• The Henryetta Chapter of the Izaak Walton League finalized arrangements for its upcoming St. Patrick’s dance and asked members to return or account for their distributed tickets so a full check-up could be made. Organizers worked to make the event a major social occasion, planning ample music and entertainment for attendees.
The Merry Makers orchestra and the Rice Brothers quartet were scheduled to perform, with additional acts being added to the program.
• Plans were made for a special service for elderly and homebound residents, with transportation arranged so they could attend. Dr. D. L. Coale, the evangelist leading the revival, was unable to preach due to a bout of influenza, and Pastor Brooks delivered an inspiring sermon that resulted in several conversions. Dr. Coale’s condition improved, and he was expected to resume his work. Attendance remained strong despite poor weather, and the Win One Club continued supporting the meetings through music and personal outreach.
— 50 Years Ago (1976)
• Decker Foundry increased its manufacturing capacity with the installation of a new Coburn vertical lathe, equipment that allowed the plant to boost output from about a dozen tons per day to more than 20. The machine was primarily used to mill manhole frames and covers, and employees inspected the new addition as it went into service. Shortly afterward, company leadership guided local Rotarians through the facility, offering an inside look at the foundry’s operations, furnace area and production processes.
• Local National Guardsmen received instruction on how to coordinate with police and fire officials in the event of a riot or civil disturbance. Fire Chief Jim Brown, Police Chief Richard Larney and Vernon Britt outlined how their agencies would work alongside the Guard to maintain order and protect the community. Guardsmen also took part in hands-on training designed to prepare them for crowd-control situations, with F.C. Rippey serving as instructor.
— 25 Years Ago (2001)
• The Dallas Cowboys released longtime quarterback Troy Aikman for financial reasons, ending his twelve-season run with the team and closing a chapter that included three Super Bowl Championships. The decision left Dallas without a clear successor and deeply disappointed fans in Henryetta, where Aikman grew up and remained a local hero. Residents, former teammates and current players expressed shock and admiration, recalling his generosity to the school and community. While many lamented the loss, others noted that injuries had taken a toll and believed he might find renewed success elsewhere.
• Henryetta prepared for its annual Relay for Life event, a community gathering designed to raise funds for cancer research and support services. Organizers emphasized the symbolic nature of the overnight walk, with the progression from dusk to dawn mirroring the emotional and physical journey of cancer patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Participants were encouraged to stay the course through the night as a gesture of solidarity, and the event was promoted as an experience that would inspire hope and unity across the community.
— 10 Years Ago (2016)
• Henryetta’s boys and girls tennis squads delivered strong performances at the Perry Invitational, with the Knights capturing the boys team championship and the Lady Knights earning the runner‑up plaque. The boys collected medals across singles and doubles play, highlighted by Colten Wion’s title in No. 2 Singles and Eli Palmer’s runner‑up finish in No. 1 Singles. The girls secured one individual championship, led by Rachel Montgomery’s dominant run to the No. 2 Singles title. Both teams showed depth across all brackets, marking a standout outing for the program.
• Members of the Henryetta Ithana Club gathered for a program on scam awareness presented by Channel 6 reporter Lori Fullbright. She discussed common tactics used by scammers, the risks of phone solicitations and the ease with which caller ID can be manipulated. Fullbright urged residents to be cautious with unsolicited offers, avoid purchases from door‑to‑door sellers and rely on trusted local recommendations. Her stories and advice resonated with attendees, who appreciated the practical guidance and her willingness to assist anyone seeking help.