News

AND THEY'RE OFF! Wetumka 1st Graders are excited to start their journey towards grad - uation this month. Stu dents say they are excited about the extended recess time passed by the Oklahoma Legis - lature.

Over the past few weeks, I have had a number of conver - sations about State Question 844. Almost every one quickly turned to school funding. That concern is understandable.SQ 844 raises real questions about funding for schools and local governments.

By Ray Carter, OCPA There will be two state questions onthe ballot in Oklaho- ma's Aug. 25, 2026, runoff election. One addresses proper - ty taxes (ad valorem taxes), and the other concerns voter identification.

FeloniesIan Paul Andrews, Jr.

With the Aug. 25 Runoff Primary Elec - tion approaching, Hughes County Elec - tion Board officials are reminding voters of several important Election Day laws and procedures.

With the recent rise in inflation and groceries, the New Age Program here in Hughes County has had to find new ways of meeting financial needs as funding from the state has not risen to meet current expenses.

Wes Watkins Technology Center was honored to welcome Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields for a visit to discuss the future of education in Okla-homa.

It was a small group at the 2026 Atwood School Reunion on Saturday, June 27th, but those that attended enjoyed their time together telling stories from their high school days and the adventures they had.

CALVIN — A Calvin woman is accused of taking more than $3,000 from a local convenience store after the business owners reportedly discovered cash shortages while reviewing surveillance video and register records, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hughes County District Court.

HOLDENVILLE — An inmate at the Allen Gamble Correctional Center in Holdenville has been accused of first-degree murder in connection with the January death of his cellmate, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in Hughes County District Court.