Woodward’s Main Street curves in an unusual spot—at Eighth Street—because of a rare surveying mistake made during the town’s founding in the 1880s. What surprising result did this error cause for several years after the Cherokee Outlet Land Run?

Welcome Note

Dear Reader,

Fall is tiptoeing in, and you can almost feel it in the cooler evenings and shorter days. 🍂 Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch, planning a family dinner, or just looking forward to the next fun outing in town, we’ve got plenty of local highlights to brighten your week.

This issue is packed with upcoming events, hidden gems from Marketplace, a furry friend looking for a home, and a little inspiration just for you. As always, our goal is simple: keep you connected, smiling, and in the know about everything happening right here in Woodward.

So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s dive in!

📺 A Talk Show Recap of Today’s Newsletter

From Newsletter to Talk Show: Watch Today’s Highlights

🎙 Sit back and enjoy today’s stories in a whole new way! We’ve turned this newsletter into a talk show–style video, packed with highlights, local flavor, and a few quirky surprises. Hit play below and catch up like you’re tuning into your favorite hometown show.

Local Events Happening This Week 🎉

📅 Fri, Sept 19 at 6 PM – Movies in the Park
📅 Sat, Sept 20 at 10 AM – Woodward WonderFest
📅 Sat, Sept 20 at 9 AM – Pioneer Days Festival Tractor Show (Vici)
📅 Thu, Sept 18 at 4 PM – Walk Out of Darkness – Pioneer Room
📅 Sep 18–21 – Chasing Central Oklahoma Light (Waynoka)
📅 Sep 20–21 – Black Oak Shillelagh @ Waynoka Renaissance
📅 Mon, Sept 15 at 9 AM – Life Line Screening – Conference Center
📅 Mon, Sept 15 at 7 PM – Waynoka Chamber Meeting
📅 Tomorrow at 2 PM – Health & Wellness Workshop (Fargo)
📅 Tue, Sept 16 at 3:30 AM – PTO/Title 1 Meeting (Woodward)

✨ That’s your week at a glance!

When Mr. Shives arrived in Woodward, Oklahoma in 1968, he didn’t set out to change a generation — just to keep the school safe and kids out of trouble.

Soon, though, he saw deeper needs: students doubting themselves and a curriculum stuck in the past.

Facing resistance from parents and staff, he pushed for new programs, fought for arts and girls’ sports, and listened to...

Weather Forecast Sept 14–20, 2025 ☀️

Aitana’s Café – Downtown Motel

Known for hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and friendly faces, Aitana’s is a cozy local gem. Stop by for a hot cup of coffee or a full plate that feels like home.

📍 1209 Oklahoma Ave, Woodward
📞 (580) 256-2240

👉 Visit Aitana’s Café

1502 Circle Dr – $149,000 (Woodward, OK)

👉 View on Realtor.com

📊 Market Note: Several homes under $160K are currently available in Woodward, making this a great time for buyers.

🐾 Meet Rosie!

👉 Contact Woodward Animal Control to adopt Rosie today. One family’s “yes” can change everything. 🏡❤️

Sponsored by SaveFido Because every dog deserves a chance at life ❤️

🧵 Singer Sewing Machine & Case – $75 (Woodward, OK)

EA true classic! Perfect for quilting, mending, or starting fun sewing projects with the grandkids.

👉 View on Facebook Marketplace

Gardening This Fall 🌱🍂

🌿 Plant cool-season veggies: lettuce, spinach, radishes
🌼 Add fall color: mums, pansies, asters
🌱 Tuck in spring bulbs: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths
🍁 Clean up beds & compost summer plants

Fall gardening is all about slowing down and savoring the season!

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

If you called Woodward, Oklahoma home in 1925, you didn’t need an app to follow local happenings—just the daily newspaper.

The Woodward News offered a “People Notes” column, a kind of old-school social feed filled with updates about neighbors, from out-of-town visits to childhood colds and weekend guests.

This print era “newsfeed” was curated by...

Grilling Season Isn’t Over 🔥

All-Purpose BBQ Rub

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup paprika

• 1 tbsp each: black pepper, salt, chili, garlic, onion powders

• 1 tsp cayenne (optional)

👉 Rub generously on ribs, chicken, or brisket. Great on roasted veggies too!

🍂 Fall Wreath Workshop – Saturday, Sept 20 at 2 PM

Woodward Public Library – Community Room
📞 (580) 256-1234

Make a festive wreath, meet neighbors, and bring home something beautiful for your front door.

🧩 Crossword Puzzle 

“Think you can crack this week’s puzzle? Click the crossword above to play online.

👉 Don’t forget  we’ll reveal the full answer key next Sunday along with a brand-new puzzle!”

“Come back next Sunday for the answer key and a brand-new puzzle!”

The mistake resulted in two separate towns—East Woodward (also called Denver) and Woodward—existing on adjacent blocks with separate depots and government offices, until they merged and caused Main Street’s signature curve at Eighth Street..

Closing Note 💌

That’s a wrap for this week’s Woodward Shoutouts! 🎉

👉 If you enjoyed this issue, forward it to a friend in Woodward who’d love staying connected. The more locals we reach, the stronger our community becomes.

Until next week — stay safe, stay warm, and keep supporting local. ❤️

Yours truly,

Matt