2015 year in review

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Y E A R

E N D

R E V I E W

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 1F

The Shawnee News-Star compiled a list of the most memorable stories this year, and asked readers — in an online survey — to rank the roundup in order of importance. Stories one through 10 feature a mix of new attractions or achievements, flooding and a Ward 1 seat.

The top stories are summarized below:

1] Trooper killed, another injured PROVIDED PHOTOS

Trooper Nicholas Dees was struck and killed by a driver who was texting while driving on I-40 east of Shawnee and Trooper Keith Burch was seriously injured. That fatal accident resulted in the state’s texting and driving ban becoming law on Nov. 1.

Trooper Dees

2] The Shawnee Marketplace opens Hobby Lobby, Aldi, PetsMart, T.J. Maxx, Ulta, Famous Footwear, Hallmark and T-Mobile among other new businesses around the Marketplace, such as Chick-fil-A, are now open in that I-40 and Kickapoo area.

Trooper Burch

3] Shawnee opens new water parks The new Shawnee Splash water park and Boy Scout Park splash pad open.

4] Kickapoo construction wraps up After many delays and several years of work, Kickapoo construction is finally completed.

There are still some final touch-ups being finished.

5] Sales tax passed for Pottawatomie County schools Pottawatomie County voters pass a nearly one-half cent sales tax for 14 county school districts. The 10-year tax begins in 2016.

6] Avedis grants contribute millions to county Avedis announces a $1.5 million grant to Shawnee Middle School for improvements; Avedis makes headlines throughout the year for contributions to many projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the area.

Honorable Mention Stories ranking 11 through 5 — the stories that didn’t 25 ake the cut, but were cermake inly well worth mentioning tainly — dealt with city/county/tribe onflicts, new construction confl nd personnel changes, as and ell as several crime-related well vents. events.

11] Pottawatomie County nhanced 911 Trust contracts Enhanced thee county’s 911 services to thee dispatch center at Citizen otawatomi Nation.

Potawatomi 12] Kimberly Crain, a rmer McLoud teacher former ntenced in a sexual exsentenced oitation case involving her ploitation udents had her 45-year students ntence reduced 10 years sentence years, but Gary J. Doby, a retired arged, OBU professor also charged, on. A was denied a reduction. civil lawsuit filed on behalf ntary of 14 McLoud elementary school students in this matter settled for $1.4 million. sy in13] With controversy minatvolving the Judicial Nominatg just ing Commission sending uired two instead of the required ernor, three names to the Governor, n apthere was a delay in an watopointment for a Pottawatomie County judge. Thatt post hasn’t yet been filled. nsion 14] Major expansion projects continued in many

areas of Shawnee, including additions at Oklahom ma BapOklahoma tist University and a major expansion of St. A nthony Anthony Shawnee Hospital.

15] A pursuit suspe ect who suspect had burglarized a home was shot and killed b byy Pottawatomie County ssheriff’s heriff’s deputies near Shawne ee Twin Shawnee Lakes following a high h-speed high-speed chase. It was ruled the deputies were justified in n using deadly force.

16] The city of Sh hawnee Shawnee and Citizen Potawato omi NaPotawatomi tion were involved in tthe he land detachment debate.

17] Residents were suri d to h h a llocall prised hear that massage parlor was involved in an undercover sex x sting, with an employee a rrested arrested and charged with soliciting li iti prostitution.

18] City of Shawnee experiences big personnel changes — new city manager, new fire chief, plus retirement of the police chief at the end of the year.

19] Jerrod Murray, an Asher man charged in the killing of his ECU college classmate, was found not guilty by reason of insanity and must be evaluated each year.

7] Record rainfall brings flooding, damage 20] Aft After she had been missing fo for more than two years, the rremains of a Shawnee mother mother, Samantha Weaver, were d discovered buried at a local p property where her friend lived and that man is now in pris prison after pleading guilty to a m murder charge.

21] After years of planning, constructio construction began on the widening o of Gordon Cooper Drive betw between Shawnee and Tecumseh.

22] The year began with the area in a drought, with the city of S Shawnee enacting water rest restrictions for residents.

23]] A church van from Fresh Fire Outreach was involved in an accident while on a mission trip, with as many as 10 people, l mostt off them children, suffering injuries.

24] A May homicide was reported in south Shawnee.

That investigation resulted in the arrest of five suspects now charged in connection with that case.

25] After much debate and controversy, the venue for Shawnee’s 2015 graduation remained at OBU’s Raley Chapel.

Record rainfall in the spring brought flooding and filled Shawnee Twin Lakes past the spillway.

The flooding damaged many roadways throughout the county and prompted more than 20 water rescues. One woman was killed when her vehicle became submerged.

8] SHS baseball, golf teams win state Shawnee High School wins state championships in Baseball and Golf.

9] Ward 1 seat vacated, remains unfilled

Shawnee’s Ward 1 seat was vacated by Gary Vogel’s resignation earlier in the year and that seat still remains vacant after city commissioners couldn’t agree on an appointee to fill the seat. CPN offered to fund an election.

10] Family Justice Center plan underway Plans and fundraising continued to develop a Family Justice Center — a place where victims of domestic violence and abuse could find help and services under one roof — with temporary offices now in operation.

Photos taken by ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER unless otherwise noted

2F • Sunday, December 27, 2015

JANUARY

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in January:

1) True story films in Shawnee On a 1997 evening, 8-year-old Kirsten Renee Hatfield was in her Midwest City bedroom. The following morning, her mother Shannon checked the room. Kirsten was gone. The window was open.

A movie about that missing persons case was being filmed in Shawnee.

2) Single-vehicle crash reported on SH 9 Emergency responders assist a patient at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the area of SH 9 and Drummond Road. According to scanner reports, the car left the roadway and struck a tree. Two patients from the Ford Mustang were transported from that scene by ambulance.

3) Deputies investigate rash of burglaries The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a rash of approximately 6 to 8 residential burglaries recently.

Three were reported on Jan. 5, two on Jan. 6, and a few other burglaries have occurred before those are believed to be related but are still under investigation.

Lt. Matt Byers said most burglaries occurred within an area from Hardesty Road to Highway 9 and from State Highway 102 to Walker Road.

On Thursday, Jan. 8, deputies began developing information concerning a possible suspect who was located and interviewed. Based on information received from the suspect, deputies were able to locate some stolen items, which included antique silverware at a local pawn shop. A hold has been placed on those items and will be returned to the owner as soon as possible.

Deputies learned the burglar(s) were knocking on the front and back door of residences. If no one answered the door, the burglar(s) would kick the door open, go to the master bedroom and steal handguns.

4) Shawnee man dies in early morning house fire

Construction was in full swing of the Shawnee Marketplace in January.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

6) Pedestrian killed: Police solve fatal hit-and-run accident Shawnee police located a vehicle and then questioned a suspect in the hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a local man.

Shawnee Police Detective Ronnie Wilson said Brian Keith Kuhlman, 48, died from injuries suffered in the hit-and-run accident.

According to reports, that incident occurred about 6:40 a.m. Monday morning on Harrison Street near Chandler Street, where Kuhlman, a pedestrian, was reportedly hit by an SUV, according to witnesses. He later died from his injuries.

Pieces of the suspect vehicle, including a plastic molding and chrome-colored strip, were left behind at that scene, Wilson said, and those items became a crucial element in helping police solve the case.

Tuesday morning, detectives took those items to a local paint and body shop to find out what type of vehicle they would match, Wilson said, with a determination made that the suspect vehicle was likely a 2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox.

Detectives went to a few local body shops and by about 9:30 a.m., they were at a local business to obtain further information. That’s where they noticed a brown Chevrolet Equinox with damage to the right front fender and windshield, he said, and that vehicle also was missing the same piece of molding.

The owner of that vehicle was tracked down, he said, with detectives speaking with him at the scene. Wilson said the man first indicated to police that he had hit a deer.

7) SH 9A rollover accident Cause of a house fire that resulted in the death of an adult male occupant is under investigation by fire marshals.

Shawnee firefighters responded to the blaze about 7:38 a.m. Wednesday at 117 N. McKinley.

Shawnee Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim VanAntwerp said when crews arrived, several occupants had made it out of the home safely, but a man was still on the second floor of that home.

According to call logs, the front of the house was engulfed in flames so fire crews approached that rescue from the back of the home.

VanAntwerp said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

5) Tecumseh man arrested in OKC triple stabbing case A Tecumseh man being sought in connection with a triple stabbing case in Oklahoma City was tracked down by local police and arrested Tuesday afternoon in Shawnee.

Chad Pope, commander of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Warrant Team, said Santos Arrendondo, 34, was arrested following a traffic stop on Highland Street.

Pope said Arrendondo was being sought on Oklahoma County warrants of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the Oklahoma City case.

Two pickups sit in a grassy area along SH 9A Monday after an accident occurred about one mile south of SH 9.

Reports indicated the black pickup rolled in that accident.

Emergency personnel, including Earlsboro firefighters, Pottawatomie County sheriff’s deputies, REACT EMS paramedics and state troopers responded to that scene.

According to firefighters, the driver of the white pickup was transported from the scene by ambulance while two occupants in the black pickup also went to the hospital with unknown injuries.

8) Update: Crime spree prompts manhunt

9) Community responds to Kickapoo construction

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports the overhaul of Kickapoo Street could be complete in Spring 2015. Community members are largely skeptical of that projection.

A flood of area readers took to The Shawnee NewsStar’s Facebook page to voice opinions on the construction project. Lindsey Johnson Cowan’s comment mirrored the overwhelming consensus.

“It makes trying to get around town next to impossible.

It’s hurting the businesses on Kickapoo and there’s absolutely no excuse for it taking this long,” she said.

ODOT Assistant Resident Manager Gary Grant acknowledged in November the project is “moving slower than we wanted it to.”

Grant partially faulted climate conditions for limitations.

“Weather and a lot of underground utilities caused delays,” he explained of the project that began in February 2013.

Taking into account the time of year, reader Gary McClelland expressed weather conditions could generate more delays.

“Just looking at what is left to be done and considering we are going into the winter months, I don’t see how it is going to be done by spring of 2015,” he said.

Kickapoo was completed by early Fall.

10) Two injured in Tecumseh accident

What began as a stolen 4-wheeler case near Shawnee Twin Lakes turned into a manhunt in Cleveland County, but the search was called off late Wednesday night.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating, but Shawnee Police Lt. Mason Wilson said one suspect is being sought in the case.

At least two home invasions were reported, with the suspect taking a homeowner’s vehicle.

That vehicle was found abandoned in Cleveland County, where a manhunt began late Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff Mike Booth said the suspect reportedly took another vehicle in Cleveland County; the manhunt was called off late Wednesday night.

Booth said authorities have recovered evidence that may help them ID the suspect.

Two people were injured in a crash Wednesday evening along SH 9.

Tecumseh Asst. Police Chief J.R. Kidney said the accident occurred about 6:03 p.m. as both vehicles were eastbound between Harrison and Malone Roads.

Kidney said a 2001 Ford F-350 driven by Randy Gilbert, 54, was turning into a private drive when a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Junior Lowden, 43, hit the rear of Gilbert’s Ford.

Kidney said a Medi Flight helicopter began to respond to the scene but Lowden was transported from the scene

by REACT EMS ambulance with unspecified injuries.

Gilbert was taken by private vehicle to a hospital, Kidney said, and there was no word on their updated conditions late Wednesday night.

Go from Zero up to $1440 Instantly!

• • • •

Title Loans Recreational Vehicles 30 Day Post Dated Check Loans Signature Loans

15 Minute Phone Approval

100 to $ 1440

$

Phone Applications Welcome • Fast, Friendly Service

EXPRESS LOAN

ADVANCE LOAN

1112 N. Harrison Shawnee

1150 N. Harrison Shawnee

405-275-5230

405-214-5400

CENTRAL LOAN SERVICE 10 E.Main • Shawnee

405-275-2274

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 3F

FEBRUARY A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in February:

1) UPDATE: Shawnee police make prostitution arrest at massage parlor

An undercover sting involving a massage parlor in Shawnee has ended with one employee arrested on a prostitution complaint.

