Bill Clinton Coming to OKC, State Forester Fired & Luther’s Giant Route 66 Sign

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What’s happening, Oklahoma? It is March 27, and here’s what we’ve got for you today. We are covering how the state plans to adapt to the dissolution of the federal Department of Education. We also learned that former President Bill Clinton will visit OKC in April — and we found a great story about a 30-foot sign along Route 66 that’s putting Luther, Okla., on the map!

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Weather Update ⛅

Windy, and we should eclipse 80 across the state.

Rain chances going up this weekend.

🌡️ Thursday's high in OKC 81°
🌡️ Thursday’s high in Tulsa 82°

Breaking News 🚨

Clinton to attend OKC bombing remembrance
Former President Bill Clinton will return to Oklahoma City on April 19 to mark 30 years since the Murrah Building bombing that killed 168 people. Clinton, who was president in 1995, led the nation through its grief in the days after the attack.

Gov. Kevin Stitt told reporters Wednesday that President Donald Trump will not attend the ceremony.

Former Oklahoma Congressman Wes Watkins Dies at 86
Wes Watkins, a longtime public servant who represented Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District for two decades, died Wednesday at age 86. He served in Congress twice — first as a Democrat from 1977 to 1991, then as a Republican from 1997 to 2003. Known for his focus on rural development and education, Watkins was a fixture in Oklahoma politics and a passionate advocate for his alma mater, Oklahoma State University.

Family members say Watkins died of cardiac arrest, according to NonDoc. His legacy includes the Wes Watkins Center at OSU and a technology center bearing his name in Wetumka. Funeral services will be held Sunday on the OSU campus.

Walters Awarded Staff Nearly $600,000 in Bonuses (Oklahoma Watch)
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters gave nearly $600K in year-end bonuses to Education Department staff in 2024.

Top aide Matt Langston got $45K in January—$34K more than usual. It’s labeled as regular pay, but unclear if it’s a raise, bonus, or both. Walters' office wouldn’t comment.

Governor Reveals Oklahoma's Chief Forester Is Out of Job After Wildfires Sweep Across State

By Robby Korth, KOSU
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Just weeks after devastating fires ravaged Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt revealed the man in charge of the state’s forest management is out of a job.

Mark Goeller has roughly 40 years of forestry experience and has worked as Oklahoma’s State Forester since 2018.

Stitt panned the agency’s response to the wildfires that raged across the state in mid-March, burning more than 170,000 acres, killing four, injuring hundreds and destroying more than 400 homes, including one owned by the governor near Luther.

At a Wednesday press conference, the governor was asked why Goeller would no longer work in his role.

“He’s the head of the forestry department, and we had a horrible, horrible wildfire in the State of Oklahoma, and I didn’t think they did a really good job,” Stitt said in response.

It’s unclear what part of the wildfire response Stitt did not like.

Click to finish the story.

Walters, GOP Leaders Propose State Should Decide How to Spend Federal Education Grants

By Beth Wallis, StateImpact Oklahoma
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State Superintendent Ryan Walters wants the recently imperiled U.S. Department of Education to shift to a different funding mechanism for certain federal funds for Oklahoma students.

In a Tuesday memo to the department, Walters calls for changing the allocation method for Every Student Succeeds Act funds to consolidated block grants. Also known as ESSA, the federal grants are designed to improve learning outcomes and equitable access to education.

Consolidated block grants are a type of federal funding where grants are combined into a lump sum allocated to states, which decide how to divide them.

The Trump administration recently called for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education” and “return education authority to the states.”

Click to finish the story.

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Oklahoma City Declares April Fair Housing Month — Here's What It Means for You

The Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday approved a proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming the city’s support for the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.

The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors (OKCMAR) supported the proclamation, saying the move underscores the importance of ensuring equal access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability.

“Realtors are committed to making sure all people have equal access to housing,” said Vanessa Johnson, OKCMAR board president. “We have a professional obligation to support these ideas, and it provides great value to have elected officials demonstrate their support for these principles.”

In recognition of Fair Housing Month, OKCMAR will host several events, including a program on April 12 at Rose State College titled “Get Your House in Order.” The event, held in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services Oklahoma, will feature expert-led sessions on home buying, real estate investing and estate planning.

Organizers say the event is aimed at first-time homebuyers, aspiring investors and families looking to plan for the future. Sessions will include strategies for managing rising homeownership costs, such as how to save on insurance and other expenses. Registration is required and available online.

“Our profession’s commitment to treating everyone equally goes beyond just words,” Johnson said. “All Realtors are required to complete fair housing and anti-bias training at least once every three years because it’s important to consistently refresh our knowledge about this crucial topic.”

