enforcement. Cookies With Santa Event Held Saturday, Dec.

16 CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: ____________________________________________ MONDAY CANDY CANE CASH WINNER The Monday Main Street Altus’ Candy Cane Cash “Sweet”stakes number is: 2152362 a red Ticket is from Rejuvenate Med Spa Winner must call the Main Street Altus o ffice at 482-2277 and come by 215 North Main for ticket number verification and to claim the $1000. The ticket holder will have 24 hours to claim prize. If no winner comes forward another ticket will be drawn and announced on Tuesday, December 19, at 9:05 a.m. Voters Should Apply Early for Absentee Ballots Voters in Jackson County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the Jan. 9, 2018 Blair School District Special Bond Election, should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Jennifer L. Wilson said today.

Get the latest breaking news across the U.S. On ABCNews.com. This project is supported by Award No. 2011-IJ-CX-0024, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of the author(s) an. The Police Podcast. The Police Podcast.

Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 PM on Jan. 3, 2018 Wilson urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early. Absentee ballot application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 101 N. Main, Rm#105, Altus. An online version of the form can be filled out and submitted electronically at:. A print form can also be downloaded at that address.

“At least two mail transactions must be made,” Wilson said. “The County Election Board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail.” Ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board officials by 7 PM on Election Day in order to be counted. Wilson said that any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he/she is eligible to vote. However, a voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district or a municipality to be eligible to vote in school district or municipal elections. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee. “While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several advantages to absentee voters in some categories,” Wilson said.

By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, absentee voters can activate some special conditions that make is easier for them to use absentee ballots. The reasons are: • Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An Absentee Voting Board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot. • Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible to receive absentee ballots. These voters may apply only by mail, by fax, or by email.

Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in their units for application forms and additional information or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website () for more information and instructions. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any United States military installation and from United States Embassies and Consulates as well as on the FVAP website. FOUR DRUG RELATED ARRESTS MADE BY ALTUS POLICE During the apprehension of this suspect, three other individuals were taken into custody. A search warrant was executed on the two separate rooms where the suspects were staying at the motel. During that search, investigators discovered narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, weapons, cash and a police scanner. Those three individuals were Eric Cantu, 26, Bryan Torres, 28, and a female Kristen Wright, 23. They were arrested on charges of 1- Trafficking a Controlled and Dangerous Substance, 2- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony Crime, 3- Possession of a Police Scanner in the Commission of a Crime and 4- Harboring a Fugitive.

According to Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy, all four suspects are being held at the Jackson County Jail awaiting their initial appearance in Jackson County District Court. Assisting in the arrests and investigation was the District III Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and Agents from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The City of Altus is proud to announce that Fire Chief Kyle Davis is one of the most recent graduates of the Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program. The Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program is a partnership between Oklahoma State University – Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University Fire and Emergency Management Administration, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association, Oklahoma State Firefighters Association, and the Council on Firefighter Training. The 160-hour program utilizes the curriculum from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute and has been developed to bring the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career. Chief Davis stated, “I want to thank the Citizens of Altus, City Council and the City Staff for allowing me the time to attend this unique course in leadership. I have learned a lot about myself and different techniques in leadership, which I will be able to help the City of Altus through mentorship and passing on my new knowledge of leadership to the fire department staff and other staff members of the City of Altus.” The City of Altus congratulates Fire Chief Davis in this special achievement.

Desiree McKee won the first KWHW/KQ-106 Bill-Free Christmas drawing. It was for approximately $500 in gift certificates. Desiree entered the drawing at Life Is A Batch Bakery. GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD FOR CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY Pictured from left to right are: Deputy Chief of Police Tim Scott, Tomas Sanchez, Dustin Balderas, Joshua Stevens, Earl Mayhew, Sean Rix, Linda Pinkham, James Ingram, Councilmember Diane Landers and Chief of Police Tim Murphy. Other members who attended but not pictured were: Councilmember John Womack, Earl Sobieralski, Catherine Bentley, Kedesisha Vickers, Glen Myers, Holmes Willis and Lisa Scott. A graduation ceremony was held recently for those people who attended the 3 rd annual Altus Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. The 8 week course met every Thursday evening, along with a couple of Saturday afternoons.

Topics in the academy included Structure of the Police Department, Patrol Tactics, Legal Process and Courtroom Testimony, Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Processing, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Firearms Training and Demonstrations, and a presentation on Gangs. Members of the academy got an opportunity to get an inside look into the inner workings of the police department as well as meeting the officers who serve the citizens and community of Altus. UPDATE: AHS RECEIVES THREAT Today Altus High School received a threat around 11 a.m. As a precaution, students were safely relocated to a secure location. Altus High School Campus Security, Altus Police and other local authorities are on the scene investigating the situation.

By 1:30 PM the main building of the school had been cleared and students were moved back in. According to Altus Public Schools spokesperson Amanda Davis, security was going through the football stadium, and once done, the treat would be over. All Altus Schools have been put on a semi-lockdown. Discover the Events of Pearl Harbor in New Exhibit at the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum (HOBART, Okla.) – The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is proud to host “Pearl Harbor,” a special exhibit examining the historical impact of the Japanese attack against the United States. The exhibit will be showcased at the Museum Nov. 17 through Jan. “The attack on Pearl Harbor was a national tragedy that continues to live in infamy,” said Scott Cumm, museum manager of the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum.

“The exhibit honors the thousands of lives lost during the attack and features recovered artifacts, military uniforms and much more.” On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, a fleet of Japanese aircraft carriers unleashed a surprise attack on a U.S.

Naval fleet in Oahu, Hawaii. More than 2,300 Americans were lost during the attack, prompting the nation to declare war on the Empire of Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, and planting the seeds for World War II.

Germany and its axis partners declared war on the U.S. three days later. 2, 1945, the Japanese surrendered on the deck of the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri ending World War II.

Among the featured artifacts in the “Pearl Harbor” exhibit is a Domain of Neptune’s Rex Certificate. Prior to World War II, world travel was considered an adventure, and crossing the equator was marked as a major event. This celebrated ritual became known by the U.S. And British navies as Neptunus Rex, evolving into a rite of passage for sailors. The exhibit also features a Shellback certificate for Seaman A.D. Burdette dated Jan.

24, 1921, while aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma, along with original newspapers, maps, ship models and other items. “Our nation’s response to the events of Pearl Harbor revealed the patriotism that continues to distinguish the U.S.

As one of the greatest forces on earth,” said Cumm. “We encourage attendees to visit the Museum and learn how the events of this day forever changed our country.” The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. To noon and 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please visit TommyFranksMuseum.org. The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum was created as a historical foundation dedicated to telling the story of the United States military and education. Its mission is to advance the development of this world class leadership training institution and museum.

For more information, visit. TEEN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING WITH INTENT TO KILL.

According to Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy, police have arrested a 15 year old male juvenile on a complaint of Shooting with Intent to Kill. Murphy said that police began their investigation on October 28 after the victim told police he was driving his white Ford pickup in the 900 block of South Kennedy. According to the victim, the 15 year old and another juvenile suspect began shooting at him. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing a white pickup leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Police contacted the driver of the pickup a short time later in the 100 block of E.

The pickup was riddled with bullets and there were no injuries reported. Police identified the two juvenile suspects and the case was forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. SWTC EMPLOYEE OF MONTH Southwest Crop Insurance Agent/Operator, Emily Worrell, recently presented a certificate and $100 bill to the Southwest Technology Center November Employee of the Month, Cindy Wakeman. Southwest Crop Insurance Agent/Operator, Emily Worrell, recently presented a certificate and $100 bill to the Southwest Technology Center November Employee of the Month, Cindy Wakeman. Wakeman is a Practical Nursing Instructor at Southwest Technology Center. Wakeman works with Practical Nursing students to ensure proficiency in the nursing profession as well as prepare graduates for the NCLEX. SWTC Superintendent, Dale Latham said, “Cindy was nominated for being a ‘go-getter’ and hard worker.

She was praised for spending endless hours pouring her heart into the LPN Program and the LPN students.” Latham went on to say, “She is a team player and exemplifies more than you can ask for a great employee!” When asked about the Employee of the Month recognition Wakeman said, ““I feel blessed to work at Southwest Technology Center with a wonderful staff and supportive administration. Nursing is my passion and I love teaching students whom share that same passion, and mentoring them to be compassionate, competent nurses.” ALTUS CONTINUES RECOGNITION AS A STORM READY COMMUNITY. For more information, or questions contact Altus Emergency Management Director, Lloyd Colston at (580) 481- 2260. HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY DATES ANNOUNCED The Harvest for the Hungry Food Drive will be held Nov. 4-18 in Altus. This food drive is the main push to stock the local Community Cupboard with non-perishable foods for those in need. 17 sacks will be left at residences across Altus for citizens to fill with food items such as canned meats, soup and vegetables, and then on Nov.

18, just leave your filled sacks outside your front door by 9 AM and the sacks will be picked up by volunteers. You can also take your filled sacks to trucks that will be located at Broadway United and Ace Hardware on N. Main until noon that day. The following items are urgently needed by the Community Cupboard: canned meat • soup • canned vegetables • canned fruit • dried beans • dried peas • pasta • rice • jelly and jam • flour • sugar • cornmeal • canned and powdered milk • peanut butter • Ramen noodles • instant mashed potatoes • crackers • hot and cold cereal • hygiene items • laundry detergent • toilet tissue • baby food • disposable diapers are especially needed. NO BULK ITEMS SUCH AS CEREAL OR NO OUTDATED ITEMS OR NO OPENED FOOD ITEMS PLEASE!

The Community Cupboard is a year-round effort by the Southwest Community Action Group, Inc. To help feed families in the Altus area. From September 2016 through August 2017, 1,920 baskets have been handed out by the Community Cupboard, feeding over 2,789 adults and 1,233 children for a total of 4,012. Please help us reach our goal to collect 12,000 items during this year’s Harvest for the Hungry! Should your house be missed, please call 482-5040 on Monday, Nov. SOME TRAILS AT QUARTZ MOUNTAIN CLOSED DUE TO HUNTING & GUN SEASON With deer and gun seasons upon us, Sue Hokanson of Quartz Mountain Nature Park reminds us of various hunting dates and precautions to take while hiking at Quartz Mountain.

Hokanson said that deer season is already upon us; Deer Archery Season runs through January 15; Muzzleloader Season is Saturday, October 28 through November 5; and Gun Season is November 19 through December 3. While all hunting is prohibited within Quartz Mountain Nature Park, private landowners just outside the park do hunt on their property. Because of the nearness of the private property, some of our hiking trails near the Lodge are closed. Sunset Loop trail near the Lodge has closed for guest safety. The Cave Trail and the trails on Twin Peaks are still open. Blackjack Pass Trail in the Baldy Point Trails system has also closed until after all deer seasons conclude. Fall is a great time to hike, the temperatures are cooler and with the leaves falling you can see so much more. Both the surrounding landscape and the wildlife that call it home become much more visible. However, with the various fall hunting seasons there are some safety considerations that should be taken. 1) Wear brightly colored clothing. Neon colors or safety orange are great choices. Earth tones of brown, black, gray and white should be avoided. If your dog hikes with you, make sure they’re also outfitted in very bright colors. 2) Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk. Wildlife are most active this time, as are the hunters. 3) Make some noise while you hike. Talk, sing, have a bell – anything that is recognizable as “humans coming down the trail.” Hokanson also reminds us that at the end of the month there are quite a few closures including the Quartz Mountain Grocery Store, the Group Camp, and Cottonwood Campground on the North Shore all closing for the season on October 31.

Eagles Roost ATV Area will also close to ATV traffic October 31. It will then be available for hiking, bird-watching and other non-motorized sports. The Bald Eagles usually arrive somewhere between November 15 and December 15. “We’ll let the public know when they arrive,” said Hokanson. BIG TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES AND START UPS The Altus/Southwest Area Economic Development Corporation board of directors recently approved the continuation of an exciting program aimed at helping local entrepreneurs. The Business Improvement Grant (B.I.G.) is designed to help local businesses and startups “go big – right here at home.” The total amount of funds available for grants is $20,000. The competitive application process could result in a single grant of $20,000, but will most likely be multiple grants of amounts which total $20,000.

Applicants may apply for up to $20,000. The BIG program is funded by the EDC to encourage improvements to commercial facades and improve economic opportunity in Altus, and last year’s program supported five different businesses in their construction projects locally. Those projects included White Buffalo Coffee Bar, Belles & Beaux children’s store, Smalts Furniture, Yellow Rose gun range, and early phases of the restoration of a building on the southwest corner of the downtown square. Since restoration of existing buildings not only improves the visual appearance of the community but also leads to job creation and job growth, EDC leaders made the decision to continue investing in those types of projects. The guidelines of the program require that the building must be located within the city limits of Altus, OK, and establish that priority will be given in the selection process to projects that have significant visual impact (such as exterior improvements), active business use, potential for job expansion or job creation, and the opportunity to occupy previously vacant buildings and land in the Altus community. Other guidelines include that the award is contingent upon the work being completed and require that paid receipts for work associated with the improvements must be submitted to receive payment.

Grants may not exceed 50% of the overall cost of the project. Along with the grant application, a budget worksheet must be submitted which outlines the overall cost of the project, the line item expenses included in that total, and the expected completion date. Projects eligible for funding in the BIG program include facade improvements (honoring the architectural or historical characteristics of the building), paint (exterior, historically appropriate colors), windows and doors (repair or replace), exterior lighting, awnings, brick cleaning or repair, and other renovations that will help to improve and restore the aesthetic quality and historic significance and value of the building.

Payroll expenses, inventory expenses, and removal of historically or architecturally significant features are not eligible for reimbursement under this program. Applications must be submitted by November 10, 2017. The EDC board will approve successful applications at their regular meeting on November 16, 2017.

Work to be reimbursed under the grant must have be completed by May 31, 2018. A grant report showing how the funds were used must be submitted by June 30, 2018. For more information, contact Brian Bush at or (580) 482-0211. DISTEMPER FOUND AT ANIMAL SHELTER City of Altus officials have confirmed that the Altus Animal Shelter has been temporarily shut down due to a case of distemper found earlier this week. Only one dog has been found to have the virus which can be deadly to dogs. The disease is also easily spread, especially in conditions such as a closed space like the shelter. City of Altus’ Matt Wojnowski confirmed that the dog that had the disease has been euthanized, and that local veterinarians will be on site Monday to confirm that no other animals at the shelter has been affected, and to clear the shelter once again for animal adoptions and owner surrendered dogs.

All cages, leashes, bowls or anything else that the affected dog could have come in contact with has been sanitized. SUPSPECT IN STAND OFF ARRESTED. Assisting Altus Police in the apprehension of the suspect was the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Hollis Police Department with the use of their K9 and the Altus office of Probation and Parole. AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Oklahoma Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to redocumentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: or call 855-OLD-RUST. Facebook: @GotAPickturn to Oklahoma! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region in mid-October and November 2017. MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER Altus Police have arrested a Hobart man on a charge of Impersonating a police officer after he attempted to purchase 13 guns from an Atwood’s store. Police were notified on Thursday morning, Oct.

5, that the suspect, John M. Lee, 49, attempted to buy the weapons after identifying himself as the Chief of Police in Hobart. He then presented a CLEET certification card in an attempt to persuade the employee to finalize the purchase. The purchase was never completed. Investigators later discovered the suspect attempted to buy guns at other locations in Altus including Walmart and several pawn shops.

Again, purchases never took place. Investigators discovered the suspect did at one time hold a CLEET police officer certification and had been employed by the City of Hobart, Town of Eldorado as well as a reserve police officer in the City of Snyder. According to CLEET documents, the suspects police certification has been inactive since 2005. Late Thursday afternoon a warrant was issued through the Jackson County District Court for Lee’s arrest on a charge of Impersonating a Police Officer. Thursday evening, the suspect was located at an apartment complex in Hobart, and after a short standoff with law enforcement, Lee surrendered himself to police and was transported back to Altus.

