Senate Review

The 2026 legislative session will soon conclude as the Legislature has fulfilled our primary function and constitutional requirement of passing a balanced budget. The Fiscal Year ’27 budget was agreed upon by both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the governor. The $12.

Time Short to Request Absentee Ballots

Voters in Blaine or Caddo counties who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the June 16 Federal/ State/ County Primary Election should apply now, according to county election board secretaries Brenda Rice and Chelsea Bassham.

A Bubble Off Plumb

Some columns are easy to write, others difficult. This is one of the difficult sort.I know I have said I was leaving before, but I rolled back into town like a bad penny. This is different, because I am going to retire and move back home to Florida.

Attack on State Treasurer Lacks Merit

In politics, particularly during election years, thinly sourced allegations of wrongdoing are not unusual. Even so, a recent attack on State Treasurer Todd Russ makes for especially thin gruel. We’re supposed to believe Russ spearheaded a conspiracy to award a state contract … to the lowest bidder.

Retired Educators Meet in Caddo County

The Caddo County Retired Educators held its monthly meeting April 13. For 10 retired educators, a trip to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton was more than just a field trip, it was a walk through the history of Route 66.

Ferguson Features

One of the goals of the Friends of the Fergusons Home is to educate people on the pioneer life that people in Oklahoma Territory experienced, endured and overcame. Mrs.

A Bubble Off Plumb

It is a well-known facet of my bright and changeable charm that I love old quilts. New ones, too, but especially old ones.At this month’s meeting of the Cheyenne Quilt Guild, Maxine Strack brought in one of her old quilts.

Don’t Just Think It, Write It Down and Send It In

The Watonga Republican welcomes letters to the editor that comment on and further the public debate on topics of general interest. This includes elections and candidates within reason but should include legitimate concerns or opinions.

Senate Review

2026 marks my 12th and final year in the State Senate, and after working and voting on the state budget every year since 2014, I can say that I have truly seen it all. I’ve seen our state in extreme budget shortfalls, and I’ve seen our state with record amounts in savings.

A Bubble Off Plumb

I did a very silly thing last fall. On a trip to a farm supply store in a nearby town, I looked into the chick bins. Of course, you know what happened. I came home with 10 pullets. There weren’t enough of a single breed to get 10, so I wound up with eight Red Rangers and two Sapphire Gems.