Category Archives: State

TPS Leadership Panic Proposal Passed

By David Arnett

Analysis: With millions of missing money still under investigation, the Tulsa Public School District (TPS) Board of Education Monday voted to approve a staff proposal to close or consolidate 14 elementary schools, two middle schools and one alternative program beginning with the 2027-28 school year.

The decision came after a short series of public meetings in which parents, grandparents, teachers, state legislators, education specialists (including a candidate for State School Superintendent), and citizens spoke against the plan. Public comment at the final meeting was respectful, reasoned, and at times tearful as they begged District officials to delay or reject what they considered a deeply faulted school disaster.

Continue reading →

Lotspeich Family Honored

By Staff Report

The Lotspeich Family in northwestern Oklahoma has received the 2026 Landowner Conservationist of the Year honor from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The main Lotspeich Ranch is 10,000 acres of native grass, forbs and shrubs in northern Harper County. An additional 3,950 acres of farm ground, of which 750 acres are irrigated, are in Beaver County.

Continue reading →

OEM Director Vest Appreciation

By David Arnett

Governor Stitt Tuesday thanked Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM) Director Annie Mack Vest as she announced her return to the private sector.

“Annie redefined emergency response and disaster management,” said Governor Stitt. “She turned around an agency overburdened by bureaucracy and streamlined relief for Oklahomans. She built lasting relationships with federal partners and non-profit relief groups to make sure Oklahomans had the resources they needed when tragedy strikes. She leaves the agency in a great place, and I’m grateful for her service to the state.”

Oklahoma Emergency Management Director Annie Mack Vest
Continue reading →

Data Benefits Rural Communities

By John Collison, Oklahoma Rural Association

For many rural communities, attracting investment that provides tangible economic benefits while centering the needs of our residents is a difficult endeavor. As the leading organization dedicated to strengthening our state’s rural communities, the Oklahoma Rural Association (ORA) is focused on ensuring companies choose our state for responsible projects to grow our economy.

Google Facility, Oklahoma, Photo: David Arnett
Continue reading →

ODOC Welcomes 47 Cadets

By Staff Report

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections proudly announced the graduation of 47 cadets on Thursday, Sept. 24. The graduates will serve at 18 correctional facilities across the state. This follows an 8-week paramilitary academy that emphasizes de-escalation tactics and prepares cadets for the realities of working inside a correctional facility.

ODOC cadets complete at least 200 hours of job-specific training at the agency’s Correctional Officer Academy. The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills training, preparing cadets for the safety, security, custody and rehabilitative responsibilities of an officer.

Forty-seven cadets graduated from the ODOC Academy on Thursday, Sept. 24, representing 18 facilities statewide. Pictured with the new officers are Director Justin Farris (middle front), Chief of Operations Jason Sparks (bottom left), Deputy Chief of Operations Jason Bryant (top left), along with Operations administrators, wardens, deputy wardens and chiefs of security from the facilities.
Continue reading →