The Oklahoma Publisher Vol. 92, No. 4 16 Pages • April 2021 www.OkPress.com www.Facebook.com/okpress Newspapers share their coronavirus stories For more than a year, announcing that the Sun- Oklahoma newspapers day edition would be avail- have been providing read- able only in digital form. ers with vital information A week before the about the pandemic. announcement was made, In March 2020, the eight of the nine Times & United States declared a Free Press’s staff members state of emergency. Masks tested positive for COVID- became mandatory in many 19. countries and millions died. “We were closed to the Schools closed, events public for two weeks but were canceled and busi- didn’t miss a deadline nesses struggled to remain (although we stretched a open. few quite a bit!),” said Edi- COVID-19 had no tor Christine Reid. boundaries and soon found A group text kept staff its way through the doors members connected and of many newspaper offices. informed of each other’s Last month we asked symptoms. OPA member newspapers “We left it entirely up to tell us how the virus had to each employee to deter- affected them. For as many mine whether they felt well as we heard back from, enough to come in on a we’re sure there are more given day and encouraged stories out there but none everyone to go home before may be as compelling as they felt tapped out,” said In January, eight of the nine staff members of the Kingfi sher Times & Free Press the one from the Kingfisher Reid. tested positive for COVID-19. Although the offi ce was closed to the public for two Times & Free Press. Some “COVID-free” time weeks, the paper never missed a deadline. In late January, the slots were designated for semi-weekly publication the lone staff member who geration to say that we are news like a bombshell while was prepared to issue a was not infected. family – we can get frus- we were struggling just to statement to its readers “It helped that most of trated with each other, but get some semblance of a about the financial losses us have worked together for when push comes to shove, newspaper out and still the newspaper had endured at least 20 years and some we all pull together.” keep everyone as healthy as for the past year. of us have been putting The staff had planned to possible,” she said. Just as many other out papers together for 35 ease readers and advertis- Reid said the staff newspapers had made the years or more,” said Reid. ers into the reality of a digi- remains aware that their difficult decision to pro- “Everyone knew what had tal-only Sunday edition, but health and economic chal- duce at least one issue dig- to be done and were very instead found itself quaran- lenges were not unique to itally, Times & Free Press caring about each other’s tined, Reid said. them. Publisher Barry Reid was well-being. It’s not an exag- “We had to drop that (See Coronavirus, Page 4)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE 6 Grab readers’ attention and save time with ASFs PAGE 11 Bingo and Babies are part of this month’s Worth Mentioning PAGE 14 Do you know when it’s time to replace your old computer? Walters Herald From the President receives award The Walters Award By Mike Strain, Tulsa World Program has selected the OPA President 2020-2021 Walters Herald for the 2021 Best of Walters Award in After a year of sickness, lockdowns and every other unsettling the Newspaper Publisher thing that comes with a pandemic, it feels like things are slowly category. returning to … what exactly? Each year, the Walters I hesitate to say normal, because things might never be the Award Program identi- “normal” we remember in a world before terms like social distancing, mask mandate and fies companies that have COVID-19 became part of our everyday lives. achieved exceptional mar- But we’re getting closer, and one thing that pleasantly reminded me of that was a keting success in their local recent planning call for the Oklahoma Press Association’s annual convention. As I men- community. tioned in the column last month, the convention is still planned to be held – with people Various sources of infor- in the same rooms. mation are gathered and It’s set for June 11-12 in Oklahoma City. analyzed to choose winners Right now, it’s possible there will be capacity limits in conference rooms and there may in each category. be some social distancing involved. These kinds of things would have seemed absurd two The program was estab- years ago; but now, chatting with friends standing a few extra feet away sounds great. lished to recognize the best The convention is shaping up to be a good one. Members of our congressional delega- of local businesses in the tion will be there for a Q&A forum. There will be numerous educational sessions on vari- community. ous topics. And, of course, there will be awards night. The organization works I almost hate to say this because I fear I will jinx it: I’m feeling optimistic about the exclusively with local convention. Of course, there’s also a fair amount of fear, because Mark Thomas has had business owners, trade two years to gather material for his bloopers show. groups, professional asso- Looking back: I’m down to the last few months in my time as OPA president. I’d like ciations and other business to share a memory each month from my career, which covers about 30 years. Here’s the advertising and marketing first: groups. The thunder rattled my windows and jarred me awake. I got out of bed, checked out- side and found an odd surprise – the skies were clear. Maybe, I thought, something had fallen in the attic. I went back to bed. OPA CALENDAR Less than an hour later, my mother called. That’s how I learned a building blew up in OF EVENTS downtown Oklahoma City – a blast that rattled my windows seven miles away and soon THURSDAY, APRIL 29 – 1:00 PM would rattle a nation as the tragic details emerged of so many killed by a bomb. OMC Webinar: Getting Beyond I worked nights on the sports desk at The Oklahoman back then. My instructions the The Buzzword to Engage Your night of April 19, 1995: Get the sports section done as quickly as possible. We did and Community PART 2 what I witnessed in the newsroom covering the tragedy that night, and in the weeks In this second session, Val Hoeppner will focus on 5-10 strategies and ahead, was people who cared deeply about their community. tools your newsroom can employ to I suspect you all have covered tragedies of various kinds in your communities. I think cultivate the kinds of engagement you what separates hometown newspapers from other media is the compassion. Newspapers value most. $35. often have reporters, editors and publishers who have lived in their communities not just THURSDAY, MAY 6 – 10:00 AM for years, but for decades. The community that hurts after a tragedy is their community, Academy Webinar: Kevin Slimp their neighbors, their fellow churchgoers. – Increase Your Revenue by I bristle when I hear people bad-mouthing the media. I’m not saying that everyone in Designing More Effective Ads Kevin will cover the things you need the media is perfect. What I am saying is that newspapers across our state care deeply to know to “up” your ad creation, about their communities and make a positive difference with their work. Even when it’s meaning more effective ads and under the most trying of circumstances. happier advertisers. This session is for both ad reps and designers! $59. FRIDAY, SATURDAY – JUNE 11-12 10-digit dialing in the 405 starts April 24 OPA Convention at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel Starting April 24, all local code calls is necessary ensure there will be enough Plans are now being made for this calls within the 405 area to enable the addition of telephone numbers avail- annual event, which includes the code will require 10-digit another area code for the able for the area. Saturday night Awards Banquet. dialing (area code + local area currently served only Both 405 and 572 area For more information and links number). by 405. The additional area codes will be within the to register for webinars, visit The move to 10-digit code (572), which will be local call boundaries. OkPress.com/events
April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | dialing for local 405 area added May 24, is needed to 2 OK Supreme Court sides with FOP The Oklahoma The Oklahoma Supreme listed the capital and oper- three amendments were Court ruled in favor of the ating budgets, the Norman adopted overwhelmingly.” Norman Fraternal Order of Visitors and Convention The city appealed that Publisher the Police, deciding that the Bureau budget and 11 ruling to the State Supreme ISSN 1526-811X City of Norman violated the amendments as an attach- Court, which sided with the Official Publication of the state’s Open Meeting Act ment, but did not list “three prior ruling. OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION when it approved a budget additional amendments, “We find that the lan- OPA OFFICERS that cut the police budget which were not listed on guage used in the agenda President by $865,000. the attachment to the was deceptively vague and MIKE STRAIN The court upheld a agenda, that collectively likely to mislead regarding Tulsa World December district court reallocated $865,000 of the the meeting and therefore judge’s ruling that language Police Department’s budget was a willful violation of Vice President in a required notice for the for the establishment of an the (Open Meetings) Act,” JOHN DENNY MONTGOMERY June 16 meeting was insuf- internal auditor and other according to the opinion The Purcell Register ficient. community programs … all by Chief Justice Richard Treasurer The agenda specifically Darby. JEFF MAYO Sequoyah County Times Executive Vice President McAlester body camera video released MARK THOMAS The McAlester was shot by a McAlester relating to any investigation OPA DIRECTORS News-Capital recently police officer after numer- conducted by the bureau obtained bodycam footage ous commands to drop a “shall be confidential and RAY DYER, Past President showing what happened knife were ignored and the shall not be open to the El Reno Tribune during a Dec. 31, 2020, man advanced towards the public.” MARK MILLSAP shooting of a man by a officer. The Oklahoma Open The Norman Transcript police officer. The News-Capital was Records Act states law ZONELLE RAINBOLT The News-Capital told that the body camera enforcement agencies Wesner Publications requested the video footage was given directly to the “shall make available for DON MECOY in January but was denied. Oklahoma State Bureau public inspection and copy- The Oklahoman A second open records of Investigation after the ing” records that includes request for the footage and incident so there was no audio and video recordings SHAUNA BELYEU radio call logs was filed by chance of data being lost. from recording equipment The Eufaula Indian Journal the News-Capital on Jan. Oklahoma State law attached to law enforce- SHEILA GAY 26. exempts OSBI from the ment vehicles and/or the Woodward News The Dec. 31, 2020, foot- Oklahoma Open Records person of a law enforce- SUZIE CAMPBELL age shows that the man Act, stating that all records ment officer. Countywide & Sun
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• Can I report inaccurate testimony given in open court? THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher $12 PER YEAR • What are the laws about liquor advertising? THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406- These are questions answered by the attorneys for the OPA Legal Services Plan 920) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Oklahoma Press Association, 3601 members in recent months. Newspapers always need timely legal advice on issues N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105- related to newspaper publishing. 5499. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. You should join OPA’S LEGAL SERVICES PLAN! POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. See www.OkPress.com/LSP or contact Mark Thomas Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105- at (405) 499-0033 or toll-free in Oklahoma 1-888-815-2672 today! 5499. 