The McAlester Minute

08/01/2026

McAlester has a fresh welcome at Will Rogers Park.

The City of McAlester announced that two new entrance signs have been installed at Will Rogers Park, located at 13th Street and McArthur Avenue.

The signs were funded through a private donation from Steve and Patty Harrison, helping highlight one of McAlester’s best-known public spaces.

Will Rogers Park covers nearly 28 acres and includes the McAlester Arboretum, Mike Deak Field, the Elmer Hale Complex, a one-mile walking and biking trail, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, Heroes Memorial, picnic areas, and plenty of green space.

In short, it is not just “that park over there.” It has a résumé.

Mayor Justin Few said the Harrisons’ generosity is helping preserve the identity of Will Rogers Park “so future generations will know and appreciate one of McAlester’s most treasured public spaces.”

07/29/2026

Nearly a hundred degrees on Choctaw Avenue Saturday night, and nobody left.

Thirty years after starting in a San Diego garage, Switchfoot closed out the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival. I asked them what they have been chasing all this time. The answer stuck with me.

Thirty years after a garage in San Diego, Switchfoot closed out Choctaw Avenue on Saturday night. They are still chasing the thing they have never been able to name.

07/26/2026

Villains, quilts, and a fistfight. All three are on the McAlester calendar this week, and we did not make that up.

Sewing camp for the kids runs Tuesday through Thursday. Descendants takes the stage at S. Arch Thompson four times, Friday through Sunday. Then Saturday works a double shift with the Olde Town Flea Market at 8 in the morning and StriKing at the Expo Center at 5.

Times, links, and the whole rundown are in this week's Minute.

July 27 to August 2, and yes, all three are on the calendar

07/25/2026

Dancing Rabbit Music Festival 2026, kicking off with Switchfoot

07/25/2026

Switchfoot getting dialed in for the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival

07/25/2026

TLDR: McAlester City Council, Tuesday 7/28, 6 p.m.

We read all 253 pages. Here is what matters:

💧 Water shutoffs. The City is asking rural water districts to cut off water to customers behind on their city sewer bill. Legal under state law. You get 30 days notice and a hearing.

🏠 Two land buys. A house on Green Meadows Circle ($169,155) gets torn down for a stormwater basin. The Bemac property on Carl Albert Parkway ($365,000) becomes a base for stormwater and wildfire crews.

💰 Budget year closed in the black. General Fund up about $349,000. Sales tax beat projections by $115,000. Hotel tax beat them by over $203,000. But the Emergency Fund is still about $900,000 short of the state minimum.

🇮🇹 A friend in Tuscany. Council votes on a friendship agreement with Marciano della Chiana, Italy. Culture, schools, tourism. No money changes hands.

🧊 The ice machine returns. Same $2,780 price tag Council questioned two weeks ago.

City Hall, 28 E. Washington. You get five minutes at the mic.

Full breakdown 👇

CivicClerk events and agendas for citizens

07/25/2026

See you there!

Today's the day! 🎶

We're counting down the hours until Downtown McAlester comes alive with incredible music, great food, and an unforgettable night of community.

Join us for performances by:
Switchfoot
EG Vines
Brother Rabbit

📍 Downtown McAlester
🕔 Doors open at 5:00pm, music starts around 6:00pm
🎟️ Free admission • Family-friendly

Bring a lawn chair, invite your friends, and we'll see you tonight!

07/23/2026

Mahjong night at Spaceship Earth Coffee

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

New Board President at McAlester Public Schools 🏫

Shelli Colbert is the new President of the McAlester Public Schools Board of Education. She stepped into the role Monday night during the board meeting.

Colbert has served on the board since 2019, representing Seat #4, and previously served as Vice President.

"Ms. Colbert leads with integrity and thoughtfulness, doing what's best for our students and our community," said MPS Superintendent Dr. Robert Steeber. "Her collaborative leadership style and passion for public education make her an outstanding choice to serve as Board President."

Congratulations, Ms. Colbert. Buffalo Nation is behind you. 🦬