September 18, 2025

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OCSO shares county stats
A: Main
January 10, 2025
OCSO shares county stats
By PATRICK FORD NEWS EDITOR,

The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office (OCSO), under the leadership of Sheriff Eddy Rice and Undersheriff Smokey Patchin, have released its comprehensive statistics for 2024. Sheriff Rice, now in his fifth term, continues to oversee a dedicated team of 18 full-time sworn deputies and two civilian office staff members who serve the entire county.

The OCSO plays a vital role in maintaining safety and security throughout Okmulgee County. Its divisions include Patrol, Investigations, and Courthouse Security. In addition to responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, the office handles civil processes, courthouse security, case investigations and special operations.

— Key Statistics for

2024

The OCSO reported the following highlights for the year:

• Reports Taken: 1,159, down slightly from 1,207 in 2023

• Closed Cases: 1,021

• Cases Sent to Investigations: 326, compared to 388 in 2023

• Cases Sent to District Attorney: 206, an increase from 174 in 2023

• Cases Closed by Ar- rest: 243, up from 211 in 2023

• Protective Orders Served: 184

• Civil Processes Served: 523 Deputies conducted 73 field interviews and responded to 19,008 calls for service in 2024, a notable increase from 14,035 calls in 2023. Reports of burglaries dropped to 54 from 60 in 2023, while larcenies rose slightly to 105, compared to 98 the previous year.

“Our office remains committed to serving the citizens of Okmulgee County,” said Sheriff Rice. “These numbers reflect not just the challenges we face but the dedication of our deputies and staff to ensuring public safety.”

— Ongoing Investigation: Wilson Fire Department Burglary

The OCSO is actively investigating a burglary that occurred at the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department on Jan. 2, 2025, around 7 p.m. Deputies are working to identify the suspect captured in surveillance photos.

If you have any information about this crime or recognize the suspect, please contact the OCSO at 918-756-4311 and ask to speak with a deputy.

— A Look Ahead

As the OCSO continues its work into 2025, Sheriff Rice emphasized the importance of community partnerships. “We ask everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can make Okmulgee County a safer place.”

For updates on the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department case and other initiatives, follow the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office on social media or visit their website.

HFD joins in heartfelt tribute for injured firefighter
A: Main, Main...
HFD joins in heartfelt tribute for injured firefighter
September 17, 2025
Last Friday, the Henryetta Fire Department participated in an emotional welcome home celebration honoring a fellow firefighter who sustained serious injuries in a fireworks accident on July 4. The eve...
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A: Main
OCEM, Red Cross launch new program
September 17, 2025
In a powerful new partnership aimed at saving lives, Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM) has joined forces with the American Red Cross to bring free smoke detectors and professional installati...
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A: Main
County tables bids for new Wilson FD
September 17, 2025
The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners tabled a key resolution Monday morning during their regular meeting, opting to delay approval of updated rural fire department boundaries until next w...
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Knight Brigade Marches to Success
A: Main
Knight Brigade Marches to Success
September 17, 2025
The Henryetta Knight Brigade marching band turned up the heat at the 73rd Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day Parade Competition on Monday, Sept. 15, capturing 2nd place in Band and 3rd place in Color...
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Lions Club hosts inspiring meeting
A: Main
Lions Club hosts inspiring meeting
September 17, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club met Thursday, Sept. 11, at The Shack 2.0 for a meeting filled with gratitude, community updates and anticipation for upcoming events - including a special screening to com- me...
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Obituaries
Edward Lee Lowe
September 17, 2025
September 24, 1967 - September 9, 2025Edward “Eddie” Lee Lowe, 57, passed away September 9, 2025, in Okmulgee. He was born Sunday, September 24, 1967, in Tulsa to Jonas R. “Rusty” Lowe and Sharon Whit...
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Okmulgee man dies in rollover crash near Arbeka Road
September 17, 2025
A 27-year-old Okmulgee man died Sunday night following a violent single-vehicle crash in rural Okmulgee County, according to a preliminary report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.The fatal accident oc...
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News
County Farm Bureau to host 2025 Ag Tour Sept. 20
September 17, 2025
The Okmulgee County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers is inviting the public to take part in the 2025 Okmulgee County Ag Tour, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, beginning at 8 a.m. The event will o...
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All gun deaths are tragedies
News
All gun deaths are tragedies
September 17, 2025
After the events of the past week, I am just feeling drained and honestly experiencing a bit of despair.Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old political activist who had invigorated the conservative movement on ...
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News
County sales tax income up from last year
September 17, 2025
The Oklahoma Tax Commission recently released city sales tax collection figures that primarily represents local tax receipts from July business. The monies they reported this period represent sales fr...
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How can God change our speech?
News
How can God change our speech?
September 17, 2025
“We started a ‘no-complaint jar,’” says Ben, 10. “It’s now our college fund.”Romans 3 says our words are like heart monitors. The apostle Paul strings together Scripture like X-rays: “‘Their throat is...
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