1110A-THE PERKINS IOURNAL. Thursday. May 22. 2003
Manslaughter trial ordered
in alleged inhalant fatal DUI
'by Patti Weaver
doumal Correspondent
6TILLWATER -- A Stillwater
man who allegedly was inhal-
iing keyboard cleaner before a
hit and run accident that took
/he life of a Perkins woman was
ordered Monday to stand trial
.on a first-degree manslaughter
,charge.
7 Throughout an all-day pre-
liminary hearing Monday, the
defendant, Dustin Dane Trip-
!litt, 24, held his head down. He
icould receive as much as a life
,prison term if convicted of cans-
ing the victim s death by driving
'under the influence of drugs.
!., The victim, Judy Louise Ken-
drick, 50, who was a passenger
)in the vehicle that was struck,
!had come to Stillwater to attend
,her daughter's graduation from
nursing school at Career Tech,
ccording to testimony.
Relatives were sobbing in
i the courtroom as her husband,
7Edgar Lesley Kendrick, 65,
who now lives in Carney, tes-
• "tiffed that his wife of 29 years
' died in a Tulsa hospital from
iaer injuries 16 days after the
fiaccident, which occurred at 4:
48 p.m. July 12, 2002, at Sixth
ind Western in Stillwater.
Kendrick, who was driving
,with his wife in the front seat
rand his 3-year-old grandson in
the back seat, said "We were
going to go for droner, fol-
lowing the graduation of the
couple's, youngest child. He
ilsaid he cannot remember the
I
fatal accident.
!, "When I woke up, they were
igulling glass out of my head.
[ remember that. I had a con-
cussion, a head full of glass,
a dislocated shoulder. My
left lung tore loose from my
ribs -- it broke five of my ribs
completely in two. I had a split
spleen," Kendrick testified.
Dr. Scott Roach, who has
been a physician at the Stillwa-
ter Medical Center emergency
room for 23 years, testified that
all three of the occupants of the
Kendrick vehicle were brought
at 5:08 p.m. He said Judy Ken-
drick was unconscious with
"very severe injuries, massive
head trauma."
He testified that her husband,
who had a concussion, multiple
rib fractures and a spleen frac-
ture, was transferred to the same
Tulsa hospital as his wife "so
they could be together."
The Kendricks' grandson,
Austin James Alexander, who
was three years and seven
months old, was admitted to
the Stillwater Medical Center
with a left forehead fracture
that extended into the socket of
his left eye, which was swollen
shut. He also had lacerations on
his forearm and forehead.
Triplitt fled the accident scene
and was arrested less than one
mile away about 30 minutes
later, at 5:20 p.m., Stillwater
police Officer John Latzke
testified.
"He said 'I just ran because
I was scared.' He was at first
kind of babbling. He said he
had decided to try some 'duster'
because he thought it was cool.
He told me he was huffing the
cleaner while he was driving
down the road -- he said to get
high," Latzke testified•
Triplitt's front seat passen-
ger, Russell Evans Fenton, 23,
of Crescent, testified he and
Triplitt were both inhaling
computer cleaner -- which he
said Triplitt had just bought at
an office supply in Stillwater
before the accident. He testi-
fied that Triplitt inhaled about
l0 times.
"When I looked over, Dustin's
head was down, his eyes were
closed -- his hands were still
on the wheel• I started scream-
ing. We tried to wake him up.
We were in the right lane, the
turning lane going to Highway
51 (Sixth Street). I looked up.
I saw the trunk of a car fly pass
us. I looked up. We were on top
of a vehicle, an SUV," Fenton
testified.
Stillwater police Officer
Paul Blankinship, an accident
reconstructionist, testified that
Triplitt's 1996 BMW was going
south on Western when it struck
a turn island, traveled across
and struck the center median
before beoming airborne and
hitting the Kendricks' 1996
Ford Explorer -- causing it
to roll on its passenger side
-- which the BMW landed on
top of.
In ordering Triplitt held for
trial on both the manslaughter
charge and leaving the scene of
an accident involving injury,
Special District Judge Phillip
Corley noted that a blood test
showed that Triplitt had a sub-
stance in his system contained
in the inhalant. Corley said a
warning label on the computer
cleaner said it can cause uncon-
sciousness if inhaled.
County Commission opens bids, pays
by Moira K. Wiley
Journal Staff Writer
Payne County Commissioners
opened bids for three upcoming
projects at their regular session
meeting on Monday.
There were four bids submitted
for the Ingalls Fire Department
project. All four of the companies
are located in Sfillwater and each
submitted both base and alternate
bids. The first bid opened came
from Heritage Construction
Company, who had a base bid
of $75,600 and $3,500 for the
alternate work outlined in the
project. Meridian Construction
Company's bid included a base
bid of $66,428 and $2,806 for
alternates. Trinity Building &
Construction, Inc. had a base bid
of $80,713 and $4,605 for alter-
nates, and their packet included a
note stating they would be using
all local vendors and contractors.
