Miami News-Digest

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...

Oklahoma Senate Democrats to Host Open House at State Capitol The Oklahoma Senate Democratic Caucus invites Oklahomans to an open house at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 4, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM . The event will take place at the Capitol, located at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City . "This is a great chance for citizens to engage with their representatives and learn more about the legislative process." – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt The open house is a unique opportunity for constituents to: Meet Democratic Senators Tour their offices Learn more about legislative priorities and processes Meet Your Democratic Senators During the open house, attendees will have the chance to connect with the following Democratic senators: Sen. Julia Kirt , Democratic Leader District 30 Phone: 405-521-5636 Email: Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov ...

Miami Civic Center Getting New Gym Floor, Upgraded Features Exciting Changes Coming to the Historic "Dog Dome" MIAMI, Okla. — The historic Miami Civic Center is receiving a significant upgrade with the installation of a brand-new wooden gym floor. The previous floor, damaged by water during a spring storm last year, will be replaced as part of a $125,600 renovation project. “It’s unfortunate we have to replace the gym floor, but we are extremely excited about the new floor and all the upgrades and improvements we’ve been making to the historic Civic Center,” said Chuck McKibben, City of Miami’s Sports and Recreation Coordinator. Key Features of the Renovation New Wooden Gym Floor: Designed to reflect the area’s history with updated center-court and ribbon logos. Center-Court Logo: ...

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Deadline: March 6, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT) About the Scholarship The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State , provides U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means with up to $5,000 to study or intern abroad. The program aims to develop skills in foreign languages and cultures, which are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity . Key Benefits: Up to $5,000 for study abroad expenses. Additional $3,000 for studying critical need languages. Access to a network of over 44,000 alumni worldwide . Eligibility Requirements Must be a U.S. citizen . Undergraduate student in good academic standing at an accredited U.S. institution. Recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application ...

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on New Law Enforcement Tactical Training Facility By Miami News-Digest WELLSTON, Okla. (AP) — State officials and law enforcement leaders gathered this month to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Oklahoma Law Enforcement Tactical Training Facility , a cutting-edge complex designed to provide advanced training for law enforcement agencies across the state. The new facility, located on 640 acres in Wellston at the intersection of State Highway 102 and Memorial Road, will feature several key training resources, including a driver training track, skills pad, firearms ranges, a shoot house, and bomb disposal field. Additionally, the facility will offer dormitories, classrooms, academy staff offices, a physical education and CrossFit a...

Sen. Kirt Proposes Legislation to Reform Oklahoma's Eviction Process By Miami News-Digest OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 24, 2025) — Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt has introduced two bills designed to modernize Oklahoma’s eviction statutes, aiming to provide fairer housing practices and protect tenant rights. “Oklahoma is sixth in the nation for evictions. When families lose their housing, they also can lose stability like their jobs and their children’s school success,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “By modernizing our statutes, we can make sure laws meet the needs of property owners while protecting the rights of tenants. We need to align our laws with the best practices good landlords already follow.” Key Provisions of the Legislation: Senate Bill 815: Requires eviction records to be sealed immedi...

Charlemagne Ball 2025: Strengthening Catholic Families By Miami News-Digest  The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa is hosting its annual Charlemagne Ball on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Scissortail Ballroom. This cultural event provides married couples with an opportunity to deepen their love for one another while celebrating faith and tradition through dining, fellowship, and dancing. As part of the diocese’s commitment to faith formation and fostering strong Catholic families, the Charlemagne Ball serves as a reminder of the timeless connection between love, marriage, and faith. This year’s menu will feature a salmon dinner, allowing attendees to honor the Friday abstinence tradition observed by many Catholics. ...

