2017 May-New.Indd

The Oklahoma Publisher Official Publication of the Oklahoma Press Association

www.OkPress.com Vol. 88, No. 5 www.Facebook.com/okpress 12 Pages • May 2017

INSIDE Attend the June 9-10 OPA Convention NOMINATING CONCURRENT SESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETS: Don’t miss the concurrent SESSION SPEAKERS OPA Nominating Committee sessions beginning at 1:30 p.m. makes recommendations Saturday. for 2017-2018 officers and Tim Harrower will present directors. three sessions, starting with PAGE 4 Writing for Non-Readers. Har- REDESIGN: The Kingfi sher rower is author of The News- Times & Free Press unveils a paper Designer’s Handbook Register now to attend the Plan to visit with vendors redesign on its 129th birthday. and Inside Reporting. He is an 2017 OPA Convention, June at a cocktail reception to learn PAGE 7 award-winning editor, designer 9-10, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel about the products and ser- and columnist at newspapers EMAIL MERGER: If your in downtown Oklahoma City. vices they offer at 6:00 p.m. including the Times-Union email is hosted by Yahoo, This two-day event provides Friday’s activities conclude in Rochester, N.Y., and The changes are coming. Make sure many educational sessions and with a welcome dinner and Oregonian in Portland. Har- your contacts and folders are invaluable networking opportu- scavenger hunt sponsored by rower will show you ways to KYLE KILLINGSWORTH backed up. nities. The Better Newspaper the Oklahoma Indian Gaming make news more engaging PAGE 10 Contest Awards will be pre- Association. After dinner, join by thinking and repackaging sented Saturday night, June 10, a team to explore the historic stories into useful, interactive DONATE TO ONF to receive at the annual awards banquet. Skirvin Hilton and compete sidebars, fact boxes, checklists this Will Rogers print. Details at for the title of 2017 Scavenger and other innovative chunks. OkPress.com/will-rogers. FRIDAY, JUNE 9 Hunt Champions. Concurrently, Jason Maly The annual OPA Business will present “Mobile Growth Meeting starts at 3:00 p.m. Fri- SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Strategies: Engaging and Mon- day, June 9, with the election Head to the Blooper Break- etizing an Evolving Audience.” of 2017-2018 OPA officers and fast at 9:00 a.m. Saturday where In his role as senior product directors. OPA Executive Vice President manager-mobile at CNHI News Flash begins at 3:45 Mark Thomas will show you (Community Newspaper Hold- p.m. This fast-paced session newspaper gaffes that make ings, Inc.), Maly oversees the covers a range of topics by you guffaw. The Blooper Break- development, implementation TIM HARROWER multiple OPA members and fast is sponsored by OERB. and management of mobile provides a great opportunity Oklahoma Governor Mary technology partnerships. Maly to pick up some new ideas that Fallin will join OPA members has 26 years experience in could work at your newspaper. at 10:00 a.m. for her annual media sales and marketing, Kyle Killingsworth, a stra- question-and-answer session. with over 10 years specifically tegic human resources con- After Gov. Fallin’s session, focused on digital media, new sultant with over 25 years of Oklahoma’s congressmen — business development and experience, will present “Busi- Sen. James Lankford, Sen. Jim mobile product management. ness as UnUsual” at 5:00 p.m. Inhofe, Rep. Jim Bridenstine, At 2:30 p.m., Harrower will Friday. Rep. Tom Cole, Rep. Frank present “7 Tips for Futurizing This session teaches how to Lucas, Rep. Markwayne Mullin Your Packaging and Design.” navigate change in your orga- and Rep. Steve Russell — are Using examples from print and nization, re-recruit good peo- invited to take the stage to the web, Harrower provides ple, take care of “me” issues, answer members’ questions. a list of do’s and don’ts, from improve productivity and avoid Past presidents of the Okla- fonts to photos, graphics to JASON MALY common pitfalls in times of homa Press Association will grids. change. be recognized at the Awards “Hot Circulation Ideas for Killingsworth is an adjunct Luncheon at noon Saturday. Community Newspapers” also instructor of the PHR/SPHR The ONG Column and Edito- will be presented at 2:30. This Certification Course at OSU/ rial Sweepstakes Awards, OGE session features a panel of Oklahoma City. He has com- Photo of the Year Awards, newspaper managers who will pleted postgraduate work at OPA Digital Media Awards, share their success stories for the University of Michigan in OPA Print Quality Award and markets of all sizes. Strategic Human Resources Joseph H. Edwards Outdoor Harrower’s final session of Planning and is certified by Writer of the Year award will the day, at 3:30 p.m., is “101 the Society of Human Resourc- be presented during the lun- Swipeable Design Ideas” fea- es Management as a Senior cheon. turing a fast-paced show of Human Resources Profession- Continued on Page 3 al. MARK ZIMMERMAN 2 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017

CIMARRON TEXAS BEAVER HARPER

ELLIS

ROGER MILLS

BECKHAM

BY OPA PRESIDENT DAYVA SPITZER GREER Co-Publisher, Sayre Record

& Beckham County Democrat HARMON Sentinel Leader publisher recalls memorable moment

This month’s “Weeklies Out West” turnover history is not unique to Senti- takes us to Sentinel in southwestern nel as most of the weekly newspapers Washita County, a town of just under that we have investigated have a similar 1,000 people located at the crossroads early day background. We might only of Highways 44 and 55. Sentinel sits in guess that there were many ambitious the middle of some good farm and ranch folks who had the desire to be a newspa- land providing the agriculture base for per publisher. However, once they were most of the local economy. faced with the labor intensive nature of OPA President Dayva Spitzer with Sentinel Leader Publisher Jolene Wolfenbarger and In 1898, a small general store was the business, many made the decision her mother Martha Sullivan outside the Leader office. established near present-day Sentinel to pass it on to the next interested party. with the addition of a post office a Although those early days in the news Wolfenbarger, a lifelong native of Senti- school reunion and were taking their year later. The post office was tagged industry were challenging, post WWII nel, has a great love for her community addressed papers to the post office in Sentinel, Indian Territory, after Cloud ushered in a golden age for newspapers. and the people of the area but has not Clinton when they hydro-planed off a Chief’s Herald-Sentinel newspaper. In In 1955, Wayne and Emma Schoon- had an extensive background in jour- flooded highway into a water filled ditch, 1901, railroad activity began to stir the maker took ownership of the Sentinel nalism. Her good business sense and filling the car with water and ruining area and land was donated to establish Leader and reigned as the longest ten- local knowledge have served her well to every copy of the newspaper. They had a townsite with the name of Barton cho- ured publishers in the life of the publi- maintain a successful publication. to reprint and re-address but, at least sen to represent the community. In 1904, cation until 1992, at which time it was Printing each week at The Clinton were not harmed during the incident. Will Hornbeck established the Sentinel passed on to their son and his wife, Daily News, the Leader puts out several The journalistic responsibilities of News Boy newspaper and later started Mark and Teresa Schoonmaker. special editions including Christmas, Sentinel are no different than most a petition to have Barton renamed Sen- Mark and Teresa continued the fam- graduation, a FFA recognition edition, towns of its size. School activities and tinel. In 1906, the petition was approved ily way for six more years. It was during and a July 4th edition covering the sports are a huge part of what drives with 351 souls populating the small town that time that present day publisher, city’s huge annual Independence Day interest among readers in Sentinel. The at statehood. Jolene Wolfenbarger, became the editor Celebration that has been happening school system is well respected with Hornbeck continued to publish the in 1997. Then in 1998, Jerry and Sher- since 1961. a legacy of successful basketball and News Boy for six years until 1910 when lene Brewer purchased the paper from When asked what has been her most baseball teams. the Sentinel Publishing Co. took over Schoonmaker, owning it only one year memorable experience since owning The community is a tight-knit, yet wel- the journalistic duties of the commu- before selling it to Wolfenbarger. The Leader, Wolfenbarger was quick to coming town that supports and appreci- nity with the Sentinel Leader, which Wolfenbarger, now operating as tell of late last summer when the area ates their newspaper. When visiting with has maintained the same name since Hometown Publications, Inc., has been was receiving an abundance of rain. the local residents, each commented on that time. Between the years of 1910 publisher and editor for over 17 years Wolfenbarger and her mother had pub- the great job that Jolene and Martha do and 1955, the Sentinel Leader changed and is assisted by her mother, Martha lished a large special edition of a local in covering the news of the area. hands a dozen times. The ownership Sullivan, who serves as office manager. OPA CALENDAR OF EVENTS ATTENTION OPA ANNUAL CONVENTION • FRI. & SAT, JUNE 9 & 10, 2017 OPA BUSINESS MEMBERS Mark your calendars to join us for OPA’s Annual Convention, held at the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. Headline speaker Tim Harrower, author of The Newspaper Designer’s Handbook and Inside Reporting, will present three design sessions. 2017 WEBINAR: 10 LEGAL QUESTIONS TO ASK • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 PHOTO ID 1:00 PM – COST: $59 PRESS CARDS Attorney Rick Hollow has represented some of the biggest media companies and newspapers in America as they’ve dealt with concerns related to media rights and first amendment issues. They will poll registrants for questions beforehand and open the are now available! lines for questions, making sure to cover concerns of most interest to attendees. To register, visit newspaperacademy.com/ webinar/legal. ORDER YOURS TODAY! ONLY To download order form, visit For more information on upcoming events, visit the OPA website at www.OkPress.com or contact Membership & Meetings Director Christine Frank at (405) 499-0040, 1-888-815-2672 or email [email protected]. $5 WWW.OKPRESS.COM The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 3

