🌱 A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared + Storm Clean Up In Parks

Good morning, everybody. Karena Garrity here with your Wednesday edition of the Tulsa Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• State of Emergency.
• Man tries to saw open an ATM machine.
• Parks get cleaned up after storm.

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Now, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 93 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories today in Tulsa:

1. Acting governor, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City), signed an executive order to declare a state of emergency in 10 counties on Tuesday afternoon due to power outages and storm damage. According to Oklahoman.com, "As of Tuesday afternoon, two people have died and several were hospitalized because of the storms and subsequent power outage. The fatalities occurred in Creek and McCurtain counties. Nearly 140,000 customers remain without power." (Oklahoman.com)
2. In the early morning hours on Tuesday, Tulsa police were called to East 21st Street and South Sheridan Road for a man who was allegedly trying to break into an ATM machine by sawing it open. According to News On 6, "The man is [now] in custody." (News on 6)
3. The after-storm clean-up efforts are still underway in the area. According to KOKI Fox 23 Tulsa, "River Parks Authority Supervisor Troy Howerton said the storm brought down more than 50 trees [in Tulsa’s River Parks.] “It’s never going to be the same,” Howerton said. 'The wind tore it up quite a bit, I mean we’re going to get it pretty and looking good again, of course, but it’s going to take some time.'” (KOKI FOX 23 TULSA)

Today in Tulsa:

Wednesday, June 21

• "Greenwood Joy" series by Dawn Tree at Vast Bank (7:30 AM)
• Free Coworking Day at 36 Degrees North (8:00 AM)
• Summer Camp 2023 — ages 9-15 at Shuffles Board Game Cafe (9:00 AM)
• 1 Million Cups at 36 Degrees North — Tulsa Arts District (9:00 AM)
• Food Truck Wednesday at Guthrie Green (11:00 AM)
• Winesday! at The TAVERN — Tulsa Arts District (5:00 PM)
• Fitness on the Green: Wednesday Yoga with Liz (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tulsa Police Department: " During times of natural disasters, we often see scammers take advantage of the situation. Citizens of Tulsa may see individuals going around door to door offering roof repair, tree trimming,or any other general repairs due to storm damage.
  The ultimate goal of the scammer is to offer a service, get you to pay in full, then they take your money and never actually perform the service." (Tulsa Police Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Fire Department: "We have been receiving a large amount of calls about citizens burning storm debris within the city limits of Tulsa. It is illegal to do so. The fire marshal will be issuing tickets to individuals that choose to ignore the city statute." (Tulsa Fire Department via Facebook)
• Tulsa Zoo: "Despite the recent storm challenges, husbandry routines, like baths, happen no matter what the situation. Thank you to our incredible care team for working tirelessly to assist in clean up and ensuring our animals are safe and cared for." (Tulsa Zoo via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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