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Crews inflate their hot air balloons Friday morning at the Ninth Annual Citizen Potawatomi Nation Balloon Fest. The three-day event featured two dozen hot air balloons, balloon rides and entertainment. Photo/Brian Blansett

Crews inflate their hot air balloons Friday morning at the Ninth Annual Citizen Potawatomi Nation Balloon Fest. The three-day event featured two dozen hot air balloons, balloon rides and entertainment. Photo/Brian Blansett

Up, Up and Away!

News Staff
Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Bench warrant issued for man charged with embezzlement

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A bench warrant with a $25,000 bond was issued for Justin Wesley Walker on July 29 for embezzlement.According to court documents, DistrictAttorneyAdam Panter filed one felony count of embezzlement against Walker, 46, for allegedly fraudulently appropriating $111,153.39 from Bret and Lynne Carlson.
Wellston school board approves contracts, polices

Wellston school board approves contracts, polices

Wellston school board approves contracts, polices

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
TheWellston School Board approved contracts, policies and personnel decisions at its regular meeting on July 9 and a special meeting on July 23.

Stitt visits Chandler

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Gov. Kevin Stitt made a stop at the Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Aug. 11 as part of a tour marking his last year in office.“I’m doing this 77-county tour, and I thought it’d be awesome to do it my last year just to get back around and meet all of Oklahoma again,” he said.
Lacey Echelle and Tonya Pennock, both first grade teachers at Stroud Public Schools, dance their way back to school, cheered on by the pom squad, cheerleaders and marching band on Aug. 3. Photo/Beth Young

Lacey Echelle and Tonya Pennock, both first grade teachers at Stroud Public Schools, dance their way back to school, cheered on by the pom squad, cheerleaders and marching band on Aug. 3. Photo/Beth Young

Teachers headed back

News Staff
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
On the left, members of the North Rock Creek marching band work through the basics of marching on Aug. 3 during their band camp. The band’s show this year is “Caged.” On the right, the Spirit of Stroud marching band works through steps at their band camp. The band’s show this year is “Eye of the Hurricane.” Photos/Emily Kalka

On the left, members of the North Rock Creek marching band work through the basics of marching on Aug. 3 during their band camp. The band’s show this year is “Caged.” On the right, the Spirit of Stroud marching band works through steps at their band camp. The band’s show this year is “Eye of the Hurricane.” Photos/Emily Kalka

Stroud, NRC Marching Band Preview

News Staff
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Over at North Rock Creek High School, the marching band is roughly the same size as last year, but they have a larger color guard, according to co-director David Bellows. He also leads the program with his wife, Heather.
Meeker FFA attends Big 3 Field Days at OSU

Meeker FFA attends Big 3 Field Days at OSU

Meeker FFA attends Big 3 Field Days at OSU

Mattie Hurley Meeker Ffa Reporter
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Members of the Meeker FFA Chapter recently traveled to Oklahoma State University to participate in Big 3 Field Days, an opportunity forFFAmembers from across the state to compete, gain knowledge, and strengthen their agricultural skills.
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