“Reservation Dogs” returns to area

MELISSA HEMINOVER STAFF WRITER Many in the Okmulgee community recall when cam- era crews arrived last year. Some store fronts changed their look for a short time, expansive tents went up in empty lots and new faces were seen that seemed a bit out of place. The stars showed up - it was Okmulgee’s time to shine. In its infancy ,“Reservation Dogs” was but a glimmer in the eye of creator Sterlin Harjo who knows this area of Oklahoma all too well having grown up in Hold- enville. Now, his dream is blossoming with the show being listed as one of the top “must see” shows of 2021. “Reservation Dogs” has been picked up as an eight-ep- SEE RESERVATION DOGS, PAGE A5 COURTESY PHOTO | JESSIE BRYDGES Easter Eggs Galore Members of the Okmulgee Rotary, Okmulgee Service League and several Bulldog basketball players were in the blue room at the McCulloch building Wednesday evening getting things ready for the Rotary Hippity Hop Egg drop. The Easter Egg delivery will take place Saturday, April 3 and deadline to Early voting begins sign your child up for the event is Monday, March 29. The egg delivery is for those in Okmulgee city limits and is a fun way for the joy of Easter to come to children’s homes. Pictured from left are Jennifer Foster and Jill Rhodes, Okmulgee Rotarians, and Candice Moore, Okmulgee Service League, Easter Egg committee chair. Assisting from Okmulgee High School were Ollie Hammon, Desmond Rice and Brandon Simon. April 1 for municipal, school posts Vaccination plan to Grayson, Schulter to hold nonpartisan general elections PATRICK FORD a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Ok- include all citizens NEWS EDITOR mulgee County Court- Early voting begins house. On election day, next week for the April April 6, precincts will be County COVID-19 death toll at 53 6 School Board and Mu- open for voters to cast nicipal Election for sever- their ballots. PATRICK FORD one will be eligible to approved for individuals vider. After registration, al county cities. Here is what is on the NEWS EDITOR receive the COVID-19 16 and older. available phase 4 ap- Voting will be Thursday ballots: Area residents in Phase vaccine Monday, March You must register on- pointments can be seen and Friday, April 1-2, 8 SEE VOTING, PAGE A5 4 of Oklahoma’s vaccina- 29. line to schedule an ap- on the portal. Appoint- tion plan can begin reg- The OSDH states the pointment at vaccinate. ments for phases 1-3 will istering to obtain a vac- Moderna and Johnson oklahoma.gov, or locate also remain available. cine next week. & Johnson vaccines are vaccine opportunities at The vaccine is available The Oklahoma State approved for use with vaccinefinder.org. Youat no cost. Department of Health individuals 18 and older, may also contact your This weekend, the announced that every- and the Pfizer vaccine is personal healthcare pro- SEE VACCINATION, PAGE A2 MCN to hold ribbon cutting ceremony for new PPE Warehouse

The Muscogee Nation will cel- mulgee at 10 a.m. any similar circumstances. ebrate the completion of its PPE The project is the second larg- “We’re very proud of all the ef- Warehouse and Storage Facility est construction facility the tribe forts that have been made to re- for the General Services Admin- has completed in the last month spond to the pandemic, but it’s istration with a ribbon-cutting as part of an effort to respond to equally crucial that this Nation ceremony today, March 26. The the COVID-19 pandemic and to not waste the opportunity to pre- dedication will take place in Ok- build capacity moving forward for SEE MCN, PAGE A2 Chamber Legislative Forum is April 2

The fourth installment of the Okmulgee Chamber from January through May. COURTESY PHOTO | BOB JANDEBEUR of Commerce’s monthly Legislative Forum will be “Anyone with questions for the legislators, but are next Friday, April 2, at 8 a.m., according to Chamber unable to attend, are invited to post those questions Jandebeur’s Offers Executive Director Kay Rabbitt-Brower. The forum to the Facebook page,” she said. “We will pose as will be held on the 6th floor of the McCulloch Build- many of those questions as we can.” eBike Rentals ing at 114 N. Grand Avenue until further notice. The location for the forum allows for social dis- Area legislators Sen. Roger Thompson and Reps. tancing, and attendees are encouraged to wear masks Jandebeurs Motor Sports Park is now offering a fun new way to enjoy the Scott Fetgatter and Logan Phillips are expected to be or take what precautions they feel comfortable with. great outdoors. On Sunday, park owner, Bob Jandebeur announced that the park now has eBike rentals available. The park had its first adventurers in attendance to give updates on the first week of the Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact over the weekend. The couple cruised into Downtown Okmulgee for brunch new session. the Chamber at 918-756-6172. at Tavern 56 and back to the motor sports park. Jandebeur has plans of The forums are held the first Friday of each month expanding the rental fleet as demand grows.

