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Home , The Oklahoman

The Publisher Official Publication of the Oklahoma Press Association

www.OkPress.com Vol. 90, No. 12 www.Facebook.com/okpress 8 Pages • December 2019

INSIDE

NEWSPAPERS MERGE: New Media and merger creates biggest newspaper chain in country. PAGE 2

THREE HONORED: Oklahoma Christian University honors First Amendment supporters. PAGE 3

INCREASE SPEED: Wi-Fi repeaters are an inexpensive way to increase internet speed. PAGE 6

DONATE TO ONF to receive this Will Rogers print. Details at OkPress.com/will-rogers.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a new year of health, happiness and prosperity. 2 The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 ROOTS ON 66 New Media, Gannett merge The two biggest newspaper chains in and celebrate our local communities,” the country merged in November 2019 Bascobert said. when New Media Investment Group, “Great journalism really is the core which operates under its GateHouse of that mission. The question really Media subsidiary, closed on its acquisi- becomes, what’s the sustainable and tion of Gannett Co. exciting business model that powers GateHouse owns , that mission?” the Austin American-Statesman and 153 Gannett will be looking for a way to other daily newspapers. Gannett, based turn online brands in local markets into in McLean, Va., owns USA Today and more revenue. 109 dailies. Proponents see it as an effort to craft BY OPA PRESIDENT RAY DYER, Co-Publisher of the El Reno Tribune The combination of the two chains a digital-centric business model for the created a print and digital giant with combined company. Journalism critics more than 260 daily newspapers, hun- fear it will lead to layoffs and dilute Power of the newspaper dreds more websites, and community the quality of journalism that citizens and weekly newspapers across 47 states. depend upon. Newspapers are vital. They are vital to our nation. The combined company will use the The cash-and-stock deal originally was Ask Brian Walter. Gannett name, even though New Media valued at about $1.4 billion to Gannett Walter is a businessman from Kingfisher and he greatly values newspapers. So was the acquirer. The company’s new shareholders when it was announced much so, he chose newspapers to begin his campaign to help save our nation. CEOs – Mike Reed and Paul Bascobert, in August. But it has slipped since then, Walter believes, as do others, that our $23 trillion national debt is not sustain- said the company will continue to focus along with New Media’s share price, and able. He calls it immoral. He says it’s risking the well-being of future generations. on its journalistic mission. most recently was valued at about $1.13 Walter, with help from others, began challenging members of Oklahoma’s con- “Our mission is to connect, protect billion. gressional delegation to come out publicly in support of proposed legislation that would require them to balance the federal budget or forgo their federal pay. The pledge is contingent upon a majority of Congress signing on. It is based on Former Tahlequah city offi cials Senate Bill 39 sponsored by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia. Walter chose newspaper advertising to carry his campaign. He said newspapers announce intentions to sue city “are real” and can’t be deleted, unlike social media. Walter started his campaign by challenging Congressman Frank Lucas. After Former Tahlequah City Administra- tor Danya Curtis both filed a written several weeks of running ads in the newspaper, Lucas agreed. tor Ed Carr plans to sue the city