New feature allows readers to report community issues to officials, reporters
If you’ve explored the Know It sections of NewsOK lately, you’ve probably noticed a new feature. It looks like the photo above and allows readers to submit maintenance problems that might be plaguing their community.
You can see a map and a list of non-emergency issues that have been reported. The service is called See Click Fix and coordinates with cities to make sure issues are reported to the right agencies. (more…)
Oklahoma Red Cross volunteers hand out fire safety tips to residents
For the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, I spent a few hours with Red Cross volunteers in Oklahoma City and watched as they handed out fire safety tips in residential neighborhoods. (more…)
“A total loss”
Three homes lost at Lake Stanley Draper
Oklahoma City fire crews battled brush and structure fires across a more than two square miles east of Lake Stanley Draper yesterday.
At least 3 structures burned between SE 138 and SE 134, and officials are still assessing the damage. Deputy Fire Chief Cecil Clay said he didn’t know exactly how many structures had burned, but hot spots in wooded areas gave firefighters a difficult time yesterday and he anticipates they will do the same today.
“There was no way we could save some of those structures,” Clay said. “When the wind is blowing 30-40 miles per hour embers just blow from one spot to another no matter how much water you use.”
Clay said the fire started around 3 p.m. yesterday and crews evacuated a 2 mile area east of S Hiwassee Road as the fire crescendoed about 5:30 p.m. Clay said 15-20 brush pumpers, more than 100 firefighters and tankers from the airport and National Guard were on sight to battle the flames.
He said there are still hot spots that crews can not physically reach because of the density of the trees and brush.
Clay said it was impossible to save some homes because high grass, trees and shrubs were too thick. The dry vegetation went up in flames quickly.
He said homeowners should keep grass short around their homes and clear away dried leaves.
- Valley Brown
Fans asked to bring relief items to Thunder game tonight
The Oklahoma City Thunder is encouraging fans to bring donations to the basketball game tonight. A Homeland truck will be parked in front of the Ford Center beginning at 2 p.m. today.
Also, mascot Rumble will make a surprise appearance at a Midwest City school today to surprise teachers and students affected by the fire. Rumble will visit Barnes Elementary School at 1 p.m. The school was chosen because a large number of students live in the evacuation areas.
- Carrie Coppernoll
At least 6 tornados reported
Wildfires weren’t the only weather event in Oklahoma on April 9, 2009. At least 6 tornadoes were reported in northeastern Oklahoma. Read NewsOK.com’s story.
Gary Crow submitted this picture this morning:
Tornado over Miami Thursday April 9, 2009. By Gary Crow, for The Oklahoman
With the protestors
Johnny Johnson reports from outside the grounds of John Cresap’s home:
At about 11:05 a.m., about three dozen protesters and peace activists confined to a designated area south of a private Republican fundraiser began waving their cardboard signs and chanting, “Impeach George Bush” as the President’s motorcade rolled into an elaborate private driveway on North Sooner Road. Instead of waiting for the fundraiser to end, however, many of the protestors packed up and went home shortly after Pres. Bush arrived.
Those who stayed included Gold Star dads Warren Henthorn of Choctaw and John Scripsick who said they owed it to their sons who died in Iraq for what they believe to be an unnecessary war.
The President has left the building
10:54 a.m.
Michael McNutt reports that the President’s motorcade has just left the Presbyterian Health Foundation.
Jim Beckel says there are about 19 vehicles in the motorcade.
Details of Presbyterian meeting
10:39 a.m.
Jim Stafford reports:
The President said he is concerned that the U.S. health care system is drifting toward nationalization. He made a “big pitch” for health savings accounts and heard from seven women who own small businesses about their experiences with health savings accounts.
Off to lunch
10:38 a.m.
Jim Beckel reports:
All the media are back in their vans and are waiting for the motorcade to leave the Presbyterian complex. About a dozen TV and print photographers/videographers were allowed in for about four minutes at the end of the meeting.
Next up is lunch at the home of John Cresap.
