Plane Lands on Tulsa Highway

Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Highway

POSTED: 1:37 pm CDT May 28, 2008
UPDATED: 6:10 pm CDT May 28, 2008


TULSA, Okla. -- A Texas man told authorities that engine problems forced him to make an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 75 near Tulsa.

No injuries are reported, and the only damage appears to be to a road sign.

Allen Braden said he was flying his single-engine Cessna from Emporia, Kan., to his home in Houston when he developed engine trouble.


Braden said he tried to make it to Tulsa International Airport but couldn't so he landed on the highway after seeing an opening in traffic.

The Federal Aviation Administration is being called to investigate the incident.


Information from: KOTV-TV, http://www.newson6.com

What was Sen. Kern thinking?

A Brilliant Reply to Sally Kern
Category: Posted on: March 13, 2008 9:16 AM, by Ed Brayton
Found this at Pam's House Blend. It's a letter from a high school senior whose mother died in the Oklahoma City bombing. He's not happy about Kern claiming that gays are worse than terrorists and he tells her so with great eloquence. Full text below the fold:
Rep Kern:
On April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City a terrorist detonated a bomb that killed my mother and 167 others. 19 children died that day. Had I not had the chicken pox that day, the body count would've likely have included one more. Over 800 other Oklahomans were injured that day and many of those still suffer through their permanent wounds.
That terrorist was neither a homosexual or was he involved in Islam. He was an extremist Christian forcing his views through a body count. He held his beliefs and made those who didn't live up to them pay with their lives.
As you were not a resident of Oklahoma on that day, it could be explained why you so carelessly chose words saying that the homosexual agenda is worst than terrorism. I can most certainly tell you through my own experience that is not true. I am sure there are many people in your voting district that laid a loved one to death after the terrorist attack on Oklahoma City. I kind of doubt you'll find one of them that will agree with you.
I was five years old when my mother died. I remember what a beautiful, wise, and remarkable woman she was. I miss her. Your harsh words and misguided beliefs brought me to tears, because you told me that my mother's killer was a better person than a group of people that are seeking safety and tolerance for themselves.
As someone left motherless and victimized by terrorists, I say to you very clearly you are absolutely wrong.
You represent a district in Oklahoma City and you very coldly express a lack of love, sympathy or understanding for what they've been through. Can I ask if you might have chosen wiser words were you a real Oklahoman that was here to share the suffering with Oklahoma City? Might your heart be a bit less cold had you been around to see the small bodies of children being pulled out of rubble and carried away by weeping firemen?
I've spent 12 years in Oklahoma public schools and never once have I had anyone try to force a gay agenda on me. I have seen, however, many gay students beat up and there's never a day in school that has went by when I haven't heard the word **** slung at someone. I've been called gay slurs many times and they hurt and I am not even gay so I can just imagine how a real gay person feels. You were a school teacher and you have seen those things too. How could you care so little about the suffering of some of your students?
Let me tell you the result of your words in my school. Every openly gay and suspected gay in the school were having to walk together Monday for protection. They looked scared. They've already experienced enough hate and now your words gave other students even more motivation to sneer at them and call them names. Afterall, you are a teacher and a lawmaker, many young people have taken your words to heart. That happens when you assume a role of responsibility in your community. I seriously think before this week ends that some kids here will be going home bruised and bloody because of what you said.
I wish you could've met my mom. Maybe she could've guided you in how a real Christian should be acting and speaking.
I have not had a mother for nearly 13 years now and wonder if there were fewer people like you around, people with more love and tolerance in their hearts instead of strife, if my mom would be here to watch me graduate from high school this spring. Now she won't be there. So I'll be packing my things and leaving Oklahoma to go to college elsewhere and one day be a writer and I have no intentions to ever return here. I have no doubt that people like you will incite crazy people to build more bombs and kill more people again. I don't want to be here for that. I just can't go through that again.
You may just see me as a kid, but let me try to teach you something. The old saying is sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Well, your words hurt me. Your words disrespected the memory of my mom. Your words can cause others to pick up sticks and stones and hurt others.
Sincerely
Tucker
What is it with kids writing brilliant letters these days? Whatever it is, let's see more of it. Nice job, Tucker.

