Transcript: The Community Focus Update (08/31/21)

The Community Focus Update

Date: Aug 30th, 2021

Note: This is a working document information may change. Missing numbers means stories were dropped.

Mike: In this week's episode of the Community Focus Update We’ll learn about an investigation of a Miami man and his involvement with the January 6th riots in Washington DC. And speaking of Washington DC we’ll have words from Congressman Markwayne Mullen as he visits a recently opened new business. Later from Fairland we’ll see the aftermath of the sudden resignation of its police chief. All of this and more here on the Community Focus Update!

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-:60 Opener/Lower third (Mike)

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Mike: Welcome to our 60th episode of the Community Focus Update. Adlib about family reunion in Nebraska.

Anyway before we dive into what's going on around Ottawa County let's talk about those folks who help make this program possible..

-Elegance Unleashed

Mike: Next we have Elegance Unleashed; With over five years of serving Miami, Owner Deb Swank offers a full service salon for you and your family with a wide variety of services from haircuts to pedicures. For an appointment call 918-544-6976.

-Extreme Gaming Mike: In addition to video games, Extreme Gaming at 1915 North Main in Miami is now offering movie rentals! Each Tuesday is New Release day and with over twelve hundred titles in stock, there’s something for everyone! To learn more give Extreme Gaming a call at 918-542-7529. On the phone or in person be sure to thank them for sponsoring the Community Focus Update!

-Kdawg Krazy Discounts Mike: At Kdawg Krazy Discounts a whole nutha level of Krazyness is happening. A new location and new business hours! Check out the deals at Kdawg Krazy discounts at the corner of southeast of North Main and Veterans boulevard in Miami. Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sundays from noon to 6 pm. To learn more visit their Facebook page.

Mike: If you’d like to advertise or be a sponsor of The Community Focus Update it’s only $10 an episode during the covid-19 pandemic. Email me at Michael at Woodruff Media Management dot com with the Word “advertising” in the subject line.

#1 (One shot/Graphic)

Commerce Job Opening Mike: The City of Commerce is looking to fill the City Clerk position. If you are interested please see the link below.

https://media.rainpos.com/671/city_clerk_vacancy.pdf

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Miami Arrested for January 6th incident Mike: In the wake of the riot at the United States Capitol on January 6th we have been reporting on the various aspects that have followed to include the FBI persons of interest list and the peaceful protest by a local restaurant owner. -Upper Third: Video Courtesy of Instagram: julythephotoguy Mike: On August 19th, Benjamen Scott Burlew of Miami, was charged with federal offenses that included assault in special territorial jurisdiction and acts of physical violence on restricted grounds. A day later Burlew made his initial court appearance in the Northern District of Oklahoma.

According to court documents, Burlew was captured in two videos engaging in a physical assault against a credentialed media member who works as a photographer for the Associated Press. As depicted in the video, the photographer was pulled down a set of stairs near the lower west terrace of the U.S. Capitol Building by two unknown assailants. While attempting to avoid confrontation with these unknown assailants, the photographer relocated his position elsewhere on the stairs, at which point the photographer was aggressively confronted by Burlew. As alleged, after that confrontation, Burlew, together with other assailants grabbed the photographer and pushed him, then shoved and dragged him parallel to the stairs. After shoving the photographer, Burlew disengaged and walked in the other direction while the other assailants continued to push and drag the victim.

Later, the photographer can be observed on video having been backed up against a low stone wall separating the U.S. Capitol structure from the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol by the assailants. As alleged, Burlew lunged toward the photographer and grabbed his upper chest and leg to forcefully throw and push the photographer over the wall to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, several feet below. Burlew continued to shove and push the photographer until the photographer was thrown backward over the wall, where he landed on his back on the grounds of the west lawn. As alleged, Burlew can be seen in the video leaning over the wall to observe his fall.

