 |
November 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Local News
|
Underage drinking brings charges |
|
|
Saturday, 15 November 2008 |
By Brad House
Publisher
Two Antlers residents are facing multiple felony counts of providing alcohol to minors in separate incidents, according to reports filed with the Pushmataha County Court Clerk's office.
Sandra Dee Markham was arrested Saturday in connection with a complaint that originated in August.
According to reports, an Antlers Police Officer Clint Efaw received a call from an Antlers man who said he had witnessed four juveniles putting cases of beer through the back window of a residence on N.E. 5th Street. Efaw and Officer Jeremy Buchanan went to the residence. As the officers got out of their vehicle, they noticed loud music coming from the house. Efaw walked toward the back of the house as Buchanan knocked on the front door.
As Efaw approached the rear of the house, he saw a male juvenile attempting to crawl out of a bedroom window. When the officer ordered him to freeze, the youth crawled back into the house. Efaw could see two 30 packs of beer in the bedroom, as well as numerous open cans of beer in the room, and a number of juvenile males running. Efaw also noticed a strong smell associated with marijuana, according to reports.
The officers ordered all of the boys, as well as Markham, out of the house.
Markham told officers she had been asleep the whole time and had no knowledge of what was going on in the house. She was arrested at the scene for knowingly furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 and all the juveniles were taken to Antlers Police Department, summons were issued for Juvenile Services and the youths were released to the custody of their parents.
The case was originally tried with Markham charged with misdemeanor counts. However, District Attorney Laura Wallis filed a motion on Monday to dismiss the misdemeanor counts in order to re-file the case as a felony.
Marlin Joe Howell, of Antlers, also faces seven felony counts of providing alcohol to minors after officers received a call on Friday of intoxicated juveniles at Garden Walk Apartments.
According to police reports, Officer Jeremy Buchanan went to the apartment and spoke with a woman who told him that her son and another boy had been drinking at Marlin Howell's apartment and that Howell had bought them alcohol. Buchanan was unable to interview the boys at the time because of their intoxicated condition.
About three hours later Buchanan and Officer Clint Efaw were sent back to Garden Walk Apartments on a call involving two intoxicated individuals at Howell's apartment. The individuals were arrested and officers made contact with Howell, who said he had never seen the two intoxicated persons before. Buchanan noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from Howell's person and also noticed that he was unsteady on his feet.
The officer got consent from Howell to enter his apartment and found two other juveniles who appeared to be intoxicated in a hall closet.
Howell was arrested and taken to the Pushmataha County Jail.
|
|
|
Now is the time to prepare for winter weather |
|
|
Saturday, 15 November 2008 |
As temperatures continue to make their way toward freezing, now is a good time for Oklahomans to become winter weather prepared. Toward that effort, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed Thursday, November 13 as Winter Weather Preparedness Day. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have teamed together to share information designed to assist the public in being better prepared for the season.
With winter weather comes the need to prepare your home, automobile and family to deal with the colder temperatures, as well as the possibility for snow and ice. "It's especially timely to review winter weather travel safety plans since more people will be on the road during the holiday period," explained OEM Director Albert Ashwood. "Before setting out on a holiday trip we encourage families to make sure they have prepared their automobile. Packing blankets, emergency food and water, flashlights, a radio and cell phone with extra batteries will help you and your family, should you become stranded because of the weather," he said.
If you must travel during a snow or ice event, allow extra time to reach your destination, and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses as they will be the first to freeze.
"The chances of encountering road clearing equipment during the winter months is high with some 500 trucks available statewide to clear the snow and ice," said Gary Evans, Director of Operations for ODOT. "It is important for motorists to stay behind the trucks at least 200 feet and do not attempt to pass them as salting/sanding equipment is engaged often without warning."
It's also important to remember to protect your home. Adding weather stripping and insulation, keeping furnaces clean and ready to use, and being aware of cold temperatures and vulnerable pipes that might freeze mark just some of the actions that can help prevent major and costly winter weather-related damage.
In recent years Oklahoma has been pounded with ice storms. In 2007, ice storms were responsible for more than 50 deaths and power outages to more than 640,000 homes and businesses across the state. Infrastructure damage to cities, towns and counties alone exceeded $230 million.
"By following some simple tips and monitoring the media during times of severe weather, Oklahomans stand their best chance at not becoming a victim of the weather" said Rick Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Office in Norman.
Winter weather watches and warnings will be issued by the NWS on NOAA Weather Radios and over radio and television stations so that Oklahoman's can prepare to have a happy and safe holiday season.
Below are some winter weather preparedness tips. Citizens who would like more information on how to cope with winter weather should contact local emergency management offices in their area.
Be Aware
- Know what winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
- An NWS Winter Storm watch is a message indicating that conditions are favorable to a winter storm.
- An NWS warning indicates that a winter storm is occurring or is imminent.
- A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
- Depend on your NOAA Weather Radio, along with local radio and television stations for weather reports.
Plan for a Winter Storm
- Develop a Family Disaster Plan for winter storms. Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together when a winter storm hits.
