SAND SPRINGS -- The race for State House of Representatives District 68 seat will be decided during the primary election, July 29.

Evan Alexander, center, performs at the American Heritage Fiddle Festival in Grove recently. He is accompanied on guitar by his fiddle teacher Monte Gaylord, left, and Bubba Hopkins. - Submitted photo

SAND SPRINGS -- The last few months have been a busy time for 13-year-old Sand Springs fiddle player Evan Alexander, who has won several honors and entertained lawmakers at the state capitol.

SAND SPRINGS -- A Sand Springs woman is in jail, accused by police of blasting off a shotgun in the direction of some nearby houses. Police say it all happened in the middle of a heated domestic dispute on the 1200 block of North Cedar Tuesday morning.

SAND SPRINGS -- With the east side of the 51st Street widening project done, Tulsa County officials are now turning their attention to the west and the Sand Springs side of the project.

SAND SPRINGS -- County engineers are evaluating a partially collapsed bridge in west Sand Springs to determined the extent of damage and how soon it can be repaired.

BROKEN ARROW - Fire at Apple Creek Apartments may have been started by lightning.

TULSA - Head the family up and move 'em out - to the Gilcrease Museum.

PORTER - In less than two weeks, the 2008 Porter Peach Festival will transform the small Wagoner County community southeast of Coweta into a statewide road trip destination.

BROKEN ARROW - Ray Harral Nature Park is still feeling the impact of December's ice storm.

BROKEN ARROW - New fee structure closer to those of surrounding cities.

BROKEN ARROW - Shaky economy forces school district to leave some positions unfilled, change bus routes.

WAGONER - If college student Alana Hatley had to write an essay on how she spent her summer vacation, she could probably talk about how she bicycled across Iowa, and raised money for the Wagoner Animal Guardian Society.
From July 20 to July 26, Hatley, 24, will be bicycling across about 471 miles of Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River participating in the 36th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) along with thousands of other recreational riders.

BROKEN ARROW - Megee, Newberry hope to unseat incumbent

posted at 11:20 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 2008
OWASSO - Fifty years later, Danny and JoAnn Eberle are still holding hands.

posted at 10:51 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 2008
OWASSO - Only time will tell if Starbucks enthusiasts in Owasso will continue to enjoy their tall coffees, venti lattes or grande espressos.

posted at 10:24 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 2008
COWETA - A toddler found Tuesday morning, July 1 in a rural Wagoner County residential swimming pool has died.

posted at 8:44 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2008
TULSA - Owasso Mayor Stephen Cataudella answered perhaps the toughest question since he's been in office here Thursday night.

BROKEN ARROW - That question is still up in the air. The owner of this miniature horse, named Dakota, claims it is properly defined as a household pet. Neighbors disagree. Next, it will be up to a judge to decide if Dakota can stay or if he must find a new home on the range.

BROKEN ARROW - Tapp Development wants city to help widen 209th East Avenue.

BROKEN ARROW - Allegedly punched 11-year-old boy, bent another child's fingers back.

SOUTH CHINA/BIXBY: The picture with this story shows the mission team that traveled to South China together on a mission. They taught business and basketball; they built a playground; they painted a playroom; and they made friends with children who needed love.

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SOUTH CHINA/BIXBY: Two of the children Bixby visitors met at a South China orphanage were blind. It was believed that they were twins.

SOUTH CHINA (BIXBY): Terry West from First United Methodist Church, Bixby, with help from his English interpreter, Ben, bonded with many children at an orphanage in South China.

SOUTH CHINA/BIXBY: Members of First United Methodist Church, Bixby, spent five working days in southern China.
In the mornings they worked at orphanages, and in the afternoon they hosted a basketball camp.

JENKS - Coldwell Banker RaderGroup has merged with Terry Gartside Realtors to become Coldwell Banker Select.

JENKS - Coldwell Banker RaderGroup has merged with Terry Gartside Realtors to become Coldwell Banker Select.

