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100 Years Ago (1926)
Columns & Opinion
February 27, 2026
100 Years Ago (1926)

• Representatives from several Oklahoma tribes publicly endorsed Henryetta judge Jim Hepburn for governor. Their resolution praised his stance on protecting Indian property rights and his call for a full investigation into the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. The group urged Native voters statewide to support Hepburn in the upcoming primaries and general election, saying his platform aligned with their interests and offered strong safeguards for Indian citizens.

• A Henryetta resident- whose name was withheld- earned local fame after consuming an enormous meal in just thirty minutes at a city cafe. Witnesses confirmed he finished a hot roast-pork sandwich with potatoes, potato salad, three cups of coffee, an extra-large T-bone steak, six fried eggs, a large order of french fries, half a bottle of ketchup, half a loaf of bread, a glass of milk, two French doughnuts and nine glasses of water. Locals jokingly nominated him as the state’s biggest eater, while the feast’s entire cost was $2.70.

— 50 Years Ago (1976)

• The Bicentennial Wagon Train encampment at the Midway Raceway Building drew far more visitors than expected, with attendance swelling to nearly 100,000 by Sunday evening. The weekend celebration featured scroll presentations, musical entertainment, square dancing, an old-time fiddler’s contest and a pioneer-garb competition. A wedding held at the encampment on Sunday became a highlight, with the newlyweds joining the train for its trip to Valley Forge. State Wagon Train Chair Rosalind Taylor thanked Henryetta businesses and volunteers for helping make the event the train’s largest and most enthusiastic reception to date.

• Henryetta hosted an energetic night of kiwanis boxing, with young fighters from several towns stepping into the ring. Local boxers Jimmy Birdwell, Scott Dearing and Darrin Hammer each earned wins in their divisions, while other bouts featured competitors from Pryor, Hartshorne, Eufaula, Tulsa, Whittaker and Haskell. The evening included the night’s only TKO, delivered by Henryetta’s Don Corbin in the 147-pound class. A heavyweight exhibition closed the event, with Spike Bennett of Henryetta taking the win.

— 25 Years Ago (2001)

• A Henryetta‑area man was arrested after taking a van from a New Year’s Eve party and wrecking it a short distance away. Walter Taylor Jr. later contacted investigators and admitted to taking the vehicle, saying he intended to pay for the damage. Deputies noted he was not connected to the recent string of car thefts in the area.

• The Dewar Dragons kept their state hopes alive by capturing the Regional Consolation title at Connors State College. After falling to top-ranked Coyle, the Dragons bounced back with determined wins over Cameron and Porum to earn a place in the Area Tournament at Choctaw High School. Dewar’s balanced scoring, tough defense and strong rebounding carried them through the three-day stretch, with standout performances from Kelby and Ty Bohannon, Shawn Thornbrue, Bubba Connors and Kent Green. The Dragons improved to 1412 on the season and prepared to face Ripley next.

— 10 Years Ago (2016)

• The Henryetta Golf Club held its annual meeting in January, thanking outgoing board members and welcoming new directors Gary Carnes, Dale Horn and Zac Walker. Carnes was elected president, with Brandon Andrews as vice president and Gayle Machetta continuing as secretary/treasurer. The club also announced the start of junior high and high school golf programs, with Henryetta, Dewar and Stonebridge Academy students practicing at the course as they prepared for spring tournaments.

• An early-morning collision at 13th and Division briefly disrupted school traffic on Tuesday. A black Ford F-250 and a tan SUV collided around 7:40 a.m., slowing cars to a crawl as parents made their morning drop-offs. Henryetta police responded to the scene, but no medical personnel were needed and no injuries were reported. Aside from the temporary congestion, the incident was minor.

Henryetta choir members earn Superior ratings
A: Main, Main...
Henryetta choir members earn Superior ratings
March 13, 2026
Hard work, dedication and a passion for music paid off in a big way for members of the Henryetta High School choir program, as several students recently earned top honors at the district Solo and Ense...
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Healthy Living & Stronger Bodies
A: Main, Lifestyle
Healthy Living & Stronger Bodies
March 13, 2026
Seniors in the Okmulgee area are discovering that staying active and eating well can also be fun, thanks to two engaging programs offered through OSU Extension and led locally by Extension Educator Ji...
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Volunteers lead Beggs cleanup efforts
A: Main
Volunteers lead Beggs cleanup efforts
March 13, 2026
In the wake of last week’s devastating tornado, the Beggs community continues to demonstrate the resilience and compassion that small towns are known for. Volunteers, utility crews, churches and emerg...
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Obituaries
Maxine Lee Hinshaw
March 13, 2026
April 13, 1938 - February 24, 2026Maxine Lee Hinshaw, 87, of Edmond, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, after a short illness. She was one of six children born to the late Thomas and Sylvie ...
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Obituaries
Amy Nichole Maxey
March 13, 2026
October 18, 1999 - March 5, 2026Amy Nichole Maxey, 26, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Okmulgee. She was born on October 18, 1999, in Paris, Texas to Jarvis Maxey and Nancy (Osborne) Maxey.Amy will b...
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Obituaries
Thomas Patterson
March 13, 2026
September 10, 1949 - March 8, 2026Services are pending with McClendon-Winters Funeral Home for Thomas Patterson, who passed away March 8, 2026.
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Editor Picks
County sales tax income increases
News
County sales tax income increases
March 13, 2026
The Oklahoma Tax Commission recently released city sales tax collection figures that primarily represents local tax receipts from February business. The monies they reported this period represent sale...
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100 Years Ago (1926)
News
100 Years Ago (1926)
March 13, 2026
• Members of the local Izaak Walton League mobilized to finish their fish hatchery, with every available volunteer helping to prepare the site for operation. Several fish had already been caught and w...
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Providing Hope
Columns & Opinion, News
Providing Hope
March 13, 2026
On this month’s Guardian of Service Podcast, I interviewed Kosha Lindley and Lisa Watson from the non-profit organizations Hopefor22aday and the Battlin Betties. Kosha is the founder and CEO of Hopefo...
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Mojo Mulisha wrestlers earn podium finishes at WOW National Youth Duals
News, Sports
Mojo Mulisha wrestlers earn podium finishes at WOW National Youth Duals
March 13, 2026
Young wrestlers from Mojo Grappling Academy joined forces with athletes from across the United States last week to compete at the prestigious World of Wrestling (WOW) National Youth Duals, forming a t...
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News
Beggs JH competes at Henryetta Festival
March 13, 2026
The Beggs Junior High Lady Demons came out with early momentum Friday, striking first in the opening inning before Oktaha responded with a big offensive frame on the way to a 17-2 win in junior high s...
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