Register now for the June 9-10 OPA Annual Convention The Continued from Page 1 ideas to take home and try in your own Oklahoma newspaper. Mark Zimmerman will present “Pho- Publisher tojournalism Basics” in the concurrent session. Zimmerman, an associate pro- fessor at the University of Central Okla- ISSN 1526-811X Official Publication of the homa, will provide tips on how to capture images for both print and online publica- Oklahoma Press Association tions using smartphone and DSLR cam- PUBLISHER eras. Zimmerman was chief photogra- pher at The Edmond Sun for four years Mark Thomas and also worked as a freelance journalist [email protected] for many major publications. A roundtable discussion covering top- EDITOR ics from earlier in the day concludes the ONLY Jennifer Gilliland educational sessions. [email protected] The finale of the two-day convention $12 EACH! is the annual Awards Banquet where the OPA OFFICERS Milt Phillips Award and ONF Beachy Dayva Spitzer, President Musselman awards will be presented. New members will be inducted into the Sayre Record & OPA Quarter and Half Century Clubs Beckham County Democrat and winners of the Better Newspaper Brian Blansett, Vice President Contest will be revealed. Tri-County Herald To register for the convention, go to www.okpress.com/convention-reg- Rod Serfoss, Treasurer istration or contact Membership and Display your pride in newspapers with this T-shirt, available for pickup at the OPA Clinton Daily News Meetings Director Christine Frank at Convention; T-shirts will not be mailed. Place your order to reserve your size at Mark Thomas, 405-499-0040 or by email at cfrank@ www.okpress.com/convention. Only $12 each. okpress.com. Executive Vice President, Oklahoma City OPA DIRECTORS Cydney Baron joins Robby Trammell, Past President The Mustang News welcomes The Oklahoman Claremore Progress Maleyia Vaughn as news editor Ted Streuli, The Journal Record Cydney Baron has joined The Clare- The Mustang News has added a “As a journalist, my main goal is Ray Dyer, El Reno Tribune more Daily Progress as a staff reporter. new news editor to its team. Maley- to shed light on how truly amazing Mike Strain, Tulsa World Baron transferred from the Progress’ ia Vaughn is a Mustang native that this city is, but more importantly how John Denny Montgomery, sister paper, the Pryor Times, where interned at the newspaper in the sum- wonderful the people are who make she was managing editor. mer of 2016. Prior to coming to Mus- up the community,” Vaughn said. “Of The Purcell Register “Community news is my passion – tang, she worked at the Yukon Review, course, I know that I’m not just here to Mark Millsap, and how exciting to be able to cover the sister paper of the Mustang News. shed a positive light and I will strive to The Norman Transcript the news in such a vibrant, progressive “Mustang is my home and I couldn’t do the best I can to fairly, ethically and community,” Baron said. be more excited to be back here,” accurately cover Mustang, Oklahoma.” Zonelle Rainbolt, During her career, she has covered Vaughn said. When Vaughn is not writing or pho- The Cordell Beacon everything from agriculture to faith. She She graduated from Mustang High tographing, she can be found going on 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. graduated from Pryor High School and School before going to Oklahoma walks with her fiancé, Bruce, and her earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Rog- City University to earn her bachelor’s dog, Bailey. Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 ers State University. degree in communications. (405) 499-0020 Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 New writer at www.OkPress.com Considering a sale? [email protected] Yukon Review www.Facebook.com/OKPress W.B. Grimes & Company The Yukon Review welcomes Terry SUBSCRIBE TO Groover as the paper’s new staff writer. has sold more than 1,500 newspapers over the THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER Groover’s journalism career spans years and appraised thousands of others. $12 PER YEAR more than three decades. His passion is community journalism. Gary Borders covers Oklahoma, Texas, THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406- “I love writing about people,” Groover Louisiana, New Mexico and Arizona. 920) is published monthly for $12 per year said. “And yes, everyone has a story to by the Oklahoma Press Association, 3601 N. tell.” [email protected] • 903-237-8863 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. He has lived in the Yukon area for the Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. past 11 years but says he still has much What’s Your Paper Worth? Find Out Today. more to learn about the city. Groover POSTMASTER: Send address changes to says his goal is to continue the Yukon A free confidential consultation awaits via our website. THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. Review’s 50 year tradition of reporting www.MediaMergers.com Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. on the community. 4 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 Ada News Nominating Committee recommends OPA offi cers teams up with The OPA Nominating Committee met The committee reviewed the OPA By- for John Denny Montgomery, editor of in Oklahoma City on March 2, 2017, to Laws, nominating committee structure, The Purcell Register. Zonelle Rainbolt, non-profi t group recommend the slate of OPA officers board policies regarding board service editor of The Cordell Beacon, was rec- and directors for 2017-2018. and the board positions to be filled by ommended to fill a board vacancy end- The Ada News recently partnered The seven-member committee is the committee. ing June 30, 2019. with Abba’s Tables, a nonprofit dedi- composed of the six most recent OPA Upon completion of the discussion, Recommended as a new director to cated to feeding hungry people in Ada. past presidents who are still active as the committee recommended the follow- serve a three-year term was Alan Herz- The project is the first in an ongoing newspaper executives and the current ing slate of officers and directors for the berger, vice president of audience devel- campaign by The Ada News’ philan- OPA president. year beginning July 1, 2017. opment at The Oklahoman. thropic board. The board includes the Members of the Nominating Commit- Current OPA Vice President Brian A general election for new officers newspaper’s leadership team, mem- tee attending were Chairman Jeff Shultz, Blansett, publisher of the Tri-County and directors will be held at the annual bers of the business community and Garvin County News-Star; Rod Serfoss, Herald, was recommended to serve as convention during the OPA business others who want to join. Clinton Daily News; Rusty Ferguson, president. Ted Streuli, associate pub- meeting at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Ada News publisher Amy Johns The Cleveland American; Jeff Mayo, lisher of The Journal Record, was rec- the Skirvin Hilton in downtown Okla- said the collaboration with Abba’s Sequoyah County Times, and Robby ommended to serve as vice president, homa City. Tables is the first project in a larger Trammell, The Oklahoman. Other mem- and Rusty Ferguson, publisher of The Nominations for officers and direc- effort designed to help Ada’s chari- bers of the committee are Jeff Funk, Cleveland American, was recommended tors may also be made from the floor. table organizations. Enid News & Eagle, and Dayva Spitzer, to serve a one-year term as treasurer. Johns said she and others on the Sayre Record & Beckham County Dem- The committee also recommended newspaper staff already volunteered to ocrat. the renewal of a three-year director term help at Abba’s Tables. “As the evening came to a close, I felt a sense of purpose,” Johns wrote in a column. Johns said The Ada News is hon- Tulsa native speaks at SPJ-OK Awards Banquet ored and blessed to be working with The Society of Profes- Achievement Awards” man/Livermore Professor in Commu- Abba’s Tables. sional Journalists Pro- honored two longtime and nity Journalism. “We know our purpose is more than fessional Chapter (SPJ- award-winning Oklahoma Two people – Curtis Killman and delivering news and information to our OK) presented its annual journalists — Tom Mau- Brady Henderson – were the recipients readership,” she said. “We care about awards on April 22 in Still- pin and Mary Hargrove. of individual awards in the “Carter Brad- this community and are determined to water, Oklahoma. Prior to joining The ley First Amendment Awards.” serve our neighbors.” Pulitzer Prize-winning Oklahoman in 1982, Mau- Killman, a staff writer with the Tulsa Washington Post investi- pin worked as a photog- World since 1995, covered Tulsa City gative reporter David Fal- rapher in Missouri and Hall until 2004. He then joined the Proj- Pryor Times lis presented the keynote copy editor in Kansas. He ects-Enterprise Team where he used speech. wrapped up his lengthy computer-assisted reporting and geo- DAVID FALLIS ceases publication Fallis, a Tulsa native, career at The Oklahoman graphic information system software to shared his thoughts about today’s eth- by serving for approximately 15 years as help him write interesting stories. He April 29, 2017 ics in journalism. Fallis worked at The the newspaper’s copy chief until retiring has won awards for projects on topics Oklahoma Daily, the University of Okla- in 2016. that range from puppy mills to child After more than 80 years, The homa’s student newspaper, before grad- Hargrove worked as an investigative abuse to substandard housing. Pryor Times published its final edition uating with a degree in journalism. journalist and editor for approximately Henderson has served as the legal on April 29, 2017. The Times’ website He started his professional career as 30 years for The Tulsa Tribune, which director for the American Civil Liberties will also discontinue publishing. a police reporter for The Tulsa Tribune closed in 1992, before spending many Union (ACLU) of Oklahoma since 2012. “Despite efforts to improve finan- and later wrote and edited for the Tulsa years as a writer and editor at the Arkan- He is a former assistant district attor- cial conditions the paper could not World. sas Democrat-Gazette. ney for Oklahoma and a longtime attor- sustain itself economically,” said Com- Fallis began working for the Washing- The “Teacher of the Year Award” ney/advocate specializing in civil rights, munity Newspaper Holdings Inc., the ton Post in 1999, and now serves as the was presented to John Schmeltzer, a criminal defense and general litigation. paper’s parent company. deputy editor for the Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (2001) For a complete list of winners, go to Seven employees were affected by investigation unit. and University of Oklahoma journalism https://tinyurl.com/kaqlh3u. the closing of the weekly newspaper SPJ-OK’s “Individual Lifetime professor. Schmeltzer is OU’s Engle- that covered all of Mayes County.

Tulsa World debuts McAlester staff recognized for public service journalism Community Newspaper Holdings, the project. Those five are Executive Dishman also received the Reporter redesigned website Inc. recently recognized the McAles- Editor Glenn Puit, Managing Editor of the Year award for Division II. ter News-Capital and its staffers for James Beaty, reporter David Dishman, “David has done an outstanding job The recently redesigned tulsa- outstanding public service journalism photographer Kevin Harvison and page for us from day one,” Puit said. “He is world.com is more phone friendly and performed in 2016. designer Dawnyal Hill. an extremely talented journalist. His easy to navigate. The News-Capital placed first in Pub- “Once again I am proud of this group top priorities are accuracy and fairness. The site features a responsive lic Service Journalism for the exten- of journalists,” said News-Capital Pub- David deserves this recognition.” design, which means the website opti- sive investigation into the misuse of lisher Amy Johns. “This is what enter- The judges who awarded Dishman mizes to the size of the screen you’re a municipal credit card in the city of prise journalism is all about; digging with the honor praised his reporting looking at whether it’s a smartphone Hartshorne. Criminal investigations by deep and never giving up. Protecting the style. or a tablet. the Federal Bureau of Investigation and taxpayers and holding those in govern- “His reporting makes numbers mean The site offers several new features the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investiga- ment accountable for the decisions they something, and he demonstrates a mas- that make it easier for readers to find tion are ongoing. make. This community should be proud tery of difficult topics,” one judge wrote. the latest news, save stories for later, In addition, five News-Capital employ- of its newspaper and the excellent work follow specific reporters and more. ees were recognized for their work on it does.” The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 5 DEATHS DEBRA DURBIN, a longtime employee Durbin worked for the McAlester Durbin is survived by her sister Billie at the McAlester News-Capital, died News-Capital for 45 years. She earned Lee and husband Charles; sister Bar- April 27, 2017. her associate’s degree from Eastern bara DeLaune and husband John; and Donate Oklahoma State College. several nieces and nephews.

DORIS LOUISE RING, a former employ- school in 1936. She attended Nebraska At the age of 62, Ring began working to ONF ee at the Ponca City News, died April 16, State Teachers College in Kearney, then at the Ponca City News and stayed there 2017. She was 98. taught school for two years. for 26 years before retiring. Ring was born Aug. 18, 1918, in After a stint in Los Angeles and then She is survived by her sons Dave and Edmonton, Canada. Her family moved back to Nebraska, she eventually moved Richard; six grandchildren and eight to Nebraska where she graduated high to Ponca City in 1969. great-grandchildren.

GARY MARTIN SMITH, former pub- under his direction, the newspaper con- Smith graduated from the University lisher of The Lindsay News, died April verted to offset printing. of Oklahoma before serving in the U.S. 18, 2017. He was 82. Smith later went on to work for news- Army. He enjoyed the outdoors and had Smith was born March 22, 1935, in papers in Texas before moving back to a passion for raising cattle. Mangum. Lindsay in 1981. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, In 1944, the family moved to Lindsay In a small two-room office, Smith, his Harriet; daughter Holly Belknap and after purchasing The Lindsay News. wife Harriet, daughter Holly and sister husband William of Lindsay; a grand- Smith became publisher in 1963 and Ursula Pohl published the first edition daughter and great-grandson. of The Shopper News Note.

