Growing a thousand magnolias

We’re all familiar with the ancient magnolia trees that grace the campus of Southeastern and much of the rest of our city. The college also maintains a landscape of grass and shrubs and flowers to serve as a sanctuary for students.

Need a hand?

It was only a moment out of my day, while shopping at a local grocery. But as I’ve thought about it since, it symbolizes something huge.

TO THE EDITOR

I recently spoke with a few Democratic friends who remain hopeful that protesting, resisting, and organizing can push back against fascism and bring an end to this authoritarian grip on our country.

Aging while living in nursing home

Have you ever stopped to think about your health and what would happen to you if you were no longer able to care for yourself ? This is something some people think about as they get older. Aging is a part of life, which starts at birth and ends at death.

What just happened?

Recently I attended a Town Hall where one of the congressmen representing my area, Josh Brecheen, came to discuss and hear the concerns of his constituents— I thought.

Income tax cuts planned

House and Senate leaders along with the governor last week announced a plan to cut personal income taxes by a quarter-percent for the top three tax brackets in the state and to completely eliminate income tax for the bottom three brackets beginning for tax year 2026.

Addison Couch pages at Capitol

Addison Couch, a senior at Durant High School, paged in my Capitol office last week. She’s the daughter of Pamela Couch. Addison is a member of the Oklahoma Honor Society and the National Honor Society and is a recipient of the Character of Champion Award.

Retired teacher says Oklahoma has some excellent educators

Recently, Jane Hicks wrote an editorial for the Durant Democrat about some of the problems currently facing Oklahoma schools. It’s no secret that Oklahoma ranks embarrassingly low on educational achievement lists.

Bill allowing retired teachers to return to classroom advances

A bill that would remove restrictions for Oklahoma retired teachers who want to return to public school classrooms has moved from the House to the Senate.

Remaining bills move to House floor

House members have finished hearing bills in committee, and we have moved to voting on those that remain active on the House floor. We started this year with 1,960 bills and resolutions filed by House members. Of that number, 486 made it through the two-step committee process in the House.