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Thank you, Dr. Shropshire, for your service
commentary
August 29, 2024
Thank you, Dr. Shropshire, for your service
By JOE DORMAN OICACEO

OKLAHOMA CITY – There are few constants in life, but change is one of those. Transformation can bring about levels of anxiety and hope, but we have to adapt to keep going or improve upon the situation.

When I received word that Dr. Deb Shropshire, the current Director for Oklahoma Human Services, will be leaving her role, I was saddened to learn of this impending change. I feel that she has done a tremendous job with the resources

which have been provided and directives given to her by elected officials while balancing her administrative duties over the agency.

Deb and I first became acquainted when I began work at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy nearly eight years ago. In her role of leading Human Services’ Child Welfare Division, much of the work we both undertook often overlapped. I found her always willing to visit about policy, share ideas for improvements, and never dismissed anyone even when things did not fall under her scope of work.

When Governor Stitt appointed her as the new director of Human Services almost two years ago, I said it was “one of his best decisions as governor.” I stand by that today as she has navigated a very difficult job and brought forth many policies which have improved difficult systems of care, even when many policymakers, including the governor, have called for flat budgets and no increases.

Human Services has struggled with many tough cases in recent years, including child deaths. I firmly believe many of these problems could have been averted with the right resources provided by policymakers, including increased salaries and benefits for employees. If state agencies could hire enough workers and provide enhanced training for their staff, along with a smaller amount of caseloads, in turn having the ability to give more attention to these critical issues, we would see far fewer problems.

In addition, if Oklahomans would be vigilant and willing to “get involved” by reporting when they suspect a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, far fewer traumatic cases would rise to that level upon investigation by the state. Oklahoma has anonymous reporting for suspected abuse and neglect situations for the very reason as it is too difficult even to get people to “get involved,” like what we saw with the child death in Midwest City a few weeks ago. Yes, it might be a hassle if an investigation occurs and nothing is found to be wrong, but I, and I hope most others, believe it is better “to be safe than sorry” with concerns regarding children.

Over the past few weeks, Dr. Shropshire has been the focus of negative attention with a few lawmakers and other individuals tied to elected officials. Much of what has been called into question is outside the scope of her job, so I do not blame her if she finally had enough as her reason to leave. However, if she was forced out because someone had a politician’s ear, then it is a tragedy which will set a horrific precedent for the agency.

As we move forward, and a new individual will take over this role, I am trying to have hope that things will improve. I also know that I must do my part to help make this situation for a new director positive and ensure the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy contributes when help is needed for improvement for foster youth and the others served by this agency.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, News...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
News
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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