Continuing from last week, Jess dives into the investigation of Katherine Rutan and the disappearance of 6 year old Logan Tucker. The amount of stories this woman had to keep straight regarding the whereabouts of her child will just blow your mind! Investigator Monty Clems, with the help of not only the FBI, but the citizens of Woodward and other surrounding communities, made it his life mission to find the missing boy. Though Logan’s body was ultimately never located, an indictment of murder was served. This episode is a roller coaster of emotions, so buckle up cousins!  

Listener Discretion is advised. 

Sources:

This week, Jess brings us another listener request; the disappearance and murder of Logan Tucker. Logan went missing the summer of 2002 from his home in Woodward, OK. However, leading up to this disappearance, Logan’s mother reported Logan as being troubled and a danger to his family. Although no one seemed to be able to corroborate this, DHS was scheduled to pick Logan up for evaluation at a mental health facility. Yet, Logan was never picked up or placed in DHS’s care. After several weeks, and an uncle asking for a welfare check, it was discovered Logan was missing. When mother Katherine Rutan reported Logan as camping with another uncle, law enforcement became very suspicious. This tale is a roller coaster ride of stories…none of which could appear or seem to be true!

Listener Discretion is advised. 

Sources:

When urban legends are built on truth, some pretty creepy things can happen. Take Weatherford’s own Dead Woman’s Crossing. When the mysterious disappearance and murder of Mrs. Katy DeWitt James happens in 1905, stories from an estranged husband and mystery men and women all fight for a spot on the suspect list. And when the prime suspect unexplainably poisons herself, IN HER JAIL CELL, more questions just seem to come forth. Ride along with Tiff as she tells the tale of Mrs. James’ murder, the disappearance of her child, and the hard working private investigator who refused to give up, even when trails abruptly ended. When the dust settles, spirits are unsettled, perhaps still seeking the justice they so deserve. 

Sources: 

As Oklahomans, we are familiar with the stories of how the various Native people came to live and be associated with our state. In most cases, ok, probably all, the government swore peace and other provisions through various treaties with Native tribes. Today’s story is one of those. Enter Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne. Famous for stressing the importance of peace, and finding ways to live harmoniously with the ever growing population of white settlers, Black Kettle sought out ways to be nonviolent. Unfortunately, after several lies and broken treaties, many of his tribe members were frustrated. To gain the upper hand, and more land, and to simply rid the area of Natives, a one, Colonel George Custard would enter the scene, leading to one of Indian Territories deadliest battles; the Washita Massacre. Jess tells of the stories of a brave and peace-loving chief, simply trying to do what’s best for his people, all while battling an ambitious American government. 

Sources: 

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=WA037#:~:text=Black%20Kettle%20and%20an%20indeterminate,rest%20were%20women%20and%20children.)

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-washitabattlefield/

https://www.nps.gov/waba/learn/historyculture/index.htm

https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/black-kettle-1807-1868

https://www.nps.gov/sand/learn/historyculture/black-kettle-biography.htm

This week, your favorite cousins bring you a doozy of a case. It is little known, but it was brought to light by a relative of the victim and perpetrator…The Oklahoma Cannibal. Yes, you read that correctly. Tiff dives into the disturbing case of Gregory Canatis. Was he suffering from a mental health break? Did he simply snap one day? This case is still very obscure, but extremely complex. For years the family has wondered what happened to Uncle Ted. And why did Cousin Greg do what he did? Give us your thoughts on the case….master manipulator or victim of undiagnosed and uncared for mental health disorder? 

Listener discretion is VEHEMENTLY advised.  

Sources

Now that autumn is winding down and winter is amping up, it’s time to get cozy and comfy…and listen to some ghost stories! This week, your favorite cousins tell you about the dark history and spirits associated with both the Wheelock Academy/Missions in Millerton and the Belle Isle in Oklahoma City. 

Like many Native American schools during the late 1800s and early 1900s, Wheelock started out with good intentions, but ended with several accounts of mental, physical, and emotional abuse. With this being done on children, you can only imagine the energies that remain around the campus.

Oklahoma City is home to many long-forgotten sites. Belle Isle seems to be one of the biggest sites of former glory in our capital city. Belle Isle started as a way to power our turn of the century streetcars, but ended up being the center of entertainment for those living and working in the city in the early 1900s. At its height in the 1920s, Belle Isle boasted not only the powerplant, but a lake, amusement park, restaurants, and numerous other pleasurable enjoyments for folks. However, when coal power was replaced with electricity and gasoline, the Belle Isle fell into disrepair. Numerous tragedies befell the area, which provides for several generations of ghouls and ghosts. 

So snuggle up! The chills may not only come from the colder weather…  

Sources:

Part 2 of the Dust Bowl is out now! Your favorite cousins wrap up their deep dive into one of our state’s biggest natural disasters…although…was it really natural? You be the judge! 

The Dust Bowl not only literally reshaped parts of our landscape, but it also reshaped cultural regions around the US. Many “Okie” influences can still be found in parts of California. 

So while digesting your turkey and all the “fixins” let your two favorite cousins wrap up a story for you…and share us with all your loved ones! 

Sources:

Small Business Shout-outs:

Back on schedule for your favorite two cousins! This week, Jess and Tiff cover part 1 of an historical look at the Dust Bowl. Jess covers the geographic history of the region affected by the Dust Bowl as well as the actual storms and drought. Tiff takes a look at the decisions that went into the great migration, and how the government tried to provide relief. Check out some of our really great resources to find out more info regarding one of the darkest times in American and Oklahoman history. 

Sources:

We are taking a break from our regular programming to bring you this special episode your favorite cousins participated in last Spring. 

Jess and Tiff met up with Raven and Mandy from Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast, and author of Hell in the Heartland, Jax Miller. In a roundtable discussion, your favorite cousins and their podcasting sisters discuss the purpose of ethically reporting true crime cases. Jax Miller gives her insight when doing research for books based off true crime cases. Please enjoy our roundtable discussion. Please feel free to leave a message with your own thoughts and opinions.  

Sources:

As the spooky season winds down, your favorite cousins bring you a tale of their most recent spooky and kooky adventure…Paranormal Investigating at Lindley Hospital in Duncan. 

If you remember, Jess and Tiff went on their first paranormal investigation back on Friday, October 13. Guided by the folks at Haunted Oklahoma, they were treated to the thrills, chills, and spirits at Lindley Hospital and Clinic. From a feisty male spirit, to possibly two children, lots of bumps and creaks, and even a scream, Jess and Tiff were given an experience they won’t soon forget!

Please check out our new friends/cousins over at Haunted Oklahoma (and set up your next paranormal investigation trip), Paranormal Wasteland, and Spooky Okie!    

Sources: