Demolition begins

Midwestern Wrecking is making progress on the demolition of the St. Cloud buildings in downtown Chandler.The removal of the two historic buildings is set to take place gradually over the next two or so weeks due to the complexity of the project, according to the City of Chandler.

Mike McCormick passes

Mike McCormick, 78, Hall of Fame journalist and reporter for the Lincoln County News, died early Sunday morning at his home in Shawnee.Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025, but continued working a full schedule and filed his final article for the Lincoln County News two weeks ago.

Sharron Kaye Irby

Sharron Kaye Irby was born July 2, 1953 in Oklahoma City to Elord and Patricia (Danker) Butler. She passed away on February 5, 2026, in Wellston at the age of 72.Sharron was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings.

Norma Lee Hightower

On February 4, 2026, surrounded by love and carried in the hearts of familyandfriends,Norma Lee Hightower departed this life peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and compassion.

Nancy Ailene McCollough

NancyAilene (Morris) McCollough was born May17, 1952, in Yukon, Oklahoma, to Ralph and Veda (Smith) Morris. She passed away on February 3,2026, in Shawnee at the age of 73.Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings.

Monte Levi Wilson, Sr.

Monte LeviWilson, Sr. was born December 7, 1950, in Tulsa to Billy and Bobba (Mattheyer) Wilson. He passed away on February 7, 2026, in Oklahoma City at the age of 75.Monte was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of nearly 41 years, and his son.

Nancy Jo Reedy

Nancy Jo Reedy, age 86, a longtime resident of Agra, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Drumright, Oklahoma.Nancy was born on April 3, 1939, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to William O. and Lillian Jessie (Arey) DeJarnette. She was their onlychild.

Soaring above it all

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

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.

Snow and cold don’t slow down Meeker FFA

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.