Higher Power Garage Celebrates Five Years with Night of Worship By Miami News-Digest JOPLIN, Mo. – Higher Power Garage, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable vehicle repairs, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a “Night of Worship: Hope Has a Name” . This free event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 , at the Ozark Christian College Chapel, 1111 N Main St Rd, Joplin. The evening will include: Musical performances by LeAnna Tillman, Lyssa Rarick, Ashlee Henady, Garrett Sargent, and friends A chance to meet Higher Power Garage’s staff and board of directors Refreshments provided at a post-event reception Established in May 2020, Higher Power Garage helps individuals in need by providing affordable vehicle repairs and additional education...

Seneca Police Seek Public Assistance in Identifying Armed Robbery Suspect By Miami News-Digest Seneca, Mo. (Jan. 25, 2025) — The Seneca Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in identifying a suspect involved in an armed robbery late Friday night at Darla's Liquors, located at 110 Washington Ave. According to authorities, the suspect was described as wearing black clothing and a mask during the robbery. Numerous police vehicles were reported at the scene as officers responded. No additional details about the incident or potential injuries have been released at this time. The police urge anyone with information related to the robbery to contact the Seneca Police Department at (417) 776-8158 . Anonymous tips are welcome. The investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. ...

Stardust Power Breaks Ground on $1.2 Billion Lithium Refinery in Muskogee By Miami News-Digest MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Stardust Power Inc., an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, officially broke ground on January 22, 2025, on its lithium refinery at the Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma. "Stardust Power's decision to break ground on its lithium refinery in Muskogee is a significant step forward for Oklahoma's role in reinforcing our critical mineral supply chains and bolstering national security," said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. "This project not only strengthens our state's position as a leader in sustainable energy, but it also creates hundreds of good-paying jobs and d...

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Religious Charter School in Oklahoma By Miami News-Digest The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond , a case that could reshape the boundaries between religion and public education. At issue is whether the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board was justified in approving St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a religious charter school, despite concerns over the constitutional prohibition of public funding for religious institutions. Background In 2023, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School sought approval as a publicly funded online charter school that would incorporate Catholic teachings into its curriculum. The proposal was backed by G...

Plans for New and Improved Miami Seniors' Center Underway By Miami News-Digest Source: City of Miami The City of Miami, Oklahoma, has announced major plans to improve the Miami Seniors’ Center, following its reorganization earlier this year. The center, now under city ownership after the dissolution of the former board, is set to receive facility upgrades, new programs, and expanded services to better serve area seniors. "We believe the Miami Seniors’ Center is a vitally important resource for residents and a valued community gathering place," said Miami City Manager Tyler Cline. "The entire City of Miami administration, staff, Council and Mayor are dedicated to doing all we can to help revitalize the center." New Leadership and Facility Improvements The newly formed Miami Seniors’ Center Board of Direct...

Surplus Property Sale - Sealed Bids By Miami News-Digest Commerce Public Schools is now accepting sealed bids for surplus property, offering an opportunity for the public to purchase vehicles and equipment no longer needed by the district. Items Available 2006 Chevrolet Impala – 191,163 miles (VIN ending in 196037). 2005 Ford Freestar – 143,114 miles (VIN ending in A81819). EZ Go Golf Cart – Estimated model year between 1998 and 2003. Requires work and new batteries. Condition: All items are sold as-is, with no implied warranties. Inspection Details The items are available for viewing and inspection at the Commerce High School Maintenance Barn: 420 Doug Furnas Blvd. Commerce, OK 74339 ...

Quapaw Nation Offers Free Budgeting Class Series in February By Miami News-Digest The Quapaw Nation’s Higher Education Department is hosting a free three-part budgeting class series to help community members improve their financial literacy and learn practical money management skills. The sessions will be held at the Quapaw Nation Community Building and are also accessible online via Zoom. Event Details Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, and Feb. 19, 2025 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Central Time) Location: Quapaw Nation Community Building, 5681 S. 630 Rd., Quapaw, OK Virtual Attendance: Available via Zoom (see below for details) Registration Information Registration is required by 12:00 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2025 . To register: Email education.departmen...