Blackwell, OK

Tonkawa- Efforts to repair the major water leak at the Chikaskia River were unsuccessful. Professional Crews, including a dive team, were employed in an attempt to repair the broken line. Therefore, City Officials have announced the Water Emergency Order to Ration Water will continue to remain in effect. The plan...

Authorities are investigating a deadly house fire in Kay County.

The following information is provided by Blackwell police. At 5:51 a.m. inmate Shawn Dewell was released to the county jail. At 12:17 p.m. fire units responded to a report of a grass fire near the fireworks stand, 11900 west Adobe Road between O and P Street. Minors were counseled on fireworks rules.

Body COVID-19 saw life across the entire planet be upended as many were forced to stay isolated within their dwellings and away from the outside world. Many communities suffered as a result of the pandemic, but Ponca City was amongst those that managed to thrive and survive. Danny Head wanted...

BRAMAN — Officials are investigating a fatal fire that occurred in Braman last night. Firefighters from Braman, Blackwell and South Haven, Kan. responded to a fire in the 402 Kimmel last night at 9:08 p.m. Kay County Sheriff Steve Kelley said a female perished in the fire. Kelley said...

In a hearing Thursday morning, the attorney for Ponca City School Board said they will take a couple of weeks to negotiate a voluntary settlement with Frances Welch's family.

TONKAWA — The water emergency declared in Tonkawa on June 30 continues as the amount of water in the town’s water basin is reportedly at a critical level. On Thursday officials reported that a severe issue was located at the Chikaskia River, east of Tonkawa after a week of investigating.

We’re heading into 4th of July weekend, and the party has already kicked off in Ponca City.

PONCA CITY — The Ponca City Aviation Foundation’s Fly In Breakfast will be 7-10 a.m. July 1 at Ponca City Regional Airport. The Ponca City Aviation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth education especially aviation and aerospace and improvement of the airport. Tickets to the event...

Body The summer season for the Ponca City Wildcats baseball team was a highly successful one. The Wildcats were their league champions, going unbeaten in league competition. Four team members were voted to the all Northwest Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association team. The award recipients were TItan Bute, Teegan Hodgson, Cooper Leonard and Jaxon Testa.

Reservations need to be made a day prior by calling 580-763- 8051. All meals are served with entrée, sides and dessert. Drinks are also provided for in house dining. Meal cost is $4.00.

Citizens of Ponca City await hearing results on the decision of the Welch family vs Ponca City Public Schools in eminent domain action. Some have shown their support for the Welch family by placing signs on the fence of the football field. (Photos by Dailyn Emery)

Ponca City Main Street wishes you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day. As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, we honor and thank the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving it. In observance of Independence Day, the office will be closed July 4 and re-open July 5.

Body The motto “Be the Change” has been fueling conversations and dreams for Alena Jennings, owner of The Doodle Academy. While dreaming and planning this past spring, ideas of color, murals, and opportunities fueled conversations with local artist Kortny Miller aka Red Dirt Rosie. The High School Mural Project is one dream for change that is being put into action this summer here in Ponca City.

The Blackwell Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the annual Fourth of July parade, and this year, the march will be led by U.S. Navy E-4 Seabee John Hoogendoorn. The parade will begin Monday at 10 a.m. Line-up will begin at 9:15 a.m., with the contest for decorated bikes and wagons taking place at 9:30 a.m. At 1 p.m., a free-swimming event will take place at the Blackwell Memorial Pool.

NEWKIRK — About two dozen citizens showed up at Kay County District Court to show their support for the family of Francis Welch. Welch is a 92-year-old dementia patient living in one of two homes that the Ponca City Public School District is trying to acquire by eminent domain.

Public Works crews in Tonkawa have been investigating problems with the city’s water system this past week. This afternoon, crews successfully located the source of the water issues. The issue is located at the Chikaskia River, east of Tonkawa, and is severe. Crews are confident that the problem can...

NEWKIRK — Ponca City resident Shane Jones was sworn in by Judge David Bandy today as the new District No. 1 Kay County Commissioner. Jones replaces Jack Godberson who resigned his position this week. Gov. Kevin Stitt approved an Order of Appointment on June 17.

Trent Allen Voss, 57, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at his home in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Memorial service will be held on 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16, in Newkirk, Oklahoma at the Newkirk Senior Citizens and Community Center, Newkirk, Oklahoma with Rev. Martin Foster officiating. Trent was born on...

Ginny Marie Drake was born to Allen and Jewell Drake on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was the youngest of three children arriving as a little surprise with a 15 and 17-year age gap between her older brothers, Don and Ray. Living on the banks of Lake Worth, Ginny could always be found swimming, fishing, or hosting tea parties with her cousins for their Madame Alexander dolls. While attending high school she also attended Rutherford Metropolitan Business School and graduated from Arlington Heights High School in May 1964. Soon after graduation, she married Rick Norris and they had two children, Kristin and Kirk. While in Fort Worth, Ginny worked at Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation in the executive offices with her last position being secretary to the vice-president controller.