Warren Vieth
Oklahoma City
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Articles by Warren Vieth
Her father died in the OKC bombing. Here's how she coped with tragedy | Opinion
Some people try to forget painful events. Others choose to remember. Over and over again. Thirty years ago, Sara Sweet was finishing her fourth year at Oklahoma State University. One of her classes that semester was speech. She had put off taking it as long as possible because of her fear of public speaking. Then came the fateful phone call to the Kappa Alpha Theta house on April 19, 1995. The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City had been bombed.
Her father died in the OKC bombing. Here's how she coped with tragedy | Opinion
Some people try to forget painful events. Others choose to remember. Over and over again. Thirty years ago, Sara Sweet was finishing her fourth year at Oklahoma State University. One of her classes that semester was speech. She had put off taking it as long as possible because of her fear of public speaking. Then came the fateful phone call to the Kappa Alpha Theta house on April 19, 1995. The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City had been bombed.
Winners: SEJ 23rd Annual Awards for Reporting on the Environment
The Society of Environmental Journalists is proud to announce the winners of the SEJ Awards for Reporting on the Environment, which honor the best stories released from April 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024, and the best books on environmental topics published in 2023. The SEJ Awards stand as the world's largest and most comprehensive environmental journalism competition.
Jamie Zumwalt's 'grand experiment' provides sense of community and a good cup of joe
Jamie Zumwalt and her husband opened Joe’s Addiction coffee shop in 2007 to provide a hangout for vulnerable people and those in recovery in and around Valley Brook, a tiny municipality in southeast Oklahoma City notorious for its strip clubs. Zumwalt envisioned an establishment like the bar in the TV series Cheers, but with a twist. It would welcome people experiencing homelessness, drug addiction, mental illness, past incarceration, gang affiliation and sexual trauma.
Loving, loyal, trusting: Dogs model behavior at its best
It was Jack’s favorite prank. Around 6:30 every morning, he would slip into our bedroom to see if we were awake and ready to feed him. If we weren’t, he had a backup plan to make us regret our neglect. Motive. Jack would check the floor on Kathy’s side of the bed to see if she had shed her socks in the middle of the night. As often as not, she had. Opportunity.
A growing, integral part of Oklahoma's journalism landscape
The nonprofit news sector is rapidly expanding in Oklahoma, providing more evidence of a remarkable shift in the landscape of American journalism. Two recent developments illustrate this trend: Oklahoma Voice, a nonprofit news outlet funded by out-of-state donors, made its debut in late August.
For Sunshine Week, support journalists in the fight for open government
When I took a State Capitol reporting class at the University of Oklahoma in 1977, I was assigned to write a weekly news report for the Grove Sun. The House member who represented Grove was Wiley Sparkman, a good-hearted but curmudgeonly lawmaker with a reputation for hard living and blunt talk. In one of our first encounters, I asked Sparkman how he had voted in committee on a bill I thought would be of interest to newspaper readers in Grove. “I’m not going to tell you,” Sparkman said.
Good journalism is timeless: Warren Vieth joins NonDoc board
Warren Vieth, left, has joined the board of the Sustainable Journalism Foundation, the governing body of NonDoc Media. (NonDoc) When Tres Savage asked me to consider joining NonDoc’s board of directors, I didn’t hesitate to accept. NonDoc is part of a remarkable transformation of public affairs journalism in Oklahoma. Despite our state’s comparatively small population, we are home to a surprising number of successful nonprofit journalism operations.
Roland clinic draws scrutiny from drug enforcers
Editor’s note: This story is part of a joint project by Oklahoma Watch and The Oklahoman, examining the state’s high rate of prescription painkiller overdoses. If there was an official business model for a high-volume pain clinic, drug enforcers say, it would probably resemble the Wellness Clinic in Roland.
Months Went By as Deaths of Pain-Clinic Patients Rose
Authorities found Kelly Bell lying face down in bed, wearing a red robe, a towel wrapped around her strawberry blond hair. On the bed next to her they found a nearly-empty pill bottle containing carisoprodol, a potent muscle relaxer also known as Soma. Elsewhere in Bell’s Okmulgee home they found partially-full bottles of morphine, oxycodone and clonazepam, all powerful narcotic drugs.
For Many Oklahomans, Better Hearing Is Beyond Their Means
When the government began providing health coverage to millions of older Americans five decades ago, it specifically excluded hearing aids. Hearing loss among the aged was not a life-endangering medical condition, the reasoning went. Good hearing was not considered essential to good health. That view has changed.
