The Oklahoma Publisher Official Publication of the Oklahoma Press Association

www.OkPress.com Vol. 91, No. 2 www.Facebook.com/okpress 16 Pages • February 2020

Editorials laud INSIDE Oklahoma news groups announcement of legal support OPEN MEETING/RECORDS: Kremlin audit finds violations; to receive legal support This should help news organiza- City of Tishomingo fails to publish tions in pursuing public records and election notice. Oklahoma is one of five access to public meetings and in PAGE 3 states selected by the Report- defending against legal actions during ers Committee for Freedom of a critical time when the free press faces OSU SCHOLARSHIP the Press to receive pro bono both political and economic pressure. RECIPIENTS GRATEFUL: legal support to assist news We also hope this opportunity will The five students selected to organizations in pursuing pub- encourage tribal – and all Oklahoma- receive the OPA-OSU scholarship lic records and access to pub- based media – to attain the high- est standards of professionalism and express their gratitude. lic meetings and in defending improve coverage of our local com- PAGE 5 against legal actions. munities. The Reporters Committee HALL OF FAME New Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that it had chosen has been talking a lot about Oklahoma INDUCTEES: Ten journalists, Oklahoma, Colorado, Oregon, becoming a Top 10 state. We hope this 10 posthumous and two Lifetime Pennsylvania and Tennessee as legal support will help our state enter Achievement Award winners to the initial sites of its Local Legal the Top 10 in transparency. be inducted into the Oklahoma Initiative, which is being funded Enid News & Eagle Journalism Hall of Fame on primarily through a $10 million April 24. investment by the John S. and Executives from Oklahoma news outlets meet to discuss plans for Anyone who’s been in the news PAGES 10-12 James L. Knight Foundation as the Oklahoma Local Legal Initiative. Attending were Dick Pryor, business for any length of time under- part of its pledge to double its StateImpact Oklahoma; Ben Felder, The Frontier; Nancy Struby, OAB; stands the challenges of gathering DONATE TO ONF to receive commitment to strengthening David Fritze, Oklahoma Watch; Sterling Cosper, NAJA; Bill Hickman, information. It’s not just a matter of this Will Rogers print. Details at local journalism. The program FOI/SPJ; and Mark Thomas, OPA. knowing where to get it, what will be OkPress.com/will-rogers. will expand to other states, important, and how to collect the mate- and additional funding will be radio stations and 29 television do not, the Local Legal Initiative rial efficiently. The biggest problem is sought. stations; the Native American will be a ‘Shot Heard ‘Round officials who stand in the way of getting the truth to the public. The Reporters Committee, Journalists Association, which Oklahoma’ and help Oklahoma That’s why Oklahomans should cel- based in Washington, D.C., will serves Indigenous journalists become one of the most trans- ebrate the fact that our state is one of and promotes more informed parent states in the nation.” hire an attorney in each state five tapped by the Reporters Commit- coverage of tribal communities; NAJA President Tristan to work with participating news tee for Freedom of the Press organizations to bolster their nonprofit investigative news Ahtone said, “We believe the Tahlequah Daily Press efforts to obtain public records, organizations Oklahoma Watch opportunity will encourage both gain access to hearings and and The Frontier; StateImpact mainstream and tribal media to This certainly sends a message to meetings, and defend against Oklahoma, a reporting team attain the highest standards of certain elected officials that it’s time legal threats and lawsuits. sponsored by public radio sta- professionalism and improve to come out from the darkness and Each lawyer will also offer pre- tions; Freedom of Information coverage of Indigenous com- behind closed doors. publication reviews of content, Oklahoma, which promotes munities.” In Oklahoma and nationwide, we which is common in journalism open and transparent govern- The five launch states were must demand public officials pro- for assessing legal exposure, as ment, and the Oklahoma chap- selected from more than 45 vide access to us at meetings, public well as other services. ter of the Society of Profes- submissions that the Report- records on what they are doing with “We are eager to expand sional Journalists. ers Committee received last taxpayers’ money, and that they work our legal services to help more “The Local Legal Initia- year from more than 30 states, on our behalf and not an individual’s. local journalists pursue stories tive is revolutionary because regions and territories nation- If they don’t, then we must chal- lenge them in our justice systems. that inform and strengthen it will help restore the rights wide. Joe Hight, President, of citizens who want access to “The enthusiasm and their communities,” said Bruce Freedom of Information Oklahoma Brown, executive director of records kept by their govern- responses we received from ment, and provide the financial across the country make clear the Reporters Committee. “We Oklahomans may not live, work that there is a significant need are looking forward to work- backing to challenge bureau- and function under the most stringent ing closely with our partners in cracy and violations of Okla- for pro bono legal assistance for open information laws in the United each of these states to support homa’s transparency laws and local journalists nationwide,” States, but what this state has is strong thriving local journalism.” principles,” said Mark Thomas, said Katie Townsend, legal enough to get the job done. News outlets in Oklahoma executive vice president of the director for the Reporters Com- Let’s work together and make prog- involved in the program include Oklahoma Press Association. mittee. “At a time when impor- ress. Thank you, Reporters Committee. Oklahoma Press Association, “It is also right to commend the tant local reporting is routinely Thank you, Knight Foundation. Thank which has 175 newspaper public servants, past and pres- stymied, we stand ready to help you, everyone who has helped or will members statewide; Oklaho- ent, who have tirelessly sup- journalists and news organiza- help. It’s time to get to work… together. ma Association of Broadcast- ported transparency at all levels tions overcome the legal road- Wayne Trotter, ers, which has 152 member of government. For those who blocks they too often face.” Countywide & Sun 2 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 ROOTS ON 66 Fire scare at Lawton Constitution

BY OPA PRESIDENT RAY DYER, Co-Publisher of the El Reno Tribune Newspapers are more than an investment return The headline read “Warren Buffett is giving up on newspapers.” What? The Oracle of Omaha, said to be a lifelong newspaper lover, agreed to sell his newspaper holdings to Lee Enterprises for $140 million. Lee has been managing the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. media group operation owned by Buffett since 2018. Buf- fett said the newspaper business had declined faster than expected. An article about his decision said it was a “rare admission by the billionaire investor that he views the business as unsustainable.” So how are we supposed to take this news? I have no idea. It sounds scary on the A cloud of smoke pours from The Lawton Constitution’s front doors and past firefighters surface. A billionaire who supposedly loves newspapers doesn’t appear to see much during a fire scare. future in them. At least when it comes to return on investment. Photo by Scott Rains, The Lawton Constitution And that’s the saving grace, in my mind, for all of us who choose to remain in the business. The evening staff at The Lawton Con- Constitution Reporter Kim McCon- Billionaires are probably billionaires because they expect to make more money. stitution cleared the building on Jan. 22 nell dialed 911 as employees evacuated Nothing wrong with making money. It’s the American way of life. But newspapers, if when a fire broke out in a heater motor to the staff parking lot. Within minutes, they get in your blood, become more than a return on investment. in the basement. Lawton police cars arrived followed In his youth, Warren threw papers, like many of us, but I don’t believe he worked Reporters in the newsroom were fin- shortly by the fire department. his way up the ladder. I don’t think he ever worked in the darkroom or in the press- ishing stories when they began smelling With the smoke beginning to clear, room. I doubt he ever helped unload a truck filled with newsprint. I don’t believe he burning electrical components. reporters and pressmen returned to the ever covered a city council meeting or wrote a feature about a dog that could climb Checks at different locations through- building to get the newspaper ready to on top of a house. out the building found no flames but print and deliver. I don’t believe Warren ever took notes while looking at the unbelievable anguish smoke began to pour into the newsroom Fire crews cleared the scene by 7:45 exposed on a mother’s face who just lost her child to homicide. I don’t think he ever from the heat/air vents. p.m. took photos of a Little League baseball game. Or questioned a city manager as to why he tried to hire a bond attorney when one was not needed. Or asked a school superintendent why he was spending so much money on association dues. I don’t think Buffett ever spent two hours at the local bowling alley talking with Vietnam OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION veterans about why they bowl every Tuesday. Warren was probably a good paperboy. He seems like a guy committed to details, CALENDAR OF EVENTS so he probably porched many of his papers. I wonder if he ever got chewed out for hitting the metal screen door too hard. Or walked his paper route in the dead of WEBINARS winter with snow covering the ground. Fri., February 21 He probably did that. Walked his route in the snow because didn’t he grow up in Time Management Tips of Media Sales Superstars Nebraska? Ad sales expert Ryan Dohrn will share his top 10 time management tools that will help you There are businesspeople and then there are newspaper people. Warren Buffett boost your personal productivity by 35% in just one week! Free access for OPA members. is a businessperson. www.onlinemediacampus.com/2020/01/timemanagement/ If you’re reading this column, you’re probably a newspaper person. Thu., March 5 So long, Warren. And good luck. People-Powered Journalism: Engagement Best Practices Around Elections and More Bridget Thoreson of media consultancy Hearken will share a model for campaign coverage Make Sales Soar Like Magic that puts the public’s information needs at the heart of election reporting. Free access for OPA Improve your close ratios to 70% or more with the New MiAD members. www.onlinemediacampus.com/2020/01/engagementbestpractices/ Wizard! CONVENTION

