• Muskogee (Creek) Nation Chief George Tiger formally declared Oct. 12 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, a significant step after the concept was first introduced in 1977. In addition to this public declaration, Chief Tiger sent a letter to Oklahoma City leaders, including Mayor Mick Cornett and all council members, requesting the cessation of Columbus Day observance. Officially stating, “I stood here first, and Columbus first discovered me.” Indigenous Peoples Day should serve as a day for reflection on the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous communities and for celebrating their vibrant cultures and the invaluable contributions indigenous nations make to the region.

• The Henryetta Knights achieved their third consecutive victory against the Wewoka Tigers on Friday, Oct. 10, 2015. With a final score of 14-7, this win propelled the Knights to a 2-0 district record, securing their top position in the district standings.

• Local resident Mildred Osmun received OU game tickets from Henryetta Free-Lance editor Angie Ellis, after winning a subscription contest. Mildred went with her brother as the Oklahoma Sooners took on the Texas Raiders in Norman.

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• Okmulgee’s annual Elks Haunted House tour was upcoming. A place where your blood pressure rose and the hairs on your arm stood up, Elks Haunted House was surely the place to be, from Oct. 27-31, from 7-8:30 p.m.

• State Senator Frank Shurden held a Special event on the Okmulgee County Fair Grounds. His 60th Birthday Bash consisted of a live musical act to entertain the many guests who came and enjoyed free fish fry along with some baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies and a drink. To top it all off, the dinner concluded with a wonderful dessert, and although the food, drinks and entertainment were free, donations were accepted and given to the local Okmulgee Firefighters.

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