Reid Newspapers Purchase Three Publications in Northeast Oklahoma

Home , The Oklahoman

The Oklahoma Publisher Vol. 92, No. 2 16 Pages • February 2021 www.OkPress.com www.Facebook.com/okpress Reid Newspapers purchase three Stitt signs bill extending virtual publications in northeast Oklahoma meeting provisions ers Phillip Reid and wife, operation. He ran the news- Jeanne Ann, have been paper until 1952, at which Governor Kevin Stitt active in the industry for time Owen Butler became signed Senate Bill 1031 more than 40 years. Reid’s president of the State Bank into law on Feb. 10, rein- family owned the Pauls Val- of Grove. stating temporary mod- ley Daily Democrat, Wewo- Owen’s son, Owen L., ifications to the Open ka Times and the Frederick currently lives in Grove Meeting Act allowing for Leader for many years along with his wife, Claudia. virtual public meetings. before moving to Weath- When asked about his In his first bill signing erford in 1972 to purchase memories of growing up this year, Stitt signed the Weatherford Daily in the newspaper business, Senate Bill 1031 by Sen- News when Phillip Reid was Owen L. Butler said he ate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and JEANNE ANN AND PHILLIP REID twelve. still remembers sweeping Reid and his wife met at the floors and cleaning the House Majority Floor Reid Newspapers, an the University of Oklahoma presses as a young boy. He Leader Jon Echols, Oklahoma-based newspa- where they graduated with said at the end of one day R-Oklahoma City. per publishing company, degrees from the H.H. Her- he told his father, “I want The legislation rein- announced February 1 the bert School of Journalism. my dime and I won’t be states the virtual meeting purchase of the Miami Jeanne Ann Reid is the back!” exemptions that expired News-Record, the Grove granddaughter of Lee Keith Owen L. Butler said he in November. It also Sun, and The Delaware Smith of Jay and Ruth remembers when he was requires public bodies to County Journal from Butler, daughter of O. E. older helping with the provide meeting materi- Gannett Co., Inc. Butler, who purchased the presses if they needed him, als to virtual participants Reid Newspapers is a Grove Sun around 1904 but he was not a newspaper and prevents groups second-generation, fami- according to family history. person like his father. He from meeting in person ly-owned newspaper com- During O. E. Butler’s much preferred to be out- after posting notice of a pany operating seven other years at the paper he helped doors hunting or fishing on virtual meeting. publications. Those include lead the fight for statehood the ranch in Centralia with “We are continuing to the Weatherford Daily in the Cherokee Nation. He friend Kelly Hartley. work with legislators on News, the Perry Daily Jour- also led other Oklahoma The Reid family has pub- improving public access nal, the Bethany Tribune newspapers in the fight lished many newspapers in to all meetings, whether and the Country Connection for the construction of Oklahoma while having had virtual or in person,” said as well as operating the the Grand River Dam and interest in many small town Mark Thomas, executive Vinita Daily Journal, the devoted space in The Sun to publications for years. vice president of the Nowata Star, the Grand- the project for 25 years. Current employees of the Oklahoma Press Associ- laker and the Afton-Fair- He operated the newspa- newspapers were offered ation. “There are more land American with busi- per until his death in 1948 continued employment with videoconferencing bills ness associates John and when Ruth Butler’s brother, the transition. Area resi- moving through the com- Janet Link of Vinita. Owen Butler, took over the See Reid, Page 2 See Virtual Meetings, Page 3 Reid Newspapers own-

Nationwide website Reporters and photog- OPA Computer Worth Mentioning is provides links to 47 public raphers may be treated Consultant Wilma ideas we find in your notice websites operated as salaried employees Newby reminds you newspapers. Get an by state press under new Departement to make two computer idea or share one with associations. of Labor ruling. backups to secure your us. Send your ideas to 3 10 11 data. 12 [email protected]. OSBI investigates From the President Norman Council The Oklahoma State By Mike Strain, Tulsa World Bureau of Investigation OPA President 2020-2021 has agreed to investigate a complaint regarding the Norman City Council’s A couple of months ago, Claremore city councilors and the alleged Open Meeting Act mayor took public comment on a proposed mask-wearing man- violation in June. date to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cleveland County Sheriff In a split vote that came after passionate debate, the council Chris Amason asked the approved the ordinance. A few members of the public shouted angrily from the back of OSBI to investigate after the room. As most filed out, one man – separate from the angry group – came to the a district judge sided with front. the Fraternal Order of He was part of a youth soccer program, and there were games scheduled to begin Police that the council about 12 hours after that Friday night meeting ended. He had questions for city officials violated the Open Meeting about the ordinance, and he needed immediate answers. After a few minutes, the man Act. had his answers and headed out. By the end of the night, I thought: This is how Judge Thomas K. government is meant to function. Baldwin found the I share this story now, because lawmakers have started a new legislative session. A council’s agenda was bill getting immediate attention relates to public meetings and how they should be con- “deceptively worded or ducted during the pandemic. The quick synopsis: The proposal, which may already have materially obscured” passed by the time you read this, would allow public officials to attend meetings remotely for its June 16, 2020, through platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live. If that sounds familiar, it should. During meeting where the council the last legislative session, lawmakers allowed remote meetings due to the pandemic. “defunded” the police But – to the dismay of some elected leaders – that legislation expired in mid-Novem- department budget by ber. Now, public officials want to be allowed to meet remotely again. (While it is likely $865,000. a temporary plan during the pandemic, it seems odd that elected leaders who support In a civil case filed by schools meeting in person would find public meetings too risky.) Norman’s police union, The OPA’s Mark Thomas reviews thousands of bills (not an exaggeration) every ses- Baldwin declared the sion and is tracking more than 100 (also not an exaggeration) that could affect our indus- votes invalid because of try. Some bills could impact the financial side of newspapers’ operations. Others could “a willful violation” of the affect access to information available in open records or from officials in open meetings. Open Meeting Act. The city For the purposes here, I’m referring to the access of information. When Mark is speak- appealed to the Oklahoma ing with lawmakers – or when member papers contact their legislators – we are repre- Supreme Court on Jan. 4. senting more than just our industry. We are representing the rights of all Oklahomans. Justices will decide Sometimes, though, I don’t think the public realizes this or understands the impor- if the council or staff tance. I get that. It’s not like the Open Meeting Act is a big holiday dinner topic. But this violated the law, but the legislation affects our state’s residents; and as these bills come up during the session, I OSBI is free to investigate hope the public is aware of how it can affect them. regardless of pending court Access to speaking with elected leaders probably doesn’t seem important to someone determinations. … right up until that moment when it is. Like when a soccer coach needs to talk imme- “Our investigation of diately with an official after a meeting. That might not be practical, or even possible in any case is independent some cases, after a meeting held remotely. of any court action Lawmakers will determine how much access Oklahomans will have. The process is that may be occurring happening right now, and I’m proud of the work Mark and OPA members are doing on simultaneously,” said these fronts. Because government that functions like what I saw that night in Claremore OSBI spokeswoman Brook – when people could watch that debate on the internet or engage in it in person – is good Arbeitman. for Oklahomans.