The joint undercover operation by Shawnee police and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics involved the Healthy Massage parlor at 1613 N. Harrison.

Shawnee Police Sgt. Dan Shumaker said an employee, ShaoJun Zhang, 57, was arrested at the scene on a complaint of engaging in or soliciting prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church, which is felony complaint.

Formal charges have not been filed.

Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz said police had received multiple reports of illegal activities being conducted at the massage parlor, which prompted the undercover operation.

Zhang, who was booked into the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center following her arrest, has since been released after posting bond.

Shumaker said police don’t anticipate any other arrests at this time.

2) Shawnee woman killed in late-night accident A Shawnee woman died following a one-vehicle accident on 45th Street east of Coker Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Barbie Jean Jones, 36, died at that scene of that crash.

3) Aldi, Hobby Lobby opening dates projected

ary. Interim City Manager Justin Erickson noted Aldi is expected to trail Hobby Lobby by just a few months.

“They were targeting a May grand opening date,” Erickson said of Aldi’s latest plans.

The metal frame of Aldi’s building is visible from Kickapoo Street, near Interstate 40.

Karleen Krywucki, Director of Major Tenant Leasing for Retail Properties at Price Edwards, said the grocer did a ground lease.

“They’ll be building their own building,” she said.

The company, which leased 60,984 square feet of ground, is constructing a 16,398-square-foot store.

Community shoppers could have access to neighboring Hobby Lobby Feb. 27, according to the company’s website. The Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony March 2 at 9 a.m.

Hobby Lobby’s Vincent Parker detailed the store’s projected employment impact.

“We always hope to hire anywhere from 30 to 50 local employees in various positions,” he said, noting those roles include everything from stockers to custom picture framers.

In addition to Hobby Lobby and Aldi, phase one stores include PetsMart, Ulta, TJ Maxx and Famous Footwear.

Tim Burg, executive director of the Shawnee Economic Development Authority, said phase one is projected to bring 360 jobs to the area over the next two years.

7) Hobby Lobby, PetsMart, Ulta and more coming to Shawnee in 2015 This was a story from May 2014 that announced the Shawnee Marketplace: It’s official — Hobby Lobby, PetsMart, along with a Famous Footwear, Ulta and a TJ Maxx — are all part of the Phase 1 construction plans for the Shawnee Marketplace, developers confirmed.

In that story, Jeff Williams, president of Hunt Properties, Inc., said erosion control was in the process of being installed and mass grading also was commencing for the construction project, which is on schedule for retailers opening in the Spring of 2015. Hobby Lobby was the first story to open in February 2015.

8) Kent Bush: Americans need to see the big picture on ISIS ISIS kills Christians, Muslims and Jews and if we aren’t careful, they will kill us too. They have recently killed aid workers, journalists, pilots and others of multiple faith backgrounds.

9) Hobby Lobby opens

4) Update: One trooper killed, another injured in I-40 accident An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper was killed and another trooper was injured late Saturday night as they investigated an accident on Interstate 40 near Shawnee.

The eastbound and westbound lanes at mile marker 195, which is five miles west of the Seminole/Prague exit, were closed for the crash investigation.

Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Palmer said two troopers from Seminole County were among those involved in the accident.

He confirmed that one trooper died at the scene and another was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with unknown injuries.

Other information about the accident is still awaited from the patrol, but it was reported the troopers were working the scene of an accident when another accident occurred.

5) UPDATE: Missing person found safe

A craft store is the first among a diverse roster to open at the Shawnee Marketplace.

10) Four Shawnee players sign to play college football

Shawnee police were able to make contact Monday afternoon with a Shawnee man who was missing since Saturday.

Detective Jason Crouch said Justin David Wiebe, 34, was found safe..

6) Breaking news: Two troopers involved in I-40 accident As the Shawnee Marketplace swiftly develops, opening dates are becoming known. The roster’s grocer and craft store are among the first to release target dates.

Hobby Lobby is projected to open doors in late Febru-

The first report of the Interstate 40 accident east of Shawnee before it was confirmed as a deadly crash that took the life of state trooper.

It was later reported that it was Trooper Nicholas Dees who died at that scene and Trooper Keith Burch was seriously injured.

Four Shawnee seniors signed to play football at the next level during a ceremony at the high school on Wednesday afternoon.

Quarterback John Jacobs and offensive lineman Tristan Wyatt headed up a group of four that led the Wolves to consecutive appearances in the 5A state quarterfinals the past two seasons.

Jacobs signed with East Carolina University while Wyatt also went to a Division I school, signing on with the University of Tulsa.

Defensive back Josh Morgan and linebacker Walker Smith are headed to the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Baptist University, respectively.

Shawnee Twin Lakes levels are low in February as the drought continued.

Snow falls on Main Street in Shawnee during a February storm.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Shawnee’s Premier Hosting Venue Weddings Banquets/Receptions Rehearsal Dinners/ Parties/Showers

Workshops/Corp. Events Executive Meetings Classes/Education

With a sleek, modern design, high quality audio-visual capabilities, and on-site table and chairs; Occasions has everything you need to celebrate your special day.

www.occasionsok.com

(405) 306-6271

Go with Ka-Rip! Proud to be part of the OBU legacy

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

4F • Sunday, December 27, 2015

MARCH

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in March:

1) Homicide suspect sought in deadly Shawnee home invasion Shawnee police are searching for a homicide suspect in the death of a teenager who was shot in the head during an overnight home invasion and robbery.

Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz said that home invasion occurred about 1:07 a.m. Saturday at 2227 N. Aydelotte.

Frantz said Karter Makenzie Alderman, 17, died after being transported to an Oklahoma City hospital.

The shooting suspect, identified by witnesses as a black male, reportedly fled the scene in a white SUV, police said.

2) Three Shawnee motorcyclists killed in crash

The drought is evident by low lake levels at Shawnee Twin Lakes in March. Little did we know then that record-setting rainfall would fill the Twin Lakes in the coming months.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mosley was sought in connection with a shots fired call at 3740 N. Union.

Three Shawnee motorcyclists were killed in an accident Sunday night in Lincoln County.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that crash occurred on U.S. 177 near SH 105.

Killed at the scene were Steven Franetovich, 49, who was driving a 2011 Harley Davidson, the OHP reported.

Clayton Franetovich, 20, was driving a 2005 Harley Davidson and also died at the scene.

A Honda Shadow, driven by 36-year-old Brian Bacon, also was involved in the crash and he died at the scene, the patrol reported.

3) One killed, four injured in U.S. 177 crash A Tishomingo man was killed and four people were injured in a multiple-vehicle crash at U.S. 177 and Hardesty Road Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency crews responded to that scene about 2:10 p.m.

Shawnee Police Sgt. Dan Shumaker said police are still investigating the four-vehicle accident that involved a total of seven people.

Shumaker said 56-year-old Billy Arron Waugh of Tishomingo died at the scene of the crash. He was driving a 2012 Nissan, Shumaker said.

4) Update: Seminole homicide victims identified Authorities have released the identities of two homicide victims found dead in Seminole Friday morning.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said the victims are identified as 30-year-old Summer Gokey and 26-year-old Joseph Bounds. Both victims are from the Seminole area. OSBI agents and Seminole officers are following leads.

The victims were discovered this morning inside a sports utility vehicle in the 2600 block of north Harvey Road in Seminole. The victims were dead at the scene.

5) Shots fired: Suspect surrenders in shooting incident on North Union A suspect being sought by Shawnee police in connection with a shots fired incident at a home on North Union surrendered to police.

A police reports showed Aaron Mosley, 39, is jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on an assault and battery with a deadly weapon complaint.

6) Tecumseh man killed in crash

9) Last-second shot lifts Dale past Latta, into state semis

A single-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Tecumseh man.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said that accident occurred about 5:30 a.m. on westbound SH 9, just east of the Cleveland/Pottawatomie County line.

A 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Jason Sanders, 30, was westbound when the vehicle departed the roadway to the left and overturned before striking a tree, the OHP reported. Sanders was taken by REACT EMS ambulance to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from head and neck injuries, the patrol reported.

7) Skeletal remains found near Shawnee This was the initial breaking news report involving the discovery of skeletal remains: Investigators have confirmed they have found human remains near Shawnee.

District Attorney Richard Smothermon said a search warrant served at a residence on Rustic Oak Drive resulted in the discovery of those human remains.

While the remains will have to be positively identified by the medical examiner, he said investigators believe they could connected to the 2012 disappearance of Samantha Weaver.

8) Suspects nabbed for dropping rocks onto I-40 semi trucks An overnight investigation into a mailbox vandalism ended with suspects arrested for throwing rocks off a bridge onto Interstate 40 traffic, deputies said.

The case also resulted in a confession involving the destruction of 100 mailboxes in rural Pottawatomie County.

Undersheriff Travis Palmer said the investigation began late Monday night when a resident witnessed suspects destroy a mailbox. The resident obtained tag information from a vehicle and made a report, Palmer said, with Deputy Bob Stewart making a traffic stop of that vehicle in the area of I-40 and SH 9A. From an investigation, it appeared those in the vehicle had split from another group that had allegedly gone to throw rocks off the Econtuchka bridge, Palmer said.

Deputies took reports of vehicle damage to three tractor-trailer rigs on I-40, he said, which led deputies to track down three suspects — two adults and a juvenile.

Construction of the “pool” part of Shawnee Splash begins to take shape in March.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

MOORE – Down by as much as 14 in the second half and with leading scorer Claire Chastain unable to play with a sprained ankle, the Dale Lady Pirates were facing the end of their season in their 2A state quarterfinal against Latta on Thursday.

But sparked by Taylor O’Donnell and Dani Manning, the Lady Pirates staged a furious fourth quarter rally, and Taylor Thompson’s corner three as time expired gave Dale a 56-55 win and a berth in Friday’s semifinals.

The Lady Pirates (27-3) will play Preston, a 39-34 winner over Cashion, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the State Fair Arena.

“This is the definition of a team win tonight,” Dale head coach Josh Forsythe said. “I’m really proud of this team.

I told them at halftime that this game was going to come down to heart. Most teams would have laid down. We had to dig deep. There was a lot of pain, a lot of hurt, but these kids continued to get after it.”

Dale trailed from the beginning of the game, facing a 28-16 deficit at the half and at one point trailing 35-21 midway through the third quarter. But O’Donnell scored 15 points in the second half, 12 in the fourth, including four three-pointers to help fuel the comeback.

10) Defendant sentenced in Gaddy Road shooting death A Norman man accused of killing a Wilburton woman after firing more than 10 rounds into a vehicle along Gaddy Road last year has pleaded guilty to numerous charges and will spend the next 30 years in prison.

Phillip Shane Pitts, 37, was scheduled for a jury trial in Pottawatomie County District Court on felony counts of first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Pitts opted out of a jury trial with a guilty plea and received a life sentence of 30 years with the Department of Corrections on the murder count.

After he serves that time, he’ll serve a consecutive life sentence, suspended, for the shooting with intent to kill charge. On the other two counts, each running consecutively to the other, he received 10 years, suspended, court records show.

In the murder count, he is accused, on or about Feb. 15, 2014, of causing the death of Andrea Hollis, 27, by shooting her with a .223 caliber rifle, which inflicted mortal wounds, charges show.

For the count of shooting with intent to kill, he is accused of using the same .223 rifle to shoot two others who were injured.

Pitts, who was identified by witnesses as the driver of a pickup that stopped and fired 12 to 15 rounds into a vehicle full of people, was nabbed in Oklahoma City a few days after the shooting.

The reported passenger in the pickup, Justin David Moore, 33, also was sought in the case and surrendered to sheriff’s deputies in Asher the following day. Moore faced a felony charge of accessory after the fact.

