The Oklahoma 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Small Business Leaders Visit White House

SBA Admin. Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump take questions at The White House during a discussion called, “America Small Business-The Engine of the American Dream.”

President Donald Trump recently hosted a discussion with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump.

As one of 100 business owners to attend, I learned McMahon aims to re-image the Small Business Association so it’s more than America’s best-kept secret. Her highest priorities are lowering taxes for LLCs, S corporations and sole entrepreneurs paying the highest rates, plus mentorships and counseling to help visionaries execute their American dream.

Ivanka Trump prioritizes expanding apprenticeships with portable credentials across state lines, teaming industries with career tech colleges and empowering working families with affordable child care and family leave policies.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

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Philanthropy

Give Back to Help Animals In Need

Free To Live Animal Sanctuary provides food, shelter, medical care and a forever home to any unadopted animal.

Thousands of stray and neglected cats and dogs are left without a home every day. Founded in 1984, Free To Live Animal Sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Oklahoma.

On Friday, Sept. 29, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Montellano Event Center, Free To Live is hosting an auction to raise funds for food, shelter and medical care for its animals. The nonprofit is always in need of supplies and families to sponsor animals with special needs, which you can learn more about here.

Visit the Free To Live website to get involved.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Public Affairs

Local Coalition Fights For DACA

U.S. Rep. Steve Russell in conversation with FWD.us Oklahoma coalition member, Robert Ruiz.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for children brought to the country illegally is under imminent threat. DACA could be gone by Sept. 5, putting the 6,900 Oklahoma recipients who contribute $344 million annually to the state’s GDP at risk for immediate deportation.

“Ending [DACA] would fall in contrast to the words of President Trump and Speaker Ryan, who promised to keep these people safe,” Scissortail Community Development Corporation President and FWD.us coalition member Robert Ruiz said.

U.S. Rep. Steve Russell echoed that sentiment recently, reiterating Congress doesn’t support a policy that would hurt these individuals.

– Suzanne LaCharde

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Tulsa 100

Tulsa Native Leads Pop Band LANY

Alternative pop band LANY, led by Tulsa native Paul Klein (center).

If you haven’t heard of the band LANY, you will soon. Led by Tulsa native Paul Klein, LANY released its self-titled, debut album in June. The alternative sound of hits like ILYSB and Good Girls has caught the attention of Billboard and Rolling Stone.

Klein, Jake Goss and Les Priest formed LANY in March of 2014 in Nashville. After landing a recording contract, LANY built a loyal fan base by touring the country playing their EP tracks and sharing the journey on Instagram.

Klein will return to Tulsa on Sept. 29 when LANY’s international tour stops at Cain’s Ballroom.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Nature

A Total Eclipse of the Sun

Monday's solar eclipse in Oklahoma will reach maximum 87% at 1:05 pm.

On Aug. 21, North America will be treated to the first total solar eclipse in 18 years.

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun and moon are at the same angular size. The moon completely covers the sun and the sun’s tenuous atmosphere can be seen from Earth. Individuals should only view the eclipse with eclipse viewing glasses.

The path of totality (the path that the moon’s shadow leaves on Earth) will stretch from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina. Solar eclipses only last a few minutes, so grab a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses and witness this extraordinary sight!

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Entertainment

Find Local Fun With City Vibe Guide

Grab your friends and check out the guide to fit your city vibe!

Have you ever wanted a “one-stop-shop” for everything local and fun? The City Vibe Guide is your answer. This online guide directs Oklahomans to local patios, dive bars, live music, pubs, rooftops and dancing.

Whether you want to listen to live music, dance the night away or just hang out on a friendly patio, City Vibe Guide gives you all the details!

Thinking about getting artsy in the Paseo, partying in Bricktown or staying close to home in Edmond or South OKC? The guide lets you specify a district to explore. Map out your next night out here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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History

The History of Oklahoma’s First Capital

A local nonprofit group hopes to take over the ownership of the historical State Capital Publishing Co. Building in Guthrie. (Image courtesy of newsok.com)

In 1910, the state capitol moved to Oklahoma City after the state seal was supposedly stolen from the original state capital in Guthrie.

