Kelsey Wagner

About Kelsey Wagner

Kelsey Wagner is the publisher of Ponca City Monthly and founder of MyMediaMatters Creative Agency. With more than a decade of experience in marketing, publishing, and creative direction, she has built a reputation for connecting communities with the stories, businesses, and experiences that matter most.

Through Ponca City Monthly and other regional projects, Kelsey has elevated local voices and highlighted the people, places, and events that make north-central Oklahoma unique. Her agency specializes in branding, web design, social media, and content strategy, helping businesses tell their stories in ways that resonate.

As both a publisher and editor, Kelsey is passionate about storytelling that informs, inspires, and strengthens community pride. Her work reflects a commitment to quality, creativity, and celebrating the character of the Kaw Lake region.

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Kelsey Wagner

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The Story of Old Kaw City: A Town Beneath the Waves

Traveling

Sep 1, 2025

The Story of Old Kaw City: A Town Beneath the Waves

Kaw City was founded in 1903 along the banks of the Arkansas River, named in honor of the Kaw (Kanza) Nation. The community grew into a bustling small town, complete with schools, churches, shops, and friendly neighborhoods. Life revolved around agriculture, oil, and the river, which provided both opportunity and hardship through frequent floods.

Wildlife of Kaw Lake: Eagles, Fish, and the Call of the Outdoors

Kaw Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a thriving ecosystem where bald eagles soar above rippling waters, catfish lurk in the depths, and hunters, anglers, and birders gather to experience the best of Oklahoma’s outdoors. Since its completion in 1976, the lake has grown into one of the region’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing and recreation.

The History of Kaw Lake: From River to Reservoir

Congress authorized the Kaw Lake project through the Flood Control Act of 1962. The goals were threefold: flood control, water supply, and recreation. The site chosen was near Kaw City, a small town founded in 1903 and named for the Kaw (or Kanza) people, who had lived along the river for centuries before removal to Kansas and later Oklahoma.