Come See Our New Showroom Agricultural

Residential

Commercial

“We work hard for the people we serve” Find us on

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sat. 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

405-214-2205 13503 US 177 • Shawnee

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

APRIL A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online in April on www.news-star.com

1) Investigation leads to teacher’s arrest, resignation A Wanette math teacher who resigned Wednesday amid an investigation into complaints involving communications and text messages with a student has been arrested, deputies said.

Charles C. Dawson, 43, was arrested on complaints of soliciting or aiding a minor to perform child pornography and possession of obscene material/child pornography, a probable cause affidavit reads. He remained jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center late Thursday night.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth said his office launched an investigation when a 16-year-old student reported incidents involving text messages with her teacher.

According to the paperwork, the student told deputies that through instant text messages on a social media application called KIK, Dawson, her teacher, asked her to send him nude pictures of herself.

The affidavit shows the teen used a cell phone provided by Dawson to take pictures of herself while at her home.

2) Shawnee man charged with embezzling from CPN A Shawnee man was arrested after a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed.

That indictment charges Thomas Bierd, 35, with embezzlement from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s entities include the Community Development Corporation (CDC), which promoted economic development in the Native American community by providing business loans and grants to companies owned by or which primarily employed members of Federally-recognized Indian tribes.

Kristi Bias, also known as Kristi Coker, 41, also from Shawnee, was employed as the executive director of the CDC. The indictment alleges that between December, 2010 and September, 2011, Bias and Bierd aided and abetted each other by devising a scheme to embezzle funds from the CDC. Specifically, it is alleged that in her capacity as executive director, Bias would cause a check to be issued by the CDC to an entity controlled by Bierd or to an individual specified by Bierd. Bias, it is alleged, would cause false documentation to be placed in the CDC’s file, making it appear that the checks were for the legitimate purposes of the CDC when in fact they were not, and Bierd would kick back a portion of the check proceeds to Bias.

3) New insight about man-made earthquakes In November 2011, an historic 5.6-magniute earthquake with an epicenter near Prague caused damage and rattled the nerves of Oklahomans.

That quake damaged homes and businesses, including the turrets at Benedictine Hall at St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee.

Since then, smaller earthquakes have become more of a common occurrence in many parts of the state. In fact, state geologists reported that earthquake activity in Oklahoma in 2013 was 70 times greater than it was before 2008.

The increased activity prompted scientists to study the causes and implications of what was being called an “earthquake swarm.”

Now, more than three years later, scientists, with evidence from many studies, seem certain that oil and gas drilling has been causing earthquakes across Oklahoma and the U.S.

4) Suspect confesses; murder charge filed The last person reported to see a Shawnee mother of two before she disappeared in 2012 is now formally charged with first-degree murder in her death.

Human remains found March 11 on Rustic Oaks in Shawnee with the use of ground-penetrating radar were believed to be those of Samantha Beth Weaver, who was 27 when she disappeared.

Now a positive identification has been made and court documents filed in Pottawatomie County District Court paint a picture about the case and the person prosecutors say is responsible for her death.

Troy D. Loveland, 41, who is currently incarcerated with the Department of Corrections in another case, was formally charged Thursday.

Charges filed by Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon allege Loveland caused the death of Weaver by inflicting certain mortal wounds to her body

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 5F

on or about June 15, 2012.

With more than 60 witnesses endorsed for the state, the probable cause arrest warrant outlines the investigation that began in 2012, including what happened March 11 of this year when the skeletal remains were discovered in a clandestine grave about 51 feet away from the front door of what was Loveland’s home.

5) Update: High-speed pursuit ends in arrest

other one is a flume slide with a couple of twists.”

Adding to the fun is a pool persona. Otto, the cartoon character featured in Shawnee Splash’s logo, will be peppered throughout the park experience.

8) Trooper who arrested Timothy McVeigh shares story Charlie Hanger, the retired trooper who arrested Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh on a traffic stop in 1995, spoke of that experience Monday night in Shawnee and talked about the “divine intervention” that occurred.

Hanger, now in his second term as Noble County sheriff, spoke at the Shawnee Police Foundation banquet.

9) Deputies justified in use of deadly force

A Seminole man who was test-driving a pickup while allegedly high on methamphetamine was arrested and jailed Friday following a high-speed chase that spanned two counties, the sheriff said.

James K. Kolander, 35, was being held in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center Friday night on complaints of eluding police, driving under the influence of drugs, assault with a dangerous weapon, no driver license, as well as numerous outstanding warrants.

6) Investigation ongoing after pursuit suspect is shot, killed An investigation is ongoing after a suspect with a lengthy criminal history and a court date on new charges scheduled this Friday was shot and killed during a chase in Pottawatomie County Tuesday.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth, who said deputies were engaged in a pursuit when shots were fired, identified the suspect as Erick Thomas Rose, 32.

Emergency personnel responded to the area of Post Office Neck and Lake Road, near Shawnee Twin Lakes, when that pursuit ended just after noon, with 911 call logs indicating the suspect was shot.

Rose was taken from the scene by ambulance to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital. And although there were conflicting reports of his condition throughout the day, it was confirmed late Tuesday night that Rose died.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating what happened. As part of that probe, numerous law enforcement officers remained at the scene near the Twin Lakes until late Tuesday night.

7) Shawnee Splash opening nears; details revealed

Shawnee Splash, a downtown multi-feature recreational experience, is set to open May 23. As construction advances, new pool revelations offer insight into the completed project.

Now visible at the Woodland Park facility are two slides: one cherry red, the other a shade of aqua blue.

City Director of Operations James Bryce detailed the functions of each.

“One is real wide, we call it a family slide, and three people can go down at the same time,” Bryce said. “The

Four sheriff’s deputies who discharged their weapons at the end of a high-speed chase, which resulted in the suspect’s death, were justified in using deadly force at that scene, prosecutors ruled Thursday.

Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon issued that decision in a formal letter to Sheriff Mike Booth, which shows the suspect had a gun and pointed it at the deputies.

The suspect, Erick Thomas Rose, 32, was shot April 7 following a high-speed chase that ended near Shawnee Twin Lakes.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Lt. Jimmy Brewer and Deputies Jon Arnett, Josh Fry and Jared Strand, have been on paid administrative leave pending outcome of the formal investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Based of a review of the OSBI’s probe, Smothermon has declined prosecution and all four deputies are now back on the job.

The ruling shows that evidence establishes that a homeowner/victim in Lincoln County came home to find Rose burglarizing his home.

When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect threatened to shoot the victim and then fled in his vehicle.

The victim got into his own vehicle, called 911, and gave chase.

A pursuit ensued between the suspect and the victim, with the victim relaying information to dispatchers.

Shortly into the pursuit, the ruling shows Rose pointed a firearm out his window and fired several shots at the pursuing victim, with two shots striking the victim’s vehicle.

From there, the victim conveyed this information to the 911 operator, who in turn dispatched that information to law enforcement officers who were responding to the call.

Upon entering Pottawatomie County from Lincoln County, numerous law enforcement vehicles took up the pursuit. The chase continued for several miles with numerous law enforcement vehicles behind the suspect vehicle with lights and sirens fully engaged.

“The suspect’s vehicle exceeded 90 miles per hour and disregarded any traffic control signs during the pursuit,” the ruling reads.

The suspect eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a ditch on Post Office Neck Road near the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

“At this scene, law enforcement officers left their vehicles, pulled their weapons and ordered the suspect to come out of the vehicle,” Smothermon wrote in the letter. “It should be noted that all officers involved in the pursuit and at the scene had been informed that the suspect had a weapon and had fired at the victim during the initial pursuit.”

Smothermon indicates that one officer had a bodymounted camera that captured the events of the next few minutes, with the camera view showing the vehicle door that the officer was positioned behind, although the audio portion clearly captures the events.

10) Local gymnast stepping up to next level A year has made quite a bit of difference for local gymnast AnnaBeth Sampson.

The 13-year-old and her family decided a year ago to go all-in with the sport, making daily trips to Edmond Gymnastics Academy where she trains 26 hours a week.

That newfound dedication paid off recently, when Sampson won the Level 7 State Championship on the floor exercise at the Oklahoma USAG Optional State Meet.

The win qualified her for the Regional meet in Estes Park, Colo., which will be held on May 1-3.

Sampson, who is home-schooled, also finished second in the individual all-around.

Thank you for your business!

Lobo’s

Car Wash & Detail Tires & Wheels

405-274-2525 www.lobostires1.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

6F • Sunday, December 27, 2015

MAY

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in May:

1) Two jailed on murder complaints following overnight shooting Two suspects are jailed in connection with a homicide investigation following a shooting that occurred in the area of 11th and Pesotum Streets.

Shawnee Police Detective Ethan Rieves identified the homicide suspects as Cody S. Taylor, 18, and Austin L. Olinger, 19.

Both are now jailed without bond in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on complaints including first-degree murder; formal charges have not been filed.

Rieves identified the homicide victim as John Michael Columbus, 25, of Shawnee.

2) Storms bring flooding to Shawnee

In May, the first water flowed into Shawnee Splash as construction continued.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

City and county crews have barricaded many roadways that are washed out from flooding.

Railroad officials said flooding has halted freight rail service, with a problem area reported near Dale and Interstate 40, where water has undercut the tracks, officials said.

6) Submerged vehicle recovered

Photo gallery: Intersections across Shawnee flooded after another day of heavy rain Friday. Harrison flooded at 45th Street and Independence and Union and Bryan streets also had flooding. The MacArthur Street tunnel west of OBU was also closed.

3) Torrential rains bring flooding; Flood Warning in effect

A section of the Shawnee Twin Lakes is pictured before and after the flooding in May. ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

- The Neighborhood Alliance, an organization dedicated to creating safe and healthy neighborhoods in Central Oklahoma, retrieved a vehicle Friday from a pond at Bethel Acres’ Steelman Estates.

- The organization recently received funding from United Way to work in areas affected by the May 19, 2013 tornado. The Neighborhood Alliance contracted Brown & Sons Towing and Recovery to help remove the red truck, which had been submerged for two years. Firefighters were also on scene.

7) Shawnee police investigate child abuse complaint Tornado warnings were issued in Pottawatomie County Saturday as more severe storms moved through the area.

In addition, large amounts of torrential rainfall in already saturated areas caused flash flooding Saturday night, with a Flood Warning activated.

On Bell Street Saturday night, a motorist had to be rescued by Shawnee firefighters after that driver’s vehicle became trapped in several feet of high water. Numerous other areas of high water are reported.

More rain is expected into the overnight hours, which could create a dangerous situation for motorists.

Officials remind motorists not to drive into areas of high water. Extreme caution is also urged on rural roadways as many areas have been washed out because of all the rain.

The Shawnee Police Department reported Thursday that officers responded to a child abuse complaint at Liberty Academy.

Sgt. Dan Shumaker said Cpl. Austin Bizzell was dispatched to Liberty Academy, 711 E. Federal, just after noon.

At the scene, a mother reported to police that her 3year-old daughter told her that one of her teachers put soap in her mouth.

She reported that a school employee contacted her and told her that her daughter was being disciplined with hand sanitizer being put in her mouth, according to police.

8) Aldi opening date projected

4) More suspects sought in homicide Three murder suspects are already in jail but police are looking for two more as part of the ongoing investigation into Monday’s shooting death of a local man.

Court records show that what began as an alleged robbery of marijuana turned into a conspiracy and ended in a murder.

Amy Elliott, spokeswoman for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, said cause of death for John Michael Columbus, 25, was a single gunshot wound to the back.

Three suspects — Ramie W. Brown, 23, Cody S. Taylor, 18, and Austin L. Olinger, 19, are currently jailed without bond in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center.

Formal charges have not been filed.

From the investigation, police say they are now looking for two more suspects in connection with the homicide — Immanuel Gerald Dean Mitchell, 21, and Kiwane Hobia, 20.

