OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Division 7, which includes Caddo, Grady, Comanche, Cotton, Stephens, Jefferson, Murray, Carter, and Love counties, has identified the twenty-five most dangerous highways in that district.

Number nine on the list of the twenty-five most dangerous highways is State Highway 53 in Carter County between Fox and Interstate 35.  In seven years, there have been 56 accidents on this stretch of SH-53.

OKLAHOMA CITY- University of Oklahoma sophomore, Seth Nightengale, got a special opportunity this semester when he was selected to be in the prestigious Capitol Scholars Program.  The program gives college students the opportunity to intern in the Oklahoma Legislature, a state agency or with an advocacy group.  The Ardmore native chose to work in the Senate with Sen. Frank Simpson who he said has been a remarkable mentor. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – At their annual meeting, held in Tishomingo on October 13, the Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer (CPASA) recognized State Senator Frank Simpson for his work in the legislature to protect the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer.  Simpson received the OKA Award along with Senators Brian Bingman and Josh Brecheen and Representative Todd Thomson.  

OKLAHOMA CITY- On Monday, the state Legislature honored two local heroes for their bravery while serving in the line of duty.  Sen. Frank Simpson and Rep. Pat Ownbey presented Ardmore Captain Eric Hamblin and Officer Juan Galicia with a citation for their heroic actions on January 16, 2014.

“I want to thank Captain Hamblin and Officer Galicia for their bravery and courage.  They took an oath to serve and protect, and that’s exactly what they did without fear or hesitation,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore.  “I applaud Chief Grace for having such fine officers on his staff.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Aging Partnership (OAP) recently released a report ranking state legislators on their votes on four key measures affecting older Oklahomans.  Sen. Frank Simpson was one of 20 Senators who received a perfect score for his support of those bills.  

“It’s imperative that we do all we can to protect the most vulnerable in our society, which are our children and seniors,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore.  “I was proud to support these important bills that will help better protect the health and safety of older Oklahomans.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee voted down a measure to repeal the sales tax exemption on newspaper and periodicals.  Sen. Frank Simpson was one of thirteen who voted against Senate Bill 1098.  The only vote of approval came from the bill’s author, Sen. Jim Wilson, a democrat from Tahlequah.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Sen. Greg Treat announced he has selected Sen. Frank Simpson as chairman of the Appropriation Subcommittee for Health and Human Services.

“I am humbled to have such trust placed in me.  One of our greatest responsibilities as legislators is to protect the health and well-being of Oklahomans.  The decisions made in this subcommittee impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to working to meet the needs of our fellow citizens,” said Simpson, R-Springer. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past several weeks, central Love County has experienced numerous earthquakes.  These tremors have ranged in magnitude from 1.8 to 3.2 on the Richter scale and there have been reports of property damage throughout the area.

Personnel from the Oklahoma Geological Survey have been on site installing monitoring equipment to collect data and determine the cause and source of the tremors.  As of Monday, there has been no definitive conclusion.

I have discovered in my years that the meaning of certain words has either changed or evolved over time. One word that comes to mind is the word hero. It seems this word, which at one time had a very narrow definition, has broadened its field of vision. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Four southern Oklahoma legislators have been named to key leadership positions in the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.  State Senator Frank Simpson was officially named chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and Rep. Pat Ownbey assumed chairmanship of the House Human Services Committee.   Rep. Tommy Hardin will be serving as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee while Rep. Charles McCall was named Vice Chairman of the House Appropriation and Budget Committee for Revenue and Taxation.