JUNE

Henryetta Chamber of Commerce hosted the twoday Spring Round-Up Rodeo, dedicated to the late Roy Madden on June 4 and 5 at the Jim Shoulders Living Legends Arena at Nichols Park.

Winners of the First Family Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and Henryetta Chamber of Commerce Yard of the Month were John and Pam Voyles. They received a bag filled with goodies including gift certificates for winning the honor. The Voyles were nominated by Shawn Okerson. United State Postal Service

United State Postal Service (USPS) announced they once-again raised postage rates on Aug. 29 for both public and commercial mail users. The First-Class stamp moved from 55 to 58 cents. Community newspapers using Periodicals mail to reach readers, had an increase of 9%. Tulledega Masonic Lodge

Tulledega Masonic Lodge 201 hosted a father-child first annual Fishing Derby on June 5 at Nichols Park in Henryetta. Prizes were awarded including Largest Fish and Most Fish Caught.

Henryetta Opry hosted a Grand Opening on June 5 at 304 W. Main Street. The family-friendly event was a packed house that featured an announcer, comedian and a performance by Oklahoma’s own Rodeo Heart Band (RHB). RHB members include Uel Slane, Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar; Kenny Davis, Manager/Sound Manager; Jim Johnson, Bass; Steve Petree, Lead Guitar/Vocals and Doug Pepper, Vocals/Drums. The Opry included a mix of classic and modern country performances.

American Exchange Bank Chairman of the Board, Kent Pharoah, was honored by the Oklahoma Banker’s Association for 50 years of service to the Oklahoma banking industry.

A State of Emergency was declared for Okmulgee County due to flooding, after the area received over 10 inches of rain June 7. A declaration was signed by the Okmulgee County Commissioners. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Hwy. 75 were closed for a period of time due to high water. Several motorists found themselves stranded after trying to navigate the impassable roads. Numerous county roads were closed after several being washed out, having caveholes and sinkholes. Edward Jones Investments

Edward Jones Investments of Henryetta purchased and donated a picture of the Dough Boy Statute to Henryetta Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539. The picture was purchased during the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Silent Auction.

James’ Place, formerly Marvin’s Place, west of Henryetta, hosted a Grand Opening on June 18. Business owners, James and Jennifer Watson, welcomed guests as they enjoyed a live performance by Riders Ford.

Henryetta Board of Education approved the removal of the mask and face covering mandate for the 2021-2022 school year. Board members still encouraged face coverings, but wearing them were made optional, not required. Henryetta Economic

Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) approved funding water distribution improvements for the City of Henryetta totaling $398,253.30 on the east end of Trudgeon and Main streets near the QuikTrip project. The project included a 14-inch water main replacement along Hwy. 75 and Trudgeon. Henryetta’s Summer Cruise Knight held June 12

Henryetta’s Summer Cruise Knight held June 12 was reported to be the most well-attended one since its inception. Main Street was bumper-to-bumper traffic the majority of the night as the community and visitors cruised in style.

Dewar Public Works Authority (PWA) received approval for a $1,637,000 loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve wastewater infrastructure. Dewar PWA utilized funds to retrofit the existing facility and for the construction of a flow-through lagoon system with a cascade aerator. The improvements addressed unintended flows to the wastewater treatment plant and protected the waters that enter Coal Creek and Henryetta Lake.

Henryetta Chamber of Commerce approved $1,775 for two concrete slabs that were installed at the Jim Shoulders Living Legends Arena for portable toilet locations.

Henryetta Cub Scout Pack 118 announced their Rent-A-Scout Program will be offered all throughout the year. The program is offered to the community and businesses who need yard work, general clean-up or other chores or tasks performed. No fees are charged for work performed, however, donations are appreciated. Outgoing Henryetta Lions Club President Billie

Outgoing Henryetta Lions Club President Billie Been passed the gavel to incoming 2021 Lions President Amber Atoigue during an award and officer installation meeting held in June.

A nationwide blood shortage has reached Oklahoma, as blood donations have reached emergency low levels. The shortage has been worsened by consistently high hospital usage, leaving blood centers around the nation short of all blood types heading into the upcoming 4th of July holiday period. Oklahoma Blood Institute encourages state residents to donate.

JULY

In August 2019, a $3.8 billion bid for bridge rehabilitation over Coal Creek was awarded to C-Gawf Construction by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The project officially began in October 2019, covering a stretch of Hwy. 57 between East Trudgeon and Dewar Junction. The construction company was allowed 325 calendar days to complete the project. The Free-Lance decided to make another inquiry to ODOT as to the project timeline due to an increasing number of concerns voiced by residents, travelers and businesses affected by the project. As of June 15, the project was at 310 calendar days and was estimated to be complete within two- to three-weeks, according to ODOT.

Shawn Okerson was presented with an award for his service as the Henryetta Rotary Club President for 2020-2021 by incoming Rotary Club President Keith Hare. American Exchange Bank Vice President Stacey

American Exchange Bank Vice President Stacey Blanchett was appointed to serve on the Oklahoma Banker’s Association (OBA) Bank Fraud and Security Council. She was also appointed to serve as a member of OBA’s Women in Banking Committee to develop, plan and promote a conference designed for women banking professionals.