5) More flooding shuts down roads, rail service between Shawnee and OKC More rainfall Saturday has contributed to additional flooding, which as closed streets and shut down the rail service between Shawnee and Oklahoma City.

- Construction on the 16,398-square-foot Aldi building is in progress.

- Interim City Manager Justin Erickson said the building will likely be complete this month, but the grocer will need time to train staff and bring in product.

- Shawnee Building Inspector Jared Cooper reports the grand opening is scheduled for the last week of June.

- The marketplace’s phase one roster also consists Hobby Lobby, which opened in February, PetSmart, Ulta, Famous Footwear and T.J.Maxx.

9) BREAKING NEWS: Toddler fatality reported The fatality of a 3-year-old on Westech Road in Shawnee was reported late Wednesday night. A 911 dispatch log shows an adult male said a white Pontiac ran over his child. Further information is awaited from Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

That accident remains under investigation.

10) Child injured after finding gun A Pottawatomie County toddler was hospitalized in Oklahoma City Wednesday for treatment of an accidental gunshot wound after he reportedly discovered a firearm in his mother’s purse, the undersheriff reported.

A state trooper noticed a speeding vehicle with its hazard lights flashing and made a traffic stop, where he discovered the injured child and provided a police escort to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital.

Pottawatomie County Undersheiff Travis Palmer said the child, an almost 3-year-old boy, got into his mother’s purse and found a firearm that discharged, causing an injury to his arm.

The incident occurred at a home in the Pottawatomie County panhandle area northeast of Shawnee, Palmer said, prompting the mother to take that child to the emergency room.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Troy Thompson was patrolling the general area of SH 18 and was northbound en route to Lincoln County when he saw a vehicle go through the stop sign at Moccasin Trail Road at high rate of speed, he said.

The vehicle had its emergency flashers on, Thompson said, so he believed that something was wrong.

He initiated a traffic stop and discovered the child with a bleeding arm, he said, and heard from the mother why they were on their way to the hospital.

The trooper, who gave the mother a police escort to the Shawnee hospital, helped her get through congested noonday traffic and other areas of construction, he said.

Working with his OHP dispatchers while en route, he said hospital personnel were informed about their pending arrival and were ready and waiting for the child.

“I was glad to be at the right place at the right time to help,” the trooper said.

Palmer said deputies responded to the hospital to take a report on the incident; the child was transferred to an Oklahoma City hospital for further treatment.

Palmer, who said the child’s injuries were not believed to be life threatening, didn’t release that child’s name or other information about the investigation.

He said deputies are looking at this case as a “terrible accident.”

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

JUNE A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in June:

1) Local math teacher faces rape charge A local math teacher has been formally charged with second-degree rape following an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a Bethel student, a court filing shows.

Martin Ray Hertz, 47, is charged with the single felony count in Pottawatomie County District Court.

Charges allege Hertz had sexual intercourse with a 16year-old female student who was under the legal custody or supervision of a public school system while he was an employee of the same public school system.

The alleged incident occurred on or between June 1-3, the filing reads.

Charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.

2) Police investigate fatal stabbing Shawnee police are conducting an investigation following a fatal stabbing at a local apartment complex.

The incident occurred Sunday at 1810 N. Harrison in the area of Building C. Detective Ronnie Wilson confirmed Monday that a male victim died at the scene and a second victim was transported to the hospital.

According to initial reports provided by Shawnee police, officers found two people with injuries at that location.

A male with several stab wounds to the torso and arm was found at the top of the stairs of Building C, with police reporting he was not breathing; two women were attempting to perform CPR.

3) Suspect nabbed in Shawnee motel after manhunt A suspect who eluded authorities during an intense overnight manhunt in a wooded area near Butler Drive was apprehended at a Shawnee motel Friday.

Chad Pope, Special Deputy with the U.S. Marshal’s Service, said the suspect, John Robert Chenney, 22, was arrested at the Kickapoo Motel and taken to the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center.

4) Rolette facing decision after MLB Draft

5) Shawnee man pleads guilty in murder case A Shawnee man charged in the 2012 killing of a local mother after her remains were unearthed near his former home in March pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder, deliberate intent.

Troy Don Loveland, 42, appeared in Pottawatomie County District Court before District Judge John Canavan as part of that plea.

Loveland was the last person to see Samantha Beth Weaver, a 27-year-old mother of two, before she disappeared in June 2012.

Nearly three years later, on March 11, 2015, Weaver’s skeletal remains were found with the use of ground-penetrating radar in a clandestine grave about 51 feet away from the front door of what was once Loveland’s home.

At the time of her disappearance, Weaver and Loveland were friends.

District Attorney Richard Smothermon said Loveland hit Weaver over the head, strangled her with his bare hands and then buried her body not too far from where he slept every night.

“This is a painful end to a very long road for a family who didn’t know what happened to their daughter for three years,” Smothermon said, adding this case involved three years of a hidden crime.

“That’s the cruelest part of what he did — giving them a false sense of hope that she was still alive,” Smothermon said.

Weaver’s family members, including her mother, father, and even her 9-year-old daughter, were in the courtroom to face Loveland as he entered the guilty plea.

Four of them asked to address the judge before formal sentencing. Weaver’s mother, Leona Dohren, spoke first.

“As far as I’m concerned, nothing bad enough could happen to him…he looked at me in the eye and lied to me,” she said, later reflecting on the times she asked Loveland what happened to her daughter after she was reported missing.

Weaver’s sister, Christy Busch, told the judge that Weaver’s two daughters have to grow up without a mother while she has lost her sister and best friend.

“For his heinous crime of stealing my sister’s life…I will never be able to forgive him for that,” she said.

Billy Kirkpatrick told the judge he brought Weaver’s 9-year-old daughter, who was 6 when her mother disappeared.

“She has memories of her mom,” he said, adding their youngest child will only know her mother through pictures.

6) Overturned cattle truck affects I-40 traffic near McLoud

Shawnee slugger Josh Rolette has a big decision to make over the next few weeks, but he’s given himself plenty of options.

Already signed to play college baseball at both Seminole State and Kansas State University, Rolette was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday.

Now he has a choice between college baseball or beginning his pro career in the minor leagues.

Josh’s dad, Shawnee High School assistant baseball coach David Rolette, says the double signings gives them more leverage as they deal with the Cardinals.

Going to Seminole means he is eligible to be drafted again next year, while going to KSU means having to play until he’s 21.

Rolette has until July 15 to decide whether he wants to sign with the Cardinals.

“It’s very rare that you have these kind of options,” David Rolette said. “He’s really in a good spot.”

Rolette, who batted .495 with 9 home runs and 54 RBIs in leading the Wolves to the 5A state title in May, is the sixth MLB draft pick in school history. The last was Don Powers, who was drafted in the 36th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2002 draft and again by the Colorado Rockies while at Seminole State in 2003.

Rolette was the second Oklahoma high schooler selected after Carl Albert’s Corey Zangari was selected in the sixth round by the Chicago White Sox. “It’s been very stressful for me and his mother,” David Rolette said. “[Josh] seemed very calm about it.”

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 7F

Firefighters from Shawnee’s swift-water rescue team responded with a boat to check that truck in the area of Harrison Road, just off Ruggles Road, which is east of U.S. 177.

Palmer, who said that entire area is flooded from recent rains and the nearby Little River, said the water was deep and swift. By boat, fire crews approached the pickup and found Agle’s body inside.

Palmer said it was reported the woman was trying to drive to town to pay bills. Deputies believe she ignored barricades and attempted to drive across a road that was flooded over about 100 yards, but with the swift current, he said, her pickup was swept off the road and flipped onto its side.

Thursday’s heartbreaking discovery prompted Palmer to remind drivers how important it is not to drive into flooded areas.

8) Shawnee Splash grand opening announced The return of sunshine is allowing for the unveiling of Shawnee Splash. The grand opening, previously postponed due to record rainfall, is scheduled for June 20.

John Ayers, pool committee chairman, said the action-packed ceremony kicks off at 10 a.m. in Woodland Park.

9) Shawnee firefighters save 2 in Texas water rescue Shawnee firefighters, while participating in swift water training exercises on the Guadalupe River in Texas, encountered a real-life rescue situation and helped save two people Friday afternoon.

Interim Fire Chief Dru Tischer said Capt. Scott Killgore, Capt. Denis Taron, Lt. Richard Stevenson and Firefighters Luke Degraffenreid and Sean Osborne are in New Braunfels, Texas for that training.

Killgore, there for instructor training, said he and Wesley Meyer, the instructor from Rescue Training International, were there on the river with the group of firefighters participating in flood and swiftwater training.

With heavy rains and flooding in Texas, the river is up with plenty of current, he said. As they were talking about conditions, they noticed four air kayaks going toward a dam area, which involves a dangerous circulating current area called a hydraulic, Killgore said.

That’s when a real-life rescue unfolded before their eyes, he said.

10) Update: Manhunt after shots fired at police ends with 2 in custody A 17-hour manhunt for two suspects who allegedly fired more than a dozen rounds at tribal police cars during a high-speed pursuit spanning two counties ended with both in custody late Monday afternoon.

An overturned cattle truck caused a mess on Interstate 40 Thursday morning.

Traffic in both directions was halted as cows were wandering around the area. The incident also caused another semi-truck to overturn, according to reports.

7) Update: Deputies release name of drowning victim Drowning has been ruled as the cause of death for a woman who was found in her partially-submerged truck that swept off a flooded roadway near Macomb Thursday afternoon.

Eddie Johnson, spokesman for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, said Friday the cause of death for Carolyn Agle, 79, was ruled as drowning, with manner of death listed as an accident.

Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Palmer released Agle’s name Friday after deputies were able to locate and notify a family member in Ohio.

Agle’s body was pulled from her partially submerged pickup Thursday that was on its side in swift-moving floodwaters close to her home.

NOW HIRING

Heavy rainfall in June sent water over the spillway.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Thank You for Your Business

SHAWNEE MILLING CO.

Must be able to pass a Drug Screen & Background Check.

Must have H.S. Diploma or GED. Must be able to work any shift.

SHAWNEE

M I L L I N G C O M PA N Y A SYMBOL OF QUALITY

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 405-273-7000 ext. 240 Ask for Jane Lewis jane@primerecruiting.com

8F • Sunday, December 27, 2015

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

It was a tent city of sorts in February as campers from across the country stayed overnight in anticipation of the grand opening of Shawnee’s new Chick-fil-A restaurant. Groups travel to these openings all across the U.S.

J.R. Kidney, chairman of the Pottawatomie County 911 Trust, and Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman Rocky Barrett, right, sign a formal agreement in May for CPN to handle the county’s 911 dispatch services on a contract.

PROVIDED PHOTO

In February, the signs of drought, left, were evident at Shawnee Twin Lakes, but months later, recordsetting rainfall, above, would fill the lakes and send water over the spillway on many occasions.

Shawnee Police Cpl. James Wood, third from left, was named 2014 Officer of the Year during the Shawnee Police Foundation’s annual awards program. Also pictured from left are David Browning, also known as “The Mayberry Deputy,” along with 2013 Officer of the Year Andrew Terry. Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz, now retired, is at far right.

Shawnee Fire Chief Dru Tischer unveils the department’s new Squad 1 vehicle.

Heavy rains in April, May and June caused flash flooding and left water standing in many areas.

Photos taken by ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER unless otherwise noted

It was a busy year for construction at Oklahoma Baptist University.

The Paws in the Park event in June drew a crowd.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION “If we don’t serve you, we don’t deserve you!”

2222 N. Milt Phillips • Seminole, OK 405-382-2222 • www.seminolefordok.com

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 1G

Area residents flocked to the new Shawnee Splash water park in downtown Shawnee this summer. The much-anticipated project was a big hit.

Morley Griffith, wearing a coat on a snowy day, gets ready for the March Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show.

Photos taken by ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

After nearly 25 years on the bench in Pottawatomie County District Court, Associate District Judge John Gardner retired in July.

