2025 Annual Review

January to June

January

January 2 — The new year’s first issue of this weekly newspaper continued an annual tradition of reviewing the previous year’s stories, issue by issue. This review is for the first six months: January through June, 2025.

Also this week, the Sports Year In Review reported on achievements of the Sulphur athletic teams in 2025.

The front page was dominated by ceremonial color photos of the basketball and wrestling teams’ Queen Coronation events. Basketball Queen Emily McCage and Wrestling Queen Greenley Stiffler were shown with their escorts. An article announced the nominees for awards at the annual Sulphur and Davis Chambers of Commerce Joint Banquet. The banquet was held on the 16th at the Murray County Expo.

Inside this issue was a listing of the many Sulphur and Davis students on the ECU Dean’s Honor Role for the fall semester, 2024. This recognition of academic high achievers at East Central University is reserved for students earning a grade point average of 3.3 for all their coursework. The list includes eight students from Davis and 18 from Sulphur.

January 9 — Leading the news on the front page this week is a story about several Murray County officials taking their oaths of office after elections. A historical milestone was recorded as Sheriff Darin Rogers began his fifth elected term of office — more than any other sheriff in this county. Other officials at a swearing in ceremony were County Clerk Jill Hall and County Commissioner Colt Williams. County Court Clerk Jodi Jennings was unable to attend.

This week’s issue was rich in historical articles, including one tracing the important roles played in the Chickasaw Nation by Murray and Garvin Counties. Two front page photos depicted the original 1906 Artesian Hotel that burned in 1962, and the modern hotel on the site now that was opened in August, 2013.

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A second history article suggested Sulphur was having a “renaissance” opportunity especially after the twister in 2024 destroyed most of the Historic District. The story also recalled a 1922 tornado that “tore through the west side of town.” It destroyed “the courthouse, 60 buildings and killed two people and injured 20.”

It was a sad week for traffic accidents as a story reported three people dead in two separate accidents. It also reported that one man drowned in the Washita River in Bryan County.

A recent photo of tornado damage downtown showed what remained of a 1905 building housing the Crescent Drug Store. The old intricate logo of a crescent moon with an owl was depicted in small colorful ceramic tiles. Most of the tiles are still in place, with just a few taken by the tornado.

January 16 — Dramatic (and beautiful) front page photos displayed a 10-inch snowstorm that blanketed Murray County for days. The worst winter storm since 2021 forced school closings and caused “havoc for drivers.”

Sadly, a 74-year-old woman died in a house fire on W. 10th St. in Sulphur recently. Officials reminded citizens to check smoke detectors and locate space heaters away from flammable materials.

Sulphur City Council was updated on drainage issues on property west of 15th Street. Among other actions, the council approved a new roof project for the Museum building as part of repairing tornado damage. The new roof costs $48,107.00.

School Superintendent Matt Holder begins his seventh term in July after the school board voted to re-hire him.

Holder told board members about ongoing tornado damage cleanup and funding. The schools have received nearly a quarter million dollars from insurance, but they’ve paid out more than $2 million in cleanup and replacement of school buses. The entire fleet was destroyed in the tornado.

January 23 — It was a gala evening as the Sulphur and Davis Chambers of Commerce held their annual Awards Banquet last Thursday at the Expo. The event honored several groups, businesses and individuals.

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Awards were given for, among others, each community’s Small and Large Business of the Year. Sulphur small business was Arbuckle Veterinary Clinic; Davis small business was Sooner Pharmacy. Large business recognition went to Centenario Mexican Bar & Grill, Sulphur; and Cross Timbers Hospice, Davis.

County Assessor Scott Kirby is leaving the post on January 31, 2025. His resignation was accepted this week by the county commissioners. Kirby has worked for more than 27 years in the assessor’s office; the past 22-1/2 years as the assessor.

At their regular meeting, the commissioners were updated on the planned move of the old courthouse offices to allow for renovation of the building. The Court Clerk andAssociate District Judge will be relocated to 921 W. 11 Street. and the Assistant District Attorney office will be relocated to 812 W. 11th Street.

January 30 — Echoes of the 2024 tornado continue to occur. A top story this week recognized the superlative efforts of Sulphur EMS officials and fire department after the storm. Honors came at the state level when EMS won the Service of the Year Award for their response and the rescue of a man who fell into a cave in 2024. Several employees also were awarded individual recognition for excellent performance of their jobs.

