Kennedy Thomason

3 days ago | ocolly.com | Kennedy Thomason

Stillwater’s sales tax revenues are projected to remain flat. During a presentation of the FY26 proposed budget, Assistant City Manager Christy Cluck said the trend shows that collections are “leveling off.”“This is concerning since sales tax is the largest source of funding for our city’s general fund and the dependence on sales tax collections is one of the biggest constraints that Oklahoma cities operate under to fund general government services like public safety networks,” Cluck said.

2 weeks ago | ocolly.com | Kennedy Thomason

Stillwater is taking stock after historic wildfires threatened the city more than a week ago. Many fires, which started during the afternoon of March 14, raged on through the night, threatening homes and businesses on the southwestern side of the city. Ninety-eight homes were lost, and an additional 123 homes were impacted, Stillwater Fire Department Chief Terry Essary said during the City Council meeting Monday.

2 weeks ago | ocolly.com | Kennedy Thomason

Cross Canadian Ragweed members Cody Canada and Randy Ragsdale strolled into city hall, with family members in tow. During the City Council meeting Monday, Canada and Ragsdale made their first public appearance of the week, three days ahead of a four-day concert series. Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce declared April 7-13 “Red Dirt Music Week,” prompting the appearance of nearly half of the reunited band.

2 weeks ago | ocolly.com | Kennedy Thomason

Edgar Escalante was building a fence as the winds began to pick up on the morning of March 14. Escalante, who has lived in Stillwater for 15 years, ended his work day early and returned home as warnings of wildfires began. Through the evening of March 14 and the morning of March 15, Stillwater experienced historic wildfires that burned 26,301 acres. Ninety-eight homes were lost, and an additional 123 homes were impacted as the fires raged on the southwestern side of the city.

3 weeks ago | ocolly.com | Kennedy Thomason

Stillwater's animals will soon have a new home. Payne County voters approved a proposition Tuesday to finance $8.75 million for a new Animal Welfare center. The new center, which will be located near the airport, is planned to be 12,200 square feet. The proposition received 75% of the vote, as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. In January, the City Council heard a presentation for the new facility.