Mid-Del School Board approves budget amid economic uncertainty, federal funding concerns
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon It was a familiar story during Mid-Del School District’s budget hearing. Chief Financial Officer Jacqueline Woodard told the board of education that Mid-Del, like many others across Oklahoma, continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and an evolving financial landscape. “I’m starting to sound like a…
Read MoreFather, daughter begin new chapter in new home
Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Adapting to life as a widower and a single parent hasn’t been easy for Antwon Cooper. Less than two years ago, he lost his wife Madison who died in car wreck. And his five-year-old daughter Celeste lost her mother. “It hurts and it’s especially rough on her (Celeste),” Cooper said.…
Read MoreCouncil approves $227 million budget
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon The Midwest City Council recently unanimously approved a $227.38 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26 which begins July 1. City officials say the budget reflects a commitment to maintaining core municipal services while advancing key infrastructure and economic development projects, while protecting taxpayer dollars. The general fund, which is…
Read MoreBluepeak brings high-speed fiber internet to Midwest City
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Midwest City residents will soon have a new option for high-speed fiber internet. Bluepeak is expanding into Midwest City with its state-of-the-art fiber service for residential and business customers. Construction on the network began in late May, with the first installations expected to roll out in early August. Bluepeak…
Read MoreMidwest City hosting Junior Fire Academy June 23-27
MDTC and Midwest City FD partner for youth summer camp By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Young aspiring firefighters can learn about the world of firefighting and public safety this summer with the Junior Fire Academy at the Mid-Del Technology Center’s SummerTech Camp. The Junior Fire Academy will take place June 23-27 from 8 a.m.…
Read MoreJuneteenth Midwest City returns June 14
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Midwest City will host its third annual Juneteenth Family Festival on Saturday, June 14 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E. Reno Ave. The festival will take place from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Juneteenth celebration will aim to educate and entertain guests of all ages. It…
Read MoreCarl Albert esports program growing
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Carl Albert High School’s eSports team is finding success in just its third year. The Titans placed sixth placed in the state tournament through Oklahoma Scholastic Esports. “We only lost to Class 6A teams, but we would have been second in 5A based on points,” said Mitchell Gomez, esports…
Read MoreMid-Del Schools practice emergency preparedness
District leaders take part in family reunification training program By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon School is out for the summer. But faculty and administrators at Mid-Del Schools received valuable training on reuniting students with families following an emergency. About one hundred district leaders participated in exercises simulating a real-world emergency response and how they…
Read MoreMayor not seeking reelection
Dukes says he won’t run again in 2026 By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Midwest City Mayor Matt Dukes said a decade in office is enough. The longtime public servant announced that he will not seek reelection next year. “I have been proud and humbled to serve as your mayor and an ambassador for our…
Read MoreRice announces for mayor bid
By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon Rick Rice has served a variety of roles during three decades in Midwest City government. He started as a city prosecutor and went on to serve on the city council and planning commission. Now he’s ready for a new role. Last week, Rice announced that he’s running for Mayor…
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