This year brought a blend of milestones, challenges and celebrations to Okmulgee County, reflecting the resilience and unity of our community. From championship victories and historic recognitions to leadership transitions and moments of remembrance, each story captured the heart of what makes our county unique.
Oklahoma weather brought storms and tornados to the area, causing damage to the Morris area, but a community bounced back after the destruction, with more plans to keep citizens safe.
We mourn the loss of long-time residents – former businessmen and women, county commissioners, school leaders, church leaders and those who helped Okmulgee County thrive and succeed.
As we look back, these moments not only highlight the year’s triumphs but also the collective spirit that drives us forward. Let’s take a look back at 2024:
January
• Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill and Second Chief Del Beaver were sworn in for their second term by Supreme Court Justice Mekko George Thompson. The inauguration ceremony was held on Jan. 6 at The Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa.
• The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a request from The Academy of Seminole to open a new charter school branch in Okmulgee. Stonebridge Academy, a private school in town, transferred its facilities to the new school.
• An Arctic front brought record lows, leading Okmulgee to open a warming shelter at the Rowe Family Life Center. Volunteers provided blankets, food, and essentials to support residents.
• Heather Sumner announced her resignation as Director of Okmulgee Main Street after serving since 2014. Her leadership played a key role in downtown revitalization and community growth.
• Thieves used a stolen SUV and ATV to steal a cash box from an ATM in Okmulgee. At the time, police were still seeking public assistance to identify the suspects captured on surveillance footage.
— February
• The Grayson Jail, located in Okmulgee County, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance.
• Okmulgee High School agricultural students completed a fire safety workshop, practicing the PASS method to use fire extinguishers effectively during hands-on training.
• Dean Craig, a longtime member of the Okmulgee Lions Club and a dedicated civic leader, passed away on Feb. 7. He was honored for over 50 years of service to the community.
• The Morris Academic Team won the Class 3A championship at the OSSAA State Academic Bowl, while the Preston Academic Team earned State Runner-Up honors.
• Brennan Hodge, an 8th grader at Okmulgee Dunbar School, won first place in Oklahoma for the VFW Patriot Pen essay contest, earning a trophy and $750 at the state competition.
• Former Okmulgee residents Martin and Alexis McCurdy opened Green Farewells Crematory in Las Vegas, the world’s first Black-owned Aquamation facility, specializing in eco-friendly end-of-life services.
— March
• The Wilson Tigers basketball team made history by winning the Class B state championship, the school’s first-ever athletic state title, with a 69-45 victory over Calumet.
• Morris Public Schools honored Nichole Leib, a top ten finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, recognizing her excellence and dedication to education.
• Okmulgee County Rural Water District No. 6 received a $700,000 grant to fund water system upgrades, improving infrastructure and reducing water loss for its customers.
• The State of Oklahoma honored 36 Medal of Honor recipients, including Okmulgee native Melvin Morris, with a plaque dedication at the Capitol on April 1.
• The Preston Pirates baseball team won the Drumright Tournament, defeating the host Drumright Tornados 9-1 to secure the championship title.
— April
• Amy Leann Hall was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of her two children and the attempted murder of a third, following her guilty plea for the 2018 incident in Okmulgee County.
• LeAundre Delonia, Okmulgee FFA Chapter President, was selected for the OSU Future AgEd Teacher Academy and awarded a $1,000 scholarship for his commitment to agricultural education.
• Residents in Okmulgee joined millions across North America to witness the solar eclipse on April 8, experiencing 96% totality and a spectacular celestial event.
• The Tulsa Area United Way celebrated its 100th anniversary by symbolically passing the torch to the Okmulgee County YMCA, highlighting a century of community service and collaboration.
• The Okmulgee Service League’s “Lights, Camera, Auction!” banquet raised over $33,000 to benefit local organizations, scholarships and community programs.
• The Morris and Preston High School Academic Teams advanced to Nationals, representing their schools in the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago.
• The Beggs Golden Demons baseball team won Neal’s Classic Tournament, defeating Meeker 10-6 to secure the championship title.
• Elijah Dewayne Taylor, an Okmulgee resident, was convicted of First Degree Murder by a federal jury for a 2023 shooting in Muskogee.
— May
• Larry Harvey of Beggs was inducted into the Connors State College Hall of Fame for his contributions to agriculture education and mentorship over a 34year teaching career.
• Sheryl Shipley retired after 40 years of teaching and coaching in the Okmulgee School District, leaving a legacy of dedication and mentorship.
• The College of the Muscogee Nation opened a new Lecture Hall and STEM building, emphasizing Indigenous practices and advanced skills like 3D printing and circuitry.
• Renee Dove retired as Superintendent of Okmulgee Public Schools after decades of service in a number of roles, from librarian to superintendent of the district.
• First National Bank & Trust announced its rebranding to Patrons Bank, effective June 1, 2024, reflecting a forward-looking vision while honoring its legacy.
• The Beggs Golden Demon Baseball Team received the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award for 2024, honoring their excellence on and off the field.
• A December altercation at the Okmulgee County Jail between Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police and detention officers led to charges against a jailer. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the Muscogee Nation’s authority to prosecute such cases, citing federal limitations on tribal jurisdiction over specific crimes.
• The Morris High School Academic Team competed at the 2024 National Quiz Bowl Championship in Atlanta, finishing with a 5-5 record. Captained by Ean Merrill, the team secured notable wins before being eliminated by Elkhorn South of Omaha. The tournament hosted 320 teams from across the U.S. and beyond.
— June
• Former Okmulgee Mayor Richard Larabee was sentenced on May 31 to eight years for two counts of embezzlement, with all but one year suspended. He must also repay $186,193.90 in restitution.
• Olivia Beaver and Janaya McIntosh were crowned Jr. Miss and Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation at the Mvskoke Dome, kicking off celebrations for the Muscogee Nation Festival, set for June 20-23 in Okmulgee.
• The 2024 Pawnee Bill All-Star Football Classic brought seven Morris High School graduates together for one final game on May 31 at Pawnee Memorial Field: Trey Daniels, Gage Adkins, and Jaylen Zackery, hit the field, claiming a 26-16 victory.
• The Okmulgee Main Street program welcomed Melinda De Santo as its new executive director. De Santo expressed excitement about the opportunity and connection she feels with the Okmulgee community.
• The Oklahoma Department of Human Services opened a new downtown office in Okmulgee on June 21, improving accessibility and efficiency for clients. The facility began serving the community on June 24.
• Multiple agencies responded to a multi-structure fire on Seneca and Alabama in Okmulgee on Sunday. The home and garage were destroyed, but no injuries were reported.
• John McConnel, owner of Okmulgee’s historic Orpheum Theatre and passionate advocate for community revitalization, passed away. His legacy includes preserving the Orpheum’s charm and inspiring pride in the local community.
• The Muscogee Nation Festival featured an electrifying lineup, including LoCash, Joe Nichols, and 90s icons like Sir Mix-A-Lot, leaving crowds dancing and entertained throughout the weekend.
— July
• OPS Director of Child Nutrition announced the school would participate in the National School Lunch Program, providing free meals for the 2024-25 school year.
• The City of Okmulgee moved 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza to avoid incoming severe weather.
• Beggs Alumni Association celebrated its annual banquet.
• ‘Sarah’s Oil’ movie production began in downtown Okmulgee.
• Beggs City Council proposed a special election.
• GCTC celebrated its LPN graduates.
• State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters extended a PR contract with Washington D.C. firm Vough Strategies.
• OCCJA celebrated Independence Day with a cookout for the incarcerated.
• Dewar Powerlifting received its State rings.
• Preston High School welcomed a new basketball coach.
• District 1 County Commissioner Erik Zoellner designated Ernie Ferreira as the first Deputy for District 1.
• The City of Morris approved water use restrictions for agricultural purposes, while Police Chief Tim Bell resigned.
• Shop local in Downtown Okmulgee began.
• GCTC’s Amanda Longan was named Outstanding Local Advisor.
• Okmulgee Okfuskee County Youth Services opened a new office in Okemah.
• Harlan Ford held its annual paper drive to benefit Okmulgee Public Schools.
• Several Okmulgee County organizations received the Certified Healthy award from the Oklahoma State Department of Health for implementing best practices and policies that support improved health and wellness. Among those receiving the honor were Deep Fork Community Action, Misty Wallace, OSUIT Childcare, CREOKS, Okmulgee County Health Department, Morris Elementary, Dunbar Intermediate, Okmulgee Primary, Twins Hills and Dewar Public Schools, East Central Family Health Center Henryetta, Henryetta Head Start, UCAP OKmulgee Head Start, Home away from Home Childcare and Shining Stars Childcare.
• A rise in county sales tax income reported, while a rise in unemployment numbers were reported across the state.
• Okmulgee Main Street achieved National Accreditation.
• OWRB awarded grants to the City of Okmulgee and RWD 2 to improve wastewater infrastructure.
