Braden Bates

"We've never seen a parade like this here. It's been a rough year for everyone, and this is definitely a great way to bring in the Christmas season," said Allison.

'Angering': People in Salina petition former Supt. name approved for fieldhouse Taxpayers foot bill in property taxes for remaining $1.6M after negligence lawsuit settlement Prev Next Posted 6 minutes ago SALINA, Okla. — People in Salina are petitioning the former superintendent's name not to be displayed on the school's fieldhouse. 2 News told you a lawsuit was filed under his administration accusing a teacher of lewd molestation with several students. "Yeah, they're wanting to put his name on that. That's bullcrap," said a person who lives in Salina. She wanted to stay anonymous because her family owns a business in town. The school board unanimously approved the naming in February, the same month the district settled a $2.6 million negligence lawsuit. $1.6M cost of negligence after child sex crimes falls on Salina taxpayers "It feels really like our school board is really disconnected from our community," a parent whose kids go to Salina Public Schools. The parent also wanted to stay anonymous. While the field house doesn't yet display the name of Tony Thomas, it's been designated the "Tony Thomas Field House." Something people tell me is upsetting especially as the lawsuit fell under his administration. In March of 2019, John Horner, a teacher was accused of inappropriately touching several students, 12 of which were named in a lawsuit filed in November of 2020. After the investigations, the families and victims sued the district saying the school was negligent in its reporting and handling of the situation. A petition started by a Salina parent on Change.org is calling for the removal of Thomas's name. "Yeah, that is angering," said Riley Moore. He recently built a home in Salina. He said the former superintendent caused many problems even for those without kids. Local News $1.6M cost of negligence after child sex crimes falls on Salina taxpayers Braden Bates 5:18 AM, Dec 05, 2024 2 News previously told you Salina taxpayers are footing the bill in property taxes for the remaining $1.6 million. This comes after the district's liability insurance only covered $1 million of the lawsuit. "Once the house got built, it's a 1,800 sqft house with three acres of land. Pretty average-sized house and my property taxes this year we $4,100 which is more than three times my mortgage payments," Moore said. People in and out of the schools have their own reasons for wanting the name removed. On Change.org the creator of the petition their reasoning for wanting the name removed. Change.org "We believe in a future where our field house represents the unity, progress, and dedication of competent leaders who truly serve our children and school district," the post said. 2 News reached out to the current superintendent to see if he would go on camera for an interview. He responded with a text that said the school has no comment about the field house name. Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Daily Headlines and receive up to date information. 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2 News' Braden Bates spoke to Tulsa TikToker Tarra Quinn about the possible ban on the app. She says it will negatively impact small business who rely on the app for marketing.

2 News' Braden Bates talked with the Tulsa Fire Department about training for a new device that could save many lives.

The bill could ban dyes that are found in popular snack foods and drinks. What are your thoughts on this potential ban?

BARNSDALL, Okla. — Oklahoma's had a very difficult year with tornadoes ripping through many towns in the state, including an EF4 in Barnsdall.

"We’re only 5,300 people. I mean 50 jobs is huge."2 News' Braden Bates talked with people in Vinita and the city about plans to expand the existing industrial park.

"Tulsa has the ingredients to be the best city in America. If we all work together we can reach that potential."2 News' Braden Bates has the story.

"It’s just needing the city to catch up with the growth and that’s our biggest thing."2 News Oklahoma's Braden Bates looked into the 2020 bond issue supposed to widen Elm by five lanes.

"Doing everything that I normally do, to needing help; somedays like washing my hair because my arms hurt." 2 News Oklahoma's Braden Bates talks to a TFD firefighter about her fight to find answers.