Columns/Opinions

For the Children: Knowing your lawmaker half battle

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

The first major deadline for the Oklahoma legislature arrived last week with the conclusion of committee meetings for the “house of origin” of bills.

In God we trust

Todd Russ Guest Column

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

The House this week passed legislation that will require the national motto, “In God We Trust,” to be displayed on all state government buildings. I co-authored House Bill 2085.

Coffee Time Column

Lessons to learn after a faceplant in the snow

Andy And Renie Bowman Special To The Beacon

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Andy stepped outside after the recent huge snow storm in our city to meet our postman halfway. Our street was too clogged with snow and ice for him to navigate safely, so our mailman had wisely parked his van at the end of the street. Then this valiant servant of our U.S.

Driving under the influence: Don't live with these consequences

Sarah Mears-ivy It’s Time To Talk About

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE: We are re-runniing one of Sarah Mears-Ivy's most popular columns. She talks about Independence Day but the theme really could be any holiday. The upcoming Independence Day holiday is one of celebration: cook outs, fireworks, and for some, drinking and/or substance use.

For the Children: Moving beyond the numbness

Joe Dorman Guest Column

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Numb. That was the one-word answer I submitted to a group call on an online meeting platform last week. The question, “How are each of you feeling?” was likely asked in a kind gesture with the expectation of a standard answer of feeling okay, frustrated, or some other comment made in passing.

Idea of canceling traditional energy isn’t the solution

James Lankford Guest Column

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Did you enjoy the recent free trial of living in Alaska? The subzero temperatures in the entire region challenged our families, our first responders, our churches, our nonprofits, and our energy infrastructure. The weather tested our resolve and our power framework.

Mental health stigma: Even most reliable vehicle needs tune

Mental health stigma: Even most reliable vehicle needs tune up

Sarah Mears-ivy It’s Time To Talk About

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Getting help. Talking to an expert. Seeking support. When we talk about doing these things in terms of seeking the help of plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and carpenters, there is little judgement about the people doing the reaching out.

For the Children: Vow to work to make things better

Joe Dorman Guest Column

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Over the past four and one-half years that I have been the chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, I have heard tragic stories regarding child abuse and neglect.

Start workplace suicide prevention conversation with: “Are You OK?”

Pam Mckeown Guest Column

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Approximately 80 percent of all people who die by suicide are of working age, making the workplace the most cross-cutting system for suicide prevention, intervention and crisis response; and, more and more workplaces understand that they have a part to play in helping to address this issue.

I share my story because I’m a caregiver – I want to help others

Gail Wilcox Guest Column

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

My name is Gail Wilcox, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer, July 2019. What a way to start a story! If I were to rewind only a year, I would be telling you how I’d just began a new career as a nursing home administrator.

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