Jan. 3, 2024
Mercy Clinic in the person of Kristy Hock and the City of Watonga discuss whether the city would renew Mercy’s lease on the clinic property on Weigle Avenue.
The city’s point was the building needs too much work that costs too much to balance out the rent. Hock pointed out that Mercy makes repairs to the building. Mayor Bill Seitter wondered if Mercy would take ownership of the building and then be responsible for the repairs.
In December, city council approved the purchase of solar power radar signs that flash a vehicle’s speed.
Jan. 10, 2024
In 1964, Tom and Judy Love spent $5,000 on an abandoned service station in Watonga. They named their company Musket Corporation. Over the next eight years, Musket opened 40 additional gas stations. This week, the company celebrates 60 years of operations, marking a legacy of innovation, growth and community impact since its first store opened in Watonga.
OKLAHOMA CITY Attorney General Gentner Drummond will testifies to the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. Drummond was invited to testify due to his focus of ridding Oklahoma of the foreign nationals who have invaded the marijuana industry.
Veterans Waste, the garbage collection contractor for the City of Watonga, is still working on its collection routes since changing to twice a week pickup in town.
Spending $3 million in less than an hour might seem like a tall order, but Monday night in regular session, the Watonga School Board made it look easy. The board accepted the general fund encumbrances totaling $3,012,140. Of that figure, some $3 million is for multiple roof structures damaged in summer storms last year. Those funds were from the insurance settlement.
Jan. 17
The annual Lions Club meal and cake auction is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, January 25. Pork butt was so popular last year that it is the featured menu item.
Just in time for an arctic blast of cold air, the City of Geary is without a public works director.
Tommy Lewis became the gas department foreman.
Watonga City Council reviewed and passed a redistricting resolution, seeking to provide equal representation for all citizens.
True North Mapping and Solutions will map all the city infrastructure, locating it within six inches of accuracy. That means no more digging up roads looking for lines or someone buying a building for a business only to discover it doesn’t have appropriate water lines.
January 24, 2024
The first and second of Bridgeport Bridge’s refurbished 90- year- old camelback pony trusses were reattached on January 11, marking another milestone towards opening the bridge to traffic.
Nominations are open for the 16th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors, celebrating 50 Native American elders.
The council heard from RS Meacham, the city’s accounting firm, that it needs to consider its utility rates. Currently, the electric department revenue is at 38% of budget when it should be at 50% because half the fiscal year has elapsed. The drop in income – about $100,000 compared to last year --is driven by the wholesale cost of electricity.
Mayor Bill Seitter said that Watonga is higher on its electricity rates than many other municipalities its size but lower on water and sewer rates.
Jan. 31, 2024
It is almost time for the Blaine County Livestock Show and the associated events.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, the Affordable Connectivity Program that provided free or low-cost internet access to eligible customers will end in April.
Feb. 7, 2024
Sunday afternoon, February 11, beginning about noon, the local 4H and FFA show teams will put on a fundraiser meal at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. There will be a taco bar/Indian taco meal for $12 per person to benefit the show teams.
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, February 19.
Commissioners approved the bids from North Canadian Builders to construct two metal buildings for District #2 in Okeene. The cost of construction will be $147,066 for the two 45x100 feet buildings.
Early voting begins Thursday February 29 for voters in Blaine County.
Feb. 14, 2024
Several area teams are headed to district play. Both Watonga basketball teams are slated to face off against Hooker on Feb. 17 at Hooker. Tip off for the Lady Eagles is at 6 p.m.
The Blaine County Livestock Show will be held this weekend at the fairgrounds in Watonga.
The Watonga School Board agreed to beef up the contingency fund held by gym contractor Joe D. Hall. The increase of $250,000 will allow the contractor to include some items that were previously eliminated from the gym construction to hold the line on cost at bidding and to make up for the cost of a sewer lift station at $166,000.
Those re-introduced items include track in the gym, lobby windows and exterior lighting on the building.
Feb. 21
This is National FFA Week. National FFA week activities focus on fun for students of the Watonga public schools that publicize FFA and the opportunities it offers.
