July 30, 2025

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News
October 20, 2023
Brooks, Drummond work to address confusion over property purchases

A new state law to crack down on foreigners using straw owners to buy land for marijuana grows raised concerns from realtors and title companies worried they wouldn’t be able to sell homes to bonified Oklahoma residents who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security Number (SSN). Sen. Michael Brooks said after working with Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office, that unintended consequence is being addressed. “These businesses were worried this law could inadvertently block property sales to people who work, live and pay taxes in Oklahoma, including individuals with green cards, those with visitor and student visas, and others in our state using an ITIN,” said Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “I’ve been collaborating with the attorney general’s office to address these issues, and I believe the affidavit forms they’ve developed for property purchases, as required by this new law, will address the concerns that were brought to my attention.”

A new state law to crack down on foreigners using straw owners to buy land for marijuana grows raised concerns from realtors and title companies worried they wouldn’t be able to sell homes to bonified Oklahoma residents who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security Number (SSN). Sen. Michael Brooks said after working with Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office, that unintended consequence is being addressed. “These businesses were worried this law could inadvertently block property sales to people who work, live and pay taxes in Oklahoma, including individuals with green cards, those with visitor and student visas, and others in our state using an ITIN,” said Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “I’ve been collaborating with the attorney general’s office to address these issues, and I believe the affidavit forms they’ve developed for property purchases, as required by this new law, will address the concerns that were brought to my attention.”

The new legislation was built upon a 1910 statute that prohibits non-citizens from being able to own land in the state of Oklahoma, with the exception being bonified residents of the state of Oklahoma.

“We have non-citizens who are bonified residents and they are contributing members of our communities and state. There are 31,000 such immigrants in Oklahoma currently, and last year they paid $26 million in state income taxes - that’s on top of federal income taxes, as well as state and local sales taxes,” Brooks said. “I appreciate the efforts of the attorney general in resolving this issue.”

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HPS gears up for new school year
July 30, 2025
As summer winds down, excitement is building across Henryetta as students, families and staff prepare for the 2025-26 school year. Henryetta Public Schools has released its official “Welcome Back” sch...
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Back-to-School Help for Local Families
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Back-to-School Help for Local Families
July 30, 2025
As the start of the new school year approaches, two local organizations are stepping up to support Okmulgee County families with much-needed resources. On Saturday, Aug. 2, both the Okmulgee Family YM...
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County Prayer Walk is Saturday
July 30, 2025
An uplifting tradition that brings together communities, churches and schools will once again take place this August as the Okmulgee County Prayer Walk returns for its 9th year. The event is scheduled...
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County addresss insurance, dispatch reorganization
July 30, 2025
A full agenda led to wide-ranging discussions and several key decisions during the July 28 regular meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners.Commissioners approved various routine items ea...
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HEF Fundraiser Underway
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HEF Fundraiser Underway
July 30, 2025
James McCullough of the Henryetta Education Foundation (HEF) braved the heat last Friday at the Christmas in July event as he promoted the ongoing HEF fundraiser. HEF will hold a drawing on Monday, Se...
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News
OCEM Report
July 30, 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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Fourth suspect arrested in Okmulgee homicide case
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Fourth suspect arrested in Okmulgee homicide case
July 30, 2025
A fourth individual has been arrested in connection with the July 12 homicide of 25-yearold Devontae Hanson in Okmulgee, as authorities continue to investigate the deadly shooting.On July 24, 33-yearo...
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July 30 OSUIT Blood Drive |
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July 30 OSUIT Blood Drive |
July 30, 2025
OSUIT will host a blood drive Wednesday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Covelle Hall. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Short and Sweet
July 30, 2025
Psalms 8:3-8 - When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for...
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What is the lesson of Noah and the Ark?
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What is the lesson of Noah and the Ark?
July 30, 2025
Noah and the ark, according to Nicole, 8: “Noah had built an ark, and other people did not believe him. He got two of each animal, and then he loaded all of his stuff. It flooded, and he lived.”A chil...
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Henryetta Celebrates Christmas in July
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Henryetta Celebrates Christmas in July
July 30, 2025
Downtown Henryetta was alive with holiday spirit, buts lots of summer sunshine last week, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presented its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. There were over 30 ...
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