2024 was a newsy year in the Heart of Oklahoma topped with the hiring of a new city manager and the release of the city manager.

Sam Demel started in January and resigned in November.

Another big story was Purcell School Patrons passing a $19.456 million bond issue to provide storm shelters, an elementary gym renovation, a competitive gym at the junior high and a new Ag barn, among other things.

Other top stories this year included Paul Wollenberg being inducted into the Technology Student Association Hall of Fame and Jae Swanner winning a National Championship in TSA  Dragsters .

Purcell hosted the first annual Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival, SSM acquired a new doctor in Don Ferguson and 50” of rain has been recorded including over 10” one weekend in November.

Other top stories were Boston Knowles breaking Gerald Green’s 50-year-old career rushing record, three-peat State Championships by Washington baseball and football teams, Michael Miles Gordon being charged with embezzling nearly $200,000 from the Washington All Sports Association, Brayden Gulliver being named Purcell Police Officer of the Year and the Purcell City Council rejecting a bid of $505,000 for the old PMH property.

Also, Purcell Municipal Hospital going to a hospitalist for patients of Dr. Rick Schmidt and Dr. Bryan Dye and Stephanie Knowles being name Purcell School District Teacher of the Year.