Lambert Construction Company
had a base bid of $62,880 and
alternate bid of $3,175• All the
bids will be considered before a
contract for the job is awarded.
The second bid discussed was for
work on the Community Building
with only one bid received. The
bid, submitted by Custom Painting
who is also located in Sfillwater,
included a base bid of $7,400 and
another $2,400 total for alternates.
The base bid would cover the cost
of preparing and painting the exte-
rior of the building with two coats
of paint. Two alternates made up
the second amount with $2,000
going for the preparation and
painting of the interior and $400
to caulk aU the windows and doors.
If the bid/s are accepted the project
would be paid for with $9,000 in
grant monies.
The final bid opening was for
the printing of election board hal-
lots for various elections. Only
one bid was received for this job,
which came from Midwest Print-
ing Company of Sapulpa. The
bid consisted of various amounts
based on many contributing fac-
tors including the size of the ballot
needed and the number of ballots
being printed each time.
In other business, Payne County
Commissioners approved paying
a claim to Norma Lumpkin for
damage that occurred to the wind-
shield of the claimant's vehicle.
The windshield was unintention-
ally broken when a rock thrown
by a County truck struck it. The
claim has been forwarded to the
County's insurance company for
payment.
Commissioners also approved
and signed a claim form for the
County to request reimbursement
of $1,688, which was paid out
for Right-of-Way acquisition. A
Right-of-Way application to the
Sac and Fox Nation was also
signed for the Bear Clan Bridge.
The narrow bridge will be replaced
with a new, wider bridge and the
steep hill leading down to the
bridge will be reduced in grade
by 12 feet.
The renewal of the County's
Workman's Compensation insur-
ance was discussed with an agree-
ment reached to pay the annual
amount of $83
fiscal'
the two payment plan c
"According to
company, the County
have a good
County Clerk
"We need to focus
the
don't, it makes our
up,"
The new
increase over last
based on a ne
said. The Hi
departments have hadl
claims and are
contract renewal
Count3
in
per day with
from July 1, 2003 to
2004.
public
she reminded those ia |
of the upcoming
which will be held at
May31 at 606 S.
up for auction will
equipment items tl 1
sioners have
from inventory.
o[servation dec00
Mid pleasure and palaces
though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble
there's no place
like home.
J. Howard Payne, 1791 - 1852
© 2002 King Fealures Syndicate, Inc.
ENIQRS from 1 .......
t
Andsay Gretheer
,by Jolynn Fultz
Lindsay Grotheer, daughter of
andy and Nannette Grotheer,
as e.arned the honor of vale-
ictonan.
During high school, Grotheer
as received, numerous, supe-
rior scores m marching band,
i
concert band and several small
nsembles.
I Aside from being named
I aledictorian, she has been
I ccepted into the University
! pf Oklahoma. While attending
I pU, she plans on being part of
] the pride of Oklahoma March-
]lng Band.
t Grotheer's high school activi-
ties and club memberships
include band, National Honor
ociety, Key Club, cheerlead-
lng and choir.
*, "I'm excited about graduation!
have been looking forward to
it for a long time, but I'm sad
about leaving my friends,"
ktated Grotheer, when asked
hbout graduation.
t
Dustin Hancock
y Brian Carroll
Dusty Hancock, the son of
ike and Traci Hancock and
uzie and Curtis Washington,
has been selected as one of
ight valedictorians.
Hancock is active in football,
vrestling, freestyle wrestling,
National Honor Society. He is
] #so a senior class officer.
Hancock's accomplishments
clude Who's Who among High
state
Defensive the yea.r,
and All-American Scholar.
Hancock's future plans are to
attend Oklahoma State Univer-
sity and to major in Biology.
Then, he will transfer to the
University of Oklahoma for
Pharmacy school.
Hancock said that Coach Riley
has influenced him the most in
his life.
"He's helped me in wrestling
and is the one pushing me to go
to the next level. He just wants
me to succeed," said Hancock.
Hancock is ready to gradu-
ate and looks forward to the
future.
Benton Rudd
by Justin Taylor
"College is going to be
hard, so I am happy and sad,"
admitted Senior Benton Rudd
when asked for his feelings on
graduating.
Rudd is the son of Max and
Diann Rudd, and he will be one
of eight valedictorians this year.
Rudd has been influenced by his
parents through the years.
Rudd received the valedicto-
rian scholarship and the Lions
Club scholarship.
In his spare time, Rudd enjoys
playing golf, going to church,
hanging out with friends and
playing video games.
Rudd participates in National
Honor Society, Key Club,
band, and his church youth
group. Ru.dd is in two advanced
placement classes, calculus and
history ...............
After high school, he plans on
attending Oklahoma State Uni-
versity and pursuing a career
in art.
Chris Shelton
by Dana Bowling
Chris Shelton was recently
named this year's valedicto-
rian.
