Journalist, musician and all-around awesome guy.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Mike Averill
Tax-free weekend saved Oklahomans $7.4 million last year. The holiday starts today.
Two decades in the retail industry have taught Rich Kerr that preparation is key when it comes to shopping holidays. Kerr, general manager of the J.C. Penney at Woodland Hills Mall, said his store has hired 38 additional people to help staff the annual tax-free weekend. From 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers can avoid paying sales tax on certain items. Most clothing and shoes that cost less than $100 are exempt from state, city, county and local municipality sales tax.
Medical marijuana businesses have few local banking options
The introduction of medical marijuana in Oklahoma means an influx of cash into the market as new businesses, including dispensaries and growing operations, work to get off the ground. And like any other business, they need banking solutions to handle things such as payroll and cash deposits. The options are limited, but some area financial institutions are willing to take on businesses in the fledgling industry. One is Encentus Federal Credit Union.
Charges filed against Tulsa man in fatal hit-and-run
A 39-year-old Tulsa man was charged Wednesday in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a woman in a wheelchair. Dameon Tyreese Lundy is charged with felony counts of leaving the scene of a fatal collision and leaving the scene of a collision involving injury as well misdemeanor counts of violating driver’s license restrictions and failing to carry insurance verification.
Tax-free weekend saved Oklahomans $7.4 million last year. The holiday starts today.
Tax-free weekend saved Oklahomans $7.4 million last year. The holiday starts today. 1 of 4 Tax Free Shopping Lanza Stephens (left) helps family friend Chloe Pickett, 11, shop for school clothes at the J.C. Penney store in Woodland Hills Mall on Thursday. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World Tax Free Shopping Brooklynn Mashburn, 7, looks for school clothes at the J.C. Penney store in Woodland Hills Mall on Thursday.
Charges filed against Tulsa man in fatal hit-and-run
A 39-year-old Tulsa man was charged Wednesday in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a woman in a wheelchair. Dameon Tyreese Lundy is charged with felony counts of leaving the scene of a fatal collision and leaving the scene of a collision involving injury as well misdemeanor counts of violating driver’s license restrictions and failing to carry insurance verification. In their court filing, prosecutors allege that Lundy was driving a 1990 GMC Sierra on March 4 when it struck and killed Beverly K.
Promenade tenants optimistic receivership will bring positive changes
Many longtime tenants inside Tulsa Promenade mall are feeling something they haven’t felt in quite a while: optimism. The past year has been marked by an exodus of national retail chains and the decline in the physical property of the midtown shopping mall.
Tax-free weekend saved Oklahomans $7.4 million last year. The holiday starts today.
Two decades in the retail industry have taught Rich Kerr that preparation is key when it comes to shopping holidays. Kerr, general manager of the J.C. Penney at Woodland Hills Mall, said his store has hired 38 additional people to help staff the annual tax-free weekend. From 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers can avoid paying sales tax on certain items. Most clothing and shoes that cost less than $100 are exempt from state, city, county and local municipality sales tax.
Tax-free weekend saved Oklahomans $7.4 million last year. The holiday starts today, and retailers are ready.
Two decades in the retail industry have taught Rich Kerr that preparation is key when it comes to shopping holidays. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe. Kerr, general manager of the J.C. Penney at Woodland Hills Mall, said his store has hired 38 additional people to help staff the annual tax-free weekend.
Retailers ready for tax-free weekend
...HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL INCREASING TODAY THRU SATURDAY... .AN ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN IS EXPECTED OVER THE REGION ON THE EASTERN FRINGE OF A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE ALOFT BETWEEN NOW AND THE FIRST PART OF THE WEEKEND. MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF HEAVY RAIN PRODUCING SHOWERS AND STORMS ARE EXPECTED, WITH A GOOD POTENTIAL FOR TRAINING OVER THE SAME AREAS. THIS WILL INCREASE THE THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING OVER A GOOD PORTION OF NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA AND NEIGHBORING NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.