Henryetta First Baptist Church honored Richard Craig on his 95th birthday during a Men’s Prayer Breakfast. A long-time resident of Henryetta, Craig served in the U.S. Navy from September 1943 through 1946. He was stationed on the USS Foote, DD511 Beaver Squadron. He is also a member of the Henryetta Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539. Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta announced Mary

Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta announced Mary Fisher, Registered Nurse, was the recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is a part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. Fisher has managed the Hillcrest Henryetta Emergency Room for six years.

Henryetta Tulledega Masonic Lodge 201 awarded $6,000 in scholarships to five area students, Madilyn Moore, Saylor Smethers, Skylar Thomas, Megan Been and Kanon Bailey. Each received a check for $1,200.

Henryetta First Baptist Church began demolition of a building on the corner of 4th and Division. Once the debris was cleared, plans are to construct a new Youth Center on the property. Contractors were hiring for several positions to

Contractors were hiring for several positions to begin dirt work and pipe laying for the QuikTrip project on East Main Street and Hwy. 75. The company began dirt work and demolition at the end of July.

First Family Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) staff members Ashley Morris and Amber Pippin hosted sessions of Budget or Bust, a financial education program for students in 6th through 12th grades. Sessions were held at The Briefcase in Henryetta.

AUGUST

Katelyn Pippin, an employee in the Collections Department at First Family Federal Credit Union in Henryetta, was honored on her five-year anniversary at the credit union.

Henryetta Public Schools Transportation Director Rick Enis announced, due to a bus driver shortage, two bus routes will be combined for the 2021-2022 school year. Batman and Charlie Brown were combined with there now being two Batman routes.

Henryetta Yard of the Month was awarded to Mark and Lana LeMieux. The award was presented by First Family Federal Credit Union and Henryetta Chamber of Commerce.

After overcoming several hurdles for the past few years, QuikTrip officials held a Ground Breaking Ceremony on Aug. 4, officially announcing the construction had finally begun. QuikTrip officials announced the convenience store and truck stop would be open within a year. Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta announced their

Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta announced their Visitor Policy changed due to increased COVID activity in the area and surrounding communities. Only one visitor, per patient, per day is allowed. Hospital staff said certain exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Shortly after classes began on Aug. 16 at Henryetta Public Schools, a large sinkhole was discovered along the bus lane, directly in front of the high school entrance. Maintenance Director Harold Fox and other staff quickly secured the area. A previous water leak that was not repaired correctly was deemed the cause of the hole. A load of sand was delivered the following day in order for the massive hole to be filled and leveled off. Henryetta Chamber of Commerce announced

Henryetta Chamber of Commerce announced the Jim Shoulders Living Legends PRCA Rodeo acquired its first corporate sponsor, Wrangler.

Henryetta Labor Day Pageant winners were Kinlee Williams, Miss Labor Day; Pazlye Coronel, Junior Miss Labor Day; Brittyn Williams, Little Miss Labor Day and Kooper Hargis, Petite Miss Labor Day.

Henryetta Labor Day Committee received a $2,000 donation from TWU Local 514 for the Labor Day High School Band Competition as a portion of the Henryetta Labor Day Parade.

U.S. Census Bureau released state data profile information noting overall, the Oklahoma population increased 5.5 percent over the last decade. In Okmulgee County over the past 10-year span, the total population decreased from 40,069 in 2010 to 36,706 in 2020. This is a difference of 3,363 residents, or 8.4 percent from the 2010 data.

SEPTEMBER

Three-year-old JennyLynn Pevehouse was the 6 Years and Under winner of the Free-Lance Back-to-School Coloring Contest. Destiny Doyle was the winner of the Free-Lance

Destiny Doyle was the winner of the Free-Lance Back-to-School Coloring Contest in the 7- to 10- year-old age group. Fine As Swine was named Grand Champion of

Fine As Swine was named Grand Champion of the American Exchange Bank and Rustler’s BBQ 2nd annual Red, White & Q BBQ Competition on Sept. 4 at Nichols Park in Henryetta. The team was awarded $500.

Henryetta Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539 was filled with members and Auxiliary members on Sept. 7 during a thank you reception held for Commander Bill Goodner. During the event, leadership as Post Commander was passed over to incoming Commander-Select Otis Seamon. VFW and Auxiliary shared best wishes with Goodner as he has played a vital role in the success of the VFW and welcomed the new commander. Okmulgee County Commissioners approved an

Okmulgee County Commissioners approved an incentive to employees who took the COVID-19 vaccine. A payment of $250 was made to those already vaccinated. Any employee who obtained a vaccination by Nov. 1 was also eligible for the payment. Money was distributed from the county’s ARPA funds. It was agreed by commissioners that no elected officials would receive the incentive.

Henryetta residents and business owners attended a special proclamation ceremony on Sept. 15 at the Cowboy History Park. The City of Henryetta presented a proclamation naming the park “Roy Madden Cowboy History Park,” in honor of the late Roy Madden.

A $129,150.55 bid from Play By Design, Inc. for playground equipment was approved by Henryetta City Council members in May. In September, the new playground equipment was installed next to the ball fields at Nichols Park. After a lengthy discussion on Sept. 21, Henryetta

After a lengthy discussion on Sept. 21, Henryetta City Council members approved a motion to allow Steve Sanford and his non-profit, Nichols Park Restoration Committee, 60 days in order to raise $17,000 to dry in the Caretaker’s House at Nichols Park. The drying in process includes replacing the roof and siding as well as new windows and their frames and a fresh coat of brown paint along beams.