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Above, Lexi Helmick of Meeker throws a loop during breakaway roping Sunday night at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. The rodeo continues through Friday night with the championship short go-around. Right, Marley Miller from Chandler heads her horse to the timer line during pole-bending competition in the Monday morning performance Below, bareback bronc rider Blake Huddleston from McLoud comes out of the chute on his bronc Sunday evening. Photos/Brian Blansett

Above, Lexi Helmick of Meeker throws a loop during breakaway roping Sunday night at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. The rodeo continues through Friday night with the championship short go-around. Right, Marley Miller from Chandler heads her horse to the timer line during pole-bending competition in the Monday morning performance Below, bareback bronc rider Blake Huddleston from McLoud comes out of the chute on his bronc Sunday evening. Photos/Brian Blansett

Locals at the IFYR

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Sheriff Kevin Garrett (left) stands with Rod Baker (right) at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Photo/Emily Kalka

Sheriff Kevin Garrett (left) stands with Rod Baker (right) at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Photo/Emily Kalka

Using trauma-informed wellness to fight addiction

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
It was a traumatic car accident that changed everything for Rod Baker, but not in the way one might think.On July 21, 2023, he hit a steer at night on Highway 99 and went off a bridge and into a tree, which crushed his neck. He should have been paralyzed, he said, but made a miraculous recovery.
Sheriff Kevin Garrett stands with Nick Taylor, Director of Psychiatry for Redemption. Photo/Andrew Frazier

Sheriff Kevin Garrett stands with Nick Taylor, Director of Psychiatry for Redemption. Photo/Andrew Frazier

New provider brings psychiatric care to Lincoln County jail

Andrew Frazier Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Lincoln County officials, mental health providers and state lawmakers gathered at the OSU Extension office July 10 to discuss strengthening mental health care for inmates and improving their transition to community treatment after release.
Stroud runway project moves foward

Stroud runway project moves foward

Stroud runway project moves foward

Andrew Frazier Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Stroud Municipal Airport runway expansion remains scheduled for completion Sept. 26 after favorable weather early in construction gave way to rain delays.Work began March 9, starting a 200-day construction period, City Manager Bob Pearman said. As of July 7, crews were on day 120.

Sample ballots now available

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Sample ballots are now available for the Aug. 25 Election. Voters can view or download a sample ballot using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal or pick up a copy at the Lincoln County Election Board during normal business hours.Sample ballots are tailored to each voter and their precinct.

Stroud City Council approves grant app

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
TheStroudCityCouncil gave approval to the grant administrator and city manager to work toward applying for a grant to help develop affordable housing at its regular meeting on July 9.
Kaydence Staude and Baylee Weeks stand with other participants at a leadership conference. Photo/Meeker FFA

Kaydence Staude and Baylee Weeks stand with other participants at a leadership conference. Photo/Meeker FFA

Meeker FFA members represent at conferences

Mattie Hurley Meeker Ffa Reporter
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
While many students are enjoying summer vacation, members of the Meeker FFA Chapter have spent June representing their school and community through leadership conferences and livestock competitions.

Deatherage gets life

Emily Kalka Editor
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
A man charged with multiple counts of aggravated possession of child sexual abuse materials and crimes against nature, among other charges, was sentenced to two life sentences, plus 20 and more on July 10.Jered Deatherage, 27, pleaded guilty to nine charges on April 28.
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