Sulphur Fire Department also won statewide recognition as the Emergency Medical Response Agency’s Responder of the Year for their role in the tornado response and recovery. Fire Chief Pete Haines noted that all city and county agencies work and train well together to prepare for such disasters.

Congressman Tom Cole announced the first of many provisions to come that will benefit Oklahomans affected by tornadoes in 2024. He has secured $25.97 million for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The funding will repair tornado damage and help debris removal. It also will help improve the safety and security of the infrastructure and fences in the area, the relocation of the bison herd, and pedestrian bridge construction.

At the county commissioners meeting this week, Hospital Administrator Jeremy Jones thanked the commissioners for their help in clearing the hospital parking lot after the recent snow. He also updated the group on upgrades and infrastructure repairs being made to the 15-year-old facility.

February

February 6 — Business is coming back to downtown Sulphur and the east side as retailers rebuild on their store sites. Page 1 photos showed construction progress on several businesses including Snak Shak East and Stone Creek Cornerstop and liquor store, both located at the intersection of U.S. 177 and S.H 7. In the heavily damaged Historic District downtown, the Mix Mercantile is under construction across from the Plaza. To the east, the DeArman Funeral Home is also being rebuilt.

Other businesses damaged downtown have been able to repair their structures and reopen, or have chosen to relocate to other community locations.

A retirement reception was held to honor Scott Kirby, who recently retired from his post as County Assessor. Bradley Vandagriff, a 12-year employee at the assessor’s office, was appointed to fill Kirby’s unexpired term.

At the regular School Board Meeting, the annual audit was presented for the year ending June 30, 2024. No infractions were reported. The audit firm praised the school personnel for doing a “good job with the schools’ finances.”

February 13 — Sulphur City Council approved an $8,000 bid by an attorney firm at this month’s meeting to “re-vamp, re-write and update the 22-year-old city employee personnel policy.” The council learned that the current policy is not compliant with all state and federal laws. The council also accepted the resignation of City Attorney Les Wesberry effective March 31, 2025.

The council also addressed other issues including seeking some closure on finishing the fuel farm at the airport. The project has seen many delays and issues since being approved in 2022. The council approved a police department CLEET training agreement for all new officers who are not CLEET certified.

Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Thomas stopped a motorist for two moving violations and conducted a probable cause stop that yielded 80 pounds of marijuana. The vehicle’s occupants were arrested and booked for trafficking in marijuana. Other charges are under investigation as well.

Parker Memorial Library has a new branch manager -- Ginger Britt, a former school teacher for more than 21 years. She is a graduate of East Central University with a degree in English Education.

February 20 — Sulphur Public Schools and Murray State College have entered into a partnership that allows students in high school to earn college credits in concurrent classes. Even better, students in the program can graduate with a diploma plus an associates degree from Murray State. The program is called the “accelerated college experience,” orACE. Sulphur was the first area school to sign on.

Currently, Sulphur has 75 students enrolled in the program, with five students on track to receive their college degrees at their graduation.

Another education article describes a free program offered by the Southern Oklahoma Library System that provides free tutoring in a variety of subjects to support local students. The online platform offers tutoring in math, science, reading, writing and more using professional tutors in English or Spanish.

In Business news, the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors visited at the State Capitol Day event recently. They are shown in a photo meeting with District 22 State Representative Ryan Eaves.

February 27 — Big story this week is Debbie Sharp’s article about the 13th annual Severe Weather Awareness and Disaster Preparedness Day Saturday at the Expo Center. Presentations and training at the event were handled by Murray County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. Brian McDaniel, Emergency Management Director for Murray County, organized the training for the purpose of bringing interested citizens together to discuss and train for future emergency situations. The event drew participants from several area counties.

The Murray County Expo Center served as a staging area for thousands of emergency responders and volunteers following the EF-3 tornado in Sulphur on April 27, 2024.

At the Sulphur schools, the 50-year-old Sulphur High School football field house was demolished on Friday. Sulphur Superintendent Matt Holder explained that a new modern field house was completed in 2019. He added that in the past few years the old building has served as the wrestling room, but the wrestlers will be getting a new facility in the new construction project. School officials want to see a new, more modern concession and restrooms built that would serve both the football and baseball fields.

Sulphur gymnast Sadie John withAlpha Gymnastics competed at what is known as the world’s largest gymnastics meet in Tampa, Fla., on Friday. The three-day event hosts over 6,000 gymnasts from 200 teams and multiple countries. Sadie took 9th over all in her age division, and 7th on the uneven bars.

