logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Protecting Services That Protect Oklahomans
commentary
April 16, 2025
Protecting Services That Protect Oklahomans
By REPRESENTATIVE NEIL HAYS (405) 557-7302

As we recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Oklahoma Legislature establishing the Oklahoma Forestry Service (OFS), we now find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. It’s important to know that the OFS is not a luxury. It is an essential, statewide force for wildfire prevention, emergency response and land management.

Right here in our district, we witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the wildfires that swept across our state, claiming four lives, injuring over 200 people and burning more than 150,000 acres. In moments like those, OFS personnel are the ones coordinating the statewide response, delivering specialized aid that local departments, already stretched thin, simply cannot handle alone. Undermining the need for the OFS would strain our local firefighters and put Oklahoma communities, homes and natural resources at greater risk.

The people of Oklahoma deserve transparency and collaboration when it comes to protecting their lives, property and environment.

This legislative session, the Oklahoma House and Senate have stepped up. House Bill 2162 expands efforts to eradicate invasive trees and shrubs statewide, strengthening the very ecosystems that fuel wildfires. House Bill 1728—the Salt Cedar Eradication Act—targets invasive salt cedar species threatening the Upper Red River Basin. These efforts, backed by a proposed $9 million in additional funding, reinforce our commitment to proactive land management and fire prevention.

The Oklahoma Forestry Service has earned its place as a cornerstone of public safety and environmental stewardship in our state. It deserves our full support— not just in words, but in policy and funding which is something that the Legislature can do.

In other news at the Capitol, the House of Representatives has begun hearing Senate bills, which are now making their way through the committee process, first through policy committees, then on to the Oversight Committees. This is a critical phase where we carefully evaluate each proposal to ensure it serves the best interests of Oklahomans. I’m excited that Sen- ate Bill 351, which I am sponsoring with Sen. Avery Frix has passed out of the policy committee and is now headed to oversight.

The bill requires sellers who impose a surcharge for using a credit or debit card to list it as a separate line on the receipt. The fee must reflect actual transaction costs, such as bank processing, security and bandwidth to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers.

As vice chair of the Government Oversight Committee, I’m pleased to see Senate Bill 1027, authored by Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Sen. David Bullard, move to our committee. The bill ensures voters get clear, honest information on initiative petitions by requiring plain language, banning biased wording, and adding reporting requirements. It also limits signatures from a single county, helping protect fairness and transparency in the process.

We will also begin addressing the budget. As always, the budget is a central focus during Session, and this year we’re working with tighter resources than last year. Please know that my colleagues and I are committed to working diligently to craft a budget that meets the state’s needs. We will prioritize essential services and ensure that every dollar is spent responsibly to support Oklahoma’s future growth and wellbeing.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. My email address is neil. hays@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7302. I am proud to represent you at the State Capitol!

Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Mc-Intosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy