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Joshua Durcho appears in a Canadian County courtroom in this Oct. 21, 2009 photo by Jim Beckel.
Trial rescheduled for man in El Reno strangling case
News | Tue, Mar 9, 2010
EL RENO — The murder trial for an ex-convict accused of strangling his girlfriend and her four children has been rescheduled for Sept. 13.
IRS warns residents of tax refund scam
Nothing is certain but death, taxes and, now, fake IRS refund notices. An e-mail scam going around shows a copy of the real Internal Revenue Service logo and contains official-sounding language. But odd wording and misspellings suggest something’s awry.
Health policy scams studied
The U.S. Capitol building at his back and a flag at his flank, an insurance company spokesman pitches a so-called Cadillac health care plan for a compact car price.
Watchdog Stories from The Oklahoman
GOP leader hopes to raise funds in Oklahoma
20 hr ago
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Calling Oklahoma a "hot” state for the Republican Party, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele visited Oklahoma City on Tuesday to unveil a new television fundraising...
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Calling Oklahoma a "hot” state for the Republican Party, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele visited Oklahoma City on Tuesday to unveil a new television fundraising...
Oklahoma County detention officer arrested
Tue, Mar 9, 2010
After an investigation, an Oklahoma County jail detention officer has been fired and arrested on complaints of providing contraband to inmates, Sheriff John Whetsel said. Okello Oceng Adenya, 24,...
Trial rescheduled for man in El Reno strangling case
Tue, Mar 9, 2010
EL RENO — The murder trial for an ex-convict accused of strangling his girlfriend and her four children has been rescheduled for Sept. 13. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Joshua...
Trial rescheduled in El Reno strangling case
Tue, Mar 9, 2010
EL RENO — A jury trial has been rescheduled for Sept. 13 for a man accused of strangling his girlfriend and her four children. The murder trial for Joshua Steven Durcho, 27, had been set to...
IRS warns Oklahoma residents of tax refund scam
Tue, Mar 9, 2010
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Nothing is certain but death, taxes and, now, fake IRS refund notices. An e-mail scam going around shows a copy of the real Internal Revenue Service logo and contains official-sounding language....
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Nothing is certain but death, taxes and, now, fake IRS refund notices. An e-mail scam going around shows a copy of the real Internal Revenue Service logo and contains official-sounding language....
Oklahoma City mom is given 20-year term in child’s death
Tue, Mar 9, 2010
A mother has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for mistakes that led to her 2-year-old daughter’s death in Oklahoma City. Elizabeth Nicole Guerrero, 28, pleaded guilty March 1 to...
Are you on food stamps, without a job, and receiving no other assistance?
Mon, Mar 8, 2010
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Are you on food stamps (SNAP) and without a job, receiving no other income or assistance? If so, staff reporter Vallery Brown would like to hear your story. E-mail her at vbrown@opubco.com or call...
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Are you on food stamps (SNAP) and without a job, receiving no other income or assistance? If so, staff reporter Vallery Brown would like to hear your story. E-mail her at vbrown@opubco.com or call...
Jury chooses death in 1993 Oklahoma City murder case
Sat, Mar 6, 2010
A convicted murderer who killed his wife and her four children in 1993 is headed back to Oklahoma’s death row. Jurors Saturday chose two death sentences as punishment for Roderick Lynn Smith...
Background checks not equal in Oklahoma
Sat, Mar 6, 2010
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More than 400,000 Oklahomans had their backgrounds checked last year so they could pursue everything from legally carrying a concealed handgun to exercising a race horse. Some Oklahoma parents even...
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More than 400,000 Oklahomans had their backgrounds checked last year so they could pursue everything from legally carrying a concealed handgun to exercising a race horse. Some Oklahoma parents even...
Oklahoma state trooper inquiry hits 15-month mark
Fri, Mar 5, 2010
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SHAWNEE — A state trooper honored for helping save a Kingfisher couple from floodwaters has been on paid leave for 15 months pending the outcome of an investigation over possible stolen...