• Oklahoma Human Services distributed food insecurity grants to Deep Fork Community Action and Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter.
• Two Florida individuals were arrested near Henryetta on drug trafficking charges after a routine traffic stop uncovered 18 boxes containing a substantial quantity of THC infused products, including vapes, gummies, dabs and other related items.
• OSUIT & Muscogee Creek Nation held a GED graduation ceremony at OSUIT.
• Okmulgee Public Schools welcomed new superintendent Clay Vinyard, while Henryetta welcomed new superintendent Jason Price.
• Henryettan Damon Lee West, 45, pled guilty to methamphetamine distribution.
• A federal lawsuit was filed against Cleveland County Detention Center after the death of two detainees who were awaiting mental health evaluations inside the facility.
• Henryetta Public Schools Coach Dustin Mosco was awarded the Oklahoma Tennis Coaches Association 4A Coach of the Year.
• A trio of Sean Lunney, 31, Brianna Nohmer, 18, and Jayson Lawson, 21, were arrested in an abduction case after OCSO deputies determined that the victim had been forcibly abducted and thrown off the bridge near the Hwy 266 Deep Fork River Bridge.
• Henryetta experienced a tragic stabbing by 21-year-old Brady Jordan Cifuentes, who killed two and one left critically injured.
• Okmulgee High School senior Aaliyah Alexander attended American Legion Girls State, a program providing young women with an immersive experience in the workings of government and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Okmulgee High School senior LeAundre Delonia was elected to serve on the American Farmers and Ranchers Youth Advisory Board.
• Water outages cause concern in RWD2. — August
• Dunbar Tiger Alumni held their 20th All-School reunion.
• Morris Public Schools appointed Becky Alexander as the new superintendent.
• The Academy of Okmulgee opened their door to a new school year on Aug. 8.
• The 69th annual Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo was held, while Arkansas native Denzel Franklin set the tone, bringing ‘Country Soul’ to the event.
• Okmulgee County held is Back to School Prayer Walk.
• Ecolink began the first two phases of construction for Fiber internet project.
• Trinity Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th anniversary.
• The 5th Street Community Gathering took place downtown at historic 5th Street, also known as Okmulgee’s Black Wall Street.
• Okmulgee County mourned the loss of Mr. Ian Lampkins.
• OPS AgEd instructor Tim Taylor received the Dr. Dennis Portman III Rising Star Award.
• The city held a public meeting on a Hazard Mitigation Plan update.
• Tahlequah man Gregory Neil Bias, 41, received 30 years for child abuse and exploitation.
• GCTC was awarded Gold Star School status by the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers for the second time.
• Mabrey Bank donated school supplies to Okmulgee Public Schools.
• BIOS, an organization that offers person centered support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, opened a new Okmulgee facility.
• YMCA experienced several events of vandalism to cars parked in the parking lot.
• OCCJA hosted a Future Heroes Summer Camp where participants were given lessons in leadership and engaged in presentations from local law enforcement, EMS, Fire Department, OCCJA staff and more.
• Okmulgee Police and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police reached a Cross Deputization Agreement.
• Patrons Bank delivered backpacks to local area schools.
• Morris approved a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) grant application for inventory of the city’s water system, sewage system, roads and other municipal assets.
• OESC reported an increase in unemployment rates.
• Statewide Charter School Board rescinded its contract with a Catholic charter school after an order given by Oklahoma Supreme Court.
• YMCA hosted a back-to-school supply giveaway.
• ODOT began its bridge construction project on Hwy 75 over 141st Street.
• Lexus Stick received the Herman L. Brown Memorial Scholarship.
• Okmulgee County Commissioners discussed the allocation of 781 grant funds in the amount of $128,076.
• Sen. James Lankford visited Okmulgee Public Library to give a legislative update.
• Oklahoma Gardening visited College of Muscogee Nation’s tribal garden.
• Okmulgee’s Historic Black Apartments, built in the 1920’s, faced demolition after a February fire.
• Okmulgee High School student and local Boy Scout Nylen Gentry presented an innovative plan to City Council to replace outdated equipment with an interactive story trail at Okmulgee Municipal Park.
• Charges were filed on Brady Cifuentes for the Henryetta double murder case on a stabbing that took place in July.
• Okmulgee native Susan (Penn) Dragoo hosted a book signing event at Okmulgee Public Library.
• Prayer before the Bell held a Love and Faith service.
• Okmulgee welcomed a new all-female scout troop, BSA Troop 102G.
