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Citizen Portal News Oklahoma
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Woods County is gearing up for a significant visit from the lieutenant governor, showcasing $15 million in ARPA-funded projects and two major conferences aimed at boosting local tourism and economic development!

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#WoodsCounty #OK #WoodsCountyConferences #WildfireManagement
Woods County leaders outline outreach plans for lieutenant governor visit, major conferences and ARPA‑funded projects
Board members discussed bringing the lieutenant governor and state agency directors to the county’s Turkey Hunt to showcase ARPA-funded infrastructure, reported $15 million in ARPA funding for the Avard rail/industrial park and previewed two regional conferences expected to draw hundreds of attendees.
citizenportal.ai
December 19, 2025 at 5:24 AM
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Woods County is buzzing with exciting developments, from the Avar Rail Park progress to potential funding for the local senior citizens center!

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#WoodsCounty #OK #CommunitySupport #EconomicDevelopment #WoodsCountySeniors #CitizenPortal #PublicOutreach
Woods County economic development update: Avar Rail Park, grants, lieutenant governor visit and potential aid for senior center
Staff updated the board on Avar Rail Park construction, submitted grant applications, outreach to potential partners including NextEra and Cargill Salt, plans to host the Lieutenant Governor, and a separate discussion about possible use of ShareTrust interest or a new grant program to assist a senior citizens center seeking roughly $40,000.
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 9:39 PM
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The Oklahoma City Public Schools board just made a historic move by unanimously approving the sale of $36M and $10.845M bond series to fund vital projects for the district!

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#OK #EducationFunding #LocalGovernance #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal
OKCPS board approves sale of $36M and $10.845M bond series, adopts related resolutions
The Oklahoma City Public Schools board accepted low bids and adopted resolutions authorizing Series 2026A ($36,000,000, tax-exempt) and Series 2026B ($10,845,000, taxable); votes on the awards and resolutions were unanimous (8–0).
citizenportal.ai
December 18, 2025 at 6:43 PM
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Tuttle City Council has taken a crucial step toward the Highway 37 widening project, paving the way for a major transformation that won’t begin until 2030.

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#TuttleGradyCounty #OK #UtilityRelocation #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalReview #InfrastructureDevelopment #TuttleHighway
Tuttle agrees to ODOT concurrence letter to start environmental review for Highway 37 widening
Council approved a concurrence letter requested by ODOT to initiate NEPA environmental review for the Highway 37 widening project; staff said ODOT clarified that utility relocation costs would be reimbursable and the concurrence relates to the environmental clearance rather than cost allocation.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 5:42 AM
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A local resident is raising alarms over a proposed detention center in Oklahoma County, claiming costs could skyrocket from $260 million to over $835 million, urging officials to prioritize homelessness services instead.

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#OklahomaCounty #OK #FiscalResponsibility #PublicSafety
Public commenter warns county against large new detention center, cites much higher cost estimate
A public commenter urged commissioners to reconsider plans for a proposed Oklahoma County detention center, alleging the project could cost well over $835 million and calling for more focus on homelessness and services rather than building a very large jail.
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December 17, 2025 at 5:32 AM
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The Shawnee City Commission made waves with unanimous approvals for two rezonings and a major $2.09M sewer contract while turning down another rezoning request—what does this mean for the community?

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#ShawneePottawatomieCounty #OK #CommunityPlanning #ShawneeZoning #PublicSafety
Commission approves two rezonings and a $2.09M sewer contract; staff recommended denial on another rezoning
The Shawnee City Commission approved two rezoning ordinances (3901 N Kickapoo to C2 and 1301 E Independence to C1) unanimously, awarded a FY26 sewer‑bursting contract to Jordan Contractors LLC for $2,094,060 (partly ARPA‑funded), and heard staff recommend denial of a rezoning request at 316 N Kimberly (no motion taken).
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 4:22 AM
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The Oklahoma Transportation Commission has greenlit significant budget revisions and contract supplements, paving the way for vital infrastructure improvements across the state.

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#OK #BudgetTransparency #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Transportation Commission approves contract supplements, claims settlements, rule updates, budget revisions and lease authority
The commission approved engineering contract supplements and multiple change orders, settled three contractor claims totaling recommended increases (largest ~$706,512.21 net for a Dewey County bridge project), approved proposed administrative rules and fiscal-year budget revisions, and authorized staff to negotiate a lease for bond repayment.
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December 17, 2025 at 3:00 AM
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Shawnee Forward is set to ignite the local economy with nine active projects that promise nearly 700 jobs and over $550 million in investment, all while tackling retail recruitment like never before!

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#ShawneePottawatomieCounty #OK #RetailRecruitment #WorkforceDevelopment
Shawnee Forward says pipeline includes nine projects, $550M+ potential investment and workforce gains after Jindal closure
Shawnee Forward reported nine active projects representing nearly 700 potential jobs, outlined a data‑driven retail recruitment approach to capture a 150,000‑person trade market, and credited local reemployment efforts for placing about 80% of workers displaced by a Jindal Films closure.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM
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Oklahoma County has successfully liquidated 71.6% of its ARPA funds, with 104 projects fully funded and a push for timely closeouts before the 2026 deadline.

