McAlester News-Capital OPA 2020 awards Community Leadership by mcalesternews

WINTER PREP

AWARDS

Read more on COVID-19 protocols for basketball season

McAlester students awarded for STEM projects YOUR NEWS

>> PAGE A3

McAlester

CASES BY COUNTY

PITTSBURG COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered McAlester 1126 19 969 Canadian 22 0 18 Crowder 24 0 13 Haileyville 25 0 21 Hartshorne 91 0 76 Indianola 18 0 9 Kiowa 41 1 34 Krebs 39 1 32 Pittsburg 21 0 19 Quinton 64 0 51 Savanna 25 0 18 Not listed 38 0 28 Total 1534 21 1288

LATIMER COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Wilburton 124 1 106 Red Oak 46 0 42 Not listed 93 2 77 Total 263 3 225

HUGHES COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Holdenville 317 4 281 Calvin 16 1 13 Dustin 25 0 11 Lamar 8 0 7 Stuart 19 0 17 Wetumka 77 1 62 Not listed 20 1 18 Total 482 7 409 Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 11 a.m. Nov. 13

INSIDE

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MN-C, Lions organize Angel Tree

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Confirmed Positive Cases 147,358 Active Cases 24,091 Total Cumulative Deaths 1,493 Total Recovered 121,774

County Cases Deaths Recovered ADAIR 1024 13 768 ALFALFA 162 0 137 ATOKA 579 1 469 BEAVER 132 1 97 BECKHAM 1043 16 914 BLAINE 272 2 230 BRYAN 2191 17 1679 CADDO 1369 27 1147 CANADIAN 5095 24 4186 CARTER 1146 13 917 CHEROKEE 1709 9 1383 CHOCTAW 569 2 483 CIMARRON 48 0 39 CLEVELAND 10114 114 8522 COAL 207 0 119 COMANCHE 3264 24 2658 COTTON 135 3 108 CRAIG 751 2 645 CREEK 1967 41 1625 CUSTER 1374 9 1126 DELAWARE 1565 31 1264 DEWEY 122 1 92 ELLIS 61 0 36 GARFIELD 2915 31 2502 GARVIN 1112 8 799 GRADY 1998 18 1692 GRANT 155 3 121 GREER 186 8 147 HARMON 91 0 76 HARPER 107 2 79 HASKELL 522 5 403 HUGHES 482 7 409 JACKSON 1402 20 1162 JEFFERSON 116 1 84 JOHNSTON 406 4 306 KAY 1184 19 930 KINGFISHER 681 6 591 KIOWA 241 4 186 LATIMER 263 3 225 LE FLORE 1984 25 1740 LINCOLN 1012 23 826 LOGAN 1044 3 899 LOVE 369 1 297 MAJOR 299 2 209 MARSHALL 457 2 322 MAYES 1185 17 970 MCCLAIN 1806 16 1392 MCCURTAIN 1926 41 1602 MCINTOSH 644 12 518 MURRAY 429 3 336 MUSKOGEE 3142 29 2353 NOBLE 302 3 208 NOWATA 326 4 269 OKFUSKEE 722 11 553 OKLAHOMA 29737 257 24051 OKMULGEE 1503 14 1254 OSAGE 1624 17 1416 OTHER 32 0 1 OTTAWA 1441 21 1272 PAWNEE 422 5 345 PAYNE 3391 16 2897 PITTSBURG 1534 21 1288 PONTOTOC 1315 8 918 POTTAWATOMIE 2650 21 2314 PUSHMATAHA 348 6 298 ROGER MILLS 106 5 82 ROGERS 3065 57 2533 SEMINOLE 1022 7 834 SEQUOYAH 1540 14 1264 STEPHENS 1091 10 815 TEXAS 2057 11 1857 TILLMAN 223 4 162 TULSA 26064 233 22280 WAGONER 2223 33 1980 WASHINGTON 1582 43 1367 WASHITA 238 2 188 WOODS 286 1 203 WOODWARD 1457 6 1305 Total 147,358 1,493 121,774

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896 COVID-19 OKLAHOMA TEST RESULTS

SPORTS

By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

The McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club are partnering for an Angel Tree to benefit children during the upcoming holiday season. Angel decorations will be placed on a tree at the News-Capital offic-

>> See ANGEL // Page A10

Tribal holiday meals go curbside By DERRICK JAMES STAFF WRITER

JAMES BEATY | Staff photo

Aaron Yepez smiles as he heads toward one of the Christmas trees city workers have set up as part of a winter wonderland in Arvest Park, at the corner of Second Street and Chickasaw Avenue.

Arvest Park Christmas forest attracts visitors By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Young Aaron Yepez obviously likes the new winter wonderland city of McAlester workers set up inside Arvest Park. First, he stops by a decorative train that towers high above him, then he saunters over to check out the decorations on one of the outdoor Christmas trees adorning the park grounds. Next, his mother sits him inside the huge Christmas globe that’s

“I’ve taken lots of pictures.” DAISY YEPEZ on the Christmas decorations at Arvest Park

been relocated from the Farmers Market parking lot to the Arvest Park winter wonderland at the corner of Second Street and Chickasaw Avenue. He’s not the only one who considers the park a hit. So does his mom, Daisy Yepez, who had not been prepared for what she saw

on the park grounds. “I came to the bank and I was like wow!” Yepez felt impressed enough by the sight she decided on the spot to take her son to the park for an impromptu visit. They both were obviously enjoying themselves, with the youngster fascinated by the park’s displays and with Yepez getting a kick out of her son’s responses to them. “I’ve taken lots of pictures,” Yepez said, as young Aaron frol-

>> See PARK // Page A10

Community and senior Thanksgiving dinners hosted annually by the Choctaw Nation are going curbside this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Hot, ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meals will be available to Choctaw tribal members age 55 and older Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the McAlester Choctaw Community Center, located at 3274 Afullota Hina in McAlester. “We want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving and to remind all the Choctaw elders 55 and over to come on out for dinner Wednesday,” said Choctaw Nation District 11 Councilman Robert Karr. Choctaw Nation Director of Government

>> See MEALS // Page A10

5 THINGS TO KNOW

How a local DAV is helping veterans file claims for assistance

As a service officer, what do you do to help veterans?

Retired U.S. Army veteran Paul Grimes talks about helping his fellow veterans through Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20.

How do you assist U.S. military veterans? I work at the DAV as a volunteer service officer. I’m retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years.

Veterans Chapter 20. The address is 125. S Main St. in Krebs. It’s down from the Krebs Post Office.

days.

Is there any cost and are When is the there any office open I file veterans claims from Pittsburg and when are restrictions or County. limitations on the you available to Where is your help veterans? types of claims on office? which you assist? We are open from 8:30 a.m. until

It’s at Disabled American

2:30 p.m. every Monday, except holi-

of charge. I’ll help with any kind of claim, as long as it involves the Veterans Administration. NOTE: The National Resource Directory states DAV Chapter 20 “helps veterans in Oklahoma with filing VA claims for disability compensation, appealing claims decisions and securing transportation to medical appointments.”

— James Beaty

I’ll help any veteran absolutely free

CLASSIFIED B5 // COMICS B9 // OBITUARIES A2 // OPINION A9 // SPORTS B1

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opinion

FIRST AMENDMENT: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Wednesday

www.mcalesternews.com

NEWS-CAPITAL

A7 December 2, 2020

OUR VIEW

Community support heartwarming

uick and passionate community response to the McAlester NewsCapital and McAlester Lions Club angel tree project is heartwarming. Olivia Pizano teared up as she and her family picked Christmas decorations representing children in need in our community for the upcoming holiday season. The McAlester family was one of many individuals who came in Monday to pick up decorations and commit to bringing Christmas gifts for local children in need. “There are people who need help — especially this year,” Pizano told us. We agree and have heard from others who believe more people will be in need this holiday season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club partnered on the project to help local children have a merrier Christmas with clothes, toys and more provided anonymously by others. Both organizations partnered on the project to work with local schools and childcare organizations in providing children and families in need of some extra help this year. Decorations on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester represent those local children — totaling 137 when we made them available to pick up on Monday. And all the angels were accounted for by Tuesday morning. The community’s quick response to this project is heartwarming as we all pull together to help our neighbors who might be struggling during this tough year. We believe this shows our community’s passion for helping their neighbors — especially during the holiday season when nobody should struggle. After the overwhelmingly positive response, we reached out to a few more school counselors and childcare organizations for additional angels to put on the tree. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays by Dec. 9. Volunteers will deliver the items to the schools and childcare organizations over the following week. For more information, anyone can contact the newspaper through Facebook messaging, email editor@mcalesternews.com, or call the office at 918-423-1700. We appreciate everyone pitching in to help people in our community during the holidays — and we hope everyone continues that giving spirit. There are several opportunities to give back — give to a local Christmas toy drive, volunteer at a homeless shelter, join a nonprofit organization. Let’s all continue that community spirit because we’re better together. • McAlester News-Capital Editorial Board

