July 28, 2025

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HYPE hosts launch event for Henryettans
A: Main
May 26, 2023
HYPE hosts launch event for Henryettans
By JOSHUA JACKSON REPORTER,

Members of the Henryetta Young Professional Entrepreneurs (HYPE) presented the program and fielded questions from curious community members at Rustlers BBQ last Thursday.

The presentations, taking place at 1 p.m and 6 p.m, were an opportunity for community members to come and see what HYPE is about. Attendees were encouraged to bring any ideas about what they’d like to see from the organization, and get information as to how they can get involved.

April Mason, Executive Director, and Michelle Genova, Associate Director talked about a few of the short and long term goals that they have for the program. Both have a history of community involvement.

The event was essentially focused on gauging community interest. They discussed things like beautification projects, mentorship opportunities, and home buying programs, as well as simply finding a location to hold regular meetings.

HYPE basically is an independent community based organization committed to cultivating, motivating, and activating the young professional population of Henryetta. They welcome the next generation of Henryettans who are looking for a place to grow personally and professionally, and are excited about helping Henryetta grow too.

Though HYPE contains the word Young, there is no age cutoff. Anyone that feels young enough to effect change and see a thriving community can join. Older professionals will also act as mentors especially for those starting out in business.

Both representatives have a history of community involvement. Mason is a born and raised Henryettan, and graduate of Henryetta High School. Since that time, she has had the opportunity to travel and get involved in broadcast media, the nonprofit sector, and currently serves in leadership positions for Tulsa’s Mayfest, Oktoberfest and various music festivals in the area.

Genova recently moved to Henryetta with her family, and quickly found ways to build upon her existing community service experience. She’s assisted several non-profit organizations with their fundraising events, including The Jesus Center’s annual Run for Food and raising over $150,000 to support Catalyst Domestic Violence Services. In addition to HYPE, she is involved with the Henryetta Rotary Club, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce, and even serves on the Henryetta Labor Day Committee.

Genova earned a BA in Anthropology from California State University, Chico, and an AS in accounting from Butte Community College.

“My goal is to create not just an organization,” Mason said, “but a living, breathing, constantly evolving organism, inclusive of all people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints who are on fire for our community, and always looking for new and innovative ways to support and nurture our young professionals and entrepreneurs while helping our great city while we’re at it.”

They also emphasized the importance of supporting local organizations, stating HYPE will have its own events and projects but will always be asking “how can we assist existing organizations.”

For more information, see HYPE Henryetta on Facebook, call 918-752-7704 or email hypehenryetta@ gmail.com.

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
A: Main, Main...
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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A: Main
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
A: Main
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
A: Main
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
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
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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
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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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