In November 1907, the telegram declaring Oklahoma’s statehood was received at this building. The first announcement was made from its windows to crowds below.

However in Guthrie, the State Capital Publishing Co. Building was a printing plant, which later became a printing museum that closed in 2012. The Guthrie Tomorrow Coalition is in the process of raising millions of dollars to take full ownership of the building and plans to eventually re-open it for public use.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Finance

OKC & Tulsa Named Best Cities for Renters

Renters take notice: Oklahoma City and Tulsa make the list of top 10 most affordable cities to rent.

Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa landed on the top 10 list of most affordable cities for renters according to studentloanhero.com.

Oklahoma City finished seventh on the list of 10 cities with a $631 median price for a one-bedroom unit and an $807 median price for a two-bedroom unit. Tulsa rounded out the list, taking the number 10 spot. Prices in Tulsa were only dollars apart from their Oklahoma City counterparts at $638 and $824, respectively.

Ohio took three of the 10 spots on the July list, while the Sooner state followed with the second most cities included.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Tulsa 100

BOK Center Now Smoke-Free

The BOK Center changed its smoking policy before even more headlining tours stop in Tulsa.

The BOK Center in Tulsa is now a smoke-free establishment. The popular entertainment venue banned “cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and other similar products,” according to its website. The exterior smoking terrace was also discontinued in the August policy change.

The venue’s website states its primary objective is the protection of guests and the ban will enhance security in the facility. The policy change at the BOK Center comes a year-and-a-half after the Chesapeake Energy Arena went smoke-free in late 2015.

To learn more about the BOK Center’s event policy for your next visit, click here.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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safety

A Textalyzer Could Be The New Breathalyzer

Distracted driving causes one of every four car crashes.

In the United States, nearly 1.6 million crashes result from texting and driving. Oklahoma is one of 47 states with a distracted driving ban, but statistics show driver habits aren’t changing.

A new device that could tell if you’ve been texting while behind the wheel is undergoing tests in New York.

The Textalyzer works like a Breathalyzer, but instead of measuring blood-alcohol content it measures cell phone activity. Police must obtain search warrants to look through a person’s phone, but many are concerned about the violation of privacy the Textalyzer might entail. Learn more about the Textalyzer here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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Food

Best Snow Cone Spots in OKC

Cool off in the hot summer temperatures with a snow cone at one of these OKC snow cone stands.

These yummy snow cone stands offer the sweetest relief from the sweltering temperatures!

• Raspados Hawaiian: These snow cones come with chunks of fresh fruit and unique add-ins, like real chili powder and horchata.

• Sasquatch Shaved Ice: Need an additional excuse to indulge with a snow cone? Sasquatch hires low-income youth in the Classen Ten Penn area and helps them save for opportunities like education, transportation and housing.

• Snow S’more Food Truck: This food truck offers ginormous snow cones, but order extra syrup to make sure the flavor gets to the bottom! You can find their location via Facebook.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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History

The History of Wilma Mankiller

Oklahoma native Wilma Mankiller paved a way for women during her decades-long career.

The Cherokee Nation elected its first female chief, Wilma Mankiller, 30 years ago.

Born in Tahlequah in 1945, Mankiller was elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1983. The single mother was the first female elected to this role. Two years later, Mankiller succeeded Principal Chief Ross Swimmer. In 1987 she was elected, in her own right, as the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. She served for a decade despite facing multiple challenges.

Mankiller, who died in April 2010 of pancreatic cancer, spent her life opening doors for women in public office and the Cherokee Nation.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Real Estate

Developers Create Buzz With Open-Container Laws

Developments such as Parsons Alley in Duluth, Georgia, are encouraging a lively street atmosphere by loosening open-container ordinances. (Courtesy of Kronberg Wall)

When visiting my husband’s family in New Orleans, we take for granted how nice it is to walk down Magazine Street – wine in hand – while patronizing local shops. Sure, we could just be in a restaurant or bar, but we love to take in the neighborhood and have those chance encounters with friends that we get from walking down the street.

Property developers are now taking that vibe and implementing it into developments. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that developers are looking for relaxed open-container ordinances on their sites, and city councils have proved amenable to the change.