“Investigators are still trying to determine a motive or intent, if one does exist, for Lee attempting to purchase the large quantity of firearms,” said Altus Police Tim Murphy. Lee is being held in the Jackson County Jail on $5,000 bond. FARM CITY WEEK ANNUAL BANQUET KWHW Generations and Legends Awards Announced In celebration of Farm City Week, the annual Farm City Week Banquet and awards presentation will be held Thursday evening, October 12, 6:00 PM, at the Altus High School Cafeteria. The celebration calls attention to both our agriculture and military heritage and how each directly impacts daily life, economy, and culture in southwest Oklahoma. The ongoing relationship between the Altus community, its business leaders, and Altus Air Force Base is the spotlight during Farm City Week. Banquet tickets are available at the Altus Chamber Commerce, 301 West Commerce, for $20 each.

At the Thursday night banquet, 4-H Speech Contest Winners will be introduced and will present their winning speeches. The speech winners are from the 9th & 10th and 11th & 12th grade divisions. After the opening introductions of civilian and military guests, the catered dinner, and the 4-H speech winners, the evening will conclude with the presentation of awards.

The Farm City Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of persons engaged in farming in our area. There are two categories: the Generations Award, honoring a producer under the age of 40, and the Legends Award, honoring a producer over the age of 40. The top candidates are nominated by local banking institutions involved in agriculture lending as well as agriculture related businesses, and the winner is chosen by an independent panel from the nominations received.

2017 Farm City Generations Award: Jason Bates Jason is the father of Koby and Kelby Bates, and he is a graduate of Navajo Public Schools. Jason was nominated because of his dedication and hard work in helping operate one of the area’s larger farming operations, Bates Brothers and Sons. Jason is very much involved in the daily operation and bookkeeping of the business. He has always loved being outside and working with his hands and enjoys carrying on the family business.

After high school, Jason started farming in the family business, and his uncle John and father Joe Bob have always included him in the decision making and delegating in the day-to-day operation. Jason earns his entire living from farming and has been working with the operation his whole life. His goal is to become self-sufficient and pass along the values of hard work and clean living to future generations. Jason is involved in the community through Cotton Growers COOP and the Altus 12th Man Club. 2017 Farm City Legends Award: Pat Beckner Pat is the mother of Kim Abernathy, Kristi Abernathy, and Cody Beckner, and she is a graduate of Enid High School and Western Oklahoma State College.

Pat has been in agriculture over 50 years and operates a large family farming operation after having been a “city girl” who grew up in Enid. She became involved in farming when she married her late husband Jim and began helping with his harvesting business. The couple then moved to southwest Oklahoma to farm land they rented.

After Jim’s unexpected death in 1978, Pat was thrust into the leadership role for the farming operation. Her first goal was survival and providing for her three children because, as Pat explained, she, “didn’t know what else to do.” She was eventually able to move from survival to focusing on expansion and handing down a profitable operation.

Pat is involved locally in the Olustee COOP Board of Directors and supporting her grandchildren in their sporting events and 4-H projects. She was nominated because her hard work and persistence truly exemplify what it takes to be a farmer. “It is our privilege to host this annual banquet to honor our farming families and all that they contribute to our community”, states Brian Bush, Altus Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to extending our warmest welcome to the new Altus Air Force Base leadership and help them become acquainted with our farming and agricultural roots.” The Farm City Week banquet will be held at the Altus High School Cafeteria on Thursday, October 12, at 6:00 PM. A catered dinner will be served. Tickets are available for $20 each at the Altus Chamber of Commerce, 301 West Commerce in Altus..

COUNTERFEIT BILLS IN ALTUS. Altus Police are investigating and are warning area merchants to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 bills and counterfeit $100 bills that have been passed at several business locations over this past weekend.

The counterfeit money is not consistent with the feel of real U.S. Currency and the counterfeit money has what appears to be “Chinese Writings” on both the front and back sides of the counterfeit bills. These counterfeit bills also have lines, in black ink, near the top right portion of the bill itself. Altus Police continue their investigations. Merchants are encouraged to call the Altus Police Department if you fall victim to one of these counterfeit bills. HIT & RUN ARREST MADE Altus Police have arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the September 21 hit and run accident that took place in the 600 block of S.

Police received a crime stoppers tip Saturday morning, September 30, that led them to a house in Blair. A pickup matching the description of the pickup police have been searching for, a white two toned Ford F-150 extended cab pickup was found.

The owner of that pickup, James Monday, was questioned and later arrested by investigators on a complaint of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident involving great bodily injury. Monday is being held at the Jackson County Jail. The victim in the hit and run accident was Jerry Lee Ashford, 62.

Ashford was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a pickup. Ashford was transported to Jackson County Memorial Hospital by EMS personnel with head and internal injuries. He was later flown to an OKC hospital.

DRURY FOUND GUILTY ON MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES After a deadlock in the May trial of Terry Drury, a retrial ended on Friday in Jackson County court with a guilty verdict. Drury was accused of first-degree murder for the death of Jeff Garrison in April 2016, however, the jury in the new trial found Drury guilty of manslaughter. The earlier mistrial was declared when two jurors in the first trial refused to find Drury guilty of any crime when the other jurors wanted to convict Drury on the manslaughter charges. After Friday’s verdict, Drury has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

FORMER FIRE FIGHTER ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT Allegations of theft against a former Altus firefighter has resulted in an arrest warrant being issued through the Jackson County District Court on charges of embezzlement. Robert Scott Tripp, 44, surrendered himself to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department on Friday and was later released on $750 dollars bond. Tripp is accused of taking $100 that was donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual “Fill the Boot Campaign” conducted by Altus Firefighters on September 2. Altus Police were later notified and requested the support of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to conduct the investigation. An OSBI agent presented an arrest affidavit to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office Wednesday morning, September 20, for Tripp’s arrest. Tripp was a 22 year veteran of the Altus Fire Department.

FOURTH ARREST MADE IN SHOOTING DEATH Altus Police have arrested a fourth person in connection with the August 20 shooting death of Jared Allen Holmes, 32. An arrest warrant was issued late Wednesday afternoon for Melisha Ann Torres, 37, on charges of 1 st Degree Murder and Conspiracy. Torres has been held at the Jackson County Jail since August 21 on charges unrelated to the homicide. On Monday August 21, Torres originally reported the homicide to police.

Investigators now believe Torres assisted in setting up a drug deal in which the suspect, Marielle Trey Smith, had intended to rob the victim, Jarod Holmes, and that Torres knew that a robbery would take place. Investigators believe Holmes was shot and killed on Sunday night at around 9 PM. After the murder, Smith, his girlfriend Ryan McKenzie Fields and a third suspect, Marquis Deshawn Johnson, assisted in removing the body from the murder scene at 408 North Julian (the home of Melisha Torres). Holmes body was discovered on Aug. 22 on a rural road north and west of the City of Frederick.

These three suspects are being held at the Jackson County Jail. Smith and Fields were arrested in Oklahoma City on September 7, and Johnson was arrested in Lawton on September 12. Torres’ bond has been set at $500,000. THIRD ARREST MADE IN MURDER CASE A third person has been arrested in the connection with the shooting death of 32-year-old Jared Allen Holmes.

Altus Police were notified Tuesday evening that the U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Force apprehended Marquis Deshawn Johnson, 23, in Lawton. Two Felony Arrest warrants were issued Tuesday afternoon through the Jackson County District Court for Johnson on charges of Accessory After the Fact and Unlawful Removal Of A Dead Body. Investigat ors believe the shooting suspect, Marielle Trey Smith and his girlfriend Ryan McKenzie Fields drove to Lawton after the shooting and transported Johnson back to Altus to help remove the victim’s body from the crime scene in the 400 block of North Julian. Holmes’s body was discovered on Tuesday, Aug. 22 in a rural area north and west of the City of Frederick. Johnson is being held at the Jackson County Jail on $250,000 bond.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON MONDAY A regular meeting of the Altus School Board will be held Monday, Sept. 11 at 5 PM in the conference room of the administrative center, 219 N. Superintendent’s reports will include accreditation status for district and school sites, ACT scores for Altus High School, and the Child Nutrition Program. Consent agenda items will include the appointment of a Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee, District Professional Development Advisory Committee, the statewide Alternative Academy Plan, use of school facilities, activity fundraisers, sanctioning of parent organizations, out of state trips, and a contract with Joe D. Hall General Contractors for construction management services on Altus High School renovations.

In executive session, the Board will consider proposed new hires, and after reconvening to regular session, take necessary action on those new hires. The Board is also set to approve various financial statements and estimate of needs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, as well as architecture plans and/or a scope of projects for renovations at the Altus High School auditorium, Band and Music building and the AHS cafeteria. Public invited for art unveiling on Friday, Sept. 15, at NBC Oklahoma’s north Altus location Sculptures by Oklahoma City artist Joe Slack to be permanently installed outdoors at 8:30 a.m. Festivities also include lunchtime reception.

ALTUS – The public and the media are invited to attend the unveiling of a new outdoor sculpture series on Friday, Sept. 15, in front of NBC Oklahoma’s north Altus branch at 101 Sequoyah.

The unveiling of Oklahoma City artist Joe Slack’s sculpture series “Strengthening the Voids” will be at 8:30 a.m. The festivities will continue that day with an artist’s talk and a reception from 11 a.m. At the Wigwam Art Gallery, 121 W Commerce, adjacent to the bank’s downtown Altus location. NBC commissioned the work as part of Chairman Ken Fergeson’s ongoing commitment to supporting public art and Oklahoma artists. “I’ve always loved public art, which is free for anyone to enjoy and serves as a landmark for a community,” Fergeson said. “Such art gives a place an identity and residents a sense of pride.” Previously, NBC has commissioned and financed two life-sized monuments in Altus, both by Western artist and Oklahoma native Harold T. – “Vision Seeker,” located in the southwest corner of the Altus City Park, and “Crossing the Red” on Jackson County Courthouse grounds.

(A second casting of “Vision Seeker” is located at Enid High School.) Other public art projects that NBC Oklahoma has commissioned and/or provided financing for include Holden’s sculptures “Boomer” in downtown Enid, “The Ranger” at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and Enid, “Broncho” at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and “The Bison Spirit” at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee; and a Cub Scout sculpture in front of NBC’s Nichols Hills location at 2800 NW Grand Blvd. Slack, the artist for the new Altus sculptures, said that his work is a continuation of a series that started with works like “The Voids and Finding Who” at Infant Crisis Services Center in Oklahoma City. To explain the name “Strengthening the Voids,” Slack said the newest sculptures feature holes which he calls “voids” that represent the challenges and situations of life, and they are joined by rods – the supports people receive in life that help fill the voids, connect them and make them stronger.

“It’s a mix of my old work and a mix of my new work,” Slack said. The Altus sculptures are powder-coated steel and will be painted in green hues for the bank. Those expected to attend the unveiling on Friday, Sept. 15, include Joe Slack; Altus Mayor Jack Smiley; NBC Oklahoma Chairman Ken Fergeson; NBC Altus Market President Jeff Greenlee; Brian Bush, Altus Chamber of Commerce president and CEO; and Stacey Avila, the bank’s art Curator and Collection Manager.

The public is welcome to attend both the early unveiling at the bank and the reception later at the Wigwam gallery, which will feature the gallery’s new exhibit, “Rikk Traweek Stolen Art Exhibition: A Retrospective.” SHOOTINGS REPORTED. Kevin Bowles Mohr to Present Lecture on Washita Battlefield at Museum of the Western Prairie ALTUS, Okla. — The Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus will host “Westward through Washita,” a lecture by Kevin Bowles Mohr, National Park ranger at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site on Tuesday, September 5, at 7 p.m. This lecture is free and open to the public.

“The morning was still and bitter cold when two cultures clashed.” Thus begins the story of the Battle of the Washita where Lt. Custer led the Seventh U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack against the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle on November 27, 1868. Mohr will share the story of this important event that occurred soon after the Civil War ended, when the West saw an influx of pioneers and veterans in search of gold and free land. The indigenous people, like the Cheyenne Indians who occupied this territory, were considered by some merely an obstacle to be removed.

The Battle of the Washita began the end of an era of freedom for the Great Plains Indians. This event is hosted by the Western Trail Historical Society. The Museum of the Western Prairie is located at 1100 Memorial Drive in Altus. The Museum of the Western Prairie is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma.

For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org. FEDERAL EXPERTS GATHER IN ALTUS TO ADDRESS CITY, REGIONAL WATER ISSUES. The two-day Southwest Oklahoma Water Summit, held August 21-22 at Western Oklahoma State College, provided an opportunity for area leaders to brief members of the Western Federal Agency Support Team (WestFAST) and National Drought Resilience Partnership (NDRP) on their considerable success in strengthening the region’s resilience to drought.

WestFAST, a collaboration between 12 federal government agencies with water management responsibilities in the west, was established to support the Western States Water Council (WSWC) and Western Governors Association (WGA) in coordinating federal water-related efforts throughout the country’s most water-challenged region. “This national attention is a direct result of the considerable success that Altus and its economic partners have achieved in fighting the potential devastating effects of drought,” says Brian Bush, President and CEO of the Altus Chamber of Commerce. “When I joined the Chamber staff in the middle of the 2010-15 drought, one of my first impressions was of the extreme dedication, persistence and spirit of cooperation exhibited by city officials and local water users in addressing some very serious and complicated water problems.” In 2014, the City of Altus joined with other water stakeholders to develop the Southwest Oklahoma Water Supply Action Plan (SWAP), which is responsible for numerous ongoing projects that are both enhancing regional water supply reliability and strengthening drought resilience. The SWAP Action Team meets bi-monthly to further the Plan’s recommendations.

The Summit is the first major step in establishing a regional demonstration/collaboration project to expand SWAP implementation. The meeting provided a forum for comprehensive discussion of issues facing the region, and it allowed NDRP and WestFAST members an opportunity to view first-hand Altus water infrastructure as well as the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District. A full session was devoted to how state and federal resources—both technical and financial—might be applied to further enhance the implementation of key SWAP initiatives, including Altus water treatment plant improvements, municipal and agricultural water conservation, Altus City Lake renovation and development, groundwater supply expansion, resolution of water quality and quantity issues at Altus Air Force Base, and water supply augmentation at Tom Steed Reservoir.

“The basic concepts utilized by SWAP and its Action Team fit well with those of WestFAST, the WSWC and other federal drought authorities. To date, much of SWAP’s success can be attributed to the effective leadership, diversity, planning, and longevity of the SWAP Action Team, allowing WestFAST and the NDRP to effectively engage and leverage federal programs and resources,” he says. “And then you have a very strong federal nexus in the Tom Steed Reservoir and Lugert-Altus Irrigation District projects, both constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation, as well as Altus Air Force Base, under the Department of Defense, whose mission depends upon a reliable water source.”. WestFAST consists of representatives from the U.S.

Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (under the Department of Agriculture); National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Department of Commerce); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Department of Defense); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.

Geological Survey and National Park Service (all under the Department of the Interior). In addition, Dept. Of Defense itself is a WestFAST member. Representatives of the OWRB and other state agencies were also present at the Summit. ALTUS AFB TO OPEN GATES FOR AIRSHOW Altus Air Force Base will host the 2017 Airpower Over Altus Airshow Sept. The free open house will be headlined by the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, the U.S.

Air Force Thunderbirds. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Jump Team will also perform their skydiving demonstrations, Tora!

And many many more performances in the air and on the ground. There will be opportunities for guests to meet members of Altus AFB, the Thunderbirds, and view a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft up close.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be available for purchase. There will also be a number of activities for children. For more information, visit. SUSPECT ACCOMPLICE NAMED IN MURDER A vehicle belonging to the victim of a homicide, being investigated by Altus Police, was located in Lawton Monday evening. Altus Police were notified by the Lawton Police Department that the vehicle belonging to Jared Allen Holmes, 32, had been recovered from a residence in Lawton.

Police believe the suspect, Marielle Trey Smith, 24, and an accomplice took the vehicle, 2002 Black Chev Tahoe, to a residence in west Lawton and parked it in th e garage. The homeowner became suspicious and realized police had been searching for the Tahoe. She then contacted Lawton Police. Police will continue to investigate what, if any, knowledge the homeowner has about the homicide or stolen vehicle. On Tuesday that vehicle was transported back to Altus to be processed by investigators. An arrest warrant has also been issued through the Jackson County District Court on the suspects accomplice, Ryan McKenzie Fields, 22.

