Part 2
-As another year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on the stories we covered – but on the people behind them.
At times, local journalism feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. There are meetings that stretch late into the evening, games that end well after deadlines, phone calls that come at inconvenient hours, and stories that demand care, accuracy and respect.
But there are also moments that remind you why this work matters.
A coach talking about kids who became family. A volunteer unloading toys in freezing weather. A council member wrestling with a decision that won’t be popular – but might be necessary.
A student stepping onto a stage or field for the first time.
This past year in Okmulgee County was filled with those moments.
Local news doesn’t exist to chase headlines elsewhere. It exists to tell the story of here. To document victories and setbacks. To preserve history. To give voice to communities that deserve to be heard.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: a community that knows what’s happening around it is a stronger community. Whether you read us in print, online or see our work shared by a neighbor, your engagement matters more than you might realize.
Thank you to the coaches, teachers, first responders, officials, volunteers, parents, students and everyday citizens who took the time to share their stories this year.
Thank you to the businesses and organizations who continue to support local journalism.
And thank you to our readers – because without you, none of this matters.
As we turn the page to a new year, one thing re- mains certain: Okmulgee County has a story worth telling.
And we’ll be here to tell you about it. — January
• Michael Wallace was appointed chairman of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners for the new year, with Steve Ward to serve as vice-chair. Wallace is the commissioner for District 3. Joining the board later in the year following a run-off election was Ernie Ferreira representing District 1.
• An Okmulgee man accused of killing his brother in 2023 pled guilty in Federal court to the charge. Brett Pigeon entered the plea to one county of Voluntary Manslaughter.
• Postal service was suspended on Jan. 9 in honor of a National Day of Observance for President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 99 on Dec. 29, 2024.
• Remodeling work continued on courtrooms in an extensive update of the historic Okmulgee County Courthouse. New windows, heating and air conditioning, updated courtrooms and offices, along with bathroom facilities were part of the million-dollar package approved by the county.
• Paige McElhaney of the Okmulgee YMCA’s was named 2024 National Education Director of the Year.
• The Well-Done Foundation announced a partnership with the U.S. Federal Wildlife Service to reclaim and restore critical habitats across the state and country to plug and remove orphaned oil well sites.
• Human remains were discovered approximately a quarter mile west of Mission Lane, on the north side of Highway 62. The District 25 Violent Task Force and the Medical Examiner’s Office were working to determine the identity of the remains and how long they had been there.
• A winter storm impacted the area, causing closures and traffic hazards.
• Allegations made to the OSDE were under investigation, as they reviewed reports made against staff at Okmulgee High School.
• A Morris woman was arrested after a toddler’s death in June 2024, was connected with fentanyl. Jordan Burks was arrested by authorities for child neglect related to the accidental death.
— February
• The Okmulgee Public School Board approved a resignation agreement for Superintendent Clay Vinyard, effective June 30, 2025. The action came following a lengthy, relocated meeting site, due to the community interest in the situation. Vineyard had only been in the job for approximately eight months. Vineyard stated his reason for his departure was ‘ongoing personality conflict with Board President Leroy Parker,’ and other situations that hindered progress in assisting the district.
• The Okmulgee community rallied around OHS Principal Amanda Adams after learning that her post as first year principal was in jeopardy.
• Eddie Nelson, Jr. faced incumbent Mayor Mickey Baldwin in an election. Baldwin went on to win the post.
• The Okmulgee Fire Department responded to a fire at a pre-fab building at Okmulgee Primary School, which caused some damage to the breezeway of the main building.
• Landmark for All Generations, Inc. planned a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in their efforts to restore the historical Black Hospital.
• The Morris High School Academic Team won their third straight Academic State Championship in Class 3A. The team was coached by Jeremy Avery.
• Heather Kimbley submitted her resignation from the Okmulgee Public Schools board.
• The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners announced their support of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Week.
• Journey of Hope made a stop at Okmulgee High School as the community commemorated the 30th anniversary of the OKC Bombing and local first responders who helped in the aftermath of the tragedy.
• The Twin Hill Hornets basketball team under Coach Koby Love was named the ORES State Champs.
• Dobson Fiber announced high-speed internet expansion in Okmulgee.
