Miami News-Digest

Col. Shane Riley Retires After 36 Years of Service NORMAN, Okla. — Friends, family, and fellow Guardsmen gathered at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center on Feb. 1, 2025, to honor the retirement of Col. Shane Riley , a distinguished infantry officer whose 36-year career in the Oklahoma Army National Guard has made a lasting impact. A Career of Honor and Service Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino awarded Riley with the Legion of Merit in recognition of his outstanding leadership. Riley’s military career began in 1989, and he served in Egypt (2002), Iraq (2008), and Afghanistan (two deployments) . His distinguished awards include: Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Combat Infant...

InvolvedDad: Strengthening Families Through Fatherhood Engagement By Miami News-Digest In a world where fatherhood often takes a back seat, InvolvedDad is working to change that. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they are dedicated to empowering fathers with the tools and support they need to be actively engaged in their children's lives. Transforming Lives Through Fatherhood Engagement Founded in 2015 by Shon Hart, InvolvedDad was born out of a realization: too many children grow up without a father figure. By offering legal assistance, mentorship programs, and parenting education, the organization is making a tangible impact on families across the country. Programs Designed for Fatherhood Success InvolvedDad offers structured programs tailored to help...

Wagoner County Sheriff's Office Seeks Help Identifying Larceny Suspects Posted by Miami News-Digest | February 11, 2025 Wagoner County, Oklahoma – The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's help in identifying two suspects involved in a larceny that occurred in the early hours of January 27, 2025, in the 34100 block of 713 Way. According to the Sheriff's Office, the reporting party had placed two trail cameras in security boxes on January 16, 2025, securing them with black python locking cables. By 3:00 AM on January 27, one of the cameras was stolen, but the second camera successfully captured images of the suspects involved. The Sheriff's Office has released photos of the suspects and is asking anyone who recognizes them to contact the ...

OSBI Seeks Public’s Help in 2017 Suspicious Death Case By Miami News-Digest Unsolved Case in Chouteau, Oklahoma The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is renewing its request for public assistance in the unsolved 2017 death of Gregory Scott Loving, 51 , in Chouteau. Case Details Date: October 29, 2017 Location: South 432 Road and West 610 Road, Chouteau, Oklahoma Vehicle: Burnt 1993 Cadillac Last Seen: Visiting a neighbor before driving home Cause of Death: Still undetermined Investigation Challenges Authorities initially noted damage to Loving’s skull , but it was unclear whether the injuries were from the heat of the fire or another cause. The Oklahoma medical examiner had not determined his cause of death at the time of early investigations. ...

Claremore Regional Airport Celebrates Record Year and Looks Ahead to Expansive Growth By Miami News-Digest CLAREMORE, Okla. — Claremore Regional Airport (CQB) marked a significant milestone in 2024, building on its status as a pivotal aviation facility in Northeast Oklahoma. Spanning 565 acres, the airport serves 86 base aircraft, with a mix of private hangars, t-hangars, and common hangar space to accommodate growing aviation demands. The facility has seen a steady increase in operations, recording nearly 12,400 takeoffs and landings throughout the year, a testament to the airport’s thriving role in regional aviation. With its operational success, the airport has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing services and ensuring safety. To improve communication with its tenants and the broader aviation community, Claremore Regional launched a new texting service in 2024. Th...

Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey Marks 25 Years of Monastic Life By Miami News-Digest | February 11, 2025 HULBERT, Okla. — Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, a Benedictine community in the Diocese of Tulsa, is celebrating its 25th anniversary today. Founded in 1999 by monks from the Abbey of Our Lady of Fontgombault in France, the abbey has grown to a community of 55 monks dedicated to a life of contemplation, prayer, and work. The abbey will formally commemorate this milestone on April 26, 2025 . The monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict , emphasizing silence, solitude, and constant prayer. They are known for their dedication to the Traditional Latin Mass and Gregorian chant . Growth and Development In 2010, the monastery was elevated to the status of an abbey, with Dom Philip Anderson serving as its first abbot. Over th...

