Ray Dyer, a third generation publisher of the El Reno Tribune, is the new president of the Oklahoma Press Association. Dyer was appointed by the OPA Board of Directors to serve from January 1, 2019, through June 30, 2019, and will then be nominated for membership consideration and election for his scheduled year of 2019-2020….
Senators James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, recognized the 150th anniversary of Fort Sill. Lankford and Inhofe introduced S. Res. 11 to recognize Fort Sill’s milestone. Cole introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “I am very proud of Fort Sill’s 150 years of important work to further…
STILLWATER – Before you put the Christmas tree on the curb for recycling, consider turning it into a combination lawn decoration and bird feeder. While the tree certainly added a festive flair to the home with its twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments, you can still get some enjoyment out of it, said David Hillock, Oklahoma…
Mayor G.T. Bynum and the Tulsa City Council are formulating plans for a massive tax increase for more improvements in Downtown Tulsa. No details on the actual cost will be sought have been released to the public. Bynum, who is registered as a Republican, unveiled an 160-page document that calls for millions of dollars in…
State revenues have been setting records every month for a year yet the State Board of Equalization has authorized a budget surplus of $612 million. Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to move slowly on allocating a surplus. Republican leaders urge caution because of the up-and-down nature of energy prices. And Democrats want a tax increase to…
A bill has been filed Wednesday to eliminate a controversial program that provides free pregnancy-related care for illegal aliens. Sen. Paul Scott filed Senate Bill 40 hoping to stop state funds from providing healthcare to pregnant illegal immigrants under the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program (STBS). “I filed this bill to bring to light the fact that the…
Following public outcry about school funding and concern over high administrative salaries, Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation to make superintendent salaries a completely local decision. Senate Bill 60 would require superintendent salaries and fringe benefits to be paid with only district (ad valorem dollars) and dedicated local funds. The bill would stop any state appropriated…
House Speaker Charles McCall announced the chairs and vice chairs for the standing House committees and appropriation subcommittees of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature. State Rep. Tom Gann was named chair of the House Administrative Rules Committee by McCall. “I look forward to this assignment,” said Gann, R-Inola. “This committee can be very effective in making…
Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation to modify several Virtual Charter School laws in Oklahoma. The 40-year retired educator said his bills are an effort to increase virtual charter school accountability and oversight. “There has been public outcry in recent years to improve public education and that includes virtual charter schools where millions of taxpayer dollars…
Randy McDaniel has become Oklahoma’s 19th state treasurer. During a ceremony attended by family and friends, McDaniel was administered the oath of office by State Supreme Court Justice James Winchester on Wednesday morning at the State Capitol Building. McDaniel has 24 years of private sector experience as a financial advisor and banker. He also served…