Construction progress is pictured in September for a major expansion project under way at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital.

Record-setting rainfall caused flooding on many area roadways in 2015, including Pecan Grove Road, pictured here in June.

Chris Thomas, left, and City Manager Justin Erickson, center, present a plaque to retiring Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz in November. Erickson named Mason Wilson to serve as interim chief.

In August, these guys raced in high heels to raise funds for domestic violence awareness and resources. From left, Rep. Justin Wood, Pastor Allen Carson, Sheriff’s Lt. Ken VanDuser, DA Investigator Todd Kale, Rep. Josh Cockroft and District Attorney Richard Smothermon.

We Wish You a Beautiful Season From the sights that you greet to the people you meet, we hope each day of this special season brings peace, joy and light to your heart. know that your visits have certainly made our year merry and bright. Thank you for your continued support and friendship!

Happy Holidays!

Housing Authority of the Sac & Fox Nation

201 N. Harrison • Shawnee Phone: (405) 275-8200 • Fax: (405) 275-8203

2G • Sunday, December 27, 2015

JULY

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in July:

1) Divorce of Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, reportedly granted in Shawnee Country music’s top couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert announced their divorce after four years of marriage Monday and it appears while they never were in a Shawnee courtroom, their divorce was reportedly granted in Pottawatomie County District Court.

A filing involving B.T.S. vs. M.L.S. was filed and a divorce granted officially on Monday, court records show, but everything in that case in under seal.

Pottawatomie County Court Clerk Valerie Ueltzen said that case is sealed so she couldn’t confirm if the filing indeed involves the country music couple.

“We have no divorce under their name,” she said.

2) Former Shawnee youth pastor jailed on sex crimes complaint A former Shawnee youth pastor was booked into the Pottawatomie County jail Wednesday on complaints involving sex crimes.

Jail records at the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center show Brian Burchfield, 42, is being held on complaints of soliciting sexual conduct with a minor by use of technology and violation of computer crimes act.

Formal charges have not been filed.

His online Linked in page shows he is a young adult pastor at Quail Springs Baptist Church and he was previously a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee.

That page also shows he was at Immanuel Baptist Church from June 2006 to April 2014.

3) Shawnee teen hurt in hit-and-run; tips sought The parents of a Shawnee teen injured in a hit-and-run accident are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the suspect driver in that case.

Jacob Williams, 17, remains hospitalized at OU Medical Center with numerous injuries, including a broken pelvis, said his father, Jim Williams.

A Shawnee police report shows Williams was struck along East Kirk Street last Wednesday night.

Jim Williams said Jacob was walking in the grass when he was hit. After the incident, he said other cars drove by but didn’t stop. Finally someone did and called for help while others helped pick up pieces of debris left behind, he added.

The police report shows pieces of a headlight found at the scene appear to be from a 1999 to 2002 Chevrolet pickup.

Williams, who will be a junior this fall at Shawnee High School, faces a long road of recovery and could be transferred in coming days to a rehabilitation hospital, his father said.

To find out who hit his son, Jim Williams has been going door-to-door in the area asking residents if they saw or heard anything that night.

4) Shawnee woman charged in cancer deception case Attorney General Scott Pruitt on Wednesday filed charges against a Shawnee woman who allegedly obtained funds by falsely claiming a cancer diagnosis she did not really have, his office announced.

Jennifer L. Garrison, 40, allegedly claimed to have terminal stomach cancer with only three months to live.

Garrison is charged in Pottawatomie County District Court with one count of obtaining property by trick, deception, false representation or pretense.

According to Pruitt, Garrison posted information to Facebook about a surgery to remove a tumor and part of her stomach. Garrison also claimed she shaved her head because chemotherapy was causing her hair to fall out.

Groups collected money for Garrison’s treatments and a vacation for Garrison and her young son.

Some who knew of Garrison’s claims grew skeptical when learning Garrison began driving a new truck while not working for the past year. Garrison also claimed to have donated her hair to Locks of Love; however the organization would not accept a donation of hair, which had undergone chemotherapy. During the same time Garrison claimed to have cancer, she posted pictures of herself taking part in manual labor while volunteering following the May 2013 Shawnee tornado.

5) Police investigate overnight stabbing An investigation is ongoing into an overnight stabbing that injured one in Tecumseh.

Tecumseh police and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are probing that incident.

Police responded a home on Main Street about 3:33

The International Finals Youth Rodeo kicked off in July.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

a.m. Saturday.

Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney said a fight reportedly broke out at a party involving juveniles, resulting in an 18-year-old suffering a severe stab wound.

That patient, who was taken by helicopter ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital for treatment, was reported to be in stable condition following surgery, he said.

6) Pott. Co. Judge defends actions in country singers’ divorce case SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — An Oklahoma judge is defending his actions in allowing country music stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert to keep details of their divorce private.

Attorneys and others had criticized Pottawatomie County Associate District Judge John Gardner after he sealed the musicians’ entire divorce file, The Oklahoman newspaper reported. Gardner, who’s retiring this week, made public a protective order on Tuesday explaining his July 6 decision.

He said allowing the case to be public would have greatly compromised the personal and financial privacy of both parties, noting that matters in the case would have garnered “significant publicity” that most others wouldn’t.

“These parties are entertainers and are not guardians of the public trust,” Gardner said. “Because the matters contained in this case are likely to be of significant media interest, but are private in nature and not matters which are of a legitimate public interest, there is a compelling privacy interest which outweighs the public’s interest in the record.”

trafficking were Kenneth Vigus, 34, Joshua Law, 33, and Kristina Armijo, 29, all from the Oklahoma City area, Shumaker said.

8) Cardin resigns as head coach of McLoud football MCLOUD – After 23 years – 13 as head football coach, Eric Cardin is leaving McLoud High School to become the athletic director at Norman North High School.

Cardin, a 1985 McLoud graduate, won over 70 games and made eight playoff appearances during his time at the helm of the Redskin football program. His resignation was first reported by the Tri-County Herald.

“It was time to make a change,” Cardin told the NewsStar on Thursday. “I’m still passionate about coaching, just not as passionate. It’s not fair to the kids. I always told myself that when I got to that point, I would move on and do something else.”

Cardin’s last day at MHS will be July 20. He takes over at Norman North on Aug. 3.

“I’m fortunate that the opportunity came up. I’m excited. It fits me. It’s a way for me to stay involved in athletic programs.”

9) Motorcyclist critically injured in U.S. 177 crash A motorcyclist was seriously injured Wednesday on U.S. 177 at the Farrall Street exit.

Emergency responders worked that scene and transported the driver to the hospital.

An accident report with further information about the driver and crash is awaited.

Watch for updates as they become available.

10) Shawnee instructor is among 12 state Teacher of the Year finalists

7) K-9 alert: Traffic stop nets 3.5 pounds of meth Drug sniffing dogs can be helpful for police patrols, which turned out to be the case when a traffic stop in Shawnee resulted in the discovery of more than 3.5 pounds of liquid methamphetamine, police said.

Shawnee Police Sgt. Dan Shumaker said Sgt. Jon Goss was working traffic interdiction on Interstate 40 when he stopped a vehicle near U.S. 177 for a tag violation and other improper equipment.

“Sgt. Goss observed the occupants were acting very nervous and moving a lot in the vehicle,” he said.

Goss, a K-9 handler, conducted a K-9 sweep of the vehicle with the help of his K-9 partner, Rambo, who alerted on the vehicle.

As a result, police found digital scales and two packages of a liquid substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, Shumaker said.

“The total amount of methamphetamine substance recovered was over 3.5 pounds,” he said.

Arrested at the scene on complaints of aggravated

Kimberly Paxson, a Shawnee High School teacher, has been named one of 12 state finalists for Teacher of the Year.

Paxson is being honored this morning at the Cox Arena in Oklahoma City.

Paxson, a teacher for the past 10 years, teaches Design Basics, Advance 2D/3D art and Studio Pre-AP/AP courses.

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

AUGUST A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in August:

1) In a blink: Shawnee woman fighting for her life Shawnee resident Jo Rogers, 40, is in a fight for her life.

For the last few weeks she has been dealing with a lifethreatening ordeal largely because her vague flu-like symptoms were difficult for doctors to properly assess and diagnose in the short timeline allowed for optimal treatment of certain fastmoving infections.

Rogers’ cousin, Lisa Morgan, said, “After a short vacation over the July 4 weekend at Grand Lake, Jo began to feel ill immediately after getting back home.”

At the beginning of that week, a doctor Rogers visited thought she had the flu, Morgan said.

From there, her health declined rapidly.

By Thursday, just a couple days later, the mother of two was being carried into the emergency room in Shawnee because she was too weak to manage on her own.

(The case turned out to be Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

2) Two motorcyclists injured in overnight crash Two motorcyclists were seriously injured when their motorcycles collided at SH 18 and Garrett’s Lake Road early Saturday morning.

Shawnee police worked that scene overnight and said both riders were transported to an Oklahoma City hospital. Officers shut down the roadway so a helicopter ambulance could land in the area.

3) UPDATE: Bomb threats prompt evacuation of Shawnee High School Shawnee High School students have evacuated the high school because of two bomb threats.

Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz confirmed there were two bomb threats at SHS and police are now following leads in the case.

Students have evacuated to the baseball fields and are now being sent home.

4) Governor rejects judge nominees The process to fill a Pottawatomie County judge vacancy ignited in controversy Thursday as legislators called for an investigation of the panel that selects nominees while the Governor rejected that panel’s two nominees and directed them to provide three names as required by state law.

The retirement of longtime Associate District Judge John Gardner prompted the vacancy with four applicants vying for that post. Allan Grubb and Deanna Wilson, local attorneys, along with Special District Judge Dawson Engle and Tracy McDaniel, an assistant district attorney, applied for the judgeship.

Following a lengthy application process that began in May, all four had interviews with the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission on Wednesday.

The JNC is required by the Oklahoma Constitution to review all applicants and then select and submit three nominees to the Governor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for consideration of appointment.

But a nominee letter to Gov. Mary Fallin signed by JNC Chairman Stephen D. Beam shows the commission forwarded just two names — Engle and McDaniel.

5) Redskins prevail in home thriller McLOUD — “Zero” week brought one big, heart-pounding victory to McLoud Friday night.

Coming from behind twice, then protecting a slim lead at the end, the Redskins held on for a 3432 home win over Christian Heritage Academy in the season opener for both teams.

It came down to the final seconds. McLoud had the ball and needed a first down to secure the victory. Facing fourth-and-5 near midfield with about 30 seconds remaining, the Redskins called timeout to discuss options: punt and give the dangerous Crusaders’ offense another

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 3G

play or two, or take matters into your own hands.

“I just told them ‘Guys, we got five yards. You either want it, or you don’t,’” McLoud head coach Rusty Hall said.

The “go for it” call was a quarterback keeper. Senior Jesse Lambert ran past some would-be tacklers, stepped over others, ducked his head and got seven yards for the first down that sealed it.

“That shows a sign of maturity and toughness,” Hall said, “and that’s something that’s going to pay off later on in the season.”

6) Mummies meet technology: Scan unlocks old secrets

Despite the fact that state law requires three names to be submitted to the governor, the JNC only submitted two names to Gov. Mary Fallin – who also happens to be a native of Pottawatomie County.

Those two names just happened to be the two Democrats that applied. The two applicants who were not selected because the commission “wasn’t comfortable with them” just happened to be Republicans.

You could believe that the JNC was truly non-partisan and the selections were merit-based. After all, political affiliation is one of the few questions candidates don’t have to answer on the 20-page application.

Maybe it was a coincidence.

Or perhaps someone on the commission staff has the same level of computer skills as my 11-year-old son and was able to do a simple search to find the applicants’ voter registration information.

Either way, it looks bad.

Now the Governor has asked the commission to restart the process. It was incredibly politically clumsy to only have two Democrats apply if the intent was to lock out the Republican applicants. If a third Democrat would have thrown a hat in the ring, the JNC could have sent three applicants to the Governor as the law requires.

