Delaware County Journal

The Delaware County Commissioners dealt with a variety of issues on Tuesday. Emergency Management Director Jeff Reeves received permission to apply for a grant to purchase additional tornado sirens throughout the county, including three for the Cowskin area and three for the Cleora area. The grant, if approved, would require about $100,000 from the county for a total of $400,000. It is a 25% match from the county. The cost of each siren is about $40,000 installed.

Also, the commissioners approved a letter of support to the attorney general’s office for a grant request for contracting with Grand Lake Mental Health for services at the county jail.

Also discussed was a change order for the fairground’s new building. The dining room and the classroom area would require lowering the ceiling at an additional cost of $1,650 to lower to eight-foot. Commissioner Jake Callihan negotiated the cost, which was initially $8,000. Read the full story in next week's Delaware County Journal.

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell said the two most pressing issues are infrastructure and education when he spoke in Delaware County last week at the Grove Rotary Club. He says Oklahoma is one of the fastest growing states in the country. It is now eighth in growth, but one of the major issues is infrastructure. Read the full story in this week's Delaware County Journal.

In a direct response to the governor's veto of a bill, legislative leaders took action to extend the operations of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, which oversees the licenses of more than 77,000 Oklahomans.

Senate Bill 676, carried in the House by Rep. Brian Hill (R-Mustang), extends the sunset date of the board by another year, a necessary change after legislation extending the date to 2028 was vetoed.

“Legislators in both chambers united to protect the careers of 77,000 people and stand for the health of four million Oklahomans,” Hill said. “While there are many components of the board that may be better suited for the Oklahoma Department of Health, any shifted responsibilities should come about through an intentional process, not a temper tantrum. Ultimately, I'm proud the Legislature was able to find a solution that allows more time for conversation around changes as we determine the best path forward.”

Read the full story in this week's Delaware County Journal.

The Oklahoma Legislature has taken decisive action to expand educational opportunities for students with special needs by removing barriers to access the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Program. Governor Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 105 from Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) and Rep. Chad Caldwell (R-Enid).

The measure removes the requirement that a student attend a public school for a year before applying for a Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship. SB 105 also clarifies that students on an individualized education program (IEP), an individualized service plan (ISP), or who meet the eligibility standards for special education services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are eligible to participate in the program. Read the full story in yesterday's issue of the Delaware County Journal.

Featured in this week's edition of the Delaware County Journal: Communications Dispatcher Pat Sixkiller celebrates 37 years with the Jay Police Department.

Grand Gateway is asking local residents to help spread the word that June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“It can be hard to imagine that anyone would deliberately want to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately, elder abuse is a widespread problem,” said Lahona Young, Ombudsman Supervisor. “Some instances of elder abuse are intended to exploit the person financially; you’ve probably heard of scams targeting seniors. In other cases, it’s simple negligence: Caregivers don’t provide the basic necessities, like nutritious food, appropriate medication, safety, or assistance with hygiene. If you see something, say something.”

Young said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important because many older Americans are unable to advocate for themselves. Read the full story in today's Delaware County Journal.

Featured in today's Delaware County Journal: Colcord Public Schools releases the 2025 football schedules.

The JOM quarterly meeting for Jay Public Schools begins at 5 p.m. tonight, June 11, at the Upper Elementary. For more information call Tammy at 918-232-7583.

The Oklahoma legislative body took a stance against Governor Kevin Stitt’s slew of vetoes in an unprecedented final day of session, where they overrode 47 of the 68 bills vetoed by the governor. One of the more notable bills included in the dramatic demonstration of checks and balances was HB 1137, a bill that would allow state funding for the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).

Stitt’s veto caused waves of backlash from across the state, especially from tribal leaders and advocates, as the announcement came on Tuesday, May 6 – MMIP Awareness Day. Stitt said in his veto message that “justice must be blind to race.”

“Gov. Stitt’s breathtaking ignorance of the issues facing tribes and existing teamwork to resolve those issues reached an absurd level today with his veto of HB 1137,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said following the announcement of the veto.

Research shows that Indigenous women experience disproportionate rates of violence, experiencing the second-highest rate of homicide in 2020, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey shows that more than two in five Indigenous women were r***d in their lifetimes. Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for the number of Indigenous people who have gone missing. Read the full story in tomorrow's Delaware County Journal.

Featured in tomorrow's issue of the Delaware County Journal: Kansas High School releases the 2025 second semester honor rolls.

The Delaware County Community Partnership (DCCP) is having a community baby shower dedicated to helping expectant and new parents in need. This event, organized by DCCP, brings together community members, local organizations, and generous donors to provide essential baby items and resources to families facing economic hardships. With support from the community, DCCP aims to empower new parents and promote healthy starts for the youngest community members.

The community baby shower will be held on Aug. 1, at the Jay Community Center. DCCP expects to serve more than 100 families. DCCP is currently seeking donations of new baby items. Donations can be dropped off at The Grove Public Library or The Jay Public Library or picked up upon request. To contribute or learn more, please contact Marisela Long at 918-919-1184 or email [email protected]. Read the full story in Wednesday's Delaware County Journal.

While emails from “Nigerian princes” looking to unload their fortunes may be a relic of the digital past, scammers are as prevalent today as ever. Locally, residents have recently been reporting a scam uniquely tailored to catch unsuspecting Delaware County citizens off guard. The uptick in reports prompted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public statement encouraging residents to be aware of the scam circulating the area, as well as offering some tips on how to protect oneself from the ruse.

“The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a scammer identifying as Sergeant Harlan Moore from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department,” read the statement. “This individual is contacting residents and urging them to purchase gift cards from local retailers to avoid arrest and warrants. We advise the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. It is important to be cautious and aware of such fraudulent calls.”

Read the full story in Wednesday's Delaware County Journal.