​Lead architect for the construction of the Osage County Courthouse Annex, Matt Graves reviewed the latest designs at Monday’s Board meeting. The latest designs show that the district attorney’s office is not in the courthouse, something that had been discussed when Graves last came to a meeting. County Clerk Robin Slack was wandering why that was not included in the plans.
These current plans have moved the Treasurer’s Office up to the second floor of the courthouse as well, something that hadn’t been seen previously. District Two Commissioner Steve Talburt said the Board knows it is important they get this done correctly.  
Graves will now go around and talk to each elected official privately to get their opinion on what they think of the current design.  

​At Monday’s Board of Osage County Commissioners meeting, former commissioner for district two, Kevin Paslay wanted to apologize for some of the things he had done while in office and also explain that he always did what was in the best interest of the county.
Paslay, who was charged with a felony count of bid rigging in 2020, says he didn’t know he was committing a crime at the time.
Paslay told the Board that he is putting the past behind him and looking ahead so that he can best assist Osage County.
Paslay was elected as commissioner of district two in 2016 and decided not to run for re-election in 2020.

​The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation is offering up two free days of fishing this weekend, allowing you to fish with or without a valid license. Cliff Sager, who works for the Department of Wildlife and Conservation, says this is a great weekend to get out and try something new.


You don't have to be an Oklahoma resident to take part in the free fishing event taking place across the state's lakes and rivers.

​A Nowata County man is being charged with aggravated trafficking in illegal drugs and being in possession of a firearm after former conviction of two or more felonies.
On April 5th, multiple agencies from across the region joined forces to execute a search warrant at a residence in western Nowata County. The 400 acre ranch, belonging to Michael Geeding, contained several barns and while searching one of those barns, agents located a bucket that had been buried under a pile of hay. Several brick type bundles of methamphetamine were located inside the plastic bucket.
Agents also located several firearms hidden throughout the residence, outbuildings and inside vehicles parked on the property. Several vacuum sealed bundles of money was also found on the property. In all, agents found approximately 10.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 96 firearms and more than $83,000 in cash.
Geeding is being held at the Nowata County Jail without bond.
(Photo Courtesy of the Nowata County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page.)

​Nearly 400,000 jobs were added during the month of May, continuing to show a healthy job market and strong economy. The unemployment remains at 3.6 percent according to the U.S. Labor Department, this despite concerns that the economy will weaken as the Federal Reserve is raising rates to fight inflation. Senior Economist Mark Vitner had this to say on Friday’s report:
“Given all the talk we have heard about recession and economic headwinds, it was very reassuring to see a solid jobs number. When the economy loses momentum, hiring tends to occur in just a few sectors and that’s not what we are seeing today.”
The largest increase in job gains came in the leisure and hospitality sector, as they added 84,000 jobs for the month of May. 

​The Board of Osage County Commissioners will convene for a regularly scheduled meeting at the fairgrounds on Monday morning.
Matt Graves, who is the lead architect in the design of the Osage County Courthouse and annex to go along with it, will give an update regarding how things are going.
There will be two public hearings, as a group is looking to open two separate section lines. Jeremy McLemore with Miller EMS will be at the meeting to give a report stating how things went in Barnsdall and Fairfax during the month of May.
The Board will consider signing a memorandum of agreement with the Osage Nation for the Javine Road project as well.
Monday’s meeting begins at 10 a.m. for those interested in attending.  

​Two females were captured on video stealing campaign signs belonging to District One Commissioner for Osage County, Randall Jones. The video footage is captured directly in front of the Barnsdall car wash and they are shown getting out of a white SUV.


District Attorney Mike Fisher asks that if you have any information regarding this crime that you call his office at 918-287-1510. He adds that you can remain anonymous when leaving these tips. 
Here is a video of the signs being stolen courtesy of the Barnsdall Police Department Facebook Page.

​Wooden Buffalo will be holding its second year anniversary party this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They will have door prizes, giveaways, discounts on select items and much more. You don’t have to be present to win.
Wooden Buffalo, located at 829 S. Madison Blvd. in Bartlesville, sells collectibles, crafts and other unique crafts. For further information, you can call 918-715-5002.  

​The Oklahoma State Department of Health District Four will be bringing a mini health fair event to Nowata County this month. Available services during the event include anything from general welfare checks, to immunizations, physicals and much more. Regional Administrative Director James Thompson had this to say:
“We are excited to host these Mini Health Fairs to spotlight our programs and services in each county. Our hardworking and dedicated staff will be available to answer questions and connect clients to health department services and community resources.”
Personnel will be on hand to offer assistance with Medicaid and SoonerCare enrollment as well. The event in Nowata is set to take place at Spikes Park on Thursday, June 23rd at 10 a.m. 

​The City of Pawhuska swimming pool is officially open. Pool hours will be from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Daily passes cost $4 and senior citizens must pay $2. Anyone interested in purchasing a season pass must pay $25. You can also get up to three family members a season pass for $35. A Senior Citizen pass for the summer costs $15.
If you purchased a pass last year, go to City Hall so that they can get your family on the list.