Country Bird Is Leveling Up

If you’re like me and struggle to choose between the country loaf and the city loaf at Country Bird Bakery, soon our troubles will compound.

Country Bird Bakery announced earlier this week that they’d be taking over more space in their building at 3rd St. and Utica Ave, meaning more room for their delicious, inspired baked goods that range from sweet treats (yuzu meringue danish) to savory meals (mushroom vegan banh mi) and beyond (‘Nduja Hot Honey Pizza). 

It’s been quite the last year for the bakery. Over the summer, owner Cat Cox became the first Tulsan (and just the third Oklahoman) to win a James Beard award months after it was named one of the New York Times’ best 22 bakeries in the country. 

In other local and statewide news:

LOCAL NEWS

• Former Osage Nation Principal Chief Jim Gray died last week. During his two consecutive terms as chief, Gray led the overhaul of the tribe’s government through a reform measure that secured equal voting rights for every Osage citizen over the age of 18. Gray is survived by many family members, among them Pickup contributor Henry Roanhorse Gray. Our thoughts are with Henry and his family this week. [Osage News] 
• For more on Jim Gray’s legacy, read Allison Herrera on his administration’s reforms and the massive land deal they enabled in 2016. [Osage News]
• As ICE targets immigrants and the businesses that employ them, the Tulsa Hispanic commission last week approved an 8-page playbook detailing constitutional rights of restaurant owners and their employees “at risk of unconstitutional search.” [Tulsa Flyer/La Semana]  
• Meanwhile, high school students across the metro are walking out of class to protest ICE, in some cases even drawing the ire of conservative state legislators.
• He dunked on Michael Jordan. Former New York Knick and Tulsa native John Starks got his jersey retired at Central High School. The real question: why’d it take so long? [105.3 KJamz]
• The Tulsa World’s parent company Lee Enterprises named Kristen Wright as its new leader following a round of fall layoffs. [Tulsa World]

STATE & REGIONAL NEWS

• Who wants to be the next Swadley’s BBQ? The state is seeking the next operator for state park restaurants at Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Quartz Mountain, Robbers Cave, and Roman Nose. [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma could qualify for $1 billion for rural healthcare projects through 2031. Meanwhile, big cuts to Medicaid will take effect before then. State leaders are left weighing how much to lean on federal funds for healthcare. [Oklahoma Watch]
• A Massachusetts man faces up to six months in Oklahoma County jail for allegedly impersonating Ryan Walters. [NonDoc]
• Oklahoma City is getting one of the biggest Braum’s stores ever built. It turns out Braum’s has been steadily increasing store square footage since the early 2000s to accommodate the grocery section. Who knew? [The Oklahoman]

JOB LISTINGS

• Family & Children’s Services is hiring a VP of Marketing & Communications:
  • This role leads integrated marketing and messaging, directs digital and media strategy, and serves as a key advisor and spokesperson.
    • Compensation not listed
• Northside Neighbors is hiring an Office Manager:
  • This position is responsible for managing day-to-day administrative functions, supporting organizational logistics, and ensuring efficient internal operations for a north Tulsa nonprofit.
    • Compensation not listed
• Maxwell Park Library is hiring a Community | Branch Manager:
  • This position is responsible for the direct management of the Maxwell Park Library, as well as its oversight, direction and execution of strategic plans.
    • Listed compensation: $4,192.00 - $6,075.00 monthly