NON-EMERGENCY POLICE NUMBERS HAILEYVILLE PD: 918-297-3521 HARTSHORNE PD: 918-297-2544 KIOWA PD: 918-432-5564 KREBS PD: 918-423-2421 MCALESTER PD: 918-423-1212 OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL, TROOP D: 918-423-3636 PITTSBURG CO. SHERIFF’S DEPT.: 918-4235858

ITTSBURGH -- We are just now completing a month with both an election and (virtual) Thanksgiving family gatherings, so this may not come as much of a surprise: We are in the middle of another generation gap. Only this one is different. Really different. This one isn't a chasm between the World War II generation and the youthful rebels of the 1960s. This one is about race and social attitudes with a little bit of policy and ideology thrown in. And it is a whopper of a generation gap. Consider this: Every American under 40 today -- fully a majority of the country -- is either a millennial (born 1977-1995) or a Gen Zer (born 1996 or after). Or this: There are more people in the millennial and Gen Z generations than in the baby boom generation, Gen X and the rest of the population combined. And all those people who say they don't recognize the America they see outside their quarantine windows or behind masks on the streets? They are right. This is not your grandfather's United States. It is not even your parents' United States. For the first time in American history, more than half of those under age 16 are part of an ethnic or racial minority. And as white baby boomers age out of the workforce -- it is happening every day -- all the labor growth will be among racial minorities. William Frey, perhaps the bestknown demographer in the country, has spent a lifetime harvesting data such as this. His 2014 book "Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America" (updated in 2018) helped introduce the notion of a "cultural generation gap" -a generation gap where the resentment may be less among the young than among older Americans, who are being replaced professionally and displaced culturally by a surging new generation. "This gap is reflected in negative attitudes among many older whites toward immigration, new minority growth, and big government programs that cater to the real economic and educational needs of America's younger, more diverse population," he wrote. Just the other day, Frey, 73 and himself a baby boomer, amplified those views in a telephone conversation: "We need leaders to tell older Americans these changes will help our economic growth. If it were not for these young people, we would be facing

COLUMNISTS

2019 AWARDS OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

2019

Moines. "Democrats still are banking on the new demographics. There may have been some slippage in the 2020 election, but it's still clear Democrats have a greater potential among these groups. The question is whether they can actualize that advantage." The answer is for another Election Day. The Republicans, to be sure, made inroads among blacks and Hispanics in this month's election. This was the David Shribman case especially in Florida, where NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE Donald J. Trump took 47% of the Hispanic vote and where, in Dade a declining labor force. This is where County (Miami), his vote among the future is. The labor force is becoming more racially diverse and, in Hispanics grew by 22 percentage another 10 years, all the baby boomers points. But the reason Joseph R. Biden Jr. is will be out of the workforce and we the president-elect may be the will need these people, their talents demographics the Democrats are and their energies." counting on. An analysis of the 2020 The most prominent change in the character of America may be the least vote by Tufts University's Center for Information & Research on Civic noticed, and surely the least appreciated. Indeed, the most profound Learning and Engagement found that three young voters out of five changes in America are occurring among the young population -- even as supported Biden -- a better performance for the Democratic the most profound challenges in nominee than Hillary Rodham Clinton America are affecting the young achieved four years ago. population the most. And where this really mattered was An Urban Institute study found that in the swing states. 57.4% of Gen Zers were in families Here in Pennsylvania, young voters that experienced job losses related to accounted for about one-seventh of the the coronavirus, a far greater rate total electorate and supported Biden than working-age baby boomers by 23 percentage points, helping him (35.4%). Moreover, the millennials were the only generation to fall behind to secure 20 vital electoral votes. In Arizona, young voters accounted for financially between 2010 and 2016, one-sixth of the electorate and according to the Federal Reserve supported Biden by 28 points -- about Board of St. Louis. the same rates as youthful voters Much of this has been reflected in checked in for the former vice the nation's political life. president in Michigan (29%). And in "There's no question that in the last Georgia, young voters were about a several elections, the young voted fifth of the electorate, and they sided differently than the rest of the population," Frey said in the interview. with Biden by 15 points. "The [new generation] gap is not a "They are more interested in result of racist attitudes per se. It interracial marriage, gay rights, reflects the social distance between criminal justice and diversity, while minority youth and an older older whites aren't happy about the population that does not feel a changing demography in the United personal connection with young adults States. They see a threat to American and children who are not 'their' values and American customs." children and grandchildren," Frey Today there is little confusion wrote in his book. "Yet the future wellbetween the two major political being of seniors and the nation as a parties. Two shorthands prevail, whole depends on the ability of today's though as with all shorthands there youth to succeed in tomorrow's labor are variations: The Republican Party force. Youth will play a central role in comprises people who are older, white, contributing to the nation's economy male, rural and Southern. The and to the retirement and medical care Democratic Party is a party of people programs that directly benefit the who are younger, non-white, female, older population." urban and non-Southern. Bottom line: It may be young people's At the same time, huge demographic rebellion. But the stakes affect us all. changes are underway. "The country is • David M. Shribman is the former executive editor of heading toward becoming California," the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Follow him on Twitter at said Dennis J. Goldford, a political scientist at Drake University in Des ShribmanPG.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What do you think? Are you mad, glad, peeved or perturbed? We want to hear about it!

TUESDAY: George Will. WEDNESDAY: “National Perspective”, David Shribman. THURSDAY: Mark Thiessen. FRIDAY: John A. Newby.

Associated Press/ Oklahoma News Executives

Modern generation gap goes beyond age group Pittsburgh

The News-Capital welcomes your letters of local interest or on issues of the day. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION, LETTERS MUST BE: • Signed by the author (unless sent by email)

McAlester

• Include the author’s hometown • Include a daytime telephone number. (The number will not be published. But we may need to call you if we have questions about your letter.) Not all letters can be published. Letters are subject to review by the newspaper’s editorial board.

Sponsorship and business thank-you letters will not be published. Letters may be edited to conform to style and for content and clarity. Letters that are slanderous or libelous will not be published. Send letters to Editor, P.O. Box 987, McAlester, OK 74501 or editor@mcalesternews.com.

Reina Owens, general manager/advertising .918-421-2006..............rowens@mcalesternews.com Adrian O’Hanlon III, editor.............................. 918-421-2022.......... aohanlon@mcalesternews.com James Beaty, managing editor....................... 918-421-2023................jbeaty@mcalesternews.com

UPDATE

RANKINGS

Suspect in Thanksgiving Day standoff charged LOCAL

>> PAGE A2

Eight local teams named to first OSSAA rankings

McAlester

Confirmed Positive Cases 199,482 Active Cases 28,807 Total Cumulative Deaths 1,758 Total Recovered 167,406

CASES BY COUNTY

County Cases Deaths Recovered ADAIR 1241 13 1021 ALFALFA 395 0 276 ATOKA 858 1 775 BEAVER 214 2 158 BECKHAM 1398 17 1171 BLAINE 414 2 326 BRYAN 2824 19 2452 CADDO 1949 32 1553 CANADIAN 7075 30 6070 CARTER 1748 15 1388 CHEROKEE 2354 10 1887 CHOCTAW 710 4 618 CIMARRON 80 0 65 CLEVELAND 13132 128 11080 COAL 322 2 275 COMANCHE 4921 33 3946 COTTON 253 3 176 CRAIG 960 3 812 CREEK 2725 52 2269 CUSTER 2043 16 1667 DELAWARE 1963 39 1664 DEWEY 237 1 169 ELLIS 220 0 143 GARFIELD 4030 37 3315 GARVIN 1619 16 1384 GRADY 2757 23 2328 GRANT 214 5 183 GREER 277 8 219 HARMON 108 0 93 HARPER 238 2 162 HASKELL 646 6 576 HUGHES 604 7 546 JACKSON 1918 32 1631 JEFFERSON 223 2 164 JOHNSTON 536 5 450 KAY 1899 25 1526 KINGFISHER 915 6 799 KIOWA 385 6 280 LATIMER 312 3 285 LE FLORE 2467 26 2214 LINCOLN 1374 26 1151 LOGAN 1577 3 1228 LOVE 613 1 509 MAJOR 524 3 386 MARSHALL 774 3 646 MAYES 1661 19 1357 MCCLAIN 2505 17 2105 MCCURTAIN 2302 45 2038 MCINTOSH 849 13 720 MURRAY 660 5 536 MUSKOGEE 4340 33 3613 NOBLE 554 4 367 NOWATA 424 5 365 OKFUSKEE 1051 13 846 OKLAHOMA 40803 296 33648 OKMULGEE 1825 21 1574 OSAGE 2014 18 1803 OTHER 55 0 29 OTTAWA 1769 22 1567 PAWNEE 604 8 525 PAYNE 4285 19 3819 PITTSBURG 1926 21 1717 PONTOTOC 2030 11 1628 POTTAWATOMIE 3682 23 3011 PUSHMATAHA 423 6 386 ROGER MILLS 170 5 115 ROGERS 4186 65 3530 SEMINOLE 1266 11 1090 SEQUOYAH 1834 14 1628 STEPHENS 1706 18 1357 TEXAS 2416 12 2203 TILLMAN 350 5 269 TULSA 33863 270 28794 WAGONER 2857 35 2510 WASHINGTON 2091 47 1777 WASHITA 446 2 322 WOODS 546 1 408 WOODWARD 1943 7 1713 Total 199,482 1,758 167,406

