Greater Southwest Historical Museum Director Wes Hull and Curator Cassandra Normile talk about the 110th anniversary of the 1915 explosion in downtown Ardmore and the artifacts on display that survived the devastation.
Investigating Oklahoma’s Paranormal will be in Ardmore on Sept. 27 for a free demonstration at the Ardmore Public Library followed by an investigation of Mad Jack’s Haunted House.
Oklahoma has one of the highest suicide rates in the nationi, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2000 and 2020, suicide rates increased 46% in non-metro areas compared to 27.3% in metro areas. For Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers, providing access to resources in rural Oklahoma is a priority. Ardmore’s public affairs podcast, The Junction, started September by inviting Lighthouse Chief Operating Officer Gina Rodgers to talk about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the local resources meant to provide hope to residents.
In August, the Ardmore City Commission approved infill development incentives. In The Junction this week, Jessica Scott, Director of the city’s Community Development Department, explains what those incentives are and how city leaders hope to spur home building in Ardmore’s core neighborhoods.
Local sightings of pink flamingos are thanks to one local nonprofit. CASA of Southern Oklahoma is holding its “Get Flocked” awareness campaign and fundraiser to let the community know about court-appointed special advocates and how they help area children currently in foster care or other court cases. The Junction visited Amy Martens at the Carter County Courthouse this week to talk about the program, the history of the pink flamingos, and how you can help area children while also brightening up Ardmore.
After the Ardmore City Commission in August awarded a $15.6 million bid for a new police station, commenters on our social media asked “what about the roads?” Ardmore City Manager Kevin Boatright was invited to the Ardmore Leader Podcast Studio the following week and asked the same question.
Dr. Alaina Roberts has studied Chickasaw history and written about Black freedom on Native land in her book “I’ve Been Here All The While,” and talks about some of the details.
The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma offers resources and refuge for victims of domestic abuse and violence. This episode of The Junction looks as signs of abuse, from physical to financial, and ways to help victims find local safety and support. Their 24-hour crisis line is 580-226-6424
Learn about the 3rd annual Shakespeare in the Park and this year’s production of “Twelfth Night,” which is the story of love, mistaken identity, and a shipwreck all in the first act. May 29, 30, and 31 beginning at 7p each night at the Central Park bandstand in downtown Ardmore.
Carter County Commissioner Barry Lee-Brinkman talks about County Infrastructure for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) funds, the Circuit Engineering District (CED), how state funds help county roads, and area bridge safety.
With graduation parties coming up, teens and parents need to be on the lookout for dangerous behavior when it comes to alcohol and drug abuse. Leadership from the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network stopped by The Junction this week to talk about their programs and resources to help teens make smart choices as the school year wraps up.
The Ardmore Beautification Council holds a twice-monthly recycling event at Thompson Square, and director Julie Maher stops by The Junction this week to get you ready to drop off those recyclables.
Strength in Numbers is an Ardmore nonprofit group that hosts life skills camps and is coordinating a community garden. In the Junction this week is the group’s director, Marchello Anderson, to talk about the history and goals of Strength in Numbers, and how to get involved.
Plainview school board member Ferris Anderson talks her time as a teacher with Plainview schools and as a board member, and why she wants to serve another 5-year term. Early voting will be held on Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28. Polling places will be open on Tuesday, April 1.
Plainview school board candidate Brendan Atencio talks about his history and expectations with the Plainview Public School system and his campaign for the school board. Early voting will be held on Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28. Polling places will be open on Tuesday, April 1.
This week, Jack Jones introduces himself in the junction and talks about his history and hopes for the board. The Southern Tech Board of Education race will appear on ballots in seven counties including Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Murray, Stephens and Carter Counties. Candidates are representing Zone 2, which includes southeast Ardmore and the extreme western section of the 7-county Career Tech district.
This week, Southern Tech Board of Education member David Leu talks about his first term on the board and his reelection. The Southern Tech Board of Education race will appear on ballots in seven counties including Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Murray, Stephens and Carter Counties. Candidates are representing Zone 2, which includes southeast Ardmore and the extreme western section of the 7-county Career Tech district.
First appointed to the commission in 2021, Mayor Nancy Sjulin stopped by The Junction this month to talk about her campaign for reelection, her experience with civic groups and how that led to city government.
Ardmore business owner Scott Stahl is challenging the city’s mayor for her seat on the city commission. Stahl stopped by The Junction at the end of February to talk about his campaign and the issues important to him.
The HFV Wilson Community Center is working to raise about $12 million for a massive upgrade to the aging facility that hosts classes, events, sports, camps and other activities throughout the year for children, families and seniors.
The Ardmore Main Street Authority is working to liven up vacant downtown storefronts with historical photos showing what the sites used to be…and could be again.
Andrea Anderson stops by The Junction to talk about the Ardmore Development Authority’s Community Stakeholder Survey, how it was developed, and the next steps in determining Ardmore’s industrial future.
The Ardmore City School board in January agreed to send a $145M bond package to voters in April that would build a new high school complex if approved. School officials talk about the need to replace the 51-year-old campus rather than undergoing massive renovations.