The Duncan Banner

Local News

February 21, 2013

Deputy fire chief says investigation continues

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN —  

The investigation is ongoing for the fire that destroyed Foursquare Gospel Church.
Duncan Deputy Fire Chief Dayton Burnside and Det. John Byers with the Duncan Police Department are looking for video footage or photos of the church before or during the fire that could aid them in their investigation. Burnside said there are some things they want to take a look into, and photos or video footage taken by Duncan residents could help determine the cause of the fire.
“We’re continuing to follow leads,” Burnside said. “We’re trying to see where we’re at.”
The fire began Monday morning, and area firefighters worked to get the blaze under control throughout Monday afternoon. Duncan Fire Department had firefighters on the scene until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The church building, which was at Fifth and Pine, had been vacated by Foursquare Gospel earlier this month and was empty when the fire occurred.
During Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the Duncan Dispatch Center received a few phone calls regarding fire at the location. Burnside said firefighters haven’t encountered any problems and there is still some smoke at the scene. He said the fire department is keeping an eye on the fire scene.
Burnside said the remains of the church are still smoldering and will do so for a few more days. He said Duncan firefighters are visiting the site every three to four hours to stir ashes and prevent any flare ups in the debris.
“When you have a tar roof and that much fire, it’s going to smolder,” Burnside said.

Text Only
Local News
  • Commissioners discuss temporary fix to courthouse air conditioning issues

    The Board of Stephens County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Thursday to find a temporary solution for cooling off the courthouse, until a new system can be installed. Commissioners approved a temporary solution from Allied Services in Ardmore and will rent an air conditioning unit for $10,000 for the first month and $7,000 for the second month. The commissioners estimate it will take about two months for any company to get a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system in stock.

    May 24, 2013

  • DPS administrators discuss inclement weather procedures

    On Thursday, Duncan school administrators participated in a district-wide de-briefing to discuss how Monday’s reaction to a tornado threat went at each school. Superintendent Sherry Labyer said the response was overwhelmingly positive.
    Labyer said the school district will look to improve its procedures.

    May 24, 2013

  • Substitute teacher saves special education students from tornado

    When the F-5 tornado did its damage at Plaza Towers Elementary in Moore on Monday, and after the silence had passed, one little boy looked at his teacher and asked where his backpack was.
    “I don’t know, but we’ll look for it later,” Joy Hendrix said to  him.

    May 24, 2013

  • Velma-Alma Graduation A celebration of faith and unity
    There was a sense of celebration and appreciation throughout the J.M Carey Fieldhouse Thursday night in Velma. 
    With the graduation ceremony commencing for the Velma-Alma High School Class of 2013, came an assortment of emotions, all telling a story.
    In total 31 students walked the stage to receive their diplomas on the evening.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • 5-24 ginger.jpg Velma native runs only to discover home annihilated

    Stuck in traffic trying to get to his home, Roger Graham decided he might as well park the car and run. A Moore resident, the accountant, dressed in casual business attire, didn’t think twice about the distance.
    “It was two miles,” he said. “I just took off.” His wife, Kalissa, a school teacher, was right behind him.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • Duncan students to remain in school Tuesday, Wednesday
    When Duncan seniors cross the stage tonight, they won’t necessarily be done with high school.
    Duncan students will go to school Tuesday and Wednesday, following a three-day weekend for Memorial Day. DHS Assistant Principal Merry Stone said those two days are regular school days for students.

    May 24, 2013

  • Moore Tornado Showcases Advancements in Warnings

    Despite the utter devastation left in the wake of the massive tornado that tore through Moore, Okla. on Monday, the deadly storm, in many ways, helped showcase how far scientists have come in providing communities early tornado warning signs.

    May 23, 2013

  • ODOT efforts hampered by general public traffic

    Oklahoma Department of Transportation is requesting that motorists avoid I-35 through Moore, S. 19th Street because the ramp is closed and emergency and clean-up crews are hampering their efforts.

    May 23, 2013

  • 5-23 EMS Week.jpg National EMS Week shines spotlight on rescue workers

    The Air Evac helicopter was sitting on the helipad at Duncan Regional Hospital Wednesday, but not for emergency reasons.
    National EMS Week, May 19-25, is about connecting with the community and the Air Evac Lifeteam was doing just that.
    “Every base we have is doing something like this during the week,” said Heather Taylor, Air Evac program director. “We want to show appreciation to our community.”

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Restaurant rumors remain on the hot plate

    From IHOP and HomeTown Buffet to Chili’s and Olive Garden, restaurant whisperings have been running rampant in the community since the arrival of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
    Although there are a few open spaces such as the old Golden Corral location and the soon-to-close Honda site, none of these rumors can be confirmed at this point according to Chris Deal, Duncan Chamber of Commerce president. No information on any of the businesses’ websites points to them opening a new location in the area.

    May 23, 2013