A2 • Okmulgee Times COMMUNITY Friday, March 26, 2021 Ms. Jackson’s Theatre! celebrates milestone Virtual classes available this summer

MELISSA HEMINOVER STAFF WRITER Teachers have been faced with countless chal- lenges over the past year as many adjusted to the pandemic and learning new ways to reach their students. For Kirsten Jackson creator Ms. Jack- son’s Theatre!, chang- es came in abundance during 2020. This year marks sev- en years of Ms. Jackson’s Theatre! and the first year the program was unable to present the produc- tions so many had be- come accustom to from COURTESY PHOTOS Ms. Jackson’s students. The first show of 2014 for Ms. Jackson’s Theatre! is: Front row (left to right) Kirsten Jackson, Jackson, Taya Longan, Anya Jackson, Tyler Okerson. Not pictured was Gage Thomason who “The past seven years Maddison Parsons, Zach Collins, Noah Matthews, Lydia Jackson, Chaz Lujan, Mark Hess, Brook- was also in the camp but was not available for the performance. have been a journey,” lyn Pritchard, and Kinlee Williams. Back row (left to right) Scott Okerson, Kylie Hushbeck, Quinn Jackson said. “I loved pretty much every min- a stay-at-home moth- fairy tales.” students through simple ute of it.” er. That transition led to Jackson said after suf- shows like I had done for Jackson says in order homeschooling her chil- fering the loss of her ‘Queen of Theatre!’,” Jack- to fully encompass what dren, she eventually be- husband in 2011 she be- son said, “but I underesti- Ms. Jackson’s Theatre! has came a mother of three. gan teaching part-time mated them.” meant to her “you have to While homeschooling at Stonebridge Academy Jackson found out that go back 25 years to the her children, Jackson also and traveling in the sum- children can do amaz- beginning of it”. taught drama and speech mers for “Queen of The- ing and creative things Upon graduating col- classes to other homes- a t r e ! ”. if just given the space. lege, Jackson began chooled children in the “It was just so hard. Parents were also excited teaching at a middle Okmulgee area. Driving became tire- to see what Jackson had school in Sherman, TX Through additionalsome, and I hated to leave accomplished with their where she taught theatre teaching experiences, my children in the sum- children and asked if she to 150 seventh graders, Jackson found she could m e r s .” could offer more classes as well as a class of jour- teach in small group set- It was her 13-year-old during the school year as nalism to eighth graders. tings and excel at it. son that suggested stu- well. It was here that Jackson “I put together a show dents could come to her. “It became a way to live found her calling. and became ‘Kirsten, Thus “Ms. Jackson’s The- my calling, a place for “Over the years, I have Queen of Theatre!’,” Jack- atre!” began. my children to perform always found creative son said. “For ten years, I Seven years ago, Jack- and meet friends, and a Ms. Jackson taking some time for a photo opportunity with two of her acting students Clara Bowcut and Lily Bowcut. Ms Jackson’s Theatre! is ways to live within my spent my summers going son started offering sum- source of income,” Jack- celebrating it’s seventh year this year though changes have taken place due calling,” Jackson said. Af- to Oklahoma and Arkan- mer theater camps in Ok- son said. to the pandemic ter a few years teaching, sas libraries as a perform- mulgee, though she didn’t It wasn’t long before Jackson gave birth to her er. I brought children up expect it to work. word began getting out down mid-rehearsals,” are allowed the freedom first child and made the on the stage with me, “That first year I thought about what Jackson was Jackson said. “I had to to create and schedule decision to transition to and we performed simple I would need to walk the doing. News made it to figure out a new way to classes that are then mar- John McConel, owner of live my calling.” keted and connected to The Orpheum Theater, Like so many, Jackson learners. Enrollment for who offered Jackson the made adjustments and Outschool takes place via use of the theatre for her persevered. Determined the school’s website. Stu- classes. to continue being able to dents wanting to attend Jackson says so much do what she, as well as her Ms. Jackson’s Theatre can was accomplished over students, loved. search “Ms. Jackson” un- six years. However, Jackson discovered der teachers and find all March 2020 saw two of Outschool in March of her available classes. her students become 2020 and began creating “I have taken the knowl- among of the first Ok- classes to teach virtual- edge from ‘Ms. Jackson’s mulgee citizens to con- ly. Outschool is a plat- Theatre!’ and transferred tract COVID-19. form with approximate- it over to this online plat- “I had to shut things ly 15,000 teachers that form,” Jackson said. “I’m now directing shows with young actors all over the wor l d .” It took Jackson some time to figure out what kind of classes students wanted to take, build up her reviews, and find re- peat students. She now has over fifty classes and teaches approximately five small classes a day with about 30 different children each day. “My most popular classes are improv classes where kids just get to play theatre games, be goofy SEE THEATRE, PAGE A4

