Claremore Daily Progress

Community News

September 22, 2012

Account set up to honor fallen soldier

Tom Fink Staff Writer

CLAREMORE —  

Persons wishing to pay tribute to the life of fallen Claremore soldier Jon Townsend may do so by making a contribution to an account set up in his name.
Last Sunday, 19-year-old Army infantryman Jon Townsend was among four Americans killed in Afghanistan. Circumstances surrounding the deaths are still under investigation, but early reports indicated he and his fellow soldiers were killed by insurgents dressed as U.S. Troops. 
The Department of Defense has yet to confirm these reports.
Although members of Townsend’s family flew to Delaware last week to claim his body, the Claremore funeral home with whom the family is making funeral and memorial arrangements said his body has yet to be returned home (to Claremore). 
The fund set up in Townsend’s name at RCB Bank is to help the family  purchase a headstone in his memory, to be used at his final resting place.
The RCB Bank account in Townsend’s name comes on the heels of a local woman attempting to profit from the recent tragedy.
According to Claremore police, someone in Claremore had been going door to door, asking for money in the name of Blue Star Mothers for the Townsend family.
When contacted, Blue Star Mothers spokesperson Wanda Inman said the woman was not affiliated with the group. Inman said she was angry that anyone would use such a tragedy to solicit money.
Police are waiting to see if they can press criminal charges as they have yet to confirm if the woman they’ve identified as the suspect collected any money under false pretenses, on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of Rogers County. 
Persons wishing to contribute to the family may donate to any RCB Bank, and indicate that the money is to go to the Jon Townsend Memorial Fund.
Persons also can call RCB Bank at (918) 341-6150 to arrange donation.

Text Only
Community News
  • Wildcats face Sheriff's team Wildcats softball team takes on RCSO

    The Claremore Wildcats Special Olympic softball team battled the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Tuesday evening at Walnut Park. 

    May 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Historical wall Downtown renovation reveals hidden history

    When downtown business owner Virginia Belt began renovating the interior of Nostalgia Nook, little did she realize she would uncover part of Claremore’s past.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • Blue Star Mothers flower sale Blue Star Mothers sell Memorial Day flowers in support of troops

    The Rogers County Blue Star Mothers chapter will sell Memorial Day flowers today,  through Sunday to help raise money for troops. Flowers and sprays will be sold from 4-6 p.m.  today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday on the corner of First and Lynn Riggs, across from the old courthouse.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Children’s lives changed through Send A Kid To Camp

    Eleven-year-old Maddie has been raised by her grandparents since she was just a baby.

    May 23, 2013

  • butterflies Rogers County resident promotes monarch migration

    Monarch butterflies are migrating from the mountains in Mexico to Canada during this month. 

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • NTC Rattlers NTC Rattlers take off at Speedfest

    The Rattlers from the Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) Program at Northeast Technology Center’s Claremore Campus recently bared their fangs at the Speedfest III competition in Stillwater.  

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • NTC SKILL AWARDS NTC students win state SkillsUSA contest awards

    Students from Northeast Technology Center’s Pryor Campus recently won awards in this year’s SkillsUSA State Competition. Three students left the contest held in Tulsa with gold medals around their necks.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • RSU financial director RSU financial aid director honored

    Kelly Hicks, director of financial aid at Rogers State University, was recently recognized as an emerging leader among the state's financial aid officers.

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • CPS to participate in summer food program

    The Claremore Public School District will participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program from May 20 through Aug. 9 for children 18 and younger. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m at Roosa Elementary, 2001 N. Sioux

    May 18, 2013

  • 100 miles Catalayah runners reach 100 miles goal

    More than 100 students joined Catalayah Elementary’s new running club this year. The program was initiated as a partnership with the Cherokee Nation Healthy Nation program following the construction of the school track last July.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo