August 20, 2025

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Lions host OCCJA Director
A: Main
March 26, 2025
Lions host OCCJA Director

Members of the Henryetta Lions Club met March 20 at The Shack 2.0 for their weekly meeting, featuring a presentation by Shannon Clark, Executive Director of the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA), and planning updates for upcoming community projects.

Clark, who leads the OCCJA under a public trust established in 2002, spoke about the agency’s mission, operations, and recent accomplishments. The OCCJA employs around 150 individuals – most of them local – and is currently responsible for the custody of approximately 500 inmates, ranging in age from 16-68.

“We take pride in our ACA accreditation,” Clark told the group, referencing the American Correctional Association’s seal of approval. “It ensures we are meeting the highest standards in safety, security, and correctional best practices.”

Clark emphasized the economic impact the agency brings to Okmulgee County and highlighted recent upgrades made at minimal cost to taxpayers.

In club business, members discussed several key initiatives:

Meadows of Hope Fundraiser Bingo

Lion Mylena Poulton and Lion Bob Fowler will co-chair a Bingo fundraiser to support Lions Oklahoma Service, with plans to hold the event before December. Further details will be announced in coming weeks.

— Annual Easter Egg Hunt Set for April 19 The club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Friday, April 19. Toys, plastic eggs, and bicycles have already been purchased for the event, but members are seeking additional dollar donations to help cover remaining expenses. The event is expected to draw dozens of local families.

— State Convention and Memorial Tribute Members were reminded to RSVP if they plan to attend the Oklahoma Lions State Convention. A special memorial ceremony will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. honoring deceased Lions members. During the ceremony, the Henryetta Lions Club will present the vest of the late Lion Ron McAfee to be displayed at the Oklahoma City Lions Office.

— Additional Notes

• Members were reminded to submit their club dues as soon as possible.

• Minutes from the March 13 meeting were not presented.

• No reports were delivered under the “Sunshine” or “Tail Twister” segments.

-The meeting adjourned following a motion by Lion Nita Robertson, seconded by Lion Lou Ann Smith. The next meeting will also take place at The Shack 2.0, with Lion Sherri Crosby presiding.

For more information about the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority, visit www.occjajail. org.

HPS board meets ahead of new school year
A: Main
HPS board meets ahead of new school year
August 15, 2025
The Henryetta Board of Education convened Monday, Aug. 11, at the district’s Board of Education Office for its regular meeting, focusing on final preparations for the 2025-26 school year. Superintende...
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A: Main
Road addition approved by county
August 15, 2025
The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met Monday, addressing a full agenda of routine approvals, infrastructure projects, and operational updates.The meeting opened with an invocation that includ...
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Ribbon Cutting Held for Dr. Ann Alexander Children’s Garden
A: Main
Ribbon Cutting Held for Dr. Ann Alexander Children’s Garden
August 15, 2025
Members of the Okmulgee County Community Garden and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce celebrate the dedication of the Children’s Garden to longtime garden advocate Dr. Ann Alexander with a ribbon-cutti...
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HPS Receives Donation
A: Main, Lifestyle...
HPS Receives Donation
August 15, 2025
HPS sincerely thanks Mr. Brad Sellers with Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Charities for the donated school supplies and backpacks for our 5th grade students. Pictured is HES Counselor Jennifer Huckabay. Sc...
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Sooner legend to hold book signing
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Sooner legend to hold book signing
August 15, 2025
Henryetta football fans will have a chance to meet a college football icon up close, as Jamelle Holieway, the legendary quarterback who led the Oklahoma Sooners to the 1985 NCAA National Championship,...
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News
Lecture series to highlight 1990s era of MN governance
August 15, 2025
The third installment of the lecture series on the History and Development of Contemporary Mvskoke Government will be held Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 6:308:30 p.m. at the College of the Muscogee Nation Le...
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WhatIsEconomicDevelopment?
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WhatIsEconomicDevelopment?
August 15, 2025
This article kicks off Econ Dev 101 - a local series aimed at demystifying what economic development really looks like in a place like Okmulgee County. Over the next few months, we’ll explore everythi...
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Osage Hill OHCE prepares for upcoming Okmulgee County Fair
August 15, 2025
The Osage Hill OHCE group gathered at the home of Norma Green on Aug. 5 to put the finishing touches on their plans for the upcoming Okmulgee County Fair. With months of preparation behind them, the g...
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County sales tax income increases
August 15, 2025
The Oklahoma Tax Commission recently released city sales tax collection figures that primarily represents local tax receipts from June business. The monies they reported this period represent sales fr...
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100 Years Ago (1925)
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100 Years Ago (1925)
August 15, 2025
A Cloudburst flooded the city this afternoon at 5 o’clock causing considerable damage in the business section by water running into the buildings. Water near Boerstler Wholesale house was said to have...
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Sizzlin’ sounds, spicy spoons await at 45th Bluegrass & Chili Festival
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Sizzlin’ sounds, spicy spoons await at 45th Bluegrass & Chili Festival
August 15, 2025
Get ready, Okmulgee County! If you’re a fan of toe-tappin’ bluegrass tunes and lip-smackin’ chili, the 45th Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival in downtown Tahlequah is the perfect weekend getaway. Mark...
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