RICHARD CROSSLIN

By JOHN M. WYLIE II, Editor
Copyright 2016 Oologah Lake Leader LLC

The following report was received by the Leader shortly before noon Wednesday from Rogers County Undersheriff Jon Sappington, after the Page 1 story in today’s Leader about questions involving an officer-involved shot fired call had been printed.

The document, the initial arrest and booking summary report written by the department, is reprinted here in its entirety and should be read in conjunction with the print edition story.

No changes have been made to its content except to correct typographical or transmission errors or to provide definitions of abbreviations or the civilian translation of military time references used by all public safety agencies into CDT.

A complete wrap-up on the case will be published next week or as soon as court and other developments permit.

To update the document: The Sheriff’s office advised that the suspect was released on bond totaling $41,500 on four complaints: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (bond $30,000); Assault on a police officer (bond $8,000), Violation of a Protective Order (bond $2,500), and Resisting an Officer (bond $1,000).

As of 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Aug. 10) no formal charges had been filed in the case by the Rogers County District Attorney’s office.

Here is the report from the Sheriff’s office.

Report from Rogers County Sheriff’s Department

Date: 08/07/2016
Location: 10065 S. 4066 RD, Talala, OK.
Suspect: Crosslin, Richard Jr.
Offenses: AWDW [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] x2 [two counts], VPO [Violation of a Protective Order], Resisting Arrest

Deputy Summary:

On 08-07-16 at approximately 1638 hours [4:38 p.m.], Deputies were dispatched to 10065 S.4066 Road in Talala in reference to a violation of protection order. The caller identified herself as Michelle Crosslin, who advised she had a protective order against Richard Crosslin who was currently in the driveway of her residence.

Victim/Deputy Summary:

Sgt. Reeder and Deputy Smittle arrived at approximately 1656 hours [4:56 p.m.]. Deputies were advised the suspect was in a white flatbed pickup. Sgt. Reeder advised as he pulled into the driveway he observed a white flatbed pickup parked directly behind a red pickup. Sgt. Reeder approached the driver’s side of the vehicle and Deputy Smittle approached the passenger side.

Sgt. Reeder advised he observed someone sitting in the front driver seat of the vehicle. Sgt. Reeder later identified that individual to be Mr. Richard Crosslin. Sgt. Reeder requested the subject to roll down the window. Sgt. Reeder advised he rolled the window down a couple of inches then stopped. Sgt. Reeder said the suspect placed one hand out of the window. Sgt. Reeder commanded Mr. Crosslin to roll the window down all the way and Mr. Crosslin refused. Sgt. Reeder advised Mr. Crosslin was reaching toward the center of the front truck seat. Sgt. Reeder commanded the suspect to stop reaching and to show his hands, Mr. Crosslin did not comply. Sgt. Reeder requested Deputy Smittle to breach the driver’s side window. Deputy Smittle breached the window with an ASP expandable baton. Sgt. Reeder commanded Mr. Crosslin to exit the vehicle and he refused and was still reaching toward the center of the vehicle.

Sgt. Reeder advised Mr. Crosslin said, “She called me here and I’m leaving.” Sgt. Reeder told Mr. Crosslin he was not free to leave. Sgt. Reeder advised he attempted to unlock and open the driver’s door. Mr. Crosslin put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated, spinning the rear tires, with Sgt. Reeder still holding onto the vehicle. Sgt. Reeder advised Mr. Crosslin turned his wheel to the left turning the vehicle into both himself and Deputy Smittle. Sgt. Reeder advised Deputy Smittle fired one shot striking the driver side door of the vehicle.

Sgt. Reeder advised Mr. Crosslin stopped the vehicle. Sgt. Reeder advised he opened the driver’s side door and observed Mr. Crosslin holding a firearm in his right hand. Sgt. Reeder advised he grabbed Mr. Crosslin’s left arm and pulled him from the vehicle. Sgt. Reeder advised Mr. Crosslin continued to resist arrest. Sgt. Reeder advised he and Deputy Smittle were able to place Mr. Crosslin into hand restraints. Sgt. Reeder advised he called for EMS [Emergency Medical Services] and began to render aid to Mr. Crosslin until EMS arrived. Mr. Crosslin received a minor wound to his left forearm.