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Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, visit the OPA website at www.OkPress.com [email protected] or contact Membership & Meetings Director Christine Frank at www.metrocreativeconnection.com ® 800.223.1600 (405) 499-0040, 1-888-815-2672 or email [email protected]. miadwizard.com The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 3

Kremlin audit fi nds violations of The Oklahoma Open Meeting and Records Acts Publisher A state audit requested by residents ing agendas were properly and timely state auditor’s office began its fieldwork of Kremlin found that the Kremlin Town posted, or if board members discussed on April 15, 2019. ISSN 1526-811X Board violated the Open Meeting and town business outside of a meeting. The audit also found that records Official Publication of the Open Records Acts. According to the audit, the town vio- were destroyed or removed from town Oklahoma Press Association Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector lated the Open Records Act by allowing hall and that adequate records did not Cindy Byrd’s office examined the town’s former clerk-treasurer Donna Rainey exist to properly account for all transac- PUBLISHER records from July 1, 2016, through Dec. to conduct official town business and tions of the town. 31, 2018, for possible violations of the maintain town records at her private The audit also reviewed and provided Mark Thomas state’s laws. residence, which limited the public’s an accounting of current revenues and [email protected] The audit found that the clerk-trea- access to official records. expenditures including the reconcilia- surer did not record the actions of the After citizens petitioned for a tion of accounts, and reviewed possible EDITOR board regarding a proposed executive state audit, the board voted to have diversion of public funds, dual-office Jennifer Gilliland session as required by statute and that Rainey return all documents to town holding and outstanding water bill bal- [email protected] the town hired an employee as part of hall. Although Rainey was instructed to ances of town officials and personnel. new business in violation of the meeting return records in February 2019, docu- The complete audit is available on the OPA OFFICERS act. ments were still not available when the Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector’s The audit could not determine if meet- website at www.sai.ok.gov. Ray Dyer, President El Reno Tribune Mike Strain, Vice President Tulsa World Tishomingo election to be rescheduled Jeff Shultz, Treasurer Garvin County News Star due to city’s failure to publish legal notice Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President The Tishomingo City Council voted paper made the discovery after its Feb. 6 tion could still be held on the original to reschedule its municipal election issue went to press. Questions raised at date if a new resolution was quickly OPA DIRECTORS during a special meeting on Feb. 10 the council’s Feb. 3 meeting prompted passed. after it was discovered that the election the newspaper to research whether the At a special meeting on Feb. 10, Phil- Brian Blansett, Past President resolution set in December was never resolution had appeared in the paper. lips told the council that the law requires Tri-County Herald published in the local newspaper as Passage of the original resolution, the resolution to be published at least 60 John Denny Montgomery, required by law. and the original dates for both the fil- days before the election date. Since the The Purcell Register Dustin Rowe, who was then city ing period and the election, appeared 60-day window had expired, new filing attorney, directed that resolution to be in an article published in the Dec. 19 and election dates were necessary. Mark Millsap, delivered to the newspaper for publica- edition of the Sentinel and again in an Once the new filing and election The Norman Transcript tion. However, delivery of the notice article published in the Sentinel’s Feb. dates are set, a new resolution will be Zonelle Rainbolt, was never made. 6 edition. drafted and presented to the council for Candidates who filed from Feb. 3-5 Recently hired City Attorney approval, expected to take place at the The Cordell Beacon also will have to refile if they want to be Krystina Phillips and Johnston County council’s next regular meeting, which is Don Mecoy, included on the ballot. Election Board Secretary B.J. Wheaton set for Feb. 18. The Oklahoman The Johnston County Sentinel news- were asked whether the municipal elec- Shauna Belyeu, The Eufaula Indian Journal Sheila Gay, Woodward News

You’ve Got Questions! 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 • Can I photograph minors without consent? (405) 499-0020 • Can police deny access to records by issuing a press release?? Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 • Should I alter my archives when a person demands it? www.OkPress.com • Can I report inaccurate testimony given in open court? [email protected] www.Facebook.com/OKPress • What are the laws about liquor advertising? SUBSCRIBE TO These are questions answered by the attorneys for the OPA Legal Services Plan THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER members in recent months. Newspapers always need timely legal advice on issuesues $12 PER YEAR related to newspaper publishing. THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406- 920) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Oklahoma Press Association, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, You should join OPA’S LEGAL SERVICES PLAN! OK. See www.OkPress.com/LSP or contact Markk Thomas POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. at (405) 499-0033 or toll-free in Oklahoma 1-888-815-2672815-2672 todaytoday!! Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. 4 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 Cookson Hills Publishers launches new promotional product business Cookson Hills Publishers, Inc. recent- ly launched a new promotional product sales business using the trade name Cookson Hills Marketing. The company owns seven newspapers – Eastern Times-Register, The Eufaula a fundraiser, special promotion or a mar- Indian Journal, Henryetta Free-Lance, keting staple, like pens and notepads, we McIntosh County Democrat, Okmulgee can help reach customers.” Times, Sequoyah County Times and Some of the products are available to Vian Tenkiller News. view online at chm.cookson.news. “We are very excited to offer thou- “We are committed to great commu- sands of promotional products – every- nity journalism and believe our reputa- thing from pens and stainless steel tum- tion of helping our advertisers reach blers to thumb drives and popup tents,” their customers will extend to providing said Jeff Mayo, publisher of the news- great service in finding the right promo- papers. tional products,” Mayo said. “This addition to the newspaper’s Cookson Hills Publishers, Inc. is a print and digital ad sales offers custom- family-owned company that has been ers a one-stop shop for all their market- publishing newspapers for three genera- ing needs,” Mayo said. “Whether it’s for tions. Arrest warrant issued for theft of newspaper racks in Sequoyah County An arrest warrant was issued for and had been monitoring racks to pre- Scottie Ray Scott of Sallisaw in connec- vent further thefts. tion with a series of thefts of newspaper Sallisaw Police Department Investi- racks in Sequoyah County. gator Herb Hutchinson and Detective The racks included four from the Coty Biles recognized Scott’s vehicle Sequoyah County Times, one from the after reviewing video from one of the Vian Tenkiller News and four belonging locations where a newspaper rack was to the Southwest Times Record. stolen. The thefts began around Jan. 7. Police Hutchinson went to Scott’s resident located two Southwest Times Record where he found six newspaper machines racks and one Sequoyah County Times in the garage with the iron cut and locks rack on a road south of Sallisaw. missing. Jeff Mayo, publisher of the Sequoyah The newspaper racks were removed County Times and Vian Tenkiller News, from the residence and returned to the said he is working closely with police owners. National Newspaper Association calls for respect for reporters National Newspaper Association event as routine as the county budget President Matthew Adelman, publish- meeting that the reporter was covering. er of the Douglas (Wyoming) Budget, “We are seeing a rise in attacks,” issued a call for civility and respect for Adelman said. “National news may focus journalists as they do their jobs. His upon atrocities committed on journalists call follows the release of a news report in other countries and let us think that about a reporter in Chattooga County our tradition of free press protects com- (Georgia) who was attacked while cov- munity journalists. But the Committee ering a local meeting. to Protect Journalists says that 1,373 The Summerville (Georgia) News journalists have been killed worldwide reported that the attacker, Abby Win- since 1992. ters, later said she tripped and acciden- “We must be concerned when our tally poured a dark soft drink over the domestic tensions wind up focusing on reporter’s head. But the Summerville reporters who are simply doing their police report quoted witnesses hearing jobs. NNA is calling upon journalists to Winters say, “she deserved it.” maintain their professional detachment Adelman said the incident was a as they stick to the facts and leave their sobering reminder that journalists at all opinions to the editorial pages, and upon levels of news coverage can draw violent public servants to remember that it is responses to their stories – even at an our job to cover their work.” The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 5 OSU students express gratitude for OPA-OSU journalism scholarships

ive students at Oklahoma State University were selected to F receive scholarships from the OPA-OSU Print Journalism Endowment Fund for 2019- 2020. The scholar- ships are made by possible by a trust that was created by the Oklahoma Press Association in 1984 to support print journal- ism associated with Oklahoma State University’s School of Media and Strategic Communications. Joseph Fazio, Sophomore Hallie Hart, Junior Wade Haugen, Junior Adam Luther, Senior Eleanor Melero, Sophomore “We are Bridgeport, Mass. Chandler, Okla. Weatherford, Okla. Lincoln, Rhode Island Leavenworth, Kan. pleased to share the scholar pro- files from your 2019-2020 scholarship recipients for OPA-OSU Endowment “I would like to personally thank Okla. Haugen said sports has always goals not only in school, but in the pro- Fund,” said Kathryn Rodman, constitu- you for the scholarship,” he said. “This been his passion, and he hopes to con- fessional world as well.” ent relations associate at the College scholarship is a letter of recognition of tinue that passion into his career. of Arts and Sciences, Oklahoma State my hard work at the O’Colly and as an Haugen said the scholarship he ELEANOR MELERO is a sophomore from University Foundation. SMSC student.” received is “everything that embodies Leavenworth,Kan., majoring in multime- “Your generosity is making a posi- what makes OSU great.” dia journalism. She started writing for tive difference in the lives of Oklahoma HALLIE HART, a junior from Chandler, “Because of your donation, I have The O’Colly her freshman year, made State students and we sincerely thank Okla., is also majoring in sports media. been able to get through school with- editor and is now city news editor. you,” she said. She chose to study sports media because out taking out student loans,” he said. As an out-of-state student, any money This current recipients are Joseph she wants to inspire people. “Once I graduate, that will be huge. I that can be put toward her tuition helps Fazio, Hallie Hart, Wade Haugen, Adam “Through my storytelling, I want cannot put into words what your dona- greatly, she said. Luther and Eleanor Melero. readers to feel moved and to find com- tion means to me and my family.” “I am so grateful for the donation mon threads between lives of athletes you made that provided my scholar- JOSEPH FAZIO is a sophomore from and their own lives,” Hart said. ADAM LUTHER is a senior from Lincoln, ship,” Melero said. “The money will be Bridgewater, Mass., majoring in sports Expressing her gratitude for the Rhode Island, majoring in sports media. put to good use in helping to pay for my media. Fazio said he has loved sports scholarship, Hart said it will help her He has worked for The O’Colly, OSU’s tuition. all his life but knew he wasn’t that great pursue a degree in sports media news. student publication, for three years and “When you make these types of of an athlete. However, he is great at “Thank you so much for providing credits it with the success he has had. donations, you really are making a dif- writing. the funds for my scholarship,” she said. “Thank you for recognizing my work ference in students’ lives and I am so “I decided to mix my love for sports through your generous scholarship thankful that you were willing to make and my passion for writing and become WADE HAUGEN is also majoring in sports donation,” said Luther. “This scholar- a difference in mine.” a sports journalist,” Fazio said. media. He is a junior from Weatherford, ship will help me continue to reach my 6 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020

Reid sells Cushing Citizen to Meisners Former columnist David Reid, publisher of the Cushing Citizen, announced the sale of Cushing’s receives annual local newspaper company to J.D. Meis- ner and his wife, MaryLee. Will Rogers award Meisner has extensive experience in Ted Streuli, the newspaper business having edited former editor and managed newspapers for decades, and columnis t starting as a cub reporter at The Cibola for The Jour- County Beacon, a community newspa- nal Record, is per in New Mexico, in 1991. He became the recipient of managing editor of the Beacon and the annual Will remained there until 2002. Rogers Human- Meisner and his family moved to itarian Award Oklahoma in 2006 where he served as (WRHA). associate editor at the Tulsa Business The award Journal, editor at the Lincoln County will be presented during the Nation- News in Chandler, and served as manag- al Society of Newspaper Columnists’ ing editor of the Bristow News, before annual conference on June 12 at the coming to the Citizen in January of 2019. downtown Hyatt Regency in Tulsa. This sale writes the end of Reid’s Streuli was editor of The Journal story of nearly 40 years of publishing Record from 2004 to 2018. local newspapers throughout Oklahoma. He is now president and exec- “In ways, Myra and I feel a bit of a bit- utive director of Peaceful Family tersweet emotion leaving the newspaper Solutions, an organization dedicated business. At the same time, we’re real to preventing addiction by providing excited that J.D. joined our company free therapy to children of parents about a year ago as managing editor and with addiction. we anticipate, with optimism, that he Streuli continues to work as a will make positive changes and breathe columnist with weekly pieces in The a breath of new life into the newspaper Edmond Sun. office and the community. It’s a good Streuli founded The Colby Foun- change,” Reid said. dation in 2013 to promote aware- Meisner has decided to keep the ness and break down the stigma of newspaper operations functioning in the J.D. Meisner, new publisher of the Cushing Citizen, shakes hands with former owner mental illness. It is named after his same building at 202 N. Harrison, as his David Reid. Meisner and his wife, MaryLee, purchased the weekly newspaper from Reid son, Colby, who died after a decade- company shares some employees and in February. long struggle with schizophrenia some management functions with Reid’s and paranoia. other company, and now only company, paper business. We are, indeed, thankful it into the Cushing area classrooms, giv- for the memories and the years we’ve ing even more relevant local appeal and “I’m deeply touched by Ted OK Jailbirds, LLC, which has offices on Streuli’s humanitarian work the north side of the North Harrison invested publishing the local newspaper. earning a larger share of the advertising It’s been a good ride,” Reid said. market. We are excited to take over the through the foundation that honors building. his son, Colby, and seeks to prevent “At the time God put this Jailbirds “This is the first newspaper company reins, and at the same time are apprecia- my wife and I have ever owned,” Meis- tive of the Reid family for the love and the cycle of addiction,” said WRHA company in our laps, we had no idea originator Robert (Bob) Haught. that someday it would allow us to make ner said, “We have fun plans for increas- care they’ve invested into the Cushing such a painless exit from the local news- ing the newspaper’s readership, taking market.” BH Media sells newspaper operations to Lee Enterprises BH Media Group Inc., the media ownership should be completely seam- newspapers and they continue to out- group owned by Warren Buffett’s Berk- less. Since Lee began managing the pace the industry in digital market shire Hathaway Inc., has been sold to BH Media properties, there has been a share and revenue,” Buffett said. “We Lee Enterprises. close working relationship between the had zero interest in selling the group The sale includes the Tulsa World two companies. to anyone else for one simple reason. Media Co., as well as the Owasso Lee will acquire the BHMG publi- We believe that Lee is best positioned Reporter, Wagoner County American- cations along with the Buffett-owned to manage through the industry’s chal- Tribune, Sand Springs Leader and Skia- Buffalo News for $140 million in cash. lenges.” took Journal, which BH Media Group Berkshire Hathaway is providing Lee has media operations serving 50 has owned since July 1, 2018. approximately $576 million in long- markets in 20 states. Among its proper- Lee has been managing the 30 daily term financing to Lee at a 9% annual ties is the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The newspapers owned by BH Media. rate. The proceeds from the Berkshire purchase by Lee will more than double Tulsa World Publisher Gloria financing will be used to pay for the the company’s audience size. Fletcher said, “Honestly, the merger of acquisition in addition to refinancing Kevin Mowbray, president and chief these two companies is a match made Lee’s debt. executive officer of Lee, said, “We are in heaven. We have enjoyed our affilia- Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and confident we can achieve even greater tion with Lee over the last 18 months, CEO Warren Buffett said he has known success as one integrated company.” and we look forward to continuing our and admired the Lee organization for Lee Enterprises, based in Davenport, commitment to provide quality local more than 40 years. Iowa, was founded in 1890. journalism.” “They have delivered exceptional Lee Enterprises is the new owner of the Fletcher said the transition to new performance managing BH Media’s Tulsa World Media Co. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 7 Longtime journalist retires after 50 years of reporting Virginia Bradshaw, who has worked The summer of her sophomore year a time but in about 1974, she took at job at the Countywide & Sun for the past she was looking for a job when she met as a reporter at The Norman Transcript. eight years, announced her retirement Jim Bradshaw, who headed the Shaw- In 1977, she returned to the Shawnee effective Feb. 1, 2020. nee News-Star’s Lincoln County bureau. News-Star for the next 26 years of her Bradshaw’s 50-year career includes Although Jim didn’t have a job for her, career. She retired from there in 2002, reporting at eight state newspapers, he did ask her out. By December, they but then spent the next two years cover- serving as a public information officer had set a Jan. 18, 1951, wedding date. ing county news for The Oklahoman. and professor at one university, author- In the early years of their marriage, The Bradshaws took the opportunity ing two books, publishing many stories the couple moved to Lawton when Jim to travel and made two trips to Alaska, as a freelance news writer and being accepted a job at The Lawton Constitu- three to Mexico, one each to both coasts inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism tion. But they soon returned to Shawnee and many other places before Virginia Hall of Fame in 2016. to be near their parents. Although they answered a classified ad for a part-time She was a 17-year-old Chandler High only planned to stay in Shawnee one reporter job at the Countywide & Sun School senior when she wrote a feature year, it’s now been 66 years. in 2012. story about the Lincoln County Fair for Virginia was a stay-at-home mom for a In announcing her retirement from a class assignment that landed her a job few years, but then accepted a part-time the Countywide & Sun, Virginia added at the local newspaper. position as public information officer for a caveat to her plan – “at least for now.” While attending the University of St. Gregory’s College in Shawnee. In “The retire ‘at least for now’ I inserted Oklahoma, she briefly worked at the 1966, she became a journalism instruc- because one never knows what interest- Woodward Daily Press, Alva Review- tor at the college. ing new opportunities may lie ahead,” Courier and Anadarko Daily News Bradshaw spent six years there before she said. “Once I rest up for a while!” between freshman and sophomore going to work for the Shawnee News- years. Star. She returned to St. Gregory’s for David Fritze announces retirement from Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch driven, investigative journalism is essen- Hight created two search committees recently announced board chair Joe Hight tial for our state. I will miss it, but I also comprised of board members. Tulsa that David Fritze will said, “We are extreme- know that we have created momentum businessman Vince LaVoi is chair of the be retiring as executive ly grateful to David for for its growth that is stronger than ever.” executive director search committee. editor later this year. his leadership. He has To further the organization’s contin- There also will be a chair of the execu- “It’s been a great built an award-winning, ued growth, the board has decided to tive editor search. pleasure and a privi- nonprofit news organi- re-structure Oklahoma Watch and is Oklahoma Watch has engaged The lege to lead this zation that is known for seeking both an executive director and Mettise Group to lead the search for organization,” said its balanced, fair and an executive editor to fill Fritze’s shoes. both positions. Applications will be Fritze, who retires after accurate investigative Hight said, “We are seeking leaders accepted through the end of Febru- more than four decades journalism.” who can be part of the fast-changing and ary. Inquiries about the position can in the news business and “I want to thank all experimental landscape that nonprofit be directed to Danielle Ezell at (405) more than seven years of the people on our journalism offers. We want Oklahoma 206-6417 or [email protected]. at Oklahoma Watch. team,” said Fritze. Watch to be known for its high-quality Instructions on how to apply can be Fritze has served as “You should be content and its innovation and collabora- found at the Jobs at Oklahoma Watch executive editor of Okla- proud of what you’ve tion. We want it to be an organization page or at oklahomawatch.org. homa Watch since 2012. accomplished. Oklaho- that Oklahomans and those who live Previously, he was a senior editor with ma Watch has made a difference for the outside this state are talking about con- The Arizona Republic for two decades. better, convincingly showing that fact- sistently.”

