Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 2

Investigation continues into American Grill shooting

Kaylea M. Hutson • khutson@grovesun.com
The investigation into the overnight shooting at the American Grill on Sunday, Oct. 11, continues, but has slowed.

Grove Police Chief Mark Morris said his detectives continue to follow up leads and are working with officials from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations to analyze evidence collected since the shooting.

Morris expects it will take some time for OSBI investigators to analyze the evidence.

During the incident, Todd Merrill, owner of American Grill, received a gunshot wound to his left leg. He told authorities that an unknown male confronted him at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, while Merrill was working late at the restaurant located at 1623 Main.

Morris said the unknown male allegedly entered the restaurant through the unlocked front door. He said the suspect apparently discovered Merrill’s presence in the restaurant as Merrill was in a hallway at the rear of the business, near the restrooms.

Morris said the suspect fired multiple shots from a gun, striking Merrill once in the left leg. The shooter then fled the scene and Merrill was able to call 911 for assistance. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin for treatment, which included eventual surgery. He has since been released and is recovering from his injury. He has not returned to work full-time yet.

Morris said it appears the suspect fled the scene without taking anything from the restaurant. He has declined to identify how many shots were fired, only stating the suspect fired his weapon multiple times.

Morris declined to identify the caliber of weapon used in the incident. The surgeon was able to recover the bullet, which struck Merrill’s leg, for detectives.

Because the incident took place in the dark, Merrill was unable to give law enforcement personnel a description beyond identifying the man’s gender. At this time the alleged suspect remains at large.

Morris said anyone with tips or information concerning this incident may contact the Grove Police Department at 918-786-6121. All information will be kept anonymous.

This story initially appeared in the Oct. 23 issue of The Grove Sun.

Images from the 10.20.15 Grove Sun

Scenes from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Concert
Held Friday, Oct. 16, at the Muskogee Civic Center
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun

Long-time friends and music partners Tim DuBois and Scott Hendricks induct Restless Heart into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The duo, whose friendship dates back to their days at Oklahoma State University, formed Restless Heart more than 30 years ago.

Tim DuBois (center) celebrates at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame with his family.

Steve Ripley inducts his long-time friend Tim DuBois into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Ripley and DuBois' friendship dates back to Stillwater and their days at Oklahoma State University.

Tim DuBois and Scott Hendrix listen to Restless Heart with their families during the induction ceremony concert.

Greg Jennings with Restless Heart takes a moment to visit with two of Oklahoma's newest musical stars, Zach and Colton Swon, who appeared on The Voice.


Restless Heart performs Friday night in Muskogee at the 2015 Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony concert.

Tim DuBois celebrates before Friday's induction ceremony with Jim Blair, executive director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Becky Hobbs performs a song from her musical Nanyehi during the induction concert for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The musical will return to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa in November.

Les Gilliam and Smiley Weaver share a hug as Gilliam helps induct Weaver into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The pair have been playing music together for decades.

Alaska and Madi were among the Oklahoma musicians who attended the induction ceremony and concert.

Becky Hobbs (center) one of the newest members of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame celebrates during the pre-induction ceremony reception with members of her family. Hobbs created the musical Nanyehi-The Story of Nancy Ward, in addition to her multiple music country honors.

DuBois among five Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductees

Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com

Quite an honor.

Three words sum up Tim DuBois' thoughts concerning his weekend induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

DuBois, a native of Grove, was inducted during a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Muskogee Civic Center alongside his friends, Scott Hendricks and members of Restless Heart, as well as fellow Oklahoma music legends Smiley Weaver and Becky Hobbs.

His music career stretches the decades and includes time as a music executive. He, along with his long-time music colleagues Scott Hendricks and Greg Jennings, formed the band Restless Heart.

His time in Nashville includes multiple awards for songwriting, having penned Restless Heart's award-winning song "Bluest Eyes In Texas" and Vince Gill's 1991 Country Music Association's Song of the Year "When I Call Your Name," among others.

Not bad for the graduate of Grove High School who said he once played guitar "badly" in a band known as the "Deadbeats" while a Grove High School student in the mid 1960s.

DuBois, the son of Jessie and Everett DuBois, credits a music theory class taught by the late James Roe at GHS for much of his success as a songwriter.

