Published: September 17, 2009 10:40 pm         

Briefs for 9/18/09

54th Street to close on Monday



Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad on Monday will close 54th at the railroad crossing between Chestnut and Willow to install a new crossing surface.

Additional work will be done by Cummins Construction Co. to repair the street approach after the new surface is installed. The repairs will be completed and the street reopened in approximately 10-12 days.

54th will be closed at the crossing to through traffic during construction. A detour route will direct traffic to use 30th as an alternate route between U.S. 412 and Willow.



NAIFA meeting on tap Tuesday



The officers of Northwest Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors will meet at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. The meeting will include lunch and one hour of continuing education. It is open to anyone with an insurance license.

Meetings will be held at ONG Annex, 421 S. Garland. Cost for non-members is $20. Seating is limited. To RSVP, call Annette Lillie at 242-24288, Judy Gregory at 242-2540 or Jim Wright at 237-4741, no later than Monday.



Training for caregivers of autism set



Sooner Success, a community-based program sponsored by the OU Child Study Center, is offering a special one-day training for parents and caregivers raising a child with autism. The training is free and is set for Sept. 29 at Chisholm Trail Technology Center, located on Oklahoma 33, between Kingfisher and Watonga.

Three experienced parent-professionals will provide information on practical, real-life strategies for educating a child with autism and preparing him for future success, managing the increased stress that comes with parenting a child with special needs and explaining a complex condition like autism to the classmates and neighbors of a young child with special needs.

Registration for the training is required. Call Lisa Simmons at 503-1580 or e-mail lisa-simmons@ouhsc. edu.

Lunch will be provided on site for a cost of $7. Space is limited for the one-day session.



CASA training to begin Oct. 6



The Fourth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program will begin a new training session in October.

Classes will meet for three hours once a week Oct. 6 through Dec. 15 at the Garfield County CARE Campus, 1002 E. Broadway. Adults 21 and older who have a desire and the time to help abused or neglected children can call the CASA office, 242-1153 or (877) 242-1153, for an application.

Following an interview and a background investigation, volunteers will be trained in family dynamics, needs of children, cultural issues, juvenile law, interview skills and court procedures. Upon completion of training, volunteers will be prepared to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of a child.