Tulsa County sees slight uptick in unemployment rate
...HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL INCREASING TODAY THRU SATURDAY... .AN ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN IS EXPECTED OVER THE REGION ON THE EASTERN FRINGE OF A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE ALOFT BETWEEN NOW AND THE FIRST PART OF THE WEEKEND. MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF HEAVY RAIN PRODUCING SHOWERS AND STORMS ARE EXPECTED, WITH A GOOD POTENTIAL FOR TRAINING OVER THE SAME AREAS. THIS WILL INCREASE THE THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING OVER A GOOD PORTION OF NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA AND NEIGHBORING NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.
Magellan Midstream reports 18% increase in earnings
Magellan Midstream Partners reported a sizable in second-quarter earnings on Thursday. The Tulsa-based midstream company had a net income of $253.7 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the second quarter compared to $214.4 million, or 94 cents per diluted share, during the same time period in 2018. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Williams sees 130% increase in second-quarter earnings
Williams reported second-quarter earnings of $310 million, or 26 cents per diluted share, at the close of markets Wednesday. That represented a 130% increase over the $135 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, the Tulsa-based pipeline company reported for the same period in 2018. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.
Karl Neumaier of Hilti: 'We remain true to taking care of our customers and our team members'
Karl Neumaier is chief operating officer of Hilti. Hilti is celebrating 40 years in Tulsa. What is something that people are still surprised to learn about the company’s Tulsa operation? There are more than 550 team members who work at our North America Operations Center. In addition, we train a few thousand Hilti employees annually in our recently-renovated 28,000-square-foot training center.
'This is the neighborhood Whataburger:' Once tornado-damaged midtown restaurant opens after near two-year absence
Nearly two years after a tornado blew off half its roof and some siding, the Whataburger restaurant near 41st Street and Hudson Avenue has reopened. Hall worked for the company’s human resources department before he was tapped to reopen the location. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.
ONE Gas reports $4 million second-quarter earnings increase
ONE Gas reported a slight bump in second-quarter earnings this week. The Tulsa-based natural gas utility company posted a net income of $24.5 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, compared to $20.4 million, or 39 cents, per diluted share for the same period of 2018. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.
'This is the neighborhood Whataburger:' Tornado-damaged midtown restaurant opens after two-year absence
Nearly two years after a tornado blew off half its roof and some siding, the Whataburger restaurant near 41st Street and Hudson Avenue has reopened. Hall worked for the company’s Human Resources Department before he was tapped to reopen the location. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.
A new around-the-clock 'micro-hospital' opens today in south Tulsa
A new physician-owned clinic in south Tulsa is offering an alternative to traditional emergency rooms and hospital care. Tulsa ER and Hospital, opening at 7 a.m. Monday at 717 W. 71st St., is a micro-hospital that will provide emergency medical care 24/7. A micro-hospital is a scaled-down version of a larger community hospital. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
A new around-the-clock 'micro-hospital' to open Monday in south Tulsa
A new physician-owned clinic in south Tulsa is offering an alternative to traditional emergency rooms and hospital care. Tulsa ER and Hospital, opening at 7 a.m. Monday at 717 W. 71st St., is a micro-hospital that will provide emergency medical care 24/7. A micro-hospital is a scaled-down version of a larger community hospital. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Tulsa coal producer reports sharp decline in second-quarter earnings
Joseph W. Craft III , President and CEO Company: Alliance Resource Partners LP Sector: Energy Background: Joseph W. Craft III has been president, CEO and a director since August 1999, and has indirect majority ownership of the managing general partner. Craft also serves as president, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of AGP, the general partner of Alliance Holdings GP LP.
A new around-the-clock 'micro-hospital' to open in south Tulsa
A new physician-owned clinic in south Tulsa is offering an alternative to traditional emergency rooms and hospital care. Tulsa ER and Hospital, opening 7 a.m. Monday at 717 W. 71st St., is a micro-hospital that will provide emergency medical care 24/7. A micro-hospital is a scaled-down version of a larger community hospital. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Tulsa Promenade stores to stay open as owner, lender 'work out their differences' over unpaid $6M, court-appointed receiver says
A Tulsa County district judge appointed a receiver for the Tulsa Promenade mall effective Wednesday evening. Jim Parrack, a real estate expert with Price Edwards and Co., became receiver as of 5 p.m. Wednesday after Tulsa Realty 126, a Delaware limited liability company acting on behalf of the mall’s ownership, failed to meet a deadline to settle a case brought by the mortgage holder after the owner defaulted on the loan.
BOK Financial continued streak of record earnings
TULSA — BOK Financial continued its streak of record earnings Wednesday. The Tulsa-based bank holding company posted a net income of nearly $138 million, or $1.93 per share, for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $114 million, or $1.75 per share, for the second quarter of 2018. The second-quarter earnings in 2018 were a record for the company at the time and helped BOK Financial close out the year with record earnings.
Judge appoints receiver for Promenade Mall after owner defaults on loan; stores to remain open for now
A Tulsa County district judge appointed a receiver for Promenade Mall effective Wednesday evening. Jim Parrack, a real estate expert with Price Edwards and Co., became receiver as of 5 p.m. Wednesday after Tulsa Realty 126, a Delaware limited liability company acting on behalf of the mall’s ownership, failed to meet a deadline to settle a case brought by the mortgage holder after the owner defaulted on the loan.
BOK Financial once again posts record earnings
BOK Financial continued its streak of record earnings Wednesday. The Tulsa-based bank holding company posted a net income of $137.6 million, or $1.93 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $114.4 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2018. The second-quarter earnings in 2018 were a record for the company at the time and helped BOK Financial close out the year with record earnings. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
Judge appoints receiver for Tulsa Promenade mall after owner defaults on loan; stores to remain open for now
A Tulsa County district judge appointed a receiver for the Tulsa Promenade mall effective Wednesday evening. Jim Parrack, a real estate expert with Price Edwards and Co., became receiver as of 5 p.m. Wednesday after Tulsa Realty 126, a Delaware limited liability company acting on behalf of the mall’s ownership, failed to meet a deadline to settle a case brought by the mortgage holder after the owner defaulted on the loan.
Inverness Village files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
West Tulsa retirement community Inverness Village filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday. The bankruptcy filing is part of an agreement for the sale of Inverness Village to Tulsa Hills Community, Inc., a subsidiary of Covenant Living Communities and Services. According to court filings, Inverness has $62.3 million in total assets and $174.9 million in total debts. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
Tulsa Promenade mall's mortgage holder seeking foreclosure
The holder of the Tulsa Promenade mall’s mortgage is seeking to foreclose on the loan, according to documents filed with Tulsa County District Court last month. Ready Capital Corp., the original lender and current holder of the loan, alleges in court filings that the mall’s owner — a Delaware limited liability company — has defaulted on the loan by failing to make payments since March. Ready Capital Corp.
Promenade Mall's mortgage holder seeking foreclosure on the property
The holder of Promenade Mall’s mortgage is seeking to foreclose on the loan, according to documents filed with Tulsa County District Court last month. Ready Capital Corp., the original lender and current holder of the loan, alleges in court filings that the mall’s owner — a Delaware limited liability company — has defaulted on the loan by failing to make payments from March 2019 forward. Ready Capital Corp.
Area lake businesses struggling with high waters
Dorene and Randy Arthur have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to floodwaters leaving their business a wash. More years than not, the couple has had to deal with the waters of the Grand River creeping up to, and into, their Mazie Landing Marina. The couple has owned the marina, restaurant, convenience store, campground and trailer park, located on a cove along the river connecting Hudson and Fort Gibson lakes near Chouteau, for six years. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
Tulsa-based oil and gas accounting firm acquired by Texas investment firm
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM CDT SATURDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TULSA HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM CDT SATURDAY. * TEMPERATURE...HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S. * HEAT INDEX...MAXIMUM HEAT INDEX VALUES 105 TO 110 DEGREES.
Tulsa oil services company ranks top in the state in terms of revenue
Oklahoma, with its rich history in oil and aerospace, is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including several household names. The largest, in terms of revenue, is one of the youngest companies on the list and has spent the past eight years building a multiprong approach targeting areas where it can be among the top of its peers while maintaining profitability in varying energy cycles.