■■ District Court acts on Supreme Court COVID-19 precautions By DERRICK JAMES AND JAMES BEATY STAFF WRITERS

The Oklahoma Supreme Court gave local control to district judges to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their courtrooms — with District 18

District Judge Mike Hogan issuing an order striking most court cases at the Pittsburg County Courthouse through the January docket. Hogan’s order issued Dec. 1 closes the Pittsburg County District Court offices, including the courtrooms and chambers and the Pittsburg County Court Clerk’s Office to the public, effective Dec. 1, 2020,

through Jan. 3, 2021. Hogan’s order closing the courtrooms, chambers and the Pittsburg County Court Clerk’s office does not include the first floor of the courthouse, which includes the Pittsburg County Commissioner’s Office, the Pittsburg County Treasurer’s Office, the Pittsburg County Assessor’s Office, the Pittsburg County Clerk’s Office

HUGHES COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Holdenville 397 4 364 Calvin 23 1 21 Dustin 41 0 37 Lamar 8 0 7 Stuart 31 0 28 Wetumka 85 1 73 Not listed 19 1 16 Total 604 7 546

floor is open for business. “Anyone needing to file records with the county clerk and assessor or who needs to pay property taxes are more than welcome to visit those offices,” the statement continues. “The Board of County Commissioners and the Pittsburg County Election Board are also open. “District Judge Hogan

>> See OPEN // Page A8

Choctaw Nation suspends dental procedures due to COVID-19 By JANELLE STECKLEIN CNHI STATE REPORTER

ADRIAN O’HANLON III | Staff photo

Olivia Pizano, left, and Emma Pizano pick out angels with their family from an Angel Tree. The McAlester NewsCapital and McAlester Lions Club partnered on an Angel Tree benefiting local children in need this upcoming holiday season.

Locals helping children through Angel Tree By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

Tears well up in Olivia Pizano’s eyes as she and her family pick out decorations with the Christmas needs of children in her community. She paused as she reflected on seeing others in need during the holiday season, something that led her family to pick angels

from the Angel Tree orga- “There are people who nized by the need help — especially McAlester News-Capital this year.” and McAlOLIVIA PIZANO ester Lions Angel Tree participant Club to benefit local children. “There are people who need

help — especially this year,” Pizano said. The McAlester family was among several on Monday to

>> See HELPING // Page A8

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Choctaw Nation has suspended non-emergent dental procedures as COVID-19 cases continue to impact its southeastern Oklahoma region, the system’s chief medical officer said Tuesday. Dr. Jason Hill, with the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority, said medical professionals are using a heat map to monitor the situation daily and plan to resume routine dental visits when case numbers drop. He said the tribe also has had to expand its hospital in Talihina to accommodate additional COVID patients and converted one wing of its facility to a negative pressure area so coronavirus patients can be isolated in a bid to slow the spread of the deadly virus. Hill said all employees who work for the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority have been affected by

>> See DENTAL // Page A2

5 THINGS TO KNOW

How can I watch the upcoming Shared Blessings telethon? Shared Blessings Executive Director Scott Walker details how to watch and participate in the organization’s telethon set for Dec. 7-8.

What is the telethon?

the ministry.

two-night thing where people are celebrating the community involveHow did it get ment and what Shared Blessings is able to do because of everyone’s inThe telethon will include started? volvement. We want this to be somelocal artists and people, performances The idea came up months thing the community’s coming toby Pam’s Academy of Dance and Anggether to do something good before ago for a COVID-19-proof event and ie’s Dance Plus, and more in a live video that also serves as a fundraiser for fundraiser and we want this to be a

>> See TELETHON // Page A8

Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 11 a.m. Dec. 1

INSIDE

and the Pittsburg County Election Board Office, which is in the Courthouse Annex. Pittsburg County commissioners issued a statement Tuesday saying the first floor remains open. “There are some saying the Pittsburg County Courthouse is closed. We are not closed,” the commissioners’ statement said. “The entire first

CHRISTMAS CHEER

LATIMER COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Wilburton 147 1 136 Red Oak 55 0 49 Not listed 110 2 100 Total 312 3 285

mcalesternews.com $1.25

First floor open at Pittsburg County Courthouse

PITTSBURG COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered McAlester 1369 19 1233 Canadian 33 0 30 Crowder 28 0 26 Haileyville 33 0 28 Hartshorne 130 0 113 Indianola 26 0 22 Kiowa 50 1 44 Krebs 50 1 45 Pittsburg 33 0 29 Quinton 92 0 71 Savanna 28 0 28 Not listed 54 0 48 Total 1,926 21 1,717

>> PAGE B3

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020

Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896 COVID-19 OKLAHOMA TEST RESULTS

SPORTS

IF YOU WATCH WHAT: Shared Blessings Telethon WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8 WHERE: Shared Blessings on Facebook and Youtube, and SharedBlessings.tv

CLASSIFIED B5 // COMICS B7 // OBITUARIES A2 // OPINION A7 // SPORTS B3

WEATHER Chance of showers •

HIGH 47 // LOW 37

LAKE EUFAULA LEVEL: ALMANAC SUNRISE THURDSAY: 7:14

>> More on Page A2

585.01’ a.m. // SUNSET THURSDAY: 5:11 p.m.

Vol. 125, No. 71

VISIT US ONLINE: MCALESTERNEWS.COM

/mcalesternewscapital

@McAlesterNews

NOT Main Stream; Main Street.

Your City. Your Neighborhood. Your News.

Helping ...

<< CONTINUED from Page A1 get angels from the Angel Tree organized by the McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club that focuses on spreading Christmas cheer to local children in need. Olivia said she hopes her daughter, Emma, who is in pre-K, learns compassion and to be grateful through helping

Telethon ...

with the angel tree project. Randy Hass, a Pittsburg County sheriff ’s deputy and construction business owner, and his fiance, Cara Bennett, a local bank teller, said they also wanted to help their community through the project. Randy said he’s seen families and children who haven’t had much through his experience in law enforcement, and he wants to give back to

<< CONTINUED from Page A1

<< CONTINUED from Page A1 has issued an emergency order No. 60 that applies only to the court system,” the statement from the commissioners concludes. In Hogan’s Administrative Order No. 60 he states “There has been a recent spike in COVID-19 numbers. Additionally, 77 of the state’s 77 counties are listed as having moderate to high risk for transmission of the virus. “Therefore, only to constitutional issues in felony cases, all other jury trials for the upcoming January jury docket are stricken.” “This does not include juvenile cases and criminal cases where the defendant is in custody,” Hogan continued. “Those will be set at the discretion of the assigned judge. Hogan then ordered the Pittsburg County court offices, including the courtrooms, chambers and the Pittsburg County Court Clerk’s Office closed to the public through Jan. 3, 2021. “This does not apply to emergency matters or cases held with the assigned judge’s permission,” Hogan’s order states. “All cases set through this time are stricken to be reset on motion.” If there is an uncontested case on the motion dockets of the assigned

How does Shared Blessings help the community? Shared Blessings began in 1998 through the efforts of Devonna Edwards and now serves more than 2,500 people each month through various programs by partnering with area churches, civic organizations, businesses, corporations, agencies, foundations and individuals to address needs. We address needs of students in the area by providing beds, clothing, and meals, offer financial assistance, and more.