Click here to attend the ‘Get Your House in Order’ event

How a 30-Foot Sign on Route 66 Could Transform the Future of Luther, Oklahoma

By Dawn Shelton, The Luther Register
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Luther, Oklahoma, has always been part of Route 66, but now it has a reason for travelers to stop and take notice. A vibrant new sign inviting visitors to explore Luther was installed Monday at the pecan orchard, and you can’t miss it—the mid-century modern design features a bold arrow pointing toward downtown.

Funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Commission, the 30-foot structure is more than a marker; it’s a welcome mat for the world.

Click to finish the rest of the story.

The Oklahoma Rundown 📰

A concise summary of the latest news from across the state.

• Gov. Stitt names new member to Oklahoma State University’s governing board (Oklahoma Voice)

• Lawmakers advance bill giving Oklahoma AG power to enforce Open Records Act violations (Oklahoma Voice)

Former President Bill Clinton to attend remembrance ceremony 30 years after OKC bombing, Holt says (KOCO)

• Oklahoma woman says she was knocked unconscious outside Dallas club during bachelorette party (KOCO)

• Oklahoma City to offer nonstop flights to Cancun (KFOR)

• Oklahoma House approves wind tower setback bill (OKEnergyToday)

• Skeletal remains found in Joe Creek: Ongoing investigation by Tulsa Police (News On 6)

• Crews still battling fire at Gem Dirt in Jenks; officials issue smoke inhalation alert (Tulsa World)

• Ex-NFL player charged again with dogfighting after Broken Arrow raid (2 News Oklahoma)

• EXPLAINER: Student Government Association President Carter Strickland impeachment, trial process (OU Daily)

• ¡Viva Sabor! to be held by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to showcase Latin culture in OKC (News 9)

• 2 injured, 1 stabbed in fight at west Tulsa KFC (Fox 23)

• How an Ascension St. John nurse's quick action saved Tulsa man's life (Fox 23)

• Survivor advocates for treatment center despite 'not in my backyard' stance (KTUL)

• Oklahoma Tribal leaders unite amid federal uncertainty (Osage News)

• With an eye for detail, ItsimiVee takes care of the Council House collections (Mvskoke Media)

• Ardmore schools facing legal claim in child abuse case (KTEN)

• Sheriff’s office investigating theft from Bennington Public Schools (KXII)

• Third suspect booked for murder in weekend homicide (Oklahoma City Free Press)

• Guthrie Public Schools mourns the loss of beloved educator Charlotte Mitchell (Guthrie News Page)

***

SPORTS 🏀⚾🥎🏈

No. 2 Sooners Survive 19–16 Shootout at Wichita State

Oklahoma softball held off a furious rally by Wichita State on Wednesday, winning a 19–16 slugfest in one of the wildest games of the season. The No. 2-ranked Sooners exploded for 8 runs in the first inning and tacked on 11 more across the second, third, and fifth frames. Freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs, including a 2-run homer in the second. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas also had a big night at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a triple, double, and 2 RBIs.

The Shockers slugged their way back with 6 runs in the third and 3 more in the fifth, closing the gap to just three runs. Kierston Deal started in the circle for OU, but it was Sam Landry (10–0) who picked up the win in relief. OU improves to 30–1 on the season and escapes Wichita with its win streak intact, despite giving up 14 hits and committing 3 errors.

Week 7 OU Softball Report: Sooners left to regroup after messy series with Missouri

By Clay Horning, Oklahoma Columnist
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When the Sooners get back on the field at Wichita State Wednesday night, they’ll no longer the best last team standing without a loss.

Instead, they’ll be the last team standing with one loss, given Texas and LSU both dropped a game last week: the Longhorns to Florida, the final contest of a three-game set held over to last Monday, and the Tigers to Georgia, even by run-rule, on Sunday.

If curious about the trivia aspect of Oklahoma’s first setback against the fortunes of the program’s last four championship teams, here it is:

OU’s 3-1 Saturday loss at Missouri arrived the 29th game of the season.

A year ago, the first setback came the 19th game of the season to Louisiana; and no, Sooner ace Sam Landry was not the Rajun Cajuns’ pitcher that day, but Chloe Riassetto, who’s now on staff with NiJaree Canady at Texas Tech.

In 2023, OU fell the ninth game of the season, a non-conference affair at Baylor.

In 2022, it was the 39th game against Texas, and in 2021 the 34th game against Georgia.

The issues leading to the loss were two-fold.

Click to finish the column.

More Sports Coverage 👀

• 4-star running back Kaydin Jones commits to Oklahoma State (The O’Colly)

• Bedlam football in the spring? Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy suggests scrimmage against Sooners (News On 6)

• 3 Takeaways: OSU's season over after 61-59 loss to North Texas (The O’Colly)

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