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home : news November 15, 2013


Woman calls 911 from 7-11 after shooting man

A Midwest City woman called 911 at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday to say she had just shot someone and is now facing murder in the first degree charges.

Dianna Elaine Sanders, 49, used the pay phone at the 7-11 convenience store located at 8301 NE 10th Street to alert police of the shooting.

She told a 911 operator, "You might want to send an ambulance to 930 N. Pine, I just shot a gentleman…."

When officers arrived at the Pine address, they found the front door ajar and a middle-aged man, now known as Stephen J. Dollarhide, 54, lying dead on the floor.

He is Midwest City’s third homicide victim of 2013.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Veterans should be celebrated 365 days a year, not just one

Veteran’s Day is behind us. While this was a great day to celebrate those who make the ultimate sacrifice, Midwest City - due to being a military town - knows that such a commemoration is necessary all year long.

A local non-profit, Oklahoma Honor Flight, embodies that spirit perfectly as its entire purpose is to honor Oklahoma veterans who served in WWII by sponsoring a trip to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built to recognize their service.

Born out of the collaboration between state representative Gary Banz and Sherry Sprager, upon Sprager’s father, Al Willoughby, having to go through Dallas Honor Flights for the trip to the nation’s capital. They spotlight WWII veterans from all around Oklahoma to prevent that from occurring again.

Veterans like Midwest City’s own Raymond Harding.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Holiday lights just around the corner

A host of elves dressed in City of Midwest City attire have been hard at work in Joe B. Barnes Regional Park.

Eighteen years ago, Midwest City started a new Christmas tradition with the Holiday Spectacular and today that tradition is still going strong.

Every year, work starts earlier and earlier to pull off this holiday event which is one of the state’s largest animated light display.

Midwest City’s Holiday Spectacular is a huge undertaking by Joe Patterson and his staff.

Patterson is the city’s parks and recreation park project supervisor. He and six fulltime parks and recreation employees have been working since the beginning of October to put up all of the displays and lights.

But they have not been working alone, Patterson said.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Inductees selected for 2013 DCHS top alums

The Del City High School Alumni Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce the 2013 inductees to the Del City High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

These inductees will be honored at the Del City High School Academic Awards Assembly this Friday, Nov. 8 at the school’s auditorium at 9:15 a.m. There will be a reception for the Honorees from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Del City High School Library.

The 2013 inductees are:  Tari Vickery, Class of 1969; Roger Stuart, Class of 1973; Brenda Mechling, Class of 1975; and Brian Putnam, Class of 1987.


Thursday, November 07, 2013

A-F report cards released by State Board of Educ.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education Wednesday released the A-F Report Card for Oklahoma public school districts and schools. Available online at http://afreportcards.ok.gov, the annual grades were approved at a special meeting of the State Board of Education.

The grading system is part of a larger, comprehensive effort to heighten accountability and transparency for Oklahoma schools, providing parents and communities with readily understood information about how their local schools are doing.


Thursday, November 07, 2013

MWC readies to honor veterans

The Midwest City community and others in the Eastern Oklahoma County area are making final preparations for Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11.

The City of Midwest City and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce are once again co-sponsoring the Veterans Day Parade, entitled Where Patriotism Lives.

Rita Aragon, Maj. Gen. (Ret.), Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, will serve as the parade's grand marshal.

KOCO 5 anchors Paul Folger, Jessica Schambach and Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane will be the Masters of Ceremony for the event.


Thursday, November 07, 2013

TAFB officials report suspicious activity

Suspicious activity was observed in the southwest quadrant of Tinker Air Force Base in the vicinity of building 9001 Wednesday morning.

Tinker security forces investigated the matter and later reported that it was "a false alarm."

"Tinker operations are normal," the base announced on its Facebook social media page.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

CAHS senior dares others to be different

Madison Evans, a senior from Carl Albert High School, is daring her classmates to be different.

Evans coordinated an anti-bullying event held Oct. 17 during school lunch periods to raise awareness with the Megan Meier Foundation.

At the luncheon event, Evans organized games to educate participants of the dangers of bullying. In addition, students were encouraged to leave his/her handprint on a banner that proclaims "Carl Albert High School Pledges to End Bullying."

