The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood donation appointment in September. The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care.

Reserve a spot to give now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment. Those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty ^® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty for details.

Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Additionally, all who come to give Sept. 21-30, 2026, at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers onsite can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter for more information.

Leave a lifesaving legacy

Even as the seasons change, the need for blood does not. The mission of the Red Cross Blood Services remains constant — and carries on today thanks to the innovation and leadership of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Dr. Charles R. Drew's appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program. To commemorate his lasting contributions, the Red Cross is releasing Iconic Excellence, a short documentary exploring Drew's life and steadfast influence.

Beginning Sept. 18, the film will be available to stream on the Red Cross YouTube channel. Community members can help carry Drew's legacy forward by donating blood, encouraging others to give or hosting a screening of the documentary to inspire lifesaving action. Learn more and get started at RedCrossBlood.org/IconicExcellence.

Creek

Bristow

9/29/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 226 E. 6th Street

Pawnee

Cleveland

10/8/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Community Center, 211 E Wichita Ave

Payne

Stillwater

10/2/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center, 1323 W. 6th Avenue

9/22/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Career Tech, 1500 W 7th Ave

9/21/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 West 8th Avenue

10/5/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 West 8th Avenue

9/20/2026: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Christian Church, 411 W Matthews

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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Over 300 community members, local leaders and aviation partners gathered Wednesday, August 19, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Stillwater Regional Airport passenger terminal, marking a significant milestone for transportation, connectivity and economic development in Stillwater and the surrounding region.

The City of Stillwater and Visit Stillwater hosted the grand opening celebration, which featured remarks from community, state and federal leaders, aviation and airline partners, and Oklahoma State University leadership. The event also celebrated 10 years of commercial air service at Stillwater Regional Airport.

The celebration included remarks from Airport Director Kellie Reed, U.S. Senator James Lankford, Oklahoma State University President Dr. James Hess, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Nick Young, and American Airlines representative Dale Morris. City and airport leadership were also recognized for their work on the project.

Visit Stillwater President and CEO Cristy Morrison spoke about the organizations partnership with the City of Stillwater to market Stillwater Regional Airport and encouraged attendees to become ambassadors for local air service.

As part of the grand opening, Visit Stillwater hosted four interactive stops throughout the terminal. Attendees explored the Departure Lounge, OSU-branded Charter Lounge, Baggage Claim and Ticketing Area while learning more about the new terminal and collecting SWO-themed items. Guests also enjoyed snack boxes from Hello Catering, airport-branded cookies from Dough Peeps Bakery, and received a commemorative SWO boarding pass.

The new terminal represents years of planning, investment and collaboration among the City of Stillwater, Stillwater Regional Airport, federal and state partners, Oklahoma State University, American Airlines, Visit Stillwater, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and the architects, contractors and project partners who helped bring the facility to completion.

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Stillwater City Council has approved funding for professional services to begin predesign and planning for the City’s public parks. The contract with ADG Blatt PC includes three task orders: planning for a municipal tennis facility, feasibility and concept planning for an outdoor aquatics facility, and development of a Primary Parks Vision Plan.

The Parks Sub-Committee, Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski and Councilor Kevin Clark, has been working with City Management and ADG Blatt PC to develop the scope of services, pending City Council approval. While Stillwater has more than 20 community parks, sports fields, and recreation areas, this planning effort will focus on the City’s primary parks and how they can evolve to better meet current and future community needs. The work will build on input received through community meetings, park surveys, Envision Stillwater (Comprehensive Plan), and the City Council’s Study Session.

City Manager Brady Moore included, “Parks are an important part of what makes Stillwater a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This is an opportunity to take a thoughtful, long-term look at our parks system and make sure we are investing in the quality-of-life amenities that our community wants. We encourage everyone to share their ideas and provide valuable input that will help guide this work as we plan for the future of Stillwater’s parks.”

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FROM THE CITY OF STILLWATER:

The City of Stillwater remains committed to completing the Strickland Park Ballfields renovation as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the synthetic turf has been delayed due to international shipping disruptions. The manufacturer has advised that the shipment is currently unable to transit the area, and there is no estimated timeline for when shipping will resume.

As a result, the fields may not be completed in time for the fall baseball and softball season. We know this is disappointing, especially for the Stillwater Area Softball Association (SASA), athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families.

We greatly appreciate the dedication of Carolyn Walstad and the entire SASA team, who continue to work diligently to schedule more than 70 fall teams. For details regarding events, go to: https://www.stillwaterareasports.com/.

Construction continues to move forward with the installation of lighting, fencing, and concrete improvements so the project will be ready for turf installation as soon as the materials arrive.

These renovations are part of the $1.8 million Strickland Park Ballfields Improvement Project, recommended by the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) and approved by the Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) in March 2026. The project is funded through the Visitor Sales Tax and is designed to enhance the experience for local athletes while strengthening Stillwater's ability to host regional tournaments for years to come.

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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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