Oklahoma

Looking for an adventure to kick off your summer? Explore Oklahoma’s state parks

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2024

Looking for an adventure to kick off your summer? Explore Oklahoma’s state parks

Shelley Zumwalt
| Guest columnist

With Memorial Day just around the corner, our parks team at the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is gearing up for the unofficial start of summer — a season of outdoor adventures, family gatherings and unforgettable experiences.

And there’s no better way to kick off the season and make cherished memories than by exploring one of Oklahoma’s state parks.

As the director of Oklahoma state parks, I’m privileged to have the opportunity to experience the beauty of our natural landscapes every day. One of the highlights of my job is getting to introduce people to hidden gems across the state, encouraging them to discover new and novel experiences they may not have known about before.

Summertime brings first-time visitors, as well as familiar faces to our parks, and there’s no greater joy than showing them the ropes.

More: Want to get your kicks on Route 66 in Oklahoma? Passport is your road map

Whether you’re an avid hiker or camper, a fishing enthusiast or just seeking a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We have more than 30 state parks that stretch across every corner of the state, which allows visitors a chance to take some extra time to explore our charming small towns on the way. Not only does this introduce people to our history and culture, it also supports local museums, shops and restaurants that make up the fabric of our communities.

For anyone that’s looking to make plans this Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you to gather your friends and family and explore Oklahoma from a new point of view. You can go camping under the stars, kayaking on our vast lakes, spelunking in caves or riding across sand dunes. You’re sure to create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Last summer, we welcomed over 35,000 park bookings, a 30% increase over the previous year. This year, we hope to build on that momentum and welcome even more visitors to our parks.

Many of our state parks also will be hosting special events throughout the weekend leading up to Memorial Day, including a black light egg hunt at Tenkiller State Park, a round of Fling Golf at Sequoyah State Park, and a variety of family crafts and multiple opportunities for guided hikes at different park locations. Check with your local park to see what they have planned, and if you’re looking for an overnight getaway, book your stay while lodging is still available.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a moment of relaxation, Oklahoma state parks are ready to welcome you with open arms. Come join us this Memorial Day, and together, let’s celebrate the beginning of summer, and discover the beauty of Oklahoma’s great outdoors.

More: We can’t be a pro-business state if we’re not telling Oklahoma’s story | Tourism official

Shelley Zumwalt is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

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Oklahoma

Honduran man arrested in Oklahoma after alleged North Texas abduction and robbery

Published

8 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Honduran man arrested in Oklahoma after alleged North Texas abduction and robbery

NORTH TEXAS – A Honduran man is accused of abducting a 22-year-old Haltom City woman at gunpoint, forcing her to withdraw money from a bank, and driving her more than 20 miles to an apartment complex where she escaped and summoned help, police said.

Eduardo Javier Ordonez Godoy, 35, of Honduras

Oklahoma County Detention Center

Eduardo Javier Ordonez Godoy, 35, of Honduras, was taken into custody when he was found inside her vehicle in Oklahoma City on Christmas Day, according to the Haltom City Police Department.

Police said Ordonez Godoy, who has “no known local address,” is facing aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges. He is being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, with an “active ICE detainer hold” due to his immigration status.

The woman’s abduction from Acacia Apartments, 5000 Denton Highway, in Haltom City occurred at about 4:45 a.m. Tuesday while she was walking to her vehicle, police said.

After threatening the woman and forcing her to withdraw an undisclosed amount of cash, police said Ordonez Godoy drove the victim 22 miles to Camden Apartments, 3900 Grapevine Mills Parkway, in Grapevine.

When she escaped, Ordonez Godoy fled in her vehicle, which police entered into law enforcement databases “with a note of the violent nature of the offense,” although the victim wasn’t physically harmed, according to police.

Ordonez Godoy was apprehended in her vehicle with evidence connected to the offense in the 2100 block of SW 39th Street on Wednesday in Oklahoma City, police said.

In addition to the Haltom City charges, the Oklahoma City Police Department has also charged Ordonez Godoy with unauthorized use of a vehicle; use of a firearm while committing a felony; receiving, possessing, or concealing stolen property; and carrying or possessing a firearm by an illegal alien, the news release said.

The investigation is continuing, police said, and additional charges may be filed.