Other events included a dunk tank, DJ entertainment, snacks for sale, Trailer Trash Treatz (snow cones) and more.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Original Mile area target of beautification project

A $12,500 project to highlight the history of a special area of Midwest City was approved last week by councilmembers.

Crafton Tull was awarded the winning bid for the Original Mile Median and Entryway Landscape Improvement project for landscape design and engineering services.

Slated in the project includes landscape design recommendations for fifteen existing street medians, said Billy Harless, community development director. This will include a limited number of rain gardens, bioswales, and pocket park amenities where feasible, and five entryways.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

New hoops area coming summer 2014

Attention basketball fans.

If you think Midwest City’s outdoor basketball courts could use some improvement, you are not alone in this thinking.

At their Oct. 22 meeting, councilmembers approved the winning bid to WPM Design Group, Inc. for the Joe B. Barnes basketball courts architectural and engineering services.

The total cost for the project should come in at less than $250,000, and WPM will receive a contracted 9 percent of the final construction cost.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thunder guest relations strategy not just for NBA

A memorable experience with first-class service despite the final score of the game.

This is what the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise strives to provide for every single fan that attends a NBA game at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Pete Winemiller, a 19 season NBA franchise executive, explained in detail to Del City Chamber members at the Oct. 24 membership luncheon what it takes to provide just that.

The senior vice president of guest relations said the Thunder franchise aims for a culture that empowers employees, benefits customers and creates loyalty inside and out.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Ahead of schedule, under budget

Work to refurbish Midwest City’s wastewater treatment plant is moving along better than expected, council members saw firsthand during a tour of the facility last week.

Originally built in 163, the plant was in much need of repair so the city called for a special election Aug. 9, 2011 for a .55 cent sales tax increase. Work totaling an estimated $55 million began on the plant earlier this year and is expected to be complete sometime next year.

William Janacek, environmental services director for the City, said the reatment plant underwent its most recent expansions in 1982 and 1989.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pleasant Hill students playing and learning

Dent Source of Oklahoma City recently awarded the STEM Club at Pleasant Hill Elementary the funds needed to begin their STEM Club studies.  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  Club sponsor and teacher, Tegan Sexton, said that the funds have been used to purchase a Lego Mindstorms NXT kit, which students use to construct creative robots. Students will also use the accompanying software to program the robot to complete various tasks.

Recently, Darian Faulkner of Dent Source visited Pleasant Hill to see the students as they were introduced to the Lego Mindstorms kit. The students were amazed and extremely eager to begin working with the bricks.  Pleasant Hill would like to offer their continued gratitude to Dent Source for their support of local education.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

EOC Halloween event calendar

Mummy & Me Dance

The Choctaw Chamber of Commerce will host a Mummy & Me Dance 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Choctaw Event Center and Chapel, 15969 SE 29th Street.

Cost is $10 per mummy, ghoul and/or goblin and includes admission, snacks and option for up to two photos.

To purchase tickets, call the chamber at (405) 390-3303. Tickets must be purchased in advance.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

SOMBR fundraiser carries on MWC officer's flame

Seven years ago, Steve Owens was diagnosed with brain cancer and given six months to live by his doctor.

During his battle, the Midwest City police lieutenant was an inspiration to his co-workers and the community as he fought for his life. On May 5, 2010, Lt. Owens lost his battle but has continued to be an inspiration.

Owens, who was 41 at the time of his death, was just two weeks shy of retirement from the department. He was a 19-year veteran and a supervisor in the police department’s narcotics division, and was well-known among Midwest City school children for his work in drug awareness education.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Mid-Del Schools hosts public education funding talk

More than 75 people were on hand to hear Steven Crawford paint a financial picture of Oklahoma’s education system during an hour-long talk Tuesday.

Mid-Del Public Schools hosted the second meeting of the Oklahoma Central Parent Legislative Action Committee, in which Crawford was the guest speaker.

Parents were joined by educators and administrators in attendance from various metro school districts.

