Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners met at the courthouse for their regular weekly session Monday. Representatives from Okmulgee County Farm Bureau were present as the commissioners approved a proclamation designating Oklahoma Farm Bureau Week, recognizing agriculture’s importance to the county and the state economy. Farm Bureau representatives noted that agricultural organizations continue to work closely with county governments and emphasized the importance of stable funding for county services.

— Oklahoma Farm Bureau works to strengthen agriculture, rural communities Agriculture remains the backbone of many Oklahoma communities, and one organization continues to play a central role in supporting the people who produce the state’s food and fiber. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau, a grassroots organization directed by farmers and ranchers themselves, serves as a unified voice for agricultural producers and rural residents across the state.

With members in all 77 counties, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. Its structure is built from the ground up, with county Farm Bureaus representing local producers and guiding the policies and priorities of the organization at the state and national levels.

— Okmulgee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors • President: Jim Meek, Okmulgee

• Vice President: Will Lewis, Morris

• Secretary: Richard Raby, Okmulgee

• Treasurer: Darrell Mills, Beggs

• Director: James Pittman, Okmulgee

• Director: Larry Harvey, Beggs

• Director: Marc Kutz, Morris — Treasurer’s office prepares for training Officials considered plans for County Treasurer’s staff to attend required training in April and how that could affect other county offices that rely on treasurer services.

During the meeting, the County Treasurer Lindsay Bunch sought guidance on closing the office April 8-10 so staff could attend treasurer school, a training requirement for the office. The proposal prompted discussion among commissioners and other county officials about maintaining essential functions, especially payroll processing and the handling of deposits.

Commissioners emphasized that while training is important, payroll and accounts receivable must continue without interruption. Officials discussed possible solutions, including leaving one staff member available, using a laptop to process payroll remotely or implementing secure deposit procedures so other offices could continue operating normally.

The matter required no formal vote, but commis- sioners and county officers agreed to continue coordinating a plan to ensure all services remain available during the training period.

— Road safety concerns prompt roundabout discussion Another significant item raised under new business involved a request connected to a proposed road safety improvement at Old Morris Highway and Loop 56.

Commissioners reviewed a request from the Muscogee Nation seeking letters of recommendation to support a grant application for constructing a roundabout at the intersection, which has experienced numerous accidents. While commissioners acknowledged the safety concerns, at least one official expressed uncertainty about whether a roundabout would be the most effective solution, suggesting traffic signals might be more appropriate.

No action was taken Monday, and the matter remains under consideration.

— Emergency Management reports dry conditions, fires Okmulgee County Emergency Management reported a busy week across the county, including multiple grass fires and structure fires. Officials warned that extremely dry conditions are expected to continue, increasing the risk of additional fires, particularly if winds increase.

Emergency Management also reported several floodplain development inquiries and assistance provided to law enforcement during an investigation.

— OSU Extension introduces educators Commissioners also welcomed two new Oklahoma State University Extension educators serving Okmulgee County. Officials noted that county funding helps support Extension programs, including 4-H and agricultural education, which play a significant role in youth development and agricultural outreach locally.

— Routine business conducted

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved blanket purchase orders and employee forms.

• Approved allocations of alcoholic beverage and motor vehicle taxes.

• Approved reimbursement claims and fund transfers.

• Approved various financial and administrative items listed on the agenda.

The board later voted to enter executive session to discuss matters permitted under state law, including real property discussions and other confidential business.