• The Organized Crime Task Force seized marijuana and firearms in a county raid.
• The Oklahoma Grocery Sales Tax cut began.
• Okmulgee County Consortium recognized Overdose Awareness Day, providing, safe kits and resources to the public.
• Ronald Dean Lane, Jr. was formally charged with lewd molestation charges.
• Muscogee Nation received a $42,290 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
• Trinity Lutheran hosted a centennial hymn festival.
• Adjunct Instructor Grant Griffin received the Tulsa Technology Center Adjunct Instructor of the Year award.
• New playground equipment, seating and new trash receptacles were added to Rotary Park.
— September
• Elijha Dewayne Taylor, 34, of Okmulgee, was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder.
• Okmulgee’s Got Talent returned to Okmulgee Community Theatre.
• Landmark for All Generations held a fundraiser, Gala En Blanc, to support restoration of Okmulgee’s Historical Black Hospital.
• Former Director of Okmulgee Area Development Corporation Court Newkirk was inducted into the Roll of Honor for economic developers.
• Oklahoma rejected restoring family planning funds causing health clinics to use state money for family planning services at county health clinics.
• Hotel Sparks, located between 4th and 6th Streets near the railroad tracks, caught fire for the second time.
• Okmulgee County Sheriffs Office received AG Assistance grant to strengthen operations.
• Inmates of the OCCJA crocheted for Okmulgee County homeless population.
• Tulsa Life Flight celebrated 45 years of service.
• Fourty men at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center, known as the Oklahoma Lifers Association, crafted rocking motorcycles for children’s charities.
• Historic Okmulgee Episcopal Church announced its plans to reopen.
• Okmulgee Primary School adopted a ‘house’ system designed to foster a sense of community and belonging for its Pre-K through 4th grade students, featuring the House of Caring, House of Respect, House of Trust, House of Responsibility and House of Citizenship.
• Bulldog Homecoming festivities were planned.
• Morris School board settled a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual harassment by former employee Dallas Ewton.
• Deep Fork received a HOME-ARP grant.
• Two OHS 2024 graduates receive Alumni Scholarships. Karsen Cunnigham received the Okmulgee Alumni Room Scholarship and Breanna Bevenue received the Jake Goodin Memorial Scholarship.
• GCTC’s Jase Flud attended the prestigious Washington Leadership Training Institute in Washington D.C.
— October
• Rusty Milroy was awarded the 2024 Oklahoma Main Street Legacy Award.
• Okmulgee County resident and insurance agent Mandi Atwell was featured in prominent women’s magazine for purposeful work helping Okmulgee county families prepare for end of life transitions.
• OSUIT ranked #1 among Oklahoma community colleges for earning potential.
• Okmulgee Pecan Festival and Harvest Spoon Chili Festival took place, along with an FFA Rock-A-Thon fundraiser.
• The Okmulgee Indigenous Peoples Day celebration was held at the Creek Council House.
• OSUIT hosted a medication take-back event.
• Richard Tyrone Dawson, 35, of Okmulgee, pled guilty to federal crimes Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Felon in Possession of Firearm.
• Shelly Malicote Stutchman held a book signing event at Okmulgee Public Library for her novel ‘Peek-A-Boob’ for breast cancer awareness.
• Okmulgee High School held a food drive for the Salvation Army.
• Corporal Punishment was studied by the House of Representatives.
• Morris Elementary was named among healthiest schools in U.S., while Morris Community Action donated $13,379.54 to MPS.
• Beggs received a $861,500 Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) grant for wastewater system updates.
• Parents Russell Petrie McCarty and Cheyenne Crites were charged in a child abuse case involving their seven-week-old infant after the child sustained multiple injuries.
• Morris High School senior Braden Ramirez attended Oklahoma Boys State, where young men are given the opportunity to learn about leadership, government and civic duty.
• Big Boy Historic Steam engine passed through Oklahoma. Schulter Elementary students in 2nd & 4th grade visited Muskogee for the field trip of a lifetime.
• Okmulgee Education Foundation (OEF) awarded over $15,000 in grants to support various projects and initiatives across Okmulgee Public Schools.
• The Okmulgee County Humane Society issued a Parvo Outbreak notice.
• A child exploitation investigation leads to the arrest of Okmulgee residents Jennifer Ann Prescott and Sharon Ann Mitchell for allegations of child sexual abuse.
• Downtown Okmulgee hosted the annual Scare on the Square Halloween event.
• Okmulgee FFA was recognized at the 97th Annual FFA Convention earning the prestigious recognition of being a National 3-Star Chapter.
