State basketball

Above, the Wellston bench celebrates a basket during the Class A state tournament last week The WLTs made their first state tournament appearance since 1989 and played well, but fell to defending state champion Cyril.. Photo/Brian Blansett.

James A. Warren, Jr.

James A. Warren, Jr., of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital.Born on August 6, 1947, in Lyons, Georgia, Jim was the son of the late James A. Warren Sr. and Madelyn Gillis Warren.

Rachel Demenica Keeling

Rachel Demenica Keeling was born on July 6, 1925,inStroud,Oklahoma, to Gaspere and Mary Randazzo. She departed this life on March 1, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. On November 23, 1942, Rachel Randazzo married the love of her life, Aaron Keeling.

Donald Gene Ashcraft

DonaldGeneAshcraft departed this earthly life on February 27, 2026, at the age of 74.He was born to Robert and Elsie Ashcraft on December 31, 1951, in Meeker, OK.Donald grew up in what was known as Midlothian, OK. After graduating from Chandler High School in 1970, he joined the United States Army.

Roger Vinson Nelson

Roger Vinson Nelson, known as RV to close friends and family, was born onAugust 3, 1951, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at home in Guthrie, at the age of 74.He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester A Nelson and Ina Mae Nelson, and his two sisters.

Patricia Maxine Rhoads

Patricia Maxine Rhoads was born on February 2, 1945, in Hardesty, Oklahoma, to Leola Maxine and Robert Smart. She passed away on February 26, 2026, in Carney at the age of 81.Patricia married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Rhoads, and together they built a loving family.

Steve Raymond Gillian

Steve Raymond Gillian, 83, of Chandler, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 26, 2026.Born February 1, 1943, to John Gillian and Leota Lillibridge-Gillian, Steve’s life was defined by the love of his family and a lifelong dedication to education and music.

Dale student honored

Paul Potts, a senior from Dale High School, has been selected for the 2026 Academic All-State Class by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.Potts is valedictorian for his class and a longstanding member of the National Honor Society, according to OFE.

Rotarians of Month announced

Adrianna Rivera and Lily Milam have been selected as Rotarians of the Month for March by the Chandler Rotary Club.Adrianna Rivera is the daughter of Elizeo Rivera and Amanda Lutz. She has attended Chandler Public Schools for six years.Adrianna has maintained a 4.