August 12, 2025

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Elisha Harbin named Head of School at TAOO
News
February 21, 2024
Elisha Harbin named Head of School at TAOO

The Academy of Okmulgee is a free, public school that will open in August. It will first open to students in PreK through 8th grade and will add one grade each year until reaching 12th grade.

The Academy of Okmulgee to open in August

The Academy of Okmulgee is a free, public school that will open in August. It will first open to students in PreK through 8th grade and will add one grade each year until reaching 12th grade. Anyone interested in enrolling their child in the lottery for admission to the school can now register at www. theacademyofokmulgee. com. The Academy is also hiring elementary and middle school teachers, and applications can be emailed to taoo@theacademyof.org. The Academy of Okmulgee is part of a larger collaboration with support from Advance Rural Education and The Academy of Seminole. Each of these organizations are committed to growing opportunities in rural communities. “Thank you to all the volunteers that came together to make this happen,” Paul Campbell said, who is the founder and board chair of both organizations.” We have a chance to change the lives of generations, and I can’t think of a more noble mission. Together we can build a system that allows students to become self-aware, empowered and inclusive humans to lead us in the future.” Returning to Okmulgee as the Superintendent of the Academies of Okmulgee and Seminole, is Wren Hawthorne. Hawthorne has over 25 years of experience in both higher educational and K-12 environments. He is the proud father of Alea Hawthorne, and in his free time enjoys cooking, gardening and going to the gym. He graduated high school in Choctaw, and received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University where he was the student body president as well as the first person in his family to graduate from college. He then received the Truman Fellowship to attend Harvard University where he received his Masters of Public Policy in Education Policy. His aspirations include creating opportunities for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, to have the opportunity to attend college. He fulfilled those dreams as the Founding Head of School at The Academy of Seminole. Of the first three graduating classes, nearly half of the graduates have completed their associates degree at the same time they have completed their high school diploma. “I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that can help young people change their lives and fulfill their dreams and potential,” Hawthorne said. As part of Hawthorne’s leadership team, Elisha Harbin will serve as the Founding Head of School for the Academy of Okmulgee. Harbin has been teaching for nine years and has been inspired to build his community and influence students to go further in their education. He has experience teaching and leading other teachers as a grade level chair at KIPP Charter school in Tulsa, and most recently, teaching in the Preston School District. According to Hawthorne, Harbin is a passionate educator, dedicated to shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders, while at the same time making learning fun and engaging. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and is currently working on his Masters of Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. Harbin specializes in inspiring students to reach their full potential. Beyond the classroom, he leads an active lifestyle, enjoying workouts at the gym to stay fit and healthy. Harbin believes in a work-life balance - making sure to have time for family, date night with his wife Shirlanna, video gaming or working out for his mental health. Harbin was born and raised in Tulsa; however, he relocated to Shirlanna’s home town of Okmulgee where they are raising their family. He is also serving at The Refuge Church in Okmulgee. The Academy Of Okmulgee, which will be located at 8th and Seminole (First Christian Church) will provide a rigorous, relevant, and personalized education for each student and will be characterized by positive, inclusive, and caring relationships. Students are guided and supported as they create “life plans” that help shape their education and connect it to life after graduation. Life-planning begins as early as elementary when students learn about their community, interests, and unique talents and extends all the way to graduation when students share the details of their post-high school plans. The Early College High School will provide an opportunity for students to accelerate their education by enrolling in dual enrollment courses at local colleges, universities, and technology centers. Students may attend classes full-time and may obtain an associates degree for free by the end of their senior year of high school. If you are interested in learning more about the Academy, please visit their website at www. theacademyofokmulgee.org or find them on Facebook.
Stand for the Silent
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Stand for the Silent
August 8, 2025
Outside the Walmart on Wood Drive, two determined young women stood in the Oklahoma summer heat - not for recognition, but for a mission. Jamyah McClellan and Tylor Jackson were representing Stand for...
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Over $1.25M in unpaid wages recovered
August 8, 2025
The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) has announced a significant victory for Oklahoma workers, recovering more than $1.25 million in unpaid wages and liquidated damages during the 2024 fiscal year....
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The thunder of hooves
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The thunder of hooves
August 8, 2025
The thunder of hooves, the pride of heritage and the joy of a united community will soon come together in spectacular fashion as Okmulgee prepares to host the 70th Annual Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitati...
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Historical Museum open Saturday
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With school starting, the museum will be ending its summer hours very soon, but will be open on Labor Day following the big...
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HEF representative is guest of Lions
A: Main, Lifestyle...
HEF representative is guest of Lions
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held its most recent meeting at The Shack 2.0 with an active agenda, plenty of laughter and a renewed focus on community service as members prepare for a busy fall season of a...
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Back to school season begins
August 8, 2025
As the summer winds down and school bells prepare to ring, Okmulgee County schools are welcoming students and families back with a series of fun and meaningful events. From early-morning sunrises to e...
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YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
News
YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
August 8, 2025
The Okmulgee Family YMCA showed its commitment to the community by hosting a Free School Supplies Giveaway last Saturday as a drive-thru event. This event makes sure every child in Okmulgee starts the...
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County employment rate rises
News
County employment rate rises
August 8, 2025
Most Oklahoma counties reported jobless rates decreased during June, according to the latest news from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.During the month, the county’s unemployment rate was ...
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Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
News
Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
August 8, 2025
Have you determined how your family will be vacationing, relaxing, or having fun this summer?Time is growing short to schedule your family’s summer vacation. Have you and your group made your plans ye...
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Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
News
Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
August 8, 2025
The boulders appeared on Fourth Street as if by magic. But their placement near Tulsa’s Metrolink station is no accident; the rocks are intentionally unwelcoming, placed to deter those without homes f...
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100 Years Ago (1925)
Public Notices
100 Years Ago (1925)
August 8, 2025
The general merchandise store of Seth Hufstedler was burglarized Friday night. Entrance was gained by prying off a screen on a rear window and then forcing the top window sash down. The loss was expec...
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