March

March 6 — Eastern Murray County and Sulphur residents woke up to a strong storm early Tuesday morning that included a tornado warning. A strong circulation was reported near Hickory around 5:15 a.m. The Mesonet station north of Sulphur recorded about an inch of rain and wind gusts of 42 miles per hour as the storm battered the area with high winds and rain.

The Oklahoma School for the Deaf’s Senior Citizen Hearing Aid Program received a $150,000 grant from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma recently. The program benefits seniors who are hard of hearing or deaf and living on fixed incomes and are unable to receive hearing support or specialized equipment designed to alert them. The grant will benefit 400 clients served by the school’s program this year.

Several group photos this week showed recipients of awards presented at an annual awards ceremony by the Murray County OHCE clubs. The members have completed a large number of community projects in 2024 including donating hundreds of hours to the tornado event in April.

March 13 — A recent audit revealed major issues at the City of Sulphur. An audit firm representative presented the findings at the city council’s regular meeting Monday. Among the findings for fiscal year 2022-2023 is an estimated $200,000 to $300,000 in payroll overpayments and underpayments. While this total is for only one year, this week’s story states, “Over a 10-20 year period, the amount could potentially be in the millions.” The audit also mentioned confusion about the city’s policies and procedures. Recommendations included using more modern technology for calculations and tracking.

The strong storm event last week that included a tornado warning near Sulphur resulted in significant damage to the East Central University campus inAda. All classes were canceled for the remainder of last week, and one major building will be closed for the remainder of the academic year due to the storm damage. No major injuries were reported.

A major marijuana grow facility bust was conducted last week by 64 federal, state and local law enforcement agents at a location on S.H. 7 between Sulphur and Davis. Thousands of marijuana plants and processed marijuana were hauled off and burned, offi

cials said.

The deaf school has received a $150,000 donation from the Valero Ardmore Refinery recently. A color photo showed OSD and refinery officials breaking ground on March 5 for a Special Olympics practice and recreation area at the school, one of several planned projects.

March 20 — A page one story announced a generational milestone has been reached this year as the huge Baby Boom Generation’s earliest members reach age 80 years. The bulging population surge of “Boomers” began with those born in 1945 and lasted through 1965. Increases in birth rates after World Way II zoomed until peaking for several years in the mid-1950s. In 1970, the estimated total number of boomers was 74 million; This was 36 percent of the U.S. population.

Former State Representative for District 22 Wes Hilliard is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly embezzling money from the Murray County Junior Livestock Association, documents filed March 12 show. The missing funds amounted to $28,788 after subtracting some repayment by Hilliard, according to Undersheriff Ben Flowers, who was the lead investigator in the case. After a court appearance March 12, he was released on a $15,000 bond.

A story about a meeting last week of the Sulphur Sorosis Club featured local historian Neil Mayo. His slide show with historical photos showed details of the three historic city locations. The first two Sulphur towns were in what became Platt National Park until the city was eventually moved “up the hill.”

The Sulphur Sorosis club is one of 18 chapters in Oklahoma of the international organization that is dedicated to volunteer service.

March 27 — Local audiences are in for a blast from the past as the Sulphur High School’s Vocal Music Department presents the 1949 popular musical “South Pacific.” Two performances on April 5 and 6 are scheduled in Ardmore’s Goddard Center. A page one photo showed the entire cast of the musical, some dressed in costumes. The production moved to Ardmore due to the ongoing construction of the school’s new gym and performing arts center.

Another leading story this week urged citizens to “Be Prepared” for natural disasters, especially tornadoes before they strike. The information was compiled by the OSU Extension Service to help communities stay safe in future disasters. A photo with the article showed the massive EF-4 tornado that cut a path of destruction through northern Murray County in May, 2016. The damage path was over a mile wide.

Another photo this week shows the tornado-ravaged Hassen Building where bricks are still falling after last year’s twister in downtown Sulphur. Foot traffic and streets in the area are closed while cleanup continues. Muskogee Avenue buildings between West 1st and West 5th streets were heavily damaged or destroyed in the storm in April, 2024.

Congressman Tom Cole’s column this week shines a light on the importance of agriculture to Oklahoma’s culture and economy. He explained, “Agriculture is truly the heart of America.” He reports that Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in production of rye, third in wheat production, and in the top ten for several other significant crops.

April

April 3 — Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced he has secured $10 billion for economic assistance for farmers through his legislation -- the American Relief Act. In that amount is $250 million for farmers and producers in Oklahoma. The page one article included a statement from Cole and detailed explanation of application completion for assistance funds.

