Reporter

Concessions. Governor Mary Fallin announced the Oklahoma State Banking Board has voted to lower the assessment rates paid by all state-chartered banks in Oklahoma. The Board took action at its Nov. 30 meeting in response to the increased costs that Oklahoma banks are incurring as a result of federal regulatory changes.

The assessment rates were lowered 22 percent for a bank's first $100 million of assets. The rates take effect Dec. 31. The Board reasoned this reduction in state regulatory assessments may help offset federal regulatory costs that are increasing, as well as help community banks devote more capital to community-based lending.

State Banking Commissioner Mick Thompson said, "The Board made this decision to lower assessments to send a message that the State Banking Department understands the federal regulatory burden that community banks are suffering through, and that strong community banks in Oklahoma are important to maintaining the state's economic recovery."

Healthy Preparation. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reminds Oklahomans that getting a flu vaccination now might keep your holidays from being miserable and more importantly, will help keep your loved ones safe from the flu as well.

Ken Cadaret, interim chief of OSDH Immunization Service, noted that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with the flu.

Oklahoma State Department of Health.

An annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older. The vaccine is available as a shot or nasal spray. Choices for flu shots include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot and a high-dose flu shot for older Oklahomans. While the regular flu shot can be given to everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved only for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age while the high-dose flu shot is for people 65 years of age and older. The nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people ages two through 49 years of age who aren't pregnant.

Minding Energy. The Desk and Derrick Club of Tulsa announced the winners of its 15th annual Energy Essay Contest for all middle school students (grades 6-8) within Tulsa County and the surrounding area. "The Impact of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry in Oklahoma" was the essay topic.

The contest encouraged students to develop writing and researching skills while learning about important energy-related topics. Over 600 students from five different middle schools and home schools participated in the contest.

Cash prizes totaling nearly $2000 will be awarded to the top fifteen essay authors and their sponsoring teachers. Landon Longacre, a student at Union's 8th Grade Center, is the first place winner.

The Desk and Derrick Club is a nonprofit, energy educational group affiliated with the international Association of Desk and Derrick Clubs (ADDC). Its purpose is to promote the education and professional development of individuals employed in the petroleum, natural gas, energy and their related industries within the United States and Canada.