🌱 Drivers Need To Pay Attention + Lifeguards Needed

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Tulsa Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• Free certification classes.
• New campaign to fight the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Drivers pay attention!

But first, today's weather: Sun and some clouds. High: 82 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories in Tulsa today:

1. In hopes of recruiting the necessary number of staff members for the summer season, the City of Tulsa has made the lifeguard requirement, certification classes free. They usually cost $300. The only catch is if you have to commit to working as a lifeguard with the city this summer. The city is reportedly in need of 10 lifeguards as it prepares to open the pools in the area for the summer season. (KOKI FOX 23 TULSA)
2. In an effort to reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections in Tulsa, the Tulsa County Health Department has launched a new prevention campaign. According to the Journal Record, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report with data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. Oklahoma ranked among the worst states in the nation for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, and STI rates [are] on the rise Tulsa. The STI campaign will use a combination of digital, social media, outdoor and streaming audio advertising. The digital channels’ target demographic will engage with digital display, Spotify audio and paid social posts. The print media channels will be through billboards, transit shelters and buses as well as popular bar destinations in geographic ZIP codes with the highest rates of STIs. The goal is to reduce the rate of infection in Tulsa County by driving awareness of proven prevention tactics, testing and treatment. For more information about STI testing and treatment offered by the Tulsa Health Department, call 918-582-9355 or visit tulsa-health.org." (Journal Record)
3. After being hit by a car two times while on the job, Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Trooper Russell Callicoat is pleading with drivers to pay attention! The first time Callicoat was hit, his car was totaled, and he ended up with a metal plate in his neck, the second time his car was totaled again, and he reportedly sustained injuries to his shoulder and neck, a concussion and possibly a heart valve issue. According to KOKI Fox 23 Tulsa, " [Callicoat said], We're tired of it, I mean this has got to stop." Callicoat is one of several troopers who teams up with local police in the ENDUI program. They teach kids about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and using your phone behind the wheel. They also train law enforcement on how to handle these situations and work to stop these drivers with checkpoints." (KOKI FOX 23 TULSA)

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Today in Tulsa:

• Commencement Week — Will Rogers College Hs (All Day)
• 2022 Ambassador Meeting — Owasso Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• National Honor Society meeting — Will Rogers College Hs (7:45 AM)
• Ask Me Anything: Black Dog Law at 36 Degrees North (9:00 AM)
• 2023 May Chamber 101 — Bixby Chamber of Commerce (9:00 AM)
• "Becoming Bob Dylan: Photographs by Ted Russell 1961 - 1964". (10:00 AM)
• HS Volleyball Try outs — Will Rogers College Hs (4:00 PM)
• Half-price Game Passes Every Thursday! at Shuffles (5:00 PM)
• Rooster Days — City of Broken Arrow (5:00 PM)
• Central High School Graduation — Central Hs (5:30 PM)
• Intro to Salesforce Part 2 at 36 Degrees North (6:00 PM)
• East Central High School Graduation — East Central Hs (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tulsa Patch: "5 Tulsa Area Open Houses Coming Up Soon" (Tulsa Patch)
• Tulsa Police Department: "Suspect arrested after shooting roommate then refusing to help him. On 5/16/2023 around 5:30 p.m., Officers were called out to a shooting at a home near 78th and Sheridan." (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Drillers: " We want to give a huge congrats to Andy Pages for being called up to the Oklahoma City Dodgers! We'll be cheering you on from Tulsa!" (Tulsa Drillers via Instagram)
• Tulsa Police Department: "Special thanks to Target who dropped off some snacks and goodies for our Officers at the Mingo Valley Division this week in recognition of #NationalPoliceWeek!" (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Tulsa Oklahoma: "A cold front will bring the potential for strong to severe storms on Friday, mainly across SE OK into NW AR." (US National Weather Service Tulsa Oklahoma via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— 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