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• Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining how the Nation will comply with a Supreme Court ruling requiring incorporation of Article II of the Treaty of 1866 into tribal law. The order marked a formal step toward recognizing citizenship rights for Freedmen descendants.

• The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office received support from a local Masonic Lodge as part of its annual fundraising effort to purchase educational materials from the National Child Safety Council.

• The Preston Pirates baseball team won the Preston Tournament, while the Lady Pirates competed in regular- season action, showcasing strong pitching and consistent offensive play.

• Proposed federal changes placing a twoyear cap on rental assistance sparked concern statewide, with estimates showing more than 32,000 Oklahomans – many of them children – potentially at risk of eviction and housing instability.

• Oklahoma remained central to national conversations on FEMA reform, with state leaders signaling interest in reshaping the federal disaster response model as tornado-prone regions weigh potential impacts.

• The 2025 Okmulgee County Free Fair brought livestock shows, creative exhibits, youth contests and family entertainment to the Fairgrounds, continuing a long-standing tradition that highlights agriculture and community involvement.

• The Okmulgee County Sharks Special Athletics organization introduced its Buddy Adventures program, focused on inclusion, creativity and exploration for participants with special needs.

• The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Patretia Matthews, missing since early August, was found deceased in a rural area of Okmulgee County, bringing a tragic conclusion to a weeks-long search.

• Beggs City Council approved ordinance changes affecting mobile homes and recreational vehicles and appointed Kathy Shelby as interim city clerk during its regular monthly meeting.

• The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation after a man was found fatally shot in a north Okmulgee neighborhood, following reports of gunfire.

• A Beggs church announced a fundraising campaign to preserve its historic bell tower, rallying community support around a landmark tied to local heritage and faith.

• Agricultural officials warned of the resurgence of the New World Screwworm in parts of Central America and Mexico, outlining risks to livestock and pets and urging vigilance among Oklahoma producers.

• Reps. Steve Bashore and Scott Fetgatter were named Legislators of the Year by the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, citing their support of industry-related legislation.

• Chase Nunn was elected to the Okmulgee Public Schools Board of Education, winning the unexpired Office No. 4 seat with 64.55% of the vote over Sarah McIntire.

• An Okmulgee man was booked into custody on multiple felony charges and held on a $110,000 bond following an Aug. 30 arrest.

• Okmulgee County Emergency Management partnered with the American Red Cross to distribute free smoke detectors, emphasizing fire prevention and home safety.

• Morris High School named Sutton Giddens and Keyton Tiger- Harjo as All-Sports Homecoming Queen and King during fall festivities.

• The Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the Pecan Festival, scheduled for Oct. 10-11, highlighting nostalgia-driven programming.

• Plans were unveiled for a bronze statue honoring Will “Sonny” Sampson, with organizers calling for community support to bring the tribute to fruition.

• Voters were set to decide whether future Muscogee National Council elections would continue at-large voting or shift to district-based ballots.

• Beggs High School student organizations partnered for a downtown cleanup effort, emphasizing civic pride and community service.

• The Okmulgee Board of Education voted unanimously to demolish the century-old Okmulgee High School building after determining restoration was no longer viable.

• The Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority received its highest-ever score during an American Correctional Association reaccreditation audit.

• Okmulgee police investigated a homicide following a violent altercation involving an axe on Crutchmer Avenue.

• The Okmulgee County Farm Bureau recognized Tim Taylor for decades of contributions to agriculture, youth development and community leadership.

— October

• Congress failed to pass appropriations or a continuing resolution, triggering a federal shutdown on Oct. 1. Coverage highlighted ripple effects for federally funded services and the uncertainty this creates for families relying on programs like SNAP.

• Superintendent LuVona Copeland issued a letter to families and staff following a structural engineering assessment raising serious safety concerns at the historic high school building. The communication framed next steps and addressed growing community questions about whether the building could remain in use or be preserved.

• Okmulgee firefighters responded to a wreck near the Walmart stoplight after reports a BMW traveled northbound in the southbound lane before crashing near Murphy’s. The driver reportedly fled, prompting follow-up investigation and public safety concerns on a heavily traveled corridor.

