The flu bug has bitten Purcell Intermediate School in a big way knocking out faculty and students.

The building, that is home to 343 students, had an absence number of 110 on Monday with 14 faculty members not coming in and one more leaving during the day.

The numbers prompted school officials to call off class on Tuesday which proved to be a good move since even more faculty members were unable to report to work.

The school building, which was thoroughly sanitized Tuesday, reopened on Wednesday for class work as usual with all but four faculty members on board.

jdm

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board made the correct call in not granting clemency for Kevin Underwood late last week.

Underwood brutally attacked and killed Jamie Rose Bolin and had ideas of practicing cannibalism.

He lured the 10-year-old into his apartment on the pretense of watching Sponge Bob before committing the heinous acts.

Underwood deserves the punishment handed to him in McClain County District Court.

The board’s denial of clemency was justified.

jdm

Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day at Blanchard Elementary School.

The School Resource Officer was passing out stickers near the end of the day when a four-year-old stuck their hand inside his service revolver and discharged the weapon while it was in his holster.

The round missed everyone and went into a wooden piece of furniture the sheriff deputy was sitting on.

Sheriff Landy Offolter said in his 46 years in law enforcement he’s never heard of such an occurrence.

However, come to find out other agencies including Dallas PD and the OHP have had similar experiences.

He said the amount of room for the tiny finger was so small it had to be a very small and young person’s finger to fit.

The sheriff’s department has investigated the incident.

jdm