PLEASE NOTE: ABC NEWS UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE WILL HAVE THE LATEST ON THE MOORE/OKC METRO AREA TORNADO RECOVERY EFFORTS

Join Cowboy Country 105.5 and The American Red Cross Wednesday night at Eskimo Joe's starting at 8pm for a Tornado Relief Benefit Concert. There's no cover charge and local artists from Oklahoma will be donating their time for this show. Bring lots of money and donate to the Oklahoma Tornado victims! We are Oklahoma Proud at Cowboy Country 105.5.

STILLWATER TORNADO SUPPLY DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

The following locations in Stillwater are drop off locations for supplies needed for Oklahoma Tornado assistance today:

Car-Mart on North Perkins Road

Maurice’s, Pioneer Square Shopping Center North Perkins Road

Wilson Chevrolet, 4850 W. 6^th Avenue

University and Community Federal Credit Union (all three locations)...they will also take monetary donations

Stillwater High School Ag department will be collecting

 @ Pioneer Square from Noon to 6 pm

Stillwater Medical Center (east parking lot--supplies and money)

Tumbleweed Dance Hall 1-7 pm

OTHER DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Stillwater Milling  West 6th-Stillwater (Wednesday-Friday) (supplies)

Cowboy Couture (716 N. Main-Stillwater) Wednesday-Friday (supplies)

OSU Parking and Transportation Services is taking donations for the May 20th tornado disaster relief.  Donations will be accepted now through Friday from 7am to 7pm in Lot 26 at Hall of Fame and Washington in Stillwater, OK. The following items are needed:Water, non-perishable food items, diapers, toiletries, snack foods, work gloves, Gatorade, sunscreen, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, ibuprofen, shovels, rakes and buckets.

The Coyle FFA Chapter has a trailer set at Johnny's Barbecue in Guthrie today and Wednesday to collect donations for Oklahoma's tornado victims.  We will be collecting items such as gloves, water, granola bars, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlights, batteries, blankets, diapers, personal care products, shovels, and trash bags.

OSU Campus Life (second floor of the OSU Student Union) through Thursday. (supplies) 

State Farm Insurance, 1614 E. Main Street in Cushing, is also accepting donations until 5 p.m. today for Oklahoma Red Cross.  Bottled water, Gatorade, baby diapers, wipes and formula, individual wrapped snacks, hand towels and work gloves.

American Legion Post 108 at 214 S. Noble in Cushing is accepting items all week.  They are accepting monetary donations, non-perishable food items, diapers, children items and work gloves. 

LOCAL AND AREA NEWS

OSU VETMED CENTER TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO STORM VICTIMS

Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is reaching out to animal owners affected by the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. 

“OSU’s veterinary center is here to support the victims of the recent Oklahoma tornadoes,” says Dr. Jean Sander, dean of the center.  “We will provide needed veterinary care for animals injured during the severe storms that have hit Oklahomans so hard.”

Animal owners or referring veterinarians can call OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital in Stillwater at (405) 744-7000 to make arrangements to have their animals treated.

Donations to support this relief effort will be greatly appreciated and can be easily made online at http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/oarf or by calling (405) 385-5607.

CARNEY, LINCOLN COUNTY STORM ASSESSMENT COMPLETED

Lincoln County Emergency Management has completed their initial damage assessment from the Sunday tornadoes. Totals for Lincoln County including the areas of Fallis, Carney, Prague, and Wellston: There were 34 homes destroyed, 20 with major damage, 42 homes were affected with minor damage. Two businesses were also destroyed.

UPDATE: ODOT STORM RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

Oklahoma City Metro
Starting as early as Monday evening, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews statewide have been mobilizing and bringing equipment to the Moore area to assist with clean up efforts following yesterday's violent storms. All together roughly 375 ODOT and OTA crew members as well as 176 trucks and 54 large front-end loaders are on standby near Moore to assist with debris clean-up efforts as requested. We anticipate these crews to be called into action as efforts switch focus from search and rescue operations to more debris removal.  