Additional:

Mrs. Crosslin obtained protective order (PO-2016-293) against Mr. Crosslin on 07-05-2016.On 07-06-2016 Mr. Crosslin was served said PO by Deputy David Tate.

Later a search of the vehicle was conducted and a pistol was located in the front seat next to where Mr. Crosslin was sitting. Several other firearms were located in the vehicle as well.

Weather looks good for Saturday morning. If storms develop, check here for any delays.

Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In
Saturday, August 13, Gates open at 7 a.m.
2,000-foot grass strip
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, 9501 E. 380 Road, Oologah
Airport Identifier OK37; CTAF: 122.9

Classic car and motorcycle show, activities for children
Food vendors on grounds
Admission is free, donations encouraged

Contributions of Will Rogers and Wiley Post to the aviation world have been celebrated the past three decades at the Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In.

Pilots, family and friends will gather Saturday, landing on the 2,000-foot grass strip in the shadows of the house where Will was born, to mark the Aug. 15, 1935 anniversary of their deaths 81 years ago.

Pilots will start descending on the Birthplace Ranch near Oologah in the early morning hours.

Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Aviators will visit fellow pilots and spectators and showcase antique and classic planes. Families can walk freely among the planes, meet pilots and lift excited children so they can see into the cockpits.

The “2016 National Day of Remembrance ” will be celebrated for the second year to honor any pilot and passengers who have died in a small plane crash.

A day for remembering The Will Rogers Memorial Museum has commissioned a special Will Rogers pin for the National Day of Remembrance, which honors those who have lost their lives in smalll airplane crashes. The Fly-In and remembrance is Saturday, Aug. 13.

A lapel pin, with a picture of Will from a famous Tamburini portrait of Will in a flight jacket, has been designed to pay tribute to flyers.

A photo of Will with a Will Rogers quote, “She’s a beautiful day and we are flying high” is surrounded by a gold circle.

Pins will be presented to a family member of a deceased pilot or passenger. Additional pins are $5 each. Names of deceased pilots or passengers will be honored on the website willrogers.com, if so requested.

The 9:55 a.m. memorial service, dedicated to Will and Wiley and other pilots who have died in crashes this past year, will be broadcast live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM or streamed worldwide on their website at rsuradio.com.

Mary West of Oologah, as she has for many years, will sing the “National Anthem.”

Two of Theatre Tulsa’s starring cast members from “The Will Rogers Follies” will perform about 10:30 a.m.—Mitch Adams (Will Rogers) will sing ‘Look Around’ and Cathy Rose (Betty Rogers) will sing ‘My Big Mistake’.

The smash Broadway musical, celebrating its Silver Anniversary Year, will be presented at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Aug. 19-Sept. 23.

The Fly-in started with a simple program and a dozen or so planes.

It grew from 50 planes in 2004 to a record number last year of more than 130. A kids play area was added along with classic cars and motorcycles.

Will Rogers’ wife said he never made plans. Betty Rogers wrote in her book, “Will Rogers,” that, “he knew life was uncertain and when he wanted anything he wanted it right away.”

As far back as 1926, he touted flying as the fastest way to get anyplace.

Will joined Wiley Post, pilot and fellow Oklahoman, on a journey in search of a mail and passenger air route from the west coast of the United States to Russia. Post’s plane crashed into a lagoon near Point Barrow, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 1935, killing both instantly.

From staff and news service reports

Please complete this survey by Aug. 26:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Oologah_Talala_CSI_Community

By MAX TANNER, Superintendent

Oologah-Talala Public Schools is planning for the future and needs the community’s help. Today, the district is launching its “Building on a Tradition of Excellence: A Vision for the Future” continuous strategic improvement initiative with a community survey.

“Our community has always supported our students, our schools and had very high expectations,” said Superintendent Max Tanner. “Despite tough financial times, it’s important that we keep looking forward and make sure we offering the best education possible for our students. We want to continue to improve.”

The school district is working with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and K20 Center for Education Community Renewal at the University of Oklahoma to facilitate the planning process.

School board president Don Tice said he hopes parents, students, teachers, administrators, business owners and community members will complete the survey. All school district residents also will be invited to participate in community forums this fall.