How can I help through the telethon?

It will be done online with a textto-give and online donation options through SharedBlessings.tv and the organization’s Facebook page. Anyone watching can use those options to donate to the organization, which will go toward one-time gifts and potentially commitments for the next year.

What will the telethon include?

Basically you’re going to have two hours of moving one thing to the next every 3-4 minutes. Interviews, testimonies, humorous videos, community entertainment, there’ll obviously be fundraising built into all of that; interviews with teachers. And we’ll be highlighting all the different facets of our ministries. —Adrian O’Hanlon III

some of those families. “There’s been times when I didn’t have much and God has blessed me and my family so much so if there’s any way we can help, we will,” Hass said. The McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club partnered on the Angel Tree to offer anyone looking to help local children in need have a merrier Christmas a way to anonymously buy them

Open ...

the end of the year.

local

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 • MCALESTERNEWS.COM

judge during the Dec. 2-Jan. 3 time period, the attorney can leave documents with the personnel checking temperatures at the courthouse entrance, Hogan’s order states. “The documents will be signed and filed and returned to the entrance of the courthouse,” Hogan said in the order. “The attorneys are directed to contact the assigned judge prior to the motion docket with announcements,” the order directs. The next scheduled PHC (preliminary hearing conference) docket will be Jan. 7, 2021, the order states. “The court clerk will continue to accept filings by email, regular mail, in-person by leaving the documents for the respective office at the courthouse entrance or by fax,” the order continues. Any documents filed by email or fax are limited to 10 pages. Any document that is mailed for filing must have a self-addressed stamped envelope unless the attorneys intend to obtain their copies through electronic means. All payments can still be made by credit card, debit card, over the phone or online, the order continues. Payment can be made by mail as well. “To be clear, the judges and staff will be in the offices during the time period set forth,” the order concludes.

clothes, toys and more. Both organizations partnered on the project to work with local schools and childcare organizations in providing local children with holiday spirit. “We appreciate the McAlester Lions Club for partnering with us on this project to help bring Christmas cheer to our community,” News-Capital General Manager Reina Owens said. After nominations for The Supreme Court order giving local judges control was signed last week by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich and signed by six other justices with two justices dissenting. “Judges of the District Courts are authorized to take any and all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all participants in any court proceeding,” the order states. In Pittsburg County courtrooms, that meant wearing masks and limiting the number of people inside the courtroom to 10 unless special permission is granted for good cause and those subject to Marsy’s Law. The order also gives district court judges discretion “to schedule or proceed or continue any jury term, civil, or criminal jury trial, non-jury trial, or any other proceeding.” Certain jury trials scheduled for November were previously stricken from the docket by District 18 District Judge Mike Hogan due to rising COVID-19 numbers in the state. “Decisions should be made on a courthouse by courthouse basis,” the order states. “Decisions should be based upon the number of judges, clerks, and courthouse personnel who are currently under treatment and/or in quarantine due to COVID-19. Other relevant factors to consider

angels were closed, the total for children that school officials and childcare organizations submitted as candidates surpassed 100. Decorations on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester represent those local children — and include the child’s gender, clothes sizes and toy request. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours

from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays by Dec. 9. Volunteers will deliver the items to the schools and childcare organizations over the following week. For more information, anyone can contact the newspaper through Facebook messaging, email editor@mcalesternews. com, or call the office at 918-423-1700.

include but are not limited to hospitalizations, the community rate of COVID-19 infections and any other directives from the Oklahoma Department of Health and regional and county health departments.” The order also states county officials will continue to guide the extent of closures and restrictions of county buildings. Pittsburg County Commissioners set a number of restrictions that remain in place at the Pittsburg County Courthouse. Restrictions include allowing no more than 10 people in a courtroom — which is ow closed to the public — or county office at a time, including the staff, social distancing and sanitation requirements will remain in place, and temperatures of those who want to enter the courthouse will continue to be taken to ensure they do not have a fever. Protective face coverings are still required when entering the courthouse. Judges were encouraged in the Supreme Court ruling encouraged to continue to use remote participation to the extent possible with judges encouraged to develop methods to give reasonable notice and access to participants and the public. “All rules and procedures, and all deadlines whether prescribed by statute, rule or order in

any civil, juvenile or criminal case, are in force and effect, including all appellate rules and procedures for the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals,” the order states. The order states that “it is anticipated that additional order may be entered as deemed necessary.” Justice Tom Colbert along with Justice Richard Darby, dissented the order and said they would have closed all courts in the state “to protect the health and safety of individuals utilizing the court facilities.” Colbert and Darby said they believed the Oklahoma Supreme Court court has “superintending control” of all courts in Oklahoma and “the duty and responsibility to ensure consistent policies are executed by all courts rather than leaving these decisions to the discretion of individual judges of the district courts throughout the State of Oklahoma. “To do otherwise is to negate our role as required by the Constitution,” the dissent states.

• Contact Adrian O’Hanlon III at aohanlon@mcalesternews.com

• Contact Derrick James at djames@mcalesternews.com and James Beaty at jbeaty@ mcalesternews.com.

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opinion

Tuesday

www.mcalesternews.com

NEWS-CAPITAL

A7 December 1, 2020

OUR VIEW

Spread some holiday cheer

his year has been tough for many in our community and we want to help bring some holiday cheer to some local children in need. The McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club partnered for an Angel Tree to organize volunteers looking to buy presents, clothes and more to help local children have a merry Christmas. After some parents became jobless and others face financial struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, both organizations wanted to offer a little holiday help for locals because no child should go without presents for Christmas — let alone some essentials. “We appreciate the McAlester Lions Club for partnering with us on this project to help bring Christmas cheer to our community,” News-Capital General Manager Reina Owens said. The two organizations partnered on the angel tree project to work with local schools and childcare organizations to provide gifts to local children in need during the upcoming holidays. After nominations for angels were closed, the total for children represented on the tree came to 137. We wanted to include as many local kids as we could and believe our community will step up to help the ones on our Angel Tree, in addition to the other projects throughout the community with similar goals. School officials and childcare organizations submitted candidates in need of some help over the holidays. Angel decorations placed on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester represent those local children. The decorations list the child’s gender, clothes sizes and toy request. Anyone can pick up an angel to purchase the listed items for the child. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays by Dec. 9. After gifts are returned by Dec. 9, volunteers will deliver the items to the schools and childcare organizations over the next week. For more information, anyone can contact the newspaper through Facebook messaging, email editor@mcalesternews.com, or call the office at 918-423-1700. We hope this project helps members of our community and we urge everyone that is able to participate. There are several volunteer and giving opportunities in our community again this year — so if you don’t or can’t participate in ours, please find a way to help our community during the holiday season. Participate in one of the many local gift-giving events, volunteer at a homeless shelter, join a non-profit organization, help an elderly neighbor with outdoor chores. Some people might need more help this year than normal, so let’s pitch in to help our neighbors as much as we can this holiday season. • McAlester News-Capital Editorial Board

ASHINGTON -- This nation's empirical and inquisitive Founders considered information conducive to improvement, which is one reason the Constitution mandates a decennial census. And why James Madison soon proposed expanding the census beyond mere enumeration to recording other data. Today, the census provides an ocean of information indispensable to understanding this complex society. And it determines the disbursement of $1.5 trillion annually from the federal government. On Nov. 30, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a census-related case concerning a question of large philosophic interest and practical consequences: Was it constitutional -22 states, 15 cities and counties and other entities say no -- for the president to order the exclusion of unauthorized immigrants from the enumeration of states' populations used for apportioning congressional seats? Apportionment was the initial reason for the census, and remains its only constitutional function. The president says: Because the census' original and fundamental purpose concerns Americans as a political community, it would be incongruous to give congressional representation to illegal immigrants who are subject to removal from the country. Foreign tourists should not be counted, and military personnel stationed abroad should be, because the former are not, and the latter are, members of the political community. This argument, though interesting for a political philosophy seminar, is insufficient for the Supreme Court, which must construe the two constitutional provisions concerning apportionment. One (in Article I) mandates an "actual Enumeration" of "persons" other than "Indians not taxed." The second (in the 14th Amendment) says seats in the House of Representatives shall be apportioned among the states counting "the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed." An amicus brief by two constitutional