Reid (continued from page 1) dents Brenda Haskell and ation. Our goal is to work open to new ideas and located in both Miami and Andrew Crawford have also alongside leaders in the directions for the newspa- Grove. been added to the staff of community to help grow pers,” Reid said. the newspapers. and celebrate the towns we Newspaper offices will be “We run a family oper- serve. Our doors are always February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 2 Nationwide public notice website launches Newspaper Association to build on its mission of The Oklahoma Managers, Inc., a consor- informing the public about tium of North American government actions and trade associations repre- facilitating participation in Publisher senting the industry, has the democratic process.” ISSN 1526-811X launched a website aimed As the most trusted Official Publication of the at promoting legal notices public notices in order to source of information in OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION in newspapers. make vital government their communities, news- OPA OFFICERS USALegalNotice.com information transparent papers are committed to President provides direct access to 47 and accessible to citizens,” making the public aware MIKE STRAIN public notice websites from said NAM President Steve of important civic matters Tulsa World across the country, includ- Nixon, who also serves as that affect them. NAM’s Vice President ing oklahomanotices.com, launch of USALegalNotice. the executive director of JOHN DENNY MONTGOMERY each of which is operated com allows the industry to the Saskatchewan Weekly The Purcell Register by state newspaper associ- Newspapers Association. continue distributing public ations. The site allows the “In the last several decades, information to the largest Treasurer public to more easily access newspapers and newspaper possible audience. JEFF MAYO legal notices nationwide, associations have worked Newspaper Association Sequoyah County Times including foreclosures, to broaden that effort by Managers, Inc., is a profes- Executive Vice President public hearings, financial aggregating these notices sional organization com- MARK THOMAS reports, ordinances and on public notice websites prised of the executives of OPA DIRECTORS resolutions, and other that maintain independent, state, regional, national and important government pro- third-party oversight. international newspaper RAY DYER, Past President ceedings. “The launch of USA- associations headquartered El Reno Tribune “For centuries, news- LegalNotice.com allows in the United States and MARK MILLSAP papers have published the industry to continue Canada. The Norman Transcript ZONELLE RAINBOLT Wesner Publications (continued from page 1) Virtual meetings DON MECOY mittee and legislative pro- SB 1031 addressed some signature and will remain The Oklahoman cess this session that should of those concerns and we in place until Feb. 15, 2022, SHAUNA BELYEU address and clarify some appreciate those efforts but or until 30 days after the The Eufaula Indian Journal of the abuses that occurred there is more work to be COVID-19 state of emer- when full videoconferenc- done.” gency expires, whichever is SHEILA GAY ing and teleconferencing The exemptions took earlier. Woodward News was authorized last year. effect upon the governor’s SUZIE CAMPBELL Countywide & Sun

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 You’ve Got Questions! (405) 499-0020 Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 • Can I photograph minors without consent? www.OkPress.com [email protected] • Can police deny access to records by issuing a press release? www.Facebook.com/OKPress

• Should I alter my archives when a person demands it? February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher SUBSCRIBE TO • Can I report inaccurate testimony given in open court? 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to You should join OPA’S LEGAL SERVICES PLAN! 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 Bishop-Baldwin returning to Cindy Allen named publisher newsroom After a and editor of Enid News & Eagle nearly six- The Enid News & Eagle Oklahoma Oil & Gas Asso- year break has named Cindy Allen as ciation as a communica- from the publisher and editor. tions consultant. newspaper Allen succeeds longtime Since 2017, she has business, publisher Jeff Funk, who served as external relations Sharon Bish- retired in December, and director for Parent Prom- editor Rob Collins, who ise/Parent Child Abuse op-Baldwin Sharon has returned Bishop-Baldwin resigned last month to lead Oklahoma, a nonprofit as a part- the Oklahoma Media Cen- organization. time writer for the Sand ter. As publisher and edi- Springs Leader. Allen served as the man- tor of the Enid News & Bishop-Baldwin received aging editor of the News & Cindy Allen Eagle, Allen will oversee all a bachelor’s degree in jour- Eagle from 2002 to 2011 has remained keenly aware departments of the paper, nalism from the University before moving to Oklahoma of the issues facing Enid in print six days a week and of Oklahoma nearly 30 City to be with her geologist and Northwest Oklahoma online daily. years ago. Her first job was husband, Gerry Allen, who even while working in Okla- Additionally, the paper at the Tulsa World, where had been transferred there. homa City because she has produces a lifestyle mag- she was copy editor and Allen said she’s eager extended family living in azine, ETown, six times a city slot editor for more to return to Enid and the Enid.” year and various special than 20 years. News & Eagle and to begin A native of Shawnee and sections throughout the During her hiatus from “working with the truly tal- a graduate of the University year. the newspaper industry, ented news, advertising and of Oklahoma, Allen’s jour- Bill Ketter, senior vice she’s been a freelance marketing teams.” nalism career prior to Enid president of news for the reporter. “The need for reliable included publisher of the paper’s parent company, She’s no stranger to and trusted journalism is Pittsburg (Kan.) Morning CNHI LLC, became familiar the Sand Springs area, more important today than Sun and general manager of with Allen from her earlier having grown up west of ever,” Allen said. The Log Cabin Democrat in work at the News & Eagle downtown Tulsa near Sand Funk said the city and Conway, Ark. as the top newsroom exec- Springs and has stayed in newspaper are fortunate From 2012 to 2016, Allen utive. He said she “brings touch with the city over the Allen has returned to Enid. worked for Devon Energy a tremendous amount of years. “Cindy was very involved in Oklahoma City in media knowledge and enthusiasm The Sand Springs Leader in Enid community activ- relations, corporate and to her work and inspires also announced that Shawn ities during her previous internal communications, people working with her to Hein resigned his position tenure,” Funk said. “She and government and public do their best work as well.” as a staff writer on Jan. 15. affairs. She then joined the ATTENTION Mark Codner named publisher of Newcastle Pacer OPA BUSINESS MEMBERS Mark publisher specializing in moved to Edmond where he Codner local community news and was editor of The Edmond ORDER YOUR 2021 has been content. Sun until it closed. PHOTO ID PRESS CARD hired as Codner and his wife Prior to accepting the These press publisher Sherry were publishers/ position in Newcastle, he cards are of The owners of The Madill was editor at the Yukon perfect for Newcas- Record for more than 20 Review and Mustang News. reporters, photographers Mark Codner tle Pacer, years, along with Gracie He and Sherry have been and any other announced and John D. Montgomery, married for more than 30 staff members Emily and John Denny publishers of The Purcell years and have two adult at your news- Montgomery. Register. children, Sarah and Jordan paper. Only $7 each! Codner is an Edmond Mark Codner holds a who both live in Edmond, ORDER resident who has lived all BA in Journalism from the and three grandchildren. over Oklahoma and has University of Central Okla- ONLINE AT a well-established career homa. okpress.Com/press-cards