Grove Announces $5.8 Million Event Center at Wolf Creek Park By Miami News-Digest February 10, 2025 | Grove, Oklahoma The City of Grove has officially announced the construction of a $5.8 million, 51,000-square-foot event center at Wolf Creek Park . This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a key venue for community events, business conferences, concerts, sporting tournaments, and more , reinforcing Grove’s reputation as a premier destination. Economic Growth and Tourism Boost City officials highlight the project as part of a broader vision to stimulate economic growth and enhance tourism . The new venue is expected to attract both local and national events, benefiting Grand Lake businesses and residents. "The event center will not only bring new business and entertainment to Grove but will also strengthen our local economy by attracting visitors and supporting loca...

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Suspected Car Thief on Highway 66 Pryor Creek, Okla. — On the morning of February 10, 2025, Pryor Creek Police officers received a FLOCK notification about a stolen 2021 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack traveling southbound on Highway 69. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Ohio. Officer Houston located the vehicle in the 800 block of South Mill Street (Highway 69) and, after confirming it was stolen, attempted a traffic stop. The driver accelerated, leading to a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of up to 160 mph . The chase continued south to Chouteau and then westbound on Highway 412. Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) deployed stop sticks near the intersection of Highway 412 and Interstate 44. The suspect vehicle turned northbound on Highway 66, where all four tires deflated due to the stop sticks. Catoosa Police Department and OHP officers apprehended the driver, identified as...

Miami to Hold Town Hall on Flooding, Seeks Community Input By Miami News-Digest Published: February 8, 2025 MIAMI, Okla. — The City of Miami is inviting residents to provide feedback on the impacts of flooding at a town hall meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2025 , at the Coleman Theatre Ballroom , 113 N. Main St. The meeting will focus on the Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement (PM&E) phase of the licensing and relicensing process for the Pensacola Project , which governs the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) operations affecting flooding in Miami and Ottawa County. "This meeting is for you, the citizens. It's for you to ask your questions and for you to be fully informed," Miami Mayor Bless Parker said. "Flooding is absolutely the most important issue we currently face as a community. I sit in on ...

Miami, Oklahoma Police Officer Arrested in Missouri on Multiple Charges By Miami News-Digest Mount Vernon, Mo. — Landon Cole Corbus, 28, a police officer from Miami, Oklahoma, was arrested by the Mount Vernon Police Department and is currently held without bond in the Lawrence County Jail . He faces charges of domestic assault in the third degree and stealing property valued at $750 or more . Corbus, who resides in Mount Vernon, Missouri, was reportedly intoxicated when he allegedly assaulted a woman , leading to his arrest. Connection to Previous Arrests In his role as a Miami police officer , Corbus was involved in the December 19, 2023, arrest of Robert John Sanko Jr. Sanko was charged with disturbing the peace , and Corbus was listed as one of the arresting officers in the case. View case details on OD...

Authorities Search for Armed Robbery Suspect in Multiple Oklahoma Cities MIAMI, Okla. — Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect involved in three armed robberies that occurred early Friday morning in Miami, Claremore, and Adair, Oklahoma. The suspect, described as a Black male wearing a dark blue hoodie and a ski mask, was armed with a handgun during the robberies. The crimes occurred between 12:11 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on February 2, 2025. The timeline of the robberies is as follows: 12:11 a.m. in Miami, Oklahoma 1:05 a.m. in Claremore, Oklahoma 7:30 a.m. in Adair, Oklahoma After the robbery in Claremore, authorities found the suspect’s getaway vehicle, a dark gray Jeep Cherokee with blacked-out ...

Oklahoma Bill Seeks to Regulate Storm Trackers, Raise Concerns Over Ham Radio Operators and Independent Spotters By Miami News-Digest OKLAHOMA CITY – A newly introduced bill in the Oklahoma Senate could change how severe weather tracking operates in the state, requiring storm chasers to obtain a state-issued license before being granted certain tracking privileges. However, the proposal has sparked concerns about whether independent storm chasers and amateur (ham) radio operators—long-time contributors to severe weather response—would be excluded from critical emergency roles. What Is Senate Bill 158? Senate Bill 158 (SB 158) , introduced by Sen. Mark Mann , would establish the Oklahoma Emergency Weather Response and Tracking Regulatory Act of 2025 . The bill aims to standardize severe weather tracking by creating a licensing system under Service Oklahoma , the state agency responsible for licensing. If passed, the bil...

