Building rehab efforts continue for Stillwater's historic all-Black school
Plus Payne County Commissioners to review indigent cremation policy and application
Welcome to On the Agenda, a free newsletter from The Stillwegian that gives you a sneak peek into what’s coming up at local government meetings.
On Tuesday, the Washington School Advisory Committee will receive an update from The Washington School Heritage Foundation. The purpose of this update is to discuss the next steps in the restoration of Stillwater’s historically Black school, which closed its doors in 1956.
- The minutes from the Jan. 7, 2025 meeting reveal the foundation’s plans, which include demolishing the auditorium, stabilizing the building, and abating asbestos.
Booker T. Washington School, know as Washington School is located on 12th Ave. between S. Hester St and S Knoblock St. The original building was constructed in 1938. Additional buildings were added in the mid to late 1950s. – Photos by Chris Peters
The committee also discussed its primary purpose, which was to advise on the renovation of the property and should dissolve once those renovations are complete. Another group will be responsible for determining the activities and event programming for the historic school.
- The public meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. in Room 2073 at City Hall.
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Payne County Commissioners to review a Indigent Cremation Assistance Request form
According the the application, Payne County is responsible for cremation of county residents who posse no financial means, assets or property that could cover the costs of cremation services and when next of kin can not be found or is unable to accept financial responsibility.
The application also stipulates that the financial assistance for indigent burial must be initiated by the attending funeral home within 30 days of death. Other requirements include:
- Proof of residence
- Proof of application and denial from a whole body donation program
- Attestment from the County Clerk on property search findings
Payments will be made directly to the funeral home for the cremation service.
Payne County suggests the Genesis program through the Medical Education and Research Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. This program provides training cadavers for physicians, surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals.
According to their website, donors must be free of infectious diseases that could harm the learner and the donor’s physical condition must be suitable for a high-quality learning experience. In 2018, the program trained 28,985 doctors.
- Oklahoma is one of 19 states in the program's service area.
County Commissioners could also get an update on the county-wide radio system at Monday's 9 a.m. board meeting.
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