🌱 THD Condemns 'Omicron Parties' + Teen Shot Near Apache St.

Good morning, neighbors! Helen Eckhard here with the Friday issue of the Tulsa Daily.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 60 Low: 32.

Here are the top three stories in Tulsa today:

1. The Tulsa Health Department is warning citizens against throwing "Omicron Parties" to catch the coronavirus. Executive Director Bruce Dart said in a press conference on Wednesday that some people are deliberately trying to get the virus because they have heard the omicron variant is milder than its predecessors, but he warned that it can still make people "very, very ill." He added that instead of potentially trying to catch the deadly virus, Tulsans should get vaccinated. (KTUL)
2. Tulsa police are investigating after a teenager was shot in the early morning hours on Thursday. Authorities say officers were dispatched to a shooting near East Apache Street and North Harvard Avenue around 1 a.m. and found the 17-year-old inside of a home with a gunshot wound. The victim is in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Police say they do not have information on a possible suspect at this time. (News On 6)
3. The Tulsa Humane Society and the Osage County Sheriff's office rescued 131 dogs and cats from a home in Osage County on Wednesday. The Humane Society shared in a social media post that the animals were voluntarily relinquished by the owner, who understood that they were unable to care for them appropriately. The Humane Society began the process of bathing and grooming the animals, many of which required extensive medical attention, on Thursday. (News On 6)

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Today in Tulsa:

• Penguin Project Seussical Kids At Arts Alliance Tulsa (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is holding a free straw pickup event today. Cold temperatures and a chance of snow will arrive this weekend, so now is the time to prepare outdoor pets for the cold weather. (Facebook)
• The Tulsa Oilers celebrated a huge victory over the Allen Americans on Wednesday. The game ended in a 4-1 score. (Instagram)
• The Tulsa Botanic Garden is looking for volunteers. Work with Botanic Garden horticulturists during the Garden work week, Jan. 17-21, cleaning up the Garden in preparation for its stunning spring tulip display. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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.