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Articles by Kayla Branch
State cites Continental Carbon for 81 alleged violations
PONCA CITY, Okla. - After years of complaints about black dust near Continental Carbon's Ponca City plant, Oklahoma environmental regulators have for the first time accused the company of violating a 2015 agreement to reduce pollution from the facility. Continental Carbon, a Houston-based company, manufactures carbon black, a fine, black powder used in tires, ink and plastic.
Company behind Oklahoma aluminum smelter has history of pollution violations
Company behind Oklahoma aluminum smelter has history of pollution violations Kayla Branch | The Frontier Show Caption Hide Caption Oklahoma Legislature: How to contact your representative Have you ever wondered how to contact your representative? Here’s what to know. One of the companies that plans to build the first new aluminum smelter in the U.S. in nearly 50 years near Tulsa has a history of air pollution violations, including a lawsuit from residents who said emissions made them sick.
One of the companies behind a planned Oklahoma smelter has a history of air pollution violations
For OU softball, road to SEC title 'is going through Austin' vs. Texas NORMAN — Patty Gasso doesn’t need to sell what’s waiting this weekend in Austin. She’s been there. She’s felt it. And she knows exactly what her team …
THE FRONTIER: From limiting tax breaks to moratoriums, Oklahoma legislators eye new rules for data centers Original
As cheap land and electricity are driving a wave of new data center development in Oklahoma, lawmakers have filed several bills to increase transparency, temporarily halt new developments and hold developers responsible for costs. Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has filed HB 4424, which would limit data centers’ eligibility for certain tax incentives. Currently, data centers can qualify for a program where the state covers a facility’s property taxes for the first five years.
OK lawmakers file several bills to regulate data centers, utility bills
As cheap land and electricity are driving a wave of new data center development in Oklahoma, lawmakers have filed several bills to increase transparency, temporarily halt new developments and hold developers responsible for costs. Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has filed HB 4424, which would limit data centers’ eligibility for certain tax incentives. Currently, data centers can qualify for a program where the state covers a facility’s property taxes for the first five years.
Fragile aquifer and economy at center of fight over Oklahoma town mining expansion
Michael Hearrell worries that a proposed mine two miles from his home will dry up his water well. Hearrell, a retired pilot, has lived around Roff, a town of just over 600 outside of Ada, his whole life. The town is dotted with a few gas stations, a senior center and a short Main Street that is home to the public school. Roff is also surrounded by mining operations, thanks to the sand reserves nearby.
Like a ‘buried body.’ Small Oklahoma town overwhelmed by fumes from oil waste disposal
For weeks, Renae Haymaker was talking to neighbors about the smell drifting from the open pits filled with oil and gas waste a few miles away. Haymaker, the elementary principal at Hillsdale Christian School outside of Enid, said it smelled like a “buried body.” The smell would fill cars as families drove their kids to school down the main road, making noses burn, according to over 40 complaints sent to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission earlier this year.
Investigations continue into Nemaha complaints
HILLSDALE, Okla. - For weeks, Renae Haymaker was talking to neighbors about the smell drifting from the open pits filled with oil and gas waste a few miles away. Haymaker, elementary principal at Hillsdale Christian School outside of Enid, said it smelled like a "buried body." The smell would fill cars as families drove their kids to school down the main road, making noses burn, according to more than 40 complaints sent to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission earlier this year.
New OKC homeless shelter facility will provide medical respite care: What that means
Bobbi Six first heard of medical respite care after learning that hospitals in Oklahoma were sometimes discharging people experiencing homelessness back to the streets or to shelters after they received services. At the time, Six, who is also a registered nurse, was serving as a public health official with the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
THE FRONTIER: Ryan Walters has yet to answer questions about his pending resignation
tate Superintendent Ryan Walters said nothing about his pending resignation during what was expected to be his last Board of Education meeting, one day after he announced on FOX News that he planned to step down to lead a conservative teacher group. He left the meeting without taking questions from reporters. Media crowded into the room, but Walters’ resignation was only briefly hinted at right before the meeting ended. kAm“$FA6C:?E6?56?E[ x’G6 962C5 @? E96 ?6HD[” D2:5 q@2C5 @7 t5F42E:@?
