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Oologah.net contains excerpts of news stories from the Oologah Lake Leader and breaking news bulletins. For the complete stories from this week's Leader, check our news stands.
Click here to see photo albums from the Kids Fishing Derby
Click here for back to school information.
MARY LOU ADDINGTON WINS HARD ROCK GET AWAY
Mary Lou Addington of Talala won the Hard Rock Get Away at the Leader's Celebrate Senior Living Fair on Saturday morning
at the Oologah Assembly of God. Between 150 and 200 people enjoyed the festive event. Watch for picture in the next day or two.
TACORA HILL BURGLAR MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER BULGLARIES
A burglary suspect who was apprehended last week leaving a rural Rogers County home is now a person of interest in multiple burglaries.
"This investigation began to steamroll and now we're looking at the possibility that this arrestee may be responsible for a large number of burglaries in Rogers County and neighboring jurisdictions," said Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.
Jeremy Allen Vasquez, 30, was arrested last week after a homeowner arrived at her Tacora Hills residence and saw a man fleeing the home. The homeowner got a vehicle tag number and called the Sheriff's Office.
Two Rogers County Sheriff's patrol units were in the area when the call was dispatched. One unit was in either direction of the home and Vasquez was intercepted when he passed a waiting Sheriff's unit.
Following the arrest of Vasquez, Sheriff's Investigators began looking into Vasquez' activities and discovered that he had pawned about a hundred items over the course of the previous year.
Investigators recovered many items of stolen property. Investigators are continuing to match property to burglary victims and have reached out to other jurisdictions in hopes of clearing unsolved burglaries.
"There's a growing dollar amount involved here," Walton said. "To date we've recovered about $8,500.00 worth of property and that's just property that's been recovered from Rogers County burglaries," he said.
Walton said one of the recovered items was a global positioning system which had been stolen and pawned. Investigators were able to access the information on the GPS unit and located a home address. When investigators looked into the address they discovered that a burglary report had been filed at that address and, with that information, were able to make contact with the victim who was able to identify property that had been taken in the burglary.
Investigators are looking into burglaries with tens of thousands of dollars worth of loss that may be connected to Vasquez.
While much of the recovered property has been identified by burglary victims, some property remains unidentified including his and hers watches with American Airline logos on the watch faces. "These watches have significance to someone and we want to get them back to their rightful owners," the Sheriff said.
Vasquez is currently being held in the Rogers County Jail in lieu of $226,000.00 bond and also has a hold from another jurisdiction.
O-T BOARD APPROVES LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT-WADSWORTH RESIGNS
By Chris Edens, City Editor
Oologah School Board members approved a settlement in a drug search lawsuit and accepted the resignation of the newest member Kent Wadsworth.
The actions were taken at a special meeting Thursday night.
The suit was filed by a group of middle school parents whose children were implicated in a drug dog search at the school. Board President Lorrie McGlothlin said both sides agreed to pay their own attorney fees and no money will be paid to the plantiffs
"The board is glad to settle this matter without any money changing hands," she said.
Wadsworth resigned with virtually no explanation to his fellow board memebers, according to McGlothlin.
He had missed the last three meetings.
McGlothlin asked for all interested, qualified individuals to apply at the administration office. The board will appoint a new member until the next scheduled election in February.
$125,000 CLAIM FILED AGAINST COUNTY IN 911 FOUL-UP
By JOHN M. WYLIE II, Editor
A dispatch mishap that left a young Oologah man without rescue help for up to half an hour has led to a $125,000 tort claim against Rogers County. The young man was pinned under a car after a traffic accident.
The claim was filed at 9:29 a.m. today (July 29) with County Clerk Peggy Armstrong and will be discussed Monday by Rogers County Commissioners. The young man, James G. Snyder, "was further injured and harmed in a serious and permanent manner" because of "gross negligence" at the Rogers County 911 Center, said his attorney, Tim Gilpin of Tulsa.
The crash occurred before dawn June 22 on County Road 430 between Roads 4080 and 4090.
The complaint says, "Rogers County 911 Dispatch, and/or Sheriff's Office, was contacted very shortly following the crash and the event was reported with a request for immediate emergency assistance. Thereafter, the actions and/or inactions of the Rogers County 911 Dispatch officials resulted in an unnecessary and excessive delay in the dispatch of emergency vehicles and personnel to the scene of the crash. Rogers County 911 dispatch officials acted with gross negligence in the hiring, training (or lack thereof) and supervision of its 911 Dispatch officials."
