House passes correction reform measures

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives endorsed two bills last week to give tribal law enforcement officers more authority and help control a county’s inmate population. Both measures were written by state Rep. Justin Humphrey, a Republican from Lane.

Lawton adopts new safety measures

Lawton City Hall will adopt new security precautions starting at 7 a.m. March 20 to ensure a safer environment for citizens and employees in the building, city officials said in a press release.

Goldsby receives $1.2M grant for transportation projects

OKLAHOMA CITY — The town of Goldsby recently received a $1.2 million transportation grant from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. ASCOG, which is the metropolitan planning organization for central Oklahoma, recently approved $43.

Oklahoma storms bring strong winds, timely rain

Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.72 of an inch for the period between Feb. 26 and March 5, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The Feb. 28 U.S.

Company president, controller plead guilty to federal charges

TULSA — The ex-president of a steel pole manufacturing company who formerly was a University of Oklahoma regent pleaded guilty March 10 to evading more than $1 million in income taxes.

Unemployment claims drop; interest rate hike anticipated

OKLAHOMA CITY — First-time claims for unemployment benefits in Oklahoma the week of March 4 plummeted by 26%, to the second-lowest level recorded in 36 years, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission ledgers that date back to 1987 show.

Fraudsters due hearings in Payne Co.; one ordered to pay $207K restitution

OKLAHOMA CITY — Two Florida residents who apparently thought scamming vulnerable, elderly Oklahomans would be “easy pickin’s” probably are having second thoughts.

SQ 820 lost big, but vote was close at several sites

A statewide proposal that was spurned by a tally of 349,284 against versus 217,078 for, a margin of almost 62% to a little over 38% was rejected in all 77 Oklahoma counties. However, the election was not a blowout in all 1,982 voting precincts.

Chief calls for Air Force ‘discomfort’

AURORA, Colo. — During a speech at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2023 Warfare Symposium, the Air Force Chief of Staff said the country “must become comfortable with discomfort” to ensure the service’s continued success. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.

Food service industry could generate $997B in sales: Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The food service industry could reach $997 billion in sales this year, driven partly by higher menu prices, according to the National Restaurant Association.