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The 14th Amendment, which stipulates the enumeration of "the whole number of persons," elsewhere uses the term "citizens." So, by "persons" the amendment's authors denoted a broader category. The Supreme Court has held that in this amendment "persons" refers to the "total population," including immigrants, "whatever" their "status under the immigration laws." George F. Will The court has repeatedly held that WASHINGTON POST COLUMNIST the "person[s]" the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause protects ("No scholars, Ilya Somin of George Mason person" shall be "deprived of life, University and Sanford Levinson of liberty, or property, without due the University of Texas, demonstrates process of law") includes aliens in the that neither provision allows the U.S. population. And unlike foreign exclusion of unauthorized immigrants. diplomats or tourists, the United The Framers understood "persons" States is the usual residence of broadly, with the sole exception of unauthorized immigrants. Indians not taxed because they were The 1787 Constitutional considered noncitizens with an Convention's Committee of Style allegiance to distinct political replaced "inhabitants" with "persons," communities: their tribes. so supporters of excluding The Framers would not have expressly excluded Indians not taxed if unauthorized immigrants from the "persons" excluded foreigners or others census' enumeration for apportionment argue, implausibly: The Framers with an allegiance to a government other than the U.S. government. So, considered the two words synonymous, the Framers clearly meant "persons" and that foreigners by definition to include immigrants. cannot be inhabitants. Most of the Framers, say Somin and But Somin and Levinson say that in Levinson, did not believe the federal its original public meaning, government had the power to exclude "inhabitants" meant "people who immigrants -- there was no significant intend to stay somewhere indefinitely." federal immigration restriction until Therefore, these facts matter: More 1875 -- so they could hardly have than 60% of the estimated 10.5 million intended to exclude from unauthorized immigrants have lived apportionment "illegal" immigrants. here more than 10 years, and more Furthermore, the Framers expected than 20% for more than 20 years. that the congressional apportionment Republicans would benefit from not count would include the more than counting illegal immigrants for half the adult population that was not purposes of apportionment: This would entitled to vote because of gender, or reduce congressional seats (and property requirements. electoral votes) in mostly blue states Members of Congress, Somin and Levinson argue, have always been (27% of such immigrants are in thought to represent the interests of California) and shift power away from many persons -- in 1790, at most 70% cities. Republicans generally say, of white men, and few others, could however, that the Constitution should vote -- "to whom they were not directly be construed according to the text's accountable at the ballot box." Today, original meaning. Forced to choose most states deny the vote to children between power and principle, well . . . under age 18, and some felons, yet • George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost. these groups are counted in congressional apportionment. com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What do you think? Are you mad, glad, peeved or perturbed? We want to hear about it!

TUESDAY: George Will. WEDNESDAY: “National Perspective”, David Shribman. THURSDAY: Mark Thiessen. FRIDAY: John A. Newby.

Associated Press/ Oklahoma News Executives

Where the GOP and the Framers disagree

The News-Capital welcomes your letters of local interest or on issues of the day. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION, LETTERS MUST BE: • Signed by the author (unless sent by email)

McAlester

PLAYOFFS

CHANGES

See how local football teams fared in the postseason

Districts can in-school quarantine students exposed to virus STATE

>> PAGE A2

McAlester

Confirmed Positive Cases 187,567 Active Cases 32,894 Total Cumulative Deaths 1,704 Total Recovered 152,969

CASES BY COUNTY

County Cases Deaths Recovered ADAIR 1179 13 960 ALFALFA 368 0 178 ATOKA 816 1 648 BEAVER 179 2 145 BECKHAM 1315 17 1071 BLAINE 366 2 283 BRYAN 2749 18 2258 CADDO 1772 32 1422 CANADIAN 6665 28 5534 CARTER 1601 13 1232 CHEROKEE 2201 10 1684 CHOCTAW 685 4 573 CIMARRON 79 0 59 CLEVELAND 12387 125 10338 COAL 305 1 251 COMANCHE 4553 33 3586 COTTON 219 3 148 CRAIG 900 3 762 CREEK 2586 45 2077 CUSTER 1883 14 1491 DELAWARE 1884 39 1567 DEWEY 215 1 150 ELLIS 182 0 97 GARFIELD 3762 37 2999 GARVIN 1529 12 1232 GRADY 2600 21 2115 GRANT 202 5 168 GREER 253 8 193 HARMON 105 0 88 HARPER 195 2 122 HASKELL 637 6 541 HUGHES 567 7 487 JACKSON 1814 30 1498 JEFFERSON 201 2 129 JOHNSTON 513 4 422 KAY 1727 25 1360 KINGFISHER 865 6 731 KIOWA 324 6 244 LATIMER 306 3 274 LE FLORE 2383 26 2058 LINCOLN 1290 26 1052 LOGAN 1398 3 1123 LOVE 585 1 425 MAJOR 477 2 330 MARSHALL 724 3 541 MAYES 1556 17 1216 MCCLAIN 2372 17 1915 MCCURTAIN 2253 45 1908 MCINTOSH 813 13 658 MURRAY 608 4 482 MUSKOGEE 4149 31 3099 NOBLE 493 4 330 NOWATA 400 5 344 OKFUSKEE 1032 13 728 OKLAHOMA 38112 290 30415 OKMULGEE 1755 20 1498 OSAGE 1921 18 1703 OTHER 76 0 18 OTTAWA 1702 22 1491 PAWNEE 563 6 488 PAYNE 4091 18 3559 PITTSBURG 1870 21 1610 PONTOTOC 1912 10 1414 POTTAWATOMIE 3407 23 2742 PUSHMATAHA 413 6 363 ROGER MILLS 159 5 104 ROGERS 3915 63 3222 SEMINOLE 1197 11 1027 SEQUOYAH 1789 14 1524 STEPHENS 1591 16 1157 TEXAS 2345 12 2107 TILLMAN 321 5 238 TULSA 31760 264 26759 WAGONER 2729 35 2338 WASHINGTON 1961 47 1635 WASHITA 390 2 268 WOODS 512 1 375 WOODWARD 1854 7 1588 Total 187,567 1,704 152,969

PITTSBURG COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered McAlester 1335 19 1170 Canadian 32 0 25 Crowder 28 0 23 Haileyville 31 0 25 Hartshorne 124 0 102 Indianola 25 0 19 Kiowa 49 1 43 Krebs 50 1 40 Pittsburg 33 0 28 Quinton 84 0 64 Savanna 28 0 27 Not listed 51 0 44 Total 1870 21 1610

LATIMER COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Wilburton 146 1 134 Red Oak 51 0 45 Not listed 109 2 95 Total 306 3 274

HUGHES COUNTY CASES

City Cases Deaths Recovered Holdenville 362 4 324 Calvin 22 1 15 Dustin 40 0 32 Lamar 8 0 7 Stuart 31 0 23 Wetumka 85 1 71 Not listed 19 1 15 Total 567 7 487 Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 11 a.m. Nov. 27

INSIDE

>> PAGE B1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896 COVID-19 OKLAHOMA TEST RESULTS

SPORTS

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Help local children through MN-C, Lions Club Angel Tree STAFF REPORT

Angel decorations on a Christmas tree represent children to whom locals can help bring cheer over the holidays. An Angel Tree organized by the McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club will be available Monday for anyone looking to provide gifts for local children. “We appreciate the McAlester Lions Club for partnering with us on this project to help bring Christmas cheer to people in our community,” News-Capital General Manager Reina Owens said.

The two organizations partnered on the angel tree project to work with local schools and child care organizations to provide gifts to local children during the upcoming holidays. School officials and childcare organizations submitted candidates in need of some help over the holidays. Angel decorations placed on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester represent local children. Those decorations include the gender, clothes sizes and toy request of a child in need from the area.

Anyone can pick up an angel starting Monday to purchase the indicated items for the child. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital office by Dec. 9. For more information, anyone can contact the newspaper through Facebook messaging, email editor@mcalesternews.com, or call the office at 918-423-1700. • Contact Adrian O’Hanlon III at aohanlon@mcalesternews.com

ADRIAN O’HANLON III | Staff photo

An angel tree by the McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club offers ways to help more than 100 local children.

