Capitol Comments

One of Congress’s most important responsi‑bilities each year is passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

A Yankee in Oklahoma

Growing up a native New Yorker—that’s Noo Yawkuh—rodeos were rare, but I loved western television shows and anything “cowboy.” My first rodeo was at a Long Island indoor sports arena, where my friends and I had to cross a picket line of animal-cruelty protesters to get inside.

Higher Education Bills Passed During 2026 Session

Preparing students for life after high school is just as important as helping them succeed in the classroom.

Tecumseh Golden Age Center

July has been a busy month at the Golden Age Center.

More Pathways to the Classroom

A strong education system depends on supporting students, respecting parents and giving qualified educators a clear path into the classroom.This session, the Legislature advanced several measures to improve special education transparency, expand teacher recruitment and certification programs, and...

Here comes the sun

“Here comes the sun, doo-d-doo-doo. Here comes the sun, and I say, ‘It’s alright.’” That’s the opening George Harrison wrote for the ‘69 Beatles hit … while sitting in Eric Clapton’s garden. Wow, to be a bee on one of those flowers.

Tall Tales from the farm

Yes, Virginia, there was a time when farm neighbors would load up the whole family and, without notification, go visit another farm family.Remember, this was at the time of no telephones or televisions. Radio helped farm families connect to the outside world.

Capitol Comments

As a mother, I understand the challenges working families face. I was fortunate to have paid leave when my daughters were born, but many American families do not have access to this benefit. Too many parents are forced to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck.

Meeting the Needs of Oklahoma Schools

A question that guides me at the Capitol is: Is this in the best interest of our students?

A Note to Our Subscribers

First, thank you.Your support allows the Countywide & Sun to continue doing what we’ve always believed is important — providing local news, covering community events, celebrating local achievements and keeping Pottawatomie County connected.Like many small businesses, we’ve continued to see the cost...