OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - FOI Oklahoma has presented an administrator with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, a state lawmaker and a persistent former University of Oklahoma student with its top awards at the organization’s Sunshine Week program.
The group also acknowledged the Black Hole for damaging access to public information when it met Saturday.
William Young, administrator of the office of public information for the ODL, was presented the Marian Opala First Amendment Award, while Republican state Rep. Bobby Cleveland of Slaughterville received the Sunshine Award that goes to a state agency or public official.
Joey Stipek, former online editor of the OU Oklahoma Daily, won the Ben Blackstock Award for his persistence and determination that led to the University of Oklahoma providing public access to parking citations. The award goes to a member of the public and is named for the retired Oklahoma Press Association’s executive director.
The Black Hole recognition went to Judge Howard Haralson for closing his courtroom for all but three days of the 10-week divorce trial of billionaire Oklahoma oilman Harold Hamm.
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