• Crews began grading the steep hill west of Henryetta, a key step in paving the highway toward the auto line. The work, led by Pharosh & Sharpe, was expected to finish quickly, linking the road with existing hard-surfaced stretches in Okfuskee County and moving closer to a continuous paved route between Okmulgee and Oklahoma City.

• Employees of the Oklahoma Power Company gathered at the Hippodrome Ballroom for their annual holiday celebration, joined by friends and coworkers from Okmulgee and neighboring towns. More than a hundred couples enjoyed lively music, festive decorations and an evening of fellowship. The tradition not only offered a joyful Christmas treat, but also strengthened bonds across communities like Beggs, Mounds, Preston, Henryetta, Morris and Dewar, reminding everyone how shared celebrations bring people together and deepen local ties.

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• Fifth and sixth graders at Wilson School presented the Nativity scene at the gym, with Todd Dawson as Joseph and Georgia Burgess as Mary. Angels were played by Phyllis Martin and Brenda Logsdon, while Craig Gobin narrated under the guidance of Miss Gyla Owen. The entire student body joined in singing carols, with Burgess offering a song in Creek. Beautiful props set by Mr. Swim and direction by Opal Darnell made the evening a heartfelt celebration of Christmas spirit.

• Clarence “Babe” Eslick of Dewar, along with his wife Olive, received a letter of appreciation from the White House after sending President Ford one of his tape recordings. Known locally for his hobby of creating eight-track tapes, Eslick’s gesture earned recognition beyond the community, reflecting a moment of pride for their hometown.

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