Oklahoma Gets Reprieve From Fire Weather Thursday
Oklahoma had a brief reprieve from extreme fire weather Thursday.
But the risks are expected to pick back up again Friday.
Crews are still tending to dozens of fires that have started since late last week. But cooler weather and gentler winds gave most of the state a break from elevated fire danger and red flag warnings.
But Oklahoma Forestry Services Fire Management Chief Andy James said crews are getting exhausted, especially after overnight fire weather early Wednesday morning.
“We've been at this a little over a week, and fatigue is starting to set in with our personnel. And I know it's setting in with the fire departments, emergency management, you know, everybody that's involved,” James said.
James said responders are still bracing for more fire weather into the weekend.
Long-term forecasts show fire-friendly conditions could persist for weeks.
Oklahoma Carries Out First Execution of 2025
State Attorney General Gentner Drummond says justice was served Thursday when the state put a convicted murderer to death.
Fifty-six-year-old Wendell Grissom died by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in McAlester at 10:13 a.m.
He was sentenced for the 2005 killing of Amber Matthews.
Grissom fatally shot Matthews and injured her friend during a home invasion in Blaine County.
His fate was solidified earlier this year when the Pardon and Parole Board denied a request for clemency.
Grissom’s attorneys say he suffered from brain damage that was never presented to a jury. They also told the board Grissom had always accepted responsibility and expressed remorse.
In June, George John Hanson is expected to be next. He was transferred from a federal prison to the state to be executed in early March.
Opponents Appeal Norman Entertainment District Petition Ruling
Opponents of Norman’s proposed $1 billion entertainment district have taken their fight to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The Oklahoma For Responsible Economic Development group is appealing a lower court ruling that invalidated a petition to force a public vote on the project.
The group argues the petition’s summary was lawful and that Norman residents’ referendum rights were ignored.
Proponents say the district will create jobs and boost the economy, while critics warn of financial risks.
The Supreme Court will now consider the appeal.
Last fall, the Norman City Council voted to approve the Rock Creek Entertainment District and tax increment financing.
USDA Emergency Funding Available To Oklahoma Farmers, Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing up to $10 billion in direct economic assistance to farmers and ranchers.
The department announced enrollment for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program opened Wednesday.
The funds are through the American Relief Act, which became law in December.
It passed alongside the Farm Bill extension, and the USDA had a 90-day deadline for distributing the $10 billion dollars.
The payments are to help eligible farmers cope with increased input costs and falling commodity prices for the 2024 crop year.
That deadline was approaching this week, and some farmers were waiting for the funds. Experts from the University of Missouri estimate Oklahoma producers could receive almost $300 million dollars.
Applications will close Aug. 15.
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