3 Coronavirus (continued from page 1) “After nearly a year in paper published. Blan- or sick or anything so we positive, but schools being which so many close to us kenship drove to Liberal, put out the paper with me cautious meant we had had suffered so much more Kan., to pick up the print- in my hospital room on my to work short in a lot of – including several local ed papers, completed the laptop and my staff at the departments,” said String- families who lost multiple report and got the papers office,” Blankenship said. er. “One employee was people to COVID-19 and in the mail. However, she “It was slower but the pages quarantined because of some businesses closed began feeling bad over the were only a half-hour late the child’s exposure three completely – we feel as if weekend and tested posi- to the printer so our press times.” we really dodged a bullet in tive for COVID-19 Dec. 28. time was the same. But the biggest impact surviving our ‘staff infec- “We closed the office for “I got released Feb. 3 was financial, forcing The tion’ with no serious reper- two weeks, although I went and we’ve all been fine Constitution to cut publi- cussions for any of us,” said in evenings,” Blankenship since,” she said. “I thank cation days from seven to Reid. said. “We had the paper God for getting us all five. delivered by the printer and through a bizarre couple In the early days of the THE HOOKER ADVANCE the two part-time employ- of months as we each had pandemic, when decisions Also hard hit by COVID- ees got the paper to the to learn a few new steps to were being made about clo- 19 was The Hooker post office while I contin- this weekly dance routine.” sures and essential work- Advance. Advertising man- ued working from home. ers, Stringer received a call ager Billye Fischer tested We were all back in the LAWTON CONSTITUTION from a customer in Altus. positive Dec. 22 and went office Jan. 4 and things felt Due to the COVID-19 “Please don’t let them into the hospital for treat- normal again.” pandemic, The Lawton make you stop delivering ment on Dec. 24, said Pub- But it didn’t last. Blan- Constitution was closed to the paper,” the caller said. lisher Sheila Blankenship. kenship began coughing up the public for almost two “I have to have my paper. The small staff did what blood Jan. 30, was admit- months, reopening May 26, Every morning when I go they had to do to get the ted to the hospital with a said Constitution Publisher out to pick it up it’s just… pulmonary David Stringer. Thank you all for doing this embolism “We’ve had two employ- for us every day. We really from COVID ees test positive, one of appreciate it.” pneumonia which was able to work and had to from home during quaran- REID NEWSPAPERS remain hos- tine, but all recovered with Phillip Reid, owner and pitalized to no lingering effects,” said publisher of Reid Newspa- be monitored Stringer. pers, Inc., said his seven while being The bigger issue, he OPA member newspapers treated with said, was parents that had had been spared from anticoagulants. to quarantine because the COVID. “I actually schools ordered their kids “With over 70 employees felt okay and quarantined. we had lots of exposure but was not weak “None of these tested (See Coronavirus, Page 5)
Top left, offi ce of The Hooker Advance; Bottom left, The Lawton Constitution offi ce; Bottom right, Weatherford Daily News offi ce, one of Reid Newspapers, Inc. publications. April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | 4 Supreme Court upholds easing local media ownership limits The Supreme Court mission acted reasonably in “The FCC considered the The decision comes as issued a unanimous deci- 2017 when it modified rules record evidence on compe- newspaper and broadcast- sion on April 1 that upheld that predated the internet. tition, localism, viewpoint ing industries say they need federal regulators’ decision The old rules banned the diversity, and minority the changes to deal with to ease ownership limits ownership of a newspaper and female ownership, and growing competition from on local media, rejecting and a television or radio reasonably concluded that the internet and cable com- a claim that the change station in the same mar- the three ownership rules panies. would hurt minority and ket. They also limited how no longer serve the pub- female ownership. many radio and TV stations lic interest,” Justice Brett The court said the Fed- one company could own in Kavanaugh wrote for the eral Communications Com- a single market. court. Letter from DA says charge against Duncan Council members ‘not warranted’ Charges against three Oklahoma Open Meeting scheduled meeting conclud- could be perceived as busi- Duncan City Council mem- Act. ed, gathered and discussed ness by the council.” bers are unwarranted, a The Duncan Banner the possibility of a special Violations of the Act correspondence between obtained the letter from meeting.” must be “willful,” Hicks the Oklahoma State Bureau Hicks to the OSBI following Hicks’ letter further wrote in the letter and went of Investigation (OSBI) and an Open Records request states there “was no busi- on to say that there were District Attorney Jason sent to the City of Duncan ness of the Council dis- no actions by council mem- Hicks indicates. on March 31. cussed” during this time bers that could be deemed The council members The letter from Hicks and “there was no action “willful.” were under investigation states the three members taken on anything that for allegedly violating the in question, “just after a
Coronavirus (continued from page 4) zero positive tests,” Reid OTHER NEWSPAPERS was not very sick,” he said. the virus, said Tom Lokey, said. “Our policy was that In Tulsa, Charles and “Overall, we have been very publisher of the Sentinel. the newspaper would pay Susan Biggs, owners and fortunate with COVID-19.” “We were very fortu- for two rapid tests after publishers of the Tulsa Bea- The Lone Grove Ledger nate that we were able to exposure and if both were con, both tested positive for had one employee quaran- continue publication with negative they could come the coronavirus. tined because of a son who short staff, while some were back into work after seven “We had mild symptoms tested positive, said Linda quarantined at home. Every days from exposure.” for a few days and some Hicks, publisher of the Led- one of our staff have recov- Reid said the company lingering fatigue but we ger. ered,” Lokey said. has paid for around 30 didn’t miss any work and “We have been able to The Mooreland Lead- tests and none have come we got our paper out on keep the office open, except er also reported cases of back positive. time,” said Charles Biggs. in the beginning when COVID-19. “Although we A year ago, Reid In the southwest part of businesses were asked to had COVID, we were able required all employees the state, Todd Hancock, shut down by our city,” to keep working and noth- to put together their own publisher of the Hobart Hicks said. “Since we were ing changed as far as the game plan for being able Democrat-Chief, tested deemed essential, we were newspaper was concerned. to work from home. This positive. only closed a week, but We were lucky,” said Tim included getting comput- “We have had only one businesses were not adver- Schnoebelen, publisher of ers to their houses, having tising because they were the Mooreland Leader. major absence because of it April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher access to internet and the and that was me,” Hancock uncertain when they would Although many news- ability to complete their said. “My wife and I both open or even if they would papers were affected by responsibilities from home. had COVID-19 and I was have business if they did COVID-19, staffs found “The plan has worked quarantined for 13 days in open. ways to get the news to very well for us,” Reid said. all.” “It is still not a good sit- their subscribers by work- “One hundred percent of Hancock missed a total uation with advertisers.” ing remotely or on sched- the employees said, after of 9 days of work but was The staff of the Johnston ules at the office. As more working from home, they able to work remotely and County Sentinel in Tishom- Oklahomans are vaccinat- all preferred to work in an get everything done. ingo, also tested positive for ed, hopefully the worst is office environment.” “I was fortunate that I behind us. 5 Claremore Daily Progress - 03/13/2021
INSIDE THE CLAREMORE DAILY Chamber hosts meet and greet: Come meet the City Council candidates willing to step up PROGRESS for our city. Zebras start season 6-0 “All I know is what I read in the papers.” — Will Rogers — Page 1B Page 5A
CLAREMOREPROGRESS.COM WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 13 & 14, 2021 Volume 128 No. 171 $2.00
Claremore Main Street hosts St. Bill offers new course Patrick’s Day survive and thrive as adults in grocery shopping, how to check As one of the youngest Oklahoma society. oil levels in vehicles, and how to members in the Legislature, Festivities The measure, which advances understand what the numbers on Pittman, 27, said when she bill would to the state Senate, proposes street signs mean. Students would graduated from Oklahoma City Submitted creating an “Adulting 101” also learn how to mail something, Public Schools, she felt like she offer students elective that would be available how to send a professional email, lacked some of the skills needed St. Patrick’s Day is less a week in every district statewide as early how to fill out apartment to thrive. away, and downtown Claremore is class in as the 2022-23 school year, said applications, how to write a cover “Having biology is great,” ready to celebrate. state Rep. Ajay Pittman, D- letter and how to prepare a Pittman said. “Having English is Claremore Main Street is hosting functioning Oklahoma City. resume for a job. great. Having science is great. two events: St. Patty’s Party and “This is not necessarily a “I know a lot of people feel Having math? Wonderful. And Bangers & Mash. in society version of home ec,” she said. like this should be taught at does that prepare you to be a “Yeah, we may want them to sew home,” Pittman said. “Yes, it citizen and productive member of IF YOU GO a button. Yeah, we want them to should to a certain extent. We society? Does that help you with What: Bangers & Mash BY JANELLE STECKLEIN know how to prepare a basic have grandparents raising all of the other things that you When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CNHI State Reporter meal, or understand nutrition. But grandchild. We have young have to do as an adult?” Where: Three Twenty on we also want them to have some parents that are raising young Academics are important and Main, 320 W. Will Rogers Blvd. OKLAHOMA CITY — House skills that prepare them for life.” kids, and those parents didn’t get schools tend to focus on test lawmakers have advanced a Pittman said the course would it from their parents. Sometimes scores and getting students into Cost: $7 measure that would allow schools teach financial literacy and those generational things were to teach students skills needed to budgeting, managing stress, not passed down.” See ADULTING, Page 5A St. Patty’s Party, sponsored by Melton Sales, takes place today from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. in the streets of downtown. The Bangers & Mash Lunch will feed the festive on Wednesday, March 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Three Twenty on Main. Supporting sponsors for the event are Blue Starr Liquor,
See ST. PATRICK, Page 5A
McCoy charged with criminal misdemeanor
BY CHELSEA WEEKS News Editor
A Rogers County Associate District Judge is charged with one count of actual physical control of vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Kassie Nicole McCoy was arrested Chelsea Weeks / Progress photo Feb. 7 after being reported for driving off the road several times. McCoy was Grove High School runner slides safely into second in front of Sequoyah shortstop Brett Burks. arrested on a complaint of actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. A subsequent test Sequoyah looks forward to district play showed her to have a BAC of .35, according to a probable cause BY WAYNE McCOMBS Thursday, the Eagles dropped pitchers, Nathan Dorsey and Trey a home game against Jay. It will affidavit. Special to the Progress a non-district home game against Burks to go out and give us an be the first game of the season Rogers County Chief District Grove 12-1 on a cold windy opportunity to win. And our for the Bulldogs. Tuesday the Judge Sheila Condren filed a recusal Although the Sequoyah high afternoon. The loss drops the hitters need to string together teams meet again, this time at and request for reassignment school baseball team has gotten squad to 1-4. some hits”. Green is starting his Jay. regarding the case – which means all off to a slow start this spring, “We’re looking forward to third season as head baseball Sequoyah travels to Glenpool judges in Rogers County recuse they are looking forward to the start of district action,” stated coach at Sequoyah. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday themselves from the case. opening of district play with head coach Brandon Green. Monday, the Eagles open to compete in the Glenpool- “We don’t want there to be any Alternative Storygames against Jay next week. Forms“We need our senior starting district 4A-6 district action with Sk iato(ASF)ok Invitational. See MCCOY, Page 5A
grab readers’ LocalSPOTLIGHT
