Sydney Myers, of the Nichols Hills Police Department, was honored as 9-1-1 ACOG's  Dispatcher of the Year during an awards ceremony in April that coincided with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

September 7, 2009, was the kind of day all 9-1-1 dispatchers prepare for, but hope never happens.  While on duty at the Nichols Police Department Communications Center, Myers, a communications officer, received a call about a suspicious noise, which the caller described as breaking glass. Myers dispatched officers who discovered a broken window at the residence and then observed a subject inside the residence. The suspect fled the scene and the call culminated in an officer-involved shooting.

Even with emotions and adrenaline running very high, Myers kept control of the situation. Her voice remained calm and steady. She was able to complete all requests given from the field, and still handle her regular duties in dispatch. Although she was frightened about what might have happened to the officer, Myers compartmentalized that fear and continued her duties at an exceptional level. Myers was nominated by her supervisors for her exemplary actions.

(Note: This case is still under investigation, thus some details of the shooting cannot be disclosed.)

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority and the City of Oklahoma City have begun seeking citizen input through a series of public meetings and online forums to plan for enhanced public transit in downtown Oklahoma City.

COTPA launched www.LetsTalkTransit.com and hosted the first "Let's Talk Transit" public discussion on March 29 to collect input about the initial five-mile modern streetcar routes in downtown Oklahoma City. Together, the public and COTPA will work through the process to identify destinations and routes that will best serve downtown's public transportation needs. Included in MAPS 3, passed by Oklahoma City voters in December 2009, is approximately $130 million in funding for public transportation. The transit package includes approximately five miles of downtown streetcar.

Citizens can provide their input online or through a series of Let's Talk Transit public meetings. Meetings will be held:

• April 29: Civic Center Hall of Mirrors - 201 N Walker (6 - 7:30 pm) 
• May 11: Civic Center Hall of Mirrors - 201 N Walker (6 - 7:30 pm) 
• May 27: City Hall - 200 N Walker (11:30 am - 1 p.m. OR 6 - 7:30 pm)

Over 100 community members participated in the first meetings. The next round of meetings will be more interactive, allowing participants to break into groups and offer input regarding possible routes.

"We're looking forward to the next round of meetings where citizens will be asked to draw potential routes," said Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA and director of public transportation and parking for the City of Oklahoma City.  "We expect to get a lot of creative ideas and unique perspectives. With a limited number of track miles, it's important to look at all possibilities before determining the best route."

LetsTalkTransit.com will be the digital venue for participating in the discussion. Here visitors can catch-up on public meetings, learn more about the process, goals and objectives, give input through online surveys, submit questions to COTPA staff, or read and comment on the most recent TransitTALK guest blog postings.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD), regional governments and local community partners are launching a new community health initiative. The program, called Wellness Now, is intended to challenge bad behaviors and attitudes about health and to take on the structural and economic obstacles to wellness. The partnership places emphasis on three targeted areas.

Health at Work
OCCHD and Central Oklahoma Turning Point are making it easier for businesses to implement workplace wellness programs. Wellness programs can reduce risk factors for diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.  The partnership can assist in finding cost-effective ways of setting up health screenings, smoke-free workplaces, nutrition counseling, fitness programs, and more. For more information, please visit healthatworkokc.org.

Health at School
In partnership with public school districts in Oklahoma County, OCCHD is actively working to reduce childhood obesity. Nearly one in three children in the United States is considered overweight and those children are at risk for multiple health problems later in life. OCCHD can assist in finding ways to make school lunches more nutritious and to reduce easy access to junk food. The program can provide nutrition counseling and information for teachers, and help with setting up fun and effective fitness programs as part of the curriculum.

Health at Home
It's essential that communities support accessible and safe outdoor spaces and exercise opportunities-as well as easy access to affordable, nutritious food. OCCHD is working with cities and community groups across the country to make this happen.For more information about Wellness NOW, visit www.occhd.org, or Robert Jamison at bob_jamison@occhd.orgor call 425-4461.

Census data is coming in and the U.S. Census Bureau is reporting early returns.  Next month, enumerators will be going door-to-door to collect missing data.  As of April 12:

• The national response rate is 67 percent.
• The state of Oklahoma response rate is 60 percent (tied for 43rd with Texas and Mississippi).
• Oklahoma has 28 counties (out of 77) with response rates below 50 percent.
• Oklahoma has 250 communities (out of 593 reported by Census Bureau) with response rates below 50 percent, most of which have populations below 2,000. 
• Oklahoma has 23 communities with populations over 2,000 (out of 143) and response rates below 50 percent.

As for the metro, Canadian County currently has the highest response rate at 70 percent.  Cedar Valley, in Logan County, has the highest response rate in the state at 84 percent.  Lake Aluma, in Oklahoma County, is at 79 percent. 

For more up to date results, visit www.census.gov.

The Plaza District Board of Directors announced that Steve Mason is the recipient of the 2010 Urban Pioneer Award. The annual award is given to individuals in the Oklahoma City community who exemplify Oklahoma's pioneering spirit with their leadership and commitment to urban revitalization.

Kristen Vails, executive director of the Plaza District, said Mason's visionary leadership and investment in the revitalization of Automobile Alley were the reason for Mason's award nomination.

"Steve's efforts have enabled countless opportunities for young entrepreneurs and laid a firm foundation for future expansion in one of Oklahoma City's proudest historical districts." said Vails. "His projects have not only transformed the area physically, but they have instilled a new energy for the community and Oklahoma City's next generation."

Mason will join an impressive list of Urban Pioneers including 2005 honoree Dr. Tom McDaniel, 2006 honoree Lou Kerr, 2007 honoree Meg Salyer, 2008 honorees Mark Funke and Mike Turpen and 2009 honoree Ann Simank.