She is described as a white female, approximately 5 ft. Tall, brown eyes, brown hair and weighing approximately 110 pounds. Investigators believe Fields assisted in the murder of Jared Allen Holmes and helped Marielle Trey Smith clean the crime scene and dispose of the victim’s body, which was recovered north and west of Frederick on Tuesday Aug. Investigators believe Fields and Smith took the victims vehicle to Lawton, shortly before the crime was reported to Altus Police on the morning of Monday, Aug. Fields is believed to be in the company of Smith and their whereabouts are unknown. An arrest warrant was issued for Ryan McKenzie Fields on Tuesday through the Jackson County District Court on a charge of Accessory After The Fact. Smith and Fields may be driving a 2005 white Pontiac 4-door Grand Prix with an Ok used dealer paper tag UD-6050.

The first case was reported on Tuesday, Aug. 22, shortly before 7 AM, where the victim told police a light colored pick up circled the reservoir several times. The vehicle, driven by a young Hispanic male, stopped and the man attempted to grab the victim. The victim told police she screamed and the suspect got back into the vehicle and drove off. A witness did describe seeing a white single cab pickup, with no tailgate and a headache rack circling the reservoir but did not see the actual assault.

Altus Police are searching for a man after an arrest warrant was issued through the Jackson County District Court on a charge of 2nd Degree Murder. Investigators believe Marielle Trey Smith, 24, is responsible for the shooting death of Jared Allen Holmes, 32. Investigators searched a home in the 400 block North Julian on Monday and discovered evidence that a shooting took place at this location. Police believe the shooting took place sometime Sunday night after area residents heard what sounded like gunfire coming from the home at around 9 PM. The motive behind the shooting is unclear at this point but investigators believe the suspect shot and killed Holmes. Investigators and family members of the victim have not had contact with the victim since Sunday night. Marielle Trey Smith is described as a black male, 5 foot 6 inches tall, and weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Smith has numerous tattoos on both arms, chest, back along with a tattoo on the left side of his neck. Smith may be driving a 2007 white Dodge Charger with OK tag # DNT-166 or the victims 2002 Black Chev Tahoe with OK tag # 900 LUK. If you see Smith call your local law enforcement agency or the Altus Police Department at 580 482-4121. The body of a man, who Altus Police believe was shot and killed Sunday night inside a residence in the 400 block of North Julian, was discovered late Tuesday afternoon by Tillman County Law Enforcement. Investigators from the Altus Police Department traveled to a location approximately 1 mile north and 1 ½ miles west of the city of Frederick. The victim’s body has been transported to the office of the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner in Oklahoma City in order to determine a positive identification, manner and cause of death. Altus Police were notified Tuesday afternoon that a car belonging to the suspect in this homicide, Marielle Trey Smith, 24, had been located in Lawton.

That vehicle, a 2007 White Dodge Charger, was transported back to Altus to be processed by investigators. Police are still looking for a 2002 Black Chevy Tahoe, which belongs to the victim. Police are still searching for the murder suspect. Smith is wanted on a Jackson County arrest warrant for 2nd Degree Murder. BIG CAMPING WEEKEND EXPECTED AT QUARTZ MOUNTAIN by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain Nature Park School is back in session and camping really slows down (until Labor Day weekend).

For most of the summer, all Main Park RV sites were occupied by Thursday- some weeks by Wednesday at noon. Now with all the school activities (band, cheerleading and football) under way, there should be some availability on Fridays.

One can always call the Park Office at Monday through Friday from 8AM until 5PM, to check availability. Part of our availability problem this summer has been because Lakeview Campground has been closed since the North Shore well casing collapsed. When you take 25% of camp sites out of service, the rest of the sites fill fast. After full review of the options, a connection to the Quartz Mountain Regional Water Authority water system will be made.

With nearly two miles of pipe to lay, this will be an expensive project. To lower the costs, partnerships and funding opportunities are being investigated. This takes time. It is anticipated that work can be completed before spring of 2018, so North Shore can reopen April 1. Labor Day weekend, for many, IS the last camping event of year. The Main Park RV sites will probably fill the Monday/Tuesday prior to Labor Day itself.

Yes, by Tuesday August 29 there may not be an RV site available on the south side of Lake Altus-Lugert. Tent sites most likely will still be available even on Friday September 1.

Please make your plans accordingly. If an RV site has a tent on it, that site is occupied and camping fees are accruing. An Altus man has been arrested after police responded to Jackson County Memorial Hospital Wednesday morning, at around 9:30 a.m., on a report of a 15 year female who was the victim of a sexual assault. According to Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy, the victim told police she and the suspect know each other and that the two walked from her home to his home in the early morning hours on Wednesday Aug. She stated the two went to his bedroom and he forced himself on her. The suspect, Jordan Revilla, 19, was interviewed by police late Wednesday afternoon and later transported to the Jackson County Jail on charges of 2nd degree rape and three charges of forcible sodomy.

Revilla is awaiting his initial appearance in Jackson County District Court. The RSVP Advisory Council is sponsoring a fundraiser for Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Items being given away include an OU football and photo signed by Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White. It is being donated by Steve Owens Insurance. Also being given away are two OSU football game tickets and poster autographed by Mike Gundy, and is being donated by Oklahoma State University Athletes.

Tickets for the drawings are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are available at the Altus Chamber of Commerce, the Welcome Center in Mangum, KEYB and on Aug. 24-26 at the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo. An Altus couple faces charges of Child Neglect after investigators discovered drug use and drug paraphernalia in their home while their two year old child was present. Investigators made contact with the couple, on an unrelated investigation, at a home in the 1300 block of North Crain on July 21. While at the home, police discovered what is believed to be marijuana along with paraphernalia use to smoke marijuana.

Police believe the couple’s two year child was present while the drug use was taking place. ROTARY DONATES TO DARE PROGRAM The Altus Rotary Club recently donated $1,000 to the Altus Police Department’s D.A.R.E. Accepting the check from Altus Rotary Club President, Mary Beth Dobbs-Tischler, is Altus police officer and D.A.R.E Instructor Jessica Sly.

Mary Beth Dobbs-Tischler and Jessica Sly. “On behalf of the Altus Police Department, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Altus Rotary Club for their very generous donation to the police department’s D.A.R.E. Program,” said Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy. “These funds will be used to purchase much needed study material for students who attend D.A.R.E. At the Altus Intermediate School.

Officer Sly has committed herself to this worthwhile project and is doing a fantastic job instructing D.A.R.E. After a demanding two weeks of training, a second Altus police Officer, Allen Collins, will graduate on Friday in Oklahoma City from D.A.R.E. Instructor School. As a new school year approaches, we look forward to working with the Altus Public Schools and continuing to provide this valuable program to our children.”. Jackson County Schools Eligible for Funding Through Grant Opportunities (OKLAHOMA CITY) – Rural, public schools in 20 selected Oklahoma counties have the opportunity to increase funding through grants from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation, a fund administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Designed to enhance and enrich learning opportunities for students, Classroom Enhancement Grants of $1,000 – $5,000 will be awarded to pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms for projects focusing on arts and humanities, science or literacy. Grant applications are due by Sept.

1, 2017, at 5 p.m. A recent report from the Rural School and Community Trust ranks Oklahoma’s rural schools as the ninth state in greatest need of assistance. According to the report, Oklahoma spends less than $4,400 per rural student. “With half of Oklahoma’s public schools in rural areas, it is crucial to supply teachers and classrooms with the tools to improve learning opportunities,” said Nancy B. Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation President. “Established by longtime Coalgate resident, Carolyn Watson, this program is helping to broaden the horizons for rural Oklahoma students.” The Classroom Enhancement Grant program is designed to enrich the learning environment through projects integrated into the academic curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge or understanding of one of the three focus areas.

The one-year grant may be used to create a new program or build upon an existing program to promote student learning. In Jackson County, Blair, Duke, Eldorado, Navajo and Olustee school districts are eligible to apply for Classroom Enhancement Grants through the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation. For a complete list of the 120 eligible school districts, visit. To access the online application, contact Erika Warren. Altus City Councilman Dwayne Martin, right, was presented with an award from the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Public Works Association at Tuesday evening’s regular meeting of the City Council. Altus Police were called to the 400 block of East Walnut, shortly after 6 AM Tuesday morning to investigate a reported robbery and assault and battery.

The victim told police as she was leaving her home and walking to her vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, a man dressed in dark clothing, wearing dark gloves and a ski mask approached her. The suspect struck the victim in the head and face, then placed his hand around her neck.

The victim told police the suspect took an undetermined amount of cash from her purse and then ran away. Police believe the suspect ran east bound in the 400 block of East Walnut after the attack. The suspect is described only as a white male, apprximatelyl. The victim refused medical attention and police have not identified a suspect at this time. Police continue their investigation. Altus police arrested a man late Monday evening after a felony arrest warrant was issued through the Jackson County District Court on a charge of Sexual Battery. 70 year old Manuel Gonzales Perez was taken into custody at his home in the 1200 block of Asa Lee at around 9:30 p.m.

Perez was booked into the Jackson County Jail. His bond has been set at $75,000 dollars.

Altus police were called to the Plantation Village Nursing Center on Sunday afternoon at around 1:00 p.m. after a report of a resident of the nursing center had been sexually assaulted. Perez awaits his initial appearance in Jackson County District Court. Altus Police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported Sunday afternoon at approximately 1 PM.

According to reports, an employee at the Plantation Village Nursing Center, 2610 Cedar Creek Drive, told police she was attempting to locate a patient of the nursing home in order to give this person prescribed medications. The employee stated she located the patient, diagnosed with severe dementia and who was also wheelchair bound, along with the suspect who was standing over her. The employee observed the man holding the wrist of the victim with one hand while zipping up his pants with the other hand. According to the witness, the suspect appeared startled and nervous and immediately began walking away when confronted about what he was doing. POLICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTINGS Altus Police are investigating four separate shootings over this past weekend.

In the first investigation, that was reported Saturday morning at approximately 5 AM in the 500 block f West Commerce, a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence was damaged after it was struck by gunfire. Investigators recovered shell casings at this crime scene and there were no injuries reported.

In the second shooting investigation, which was reported early Monday morning in the 500 block of West Commerce at approximately 3:40 AM, the victim reported that someone had shot at his home. This is the same location as the first investigation, in which a vehicle was damaged by gunfire while parked in the driveway. There were no injuries reported in this investigation. In the third investigation, that was reported at approximately 4 AM Monday morning in the 200 block of Sequoyah, unknown suspect(s) shot into the home of an Altus police officer.

An unmarked Altus police unit, parked in the street, was also damaged by gunfire. There were no injuries reported in this shooting. Investigators are uncertain, at this time, into the motive of this shooting. In the fourth investigation, police responded to the 1400 block of West Frisco shortly after 5 AM Monday morning after the victim told police someone had shot into the residence. There were no injuries reported in this shooting. Police continue their investigations into these shootings.

Altus Police are encouraging anyone with any information into these and other recent shootings being investigated to contact the Altus/Jackson County Crime Stoppers at 580 482- TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a cash reward. SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL HELD. A special meeting of the Altus City Council was held Thursday afternoon with councilmen Doyle Jenks, John Womack and Chris Riffle absent.

The council was in executive session for an hour and twenty minutes with no action taken on the pending Worker’s Comp matters or negotiations with IAFF local no. 2749 for a new collective bargaining agreement. The resolution designating the place and times within the city for a public fireworks display at the city reservoir was approved, as was budget amendments for the Assurance Fund, Flex Spending Fund, and the E911 Fund. Budget amendments for the Assurance Fund were in the amount of $50,000, $10,000 for the Flex Spending Fund, and $50,000 for the E911 fund. The meeting adjourned at 6:04 PM.

THREE WEEKEND SHOOTINGS REPORTED Altus Police are investigating three separate shootings that were reported late Friday night, early Saturday morning and the third being reported Sunday morning. Shortly before midnight on Friday, police responded to the 700 block of Chris Street after the victim told police someone had shot into her residence. Investigators recovered several shell casings in the roadway outside of that residence. A neighboring home to the victim was also stru ck by gunfire.

A vehicle parked in the driveway in front of the residence was also damaged by gunfire.There were no injuries reported. In the second shooting investigation, police responded to the 600 block of North Julian shortly before 1 A.M. Saturday morning. The victim told police she was in her home when a bullet struck her television. There were no injuries reported in this shooting.

The third shooting was reported to police Sunday morning shortly before 8 A.M. In the 600 block of North Julian, and across the street from the scene of the second shooting investigation. A man told investigators he was watching a house while the homeowners were out of town. He discovered that someone had shot at this residence multiple times.

Police recovered approximately 17 shell casings outside of this residence. There were no injuries reported. Police continue their investigation into these shootings. If anyone has information about any of these shootings, police are encouraging you to contact the Altus/Jackson County Crime Stoppers at (580) 482-8477 tips. You can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward.

SUMMER ARTS INSTITUTE UNDER WAY AT QUARTZ MOUNTAIN The 2017 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute is under way at Quartz Mountain Lodge. Students arrived Saturday and classes started Sunday. Students are staying in the lodge and lodge cabins. Classes and rehearsals are taking place all around the Lodge complex-which is closed to public access at this time. With all these young people focused on having fun, drivers need to be a little more aware and cautious while driving in the park. With the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI) i n progress there are awesome opportunities to meet the artists at lectures, experience fantastic performances, and watch Oklahoma’s youth demonstrate their talent. The first public performances and presentations are scheduled for 7 to 8:30 PM Friday, June 16 at the Robert M.

Kerr Performing Arts Center. The complete schedule of artists’ lectures, student and faculty performances can be found. These events are free and open to the public. Remember to allow plenty of time for parking & shuttling to the performances. Altus Police responded to the Ridgecrest Apartments in southwest Altus, Tuesday evening, May 30, shortly after 9 PM after it was reported that a man had been shot. Two subjects were transported to Jackson County Memorial Hospital by private vehicle.

An adult male suffered from a gunshot wound to the leg while a juvenile received minor injuries to his hands. Investigators were provided few details into the shooting but discovered some type of physical altercation took place between the victims and the shooting suspect, in the breezeway of the 1201 Union Circle Apartments. Arrested in connection to the crime was George Butler, 18. Butler was taken into custody after an arrest warrant was issued through the Jackson County District Court on a charge of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. ALTUS SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT At a meeting with administrators and central office staff on Monday, Roger Hill, Superintendent of Altus Public Schools announced his retirement effective June 30, 2018. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of Altus Public Schools.

I’m extremely proud of our accomplishments as a TEAM during my tenure as superintendent,” responded Superintendent Hill. Hill joined Altus Schools as the Superintendent-designee in January of 2013 and officially took office in July of 2013. At the conclusion of the 2017-2018 school year, Superintendent Hill will have spent five years at the helm of Altus Schools. He will have completed 37 years in public education, 21 of which have been as a school superintendent.

While in Altus, Hill was named the 2015-2016 Oklahoma Association of School Administrators District 13 Superintendent of the Year, for the second time in his career. He previously received this award in 2004-2005. Roger Hill also served as the President of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators in 2014-2015. During his tenure in Altus, Superintendent Hill successfully converted neighborhood schools to grade centers, and closed two school sites in an effort to manage an increasingly difficult budget. Under his leadership, Altus Schools fully implemented the 1:1 digital learning initiative. He also oversaw the completion of the renovation of the Vocational Agriculture Building and the Doc Tennessen Athletic Training Facility on the Altus High School campus and new metal retrofit roofs were added to Altus Elementary School and Altus Primary School.

The district also fully implemented a new district-wide student information system and business management system under his leadership. In addition, ACT scores during the past five years have exceeded the state average by almost one entire point. Hill went on to say, “The budget, teacher shortage, and overall lack of respect for public education in Oklahoma continues to be a big problem for school leaders. We’ve managed the budget during incredibly challenging times about as well as we can. Our students will always be our number one priority.” Long-time Altus Board of Education member, Debora Phillips reacted to Hill’s announcement stating, “Mr. Hill’s retirement will be a loss for the Altus Public Schools.