The complaint seeks the statutory limit for each count of his complaint or $125,000, whichever is greater.
Voters approved construction of a new 911 center in December and a committee has been formed to develop it. However, due to among other things delays in the District Attorney's office, no director for the center has been hired and thus inside design of the facility is on hold. Those involved in the project have repeatedly expressed concern that delays in its construction--which will allow consolidation of virtually all emergency dispatchers serving Rogers County in one location--could cost lives.
WILL ROGERS BLVD. ENTRANCE TO RSU CLOSED AUG. 3 - 6
Due to repairs, the front entrance to Rogers State University in Claremore will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 3 through Friday, Aug. 6. During the closure, drivers may enter campus off Blue Starr Drive from the north and Camden Drive, which connects to Highway 20, from the south.
AMERICAN RED CROSS RESPONDS TO TWO FIRES IN ROGERS COUNTY
American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) members responded to two fires in Rogers County on Tuesday, July 27.
DAT members helped a family of five after responding to a home fire at 405 W. Watova Street, Talala. Assistance was provided for food, clothing, shoes, infant supplies and a storage container.
DAT members helped a family of four after responding to a home fire at 12130 N. 202 E. Avenue, Claremore. Assistance was provided for lodging, food, clothing, shoes, infant supplies and a storage container.
The American Red Cross never charges a disaster victim for any assistance provided. To become an American Red Cross volunteer and/or make a financial donation, please go online to www.oklahomaredcross.org, or you can mail a financial donation to the Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County Service Center. Please address it to the American Red Cross, 400 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, Oklahoma 74017. All checks should be made out to the American Red Cross.
STEIDLEY, MARSH, WILSON WIN
By JOHN M. WYLIE II and CHRIS EDENS, Leader Writers
Janice Steidley knocked off Patrick Abitbol for the Democratic District Attorney nomination and Democrat Brian Wilson and Republican Scott Marsh won their party primaries for Rogers County Assessor.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY JANICE STEIDLEY
When Steidley told incumbent District Attorney Gene Haynes just before the filing period that she would file against him, Haynes announced his retirement. Abitbol, a longtime prosecutor, filed against Steidley on the last possible day.
Steidley's theme was that the District Attorney's office needed positive change from top to bottom and that theme clearly resonated across the three-county district. In the first 30 minutes of vote tallying she had rolled up a lead of almost 2-1 and never let go.
District-wide, Steidley collected 7,124 votes or 65 percent compared to Abitbol's 3,882 votes or 35 percent.
She won Rogers County by the same 65-35 percent margin and won the Talala precinct 81-37, the Oologah Lake precinct 55-16 and the Oologah precinct 81-45.
Steidley will face Republican Bryce Lair in the November General Election.
ASSESSOR BRIAN WILSON AND SCOTT MARSH
Wilson easily beat Whipkey for the Democratic assessor nomination. Wilson received 4,145 votes or 74 percent compared to Whipkey's 1,458 votes or 26 percent.
It was a much closer race for the Republican nomination. Incumbent Scott Marsh, who was appointed after longtime Assessor Melinda Anderson retired, held off a challenge from Robin Anderson, an aide to County Commissioner Mike Helm.
Marsh gathered 3,626 votes or 53 percent compared to Anderson's 3,180 votes or 47 percent. Anderson won Talala 56-49 and Oologah 75-61 but Marsh won Oologah Lake precinct 46-39.
Wilson and Marsh will face off in the November election.
TWO LOCAL ANGLERS STILL IN RUNNING FOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR
Talala's Edwin Evers and Terry Butcher fell back in the Bassmaster Angler of Year standings last weekend in Alabama, but they still have a shot at the title if they haul in big fish in the final event this weekend.
The second leg of the AOY race is this Friday and Saturday on the Alabama River. Evers and Butcher will need two good days on the water to bring home the most coveted title in bass fishing. Watch this site for daily updates.
HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
By DOUG OWENS
Tuesday was a special day for the 12 Elite series anglers who qualified for the postseason. It was their chance to give back to a group of men who served in our Armed Forces.
Hope for the Warriors is a group started by 3 soldiers wives to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by men and women while serving in the military. Most have had life changing injuries while serving and are in the process of changing careers.
On Tuesday 12 men and their families' were treated to a day fishing with the pros on a private lake called "The Waters" here in Montgomery. In addition the 12 received a $200 gift card to Bass Pro Shops and got to spend it walking around with the pro they had been paired with.