Doug Myers

Doug Myers is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. A longtime journalist, Doug has worked for four newspapers in Texas and Louisiana and for three television stations in Texas. He has also spent time as a digital content manager for a national trade association and as communications director for a state agency.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

Published

20 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

College football bowl season continues Friday as the Oklahoma Sooners square off against the Navy Midshipmen in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

The Sooners are seeking a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging first season in the SEC, while Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables tries to avoid a second consecutive seven-loss season. Moving forward, the Sooners will turn to true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. to lead the offense at quarterback after starter Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal and subsequently committed to Auburn. This season, Hawkins Jr. made five appearances for the Sooners, achieving a 62.3% completion rate, while throwing for 536 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. On the ground, he recorded 143 rushing yards and one touchdown.

On the other hand, the Midshipmen head into the Fort Worth, Texas, on a high note after defeating arch rival Army 31-13, finishing the regular season with a record of 9-3 and placing third in the American Athletic Conference. Navy is led by quarterback Blake Horvath, who has returned from a thumb injury. Horvath completed 57.5% of his passes for 1,261 yards, along with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. On the ground, Horvath recorded an impressive 1,099 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

Follow along for scores and highlights from the Armed Forces Bowl as Oklahoma takes on Navy:

When is the Armed Forces Bowl between Oklahoma and Navy?

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen kicks off at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

How to watch Oklahoma and Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl

The Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Oklahoma take on Navy with a Fubo subscription

Oklahoma vs. Navy: Armed Forces Bowl odds

The Oklahoma Sooners are favorites to defeat the Navy Midshipmen, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Dec. 27

Spread: Oklahoma (-1.5)
Moneyline: Oklahoma (-120); Navy (+120)
Over/under: 43.5

USA TODAY: Writers split on winner

Scooby Axson: Navy
Jordan Mendoza: Navy
Paul Myerberg: Oklahoma
Erick Smith: Oklahoma
Eddie Timanus: Navy
Dan Wolken: Oklahoma

ESPN: Navy 24, Oklahoma 20

Adam Rittenberg writes: “The Sooners return to a Big 12 stadium seeking a better result than their last appearance in Fort Worth, a 55-24 loss to TCU in 2022. They take on a Navy team capable of piling up points with a new offense coordinated by Drew Cronic and featuring dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath. But Navy’s offensive mojo slowed in the second half of the season, and Oklahoma will need to lean on its own stout defense after quarterback Jackson Arnold and others are headed to the portal. Sooners coach Brent Venables is trying to avoid his second 6-7 season in three years, ahead of a pivotal 2025 campaign. Oklahoma’s defensive opt-outs are worth watching, and there are more guarantees on the Navy side.”

Docs Sports: Take Navy

Staff writes: “The Midshipmen have earned 4,131 total yards for the year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, Navy has amassed 13 touchdowns through the air and 33 touchdowns via the ground. Navy has accumulated 195 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 57 penalties for 475 yds. As a team they have an average of 247.4 yards via the ground game ranking them 8th in the nation. Concerning scoring points, the Navy Midshipmen are averaging 32.3 points per outing.”

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Oklahoma

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Published

1 day ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Oklahoma football has one more shot to close out its 2024 season on a high note.

The Sooners (6-6) take on Navy (9-3) in the Armed Forces Bowl at 11 a.m. CT Friday in Amon G. Carter Stadium, located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas, with a chance to finish 2024 with a winning record. Oklahoma earned a clutch upset victory over Alabama on Nov. 23 to become bowl-eligible and keep alive the second-longest bowl streak in the nation.

The last time the Sooners played, LSU defeated them 37-17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The team will look to bounce back and close out coach Brent Venables’ third year with a winning record. He has a 22-16 record with Oklahoma.

Watch Armed Forces Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

Navy defeated Army 31-13 to earn the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on Dec. 14, having defeated Air Force earlier in the season. The Midshipmen are seeking their first 10-win season since 2019. Navy is 1-0 all-time vs. Oklahoma, earning a 10-0 win on Oct. 2, 1965, in Norman.

Here’s how to watch the Oklahoma vs. Navy game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Oklahoma vs Navy on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The Sooners will take on the Midshipmen on ESPN. Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst) will be on the bowl matchup broadcast.

The game can also be streamed on the ESPN app (with a cable login) or Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers select users a free trial.