A witness sits on the ground as officers inspect the scene early Wednesday morning. Police say a man drove the Hummer into the garage after a domestic incident. - Leader photo by Dustin Hughes

SAND SPRINGS -- A Tulsa man is in jail, after police accuse him of hitting and kneeing his pregnant ex-girlfriend in the face, and then driving a borrowed Hummer H2 through a Sand Springs home's closed garage.

JENKS - A Tulsa County Judge has ordered Ashley Parnell, 25, of Jenks bound over for trial on first degree murder charges of Skylar Roininen.

JENKS - Coldwell Banker RaderGroup has merged with Terry Gartside Realtors to become Coldwell Banker Select.

JENKS - Jones Riverside Airport is marking its 50th anniversary over the Fourth.

JENKS - The City of Jenks and Jenks Public Schools will have a public auction at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the City Maintenance Facility, 1701 N. Birch Street, Jenks.

JENKS - The School Board approved an agreement Monday night to purchase the First Baptist Church property that adjoins the central campus for nearly $3 million dollars.

JENKS - Political Forum at Chamber meal, car show, fireworks.

JENKS - What kind of bond? How much ... $142 million? Well, it's called a "lease revenue bond" and among its positives, say school administrators, is it provides up front money that allows construction of new projects to get started and finished faster.

BREAKING NEWS - COWETA - Two people have been injured in a one-car crash north of Coweta at Highway 51 and 127th Street.

WAGONER - A federal judge has scheduled a civil racketeering lawsuit against Lake Regional Electric Cooperative for the March, 2009 jury trial docket.
Michael and Sherry Linehan and Delisca, Ralph and Kathleen Cole, represented by attorney Corrine O'Day, filed a lawsuit against LREC and its board members Gary Cooper, John Hopkins, Lynn Lamons, Jim Loftin, Bobby Mayfield, Kenneth Shankle and Jack Teague, as well as LREC Chief Executive Officer Hamid Vahdatipour concerning allegations of voter fraud at its annual meetings, nepotism and attempts to defraud the government.

SAND SPRINGS -- Sand Springs youngsters got off to a jump start on Independence Day celebrations, as Project Summer Spirit students held their annual parade.

WAGONER - Two people were injured during a single-vehicle accident on a county road near Okay in Wagoner County. The accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2.
A report from the Okahoma Highway Patrol indicates that a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Cara M. Perkins, 43, of Muskogee, failed to negotiate a curve, thereby running off the road and striking a tree.

BIXBY, JULY 3: It may be hot outside now, but it will not be long before the Bixby Community Center will be hosting its 22nd annual Holiday Arts and Craft Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, December 6.

20 facts about someone you may know, but you didn't know THAT!

WAGONER - The Fantastic Fourth celebration promises the same entertainment, and moments to reflect on America's heritage, as some of the celebrations of the past.
Wagoner Mayor James Jennings said the Friday, July 4 event is budgeted with $16,000 to $20,000, with half going to purchase a large arsenal of fireworks.
The celebration in Maple Park will offer 25-cent hot dogs, and quarter pop and water. Inflatable jumping jupiters for will be available for the kids.

WAGONER - With July 4 on a Friday this year, many local law enforcement officers will be out making sure everyone has a safe weekend.
Wagoner Police Chief Terry Hornbuckle reported there will be extra officers out on patrol and working at the Fantastic Fourth celebrations on Friday, July 4.
He said officers will be looking for "drunks and dopers."
Hornbuckle reminds children under the age of 18 that there is a midnight curfew every night in the Wagoner city limits.
Wagoner County Sheriff Johnny Cannon reports that his office will have extra deputies and reserve deputies on duty just as a precautionary measure.
"We'll be out in full force just like any holiday," Cannon said. "I don't anticipate any problems."
With the lake levels the way they are, Cannon said he does not know at this time what camping and beach areas will be opened.  He said he will not hear from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until Wednesday.

BROKEN ARROW - High gas prices are pushing up ridership on public transportation and Broken Arrow is no exception. On Tuesday, the city council renewed its MTTA contract for another year's service.

WAGONER - "Shocked!"
That's the word Lesli Anguino used to describe her feelings about being chosen, along with her husband RD for a state Elks Lodge award.
Lesli and RD Anguino of Wagoner were named to the coveted 2007-2008 National Veterans Service Volunteer of the Year award for both the Elks man and Elks woman. Usually the award is given to two people in separate lodges. But, this year, both are in the same lodge, the same town, the same home.

posted at 2:52 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008
OWASSO - Construction began again this week on the Marriott TownePlace Suites Hotel, 9355 N. Owasso Expressway, almost two months after a thunderstorm blew it down.

WAGONER - The mood was emotional, yet quiet,, as a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient spoke to about 200 people at the Wagoner Elks Lodge facility on Long Bay Road on June 25.
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, retired U. S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jon R. Cavaiani told the crowd of some of his experiences of the Vietnam War, and of his subsequent service after he returned to farming in the U.S.
The stop at the Wagoner Elks Lodge was one of several in Oklahoma which Cavaiani made during a tour of military and Elks facilities.

WAGONER - Kaileigh Bullard, Oklahoma's Junior Miss, said she isn't disappointed about not winning the title of America's Junior Miss this past weekend.
"I went in thinking I was going to have the time of my life," she said, adding she was just going to leave it on the stage. "It was all up to the Lord. It was just a wonderful experience. I tried my best. I felt proud to be there."
Bullard, 17, was one of the top eight finalists at the 2008 competition in Mobile, Ala. The competition was a 3-day event, but Bullard spent about two weeks preparing for the competition with the 49 other Junior Misses from their respective states.

WAGONER - Walgreens is open, and ready to serve the public!
Thursday was the first day of business past an open house on Wednesday.
Wagoner's Walgreens Store Manager John Young said the first day was the stage for 550 transactions. With spouse and other people accompanying these transactions, the number of people involved from the public was about 1,000.
Young reports that Wednesday's open house involved about 60 transactions relating to about 120 people.

WAGONER - Taylor Ferry Fire Chief Doug Disler reported that a house fire on South 323 Road last week probably began in the bedroom.
At about 2:45 a.m. on June 23, firefighters with the Taylor Ferry Fire District responded to a house fire at 73982 S. 323 Road.
Disler reports that there was heavy white smoke coming from the house. He said the first crew on the scene cut the utilities, and the second and third crews arrived shortly thereafter.

WAGONER - Two Wagoner County Sheriff deputies showed they are never officially off-duty when they pulled two people from a plane which crashed into Fort Gibson Lake.
At about 4:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, a single-engine Mooney crashed into the lake near Western Hills Lodge in Sequoyah State Park.
Wagoner County Sheriff Johnny Cannon said that Lt. Lamar Jackson and Sgt. Willie Gann, both Sheriff's deputies, were in a boat about 200 yards away from the crash site. Cannon said they were off-duty at the time.

posted at 2:02 p.m. on Wednesday July 2, 2008

Motorists traveling south on Hwy. 169 are encountering a closed left lane as they approach the Bird Creek Bridge. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is grading the median. ODOT plans to install wire barriers along the median as a protective measure. Motorists can expect periodic delays until the project is completed later this year.

WAGONER - With the July 4 holiday weekend approaching, many people will probably head toward the lake.
Ross Adkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has three suggestions for people who will be out on the lakes.
"Wear a life vest, wear a life vest, wear a life vest," he said.

posted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 2, 2008
OWASSO - In an article the Reporter ran on Tuesday concerning the Pre-K teachers not being paid for May, the Reporter has learned that about 20 teachers did not receive their June 15 checks, which would have been the last ones for the year.

