As another year comes to a close, it offers an opportunity to look back at the stories that shaped the past twelve months across Creek County and surrounding communities. From city halls and school campuses to emergency scenes, courtrooms, and community celebrations, the year unfolded through a steady stream of events that reflected daily life in the area.
January The year began with changes in county leadership as Zac Moore won election as a Creek County commissioner, stepping into a role that would place him at the center of county decision-making. In Sand Springs, city officials announced a partnership with Mercy Regional EMS, a move intended to enhance emergency medical services for residents.
Winter weather made headlines early when the Drumright Fire Department battled a house fire during a snowstorm. Firefighters worked under difficult conditions as snow fell and temperatures dropped. The home was deemed a total loss, and officials later said the fire was caused by a wood-burning stove and no injuries were reported.
In Drumright, the community celebrated one of its young residents as teen Jaxon Bell was named Citizen of the Year by the Drumright Chamber of Commerce. The recognition highlighted his involvement and contributions within the community.
High school sports also marked a milestone when the Drumright Tornadoes played their final game inside “The Brick,” the school’s old gymnasium that had hosted generations of athletes and fans.
Transportation infrastructure came into focus when the Oklahoma State Department of Transportation was awarded a $1.2 million Railroad Crossing Elimination grant through the Federal Railroad Administration. The funding was designated for a preliminary engineering study of the Basin Road railroad crossing, an area that has long caused traffic delays for Mannford and surrounding communities.
January closed with recognition for emergency services training as Jennings Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Luke Sizemore was named the 2024 Pawnee Fire Academy’s most improved student.
February February brought attention to education and community investment. Drumright High School celebrated the opening of its new Activity Center as Coach Otis Stump and Dr. Virginia Peters cut the ribbon.
At the state level, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence announced recipients of its Medal for Excellence Awards. Sand Springs Public Schools Superintendent Sherry Durkee was named the 2025 recipient for Elementary and Secondary Administration, recognizing leadership within public education.
Mannford Public Schools introduced Jason Anderson as the district’s new agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, filling a role central to one of the school’s long-standing programs.
Across the region, elementary schools marked the 100th day of school, with students dressing as 100-year-olds for classroom celebrations that became a lighthearted highlight of the month.
March March included both emergency responses and large-scale incidents. At Keystone Lake, a truck caught fire at The RV park at Keystone Lake near Appalachia Bay. The Peninsula Fire Department responded, extinguishing the blaze. Officials said the fire was contained to the vehicle and no injuries were reported.
Wildfires swept across Oklahoma during the month, burning nearly 200,000 acres statewide. More than 300 structures were destroyed, with thousands more damaged. Estimated losses reached approximately $33 million, with recovery efforts continuing long after the fires were contained.
Law enforcement activity made headlines when agents seized more than 647 pounds of processed marijuana and approximately 20,000 marijuana plants during a raid on an allegedly illegal grow operation near Oilton.
April In late March, Sand Springs Public Schools broke ground on a new seventh- and eighthgrade building, a project highlighted again in April. District officials said the facility would support innovative learning and student development and was made possible through voter approval of the Future-Ready Sandites Student Investment Plan.
Education recognition continued when CPHS teacher Lisa Wolf received the District Teacher of the Year award.
April also marked a statewide milestone as the Oklahoma flag celebrated its 100th anniversary, having first been adopted in 1925.
May Historical reflection took center stage in Sapulpa as dignitaries from the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma gathered to host the 100year cornerstone ceremony for the Collins Building. The building houses multiple Creek County offices, includingthecommissioners, treasurer, assessor, and clerk. During the ceremony, a time capsule from 1925 was opened, revealing items such as a Bible, scrolls, a Masonic handbook, coins, and a newspaper from the era.
In Oilton, city officials temporarily closed the cityowned park after a tree was struck by lightning during a storm. City Clerk Shannon Wilson said the closure lasted more than a week as safety concerns were addressed.
Keystone Lake continued to experience challenges as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the temporary closure of the off-road vehicle area at Appalachia Bay for the 2025 recreation season due to staffing shortages. Flooding during this period also resulted in the closure of many launch ramps and recreation areas.
May also brought significant criminal proceedings. A former police officer, Joseph Christopher Beers, who had served in OiltonandInola,wasarrested following investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He faced charges including rape and assault tied to allegations of misconduct while on duty. Beers was booked into the Creek County jail before being transferred to Rogers County.
June Tragedy struck at Keystone Lake in June when an Edmond man drowned after slipping off a boat near Pier 51. Authorities said Ian R. Galloway, 58, stepped off the back of a boat for unknown reasons and did not resurface. He was pronounced dead by the state Medical Examiner.