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1. What’ s your most popular menu 2. What’ s one item you know 3. What are your specialties? 4. Tell us something fun or interesting item? customers will love if they just give it a We have several delicious treats about your business that most folks a ention, This is a tough one! I would say our try? everyday! And if you haven’ t tried our don’ t know. Turkey Bacon Avocado Panini & our Mac OUR SHAKES! We have crazy over famous Chocolate Chip Cookies then We have a daily dance party for a & Cheese Bread Bowl! But we have the top shakes! We know they’ re swing by and try one out. We have a minute to shake of the negativity! several local favorites! intimidating, but totally worth it! variety as well, and even bake for our Sometimes having a moment to just Gluten-Free, Keto, Vegan, and Sugar free laugh helps make everyone’ s day a little friends too! Our Gluten-free brownies are better! We are like a family here, so when amazing, and taste like a traditional our work family is happy, so are we. save you time brownie! FIND IT INSIDE THOUGHT OF THE DAY From in theT HClaremoreANK YOU Daily Progress Page 2A Obituaries Page 4A Opinion Courage is the ladder on which Robert Roscoe McAlester News-Capital - 04/01/2021 Page 1-4B Sports all the other virtues mount. Page 5B Comics FOR SUBSCRIBING TO THE — Clare Boothe Luce HI: 69 LO: 56 f you’re looking for a A1 FRONT it the Quick 5, because Page 6-8B 1. TheyClassifieds are relatively SpotlightCLAREMORE DAILY orPROG RotherESS ASFs, wayCAUGHT to grab readers’ weKENNEL put wordCOUGH limits on the easy to do and add so they might get caught Escapeeattention from JBCC and save responsesHowApril to treat 13, kennel 2021 to 11:40keep am it (GMT from +0:00) great local content up reading not just the I caught in Texas cough at home yourself time, you might getting too long and not without taking as much lead, but various points LOCAL >> PAGE A2 PETS >> PAGE A3 want to look atMcAlester the Alterna- having to jump off the front time as traditional nar- in the text.” tive Story Form (ASF). page,” Brendel said. “In my rative stories on the 3. Most importantly, Several Oklahoma news- view, that’s an important same subjects, thus are readers love them! papers are using this format element of ASFs, as they a good solution for small They are easy to find, but maybe none more so should be easy to read with staffs trying to produce Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896 THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 mcalesternews.com $1.25 easy to read, and usually thanCOVID-19 thoseCOVID-19 OKLAHOMA under TEST RESULTS Confirmedthe Positive direc- Cases 437,853 Active Cases 10,540lotsOK Confirmed of Deaths things4,953 Total Recoveredto capture422,360 >> More on Page B1 hyper-local papers. “I interesting about some- Ryan’s Run tionAnnual of Dale spring Brendel, cleanup pub- set to beginattention.” this weekend have done many Q5s body or some thing in By DERRICK JAMES Cleanup open to McAlester res- Cleanup will be held every take all of your tires, anything goes virtual lisherSTAFF WRITERof Theidents Joplin wanting to get ridGlobe of their weekend in April at the oldOther Na- metal, your ASFs old electronics, Brendel or myself and a reporter or trash will bring in a big haul. tional Guard Armory located at anything that plugs in or runs Megan Waters said she wants again your community. “I con- “I would love for one of our 301 E. Polk Ave. in McAlester. on batteries, mattresses, old to see a million pounds of bulk televisions, all the old furniture andtrash hauled CNHI away from thisSenior Aprils to have aGroup million pounds; The hours of the cleanuphas will beused or currently uses editor can usually think we get very close, but I would from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Satur- you can’t get rid of any other this year year’s spring cleanup. way, we’ll take all of that.” sistently get more posi- The Keep McAlester Beautiful like to have a million pounds days and from noon to 3 p.m. on By JAMES BEATY worth of debris removed from Sundays. Waters said the event is only Publisherexecutive director said the ofnon- the Eastern includeopen to McAlesterEducation residents as SpotlightMANAGING EDITOR of five good questions in McAlester,” Waters said. “This “We will pretty much take profit takes in more than 1 the county does not provide any tive feedback out in the million pounds over a year — could be the year it happens.” everything except a burnt down Ryan’s Run is going to but she hopes the annual Spring This year’s annual Spring house,” Waters said. “We will >> See CLEANUP // Page A12 be be a virtual event Oklahoma group. (or Student of theonce Week), again this year — 15 minutes and fire them and organizers are hop- community about our ing for as much partici- “I have always been a Business Spotlight,pation Church as they had in off in an email to your Oklahoma ‘ghost student’ funding measure signed into law 2020. Q5s and other ASFs than This year’s 26th an- bigBy believerJANELLE Oklahoma.” and advocate Spotlight, Makingnual a Ryan’s Differ- Run is set subject,” said Brendel. STECKLEIN But state Sen. Carri to begin on Friday, April any other kind of story,” CNHI STATE REPORTER Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, 2 and extend through said the measure does Monday April 5, with inOKLAHOMA their CITY —use A not adhereand to transparen value,- and ence (basically Volunteerparticipants able to doof “Once they respond you controversial bill that at- cy or accountability. their run or walk at a said Brendel. ASFs are tempts to exorcise “ghost “There was no public time and place of their havestudents” from employed the state’s input,” she said. them “We’re in in the Week), Your Takeown choosing (Manas long as have some nice local school funding formula the middle of a pandemic. it’s in the four-day win- usually “good news” advanced through the Our school leaders, our dow. prettystate Senate on Wednesmuch- classroom every teachers and news- on the Street singleThis ques-year’s Ryan Run content about something day despite bipartisan our students are over- features both a 5K run opposition. Gov. Kevin whelmed with surviving and walk, as well as 1K subjects that balance out Stitt signed it into law this year. However, the fun walk/run for those roomjust hours later. I haveauthor beenbelieves this willin,” said tion), Five Thingswho to want Know, to help, but at interesting in the com- State Sen. Zack Taylor, not have a destabilizing a less exerting pace. harder-edge stories else- R-Seminole, said current effect, with no evidence, Ryan’s Run is the Brendel.law bases districts’ initial no data to support those and What’s Goingmain On fundraising event munity to mix in with allocation on the higher claims. When things are for the Pittsburg Coun- where in the paper and of the previous two year’s shuffled around at the ty Child Abuse Re- averageThe daily student most last minute, common we have to and (calendar event insponse greater Effort, known as all the traditional news count. The mid-year ad- ask ourselves whether or PC-CARE, a 501 (c) (3) there’s never a shortage justment is based on the not that is in the best nonprofit organiza- popularprevious two years or theASF, interest of Brendelthe public.” said, detail). tion that operates the coverage.” first nine weeks of the The Oklahoma State Pittsburg County Child school year, whichever is Bureau of Investigation Advocacy Center. PC- of suggestions or volun- higher. first coined the “ghost CARE is committed to hasHis bill been drops that to the student” Q5, moniker whilewhich Brendel said thatproviding in ahis safe, one year. The mid-year investigating potential child-friendly facility 2. They make your page teers to be featured. adjustment now factors wrongdoing at Epic Char- where forensic inter- standsin the previous foryear’s terquestions. Schools. The OSBI view there are threeviews, medicalgreat evalua - used the term in an effort count or the first nine tions and service refer- to quantify students en- presentation much weeks, whichever is high- rals are provided to rolled but who weren’t children involved in Brendel said some of the er, he said. “In Stillwater,being taught. we called things about usingphysical ASFs: or sexual “Let’s not overcompli- The Oklahoma Council abuse investigations. more enticing with cate the issue,” Taylor of Public Affairs esti- Joe Brawley, who is a newspapers he manages try said. “This is very basic mates that there are ALONZO ADAMS | AP File Photo member of the reform, very common GOV. KEVIN STITT signed a controversial bill that attempts to exorcise “ghost students” multiple entry points, sense for the taxpayer of >> See FUNDING // Page A12 from the state’s school funding formula. >> See RUN // Page A8 to have an ASF on the front 5 THINGS TO KNOW different fonts, head- page every day. Election 2021: Information voters may need for the upcoming April 6 election ers and head styles. Pittsburg County Election Board Secretary Tonya Anyone who needs to look up their polling place, veri- Are there any special What should voters do “Muskogee and Clare- Barnes offers the following information and tips as the fy their registration information, or view a sample ballot April 6 municipal elections, school board races and a can do so online. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed provisions for if they need to change “We know readers scan school bond election approaches. on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website: www. physically disabled or their registration more are two of the best Elections in the county include school board races in elections.ok.gov. Those who vote by mail can also check 4 5 the McAlester, Haywood and Clayton school districts; the status of their ballot using the Online Voter Tool. illiterate voters? information because they headlines and pages and municipal elections in Hartshorne and Krebs and a school Sample ballots are also available at the County Election Physically disabled voters who cannot enter the poll- have moved and what can bond election in the Canadian School District. Board office. at striving to do this, and ing place, need help marking their ballots, blind or visu- result if election laws are ally disabled voters and illiterate voters may be assisted decide which stories they When is typically the Is identification by a person the voter chooses. In all cases, a person pro- violated? least-busiest time to required to vote in an viding such assistance may not be the voter’s employer McAlester runs several or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the Voters who have moved since the last election, but vote, with the shortest election? voter’s union. A person providing assistance also must who have not transferred their voter registration to their are going to invest some 1 3 swear or affirm that the voter’s ballots will be marked in new address, may do so on Election Day by going to vote wait times? Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in-per- at the polling place where their registration has been in throughout the week as son at the precinct polling place or during early voting at accordance with the voter’s wishes. Alternatively, all Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 6. the past. While voting, they may fill out a form instruct- the County Election Board to show proof of identity be- blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled voters in time in reading past the Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait times will ing the County Election Board to transfer their registra- fore receiving a ballot. There are three ways for voters to Pittsburg County may use the audio-tactile interface likely be shortest at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. tion to the new address before the next election. well,” he said. prove their identity under the law (only one proof of (ATI), a feature offered on all Oklahoma voting devices, to Anyone in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a Any violation of election law will be reported to the identity is required): Show a valid photo ID issued by fed- vote privately and independently, either at Pittsburg ballot. County Election Board during early voting or at their as- proper law enforcement authorities. Electioneering is not lead,” Brendel said. “It’s eral, state, or tribal government; or show the free voter allowed within 300 feet of a ballot box. It is also unlawful Ed Choate, publisher identification card issued to every voter by the County signed polling place on election day. Those who became physically incapacitated after 5 to remove a ballot from the polling location, possess in- What should those Election Board; or sign an affidavit and vote a provisional toxicating liquors within half a mile of a polling place or ballot. If the information on the affidavit matches official p.m. Tuesday March 30, 2021 still can request an emer- not so easy for them to voters who need to gency absentee ballot. Those who might qualify for an to disclose how you voted while within the election en- voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after closure. of the Muskogee Phoenix, check their polling Election Day. emergency absentee ballot should contact the County 2 Election Board office at 918-423-3877 as soon as possible For additional election-related information, visit: miss the ASFs, as they place or verify their for more information. www.elections.ok.gov. registration information do? said ASFs gives newsrooms — James Beaty will likely look over mul- the opportunity to produce INSIDE CLASSIFIED A9 // COMICS A11 // OBITUARIES A2 // OPINION A8 // FromSPORTS A7 the McAlester News-Capital tiple bold questions in a WEATHER Sunny and clear. • HIGH 63º // LOW 38º >> More on Page A2 Vol. 125, No. 153 LAKE EUFAULA LEVEL: 586.62’ VISIT US ONLINE: April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | ALMANAC /mcalesternewscapital @McAlesterNews Q5 or each subhead in SUNRISE FRIDAY: 7:09 a.m. // SUNSET FRIDAY: 7:45 p.m. MCALESTERNEWS.COM (See ASF, Page 7) 6 NOT Main Stream; Main Street. Your City. Your Neighborhood. Your News.
April 13, 2021 11:42 am (GMT +0:00) Alternative Story Forms (continued from page 6) OPA Member quality content in a fraction the Local Dining Spotlight, Plus, it’s easy to do, Website News of the time. said Editor Chelsea Weeks. Weeks said. KIOWA COUNTY DEMOCRAT “It’s quick,” said Choate. “This is a free feature for “I send [the restaurant] The Kiowa Coun- “The reporter’s investment businesses,” Weeks said. the same form, they fill it ty Democrat recently is approximately 30 min- “At first, I was contacting out and send it back with a launched a new website utes – particularly after the businesses to try to kick- photo,” she said. at kiowacountydemocrat. formats are set up.” start it, but I’ve had a few Weeks, who is new com. A new feature offers Although ASFs are not start reaching out to me.” to Claremore, said, “It’s subscribers the option to for hard-core news cover- Weeks said she alter- really helped me uncover sign up for breaking news age, Choate said they can nates between businesses new restaurants and some alerts. help in election coverage that advertise with the amazing dishes!” (Quick 5 questions for newspaper and those that ASFs can also bring SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR candidates) or advancing don’t. design to your front page. The Shawnee News- events. “That way we make our If you’re considering ASFs, Star has been designating “It helps the newsroom advertisers happy AND try take a look at some of these some of its work on its out,” Choate said. to attract new businesses to samples from CNHI news- website at www.news- A popular ASF in The advertise,” she said. papers. star.com as exclusive Claremore Daily Progress is subscriber-only content. Muskogee Phoenix - 04/07/2021 1A COVER These premium local Tahlequah Press - 02/14/2021 Page : a01.pdf.0 1 stories, marked “For Sub- MUSKOGEE scribers”, are only avail- TAHLEQUAH able to paid subscribers DAILY muskogeephoenix.com with a log-in to the web- INSIDE, 6A-7A: SPORTS, 1B: 1B: Food by the Book: ‘Goth Girl’ Cutest Baby Contest THS girlstrack host athletes 5A Regional go the distance Tournament at State WEDNESDAY site. Digital subscribers April 7, 2021 series perfect for summer PRESS $1.00 Story on Page 3 Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 13-14, 2021 $2.00 INSIDE have full access to the COVID-19 YOUR VOTE COUNTS STIR leaders GLANCE premium content, as do FALLING IN LOVE optimistic that 2 area incumbents lose Porum, print subscribers with BY THE NUMBERS Biden will aid Challengers take Challenger Patrick date Phillip Sullivan contest with 52.01% Area OKLAHOMA TEST seats in Wagoner D. Sampson edged out with a 39.85% plural- of the 771 ballots Midway river’s cause RESULTS Ward 1 ity win in cast in the election. home delivery. Cases 437,853 City Council race Councilor a three- The incumbent, who sweethearts Marvin way race was elected in 2019 By GRANT D. CRAWFORD Recovered 422,360 By D.E. Smoot Stanley for that without opposition to [email protected] Deaths 4,953 bonds share stories [email protected] and two post. serve the remainder President Joe Biden’s commitment CASES BY AGE other can- Ward 4 of an unexpired two- of how they to tackling environmental issues and GROUPING Two of three in- didates Councilor year term after being addressing climate change has local Age Group, Total Cases Per- cumbents lost their with a Rhoden Steven L. Sampson appointed earlier, said pass POTEAU DAILY NEWS met water quality advocates “cautiously centage* seats on the Wagoner 34.33% Rhoden waging a campaign optimistic” that his administration 18-35 31.37% City Council Tuesday plurality win. Con- defeated Kevin Hig- for a full term was a 36-49 21.58% School board seats By RENEE FITE will take steps to improve the quality night in winner-take- tender Gayla Wright ginbottom 401-370 filled in [email protected] of the Illinois River Watershed. 50-64 19.49% all elections. beat Ward II candi- in a head-to-head (See WAGONER, 2) The Poteau Daily On the first day of his presidency, 65+ 14.34% ‘hard-fought race’ OMANTIC souls in Biden he signed the Executive Or- 05-17 11.28% Cherokee County are der Protecting Public Health and the 00-04 1.92% By Cathy Spaulding UNK 0.01% Rwilling to tell about Environment and Restoring Science [email protected] News website at poteau- the love they share and how to Tackle the Climate Crisis. This re- they met their sweethearts. CASES BY COUNTY/ Goal realized for Deatherage voked the permit granted by President A two-hundredths of The couples’ stories give Donald Trump to allow construction DEATHS Adair 3,151/26 one percent margin kept insights into what makes of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Alfalfa 1,155/5 Fort Gibson public incumbent Eufaula Board a marriage last, the quali- Denise Deason Toyne, president of dailynews.com has a Atoka 1,856/15 of Education member Mar- ties that help relationships Save the Illinois River Inc., said that schools selects Beaver 459/6 tha J. Asher in office for succeed, and the priorities teacher of the year another term. people value. Beckham 2,848/41 See BIDEN, page 2A According to unofficial Eddie and Faye Morrison Blaine 1,016/9 Bryan 6,039/59 By Cathy Spaulding new look. While content were students at Tahlequah results Tuesday, Asher, a Caddo 3,915/61 [email protected] High School in 1964. He retired school counselor, Canadian 16,434/106 was a hunting buddy of won reelection for Office TPD and Hope Carter 5,937/65 FORT GIBSON — her brother, Jerry Ham- 1 with 365 votes, or 50.98 Cherokee 5,558/47 High School algebra percent. hasn’t changed, it should mons. They dated a bit, Choctaw 1,601/16 teacher Taylor Death- eventually “going steady.” House team up That is a 14-vote differ- Cimarron 209/1 erage says she sought ence between Asher and He signed up to go into Cleveland 29,767/308 the Army, but needed his to offer shelter to be a teacher of the challenger Terry Burns, Coal 689/14 year. president of the Eufaula be easier to navigate and grandmother, Jane Batt, By KERI THORNTON Comanche 13,059/148 “I remember my to sign for him, since he Cotton 666/14 Quarterback Club. Burns wasn’t 18. She refused, but [email protected] very first year of received 351 votes, or 49.02 Craig 1,936/12 teaching, when I approved his joining the Creek 6,757/124 percent. Army Reserve. He went The Tahlequah police chief has an- was at Okay Public Burns said on Tuesday more pleasing to the eye, Custer 4,058/73 to Fort Polk. Faye was two nounced the city jail will be open as a Schools, and I got to he does not plan to seek a temporary shelter during the brutally Delaware 4,526/66 years behind him in school, Dewey 543/6 watch Kathy Dun- recount. Tommy Holloway, right, was Rachel Farinelli’s first boyfriend as a youth. The couple married 30 years after first meet- cold temperatures and a winter storm prom was quickly ap- Ellis 354/3 ham be named their Asher said she was in “a expected to arrive this weekend. proaching, and she wanted ing. Garfield 7,696/89 teacher of the year,” hard-fought race.” said David Seeley, editor Nate King said he reached out to Garvin 3,539/56 Deatherage said. “And I’m other officials and found out Tahle- to go to prom. Tahlequah in 2000, he was Grady 5,809/88 “And I thought, in just thank- quah doesn’t have a temporary shelter INSIDE “Needless to say, working at W.W. Hastings Grant 548/7 that moment, ‘I want ful for all of for those who are homeless or with an Unoffi- that wasn’t part of going Hospital when he became Greer 571/17 to be that someday,’ my friends of the Poteau Daily News. inadequate place to stay during in- cial area steady,” she said. reacquainted with Jerry. Harmon 307/3 not just for the title, and sup- When Morrison re- county “Jerry quickly informed Harper 409/4 but for what it rep- porters for turned, Faye was dating him I was divorced. And See SHELTER, page 2A results on Haskell 1,240/11 resents, knowing that turning out someone else. They both you know the rest of the Page 8. Hughes 1,207/20 your school believes and voting married other people, story. We married, July 7, Jackson 3,027/47 that you’re among the to continue with the poli- went their separate ways, 2001, at our home church, Jefferson 683/12 best.” cies I’m promoting on the and attended Northeastern D.D. Etchieson United Johnston 1,358/20 That goal came school board,” she said. KINGFISHER TIMES State University. She gradu- Methodist,” Faye said. Kay 5,244/86 through this week ated from Mr. Darrell’s Midway Public Schools They live north of Tahle- Kingfisher 2,023/27 when Fort Gibson Beauty College, buying her quah, where Eddie has his voters approved a $2.7 Kiowa 805/16 Public Schools named first beauty salon, at 508 N. art studio. Latimer 828/10 million bond issue to build Deatherage the dis- Muskogee in Tahlequah. “I have traveled with Ed- Le Flore 5,509/47 a new cafeteria and a FE- The Kingfisher Times Eddie became a medi- die to his art shows all over Lincoln 3,161/58 trict’s Teacher of the MA-rated storm shelter. cal technician working in the United States. He has Nate King | Courtesy Photo Logan 4,122/34 Year. Unofficial results showed Tulsa, then Kansas. In New introduced me to his many Love 1,457/13 High School Prin- 118 votes in favor, or Mexico, he graduated from artist friends everywhere. I The Tahlequah Police Department received a tre- Major 949/13 cipal Ben Pemberton 81.38 percent, to 27 votes & Free Press recently Lunch at the Eiffel Tower in March 2019 was very romantic for Faye, left, and the American Institute of appreciate the opportu- mendous amount of donated items just before Marshall 1,978/13 praised Deatherage’s CATHY SPAULDING/Muskogee Phoenix against, or 18.62 percent. Eddie Morrison. The couple dated in high school, and after life kept them Native American Art. brutally cold temperatures and a winter storm Mayes 4,126/43 enthusiasm and Andy Davis with the apart for decades, they married in 2001. Looking for a new start in See LOVE, page 2A set in. McClain 5,153/57 knowledge. Fort Gibson High School algebra teacher Taylor Deatherage helps student Stephen L. Smith Corp. McCurtain 3,887/71 “There’s nothing Landon Lane through an assignment. As the Fort Gibson Teacher of the Year, said Midway’s bond issue launched some tools to McIntosh 1,971/39 she can’t do,” he said. Deatherage says teachers sacrifice for their students. would raise the district’s Murray 1,957/23 “She’s engaging. She’s millage rate from 15 to Muskogee 9,238/114 personable. The kids Deatherage credits about 25 mills and result Noble 1,370/16 MEET TAYLOR DEATHERAGE COVID makes THS baseball coach start from scratch love her. I just wish Fort Gibson not only in a 10 percent increase Nowata 1,126/16 for her teaching suc- AGE: 29. FAMILY: Husband, help readers navigate your teammates, coaches, and had a talented group of young Colbert, two years at Lexington, I had more of her in the tax rate for the first What’s your favorite part of Okfuskee 1,776/21 cess, but her academic HOMETOWN: Fort Brooks; two children, Harp- being a baseball coach? all the people you meet. Then, men. It would have been great nine years at Bixby, 10 years at throughout the day so few years. Oklahoma 83,647/837 kids can be engaged success. Gibson. er and Halle. 1The best part is being playing with great players and to see what we could have Grove, five years at Wagoner, Okmulgee 3,676/53 EDUCATION: Fort HOBBIES: Serving in Porum voters passed a in her classes.” “They have champi- around young men, seeing being successful added to a accomplished. We didn’t get to and then last year at Tahlequah. Osage 4,592/57 Gibson High School, 2009; ministry with her husband, $260,000 school bond issue Pemberton said oned me since I was its digital edition. A new them grow and develop, and wonderful great experience. play any summer baseball. So Ottawa 3,782/51 Northeastern State Univer- who is a youth pastor. to replace roofs. Unofficial hopefully being a small part of we were basically starting over What’s the best advice Pawnee 1,752/35 Deatherage also ex- sity, 2013. Coaching Crossfit. helping them become success- What kind of impact from scratch in January. you can give a high Payne 8,571/52 cels with technology. (See GOAL, 2) (See BOARD, 8) ful. did COVID-19 have on 5 school student athlete? Pittsburg 4,581/47 QUICK 3 you and your team last How long have you been Set your goals, in and out of Pontotoc 5,037/50 Facebook group is a What were your most season, in your first year at coaching baseball, and sports; make sure you are Pottawatomie 8,140/86 5 | Go |to Go AccuW to AccuWeatheeather.comr.com enjoyable memories as a Tahlequah? what are some other doing the things you need to 4 Pushmataha 1,005/14 April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher 2 baseball player at Okla- COVID basically shut down ev- schools you’ve coached at? be doing to accomplish them. Roger Mills 386/9 Your Take BRET BOUHER homa State University? erything for us until this spring. This is my 33rd year. I spent Always be open to learning Rogers 10,199/131 space where digital savvy Bret Bouher is head baseball The best memories are the We played five games, and all three years at OSU as a from anyone. Seminole 2,817/43 coach at Tahlequah High School. relationships you develop with of a sudden, it was over. We graduate assistant, two years at – Byron Beers Sequoyah 4,051/35 Stephens 4,768/73 Texas 3,490/27 Why is it users can offer advice Inside Today’s Edition: Local 3A-4A Tribal 5A Sports 1B-2B Education 5B Business & Farm 6B Classifieds 7B-9B 2 Sections 20 pages • Vol. LV No. 31 Tillman 780/16 Tulsa 72,684/794 BE A PART OF THE TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS COMMUNITY Wagoner 7,848/91 Washington 5,047/95 important and assistance to those Submit story ideas: Washita 1,067/9 Sign up for email alerts: TDP on Social Media: | Go |to Go AccuW to AccuWeatheeather.comr.com Email: [email protected] Woods 1,197/11 www.tahlequahdailypress.com Facebook.com/TDPress Woodward 3,129/21 Top stories, breaking news alerts @TahlequahTDP Phone: 918-456-8833, ext. 20 Total 437,853/4,953 Jerry Rains, Haley Vanderveer, Wayne Furrh to shop Fort Gibson Muskogee struggling in that area. A Data Source: Acute Disease “Local revenue raises sales tax “It helps boost our economy and “When we buy stuff, we buy Service, Oklahoma State De- which our county and city runs on. hopefully makes Muskogee the locally to help support Muskogee partment of Health. local? If the money’s not spent here, it’s best town we can.” and the sales tax in our city.” Health Center spent in Tulsa or Fort Smith, and we second Facebook group (Cherokee County’s #1 Nursing Home) *As of 7 a.m. March 31 get no revenues for that.” NO Amenities and Services HOLLAND HOLMAN, Vol. 133 — No. 54 provides a place for the • 24-hour nursing care • Nutritious meals & snacks BUY-IN PRYOR Founded • Individualized care plan • Life enrichment program Feb. 18, 1888 • Medication administration • Housekeeping & laundry service FEES (918) 456-4542 Holland’s mother Allie says Christ-Focused 55+ Lifestyle Community Holland smiles “when she FaceTimes her grandparents.” newspaper and group 1201 West 4th St. • Tahlequah Call Tony Ward at 918-456-4542 www.goyevillage.org WEATHER Nominate a smile: Send photos of someone smiling to features@ SMILE OF THE DAY muskogeephoenix.com members to share popu- April 13, 2021 11:46 am (GMT +0:00) lar articles from the Sun- Left: Tahlequah Daily Press sample of the QuickApril 13, 20215 format. 11:31 am (GMT +0:00) day paper. Right: The Muskogee Phoenix features “Your Take” asking residents to answer a Question of the Day. 7 T-stormsT-storms RainRain ShowersShowers SnowSnow FlurriesFlurries Ice Ice ColdCold Fron Frt ont WarmWa Frrmon Frt ont StationaryStationary Fron Frt ont
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T-stormsT-storms RainRain ShowersShowers SnowSnow FlurriesFlurries Ice Ice ColdCold Fron Frt ont WarmWa Frrmon Frt ont StationaryStationary Fron Frt ont
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FEBRUARY 2021 DAILY, SEMI- AND TRI-WEEKLY WINNER: BILLY HEFTON Enid News & Eagle
FEBRUARY 2021 WEEKLY WINNER: JENNIFER The top half of a man obscured by snow as he uses a snow blower to clear the sidewalks around the Gar- fi eld County courthouse. P I S Photo by BILLY HEFTON, Enid News & Eagle, Feb. 18, 2021 Countywide & Sun
The February 2021 contest was judged by a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
View all winning photos and contest rules at OkPress.com/ OGE-Photo-Contest
Enter and Win a $100 Check from OGE ENERGY CORP.