Arkansas State Police Seize 96 Pounds of Cocaine in I-40 Traffic Stop By Miami News-Digest January 31, 2025 CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. — On Monday, January 27, Arkansas State Police (ASP) troopers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near the Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation border, resulting in the seizure of 96 pounds of cocaine concealed within an 18-wheeler. The incident occurred in Crawford County, near Fort Smith. The ASP has not yet released additional details regarding the stop, including the identity of the driver or any potential charges. Requests for further information have been submitted to the ASP. This seizure is part of a broader trend of significant drug confiscations by the ASP. In 2023, the agency reported a 146% increase in cocaine seizures compared to the previous year, totaling 353 pounds with an estimated street value exceeding $15 million. Notably, in June 2023, troopers dis...

National Weather Service Tulsa Announces 2025 Storm Spotter Training – Miami, OK By Miami News-Digest As the 2025 storm season approaches, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa is preparing to equip local communities with essential severe weather monitoring skills. The annual Storm Spotter Training sessions will begin in February, offering in-person training across eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. Training Overview These sessions are designed to educate attendees on recognizing tornadoes and understanding storm structures, enhancing preparedness for extreme weather conditions. Topics include: Severe weather recognition and safety The latest NWS technology and pr...

Sheriff Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko By Inquisitor Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean has requested an independent investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) into an incident involving an arrestee, Sanko, at the county jail. Sheriff Dean issued a press release stating that, at this time, it does not appear that Sanko was assaulted while in custody. In his statement, Sheriff Dean confirmed that an OSBI agent has been assigned to the case. He also noted that the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed criminal charges against Sanko, as there was no indication that Sanko could form criminal intent at the hospital. Full Statement from Sheriff Dean The matter. At this time, it does not appear that any person assaulted Sanko. I have requested the Oklahoma Bureau of ...

Young Child Wellness Council to Convene in Miami Miami, OK — The Young Child Wellness Council is set to hold its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, February 4, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Ottawa County Courthouse Annex , located at 123 E Central Ave, Miami, OK 74354 . Recognizing the midday timing, the Modoc Nation's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program will provide lunch for attendees. To ensure adequate provisions, organizers request that those planning to attend in person RSVP in advance . About the Young Child Wellness Council The Young Child Wellness Council brings together community representatives dedicated to enhancing the well-being of young children in the region. The group's focus is on fostering collaboration among professionals and caregivers to improve child wellness programs and services. Modoc Nation CCDF’s Role The Modoc Nation CCDF program plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of...

Woman Hospitalized After Ottawa County Jail Detention; Investigation Underway By Miami News-Digest | January 29, 2025 MIAMI, Okla. – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a woman sustained injuries while in custody at the Ottawa County Jail. Leah Sanko was booked into the jail on Jan. 22 following her arrest by Miami Police Department officers at Integris ER for reported combative behavior. An affidavit filed on Jan. 24 detailed felony assault charges against her. Sometime between Jan. 22 and Jan. 27, Sanko exhibited physical injuries to various parts of her body. During a virtual court hearing, a judge noted her visible injuries and ordered her to appear in person. Sanko was released from custody on Jan. 27 and was transported by a parent to Mercy Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. ...

Sequoyah High School Introduces Agriculture Program to Foster Indigenous Food Sustainability By Miami News-Digest Tahlequah, Okla. — Sequoyah High School, in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), and the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, has announced the launch of a comprehensive agriculture education program aimed at promoting Indigenous food sustainability and providing hands-on agricultural learning experiences. Over the next year, the school plans to hire an agriculture teacher to develop the program, establish a school garden, and explore opportunities to raise beef cattle. The produce and meat from these initiatives are intended to support a farm-to-table program in the school's cafeteria. Additionally, Sequoyah teachers will integrate agricultural topics into their existing curricula to provi...

Two New Fugitives Added to Oklahoma Attorney General’s 10 Most Wanted List OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 28, 2025) – The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has added two new fugitives to its 10 Most Wanted list, one facing charges of assaulting an officer and the other accused of lewd acts with a child. Attorney General Gentner Drummond called for Oklahomans to help provide information that could lead to the suspects' capture, stressing that the individuals pose significant threats to public safety. “These suspects have no place walking free in our communities,” Drummond said. “Through strong partnerships with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement, we will continue pursuing fugitives from justice until they face the consequences of their alleged crimes.” Wanted: Jayson Geoffrey Evans Jayson Geoffrey Evans , 50, is wanted for assaul...