February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 as a writer, an editor and In late 2017, Codner 4 Ada News names Arie as editor Mike reporter for the Ada News Arie, man- in recent months. aging edi- “Having Mike on our tor of the team will be an asset to the The Oklahoma Pauls Valley Ada community,” said Mau- Democrat, risa Nelson, Ada News gen- Standard should is also now eral manager. “He is eager editor of to make some tweaks to our mean smokefree The Ada Mike Arie editorial approach.” News. Nelson said the newspa- air for all. Arie, a journalist with per hit a grand slam when more than 25 years experi- it added Arie to its team. When it comes to achieving the Oklahoma ence at Oklahoma newspa- “I’m really excited about pers, began his career as a being an integral part of Standard, we’ve come a long way. All state reporter and sports editor The Ada News and working property is 100% smokefree, and the age to at the Pauls Valley Demo- with a talented and dedicat- purchase tobacco is now 21. crat after graduating from ed staff,” Arie said. Southeastern Oklahoma Arie and his wife, Lynn, State University. have two children and two However, there’s still work to do... He has been filling in as grandchildren. a contributing editor and New editor and reporter at the Okemah News Leader - Smoking is still allowed in Oklahoma bars and some restaurants. Tim She will Willert has also be been named working - Hotels in Oklahoma are NOT 100% smokefree. editor/ with local reporter for business- - Exposing children to secondhand smoke in the Okemah es to sell News Lead- and design cars is still legal. er. advertising. Previous- Tim Willert Alanna Bradley Bradley - Smoking at in-home daycares after ly, Willert has worked hours is still legal. worked as a reporter for in the news business for The Oklahoman covering 20 years. Her experience crime, courts, education includes working in the and sports. communications office at Willert began his jour- Oklahoma State University, nalism career in 1994, and as a producer in the working for daily and week- Oklahoma City and East ly newspapers in San Diego, Coast TV news market. Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Most recently, she spent In 2010, he moved to Hous- five years with the Okla- February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher ton and to Norman in 2011. homa City Public School He is a graduate of the district as a high school University of Oklahoma, English teacher. where he is an adjunct pro- She is a graduate of fessor. Oklahoma State University Willert and his wife, two and is currently working children and two dogs live on a professional writing in Norman. degree in the journalism It’s time to step up to the Oklahoma Standard. Also joining the Oke- college at the University of Join the fight at mah News Leader staff as a Oklahoma. reporter is Alanna Bradley. 5 Christy Wheeland chooses new career path Oklahoman After 33 years at the news desk, Christy Whee- land is leaving the Wagoner columnist County American-Tribune. She began a new career set to retire on Jan. 25 as executive director of the Coweta Chamber of Commerce. Wheeland began her career at the Coweta Amer- ican in April 1988. Since then, she’s worked in Cowe- ta, Wagoner and Porter. “When the Coweta American merged with the Christy Wheeland and her daughter, Victoria, on a helicopter ride over Coweta Wagoner Tribune in 2016, Helen Ford Wallace, during the 2015 Fall Festival. Wheeland was taking photos of school construction a columnist for The the union had its rough projects from the air. moments, but we made Oklahoman, recently it work,” Wheeland said. been asked many times She expressed her announced that she is “Our history of having what she loved about her appreciation for the team retiring. award-winning publica- job and her answer never of co-workers she worked Wallace covered tions in both communities wavers: “Dealing with peo- with. “I appreciate you society-related events continued and we have ple, telling their stories and more than you’ll ever and news and put local flourished under the Ameri- documenting events that know,” Wheeland said. parties online with daily can-Tribune name.” become our communities updates. Wheeland said she’s history.” With the exception of two years when she lived out of state, Wallace has Oklahoman editorial writer announces retirement written feature articles Owen Canfield, editorial graduate of the University his recent decision to begin for The Oklahoman since writer for The Oklahoman, of Oklahoma. putting his name on edito- 1957 when she became recently announced that he “After 17-and-a-half rials. a teen correspondent is retiring. years writing opinion for “This is strictly about the for the Oklahoma City Canfield has written edi- The Oklahoman, this is my need to get out of the fray Times. torials for The Oklahoman last day,” Canfield wrote and do something else,” he Wallace earned a jour- since 2003. Prior to that, on Jan. 31. “This is my last wrote. “It’s been a long time nalism degree at OU, he spent 19 years with The day.” coming.” where she wrote for the Associated Press in Okla- Canfield said the depar- Oklahoma Daily. homa City. He is a 1981 ture has nothing to do with She did graduate work at OCU, and taught journalism at Northeast High School, sponsoring the newspaper and yearbook. “The Oklahoman has Make Sales Soar Like Magic been around forever and Improve your close ratios to 70% or more with the New MiAD has trained so many of our excellent reporters Wizard! and executives through these years,” Wallace It's a fact that spec ads help close more sales— and yet spec ads are used less than 20% of the time. Now, with the real-world magic of MiAD®Wizard, wrote in her final col- personalizing and presenting spec ads for EVERY prospect is as easy as 1-2-3! umn. “I wish the outstand- No training. No time wasted. No more tough sells. ing Oklahoman staff all of the best going forward.” Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! Wallace was inducted [email protected] into the Oklahoma Jour-

® 800.223.1600 www.metrocreativeconnection.com nalism Hall of Fame in miadwizard.com 2007. February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 6 DECEMBER 2020 DAILY WINNER: S C O I N S The Lawton Constitution

DECEMBER 2020 WEEKLY WINNER:

Chelsea Avila helps the Grinch (Brandon Jones) get his outﬁ t together before heading out to entertain HALEY visitors in downtown Fletcher before the annual Christmas Parade. Photo by SCOTT RAINS, The Lawton Constitution, Dec. 6, 2020 HUMPHREY The Yukon Review

The December 2020 contest was judged by a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

PHOTO CONTEST View all winning photos at OkPress.com/ OGE-Photo-Contest

Enter and Win a $100 Check from OGE ENERGY CORP.

