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100 Years Ago (1926)
News
March 11, 2026
100 Years Ago (1926)

• 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.

Legislative Forum keeps citizens informed on state issues
A: Main
Legislative Forum keeps citizens informed on state issues
March 11, 2026
Community members gathered recently for the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Legislative Forum, held the first Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room at Shoney’s. The forum, whi...
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Rep. Fetgatter to not seek reelection
A: Main, Main...
Rep. Fetgatter to not seek reelection
March 11, 2026
House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today announced he will not seek reelection for his final legislative term.First elected to the House in 2016, Fetgatter will...
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EF-3 tornado leaves heartbreak in Beggs
A: Main
EF-3 tornado leaves heartbreak in Beggs
March 11, 2026
In a matter of minutes on the evening of March 6, a powerful tornado tore through the heart of Okmulgee County, leaving behind devastation, heartbreak and loss. Yet in the midst of tragedy, the commun...
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News
Voter registration deadline is Friday for April elections
March 11, 2026
Friday, March 13, is the last day for eligible residents to apply for voter registration to vote in the April 7 elections.The April election is a multi-entity election, including the following:• Henry...
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News
Commissioners approve routine business
March 11, 2026
The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners met Monday morning, March 9, for their regular weekly meeting at the Okmulgee County Courthouse, approving a series of routine administrative items wh...
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News
County Disaster Emergency Proclamation
March 11, 2026
WHEREAS, on March 06, 2026, and continuing, several severe storms containing high winds, hail, torrential rain, and flooding, and tornadoes, having occurred in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, causing known...
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Why did Jesus say, ‘It is finished?’
News
Why did Jesus say, ‘It is finished?’
March 11, 2026
“If I finish my vegetables, I get dessert,” says Caleb, 8. “But Jesus didn’t get dessert. He got a spear in his side.”Caleb’s comparison might sound humorous, but it reminds us that when Jesus said, “...
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What’s It Worth to Me?
March 11, 2026
Romans 6:20-22 - For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome ...
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Tornado damage leaves Beggs Athletics facing unexpected challenges
News
Tornado damage leaves Beggs Athletics facing unexpected challenges
March 11, 2026
A powerful storm that tore through the community recently has left a difficult challenge for the athletic programs at Beggs Public Schools, after a tornado caused significant damage to the school and ...
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News
HOROSCOPES
March 11, 2026
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Sometime this week you may discover a hidden talent you didn’t know you have, Aries.Embrace this new aspect of your identity and put it to good use.TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 This is...
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OICA continues advocacy on children’s bills
Columns & Opinion
OICA continues advocacy on children’s bills
March 11, 2026
As we discussed last week, the Oklahoma Legislature continues to move several potential laws forward for the 2026 session over the past month. Lawmakers have held committee meetings to initially consi...
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