News

Community Calendar

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
10/7-Canton ELEM/JH Football vs. Ringwood @ Home 5:30 p.m.10/3-Canton Tigers vs. Covington-Douglas, away 7 p.m.10/10-Watonga Cheese/Plains Collective Festival 1-5 p.m.

Lawmakers Launch Study on Soaring Homeowner Insurance Rates

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – In a show of bipartisan and bicameral cooperation, Representative Andy Fugate, D-Del City, Representative Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, and Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, DOklahoma City, are joining forces to lead a twopart interim study examining Oklahoma’s skyrocketing...
(ABOVE) The Diamondback Correctional Facility at Watonga has been empty since 2010. That could soon change as ODOC and Homeland Security consider its use for housing immigration detainees

(ABOVE) The Diamondback Correctional Facility at Watonga has been empty since 2010. That could soon change as ODOC and Homeland Security consider its use for housing immigration detainees

Diamondback Reaches Contract With ICE

Connie Burcham Editor
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
CoreCivic announced early this morning that a contract has been reached to resume operations at the Diamondback Correctional Facility, vacant since 2010.The contract commenced September 30 and is valid for five years. It may be extended through modifications by all parties.
(ABOVE) Former State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters speaks to members of the press at the Oklahoma State Capitol five days ago as he announced his .resignation.

(ABOVE) Former State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters speaks to members of the press at the Oklahoma State Capitol five days ago as he announced his .resignation.

Walters Quits, Sanders Mentioned as Replacement

Connie Burcham Editor
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Controversial State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced Wednesday evening that he is resigning. He will become the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization he was accused of promoting using state funds.

Community Events

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
1 0/ 2-Geary Fast Pitch @ OSSAA Regional Tournament -Calumet Chieftains @ Regional Tournaments, home 2 p.m.1 0/ 3Watonga Eagles Football vs Cashion, away 7 p.m.-Calumet Chieftains @ Regional Tournaments, home -Canton Tigers Football vs.Covington-Douglas, away 7 p.m.-Geary Bison Football vs. Mt.

Blaine County Courthouse News

News Staff
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
CivilSNB Bank National Association vs John E. Biggs A/K/A John Edward Biggs Et A, Farm Services Agency, U.S. Department Of Agriculture Ex Rel, Mary E. Biggs A/K/A Mary Elizabeth Biggs, Foreclosure Thomas M. Walker And Kristine T.
This recent photo shows new razor wire at Diamondback Correctional Facility, one of many upgrades seen by residents this year.

This recent photo shows new razor wire at Diamondback Correctional Facility, one of many upgrades seen by residents this year.

Another Step Toward Opening Diamondback

Connie Burcham Editor Editor@watongarepublican.com
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Wednesday was a red-letter day for Watonga, one way or another. The Oklahoma Board of Corrections considered a contract with CoreCivic to reopen the Diamondback Correctional facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement -ICE- detention center. The prison closed in 2010.

Absentee Deadline

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the county election board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, September 29.
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