Chris Shelton is the son of
Mark and Jana Shelton. Shel-
ton is currently participating in
National Honor Society, Key
Club, band, and Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
Shelton's biggest influence is
Jesus Christ. His mom and dad
have influenced him greatly.
Shelton's awards and honors
include Oklahoma Academic
Scholar and Outstanding
Christian Commitment Award
in FCA.
His future plans after gradu-
ation are to attend Oklahoma
State University and to major
in computer science or graphic
design.
when asked, Shelton's feel-
ings about graduation were,
"It's a bittersweet celebration.
The end of one journey and the
beginning of another."
Andrew Thomlen
John Andrew Thompsen has
earned the tide of valedictorian
for 2002-2003.
Thompsen is the son of John
and Cindy Thompsen of Per-
kins. He has two siblings, Dana
and Matthew.
For the last two years at
I WEIS from 1
me then he told me that I did get
it," she said.
The excitement also extended
to her family as well. "My morn
more than others because she's
i been kind of crazy about this,"
i she added.
While the athletes competing
in the All-State events will be
in only one event, Weis and the
seven other trainers selected
- four each from the east and
west - will be there for all of
them.
"It's going to be a lot of hard
work but that's what we've done
for the past four years so it will
be fun and it doesn't' bother
me," she said.
She will see some friendly
faces from P-T at the All-State
event. Loretta Ledford will
play in the girls' basketball
game while Dusty Hancock
will grapple in the wrestling
match. All will be representing
East squads.
So just like the athletes, she
too will be honing her skills in
order to handle the things she's
trained for. Weis said she's been
working on taping in recent days
since she hasn't had to perform
such duty in a while. She esti-
mated she's used well over
1,000 roles of tape while as a
trainer here.
After she graduates from P-
T, she will be continuing her
athletic training skills at the
next level. She will be a trainer
at Langston University where
she'll attend college. On in to
the future, she plans to go into
something related tot he medical
field after attaining her degree.
Among those she wanted to
thank for helping her reach this
goal were the football coaches.
"They are all great and have
been like dads to me," she
said.
been eonntly ell at has been aclass officer, by Daasha Cunditl
Oklahom# tate University in
Stillwater. He has earned col-
lege credits for Political Science
and Introductory Psychology.
Thompsen has also taken
advantage of the advanced
placement program at Perkins-
Tryon High School. He com-
pleted Advanced Placement
English, Calculus, and History.
Thompsen plans on majoring
in pre-med.
Gena Woilenberg
by Amethyst Wheeler
Gena Wollenberg, daughter
of Gene and Carla Wollenberg,
has been named valedictorian
of the Perkins-Tryon 2003
graduating class.
During her high school career
Wollenberg has been involved
in; band, basketball, National
Honors Society, Student
Woltenbrg has received the
Scholar Athlete Award and the
Scholar Community award for
her achievements•
Following graduation Wol-
lenberg plans to go to cos-
metology school and attend
college.
When asked about her feel-
ings on graduation she replied,
"I have mixed feelings, but
mostly I can't wait."
"I have had many influ-
ences through out my life.
My parents have taught me
many things• One of my big-
gest influences has been Mr.
Taylor• He showed me it was
okay to have high moral stan-
dards and be a hard worker that
always strives for excellence,"
Wollenberg said when asked
about her influences.
Senior
named salutatorian
class.
Cobb is the son
his biggest
high school
Cobb's awards
ships include:
Farmer, FFA State
Finalist,
runner-up, State
National FFA
Farm Bureau
Freshman
ship.
Cobb has
ball, baseball,
FFA, and NHS.
Cobb said he
graduate, and he ts
attend Oklahoma
sity in the fall.
/
• Hos
Specialty Clinic
A Service ofHillcrest HealthCare System
Is Happy To Welcome
Roger D. Des Prez, M.D. FACC
Board Certified in Internal Medicine,
Critical Care and Cardiovascular Disease
To Our Medical Staff
Dr. Roger Des Prez is a noninvasive cardiologist with subspecialty
expertise in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He has been a
partner with Oklahoma Heart Institute for five years. Dr. Des Prez
received his medical degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from
Vanderbilt University. He completed his residency in Internal
Medicine at the University Hospital of Cleveland. Dr. Des Prez
practiced for six years as an internist with the Indian Health Services in Gallup, NM.
to Vanderbilt University as a member of the Internal Medicine Faculty, at which time
completed his cardiology training. In addition to noninvaswe cardiology, Dr. Des prez is
interested in outcomes research and computers in medicine.
Dr. Des Prez is providing an outpatient clinic in Cushing through the Cushing
Hospital Specialty Clinic every Tuesday where he will also be providing nuclear
testing.
i
For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment, Contact Your
Cushing Regional Hospital Specialty
1002 E. Cherry (comer of Cherry & Wilson) • Cushing °