• Okmulgee’s Rod Davis, a 1979 OHS graduate and standout offensive lineman, was announced among UCO’s 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees, spotlighting a local athlete on a statewide collegiate stage.

• The Pride of Morris competed at the Eufaula Ironhead Marching Invitational and earned a seventh-place finish, reflecting continued strength in band performance and student representation in regional competitions.

• Preston coach Ryan Hudson reached a major career milestone with his 500th win as the Pirates defeated Oklahoma Christian 5-1, marking longevity and program stability.

• Beggs commemorated the 50th anniversary of its 1975 Class A state championship football team with a multi-part feature recalling the title season and its ongoing identity in local sports culture.

• Grayson promoted its annual Gumbo Fest (Oct. 4) as a key fundraiser supporting the town’s year-round obligations, with community attendance tied directly to small-town operating support.

• The Okmulgee Police Department announced the Highway 62 Mission Bridge Overpass would be closed indefinitely due to extensive damage after a truck with a raised hydraulic bed struck the structure.

• Commissioners addressed road improvements, utility permits, a Wilson Fire Department bid, and discussions related to 911 dispatch radio systems – reflecting ongoing county attention to infrastructure and public safety systems.

• VFW posts in Henryetta and Okmulgee, with the Auxiliary, encouraged students across the county to enter national scholarship competitions aimed at civic responsibility, patriotism and student expression.

• Okfuskee and Okmulgee County OHCE groups participated in an educational tour and “Three Sisters Gardening” lesson, reinforcing local interest in traditional agricultural methods and food-growing education.

• Voters approved the MPS bond proposition with 65.1% in favor, funding campus improvements that included building repairs and facility upgrades – an investment framed as long-range infrastructure planning.

• A veteran-focused campaign highlighting Native American warriors arrived locally, framing service recognition in a way that aligns with the region’s deep tribal and military ties.

• Okmulgee prepared for the Pecan Festival weekend with a nostalgia-forward theme and programming designed to drive downtown foot traffic and strengthen community tradition.

• Area schools crowned homecoming royalty and hosted major ceremonies, with coverage emphasizing student leadership, tradition and school-community pride.

• Okmulgee celebrated the renovated Harmon Stadium with a ribbon cutting and a district-wide homecoming pep rally, signaling a major facilities upgrade and a high-visibility community milestone.

• The Orpheum Theatre hosted the community’s talent showcase, highlighting local performers and downtown cultural life.

• The Okmulgee County Family Resource Center’s annual Hope Luncheon brought together advocates and agencies focused on preventing abuse and supporting survivors, timed with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

• Schools promoted drug-prevention messaging through Red Ribbon Week activities and themed participation, reinforcing prevention education during a high-visibility school month.

• New Day Church (formerly First Church of the Nazarene) marked 100 years with a centennial service and civic recognition, underscoring institutional longevity and community identity.

• Okmulgee Public Schools issued a public warning that the district was not raising or accepting funds for high school building repairs, cautioning residents about potential scams or unauthorized solicitation.

• The Landmark hosted a public open house and homecoming event, drawing attention to restoration work, community memory and the next phase of stewardship under board leadership.

• Okmulgee’s Wildlife Management Area hosted a day geared toward hunters and families, offering skill-building and outdoor education opportunities.

• Community members were invited to share ideas about the future of Red Francis Park, marking a civic-planning moment focused on public space design and neighborhood input.

• A new Beggs mural drew attention to a child/family-oriented space tied to therapeutic or counseling services, signaling growth in local wellness and support offerings.

• Despite rain and difficult conditions, festival coverage emphasized community flexibility and collaboration – classic small-town problem-solving on display.

• A new nonprofit hosted a poverty- focused workshop, framing it as a community learning and action initiative rather than a lecture – bringing systems-thinking into local conversation.

• Okmulgee Pediatrics and Family Care received a patient access award, reflecting recognition of timely care and front-end service systems.

• The Nation appointed former emergency management director Bobby Howard to a public safety leadership role, highlighting emergency response experience as a governance asset.

• Chevy’s program was highlighted locally as a partnership supporting emergency management and first responders.

• OFD started routine hydrant testing from west to east, a visibility- heavy public safety maintenance activity residents often notice in neighborhoods and downtown.