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ BRENT WALTER, long- shop at the OBU Press. Walter gradu- Another Hennessey graduate donat- A donation to the time publisher of The Hennessey Clip- ated from OU in 1962. ed $3,000 to the library to set up the per, died May 8, 2017. He was 82. His career next took him to Kingfish- Barbara and Bill Walter Digitized Hen- Oklahoma Newspaper Walter was a third generation pub- er where he served as public relations nessey Clipper Collection for research. lisher of The Hennessey Clipper, which director for Cimarron Electric Coop- Bill was a past president of the Hen- Foundation will support was in his family from 1904-2014. He erative from 1963 to 1967. Walter then nessey Lions Club, Hennessey Chamber retired and sold the newspaper in late moved to Oklahoma City and became of Commerce, Retail Merchants Asso- its efforts to improve the December 2014. public relations director for the Okla- ciation, Kiwanis Club and Hennessey state’s newspaper industry He was born in Dewey, Okla., April homa Turnpike Authority. Celebration Inc. 27, 1935, to Art and Jean Walter. In 1945, Walter served as managing editor, He won numerous awards for his and quality of journalism. at the age of 10, he was putting up leads then owner and co-publisher of The photography, editorials and newswrit- and slugs as a Printer’s Devil and was Hennessey Clipper from 1977 to 2014. ing. delivering printed death notices after Walter was a big promoter of the Hen- Walter was inducted in the Hen- ONF’s programs include school. At 15, his dad finally let him print nessey community and loved its people, nessey High School Hall of Fame in the newspaper on a press once used to even if he couldn’t always remember 2004; the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of training and education for print Baby Ruth candy wrappers. their names. When he first returned Fame in 2008, and the Oklahoma Press professional journalists, Walter attended Central State College home in 1977, he said that he drank five Association’s Half Century Club in 2013. in 1953, and then spent one semes- cups of coffee around a table at Wong’s He is survived by his wife of 45 years, scholarship and internship ter at Okmulgee A&M Tech learning Restaurant (without a bathroom trip) Barb; five children, Courtney B. and linotype operation. From 1955-58, he just so he could hear a guy’s name that Diana Walter of St. Louis; Jill D. and programs for journalism was a student at the University of Okla- he should’ve known without asking. No Barry Jenkins of Edmond; Tracy L. and homa majoring in journalism and work- one ever said it, so he had to ask him. Terry Anderson of Perry; Amy C. and students, and Newspaper in ing part-time in the back shop of the Walter loved photography and was the Cham Carpenter of Edmond, and Nick Oklahoma Daily. He returned to OU as newspaper’s expert in that department. Walter of Hennessey; eight grandchil- Education efforts. a part-time student and full-time Okla- His collection of cameras was donated dren and one great-granddaughter. homa Daily employee after working at to the Hennessey Public Library several ONF relies on donations the Alva Review-Courier and in the back- years ago, and are still on display. and memorial contributions

HERMAN RAY WILSON, retired printer He was editor and publisher of the Lex- children Deedra Nagy of Norman, Leon to fund these programs. from The Purcell Register, died April 13, ington Sun, Noble News, Purcell News Wilson and wife Bernita of Purcell, and 2017. He was 75. and Stratford Star weekly newspapers. Julie Murphy and husband Rusty of If you would like to make Wilson was born October 16, 1941, in He retired as a printer from The Purcell Macomb; seven grandchildren and one Oklahoma City. He joined the Oklahoma Register. great-grandchild. a donation, please send a National Guard and served 25 years. Wilson is survived by his wife June; check to: In Memory of Our Friends & Colleagues OKLAHOMA James Franklin Nicholson Jr. Joann Sue Larkins Thompson Darren L. Currin April 3, 2016 April 13, 2016 May 3, 2016 NEWSPAPER Emily Jane Sheldon Leterle Paul English Patsy Lee Abernathy Thompson FOUNDATION April 20, 2016 April 20, 2016 May 17, 2016 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. Ben Blackstock Oklahoma City, OK 73105 April 25, 2016 6 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017

MARCH 2017 DAILY WINNER: JASON ELMQUIST Stillwater News Press MARCH 2017 WEEKLY WINNER: JANET MOORE

Oklahoma State sophomore Preston Weigel celebrates after defeating West Virginia’s Jacob Smith to repeat as the Big 12 champion at 197 pounds. The Purcell Register Photo by JASON ELMQUIST, Stillwater News Press, March 5, 2017

The March 2017 contest was judged by a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. View all winning photos at www.OkPress.com/ OGE-Photo-Contest ENTER AND WIN A $100 CHECK FROM OGE ENERGY CORP. For more information about the photo contest, visit www.okpress.com /oge-photo-contest Purcell Firefighters battle not one, but two grass fires along Interstate 35. One of the fires was at mile marker 95 and the other was at mile marker 101. Goldsby and Purcell units responded. Photo by JANET MOORE, The Purcell Register, March 2, 2017 THE OG&E PHOTO CONTEST

It’s time … for OG&E’ss new SmartHours™ Price Plans. 1-877-898-3834 OGE.COM M I D NIG H T N OON M I D N I G H T 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MONEY-SAVING OFF PEAK PEAK TIME, WATCH YOUR USE PEAK OVER. START SAVING … © 2012 OGE Energy Corp. The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 7 Gunshots wound Tulsa World carrier Kingfi sher Times & Free Press A woman was shot while delivering Police found nine bullet holes in Tulsa World newspapers in north Tulsa Jones’ car and 59 shell casings in the on April 22. area where the shooting occurred. debuts modern design in April Terri Jones, an independent carrier Jones, who was in stable condition, for the Tulsa World, suffered two gun- was transported and treated at a Tulsa Left: The new front shot wounds to the chest. hospital. page of The Kingfisher Times & Free Press displays a prominent flag and new fonts for headlines and content. Below: The old design of the newspaper that has been published for more than 20 years.

18 Pages March 22, 2017 Wednesday No. 97 of the 128th Year Fifty Cents .LQJÀVKHU.LQJÀVKHU&RXQW\2NODKRPD86361R Let’s get this party started Spring break delays state champ celebration

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$ ZRPDQ ZLWK ORFDO WLHV ZLOO UHFHLYHWKH*RYHUQRU·V2XWVWDQG LQJ 3XEOLF 6HUYLFH LQ$JULFXOWXUH $ZDUG DW D FHUHPRQ\ DW  SP :HGQHVGD\0DUFKDWWKHVWDWH FDSLWRO $QQD%HOOH:LHGHPDQQRI The public needs 6HH$ZDUG3DJH$@ To celebrate its 129th birthday, The Kingfisher Times & Free Press The future of our country depends decided to change its look. on the page. ‘Times & Free Press’ on the ability of journalists to “We wanted to have a cleaner, are dominant on the flag, with ‘King- Real, Reputable, provide the public with sleeker, more modern look and what fisher’ sitting above the title. Trusted. Your News you see today and moving forward “Our previous longtime flag investigative journalism. Media. is the result,” said managing editor speaks to our history, of which we’ve Michael Swisher. always been very proud,” Swisher Help show your support for quality, Follow the However, the redesign did not said. “At the same time, we’ve been investigative journalism: conversation at happen overnight and took months using that flag and similar versions of trial and error. of it since before my arrival nearly 20 #SupportRealNews Swisher said that he and senior years ago.” Donate to the International editor Christine Reid came up with Although story copy remained Consortium of Investigative THIS PUBLICATION SUPPORTS REAL several samples before coming to an Palatino, font styles for headlines and Journalists today NEWS. agreement. cutlines were changed to help give “Her sample from a couple months the paper its desired clean, modern https://donate.icij.org/ back and my design were nearly look. Headlines went from Optima exact replicas,” Swisher said. “We to Oswald and cutlines went from couldn’t believe it and I think it was Palatino to Arial. more reassuring to us both that we The newspaper’s website is also came to an agreement on a flag we getting an updated look and is cur- www.newsmediaalliance.org both designed, though in our own rently under construction. The new way.” website will have the ability to feature The News Media Alliance is providing two full-color print ads, as well as digital cube The flag was made taller and the more photos and videos as well as and digital leaderboard ads, for use in your print and online newspapers. The ads, which newspaper name was changed to the access to the digital edition of the can be downloaded in EPS and PDF formats, can be customized with your name (change font Impact to give it more emphasis Times & Free Press. “This Publication” to your name) and logo. To download the ads, go to https://www. newsmediaalliance.org/research_tools/supportrealnews/ 8 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 Thank you for the honors bestowed upon me

