Published: June 17, 2008 09:34 am            

Country Fever fans jam phone lines

Mayes County Commissioners learned communications problems came with Country Fever in their meeting Monday.

Mayes Emergency Services Trust Authority Director Rick Langkamp said the influx of people at Country Fever caused communication problems. AT&T and Cingular lines were overwhelmed. With these phone companies, the calls hit the tower and then drop into fiber optic lines.

Langkamp said “the area was jammed.” In the Chouteau area, one out of five calls could not get through to the 911 center. Langkamp anticipates the problem will be worse at upcoming Rocklahoma.

“It could cause serious problems in emergency situations,” he said.

Commissioners tabled bids on equipment from District 3. Mitch Watson bid $127.53 on a 1998 Hyster Pneumatic Roller. Jesse Dugger bid $102.46 on a 1989 Chevrolet and $387.50 on a 1985 Ford 10-wheeler. Doug Davis bid $101.24 on a 1985 Dodge. Charles Clark bid $261 on the 1985 Dodge and $291 on the 1989 Chevrolet.

District 2 received $76,912.77 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the January 2007 ice storm. District 3 received $6,463 from Cherokee Nation for striping on Wickliffe Road.

Commissioners approved road maintenance agreements in the following areas: Gages Maple Rest, Gages Maples Rest II, Sportsman Acres, Paradise View, Twin Creeks, Town of Spavinaw, Town of Salina, Town of Disney, Grand View and Hammond Heights.

Commissioners approved payment to Wingfield Engineering for a right-of-way at Brushy Creek Bridge on S428 Road southwest of Chouteau. They approved payment to Guy Engineering for a bridge over Rock Creek east of 370 Road off Highway 69. They approved payment to Guy Engineering for the bridge over Saline Creek in District 3.

Commissioners approved an annual agreement with Oklahoma Communications for 911 service.

Mayes County Emergency Management Director Johnny Janzen was appointed as a flood plain board member.

Adair Chamber of Commerce is conducting a beautification project at the District 3 county barn. Commissioner Alva Martin said they will be planting trees on the east and south sides of the building. The chamber is paying for the project with funds earned from Country Fever and the Adair golf tournament.

        

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