A large color photo showed about 25 family and friends at the Sulphur Veterans Center surrounding veteran resident Edward Wagner on his 99th birthday. Wagner served in the U.S. Army in World War II, and he earned numerous awards and decorations for his service, including two Bronze Stars, Also at the event were numerous veterans center staff and residents.

Three OSU students were named 2025 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars recently. Among the three is Nash Nevels, a junior from Sulphur. He is majoring in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. The prestigious national scholarship recognizes promise in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics.

April 10 — Severe storms caused considerable damage to homes, out buildings and power lines north of Sulphur last Saturday. One person was seriously injured in the fast moving system that battered the area in early morning hours. The storm included winds up to 64 milesper- hour, driving rains and hail. Power was knocked out to about 1,800 persons in the area according to Emergency Manager Brian McDaniel.

The Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur was scheduled for that Saturday, but was rescheduled for June 7due to weather concerns for the outdoor event.

The popular TJ Todd Band captured the grand prize at the Battle of the Bands competition at Stillwater’s Tumbleweed last Friday. A color photo showed the six band members accepting the cash prize. Two of the members are from Sulphur, and two from Ada.

Republican Charles McCall, former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has announced he is a candidate for Governor. According to an article this week, his campaign is off to a fast-paced start and now has more than $1.33 million in total receipts in the first six weeks. He has a record of conservative accomplishments. The next step in the campaign is the 2026 Republican Primary.

April 17 — The Sulphur City Council, at its regular meeting Monday, saw two councilmen receive the oath of office to begin their terms. There were legal questions presented to the city attorney about one councilman, Ryan Peters. The attorney said, in his opinion, there was no reason not to swear in Peters, even in view of issues raised in the recent city audit about his compensation. Other actions at the meeting were agenda items, with some of these having no action taken.

A federal fugitive who is on the state attorney general’s 10 most wanted list was captured in Sulphur last Tuesday. The 50-year-old man was the center of a nearly all-day manhunt in Sulphur and the CNRA before being taken down in a vacant lot on West 2nd St.

Another page one story traces the 70-year history of Sooner Foods stores, which began in downtown Sulphur as Howe Grocery in the 1940s. It moved in 1954 to the current location. As Sooner Foods, it later expanded to include stores in Davis and Tishomingo. The business was sold to a fifth-generation grocer from Comanche on March 31 this year. New owner Trey Clinkenbeard said the name of the stores will remain the same.

April 24 — This week’s front page is dominated with stories about the first anniversary of the April 27, 2024 tornado. The twister devastated a three-block area of downtown Sulphur, damaged the western side of the CNRA, and took out businesses and homes on the northeast side.

Two photos showed buildings that, while damaged, are being restored: the historic First Christian Church and the Arbuckle Historical Society’s Museum. The church sign displays the community spirit that is fueling the rebuilding that is underway. It states, “Sulphur Strong!” The other photo shows the museum, which survived but has major damage from wind and water, according to historical society President Mary Lou De-Fratus Heltzel. The more than 100 year-old structure has a new roof and further repairs are ongoing to the interior, exhibits and displays.

Another article announced an upcoming event commemorating the tornado tragedy. The public is invited to a “Sulphur Recovery Expo”: at Crossway Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. A second event is scheduled for Sunday, April 27. It is called “Hope and Healing One Year Later, and will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the downtown Plaza.

A third related story was about an “eerie reminder of the April 27 Tragedy.” Warning sirens blared late Saturday evening as tornadoes struck southern Oklahoma, including one that hit Ada. According to forecasters, that tornado took a direct path over Sulphur, but remained aloft. No major damage was reported.

May

May 1 — Last Sunday was a day of “hope, healing and remembrance” as a crowd of 150 people gathered at what remains of the Plaza downtown. Summing up the event, Sulphur Fire Chief Pete Haines adamantly stated, “Sulphur Strong -- I promise you we will be back!”

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Several speakers updated the crowd about the history of the event and days following to the present. The ceremony Sunday featured a large American flag waving atop a fire department ladder truck. It was held at the site of the devastated Plaza that was virtually ground zero when the tornado ripped through the historic downtown on Muskogee Street.

In the other story on page one, Emergency Manager Brian Mc-Daniel updated tornado damage, assessments and payments last Friday. According to recent data, FEMA has disbursed over $2.5 million in individual assistance to residents, and the Small Business Administration has issued more than $4.2 million in low interest disaster loans to residents and business owners in the county. The figures also showed that 108 homes were destroyed, 32 incurred major damage, and 21 had minor damage. Overall to date the total tornado damage assessment, including to CNRA, stands at $64 million for Sulphur and Murray County.

