The Living History Beneath Our Feet: Why Cemetery Preservation Matters

We often think of cemeteries as silent places—end points in the journey of life. But for those who look closely, they are some of our most vibrant “living archives.

Washita County Commissioners’ Minutes

Now on the 9th day of March 2026, the County Commissioners in and for Washita County met in regular session with Chairman Chandler calling the meeting to order.Chairman Chandler asked Kristen Dowell, County Clerk, for roll call.

Miss Teen Washita County/Miss Elk City’s Teen Bailey Gossen creates reading challenge with WPLS

Western Plains Library System was excited to partner with Miss Teen Washita County and Miss Elk City’s Teen Bailey Gossen to host a first of its kind reading challenge at the beginning of this year.

Kinder-Griffith engagement announced

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kinder of Arapaho are excited to announce the engagement of their daughter, Natalie, to Brett Griffith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Griffith of Rocky.Natalie is a 2018 Arapaho-Butler High School graduate.

‘Level Up the Cordell Band’ fundraiser at Washita Theater next weekend

The community is invited to come out and support local students during a special fundraiser weekend at the Washita Theater, hosted in partnership with the Cordell Chamber of Commerce.

Assessor’s lawsuit against Washita County moves forward

Washita County’s Excise Board and County Commissioners will have to continue legal defense against County Assessor Rusty Bookout’s claims that budget cuts left his office without enough money to operate during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2026.

CONGRATULATIONS BLUE DEVIL CHOIR!

For the first time in over two decades Cordell Choir is going to State! The choir received straight Superior ratings at District and qualified for the OSSAA State Choir contest which will be held on April 2 at Stillwater High School.

WHITE VAULTS INTO CORDELL TRACK HISTORY

Sophomore Tralynn White made Cordell Blue Devils history by becoming the program’s first pole vaulter at the Velma-Alma Invitational on Thursday, March 12.White placed second in the event, marking the first time a Cordell athlete has competed in pole vaulting.

Cordell 4H Report

On February 9,2026, the Cordell 4-H group visited 1491 Produce. Linda and Eric Harbin showed us their plants. They have a hydroponic growing operation. They don’t use soil for their plants. They use what’s called Perlite. Perlite looks like little white crystals.

Washita County Commissioners’ Minutes

Now on the 2nd day of March 2026, the County Commissioners in and for Washita County met in regular session with Chairman Chandler calling the meeting to order.Chandler asked Kristen Dowell, County Clerk, for roll call. Roll call was answered by Gossen, present; Gray, present; Chandler, present.