JH)--Former Garfield County Sheriff Jody Helm has been recommended to be the next secretary for the Garfield County Election Board, though the State Election Board tabled the appointment during its meeting Tuesday. Enid News and Eagle reports, on April 7 State Sen. Roland Pederson requested Helm’s appointment to the position following the resignation of Michael Frisbie, saying he believes Helm, who “has much experience serving his community,” would be well-suited for it. Helm’s appointment, however, was tabled for the next meeting, which could be next week. Officials said that it is not uncommon for an agenda item to be tabled, but did not say why it was tabled.
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BT)--Enid Police Department is seeking the public’s help in its investigation of two bomb threats made at an Enid business last month. The first threat was made just before 6:40 on the evening of March 18 at Tyson Foods, in the 4900 block of E. Willow. A manager at the plant received a text message stating, “This is a bomb threat get everyone out of the building.” The plant was evacuated and a search was conducted but no bomb or device was found. The second bomb threat occurred at just after 9:30 on the night of March 20, again via text message. It read: “BOMB ACTIVITY IN 1 HR,” and listed the plant’s address. Again, a search was conducted and no device was found. Investigators have sought information about the two numbers the threats were made from but have yet to receive it. Anyone with information is asked to contact EPD, or call Crime Stoppers at (580) 233-6233 or go to the website, https://www.enid.org/police and submit a tip anonymously. Those with information also can text a tip to “847411.” Just type EPDTIP and then the message in the text box. Those with information also can call the non-emergency line at (580) 242-7000 and ask to relay a tip.
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IC)--Foreigner, iconic rock band hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, is bringing “The Greatest Hits of Foreigner on Tour” to Stride Bank Center on Aug. 5. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $49.50 and go on sale at 10:00 a.m. April 23 through StrideBankCenter.com, calling (855) TIX-ENID or on the second floor of Stride Bank Center Convention Hall. A VIP package for $250 will include one premium reserved ticket, a special question-and-answer session with band members, official VIP badge, photo opportunity with the band and several other perks. With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner has a formidable musical catalog that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Kevin Boryczki, general manager of Stride Bank Center said “This is our first major concert since COVID, and I would expect it to be a full crowd and a great turnout, based off the response we’ve had for similar shows, like Chicago, ZZ Top and REO Speedwagon.
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CN)—10 more newly confirmed virus-related deaths and 273 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released late this morning by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. There are currently 227 people hospitalized in the state for treatment of the virus. The seven-day rolling average for new daily cases reported was 294 cases.
COVID-19 Oklahoma Test Results
04.16.21
|
Cases |
444,863 |
|
*Total Cumulative Negative Specimens to Date |
3,498,331 |
|
*Total Cumulative Number of Specimens to Date |
3,912,328 |
|
Acute Care OSDH Licensed Facility Hospitalizations |
215 |
|
Other Types of Facilities Hospitalizations |
12 |
|
Provisional Death Count (CDC/NCHS) |
8,124 |
*The total includes laboratory information provided to OSDH at the time of the report. As a result, counts are subject to change. Total counts may not reflect unique individuals. Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. As of 2021-04-16 at 7:00 a.m.
There have been 7735 positive COVID-19 cases, and 127 deaths in Garfield County. 6846 of those cases and 118 deaths have been in Enid. In surrounding counties: Kingfisher County has reported 2035 cases, Alfalfa 1156, Blaine County is at 1033 cases, Major 954, and Grant 547.
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DP)--Coming up this evening the Enid Police Department in conjunction with Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies will be conducting saturation patrols for DUI enforcement. Lt. Eric Holtzclaw with the Enid Police Department says they want the community to be safe on their travels to and from any events. Plan your trips and plan for a ride home if you're going to drink. There will be zero tolerance for those found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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BS)--The Hospice Circle of Love annual spring book sale will be this weekend. It will be the 33rd year for the event. The sale features several thousands of titles in a large variety of categories, both fiction and non-fiction. Hardback books are $1, and paperbacks will be just 50 cents. In addition to books, patrons can find puzzles, books on tape and movies for sale. The sale will be open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, at the metal building just north of the Hospice Circle of Love office, 314 S. 3rd.
Hospice Circle of Love is a not-for-profit organization that cares for terminally ill patients, helping them to live a higher quality of life at the end of life. Patients and families are never charged for services. Proceeds from the book sale will be used to care for patients who don’t have a Medicare or insurance benefit for hospice care. Circle of Love serves patients within a 60-mile radius of Enid.