for notice of the violation with the Cherokee It’s understandable that Lucas waited a bit before agreeing to the pledge. It was several alleged violations. County Sheriff’s Office. Carr is seeking unknown whether Walter was serious or was simply seeking a way to jump-start his A Notice of Claim document indicated compensation for his attorney fees for own political career. When it became clear Walter was serious about the debt issue, Carr is seeking compensation for viola- pursuing that matter. Lucas signed on. tions of the state’s Open Meeting Act, A letter from district attorney Jack Walter then moved to Congressman Tom Cole’s district. Success came again breach of employment contract, defama- Thorp sent to the Tahlequah after newspaper ads were published. The word must have gotten out because tion, intentional age discrimination and said there was lack of evidence to sub- Congressmen Markwayne Mullin and Kevin Hern agreed to support the proposed harassment/hostile work environment. stantiate the alleged Open Meeting Act legislation rather quickly. According to the notice, the City violation and the investigation into the Walter said he now plans to ask Congresswoman Kendra Horn to support the Council violated the Open Meeting Act matter was closed. proposal. After that, he’ll ask Sens. James Lankford and . And after that, during a June 7 special meeting when Curtis also announced her intention Walter plans to move the campaign to a neighboring state, most likely Arkansas. the budget was discussed during an to sue the city of Tahlequah for several His efforts have drawn financial support from some well-known Oklahoma busi- executive session. alleged violations. nesspeople. Some are willing to go public with their support, others remain behind Carr and former city financial direc- the scenes. Walter knows he faces an uphill battle in his effort to help save this nation from financial failure. But he is armed with a strong faith and, so far, with support from OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION Oklahoma newspapers. A few have written stories about his effort, as well as agree- ing to run the paid advertisements. CALENDAR OF EVENTS This isn’t about trying to challenge or embarrass our elected officials. It’s simply about trying to do the right thing. That’s not always easy. It’s not always popular. DEADLINES But newspapers are used to being involved in issues that fall into these categories. Mon., January 20, 2020 That’s why they are vital to our nation. Internship Application Deadline - Host Newspapers At least 17 newspapers will receive funding to host a paid intern in summer 2020. The program promotes the value of working at Oklahoma newspapers and benefits students as they begin their professional careers. The program is made possible by a grant from the Ethics and Make Sales Soar Like Magic Excellence in Journalism Foundation. For more information see www.okpress.com/internships Improve your close ratios to 70% or more with the New MiAD Mon., February 3, 2020 OPA Better Newspaper Contest & Award Nominations Due Wizard! See Better Newspaper Contest information at www.okpress.com/contest. For awards, visit www.okpress.com/awards. It's a fact that spec ads help close more sales— and yet spec ads are used less than 20% of the time. Now, with the real-world magic of MiAD®Wizard, Mon., February 17, 2020 personalizing and presenting spec ads for EVERY prospect is as easy as 1-2-3! Internship Application Deadline - Students No training. No time wasted. No more tough sells. Get more information and a link to apply online at www.okpress.com/internships.

Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, visit the OPA website at www.OkPress.com [email protected] or contact Membership & Meetings Director Christine Frank at ® 800.223.1600 www.metrocreativeconnection.com miadwizard.com (405) 499-0040, 1-888-815-2672 or email [email protected]. The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 3

Longtime Edmond Sun employee retires The Longtime Edmond Sun employee Oklahoma Dagmar Peery Johnson recently retired. Johnson began working at The Publisher Edmond Sun in January 1991. She retired Nov. 19 after working for 28 years in various departments of the ISSN 1526-811X newspaper. Official Publication of the “When I started I worked in accounts Oklahoma Press Association receivable posting payments and enter- ing new ads for publication, and month- PUBLISHER end billing,” Johnson said. Mark Thomas She switched to accounts payable and [email protected] payroll over the years, and in the last few years she has been working with legal EDITOR notices. Jennifer Gilliland Lance Moler, general manager of The Edmond Sun, said, “I can always count [email protected] on Dagmar. She is very detail oriented and you know if you give her a job it is OPA OFFICERS going to get done.” Ray Dyer, President Johnson said she considers the peo- El Reno Tribune ple she works with her daytime family. She recently celebrated her second Mike Strain, Vice President anniversary with her new husband, Rob- ert Johnson. Jeff Shultz, Treasurer “Since Robert and I met as senior Garvin County News Star citizens, not knowing how many years we might have, we want to spend more Mark Thomas, time together,” said Dagmar. Executive Vice President Future plans for Dagmar are to work in the nursery of a hospital and rock OPA DIRECTORS babies. Long-time Edmond Sun employee Dagmar Peery Johnson celebrates her retirement Brian Blansett, Past President “It’s comforting to snuggle a baby with Lance Moler, publisher of The Edmond Sun. Johnson retired after 28 years of Tri-County Herald and then when the shift is over, I can go service with the newspaper. John Denny Montgomery, home,” she said. PHOTO BY PATTY MILLER, THE EDMOND SUN The Purcell Register Mark Millsap, Three honored for First Amendment support The Norman Transcript The Department of Communication tion; Dawn Shelton, owner of the Luther Thomas and Shelton are both journal- Zonelle Rainbolt, at Oklahoma Christian University (OC) Register, and Dr. Larry Jurney, chair of ism graduates from OC. recently honored three First Amend- the communication department at OC, OC’s awards ceremony was funded The Cordell Beacon ment supporters for their help in news received an Oasis in the Desert Award in part by a grant from the 1 For All Don Mecoy, deserts. for their support of the U.S. Constitu- program at the Middle Tennessee State The Oklahoman Mark Thomas, executive vice presi- tion’s First Amendment right to freedom University Free Speech Center. dent of the Oklahoma Press Associa- of . Shauna Belyeu, The Eufaula Indian Journal Sheila Gay, Woodward News You’ve Got Questions! 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. , OK 73105-5499 • Can I photograph minors without consent? (405) 499-0020 • Can police deny access to records by issuing a press release?? Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 • Should I alter my archives when a person demands it? www.OkPress.com • Can I report inaccurate testimony given in open court? [email protected] www.Facebook.com/OKPress • What are the laws about liquor advertising? SUBSCRIBE TO These are questions answered by the attorneys for the OPA Legal Services Plan THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER members in recent months. Newspapers always need timely legal advice on issuesues $12 PER YEAR THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406- related to newspaper publishing. 920) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Oklahoma Press Association, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, You should join OPA’S LEGAL SERVICES PLAN! OK. See www.OkPress.com/LSP or contact Markk Thomas POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. at (405) 499-0033 or toll-free in Oklahoma 1-888-815-2672815-2672 todaytoday!! Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. 4 The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 PHOTO CONTEST

Enid’s Sebastian Dimaricut leaps over the arms of Jenks’s Ian Flute during a kickoff return at D. Bruce Selby Stadium. Photo by BILLY HEFTON, Enid News & Eagle, Oct. 5, 2019 OCTOBER 2019 DAILY WINNER: BILLY HEFTON Enid News & Eagle OCTOBER 2019 WEEKLY WINNER: JACOB FACTOR McIntosh County Democrat

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

View all winning photos at OkPress.com/OGE-Photo-Contest ENTER AND WIN A $100 CHECK FROM OGE ENERGY CORP. Representing Mexico at Oklahoma City’s Fiestas de las Americas, these traditional dancers prepare for Dia de los Muertos with festive dresses and headwear. For more information about the photo contest, visit Photo by JACOB FACTOR, McIntosh County Democrat, Oct. 17, 2019 www.okpress.com.

SILVER CUSTOMERS. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES. Hear Margaret’s story and learn about OG&E’s Silver Energy Program at OGETogether.com. ©2019 OGE Energy Corp. The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 5

