Area basketball

Franklin Carl Ramseyer

Franklin Carl Ramseyer, proud veteran and lifelong resident of Meeker, Oklahoma, entered eternal life on Ash Wednesday,Valentine’s Day,February14,2024, after a brief illness at home surrounded by his family at the age of ninety years old.

George Conrad Markert

George Conrad Markert, 94, of Stroud, OK, died February 13, 2024. G. Conrad Markert MD was born October 17, 1929, in Muskogee toGeorgeEmilMarkert and Emma Phillips. Dr. Markert graduated fromMuskogeeCentral High School in 1947 andattendedOklahoma Baptist University on a track scholarship.

Billy Jess Welborn

Billy Jess Welborn, a long-time resident of Meeker, Oklahoma was born on October 3, 1933, in Meeker. He departed this life on February 14, 2024, at his home in Meeker, at the age of 90 years. Bill was the son of Earnest and Ethel Welborn. He grew up in Meeker and attended Meeker Schools.

Ellis Wayne Routh

Ellis Wayne Routh, 86, was born February 2, 1938 in Kendrick, to John and Flossie (Morton) Routh. He passed away, exactly one mile southwest of the exact location he was born, February 18, 2024, in his home with his family at his side.

Frank Junior Staley

Frank Junior Staley was born December 31,1957,inShawneeto Benjamin Franklin and Edna Leona (Downey) Staley. Hepassedaway February 15, 2024, in Norman at the age of 66. From the time Frank was a kid he always loved to make people smile.

Leah Shalene Johnson

Leah Shalene Johnson was born on January 3, 1986, and passed away on January 27, 2024. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Brooklyn Shalene Johnson; maternal grandparents, Hardy and Maudie Northcross; paternal grandparents, Kenneth andMarthaJohnson;and several aunts and uncles.

Pinnell: Play to our strengths

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell believes that the state of Oklahoma should play to its strength, which is pushing tourism along Rt. 66.

Raines, Kline candidates for state FFA positions

Brynna Raines from Meeker and Cooper Kline from North Rock Creek are candidates for state Future Farmers of America offices. Raines is a candidate for Central area vice president and Kline is a candidate for state secretary.

Beta Sigma Phi picks Valentine’s Queen

On February 24, 2024, the chapter will hold a Valentine Celebration Dinner at Ladonna’s Grill in Meeker, Oklahoma where Sue Helms will be crowned as Beta Sigma Phi’s Valentine Queen. Sue Helms was born, raised, and graduated in Liberal, Kansas, which makes her a Jayhawker.