HOLDENVILLE, Okla. — The Holdenville Public Library will soon see major improvements aimed at increasing accessibility for all visitors, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the American Li-brary Association.

“Drones can be useful tools, and I am all about useful tools. One of my mottos is ‘the right tool for the right job.’” Martha Stewart On Nov.

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

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.

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. The effort to rename the creek was led by Doyle Tampleton, a Vietnam veteran and recipient of two Pur-ple Hearts.

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.

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

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.

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.