A new sign is put into its enclosure at The Ada News. Superior Sign Shop installed the 12-foot by 18-inch lighted sign on Dec. 4. The sign bears the name of the newspaper and its slogan, “Serving the heart of the Sooner State and Chickasaw Nation since IT’S TIME TO 1904.” The Ada News moved to a new location on Main Street in November. PHOTO BY RICHARD R. BARRON, THE ADA NEWS DRAW THE LINE. Oklahoman names sports editor Jeff Patterson cle, Louisville Courier-Journal and New- has been named port News (Va.) Daily Press. sports editor of “I’m humbled and honored to lead a The Oklahoman. great team that will continue to provide Patterson, who the most comprehensive sports cover- joined The Okla- age around,” Patterson said. Big Tobacco puts profits over people — and it’s hurting homan staff two During Patterson’s time in Oklahoma Oklahoma. In our state: years ago, replac- City, The Oklahoman has continued to es Ryan Sharp, be recognized as one of the nation’s top - $2 billion is spent on tobacco-related health care who moved into sports sections, finishing in the top 10 the role of news of the Associated Press Sports Editors costs every year director for The Oklahoman and Okla- annual contest. - 1,500 kids become new daily smokers each year homan.com after 15 years in the sports “I hope to follow in the footsteps of department. Ryan Sharp and Mike Sherman, before - 1 in 6 kids use e-cigarettes Patterson grew up in Lexington, Ky., him, and deliver the best sports content and is a 2005 graduate of the University we can in print and online,” Patterson of Kentucky. He previously worked at said. The Kansas City Star, Houston Chroni- New reporter at Stigler News-Sentinel THAT’S Laura Hulsey and a bachelor of arts degree from the has joined the University of Central Arkansas in Con- Stigler News-Sen- way. tinel’s editorial “To have the opportunity to put my staff, announced energy and creativity into the commu- Summer Long, nity is something I would never pass By implementing common-sense tobacco policies, we publisher and up,” Hulsey said. advertising man- Hulsey replaces former reporter can save Oklahoma from the clutches of Big Tobacco. ager of the News- Madison Davis, who left the staff after Sentinel. completing an internship. Hulsey will be Davis participated in this year’s covering school and community news. internship program, which is facilitated She is a graduate of Stigler High annually by the Oklahoma Newspaper Learn how to fight back at School and received an associate degree Foundation. from Carl Albert State College in Poteau New website in works for Mangum Star The new owners of the Mangum Star Miller said the former website for the are planning a new website. weekly newspaper is no longer affiliated “We are working on a new site, and with the Mangum Star. we should have one by the end of the Graystone will contact the service year,” said Larry Miller, one of the own- that has -News’ website and ask ers of Graystone Media Group them to take it down, said Miller. 6 The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 Increase your internet speed with repeaters and extenders these are the specs you should be look for one that is the same brand as sure it covers Ransomware on all Win- Computer Notes looking for before you purchase. the router if available. dows computers. Several newspapers from the road If all your USB ports are full, con- A Netgear Wi-Fi range extender have been hit with this kind of attack. by Wilma Newby sider an adapter that gives you more EX6120 for $40 covers up to 1200 [email protected] ports. Most PCs come with lots of square feet and connects up to 20 INSTANT PRINT CAMERAS USB ports; Mac users may want the devices. This AC1200 dual band wire- One of the hottest gadgets for If the internet is slow at your news- extenders. less signal booster and repeater works Christmas this year has to do with paper office, a Wi-Fi repeater may This year, the Sabrent 4-Port USB well with all types of routers and photos. increase the speed. Hub seems to be the winner in this exceptionally well with Netgear rout- For the past three years, instant Many offices have old ethernet wir- category of devices. ers. cameras that print the photo right ing instead of Cat5e or Cat6 wiring. If you’re shopping online for a USB You’ve now spent $60 to make one after it’s taken are one of the top sell- That can slow the internet speed in adapter, look for ones that have thou- computer faster. Even if you only buy ers in the young kids crowd. the entire building. You can get better sands of good ratings. You also want one of the $20 adapters every few Unlike digital cameras and phones, results by turning to Wi-Fi. to make sure it’s the latest type of months, the whole office could be run- these hand you the picture without Since good Wi-Fi speed starts on adapter. For example, if your comput- ning faster by next Christmas. any processing. Fujifilm Instax mini the computer, you need to look at your er has USB 3 ports, look for one that Another brand you might want to cameras have been hot sellers again computer’s Wi-Fi adapter. supports USB 3, which is ten times look at is the TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi this year. Others are jumping into the To check on a Windows 10 com- faster than USB 2. If your computer Range Extender. It runs at up to 1750 ring like the Polaroid Instant Classic puter, look under the start flag in only has USB 2 ports, it may be less Mbps, has Dual Band Repeater, an Camera and Kodak Printomatic Digi- the lower left corner