Crawford, executive director of both the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Association and the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, explained the logistics of how school districts receive funding and from what sources. He listed ad valorem taxes, county 4 mill, school land, gross production, motor vehicles, REA tax and state aid as sources.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Participation remains high in MWC recycling program

City officials report that for the third straight month since the recycling program began in July, the percentage of Midwest City residential participation has been over 65 percent.

With the national average of residential participation at around 42 percent, officials are very pleased that  Midwest City residents have chosen to participate at such a high level. 


Friday, October 18, 2013

RSC students honored for military service

Two students at Rose State College are the recipients of a nationally awarded scholarship from Coca Cola and journalist Tom Brokaw.

The Coca-Cola/Tom Brokaw Military Veterans scholarship program awarded students Laura Surprenant and John Dirkson $2500 each for their educational expenses through the Spring 2014 semester. Both students are veterans.

"Too often we take for granted our liberties and we fail to recognize the sacrifices made by service men and women," Brokaw said. "By providing access to higher education for veterans, we are committing to their future, as they have committed themselves to us."


Friday, October 18, 2013

MWC's 'Trick or Treat' City offers Halloween fun for whole family

Midwest City Parks and Recreation will be hosting the 35th annual Midwest "Trick or Treat" City on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. This will be a family-oriented event with a variety of activities for the whole family.

The Spirit of Midwest City playground will be transformed into Candy Village where children can wander through the fantasy land to collect candy from famous characters. Admission to Candy Village is free.


Friday, October 18, 2013

CNP foundation asks for support

The Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools Foundation is composed of educators, administrators, parents and concerned citizens that support the education of students within the Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District.  The Foundation is the only district wide organization supporting education in the school district.

The group’s mission at the Choctaw/Nicoma Park Schools Foundation is to encourage and recognize academic excellence. The group is excited about the prospects for the future and confident that community involvement and support will enhance quality education. By investing in the Choctaw-Nicoma Park Schools, supporters help more than just students and faculty. Homeowners and businesses are attracted to communities with excellent academic opportunities that produce productive citizens for employment and growth.


Friday, October 18, 2013

Sonic brings 'Happy Hour' to Barnes Elem.

Five Barnes Elementary teachers experienced Sonic’s "Happy Hour" all day long recently after they were handed checks totaling $3,039.40 to help them inspire students to learn.

Tina Rupe, Robin Bohot, Jessica Brandon, Lisa Doonkeen and Kim Carlon were the recipients of Limeades for Learning awards during a special awards assembly this month held at the school. The awards are presented by Sonic and are given out to educators across the country.


Friday, October 18, 2013

State audit reveals 'chaos' in Spencer

The State Auditor’s Office uncovered a "chaotic" situation during an audit of the City of Spencer that resulted in felony charges against three city employees.

On Oct. 10, the state office reported their findings to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office, who requested the audit. The DA’s office has charged Shenice L. Huff, 35, Andrew Payne Thompson, 32, and Lakeita V. Barbee, 40, with felony embezzlement by a public employee.

Huff and Thompson - both former employees – were listed as having received several "fraudulent" payroll checks totaling $6,277.79 between the two of them, auditors reported. Other checks for undocumented overtime and holiday pay for $5,256 also were found for Thompson

At first, the audit report was not made public but was the week of Oct. 14. It can be viewed online at www.sai.ok.gov.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Mid-Del to host parent legislative committee

The Oklahoma Central Parent Legislative Action Committee (PLAC) will meet for its second meeting, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Mid-Del Administration Building, 7217 SE 15th Street, Midwest City.

They encourage all parents and patrons from metro area school districts to attend.

PLAC is a nonpartisan group with the goal of increasing parent and community awareness about legislative issues impacting public education in Oklahoma.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

TAFB back on line as rest of shutdown lingers

The federal government shutdown moves into its second week today.

However, most furloughed Department of Defense civilians have been recalled including the 2,900 workers at Tinker Air Force Base.

The process of returning DOD to work began when Congress passed H.R. 3210 also known as the Pay Our Military Act (H.R. 3210). The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives 423-0 on Sept. 29.


Thursday, October 10, 2013

DC development a dream coming true

Larry Owsley had a vision of what he wanted the Shoppes at Del City to become when work on the development located on Sooner Road near Interstate 40 began.