MPD getting new body cams

Shared Blessings to host telethon online By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

A 1978 Lincoln Continental slowly rolls into the Shared Blessings parking lot before Joey Clark steps out in an checkered suit that looks like it’s from a 70s gameshow. The video is one of several funny ads on the Shared Blessings Facebook page showing the director of operations for the McAlester-based ministry detailing the organization’s first-ever telethon set for Dec. 7-8. Shared Blessings Executive Director Scott Walker said the idea came up months ago for a COVID-19 proof event and fundraiser — and he believes it will be fun for the whole community. “We want this to be a two-night thing where people are celebrating the community involvement and what Shared Blessings is able to do because of everyone’s involvement,” Walker said. “We want this to be something the community’s coming together to do something good before the end of the year,” he added. So what will the telethon include? “Basically you’re going to have two hours of moving one thing to the next every 3-4 minutes,” Walker said. “Interviews, testimonies, humorous videos, community en-

By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Staff file photo

Scott Walker, executive director of Shared Blessings, details how the organization helps the community. Shared Blessings will host a telethon on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Read more online at mcalesternews.com and SharedBlessings.tv.

tertainment, there’ll obviously be fundraising built into all of that, interviews with teachers.” “And we’ll be highlighting all the different facets of our ministries,” Walker said. Shared Blessings began in 1998 through the efforts of Devonna Edwards and now serves more than 2,500 people each month through various programs by partnering with area churches, civic organizations, businesses, corporations,

agencies, foundations and individuals to address needs. The organization addresses needs of students in the area by providing beds, clothing, and meals, offers financ i a l a s s i s t a n c e, a n d more. Walker said the telethon will include local artists and people, perf o r m a n c e s b y Pa m ’s Academy of Dance and Angie’s Dance Plus, He said the telethon will be done online with

a text-to-give and online donation options through SharedBlessings.tv and the organization’s Facebook page. Walker said anyone watching can use those options to donate to the organization, which will go toward one-time gifts and potentially commitments for the next year. But he mainly hopes the community enjoys a fun event together. “Let’s do something great to end the year together,” Walker said.

Members of the McAlester Police Department are set to get new body cams, partially thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. McAlester city councilors have unanimously approved a measure to accept a bid of $110,384 from Trinity Innovative Solutions, LLC and to authorize Mayor John Browne to sign a notice of award for new body-worn cameras for the McAlester Police Department. The agreement includes the purchase of 46 new cameras, 48 software licenses and accessories, for a total of $110,384. City of McAlester Public Information Officer and grant writer Stephanie Giacomo said the cost to the city will be less than that, due to the U.S. Department of Justice grant. The Justice Department’s BodyWorn Camera Policy and Implementation Program grant totals $46,733.

>> See CAMS // Page A108

5 THINGS TO KNOW

How to deal with coronavirus pandemic-related stress The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives tips on how to handle stress brought on by the spread of COVID-19.

Know that everybody reacts differently.

How you respond to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, your financial situation, your health and emotional background, the community you live in, and many other factors. The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus can affect anyone.

Take care of yourself and your community.

port, can also make your community Know the stronger. During times of increased sofacts to help cial distancing, people can still maintain social connections and care for reduce stress their mental health. Phone calls or Knowing the facts about COVID-19 video chats can help you and your and stopping the spread of rumors can loved ones feel socially connected, less Taking care of your friends and your help reduce stress and stigma. Underlonely, or isolated. family can be a stress reliever, but it standing the risk to yourself and peoshould be balanced with care for yourple you care about can help you conself. Helping others cope with their stress, such as by providing social sup-

>> See STRESS // Page A10

CLASSIFIED B7 // COMICS B9 // OBITUARIES A2 // OPINION A9 // SPORTS B1

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Angel Tree

We have 125 children on our angel tree needing a Christmas gift & clothing. We know this year has been difficult for many families. If your family is blessed and want to contribute then please help support the families in need. Angel decorations will be placed on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester and will contain the gender, clothes sizes and toy request of a child in need from the area. Anyone can pick up an angel starting Nov. 30 to purchase the indicated items for the child or call us and we will provide the angel information to you. Gifts must be wrapped & returned by Dec. 9th to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Monetary donations will be accepted as well. organized by

HONORED Hartshorne man recognized by Choctaw Nation Tribal Council YOUR NEWS

>> PAGE A3

McAlester Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896 COVID-19 OKLAHOMA TEST RESULTS Confirmed Positive Cases Active Cases Total Cumulative Deaths Total Recovered

164,340 30,484 1,588 132,268

PITTSBURG COUNTY CASES City McAlester Canadian Crowder Haileyville Hartshorne Indianola Kiowa Krebs Pittsburg Quinton Savanna Not listed Total

Cases Deaths Recovered 1218 19 1047 28 0 19 28 0 19 26 0 21 104 0 85 21 0 14 46 1 39 44 1 34 26 0 23 74 0 54 27 0 20 44 0 31 1686 21 1406

LATIMER COUNTY CASES City Wilburton Red Oak Not listed Total

Cases Deaths Recovered 133 1 114 48 0 44 99 2 84 280 3 242

HUGHES COUNTY CASES City Holdenville Calvin Dustin Lamar Stuart Wetumka Not listed Total

Cases Deaths Recovered 345 4 298 17 1 15 38 0 17 8 0 7 24 0 18 79 1 68 18 1 19 529 7 442

DATA SOURCE: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 11 a.m. Nov. 12

INSIDE

mcalesternews.com

$1.25

MN-C, Lions Club Angel Tree available Nov. 30 By ADRIAN O’HANLON III

CASES BY COUNTY County Cases Deaths Recovered ADAIR 1093 13 852 ALFALFA 265 0 146 ATOKA 726 1 524 BEAVER 148 1 116 BECKHAM 1136 17 989 BLAINE 302 2 247 BRYAN 2468 18 1927 CADDO 1543 28 1243 CANADIAN 5834 25 4621 CARTER 1327 13 1045 CHEROKEE 1909 10 1484 CHOCTAW 614 4 522 CIMARRON 60 0 48 CLEVELAND 10992 118 9132 COAL 230 0 164 COMANCHE 3819 28 2977 COTTON 162 3 116 CRAIG 816 2 685 CREEK 2208 42 1798 CUSTER 1528 11 1236 DELAWARE 1676 38 1395 DEWEY 152 1 109 ELLIS 106 0 45 GARFIELD 3198 33 2631 GARVIN 1325 10 982 GRADY 2244 19 1834 GRANT 180 3 141 GREER 213 8 162 HARMON 94 0 79 HARPER 128 2 92 HASKELL 585 6 458 HUGHES 529 7 442 JACKSON 1603 24 1292 JEFFERSON 140 2 97 JOHNSTON 447 4 359 KAY 1434 21 1099 KINGFISHER 760 6 632 KIOWA 281 6 211 LATIMER 280 3 242 LE FLORE 2168 26 1859 LINCOLN 1132 25 909 LOGAN 1174 3 964 LOVE 468 1 342 MAJOR 361 2 253 MARSHALL 570 2 418 MAYES 1328 17 1051 MCCLAIN 2059 16 1604 MCCURTAIN 2084 44 1687 MCINTOSH 709 13 564 MURRAY 508 4 389 MUSKOGEE 3650 29 2575 NOBLE 345 4 259 NOWATA 357 4 298 OKFUSKEE 869 13 613 OKLAHOMA 33309 270 25894 OKMULGEE 1608 17 1361 OSAGE 1749 18 1502 OTHER 127 0 9 OTTAWA 1549 22 1348 PAWNEE 480 5 387 PAYNE 3697 17 3161 PITTSBURG 1686 21 1406 PONTOTOC 1545 9 1122 POTTAWATOMIE2932 21 2473 PUSHMATAHA 380 6 323 ROGER MILLS 123 5 90 ROGERS 3458 60 2729 SEMINOLE 1110 9 936 SEQUOYAH 1635 14 1375 STEPHENS 1277 12 957 TEXAS 2156 11 1959 TILLMAN 258 5 195 TULSA 28506 246 23668 WAGONER 2389 35 2082 WASHINGTON 1717 44 1482 WASHITA 291 2 209 WOODS 402 1 237 WOODWARD 1619 6 1404 Total 164,3401,588 132,268

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

EDITOR

School officials will submit candidates by Friday for an Angel Tree organized by the McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club. The two organizations partnered on the project to benefit area children during

the upcoming holiday season. Anyone interested in signing their child up for the angel tree can contact the counselor or administration at their child’s school. School officials must submit the names to the News-Capital or McAlester Lions Club by Friday. “We look forward to spreading Christmas cheer

to people in our community who might be in greater need of some help this year,” News-Capital General Manager Reina Owens said. “We appreciate the McAlester Lions Club for partnering with us on a project to help our community.” Angel decorations will be placed on a tree at the News-Capital offices at 500

>> See TREE // Page A8

File photo

Ready to take flight Golden Chick restaurant preparing for opening in McAlester By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Hearing set for two men accused of castrating man By DERRICK JAMES

The new Golden Chick restaurant in McAlester is ready to take flight. It’s set to open for business at 10:30 a . m . o n M o n d a y, Nov.23. “We are doing training this week,” owner Allen Odetallah said of preparations for the opening of the new restaurant at 1129 S. George Nigh Expressway in McAle s t e r. H e s a i d COVID-19 precautions will be in place for the opening, with markers already on the floors advising patrons where to stand as they wait to give their orders. G o l d e n C h i ck i s bringing a number of new jobs to McAlester. “We’ve hired 51 people so far,” Odetallah James Beaty | Staff photo said Thursday — and he still had more hir- FROM LEFT, Manager Lindsay Wyatt, Assistant Manager Richard Foster ing to do. He said and General Manager Jason Franklin stand in front of the new Golden

>> See CHICKEN // Page A8

Chick restaurant, set to open on Monday, Nov. 23, at 1129 S. George Nigh Expressway in McAlester.