Instead, they willfully violated the law and cast doubt on the process and the commission.

Hopefully, the second attempt at filling the vacant spot on the bench will be more successful and less controversial. But somehow, I doubt it will be.

9) Lifesaving 911 call: Dispatcher meets mom, baby After three months of preparation, the date for the procedure has finally arrived.

Nerves are on edge as the alarm buzzes at the crack of dawn, but all is packed and ready to go.

Close friends and neighbors fight jitters, anxious to know what results of the CT scan will reveal.

A quick prayer, and it’s time for these longtime roommates to catch a ride to the hospital.

Shawnee police officers escort the pair about a mile down the road.

This is a big deal.

Tutu is a 2400-year-old mummy, and her companion, dubbed the “Roman era” mummy — because no one among the living knows her name — is thought to be several hundred years younger.

Though the patients are deceased, the prognosis is very good.

“Technology has really changed a lot in the last 25 years — the last time the mummies were tested,” Dane Pollei, director and chief curator at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, said.

For thousands of years, much of the story about these two ladies’ lives and deaths have remained hidden beneath countless layers of linen.

Older scans can’t offer the level of detail and data that is available now. Tutu’s last X-ray was in 1991 at Shawnee Medical Center Hospital. The Roman era mummy’s last scan was in 1992.

7) Shawnee carhop spots counterfeit $100 bill Shawnee police are searching for the driver of a sedan after he allegedly tried to run over a Sonic carhop when being confronted about paying with a counterfeit $100 bill.

Reports show officers responded to the Sonic at 1106 N. Harrison for an incident involving fraud and attempted assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

8) Kent Bush: Appointments in Shawnee are always eventful You didn’t think it was going to be easy did you?

This is Shawnee. If there is an appointment to be made, there is bound to be some drama.

For more than four months, the Shawnee City Commission has operated with six members because of the deadlock regarding the preferred method of replacing Gary Vogel who resigned from his Ward 1 seat.

It can’t come as any surprise that the State’s Judicial Nominating Commission would have its own brand of drama when it tried to fulfill its role in filling a vacant Associate District Judge’s seat in Pottawatomie County.

The JNC forgot the No. 1 rule in politics; If you are going to be shady, you have to be smart.

Reforming the judicial system has been a big part of the Republican policy platform for several years. There has been a strong sense among GOP legislators that the JNC doesn’t actually operate in a non-partisan way.

Despite a major shift to the right among the executive and legislative branches of government, the judicial arm has remained dominated by jurists whose politics would fall further to the left on the spectrum.

The recent recommendations from the JNC for the Pottawatomie County position are certainly evidence of that assertion if it isn’t proof.

It was an emotional weekend for two mothers — the mom of an infant found not breathing and the dispatcher who had a calming voice on the other end of a 911 call while CPR was performed to save the baby’s life.

“It was humbling to hold that baby,” said Stephanie Brewer, a Pottawatomie County dispatcher who met that baby over the weekend.

Cheryl Stowe and her daughter, Elizabeth, who turns 2 months old today, met Brewer at the 911 center, where happy tears were shed.

Earlier this month, a normal afternoon nap turned scary when Stowe checked on Elizabeth in her bassinet and found she wasn’t breathing — her lips and fingers were turning blue.

“I started chest compressions and called 911…I was freaking out,” Stowe said.

On the other end of that 911 call was Brewer, who answers many 911 calls on a given shift.

“It was like any other day — you don’t know what you’re going to get,” Brewer said, adding this time it was a scared mother on the other end of that call.

“She was crying as soon as I answered,” Brewer said, as the mother called for help because her baby wasn’t breathing.

Brewer, an emergency medical dispatcher, began protocols to talk the mother through CPR while an ambulance was on its way to the call in a rural area of Tecumseh.

Stowe, who said she knows CPR, began chest compressions, but in all the worry, she said she wasn’t sure if she was doing it right. She was home with the baby alone and found soothing help in Brewer’s voice.

“She helped calmed me down,” Stowe said.

After two breaths and what felt like hours, Stowe said, Elizabeth finally started breathing on her own.

Brewer could hear both of them crying.

“It was a relief cry for her,” she said.

For Brewer, a mother of three boys, it was a joyous sound.

10) Shawnee Marketplace: Retail hub filling space With the recent addition of Aldi Food Market, half of phase one of the Shawnee Marketplace is now up and running –– and next in line appears to be a Hallmark store.

First to enter the scene was Hobby Lobby, with a March 2 grand opening.

A few months later, Petsmart and T.J. Maxx opened their doors. Ulta and Famous Footwear made their debuts in the summer, followed by Aldi Food Market’s mid-August arrival.

One thing is clear. There are becoming fewer spaces left of phase one to fill: there are two storefronts between Petsmart and Famous Footwear and there are four available lot pads along Kickapoo –– one to the north of Aldi, and three to the south.

BLACK PEARL

LIMITED EDITION

DARKNESS UNLEASHED LIMITED RUN. FALL 2015. TAKE A TEST RIDE AND FEEL THE RUSH WHILE YOU STILL CAN.

Shawnee Polaris

99 WEST INTERSTATE PARKWAY SHAWNEE, OK 74804 (405) 273-1400 shawneepolaris.com Slingshot® is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile. It does not have airbags, and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three-wheeled vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear helmets and fasten seat belts. Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Don’t drink and drive. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.

4G • Sunday, December 27, 2015

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

SEPTEMBER

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in September:

1) Shawnee woman killed in Lake Road crash; 3 others injured A 19-year-old Shawnee woman died Saturday after the vehicle she was riding in crashed into a fence along Lake Road. Three others were injured.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated that accident scene west of Coker Road in the Bethel Acres area.

Trooper Troy Thompson’s initial accident report, released by the patrol early Sunday morning, shows Meagan B. Stewart, 19, died from injuries she suffered in that crash.

2) Police: One found dead in truck at Shawnee shopping center Shawnee police are investigating a man’s death after he was found dead inside a pickup at a shopping center in the 700 block of West Ayre.

Police were called to that area about 5:10 p.m. Wednesday and were at that scene more than three hours.

Lt. Mason Wilson said they had a fatality involving a victim with a gunshot wound.

Detective Ronnie Wilson, who said the male victim was in a pickup that was parked out in the middle of the parking lot, said there appears to be no signs of foul play.

3) UPDATE: One dead in Pottawatomie County shooting Late Saturday night, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Deputies were still at the scene of a deadly shooting in Bethel Acres and the sheriff released the name of the man who died.

Undersheriff Travis Palmer said deputies have been at a residence on Angie Lane, which isn’t far from the area of SH 102 and Hardesty Road.

Sheriff Mike Booth said deputies received a 911 call about noon after a homeowner went to his neighbor’s house and reported he had shot someone.

Deputies arrived and found a man dead in the roadway, Booth said, adding there were multiple weapons involved in some type of disturbance in that area. Late Saturday night, Booth identified the man who died as Robert Dale Almon, 35.

Booth, who said Almon and homeowner reportedly knew each other, said they’re not sure what the two were arguing about. The homeowner was having trouble breathing and was taken to the hospital. That man, whose name hasn’t yet been released, was being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation, Booth said.

Deputies asked for assistance from District Attorney investigators and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to process evidence at the scene.

4) Jury hands down guilty verdict in child abuse case A jury on Tuesday found a Tecumseh woman guilty of child abuse by injury and recommended she serve 20 years in prison.

Lisa L. Botone, 33, was convicted of the felony count following a trial that began last week in Pottawatomie County District Court.

Botone was accused, on or between March 25 and March 26, 2014, while being a person responsible for the health, safety and welfare of a 3-year-old, of maliciously injuring that child, reported to be her stepdaughter.

Charges alleged those injuries included multiple bruises throughout the child’s body, a subdural hematoma to her brain and paralysis to the left side of the child’s body.

After the verdict, Botone was taken into custody and booked into the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center.

5) U.S. Marshals, sheriff’s warrant team make arrest U.S. Marshals, sheriff’s warrant team make arrest A Shawnee man was arrested by U.S. Marshals and members of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Team on a $100,000 warrant.

Work begins on widening of Gordon Cooper Drive.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Shawnee hosted Santa Fe Days in September.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chad Pope, special deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service, said Travis Patrick Minx, 41, of Shawnee, was arrested late Monday in Shawnee for the felony warrant of plan/attempt/conspire to perform an act of violence.

Minix also is formally charged with that count in Pottawatomie County District Court.

Pope, who said Minix has no prior criminal background, said Minix allegedly sent a text message that included a photo of him holding a gun.

6) Medical examiner names Maud man killed in fight The manner of death for a Maud man who died following a fight with his brother has been ruled as a homicide.

On Tuesday, Amy Elliott, spokeswoman for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, identified the decedent as Josh Howell, 29.

According to Maud police, a domestic disturbance between two brothers escalated to a fight Sept. 3, with one allegedly grabbing a rod and one allegedly grabbing a hatchet.

Josh Howell’s “cause of death is chop wounds of chest and left upper extremity,” Elliott said.

According to records at the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, Cody J. Howell, 30, is currently jailed on a complaint of first-degree manslaughter. He is being held on $750,000 bond.

7) Prague bicyclist killed in evening crash A Prague man was killed Wednesday evening while riding his bicycle one mile south of Prague.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said that accident occurred about 7:16 p.m. at EW County Road 107 and SH 99.

Joseph Robert King, 69, of Prague, died at the scene of that crash, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.

Cause of the collision is under investigation. The accident also involved a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon driven by Suzi Adrianne Wasson, 30, of Shawnee, the patrol reported. Wasson was not injured.

Trooper Kyle Winrow investigated the scene with assistance from Trooper Nathan Battershell and the Prague Fire Department, Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies, REACT EMS and a state medical examiner.

Anne Marie Johnson, 37, as defendants.

Walker faces indictment on charges of murder in the second degree, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is accused of beating and striking Dent with his fists, feet and a firearm, the filing reads.

Johnson is charged with accessory after the fact, with the grand jury alleging she assisted Walker in order to hinder and prevent his apprehension, trial and punishment.

9) First West Nile Virus Case confirmed in Pottawatomie County The first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Pottawatomie County this summer has now been confirmed by Pottawatomie County Health Department. Health officials encourage residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting WNV, a mosquito-borne illness.

“We want to remind everyone to use insect repellent when outdoors and mosquito-proof their home and yard,” said Pottawatomie County Health Department Regional Director Brenda Potts.

During 2014, 18 cases of WNV were confirmed among Oklahoma residents, none of them resulted in deaths.

So far, there have been 42 cases in 2015. Three of those cases have resulted in death.

10) Shawnee dentist retires after 48 years After 48 years and so many teeth he can’t keep track of them all, Dr. Terry Hopkins, DDS, is setting aside his magnifying mouth mirrors and retiring.

“I have some of the same feelings now as when I graduated from dental school and was going into practice,” Hopkins said.

“You just don’t know for sure what’s on the other side.”

From the time he was a sophomore in high school, Hopkins knew he wanted to be a dentist.

8) Federal murder indictment unsealed in Shawnee case More than two years after a local man disappeared and his body was found on Sac and Fox Nation tribal land, a federal murder indictment has been filed and is now unsealed.

The case involves the death of Marshall Scott Dent, who was 27 years old when he was reported missing on Dec. 23, 2013.

In January 2014, a body was found on tribal land and was later identified as Dent. Cause of death was ruled as blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

The federal grand jury, in an indictment filed through the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, shows two people are now charged in connection with the case.

The indictment lists George Edmond Walker, 38, and

Firefighter Olympics at the Pottawatomie County Free Fair.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A Bank For Everyone!