and click on expensive to go with a USB 2 adapter. internet booster and access point. It’s tal Instant Print Camera. Even Canon Settings. Then click the Network & Don’t forget to look for thousands of a little pricier at almost $60 and does is making one. Internet button. In the next window good customer reviews that lets you not come with a drivers disk, but it The Fujifilm cameras cost about click the Wi-Fi button. Scroll down to know it’s a good product. can be set up from a phone app or $55 and come with kits that run up to the Network and Sharing Center and Even if I’m going to a local store to computer. $80 for extra lenses and filters. This click that link. Now you’re back to the get a device, I always look on Amazon camera has no way to save photos old Control Panel settings where you or Walmart sites to see the rating of USING GOOGLE DRIVE other than the print. can check the speed of the Wi-Fi con- what I’m buying. If you’re thinking about using nection. Click the blue line that says If the new adapter didn’t speed up Google Drive to collaborate with Wi-Fi and the name of the connected your internet, look to see if you’re get- others, let’s take a look at where to router. The next window shows the ting a good link to the router by check- find the settings you need. speed of the connection. If your con- ing how many bars are showing in the Log in to your company’s shared nection says 80 Mpbs, it’s slow; any- Wi-Fi area of the computer. Google Drive with your favorite thing above 300 Mpbs is acceptable. If everything checks out, you may internet browser. Click the setting If you’re running at 80 Mpbs, a new need to add a good Wi-Fi extender or gear icon > settings. Uncheck the wireless adapter is recommended to a new, more powerful router. button that says “Convert uploaded increase the faster speed. Your main router is often provided files to Google Docs editor format.” To check your speed on a Mac, go by the internet provider. It may be Now your files will remain in Word Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Cam- to the Finder in the dock and then that it’s a little older and not powerful format and retain the formatting for era with zink zero ink printing technol- search for Network Utility. Open it and enough to cover the entire building. moving into InDesign. ogy does things a little different. You check under “Info.” I’ve seen an extender speed up It may not seem like a big deal but can save the digital photos to an SD Many older computers don’t have a the connection from 11 Mbps to 867 it can save lots of time for the final card as you print. The 2x3 inch prints Wi-Fi adapter so the first step is to add Mbps – across the building from the editor. are smudge proof. No ink ribbons or one to desktop computers. main router. Changing this setting does not toner cartridges needed for this $80 The cost of an Amazon Inamax Wi-Fi extenders are less expensive affect the ability to convert PDFs to camera. USB Wi-Fi adapter that runs at 1200 than a new router. These little boxes text with Google Docs. The Kodak Printomatic Digital Mbps is only $20. It’s USB 3.0 with a plug into an electrical outlet and boost Instant Print Camera ($70) works with 5dBi antenna for desktop, laptop, PC the existing signal to the rest of the ANTIVIRUS FOR CHRISTMAS a SD card, much like the Polaroid. It or Mac. Dual band 2.4G/5G 802.11ac. building. If your building is large, has Antivirus may be the last thing has rechargeable batteries and a 10 Supports Windows 10, 8-8.1, 7, Vista, a lot of offices or has two or more many people want to think about dur- megapixel lens. It prints photos in less XP, Mac OS 10.5 through 10.15. You floors, more than one extender may ing the Christmas season, but many than a minute using the zink photo have to give up a USB port to use be needed. people get computers this time of year, technology. this adapter but the return of speed is Look for an extender that has a which means you need to renew it at These type of cameras run from worth it. It comes with a CD for all the WPS button on it. If your router has this time next year. $50 to $100 and work off regular drivers needed to run the computer. that feature, setup will be easy. Also, If you’re running a Windows com- double AA batteries. Now everyone at I’m not saying this one is the best but puter, look for a paid antivirus. Con- your Christmas party can take home sider Norton 360 Deluxe. The annual a photo. And as we said earlier, kids subscription price is only $40 for five love them. computers. If someone comes in with one LEGAL ADVICE TrendMicro could be another of these prints for your newspaper, is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press option. It’s been around for some time you’re going to be happy you kept that Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing and costs the same as Norton, $40 a old scanner around. professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: year for five computers. Another option is Bitdefender Total OPA Computer Consultant Wilma Newby’s col- OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S Security 2020. It has good ratings this umn is brought to by the Oklahoma Advertising LEGAL SERVICES PLAN year as well as a good price. It’s only Network (OAN). For more information on the $27 per year for five computers. OAN program, contact Oklahoma Press Service 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 Whichever one you choose, make at (405) 499-0020. The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 7