5 THINGS TO KNOW CDC recommendations on who should not attend gatherings The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued the following in-person gatherings. considerations on who should not attend holiday gatherings.

1 2

What are the CDC guidelines on holiday gatherings?

People with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to COVID-19 should not attend in-person holiday gatherings.

What other guidelines does the CDC have regarding gatherings?

4 5

What if someone has been tested for COVID-19 but is still awaiting results?

Anyone who is waiting for COVID-19 test results should not attend holiday gatherings.

What if someone is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID 19?

Do not host or participate in any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others. Do not host or If you are an older adult or person with certain medical conditions attend gatherings with anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. who is at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, or live or work with someone who is at increased risk of severe illness, you What if there are symptoms, should avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household. but it hasn’t been confirmed?

Anyone with any symptoms of coronavirus should not attend

STAFF WRITER

POTEAU — A preliminary hearing was set Wednesday for two men accused of performing an illegal surgery on a man in southeast Oklahoma. Documents filed in October by the LeFlore County District Attorney’s office accuse Bob Lee Allen, 53, and Thomas Evans Gates, 42, of performing a surgery to remove a man’s testicles and asking him to eat them at their residence in Wister, Oklahoma. District 16 Special District Judge Jennifer McBee scheduled the hearing for the two men for 9 a.m. Feb. 25 at the LeFlore County Courthouse. The hearing was set in February after a member of the District 16 District Attorney’s Office who appeared by telephone wanted to make sure there was

>> See COURT // Page A8

Carey’s Christmas Angels helping children By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Levenia Carey is doing her best to try and make sure every child in McAlester has a happy Christmas, but she needs some help from the community. “My goal is a gift for every child,” Carey said. “I would like to do that, but I don’t have that kind of superpower.” Carey, of Carey-Out BBQ catering in McAlester, is also a counselor. She’s knows some children in McAlester will get nothing for Christmas unless others step up to help. She helps through a project she called Christmas Angels. “This is my fourth year,” Carey said. “We would do things as a family.” Instead of buying gifts for themselves, she and her family would buy gifts for

>> See ANGELS // Page A8

— James Beaty

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 • MCALESTERNEWS.COM

Analysis: Trump’s bid to spread misinformation and sow doubt By JULIE PACE AP WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF

James Beaty | Staff Photo

TONY THOMAS, left, and Daniel Wortham participate in a pre-opening training session for employees at the Golden Chick restaurant in McAlester. Golden Chick, at 1129 S. George Nigh Expressway, is set to open Monday, Nov. 23.

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Franklin thinks Golden Chick and the related endeavors will do well in McAlester. “We did our homework for demographics for the county,” he said. He also thinks it will be good for the community. “We’re getting people back to work,” Franklin said. Several grand opening-related events are being planned for later, including the giveaway of a new bicycle and other items.Plans are for Golden Chick to be open from 10:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on a daily basis. Golden Chick is a franchise that began in 1967 in San Marcos, Texas. Originally named Golden Fried Chicken, the named changed to Golden Chick in 1993. The Golden Chick franchise is now in more than 180 locations in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Its specialties include the company’s Golden Te n d e r s a n d G o l d e n Roast Chicken. Southern-fried catfish is also on the menu. “We have a healthy product and a variety on the menu,” Odetallah said. Sides include mashed potatoes, battered french fries, green beans, fried okra, cole slaw, salads, mac and cheese and “dirty rice,” w h i ch i n cl u d e s r i c e, meat, and spices. Golden Chick is adjacent to the La Quinta Inn and Suites, near the Hardy Springs Road and U. S. Highway 69 intersection.

about seven positions were still open. “Our expectations are higher. We’re looking at having 58 people,” Odetallah said of the total number of employees expected. He said one of the reasons he wanted to open a Golden Chick restaurant in McAlester is to give back to the community. “I am involved in the community,” said Odetallah. “I want to give back to the city. I like to bring more business to this town.” Golden Chick won’t be the first restaurant in McAlester for Odetallah. “I’m the owner of the Pizza Inn,” he said. Plans are underway for more than a Golden Chick restaurant at the site. Plans are to add a game room in a large room adjoining the restaurant, and then to add a pizza restaurant on the other side of the game room. The pizza place will offer much more than pizza, such as a salad bar, as well as more traditional foods, such as potatoes and green beans. That way if some members of the family are in the mood for chicken, but others would prefer pizza or something else, they could all get the food of their choice. Hopes are to have the pizza restaurant ready to go and open in about four weeks. Jason Franklin is serving as general manager, with Assistant Manager Richard Foster and Man- • Contact James Beaty at a g e r L i n d s ay Wy a t t . jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

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items for the child. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital office by Dec. 9.

S. Second St. in McAlester and will contain the gender, clothes sizes and toy request of a child in need from the area. Anyone can pick up an angel starting Nov. 30 to • Contact Adrian O’Hanlon III at purchase the indicated aohanlon@mcalesternews.com

WHEN YOU’RE BUZZED,YOU GET IDEAS. LIKE ASKING EVERYONE INSIDE THE TACO TRUCK WHAT DRIVING AROUND IN A KITCHEN IS LIKE AND THEN ORDERING 22 TACOS WITH EXTRA GUACAMOLE AND ALL THE CHEESE FOR EVERY DRUNK PERSON IN LINE. BAD IDEA FOR YOUR WALLET, BUT NOT AS BAD AS DRIVING HOME BUZZED.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is trying to turn America’s free and fair election into a muddled mess of misinformation, specious legal claims and baseless attacks on the underpinnings of the nation’s democracy. The resulting chaos and confusion that has created isn’t the byproduct of Trump’s strategy following his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. The chaos and confusion is the strategy. Trump’s blizzard of attacks on the election are allowing him to sow discontent and doubt among his most loyal supporters, leaving many with the false impression that he is the victim of fraudulent voting. That won’t keep Trump in office — Biden will be sworn in on Jan. 20 — but it could both undermine the new president’s efforts to unify a fractured nation and fuel Trump in h i s n e x t e n d e a v o r, whether that’s another White House run in 2024 or a high-profile media venture. “This is all about maintaining his ego and visibility,” said Judd Gregg, the former Republican governor and U.S. senator from New Hampshire. “He’s raising a lot of money and he intends to use it.” The effects of Trump’s strategy are already starting to emerge. A Monmouth University p o l l o u t We d n e s d a y

Julio Cortez | Associated Press

A WOMAN GESTURES as she argues with a counter-protester after supporters of President Donald Trump held marches Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Washington.

showed that 77% of Trump supporters said Biden’s victory was due to fraud, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. More than two weeks a f t e r E l e c t i o n D a y, Trump’s approach remains both stunning and unsurprising. It amounts to an unprecedented attack on a democratic election by a sitting American president — one the Republican Party has been largely silent in condemning. But it is also precisely the scenario Trump spent much of 2020 laying the groundwork for,

particularly with his unfounded claims that mail-in ballots would be subject to systemic fraud. That wasn’t true before 2020 or in this election. “His response should surprise no one. He foreshadowed it well before the election and it continues his pattern of declaring victory, regardless of the actual facts,” said Tim Pawlenty, the former Republican governor of Minnesota. The facts in this instance are not in dispute. Biden eclipsed Trump by comfortable margins in key battleground

states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, exceeding the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House and nearing 80 million votes nationwide, a record. Federal and state election officials have declared the contest free of widespread fraud, with some going so far as to call the 2020 race the most secure in U.S. history. Trump responded by firing the messenger, Chris Krebs, the nation’s top election security official, who has repeatedly vouched for the integrity of the 2020 vote.

