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(EDITOR’S NOTE: This editorial was first published in The Purcell Register on June 8. We wholeheartedly agree.)

The 2023 legislative session is complete, and we accomplished so much thanks to historic revenues and fiscal prudence in recent years that have left the state with record savings and one-time funds.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which was just signed into law, will do just what it is named to do — restore fiscal sanity in Washington. With Democrats in control of the presidency and the Senate, this bill is not only a good compromise, but also a great first step to get the government back on track and away from the out-of-control and inflationary spending Democrats and President Joe Biden have steamrolled through the past two and a half years.

In last week’s issue of the Newcastle Pacer in a story on page 1, we said “the City was awarded a $1.3 million grant and it used those funds to purchase 24 acres abutting the current facility from property owner William R. Owen. The immediate concern was to provide additional parking to get vehicles off of State Highway 130.”

Mid-America Technology Center recently held its 2022– 2023 Awards Ceremonies, honoring the 409 students who have completed their technical programs. In addition to Certificates of Completion, students received Outstanding Student awards and Perfect Attendance certificates.

An annual audit required by state statute was performed by State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd’s office on Mc-Clain County Treasurer’s office. The report came back with no exceptions noted.

The Chickasaw Nation Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) extends its services to families who need encouragement and support in feeding their children. The Chickasaw Nation offers upto- date specialized nutrition education along with a generous food package for growing children from the prenatal period up to age five.

If you need to change or amend an accepted 2019 Oklahoma State Income Tax Return, you have until July 17, 2023, to do it.

Shelly Woolley works with Tanner Long, of Pioneer, at a Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn. The activity was May 31 at the Community Room.

In the final days of the legislative session, the Senate and House passed additional reforms to Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry through Senate Bills 437 and 813. Sen. Jessica Garvin, RDuncan, and her House authors released the following statements Friday. After being signed by the governor, SB 437 went into effect immediately while SB 813 becomes effective June 1, 2023.

Emma Allen of Newcastle, right, receives the SmartMoney Scholarship in May from The First National Bank & Trust Co. in Newcastle. She was recognized for having the “Heart of a Racer” in her senior class at Newcastle High School. She starts college this fall with 33 hours of credit already completed. She led in varsity basketball, cross country, soccer and Honor Society. She enjoys volunteering and hopes to pursue a career in education. She inspires others by facing her own health challenges with courage. From left are bankers from FNBT.