Add stock photography to your advertising arsenal OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION BY JOHN FOUST Their philosophy is, “There’s no need to STAFF DIRECTORY Raleigh, NC worry. Your investments are safe with us.” Daniel told me about an ad he created ADMINISTRATION You look through some stock images for a commercial real estate firm. “They and find several distinct categories to MARK THOMAS prided themselves on the hard work consider – people, objects, activities and they did for their customers. Their mar- Executive Vice President places. They all offer opportunities to keting manager said ‘shoe leather’ was [email protected] • (405) 499-0033 use comparisons and hyperbole. their secret of success. When I heard To consider a few generic examples... that, I knew it would work in their ads. JEANNIE FREEMAN could a mountain climber represent the “I found a stock photo of a shoe with a Accounting Manager company’s expertise in moving onward, hole in the sole, then asked our creative regardless of the unpredictable twists [email protected] • (405) 499-0027 department to enlarge the hole to make and turns of the economy? Could a it more dramatic. The copy described SCOTT WILKERSON lighthouse symbolize the firm’s guiding the advertiser’s willingness to wear out principles in protecting their clients’ Front Office/Building Mgr. their shoes to serve their customers. retirement accounts? Could a padlock [email protected] • (405) 499-0020 That photo was a real winner. It became represent their commitment to financial the theme for everything they adver- safety? MEMBER SERVICES tised.” What about the advertising for a home Stock photography can be an impor- LISA SUTLIFF builder? Could a paint brush symbolize tant addition to your creative toolbox. Member Services Director their meticulous attention to detail in Here are some points to keep in mind: the homes they build? Could a clock [email protected] • (405) 499-0026 1. LOOK FOR AN IMAGE to illustrate represent the fact that their houses sell CHRISTINE FRANK an idea you already have. That is what quickly, because they are so popular? Daniel did. “I knew I needed a picture Consider using a stock photo for your Membership & Meetings Director an of a shoe,” he said. “It was just a matter 3. DON’T HESITATE TO MODIFY next advertising campaign. [email protected] • (405) 499-0040 image. Like Daniel modified the stock of finding the right one. A photo worked photo of the shoe, you can customize an better than a drawing, because it was a want to make sure you have the proper DIGITAL CLIPPING image to fit your specific situation. “The picture of an actual shoe. Sure, we modi- permission to use the image how you KEITH BURGIN change made the selling point more fied it, but the end product was still a want – and as many times as you want. noticeable,” he said. “I knew the shoe Clipping Director real shoe.” Without a doubt, the “stock market” would appear in small ads, as well as for photographs is a great place to find [email protected] • (405) 499-0024 2. BROWSE THROUGH IMAGES to find large ads – and I didn’t want anyone to ideas. a new idea. Sometimes you’ll have a miss the point.” JENNIFER BEATLEY-CATES general concept in mind. You just need a the usage agree- © Copyright 2019 by John Foust. All rights reserved. Digital Clipping Dept. visual image to crystallize the idea. 4. BE SURE TO CHECK ment. Even if your publishing compa- John Foust has conducted