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SHAWNEE — A state trooper honored for helping save a Kingfisher couple from floodwaters has been on paid leave for 15 months pending the outcome of an investigation over possible stolen...
Hinton ex-coach may be investigated
Fri, Mar 5, 2010
HINTON — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is looking into an allegation against former Hinton football coach Jon Freeman, school Superintendent Patrick Duffy has confirmed. The OSBI...
Appeals court allows life term for Oklahoma City shoplifter
Fri, Mar 5, 2010
A woman serving life in prison for shoplifting lost an appeal of her punishment. Last month, a divided Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals refused to reduce her time. Cecilia Cathleen Rodriguez, 57,...
Man sentenced to life in strangling his lover in Oklahoma City
Fri, Mar 5, 2010
A man in the United States illegally has been sentenced to life in prison for the strangling death of his pregnant girlfriend in Oklahoma City. Miguel Monarrez, 25, pleaded guilty Feb. 24 to two...
Families say DHS trying to close two facilities for the mentally disabled
Thu, Mar 4, 2010
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Family members of mentally disabled residents say the state is trying to quietly close the two state-run centers equipped to care for their loved ones. They say state Department of Human Services...
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Family members of mentally disabled residents say the state is trying to quietly close the two state-run centers equipped to care for their loved ones. They say state Department of Human Services...
Would-be Okfuskee County prison seeks paying customers
Tue, Mar 2, 2010
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OKEMAH — A venture to build a prison that would double as a new Okfuskee County jail hinges on whether agreements can be obtained with state and federal corrections authorities. It’s a...
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OKEMAH — A venture to build a prison that would double as a new Okfuskee County jail hinges on whether agreements can be obtained with state and federal corrections authorities. It’s a...
Oklahoma drug, alcohol counselors may need more education
Tue, Mar 2, 2010
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The state House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed a bill requiring drug and alcohol counselors to get a master’s degree. House Bill 2999 has generated concern among some in...
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The state House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed a bill requiring drug and alcohol counselors to get a master’s degree. House Bill 2999 has generated concern among some in...
U.S. Supreme Court won't hear Bible marker case
Tue, Mar 2, 2010
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The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken: The Ten Commandments monument must be removed from the Haskell County Courthouse lawn. In a much anticipated decision, the Supreme Court on Monday announced it...
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The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken: The Ten Commandments monument must be removed from the Haskell County Courthouse lawn. In a much anticipated decision, the Supreme Court on Monday announced it...
Oklahoma officials focus on film incentives
Mon, Mar 1, 2010
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A controversial tax credit used to produce films in Oklahoma such as "The Killer Inside Me” faces an uncertain future as lawmakers take aim at state incentive programs. Just one company,...
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A controversial tax credit used to produce films in Oklahoma such as "The Killer Inside Me” faces an uncertain future as lawmakers take aim at state incentive programs. Just one company,...
Oklahoma counselors fear policy will harm care quality
Mon, Mar 1, 2010
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Donna Woods rocked and sobbed, trying to find courage. She considered herself a sorry drunk and methamphetamine addict and an even sorrier mother. Her hand shook as she held the pistol up to her...
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Donna Woods rocked and sobbed, trying to find courage. She considered herself a sorry drunk and methamphetamine addict and an even sorrier mother. Her hand shook as she held the pistol up to her...
Oklahoma lawmaker wants foster care changes
Mon, Mar 1, 2010
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For years, Oklahomans have been deluged by reports of children being killed and subjected to horrific abuses while in state custody. A New York-based child advocacy group found reports so...
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For years, Oklahomans have been deluged by reports of children being killed and subjected to horrific abuses while in state custody. A New York-based child advocacy group found reports so...
Lindsay mayor won’t resign
Mon, Mar 1, 2010
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LINDSAY — Comparing his relationship with an ex-girlfriend to the movie "Fatal Attraction,” Lindsay Mayor Johnny Branch wants to give his version of events leading up to his...
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LINDSAY — Comparing his relationship with an ex-girlfriend to the movie "Fatal Attraction,” Lindsay Mayor Johnny Branch wants to give his version of events leading up to his...
Lethal injection questioned in Oklahoma case
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
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A death row inmate who helped his lover murder her husband says the way executions are done in Oklahoma is inhumane. James Pavatt, 56, was sentenced to death for the Nov. 20, 2001, fatal shooting...
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A death row inmate who helped his lover murder her husband says the way executions are done in Oklahoma is inhumane. James Pavatt, 56, was sentenced to death for the Nov. 20, 2001, fatal shooting...
Retiring Oklahoma City bankruptcy judge reflects on his long career
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
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The Oklahoma City federal bankruptcy judge who once helped the maker of Speedo swimwear survive has retired for health reasons. Richard L. Bohanon, 75, was honored Wednesday at a ceremony on his...
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The Oklahoma City federal bankruptcy judge who once helped the maker of Speedo swimwear survive has retired for health reasons. Richard L. Bohanon, 75, was honored Wednesday at a ceremony on his...
2 Oklahoma care homes will drop 80 workers next week
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
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About 80 employees at state homes for the mentally disabled will be notified next week their jobs have been eliminated, officials with the Department of Human Services said. The homes are the only...
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About 80 employees at state homes for the mentally disabled will be notified next week their jobs have been eliminated, officials with the Department of Human Services said. The homes are the only...
Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit by ex-examiner
Thu, Feb 25, 2010
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A former chief medical examiner on Thursday has achieved the first step in his legal effort to get his state job back. Dr. Collie M. Trant, 61, is asking a judge to reinstate him. Oklahoma County...
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A former chief medical examiner on Thursday has achieved the first step in his legal effort to get his state job back. Dr. Collie M. Trant, 61, is asking a judge to reinstate him. Oklahoma County...
Former Oklahoma medical examiner's lawsuit will continue
Thu, Feb 25, 2010
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A judge today agreed the state's former medical examiner can proceed with most of his lawsuit over his termination. Dr. Collie Trant is asking the judge to reinstate him. Oklahoma County District...
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A judge today agreed the state's former medical examiner can proceed with most of his lawsuit over his termination. Dr. Collie Trant is asking the judge to reinstate him. Oklahoma County District...
Pet breeder bill in Oklahoma Senate draws praise, concerns
Thu, Feb 25, 2010
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Supporters of a bill that would regulate animal breeders say it helps reduce a costly burden on the state. Opponents argue it could make it more difficult for legitimate breeders to stay in...
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Supporters of a bill that would regulate animal breeders say it helps reduce a costly burden on the state. Opponents argue it could make it more difficult for legitimate breeders to stay in...
Judge delays decision on Feed the Children
Wed, Feb 24, 2010
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A judge Wednesday took no action on an emergency application to appoint a temporary receiver to operate Feed The Children. Oklahoma County District Judge Patricia Parrish indicated, though, that...
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A judge Wednesday took no action on an emergency application to appoint a temporary receiver to operate Feed The Children. Oklahoma County District Judge Patricia Parrish indicated, though, that...
Oklahoma birth father, daughter meet
Wed, Feb 24, 2010
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After 25 years apart, some of the missing pieces of two lives started coming together over a conversation about art and tattoos. Robin Deutmeyer, 25, and her biological father, Michael Richardson,...
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After 25 years apart, some of the missing pieces of two lives started coming together over a conversation about art and tattoos. Robin Deutmeyer, 25, and her biological father, Michael Richardson,...
Number of residents on Oklahoma aid increases
Wed, Feb 24, 2010
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The number of Oklahomans receiving food stamps and/or Medicaid benefits surpassed 1 milllion for the first time last year as nearly a third of Oklahomans sought and received at least one of the two...
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The number of Oklahomans receiving food stamps and/or Medicaid benefits surpassed 1 milllion for the first time last year as nearly a third of Oklahomans sought and received at least one of the two...
