Oklahoma is the 7th Largest Investor in Manufactured Housing Energy
Currently, the U.S. holds a high housing cost burden, and more people have recently begun to move toward manufactured homes as the more affordable route. These are houses pre-made in factories and then moved to their respective locations, much simpler to build than a typical house. In 2023, the average for these was $124,300 compared to over $362,000 for typical homes. Although interest rates have led to a decline in the shipments of these affordable homes, which topped out in March 2022 at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 123,000 units-down about a third by March 2023-they remain popular, particularly in southern states such as Alabama and Texas, because of their generally lower prices in the face of overall rising costs. Those prices, however, have been ticking up lately as inflation recently eased; they reached about 104,000 annually during July of last year but remain below pre-pandemic highs. That just goes to show just how important it may be in helping families with decent living spaces affordably, and that the expansion of this sector may be one such solution.
Source: Oklahoma Is Investing the 7th Most in Manufactured Housing Energy
The Town with the Priciest Homes in the Tulsa Metro Area—Plus, Check Out the Runners-Up
Experience the vibrant world of Día de los Muertos with Scottsdale’s Fiesta De Muertos Y Danza, brought to life by Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company. It will be a delicate balance of dance and music for paying respects to Mexican and Native Mesoamerican heritage and encouraging reflection on life’s circle with complex steps and bright regalia. In Phoenix, the Mikiztli Festival honors Indigenous heritage with mariachi, ballet folklórico, local artisans, and a mesmerizing sunset parade with giant skeleton puppets.
Source: The town with the most expensive houses in the Tulsa metro area—plus, see the runners-up
Latino-Owned Businesses Succeeding in Oklahoma City
Latino-owned businesses are on fire all over the country, and Oklahoma City is no different. That wave of young Latino entrepreneurs in particular has caused a quite radical ripple. Take for example businesses such as Tizo’s Pops and Ice Cream and Que Bella Bakery-these set pretty remarkable examples. At Tizo’s, one can get a taste of Mexico with over 80 innovative flavors. Godinez elaborated on how it all started for him in his family’s paleteria in Mexico. Meanwhile, Delgado from Que Bella Bakery opted to turn a weakness into a strength: her gluten intolerance. After much trial and error, she mastered baking gluten-free and dairy-free pastries; she credits supportive mentors for helping her grow her business from home-baked goods to owning a commercial kitchen space free of gluten contamination. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs: If you have a dream that meets a community need, go after it! Together these young leaders bring dynamic energy into their industries as Hispanic-owned businesses continue to play a role in America’s economic landscape. It’s proof of dedication to follow through with expectations-a reality that surely tops many expectations.
Source: Latino-owned businesses thriving in Oklahoma City
Tulsa Real Estate Agent Describes Shifts in Home Purchasing Following Major Agreement
After a landmark settlement, chatter about realtor commissions and home prices has picked up-a fact not lost on local realtor Ronda Butler, who told News On 6’s Dave Davis that though changes are underway in terms of legal compliance, the bottom line in real estate hasn’t changed: Commissions have always been negotiable. Contributing to buyer’s realtor fees still pays off for sellers by enticing buyers. They will see much more transparency now but have to accept the terms to view any houses. The Tulsa market has moved from a strong seller’s advantage to a balanced market, homes may stay on the market a bit longer with possible rate decreases in this election year but price reasonable considering larger city housing markets.
Source: Tulsa Realtor Explains Changes In Home Buying After Major Settlement
Science Museum Oklahoma Holds Women in STEAM Conference
Some 1,500 middle and high school girls from 25 schools filled Science Museum Oklahoma for the annual Women in STEAM conference. These young women learned that makeup formulation is a process of chemical engineering and met professionals in everything from meteorology. Girls need more STEAM career encouragement, leaders said. With the hands-on activities going on, many participants developed new interests during the day.