Ada News photographer receives art award McAlester News-Capital The Ada Arts Council recently rec- “I love the arts and have always made names new sports editor ognized Richard R. Barron, longtime an effort to curate an artistic aspect to photographer for The Ada News, as the my photography for The Ada News,” Derek Hatridge has been named recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Adan said Barron. as sports editor for the McAlester in the Arts award. “Creating images of our community News-Capital. The award was presented Jan. 26 at is a dream job. Photography can be one Hatridge is a 2010 graduate of Wintersmith Lodge in Ada. of a newspaper’s most important narra- Kiowa High School. He has years of The Ada Arts Council has presented tives.” experience covering sports in radio the award for more than 40 years. The In addition to his work at the news- and print. award honors an individual who has sup- paper, Barron enjoys fine art and travel He attended Oklahoma State ported the arts and has accomplished photography, creative writing and teach- University where he worked for achievements in the Ada community ing photography at the Pontotoc Tech- The O’Colly, the college newspaper, that are recognized as outstanding. nology Center, where he’s taught cours- covering sports. Barron had no idea he had won the es in basic and advanced photography Hatridge then transferred to award, said Carl Lewis, editor of The since 2007. Eastern Oklahoma State College, Ada News. He has been employed at The Ada where he graduated with a degree in mass communication in 2015. Photojournalist Richard R. Barron is Barron thought he’d been sent to News since Oct. 24, 1988. He and his cover the arts event. When his name wife, Abby, who is also an accomplished While at Eastern, he worked for surprised to learn he is the winner of the the college radio station and later Ada Arts Council award. was announced, he was preparing to photographer, live in Byng. shoot photos of the winner. transitioned it to a full-time position. Photo by Wes Edens, The Ada News 8 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 PHOTO CONTEST

Vinita firefighters Christian Mendoza (left) and Lt. Todd Hess unroll a burning hay bale during a grass fire at a residence located on S. 4410 Road. Nine hay bales were destroyed. Photo by DENTON THOMASON, Vinita Daily Journal, Dec. 12, 2019

DECEMBER 2019 DAILY WINNER: DENTON THOMASON Vinita Daily Journal

DECEMBER 2019 WEEKLY WINNER: JASON TURNER Choctaw Times

The December 2019 contest was judged by a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

View all winning photos at OkPress.com/OGE-Photo-Contest ENTER AND WIN A $100 CHECK FROM OGE ENERGY CORP. After putting in a dunk on Kingston, Choctaw’s Terrill Davis looks towards his landing. CHS beat Kingston, 91-52. For more information about the photo contest, visit www.okpress.com. Photo by JASON TURNER, Choctaw Times, Dec. 18, 2019

SILVER CUSTOMERS. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES. Hear Margaret’s story and learn about OG&E’s Silver Energy Program at OGETogether.com. ©2019 OGE Energy Corp. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 9 Fundraiser planned for State Capital Publishing building

Windows of the Past, Views to the Future is the theme of a fundraiser for the State Capital Publishing Company Building in Guthrie. Guthrie Tomorrow Coalition, Inc., which acquired the building in 2018, plans to focus on a different need of the building each year. As the name of the event indicates, this year the focus will be on windows. The fundraiser will be held at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City on April 21. After cocktails and din- ner, a short program will be presented by Dr. Bob Blackburn from the Oklaho- ma Historical Society and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “We’re very excited we have this opportunity,” said Board Chair Cynthia Rolfe. “The Oklahoma Historical Society is cosponsoring this event.” Newspaper publisher Frank Greer built the State Capital Publishing Com- pany Building, designed by architect Joseph Foucart, in 1902. The Oklahoma Historical Society acquired the building in 1975 and in 1980 it was opened as the State Capital Publishing Museum. The state of Oklahoma was going to sell the building in 2015 when Lloyd Lentz III and Lynn Bilodeau formed the nonprofit group Guthrie Tomorrow Coalition, Inc. and acquired the building. “We have to raise a lot of funds to do the building justice,” said Bilodeau. “The building sat empty for a lot of years. We don’t just want to restore it for now, we want to restore it so it will be here for the A fundraiser will be held April 21 at the Oklahoma History Center to raise funds for the State Capital Publishing building in Guthrie. next 100 years.” Rolfe said, “We’re excited to bring seum in Washington, D.C., to consider Newseum to consider Guthrie,” Pin- get one of the traveling exhibits to come this museum back to life. We want the either moving to the State Capital Pub- nell said. “We’ve made contact with the to the building on the first or second museum to be a showpiece for Okla- lishing building or bringing a traveling Newseum and that has led to a second floor. homa.” exhibit in the near future. phone call.” “That’s going to be the initial ask,” Lt. Gov. Pinnell has expressed inter- “It just makes a lot of sense for the Pinnell said the first step in 2020 is to he said. est in getting the recently closed New- Tahlequah Daily Press receives top honors Save the Date The Tahlequah Daily Press was I, and the News and Tribune in Jeffer- They use social media to solicit reader June 19-20 named Newspaper of the Year in Divi- sonville, Indiana, in Division II. participation, promote stories, solicit sion III of its parent company’s annual For the third year in a row, the comments and so much more.” OPA CONVENTION Best of CNHI competition, and took Tahlequah Daily Press won Best Use Kim Poindexter, Tahlequah Daily two other top honors. of Social media in its division. The Press executive editor, was named Judges commended the paper for Daily Press melds all its platforms Columnist of the Year in Division III its local flavor: “Impressively local with interactivity, using Facebook dis- for her personal column that appears SHERATON throughout – day in, day out. Spot cussions to boost print and website in the weekend edition. Poindexter Oklahoma City news and enterprise. Strong opinion stories, and incorporating play-by-play was also named runner-up as Editorial Downtown page, good local columnists. Diversity of sporting events on Twitter, among Writer of the Year, and Daily Press Edi- Hotel in news coverage, with focus on Chero- other things. tor Grant Crawford was runner-up in kee Nation, which is headquartered The judges wrote: “This small paper the Photographer of the Year category in Tahlequah. .... Solid audience inter- continues to do an amazing job with in Division III. action on social media and laudable social media. They have nearly 27,400 Also placing in the Best of CNHI efforts to keep the paper’s website followers – more than any newspaper competition was Kyle Phillips from fresh with local news.” in the state of Oklahoma except the The Norman Transcript. Phillips was The other CNHI Newspaper of the metros in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. named Photographer of the Year in Year winners were The Daily Item, The paper’s Twitter feed has some Division II. Sunbury (Pennsylvania), in Division 3,130 followers, but is rapidly growing. 10 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 Induction gala, book, documentary to highlight Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame’s 50th anniversary