After a 1/2 day of fishing, with each boat being able to bring in 1 bass, a weigh-in was held. Terry Butcher was paired with Joshua McDaniel and they brought a 5 pound 11 ounce bass. Edwin Evers was paired with Timothy Murray and they brought a 7 pound 13 ounce bass to the scales, to finish in second place.
Evers and Butcher both said it was a great day on the water. Evers said it was just unbelievable how many 4-5 pound bass he and his partner caught.
Tuesday evening everyone involved in the Hope for the Warriors and other guests were invited to a fish dinner at the Train Depot on the river walk here in Montgomery. It was a great evening to mingle with the Warriors, Elite pros, and their families. We had a great time seeing how these guys give a little back to the very people who make sacrifices around the world.
Practice started this morning as I write this. Joe Edwards, Nick Milligan and I are headed out on the water shortly to watch the guys practice and familiarize ourselves with the water so we can follow them better once the tournament starts. I will report back in tonight or in the morning.
HUTCHINSON BRINGS HOME GOLD
By CHRIS EDENS, City Editor
A local boy has brought home gold from the National Junior Disability Championships.
Oologah's Kyle Hutchinson, 14, won gold medals in the shot put and the discus last week at the competition in Chicago. Kyle's mother Sherry was extremely proud of her son's accomplishment.
"I was just ecstatic," she said. "When I saw all the boys he would be throwing against, I never imagined he would win two gold medals."
Hutchinson competed against nine other boys. He had a throw of 6.03 meters in the shot put, which was a personal best distance for him.
He had a gold medal winning throw of 13.35 meters in the discus. Sherry said Kyle was overjoyed when he realized he'd won both events.
"He was thrilled and he was a little shocked," she said. "He's been carrying the medals around with him and showing them to everyone."
Hutchinson also took fourth in the javelin and his wheelchair basketball team took third place. Sherry said Kyle was more nervous about playing basketball than he was about his individual events.
Hutchinson was born with Spina Bifida and he's been in a wheelchair since he was one. His disability hasn't kept him from setting big goals and achieving them.
Hutchinson is now qualified for the International Junior Disability Championships in Korea. Unfortunately, the family won't be making the trip this year.
Sherry said Kyle is definitely planning on competing at the national championships again next year. If he qualifies for the international meet again, Sherry said they want to make the trip overseas.
Hutchinson trained with his coach, Bradley Forbes at the Center for Disabilities before traveling to nationals. He also worked with the Wounded Warriors, who are injured soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq. They gave him tips on throwing techniques from a wheelchair.
"They were a lot of fun for him to work with. He idolized them," Sherry said.
CANEY RIVER REPORT AND COMMENT PERIOD
The Department of Environmental Quality has issued a report on bacteria and turbidity in the Caney River Watershed, which includes
Rabbs Creek. The public comment period ends Sept. 7.
Click here to download the report in pdf form.
DOCUMENTS FILED IN K9 DRUG LAWSUIT
Here are links to the documents filed in the lawsuit against the Oologah Talala Schools involving a K9 drug search at Oologah Middle School in February.
The Leader has paid the fees for these documents and posted them here as a service to the community.
To read the settlement document, click here.
Lawsuit 7-2 documents
Lawsuit 6-30 documents
Lawsuit 6-25 documents
Lawsuit 6-24 documents
Lawsuit 6-17
Lawsuit 6-17 part 2
Lawsuit 6-18
Lawsuit 6-14 documents
Lawsuit 6-14 part 2
Lawsuit 6-9 document
Laswuit 6-8 and 9
Lawsuit 6-7 document
Lawsuit 6-2 to 6-7
Lawsuit 6-2 filing
Lawsuit 5-26 filing
Lawsuit 5-26 order setting hearing.
Lawsuit 5-27 filing. Warning: This is a very big file which requires a good high speed connection to download.
Lawsuit 5-28 adoption filing
Lawsuit 5-28 McHugh response
Lawsuit 5-28 motion for extension
Lawsuit 5-28 Sordo objection
Lawsuit 5-26 filing
Lawsuit 5-26 order setting hearing.
Lawsuit 5-27 filing. Warning: This is a very big file which requires a good high speed connection to download.
School district's response 5-14
Motions to dismiss 5-17
Click here for the Owasso response filed 5-10
Click here for the Judge's order filed 5-7
Click here for the April 29 filing document.
Click here for initial filing document 1.
Click here for initial filing document 2.
Click here for initial filing document 3.
Click here for initial filing document 4.
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