Burlew is one of eight individuals in this investigation who have been arrested for allegedly destroying media equipment, assaulting journalists or inciting violence against members of the news media.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. With assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

-Photo

Mike: The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, The Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police and FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office. Benjamen Scott Burlew of Miami was identified as assault on media photo number 195 with the help of online citizen sleuths who have been watching every video online in order to track down those persons of interest. In one video Mr. Burlew identified himself and the state he was from moments after he was pepper sprayed by law enforcement. Upper Third: Video Courtesy of Youtube: Citizen Media News -Graphic Mike: According to court documents obtained by Woodruff Media Management via the Public Access to Court Electronic Records, Mr. Burlew appeared before UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA via video conference with his lawyer Ryan A. Ray of Norman Wohlgemuth law in Tulsa at 3pm on August 20th. During this time Jodi F. Jayne, U.S. Magistrate Judge heard the accusation presented by Joel-lyn Alicia McCormick, the prosecutor for the United States. During this time, Brandy Bowen, Mr. Burlews wife, submitted testimony for the defense. A motion for Mr. Burlew’s detention was denied and he was released on a $5,000 bond with stipulations to include appearing for the next proceeding on August 25th before Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey in US District Court in Washington DC. While on bond Mr. Burlew shall seek mental and physical health treatment and refrain from having firearms in his possession. Mr. Burlew is also allowed to consume Alcohol. Mr. Burlew is allowed to travel within Northeast Oklahoma to include Osage, Pawnee, creek, tulsa, washington, nowata,craig, ottawa, rogers, mayes, and delaware counties and to Washington DC for court.

-Graphic/Photo Mike: In a Facebook post provided to the Community Focus Update by a viewer Burlew’s Wife Brandy said this: “I will say this, if you don't know the whole story, which none of you do because you are not my husband and you weren't there with him, SHUT UP ABOUT THE DC THING!!!!!! Yall(sic) sharing false or partial info isn't helping any. He is basically being crucified/trial by newspaper before he even gets to go to trial.

He is a patriot who fought for this country that is now trying to strip him..and YOU.. of your rights!!!!!

If you want the real story I'll be happy to tell you...or if you are a journalist and would like to actually post something other than FAKE NEWS, contact me!!!!! Quit spreading lies and falsehoods.

Putting you on notice...anyone who participates in the blasphemy and defamation..and I find out about it..(we have people screenshotting and saving your posts to be used as evidence)...you will be added to the law suit (sic) that is being worked on by our defense team...so, please, refrain from being an idiot.”

Mike: The Community Focus Update has reached out to Mrs. Burlew and a special episode of the Community Focus Update has been arranged to get Mr. Burlew’s side of the story and we will premier it Wednesday September 1st at 6pm.

Mike: While Benjamen Scott Burlew of Miami has been charged with a crime he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We’ll keep you updated as the case progresses. Mike: To see the current evidence, video of the incident, and charges made against Mr. Burlew you can visit today's transcript at Woodruff Media Management dot com slash news. Source: Videos FBI are using as evidence against Mr. Burlew https://youtu.be/DHessyWYXqM?t=974 https://www.instagram.com/tv/CJxKMArpN0_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=adbf1674-ea12-4be7-ac2b-c21ade432e72 Department of Justice Records https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/oklahoma-man-arrested-assault-media-during-jan-6-capitol-breach https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/capitol-violence-images/195aarrested.png/view Copy of Original Photos by FBI (this was erased by FBI upon Mr. Burlew’s arrest but secondary sources have archived them) https://seditionhunters.org/195-aom/ https://jan6attack.com/individuals/camocrazyeyes/ Video used to Identify Mr. Burlew https://youtu.be/FEVYxK4mnjM?t=179 Court Documents https://www.pacermonitor.com/case/41509062/USA_v_Burlew https://www.oknd.uscourts.gov/ndok-map-0 Facebook Post inviting press questions https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=344144110687968&set=a.136345721467809

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Communications Solutions Mike: On Wednesday August 18th the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Communication Solutions to the business community with a ribbon cutting.

Lower Third: Bryan Williams Business Development, , Communication Solutions Mike: In addition to the local business and civic leaders attending, folks from the state and federal level were also present to include Congressman Markwayne Mullen Lower Third: Markwayne Mullen, Congressman, Oklahoma District 2 Lower Third: Brent Kisling, Executive Director, OK Dept of Commerce Mike: During the event we had an opportunity to speak with one employee who says he enjoys his new job.

