TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Lauren KellyHometown: Shawnee College: Oklahoma State University Degrees: B.A. in Journalism Years taught: 6Years taught at Dale: 4Currently teaching: Special Education 5th-8th Grade Family: Sons - Jack & Reed KellyWhy is teaching important to you?

Seminole State announces fall 2025 nursing grads

Seminole State College held a pinning ceremony at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on Dec. 12 for the nursing students expected tomeetdegreerequirements for the fall 2025 semester.In the photo on the left are nursing graduates and nursing faculty and staff.

Looking back

Staff Writer Here’s Part 1 of a look back at 2025 in Lincoln and Pott counties.January- A former Wellston substitute teacher, convicted of two counts of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of Technology, was sentenced to prison.

Oscar Eugene Randall

Oscar Eugene Randall, born on March 24, 1931, died on December 20, 2025, at 96. He was born in Andrix, Colorado, to Almeda Powell Randall and Harold Elbert Randall. He was raised around Meeker, Oklahoma, and attended school there. He married Mabel Earlene Raley on March 23, 1952.

Leanne (Annie) Blakeman

Leanne Blakeman (Annie), was born on January 14, 1969, and lived until November 11, 2025.Annie is survived by her son, Chris Blakeman, and her brother and sister-in-law, Audie and Debi Chiola. Other relatives that are not mentioned were remembered by Annie.

Barbara Mae Crary Dingman

Barbara Mae Crary was born on October 1, 1939, to Kelly Eugene Crary and Velma Vera Chase in Great Bend, Kansas. She passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 86.Barbara’s family moved to Sparks, OK, where she graduated high school and met James Richard Dingman.

Ronald Joe Curtis

Ronald Joe Curtis was bornonMarch23,1938, to Woodrow B. Curtis and Margaret T. (Williams) Curtis in Lincoln County, OK. He passed away on December 18, 2025, in Stillwater, OK, at the age of 87. He was a longtime resident of Glencoe, OK.Ron served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War.

Nancy Susan Whalen

NancySusanWhalen was born on October 9, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio, to Herbert and Mona (Martin) Anderson.She passed away on December 17, 2025, in Wellston at the age of 72.Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen Miglior; brother, RobertAnderson; and son, Clint Whalen.