July 26, 2025

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News
May 21, 2025
Tribes express unified approach to resolving tobacco compact issue
By JASON SALSMAN MUSCOGEE NATION,

Leaders from the Muscogee Nation, Osage Nation and Quapaw Nation (the “Nations”) have committed to collaborate and seek positive action from the State of Oklahoma on tobacco tax compacts. To date, the Nations have not been able to reach tobacco tax compacts in negotiations with Governor Stitt. Nation leaders have committed to seeking a resolution to tobacco tax issues through the State Legislature. In doing so, the Nations are guided by the following three principles: 1. First Things First. Nation leaders believe that reaching agreement on tobacco compacts is an important first step to other cooperative discussions with State leaders. Each of these issues should be considered as separate issues with consideration on the merits of each one, not used as a way to strong arm the Nations. Nation leaders are committed to meaningful conversations with the State regarding the Oklahoma turnpikes that travel through Tribal lands and Nation motor vehicle tag issues, but only after a successful resolution of the tobacco compact.

Leaders from the Muscogee Nation, Osage Nation and Quapaw Nation (the “Nations”) have committed to collaborate and seek positive action from the State of Oklahoma on tobacco tax compacts. To date, the Nations have not been able to reach tobacco tax compacts in negotiations with Governor Stitt. Nation leaders have committed to seeking a resolution to tobacco tax issues through the State Legislature. In doing so, the Nations are guided by the following three principles: 1. First Things First. Nation leaders believe that reaching agreement on tobacco compacts is an important first step to other cooperative discussions with State leaders. Each of these issues should be considered as separate issues with consideration on the merits of each one, not used as a way to strong arm the Nations. Nation leaders are committed to meaningful conversations with the State regarding the Oklahoma turnpikes that travel through Tribal lands and Nation motor vehicle tag issues, but only after a successful resolution of the tobacco compact.

2. Respect. Nation leaders seek respectful dealings with State leaders to resolve issues that impact Tribal and non-Tribal citizens of Oklahoma. Nation leaders agree to come to the table with State leaders with respect and serious focus on reaching mutually-acceptable outcomes. The Nations must be respected and treated as independent, sovereign governments - each with unique concerns and responsibilities within their communities. This includes the vital ability of each Nation to support public safety, economic development and essential services for both tribal citizens and surrounding communities. The Nations look forward to working with the Legislature on a true government-to-government basis to meet these shared objectives.

3. Good Faith. Nation leaders and representatives have spent months in good faith negotiations with the Governor for a tobacco compact. With no resolution, Nation leaders now seek legislation that would accomplish a fair agreement with the State.

The Nations’ leadership and legal teams will continue to remain in contact with the State of Oklahoma, committed to reaching a solution that provides long-term clarity and stability to Tribal communities, supports business owners, the people of Oklahoma and the economic well-being of the entire state.

Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
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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
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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
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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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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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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
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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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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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OCA All-State Week festivities are July 26-31
July 25, 2025
The Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) is gearing up for its annual All-State events, set to take place from Saturday, July 26 through Thursday, July 31. Athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from...
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