Ponca Post

Area Forecast

Saturday, July 12 by Ponca City Now-NWS

This Afternoon A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East northeast wind around 7 mph becoming south. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.Tonight Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10pm. Some... Read More.

Red states brand their cost-cutting as DOGE, Governors embrace the brand and make it their own

Saturday, July 12 by The Associated Press

By MARC LEVY Associated PressHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The brash and chaotic first days of President Donald Trump 's Department of Government Efficiency, once led by the world's richest man Elon Musk, spawned state-level DOGE mimicry as Republican governors and lawmakers aim to show they are in step with their party's leader.Governors have always... Read More.

US has reclosed its southern border after a flesh-eating parasite is seen further north in Mexico

Friday, July 11 by AP

The U.S. has closed its southern border again to livestock imports, saying a flesh-eating parasite has moved further north in Mexico than previously reported.Mexico’s president was critical Thursday, suggesting that the U.S. is exaggerating the threat to its beef industry from the parasite, the New World screwworm fly. The female flies lay eggs in... Read More.

Walmart recalls about 850,000 water bottles after 2 people blinded

Friday, July 11 by WHTM

(WHTM) – Walmart is recalling about 850,000 Ozark Trail water bottles after multiple injuries, including two incidents that resulted in consumers suffering permanent blindness, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The CPSC stated that the screwcap lid on the 64-ounce stainless steel water bottles “can forcefully eject” when opening... Read More.

Trump set to tour flood-stricken Texas as criticism mounts over disaster response

Friday, July 11 by TNND

KERRVILLE, Texas (TNND) — President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Texas one week after heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in less than an hour, resulting in catastrophic flash flooding that killed at least 120 people, including dozens of children.Kerrville residents Edgar Rojas, second from left, and... Read More.

Capitol Conversations

Friday, July 11 by Ponca City Now

By Sen. Bill Coleman Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton recently approved senators’ requests for nearly 75 interim studies that will take place at the Capitol through the late summer and early fall. The House Speaker is still reviewing more than 150 study requests from representatives. Because there’s often overlap between the chambers on key policy... Read More.

Arkansas prison employees fired after ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ escape

Friday, July 11 by AP

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -Two employees at an Arkansas prison where an inmate known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” escaped have been fired for policy violations, corrections officials said Thursday as they faced questions from lawmakers who said the escape points to deeper problems.The head of the Arkansas Board of... Read More.

Death sentence upheld for William Reece, convicted of 1997 Bethany killing, upheld

Friday, July 11 by News 9

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled to uphold the death sentence for self-proclaimed serial killer and Death Row inmate William Reece.Reece was sentenced to death in 2021 for the 1997 murder of Tiffany Johnston in Bethany.RELATED: Jury Hands Down Death Penalty For Convicted Murderer William ReeceEarlier this year, the Oklahoma Supreme Court announced... Read More.

Pioneer Tech Hosts Successful Youth Firefighter Academy

Friday, July 11 by Ponca City Now

PONCA CITY, OK --– In June, Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) hosted its annual Youth Firefighter Academy, welcoming students entering 8th through 10th grades for a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of firefighting and emergency services.Led by PTC Firefighter/EMT instructor Gary Vap, the academy gave students an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of fire... Read More.

Harris Celebrates $10M Investment into UCO Forensic Science Institute

Friday, July 11 by Ponca City Now

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, praised the $10 million appropriation to expand the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute. The funding is included in House Bill 2766, the Fiscal Year 2026 general appropriations bill, and will be distributed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). "I... Read More.

Eskimo Joe’s celebrates 50 years with weeklong bash in Stillwater

Friday, July 11 by News 9

STILLWATER, Okla. -Eskimo Joe’s, the iconic Stillwater restaurant and bar known for its smiling T-shirts and late-night fries, is celebrating 50 years in business this month with a week of festivities, concerts and community events.The beloved “jumpin’ little juke joint” first opened in July 1975, the product of a spontaneous idea between co-founders Stan Clark and... Read More.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol to end services in two major counties starting Nov. 1

Friday, July 11 by KTUL

OKLAHOMA CITY, (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has announced that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will cease law enforcement services in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties starting November 1.This decision will leave local law enforcement agencies to cover in-state highways, a move that has sparked concern among some legislative officials.Senator Mark Mann expressed deep... Read More.