July 26, 2025

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Judge honored with plaque
A: Main, Main, News
February 14, 2025
Judge honored with plaque

The Okmulgee County Specialty Court has dedicated a memorial plaque in honor of Judge Duane Woodliff, the founding judge of the program, as a tribute to his enduring legacy of compassion, service, and justice. As the court marks its twentieth anniversary, this heartfelt recognition comes in the wake of Judge Woodliff ’s passing on Oct. 1, 2024, a loss deeply felt by the community he served.

The Okmulgee County Specialty Court has dedicated a memorial plaque in honor of Judge Duane Woodliff, the founding judge of the program, as a tribute to his enduring legacy of compassion, service, and justice. As the court marks its twentieth anniversary, this heartfelt recognition comes in the wake of Judge Woodliff ’s passing on Oct. 1, 2024, a loss deeply felt by the community he served.

Judge Woodliff ’s vision and unwavering dedication to rehabilitation and justice led to the establishment of the Okmulgee County Drug Court in 2004. Recognizing the need to address addiction and mental health issues within the justice system, he worked alongside then-District Attorney Tom Giulioli to implement a program modeled after the emerging Drug Court system nationwide. His efforts soon expanded to include the Anna McBride Mental Health Court in 2008 and the Family Drug Court in 2009. His pioneering work provided countless individuals with a second chance, an opportunity to overcome struggles with addiction and mental health challenges while receiving the support and guidance needed to turn their lives around.

Under Judge Woodliff ’s leadership, the Specialty Courts became a beacon of hope for many. Over the past two decades, more than 500 participants have passed through these programs, finding the strength and resources to rebuild their lives. He firmly believed in people’s ability to recover, and his dedication to their success was evident in every aspect of his work. His compassionate approach to justice fostered a culture of support, accountability, and rehabilitation that continues to shape the Specialty Court’s mission today. The dedication ceremony for the memorial plaque was attended by current Specialty Court Judge Cynthia Pickering, Specialty Court Coordinator Lisa Laughlin, court support staff, and representatives from CREOKS Behavioral Health Services. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward Judge Woodliff ’s vision, ensuring that his legacy of service remains alive in the court’s continued work.

With the support of local elected officials, the Specialty Court continues to provide participants with counseling, employment assistance, supervision, and accountability. Judge Woodliff ’s compassionate approach to justice lives on through the hard work of the court staff and the unwavering support of the community.

As the plaque now stands in his honor, it serves as a reminder of a man who dedicated his life to serving and uplifting those in need. Judge Duane Woodliff ’s legacy will continue to shine through every life changed, every family restored, and every individual given a second chance through the Specialty Court system he so passionately built.

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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A: Main
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
A: Main
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
News
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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