Top ten stories of 2018

1. Despite average $6,100-per-year pay raises from the state, Clinton teachers joined many others in Oklahoma in an April walkout that closed schools here.

2. Wildfires that ravaged western Oklahoma in April took two lives and destroyed over 50 houses, with one Dewey County commissioner’s district alone losing 32.

3. After a six-month absence, it was announced that cancer chemotherapy treatments would be resumed after the city lowered its rent to AllianceHealth.

4. Following many decades in Clinton, it was confirmed in October that this area’s state employment office would move 
to Weatherford.

5. Clinton Middle School was hit by a sex scandal in April, resulting in math teacher Keri Hoffman being sentenced to seven years in jail for raping a
male student, 15.

6. Years of anticipation came to a climax when Rowland Mower of Port San Antonio, Texas, was hired as Clinton’s first fulltime economic development director.

7. If any proof were needed that small towns are not immune to tragedy, it came in April when Tyler Scott Sloan, 27, of Bessie, brutally murdered his wife and then killed himself.

8. Paul Rinkel, a veteran of over 30 years in law enforcement in the Tulsa area, became chief of Clinton’s police in December.
He replaced 12-year chief David Crabtree.

9. After 113 years in Clinton, the First Presbyterian Church closed its doors July 15 after its final worship service at 700 Gary Blvd. Its last building was 
constructed in 1926.

10. It took new head coach John Bigbee only one year to bring pride back to Clinton football by leading the Red Tornadoes to the Class 4A state semifinals.