Lincoln County commissioners during a special meeting last week discussed funding for a proposed new jail. Commissioners and others discussed funding possibilities and most of the discussion centered around a dedicated sales tax rather than an ad valorem tax issue.

The McLoud Public Works Authority has adopted a resolution authorizing a loan up to more than $6.4 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The McLoud City Council, whose members are the same as the PWA, has adopted a resolution approving the action taken by the Authority.

Chandler Jr. High’s Academic Team won the OAAC Regional Tournament on February 3 at Kiefer. They defeated four other teams to win the title. Next, they will participate in the Area Tournament on February 17 at Kiefer. Team members (pictured from left to right) are: Tatum Crouch, Halli Murray, Cali Hilgenfeld, Ian Radcliffe, Nate Nunn, T. J. Jenkins, Cooper Snovel, Elizabeth Myers, and Keelie Treat.

A Chandler man has been charged with domestic assault and battery by strangulation after an incident that reportedly occurred in Meeker last month. Ian Kyle Almand, 30, of 1010 Road in Meeker, was formally charged in Lincoln County District Court with the felony on Feb.

The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 has climbed significantly in Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties over the past week, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reports. In Lincoln County, six additional deaths have been reported.

Chandler High School seniors Jacob Moehle and Claire Norrell have been chosen as Lions of the Month by the Lion’s Club for the month of February. Jacob Moehle, the son of Ryan and Rachel Moehle, holds a 4.0 grade point average.

Officials at the Oklahoma Blood Institute advise that they are facing an emergency blood shortage due to sustained winter weather. The recent weather has severely impacted the blood supply that was already strained by COVID-19 related cancellations and closures.

As of Jan. 21, 2021, the American Red Cross Kansas-Oklahoma Region had responded to 272 events and served 762 clients due to home fires. With cold winter temperatures continuing this week the American Red Cross wants to remind people how to use space heaters and other heat sources safely.