- Understand the hazards of wind chill. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature of 35 degrees or colder.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
- Don't forget about the pets. Make sure they have good food and water supplies and a place to seek shelter.
- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Protect Your Property
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary insulate walls and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
- To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
- Know how to shut off water valves.
- Consider storing extra heating fuel.
- Install and check smoke alarms.
- Keep safe emergency-heating equipment, such as a fireplace with wood. Always be cautious in using a portable space heater.
If You Must Go Out During a Winter Storm:
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is not to be out in it. Long periods of exposure to severe cold can result in frostbite or hypothermia. It is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow.
- Stretch before you do so. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
- Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury.
- Dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens or gloves.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
- If you start to shiver or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes, or ear lobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and seek medical assistance. These are the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and need immediate attention.
- Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.
- If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling)
If you must drive in a storm
- Check the local forecast through the media, which would announce closures, updates or locations to avoid
- Check for weather-related road conditions through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety at www.dps.state.ok.us or by calling (405) 425-2385 or toll free (888) 425-2385
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel; a good rule of thumb is to keep your fuel tank at least half full
- Always wear your seat belt
- In ice or snow, take it slow; allow ample time to reach your destination
- Bring a cell phone with an emergency roadside assistance number (In case of emergency, you can call the Oklahoma Highway Patrol at *55 or 911)
- Remember that bridges and ramps will be the first to freeze
Make sure your Winter Storm Disaster Supply Kit includes:
- A cell phone with extra battery or two-way radio
- Windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal
- Several blankets or sleeping bags
- Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap
- Non-perishable snacks like canned fruit, nuts and other high energy "munchies." Include non-- electric can opener if necessary.
- Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
- A small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats.
- Jumper cables
- A first aid kit
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna if you get stranded.
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 November 2008 )
|
|
|
Hoops season to begin for county teams |
|
|
Saturday, 15 November 2008 |
By Brad House
Publisher
The shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall are an annual reminder that high school basketball is just around the corner.
The 2008-2009 basketball season is already under way for most county high school teams, while the Antlers Bearcats and Lady Bearcats still have a few weeks to prepare for the season's first matchup.
The Bearcats and Lady Cats will begin the 2008-2009 basketball season Dec. 2, when they travel to face Talihina. They will round out the month of December with back to back home matches against Atoka and Wilburton on Dec. 4 and 9 before traveling to compete in the Talihina Tournament, scheduled for Dec. 11-13, then traveling to take on Coalgate on Dec. 16.
The Clayton Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs kicked off their 2008-2009 season Nov. 4, hosting Lakewood. Clayton will next face off against Boswell, on the road, on Nov. 20 to finish out the month of November before competing in the Eastern Tournament at Wilburton, scheduled for Dec. 1-6.
The Rattan Rams and Lady Rams' 2008-2009 basketball season tipped off Nov. 6 against Fort Towson. Rattan will round out the month of November with games against Boswell, Haworth and Eagletown before facing Smithville Dec. 5 and competing in the Kiowa Tournament, scheduled for Dec. 11-13.
Moyers High School began their 2008-2009 basketball season on Nov. 7 versus Buffalo Valley and have also faced Whitesboro, and Fort Towson this month. Next, Moyers will face Rock Creek on Nov. 16 and Soper on Nov. 28 to close out the month of November before taking on Caney Dec. 1, then competing in the Wapanucka Tournament Dec. 4-9.
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 November 2008 )
|
|
|
Local man blazes trail |
|
|
Saturday, 15 November 2008 |
2008 has proven to be an eventful year for an Antlers man who both retired and established a route for equestrians along the Continental Divide this year.
Colonel William W. (Rocky) Woolman II, (retired) set out on horseback, earlier this year, to establish the first accessible route for equestrians along the Continental Divide. While a hiking route was created many years ago, there has never been a documented route for horseman to follow. Colonel Woolman spent two years researching and planning his route. This ambitious endeavor began at Antelope Wells, New Mexico, tracked along his pre-planned route following the Continental Divide and ended in Canada.
No other modern day horseman has accomplished this daunting expedition of riding 3,200 miles on horseback in one year. While two attempts have been made in recent years, both were halted due to concern for the animals' health and the riders' well-being. Colonel Woolman had been contemplating a ride of this magnitude for the past eight years. An avid horseman with many trail miles under his belt, Woolman started seriously researching and planning his route while stationed in Iraq as a civilian employee in 2006.
Jim Wolf, a Baltimore lawyer established the Continental Divide Trail Society in 1978. The Society's goal when formed was to encourage the government to build the trail. While only a limited number of avid hikers hike the entire length of the Continental Divide every year, thousands of outdoor lovers hike other parts of the trail. Horseback riding is becoming a very popular recreational activity. The route, which Colonel Woolman established, will make it easier for riders to attain their locations and documentation in order to better prepare them for the challenges, which lie ahead. Rocky's experiences in the field both as a horseman and retired army officer provided him with the knowledge of the potential dangers during his ride though the remote wilderness. Upon his retirement from public service in June 2008, Rocky, 62, formerly of Pueblo, Colo, moved to Antlers.
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 November 2008 )
|
|
|
|
|
|