For more information about the February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher photo contest, visit A sweet alpaca goes in for a holiday kiss. The free, festive pictures for families to take in front of a vintage sleigh was one of the activities that was part of “Christmas on Main”. The events happened okpress.com/ along Main Street in downtown Yukon. oge-photo-contest Photo by HALEY HUMPHREY, The Yukon Review, Dec. 12, 2020

AT OG&E, WE DO MORE THAN ENERGIZE A POWER GRID. We energize the economy by attracting new businesses, creating thousands of new jobs and

THOMAS EARL BAILEY, was a graduate of Eastern as editor of the Sac and Fox Bailey is survived by his a former reporter for the Oklahoma State College tribal newspaper in Stroud. wife, Debra Collins Bailey; McAlester News-Capital, and the University of Cen- For more than 10 years, he sons Evans of Oklahoma died Jan. 26, 2021. He was tral Oklahoma. was a writer/researcher in City, Glenn of Tuttle, and 81. After working at the the Department of Commu- Keith of Houston, Texas; Bailey was born July 21, McAlester News-Capital, nications for the Chickasaw and several grandchildren 1939, at Richville, Okla. He Bailey served for six years Nation. and great-grandchildren.

JANIS WIMBERLY HRUBY, College in Baltimore, Mary- Banner. Al was named death by her parents, Har- daughter, wife and mother land, before moving back associate publisher in 1970 rington and Myrth Wimber- of newspapermen, died Jan. to Oklahoma to attend the and assumed the editor and ly, her husband of 55 years 16, 2021. She was 89. University of Oklahoma. publisher title after Wim- Alexander Joseph Hruby, Janis was born on While at OU, she met the berly’s death. He held that son John Alexander Hruby, July 9, 1931, in Altus. She love of her life, Alexander position until the family daughter-in-law Tinker moved to Washington, DC Hruby, who was getting his sold The Banner to Ameri- Stein Hruby and grand- in 1945 when her father, master’s degree in geology. can Publishing Co. in 1997. daughter, Katherine Anne Harrington Wimberly, was Janis graduated from OU Janis was active in the Hruby. appointed by President with a journalism degree community, serving as a She is survived by her Harry Truman to serve on in 1954. She married Alex- member of many clubs and daughter, Alison Hruby the Federal Power Commis- ander Hruby on June 25, organizations. Whittaker of Los Gatos, sion. Wimberly purchased 1955, and moved with him Her son, John, grew up Calif., and her two grand- The Duncan Banner in to Billings, Montana, Den- in and around The Banner children, Clay Whittaker of 1963, serving as editor and ver, Colo., and Jackson, and served as publisher for Petaluma, Calif., and Sarah publisher until his death in Miss., before returning to a year after the transition Whittaker of Oregon City, 1978. Oklahoma in 1965 when Al from family to corporate Oregon. Janis attended Goucher joined the family business ownership. working for The Duncan Janis was preceded in

MELBA LOVELACE, a well- then made a copy editor. and in the Comics section She did television shows, known columnist for The Lovelace’s first columns of the Sunday Oklahoman. a regular radio show and Oklahoman, died Jan. 28, were about her passion for By the spring of 1977, the wrote 16 books of recipes, 2021, at the age of 90. cooking and offered tips for column had grown so popu- crafts, quilting and house- Lovelace was born Feb. homemakers and hobbyists. lar it went daily. hold hints. 13, 1930, in Red Rock. She received so much Lovelace retired in 1992, Lovelace is survived by Before she came to Okla- mail that she began shar- after writing the column her daughter, Sandy Kil- homa City, she worked as ing questions from readers seven days a week for 17 lian; stepdaughters Rikki a reporter at the Latimer in search of answers from years but continued to write and Jill Abrams; stepson County News Democrat in other readers and Melba’s the column weekly with her Jeff Abrams; sister Mary Wilburton. Swap Shop was born. last column appearing a Lee Colwell; three grand- She joined the staff at The column first started week before her death. children; four great-grand- OPUBCO as a secretary appearing in December She was inducted into children and four and headed the dictation 1975 in the Saturday edition the Oklahoma Journalism great-great-grandchildren. and typing pool and was of the Oklahoma City Times Hall of Fame in 2010.

Remembering our friends & colleagues who died the previous year Chelsea C. Cook Thomas Blakey, Verldine ‘Geri’ McClure Huston, Joe W. McBride, Jr., Jan. 20, 2020 Feb. 15, 2020 Feb. 5, 2020 Feb. 25, 2020 George Edgar Gurley Carol Louise Cole-Frowe, Grace Anne Leonhart, Mercedes Elizabeth Wheeler, Jan. 18, 2020 Feb. 25, 2020 Feb. 5, 2020 Feb. 6, 2020

If you would like to make a donation, please send a check to: Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 8 DEATHS Continued from Page 10 REBECCA ANN ‘BECKY’ Since the 1970s, Mayo In 1992, Becky Mayo well as a district leader for MAYO, who was active was active at the Sequoyah pioneered a comprehensive Boy Scouts of America. in many phases of the County Times serving as Newspaper in Education Mayo is survived by Sequoyah County Times educational services and (NIE) program for the her two sons, John Rob- newspaper operation, died business manager before Sequoyah County Times ert (Jack) Mayo and wife Jan. 14, 2021. She was 79. her retirement in 2016. She and other small newspapers Jennifer of Duvall, Wash., Mayo was born Dec. 30, was part owner of Cookson to provide newspapers, and Jeffrey William Mayo 1941, in Muskogee. She Hills Publishers, Inc. tours and youth career and wife Beth of Sallisaw; attended Lindenwood Col- In 2003, she was induct- counseling to students. She brother, Bob Boen of San lege in Missouri for a year ed into the Oklahoma Jour- was the first chairperson of Carlos, Calif.; six grandchil- before transferring to the nalism Hall of Fame. In the Oklahoma Newspaper dren, Gretchen Kate Mayo, University of Oklahoma 2002, she was co-winner, Foundation committee on Jacob Wheeler Mayo, Zach- where she earned a Bach- along with her husband NIE. ary John Mayo and Harri- elor of Science degree in Jim, of the Oklahoma She was active in many son Walker Carmel Mayo, Home Economics in 1964. Newspaper Foundation’s civic organizations and all of Duvall and Madolyn She taught school in Beachy Musselman Award clubs and served as a Sun- Rose Mayo and Maddox California before moving to for outstanding contribu- day school teacher, a den William Mayo of Sallisaw. Sallisaw in 1967. tions to newspaper journal- leader for Cub Scouts as ism.

MAE MUSGROVE, a former 31, 1935. She moved with also worked at the Senior of Aztec, New Mexico, Lisa typesetter and paginator her husband, C.L., from Citizens Center as a book- Patton of Shidler, and Anita for the Shidler Review, died Borger, Texas, to Shidler in keeper and treasurer for 21 Coe of Jacksonville, Fla.; Jan. 11, 2021. She was 85. 1963. years. one brother; six grandchil- Musgrove was born Oct. In addition to her work She is survived by three dren and five great-grand- at the newspaper, she daughters: Linda Kennedy children.

