|
| | This Week's Headlines | |
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Any thoughts on the community response to the meningitis outbreak?
If you knew Andrew or Shuache, any favorite memories or thoughts?
Any thoughts for the families of the children who are fighting the disease?
E-mail your response to oologahspeaks@sbcglobal.net.
PLEASE HELP! We are trying to compile a list of names of all affected children. If you know anyone, please send us a private email or call the office at 443-2428. We will not publicize the names without permission. But we would like to determine total kids and grade levels. We are hearing rumors of up to
11 children, but cannot get any official confirmation.
E-mail your response to oologahspeaks@sbcglobal.net.
Update Monday, March 15, 6:32 pm
O-T HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IS 7TH STRICKEN
By Chris Edens, City Editor
State health department officials confirmed late Monday afternoon that another O-T student has been hospitalized for bacterial meningitis.
A female Oologah high school student is in a Tulsa hospital. Her condition is unknown and it is unclear how long she has been in the hospital.
Two children from the lower elementary have died from the disease and four others are being treated at St. Francis Hospital. This is the first case reported outside that building.
As a preventive measure, the Rogers County Health Department, 2664 North Highway 88 in Claremore, will host a special clinic tomorrow (Tuesday) to provide antibiotics for family members and close contacts of the latest case. State health officials are now contacting those who should attend tomorrow's clinic.
Public health officials stress that the general public is not at risk. Only persons who have had close, personal contact to a person with a meningococcal infection have a slightly increased risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease may appear two to ten days after infection. People ill with meningococcal septicemia may have fever, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. People that are ill with meningitis will have fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck. It is important to seek care from a physician as soon as possible if the symptoms appear.
Update Monday, March 15, 10:30 am
NIE TEACHER WORKSHOP POSTPONED, SENIOR BIO DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Leader will postpone the Newspaper in Education Teacher Workshop, originally scheduled for March 25. Watch for a new date in April.
Senior bios for the Graduation Section were originally due on Friday, March 12. However, school was cancelled that day.
So, the deadline has been extended to Friday, March 26.
Click here to download a senior bio form
Meningitis update, Friday, 6:15 pm
SECOND VICTIM IS 8-YEAR-OLD SHUACHE MOUA
Phone Bank to Remain Open Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Family friends have confirmed that the second victim of the meningitis outbreak at Oologah-Talala is 8-year-old Shuache Moua of Oologah.
Friends of the Mitchell family say that Jeremiah Mitchell remains in grave condition at St. Francis.
Grief-stricken Oologah Lower Elementary teachers met Friday at the school to discuss the situation.
State health officials announced today that the Oklahoma State Department of Health phone bank will be open Saturday, March 13th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide information to the public regarding cases of meningococcal disease in the Oologah-Talala elementary school. Callers can dial toll-free 1-866-278-7134.
Rogers County health officials report that 160 people visited the Oologah-Talala lower elementary school gym today for information and to receive antibiotics. Health officials arrived on site Thursday hours after learning that several cases of meningococcal disease occurred in students who attend the school. More than 800 people received antibiotics over the two-day period.
With the Oologah-Talala school system closed through March 22nd for spring break, county health officials will provide services through the Rogers County Health Department, 2664 N Highway 88, Claremore, 918/ 341-3166 during regular office hours beginning Monday.
Meningitis update, Friday, 2 pm
CLINIC OPEN AT OLE, BASEBALL GAMES CANCELLED, SERVICE SET FOR THOMAS
Officials with the state health department are administering antibiotics at Oologah Lower Elementary School until 5 p.m. Friday to anyone who may have been exposed to the meningitis bacteria.
Lower elementary students and teachers and students who rode bus numbers 1, 7, 12 and 17 are being given injections of the antibiotic Rocephin.
National Honor Society members, seniors and sixth grade leadership class members who participated in Read Across America activities are being given the oral antibiotic Rifampin. Students and teachers from other buildings and parents who might be at risk are also being given an oral antibiotic.
The varsity baseball game with McAlester Saturday has been cancelled.
"Because of the tragedy that has occurred in our community we felt we should cancel the games this weekend and allow the community to recover," coach Gary Edwards said.
The service for Andrew Thomas is 2 p.m. on Monday at Owasso Church of Christ. Visitation is 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Hom.
Meningitis update 7:25 pm
State Health Department Opens Phone Bank to Answer Questions on Meningococcal Cases in Oologah Elementary School
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has opened a phone bank to provide information to the public regarding cases of meningococcal disease in the Oologah-Talala elementary school. Callers can dial toll-free 1-866-278-7134 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this evening, and tomorrow, Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Oologah Recreational Soccer League has cancelled all games until March 22.