Ten journalists, two Life- ists,” a hard-cover coffee time Achievement Award table book written with winners, and 10 posthumous essays, stories, vignettes inductees will be honored dur- and photos, will be available ing the special 50th anniver- to order beforehand for $35 sary gala and banquet of the plus shipping, Hight said. Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Invitations to the gala will Fame. go out by the end of Febru- The gala will be at 6 p.m. ary, and reservations at $50 Friday, April 24, at the Okla- each must be made by April homa History Center. 3. Because of the larger than “The 50th anniversary usual crowd expected, late gives us an opportunity to Tony Stizza, photojournalist for more will be awarded to Dr. Bob Blackburn, reservations may not be able celebrate the many historic accomplish- than 25 years at KTVY and KFOR; Scott executive director of the Oklahoma His- to be honored, Hight said. The public ments of journalists who have made an Thompson, longtime news anchor at torical Society, for his state leadership is invited; anyone wanting an invitation impact in Oklahoma and nationwide,” KOTV/Tulsa; and Yvette Walker, assis- and influence as an author; and to Rob- should send their mailing address to said Joe Hight, director and Edith Kin- tant dean for student affairs at OU’s ert (Bob) K. Goodwin of The Oklahoma [email protected]. ney Gaylord Endowed Chair of Journal- Gaylord College. Eagle for his community leadership, “Now more than ever, we need to ism Ethics at the University of Central Posthumous recipients are B.A. and national service in civil rights. honor and appreciate the contributions Oklahoma. Bridgewater, sports editor at the Tulsa “All of these journalists, including of journalists and the important role “To help celebrate the 50th anniver- World for 37 years; Tim Chavez, busi- the two Lifetime Achievement honor- they play in our country. Journalists sary of the hall, the selection committee ness writer, TV columnist, and syn- ees, have contributed to the rich jour- have been and will be on the frontline decided to not only have a regular class dicated political columnist; Charles nalistic heritage in this state and nation. of protecting our First Amendment free- of 10 inductees but to honor 10 post- Cagle, publisher, general manager and They range from important community doms,” said Hight. humously for only the second time in advertising representative for Neighbor leaders to journalism pioneers and inno- Hight said a 10-member selection the hall’s history,” Hight said. Newspapers in suburban Tulsa; John vators to a war hero. I’m proud of this committee, mostly Hall of Fame mem- The Hall of Fame inductees are A. Ferguson, Jr., sports writer for the year’s selections,” he said. bers, selected this year’s honorees. Clytie Bunyan, director of Business & Tulsa World for almost 50 years; Don The anniversary gala will feature The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Lifestyles at The Oklahoman; Al Esch- Gammill, The Oklahoman editor and keynote speaker Bob Dotson, a Hall Fame was founded in 1971 by former bach, longtime reporter, sports director columnist; Helen Holmes, reporter, of Fame NBC journalist and New York UCO Journalism Chairman Dr. Ray and talk radio host on WWLS; Rusty teacher and former Guthrie mayor; Times best-selling author; an appear- Tassin. He was followed by Dennie Hall Ferguson, publisher of The Cleveland William E. Lehmann, Guthrie Daily ance by Will Rogers; and welcome from as director. Hight is the fourth director American, The Hominy News-Progress, Leader publisher and community lead- UCO President Patti Neuhold-Raviku- and succeeded Dr. Terry Clark, who and owner of the Pawnee Chief; Lori er; Marjorie Paxson, longtime reporter mar. Masters of ceremonies will be retired three years ago and now serves Fullbright, longtime reporter for and editor for multiple publications; Mark Thomas, executive director of the as a consultant. This year’s inductees KOTV/Tulsa News on 6; Rochelle Andrew J. Smitherman, African Ameri- Oklahoma Press Association, and Vance total 468 members and six Lifetime Hines, 22-year reporter for The Associ- can press pioneer and owner of the Harrison, president of the Oklahoma Achievement honorees, all of whom are ated Press; Michael McNutt, reporter Tulsa Star; and William Russell Moore, Association of Broadcasters. featured on the Hall of Fame website, and editor for more than 30 years at war correspondent who gave his life In honor of the event, each member okjournalismhalloffame.com. Past The Oklahoman; Michael Sims, execu- helping wounded American soldiers in of the Hall of Fame will receive a com- honoree plaques are on display at the tive director at ABC News and general Korea. memorative 50th anniversary gift. Hall of Fame. manager of the Network News Service; Two Lifetime Achievement Awards Also, “Oklahoma’s Greatest Journal- 2020 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES DR. BOB BLACKBURN many friendship with journalists. Journalism also is international nonprofit, (1951- ). His passion for part of his heritage. His mother, Ida B. Blackburn, non-partisan organiza- history and government known as “Ida B.,” was inducted into the Oklahoma tion dedicated to solving comes alive through Journalism Hall of Fame in 2001. serious social problems his own life’s work. As through encouraging executive director of ROBERT (BOB) K. GOODWIN (1948- ). The Goodwin voluntary service. In the Oklahoma Histori- family has a long history of service in journalism, his 15 years there, 12 as cal Society since 1999, community leadership and civil rights. As the fourth CEO, he was instrumen- he helped to plan and of his family to receive recognition from the Okla- tal in several successful build the Oklahoma His- homa Journalism Hall of Fame, Robert (Bob) Kerr initiatives, including the tory Center museum, Goodwin continues that legacy. Goodwin stopped President’s Summit for now home to more than short of earning a doctorate to take over his family’s America’s Future. Good- newspaper, The Oklahoma Eagle, where he became win has received numer- 50 educational topics Dr. Bob Blackburn Robert (Bob) K. Goodwin and 2,000 artifacts. His an award-winning columnist and helped the newspa- ous awards for his work, involvement with the OHS began in 1980, serving per staff receive state and national awards. President including four honorary doctorate degrees. He was as editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma. He has co- George H.W. Bush later named Goodwin the execu- named one of the 50 most influential leaders in the written nearly 20 books as well as numerous articles, tive director of the White House Initiative on Histori- nonprofit sector by The NonProfit Times nine years journal entries and screen plays. He is known for his cally Black Colleges and Universities, a role Goodwin in a row. historical knowledge of Oklahoma journalism and his filled for two years. He later joined Points of Light, an The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 11 OKLAHOMA JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME 50TH ANNIVERSARY CLASS

Clytie Bunyan Al Eschbach Rusty Ferguson Lori Fullbright Rochelle Hines

Michael McNutt Michael Sims Tony Stizza Scott Thompson Yvette Walker

CLYTIE BUNYAN (1961- ) has seen the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame fol- named to the Washington Post’s list of member of the Oklahoma Association of business scene change drastically in her lowing his grandfather Jo. O, his uncle best state-based political reporters in Broadcasters Hall of Fame. 30-plus years in Oklahoma. She started D. Jo and his father, Larry. 2013. And he knows all about rural Okla- as an entry-level reporter and is now homa, venturing to places few residents SCOTT THOMPSON (1961- ), longtime coordinator of the internship program LORI FULLBRIGHT (1966- ) knew at have heard of. McNutt worked for Gov. main news anchor at KOTV in Tulsa, is and staff development at The Oklaho- age 12 she would be a TV reporter. The Mary Fallin, first as her press secretary also widely known as the station’s “Okla- man. She was the first woman and the Bolivar, Mo., native followed her dream, and then as communications director. homa Traveler” for the long-running longest-serving business editor, and in starting at Missouri stations before mov- He later became communications direc- series that took him to every continent 2012 was named director of Business & ing to KOTV in Tulsa, where for 27 years tor for the juvenile affairs office. except Antarctica. He began his career Lifestyles. Her responsibilities expanded she has specialized in crime reporting. at his hometown Illinois newspaper and to being editor of the health, common She has dedicated her career to sharing MICHAEL SIMS (1954- ) began his TV worked at KRCG-TV in Jefferson City, education and city hall beats. victim stories with sensitivity and telling broadcasting career at KWTV, eventual- Mo. Moving to Tulsa in 1987, he worked stories that are fact-based and balanced. ly becoming managing editor. Also, early at KJRH-TV before joining KOTV. He AL ESCHBACH (1945- ), considered by Civic work in crime prevention and pro- in his career, he was a street reporter earned six national Edward R. Murrow some as the father of sports talk radio, moting key women’s issues has earned for both the KOMA and WKY radio Awards, eight regional Emmy Awards heard one listener in 1976 who didn’t her many awards. She has reported news stations. Skills gained in Okla- and the national Sigma Delta Chi Bronze think a Jersey City guy would make it as nationally and internationally on Okla- homa took him to the national market, Medallion for Public Service in Televi- a sports announcer in Oklahoma. Four homans, including American military in where he helped the industry transition sion Journalism. decades later, his broadcasts are more Iraq, Bosnia and at sea. to the digital newsroom. He guided CBS popular than ever. He worked for the through the change to digital that now YVETTE WALKER (1961- ), former news Oklahoma Daily at OU, The Norman ROCHELLE HINES (1963- ) covered includes news coverage for every con- director at The Oklahoman, is assistant Transcript and The Oklahoma Journal. major Oklahoma tragedies during her ceivable platform. Later he joined ABC dean for student affairs at OU’s Gaylord He started at KTOK as sports director media career in the 22 years she worked News as executive director and general College. She has served on the Society of in 1976 and has worked for various radio for The Associated Press. Her work manager of the Network News Service, Professional Journalists national board, and TV stations since. Eschbach is in the included covering the Oklahoma City a landmark video cooperative owned and the FOI Oklahoma advisory board and Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame bombing, the 1999 tornado, and the operated by ABC News, CBS News and is a member of the National Association and teaches at OU’s Gaylord College. execution of several inmates at the Okla- FOX News. of Black Journalists. She was the Edith homa State Penitentiary. Her stories at Kinney Gaylord Journalism Ethics Chair RUSTY FERGUSON (1961- ) comes OU’s Oklahoma Daily about two teenag- TONY STIZZA (1957- ) worked more at UCO. She has worked for medium to from a family dedicated to newspapers ers on Oklahoma’s death row earned than 26 years at KTVY, now KFOR in large news media in Indiana, Michigan, and their communities. He is the third- her the Hearst Award. Oklahoma City, filming documentaries Missouri and Texas. generation publisher of The Cleveland such as “Tapestry” and “Strangers in MICHAEL McNUTT (1952- ) has covered American, The Hominy News-Progress Their Own Land.” His dedication has See bios of and The Pawnee Chief. He was presi- all types of stories during his more than earned 16 Emmy Awards, three Nation- dent of the Oklahoma Press Association 30 years at The Oklahoman. Oklahoma’s al Press Photographer’s Association Posthumous Class in 2012 and served as the Cleveland governors and lawmakers as well as Regional Photographer of the Year and on following page Chamber of Commerce president three state agency leaders knew the dedicated numerous other awards. He is now times. He is the fourth member of the reporter who routinely worked 15- to video director for the Oklahoma City Ferguson family to be inducted into the 16-hour days on the capitol beat. He was National Memorial & Museum. He’s a 12 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 OKLAHOMA JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME Mayo appointed to NNA board 50TH ANNIVERSARY POSTHUMOUS CLASS of directors