ANTHONY ‘TONY’ LEE in journalism from Harding ity as a journalist when he of Ada, stepdaughter, PIPPEN, who spent most of University in Searcy. said, “Tony can take the Dana Chilcoat of Ada; a his working life as a jour- Former Ada News pub- article ‘the’ and write a granddaughter and two nalist for the Ada Evening lisher Loné Beasley said, story around it.” stepgranddaughters; a News, died Jan. 11, 2021. “He was a journalist, musi- Pippen is preceded in great-grandson and three He was 84. cian and all-around great death by his daughter, step-great-grandchildren; Pippen was born Nov. 7, guy. Tony will be missed.” Tanya Stevens, and his first and a sister, Phyllis Pippen 1936, in Amagon, Ark., and Beasley said former Ada wife, Sharon Pippen. of Newport, Ark. grew up in Searcy, Ark. He News reporter Leo Kelley He is survived by received a Bachelors degree summed up Pippen’s abil- his wife, Dona Pippen,

FRITZ WADE WIRT, a long- newspapers in Oklahoma, from 1989 until his retire- Dan Wirt of Richmond, time Oklahoma journalist, Tennessee and Texas. While ment in 2008. Va.; stepdaughter Candice died Jan. 6, 2021, in Mont- working in the private sec- Wirt was inducted into Rogers of Conroe, Texas; gomery, Texas. He was 85. tor, he taught journalism the Oklahoma Journalism stepson Christopher Cald- February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher He was born April 2, classes part-time at various Hall of Fame in 2006. well of McKinney, Texas; 1935. universities in Tennessee, He is survived by his two grandchildren; two A former newspaper Oklahoma and Texas. wife of 33 years, Karen; step-grandchildren; one reporter, editor, publisher He was the general man- daughter Tobey Scott of Big great-grandchild and two and journalism educator, ager of the Oklahoma State Lake, Texas; sons Robin step-grandchildren. Wirt worked at several University’s O’Collegian Wirt of McLean, Va., and