I-35 OPEN through Moore, ramp access to Moore is restricted to essential personnel
All north and southbound lanes of I-35 are OPEN through Moore, but the I-35 ramps to and from Moore are closed to the public. Travel is still discouraged through this area as first responders, utility crews and other crews assisting with search and rescue and clean-up operations are working in the area.

LATEST RED CROSS INFORMATION

The American Red Cross continues to provide relief activities across Oklahoma. We have volunteers on the ground in Moore Shawnee, Carney and Little Axe. Volunteers are passing out meals, snacks, drinks and providing support to first responders.

Shelters are open at the following sites:

St. Andrews United Methodist

2727 SW 119

Moore community center

201 S Howard

Carney Senior Center

301 E Maple

Little Axe Resource Center

1970 156th Ave. NE

Shawnee Athletic Center

Shawnee High School

1001 North Kennedy

Newcastle Storm Shelter

851 N Carr

Newcastle

Latest news:

More workers, supplies and equipment are on the way to help the people of Oklahoma. Almost 30 emergency response vehicles are enroute to distribute food, water and relief supplies to people in need.

The Southern Baptist Convention is joining the relief effort and two kitchens will be available with the ability to make tens of thousands of meals a day. The Red Cross also has kitchen support and relief supply trailers on the way to help those forced from their homes.

This has been a deadly and devastating storm, and Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath.

We also are operating shelters and supporting people affected by Sunday’s storms in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area.

      The Red Cross will be on the ground in these affected areas for weeks to help people get back on their feet.

People in the affected area should let loved ones know they are safe, and the Red Cross has several ways to help do this.

People can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help”. Those who can’t access a computer can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and one of our operators can help you register.

Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website.

From a smart phone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link.

People can also use the “I’m Safe” feature of the free Red Cross tornado app.

This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

The Red Cross stands ready to help meet the blood needs of patients in and around Oklahoma City if needed. There is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet patient demands. However, those with type O negative blood are encouraged to give blood when they are able.

The role of Red Cross Blood Services in this response is as a secondary supplier of blood products to area hospitals.

All eligible blood donors can schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

With many people scheduling appointments to give blood, redcrossblood.org may run slower and wait times on 1-800-RED CROSS may be longer than usual.

No Red Cross facilities were affected by the storms, but some blood drives may be canceled as recovery and clean-up begins.

To find out if a blood drive has been canceled or to reschedule an appointment to give blood or platelets, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

SALVATION ARMY TORNADO ASSISTANCE

The Salvation Army Arkansas-Oklahoma Division has dispatched disaster response teams.

Donations can be made to:

• The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Designate Oklahoma Tornado Relief on all checks.

• Donate by phone: (800) 725-2769

• Donate online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds/aok

REGIONAL FOOD BANK ASSISTING ON OKLAHOMA TORNADO RECOVERY EFFORTS

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, in partnership with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), is asking that the public support all rescue, recovery and disaster relief efforts with donations of cash to your favorite responding charity.  Donations of items such as clothing and supplies are strongly discouraged. 

Financial donations will allow disaster relief agencies to purchase whatever items are deemed necessary without resulting in the additional burden of securing warehouse space and volunteers to work donated product. 

To make a tax deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, visit www.regionalfoodbank.org or call 405-604-7111.  You can also text FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts*. 

*A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations must be authorized by the account holder. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. User must be age 18 or older or have parental permission to participate. By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. Service is available on most carriers. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Regional Food by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 32333 text HELP to 32333 for help.

CREC WORKING TO GET POWER BACK ON IN LINCOLN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREA

Central Rural Electric Cooperative's (CREC) service area has suffered widespread damage from severe weather and a large tornado Sunday, May 19. KAMO, our power supplier, has identified damage to at least 10 transmission structures, and CREC is currently assessing damage to our distribution lines, including the loss of more than 80 power poles. Please plan for an extended outage, possibly through this Wednesday. CREC and KAMO crews will work as quickly as safety allows to restore power, and we will continue to keep you updated through our website, www.crec.coop, the CREC Facebook page and Twitter.