And despite a few hiccups due to a faltering economy, that vision has become a reality with over 70 percent of the property developed and leased with more tenants on the way.

Owsley, owner of Del City Retail Development, LLC said he made a promise to Del City officials that the development would be completed despite a downturn in the economy.

"We lost a lot of retailers when the economy started to collapse," Owsley said. "That retail market stopped moving for several years. We were one with the city as far as our relationship.  We promised them we were moving ahead. We would have this built and opened up three years ago had it not been for the economy."


Thursday, October 10, 2013

MWC voters grant access to $50M

Mayor Jack Fry received the results of Midwest City’s election just in the nick of time Tuesday.

He was about to adjourn the city’s Hospital Authority Trust meeting when he learned of the election’s outcome and was able to share the news with his fellow trustees and audience.

The news to report was that a small turnout of voters approved all five of Midwest City’s propositions Tuesday, including one that grants the Hospital Authority access to $50 million to bring a new lessee to Midwest Regional.

"This was a good night for the city," the mayor said. "It is exciting that voters granted access so we can begin to move forward. This is a credit to the council and city staff to the job they’ve done that the citizens gave us such a resounding message to move forward."


Thursday, October 10, 2013

MWC community leader set to receive alumni award

The University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Association will honor Ray Hardin as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2013 Alumni Recognition Ceremony, 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1 in the Grand Ballrooms of the Nigh University Center.

Hardin serves as president of Edgewood Homes, Inc. and is a former member of the Rose State College Board of Regents and its foundation. He currently serves on the Midwest City Memorial Hospital Trust Board of Grantors.

Throughout his professional career, Hardin has been an active member of the Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma (MHAO), serving as president, secretary and a board member for nearly 30 years. He also served as chair of the MHAO Political Action Committee and as the Oklahoma delegate to the Manufactured Housing Institute in Washington, D.C.


Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Family fit events coming soon

Two organizations have partnered to host a family friendly event aimed to get people moving.

The Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project and the Midwest City YMCA are hosting a series of free Family Fun Runs & Walks.

On Nov. 3, the first of the three fun walk and run events will be held at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City, 8700 E. Reno.

Then two other events will be held, a spring run on March 9 and a summer run on June 22.


Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Committee asks MWC voters to say yes to Prop 5

Midwest City residents who voted in the last two mayoral elections should have received a letter in the mail this week from the Citizens for a Better Midwest City committee.

The letter, supported by 15 community members, asked voters to approve five propositions the City of Midwest City has called for in the Tuesday, Oct. 8 election.

Co-chairmen former state Sen. Dave Herbert and former state Rep. Bill Case signed the letter. Other committee members listed included: Tom Blanton, Jack Fry, Pam Hall, Bobbie & Gene Howard, Jim Howell, Archie Huston Rella Johnson, Dara McGlamery, Bert Norton, Fred Quinn, Eddie Reed, Russell Smith, Pam Teply and Edea Young.


Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Shut Down

Approximately 2,900 civilian Tinker Air Force Base employees are awaiting word on when they can return to their jobs after being furloughed Tuesday because of the federal government shut down.

All of TAFB’s 14,000 civilian employees were required to report for duty as normal Tuesday morning, but were then notified if they were being furloughed or not, and then instructions on how to proceed followed.

TAFB military personnel will remain on regular duty status despite the lack of funding.

Public affairs released two media advisories Tuesday, one of which called the lapse of federal appropriation, as "extremely disruptive." They explained that base officials had been directed by higher headquarters to work through the process of "shutting activities impacted" by the funding lapse.


Thursday, October 03, 2013

Salute to Tinker AFB military

A spotlight will be shined on the Midwest City community next Wednesday, Oct. 2 when KOCO 5 comes to the city for a Salute to Service event.

From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the City of Midwest City, the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce and dozens of community sponsors will welcome KOCO 5. The event will be held in the Charles J. Johnson Central Park in Town Center Plaza.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Retired firefighter loses cancer battle

The Midwest City Fire Department is in mourning this week with the passing of retired firefighter who lost his fight against cancer in the early morning hours Sunday, Sept. 21.

