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Saving the USS Batfish is a smart investment in Oklahoma’s history, tourism | Opinion

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Saving the USS Batfish is a smart investment in Oklahoma’s history, tourism | Opinion


Nearly every Oklahoman has a story about the Batfish. For decades, the USS Batfish has anchored itself in the hearts of families, children, veterans and history lovers across our state. It’s more than a historic vessel ― it’s a tourism asset that has drawn visitors from across the country and served as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our military service members. Preserving the Batfish is not just about protecting a landmark; it’s about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who helped shape Oklahoma and our nation.

The Batfish is no ordinary exhibit. This World War II submarine is a national treasure, known for accomplishing an extraordinary feat ― sinking three enemy submarines in just 76 hours. That achievement made the Batfish legendary in naval history and helped shift the tide of war in the Pacific. After the war, the submarine found its permanent home in Muskogee, where it quickly became one of Oklahoma’s most beloved and unique historical attractions.

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For years, the Batfish served as an immersive museum experience. Visitors walked its narrow passageways, stood in its control room and gained a visceral appreciation for the bravery of those who served. But that experience has been on hold since 2019, when severe flooding damaged and displaced the vessel. Without urgent action, this iconic symbol of military valor risks being lost forever.

Thankfully, we have a clear and promising path forward. A plan is in place to relocate the Batfish to Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor and incorporate it into the forthcoming Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum. This visionary project not only ensures the Batfish’s restoration and preservation ― it transforms it into the centerpiece of a new, premier cultural destination that will honor veterans, educate visitors and boost Oklahoma’s tourism economy for generations to come.

Tourism is one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing and most impactful industries, contributing a record $11.8 billion in visitor spending in 2022. Before the floods, the Batfish welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually who supported local restaurants, hotels and businesses. With restoration and strategic placement near the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, the Batfish will help establish Muskogee as a vibrant cultural and historical hub.

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Yet even more than the economic return, this effort is about respect ― for the men and women who wore the uniform, and for future generations who deserve to learn from their stories. When a student steps aboard the Batfish, they’re not just seeing a submarine; they’re experiencing history, understanding sacrifice and drawing inspiration.

Together, we can protect a legacy, grow our economy and invest in a future that celebrates the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of Oklahoma.

Sterling Zearley is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

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Oklahoma lawmakers ask Supreme Court to let customers join ONG rate hike case

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Oklahoma lawmakers ask Supreme Court to let customers join ONG rate hike case


As an Oklahoma utility company seeks a multimillion-dollar rate increase, two Oklahoma state representatives are asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to give customers a voice.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is currently deciding on a $29 million rate increase for Oklahoma Natural Gas.

If approved, officials say it would mark the fourth rate hike the OCC has approved for ONG in the last four years and has led to an $128 million increase in customer bills.

Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, and Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, have filed an appeal with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, saying customers weren’t given a chance to participate in the case.

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“The OCC has gone completely off the beam,” ONG customers Gann and Kevin West told the Supreme Court in their June 17 petition.

In the filing, they claim that the OCC set a March 27 deadline to intervene in ONG’s rate case but only set it after the deadline had already passed.

They say ONG’s customers weren’t notified about the case until late April.

“This case was rigged from the start to keep ONG ratepayers out,” said Gann. “The federal courts have said utility customers have constitutional due process rights – including a right to timely and adequate notice about these cases. We are asking the Supreme Court to uphold customers’ rights and require the OCC to change its rules to respect them. ONG ratepayers should be allowed to exercise their right to participate without being muzzled.”

The commissioners are expected to make a final decision on the $29 million rate increase later this year.

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Most Oklahoma voters didn’t cast a ballot during June’s primary election

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Most Oklahoma voters didn’t cast a ballot during June’s primary election


Just 26%, or about one in four registered Oklahoma voters, cast a ballot in the race, according to an analysis of the results.

In total, 630,085 people weighed in on a state question to gradually increase the minimum wage. It was the only race open to Democrats, Republicans and independents, who weren’t eligible to vote in partisan races.

Democrats have typically opened their closed primaries to include independents, but failed to submit the paperwork for this year’s primaries on time. Some voters expressed frustration with the system on election day.

This year’s polls drew fewer voters than in 2018, the last time there was a similar gubernatorial race without incumbents. The election included a state question to approve medical marijuana, and 44% of registered voters cast ballots.

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There are almost 1.3 million registered Republicans in Oklahoma, but the GOP race for governor only garnered about 400,000 ballots. Out of more than 613,000 registered Democrats, only about 172,000 voted in Tuesday’s election.

Even though general elections are usually better attended, Oklahoma’s numbers were also low during the 2024 presidential election. One report from the University of Florida rated Oklahoma’s turnout at the time as the lowest in the nation.





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Oklahoma Adds OF Adi Hansen From Southern Idaho

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Oklahoma Adds OF Adi Hansen From Southern Idaho


NORMAN — Oklahoma softball’s transfer portal activity may have been fairly slow developing.

But now, as the portal window nears its end, the Sooners have started having success.

Oklahoma added outfielder Adi Hansen, a standout at the College of Southern Idaho for the last two seasons on Thursday.

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Hansen’s announcement, made on Instagram, followed shortly after Middle Tennessee outfielder Macie Harter announced her commitment to the Sooners.

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Hansen led the Golden Eagles with a .457 batting average in 186 at bats in 2026, with an eye-popping 82 runs scored and a school-record 62 stolen bases on 67 attempts.

Hansen had 17 games with two or more stolen bases this season and twice had four stolen bases in a game.

Hansen had four triples and 21 RBIs, drawing 23 walks.

She earned NJCAA first-team All-America honors, helping her team finish 43-13 with a NJCAA Division I Juco World Series appearance.

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In 2025, as a freshman, Hansen hit .401 with 36 stolen bases and 62 ruyns scored.

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Hansen is a Logan, Utah, product.

Hansen and Harter join a group of outfielders that includes Kai Minor in centerfield and Ella Parker in right field.

The Sooners lost Abby Dayton to graduation and Kasidi Pickering to transfer after the season. Pickering will reportedly transfer to Texas Tech.

Oklahoma finished 52-10 last season, missing the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2015 after falling to Mississippi State in three games in the Norman Super Regional.

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The Sooners have a strong incoming recruiting class and return a trio of pitchers — Audrey Lowry, Miali Guachino and Allyssa Parker — as well as experienced hitters Kendall Wells, Gabbie Garcia, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas plus Minor and Ella Parker.

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In addition to the departures of Dayton and Pickering, the Sooners also lost pitchers Sydney Berzon and Kierston Deal, first baseman Isabela Emerling, and second baseman Ailana Agbayani to graduation. Outfielder Tia Milloy, pitcher Berkley Zache and utility player Riley Zache also entered the transfer portal.

Oklahoma’s incoming class includes Edmond Santa Fe pitcher Keegan Baker, Lakewood, Calif., infielder Ki’ele Ho-Ching, Mililani, Hawaii, infielder Ori Mailo, Fullerton, Calif., pitcher Malaya Majam-Finch, Katy, Texas, pitcher EK Smith, and Mesa, Ariz., outfilder Payton Westra.

Mailo was with the Sooners this season, redshirting after joining the program a year early.

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