This week I was fortunate to be able to recognize members of the State Championship Stidham Redhawks basketball team in the House of Representatives.

This team of through eighth graders, under Coach Dane Yandell, won the Oklahoma Elementary Schools Division IV Basketball Tournament in February. The team had a 29-point margin of victory through the three games they played in the tournament. They ended their season with a record of 19-2 and earned their second Gold State Championship Ball in two years.

Not only did the team learn how to win, but they also learned to work as a team, exhibiting much dedication. I’m very proud of their efforts.

Also, this week in the House, I was extremely honored to recognize the 100 years of service of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

I presented several members in leadership at OSBI with a citation. The House also adopted House Resolution 1018, recognizing OSBI as the premier law enforcement agency of the state and its service to the citizens of Oklahoma. I previously was appointed by Gov. Stitt to serve on the OSBI Commission and got to see firsthand the amazing work of this organization in protecting Oklahomans.

Recognized on the House floor were OSBI Executive Director Greg Mashburn, Deputy Director Steven Carter, Legislative Liaison and Lt. Derek White, and Agents Association Chairman Phillip Ott.

The people that work at this agency and former employees have demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety and justice in our state. They play a crucial role in investigating crimes, collecting and analyzing evidence, supporting local law enforcement agencies and so much more. We’re blessed to have such dedicated public employees safeguarding our citizens and our rights.

This week was a sad one for Oklahoma, as we laid to rest Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian. I attended his funeral and was amazed by the number of lives he touched in his long service to the state. Sheriff Christian served Bryan County for nine years and was with the Durant Police before that. He was a trooper for 25 years with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and was a former U.S. Marshal and a Marine. He will definitely be missed, and I’m certainly praying for his family.

I’m also continuing to assist with the water situation in Haskell County. I’ve been meeting with constituents experiencing issues in Warner, McCurtain and Bokoshe. I’ll keep working until a resolution is found.

Remember, if I can help you in my capacity as your representative, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Capitol. My office phone is (405) 557-7375, and my email is tim.turner@okhouse. gov.

Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.