The Kingfisher County Retired Educators Association sponsored a fall brunch on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Kingfisher Memorial Library.

Thirteen members and two guests were in attendance at the meeting which featured State Senator Darcy Jech of Kingfisher and State Representative Mike Dobrinski of Okeene.

Jech spoke first and discussed multiple topics related to the most recent legislative session, including funding a pediatric cardiac hospital in Oklahoma City, funding a new veterinary school in Stillwater and purchasing a private prison in Lawton.

Jech also discussed the passing of the “bell to bell” bill prohibiting cell phones in classrooms starting in the this school year.

He said he has received positive feedback from his friends and relatives who are still in the classroom, stating that it has improved classroom focus for many students.

Concerning new legislation for the 2026 session, Jech said he is excited about the possibility of new legislation concerning the following areas:

• Cutting sales tax on vehicle purchases;

• Working with the state Pardon and Parole Board to help paroled inmates successfully transition back into society and the workplace; • Eradicating invasive red cedar trees in pastures;

• Making sure that school tax credits are going to benefi t the appropriate families.

Jech stated that the majority of counties in rural northwest Oklahoma utilize public schools rather than private schools.

Jech and Dobrinski both discussed the impact that open primaries might have on the election process in Oklahoma, if that initiative petition obtains enough signatures to be brought to a vote of the people in the future.

They doubted if enough signatures could be obtained in rural Oklahoma, but could probably obtain large numbers of signatures in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

Jech is term-limited and this session will be his last to serve District 26.

Dobrinski discussed the federal government shutdown and the local impact this was having on individuals and businesses in Oklahoma, particularly SNAP benefits.

He also updated the group regarding the re-opening of the Diamondback Correctional Center located outside of Watonga, as this will be a holding facility for immigrant detainees.

The prison has been closed for over 15 years and is scheduled to reopen soon.

The facility is owned and operated by CoreCivic, the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities.

Dobrinski noted that the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship program for students has been extended to students who have a parent who has been a classroom teacher for at least 10 years.

As chairman of the Utilities Committee, Dobrinski said he is keenly aware of the desirable position Oklahoma is in regarding wind, solar and natural gas resources that can provide needed electricity.

The development and expansion of solar energy is coming soon to our state and may help to provide energy to data centers, he said.

After thanking the speakers and taking a group phofrom to, the meeting proceeded with an abbreviated business meeting due to time constraints. Treasurer Dana Golek provided information regarding the KCREA account, which has a current balance of $875.

Cathy Howard gave a report regarding the KCREA scholarship committee meeting that was held on Sept. 19 at the library.

The committee met to review the previous scholarship application and made additions and changes to the original form from 2019. Plans include making the application form available online during 2026.

LaRita Sipe reported that National Education Week is Nov. 17-21.

KCREA will prepare and deliver treats to teacher workrooms at all public schools in the county during the week. Members will volunteer to deliver these to schools.

A collection was made regarding donations to Santa’s Toyland, a local community- based charity group that helps provide toys to needy families during the holiday season.

A check will be presented to Brittney Hladik, chairman of Santa’s Toyland, later this month.

The next KCREA meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the library with Stacy Washburn speaking on the topic of “Services for Seniors.”