g Clark’s Critique The AAlvalva RReview-Couriereview-Courier by Terry M. Clark Okeene Record Vol. 125 No. 36 Friday, May 5, 2017 - $1.00 www.alvareviewcourier.com 620 Choctaw, Alva, OK 73717 Journalist Vol. 97, No. 18 Thursday, May 4, 2017 One Hundred Seventeenth Year No. 21 April 6, 2017 75 cents Serving the Okeene Community Since 1919 $ 1.00 Home of the Okeene Whippets USPS #406-180 Precipitation KEC Host Annual Youth Tour Banquet [email protected] Report World record broken at Okeene Rattlesnake Hunt In Memory of George Oller, McAreavey And Lipsey Will Represent KEC In D.C. A world record was broken one at a time into the tub with Pat Oller Reporting @okieprof WKLV ZHHNHQG XQRI¿FLDOO\ DW Thomas. The snakes were ini- Wheat Price March 28, ‘17 To least, as Pennsylvania resident tially placed near Thomas’ feet Wednesday, Apr. 26 $3.12 Dave Thomas broke the previ- although several found their Thursday, Apr. 27 $3.21 April 6, 2017 ous record of sharing a bathtub way up near his midsection. Friday, Apr. 28 $3.49 TOTAL ------3.44” with 195 snakes by sharing his It took approximately 64 min- tub with 200 snakes. The re- utes to place all 200 snakes in Saturday, Apr. 29 (Market Closed) cord was set at approximately the tub with Thomas. While Sunday, Apr. 30 (Market Closed) 4:04 p.m. Saturday afternoon it was unseasonably cold out- Monday, May 1 $3.78 Wheat in Okeene. side, the temperature inside Tuesday, May 2 $3.78 The record is still techni- the ag building was quite a bit Courtesy of Sooner Coop FDOO\ XQRI¿FLDO DW WKLV SRLQW warmer as the entire building Prices It’s amazing what you learn when as Thomas will be required to was packed with spectators Prices Courtesy Of The provide proof of his feat to the hoping to witness history be- folks at Guinness World Re- ing made. Garber Coop cords. Guinness requires a sig- Once Thomas broke the 03-28-17 $3.38 QL¿FDQWDPRXQWRIGRFXPHQWD- record, it took only about 10 tion in order to support a world minutes to remove the snakes 03-29-17 $3.38 putting out a weekly newspaper, and you record. During Thomas’ at- from the tub. A count was 03-30-17 $3.31 WHPSW¿OPIRRWDJHZDVEHLQJ kept, not only of the snakes as Fishing Report SUHSDUHGIURPVWDUWWR¿QLVKRI they were placed into the tub, 03-31-17 $3.35 the entire record breaking pro- but also as the snakes were re- Canton: Elevation is above cess. The requirements also moved from the tub. average. Water is 63 and clear. 04-03-17 $3.33 include witness statements, After the snakes were re- &DW¿VK DUH JRRG RQ VKDG EH- don’t even know it. which shouldn’t be much of a moved, Thomas emerged from low the dam and main lake. problem due to the hundreds the tub to cheers from the Bass are good on crankbait What’s that braved the cold to witness crowd, sporting a huge smile. and jigs in the main lake and the event. Thomas said that this was along riprap. Submitted by Thomas entered the Ring KLV ¿UVW DWWHPSW DW EUHDNLQJ Mark Walker. Up! of Death in the Ag building the bathtub record. He said As most of you know, this month’s located on the grounds of the that the most important part of Garber Commu- snake hunt, just outside of the record breaking attempt is downtown Okeene. Thomas, to remain calm. nity Improvement who was sporting a #87 Sid- “You just get in your hap- Community Association (GCIA) ney Crosby Pittsburgh Pen- py place and relax,” he said. meetings will be held guins jersey took his place in a “That’s really what you have column is a turning point for me as my see-through bathtub. Thomas to do.” Calendar the third Wednesday was wearing jeans and boots Thomas also gave a lot of of the month at 7:00 and as he sat down in the tub, credit to his helpers with the p.m. at the Garber his legs were taped together Okeene Diamondback Club. Saturday, May 6 with black tape. He laid in the “It is not about me, it is Okeene Germanfest Community Theater. Begins @ Noon tub, supported by several pil- about of all us,” Thomas said The Billings Histor- employment status has “changed.” I’m lows and effectively sat up- referring to his helpers in the Dave Thomas broke the previous record of sharing a bathtub with 195 ******* right, with his arms out at his ring. “You have to have good ical Group meet the snakes by sharing his tub with 200 snakes. (Photo by William Carroll) Friday, June 9 side resting on the edges of the handlers.” Relay for Life First Wed at 7:00 Pictured standing from left to right: Tim Rodriguez, CEO, Mikey tub and his feet placed directly Throughout the record teen minutes that he was in the As part of the attempt, case disaster struck. Luckily p.m. Everyone is wel- in front of him. Beginning at 3 breaking attempt, Thomas @ Huff-Lorang Park Kane-Medford, Aaron Smith- Medford, Brett Severin-Garber, Trenton tub. At times when snakes be- emergency medical services no one was injured as part of p.m., members of the Okeene spoke with the snake handlers in Watonga come and needed. came too aggressive they were were on standby. A ready path the record breaking attempt. McAreavey-Tonkawa, and Max Hohmann, President of the Board of Trust- trying to avoid the “R” word. Diamondback Club began about a variety of issues dur- removed from the tub and re- was made from the snake den (Award pictures on page 8) ee’s. Seated from left to right: Caitlynn Wickham-Blackwell, Emma Dice- placing venomous snakes, LQJWKHRYHURQHKRXUDQG¿I- Billings Chamber place with more docile snakes. to an awaiting ambulance in 1st Monday of Month: of Commerce meet Blackwell, Makenna Sterling-Medford and Samantha Lipsey-Garber. Chamber Luncheon the 3rd Wednesday of Kay Electric Coopera- School and Makenna the Youth Tour Banquet @ Noon (except holidays) every month at noon tive’s Annual Youth Tour Sterling from Medford to present the essays in Okeene and Ames postal workers awarded Safety Awards Vol. Fire Dept. Mtg. 7 p.m. Oklahoma journalist and UCO col- OHPG Meetings at the Community Banquet wrapped up on High School won the speech form and answer Postal workers from the 7 p.m. at The Corner Building. the evening of March 22. all-expense paid trip to three questions from the 2NHHQHDQG$PHVSRVWRI¿FHV recently were awarded safety ******* City of Garber City Area juniors wrote es- the Cooperative Youth judges. Judging the con- awards. 3rd Monday of Month: Council Meetings are says about what they see Leadership Conference test were Erin Liberton league Joe Hight asked me recently how Chris Boeckman, Okeene Volunteer Fire Dept. the 2nd Tuesday of as the biggest challenges in Steamboat Springs, from Eastman National Route 2 regular carrier, re- ceived a 30 year Safe Driving Work Meeting @ 7 p.m. every month at 7pm. that the electric utilities Colorado. Cash priz- Bank, Traci Thorpe from &HUWL¿FDWHDQGSLQ ******* Earl Eskue, Okeene Route Garber Clothing will face in the future and es were awarded to Pioneer Tech, and Jared 1 regular carrier, received a Each Tues. @ 7 p.m. Closet is OPEN ev- why. School administra- Caitlynn Wickham and Grell from BancFirst. Alcoholic Anonymous Mtg I managed all of the details involved QLQH\HDU6DIH'ULYLQJ&HUWL¿- ery Saturday 9am tors and faculty, parents, Emma Dice from Black- KEC has been sending cate and pin. United Methodist Church - 12pm. It is located Bengi Gregory, Ames 302 S. 5th, Okeene KEC employees and di- well High School, Mikey local high school juniors Route 041 regular carrier, re- Contactt: 405-388-4425 at the Garber First rectors got the chance Kane and Aaron Smith to Washington D.C. since ceived a six year Safe Driving Methodist Church, to listen and learn as the from Medford High 1963. &HUWL¿FDWHDQGSLQ ******* Education Building in the year-long process of leading the Stephanie Patterson, Ames 2nd Tuesday of Month HLJKW ¿QDOLVWV SUHVHQWHG School. McAreavey and Lipsey RCA (Route 041 Substitute Town Board Mtg 6 p.m. The Breckenridge Carrier), received a four year their essays in speech The essay contest is as the top winners will 6DIH'ULYLQJ&HUWL¿FDWH ******* Community Cen- form. open to high school ju- also have the opportu- The carriers drive any- 3rd Wed. of Month ter sponsors a ‘Bin- Trenton McAreavey niors within the KEC ser- nity to compete at the Pictured above are Garber 8th graders: Lukas where from 120 miles to 154 Play Group @ Okeene go Night’ the 3rd miles, six days a week. Public Library 10 a.m. from Tonkawa High vice territory. A third-par- state level for the cov- Steinert, Kayleb Darst, and Weston Light Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. Thursday of each School and Samantha ty judge, who judged the eted Oklahoma Repre- be selected as an Oklaho- Light, Kayleb Darst, Newspapers ******* month at 7:30 p.m. Chris Boeckman Earl Eskue Bengi Gregory Stephanie Patterson Thursdays Lipsey from Garber High written essays on con- sentative on the Youth ma Ambassador for the Lukas Steinert from in Education Okeene Route Carrier Okeene Route Carrier Ames Route Carrier Ames Route Carrier Kiwanis Meeting, Noon YOU ARE IN- School were the big win- tent, originality, gram- Consulting Board for the multi-state camp. Garber, Amber Watts Supporters of Okeene Community Bldg. VITED to the First ners with an all-expense mar and neatness, chose National Rural Electric KEC also has an eighth from Blackwell, Home Well, I told him, I had lots of help, but… . Baptist Church, Young Adult Ministry grade contest. These six Schooled Karlie Tuck- the Week Garber...TeamKID paid trip to Washington WKH HLJKW ¿QDOLVWV  7KH Cooperative Association 7-8 p.m. at Zion Baptist HONORARY April weather runs the gamut on Wednesdays. 6:30 D.C. for the NRECA top four boys and four in June. students will be attend- er and Kaylee Williams Family Center ing YouthPower Energy from Shidler. REPORTER: April took its penchant for to over 80 mph. Downed trees Each succeeding system the month, the Panhandle re- -8:00pm. Youth Tour. Brett Sev- girls with the best essays Severin and Sterling widely varying weather to and power lines led to 40,000 during the month added mois- corded another 4-8 inches on ******* erin from Garber High were invited to attend will have the chance to Camp in May: Weston I don’t think I could have done it with- David Laubach near satirical extremes across electric utility customers los- ture to an already saturated April 2, exceeding their totals 2nd Thursday of Month Oklahoma. Floods, torna- ing power at the height of the Oklahoma. According to pre- IRU WKH ¿YH SUHYLRXV PRQWKV School Board Mtg 7 pm does, drought and blizzards – storm. Several tornadoes were liminary data from the Okla- combined. The robust April Antelope Valley Church Invites The Mother Nature pulled out all also reported with the storms homa Mesonet, the statewide precipitation totals propelled ******* the stops to give Oklahoma across eastern Oklahoma. average precipitation total was the January-April statewide 3rd Thursday of Month nearly the entire gamut of :KLOH LW ZDV ÀRRGLQJ DFURVV 6.82 inches, 3.56 inches above average to the sixth wettest on VFW Post 7203 Surrounding Communities To Join Us The work of Calvin Graybill, May artist of the out having been a weekly newspaper weather hazards. As many as the main body of the state, the normal and the third wettest record at 14.02 inches. & Ladies Auxiliary Mtg six separate storm systems tra- Panhandle was experiencing April since records began in Despite the momentary 5 p.m. at VFW Hall, versed the state during April, an old fashioned High Plains 1895. Totals ranged from 1.82 bouts with winter, April’s In A Sunrise Service Easter Sunday, month, at Graceful Arts Gallery in Alva. but the worst was saved for blizzard. More than a foot of inches at Erick in far western statewide average tempera- Okeene (No meetings June, last. A powerful upper-level snow was reported in the far Oklahoma to 15.56 inches at WXUH VWLOO PDQDJHG WR ¿QLVK July, Aug) April 16th At 6:30am storm impacted state from the western Panhandle, while 4-8 Tahlequah in the east. Eighty- 1.1 degrees above normal at ******* *** man. Every week, a step-by-step process 28th through the 30th. Wide- inches fell farther to the east. seven of the 121 Mesonet sites 60.4 degrees, the 44th warm- Antelope Valley Church would like to invite the sur- spread rainfall amounts of 3-6 The Cimarron County sher- recorded at least 5 inches of est April on record. The high- 2nd Saturday of Month Gratitude Is Not LQFKHVSURGXFHGÀRRGLQJIURP iff’s department reported 15 rain, and 25 of those stations est temperature recorded was 2nd Saturday Trades Days Only The rounding communities to join us in a sunrise service southwestern through north- inches of snow and drifts of 5 recorded more than 10 inches. 94 degrees at Beaver on the @ The Corner 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Greatest Virtue, on Easter Sunday. Starting at 6:30am April 16th. It eastern Oklahoma. Portions feet. The snow was whipped All but seven Mesonet sites 19th. The lowest temperature, ******* of eastern Oklahoma received by winds gusting up to 70 mph recorded at least 3 inches. 28 degrees, was recorded at will be located at the church on the west side. If rain- of attention to details, meeting deadlines Fridays @ 1 p.m. But The Parent more than 8 inches over the on Sunday to create white- Northeast Oklahoma saw its Kenton on April 2 and again at ing will move indoors. Speaker is James Yoder inter- Senior Citizens Meeting at Of All Others two-day period. Numerous out conditions, closing roads wettest April on record with an Eva on the 23rd. The January- im pastor and will have a guest singer. Bring pickups water rescues were necessary and stranding travelers. Bliz- average of 11.3 inches, shat- April statewide average tem- Okeene Community Bldg. *** across the state. Severe storms zard warnings were issued for tering the previous record of perature was 51.9 degrees, 4.5 to use tailgates to sit on or bring lawn chairs. There produced large hail, damag- Cimarron and Texas counties. 9.27 inches set back in 1942. degrees above normal and the ******* will be a time for fellowship following service with and working with people. Perhaps that’s ing winds and a few torna- Due to the scope of the storm Tulsa broke its record for third warmest such period on Mon., Wed., & Fri. TAHLEQUAH does throughout the event. system across the state, Gov- April rainfall with 10.44 inch- record. Senior Mobility Sessions FR൵HHDQGGRXJKQXWV&KXUFKLVORFDWHGPLOH1RUWK The historic arch at the State ernor Mary Fallin declared a es, eclipsing the 9.33 inches Drought took a major hit Community Bldg, of 412 on the Billings Road. Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City state of emergency for all 77 from 2008. In addition to the GXULQJ $SULO 7KH ¿QDO 86 was toppled by winds gusting counties. snow received at the end of Drought Monitor map of the 9-10 a.m. a little over-simplified, but not much. Continued to page 2 DAILY After 20 years of directing the Hall LOCAL, 3: SPORTS, 7: PRESS THS seniors preparing to turn their tassles THS competes in regional baseball tourney of Fame, this last one in April was very Newspapers featured in Terry Clark’s column this month are The Okeene Record, Friday, May 5, 2017 $1.00 gratifying, and I know it’s time for new Garber-Billings News, Alva Review-Courier, Tahlequah Daily Press, Nowata Star, The SHOWING THEM THE ROPES Two local leadership. Every organization needs Claremore Daily Progress, Sprio Graphic, Hughes County Times and Kingfisher Times men get JROTC students prison new ideas, and I’m confident that Joe & Free Press. learn rappelling sentences a useful skill FROM STAFF REPORTS

