The Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance are pleased to introduce some new employees to help continue as your most-trusted news source in the county.

“We welcome Luwana Cowell, Elizabeth Ponthieux, Joshua Jackson, and Dawn Carter, who has been working with us the past several months,” Patrick Ford, now news editor for the Times and Free-Lance newspapers, said.

Here’s a little about the new staff:

A graduate of Okmulgee High School and the Green Country Technology Center’s Digital Media program, Jackson went on to earn an AS in Pre-Education from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and a BA in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma.

With a passion for writing, history, and current events, and with experience in various industries, Jackson is a versatile and knowledgeable addition to the team. He has also worked in IT and non-union film production roles, providing him with a unique perspective and a range of skills that he brings to his writing.

“I feel like the work I’ve done up to now, even the most random of jobs, has prepared me for this,” Jackson said. “I don’t take for granted the opportunity to serve my community, while growing as a writer. I’m looking forward to it.”

As a reporter, Jackson stated he is committed to serving his community and telling the stories that are engaging and informative.

--- Elizabeth Ponthieux (pon-shay) Receptionist

You will hear Elizabeth answering the phones most of the time.

“My name is Elizabeth. I’m from Okmulgee. I’m married to Shawn Ponthieux. I have three kids - Shawn, Thomas, and Weston. I have lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast most of my life and recently moved back to Okmulgee. I love to spend time with my family, traveling, meeting new people, and reading books. I also have a love for natural disasters, which I believe Hurricane Katrina played a role in. Since I have lived in both Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley, I have seen a lot of natural disasters. Although they are devastating, it is still cool to see what nature can do. The reason I like working for the Okmulgee Times is because I get to know what is happening in my community and I have some pretty great co-workers as well.”

--- Luwana Cowell Legals Clerk

“My name is Luwana Cowell and I am proud to be a part of the Okmulgee Times. I am a proud wife and mom of five. My husband and I moved to Okmulgee County almost 11 years ago, with our newly blended family, and just fell in love with the community.

“I was born in Wichita, Kansas, and when I was 8, my dad wanted to move closer to his hometown of Vian. He sadly passed away a few years later, but my mom made sure we always had the feeling of “Home.” I eventually went a bit north and lived in Colorado for a few years, working in Marketing.

“During my time in Colorado, I was blessed with my oldest daughter. I took a job in marketing and we headed south to Georgia, and about five years later, I welcomed my son and came back to Oklahoma, because I needed ‘Home.’ I got this cool job working for a sports store and had the privilege of working and meeting some great names in the game.

“Then fast forward a few years, I met my wonderful husband and was blessed with my three bonus babies. We now have three graduates, one learning to drive, and one headed to middle school. Time flies, but life is fun! I love to read, write, cook, swim and play video games. I love being a part of my Community and the Newspaper. It has been a dream getting to work here, it is also a bonus to have such fantastic co-workers. I hope to continue this dream for many years to come.”

--- Dawn Carter Reporter

Deliverer of new perspectives, whether verbal or written, Dawn Carter is a fan of fruitful communication. She has been a staff writer for the Okmulgee Times for several months and is a radio correspondent for FOCUS: Black Oklahoma, an NPR news affiliate program. As a wife, mother to several children and a grandchild, and a small business owner, she is always on the go.

Carter is also a member of the Okmulgee City Council, representing Ward 4.

“Because words create the landscape in which we live, it is imperative what is reported; spoken or written, is factual.”