🌱Cherokee Nation Puts In Charging Stations + Tulsa Has The Best Water

Hey, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Tulsa Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening around town. Today you'll find news about...

• Tulsa's water, winner of the Oklahoma Water Taste Contest.
• Charging stations on historic Route 66.
• New restaurant in town.

But first, today's weather: A blend of sun and clouds. High: 90 Low: 67.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Tulsa Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Tulsa Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top stories today in Tulsa:

1. Tulsa's water won the Oklahoma Water Taste Contest and is now advancing to a regional competition. If it wins there, it could move on to nationals. Who knew, water taste tests? According to KOKI Fox23 Tulsa, "The City of Tulsa Water and Sewer Department operates two water treatment plants that receive their water from four Oklahoma lakes: Oologah, Spavinaw, Eucha and Hudson."(KOKI FOX 23 TULSA)
2. As part of the Cherokee Nation's initiative to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the Earth, the Nation has installed three electric charging stations on historic Route 66, located at the cultural and welcome center in Vinita. Open to the public, the stations are located on south side of the building. (KTUL)
3. A new Tulsa soul food restaurant, Fixins Soul Kitchen, owned by NBA legend and former Mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson is now open. It's located in the Greenwood District, which is significant for Johnson, whose grandparents are from the area. The restaurant's features menu choices inspired by Johnson's travels while with the NBA as well as many of his grandmother's soul food recipes. Can't wait to try it! (KTUL)

Calling Tulsa business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Today in Tulsa:

• First Friday Art Crawl in Tulsa Arts District (10:00 AM)
• 2023 June Legislative Luncheon — Bixby Chamber of Commerce (11:30 AM)
• Midtown Networking Group — First Friday Networking Lunch (11:30 AM)
• Pie Night at Antoinette Baking Co. — Tulsa Arts District (5:00 PM)
• OPENING: Pieces of the World – Art, Textiles & Curios — Free admission at Chrysalis (6:00 PM)
• Art Crawl Special $5 admission between 6 and 8 pm for access to first floor galleries (6:00 PM)
• Taylor Entertainment Group (T.E.G.) is bringing Jazz Fest to Tulsa at Guthrie Green with First Friday Art Crawl (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tulsa Patch: "Cats, Dogs, Pets Up For Adoption At Area Shelters" (Tulsa Patch)
• Tulsa Drillers: "As one homestand comes to an end, a new one arrives! We have a lot of fun things planned for next week!" (Tulsa Drillers via Instagram)
• Tulsa Police Department: "This week marks five years since the Tulsa Sobering Center first opened its doors — and since then, it's served more than 4,000 people!" (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Hurricane: "Don’t walk, RUN! #TulsaHurricane x @homefieldapparel is available now!" (Tulsa Hurricane via Instagram)
• Tulsa Opera: "Come see us at the June First Friday Art Crawl in the Tulsa Arts District! Filstrup Resident Artists Maddie Breedlove, Chris Mosz, and Kisun Lee Drosdoff will be at TAC Gallery serenading the crowd with opera hits and Broadway classics!" (Tulsa Opera via Facebook)
• Tulsa Public Schools: "Athletics in Action: Tulsa Public Schools track athletes had a great season! More than 40 students from seven high schools competed at the state meets earlier this month." (Tulsa Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 6)
• Add your event

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

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tulsa Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com