Police chief gives update on warming station, Chick-fil-A's opening

Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King discussed Tahlequah's warming station with the potential of winter weather and Chick-fil-A's opening during this year's first chat session on Monday, Jan. 6.

The Tahlequah First United Methodist Church opened its Activity Building as an emergency warming center from Sunday, Jan. 5 until Thursday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. King said he was thankful for the volunteers and the donations.

"One thing about Tahlequah is we do come together when somebody is in need. Right now, the warming station will for sure be open through lunchtime on Thursday. We're going to meet about that later this week to see, they're forecasting possibly some snow on Thursday so we may keep it open all day Thursday," King said.

The warming station is located on 301 S. Delaware St. and those in need are offered hot food, cots, pillows, blankets, hot showers with towels and hygiene products provided, and community support. Doors are closed nightly at 10:30 p.m.

"This kind of weather event, the police department changes gears. We go more into a 'protection' mode as far as looking for people that are strugging and patrolling neighborhoods," he said. "So we'll be switching gears like that where we already have and be operating in that way for the next week or so."

Chick-fil-A in Tahlequah is opening Thursday, Jan. 9 and King said officers will be out working traffic that day.

"Once they open, the outside lane basically all the way to Southridge Road will be dedicated to Chick-fil-A traffic. When I ask of people who are in that line to get to Chick-fil-A, please don't block driveways when you're on your way to Chick-fil-A. The line will probably be slow but make sure you don't block the businesses in between Southridge Road and Chick-fil-A," King said.