Body On nearly every important measure of academic success, Oklahoma now sits at the bottom. That hasn’t always been the case.

Body HOLDENVILLE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Body HOLDENVILLE — A recent explosion near North Pine Street and West 10th Avenue has prompted renewed concerns about illegal squatting and public safety within the city, according to information released by Holdenville City Inspector Ron Wiseman.

Body HOLDENVILLE — A creek flowing through Stroup Park in Holdenville has officially been renamed “Veterans Creek,” honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans in the community.

Body A longtime community volunteer known for her decades of service to others has been selected for a distinguished honor. Donna Lipe has been named the Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) 2025–2026 Diana Award recipient by the local chapter.

Body Best Buds...Penny and Esme had fun hunting eggs with Ms. Brown’s class and the rest of Reed Elementary this year for Easter.

Body Legislation designed to dramatically improve Oklahoma’s public-school literacy outcomes, including a mandate that students repeat the third grade if they read far below grade level, has advanced from both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature with strong support.

Body Currently, Oklahoma has one of the nation’s shortest school years and some of the nation’s worst academic outcomes. House lawmakers have now voted to increase the length of the school year, hoping additional instructional time will boost student learning as well.

Body Jimbo Cox.

Body There aren’t that many seasons of freedom in life. If you are in one, enjoy the season. When you are a child, you do as your parents say and go where they allow you to go. You are also tied to many, many years of school.