Lobby Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Drive-Thru Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 9am-Noon

AllNations

BANK 2023 South Gordon Cooper Drive 273-0202

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

OCTOBER A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in October:

1) Shawnee Tribe issues release on charges against tribal leader, former representative Charges are filed against current Absentee Shawnee Lt. Governor Isaac Gibson Jr. and former Representative Jeffrey W. Gibson in the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court, the tribe reported in a press release Tuesday.

Charges are filed for embezzlement, fraudulent use of a credit card, misusing public monies, unlawful official action and criminal conspiracy, said Absentee Shawnee Tribe Media Director Sherman Tiger.

Both parties have retained counsel and their next court date is Jan. 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.

Tiger reports that Jeffrey W. Gibson, who is also known

by J.W. Gibson, has a history of charges and court filings in Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties and has been convicted of counts such as driving under suspension and driving under the influence. In January, he received a deferred sentence until January 2016 and is under supplemental orders for community service, restitution and court costs while under District Attorney Probation, Tiger reported.

2) Shawnee woman gets 2 years; will pay $251,000 restitution to CPN Kristi Bias, 42, of Shawnee, was sentenced this week by Chief United States District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange to serve 24 months in federal prison for embezzlement from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

In addition, Chief Judge Miles-LaGrange ordered Bias to pay $251,018.35 in restitution to the tribe.

According to court records and information at court hearings, Bias was employed as the Executive Director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Community Development Corporation (CDC), which promoted economic development in the Native American community by providing loans and grants to companies owned by or which primarily employed members of federally-recognized Indian tribes. From December of 2010 and September of 2011, Bias was alleged to have caused grants to be issued to false or ineligible entities, falsified supporting documents, and received kickbacks for doing so.

In a related case, Thomas Bierd, 35, also from Shawnee, was indicted on April 21, 2015, for his role in the embezzlement. Specifically, it was alleged that Bierd controlled an entity that received checks issued from CDC by Bias who, in turn, kicked back a portion of the proceeds to Bias. On September 3, 2015, Bierd pled guilty to embezzlement from the tribe and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Bias was charged by Information on November 7, 2014.

Following her 24-month prison term, Bias is ordered to served 3 years of supervised release and pay $251,018.35 in restitution to the tribe.

3) Man jailed after shots fired incident in Shawnee A 911 call about a man with a gun allegedly shooting at vehicles along Bryan Street prompted a brief school lockdown Wednesday and ended with that man’s arrest.

Thomas E. Tiger, 23, was booked into the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on a complaint of shooting with intent to kill, said Shawnee Police Detective Jason Crouch. Formal charges have not been filed.

The call about an active shooter came in to Shawnee police about 1:06 p.m.

Crouch said he was driving when the tone for a high priority call aired over police radios.

That call involved reports about a man in the area of Bryan Street and Crest Drive allegedly shooting at people, he said.

Crouch responded and said he spotted the alleged suspect walking on a sidewalk in the 200 block of North Bryan. An Absentee Shawnee officer arrived as well and both officers drew their duty weapons on that suspect, Crouch said.

The suspect, later identified as Tiger, “tossed” aside the gun, a 45-caliber, Crouch said. He was taken into police custody without incident.

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has released the name of a pedestrian killed when he was struck on Interstate 40 Wednesday.

The accident occurred about 6:21 a.m. in the eastbound lanes, about four-tenths of a mile west of Kickapoo Street.

The pedestrian, Ryan L. Miller, 25, of Bryan, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol reported.

The OHP report indicates Miller was “standing in the inside lane” of I-40 eastbound when he was struck by a 2007 Toyota Prius.

reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by texting while driving.

Trooper Dees was killed and Trooper Burch was seriously injured Jan. 31 when a driver who was allegedly using his cell phone to update social media struck the troopers at an accident scene east of Shawnee along Interstate 40 in Seminole County.

The families of both troopers were at the Governor’s side when she signed House Bill 1965 into law during a ceremony in May. Under the new law, which makes texting while driving a primary offense, drivers can be pulled over and fined $100.

Effective this Sunday, “It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway within this state while using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read an electronic text message while the motor vehicle is in motion.”

5) Human remains found at Tribbey dumpsite

9) Small truck flipped on its side, one injured

Crouch said witnesses reported seeing Tiger shooting a gun at a food delivery truck that was traveling on Bryan Street.

4) Troopers identify pedestrian killed near Shawnee

Human remains found at a Tribbey dumpsite are believed to be those of a missing Norman man.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Spokeswoman Jessica Brown said they received information as part of a missing persons case and began searching the area of a Tribbey dumpsite.

Officials believe they are the remains of Corey Shane Maxwell Jr., 32, a Norman man who has been missing since mid-September.

While officials believe it is him and have notified his family, Brown said it will be up to the state medical examiner to make positive identification.

6) Shawnee crime briefs: Traffic stop leads to drug arrest Shawnee police found methamphetamine and marijuana after a passenger fled from a traffic stop Friday night.

Police received a call about a vehicle driving around with a passenger who was allegedly flashing gang signs and yelling at people.

Cpl. Dustin Spiwak make a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Aydelotte, where the passenger reportedly ran from the scene but was apprehended a block north by Officer Robert Barton.

The suspect was reportedly in possession of brass knuckles, a firearm, 15 grams of meth and 46 grams of hydro marijuana, police said.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly had a suspended license.

A small pickup was flipped on its side during a twovehicle accident near the intersection of Main and Center in east Shawnee Friday morning.

Emergency personnel from REACT, and the Shawnee Police and Fire Departments shut down the intersection and treated the injured driver of the truck.

10) Lady Savages get state tournament monkey off their backs

7) Our view: County voters have a chance to do what state legislature won’t It is a shame that the state legislature continues to let extremists determine Oklahoma public policy.

Pottawatomie County voters will go to the polls on November 10 to decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax. The proceeds from the new tax would be used primarily to increase education funding at county schools.

This isn’t a luxury tax.

Pottawatomie County schools are struggling under the weight of the disregard of state legislators.

The problem isn’t a local one. University of Oklahoma President David Boren proposed a similar tax for the entire state.

Boren’s proposal will need a sponsor to even get a hearing at the capitol. Considering the state had to beg for an extension on REAL ID requirements because the legislature can’t take the simple action to bring the state into compliance, it isn’t likely that school funding would even be allowed on a ballot.

It is already on that ballot locally.

There have been several recent bond issues voted down in small districts with even smaller voter turnouts. But this measure has a chance in a county-wide vote.

The non-scientific poll at www.news-star.com doesn’t bear that out.

However, scientific polls taken recently show support for the measure exists to give local schools an advantage over the other 76 counties in Oklahoma.

Normally, it would be difficult to support a proposal to fundamentally change the funding method for local schools, but with the legislature abdicating that primary responsibility, we support this small local investment to do what lawmakers won’t.

8) Oklahoma texting law begins Sunday

October was Fire Preventation month so the Firefighting Clowns were sharing tips on fire safety at local schools. ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHTOGRAPHER

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 5G

Starting Sunday, Nov. 1, texting while driving will be illegal in the state of Oklahoma, so the Oklahoma Safety Council has launched a campaign — #PracticeSafeText — to help raise awareness and answer questions about the new law.

Governor Mary Fallin signed the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015 into law to

BILLY BROWN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The third time was the charm for the Tecumseh Lady Savages on Thursday. After getting dropped in the first round of the Class 4A Fast Pitch State Tournament for the previous two years the girls finally earned a quarterfinal win, taking down Fort Gibson 3-0.

“Being here two years in a row and not getting to taste victory, it’s good to get the monkey off our back and get that first one,” coach Chad Trahan said.

Things might have been different if it weren’t for Sierra Humphrey in center field though.

With a 2-0 Tecumseh lead and Tigers runners at second and third and two outs on the board in the top of the fifth Humphrey made a diving catch to keep the shutout on.

“It was the play of the game,” Trahan said. “We preach to our kids ‘It takes a team to win,’ and Erin (Harris) is great in the circle, but she’s got great teammates behind her.”

Harris pitched the complete game shutout, retiring nine Tigers on strikeouts along the way.

Bailey Smith was the first to score a run for the Lady Savages with an RBI to bring home Carlie Scallorn in the third.

Franki Hull knocked a solo shot over the right field fence to move ahead 2-0 in the fourth.

“We needed that one… it was a big hit, and when she hit it I think everybody in the whole place knew it was gone,” Trahan said.

Humphrey scored the final run for Tecumseh as a bases loaded walk to Smith brought her home.

The Lady Savages will face Tuttle at noon today in the semifinals. The No. 12 Tigers upset No. 2 Hilldale 11-1 Thursday in their quarterfinal game.

The Lady Savages have met with Tuttle twice this season and won on both occasions.

“Playing a good Tuttle team, good tradition. We’re just gonna come up, bring everything we’ve got and hope it’s good enough.

Insurance from a name you can trust.

Ron Branscum AAA Insurance Agent

1146 N. Harrison • (405) 275-4222

6G • Sunday, December 27, 2015

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

NOVEMBER A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in November:

1) Burgers and beer: The Garage comes to Shawnee

The driver, identified as Joseph Edward Brown, 43, was jailed and is awaiting adjudication on a long list of charges.

Wheeler said that checking a text while driving is the equivalent to driving across a football field blindfolded.

“When you’re driving down the road, you’re not going to have a sign that pops up and says, ‘stop, you’re about to have a wreck, you’re about to kill somebody,’” Wheeler said.

8) A life saved: Patient thanks paramedics

City Commissioners unanimously gave the go-ahead for a preliminary plat for The Garage restaurant, which is planned for 190 Mall Drive –– just west of Panda Express.

“I think it will be an excellent fit for the community,” Tim Burg, executive director of the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation, said. “We are fortunate that the Hal Smith Restaurant Group selected Shawnee for one of their newer concepts.”

2) Grocery store to open in McLoud

Construction is underway for the 25,000-square-foot McLoud FireLake grocery store, due to open in January or February.

“It’ll be bigger than the one in Tecumseh,” Richard Driskell, store director, said.

Driskell said the store is about 80-percent complete.

“We’re looking forward to being part of that community,” he said. “Hopefully there’ll be a great atmosphere and we can help be competitive and lower prices.”

Driskell said the store will provide about 100 jobs for the community.

3) Prague man gets role in feature film

6) Drug arrest: Loud music traffic stop leads to pursuit An Oklahoma City man was arrested after a traffic stop for a loud car stereo prompted a pursuit that ended with police finding nearly 23 grams of methamphetamine.

Police said the bass coming from the car “was so loud I felt it in my car,” the officer wrote in his report, adding he could hear it from well over 50 feet.

The pursuit eventually ended up in the area of Beard and Independence Streets.

The driver, identified as Taurean James Martin, 33, jumped out of the car and ran, the report shows, but was later arrest. He has since been charged in the case.

7) NICK’S PROMISE: Bethel students attend texting and driving assembly

Prague native Rett Terrell wasn’t sure exactly what he would do until after he graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University.

But he had always been a big fan of film and began taking acting classes to see what it was like.

“I found out how fun it was and then kind of by luck, I started getting some small film roles and it has taken off from there,” he said.

Terrell has now worked on around 50 projects – including short films, plays and television shows – and said he continues to learn and grow through all of them.

His last film, “My All American,” was in Shawnee theaters starting Friday, Nov. 13. Terrell said the film is based on a true story.

4) Shooting reported on North Broadway This was a breaking news alert about Shawnee 911 logs showing a shooting in the 600 block of North Broadway.

According to the 911 report, a male patient was reportedly conscious and breathing after being shot at that scene.

One person was later arrested and charged in that case.

5) Dash cam shows wild pursuit Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth released a dash camera video that shows a wild high-speed pursuit that ended with the unlicensed driver jailed on a long list of complaints.

Deputy Josh Soward, the department’s highway safety officer, attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle without a brake light when that pursuit started.

Booth, who said the pursuit lasted seven to 10 minutes, said it reached speeds more than 100 miles per hour at times, with the driver having no regard for other motorists or the safety of his two passengers before they bailed out of the moving vehicle toward the end of that pursuit.

