Transcript: The Community Focus Update (02/26/21)
Updated: May 25, 2021
The Community Focus Update
Date: February 26th, 2021
Note: This is a working document information may change. Dropped stories are indicated.
(FSG)
Covid-19 Disclaimer
(PPT Video/Chroma Key)
-:60 Opener/Lower third (Mike)
(One shot) (Zoom in)
Mike: Welcome to our 46th episode of the Community Focus Update. I’m Michael Woodruff. Alib about snow, birthday etc.
(One shot)
Mike: In this week’s program we'll tell you where you can get a good paying job with little experience, we'll recap last weeks weather around Ottawa county and later in the program we'll update you on two courtroom appearances by two public servants.
Before we dive into what's going on around Ottawa County let's talk about our sponsors.
-Graphic
-The Community Health Clinic
Mike: As the number of suicides increase nationwide, national experts are looking at ways to address the problem and you can be part of the solution. Coming up on Wednesday morning, March 10th from 9 to noon, The Community Health Center is hosting a zoom conference with several nationally recognized experts to include folks from the CDC, local health clinics, faith leaders, and policy experts. For details visit chcneo dot com slash special dash virtual dash event dash suicide dash prevention. This livestream event will also be broadcasted here on the Woodruff Media Management Facebook page.
-Elegance Unleashed
Mike: Elegance Unleashed; Owner Deb Swank offers a full service salon for you and your family. They offer a wide variety of services from haircuts to pedicures. Due to easing of state and local Covid-19 rules Elegance Unleashed, will be taking one-on-one appointments. Children and the disabled can be accompanied by one adult. As a safety caution all clients are asked to wear surgical masks. If you don’t have a mask one will be provided. Deb wants to thank everyone for their past patronage and looks forward to serving returning and new customers. For an appointment call 918-544-6976.
-Pewitt Law Mike: Since 1992, Douglas Pewitt has been serving the public as an attorney. If you have questions about Family law to include divorce and child custody, auto or personal injury, or found yourself on the other side of the law. Call Pewitt Law Offices at 918-542-8400.
-Facebook Live Event
Coming up on March 19th at 7pm live from the Afton Community Center. Woodruff Media Management will be hosting “The Afton Candidate Q&As”, this Facebook live will feature questions about the United States and Oklahoma Constitution, Ethics and Procedures, and questions from the audience. To learn more about this upcoming broadcast visit Woodruff Media dot com slash events. Sponsorship for this event is only $15. Current sponsors include Unity of Joplin, Elegance Unleashed, Nowhere on 66 Barbecue, and Route 66 Truck & Trailer.
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/Video)
(MAEDS Press Conference)
Mike: On Thursday February 25th, The Miami Area Economic Development service held a press conference to announce the opening of a new call center in Miami.
Communication Solutions, LLC has been in business since 1996 and has call centers in Missouri and Nebraska. The new Miami Oklahoma call center will be their sixth location.
-Charlotte bite
-Brian Bite
-Mayor Bite
Mike: The location of the call center will be at the Market Square Shopping Center on North Main in the vacant suit next to Fastenal. To apply for a job visit the link on the screen. Once trained the hourly wage is $11 plus $1 attendance bonus for a total of $12/hr. PLUS commissions. There are also shift differentials. Benefits include: Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, 401K retirement, Paid Vacations, Health Insurance, Referral Bonuses, and more.
#2(One shot/Graphic)
(Ottawa County Winter Recap/Utility Bills)
Mike: While the temperatures across Northeast Oklahoma dipped to negative temperatures, in response to a snow storm that affected much of the midwest, communities across Ottawa county dealt with a variety of situations. In Afton, city officials did a medicine run to Vinita for shut-ins and water was delivered throughout the community in response to a failed water line. In Commerce water lines were also an issue. In Fairland, Rumours of water and gas shutoffs were abound. In Miami, Mayor Bless Parker was leading the charge in preparing the community for a power outages and finding shelter for the homeless and elderly. At the county level, road crews attempted to keep roads clear for emergency personnel.
-Sound bite of Bless Parker, Steven Chasteen
Mike: In addition to muddy roads recovery from the storm will also be felt via higher utility bills in the upcoming month.
-Miami City Council Bite, 02/22/21
Mike: While the exact price is yet to be known for gas or electric, some energy providers like Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative gave their customers a heads up. According to a recent press release NOEC expects bills will be 25-30% higher than normal. We did reach out to other energy providers like GRDA, PSO, and Liberty Utilities and have yet received any replies. Once they issue press releases we’ll let you know.
-Graphic
Mike: If you received damage to your home like frozen pipes, leaky roof, or anything else from this past winter storm please visit Damage.ok.gov and take the survey. This information will be used to obtain federal assistance and other help.
