USAO applies for $4.2M bridge grant

CHICKASHA – A grant to finance a pedestrian bridge to serve USAO students has “our community’s support,” Mayor Chris Mosley informed Congressman Tom Cole in a letter endorsed by the city council. The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma applied to Cole for a $4.

Duncan voters to consider renewing PSO franchise

DUNCAN – Duncan voters will go to the polls in June to decide whether to renew Public Service Co. of Oklahoma’s franchise agreement with the city. The Duncan City Council voted 5-0 March 26 to grant PSO a 25-year nonexclusive franchise and put the issue on the ballot.

Southwest Oklahoma Legislative Update - House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka) issued a statement on Thursday, March 28, celebrating the groundbreaking of the Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital on the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City campus.

Southwest Oklahoma Legislative Update - State Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat deemed in his Thursday press conference the recent legislative week as productive. He said all the House bills have been assigned and are being worked through the committee process, which is going well. Sen.

OG&E rate hike would boost residential bills by $19

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. is seeking a rate hike of approximately $332.5 million in base rates, which would raise the “average” residential customer’s bill by 13.85%.

Former foundation director admits fraud

From staff reports MUSKOGEE –The former director of a foundation admitted embezzling from the nonprofit’s bank accounts for her personal use, and falsifying her federal tax return by underreporting income.

OKC man convicted of mail theft

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted an Oklahoma City resident of conspiring with a Norman man to commit mail theft, possession of stolen mail, and witness tampering.

Owasso woman admits Medicaid fraud

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY– An Owasso woman, Melissa Fike, 52, has admitted committing health care fraud.

Energy/Business Briefs

• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore warned of a “very long road ahead” to recover from the loss of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge as the Biden administration approved $60 million in immediate federal aid after the deadly collapse.

OCC says OGE won’t be allowed to pass contribution to ratepayers

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Kim David came out expressing some reservations about OG&E’s huge donation that resulted in the naming of a new State Fair Arena in honor of the utility and vowed the contribution won’t be passed on to ratepayers.