Frank Jordan stopped by the REACT Emergency Medical Service station to give thanks to a group of paramedics who literally saved his life.

Jordan, 84, bowls often at Shawnee Bowl.

As fate would have it, that’s where he would be when he went into sudden cardiac arrest in the lanes on Nov. 11.

But help wasn’t far and he is giving thanks for those who helped him that day.

Bowling on a nearby lane was a firefighter and a nurse who began CPR, the family said. A REACT EMS ambulance was just one minute away, with paramedics also arriving quickly to use the Lucas device to administer CPR. John Oxford with REACT EMS said the Lucas device could continuously give CPR for 45 minutes.

During his visit to thank the paramedics, Jordan was able to see that device and how it works.

“I’m glad you’ve got one of them,” Jordan said.

9) One transported by ambulance after late-night house fire

The gymnasium at Bethel High School was silent as students watched a video about the dangers of distracted driving.

On January 31, 2015, State Troopers Nicholas Dees and Keith Burch were investigating an accident on Interstate 40 east of Shawnee when a driver allegedly updating his Facebook page struck Dees and Burch.

Burch was transported to OU Medical Center in serious condition; Dees was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver was arrested a week later on charges of first-degree manslaughter.

Nick’s Promise was started in honor of Dees to educate students on the dangers of texting and driving.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Deputy William Wheeler, who was also on the scene of the accident that night and narrowly missed getting hit, said he does not tell this story for self-pity, but rather to spread this important message.

“Some people want to call this an accident,” Wheeler said. “But an accident is if I’m driving down the road and a deer comes out and I hit it. That’s an accident. If I make the conscious decision to get on my cell phone and decide that what’s going on my phone is more important than what’s going on around me, that’s not an accident.”

The was the initial breaking news alert after Shawnee firefighters responded to a house fire at 316 N. Philadelphia, located just north of 10th Street.

The single-story house was about 50 percent engulfed in flames upon the arrival of fire crews, with reports indicating there could be someone trapped inside.

Fire crews quickly searched that home for any possible occupants and pulled a fire victim to the back yard area, according to 911 call logs.

A REACT EMS ambulance responded to the scene and transported that patient to a local hospital. That victim died from his injuries.

10) Pott. County voters pass sales tax for schools The breaking news alert posted the results.

Tuesday, Pottawatomie County voters passed a proposed 0.495-cent sales tax increase.

With 26 precincts reporting by 8:18 p.m., unofficial election results are: • Yes — 3,054 votes (62.83 percent) • No — 1,807 votes (37.17 percent) The tax will last for 10 years, beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2026.

The majority of the tax, 0.49 cents, would be split among 14 Pottawatomie County school districts based on attendance. The total projected revenue for the schools is $3.7 million annually.

The other portion of the tax, .005 cents, would be utilized for the construction, acquisition, maintenance and operation of the One Safe Place Family Justice Center.

That amount of tax is expected to bring in $165,000 to $175,000 per year.

Staff Management a TrueBlue company specializing in staffing for the manufacturing and logistics industries. Staff Management is the employer of choice commited to offering positions for growth and a stable future. We are interested in meeting people to join the Staff Management team. We’ll use your skills and attributes to place you in a job that matches your preferences. Guided by our values, we pride ourselves on our commitment to creating opportunities for your success.

We are currently hiring for maunfacturing positions in the Shawnee, OK area for TDK Manufacturing!

We Offer: 1. Full Time, Long Term Positions, Including Entry Level to Experienced 2. Immediate Benefits 3. Salary $8.75 - $10.50 (Depending on shift and postion) 4. Employee Incentive Programs 5. Referral Bonus for Eligible Employees $50 6. Safe Environment 7. Onsite Representative to Assist in Job Management 8. Weekly Pay

Application can be submitted today by: Visiting our office at 722 E. Independence, Suite A, Shawnee, OK 74801 Apply online at applysmjobs.com jobcode 0473A Calling the office to schedule an appointment at

405-395-0070 Staff Management is an equal opportunity employer. We may conduct a formal criminal background check and drug screen prior to placement.

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Sunday, December 27, 2015 • 7G

DECEMBER A glimpse at the Top 10 stories viewed online at www.news-star.com in December:

1) Three hospitalized after crash in Bethel Unsafe speed was the cause of an overnight crash that sent three to the hospital.

That crash occurred about 12:27 a.m Saturday on Hardesty Road in Bethel Acres.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by April D. Chandler, 36, Macomb, was westbound on Hardesty Road when the vehicle departed the roadway to the right.

Troopers said the driver overcorrected and the vehicle departed the left side of the road before hitting a tree. The patrol reports the vehicle struck a second tree that caused the vehicle to overturn one-fourth time as it came to rest on the driver’s side.

The driver, along with a passenger, Phillip W. Chandler, 38, Macomb, were partially ejected, the OHP said.

Both were taken by REACT EMS to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where the driver was admitted in good condition for treatment of injuries while Phillip Chandler was admitted in serious condition with head, trunk internal, trunk external and arm injuries.

Another passenger, Mitchell D. Schlesner, 40, of Ixonia, Wisconsin, also was tansported by Shawnee REACT to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he was admitted in good condition for treatment of various injuries..

The OHP, which noted the driver had an odor of alcoholic beverage, listed cause of the collision as unsafe speed.

2) TECUMSEH SHOWCASE: Local woman explains vision behind restaurant

Gordon Cooper Drive construction continues.

ED BLOCHOWIAK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

said a few years back she was left to rethink all that she knew and believed about life, money, security and love.

The rules changed, so she did too.

Melot, the Shawnee business owner of Wystle, 1725 N. Kickapoo, said she realized there was much life to be lived, many shoes to be bought, and love to be expressed and appreciated through beautiful clothes, decor and jewelry.

“After spending the next three years exploring passions, dreams and putting action to the little voices in my head, I was ready to love again,” she said. “And one day I walked into one of my absolute favorite boutique stores (then Expressions) in Shawnee. And I noticed the store needed some love and attention –– and since I wanted to love it –¬– the owner sold it to me.”

Melot said, to her, Wystle is not just a retail store –– it is the storefront to all the joys of her life.

5) Tecumseh Firefighters save belongings in house fire

Raised by a dairy farmer daddy and an angel of a mama, according to the dedication page of her cookbook, Tecumseh local Linda Praytor had a very specific vision for Farmer’s Daughter Market.

“In a small town, specialty shops just can’t make it,” Praytor said. “I just built a building and put a lot of areas in it.”

Praytor said people often take farmers for granted.

“This place is dedicated to the farmer,” she said.

With everything to look at, it may seem impossible to just take a quick trip around Farmer’s Daughter Market.

The building houses Kalico Kitchen, a bakery Praytor leases to; as well as a ‘takery’ featuring homemade casseroles, chicken pot pie, jams and more; the Tomato Patch Café, which serves soups, salads, sandwiches and on the weekends, barbeque; a deli box; and a store.

“We have gifts here, and most of them are related to old fashioned farm-like things,” Praytor said.

It would be hard to look around and not find a specialty item.

3) Shawnee animal control officer placed on administrative leave Shawnee police have confirmed that the city’s animal control supervisor is now on paid administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation.

A statement released Wednesday by Shawnee Police Sgt. Dan Shumaker confirmed the leave of Randy Newton, longtime supervisor of that department.

“At this time the City of Shawnee cannot discuss personnel matters or information about an ongoing investigation,” Shumaker said.

No details have been released about the cause of the investigation, but the announcement comes after some residents addressed city commissioners about the city’s animal shelter.

4) Shawnee Showcase: Wystle It all started with a divorce.

According to shopwystle.com, Rachael Monroe Melot

G NCIN FINA ABLE L AVAI

Tecumseh firefighters, using special smoke and water resistant salvage tarps, helped save many items inside a home during a house fire Friday morning.

Tecumseh Fire Lt. Chad Larman said fire crews responded to the home in the 1500 block of West Walnut about 9 a.m.

When they arrived, flames were “blowing out of the front of the garage,” he said, and the house was full of smoke.

Crews worked on dousing the fire and saw no extension of fire into the home, he said, but then discovered the insulation was glowing so they needed to pull the ceiling in many areas of that home.

To help shield some of the belongings, Larman said fire crew used special salvage tarps to cover furniture in the living room, he said, and were able to quickly grab photos and other mementos and place them on a dining room table and cover those as well.

Firefighters pulled the ceiling and continued their work, saving many belongings from smoke, soot and water.

6) Motorcyclist killed in Pottawatomie County accident The cause of a fatal motorcycle accident in Pottawatomie County is under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

That crash occurred 11:57 a.m. Sunday at Fishmarket Road and SH 9 in the Pink area.

Charles Burrows Jr., 33, of Norman, was pronounced dead at that scene from massive injuries, the OHP reported.

Trooper Tyson Wright’s teletype shows Burrows was driving a 2000 Honda motorcycle westbound on SH9 when he took a gravel cut-through to Fishmarket Road.

The motorcycle departed the roadway to the left and struck an embankment, the OHP reported. The driver was separated from the motorcycle before striking a tree and coming to rest in the roadway, the report reads. The motorcycle continued on westbound and broke into three separate pieces over 87 feet, the patrol reported.

7) Bethel High School students win $10,000 in national STEM competition (BETHEL, Oklahoma)— The Noteable Recyclists, a team of eight students from Bethel High School, were selected as one of eight winning teams in the first round of the Lexus Eco Challenge, a national STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition with a prize of $10,000. The contest encourages middle

and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.

8) US Court rejects sentence change in Shawnee child porn case SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — A federal appeals court has rejected a former Pennsylvania university professor’s request to shorten his life prison sentence on child exploitation charges in Oklahoma.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver handed down the ruling Friday to 69-year-old Gary Doby of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Doby pleaded guilty in Pottawatomie County in January 2013 to 18 counts of sexual exploitation of a child under 12 and other charges.

Doby, a retired early childhood development professor at Bloomsburg University, was charged with receiving images from 52-year-old Kimberly Crain, a former thirdgrade teacher in McCloud, of as many as 14 young girls while they were changing clothes in Crain’s classroom and at her home.

Crain pleaded guilty to child pornography and exploitation charges and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

9) Flu season: Slow start gives extra time to prepare Note: An in-depth look at how much help vaccinations offer as flu season continues. Oklahoma reported 114 flu deaths last year –– most of them senior citizens.

According to this week’s Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) FluView report, overall seasonal influenza activity increased slightly in the United States but remains low overall.

Though data indicates flu cases are minimal right now, the peak of the flu season is typically around January and February.

The OSDH reported county health departments are still offering flu vaccines statewide during the flu season.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It spreads between people and can cause mild to severe illness. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

So far this year, there have been minimal cases reported.

10) Shawnee schools approve interim high school principal A familiar face is back at Shawnee High School.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Shawnee Public School Board of Education appointed Lee Hamilton as the interim high school principal for the remainder of the school year.

Hamilton was previously principal of the high school until he retired in 2014.

Dr. Marc Moore, superintendent, said the board also honored two groups from the high school.

“One was our Shawnee High School Boy’s Cross Country team who was named the 2015 OSSAA Class 5A State Academic Champions,” Moore said. “The second group was the Shawnee High School Drama department; they finished as state runner up in the OSSAA Class 6A One Act Play competition.”

A land purchase was finalized for 15 acres south of Shawnee Middle School.

The Top 10 stories reflected on the pages for each month are often a glimpse of the full stories that are online. To read further on any of these, go to www.news-star.com and enter the headline title that’s next to the number in the search box.

Green’s

FOUNDATION REPAIR & FLOOR LEVELING Since 1939

Thank you for your business and friendship this year!

Wishing you a Happy 2016!

Wes & Connie Green

LLC

Fully Isured

Our Customers are important!

We Strive for excellance!

405.878.0471

Fax 405.275.4355

8G • Sunday, December 27, 2015

2015 YEAR END REVIEW

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star