During his time at Altus, Mr. Hill has proven himself to be a very effective leader, especially during this challenging time of budget cuts and funding shortages. His priority has always been to maintain a high standard of education for our students and he has found innovative ways to maintain that standard while implementing cost saving measures, such as the change to grade centers. Under his leadership, the transition to the grade centers has been a smooth and successful transition.

As a board member, it has been a pleasure to work with him and I wish him the best in his retirement.” Altus Board President Kelley Duncan added,” “Mr. Hill is an exemplary Superintendent and Altus Public Schools has been blessed in so many ways by his drive, knowledge, experience and passion for public education. Hill’s absence will be felt here at APS. He has been detrimental in helping our school district get through some challenging times with the budget cuts Oklahoma has been facing while always maintaining high standards for the education of our students. In the short time he has been with our school district, he has accomplished many great and wonderful things for our students and for our teachers/staff. A few of those accomplishments have been: Implementing the 1:1 learning initiative, renovation of the Ag building and Athletic Training facility and also converting the elementary schools to grade centers. Hill sets his mind to something; great things result from it and Altus was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end.

As president of the board, I am saddened to be losing such an incredible Superintendent. Hill has been a pleasure to work with and his passion for public education is contagious to all around him. He makes us all strive to want and do better. I wish him nothing but the best in his retirement next year and in all of his future endeavors.” Hill concluded, “As for my future, it’s wide open. I don’t think I’m finished being an educator. It’s been one helluva a run during my 37 years in this profession, and I have absolutely no regrets about being a public school educator.”.

HUNGER HITS HOME THIS SUMMER Food Bank Steps Up To Fight Childhood Hunger Through July 31, any child 18 and under in Altus OR Blair can receive complimentary meals this summer through the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program at more than 120 sites in central and western Oklahoma. “While most children enjoy summer break, many children in Oklahoma are going home to empty cupboards,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “During the summer, electricity bills are high. Parents, who rely on free or reduced-priced school breakfasts and lunches, also have extra financial stress of providing meals for their children. Thankfully, children can visit a Summer Feeding site to ensure they will have enough to eat.” The Regional Food Bank will provide complimentary summer meals weekdays at the sites and times listed below. All sites are closed on July 4.

Southwestern Youth Services, Inc., operating through June 22, is located at 1221 N. Howse in Altus. Lunch is from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

For more information contact. Southwestern Youth Services, Inc., operating through July 27, is located at 400 N. Lunch is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information contact. Friends, Fun & Fellowship, operating through August 11, is located at 420 Hughes Drive in Blair. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m.

To 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information contact. For more information on the program visit or call. Summer meals are provided through support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Meals will be provided equally and without charge to all children age 18 and younger, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Regional Food Bank needs volunteers to pack fresh meals for children in its kitchen. Volunteer shifts are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. To noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and both individual and groups are welcome. The nonprofit needs at least 25 volunteers per shift each day to ensure that the meals will be available for children over the summer. Help fight childhood hunger by signing up to volunteer at or call.

Join the nonprofit in making it a hunger-free summer for seniors, families and children. Every dollar donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will provide the equivalent of five meals for Oklahomans struggling with hunger. Donate online at or call.

Altus Police are warning citizens and local business owners of a utility scam. This scam involves a caller who identifies themselves as an employee or representative from PSO. The caller demands payment on customers utility bill or services will be disconnected. These calls do not come from Altus Power, and in fact, correspondence with Altus Power utility customers is always done by mail. Do not release any information about your account to anyone who may call and demand payment and never provide a caller with your financial information, including bank account, credit card or debit card information. WING CHANGE OF COMMAND SET AT AAFB JUNE 16 ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – A new commander will take charge of the 97th Air Mobility Wing June 16 at 9 a.m.

The base will welcome Col. Carney as the new 97th AMW commander and bid farewell to Col. Hohn, who has served as the 97th AMW commander since June 26, 2015. Carney previously served as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Fellow working interagency issues in the National Capitol Region, Washington DC. Prior to that, he served as an Air Force Planner, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, VA. During the ceremony, Airmen of the Mighty 97th will honor Hohn for his service, and welcome Carney as the new wing commander.

While on ODWC’s website, check out the Fish ID and management section. Click on the type of fish you’re interested in and they even provide fishing tips! For example: “May and June are top months to fish for spawning sunfish. Try using worms along shallow shorelines in areas protected from wind and boat traffic. If the action turns fast and you suddenly find yourself out of bait, try cutting small pieces of fillet from the back of one of your catches. Sunfish love these.” That is great information and can really help you have a successful fishing adventure! Lake Altus-Lugert is nearly full- more than 87% full.

In fact it lacks just 2 feet 10 inches from being full. Most years June has decent amounts of rain. Normal for Lake Altus-Lugert during June is 3.21 inches of rain- which should fill it right up. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT GIVEN The Great Plains Literacy Council is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation in Oklahoma City.

“We are so pleased to have received this grant,” said Sabina Garrett, Community Relations Committee member of the Great Plains Literacy Council, at the presentation. “The literacy council believes in sponsoring educational literacy services for adults, but funds are needed to operate this beneficial program.” The Great Plains Literacy Council’s proposal includes plans to expand literacy education to adult learners, especially those who speak other languages, in Jackson County and Harmon County. This project will offer free tutoring of English, citizenship preparation, high school equivalency testing, and health literacy, provide bilingual staff and a program coordinator, and provide funds for curriculum and office supplies. The grant will end January 31, 2018. Established in September 1985, the Great Plains Literacy Council has a strong history of operation. The mission of the Council is to provide basic adult literacy services in Jackson County and Harmon County. The Council offers one-to-one tutoring and small group tutoring to meet individual needs.

During the past year, there were a total of 93 adult learners reached with various educational needs through the help of 36 volunteer tutors in this literacy program. “The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation was founded by the late Carolyn Watson, CEO and chairman of Shamrock Bank, N.A., in 1995 to improve the quality of life in rural Oklahoma communities,” stated Blake Jackson, Shamrock Bank Vice President. “Through its two grant programs, the organization promotes education, health, literacy and art and the humanities in 20 counties.” Since its inception, the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation has awarded nearly $900,000 in grants to schools, teachers, and communities in rural Oklahoma. Additionally, the Carolyn Watson Opportunities Scholarship offers awards of up to $10,000 per academic year for high school seniors graduating from 62 rural Oklahoma counties to attend college. For more information, please visit.

Altus Schools dedicates The Nick Williams Wrestling Center Members of the Oklahoma wrestling community, along with Altus Public Schools faculty and members of the Altus community gathered on Monday, May 22, 2017 to dedicate the Altus Schools’ wrestling center to long-time Altus coach, Nick Williams. Coach Williams began his career in Altus in 2004 as a physical education teacher and head wrestling coach. He has also coached football and golf for Altus. In his thirteen-year tenure at the helm of Bulldog Wrestling, Coach Williams has produced 62 state qualifiers, 21 state placers, 15 state champions and 8 All-Americans. He was named the 2010 5A Coach of the Year and 2010 All State Coach, as well as the 2016 5A Coach of the Year.

Previously while at Madill High School, Coach Williams was named the 2002 2A Coach of the Year. Throughout the dedication ceremony, fellow wrestling coaches Larry James of Shawnee, Brandon Benson of Duncan and Todd Goolsby from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association spoke about Coach Williams dedication to the sport of wrestling and his outstanding reputation across not only the state of Oklahoma, but also the nation. OSSAA Assistant Director Todd Goolsby stated, “Nick is a valued member of the wrestling advisory board and a respected leader of wrestling throughout the state of Oklahoma. His hard work, commitment, and dedication are second to none.” Coach Brandon Benson worked under Coach Williams in the Altus program before moving to Duncan as their head wrestling coach. “I am very thankful that Nick and I’s paths crossed; as I gained not only a great colleague, but a close friend as well.

Working under Nick allowed me to learn many things that I still use to this day as a coach – hard work, fairness, tenacity, and loyalty. I would be hard pressed to find someone who has given so much to his profession, nor do I believe I could find a coach that works harder at his craft,” Coach Benson said of Williams. He added, “Outside of coaching, I learned by watching how to merge my professional and family life. I witnessed the very definition of a great father who always put his family first. Experiencing first hand the culture Nick has built in Altus’ program was a fantastic opportunity; and speaking as a father of a potential future Bulldog wrestler, I am elated my son will have the opportunity to grow up in such a program. This dedication is a true testament to what Coach Williams has invested and given to a program where he touched the lives of so many, and I am very thankful for the impact he has had on mine.” Altus Schools Superintendent Roger Hill and Altus Board President Kelley Duncan presented Coach Williams with a proclamation and a copy of the sign that will hang above the entrance to the Nick Williams Wrestling Center. “Altus has one of the premier wrestling programs in Oklahoma.

Coach Williams has built a program that year after year contends for state championships in Class 5A”, stated Superintendent Roger Hill. In the most moving presentation of the evening, three-time Bulldog Wrestling State Champion and Nick Williams’ step-son, Cameron Loving presented his coach with a shadow box containing all three of the state champion medals they won together. Of his coach Cameron said, “He has made me a do it right the first time kind of guy.” He then addressed Coach Williams personally saying, “You have always been in my corner, not only for me but everyone else. And, it is now time for all of us to be in your corner, Coach.” In the Spring of 2017, Nick Williams was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. “The wrestling community is deeply saddened by the news of Nick’s diagnosis with ALS,” said Todd Goolsby. He continued, “I believe there is strength in numbers, and I believe in the power of prayer.

Nick has a great number of supporters and it is our duty to pray daily for Nick and his family. Life’s toughest obstacles can make us bitter or better. I believe Nick will choose to make it better.” The Bulldog family rallied around their beloved coach and through the sale of Take Down ALS t-shirts raised over $3,500 for Coach Williams. Altus High School wrestling standout Gage Gomez presented Coach Williams with a check on Monday night on behalf of the community of Altus.

“I’ve had dreams about instilling so much into wrestling to be recognized like I was tonight. Wow what an honor! I must thank God, my family, my athletes, my coaching family my friends and my bulldog family for allowing me to teach and coach with passion,” stated Coach Williams. “Thank you.” The ceremony ended with Altus Mat Maids Sponsor and Williams’ family friend, Mrs. Roberta Brady Lee reminding the crowd, “There’s A Bulldog in the House!” A reception followed the presentations allowing Bulldog family, coaches and supporters to show their love and gratitude to Coach Nick Williams. Last week’s weather was intense! Hail large (50 cent sized) and small (dime sized) fell in both the Main Park and at North Shore.

Heavy rain also fell. Funnel clouds went by overhead. Very luckily we had little damage, lost few trees and no-one was injured. Memorial Weekend is upon us. Hopefully the wild weather settles down-funnel clouds and tornadoes are not welcome.

Campers, swimmers and boaters are welcome! North Shore is still without water. We are trying “Dry Camping” for RV’s & motor homes in Cottonwood Campground-NOT for tents. With Dry Camping one must come with full water tanks, use holding tanks while at Cottonwood and dump elsewhere. Basically you bring water in and take waste away. Our North Shore dump station is NOT available- without a well there is NO water – anywhere.

As water service is not available on North Shore, at this time the price for camping in Cottonwood Campground is reduced to $12.00 per night per site, rather than $20 per night. No Discounts will be available with the reduced price. There is a limit on how long one can stay: 4 Day maximum Stay.

All tent camping must occur in the Main Park because of the lack of water has all restrooms in North Shore campgrounds closed. There should be plenty of tent spaces, even for a Holiday weekend. The limiting factor will be parking. Boat ramps will be crowded and it may take some time to launch or get off the water. Please stay weather aware and get off the lake early if storms are building.

Patience & courtesy will make the holiday smoother. Let’s all have a safe & happy Memorial Weekend. CHAUTAUQUA 2017 “THE GREAT WEST: COWBOYS AND CATTLE TRAILS” IS COMING TO ALTUS BEGINNING MAY 30 Five visiting historians, with special expertise in western history, will be here during the week to explore the western cattle trails and life on these trails. There will be entertaining and informative discussions with these historians as they share their knowledge in daily workshops at 11:00 am at the Altus Public Library and 2 PM at the Museum of the Western Prairie.

The historians will portray five western trail characters in “Living History” performances held every evening in the cool comfort of the WOSC Performing Arts Center beginning at 7 PM. Local entertainment will also be featured at the performances each evening. All activities are free and open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Please call the library at, for a full schedule of the Chautauqua week activities. Jennings, Randale Johnson, Cameron King, Samuel Lawson, Blake Lollis, Sasha Lynn, Roxanne Maldonado, Todd Mallory, Isaac Martinez, Julianne Martinez, Garrett Meza, Rebbeca Monday, Derry Murphy, Jaret Nassaney, David Obreiter, Amanda Olson, Christopher Plew, Tara Pope, Benjamin Rojas, Garrett Royle, Michael Springsteen, Christopher Thompson, Dalton Tignor, Al Trevino, Dulce Villarreal, Tiffany Whittington.

Powerplant: David Bean, Randy Brazell, Edward Shane Carr, Mitchell Clark, Malcolm Collingwood-Lee, Allen Diederich, Travis Flood, Gustavo Garduno, Matthew Harding, Aaron Hargis, Douglas Mallory, Damon McGuire, Austin Milbourn, Justin Moore, Kristian Mikkel Moriarity, Justin Myers, Stetson Myers, Kevin Phillips, Roxanne Ramirez, Nicolas Sanchez, Darren Sisk Jr., Joshua Smith, Clayton Stoup, Timothy Sullivan, Fernando Tapia, Brandon Tate, Brandon J. Taylor, Robert Vernon, Damon Welch, Christopher Wortham, Stephen Wortham. BioMedical Sciences (Stacey Davis, Instructor); Lacey Bacon, James Durrence, Macy Farr, Jessica Johnson, Trevor Kay, Adam Kinzer, Kendra Knox, Orin McGee, Haley Newman, Mary Pratt, Angelica Sanchez, Sara Watson.

Business & Computer Technology (Carol Walker, Instructor); Jasmin Aviles, Maleah Bluefer, Olivia Bond, Kaitlyn Dykens, Ethan Fourroux, Paul Garza, Jessica Granado, Jackie Johnson, Jocelyn Mendez, Mikayla Mendoza, Elizabeth Miller, Brittany Ray, Julia Robles, Anna Snider, Micaiah Thomas. Construction Trades (Casey Crume, Instructor); Alexander Haga, Joel Jaime, Jonathan Jaime, Kevin Johnson, Carla McDade, Bobbi-Jo McGinley, Bobby McKnight, Eduardo Ramos, Caleb Shiplet. Cosmetology (Linda Woody, Instructor); Ashley Arambula, Allison Brian, Ashtin Colson, Shantel Coronado, Chelsea Cox, Maribel Garza, Raney Gilreath, Sherri Grimes, Yadira Gutierrez, Ashley Hall, Aureliana Hall, Krystal Henbest, Sheena Holley, Alicia Rosenquist, Whittani Whitaker, Tina Wilhite, Juane Russell. Electronics Technology (Brian Chaney, Instructor); David Brockmeyer, Scott Cumby, David Dosher, Nathan Gore, Abaigeal Guinan, Paul Krehbiel, Cary McNutt, Andrew Reyes, Konor Smith. Health Science Technology (Rachel Soliz and Nancy Estes, Instructors); Tyler Adams, Laramie Allen, Veronica Almanza, Brittany Bearden, Maripaz Cervantes, Hope Hall, Zacaria Hill, Asia Houston, Sky Pelfrey, Kristen Ramirez, Sydney Swingle, Jacqueline Valenzuela. Service Careers Technology (Casey Rowland, Instructor); Isaac Gonzalez, Nick Lyng, Jose Rosalez, Sierra Smith, Michael Wallace. The keynote speaker for the evening will be a great friend of Career Tech and SWTC, Joey Stengell.