Mike: If you’d like to learn more about the power grid you can visit our blog at WoodruffMediaManagement.com/News
#3(One shot/Graphic)
(Ottawa County Film Fest)
Mike: Dropped because of time constraint
#4 (one shot/graphic)
(Ottawa County Health Covid-19 Update) Mike: Dropped because of time constraint
Mike: Have a news tip? Why let us know by visiting our website WoodruffMediaManagement.com slash News and fill out the form.
Mike: Coming up after the break, we’ll have updates on two public servants who are having their day in court.
Upcoming Government Meetings
Ottawa County Commissioners Monday March 1, 9am (Zoom)
Miami City Council Monday March 1, 6pm (Website)
Fairland City Council March 11, 6pm (In person)
Afton Town Council March 16th, 6pm (In person)
Commercial Break (Ottawa County Farmers Market :30, Paid)
Mike: Welcome Back everyone.
(One Shot/Video)
#4 (Fairland Council Member Day in Court)
Mike: On Friday afternoon February 4th, Miami police were dispatched to Integris hospital Miami in response to a possible shoplifter at the gift shop. After a brief discussion with hospital personnel, Fairland Town Parks Commissioner Kelli A. Shelton was given a citation for theft of a $50 dollar flannel shirt and released on her own recognizance with a summons for Municipal court on Tuesday February 23rd.
Mike: While we typically don’t report on misdemeanors and other petty crimes, The Community Focus Update feels a crime committed by an elected official is something the public needs to be aware of. So much so I contacted Miami City Attorney Ben Loring for his help in securing the privilege of placing a camera in the courtroom.
-Graphic
Mike: Prior to contacting Mr. Loring I did a little research to make sure this was a feasible request. According to Oklahoma state statute here are the criteria for having cameras in the courtroom:
(10) Except as permitted by the individual judge, the use of cameras, television or other recording or broadcasting equipment is prohibited in a courtroom or in the immediate vicinity of a courtroom.
(a) Before cameras, television or other recordings or broadcasting equipment are used, express permission of the judge must be obtained.
(b) The judge shall prescribe the conditions and specific rules under which such equipment may be used.
(c) Media personnel shall not distract participants or impair the dignity of the proceedings.
(d) No witness, juror or party who expresses any objection to the judge shall be photographed nor shall the testimony of such a witness, juror or party be broadcast or telecast.
(e) There shall be no photographing or broadcasting of :
(1) any proceeding which under the laws of this State are required to be held in private; or
(2) any portion of any criminal proceedings until the issues have been submitted to the jury for determination unless all accused persons who are then on trial shall have affirmatively, on the record, given their consent to the photographing or broadcasting.
(f) No media representative shall offer, nor shall any party, witness or juror accept, consideration in exchange for consent to telecast, broadcast or photograph the judicial proceeding.
8. Representatives of the news media shall conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner consistent with the spirit and intent of this rule. In order to insure such conduct, if such conduct of the news media which violates any of these rules is brought to the attention of any judge, the offending person shall be notified to immediately cease and desist such activity. If the offending party refuses to comply with the order, the judge may act to end such activity, including the seizure of the equipment of such person. Any offender may be dealt with for contempt of court.
-Time lapse video
Mike: Upon talking to Mr. Loring, I was invited to wait outside the court chamber on Tuesday February 23rd and depending on what the Judge said, me and my camera may have the opportunity to see Ms. Shelton. In an effort to cover our bases we opted to sit among everyone who was scheduled for court. As you can see Ms. Shelton was not present.
- Ballif bite (nat sound)
Mike: I continued to wait…
-Time Lapse video
Mike: After court business was complete. I was invited into the court chamber.
-Sound bite of baileff (nat sound)
Mike: While Ms. Shelton was given a summons for a court appearance, She has the right to opt out of showing for that initial date if she enters a not guilty plea.
-Graphic of not guilty plea document
Mike: According to the document provided by the court Ms. Shelton’s lawyer Winston H. Connor the 2nd of Jay submitted an entry of appearance on Monday February 22nd with a plea of not guilty.
Mike: While Judge Charles Chesnut and City attorney Ben Loring opted to not be on camera they did take the time to discuss with me the courts process in dealing with a case like this.
-Graphic
Mike: Due to the nature of the cases in municipal court being all are misdemeanors that comprise of traffic violations and thefts under $1000 there is no procedure in place for cameras in the court. Upon learning about the importance of this particular case, the court will look at it’s options. Since a Not Guilty plea was entered, a disposition of this case will be on Thursday March 25th. If the court finds Ms. Shelton guilty at this time she will not face jail time but could be fined up to $500. Community Service is also possible.
Mike: We did call Ms. Shelton’s attorney for further explanation about the not guilty plea but have yet received a call back.
Mike: Currently the only person who’s spoken publicly in Ms. Shelton's defense was her sister at the recent Fairland city council on February 11th. Here’s that video.
Lower Third: Cheri Roschevitz, Sister
Mike: Again we’ll give you an update on what the Fairland Town council decides in regard to Ms. Shelton’s service after it’s meeting on March 11th. While we report this story we need to remind you everyone has a right to due process in a court of law and all people are innocent until proven guilty. We will report on the court's decision once it is released. Ms. Shelton is up for reelection on April 6th.
(One Shot/Video)
#5 (Former Ottawa County Sheriff Day in Court)
Mike: On our December 19th 2020 episode we reported former Ottawa County Sheriff Jeremy Floyd was indicted by a Grand Jury in Oklahoma city on December 17th with the charge of embezzlement for misusing a county credit card to the total of $1,132.78 and lying about his criminal history on the 2020 Declaration of Candidacy form he filed for re-election. After being bonded out of Ottawa county jail for $50,000, a change of venue to Ottawa county, then a change of date due to the recent extreme snow Mr. Floyd got his day in court.
-Graphic
Mike: Initially Judge Berry Denny was supposed to hear this on Friday February 19th, 2021 but due to the closure of the courthouse in response to the heavy snow Judge Becky Baird was scheduled to preside on Friday February 26th, due to the backlog. We did reach out to Judge Baird to see if we could place a camera in the courtroom on that date and that was denied. Like the previous story we waited outside with our camera.
Mr. Floyd did arrive and waited. When the call came for his turn, Mr. Floyd entered.
-Graphic
Mike: We contacted the Ottawa County Court Clerk's office for more details. During Friday's proceeding Attorney General J. White represented the State and Miami Attorney John Weedn stood in for Vinita Attorney Clint Ward who was initially named as attorney for Mr. Floyd. During this third part of the arraignment process, information about the case was given to the judge, the defendant was named, and Mr. Floyd waived his right to the reading of the charges, a standard practice that is designed to save the court time. The case was then continued for Friday Morning March 29th 2021 at 9:30.
-Graphic
Mike: We did reach out to Mr. Floyd’s attorney for further comment and they declined. Upon posting an update on our Facebook page. Mr. Floyd did reply “Must be hard up for a story, or better get paid to continue to follow me around. Ottawa County Paparazzi!!!! Shaking My Head”
Mike: Again we’ll give you an update on Former Ottawa County Sheriff Jeremy Floyd’s trip though the legal system as we receive more information. As we mentioned with the previous story everyone has a right to due process in a court of law and all people are innocent until proven guilty. Currently the court costs for Mr. Floyd is $734.25. To learn more about this case checkout our transcripts at Woodruff Media Management dot com slash news.
Mike: After the break we’ll talk about why we’re covering these cases. Here’s a piece of trivia you may not know.
WATCH VIDEO FOR TRIVIA
Commercial Break (Ottawa County Farmers Market :30, Paid)
Mike: Welcome back everyone. Why is following court cases important?
-Both serve in an elected capacity.
-Mr. Floyd was Sheriff, Ms. Shelton is a Trustee
-Mr. Floyd was accused of a crime that is frequently committed by elected officials. The problem is so bad it’s specifically mentioned in the Declaration of Candidacy form all candidates file with the state in order to be on a ballot.
-The public has a right to know the status of these events. Currently court procedures prevent a complete narrative.
-It also benefits the accused, if bonafide news outlets don’t report it only rumor and uneducated public opinion prevail. If found innocent the accused has no record of outcome beside official documents and online docket records. The Online rumors and opinion will be the first thing that pops up on a google search.
-Trust me I’m not enjoying covering these stories. They take more time and effort than most of the things we report.
Mike: Well that’s it for this week’s program. Be sure to like and share this video and become our friend on Facebook. Thanks again for watching. We’ll see you next week!
(Copyright 2021/fade out)
Sources:
CCSLLC Information
https://www.csllcnow.com/miami-ok National Weather Service Report https://w2.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?wfo=tsa
NOAA https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/snow/202101
https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/community/page/gmsa-natural-gas-situation-improving
State Statute for Cameras in Courtroom https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?citeID=73667
Fines for misdemeanors in Miami Municipal Court https://www.miamiokla.net/DocumentCenter/View/941/FINE-COSTS-ALPHA-4182016?bidId=
Photo of Judge https://www.oknd.uscourts.gov/History%20-%20OKND%20Magistrate%20Judges
Election Calendar https://oklahoma.gov/elections/election-info/2021-election-calendar.html List of Trustees https://townoffairland.com/board-of-trustees
Jeremy Floyd Indictment https://www.woodruffmediamanagement.com/post/transcript-the-community-focus-update-12-19-20
Court Record https://www1.odcr.com/detail?court=058-&casekey=058-CF++2000271
https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=ottawa&number=CF-2020-00271&cmid=11848