OPA Awards Program 2021-22 by jgilliland

AWARD WINNERS ★ OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION ★

June 11 2022

OPA AWARD WINNERS

Honoring ‘Our Greatest Journalists’ since 1971

Thanks for what you do! The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame greatly appreciates your outstanding journalism and leadership. Please continue to fight for transparency, open records, open meetings and the First Amendment.

The deadline for nominations for the 2023 class will be Oct. 31. To submit a nomination, go to our redesigned website at okjournalismhalloffame.com.

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS MILT PHILLIPS AWARD, Presented to Kelly Dyer Fry.............................................................. Page 2 ONF BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD, Presented to Kim Poindexter ..................................... Page 2 HALF CENTURY CLUB Inductees............................................................................................ Page 3 QUARTER CENTURY CLUB Inductees ................................................................................ Page 4-5 ADDITIONAL AWARDS.......................................................................................................... Page 6-7 ONG Sweepstakes Winners; OGE Photo of the Year Winners; Digital Media Awards; OPA Magazine Contest; ONF Joseph H. Edwards Outdoor Writer of the Year; ONF Ray Lokey Memorial Award for Excellence in Reporting

BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST WINNERS Sequoyah Award Winners ..............................................................................Page 11 Division 1, Dailies, Population more than 30,000 ......................................... Page 12 Division 2, Dailies, Population less than 30,000 ........................................... Page 14 Division 3, Semi- and Tri-Weeklies ............................................................... Page 16 Division 4, Weeklies, Population more than 19,000 ..................................... Page 20 Division 5, Weeklies, Population 7,000 – 19,000 ......................................... Page 22 Division 6, Weeklies, Population 3,500 – 7,000 ........................................... Page 24 Division 7, Weeklies, Population 2,000 – 3,500 ........................................... Page 28 Division 8, Weeklies, Population less than 2,000 ......................................... Page 30 College Newspapers ..................................................................................... Page 34 PERFECTA AWARD WINNERS .............................................................................................. Page 33

2021-22 OPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT JOHN DENNY MONTGOMERY, THE PURCELL REGISTER

ZONELLE RAINBOLT, WESNER PUBLICATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT MARK MILLSAP, THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT TREASURER JEFF MAYO, SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT MARK THOMAS, OPA

DON MECOY, THE OKLAHOMAN SHAUNA BELYEU, THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL SHEILA GAY, WOODWARD NEWS SUZIE CAMPBELL, COUNTYWIDE & SUN MISTI RINEHART, TULSA WORLD

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

OPA MILT PHILLIPS AWARD WINNER

KELLY DYER FRY Former Publisher/Editor, The Oklahoman

Kelly Dyer Fry, former editor and publisher of The Oklahoman, is the Oklahoma Press Association’s Milt Phillips Award winner for 2022. Fry is a third-generation journalist and graduate of Oklahoma State University.

She began her career at her family’s newspaper, the El Reno Tribune. She then owned and edited the Okarche Chieftain for eight years. Fry joined The Oklahoman in 1994 and worked there 26 years. She began as a features editor, moved to the digital side in 1996 and led the team that launched NewsOK, and was named editor in 2012. She was the first woman to be named editor and publisher of The Oklahoman. She retired from the paper at the end of 2020. Fry has served on numerous boards including the United Way of Central

Oklahoma, The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and City Care. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2014. She served on OSU’s Student Media Board and on the boards of the Health Alliance for the Uninsured and F.A.T.E., Fighting Addiction Through Education. She also served on the Teen Recovery Solutions board for six years helping grow Oklahoma’s only sober high school. Nationally, Fry served on the board of the Associated Press Media Editors and the New Media Federation of the

Newspaper Association of America. United Way of Central Oklahoma named Fry as the recipient of the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rexs’ vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. Fry has utilized her influence in the community and media to advocate for issues such as mental health, addiction, homelessness and justice reform. Fry is married to Chris Fry and together they have four adult children.

ONF BEACHY MUSSELMAN AWARD WINNER

KIM POINDEXTER Executive Editor, Tahlequah Daily Press

Kim Poindexter Cisternino is the 2022 recipient of

the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation’s Beachy Musselman Award. Poindexter has been at the forefront of Oklahoma journalism for nearly four decades. She studied journalism at the University of Oklahoma and Northeastern Oklahoma State University. She began working at the Tahlequah Daily Press in 1985, where she was named managing

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

editor in 1987, and then executive editor in 2015. She has led teams of award-winning journalists, many of whom have gone on to became professors, journalists at metro newspapers and broadcast outlets such as ESPN, and book authors. Known for her commitment to community newspapers and grassroots journalism, Poindexter was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism

Hall of Fame in 2018. She was named to CNHI’s regional editor team and now advises news teams at all 14 Oklahoma papers. Poindexter is well known for her in-depth reporting and opinion writing, as shown in the many column and editorial awards she’s won, including a fourth ONG-OPA Editorial Sweepstakes Award this year.

OPA HALF CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES JIM FIENUP

Spiro Graphic Publisher James F. Fienup, who passed away last year, has been posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Press Association Half Century Club for 2022.

JOEY GOODMAN

Joey Goodman, longtime sports editor at The Lawton Constitution, gained his love for sports at an early age. His battle against polio pushed him toward a career

Known to everyone as Jim and many times referred to as ‘Scoop,’ he was always on the beat to get the story first before other newspapers could publish. The veteran news reporter and writer worked in the newspaper industry for 54 years, from 1967 to 2021, covering seven decades. His health took a toll, but Fienup always was aware of current issues in the state and local area. He earned two degrees in Journalism and Communications from the University of Oklahoma. As a student intern at OU, he covered the 1963 assas-

sination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas. In 1967, Fienup was a reporter for the Russell, Kansas Daily News when he interviewed Presidential candidate Bob Dole, oneon-one. Fienup served as news manager of the Mansfield (Ohio) News-Journal for nearly two years. He worked for many newspapers and publishing companies, including the Poteau News & Sun in the 1970s and into the 1980s. After a seven-year stint with the Chickasha Star from 1985 to 1993 as news editor, Fienup returned to

LeFlore County and invested in Poteau Today, a weekly newspaper, as owner and news editor. In November of 1994, he purchased the Spiro Graphic and made Spiro his home for the last 27 years. Under the leadership of Fienup, the Spiro Graphic expanded coverage into the Panama, Pocola, Arkoma, Cameron, Keota, Shady Point and Bokoshe communities offering readers expanded coverage of sports, local school boards, town government and water districts.

where he could become involved in athletics at any level. Goodman contracted polio in the fall of 1953 and spent 85 days in a polio ward. At the age of 6 he began a series of surgical procedures on both legs that eventually allowed him to function with the assistance of one leg brace. Goodman met former Constitution Sports Editor Herb Jacobs, who hired Goodman to be a stringer in 1972. Just six months later Goodman was elevated to full-time status, primarily covering prep sports at Lawton High, Eisenhower and MacArthur.

In 1986, Goodman was named sports editor, leading the department until retiring in 2018 after the local paper was sold to Southern Newspapers Inc. After a change in publishers, Goodman was rehired and continues to assist the paper with sports coverage on a regular basis. As a member of the Associated Press Sports Editors Association he was selected to represent Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska as the smallpaper representative at the annual APSE national contest judging in Redondo Beach, California. In that

role, Goodman was asked to help form an Oklahoma branch of that organization and at the initial meeting he was elected president. In 2019, Goodman was one of the first three state media members who received the OSSAA Media Appreciation Award. During his time as sports editor, the Oklahoma Press Association recognized The Constitution as having the top sports section for multiple years. Goodman was also honored with top honors in Division I personal columns in 2003.

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

OPA QUARTER CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES TODD BROOKS

Todd Brooks, publisher of The Comanche Times, is well known in the sports journalism arena. He began his newspaper career at The Valley Times-News in Alabama in 1991. Brooks worked in sports journalism, in four different states, for about the next 20 years until he became the news editor at The Marlow Review. After seven years at the Review, Brooks took on the publisher role at the Times in 2019. Brooks and his wife, Sarah, have four children – Matthew, Maggie, Mark and Micah.

SHEILA GAY

Sheila Gay started her career at the Woodward News in 1997 as an advertising executive. In 2001, she became advertising manager and was named the seventh publisher of the Woodward News in 2012. She is also active in the Oklahoma Press Association, serving on the board of directors and as chair of the awards committee. She also served on the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation board for several years. Gay served her country in the Army Reserves. She and her husband John have three children, Chelsea, J. C. and Ty.

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2022 Oklahoma Press Association Convention!

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

OPA QUARTER CENTURY CLUB INDUCTEES MARK MILLSAP

Mark Millsap started as an advertising sales intern at his hometown newspaper, the Muskogee Phoenix, in January 1996. After five years at the Phoenix, Millsap and his family moved to Wisconsin where he was advertising director at The Reporter in Fond du Lac. This would be the first of many moves for him and his family, as he took on advertising roles in Alabama and Louisiana, before moving back to Oklahoma in 2011 to be publisher of the Chickasha Express-Star. He then became publisher of The Norman Transcript in 2014. He graduated from Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, with an emphasis in advertising.

ELIZABETH RIDENOUR

Elizabeth Ridenour began her journalism career freelancing for the Muskogee Phoenix in 1997. After a short stint at the Wagoner Tribune, Ridenour re-joined the Phoenix as a reporter in August 1998. She covered multiple beats with an emphasis on crime and court reporting. She was promoted to assistant city editor in 2005. She then served as city editor for more than 10 years before becoming executive editor in 2019.

JOSHUA SMALL

Joshua Small has delivered newspapers to Johnston County residents since he was five years old. Now he also serves as Johnston County Sentinel’s chief photographer and oversees the newspaper’s advertising design. Small is a second-generation member of the Sentinel staff, being the eldest son of managing editor John Small. He worked as a part-time staff photographer for several years then transitioned to full-time when the Sentinel was established as the successor publication to the CapitalDemocrat in early 2018. Small graduated from the New York Institute of Photography in 2016.

MELISSA SMALL

In addition to being a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Tishomingo, Melissa Small is a vital member of the Johnston County Sentinel, formerly the Capital-Democrat. Small began as a carrier for the Capital-Democrat in 1996. She later became an inserter and now assists with labeling and bagging papers that are mailed to subscribers throughout Oklahoma and several other states. She often pulls double-duty on Wednesdays, working at the newspaper during the day, followed by her 12-hour night shift at the hospital.

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

ONG SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS 2021 ONG EDITORIAL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER

2021 ONG COLUMN SWEEPSTAKES WINNER

KIM POINDEXTER

CINDY ALLEN

Tahlequah Daily Press

Enid News & Eagle

Supporting Fourth Estate Is Crucial October 2021

Bloopers Sometimes Can Be Pretty Funny October 2021

OGE PHOTO OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2021 OGE DAILY, SEMI- & TRI-WEEKLY PHOTO OF THE YEAR

GLEN MILLER

2021 OGE WEEKLY PHOTO OF THE YEAR

KATHLEEN GUILL

Frederick Press-Leader

El Reno Tribune

A man rides a bucking bronc until the sound of the buzzer at a recent rodeo.

August 2021

El Reno High School second baseman takes a shoulder to the chin from a base runner while covering first base. He was unable to hold onto the ball for the out and had a cut on the face from his sunglasses. June 2021

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

2021 DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS DAILY DIVISION

WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

The Journal Record (OKC) Tahlequah Daily Press The Lawton Constitution

OKC Friday The Purcell Register The Oklahoma Eagle (Tulsa)

2021 OPA MAGAZINE CONTEST FIRST PLACE

OKIE CHARMED

Cushing Citizen

Empowering Wo

men

SECOND PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

THE INSPIRIN G STO OF JENNY HAK RY EN

Mary Wilson Resident Artis St. Francis of t at the Woods

THIRD PLACE

The Duncan Banner

Summer Deli

ghts

at Hey Sister Bout

ique Grape Pickin’ at

R E D BU D

FARM & VIN EYARD

Summer 2021

ADDITIONAL AWARDS 2021 ONF JOSEPH H. EDWARDS OUTDOOR WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD

2021 ONF RAY LOKEY MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING

ED GODFREY

ASHLYND HUFFMAN

The Oklahoman

Stillwater News Press

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

     

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

Your paper needs a little...

