News

Super Students Make the Grade

As the school year edges closer to its end, students are accomplishing their learning goals and being rewarded for it.Shown are elementary students who earned awards as student of the month (ABOVE), in reading (AT RIGHT) as superstar learners (BELOW LEFT) and as super readers (BELOW RIGHT)

Pardon Our Slip

The proposed discussion on a pickup truck purchase for the Blaine County Emergency Management office was included in the agenda of February 24. A news story in last week’s edition indicated otherwise. We apologize for the error and any confusion it might have caused.

Early Voting Relocated

Because of lack of handicapped accessibility, early voting will be held at the Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall on the north side of the building from 8 a.m.6 p.m. March 27-28. For more information or questions, please call the Blaine County Elections Board at (580) 6235518.

Area Kids Win KOB Contests

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is excited to announce the inaugural Student Environmental Champions Awards, recognizing outstanding Oklahoma students for their commitment to sustainability and litter prevention.The award ceremony will take place on March 6, 2025, at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Mercy Watonga Named in Top 100 Nationally

A recent ranking of critical access hospitals noted only one in Oklahoma in the top 100 across the nation – Mercy Watonga.Chartis, a top healthcare management consultant, lists critical access hospitals based on performance metrics, quality analytics and patient perspectives.

Two Gun-Rights Bills Advance in OK Senate

Two bills dealing with guns and gun ownership are now out of committee and may be heard on the Senate floor.The first, SB 50, from Jo Anna Dossett of Tulsa, would allow a sales tax exemption for the purchase of gun safes and other firearm safety devices such as cases and lock boxes.

SENIOR CENTER NEWS

By Brenda SteinWe had a wonderful week, weatherwise, this past week. We can almost believe that spring is going to come. February was brutal and we are all glad it is over. Now we can begin to think of planting flowers and vegetables for the upcoming months’ enjoyment.

Rollins Discusses Vision for Rural Prosperity

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered remarks to hundreds of local leaders at the National Association of Counties. There, she previewed her vision for restoring rural prosperity to America.

Today in History

March 5 is the 64th day of the year (65th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; 301 days remain until the end of the year.1496 – King Henry VII of England issues letters patent to John Cabot and his sons, authorizing them to explore unknown lands.

New Shop at Casino

The grand opening of NDN Pony Trading Post will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 13. The store is located at 1407 S Clarence Nash Blvd. at the Lucky Star Casino inside their gift shop in Watonga. The store hours will be Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.