Miami News-Digest

How Oklahomans Can Get Involved in the Petition Process as State Question 841 Moves Forward By Miami News-Digest Staff MIAMI, Okla. — A petition effort to place State Question 841 , a proposal to phase out property tax on owner-occupied homes, is moving through Oklahoma’s initiative process. The question has sparked debate across the state and generated local concern in Ottawa County about the potential effect on county services and school funding. What is State Question 841 (Just the Facts Ma'am) The petition filed for State Question 841 would phase out ad valorem property taxes on owner-occupied homesteads in stages beginning Jan. 1, 2027 — with a complete elimination by 2029, according to filings reported by local news outlets. ( Oklahoma Voice , WR News ). The petition text estimates a statewide reduction in ad valorem revenue of roughly $400 million in 2027, $800 million in 2028 and $1.2 billion in 2029. ( Oklahoma Voice ). Th...

Sooner Safe Project launches after Miami FFA warns of storm-shelter shortage By Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Nov. 20, 2025 Miami — The Sooner Safe Project officially launched Thursday after Miami FFA students raised alarms that the community lacks sufficient public storm shelters, organizers said. Miami Public Schools (MPS) students and project leaders announced plans to visit every school in the district to teach severe-weather safety and distribute emergency “Weather Go Bags” that include a battery-powered weather radio, a flashlight, a whistle, a fleece blanket and a reusable water bottle. "When students are prepared, they don't have to be scared," said Cooper Harrison, one of the Miami FFA students honored by project organizers for his role in presenting the effort. "We want every kid in our district to know where to go and what to take when b...

Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake; Social Media Claim Names Possible Victim By Miami News-Digest Authorities continue to investigate after a body was recovered earlier this week near the Highway 10 crossing—commonly known as the Cowskin Bridge—at the Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Police led the recovery effort, assisted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Update — Social Media Claim A local woman, Reta Hudson , has publicly stated on social media that the deceased individual recovered from the Cowskin arm is “Roger Griffith.” Hudson identified herself as a family member in her post. As of this publication, however, no official agency has confirmed the identity . GRDA Police and OSBI continue to withhold identifying details pending formal verificatio...

Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake; Investigation Continues By Miami News-Digest Authorities are investigating after a body was recovered this week from the Cowskin arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. The recovery occurred near the Highway 10 crossing—widely known locally as the Cowskin Bridge—north of Grove in Delaware County. GRDA Police led the response, with assistance from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, local emergency personnel, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), which has taken part in the ongoing inquiry. Officials have confirmed that the body was removed from the water, but no identifying information has yet been released. Geographical & Hydrological Context The Cowskin Bridge spans the Elk River arm feeding into Grand Lake. This area sits roughly seven miles northeast of Grove. Grand Lake is fed primarily by the Grand (Neosho) River, Spring River, and Elk...