By GRANT D. CRAWFORD The district at- [email protected] torney for the 27th Hight has the character and experience Prosecutorial District of Oklahoma has an- ome on, Aidan, you’ve nounced the sentenc- got this,” yelled Richard ings of two local men, Christian, a member C one on drug charges of Tahlequah High School’s to provide them, make improvements and one for peering JROTC program. through windows. Twenty-six feet up, Aidan Richard Russell, 52, Summer stepped off of the was sentenced May 4 tower at THS Thursday after- (thanks to the finagling and computer Personal and powerful: to 15 years under the noon, quickly rappelling his and continue its tradition. custody and control way down to earth. Rope rappelling is just one of the Oklahoma De- of the activities in which stu- partment of Correc- magic of colleague Mark Zimmerman), • Ken Raymond’s first person journey dents in THS’s JROTC program tions for two felony get to participate. counts of drug pos- I was left essentially speechless by session with intent to “There’s a whole lot more that goes on than just a little distribute. bit of marching,” said Col. Mi- Russell was sen- with the flag I designed long ago(draw in The Oklahoman about his PTSD, chael Hunt, JRTOC instructor. tenced under the two unexpected occurrences in this In fact, JROTC students custody and control spend a lot of time outside, of the Oklahoma De- learning marksmanship skills, partment of Correc- first aid techniques and other tions, with all 15 years and cut and paste – no computers). This headlined, “Nothing about this is military-centered recreation. to be served behind year’s ceremony. First, UCO President “In addition to [rappel- bars. ling], we do a one-rope bridge, Assistant District where we go down by the track Attorney Rachel M. and set up a one-rope bridge Dallis prosecuted the brought tears. funny.” His lead: “I never imagined on the trees that are there,” cases, which were Don Betz’s comments about me and the Hunt said. “That’s another investigated by the thing we do in the military to Tahlequah City Po- cross a stream or a gorge.” lice and the Cherokee JROTC students aren’t just County Sheriff’s Of- I’m just an old weekly newspaperman I’d be in this place.” Here’s the link: at the mercy of gravity when fice. resulting standing ovation. I didn’t know rappelling. There’s a very strict Anthony Andring, procedure that needs to be fol- 35, of Siloam Springs, lowed, said Hunt. Ark., was sentenced “We have a chain of com- April 19 to five years in trying to do his job and am thankful and http://www.oklahoman.com/article/ mand here at the school, and the Oklahoma De- how to react nor muster words to thank we have a chain of command partment of Correc- in the military,” he said. “Our Grant D. Crawford | Daily Press tions prison system chain of command in the mili- Bailey Eagle rappels down the tower at Tahlequah High School during his JROTC class. on felony charges of tary has to approve what we’re peeping tom, with blessed all these folks believe I did it 5548070?access=bbbe0c4fe458db3749 doing, and before they’re ap- two of the five years to all who were in attendance. prove that, I have to do what’s things I need to do for us to be are getting a taste of what fortable once they go to one be served. called a risk assessment. I able to rappel.” they’ll be required to do in of those locations, because Assistant District take into account all of things While the program usually basic training. they’ve already done it.” Attorney Joshua C. that could go wrong and all of maintains between 100 and “Some of them go to the Getting the experience now King prosecuted the well. Thank you. 86bc1ae7ea5c30 120 students, Hunt said 10-12 academies for their education things we’ve done to mitigate will also help the students case, which was inves- Secondly, Joe and our chair, Dr. Mary that. Then my commander on of them end up joining the and some of them go here to tigated by the Tahle- when they travel to Fort Sill for the military side has to sign military after graduation. By NSU Senior ROTC,” Hunt said. quah Police Depart- off on it, saying I’ve done all of See ROPES, page 2 Carver, surprised me with a 12” Michael LOOKIN’EM OVER: Storms – weather, • Janelle Stecklein for CNHI in The Ada rappelling now, those students “They’ll feel a lot more com- ment. Garman statue of a newspaper vendor, financial, personal dominated Oklahoma News, continues her much needed issues reporting, “Misunderstandings holding up, of all things, a copy of my old news this month. • Sitting in a tub with rattlesnakes? of Muslims focus of new campaign.” newspaper, the Waurika News-Democrat Only in The Okeene Record. WEATHER – too many to include, but – Part of her lead: “They come from • A woman is sheriff, but not the first, • New dominant flag and headlines in all walks of life. / “They’re teach- Nowata Star, “There’s a new sheriff in The Kingfisher Times & Free Press. ers, principals, physical therapists, town,” by Becky Clark. • “Floods give birth to giant mos- devoted Oklahoma State University • Dominant local photography boosts quitoes” capable of biting through fans, Thunder lovers and parents. / the community in the Garber-Billings clothing, reports Chris Day in the “But they have at least two things in News. Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. His common. / “They’re all Muslims and lead, “The attack of the giant mosqui- living in Oklahoma.” toes.” (It’s not a 1960s sci-fi movie, he • Cydney Baron in the Claremore Daily HEAD’EM UP AWARDS explained..) Progress tells the story of a police First place, The Kingfisher Times & department chaplain. Free Press: FINANCIAL: COME HAIL AND HIGH WATER • Spiro Graphic’s John Clark reports the COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: Second place, Miami News-Record, on school is Riffing (reduction in force) • “And that’s Wright,” popular front Melinda Stotts story on higher electric – eight teachers, two custodians. Buf- page column in The Apache News dis- bills: falo Weekly News says those schools appeared for a week, and a teacher of ZAPPED are considering it. the year story took its place. I called Third place, tie, Tahlequah Daily • James Coburn of The Edmond Sun and Joye Wright told me they ran out Press on Grant D. Crawford’s JROTC writes that work on the I-235/I-40/ of space for the last-minute story. Fig- rappelling story: Broadway Extension interchange is ured it was more important. SHOWING THEM THE ROPES threatened by funding shortfall. • Congratulations to the Hughes County and The Norman Transcript on Caleb • McAlester News-Capital’s Glenn Puit Clark was presented with this statue Times on turning 100. reports the same for McAlester’s • Alva Courier-Review full front page during his final Journalism Hall of Fame unfinished Highway 69 project. ceremony as director. photo featuring local arts. Continued on Page 9 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 9