Marijuana Drives Surge in Reports of Drug-Exposed Newborns
Oklahoma health-care professionals reported to the state a record 517 cases of newborn infants who tested positive for dangerous drugs or alcohol last year, up from 320 when officials began compiling statistics in 2013. State officials said they couldn’t determine how much of the 62 percent increase was attributable to rising drug use among pregnant women and how much to improved reporting and testing by health care personnel. Much of the reported increase involved prenatal exposure to marijuana.
Hundreds of newborns in state tested positive for drugs in 2016
Oklahoma health-care professionals reported to the state a record 517 cases of newborn infants who tested positive for dangerous drugs or alcohol last year, up from 320 when officials began compiling statistics in 2013. State officials said they couldn't determine how much of the 62 percent increase was attributable to rising drug use among pregnant women and how much to improved reporting and testing by health care personnel. Much of the reported increase involved prenatal exposure to marijuana.
Oklahoma Watch: Reports of drug-exposed newborns surge
Oklahoma health-care professionals reported to the state a record 517 cases of newborn infants who tested positive for dangerous drugs or alcohol last year, up from 320 when officials began compiling statistics in 2013.State officials said they couldn’t determine how much of the 62 percent increase was attributable to rising drug use among pregnant women and how much to improved reporting and testing by health care personnel.The statistics, which cover fiscal years ending June 30, make it...
Oklahoma No. 7 in Reliance on Federal Funds
Oklahoma ranks seventh in the nation in its reliance on federal funding to supplement state revenue, according to calculations by State Treasurer Ken Miller. Of each dollar spent by Oklahoma government during the 2011 fiscal year, more than 43 cents was provided by the federal government, Miller said in his latest Oklahoma Economic Report, released Friday. Only six states relied more on federal funds. In Mississippi, almost 53 cents of every dollar spent came from the feds.
Oklahoma Watch study: Oil, gas production plummets before taxes rise
An Oklahoma Watch analysis of more than 3,000 horizontal wells shows that more than half of a typical well’s projected lifetime oil and gas production will occur during its first three years, when it is taxed at a much lower rate.The analysis looks at all horizontal wells in the state that began production between February 2014 and January 2017.
Oil industry group finds production decline less steep
An oil industry group is preparing an analysis of oil and gas production in the highly active "STACK" play of northwest Oklahoma that it believes will provide a more accurate estimate of future revenue flows than other studies have achieved.
Oklahoma Watch study: Oil, gas production plummets before taxes rise
An Oklahoma Watch analysis of more than 3,000 horizontal wells shows that more than half of a typical well's projected lifetime oil and gas production will occur during its first three years, when it is taxed at a much lower rate.
Oklahoma Watch Study: Oil, gas production plummets before taxes rise
An Oklahoma Watch analysis of more than 3,000 horizontal wells shows that more than half of a typical well’s projected lifetime oil and gas production will occur during its first three years, when it is taxed at a much lower rate.The analysis looks at all horizontal wells in the state that began production between February 2014 and January 2017.
Oil industry group finds production decline less steep than study looking at it as a tax issue
An oil industry group is preparing an analysis of oil and gas production in the highly active “Stack” play of northwest Oklahoma that it believes will provide a more accurate estimate of future revenue flows than other studies have achieved.The study by the Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association is based on 2015 and 2016 operating results from horizontal wells drilled by four leading producers in the Stack region. The four companies are Chesapeake Energy Corp., Devon Energy Corp., Marathon Oil Corp.
Oklahoma Watch study: Output of oil, gas wells plummets before higher taxes kick in
An Oklahoma Watch analysis of more than 3,000 horizontal wells shows that more than half of a typical well’s projected lifetime oil and gas production will occur during its first three years, when it is taxed at a much lower rate.The analysis looks at all horizontal wells in the state that began production between February 2014 and January 2017.
Oklahoma Watch Study: Oil, Gas Output Plummets Before Taxes Rise
An Oklahoma Watch analysis of more than 3,000 horizontal wells shows that more than half of a typical well’s projected lifetime oil and gas production will occur during its first three years, when it is taxed at a much lower rate. The analysis looks at all horizontal wells in the state that began production between February 2014 and January 2017. Oklahoma Watch obtained the data from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
A Deeper Look at Fallin’s State of the State Address
In her seventh “State of the State” address on Monday, Gov. Mary Fallin called for eliminating the corporate income tax and the sales tax on food, while endorsing a teacher pay raise and hiking cigarette and gasoline taxes. She proposed an appropriated 2018 budget of $7.8 billion, representing a 6 percent increase over the current year. Â All but 11 agencies would see no increase.