For more information about the photo contest, visit Hexagon-shaped ice crystals form as a bubble freezes Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Shawnee, Okla. The over- night temperature was -11 degrees Fahrenheit, with a warm up to 10 degrees by Tuesday afternoon. okpress.com/ Photo by JENNIFER PITTS, Countywide & Sun, Feb. 18, 2021 oge-photo-contest
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© 2021 OGE Energy Corp. April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | 8 CNN interviews Fairfax Chief editor Yukon Review, Mustang News name Pineda as editor Michael Pineda has been named managing editor of the Yukon Review and Mustang Michael News. Pineda For the past five years, Pineda has worked in Baytown, Texas, as a sports editor and assistant managing Jordan Guzzardo is behind the camera while Sara Sidner of CNN interviews The Chief’s Carol Conner. Anna-Maja Rappard editor. Prior to that, he is adjusting the lighting. The CNN interviews about Osage Nation’s efforts to get vaccines to locals aired March 24th. held jobs in Ardmore and Photo by Joe Conner, The Fairfax Chief. Reprinted with permission. Duncan. Joe and Carol Conner national attention. Soon to pard and Jordan Guzzardo, Pineda grew up in have seen several local be a major motion picture, arrived at the newspaper Comanche, Okla., and his stories turn into national director Martin Scorsese, office in a pouring rain- wife, Bonne, is from the stories in their five years Leonardo DiCaprio and storm. After setting up Tulsa area. as owners of The Fairfax Robert DeNiro have all their cameras, Sidner asked Pineda plans to focus Chief. been spotted in town. questions for more than an on community journal- The corrupt practices of “But CNN hits like noth- hour “that felt more like a ism. the owners of the Fairfax ing else,” said Carol Con- conversation with a friend,” “From schools and the Community Hospital, its ner, editor of The Fairfax Conner said. local teams to the new bankruptcy and near failure Chief. “Sidner and her crew construction on the cor- made the front page of The CNN was looking for were among the nicest ner, reporting what takes Washington Post as well as someone to interview about media people we’ve met, place locally is my happy ABC News. the story of the Osage but in the midst of trying place when it comes More recently, Killers of Nation and other tribes to get the newspaper done to reporting,” Pineda the Flower Moon, a book getting vaccines to their and trying not to say any- wrote in an introductory by David Grann about the people. thing foolish, the experi- column for the Yukon story of the Osage murders CNN’s Sara Sidner and ence all felt pretty unreal,” Review and Mustang in the 1920s, has brought her crew, Anna-Maja Rap- she said. News. ATTENTION OPA BUSINESS MEMBERS ORDER YOUR 2021 Make Sales Soar Like Magic Improve your close ratios to 70% or more with the New MiAD PHOTO ID PRESS CARD These press cards are Wizard! April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher perfect for It's a fact that spec ads help close more sales— and yet spec ads are reporters, used less than 20% of the time. Now, with the real-world magic of MiAD®Wizard, photographers personalizing and presenting spec ads for EVERY prospect is as easy as 1-2-3! and any other staff members No training. No time wasted. No more tough sells. at your news- paper. Only Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! $7 each! [email protected]
ORDER ONLINE AT ® 800.223.1600 www.metrocreativeconnection.com okpress.Com/press-cards miadwizard.com 9 Jill Hunt announces retirement fr om News Press Stillwater News Press News Press, is conducting Publisher Jill Hunt has interviews for the next pub- announced her retirement. lisher. Hunt joined the News “I’ve never been more Press staff in April 1998. convinced of the crucial She was promoted to pub- role that local papers play lisher in October of 2019. more than during this past Hunt has been a practicing year. It’s so vitally import- journalist for 39 years with ant to have a source you the bulk of that time serv- can trust, and the News ing the Stillwater commu- Press has always adhered nity. to a high standard in that “I’ve been very fortunate regard,” Hunt said. to work with talented peo- Hunt will continue to ple throughout my career. live in Stillwater. Future Leading a newspaper staff plans include time on the can be challenging and Stillwater News Press Publisher Jill Hunt has announced her retirement. golf course, at Oklahoma that’s what keeps it excit- lakes and spending more ing. Every day is different as well as maintaining the Day section for Oklahoma time with her family and in the news business,” Hunt product’s stability.” State football, the annual friends. said. Prior to her role as pub- prep football section and “You’ll still see me Editor Beau Simmons lisher of the News Press, special sections when OSU around town. I love Still- said he was glad for Hunt’s she worked in the advertis- has hosted national events water. My husband and I leadership during a critical ing department as the ad such as the golf champion- moved around quite a bit time for the entire industry. director after years as a ad ships,” sports editor Jason in the beginning of our “Jill took over just before representative. Elmquist said. “During her marriage. After we moved the pandemic struck, and “She and her staff helped time with the News Press, to Stillwater, we decided we were lucky she was in us in the sports depart- her work has allowed us to to make it our permanent that position,” he said. “She ment to produce some of produce content our sub- home. We’ll be taking maintained a cool head the most sought after work scribers expect in a Big 12 some trips, but Stillwater during a tough time and we have produced in my 11 college town, and she will will always be home base,” really kept up our morale, years at the News Press – be greatly missed.” Hunt said. such as the weekly Game CNHI, which owns the Drumright, Yale editor named as one of E&P’s 25 Under 35 Twenty-two-year-old also what makes your news Allie Prater has been thrive.” named one of Editor & Prater said the hardest Publisher’s 25 Under 35. lesson she has learned as Prater, editor of the an editor is the importance Drumright Gusher and Yale of owning up to her own News, along with the other mistakes. 24 honorees, was featured “Nobody’s perfect, and as the next generation of nobody should pretend to news professionals in the be, especially in our profes- April issue of Editor & Pub- sion,” she responded. lisher. “It is much easier to When asked what advice be respected by, and have she had for other young respect for, someone who professionals in the news admits when they are industry, Prater replied: wrong.” “Build relationships To read about all the with anyone and everyone 25 Under 35 recipients for Allie Prater, editor of Drumright Gusher and Yale News. they meet within their 2021, visit https://edito- communities and not just level. Actually, get to know nity thrive because that is randpublisher.pressreader. on a business networking what makes your commu- com/editor-publisher. April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | 10 Sports 5 Community 12
75¢ The Beckham County Record Comprehensive News Coverage for SayreSayre, Elk CityCity& & Erick,Erick OK USPS 0004097 Volume 33, beckhamcountyrecord.com Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Number 26 Regional Health Department assistant gives guidance to Covid-19 vaccine shots
By Shonda Little efforts to facilitate the vaccine to Health Planning Director for the expanded it to anyone within the will then prompt them to poten- based on our populations, so this those who qualify. Southwestern Oklahoma region medical field, first responders tial sites giving the vaccine. helps us get them to the right Confusion upon who is The numerous comments and assists Director Brandie and those who are 65+. Adults Visitors can select sites from places,” she said. currently qualified to receive showed that much of the confu- Combs. with any comorbidities are also 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles of their After the visitor has selected the Covid-19 vaccine, as well as sion stemmed from citizens try- Johnson offered advice to in this same phase, but it has not home address, depending upon the amount of miles they are when and where to receive it, is ing to understand if scheduled clarify the process. yet been open up to them yet. how far they are willing to travel. able or willing to travel, locations evident from social media posts. dates were just for those getting Those seeking to schedule a That will be coming next, but we Johnson also urged citizens to will drop down on the webpage. The Beckham County Health their first shots and how those vaccine, whether it is their first are not certain when,” Johnson stay within that perimeter so If the appointments for that Department, in coordination needing their second booster or second shot, can do so by vis- said. that the various health depart- location are already full, it will with the Southwest Oklahoma shots could obtain theirs. iting vaccinate.oklahoma.gov. Visitors to the website can ment districts can record accu- state that no appointments are Regional Health Department, Further complicating the The website will ask visitors a determine if they qualify. rate vaccinations. If they do qualify, the website “We are given the vaccines Vaccine continued on page 2 has continued to give updated process is that the Oklahoma series of questions to determine information upon their Face- State Health Department is if they are eligible. book page. currently distributing the two “That currently includes However, a post last week different approved vaccines, the those who were opened up in the Blair retires from pertaining to the new Vaccine Pfizer shot and the Moderna first round, which are people like Western Technology Scheduler Portal, illustrated the shot. healthcare directly caring for Co- disconnect some citizens are Debra Johnson, MS, is the vid patients, EMS and those type WORTHfeeling during the state’s best Community Engagement and of medical staff.MENTIONING We have now Center Board of Education Duncan Banner Arrest warrant issued for Elk City man honored in January wanted on multiple rape charges Paula Blair BECKHAM COUNTY RECORD’S TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS By Shonda Little Sr., faces no less than five years the alleged crimes, the Beckham imprisonments. The informa- County Record will be withhold- An arrest warrant was is- tion does not show a maximum ing much of the information PANDEMIC STORIESsued on January 14 INSPIREin Beckham sentence for these two counts. included in the probable cause SPONSORS CUTEST BABY CONTEST has officially Tahlequah Press - 02/25/2021 Page : b05.pdf.0 County District Court for a For the third count of rape affidavit, which is public record. 13 55-year-old Elk City man now by instrumentation, Leal faces The investigation began on facing two counts of first degree between one to 15 years impris- November 10 at approximately Shonda Little atrape on a victimthe under the ageBeckham of onment. County10 am when a Elk City Police De- You’ve got Thursday, February 25, 2021 5B retired after 14, one count of rape by instru- For the fourth count of lewd partment detective was assigned mentation, one count of lewd or indecent facts to a child under to investigate an alleged child or indecent acts to a child under 16, Leal faces up to 25 years molestation. Record has been 16writing and one count of performing aimprisonment. series titledThe adult reporting the the cutest little working at The lewd acts in the presence of a For the fifth count of alleged incident had reportedly minor. performing lewd acts in the pres- learned about it from the child. On the two counts of first ence of a minor, Leal faces up to In the report, Leal had also “How I Got ThroughThe Sayre Recorddegree & Beckham rape on a County victimthe underDemocrat Pandemic.”- 2501/20/2021 years imprisonment. baby face – and Duncan Banner the age of 14, David Dean Leal, Due to the graphic nature of Arrest continued on page 2 The series, it could win for 40 years. Western Technology Center Board of Education (back row left to right) Rudy May- How I Got Through the Pandemic: field, Sayre, Gary Smith, Weatherford, Don Greteman, Burns Flat, (Front Row left to which Little right) Derrelbragging Nutley, Elk City and Ray Challis, rights Clinton Blair began An ongoing series with the January is School Board and School Board Recogni- get, on average 500 full-time Beckham County Record exploring Recognition Month and an tion Month is the time to say students, approximately 600 positive influences, people and new opportunity for local schools thank you and celebrate our short-term students, 102 em- started at the hobbies that helped local people and communitiesalong to honor boardwith members.” ployees, and 5 campuses. working at The Banner in endure a historic public health and Oklahoma’s more than 2700 In Western Technology In recognition of their economic crisis elected school board members Center’s District, school board dedicated service, Western Louie Ward Mazie Rae Anson Michael Locust Oliver Young Rose Reynolds for their dedication to educa- members must develop poli- Technology Center thanks11 months 20 months 18 months 5 months 6 weeks first of the By Shonda Little tion. some ciesprizes and make tough decisions in Ray Challis, Board President, April 1981, joining the staff “Providing an equipped on complex educational and Derrel Nutley, Board Vice- In last week’s Beckham Coun- workforce for western Okla- social issues impacting the President, Don Greteman, ty Record, Merideth Little had re- homa has been WTC’s focus entire district and the commu- Board Clerk, Gary Smith, year, explores ceived the torch from downtown for 50 years,”the said Kathe CornTahlequah- nities they serve. WTC Board Board Member and Rudy May- of 68 employees in the Elk City vendor Lori Weatherly ing, WTC Superintendent. members bear responsibility field, Board Member for their of the Vogue Boutique. Little had “We’re proud of our district, for the annual school bud- governance. inspired Weatherly through her Ryah Bowlin Sunny Maria Thunder Teague Timothy Gutierrez Trigger Jackson positive influ- many acts of goodness, namely Press’s Cutest 5 months 2 months 2 years 3 years 1 year her Jericho Prayer Drive, during newspaper office. the pandemic. As Little reflected upon her Two former Northfork inmates ences, people inspiration during the pandemic, Baby Contest she reflected upon her childhood She started as a recep- mainstay — her beloved Aunt Jinny. charged with first degree murder Jinny is better known as Tucker Parker Whitley Kiser Wren Cox and new hob- By Shonda2021. Little was observed to have a red Pointer was handcuffed10 months and 3 years 6 months Sweetwater’s Virginia LeGrand. substance which appeared to escorted into the segregated tionist, then moved to LeGrand spent her working On January 14, an investi- be blood on his clothing while housing unit. TAHLEQUAH years as the right-hand man to gator with the Oklahoma De- he was attempting to flee The knife was collected im- the iconic Elk City physician, Dr. bies that are compass was broken,” Little thing like this before,” she partment of CorrectionsReaders filed Pointer’s alleged attack. weremediately due to safety con- DAILY Featherston. gushed. “Through faithful prayer laughed. murder charges against two The investigator stated that cerns and was eventually classified. Throughout the Little recounted how her aunt PRESS and dedication, she has been the LeGrand admitted that she former North Fork Correction- Pointer cause Worley to fall turned over to the investiga- had been her due north in her example of a Christian to me was caught off guard when she al Center inmates. over property boxes onto the tor. www.tahlequahdailypress.com faith in Christianity throughout helping local even as a talkative and curious read the newspaper. Accordingencouraged to the probable ground and allegedly continto- Inmate Worley was placed all her life’s uncertainties, includ- April 13, 2021 7:06 pm (GMT +0:00) child.” “I am so undeserving of cause affidavits, the investiga- ued to attack Worley with what on a stretcher and escorted to ing the outbreak of Covid-19. Rules and Regulations: years, she’s also worked As LeGrand began discussing those kind words. They touched tor received information on appeared to be a stabbing mo- the NFCC Medical Unit where “My aunt Jinny and my Only residents of Cherokee County leave your name (parent or guardian), ary 14th thru 25th, 2021. There will be one first-place boy who she would select, she admit- my heart. Merideth has been May 5, 2020, that suggested tion. he was pronounced maydead. enter; the child must be between the child’s name and age, and your Votes must be brought into the winner and one first place-girl winner. uncle Tommy always knew how ages newborn and 3 years. contact number for entry. The contest Tahlequah Daily Press office by Fri- They will receive at least $35, a Tiara, people endure ted that she was nervous. 20-year-oldsubmit inmate Jerrad At thisphotos point, two correc- On May 5, anotherYou agent must bring at -your baby’s photo is free to enter. day, February 26th, by noon. Votes Crown and more! to bring me back even when my to the Tahlequah Daily Press office or Deadline for entry is Friday, Febru- cost $1 per vote. A winner will be cho- Winners will be announced in the “I have never done some- Pandemic continued on page 2 Pointer had assaulted inmate tional officers intervened by tempted to interrogateemail the Point photo to- classified@tahle- ary 12 at Noon. The photos will run in sen by the number of votes purchased February 28th issue of the closely with the business Worley with a makeshift giving verbal commands and er, but Pointer invokedquahdailypress.com his to enter. You must the Tahlequah Daily Press on Febru- for that baby. Tahlequah Daily Press. sharpened instrument that al- deploying OC spray. right to an attorney. a historic pub- legedly resultedof in thetheir death of One ofchild the officers advised (newborn The same agent interrogated to three years PRESS ASS Today’s Scripture inmate Worley. that he believed Pointer to be Lane twice — on May 5 and MA OC O IA H T A I L O The investigator wrote that the aggressor chasing after May 7. office, composing and cir- N K O Gail Morgan BETTER Isaiah 26:3 surveillance video “clearly Worley. Lane reportedly confirmedOwner lic health and economicNEWSPAPER Youcrisis. will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stead- showed” Pointerold), and another alongA second officer with said she that he wasthe a full member parents’ andMorriscragarflowers.com contactMorris Cragar Flowers fast, because they trust in you. inmate, 25-year-old Tre L. heard reports of the incident that Pointer was a prospect 830 S. Muskogee Ave. Ste. 2 culation departments. Lane, who was Worley’s cell- over the radio and alleged that member of the United Aryan Tahlequah, OK 74464 mate on this date, following she looked up in time to see Brotherhood, or the UAB. 2019 morriscragarflowers.com Little came up with the idea after Worley intoinformation. their cell. Pointer actively stabling Wor- Lane allegedly said that they At that point, Pointer alleg- ley. had received written orders PRESS ASS MA OC O IA (918) 456-2529 H T edly chased Worley out into Pointer then complied with from their superior UAB She has come to see her A IO L K N O the pod moments later. her commands and allegedly talking to the ownerBETTER of a local shoe store. Inmate Worley reportedlyThen tossed the itknife intowas the pod. Murder up continued to on page the2 adoring public co-workers as family. NEWSPAPER “He was telling me2019 how he had started to pick the cutest baby by voting for their “I have and have had exercising differentlyApril 13, 2021 6:26 pm (GMT +0:00) because his gym favorite for $1 per vote. The first place some of the best co-workers closed, started taking guitar lessons and winner (one boy and one girl) was the or family as we call them,” how one particular customer helped keep baby who received the most votes. she said. “I am still close him afloat during the shutdown by buy- It looked like a tough choice from the with some of them.” ing out almost all his kids shoes for the four pages full of baby faces in the Feb. Blair is looking forward needy,” Little said. 18 issue. to spending time with fami- At the end of the interview, she asked ly and traveling. the shoe store owner to name the next OKMULGEE TIMES STARTS BINGO GAME person or business to be highlighted. The Okmulgee Fort Sill Tribune “I’ve gotten several compliments,” Times has kicked Little said. “People seem to especially like off BINGO! An stops print edition it when the featured person picks some- official bingo game one they wouldn’t imagine.” card was avail- The Fort Sill Tribune able in the April published its final issue on PERRY JOURNAL AND LOCAL CHAMBER 14 issue. The first March 25, 2021, but plans WORKING ON COMMUNITY GUIDE bingo numbers to continue sharing infor- The Perry Chamber of Commerce is were printed in mation and stories with the partnering with the Perry Daily Journal the April 16 issue community through social to provide a renewed Chamber Commu- of the Okmulgee media and The Lawton nity Guide. Times. Each of Constitution. Highlighting the sponsor’s ads contain one bingo call The Lawton Constitution local business- number in every issue until all of the will begin a weekly page es and cham- prizes are awarded. Players have the dedicated to military news, ber members, opportunity to cash in on a $300 prize in said David Stringer, pub- the Chamber the game. lisher of The Constitution. of Commerce “We’re always looking for ways to April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher “We are sad to see any Community involve our readers, and we wanted to publication go out of busi- Guide will be printed in conjunction with give not only our subscribers but our sin- ness,” Stringer said. “We the chamber’s 100 year anniversary. gle copy purchasers additional enjoyment are dedicating a page in the Teresa McVay, marketing director for over the next couple of months through Constitution to the mili- the Perry Daily Journal, will be market- the paper,” said Anthony Nieto, general tary.” ing the directory. Promotional and spot- manager of the Okmulgee Times. “We The Fort Sill Tribune light ads will be available to members chose bingo for this readership game began publication some- and non-members. because we know it’s popular and an easy time prior to 1958 as the game to play.” Fort Sill Army News. 11 OPA Board of Directors meet March 25 The Oklahoma on several bills related OPS BOARD MEETING Press Association to open records and Minutes of the Dec. 10, Board of Direc- plans to write a full 2020, OPS Board Meeting tors met by conference call report of all bills OPA were approved as present- on March 25, 2021. is currently watching ed. Officers attending were to submit to the board. Thomas presented the President Mike Strain, The board reviewed financials for OPS and Tulsa World; Vice President and approved the said the Payroll Protec- John Denny Montgom- 2021-22 slate of nom- tion (PPP) loan from the ery, The Purcell Register; there are several ongoing inees for OPA officers SBA during the pandemic and Treasurer Jeff Mayo, LSP defense actions this and directors to be pre- helped stabilize the balance Sequoyah County Times. fiscal year causing a loss for sented during the annual sheet. Ad sales exceeded Directors calling in were the year. Board members business meeting on June the budget for February Mark Millsap, The Norman acknowledged receipt of 11, 2021, as follows: and March and the Classi- Transcript; Zonelle Rain- the OPA and LSP financial President: John Denny fied Network made its goal bolt, Wesner Publications; statements and investment Montgomery, The Purcell for the last two months. Don Mecoy, The Oklaho- reports for the period end- Register; Vice President: Thomas said he will revise man; Shauna Belyeu, The ing Feb. 28, 2021. Mark Millsap, The Norman year-end financial pro- Eufaula Indian Journal; In committee reports, Transcript; Treasurer: Jeff jections for the upcoming Sheila Gay, Woodward Rainbolt said the Awards Mayo, Sequoyah County Board retreat. News; and Suzie Campbell, Committee met in March. Times; Immediate Past Countywide & Sun. Also Rainbolt presented the President: Vacant; Renewal MANAGEMENT REVIEW on the conference call were following nominees for the of 3-year Director term: After the management Mark Thomas, OPA Execu- OPA Half Century Club and Shauna Belyeu, The Eufau- review session, Strain told tive Vice President/Secre- Quarter Century Club to la Indian Journal; and Thomas that the board tary, and Christine Frank, the board: New Director for a 3-year appreciates efforts made to Membership and Meetings Half Century Club: John term: Misti Rinehart, Tulsa keep financials in order by Director. Ray Dyer, imme- Wylie. World. The board acknowl- seeking Payroll Protection diate past president, was Quarter Century Club: edged receipt of the Nomi- loans and cutting certain absent. Ronnie Clay, Kristi Hayes, nating Committee report. expenses during the pan- Strain called the meet- Rob Collins, Patrick Ford, Thomas asked the board demic when advertising ing to order at 10:01 and Jessica Danker Mitchell to submit and review nomi- curtailed nationwide. asked board members to and Scott Rains. nations for the Milt Phillips Thomas thanked the review minutes of the Dec. The board approved the Award. Board members will board for the review and 10, 2020, meeting. The slate of nominees as pre- vote on the recipient of the said he is working on a plan minutes were approved as sented. award prior to the conven- to have the staff return to presented. The board also approved tion. the office in the coming The board reviewed a change to the divisions In other business, Mill- weeks. He also reported financial statements and of the OGE-OPA Monthly sap, who is serving on the that ONF selected Mark investment reports for Photo Contest to 1) Daily, OU Publications Board, Codner as the winner of the OPA and LSP. Thomas said Semi- and Tri-Weekly said he advised the Publica- Beachy Musselman Award. income for OPA is lower Newspapers, and 2) Weekly tions Board that OPA was Thomas also said ONF due to the waived contest Newspapers. disappointed that the OU has more interns this year fees. Mayo asked about Belyeu said the Educa- Daily chose not to partic- than newspapers can hire The Oklahoma Publisher tion Committee is moving ipate in this year’s Better so he is working on a cou- printing expense. Thomas forward with plans for an Newspaper Contest and ple of special projects for said The Publisher was an in-person convention June hope they will participate interns to work on at the online-only publication 11 and 12 at the Sheraton next year. OPA central office this from April 2020-February Oklahoma City Downtown Thomas said he would summer. 