— November
• Demolition began for the Preston Road Project on Hwy 75.
• The City of Okmulgee issued a voluntary boil advisory.
• New Oklahoma Laws took affect.
• Okmulgee County Commissioners approved a suicidal persons policy which provides clearer guidance on when the Sheriff ’s Office should get involved versus when situations should be handled by services such as 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Luv Ford offered free oil changes to veterans for Veterans Day.
• Windy Chevrolet donated $5,000 to support OPS.
• Glenpool resident Vince Harjo, 35, was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by lifetime supervision for possession of child exploitation material.
• Neal’s Homestore’s annual Dodgebrawl fundraiser was held to support Okmulgee Public Schools.
• Okmulgee High School student LeAundre Delonian placed second in the American Farmers & Ranchers Northeast District Speech Contest.
• Okmulgee County was honored as Top County Young Farmers and Ranchers Program.
• Courthouse improvements continued.
• Salvation Army prepared for its Angel Tree event.
• Okmulgee and Mayes County Farm Bureaus received the OKFB Excellence Award.
• Okmulgee resident and 6th grade student at Oklahoma School for the Blind Kelly Sullivan earned an Explorers B1 Silver Medal.
• Elder Bros Distillery planned to open an Okmulgee facility.
• Robert Pinkston was honored for lifetime service to Twin Hills and Okmulgee County.
• Henryetta hosted SBA Small Business Saturday.
• Windy Chevrolet hosted a ‘Fill the Truck’ donation drive to benefit Deep Fork Community Action.
• District 1 County Commissioner Erik Zoellner resigned and Governor Kevin Stitt called for special election to fill vacancy.
• American Legion partnered with Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter in fundraising efforts to prevent shelter closure and continue to provide essential services for the county’s homeless population.
• Harlan Ford’s Toy Drive began.
• First Baptist Church Central Okmulgee hosted a holiday food basket giveaway.
• Okfuskee County woman Joanna Lee Higgins, 33, of Okemah, pled guilty to child neglect in Indian Country.
• Okmulgee High School Students Talia Rice, Sai Vicker and LeAundre Delonia shared presentations of academic journey before the Okmulgee City Council.
• Shop Local events commenced.
• New members were inducted into Beggs National Honor Society.
— December
• Four candidates filed for County Commissioner District 1 post, including Jacob Branson, Ernie Ferreira, Barbara Cooks and Chip Smalley.
• Local resident Terry Nuckolls was arrested at a local casino, facing drug charges and $25,000 bond for Trafficking of Controlled and Dangerous Substance.
• ODOT hosted an open house, inviting the public to discuss an underpass project regarding BNSF railroad underpass options on proposed Hwy 75 improvements near Beggs.
• Henryetta man Steven William Burden, 46, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of explosive. Burden was in possession of 31 semi-gelatin dynamite sticks.
• OCCJA hosted a Thanksgiving meal for detainees, staff members and civilians.
• The Dewar Dragons were crowned 2024 class B-1 State Champions.
• Beggs Middle School 7th grade students Easton Howell, Hunter Driver, Camden Remington and Jude Wells brought home the OKSE Fortnite State Championship in e-sports. While the Beggs Middle School Academic Team placed third at the Morris meet.
• GCTC’s Amy Longan was honored as ACTE Health Science Education Teacher of the Year.
• Air Evac Lifeteam sponsored 10 students for Camp IGNITE, a premier summer leadership program.
• Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce welcomed Sarah Rhodes as new Executive Director.
• Okmulgee Community Theatre held its Christmas Show.
• Bealls donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
• The Okmulgee County Victims Tree was displayed on the second floor of the Okmulgee County courthouse to memorialize those who were lost to violent crime in Okmulgee County.
• East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative brought in Dwayne Elam as new CEO.
• Schulter High School junior Koby Watford published a poetry book “That Little Voice” which explored self doubt and mental health.
• A Christmas Dinner was planned for Okmulgee families in need. The dinner was made possible by area churches, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gather and Restore Church.
• GCTC celebrates its fall LPN graduates.
• Blue Peak announced its plans to bring fiber internet to Okmulgee. Expansion is set to deliver high-speed internet to over 6,100 homes and businesses.
• Tim Taylor was recognized as the 2023-2024 Region II Outstanding Early Career Teacher at the National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
• Michael Whitehead and Stan Williamson were arrested on complaints of larceny of domestic animals in Twin Hills horse theft case which involved theft of several horses. The arrest resulted in recovery of all but one of the animals.
