News

Commission may call election for added sales tax vote

The board may take action at Monday’s Shawnee City Commission meeting to call a special election. The vote will determine if residents would rather pay for the increase in the cost of the wastewater treatment plant project themselves -- through a recently-approved utility fee -- or have area visitors share the burden by tacking on another half-cent sales tax collection. If the sales tax is approved, the city has said the commission could then choose to put the brakes on the new utility fee before it goes into effect in March.

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Oklahoma legislators approve $125M in ARPA funds to build two state-of-the-art psychiatric hospitals

The Oklahoma Legislature has approved a $125 million dollar investment in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support the construction of two new state behavioral health hospitals. The state-of-the-art facilities will replace aging facilities in Norman and Tulsa that have outlived their ability to adequately serve increasing demand for services. The award marks the largest ever single investment in behavioral health services by Oklahoma lawmakers.

Read MoreOklahoma legislators approve $125M in ARPA funds to build two state-of-the-art psychiatric hospitals

EDUCATIONAL HONORS

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is seeking submissions for its 2023 Academic Awards, which honor five exceptional educators and 100 outstanding high school seniors in Oklahoma’s public schools. Awards criteria and online nomination/ application forms can be accessed on the foundation website at www.ofe.

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Using social media safely

It is easy to ignore cyber security, to not take proactive steps and to think “That won’t happen to me.” Many people, however, have learned – after their accounts have been breached, data compromised and, even worse, their identity stolen – it is much easier to take steps to protect yourself before something happens than deal with the consequences of simply not caring. October is National Cyber Security Awareness month and it is an excellent opportunity to review our social media activity to consider ways we can improve our security and safety.

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Shawnee Senior Recreation

Greetings, Shawnee! It’s October, and fall is in the air! Well, it actually still seems kind of warm, but this is Oklahoma! Maybe we will start to see more fall colors around town soon! Our new October activity calendars are ready, and you can pick up a copy at the Senior Recreation Center front desk at 401 N. Bell.

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SSC named Certified Healthy Campus

Seminole State College has been recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a Certified Healthy Campus. James Fife, Health Educator II with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, presented the College its “Excellence Certification” this week. Accepting the award on behalf of SSC was Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations Mechell Downey, President Lana Reynolds, and Holly Wilson-Byrd, Director of Human Resources. Downey and Wilson-Byrd were responsible for nominating SSC for the honor.

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Determined Autumn wildflowers now in bloom

Should have brought the boots inside the house instead of leaving them on the porch. The funnel spider found a fantastic home inside one of my new black NEOs. NEOs are like elaborate rain boots, but with soft waterproof material and adjustable straps. These flexible overshoes fit over regular shoes. I step into each boot, snap the straps and off we go in all types of weather.

Read MoreDetermined Autumn wildflowers now in bloom