Meningitis updated 5:05 pm
MENINGITIS CLAIMS SECOND YOUNG VICTIM
A second child has died from an outbreak of meningitis at Oologah Lower Elementary, according to the state health department.
Officials are now investigating a total of six children (including the two deaths) from the Oologah area who are showing symptoms of the disease. Lab testing has confirmed two cases of meningococcal disease.
Oologah family practice physician Dr. Sam Stauffer said he has never seen an outbreak of bacterial meningitis like the one that occurred at Oologah Lower Elementary School in his almost 30 years in practice.
Mary Beth Murray, Director of the Rogers County Health Department said the situation was "very, very unusual." She said the state health department has never seen anything like this happen before.
The state health department brought hundreds of doses of the antibiotic Rocephin to the school to administer to any students or adults that might be at risk for contracting the disease.
Murray and Dr. Stauffer said the school handled the situation very well.
"The school did a great job," Murray said.
Meningitis Updated 2:50 pm
HEALTH DEPARTMENT GIVES ANTIBIOTICS TO LOWER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
The State Health Department has been giving antibiotic doses to Oologah Lower Elementary students at the Oologah Lower Elementary School Gym. Officials will stay as late
as necessary this evening and will be back tomorrow for parents who would like to bring their Oologah Lower Elementary students for treatment.
Treatment is also recommended for students who ride buses #1, 7, 12 or 17.
Meningitis Update 1:50 pm
CLASSES, ACTIVITIES CANCELLED FOR FRIDAY AT OOLOGAH-TALALA
Superintendent Rick Thomas told the Oologah Lake Leader that classes would be cancelled for tomorrow at Oologah-Talala and that
all school activities, including the soccer tournament, are cancelled. Spring break is next week.
Meningitis Update 12:30 pm
ROGERS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESPONDS TO SITUATION AT OOLOGAH LOWER ELEMENTARY
The Rogers County Sheriff's Office has activated the Reserve Deputy force to assist in ongoing operations at the Oologah public schools. The reserves will augment the Sheriff's Office patrol deputies already on-scene.
The Sheriff's Office is operating in conjunction with Rogers County Emergency Management (RCEM) and the Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Service (OTEMS.)
The activated reserves and deputies will assist, as needed, in measures which ensure the safety of all persons including students, parents, teachers and emergency workers. As of this writing, the Sheriff's Office does not anticipate any need for any law enforcement action and is only serving in a support capacity.
Parents retrieving their children are asked to go to the lower elementary where health officials will provide a screening. Children must be escorted by parents or guardians in order to enter into the screening.
The State Health Department is pictured unloading at the Oologah Lower Elementary Gym.
Bulletin Thursday, March 11 10:20 am
MENINGITIS OUTBREAK REPORTED AT OOLOGAH LOWER ELEMENTARY
Oologah Talala School Superintendent Rick Thomas confirmed Thursday morning that one Oologah Lower Elementary student has died from
bacterial meningitis. Three other students are in the hospital. Dr. James S. Stauffer and state and county health department officials are at the school.
Thomas is asking parents to remain calm until the health department makes recommendations on what actions should be taken. The medical team, which includes a doctor,
may screen students or begin vaccinations, Thomas said.
A press conference is planned this afternoon. A letter is being prepared to send
home with students giving instructions to parents on how to handle the outbreak.
Oologah Dolton Funeral Home reported that it has been contacted by the family of the second grade student to handle arrangements.
According to Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home, Andrew Gregory Thomas (pictured right), 7, of Oologah, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010 in Tulsa. He was born March 24, 2002 in Tulsa. Andrew is the son of Christopher and Angela Thomas.
Services are pending.
Christopher Thomas said his son was sent home from school on Wednesday afternoon with apparent flu symptoms. The family took him to Bailey later Wednesday evening.
Carolyn Mitchell reported that her grandson, kindergartener Jeremiah Mitchell (pictured left), is in critical condition at St. Francis Hospital with
meningococcemia. He was transported by Life Flight from Claremore Indian Hospital to St. Francis last night.
"I just want all the community to know how serious this is," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said her grandson came home on the bus Tuesday afternoon. He developed a fever, then broke out in a bruise-like rash. She said he is now purple all over. She said he was doing slightly better.
"All we can do is pray," Mitchell said.
Here is a link to the Center for Disease Control's meningitis information page.
MCCREARY IN NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
By CHRIS EDENS, City Editor
An Oologah junior has worked her way into an elite competition for actors and debaters. Kristy McCreary qualified last weekend for the National Forensic League's national speech and debate tournament.
McCreary finished in the top three in Humorous Interpretation out of 40 students who competed at Tulsa Community College on Saturday. She is now qualified for the national tournament in Kansas City in June.
McCreary performed a parody of the novel "Twilight" called "Nightlight." She made it through seven rounds of competition.