State panel advises keeping 10 business breaks
Warren Vieth / Oklahoma Watch • news@grovesun.com A state oversight panel voted on Tuesday, Nov. 22, to retain 10 business incentives after its consultants rescinded a recommendation to repeal one of them and the state commerce secretary intervened to rescue another. The panel’s actions provided an immediate reprieve to the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program and the state’s Industrial Access Road Program.
State panel advises keeping 10 business breaks
OKLAHOMA CITY – A state oversight panel voted Tuesday to retain 10 business incentives after its consultants rescinded a recommendation to repeal one of them and the state commerce secretary intervened to rescue another. The panel’s actions provided an immediate reprieve to the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program and the state’s Industrial Access Road Program. But they could provide more momentum to efforts to rein in an expensive wind-power tax credit.
What Trump's presidency could mean for Oklahoma
The full impact of Donald Trump’s presidency in Oklahoma won’t become clear for some time, but its implications already loom large in the areas of health, energy, taxes and infrastructure spending.Policy analysts and political observers interviewed by Oklahoma Watch since Tuesday’s election said Trump’s plans, if enacted by Congress, could produce a tectonic shift felt from one end of the state to the other.Here is an initial assessment of how Oklahoma might fare under Donald Trump’s...
What Trump’s presidency could mean for Oklahoma
What Trump’s presidency could mean for Oklahoma By: Warren Vieth Oklahoma Watch November 15, 2016 0 OKLAHOMA CITY – The full impact of Donald Trump’s presidency in Oklahoma won’t become clear for some time, but its implications already loom large in the areas of health, energy, taxes and infrastructure spending. Policy analysts and political observers interviewed by Oklahoma Watch since the election said Trump’s plans, if enacted by Congress, could produce a ...
As Obamacare prices soar in state, what are your options?
Oklahomans planning to sign up for 2017 health coverage under the Affordable Care Act might prepare for a possible case of sticker shock.
Q&A: As Obamacare prices soar in state, what are the options?
Oklahomans planning to sign up for 2017 health coverage under the Affordable Care Act might prepare for a possible case of sticker shock.Only one company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, is offering ACA individual health plans in this state next year.
SQ 790 reflects church-state tensions
By Warren ViethOklahoma WatchState Question 790, which speaks to separation of church and state, has been overshadowed by other hot-button proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot, such as a penny sales tax for education and the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores.
State Question 790 reflects church-state tensions
State Question 790, which speaks to separation of church and state, has been overshadowed by other hot-button proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot, such as a penny sales tax for education and the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores.Yet it raises fundamental issues about church-state collaboration and could have significant long-term consequences.Here is a look at the history of the ballot question and arguments raised by supporters and opponents.
State Question 790 reflects church-state tensions
State Question 790 raises fundamental issues about church-state collaboration and could have significant long-term consequences.
Q&A: State Question 790 Reflects Church-State Tensions
State Question 790, which speaks to separation of church and state, has been overshadowed by other hot-button proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot proposals such as a penny sales tax for education and the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores. Yet it raises fundamental issues about church-state collaboration and could have significant long-term consequences. Here is a look at the history of the ballot question and arguments raised by supporters and opponents.
Study: Undervalued property deprives schools of sizable sums
Below-market property valuations and constitutional caps on tax increases are depriving Oklahoma schools, counties and cities of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, according to a recent data study.The data analysis shows that 52 of the state’s 77 counties would have generated an additional $192 million in property tax revenue in 2014 if their valuations had been accurate and if they could have immediately begun collecting the proper amounts.The study was prepared by the Oklahoma...
Study: Undervalued Property Deprives Schools of Sizable Sums
Below-market property valuations and constitutional caps on tax increases are depriving Oklahoma schools, counties and cities of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, according to a recent data study.The data analysis shows that 52 of the state’s 77 counties would have generated an additional $192 million in property tax revenue in 2014 if their valuations had been accurate and if they could have immediately begun collecting the proper amounts.The study was prepared by the Oklahoma...
Study: Undervalued property deprives schools of sizable sums - Alva Review-Courier / Newsgram : Local News
The study was prepared by the Oklahoma Tax Commission at the request of State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones and Oklahoma Watch. It was limited to 52 counties that participate in a state computer-assisted property appraisal system. Tulsa and Oklahoma counties, which operate their own systems, were not among those studied.