Lower Third: Dylan Mcelhnay, Inbound Agent, Communication Solutions

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Ottawa County Fair Goers Enjoy Gravel Mike: Each year the Ottawa County fair has a point of contention..the worry of mud at the midway. It got so bad that a few years ago fair planners moved the rides across the street and that affected food sales and lowered traffic at what was supposed to be the main draw, the livestock exhibits. This year the city of Miami did something about the threat of mud. As Miami Parks and Facilities Manager JUSTIN HILGENBERG explains.

Lower Third: Justin Hilgenberg, Parks and Facilities Manager, City of Miami Mike: After the break we'll be visiting Fairland to learn about a recent Board of Trustee decision that affects the police department . Here’s a list of upcoming events

Upcoming Events

Ottawa Tribe Pow-wow Sept 3-5 Miami High School Homecoming Fri, Sept 4 Rock’n in Rocket Park Fri, Sept 7 7pm

MRCC Eggs and Issues Fri, Sept 10, 7:45 am Paul Thomas Family Center

Miami Festifall Oct 1-2 Afton Volunteer Fire Department Shootout Sat Oct 23 8:30am Commercial Break (OKERT :30, PSA Discount rate)

(Grove Celtic Festival Sept 25th Rate :15, FREE) #3 (one shot/Graphic/Video)

Fairland Police Chief

Mike: After a year of back and forth, the Fairland Board of Trustees met in executive session on Thursday August 12th to discuss the employment of Police Chief Aaron Richardson and voted two to two. With Cemetery Commissioner Brent Davis and the newly appointed Park Commissioner Lee Hall voting to remove the police chief. Four days later, in response to the stalemate vote and the ongoing topic of his service continuously brought by Mr. Davis, Richardson resigned after 14 years of serving the Fairland community with five years of it as police chief when he replaced Tony Wiseley who died on March 4th 2016. In the wake of Richardson’s departure, 6 of 8 police officers tendered their resignations. Officer Jeff Brown, who was among the resignations, spoke out at a Fairland Board of Trustees special meeting on Tuesday August 24th.

Lower third: Jeff Brown, former police officer, Fairland Oklahoma -Graphic

Mike: The officers who stepped down were: -Chief Aaron Richardson -Ofc Jeffrey Brown -Ofc Clifford Demond -Ofc TJ Burden -Ofc John Millard -Ofc Clifford DeMond -Ofc Jeff Dixon -Ofc Heather Carstairs -Video Mike: During the aforementioned special meeting, the board of trustees met in an executive session to discuss the hiring of Ottawa County Deputy Gordon Williams.

-Berger Bite -Camera Mike: After the special meeting Mayor Pro Tem Berger and Officer Gordon Williams met with the press and answered our questions. Here is that press conference in its entirety. -Williams Press Conference video -Berger Press Conference video

Mike: A few minutes after both press conferences as we were tearing down our equipment Mr. Williams informed us he will be accepting the position of Fairland Police Chief. At press time there has been a petition submitted to change dot org with a call for the removal of Cemetery Commissioner Brent Davis. For the link and to see what locals are saying visit our transcript https://www.change.org/p/mayors-officer-fairland-oklahoma-asking-for-the-resignation-of-councilman-brett-davis After the break we’ll be speaking with the former Mayor of Fairland, John Finnell to get insight on the events that led to what we just reported. Here’s a piece of trivia you may not know.

-For trivia watch program

Commercial Break

(Ottawa County Farmers Market :30, Paid)

(Unity of Joplin :30, Paid)

Mike: Welcome back everyone, after learning about Police Chief Richardsons resignation we reached out to a variety of people who have been involved with town government in the past year. While many politely declined, one person did accept our request. Here’s that interview.

#4 (One shot/Video) Interview with John Finnell, former mayor of Fairland Oklahoma Mike: Well that is it for our program please like and share this video and if you have yet, to become our friend on Facebook please do so. We’ll see you next week.

(Copyright 2021/fade out)