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#OklahomaCounty #OK #CommunityDevelopment #FundingTransparency #SocialServices #CitizenPortal
Oklahoma County reports 71.6% of ARPA funds liquidated; Treasury drops annual recovery plan
County staff told commissioners that 71.6% of ARPA funds have been liquidated, outlined project completion counts and monitoring activity, and said the Department of the Treasury will no longer require an annual recovery performance plan while quarterly reporting continues.
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December 17, 2025 at 2:24 AM
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Critical columns at the ICB building have been deemed "very deficient," sparking urgent discussions on costly interior repairs and bracing solutions.

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#OklahomaCounty #OK #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityInfrastructure #StructuralRepair
Advisors flag deficient columns at ICB building; remedial interior repairs needed, costs unknown
Engineers and the owner's representative told the PBA advisory body that column testing around the ICB building found widespread deficiencies requiring remedial repair or interior bracing; officials said the city owns the exterior and an OG&E vault complicates options, and no cost estimate was available.
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December 16, 2025 at 9:43 PM
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ODOT is set to implement a significant market pay adjustment in January 2026 to tackle rising turnover rates, with increases ranging from 2% to over 20% for key job classes!

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#OK #WorkforceStability #CitizenPortal #EmployeeRetention #MarketPayAdjustments
ODOT to implement market pay adjustments starting January 2026 to curb turnover, estimates $4.4M in FY26
ODOT directors told the commission that a biennial market study recommends a departmentwide pay adjustment beginning January 2026 to address rising turnover, with a FY26 remainder cost of about $4.4 million and larger full-year impact; engineering and heavy equipment operator classes were singled out.
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December 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
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The Oklahoma City Employee Retirement System is on the verge of a major milestone, boasting nearly $1 billion in assets and impressive double-digit returns across its portfolio!

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#OK #InvestmentStrategy #FinancialTransparency #MarketAnalysis #CitizenPortal
Investment consultant: portfolio near $979 million; trustees receive monthly report
At the Dec. 11 meeting the board received the monthly investment report showing the retirement fund near $979 million in assets, positive year-to-date returns across major asset classes, and continued emphasis on long-term allocation targets amid market valuation concerns.
citizenportal.ai
December 15, 2025 at 10:11 PM
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Oklahoma's aviation education is soaring, with over 3,100 students taking assessments and a thrilling drone competition showcasing the state's future pilots!

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#OK #DronePrograms #AviationEducation #StudentOutcomes #CitizenPortal
Commission hears education update: 3,100 students took aviation assessment; drone and flight simulation programs expanding
Paula reported that more than 3,100 Oklahoma students took an AOPA general aviation assessment; the agency hosted a state search‑and‑rescue drone event with 35 high schools and reported early metrics showing students enrolling in postsecondary aviation programs.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:01 AM
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The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission is propelling the future of flight with new airport projects and a cutting-edge hangar for Dawn Aerospace!

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#OK #SpaceportReadiness #AviationSafety #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission approves construction amendments, grants and design contract for Dawn Aerospace hangar
At its Dec. 10 meeting the Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved multiple airport change orders and grants, added five projects to the 5‑year construction program and authorized a $490,900 PREP‑funded design contract for a Dawn Aerospace hangar at Clint Sherman spaceport.
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December 14, 2025 at 12:53 AM
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Pryor Creek is set to transform the Grand Community Building with a $150,000 Main Street incentive, but they need your support to secure matching funds!

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#PryorCreekMayesCounty #OK #CommunityDevelopment #PryorCreekMainStreet #UrbanRevitalization #LocalEconomy #CitizenPortal
Pryor Creek awarded $150,000 Main Street incentive for Grand Community Building; council recommends matching funds
Pryor Creek received a $150,000 Main Street incentive for the Grand Community Building. Council discussed project scope, matching requirements and approved recommendations to use surplus-sale proceeds and Fund 68 to meet matching obligations.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 9:13 PM
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Exciting developments are underway at Lawton Public Schools with the construction of the Richcrest safe room and a $1 million grant for auditorium renovations!

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#OK #GrantFunding #InfrastructureImprovement #CybersecurityEducation #CitizenPortal
Board told Richcrest safe room is under construction; district outlines bond planning, tech upgrades and multiple grants
Finance director Laura Pacino told the board the Richcrest safe room is now being built, district buildings need infrastructure attention and the district has secured multiple grants (including a $1,000,000 McMahon Foundation award for auditorium renovations).
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 11:39 AM
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Lawton Public Schools is revolutionizing education with expanded professional development and innovative EdTech initiatives aimed at empowering teachers and enhancing student success!

