Columns/Opinions

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

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.

You can learn life’s lessons in the stark realities of harsh winter weather

Sarah Mears-ivy It’s Time To Talk About

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

True winter cold set in over our region the past week and it brings to mind some memories of my childhood winters in cold southwestern Colorado. I remember the winters seeming to stretch out longer than they really did. The daylight was short but the days seemed to drag on and on.

For the Children: Advocacy efforts across the state take center stage

Joe Dorman Guest Column

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

With the work beginning at the State Capitol in the Oklahoma Legislature this past week, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy also has hit the ground running. OICA is tracking roughly 400 bills filed by lawmakers which could have a significant impact on children and families in our state.

Coffee Time Column

Coffee Time: ‘Stand your ground sweet lady’

Andy And Renie Bowman Special To The Beacon

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Mrs. Ava Average turned into the crowded parking lot of her local department store and finally found a parking space. After locking her car door, she headed rapidly toward the entrance, intent on finishing up quickly and beating the crowds back onto the congested streets.

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