Oklahoma's harm reduction law inches toward expiration
Volunteers for Shred the Stigma gather every other Saturday to build kits containing fentanyl testing strips and clean syringes. Harm reduction programs, like Shred the Stigma, work to connect people who use drugs with overdose reversal medication, resources for mental health care and substance use treatment, and education and equipment for safer drug use to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Oklahoma's harm reduction programs have helped hundreds with addiction. They're at risk of ending
Volunteers for Shred the Stigma gather every other Saturday to build kits containing fentanyl testing strips and clean syringes. Harm reduction programs, like Shred the Stigma, work to connect people who use drugs with overdose reversal medication, resources for mental health care and substance use treatment, and education and equipment for safer drug use to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Oklahoma’s harm reduction law inches toward expiration
Volunteers for Shred the Stigma gather every other Saturday to build kits containing fentanyl testing strips and clean syringes. Harm reduction programs, like Shred the Stigma, work to connect people who use drugs with overdose reversal medication, resources for mental health care and substance use treatment, and education and equipment for safer drug use to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Details for for Oklahoma's new data centers remain shrouded in secrecy
Aross Oklahoma, officials are courting data centers as sources of new revenue and jobs. But local authorities also keep information private on which companies will run the centers and how much water and electricity they will use. Republican state leaders have embraced data centers as a way to boost economic development in Oklahoma, but some lawmakers and local residents worry the projects will gobble up water and electricity.
Cost-cutting efforts target public health, labeling some programs as wasteful
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
THE FRONTIER: Cost-cutting efforts target public health, labeling some programs as wasteful
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Cost-cutting efforts target public health, labeling some programs as wasteful
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
THE FRONTIER: Cost-cutting efforts target public health, labeling some programs as wasteful
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
THE FRONTIER: Cost-cutting efforts target public health, labeling some programs as wasteful
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
'A perfect storm:' Cuts to COVID-era funding, Medicaid may have devastating effects in Oklahoma
Each month, the Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic gives hundreds of doses of routine vaccinations to Kay County kids free of charge through a federal program. Vaccines for Children, a program that helps fund immunizations for low-income kids, is popular in Kay County, said Brandi Glaser, office manager for the Ponca City clinic. Kay County is rural, with about 16% of residents living in poverty and 13% lacking health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
State to study wages for workers with disabilities
Sitting at his tidy work station, one employee carefully wraps wires around a metal fishhook at the Dale Rogers Training Center in Oklahoma City. Another worker, surrounded by piles of clear baggies and cardboard packaging, ties the hooks into groups of four before they get packaged. More than 80 employees with disabilities work at the center’s production center, also called a sheltered workshop, doing tasks like packaging small auto parts or sorting hangers.
State to study wages for workers with disabilities
Sitting at his tidy work station, one employee carefully wraps wires around a metal fishhook at the Dale Rogers Training Center in Oklahoma City. Another worker, surrounded by piles of clear baggies and cardboard packaging, ties the hooks into groups of four before they get packaged. Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads | news and sports emails. The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma.
THE FRONTIER: Oklahoma rethinks employment options for people with disabilities
Sitting at his tidy work station, one employee carefully wraps wires around a metal fishhook at the Dale Rogers Training Center in Oklahoma City. Another worker, surrounded by piles of clear baggies and cardboard packaging, ties the hooks into groups of four before they get packaged. kAm|@C6 E92? g_ 6>A=@J66D H:E9 5:D23:=:E:6D H@C< 2E E96 46?E6C’D AC@5F4E:@?
State to study wages for workers with disabilities
Sitting at his tidy work station, one employee carefully wraps wires around a metal fishhook at the Dale Rogers Training Center in Oklahoma City. Another worker, surrounded by piles of clear baggies and cardboard packaging, ties the hooks into groups of four before they get packaged. kAm|@C6 E92? g_ 6>A=@J66D H:E9 5:D23:=:E:6D H@C< 2E E96 46?E6C’D AC@5F4E:@?
Efforts to track groundwater usage fail in Legislature
OKLAHOMA CITY — Efforts to more accurately track commercial groundwater use in Oklahoma failed again this year at the Legislature after facing tight deadlines and some pushback from agricultural interests. State law requires operators of commercial groundwater wells — used for things like agriculture or oil and gas production — to send in reports of their groundwater usage.
While some warn of groundwater depletion in Oklahoma, efforts to tighten monitoring fail again
• Oklahoma lawmakers failed to pass two bills aimed at improving monitoring of commercial groundwater usage. • Current regulations allow for withdrawals exceeding natural aquifer recharge rates, raising concerns about long-term sustainability, particularly for agriculture in western Oklahoma. • While some agricultural groups support alternative approaches like multi-year flex permits, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board's budget for improved compliance monitoring remained flat.
