LD)--After more than 30 demonstrators gathered and walked in the downtown Enid area during the noon hour Tuesday as part of the #BlackLivesMatter movement nationwide following the death of George Floyd, a number of the demonstrators and other concerned citizens spoke at the Enid City Commission meeting where they expressed a message of peace. One young member of the group said he wasn't aware that he could come to the meetings, let alone speak. Several leaders from Enid's African-American community expressed their concerns to commissioners. Milton Mitchell said he wished he didn't have to drive his car in fear, but he does. Enid NAACP President Lanita Norwood told commissioners she shouldn’t have to be scared if her son goes the store.
Demetrius Office told the commission he is planning a town hall meeting with city and state officials and leaders, set for 6:00 Thursday evening at Stride Bank Center. Office said they want to hear from residents, and want to provide answers to their questions. Another demonstration is planned for noon Sunday at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial at the city administration building, 401 W. Garriott. Jeremiah Herrian from Forgotten Ministries said he and other church leaders are planning on being present at the protests, to offer guidance, water, and food.
In other action last night, City commissioners voted to line up with the state's reopening plan, and approved phase three. City Manager Jerald Gilbert said the local health leaders say they are ready. In Phase Three, you should still avoid crowded environments and continue CDC social-distancing guidelines, or else wear a face mask. Restaurants no longer have to maintain 6 feet of distance between customers. Visitation to hospitals would be allowed following the plan’s guidelines. And large gatherings of more than 250 people would now be allowed.
The Enid City Commission met in an executive session Tuesday night to discuss the recommendation to approve an incentive package with Apex Cinema for the development of a theater and trampoline park complex. The City Commission voted unanimously in favor of the recommended incentive package from the Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA).
The proposed 42,000 sq. ft. theater will include 8-10 digital movie screens, reclining seats, expanded food options, and a 20,000 sq. ft. Big Air Trampoline Park. The incentive for the $14.5 million project will include the donation of 7.5 acres for development and a $3.5 million sales tax rebate that would be paid over 15 years. Mayor George Pankonin said, “The Commission is thrilled to accomplish this milestone of approving the general incentive terms with Apex Cinema LLC to build and operate a new 8-10 screen movie theater and Big Air trampoline park in The District located at Cleveland and Garriott! This goal has been a long-term priority for the City. I want to thank Felix Waller and Apex, City staff, ERDA, Rickey Hayes, Hammer-Williams, and Nicholas Realty for the team effort to make this new entertainment venue a reality.”
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FS)--Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a Hennessey over the weekend. According to a report from the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s office, Daniel Verdoza-Velasco, of Hennessey was shot Saturday morning while trying to enter a residence at 12000 block of East 634 Road, west of Hennessey. According to allabouthennessey.com, the home owner, Christopher Paul Harris reportedly shot Verdoza-Velasco while he was attempting to enter the house through a window. Verdoza-Velasco was declared dead by Life EMS shortly after noon on Saturday. The case is still under investigation by the Kingfisher Sheriff’s office.
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PL)--Vance Air Force Base reported an incident in which a laser was pointed at one of its aircraft Monday, posing a danger to both the aircrew and personnel on the ground. Vance officials said lasers pointed toward cockpits, even when the aircraft is 500 feet overhead, are dangerous not only to the pilot, but to the community at large. In the past 10 months, and twice in the last few weeks, Vance pilots have reported lasers being shined into their cockpits from various locations around Enid. Each incident was reported to Enid Police Department, which is investigating. If the perpetrators are located they face a federal charge punishable by up to five years in prison. “Pointing a laser, no matter how small, at an aircraft flying is incredibly dangerous to the pilot and the populated areas below,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Occhuizzo, Vance’s chief of safety. “It’s not a game. Lasing the cockpit can distract or cause serious injury to pilots who already have a lot going on while they’re airborne.” So-called "lasing" also has been known to "leave an afterimage or blind a pilot for precious seconds."
Col. Corey Simmons, commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing, urged the public to refrain from pointing lasers at aircraft, for the sake of public safety and the safety of Vance airmen.
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LM)--An Enid man was charged last week with a single felony count of lewd molestation. Enid News and Eagle reports because of three prior felony convictions, 28 year-old Jerron Warden faces 25 years to life in prison on the charge accusing him of touching a girl under the age of 12 on or about May 23. The incident reportedly occurred at a residence in the 3000 block of West Longview. When interviewed by police, Warden denied touching the girl. Warden appeared via video for arraignment on the charge. Warden's bond was set at $100,000 with a condition of bond being he have no contact with the victim in the case. He was ordered to appear again July 6 for a bond appearance.
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CV)--Two more virus-related deaths were reported and 113 more Oklahomans tested positive for coronavirus since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released late this morning by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. A total of 6,805 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 341 total virus-related deaths have been reported. There have been 27 confirmed cases in Garfield County. One death has been reported in Garfield County, an 86 year-old woman in early April. Kingfisher County has 11 confirmed cases, Blaine County 8 cases, 6 cases in Major County (1 death), Grant County has 2 cases, and Alfalfa County 1 case.
