Blood drive is Thursday –

Blood supply is at critically low levels

The blood supply is a critically low levels. Lindsay’s Community blood drive is set for Thurs., Mar. 26, according to blood drive coordinator, Lacy Curry. 

As of the Shopper News Note’s presstime, word was that OBI is accepting blood donors by appointment only. 

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion.

OBI’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. 

Donor centers and mobile blood drives are also being adapted to allow for social distancing. 

In addition, all staff and donors will have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility, to ensure only healthy individuals are present.

1,200 donors per day are needed to supply the inventory needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances in Oklahoma.

Blood is a perishable product. Constant donations are required, not only to meet community needs, but in case of local and national emergencies. 

The blood drive, put on by the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Lindsay. The church is located at 114 W. Chickasaw in Lindsay.

The Lindsay Community blood drives are held the fourth Thursday of every other month in odd-numbered months, and are sponsored by the South Central Medical and Resource Center (SCMRC).

Photo ID is required when giving blood. Those needing further information, or who would like to set up a time-saving appointment, are asked to contact Ms. Curry at CMRC, at 405-756-1414, or go online at obi.org. 

Scam alert:  SSA offers advice

One of the Shopper’s readers alerted us to a Social Security scam. She received a phone call – from a 405-756- number – (a LOCAL, LINDSAY number). The caller said someone was trying to use our reader’s Social Security Number at “the border,” and that our reader should “press ‘1’.”

Fortunately, our reader recognized this as the scam that it was, and just hung up the phone. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers advice for protection from Social Security Scams.

Telephone and E-mail scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you, and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!

If you receive a suspicious call:

1. Hang up

2. Do not give money or personal information

3. Report the Scam at oig.ssa.gov

What to look out for:

• The caller says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.

• Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.

• Scammers pretend they’re from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by E-mail may look official, but they are not.

• Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.

Be Alert

Social Security may call you in some situations, but will NEVER:

• Threaten you

• Suspend your Social Security Number

• Demand immediate payment from you

• Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer

• Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash

Be Active

Protect yourself, friends, and family!
• If you receive a questionable call, hang up, and report it at oig.ssa.gov

• Don’t return unknown calls

• Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision

• Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss

• Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam

• Share this information with others  

Voters should apply early for absentee ballots

If the Tues., Apr. 7 election is still slated to occur, voters who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the Tues., Apr. 7 Board of Education General Election and City Council Election, should apply now, according to County Election Board Secretaries. 

Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5:00 p.m. on Wed., Apr. 1, voters who want to vote by absentee ballot are urged to apply early.

Absentee ballot application forms are available at the County Election Board offices. Right now, voters may pick up and drop off application forms at the entrance to most County Courthouses.

An online version of the form can be filled out and submitted electronically at: http://www.elections.ok.gov. A print form can also be downloaded at that address.

At least two mail transactions must be made. The County Election Board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail.

Ballots must be in the hands of County Election Board officials by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he/she is eligible to vote. However, a voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district or a municipality to be eligible to vote in school district or municipal elections. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee.

While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several advantages to absentee voters in some categories. By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, absentee voters can activate special conditions that make it easier for them to use absentee ballots. The reasons are:

• Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An Absentee Voting Board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail, by fax, by email, online or via an agent who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot.

• Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible receive absentee ballots. These voters may apply only by mail, fax, or by email. Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in their units for application forms and additional information or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov/oklahoma) for more information and instructions. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any United States military installation and from United States Embassies and Consulates as well as on the FVAP website. 

Questions may be directed to the Election Board Secretaries. The board secretaries and phone numbers in the Shopper’s distribution area are:  Garvin County, Doylene Cunningham, 405-238-3303; McClain County, Karen Haley, 405-527-3121; Grady County, Susan Turner, 405-224-1430.

The Garvin County Election Board is located inside the Garvin County Courthouse in Pauls Valley, First Floor, Room 8.

The McClain County Election Board office is in Room 101, at 121 N. 2nd Ave. in Purcell (inside the McClain County Courthouse). 

The Grady County Election Board office is located in the District Attorney Complex at 307 W. Pennsylvania Ave. in Chickasha.

Many April 7 elections will be postponed

Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax declared an election emergency for local elections being held in 74 counties on Tues., Apr. 7. 

The election emergency declaration will require County Election Boards to accept resolutions adopted by the governing bodies of school districts, municipalities, technology districts and counties to move their Tues., Apr. 7 elections to another date. Regular and statutory elections could be rescheduled on Tues., June 30, the next available election date and the date of the State Primary Election. Special elections could be rescheduled for any election date allowed by law.

“We are in uncharted waters here, so I am hopeful we have found a sensible solution that is consistent with the spirit of the law and avoids bureaucratic overreach by state election officials,” Ziriax said. “As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I strongly urge school districts, municipalities, technology districts and counties with Tues., Apr. 7 elections to take immediate action to reschedule and help efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve.”