Don Mariano, 53, retired in February after 24 years of service. He also had been an EMT at Midwest Regional Medical Center for 20-plus years.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Election Tuesday for MRMC lease, council raises
Midwest City polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 8 for individuals to consider five propositions proposed by the city.

One of those propositions is to grant the Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority access to $50 million in funds to possibly negotiate or terminate the lease with Health Management Associates, LLC at Midwest Regional Medical Center. 

The city decided to pursue the funds because of hospital staff and patient concerns about the quality of healthcare at the hospital.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Harrah school bond fails by 6%

Harrah superintendent Paul Blessington is disappointed to say the least about the failure of Tuesday’s school bond issue, but he is not ready to throw in the towel yet.

The Oklahoma State Election Board reported that the $44.6 million bond proposal fell 6 percent short of the required 60 percent to pass. A total of 1,791 people went to the polls, of which 965 people (54 percent) voted for the bond and another 826 people (46 percent) voted against it, unofficial election results showed.

If passed, the bond proposal would have funded capital improvements such as remodeling, classroom additions and technology upgrades. The biggest portion of funds ($8.2 million) would have been an overhaul of athletic facilities, including a new multi-sports complex with a new football stadium complete with artificial turf, and new locker rooms, concessions stand and restrooms.

Property owners would have seen an $80 increase for every $1,000 to fund all of the projects and cover bond interest.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Safety first at MCHS

A new safety program made possible by a partnership between Mid-Del Schools and the Midwest City Police Department is underway at Midwest City High School.

This fall when students arrived back on campus, they were greeted by a new face, Sgt. Terry Tilley, who was hired this summer as the school district’s first School Resource Officer.

Tilley is not new to law enforcement. In fact, he previously served as the security officer at Monroney Middle School.


Friday, September 13, 2013

New suicide prevention program launching in Mid-Del, starting at Carl Albert game

The Oklahoma National Guard is helping to lead a collaborative community-based effort to reduce the number of suicides among school aged children and young adults.

The pilot project titled "T3-Time to Talk" will launch in four area school districts, including Mid-Del Public Schools, to raise public awareness and providing tools for the prevention of suicides among young people.

The campaign officially kicks off Thursday night when the Southmoore Sabercats host the Carl Albert Titans in the season’s first football game in Moore.

Players from both teams will wear neon green socks, towels and wristbands with the "T3-Time to Talk " logo.  It is hoped that the players’ actions on the field will be the first step toward raising awareness about this extremely important issue.


Saturday, September 07, 2013

Congressman Cole against Syria intervention

Congressman Tom Cole outlined his views on U.S. involvement in Syria during his final summer town hall meeting Sept. 3 at Rose State College’s Professional Training Center in Midwest City.

Cole, R-Moore, represents Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Midwest City.

He outlined a potential timeline of events regarding possible U.S. military action in Syria.

"Congress will probably act on it next week," Cole said in reference to the House of Representatives returning to Capitol Hill after the recent recess concludes Sept. 8.

Cole added that he had been in Washington, D.C. during the previous weekend for a classified intelligence briefing regarding the Syria situation.


Friday, September 06, 2013

Ren Run still going strong, 27 years later

The 27th Annual Renaissance Run is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 in Midwest City.

The 5K run and walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Midwest City Community Center. The race concludes with a pancake breakfast held at Midwest Regional Medical Center.

Pre-registration before Sept. 13 is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.  Entry fee includes a short sleeve dri-fit t-shirt to the first 350 entrants and pancake breakfast held after the race. Registration on event day for all ages is $30.


Friday, September 06, 2013

Mold not a health hazard but bond issue still a priority for Harrah Schools

Voters living in the Harrah school district will head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 10.

At stake is a $44.6 million bond issue that, if passed, will fund improvements to all of the district’s school sites, including the consolidation of two schools, new safe rooms and a new multi-sports complex.

The Sept. 10 vote is the school district’s second attempt to pass a major bond issue. In February, voters turned down one of two bond proposals. A $600,000 proposal for transportation passed, while $36 million for capital improvement projects was voted down.


