Journal Record Week in Review
With prices not expected to rise, drillers seek efficiency
Efficiency is the name of the game for Oklahoma drillers and out-of-state companies drilling wells in Oklahoma. Lessons learned during the two-and-a-half-year downturn have helped boost some oil and gas businesses.
Comanche Nation lawsuit challenges proposed Chickasaw casino
The Comanche Nation of Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against several federal officials, claiming the Chickasaw Nation doesn’t have the right to build a casino in Jefferson County. The Comanche Nation is seeking injunctive relief voiding a recent trust acquisition in Jefferson County by the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Chickasaw Nation’s benefit.
Some legislators not sure of support for OKC income tax proposal
Even state legislators who support educational funding enhancements during the state budget crunch are torn on the philosophy behind a new initiative petition in Oklahoma City. The proposal calls for a temporary 0.5-percent tax increase projected to raise about $50 million annually to supplement teacher pay.
Price per unit hits its 2017 peak at Summit Pointe
The 2017 Oklahoma City-area high for price per unit for multifamily properties was set in mid-August. The 184-unit Summit Pointe apartment complex at 1002 SW 89th St. sold for $17.5 million, or $95,380 per unit. The per-unit price beat this year’s previous high by about $31,000.
Federal changes bring horse meat a step closer for Oklahoma processors
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee decision to allow horse slaughterhouse inspections has brought the issue closer to a position the Oklahoma Legislature established four years ago. In 2013, Gov. Mary Fallin signed a law to allow local facilities to process and export horse meat, primarily in response to arguments for humane animal treatment.
Lawmaker objects to relaxed charter school rules
As Oklahoma’s laws progress to allow more charter schools to open, state Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, said the laws could set a precedent diminishing the control elected officials hold. For almost two decades, officials have been updating laws to loosen restrictions on charter schools.
OMRF scientist discovers Sjögren’s gene
Kathy Sivils discovered a gene important to a not-well-known autoimmune disease. The scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and her colleagues found the first gene positively associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition that leads to chronic dry eyes and dry mouth. The gene marker will help scientists develop diagnostic tests and will likely lead researchers to develop therapies.
For some schools, four is the new five
The state’s public school districts are adapting to shorter teaching weeks, education officials said. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister hopes to see schools shift back to the way they were soon, however. Local control issues aside, she said, research suggests that districts that shorten their overall education hours face an uphill climb to return to the old standard.
Painted Sky seizes opera-tunity
Because of Painted Sky Opera’s success in its first season, the Civic Center Music Hall asked it to become the music hall’s eighth resident company. Painted Sky’s business model included building a subscriber base and cultivating a body of donors. Painted Sky will open its second season Oct. 6.
$34 million banking lawsuit alleges brazen fraud
A North Carolina-based credit provider is suing two Oklahoma banking companies and their mortgage subsidiaries for $34 million, alleging they fraudulently represented assets for a warehouse lending agreement. The lawsuit filed by CapLOC LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York names Citizens State Bank of Okemah and SpiritBank of Tulsa as defendants, as well as First Mortgage Co. in Oklahoma City and its chairman, Ron McCord. McCord said the deal is part of a larger tactical play to gain control of his company.
Critics hail Steele’s appointment to Pardon and Parole Board
Gov. Mary Fallin’s latest appointment to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has garnered high praise, as supporters say that it proves her dedication to criminal justice reform. She appointed Kris Steele, a former speaker of the House of Representatives who organized the statewide campaign to reduce sentences for simple drug possession. The appointment comes at a time when critics have been noting that the state paroles fewer prisoners than almost any other in the nation.
Remington Park boasts crowded opening-night field
Remington Park’s opening-night horse total is already breaking away from the pack. The park had 110 horses entered for Friday’s program, a record for opening nights in the last several years.
Regional manufacturing sector reports strong growth
Machines are moving, orders are up, and employment is steady in the central U.S. Manufacturing activity is growing faster in the region than it has in the past four months, and optimism is rising, said Federal Reserve economist Chad Wilkerson. The Oklahoma City Branch of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank’s monthly sector survey found respondents are seeing more orders, particularly in durable goods.
PSO allowed to make case for large Panhandle wind farm
A utility got the green light to make its case that a massive wind farm project will be good for its customers. Corporation Commission Administrative Law Judge Mary Candler didn’t grant Attorney General Mike Hunter’s request to dismiss the case in which Public Service Co. of Oklahoma requested preapproval to recover costs for a $4.5 billion wind farm and electric transmission line.
Ruling moves new liquor laws one step closer to reality
A federal judge ruled that the state’s new liquor laws can go into effect on Oct. 1, 2018, as approved by the voters. U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron ruled in favor of Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission Director Keith Burt. He was the defendant in a lawsuit filed by the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma.
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