“The schools belong to our community, and it’s important that everyone share their thoughts, hopes and dreams about what we want for our children,” Tice said.

The survey will remain open for input until Aug. 26. It is available on the Oologah-Talala Public Schools website at http://www.oologah.k12.ok.us.

The planning process also will include community forums. Planning teams involving community, business and school district representative will use student achievement data, results from the survey and forums and research to develop a continuous improvement strategic plan.

Four community forums are scheduled to share information and receive input. They will be on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 from 1-2:30 at the Assembly of God and 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium.

A proposed plan is expected to be presented to the school board for approval by mid-2017.

The Mustangs showed their skills at the Blue/Gold scrimmage on Saturday evening. Gunter Pearson looked good at running back. Ethan Clark was dead-on with his kicking.

A fan pointed out that 9 of 11 defensive starters were back this season. “They’re a year older, bigger and stronger,” he observed.

The Mustangs scrimmage again on Friday int the Rogers County Rumble at Catoosa. Mustangs scrimmage with Claremore and Claremore Sequoyah at about 7 p.m.

John and Faith Wylie, Leader publishers

By John and Faith Wylie, Publishers

John wrote the brief biographies of our ten new teachers this week.
Almost all of them agree about why they are coming here—this is such a caring community and the school is incredible because it has such an amazing staff and public support.
Faith and John can certainly relate to that. We’ve lived in Oologah almost 34 years, and those are the reasons we are more in love with the community now than we were the day we arrived.
The extra kids and grandkids—we estimate about 5,000 of them—are a special part of that. They are the amazing young people we’ve followed since arriving here.
That’s why it’s hard to admit that it’s time to retire from the Leader. We’re not going anywhere, but we need to find the right person or group to take the newspaper to the next level.
If you’ve followed our health challenges over the last few years, you understand why we can no longer provide the level of energy or physical abilities needed to maintain the quality you’ve come to expect from the Leader.
We’ve talked about how to assure the future of the Leader beyond our ownership.
Now, it’s time to bring the community into the discussion.
We are looking for a person or people who can help the Leader in all its forms—paper, online and ways not yet invented—continue to help build our community by becoming the new owners. We have been blessed with wonderful staff members, advertisers and volunteers through the years, and we know that support will continue under new leadership.
There are many business and organizational models for a newspaper and there may be people in the community with an idea for one we haven’t even thought of. A smooth transition is essential. If the Leader misses just two weeks of publication, it loses its status to print public notices. It takes two years to get that back.
While precise details can’t be made public, we can talk about what it takes to run a newspaper in a community as geographically large (over 200 square miles) as this with as many things to cover:

Faith, James and John Wylie in 1984

• Time is a precious commodity when you put out a weekly newspaper. That means the newspaper has to decide what things interest readers most, making certain that each edition has something of interest to everyone from children to senior citizens and every age in between.
• Recruiting volunteer correspondents to handle some coverage is vital. FFA, for example, has a specific officer responsible for that—and for us, each one has been a joy to work with.
• People read the newspaper or the website for both the news (and pictures) and the ads. Both are vital and they support each other—good content gives businesses an incentive to advertise; the advertising income pays the lion’s share of the newspaper’s bills. (Subscribers couldn’t afford it if they had to bear the entire cost with an annual check).
• In our experience, consistency is important—for example, any state champion in a recognized school activity goes on page 1.
• Setting a policy for letters and guest editorials and sticking to it solves many problems. Every newspaper is different because every community is different but presenting a broad range of views has proved effective for us.
What will our involvement be when we sell? We’ll be available with technical advice, contact names and phone numbers, and other assistance when the new owners take over.
Otherwise, we will become just two avid readers to give the new owners complete freedom to keep what works and change what needs changing.
We’ve watched many newspaper transitions, and the ones that work best are ones where the former publisher(s) let go completely.
The Leader starts with one of the state’s best reputations as a community newspaper because it covers one of the state’s absolute best communities. And who wouldn’t love to represent Will Rogers’ legacy?
If you want to explore the possibility of taking it to the next level, please contact Faith by email at oologahads@sbcglobal.net.
If you have newspaper experience you can probably do some of the key work yourself. And we have excellent staff members who could be a part of the team.
If you envision starting as a policy-setting, business-managing publisher, we can help you find people to interview who have the potential to become the Leader’s fourth member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
We’re not offering you a shot at winning, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” if money is your sole measure of wealth, although publishing your own weekly newspaper can and will provide a comfortable living coupled with a million unforgettable experiences (not to mention having a few thousand extra kids and grandkids, many of whom still stop by to visit whether they live here or visit from out of town).
Thank you all for the support you’ve offered to us and to the Leader over the years. We hope you’ll continue to support it in the future. If you’ve loved the Leader and plan to continue that support, we’d love to hear from you.
John and Faith Wylie

