July 28, 2025

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Commentary
June 7, 2019
Papa Protocol

Was this a bad idea? The optical-wear breakthrough taking the nation overtook me in Davenport. I gave the plastic inserts a try when a bargain price drew me in. But

Was this a bad idea?

The optical-wear breakthrough taking the nation overtook me in Davenport. I gave the plastic inserts a try when a bargain price drew me in. But blinking ensued and wouldn’t let up.

“Contact lenses might not be for me”. My dad’s pipefitting skills meant he and mom would have several months in Davenport. “Welcome traveler,” they had chimed in on my arrival from Montana. After the eventful visit to Ann I had routed my return trip home through Iowa.

Three things occurred in my few days’ stop-over.

I tried finding work, “Sorry, I’m afraid the Times-Democrat doesn’t have an opening for typesetters right now.” Secondly, I tossed my conventional eyeglasses. Since age 12 I had worn them. Bad idea, this change. Fashioned of harsh, inflexible material, the lenses pestered me from the start. My staccato blinking annoyed me. I would give up on contacts entirely within a year. And finally, I made a phone call – back to Billings— to a clergyman. Not just any clergyman. It embarrassed me that, in my haste to ask Ann to marry me, I had leapfrogged protocol. . . “Hello, Brother Barnes . . . Mm, I would like to ask . . . ”

Her father was kind, approving my marriage proposal and his daughter’s yes. . . now that he knew of it. Thanking him, I brought the visit to a close, returned the phone to its hook, and exhaled, long and slow.

“Your cooking’s as good as ever, Mom.” Suitcase in hand, I hugged her, touched the doorknob of their rented mobile home. “I’d better get back to Oklahoma.

“A guy who’s getting married had best get a job.”

©2019 Jerry Lout

PECAN FESTIVAL Book Signings. Native-son, Living With A Limp author Jerry Lout, is in town Friday and Saturday at The LOKAL Okmulgee coffee venue with his page-turning memoirs. Living With A Limp and Giants In The Rough. Polio, pythons, and providence feature among the many themes. Copies of both works are on hand for purchase and signings. Set for 2:00-4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, and 11:00 – 1:30 p.m. SATURDAY. They’re also found on Amazon.com . Visit his blog at www.jerrylout.com. Enquiries, comments welcome at jerrylout@gmail.com.

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
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Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
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Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
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Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
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Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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