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News
September 21, 2023
Oklahoma Broadband Office launching ARPA grant competition

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) is launching an open process for internet service providers (ISPs) to compete for $374 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to expand access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet service in Oklahoma.

On Sept. 14, the OBO released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the program. Starting Monday, September 18, competitive proposals can be submitted by ISPs through a portal on the office’s website. The portal will close on October 9.

This is the first grant program administered by the office. Others will follow, including $167.7 million from the ARPA Capital Projects Fund and $797.4 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funds.

“Today marks an important step in making good on our commitment to bring this critical service to those who need it most,” said Mike Sanders, OBO executive director. “Many months of hard work lie ahead but make no mistake, we are going to deliver for Oklahoma’s rural and unserved communities.”

After the proposal submission window closes, an Overbuild Prevention Contest Process will be launched to allow ISPs to review the proposals and help ensure no funding is awarded to provide service to homes and businesses that already have high-speed internet access.

The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board gave its approval to the process earlier this week. The board, which provides oversight of the OBO, will have final approval over projects recommended by the office for funding. That action is anticipated to occur in January.

Full details about the ARPA grant process, including the NOFO, can be found here.

Current data from the Federal Communications Commission show more than 728,000 people, or some 18 percent of Oklahomans, lack access to high-speed internet service.

About the Oklahoma Broadband Office Oklahoma has launched a bold and transparent effort to ensure fast and affordable broadband internet service is available throughout the state and the Oklahoma Broadband Office is a key component.

Created in 2022, the office is on a mission to develop and administer federal grant programs to make affordable, high-speed internet available to all Oklahomans. It also coordinates efforts throughout the state to ensure broadband expansion is conducted effectively and efficiently.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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