Liquor-by-the- drink prop to be on Woods County June ballot · 2020-04-15 · drink prop to be on Woods County June ballot. April 15, 2020 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram Page 2 The

Liquor-by-the-drink prop to be

on Woods County June ballot

April 15, 2020 Page 2Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

The Alva Review-Courier / Newsgramis published Wednesday byMartin Broadcasting Corp.

620 Choctaw St.Alva, Oklahoma 73717

Lynn L. Martin, PresidentTelephone Numbers:

Alva Review-Courier 580-327-2200Newsgram 580-327-1510

FAX 580-327-2454www.alvareviewcourier.com

E-Mail: manager @[email protected]

Entire Contents Copyright 2018Members of:

Associated PressOklahoma Press Association

By Sen. Roland Pederson The legislature convened at the

Capitol on Monday to approve Gov. Stitt’s declaration of a health emergency under the Catastrophic Emergency Powers Act, which was passed in 2003 in response to 9/11. This is the first time in our state’s history

this act has been used and approved. The governor now has additional powers to spend money and suspend rules and regulations to better coordinate COVID-19 response efforts across the state for the next 30 days.

We also passed three bills to address the now expected $416 million budget shortfall for 2020. The legislation authorizes withdrawals to fill the budget gap from the Revenue Stabilization Fund and the Rainy Day Fund, which are the state’s savings accounts. The legislature is committed to fully funding the 2020 budget, which is why we acted swiftly to ensure the stability of our core services during this uncertain time.

Senate Review

Legislature approves use ofCatastrophic Emergency Powers Act for first time in state history

While at the Capitol, we took extra precaution to follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations to ensure the safety of all who were present. Upon entering the building, we were screened for a fever. Individual masks were sewn for us by a Senate staffer to reduce the transmission of germs, and we were required to stay in our offices until it was our turn to vote. We asked questions, debated and voted in small groups to adhere to CDC social distancing recommendations, and took extra precaution to stay at least 6 feet away from each other at all times. It was a very somber experience during this extremely difficult time.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, the Garfield, Grant and Kay county health departments are each offering mobile testing by appointment only for those who are exhibiting virus symptoms including a fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms of the virus, please be tested immediately. Increased testing is the

only way we will have an accurate picture of the true impact COVID-19 is having across our communities, state and nation. Even if you feel well and are exhibiting no symptoms, I continue to encourage you to stay home unless you must get out for the essentials. We all must do our part to flatten the curve of the virus so we can get back to our normal lives.

Finally, I’d like to thank our doctors, nurses and first responders who are on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. These men and women are risking their lives to take care of our loved ones, and we owe them much gratitude. Thank you – and my prayers are with each of you during this critical time in history.

Please continue to pray for those who have been impacted by this virus. If there is an issue I can help you with during this time, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me at 405-521-5630 or via email at [email protected].

By Yvonne MillerDuring this unprecedented time

of uncertainty, and in many cases financial hardships, depression and feelings of isolation with the COVID-19 pandemic, thankfully you hear uplifting stories. Despite the bad, there is so much good that happens in America.

One such story happened in Kiowa, Kansas. Hometown Market Board President Mike Miller told the Newsgram that an anonymous donor gave $500 to the grocery store to benefit a select group of local World War II and Korea veterans and their widows with their grocery purchases (which averaged about $75 per person.) One of those was beloved Raymond Randall, known as “Chief” by locals. He has relatives who were Navajo Code Talkers during World War II.

When you hear a story like this of selfless kindness and generosity – just pay it forward.

An Anonymous Act ofKindness during pandemic

April 15, 2020 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram Page 3


Those pesky mistakesBy Marione Martin

Ah, those pesky mistakes! While working in radio broadcasting, I really appreciated that it was easy to deny

statements made on the air waves. If I pronounced someone’s name wrong or used the wrong form of a verb, it generally went unnoticed by most listeners. If someone reported to management that an announcer made an

error in a news report, the announcer could deny that’s what he said.

Errors in print are a lot harder to deny. I usually find the worst errors while running the printing press or a bit later when I sit down to look over the finished edition.

It’s easy to be critical of errors until you’ve been tasked with the proofreading and checking. After some time wearing those shoes, one becomes a lot more understanding and forgiving.

When I was growing up, my family was involved in newspaper publishing and job printing. I’ve always been an avid book reader, and my best school grades were always in English. Despite that, my proofreading isn’t foolproof.

At one time, I was the main proofreader for the newspaper office, and Helen Barrett proofread my writing. Then I took over the bookkeeping tasks, and Helen was assigned the proofreading. I filled in when she was gone, and I checked her writing. I remember once I proofread a Rotary Club students of the month article. My brother and others kindly pointed out that Rhonda was his daughter and not his “son” as it stated in the story. I still can’t believe I missed that one!

Currently, Kathleen Lourde has the thankless task of proofreading the majority of news in our publications. I proofread her writing.

However, I still have the task of checking the Alva Review-Courier and Freedom Call papers before they are printed. I don’t read every word, but I try to catch errors in headlines and picture captions. I check page dates and the story “jumps” or continuations to make sure readers are directed to the correct page. I also check that all the ads and legal notices are included.

I was born in Missouri so I am quite familiar with the quote: “The buck stops here.” The phrase was popularized by U.S. President Harry S. Truman who called Missouri home. He kept a sign with that phrase on his desk in the Oval Office. I try to keep that phrase in mind while doing my various jobs.

I must have been less alert than normal last Thursday night as I can easily count four errors I should have noticed in Friday’s edition, two of them on the front page! One error originated with me. The others started elsewhere, but I should have caught them! I discovered the two on the front page about halfway through the press run.

It always helps if we can laugh at our mistakes. The Oklahoma Press Association celebrates printed mistakes during the annual press convention, featuring the year’s collected mistakes in a Bloopers contest. After displaying mistakes on a large screen with witty comments from the OPA’s Executive Vice President Mark Thomas, a Blooper of the Year prize is awarded.

The Alva Review-Courier actually won one year. Someone decided to run spell check on the Action Ads and accidentally agreed to change the spelling of a word. That word was changed to one not used in polite conversation, resulting in an embarrassing error. We brought home the prize, a wall hanging made of a toilet seat framing our award.

Very occasionally, people point out errors that we don’t consider errors. People’s names, phone numbers and website addresses are particularly easy to mess up. For example, I wrote about the survey currently being conducted online by the Alva Swimming Pool Task Force. Someone told someone else who told us that the website address was wrong. I compared the printed newspaper to the survey address I had copied and pasted. It was exactly the same. However, that address was at the end of a sentence which was appropriately followed by a period. What if someone decided the period was part of the address?

So in Sunday’s paper, I published a photo of the swimming pool with a caption telling about the survey. This time, I typed in the website address (not a good idea). I managed to transpose two letters. It has since been corrected on our website (Thanks, Becky!). So here’s the address with no period at the end (hopefully):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVDY9JJ

Please fill out the survey online by April 20 so the task force has a good idea of what people want in a restored or brand new swimming pool.

And wish me luck in catching errors!2020 Census

Every 10 years, the United States counts its residents. The resulting population numbers are then used for all kinds of grants and funding from the federal level on down to cities and counties. An Oklahoma Senate news release estimates that each person counted represents $1800 annually to the state. The data is also used to determine how to draw districts for members of the state legislature and the members of Congress.

Census mailings began in March. April 1 is the date to use when determining who lives where. To date, 43.6 percent of Oklahomans have filled out the census. Kansas is doing better with a 53.3 percent response. In the last census in 2010, only 62.3 percent of Oklahomans responded while Kansans hit the 70 percent mark.

We’re halfway through the census period with responses being accepted through April 30. After that, census workers are supposed to go around trying to locate those who have not responded. However, those home visits may not be possible due to coronavirus measures.

If you haven’t filled out your 2020 Census information, please do so. If you have the paper form which was mailed late in March, you can fill that out and mail it in.

This year you can respond to the census online, and the majority of those who have responded did it that way. If you can’t find your form, you can still use the online method. Just go to www.my2020census.gov.

The third way to respond is by telephone. The number for English speakers is 844-330-2020. There are phone numbers for other languages. Those may be found at the census website www.2020census.gov.

If you prefer, you may also contact the Alva Public Library. Even though the doors are locked, staff members will answer the phone. They’ll be glad to handle the computer side of your census response while you answer the questions over the phone. The library number is 580-327-1833, and their COVID-19 hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.