"It taught me the cord structure and projection I used as a writer," DuBois said. "It all did start here in Grove."

Initially, DuBois planned to work in the accounting field. A meeting with Scott Hendricks at Oklahoma State University and a love of writing lyrics led him to change directions in the late 1970s, to move to Nashville to pursue a music career.

"I'm a true left brain, right brain conflict," DuBois told those gathered at Friday's ceremony, "but it has served me very well."

DuBois credits the support of his parents, as well as his brothers, Randy and his late brother Ed, for much of his success, telling those gathered in Muskogee that Randy was "a better writer and better guitar player" but that he was "better looking."

"I'm tremendously thankful for what he did for the family," DuBois said, giving him the opportunity to pursue his dreams in Nashville.

He said activities, such as the public speaking he learned as a Delaware County 4-H member also helped shape his life, giving him the self confidence he needed to succeed.

Eventually, DuBois would continue to teach at Vanderbilt's University for many years before moving into artist management. His career has come full-circle as he continues to serve as an adjunct professor of management at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management.

"I'm in the twilight years of my career," DuBois said. "I like to say I'm in my fourth failed retirement. I'm in the process of creating a blog and a podcast which will start in late 2015 or early 2016.

"I'm also doing some public speaking, but I'm trying to slow down."

Career Highlights

DuBois said managing Gill while with Fitzgerald-Hartley, as well as helping to found and manage Restless Heart are among the highlights of his long-standing career.

Other highlights include working with Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley and Pam Tillis.

During Friday's induction ceremony, presenter long-time friend Steve Ripley joked that artists coming before DuBois for consideration were given an additional 25 points just for being from Oklahoma.

Two songs he is proud of include Gill's When I call Your Name and Jerry Reed's "She Got the Goldmine (I got the Shaft). He is also proud of Restless Heart's "Bluest Eyes in Texas" which the band used to close out Friday's induction concert.

"Love in the first degree, recorded by Alabama 30 years ago is still probably the biggest hit I've had," DuBois said, among his five number one songs and the multiple pop and international hits.

"Picking a favorite song is like picking a favorite child," DuBois continued. "I like them all for different reasons."

But he said, his song with Gill remains one of the favorite, because it helped define Gill's career.

DuBois said he is a firm believe in collaboration, adding that his projects either have co-writers or co-producers attached.

"I believe in helping people be the best they can be," DuBois said, adding that he often speaks about helping develop and motivate creative people to become leaders.

"I've had a lot of success standing on the shoulders of people who have worked for me and with me," DuBois said. "I've had lots of partners. It's always somebody and Tim DuBois."

More About DuBois

DuBois' career includes being one of the most successful executives in the recording industry having led both Arista Records and Universal South Records.

An adjunct professor of management at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and long-time ASCAP member, DuBois’ career has included recognition as a songwriter, manager, record executive and producer.

Five songs that he has co-written have been No. 1 hits. DuBois’ songs have received numerous awards, and two Grammy Award nominations. As a producer, his accolades have included more than 20 No. 1 and top 5 singles and more than a dozen gold, platinum and double platinum albums.

Tapped to open a Nashville division of Arista Records in 1989, DuBois discovered and signed Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, BlackHawk, Pam Tillis and Diamond Rio.

DuBois quickly turned the new label into one of the most successful in country music history, selling more than 75 million records worldwide in just four years. After serving as president of Gaylord Entertainment's Creative Content Group in 2001, DuBois went on to head Universal South Records with producer Tony Brown in 2002, a position he held until 2006.

DuBois was recognized as the most powerful person in the music industry by Business Nashville in 1996, Record Executive of the year in 1992 by Pollstar, and was included in Entertainment Weekly's list of 101 Most Powerful People in Entertainment in 1994 and 1995.

DuBois currently sits on the board of directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and has served as a board member of the Country Music Foundation, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Leadership Music, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

He is the former chairman of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is a board member of Sun Trust Bank in Nashville. DuBois and his wife, Pam, reside in Nashville. He has three adult children: Michelle, Chris and Jamie.

Additional Honors

In addition to his induction into the OMHF, DuBois' has been named an influential leader with the AACSB International. In 2014 he was named one of 100 most influential alumni over the past 100-year life of the Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business.

