Wildfires fueled by strong winds began burning much of the state starting March 14. Four died as a result of the fires, including one here in Haskell County. A fire near Stigler burned about 96 acres but is showing 100% contained now, thankfully. Other fires were all around our House district.
Wildfires fueled by strong winds began burning much of the state starting March 14. Four died as a result of the fires, including one here in Haskell County. A fire near Stigler burned about 96 acres but is showing 100% contained now, thankfully. Other fires were all around our House district.
Estimates are that 200 people were injured and more than 400 homes were damaged, some completely destroyed. Some people lost everything in these fires. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones or property or belongings. I know people always say possessions can always be replaced, but it’s hard to lose things that mean a lot to you.
I’m thankful for the firefighters and other first responders who’ve worked around the clock to battle these blazes and help people. I’m grateful, too, for the many volunteers who’ve stepped in to assist people as well. Oklahomans are so strong, and I’m glad to see people pulling together to help each other.
Speaking of strong, I’m told the Webbers Fall police officer that was shot last week has been released from the hospital and is home resting and doing well. I had the opportunity to meet this brave officer after the shooting and witness her resilience. She’s an inspiration. I’m glad she’s doing so well.
I’m thankful for all the law enforcement agencies that immediately went to work to find the suspected shooter, Billy Wayne Williams, who was picked up in New Mexico. I’m hoping he comes quickly to trial on this case and if he’s found guilty of shooting this officer, that he pays the maximum penalty.
On a much more positive note, I got to participate this week in the Legislative & Celebrity Showmanship contest at the Oklahoma Youth Expo in Oklahoma City. I showed a sheep with Austyn Mathews with Kinta FFA. The sheep’s name was Lincoln. This was a lot of fun, and great to get to meet Austyn and celebrate her hard work in getting to the big show.
This event helps raise scholarship money for youth that are involved in FFA or 4-H and that attend the show to compete for title of Grand Champion. OYE is the world’s largest junior livestock show, and it does a lot for our youth.
This was spring break week in Oklahoma, and I hope everybody got to get out and enjoy something fun in our great state. I wish everyone safe travels for those who are making their way back home.
In the meantime, if I can help you in my capacity as your representative, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Capitol. My office phone is (405) 5577375, and my email is tim.turner@okhouse. gov.
Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.