To report an outage or damage to CREC's distribution system, call CREC at 1-800-375-2884 or 405-372-2884. Provide CREC with your name and the name on the account, map location number or account number and the telephone number where you can be reached.

Remember, stay away from downed lines! It is impossible to tell if a power line is energized by looking at it. Report downed lines to CREC by calling the numbers listed above.

PRICE GOUGING BEING MONITORED BY STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN WAKE OF RECENT STORMS

Oklahoma's Attorney General issued a warning Monday about price gouging following this weekend's severe storms and tornadoes.

Scott Pruitt says the state's Emergency Price Stabilization Act is now in effect for 16 counties after the Governor declared a state of emergency Sunday.

Pruitt says the statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a state of emergency has been declared.

"This weekend's severe storms left a trail of devastation across the state, damaging personal and business property that will need to be repaired or replaced. While the overwhelming majority of Oklahomans are focused on helping their neighbors in the aftermath, we have seen a few cases of price gouging and fraudulent claims in the past, so consumers need to be alert," Scott Pruitt said.

The price gouging statute was adopted following the May 1999 tornadoes that caused significant damage across a large portion of Oklahoma.

If you suspect price gouging, Pruitt says file a complaint with his office's Public Protection Unit at www.oag.ok.gov or by calling (405) 521-2029.

TURNER TURNPIKE REPAIRS COMING IN LINCOLN COUNTY

Emergency repairs are expected to begin later this month on a Turner Turnpike bridge in Lincoln County.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority declared an emergency Thursday and approved a $528,858 contract to Gibson & Associates to repair Oak Road bridge over the eastbound lanes of the Turner Turnpike.

An oversize tractor-trailer struck the bridge, agency spokesman Jack Damrill said. Turnpike motorists are not affected by the damage, but the bridge was closed to motorists after the damaged section was declared unsafe to carry traffic loads.

Work should begin later this month, with the contract calling for the work to be done in 36 days, Damrill said. The work will consist of removing and replacing the portions of the damaged exterior beams over the eastbound lanes of the turnpike.

OSU STUDENTS NOW HAVE PLACE TO GET RID OF LARGE TRASH ITEMS

As students are moving out for the summer, the City of Stillwater Waste Management division will be collecting large trash items at the Convenience Collection Center, 807 S. Perkins Rd. from now to June 28.

Students with a valid OSU student ID will be able to dispose of items free of charge during this time. The following items will be accepted:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Mattresses
• Computers
• Televisions
• Stereos

"This collection event really helps the students to get rid of bulky items that they may not be able to pack with them as they return home for summer vacation," Waste Management Manager Chris Knight said.

For more information, contact Knight at (405) 533-8453.

"LOCK IT OR LOSE IT" PROGRAM STARTING IN STILLWATER

The School of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Oklahoma has partnered with the City of Stillwater Police Department, Oklahoma State University Police Department, and the Payne County District Attorney to reduce the loss of valuable property resulting from auto burglary in Stillwater.

Through a grant obtained by Dr. DeWade Langley and Dr. Don Mizell of UCO's School of Criminal Justice, and utilizing a sophisticated computer program known as Automated Tactical Analysis of Crime (ATAC), analysis was completed and a campaign developed to address this growing crime problem. This campaign is intended to help target a number of crime hotspots that are experiencing a high incidence of auto burglary.

Stillwater and the adjoining campus has an extremely high rate of personal items stolen at night from unlocked cars. Examples of high value stolen items include firearms, computers, phones, tablets, and other items of monetary and intrinsic value.

The campaign is called "Lock it or Lose it," and is designed to remind residents to lock their vehicles, and hide or remove their possessions from their vehicles.

The operation will consist of changes in police patrols, informational cards distributed by officers during these patrols, door hangers distributed by the Boy Scouts of America, neighborhood informational signage, and finally, TV, radio, and social media.