Thank you for donating to theOKLAHOMA NEWSPAPER FOUNDATION Tom & Sherry Muchmore, Barb Walter, and Dotty Oelkers in memory of Becky Mayo 9 Department of Labor ruling allows for reporters, photographers to be treated as salaried employees from America’s Newspapers; reporting rather than the and requirements are with- continuing to execute their newspapers.org “just the facts” approach of in the creative professional duties as a journalist, with- Updated guidance says decades past, prioritizing exemption: out direction, during live duties of small town and substantive analysis and • Originating and devel- breaking news situations. local journalists can qualify commentary in reported oping creative, engaging, America’s Newspapers for the creative professional stories, has changed the shareable, content-driven Board Member Camille exemption to federal over- nature of the written and stories, relying on creativi- Olson, of Seyfarth Shaw time rules; professional analytic component of jour- ty, memorable storytelling LLP, described the Opinion exemption is not limited nalism for print, broadcast and unique perspectives. Letter as the first guidance to journalists working in and digital media employ- • Identifying, researching provided by the Depart- major markets ers. and interviewing sources of ment of Labor that recog- The United States The DOL recounted the background information, nizes that technological Department of Labor history and early analyses sources of current informa- changes and evolving con- recently published four of journalists and the pro- tion, subjects and witness- sumer preferences for news opinion letters in response fessional exemption and es. stories that provide origi- to requests for an opinion concluded that, in contrast • Composing and pro- nal, creative, individualized regarding an interpretation to prior readings of the ducing unique and captivat- analysis and perspective on of various aspects of fed- FLSA’s creative profession- ing stories. topics is not limited to work eral wage and hour laws. al exemption to overtime, • Using creative pho- performed by journalists at One of those requests, it would give the creative tographic techniques to major national news out- Opinion Letter FLSA2021- professional exemption a capture stories through lets, but also is applicable 7, on behalf of unnamed “fair (rather than a narrow) photographs and video pre- to work performed by jour- members of the America’s interpretation.” sentations. nalists at local newspapers Newspapers membership, The DOL concluded • Using creative tech- and television stations. requested the DOL provide that, under a fair reading niques, such as graphics Olson encourages guidance as to wheth- of the creative professional and new forms of media newspapers to take a fresh er local small-town and exemption: (viewer pictures, webcam look at the specific duties community news source • Journalists whose pri- interviews, etc.) to enhance of its reporters and pho- journalists are creative mary duty requires “inven- stories. tographers, guided by the professionals under the tion, imagination, original- • Identifying and synthe- guidance provided in the Fair Labor Standards Act, ity, or talent” are not con- sizing documents and data Opinion Letter. Unless a and thus, exempt from the fined to national networks from numerous sources to contractual or applicable FLSA’s obligations to pay and major media markets. develop original content, local law requires a report- overtime as a result of fed- • The FLSA should not sometimes for specialized er or photographer to be eral law. be construed to find that rather than general audi- treated on an hourly basis, The FLSA’s creative the majority of local print, ences, independent of daily the newspaper may have professional exemption digital and broadcast jour- news events. the option of treating the allows newspapers to pay nalists perform work that is • Interpreting and ana- journalist on a salaried, reporters and photogra- not creative in nature. lyzing developing news overtime exempt, basis if phers a salary as opposed to • Every journalist who stories. their primary duty includes hourly if their primary duty performs the appropriate • Maintaining a strong, the above-described duties, requires “invention, imagi- primary duties qualifies for creative and engaging social and they are paid a salary nation, originality or talent the creative professional media and community of at least $684 a week or in a recognized field of exemption, regardless of presence to engage readers $35,568 annually. Olson artistic or creative endeav- the size, prestige or geo- or viewers directly to drive predicts that the Opinion or.” 29 C.F.R. 541.300(a) graphic reach of the jour- readership or viewership. Letter’s modern, balanced, (2)(ii). nalist’s employer (so long • Operating autonomous- critical analysis of specific The DOL recognized that as their work product is ly and without constant duties of today’s local jour- in light of technological not subject to substantial supervision, subject to nalists will serve as helpful advancements that have control by the employer, occasional check-ins and guidance now, and also changed the way in which and the journalist meets the final editorial review for in the coming years, for news is gathered, packaged exemption’s salary level). print or broadcast. newspapers, digital media and reported, including a The DOL agreed that the • Maintaining composure companies and local broad- focus on “context-based” following journalist duties and professionalism while casters. February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 10 You need more than one backup to keep your data safe Look at online backup On a Macintosh the it’s not backed up and the Computer Notes options such as Carbonite entire drive is backed up phone dies, it takes a lot of from the road or Backblaze as well as using Time Machine, found work to get them all back. by Wilma Newby [email protected] less known products like in System Preferences. With Android phones Elephant Drive. While this Set up a system of there are many different These cold winter isn’t a cheap way to go, it reminders to get tasks like ways to backup. Try going months are a great time to works. If this is the direc- these done, even if it’s only to Settings on the phone consider backups. tion your newspaper takes, every few months. Calendar and search for “backup.” make sure there is a system apps on the computer are It should lead to the right restore for the operating great for reminders since path for getting it done. system of the computer. it’s in-your-face on the If you see a message on And take time to under- computer. PRINTER REQUESTS your screen like the one stand how that information Tablets and phones I was asked to recom- above, it’s asking you to could be restored to the need just as good backups mend some good printer/ back up to the external computer if the drive was as your computers. Many scanners this month. Here’s hard drive. lost. Some Cloud restore employees use them more what I found: If your computer’s hard companies offer a USB than a desktop. HP and Brother printers drive was to crash, the only drive that can be sent to the To back up an iPad, go to offer great options. way to restore the drive Setting > iCloud > iCloud Back- paper. Find out how long Look at the HP Laser- with all its software is from up that would take. . Turn on all the switches Jet Pro MFP M148FDW a backup. And it’s very hard If the system has just for things that are critical. Wireless Laser All-In-One to find older software to a few files, it’s possible to Be sure the iPad is con- Monochrome Printer for download because many of back it up to a large USB nected to the internet and $200. It has a 1200 DPI the sites we used to down- drive. But these quickly a power supply when doing scanner and toner runs load from are gone. Those fill up with regular back- this and give it some time about $47. It’s wireless older copies of Google ups from the Mac’s Time to get going. Then if the so it can be used with cell Chrome, FTP programs and Machine or Windows’ File iPad has to be reset it’s easy phones. older printer drivers are History. USB flash drives to recover mail, apps and At $200, the Brother hard to find. seem indestructible but do notes with the Apple ID. MFC-L2710DW Wireless Make sure you also have Set- fail. We still need files and On an iPhone go to Laser All-In-One Mono- an off-site backup, even if ting > Apple ID > name of the systems to be in two places. chrome Printer is much the that means a second drive phone > iCloud Backup Note: File History does to same on specs with toner at at another location. Cloud not back up the operating turn it on. Under the Apple the same price. storage is expensive for the system of the computer on ID the setting for what is It has an ethernet port large amount of files that Windows. You must create backed up can be accessed. and wireless and a 1200 newspapers produce. So a Recovery Drive, found The hardest part of this DPI scanner. two external hard drives is Control Panel > Recovery in . is remembering the pass- Watch out when shop- a good way to go. Two tera- A USB reinstall drive can word for the iCloud account ping for printers/scanners. byte drives can be found for be created for Windows 10 so be sure it’s in an easily The cost of the toner is as low as $60 from West- from their website but it accessed location. Many what you want to know ern Digital or Seagate. You may not be the version of people store all their pass- before buying. should always have two in Windows 10 that was on words on their phones so if case one fails. your computer. So go ahead If you have the money, and create that Recovery OPA Computer Consultant Wilma Newby’s column is brought to you by the Oklahoma Ad- cloud programs are a good vertising Network (OAN). For more information on the OAN program, contact Oklahoma drive. Press Service at (405) 499-0020. option. Look for ones that are not invasive on the February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher computer. Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and Drop- LEGAL ADVICE box can be used to back is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press up weekly shared work. Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: They’re just not the right option for your entire hard OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S drive backup. It would quickly fill up backup space LEGAL SERVICES PLAN that is most likely shared 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 by several people. 11 WORTH MENTIONING Readers vote for the ‘Best Newspaper Employee’ Readers share milestone events with community Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance encourage readers to send in photos and information of weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones to be included in the newspaper. This free service is just one way the newspapers showcase their value to the community, said The Blackwell Journal-Tribune Anthony Nieto, general manager of asked readers to vote for the “Best the Okmulgee Times. Newspaper Employee” in its annual “We believe a key role of a com- Readers Choice Awards contest. If munity newspaper is delivering the you’re not asking this question, consid- news and highlighting the commu- er adding it to your contest. nity,” Nieto said. “We love celebrating monumen- tal moments, so we’ve encouraged our readers to share the good Sneak preview of classifieds news.” show readers what they will find Nieto said they receive several submissions and that the feature The Muskogee Phoenix gives read- has been especially successful in ers a sneak preview of what they will the wake of the pandemic. find in the classifieds under a header titled “Hot Off the Press!”. It’s a great way to remind readers of your classi- fied page or section. Weatherford Daily News launches Dinner On Us The Weatherford Daily News’ recently began a new Dinner On Us promotion launch- ing the Locally Loved campaign. “Restaurants have been greatly impacted by COVID-19 and this promotion is a way for the community to show their support and shop locally,” said Phillip Reid, publisher of the Weatherford Daily News. “We plan to continue the Locally Loved campaign into other sectors of the economy.” Businesses can sign up for the promotion, which comes with a marketing package at a greatly reduced cost, said Reid. Customers can then register inside any sponsored business to win one of the 160 $50 “Dinner On Us” gift certificates to be used at any participating restaurant. Winners will be announced in the newspaper and on the Weatherford Daily News’ Facebook page. February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 12 WORTH MENTIONING Pet photos popular feature at many state newspapers Hometown heroesOkmulgee Times - 01/29/2021 honored

It’s pets in the news C2 • Okmulgee Times Friday, January 29, 2021 The Okmulgee Times okmulgee county again. The Hooker featured a special sec-

The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office is responsible Advance is recogniz- forsheriff’s serving the citizens of Okmulgee County and en- office forcing the laws of the State of Oklahoma. Sheriff Eddy Rice has served as in the post for 16 tion last month featuring years, though being employed with the department for 23 years. Undersheriff Fred McGuire is a 24-year veteran of the OCSO. In 2020, the OCOS received a new X-Ray Machine for the Okmulgee County Courthouse to increase se- ing the furriest family curity in the facility. The department also had a new 800 Megahertz re- peater installed in Henryetta for P25 compliance with hometown heroes. The the State of Oklahoma Interoperability System. In addition, 12 new 800 megahertz handheld radios were received for Okmulgee deputy sheriff’s for P25 compliance. The OCSO works in cooperation with all the law enforcement agencies in Okmulgee County involved members of readers with the Violent Crimes Task Force. The Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the other law enforcement, emergency med- Salute to Hometown ical, fire departments and emergency management agencies in Okmulgee County for another year of outstanding teamwork. Okmulgee County Undersheriff Fred McGuire and Sheriff Eddy Rice