Source: Science Museum Oklahoma hosts Women in STEAM conference
These October Attractions Offer Halloween Haunts for All Ages
Halloween in Oklahoma City is a perfect way to escape reality. Events are available for all ages. Beginning October 1, children can tour through Pumpkinville at Myriad Gardens, featuring mythical creatures, pumpkin-painting classes, and even a spooky pooch parade until October 20. Finally, on October 28 in Bricktown, parents will join in the fun, allowing their kids to dress up for the event of Brick-or-Treat as kids go around getting candy from local businesses. Meanwhile, adults get their own escape through Science Museum Oklahoma’s SMO 21+ night themed “Dreamscapes & Nightmares” featuring science activities about sleep and dreams on October 25th. For those who want the heart to really race with real scares, haunted attractions such as the infamous Bricktown Haunted Warehouse or Yukon’s Haunted Trail promise to be spine-chilling throughout the Metro area. From costumed adventures to haunted houses with ghouls lurking around every corner, something spooky is happening everywhere you look this Halloween season! With options so varied in town through October, grab your costume and get ready for some exciting chills awaiting you!
Source: These October attractions bring Halloween haunts for any age
Dove Science Academy Tulsa Celebrates New High School Building
Recently, the Dove Science Academy of Tulsa celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its newest high school building, enhancing the opportunities for STEM education. It is a charter school for students from pre-K through 12th grade and has always put a great emphasis on the science and technology curricula. This was the second grand opening of the main campus since DSA-Tulsa was initiated in 2023, thus furthering their commitment toward educational growth and community development with regard to STEM educations.
Source: Dove Science Academy Tulsa celebrates new high school building
Why You Won’t See ‘Wind Chill Warnings’ This Winter Anymore
The weather alerts used to express the danger of cold air will change starting this year. According to the National Weather Service, the terms “Wind Chill Watch” and “Wind Chill Warning” are being retired. Starting with this 2024-2025 winter season, the agency will replace those ways of describing dangerous cold conditions. Serious-risk cold weather spells now have three possible advisories: a Cold Weather Advisory, an Extreme Cold Watch, and an Extreme Cold Warning. This new language will enable the NWS to convey that cold-with or without wind-is dangerous. Depending on location and timeframe, the kinds of weather that would trigger warnings vary. In northern Iowa, an Extreme Cold Watch would be issued if it feels like -35 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. It would turn into an Extreme Cold Watch Warning if the threat is imminent within the next 12 to 36 hours.
Source: Why you’ll no longer see ‘Wind Chill Warnings’ this winter
‘Top Chef’ Judge Tom Colicchio Visits Tulsa for Book Event
Internationally acclaimed chef and head judge of “Top Chef,” Tom Colicchio will be touring in support of his latest book release, “Why I Cook.” A mix of memoir and cookbook, it is a collection of the more personal musings and reflections of the talented chef beyond more than four decades in the culinary arena. Magic City Books will host on October 15 at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma with tickets, which cost $42 each, including a copy of the book and admission to the event – with part of every ticket sold going to benefit the food bank. Colicchio’s illustrious career runs the gamut from cooking adventures with family to professional stints in New York kitchens, from early influences such as fishing trips with his grandfather to mastering the culinary arts. He owns Crafted Hospitality restaurants, supports social justice causes with his documentaries like “A Place at the Table,” and works to make sure all people have access to better foods-even collaborating with Michelle Obama on nutrition initiatives!
Source: Top Chef’ judge Tom Colicchio comes to Tulsa for book event
New Owner of Casa Bonita Property Discusses Future of Tulsa Landmark
The old Casa Bonita building, which is situated in east Tulsa, is now being redeveloped into a mini mall by its owner, Thai Bliaya of CGB Properties LTD. Pictures across social media currently show that the inside of the old iconic spot has been gutted, with debris everywhere. What used to be known for its Mexican-themed dining and entertainment before its closure in 2011 will now feature vendors and a small food court. No announcement has been made regarding an opening date.