Oklahoma Watch: Undervalued property deprives schools of sizable sums - Tulsa World: Homepagelatest
The study was prepared by the Oklahoma Tax Commission at the request of State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones and Oklahoma Watch. It was limited to 52 counties that participate in a state computer-assisted property appraisal system. Tulsa and Oklahoma counties, which operate their own systems, were not among those studied.
Study: Undervalued property deprives schools of sizable sums
Below-market property valuations and constitutional caps on tax increases are depriving Oklahoma schools, counties and cities of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, according to a recent data study.
Study: Undervalued property deprives schools of sizable sums
Below-market property valuations and constitutional caps on tax increases are depriving Oklahoma schools, counties and cities of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, according to a recent data study.The data analysis shows that 52 of the state’s 77 counties would have generated an additional $192 million in property tax revenue in 2014 if their valuations had been accurate and if they could have immediately begun collecting the proper amounts.The study was prepared by the Oklahoma...
Meth, heroin deaths surge in Oklahoma
Prescription drug overdose deaths appear to be subsiding in Oklahoma as new laws and outreach efforts take effect. But black-market methamphetamine and heroin deaths are surging. Drug law enforcers and medical professionals said they were both encouraged and alarmed by the latest overdose death data, generated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and compiled by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.
Oklahoma Watch: Prescription drug deaths subside while meth, heroin overdoses soar - Tulsa World: State
Drug law enforcers and medical professionals said they were both encouraged and alarmed by the latest overdose death data, generated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and compiled by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. “Deaths are down because of greater use of the Prescription Monitoring Program and greater awareness by physicians, through conferences, through training, through just networking,” said Narcotics Bureau spokesman Mark Woodward.
Prescription drug deaths subside; meth, heroin overdoses soar - Alva Review-Courier / Newsgram : Local News
The encouragement comes from increasing evidence that tougher oversight and outreach are causing the toll of prescription drug overdoses to stabilize and decline slightly. “Deaths are down because of greater use of the Prescription Monitoring Program and greater awareness by physicians, through conferences, through training, through just networking,” said Narcotics Bureau spokesman Mark Woodward.
Prescription drug deaths subside; meth, heroin overdoses soar
Prescription drug overdose deaths appear to be subsiding in Oklahoma as new laws and outreach efforts take effect.
Departing state lawmakers launch conservative think tank - Tulsa World: Homepagelatest
At least two other departing legislators will serve on the board: Sen. Jim Halligan, a former Oklahoma State University president who chairs the Senate Appropriations education subcommittee, and Sen. John Ford, a retired ConocoPhillips executive who chairs the Senate Education Committee. Halligan decided to retire from the Legislature instead of running for a third term this year. Ford, like Mazzei, is leaving because he has reached the end of his term limit.
Departing lawmakers launch conservative think tank
Three veteran state lawmakers whose government service careers are about to end are launching a new think tank that promotes conservative fiscal policies.The Oklahoma Opportunity Project, a Tulsa-based nonprofit, is headed by state Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, who is leaving the Legislature in January because he has reached the statutory limit of 12 years of legislative service.At least two other departing legislators will serve on the board: Sen.
Departing Lawmakers Launch Conservative Think Tank - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |
Three veteran state lawmakers whose government service careers are about to end are launching a new think tank that promotes conservative fiscal policies. The Oklahoma Opportunity Project, a Tulsa-based nonprofit, is headed by state Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, who is leaving the Legislature in January because he has reached the statutory limit of 12 years of legislative service. At least two other departing legislators will serve on the board: Sen.
Ford on board of new think tank
Bartlesville state Sen. John Ford will serve on the board of a new think tank that will promote conservative fiscal policies. The former ConocoPhillips executive will leave the legislature in January because of term limits.
Departing lawmakers launch conservative think tank
Three veteran state lawmakers whose government service careers are about to end are launching a new think tank that promotes conservative fiscal policies.
Departing Lawmakers Launch Conservative Think Tank - TulsaCW.com: TV To Talk About | The Tulsa CW
Three veteran state lawmakers whose government service careers are about to end are launching a new think tank that promotes conservative fiscal policies. The Oklahoma Opportunity Project, a Tulsa-based nonprofit, is headed by state Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, who is leaving the Legislature in January because he has reached the statutory limit of 12 years of legislative service. At least two other departing legislators will serve on the board: Sen.
Unused tax credits are 'wild card' in state budget
Unused tax credits have created a big cloud over future state revenue collections, and officials say they can’t predict with certainty when or even if a storm might strike.The tax credit overhang totaled $417 million by the end of 2014 according to an Oklahoma Watch analysis of data gathered for the first time by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
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