Sheriff Eddy Rice has been appointed as temporary interim director of the Okmulgee County Emergency Management.

The announcement was made during Monday’s meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

“I can fill in for that slot while you all look for a director for that program,” Rice said. “We will take care of anything you all need.”

The board also approved use of the west side of courthouse lawn for the National Day of Prayer, which will be May 4. More information will be forthcoming.

Agenda items approved were:

• Minutes of April 3 meeting.

• Officers’ Reports: Health Department for March, and corrections from July 2022 through February, and a new report for March. There was a $50.15 discrepancy that was corrected which went back to July 2022.

• Blanket Purchase Order for District 1 to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts for $250.

• Reimbursement claims for the Election Board Secretary’s salary.

• Reimbursement Claim for District Attorney’s Office for $1,088.15.

• Detention Transportation Claim.

• Adoption Resolution for the Hazard Mitigan Plan.

• Representation Letter with Ober & Littlefield for audit service.

The commissioners went into executive session to discuss possible action concerning the settling of certain claims in pending litigation including potential resolution of certain claims against Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Teva and Allergan. This is related to the lawsuits against pharmaceutical chain participants of opioid prescription drugs.

Sheriff Rice announced the recent passing of Bobby Stidman, who served for many years as part of the Sheriff ’s Office Mounted Patrol. His funeral service was held on Tuesday in Henryetta.

Assistant District Attorney Greg Stidham also informed the board about the upcoming jury term in June and shared concerns about construction noise that could affect the hearings.

Commissioners David Walker stated he had received a list of the dates for the hearings and he forwarded those to the construction team, so there will be no work done on those designated dates.