Introducing a fresh, new weekly kids’ activity page conceived last year, when elementary students began distance learning, as a way to keep them engaged in the learning process. Attract young readers (and their parents) to your newpaper with this weekly feature!

Whales

The largest animals to live on Earth live in the ocean. The blue whale which is the largest can weigh up to 150 tons. That is equal to 300,000 pounds. Whales are mammals. That means they feed their babies milk and breathe air. Some whales have teeth and others do not. Whales with teeth have one blowhole and toothless, or baleen whales, have two blowholes. A blowhole is like a nose and whales use it to breathe. The blowhole is on the top of the head.

Blue whales are believed to be larger than the largest dinosaur. They can grow up to 95 feet long. The blue whale is a baleen whale. This means they have no teeth. Instead they have structures in their mouth that is made of something like the same material that makes horns. Blue whales eat krill. Krill is a small crustacean that looks like a shrimp and is about 2 inches long. To fill its belly a blue whale must eat 4 to 8 tons of krill each day. People used to hunt blue whales and they

Australia is the only country in the world that covers an entire continent. It is an island continent that is located south of the equator. When it is summer in the United States and other places north of the equator it is winter in Australia. When we think of Australia we think of Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and the Great Barrier Reef but there is so much more to discover there.

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Australia

There are many amazing places to visit in Australia and a lot of things to do. The largest city in Australia is Sydney. It is home to the Sydney Opera house which is a national landmark and Bondi Beach which is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the whole world. A couple hours south of Sydney is Canberra the nation’s capitol. You can also visit the world’s largest monolith, or freestanding rock, named Uluru or Ayer’s Rock. One of the most popular places to visit is the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is located along the eastern coastline and is 1,615 miles long.

Australia Day is the official national holiday. It celebrates the founding of Australia as a British Colony in 1788. The national flag still has a small British flag on it in the upper left-hand corner. Australia became independent of the British empire in 1986 but the people there still celebrate the holiday and they do still see the Queen of England as their Monarch. They do many of the same things we do on the 4th of July. There are barbecues, beach parties and cookouts. Remember even though it is winter here it is summer in the southern hemisphere.

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Half of all the types of whales migrate. They move from place to place following food and to have a safe place to have their babies. The humpback whale can travel as far as 3,000 miles each year.

ACROSS 2. A small crustacean eaten by whales 3. A unit of weight that equals 2,000 pounds 6. A person having expert knowledge on a scientific topic 8. To share or exchange information 9. A nostril of a whale or dolphin on top of its head 12. To move from one region or habitat to another 13. A living organism that feeds on organic matter 14. An individual animal, plant or single celled life form

DOWN 1. Whalebone 4. A large toothed black and white whale 5. A species of animal or plant that is at risk of going extinct 7. A mark or pattern of marks on an animal 10. A bony permanent outgrowth on animals 11. A large marine mammal 12. A warm blooded animal that has a backbone

The Aboriginal Australians, or the native people, were on the continent for thousands of years before the British arrived. The indiginous hunters used boomerangs and spears. Scientists say a boomerang found in 1973 is more than 10,000 years old. Just like Native Americans they have their own traditions, language, arts and foods. What’s a kangaroo’s favorite type of music?

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Down 1. A person who rules over a kingdom 4. Like a play but all the lines are sung not spoken 5. Groups of people that have lived in one area for thousands of years 6. A group of people who build a settlement in another country 8. A group of mammals that are kown for having babies who live in a pouch 10. A place of historical or cultural importance that is easily identified 12. An underwater structure that is made of millions of tiny animals called polyps 14. An imaginary line around the middle of the planet that separates the northern and southern hemisphere

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Australia is home to some of the world’s most amazing and deadly animals. The Great Barrier Reef is home to colorful fish, deadly sharks, sea turtles and whales. On land you will find kangaroos, wombats, camels, and wallabies. The kangaroo is recognized as the national animal. This country is also home to 21 of the top 25 deadliest snakes. Don’t forget to look up in the eucalyptus trees where you will most likely find a Koala munching away at the leaves.

Across

2. A water sport done in the ocean or sea 3. A curved flat piece of wood that can be used for hunting 7. A word used to describe half of the Earth 9. A small furry marsupial that eats eucalyptus leaves and it looks like a bear 11. An island continent that is home to the kangaroo 13. Free from the control of 15. A massive area of land that is separated from others by water or other land formations is a publication of Cimarron Valley Communications, LLC © 2021, all rights reserved. www.smartypantsnews.com

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OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

CHEERS to all the 2021 AWARD WINNERS.

We’re excited to be together this year to toast your achievements. The Oklahoma Press Association is proud to honor these award winners for their excellence and commitment to their communities.

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

SEQUOYAH AWARD WINNERS DIVISION 2

SPORTS

McAlester

THE NORMAN

TRANSCRIPT NORMAN, OKLAHOMA

>> INSIDE

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021

Serving southeast Oklahoma since 1896

Venables is back

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Jimmy Peters to return to Duncan Ward 1 position

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Plant Manager Ryan Bart gives a tour of the Norman Water Reclamation Facility on Feb. 1, 2020. Voters will see a rate increase on an April ballot.

Water rate increase? Voters to decide water rate increase in April 2022 By Mindy Ragan Wood

Transcript Staff Writer

OU head coach

while utility rate increases must be approved by voters. Increasing the rate would allow the city more income to finance capital projects, improvements and replace old water lines, staff said during the presentation. Ward 4 Lee Hall said while it was important to provide stable rate revenue for projected improvements, the most important considerations

By Max Bryan

Transcript News Editor

Daily Transcript

An analysis of Norman police’s practices shows a significant racial disparity in the department’s uses of force, which disproportionately affect Black people. Of NPD’s 267 uses of force from 2016 to June 2020, officers used force against Black people 44 times, according to an NPD news release. It’s roughly 16.5% of all uses

By Janelle Stecklein

CNHI State Reporter

of force in that time frame — more than three times the 4.7% of Norman residents who are Black. Additionally, police used force on Black people 3.4 times as often as on white people in that time. This statistic accounts for poverty levels, crime rates in different neighborhoods and percent of Black resKyle Phillips / The Transcript idents in neighborhoods, Norman police investigate an officer-involved shooting July according to a Center 5, 2014, after a Cleveland County Sheriffs Deputy killed a for Policing Equity news suspect on 24th Avenue SW between Boyd St. and Brooks See DISPARITY Page A3 Ave.

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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s attorney general said Tuesday that lingering doubts he has about the science behind COVID-19 vaccines is one reason the state is pushing back on federal vaccination mandates with lawsuits. However, two doctors, after learning of his remarks, said they have confidence in the science that led to the vaccines. O’Connor made his remarks during a Tuesday morning press conference where he, Gov. Kevin Stitt, National Guard Adjutant Gen. Thomas Mancino,

WORD of the day

I NS I DE Comics A6 Classifieds B5 Crossword B6 Obituaries A3 Opinion A4 Sports B1 Weather A2

CNHI NEWS

Despite doctors’ confidence in vaccine science, Oklahoma AG remains unconvinced of safety

NPD data show racial disparity in use of force

allyship (n) al-ly-ship [al-ahy-ship] 1. the status or role of a person who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of a marginalized or politicized group in all areas of society, not as a member of that

TULSA — John W. Franklin wept as he read his grandfather’s account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The fragile, yellowing, 90-year-old document — an eyewitness description of the worst race massacre in U.S. history — now sits in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. “I wept the first time I read it; the second time I read it, and the third time I read it,” he said about B.C. Franklin’s account of the 1921 massacre. It describes the horrors in Tulsa’s affluent, thriving Greenwood District when a white mob — fueled by racism, envy and fear — murdered, looted and burned out the Black community with impunity. The account, written in 1931, was not discovered until 2015 in a storage unit. For decades, many details of what happened in

as well as an Oklahoma business owner, discussed concerns about the federal government and military mandating COVID-19 vaccines. They also discussed five lawsuits that seek to halt the mandates, which they contend are unconstitutional. Asked why he has concerns with the COVID-19 vaccine, as opposed to other vaccines that have long been required by the military — such as flu, polio, anthrax and the measles — Attorney General John O’Connor said he believes the science is more of a concern for the COVID-19 vaccine because of how long it’s been See VACCINE Page A2

Inside

group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view and under its leadership. Example: “Companies were quick to promise an inclusive work environment, flooded their social media pages with Black and brown faces, extolled allyship ...” — Rita Omokha, “VR Trainings are Not ...Corporate Racism,” Wired, 2021

• Judge blocks vaccine mandate for federal contractors — Page A5

senior manager emeritus of the museum. And to the extent that what happened in Tulsa came down in history at all, it was inaccurate, blaming Black residents for what happened by calling it the “Negro uprising.” Later, it was called the Tulsa Race KYLE PHILLIPS | CNHI Photo Riot; today, it is known, , project manager of the 1921 Tulsa more accurately, as the Race Massacre Centennial Commission, awaits completion Tulsa Race Massacre. B.C. Franklin called it a “race war.” “It’s crucial that we re name this event for what it is,” said Paul Gardullo, At century mark, Tulsa Race supervisory curator at Massacre’s wounds still unhealed the museum, which in cludes an exhibit on Tul PAGE A7 sa. “I think the term that is being used right now — Tulsa Race Massacre — is the right term.” John Franklin thinks other terms do a better job conveying what hap pened. He notes that the Jewish press referred to the 1921 attack as a “po grom” massacre and expulsion of a particular religious 100th anniversary of the or ethnic group, such as

By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

A retired McAlester educator believes students can grow through learning more about the Tulsa Race Massacre. Primus Moore said more should be done to educate students about what historians call the nation’s worst race massacre, which merits just three sentences in a history text for juniors at McAlester High School. The school supplements instruction with videos and materials — but Moore said more should be done statewide. “I really don’t think it’s enough,” Moore said. “I think it’s a start; it’s a beginning.” The Tulsa Race Massacre began May 31, 1921, and lasted less than 16 hours with an angry white mob destroying 1,200 Black homes and businesses in the previously flour flourishing Black community of Greenwood along what was known as Black Wall

‘REMEMBER AND RISE’ CANCELED

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Street. A commission report lists 38 official deaths, but the death toll is now estimated between 100 and 300 with bodies quickly buried in mass graves without documentation. Moore graduated in 1965 as the class president of L’Ouverture School, the public school Black students attended from 1908 to 1968 — when 115 L’Ouverture High School students integrated with McAlester High School. But Moore said he didn’t learn about the Tulsa Race Massacre until 1966 at Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically black college or university, while talking with a roommate from Tulsa. Moore said he couldn’t believe it at first. It was the first time he heard about Black Wall Street and what historians now call the nation’s worst race massacre. “We were all shocked that it happened and that

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NormanRegional.com/Lab

Several Midwest City residents packed into the Nick Harroz Community Center last week to discuss a proposed residential development on the city’s east side. The proposed Summerview development would add more than 900 single family houses and apartments on 173 acres between E. Reno Ave. and SE 15th St., just east of Westminster Rd. A total of 364 houses are planned on the west side of the development and 560

apartments on the east portion. Residents voiced concerns about the residential development including: increased traﬃc, density of the housing, storm water drainage, impact on schools, and other issues. The Nov. 16 community meeting was organized by a group of residents that oppose the project. They have been collecting signatures for a protest letter and provided an update on their eﬀorts. A formal protest requires See MEETING, page 10A

Gov. Stitt visits EOC

Managing Editor

See Page 2A

SPORTS

Del City approves contract for EMS service

Students at Del City High School held a rally in support of Julius Jones last Thursday morning outside the school building. PHOTO BY JONATHAN TERRY

Students rally for Julius Jones

By Jeﬀ Harrison Managing Editor

See JONES, page 10A

See Page 1B

Students at Midwest City High School hold a demonstration in support of Julius Jones, a death row inmate who was scheduled to be killed before Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted his sentence. PHOTO BY JEFF HARRISON

After 10 months of searching and negotiating with multiple ambulance providers, Del City has finally signed a one-year contract with Pafford EMS. Under the agreement, Pafford will provide EMS service with 2 ½ ambulances dedicated to Del City. Two ambulances will serve Del City 24/7, and a third will be staffed 12 hours per day during peak hours. Del City will pay $30,000 per month for the service. That cost will be passed on to residents in the form of a $3.45 ambulance surcharge on monthly utility bills. The new fee will be charged to every single-family residence, multifamily residential unit, nursing home and assisted

Obituaries A3 Opinion A4 Bridge A5 Sports A7 Lifestyles B1 Comics B3 Classifieds B4 Business B8

WORD of the day Nugatory (noun) noo-guhuhuh-tawr-ee tawr-ee 1. Of no force or effect; ineffective; futile; vain. Example: “While outdated theory may not render one’s interpretations nuga nugatory, they may seem quaint to those tory, who work within the field from which the

ideas came, and intramural strife, if it remains unobserved, can not then serve to provide occasions for fruitful comparison, since intellectual battles in one arena often have interesting parallels and previously unimagined consequences within another.” — Courtesy of Dictionary.com.

