News

GOP pays a political price for approving tax increases

July 16, 2020 Ray Carter

In 2018, the Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature approved some of the largest tax increases in state history. Ever since, GOP supporters of those tax increases have proclaimed their moral courage and insisted voters endorsed their decision. But the results of the June30 elections provide evidence to the contrary, as the political bodies continue to pile up….

Oklahoma signs a new gambling pact with the Keetoowahs

July 16, 2020

The State of Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) signed a new gambling compact with additional auditing guidance; with new dispute resolution provisions; and reconsideration for the state’s fee structure for class III games and table games beginning at 12% for a new gambling location in Logan County. “One year after…

Grants approved to develop trails

July 16, 2020

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD) announced grant recipients for the 2020 Recreational Trails Program (RTP). This year OTRD awarded more than $1.5 million to communities across the state. “The Recreational Trails Program gives communities the opportunity to build or enhance recreational trails for their residents to enjoy the outdoors,” said Jerry Winchester, Executive…

PSO will add to wind power plants

July 16, 2020

COLUMBUS, Ohio (PRNewswire) — While the Public Utility Commission of Texas denied approval of Southwestern Electric Power Co.’s (SWEPCO) plan to add 309 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to serve Texas customers, American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) has received the other regulatory approvals needed to acquire the entire planned 1,485 MW of North Central wind…

Broken Arrow Rose Festival canceled

July 16, 2020

The Broken Arrow Rose Festival and Chalk It Up! An Art Festival scheduled for Oct 9-11, 2020, has been cancelled. The rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and the uncertainty to provide a safe environment for visitors, vendors, staff and volunteers led to this decision. The Rose Committee of Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful and Chalk It…

Bristow cattle rustler pleads guilty

July 16, 2020

BRISTOW — Clarence Henry Burger, a 50-year-old man from Stroud, pleaded guilty to larceny of domestic animals in May following an investigation led by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Bart Perrier. Burger, who also goes by the name Festus, was sentenced to seven years (suspended sentence) and was ordered to pay a…

Tulsa replaces street lights

July 16, 2020

The City of Tulsa and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) announced the start of new street light installations across Tulsa. Following a street light installation moratorium that lasted more than a decade, the city has since accumulated a list of nearly 100 locations where street lights have been requested and now has the funds…

Amazon to hire 1,500 in Tulsa facility

July 16, 2020

Amazon is hiring more than 1,500 full-time positions ahead of the launch of its TUL2 fulfillment center in Tulsa,. Employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. The hiring process will take place throughout the following weeks ahead of the opening. Starting…

Voters OK Medicaid expansion as a handful of incumbents fall

July 9, 2020

Medicaid will become more expensive for Oklahoma state government after voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment to pour money into that welfare program. On June 30, State Question 802 passed by 50.58% to 49.52% with a victory margin of less 7,000 votes out of about 674,000 votes cast. On a national level, U.S. Sen. Jim…

Mayor Bynum orders all Tulsa bar workers to wear masks

July 9, 2020

Last week, Mayor G.T. Bynum signed an executive order that extends the civil health emergency in the city. The following conditions have been put in place: All Tulsa bars and restaurant workers are required to wear masks while working beginning immediately. Events planned on or after July 16 with more than 500 people or more…