County Election Board Secretaries will reach out to the local governments holding elections in their counties to inform them of the election emergency and the option of rescheduling their Tues., Apr. 7 elections.

A list of the elections scheduled on Tues., Apr. 7 is available on the State Election Board website at https://www.ok.gov/elections/support/electionlist.htm. The State Election Board will update the list as local governments reschedule their elections. 

Voters who have questions about whether or not an election will be rescheduled are encouraged to contact the local government that scheduled the election. 

Lindsay City Council election date in question

The Lindsay City Council held a special meeting on Tues., Mar. 24 to decide whether to hold the April 7 election, or postpone it.

More information is available by calling the City of Lindsay at 405-756-2019.

Chamber After-Hours event is postponed

The Lindsay Chamber of Commerce Spring After Hours event scheduled for Tues., Apr. 7 is being postponed, according to Clara Doan, Chamber Director.    

Founder’s Day will remain as scheduled, Sat., May 2, at this time.   

Those who have questions should contact Ms. Doan at 405-756-4312.

Account set up to benefit Wescott family

An account has been set up to benefit Steve and Vicki Wescott with medical bills and expenses, according to a news release. 

The account is set up at American Exchange Bank of Lindsay, located at 402 S. Main in Lindsay. Donations of any size are accepted and appreciated.

Mr. Wescott has been battling cancer since January of 2018. Most recently, he went through surgery to amputate both legs at the calf. He is facing tough battles on a daily basis. 

Beta Sigma Phi offers scholarships

Lindsay High School (LHS) graduating seniors may apply for the Beta Sigma Phi scholarships, according to Lisa Hilliard. 

Applications are now available on the school’s website. They may be downloaded, filled out, and then E-mailed to the address on the application.

All scholarship applications must be received by Fri., Apr. 3.

“We encourage all LHS graduating seniors to apply,” Ms. Hilliard added.

Those who have questions may contact Ms. Hilliard at 405-756-6652.

Senior Nutrition center offers pick-up lunches

The Lindsay Senior Nutrition Center’s dining room will be closed until further notice for the COVID-19 virus, according to Site Manager, Kelly Riddle.

Congregate members will still be able to pick up a meal between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a reservation.

Meal delivery will still be available to the center’s homebound members.

Healthcare workers stress these practices:

COVID-19 is a new virus. More research is needed on how it spreads, but the current practices for preventing and minimizing acute respiratory illnesses are still appropriate: Practice cough & sneeze etiquette

Stay home when sick

Clean hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Avoid touching your face after touching surfaces

Museums/sites closed through March 30

The first priority of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is the health and safety of our patrons, staff and volunteers. Per Executive Orders 2020-06 and 2020-07 from Governor Kevin Stitt in response to COVID-19, all OHS sites and affiliates, including the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City, will be closed to the public. The plan, right now, is for these facilities to reopen Tues., Mar. 31.

All OHS-sponsored events at all OHS sites and affiliates will be canceled or postponed through Tues., Apr. 14. Future cancelations and closings will be assessed as the situation develops. Questions should be directed to the OHS site at which the event was scheduled.

Additionally, the OHS is canceling its annual Oklahoma History Conference, which was scheduled for Wed., Apr. 22 through Fri., Apr. 24 at the Sequoyah Lodge near Wagoner. Those who have already registered for the conference will be contacted by OHS with more information. 

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. More information about the OHS is available at http://www.okhistory.org.

Tax deadline moved to July 15

At President Trump’s direction, the United States has moved the Tax deadline from April 15 to July 15. 

The US Treasury Secretary said all taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties (as reported in the Wall Street Journal).

This includes 20019 tax returns as well as estimated taxes for the first quarter of 2020, but does NOT include payroll taxes, estate taxes, or excise taxes. It also does not include estimated taxes that are due June 15.

City of Lindsay offers Day Camp

The City of Lindsay is offering a Day Camp for children of parents who have to work during this COVID-19 outbreak, according to a City official.

If demand is high enough, the Day Camp will be offered from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for two weeks, through Fri., Apr. 3. 

The Day Camp is offered for children ages five to 13 years, and who live within Lindsay’s city limits. 

Food will be provided through the Lindsay school.

City officials have consulted with State and County Health Departments, and have put safety protocols in place to protect the children and workers.

Parents who would like to have their children use the Day Camp are asked to contact the City of Lindsay at 405-756-2019.  

Super C Mart offers ‘Senior Hour’ daily

Super C Mart is offering ‘Senior Hour’ daily from opening until 9:00 a.m. daily for seniors age 60 and over, acording to a company official.

According to a Super C Mart memo, company employees are implementing “all preventive measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and government agencies to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.”