You are invited to the Ninth Annual Around Town Urban Golf Tournament

Thursday, Sept 8, 2016

What’s Urban Golf? It’s regular golf played amidst the hazards of an urban environment with special non-destructive golf balls.

Proceeds from the tournament provide classroom newspapers at the Oologah-Talala schools.

The tournament is Thursday, Sept 8. We’ll start with registration and refreshments at 5:30 pm on the deck at Doug’s Grill. We’ll have a shotgun start at 6:15 pm and play nine holes of golf around downtown Oologah. The fun concludes with a fried chicken dinner and prizes at Doug’s Grill about 8:15 to 8:45 pm.

You may enter as a team or an individual. We will match individuals into a team. Call us at 918-443-2428.

Here is an entry form: 2016 Urban golf entry form

Here is the complete audit: Final Report – oologah

By JOHN M. WYLIE II and CAROLYN ESTES, Leader writers
Copyright 2016 Oologah Lake Leader LLC

Oologah trustees unanimously voted Thursday to provide the District Attorney’s office with an investigative audit which alleges wrongdoing involving three former elected officials, misspending, and other improper conduct.

The 15-page audit contends a former mayor and vice mayor each received $6,000 expense reimbursement payments in violation of state law, for which there was no supporting documentation, and which was not reported to the IRS as taxable income as required by law.

It alleges a former vice mayor received a total of $20,000 in payments from 2004 to 2006 for work at the sewer plant without the money being reported to the IRS and in violation of three state laws and three town ordinances.

It also contends that the cost of the Town Hall Remodel Project exceeded the original project proposal cost of $112,780 by $44,628 or 39.6 percent.

The audit also alleges that proper competitive bidding practices often were not followed under both state law and town ordinances for the project, and that proper documents reporting the payments for use by contractors in reporting income to the IRS were not provided.

Finally, it contends that a former Town Clerk was improperly overpaid $1,832.62 for unused vacation which should have been forfeited for a period of years prior to her departure. That meant the town also paid another $140.20 in payroll taxes it should not have owed, the audit contends.

The complete audit is published here. More detailed stories will appear as developments warrant and a complete wrap-up will appear in next week’s print and e-editions of the Leader.

New teachers at Oologah-Talala

We had the opportunity to meet and interview these great new teachers. They seem to be great additions to our outstanding school staff. Read the interviews in this week’s Oologah Lake Leader or online at our E-Leader.

Stella Rose Welch, infant daughter of Jordan Welch and Brittany Wells, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. She was born July 8, 2016.

Services celebrating Stella’s life will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at the Assembly of God Church in Chelsea. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Wann Cemetery, Oologah.

Please view and sign Stella’s online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com.

Brad Barron

Lewey Bradford “Brad” Barron, 67, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, at his home in Talala, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 18, 1949, to Charles Sydney and Mary Margaret (Lewey) Barron. He graduated from Enid High School. In 1971, he received his degree from the University of Oklahoma. While attending the University of Oklahoma he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His life in Enid and his time at the University of Oklahoma lead to many, many lifelong friendships. On January 25, 1970, he married the love of his life Linda Gibbon. The two shared a lifetime of love and mutual admiration. They have four sons.

He spent his professional career in the oil and gas industry. He spent many years working for Sullivan and Company as a petroleum landman. He transitioned from landman to natural gas marketer. In 2006 Brad and his very good friend Kevin Kirk opened the Tulsa office of United Energy Trading, LLC. He continued his work at United Energy until his passing.