Lindsay mayor faces felony charge while residents see utility rates skyrocket
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
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LINDSAY — Mayor Johnny Branch has been accused in a felony charge of kicking in his ex-girlfriend’s back door, city employees have been ordered to take 10 percent pay cuts, and the city...
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LINDSAY — Mayor Johnny Branch has been accused in a felony charge of kicking in his ex-girlfriend’s back door, city employees have been ordered to take 10 percent pay cuts, and the city...
Receiver sought for Oklahoma City charity Feed The Children
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
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A judge was asked Monday in an "emergency application” to appoint a temporary receiver to take over operation of Feed The Children. An attorney for fired charity president Larry Jones...
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A judge was asked Monday in an "emergency application” to appoint a temporary receiver to take over operation of Feed The Children. An attorney for fired charity president Larry Jones...
Oklahoma City police officer cleared in shooting
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
An Oklahoma City police sergeant has been cleared of wrongdoing for killing a convicted felon during a shoot-out Jan. 9. Sgt. Daniel Godsil fatally shot Tremall Lavar Anderson after a chase. While...
Jerome Ersland case has new twist
Sun, Feb 21, 2010
Copyright © 2010 The Oklahoman Police suspected a pharmacist planted evidence inside the drugstore to bolster his claim he killed a masked robber in self-defense, reports show. "I find it...
Okfuskee County officials consider private prison plan
Sat, Feb 20, 2010
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OKEMAH — On the fifth floor of the Okfuskee County Courthouse is its 1927-built jail, more commonly known as the "high five.” The county jail Friday was filled to capacity with 34...
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OKEMAH — On the fifth floor of the Okfuskee County Courthouse is its 1927-built jail, more commonly known as the "high five.” The county jail Friday was filled to capacity with 34...
Oklahoma abortion law gets struck down
Sat, Feb 20, 2010
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Another Oklahoma abortion law was ruled Friday to be unconstitutional. The 2009 law was intended to prevent a mother from picking the gender of her child through abortions. It made it illegal for...
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Another Oklahoma abortion law was ruled Friday to be unconstitutional. The 2009 law was intended to prevent a mother from picking the gender of her child through abortions. It made it illegal for...
Feed The Children's actions in Haiti criticized
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
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Feed The Children has suffered another blow to its image. CBS News on Thursday reported the Oklahoma City-based Christian relief organization has inflated statements about its relief efforts in...
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Feed The Children has suffered another blow to its image. CBS News on Thursday reported the Oklahoma City-based Christian relief organization has inflated statements about its relief efforts in...
Oklahoma advocacy board fires chief after complaint
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
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McALESTER — Board members of a McAlester-based child advocacy organization fired their executive director this week after she filed a whistle-blower’s complaint accusing them of...
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McALESTER — Board members of a McAlester-based child advocacy organization fired their executive director this week after she filed a whistle-blower’s complaint accusing them of...
Oklahoma County judge rules abortion law unconstitutional
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
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A judge today ruled a state abortion law unconstitutional. Oklahoma County District Judge Dan Owens ruled the Legislature put multiple subjects into the law, violating a requirement that...
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A judge today ruled a state abortion law unconstitutional. Oklahoma County District Judge Dan Owens ruled the Legislature put multiple subjects into the law, violating a requirement that...
Poacher sentenced in killing of tame Oklahoma deer
Thu, Feb 18, 2010
A judge Wednesday ordered a poacher to pay $33,000 in restitution for killing "Pretty Boy,” a tame white-tailed breeder buck, in a pen. Justin Ray McDaniel, 25, of Newalla, also was put...