2021. In March, the issue Hotel. Local speakers will like to schedule an in-per- Thomas said OPA news- was printed and mailed to be utilized instead of bring- son Board retreat. Friday, paper contest winners and every OPA member, gen- ing in speakers from out- May 7, was selected as the award recipient letters had erating an expense in this of-state due to COVID-19. tentative date and Thomas been mailed. fiscal year. Thomas also In the Government Rela- said he would begin work- said that LSP has a strong tions Committee report, ing on a location, topics balance sheet. However, Thomas said he is working and an agenda. April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | 12 DEATHS JOHN LINK, longtime gen- Before joining the Jour- able source of information THANK eral manager of the Vinita nal, Link had an extensive about the area for 30 years. Daily Journal, died March career in newspaper adver- Link was born June 15, YOU 24, 2021. He was 77. tising for two decades and 1943, in Chickasha. After For almost three decades served as the National Sales graduating from high Link oversaw operations Manager for American Pub- school in Westminster, of the Journal, as well as lishing Company for three Colo., he joined the U.S. Air several weekly newspapers years. Force. He later worked for including the Nowata Star, Link was actively the Denver Post, where he The Afton American and involved for several years learned his craft in print- the Grand Laker. He also as a Vinita Rotarian, a ing, marketing, sales and managed the Vinita Print- founding member of Vini- management. ing Company during that ta Unlimited, and a board He is survived by his time. member of the Vinita Area wife, Janet; children, Bran- When Link joined the Chamber of Commerce. di Link Galagrady and Chad to the following individuals Vinita Daily Journal as Phillip Reid, owner of Link of Colorado; Angie and organizations for their manager on Feb. 3, 1992, Reid Newspapers, said Link Prideaux-Jones of Grand recent donations to the longtime publishers Phillip provided the county and Lake; Anthony Prideaux of Oklahoma Newspaper and Jeanne Ann Reid wel- northeastern part of the Claremore; five grandchil- Foundation: comed him. state with a steady and reli- dren; and one sister. In memory of
of service at the rank of extensive involvement with Becky Mayo LARRY JOE MARCY, a for- Major. the Boy Scouts of America. Jennifer & Steve Loper mer editor at the Durant Marcy worked at the In 1987, he accepted Democrat, died March 17, Democrat in 1967-1968 a job with the Oklahoma A donation to the 2021. He was 75. before moving to Wichi- Historical Society at Fort Oklahoma Newspaper Marcy was born in ta Falls, Texas, where he Washita where he retired as Foundation will support Mangum, Okla., on Jan. 1, worked for the Record site superintendent in 2012 its efforts to improve 1946. He attended South- News before returning to after 25 years of service. the state’s newspaper eastern Oklahoma State the Democrat in 1972. He He is survived by his industry and quality of University where he later wrote general news articles wife of 52 years, Ellen; four journalism. received a Bachelor of Arts and eventually became the sons: Larry Joe, Christo- ONF’s programs include degree in history. Marcy Democrat’s editor. He also pher, Daniel and John, training and education for enlisted in the Oklahoma proudly penned an outdoor all of Durant; and eight professional journalists, Air National Guard in 1963, column for the Democrat grandchildren and five scholarship and retiring after 20 years titled “Out and About with great-grandchildren. internship programs for Ole Scout” chronicling his journalism students, and Newspaper in Education efforts. WILLIAM WHITE, who Marines in 1956 and was 1998. He then went to work ONF relies on worked as a pressman at discharged from service in at Phillips Drug, retiring in donations and memorial the Enid News & Eagle for 1960. 2006. contributions to fund many years, died March 9, In 1975, White moved He is survived by his these programs. 2021. He was 84. to Enid and began working wife of 58 years, Elizabeth If you would like to White was born Dec. for the Enid News & Eagle White; two sons, Brian and make a donation, please 27, 1936 in Birmingham, union side of the newspa- Kevin; one granddaughter
send a check to: April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher Ala. He enlisted in the U.S. per as a pressman until and one sister. OKLAHOMA Remembering our friends & colleagues who died the previous year John L. Clabes Fred B. Hilton Jr. Jake Norman McDonald NEWSPAPER March 27, 2020 March 3, 2020 April 1, 2020 FOUNDATION Sharon Ann Dean Marguerite Babb Nancy Janice ‘Jan’ O’Leary 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. March 16, 2020 April 28, 2020 April 23, 2020 Oklahoma City, OK Ron Henderson Dennie Hall Frederick David Seaton 73105 March 6, 2020 April 17, 2020 April 18, 2020 13 How to determine if it’s time to replace that old computer puter is more than seven computer run side-by-side great for anyone who spends Computer Notes years old, it’s no longer with the older machine to lots of time in Photoshop from the road receiving updates. Windows do tasks such as running Creative Cloud. It means by Wilma Newby 10 was released in 2015. the internet safely? they’re not using the main [email protected] Is your PC running Good replacement com- RAM memory from the circuit This month let’s look at Windows 7 or 8? Neither puters can be obtained for board. Look for 4 to 6 GB on how to know when it’s time of these get updates from less than $900. Even a the card. It’s sometimes listed to replace an extremely Microsoft, leaving them $300 computer or tablet as 6000 megabytes. slow computer. vulnerable to malware and can make it possible for Companies running the By answering the fol- viruses. employees to work on the Creative Suite software can lowing questions, you’ll be Do the browsers still internet safely and effec- get away without a dedicat- able to make an informed work? See if you can get to tively. As we move into ed graphics card but more decision. websites your employees recovery from the pandem- RAM is advisable. Can the computer be need to do their job, such ic, good internet access is Look for 16GB so the returned to normal speed as the county courthouse. a must. A new computer/ computer is not using the by cleaning the browsers Also make sure email pro- tablet can be a real boost to hard drive to cache when and defragmenting the grams are working and that employee production. working with lots of photos hard drive? To defrag the browsers can support your The four things to look or creating large docu- hard drive on a Mac, use email program. for in a new computer for ments. Disk First Aid; on Windows graphics work are as fol- Apple computers are in Is the anti-virus work- use De-fragment and Optimize lows. These specs help with transition right now. Per- ing and can it still be Drives and Disk Cleanup. the longevity of the com- sonally, I would hold off updated? If it can, run a puter. until next year to update. Is the hard drive full? At full scan to see if there is a Some new models just least 20 percent of the drive problem. 1. A recent processor model I5 space needs to be empty for came out but more are Is the employee spend- or I7 10th or 11th generation. the computer to run well. If it’s an AMD computer look expected and the new ing lots of time waiting for iMacs won’t be out until Could a reinstall of the for Ryzen 7, 4th generation or the computer to respond later this year. operating system fix the better. when switching applica- Before ordering a new computer? If you answered tions? This is often a sign of 2. DDR4 RAM memory – at least Mac, make sure that your yes, the software would too little RAM memory or 12 GB. Your computer will last current software will run on have to be reinstalled. a failing hard drive. Now- longer with more RAM. the new model and that you Can the operating sys- adays even 8GB of RAM 3. Nowadays it’s all about Solid order it with enough RAM tem be updated? How memory is not enough to State drives. Newspaper memory. much will that cost? Should run the internet with sever- people create lots of files and Many models offer no you install a new hard al programs and documents have many years of photos on upgrade for RAM after drive at the same time? open at the same time. their drives. If possible, buy a they’re ordered and will be Often a new hard drive, Can the existing soft- one terabyte hard drive that too slow. updating the system to ware run on a newer oper- has 1TB SSD in the specs. A Windows PCs, Chrome- Windows 10 and adding a ating system? Can it be 512 GB SSD will work but a books and Apple are in a little more RAM memory moved? Are the login and backup drive may be needed mindset of creating hard- will refresh older comput- serial numbers available to offload photos. ware/software obsolescence ers. to be reinstalled? If not, be 4. A graphics card with its own into their business model. What year was the com- ready to upgrade software. dedicated onboard memory is Since you need to buy a puter created? If your com- Could an inexpensive new computer every three years, get the best one you can afford. If you buy cheap, expect LEGAL ADVICE to pay again sooner. is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing OPA Computer Consultant Wilma professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: Newby’s column is brought to you by the Oklahoma Advertising Net- OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S work (OAN). For more information LEGAL SERVICES PLAN on the OAN program, contact Oklahoma Press Service at (405) 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 499-0020. April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | 14 State papers win awards in CNHI nationwide contest For the second consec- Press, received the Editorial Best of CNHI contest for a Transcript, which won the utive year, the Tahlequah Writer of the Year award seven-part series of stories award for Best Breaking Daily Press has been named for Division III, and also showing a lack of prosecu- News in Division II. the 2020 Newspaper of the was a finalist for the Divi- tion of sexual assault cases Clay Horning from The Year for Division III in the sion III Columnist of the in Payne County, home of Transcript was named nationwide Best of CNHI Year. Oklahoma State University. Sports Writer of the Year in contest. The Stillwater News Also receiving hon- Division II. Kim Poindexter, exec- Press won the Division II ors in the Best of CNHI utive editor of the Daily Public Service Award in the contest was The Norman Blind spots are common in the advertising business BY JOHN FOUST it’s good enough for me.” losing orders, because a people who are wedded When we learned how to Or, “My son just finished a competing company was to old media choices – or drive, we heard about