PRES S ASSO

BETTER NEWSPAPER 2019

Government

Harrah election planned

Residents to vote on mayor, Ward 1 and 3 Danny Trent, 57, has filed to challenge Harrah mayor Larry Fryar, 64, in the upcoming April municipal election. Additionally, two candidates have filed to fill the Ward 1 seat after Kim Bishop leaves the post. Susan Morgan, 40, and Paul Wiegert, 66, have filed to represent Ward 1. Connie Bradshaw serves up some fresh catfish on Friday night. PHOTO RYAN HORTON Incumbent Duane Patterson, 56, has a challenger in Chris Lally, 39, for the 3 seat. Local restaurant celebrates new name, same great food and service Ward The municipal election is By Ryan Horton its new branding official business and continuing you can eat catfish spe- set for April 6. Managing Editor Feb. 1. a long tradition of serving cial. For a ward map and Choctaw Wagon up local favorites, espeOriginally named Nana more information visit During November and Wheels Café cially Friday and Papaw’s, the restau- https://cityofharrah.com/ December, the Bandana is open night’s rant has now undergone city-council Red’s Grill ran ballots in for all two renaming contests the Choctaw Times to alwhere the public deterlow community members mined the brand. to help determine a new New owners John and name for the restaurant. Kellie Haley were excitWith nearly 150 unique ed to see so much comname recommendations munity engagement in submitted, the café that the renaming process, has been an eastern Oklaand they look forward to homa County favorite for nearly 20 years made See WAGON Page 10A

Choctaw welcomes Wagon Wheels Cafe

Award

See EMS, page 10A

Harrah native named Unsung Hero of Capitol Hill

By Jeﬀ Harrison Managing Editor

at ArchWell Health. The comprehensive primary care service includes Local senior citizens have a transportation to and from the new option for primary health center, access to same-day care in Midwest City. appointments, specialty and ArchWell Health last week ancillary services, social workers, celebrated the grand opening of dietitian, and more. a primary care physician office at “We want to provide high 6951 SE 15th St. in Midwest City. quality, holistic primary care for The new facility offers holistic our seniors and we do that in primary healthcare services for centers just like this,” Pakala said. Representatives from ArchWell Health cut a ceremonial ribbon last senior citizens age 65 and over. Thursday during the grand opening of their new Midwest City clinic “These centers are built right Employees with ArchWell located at 6951 SE 15th St. PHOTO BY JEFF HARRISON within our communities. These Health welcomed the community Thursday. Guests enjoyed tours City Chamber of Commerce also aren’t just doctor’s clinics. These for a ribbon cutting and grand of the new office and met with presented a plaque to Dr. Aneesh See ARCHWELL, page 10A opening celebration last doctors and staff. The Midwest Pakala, a primary care physician

their “perfect” tree.” of types of trees available Duncan High School’s along with a variety of prices as well,” McGough said. football, baseball, tennis teams and Key Club stu“Kiwanis looks forward to this special time of year, and dents helped club members assisting families to find See KIWANIS Page A2

Business

month, while the mayor, elected at large across all wards, earns $165 a month. The Council meets publicly on the ﬁrst and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The City Council chambers are located at Choctaw City Hall, 2500 North Choctaw Road.

Managing Editor

Choctaw sweeps rival Bombers.

Healthcare

Tree Farms in Maine. Stacy McGough, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club, said there are a variety of trees available. “We will have a variety

Rick Modisette, 67, are all competing for votes in that ward. New terms will begin for these three even numbered seats April 19, and those terms will expire in April of 2024. Following the April election, all of Choctaw’s City Council members will earn $115 per

By Ryan Horton

City Council adds $3.45 monthly fee Anthony Thomas Staﬀ Writer

Photos by Tamara Gregor / The Duncan Banner and submitted

In Ward 4, incumbent Roger Malone, 73, has two challengers in Donna Morris, 54, and 72-year-old Art Sipes. Ward 6 will have new representation as Dale Gill is set to vacate the seat leaving it to one of three candidates. Donald Judson, 38, Sean Lynch, 51, and

EMS

The Titans edged Coweta last week in the second round of the playoffs. See page 1B

(Above) Duncan High School’s football, baseball, tennis teams and Key Club students helped club members unload the 300 trees to kick off the season. The Christmas tree lot will open the Friday after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 with a wide selection. The annual Christmas tree sale in Kiddieland inside Fuqua Park opens from 2-8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Satur Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Kiwanis Club members expect the trees, per usual fashion, well sell out within the first week of their availability.

A total of eight candidates filed for three Choctaw City Council seats to be filled in the upcoming April 6 election. Brent Pendergraft, 41, filed to challenge incumbent Mike Birdsong, 64, for the Ward 2 seat.

Yellowjackets sting Midwest City

Midwest City residents sign a petition opposing the Summerview residential development planned on the city’s east side during a community meeting on Nov. 16. PHOTO BY JEFF HARRISON

See FILING Page A2

See PENALTY Page A2

Election to determine next City Council set for April 6 By Ryan Horton

ArchWell Health opens clinic in Midwest City

to be here longer than a week.” Kiwanis members received their Christmas tree shipment on Thursday afternoon from Dutchman

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

8 candidates file for 3 seats

Local leaders meet with Gov. Stitt, tour Tinker Air Force Base.

Julius Jones

Local high school students walked out of their schools last Thursday morning in support of Julius Jones, the death row inmate who was scheduled to be executed later that day, until Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence. All three Mid-Del high schools conducted walkouts. At Midwest City High School, students held a rally outside the administration building. A few students remained outside longer and held

IN S ID E

A MONTH

Drive Through options available.

SPORTS

Carl Albert moves on

By Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner

The Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis Club will look to extend a bit of the Christmas spirit this holiday season as they work toward opening day of their Christmas Tree Sale. The Christmas tree lot will open the Friday after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 with a wide selection. The annual Christmas tree sale in Kiddieland inside Fuqua Park opens from from 2-8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Dr. Nate Edwards, Christmas Tree Committee Chairman, said there has been a Christmas tree shortage over the past two years. This year, the Kiwanis club hauled in 300 trees for the community. “We anticipate having a very busy season,” Edwards said. “We don’t expect them

• Oklahoma inmate asks Supreme Court to stay his execution — Page A8

Scan this QR code to find a location near you.

See WARD 1 Page A6

Local educators were honored last week during the Golden Apple Awards at Rose State. See page 2A

Kiwanis Annual Christmas tree sale aims to bring holiday cheer

CNHI GRAPHIC

PHOTOS:

CONTENT:

ALMANAC

Need a COVID Test?

Retired McAlester educator doesn’t want history to repeat itself

Worst race massacre finally being told

By Jeﬀ Harrison Managing Editor

posthaste. But what was once one of the nation’s busiest death chambers has not resumed administering capital punishment as easily as some had hoped after Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday stopped Julius Jones from being executed hours before he was scheduled to die.

LOCAL

VOL. 116, ISSUE 12

Residents turn out for community meeting about controversial housing development

Golden Apple

Supporters of Oklahoma death penalty fear executions ending OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Af After a six-year moratorium on the death penalty following a series of botched lethal injections, Oklahoma officials announced in August they would seek execution dates for seven condemned men . By the next month, their executions were scheduled, leading some death penalty supporters to believe the state’s executions would resume

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE destroyed more than 1,200 homes and businesses in 1921.

Duncan City Council Chambers inside the Duncan Police Department. The position did not go to vote as the term from Smith has not yet been completed. That means Peters’ term will extend through May 2023. Former Mayor Ritchie Dennington took the stand during public comment, and told Mayor and Coun-

LOCAL

WWW.MIDWESTCITYBEACON.COM

24 PAGES

Midwest City

Oklahoma Historical Society | Courtesy Photo

See WATER Page A5

Vaccine doubts still driving state lawsuits Read more about Venables’ return to the Sooners. See Page B1

rerun for the position, will once again fill the role after former councilwoman Jennifer A familiar face will Smith, who took the return to the Duncan City Council lineup to position officially on July 7, 2020, resigned take his former position and fill the current from the office between late September Ward 1 vacancy. and early October this Jimmy Peters, who year. previously served as Peters’ selection and the Ward 1 Councilman after swearing in approval to the Ward 1 position came during a June 24, 2015, served two terms until he an- special meeting at 5:15 nounced he wouldn’t p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 in By Charlene Belew The Duncan Banner

Inside the Beacon

2022. On the school board side of things, positions will open in nine Stephens County school districts for filing during the same time period. According to information from Dunagan’s office, Board of Education positions include Office No. 2 positions in Duncan, Comanche, Marlow, Velma-Alma, Empire, Central High, BrayDoyle and Red River Tech Center. Grandview School District will make the only district seeking Office No. 1 to be filled. If only two candidates file, the position will be filled at the General Election. If more than two candidates file for the same seat, a Primary Election will take place.

By The Banner Staff

Candidates for municipal office in the City of Marlow or for school board positions throughout the county may begin filing their declarations of candidacy at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6. According to Angela Dunagan, Secretary for the Stephens County Election Board, the filing period ends at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8. Municipal offices are up for grabs in the City of Marlow. The positions include the Ward 1 and Ward 4 positions, both of which carry a three year term. Offices in Marlow will go to vote in a non-partisan primary election on Feb. 8, 2022, and if a general election is necessary, then that will take place on April 5,

Duncan Banner File Art

Former Mayor Ritchie Dennington (left) and Councilwoman Patty Wininger (center) thank Jimmy Peters for his years of service on council in July 2020 when he left the board. Peters will now return to the Ward 1 seat.

The first city water rate increase in six years will be put before the voters in April following a Tuesday decision by Norman City Council. Councilors in their Tuesday study session reached a consensus to send an increase to voters and to raise water connection fees in future by council vote. Fees can be adjusted by council vote

Volume 12, No. 15

Inside the Times City

Weekend, Nov. 20-21, 2021

Marlow Municipal, area school board filings upcoming

Former OU defensive coordinator returns as Sooners’ head coach

Brent Venables

duncanbanner.com local news updates

GREENWOOD: A CENTURY LATER

75 cents

“... Having numerous opportunities throughout my career, listen, I’m a simple guy. I value some things that maybe other people don’t, maybe more-so. I value relationships. people I value I value people. quality of life.”

