Jordan Simonds

By News Staff

On Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, Jordan Simonds, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 33.

Jordan was born on Nov. 14, 1988, to Darrell and Joy (Stephens) Simonds. He graduated from Sallisaw High School in May of 2007.

Jordan was a kind, sweet soul who loved the outdoors but loved OU football more. He was well known for his infectious smile and welcoming spirit that made everyone feel like a friend âÂ€Â” and friends feel like family.

He is survived by his father, Darrell Simonds; mother, Joy (Stephens) Simonds; and brother, Josh Simonds.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Sallisaw Cemetery pavilion. Flowers or donations can be sent to Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services.

News, School News

Oklahoma senators warn effort to ban sexually explicit books could block students’ Bible access

By BARBARA HOBEROCK OKLAHOMA VOICE

March 12, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill advancing through the Legislature aimed at removing sexually explicit books from schools could take the Bible off of library shelves and would be a nightmare to navigate, criti...

News, School News

Behind the rankings: How it was determined Oklahoma is 50th in education

By JENNIFER PALMER OKLAHOMA WATCH

March 12, 2026

When the financial services website WalletHub announced its annual list of states’ education systems, Oklahoma’s ranking became instantly quotable by politicians on all sides. The site listed Oklahoma...

News

Oklahoma House approves bill banning state from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags

By NURIA MARTINEZ-KEEL OKLAHOMA VOICE

March 12, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — House lawmakers advanced legislation Wednesday that would ban any Oklahoma state government entity, including public schools, from recognizing Pride Month and from displaying LGBTQ+ pr...

News

Trump’s Iran war is estimated to cost in the billions already, with no end in sight

By JENNIFER SHUTT | STATES NEWSROOM

March 12, 2026

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress have not formally authorized a war in Iran, though they may soon be expected to approve emergency funding for the endeavor without any projection from the Trump admini...

News

Democrats sue Trump administration for information on possible plans for troops at polls

By ARIANA FIGUEROA | STATES NEWSROOM

March 12, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee Tuesday filed a lawsuit in federal court aiming to force the Trump administration to admit if it plans to send armed federal law enforcement or U.S. troo...

A: Main, Main, News

Utilities dispute remains unresolved

By Lynn Adams Staff Writer

March 10, 2026

Those who showed up at Monday’s monthly meeting of Sallisaw City Commissioners expecting a fight — or, at least, hoping their concerns regarding escalating utility rates, particularly electricity, wou...