April 5, 2025 Issue, Page 6 of 14

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NEWS 6• SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025 The Elk City News New CDL Testing Enhancements Improve Efficiency and Readiness for Oklahoma’s Commercial Drivers OKLAHOMA CITY – Ser- suring Oklahoma continues to ual outlines exactly what worked closely with both their tests for the type of CDL they quirements. vice Oklahoma has have a strong, prepared work- applicants will be tested on, state-owned testing facilities are pursuing. Practice required skills and launched CDL Modernized force,” said Diedra O’Neil, allowing for more effective as well as commercial truck Hold their CLP for a min- maneuvers before the test and Skills Test statewide, provid- Chief Strategy & Operating preparation. driving schools and third-par- imum of 14 full days before prepare for the pre-trip in- ing a more streamlined, trans- Officer of Service Oklaho- Shorter Vehicle Inspec- ty examiners to ensure a taking the skills test. Testing spection, ensuring familiarity parent and efficient process ma. “By reducing unnecessary tions: The new pre-trip in- smooth statewide rollout of can be scheduled for the 15th with the vehicle components for Commercial Driver Li- obstacles, we’re making it eas- spection process cuts inspec- Modernized Skills Test. These day after obtaining a CLP. that will be reviewed. cense (CDL) applicants. This ier for commercial drivers to tion time from 40 minutes to improvements do not create Step 2: Schedule Your Drive Be ready for the full drive modernization ensures that get on the road safely and ef- just 15 minutes on average, delays in testing availability— Test Appointment test process, which typically Oklahoma’s commercial driv- ficiently—benefiting not just making testing more efficient. appointments remain open Once eligible, applicants can takes about two hours. ers are better prepared, helping CDL applicants but also busi- Standardized Skills Test: All and accessible for applicants schedule a CDL drive test ap- For more details on CDL to reduce drive test hurdles, nesses and industries that rely applicants will now complete ready to test. pointment online: testing and preparation, vis- support workforce develop- on them.” four specific skills—forward The CDL Modernized Skills Visit service.ok.gov/loca- it service.ok.gov/CDL. ment and keep goods moving Other states that have im- stop, straight-line backing, Test will be fully implemented tions and utilize the online Service Oklahoma: Oklaho- across the state. plemented CDL Modernized forward offset tracking and re- at Service Oklahoma locations check-in system to find near- mans Helping Oklahomans CDL applicants will now Skills Test, following guidance verse offset backing—replac- statewide starting March 25, by locations and book an ap- Service Oklahoma’s mission experience a consistent and from the American Associ- ing the previous system of six with all CDL tests at commer- pointment. is to ease the stress of navi- predictable testing process, ation of Motor Vehicle Ad- unknown maneuvers. cial truck driving schools tran- Select your service by choos- gating government services replacing the previous system ministrators (AAMVA), have Detailed Practice Setup: The sitioning to the new format by ing “Drive Test,” then selecting while providing a best-in-class that required drivers to pre- reported higher pass rates and new skills test includes precise April. “CDL Drive Test – Commer- customer experience. Service pare for multiple test versions better-prepared drivers. The control skills dimensions and How to Schedule a CDL cial Drivers” to find locations Oklahoma provides driv- without knowing which one new test prioritizes real-world, cone setups, allowing appli- Drive Test near you. Click “Save my spot” er license and motor vehicle they would take. With a single, skills-based assessments over cants to accurately practice in CDL applicants can sched- to schedule your appointment. services on behalf of the state standardized drive test and an mechanical memorization, advance. ule their Modernized Skills A valid driver license number both online and in-person. updated CDL Driver Manual, ensuring applicants can per- Easier Scheduling & Avail- Test in three simple steps: is required to schedule an ap- Service Oklahoma’s partner- drivers will have clear expec- form the practical maneuvers ability: CDL applicants can Step 1: Obtain and Hold pointment. ship with licensed operators tations, eliminating guesswork required for safe commercial now schedule drive tests in ad- Your Commercial Learner Step 3: Prepare for Your Test (formerly tag agents) pro- and allowing them to focus on driving. vance using Service Oklaho- Permit (CLP) To ensure success, CDL ap- vides essential services in all essential skills. Key CDL Modernization ma’s online check-in system, Before scheduling a CDL plicants should: 77 counties at 270+ locations “These updates make CDL Test Features ensuring easy access to testing drive test, applicants must: Study the CDL Driver Man- across the state. drive tests more accessible and Clearer Test Guidelines: The appointments. Successfully complete and ual for a full understanding of practical for drivers while en- updated CDL Driver Man- Service Oklahoma has pass the necessary written the Modernized Skills Test re- ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – APRIL 1925 Fine rains encouraged the ter and started to call out to a hymnal, a 1924 dime, history did not see the train until it was $4.00 ($27.36-$72.97). Ladies gang. He even visited with the farmers. Mumps were all the the other boys. At first, they of the church, several religious upon him. The train stopped Burlington Hosiery sold from banker for half an hour one rage. The water supply ques- thought he was joking around, booklets, and copies of the two and carried the injured man to $1.00 ($18.24) up to $2.50 day. The bank was robbed of tion trickled on. Well or reser- but by the time they realized local newspapers. town where he was admitted ($45.61). Silk dresses in pop- $4000 ($72, 982). voir? Reservoir or well? his plight, it was too late. The formal opening of the to the hospital. X-rays showed ular shades in solid colors and Dr. Michael Shadid em- The Wright