Serving Stephens County since 1892

THE

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Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021

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INSIDE TODAY: HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS TO OPEN LOCATION IN DUNCAN - PAGE A2

ALL AREA

Check out the 2021 MN-C All-Area spring baseball team roserockvethospital.com 400 24th Ave. N.W. • 321.3361

DIVISION 5

Weeklies, Population 7,000 - 19,000

17 We offer pet daycare!

See Page B1

DIVISION 4

Weeklies, Population more than 19,000

The Duncan Banner - 11/21/2021

B SPORTS Norman North split in home games against Southmoore

SEMI- & TRIWEEKLIES

Dailies, Population less than 30,000

DIVISION 1

Dailies, Population more than 30,000

Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently congratulated Sabrina Parker, who was named one of the Unsung Heroes of Capitol Hill by the Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange during a bipartisan virtual event in December. This recognition is awarded annually to exceptional congressional schedulers and executive assistants. A native of Harrah and based in Cole’s Washing-

ton office, Parker has been on staff since 2011 and currently serves as Director of Operations. In this role, she creatively manages the details and facilitates the logistics relating to all aspects of Cole’s schedule. She also oversees and ensures timely completion of numerous other support functions for the office. “For more than nine years on my staff, Sabrina Parker has demonstrated that she will always go the extra

mile to ensure smooth operations for me and my ofﬁce,” said Cole. “Her attention to detail, work ethic and professionalism are truly unmatched. I am grateful for the unending dedication and energy she brings to her demanding job and the service she also renders to the Fourth District of Oklahoma. She is indeed one of the greatest unsung heroes of Capitol Hill, and I am proud to congratulate her on this Harrah’s Sabrina Parker and Congressman Tom Cole well-deserved recognition.” (OK-04). PHOTO PROVIDED

On this day Inside • 100M watch ABC TV movie “The Day After” about nuclear war. — Nov. 20, 1983 • China prohibits opium trade. — Nov. 21, 1906

• Duncan Swim finishes second on Senior Night. — Page A7

See STUDENTS, page 12A

• RRTC gives high school students college prep experience ahead of real world. — Page B1

— Courtesy of Onthisday.com

April 28, 2022 12:05 pm (GMT +0:00)

April 28, 2022 12:16 pm (GMT +0:00)

DIVISION 6

DIVISION 7

Weeklies, Population 3,500 - 7,000 News Source for The Heart of Oklahoma

The

T he Cameron UniversiTy

AWARD WINNER

Since 1887

34 pages Vol. 134 No. 47 • 3 sections • 40

on way to

State crown Three run rules in three shutout games

Of 33 Purcell High School graduates who enrolled in college in Oklahoma in the fall of 2020, six had to take remediation courses in English

Thursday, May 20, 2021

40 Pages • 4 sections news • grad section

Class of 2021

Fairfax Chief

VOL. 117 N0. 15 USPS NO. 184-040

FAIRFAX, OKLAHOMA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

OCCA tosses post-conviction application JeanneGrimes The Purcell Register

Gala 2021

In a ruling October 7, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals struck down Shaun Bosse’s latest attempt for postconviction relief for first degree

Raising funds for Hope Center Hope Center Ministries will host Gala 2021 next week at the McClain County Farm & Home Building in Purcell.

Please see Bosse, page 11A

The gala on October 21 will raise funds for the

Please see Gala, page 11A

Congestion addressed at North 9th JeanneGrimes The Purcell Register

on the street, particularly at times parents are picking up children from the elementary and intermediate schools. The initial report by the firm cites an “overabundance of signs directing vehicles on where to go.” TECUSA engineer B.J. Hawkins reported the problem is centered on two

City and school officials were set to meet Wednesday to address traffic flow concerns on North 9th Avenue around the elementary school. City manager Dale Bunn announced the planned meeting during a city council meeting October 7. A study by Traffic Engineering Consultants Inc., presented the city with options to improve traffic flow

Please see 9th, page 11A

Storm brings rain • Photo provided

2A State Champions

Purcell’s Dragon Pride Marching Band won the Class 2A State Championship last Saturday at Claremore. They were second overall in all classes. Inside

Bond passes $24.5 million for Washington schools

in the future. The measure passed, 493-

Read all about

YOUR Heart of Oklahoma football teams.

Please see Bond, page 6A

The 1.5” that was recorded here Sunday night, coupled with the 1.2” that fell Wednesday morning, brings the year-to-date rainfall total to 37.8”. So far this year Oklahoma City has officially

measured 28.04”. The normal year-to-date total is 30.89”. The storm Sunday produced at least 16 tornadoes in the state and several places got hail damage including Norman, again.

Chili cook off See where your chili recipe

stacks up with your neighbors.

Pg. 1B

Pg. 2A

Purcell, 1 Gig Internet is now available! Save big on fast & reliable Internet. suddenlink.com

Please see Malone, page 10A Find it...

Inside

Friday night lights

20th Food Distribution 11 AM-1 PM, 200 W. Chestnut Avenue

Wired connection up to 940 Mbps. Speeds, prices & availability vary by area.

Photo by Joe Conner | THE FAIRFAX CHIEF

Ponca City’s Po-Hi Steppers paraded a grand Old Glory as their tribute to Veterans Saturday. The talented group recently won a National Championship in the Nationall American Dance/Drill Team Competition. See more photos on page 2.

Po-Hi Steppers unfurl Old Glory Carol Conner

5 questions with Julie Malone Editor’s note: Answering The Purcell Register’s five questions this week is Wayne Elementary School principal Julie Malone. Q: What is the best part of being an elementary principal? A: The kids. They are the best part of my job. Greeting students in the morning is my favorite part of the day. They don’t know a hug or smile from them is often the best part of my day. One day in the cafeteria, ketchup was served with lunch, and kids just love to give cafeteria hugs. I ended up with a ketchup handprint on the back of my white sweater. I never did wear that sweater again, but it was worth it. Working with an invested group of teachers and support

Opinion.................4A Society..................6A Sports...................1B Obituaries...........10A Classifieds..........11B

Veterans Day

BARNSDALL

Washington junior Abby Wood goes for a ballduringWashington’s 10-0 win over North RockCreekHighSchool in the State finals. The Warriors were crowned the Class 3A State champions.

Traffic flow

November 11th November 19th Near Total Lunar Eclipse

FAIRFAX

Laying out

Please see State, page 2B

November 11, 2021

11th New Hope Food Truck, 12-1 PM, New Hope Church 14th Listening session, Sacred Heart Catholic Church 10:00 a.m. 16th FMFI Board Meeting, 6 PM, 160 N. Main Sweet Home Baptist Church Services 1st and 3rd Sundays 3 PM. Monday-Friday, Seniors 55+ Drive Through Lunch, 11 AM-12:30 PM, ON Elder Nutrition Center

Greg Gaston • double g images

It was about as dominating a perforperfor mance as can be drawn up. In three games in the State tournament Washington pitcher Maggie Place and the Warrior defense allowed zero runs and seven hits. Place struck out 19 batters during the span. Washington took run-rule wins

Bosse denied

T he F airFax ChieF

Serving the United States of America is a long tradition – starting with those who fought for freedom back in the Revolutionary War. We were reminded of that Saturday, when one lone man dressed in a revolutionary war uniform paraded

Darian Mahan, Cobie Rickner, Claire Norrell and Miranda Williams took the opportunity for a group selﬁe while waiting for the Chandler High School graduation ceremonies to begin Friday evening at Joe Telford Stadium. After missing last year’s graduation due to COVID-19, Chandler had almost perfect weather and celebrated this year’s graduates with a festive atmosphere and a ﬁreworks show. See our graduation section inside this week’s edition for more photos and information on graduates from all high schools in the area. Photo/Brian Blansett

Local arrest in Capitol incursion MIKE McCORMICK Staff Writer A 25-year-old Chandler resident was arrested this week by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for allegedly participating in the incident on Jan. 6 of this year where hundreds of people stormed the U.S. Capitol. Federal court records show that on Monday of this week the FBI executed a warrant for the arrest of Tanner Bryce Sells. A source said the arrest by the FBI occurred in Chandler after Sells was reportedly stopped by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper. Public records show the warrant was executed and returned. An FBI agent says in a Statement of Facts “there is probable cause to believe that Tanner Bryce Sells violated the U.S. Code which makes it a crime

And the Class of 2034

Sarah McFadden

Continued to Page 4

VETERANS

Courtesy Photo | NATE FOLGER

kids from COVID

Carol Conner T he F airFax ChieF

Carol Conner T he FairFax ChieF

Continued to Page 5

YOUNG READERS

The pre-schoolers at East Side Elementary School got into the end-of-school spirit with the school’s annual rodeo last week. They had stick horse races, roping and rocking horse bronc riding and threw ﬂying disks made to look like cow pies. Above, some of the wranglers give their thirsty stick horses a drink from the hands of teacher Kathy Shupe. For more photos, see Page 4A. Photo/Brian Blansett

Wilson said in his proclamation announcing Armistice Day, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the

Now for young readers Vaccines guard

Area Sales Tax Collection for October 2021

Carney: Valedictorian and salutatorian

See Page 2A

war didn’t officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, fighting stopped when there was a temporary cessation of hostilities – known as an Armistice. That happened on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. After passing a bill to honor WWI veterans, President

Woodland Seniors and their families were honored at last Friday’s football game. Greg, Jamie and Mary Louise Jordan; Paige Hadlock, Gunnar and William Gates; Misty Hayes, Levi and Luke Bernard; Dustin and Cassidi Potts, Vanessa, Wyatt and Jessica Asher; Daniel, Lainy and Cathy LeForce; Sammy Cagle, Regan Lockert and Kristi Metzger; Frank, Jacob and Sara Brackett; Bree, Will and Ben Lockett, Marcy and Andy Graham; Leslie Williams, Lucian and Jason McKinney.

Barnsdall Bartlesville Burbank Fairfax Hominy Kaw City Pawhuska Pawnee Ponca City Ralston Shidler Skiatook

See Page 3A

Ofﬁcials at Carney High School have named the top two graduates for the 2021 graduating class. Sarah McFadden was named Valedictorian and Sara Mayes is the Salutatorian. They were honored at

down Grand in Ponca City. Ponca’s Veterans’ Day parade was bigger and better than ever. There were fighter jets flying overhead, tanks on the streets, and even veterans from World War II! The idea of honoring those who serve in the military didn’t begin until after World War I. Even though that

The horrors of Osage 1920’s history told in Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is now available in an edition for readers 10 and up. The conspiracy and murders of Osages have been called “one of history’s most ruthless and shocking crimes.”The discovery of oil and the fact that Osages kept their mineral rights made them among the wealthiest people in the world. But that wealth brought out greed and jealousy. Tribal members began to die – at first quietly, then by gunshot, then by blowing up a house! Anyone who tried to figure out what was going on wound up in the same condition as the targeted tribal members – dead. Osage tribal officials eventually were able

to (1) knowingly enter or remain in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority to do so. “And (2) knowingly and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or ofﬁcial functions, engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct in or within proximity to any restricted building or grounds when, or so that, such conduct impedes or disrupts the orderly conduct of Government business or ofﬁcial functions.” He goes on to state “or attempts or conspires to do so.” The agent further states “that there is probable cause to believe Sells violated the U.S. Code which makes it a crime to willfully and knowingly utter loud, threatening or abusive language, or engage in disorderly or disruptive

2021 23,325 1,884,179 628 34,147 62,438 7,678 206,678 67,815 1,439,188 1,737 5,527 402,783

2020 18,099 1,579,191 507 21,929 47,203 6,755 117,529 63,856 1,212,435 1,895 4,064 339,044

2019 20,833 1,652,367 515 16,285 46,161 3,799 116,475 37,549 1,125,371 1,985 4,599 319,997

2018 17,453 1,635,282 617 16,934 47,548 4,236 106,250 55,578 1,129,447 2,371 6,110 299,336

Can you believe that the vaccine to protect the world from the deadly coronavirus is now available to kids as young as 5? Starting way back in early 2020, the invisible coronavirus began reshaping the whole world into a frightening place where no one and no place was safe from illness and possible death. The solutions at that time, knowing that you could just breathe the virus in, were to avoid as much contact with others as possible, clean obsessively, and basically stay home! But with scientists around the world working fulltime to save humanity, vaccines were developed, approved, and shot into arms as early as last December. When we were grieving the loss of people from the deadly COVID-19 virus last year, the victims were our friends and family who had no opportunity to protect themselves with a simple shot in the arm. But thanks to the miracles of modern medicine and science, the ability to protect ourselves began. Those most at risk – our beloved elders, those with lots of health issues – began to be protected, so we had fewer and fewer deaths. Nursing home residents here in Oklahoma began getting the vaccine in late December. Since then, thousands of adults have had the opportunity to get immunized. Just a few short weeks ago, the vaccines were approved for kids 12 and up. Then we got the thrilling news that a booster would improve the odds of survival for those over 65 or immunocompromised. But now, with a recent surge due that saw many children getting ill – now even our precious young children can get the life-saving vaccine. Dr. Donna Tyungu, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Oklahoma Children’s Hospital – OU Health was quoted in the Tulsa World as saying, “Children are not supposed to pass away. COVID is now one of the 10 leading

Nearly every surrounding city saw an increase in sales tax for the month of October with the exception of Ralston, who showed a slight decrease.