By Kathleen LourdeThe Cherokee Public Schools Board

of Education held its special meeting April 9 online, using Zoom web conferencing software.

Virtually present were board members Kory Littlefield, Desiree Gibson, Amber Wilhite, Shane Parker and Kurtis Goodwin. Encumbrance Clerk Judy Porter and Superintendent Donna Anderson were also virtually present.

Distance Learning Underway; 3,000 Meals Served in 1 Week

Distance learning began in Cherokee in early April; teachers and the administration team “worked very hard to put out a really good plan,” Superintendent Anderson told the board at its April 9 meeting. “It seems to be going well,” she said.

“The other thing is last week we provided 3,000 meals, breakfast and lunch. So, 300 kids a day are getting breakfast and lunch, so we’re really excited about that,” Anderson said, adding that the program would continue through the summer. “This is at no cost to Cherokee Public Schools,” she said.

The board approved granting emergency powers to Superintendent Anderson, who assured the board that she would make sure to keep them apprised of any significant decisions she planned to make so that she could get their input.

Financial Assistance for Cherokee

Students Attending NWOSUThe board voted to pay the books and

fees for Cherokee High School’s juniors and seniors attending NWOSU for the 2020-21 school year “or until such time as NWOSU reinstates the funding or Cherokee Public School cannot continue the financial obligation.” The Cherokee school district will pay for six hours per year per student, but the wording was changed to reflect the current distance learning environment. Instead of specifying that tuition would be paid for, that word was changed to “books and fees.”

“I talked to Judy (Porter) this morning and the cost is under $2,000 a semester, or right in there,” said Anderson, “So I feel like we’re still okay making that commitment to the kids.”

Personnel Re-hiredThe board approved a resolution to

Change the School Calendar and Ensure Employee Pay.

“This is the resolution to let me pay them the rest of their contract,” said Superintendent Anderson. “Most are on a 12-month contract; some are 10-month, some 11-month, and those are the ones we’re talking about.” The other staff would be addressed in a later agenda item, she said.

Later, the board approved re-hiring all certified and/or support personnel for the 2020-21 school year.

Bond Questions SettledThe board approved a resolution

determining the maturities of, and setting a date, time and place for the sale of the $760,000 Taxable Combined Purpose Building Bonds, and designating bond counsel. Board President Kory Littlefield said, “the dates we’re looking at are May 27, 28, 29. We’re leaning toward May 28 at noon.” After checking schedules, Littlefield moved that the date be set for May 28 at noon, and the motion was passed.

The board considered an agenda item that would appoint an acting president and/or acting clerk for the school district – should the president and/or clerk be absent – to execute “any and all documents pertaining to setting the maturities, date, time and place of the bond sale.” The board took no action on the matter.

Other Board BusinessSome general housekeeping items the

board approved included: • a statutory waiver/exemption

application for the school to hold its parent/teacher conferences following a regular school day during the 2020-21 school year.

• the Alfalfa County Interlocal Agreement for the 2020-21 school year.

• the HB 1864 Method, where Cherokee Public Schools documents 1080 hours of school instead of the traditional method of 180 days for the 2020-2021 school year.

• the Resolution for Schools and Libraries Universal Services (E-Rate) for 2020-2021. This resolution authorizes filing form 471 applications for funding year 2020-2021 and the payment of the application’s share upon approval of funding and receipt of services.

The board also approved the consent agenda: minutes of past meetings; general fund and child nutrition fund encumbrances, warrants, purchase orders and balances, along with building fund encumbrances, purchase orders and balances; the activity fund balances and treasurer’s report on balances; and surplussing an old color printer in the ag classroom that’s not working anymore.

‘Virtual’ Cherokee school board discusses distance learning, expanded meals program



By Yvonne MillerThe South Barber Board of Education

met for their regular April meeting Monday evening in the library at the high school. President Mark Pollock called the meeting to order as each member sat at one of the individual tall tables to follow social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are: Mike Miller, Ryan Molz, Deb Helfrich, Jenna Mostert and Emily Lohmann by Zoom online meeting. Bryan Quick was absent. Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller stood and spoke throughout the meeting. Board Clerk Julie Johnson attended as did IT Director Luke MacKinney, who had the meeting live streaming on the school’s website, southbarber.com.

The board accepted the retirement of Jerry Holt who has taught an unbelievable 58 years at South Barber. He’s taught upper-level math and science classes for years. Grade 7-12 Principal Brent Shaffer said Mr. Holt told him he never dreamed he’d be finishing his educational career teaching students online who are at their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His retirement is effective at the end of this 2019-20 school year.

Social studies teacher Tim Carey submitted his resignation, which the board accepted.

Last month Superintendent Miller recommended that the board vote to prohibit students from bringing their cellphones into the school building. Miller said he sees cellphones in the classroom as “a distraction to learning.” Someone asked about teachers’ cellphones. The superintendent said they just ask teachers not use their phones during class. Shaffer said teachers need to have their cellphones in case they need to contact administration.

The board voted 5-0 to ban cellphone use during school hours for students.

Renewal of the contract with Keystone Food Services for the 2020-21 school year was approved by the board.

The South Barber Alumni Association requested and received approval of the board to use the high school gymnasium Labor Day weekend (Sept. 6 and 7) for their activities.

SB Administrators Report on Many Subjects

The superintendent gave an update on the school’s multi-purpose building and storm shelter that is to be built through a FEMA grant. He said it’s temporarily on

hold as FEMA is “overwhelmed” with COVID-19.

The new bleachers are installed in the high school gym. Miller said staff is taking care of small follow-up details. The new speaker system for the gymnasium will be installed soon, he said. The superintendent thanked both the Myrtle King Foundation and Kiowa’s The General Store for their donations toward the sound system. He said they may get some government money so the new system may cost USD255 nothing at all.

Both Miller and Shaffer expressed their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has stepped up and helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both mentioned IT Director Luke MacKinney.

Shaffer complimented his teachers for doing a “great job adjusting, adapting and meeting the needs and challenges of our students and the situation.”

Miller read the lengthy list of school events and activities that were postponed indefinitely because of hoped-for virus containment with school closures across the U.S. He and Shaffer both expressed their hope that they can make some of those events happen in the coming months.

Shaffer said the senior class has 14 students. “The kids just hope there is something,” he said. The principal and other administration are working on having “some type” of graduation. There’s talk of possibly combining awards and graduation for example.

Shaffer invited School Counselor Jessica Chegwidden to the meeting to discuss CTE Pathways. She focused on Health Science – telling about Intro to Healthcare; work experience in that field; and success they’ve had with students.

Driver’s Ed classes that Shaffer teaches are “on hold” due to COVID-19, he said. He’s following guidelines from the state.

Administrators will announce rescheduled events when they know something.

South Barber School Board bans student cellphones, Holt retires after 58 yearsCarey resigns



By Yvonne MillerLast weekend wasn’t the traditional

Easter everyone is accustomed to in Kiowa, Kansas, or anywhere for that matter. That nasty COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with everyone across the nation – basically halting the U.S. economy, forcing people to stay home and keep their social distance (six feet apart). About any activity you can imagine has been canceled – including traditional Easter Egg hunts for the kids.

Well, the Easter Bunny decided to bring joy to the little children of Kiowa Saturday anyway in a safe manner. With a huge basket of candy, the furry cutie jumped into a golf cart with Chamber of Commerce President Janet Robison and away they went. They drove up and down Kiowa’s streets where youngsters awaited their arrival and received a stash of Easter candy.

Robison said, “There were tons of kids and we had a ball. We laughed and wished we had a bell like the ice cream truck!”

Here comes Peter Cottontail

Kiowa Chamber of Commerce President Janet Robison escorts the Easter Bun-ny around town in a golf cart to delight children with Easter candy. Photo by Yvonne Miller

Kiowa youth Kenslea Schupbach lifts her cousin Brooklyn Kraft to get candy from the friendly Easter Bunny who makes the rounds around Kiowa on a beau-tiful Saturday afternoon. Photo by Yvonne Miller



ObituariesBRADLEY JOSEPH BOYER

Bradley was the great grandson of Harry “Bud” Joseph and Mary C. Gatz

(farmers southwest of Alva).