Hotel at Car- The Elk City Ice Co. in- Elk Drug Co. was a great suc- that he had severe injuries in- prints ranged from $12.00 barked on a study tour of ter completely burned to the creased its plant capacity by in- cess! Ice cream cones, drinks cluding a hip bone that drove ($218.92) to $25.00 ($456.08). surgery in Europe. Upon his ground. It was not known how stalling a new machine and giv- and cigars were given to each through his pelvis. The mattress factory added return, he expected to build a the fire started, which was right ing the plant an overhaul. The visitor as a treat and ladies Les Sanders and Fred Barnett a new department with the in- fifty-bed hospital. around noon on the upper sto- plant had an increased capaci- were given carnations as fa- were charged with burglary of stallation of two rug-making Luanne R. Eisler authored ry of the building. The fire had ty of 30% and was to use only vors. The firm had added a the Martin Garage in Canute machines. One made rugs up this article taken from The Car- already gained headway when distilled water due to the water finishing touch to their already back in February. They were to five feet wide while the other ter Express, The Elk City Press first discovered, consequently, sanitation question. beautiful little store by adding arrested by officers in Willow, one made those up to sixteen and the Elk City News-Dem- the citizens decided to save the The cornerstone of the a Flexlume (the oldest sign Texas. The men broke into the feet. ocrat, all of which may be surrounding structures rather Broadway Methodist Church company in the United States) garage and took a large num- Ben Parks, an Oklahoma found at the Elk City Carnegie than the frame hotel. was laid. The impressive and electric sign. ber of automotive castings. City wrestler and prize fight- Library. Supplementary infor- Clarence Richardson, 16 dramatic ceremonies were led A Rock Island freight train Easter bonnets were priced er referee, was identified as mation was taken from dollar- years old, drowned in Dietrich by the A. F. & A. M (Ancient struck Oscar Reeves’s car and from $3.00 ($54.73 in today’s one of those who robbed the times.com and https://www. Lake about two miles east of Free & Accepted Masons). A demolished it. Reeves’s line of values) up. Men’s spring shirts bank at Canute the previous flexlume.com/about. Sayre. He was one of the first tin box was placed inside the vision was obscured by a deep in the latest styles and colors October. Parks entered Can- of his friends to enter the wa- cornerstone containing a Bible, cut in the landscape, and he with collars sold for $1.50- ute as an advance man for the SENATE NOTES FROM SEN. BRENT HOWARD | MARCH 31, 2024 Since the end of last year’s business matters can ensure es would hear cases involving companies looking to relocate ties fund lawsuits against busi- Bill 1065 proposes capping legislative session, I’ve been that certainty for companies complex business issues and or expand in Oklahoma. I will nesses and a different measure noneconomic damages in civ- deeply involved in conversa- both small and large. More corporate litigation, including continue working on this leg- to prevent the courts from il cases at $500,000, which is tions about creating a system than two dozen states have shareholder disputes and oth- islation with House leadership, imposing excessive financial in line with other states. This of business courts in Oklaho- found success in creating busi- er commercial legal matters Speaker Kyle Hilbert, and the judgments against individu- cap would not apply in cases ma. Those conversations have ness courts. Delaware’s busi- that can languish on tradi- Chairman of the House Civil als or companies caught up involving gross negligence, now shifted into concrete pol- ness court system is one of the tional court dockets for years. Judiciary Committee, Collin in civil litigation. The goal of willful disregard for others or icy ideas. On behalf of Senate key factors that make it a top These new courts would be Duel, as this measure and a the latter bill is to ensure ad- intentional malice, so it would Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, I pre- state for corporations, which streamlined and efficient, with House version now advance to equate financial recovery for only offer protection for things sented Senate Bill 632, which could be a sign of good things a goal for most bench trials to the opposite chambers. individuals who are directly normally considered within creates the framework for an to come in Oklahoma if this be resolved within 12 months. Although my Government harmed while also creating the scope of the operations of Oklahoma business courts legislation becomes law. This legislation was initially Tort Claims Act was not heard certainty, through known the people being protected. system. SB 632 specifically estab- requested by the governor as on the Senate floor, I’m pleased economic caps, that will ben- To contact me at the Capitol, As we look to grow Okla- lishes the Business Courts Di- part of last year’s budget nego- that several of my other tort efit businesses and health care please write to Senator Brent homa’s economy and create a vision within the district court tiations. As I continue to work reform bills that will prevent providers operating in this Howard, State Capitol, 2300 more business-friendly envi- system. The two judges within on this issue, I am increasingly egregious judgments will con- state. Oklahoma law does not N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 427, ronment across the state, busi- this division, one in Oklahoma convinced that it is good poli- tinue advancing through the currently cap noneconomic Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, nesses need certainty from the County and another in Tulsa cy that will bring stability and legislative process. Among damages, which are non-mon- email me at Brent.Howard@ rule of law. A dedicated court County, would be appointed certainty to both established these is a measure that requires etary losses someone suffers oksenate.gov, or call (405) system that can focus solely on by the governor. These judg- businesses and out-of-state transparency when third par- because of an accident. Senate 521-5612.