Continued to Page 5

VACCINE

BURBANK 18th First Baptist Church of Burbank Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal, 6 PM, Burbank Alumni Building

HOMINY AA Big Book Meeting, every Tuesday and Thursday, 8 PM, 510 Friends Road Monday-Friday, Senior Citizens Lunch 11:30 AM12 PM, Drive-Through and Call Ahead Orders, Senior Citizens Center

PAWHUSKA 11th Pawhuska Public Schools Veterans Day Car Parade, 10 AM, begins at High School Softball Field 11th AA Meeting every Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM, 1228 S Pecan Ave. (918) 440-9646 COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic, Wah-Zha-Zhi Health Center, 7:45 AM - 4 PM, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only, 918-287-9300 Monday-Friday, Senior Citizens Lunch, 12 PM, Call Ahead Orders at ON Elder Nutrition Center

PONCA CITY 13th Holiday Craft Fair, 8 AM-4 PM, RecPlex 19th Holiday Market, 10 AM-3 PM, Pioneer Technology Center 20th PetSense Adoption Event, 2-5 PM, 2129 N. 14th Street

Brittney Payette Student Life Editor

Cameron University hosted an Empowering Women in Leadership and STEM Conference at 5:30 p.m. on March 3 in the McCasland Ballroom. The keynote speaker was Shelby Morris, an Oklahoma native who works as an Employee Learning Facilitator at Oklahoma State University. Morris introduced the Clifton StrengthsFinder test to the attendees, which uses 177 questions to determine people’s top five strengths. The test, according to Morris, helps people learn more about themselves. “Instead of fixating on what’s wrong with people, let’s talk about what’s right with them,” Morris said. She then discussed how people’s innate talents affect their lives and how the StrengthsFinder test can help people realize their true potential. “They are not strengths until they are productively applied,” Morris said. Morris asked attendees to go around the ballroom to find other people who share some of the same top five strengths results, and discuss it within their found groups. “We want to focus on what we’re good at and build on that, and look at our potential,” Morris said. “We are at our best when we are fully engaged and aware of our strengths.” She also asked people to find others that have different strengths and ask questions about their results. One of the people who attended the conference, Marketing Senior Kassi Coosewoon, talked about her Zoom group and their top StrengthsFinder talents. “I was in a diversified group,” said Coosewoon. “We all had a different top strength, but it was cool to see how many of my group members were surprised at their top five.” After the keynote speaker finished speaking, attendees went to get food and network with other people. Next, a discussion panel featuring women in leadership positions answered a variety of questions from the audience

EVENTS 1-3 1st Place 110 Points 2nd Place 80 Points 3rd Place 60 Points

EVENTS 4-8 1st Place 100 Points 2nd Place 70 Points 3rd Place 50 Points

Morren said her’s was her stepmother, and Leonard’s was her mother. Do also talked about how to react when someone does not feel heard. “We are moving in the right direction,” Do said. “To be heard, you need to be more assertive and make yourself visible.” Morren said she had to learn how to stop apologizing, and to hold her ground. Leonard said she tries to pace herself so that she does not get overwhelmed, by chunking responsibilities instead of trying to do everything at one time. Do said people must take things one step at a time, so that they are not overwhelmed. Some questions were prepared for the event in advance, but audience members were also permitted to ask their own questions. Questions ranged from “what inspires you?” to how each panelist deals with stress. The Empowering Women in Leadership and STEM event allowed people to network with others, learn more about themselves and speak with accomplished businesswomen.

PAWNEE

SAND SPRINGS 13th Exhibit with Photos of Country Stars from Oklahoma, 2 - 4 PM, Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum

TONKAWA 11th-14th Fall Musical: Legally Blonde, 7:30 PM, Kinzer Performing Arts Center

TULSA 11th Stargazing night, 7-9 PM, Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive

Community calendar sponsored by

Photos by Brittney Payette

It STEMs from greatness: Panelists for the “Women in Leadership and STEM” event included Oklahoma State University’s Shelby Morris, Lawton Public School Teacher Samantha Leonard and Cameron Assistant Professor Dr. Christian Morren. The panel also included senior manager Nam Do (not pictured), who spoke at the conference about identifying strengths and her inspiration throughout her career.

What’s Inside Free books and how to get them

Sara Mayes

The panelists consisted of OSU Employee Learning Facilitator Shelby Morris, Cameron Assistant Professor and Voice Area Coordinator Dr. Christian Morren, Lawton Public School Teacher Samantha Leonard, and Ernst and Young’s Senior Manager in financial accounting advisery services, Nam Do. Morren said that people should try “helping out others as you want others to help you in times of need.” Morren also said people should try to place themselves in other’s shoes, and to listen to what people say, because there are multiple sides to every story. Do emphasized the importance of communication, being a team player and focusing on what people can accomplish instead of what they cannot. “My only suggestion is to take one step forward and focus on that very next thing that you need to do,” Do said. “Focus on what you can control versus what you can’t.” Leonard said that she did not see herself as a virtual teacher when she was younger, but is glad that she can rely on her strengths — such as her creativity — to teach virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a baby changed her perspective on life and career path. “I definitely knew that I needed to have a stable career for my daughter,” Leonard said. “I felt like the most fulfilling and gratifying career that could make my life comfortable and happy is to be a teacher.” Morris said her inspiration was her husband,

13th Let’s Talk About it Book Series, Pigs in Heaven, 7 PM, Pawnee Bill and Ranch Museum COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic every other Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM, Pawnee COVID Center

Page 3

POINTS: Points in the first eight categories are awarded as follows. No points are awarded in categories 9 through 23.

Volume 104 Issue 3

$1.00

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” – Ansel Adams

Vol. 131, No. 20 • 50 cents

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Monday, March 29, 2021

JohnDennyMontgomery The Purcell Register

Please see Succeed, page 11A

Voters in the Washington School District passed a massive $24.5 million school bond to meet the growth needs of the district

Herald

–Page 8

and

75¢

Warriors tear through field

JeanneGrimes The Purcell Register

Embracing Embroidery

presented by the

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

purcellregister.com

COLLEGE NEWSPAPERS Collegian

2020 BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Purcell High School takes multi-pronged approach

DIVISION 8

Weeklies, Population less than 2,000

SEQUOYAH

Purcell

Helping students succeed

Weeklies, Population 2,000 - 3,500

Greek Life Tropical Bash Page 5

Feature: Kalen Haynes Page 6

Each division’s Sweepstakes winner, which is determined by the amount of points accumulated in the first eight categories, receives the Sequoyah Award – the highest honor in the contest.

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 1 RESULTS

DAILIES, CITY POPULATION MORE THAN 30,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

SECOND PLACE

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise SECOND PLACE

The Norman Transcript

Stillwater News Press

THIRD PLACE

Muskogee Phoenix

The Norman Transcript

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE

The Journal Record 2021 Beacon Awards SECOND PLACE

The Norman Transcript City Budget Process THIRD PLACE

Enid News & Eagle Hope Summit

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

The Norman Transcript

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

The Norman Transcript

SECOND PLACE

Stillwater News Press THIRD PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

SECOND PLACE

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

Kathryn McNutt The Journal Record

FDA to humans: ‘You are not a horse’ SECOND PLACE

Stillwater News Press

Janice Francis-Smith The Journal Record

THIRD PLACE

Muskogee Phoenix

Tensions flare in Azerbaijan, Washington as Stitt tours Baku THIRD PLACE

Mindy Ragan Wood and Max Bryan The Norman Transcript

SALES PROMOTION ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

SECOND PLACE

Muskogee Phoenix THIRD PLACE

The Journal Record (OKC)

Residents, council offended at Lynn’s remarks

FIRST PLACE

The Lawton Constitution

Lawton’s 120th Birthday Celebration SECOND PLACE

Muskogee Phoenix

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Scott Rains The Lawton Constitution

Left-handed newspaper for International Lefthanders’ Day

Daughter serenades her late parents

THIRD PLACE

Janice Francis-Smith The Journal Record

Stillwater News Press Gift Guide

EDITORIAL WRITING

SECOND PLACE

Garland: Terror ‘still with us’

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Susan Riley Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

The Norman Transcript Enid News & Eagle THIRD PLACE

Muskogee Phoenix

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

Nursing: A noble profession

SPORTS STORY

COLUMN WRITING

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH

FIRST PLACE

Mike Tupa Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

Emma Keith The Norman Transcript

Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript

Bartlesville gridder Droz electrifies with TD run SECOND PLACE

Glen Brockenbush The Lawton Constitution Like a daydream THIRD PLACE

Mike Kays Muskogee Phoenix Controversial call

BUSINESS STORY FIRST PLACE

Kathryn McNutt The Journal Record

Dolese Bros. moving to new headquarters SECOND PLACE

Kathryn McNutt The Journal Record

Presley Apartments emerge from old Lincoln Plaza Hotel THIRD PLACE

Susan Riley Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise ‘Dawgs’ to dentistry: Hot dog cart helps Bartlesville student raise college cash

EDUCATION STORY FIRST PLACE

Kathryn McNutt The Journal Record

SECOND PLACE

D.E. Smoot Muskogee Phoenix THIRD PLACE

David R. Stringer The Lawton Constitution

SMALL SPACE AD Kathy Young Enid News & Eagle

Helping students get to the heart of the matter SECOND PLACE

Kayla Durham and Belinda Darnell The Lawton Constitution

Suit to force schools open continues

IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE

Alexander Ewald Enid News & Eagle

City of Enid and its Kaw Lake water project SECOND PLACE

Mindy Ragan Wood and Reese Gorman The Norman Transcript

Norman ward reapportionment process and controversy THIRD PLACE

Kim McConnell The Lawton Constitution

Darlene Pottorf looks at her wedding dress...