COVID-19 Oklahoma Test Results
06.03.20
|
Confirmed Positive Cases |
6,805 (+113) |
|
*Total Cumulative Negative Specimens to Date |
201,047 |
|
*Total Cumulative Number of Specimens to Date |
209,286 |
|
*Currently Hospitalized |
136 |
|
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations |
1,003 |
|
Deaths in the Past 24 hours |
0 |
|
Total Cumulative Deaths |
341 (+2) |
*The total includes laboratory information provided to OSDH at the time of the report. Total counts may not reflect unique individuals. Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health.
*As of 2020-06-03 at 7:00 a.m.
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MC)--The City of Enid officials announced the Enid Municipal Court will open for court appearances starting Monday, June 8. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns, officials ask that anyone who is sick, has an underlying medical condition, or over 65 to please call (580) 616-7265 to make alternative arrangements for your citation. While court is in session, the Municipal Court will still follow the COVID-19 CDC recommendation on social distancing. This requires at least a 6-foot minimum distance from other individuals. It is also encouraged to wear a mask or simple cloth face covering. Payment arrangements and payments will still be accepted over the phone and at the Municipal Court windows for anyone unable to attend their court appearance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Enid Municipal Court at (580) 616-7265.
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HW)--The City of Enid Engineering Department received notification that state contractors are preparing to begin construction on U.S. Highway 81 (US-60) between Carrier Road (SH-45) and the Grant County line. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) project will consist of the rehabilitation of portions of both the north and south bound lanes, as well as, the complete reconstruction of a section of the north bound lanes. As part of the project, the shoulders will be replaced along the entire length of the project and new left turn lanes will be constructed at every mile section. This will also include the addition of an 800 foot long left turn lane at SH-45. The project will not impact traffic within the city, but motorists travelling north out of town or south into town, are reminded to follow posted traffic control signs and to drive with caution in this area during the construction effort. For additional information or for any questions please contact the ODOT Maintenance Division 4 office at (580) 336-7340 or you can visit the ODOT website at https://www.ok.gov/odot.
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NS)--Enid Public Schools has announced new enrollment dates for students new to EPS for the upcoming school year. Dates are scheduled by grade for the following days: kindergarten enrollment will begin Monday, June 8, grades 1st-5th will begin on Monday, June 15, and all other grades will begin enrollment on Monday, June 22. Enrollment can be completed online or in person at the EPS Welcome Center, located at 500 S. Independence, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Students must be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2020 to enroll. If a child is currently an EPS pre-kindergarten student, it is not necessary to attend kindergarten enrollment because their school has sent enrollment information home with the student to complete.
Parents enrolling their children as EPS students for the first time should bring the children’s immunization record, birth certificate (no hospital footprints, please), verification of address (such as utility bill), and guardianship papers, if applicable.
Online enrollment can be done by completing the following steps:
Visit enidpublicschools.org. Hover over the Enrollment tab and click on New Student Registration. Sign in or create an account and follow the prompts to enroll a new EPS student
Email the proper documents listed above to welcome@enidk12.org
EPS is taking precautions to ensure family’s safety and the safety of staff by assisting with the following if enrolling at the Welcome Center:
Limiting the lobby to five guests at a time and the Welcome Center to four guests at a time. If there are numerous people in the lobby, please wait at the front door. EPS will take contact information and call families when it is their turn. Please limit entry to one representative per family, if possible. Staff and guests are encouraged to wear masks. Enrollment kiosks will be sanitized by staff between each use. Restrooms are currently closed to the public. Please practice social distancing of at least six feet from non-family members.
For questions and more information, contact EPS Welcome Center at 580.366.7100.
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SC)--City of Enid officials announced progress has been made in the removal of tree limb debris, but much work remains throughout the city. To better manage the storm cleanup effort, Solid Waste officials are asking all residents to request a pickup of tree limbs and debris by Friday, June 12, or to discard them by utilizing the landfill. Residents can request a pickup of tree limb debris the following ways:
- Online: Submit a Request at: www.SeeClickFix.com; Choose “Tree Debris Pickup”
- Smartphone App: Download SeeClickFix and Choose “Tree Debris Pickup”
- Phone: Call (580)-616-7300 or (580)-616-7301
For those residents who wish to take their limbs to the landfill, please bring your last utility bill with the utility account number. City officials have asked residents to stack the tree limbs near the curb away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, trash cans and water meters to assist in the clean-up.
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VG)—For Enid High School’s 402 graduating seniors an in-person ceremony is planned for 7:30 p.m. June 18 at D. Bruce Selby Stadium. Of the class’ 402 seniors, 99 graduated with honors, having maintained a high GPA and taken advanced classes. Forty-three of those received valedictorian honors, having maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA.
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