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#OK #TeacherSupport #EdTechInnovation #CitizenPortal #ProfessionalDevelopment
Lawton Board hears new teacher professional development programs and EdTech pilots
District curriculum and EdTech leaders told the board the district expanded teacher professional development this year — including LETRS cohorts, NASOT and Lexia training — and rolled out EdTech pilots such as Waterford Academy for early grades and IXL for secondary math.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 11:36 AM
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Residents and veterans are raising alarms over a controversial RV park proposal for adults 55+ in Muskogee, citing potential threats to property values and community safety.

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#OK #MuskogeeVeterans #ZoningReform #CommunityOutreach #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Public hearing draws neighbors' opposition to proposed 55+ RV park rezoning at 4801 West Montlumkey
At a public works committee hearing, residents and veterans' groups urged the City of Muskogee to delay rezoning 4801 West Montlumkey to R‑5 for a proposed 55+ RV park, citing notice problems, infrastructure, stormwater and property-value concerns; staff recommended approval conditioned on returning to C‑1 if the project is sold.
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December 13, 2025 at 2:04 AM
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Muskogee's new wastewater treatment plant budget hits a staggering $108.8 million, but with concerns about transparency and funding needs, the community is demanding answers!

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#OK #RegulatoryCompliance #PublicTransparency #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Bond counsel: Muskogee wastewater treatment plant budget at $108.8M; staff seeks $31.72M additional financing
City staff and bond counsel reported a total project budget of $108,826,194.75 for the new wastewater treatment plant, with Crossland Heavy's base bid near $95.9M and a staff‑reported remaining funding need of $31,723,206.12 to be requested from the Water Resources Board; public commenters pressed for clearer documentation and transparency.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:01 AM
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The Moore City Council just wrapped up a crucial meeting, approving a $24 million budget carryover, new land developments, and even employee bonuses!

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#MooreClevelandCounty #OK #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalTransparency #PublicSafety #MooreCityCouncil #CitizenPortal
Moore council accepts FY2025 audit, approves plats, equipment purchases and employee stipends
At its Dec. 1 meeting Moore City Council accepted the city's FY2025 audit, approved two final plats and a series of purchases (police rifles, rifle accessories, ticket writers), adopted an updated animal impoundment ordinance and a HUD CAPER resolution, and approved zoning rules for tattoo studios; a rezoning request (RZ1053) was denied.
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December 12, 2025 at 11:36 AM
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The $96 million Canadian River Bridge is set to transform traffic flow in Moore, with construction scheduled to kick off in September 2026!

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#MooreClevelandCounty #OK #CommunityConnectivity #EnvironmentalProtection #MooreProjects #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Turnpike Authority outlines $96M Canadian River Bridge and East–West Connector plans in Moore
Alann Nelson of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority presented the East–West Connector projects, describing a twin‑span 1.25‑mile Canadian River Bridge (lowest bid ~ $96 million), scheduling milestones aimed at early completion and third‑party environmental inspections to meet ADEQ requirements.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 11:35 AM
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A proposed manufactured-home community in Durant sparks heated debate as council members express concerns over safety and zoning, while the developer argues for affordable housing solutions.

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#OK #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal
Durant council debates R‑4 rezoning for manufactured‑home community; developer defends project as affordable ownership
A developer sought rezoning to R‑4 to build a modular/manufactured‑home community (about 60 lots, 2,000‑plus sq ft homes at roughly $215k–$250k); Planning & Zoning had recommended denial and council members raised floodplain, gas line and railroad proximity concerns before a motion to deny was made.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 9:49 AM
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The Mid-Del Board of Education is making significant strides in upgrading local elementary schools with storm shelters, new roofs, and improved accessibility—ensuring a safer and more modern learning environment for students.

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#OK #EducationReform #CommunityImprovements
Mid-Del board reviews bond project progress, approves construction change order and surplus listings
The Mid-Del board heard design updates for three elementary renovations and approved a change order to move a sanitary line and add a lift station, declared surplus cooling towers and portable buildings, and approved purchases including safe-room furniture and a turf contract. Vote tallies were not specified in the transcript.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:17 AM
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The Jenks Economic Development Authority just took a bold step towards a potential $16 million acquisition of key Village on Main properties, opening the door for exciting development possibilities!

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#JenksTulsaCounty #OK #CommunityPlanning #FinancialTransparency
Jenks authority approves due diligence for possible $16M Village on Main purchase
The Jenks Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to authorize execution of a purchase-and-sale agreement to begin a 90-day due diligence period on two 'Village on Main' parcels, including a five-story parking garage and adjacent buildings; the contract includes $100,000 earnest money and financing terms discussed by staff.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:10 AM
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Newcastle Public Schools is making strides with new facilities and a recent $1.2 million in scholarships, but can they rally support for a critical bond measure?

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#NewcastleMcClainCounty #OK #EducationReform #NewcastlePublicSchools #CommunityFunding #PublicSafety
Newcastle schools report enrollments, facilities work and options to re‑run bond measure
A Newcastle Public Schools representative briefed the council on enrollment (2,596 students), recent accomplishments and construction funded by a previously passed $77 million bond; the district said state statute limits bond filing windows and recommended June or August ballots if the board seeks to re‑place a sinking‑fund measure.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 4:36 AM