Complaint dismissed in social host ordinance arrest - due to MS

By John A. Williams
Staff Writer
For the first time since its inception 13 months ago, a complaint against a person arrested for violating Edmond's social host ordinance has been dismissed.



Elizabeth Ellen Duncan, 53, and her son Timothy Donald Duncan, 18, were arrested Jan. 26 on the complaint of allowing underage drinking in their home.

Before the Duncans' arraignment hearing Thursday, City Attorney Paul Lakin said he made the decision to dismiss the complaint against Elizabeth Duncan based on medical information and because Duncan's son took full responsibility for the party.

"Had she been the one who set up the party, ran it, knew about it, that would have been the situation,” Lakin said.

Duncan's attorney, Pattye High, said the woman had no idea that there was a party going on in her house.

"She was upstairs asleep,” High said. "Ms. Duncan has multiple sclerosis, so when she came to the door, yes, she was unsteady on her feet, and yes, her speech is slurred, and no, she was absolutely not intoxicated. It was the result of her disability.”

According to an Edmond police report, 15 to 20 people were seen leaving the residence, several of them minors. High said police officers assumed that Duncan was intoxicated and arrested her.

"She was attempting to tell them that she had multiple sclerosis and there was no listening,” High said.

Duncan and her son posted $544 bail each, which also counts as the fine and court costs. Lakin said the money will be returned to Elizabeth Duncan.

Edmond's social host ordinance holds adults responsible when minors drink alcohol in their homes, but High said the wording of the ordinance makes it clear that a person must "knowingly permit” a gathering to be in violation.

"You can't be held criminally responsible for something if you have no knowledge about it going on,” she said. "This poor woman had no idea.”

Edmond City Attorney Stephen Murdock said he doesn't see that as a problem with the ordinance.

"We don't think it's a loophole at all,” he said.

Miss America

Miss America Lauren Nelson Passes The Torch

By Miss America, aka Lauren Nelson , USA

Date Posted: 01/18/08

Reader Rating:

I am handing over my crown at the Miss America pageant on Saturday, January 26, 2008. I’m pretty sad about it ending actually. I dedicated four or five years to this organization. It’s the end of an era in my life, and definitely a bitter sweet moment.

I don’t actually remember watching Miss America every year when I was a little girl in Oklahoma, but I do remember looking up to the girls that were competing. I was in awe of them, so to be able to represent that later on was just amazing.

I started competing when I was about 16 years old. Four years later, I was crowned Miss America 2007. (It’s interesting to note that there’s only ever been a couple Miss Americas that have done “kiddie pageants.”)

In those moments when we were waiting to hear who was to be crowned, I knew it could go only one of two ways; my life was either going to completely change, or I was going to go back to the life I knew.

When I was named Miss America, it was definitely surreal. The first thing I remember was looking into the crowd and seeing the Oklahoma crowd cheering for me. That moment flies by so fast that you really don’t even realize what’s happening.

I was definitely a bit apprehensive about my new job. I really have to tell you that the first week that I was Miss America was probably the hardest week of my life, because I was newly 20, traveling across the country and not knowing when I was going to get to go home and see familiar people.

I was definitely nervous about the responsibility. Everything you do and say is representing the Miss America organization. It is a lot of weight to carry because you’re reflecting all the other contestants and people involved. The judges definitely crown Miss America because she’s ready to take on that responsibility from the start.

After the first week, I settled into my job and started loving it.

The crowning moment is totally surreal.

The new Miss America will go through that same adjustment period too.

One piece of advice that I would love to give Miss America is to realize that every day that you’re Miss America is really a gift, and you need to appreciate that. You’re only Miss America once! Even on those days when you’re exhausted because you’ve been traveling and haven’t had a day off in three months, just stop and smell the roses because it’s never going to come around again.

