Perkins-Tryon Junior-
Senior Prom
Photo feature - AIO
INSIDE
Calendar- B10
Trips Peop,e A2
Obituaries - A2
Opinions - A4
The streets of New School - A6
York aren't safe. Sports - A7
History - B3
Destinations & Travel Church - B4
- B1 Classifieds - B9
"Payne County's Oldest Newspaper- Since 1890"
been busy
utilities along US
in Stillwater and
are working to
area for the long-
to widen
that is at
"busy" and at its
as "deadly."
have not
US 177 between
as once
deadly acci-
Brian
Cullen,
killed in an acci-
:four vehicles.
the tragedy, in what
most supreme of
U.S.
Wes
the one
say is
for
for
project,
19 at
OHP Trooper Drew Hamilton
at the intersection of US 177
177
Wa'tkins
and 56th St.
Trooper Drew Ham-
ilton of the Oklahoma
Highway Patrol said
the Cullens were in
the southbound lane
waiting to make a
left turn onto 56th
street when their car,
a 1992 Ford Taurus,
was struck from the
rear-by a 2001 Dodge
van driven by Wesley
(far right) interviews Clint Ritchey, the driver of a semi-truck involved in a four-vehicle accident that claimed the lives of two people
and 56th St. south of Stillwater Monday. Journal photos by David $asser
Watkins, 65, of Stillwater.
The impact pushed the Taurus
into the northbound lane where
it struck a 1999 Peterbilt semi-
truck driven by Clint Ritchey,
49, of Stillwater. The Cullen's
car was then struck broadside
by another northbound car,
a 1999 Chevrolet driven by
Monica Hemandez, 24, also of
Stillwater. - --
Ardith Cullen was pronounced
dead at the scene with arm, leg,
head, neck, and internal and Rescue Personnel. He wasLindsey Cullen, 3, were taken
external truck injuries, pronounced dead at Stillwater by helicopter to University Hos-
Brian Cullen was pinned in Medical Center with a neck pital in Oklahoma City.
his car for approximately 45 injury. Hamilton said Meagan Cullen
minutes before being freed Two passengers in the Cullen
by Stillwater Fire Department vehicle, Meagan Cullen, 4, and See US 177 on B8
By Patti Weaver
Journal Correspondent
District Attorney Rob Hudson
said Tuesday that he did not
expect to make a decision on
whether to file criminal charges
against former Congressman
Wes Watkins until after he
received a detailed written
report from the investigating
trooper.
"If in fact it was, as the trooper
said, that there was inattentive
driving by Congressman Wat-
kins, it would be our policy
to file negligent homicide,"
Hudson said.
"We know Congressman
Watkins would not want to be
given preferential treatment.
It's incumbent on Us to treat this
like we would any other case,"
The van driven by former U.S. Representative Wes Watkins
shows front-end damage where the van struck a car during an
accident south of Stillwater Monday morning.
Hudson said. our recommendation would
"From what we've been told be a deferredsentence of some
verbally by the trooper, this sort," Hudson said.
would not be a case where we "Obviously, Congressman
would be seeking any kind of
incarceration. We anticipateSee CHARGES on B8
(left) and Jan Neufeld (right) help surprise retiringMayor Twila Prough with gifts
of Perkins staff members during the April 15 Chamber of Commerce meet-
two lawn chairs to help when she and husband Larry kick back during their
who recently Rosson. "While we'd like to Bob Johnson also gave an
from her posi-have you decide today, we'll update on the Trash-Off corn-
of Perkins, was give you time to consider taking mittee's efforts. He said several
her work and back your resignation." people have offered to sponsor
a gift from city Those in attendance responded groups for the April 17 clean-up
with a standing ovation, event and most sections of town
Jan Neufeld and Chamber President Mel Camp- will be covered.
lawn bell also expressed his apprecia- Johnson said trash can be
for use duringtion and support of Rosson. picked up on days other than
t. In other business, HarlandApril 17 if that would work
Wells gave a quick update from better for a particular group.
and recognition, the Legislative Golf Tournament Rogson announced that
thought the large committee. He said all slots for Congressman Frank Lucas
during the teams have been filled, but more was scheduled to be in Perkins
15, meeting was hole sponsorships are needed, for a Town Hall Meeting that
City Manager Businesses or individuals that afternoon, and he encouraged
would like to help are asked to everyone to attend.
to see you stay contact golf committee members
she said to or Campbell. See CHAMBER on B8
man works charms on
Willie Conner (Robert Sasser), left, and the Sheriff (Keith Sheets) discuss the finer points
of "Sheriffln' in Oklahoma Territory" during a scene in the upcoming Perkins Main Street
play, "An Italian Romance, Oklahoma Style."
The play is part of Main Street's annual dinner and auction, set for 6 p.m. Saturday, April
24, at the high school commons area. Tickets for the annual gala are $25 per person and
are selling fast, but may still be obtained by contacting Twila Prough at 547-2436 or Deb
Dickson at 547-5530. Journal photo by Cindy Sheets
