Storms, sirens blast country

By Doug Russell News Editor

Prayers answered in abundance

Weekend storms blasting through the area more than answered many people's prayers for rain, as storm sirens sent people scurrying for shelter while waters overfilled drainage ditches and streams, flooding roads and fields.
Torrential rains made driving extremely difficult, with precipitation so heavy at times vehicle windshield wipers couldn't keep up. At least two people died when their vehicles hydroplaned and went out of control, while many other vehicles went off the road due to hydroplaning, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The National Weather Service in Tulsa recorded 7.46 inches of rain between Thursday and Tuesday, but drivers and others caught in the storm say they believe the total was much higher.
The only storm damage reported in Haskell County was a few uprooted trees and downed branches, according to county Emergency Management Director Angela Henderson. "That's it. That's all that was reported, but it was still a pretty hairy weekend," she said. "The spotters are tired, but they're still going out every time. We've really got a good bunch of spotters and I'm glad we can depend on them.

'King' ready to take the stage

By Doug Russell News Editor

Michael Cullipher as Elvis joins Stigler High School class of 1961 members Chip Maxwell and Carolyn Benham after a recent performance in Sallisaw.

A man who follows in the tradition of the King of Rock 'n' Roll is ready to take the stage in Stigler, and fans of the king are gearing up for the event.
"We're really excited to get him here," said Carolyn Benham, a woman friends not-so-jokingly refer to as an "Elvis guru." "I'm a big Elvis Presley fan, and I'm telling you, this is about as close as you'll get to seeing Elvis live."
"This" is a special performance by Elvis impersonator Michael Cullipher, who has played the King at shows across Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The show is all part of a special Reunion Days event hosted by the Stigler High School class of 1961. (more on this story in this week's Stigler News Sentinel)

Eagle Scout, valedictorian,
Rose Scholar

by:Karen West Staff Writer

A couple of weeks ago, he became an Eagle. About a week ago, he was named valedictorian. A few days ago, he was named the Rose Scholar.
Austin Taylor McCurry is a very successful young man and a senior at Stigler High School.
On March 29, McCurry, who has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America for the past nine years, advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout and has become an assistant Scout Master. He was honored with a reception at the V.F.W. Post No. 4446. He is also the first Scout in Stigler to advance to the rank of Eagle Scout since Trey Conklin achieved the honor 21 years ago. Recently, he was named as the VFW Scout of the Year for the state of Oklahoma.(more on this story in this week's Stigler News Sentinel)

Fowler named SHS salutatorian

by:Karen West Staff Writer

Craig Kendall Fowler has been named salutatorian for the 2011 graduating class of Stigler High School. He is the son of Grey and Jami Fowler.
He is ranked second in his class with a 3.88 grade point average and 15 college credit hours accomplished through his concurrent enrollment at Tulsa Community College, Connors State College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State University.
After high school, Fowler plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in chemical engineering, then attend OSU School of Osteopathic Medicine to become a radiologist.(more on this story in this week's Stigler News Sentinel)