The Stillwegian

18/07/2025

What do NYC, LA and Stillwater have in common?

In his only performance outside those coastal metropolis', Hugh Jackman will perform at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts Sept. 12.

🤠 Fun fact: Jackman made his theatre acting breakthrough as Curly McLain in the Royal National Theatre's award-winning production of OKLAHOMA! in 1998.

🎶 Look up his standout performance singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin" on YouTube

If you're interested in snagging single tickets, mark your calendar for Aug. 11 when they go on sale. But act fast – as they're expected to sellout quickly.

McKnight Center Defies Trends with Growing Subscriber Base: High renewal rate leads to limited single ticket availability for upcoming season featuring Hugh Jackman, U.S. Marine Band, Ashley McBryde and more.

Go deeper 👉 https://www.thestillwegian.news/mcknight-center-defies-trends-with-growing-subscriber-base/

16/07/2025

Mosquito surveillance pools across the state show increased activity over the past month. State health officials warn of increased risk, urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around homes.

Breaking News is always free to read.

Health officials warn of increased risk, urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around homes

11/07/2025

Tyler Bridges attended his first Board of Education meeting Tuesday as Superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools, outlining his plans to engage with community leaders and district personnel.

In the meeting, board member Dr. Marshall Baker criticized recent communications from Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters regarding school lunch funding, calling the statements "not kid forward."

"The legislature has had an opportunity a few times to fund lunches, and that has not been passed into law. And he does not have the authority to do that either," Baker said. "I just want families to know ... to not plan financially on that necessarily right now."

Construction Manager Brian Thomas also provided an update on the new high school project, reporting that Phase 1 construction remains on schedule for completion in May 2026.

Read the full report from this month's board of education meeting online at thestillwegian.news

11/07/2025

The Stillwater City Council unanimously approved a resolution to waive approximately $75,000 in rural fire bills for property owners affected by the March 14, 2025 wildfire disaster. The waiver applies to 24 billable incidents and aims to support disaster recovery efforts. The council also announced the grand opening of Fire Station #2 on July 22 and the Block 34 dedication ceremony on July 26.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/city-council-waives-75-000-in-rural-fire-bills-for-march-wildfire-victims/

City also announces grand opening of new Fire Station #2 and Block 34 dedication ceremony as community continues recovery efforts

10/07/2025

Stillwater is updating its smoking ordinance to align with state law and TSET eligibility requirements, paving the way for potential grant funding. The revised rules provide clearer guidelines on prohibited areas and signage, which could support community projects such as park improvements.

The city currently has a variety of no-smoking/tobacco-free signs, mostly at the library. Oklahoma State University became a tobacco-free campus in 2008.

City Council will have a second reading of the ordinance in an upcoming meeting.

Go deeper 👉 at thestillwegian.news

08/07/2025

Block 34, downtown's new community space, is set to debut on July 26, while the new Fire Station #2 will have its grand opening July 22. In other news, Stillwater's City Council has decided to waive $75,000 in rural fire bills for residents affected by the March 2025 wildfire.

Go deeper on these stories and more with a subscription. Link in bio/comments

04/07/2025

📸 Snap a photo that captures the spirit of Independence Day and Win 🇺🇸
As you celebrate, keep your camera (or phone) close – you might catch a moment worth sharing… and winning with!

We’re creating a 4th of July Photo Roundup to spotlight how our community celebrates – whether it’s sparklers at sunset, a quiet BBQ, or fireworks lighting up the sky.

🎁 Bonus: It’s a Contest!
Our editor will choose the Top 10 photos for a public vote (using ranked choice). The winner gets a free 1-year subscription to The Stillwegian ($70 value)—and you can even gift it if you’re already a subscriber!

Let your photos tell the story of how our town celebrates.
We can’t wait to see what you capture. 📷✨

Here’s how to enter:
➡️ Submit your best photo + a short description (who’s in it, where it was taken, etc.)
🕔 Deadline: Sunday at 5 p.m.
📧 DM entries accepted

01/07/2025

The anniversary celebration also recognized the club’s history, including its evolving fundraising efforts and the personal connections formed through decades of service.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/stillwater-noon-lions-club-celebrates-60-years-of-community-service/

Stillwater Noon Lions

City officials honor club's decades-long commitment to vision health, education, and local support

30/06/2025

🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Stillwater Medical Center stands to lose $13 million annually in proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Oklahoma hospitals could face an $873 million annual reduction in Medicaid reimbursements under a proposed Senate bill that hospital leaders warn could devastate healthcare access statewide and force thousands of job cuts.

Breaking News is always free to read. No sign up required, however it is appreciated.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/oklahoma-hospitals-warn-of-devastating-cuts-as-senate-budget-bill-threatens-873-million-in-annual-medicaid-funding/

Stillwater Medical Center stands to lose $13 million annually in proposed Big Beautiful Bill Act

25/06/2025

The Stillwater Public Library Board accepted a $9,840 discount from the federal E-Rate program for internet service. The decision comes as libraries nationwide await a Supreme Court ruling that could reshape the future of E-Rate funding. The library director expressed confidence in a favorable outcome but has contingency plans in place.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/library-board-approves-e-rate-discount-amid-supreme-court-uncertainty/

💸 Paid Subscribers receive priority access to in-depth reporting. Free Members receive a smart summary email newsletter and gain access to in-depth reports every Friday.

Board accepts $9,840 federal discount for internet service as libraries nationwide await ruling that could reshape E-Rate funding program.

25/06/2025

The study also recommends operational improvements, such as implementing a cardboard baling operation and transitioning to front-load dumpster collection, to reduce costs.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/stillwater-utilities-authority-considers-waste-management-rate-increases-amid-funding-shortfall/

💸 Paid Subscribers receive priority access to in-depth reporting. Free Members receive a smart summary email newsletter and gain access to in-depth reports every Friday.

Study reveals residential services significantly under-recovering costs, with 8-9% rate hike proposed for fiscal year 2026

24/06/2025

Stillwater Area Sports Association saw success in its youth and adult programs this year, despite facing weather-related hurdles. The organization highlighted the growing need for turf fields to keep tournament schedules on track and reduce cancellations. Participation numbers took a hit due to poor weather conditions, underscoring the importance of all-weather playing surfaces.

https://www.thestillwegian.news/stillwater-sports-association-pushes-for-turf-fields-after-rainy-season/

💸 Paid Subscribers receive priority access to in-depth reporting. Free Members receive a smart summary email newsletter and gain access to in-depth reports every Friday.

Annual presentation reveals successful programs but significant tournament losses due to weather, prompting calls for facility upgrades