If "Lock it or Lose it" proves a success in Stillwater, this innovative and collaborative approach has the potential to benefit other municipalities on Oklahoma and across the nation.

CURBSIDE RECYCLING SIGN-UPS GETTING UNDERWAY IN STILLWATER

The City of Stillwater is inviting Stillwater residents to opt into the new "Stillwater Recycles: Curbside Single-Stream Program.” To begin curbside recycling this June, residents need to complete their sign up by June 3.

Beginning soon, Stillwater residents will receive welcome flyers and “Select Your Cart” forms at their front doors. The documents explain single-stream recycling and how residents will be able to select a second blue polycart for the disposal of all accepted recycle materials.

What is Single-Stream Recycling
Single-stream recycling means that all recycled items go into one cart —unsorted. Paper products, cans, plastics No. 1-7 and cardboard. Glass products are not included in the curbside single-stream program, because of the sorting process; however, glass will be accepted at the City of Stillwater Convenience Collection Center, 807 S. Perkins Rd.

How to Participate
Choosing to participate in the program will be easy. “Residents can go online, return the postcard or call us to let us know you are interested in participating," said Knight. The following information is required:

Name on City of Stillwater Utility Bill
Service Address
Telephone & Email
Select Recycle Cart Size (we recommend that you use the same size as your trash cart)
one 35-gallon recycle cart
one 64-gallon recycle cart
one 96-gallon recycle cart

Sign up one of the following ways:
Call City of Stillwater Utility Customer at (405) 742-8269 and provide the above information. Go online to http://stillwater.org and complete an electronic form.
Wait until you receive the “Select Your Cart” form. Choose to drop the completed form off at city hall or return it by U.S. Mail. The address is printed on the form.

Participation is Optional
Knight explained that participation in the Stillwater Recycles: Curbside Single-Stream Program is optional. “However, $1.57 will be added to your City of Stillwater utility bill regardless of your participation.” Waste management Superintendent Chris Knight said, "We looked at a lot of municipal recycling systems, and we chose to offer single-stream recycling because its was by far the easiest for our customers."

The Stillwater City Council voted last November to move forward with citywide recycling, following a successful recycling single-stream pilot program.

Knight said, “By choosing to participate, you could have a lower or about the same size bill. For example, if you currently have a 96-gallon Blue Cart and you choose to recycle, you could ask for a 64-gallon Blue Cart for trash and a 64-gallon Single-Stream Recycle Cart and gain more disposal capacity for about the same price.”

To begin curbside recycling this June, residents need to complete their sign up by June 3. To help residents get started with curbside recycling, Knight hosts an online blog at Stillwater-Recycles.blogspot.com. For more information, contact call (405) 742-8269 or wastemanagement@stillwater.org.

CHECK OUT THE KSPI AM WEEKDAY LINE UP!!

From 7 to 9, mornings start with "Stillwater Magazine", hosted by Stillwater Radio News Director Bill Van Ness. Bill gets your weekday started by bringing you up to date with local news, state news, local sports, local weather and local happenings from around the area with special guests and topics.

"The Game" with Rex Holt airs from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Rex is the voice for Oklahoma State Wrestling, Oklahoma State Baseball and Stillwater High School Sports. Each day Monday thru Friday, Rex gives you a realistic look at local high school sports, Big 12 sports, Professional Sports and hot topics of the day. Bill Van Ness joins Rex to add his sports insights to the program.

WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE GAME LIVE HERE 9AM-11AM WEEKDAYS 

IN THE LINE UP FROM 11A-2P is “THE JIM ROME SHOW”.  Jim generates an electric atmosphere on the air that's dense with attitude, humor, and hipness. Rather than gunning for controversy and confrontation, Jim aims to engage and challenge his callers. His creative, bare knuckle approach, tempered by intelligence and vast knowledge of sports, has left him perched atop the sports talk world with America's sports radio fans in the palm of his hand.

 eclectic style, listeners never know