2021 HIGHLIGHTS

The breach of the U.S. Capitol Building (PHOTO 1) as Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote count topped January’s news. A number of local current and former elected officials expressed shock after watching with the rest of the nation as the day’s stunning events unfolded. Army National Guard personnel, including PFC1 Abbie Jones from Kingfisher (PHOTO 2, at left) were deployed to Washington, D.C., to maintain order leading up to the inauguration of President Joe Biden. • • • County COVID-19 related deaths climbed from 12 to 23 over the course of the month as vaccines began rolling out for frontline medical personnel and first responders like Kingfisher Fire Chief Tony Stewart (PHOTO 3) and residents ages 65 and over. The rush for vaccines overwhelmed the county health department until supply could keep up with demand. Some mask requirements remained in place as county activities cautiously resumed. On a downtown Kingfisher walkabout, a group of masked children from Blair Early Education Center paused for a photo with the similarly masked statues in front of City Hall (PHOTO 4). From left are Elina Creps, Avery and Madelyn Harder, Shanaya Patel, Marli Savage, C.J. Duffy and Ethan Kirchner. The Times & Free Press was forced to close its doors for two weeks to protect the public when all but one staffer contracted the virus. • • • Sheriff’s office personnel and jail inmates moved into the new Kingfisher County Justice Center (PHOTO 5, with Sheriff Dennis Banther). Incumbent county officers sworn in for new terms include Banther, District 2 County Commissioner Ray Shimanek, Court Clerk Lisa Markus and County Clerk Jeannie Boevers (PHOTO 6). [KT&FP File and Provided Photos]