 The Barnsdall Chamber of Commerce welcomed and introduced the Valedictorians for the Class of 2016 from Barnsdall High School Tuesday afternoon. This year the five valedictorians are Kali Owens, Josiah Gott, Logan Bryant, Chandler Bryant, and Bradley Bickford. Barnsdall's valedictorians are determined based on their total GPA, any student with a 4.0 or higher GPA qualifies.
Misty Farber from the Barnsdall High School made the announcement that 26 of the 36 graduating seniors are committed to various colleges and universities, and the National Honor Society inducted 26 new members from their Sophomore and Junior class. To close the meeting owner of the Barnsdall Nursing Home Janet Hardin spoke to the chamber regarding some current rumors. News has been circulating that the Barnsdall Nursing Home would be closing its doors, but Hardin wanted to inform the public the rumors are false. Hardin has owned the nursing home since 1969 and has no plans to close, she said only a directive from the State would cause them to close for business. The Barnsdall Chamber of Commerce will meet again May 10 at the Barnsdall Community Center.   Monday During the meeting of the Osage County Board of County Commissioners, members from the Courthouse Review Committee brought forward several options for maximizing use of the current Courthouse but also consolidating County Offices.
Mike Tolson, Co-Chair of the Review Committee, brought before the Commissioners several options for utilizing the existing Courthouse and either building a new administrative building, or utilizing existing County property such as the Kennedy building or the Whiting building. Architects in Partnership or AIP has been working closely with the Review Committee in designing several options, and so far has done all work at no cost. Now, the Review Committee and AIP have come to a point where, to continue with planning, they would need County funding. AIP is asking for a nominal fee “not to exceed” $40,000; in return AIP will perform the space programming analysis and develop a cost plan for each of the three “new” options. The Commissioners agreed to approve the funds with the expectations that AIP will focus their designs to the needs of the County, requirements for County Offices and employees, and taking into consideration the safety of the public while conducting business at the Courthouse. The Commissioners approved to fund AIP for services not to exceed $40,000 through the County's General Fund. Option One would entail building a new Administrative Building and remodeling the existing Courthouse. Keeping Court and District Attorney Functions in the Courthouse and moving the Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, E911, Emergency Management, and other County offices to the new building. Option Two would entail remodeling the Kennedy Building and remodeling the existing Courthouse. Keeping Court and District Attorney Functions in the Courthouse and moving the Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, E911, Emergency Management, and other County offices to the Kennedy building. Option Three would entail remodeling the Whiting Building and remodeling the existing Courthouse. Keeping Court and District Attorney Functions in the Courthouse and moving the Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, E911, Emergency Management, and other County offices to the Whiting building.  This week the Osage County Commissioners received an update from Eagle Medical Transport, approved the use of tables and chairs for the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce, and approved property and liability insurance for the Osage County Health Department.
Laura Ward, Vice-President of Eagle Medical Transport provided the Commissioners with an update Monday. Ward discussed the opt out program through Verdigris Valley Electric and Barnsdall City Water. Ward told the Commissioners they would need approximately 80 percent of the coverage area, 2,100 addresses, to opt in to the membership in order to remain operational in Osage County. Ward said she is very hopeful and will not be closing Eagle Med's doors on May 1, however if they do not meet quota, they will be unable to stay. Joni Nash, from the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce, requested the use of tables and chairs for their Chamber Gala this weekend, which the commissioners approved as long as chamber members are loading and returning the equipment. Last year for the same event the County was audited for using County equipment and funds for a non-county event. The issue was resolved but county personnel cannot be paid to assist a private function. The Osage County Board of County Commissioners will meet again next Monday at 10am at the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska.
A new appeal has been filed in the Reece brother's murder trial in connection with the death of Pawhuska Oil-Man Rick Holt. The brothers Tyler and Jeremy, ages 19 and 31, are charged with First Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Desecration of a Human Corpse.
Last week Judge Terry McBride sustained Judge Stuart Tate's ruling that the State do not have jurisdiction to charge the Reece brothers on the Counts of of First Degree Murder and Desecration of a Human Corpse, because the crimes took place on Tribal land. Thursday Mike Fischer from the Osage County District Attorney's Office filed a new appeal. If the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals chooses to sustain the original decision than an appeal will go to the US Supreme Court. If US Supreme Court chooses not to hear the case or sustains the lower courts decision, only then will the Reece brothers be tried Federally.  Monday morning the Osage County Board of County Commissioners met for their weekly meeting. This week the commissioners received a presentation from State Farm Representative Christine Gnose regarding Employee Group Life Insurance, approved several standard business items and tabled several additional items for review.
