Starting the legislative session

The 58th Legislature started Feb. 1 with the governor delivering his annual State of the State address. The governor stressed the work he’s done with legislative leaders to help set his priorities this year.

COVID deaths keep climbing

The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 has climbed to 55 in Pottawatomie County over the past week, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reports. The five additional deaths reported in the county include a female 65 or older, two males, 65 or older the OSDH said.

McLoud takes no action on TIF district

McLoud’s City Council during its most recent meeting took action to look at setting up a TIF district in the I-40 Corridor. Council members approved a legal services agreement and engagement letter with J. Brent Clark, P.C.

Charges for Stroud man

A Stroud resident faces a felony charge following his arrest in late January by Lincoln County deputies. Jerry Willard Ashcraft, Jr., 41, 616 6th Avenue in Stroud, who has several aliases, has been charged in Lincoln County District Court with larceny of automobile, aircraft or other motor vehicle.

Dale board rehires Wilkins, Widner

The Dale Board of Education this week renewed the contract of Acting School Supt. and Secondary Principal Ky Wilkins and Assistant Principal J.D. Widner. The board members also accepted the letter of retirement of Elementary Principal Bruce Throckmorton.

Central District Livestock Show

The Central District Livestock Show was last week in Shawnee. Above left, Savannah Gaylord from Wellston 4H dries her sheep before showing on Thursday. Above right, Poppy Robinson from Dale poses with one of her sheep. Photos/Brian Blansett.