(This story was updated Dec. 11 to include new information on the sheriff’s deadline and budget requests.) A jail administrator has been selected to run the Oklahoma County jail. Greg Williams, who has worked at Department of Corrections for nearly four decades, was selected unanimously by the jail trust in early November. However, he has […]
Miguel Rios
Luxury lanes
Vonlane, a Dallas-based luxury motor coach company, is expanding outside its home state and launching a bus route between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Service begins Jan. 6, the same date Southwest Airlines will stop nonstop flights between the two cities. Vonlane is known for its complimentary Wi-Fi, leather seats and spacious interior, as each motor […]
Cities’ equality
Norman earned Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s distinction as an “All Star” city for advancing LGBTQ+ equality without relying on state law. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) annually ranks cities across the country in various categories from 0 to 100 through its Municipal Equality Index. Norman more than doubled its ranking from 41 in 2018 to 92 […]
District improvement
People visiting Uptown 23rd next year will notice cleaner sidewalks and a more vibrant and attractive district, officials say. Oklahoma City Council voted unanimously last week to establish Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District, which helps the district sustain itself without constantly relying on fundraising for services. Uptown 23rd District Association was established as a nonprofit […]
Suit settlement
A land swap could settle a seven-year lawsuit with the city. The suit involves Hilltop Plaza LLC, which owned two properties that the city acquired through eminent domain for Scissortail Park’s construction. Despite the city’s acquisition, Hilltop officials challenged the amount they received and called for a jury trial to determine just compensation. Hilltop Plaza’s […]
Holy resistance
A local Methodist church is calling 2020 a period of “holy resistance.” New rules that punish clergy for consecrating, ordaining or marrying “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” were adopted in early 2019 and go into effect at the start of the new year. Unless the rules are changed at the upcoming May 2020 general conference to reflect […]
Retail Oklahoma
While traditional retail appears to be on a decline in some markets, Oklahoma is seeing various new retailers throughout the metro. About a dozen new-to-market stores have opened recently, and more are coming soon. Tammy Fate, senior manager of retail development and recruitment for Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, said the metro’s growing population, which is […]
District days
Rep. Kendra Horn spent her district work period in Oklahoma attending various events and hosting gatherings with constituents. In fact, Horn just hosted her 10th town hall this year and hosts another gathering Saturday. Health care While in her district, Horn took the opportunity to speak about one of her latest legislative efforts, the Capping […]
Gun sense
It has been about three weeks since permitless carry went into effect. The law, which some call “constitutional carry,” was the first law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Cacky Poarch, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, was an active advocate against the law. She said enough incidents have already happened to prove the law is dangerous. […]
Street tunes
An Oklahoma City councilwoman wants to deregulate the city’s busking process. JoBeth Hamon (Ward 6) said the change could add vitality and more culture to Oklahoma City streets. The ordinance was introduced at the Nov. 5 council meeting where mayor David Holt joked the measure might be the first “Twitter-instigated ordinance change in city history.” […]
