What’s happening, Oklahoma? It is April 1, and here’s what we've curated today:

Oklahoma’s recently dismissed state forester posted to social media on Sunday, defending his department’s efforts fighting the March 14 wildfires. Tulsa’s KJRH (2 News Oklahoma) and especially reporter Erin Christy have done a remarkable job holding the state accountable regarding how burn bans have been (or have not been) administered.

Today’s story from KJRH, however, comes from digital content producer Jennifer Maupin, who details what Mark Goeller had to say in response to his dismissal, saying he was “falsely accused.”

And Goeller has plenty of public support, including from the state Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who posted his support for the fired forester, calling the governor’s decision last week “baffling.”

Our second feature story of the morning comes from KOSU’s Graycen Wheeler, who is reporting on the legislative effort to do away with Eastern redcedar trees, which are notorious for providing wildfire fuel in the driest parts of Oklahoma.

Important! Keep an eye on the weather Tuesday night, especially late Tuesday into early Wednesday. News 9 Chief Meteorologist David Payne had a big swath of ‘moderate’ risk for severe weather across the middle of the state. There is some late data that indicates storm severity might be higher in Kansas.

And, finally, it’s Election Day across the state. I’ve included lots of election preview stories in the daily Rundown section. If you’re not sure where to vote, click here.

Don’t forget to support local journalism wherever you can, if you’re able.

For journalism to thrive, it’s important that journalists be supported.

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Weather Update ☀️⛈️

There is a severe weather threat late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Have your safety plans in place. That means:

• Know where you’ll take shelter.
• Know how you’ll receive information.

🌡️ Tuesday's high in OKC 77°
🌡️ Tuesday’s high in Tulsa 72°

KOCO has an updated storm timeline on their site.

Allergy Report for April 1 🤧

Tree pollen will be very high today.
Grass pollen will be moderate.
Ragweed pollen won’t be an issue.

For more depth on Tuesday’s allergy news, click here.

Fired Oklahoma forester responds to Gov. Stitt, says he was falsely accused

Last week, Gov. Kevin Stitt detailed why he dismissed former Oklahoma state forester Mark Goeller, saying that Goeller failed to deploy all the resources he could to fight devastating wildfires on March 14.

Goeller pushed back on Sunday night with a defense posted to his personal Facebook page.

“The most recent event in my life has been an emotional rollercoaster. In the last week I have experienced shock, confusion, grief, fear, anxiety, pain, anger, love, and comfort.

I have been falsely accused of not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property in a timely manner. The Agency to which I dedicated over 40 years of my life was said to have performed poorly. Preparations were made well in advance, the public was notified of the impending fire danger, firefighting resources were ordered and in place. Nothing was held back as the events of the 14th and following days unfolded. My Agency’s wildland firefighters plus the career and volunteer firefighters in this State risked their lives willingly to protect lives and property in historic fire weather conditions. Loss of life and property would have been much greater without these brave individuals risking it all for all. I am incredibly proud of their dedication to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Oklahoma. We are truly blessed to have Oklahoma’s Fire Service.”

There were several stories posted about this on Monday:

• 'Falsely accused': OK State Forester responds to Gov. Stitt's claims (2 News Oklahoma)

• Fired forestry director responds: Agency never withheld wildfire support (Tulsa World)

• 'I have been falsely accused' Former Oklahoma Forestry Department head responds to firing (News 9)

Redcedar removal a priority for Oklahoma legislative leader

By Graycen Wheeler, KOSU
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As Oklahoma recovers from devastating wildfires this month and copes with springtime allergies, the state legislature has turned its attention to eastern redcedars.

Lawmakers enacted a program to remove eastern redcedars and other “harmful woody species” from parts of northwestern Oklahoma back in 2023. This year’s House Bill 2162 would expand that program to other parts of the state.

Redcedars are native to Oklahoma but have spread wildly beyond their established ecosystem niches, slurping water and providing fire fuel in the driest parts of the state.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert says he’s giving the trees more thought after this month’s fires.

Click to finish the story.

As Walters confers with Republicans, Oklahoma Democrats seek to block new social studies standards

By Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma House and Senate Democrats on Monday filed resolutions to reject a controversial proposal of new academic standards for social studies education in public schools.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ administration developed the standards, which dictate what public schools must teach in social studies classes, along with committees of Oklahoma teachers and a group of national right-wing media personalities and policy advocates. The proposed standards would require education on the Bible, Jesus and alleged “discrepancies” in the 2020 presidential election.

Rejecting the proposed standards in full would send them back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education, which approved them on Feb. 27, for revisions. The Republican supermajority in the House and Senate would have to agree to the denial.

Leaders of the minority party said the process that produced the new standards was riddled with political interference.

Click to finish the story.

Is this your first time reading the ‘Oklahoma Memo’? Join hundreds of other Oklahomans who want to be well-informed with the best in journalism statewide.
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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰

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

• Ryan Walters, OSDE sue nonprofit that sent cease-and-desist letter over prayer in schools (KOCO)

• Oklahoma Governor race: Former State Sen. Mike Mazzei announces candidacy (News 9)

• It’s Election Day for voters in Tulsa, Owasso, and Jenks (Tulsa World)

• Cheat sheet: 5 Republicans seek HD 74 nomination in Owasso-area special election (NonDoc)

• Norman election guide: NPS Board of Education Office 5 seat candidates Tina Floyd, Tori Collier (OU Daily)

• Commissioner candidates Jed Green, Jason Lowe face off in Oklahoma County District 1 (NonDoc)

• SD 8 Republican runoff carries broader implications for Oklahoma Senate (NonDoc)

• Stillwater voters to decide on $8.75M bond for new animal shelter (KOSU)

• Oklahoma House, Senate trade floor-approved legislation with committee work ahead (KOSU)

• 1 dead after tree falls on travel trailer during Cherokee County storms (Fox23)

• Noise complaint and underage drinking report leads to 3 arrests, runaway juvenile found (KTUL)

• Tribal Supreme Court hears candidate appeal of residency requirement (Cherokee Phoenix)

• Officials discuss sovereignty on 19th anniversary of reformed government (Osage News)

• Choctaw woman makes history with new documentary (KTEN)

• Employees at Bethany-Warr Acres plant face felony charges in sewage leak case (Oklahoman)

• Norman police officer honored for saving choking child (KFOR)

• Britton District celebrates street updates with block party (Oklahoma City Free Press)

SPORTS 🏀⚾🥎🏈

Oklahoma City Thunder win 63rd of season, a 145-117 thrashing of Chicago Bulls

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 50 points, and this game was over early. Oklahoma City led 74-40 at the half, and it was cruise city after that. The Thunder won an association-best 63rd game on the season, and it was not a happy homecoming for former Thunder player Josh Giddey.

He did finish with 15 points, however…

OKC returns to the court at 8:30 p.m. versus Detroit.

Get the recap from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

More Sports Coverage 👀

• Oklahoma hires Trae Young to be assistant GM for men’s basketball (SoonerSports)

• Tramel's ScissorTales: Josh Giddey/Alex Caruso trade mutually beneficial (Tulsa World)

• Oklahoma City to host canoe slalom, softball competitions for 2028 Olympics (KOSU)

• Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson wins Dan Hodge Trophy (O’Colly)

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