Stengell, Major, USAF (Retired) was raised in Montgomery, Alabama. He graduated with a Business Administration Degree from National University, Sacramento, California and received his MBA from Auburn University. He served 22 years in the United States Air Force and is a combat decorated veteran who served in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. During other tours, he was a Commandant of Cadets at college-level AFROTC and directed the acquisition of several weapons systems including the Air Force War Planning software system and unmanned radar threat warning systems. He is a certified LEAN Manufacturing/Six Sigma facilitator and for the past seven years has been an Adjunct Professor teaching various Communications, Business, and Computer courses including here locally at Western OK State College and Southwest Technology Center. He founded and directs the Velocity Indoor Softball Academy, a non-profit organization that promotes and educates athletes in the sport of fast pitch softball.

Joey and his wife Kathy live in Altus and they have three daughters Mary, Beth, and Casey. HOLDER NAMED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) announces Robbie Holder, a principal at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School located on Altus Air Force Base in Altus Public Schools, as the 2017 OAESP Administrator of the Year.

The OAESP Administrator of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary principal who sets high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staff in their learning communities. Robbie Holder is described as “an education leader, possessing successful leadership skills which are on exhibit daily among her faculty, students, parents, community, peers, and military leadership at Altus Air Force Base.” A principal for the past 25 years, Robbie Holder began her career at Wilson Elementary School in Altus.

When asked about her most significant accomplishment in her years as a career educator, Robbie states, “being a principal of a 2016 high performing Blue Ribbon School and receiving the Terrell H. Bell School Leadership Award from the United States Department of Education.” Altus Superintendent Roger Hill describes Mrs.

Holder as, “an incredible instructional leader.” He goes on to state, “Her leadership throughout her 17 year tenure as Principal of Rivers Elementary School with 37 years in the teaching profession altogether has been the driving force in shaping the school culture into the learning community it is today.” Robbie Holder will also serve as a National Distinguished Principal and be recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in a prestigious ceremony in Washington D.C. When asked about her recognition Robbie stated, “Being named the National Distinguished Principal by the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals is such an honor and means so much to me. The OAESP organization has been instrumental in building and guiding the leadership skills that have helped me grow and experience success as an educational leader.” Mrs. Holder will also be recognized at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration Summer Conference on June 7 and the OAESP Breakfast on June 8 at the Embassy Suites hotel & Conference Center in Norman, as well as the OAESP Mid-Winter Conference on January 31, 2018 at the Reed Convention Center in Midwest City.

For more information about the OAESP Administrator of the Year Awards, please visit www.ccosa.org. To commemorate the week, water utilities, government entities, environmental advocates, schools, and others will celebrate drinking water through public presentations, staff events, and community festivals, and provide information on how water consumers can understand and appreciate their water. “This year’s Drinking Water Week will motivate water consumers to be actively aware of how they personally connect with water,” said AWWA Chief Executive Officer David LaFrance.

“We should all know how to find and fix. Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource.

With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. Additional information about Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available on the Drinking Water Week webpage. It’s not just the wildflowers that are blooming. Lots of Mesquite catkins are starting to open showing their bright yellow color.

These flowers produce large amounts of nectar and are favorites with honeybees and other insects. So, if you’re allergic to bees and other stinging insects take extra care around blooming Mesquite trees. If you love to watch butterflies, visit the various mesquite groves around Quartz Mountain on low wind days. Cedar Valley has quite a few Mesquite trees, so to does the picnic area right across the street from the Park Office. ALTUS SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET ON MONDAY The Altus School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, May 8 at 5 PM in the conference room of the administrative center, 219 N. Recognition of the Altus FFA team for winning the Oklahoma Scholastic Shooting Sports Association State Championship and recognition of State FFA Degree recipients at Altus High School will be made as well as recognition of Robbie Holder as the OAESP Administrator of the Year/National Distinguished Principal Award winner. Under the consent agenda, land leases, activity fundraisers, use of facilities and out-of-state trips will be addressed, as well as a Board Resolution to honor the 2017 District Teacher of the Year.

Naming of the Wrestling Room at the Cletus B. Street Fieldhouse will also be addressed. In executive session, the board will discus proposed new hires, and after reconvening to regular session consider new hires. Extended personnel to include summer school personnel, as well as retirements, reassignments, and other personnel issues will be considered including contracts for regular support staff. A Summer Pride Strength and Conditioning Program and personnel will also be considered, as will summer maintenance personnel before adjourning. ALTUS POLICE RECOGNIZED & AWARDED At the May 2, 2017 Altus City Council Meeting, the Altus Police Department was recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation Status by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG).

Making the presentation to Chief of Police Tim Murphy and Deputy Chief of Police Tim Scott are Executive Director of OACP Phil Cotton (left) and Law Enforcement Specialist from OMAG Kevin McCullough. On March 30 and 31 a site team, comprised of Law Enforcement Professionals from around the state, gathered at the Altus Police Department to conduct an internal agency review on departmental policies, procedures, facilities, operations, use of force, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management and other administrative, patrol and investigative operations. In the final report prepared by the sight team, it was the unanimous opinion that the Altus Police Department meets or exceeds the standards for Accreditation as set forth by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

“This was not an easy task and few law enforcement agencies from across the state have achieved Law Enforcement Accreditation,” said Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy. “This has been a project in the making for several months and I am extremely proud of every member of the Altus Police Department for building, creating and producing an environment of professionalism within the Altus police department to better serve the citizens of Altus.” UPDATE: CONSTRUCTION WORKER INJURED IN ROCK CRUSHER ACCIDENT DIES A man working construction on the west edge of Altus was injured Tuesday and taken to Jackson County Memorial Hospital by local EMS. According to Jackson County Sheriff Roger Levick, the man has sense died from his injuries. The accident, which happened around 11 a.m., involved a rock crusher on a site located in the 1500 block of W.

The Altus Fire Department and Police were called to the scene. The accident is being investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Levick said that at this time the man’s name and other details about the accident cannot be released.

More details will be announced as they become available. AMA/CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD The Altus Municipal Authority and Altus City Council met Tuesday evening, May 2 in council chambers meeting first as the AMA, and followed by the regular meeting of the Altus City Council. Absent were Mayor Jack Smiley and Councilman Kevin McAuliffe. The AMA heard a presentation from the OU capstone students regarding their feasibility study of the Altus City Reservoir.

They then received a presentation regarding the Altus Police Department for their efforts in meeting and/or exceeding the standards for accreditation set forth by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Program and being granted accreditation. The AMA will then considered the consent agenda which included a presentation recognizing the Altus Parks and Recreation Department. Freddy Perez was awarded the Outstanding Partner with Power Award. After adjournment, the City Council met where they were reminded of the Main Street Altus Rock and Rumble during comments from the audience. The Car Show and Cruise will be held this Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. The inter-local agreement with Jackson County for the reconstruction of Carver Road was removed pending further information.

The ordinance amending a code to prohibit tethering of an animal except as authorized by the animal control supervisor on a temporary basis for warranted exceptional circumstances was tabled until the next meeting. A high speed chase through Altus ended here at Frazer Bank at Main and Broadway in Altus. The suspect’s stolen vehicle is seen here being loaded onto a truck after the crash. HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS IN CRASH Altus Police were led on a high speed chase through both main streets and residential areas in Altus late Thursday evening. According to Police Chief Tim Murphy, a juvenile driving a stolen vehicle led police on a chase that ended with two patrol cars, an innocent bystander’s vehicle, and the suspect’s car all damaged.

Murphy added that the chase ended with no serious injuries. Murphy said that police were aware of the stolen vehicle and that the suspect in the chase may be headed to the Altus area. After police spotted the vehicle in town, the suspect led officers on a chase that at times exceed ed 100 mph. The chase left Main Street when the suspect turned onto Wayne Street and side-swiped a vehicle that was stopped to turn onto Main. According to witnesses, the chase then continued on the residential streets of Lee, Willard and into an alley before returning to Main Street.

PUBLIC INVITED TO RESERVOIR PRESENTION BY OU STUDENTS Students from the University of Oklahoma College of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science will present findings about the Altus City Reservoir on Tuesday, May 2nd at 4:30pm in the east wing of the Community Center at 401 Falcon Road. One of their degree requirements is to participate in a capstone project during their senior year in which they apply what they have learned to a real world project.

Students have evalu ated the feasibility of returning the reservoir to its original use as a drinking water source and assessed whether or not it would be feasible to increase water storage by means of dredging or raising the dam. Their work included sampling of water and sediment for a wide variety of environmental parameters, a survey of the water depth and ground elevations, and an analysis of the stability of the dam. The public is invited to attend the presentation. Anyone unable to attend may submit comments and suggestions to Johnny Barron, City Engineer by phone at (580) 481-3518 or by email. Top senior male shooters are Hunter Pence of Altus, first runner-up; Kaden Hans of Blair, champion senior male shooter; and Ryan Seabolt of Sand Springs, second runner-up.

Top junior female shooters are Casady Sublett of Hyrdo-Eakley, runner-up; and Shay Skaggs of Pond Creek-Hunter, champion junior female shooter. Not pictured: Brooklyn Higgenbottom of Boswell, second runner-up. Top junior male shooters are Jacob Diller of Timberlake, runner-up; and Kaehl Smith of Wesleyan Christian School, champion junior male and top overall junior shooter. Not pictured: Teddy Bowels of Colbert, second runner-up.

Scholastic Shooting Sports’ Finale Altus is among more than 150 schools participating in OKSSSP, a trap-based program offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s suite of outdoor education programs. “OKSSSP has proven to be immensely popular among the schools that have joined,” said Damon Springer, a senior information and education specialist with ODWC, and OKSSSP’s coordinator.

“Students are given a chance to learn about firearms and firearms safety, and they are given a chance to represent their schools in competition.” Since the program’s inception and first state shoot in fall of 2013, Altus has taken home the top trophy. The addition of four regional qualifying events — as well as a bracket-style format for both senior- and junior-level teams at the state competition — began in spring 2015 as the program grew to more than 80 schools. Sequoyah High School took second place at the 2017 state shoot with a score of 201. “Practice and discipline are the keys to success in this game,” Springer said. “Shooters have to hone their skills and stay sharp. Proper shooting form and staying consistent are vital.” Leading up to the 2017 state shoot, Altus topped the list of Southwest Regional competitors with a 201, and Sequoyah led the Northeast Regional with a 207. Eagletown, at 185, was the Southeast Regional winner, and Chisholm was the Northwest Regional winner at 196.

Chisholm finished the 2017 state competition in third place, while Stilwell and Blair were fourth and fifth, respectively. At the individual level, Pond Creek-Hunter’s Shelby Skaggs shot a perfect 25 to top the list of senior female shooters, while Blair’s Kaden Hans came out on top on the senior male side following a three-way tiebreaker with Hunter Pence of Altus and Ryan Seabolt of Sand Springs. Hans, Pence and Seabolt each recorded a perfect 25 in regular competition. Skaggs won top overall senior shooter as she outshot Hans on the third tiebreaker station, again breaking all five clay pigeons.

On the junior side, Navajo became the champion with a 186-160 final against Sequoyah, and Chisholm’s junior team took third place. Individually, Kaehl Smith of Wesleyan Christian School and Jacob Diller of Timberlake Schools each scored a perfect 25.

Smith prevailed in the shoot-off, winning both top male shooter and top overall shooter for the junior category. Shay Skaggs of Pond Creek-Hunter took top female shooter with 23. OKSSSP member schools receive a start-up kit from ODWC, valued about $2,000.

The kit includes a gun safe, a target thrower, 20 boxes of clay targets, 20 pairs of safety glasses and 600 earplugs for hearing protection. Additionally, each high school receives endowment funds from program benefactors Larry and Brenda Potterfield totaling $10,000, of which the school may use up to 5 percent once per year to help fund the program. Senior teams that participate in their respective regional shoot receive an additional $2,500 in their endowment, and teams that place in the top five receive even more money ($5,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place, $2,000 for fourth place, and $1,000 for fifth place). The same amounts are awarded again for the top five senior teams at the state level.

Larry Potterfield said, “Brenda and I are so blessed to be able to give financial support to youth shooting sports throughout the country, and are happy to contribute to the success of Oklahoma’s Scholastic Shooting Sports Program.” To see all team scores and individual scores from the 2017 OKSSSP state shoot, go to. Anyone wanting to learn more about OKSSSP or those interested in starting the program at their school may call Springer at or e-mail. STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE PLANNEDOn Saturday, May 13, letter carriers will once again help “Stamp Out Hunger” by collecting canned food donations from households on their route.

This is part of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, which is a one-day food drive held in more than 190 cities in central and western Oklahoma.Food donations stay local. In Altus, donations will benefit Southwest OK Community Action in Altus.To help “Stamp Out Hunger”, fill the plastic donation bag you receive in your mailbox the week of May 8, or any plastic bag, with canned food donations and place it by your mailbox on Saturday, May 13 before your letter carrier arrives.

Your letter carrier will do the rest.Most needed items include: canned meats, meat-based soups, canned fruits, canned vegetables, peanut butter and rice and beans. Nonperishable food donations can also be dropped off at participating post offices. Monetary donations can also be made online at or by calling. Every dollar donated will provide five meals for Oklahomans with inconsistent access to food.Since 1993, the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive has raised more than 9.7 million pounds of food for residents in central and western Oklahoma.

BURROWS FAMILY CLINIC OPENSOn Saturday, May 13, letter carriers in more than 190 cities in central and western Oklahoma will “Stamp Out Hunger” by collecting canned food donations from households on their route. Rhonda David, Education Specialist with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative from Lawton, will be the instructor. This is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma and supported by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. This is also a health literacy outreach project of the Southern Prairie Library System, the Great Plains Literacy Council, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, with funding provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

AMA and CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD Regular meetings of the Altus Municipal Authority and the City Council were held Tuesday evening, April 18. Items approved during the AMA were the the purchase of a single fiber optic cable with installation and termination from Telco Supply Company in the amount of $314,397.50; the awarding of the annual contract for concrete pavement repair to Garcia Concrete of Olustee with fees based on unit prices included in the bid schedule; changing order no. 1 to add $84,593 for additional work and extend the contract period by 180 calendar days to HCCC0, LLC or Tulsa of Tulsa for the water plant improvements phase II; and to purchase a new sanitation sideloader truck from Southwestern Equipment Company in the amount of $160,900 to accommodate the new Altus Air Force Base trash contract. The Altus City Council meeting was held immediately following the AMA meeting.

Items approved during the meeting included the authorization of Boynton Williams & Associates of Norman to proceed with the design of a 22,600 square foot fire station; amending a city code on recreation fees and charges, swimming pool and water slides, to create an additional punch pass system, to define the seasons and remove the hours, and allowing staff to set hours as needed; the awarding of a swimming pool chemical control bid to Sunbelt Pools INC in the amount of $18,720. Council also discussed creating a Golf Course Advisory Committee. Appointments will be made at the May 2 meeting.

Joey Stengall, Brett Willey and Tatum Gallagher were reappointed members of the Altus Recreation Advisory Committee. John Womack and Jon Kidwell were set to replace former councilmen Dr. Rick Henry and Perry Shelton. Kidwell was also appointed to the E911 Board. BOOK DISCUSSION FOR HEALTH CONSUMERS A book entitled Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Statistics will be discussed with health students and the public by faculty members from the OU Bird Health Sciences Library at the SW Technology Center, 711 W. Tamarack, Altus, on Thursday, April 20, at 1 PM.

The one hour program will include interesting parts of the book and include ways to calculate risk, how to put risk in perspective, and how to determine credible information. Current news stories will also be incorporated to apply the concepts from the book. Handouts and supporting materials will also be provided by the Bird Health Sciences Library. The Southern Prairie Library System and the Great Plains Literacy Council are also sponsors of the educational health program. ALTUS MAN AR RESTED ON CHILD PORN CHARGES Paul Staley, 35, of Altus, has been arrested on a charge of Aggravated Possession of Child Pornography after a joint investigation between Altus Police and an investigator from the Beckham County Sheriff’s Department, representing the OSBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The ICAC task force member contacted Altus Police in early March after intercepting child pornography images coming from the suspects IP address.

On Monday investigators executed a search warrant at the suspects address where computers were seized and which depicted an aggravated amount of images of child pornography. Aggravated is described as over 100 images. Staley has been jailed at the Jackson County Jail on Aggravated Possession of Child Pornography and is awaiting formal arraignment in Jackson County District Court. GROUP ARRESTED ON BURGLARY CHARGES Altus police responded to 1101 N.

Park Ave for a report of a burglary in progress shortly after 3 PM on Friday, April 14. According to reports, the homeowner said someone had forced entry into the home by kicking in the back door. The victim told police the suspects got into a black pick up that was in the alley. Police conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle a short distance from the crime scene and detained its occupants. Another subject involved had left the scene on foot and was later located in the area of the 700 block of East B Street.

Investigators believe this reported burglary stemmed from an earlier incident in the day in which threats were made between the victim and the subject who police had detained in the 700 block of East B Street. That earlier incident led the suspects into traveling to 1101 N. Park Ave, kicking in the back door and threatening the victim. Arrested on complaints of 1 st Degree Burglary were 34 year old Brett Benivamondez, 34, Diana Benivamondez, 25, Danny Duke, 24, and Amelio Herrera, 42. Arrested on complaints of 1 st Degree Burglary and Assualt with a Dangerous Weapon was William Ingram, 20.

All five suspects are being held at the Jackson County Jail awaiting formal arraignment in Jackson County District Court. Charles Russell and His Yarns Come Alive at the Plaza Theater in Downtown Altus on Friday Scholar and historian Raphael Cristy will present his widely acclaimed living history program about the famous Western painter, sculptor, and yarn-spinner Charles M. The event is hosted by the Western Trail Historical Society and is open to the public. It will be held at 7 PM on Friday, April 21, at the restored Plaza Theater at 107 N. Hudson (now the home of the Altus Christian Fellowship). Cristy has intensely studied the artist’s life for over forty years and has presented “Charlie Russell’s Yarns” dozens of times across the nation.

Imitating Russell’s ambling, sometimes stammering way of speaking. The program is comprised of 95% direct quotations from hundreds of sources, including Russell’s own short stories and illustrated letters. As he performs Russell’s words, Cristy will project hundreds of color slides as stage backdrops selected from the approximately 4,500 known works of art that Russell produced throughout his life. When Russell arrived in Montana in the early 1880s, storytelling was a popular sport, and Russell became one of the best. He tells of his life; the interesting places he visited; the interesting people he knew, including Will Rogers; his one-time drinking problem, and of his success and fame as an artist which he credits to his wife Nancy. Russell lived the open-range life of a rough Montana cowboy for eleven years before gradually gaining international popularity as a self-taught artist. He died a wealthy man in 1926 at the age of 62.

By then, his wife, Nancy, was getting $10,000 for larger paintings that he produced for such celebrities as Douglas Fairbanks, Will Rogers, and Edward Prince of Wales. Today, Russell’s better oil paintings can command prices in excess of one million dollars. The doors to the theater will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7 PM. “Everyone is welcome,” said Jennie Buchanan, program chair for the Western Trail Historical Society. “This remarkable program is the official kick-off for our annual membership campaign which we hope will have equally remarkable success!” The doors to the theater will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7 PM. BODY FOUND Altus Police are currently investigating the death of person found in a car lot Wednesday afternoon.

The body was found in the 300 block of W. Broadway at the site of a former used car dealership where a few vehicles remained on the lot. According to authorities, the original report was of someone they thought was asleep in a vehicle, but upon further investigation, found the person to be deceased. Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy said that although the matter is still under investigation, he did not think the death was of a suspicious nature.

UPDATE – AUTHORITIES HAVE RELEASED THE NAME OF THE PERSON FOUND. THE BODY OF RANDY MORGAN, 52, OF ALTUS, HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE OKLAHOMA STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR AN AUTOPSY TO DETERMINE A MANNER AND CAUSE OF DEATH. LUCAS HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING Congressman Frank Lucas held a Town Hall meeting in Altus on Wednesday, April 12.The meeting, held at the Altus Municipal Complex, was the third on a two-day tour this week.

Click the link to hear the entire meeting. MARTIN NAMED VICE MAYOR At a special City Council meeting held Monday, April 10 Jon Kidwell made a motion to approve Dwayne Martin as Vice Mayor for the City of Altus. The motion was seconded by Doyle Jencks. All approved. Martin abstained from the vote. POLICE INV ESTIGATING SHOOTING Altus Police are investigating a shooting that was reported Saturday evening, shortly after 9 PM at 77 Sunset Strip Trailer Park #1.

The victim told police that she and several other people were inside the residence, heard gunshots and discovered someone had shot into the residence. The victim stated a vehicle left the area at a high rate of speed but she was unable to get a description.

Investigators discovered that three bullets were fired into the home. There were no injuries reported and police have not identified a suspect(s) or a description of the vehicle that sped away from the scene. Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to contact the Altus/Jackson County Crime Stoppers at 580 482-tips (8477). You can remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

HACKBERRY FLAT DAY PLANNED Saturday April 15 will be Hackberry Flat Day in Frederick. This is a great family activity as there are so many things to see and do both inside and outside.

Hackberry Flat Center & Wildlife Management Area are southeast of Frederick, Oklahoma and events occur from 9 a.m. Admission and all activities at Hackberry Flat Day are free. Inside the lobby area, you will find furs & tracks displays and wonderful taxidermy mounts of wildlife common to wetlands. Don’t forget to look up, there are mounts suspended from the ceiling. Inside the wetlands classroom are more exhibits about all the critters that call Hackberry Flat “home.” Alabaster Caverns State Park’s traveling bat exhibit, the Oklahoma Game Wardens’ “Wall of Shame.” Outdoor there will be a chuck wagon and falconer with live falcons. There will also be a butterfly tent. All the details can be found by visiting and clicking on the Hackberry Flat Day link in the upper right OR by going to.

Of course the spring migration is underway so there will be a variety of wetland tours. There is a 2 hour Observation Tower Tour an 1 ½ hour Wetlands Are Cool Tour. There is a 1 hour Hackberry Flat in Spring Tour and a 1 hour Egg-tastic Nature Hunt!

Participants will ride in comfort to areas on Hackberry Flat. Each tour has limited seating. Reservations can be made in advance by emailing Mel Hickman at or by phone. When making reservations please provide time and number in group. Hackberry Flat Day is an indoor and outdoor event, so dress comfortably and wear walking shoes. Be sure to put on sun screen before you come. All equipment required for activities at Hackberry Flat Day are provided.

Bring your camera! If you are taking a wetland tour you might wish to bring binoculars. Admission and all activities at Hackberry Flat Day are free, so why not take a short trip to Frederick and attend Hackberry Flat Day? BOOK DISCUSSION FOR HEALTH CONSUMERS Many health messages in the media are incomplete, misleading, or exaggerated, leaving the average person misinformed and confused. A book entitled Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Statistics was carefully researched to help consumers learn how to interpret the numbers behind the messages.

A book discussion designed for health students and the public will be led by faculty members from the OU Bird Health Sciences Library at the SW Te chnology Center, 711 W. Tamarack, Altus, on Thursday, April 20, at 1 pm. The one hour program will include interesting parts of the book, written by three physicians at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont. This is not a math book, but will show ordinary people how to calculate risk, how to put risk in perspective, and how to determine credible information. Current news stories and/or videos will also be incorporated to apply the concepts from the book. Participants who want to view the book or get copies of the book can contact the Altus Public Library or the Hollis Public Library before the April 20 th program. The book is freely available online via the PubMed Health bookshelf at:.

Handouts and supporting materials will also be provided by the Bird Health Sciences Library. The Southern Prairie Library System and the Great Plains Literacy Council are also sponsors of the educational health program. A town hall meeting regarding the future Altus Central Fire Station is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:00PM in the Council Chambers at Altus City Hall. The general public is invited to attend the meeting and hear a presentation about the proposed location and floor plan.

It is proposed that funding for the facility will come from MAPS sales tax revenues. Those in attendance will have a chance to share their comments and suggestions for the new facility. The plan involves construction of an estimated 22,600 square foot Fire Station to be located on the 200 Block of North Park Lane across from City of Altus Aquatic Center. This new fire station would replace the current Central Fire Station located at 220 East Commerce Street. “I particularly enjoy the way Roosevelt strung together words to describe his experiences,” Buchanan said. “He describes the cattle country of the far west as ‘one gigantic, unbroken pasture, where cowboys and branding-irons take the places of fences.’ He admired cowboys: the work they did and how they did it. He wrote, ‘When the gallop their wiry little horses, their lithe, supple figures sway slightly as they sid loosely in the saddle with their stirrups so long that their knees are hardly bent, the bridles not taut enough to keep the chains from clanking.’ As I read the book, it brought to mind many cowboys and horses I’ve known.

I’ll share some of those stories during the book review.”. TUESDAY’S ELECTION: All the information you need Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for the April 4, Blair, Eldorado, and Olustee Municipal Elections, Jackson County Election Board Secretary Jennifer L. Wilson said today. Please keep the following information and tips in mind as the election approaches. -Early voting will be available at the County Election Board office from 8 a.m. Thursday and Friday. -Polls are open from 7 a.m.

Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait times will likely be shortest at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Anyone in line to vote at 7 p.m. Will be allowed to cast a ballot. -Anyone who needs to look up their polling place, verify their registration information, or view a sample ballot can do so online. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website: www.elections.ok.gov.

Those who vote by mail can also check the status of their ballot using the Online Voter Tool. Sample ballots are also available at the County Election Board office. -Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person at the precinct polling place or during early voting at the County Election Board to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law (only one proof of identity is required): Show a valid photo ID issued by federal, state, or tribal government; or show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by the County Election Board; or sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.) -Physically disabled voters who cannot enter the polling place, need help marking their ballots, blind or visually disabled voters and illiterate voters may be assisted by a person the voter chooses. In all cases, a person providing such assistance may not be the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union.

A person providing assistance also must swear or affirm that the voter’s ballots will be marked in accordance with the voter’s wishes. Alternatively, all blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled voters in Jackson County may use the audio-tactile interface (ATI), a feature offered on all Oklahoma voting devices, to vote privately and independently, either at Jackson County Election Board during early voting or at their assigned polling place on election day. -Voters who have moved since the last election, but who have not transferred their voter registration to their new address, may do so on Election Day by going to vote at the polling place where their registration has been in the past. While voting, they may fill out a form instructing the County Election Board to transfer their registration to the new address before the next election. -Those who became physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, still can request an emergency absentee ballot. Those who might qualify for an emergency absentee ballot should contact the County Election Board office at 580-482- 2370 as soon as possible for more information.

-Any violation of election law will be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities. Electioneering is not allowed within 300 feet of a ballot box.

It is also unlawful to remove a ballot from the polling location, possess intoxicating liquors within half a mile of a polling place or to disclose how you voted while within the election enclosure. For additional election-related information, visit www.elections.ok.gov. SPELLING BEE WINNERS ANNOUNCED. The “Star Wards” from Grace Methodist Church came away the victors at the annual “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee held March 25 at the WOSC Band Hall. This team of Kim Carpenter, Meghan Hull, and Brian Carpenter, gained the title of best spellers after five rounds. Harold and Margaret Worrell were their sponsors. The “Word Nerds” of Lucinda Taylor, Lindsey King, and Thu Scott, who represented the JCMH Pediatric Clinic, were the second place spelling team sponsored by Adrian and Lindsey King.

The word pronouncer Phil Eckenrod, Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus AFB, had become familiar with about 500 words and used his leadership skills in giving the correct pronunciations, origins, and definitions. The spelling contest judges were Hollis resident Winford Mike Warren, Associate Judge, District Court, and Kayla Privett, Southwest Technology Center ESL Instructor. Some teams also wore costumes of various themes. The “Beauty and the ‘Bee’ast” team with Skyilar Duarte, Christina Miller, and Leah Tickle from Altus Walmart Supercenter won the Best Costume Award. The second place costume award went to the “Physical Thera Bees” with Steve Jensen, Stephanie Jensen, and Christie Shive with sponsorship from Chris, Stephanie and Steve Jensen. This team was the third place spelling team also. The “Star Wards” team from Grace Methodist Church won the Best Team Name accolades.

Winners for the best costume and best name were determined by State Senator Mike Schulz and State Representative Charles Ortega. The traveling plaque for the best military spelling team was captured by “Mad Hatters” team from the 56 th Air Refueling Squadron with the Operations Group at Altus Air Force Base with their team members Lt Col Dan Ruttenber, SSgt Colorado Sitz, and SrA Brandon Cail. An engraved plaque will be displayed at the base library for the honor. This team was also declared the second place name winner and their sponsorship came from NBC Oklahoma. The “Sympathy Award” for misspelling the first word was presented to team members Joe Buchanan, Larry Moody, and Jacob Rose on the “Altus Firefighters” team, sponsored by the Altus Firefighters Local #2749. A new “Best Team Support” Award was presented to the “Beelievers” team spellers Mark Morey, Sarah Skiles, and Rebecca Cullen, who represented the First Christian Church and were sponsored by Phil and Ruth Carson and Brenda Risner. GPLC President Bruce Davis opened the spelling bee with introductions.

He complimented Western Oklahoma State College for their continued support with the facility for the fundraiser. Mark Haught, Northside Superintendent, was the master of ceremonies and helped with announcements.

“This was the first time for me to be involved with this fun and educational fundraiser,” summarized Dr. Haught, “and it tallied over $4,600 for the worthwhile service for adult literacy.” The other teams participating were BEEdlam Bees, BOE Bulldogs, and Walmart Warriors. These teams were sponsored by Jim Parrish/Altus Mini Storage, Altus Board of Education, and Altus Walmart Supercenter. All spelling bee team members received honey in bear containers from the Broadway United Supermarket. In addition to the individuals, groups and businesses that sponsored teams in support of this literacy fundraiser, other financial contributions came from Aldonian Club, Cindy Allen, Altus Kiwanis, Altus Lions Club, Altus Literary Club, AMSCO Steel, Mary Ann Appleby, Kristen Balko, Donna (Hinton) Belli, Nelda Cable Memorial by J.C. Home & Community Education, Rick and Becky Cheaney, Pat Colville, Country Kitchen, United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church, Doug Dalton, Bruce Davis, Larry and Sharon Duffy, Katrina Ellis, Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church, Leslie Gelders of Edmond, Steve Francis, Frazer Bank, Dean and Karan Garrett, Rusty and Sabina Garrett, Katherine Hale, Ryan and Erin Howard, Jackson County Home & Community Education, J.C. Retired Educators, Carolyn Leonard with Buffalo Industries, LLC., Jacquelyn and Jim Parrish, Putnam Toyota, Woodmen of the World – Lodge 111, and Tom and Ellen Yates.

Appreciation is also expressed to those making additional in-kind contributions or supplies which included Western Oklahoma State College, AAFB Public Affairs, Altus Car Wash, Altus Printing, Altus Times, Jeanine Berrong, Cable One, Carl & Carmens, Ron & Karen Coggeshall, Belinda Dimitratos, Leslie Gelders, Katherine Hale, KEYB Radio, KWHW Radio, Lawton Constitution, Donna Smith, Southern Prairie Library System, The Enterprise, and The Red River Sun. Refreshments and door prizes were also provided by the GPLC Board members.

Robert and Fran Preston of Aquathin provided bottled water for the event. WELCOME MEETING SET FOR ALTUS SCHOOLS Transition from one school to another can be a scary event for both students and parents. Altus Public Schools wishes to make that change as easy as possible for all involved. This Spring each campus is hosting Welcome Meetings for incoming students and parents.

The schools will be open for tours and teachers will be on site to help answer questions about the upcoming school year. Welcome meetings will be held in the evenings and are open to both the parents and students who will be moving into a new school in August of 2017.

Altus Primary School will hold the Future First Graders meeting on Monday, April 24, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. Also on Monday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Altus Intermediate School will welcome new 5 th grade students and parents. Altus Junior High will hold Junior High Orientation for all incoming 7 th graders on Tuesday, April 25 th at 6:00 p.m. Rivers Elementary School will enroll Pre-K students for their school for the 2017/2018 school year on Thursday, April 27 th from 4:00 p.m. Altus Elementary will welcome new 3 rd graders and parents on Tuesday, May 2 nd from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Pre-K enrollment for Altus Early Childhood Center will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 5:00 p.m. For more information please visit or contact the school. Jesse Rodgers to Speak at Jackson County Leadership Prayer Breakfast The Jackson County Ministerial Alliance, Altus Air Force Base Chapel, and the Altus Chamber of Commerce are hosting the eight annual Jackson County Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 4, 2017, 6:00 a.m.