THE FRONTIER: A man who couldn’t talk died after staff at an Oklahoma facility choked him, a lawsuit claims
Before he died, staff at a state facility choked a nonverbal man with towels and bed sheets until he lost consciousness, a lawsuit claims. For nine years, Shermaine Brooks lived at the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid, a facility for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, according to the lawsuit.
Lawsuit claims Greer client was choked before death
Before he died, staff at a state facility choked a nonverbal man with towels and bed sheets until he lost consciousness, a lawsuit claims. For nine years, Shermaine Brooks lived at the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid, a facility for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, according to the lawsuit.
Lawsuit claims Greer client was chocked before death
Before he died, staff at a state facility choked a nonverbal man with towels and bed sheets until he lost consciousness, a lawsuit claims. For nine years, Shermaine Brooks lived at the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid, a facility for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, according to the lawsuit.
THE FRONTIER: Short state funding, Oklahoma is losing child care providers
It’s been a challenge for Vicki Duggan to recruit new staff for the daycare center she manages in Midwest City. Over the last few years, Kinder Castle was able to offer a $1,000 signing bonus and free child care to staff thanks to federal pandemic funding. Staff were able to get a few additional paid days off. That made it a bit easier to recruit, Duggan said. kAmqFE E92E 6IEC2 >@?6J C2? @FE =2DE J62C] %96 >2C8:?D 2C6 324< E@ 36:?8 C2K@C\E9:?[ 6G6?
Lawmakers revive talk of stricter water monitoring
OKLAHOMA CITY — After recent droughts and concerns about dwindling groundwater, Oklahoma lawmakers are trying for a second year to require commercial users to more accurately track water usage. State laws on metering water wells vary. In Oklahoma, owners of commercial groundwater wells can estimate and then self-report how much water they use to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. kAm|2?J A6C>:E 9@=56CD C6A@CE E92E E96J FD6 6I24E=J 9@H >F49 H2E6C E96:C A6C>:E 2==@HD[ 2?5 2 D:8?:7:42?E A@CE:@?
THE FRONTIER: As Oklahoma faces less water and more demand, lawmakers revive talk of stricter monitoring
After recent droughts and concerns about dwindling groundwater, Oklahoma lawmakers are trying for a second year to require commercial users to more accurately track water usage. State laws on metering water wells vary. In Oklahoma, owners of commercial groundwater wells can estimate and then self-report how much water they use to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. kAm|2?J A6C>:E 9@=56CD C6A@CE E92E E96J FD6 6I24E=J 9@H >F49 H2E6C E96:C A6C>:E 2==@HD[ 2?5 2 D:8?:7:42?E A@CE:@?
Threat of drought pushes Oklahoma lawmakers toward more heavy water usage monitoring
After recent droughts and concerns about dwindling groundwater, Oklahoma lawmakers are trying for a second year to require commercial users to more accurately track water usage. State laws on metering water wells vary. In Oklahoma, owners of commercial groundwater wells can estimate and then self-report how much water they use to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Lawmakers revive talk of stricter monitoring
OKLAHOMA CITY — After recent droughts and concerns about dwindling groundwater, Oklahoma lawmakers are trying for a second year to require commercial users to more accurately track water usage. State laws on metering water wells vary. In Oklahoma, owners of commercial groundwater wells can estimate and then self-report how much water they use to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. kAm|2?J A6C>:E 9@=56CD C6A@CE E92E E96J FD6 6I24E=J 9@H >F49 H2E6C E96:C A6C>:E 2==@HD[ 2?5 2 D:8?:7:42?E A@CE:@?
THE FRONTIER: Some Oklahoma parents turn kids over to the state after struggling to get mental health care for them
Tucked between a highway and railroad tracks just east of Tulsa’s downtown, the county’s only emergency youth shelter acts as a temporary home for some teenagers who have been abandoned by their parents and have nowhere else to go. The common area is various shades of beige with concrete floors and a few tables, couches and TVs. Some of the youth have drawn on the doors to their rooms in chalk — workout routines, nicknames, flowers.
Oklahomans approve changing the state constitution to clearly forbid noncitizens from voting
Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved a state question that explicitly bans noncitizens from voting in state or local elections. About 80% of voters said yes to State Question 834, with more than 97% of precincts reporting, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. The state question asked voters to approve amending the Oklahoma Constitution to state that “only” U.S. citizens may vote. Currently, the state constitution states that “all” U.S. citizens may vote.
