Samuel Richard Sparks

Samuel Richard Sparks, known to everyone simply as Sam, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born on December 24, 1936, in Midwest City to John and Ruby Mae McEntire Sparks. He was a resident of Sparks, Oklahoma, at the time of his passing.

Agra High School announces 2026 vals, sal

AgraHighSchoolhasannounced the valedictorians and salutatorians for the graduating Class of 2026. Rylie Pendergraff and Julia Olson were named valedictorian, while Gage Olson was named salutatorian.

Carney High School announces valedictorian, salutatorian

Carney High School has announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2026. Macy Hubach was named valedictorian, while Charles Calkin was named salutatorian.Macy Hubach, ValedictorianMacy Hubach is the daughter of Katrina and Jason Hubach.

Stroud City Council approves library board appointees

The Stroud City Council approved the appointments of three directors for the Stroud Library Board at its regular meeting on April 9.Louise Gordan, Marilyn Hudson and Raquel LeMaster were all reappointed to the board for three-year terms.

LCOS stages original production “Black Sunday”

Lovers of the theatre have the opportunity to be transported back to the days of the Dust Bowl in the season opener at Lincoln County On-Stage, “Black Sunday.”The production is a world premiere, written by Chandler resident Ben Myers and directed by his wife, Mandy Myers.

Chandler drama students fundraising for nationals

The Chandler High School drama troupe is working to fulfill their dream of representing Oklahoma at the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Ill., this summer.

Bills aimed at ethics and transparency

HOUSE BILL 3413 Expands transparency in state agency contracting by requiring agencies to publicly list contractors, contract values and project status. It also mandates posting consultant reports and disclosing whether contracts are for outside services or to supplement staffing.

Lawmakers advance accountability package to protect taxpayer dollars

OKLAHOMA CITY — After months of study and collaboration, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep.JuddStrom,R-Copan, advanced a package of government accountability bills aimed at protecting taxpayers and strengthening ethical standards in state and local government.

Bills aimed at strengthening bidding, purchasing Standards

HOUSE BILL 3416 Allows counties to seek quotes for certain smaller purchasesinsteadofalways using a lengthy bidding process, while maintaining safeguards and documentation requirements to prevent misuse.

Winning big

The Chandler girls and Stroud boys took all the drama out of the 66 Conference golf tournament last week.The Lady Lions had the top two finishers and won the girls championship by 51 strokes. The Tigers had the top three finishers in the boys tournament and won by 49 strokes.