The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top of that, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are driving the decline which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.
The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Blood supply misconceptions:
Every donation is critical to rebuilding the nation’s blood supply, yet many people may not realize the significant impact a single donation can have on patients in need. A recent Red Cross survey revealed a significant gap between public perception and the reality of the nation's blood supply:
Less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.
Only about half believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day — even though someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.
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Oklahoma State University’s historic comprehensive fundraising campaign, The Code Calls, has reached a major milestone. The university announced it surpassed $1 billion committed toward its $2 billion goal, signaling powerful momentum and broad-based support from the Cowboy family.
Reaching the halfway point reflects alumni, friends and partners’ deep commitment to the university and their belief in OSU’s ability to transform lives through education, research and service, said OSU President Jim Hess.
Built on the Cowboy Code, The Code Calls campaign celebrates tradition while charting an ambitious vision for the future of the largest university system in Oklahoma. The Code Calls places student success at its core and will create life-changing scholarship opportunities for students, drive groundbreaking research and elevate OSU academics and athletics to new heights.
Through donor-funded, renewable scholarships and targeted student experience initiatives, the campaign will expand access to higher education, ensuring talented students have access to the resources they need to earn a degree with career-ready skills. A signature example of this vision is the Horizon Scholars program, launched to create a premier leadership and scholarship experience that connects students with mentors, resources and a strong community from day one.
Following a record-setting year for fundraising during Dr. Hess’ first year as president, OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson said crossing the $1 billion mark is an extraordinary moment for OSU and for everyone who has answered the call to invest in its future.
Gifts to the campaign are already making a meaningful impact — expanding scholarships for students, strengthening academic and research excellence, and extending OSU’s land‑grant mission to communities across Oklahoma and around the world.
Atkinson said the campaign reflects the generosity and commitment of donors whose support continues to create opportunities across OSU.
To learn more and to support The Code Calls fundraising campaign, visit osugiving.com.
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BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN CREATES LIFE-CHANGING MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES IN STILLWATER
In 2025, we served a record-breaking 175 match relationships in Stillwater! The increase in volunteer commitment is driven by community awareness and partnerships with community leaders, local businesses, Stillwater Public Schools, and other civic organizations.
As we continue to accelerate our remarkable progress into 2026, we are seeking an increase in funding to keep up with the pace of our efforts.
Stillwater Area Director, Sarah Kline, says: “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every sponsor, donor, and community member who made our Emerald Gala successful. Because of your generosity, we reached our gala fundraising goal...but our work doesn’t stop there. Our mentoring program requires a substantial investment to ensure safety, match longevity, and meaningful outcomes. Without an increase in financial support, we risk slowing or limiting our ability to serve the growing list of youth on our waitlist. We must also reach our Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign goal. Your support through our grassroots Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign means we can continue growing instead of scaling back. We’re excited to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and we look forward to creating strong outcomes for children in Stillwater.”
To participate in our Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign, register your five-person Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising team at bfksstillwater.org. Whether you choose to fundraise through a bake sale, a fitness challenge, or on social media, all roads lead to the lanes, where everyone comes together at the end of the campaign for a night of bowling, prizes, and celebration on August 27 at The Hub.
For questions about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sarah Kline at sarah.kline@bbbsok.org or 405.624.9922. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, go to bigoklahoma.org.###
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The City of Stillwater’s July Tax Apportionment Report reflects May 2026 transactions that were reported to the Oklahoma Tax Commission in June 2026 and apportioned to the City in July.
In comparison to July 2025, the City saw increases in General Sales Tax, Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Sales Tax, Use Tax, and Transportation Sales Tax collections. For more details, see the attached PDF report.
Go to https://stillwaterok.gov/
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Assistant principal for Stillwater Junior High School during its July meeting.
Zimmerman will join the Stillwater Junior High administrative team this fall, serving alongside Principal Darren Nelson and fellow Assistant Principal Ashley Dobbs.
Originally from Fairview, Zimmerman holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a
masters degree in health and human performance from Oklahoma State University. He completed
his school administration certification program at East Central University in Ada.
Zimmerman’s career includes teaching and coaching positions in Okeene and Perkins, followed by
a stint teaching middle school math and science at a bilingual American school in Guatemala City.
After returning to the United States, he spent six years at Westminster School in Oklahoma City
and eight years with Epic Charter Schools before joining Stillwater Public Schools last year.
Stillwater Public Schools is also excited to announce the hiring of Tyler Elders as the district’s new
Director of Secondary Education. Elders joins Stillwater from Enid Public Schools, where he served in a similar capacity. In his new role, he will provide leadership and instructional support for all secondary
sites across the district.
Elders began his career in 2008 as a science teacher in Texas before advancing into instructional
coaching and leadership roles, including positions at McKinney High School and Enid High School.
He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from East Central University and a Bachelor
of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. He holds comprehensive
certifications as a Secondary and Elementary Principal, in Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound
Disabilities (PreK-12), English as a Second Language (PreK-12), and multiple secondary science
disciplines.
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The Stillwater Fire Department cordially invites you to the Retirement Ceremony for Battalion Chief David Luckey.
Thursday, August 6, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stillwater Fire Station #1, 1506 S Main Street, Stillwater, OK
If you cannot attend the event in person, it will be streamed live on the Stillwater Fire Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Our purpose at Stillwater Radio is to not just bring you great music, but to bring your community. Here is where we highlight the best in local businesses, artists and sports that make your community our community.
Stillwater Radio is your source for Stillwater's First News, as well as the place to keep updated on community events from around the area.
Stillwater Radio is THE flagship stations for Oklahoma State Cowboy & Cowgirl athletics, as well as Stillwater & Perkins-Tryon High School sports.
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