• C.A.R.D. announced an expansion of its senior nutrition program to include more seniors and disabled. Meals around the county are available to citizens ages 60 and over.
— March
• Jean Gouthier retired as an Okmulgee County employee after 47 years of dedicated service. She was honored at a reception by former and current county commissioners David Walker, Robert Hardridge and Steve Ward.
• Okmulgee celebrated the expansion of Bluepeak Fiber as they worked to connect more than 6,000 homes and businesses in the area.
• Thanks to the Neal’s Home Store Annual Dodge Brawl fundraiser, the Okmulgee Education Foundation was able to deliver grants to Okmulgee Public School staff.
• An Okmulgee couple was sentenced to prison for abuse, child neglect and a count of attempted murder in federal court.
• Tornadic winds ripped through the county, with speeds of 60-70 mph, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. Four tornados were reported in the county.
• Elizabeth Ramos was honored as VFW State Teacher of the Year after being named VFW Post 539 Teacher of the Year.
• Okmulgee Main Street launched the TNR – Trap/ Neuter/Release program to manage and reduce the number of stray and feral cats.
• A 55-year-old woman was found safe after a Silver Alert was issued by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on behalf of the Okmulgee Police Department.
• LuVona Copeland was named superintendent of Okmulgee Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Copeland served as interim superintendent following the resignation of Clay Vinyard in February.
• A photo circulating on a messaging app prompted a temporary lockdown at Okmulgee High School. Local law enforcement responded swiftly but found no firearm in the building.
• Following a special board meeting to select a new member for the OPS board, the post remained vacant as two OPS board members voted against the appointment of a former member, and forced the district to hold a special election to fill the position. That special election resulted in a cost to the district for $6,000.
• Allegations against an OHS probationary teacher resulted in the board voting to dismiss the staff member following a hearing.
• Keith Baldridge announced that he would seek the OPS board post. He went on later to win the special election.
• Wildfires ravaged parts of Oklahoma, including areas in and near Okmulgee county. Agencies from the county and the Muscogee Nation responded to aid in the containment efforts.
— April
• The month started with tornadoes causing damage across the county. No injuries were reported, with most of the damage reported north of Morris.
• Following threats at the Muscogee Nation Medical Center in Okmulgee, a man was taken into custody in Tulsa thanks to a collaboration between multiple agencies. Morgan Freeman was arrested in Tulsa for stealing a vehicle, along with making threats to perform acts of violence.
• A fatal ATV collision claimed the life of an Okmulgee woman, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol who investigated the incident.
• A special Okmulgee School board meeting to fill a vacancy on the panel failed again to produce a majority vote, following interviews with several candidates.
• Ernie Ferreira won the runoff election for County Commissioner District 1. Also winning were Jennifer Munholland and Shawn Buzan for the Henryetta City Council and Keith Baldridge for Okmulgee Public School, Matt Sharp for Morris City Council, Melanie Harvey for Beggs Public Schools. Wilson School’s proposition was approved.
• A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Henryetta man.
• Okmulgee Public School employee Candi Padfield was honored as a finalist for the Jonathan Tinney Special Education Merit Award at the 24th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Banquet.
• A bid was approved for emergency repairs near the Dentonville Road Bridge in northern Okmulgee County. With heavy rains projected for later that week, Okmulgee County Commissioners approved an emergency declaration for the bridge to make repairs.
• County agencies recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month with a special ceremony on the lawn of the Okmulgee County Courthouse.
• Aaliyah Alexander and LeAundre Delonia were crowned the 2025 Okmulgee Prom Queen and King.
• Due to heavy rains and storms in the area, the annual Okmulgee Service League Easter Egg Hunt was moved inside to the Okmulgee Community Center. Lots of families and young hunters still showed up to gather treats and prizes.
• A collision resulted in a man being hospitalized after his truck left the roadway, struck a guardrail and fell approximately 30 feet in a creek near a bridge on Hwy. 62. A remediation company was used to pull the truck from the water.
• The Morris Academic Team won the 2025 Small School National Championship Tournament, following their success at winning the OSSAA Academic State Championship in Class 3A.
• Okmulgee Main Street Director Melinda DeSanto resigned at the end of April to return to Washington state due to family medical needs.
• The Okmulgee Area Development Corporation (OADC) launched a major infrastructure project at the Okmulgee Business Complex.
