Esther G. Hayden-Shamblin

Obituaries

August 22, 2025

March 19, 1931 – August 17, 2025

Esther G. Hayden-Shamblin, 94, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. Born on March 29, 1931, in Wilkes, N.C., Esther was the beloved daughter of the late James and Ada (Miller) Mullins. Visitation was held from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at McClendon- Winters Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Robbie Bowen officiating. Interment will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Esther’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon-winters.com.

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Candidate filing period concludes

December 5, 2025

The three-day candidate filing period for local school boards and municipal offices in Okmulgee County officially closed Wednesday, setting the stage for a series of nonpartisan elections that will ta...

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Hallmark Christmas arrives

December 5, 2025

Henryetta is set to shine brighter than ever this Saturday, Dec. 6, as the community gathers for one of the most festive nights of the season - Henryetta Hallmark Christmas. From 4-9 p.m. at Gazebo Pa...

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HEF surprises teachers with nearly $20,000 in grants

December 5, 2025

Henryetta Public Schools is celebrating an early Christmas this week, thanks to the extraordinary generosity and behind- the-scenes dedication of the Henryetta Education Foundation (HEF). In an announ...

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Nominations open for Henryettan of the Year

December 5, 2025

The Henryetta Free-Lance is calling for nominations for the coveted Henryettan of the Year award, honoring those who have dedicated their time, talent and efforts to make Henryetta a stronger, more vi...

Obituaries

Yvette Marie Mitchell

December 5, 2025

November 29, 2025Yvette Marie Mitchell, 66, died on November 29, 2025, in Tulsa. Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Okmulgee Chapel of Keith D. Bigelow Funer...

Obituaries

Karen R. Martin

December 5, 2025

July 2, 1955 - December 3, 2025Karen Martin, a resident of Henryetta, passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 70. Services are pending with Rogers Funeral Home.

News

American Legion Post 103 added to National Register of Historic Places

December 5, 2025

A landmark of service, sacrifice and resilience in Okmulgee’s Black community has earned one of the nation’s highest historic honors.The Oklahoma Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation...

News

Dewar students recognized by PreACT program

December 5, 2025

The PreACT Rising Stars program, in its inaugural year, honors students who score in the top half of all U.S. students who take the PreACT 8/9 Assessment. That exam provides a preview of the ACT test ...

News

Pirates Outplay Quinton in Dec. 2 Victory

December 5, 2025

The Preston Pirates (2-1) are off to a solid start, bringing home their second win of the season Tuesday against the Quinton Savages. Above, Kent Rice(3) fires a three-pointer over a Quinton defender ...

News, Sports

Lady Tigers Open Season with Loss to Aspire

December 5, 2025

The Wilson Lady Tigers, under Head Coach Rikki Wolfe, fell to the Aspire Lady Trailblazers 66-34 Tuesday night. The team is ready for a rebound Friday against Putnam City Heights at home. Above, Wilso...

News

Lady Pirates Fall to Quinton, 56-21

December 5, 2025

The Preston Lady Pirates (0-3) are still seeking their first win of the season after Tuesday night’s loss to Quinton. The Lady Pirates will travel to Henryetta Friday to take on the county rival Lady ...