training programs for thou- [email protected] • (405) 499-0045 Let’s say you‘re developing a cam- ny has purchased a collection of stock sands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many paign for an investment company that ad departments are using his training videos to save images, do some research before you KRISTA REPPOND has a long history of helping people navi- time and get quick results from in-house training. present an idea to your client. You’ll gate the ups and downs of the economy. E-mail for information: [email protected] Newspaper Image Consultant / Advertising Assistant [email protected] • (405) 499-0035 THANK YOU DEATHS ADVERTISING to the following individuals , who returned to Norman in 1950 and opened CHARLES WILLIAM HOOPER LANDON COBB and organizations for their worked as a Linotype operator, died Nov. Hooper Printing Company, still in opera- recent donations to the 22, 2019. He was 8 9. tion today. Sales Director Hooper was a community leader in Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation: Hooper was born Dec. 26, 1929. He [email protected] • (405) 499-0022 grew up in southeast Oklahoma and Norman for almost 70 years. He was In memory of graduated from Hugo High at age 16 and instrumental in bringing the first kin- CINDY SHEA Helen Cline & Jane Bryant then joined the U.S. Army. dergarten to Norman Public Schools. In Advertising Director 1962, he founded American Exchange Barb Walter After an honorable discharge in 1947, [email protected] • (405) 499-0023 he moved to Norman and attended the Bank. Later, he led the group who In memory of University of Oklahoma School of Jour- brought cable TV to Norman. CREATIVE SERVICES Hooper is survived by his wife of 65 Charles Hooper nalism. While in school, he was a Lino- type operator for both The Oklahoma years, Claudette; son Randy and wife JENNIFER GILLILAND Andy & Karen Rieger Daily and The Norman Transcript. Pam of Norman; daughter Cristi Reiger Creative Services Director After graduating from OU, Hooper and husband Kurt of Oklahoma City; A donation to the Oklahoma Newspaper [email protected] • (405) 499-0028 traveled through Europe, writing about and six grandchildren. Foundation will support its efforts to improve the state’s newspaper industry and the history of U.S. military bases. He COMPUTER ADVICE quality of journalism. If you would like to WILMA NEWBY make a donation, please send a check to: In Memory of Our Friends & Colleagues Computer Consultant James ‘Jim’ Ronald Campbell Dorothy Faye Shepherd Lurlie ‘Punk’ Alvis Harden [email protected] • (405) 499-0031 OKLAHOMA Nov. 24, 2018 Nov. 10, 2018 Dec. 18, 2018 NEWSPAPER Patricia Lyn Fene Jerry Douglas Todd Suzanne Holloway GENERAL INQUIRIES Nov. 14, 2018 Nov. 27, 2018 Dec. 25, 2018 FOUNDATION Marvin Robert Fritzler Ramona Correne (Renfro) Brown Linda C. (Jones) Linscott (405) 499-0020 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. Nov. 20, 2018 Dec. 26, 2018 Dec. 26, 2018 Jerry Lee Potts Wanda Edwards Stuart ‘Stu’ Chaney Phillips Fax: (405) 499-0048 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Nov. 3, 2018 Dec. 11, 2018 Dec. 30, 2018 Toll-free in OK: 1-888-815-2672 8 The Oklahoma Publisher // December 2019 OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS CONTEST WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OCTOBER 2019 WINNERS October Column: JEFF MULLIN, Enid News & Eagle October Editorial: ZEKE LAY, The Choctaw Times

