The Duncan Banner

Local News

December 3, 2012

County receiving bridge beams for possible construction projects

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — More bridge construction could be coming soon for Stephens County District 3.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Board of Stephens County Commissioners approved a transfer of Interstate-44 Crosstown Bridge beams. These beams are part of an ongoing project by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to recycle bridge beams and support from the I-44 Crosstown Bridge.

These bridge beams are being recycled by going to commissioner districts throughout the 77 Oklahoma counties. By using the existing bridge beams, the counties are able to save money on their bridge construction projects.

Stephens County has had several instances where ODOT has transferred bridge beams to the county’s districts. Whenever the beams are transferred, whether from the Crosstown Bridge site to the county or  from the county to the bridge construction site, the commissioners have to approve a bridge beam transfer.

Additionally, the beams have to be inspected each time they’re moved.

“They have already been inspected,” Todd Churchman, District 2 commissioner, said.

These bridge beams will be used in Stephens County District 2.

In other action:

• The commissioners went to open bids for the supply and installation of an electrically operated, manual transfer switch connected to an existing generator and service entrance for the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center, but no bids were received.

For the project, which will require help from a licensed electrician, the county sent out nine bid applications. But none of the bid applications returned filled out.

Still, the project isn’t dead in the water. The county can get up to three quotes and follow up on the project instead.

• The board approved a transfer of appropriations within the General Fund.

• The board approved the capital outlay purchases for November.

• Among weekly items was the approval of county utility permits. The board received two for Stephens County District 1.

• The commissioners approved the minutes of the previous meeting, which was Nov. 26.

• The board also approved the payment of any purchase orders and the issuance of any blanket purchase orders. This is another item approved weekly.

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