On February 13, Calumet School patrons passed a bond for $2.63 million.
The border crisis isn’t stopping at the border, according to Blaine County Sheriff Travis Daughtery. “Every county, city and small town has a border crisis problem,” he said Tuesday.
Feb. 28 2024 When the Watonga City Council met Feb. 20 in regular session, one of the items on the agenda was discussions between the city and both the Friends of the Ferguson Home Museum and Mercy Clinic. Each is seeking clarification on the upcoming expiration of lease agreements with the city and whether those leases would be renewed.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Blaine County District Court, John Turtle, 20, was arrested February 2 as a parent or other person willfully or maliciously engaging in child sexual abuse.
Watonga residents might see an increase in their utility bills before the end of the year.
The Caddo County Retired Educators will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 11 at the state capitol.
March 6, 2024
There were very few surprises on Super Tuesday in Blaine County or Oklahoma, for that matter.
The City of Geary held a swearing-in ceremony March 1 for incoming police officers. Chief Alicia Ford told the assembled officers and city officials that being an officer wasn’t a job, but a calling.
Patt Ward Curtin received a lifetime achievement award plaque Feb. 29 from Watonga City Manager Karrie Beth Little.
Some members and friends of the Watonga First Baptist Church congregation planted a magnolia tree on a lot across Noble Avenue from its building. The tree is in memory of Avree Lake, a member, who passed away last year.
March 13, 2024
The Watonga School Board Monday accepted the resignations of four employees, including coaches Alyssa Fuxa and Lauren Campo.
Nathaniel Reyes, 22, of Canton was taken into custody February 16. He is charged with aggravated possession of child pornography, a felony, and possession of obscene material, also a felony.
March 20, 2024
In response to recent wildfires in the Oklahoma panhandle and Texas, area producers are joining forces to send donated hay to the affected area so that ranchers in the scorched districts can feed their livestock It was like Christmas. Everyone knew it was coming and tried to get ready for it. Now increases in utility rates are here, but there is little joy to be found.
An arrest was made Monday morning of two suspects in the recent spate of vandalism around town.
Kayla Ragsdale was sworn in by City Attorney Jared Harrison Tuesday night at the Watonga City Council meeting. Ragsdale will serve as the council member for Ward 2.
March 27
According to staff and management of the Love’s store #1, there was an attempted robbery Saturday evening.
General manager Lisa Dollar said that at 8:39 p.m. Saturday, March 23, a male dressed in black clothing entered the store and immediately shoved a pistol at the clerk.
When the city council met March 19 in regular session, it again addressed the contract between the city and Mercy Clinic.
According to a legal notice in this week’s Watonga Republican, the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control are seeking to seize $9,320 taken as evidence during a raid on a pot grow known as CycoFlower in the former HollyTex factory.
April 3
According to a draft plan by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Watonga Municipal Airport is again in line for substantial grant money. A second project is included in the FAA five-year-plan. It would construct a new airport terminal.
Residents of Watonga are understandably concerned about the upcoming
rate increase across all utilities. That increase will go into effect with the May billing cycle.
A probable cause affidavit filed in Blaine County court lodges child sexual abuse charges against Steve Edwards of Geary.
April 10
Only feral cats were active Tuesday at Dunbar High School in Watonga. Thursday they will have to find a new place to live when the derelict building is razed.
Kindergarten students at Watonga Elementary School and adults at the Watonga Library watch party shared their thoughts on the solar eclipse Monday. Most of the onlookers said the same thing, “This is so cool!”
April 17
Get ready to laugh and have fun with Watonga Community Theatre in its upcoming show Rex’s Exes.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today issued a statement regarding a wind, solar and battery energy storage project in Garfield County, a portion of which is in House District 59, which he represents The Watonga School District swore in the newest old board member. Aaron Clewell was seated by acclamation as he was unopposed.
April 24
Like the abused or neglected children they represent, the wooden children are seemingly everywhere. There are some scattered on the courthouse lawn, a few at the Watonga Police Department and even a bunch over at City Hall.