– Sarah Weston, The Atlanta 100

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Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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Business

Find Your Partnerships

It’s all about teamwork.

One of the best tactics in your business arsenal already exists. Strategic partnerships are quickly becoming a necessity, especially in terms of marketing.

Partnerships can be created in a variety of ways but should include businesses or organizations that align with the mission of your company and have their own circle of influence. Recent high-profile partnerships include the Taco Bell “Taco Mode” Lyft Feature and Under Armour with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Who are your partnership opportunities? Find the players in your community by setting an objective, identifying those who will help you get there and complement your vision.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

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The 100 Gal

Can You Pass the Drug Test?

Collaboration between business and health leaders is the prescription needed to fix the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma.

This question is no longer sufficient for employers to ask potential new hires. The misuse of prescription painkillers and synthetic opioids is well known, and its impact is devastating some companies to the level that The Journal Record hosted a panel discussion for the business community.

The most recent study from Castlight Health reported opioid abuse is costing employers about $18 billion per year in lost productivity and medical expenses. On average, 4-5% of employees who received an opioid prescription showed signs of abuse.

The best prescription is for businesses and health leaders to collaborate and remedy this epidemic.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

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Tulsa 100

Caution: Busy Bees at Work

John 3:16 Mission buzzes into a new venture to benefit the community. (Photo provided by BeeLoved)

One organization has turned to an interesting profession to give back to the community.

The John 3:16 Mission, a nonprofit, religious-based organization in Tulsa, recently purchased the former site of Chouteau Elementary to start a new mission: BeeLoved Beekeeping. With several established beehives, the group hopes this initiative will help teach unemployed individuals the skills they need to regain employment.

By working with beehives and harvesting honey, John 3:16 hopes to provide accommodations for homeless people and impact the lives of those who have struggled by helping them with addiction, build physical wellness and develop life skills.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR

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living

Balloon Festival Brings World-Record Holding Pilot to Shawnee

FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest flies into town August 4-6.

The FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest offers Oklahomans a world-class festival August 4-6. The festival’s schedule is packed with concerts, BMX shows, family-friendly entertainment and of course, hot air balloons.

But what some festivalgoers may not know is that one pilot whose basket they may fly in holds 15 world records. Bill Bussey has been a balloon pilot for 40 years. Founder of the Great Texas Balloon Race, Bussey’s expertise has carried him across the nation.

See balloon glows, executed for the first time by Bussey, nightly at the festival. Book a balloon ride while there’s still time!

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

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Tulsa 100

Art From the Heart

An Affair of the Heart is in Tulsa from October 20-22, 2017.

Oklahoma attracts thousands of people each year with creative and unique events.

An Affair of the Heart is no exception, as it is one of the state’s most engaging and dazzling events. With An Affair of the Heart, Oklahomans get to show off their artistic creations to artisans, craftsmen and art lovers from all around the world.

Pieces in these homemade collections include arts and crafts, trinkets, antiques, gourmet food and collectibles.

An Affair of the Heart runs from October 20-22 at the State Fair Park. Hours are 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 11am-5pm.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR

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Community

Donate for More Positive Tomorrows

Jones PR donates to Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma's only school specifically for homeless children.

Oklahoma has more than 7,500 children without homes, making the barriers of obtaining an education hard to overcome. Positive Tomorrows’ mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education with the help of donations and volunteers.

“We rely on our generous community to ensure our clothing closet is full and school supply lists filled so students can focus on learning,” said Susan Agel, Positive Tomorrows president and principle.

Positive Tomorrows students go back to school this month, which means they need help with supplies such as backpacks, clothing, paper, hygiene items and more.

Learn how you can help!

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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History

American Cowgirl Lucille Mulhall

No woman in America straddled the worlds of both Wild West shows and rodeo quite like Lucille Mulhall. (Photo by Murillo Studios, St. Louis, Missouri)

In the late 1800s, an unsung hero of life on the farm was the rough and tough cowgirl. No woman in America straddled the worlds of both Wild West shows and rodeos quite like Lucille Mulhall. Born in 1885, Lucille was raised on a family farm in Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory. By the age of 10, she was entertaining crowds at the mayor’s request.

