Editor’s note: For the next few days, the Enid News & Eagle staff will review the Top 10 news stories for 2008.



Mark Price Arena to no longer

host Enid basketball, other sports



By Cindy Allen

Managing Editor



In May 2008, Enid Public Schools officials announced Enid’s basketball games and other indoor sporting events would no longer be played at Enid’s Convention Hall/Mark Price Arena.

The decision has put the future of the historic building up for debate and is No. 10 on the list of Top 10 stories in Enid and northwest Oklahoma for 2008.

EPS Athletic Director Bill Mayberry and other school officials made the decision to move Enid home basketball games to the Mabee Center at Northern Oklahoma College Enid for the 2008-09 season. The decision to move sporting events out of Mark Price Arena posed a complicated question about the usage and value of the facility and what the city of Enid should do with it. Enid Public Schools was the top customer of Mark Price Arena.

One of the foremost problems with Mark Price Arena is getting the facility completely compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The city has been in negotiations with people who filed a lasuit regarding ADA compliance.

City officials estimate renovations to the facility to meet ADA requirements could cost as much as $300,000 and would include installing an elevator and addressing other accessibility issues, such as restrooms, ramp access, refreshment counter changes and water fountains.

Another issue for the school district was the “pit” seating at Mark Price Arena. The Mabee Center at NOC allows for court-side seating, which more high school coaches like because of its college-like atmosphere.

City of Enid officials are looking into ways to improve downtown Enid, and Convention Hall/Mark Price Arena will be a big part of that puzzle. A feasibility study is ongoing to determine how Mark Price Arena can be better utilized.



Enid officer files grievance against police

department for civil right violation



By Cass Rains

Staff Writer



Enid Police Department Officer Chris Bennett filed a grievance against the department in March alleging civil rights violations.

Bennett filed the grievance through the Fraternal Order of Police collective bargaining agreement, which is a labor contract between the FOP lodge and the city of Enid.

According to the Enid NAACP, Bennett had “numerous encounters with on-the-job racial jokes” and was demoted from the detective division to the patrol division. One time, Bennett had a derogatory statement “downloaded as a screen saver on his computer screen while he was away.”

Oklahoma City FBI told the department the situation did not meet guidelines for a federal civil rights violation investigation. An internal investigation into Bennett’s claims was conducted, resulting in one officer being disciplined.

Claims are awaiting to be heard before a mediator.



Police chief suspends twin for insubordination



By Cass Rains

Staff Writer



In January, Enid Police Chief Rick West suspended his fraternal twin Capt. Randy West for insubordination.

The department did not comment on the suspension, other than to say it was “a personnel issue.” No details about what led to the suspension were ever released.

The chief asked city of Enid’s legal department for assistance with the situation because he was “too close to the issue ...”

Both Wests were members of the Enid department before Rick West became chief.

Randy, who at the time had nine weeks until being eligible for retirement, has since retired from the department.