Graveside services for Bradley Boyer will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Alva

Municipal Cemetery with Patrick Farrell officiating. For the health and safety of family and friends the service will be livestreamed on Marshall Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home of Alva.

Bradley Joseph Boyer, son of Trella (Holden) Mans and Stanley Boyer, was born March 23, 1981, in Wichita, Kansas, and passed away April 6, 2020, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 39.

Bradley was a lifelong resident of Wichita, Kansas. He was a member of Calvary Chapel of Wichita, where he volunteered at events and painting the church. He was employed as a painter for the last three years. Bradley enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs and throwing the football around with his buddies.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Doyal and Wanda Holden, Keith and Clarita Dunn; great grandparents, Harry “Bud” Joseph and Mary C. Gatz and his beloved dog, Sparkles.

Bradley is survived by his mother, Trella (Holden) Mans and husband, David, of Wichita; his father, Stanley Boyer and wife, Deborah, of Wichita; brothers Chris Waterbury and wife Paula of Wichita, and Michael Boyer

of Wichita; a sister, Kathryn Wilson and husband Craig of Wichita; two step-sisters, Micheal Van Gaasbeek and husband Timothy of Wichita and Trisha Wafer of Wichita.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews Kelsey Crosby and boyfriend Malik Smith of Olathe, Jacob Benton of Wichita, Ryan Benton of Wichita, Collin Waterbury and fiancée Kayleigh Vestring of Wichita, Allysa Dean of Wichita, Trace Dean of Wichita, and Journey, Cashton, and Delilah Van Gaasbeek, all of Wichita; great nephew, Karston Waterbury of Wichita; many other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home in his memory.

Remembrances may be shared with the family at www.marshallfuneralhomes.com.

VELDON LEE BUSHVeldon Lee Bush was born on

March 7, 1954, in Hardtner, Kansas, and passed from this life on April 2, 2020, in Wichita, Kansas. Date and time of his memorial service will be published after plans have been made.

Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa, Kansas. Online condolences may be made at www.lanmanmemorials.com.

MORRIS HERDEMorris loved Jesus Christ since

he was in his early 20s, and now he is walking and talking in person with the God he worshipped and adored. Morris was born on March 25, 1935, in Billings, Oklahoma, and passed away on March 31, 2020.

Morris was always a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to football at the University of Oklahoma, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder. For most of his professional life he was in sales and was especially proud of his more than 25 years with Gold Spot Dairy in Enid and Alva, and then several years with MasterGuard Home Fire Safety in Alva and Kaw City. He also spent a few years as a product support specialist with

Sykes Enterprises in Ponca City.As a former Sunday school teacher

and leader at Central Baptist Church of Ponca City, he delighted in studying the Bible and then sharing the insights and wisdom given to him by God for giving to others.

He was married to Coleen Dennis Herde from 1955 to early 1976, with whom he had four children. He married his wife of 43 years, Dee, in late 1976. Both of them were deeply involved in Baptist church ministries in Alva and Ponca City during their lives together.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Francis (d.2009) and Ruth (d.1997) Herde of Billings, Oklahoma, his sister, Caroll Herde (d.1940) of Billings, and his sister, Loretta Myers of Blackwell, Oklahoma, (d.2017).

Morris is survived by his wife, Dee (of Kaw City, Oklahoma), his sister, Clarice Everhart and her husband Harley (of Gig Harbor, Washington); his brother, Dale Herde (of Billings); seven children: Bryan Herde and wife Gayle (of Centennial, Colorado), Mark Herde (of Chandler), Darrel Herde and wife Michal (of Wiggins, Colorado); Susan Harrison and husband Rob (of Aurora, Colorado); Mardi Ahring and husband Bob (of Dallas, Texas), Myrna Hatcher (of Enid), and Johnny Anthony and wife Sheila (of Hillsdale, Oklahoma). Morris was especially proud of having 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Morris’ influence upon the lives of his family, those with whom he worked, and those with whom he shared God’s Word and fellowship was significant and special. Our Heavenly Father knows just how much He achieved through the life of his son and servant.

Morris, you always wondered just how much your life counted for God, and now you know that in complete detail. We look forward to seeing you again!

In lieu of flowers or plants, donations may be made to: Central Baptist Church, 1732 East Coleman Road, Ponca City, OK 74604. Please write “Morris Herde for Central Baptist Academy” on the Memo line of checks.

See Obits Page 39



By Marione MartinMonday the Woods County

Commissioners took action to place a “liquor by the drink” proposition on the June 30 ballot. Although the county already has a law allowing liquor by the drink, only low point beer could be served on Sundays and holidays. When the high point beer law went into effect in October 2016, low point beer basically went away. If passed June 30, the proposition would allow Woods County restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages on all days of the week including Sundays and holidays.

The proposition asks, “Shall the retail sale of alcoholic beverages and by the individual drink for on-premises consumption during each day be approved within Woods County, Oklahoma, according to the laws of the State of Oklahoma?”

In another election-related action, the commissioners approved the use of the Woods County Fairgrounds as a polling place for the Woods County Election Board. Commissioner Randy McMurphy explained that The Homestead retirement community is not expected to be available as a polling place due to COVID-19 quarantine. The election board isn’t sure if some of the other regular polling places will be open either. The county board had to let the state know locations in the next few days, so the commissioners voted to make the fairgrounds available. They’ll allow the election board to use the women’s building or the merchants building as needed.

All three county commissioners (McMurphy, David Hamil and John Smiley) were present for the meeting.

Freedom Fire Department BidBids from three companies for a skid

unit and light package for the Freedom Fire Department were opened by Jennifer Schafer. Woods County Emergency Management Director Ethan Feidler

attended the meeting to study the bids compared to the specifications.

J & J Custom Fire of Pawnee submitted two bids on the skid steer and a separate electrical bid for the lights. Feidler said the lower $14,500 bid on the skid steer did not meet specs for stainless steel fittings. The higher bid of $17,500 did meet specs. Adding $7,500 for the lights, the bid came to $25,000. A bid for the skid steer and lights from Chief Fire and Safety of Chickasha totaled $27,735. The lowest bid was from Cooper Creek of Loyal totaling $22,850.

The main difference found in the bids was the pricing on the lighting and associated electrical work. Smiley said it was important to save money and it’s fairly inexpensive to change out lighting if it doesn’t work out. He made a motion to accept the low bid by Cooper Creek. It was seconded and approved.

Nescatunga Arts Festival postponedDue to the uncertainty surrounding

the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nescatunga Arts Council has decided to postpone the annual Arts Festival from June 6 to August 8. They asked the commissioners for permission to use county property (the courthouse square) for the festival on that date. The commissioners approved the request.

Monthly ReportsThe commissioners approved the

following monthly reports:Assessor, Collections, $442.50County Clerk Office, Collections,

$11,628.15Court Clerk Office, Balance,

$97,936.61Court Clerk RM & P, Balance,

$1,494.97Election Board, Balance, $3,623.93Health Dept., Collections, $273.14Sheriff’s, Collections, $1,964.25 Board of Prisoners, Expenses, $518.00Treasurer’s Office, Balance,

$37,788.91Monthly Appropriations

The following monthly appropriations were approved:

Commissioner District 1: $167,263.04Commissioner District 2: $131,891.17Commissioner District 3: $116,130.64CBRI D#1:$13,678.44CBRI D#2:$13,678.43CBRI D#3: $13,678.43(CBRI is County Bridge and Road

Improvement)Treasurer Resale: $3,550.26

Sheriff’s Service Fee & CHS: $7,842.77

County Clerk’s Lien Fee: $853.96County Clerk’s Preservation Fee:

$2,340.00Mortgage Tax: $130.00Court Clerk Salary: $4,200.56Court Clerk RM & P: $389.50Enhanced 911: $21,307.33

Less Than Half Respond to CensusMcMurphy concluded with a reminder

that it’s very important that everyone fill out the census online, by phone or by mail. Census workers can’t go door to door in the present quarantine so it’s up to people to do it themselves. He said it’s easy to fill out the form. He acknowledged some are reluctant because they are worried about privacy, but any personal information from the census is protected and not shared.

County Clerk Shelley Reed agreed saying she did not find the questions to be invasive of her privacy.

“If I can do it, anybody can,” Hamil commented.

Current 2020 Census figures indicate 39.1 percent of people in Woods County have responded to the census compared to 41.3 percent for Oklahoma as a whole. That’s certainly better than the 7.7 percent rate in Cimarron County but below the 53.8 percent response rate logged by Canadian County.