One of the highlights this year for me was that I was Miss America during Oklahoma's centennial year, so I got to be a big part of all the celebrations with all the other Miss Americas from Oklahoma. That was a really neat experience for me.

The best thing was definitely working with Children’s Miracle Network. These kids are going through medical difficulties, recovering from car crashes and other traumas. Seeing these little kids with smiles on their faces really puts things into perspective for all of us and has really motivated me this year.

Reality Check

The great thing about the new reality show, Miss America Reality Check, is that America gets to see the girls before they compete and get to know them a little bit more. It’s obviously an attempt to modernize the pageant, but I have to say I love Miss America just the way it is and the way it’s always been.

Of course there’s always some negative publicity about pageants, like the pepper spray allegations made by Miss Puerto Rico, but the reality is really different. The competition is really friendly. We all show up ready to win and compete, but it’s never catty or hateful.

The bathing suit competition promotes health and fitness.

Of course when I won, some of the girls may have been disappointed that they didn’t win, because I know I would have been too. It takes years of hard work to get to that point, and it’s the last time that all of us can compete in that pageant, so of course it’s difficult to walk away. I know the girls were happy for me, just as I would have been happy for her had someone else won.

We’re all very close and we’re poised, mature and responsible, so that’s why you don’t see any cat fights. We have good heads on our shoulders.

The Skinny On The Swimsuit Competition

I don’t think the swimsuit competition is controversial at all. This competition is designed to show whether you’re in shape or not, and the swimsuit competition does that. To be Miss America you have to have more going on too. You have to be well-rounded - you don't have to be the best in every category, but you have to be good in every category. It’s all about having a healthy lifestyle. When you’re traveling all over the country, you need to be healthy!

Steering Clear Of Scandal

People have asked me if I think women who’ve been found to have posed in suggestive photographs before the competition should have to give up their crowns. I’m not going to comment on any specific situation, but I will say it goes back to the fact that you’re representing the organization. Every move that you make and every picture you take reflects back on Miss America as a whole, and it’s so important to keep that in mind.

Passing The Torch

This whole experience has allowed me to grow so much and I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life.

I plan to continue my studies and become a high school music teacher.

I’ve never given much thought to how I feel about getting older, but I do think it’s important to age gracefully. It doesn’t scare me or anything to think that my body’s not always going to look this way.

As for plans for the future, I’m moving back to Tulsa, Oklahoma and will keep traveling and speaking as the former Miss America. I’ve still got a lot of schooling to do, so I’m going to study to be a high school music teacher.

I can’t make any predictions about who will be crowned this week. I haven’t had much time to get to know the girls yet. Tonight is the first night I’ll actually be meeting them. They’re all prepared, that’s for sure. It will be very exciting.

*****

Visit MissAmerica.org

1 Million Pounds

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The mayor has issued a New Year's challenge to residents of Oklahoma City.Mick Cornett wants them to shed 1 million pounds by watching what they eat. It could be difficult, since a spread of cornbread, sausage gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie has been designated the official Oklahoma state meal.
Cornett is working to make the city more pedestrian friendly so people will walk more, but he said residents also need to acknowledge that they eat too much and don't eat the right foods. As part of the initiative, residents can sign up and track their weight loss on a new Web site, www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com.More than 2,600 people have signed up so far. They've lost more than 300 pounds. Oklahoma City ranked 15th in a 2007 survey of America's fattest cities conducted by Men's Fitness magazine.

Way to Go!

Linda Chance, Oklahoma City, OK


The idea for an MS awareness ribbon was a no-brainer for Linda Chance: If so many other diseases had ribbons, why shouldn’t MS?

With newfound time on her hands due to the necessity of an early retirement, Linda decided to take action. Using a hot glue gun, she constructed more than 1,000 ribbons made from prism fabric to distribute at MS walks, runs and rides. She selected the prism design because the changing colors signified MS as an ever-changing and unpredictable disease. She also authored a brochure and created display boards to showcase the ribbons.

