• Mayor J. W. Orendorff opened the new year by speaking frankly about Henryetta’s worsening water shortage. He explained that the pumps were running nonstop and the reservoir had fallen so low that fish were dying, forcing the city to rely directly on river water. With the treatment plant operating far beyond its intended capacity, he urged residents to face the reality that Henryetta had outgrown its system. He recommended a substantial bond issue to secure a larger water supply and expand the treatment plant for the city’s long‑term future.

• The Henryetta city council revisited the ongoing debate over local pool halls after receiving petitions from both supporters and opponents. A previous vote had been unsettled when a councilman changed his decision, prompting the matter to be reconsidered. With Mayor Orendorff and council members agreeing that the fairest solution was to let citizens decide, the council voted to calla public election on the issue. The meeting also addressed city sanitation concerns, a pending resignation and the appointment of a new city auditor before adjourning early.

—

• Henryetta welcomed its first baby of the year when Jason William Watkins arrived early on New Year’s morning. His proud parents, Wesley Ray and his wife, celebrated the milestone with family ready to greet him at home, including his big sister Karen. The moment marked a sentimental start to the year for the Watkins family.

• James Williams, president of the Henryetta High School Key Club, met with the Kiwanis to share the group’s recent service work. He spoke about helping prepare Christmas food baskets and ringing the holiday bells, and he introduced a fun new idea the club hoped to pursue – attempting a Guinness World Record.

• Marie Hamra became the new manager for Public Service Company in Henryetta, following years of dedicated work through the company’s Tulsa offices. She stepped into the role as only the second woman given operational leadership within PSO. Her appointment came as Wayne Finley moved on to a district manager position in Duncan after years of service and community involvement in Henryetta. The announcement marked a moment of progress for the local PSO office.

—