Source: New Casa Bonita property owner details future of Tulsa landmark fox23.com
OKC Station Unveils New Set, Bringing Anchors to the Center of the Action – NewscastStudio
CBS affiliate KWTV in Oklahoma City unveiled an entirely new on-air look, complete with a flashy new set and graphics to match. The Devlin Design Group designed the studio’s centerpiece: seamless LED video walls that include an arc right behind the anchor desk made up of 288 tiles for dynamic backdrops during broadcasts. Next to that is the “BAM,” used for multiple segments; its namesake playfully not shared by anchor Amanda Taylor. It’s also flanked by another curved screen to camera left. The BAM falls appropriately between the anchor desk and Bob Mills Weather Center, so-named for a furniture store sponsor. This can be used for presenting weather or sports highlights with a bit of pizzazz from some bold wall designs around it. Elsewhere, flexible monitors fill what they call “the twin,” some with remarkable visuals-including huge lightbox number nine displays-for eye-catching effects all around! Importantly, though, at KWTV, there is now a centrally located anchor area that greatly fosters team collaboration with ease across newsrooms filled with bustling innovation every day here, today, too, and into forevermore!
Source: OKC station debuts new set that moves anchors to center of the action – NewscastStudio
Tulsa Innovation Labs Presents the 2024 Inside Innovation Summit
During the 2024 Inside Innovation Summit, Tulsa Innovation Labs partnered with the George Kaiser Foundation to talk about why Tulsa could be one of the top drone hubs in the near future. Industry professionals were gathered nationwide to tout the city’s growing tech industry and underline the need for assembling the devices safely and effectively. John McDonald said Green Country is the place for such an endeavor because of its rich history in construction assembly. Dr. Jamey Jacob from OSU further reiterated this by citing the region’s growing recognition by industry leaders as well as government sponsors who are eager to exploit local services or start new businesses in the area. In conjunction with OSU-Tulsa, they have developed advanced air mobility centers like LaunchPad Center at Helmerich Research Center, and Skyway Range with Osage Nation partners. Furthering their ambition to be a global drone capital, while continuing to test drones around the Osage Casino & OSU-Tulsa locations are preludes to what the future may hold for significant development opportunities!
Source: Tulsa Innovation Labs hosts 2024 Inside Innovation Summit
Metro businesses voice traffic frustrations linked to Purina plant
Some of the business owners in Oklahoma City frustrated by continuing traffic congestion near the Purina plant are very frustrated, such as Gerald Goad of Superior Concepts and Window Tinting. He posted a video showing the truck drivers blocking the entrances to businesses when the signs beg them to keep them open. “Police indicated that business owners could hire off-duty police to direct traffic for an hourly rate three times the average man’s wage,” but it’s not on the agenda for most people, like iCarOKC’s Dave Williams, who finds directing traffic inconvenient. The problem initially emerged around a year ago and remains unresolved as Purina, though acknowledging the effort to alleviate truck congestion at this facility with planned infrastructure improvements, has not addressed recent local complaints.
Source: Metro businesses express traffic frustrations tied to Purina plant
New Banners for East End District in Northeast OKC Unveiled Friday
In northeast Oklahoma City, community leaders work to revitalize the East End Historic District after a few recent business closures. Community leaders work on economic growth along NE 23rd Street with Black-led organizations. A recent showing of added locals were present for an unveiling ceremony of the new banners that feature a unique logo to symbolize prosperity and unity to the city’s Black community – echoing a legacy from Black Wall Street. While some have still failed, such as businesses closing down amid challenges like few people being out and about during the pandemic, development of this historic district into a bustling commercial hub once more persists-impelled by passionate individuals such as Adalia Sosanya and Joanne Davis, who emphasize anew rather than seeing them as failures but fresh beginnings within Oklahoma’s rich heritage of resistance to racial injustices underlined through projects promoting tourism or infrastructure improvements self-funded through local initiatives that improve safety in tandem with accessibility along major corridors-each expected imminently to usher in even more visitors and sustain current businesses further encouraging entrepreneurship here in general, rejuvenating not just the economy but socially too.