Clark’s Critique Continued from Page 8

Contact Us 50¢ 1RZDWD6WDU2IÀFH 918-273-2446 )D[/LQH 918-273-0537 Spiro Graphic Email [email protected] Graphic New E-mail Address: [email protected] $GYHUWLVLQJ 918-273-2446 or 54TH YEAR, NO. 25 APRIL 13, 2017 212 S. MAIN ST. SPIRO, OKLA. 74959 PH. 918-962-2075 FAX 918-962-3531 918-814-8193 or Ranch Supply’s Garden Center opened Saturday, offering a large vari- 918-639-8921 HW\RISODQWVWRFKRRVHIURPLQFOXGLQJYHJHWDEOHVDQGÀRZHUV Photo by Mike Bryant April Fools: No Joke April 12, 2017 50¢ VOL. 113 NO. 15 Spiro schools to Phony Cop Arrested Commissioner requests ‘RIF’ personnel By Jim Fienup pretending to be a cop or gonna There’s rob me or whatever you have By John Clark Justin Sebo, Henry Burris and A Fort Coffee man found out it,” said Regan. mayor’s resignation Steve Shaw voted unanimously the hard way that April Fools After ordering to place his Statewide revenue shortfalls to approve the superintendent’s was no joke on him. hands out of a window, he dis- a new Becky Clark funds presented to new busi- and funding cuts in public edu- reduction in force recommen- Roger O’Hara, 46, allegedly armed him and placed him un- Managing Editor nesses opening in Nowata. cation has forced Spiro School dation for non-reemployment being a cop, found out that he der arrest. District Supt. Richard Haynes of eight certified personnel and Lynn said that was a tried to stop a real cop on Lock Deputies asked O’Hara why to make recommendations to offer the due process hearing in sheriff In Tuesday’s election program under former city and Dam Road at Fort Coffee, he had LED lights in his truck. the school board for a reduction open session. for the Ward 3 seat on the manager Eric Epperson, claiming that he was an officer. He replied that he was tired of in force for the 2017-2018 Supt. Haynes also noted in Nowata City Commission Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler people speeding through this who gave a new business school year. his letter to the board: “Our Regan, driving an unmarked area, and items being stolen. in town incumbent David Lynn fell $5,000 to open in the city. Supt. Haynes said in a letter state aid money is already fall- police car, when he noticed Regan searched the truck and to former county commis- Reportedly, about $67,000 to the board that the employees ing short of projection, with Becky Clark flashing lights on a vehicle be- found on him a 9mm pistol on recommended for non-reem- significant additional reduc- Managing Editor sioner Dean Bridges. has been paid out under the hind him. him and second hand gun in his ployment have done nothing tions a real possibility. Lynn received 44 votes incentive program. “The person had tried to come truck. wrong. However, new and fore- “We must plan for and ex- or 32.59 percent, while around my vehicle that I was in O’Hara claimed that he had a Nowata County Com- Perkins confirmed the cast reductions in revenue has ecute those cuts now in order to Panama High School Senior Holiday Hull serves and I noticed that it was not a gun permit to carry a concealed missioners on Wednesday Bridges received 91 votes funds provided do not re- caused further reduction in ex- protect our financial future and as a Senate Page for State Senator Mark Allen, R- police car,” Regan said. weapon. or 67.41 percent of the 135 quire the business to stay penditures of late can only be fund balance. We will continue Spiro, the 9th week of the legislative session from appointed Sandy Hadley as The driver of the Chevrolet He was transported to the achieved by reducing person- to work hard to reduce all ex- the interim sheriff. ballots cast. open. April 3-6. Holiday is the daughter of Bobbie Per- pickup was identified as county detention center in nel. penses, but there are no good Photo by Mike Bryant Lynn’s departure from the He also expressed dis- due, Poteau; and Chad Hull, Turner, Okla. O’Hara,” the deputy said. The Poteau on a complaint of im- Hadley, who has been Supt. Haynes’ recommenda- choices,” Haynes said. Nowata County Sheriff Sandy Hadley was sworn in last week after being commission may have been truck had a red and blue flash- personating a policeman. He sworn in, will serve the appointment in the com- tion calls for eight certified per- “It is important that every- appointed by county commissioners ing light mounted on the wind- bonded out . remainder of Rick Mill- well timed, as questions missioners because some sonnel and two custodian posi- one understands that these ac- shield.. County authorities said during last week’s meeting things said in the March 21 tions to be eliminated. Certi- tions are necessary and do not Hospital CEO suspended er’s term, which expires have going, I think it will be “I knew that he was not a O’Hara has no criminal record, from commissioner Brad fied positions include: elemen- in any way reflect upon these after the November 2018 a tighter ship. Of course we meeting’s executive ses- cop, but did not know if he was but a protective order was filed Hadley not first female tary music teacher; high school individuals who have served LeFlore County Memorial matters regarding potential election. Perkins alleged wrongdoing sion, which were related to against him. will always have obstacles When their husbands died art teacher; part-time high the Spiro Public Schools well.” Hospital Chief Executive Of- breaches of his employment Hadley, a longtime by the mayor. hiring a new city manager, ficer was suspended and the contract.” because of the people we ZKLOH LQ RIÀFH WZR ZLYHV school math; two part-time Haynes added. Nowata County resident, deal with,” she said. Under new business at the had “made it out to the teachers, one at high school and In personnel action during Chief Financial Officer was The executive session lasted WRRNRYHUWRÀQLVKRXWWKHLU named to handle the CEO posi- comes to the job with three Hadley has a total of 31 end of the general govern- public.” one at the middle school; one the regular board meeting, two for more than two hours, and spouse’s terms as Nowata tion on a temporary basis dur- Trust returned from closed decades of law enforce- years in law enforcement, ment agenda, Perkins asked vocational agriculture teacher; certified teachers resigned to New faces on boards County sheriff. about $5,000 in incentive one middle school teacher/ retire. Board members ap- ing the special board meeting doors to open session. ment experience under retiring as team supervisor (See MAYOR pg. 5 ) last week. Sheriff Henry B. Lowrey, coach and one full-time high proved the resignations of Joeita It approved a special com- New faces on area boards Former CEO Mike Carter, her belt. for Northeast District Proba- school coaching position. Nan Jones, Librarian; and Don mittee to determine if a breech Three trustees were elected candidates were Jon Earp, 25; who got his start in law en- Ph.d.-CPA, employed by the “It’s so different and it tion and Parole, supervising None of the certified person- Barnes, math teacher. of contract did occur and what in the Bokoshe at large bi-an- Terry Melton, 22, and Amanda forcement in 1900 as Wann’s Trust since 2013, was sus- was such an abrupt change, Chamber banquet nel have been officially dis- actions will be taken, if any. nual municipal election. Paul, 29. Washington, Nowata and 4-Day School Week pended with pay until further town marshal, died of a missed. The committee members are In the first race, Incumbent In an unexpired term for but it’s been really pleasant. Rogers counties. Board members will also re- investigation by a special com- heart attack while driving Five of the certified person- Chairman Aud Gerald Conway Jr . won that trustee, Holly Ann Gerdes de- The staff had already rec- After receiving a bache- view and study other areas to mittee, according to a press re- his patrol car on Saturday, Thursday at Hillside nel will be notified by certified Ballentine of Wister, Secre- race with polling 42 votes while feated Keith Gammel, 35-33. ognized several problems Carrie Lowrey cut costs, including a possible lease by CFO Shaun Keef, act- lor’s degree in 1993 from mail offering a due process hear- tary Mary Helen Lucas of Dean Collins placed second For a proposition, the yes Aug. 8, 1936. Nowata Area Chamber of Wildlife Preserve, oversees 4-day school week with ex- ing CEO. and were already in the Bartlesville Wesleyan Uni- ing before the board on Mon- Poteau, Member Jeff Baker of with 40 votes. The third candi- voted was 34-28. Lowrey had resigned as Commerce’s 2017 banquet all of the operations and tended classes each day. A com- Under state law, a public body process of changing them day, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Three Heavener . date, also won a seat on the Talihina: Gary Johnson won versity, Hadley began her mittee will be appointed to re- is not required to give an expla- town marshal to become a will begin at 6:30 p.m. marketing at Woolaroc, a of the certified personnel are on Ballentine said the Trust still board of trustees, was Eugene by a collecting 31 votes while so when I came in, they had career with the State of search and study the 4-day nation while an official was deputy under Sheriff James on April 13 m at Hillside 3,700 acre ranch built by oil temporary contracts and not has complete authority over Cobb, getting 30 votes. Essex Webb and Darryl En- a list of changes, problems 2NODKRPDDWWKH2IÀFHRI school week. suspended. Mayes. He also served as a Christian Church Family man Frank Phillips in 1925. entitled to a due process hear- EOMC and its entities. Former Trustee Marion Kates gland were deadlocked by 27 DQGWKLQJVWKH\À[HGµVDLG Other area school districts But the law allows the public Juvenile Affairs as a Juve- ing. Trustees are appointed by polled 23 votes. He did not get votes each. member of the federal pro- Life Center. Woolaroc is listed on the have adopted the 4-day week body to say “for the good of the Hadley. nile Justice Specialist. She Names are withheld from commissioners. elected to the board. Rogers Simmons collected 15 hibition department and as a Recognition award pre- National Register of His- with some success, depending community,” regarding a sus- “I know there were some transferred in 2000 to the publication until all personnel Other members are Treasurer In the second trustee race, votes. U.S. marshal for the eastern on the size of the school. pension or termination. sentations will include the toric Places and includes a have been notified by certified Bob Reed of Poteau, (repre- Incumbent Paula Jones won by bad things that happened Department of Corrections Board members also agreed Hospital Trust said, “Effec- district. He accepted the Boy and Girl of the Year, world-class museum with mail. senting north county) and Trust- a 34-vote decision over Chal- before me, but they are in as a Probation and Parole to revoke the health insurance tive this date (April 4), the Au- job of Nowata police chief Citizen of the Year, Volun- an art collection described During the monthly meeting, ees Mike Andrews, Heavener, lenger Bob Copeland, a former the process of making those premiums of $21,000 annually, thority has suspended Dr. Easter Egg 2IÀFHU all five board members: LeRoy Billy, Poteau, and trustee. He polled 16 votes. in 1921 and was elected teer of the Year, Lifetime by Christie’s of New York previously paid by the school Carter’s employment, with pay, things better, and that’s She was named Agency Raymond Rhodes, Jon Davis, Danielle Dedmon of Spiro. Town Clerk-Treasurer Nowata County sheriff in Lena Owens Achievement, Business of DV´RQHRIWKHÀQHVWFROOHF district. pending further investigation of Hunt what matters.” Probation and Parole Of- Sonya Crase earned 40 votes 1930. the Year, New Business of tions of southwest art in the She’s also going to in- ÀFHU RI WKH

ty, as panel members Nowata Mayor David Lynn and Anthony Tucker

In department reports, Mayor Jim Wil- management meeting in Broken Arrow and Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday year. per rain

listened. of inches 1.63 of average an with

helms thanked the town for condolence KDGEHHQFHUWLÀHG Mostly Cloudy Scat’d T-storms Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny Scat’d T-storms Few T-storms Few T-storms

Death Valley, California, California, Valley, Death April 12-18 76/58 81/60 82/60 83/59 77/56 76/54 78/57 Answer: Precip Chance: 20% Precip Chance: 50% Precip Chance: 10% Precip Chance: 5% Precip Chance: 50% Precip Chance: 30% Precip Chance: 30% Easter Egg Hunts Easter winners www.WhatsOurWeather.com ‡1RZDWD&KDPEHURI&RPPHUFHQRRQ6DWXUGD\DW-DFN*RUGRQ3DUN‡+,6/LIH&KXUFKPDNH\RXU Nowata Star’s Easter Egg Coloring Contest include 3-4 BRANCHES RZQ(DVWHUEDVNHWDPWRDP6DWXUGD\‡Osage Nursing Home, 1 p.m. Saturday at 822 W. Osage DJHJURXS:LOO0DWKHVÀUVWDQG-D\OL-RQHVVHFRQG,Q MAIN BANK AT POTEAU SPIRO 918-962-9911 $YH‡Town of Lenapah, Lenapah Volunteer Fire Department, NoWeTa Cherokee Community Foundation, DJHJURXS-\QWUL6WDQGHIRUGÀUVW.XWWHU:HVVRQVHFRQG YOUR FRIENDLY 1409 North Broadway WISTER 918-655-7257 DP6DWXUGD\DW/HQDSDK&RPPXQLW\3DUNWKDQG6KDZQHH$YH‡1DWLYH$PHULFDQ)HOORZVKLS,QF and Mia Gibbs, third. In 7-8 age group, LiDea Jane Riley, 918-647-8101 AT WAL-MART 918-647-1810 SP6DWXUGD\DW2NODKRPD6WUHHWLQ6RXWK&RIIH\YLOOH‡/LYLQJ:RUG&KXUFKDIWHUWKHDP ÀUVW%U\ORQ/HHVHFRQGDQG-DO\Q7URWWHUWKLUG:LQQLQJ NEIGHBORHOOD BANK MEMBER FDIC TALIHINA 918-567-2900 &URVV%XLOGHUVHUYLFH(DVWHU6XQGD\‡'HODZDUHSPRQ(DVWHU6XQGD\DWWKHEDOOÀHOG Easter baskets were Hayden Howerton and Kaylee Bashford.

SUNDAY FORECAST 2T[TQaPcX]V HTPab ( & HI 83 • LOW 56 • 0% Chance of Rain ~ A warming trend continues Sunday with mostly 6,1*/(&23< sunny skies and a brisk southerly breeze. Morning lows in the 50s. Afternoon highs in the lower 80s. ƒ ! & Monday’s outlook calls for continued southerly winds  7dVWTb2^d]ch and warmer temperatures under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. THE CLAREMORE DAILY 7,0(6

PROGRESS Slaughter to perform at Verdigris baseball rocks at regionals — Page 1B “All I know is what I read in the papers.” — Will Rogers Rocklahoma — 5A

CLAREMOREPROGRESS.COM WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 6 & 7, 2017 Volume 124 No. 226 $1.50

Four jailed on charges :KDWVWDUWHGRXWDVWKH:HWXPND*D]HWWHLQEHFDPHWKH+XJKHV&RXQW\7LPHVLQ Chaplain Paul Simpson is... of drugs, weapons, 0D\‡1RRIWKHWK\HDURI+XJKHV&RXQW\·V+RPH2ZQHG1HZVSDSHU‡3XEOLVKHGLQ:HWXPND2NOD‡SDJHV6HFWLRQV counterfeit money EDITOR’S NOTE: As the TIMES celebrates 100 years, please Healing Hearts 9DOHGLFWRULDQVDQG6DOXWDWRULDQV enjoy the following article about Mingo School from the May BY CYDNEY BARON 4, 2017 Wetumka Gazette. Please see page B-8 for the front [email protected] DQQRXQFHGDW:HWXPND+6-+ page from the same issue. Money fresh off the printer was seized along with more than 100 grams of methamphetamine in a Talala arrest. Area commencement activities set According to Talala Police Department, it started with a call from dispatch alerting them to a vehicle used in a Craig County shooting. According to Talala Police Department's Cpt. Stephen Pales, the suspects printed $1,700 in counterfeit money to purchase tires from an ad they found on Craigslist. You’ve Got Questions! "They met the victim's in Miami and after the tires were all loaded up they noticed the money was fake and took off after them," Pales said, adding that along the way the sus- pects fired shots at the victims. Law enforcement was able to ping the suspect's cell phone to an address in Talala. "Myself and Rogers County Deputy Adam Hull entered the residence and saw the money and paraphernalia, so we backed out," Pales said. "We obtained a search warrant and District Attorney's Investigator Tommy Dunlap assisted in • Can I photograph minors without consent? getting all the paperwork completed." Those inside the residence were Dustin Harp, Russell Butler Jr., Courtney Conterez and Sara Hagan-Ingle. "I saw what appeared to be counterfeit money laying on the bed," Pales stated in the affidavit filed in the case. Search of the residence found, "100 grams of crystal- Isaac Warren Bellinger Caylee Dawn Williams ized methamphetamine, green leafy substance and seeds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, rifles, shotguns and semi- Wetumka HS Valedictorian Wetumka HS Salutatorian automatic pistols, bank checks that did not belong to the individuals, washed bank checks not belonging to the indi- • Can police deny access to records

