Latest news with #DawnDodson
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfires around Payne County burn more than 3,000 acres
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, more than 3,000 acres have burned in the fire that destroyed homes and structures southwest of Stillwater. Stillwater Communications Director Dawn Dodson said Gov. Kevin Stitt was touring the affected areas this morning. Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills and Stephens. Stillwater Emergency Management reports that evacuation areas have been initially re-assed but are only residents may return to mandatory evacuation areas and have been closed to the general public. "Primary concerns for residents returning to their homes, include possible fires that may rekindle, nearby hotspots, open gas lines, down power lines, unstable structures (ex. chimneys) that could fall, and other unsafe conditions," SEMA wrote. "If these conditions are observed or an emergency response is needed, please call 911. Please exercise extreme caution in fire-affected areas." SEMA also wrote that it could use the public's help in identifying damaged electric infrastructure, "such as poles that are broken or leaning, and lines down." Those with information should contact Electric Utility at 405-372-3292. Primrose Retirement Community, one of the first places evacuated, has said temporary placement has been secured for residents and it will let family know when it is safe to return. Rep. Trish Ranson (D-Stillwater) wrote a message this morning thanking the first responders and expressing sympathy for those who were affected. 'I am grateful for the brave men and women at Stillwater Emergency Management, Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Fire Department for evacuating folks safely and quickly during yesterday's fires,' Ranson said. 'Their efforts to get neighbors out of harm's way saved lives. Although several homes and neighborhoods were lost and severely damaged, relief efforts are underway by the State, City and County officials. I am praying for Stillwater and urge everyone to utilize the resources available to them. We must continue to look out for one another and support each other where we can. We will do whatever we can to heal from this devastation. We are Stillwater strong.' Payne County is still at an elevated risk Saturday for fire danger, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Planes or other aircraft that might have assisted with the fires, were grounded due to high winds. Wind "Fire behavior and demands for protection of values at risk outpaced suppression capability of resources on the ground while the strength of the windstorm prohibited utilization of firefighting aircraft," the OFS report reads. "While the fire weather will be less intense (Saturday) there remains a Red Flag Warning in effect for part of Oklahoma, and new wildfire activity will continue to occur compounded by a tremendous workload containing the active fires. Incident commanders are encouraged to communicate needs and initial damage assessments to emergency managers facilitating timely communication developing statewide situation awareness. "The fire environment will continue to present very challenging conditions through next week as very-high fire danger indices persist head of another period of fire-effective weather over very receptive fuels Monday through Wednesday and little or no optimism for meaningful rainfall in sight. Heavy initial attack and persistent large fire potential will remain in place this weekend with increasing likelihood of another period of significant fire occurrence (>5,000 acres) and wildfire outbreak potential early next week." As of 5 a.m., the Oklahoma Department of Transportation reported that all highways and turnpikes affected by Friday's windstorm and grassfires are now open. The Mid South Endurance Festival, which has drawn thousands of runners and cyclists to Stillwater, announced late Friday night that Saturday's events were canceled. "We have been in constant communication with our city and county emergency services and we are announcing that Mid South 2025 is officially canceled," Founder Bobby Wintle wrote. "All efforts, support, and energy are being sent to fight this wildfire tragedy in our home that we love so much. Friends and family have lost their homes in Stillwater and the work to fight this fire is ongoing. Thank you for understanding. Our only hope is that the damage can be minimized and that everyone and their loved ones are safe tonight." House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson encouraged Oklahomans lean on each other for support. 'My deepest gratitude to all of the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep Oklahomans safe—thank you,' Munson said in a press release. 'As more information on the aftermath of yesterday's devastating fires is shared, I am praying for those who are without their homes and businesses and who are injured. Please remember you are not alone in this. I urge Oklahomans to look out for one another as we experience more weather today and continue to recover from yesterday. There are resources for Oklahomans who need them. Please take advantage of them. In times like these, it is important we stick together and help our neighbors.' Residents impacted needing non-emergency services can call 211 for things related to the disaster or health and human services.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfires around Payne County burn more than 3,000 acres
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, more than 3,000 acres have burned in the fire that destroyed homes and structures southwest of Stillwater. Stillwater Communications Director Dawn Dodson said Gov. Kevin Stitt was touring the affected areas this morning. Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills and Stephens. Stillwater Emergency Management reports that evacuation areas have been initially re-assed but are only residents may return to mandatory evacuation areas and have been closed to the general public. "Primary concerns for residents returning to their homes, include possible fires that may rekindle, nearby hotspots, open gas lines, down power lines, unstable structures (ex. chimneys) that could fall, and other unsafe conditions," SEMA wrote. "If these conditions are observed or an emergency response is needed, please call 911. Please exercise extreme caution in fire-affected areas." SEMA also wrote that it could use the public's help in identifying damaged electric infrastructure, "such as poles that are broken or leaning, and lines down." Those with information should contact Electric Utility at 405-372-3292. Primrose Retirement Community, one of the first places evacuated, has said temporary placement has been secured for residents and it will let family know when it is safe to return. Rep. Trish Ranson (D-Stillwater) wrote a message this morning thanking the first responders and expressing sympathy for those who were affected. 'I am grateful for the brave men and women at Stillwater Emergency Management, Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Fire Department for evacuating folks safely and quickly during yesterday's fires,' Ranson said. 'Their efforts to get neighbors out of harm's way saved lives. Although several homes and neighborhoods were lost and severely damaged, relief efforts are underway by the State, City and County officials. I am praying for Stillwater and urge everyone to utilize the resources available to them. We must continue to look out for one another and support each other where we can. We will do whatever we can to heal from this devastation. We are Stillwater strong.' Payne County is still at an elevated risk Saturday for fire danger, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Planes or other aircraft that might have assisted with the fires, were grounded due to high winds. Wind "Fire behavior and demands for protection of values at risk outpaced suppression capability of resources on the ground while the strength of the windstorm prohibited utilization of firefighting aircraft," the OFS report reads. "While the fire weather will be less intense (Saturday) there remains a Red Flag Warning in effect for part of Oklahoma, and new wildfire activity will continue to occur compounded by a tremendous workload containing the active fires. Incident commanders are encouraged to communicate needs and initial damage assessments to emergency managers facilitating timely communication developing statewide situation awareness. "The fire environment will continue to present very challenging conditions through next week as very-high fire danger indices persist head of another period of fire-effective weather over very receptive fuels Monday through Wednesday and little or no optimism for meaningful rainfall in sight. Heavy initial attack and persistent large fire potential will remain in place this weekend with increasing likelihood of another period of significant fire occurrence (>5,000 acres) and wildfire outbreak potential early next week." As of 5 a.m., the Oklahoma Department of Transportation reported that all highways and turnpikes affected by Friday's windstorm and grassfires are now open. The Mid South Endurance Festival, which has drawn thousands of runners and cyclists to Stillwater, announced late Friday night that Saturday's events were canceled. "We have been in constant communication with our city and county emergency services and we are announcing that Mid South 2025 is officially canceled," Founder Bobby Wintle wrote. "All efforts, support, and energy are being sent to fight this wildfire tragedy in our home that we love so much. Friends and family have lost their homes in Stillwater and the work to fight this fire is ongoing. Thank you for understanding. Our only hope is that the damage can be minimized and that everyone and their loved ones are safe tonight." House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson encouraged Oklahomans lean on each other for support. 'My deepest gratitude to all of the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep Oklahomans safe—thank you,' Munson said in a press release. 'As more information on the aftermath of yesterday's devastating fires is shared, I am praying for those who are without their homes and businesses and who are injured. Please remember you are not alone in this. I urge Oklahomans to look out for one another as we experience more weather today and continue to recover from yesterday. There are resources for Oklahomans who need them. Please take advantage of them. In times like these, it is important we stick together and help our neighbors.' Residents impacted needing non-emergency services can call 211 for things related to the disaster or health and human services.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
