🌱 ATV Parade Crash Kills 1 + Spit-Filled Sermon Prompts Backlash

Good day, neighbors! Helen Eckhard here with your Tuesday Tulsa Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and mild. High: 62 Low: 31.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Tulsa:

1. One person is dead following an ATV crash near Latimer Street and Main Street on Monday morning. Police say the crash included an SUV and the ATV, which two people were riding. The driver of the SUV was not injured, but the second person on the ATV is in serious condition. Organizers for yesterday's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade say the victims were not part of the 918 Club who were taking part in the event. (KOKI FOX 23)
2. A local pastor is facing backlash after a video went viral of him smearing his spit on another man's face during a sermon this weekend. The video shows Pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church standing on stage with another man while he discusses trusting God and his vision, eventually spitting in his hand and rubbing it on the man's face. Many have criticized the move due to the ongoing pandemic and recent omicron surge across the nation.
   At this time, Transformation Church has not released a statement about the controversy. (kjrh.com)
3. The owner of Bobby O's Slices and Pies announced that the restaurant will be closing after Valentine's Day due to struggles caused by the pandemic. The pizza shop on Route 66 is down to two employees and has already reduced its days and hours of operation. Owner Bobby Oertel hopes to find someone who would like to open a pizza shop that can take over the store's lease. (kjrh.com)

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Today in Tulsa:

• Comedy Night At Tulsa Press Club (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Philbrook Museum of Art is teaming up with the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture to give away a virtual package to this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The package includes 10 tickets to virtual screenings throughout the festival, Jan 20-30. (Instagram)
• Yesterday marked Betty White's 100th birthday. Pay tribute to her legacy by joining the Betty White Challenge and donating to the Tulsa SPCA. (Facebook)
• Get ready for a weekend jam-packed with fun for the whole family! This Saturday is the Tulsa Oilers' Youth Jersey Giveaway Night. (Instagram)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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.