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript Spring forward

SECOND PLACE

Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript

THIRD PLACE

Glen Brockenbush The Lawton Constitution

Rebecca Howe The Norman Transcript

THIRD PLACE

Frederick seniors

Norman stamp and seal

LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

Kayla Durham and Cindy Wright The Lawton Constitution

Kathy Young Enid News & Eagle

THIRD PLACE

Billy Hefton Enid News & Eagle

Movin’ on up

SECOND PLACE

Michelle Charles Stillwater News Press

Refined by fire

Brady’s design center inventory reduction

Anderson’s Pharmacy

Black, Latino students significantly underrepresented in Norman’s gifted education

SECOND PLACE

Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise

FIRST PLACE

Addressing gender imbalance in tech fields

Emma Keith The Norman Transcript

Fourth of July fireworks

SECOND PLACE

Happy Mother’s Day THIRD PLACE

Brenda Adams and Angela Jackson Muskogee Phoenix

The great St. Patrick’s Day sale continues

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise WCSPCA reduces adoption fees SECOND PLACE

Billy Hefton Enid News & Eagle

A man tries to get a closer look at a submerged car... THIRD PLACE

Ashlynd Huffman Stillwater News Press

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Andy Dossett Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise July 4 fun a real blast SECOND PLACE

Kyle Phillips The Norman Transcript Norman High wins state THIRD PLACE

Jason Elmquist Stillwater News Press

Cowgirl softball advances to College World Series

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Dee Ann Patterson The Lawton Constitution July 25: Rescue funds SECOND PLACE

Dee Ann Patterson The Lawton Constitution Feb. 16: Walloped THIRD PLACE

Jamie Berry The Norman Transcript July 4

Fire tears through tow yard

Virtual learning

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 2 RESULTS

DAILIES, CITY POPULATION LESS THAN 30,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Claremore Daily Progress

THIRD PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press

McAlester News-Capital Weatherford Daily News

SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE

Weatherford Daily News

SPORTS COVERAGE

LAYOUT & DESIGN McAlester News-Capital

Denton Thomason Vinita Daily Journal

First ‘degree’ explosion rocks big cabin SECOND PLACE

Adrian O’Hanlon McAlester News-Capital

Man convulsed, vomited in Oklahoma’s first execution since 2015

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Richard Barron The Ada News

McAlester News-Capital

FIRST PLACE

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

The Ada News THIRD PLACE

Claremore Daily Progress

Jaimone Kirkland remembered at balloon release

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Jeff Cali The Ada News

SECOND PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press

Indiana Jones has nothing on Karsyn Johnson

THIRD PLACE

The Ada News

SECOND PLACE

Mackenzee Crosby The Ada News

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

McAlester News-Capital

ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

McAlester News-Capital SECOND PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press THIRD PLACE

Weatherford Daily News

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

McAlester News-Capital SECOND PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press THIRD PLACE

The Ada News

Gridiron Preview Football Vision SECOND PLACE

Tahlequah Daily Press

THIRD PLACE

Montgomery Malone Weatherford Daily News

World War II plane takes flight in Weatherford

SPORTS STORY

Newcomers Guide 2021

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Kevin Green Claremore Daily Progress

Weatherford Daily News Dinner on Us

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE

McAlester News-Capital Angel Tree

SECOND PLACE

The Ada News

Edwards finds calling in sitting volleyball SECOND PLACE

Derek Hatridge McAlester News-Capital

Caity Clark kicks her way to McAlester history

Fall in love with a shelter pet

THIRD PLACE

Jeff Cali The Ada News

Weatherford Daily News Elf in the park

Cold War love affair

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

The real winner on Saturday was Team Landree

BUSINESS STORY

SMALL SPACE AD

FIRST PLACE

Derrick James McAlester News-Capital

Heather Ruotolo Tahlequah Daily Press

SECOND PLACE

Jill Harris McAlester News-Capital

Pete’s Place continues family tradition

Angela Thomason Vinita Daily Journal

Giving wall set up at Hi-Way Cafe THIRD PLACE

Chelsea Weeks Claremore Daily Progress

Morton’s open New Perspective

EDUCATION STORY

Straight Edge Barbershop SECOND PLACE

Olive Branch

THIRD PLACE

Juanita Lewis Tahlequah Daily Press Downsizing at Go Ye

LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

Jana Weddle McAlester News-Capital Gameday poster

SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE

Brian King Tahlequah Daily Press

Joe Mack Tahlequah Daily Press

Northeastern Health System

Local man’s racist remarks

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jana Weddle McAlester News-Capital

Adrian O’Hanlon McAlester News-Capital

Southeast Clinic

Retired McAlester educator doesn’t want history to repeat itself

Campus Protest

IN-DEPTH REPORTING

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Derrick James McAlester News-Capital Stitt commutes Julius Jones sentence SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Montgomery Malone Weatherford Daily News

He killed his mother and says it was ‘God’s will’ SECOND PLACE

Denton Thomason and Angela Thomason Vinita Daily Journal Bomb threats lock down school, shake city THIRD PLACE

Derrick James McAlester News-Capital McGirt ruling

Adrian O’Hanlon McAlester News-Capital

Reporting Oklahoma’s first execution since 2015 THIRD PLACE

Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press Student campus protest

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Josh Burton Weatherford Daily News Player carrying flag SECOND PLACE

COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE

Jeff Cali The Ada News SECOND PLACE

Richard Barron The Ada News THIRD PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Jay Lederman Claremore Daily Progress Sequoyah freshman receiver SECOND PLACE

DJ Johnson Vinita Daily Journal

Sliding into home like Superman THIRD PLACE

Josh Burton Weatherford Daily News

Carsyn Chase makes contact with a ball

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Richard Barron The Ada News

THIRD PLACE

Grant Crawford Tahlequah Daily Press

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH

Asher town Christmas Parade SECOND PLACE

Richard Barron The Ada News AdaFest

THIRD PLACE

Derrick James McAlester News-Capital Julius Jones supporters

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Dawnyal Hill McAlester News-Capital

May 29: Greenwood, a century later SECOND PLACE

Dawnyal Hill McAlester News-Capital

Richard Barron The Ada News

Nov. 19: Governor commutes Julius Jones sentence

THIRD PLACE

Phillip Reid Perry Daily Journal

Independence Day events a success

Richard Barron The Ada News

THIRD PLACE

Sept. 15: Grit and Glamour

Vanoss High School senior class president is unable to hold back his tears

Kim Poindexter Tahlequah Daily Press

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 3 RESULTS SEMI- AND TRI-WEEKLIES

NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

PHOTOGRAPHY

NEWS STORY

Sequoyah County Times

FIRST PLACE

El Reno Tribune

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Charlene Belew and Andy Morphew The Duncan Banner

Okmulgee Times

Yukon Review

THIRD PLACE

The Duncan Banner

Conviction overturned: DA, sheriff, family react to murder dismissal SECOND PLACE

Staff El Reno Tribune

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

The Duncan Banner

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Okmulgee Times SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Poteau Daily News THIRD PLACE

Sequoyah County Times

Blaze burns countryside THIRD PLACE

Dawnita Fogleman Woodward News

Local sheriff blames shooting on flawed warrant procedure

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Christine Reid The Kingﬁsher Times & Free Press

Sequoyah County Times THIRD PLACE

The Duncan Banner

Eyewitness to history SECOND PLACE

SALES PROMOTION

THIRD PLACE

Salute to our veterans

Ray Dyer El Reno Tribune

SECOND PLACE

ADVERTISING Henryetta Free-Lance SECOND PLACE

Sequoyah County Times THIRD PLACE

The Duncan Banner State Bound

THIRD PLACE

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Okmulgee Times THIRD PLACE

The Duncan Banner

FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune SECOND PLACE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Andy Morphew The Duncan Banner 22 strong

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Take out Tuesday

Michael Swisher The Kingﬁsher Times & Free Press

The Duncan Banner SECOND PLACE

El Reno Tribune News brief videos THIRD PLACE

Okmulgee Times Cookie Crawl

SPORTS STORY

Tracing her father’s past

The Duncan Banner

Sequoyah County Times

Firefighter and Kepo take on Hollywood, The Pack

Bingo

Sequoyah County Times

EDITORIAL WRITING

Avionics student

FIRST PLACE

Henryetta Free-Lance

FIRST PLACE

Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

‘In My Heart, We Won’

BUSINESS STORY

SMALL SPACE AD

FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Lyndsay Bayne El Reno Tribune

SECOND PLACE

Larissa Copeland and Paula Settle Yukon Review

Commercial businesses hit hard by lack of running water

Michael Pineda Yukon Review Rustic flair

DJ Dezire & LynzB SECOND PLACE

Del Rancho

THIRD PLACE

Moira McGhee Miami News-Record

Crystal Childers The Duncan Banner

The Stables Casino taps Miamian for top post

EDUCATION STORY

Shop Downtown Main Street Duncan

LARGE SPACE AD

FIRST PLACE

Moira McGhee Miami News-Record

Lyndsay Bayne El Reno Tribune

Double cast brings The Nutcracker to life

St. Katharine Drexel Veteran’s Day

SECOND PLACE

Carolyn Boothe The Grove Sun

Crystal Childers The Duncan Banner

Shark Tank inspires two young entrepreneurs

Branded Apparel

THIRD PLACE

Carolyn Boothe The Grove Sun

Carrie Carberry and Silver Cole Sequoyah County Times

Grove school buses drive nearly 1,920 miles per day

Diamond Daze

IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE

Haley Humphrey Yukon Review

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH COMBINED WITH DIVISION 4

Homelessness

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Staff El Reno Tribune

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Potential closing of William S. Key Correctional Center

COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE

Michael Pineda Yukon Review SECOND PLACE

Andy Morphew The Duncan Banner THIRD PLACE

Tamara Gregor The Duncan Banner

FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

El Reno High School catcher Brayden Fulton SECOND PLACE

Kelly Wray The Duncan Banner Empire bulldogs THIRD PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Taking one in the chin

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune What a fun fair

SECOND PLACE

Johnny McMahan Woodward News Tournament action THIRD PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Homecoming parade

Dousing the flames

Deep freeze causes massive water outages

Dawnita Fogleman Woodward News

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH

Construction worker THIRD PLACE

Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon

Carl Albert student Cole McNeely at the Welders Rodeo

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Colorful pressure SECOND PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune Wave watchers

THIRD PLACE

Johnny McMahan Woodward News

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller and Lyndsay Bayne El Reno Tribune Sept. 22: Tribune transforms into Tinseltown

SECOND PLACE

Leslie CarberryMendoza, Jan Herod and Carrie Carberry Sequoyah County Times Oct. 8: Sasquatch THIRD PLACE

Tracy Goza Henryetta Free-Lance

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving

Ducks

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

Hey Glen, Vicky, Amy, Codie, Judy, Lyndsay & Bret!

THANK YOU!

for being the VERY BEST NEWSPAPER TEAM in the state! We appreciate all of your hard work, dedication & fun you bring to work every single day.

WE LOVE YOU! Erin, Ray & Sean

El Reno Tribune 18

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 4 RESULTS

WEEKLIES, CITY POPULATION MORE THAN 19,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

Midwest City Beacon

Mustang Times

SECOND PLACE

OKC Friday

THIRD PLACE

The Oklahoma Eagle (Tulsa)

The Oklahoma Eagle THIRD PLACE

OKC Friday

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE

The Oklahoma Eagle Of Greenwood

SECOND PLACE

Midwest City Beacon Holiday Food Drive THIRD PLACE

Mustang Times Food Drive

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

Mustang Times SECOND PLACE

Mustang News THIRD PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Midwest City Beacon

FIRST PLACE

Midwest City Beacon THIRD PLACE

Mustang Times

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

Store’s owner robbed, beaten

Mustang News SECOND PLACE

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

Midwest City Beacon SECOND PLACE

Mustang Times THIRD PLACE

OKC Friday

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader 4 found dead in home THIRD PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

‘Brave’ and ‘heroic’: Guard members - one living, one killed in line of duty - honored

FEATURE STORY ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

Mustang Times SECOND PLACE

Midwest City Beacon THIRD PLACE

OKC Friday

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

Midwest City Beacon

Eastern Oklahoma County Football Preview SECOND PLACE

Mustang Times Living 50 Plus

THIRD PLACE

OKC Friday

Celebrate Oklahoma

FIRST PLACE

Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon

Siblings raise awareness about lupus SECOND PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

Divine intervention: Local couple survives house fire thanks to good samaritan THIRD PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

Owasso gym owner teams up with ‘Heroes,’ ‘Star Wars’ actor to raise awareness of epilepsy

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

SPORTS STORY

IN-DEPTH REPORTING

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE

FIRST PLACE

COMBINED WITH DIVISION 5

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

Victor Luckerson, Mary Noble, M. David Goodwin and Gary Lee The Oklahoma Eagle

Kevin Hilley and Dubie Torrez The Altus Times

Joe Medlin: Gaining his voice

SECOND PLACE

Of Greenwood

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

SECOND PLACE

‘I’m an Olympian for life’: Owasson Patrick Callan reflects on swimming in Tokyo Olympics THIRD PLACE

Jason Jewell OKC Friday

Crossings Christian wins state basketball championship

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

FIRST PLACE

Altus Balloon Festival

SECOND PLACE

Rose Lane OKC Friday Cookies & Cocktails

The City’s COVID losses aren’t statistics. They’re friends, neighbors and relatives. THIRD PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader COVID kills 1 in 255

BUSINESS STORY

COLUMN WRITING COMBINED WITH DIVISION 5 FIRST PLACE

Dawn Tree The Oklahoma Eagle FIRST PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader Cannabis site appealed SECOND PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