In 1984, he and Linda moved the family to Rogers County where he became known in the community for his hard work ethic, endless willingness to volunteer, and an unbeatable sense of humor. His involvement in the community included serving as a member of the Oologah-Talala School Board, a Regent for Rogers University, member of the Rogers University Foundation Board, member in the Association of Petroleum Landmen, the Oologah-Talala High School Quarterback Club, and a constant supporter of the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.

He was also an avid golfer. A highlight of his year was the annual golfing trip he and his boys took to Arkansas with their close family friends The Stauffers. He loved to play, watch, and talk about golf.

The example of leadership and love he gave is evident in all the lives he touched. He was a friend who could be counted on in the best and worst of times. He will be remembered as someone that never carried a grudge and always placed others before himself. He was a true friend.

He is survived by Linda his wife of 46 years; four sons, Brad and his wife, Brynn of Lenapah, Zach and his wife, Missy of Talala, Jake and his wife, Lindsay of Owasso, and Willie and his wife, Crissy of Talala all of whom are tremendously proud to call him “Dad”. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Sam, Olivia, Julia, Jack, Ben, Reed, Hudson, Ella, Carter, Charlie, Brooks, Halle and Reese.

A prayer service is to be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 24 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 8500 North Owasso Expressway, Owasso. The funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., (today) Thursday, August 25 at Holy Family Cathedral, 122 W. 8th, Tulsa.

In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Brad Barron Memorial Fund to benefit the students of Oologah-Talala Public Schools, PO Box 189 Oologah, OK 74053.

To leave a message for the family go to www.moorefuneral.com, Moore’s Southlawn Chapel, 918-663-2233.

Since Sept. 8, 2015 one third of Rogers County’s residents have been paying county taxes with no say in how that money is spent and no say in county policies that directly affect them.
That’s how long the residents of District 2 have been without a voting county commissioner, and it is time for that to stop—NOW!
On Sept. 8, Commissioner Mike Helm was suspended from office by a judge as recommended by the multi-county grand jury after he was indicted on felony charges.
The governor can appoint an interim commissioner, or commissioners could have approved an acting first deputy for District 2 who could have served as a voting commissioner.
Neither happened, apparently because of a concern that the filing period for the full four-year Commissioner term was just months away and either such appointment would give the appointee an unfair advantage.
So the residents of District 2 have had their money taken, but have had no elected representative to help determine how their share is spent.
That’s called taxation without representation. We seem to recall that a revolutionary war was fought over that issue, and those without representation won.
Tuesday, we had an election and voters elected Steve Hendrix as their commissioner. Although it was officially called the Republican Run-Off Primary, it was actually the final election.

Steve Hendrix Watch Party

Thus Hendrix will take office in January as the new District 2 commissioner because he beat five other Republicans who also ran for the post and no independent, Democratic or Libertarian candidate filed for the seat.
The people have spoken, selecting Hendrix for the job by a landslide margin almost unheard of in modern politics.
Now it is time for the people of District 2 to again be represented—before the final county budget for the current fiscal year is approved.
We respectfully urge Gov. Mary Fallin to restore citizenship to the one-third of Rogers County’s residents who are now effectively denied that status by naming Hendrix as the interim Second District Rogers County Commissioner, effective immediately.
Taxation without representation is literally un-American. Don’t the U.S. citizens of District 2 deserve that same status in their home county now?

Pick up a copy of the 2016 Oologah Mustangs football poster, available in this week’s Leader. You can also check it any time online as a free publication of our E-Leader.

http://etypeservices.com/Oologah%20Lake%20LeaderID268/

After a 7-7 first quarter, the Oologah Mustangs took down their longtime rivals, the Collinsville Cardinals, 43-14. Both are top ranked teams but the game was a huge upset—Collinsville is among the top contenders for the 5A gold ball while the Mustangs are serious candidates for the gold in 4A.

How did it happen? In numbers, it was 22-14 at the half, 29-14 at the end of three and finished with the Mustangs scoring a crushing win.

The Leader’s new sports reporter—former Lady Mustang Jennifer Hertel—will have the full story in next week’s Leader but provides these key insights:

“Our defense was just rock solid tonight and they held against the Collinsville offense  phenomenally.

