Richard Upchurch was just walking down the street when he noticed something across the road that gained his attention. From a distance, it probably looked like a lemonade stand. But when he made it across traffic, what he found was a Barack Obama volunteer signing people up for voter registration. OBAMA CAMP18,000 NEW REGISTERED VOTERS […]
Scott Cooper
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County jail presents sticking point in sheriff race
The two men vying to be Oklahoma County sheriff have two different priorities when it comes to the job. “My number one issue is crime, keeping people safe,” said the man who currently holds the sheriff’s office, John Whetsel, D-Choctaw. “The jail would be my priority,” was the response from Whetsel’s opponent, Jim Heitmeyer, R-Del […]
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Race for Oklahoma City Council seat takes interesting turn
It should be in the bag for Meg Salyer. Unless the 53-year-old knocks her head on a car door and loses her memory, she is a shoe-in to be the next Oklahoma City Council member. Salyer is brimming with confidence, but nonetheless cautious. “This is Oklahoma and stranger things have happened,” Salyer joked with a […]
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Details emerge to improve Oklahoma’s embattled foster care system
In just a few weeks, the work of two years will be unveiled to the state Legislature on what to do about child abuse. Two of the key points in the report have emerged, and a legislative committee will call on increased funding. In 2006, a law was enacted which created the Oklahoma Children and […]
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Mayor says OKC is OK
The stock market has been tanking (with a respite today), oil prices are plummeting and OU just lost to Texas. Could anyone blame Oklahoma City residents for feeling a bit queasy about their jobs or mortgage payments? “There’s anxiety out there,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “There’s uncertainty out there.” But the mayor who […]
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Oklahoma Rising?: Part six, Success stories
ranging the vaccinations with the patrons of the centers, he said. “These are people who are very mission-oriented, locally based and can help in the local systems. They are assigned to private sector providers as well as public health departments,” he said. Flash forward to 2008. In February, the state announced that Oklahoma had risen […]
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Health Department group will study nursing-home resident protection changes
A branch of the state Department of Health board decided today to study proposed rule changes aimed at better nursing-home resident protection. The Long-Term Care Advisory will study what changes should be made and make final recommendations to the state Board of Health. A Perfect Cause, a watch-dog organization, suggested most of the changes. The […]
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Oklahoma Rising?: Part five, Children dying
State pride swelled and the nation took notice as Oklahoma celebrated its first 100 years in 2007. After sweeping up the confetti, our state embarks on a new century invigorated with promise and hope. While the state leads the nation in many respects, Oklahomans face significant hurdles that continue to challenge our spirit and resolve. […]
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City council votes to implement use tax
The Oklahoma City Council approved implementing a use tax to coincide with the sales tax extension for the Ford Center renovations. The council approved the use tax measure by a 6-1 vote. Ward 5 Councilman Brian Walters voted against the measure. The use tax will be a one-cent tax assessed on businesses. It […]
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City Council measure could add a use tax to approved sales tax
The Oklahoma City Council will take up a measure that could add more funds related to the new professional basketball team. The council is considering whether to implement a use tax as a companion to the sales tax voters approved in March. The sales tax was earmarked for improvements to the Ford Center and the […]