News Press stories of the year

Jan. 1—The top news stories for online readers of stwnewspress.com may not come as a surprise.

Stillwater has been in a strong upswing for development for the past few years so new businesses coming into town lead a lot of web traffic. But, Stillwater and Payne County, have also become a kind of hotbed for finding reality television talent. People must really love to see Cowboys and Cowgirls on the small screen.

No. 1 Stillwater resident announced as contestant for 'The Bachelor'

From Jan. 9:

Stillwater will be represented when the 27th season of 'The Bachelor' premieres on Jan. 23.

Brooklyn Willie is among the 30 contestants and the only one from Oklahoma, ABC announced.

Willie, 25, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in animal sciences. She was on the OSU Rodeo team.

Willie is originally from Minolea, Texas, but she has since stayed in Stillwater since graduating.

Willie is not the first person with OSU ties to appear on "The Bachelor." In 2016, Lauren Barr, known to the show as 'LB' made it beyond the first round.

A week later, LB was out. She was offered a rose by Bachelor Ben Higgins, but turned it down.

ABC released a bio for each contestant and Willie's reads as follows:

"Brooklyn is a rodeo country girl ready to saddle up for the love story of a lifetime! At just 13 years old, Brooklyn discovered her passion for horse barrel racing and went on to study animal science. One day, she dreams of being a professional rodeo cowgirl and horse trainer. But now, Brooklyn works as a lab designer for an oral surgery practice where she custom designs teeth for life-changing dental procedures. Zach, get ready to say cheese and show off those pearly whites! Brooklyn hasn't had the easiest path when it comes to her relationship history, so she's ready for a fresh start with the Bachelor. Will Zach be the perfect cowboy for this fun-loving cowgirl? Only time will tell."

No. 2 Stillwater business owner plans new restaurant for corner of Seventh and Main

People love new businesses, but they especially love reading about new restaurants.

From Feb. 17:

Another of the long-unused spaces in downtown Stillwater is being eyed for an ambitious redevelopment project.

Drew Williamson, who along with wife Constance owns and operates Zannotti's and Meditations, is planning to turn the corner of Seventh and Main into a new fine dining space.

He pitched his project to the Stillwater Economic Development Authority during a Monday meeting. Liking what they heard, city councilors, acting as SEDA trustees authorized City staff to work on an agreement to provide $1 million in tax increment financing through the Downtown Campus Link TIF District No. 3.

Williamson plans to turn the buildings at 622 and 624 S Main into a 5,000-square-foot restaurant with attached bar, a 2,800-square-foot private dining space, covered outdoor dining and four Airbnb apartments on the top floor.

Chief Performance Innovation Officer Brady Moore said the project has an estimated total development cost of around $4.5 million, which included a $1.6 million purchase price and $2.4 million renovation estimate.

Williamson said the building's basement area is a space that could work for overflow dining or be rented out for private parties.

No. 3 Stillwater Chamber and Tonkawa Tribe announce plan to develop massive entertainment destination in Stillwater

From May 16:

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has announced a partnership with the Tonkawa Tribe that will bring a 60,000-square-foot family entertainment center to northeast Stillwater.According to a news release by the Tonkawa Tribe, The HUB will feature 16 lanes of bowling, four movie theaters, four meetings rooms, an 80-game arcade, a sports bar, 12 pickle ball courts and a food venue.In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce said The HUB will be developed at Airport Road and US Highway 177."We are proud to partner with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce to create a family-friendly entertainment destination that will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also attract visitors from surrounding areas," Tribal Leadership said in the news release. "The HUB will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and strengthen our sense of community. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Tonkawa Tribe and the entire Stillwater region."The area slated for development has been mostly open as industrial space. It would also mark the largest commercial development a Native tribe has ever invested in Stillwater. In 2020, plans for a highway-adjacent casino and hotel to be built in Payne County were in the works on a deal proposed by Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. That plan was rejected by the Indian Gaming Commission and later ruled invalid by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

No. 4 OSBI makes homicide arrest in connection to missing Stillwater man

From Sept. 12:

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Glencoe man in connection to the death of Samuel Crawford, 21, who was reported missing last week.

Michael Somers, 21, was arrested and booked into the Payne County Jail on Sept. 8 on complaints of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, larceny of motor vehicle, knowingly concealing stolen property and operating a chop shop.

OSBI released a press release on Facebook stating part of Crawford's truck was found in Glencoe when the Oklahoma National Guard conducted an aerial search of open fields in Payne County.

"A search warrant of the property was executed, at which time agents discovered a deceased male," the release read. "The body was transported to the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine positive identification and cause of death."

No. 5 Puppies dumped looking for homes

From July 3:

Thirteen puppies will soon be looking for a home after being dumped Sunday at a Stillwater church.

The Stillwater Animal Welfare shared surveillance footage in a Facebook post that shows a person in a gray Toyota Tacoma pulling into the parking lot, exiting the vehicle and opening a crate. The puppies then ran after the vehicle that abandoned them.

Most of the puppies appear to be black labradors in images the shelter posted online. Animal Welfare Director Rachel Wasserman said they will be kept on a stray hold for five business days to ensure they don't have any illnesses.

"Once the five days are up, we will slowly be able to get them to the vet and get them spayed or neutered, and then they will be up for adoption," Wasserman said. "Best time to look for them for being up for adoption would be mid to late next week."