Oologah speech and debate coach Jennifer Denslow said she was extremely proud of McCreary's performance at the NFL district competition.
"It took a while for her to find the right piece," Denslow said. "Once she found it, she edited it and then she cut out her own material just like a mature, professional actress would have done."
At the national tournament, McCreary will compete against 200 students from across the country. She'll have to make it through six preliminary rounds to make the finals and Denslow likes her chances.
DIRICKSON NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, ELVIS RETURNS
By JOHN M. WYLIE II, Editor
Oologah's Vice Mayor and "go-to man" John Dirickson was named Citizen of the Year Saturday night. Debi Hoffman announced the honor at the Oologah Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. The event also included State Rep. Tad Jones' humorous speech and President Amos Berry's challenge for members to get more involved in guiding community growth.
Dirickson
The big award of the evening is supposed to be kept secret. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. With Dirickson, it worked.
As Hoffman began reading the proclamation, Dirickson was just watching the stage. But after several sentences, he realized she was describing him. A gentle smile spread across his face, and he shook his head slightly in disbelief.
"I'm surprised and overwhelmed. I mean surprised," he said after hugging Hoffman and taking the microphone from her.
Dirickson was born in the area and is a product of Oologah schools. He served in the U.S. Army for three years in the Korean Conflict, then held jobs in several fields. He joined Public Service Co. of Oklahoma and retired as a shift supervisor at Northeastern Station.
He is a private pilot, Sunday School teacher at the Oologah Assembly of God, and a longtime public servant. He is currently Oologah vice mayor, and has served as mayor and also has overseen the city's sewage treatment plant.
"I saw a lot of things change in Oologah over the years. It has changed in ways I never thought it would. I know that a lot of people have really put forth a great effort for this area to grow like it has," he said.
He said he wishes he had taken his grandfather's advice and bought land when he was a young man. An acre that just sold for $35,000 would have cost just $3 or $4 back then.
In thanking the chamber for the honor, he concluded, "We have a great town and a lot to be proud of."
Jones
Jones has been in the spotlight since he was quarterback for the Oologah Mustangs. His wife Sammie likes to remind him that she has a state championship ring for her softball team but his football team didn't quite make it to the top of the mountain.
He got revenge in his first speech on the House floor, during the period when newly elected members introduce their families and friends who are in the gallery. He'd never been through the process, so he figured he would watch how other lawmakers did it.
Just one problem. Lawmakers were called on in numerical order based on their district numbers. Jones represents House District 9-and incumbents had won in the odd-numbered districts preceding him.
He was first up and had to wing it with no guidance. But he got through recognizing his mom and dad, his friends and other dignitaries. Only after it was over did he realize he had forgotten job one-introducing his wife.
Things have changed since then. At the banquet, Jones spoke without notes while recounting more than a dozen humorous moments from backstage at the Capitol.
Berry
As one of the few chamber presidents to serve a second term, Berry now has a fuller understanding than most about how much work is involved and how many hands are needed to keep a community thriving. The community is growing and more growth is coming, but chamber members need to step up and help guide that growth in positive directions.
He issued a simple challenge to those attending: "Will you help us?"
NEW STAFF SADDLES UP AT BIT-BY-BIT
By CHRIS EDENS, City Editor
Three new cowgirls have joined the team at the Bit-by-Bit therapeutic riding center south of Oologah.
The program is now fully staffed and Director Jennifer England is excited about the future. The three new employees have a vast knowledge of horses and considerable experience working with people with disabilities.
"The staff may be new to the equestrian center, but we are all experienced therapeutic riding instructors," England said.
Elizabeth Capalbo is the new Head Instructor at Bit-by-Bit. She joined the team in early October. Capalbo has a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship and Program Management from St. Andrews College in Rhode Island. Capalbo teaches classes, works with volunteers and trains the horses.
Diana Schueller is the new Equine Coordinator. She cares for the horses on a daily basis, conditions them and trains them.
Schueller graduated from the University of Wisconsin with double majors in Animal Science and Equine Management. She's been riding horses since junior high school and she worked for ten years at a therapeutic riding program in Wisconsin before coming to Bit-by-Bit.
Shari Goff is the new Equine Center Assistant. She manages the office and helps out with the horses when needed. Goff graduated from Rogers State University with an associate's degree in Animal Science and Horse and Ranch Management.
Bit-by-Bit is working on gaining one of the highest accreditations from NARHA, the national organization which accredits therapeutic riding programs and instructors.
Bit-by-Bit is already accredited through NARHA, but they are now seeking Premiere Accreditation. Currently, Bit-by-Bit has to send instructors out of state for training. When the program obtains Premiere Accreditation, it will be able to train instructors and charge for the classes.
|
|
|
|