Jeff Mayo, publisher and president of Cookson Hills Publishers Inc. in Sallisaw, Okla., has been appointed as an at-large member B.A. Bridgewater Tim Chavez Charles Cagle John A. Ferguson, Jr. Don Gammill to the National Newspaper Association Board of Direc- tors. Mayo is a third-generation newspa- per publisher. Five of the last six gen- erations of his family have been in the newspaper business in Oklahoma and Arkansas. His grandparents, the late Wheeler and Florence Mayo, started the Sequoyah County Times in 1932. His father, Jim Mayo, took over the newspaper in the early 1970s. Jeff came Helen Holmes William E. Lehmann Marjorie Paxson Andrew J. Smitherman William Russell Moore (Photo Unavailable) back into the business in 2003 and became publisher in 2016. B.A. BRIDGEWATER (1894-1964) JOHN A. FERGUSON JR. (1925-2000) historic sites in that city. His column Jeff Mayo received a degree in com- may be the only person in the news- had a passion for writing about sports “By the Way” was named the National munity journalism from the University paper industry who, as a managing stars for nearly 50 years. Those stars Newspaper Association’s Best Humor- of Kansas in Lawrence in 1994 and his editor, hired himself to be a sports were young athletes, and internation- ous Column of the Year in 1973. Juris Doctor from the University of editor. “Bridge” held the Tulsa World ally known athletes were part of his Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis position for 37 years and wrote a “Tell- beat. “Fergy” wrote “The Bullpen” MARJORIE PAXSON (1923-2017), in 1997. Prior to passing the Okla- ing the World” column. In 1959, Okla- column for the Tulsa World. He was one of the first female publishers in homa Bar examination, he worked as homa State University bestowed its a leader, bringing young World staff the country, spent 42 years in the a reporter for the Boulder, Colo., Daily only “Oklahoma Sports Writer” award writers along as they started their newspaper industry, serving as a Camera. to the “grand old man” of sports. In careers. writer and holding various editorial Over the past 15 years, Mayo has 1960, according to his obituary, OSU positions for United Press, Associated grown the Sequoyah County Times to discontinued the award because “no DON GAMMILL (1952-2017) had a Press, Houston Post, Houston Chron- seven newspapers in three Oklahoma one could follow Bridge.” varied career that extended beyond icle, Miami Herald, St. Petersburg counties. Cookson Hills Publishers Inc. the four walls of a newspaper office. Times. After retiring as publisher of owns four weekly newspapers — the TIM CHAVEZ (1958-2009) worked for He held the traditional roles as a the Muskogee Phoenix in 1986, she Vian Tenkiller News, Eastern Times The Oklahoman as a business writer sportswriter and other various edito- continued to write columns for the Register, The Eufaula Indian Journal and TV columnist before becoming an rial positions, including editor and paper. She served as national presi- and McIntosh County Democrat — and opinion page editor for the Observer- columnist, during his career at the dent for Women in Communications. three twice–weekly newspapers — the Dispatch in Utica, New York. He then Enid News & Eagle and The Oklaho- ANDREW J. SMITHERMAN (1883- Sequoyah County Times, Okmulgee became a reporter and political colum- man. He taught young journalists and 1961) was an African-American press Times and Henryetta Free-Lance. nist for The Tennessean, syndicated reached out to the community to teach pioneer. He used his newspaper, the He was elected to the Oklahoma by Gannett. He won three national high school students, co-founding the Tulsa Star, to urge the community to Press Association Board of Directors in awards from the Education Writ- Newsroom 101 program at The Okla- arm itself to protect its brethren from 2007 and served as president in 2013. ers Association and the Will Rogers homan. lynching in 1920. Because of the Tulsa Mayo was presented with NNA’s Daniel Humanitarian Award from the Nation- M. Phillips Leadership Award in 2010. Being Race “Riot” in 1921, he fled to the East al Society of Newspaper Columnists. HELEN HOLMES (1915-1997). Mayo and his wife, Beth, have two first was part of Helen Loretta (Freud- Coast where he started the Buffalo children, Madolyn, 16, and Maddox, 14. began enberger) Holmes’ life. She wrote for Star. CHARLES CAGLE (1937-2015) Beth is the business manager for the his career throwing newspapers. He newspapers, taught journalism and WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE (1910- newspapers. then worked in several departments was honored for her historical writing 1950) probably never heard of Korea Mayo joins other at–large directors, at the Harrison (Ark.) Daily Times about Guthrie’s early days, work that as a boy in Nowata, Okla. But, after Jeanie Hankins, publisher of The Wick- and was managing editor at the Clin- was recognized by state leaders after starting at The Oklahoman, he would enburg (Ariz.) Sun; Martha Diaz Asz- ton Daily News. In 1975, he joined her death. The former Guthrie mayor join The Associated Press and distin- kenazy, publisher of the San Fernando Neighbor Newspapers (later CNHI) is a member of the U.S. Army Wom- guish himself as a war correspondent (Calif.) Valley Sun; Reed Anfinson, in suburban Tulsa as general manager en’s Foundation, Oklahoma Historians who gave his life helping wounded publisher of the Swift County Monitor- for 19 newspapers. His 61 years in the and Oklahoma Women’s halls of fame American soldiers. He was one of News, Benson, Minn.; Bradley Thomp- news business included being named 90 correspondents killed during the son, publisher of the Detroit (Mich.) a Half Century Club member by the WILLIAM E. LEHMANN (1928-2016). Korean War. He served in the Army Legal News, representing American Oklahoma Press Association. As publisher of the Guthrie Daily Lead- er, he galvanized support to save the for four years during World War II and Court and Commercial Newspapers; state’s first capital building and other was promoted to the rank of major and Beth Bennett, executive director, before being discharged. Wisconsin Newspaper Association, rep- resenting the Newspaper Association Managers. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 13 DEATHS CHELSEA C. COOK, a former editor at a master’s degree in music education. wrote a column called “And Further- the Henryetta Free-Lance, died Jan. 20, He taught at several Oklahoma schools more.” PLEASE 2020. He was 84. before becoming the band director at He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cook was born Dec. 21, 1936, in Wewoka High School, a job he held from Carol; son Christopher and wife Jeni- Marysville, Calif. He studied music at 1966 to 1979. fer; daughter Cari and husband Ronnie DONATE the University of Oklahoma before grad- During his “retirement,” Cook did Smith; and son Jeremy and wife Jonene; uating from Central State College, now missionary work and became editor of nine grandchildren and six great-grand- to the Oklahoma University of Central Oklahoma, with the Henryetta Free-Lance, where he children. Newspaper Foundation.

VERLDINE ‘GERI’ McCLURE HUSTON, Oscar Rose Junior College and Okla- Shawnee News-Star in the sales depart- who worked in sales at the Shawnee homa City Community College. ment, retiring 10 years later. News-Star, died Feb. 5, 2020. She was After moving to San Pablo, Calif., she Huston is survived by her son, 75. worked for the Richmond Independent Michael Lee; daughter Carrie Huston Huston was born May 31, 1944, in newspaper before moving back to Okla- of the home; stepchildren Kelli Ross Shawnee. She graduated from Seminole homa. and Chase Huston, both of Ripley; three High School in 1962 and then attended Huston also worked for the Oklaho- grandchildren and four step-grandchil- ma Journal and for two radio stations in dren. Shawnees. She then went to work for the

GRACE ANNE LEONHART, a reporter for She was a talented journalist, writing Leonhart volunteered at numerous com- The Lawton Constitution, died Feb. 5, for newspapers in Teas, Arkansas and munity events. 2020. She was 63. Oklahoma, receiving journalistic excel- She is survived by sisters Mary Leon- Leonhart was a member of Lawton lence awards in both Arkansas and Okla- hart of Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Heights United Methodist Church, a homa. Over the years, several of her Betsy Doucette and husband David of graduate of Lawton High and Hardin- articles were featured by AP network Plano, Texas, and stepfather August Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, news. Ziegler of Lawton. and a member of Lawton Lions Club. Known for her kind, generous heart, A donation to the Oklahoma MERCEDES ELIZABETH (BALL) tact by writing letters and were married worked as a legal assistant for a criminal Newspaper Foundation WHEELER, who once worked at The on July 28, 1946. defense lawyer. will support its efforts Daily Oklahoman, died Feb. 6, 2020. She Al was a food chemist and Mercedes She is survived by her five chil- was 95. was a food engineer. She was the food dren, Kat Ryan of Novato, Calif., Elaine to improve the state’s Born in Buaxite, Ark., Wheeler grew editor for The Daily Oklahoman during Hobson of Norman, Susie Eubanks of newspaper industry and up in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. At the 1960s,and was featured on cooking Oklahoma City, Albert Wheeler III of Oauchita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, segments on local TV. Puyallup, Wash., and Janet Galloway of quality of journalism. she met her future husband, Albert Lee She created “Dial-A-Recipe” before Norman; five grandchildren; and three Wheeler Jr. Al was sent overseas during Internet, wrote a cookbook, novels great-grandchildren. ONF’s programs include World War II, but the couple kept in con- and magazine articles. She also edited the Baptist Messenger newsletter and training and education for professional journalists, In Memory of Our Friends & Colleagues scholarship and internship