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Mark Hutchison - Watchdog editor
Mark Hutchison has been in Oklahoma newspapers since 1986, first at the Enid Morning News & Eagle. He joined The Oklahoman in 1989 in the Lawton Bureau and has been a reporter and editor since. He has won several state and regional reporting awards for investigative, breaking news and feature stories. Among them are coverage of an American Indian chief who was indicted and imprisoned; malfeasance that led to the resignation and firings of public officials and problems within the state juvenile justice system. A journalism graduate from the University of Kansas, he has three daughters.
phone: (405)990-6160
email: mhutchison@opubco.com
phone: (405)990-6160
email: mhutchison@opubco.com
Randy Ellis
For the past 26 years, staff writer Randy Ellis has exposed public corruption and government mismanagement in news articles. Ellis has investigated problems in Oklahoma's higher education institutions and wrote stories that ultimately led to two college presidents being sentenced to prison and a former chancellor being forced to resign. He has written about abuses of Oklahoma's workers compensation system, corruption in the state's municipal bond industry, bid-rigging by county officials, self-dealing by state housing officials, misconduct involving state legislators and a variety of other topics. Ellis, 52, has won more than 80 state, regional and national awards for journalistic excellence. Prior to joining The Oklahoman in 1982, Ellis worked at Arkansas newspapers. He is a 1977 graduate of Kansas State University.
phone: (405)475-3522
email: rellis@opubco.com
phone: (405)475-3522
email: rellis@opubco.com
Ann Kelley
Ann Kelley has been an Oklahoma journalist for 10 years. She was a reporter for The Ada Evening News and The Shawnee News-Star before joining The Oklahoman in 2002. Kelley has received numerous awards for breaking news, investigative and government reporting. In 1999, she was an Associated Press sweepstakes winner for her stories about two wrongfully convicted men. Her work is featured in John Grisham’s bestselling book, “The Innocent Man,” and used as a source in “Actual Innocence,” co-authored by attorney Berry Scheck, founder of the Innocence Project.
Kelley is a graduate of Fresno State University. Prior to her career in jounalism, she worked as a social worker and as a legal assistant.
phone: (405)475-4097
email: akelley@opubco.com
Kelley is a graduate of Fresno State University. Prior to her career in jounalism, she worked as a social worker and as a legal assistant.
phone: (405)475-4097
email: akelley@opubco.com
Paul Monies
Paul Monies is the Database Editor for The Oklahoman. He’s in charge of maintaining the newsroom’s databases for everything from voter information and state finances to inspections and campaign finance. Paul has worked at newspapers in Texas and Missouri and spent five years as an award-winning business reporter for The Oklahoman. He is a native of Scotland who graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and has a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
phone: (405)475-3730
email: pmonies@opubco.com
phone: (405)475-3730
email: pmonies@opubco.com
Vallery Brown
Vallery Brown has been covering Oklahoma since she started working for Oklahoma Today magazine. She spent time in Washington, D.C. learning about national government. She has a journalism degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and is working toward a master's degree. Brown joined The Oklahoman in 2008 covering health and medical news before joining the watchdog team, where her work has aided in the prosecution of criminals, business reform and government accountability. Born in Montana, Brown is an accomplished vocalist.
phone: (405)475-3464
email: VBrown@opubco.com
phone: (405)475-3464
email: VBrown@opubco.com
Nolan Clay
Nolan Clay was born in Oklahoma and has worked for The Oklahoman since 1985. He covered the bombing trials and witnessed bomber Tim McVeigh's execution. His investigative reports have brought down public officials, exposed shysters and resulted in reforms in such areas as day care oversight and workers' compensation court. He is a proud father and Sooner football fan. His wedding in 2001 was on the 50-yard line of Owen Field.
phone: (405)475-3929
email: nclay@opubco.com
phone: (405)475-3929
email: nclay@opubco.com
Sonya Colberg
Sonya Colberg has worked as a reporter and editor in Oklahoma since 1986, first for the Sapulpa Herald, then Tulsa World before joining The Oklahoman in 2000. She has received state and regional awards for investigative, business and feature stories. Her stories include those on the fatal Interstate 40 bridge collapse; problems with a state foreign trade office; and a multi-million dollar investor scam. A journalism graduate from Colorado State University, she is married and has one son.
phone: (405)475-3964
email: scolberg@opubco.com
phone: (405)475-3964
email: scolberg@opubco.com