Completing the census puts more federal dollars back in the pockets of Oklahomans through various grant programs. It’s also important for rural Oklahomans to be counted to make sure they are represented by legislators in redistricting.

Other BusinessThe commissioners approved a road

crossing permit for Alfalfa Electric Cooperative in Commissioner District 3. Smiley said the permit is for an overhead utility line on Apache Road. The legal description is 4-22-13. No permit fee is charged.

The commissioners passed a resolution allowing the election board to surplus and junk a Toshiba laptop.

Three vehicles from District 3 that had been declared as surplus were sold at the CED Auction. A 2008 Chevy pickup was sold to John Stine for $5,980. A 2007 Chevy pickup was sold to Bob Vanstaver for $3,220, and 1964 Chevy C600 was sold to J.R. Rupp for $552.

The commissioners approved blanket purchase orders, warrants and claims.

Every day liquor by the drink on June 30 ballot





Oklahoma State Department of Health

As of this advisory on April 14 at 7 a.m., there are 2,184 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.

There are nine additional deaths:One in Tulsa County, a female in the

65 and older age group.One in Major County, a female in the

18-35 age group.One in Mayes County, a male in the

65 and older age group.One in Pittsburg County, a male in

the 65 and older age group. One in Pontotoc County, a male in

the 65 and older age group.One in Rogers County, a male in the

65 and older age group. One in Wagoner County, a female in

the 65 and older age group. One in Washington County, a female

in the 65 and older age group.One in Osage County, a female in

the 65 and older age group. There are 108 total deaths in the

state.The Oklahoma State Department

of Health (OSDH) has established a task force, including nurses and epidemiologists, to work with long term care facilities through onsite consultation, assessment and training to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in facilities. The agency also is distributing shipments of personal protective equipment (PPE) to facilities.

OSDH continues to work with hospitals to prepare for a surge to the medical system in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

COVID-19 Oklahoma Test ResultsCases 2,184*Total Cumulative Negative

Specimens 26,085

*Total Cumulative Number of Specimens to Date 28,225

Total Cumulative Hospitalizations 488

Deaths 108*The total includes laboratory

information provided to OSDH at the time of the report. Total counts may not reflect unique individuals.

COVID-19 Cases by Age GroupingAge Group Cases Deaths00-04 21 005-17 35 018-35 387 336-49 450 350-64 561 1465+ 730 88Total 2,184 108

COVID-19 Cases by GenderGender Cases DeathsFemale 1,203 50Male 981 58Total 2,184 108

COVID-19 Cases by CountyCounty Cases DeathsAdair 28 2Alfalfa 1 0Atoka 1 0Beaver 1 0Beckham 1 0Bryan 4 0Caddo 10 0Canadian 62 3Carter 1 0Cherokee 20 1Choctaw 3 0Cleveland 277 17Comanche 52 0Cotton 5 0Craig 9 0Creek 60 3Custer 7 0Delaware 71 0Dewey 1 0Garfield 7 1

Garvin 10 0Grady 12 0Grant 2 0Greer 49 4Jackson 7 0Jefferson 1 0Johnston 2 0Kay 45 4Kingfisher 6 0Kiowa 2 0Latimer 4 1Le Flore 3 0Lincoln 10 0Logan 7 0Love 2 0Major 2 1Marshall 1 0Mayes 14 3McClain 18 0McCurtain 6 0Murray 1 0Muskogee 25 2Noble 6 0Nowata 11 0Okfuskee 1 0Oklahoma 474 19Okmulgee 14 0Osage 59 8Ottawa 22 0Pawnee 27 2Payne 28 0Pittsburg 11 1Pontotoc 10 1Pottawatomie 28 3Rogers 28 1Seminole 7 1Sequoyah 11 2Stephens 15 1Texas 6 0Tillman 1 0Tulsa 358 19Wagoner 98 5Washington 118 3Woodward 1 0Total 2,184 108

* Community spread is defined as the spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. For purposes of our COVID-19 reporting, we are highlighting the counties that contain a positive case.

Footnote: As additional information is obtained through the investigation process, today’s table includes corrections for Garvin, McClain, and Osage counties which were reduced by one case due to case duplication and residence clarification.

Situation Update: COVID-19


By State Rep. Carl Newton I know this Easter must have been

much different for everyone not being able to meet at church or in large family gatherings. Still, this Easter was very special because it is the true picture of love in sacrificial offering that our Lord Jesus Christ made in His death, burial

and miraculous resurrection. I feel like we are all going through a similar time right now, where things seem so dark and confusing, but hope is just around the corner. May the peace of God come to you this week as you look for the day we can all reconnect with each other in person.

On the legislative front, we met last week at the state Capitol to vote on five items. In special session, we voted to approve the governor’s declaration of a Catastrophic Health Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties for 30 days.

It gives the governor broad authority to centralize services between the state and county health departments to help them function as one cohesive unit to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This enables the state to be able to respond more quickly to sudden difficulties that may emerge. It also gives the governor purchasing power of up to $50 million to order medical equipment and supplies to meet the demands of the crisis. The declaration also allows him to utilize the National Guard to help assess hospital needs and move supplies as well as set up field hospitals if necessary. Finally, the order allows first responders to be alerted when they are called to a home where a person has tested positive for COVID-19, a relaxation of HIPPA rules.

The second action we took in special session was to vote to allow ourselves to adjourn the session for longer than the three days normally allowed. This means we can come back into session if necessary, to stop the declaration or to extend it.

We then convened in regular session

to approve three bills that will move money from the state’s savings accounts – the Rainy Day and the Revenue Stabilization Funds – to fill the gap in a revenue shortfall that now exists for this current fiscal year. The Legislature wants there to be no cuts this year to core services. To cut agencies in the last two months of their fiscal year during a pandemic is unnecessary since we have the money to fill this gap, especially during a time of crisis. We may have to look at trimming things in the future, but for now, we should meet our current obligations.

I so appreciate your confidence in me by allowing me to continue to serve as your state representative. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. You may reach me by email at [email protected], or phone me at 405-557-7339. Remember we are on minimal staff at the present time so do not hesitate to leave a message. Please pray for our state and nation in this time of crisis. May God bless you and the State of Oklahoma.

Carl’s Capitol Comments

Legislators give Stitt broadauthority to centralize services

By Yvonne Miller Kiowa, Kansas, utility customers

should plan on a total blackout of power early Wednesday morning from 5 to 7. City administrator Rusty Varnado announced that at the city council April meeting Monday night. City Superintendent John Duvall said the crew will be working on a sub-station.

The council called for a special meeting this coming Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m. That is for the council to decide about the future of the the city’s stay-at-home

order due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has basically shut down the U.S. Kiowa’s order is the same as the State of Kansas, which ends that day. The council indicated they will go with what the state does as announced by Gov. Laura Kelly.

The council held a 10-minute executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss job specifics related to non-elected personnel. Reportedly no action

was taken. The remainder of the council meeting

will run in the Newsgram next week.

Planned power outage inKiowa early Wednesday morningSpecial meeting Sunday 7 p.m.


Property OwnerPlat MapsAvailable

Maps for Woods,Alfalfa, MajorCounty, OK

& Barber County, KS$30 plus tax

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram620 Choctaw St., Alva, OK • 580-327-2200

Wall maps for WoodsCounty, foldout mapsand spiral bound books





By Stacy SanbornAlfalfa County Courthouse doors

have been closed (mostly) to the public for almost a month now, and with COVID-19 still threatening, commissioners voted to keep them that way.

Jay Hague, Stan Tucker and Marvin Woodall decided to wait for a cue from the district attorney or governor’s office before they made any changes to the protocol previously enacted: the courthouse doors will stay locked at all times except for the south entrance located by the sheriff’s office, and the public’s access will be limited only to allow entry for fundamental and specific reasons. Those reasons include but are not limited to, court attendance, attorney/client meetings in the jail, and abstracting. The latter is limited to one abstractor at a time with a prior appointment with the county clerk.

Individuals can enter for specific reasons but only after being summoned or scheduling an appointment. The sheriff’s office staff will still conduct a screening of each person before granting access and, if allowed, the person will be confined only to the necessary portion of the courthouse. Correspondence over email, fax or regular mail is preferred.

Alfalfa County Sheriff Rick Wallace and Deputy Sheriff Gary Mast happily re-ceive boxes of personal protective equipment delivered by the county’s emergen-cy manager Shana Smallwood. Photo provided

Alfalfa County Courthouse doors to remain locked

See Courthouse Page 34


By Yvonne MillerLast week Burlington Public School

began their distance learning (Continuous Learning Plan). This is with students at home and teachers giving instruction online and/or through learning packets. Due to COVID-19, schools across America are closed – many are providing distance learning like Burlington is doing.

Burlington Superintendent Dr. Stacey Croft said of the first week of this uncharted territory, “It went well – smoothly. Each teacher planned their own platform for instruction.” She said that each teacher reached out to the parents of their students. The school reached out to all parents.

Croft said everyone has stepped up in this crisis. Volunteers helped get learning packets to the correct home if they weren’t picked up at school. Everyone had what they needed the Friday night before the distance learning began the following Monday.

A variety of online programs are being used such as: Google Classroom,

Zoom meetings; Ingenuity. When asked about Ingenuity, Croft said they’ve used that online curriculum for years. Students can use it alone. It’s used in advanced placement.

For the preK–6th grade students, Croft said they are using mainly learning packets. Some teachers are giving the packets out weekly. With teachers using varied formats – what works for them and their students – the superintendent said, “We’ve got a really good start.”

“This wasn’t something too difficult for our students or teachers,” Croft said. “Parents have been good sports.”

Students don’t have class seven hours a day, she said of this online scenario. Grading is still the same as before distance learning. Pictures of students’ work can be sent in online and they also drop off work on Mondays.

“People have been helpful,” Croft said. “It’s been an eye opener – a real learning experience for us all.”

She listed the biggest challenge as those students who didn’t have internet at

their home. “We’ve had companies help. We’ve been blessed we haven’t had any major challenges. Our community came together. Social media gets to parents before letters do, which caused some miscommunication.”

She said there is a new camaraderie between teachers and parents.

Burlington School is still serving carryout breakfast and lunch. Croft said more families are taking advantage of this service. “Our dietary staff is doing a great job,” she said.

Looking toward May and still the unknown, the superintendent said she and Principal Bart are looking for a way to accommodate graduation. “That’s the saddest part of this, is for the seniors. They are missing all the big parts of their senior year. My heart breaks for them. We will do our best. Mr. Bart is reaching out to them. We hope we can make a meaningful graduation for them.

“We are so fortunate. Our teachers did not struggle with this. It’s been an easy transition so far,” Dr. Croft said.

Burlington School Superintendent says of distance learning ‘we’ve got a really good start’

By Marione MartinOf the four Alfalfa County offices

up for election, only one is uncontested. Tammi Waggoner Miller, 47, of Cherokee, was unopposed and will retain her title as county court clerk.

The other three races will appear on the June 30 Primary Election ballot since all filed as Republicans.

Filing for Alfalfa County Sheriff last week were the incumbent Rick Wallace, 60, of Cherokee, and Ryan P. McNeil, 48, of Cherokee.

Incumbent Laneta Unruh, 48, of Aline filed for county clerk in Alfalfa County. She is opposed by Shana Smallwood, 44, of Cherokee.

Stan Tucker chose not to run for another term as District 2 commissioner for Alfalfa County. The three people filing for that position are: Nelson Frantz, 64, of Aline; Kevin Irwin, 52, of Carmen; and Michael Roach, 45, of Cherokee.

Woods CountyIn Woods County, all incumbents

will retain their offices since they drew no opponents. Filing last week were Staci Davey, court clerk; Rudy Briggs Jr., sheriff; Shelley Reed, county clerk; and Randy McMurphy, District 2 commissioner.

State LegislatureIn filing for the state legislature, Senator

Roland Pederson, 69, of Burlington, will

be opposed by David M. Mason, 61, of Enid. Both filed as Republicans so they will be on the June 30 ballot. District 19 represents Alfalfa, Garfield, Grant and a portion of Kay County.

Senator Casey Murdock, 49, of Felt, was unopposed in District 27 which covers the counties of Woods, Cimarron, Texas, Harper, Woodward, Major, Dewey and Ellis.

Representative Carl Newton, 64, of Cherokee, is also unopposed. His District 58 covers Alfalfa, Woods, Major and part of Woodward County.

Several races for Alfalfa County primaryWoods County incumbents unopposed


McALESTER, Okla. (AP) — A man who escaped last week from a minimum security state prison in McAlester has been captured, according to the Oklaho-ma Department of Corrections.

Jeremiah Hobbs, 40, was arrested Monday following a traffic stop by law enforcement officers in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow, about 75 miles (121 kilometers) north of the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester.

The department said Hobbs disap-

peared last Thursday after walking away from the unfenced facility.

Corrections said a woman identified as Hobbs' girlfriend was also arrested during the traffic stop on a warrant for harboring a fugitive.

Hobbs was serving an eight-year sentence for burglary and now faces a potential felony escape charge, the de-partment said.

Court documents don't list an attor-ney to speak on Hobbs' behalf.

Inmate captured after escaping unfenced Oklahoma prison

press briefing Monday. HOW SIGNIFICANT IS THE U.S.

INVOLVEMENT? American officials have gotten in-

volved with OPEC in the past, making phone calls or attempting to sway a deal during international crises and unusual circumstances. The intervention has typ-ically been in response to high prices; instead, in the current situation, oil prices dropped more than 60% since the start of the year.

"There is nothing new about a presi-dent phoning Riyadh to ask for help deal-ing with oil market disruptions, but the level of pressure and deep involvement of both sides of Pennsylvania Ave., not to mention the G20, along with the scale of the oil cuts on the table, is something rarely seen in OPEC history," said Jason Bordoff, founding director of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

WHAT EXACTLY DID THE U.S. BRING TO THE TABLE?

Mexico stalled the negotiations by re-fusing to cut more than 100,000 barrels a day of production, when OPEC was asking for double or triple that amount. Trump said the U.S. would help by shoul-dering the cuts that Mexico was unwilling to make.

While Trump's promise to help Mex-ico may have seemed hollow — U.S. companies were already cutting produc-tion due to the low prices — Trump's in-tervention on Mexico's behalf sent a mes-sage that could have helped push the wary alliance into a deal.

"They had to agree to give something like a cover story, a diplomatic cover, so that the other parties in OPEC, who whether they liked it or not were going to have to accept these terms, would be able to do so without a loss of prestige," said Kevin Book, managing director at Clear-view Energy Partners.

Trump's statements also signaled that the U.S. views Mexico as an important partner in the integrated North American energy market, said Amy Myers Jaffe, senior fellow at the Council for Foreign Relations, who also saw it as an import-

A rare intervention by the US helped seal crucial OPEC dealBy Cathy Bussewitz

NEW YORK (AP) — As demand for fuel plummeted worldwide and the oil in-dustry faced a devastating drop in oil pric-es, the U.S. took the rare move of stepping into negotiations involving the member countries of OPEC and non-members such as Russia and Mexico, an alliance called OPEC+.

President Donald Trump and a group of U.S. senators wielded political influ-ence to push OPEC and its allies to agree over the weekend to cut production by nearly 10 million barrels per day — about 10% of current global output.

The unusual action by the U.S. — and the fact that the intervention worked — reflect the desperate conditions the oil in-

dustry found itself in due to the economic damage wrought by the coronavirus out-break.

"There have been oil market crises, but nothing like this before," said Dan Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. "Even when the price collapsed in 1986 or 1988, demand actually went up. You've never had a 20 to 25% drop in demand just overnight. You've never had the world economy shut down overnight."

Trump also knew what was at stake domestically — The U.S. is now the world's largest oil and gas producer.

"This historic action will help nearly 11 million American workers who are supported by the U.S. oil and gas indus-try," Trump said during a coronavirus

See OPEC Page 28



ant policy move. "I think it will serve the president well on every count," including border issues, she said.

Even more stark was a call between a dozen U.S. senators and high-ranking energy and defense officials Saturday. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, noted there is legislation drafted that would remove American forces, including Patriot Mis-sile batteries, from Saudi Arabia.

"If they lose that group of senators you start to see veto override majorities on legislation that deals negatively with the Saudis," Sullivan told a small group of congressional reporters.

That was a very clear threat, Book said. "It's not really a negotiation at all." he added. "It's a pretty dangerous neigh-borhood for the Saudis, and the U.S. plays a vital role in protecting them."