blind marketing class, and he’s dramatically cutting prices. old ad campaigns – even if spots. Those are the areas got some good ad ideas.” His CEO called an all-staff those choices are no longer which are not visible in our Or, “My niece says we need meeting and announced producing results. There rear and side view mirrors. to have a bigger presence that their new focus was may be long-standing rela- As a result, we have to on social media.” to beat the competitor at tionships with those media be extra careful when we 2. Do-it-yourself men- their own game. “From that outlets. Or there may be change lanes. tality. A lot of entrepre- point on,” he said, “it was a bias against a particular The term “blind spots” neurs and Mom-and-Pop like Captain Ahab going newspaper or newspapers has become popular in businesses are used to after Moby Dick. But along in general. today’s business environ- doing just about everything the way, we lost our focus Blind spots are real, but ment. It refers to signif- themselves. They don’t like on quality, which had been not necessarily fatal for an icant things that are not to delegate tasks and they our big selling point. It was ad campaign. After all, we acknowledged or given fair resist outside help. They like the CEO became blind have blind spots, too – and consideration by manage- hire and fire, they set office to what we had going for us some of them involve our ment. Outside observers policies, they select inven- all along. It took a while to perspectives on advertising. are often perplexed by the tories, and they keep their regain our balance in the How should you han- fact that certain obvious own books. market.” dle an advertiser with a factors are always ignored. They also maintain tight Some advertisers make blind spot that is blocking Blind spots are common control of their marketing. the same mistake. They the way? A good place to in the advertising business. In their minds, no one spend so much time think- start is to look for com- Let’s take a look at a few could know more about ing about their competitors mon ground and bite your examples: promoting their businesses that they lose sight of what tongue if you are tempted 1. Family. This can be than they do. differentiates them in the to criticize. a big blind spot in fami- 3. Competitor distrac- marketplace. ly-owned businesses. It’s a tions. Someone told me 4. History. We’re all © 2021 by John Foust. All rights reserved. John Foust has conducted training clear sign if you hear some- about his experience in products of our past experi- programs for thousands of newspaper adver- thing like, “My grandfather working for a furniture ences. It should be no sur- tising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get wrote our ad slogan, and if manufacturer. His com- prise when we encounter quick results from in-house training. E-mail for it was good enough for him, pany suddenly started otherwise savvy business information: [email protected]. OPA STAFF DIRECTORY ADMINISTRATION ADVERTISING CREATIVE SERVICES
MARK THOMAS, Executive Vice President LANDON COBB, Sales Director JENNIFER GILLILAND, Creative Services Director April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher [email protected], (405) 499-0033 [email protected], (405) 499-0022 [email protected], (405) 499-0028 JEANNIE FREEMAN, Accounting Manager CINDY SHEA, Advertising Director [email protected], (405) 499-0027 [email protected], (405) 499-0023 COMPUTER ADVICE SCOTT WILKERSON, Front Office/Building Mgr. WILMA NEWBY, Computer Consultant 405) 499-0031 [email protected], (405) 499-0020 DIGITAL CLIPPING [email protected], ( KEITH BURGIN, Clipping Director GENERAL INQUIRIES MEMBER SERVICES [email protected], (405) 499-0024 LISA SUTLIFF, Member Services Director (405) 499-0020 JENNIFER CATES, Digital Clipping Dept. 405) 499-0026 [email protected], ( [email protected] Fax: (405) 499-0048 CHRISTINE FRANK, Membership & Meeting Dir. SAMANTHA SMITH, Clipping / Advertising OkPress.com 405) 499-0040 [email protected], ( [email protected], (405) 499-0035 Toll-free in OK: 1-888-815-2672 15 OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CONTEST WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FEBRUARY WINNERS Column: JOHN SMALL, Johnston County Sentinel Editorial: TOM FINK, Oologah Lake Leader Enter and Win a $100 Check FEBRUARY COLUMN WINNER from Oklahoma JOHN SMALL, Johnston County Sentinel Natural Gas! The February 2021 A parable, to do with what you will... but is it really? Oklahoma Natural Gas A parable, to do with what you will... but is it really? of them begin walking together. Eventually they make their way to the Column and Editorial Contest It happened a long, long time ago now. I usually don’t like to talk local swimming hole; the Lie looks out at the water and comments to was judged by a member of the about it; as a man much wiser than I once pointed out, there is all too the Truth, “Gee, the water sure looks nice today. What do you say we Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. often a lot of pain and suffering whenever we try to dig up the past. go for a swim?” But it was precisely because of such pain and suffering that I reached The Truth, once again suspicious, slips off one shoe and dips her toe 1. Each month, send a tearsheet the epiphany which became the guiding force in my life. in to test the water… and discovers that, yes, it indeed is very nice. or photocopy of your best So in spite of any reservations I may have, it falls upon me to try So the two of them slip out of their clothes and jump into the water for a quick skinny dip, swimming and splashing and generally having column and/or editorial to and set the record straight once and for all. Whether you choose to Oklahoma Natural Gas believe it is up to you, I suppose, but your failure to believe will not themselves a pretty good old time. make it any less true. But suddenly, as the Truth ducks under the surface of the water, the Contest, c/o OPA, 3601 N. So what really happened was this: Lie rushes out onto the shore. Once there he grabs the clothes of Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, the Truth, quickly puts them on instead of his own and runs away, There was this emperor, see, and he was parading down the street OK 73105-5499. Entries also laughing at the Truth for not being more vigilant against the Lie’s buck naked. Nobody else seemed to notice… or, if they did, they were deceit and trickery. may be emailed (full-page choosing for whatever reason not to say anything about it. Which tearsheet) to news@okpress. struck me as incredibly odd. Not to mention incredibly silly. Furious, the Truth makes her way out of the swimming hole and runs everywhere in an effort to find the Lie and to get her clothes back. So I said something about it. com. And the World, seeing the Truth naked, turns its gaze away and Actually I said something about it more than once. Too many times, reacts with contempt and rage. At which point the poor Truth returns 2. Include the author’s name, perhaps, and perhaps a wee bit too aggressively. I made no apologies to the water and to hide its shame. for it then and I make no apologies for it now; it needed to be said, “And ever since that day,” my father concluded, “the Lie travels name of publication, date and since nobody else was apparently willing to do so I took on the around the world, dressed as the Truth, satisfying the needs of society of publication and category mantle of responsibility for myself. because the World seems to harbor no wish at all to meet the naked entered (column or editorial). Almost immediately, however, I found myself questioning the wisdom Truth.” of that decision. Any hope I might have had that society would choose As I thought of that story I stopped and looked up into the night to reward me for speaking the truth was quickly dashed. The people 3. Only ONE editorial and/or sky, telling those stars what I believed and what I hoped for in life. I did not wish to know the truth; they were far happier maintaining their ONE column per writer per ruminated on the way I thought the universe ought to be, listing those careful constructed prejudices and long-held preconceived notions. things I felt were good and proper and expounding on the things that month will be accepted. And so I was cast out. Declared a pariah by a community that valued could be made better if only the rest of the world saw things the way the illusion of comfort and security more than they did the peace of that I did. 4. All entries for the previous mind that comes with reality. But the stars showed no concern for such things. They just hung This saddened me for, oh, all of about five minutes… just long enough month must be at the OPA there in place, fiery balls of hydrogen looking down and silently office by the 15th of the for a Messenger to come down from On High and tap me on the reminding me that I was nothing more than an animated valise of shoulder. water riding on an infinitesimal speck of cosmic dirt spinning through current month. “Let not one wrinkle of apprehension furrow thy noble brow,” she said. an incomprehensibly vast expanse of nothingness. “Sometimes the simplest way to show the world it’s wrong is to let it I half-expected Carl Sagan – or perhaps more appropriately, Rod 5. Winning entries will be have its way.” Serling – to step out of the shadows and launch into a monologue reproduced on the OPA It was difficult to argue with that kind of logic. So I willingly took my about how everything I believed, wanted, dreamed of and hoped website at www.OkPress.com. leave, tossing a swag bag in the back seat of my Volkswagen 411 for was ultimately irrelevant to the universe-at-large. And how my hatchback and humming John Williams’ main theme from Star Wars expectations to the contrary were in some form or fashion the ultimate to myself as I pulled onto Interstate 57 and made my way toward the act of delusional arrogance and narcissism. Entries must distant horizon… And yet, in spite of this evidence laid out before me, I continued to have been previously Three days later I found myself in the middle of the desert and nearly believe otherwise. I refused to be ground beneath the heel of an out of gas, money and any sense of belief that I knew just where I unfeeling, uncaring Universe. I raised my fist and shook it before published in print. was going and why. So I turned off the car engine and walked away, those fiery balls of hydrogen and cried out: “Blast you, sir, I exist! I my path lighted only by the moon and stars hanging there in the night matter!” Contest open to sky. The air was crisp and cold, and in my solitude it seemed as if I And the Universe responded, “Aye, an’ so you say, laddie-buck. But could almost taste the universe. your sayin’ so sure doesn’t instill within me any sense of obligation for all OPA member It reminded me of a corn dog from the state fair. I don’t know why… your well-bein’, now does it?” newspapers. I had walked perhaps a mile or two when, for reasons I can’t explain And it was in that moment that I at last understood and learned to and probably would not matter even if I could, I was reminded of an appreciate just how important this God-given gift of free will can be, if old story from the 19th century that my father had told to me when I utilized properly and to the utmost of our abilities. Of the importance Although Oklahoma Natural Gas was a lad. The story went something like this: – to use the parlance of the science fiction and comic book geeks Company selects representative The Truth and the Lie meet one morning in the center of town. They – of using our powers for good, and not evil. Of our partnership in contest winners’ work for use nod at one another on greeting, and then the Lie says to the Truth, the Human Adventure, working together to improve the world for the in this monthly ad, the views “Isn’t it a marvelous day today?” betterment of all by ending hunger and pollution, fighting disease and The Truth sighs, suspicious as always of the Lie because… well, poverty, and making a positive difference in the lives of our fellow expressed in winning columns and because he was the Lie. But after a moment the Truth gives in and man. editorials are those of the writers cautiously glances up at the sky – and sees that, yes, the morning Don Quixote called it “the impossible dream.” But what is a dream, if and don’t necessarily reflect the truly is beautiful. not a blueprint for action? Company’s opinions.
April 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma April 2021 | So the Truth smiles and shakes his head in agreement, and the two The rest, as they say, is left as an exercise for the reader… 16