under the caption OKMULGEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE STAFF County Sheriff Eddy Rice Deputy Justin Kaczynski Heroes honors agencies Undersheriff Fred McGuire Deputy Alex Owen Chief Deputy Jason Spradling Deputy Bailey Smalley Lt. Investigator Duston Todd Deputy Mike Stacy Sgt. Investigator Aaron Swayze Reserve Deputy Milee Stites Sgt. Randy Bell Reserve Deputy Kelly Williams Sgt. Josh Whitney Reserve Deputy Clint Morgan Deputy Patrick Cantrell Office Manager Oscar Higgs “Caught’Cha!” And and individuals who are Deputy Jason Dawson Administrative Asst. Melissa Smalley in the McAlester at the forefront of keeping News-Capital there New fire trucks purchased with county sales tax funds. cities safe. It recognized preston volunteer were enough photos of various police depart- department furry friends to fill a Thefire Preston Volunteer Fire Department serves the Preston area commu- PRESTON VOLUNTEER FIRE ments, city and rural nity and provides mu- DEPARTMENT STAFF tual aid to surrounding departments. The PVFD Fire Chief Ty Sharp FF Vincent James provides both fire and Asst. Chief Brian Thomason FF Gary McCollum Jr. rescue services. Secretary/Treasurer Jackie FF JD Nelson Last year, the Preston Dodson FF Ernie Sharp page and a half! Volunteer Fire Depart- FF Jessica Best FF Richard Sharp ment purchased two 2000 FF Bryan Drinnon II FF Matthew Vogt Pierce Saber pumpers FF Tanner Hanson FF Michael Vogt fire departments, ambu- with their county sales FF Adam James taxes funds. lance service, 911 service, Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Subscribe today! Visit www.cookson.news for more information!

Office, District Attorney’sFebruary 10, 2021 8:20 pm (GMT +0:00) Office and emergency management operations. Tulsa suburbs to be honored The Tulsa World and Oklahoma Weekly Group have a new contest to celebrate the best suburbs have to offer. Read- ers are asked to nominate businesses for the Best in the Burbs contest, which is open to businesses without a Tulsa mailing Full-color magazine features Stigler and Haskell County address. The winners will be announced in a special section that will be inserted in the Tulsa The Stigler News-Sentinel is once World and all four of its weekly publications again partnering with the including the Owasso Reporter, Wagoner County Stigler-Haskell County Chamber of American-Tribune, Sand Springs Leader and Ski- Commerce to produce “Advantage, atook Journal. Your Go-To Guide To Haskell Coun- ty.” The full-color magazine shines The Paper honors women in business a spotlight on Haskell County and will include information about area schools, government, community February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher activities and much more. Copies will inserted in the Stigler News-Sentinel and additional copies will be distributed to advertisers, the chamber and to individuals who The Paper in Pryor is featuring Women in request information about Haskell County. Business. The feature, which began in mid-Jan- “The staffs of the newspaper and the chamber are enjoying the uary, will continue as long as businesses want process of gathering information about Haskell County and are to continue saluting their female employees. looking forward to sharing the magazine with newspaper readers, Businesses are encouraged to contact the news- prospective residents and interested business owners,” said paper if they want to salute the women in their Summer Long, publisher of the Stigler News-Sentinel. business.

13 Latimer County News-Tribune named Business of the Month Wilburton Main Street named the Latimer County News-Tribune as Business of the Month for January. Mitch Mullin is owner and publisher of the News-Tribune. Wilburton Main Street said the newspaper “strives to provide reliable information and to be a newspaper that the community is proud to call a hometown newspaper. Mitch and the staff appreciate the continued support of the local businesses and their read- Showing the banner and plaque presented to the Latimer County News-Tribune are Carolyn Pugh and Danel Walker from ers.” Wilburton Main Street, along with Sheri Saxon, Mark Showell, Brenda Showell, Malissa Evans and Mitchel Mullin, all on the “The Latimer County staff at the Latimer County News-Tribune, and Maryellen Mooney, a Main Street staff member. News-Tribune has worked very closely with Wilburton Street’s existence,” said “We are proud that we choose them as Business of Main Street, Inc. through Wilburton Main Street in have had the opportunity to the Month.” the 20 years of Main announcing the award. Create a multi-ad campaign with these 12 easy tips BY JOHN FOUST they ran a successful “Christ- enough to be familiar to your Think of it as “print and dig- Raleigh, NC mas in July” sale last year, target audience. Of course, ital.” A single ad probably won’t you may want to consider a frequency should increase 11. Get the advertiser’s generate much business. The unique off-season sale. during peak selling times and sales team on board. The real work is done in multi-ad 4. Extend the budget with decrease during off-season best ads in the world won’t campaigns. Here are a dozen co-op. Many retailers can get times. work if the advertiser isn’t tips: advertising assistance from 8. Consider testing. Does prepared to deal with the 1. Learn from history. the brands they carry. Brands “buy one, get one free” reso- leads the ads generate. When It’s important to study your are eager for exposure and nate with readers? Or does it there’s a special sale, every- advertiser’s marketing his- often share the cost of local work better to say, “Fifty per- one in the business should tory. If something worked, ads. There are guidelines, so cent off, when you buy two?” know the details. If there’s could that tactic be applied in be sure to check in advance. The discounts are identical, a new product introduction, the next campaign? If some- 5. Give readers a reason- but you’ll never know which they should be able to talk thing failed, how can that to-buy in every ad. Although one is better unless you try features and benefits. mistake be avoided? the word “campaign” implies both offers and keep count. 12. Measure results. When 2. Pick the right target long-term advertising, 9. Adjust to surprises. you track responses – and audience. Think specifics, not today’s readers may not be When unexpected things the resulting sales – you’ll generalities. It’s impossible in the market for your adver- happen, smart marketers be in position to do more to sell a product or service to tiser’s products tomorrow. adapt to the situation. For of what’s working and less everyone. Select a particular That’s why it’s a good idea to example, when the pandemic of what’s not working. This segment of your overall audi- avoid “teaser messages” and first hit, office supply compa- calls for a close partnership ence and aim your message go for the sale in every ad. nies started promoting work- between your paper and the directly at them. 6. Be consistent. Each ad at-home supplies. advertiser. 3. Study the advertiser’s should look like it belongs to 10. Mix print and online. competition. While you don’t the same advertiser. In addi- Most newspapers offer both © 2020 by John Foust. All rights reserved. John Foust has conducted training want to duplicate what they tion to consistent graphics – print and digital options. programs for thousands of newspaper are doing and risk being logo, typography, illustrative This creates greater flexibil- advertising professionals. Many ad confused with them, there elements – the writing style ity – and bigger readership departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from are lessons from things they should be the same. numbers – in campaign in-house training. E-mail for information: have done. For example, if 7. Schedule frequency. scheduling. Don’t think of it [email protected].

