DUNCAN —
Patrolling and keeping roads safe is a constant for the deputies at Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, but their vigilance is on high alert as they move into the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest for motorists.
Sheriff Wayne McKinney said he will have additional officers working, along with reserve officers. They will work in cooperation with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, for the “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program that began Aug. 20.
“It will run through midnight Monday,” McKinney said. “We’ll be doing the same thing, and we will be out in full force.”
McKinney said that the goal is for everyone to enjoy the holiday but also to remain safe.
“We want them to be enjoying themselves. It is the last holiday of the summer.”
There will be checkpoints, as McKinney noted, “driver’s license safety points” established at numerous locations throughout Stephens County. That is also in cooperation with Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
“We are taking a zero tolerance against driving impaired. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or prescribed drugs, it’s against the law to drive impaired. They will be arrested,” McKinney said.
We’re hoping that it will be a real quiet weekend, no major accidents or calls, keep our fingers crossed, we’ll be out there if people need us.
During the Labor Day holiday weekend in 2009, nine people were killed and another 301 were injured as a result of road accidents, according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol records released earlier this week.
The safety belt portion of the holiday weekend target is labeled Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). It starts at 6 p.m. today and ends at midnight Monday.
Stephens County residents need to dial 580-255-2112, or 911 in an emergency. To report an erratic driver or other emergency on a state road, drivers can also call *55 for Oklahoma Highway Patrol assistance. They should be prepared to give location, direction of travel and description of vehicle.
— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies check vehicles at a checkpoint on Comanche Lake Road during the 2009 Labor Day holiday. File Photo
Out in force
Sheriff wants residents to have fun during holiday, but stay safe, obey laws
- Local News
-
-
V-A gets late Christmas gift from Chevron
Christmas is nearly two months passed, but many in the Velma-Alma Public Schools system felt like they were revisiting Dec. 25 Thursday afternoon.
-
2012 Chamber stars illuminate night
Al Hinshaw would have loved the party.
Hinshaw would have been talking and laughing with everyone in attendance, the more than 335 folks who came out Thursday for the 2012 Duncan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Banquet.Add related - Simmons to host youth Health Fair
-
Oklahoma Horse Fair adds new activities for 10th year
As the Oklahoma Horse Fair celebrates its 10th anniversary, organizers hope this year will be the best show, yet. To that end, new activities have been added to the mix of auctions, rodeos and trade shows going on during the three-day event.
-
FAME taps students’ talents
Because of a grant received from the Oklahoma Arts Council, the FAME Academy was able to present its annual art show Wednesday afternoon. The show featured clay creations and mosaic artwork from the FAME students.
-
Duncan entities selected for ‘Certified Healthy’ awards
Four Duncan entities have been selected as winners of “Certified Healthy Oklahoma” awards, which were distributed by the Stephens County Health Department.
-
Brown draws opponent in Duncan mayoral race
Twenty minutes before the deadline to file to run for mayor of the City of Duncan, Gene Brown seemed to be cruising unfettered to a third term.
One minute later, Brown ran into a speed bump. -
Duncan woman charged with theft of medication from nursing home resident
A Duncan woman was arrested and charged with larceny of a controlled dangerous substance, after it was discovered she took a pain medication patch from a patient at Country Club Care nursing facility.
-
Local performers to ‘walk in stardust’
Many people dream of reaching for the stars and building off that concept is the theme for tonight’s 2012 Duncan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Banquet.
-
Revised charge filed against intoxicated driver
In July, when Stephens County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Spencer made a traffic stop at Ballpark and Ninth Street in Marlow, it wasn’t the 5 gallon bucket of empty beer cans which caused him concern.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