“With our ability to mix up our pass and run game, Collinsville was left scrambling. And with our defense pushing so hard against Collinsville they started making errors in the third and fourth quarters.

“We had like 2 or 3 turnovers in a matter of minutes.”

Enjoy Jennifer’s full account of the game and Donna Parrett’s fabulous photos in next week’s Leader as the season begins with a real dose of Mustang Magic.

The Lazy D comes down in a controlled burn on Saturday, Aug. 27. Photo by Tim Carman.

By FAITH L. WYLIE, Leader Writer

The “D” was a beacon of comfort to long-haul truckers on a cold, rainy night.

The “D” was a place of sustenance and celebration for the Mustang athletes after football and basketball games.

The “D” was the place to eat after church on Sunday.

The “D” was the home away from home for the men who built Oologah Dam and Northeastern Station.

From 1952 to 1974, the “D” was Oologah, open 24 hours a day for 22 years.

Now, even the remnants of the Lazy D Restaurant and Motel are gone, making way for new commercial life along Oologah’s south business loop.

The property owners—the latest in a succession since the founders retired—burned the abandoned restaurant, motel and mobile homes on Saturday evening, providing one night of spectacular flames for the once-proud facility.

Read more about the Lazy D’s history in this week’s Leader, in stores now.

By PAT REEDER, Will Rogers Memorial Museums

Auditions will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum Theatre for parts in a renewal of “Will and the Wind,” an original musical production written and produced by Dr. Dale Smith.

It was first presented in Claremore more than 30 years ago.

Dr. Smith, a former Bartlesville music professor and school administrator, first produced “Will and the Wind,” a musical history of Oklahoma, in 1982 with several cast members from this area.

In 1984, the show was taken on the road, stopping in 15 cities along Route 66.

“It was the same road to California my relatives took in 1936,” Dr. Smith said. “We were accompanied by Will Rogers’ sons Will Jr. and Jimmy and the late Dr. Reba Collins (Will Rogers Memorial Museums director at the time).”

A highlight of the road trip was being joined by an emotional Roy Rogers and Dale Evans on stage in Victorville, Calif.

It was produced in-house at the Memorial Museum last spring with a cast from area schools.

There are parts for ages 5-18. Anyone interested in auditioning can contact Dr. Smith at drdalejhimself@gmail.com or call 417-294-4881 by Thursday, Sept. 8, so plans can be made in advance. Walk-ins will also be welcome.

Plans call for the play to be presented during Will Rogers Days (Nov. 3-6), then to area schools in the spring “as a fund-raiser and history lesson in social studies”, Dr. Smith said.

Casper booking photo

By JOHN M. WYLIE II, Editor
Copyright 2016 Oologah Lake Leader LLC

A warrant carrying a $15,000 bond was issued today (Wednesday) for Johnny Austin Casper after he failed to appear Friday for a court hearing.

Casper is on a 7-year deferred sentence for his role in last year’s school vandalism spree, and the hearing was on prosecutor’s issues to accelerate the sentence.

If granted, that could mean prison time, especially after the original application alleging he violated his probation by testing positive for alcohol was amended to allege a second violation, court records show.

Casper, 20, is described in earlier warrants as 5 feet, 10 inches tall weighing 130 pounds with brown eyes. His last known address is in the 5700 block of E. 420 Rd.

Vandalism at the O-T school campus

Case History

Prosecutors applied for the acceleration action, leading to a warrant for Casper and Friday’s scheduled hearing, on July 27. He was booked and released on $7,500 bond July 28 pending the hearing. When he failed to appear Friday, Judge Terrell Crosson revoked the bond and ordered his arrest.

He formally issued the new warrant today. It doubled the bond Casper must post on the acceleration application to $15,000, with no credit for the previous bond he posted in this case. Instead, the bonding company has been ordered to forfeit the $7,500 to the court.

If the motion is granted, it would end District Judge J. Dwayne Steidley’s deferral of accepting the guilty plea Casper entered Sept. 24 to felony malicious injury to property.

The practical effect would be that Casper could be imprisoned for up to seven years, would lose the ability to have his record expunged on Sept. 24, 2022, and would still owe the unpaid portions of his fines, court costs and restitution.

