OSU has 100,000 tests in 5 months

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State University’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19 has reached a milestone. As of Aug. 13, the OSU diagnostic laboratory processed its 100,000th COVID-19 test in less than five months. The accomplishment represents heroic effort and early partnerships that made the testing possible. “Service to Oklahoma is a hallmark of Oklahoma State…

Reed Park has classes for students

As some school districts shift from a traditional classroom setting to a virtual/distance learning experience this year, parents are looking for options to supplement their children’s educational curriculum.  Tulsa Parks is offering several opportunities for in-person, hands-on activities that support fitness and learning. Classes are divided into three categories – fitness, STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering,…

Stitt tabs Bond Payne as chief of staff, Bingman as advisor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has hired Bond Payne as his new chief of staff and added former Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman as his chief policy advisor. Payne, the co-founder and chairman of Heritage Trust Company and the vice chairman of Argent Financial Group in Oklahoma City, brings years of business acumen…

NO FAIR

Officials cite health concerns over Tulsa State Fair The annual Tulsa State Fair, one of the biggest events in the city, has been canceled by the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority. The authority voted 5-0 to cancel the fair, which had been scheduled for October 1-11, because of concerns about spreading the Chinese coronavirus. The…

Coronavirus cases fall in state

From August 7 to August 13, Oklahoma had 4,702 confirmed cases of the Chinese coronavirus – a drop of 17% compared to the period from July 31 to August 6. The August 7-14 death count was 45 – down 24% from July 31 – August 6. Ninety-six percent of the total deaths in Oklahoma (638…

Jenks, Glenpool plus school bond votes After August 25, Tulsa’s City Council could have seven new members and a new mayor. Two Councilors – Jeannie Cue and Phil Lakin – were re-elected because no one filed against them. Five city councilors will be on the ballot. The city will have at least one new city…

New fire station in East Tulsa

City officials, including Fire Chief Michael Baker held a groundbreaking  this month for Fire Station 33, to be constructed at 4109 S. 134th East Avenue. Construction of this station supports the Tulsa Fire Department’s Insurance Services Offices Rating of Number 1 and reflects ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and decrease insurance rates. Station 33…

No timetable set for removing illegal Black Lives Matter sign

In order to satisfy protesters, the City of Tulsa is delaying removal of the “Black Lives Matter” sign on Greenwood Avenue in Downtown Tulsa. Mayo G.T. Bynum claims the property owners indicated they do not want the mural to remain. The merchant and tenant association said they do not want the mural to remain. But…

COLA hike for Oklahoma pensions

State officials held a ceremony about the signing of House Bill 3350, which gave cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees in Oklahoma pension plans, including teachers, firefighters, police, public employees and justices and judges. The bill was formally signed into law in May and took effect July 1. HB 3350 bases COLAs on the number of…

Increase in lice treatments in OK

Lice Clinics of America–MidSouth, part of the Lice Clinics of America 200 network, reported an increase in lice treatments of 42 percent in their two Oklahoma clinics and a 69 percent increase in their Arkansas clinic from April to May of this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Head lice infestations affecting the entire family have…