In 2007, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a new measure that created a three-tiered risk assessment level. That law requires sex offenders to be placed on the registry for 15 years, 25 years or life, depending on their assessment levels. The problem focuses on offenders who had been convicted, sentenced and placed on the registry prior […]
children
Posted inArts & Culture
Buddy system
During an American Hockey League meeting in which teams shared ideas and best practices, Stacie Rathbun, sales support coordinator for the Barons, learned about San Antonio Rampage’s similar project at a local childrens’ treatment center. “It was just like, we have to do this,” said Rathbun. The Barons and Rathbun (who championed the project) felt […]
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Piece officers? Ewwww. No.
According to a report by Oklahoma Watch, 18 of the 66 Oklahoma peace officers who had certifications revoked or suspended were reprimanded or flat-out surrendered their certification from 2010 to 2012 after they were convicted of or pleaded guilty to sex crimes. That includes rape, indecent exposure, indecent liberties with children — you know, your […]
Posted inNews
Hunkered down
Kristi Conatzer said the governor has created an unneeded public debate over keeping children safe based on comments she made opposing an initiative petition. Conatzer’s daughter, Emily, was one of the seven children who died at Plaza Towers Elementary School. “There shouldn’t be an argument over this,” she said. “We lost something on May 20 […]
Posted inNews
Never again
Photo by Mark Hancock She endured physical and mental abuse from the person who was supposed to love her — until the day her husband hit their children. That was when she left and found a way to change her future. “When they’re only 2 and 3, they can’t defend themselves. I felt bad because […]
Posted inNews
Dissenter sandman
Unfortunately, for many Oklahomans, it happens all the time. Oklahoma ranks No. 2 nationally in sleep disturbances and disorders, just beating out West Virginia, according to a recent study by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and published in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. This is […]
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LETTERS
I have always been “pro-teacher” and have been firmly on the side of funding education above special interests. However, this week, I did not understand the rage you must feel at the lack of control you have over educating your own students. I am sorry that we gauge a child’s value and your worth based […]
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Hunger pains
Yet, even with all those credentials and a productive work history, she has a hard time making ends meet. At 75, Graham works part-time at Gold’s Gym Express, but that income plus her Social Security check still isn’t enough to pay rent and put food on the table. It’s her reality, but she doesn’t complain. […]
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Kickin’ it
It was an eye-opening experience. “After you saw all these athletic facilities and the shape that a lot of these fields were in, it was just very bothersome, knowing that it was happening in our city.” McLaughlin spoke with Keith Sinor, the athletic director for the Oklahoma City Public Schools, who was on that trip. […]
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BREAKING: Petition drive seeks storm shelter funding
Take Shelter Oklahoma is a movement that comes four months after a series of tornadoes ripped through southwest Oklahoma City and Moore, killing 47 people, including seven children at Plaza Towers Elementary. Twisters also struck Canadian Valley Vocational Technology Center on May 31 and leveled parts of Pottawatomie County on May 19, killing two people […]