Local Archives - Ponca City Now

RECEPTION HONORING CITY COMMISSIONERS TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 23, 2026

Monday, February 16

The Community is invited to attend a reception on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chamber of City Hall honoring Commissioners Annette Newcomb and Garrett Bowers. Newcomb has served as a City Commissioner since June, 2025 and ran unopposed for re-election. Bowers has served as a City... Read More.

See what foods will be left out of the cart under the new SNAP benefit change

Monday, February 16

OKLAHOMA -Beginning Sunday, February 15, grocery carts may be missing some of its favorite items as SNAP benefit changes go into effect. The change places limitations on purchases for many sugary items. This push is something Oklahoma Human Services said is meant to encourage healthier food choices and... Read More.

State Department orders nonprofit libraries to stop processing passport applications

Monday, February 16

NORWICH, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. State Department has ordered certain public libraries nationwide to cease processing passport applications, disrupting a long-standing service that librarians say their communities have come to rely on and that has run smoothly for years. The agency, which regulates U.S. passports, began issuing cease and... Read More.

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Eaves Bill Requiring Firearm Safety Instruction Advances

Monday, February 16

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill in committee that would require public schools to provide annual firearm safety instruction to students. House Bill 3312 would require schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction from the earliest grade determined appropriate... Read More.

Drummond secures major settlements with Tyson, Cargill in landmark poultry pollution case

Monday, February 16

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Genter Drummond announced a major breakthrough in Oklahoma’s 20-year poultry litter pollution litigation, securing settlements totaling more than $25 million from Tyson Foods and Cargill. The settlements mark a turning point in one of the state's most significant environmental cases. “For over two decades, Oklahoma... Read More.

Partial DHS shutdown affects TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard

Monday, February 16

WASHINGTON -Congress is facing a partial government shutdown tied to funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay as negotiations continue over immigration policy. While most federal agencies remain funded, the lapse affects DHS components including the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management... Read More.

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Ancestors and Spirit Guides Exhibition on view at NOC Tonkawa

Friday, February 13

Ancestors and Spirit Guides, featuring 45 paintings by Tulsa artists Sharon Allred and Romney Nesbitt is currently on view in the Eleanor Hays Art Gallery on the Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa campus, according to gallery director Audrey Schmitz. A reception with refreshments is planned for Sunday, Feb. 15 from 5... Read More.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online

Friday, February 13

Each year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) deals with thousands of kids who are victimized through internet activities. Many of those activities occur through online gaming. Here are a few tips from NCMEC we can all use to ensure our kids are enjoying online gaming... Read More.

Former Bartlesville worship minister charged with embezzling $41,000 from church

Friday, February 13

Ryan Cruse BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - A former worship minister at a Bartlesville church has been charged with embezzlement after investigators say he stole more than $41,000 from the church over a three-year period. Ryan Cruse is accused of taking the money while employed at the church, according to Bartlesville police. Investigators believe... Read More.

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Duel Bill Would Protect OK from Straw Land Purchases

Friday, February 13

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill in committee that would criminalize a straw purchase of property on behalf of a foreign national. House Bill 3495 would make it unlawful to knowingly and willfully purchase or attempt to obtain any property on behalf... Read More.

Army Corps waives day-use fees for recreational areas on Presidents Day

Friday, February 13

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees at more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide in observance of Presidents Day on Feb. 16, including locations across the Tulsa District. The fee waiver applies to day use areas such as boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. It does... Read More.

Urgent Legislative Request to Address Student Walkouts and Uphold School Attendance Laws

Friday, February 13

OKLAHOMA CITY — A group of Oklahoma state senators and representatives sent a formal letter to State Superintendent Lindel Fields calling for immediate action regarding recent student walkouts at public schools statewide. These protests, which targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and law enforcement personnel, disrupted instructional time... Read More.