February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 Be sure to run ads often as “either print or digital.” 14 New York photographer joins Collins to oversee media center Rob Collins, an Oklaho- “Quality “His experi- Tulsa World staff ma media veteran, joined journalism is ence and rela- Local Media Association more import- tionships with on Jan. 11 as the project ant than ever, media part- lead for the Oklahoma and the daunt- ners across Media Center, a journal- ing challenges the state will ism collaborative of 20 to the industry advance the state newsrooms. are well-docu- center’s mis- Collins worked most mented,” Col- sion to foster recently as executive edi- lins said. “After a thriving and tor of the Enid News & working for collaborative Eagle and editor of The decades in the news ecosys- Michael Noble Jr. Norman Transcript. Also for-profit pub- Rob Collins tem.” Michael Noble Jr. is the serving as a regional edi- lishing industry, Collins newest photographer at the tor for CNHI, he coordi- I’m turning the page into began his newspaper Tulsa World. nated statewide content the purpose-driven realm career at The Norman Noble grew up in St. for all Oklahoma publica- of nonprofit journalism. Transcript before serving Louis but has been living tions. A fifth-generation Through the Oklahoma as managing editor at The in Harlem and working in Oklahoma resident, Col- Media Center, my goal is Edmond Sun and as edi- New York City for years. lins also managed CNHI to help sustain and shape tor-in-chief of the week- His clients include the Oklahoma’s Capitol cov- the future of Oklahoma’s ly Oklahoma Gazette. Associated Press, New York erage. media ecosystem.” In 2012, Collins Times, Washington Post, “Local leadership for The Oklahoma Media returned to his hometown Nike and Google. the Oklahoma Media Center was launched in of Enid where he lives He earned a Bachelor Center has been our the spring of 2020, with with his wife Kim and of Arts in Photojournalism goal from day one,” said initial funding coming their two children. He from Western Kentucky Nancy Lane, CEO, Local from Inasmuch Founda- currently serves as presi- University. Media Association. “We tion and the Walton Fam- dent-elect of the Freedom “The people of Tulsa and found the perfect fit with ily Foundation. Inasmuch of Information Oklahoma Oklahoma I have met so Rob Collins. He is pur- — located in Oklahoma Board of Directors and far have been welcoming. pose-driven and well-re- City — is the primary will be president in 2022. It’s something I love about spected by his peers in the funder and one of the The OMC’s first effort being back home in the state. I believe he will take driving forces behind the — coverage of the impact Midwest and missed,” said the OMC to a new and center’s launch. of COVID-19 on the state’s Noble. “As a photographer exciting level.” “Inasmuch Foundation K-12 educational sys- for the Tulsa World, I’m Collins received his is thrilled Rob Collins will tem — has resulted in the looking to tell stories and bachelor’s degree in 1993 be the Project Manager publication and resharing often overlooked experienc- at the University of Okla- of the Oklahoma Media of 34 stories across Okla- es of those who call Tulsa homa, where he taught Center,” said Robert J. homa. and the surrounding areas media writing and served Ross, Chairman and CEO home.” on its Publications Board. of Inasmuch Foundation. OPA STAFF DIRECTORY

ADMINISTRATION ADVERTISING CREATIVE SERVICES February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher MARK THOMAS, Executive Vice President LANDON COBB, Sales Director JENNIFER GILLILAND, Creative Services Director [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 DECEMBER WINNERS Column: TODD BROOKS, The Comanche Times Editorial: KIM POINDEXTER, Tahlequah Daily Press Enter and Win a $100 Check from Oklahoma DECEMBER COLUMN WINNER Natural Gas! TODD BROOKS, The Comanche Times The December 2020 Oklahoma Natural Gas Column and Editorial Contest was judged by a member of the A Christmas unlike any other Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. I did not think it would have an affect on me. time everyone was up and getting breakfast. I 1. Each month, send a tearsheet I was wrong. could feel tears had started welling up in my eyes. or photocopy of your best Sarah asked me if I was all right. I got up and column and/or editorial to A few people had mentioned to me Christmas walked to the bedroom and she followed. Oklahoma Natural Gas was going to be different for me this year. I kind of Contest, c/o OPA, 3601 N. shrugged the words off. I cried. It hurt. It hurt a lot. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, After breakfast the rest of the family went to go OK 73105-5499. Entries also Yet there I was Christmas morning, standing in my may be emailed (full-page open presents in the living room. I watched from bedroom and shedding tears while I clung to my tearsheet) to news@okpress. wife for comfort. the kitchen table, still in a funk. com. As the morning wore on my mood lightened and As some people already know I lost both my par- 2. Include the author’s name, ents earlier this month. Dad died on Dec. 5. Mom so I was able to enjoy the rest of the day with my name of publication, date died three days later on Dec. 8. They had been family. of publication and category married 58 years and stuck together even in death. My parents lived in North Carolina. I did not get to entered (column or editorial). We knew it was coming. Their prognosis continued see them that often after Sarah and I got married 3. Only ONE editorial and/or to get worse with each passing day. They both had nearly 23 years ago. Shortly after we got married, ONE column per writer per contracted COVID-19 in the nursing home where we moved to Arkansas and we’ve been west of the month will be accepted. Mississippi River ever since with every move going they lived. That on top of several underlying health 4. All entries for the previous further west until we settled here in Stephens issues was just too much for their bodies to bear. month must be at the OPA I’m not mad at the nursing home. The place was County. office by the 15th of the locked down for COVID-19 as securely as they Most of the jobs I held I could not take a week current month. could get it. Their deaths did not make me change off to go on vacation to go see them. Their health 5. Winning entries will be my opinion on what needs to be done during this got to the point where they could not travel much reproduced on the OPA pandemic. either. website at www.OkPress.com.

Two-and-a-half weeks later Christmas rolls around. I learned a lot from them. I learned about loyalty, Entries must I thought it had been enough time for me not to get selflessness, family and being a provider. have been previously emotional. As I first said at their 50th anniversary party and published in print. As I sat at the kitchen table Christmas morning I’ve repeated since, Dad always made sure we it hit me. It hit me hard. Regardless if we were had a house and Mom always made sure it was a Contest open to together or apart, I would always at least talk to home. all OPA member my parents on the telephone. For more than 50 They were always there when I needed them. newspapers. Christmases we connected in person, on a com- They were always in my corner and they were puter or on a telephone. Although Oklahoma Natural Gas proud of me with the few accomplishments I have Company selects representative That morning my phone was charging in another achieved in my life. contest winners’ work for use in this monthly ad, the views room. There was no reason to keep it close. There I will miss those phone calls. Mostly, though, I will would be no phone call to or from my mom. expressed in winning columns and just miss them. editorials are those of the writers I was in a funk as I sat there at the table. By that and don’t necessarily reflect the Company’s opinions. February 2021 | The Oklahoma Publisher The Oklahoma | February 2021 16