Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
A: Main
February 13, 2026
Voters approve school bonds
By PATRICK FORD Editor,

Voters across Okmulgee County went to the polls Tuesday, Feb. 10, deciding a municipal race in the City of Okmulgee and approving two school bond issues that will fund major improvements for local students and campuses.

Polling locations were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with residents casting ballots for the Okmulgee Ward 2 City Council seat and separate bond propositions for Henryetta Public Schools and Twin Hills Public Schools. All precincts reported by late Tuesday evening.

— Henryetta Schools bond approved Voters in Henryetta Public Schools (Independent School District No. 2) overwhelm- ingly approved a $19,240,000 school bond, with strong support from the community.

Election results showed:

• For the Proposition – Yes: 432 votes (82.76%)

• Against the Proposition – No: 90 votes (17.24%)

• Total votes cast: 522 The bond will fund a variety of improvements, including: • Construction of school buildings

• Equipping school facilities

• Repairing and remodeling existing buildings

• Purchasing furniture, fixtures and equipment

• Acquiring and improving school sites The measure will be repaid through property taxes within the district and is structured with a repayment period not to exceed 13 years and an interest rate capped at 10 percent annually.

Henryetta Superintendent Jason Price expressed appreciation to voters following the results.

“I am privileged to announce our No Tax Increase Bond was a tremendous success,” Price said. “We now begin the preparation to make outstanding improvements for the academic and extracurricular environments across the district. Thank you for your continued support of Henryetta Public Schools! You are appreciated. It’s a great day to be a Knight!”

District officials say the approved funding will allow Henryetta schools to modernize facilities and better support both classroom learning and extracurricular programs. Improvements are expected to enhance safety, functionality and opportunities for students, while helping the district remain competitive in academics and athletics.

School leaders note that investments in facilities often play a role in attracting and retaining teachers, supporting student achievement and strengthening community pride.

— Baldridge wins Ward 2 Council seat

In the City of Okmulgee’s Ward 2 race, Steven Randall Baldridge defeated Eddie Nelson Jr. by a wide margin.

Final totals showed:

• Steven Randall Baldridge: 154 votes (73.68%)

• Eddie Nelson Jr.: 55 votes (26.32%)

• Total votes cast: 209 Any registered voter living within the City of Okmulgee was eligible to vote in the municipal election.

Baldridge’s victory means he will take a seat on the Okmulgee City Council, where issues such as infrastructure, public safety, economic development and city services continue to be key topics of discussion for residents.

— Twin Hills bond also passes

Voters in Twin Hills Public School District (Elementary District No. 11) also approved a bond issue, totaling $940,000, aimed at improving school facilities.

Results showed:

• For the Proposition – Yes: 55 votes (78.57%)

• Against the Proposition – No: 15 votes (21.43%)

• Total votes cast: 70 Bond funds will be used for:

• Construction of school buildings

• Equipping school facilities

• Repairing and remodeling existing buildings

• Purchasing furniture and equipment

• Acquiring and improving school sites Following the election, district representatives shared their appreciation to voters, stating simply: “Measure passed – Thank you for supporting Twin Hills Public School!”

While smaller in size than the Henryetta project, the Twin Hills bond represents a significant investment for the rural district. Improvements funded through the measure are expected to address maintenance needs, enhance learning spaces, and ensure facilities remain safe and functional for students and staff.

— Strong community support for schools

Tuesday’s results reflect a continuing trend across Okmulgee County of strong voter support for local schools. Community members often view school bonds as long-term investments not only in facilities but also in economic stability, property values, and the future workforce.

Education leaders frequently emphasize that modern facilities and updated equipment contribute to better learning outcomes and expanded opportunities for students – from academic programs to athletics and career training.

With both bond measures now approved, planning and preparation for projects in Henryetta and Twin Hills are expected to begin in the coming months.

— Official Election Results

Okmulgee City Council – Ward 2 • Steven Randall Baldridge – 154

• Eddie Nelson – 55

• 560002 32 – 15 Total 47

• 560007 30 – 8 Total 38

• 560008 9 – 6 Total 15

• 560009 3 – 7 Total 10

• 560010 19 – 7 Total 26

• 560011 52 – 9 Total 61

• 560032 4 – 1 Total 5

• 560033 0 – 0 Total 0

• 560036 5 – 2 Total 7 — Twin Hills School Bond Proposition • For (Yes) – 55

• Against (No) – 15

• 560027 38 – 10 Total 48

• 560029 6 – 0 Total 6

• 560033 5 – 2 Total 7

• 560034 6 – 3 Total 9

• 560036 0 – 0 Total 0 — Henryetta School Bond Proposition • For (Yes) – 432

• Against (No) – 90

• 560013 1 – 3 Total 4

• 560014 35 – 9 Total 44

• 560015 69 – 9 Total 78

• 560016 96 – 25 Total 121

• 560018 69 – 12 Total 81

• 560019 162 – 32 Total 194

A: Main, Main...
Early voting begins tomorrow
April 1, 2026
Voters across Okmulgee County will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard, as early voting begins Thursday ahead of the April 7 election. At the same time, those interested in serving th...
this is a test
City proclaims May as Buddy Poppy Month
A: Main, Main...
City proclaims May as Buddy Poppy Month
April 1, 2026
In a show of continued support for the nation’s veterans, Henryetta Mayor Michael Dickey officially signed a proclamation on Friday, March 27, declaring the month of May as Buddy Poppy Month in the ci...
this is a test
A: Main, Main...
Legislative Forums set for Friday
April 1, 2026
Okmulgee County residents are invited to attend the upcoming Legislative Forums this Friday. Representatives Scott Fetgatter and Chris Banning, along with Senator Bryan Logan, will share with constitu...
this is a test
A: Main, Main...
County Commissioners address agreements, policies at meeting
April 1, 2026
The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners tackled a wide range of business Monday morning, with key discussion centering on updating purchasing card (P-Card) policies, approving a revised 911 ...
this is a test
Annual Lions Easter Egg Hunt nears
A: Main, Main...
Annual Lions Easter Egg Hunt nears
April 1, 2026
One of the community’s most anticipated spring traditions is set to return this weekend as the Henryetta Lions Club prepares to host its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, at Nichols Park.Th...
this is a test
Henryetta names new Interim Chief of Police
A: Main, Main...
Henryetta names new Interim Chief of Police
April 1, 2026
The City of Henryetta is entering a new chapter in its law enforcement leadership, as City Manager David Bullard announced the appointment of Joey Cantrell as Interim Chief of Police, effective April ...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Main, News
Bluepeak expands across the state
April 1, 2026
Bluepeak, a leading provider of high-speed fiber internet serving communities across Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Wyoming, today announced its continued expansion across ...
this is a test
Main, News
Wrong-way crash on U.S. 75 leaves two injured
April 1, 2026
A late-night wrong-way collision on U.S. Highway 75 left two drivers injured early Saturday morning, according to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.The crash occurred at approximately 3:42 a.m...
this is a test
AI brings new risks for our children
Main, News
AI brings new risks for our children
April 1, 2026
There is no question that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping improve many areas of our lives. Researchers use it to analyze medical data, businesses rely on it to streamline logistics and operati...
this is a test
100 Years Ago (1926)
News
100 Years Ago (1926)
April 1, 2026
• A powerful steam-boiler explosion occurred on the Josey Oil Company lease late in the morning, sending metal fragments flying for nearly half a mile and shaking windows in Henryetta. Robert Madden, ...
this is a test
Meetings & Coordination
News
Meetings & Coordination
April 1, 2026
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy