• In response to the tragic Wilburton mine disaster, Henryetta community leaders – including Mayor Orendorff – quickly organized a relief effort. Within minutes, donations surpassed $500, with a goal of reaching $1,000 for the families of miners who were killed, leaving behind widows and orphans. Local businesses and individuals contributed generously, reflecting the town’s strong sense of solidarity and compassion.

• Construction crews were finishing the last major cut on the new road being built straight west of Henryetta. A steam shovel had been working for a month to remove dirt and stone from the steep Hooper Hill area, where the grade rises roughly 150 feet over about 1,000 yards. This marked the final stage of grading on the 5½‑mile stretch that will eventually be paved to the Okfuskee County line. Contractor Pharoah asked the public to stay off the new road until it is officially opened, though traffic will later be allowed temporarily to help settle the dirt base before paving.

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• District Judge Kirk Woodliff of Henryetta was elected to a one‑year term as presiding judge of the East Central Judicial Administrative District, a ten‑county region. He received 11 of 17 votes cast by district and associate district judges. Woodliff had already been serving in the role temporarily since September, following the suspension of Judge Bill Haworth, who was later formally removed from office. As presiding judge, Woodliff will oversee administrative matters across the district, assign judges to cases, handle disqualification issues and represent the region at statewide judicial conferences.

• Lowell Hobbs, head of the Kerr‑McGee Farm Center in Haskell, delivered a light, good‑natured talk to the Henryetta Lions Club, urging members to approach life with intention and optimism. He reminded them that smiling takes less effort than frowning and tends to return more goodwill than it gives away. Hobbs praised American farmers, noting that although they make up only seven percent of the population, they produce enough food to feed themselves and dozens more. He closed by urging thoughtful action and measuring progress by gains rather than costs.

— 25 Years Ago (2001)

• After thirty years in private practice and 25 years as Henryetta’s municipal judge, attorney Duane Woodliff prepared to leave his longtime law office to step into the role of Special District Judge. His colleague Luke Gaither captured the moment best, calling Woodliff “a wonderful addition to the bench but a tremendous loss to the Henryetta legal system,” a sentiment shared widely among those who worked with him. Supported by his family, Woodliff moves into a demanding judgeship that will place him over criminal, misdemeanor, small‑claims and traffic matters, marking a significant shift in a career shaped by integrity and steady service.

• At Fountain View Manor, Minnie Lackey marked her 101st birthday, a milestone reached after a lifetime defined by grit, independence and a deep love of the outdoors. Known in her youth as a determined tomboy who preferred cattle work and open fields to traditional expectations, she carried that spirit well into her nineties, still raising cattle at age 96. Though now quiet and reflective, her long life speaks through her resilience, hard work and the lessons she embodied – living fully, loving deeply and finding joy in simple things. Her birthday column honored both her century of experiences and the enduring strength of her character.

— 10 Years Ago (2016)

• Henryetta Police Chief Steve Norman spoke to the Lions Club about the challenges officers face when distinguishing real guns from realistic air‑soft weapons. He noted that most U.S. gun deaths involved handguns and cautioned against arming teachers, saying it could create confusion during emergencies. Norman highlighted the department’s nationally recognized school‑safety training and supported mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with a gun. He also emphasized responsible gun ownership, background checks and keeping firearms away from individuals with serious mental‑health histories, while rejecting fears of government‑ordered gun confiscation.

• The Dewar Dragons and Lady Dragons earned a clean sweep on the road against Wetumka. The Lady Dragons pulled away with a dominant third quarter and secured a 54-42 win, led by Savannah Been’s 14 points and DelJah Jackson’s 12. In the boys game, Dewar erased an early deficit with a huge third‑quarter surge and held on for a 52-47 victory. Taylor Bentjen paced the Dragons with 16 points, followed closely by freshman Turner Howk with 15.