Kinta Independence Day Parade

Photo by Karen West

Participants in the Kinta Independence Day parade get ready before the parade's start. More pictures of events in Kinta are on Page 16 in this weeks News Sentinel

The first diploma

By Karen West
Staff Writer

It seems to have slipped quietly past, but this year is a special year in the history of Stigler High School.
One hundred years ago, the very first graduation took place at Stigler High School. The class of 1911 consisted of only two students, Ruby Maude Garner and her brother, Roy Garner. The commencement took place in the school auditorium on May 18 with Prof. J.L. McLoughlin presenting the diplomas and the Rev. J.M. Byers, pastor of First Baptist Church, giving the sermon.
In an interesting twist, Reunion Days was sponsored this year by the Stigler Class of 1961, honoring their 50 year reunion. Linda Bankhead was one of the students who graduated that year. It just so happens, Ruby Garner is Linda Bankhead's grandmother.
"I'm very pleased that my daughter had her 50th Reunion and my mother's 100th in the same year," said Monte Bankhead. "It's very unusual for something like that."more on this story in this week's Stigler News Sentinel)

Celebrating history and independence on the Fourth of July

By Heather Bekoff
Staff Writer

The city of McCurtain hosts the biggest local celebration of history and America's independence on the Fourth of July. McCurtain's annual Fourth of July celebration begins on Friday and will carry over to Saturday.
Starting things off is a benefit co-ed softball tournament beginning Friday evening. The softball tournament is put on by the McCurtain School district, with proceeds going toward next year's fireworks fund and McCurtain Schools.
McCurtain's annual Fourth of July parade begins Saturday on state Highway 31 at 10 a.m. Anyone wishing to participate should be at the McCurtain School at 9:30 a.m. to register. All floats are welcome.
McCurtain City Hall will be giving out trophies for Best Decorated Four-Wheeler, Best Decorated Bike, Best Decorated Wagon and Team, Best Dressed Walker, Best Dressed Cowboy, Best Dressed Cowgirl, Oldest Horse Rider, Youngest Horse Rider, Oldest Male, Oldest Female, Best Antique Vehicle and Best Decorated Motorcycle. There will be a wide variety of vendors, including the McCurtain Fire Department, which will be selling hotdogs and hamburgers, with all proceeds going to the fire department. There will be an assortment of craft venders, including a new jewelry vendor this year. The children in attendance will enjoy a water slide and jump bounce. Morning activities will last until 4 p.m.
A favorite town tradition is continued again this year with the McCurtain all-class reunion held at the McCurtain gymnasium at 11:30 a.m. (more on this story in this week's Stigler News Sentinel)