Interim study looks at misuse of state veteran benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison, held an interim study examining the effects of misused tax exemptions and veterans’ benefits during a recent House Appropriations and Budget on Finance Subcommittee meeting. Burns said he filed Interim Study 20-011 to learn in depth about details surrounding stolen valor, including misused veterans’ benefits, within the…

Trust fund to help with city housing

The City of Tulsa has launched the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a citywide fund that can be accessed for production or preservation of affordable housing through the acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, and/or rehabilitation of affordable housing units in Tulsa. The trust fund will be used for loans, grants, developer incentives, rental assistance and landlord incentives….

New teleconferencing in court law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, was joined by representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office as Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 3756 in a ceremony in August in Oklahoma City. House Bill 3756, authored by Miller, authorizes the use of videoconferencing technology in all stages…

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…