🌱 3 More Arrested In Prostitution Ring + Bus Driver Hailed Hero

Hello again, Oklahoma City! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Oklahoma City Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Oklahoma City Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Oklahoma City long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer. High: 63 Low: 42.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. Three new arrests have been made in connection with an alleged prostitution ring based in the Oklahoma City metro area. Newly released court documents indicate that police made the arrest following an undercover sting in which an agent staged a meetup with one of the suspects online. Authorities first made a break in the case last November, when a police raid of an alleged brothel led to three more arrests. (KFOR Oklahoma City)
2. A bus driver for Putnam City School District is being hailed as a hero after saving students from a bus fire last week. Driver Bob Olmstead said he immediately began evacuating students after noticing smoke by his window, clearing the bus minutes before it was engulfed in flames. District officials are still investigating the exact cause of the fire but say mechanics are checking batteries on all the district’s buses. (news9.com KWTV)
3. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is teaming up with local hip-hop artist Jabee to honor Whitney Houston. Two tribute performances will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26. The collaborators have also announced plans to release two videos to celebrate Black History Month. (KOCO Oklahoma City)

Today in Oklahoma City:

• Museum OKademy Volunteer Training Class At Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (9:00 AM)
• 24th At The Fort At Oklahoma Historical Society (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Robbery investigators with the Oklahoma City Police Department want to speak with an individual in connection to a bank robbery near Northwest Expressway and Rockwell Avenue. If you know who he is, your tip could lead to a cash reward through Crime Stoppers! (Facebook)
• If you know anyone between the ages of 14-20 that is interested in becoming a firefighter, the Fire Explorer program is a great way to learn about the fire service! More information is available on the Oklahoma City Fire Department website. (Facebook)
• Don't miss an acclaimed operatic version of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women," presented by Oklahoma City University’s award-winning Opera and Music Theater Company, tonight at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.