Casper, who turned 20 on June 15, had admitted in the plea agreement approved in September, “I maliciously defaced buildings belonging to Oologah Public Schools” on April 13 [2015].

The school estimated total damages at $7,578.92. Casper was ordered to pay $933.39 in restitution, and the state reserved the right to double that amount.

He said in the statement that he acted “in concert with Kaleb Koop,” who faces the same charges but is believed to have fled the area and has never been arrested, court records show.

In order to remain on probation and eventually get his record expunged, Casper was required to follow an extensive set of rules which included not drinking or possessing alcohol and not breaking any laws or ordinances.

The positive alcohol test, based on a sample taken July 21, violates both rules, prosecutors allege.

The amended application filed Aug. 8—after he was released on bond for the warrant based on that test—said he failed another alcohol test based on a urine sample taken at 6:21 a.m. Aug. 2 which showed an ethyl glucuronide positive reading of 500 ng/ml.

The report shows that his phone was unanswered and had no working voice mail when the state’s testing contractor attempted to notify him of the results Aug. 4.

Four days later, the state amended the application to allege both violations.

Since the deferred sentence was imposed in September, Casper has had a mixed record of complying with other portions of his probation, court records show.

A May 26 memorandum in his case file shows that he had completed his court-ordered 240 hours of community service.

However, a bench warrant for his arrest for failure to pay installments on his fines, court costs and other money due was issued Feb. 12, requiring that he post a $1,623.05 bond in cash to be released.

That warrant was recalled March 28.

By JOHN M. WYLIE II, Editor

Rogers Mini Stop owner David Rogers has been arrested for the third time in a little over five months on drug complaints or charges.

The latest arrest was today (Saturday) in Oologah.

Rogers, 55, of Owasso, was being held Saturday night in the Amos G. Ward Detention Center after he was stopped at 1 p.m. at US 169 and 4090 Rd. for driving with a revoked license.

An inventory of his car found drugs and paraphernalia, according to the initial probable cause affidavit by Oologah Police Officer De Rhoden.

He was booked on initial complaints of possession of methamphetamine which is an automatic felony, and complaints of possession of a precursor to methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

Rogers already is already facing a felony and six misdemeanors in Nowata County, which were filed Aug. 19, and a felony and five misdemeanors in Tulsa County, which were filed in March. (The Nowata County charges are covered in the Sept. 8 print edition of the Leader, in stores now.)

The status of the new Rogers County precursor, marijuana, paraphernalia and driving charges and the bond for those complaints plus the felony complaint will be determined Sunday by the judge handling weekend jail bookings, said Undersheriff Jon Sappington.

Rhoden said in his initial affidavit, “I initiated a traffic stop [of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Rogers] for driving while revoked on Mr. Rogers who I knew to be revoked. An inventory incident to arrest I smelled a strong odor associated w/marijuana.

“During a subsequent search of the vehicle, I located a pill bottle containing two plastic bags containing a crystal like substance, a glass pipe, a marijuana blunt, and 2 modified butane torches.”

He is free on $7,400 bond in the Tulsa and Nowata County cases.

The previous cases also have racked up thousands of dollars in court, incarceration and related costs.

Marie Ann Usrey, 83 of Talala passed away on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 in Talala with her family by her side.

She was born July 6, 1933 in Olney, the daughter of the late Vindle D. Ray and Ona Lucile Brothers Ray.  She married the late Gerald Edward Usrey on November 28, 1954 in Bogey Depot and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1982.

She was a retired supervisor for Hathaway in Tulsa where she worked for some 15 plus years.  She was a member of the Meadowview Baptist Church in Collinsville and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas Usrey of Talala and Donald Usrey and wife, Karen of Tulsa; one daughter, Cathy Campbell and husband, Mark of Talala; four grandchildren, Joshua Beaty of West Baden, IN, Sue-Ann Perkins and husband, Nate of Talala, BriAnna Burnett of Tulsa and Michael Beaty of West Braden, IN; three great-grandchildren, Zuri Beaty of Paoli, IN, Peyton Perkins of Talala and Logan Burnett of Tulsa; two brothers, JT Ray and wife Peggy of Owasso, and Hulen Ray of Turley; and one sister, Linda Trappe and husband Bill, of Bonduel, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter, Jo Ann Beaty; brothers, Dwaine Ray, Charles Ray and Earl Ray; and one sister, Ruth Richardson.

