News

Soaring above it all

Soaring above it all

Soaring above it all

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
There is a quiet confidence to Davenport senior Bryson Dingman.Sitting in an office chair and talking about his aviation class, he speaks softly but doesn’t hesitate. His mother, Jennifer Anderson, sometimes jumped in, pointing out an extra detail that the humble senior didn’t mention.

All-District band

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Many area students had the chance to take part in the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association’s (ECOBDA) annual honor band concert on Jan. 9 through 10.
Meeker freshman Stevie Buoy cleaning snow out of a cattle trough. Photo/Beau Newport

Meeker freshman Stevie Buoy cleaning snow out of a cattle trough. Photo/Beau Newport

Snow and cold don’t slow down Meeker FFA

Beau Newport Meeker Ffa
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
As a winter snowstorm swept across the United States bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and harsh conditions, livestock owners proved once again that dedication to agriculture doesn’t stop when winter weather arrives.

Commissioners

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Lincoln County Commissioners approved applying for the Comprehensive Opiod, Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant in their regular meeting on Feb. 2.
After months of work, renovations, and a little help from the community, the Skyliner Motel in Stroud is officially open for business. The owners -- Melissa and Charles Palmer and Cody and Terra Paige -- held a grand opening on Feb. 1, showcasing two of the new rooms. There is still a bit more to be done, according to Charles, but they are gearing up for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration this year. Photo/Emily Kalka

After months of work, renovations, and a little help from the community, the Skyliner Motel in Stroud is officially open for business. The owners -- Melissa and Charles Palmer and Cody and Terra Paige -- held a grand opening on Feb. 1, showcasing two of the new rooms. There is still a bit more to be done, according to Charles, but they are gearing up for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration this year. Photo/Emily Kalka

Grand opening

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Bethany Descher

Bethany Descher

St. Cloud demolition begins

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Work on the demolition of 1214 and 1216 Manvel - known as the St. Cloud buildings - has officially begun as of Feb. 2.

Competency evaluation ordered

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
A Stroud man who owned an alleged puppy mill will undergo a competency evaluation, putting his criminal case on hold.District Judge Sarah Bridge ordered on Jan. 30 that Jerry Hine, charged with 408 felony counts of animal cruelty, undergo the evaluation.
Effervescent Bethany Descher

Effervescent Bethany Descher

Effervescent Bethany Descher

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
If you watch Chandler senior Bethany Descher now, you wouldn’t expect that her foray into the arts started in eighth grade.
Above, Lincoln County Sheriff Kevin Garrett explains the various upgrades that are underway at the Lincoln County Jail, including new consultation rooms for counsel and clients. Below is an old cell block in the jail that is in the process of getting a new sewer line. Photos/Emily Kalka

Above, Lincoln County Sheriff Kevin Garrett explains the various upgrades that are underway at the Lincoln County Jail, including new consultation rooms for counsel and clients. Below is an old cell block in the jail that is in the process of getting a new sewer line. Photos/Emily Kalka

Lincoln County Jail upgrades

Emily Kalka Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The Lincoln County Jail is getting a facelift.The roughly $2.4 million project is covered by ARPA funds, according to Sheriff Kevin Garrett, and is upgrading facilities originally built in the late 1960s. A previous renovation added newer facilities in 2011.
Subscribe to