OCTOBER 2019 COLUMN WINNER JEFF MULLIN, Enid News & Eagle Enter and Win Time plays no favorites, even with free kittens a $100 Check Free kittens. hurting their little mouths, but they were so hungry they were going to from Oklahoma That’s how the classified ad read, free kittens, followed by a phone eat it anyway. number. And eat they did. They quickly grew tall and rangy, and filled out We were still dealing with the loss of the second of two male cats we nicely. The black one with the white toes remained the shy one, the Natural Gas! had loved for the previous 16 years. My bride didn’t want any more tabby far bolder. They became inseparable, except when they took The October 2019 a notion to state a fur-flying, knockdown drag-out fight, which would animals. It was too painful to lose them, she said. Oklahoma Natural Gas But I persisted, wheedling and whining until she finally gave in. inevitably be followed by them snuggled up together somewhere asleep. Column and Editorial Contest Free kittens. The black one loved to invade the bathroom while I was showering was judged by a member of the So I called the number. The lady said they had two left, two little and sit on the toilet seat until I finished, waiting for attention. Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. boys, one striped and the other black with two white toes on his left When I would try to write on the laptop at my desk in a spare rear foot. 1. Each month, send a tearsheet or bedroom, he would insist on tromping back and forth over the We’ll be right over, I said. photocopy of your best column and/ keyboard, adding his own peculiar spin to my work. When I would or editorial to Oklahoma Natural Gas It was spring, late March. The house was on the east side of town. repair to the bedroom for a Sunday afternoon nap he would at first We found it and parked outside, walked up and knocked. There were scratch at the door, then would head-butt it open, then romp all over Contest, c/o OPA, 3601 N. Lincoln a number of cats in the home, it turned out, including three kittens me insisting that I pay attention to him in lieu of sleep. Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. — the two boys we were interested in and a little female who, along Entries also may be emailed (full-page In the evening when bedtime, and their feeding time, approached, he with the kittens’ mother, was already spoken for. tearsheet) to [email protected]. would sit on the table next to my recliner staring balefully at me, not The kittens were, as kittens generally are, adorable. I scooped up taking his eyes off me until I got up to put out their food. one, my bride the other, we thanked the lady and took our leave. 2. Include the author’s name, name of They turned 12 in February. We had never had a cat who lived to publication, date of publication and We had nothing to carry them in so we wrapped them in our less than 15. We were certain we had plenty of time with them — category entered (column or editorial). sweatshirts for the drive home. three years, at least. But time is a trickster, a liar and thief, promising We had gotten rid of all our cat paraphernalia after we lost our last much but often delivering little. 3. Only ONE editorial and/or ONE column boy months earlier, so my bride had to go to the store to buy the They were boarded while we were on a recent trip when we got the per writer per month will be accepted. essentials while I got to know our new little charges. call that shattered our lives. 4. All entries for the previous month must We let them loose out in our garage, where we figured any little Midnight, the black one, had died in the night. Apparently he had accidents they might have would be more easily mitigated. Both simply fallen asleep and never awakened. Would that we could all go be at the OPA office by the 15th of the immediately ran and hid. I waited, patiently. Finally the striped one, that way. current month. a tabby and the bolder of the two, came out of hiding and began to So now we suffer the ache of loss experienced by every pet owner explore. 5. Winning entries will be reproduced on who has to bid farewell to a fur baby. His brother, the tabby, walks the OPA website at www.OkPress.com. The black one remained hidden. I finally went looking for him. We through the house crying for him. He doesn’t understand, neither do had some cloth folding lawn chairs standing on end in one corner. we. Entries must have been previously He had climbed to the top of one and was hanging there by his His death has driven home the point that we are not guaranteed published in print. Contest open to claws, sound asleep. anything, not the next day, not the next minute, not the next second, all OPA member newspapers. A couple days later we took them to the vet for a wellness check. so it behooves us to cherish every moment we have with those we It turned out both were free of any terrible diseases, but both had love, be they human or animal. Although Oklahoma Natural Gas Company ringworm, which required immediate treatment. Because of their short lifespans we know we won’t have our pets selects representative contest winners’ Free kittens. long, and we know the price of loving them is the pain of losing them. work for use in this monthly ad, the views As kittens will do they immediately turned the household upside But it doesn’t make it any easier. expressed in winning columns and editorials down. They had been weaned but apparently hadn’t been introduced Free kittens. Hardly free, given the high cost of letting them go. are those of the writers and don’t necessarily to dry cat food. When they began eating we noticed them making a reflect the Company’s opinions. But at least we know one of our boys is now truly free. strange little noise, which we later interpreted to mean the food was

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