Chris Bernard of Hunger Free Oklahoma: 'Hunger costs Oklahoma $1.4 billion a year'
Chris Bernard is the executive director of Hunger Free Oklahoma. 1. You are the executive director of Hunger Free Oklahoma. What are you guys doing to address hunger and how is that work different than what area food banks are doing? People are often surprised when they learn that an organization called Hunger Free Oklahoma does not distribute food. There are many great organizations providing food directly to Oklahoma families — including the food banks, Meals on Wheels, schools, churches and more.
PSO proposes additional wind energy
Public Service Company of Oklahoma filed an application Monday seeking regulatory approval to add 675 megawatts of Oklahoma wind-generated power to its energy mix. The proposed move is part of a long-range plan to increase reliance on natural gas and renewable energy resources.
QuikTrip razes south Tulsa location to make way for new, more accessible store
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT WEDNESDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TULSA HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT WEDNESDAY. * TEMPERATURE...LOW TO MID 90S THIS AFTERNOON AND AGAIN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. * HEAT INDEX...HEAT INDEX VALUES IN THE 105 TO 109 DEGREE RANGE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
Tulsan celebrates 40 years selling Mercedes-Benz
Ed Hicks was destined to be a car man. Hicks, a graduate of Webster High School, grew up in west Tulsa where his grandfather had an auto parts store. “He also had a garage, so by the time I was 3 or 4, I was always over there playing in the garage,” he said. “It’s been something I enjoy to this day.” The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Increased U.S. oil production lessens impact of geopolitical events on market volatility
The last year is proof that oil prices are going to do what oil prices do: Seesaw back and forth like a flickering flame of volatility. The price of West Texas Intermediate Crude was $70.98 per barrel in July 2018. The forecast for the benchmark crude for July of this year is $55, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. During that time, the price per barrel of WTI dipped as low as $44.48 in December and bounced back as high as $76.40 in October.
WPX investing $100 million in new 11-story downtown Tulsa headquarters
WPX unveiled plans to build a new headquarters in downtown Tulsa on Friday. The 11-story, 260,000-square-foot tower will be built on the block of property where the old Spaghetti Warehouse is located. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe. Construction is expected to begin in 2020 and wrap up in 2022.
WPX to build new headquarters in downtown Tulsa
WPX unveiled plans to build a new headquarters in downtown Tulsa on Friday. The 11-story, 260,000-square-foot tower will be built on the block of property where the old Spaghetti Warehouse is located. Construction is expected to begin in 2020 and wrap up in 2022. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99. Sign up now at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.
Tulsa Technology Center celebrates opening of new training center
Tulsa Technology Center celebrated the opening of its new Industry Training Center on Wednesday. The facility is on its Lemley Memorial Campus, 3420 S. Memorial Drive, and will allow for industry- and company-specific workforce training in an effort to attract new companies and foster growth opportunities for local businesses. "This is really a special training opportunity for businesses and industries throughout the county," said Steve Tiger, superintendent and CEO of Tulsa Tech.
Hannah Jackson of Schnake Turnbo Frank: 'I didn’t truly fall in love with PR until about 10 years ago when I started to see the true impact'
Hannah Jackson is vice president of the Schnake Turnbo Frank Tulsa office. You were recently promoted to vice president of the Tulsa office. What is your role in that new position? My first priority was to find a new balance. I’ve spent more than five years solely focused on clients, and I am now officially leading the Tulsa team. Ensuring I didn’t fail either of them during the transition was a top priority. Now that I’m six months in, the rhythm is right. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
State's oldest, largest oil and gas trade organizations merge and rebrand
The state’s two oldest and largest oil and natural gas trade associations recently rebranded after merging into one group last year. The group, now known as the Oklahoma Petroleum Alliance, will be based in Oklahoma City. “As we started looking at different industry issues, we realized that a unified voice was really in our best interest,” said Chad Warmington, president of the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
French blacksmith to return to Tulsa to take on lead craftsman role at Wiemann Metalcraft
A nearly 80-year-old architectural blacksmithing company is reaching out to the Old World to bring new blood to its fabrication shop. Wiemann Metalcraft has hired Vincent Fritz to be its lead fabricator, company manager and installation coordinator, the company announced. Fritz initially worked with Wiemann as part of his apprenticeship program through the Compagnons du Devoir, a French organization of craftsmen and artisans dating back to the Middle Ages. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
OERB marks 25 years of cleaning abandoned well sites
Several months after purchasing 143 acres of land in southern Osage County, Vicki Hayward and James Wright discovered an area littered with concrete and debris from an old power station that would have run pumping units installed in the early 1900s. A short hike to the west they found a large area of land scarred from salt water that was a byproduct of oil production.
