At last week’s Board of Washington County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners opted to lift the mask mandate that had been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The county commissioners in Osage County have considered putting things back to normal, but haven’t done so because they feel the time is not yet right.

District One Commissioner Randall Jones had talked to several elected officials to get their opinions on opening back up.

Despite Jones and some of the other elected officials showing enthusiasm for opening the courthouse, along with other county owned property, District Three Commissioner Darren McKinney feels as though it is best to wait a little bit longer.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Kane informed the commissioners that Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt lifted all restrictions from state buildings a week ago, allowing the commissioners to do what they want at the local level. The commissioners ultimately took no action on the agenda item this week.