Murphey: How to review state finances
Every so often, I field this question from those who are interested in state government: “How can I see the state finances?”
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Ask Dr. Anna: The 3 D’s of dog training
Over the past two decades, dog training techniques have gone through quite a period of flux. As scientific and psychological knowledge has increased, the methods…
Common Core and budget mistakes make the case for transparency reform
As you read my article last week, I suspect you were rather horrified to realize the enormity of the Legislature’s mistake; they provided the scantest…
Pet first aid: they have an app for that
Do you know the early warning signs of a pet emergency? Do you know what to do if you have a pet emergency? Do you…
District 2 Update: Water tower to be dismantled, reconstructed
Many new businesses are moving to Logan County. – The new Tractor Supply has broken ground at College and Heather, just north of the Sleep…
Superintendent: “Perfect storm” for our district from a financial standpoint
In January, in this column and through district email, I described the financial problems ahead for not only our district but also the state. On…
Did the State adopt common core — again
I am receiving numerous emails regarding the state’s recent action to adopt new English and math standards for common education. The writers are specifically concerned…
Commissioner Doak: A tool for retirement: Is an annuity right for you?
By John D. Doak Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Each day about 10,000 Baby Boomers enter their retirement years. There are many retirement communities in Florida for…
City Manager: Guthrie Growth
When it comes to keeping a community sustainable and encouraging a healthy local economy, growth matters. Therefore, it is my honor to announce and welcome…
Highlighting the value of STEM education and the growth of STEM-related Jobs
In the moments before several hundred middle and high school students tackled challenging projects at this year’s Oklahoma Engineering Fair in February, they gathered for…
My advice to the next Speaker of the House
A lawmaker recently stopped by my office. We were elected in the same year and reflected on the performance of the numerous Speakers of the…
Ask Dr. Anna: Need help picking the right pet food?
There are so many pet food brands available that it can be hard to determine what to feed your pet. The pet food industry is…
A best practice for contacting your legislator
Last week I wrote about the challenge lawmakers face as they sort through their thousands of emails and attempt to find correspondence from their constituents….
Ask Dr. Anna: New puppy 101: Puppy-proofing your life
You saw him at the animal shelter or online or in the newspaper or in front of your local Walmart—and you couldn’t resist bringing that…
Mayor: Is your cup half full???
Yes, I am a very positive person, some even say I have rose colored glasses —– but you know I can live with that flaw. …
Please vote no! Thank you!
“Please vote no! Thank you!” I stared at these five words, the only words in an email that someone had taken the time to send…
Ask Dr. Anna: I think my pet has been poisoned
Every year thousands of pets are poisoned by accidental ingestion of household poisons. March 20-26, 2016 is National Pet Poison Prevention Week. Dr. Anna Coffin…
Benefits of refusing lobbyist funding
I took a pledge in 2006 to refuse personal gifts and campaign contributions from lobbyists and their employees. When I took that pledge, I knew…
Ask Dr. Anna: Relay For Life: Why Do We Relay?
Why do you Relay? Every year we are asked that question, and every year we struggle to find a response that adequately answers it. There…
District 2 Update: Projects about to begin in the district
In our last update, ODOT was about to have a public meet on the I-35/ Waterloo bridge replacement and Waterloo Rd improvements. We now know…