Chandler’s opera connection

Chandler had a remarkable influence on the development of an opera camp for young talents that has grown into a training program for aspiring professional singers. This summer, Opera in the Ozarks celebrated its 70th anniversary. The celebration was delayed a year because of COVID-19.

Grand opening at Brick Hill Corner Store

Jim Cummings prepares to cut the ribbon at the Brick Hill Corner Store in Chandler on Wednesday. The store is on Route 66 just east of the Intersection with state Highway 18. Photo/Brian Blansett

Deep Fork River Festival

Wellston held its annual Deep Fork River Festival over the weekend, despite high temperatures and a rain shower. Above, Dan Card entertains passersby. Right, Marcus and Rhonda Rodriguez compete in a game of cornhole. Photos/Alana Owen

The Stroud Arts Medieval Faire 2021

This is the Seventy-Eighth article in a semi-permanent column for Stroud Arts that appears in the Stroud American. The mission of these articles is to inform, educate and inspire you, the reader, to Make Art Happen in your life and the life of our community.

Meeker hires Treat as principal

The Meeker Board of Education this week hired a new Middle School principal along with several teachers, some of who will coach. Several resignations were also accepted. The board’s action came after returning to open meeting following a 25-minute executive session.

Blackberry Festival

McLoud celebrated its annual Blackberry Festival last Friday and Saturday. Over the two days, there were multiple events scattered throughout with a parade, concert and multiple vendors selling various blackberry themed items.

Another jump for COVID-19 cases

There’s been another double digit jump in new positive COVID-19 cases in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties for the second consecutive week, Oklahoma State Department of Health figures show. However, no new deaths have occurred in either county during that same period, according to the OSDH.

Seen on 66

There are a lot interesting things to see along Route 66 in Lincoln County and, no doubt, you have seen many of them. We took a cruise last week and shot photos of 10 interesting sites so you can take a quick quiz on where they are. The answers are placed on Page 4C.

Donations to first responders

Randy Bowen Chevrolet in Chandler donated $2,000 each to three local agencies on Tuesday.

Chandler board approves appropriations

The Chandler Board of Education this week approved its temporary appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, accepted the resignation of a long time teacher and also hired an instructor. The board also rehired all of its support staff, School Supt. Melody Toma advised.