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June 2007 Winners
Daily Winner
Muskogee Phoenix
Actions by Council HIll officials trouble citizens
Discontent has grown in the community of Council Hill after recent personnel changes in the town’s fire department. A year ago, the town’s Board of Trustees began firing, suspending and demoting members of the fire department. Muskogee Phoenix staff writer D.E. Smoot talked to several people directly affected by the changes. Smoot found that the acting fire chief was demoted after a special meeting was adjourned and was replaced by the son of a town trustee, Renee McBride. The town’s mayor is Kenneth McBride, Renee’s husband. Several of these town meetings are also believed to be in violation of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Attempts by Smoot and the Phoenix to reach the Kenneth and Renee McBride were unsuccessful.
Weekly Winner
Oologah Lake Leader
Compassion, heroism emerge from tragedy
On July 6, 2007, a car wreck involving a Rogers County Sheriff patrol ended with two deaths. Oologah Lake Leader Editor John M. Wylie painted a picture of the accident scene and highlighted efforts of citizens who pulled the deputy and dispatcher from the patrol car. Though an investigation was ongoing to determine the details of the accident, Wylie addressed questions of whether the deputy was traveling at excessive speeds and was using his lights and siren when the accident occurred.
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