FRONT PAGE DESIGN

SECOND PLACE

Allie Prater Cushing Citizen THIRD PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

Power line route finalized THIRD PLACE

Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon

Intermission ends at Warren Theatre

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH COMBINED WITH DIVISION 3

EDUCATION STORY FIRST PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

Living history lesson SECOND PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter A promising hotelier: Owasso a launching pad for Ethiopian student’s hospitality career THIRD PLACE

Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader

Stroke ‘opened so many’ doors

FIRST PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Dousing the flames SECOND PLACE

Glen Miller El Reno Tribune

Construction worker THIRD PLACE

Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon

Carl Albert student Cole McNeely at the Welders Rodeo

FIRST PLACE

M. David Goodwin, Ross Johnson and Samantha Levrault The Oklahoma Eagle June 4: “We Demand...” SECOND PLACE

Rose Lane OKC Friday

June 4: Made of Clay THIRD PLACE

Rose Lane OKC Friday

Feb. 12: ‘Spiro’ opening at The Cowboy

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 5 RESULTS

WEEKLIES, CITY POPULATION BETWEEN 7,000 & 19,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

Wagoner County American-Tribune SECOND PLACE

Choctaw Times

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

The Newcastle Pacer SECOND PLACE

Choctaw Times

THIRD PLACE

The Express-Star (Chickasha)

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

The Express-Star Jan’s Santa Book

SECOND PLACE

Choctaw Times

Eastern Oklahoma County Today THIRD PLACE

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Newcastle Pacer

National FFA Week

FIRST PLACE

The Newcastle Pacer SECOND PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Choctaw Times THIRD PLACE

The Express-Star

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE

The Newcastle Pacer

Help for non-profits during pandemic

Wagoner County American-Tribune

SECOND PLACE

Choctaw Times

Choctaw Hoops

THIRD PLACE

The Express-Star

SPORTS COVERAGE ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

Choctaw Times SECOND PLACE

The Express-Star THIRD PLACE

The Newcastle Pacer

NEWS STORY

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

The Newcastle Pacer Wagoner County American-Tribune THIRD PLACE

Durant Democrat

Tullahassee leaders drive revitalization in Oklahoma’s oldest surviving all-Black town SECOND PLACE

Jessica Lane The Express-Star

Grady residents share stories from Sunday storm THIRD PLACE

Kevin Hilley The Altus Times

Is it “curtains” for historic City Auditorium?

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Jessica Lane The Express-Star

Check it out: Heilmans cover Chickasha Library in community’s favorite books SECOND PLACE

Kevin Hilley The Altus Times

Local artist channels energy into giant murals THIRD PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

Tullahassee leaders drive revitalization in Oklahoma’s oldest surviving all-Black town

SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE

Kevin Farr Durant Democrat Victory King

SECOND PLACE

Austin Litterell The Express-Star

Elam discusses journey, Chickasha’s support and future of softball THIRD PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

Coweta basketball standout Jenni Bryan remembered for huge heart

IN-DEPTH REPORTING

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH

COMBINED WITH DIVISION 6

FIRST PLACE

Jessica Lane The Express-Star

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune Preservation versus cost: Roof needed at Wagoner’s historic Katy Depot SECOND PLACE

Jerry Fink The Eufaula Indian Journal

McGirt Ruling, 2010 Murphy, Court ruling, Dozens Indicted, Hammer, McGirt, Prosecution, Two more cases

‘Fly ’em Cowboy’: Falcon Flight Formation Team takes off

SECOND PLACE

Kevin Hilley The Altus Times Tiniest policegirl THIRD PLACE

Jessica Lane The Express-Star

Multiple events draw crowd to downtown Chickasha

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH COLUMN WRITING COMBINED WITH DIVISION 4 FIRST PLACE

Dawn Tree The Oklahoma Eagle SECOND PLACE

Allie Prater Cushing Citizen THIRD PLACE

Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter

FIRST PLACE

Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat Caddo Bruin Chandler Lackey is fouled by a Tushka player

SECOND PLACE

Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat

SE Lady Storm players Jordan Benson and Kamryn Cantwell walk THIRD PLACE

Austin Litterell The Express-Star

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH

Ninnekah bounces back to win district title

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE

EDUCATION STORY

COMBINED WITH DIVISION 4

COMBINED WITH DIVISION 6

FIRST PLACE

Kevin Hilley and Dubie Torrez The Altus Times FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun

Kevin Hilley The Altus Times

Bethel senior receives standing ovation

Blue lights

SECOND PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

12-year-old Wagoner boy emails mayor wanting a skate park

Matt Swearengin Durant Democrat

Altus Balloon Festival

SECOND PLACE

Rose Lane OKC Friday Cookies & Cocktails

Police officer funeral THIRD PLACE

Kevin Hilley The Altus Times Summer storm

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 6 RESULTS

WEEKLIES, CITY POPULATION BETWEEN 3,500 & 7,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

The Purcell Register SECOND PLACE

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

The Eufaula Indian Journal

The Marlow Review

THIRD PLACE

Countywide & Sun (Tecumseh)

SECOND PLACE

The Purcell Register

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

The Purcell Register SECOND PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

The Eufaula Indian Journal

Countywide & Sun THIRD PLACE

The Eufaula Indian Journal

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

The Eufaula Indian Journal Focus 2021

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Countywide & Sun THIRD PLACE

Bristow News

The Purcell Register

EDITORIAL WRITING The Eufaula Indian Journal SECOND PLACE

The Purcell Register THIRD PLACE

The Stilwell Democrat Journal

THIRD PLACE

Countywide & Sun

WOKA Whitewater Park THIRD PLACE

Suzie Campbell Countywide & Sun

New Challenges for 2021 PCJLS

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard The Marlow Review

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

A Story of Valor: Dwight Birdwell up for Congressional Medal THIRD PLACE

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Violet’s View: 60-year DJ columnist shares her history

SPORTS STORY

Local Folks: Locally owned businesses here to serve you!

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP The Eufaula Indian Journal Domestic Violence Awareness SECOND PLACE

The Purcell Register Operation Christmas THIRD PLACE

Bristow News

Light Up Bristow Christmas Lighting Contest

SECOND PLACE

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Football Preview

FIRST PLACE

Suspect in Custody, Shelter from the Storm

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Bristow News

The Purcell Register

Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard The Marlow Review

Local expert adds authenticity to “Stillwater”

SECOND PLACE

The Purcell Register

ADVERTISING

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

FIRST PLACE

Shalene White The Madill Record Fans or no fans?

SECOND PLACE

DJ Johnson Nowata Star

Oklahoma Union wins state basketball title THIRD PLACE

Shalene White The Madill Record

Former football player arrested

BUSINESS STORY FIRST PLACE

SMALL SPACE AD

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH

FIRST PLACE

Wizard of Oz

Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun

Bristow News

After 81 years of service

SECOND PLACE

Rodney Haltom The Eufaula Indian Journal

SECOND PLACE

Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Summer Bryant The Madill Record

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

WOKA Whitewater Park now under construction

Free kittens

THIRD PLACE

Bristow News

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

COMBINED WITH DIVISION 5

THIRD PLACE

Vote Root

Bull rider Ramon De Lima

LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

Bristow News

SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE

Bethel senior receives standing ovation SECOND PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

Cannon: living and loving the rodeo life

Rodney Haltom The Eufaula Indian Journal

Faith Baptist Church

Natasha Dunagan Countywide & Sun

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Business owners plagued by illegal dumping

EDUCATION STORY

Agony of defeat

Jean Gawf The Eufaula Indian Journal Gold Star

THIRD PLACE

Bristow News

Hutchins Maples Tree of Remembrance

12-year-old Wagoner boy emails mayor wanting a skate park

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Renee Fite and Mackenzie Oestreich The Stilwell Democrat Journal WOKA Whitewater Park now under construction SECOND PLACE

Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal Winter of 2021 whiteout

THIRD PLACE

IN-DEPTH REPORTING COMBINED WITH DIVISION 5 FIRST PLACE

Justin Ayer Wagoner County American-Tribune

Preservation versus cost: Roof needed at Wagoner’s historic Katy Depot SECOND PLACE

Jerry Fink The Eufaula Indian Journal

McGirt Ruling, 2010 Murphy, Court ruling, Dozens Indicted, Hammer, McGirt, Prosecution, Two more cases

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

COLUMN WRITING Megan Moss The Madill Record SECOND PLACE

Charles White The Madill Record

Ready, set, go hunt for Easter Eggs

FRONT PAGE DESIGN

Berry good day

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Juanita Lewis The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Pure happiness THIRD PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

Choose life: Rally aims to prevent suicide among youth

March 24: Easter egg hunt SECOND PLACE

Denton Thomason Nowata Star

Nov. 10: Veterans Parade THIRD PLACE

Bristow News Oct. 7

THIRD PLACE

Renee Fite The Stilwell Democrat Journal

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

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Wesner Publications OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 7 RESULTS

WEEKLIES, CITY POPULATION BETWEEN 2,000 & 3,500 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

Watonga Republican SECOND PLACE

The Cleveland American THIRD PLACE

McIntosh County Democrat

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

The Cleveland American SECOND PLACE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FIRST PLACE

Johnston County Sentinel

The Lincoln County News

Tishomingo Sales Tax Proposition

THIRD PLACE

The Lincoln County News

Watonga Republican

SECOND PLACE

Teacher of the week THIRD PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

The Lincoln County News

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

Johnston County Sentinel SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Lincoln County News

THIRD PLACE

Eastern Times-Register (Roland)

McIntosh County Democrat The Drumright Gusher

THIRD PLACE

McIntosh County Democrat Food challenge

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

John Small Johnston County Sentinel

Duncan pleads guilty in federal court SECOND PLACE

Rebecca Carroll Marietta Monitor

Tiger King drama continues THIRD PLACE

Brandi Ball The Cleveland American

ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

McIntosh County Democrat SECOND PLACE

Watonga Republican THIRD PLACE

The Lincoln County News

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

Watonga Republican

Watonga Cheese Festival guide SECOND PLACE

Eastern Times-Register School sections THIRD PLACE

The Drumright Gusher Cimarron Christmas

COVID-19: One year later

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Lily Huff The Lincoln County News Sierra Wade: Dancer SECOND PLACE

Joani Hartin Marietta Monitor

Local man works with big stars THIRD PLACE

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

Johnston County Sentinel SECOND PLACE

The Drumright Gusher THIRD PLACE

The Cleveland American

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

Natasja Kemp The Cleveland American Four-legged staff member

SPORTS STORY

COLUMN WRITING

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH

FIRST PLACE

Brian Blansett The Lincoln County News

Rusty Ferguson The Cleveland American

Graham Dudley Watonga Republican

Big day for Meeker SECOND PLACE

Graham Dudley Watonga Republican State champs

THIRD PLACE

Brandi Ball and William Howell The Cleveland American Cleveland grad named

SECOND PLACE

MaryLee Meisner The Drumright Gusher THIRD PLACE

John Small Johnston County Sentinel

SMALL SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

BUSINESS STORY FIRST PLACE

Kendra Johnson The Lincoln County News A different kind of farm south of Meeker SECOND PLACE

Mike McCormick The Lincoln County News A passion for draft horses THIRD PLACE

Brandi Ball The Cleveland American

Fireworks supply short after pandemic blew up

EDUCATION STORY FIRST PLACE

Brandi Ball The Cleveland American Road rage

SECOND PLACE

Graham Dudley Watonga Republican

Girls seek dress code changes THIRD PLACE

Natasja Kemp The Cleveland American Teacher of year

IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE

Brandi Ball The Cleveland American CHS alumna on death row SECOND PLACE

Graham Dudley Watonga Republican Watonga police chief investigation THIRD PLACE

Mike McCormick The Lincoln County News

A growing problem for authorities

Kindra Blansett The Lincoln County News

Good luck, IFYR contestants SECOND PLACE

Rusty Ferguson The Cleveland American Celebration

THIRD PLACE

Kimberly Jenkins Watonga Republican

RoCo Dog Grooming Salon

LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

Jean Gawf McIntosh County Democrat City of Checotah

SECOND PLACE

Rusty Ferguson The Cleveland American

Overman anniversary THIRD PLACE

Kimberly Jenkins and Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican Cimarex Christmas