The commissioners held a discussion regarding the Courthouse Review Committee, specifically deciding a proposal from AIP or Architects in Partnership. AIP had proposed a service fee for space programming services, to design the remodel of the Kennedy or Whiting Buildings and conduct a cost analysis. The price quoted by AIP was $40,000, to which the commissioners determined was too large a fee without speaking with representatives and discussing the provided service and chose to take no action. The Commissioners also tabled several items for review including, a Health Department service contract for aerobics and additional discussion regarding the progress of the Courthouse Review Committee. The next meeting of the Osage County Board of County Commissioners will meeting Monday at 10am at the Osage County Courthouse.  Have you ever through about improving your gardening skills? The Oklahoma State University Extension Office in Pawhuska has the program for you.
Kenda Woodburn is a new instructor at the OSU Extension Office in Pawhuska, however she is not new to instruction. Woodburn is a Horticultural expert and certified Master Gardener Instructor and has brought a new program to Pawhuska. If you are interested in the Master Gardner Program but cannot make it to the current session, there will be additional courses offered in the future. The Program will run from 9:30am through 3pm every Tuesday from April 19 through July 5, Students may only miss two classes and still receive credit. Once completed students will take the Master Gardner Exam for certification. The Program cost $100, which includes books, snacks, and instruction. If you are interested in signing up for the Master Gardner Program in Pawhuska call Kenda Woodburn at (918)287-4170 or email [email protected]  As the official candidate filing period comes to a close Friday evening the following have announced their candidacy for the eligible Osage County Offices.
Osage County Commissioner District #2: Scott Hilton (D) - Incumbent Kevin Paslay (R) Joel Blankenship (R) Osage County Sheriff: Charles Cartwright (D) Lou Ann Brown (D) Eddie Virden (R) Osage County Clerk: Shelia Bellamy (D) - Incumbent Osage County Court Clerk: Jennifer Burd (D) - Incumbent For more election-related information, call the County Election Board at (918) 287-3036 or visit www.elections.ok.gov  Statewide the search is on for a new Pawhuska Superintendent. Thursday, with the support of the Pawhuska School Board and OSSBA Director of Strategic Initiatives and Executive Search Services, Stephanie Hyder, held several public and internal forums. During the four forums approximately 100 community members, chamber and city representatives, along with school administration, teachers and staff voiced their opinions.
Between the four sessions a clear picture was created of what Pawhuska is looking for in their new administration. Stephanie Hyder said there was consistency across the board. At the core, Pawhuska is looking for a new superintendent with strong values and the ability to incorporate the community, the Osage Nation, and parents into administrative planning. Also the ability to be the public face of Pawhuska Public Schools and open to community input. Strong academic values were also a staple, and the ability to focus and improve the Pawhuska School Districts academic standing statewide. Hyder said they have received more than 20 applicants for the position so far and are looking to narrow the field to five solid candidates by the end of the month. Hyder also said she would welcome any additional input from parents, staff, and community members and they may contact her via email at [email protected]. Hyder will return to Pawhuska will a list of applicants on April 27.  The official candidate filing period has opened and as of Wednesday afternoon the following have announced their candidacy for the following Osage County Offices.
Osage County Commissioner District #2: Scott Hilton (D) - Incumbent Kevin Paslay (R) Osage County Sheriff: Charles Cartwright (D) Lou Ann Brown (D) Eddie Virden (R) Osage County Clerk: Shelia Bellamy (D) - Incumbent Osage County Court Clerk: Jennifer Burd (D) - Incumbent Candidates who wish to file for state offices will do so with the Secretary of the State Election Board in Oklahoma City. Candidates for County offices will need to file with the Secretary of the County Election Board in Pawhuska. The filing period will close Friday April 15, at 5pm. For more election-related information, call the County Election Board at (918) 287-3036 or visit www.elections.ok.gov  The Barnsdall Chamber of Commerce recognized the Students of the Month from Barnsdall High School Mikayla Kettles and Ethan McGill were recognized for their leadership values, and from the Junior High Allie Baker and Heath Moles at their Tuesday meeting.
It was announced Barnsdall will be hosting the regional playoff for both Baseball and Softball on April 21 and 22. The chamber recognized and voted to provide $1,000 dollars for the High School Academic Letter Sponsorship. The money will go towards a token of accomplishment for 23 students with outstanding GPA. Previously student have received laptop computers, iPods, gift cards, or other items to help continue academic success. The Chamber also welcomed a special guest Lisa Ellis with the American Red Cross. Ellis joined the chamber meeting to express how grateful she and the Red Cross are that Barnsdall hosts blood drive so frequently. Ellis also recognized Barnsdall Chamber member and Clerk Betty Fowler for her outstanding donation record. Fowler has donated a grand total of 193 units (just over 24 gallons) of blood and was honored with a certificate of appreciation and flowers. Barnsdall will be hosting a Blood Drive at the Community Center from 11am to 5pm on Wednesday April 13. The Chamber will meet again, April 26 at 12pm at the Barnsdall Community Center. |
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