WAGONER - Joe Gordon's resignation as athletic director for Wagoner Public Schools was approved by the Board of Education last week.
Gordon did not attend the meeting on Friday, June 27. He was contacted by phone after the meeting for comment, but was unavailable at press time.
Former School Superintendent Janice Aldridge had reported prior to the meeting that Gordon had taken a position as assistant athletic director at the Muskogee Indian Capital Vo-Tech. She said Gordon had done a lot for the school district and has big shoes to fill.

posted at 1:58 p.m. on Wednesday July 2, 2008
OWASSO - New green refuse carts will soon be put into service across the city following action by the Owasso Public Works Authority Tuesday evening. The authority agreed to purchase 7,500 new carts at $47.25 each from Rehrig Pacific Company of Lawrenceville, Ga.

posted at 1:56 p.m. on Wednesday July 2, 2008
OWASSO - In an unexpected move a resolution to define how proceeds from a possible increase to the city's Hotel/Motel Tax was tabled by city councilors on Tuesday evening.

WAGONER - A new record has been set at Central Intermediate School.
Christopher Lindsay, 11, acquired the most Accelerated Reader points ever achieved by a student at the school.
Christopher earned 474.8 points from the books he read last school year, when he was in fifth grade. The previous record was 442.
The Accelerated Reader program awards points for books read, based on the number of words in the book. Students attain the points if they pass a test after reading a book. Each school has a list of books acceptable for the program.
Last year, Christopher's mother, Sharon Lindsay, asked him how many points he had so far. When he told her, she wondered if it was close to a record.

WAGONER - The Wagoner County Commissioners appointed a new board member to the Rolling Hills Fire District, but it didn't happen without a lot of discussion, and without the person the fire chief had recommended.
Glenda Dardenne was appointed 3-0 to serve on the fire district's board.
Raymond Jackson and Fred Williams had filed with the County Election Board to be elected to the Board in November. However, Commission Vice-Chair Tom Vincent informed them that election is null and void, because the resolution to call for an election was not legal.

WAGONER - This year's Annual General Membership Meeting of the Fort Gibson Lake Association brought the election of two new board members, as well as clearing up some possible misconceptions about the history of the association.
The meeting was in the parlor of the First United Methodist Church in Wagoner on Tuesday, June 24.
FGLA Executive Director Patty Stewart said new members elected by the membership include Jackie Stewart, executive director of Green Country Marketing in Tulsa and Sam Bracken, executive chief of the Canebrake. Both terms are for three years.

For the past 32-1/2 years, Milana Johnson has been greeting customers at the Green Parrot Cafe. She started waiting tables on March 6, 1976 for then owners Wesley and Colleen Hopping and has spent the past 14-plus years as owner of the 65-year-old downtown eating establishment.

JENKS - Welcome Home Army Sergeant Jacob L. Delacerda. Home on Independence Day, U.S. Army Sergeant Jacob L. Delacerda has returned after a 14-month tour of duty in Iraq.

SAND SPRINGS -- Sand Springs Schools Assistant Superintendent Robert Franklin said school programs that are not self-supportive have been impacted by budget cuts the district was forced to make this year.

SAND SPRINGS -- A July 7 trial date has been set for a 24-year-old Sand Spring man charged in the shooting death of Anthony Michael Johnson, 21, also a Sand Springs resident.

SAND SPRINGS -- A Sand Springs resident, Kevin Raye Pigeon Jr., 25, is awaiting a July 21 first degree murder trial in the shooting death of a 17-year-old Sapulpa youth.

SAND SPRINGS -- On the best days, a chaplain is someone who listens to problems, can perform christenings, or weddings.

On the worst days, when violence shakes even the hardened law enforcement officers, a chaplain is the only calm in a harsh and stormy world.

Thursday, July 3 is the last day to register for voters who want to vote in the July 29 Primary Election.

SAND SPRINGS -- The word is spreading about the Great Sand Springs Downhill Soap Box Derby Race.