Until 7:30 a.m. In the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Tickets will be available for $15.00. Businesses, churches and civic organizations interested in helping sponsor the breakfast may purchase a table of eight for $120.00 for their employees and guests. The breakfast is designed to be a forum for political, social and business leaders of the county to assemble together and build relationships which might not otherwise be possible. Jesse Rodgers, from Tulsa Oklahoma will be the keynote speaker. Tickets can be purchased at the Altus Chamber of Commerce office on 301 West Commerce.

Jesse Rodgers is the Chairman of the Oklahoma Watchmen on the Wall Network, a ministry of the Family Research Council, Washington D.C. Rodgers is also the founder of “The Church United”, a ministry dedicated to facilitating the unity of the Body of Christ in the cities and county seats of Oklahoma and beyond.

He is a graduate of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary where he received his post graduate degree. Rodgers has ministered in many nations of the world on five of the seven continents.

He and his family were resident missionaries in Singapore for the duration of the birthing of the “one-church one-city” movement. In addition to the Leadership Prayer Breakfast the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance will host a Community prayer meeting at the Altus City Hall Council Chambers during the noon hour. This prayer meeting will be a focused time of prayer for local and national government leaders. The Altus business and faith community are invited and encouraged to attend these events. – May 19 – SFS Golf Tournament at Windy Trails, with a 8:30 a.m. Registration and 9 a.m. OLUSTEE-ELDORADO PRE-K REGISTRATION 2017-18 Pre-K registraton for the 2017-18 Olustee-Eldorado school year will be held May 3 from 3 to 5 PM at the Olustee School, and on May 4 from 9 to 11 AM at the Eldorado School.

You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate (unofficial hospital records accepted), current immunization records, proof of residency (current utility bill, property tax receipt, or least/mortgage agreement), and Social Security numbers for each child (SSN is option). If you cannot come to these enrollment times, please call the Olustee School at 648-2243 and talk to Mr.

Hazel to make arrangements to complete registration. OLUSTEE AND ELDORADO SCHOOL DISTRICTS COMBINING The Olustee and Eldorado Public School districts will combine into one district, becoming the Olustee-Eldorado Public Schools, starting with the 2017-18 school year. Budget cuts, as well as low enrollment, were sited for the merge. According to reports, Olustee Superintendent Gaylene Freeman said the discussion to consolidate began two years ago. “With the financial decrease of our budget and with the initial enrollment decrease as well, we thought this would be the best time to get together and try to make a go at it as one district instead of two single ones,” Freeman was stated as saying. Former Eldorado students will start taking a 15 minute bus ride next school year to Olustee where enrollment should increase by 50 to 60 students. Freeman also said she will try to bring as many teachers from Eldorado as possible onto her staff at the new combined school district.

A contest will be held to get the students and community members involved in picking a new mascot for the new combined school district. NORTH SHORE REOPENS SATURDAY This Saturday, April 1, Quartz Mountain’s North Shore reopens! Eagle’s Roost ATV Area will be open for riders, Cottonwood & Lakeview Campgrounds will be open for campers. Everything opens at approximately 8:00 AM Saturday. Here are some of the rules & regulations of the Eagle’s Roost ATV Area: -ATV Season is from April 1 to October 31. -This is a Day Use area only-Visitors must be out of the Eagle’s Roost ATV Area by sunset. -ATV riding is a Fee activity, Daily Use fee must be paid OR Season Pass ($70) must be presented every time.

-The fee is $10 per vehicle per day. The Season Pass is non-transferrable. -All ATVs must be equipped with a whip & orange/red safety flag. -The flag must be 10 feet above the ground when mounted on the vehicle. -ATV use is restricted to the designated area. -Helmets are required for drivers and/or passengers under the age of 18. -Only vehicles that are designed to carry passengers can have two riders.

-State and Federal law prohibit damage to or removal of items of historical or cultural nature. Only in Cottonwood campground on North Shore may ATVs be operated, at idle speeds, during daylight hours. -ATVs cannot be ridden outside of Eagle’s Roost ATV Area or Cottonwood Campground.

North Shore has 72 water and electric RV sites. Cottonwood Campground has 37 and Lakeview Campground has 35 RV sites. All sites in Lakeview are 30 amp electrical service.

Cottonwood has 6 sites that have 50 amp electrical service. Sites in Cottonwood Campground are strictly first come-first served (no reservations taken). Reservations may be made for Lakeview Campground if you have five or more RVs travelling together (family reunion or a camping club). Camping reservations require one night’s fee for the number of RVs staying, in advance. Call the Park Office at or more details.

The Lakeview boat ramp is closed until further notice. The ramp itself has been undercut by years of fluctuating lake levels. Hicks Mountain is the nearest large boat ramp.

ALTUS PUBLIC STORM SHELTER STATEMENT The City of Altus would like to remind you that we do not maintain public storm shelters. What are the alternatives? Constructing a personal storm shelter is the best option, but if that is not possible then develop your plan today and stay informed of conditions. Although some jurisdictions provide public shelter, emergency management professionals and experts in the field of severe weather strongly recommend only one solution: personal pre-planning for severe weather events. Develop a plan and practice it regularly with all family members.

The plan should include the identification of an appropriate shelter site, and a system to communicate with family members. Where to shelter?

Residential safe rooms or personal storm shelters provide the best protection from tornadoes or high wind events. If underground shelter is not available it is still a better option to “shelter in place.” Standard residential housing typically provides survivable shelter for 95% of the tornadoes experienced in Oklahoma.

Simply remember the basics; Get in, Get down, Cover up. Translated this means go to the lowest level possible, put as many walls as you can between yourself the outdoors, and protect your head and body from injuries using blankets, pillows, coats; anything that will provide padding. The only exception to this suggestion is manufactured housing. Individuals living in manufactured housing or mobile homes should ALWAYS seek shelter elsewhere. Neighbors may have a safe shelter. Therefore, area residents are encouraged to “know your neighbor” both to provide and receive help during times of emergency. Travel during severe weather?

Travel puts the individual at more risk than he would be exposed to if sheltering in place. The risk of injury or death during severe weather is ten times greater when vehicles are involved. Travel can involve other obstacles as well. Debris blocked roadways and traffic jams are common problems. People will leave their vehicles anywhere when in a hurry to reach shelter. Just walking to your car can put your life in danger from flying debris, hail or lightning. Vehicles and mobile homes are NEVER safe in severe weather and the last place you want to be.

Awareness is vital! If you live in Oklahoma you know that severe weather is a real threat.

There are numerous systems that can ensure your awareness, including all-hazard or weather radios, free notification programs for your computer or phone and local broadcast media. The City of Altus Alert system is available at the City website where, after subscribing, one can enroll for text and email weather alerts. Have a shelter already? Area residents who have safe shelters are encouraged to register with their local fire department.

Should debris cover the opening to the shelter, rescue is initially focused on those who have registered. Storm shelters can be registered here: Interested in having a shelter built? The City of Altus does not currently have a FEMA rebate program for individual safe rooms. However, the State’s “Sooner Safe – Safe Room Rebate Program” is available to Altus residents. For more information, or questions please visit or contact Altus Emergency Management Director, Lloyd Colston at (580) 481-2260. The City of Altus outdoor storm sirens are currently unreliable as a notification source for severe weather including tornadoes.

In an effort to keep you safe and make you weather aware, we encourage you to use some or all of the following methods to alert you of severe weather. LOCAL RADIO & TELEVISION #1 Local radio and television (over-the-air), satellite, and cable stations provide alerts when severe weather is in the area. When weather is forecasted and expected to be severe, turn on your local radio station. ALERT ALTUS #2 Alert Altus, this free notification system can send you a text and/or email to notify you of a number of different severe weather types in Altus. The link to learn more about Alert Altus and register your phone and/or email can be found here. City of Altus Emergency Management or Fire Department staff would be glad to help you set up your Alert Altus account and settings, just give us a call at (580) 481-2230. WEATHER APPS #3 There are many free weather notification apps for smart phones.

The Red Cross has an app specifically for tornadoes, which has a verbal alert and siren-like sound for tornado notifications. Information about the Red Cross tornado app can be found here: NOAA RADIO WITH S.A. Crack Autodesk Inventor 2013 64 Bit. M.E. #4 A NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio with S.A.M.E. (specific area message encoding) capabilities. This feature allows you to enter only those counties you want to receive weather alerts. They can be purchased at local stores or online.

They range in price from $35 – $50 depending on the additional features you want (i.e. AM/FM radio, etc.). See for more details. City of Altus Emergency Management or Fire Department staff would be glad to help you set up your radio for local alerts. Give us a call at (580) 481-2230. SOCIAL MEDIA #5 A number of social media accounts such as twitter.com/altusready also offer alerting options.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman broadcasts watches and warnings for all of southwest Oklahoma, including the Altus area; their Facebook page can be found here: For more information, or questions please visit Management or contact Altus Emergency Management Director, Lloyd Colston at (580) 481-2260 or For setting up Alert Altus account, you can also call Fire Department at (580) 481-2230. SPRING & SUMMER WEATHER by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain Nature Park It looks like the summer of 2017 may be a scorcher. Consider Monday, March 20 was the first day of Spring and had a forecasted high of 96 degrees! How much hotter will the first day of Summer (June 20th) be? Of course between March 20 and June 20 we will probably have some chilly days.

Let’s hope we don’t have any late freezes. May 3, 2013 we had a low temperature of 30 degrees. Late freezes are very hard on plants that have already bloomed and set fruit. The Sand Plums are early bloomers and one of the first to produce fruit. A lot of wildlife feast on Sand Plums, including Raccoons, Opossums, Coyotes and Deer. Should a late, hard freeze strike, Sand Plum production may be reduced- impacted a great number of wildlife. So while 96 degree days in March are hard- 30 degree days in May are worse!

Let’s hope some Spring rains cool us down a wee bit and fill Lake Altus-Lugert. Currently the lake is hovering around 69 -70% full and down about 7.25 feet.

Of course, days that are hot and windy causes more water to be lost to evaporation- lowering the lake level. “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee for Literacy Spelling teams are forming now to participate in the annual “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee for literacy on Saturday, March 25. This date is set for the area’s most fun and entertaining event which is the Great Plains Literacy Council’s fundraiser. It will start at 9:00 am at the Band Room (H12) at Western Oklahoma State College. Back for the 18th year, the spelling bee will no doubt be another crazy, word-churning and fun-filled spelling competition to raise money for the adult literacy services. To be a part of this “Grate” event, just gather up friends and co-workers from a squadron, club, family, neighborhood, company, or organization, and register at the Altus Public Library, 421 N.

Hudson, by Monday, March 20. It will cost $125 for a team of two to three adults (age 18 and older at the event date). The entry fee will include three mulligans as no mulligans will be sold at the event.

This contest permits the team to work together in spelling the words at the contest. As soon as the registration form and fees from the downtown library are completed, rules and study helps are available. “The Spelling Bee is an exciting way to help our Council raise needed funds to continue our fight against illiteracy in this area,” exclaimed Kristin Shelby, GPLC Spelling Bee Chair. “Some also make contributions to the literacy council rather than sponsoring teams in support of this its worthy efforts.

This fundraiser makes up about 11% of our annual operating budget.” Team cheering sections are encouraged to attend the contest that has no admission fee for the public to attend. A new award will recognize the best team support from the audience. Prizes are awarded to the top two spelling teams, the best team name, and a sympathy award for the first team who misspells a word. For those who want to have costumes, there will be special prizes for that category. Also a special award goes to the top military team.

Door prizes and refreshments will be included during the morning event. The Great Plains Literacy Council is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to helping adult residents in Harmon and Jackson Counties improve reading, writing, and speaking skills of the English language. For more information or questions about the “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee, please give them a “buzz” at 477-2890. Jesse Rodgers to Speak at Jackson County Leadership Prayer Breakfast The Jackson County Ministerial Alliance, Altus Air Force Base Chapel, and the Altus Chamber of Commerce are hosting the eight annual Jackson County Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 4, 2017, 6:00 a.m. Until 7:30 a.m. In the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.

Tickets will be available for $15.00. Businesses, churches and civic organizations interested in helping sponsor the breakfast may purchase a table of eight for $120.00 for their employees and guests. The breakfast is designed to be a forum for political, social and business leaders of the county to assemble together and build relationships which might not otherwise be possible. Jesse Rodgers, from Tulsa Oklahoma will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets can be purchased at the Altus Chamber of Commerce office on 301 West Commerce. Jesse Rodgers is the Chairman of the Oklahoma Watchmen on the Wall Network, a ministry of the Family Research Council, Washington D.C. Rodgers is also the founder of “The Church United”, a ministry dedicated to facilitating the unity of the Body of Christ in the cities and county seats of Oklahoma and beyond. He is a graduate of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary where he received his post graduate degree.

Rodgers has ministered in many nations of the world on five of the seven continents. He and his family were resident missionaries in Singapore for the duration of the birthing of the “one-church one-city” movement. In addition to the Leadership Prayer Breakfast the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance will host a Community prayer meeting at the Altus City Hall Council Chambers during the noon hour. This prayer meeting will be a focused time of prayer for local and national government leaders. The Altus business and faith community are invited and encouraged to attend these events __________________________________________ Hear the Thursday, March 16, 2017 interview with Sen. Lankford by clicking this link: ___________________________________________ Martha Road to Host Annual Father Daughter Banquet Martha Road Baptist Church, located north of Altus, will hold their 12th annual Father Daughter Banquet Friday evening April 7.

Kevin Baker, pastor of the church said, “Each year this event has allowed fathers to bring their daughters to a semi-formal event where the girls can really dress up. The core value of the yearly event is to reinforce for the girls how they should be treated when they begin dating. The banquet allows the fathers to set the standard for how they want their daughters treated by ‘would-be future husbands.’” The theme for this year’s event is “Love”.

Love is listed as one of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Jesus Christ demonstrated his love for us and has commanded us to love others. As the young ladies grow up love will be an indispensable character quality in their lives. The guest speaker is Kolby King from Edmond OK. Kolby serves as a children’s evangelism speaker at summer camps and church events all over the United States. Tickets are now on sale for the banquet. Tickets are $40, and $50 if purchased after March 22.

The ticket is a family ticket that includes the father and as many daughters he has or wants to bring to the banquet. Tickets can be purchased at the church office Monday – Friday 8 to 4. The banquet isApril 7 at 6:00 PM. For more information on this or other events at the church please visit the church website at or call the church office. PROM DRESS GIVEAWAY.

VOTERS SHOULD APPLY EARLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS Voters in Jackson County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the April 4, Blair, Eldorado, or Olustee Municipal Elections, should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Jennifer L. Wilson said today. Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. On Wednesday, March 29, Wilson urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early. Absentee ballot application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 101 N. Main, Rm#105, Altus. An online version of the form can be filled out and submitted electronically at: www.elections.ok.gov.

A print form can also be downloaded at that address. “At least two mail transactions must be made,” Wilson said. “The County Election Board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail.” Ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board officials by 7 p.m.

On Election Day in order to be counted. Wilson said that any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he/she is eligible to vote. However, a voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district or a municipality to be eligible to vote in school district or municipal elections. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee. “While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several advantages to absentee voters in some categories,” Wilson said. By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, absentee voters can activate some special conditions that make is easier for them to use absentee ballots. The reasons are: Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee.

They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot. Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee.

An Absentee Voting Board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot. Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible to receive absentee ballots. These voters may apply only by mail, by fax, or by email. Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in their units for application forms and additional information or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov/oklahoma) for more information and instructions. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any United States military installation and from United States Embassies and Consulates as well as on the FVAP website. INVESTIGATION CONTINUES IN ASSAULT CASE Altus Police continue their investigation that lead to the arrest of a man after he threatened a woman with a knife in the Altus Walmart parking lot.

