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A: Main
September 5, 2025
County Commissioners approve key measures at meeting
By PATRICK FORD Editor,

The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Michael Wallace and joined by Commissioners Steve Ward and Ernie Ferreira, met Tuesday, for their regular meeting at the County Courthouse.

The board unanimously approved officer reports for the month of August submitted by the County Clerk and the Health Department. Multiple blanket purchase orders were also approved. The commissioners took action on several employee status changes:

• Michael Willis – Employment Ceased

• David Edmonds – Employment Ceased • Lisa Dodson – Employment Ceased

• Jackie Buck – Retired

• Nick Robinson – Hired part-time

• Jeremy Graham – Hired full-time The board approved a private property agreement in District 2 with landowner Caleb Crawford.

Emergency Management submitted a list of obsolete computer equipment, which was declared surplus. The board also passed a resolution to dispose of the equipment accordingly.

A financial rollover transfer was approved for District 3.

Commissioners amended their contract with Shipman Consulting to expand services to include dispatch coordination, with a new base contract amount of $7,900. The motion passed unanimously.

Action on the Mills Crossing plat in District 1 was tabled.

The board unanimously approved the following:

• Application for the Sheriff ’s Funding Assistance Grant to support law enforcement operations.

• Invitation to Bid #5 for repairs to the Election Board office.

• Invitation to Bid #6 for the construction of a new building for the Wilson Fire Department.

• Commissioners reviewed and approved payment of claims, including a final payment to Lodestar Construction, marking the closeout of a county project.

— Emergency Management Report Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore provided a comprehensive update, including:

• Floodplain concerns in Districts 1 and 2, with a major issue west of the lake in District 2 requiring a hydrology study for construction access.

• Computer upgrades and tower installation in the Emergency Operations Center for long-range HF amateur radio communications.

• Progress on multiple plans: Emergency Operations Plan, Severe Weather Net Procedures, and sUAS (drone operation) guidelines.

• Safety Plus software testing is underway, with a rollout expected soon.

• A Red Cross response was initiated after a residential fire in Henryetta.

• Moore issued a public correction regarding a false Facebook rumor about Patricia Mathews, a missing woman. He confirmed that the information about her being found deceased was incorrect and originated from a user in California. OSBI is investigating the post, and Moore urged the public to use only official channels for updates.

– The board approved a grant for District 2 under new business. No other unexpected items were introduced.

Henryetta choir members earn Superior ratings
A: Main, Main...
Henryetta choir members earn Superior ratings
March 13, 2026
Hard work, dedication and a passion for music paid off in a big way for members of the Henryetta High School choir program, as several students recently earned top honors at the district Solo and Ense...
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Healthy Living & Stronger Bodies
A: Main, Lifestyle
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Seniors in the Okmulgee area are discovering that staying active and eating well can also be fun, thanks to two engaging programs offered through OSU Extension and led locally by Extension Educator Ji...
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A: Main
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In the wake of last week’s devastating tornado, the Beggs community continues to demonstrate the resilience and compassion that small towns are known for. Volunteers, utility crews, churches and emerg...
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Obituaries
Maxine Lee Hinshaw
March 13, 2026
April 13, 1938 - February 24, 2026Maxine Lee Hinshaw, 87, of Edmond, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, after a short illness. She was one of six children born to the late Thomas and Sylvie ...
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Obituaries
Amy Nichole Maxey
March 13, 2026
October 18, 1999 - March 5, 2026Amy Nichole Maxey, 26, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Okmulgee. She was born on October 18, 1999, in Paris, Texas to Jarvis Maxey and Nancy (Osborne) Maxey.Amy will b...
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Obituaries
Thomas Patterson
March 13, 2026
September 10, 1949 - March 8, 2026Services are pending with McClendon-Winters Funeral Home for Thomas Patterson, who passed away March 8, 2026.
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