DUNCAN —
While there was an last minute change to the programming for this quarter’s Local Emergency Planning Commission, Jimmy Pryor was able to use the meeting of the county’s law enforcement and emergency services to update them on the his office’s work.
Assistant director for Stephens County Emergency Management, Pryor came up with an agenda to handle the cancellation of a presentation by the American Red Cross, who had been dispatched to the grassfire in north Comanche County.
“It’s a good chance for law enforcement, emergency services, responders and members of industry to get together and become more familiar,” Pryor said. “So when disaster strikes, they probably know each other.”
Representatives from every Stephens County city and town came together at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center for their quarterly meeting and Pryor was able to update them on a number of items, including the status of the county’s safe room grant program.
Of the 242 who applied for a safe room grant from the FEMA grant program the Stephens County Commissioners spearheaded, 200 private safe room grants have been approved for reimbursement.
The grants were for a $2,000 reimbursement on a private storm shelter or up to 75 percent coverage should the cost exceed the amount.
“When we held a meeting for this, 1,200 people showed up, saying ‘I wanted one of those storm shelters,’” Pryor said. “We handed applications to only 600 and only 240 showed up in time with applications.”
About 120 shelters have been built and a number of people have told Pryor they have received their reimbursement checks.
Of the 42 alternates selected, 15 of those applications have been approved with 16 people withdrawing their application, Pryor believes there is a good chance all the applications for grant money will be approved.
“We didn’t expect to get 200 based on previous experience,” Pryor said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Assistant Director of Stephens County Emergency Management Jimmy Pryor updates the Local Emergency Planning Commission on the office’s work. Joshua Kellogg/The Duncan Banner
Pryor provides LEPC update
- Local News
-
-
Tropical Storm Barry forms off Mexican coast
Tropical Storm Barry formed off Mexico's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, prompting Mexican authorities to ready hundreds of shelters.
-
DHS grad ‘Hey mom, there’s a tornado..., I didn’t make it through security.’
Two tornados were spotted and National Weather Service confirmed that one touched down at Denver International Airport around 2:18 p.m. Tuesday.
Duncan resident Jamie Carberry was going through the security checkpoints as she waited to board a plane home after a short vacation there. That’s when the alert was sounded and people began taking cover. She called her mother, Carrie Carberry, The Banner’s Advertising Director, to tell her of the warning. She told her mom there was a tornado warning and she didn’t quite make it through the security section. She didn’t see anything outside, but took shelter along with the other passengers. -
Burum presented with plaque for years on CTAC board
Members of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council board met Monday for its annual open meeting and were excited about all they accomplished during the last year. They also are looking forward to the new year.
After a few challenging fiscal years, CTAC treasurer Michele Johnson said this year they will not only break even but have a little left in the bank. -
Youth Services breaks ground for future shelter
Construction on the new Stephens County Youth Shelter is set to begin Monday.
But a few shovels have already hit the dirt. Youth Shelter board members, employees and advocates hosted a groundbreaking at the new shelter location.
“This has been a long, long trip,” Nancy Roop, board president, said. “And you all have been there with us. Finally, we’ve started.” -
Barely crossing paths
Two Duncan natives who moved to Moore are still amazed at how lucky they are to be alive after surviving the tornado that wiped out that city on May 20.
Both women, Debbie Gardner and Brandi Broaddus, shared their stories with The Banner, revealing just how much the tornado impacted their lives on May 20.
Debbie Gardner graduated from Duncan in 1975, and lives about a mile from the Moore city limits. She took refuge in the Moore Medical Center’s cafeteria at the last minute, after trying to get home. -
Tornado warning at DIA delays Duncan resident's flight home
Update: Carberry's plane arrived as scheduled back in Oklahoma at Will Rogers International Airport.
Two tornados were spotted and National Weather Service confirmed that one touched down at Denver International Airport around 2:18 p.m. today.
Duncan resident Jamie Carberry was going through the security checkpoints as she waited to board a plane home after a short vacation there. That’s when the alert was sounded and people began taking cover. -
Duncan resident takes tornado precautions at DIA
People at Denver International Airport are taking shelter, and there are unconfirmed reports that a tornado touched down at Denver International Airport.
-
Hastings to close Duncan store
Corporate officials with Hasting’s Entertainment informed its employees early today at the Duncan Hastings Entertainment store that their store will be closing Aug. 9.
This news came during a mandatory store meeting, where two corporate representatives, district and store managers, were present to make the announcement, confirmed a store employee, who spoke with The Banner after the meeting. -
Former Duncan city manager leaves legacy, inspires current leaders
There are many who love their city, but one of the first things people would learn about Doug Johnson when they met him was his love and dedication to Duncan.
Johnson, a former councilman and city manager for the City of Duncan, passed away Thursday at the age of 82. A lifelong resident of Duncan, he only spent time away from the city during his years attending Baylor University on a basketball scholarship. -
Digital images land man behind bars on child porn charges
Samuel Wesley Brackeen, 34, of Duncan, was charged in Stephens County District Court with two felony counts related to pornography.
Brackeen was originally arrested on both counts.
According to the affidavit filed in district court on June 14, count 1 was possession of child pornography, AFCF, from Jan. 23 to Jan. 30; and count 2 was manufacturing child pornography, on or about Jan. 3, at a Comanche residence. - More Local News Headlines
-
Tropical Storm Barry forms off Mexican coast
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
