Grove Sun

06/03/2026

Authorized and paid by friends of Gentner Drummond 2026.

06/03/2026

A bill requiring allegations of abuse or neglect by a school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours has been signed into law by the governor.

Rep. Steve Bashore (R-Miami) is the author of House Bill 2959. The measure would require independent law enforcement to be notified prior of any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation.

“Our most important priority is to protect our youth,” Bashore said. “This legislation will ensure that law enforcement is made immediately aware of any allegation of misconduct so they can properly investigate the situation. This will keep students and the larger community safe from any potential abusers.”

HB2959 passed with an emergency clause, meaning it is immediately in effect. Read the full story in yesterday's Midweek issue of the Grove Sun.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

During a luncheon at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum on Thursday, May 21, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2026 Honorees who will receive the state's highest honor this November. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member J.C. Watts Jr. and Board Member D. Scott Petty served as Masters of Ceremony. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member Martha Burger provided the invocation.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Read the full story in yesterday's issue of the Grove Sun.

06/02/2026

In 2017, Chris Dent was just 55 years old when he started having trouble walking and even speaking. He and his doctor at the time both thought he may have had a stroke.

“My doctor sent me to have an MRI,” Chris remembers. “He called me the next morning at 8 o’clock and said, ‘good news you didn’t have a stroke, bad news you have a golf ball sized brain tumor.’”

Chris was in shock. The thought of having brain surgery terrified him, but so did thinking about what his life could look like if he did nothing.

“It was tough. I went from playing volleyball, softball, running, and lifting weights all the time, to having difficulty walking around the block.”

He opted for the surgery. The surgeon was able to remove most of the tumor but was unable to remove it all because of the tumor’s complex location and the risk involved when operating in that area of the brain. Chris suffered some lasting side effects to his left ear and eye but was able to return to his active lifestyle which, to him and his dog Roscoe, made it all worthwhile.

Fast forward five years and Chris started having symptoms again. Read the full story in today's Grove Sun.

06/02/2026

Lots of cool events to attend.

06/02/2026

Rental

06/02/2026

The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved a $520 million, five-year program to improve the state’s airport network during its May 13 meeting. The comprehensive initiative funds 176 total infrastructure developments, including 99 specific pro-growth projects.

Running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2031, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ (ODAA) Airport Construction Program (ACP) pools federal, state, and local funds to accelerate aviation business growth and enhance safety measures statewide. The strategy targets infrastructure needs to attract new commercial investment, and transform airports into stronger economic drivers for local communities, while ensuring aviation facilities support the state’s transportation needs.

“This plan represents a bold, pro-growth vision for Oklahoma and continues our leap into the global aerospace economy,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “We’re not just maintaining runways; we’re building a world-class network capable of supporting next-generation commercial aircraft and pioneering aerospace industry operations to drive our state’s economy for decades.”

As the state’s second-largest and fastest-growing economic engine, the Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Industry generates $44 billion in annual economic activity across 1,100 companies and organizations. This robust sector is powered by three key pillars: Military aviation and defense ($19.3 billion), off-airport aerospace businesses ($13.9 billion), and a network of 107 commercial and general aviation airports ($10.6 billion). Read the full story in today's Grove Sun.

06/02/2026

A dispute between the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office led to the Delaware County Commissioners approving the hiring of outside counsel in McBride & McBride of Pryor. The retainer is $2,500, which will be paid from the sheriff’s budget.

The dispute involves a warrant served on May 14, on David E. Hunter, 42, of Afton. Hunter was found inside a building and armed when officers attempted to take him into custody, firing multiple shots at the officers.

During the course of the arrest, Hunter was wounded and transferred to St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. His wounds led to him being a paraplegic, according to authorities.
Read the full story in today's Grove Sun.