Wed., Mar. 25 –

Huge fire claims Lindsay building

In the wee hours of Wed., Mar. 25, one of Lindsay’s downtown business buildings caught fire, and burned completely. 

The building, owned by the Gilliam family of Lindsay Web Press, was more than 100 years old, and sat between, and directly adjacent to, two other buildings.

By 5:00 a.m. the fire had broken through the roof, and flames shot into the sky, virtually ensuring the buildings adjacent would go up in flames, as well.

The firefighters and volunteer firefighters of the Lindsay Fire Dept. did a fantastic job of containing the fire to one building, and spared the two adjacent buildings. (This is almost unheard of).   

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but word has it that a suspicious fellow is wanted for questioning. He is small in stature, wears a red hat, green coat, and has pointy ears. He goes by the name Ern. E. Keyblur, and was seen running from the area of the fire. He has not been officially named as a suspect, but there was a noticeable aroma of Fudge Stripe cookies in the air.*

* Part of this news note is pure fiction, so APRIL FOOLS! The part that is not is that the grand old building did burn, it is owned by the Gilliam family, and much of their supplies for printing the Shopper News Note, the Lindsay News, and many other Oklahoma publications literally went up in smoke. Also, the valiant efforts of the Lindsay Fire Dept. absolutely saved Lindsay’s downtown. Our prayers of thanks go to those firefighters, and our prayers of healing go to the Gilliam family.

Real ID deadline extended

Under direction from President Donald Trump, Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID deadline to October 1, 2021. 

Situation Update:  COVID-19

As of this advisory, there are 481 positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. Counties with cases will now be required to come into compliance with Governor Kevin Stitt’s “Safer at Home” executive order that calls for non-essential businesses in counties with COVID-19 cases to temporarily suspend services until April 16.

There is an additional death in Oklahoma:  One in Oklahoma County: a male age 50-64.

There are 17 total deaths in the state, and 140 people have been hospitalized.

Governor Kevin Stitt issued Sunday evening a sixth amendment to Executive Order (EO) 2020-07, requiring travelers from six states to self-quarantine for 14 days, to include New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, and Washington.   

Governor Stitt’s “Safer at Home” order includes the following guidelines for all 77 counties until April 30:

•  No gatherings in groups larger than 10 people.

•  People age 65 or older or those with a compromised immune system must shelter at home.

•  PLEASE NOTE: Some local municipalities, to include Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman, have put into place law enforcement efforts to enforce the Governor’s order as well as the cities’ additional “shelter in place” policies.

• On both statewide and municipal levels, individuals can still leave for essential errands such as to grocery stores or pharmacies. Please call 2-1-1 or visit covidresources.ok.gov for resources and information. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Super C Mart offers ‘Senior Hour’ daily

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

Super C Mart is 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.

State Farm Ins. available online and phone

Jason Bridwell’s State Farm Insurance agency in Lindsay will keep their lobby closed to the public, but will be available regular hours by phone, mobile app, at statefarm.com. The office may be reached at 405-756-3263.

PASS Coalition offers scholarships

The PASS Coalition scholarship application period is now open for Lindsay High School (LHS) 2020 Seniors, according to Jessica Parker.

Packets may be downloaded from passdrugfree.org, or call/text 405-428-3255 to have one mailed. Applications may be submitted by email to passdrugfree@yahoo.com or mailed to P.O. Box 1275, Lindsay, OK 73052. Deadline is April 16 at 3:30 p.m. local time. 

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.

American Legion meeting cancelled

The American Legion Ball-Smith Post 23 in Lindsay has cancelled their April monthly meeting, according to Bill Walker.

The meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of every month at the Senior Nutrition Center, located at 310 W. Choctaw in Lindsay. Those who have questions may contact Mr. Walker at 405-756-0394.

Canned food donations requested

Canned food donations are being accepted for those in the community who have lost jobs in the oilfield, according to organizer Bev Barker. 

“We are not taking clothing for the Bag Your Blessings clothing give-away, but we will certainly take canned food donations,” Ms. Barker added.

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

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

“As always, I’m so very grateful. THANK YOU!” Ms. Barker concluded.

April 7 elections POSTPONED

An election emergency declaration resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic has been issued by the State Election Board Secretary. The April 7 elections have been postponed until June 30.

Those who have questions may contact the County Election Board Secretaries:  Garvin County, Doylene Cunningham, 405-238-3303; McClain County, Karen Haley, 405-527-3121; Grady County, Susan Turner, 405-224-1430.

Scholarships offered through Beta Sigma Phi

The Zeta Theta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority has scholarships available for Lindsay High School (LHS) graduating seniors, 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. 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, due to 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

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. 

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.    

At this time, Founder’s Day will remain as scheduled for Sat., May 2. Those who have questions should contact Ms. Doan at 405-756-4312.

Pauls Valley Opry cancels April show

Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic, and in compliance with the CDC and state officials and school closings, the Sat., Apr. 4 show of the Pauls Valley Opry has been canceled, according to Becky Hill. 

“We hope to be back to our regular schedule as soon as possible,” Ms. Hill added. “Remember, don’t be fearful, but fearless, and walk in the wisdom of the Lord.”