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Jean Gawf McIntosh County Democrat House fire

SECOND PLACE

Lily Huff The Lincoln County News Lots of big catfish THIRD PLACE

Brian Blansett The Lincoln County News We got your kicks

Firefighter Walk

SECOND PLACE

Brian Blansett The Lincoln County News Sierra Wade: Dancer THIRD PLACE

Natasja Kemp The Cleveland American Pinewood Derby

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Brian Blansett The Lincoln County News

Football catch, Chandler v. Crossings Christian SECOND PLACE

Rick Hester The Lincoln County News

Run at state: Girls basketball leaping coach THIRD PLACE

Rick Hester The Lincoln County News

Pirates fall in baseball semifinals

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Rick Hester, Traci Cook, Kindra Blansett and Brian Blansett The Lincoln County News Friday night football: Stroud v. Prague SECOND PLACE

Brian Blansett, Jennifer Pryor and Mario Holland The Lincoln County News State track meet THIRD PLACE

Brian Blansett and Mario Holland The Lincoln County News Football scrimmages

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican

May 12: Track & field state champs SECOND PLACE

Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican Sept. 15

THIRD PLACE

Tatiana Ryland Watonga Republican May 19: Graduation

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 8 RESULTS

WEEKLIES, CITY POPULATION LESS THAN 2,000 NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News

The Fairfax Chief

SECOND PLACE

The Fairfax Chief

Vian Tenkiller News

THIRD PLACE

Mountain View News

Minco-Union City Times

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

The Fairfax Chief SECOND PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN FIRST PLACE

The Fairfax Chief SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

The Fairfax Chief Trunk Show event

SECOND PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News

Cancer signs for Vian toddler THIRD PLACE

Minco-Union City Times Missing, lost or adoptable animals on front page

NEWS STORY

Mountain View News

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Minco-Union City Times

Leo lights up the night

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News

Minco-Union City Times

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Minco-Union City Times

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

SECOND PLACE

Todd Brooks The Comanche Times

Who Killed Mary?: After 33 years, family still seeks answers to murder

Inola Independent

THIRD PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Mountain View News

Not a plane, not a bird, not even a UFO

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE

Minco-Union City Times SECOND PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News THIRD PLACE

The Fairfax Chief

SALES PROMOTION FIRST PLACE

Vian Tenkiller News

Meet the merchants tab SECOND PLACE

Mountain View News

Football runner up celebration tab THIRD PLACE

Minco-Union City Times Shop Local Guide

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

Todd Brooks The Comanche Times Cowgirl Up

SECOND PLACE

Todd Brooks The Comanche Times

Breaking the shackles of sin THIRD PLACE

Joe Conner The Fairfax Chief

Hidden past discovered by author McAuliffe

SPORTS STORY

SMALL SPACE AD

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH

FIRST PLACE

Todd Brooks The Comanche Times

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief

Jyl Hobbs Mountain View News

Remembering Britny: Miller switches number in memory of cousin SECOND PLACE

Madelyn Murphy The Fairfax Chief

Shidler takes tournament honors THIRD PLACE

Vannesa Asher The Fairfax Chief

District playoffs up next for Cougars

Cleveland Vision Center SECOND PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief Muffins for Summer THIRD PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief TallChief sign

LARGE SPACE AD FIRST PLACE

BUSINESS STORY FIRST PLACE

Jayson Knight Minco-Union City Times Blossom time

SECOND PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Where’s the beef? In Hominy THIRD PLACE

Todd Brooks The Comanche Times

Library emerges in hair salon

EDUCATION STORY FIRST PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Touring students learn history SECOND PLACE

Johnna Kidd Inola Independent

Carl Parson’s Inola Storage Buildings SECOND PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief Kraft Pest Control THIRD PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief

Southwest Native American Art

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Owen Hutcheson The Fairfax Chief Dancers delight!

SECOND PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Superintendent doesn’t resign, school board votes to suspend

It’s back - Ralston’s Labor Day!

THIRD PLACE

Joe Conner The Fairfax Chief

THIRD PLACE

Po-Hi Steppers unfurl Old Glory

Board to hire interim superintendent

COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE

Bruce Hadden The Fairfax Chief SECOND PLACE

Deanna Maddox Yale News THIRD PLACE

Jyl Hobbs Mountain View News

SECOND PLACE

Owen Hutcheson The Fairfax Chief

Nate Lockert catches and shoots an alley-oop pass from Mason Dysart THIRD PLACE

Owen Hutcheson The Fairfax Chief

Cade Potts hangs on sideways at the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Joe Conner, Carol Conner and Candice Cason The Fairfax Chief Veteran’s Day parade

SECOND PLACE

Carol Conner The Fairfax Chief

Tiger Jarrett Butler stretches

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief

Flames loom over Leo SECOND PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief

Dan ‘Reride’ Smith drives wagon on set of Killers of the Flower Moon THIRD PLACE

Joe Conner The Fairfax Chief

Owen Hutcheson and Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief Filming Faux Fairfax THIRD PLACE

Owen Hutcheson The Fairfax Chief 101 Rodeo

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief Aug. 12

SECOND PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief Nov. 11

THIRD PLACE

Sherry Stinson The Fairfax Chief July 8

Towering tree enlivens season

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

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OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021

OPA PERFECTA AWARD WINNERS

The Perfecta Award honors OPA member newspapers that achieve 100 percent accuracy on advertising orders from Oklahoma Press Service in the calendar year. The Allen Advocate The American (Afton) The Anadarko Daily News Atoka County Times Blackwell Journal-Tribune The Boise City News Bristow News

Broken Bow News The Carnegie Herald The Chelsea Reporter The Cheyenne Star Clinton Daily News Coalgate Record-Register The Comanche Times The County Times (Lawton) Cushing Citizen The Delaware County Journal The Duncan Banner Eastern Times-Register (Roland) El Reno Tribune The Eufaula Indian Journal The Fairfax Chief Frederick Press-Leader Garvin County News Star Guthrie News Leader Harper County Leader The Healdton Herald Henryetta Free-Lance The Hobart Democrat-Chief The Hominy News-Progress The Hooker Advance

Johnston County Sentinel Kiowa County Democrat The Konawa Leader The Lindsay News The Logan County Courier Marietta Monitor The Marlow Review McIntosh County Democrat McCurtain Gazette (Idabel) Midwest City Beacon The Mooreland Leader Muskogee Phoenix Northwest Oklahoman (Arnett) OKC Friday The Oklahoman Okmulgee Times The Perkins Journal Perry Journal The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette The Prague Times-Herald The Purcell Register The Ringling Eagle The Rush Springs Gazette Sequoyah County Times

The Sentinel Leader Skiatook Journal Stigler News-Sentinel Sulphur Times-Democrat Talihina American The Thomas Tribune Tulsa Beacon Tulsa World The Valliant Leader Vian Tenkiller News The Vici Vision Waurika News Journal & Ryan Leader Weatherford Daily News The Wewoka Times The Wilson Post-Democrat Woods County Enterprise Woodward News Yale News Yukon Progress

OPA AWARD WINNERS

2021 OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DIVISION 9 RESULTS COLLEGE NEWSPAPERS

NEWS CONTENT FIRST PLACE

The O’Colly

Oklahoma State University SECOND PLACE

The Gazette

Langston University THIRD PLACE

Northwestern News Northwestern Oklahoma State University

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE

Northwestern News SECOND PLACE

The Cameron University Collegian THIRD PLACE

The O’Colly

FEATURE STORY FIRST PLACE

Ben Hutchens The O’Colly Pete’s pick-up

SECOND PLACE

Sudeep Tumma The O’Colly

Greenwood’s barber THIRD PLACE

Anna Pope The O’Colly Still Dreaming

SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE

The Cameron University Collegian SECOND PLACE

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Northwestern News

SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE

Adam Engel The O’Colly

FIRST PLACE

The Cameron University Collegian

Culture club

SECOND PLACE

Cade Kennedy Northwestern News

The O’Colly

THIRD PLACE

Northwestern News

Rangers bash Bulldogs

THIRD PLACE

Sam Hutchens The O’Colly

Building a program

NEWS STORY FIRST PLACE

EDITORIAL WRITING FIRST PLACE

The Cameron University Collegian SECOND PLACE

Northwestern News

Sasha Ndisabiye The Gazette

The worst experience of my life,’ Administrators knew housing was limited SECOND PLACE

Ryan Novozinsky The O’Colly Curtain call

THIRD PLACE

Ryan Novozinsky The O’Colly Madam President

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

BUSINESS STORY FIRST PLACE

Kaylea Brown, Laney Cook and Devyn Lansden Northwestern News Canna-BIZness is booming

EDUCATION STORY FIRST PLACE

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

PHOTO ESSAY/PICTURE PAGE FIRST PLACE

Jordan Green and David Thornton Northwestern News

$9 Million raised by Alva Incentive Tax to fund scholarships for NWOSU students SECOND PLACE

Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian

A COVID-19 Update with President McArthur THIRD PLACE

Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian

Cleaning up Elmer Thomas: Cameron’s ‘Day in the Park’

FIRST PLACE

Devyn Lansden Northwestern News

Alondra Salas, Miss Ringwood SECOND PLACE

Joshua Cleary The O’Colly

Mike Holder, OSU athletic director THIRD PLACE

Jashua Orndorff The Cameron University Collegian Feast your pies on this!

FIRST PLACE

Devyn Lansden and Jordan Green Northwestern News Howdy from Hawaii SECOND PLACE

Devyn Lansden Northwestern News

Showing off their true colors THIRD PLACE

Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian Library Renovation

IN-DEPTH REPORTING FIRST PLACE

Kaylea Brown, Devyn Lansden and Laney Cook Northwestern News Mental Health Matters

SECOND PLACE

Chris Becker The O’Colly

2011: A decade later

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Jimm Alley The Cameron University Collegian

FRONT PAGE DESIGN FIRST PLACE

Kalen Haynes: Baseball and beatmaking

SECOND PLACE

Jordan Green Northwestern News SGA car bash

COLUMN WRITING FIRST PLACE

Jordan Green Northwestern News

THIRD PLACE

Abby Cage The O’Colly

Ballner battles mental health, cross country and foreign land

SECOND PLACE

Alison Malawey The Cameron University Collegian THIRD PLACE

Makenna Hill The Cameron University Collegian

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH FIRST PLACE

Abby Cage The O’Colly

Cowboys plaster Red Raiders... SECOND PLACE

Devyn Lansden Northwestern News

Gavin Garner races toward the endzone THIRD PLACE

Joshua Cleary The O’Colly

Weekend warriors

FIRST PLACE

Cambron Alsbrook The Cameron University Collegian March 8: Celebrations from Zoom Cameron homecoming festival SECOND PLACE

Karisa Sheely The O’Colly

2021 Football preview THIRD PLACE

Joshua Cleary The O’Colly

April 9: Madam President

OPA CONVENTION AWARDS

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS OPA is pleased to honor its members and individuals with a variety of awards for their many achievements. Two monthly contests featured in The Oklahoma Publisher – the ONG Column and Editorial Contest, and the OGE Photo Contest – offer members the opportunity to show off their work and receive a cash prize of $100. Annual contests include: • Better Newspaper Contest • ONF Ray Lokey Memorial Award for Excellence in Reporting • ONF Joseph H. Edwards Outdoor Writer of the Year • Magazine Contest Other awards presented by OPA include: • OPA Milt Phillips Award (selected by OPA Board of Directors) • ONF Beachy Musselman Award (self-nominations welcome) • Half Century Club (self-nominations welcome) • Quarter Century Club (self-nominations welcome)

Nomination & Entry Information for all awards available at

OkPress.com/awards or call 405-499-0020 (1-888-815-2672 toll-free in Oklahoma) for more information.

OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION

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OPA Awards Program 2021-22

Articles inside

Sequoyah Award Winners

HALF CENTURY CLUB Inductees

QUARTER CENTURY CLUB Inductees