COULD FORCED PRODUCTION CUTS WORK IN THE U.S.?

With state-run oil operations, OPEC nations can easily enact a cut or boost pro-duction. But the U.S. has thousands of in-dependent oil producers, so coordinating and enforcing a production cut would be complicated, and experts say it's unlikely.

Some oil producers in Texas and Oklahoma are pushing for state-mandat-ed production cuts, but the industry is split on the prospect. Right now, the pro-ducers with more costly production are most likely to suffer, and would be the first to file for bankruptcy or shut down existing wells, damaging oil fields. But a state-managed production cut "spreads out the pain uniformly," Book said.

"We're not suggesting that Oklahoma can balance the market, we can't do that," said Mike Cantrell, owner of Cantrell In-vestments LLC, an oil and gas investment group based in Oklahoma. But statewide, production has declined about 20% this

year, the equivalent of about 100,000 bar-rels a day — a cut similar to Mexico's. If sustained, "that would be a cut that would be a significant cut in the world scheme of things," he said.

In Texas, commissioners will hold a meeting Tuesday on the topic.

WHY DIDN'T OIL PRICES RECOV-ER AFTER THE OPEC+ DEAL?

Despite the deal, U.S. benchmark crude was trading at about $22 a barrel Monday, well below what most producers need to financially survive. But that was still better than what some analysts had predicted — including a drop in the price to the single digits.

"A clock was ticking, for all the play-ers, because by the end of April or early May...the world was going to run out of storage, and the price of oil was going to drop like a rock," Yergin said.

WHAT ABOUT LOW FUEL PRIC-ES?

Low oil prices lead to cheap gasoline prices, and consumers in different times would praise discounts at the pump. Gas-oline prices are about $1.86 per gallon, about $1 less than a year ago, according to AAA. But most consumers aren't able to take advantage, because many are staying home to prevent the spread of the coro-navirus. Even when travel restrictions lift, economic turmoil could prompt consum-ers to save money and stay home.

From Page 26 OPEC

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court plans to hear arguments from attorneys Wednesday over a civil rights group's attempt to force the state to release prison inmates with preexisting medical conditions making them vulner-able to the novel coronavirus.

The court is reviewing a lawsuit filed last week by the American Civil Liber-ties Union of Kansas for seven inmates at state prisons in Ellsworth, Lansing and Topeka. The lawsuit argues that the in-mates are housed in crowded conditions with limited access to adequate medical

care.The lawsuit contends that releasing

vulnerable inmates would allow proper social distancing and reduce the virus' transmission among remaining prisoners.

The state has confirmed that 18 in-mates and 21 staff at the Lansing prison have tested positive for coronavirus. An inmate at a work-release facility in Wich-ita also tested positive, prompting the Department of Corrections to move 113 prisoners Sunday night to Lansing.

Gov. Laura Kelly has said efforts are underway to identify inmates who are

close to finishing their sentences and can be released.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause a severe illness or death.

Jails already have started shrinking their populations, including one in Sedg-wick County that now has nearly 400 fewer inmates. It also is requiring in-mates to wear masks, The Wichita Eagle reports.

Kansas Supreme Court to heararguments on releasing inmates

Spending more time at home means a chanceto organize your old movies, VCRsand tapes. Then bring them to us for transfer.

We have a varietyof equipment tomake high qualitycopies of your media.Just ask our repeatcustomers! Once a transfer isdone, we can makecopies at lower rates.

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram620 Choctaw St., Alva, OK • 580-327-2200


Kansas works to fix buggy system for filing for unemployment

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Amid a surge of complaints from desperate out-of-work Kansans, state officials are making another effort to fix the state's faltering system for filing unemployment claims as the coronavirus outbreak wreaks havoc on the economy.

The Kansas Department of Labor said in a tweet that tech workers were taking the agency's website down for an hour each at noon and at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that the department has re-ceived more than 130,000 initial unemployment claims over the past three weeks. She said that initial claims are up by 3,400% for the year. But even those numbers don't capture the full extent of job losses in the state, in part because a 43-year-old mainframe computer cannot keep up.

Kelly said the system was the victim of of "decades of neglect" and already was slated for an upgrade. A team of dozens of experts worked over the weekend on a solution.

"But it's sort of like repairing a plane in the air," Kelly said. Republican state Senate President Susan Wagle took the admin-

istration to task over the problems, saying people are complaining to her that passwords aren't working, they aren't getting money de-spite filing claims weeks ago, and are facing other problems.


This pickup with the Happy Easter sign is but one of about 50 vehicles that paraded by the Kiowa Manor last week to brighten residents’ day during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Macie Malone

Staff helps the Kiowa Manor residents get comfortable to watch the honk parade to lift their spirits during this COVID-19 pandemic. Here resident Merle Kersten is com-pletely relaxed in his lounge chair to watch the parade. Pho-to by Macie Malone

By Yvonne Miller On one of the beautiful days last week,

residents of Kiowa’s Manor got to soak up the sunshine and love expressed to them by family and friends who drove by in the alley in a honk parade. There’s been no

‘Hardly a dry eye’ at Kiowa Manor’s honk parade

Kiowa Manor residents sit on the lawn to enjoy the honk parade of their friends and family during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which causes zero visi-tation and a feeling of isolation at the manor. In front, Jack and Corine Harding sit on the bench with many residents scattered on the lawn for the parade on the beautiful day. Photo by Macie Malone

visitation at the manor in an effort to keep residents safe and healthy – away from the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade was a way to lift spirits and it did.

Kiowa District Healthcare Community Health and Education Coordinator Macie Malone said, “There was hardly a dry eye. It meant so much to the residents who haven’t been able to see their families and friends.” Staff had residents sitting in the backyard of the manor for the parade.

Malone estimates 50 cars and pickups drove through – many had signs – people honked their horns, cheered, blew kisses; it was just a party atmosphere for the residents and well-wishers.

“Thank you to each of you who took time to drive by and brighten our resident’s faces! There were tears, smiles, and so much joy on everyone’s faces! It was truly a shining moment amidst all of this uncertainty,” Malone said.

Kiowa Manor resident Harold Cantrell told his sister-in-law Mar-cia that he “loved” the parade and thought it was “really fun.” Harold said he likes how the community sup-ports the manor and added that he re-ally appreciates the nurses and aides who spoil him. Photo by Macie Malone



By Colleen Long, Michael Balsamo And Emily Wagster Pettus

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department took the rare step on Tuesday of weighing in on the side of a Mississip-pi Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot.

As the coronavirus pandemic spread, leaders at Temple Baptist Church in Greenville began holding drive-in ser-vices for their congregation on a short-wave radio frequency from inside an empty church save for the preacher.

Arthur Scott, the 82-year-old pastor, said Tuesday that it was a good compro-mise for his group, a "wonderful way to preach the gospel and still it's like they are there, but you can't go out and see them, but you know they're there."

The federal involvement adds to the rising tension over reconciling religious freedom with public health restrictions designed to fight the pandemic, disputes that are playing out along the same par-tisan lines that mark the nation's overall divide.

Greenville city leaders argue the ser-vices violate stay-at-home orders and could have put people's lives in jeopardy. Church officials believe they have been singled out for their religion, especially after eight police officers were sent last week to ticket the faithful, $500 apiece, for attending services, including the pas-tor's wife.

"We haven't missed one Sunday in 45 years," Scott said. "We love our people. This is a way we can preach to them. We're afraid of the coronavirus as much as anybody else. And if we thought we were putting our people in danger at all, we wouldn't do this."

Even after the mayor said Monday they would not have to pay the fines, the church is pursuing a lawsuit saying their First Amendment religious freedoms were violated. The Justice Department sided with the church.

With federal prosecutors now weigh-ing in, the national debate over how far coronavirus gathering limits can go to re-strict religion could get even louder. Pres-ident Donald Trump's reelection appeal

to devout conservative voters rests in part on his vocal advocacy for religious free-dom, making the issue a politically potent one for his administration to take up.

The Kansas Supreme Court upheld Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's move to limit faith gatherings to 10 people, while a federal judge in Kentucky sided with a church that challenged the Louisville mayor's restrictions on drive-in Easter services.

The church has been in Greenville for more than 65 years. Scott said his con-gregants, about 125 in all, are mostly old-er and on fixed incomes, and aren't tech savvy, so the radio broadcast was a way to keep them connected.