Marie Frances Walker Bush Major Joseph John Mays Berkley B. Watts William S. Mackelvie programs for journalism Jan. 13, 2019 Jan. 12, 2019 Jan. 13, 2019 Feb. 22, 2019 students, and Newspaper in Charles Dewayne Langford Christine Rodriguez Billy ‘Bill’ Wayne Burgess, Jr. Helen Seubert Education efforts. Jan. 17, 2019 Jan. 8, 2019 Feb. 8, 2019 Feb. 13, 2019 ONF relies on donations and memorial contributions to How to get published in newspaper topic of class fund these programs. The Stillwater Public Library is host- “This is a community effort of people exist on that day,” DeLano said. “And If you would like to make ing its second “How to Get Published in and groups concerned about what will instead of making it easier, information the Local Newspaper” class. happen with a newspaper-free Stillwa- published online has made getting news a donation, please send a Guidelines and tips for writing and ter,” said Stacy DeLano, director of the history even harder. If you go online for check to: submitting articles and letters to the Stillwater Public Library. a piece of news not covered widely, and editor will be given by David Sasser, “Newspapers are essential to our the news was removed from a site or not publisher of the Perkins Journal, and community,” DeLano said. “The News archived, you are out of luck. Michelle Charles, a journalist with the Press and Journal provide information “Because online archiving methods OKLAHOMA Stillwater News Press. about our community that is not carried are so inconsistent and expensive right The class was organized by a group by state and national sources or through now, we are not talking about a few days NEWSPAPER of organizations that believe viable local the internet. The papers help us under- of missing news. We are talking about newspapers are essential to the com- stand what is happening in and to our news gaps of months and maybe years.” munity. community, as well as preserving the DeLano said in the future there might FOUNDATION While staff associated with local history of our town.” be a way to preserve news online but newspapers teach the class, the news- “When we do research and are miss- until then, “a physical newspaper is our 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. papers were not involved in organizing ing a microfilmed newspaper for a spe- best hope for preserving the history of the program. cific date, it is as if the town did not our community.” Oklahoma City, OK 73105 14 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 Merge PDFs without Acrobat; wireless mesh network for the offi ce Nitro PDF Productivity Suite is wireless network. The signal is passed on your internet provider. It cost $189 Computer Notes Windows answer to Acrobat Pro. from one device to another without on Amazon and has three units. from the road This program does all the things a break. Unlike a wireless/repeater Do your research before you buy by Wilma Newby the above programs do – OCR, com- setup there is no need to set up a sepa- one of these systems. You want to [email protected] bine pages, create forms and flatten rate network user name and password search for good security ratings. If it PDFs. The cost is $159 and also has a for the repeater to work. There is can be run from an app on your phone, I’ve been asked lately if there free trial available. only one network name and password it may be easier to hack. We’re used to are any software programs, besides Now you can spend $20 per month for the whole mesh network. That’s our safer wired networking opening Adobe Acrobat, that merge PDFs into for InDesign and for photo editing use convenient if you’re walking around up to powerful WiFi routers. one file. There are several programs Gimp or another program. Choose the office with a mobile phone. Your that do this, without paying $14.99 per one of the PDF programs to jump device will reconnect to the closest NEW CREATIVE CLOUD UPDATE month for the Adobe product. the last hurdle in finding an Acrobat unit without disrupting the service. As we break into our 20th year of Acrobat offers two versions – Acro- replacement. With the mesh it’s just one big net- using Adobe InDesign, we were given bat Pro for $15 per month and Acrobat work signal even though it’s coming a new Creative Cloud update. They Standard for $13. The standard ver- MESH NETWORKS from separate devices. seem to have simplified the program sion lets you combine PDF pages into FOR LARGE SPACES One thing about the mesh network making changes that are counterpro- one document, but does not allow you If you’re having difficulty making is that it’s controlled from a phone app ductive to our work. The one most to downsize them for uploading to the wireless work in an older building as well as a desktop application, which complained about in blogs and by web. with lots of space, there’s good news. may make it a little less secure. newspaper folks is they took away the Let’s look at a comparison of Acro- There’s a new type of device to add It usually takes two to three of zoom tool that was at the top of the bat-type products. to the router/wireless repeater group these devices to set this up, which screen. That tool let you zoom to pre- One of the best is PDFelement. called wireless mesh networking. means you’re going to need more set increments with a mouse. If you’re This programs let you batch create a Basically, instead of having one outlets and surge protectors in place one of the people who used this a lot, PDF from multiple files and file types powerful router, there are several compared to having just a couple with it’s time to learn the keyboard com- and has PDF optimizer for reducing devices around the building to hand the big router and maybe one repeater mands for zoom and complain loudly file sizes for the web. Just like Acro- out the wireless signal. plugged into a wall. to Adobe support folks. bat, PDFelement can OCR a file that One device is the router, or in Make sure what you buy has been scanned. It also extracts some cases it uses your existing includes a router that works pages and creates forms. router to pass the signal along. It’s with your system and not The cost for PDFelement is a one- great for large buildings with lots just one of the repeaters. Command/Ctrl (+) will zoom the time fee of $119 for the perpetual of walls, or two-story buildings. Google makes one of the screen into the place where some- license. They try to sell the pay-by- Let me say from top rated sys- thing is selected. The Command/Ctrl (-) the-month plan so look for the popup the outset that these tems. The router will zoom you out. Command/Ctrl (0) will button to get to perpetual license pric- devices are overkill in costs $99; the bring the page to fit in screen. Actual ing. There’s even a free trial. The free smaller shops. Don’t full set of three size is Command/Ctrl (1). We have come version doesn’t perform some of the be overpowered by – the router plus to expect more from each release of fancier features but they are included a sales person who two repeaters – the Creative Suite, but with 2020 there in the full version. Works on Windows wants you to buy a is $239.99. The seems to be less. Being able to spell- computers Vista through Windows 10 system that’s twice the router covers check in reverse was not high on my or Mac OSX 10.12 Sierra or later. price of a good, strong 1,500 square feet. The repeaters list of new things to do in this program Next up is PdfpenPro for Mac. router. If you have known dead spots broaden that to 4,500 square feet. Each but you may find the new column This program has a few less features in your building, try a wireless repeat- device has two Gigabit ethernet ports rules feature handy. but it has what counts for newspapers. er before investing in these systems. to make the wired network work. It Column Rules was added to the It will OCR a scanned PDF to turn In many cases they cost $75 to $100 supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, up Text Frame Options under the Objects it into an editable text file, can com- per unit and some buildings need to 5 GHz with simultaneous dual band menu. Or use Command/Ctrl (B) It has its bine and extract pages, and is able to three to four of them. A $200 router broadcasting. own menu on the left. Length, width, export to a flattened PDF, Microsoft that covers a 1500 square foot building To get comparable specs of the type and color can all be set up, as well Word, JPEG and TIFF files. It even will serve a smaller office just as well. Google set look at the TP-Link Deco as objects styles. builds forms and edits them. It has a Mesh networking started as radio Powerline Hybrid mesh WiFi sys- free download trial. If you like it, the receivers that carried the internet tem. It works better that the lower LIBRE OFFICE SAVE FUNCTION cost is $125.95 and it will work on an over large areas so a whole town, even end TP-Link systems and supports LibreOffice has better ways to save iPad or iPhone. If your system is older a city, could be covered with WiFi. IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. It works a file than OpenOffice. Libre now lets than Mac OSX 10.12, there are older They were placed on towers and even with Alexa and covers up to 6,000 you save as Word 2007-2019 in the versions of the program available to stop lights around town to provide square feet. If you need coverage in preferences under general. It might download. internet to everyone. a detached garage or shed, this one be worth switching to just for that one An office can now have a similar goes through thick brick walls. The setting. Both programs are free but cost is $200 for three units. LibreOffice now seems to have out- It’s important to note that with paced OpenOffice. either system an ethernet switch may LEGAL ADVICE be needed for devices that are not wireless – like printers and older com- is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing puters. professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: If you want to up the game a little, there is a Meshforce WiFi system with OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S M3 Suite. This is a true gigabit dual OPA Computer Consultant Wilma Newby’s col- umn is brought to by the Oklahoma Advertising band wireless mesh router and claims LEGAL SERVICES PLAN Network (OAN). For more information on the to be three times faster than a wireless OAN program, contact Oklahoma Press Service 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 AC router. Of course that will depend at (405) 499-0020. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 15

