Stillwater Airport Lands Twin Accolades from State Association

Stillwater Regional Airport receives the prestigious Airport of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association, marking a significant achievement for the facility and its leadership team. The honor comes as construction progresses on a new terminal set to open in August 2026.

Airport Director Kellie Reed also earns individual recognition as Airport Manager of the Year, highlighting her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing aviation services in Stillwater.

"This was quite an unexpected honor and surprise last week at the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association Conference," Reed tells the City Council during Monday's meeting. "We are just very blessed to receive this and I'm personally just grateful and blessed for the opportunity to support and serve the city of Stillwater."

Reed credits her team for the airport's success, introducing several staff members present at the meeting: Devin Shiplett, security supervisor; Brandon Ingham, operations supervisor; and Doug Nichols, maintenance supervisor. She notes that operations manager Serge Walczak was unable to attend.

Mayor Will Joyce congratulates the airport team, expressing enthusiasm about ongoing developments at the facility.

"It's definitely well received. We're so excited about what's happening out there and what will be open here in the next, what, 18 months or so, when that terminal is going to be fantastic," Joyce said.

The recognition comes as the airport continues work on its new terminal, scheduled to open in August 2026. The project represents a significant investment in Stillwater's transportation infrastructure.

From left: Assistant City Manager, Christy Cluck, Stillwater Police, Lt. Billy Cluck is with Airport Director, Kellie Reed at the full-scale mock emergency exercise hosted at Stillwater Regional Airport on March 29, 2025. – Photo by Chris Peters

Councilor Kevin Clark highlights additional achievements at the airport, including a recent disaster preparedness drill conducted on March 29. The federally mandated exercise, required every three years, involved multiple city departments including airport staff, police, fire, emergency management, and communications.

"It was a terrific event. I was very impressed with the way staff conducted themselves. So were the evaluators, by the way," Clark said. "The evaluators were very pleased with what they saw."

A new terminal is under construction at Stillwater Regional Airport. It is set for completion by August 2026. – Photo by Chris Peters

Clark also commends airport staff for their quick response to a safety concern raised by a resident. After receiving an email in mid-March about nighttime visibility at a crosswalk from remote parking lots to the terminal, airport staff worked with the electric utility to install a light within a week.

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Stillwater Housing Authority Executive Director Toni Broyles pose for a photo with the Fair Housing Month proclamation. – Photo by Chris Peters

Proclamations for fair housing and early education

In other business, the City Council issues several proclamations, including one recognizing April as Fair Housing Month, marking the 57th anniversary of the U.S. Fair Housing Law. The proclamation reaffirms Stillwater's commitment to addressing discrimination and supporting programs that educate the public about equal housing opportunities.

The council also proclaims April 5-11 as the Week of the Young Child in partnership with the Early Childhood Coalition of Stillwater and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The initiative highlights the importance of high-quality early care and education for all children.

"This proclamation just brings much needed attention to childhood care as well as education, which are both key in helping our youngest learners reach their full potential," says Kiah Butcher, president of the Early Childhood Coalition. "As a community, every action, no matter how big or small, plays a significant role in shaping a child's future."

From left: Mayor Will Joyce, President of the Early Childhood Coalition, Kiah Butcher, ECC Board Treasurer, Lisa Cundiff, retired pediatrician, Amy Hardin, and Butcher's daughters. – Photo by Chris Peters

The original home of Red Dirt Music is ready to boot scoot and boogie this April. Stillwater is filled with outdoor activities, live music festivals, art, and so much more this month!

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Dispose of household hazardous items for free at waste event

The council also announces the annual Household Hazardous Waste event scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Convenience Collection Center. The event offers residents an opportunity to dispose of oil-based paint, pesticides, herbicides, mixed fuels, and other hazardous materials for free.

The Convenience Collection Center, located at 807 South Perkins Road, will remain open for regular business during the event. Residents can visit the city's website for a complete list of accepted items.