Area News

Oil Companies to Pay $7.4 Million in Civil Penalties to Resolve U.S. Claims for Pipeline Spill on Allotted Tribal Land Clean Water Act Settlement Addresses July 2022 Crude Oil Pipeline Rupture into Oklahoma’s Skull Creek WASHINGTON (Jan. 30, 2024) – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Justice Department announced that Holly Energy Partners-Operating L.P.…

Filing season has begun, employer wage statement deadline nears IR-2024-26, Jan. 29, 2024 WASHINGTON — With the start of filing season the Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers of the Jan. 31 deadline to file Forms W-2 and other wage statements with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Filing these documents timely prevents late-filing penalties for…

Council action is not needed to approve falconry By R. L. Thompson During public comments at the December 11, 2023 Okemah City Council meeting, Daniel “Reride” Smith and Cyrstal Stacey appeared before the Okemah City Council to request the council’s approval for their falcon to hunt around Okemah Lake. Reride is certified by the United…

Emergency Rule Reinstates Educational Tastings in Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – January 10, 2024 -The Oklahoma Restaurant Association is pleased to announce a significant development for the food and beverage industry in Oklahoma. The Governor has recently signed an emergency rule reinstating Educational Tastings. This practice is vital for the training and development of personnel…

FORMER VFW COMMANDER PLEADS GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD Defendant Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $40,000 From Oklahoma Veterans OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL BRUCE COLLEY, 65, of Marlow, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 19, 2023, Colley was charged by Information with wire fraud. According to the Information,…

CINDY BYRD RELEASES AUDIT FOR TOWN OF JONES  OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (January 2, 2024) Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd today released her investigative audit report for the Town of Jones in Oklahoma County. The Town Board of Trustees requested the State Auditor & Inspector’s Office (SA&I) to perform an investigative audit of municipal…

Oklahoma Wine Trails Wine App Now Available Personalized wine recommendations and local tourism make the perfect pairing OKLAHOMA CITY — If you’re a fan of Oklahoma wines, a new app is available to make your tasting experience even better. Oklahoma Wine Trails is a free app that matches personal taste preferences to local wine with…

Rep. Josh West, Sen. Stanley Comment on Deadline for Disabled Veterans Sales Tax Exemptions OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, today released the following statement after hearing from numerous 100% disabled veterans across Oklahoma who were unaware of the new July 2023 deadline to apply for the annual sales…

Sen. Garvin files bill to better protect schools against gun violence OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Jessica Garvin, R–Duncan, has filed legislation to increase the state penalty for carrying an illegal firearm onto school property. Senate Bill 1254 changes the already illegal infraction from a misdemeanor to a felony offense, increases the fine to $2,500 and allows…

Start off the New Year with a Free Hike in an Oklahoma State Park! This New Year’s Day, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is offering free guided hikes, admission and parking at participating parks as part of the national America’s State Parks First Day Hikes. This initiative promotes outdoor recreation and takes place…