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION WORTH MENTIONING STAFF DIRECTORY Cordell Beacon photo contest Gary Reid celebrates ADMINISTRATION 40 years at Kingfi sher MARK THOMAS helps promote the community Executive Vice President [email protected] • (405) 499-0033 The Cordell Beacon recently started Times & Free Press the Favorite Views of Cordell contest. JEANNIE FREEMAN The contest helps promote the beauty Gary Reid Accounting Manager recently cel- of the community, said Bob Henline, edi- [email protected] • (405) 499-0027 tor of The Beacon. ebrated two Cordell and area residents are encour- important mile- SCOTT WILKERSON stones. aged to submit photos of their favorite Front Office/Building Mgr. views of the area they most admire. This Janu- [email protected] • (405) 499-0020 “The contest started slowly, but we’re ary marked 62 years since he starting to gain a bit of momentum,” MEMBER SERVICES said Henline. “We received three or graduated from four entries this week, and have already Oklahoma State LISA SUTLIFF University and received a few for next week.” Member Services Director began his career as a journalist. Henline said he is not limiting the [email protected] • (405) 499-0026 entries to the week in which they’re The second milestone occurred 40 submitted. years ago when he arrived in King- CHRISTINE FRANK fisher as the new publisher of the King- “Every week I review all of the photos Membership & Meetings Director fisher Times & Free Press. I’ve received that haven’t already won,” [email protected] • (405) 499-0040 he said. “The plan is to keep the contest Christine Reid, Gary’s wife and edi- running through the end of February. tor of the Times & Free Press, invited DIGITAL CLIPPING From there, it all depends on the level residents to stop by the office for coffee KEITH BURGIN of participation and engagement,” said and cookies and visit with the Okla- Henline. homa Journalism Hall of Fame member Clipping Director and former Citizen of the Year. “When this has run its course, I’d like [email protected] • (405) 499-0024 One of the winners of the Favorite Views to do a big spread with the overall win- Office Manager Brenda Slater baked of Cordell contest was this photo of the ner highlighted and the other weekly batches of three kinds of cookies for JENNIFER BEATLEY-CATES the event. Gary Reid said Slater was his courthouse and clock with a horned owl winners and maybe a few ‘honorable Digital Clipping Dept. peeking out from under the clock. The first hire after buying the newspaper mentions’ on the page,” Henline said. “I [email protected] • (405) 499-0045 photo by Alfred Miller of Cordel was think it will be a good promotional bit and taking over its operation on Dec. 1, captured before recent renovations. to bring in some advertisers and help 1979. SAMANTHA SMITH celebrate the community.” Before arriving in Kingfisher, Reid worked for the Pauls Valley Daily Dem- Newspaper Image Consultant / ocrat, was editor of the Wewoka Daily Advertising Assistant News, and owner and publisher of the Jim Mayo honored with Lifetime Achievement Award [email protected] • (405) 499-0035 Hollis News. The Sallisaw Chamber of He still spends at least 40 hours a ADVERTISING Commerce Lifetime Achieve- week at his desk hammering out the ment Award was presented editorial page plus a few news stories LANDON COBB posthumously to Jim Mayo at for each edition. Sales Director the chamber’s annual awards “I thank those who have congratulat- [email protected] • (405) 499-0022 banquet on Feb. 8. ed me for these milestones, but there’s Mayo passed away Oct. 3, really nothing to it,” said Reid. “You just CINDY SHEA 2019. go to work every day and all at once its Advertising Director In reading the presentation been 62 years. It seems like a blink of for the award, Judge A.J. Hen- an eye looking back.” [email protected] • (405) 499-0023 shaw described Mayo as “very progressive, and supported CREATIVE SERVICES funding for anything that bet- JENNIFER GILLILAND tered our community.” Morris News publishes Creative Services Director Henshaw pointed out that the Lifetime Achievement Jeff Mayo, Becky Mayo and Beth Mayo accepted the fi nal issue in January [email protected] • (405) 499-0028 Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award is given by the cham- The Morris News ceased publica- Award on behalf of Jim Mayo, who received the award COMPUTER ADVICE ber of commerce to those rare tion at the end of January, according to posthumously. Jeff Mayo is owner of Cookson Hills individuals who have dedicat- owner and publisher Barry Thompson, WILMA NEWBY Publishers Inc., which publishes seven newspapers. ed their lives to making the who made the announcement on social Computer Consultant community a better place to Photo by Roy Faulkenberry, Sequoyah County Times media. [email protected] • (405) 499-0031 live. Thompson began working at the “We wanted to present this Becky Mayo, Jim’s wife; Jeff Mayo, weekly newspaper in 1986 and eventu- award to Jim last year, but his declining his son, and Beth Mayo, Jeff’s wife, ally became editor, owner and publisher. GENERAL INQUIRIES health wouldn’t permit it, so now, regret- accepted the award on behalf of Jim Thompson did not provide details of fully, we do it posthumously,” Henshaw Mayo. his future plans. (405) 499-0020 said. Fax: (405) 499-0048 Is there something Worth Mentioning happening at your newspaper? Send it to [email protected]. Toll-free in OK: 1-888-815-2672 16 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2020 OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CONTEST WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DECEMBER 2019 WINNERS December Column: JEFF MULLIN, Enid News & Eagle December Editorial: WAYNE TROTTER, Countywide & Sun

DECEMBER 2019 COLUMN WINNER JEFF MULLIN, Enid News & Eagle Enter and Win And Next… a $100 Check The third decade of the 20th century was popularly referred to as “The televisions, trading standing in line for popcorn for lounging on the from Oklahoma Roaring ‘20s.” couch in their jammies. As we near the dawn of the third decade of the 21st Century, one won- The 1920s was the decade of the automobile. By 1929, History.com ders what the 2020s will be called. Perhaps they will be referred to as reports, there was one car on the road for every five Americans. Today Natural Gas! “The Tweeting ‘20s,” given the proliferation of social media, including the figure is closer to one car for every two people, but by the time The December 2019 the bombshells regularly lobbed online by our president. the 2020s end we may no longer be driving our own vehicles, instead Oklahoma Natural Gas The year about to fade into the history books has been a crazy one, relying on computers to chauffeur us around. Column and Editorial Contest beginning with a constitutional crisis in Venezuela and ending with one The 1920s were a time of cultural civil war, due in part to the great was judged by a member of the looming on the banks of the Potomac. migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. The Roaring ‘20s were a period of sweeping social and political The decade also saw a rise in anti-immigrant hysteria sparked by an change. Don’t look for the Tweeting ‘20s to be any different. anti-Communist “Red Scare” in 1919 and 1920. 1. Each month, send a tearsheet or photocopy of your best column and/ Now, as then, the nation is in a period of sustained economic growth. In 1924 the National Origins Act set immigration quotas that excluded or editorial to Oklahoma Natural Gas The consumer- driven economy that was suffering its birth pangs in the people from Eastern Europe and Asia in favor of folks from Northern 1920s has matured into a hulking giant fueled by the ease of online Europe and Great Britain. Contest, c/o OPA, 3601 N. Lincoln shopping. While traditional brick and mortar stores are increasingly The cultural civil war pit city dwellers against country folks, Protestants Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. falling by the wayside, cyber-commerce is going great guns. against Catholics, blacks against whites and so-called “new women” Entries also may be emailed (full-page tearsheet) to [email protected]. Instead of facing Prohibition, which became law in 1919, today’s against advocates of old-fashioned family values. America is lurching ever closer to full legalization of marijuana for both So, in other words, not much has changed. We are still in the midst 2. Include the author’s name, name of medicinal and recreational use. Today 11 states allow recreational use of a cultural civil war, only this one pits liberals against conservatives, publication, date of publication and of marijuana. That number is expected to grow in 2020. pro-life vs. pro-choice groups, those who support vaccinating children category entered (column or editorial). Meanwhile 47 states, including Oklahoma, allow the use of medical vs. anti-vaxxers, environmentalists vs. those who think global warming marijuana. As of November, fully 5 percent of Oklahomans had medi- is some sort of left-wing hoax and those who are anti-immigration vs. 3. Only ONE editorial and/or ONE column cal cannabis cards. those who favor much more open borders. per writer per month will be accepted. And then there are the never-Trumpers vs. the always-Trumpers, Women’s role in society changed dramatically in the 1920s. Flappers 4. All entries for the previous month must which brings us back to the tweeter in chief and his impending bobbed their hair, rolled down their stockings, rouged their knees be at the OPA office by the 15th of the impeachment trial before the Senate, which will doubtless result in an and danced the Charleston, the cake walk and the black bottom, all current month. performed to scandalous new-fangled jazz music. Women also finally acquittal (not because Mr. Trump is innocent but because the proceed- were allowed to vote thanks to the 19th Amendment, which went into ings will be naught but a kangaroo court gaveled into submission by 5. Winning entries will be reproduced on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell). law in 1920. the OPA website at www.OkPress.com. As we approach the Tweeting ‘20s, American women can vote, but Oh, by the way, the Roaring ‘20s also were the conservative Republi- Entries must have been previously still earn salaries that range between 78 and 82 percent of those of can ‘20s, with Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover all average men. Women also are still suffering from sexual harassment elected by GOP landslides. Taxes and spending were cut, business- published in print. Contest open to in the workplace, despite the best efforts of the Me Too Movement. friendly and free-market policies were enacted. all OPA member newspapers. Mass media underwent a sea change in the 1920s with the birth of And, of course, we know how well the decade ended, with the Crash Although Oklahoma Natural Gas Company of 1929 ending the Roaring ‘20s and giving rise to the Dirty ‘30s. Are commercial radio. In addition, History. com reports that three quarters selects representative contest winners’ we doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past? Will the Tweeting ‘20s of the American population went to the movies at least once a week work for use in this monthly ad, the views lead us back to the Dirty ‘30s? Stay tuned. In the meantime, I have in the 1920s. expressed in winning columns and editorials just one question. Today more people are staying away from movie theaters as they are those of the writers and don’t necessarily prefer to stream movies and hundreds of TV shows on their home Brother, can you spare a dime? reflect the Company’s opinions.

Thank you for continued support of “Share The Warmth” Read the Winning Columns & Editorials on the OPA website: www.OkPress.com (Under Contests)