See JAIL, Page 8A City of Claremore’s by issuing a press release? “The last thing they want to be called is a hero, $91 million budget but that's what they are.” is being reviewed Claremore Police Department holds BY CYDNEY BARON As a volunteer, Simpson is always a special place in Chaplain Paul [email protected] on call. BY CYDNEY BARON Simpson's heart. “It's a volunteer position and it has [email protected] The Memorial Heights Baptist to be someone that really wants to do • Should I alter my archives Church pastor said he's on call for the department 24/7. it. When you get a call at 3 a.m. and it’s an officer saying 'we A $91,199,199 City of Claremore budget is currently When it's a labor of love, he said, you don't mind the long have a six-month old child that's deceased, we need you.' You being reviewed for approval. hours. have to go,” he said. City Manager Jim Thomas said the proposed fiscal year Simpson completed the 33-hour Basic Law Enforcement Much like law enforcement, it's not something everyone is Bryson Keon Travis Megan Olivia Eslick 2018 budget includes a 2.5 percent cost of living adjust- Chaplain Academy through CLEET and has been serving as called to do. Wetumka 8th Grade Valedictorian Wetumka 8th Grade Salutatorian ment, some salary increases, and a host of capital improve- the CPD chaplain since 2003. “I was blessed. This academy opened my eyes to a lot of when a person demands it? ment, infrastructure and department projects. He's a Texas native but has called Claremore home for things,” he said, adding that he's been welcomed by city and As the end of the school year Holdenville Schools Pre-K grad- The proposed budget is one the finance committee, and some 20 years. police department administration. nears, some Hughes County Schools uation will be held Thursday, May 4 the city council, can stand behind, Thomas said. “We dealt with everything the police officers deal with — Like officers, he never knows what the next call is going to graduation ceremonies will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Senior The budget ultimately required difficult choices — all tactical moves, we went to the gun range and they let us fire be. with an end goal of providing the quality of service the cit- the weapons they use regularly. Basically it was a crash course “Part of my ministry has been death notifications. I basi- tonight. graduation will be held Friday, May on law, what they can and can't do,” he said. “The role of the A list of county schools gradua- 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. See BUDGET, Page 3A chaplain is to come alongside of them.” See CHAPLAIN, Page 3A tion dates are as follows: Allen High School graduation is Wetumka 6th and 8th grade pro- planned for Saturday, May 20 from motions will be held Thursday, May 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. • Can I report inaccurate 4 from 6 p.m. and Senior Com- Be sure and pick up a copy of the mencement will be held on Friday, TIMES in coming weeks which will Claremore man arrested for stealing Claremore Lake Triathlon May 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kinder- include pictures of county schools garten graduation was held Tuesday graduation ceremonies. Fentanyl patches; bond set at $9,000 returns for another year night. BY CYDNEY BARON Padgett reportedly also told law Calvin Pre-K and Kindergarten tesimony given in open court? [email protected] enforcement he stole the patches BY CYDNEY BARON there's been one small change this graduation will be held Thursday, [email protected] :HWXPND for himself and for a friend. year. Claremore Parks and Rec May 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Se- Larceny of a controlled dangerous substance Records show Padgett was nior graduation will be held on Fri- landed a Claremore man in the Rogers County Jail. transported to Rogers County Jail The Claremore Lake Triathlon is Director Joe Kays said this year the .LQGHUJDUWHQ According to Claremore Police Department, an without incident. back for another year. triathlon will be hosted and orga- day, May 12 at 7 p.m. officer was dispatched to a residence on Parkwood He is facing felony charges of Claremore City Council approved nized by Runner's World. Moss Senior graduation will be an ordinance variation request dur- The event is scheduled for *UDGXDWLRQ Dive on Wednesday regarding a larceny. larceny of a controlled dangerous PADGETT held on Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. On scene, the responding officer reportedly substance, knowingly concealing ing their meeting Monday with pro- Stuart Schools Senior graduation learned that Jason Padgett, 42, went to the residence stolen property and possession of a visions on boat length, swimming 20. 3LFWXUHV and wading, and overnight security. Athletes up to the challenge will is planned for Thursday, May 4 from • What are the laws about liquor advertising? and “stole 11 Fentanyl patches.” controlled dangerous substance with intent to distrib- complete a 750-meter swim, run a 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Records show Padgett admitted to the theft when ute. This will be the fourth year the 6HH3DJH% being interviewed by law enforcement. His bond is currently set at $9,000. lake has played host to the event, but 5K and bike 20 kilometers.

Find us at FIND IT INSIDE THOUGHT OF THE DAY THANK YOU ClaremoreProgress.com ‡+8*+(6&2817<7UHDVXUHU¶V1RWLFHRI5HVDOHRI5HDO(VWDWH‡‡ +8*+(6&2817<ILOLQJV+8*+(6&2817< ILOLQJVSDJH‡SDJH‡'867,1DUHDQHZV'867,1 DUHDQHZVSDJHSDJHSDJH$ Page 2A Obituaries Neither a man nor a crowd Page 4A Opinion 77,000(((66WKKLLLV ‡‡‡),/,1*6SDJH$‡SDJH‡SDJH+8*+(6&2817<FRXUWUHFRUGV‡ SDJH$SDJHSDJH Find us on Page 5A Business nor a nation can be trusted 2%,78$5,(62%,78$5,(6 +8*+(6&2817<FRXUWUHFRUGV+8*+(6&2817< FRXUWUHFRUGV Facebook.com Page 1B-4B Sports to act humanely or to think CHARLOTTE WELCH Page 5B Comics sanely under the influence HIGH: 79 For subscribing to the ZZHHHHNN ‡&/$66,),('6‡&/$66,),('6&/$66,),('SDJH%‡6SDJH‡SDJH ‡'867,1QHZV2.)86.((&2817<FRXUWUHFRUGV2.)86.(( &SDJH%‡2817<FRXUWUHFRU/$0$5QHZVGVSDJHSDJHSDJH% Page 6B-8B Classifieds Claremore Daily Progress! Suscribe to the Progress of a great fear. LOW: 55 Call (918) 341-1101 — Bertrand Russell These are questions answered by the attorneys for the OPA Legal Services Plan members in recent months. Newspapers always Slinkard’s story about comic book con- Brittani Ulrich beekeeper story, “Honey need timely legal advice on issues related to newspaper publishing. vention: is sweet but bees sting”; Stillwater News POWER IN PAGES Press on Kieran Steckley story about Honorable mentions: The Elk City Boomer Lake, “Booming with activity”; News, on Cheryl Overstreet library story, The Ponca City News on an AP story, You should join OPA’S “More than books on a shelf”; Tulsa “Legislators Stumble to Find Money”; World, on Kelly Bostian storm story, The Eakly Country Connection, on storm “River residents mop up”; The Lawton photos, “Gone with the wind”; The Lone LEGAL SERVICES PLAN! Constitution, on KW Hillis teacher story, Grove Ledger, “Leaving like a lion.” “An educator’s education”; Okmulgee See www.OkPress.com/LSP or contact Lisa Sutliff Times on pecan festival, “It’s Time to at (405) 499-0026 or toll-free in Oklahoma 1-888-815-2672 Get Nutty”; The Wynnewood Gazette on 10 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 Yahoo and AOL email to become Oath after merger You may want to consider a G-mail or It’s getting harder to walk into a store ing system needs to newer to be able Computer Notes Microsoft account. Both let you attach and buy an internal hard drive for the to really use these drives to their best from the road good sized attachments and have been older computer on your desk. capability. by Wilma (Melot) Newby very reliable over the years. And they Staples and Best Buy only have a few You’re going to need a Windows 8.1 [email protected] open PDF files in the browser for view- choices of standard SATA hard drives or Mac OSX computer that is Intel based ing, downloading and printing. on the floor and mostly these are very for the hybrids. Look up the serial num- large drives — 1TB or bigger. Both the ber to be sure it will work before pur- A merger between Yahoo Mail and Also consider having your Yahoo 3.5- and 2.5-inch are becoming harder chasing the drive. AOL will take place in July when Verizon email address forward to the new email to find. As our machines age we often SATA disks are cheaper over the buys Yahoo. It’s reported that the new address. You also might want to for- don’t want to buy a new computer just lifetime of the computer and work better service will be called Oath. ward all critical emails to the new email because the hard drive needs to be with the large volumes of files we use on It’s worth mentioning since many and save them in folders named some- replaced. older computers. older Southwestern Bell business thing like “Keep This” or “This Week’s The current hard drive of choice is If your paper is going to stick to SATA accounts are hosted at Yahoo. paper”. Don’t forget to let your custom- ers know they can reach you at either the SSD – a NAND flash solid-state drive drives because of the age of the operat- email address for the next few months. with no moving parts, like the flash USB ing system or the computer, it might be You also want to add two-step authen- drive you carry in your pocket. wise to buy from your favorite retailer tication to your Yahoo account to make The SATA drive has the moving while they’re still being carried locally. it harder to hack. Yahoo accounts have plates that you’re used to hearing whirl Don’t stress over this, however. The been hacked three times in the past three in your computer. older SATA drives will be around for years. Two-step authentication means Hybrid drives are a marriage of the years to come and they are continuing SSD and SATA. to improve. If your phone or iCloud account is having two recovery email addresses in The computer community is moving synced to a Yahoo address you might the setting, or maybe your phone num- us towards the more pricey Solid State experience some problems as things get ber, that will alert you if someone tries NEW BLACKBERRY PHONE Drives, saying they have faster start up The new BlackBerry company TLC switched over. Whatever changes they to change your password. You can find times and better reliability. The price has come out with a phone called the come up with, we want to be ready. this setting under your name in the bar has come down but, on average, the KEYone. It even has a real QWERTY First and foremost back up your con- on the right – Account Settings > Security. price per GB is still more than the older keyboard harking back to the glory days tacts using these instructions: The final step is to POP or IMAP both SATA drives. of the BlackBerry brand. Open your Yahoo email in a web accounts to an email client like Outlook, Before buying a new drive, determine This new phone has Android OS 7.1 browser such as Firefox, Safari, Chrome Thunderbird or Mac Mail so there is if the person using the computer fills up Nougat for the operating system. Some or Internet Explorer and sign in. a copy of the emails on your own hard drive. This also gives you one place to their drive with lots of photos and sto- cool tweaks of its own tries to marry On the email page, select the Contacts ries. If they do, it means the computer old to new to create a work phone that tab (the second one) under the Yahoo check all emails. Any email account can be hacked. is read/writing to the hard drive quite mainly does texts and email better than logo. Click the Actions dropdown box > Use good, safe practices when cleaning a bit. live streaming movies. Export. out your inbox. When in doubt, don’t In this situation Solid State Drives The screen is more square but is click. If something on the computer is wear out over time. Each cell in a flash reported to have Gorilla Glass 4. The asking you to call for help, turn off the memory bank can be written to and 1620 x 1080 pixel touchscreen with 3:2 computer and see if it goes away. There erased a limited number of times. That aspect ratio will display wide screen but are lots of scams like this now days. said, the TRIM command technology not as well as phones with that format. Safari loads the browser after you came out a few years ago. It dynami- TLC is trying to take us back to just a reboot and that can be a problem. If you cally optimizes these read/write cycles functional email work phone that will do find yourself on a page that you can’t so things are better, but they do have a documents of all kinds with a lot of high escape from, use force quit (Command > limited life span like our spinning parts level security and great phone reception. Option > Esc) to force Safari to quit. Once drives. If lots of files are written to the The physical QWERTY keyboard is it’s down, reboot the computer. On a PC drive, the SSD drive will last about the back and can be used as a trackpad with run task manager (Control + Alt + Delete) same time as the SATA but will cost capacitive touch support. It’s done right to quit the browser. Then reboot and run more. Just like the SATA, the SSD drives with a fingerprint sensor in the space your antivirus on the computer. Do a full are only warrantied for three years. bar. scan and let it finish on Mac or PC. Solid State Drives make sense for a It has a 12-megapixel camera at the Choose Export Now. It’s next to “Yahoo laptop since they tend to survive being back and an 8-megapixel on the front CSV,” which is a comma delimited file Here’s to hoping the new AOL + moved around and there are no moving with a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 625 that can import into most other pro- Yahoo will be a good alternative to parts. You’ll also find they’re thinner and Octa-Core 2.0 GHz, 64-bit Adreno 506, grams. The file will even open as an Google/Microsoft with improved secu- quieter, which is all good if you want to 650MHz GPU, 3 GB of RAM and a 32 Excel spreadsheet. rity. spend the extra money. GB flash, expandable memory via hot Now that your email addresses are If it’s your video editor’s computer in swappable microSD memory card (up to backed up, you have the ability to con- SSD OR SATA DRIVE When choosing a new hard drive for question, consider the SSD for its speed. 2TB) housed together with long lasting tact your clients if your Yahoo account an older computer there are choices – But she may need an external SATA batteries. Reviewers reported it lasts two goes down. even some that can save you money. drive with lots of storage space available. full days on a single charge. You might also consider the hybrid The Android software is set up with a drives. There are two kinds – ones that handy area to see all notifications on one are really two physical drives and ones simple screen called BlackBerry Hub LEGAL ADVICE with flash memory married to the SATA Texts including latest emails, calendar, drive. Make sure these drives fit in your social media, etc. It should be available is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press computer. The hybrids tend to be bigger this summer for around $549. Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing than the old slot. professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: Hybrid drives are part SSD and part SATA drives. If the flash memory (SSD) OPA Computer Consultant Wilma Newby’s OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S drive is big enough to hold the operat- column is brought to you by the Oklahoma LEGAL SERVICES PLAN ing system and the main programs run Advertising Network (OAN). For more informa- on the computer, it will vastly improve tion on the OAN program, contact Oklahoma 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 the speed of the computer. The operat- Press Service at (405) 499-0020. The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 11

