• Employees of the Oklahoma Power Company gathered at the Hippodrome Ballroom for their annual Christmas ball. More than a hundred couples from Henryetta and surrounding towns enjoyed music, dancing and holiday decorations. The event, now a tradition, brought together workers and families in a festive celebration, strengthening ties across the company’s territory.
• Contractors began grading the steep hill west of Henryetta as part of the road project to Oklahoma City. Work was expected to finish by Saturday unless crews paused for Christmas, with further grading needed before traffic could use the route. Once paved, the stretch would connect with hard‑surfaced roads in Okfuskee County, bringing the region closer to a continuous improved highway toward Oklahoma City.
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• The Xi AlphaIota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi celebrated their Christmas party at the Holiday Inn in Henryetta. Festive decorations of holly, candles and handmade Christmas boots set the scene for a cheerful evening. Mrs. William Bell welcomed members and guests, with an invocation offered before dinner. The night included bridge games and holiday fellowship, making the gathering a joyful highlight of the season.
• The Dewar-Henryetta Young Homemakers toured Henryetta’s new police, fire and emergency facilities. Officers, firefighters and paramedics demonstrated equipment and explained their services, while members expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown. The visit offered both education and appreciation, highlighting the vital role of local safety teams.
— 25 Years Ago (2000) • The American Exchange Bank continued its support of local education by donating $2,500 to the Henryetta Education Foundation. At that time, over the past four years, the bank had contributed a total of $25,000 to the committee. The gift showed the community’s ongoing commitment to strengthening schools and investing in the future of Henryetta’s students.
• A winter crash on Interstate40 claimed the lives of a young California couple, leaving their two children injured but surviving. In the days that followed, the Henryetta and Okmulgee communities rallied together, donating funds to cover the children’s flight home and surrounding them with care. Local officers and firefighters worked tirelessly at the scene, while bilingual foster care eased the children’s transition until family could arrive. Later, their great‑uncle traveled from Nevada to attend services and personally thanked the troopers, the Highway Patrol and the citizens whose generosity and compassion carried the family through their loss.
— 10 Years Ago (2015) • The Henryetta Free-Lance staff gathered new hats, scarves and gloves to ensure local children could stay warm throughout the winter months. Editor Angel Ellis delivered the warm winter wear to Henryetta Elementary Assistant Principal Jayme Matlock. The donation, which was made possible by generous community donors, highlighted the newspaper’s dedication to providing young students with the gift of warmth and extra protection against the cold.
• The Dewar Dragons stayed undefeated with a 51-38 road win over Weleetka, improving their record to 4-0. Senior Alan Bentjen led the way with 20 points, while Turner Howk added 13 as the Dragons built a strong lead and held off a late Outlaws rally. The victory capped a steady start to the season, giving the team momentum heading into their home opener and the holiday break.