City reschedules parks and community open house
The Parks and Community Resources Open House planned for Feb. 20 regarding area parks and public spaces has been moved to next week due to inclement weather. The City of Stillwater set the new date for the open house to 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 121 at the Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Ave. The exact meeting location in the community center has been changed, due to space reservations and having to postpone the meeting, Chief Public Affairs Officer Dawn Dodson told the News Press. This is the second time the City has had to postpone the meeting due to inclement weather. 'Please bring your ideas and concerns, and let's discuss neighborhood parks and other public spaces,' the City wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday. City staff will be sharing preliminary information they have collected through recent surveys, and there will be sign-ups available for volunteer opportunities. Preliminary discussions have been ongoing for all parks in Stillwater, and more recently for Southern Woods Park, Couch Park and Sunset Park, according to earlier reporting by the News Press. Ideas have been floated by City officials regarding new tennis and pickleball courts at Southern Woods Park. The City has also considered the sale of Sunset Park in order to use the funds for new courts and facilities allowing for better lighting, more parking, more people and restrooms. Sunset Park FILE —Sunset Park had a city sign with QR code for people to scan to participate in a use survey. In a Dec. 16, 2024 City Council meeting, Assistant City Manager Christy Driskel told councilors that local government staff members are in conversations with the YMCA about how to have a community pool – and an outdoor water park, according to earlier reporting by the News Press. YMCAs across the country partner with cities and schools, Driskel said. After more discussion she anticipated to be back in front of council to share information about a General Obligation bond that would fund an outdoor community pool to be managed by the YMCA. Stillwater YMCA Executive Director Shane Harland told the News Press previously that the City is not only in talks for a public pool, but also for an entire outdoor water park. More details will be forthcoming this year. Pool FILE — The Stillwater Municipal Pool at Couch Park. The decades-old Stillwater city pool was closed in the summer of 2024, seemingly for good, as repair and upkeep, or new construction, have proven too costly for Stillwater's budget. The city received criticism by residents for this, along with other parks and open space areas that have fallen into disrepair, like the sundeck at Boomer Lake. The city contended that Stillwater has a larger amount of parks and open space than average cities its size to caretake: 17 acres per 1,000 residents in Stillwater, with the U.S. average being roughly 9.9 acres per 1,000 residents. Arrowhead Park plan Feedback from a resident survey has directed the City of Stillwater in future plans for Arrowhead Park. Amenities will include picnic tables, mutt mitts and covered picnic tables. 'We want the public to know that we have heard what they've had to say about our parks, and we're not happy with the state they're in either. So we're trying everything we can do to make everything a little bit better,' Parks and Community Resources Director Barbara Bliss said at the Dec. 16, 2024 City Council meeting. The Community Resources division in Stillwater manages and maintains the Stillwater Community Center, Senior Center and Armory Recreation Center, as well as the Stillwater parks system, according to its website. They collaborate with Public Works for repairs, maintenance and construction in the parks, in addition to managing shelter rentals. Barbara Bliss FILE - A screenshot of Parks and Community Resources Director Barbara Bliss at City Council on Sept. 24, 2024. Community Resources organizes events and works with other organizations and individuals to plan activities, including 5K runs, parades and other events requiring the public land use or street closures. Local elected officials had said if Stillwater approved a data center economic development plan, money could be infused into the community, which could be used to improve parks and open spaces and create a better quality of life for its residents. Local taxing entities voted to approve a tax incentive agreement for the data center economic development plan in January. The City of Stillwater approved the tax incentive agreement at its Jan. 13 meeting, followed by Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 14. Payne County commissioners voted Jan. 21, although not unanimously. The Payne County Health Department voted unanimously Jan. 23 to approve the plan.
