Pumpkins are a fall favorite, but do you know which U.S. state produces the most pumpkins each year? 🎃

A) Ohio
B) California
C) Illinois
D) Texas

🌟 Hello Woodward!

We hope your week is off to a great start! Even though the days are still warm, fall is just around the corner and we’re all looking forward to those cooler evenings. In the meantime, there’s plenty happening right here in Woodward—from community events and local finds to a furry friend waiting for a home.

Thanks for spending a little time with us today. Let’s dive into what’s going on this week!

🐾🐾“Blu is Ready to Be Your Loyal Sidekick & Snuggle Buddy”

Say hello to Blu, a sweet 1-year-old Heeler who is ready to find her forever family. 💙

Blu may be small (just 26 lbs), but she has a big heart. She loves nothing more than cuddling in your lap and being close to her people. She’s kennel trained, leash broke, and already comfortable around other dogs and livestock.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will brighten your days and stick by your side, Blu could be the perfect match.

📍 Available through Woodward Animal Control

☎️ Call or message them today to learn more about adopting Blu.

Give this sweet girl the second chance she deserves! 🐶✨

“Every dog deserves love, safety, and a home. No dog should be forgotten, abandoned, or put to sleep simply because no one claimed them. Dogs give us unconditional love  it’s time we give it back.” SaveFido.com

When it comes to sports, teamwork, and community spirit, Compass Athletics has been serving Woodward in every direction since 2011. What began as the purchase of “Joe Cheap’s Sporting Goods” has grown into a full-service athletics hub, now located at 2024 Main Street with a spacious showroom and warehouse.

In 2018, Compass Athletics expanded by acquiring The Trophy Case, adding custom awards, uniforms, and training supplies to their lineup. Today, they’re the go-to destination for athletes, teams, and families across Northwest Oklahoma.

From custom uniforms to trophies that celebrate a season’s hard work, Compass Athletics makes sure every order is delivered on time and with care. Their motto says it best:

👉 “Serving You In Every Direction.”

📍 Compass Athletics – 2024 Main Street, Woodward, OK

🌐 Visit Compass Athletics Online

Support local, shop local, and keep our community strong! 💪

📅 Upcoming Events in Woodward & Beyond

Here’s what’s happening around town this week:

• 6th Annual Bridal & Party Expo
  📅 Sunday, Oct 5 at 1 PM
  📍 3401 Centennial Lane, Woodward
  Brides-to-be, families, and friends are invited to explore vendors, décor, and inspiration for the big day.
  
  

• Waynoka Chamber of Commerce Meeting
  📅 Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM
  📍 1565 Main Street, Waynoka, OK
  A chance for locals to connect and discuss community growth and business opportunities.
  
  

• 25th Annual Cow Plop
  📅 Thursday, Oct 9 at 5:30 PM
  📍 3801 34th St, Woodward
  A beloved Woodward tradition! Grab your $5 ticket for a chance at $500 while helping raise funds for the playground.
  
  

• Biggest Dune Race in the Country
  📅 Oct 9–11
  📍 Little Sahara (The Sand Dunes)
  High-octane fun with dune races, night rides, and competitions for all levels.
  
  

• Monkey Run & Car Show
  📅 Saturday, Oct 11 at 8 AM
  📍 Woodward County Event Center at Crystal Beach
  A family-friendly day of cars, fun, and local flair.
  
  A family-friendly day of cars, fun, and local flair.
  

🌤️ This Week’s Weather Snapshot

🍔 Local Flavor Spotlight: Annex Sports Café

If you’re looking for a fun spot to catch the game, grab a bite, or just enjoy some time with friends, Annex Sports Café on Main Street is a Woodward favorite. With a lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and a menu that always hits the spot, it’s the perfect place for casual hangouts.

One of their most popular (and most Instagram-worthy!) dishes is the towering stack of crispy golden onion rings — served with plenty of dipping sauces to share… or keep all to yourself! 🧅✨

📍 Annex Sports Café
900 Main Street, Woodward, OK

📞 (580) 256-9037

Stop by this week and enjoy some local flavor while cheering on your favorite team!

On a spring morning in Woodward, the old courthouse still carries echoes of its past—none louder than the legendary 1899 trial that changed the town forever.

When Minnie Stacey stood accused of prostitution, the courtroom turned cold; she faced her charge alone, shunned and without a defender.

That changed when Temple Lea Houston, famed attorney and son of Sam Houston, rose to defend her, turning what could have been another conviction into a moment of compassion.

With just minutes to prepare, Houston’s passionate “Soiled Dove Plea” challenged the community’s double standards, urging mercy over condemnation.

The jury’s swift “not guilty” verdict stunned the crowd—sparking tears, applause, and a newfound humility in Woodward.

Today, some say the courthouse walls still whisper of that day a small town found justice and mercy aren’t always the same.

🏡 Local Real Estate Spotlight

Looking for a cozy move-in ready home? This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home in Woodward might be just what you’ve been waiting for.

✨ Highlights:

• Warm brick exterior with beautiful curb appeal

• Attached garage and spacious driveway

• Nicely updated interior spaces

• Listed at just $180,000

This property offers a comfortable setting for families or anyone looking to settle into a quiet Woodward neighborhood.

📍 Location: Woodward, OK
💲 Price: $180,000

Interested? Check out the full listing online or connect with a local realtor to schedule a showing!

📜 Local History: Woodward, 116 Years Ago

In early October of 1908, the Woodward Bulletin was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming Woodward Fair. The paper described it as a “grand display of farm products, fancy work, stock, and amusements,” inviting everyone from across Northwest Oklahoma to join.

Another big headline? Circus Day in Woodward! 🎪 On October 3, 1908, the Great Yankee Robinson Circus rolled into town, boasting “100 circus champions and celebrities,” wild animal shows, and a grand parade. Ads in the Bulletin promised “22 famous equestrians, 19 daring aerialists, and 23 merry clowns” — a spectacle that surely drew families from miles around.

It’s fun to think about Woodward families over 115 years ago, getting ready for the fairgrounds and lining the streets to see elephants, horses, and acrobats march past downtown.

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Residents of Woodward County will head to the polls on November 18, 2025 for special elections centered on crucial community development and infrastructure issues.

The Woodward County Election Board will soon release further details about the specific propositions and any local positions available on the ballot.

Those wishing to vote must register by October 24, 2025.

Registration takes place at the Election Board office, now temporarily located at 1107 Main St., Suite 5, as courthouse renovations continue.

Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Absentee ballot requests are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 3.

Early voting will be held November 13 and 14, with locations to be announced.

For questions, contact the Election Board at 580.256.3609 or woodwardcounty@elections.ok.gov.

Sunday's Crossword Puzzle To Solve

Last Week's Crossword Answers

💌 Until Next Time…

Thanks for joining us for another week of Woodward Shoutouts! We love sharing a little bit of local flavor, community news, and friendly updates with you. Whether you’re checking out an event, trying a new restaurant, or maybe even finding a new furry friend, we hope something in today’s issue brings a smile to your day.

Here’s to cooler evenings ahead, cozy fall moments, and all the small-town connections that make Woodward feel like home.

See you next week! 🌟

Love,

Matt

P.S. Forward this to a friend or neighbor who’d love a little hometown news—because good stories are meant to be shared.

If you guessed C) Illinois, you’re right! ✅
Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state in the U.S. — especially the ones used for pumpkin pies. 🥧🎃