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News
December 26, 2025
Beggs celebrates Jingle Bell Day

Beggs truly rang in the holiday season in memorable fashion as Jingle Bell Day and the Beggs Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a scene straight out of a small-town Christmas postcard. With smiling faces lining the streets, festive floats rolling by and a spirit of togetherness felt in every corner, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of why traditions like these continue to matter.

The Beggs Christmas Parade was nothing short of spectacular, featuring 60 parade entries – a remark Beggs truly rang in the holiday season in memorable fashion as Jingle Bell Day and the Beggs Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a scene straight out of a small-town Christmas postcard. With smiling faces lining the streets, festive floats rolling by and a spirit of togetherness felt in every corner, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of why traditions like these continue to matter.

The Beggs Christmas Parade was nothing short of spectacular, featuring 60 parade entries – a remarkable turnout that highlighted the pride and creativity of local organizations, families, schools, churches and businesses. Candy filled the streets, goody bags were handed out to excited children and laughter echoed throughout downtown as neighbors gathered to celebrate the season together.

Adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities, yard signs displaying vintage photos of downtown Beggs were placed throughout the area, sparking conversations and memories among longtime residents while giving newcomers a glimpse into the town’s rich history. This year’s parade also carried special significance as Beggs celebrated its 125th birthday, marking more than a century of community, resilience and hometown pride.

The Beggs Area Chamber of Commerce extended heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make the parade possible, including a special thank you to Mickey Shaffer, whose organization and leadership ensured the parade moved smoothly and safely from start to finish.

Jingle Bell Days further amplified the holiday cheer, offering what many described as “pure small-town magic.” Festive floats, cheerful greetings, and an unmistakable hometown spirit filled the day as residents and visitors alike came together to celebrate the season. From browsing booths to enjoying time with family and friends, the event reflected Beggs at its best – warm, welcoming and community- driven. As part of the festivities, several community members were recognized as Shop Beggs Jingle Bell ticket winners, encouraging residents to support local businesses during the holiday season. Congratulations went to Vaughn Blankenship, Karri Mate and Katie Holdaway, along with Dietra Placio, who held the winning ticket for the knitted afghan raffle. The Chamber also congratulated the Duck family, winners of the Christmas Lighting Contest, whose festive display added even more sparkle to the season.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of both Jingle Bell Days and the Christmas Parade. The Beggs Area Chamber of Commerce offered sincere thanks to Summer Lamborn, Ali Herman, Brenda Smith, Brenda Simon and Jenni Mo, whose time, effort and love for the community were instrumental in bringing everything together. Additional appreciation was extended to First Baptist Church of Beggs for generously allowing the use of their Fellowship Hall for the Christmas Bazaar, providing a welcoming space for vendors, shoppers and holiday fellowship.

Local businesses also played a vital role in making the season a success, supporting events, welcoming shoppers and helping keep the holiday spirit alive throughout downtown. Their participation underscored the importance of shopping local and investing in the community, especially during the holiday season.

As the lights dimmed and the decorations were packed away, one thing remained clear – Beggs once again proved that when a community comes together, magic happens. From the parade route to the bazaar halls and every smiling face in between, Jingle Bell Day and the Beggs Christmas Parade were a celebration of tradition, unity and hometown pride.

Here’s to many more years of Christmas memories in Beggs – and to the people who make this town such a special place to call home. able turnout that highlighted the pride and creativity of local organizations, families, schools, churches and businesses. Candy filled the streets, goody bags were handed out to excited children and laughter echoed throughout

HHS Unveils New Walker Cup Case
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HHS Unveils New Walker Cup Case
December 26, 2025
Henryetta High School recently unveiled its new Walker Cup Case, giving the iconic rivalry trophy a permanent home following Henryetta football victories over Morris in the annual matchup. The project...
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VFW Essay Contest winners announced
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VFW Essay Contest winners announced
December 26, 2025
VFW Post 539 recently announced the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essay competitions. Congratulations to the following Okmulgee County students:Voice of Democracy • 1st Place ($100...
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County District Court to hold warrant clearing event
A: Main, Main...
County District Court to hold warrant clearing event
December 26, 2025
An opportunity to start 2026 off without the burden of an outstanding warrant on misdemeanors, traffic cases and fines and costs payment plans is being offered by the Okmulgee County District Court.On...
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A Year Defined by Grit, Growth and the Power of Community
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A Year Defined by Grit, Growth and the Power of Community
December 26, 2025
Part 1- As the final days of the year fade into memory, Okmulgee County stands as it always has-rooted in tradition, strengthened by resilience, and shaped daily by the people who call it home.The pas...
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Fair checks available for pickup
December 26, 2025
OSU Extension has announced fair checks are now available for pickup at the office, located at 1901 N. Oklahoma Ave. at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds. Please contact the OSU Extension Office at 9187...
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State prison population climbed
News
State prison population climbed
December 26, 2025
As the Legislature enacted tougher sentencing laws, Oklahoma’s prison population increased for a third consecutive year in 2025.The Department of Corrections reported a population of 23,498 on Dec. 22...
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GCTC Curriculum Director Visits Lions
News
GCTC Curriculum Director Visits Lions
December 26, 2025
Lion of the Day Neesha Herring welcomed guest speaker Ryan Dunn, curriculum director at Green Country Technology Center, at the Dec. 19 meeting. Dunn shared updates on the school’s growing impact acro...
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100 Years Ago (1925)
Public Notices
100 Years Ago (1925)
December 26, 2025
• The Griffin Wholesale Grocer Company announced it would close its Henryetta branch on Jan. 1, 1926, consolidating all county operations into its Okmulgee house. President J.T. Griffin said improved ...
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12/14/2025
Public Notices
12/14/2025
December 26, 2025
3:35 a.m. - 1000 Block N. Collins Ave. - RP advised the camera in his living room detected movement, and someone had broken in through the gate and cut the lock.11:32 a.m. - Hwy 16 & Dentonville Rd. -...
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‘Not Just Wanna, But Havta’
Columns & Opinion
‘Not Just Wanna, But Havta’
December 26, 2025
People are just people, everywhere you go. Everyone has their favorite hobbies and if given the chance, they would spend hours doing just that. And most of us also have heavy responsibilities that we ...
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Take Control
Columns & Opinion
Take Control
December 26, 2025
Let’s be honest: The word “budget” doesn’t exactly spark joy for most people. It can feel restrictive or even generate feelings of guilt about past spending choices. But what if budgeting could feel e...
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