According to Police Chief Tim Murphy, police responded Saturday afternoon, shortly after 1 p.m., after a report of an attempted armed robbery by knife point. Anthony Burns Jr The victim told police she was placing groceries in her car when a man came up from behind her. The suspect placed the victim in a choke hold, put a knife to her neck and pulled her to the ground. A man, who happened to be sitting in his vehicle a short distance away, witnessed the attack and confronted the suspect. The suspect then ran south across the parking lot in the direction of Atwoods.

The witness described the suspect as a white male, wearing a grey hoodie with red sleeves, approximately 40 years old and 230 pounds and wearing glasses. Investigators obtained surveillance video from Walmart and showed a man who fit the description of the suspect. That photo was circulated through the media and the City of Altus social media website, and with the help of the Altus office of Probation and Parole, the suspect was identified as Anthony Burns Jr., 40, of 901 East Liveoak. Investigators took Burns into custody and he is being charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Burns is being held at the Jackson County Jail awaiting his initial appearance in district court.

Burns has previous felony convictions out of Stephens County which include 2 nd Degree Burglary, 1 st Degree Arson, Possession of a Firearm After a Former Felony Conviction, Possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ORDINANCES The Altus Municipal Authority and Altus City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 7. All councilmen were present, and during the AMA meeting, all approved the consent agenda. The regular City Council meeting then followed with all councilmen present. The consent agenda was approved, as were all ordinances, bid packages, resolutions and the contracts.

These included those for the construction of the Senior Activity Center, and the roof replacement for the Altus Fire Rescue North Main Fire Station. The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 101 N. Main St, Rm#105, Altus, and at most post offices, tag agencies, and public libraries in the county. Wilson said that applications also are available at www.elections.ok.gov.

TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH BURGLARY, ASSAULT Robert Alejandre Altus Police have arrested a man on several charges after breaking into the home of his ex-girlfriend. According to Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy, in the first investigation, police responded to 604 West Elm shortly before 3:30 a.m. Friday morning after the victim told police her ex-boyfriend forced his way into her home by kicking in the back door. The victim told police she received a back injury after being pushed and falling to the floor.

The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Kelly Police responded to the same residence shortly before 10:30 a.m. On Friday morning after the victim told police she was awakened to find the ex-boyfriend had again forced his way into the home. He assaulted her again by pushing her to the floor. She said that the suspect then stole a 42 in” television and fled the scene before police arrived. The suspect was located a short time later at a residence at 1401 North Blain #26. The suspect, Robert Alejandre, 39, of Altus, was taken into custody on 2 counts of 1 st degree Burglary, 2 counts of Domestic Assault and Battery, Use of a Police Scanner During the Commission of a Felony and an arrest warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support issued through the Jackson County District Court.

Investigators are also charging Alejandre with Possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute after finding several small baggies of what police believe to be Methamphetamine. Also taken into custody was 40 year old Jared J. Kelly, 40, of Altus on charges of Harboring a Fugitive and Use of a Police Scanner During the Commission of a Felony. The stolen television was recovered inside the home at 1401 North Blain #26. Both men are being held at the Jackson County Jail. The 2017 Jackson County Junior Livestock Show Premium Sale at the Jackson County Expo Center on Monday night, Feb. These student exhibitors are the “best of the best.” In total $205,938.93 was raised at the event, and every dollar raised went straight to the students.

There were 71 exhibitors. It takes many people to make this successful. Thanks to everyone who supported this outstanding annual event. ________________________________________________________________________________ Premium Auction 73rd Annual Jackson County Junior Livestock Show February 27, 2017 Sponsored By: The Altus Chamber of Commerce No. Exhibitor School/Club Breed/Placing Wt.

Light RailLink (formerly Baltimore Light Rail, and also known simply as the ' Light Rail') is a system serving,, United States, as well as its surrounding suburbs. It is operated by the (MTA Maryland). In downtown Baltimore, it.

Outside the central portions of the city, the line is built on private, mostly from the defunct, and. The line is sometimes referred to the 'Blue Line', or less commonly as the 'Central Light Rail Line', even though the line carries three different routes on the same system: Hunt Valley-BWI (Blue), Hunt Valley-Cromwell (Yellow), and Penn Station-Camden Yards (Red). Construction work in progress in June 2003 to add a second track to the bridge over the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River The origins of the Light Rail ultimately lie in a transit plan drawn up for the Baltimore area in 1966 that envisioned six rapid transit lines radiating out from the city center. By 1983, only a single line was built: the 'Northwest' line, which became the current. Much of the plan's 'North' and 'South' lines ran along that was once used by and routes—the, and —that still remained available for transit development.

Beginning in the late 1980s, Governor (a former mayor of Baltimore) pushed for building a transit line along this corridor, motivated in part by a desire to establish a rail transit link to the new downtown baseball park being built at for the. The Light Rail lines were built quickly and inexpensively and without money from the U.S. Federal government, a rarity in late 20th century U.S. Transit projects. The initial system was a single 22.5-mile (36.2 km) line, all at-grade except for a bridge over the Middle Branch of the just south of downtown Baltimore. The line ran from in in the north to in in the south. The line opened in stages over a 14-month period.

The initial segment from to opened for limited service for Orioles games on, and for full service on May 17. A three-station extension to opened on August 20, 1992, followed by a 4-station extension to on April 2, 1993, and an additional 2-station extension to on May 20, 1993. Station placement and design were intended to be flexible and change over time, as stations could be built or closed at low cost.

However, they were at times dictated by politics rather planning: proposed stops in,, and were not built due to local opposition, while nearly-cut and stations were built because the University of Baltimore and a local business group funded them. Was built with less parking than ridership required because of community requests, and a fence - erected in response to a homeowner objecting to the visual impact of the station - prevented riders from accessing a nearby commercial building. Expansion [ ] Three extensions to the system were added in 1997.

On September 9, the line was extended north 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to, adding five stations that served a major and a mall. On December 6, two short but important branches were added to the system: a 0.3-mile (0.48 km) spur in Baltimore that provided a link to the intercity rail hub, and a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) spur to the terminal of. On September 6, 1998, the opened as an infill station between the existing and Camden Yards stations. Adjacent to, it was initially only open during games and other major stadium events; however, it became a full-time stop on July 1, 2005.

To save money, much of the system was built as single-track. While this allowed the Light Rail to be built and opened quickly, it made it difficult to build flexibility into the system: much of the line was restricted to 17-minute, with no way to reduce headways during peak hours. Federal money was acquired to make the vast majority of the system double-tracked; much of the line south of downtown Baltimore was shut down in 2004 and north of downtown shut down in 2005 in order to complete this project. The northern section up to Timonium reopened in December 2005; the rest opened in February 2006.

The line north of the Gilroy Road station & on the BWI Airport spur remain single tracked. Operation [ ] Routing and schedules [ ].

Main article: The Light Rail network consists of a main north-south line that serves 28 of the system's 33 stops; a spur in Baltimore City that connects a single stop () to the main line and two branches at the south end of the line that serve two stops apiece. Because of the track arrangement, trains can only enter the Penn Station spur from the mainline heading north and leave it heading south; there are still single-track sections north of Timonium, limiting headways in that section to 15 minutes.

Various routing strategies have been used on the network. As of 2015 there are three basic services (and one additional off-peak service): • BWI Airport to Hunt Valley • Camden Yards to Penn Station • Cromwell/Glen Burnie to Timonium (peak) • Cromwell/Glen Burnie to Hunt Valley (off peak) • Cromwell/Glen Burnie/BWI/Hunt Valley to North Avenue (trains going out of service) Although these routes are colored blue, red and yellow respectively on some MTA maps and schedules, they do not have official names as such. Some trains heading north from either BWI Airport or Cromwell/Glen Burnie may terminate at to go out of service until peak operation hours resume.

During these times, ridership is not high enough to send trains all the way through. Passengers must check train destination signs before boarding. The light rail operates 3:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m. On weekdays, 4:15 a.m.–1:15 a.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

At peak hours on weekdays (from the first trains of the day until 10 a.m., and from 4 p.m. To 6 p.m.), the BWI-Hunt Valley and Cromwell/Glen Burnie-Timonium routes see 20-minute headways; at other times on weekdays and all day on weekends, there are 30-minute headways on both routes (with Glen Burnie trains traveling all the way to Hunt Valley). The Camden Yards-Penn Station route sees 30-minute headways at all times. Because there is significant overlap on these routes, most of the system sees 10-minute peak and 15-minute off-peak headways; stations in the downtown section between Mt. Royal and Camden Yards are served by six trains an hour off-peak and eight trains an hour at peak.

(Paradoxically, the Timonium-Hunt Valley section actually sees longer headways at peak hours.) Most of the light rail's route is on a dedicated, with occasional equipped with. However, on the downtown portion of the route that runs along Howard Street (between the University of Baltimore/Mt. Royal and Camden Yards stations), trains mix with automobile traffic and their movement is controlled by traffic signals. In 2007, a transit signal priority system was implemented on this portion of the route, resulting in time savings of 25%. From south of Falls Road to North Avenue, the light rail runs parallel to the, and from Camden Yards to north of Westport, it parallels.

North of Falls Road and south of Westport, it follows its own path towards its respective termini. The between Hunt Valley and BWI (based on a scheduled running time of 1:20 and a distance of 30 miles) is about 22 miles per hour. Fares and transit connections [ ] MTA fares are identical for the Metro Subway, the Light Rail, and local buses: a one-way trip costs $1.80. Daily, weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes are also available that are good on all three transit modes.

A passenger with a one-way ticket can change Light Rail trains if necessary to complete their journey — the only instance where a one-way MTA ticket is good for a ride on more than one vehicle — but transferring to a bus or the Metro Subway requires a new one-way fare or a pass. Automated ticket vending machines that sell tickets and passes are available at all Light Rail stations.

The Light Rail's ticketing is based on a system. Passengers must have a ticket or pass before boarding. Officers ride some trains and randomly spot-check passengers to make sure that they are carrying a valid ticket or pass and can issue for those without one. Civilian Fare Inspectors also conduct ticket checks, alighting those without fare. Most Light Rail stations are served by several MTA bus routes and passengers can make platform-to-platform transfers with the MARC Camden Line at Camden Yards and with the MARC Penn Line at Penn Station. There are no cross-platform connections with the Metro Subway. The Lexington Market subway and light rail stations are a block apart and connected only via surface streets.

There are plans to cover the sidewalk between the two stations. Ridership [ ] • FY 2011 – 27,595 average weekday; 8,655,209 annual • FY 2012 – 27,253 average weekday; 8,539,996 annual • FY 2013 – 27,537 average weekday; 8,647,381 annual • FY 2014 - 25,183 average weekday; 8,105,743 annual Rolling stock [ ]. A typical two-car train at Lutherville station Baltimore's Light Rail vehicles (LRVs) were built by, the U.S. The initial set was delivered in 1991–1992 as the line was being built; a supplemental order of essentially identical cars was delivered in 1997 when the extensions came into service. Baltimore LRVs are quite large—much larger than traditional and bigger even than those used on San Francisco's or 's. Are 95 feet (29 m) long (over coupler faces), 9.5 feet (2.9 m) wide, 12.5 feet (3.8 m) high (excluding the pantograph) and can accommodate 85 seated and 91 standing passengers. These cars operate on standard 4 ft 8 1⁄ 2 in ( 1,435 mm) gauge track.

1-, 2- and 3-car trains are all routinely seen in service. Trains are powered by an overhead and have a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). When delivered, they were the first transit vehicles in the United States to employ A/C propulsion. Each LRV is powered by four 275 HP motors (1100 HP total); the middle truck is unpowered. Interior of a Baltimore Light Rail vehicle The MTA currently owns 53 individual Light Rail cars. During typical weekday peak-time service, approximately 30 to 35 cars are required; a somewhat higher number of cars are put into service immediately after Orioles and Ravens games. For weekday service, as well as on days of Orioles games or events at the or, trains going from Hunt Valley to Cromwell and BWI Airport are generally run with two cars, while three-car trains are put into service for Ravens games and major downtown events.

Usually the Penn Station-Camden Yards shuttle is operated with one-car trains. The MTA also owns a variety of maintenance of way equipment, which can use diesel power in emergencies. There is a mid-life upgrade of the light rail vehicles currently in progress.

On September 9, 2013, a contract for mid-life overhauls of the light rail vehicles was awarded to. Five vehicles at a time will be sent for rebuilding, involving testing, removal of all interior and exterior components and replacement with new propulsion systems. The overhaul is scheduled for completion in March 2018. The overhauled cars are expected to begin testing in early 2016.

Future [ ] There are no immediate plans to add track length to the current Light Rail system. An independent commission on Baltimore-area transit made a number of suggestions in a 2002 report for new lines and expansions of existing lines. Newer proposals include expanding service on the existing Central Light Rail line by extending Sunday service via the BaltimoreLink plan, as well as new stations and spurs. Texas Station [ ]. A diagram showing the proposed Light Rail extension to Port Covington and the new Stockholm Street and Carroll Camden stations. The Light Rail is shown in blue, and the is shown in orange In the 2015 South Baltimore Gateway Masterplan, the city of Baltimore proposed a new light rail stop along the Central Light Rail line at Stockholm Street, in between and. The new station would be located near the also-proposed new station for the located west of Russell Street.

The new station will provide additional access to the, the, and new businesses in the Carroll-Camden Industrial Area. Port Covington extension [ ] In January 2016, plans were unveiled by Sagamore Development Company, owned by CEO, regarding the redevelopment of in. The new plan for Port Covington calls for two proposed new light rail stations, along with new residential and commercial development. The first station would be located west of Hanover Street, and the other would be located at the intersection of East McComas Street and East Cromwell Street, just south of. This proposed extension would create a new spur from the Central Light Rail line by crossing the Middle Branch of the south of. Red Line [ ].

Main article: The was a planned 14.1-mile (22.7 km), 19-station light rail line traveling east-west that would intersect with the existing Light Rail downtown; this would be a separate service, with no track connection to the existing Light Rail, though there would be opportunities for transfer between the two in the vicinity of. The line would operate in a total of 4.7-mile (7.6 km) of tunnels through the downtown area (and along Cooks Lane), with the majority of the rest of the system operating at-grade and just a few aerial sections, as well as in the median of the former freeway. However, the Red Line was cancelled by Governor on June 25, 2015. See also [ ] • • • • • • References [ ].

MTA Maryland. Retrieved August 18, 2014. • ^ Logan, Mary (December 1, 2005). Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Department of Legislative Services, Maryland General Assembly. July 1, 2008.

• Gunts, Edward (May 17, 1992).. Baltimore Sun.

Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration. • Peckham, Geoff (September 6, 2008).

(Press release). Baltimore Ravens.

Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved 2015-04-25.

• February 7, 2009, at the. 2007 MTA Annual Report (PDF), page 12. Retrieved 2010-02-09.

• Baltimore Metropolitan Council (July 28, 2009), (PDF), p. 168, archived from (PDF) on December 28, 2010 • (PDF). Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved 2015-04-25. Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved 2015-04-25.

Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved 2015-04-25. Howard Street Steering Committee Recommendations, April 22, 2009 Draft •. Alstom Press Release, Sept 9th, 2013 •. Retrieved 2015-08-06. Archived from (PDF) on September 9, 2011. Retrieved 2016-06-29.

South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan. Retrieved 2016-06-29. Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2016-06-29.

Maryland Transit Administration. Retrieved 2015-04-25. External links [ ] Route map: ( • ) •. • Brown (UMB to Overlea/White Marsh) • (UMB to Towson/Lutherville) • Pink (West Baltimore to Cedonia) • Orange (West Baltimore to Essex) • Gold (Walbrook Junction to Berea/Canton Crossing) • Yellow (Mondawmin to UMBC/Riverview) • (Northwest Hospital to Druid Hill Park/Harbor East) • Green (West Baltimore to Towson) • Blue (Johns Hopkins Bayview to CMS) • Navy (Mondawmin to Dundalk/Watersedge) • Purple (Hopkins Hospital to Paradise/Catonsville) • Silver (Curtis Bay to Johns Hopkins/Morgan State Universities) LocalLink.