In Drumright, Fire Chief Brett Lunsford graduated fromtheOklahomaExecutive Fire Officer Leadership Program. Community leaders acknowledged the achievement as part of continued efforts to advance fire service standards.
Oilton police responded to an attempted traffic stop that escalated into officers surrounding a residence near Fulton Street on June 22. According to the Oilton Police Department, the situation was brief.
July Community engagement was highlighted when the Oilton Police Department partnered with Creek County TSET Healthy Living to host the town’s first bike rodeo. Approximately 15 children participated, and organizers indicated plans to hold the event again in the future.
Law enforcement activity continued when the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Marijuana Enforcement Teams executed a search warrant at HotStar Farm, LLC, in Jennings. Authorities reported seizing more than 34,000 live marijuana plants and 378 pounds of processed marijuana.
The Drumright Police Department received a $20,000 donation from the One Badge Foundation. Police Chief Chris Reinke said the funds would be used to purchase non-lethal equipment such as pepper spray and batons.
Flooding at Keystone Lake persisted, keeping several boat ramps closed as water levels rose more than 12 feet above normal. Officials advised boaters to use caution due to submerged hazards.
August In late July, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents conducted another marijuana raid, seizing more than 7,500 plants and over 570 pounds of processed marijuana at a Sand Springs grow facility.
Lightning again caused damage in the region when a tank battery burned in a remote area near Olive. The Olive Volunteer Fire Department said four unused tanks were damaged in the fire.
Community partnerships were highlighted when IEC workers assisted Cleveland Public Schools in getting a new softball scoreboard operational. District officials praised the support as beneficial to studentathletes.
Oilton city leadership remained in focus as performance improvement plans for Mayor Patrick Kennedy and Police Chief John Hefley were discussed publicly. The PIPs were intended to address performance concerns, with formal action taking place during August meetings.
Recognition was also given to young leaders as three Oilton council members; Sharlie Jackson, Zackeriha Hollingsworth, and Julia Bagwell, were named to the NextGen Under 30 list.
September The Oilton Public Works Authority extended Chairman Patrick Kennedy’s performance improvement plan by four months following an executive session discussion. The decision was approved unanimously during open session.
At the state level, Rep. Ty Burns pleaded guilty to assault and domestic abuse charges in Pawnee County and resigned from office days later.
In Mannford, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to repeal sections of the town code related to Planned Unit Developments, reaffirming traditional zoning practices.
October October was marked by heightened attention to Oilton city leadership. Reports circulated that Police Chief John Hefley had been fired, prompting widespread public reaction. City officials later clarified through legal counsel that Hefley had been suspended pending an internal review. Later in the month, Oilton council members voted to terminate Hefley’s employment following an executive session discussion.
In Sand Springs, Discoveryland began operating under new ownership as Discoveryland Ranch, with plans announced to revive outdoor productions of Oklahoma!.
The Olive Volunteer Fire Department became the first in Creek County to carry Hydroxocobalamin, a cyanide poisoning antidote, through a partnership with medical providers.
November Veterans were honored across the area in November. At the Cushing/Drumright American Legion Post 108, a flag retirement ceremony was held, with Legionnaire G.W. Davis participating in the event.
A prescribed burn conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created visible smoke around Mannford as part of efforts to improve wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
A Sand Springs elementary school assembly became a widely shared moment when four students Presley, Canyon, Bryson, and Tristan Quinnelly, were reunited with their father Ryan Quinnelly, during a Veterans Day program after his return from overseas deployment.
In Drumright, the City Council approved a proclamation renaming a portion of Second Street as Robert Marshall Drive, recognizing decades of community support.
December The year closed with a series of notable incidents. A Stroud man was rescued after his vehicle rolled approximately 150 feet off a cliff near Highway 99. Multiple agencies assisted in the response.
Criminal cases continued through the courts, including felony charges filed against a Drumright resident following a police pursuit.
In sports, CPHS Sandites claimed the state football championship with a 32-27 win over Choctaw.
A Sand Springs school bus incident highlighted quick action by a student when a driver experienced a medical emergency, prompting assistance and preventing further harm.
International attention turned local when a Sand Springs woman was fined after a firearm was discovered in her possession aboard a cruise ship in the Bahamas.
The year concluded with another tense Oilton City Council and OPWA meeting, during which votes resulted in differing outcomes for performance improvement plans tied to Mayor Patrick Kennedy’s roles.
Looking back, the year was filled with moments that reflected the everyday realities of life in our communities. From emergencies and courtrooms to classrooms, council chambers, and championship fields, these stories documented what happened and who was involved. As a new year begins, the work continues to report on the people, events, and decisions shaping the area. One story at a time.