State unemployment rate drops to 3.2%
The state’s unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a percentage point to 3.2% for the month of May, according to the latest data from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The estimated number of unemployed Oklahomans fell by 746, to 59,000 for the month. The unemployment rate had held steady at 3.3% for the previous three months. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Tulsa and Houston companies merging to create a leading exploration company in the STACK play
...OZONE ALERT THURSDAY... THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HAS ISSUED AN OZONE ALERT FOR THURSDAY, FOR THE TULSA METROPOLITAN AREA. AN OZONE ALERT MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE BUILDUP OF OZONE NEAR THE GROUND, TO AN UNHEALTHY LEVEL. WHEN WINDS ARE LIGHT, THE VAPORS FROM FUELS SUCH AS GASOLINE, EXHAUST FROM ENGINES, AND AIR POLLUTANTS FROM INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES REMAIN TRAPPED NEAR THE GROUND.
Tulsa-based Chisholm Oil and Gas to merge with Gastar Exploration
...OZONE ALERT THURSDAY... THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HAS ISSUED AN OZONE ALERT FOR THURSDAY, FOR THE TULSA METROPOLITAN AREA. AN OZONE ALERT MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE BUILDUP OF OZONE NEAR THE GROUND, TO AN UNHEALTHY LEVEL. WHEN WINDS ARE LIGHT, THE VAPORS FROM FUELS SUCH AS GASOLINE, EXHAUST FROM ENGINES, AND AIR POLLUTANTS FROM INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES REMAIN TRAPPED NEAR THE GROUND.
Tulsa and Houston oil and gas companies merging
...OZONE ALERT THURSDAY... THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HAS ISSUED AN OZONE ALERT FOR THURSDAY, FOR THE TULSA METROPOLITAN AREA. AN OZONE ALERT MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE BUILDUP OF OZONE NEAR THE GROUND, TO AN UNHEALTHY LEVEL. WHEN WINDS ARE LIGHT, THE VAPORS FROM FUELS SUCH AS GASOLINE, EXHAUST FROM ENGINES, AND AIR POLLUTANTS FROM INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES REMAIN TRAPPED NEAR THE GROUND.
Buckle to close Promenade Mall location
Another national retailer is set to close its Promenade Mall location. The Buckle, a fashion retailer selling clothes, footwear and accessories for men, women and children, posted a note on its storefront stating that its last day of business will by June 30th. The note apologizes for the inconvenience and encourages customers to check out its locations at Woodland Hills Mall and Arrowhead Mall in Muskogee as well as its online store. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
Tulsa company hopes to simplify online marketing with new app
A local tech company is hoping to do to digital marketing what QuickBooks did to personal accounting. Bryan Wilks and Shea Roach established Freeform in 2013 with the idea of closing a loop between sales and marketing and “uncomplicating a very complicated space.” “QuickBooks was successful based on making something very complicated very easy for small and medium-sized businesses,” Wilks said. “We saw the same type of complication in growth.” The new cost for doing business in Tulsa.
Closing celebration held for Tulsa Chamber's Resource Campaign, its 25th year
The Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated the conclusion of another successful Resource Campaign on Thursday. The effort raised a total of $3,179,039. During the 10-week campaign, 55 volunteers sold sponsorships to 302 member companies for the Chamber’s programs, events, services and publications. The new cost for doing business in Tulsa. For those who care about business and this community, we have a deal for you. Start a digital subscription for only $0.99.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Mike
Contact Mike, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack