Sheriff Bret Bowling presented Emergency Management Director Covey Murray with a plaque for his dedication and service during the pandemic during Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Bowling stated that “everyone’s staff has worked through this rough time, and Covey has been there when we needed him. He has answered phone calls and provided equipment anytime that we have called him. He has really worked to help each and everyone within the County, and we would like to thank him for all his efforts and hours he has worked.”
District #1 Commissioner Newt Stephens stated that he was notified on Friday, February 26 that the second scheduled Creek Turnpike closure is expected to be Friday, March 26, 2021. The closure is a result of upgrades to the Turner Turnpike between the Sapulpa exit and Town West. Stephens said that he will receive confirmation on the date within the next two weeks.
The Board agreed to sign a Commercial Service Agreement between Cox Business and the Creek County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade the internet service from hybrid cable to fiber optic cable. The cost will be $1,361 per month. “It will reduce our current monthly cost…and provide better equipment and connectivity. We have had some issues recently with our 911 phones and computers, and we need the right system to operate fully,” Bowling said. The project is expected to commence in the next few weeks.
Two utility permits from Fiber Link, LLC were approved to install fiber optic cable in the area of South Hickory Street, 3 miles south of Lone Star Road, and the area of West 171st Street South, .65 miles west of South Hickory Street. This will bring internet to and expand the services of hundreds of families in both areas.
It was agreed in a split vote to extend the emergency resolution one more week, until March 8. Murray reported that as of Friday, February 26, 2021, Creek County 173 active cases, 22 new, and 112 deaths. On Monday, February 22, 2021, there were 213 active cases, 8 new, and 112 deaths. Warner stated that “not only is Creek County trending downward and making great progress, but so is the whole state of Oklahoma.”
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Goforth stated that both in-person and virtual court hearings were held at the courthouse last week. He said that on Wednesday the 24th, around fifty people were in court for a felony and misdemeanor docket and that it went well. Goforth also informed the Board that the courts have a jury term scheduled for late March for felony and juvenile cases.
Warner and Bowling discussed manpower at the courthouse, and Bowling stated that things are going well now, and that as things begin to open back up, they will make adjustments and begin to revert to their original processes.