COURT ... << CONTINUED from Page A1 enough time “because the feds are thinking about picking the case up.” Court documents show Allen and Gates were each charged with conspiracy to commit unlicensed surgery-felony, practicing medicine without a license/unlicensed surgery-felony, maiming, unlawful use of communication facili t y, d i s t r i b u t i o n o f CDS-including possession w/intent to distribute, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to bury dead human member-misdemeanor, possession of controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia-misdemeanor. Records from the LeFlore County Jail show each man remained in custody Wednesday on $295,000 bonds. An affidavit prepared by the LeFlore County Sheriff ’s Office states a man was taken Oct. 14 to the McAlester Regional Health Center,

ANGELS ... << CONTINUED from Page A1 children they knew that might have otherwise faced a Christmas without a gift. “I became aware of a greater need,” Carey said. She said her profession as a counselor gave her an opportunity to wok with low-income families. “Up until this year, it was only families I knew of personally,” Carey said. This year, because of COVID-19, she feels there are more children who may get little or nothing for Christmas, without the help of others. Unfortunately, the response from those wanting to assist has not been as great as it has been in the past, she said. “It’s much slower than it was this time last year,” she said. Carey said anyone who

Photo provided

BOB ALLEN, left, and Thomas Gates

where he told medical personnel he had a surgery to remove his testicles that was conducted by Allen and Gates at a Wister residence. The man also told MRHC staff that Allen and Gates “tried to get him to participate in cannibalism,” the affidavit states. Court documents state the man said he met Allen on a website called www.the-em.com that he came across while researching castrations. The website name is short for EunuchMaker and states it is “for everybody into mods and kinks for all kinds.” Investigators wrote

the man said he flew into the Dallas/Forth Worth airport on Oct. 11 and Allen drove them to the Wister residence. Court documents state the man was awake for the two-hour surgery conducted by Allen with Gates handing over medical equipment with Allen telling the man after the surgery that he was going to consume the parts. Investigators were told the man woke up the next morning with a lot of bleeding and Allen told him “No ER, No morgue” before taking him to MRHC, the affidavit states. A search warrant was

obtained and executed on the residence on Oct. 15, according to court documents. Investigators found during the search a freezer “that contained a plastic ziplock bag with what appeared to be testicles,” a six-foot tall medicine cabinet full of various medications, medical utensils, mushrooms in pill bottles, a cartery tool with blood, xylocaine, and more. Gates and Allen weren’t at the residence during the execution of the search warrant but were later located and detained with assistance from the McAlester Police Department.

would like to help can contact her. Because of COVID-19 precautions, she is not having people come to a central location and pick a name from a tree. She said she will send the information to those who want to help. Carey said she can be called or texted at 918470-3219. She planned to stop taking any new additions from those needing help on Friday, but she still needs community support to be able to provide gifts. “To contribute, my goal is by December 12,” Carey said. She knows those purchasing presents may not be able to buy everything a child might want, such as an Xbox gaming system, for example. “It’s a wish list,” Carey noted. “But instead of saying ‘I can’t give this,’ they could give a gift card.” Carey suggested gift cards could be an option,

because then the recipient could pick out what he or she wants. Carey wishes each child could receive at least $50 worth of gifts, but she also realizes not everyone can help by that amount. If someone can help with donations even as small as $5, that could be added with others, she said. Those contacting her to help a child with a donation or gift can suggest how they want to help, such as the age of a child, for example. She said Christmas Angels helps all children, from birth through high school. “They can leave a message or text,” Carey said of those who want to contact her wanting to help a child. “They can pick an age or gender. I can send five or six suggestions.” Carey noted she is not conducting a drive for used clothing. “It’s a Christmas gift,”

she noted. “It’s not that we’re gathering up clothing.” Carey said when a gift, gift card or other item is purchased for a child, the person giving the gift can contact her and she will arrange a meeting to pick it up, probably at a local church. “I’m trying to do it COVID-conscious,” she said. Gifts should be in their packaging and unopened. They do not have to be gift-wrapped, because Carey said the families of the children will wrap their gifts. That way parents will know what’s in the packages their children will be opening, she said. For now, she’s hoping other members of the community will step up and assist with gifts or donations. “It’s really slow,” Carey said. “We can really use as much as possible.” • Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 • MCALESTERNEWS.COM

local

Park ...

Meals ...

If grandchild lives with grandparent, the child may receive a meal as well, according to Davis. A community meal open to tribal members will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. the Crowder C h o c t aw C o m m u n i t y Center located at 707 Bond in Crowder. A limited amount of meals will be available with one meal per person while supplies last. The Choctaw Community Center in Wilburton will also host its curbside community Thanksgiving meal Nov. 18 beginning at 12 p.m. The address is 1056 NW 1003 Ave. in Wilburton. Other senior meals will be handed out curbside at community centers Nov. 18 in Spiro, Wright City, Durant, Idabel, Smithville, Broken Bow, and Poteau. Community meals will be available at Hugo and Wright City on Nov. 18 with Talihina’s community meal scheduled for Nov. 19.

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icked around the park. “We’re new to this area,” she said. “This is like a really good idea.” Yepez complimented the city and the city workers for putting the winter wonderland in place. “They did a really good job,” she said. “I didn’t expect this.” City planners decided to move some of the displays to Arvest Park partly in hopes of attracting more park visitors. It’s an invitation some are already heartily accepting. This year, some of the displays built by city employees over the past two years and previously placed along Choctaw Avenue are being relocated to Arvest Park, said city of McAlester Public Information Officer Stephanie Giacomo. With the recent addition of “bump-outs,” also called bulb-outs or street extensions, along Choctaw Avenue, there’s not as much space available for the displays as last year and the year prior. Workers with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department set up the decorations at Arvest Park, with an occasional assist from other city employees. They’re hoping to make things a little brighter for the community as well as visitors during the holiday season, said city of McAlester Land Maintenance and Parks Supervisor Sherman Miller. Giacomo calls the resulting Arvest Park displays “a magical Christmas forest.”

Public Relations Casey Davis said staff and volunteers will follow COVID-19 guidelines before they interact with tribal members. “All staff are required to check temperature, wear mask, gloves and sanitize,” Davis said. “All meals are served curbside or delivered to those that qualify for home delivered meals.” “Limiting of qualified recipients is a part of the COVID protocols this year to minimize risk as much as possible,” Davis said. Davis said the meals will consist of turkey and or ham, dressing, sides, roll and a desert and will be served “hot and fresh.” Meals will be begin to be handed out at 11 a.m. Tribal members under the age of 55 with a disability or a Title VI application on file are also eligible for the meal in McAlester. Seniors will receive one meal per qualifying per- • Contact Derrick James at son, spouse, or caregiver. djames@mcalesternews.com

ADRIAN O’HANLON III | Staff photo

A giant ball lights up at night for photo opportunities at the winter wonderland McAlester city workers installed at Arvest Park.

City Manager Pete Stasialk said one of the goals in setting up the displays in Arvest Park is to increase park usage. That’s already occurring, with some park visitors already planning to return. While Daisy Yepez and young Aaron enjoyed their daytime visit, the Christmas lights adorning the trees and holiday displays caught Daisy’s attention. She wanted to see them again, under different conditions, so she and her family can enjoy the full effect of the festive decorations. “I want to come back at night,” said Yepez.

JAMES BEATY | Staff photo

Youngster Aaron Yepez sits inside the huge Christmas bulb that has been relocated to Arvest Park, where city employees are setting up a winter wonderland for the holiday season.

Choctaw Nation photo

Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, right, hands out meals at the Battiest community center Nov. 9.

Angel ...

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Angel Tree is one way to show our care, this is about more than a tangible gift. It’s about saying ‘You’re important and we care about you.’ I appreciate the Angel Tree for this very reason – it’s such a loving, caring thing to do in McAlester. “We want to make sure everyone has a good Christmas,” she added. Anyone can pick up an angel starting Nov. 30 to purchase the indicated items for the child. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital offices during office hours from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Gifts must be returned to the News-Capital office by Dec. 9.

es at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester and will contain the gender, clothes sizes and toy request of a child in need from the area. “We are happy to partner with the Lions Club on a project helping people in our community have a merry Christmas,” News-Capital General Manager Reina Owens said. “It’s important the community steps forward to wrap around the vulnerable and at-risk families who are our neighbors and friends,” said McAlester Lions Club President Deborah Sherwood. • Contact Adrian O’Hanlon III at “While a gift from the aohanlon@mcalesternews.com

ADRIAN O’HANLON III Staff photo

The McAlester News-Capital and McAlester Lions Club partnered on an Angel Tree for this upcoming holiday season.

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