Earlier this year, he was honored with the Mae Boren Axton Award by the Academy of Country Music. That honor recognizes years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual with the Academy of Country Music.

This story was originally published in the Oct. 20, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.

A Royal Moment

Miss Delaware County 2016 Sara Massey watches as 5-year-old Savannah Smith, Grove, tries on her crown during the 2015 Grand Lake Women's Fair, held Saturday in Grove. Additional photos from the event can be found inside today's issue of The Grove Sun.

Kickin' Cancer: Snell hopes to conquor cancer in 2015

Angie SnellKaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com
Editor's Note: This is a part of a series of stories highlighting those impacted by breast cancer during the month of October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Getting cancer once is tough. Getting it twice in less than 16 months is devastating.

Yet Angie Snell, 43, of Grove, is not letting the double diagnosis of breast cancer keep her down.

Instead, the words printed on the shirt worn by Snell's supporters sums up her attitude: "Kickin' Cancer's Ass Once - Awesome. But Kickin' It Twice - Priceless."

Snell's first diagnosis of stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma came in April 2014, when a mammogram indicated there was something located in her right breast.

After a double mastectomy, Snell underwent treatment and resumed life.

In April, she celebrated her one year anniversary with doctors, confident she was cancer free.

That elation changed in August, when Snell discovered a lump in the scar tissue on her right chest. Surgery conducted on Oct. 2 removed the remaining five lymph nodes on her right side and removed the cancer located on her chest wall.

"It was right in the scar, it felt like a little marble," Snell said, adding that she discovered the lump on Sunday and by Friday, knew it was cancer.

Her doctor told Snell the fact that her cancer returned was rare.

"He said most likely there was one cell so deep, against my chest wall - which is why it occurred again," Snell said. "He said I had such a low percentage chance of it coming back because it was caught early the first time. He was blown away [by the second diagnosis]."

Next week, Snell will return to her oncologist. During that visit her doctors will determine the next course of treatment - which is expected to include radiation and chemotherapy.

While Snell's aunt had a form of breast cancer, Snell's tests to determine if it was genetic in nature came back negative. Doctors believe her illness was estrogen-based.

Angie Snell added this tattoo, to her
left hand after her diagnosis
with breast cancer, as a way to keep her
spirits up during her treatment.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunContinuing Life
In April, the eve of her first anniversary following her cancer diagnosis, Snell accepted a job at Pride Plating in Grove - her first desk job in years.

Snell knows what it's like to face adversity. She went into welding after the Eagle Pitcher plant in Seneca closed - an unusual second career choicer for a woman.

Snell jokes that one of her proudest moments in life came in 2003, at the age of 30 when she was the only woman to pass the Tig pipe stainless steel welding test at the Northeast Technology Center-Afton Campus.

"I did that [class] with a bunch of high school boys," Snell said with a laugh. "It was great. So much fun."

After working as a welder for companies in southwest Missouri, Snell returned to Grove when the economy changed and welding jobs dried up.

Before working at Pride Plating, Snell worked at the Seneca Cayuga Tobacco plant for five years.

Now, at Pride Plating, Snell works not on the line or behind a welding machine. Instead she helps complete paperwork as a painter's assistant.

"It's the desk job I never though I'd have," Snell said. "It fell in my lap and has been great."

Snell said her supervisors at Pride Plating have been very understanding as she prepares for round two of her fight against cancer.

In fact, the company gave her time off for her surgery earlier this month, even though Snell has not been employed there long enough leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

"They told me to go, get well and come back healthy," Snell said. "We'll move on together."

After her second diagnosis, Snell had t-shirts made with "Angie's Got This" on the front - at the request of her supporters.

Of the 80 some shirts she had printed initially, more than 50 were sold to co-workers at Pride Plating.

"Hopefully there won't be a third time," Snell said.

Employees at Pride Plating sport shirts saying "Angie's Got This"
 in support of their friend and fellow co-worker.
 - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunSnell said her physician, Dr. Chad Johnson at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, has indicated he plans to develop an aggressive form of treatment.

Snell said she gained strength for her fight from attending the Green Corn Ceremony, held in August by members of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe.

She also drew support from her girlfriend, Melissa, who has walked beside her since the first diagnosis.

"I've put her through hell a couple of times and tried to run her away, but she's stood by me," Snell said, adding that her parents, Homer and Stella Snell have also provided support.