Friday, September 06, 2013

AP test scores rocket for Mid-Del students

Even though statewide test scores for high school students in science and math are not where they should be, Mid-Del students have made huge strides and are receiving statewide attention for it.

On Tuesday, Mid-Del high school students attended a special press conference to celebrate their achievements at the State Capitol. Carl Albert senior Alex Tu and Midwest City senior Tashawnya Edwards were among the students attending.

The fellow seniors were joined by students from Eisenhower High School in Lawton to represent the first two school districts in the state to adopt the National Math and Science Initiative.


Tuesday, September 03, 2013

NP Masons donate special funds

Representatives of the Special Olympics, including youth and Special Olympian Blake Reynolds, were on hand to accept a $12,000 check from the Nicoma Park Masonic Lodge. The Lodge recently held their ninth annual golf tournament. Last year the proceeds went to the Nicoma Park Fire Department.


Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Surprise! Surprise!

Soldier Creek teachers received a big surprise recently from the American Red Cross, who provided assistance to the teachers in the form of money gift cards. The teachers pictured saw their classrooms damaged by flooding as a result of the May’s severe weather and tornadoes.


Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Highland Park receives $65K technology grant

Students and teachers at Highland Park with Mid-Del Public Schools will experience learning in new and innovative ways thanks to a $40,000 grant to purchase new technology equipment and professional development for teachers valued at $25,000 from the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust.

Established in 2001 by a $30 million contribution from AT&T; Oklahoma to Oklahoma public schools, the Trust has distributed over $13 million to date to 188 schools.  The addition of two iPad carts for the elementary school will increase achievement in reading and math.  Students will showcase their learning to adults during Technology Nights and will be hosted by the school with invitations extended to the entire community.


Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Tinker Talk

Gen. Bruce Litchfield doesn't consider the state of our nation's economy and how it impacts the military as completely disparaging.

In fact, he sees the challenges he faces as an opportunity for Tinker Air Force Base to be poised as a leader, prepped and ready for the next mission whatever that may be.

On Aug. 22, Litchfield addressed those attending the monthly Del City Chamber membership luncheon.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Celebrating education in the Mid-Del community

The community came together Friday, Aug. 16 at Rose State College for the annual Celebrating Education Luncheon.

This event introduces new staff from Mid-Del Public Schools and Rose State College to the community.

Newly appointed Rose State College president Jeanie Webb talked about the college’s new theme this year of "It’s a Whole New Ballgame."


Thursday, August 22, 2013

National commission visit looks into TAFB efficiency

Tinker Air Force Base welcomed members of a national commission examining cost efficiency in the military on Tuesday.

The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force conducted a site visit of TAFB in the morning and then a public hearing at the Reed Center in the afternoon. The visit was part of a tour of 13 Air Force locations.

The event was part of the Commission’s congressionally mandated mission to study the U.S. Air Force and its three components – active, reserve and Air National Guard - for an independent analysis. The information compiled will then help the Commission determine if and how the Air Force’s structure should be modified to best fill current and future mission requirements with available resources.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Recycling program exceeds expectations

One month into Midwest City’s new curbside recycling program and the first report provided by the city’s contractor shows participation among residents is higher than the national average.

In their report, Republic Services revealed that 65 percent of Midwest City residents participated during the inaugural month of July.

This figure is well ahead of the city’s projections, said Environmental Services Director William Janacek.

"We had been told to expect somewhere in the area of 25 to 30 percent participation in the beginning of the program and we beat that percentage significantly," Janacek said.  "Now, going forward, we want to keep up the momentum and continue to increase participation each month."

The national average of community participation in recycling programs is 42 percent.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

State test results hanging in balance

Mid-Del school leaders are anxiously awaiting information they say could have a big impact on the school district.

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced the results of a study looking into the disruption some students had while taking their state tests last year.

The independent study by HumRRO found that students did as well on the tests as students not involved in the disruption.

Based on this finding, State Supt. Janet Barresi has decided to retain all scores of impacted students who scored proficient or advanced, a press release stated.

Then, students with unsatisfactory scores will not be reported.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Choctaw's Oktoberfest right around the corner

Next Friday, Choctaw Creek Park will become the center of the universe for German food and music loving fans when Oktoberfest takes over the park for nine days.

