Several City departments teamed up to throw the annual Johnstone Avenue Block Party Bash on Saturday in downtown Bartlesville. Police and fire departments and the Bartlesville Public Library started the annual event in 2019. The party resumed this year after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. “We had a great turnout, especially considering we had pretty strong winds and light rain off and on during the event,” said Library Director Shellie McGill. “We had to move some events inside the library because of the wind. But everybody seemed to have a great time, and we look forward to doing it again next year.” This BPD drone shot shows the party from overhead. Though the event included only the 600 block of south Johnstone in 2019, it has expanded to encompass Unity Square Park and area streets as well.
Batman made it in from Gotham City for the party. “I wouldn’t have missed it,” he said. Photo by Jay Hastings
Police K-9 Atlas and handler Officer Nick Gonzalez show off Atlas’ skills during a demonstration. BPD currently has six K-9 officers, who “provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Bartlesville,” said Police Chief Tracy Roles. “We are fortunate to have such a great K-9 team and a dedicated group of handlers who really give their all and make this program work.” Photo by Jay Hastings