Efforts underway to save USS Batfish with proposed Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum

Count me in. The USS Batfish is a hero of WWII, and an Oklahoma treasure, and deserves saving. A big thanks to Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell for his years of support for securing the Batfish for generations to come.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO SAVE THE USS BATFISH WITH PROPOSED OKLAHOMA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Muskogee, OK (March 10, 2025) - The USS Batfish, a legendary World War II submarine and beloved Oklahoma landmark is at risk of being lost forever if not relocated to a new site. After devastating floodwaters in 2019 displaced the vessel from its foundation, the submarine suffered damage and was forced to permanently close to the public. With critical flood mitigation efforts underway and necessary controlled access measures required at the entrance to the current site, relocating the Batfish to a permanent home at Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor is essential to its preservation.

State Sen. Burns files bills to increase state park oversight, remove fees for Oklahoma residents

Burns Introduces Legislation to make State Parks more accessible to Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to make State Parks in Oklahoma more accessible and affordable for state residents. This legislation, if passed, would allow the Commission to establish an annual pass or other varied passes as appropriate to the park for visitors, while also removing fees for Oklahomans.

Gov. Stitt appoints Shelley Zumwalt as Secretary of Tourism

GOVERNOR STITT NAMES SHELLEY ZUMWALT AS OKLAHOMA SECRETARY OF TOURISM

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 16, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named Shelley Zumwalt as Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism following a historic year for Oklahoma's tourism industry.

"Shelley Zumwalt has proven herself to be a tourism powerhouse and a compelling ambassador for Oklahoma," said Governor Stitt. "After seeing the historic numbers from last year, I've never been more excited for the future of Oklahoma's tourism industry -- and that means having Shelley at the helm."

House Committee hears study on economic impact of State Parks

Committee Hears Study on Economic Impact of State Parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – A study on the economic impact of Oklahoma State Parks have on their communities met Monday before the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. The study was organized by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore.

Townley opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for everyone participating in the study.

"I hope this study will bring awareness to the fact that we need improvements in capital infrastructure. It is all of our desire to see want to see Oklahoma growing and thriving," Townley said. "Oklahoma State Parks are a vital part of our state and have the potential to create more growth."

Townley reminded attendees that the tourism industry is the state's third largest economic driver and should be invested in regularly.

Gov. Stitt declares November as "Family Month", launches month-long pro-family campaign

GOVERNOR STITT DECLARES NOVEMBER AS FAMILY MONTH, LAUNCHES MONTH-LONG PRO-FAMILY CAMPAIGN

 

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 31, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt held a ceremonial proclamation signing today to declare the month of November as Family Month in the State of Oklahoma. The launch dedicates November to celebrating families, fostering unbreakable bonds, and championing core family values through social media, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

 

"Families are the very foundation upon which we build our lives," said Governor Stitt. "For Family Month, we recognize that families shape our values, nurture our dreams, and stand by us through thick and thin. As Governor, I am committed to uplifting Oklahoma families, and I believe that in doing so, we will see a positive shift in the direction of our state, and by extension, our nation."

 

For Family Month, the Department of Tourism is offering free admission and waived parking fees at select state parks during the weekend before and after the Thanksgiving holiday to encourage families to travel together during November. Oklahoma families can make memories at 6 participating parks: Thunderbird Park, Forrest Mountain, Robbers Cave, Lake Murray, Lake Wister, and Sequoyah State Park.

State Senate committee studies solutions to reverse state's turkey population decline

Senate committee looks for ways to increase state’s turkey population

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee heard from wildlife experts Monday about why Oklahoma has seen a significant decline it its turkey population. Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, requested the study to find possible legislative solutions to increase their numbers.

“As someone who grew up hunting in rural Oklahoma, I’m extremely concerned and saddened by the disturbing drop we’ve seen in our state’s turkey population in recent years,” Stephens said. “We have a legislative and moral responsibility to protect not only our state lands, but the species that inhabit them, including the wild turkey.  I appreciate the recommendations we received from our state’s wildlife experts and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to help better protect the majestic thunder chicken as it is fondly referred to.”

Gov. Stitt appoints Lt. Gov. Pinnell as Secretary of Workforce Development

This is for a position on the Governor's cabinet, and does not affect Pinnell's status as Lieutenant Governor:

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL AS SECRETARY OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 19, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell to serve as Secretary of Workforce Development on his cabinet. As Secretary of Workforce Development, Pinnell will work closely with the Departments of Education and Commerce to emphasize the workforce pipeline and economic development for the state.

“Lt. Governor Pinnell is a successful businessman with a talent for fostering economic growth in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “As Secretary of Tourism, his leadership saw the highest visitation levels we’ve had in state history, and I know he will bring that same level of excitement and energy into recruiting talent to Oklahoma.”

State Senate approves bill to remove state park entry fees

Bill to remove state park entry fees approved by full Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 10th) – Senate Bill 637 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Burns’ bill eliminates state park entry fees with the exception of motor homes and travel trailers. The fees are not to exceed $8.