Lucille rose to fame and went on to impress future-president Theodore Roosevelt and over 25,000 fans at the Rough Riders Reunion in Oklahoma City in 1900.

Learn more via Crossroads from the Oklahoma Historical Society.

— Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

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Education

Sam Noble’s Ugly Bugs!

Sam Noble's exhibit of larger-than-life photos showcases some of the most fascinating bugs caught by schoolchildren throughout Oklahoma in the past two decades.

The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History is showcasing its famous “Ugly Bugs” exhibit, a contest that displays a multitude of interesting creepy crawlers submitted by elementary school students.

Partnering with the Oklahoma Microscopy Society, the Sam Noble Museum hopes to intrigue the interests of students in microscopy and entomology. Each school is allowed one entry and a scientific description of their insect. The goal is to have the ugliest insect possible.

The “Ugly Bugs” exhibit runs til September 4. The Sam Noble Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR

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Events

Free to Live Benefit Auction to Help Animals in Need

Free to Live Animal Sanctuary's annual benefit auction is Friday, September 29. (Photo courtesy of Free to Live)

Free to Live Animal Sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Oklahoma. Since 1984, the nonprofit has saved thousands of stray and neglected cats and dogs by providing food, shelter and medical care along with a forever home to any animal who goes unadopted.

The event will take place Friday, September 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Montellano Event Center and will offer one-of-a-kind items and experiences including sports memorabilia, pet-themed pieces, beautiful art and valuable gift certificates.

Visit here to learn more and consider sponsoring this notable event.

— Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

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Food

OKC’s Tastiest Food Trucks

Food trucks have become an incredibly popular trend throughout the entire city.

Oklahoma’s food truck community is booming during the summer months, and continues to grow each year. Oklahomans love the variety and convenience a food truck offers at their favorite bar, outside their office or at festivals.

Here are a few trucks to tease your taste buds:

• @TheSauceeSicilian: This food truck uses a wood-fired oven and serves pizza and Nonna’s famous sauce and balls. It was rated USA’s Top 4 Best Pizza Trucks in 2016.

• @LetsDoGreek: Offers delicious Mediterranean and Greek cuisines.

• @TheHealthyHippo: A healthier alternative to fried food trucks.

Follow the trucks to track down where they’re headed next!

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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restaurants

Taco Bell, Lyft Join Forces to Bring Taco Mode

Riders will receive a coupon when in Taco Mode during Lyft rides.

Everyone’s seen the hype on social media of friends raving about Lyft drivers stopping at drive-thrus to satisfy rider’s late-night cravings. Taco Bell and Lyft have taken notice of the trend and decided to collaborate.

Riders can now go “Taco Mode” while using the app late at night. Lyft will pick up riders in taco-decorated cars before taking them to a nearby Taco Bell. Riders will receive a coupon for a Doritos Loco Taco before heading home.

The promotion only includes one location in Orange County, California, with plans to expand into additional markets. Learn more here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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History

85-Year-Old Message in a Bottle

A note dated 9/21/1933 was recently found underneath the south granite stairs during the Oklahoma State Capitol building renovations.

Last month, a note dated September 21, 1933, was found during ongoing renovations at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The note, scribbled on an envelope from the Game and Fish Department, listed names of individuals and stated, “The above worked in this place on above date.”

Governor William H. Murray’s name adorned the letter, although not written by his own hand (noted below his name), followed by others who joined him that day.

There was work being done to the capitol at the time, but no one is certain of what brought these men to that particular part of the building.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Business

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale if You Want to Engage

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

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travel

Travel Lighter With Baby

Rather than drag bulky equipment like strollers with you on your trip, rent them through Babierge when you stay at a Destination Hotels property.

Traveling with a baby has turned parents into sherpas, transporting mountains of gear for their little ones. Lighten that load when you stay with a Destination Hotels property. This collection of independently owned hotels and resorts in the US and Caribbean has partnered with Babierge to offer parents the option of renting baby gear instead.

Parents go on the website prior to the visit and select the equipment they’ll be using from inventory that includes cribs, strollers, swings, books and toys. The equipment will be set up for them when they arrive. And Destination Hotel guests get a 10% discount.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus play video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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