Dispatch for the Blaine County Sheriff's Office has been transferred to 9-1-1 dispatch in Weatherford. The change is effective immediately and has been in the works for some time.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, used by many Americans to reduce the cost of home internet connections, will end this month.
May 1
There will be a fly-in and free breakfast on May 25 at the Watonga airport. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a fly-in invites pilots from all over to come and land at a particular airport and familiarize themselves with it and the area or revisit a favorite location.
A home on Market Street shows only a few signs of the fire that damaged it April 24 and killed a resident of the home.
A proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use.
The Watonga Masons partnered with the members of the senior citizens center and community to put on the annual chicken noodle fundraiser and cake auction. As a result, the senior center was able to bank more than $11,600.
May 8, 2024
At the regular meeting Monday, the commissioners held a lengthy discussion on the county’s travel policy and use of its P cards.
A P card – P is for purchasing or procurement - is different from a credit card in that it can be restricted to certain time frames or particular purchases. Like credit cards, they may have a pre-set limit.
It is graduation time around the nation. It is a busy time and locally it is just as busy.
May 15, 2024
Vehicles rolled again across the Bridgeport (Pony) Bridge on May 10. A reopening ceremony with national, state and local officials was held at 5 p.m. to officially rededicate the rehabilitated bridge to traffic.
Wheeler Brothers’ Austin Lafferty has some high hopes for the upcoming wheat harvest. “It’s going to be much better than the last two, without question,” he said Tuesday.
Track and cross country coach Jim Bob Coleman has offered his resignation. Coleman is going out at the top, having two state championships in the person of Brayden Cowan back-toback.
May 22, 2024
The City of Watonga has issued its draft budget. The revenue comes to close to $2.9 million and anticipates transfers in of $ 1.5 million from other funds. Expenses for the general fund adds to about $4.08 million, leaving some $2.6 million, or a net drop of $120,299.
Watonga High School senior Kelsi Scheihing has been named as the recipient of the 2024 Doris Lewis Cupp Family Memorial Scholarship. With an overall 4.0 GPA, Scheihing is the valedictorian of this year’s WHS graduating class.
Watonga City Council heard an update from Cole Niblett of Garver Engineers, the company to oversee its upcoming wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment projects. Mayor Bill Seitter explained that the projects weren’t something the city was doing just because it wanted to, but because the Department of Environmental Quality had forced their hand.
Members of the Chisholm Trail Technology Center board of directors, community supporters, contractors and guests were on hand to officially break ground on a new building at the school. It will house electrical careers on one end while the other will be occupied by a new, larger welding shop.
May 29, 2024 According to the Blaine County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Travis Daugherty, a search warrant was executed during the morning of May 21 at a residence located near the intersection of CR 820 and 2490 west of Watonga.
The property contained more than 100 hoop houses and buildings.
According to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a Custer County man was injured Friday in a two-car accident at the infamous ‘Y’ intersection nine miles west of Watonga on U.S. 270. The report shows Alfred Cuellar Reyes, 91, of Thomas, was injured in the 10:11 p.m. accident at the intersection.
May 5, 2024 Jennifer Haigler is a candidate for Blaine County Clerk. Heather Sawyer-Spangler is a candidate for Blaine County Clerk. Tracy Walker is a candidate for Blaine County Clerk.
According to an Oklahoma City news outlet, a car traveling from Watonga to OKC on I40 was stopped May 13 and the driver arrested. No information was released as to whether Pan was living in Watonga or if the marijuana had been grown in Blaine County.
Watonga Former Students Association had its Meet and Greet and Banquet on May 25 at the Watonga High School Commons.
Although the citywide garage sale has passed, the Greenfield Alumni Association is jumping on the bandwagon.
June 12, 2024
Perhaps the biggest news to come out of the regular Watonga School Board meeting Monday evening was that all students will receive free breakfasts and lunches for the next three years.
Tony Almaguer is a candidate for Blaine County Sheriff. Travis Daugherty is a candidate for Blaine County Sheriff.
June 19, 2024
More improvements have been announced at the regional airport, including a $3.5 million terminal.
There were two very competitive bids on the city’s water projects, each about $15 million for the combined projects.