Source: New banners for East End District in northeast OKC unveiled Friday
Saturn Grill Finds Success Through Consistency
Saturn Grill in Nichols Hills built a reputation on the premise of consistency, and it’s certainly proved successful because it only makes the changes necessary. Chef Joseph Royer, a veteran of the Coach House apprenticeship program, took a couple lessons in fine dining and built a casual sandwich shop the locals have come to love. Saturn Grill is anything but cheap, but high-quality sandwiches, such as the spicy turkey, pack in diners daily at noon. The restaurant excels by crafting fresh flatbreads and sauces upon order. Such dedication separates them from those restaurants relying on pre-made items and keeps customers coming back for more. According to General Manager Julie Ewing, the menu hasn’t changed much in 17 years, with layout changes being one of the most significant—but sticking with what works helps Saturn Grill succeed where stagnation might fail other eateries. They have sumptuous deals like jerk chicken sandwiches with mushroom soup or home-made potato salad, using only the finest ingredients at very reasonable prices compared to their local competitors.
Source: Saturn Grill mines success from consistency
Green County Vendors Discuss the Impact of the Tulsa State Fair on Their Local Business
The local businesses felt a great increase in visitors for the 2024 Tulsa State Fair. “It was pretty packed, and sales went really well,” said Johnnie Jackson with Freddie’s Corn. Business was going well for most, but Deep Branch Winery owner Vonnetta Allenbaugh reported customers weren’t spending quite as much-as also reflected in current economic conditions-but she still expected to sell out, as she had at other fairs. Despite the financial squeeze, vendors throughout the fair reported strong turnout and enthusiastic crowds.
Source: Green County vendors share what the Tulsa State Fair means for their local business
Tulsa Interchange Project to Restart After Long Delay, Local Businesses Worried
The Linda-Mar Drive-In is a busy lunchtime destination just off the stalled construction site at the I-44 and Highway 75 interchange in Tulsa. It’s known to locals as “Tulsa Stonehenge.” Owner Mike McCutchen said underestimated costs caused frustrating delays. Though the first work stopped more than a year ago, plans to restart in spring 2025 will take two-and-a-half years. It has left local businesses, like McCutchen’s drive-in and the strip mall run by Cliff Mordhorst, concerned about its possible impact on their operations over the coming months.
Source: Tulsa Interchange Project Set To Resume After Long Delay, Local Businesses Concerned
Site of Former Golden Pawn to Be Developed for Mixed-Use Purposes
1Architecture is redeveloping the old Golden Pawn II building, situated near 13th Street and Peoria Avenue in Tulsa, into a mixed-use space complete with retail shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces. The project will give new birth to the neighborhood, with a plan for completion in about 12 to 16 months, while still infusing it with some of its historical charm-the signatures of famous musicians still adorn beams inside the building, bringing a little bit of nostalgia-and the original pink and black panels may go or end up elsewhere, such as fencing. That is all part of revitalizing the spot southeast of downtown Tulsa, since even though previous plans, known as “The Bridge,” fell through due to ownership changes, the current developments estimated from $1-2 million dollars show progress. Plus, Kevin Hale believes that transforming such spaces can go a long way toward enhancing community appeal; thus, exciting opportunities are in store.
Source: Former Golden Pawn site to become mixed-use development
Real Estate Conference Brings Industry Professionals to REALTORS® Gathering Next Week
Get ready for takeoff at The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City on October 7-9 as the highly awaited Oklahoma REALTORS® Annual Conference gets underway. It will be an enlightening experience for more than 300 real estate professionals during this event graced by speakers like CEO Bryan “Hutch” Hutchinson and 2024 President Renee Hoover-Payton. The topics that will be discussed include market trends, interest rates, and legal updates affecting buyers and sellers. Participants will also listen to keynote speeches by professional speakers such as Abhi Golhar, in addition to breakout sessions with other notable industry professionals such as Mike Rohde and Alyssia Essig. The intended outcome for attendees is a rich endowment of knowledge by increasing their level of housing market knowledge and further developing the necessary skills to be ready for competitive market dynamics today. So do not let this be a missed opportunity; register online now!
