As the rates of COVID-19 infections fluctuate, we are cautiously evaluating operation policies. Here are some updates on what's happening in Oklahoma County.
Clearing OK County Roads
Our crews were up early Thursday morning to make sure 250 lane miles of Oklahoma County's snow routes were clear to drive on. The District 1 crew also pretreated 80 intersections and 21 bridges before precipitation began.
Additionally, our crews treated and cleared parking lots for local emergency services, Oklahoma County Emergency Management, the Sheriff's Office, and the Juvenile Justice Center.
Oklahoma County's ARPA Funding
Oklahoma County was awarded $154 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. All funds must be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026.
At this time, the Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners has not taken any action to allocate ARPA funding. The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners has taken official action to hire a consultant to assist with guideline interpretation and evaluate community needs for funding. We have selected a contractor but have not finalized a contract.
I will continue to keep you informed regarding Oklahoma County's ARPA funding.
You can find the current guidelines for ARPA funding from the U.S. Treasury Department here.
Virtual Town Hall with Commissioner Carrie
Join me, Emergency Management Director David Barnes, and Jail Trust Member Loretta Radford at a virtual town hall this month! Here are the details:
Virtual Town Hall with Commissioner Carrie
February 24, 2022 - 5:30 PM
Zoom
Meet Ronda Walzer
Appointee to the Board of Adjustments
Ronda Walzer is a Senior Manager at Love’s Travel Stops and leads the Customer Accounting Department. During her 17 years at Love’s, she has served in various roles within accounting leadership. She is also very active on the company’s Inclusion and Diversity Steering Committee.
Ronda holds a master’s degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and began her career in public accounting with KPMG. She was also the Chief Accountant at an electric cooperative, where she spent nine years in the accounting department. She was a key player on a major system implementation team and started the hedge accounting policies and procedures during that time.
Ronda has been involved in several community organizations throughout her professional career and currently serves as a local board member for Junior Achievement and Bella SPCA. Ronda has a passion for promoting nutrition and health awareness and helped implement the wellness program for Love’s. Ronda and her wife, Lynda, enjoy playing pickleball, golf, and traveling in their spare time.
Oakdale Activity Field & Parent Access Road
The Oklahoma County District 1 Road and Bridge Crew is working with Oakdale Public Schools to construct an access road for parents. Additionally, we are doing the dirt work for their new activity field.
Working with school districts is one of my favorite parts of this job. It is my greatest honor to help build safe places for our kids to learn and play.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Anyone over 5 is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I am incredibly grateful that most county employees have had the opportunity to receive it, and folks in the jail are offered the vaccine upon booking.
If you have not already received your vaccine or scheduled an appointment, I strongly encourage you to do so. These vaccines are safe and effective, and as new variants emerge, being vaccinated is your best protection against the most dangerous symptoms of the virus.
If you're still not sure, I ask that you talk to your personal doctor about the vaccine's safety and the best options for your health.
January Pet of the Month
Meet Charlie! He is a four-year-old mini Aussie. He loves to chase squirrels and tennis balls that squeak. His whole back end wiggles when he’s happy, and it often gets out in front of him, and he has to turn all the way around. He has springs in his back legs and will leap through the backyard like a deer when the mood strikes him, especially in the snow. Charlie is a grass connoisseur - if a yard is just tall enough and lush enough, Charlie will have to rub his belly and face it, but only if the grass is just right.
Nominate Your Pet!
There is no need to renominate pets who have been previously nominated.