The city accepted the bid from BRB, a Kansas company that specializes in wastewater and drinking water projects. There was less than $20,000 difference in the quotes.
Jennifer Haigler and Heather Sawyer-Spangler candidates for county clerk, went to the runoff set for August 27. Meanwhile in the race for county sheriff, former top cop Tony Almaguer was defeated, returning Travis Daugherty to the seat outright with no runoff.
May 26, 2024 Rodney Jacks retired after 28 years with the City of Watonga.
Tyler and Alan Bernhardt moved to reinstate the Watonga Hall of Fame for football.
A Woodward man, Jessie Alger, was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of meth after a traffic stop in Blaine County.
Gabriel Rocha was injured during an alleged attempt to outrun police near Canton.
July 3, 2024
Canton schools once again swept the field in the National History Day competition.
July 10, 2024
Former longtime U.S. Senator for Oklahoma, James Inhofe, died in Tulsa at 89.
The Watonga School Board toured its under construction gym addition. The Watonga FFA sent members to the annual Oklahoma Leadership Camp near Binger.
July 17 Jonathan Clark of Geary was arrested and charged with violation of a protective order, five counts of lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child and two counts of rape by instrumentation.
Fiscal year end numbers for the city of Watonga showed a general fund income of $2.9 million, vs last year’s income of $2.3 million. Total expenditures were $3.4 million, with the difference made up through transfers into the general fund from other accounts.
The Watonga School Board unveiled its policy on how teachers and staff electronically communicate with students, a move mandated by the Legislature.
School employees may only communicate with students electronically by group email or text message, or if the parent, guardian or another school official is part of the message.
July 24, 2024
According to information from the Blaine County Sheriff's Office, a drug operation July 15 in the Canton-Longdale area resulted in multiple arrests.
Rickey Dale Chandler of Longdale is facing felony charges of firstdegree rape stemming from a November 2019 incident.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigations has an ongoing investigation into possible misconduct and that it is working with the Watonga Police Department and the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office to determine what happened in the early hours of July 4.
July 31, 2024
The OSBI and the City of Watonga instituted an investigation into the interaction between a police officer and a resident early on July 4.
The Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program appropriated $18 million to a grant fund. Counties can apply for grants from $150,000 to $300,000.
The Geary School Board named James Rainey as the middle school and high school principal. Ashley Johnston had previously been named the principal for the elementary school.
August 7, 2024
Whether to charge two officers of the Watonga PD is back in the hands of the district attorney here. Reports indicate the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has concluded its deep dive into the confrontation that took place in the early morning of July 4.
August 14, 2024
The Blaine County Fair will take center stage August 22-24 at the fairgrounds.
A statement the first assistant in DA Tommy Humphries’ office read: After review, our office is not filing any criminal charges related to the investigation of Mr. (Monty) Goodwin’s conduct during the early morning hours of July 4, 2024. Our office was solely tasked with determining whether any of Mr. Goodwin’s conduct in this matter was criminal in nature.
Early test results showed improvement at nearly every level in the Watonga School District.
August 24, 2024
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations has confirmed a second investigation into a Watonga police officer.
This case centers on actions captured on the officer’s body camera when police were called to assist with an unruly patient who was refusing transport. The officer had been on administrative leave from the city police department, but confirmed to the Republican Tuesday that he had been fired.
The Blaine County Sheriff's Office charged Carla Cardenas-Rodriguez of Phoenix, Arizona with not having a valid driver’s license and transporting, moving or attempting to transport illegal aliens.
The remaining three Watonga city council members – Mayor Bill Seitter and Vice mayor Travis Bradt resigned August 15 – selected newcomer Kayla Ragsdale to serve as mayor Council member Tina Willis was nominated as vice mayor, but the motion died for lack of a second. Ryan Bruner was then nominated and selected, with Willis casting a ‘No’ vote.
Watonga Community Theatre will host a concert of OK3 as the 41st annual membership party at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27.
August 28, 2024
In a runoff election with a surprisingly robust turnout, challenger Heather Sawyer-Spangler defeated sitting