Grassroots: Growing Civic Engagement Episodes

Oct. 24, 2022

Interview with Rep. Trish Ranson – HD 34 candidate

Stillwater News Press editor sat down with Rep. Trish Ranson, incumbent democrat candidate for Oklahoma House District 34 in Stillwater. Beau and Chris get to know Ranson as a person, why she ran for office, and what she hop…
Oct. 24, 2022

Interview with Michael Baughman – HD 34 candidate

Stillwater News Press editors sit down with Republican candidate for Oklahoma House District 34, Michael Baughman. Beau and Chris get to know Baughman as a person, why he's running and what he hopes to change if elected. Can…
March 29, 2022

Grassroots: Fire Station Bond proposal with Terry Essary and Becky Taylor

On April 5th, Stillwater voters will decide on a bond proposal to relocate fire station #2 and build a modern facility for $9 million. Michelle and Chris sit down with Stillwater Fire Chief, Terry Essary, and City of Stillwa…
Feb. 4, 2022

Grassroots: Visitor Tax proposal with Cristy Morrison and Chris Norris

Stillwater, home of Oklahoma State University, is inherently a destination town. Every year visitors make a significant impact on the city’s economy. Cristy Morrison and Chris Norris of Visit Stillwater join Chris and Michel…
Feb. 2, 2022

Grassroots: Transportation Sales Tax proposal with Becky and Norman

Everyone in Stillwater agrees, many of our streets and roads are terrible. On Feb. 8 voters will have a proposition on their ballot to increase the dedicated transportation sales tax from a half-cent to a whole cent. To get …
Feb. 1, 2022

Grassroots: faith and civics with Marc Trotter and Will Joyce

In this episode, Chris and Michelle sit down with Stillwater mayoral candidates Marc Trotter and Will Joyce. We learn what music they have recently listened to, how their faith impacts their call to public service and decisi…
Jan. 29, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Will Joyce – Part Three

Recorded Jan. 10 In part three of our conversation with Will, we get into the details of how Stillwater’s Council/City manager form of government works, the challenges of state law on the local level and why he wants to be r…
Jan. 29, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Marc Trotter – Part Three

Recorded Jan. 7, 2022 In part three of our conversation with Marc Trotter, we learn about his foundational principles that form his view on the proper role of government. His belief is that we are “a country of kings.” Marc …
Jan. 26, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Will Joyce – Part Two

Recorded Jan. 10, 2022 ***Spoiler alert*** Multiple films and books are discussed in this episode. From Jack Reacher to Frozen, to STILLWATER. In part two Michelle and Chris learn what books Will enjoys reading and how his s…
Jan. 26, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Marc Trotter – Part Two

Recorded Jan. 7, 2022 In part two Chris and Michelle learn about Marc’s career as a lighting designer, the insight he has received from personality tests and his experience running a campaign to recall Stillwater’s City Coun…
Jan. 24, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Will Joyce – Part One

Recorded Jan. 10, 2022 This episode is part one of a three-part interview with Will Joyce. He is running for re-election as the Mayor of Stillwater, Oklahoma. In this first segment hosts, Michelle Charles and Chris Peters ge…
Jan. 24, 2022

Grassroots: Mayoral candidate Marc Trotter – Part One

Recorded Jan. 7, 2022 ***Spoiler Alert*** If you haven’t seen BEE Movie we discuss the overall plot and story of the animated film starring Jerry Seinfield. This episode is part one of a three-part interview with Marc Trotte…
April 23, 2021

Grassroots: Growing Civic Engagement with Joanne Murer & Bryan Langford-Loftis

Chris and Michelle are joined by Stillwater League of Women Voters, Forum Chair, Joanne Murer, and Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Government Affairs Chair, Bryan Langford-Loftis. They discuss the behind-the-scenes work requ…
April 2, 2021

Critical Conversations with Carle Santelli and Camille DeYong

Michelle and Chris are joined by Stillwater Board of Education candidates Camille DeYong and Carle Santelli for a critical conversation about our public schools and navigating the challenges of the past year. Carle Santelli’…
March 26, 2021

Critical Conversations with Ariel Ross and Christie Hawkins

Michelle and Chris sit down with Stillwater City Council run-off candidates Ariel Ross and Christie Hawkins for a critical conversation about our community. We learn what they love about their neighborhoods, their favorite p…