The back of the Angie Snell's shirts takes note
of her double diagnosis in less than two years.
 - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunMoving Forward
Snell decided to forgo reconstruction surgery after her double mastectomy.

"I figured it would be more trouble than it was worth," Snell said, adding the thought of never wearing a bra again was also a factor in her decision.

She said she took the bra, worn to the hospital before her mastectomy, dunked it in the trash as she left the hospital and said "minus one." She burned the rest of her bras once she returned home.

"At first, I had a bad case of social anxiety because it was hard to get used to not wearing a bra," Snell said. "Now it's not such a big deal. I'm proud of what I did."

Snell knows that once she reaches the "one year" anniversary of being cancer free, her next goal is to reach the five-year milestone.

She's been told her attitude will help her become a survivor. Nurses have told her some women receive the diagnosis but never return for treatment - because they fear losing their breasts.

"They don't want to lose their boobs, but they don't realize they will lose their life," Snell said. "It's not about saving your boobs, it's about saving your life."

This story initially was published in the Friday, Nov. 15 issue of The Grove Sun.

Images from the 10.16.15 issue of The Grove Sun

Photos from the 10.16.15 issue of The Grove Sun
Little Stars in Waiting
Miss Delaware County's Star Ava Good and Miss Grand Lake's Stars Leighla Childs and Brooklyn Hayhurst before the start of the 2015 Pelican Festival Parade. The trio, along with Kynlee Schultheis, are part of the Miss Oklahoma mentorship program. The stars travel with their Miss contestants to various events and will have the opportunity to take part in the 2016 Miss Oklahoma pageant. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun

Senior Royalty Bob and Shirley Allen ride in the 2015 Pelican Festival Parade as the "king and queen" of the Grove Senior Citizen's Center. Additional photos from the parade can be found online at www.grandlakenews.com. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun

Promoter of Grove: Lebow earns honors as 2015 Grand Lake's Most Inspirational Woman

Sharon LebowKaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com

An ingenious person, who is always working to find ways to promote Grand Lake and Grove.

That's how the 2015 Grand Lake's Most Inspirational Woman is described in her nomination for the honor.

On Saturday, at the beginning of the Fourth Annual Grand Lake Women's Fair, long-time Grove businesswoman Sharon Lebow will be honored as this year's inspirational woman.

"Her mind never stops working on how to make lives better," said Pam Sitton in her nomination of Lebow. "She's a gifted, natural promoter. She's done nothing but promote this town and community.

"If I had to list all of the nice things she's done for people it would surround Grand Lake."

Lebow moved to Grove 36 years from southwest Missouri in order to be near family. She worked at Betty Ann Nursing Center and Walmart when she first arrived in town.

After marrying her husband, Jack, within a year of arriving in Grove, she first worked along side him at his motorcycle business. Later, she opened and managed Full Figure Fashions for five years.

After selling that business, she worked at Christy's Holiday Express for a year.

Shortly there after, she opened and operated Victorian Accents, retiring in December after 22 years, to spend additional time with her family.

During that time, Lebow helped organize other small business owners in Grove to establish Grove Area Merchants Association. In her role in that organization, Lebow created the first community-wide Christmas and spring open house events.

"We wanted to find a way to bring people into Grove," Lebow said. "Having all of the merchants involved brought [people] to town and got a variety of people into Grove to spend money.

Since retiring, Lebow has been exploring "what's next" for her future. She is currently studying to become a real estate agent. She dreams of opening a business that helps home owners and realtors stage a residence.

Lebow has also been assisting various organizations with their projects. This spring she worked with the Downtown Revitalization committee with the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce to secure a photo from the Joyce Gibson archives to place in the window of an empty storefront on Third Street.

Earlier this month she helped Har-Ber Village officials organize the second Chuckwagon cook-out fundraiser.

In the next few months, Lebow plans to help Delaware County United Way officials organize the Chocolate Affairé, tentatively set for early February 2016.

"We're planing some really cool stuff," Lebow said, as she described plans for the venue and t-shirts which she hopes to have available for purchase.

In April, Lebow and Chris Lietzke worked together to create 2,000 visitor packs which highlighted local attractions and local businesses. The packets were then distributed to the hotels/motels in Grove to be given to out-of-town guests.

