Altus nixes measure to ban no-knock warrants

ALTUS – A proposal to eliminate the use of no-knock warrants was rejected March 1 by the city council. Ward 4 Councilman Dillon Feazel brought the issue before the council, but the measure failed by a 5-1 vote with council members Terrence Filer and Matt Rester abstaining.

Property loss: $700. Sued for: $30K. Result: $0.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A killer who sued Corrections Department officials for $30,000 in actual and compensatory damages for the loss of his personal property valued at $700 came away empty-handed.             John R.

TAP to host virtual hiring event

FORT SILL-- Fort Sill’s Transition Assistance Program will host a virtual hiring event, where job seekers can connect with employers and apprenticeship opportunities, March 23 through April 23.   An event preview for job seekers starts March 16, and the virtual live opening will be from 11 a.m.

Foundation receives $3.1M grant for sepsis research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation a five-year, $3.1 million grant for research aimed at reducing the main cause of death from infection.   OMRF scientist Florea Lupu, Ph.D.

Illegal entry to U.S. is a frequent charge in OKC’s federal court

OKLAHOMA CITY – When President Biden declared during his State of the Union address Tuesday night that securing the U.S. border and fixing the immigration system are critical, many Oklahoma residents nodded in agreement.

CenterPoint reports strong fourth quarter

HOUSTON – CenterPoint Energy Inc. reported $641 million in income available to common shareholders, or $1.01 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021.   For the full year, income available to common shareholders and earnings per diluted share were $1.39 million and $2.28, respectively.

Senate passes bill to give military families better access to child care

OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers are trying to give military families greater access to child care for those stationed at Oklahoma bases. Senate Bill 1286 authored by Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, would exempt child care facilities licensed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S.

Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas announces teaching award

Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas has created a new award to honor the state’s exceptional teachers. Ten winners will receive $5,000 each, and an additional $2,000 will be awarded to their schools, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board said on its website.

Nonprofit centers on human trafficking awareness

OKLAHOMA CITY – Education and community awareness about human trafficking is paramount to putting a dent in a worldwide crime that places victims in constant danger, the president of a Lawton-based anti-human trafficking nonprofit said.

State Senate approves occupational license reform

OKLAHOMA CITY – The chances that an Oklahoman with a criminal record could land a job and help alleviate the nationwide labor shortage would be improved by legislation approved recently in the state Senate.