A major story this week was focused on the Murray County 4-H’ers Honors Night celebrated onApril 15. The annual event honored 4-H members for their work and achievements in the 2024-25 4-H year. The story listed winners of awards in several activities. A photo showed the many youngsters honored for participating in at least 90% of all activities and events during the year. Other photos showed 4-H officers who served this year.

May 8 — In the regular meeting of the Board of Education last Monday, the board was re-organized with Steve Jolly as president, Bear Runyan as vice-president, and Jenny Trett as clerk. The board also dealt with several housekeeping and seasonal items at the meeting. Regarding the ongoing school building project, general contractor Larry Sloan said the building is 65% in the dry and brick laying will begin as weather permits.

A couple of articles this week explained the impact of record-setting rains recently in Sulphur and the state. A photo and story noted that the Sulphur area received nearly one-third of its annual rain average since April 1 --- more than 11 inches. In the CNRA, several areas were closed last week due to high water.

The City Council met in a special called meeting to deal with details related to the airport’s fuel station, which is ready to sell fuel again. There are still inspections and a permit to be issued before fuel can be sold, according to City Manager Andy Freeman.

Acolor photo showed men who were involved with the Veterans Memorial Park on Broadway. The American Legion Post 148 here presented certificates of appreciation to city workers with the Parks and Grounds Department who helped maintain and improve the park.

Finally, a photo showed Sulphur High School Senior Taylor Patrick receiving the $1,000 Carrie Hunt Memorial Sorosis Scholarship from Sorosis Club President Donna John. The presentation was made during a Saturday brunch at the Hunt Ranch. Taylor has enrolled at East Central University and plans to become a teacher.

May 15 — Graduation time here sees Sulphur High School preparing to graduate one of the largest senior classes this Friday. In all, 110 students will get their diplomas in ceremonies at Agee Field beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Oklahoma School for the Deaf will hold their commencement exercises for seven students next Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the school gym.

Sulphur City Council, at the regular meeting Monday, elected Ward 2 Councilman Derek Stone as Mayor, and Ward 1 Councilman Alan McKay as vice-mayor.Also, Andy Freeman was rehired as City Manager.

An 18-year-old Davis Senior, Averiee Osmundson, died in a car accident just days away from her graduation. The single-vehicle accident occurred near Springer in the early morning on May 10. Davis Superintendent Jamea Gilbert referred to her as “a ray of sunshine,” as counseling is being offered to Davis students this week, This year is time for the 50th commemoration of the end of the long Vietnam War May 15, 1975. A story and graphic this week showed the peak combat years in the mid-1960s all the way to the war’s end. On April 30, 1975, the U.S. Marines left the embassy in Saigon, signaling the definite end of the traumatic conflict. President Ford had declared the end of the “Vietnam Era” on May 7, 1975, the official end date in the U.S. Code.

May 22 — The front page is dominated with news and photos of the high school graduation night last Friday. This year’s class of high achievers is one of the largest at 110 graduates. High School Principal Clete Cole praised the class for its leadership. He also noted that this class had ACT academic test scores that were well above the national average.

A photo showed a large group of SHS students displaying various awards and certificates at the annual Academic Awards Assembly held last Wednesday at Crossway Church. The article listed the $1.78 million in scholarships offered to students.

Another story this week reported on severe storms that brought hail, high winds, and more tornadoes to the area Monday. A strong twister hit northeast of Ada in the Atwood area. No major damage was reported in Sulphur from the storm.

A large detailed story turns the spotlight on Oklahoma’s high homeowners insurance rates. The article by a writer with Oklahoma Watch questioned why Oklahoma’s insurance rates would be higher than Texas or Kansas rates. “Strong winds and golf-ball sized hail have driven the nonrenewal rate higher than in any other landlocked (U.S.) state,” the author contends.

May 29 — Debbie Sharp, with the OSU Extension Office at the Expo, tells the history and significance of the Home Demonstration Clubs, now known as OHCE Clubs. A story and photo on page one explains that OHCE members met with county commissioners recently to celebrate OHCE week in Oklahoma. The article listed several ways in which the clubs here benefit the community through service and donations. For example, county clubs contributed over 600 hours in volunteer time along with a large financial investment for last year’s tornado recovery effort.