Oklahomans approve changing the state constitution to clearly forbid noncitizens from voting
4 hours ago 3 possible transfer destinations for Texas WR Johntay Cook Multiple reports indicated early on Nov. 7 that Texas football sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II was no longer with the UT program. This news … 1 hour ago How the Thunder could indirectly cause even more stress for the Jazz If there were ever an NBA equivalent of the tortoise from "The Tortoise and the Hare," it would be the Thunder. They made trades years ago, back when …
Oklahomans approve changing the state constitution to clearly forbid noncitizens from voting
Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved a state question that explicitly bans noncitizens from voting in state or local elections. About 80% of voters said yes to State Question 834, with more than 97% of precincts reporting, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. The state question asked voters to approve amending the Oklahoma Constitution to state that “only” U.S. citizens may vote. Currently, the state constitution states that “all” U.S. citizens may vote.
THE FRONTIER: Oklahoma has no plans to fine a troubled center for people with developmental disabilities, even after repeated problems
State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found threats to residents’ safety last year. But instead, the state paid a consultant to visit the facility in April and suggest changes. And despite continued citations at the Robert M.
THE FRONTIER: Oklahoma has no plans to fine a troubled center for people with developmental disabilities, even after repeated problems
THE FRONTIER: Oklahoma has no plans to fine a troubled center for people with developmental disabilities, even after repeated problems State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found …
Oklahoma has no plans to fine troubled center for people with developmental disabilities
Liberal View 3 hours ago NFL Fan Spoils Trump Campaign Video With 2 Brutal Salutes From The Crowd HuffPost - Ben Blanchet • 3h The GOP nominee shared a clip that shows at least one other fan hitting him with the gesture at the Pittsburgh Steelers game.
State won't fine Greer Center for violations
State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found threats to residents’ safety last year. Iinstead, the state paid a consultant to visit the facility in April and suggest changes. And despite continued citations at the Robert M.
State won't fine Greer Center for violations
ENID, Okla. — State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found threats to residents’ safety last year. Iinstead, the state paid a consultant to visit the facility in April and suggest changes. And despite continued citations at the Robert M.
State won't fine Greer Center for violations
State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found threats to residents’ safety last year. Iinstead, the state paid a consultant to visit the facility in April and suggest changes. And despite continued citations at the Robert M.
State won't fine Greer Center for violations
ENID, Okla. — State officials considered fining a center for people with developmental disabilities in Enid more than half a million dollars after inspectors found threats to residents’ safety last year. Iinstead, the state paid a consultant to visit the facility in April and suggest changes. And despite continued citations at the Robert M.
Protestors call for charges to be refiled against Enid caregivers accused of abusing clients with disabilities
An Enid resident organized a protest after the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office dropped criminal cases against former Robert M. Greer Center staff. Protestors called for law enforcement to interview additional witnesses.A little after 8 a.m. Monday, Alicia Johnson had set up a cooler with water and a stack of signs with sayings like “They won’t believe you but we do” outside the… To access content, pleaselogin or purchase a subscription.
Protestors call for charges to be refiled against Enid caregivers accused of abusing clients with disabilities
Subhead accused of abusing clients with disabilities Alittle after 8 a.m. Monday, Alicia Johnson had set up a cooler with water and a stack of signs with sayings like “They won’t believe you but we do” outside the Garfield County Courthouse.Johnson, an Enid resident, organized a protest for two weeks after the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office dropped criminal charges against former Robert M. Greer Center staff.
Protestors want charges refiled against Enid caregivers accused of abusing disabled clients
Kayla Branch August 21, 2024 at 9:52 AM·3 min read A little after 8 a.m. Monday, Alicia Johnson had set up a cooler with water and a stack of signs with sayings like “They won’t believe you but we do” outside the Garfield County Courthouse. Johnson, an Enid resident, organized a protest for two weeks after the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office dropped criminal charges against former Robert M. Greer Center staff.
Prosecutors drop charges against 7 former staffers accused of abuse at Greer Center
Kayla Branch August 7, 2024 at 8:33 AM·2 min read The Garfield County District Attorney’s Office has dropped charges against seven former staff members accused of systemic abuse at an Enid center for people with developmental disabilities. Eight former staffers at the Robert M. Greer Center faced felony charges including caretaker abuse and conspiracy in 2023 after police spent months investigating allegations of beatings, chokings and other abuse against residents at the center.
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