Visitation is to be held on Tuesday, September 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dighton-Moore Funeral Service located at 116 North Main Street, Owasso.

Funeral services are to be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept., 14 at Meadowview Baptist Church located at 4112 E Hwy 20, Collinsville.  Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery in Owasso.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dighton-Moore Funeral Service located at 116 North Main Street, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055

Bill Collins, 86, former Oologah resident and community leader, passed away Friday, August 25, 2016 at Miami, FL Veteran’s Hospital.

He was born in Dewar February 28, 1930 to the late William and Callie Collins.

He served our nation with great honor in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of the Oologah Assembly of God Church, Masonic Lodge #343 F & AM, American Legion Post 1, former mayor of Oologah and Rural Water #4 board president.  He retired in 1985 from McDonnell Douglas after working there for 35 years in the Tulsa and Titusville, FL plants.  For many years he and LaVeta kept homes in Oologah and Titusville before making the final move to Titusville in 2004.  He loved his golf and worked and played at the Sherwood Golf Club after retirement.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, LaVeta (Penner) Collins; son Curtis Collins; nephew Richard Wayne Pulliam and many extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edward Collins and sister, Anna Bernice Pulliam.

A memorial service was held September 1 at Space Coast Assembly of God Church in Titusville, FL.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com

To the community:

In 33 years of publishing the Leader, we cannot remember an issue with the roller coaster impact of this week’s.

It has heart-warming stories—a beloved teen recovering from terrible injuries helped by enormous community support, Mustang athletes showing skill and class on and off the field, fun community events, local residents being honored for their work, community projects moving forward.

But it also has two heart-breaking full pages of court and crime stories we wish we hadn’t had to write but couldn’t avoid. (We ran them all in an issue not distributed in our NIE program for students). Most had not been previously posted on line in any form. They are not pleasant reading, and the underlying details which aren’t printed caused us nightmares and tears.

They are a sad reminder of life’s dark side even in a community as wonderful as this, and of societal trends that exact a terrible toll on a wide variety of people.

Some show how reduced services have harmed those with serious addictions to drugs or alcohol—people who can’t get the intensive treatment they need to avoid endangering themselves and others.

Some highlight how understaffed, underfunded and overwhelmed our justice system is.

Some show the carnage caused by a totally broken mental health system that jails untreated people for being sick because their illness harms others—something that would be intolerable if the illness affected any other part of the body.

Some show how this broken system fails those who need help now to be the productive leaders of our next generation.

We take great joy in writing about the vast majority of our young people who make us so proud and feel deep pain for those who fail, especially when we can see where their woes were magnified by the war on public education and the other broken systems.

We especially cry when small children are the victims.

This week’s newspaper has made an extraordinary effort to show both the best and the worst of our community. We urge you to spend some time with a copy.

Perhaps you’ll see ways to help support the great things happening here, or ideas of how to deal with issues underlying some specific crime and court stories to find real solutions to the underlying causes.

We hope we’ll never again have to publish a newspaper quite like this one and that this agonizing task will never face our successors.

But we hope you will take time to see in one place the good things our community offers and all the bad things that challenge our future. It will be time well spent.

Even after three decades, we see new things daily reinforcing our view that this is the best place in America to live, work and play.

We also see too many things that threaten that legacy.

We’d love your thoughts on long-term solutions in letters to the editor, with the usual word limits and rules (see below), preferably by email and most important looking to future solutions.

This issue required much staff conversation and consultation with experts in many fields about how to handle various situations. We’d like to see the entire community involved in those conversations.

John, Faith and the entire Leader staff

Letters policy: The Oologah Lake Leader welcomes local letters to the editor. We accept signed letters of up to 350 words so long as they do not pose legal or taste problems. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Monday.  Please include a daytime phone number and address for verification. Email to LakeLeader@sbcglobal.net.

Political endorsement letters are not accepted the last week before an election. Endorsements will be accepted as paid advertising that week. Form letters and non-reader letters may be rejected.