Pauls Valley Toy and Action Figure Museum

Pauls Valley Toy and Action Figure Museum

Pauls Valley Toy and Action Figure Museum closing its doors

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Pauls Valley’s Toy and Action Figure Museum is closing its doors.The attraction, which has made its home in Pauls Valley for 20 years, will close permanently Aug. 30, according to the museum’s Executive Director and Curator Kevin Stark.

News 

The Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail was made possible through the dedicated work of Annawyn DeBenning Shamas and her family. Family and friends gathered for the trail’s dedication May 16. From left, Ellen Shamas Brandt, Ph.D., DeBenning Shamas and Jimmy E. Shamas, Esq. Photo courtesy of Chickasaw Nation.

The Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail was made possible through the dedicated work of Annawyn DeBenning Shamas and her family. Family and friends gathered for the trail’s dedication May 16. From left, Ellen Shamas Brandt, Ph.D., DeBenning Shamas and Jimmy E. Shamas, Esq. Photo courtesy of Chickasaw Nation.

Evelyn DeBenning’s legacy inspires Storybook Trail, Te Ata tribute

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
STILLWATER, Okla. — More than 60 family and community members poured into the Horticulture Education Center at the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University May 16 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail.
2026 Oklahoma Business Week Champion Team, from left to right, Lydia Gee (College Leader), Isabella McCoy, Michael Scott (Dean), Thomas Gillenwater, Tayler Spaulding, Lillian Harper, Danielle Botes, Stacey Bolin (Camp Director), Breanna Larsen, Taya Underwood (Company Advisor), Buddy Abney. Photo courtesy ECU

2026 Oklahoma Business Week Champion Team, from left to right, Lydia Gee (College Leader), Isabella McCoy, Michael Scott (Dean), Thomas Gillenwater, Tayler Spaulding, Lillian Harper, Danielle Botes, Stacey Bolin (Camp Director), Breanna Larsen, Taya Underwood (Company Advisor), Buddy Abney. Photo courtesy ECU

Oklahoma Business Week brings ingenuity and creativity to ECU

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
ADA, Okla. – The Stonecipher School of Business at East Central University kicked off Summer 2026 with the return of Oklahoma Business Week (OBW).
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Sports 

Rachel Hamilton

Rachel Hamilton

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Lady Panther XC chasing State podium

Jennifer Lindsey
Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Lady Panther Cross Country team is looking to reach the podium this season after finishing sixth at the 2025 State Meet. The podium is placing in the top three at the State Meet, an honor Pauls Valley most recently achieved in 2024 as State Runner-up and in 2023 as State Champions.

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Softball Schedule

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Aug. 10 • Pauls Valley vs Vanoss and Macomb, at Vanoss, 6 p.m.
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Opinion 

Jasen Agee

Jasen Agee

Debunking five common Social Security myths

Jasen Agee
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Social Security is often one of the most important income sources in retirement. Yet widespread myths about how it works can lead to confusion, unnecessary worry and poor planning decisions. Here’s the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.
Permitting reform allows cheaper energy

Permitting reform allows cheaper energy

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Permitting reform allows cheaper energy

Jonathan Small
Thursday, August 6, 2026
It’s no secret that technology, particularly improvements in AI applications, is fueling growing demand for energy. Unfortunately, the supply of energy may not keep pace with that growing demand, which is a recipe for rising power costs for all citizens.
Interim Studies and NCSL

Interim Studies and NCSL

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Interim Studies and NCSL

Rep. Cynthia Roe
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Several important issues facing Oklahoma require more time and attention than the regular legislative session allows. I am pleased that six of my interim study requests were approved this year.
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Lifestyle 

Is God blameworthy?

Bill Jones,
Thursday, August 6, 2026
In Genesis 3:1-19, the Bible describes for us the account of Adam and Eve committing the very first sin. After eating the forbidden fruit, God made pronouncements of punishment to Adam, Eve and Satan (who had disguised himself as a serpent).
Changing your approach from cooking for a family to cooking for one or two will take some planning and creativity. (Photo by Adobe Stock Images)

Changing your approach from cooking for a family to cooking for one or two will take some planning and creativity. (Photo by Adobe Stock Images)

Cooking for one or two: strategies for healthy meals and less waste

Trisha Gedon
Thursday, July 23, 2026
STILLWATER, Okla. – Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to mean endless leftovers, oversized portions or wasted food. With some creative planning and a few simple strategies, consumers can prepare healthy, flavorful meals that save time, stretch food dollars and reduce waste.
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Obituaries 

Rickey Lavon Southard

Rickey Lavon Southard

Rickey Lavon Southard

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Rickey Lavon Southard, born November 18, 1952, passed away July 26, 2026, at his home in Purcell, Oklahoma with his loving family by his side. Rickey’s life was marked by kindness, dedication and a gentle spirit.
Jural Donovan Mays

Jural Donovan Mays

Jural Donovan Mays

News Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Jural Donovan Mays, born November 10, 1946, passed away peacefully July 17, 2026. His life, spanning nearly 80 years, was rich with devotion to family, a passion for the great outdoors and a steadfast commitment to service and hard work.
Sammie Lou Ladue

Sammie Lou Ladue

Sammie Lou Ladue

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Sammie Lou (Carson) Ladue was born September 30, 1945, in Ada, Oklahoma, to James “Bill” W. Carson and Sammie “Daisy“ Lou (Ward) Carson. She graduated from Byng High School and later married the love of her life, Bruce F. Ladue, on November 13, 1965, in Santa Maria, California.
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