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SM)--Local residents are invited this coming week to enjoy the Enid High School Vocal Music and Theatre Departments production of “The Sound of Music”. EHS students will take the stage to bring this classical musical to life. Featuring music known world-wide performed by the EHS Orchestra, the show demonstrates the many talents of Enid High’s students. Showtime will be 7:00 p.m. on April 17, 20, and 22. There will be a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on April 18. All shows will be held in the EHS auditorium. Adult tickets are $12 and student tickets are $8. Tickets will be available one hour before show time.
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AM)--United Way of Northwest Oklahoma will host its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony April 29th from 11:30 to 1pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Stride Bank Center. There will be lunch, special presentations, the 2020-2021 campaign totals and an announcement from the 2021-2022 Campaign Chairs. Registration deadline is April 19th. For tickets, call the United Way office at 580-237-0821.
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BN)--Oklahoma Blood Institute officials said hospital blood usage has surged across the state, creating an urgent need for donors. March saw the highest distribution of certain blood products in the 44-year history of OBI. The increase in demand is the result of patients returning to the medical system for planned and routine medical care after postponing procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma-related blood needs also have increased as Oklahomans return to spring activities and travel. The local blood supply typically operates at a three-day supply, but the surge in demand has lowered levels to a one-day supply. Recent vaccination efforts also have challenged giving levels, as some donors mistakenly believe they can’t donate after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Donors can make appointments to donate at obi.org or walk in to any mobile blood drive or donation center to give. The NWOBI is located at 301 East Cherokee in Enid.
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RD)--The 16th annual Hanor Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ is expecting up to 50 teams from throughout the region to cook and be judged in the pursuit of cash and titles. The public is welcome to tour the cooking stations as teams prepare their entries Friday, April 23, and the morning of Saturday, April 24, in the parking lots east of Stride Bank Center. As part of the festivities on Friday the Bacon Bash will feature teams to compete for the title of champion, using pork products supplied by title sponsor Hanor Family of Companies, which is based in Enid. The bacon cook-off will benefit the United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, whose annual chili cook-off fundraiser was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With one $10 ticket, a guest will be able to taste 10 bacon creations from the 15 cooks competing in the cook-off. The Bacon Bash begins at 5:30 p.m. in the mezzanine of the Stride Bank Center. In addition, with the Stride Bank Center as the event’s financial backer this year, both a bar and live music entertainment will be around for cook-off patrons to enjoy. Tickets are available by calling the United Way office at (580) 237-0821 or visiting Stride Bank Center. All proceeds from the event will go to United Way. There also will be a kid’s cooking competition, a dance sponsored by 4RKids and more. On Saturday, Enid Noon AMBUCS will hold a lunch for $8 a plate from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the grand ballroom on the first floor. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance. There will be curb-side pickup available on the east side of Stride Bank Center.
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DH)--Enid’s Inaugural Community Dental Day & Health Fair is scheduled for Friday, May 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Great Plains Family Dentistry of Enid at 4125 W. Owen K. Garriott (just east of Chick Fila). Dan Schiedel, CEO of United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, said “Last year during the pandemic, Janet Cordell and I began talking about dental care and health needs for the uninsured and underserved individuals and families health needs that are going unmet in our community. So, we thought if we could put together a day for folks to get free dental services that it might help many who are in great need for this care.” Free rides to the event will be provided by the City of Enid and their public transportation system. A free lunch will be provided by the Salvation Army from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. In addition to the dental component of the event, there will be a health resource fair held in the parking lot. Numerous nonprofit agencies, hospitals and clinics will be there to provide information. Also, the Garfield County Health Department will be providing vaccinations for COVID-19 for anyone eligible who has not yet had a vaccination. Cordell said, “Walk ups are welcome. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like more information please call 580-233-5300 and leave a message with your name and number and someone will get back to you with more information.”
Tables for the health fair are still available for anyone who would like to participate. Please contact Dan Schiedel at dan@unitedwayenid.org or by calling 580-237-0821 at United Way of Northwest Oklahoma. Special thanks to our wonderful partners, without them this event would not happen: Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foundation, Enid Community Clinic, Rick's Pharmacy, United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, Enid Public Schools, City of Enid, Great Plains Family Dentistry of Enid, and Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation.
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