With her Betaseron® Champions of CourageSM grant, Linda will be able to manufacture more MS awareness ribbons and travel to other cities to promote the concept.

"My goal is to display the ribbon at as many events and locations as possible so that more people will be aware of MS and its devastating effects," says Linda. "My hope is that increased awareness will result in more funding to find an end to this disease."

With her Champions of Courage grant, Linda assembled ribbon kits which were distributed through the Oklahoma chapter of the National MS Society as well as by Linda herself!

Linda’s hard work to benefit people with MS did not gone unnoticed by her community. For her outstanding volunteer service, Linda received the 2000 Oklahoma Citian With a Disability of the Year award at the city’s Mayor’s Conference on People with Disabilities, and also was honored by her chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tribe slave descendants face uncertainty

By SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press Writer Sun Mar 4, 4:13 PM ET

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Cherokee Nation vote this weekend to revoke the citizenship of the descendants of people the Cherokee once owned as slaves was a blow to people who have relied on tribal benefits.
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Charlene White, a descendant of freed Cherokee slaves who were adopted into the tribe in 1866 under a treaty with the U.S. government, wondered Sunday where she would now go for the glaucoma treatment she has received at a tribal hospital in Stilwell.

"I've got to go back to the doctor, but I don't know if I can go back to the clinic or if they're going to oust me right now," said White, 56, a disabled Tahlequah resident who lives on a fixed income.

In Saturday's special election, more than 76 percent of voters decided to amend the Cherokee Nation's constitution to remove the estimated 2,800 freedmen descendants from the tribal rolls, according to results posted Sunday on the tribe's Web site.

Marilyn Vann, president of the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, said the election results undoubtedly will be challenged.

"We will pursue the legal remedies that are available to us to stop people from not only losing their voting rights, but to receiving medical care and other services to which they are entitled under law," Vann said Sunday.

"This is a fight for justice to stop these crimes against humanity."

Cherokee Nation spokesman Mike Miller said Sunday that election results will not be finalized until after a protest period that extends through March 12. Services currently being received by freedmen descendants will not immediately be suspended, he said.

"There isn't going to be some sort of sudden stop of a service that's ongoing," Miller said. "There will be some sort of transition period so that people understand what's going on."

In a statement late Saturday, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said he was pleased with the turnout and election result.

"Their voice is clear as to who should be citizens of the Cherokee Nation," Smith said. "No one else has the right to make that determination. It was a right of self-government, affirmed in 23 treaties with Great Britain and the United States and paid dearly with 4,000 lives on the Trail of Tears."

The petition drive for the ballot measure followed a March 2006 ruling by the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court that said an 1866 treaty assured freedmen descendants of tribal citizenship.

A similar situation occurred in 2000 when the Seminole Nation voted to cast freedmen descendants out of its tribe, said attorney Jon Velie of Norman, an expert on Indian law who has represented freedmen descendants in previous cases.

"The United States, when posed the same situation with the Seminoles, would not recognize the election and they ultimately cut off most federal programs to the Seminoles," Velie said. "They also determined the Seminoles, without this relationship with the government, were not authorized to conduct gaming."

Ultimately, the Seminole freedmen were allowed back into the tribe, Velie said.

Velie said Saturday's vote already has hurt the tribe's public perception.

"It's throwback, old-school racist rhetoric," Velie said.

"And it's really heartbreaking, because the Cherokees are good people and have a very diverse citizenship," he said.

Miller, the tribal spokesman, defended the Cherokees against charges of racism, saying that Saturday's vote showed the tribe was open to allowing its citizens vote on whether non-Indians be allowed membership.

"I think it's actually the opposite. To say that the Cherokee Nation is intolerant or racist ignores the fact that we have an open dialogue and have the discussion, he said.

___

On the Net:

Cherokee Nation: http://www.cherokee.org/