MYSTERY AHEAD FOR CUSHING COMMUNITY THEATER

 

CELEBRATE OLDER ADULTS, CHANDLER (March 4)

 

STROUD LIBRARY ANNOUNCES MARCH EVENTS

 

Tiny Tots, the ever-popular toddler reading program, will be March 4 at 10am. This month’s theme is Imagination! The group will read books about seeing shapes in the clouds, having great adventures with your pet rock, and more.

The first library program of the Route 66 Family Adventure Hub will be March 19 at 4pm. Storyteller Marilyn A. Hudson will present a “World of Stories!” A celebration of storytelling in honor of World Storytelling Day (March 20) will introduce the “Cool Cat,” a symbol of the wandering adventure spirit of Route 66. Bring the whole family to this first in a year-long series of storytelling fun!

A few copies of the Book Club book “Letter from Home” by Carolyn Hart are still available for anyone who would like to join our discussion on March 24 at 4pm with Dr. Bill Hagen. This Oklahoma Humanities Let’s Talk About It: Abridged Version program is funded by Kirkpatrick Family Fund, McCasland Foundation, and Oklahoma City University.

The first of the year’s purchased new books are all children’s non-fiction. Subjects include: Minecraft Dangerous Mobs, Drone Racing, Robot Obstacle Courses, Moon’s Impact on Our Earth, Korean Pop Culture, African American Women, Native American Women, Careers guides for Carpenter or Plumber, and Teen Guides (great for research papers) on ADHD, Depression and Social Anxiety. These titles will be available for check-out in March.

More information can be found on the Library catalog at stroud.booksys.net/opac/spl/ or contact the Library staff by calling 918-968-2567 or e-mailing library@cityofstroud.org. 

Stroud Public Library is at 301 W. 7th Street and is currently open Mon.-Tues. 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm, Wed.-Thur.-Fri. 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm and Saturday 9am-noon.

LOCAL SENIOR EXERCISE PROGRAM SUSPENDED AFTER FEB 26 TIL FURTHER NOTICE.

 SENIOR EXERCISE PROGRAM SUSPENDED TIL FURTHER NOTICE.  --Feb 19, 2026 - /According to the facilitator for this great program, some unexpected changes are being instituted.  The twice weekly sessions will end with the Feb 24th and 26th dates.  It is hoped, however, that a session might begin again around March 23-26, 2026.  This is still unclear but as updates are made that information will be shared. 

The free program targeting elders and seniors truly benefits participants on many levels.  There is the social interaction aspect, the peer support and encouragement element, and the health improvement benefits. 

Participants reported losing weight, gaining new balance, flexibility, and a general sense of wellbeing.  They also cited the support being with a group of people provides to keep them engaged and motivated to continue.  "Plus, it is just fun to be with people who support you!"

Seniors face unique issues of balance, strength, and flexibility as they age.  Add to those issues of social isolation, health challenges, and an absent supportive network it can be very difficult for people who wish, and need, to have the opportunity to gain strength, balance, and stamina.  

Add to that a senior friendly environment, exercises designed with seniors in mind, new acquaintances, group camaraderie, and the impact is large. 

The hiatus for this valuable program, hopefully, will be brief as leaders from Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, and others , including those funding these programs, re-evaluate the worth and value to Oklahoma communities.

CLASSIC ROUTE 66 MOTEL BEGINS NEW LIFE

 It opened in April 1959 to rousing welcomes and messages of good luck.  The Skyliner Motel, Stroud, Oklahoma went on to become a landmark of the northeast stretch of Oklahoma's long ribbon of Route 66 road. 

Stroud American, July 24, 1959 "Stroud - The Midway City"

Now, newly remodeled and updated, including the neon sign, it is open and taking reservations for 2026.

717 W Main St, Stroud, OK 74079 

Lincoln County Losing Historic Building

The St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler, opened in 1904, and as with so many places in this historic county, lived a full and interesting life. Progress, however, is often a heartless beast, pushing aside the aging, weary or well-worn, in a greedy push to a always better and glittering "future."  Shoved aside the pillars of the community, buildings deemed significant in the growth and development of the town, are forgotten, abandoned, and abused.

