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 emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to clear debris, assist families and begin the long road to recovery.
From downed trees and twisted fencing to damaged homes and school facilities, the tornado left its mark across parts of the community. But in the days since the storm passed, hundreds of volunteers have stepped forward to help rebuild, proving that this county’s greatest strength lies in its people.
Cleanup operations have been coordinated through Crossroads Baptist Church, located on Alternate U.S. 75, which has become the central hub for volunteer efforts. Crews have been checking in daily before heading out to damaged areas to assist property owners with debris removal and repairs.
Early efforts have already produced remarkable results.
During the first few days of organized cleanup:
• Two pastures were completely cleared of storm debris.
• More than 30 large trees were cut down and removed.
• Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with debris.
• Dozens of additional trees were cut and piled for removal.
Several employees from East Central Electric volunteered their time to assist with cleanup along Grimes Road, where the tornado’s destruction scattered personal belongings and remnants of homes across nearby fields.
“It’s heartbreaking to see all the signs of life strewn in a field,” one volunteer said. “But it’s empowering to be part of the community that comes together to rebuild.”
By the third day of coordinated efforts, organizers reported that many of the initially assigned cleanup areas had already been cleared – an accomplishment they described as “mind-blowing.”
“I can’t believe that after only three days we’re able to say we’re almost done with the first stage,” a volunteer coordinator said. “This is absolutely what community is about.”
— Volunteer Coordination
The cleanup effort is being organized in partnership with Okmulgee County Emergency Management, led by Director Jeffrey Moore, who has been directing heavy equipment crews in the hardest-hit areas.
Two local volunteers, Ali Herman and Sarah Rhodes, have been helping coordinate the boots-onthe- ground efforts and matching volunteers with the tasks that are needed most.
Residents wishing to volunteer are asked to check in at Crossroads Baptist Church between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday before heading out to help.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Herman directly by text at 918-584-9615 to be assigned to a cleanup team.
While the initial debris removal has made significant progress, organizers say the next stage of recovery will focus on repairing fencing and restoring damaged property, particularly in rural areas where livestock pastures were destroyed.
Volunteers are currently seeking donations of fencing materials and tools, including:
• T-posts
• Five-strand barbed wire
• Fence posts
• Fencing staples
• Fencing pliers
• Post drivers
• Wire stretchers
• General fencing tools and supplies Organizers say these materials will help families repair damaged barbed-wire fences and restore their properties.
In addition, a few clothing items are still being requested, including men’s jeans in size 38×34.
Volunteers with tractors or skid steers are also being asked to assist with moving larger debris and downed trees that remain in some areas.
— Churches, community organizations step up
Local churches have also stepped forward to support those affected.
Beggs First United Methodist Church is helping coordinate financial donations for recovery efforts through Lisa Simms, who can be reached at 918-633-9312.
The church is also providing assistance to families needing food or clothing through its Food Pantry and Community Closet, coordinated by Angie Large. Residents needing assistance can call 918-694-6684 to arrange access to those resources.
Organizers say donations are currently being stored off-site due to the overwhelming support already received from the community.
“At one point, I stood in the lobby crying,” one volunteer said. “So many donations have come in. This is community. This is Beggs.”
— School district facing significant damage
While the community works to rebuild homes and property, Beggs Public Schools is also facing significant damage from the storm.
District officials report that the softball and baseball fields were completely destroyed and will need to be replaced.
Transportation infrastructure was also heavily impacted, with all but one of the district’s route buses now inoperable after the storm.
The bus barn and maintenance shop were decimated, and the middle school dome building suffered extensive structural damage, including bent red iron supports that have made parts of the building unsafe.
Officials say the north end of the middle school building was severely damaged, forcing the district to close the facility for the remainder of the school year.
Additional damage includes:
• A gas line that was torn from the ground and must be replaced
• Damage to electrical systems
• Disruption of fiber lines supporting the school’s network District administrators say a plan is currently being developed to relocate middle school students to other facilities on campus for the rest of the school year.
School officials emphasize that student safety remains their top priority and have asked the public to stay off school property while repairs and cleanup continue.
“The students will not be back in the middle school building this year, but they will remain on campus in class,” district officials said in a statement. “The students’ safety and education are our number one priority.”
A meeting for middle school parents is expected soon to explain the district’s temporary learning plan.
— A Community United
Even newcomers to the area have noticed the spirit of cooperation that has emerged in the aftermath of the storm.
One Beggs resident who moved to town from California just over a year ago said the response has been inspiring.
“I think it is pretty awesome the way this little town has come together to help clean up all the aftermath from last week’s tornado,” the resident said. “Even though this town is small, I have met a lot of kind-hearted people here. It’s awesome how everyone comes together to help each other.”
As the initial cleanup phase winds down, recovery efforts will soon shift toward rebuilding fences, repairing infrastructure and helping families restore their homes.
Organizers say volunteers will still be needed in the coming days and weeks as new needs arise.
For now, those leading the effort say one thing is clear: Beggs is stronger together.
“This recovery is only possible because of each of you,” one volunteer organizer said. “Your kindness does not go unnoticed. This is Beggs.”
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring updates from Okmulgee County Emergency Management for volunteer opportunities and Beggs Public Schools and recovery updates.