Source: Real Estate Conference brings Industry Professions to REALTORS® gathering next week
Oklahoma changes request for Bibles that first seemed to match only the version supported by Trump.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing for Bibles to go in the classrooms, but some school districts are pushing back. An initial request called for Bibles that included historical documents from the U.S. and was more expensive compared to a typical Bible. This aligned with the “God Bless the USA Bible” by Trump. Recommendations for changes were proposed by OMES that will save taxpayer money, allow flexibility to include these documents separately or together, and extend deadlines. Walters berated media for airing false propaganda about the intent of the program and even went as far as to say they’re holding up progression due to their supposed agenda against Trump and, quite literally, the Bible itself. OMES said the revised specifications were an attempt to derive more value and denied the accusation that it was favoring a particular product; Christa Helfrey confirmed that efforts focus on financial prudence to help Oklahomans but discover most options less expensive online with no additional content on the Declaration of Independence or Constitution, but durable binding material needs to meet the original proposal specifications.
Source: Oklahoma amends request for Bibles that initially appeared to match only version backed by Trump
Buyer of Price Tower sues over canceled purchase agreement.
But of late, much has been in the news about historic Price Tower in Bartlesville by none other than the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright himself and his only skyscraper project ever realized. McFarlin Building LLC had made an attempt to acquire it from Copper Tree Inc. for a promising price of $1.4 million. Surprise-what happened next? Instead, it suddenly called off the deal, and the tower went up for auction. It is this plot twist that has these would-be buyers up in arms, trying to take it to the courts for enforcement of their purchase agreement, especially since they had plans to renovate this structure into a recognized iconic piece much like other buildings throughout Oklahoma. Owner Cynthia Blanchard is pointing to last-minute demands as a reason to invalidate their agreement and, through her attorney, vows that much more will soon come to light about what really happened behind closed doors. Adding even more intrigue to the situation, ongoing concerns over safety issues related to the insufficient number of fire escapes on this architectural wonder are ongoing, and business tenants have already been booted since its closing last August.
Source: Price Tower buyer sues over terminated purchase agreement
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Celebrates the Success of Its Annual Elder’s Health Fair
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic recently celebrated the success of its Elder’s Health Fair by offering a range of health services to 88 elder patients, up from last year. Participants received services in dentistry, optometry, and primary care amidst games and connections with community partners such as AARP and NewView Oklahoma. Dr. Janice Hixson continued the clinic’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all elders, encouraging them to think about their health through contests offering prizes.
Source: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic celebrates the success of its annual Elder’s Health Fair
American Heart Association Offers Hands-Only CPR Training to Oklahoma State University Men’s Basketball Team and Staff
On October 16, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the American Heart Association will be teaching hands-only CPR to Oklahoma State University’s men’s basketball team at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The event coincides with Restart a Heart Day as part of efforts to raise awareness about the lifesaving technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It also celebrates DeShawn Caldwell, manager of the OSU Cowboys men’s basketball team, who survived cardiac arrest thanks to quick-thinking coaches who knew CPR. Caldwell now champions heart health awareness. Learning hands-only CPR can increase survival rates in emergencies two or even threefold. “This one skill in particular can save lives until help from medical professionals arrives on the scene,” said Mark Fried of the AHA. First-year Head Coach Steve Lutz added he is excited to be joining in on an initiative that teaches life-saving skills outside of athletics. The association asks people to learn this simple sequence: call 911, push hard and fast in the center of the chest until the paramedics arrive-it is a piece of knowledge that can help anybody to save lives at those very moments when every second counts, but further information can be obtained from their official website.
Alternative to Health Insurance Offered to Oklahoma’s Small Businesses by State Chamber
The State Chamber of Oklahoma is introducing a new health insurance option for Oklahoma City small businesses, ChamberCare. It is targeted at employers who are State or participating local chambers members and have between two and 50 employees and is an alternative to expensive insurance plans. This self-insured plan-through a collective pot-joins Aetna’s network, but doesn’t include dental and vision; applications began this September, pricing based on employee health surveys.
Source: Health insurance alternative offered to Oklahoma’s small businesses by State Chamber