In the Shopper’s distribution area, Super C Mart is located at 212 S.E 2nd in Lindsay, and at 1012 6th St. in Maysville. 

Meat Locker BBQ offers FREE delivery

Meat Locker BBQ is offering FREE meal delivery in Lindsay until further notice. There is a minimum $25.00 purchase for the FREE delivery, according to their ad in this week’s edition of the Shopper News Note. 

The Meat Locker BBQ food truck is parked just north of the intersection of N.W. 4th and Cherokee in Lindsay, and may be reached at 580-272-4051.

Julia Murray celebrates 90th Friday

Former Lindsay resident, Julia Cranor Murray, turns 90 years young this week, according to her son, Jeff Murray.

A large celebration was planned for Ms. Murray, but it has been cancelled. 

Cards and letters, and especially electronic cards and notes, will be appreciated. 

Ms. Murray’s email address is jvmurray30@gmail.com.

Those sending cards and letters through the US Postal Service are asked to seal them with a sticker or tape. Ms. Murray’s mailing address is 2100 36th Ave. NW, Apt. 59, Norman, OK  73072.

Medicare 101 educational events POSTPONED

The Medicare educational event that was slated to be held in several towns in the Shopper’s distribution area, has been postponed. 

The event will be hosted by Oklahoma Healthcare Exchange and South Central Medical and Resource Center, and will help people have a clear understanding of Medicare and all the benefits available.

Organizers of the event will publish new dates, times, and meeting locations when they are available.

Clothing items needed for give-away 

It’s time, once again, to gather clothing for the Bag Your Blessings clothing give-away! That’s the word from organizer Bev Barker. 

“Go through drawers, closets, and piles on the floor of your kid’s room and bag up all the clothes they can’t wear any more!” Ms. Barker added. 

The give-away will take place at a later date, but the clothes can be accepted now. 

Ms. Barker explained that  her pickup will be parked on the north side of the Lindsay senior center every weekday.

All clothing donations should be placed in trash bags only, and should be tied at the top (in order to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19). 

“Just bag ’em up and throw them in the back of the pickup. And as always, I’m so very grateful. THANK YOU!” Ms. Barker concluded.

Easter bake sale benefits American Legion

The American Legion Auxiliary is set to hold a bake sale on Fri., Apr. 10, according to Glenna Walker.

“At this time, we are still planning to have our sale. We’ll certainly let everyone know if that changes,” Ms. Walker explained.

There will be plenty of delicious, homemade goodies, just in time for Easter.

The bake sale will be held at the First National Bank of Lindsay, located at 101 S. Main in Lindsay.

Those who have questions may contact Ms. Walker at 405-756-6330.

American Legion meets first Tuesday monthly 

The American Legion, Ball-Smith Post 23, in Lindsay, meets the first Tuesday of every month, according to Bill Walker.

“We want to make sure that women veterans know they are more than welcome, as well,” Mr. Walker added.

The meeting starts with a 6:00 p.m. potluck dinner, followed by the 7:00 p.m. meeting. 

The April meeting is still scheduled to be held, but the American Legion let everyone know if that changes.

The meeting is held at the Senior Nutrition Center, located at 310 W. Choctaw in Lindsay. Those who have questions may contact Mr. Walker at 405-756-0394.

Deadline to change party affiliation is Tues., Mar. 31

Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must do so no later than Tues., Mar. 31, according to County Election Board Secretaries.

Voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at elections.ok.gov/ovp or by completing a new Voter Registration Application.

No party changes are allowed between April 1 and August 31 during an even-numbered year.

Requests received after March 31 are required by law to be held, and then processed in September.

Oklahoma has three recognized parties:  Democrat, Republican, and Libertarian.

In Oklahoma, voters must be a registered member of a party in order to vote in that party’s primary election. Independents are premitted to participate in a primary election, onlyu if a parthy officially requests its elections be opened to Independent voters. Currently, only the Democratic Party allows Independents to vote in its primary elections.

All registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can vote for any candidate during a General Election.

Applications to register to vote or to change political affiliation are available at the County Election Board offices, post offices, public libraries, tag agencies, state offices providing public assistance, and at most political party and candidate campaign offices.

Questions may be directed to the Election Board Secretaries. The board secretaries and phone numbers in the Shopper’s distribution area are:  Garvin County, Doylene Cunningham, 405-238-3303; McClain County, Karen Haley, 405-527-3121; Grady County, Susan Turner, 405-224-1430.

The Garvin County Election Board is located inside the Garvin County Courthouse in Pauls Valley, First Floor, Room 8.

The McClain County Election Board office is in Room 101, at 121 N. 2nd Ave. in Purcell (inside the McClain County Courthouse). 

The Grady County Election Board office is located in the District Attorney Complex at 307 W. Pennsylvania Ave. in Chickasha.