Good morning, Stillwater.

Oklahoma's new education chief, Lindel Fields, said Wednesday he will not hand out Bibles or require a Bible lesson in public schools, reversing the plan set by his predecessor Ryan Walters.

He said he will not go to court to defend that old rule.

Seven Stillwater students are traveling to Japan + taking part in a revived Sister Cities exchange program that began Oct.

11 and will let them live with Japanese host families, visit schools, and explore cultural sites near Kyoto. The trip strengthens decades-long ties between Stillwater and Kameoka + marks the 40-year anniversary of their sister city relationship, supported by district funds and community efforts.

The OSU Center for Health Systems Innovation ran a Lean Healthcare internship that taught med students to use lean methods to fix real hospital problems on October 15.

The program cut emergency room wait times by 13 minutes per patient and saved 689 hours over nine months — showing hospitals can lower waste with quality improvements.

Dr. Rao Surampalli received the 2024 Lohmann Medal yesterday at the CEAT Hall of Fame banquet—he earned his master’s from OSU in 1978 and his doctorate from Iowa State in 1985, spent 30 years developing water and wastewater solutions at the EPA, and now leads the Global Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.

OSU Homecoming: Walkaround

5:30-9 p.m. — ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center — Free entry — Celebrate America’s greatest Homecoming tradition with stunning house decorations created by the Greek community.

United States Marine Band Concert

Time TBD — McKnight Center for the Performing Arts — Free admission — Experience America’s oldest military band with a patriotic concert featuring classic Sousa marches and modern pieces.

LexiCon 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Stillwater Public Library — Free admission — Engage in an exciting cosplay contest and showcase your creativity.

Downtown Stillwater Halloween Festival

Afternoon — Downtown Stillwater Association — Free entry — Enjoy a festive Halloween gathering with vendors, games, food trucks, and costume contests.

Trunk or Treat at Stillwater Medical

6-8 p.m. — Stillwater Medical Plaza — Free entry — No tricks, just treats during a fun drive-thru trick-or-treating evening.

Hoffman Farms Pecan Festival

All day — Hoffman Pecan Farm — Free entry — Celebrate the season with fresh pecans, food trucks, and local vendors showcasing unique products.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

3:00–6:00 p.m. — McKnight Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the world's premier big band led by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.

Pecos & The Rooftops Live Concert

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue — All ages welcome — Enjoy a night of live country tunes and dancing with Pecos and the Rooftops.