JENKS - The City of Jenks and Jenks Public Schools will have a public auction at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the City Maintenance Facility, 1701 N. Birch Street, Jenks.

JENKS - Fireworks displays, festivities, car shows, air flights - and to cap it off - the big Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza at RiverWalk Crossing.
Promoters are promising it to be the best firework display in South Tulsa along the banks of the Arkansas River.

Even though it rained, all bands played at this year's Skiatook Bluegrass Festival and organizers said there were more campers this year. Final numbers are not recorded, but attendance may have been affected.

Organizers said they appreciate the support of local businesses. Skiatook Bluegrass Festival included concerts and activities June 26-28.

In addition to listening to bluegrass music, those attending had the opportunity to purchase products, such as pottery.

JENKS - Two Jenks wrestlers made national headlines in Kansas City this past weekend not only for helping their team, Team Oklahoma, win first place honors at the Cadet National Duels, but by going undefeated individually in their respective weight classes.

JENKS - America's newest yodeling champion is 14-year-old Emma Jane Pendleton of Tulsa.

Rod Serling-like scenario plays out in reality

Mobile home park residents to receive a refresher on rights

Attendance up

posted at 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday July 1, 2008
SEATTLE, WA. - Starbuck's announced Tuesday it will close about 600 under performing company-operated stores across the United States.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE - COWETA - A 19-month-old boy is at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa on a respirator this afternoon after being found in a swimming pool in rural Wagoner County Tuesday morning.

In spite of rain during the frog hopping contest and turtle races at the Optimist Club Green Corn Festival, the parade took off without a hitch.
Don Carmichael served as parade marshal.

TULSA AREA - Dog and its handler will be part of a larger team to combat county drug problems.

TULSA - Chief financial officer suspended; new CEO named

BROKEN ARROW - Marijuana, cocaine found in vehicle

Dee Wilson, department vice commander for American Legion Post 226 in Coweta, is running for state commander July 13.

BROKEN ARROW - Police say thieves targeting Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundras.

COWETA - The upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, July 29 has much more at stake than just sending political candidates on to the November General Election.

Once again, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board unanimously voted to deny parole to David G. Smith, 54, who is serving a life sentence for the 1978 killing of Catoosa Police Chief J.B. Hamby.

(G.B. Poindexter/Ledger)

SAND SPRINGS -- It's always good to have a back-up plan.

GLENPOOL - Amendment to city code ordinance 593 to enable residents of Glenpool to use fireworks within the city limits was passed by the city council in April, 2008.

(G.B. Poindexter/Ledger)

posted at 2:05 p.m. on Monday June 30, 2008
OWASSO - Red, White and Boom celebration will be combined with American's favorite pastime Thursday evening at Drillers Stadium in Tulsa.

posted at 2:05 p.m. on Monday June 30, 2008
OWASSO - The Owasso Humane Society celebrated its grand opening Saturday with several events, including a dog costume contest, donuts and hamburgers for the humans, free dental exams for pets and birthday celebration for Beny, Owasso's police dog.

Jayden is among the many dogs and cats now being offered for adoption by the Humane Society of Owasso.

posted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday June 30, 2008
OWASSO - City councilors will consider a resolution specifically defining the "Strong Neighborhoods Initiative" as economic development and designating it to receive revenues from the city's Hotel/Motel Tax during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Old Central, 109 Birch.

SAND SPRINGS - A Vian woman who prosecutors accuse of leaving her baby locked in a hot car in a Sand Springs parking lot June 21 has been charged with a felony in the Tulsa district court.

posted at 9:35 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008
OWASSO - 20 facts about someone you may know, but you didn't know THAT!

posted at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2000
OWASSO - What started out as a way to get out of class soon had tom boy Candace Spencer, 16, doing something she thought she never would - competing in a scholarship pageant.

BROKEN ARROW - DHS says center's operator kept facility open without power during December's ice storm