News

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring certain state agencies to implement a call-back system in a push to provide improved customer service has passed the Oklahoma House.

Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said he authored House Bill 3285 after overhearing a mom at his daughter’s dance class complaining that she had been on hold with a state agency for over an hour for the second time that week.

“People dread wading through the slog of their state government, and for good reason,” Hilbert said.

Two measures intended to reduce online child exploitation and harm won easy approval in Oklahoma House committees this week.

One measure targets companies that provide pornographic material by requiring those companies to have valid age verification safeguards, while the other bill would prevent most children from having social media accounts.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

LAWSUITS

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC vs. Darcie Sutterfield for $167,117.47 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 26, Block 9, Castlebrook Crossing 2nd Addition, Oklahoma City.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Demetrio Salazar III for $12,235.21 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Mary Kathleen Amos for $10,108.66 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

It took three tries and a split city council vote, but Cesar Salazar got the go-ahead last week to build a five-unit housing development at 1415 Gabriel St.

Salazar first approached the city about the project in December. He was requesting to change the zoning on the 0.3989 acre property from Multi-Family Residential (R-3) to a Planned Unit Development with a base Multi-Family (R-3) District.

The item was tabled until January because council had concerns over a number of issues including sidewalks, the setback, and an increase in traffic congestion.

Okarche fifth-graders, from left, Lauren and Taylin Schwarz and Tinley Running all wore matching outfits to cheer on Okarche High School’s basketball teams last week in the regional round of the Class A playoffs.

The Warriors split the playoff games, with the girls losing to Oklahoma Bible Academy and the boys defeating Hominy. 

James Kee John was sentenced last week by a Canadian County judge for nine counts of rape and lewd acts with a child after entering a plea of no contest.

After hearing the facts of the case, which revealed a years-long pattern of physical, sexual and psychological abuse by John, as well as a victim impact statement, Special Judge David Halley followed the state’s request and sentenced the defendant to 40 years incarceration, with the remainder of his life on probation.

The victims were 10 and 12 when the abuse started.

El Reno Police Department placed ninth among Oklahoma City Metroplex law enforcement-related teams in the annual Polar Plunge fundraising challenge for Oklahoma Special Olympics.

The eight-member team raised $3,246 - part of more than $34,500 collected by the top nine teams.

Yukon Police Department’s eight-member squad was second overall with $4,990 raised.

There were 43 teams in the Oklahoma City event, with members taking the plunge into chilly waters at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor OKC.

Early voting begins Thursday, Feb. 29 for voters in Canadian County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day have the option of voting early at their county election board.

Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said early voting is open to all voters.

Sample ballots are now available for the March 5 election. Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Canadian County Election Board during normal business hours.

Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said sample ballots are specific to each person.