• LEPC purchased and donated two 4-gas meters, strengthening hazmat and rescue readiness.

• Commissioners approved a resolution selecting CED as the engineering firm for county bridge inspections, tying into broader infrastructure oversight.

• OTRA promoted its annual rendezvous, presenting frontier history and early Oklahoma tradition as a multi-day family attraction.

• As month’s end approached, coverage highlighted community food resources and local aid avenues amid uncertainty connected to federal disruptions.

• A statewide legal roundup previewed a wide range of Oklahoma laws going into effect Nov. 1, spanning topics like driving rules, food regulations, criminal justice and health care.

• Community calendars highlighted seasonal programming – from local theater productions to campus trick-or-treat events rounding out October’s civic life coverage.

— November

• Okmulgee’s Tractor Supply joined a nationwide observance honoring military, veterans and first responders during Hometown Heroes Days, tying a na- tional retail initiative to local recognition and community turnout.

• The Okmulgee Education Foundation surprised OPS teachers with classroom grant notifications delivered in person, spotlighting creative projects and direct classroom needs that will benefit students immediately.

• Okmulgee Main Street introduced Johnna Yoder as its new director, signaling a leadership transition focused on downtown systems, partnerships and practical revitalization work.

• Schulter’s Jamie Brandt was named VFW Post 539 Teacher of the Year for 2025, reflecting community support for educators and civic recognition through a veteran-led organization.

• Prairie Bell OHCE awarded a scholarship to Morris graduate Jace Allen, continuing a local tradition of community- based support for students entering the next phase of education or training.

• Okmulgee County Farm Bureau received a County Excellence Award at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau annual meeting, reflecting organizational effectiveness and county-level leadership in agriculture advocacy.

• Longtime Henryetta coach Dutch VanDen-Born was selected for induction into the Oklahoma Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame, marking a capstone recognition for decades of coaching influence.

• Authorities uncovered a large illegal marijuana operation on Warren Road after a lengthy multi-agency investigation, seizing nearly 1,000 plants – part of broader enforcement attention on unlicensed grows.

• The Harlan Ford Toy Drive launched Nov. 14, inviting residents to donate unwrapped toys and bikes through Dec. 20, reinforcing seasonal giving as a community tradition.

• OSBI arrested a 19-year-old Okmulgee man following an investigation into alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, noting the case involved a report connected to online activity and national reporting channels.

• Federal sentencing was announced for a former Muscogee Nation Gaming accounts payable manager in an embezzlement case described as one of the largest financial crimes reported within the tribe’s financial structure.

• The termination of Executive Director Dr. Sherri Carter-Green during an Oct. 9 special meeting triggered public scrutiny over whether the Okmulgee-Okfuskee County Youth Services board followed its own bylaws – raising transparency and process concerns for an agency serving two counties.

• Oklahoma Human Services announced it received USDA guidance to issue partial SNAP benefits for November, a development framed as critical for families facing food insecurity.

• Federal prosecutors announced major case results involving Okmulgee defendants, including a jury conviction on multiple drug and firearm counts in one case and a significant prison sentence in another involving robbery in Indian Country and related charges – reinforcing the ongoing role of federal jurisdiction in local serious-crime cases.

• ODOT outlined a plan to resurface miles of U.S. highways in Okmulgee County over the coming years, offering a long-term outlook aimed at improving roadway conditions and driving safety.

• Okmulgee County football stayed alive deep into the playoffs as Dewar and Wilson advanced to quarterfinal matchups, keeping Friday- night momentum rolling into late season.

• The Okmulgee Times partnered with local businesses to bring back Cookie Crawl, turning Shop Small Saturday into a downtown activity designed to boost local retail traffic and holiday spirit.

• Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce and Okmulgee Main Street announced a first-ever “Christmas on the Square” event set for Dec. 3-7, signaling a new collaborative effort to drive downtown holiday programming and community attendance.

• Prairie Bell OHCE promoted its upcoming craft show in Morris as a scholarship fundraiser, reinforcing the organization’s dual focus on community engagement and educational support. The group awarded multiple scholarships in 2025, reflecting sustained investment in local students.