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION 60 inches? No visual? Never again. STAFF DIRECTORY BY ED HENNINGER HENNINGER CONSULTING ADMINISTRATION MARK THOMAS POLL AFTER STUDY AFTER SUR- VEY tells us readers will not read a story Executive Vice President that’s more than 15-20 inches long. They [email protected] • (405) 499-0033 just won’t. JEANNIE FREEMAN So, what do you think they’ll do with Accounting Manager a story that’s 60 inches long? With no visual. [email protected] • (405) 499-0027 That’s right…no visual. No photo. No SCOTT WILKERSON chart. No map. No pullout. Nothing to Front Office/Building Mgr. draw attention to the story or to break [email protected] • (405) 499-0020 up that 60 inches. Just a dull, gray sea of type. There was no need to rush the story MEMBER SERVICES into print. It’s just a backgrounder on the city’s plans to build a new office LISA SUTLIFF complex. Member Services Director So, if this happened at a small daily [email protected] • (405) 499-0026 where I was, say, the owner and editor, CHRISTINE FRANK what would I do about it? Membership & Meetings Director Let’s say I’ve been out of town at a [email protected] • (405) 499-0040 press association convention for the past few days. And when I stop by the office ADVERTISING on my way home, I go through the latest LANDON COBB issue of my paper and I see that 60-inch story…with no visual. Sales Director It would be a major understatement [email protected] • (405) 499-0022 to say I would be unhappy. I’d be furious! CINDY SHEA During the past few years, I’ve trained Advertising Director my staff that visuals are critical to good [email protected] • (405) 499-0023 reporting. I have a managing editor, a news editor/designer, a sports editor BRENDA POER and his assistant, two features writers Advertising Assistant and two reporters. And all eight of them [email protected] • (405) 499-0035 have been taught the value of good visual elements. I’ve even made sure the importance then make sure it goes on the bulletin ceptable, and the fact that some in the CREATIVE SERVICES board and in emails or system memos to newsroom let it happen is inexcusable. of visuals is a key part of our design JENNIFER GILLILAND style guide. There are six pages in that everyone in the newsroom. Is this just too much? Am I indulging 30-page style guide that talk about the I would have everyone on my staff ini- in overkill? Perhaps. Creative Services Director value of visuals and how to use them! tial a printed copy of the memo as proof But I’ll bet it will be a long, long time [email protected] • (405) 499-0028 that they have read it. And I would keep before I see a story that long without a But there I am. In my office. Fuming. ASHLEY NOVACHICH And now, I have to consider what I’m that initialed copy in my files. visual again. Editorial/Creative Assistant going to say to the staffers involved in I would also make sure that a copy of [email protected] • (405) 499-0029 letting that 60-inch story get into my that memo goes into the personnel file of ED HENNINGER, an independent newspaper con- newspaper with no visual. every editor and reporter involved. sultant and director of Henninger Consulting, offers When it comes to moments like this, This is one of those pivotal, important comprehensive newspaper design services including COMPUTER ADVICE I try to get through the burn and then moments in the history of how we do redesigns, workshops, design training and design evaluations. Contact Henninger at www.henninger- WILMA NEWBY find a way to solve the problem. But I things in a newsroom. consulting.com, email edh@henningerconsulting. Computer Consultant do want my staff to know that this is A 60-inch story with no art is unac- com or phone (803) 327-3322. [email protected] • (405) 499-0031 inexcusable. HERE’S WHAT I’D DO: I would say not-very-nice things (and DIGITAL CLIPPING maybe throw out a planned epithet or KEITH BURGIN two) to the writers and editors who let Clipping Director this happen. I would say those things Make Sales Soar Like Magic [email protected] • (405) 499-0024 loudly and forcefully, in the newsroom Improve your close ratios to 70% or more with the New MiAD so everyone else can hear me. I would Wizard! JENNIFER BEATLEY-CATES do this with a purpose and I would prob- Digital Clipping Dept. ably rehearse what I’m going to say It's a fact that spec ads help close more sales— and yet spec ads are [email protected] • (405) 499-0045 before assembling my staff. used less than 20% of the time. Now, with the real-world magic of MiAD®Wizard, I would make it clear that this is NOT personalizing and presenting spec ads for EVERY prospect is as easy as 1-2-3! the way we are EVER to do things. No training. No time wasted. No more tough sells. And then I would have them write a GENERAL INQUIRIES Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! very strongly worded memo setting up (405) 499-0020 steps to guarantee that this never hap- [email protected] Fax: (405) 499-0048 ® 800.223.1600 www.metrocreativeconnection.com pens again. I would edit that memo as miadwizard.com needed and have them rewrite it and Toll-free in OK: 1-888-815-2672 12 The Oklahoma Publisher // May 2017 OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CONTEST WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARCH 2017 WINNERS March Column: SUZIE CAMPBELL, Countywide & Sun March Editorial: TED STREULI, The Journal Record

MARCH 2017 EDITORIAL WINNER TED STREULI, The Journal Record Enter and Win Following the will of the people a $100 Check House Bill 1482 has drawn more attention than schools, public vocational schools, colleges from Oklahoma most and for good reason. It’s not often that and universities, churches, recreation centers, Oklahomans pass a state question by more public parks including state parks, fairgrounds, Natural Gas! than 17 percentage points only to have their and recreation areas, and in the presence of The March Oklahoma Natural Gas legislators try to undo it just months after the any child under 12 years of age. Column and Editorial Contest was election. judged by a member of the Oklahoma It would have put 14 percent of Oklahoma City Journalism Hall of Fame. Although Rep. Scott Biggs, R-Chickasha, is the residents and more than 20 percent of Tulsans bill’s primary sponsor, Purcell Republican Tim in an enhancement zone, utterly contrary to 1. Each month, send a tear sheet or Downing has been the most vocal defender voters’ intent. photocopy of your best column and/ since the bill predictably stomped on a hornet’s or editorial to Oklahoma Natural Gas Oklahoma holds the inestimable place of Contest, c/o OPA, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., nest. highest per capita female incarceration and Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. On March 7, Biggs offered a floor amendment one of the top three male incarceration rates in 2. Include the author’s name, name of that eliminated much of the objectionable the country. But legislators are neither willing publication, date of publication and language in his bill. But it’s important to note nor able to pay for their throw-away-the-key category entered (column or editorial). that most of Downing’s comments, including a lunacy. The Department of Corrections needs guest column in The Oklahoman and a lengthy 3. Only ONE editorial and/or ONE column twice the money it’s been appropriated just to per writer per month will be accepted. Facebook post, came well before Biggs backed keep pace. off and the House passed the measure 51-38. 4. All entries for the previous month must The business community has vociferously Downing squarely made his argument on the be at the OPA office by the 15th of the supported criminal justice reform, rightly insisting current month. notion that State Question 780 downgraded that the state reduce sentencing for non-violent the possession of drugs in a school zone to offenders and find alternate solutions for those 5. Winning entries will be reproduced on a misdemeanor. The truth is that possession the OPA website at www.OkPress.com. who are mentally ill. Oklahomans made the of drugs in a school zone is, because of same point with the passage of SQ 780 and the proximity to children, considered intent to Entries must have been previously distribute and that remains a felony under SQ SQ 781. published in print. Contest open to all OPA member newspapers. 780. Before considering HB 1482, senators would What Downing never mentioned was that the do well to recall these words of Thomas Although Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Jefferson: selects representative contest winners’ original version of HB 1482 would not only work for use in this monthly ad, the views reinstate harsher penalties for drug possession, “The will of the people is the only legitimate expressed in winning columns and editorials it would expand felony drug possession zones foundation of any government, and to protect are those of the writers and don’t necessarily to include day cares, elementary and secondary its free expression should be our first object.” 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)