Greenville Mayor Errick D. Sim-mons, a Democrat, said Monday that no one will have to pay the fines, but the ban on such gatherings remains in place to try to save lives as the highly contagious virus continues to spread. He also called on Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to issue clear statewide guidance on whether peo-ple are allowed to congregate for worship during the governor's statewide stay-at-home order that remains in effect until April 20.

The governor's order tells people not to gather in groups of 10 or more. Reeves has said he would prefer that churches not hold services in sanctuaries or parking lots. But he has also said the government does not have the right to ban worship.

On Tuesday, he tweeted a thanks to Attorney General William Barr "for this strong stand in support of religious lib-erty. The government cannot shut down churches."

Attorney Ryan Tucker of the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the church, says there's a Sonic Drive-In restaurant about 200 yards (180 meters) from the church where patrons are still allowed to roll down their windows and talk.

He said they will continue the lawsuit seeking a restraining order because the mayor's order remains in place.

"The threat is still present," he said. "They mayor did not say he's rescinding the order."

There are at least 3,000 cases of coro-navirus in Mississippi and more than 100 deaths for the state's 3 million people.

The U.S. has more than 590,000 cases and more than 27,000 deaths.

The Justice Department argued in the filing that the city appeared to be target-ing religious conduct by singling church-es out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion and state recommendations regard-ing social distancing.

"The facts alleged in the complaint strongly suggest that the city's actions target religious conduct," the filing says. "If proven, these facts establish a free exercise violation unless the city demon-strates that its actions are neutral and apply generally to nonreligious and reli-gious institutions or satisfies the demand-ing strict scrutiny standard."

Barr said that he believes there is a sufficient basis for social distancing rules that have been put in place, but that the restrictions must be applied evenly and not single out religious institutions.

"But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary re-strictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers," Barr said in a statement. "Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity."

The Justice Department has made similar filings in other religious liberty cases, including one in February in sup-port of a Kentucky wedding photogra-pher who is challenging a city ordinance banning businesses from discriminat-ing against gay customers by arguing it would violate her religious beliefs. In June 2019, the department filed a state-ment of interest in a case in Maine, ar-guing that a law that banned religious schools from the state's tuition program was unconstitutional.

In previous administrations, such in-volvement was highly unusual.

"A free society depends on a vibrant religious life by the people," Barr said in an interview with Fox News last week. He said he would "hate to see restrictions on religion continue longer than they are strictly necessary."

Justice Department takes church’s side in 1st Amendment suit



Mike Irwin with the Aline Responder Unit holds a box of personal protection equipment (PPE) delivered by Shana Smallwood, Alfalfa County’s emergency manager. Smallwood made deliveries to units in Goltry, Helena and Jet as well. Photo provided

The fairgrounds will remain closed to the public during the county’s disaster proclamation, except for the Alfalfa County Election Office and the OSU Extension Office, which will both remain open. Commissioners breezed through the regular items on their agenda: minutes from the meeting last week, maintenance and operation payment warrants, and blanket purchase orders were approved.

There were again no road-crossing permits for the week. Before adjourning, declarations of surplus were made on the

following items:• 2015 HP computer HPZ230 (Inv. no.

D2 220-210, Serial no. 2UA43719TR) and a 2014 HP computer HPZ230 (Inv. D2 220-209, Serial no. 2UA4210H6G)

• 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 (Inv. no. D3 301 313, Serial no. 3D7MX48A27G837524)

• 22-gallon Big Tex trailer (Inv. no. D3 334 320, Serial no. 16VGX252XL6041080)

Resolutions for the disposal of these items were made and passed.

From Page 24 CourthouseOklahomafinance officials brace for steep revenue losses

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Revenue collections to Oklahoma's main state operating fund were just 3.6% below projections last month, but state finance officials warned Tuesday that the biggest hit is ex-pected over the next three months.

Collections to the General Rev-enue Fund in March totaled $494.6 million, which was 3.6% below the monthly estimate, the Office of Man-agement and Enterprise Services re-ported.

But OMES Director Steve Harpe said the state has yet to see the full impact of $20-per-barrel oil com-bined with the economic shutdown in response to the coronavirus and the extension of tax-filing deadlines.

"Income tax collections have helped prop up (General Revenue Fund) totals to this point but are pro-jected to take heavy losses beginning in April," Harpe said in a statement.

Total income tax collections in March were about 15% above the es-timate, OMES reported.

Total collections to the Gener-al Revenue Fund for the first nine months of the current fiscal year were just 1.5%, or about $70 mil-lion, below the estimate. But Harpe warned that sharp drops in the last three months of the fiscal year will have a significant impact on avail-able revenue.


Animals and PetsBuying and Selling

Horses, mules, ponies & donkeys. 580-748-0811

Angus Bulls for SaleRegistered & Commercial Bulls. Ready to breed. Clay Creek Corral Farms. Cherokee, OK. Lon Hawkins 580-761-0260

For Sale26 head black 1st calf heifer pairs. Excellent quality and disposition. 580-829-3156

Business ServicesBar 74 Radiator

and Automotive Services LLC. Complete radiator services. Farm, automotive and industrial. 202 W 2nd St., Cherokee, OK. 580-596-6131

Bar 74 Radiatorand Automotive Services LLC. For all your trailer wiring needs. 202 W 2nd St., Cherokee, OK. 580-596-6131

EmploymentHelp Wanted

PT Car Wash Attendant. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. For additional information apply at Tidal Wave Waters Car Wash, 423 W Okla Blvd, Alva. Call 580-461-0565 for additional information

Help WantedLocal business seeking FT Manager. Responsibilities include regular maintenance of equipment and scheduling and supervising of employees. Computer skills required. For additional information call 580-338-7979 or email [email protected]


Farm SuppliesFor Sale

1982 7720 combine, better than most, $14,000. 580-829-1128

Alfalfa Seed for Sale580-829-1293

Straw For Sale$5 small square bales. Wired. Will deliver. Mileage fee beyond 15 miles from Kiowa, KS. 580-829-3090

Lawn ServicesLawn Care

Mowing and Trimming. 580-748-3548

Real EstateFor Sale

1980 Ridge Mobile Home 14x50 with covered porch. 2bdrm, 1 bth, CH/A, smoke free, pet free. Must be moved. $4500. 580-430-5113 or 580-327-0777

Thinking of Moving?Think Hi-Lo Apts. 1 & 2bdrm Apts. All bills paid including basic cable. No pets. No Smoking. Call 580-327-0906 or 580-748-0157. Please leave message if unavailable

For Rent2bdrm Mobile Home. 580-430-1003

According to the affidavits and petitions on file, the following individuals have been charged. An individual is innocent of any charges listed below until proven guilty in a court of law. All information is a matter of public record and may be obtained by anyone during regular hours at the Alfalfa County Courthouse. The Alva Review-Courier will not intentionally alter or delete any of this information. If it appears in the courthouse public records, it will appear in this newspaper

Marriage License FilingsChristopher Roderick

Nace, Greensburg, Kansas, and Sarah Hettie Peachey,

Helena: marriage license with certificate. ($5)

Traffic StopsSonja Dionne Kiwia,

Burlington, has been cited for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. ($304)

The following individuals have been cited for speeding:

Cavett John Schwartz, Moore, has been cited for speeding 16-20 mph over the speed limit. ($279)

Miguel Ibarra, Spearman, Texas, has been cited for speeding 21-25 mph over the speed limit. ($319)

Manuel H. Cuellar, Enid, has been cited for speeding 16-20 mph over the speed limit. ($279)

Alfalfa County court filings


Tuesday, April 7, 20203:30 p.m. – Residential

burglar alarm went off on Latimer Road. Everything was okay.

6:49 p.m. – Report of a small child on his bike on the highway.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020None.Thursday, April 9, 20207:46 a.m. – Medic needed

for a female who has fallen. No transport needed.

12:15 p.m. – Caller advised her dog was missing.

12:33 p.m. – Report of a fire on County Road 580 and Noble Road.

Friday, April 10, 20201:26 a.m. – Caller advised

her 13-year-old daughter was being threatened. Advised of a message her daughter had been received. Caller advised someone was telling her they had guns for her and to watch her back. Officer advised they would work up a case in the morning and see about filing charges. Caller called back and advised now the daughter was receiving photos of the gun.

3:43 a.m. – Security company advised of a rear motion alarm going off at Dollar General. Officer advised

everything was secure.8:51 a.m. – Caller advised of

a vehicle parked in the middle of the road with the seat laid back and a beach town over it.

4:20 p.m. – Medic needed for a female who is lethargic and low oxygen. Medic took patient to Bass Hospital in Enid.

7:38 p.m. – Medic needed for a male who just collapsed on the floor for apparently no reason. Medic took patient to Bass Hospital in Enid.

Saturday, April 11, 20204:59 p.m. – Caller advised

there were people wading in the artesian well on OK-11. He advised them they shouldn’t be in the water. They took offense and accused him of verbally assaulting them. He advised he would wait at the location and see what happened. Then a call from the other parties came through. They advised someone had spoken to them about being in the water and they were leaving.

7:29 p.m. – Medic needed for a male with a staph infection. Medic en route to Bass Hospital in Enid.

Sunday, April 12, 20201:13 p.m. – Medic needed

at James Crabtree Correctional Center for an inmate having chest pains.

Alfalfa County Sheriff’s Office logs


Community Calendar

Wednesday9 a.m. The Woods County Senior

Citizens Center, 625 Barnes, Alva, is doing only carry out meals. Please call 327-1822 until noon the day before to order. Meals will be ready for pick up at 10:30 a.m.

1-5 p.m. The Cherokee Strip Muse-um in Alva is closed until further notice.

Thursday9 a.m. The Woods County Senior

Citizens Center, 625 Barnes, Alva, is doing only carry out meals. Please call 327-1822 until noon the day before to order. Meals will be ready for pick up at 10:30 a.m.

1-5 p.m. The Cherokee Strip Muse-um in Alva is closed until further notice.

3-6 p.m. Food distribution every Thursday, Alva Wesleyan Food Bank, 818 Lane St.

7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting at 623 5th St. (Youth Corr House), Alva on Mondays and Thurs-days.

Friday1-5 p.m. The Cherokee Strip Muse-

um in Alva is closed until further notice.

www.murrowrealestateandauction.com

www.murrowlandandhome.com

REAL ESTATE

& AUCTION

MURROW

580-327-1998

March 30, 2020Barber County Sheriff’s Office

(BASO) responded to EMS call on Woodworth in Hardtner.

Kiowa Police Department (KWPD) performed a VIN inspection at Bryan’s Chevrolet.

BASO responded to request to speak to officer on Main Street in Kiowa.

BASO investigated an incident at White’s.

BASO responded to dogs on Isabel Road.

KWPD performed a VIN inspection on 7th.

BASO responded to motorist assist on US-160 and Pixley.

BASO responded to cattle out on River Road.

Medicine Lodge Police Department (MLPD) and BASO assist a stranded man.

KWPD and BASO responded to Bank Alarm at the People’s Bank in Kiowa.

March 31, 2020MLPD investigated an open door at

the storage unit on US-160.KWPD responded to a dog call on

6th Street.BASO investigated trash dumping

on Isabel Road.MLPD responded to a dog call on

North Main.MLPD responded to a welfare check

on North Walnut.April 1, 2020

KWPD did a VIN inspection at Bryan’s Chevrolet.

BASO responded to cattle out on Sun City Road.

KWPD responded to a dog call on North 9th.


BASO responded to a harassment on East Wichita in Hardtner.

April 2, 2020MLPD and BASO responded to a

domestic disturbance on N. Main Street.BASO responded to an animal call in

Lake City.MLPD responded to a request to

speak to an officer on N. Main Street.BASO responded to a report of cattle

out on Stateline Road.MLPD responded to a dog complaint

on N. High Street.BASO responded to a non-injury

accident on KS-2.MLPD performed a welfare check on

Market Street.BASO investigated a report of phone

scam in Hazelton.KWPD performed a VIN inspection.BASO responded to a report of cattle

out on US-281.MLPD and BASO responded to a

report of criminal trespass on N. Main Street.

April 3, 2020MLPD investigated open door on

US-281.BASO responded to accident on US-

281.MLPD responded to a request to

speak to officer on West Fowler.BASO responded to an accident in

Hardtner.MLPD investigated a missing person

on Anthony Street.BASO investigated a phone scam in

Hardtner.BASO responded to cattle out on

US-281.April 4, 2020

MLPD and BASO responded to a welfare check at Casey’s.

BASO responded to cattle out on US-281.

BASO responded to request to speak to officer on N. Walnut.

MLPD and BASO responded to a domestic on N. Main.

MLPD and BASO responded to welfare check at Black Diamond.

BASO investigated criminal damage to property on Sun City Road.


KWPD and BASO responded to domestic on N 5th in Kiowa.

April 5, 2020BASO responded to cattle out on

KS-2.BASO responded to request to speak

to officer.MLPD responded to a dog call on

Barber CountySheriff’s Office logs

See Barber Page 39


North Walnut.MLPD and BASO responded to a

request to speak to an officer.MLPD responded to a request to

speak to an officer on East Robie.MLPD responded to a dog call on

North Walnut.BASO performed 1 traffic stop.

ARRESTSJoshua Newton Smart, Medicine

Lodge, W/M, 38. Arrested by MLPD. Charges: Criminal trespassing, domestic battery and battery on law enforcement. Released April 2, 2020, on $5,000 OR bond

Fire/EMSMarch 30, 2020

Kiowa EMS responded to a call on Woodworth Street in Hardtner.

March 31, 2020Medicine Lodge EMS responded to a

call at 203 Washington in Sharon.April 1, 2020

Medicine Lodge EMS responded to a call on Forrest Street.

April 2, 2020Medicine Lodge EMS responded to a

call on Market Street.

From Page 38

Barber

PHILLIP DEE JANTZViewing for Phillip Dee Jantz will

be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. There will a private family burial on Wednesday at Good Hope Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. Online condolences may be made at www.lanmanmemorials.com.

Phillip Dee Jantz was born on September 2, 1938, to parents Otis and Lizzy Jantz. He was the youngest of 11 children with five brothers and five sisters.

Phillip was preceded in death by both parents, four brothers and all five of the

sisters, as well as his second son, Jeffery. Phillip is survived by his wife,

Bonnie DeWine Jantz, and they were married 61 years on February 14, 2020. He is also survived by his brother, Carl; sons, Phillip and wife Kimberly, Eric and wife Lisa, Tony and wife Mayre, Shane and wife Suzanne; daughter, Kimberly; 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Phillip was raised on a farm near Ringwood and went to a one-room school until fifth grade. He graduated from Ringwood High School in 1956 then went to Wichita, Kansas, to attend business college. He worked as a janitor and an accountant assistant in a music store while attending college. While there he met his future wife, Bonnie. Later he worked at a Sherwin Williams paint store. Bonnie saw him at the music store one day and asked HIM for a date to prom because her date had cancelled. The rest is history!

Phillip grew up going to church, got married February 14, 1959, and had his first son on November 14, 1959. Second son Jeffery was born the following November 24, 1960. They moved their new family to Helena on January 1, 1961. Phillip and Bonnie attended Helena United Methodist Church for 40 years. Later they moved their membership to Aline United Methodist Church and were both active in church activities. Phillip was also very active in many areas of the Helena

community. He helped his brothers, Danver and Carl, build a home for Carl in 1963. Then in 1966 Carl sold that home to Phillip and Bonnie where their children and two grandchildren grew up. Phillip was a school bus driver for 11 years and a volunteer fire fighter for 20 years, starting in 1961. He also joined the Helena Chamber of Commerce in 1961 while also being an auto mechanic. Phillip became a member of the Gideons International organization in 1974 and was a member of the Chamber and Gideons until his death.

Phillip joined his brothers, Danver and Carl, to work at Jantz “66” Service and Garage in 1961. Carl left for pastoral schooling in 1966 and Danver left in 1972. Phillip and Bonnie continued to run the business until it was sold at auction in October 2015. Their sons were taught many invaluable lessons as they helped at the station until they left home and attended college. Along the way Phillip didn’t always know how to do or fix some things that needed fixing. Since money was never plentiful at any time and he wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty, he always tried to just figure it out himself and “git ‘er done!”

From Page 12 Obits

Liquor-by-the- drink prop to be on Woods County June ballot · 2020-04-15 · drink prop to be on Woods County June ballot. April 15, 2020 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram Page 2 The

Documents