January 19, 2023
By News Director Jared Atha
Oklahoma’s newest State Treasurer says he wants to protect the state’s oil and gas industry that could be targeted by financial institutions.
Todd Russ (R-Cordell), who assumed his new role as state treasurer earlier this month after winning the seat late last year, says he aims to to prevent the industry from being targeted with “ESG” which stands for Environmental, Social and Governance evaluations.
Russ stated that he plans to put the state’s new Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022 into effect in November and December.
The new Act was created when some financial institutions started discriminating against oil and gas companies over ESG issues.
Russ has said that the state will not do business with those who are punishing Oklahoma businesses based on unattainable environmental or social values.
Russ went on to say that he plans “to reevaluate the dollars invested on behalf of the state and ensure Oklahomans’ taxes are invested in companies that prioritize Oklahoma’s values and ethical standard,”.
Russ is currently serving his first term as State Treasurer. He previously served as Representative of District 57 in the House before being term limited.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Sayre Man in Critical Condition After I-40 Wrong Way Accident
March 23, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Sayre man was critically injured in a two vehicle accident on Interstate 40, west of Elk City Thursday morning.
Early Voting Begins March 30th
March 23, 2023 Beckham Co. Election Board Press Release Early voting begins Thursday, March 30th for voters in Beckham County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the
Drought Conditions Persist in Western Oklahoma
March 23, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The U.S. Drought Monitor has released it’s latest data for Oklahoma and despite some rain over the past several weeks, western Oklahoma still remains very dry.
Local High School Student’s Bill Get Unanimous Support in the House
March 23, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, on Wednesday secured unanimous passage of a bill in the House of Representatives that would alert residents in close proximity of a correctional facility in
Crash Victim Charged with Assault in Beckham Co.
March 22, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A California man received assault charges in Beckham County recently after being involved in an accident on Interstate 40 last month.
Mann Honored by President
March 22, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha An Oklahoma woman with western Oklahoma ties was given one of the nation’s highest awards at the White House.
Higher Education in Sayre Reaches Milestone
March 22, 2023 By Landry Brewer Students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Sayre are continuing the tradition of higher education in the Beckham County seat that began 85 years ago.
SWOSU Rover Dawgs to Compete in 2023 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge
March 22, 2023 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Rover Dawgs were selected to participate in NASA’s 2023 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held on April 20-22 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in
State Attorney Gen. Praises Bills Authored by Local Lawmakers
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised state legislators today for approving a trio of measures aimed at addressing the rise of illegal marijuana grow operations in Oklahoma. The bills
Updating Elk City Projects
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Elk City City Manager Tom Ivester gave an update recently of ongoing construction projects taking place in the city.
Clinton Teen Dies in Apparent Gun Accident
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Clinton teen is dead after an apparent accidental discharge of a gun.
Roger Mills Co. Polling Place Changed for April 4 Election
March 20, 2023 Roger Mills Co. Election Board Press Release The polling place for Precincts 202 and 303 has been temporarily moved due to damage to the Roger Mills County Ag Pavilion caused by the February 26
Western Oklahoma Well Represented at OYE
March 20, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The 2023 Oklahoma Youth Expo wrapped up last week and once again youth from Western Oklahoma was well represented at this year’s event.
NFCC Guard Accused of Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate
March 20, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Woodward woman is wanted in Beckham County after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at North Fork Correctional Center while she was correctional security
Rollover Accident Hospitalizes Elk City Man
March 17, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The cause of a single vehicle accident west of Elk City Friday morning is under investigation.
Elk City Leaders Say Half Cent Sales Tax Extension Is a “Need” Not a “Want”
March 17, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Elk City voters will be heading to the polls on Tuesday April 4 to decide if the existing voter-approved half cent sales tax, which began in 2015 for the
Shamrock’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration This Weekend
March 16, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Shamrock is continuing their St. Patrick’s Day celebration this year with the three day family-friendly event beginning tomorrow (Friday).
Clinton Man Accused of Knife Attack
March 16, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Clinton man is wanted in Custer County after allegedly attacking another man with a knife.
Students Honored at Distinguished Student Award Ceremony
March 16, 2023 SWOSU Press Release One hundred thirty-seven Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students were recently honored for their academic achievements and service. The students were honored at a Distinguished Student Award ceremony/reception held on Feb.
Absentee Deadline and Early Voting Info
March 15, 2023 Custer County Election Board Press Release The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot for the April 4, 2023, Elections for Special Weatherford Schools, Special Career Technology for Thomas-Fay-Custer Schools, Town of Butler, Town of
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for April 4th Election
March 15, 2023 Beckham County Election Board Press Release The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, March 20th.
Treasurer Russ Comments on SVB Collapse – Oklahoma “OK”
March 15, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ (R-Cordell) said the state had no direct investments or holdings in the failed Silicon Valley Bank, the failure that shook the nation’s finance industry.
Sleet to Blame For Two Vehicle Greer Co. Collision
March 15, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Yesterday’s (Tuesday) rain, snow, and sleet were to blame for a two vehicle accident near Granite in Greer County.
Knife Attack Lands Sayre Man Behind Bars
March 14, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Sayre man was arrested and charged recently with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – a felony, after allegedly attacking a man with a knife.
Double Fatality Accident in Dewey Co.
March 14, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A semi versus semi accident in Dewey County Monday afternoon proved to be fatal.