Another story asked, “Has the City of Sulphur’s tornado cleanup effort stalled?” The story states that assessor’s records show that about 68 businesses here were either destroyed or heavily damaged in theApril storm.Alist of projects that have been done or had money received from FEMAor insurance was printed. The city has received more than $900,000.00 so far from those sources, the article states.

Congressman Tom Cole has secured $50 million in competitive grant funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. Historic areas hit by natural disasters are eligible to apply. In announcing the legislation, he specifically mentioned downtown Sulphur and the Historic District as being devastated by the tornado.

Finally, a photo this week shows SHS senior Nash Williamson being honored as anAcademic All-Stater by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. His father also is in the picture. Only 100 public school seniors are selected each year for the honor.

June

June 5 — District Judge for the Twentieth District Dennis Morris has announced his retirement after14 years on the bench. The Judge serves five counties in southern Oklahoma, including Murray County. Morris cited health reasons for his retirement. It is effective Sept. 1, 2025.

This time of year features news of recently adopted Oklahoma laws as the legislative initiatives reach the Governor’s desk for final determination. This week, a story reported that House Bill 2147 has passed into law. The Municipal Code Enforcement Bill helps strengthen local governments’ ability to enforce building and safety codes in the state. Among other benefits, the law helps communities enforce codes on dilapidated “eyesore” structures.

Another article states that the Protect Our Kids Act has been signed into law. The measure is designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in cases involving alleged abuse or sexual misconduct by school employees. The bill’s sponsor explained, “Our top priority is keeping students safe.”

June 12 — A dramatic page one photo this week shows a “tornado- warned storm moving northeast of Sulphur on June 3 during an evening-long severe weather event.” The storm caused flooding in low-lying areas throughout the county. Sulphur has received nearly 6 inches or rain in the last seven days and over 10 inches in the last 30 days.

Another colorful photo showed First American dancers performing at Saturday’s Artesian Arts Festival in downtown Sulphur.An estimated 125 First American artists from across the U.S. displayed original art throughout the day.

Murray County Deputy Ryan Thomas seized nearly 26 pounds of raw marijuana after a traffic stop last Saturday on I-35, according to a probably cause affidavit. The marijuana was in vacuum-sealed packages throughout the vehicle. Two individuals were arrested and booked in the Murray County Jail with charges filed.

In legislative news, an article describes how a Service Animal Protection Bill became law after its sponsor led a successful override of the Governor’s veto. The bill strengthens laws regarding service animals, ensuring greater protection for individuals with disabilities. The bill clarifies and defines what makes an animal qualify as a service animal. It also specifies signage saying service animals are allowed in businesses and public places that ban animals.

June 19 — Page one this week is illuminated with a colorful photo of the historic Vendome Well in the CNRA. In the background is the “city on a hill” --- the Downtown Historic District. This photo is the first in a planned series in the next few weeks about the park’s Platt Historic District and how it has recovered from tornado damage last year.

In a public hearing Monday, the city council discussed the more than $19 million budget for the fiscal year. Following that meeting, the council held a special public meeting to approve the budget. In the regular council meeting, the members approved several items related to funding debris removal and other disaster relief in addition to other actions.

Another page one story this week focused on the significant impacts by two birth generations that have changed America. The Baby Boomers and Millenials are now in what social researchers call old age and middle age, respectively. Both generations have had a great impact on technological innovations in America since the first personal computers appeared in the early 1980s.

In legislative action, an article discussed the governor’s signing of a bill that delivers up to $75 million in new resources for county roads and bridges across Oklahoma. This represents one of the largest investments in county infrastructure in the state’s history.

June 26 — Big story and photos this week reported on a first-ever, 32-hour emergency preparedness training and certification program held in June at the Expo here. Twenty-six teens from across Oklahoma, including three from Murray County, gathered for the “My Prepared Initiative” camp. Sponsors of the training included OSU Extension Service, Murray County Emergency Management, and other organizations. Presenters of the disaster training included representatives of Murray County EMS, Sulphur Fire Department, and County Emergency Management.

In legislation news, several education-related measures have been signed into law this year that were priorities of the Senate Education Committee.

Another story praised the initiative petition reforms that protect Oklahoma’s election system.

A separate article praises the governor for signing into law the REINS Act. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025 demonstrates a “commitment to cutting bureaucracy,” explained Jonathon Small. The overall goal of this act is to reduce the regulatory burden in Oklahoma, which is one of the nation’s most regulated states, Small asserts.

Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole has secured $1.45 billion in disaster recovery funds for communities hard hit by natural disasters in 2023 or 2024. The article details how and when to apply for funds for communities that have received a major disaster declaration in those years.