Lebow and Lietzke funded the first printing; with GAMA and later Grand Saving Bank officials helping to pay for the second and third printings.

"Businesses have had a good response," Lebow said. "It didn't cost [them] anything except the discount [coupon] or what they gave away in the packet.

"It was a win-win for everyone."

Plans for the 2016 edition of the visitor packs are already underway. Lebow and Lietzke hope to set the next printing for January 2016, to be out in time for the 2016 season.

"I really see this town in a different light," Lebow said. "I see the potential for Grove. and I want it to be that. I work to promote Grove and new businesses because I want to see Grove grow."

Outside of her volunteer and career aspirations, Lebow prides herself on being a "great" aunt to her nephew Josh McElhaney and his children, Cooper McElhaney, 3, and Parker Shaffer, 12. She also spends time with her mother Ann West.

Of being named this year's outstanding woman, Lebow just shrugs her shoulders.

"I think it's a great honor," Lebow said. "My Granny always said 'always help where you can.'

"That's the best advice I've been given."

This story initially appeared in the Friday, Oct. 16 issue of The Grove Sun.

Bits & Pieces: A Cleansing Moment

Last weekend, the Lawman and I spent most of Sunday working to get the house soon to be known as "our home" ready for moving in day.

As a way to help our landlords, we offered to clean the carpets and power wash the house.

Initially, I planned to wash the carpets so the Lawman could use the power washer.

I figured he would have more fun playing with the new power washer my parents bought for the occasion, also known as "the excuse dad needed to buy a new toy."

Alas, being an editor has made my attention span shall we say, short. In the end, the Lawman's dedication to detail made him the perfect person to wash the carpets, while I attacked the outside of the house.

So I spent much of Sunday afternoon power washing the house. Washing away the mud dobbers nests and the accumulated dirt from the past year.

Here's where I should insert the "I'm sorry if I interrupted your Sunday nap" apology to my new neighbors. It took me most of the afternoon to wash the house (yes, I made a Sonic run in the middle - it was Happy Hour of course). I finished just as the sun set and headlights began to appear on cars driving in the neighborhood.

It turns out power washing a house is similar to washing a dairy barn - my daily chore growing up.

While washing the house gave me lots of flashbacks to autumn mornings on the farm, it also struck me as something, well spiritual.

In fact, the words of Keith Green's song, written a multitude of years ago, based on Psalm 51:10 came to mind.

My efforts to wash the outside of the house, and the Lawman's efforts on the inside, not only cleaned the house physically, it also seemed metaphorically, as a cleansing that lets this structure not only become our home, but also sanctuary from the outside world.

We have lots of dreams for this home. We hope it becomes a place of hospitality. A place where friends can gather for laughter and fun. A place family can visit during holidays to find joy and make memories.

Ultimately, we hope it's a steadfast place to call home.

This column initially appeared in the Friday, Oct. 16 issue of The Grove Sun.

Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. Have an idea for a column or story? She can be reached at khutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228.

Images from the 10.13.15 issue of The Grove Sun

A few favorites from the 10.13.15 issue of The Grove Sun.
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun

Caleb Russell, 8, eats a snow cone during the 2015 Pelican Festival. He is the son of Josh and Rebekah Russell of Grove.
Members of the Grove High School band take part in Saturday's Pelican Festival parade. The band, led by Joe Willhelm II, also took part in the Pryor Invitational Band Competition, later that day in Pryor. In the preliminary competition the band won second place in its class and color guard won second and a captain's award in its class. The band finished the competition in sixth place (out of 12 bands).
2015 Pelican Festival Grand Marshals Angelica Wilson (left) and Braelon Vannoster are driven through the parade by Chrsti Lungren and Kathy Lungren Baker. The two girls, both from Grove, recently returned from their Make-A-Wish trips to Florida.
Carnival goers get an upside view of the 2015 Pelican Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Wolf Creek Park, Grove. 

Seen On Scene: Pelican Festival 2015

From the 10.13.15 issue of The Grove Sun 
From parade floats, bands and politicians walking in the parade, to folks hanging out at Wolf Creek Park, there were lots of things to see at the 2015 Pelican Festival.

Here's a few scenes from the event. Additional photos can be found online at www.grandlakenews.com.