MV)--Former Enid Police Department Officer Jacob McKinley was recognized and honored Monday for his actions during an incident in October of last year involving a man acting erratically after making his way to the top of the abandoned Goodpasture grain elevator near the North Van Buren overpass. At the grain elevator, the officers found a man who claimed to have a gun and threatened to jump from the top if officers approached any closer. The three-hour standoff between the man and negotiators came to an end as the man climbed another 30 feet up the grain elevator and wrapped a large chain around his neck, hanged himself, slumped forward and passed out. McKinley and Sgt. Tanner Austin entered the elevator, and McKinley climbed 190 feet to reach the unconscious man. Enid Police Chief Bryan Skaggs said McKinley shed his gun belt, handcuffs and bullet-proof vest to fit through the small hatch that led to the man’s location. McKinley discovered the man unconscious but alive and breathing. He duct taped his legs together and placed him in handcuffs to prevent him from punching or kicking those who were desperately trying to save him. As a team of firefighters prepared to lower the man from the top of the grain elevator, McKinley and the man waited atop the grain elevator for approximately four hours. McKinley, who now works for Bartlesville Police Department, received the medal of valor on Monday for his bravery and lifesaving actions.
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AL)--An inoperable Vance Air Force Base T-1A Jayhawk trainer was airlifted Monday from Enid Woodring Regional Airport to Vance via helicopter. According to Vance public affairs, a CH-47 Chinook with the Army’s 1st Aviation Combat Brigade from Fort Riley, Kan., was utilized to sling-load the T-1 for the approximate 6-mile journey across primarily agricultural-use areas, affording both agencies a unique, cross-service training opportunity. Terri Schaefer, Vance chief of public affairs said the 1st Aviation Combat Brigade is responsible for recovering downed planes during war time.
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CC)--The Enid Mayor and Board of Commissioner will meet this evening. During the meeting commissioners will hear updates on asphalt and concrete repair work around town, as well as updates on the fiscal year 2023 budget and the Kaw Lake Water Pipeline project. Also, commissioners will hear an overview of the city’s recycling program, as well as discussion of a centralized location for the city’s hazardous waste pickup event. Commissioners will meet in a study session at 5:00 this afternoon in Council Chambers at the city administration building, 401 W. Garriott. The regular meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Both are open to the public.
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ST)--Enid municipal court and the city court clerk’s office will be closed for annual staff training from Wednesday to Friday. According to the city of Enid, regular business hours for the court clerk’s office will resume at 8:00 a.m., and regular court will resume at 2:00 p.m. on June 12. People can make payments online at http://www.enid.org/fines. For questions, contact the Enid City Marshal’s Office at (580) 402-5721.
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WO)--A planned water outage is scheduled for Wednesday night along part of West Garriott to allow workers to make new waterline connections. According to the city of Enid, the outage will affect West Garriott from the 4700 block to the 5300 block. The water outage is expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. with services expected to be restored by 3:30 a.m.
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