July 27, 2025

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World changes last Wednesday with potentially devastating effects
Commentary
March 18, 2020
World changes last Wednesday with potentially devastating effects

In a matter of hours, the world in which we live changed last week, and that change started right here in Oklahoma.

In a matter of hours, the world in which we live changed last week, and that change started right here in Oklahoma.

As the NBA’s Utah Jazz was preparing to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Chesapeake Energy Arena, one of the Jazz players tested positive for the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Within hours of that diagnosis, every major sporting and mass-gathering event was cancelled or postponed.

This shows we should take the warnings about COVID-19 seriously. It does not mean we should panic. Still, the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control are a prudent pathway to reduce the transmission of the disease, preventing it from becoming as deadly as the 1918 Flu Pandemic.

Health Concerns with COVID-19

So, let’s be clear: this is no hoax. The risk is real and life-threatening. An emergency physician at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas took to Facebook to illustrate the dangers.

Dr. Cara Norvell noted that hospitals already have been running at capacity because of the seasonal flu; there simply is not enough capacity for a massive outbreak of any illness, much less COVID-19 which has the potential to spread exponentially. She noted other countries are essentially shutting down because people are dying from the disease.

For a disease with such potentially dire consequences, the way to stop it in its tracks really is quite simple. Her advice: don’t panic, stay at home, stop buying all the toilet paper, don’t stockpile water as public water supplies are not contaminated, and don’t go the emergency room “because you wanted to be checked out” when you are not actually sick. That, she noted, could really expose you to the virus and would take health care workers away from those who are sick.

Remaining a Voice for Oklahoma’s Children!

The need for child advocacy and support for children has not ended with business and school closures. OICA has adjusted to do more than just advocacy work at the Oklahoma State Capitol due to tremendous amounts of misinformation spreading even worse than COVID-19.

While we face this as a state and a nation, OICA is dedicated to sharing the facts needed to best help Oklahoma families from state health agencies and our national partnership alerts. We will also promote responsible health policies through congressional advocacy work.

You can sign up at oica.org to receive our alerts, and you can follow our social media accounts to receive daily information from trusted, reliable sources. Together, we all have tremendous power to help avoid even worse from this virus. We have to be smart, take prudent precautions…and wash our hands.

The Impact on OICA, Nonprofits

I also have to note how these prudent steps are going to impact OICA. We already have cancelled two scheduled fundraisers to prevent people from gathering in large groups. Losing these fundraisers is nothing less than a financial catastrophe for OICA, but we feel there is no other choice.

OICA is not the only nonprofit facing this challenge; every nonprofit organization making a difference in our communities is also at risk. Please consider supporting a nonprofit during this dire time, and if so inclined, visit oica.org to learn how to help us.

This week’s child statistic is sponsored by Danny and Carey Head: In 32 out of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, there are “food deserts,” areas where at least 25% of the population is 10 miles or more from a supermarket or supercenter.

ABOUT OICA: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action and changing policy to improve the health, safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
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
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
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Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
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
July 25, 2025
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
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
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
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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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