United Way of Payne County raises $1.25 million to support local nonprofits

PAYNE COUNTY - United Way of Payne County recently announced more than $1.25 million was raised through the organizations 2025 fundraising campaign.

Structure fire results in loss

RIPLEY — Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a structure fire on Jan. 30 near Mehan Union Church that ultimately destroyed a mobile home and a small travel trailer, according to department reports.Ripley Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 2:54 p. m. According to department...

CYCC announces new sports opportunities for 2026

CUSHING — Recently, the Cushing Youth and Community Center announced it would be rolling out several new athletic opportunities aimed at giving younger children more chances to stay active throughout the year.One of the most notable changes affects second-grade students, who will now be eligible to...

Yale woman sentenced after forcing mom to drink bleach

STILLWATER — A 49-year-old Yale woman accused of pouring bleach on her mother, forcing her to drink it and causing a facial fracture by beating her pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and battery, court records show.Cari Ann Cope was given a 180day jail term, with credit for time served, followed...

Former Drumright teacher charged in abuse case

DRUMRIGHT – A former Drumright Public Schools agriculture teacher has been charged in Creek County District Court with multiple felony counts accusing him of sexually abusing and physically assaulting students over a period of more than a year.Bobby Gene Pruitt, 62, of Bristow, was charged Jan. 30...

Cushing leadership opted for precautionary steps ahead of winter weather

CUSHING — As freezing temperatures and strong winds swept through the area last week, City of Cushing officials took proactive steps to prepare for potential impacts to power, roads and city services, a response that local residents say paid off.“I think the City of Cushing and the Payne County...

January brings tornadoes, snow and arctic cold

Monthly mesonet State Climatologist, Oklahoma Mesonet, Oklahoma Climatological Survey January 2026 delivered a little bit of everything Oklahoma weather is known for — a rare January tornado outbreak, a major winter storm accompanied by arctic cold, and continued drought across much of the state.

Time honored tradition of building snowmen

Time honored tradition of building snowmen and attempting to create the largest snowball was well displayed at Cushing Memorial Park last week before the increasing temperatures melted away the remaining snow.

Let it snow 2026

Voter Info for February

• Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 Early voting for Feb. 10 election and resolution due date for April 7 special elections• Feb. 10 registered voters in Creek, Payne, Noble, Osage, and Pawnee County will cast votes for either Dillon Travis (R) or Luke Kruse (D) for District 35 Representative in the Oklahoma House...