From Aug. 30 to Sept. 7, the festival, which is in its 23rd year, will once again be the place to be for homemade German cuisine, genuine German beers and wine, and of course live German music.

Mike Turek, the festival’s organizer and proprietor of Old Germany Restaurant, said work has been underway for weeks to be ready for the event.

Waiting for hungry festival-goers are more than 7,000 pounds of potatoes, 3,200 pounds of bratwursts, 1,600 pounds of red cabbage and sausage, and 1,400 pounds of hamhocks, he said.

And don’t forget about the alcohol.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

MWC teen gets life for home invasion, murder

A Midwest City teenager convicted of first-degree murder was sentenced to life in prison last week by Oklahoma County District Judge Cindy Truong.


Friday, July 20, 2012

Mid-Del Homeless Award
The Mid-Del Public School Foundation was one of two statewide selected as selected as recipients of the 2012 Outstanding Program Awards for Local Education Foundations sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

The awards, which recognize innovative programs sponsored or administered by public school foundations in Oklahoma, will be presented at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Fall Forum for Local Education Foundations and Youth Mentoring Programs on Oct. 23 in Norman. Receiving plaques and monetary awards of $1,000 each will be the 2011 Technology Initiative sponsored by the Claremore Public Schools Foundation and the Homeless Student Education Fund sponsored by the Mid-Del Public Schools Foundation.


Thursday, July 05, 2012

Library Fun
Check out libraries for summer fun

Vicki Middleton



If you are looking for a place to escape the heat and have some fun while you're at it, check out what's going on at your local library.

In July, the Summer Reading Program comes to an end on July 31 and this year's theme is Dream Big - Read! But the program is not the only thing going on at local libraries because there are also movie times, story times and book clubs, too.

The following is a list of events scheduled at Eastern Oklahoma County libraries this month:


Thursday, July 05, 2012

Bond issues work surges forward
Dirt work. Heavy machinery. Hard hats.

These are all signs of construction, and currently in the Mid-Del school district, they are showing up everywhere as work progresses on numerous bond projects approved by voters in September.

The biggest projects included in the $90 million bond are two new elementary schools - one at Soldier Creek on SE 15th Street and Douglas, and another on Key Boulevard at East Side Elementary - both in Midwest City.


Thursday, July 05, 2012

Dunham Sentenced
A judge sentenced a Del City father to 18 years in prison Tuesday after he was convicted of child neglect in connection with the deaths of his three children who were killed in a 2011 motor home fire.
Monday, July 02, 2012

Halfway House?
Rezoning request draws residential concerns in DC



A group of Del City residents intend to protest a proposed halfway house for convicted felons during tonight's planning commission meeting.

The public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at city hall, 3701 SE 15th Street.

The commission will hear the proposed rezoning request that would allow up to 100 felons seeking rehabilitation to live in the vacant Howard Memorial Baptist Church, which is situated at the southeast corner of Reno Avenue and Sunnylane Road.

The California-based organization known as Center Point Inc. is seeking the rezoning to house the inmates. If the rezoning is approved, the church would issue a long-term lease to Center Point for 20 years for $1 each year.


Monday, July 02, 2012

Heat Wave
As Oklahomans stock up on fans and other essentials to survive another sweltering summer, Mid-Del emergency crews are expecting the worst.

No heat-related calls have been reported to the Del City or Midwest City fire departments, but it's just a matter of time, said Midwest City fire department spokesman.

"While we haven't received anything yet, we do expect the calls to start ramping up this week," he said.

In order to prevent people from requiring the assistance of emergency crews, Richardson offered a couple of tips for handling hot weather.

"Do outdoor activities before 10 a.m.," Richardson said, "The heat peaks around 3 p.m. most days. Also, just use common sense. Drink plenty of fluids."

Del City fire department spokesman Brandon Pursell said medical calls have increased, but none of them can be attributed to the 100-degree heat.


Monday, July 02, 2012

ONG Rate Hike Request
Oklahoma Natural Gas' base rate may soon be going up, but even if it does, the company says most of its customers will pay less money in 2012 than they did in 2010 for service.
Monday, July 02, 2012


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