LtGov Pinnell announces Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission appointees

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA GOLF TRAIL COMMITTEE APPOINTEES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced today the appointees for the Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission, which is tasked with developing a list of golf courses to be designated as the Oklahoma Golf Trail. The Lt. Governor will serve on the commission along with Gary Bridwell, Lou Dechert, Sheila Dills, Jared Gallagher, Steve Gelnar, Charlie Hannema, David Jones, Michael Love, and Ken MacLeod. 

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell announces bidding open for new state park restaurant contract

In the aftermath of ongoing scandal over a contractor's sweetheart deal to operate restaurants at multiple state parks and questionable spending (covered well by The Frontier), Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell has re-opened bidding for a new contractor to replace Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen:

LT. GOVERNOR MATT PINNELL ANNOUNCES RFP FOR NEW STATE PARK RESTAURANT CONTRACT

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 6th) – One week after accepting a larger oversight role of the agency, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, in his role as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, today provided an update on the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. He also announced a new requests for proposal (RFP) for new state park restaurant concession contract(s).

Reps. Hardin, Townley worry new State Park fees will lead to decreased tourism

Hardin, Townley Worry Park Fees Will Lead to Decreased Tourism

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12th) – State Reps. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, and Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today expressed their frustration following the recent announcement by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department that state-owned parks would now begin charging parking fees.

“I was extremely disappointed and downright insulted by the answers I received today from Director Winchester on park fees,” Hardin said, “I believe the fees should be put on hold until Tourism corrects the reservation fraud going on and local representation has the opportunity to voice their concerns. Apparently people are making large profits on reservations they make and then resell. The fraud and the proposed fees are taking away the ability of local people to enjoy their state parks.”

State Rep. Grego questions new State Park fees

Grego Questions State Park Fees

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today said he was in total dismay after learning of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department’s plan to start charging fees to enter state-owned parks, which traditionally have been free except for extra amenities.

Rep. Grego worked tirelessly alongside Rep. Johnny Tadlock, R-Idabel, during the past legislative session trying to postpone or eliminate what he is calling a new tax.

“In committee hearings, Tourism Director Jerry Winchester continued to try to sell us his cause,” Grego said. “We introduced House Bill 2884, which would have allowed exceptions from these fees for local citizens. It’s hard for me to understand when a lake was built 90 years ago on donated land and the cost of construction was paid with public funds, that now we are going to charge our citizens a fee to enjoy this body of water.”

Grego said as a child growing up in Latimer County, going to Robber’s Cave State Park’s Lake Carlton was one of the few outings his family of 12 could afford.

Pinnell: The case for the great American road trip

The case for the great American road trip

By Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell

(From the Apr 24, 2020 Tulsa World Opinion Page)

“I want to get into my car and drive until I find what I’m looking for. Maybe it’s purpose or maybe it’s a new start or maybe it’s just a sky with unclouded stars.”
—Author unknown

Thanks to the hard work of our health care professionals and the sacrifices made by our people to be responsible and stay at home, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

As we emerge from the immediacy of the health crisis, many questions will be asked. What did we learn? How did we innovate? When will we be OK again?

I would argue that big, important questions like these demand the clarity and reflection that can come from a great American road trip.

After the reasonable limitations on nonessential travel are lifted, a road trip with friends or family to explore new places is exactly what Americans need.

With plenty of space to social distance, a road trip gives us time to breathe, laugh and support small businesses along our authentic Main Streets. A time to re-center and fuel the economy — that’s what I call a win-win.

We are blessed to live in Oklahoma, a state with back roads and blue skies for days. From our indigenous founders to the pioneering history in the western prairie, from our uniquely diverse ecology to more miles of the Mother Road (Route 66) than any other state, there’s history and heritage around every curve. We definitely know a good road trip, and we know it’s food for the soul.

“I take to the open road,” said Walt Whitman. “Healthy, free, the world before me.” From mental health benefits to clearing our heads and hearts, a road trip just may be the healing you’re looking for.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been forced to simplify our lives. We are reevaluating things that seemed normal staples, realizing that the regular hustle and bustle doesn’t have to be the norm. Maybe there is more to life than the manufactured busy-ness and mundane routine many of us fall into. Perhaps doing more to see the world around us can help rebuild the sense of community and empathy for others that have long been integral to the American experience.

As we ask ourselves what is America and who are we after this unprecedented pandemic, what better exercise than to actually go see it? See its raw beauty, its diversity, its freedom, and the melting pot of people and cultures that line the pavement.

Author Michael Wallis says of the iconic Route 66 road trip that the trip invites us to experience the country before it became generic. A Route 66 journey puts us in touch with our roots and ourselves. It is a road of phantoms and dreams that has always offered promise.

While Route 66 certainly is iconic, any Oklahoma road trip will do. It could be to Black Mesa, Broken Bow, the Great Salt Plains, the Wichita Mountains or simply the Farmers Market one county over.

It will soon be time to explore the stories of Oklahoma again, time to see this country, its past, present and now uncertain future.

Whether for purpose or a new start, or just to see a sky with unclouded stars. Oklahoma, our economy will roar again, and I believe it will start with a great American road trip.