Why This Paper Exists (We Asked Ourselves the Same Thing)
Look, Newkirk has ordinances. Really good ones, actually! Written down and everything. There's even a code enforcement process. What we seem to be missing is the enforcement part of "code enforcement." It's giving "we have code enforcement at home" energy. This paper documents that gap—not to roast property owners, but to politely (okay, sometimes sassily) ask city officials: y'all hiring, or...?
The Receipts (Oklahoma Law Edition)
- Title 27A - Tire Disposal — Tire mountains are not a vibe. Also illegal.
- Title 11 - Abandoned Buildings — "Rustic charm" has limits. Structural limits.
- Title 69 - Junkyard Regulations — Surprise! You can't just... have one in your yard.
Why Should You Care?
This isn't about being the neighborhood HOA from hell. It's about public health (tire piles are basically mosquito AirBnBs), safety (collapsing structures are bad, actually), and property values for everyone who lives here. When enforcement hibernates, we all pay for it.
Real talk: Property owners aren't the villains here—many face hardship or circumstances beyond their control. We're asking why the city isn't doing its job, not why your neighbor can't afford a new roof. If you need resources, hit up City Hall. That's literally what they're for.
About the Editor
The Newkirk Times is written, designed, and occasionally yelled at by Sabrina Thompson, a concerned citizen who believes transparency and accountability shouldn't require a law degree to demand. When she's not documenting municipal mysteries, she's probably making coffee or questioning life choices.
Got a tip? Want to contribute? Think we're completely wrong about everything? Drop us a line. We promise to read it. We don't promise not to be sarcastic in our reply.