Drivers of Tulsa truck line honored for extinguishing fire

The Truckload Carriers Association has named two men who drive for a Tulsa-based trucking company as “Highway Angels” for extinguishing a car fire.

David Norman, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Daniel Dolf, of Oklahoma City, were named TCA Highway Angels for stopping to extinguish a car on fire in the median of a highway.

Both men drive for Melton Truck Lines of Tulsa.

On Sept. 7, Norman and his trainee, Dolf, were driving on I-45 outside of Dallas, when they noticed smoke ahead. A driver had lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the center median. They soon spotted her car on fire in the road median, a news relese said.

“Immediately, Norman (who at one time was a registered first responder and former volunteer firefighter) ran out and attempted to use his fire extinguisher to help put it out” and make sure everyone was OK, the release said.

“I grabbed the fire extinguisher to keep the fire from spreading — I was putting the fire out around the car,” Norman said. He added that his trainee, Dolf, parked the truck and came running over to help. “When he got back over there he hopped in the back of the fire truck when it showed up and he helped too.”

No one was injured in the incident, and Norman and Dolf were able to prevent the fire from spreading. Three fire companies arrived at the scene and made sure the fire was completely out.

“Old habits kick back in; 20 years ago I was a registered first responder here in Texas,” Norman said, explaining why he went to the lengths he did.

Since the TCA Highway Angels program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsor, DriverFacts, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers such as Norman and Dolf, the release said.

ONE Gas announced its third-quarter financial results, with net income of $25.2 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, compared with $23.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2022.

Year-to-date 2023 net income was $160.5 million, or $2.87 per diluted share, compared with $154.7 million, or $2.85 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

In September the company executed forward sale agreements for 1.38 million shares of common stock, at an initial price of $73.67 per share, with settlement by Dec. 31, 2024.

In October the company agreed to increase capacity of the ONE Gas Credit Agreement to $1.2 billion from $1.0 billion; and the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share ($2.60 annualized), payable on Dec. 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 15.

“Our third-quarter results reflect prudent financial management and the continued execution of our strategy,” said Robert S. McAnnally, president and chief executive officer. “As we enter the winter heating season, we remain committed to safely serving our 2.3 million customers.”

Public Service Company of Oklahoma will distribute 122,000 free LED bulbs to Oklahoma families this year.

In the past 10 years, PSO’s Shine a Light program has distributed almost 1 million energy-efficient bulbs, which last longer and use less energy. For PSO customers, that has meant more than $3 million in energy savings.

“We understand the challenges facing our customers. Shine A Light helps families save money while keeping the same or better light output,” said Scott Ritz, PSO director of customer service and marketing. LED bulbs last as much as 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

The Shine A Light project is available to food pantry clients but any PSO customer can take advantage of rebates and instant discounts on many energy-efficient products. For more information visit PowerForwardWithPSO.com/rebates.

Tulsa International Airport passengers who are blind or have low vision have free access to the Aira app, a visual interpreting service that acts as an assistant to help users navigate their environments and answer their questions, the airport announced.

Aira customers are able to use the service anywhere for a fee, but users won’t have to pay while in the terminal, TIA said in a news release.

Several other airports also partner with Aira including Dallas Love Field, St. Louis Lambert International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Orlando and all three major New York-area airports.

Aira has similar affiliations with Tulsa Transit, and Target, Starbucks and Bank of America locations.

“Partnering with Tulsa International Airport to offer Aira services is a testament to their commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity,” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira.

“Together, we’re breaking barriers and empowering travelers who may be blind or have low vision to navigate and experience the airport with independence,” he said in a news release.

Alliant Insurance Services has acquired Commercial Risk Group (CRG), a retail property and casualty insurance agency based in Broken Arrow. CRG extends Alliant’s footprint in Oklahoma, providing commercial and personal risk insurance.

CRG offers all lines of insurance coverages and specializes in mid-sized to large commercial accounts and specialty programs, including general liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation and commercial property insurance coverages.

“The acquisition of CRG brings significant risk management expertise, talent and experience to our Alliant Americas division in the region,” said Tom Corbett, chairman and CEO of Alliant. “Steve Allen and his team of insurance professionals bring an effective method of serving clients with a wide variety of needs to navigate the complex world of insurance.”

“The CRG team is committed to finding solutions for our clients’ insurance policy needs and goals, helping them to be informed buyers and continuing to serve them after the sale as their trusted risk advisor,” said Steve Allen, senior vice president, Alliant Insurance Services. “Joining Alliant enables us to provide best-in-class client service and resources, while maintaining the personalized relationships and principles that our clients expect and appreciate.”

CRG will operate as Alliant Insurance Services from its headquarters in Broken Arrow. In addition to CRG, Alliant recently acquired 3000 Insurance Group (3IG) based in Oklahoma City and The Arrow Group based in Broken Arrow.