1904 Ad - Chandler Paper, A.E. Johnson, prop.

Chandler City Council recently approved and scheduled demolition of the property listed on the register of historic places. 

Described as : THE ST. CLOUD HOTEL IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF AN EARLY HOTEL THAT CAPITALIZED ON THE GROWING NUMBER OF ROUTE 66 TRAVELERS AND SALESMEN. THIS TWO-STORY BUILDING CONSTRUCTED OF NATIVE SANDSTONE AND BRICK WITH AN ADDITION IN 1929. THE SECOND FLOOR IS COVERED WITH AN ORNATE PRESSED TIN FACADE DECORATED WITH CLASSICAL COLUMNS AND ROSETTES, AND CAPPED WITH A LARGE PRESSED TIN CORNICE. LISTED IN NATIONAL REGISTER 4/5/1984 WITH ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION 2/23/1995.

What are the stories of this hotel, this block, and this street?

Now is the time for every community to evaluate what is important to their story, do all they can to find funds, investors, donors, etc. to preserve that unique bit of their history.  A community without an appreciation of their diverse and unique history will be a community that fades silently away from lack of care.  A people with out a history are like a tree without any roots.

Then, tell the stories of the town, the good, the bad, and the scandalous! That is what people want to hear and want to know!  Stories of struggle, survival, vision, faith, challenges, and endurance.

-30-

MAH

SUMMERFEST 2026 June 13, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 The annual summer festival will be bigger and better than ever this year. New hours, extra events, and more!

Wine Tasting & Beer Garden

Car Show (Under the new Neon Lights!)

Fireworks!

Vendors!

Live Music!

And More!

THE STROUD LIBRARY FOUND A TREASURE. KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

LIBRARY 

 A few years ago the Stroud Library Director found this treasure in a sale.  She bought it and it now sits in the historical collection in the library.  Anyone knowing about it, its origins, designers, etc., please contact Lisa at the library.

Brant Urges A Focus on the "Stroud Spirit"

 “We need a plan to unite us in common cause… Stroud – really is a community that celebrates “The Spirit of Us” …” intoned Steve Brant, Founder and Director of the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum in Stroud, Oklahoma. 

Recently addressing community leaders about the opportunity to maximize the resource assets Stroud already has, Brant noted his own impressions on first coming to the community. “There is an asset in Stroud, a cooperative, “love your neighbor” mindset.”  

Acknowledging the warm and gracious welcome he had received when he first moved to Stroud four years ago, Brant, encouraged the Council and community leaders to carve out a powerful identity.  He urged fashioning an identity that unites everyone in a common spirit and goal.

As the United States of America gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its birth and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of a key innovative service in Highway Route 66, Brant pointed out the search underway across the land for a vision to carry them forward into the future.  A shared ethos.  A common goal that unites them in purpose and behaviors.  

Across the land communities are busy searching for their identity in a new and challenging world. Stroud has an opportunity to maximize its resource assets, its strengths, and potentials to craft a bright and successful future.

MAH (Stroud Star News and Views)

-30-

StroudMuseum Focused on a "Year of Hope"

 The Route 66 Spirit of America Museum founder and director, Steve Brant addressed the Stroud Chamber of Commerce, February 6, 2026 with an overview of the potentials and possibilities the twin celebrations of the 250th US Birthday and the Centennial of Route 66.

Challenging local members, businesses, and Stroud boosters to highlight the strength of "US" - a community united behind a single vision and goal for the year - he shared many ideas and inspired many thoughts.

Some of the main points included building this year on being a community that cooperates instead of competes, that shares a vision of a town focused on building positive and long-lasting plans, and one that seeks to make the community a place that feels like family. 

Building on strengths the future is ours.

Miss Stroud Visits Chamber of Commerce

 

Stroud Names First Quarter Business

 The Stroud Chamber of Commerce named Prairie Point Assisted Living as the First Quarter Business of he Year for 2026. Stroud and Lincoln County can be proud of such a fine facility and dedicated leaders.

Your 2026 Goals Are Possible!