July 29, 2025

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News
August 28, 2024
Pass the Baton
By MARY MORRIS HENRYETTA RESIDENT,

John 3:27-30 - “John answered, ‘No one can have anything unless God gives it. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom’s friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. He must become more important while I become less important.’” When I read this passage, my thoughts went to so many names and faces of the past leaders in our congregation who have since gone to be with the Lord. I remembered how they were always busy in some kind of fundraising effort within the church or outreach for the community near and far. But I also recalled how gracefully they handed over many of the more strenuous endeavors to those who were younger, and it got me to wondering: How well do we handle passing the baton when it’s our turn? Do we turn it over knowing things won’t be done the way they’ve “always been done,” but just as sure the Lord will insure their success when He is in the center of it? Can we just go ahead and cheer on the younger generation, lending a hand when needed, without criticism? We will one day be remembered fondly by those who follow us, even becoming a role model if we approach our coming R & R with the knowledge that we, too, were once seen as inexperienced. While we may not agree on methods, our ways are not their ways, our thoughts not their thoughts. And a good thing, too, for where would Christianity be today had it not been for those so long ago who really mixed things up? New blood equals new life and the chance to continue growing. As long as we’re teaching and living God’s Word, He will be by our side, because if God is for us, no one can stand against us. Remember that and pray for those to whom you pass your baton.

John 3:27-30 - “John answered, ‘No one can have anything unless God gives it. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom’s friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. He must become more important while I become less important.’” When I read this passage, my thoughts went to so many names and faces of the past leaders in our congregation who have since gone to be with the Lord. I remembered how they were always busy in some kind of fundraising effort within the church or outreach for the community near and far. But I also recalled how gracefully they handed over many of the more strenuous endeavors to those who were younger, and it got me to wondering: How well do we handle passing the baton when it’s our turn? Do we turn it over knowing things won’t be done the way they’ve “always been done,” but just as sure the Lord will insure their success when He is in the center of it? Can we just go ahead and cheer on the younger generation, lending a hand when needed, without criticism? We will one day be remembered fondly by those who follow us, even becoming a role model if we approach our coming R & R with the knowledge that we, too, were once seen as inexperienced. While we may not agree on methods, our ways are not their ways, our thoughts not their thoughts. And a good thing, too, for where would Christianity be today had it not been for those so long ago who really mixed things up? New blood equals new life and the chance to continue growing. As long as we’re teaching and living God’s Word, He will be by our side, because if God is for us, no one can stand against us. Remember that and pray for those to whom you pass your baton.

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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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
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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
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
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
July 25, 2025
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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