Friday, March 26, 2021 OBITUARIES Okmulgee Times • A3

Alma ‘Bernice’ Moore Lonnie Lee Watts Corine Elaine Doakes December 28, 1922 - March 5, 2021 June 25, 1947 - March 22, 2021 December 28, 1933 - March 22, 2021 Alma “Bernice” Moore Lonnie Lee Watts, Corine Elaine Doakes, a resident of Beggs, passed was born in Henryetta, a longtime Mor- from this life on March 22, 2021, at her home sur- to John Jefferson Casey ris resident, died rounded by her family. She was born in Rush Springs, and Tennie A. Bise Casey Monday, March 22, Oklahoma on December 28, 1933, to the late Aron on December 28, 1922. 2021, in Tulsa at the Carr and Lessie (Johnson) Carr. She passed away on Fri- age of 73. Lonnie A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, day, March 5, 2021, at her was born in Morris April 3, 2021, at First Baptist Church South in Beggs. home in Epworth Villa on June 25, 1947, Interment will follow at the Beggs Cemetery. Friends in Oklahoma City where to Otto and Vera may visit the funeral home Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 she had resided for the Paralee (Branscum) p.m. and a wake service will be held at 6 p.m. past 19 years. Watts. Lonnie grew Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClen- She was raised in Hen- up in Morris and don-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. ryetta and was a graduate graduated from Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be of Henryetta High School in 1940. She went on to at- Morris High School in 1965. Lonnie enlisted shared with the family on Corine’s Tribute Page of our tend Okmulgee Junior College for one semester where in the Navy where he served for 17 years, later website at www.mcclendon-winters.com. she met her husband to be, Gerald Eugene “Gene” serving in the Army Reserves. Lonnie married Moore. For the next two years, she attended Oklaho- Helen Colberg in June of 1998. Lonnie worked ma City University and Gene went to the University for Deep Fork Community Action until his re- one of those vaccines, it of Oklahoma...they KEPT IN TOUCH! Gene left OU tirement. His family describes Lonnie as having VACCINATION was necessary to book an Engineering School to join the U.S. Air Corps as a an easy smile and having a great sense of humor. CONTINUED FROM A1 appointment by Thurs- B24 Navigator in the European Theater. Before depar- Lonnie was a very patriotic person and enjoyed Muscogee (Creek) Na- day on the tribe’s vaccine ture, he and Bernice were married on July 21, 1944, in the sound of classic country music. Lonnie was tion Department of portal. Pueblo, Colo. After Gene was discharged and the war an avid reader and spent his time gardening, Health, in partnership The most recent statis- ended, they returned to Norman where Gene contin- cooking and loved watching movies. Lonnie was with Indian Health Ser- tics from the OSDH show ued his studies and Bernice took a job of secretary to a member a Masonic Lodge #199 AF & AM of vice, is offering first-dos- that 1,682,785 doses have the Dean of Men. While working with the Dean, the Okmulgee. es of the COVID-19 vac- been administered. Dean of Women met with Bernice and suggested they Lonnie is preceded in death by his parents cine to all citizens, age 18 In Okmulgee Coun- organize a Veterans wife’s group-they did, and Bernice Otto and Vera; brothers Cecil James Watts and years and older. The event ty, two additional served as its president until Gene’s graduation in July Rusty Watts. He is survived by his wife Helen; will be held March 26 – COVID-19 related deaths of 1946. son Thomas Watts and wife Renee of Broken 27 at Tulsa’s Expo Square, have been reported, Gene was employed with Phillips Petroleum Com- Arrow; daughter Teresa Isenhower and husband River Spirit Expo Center bringing the number of pany as an engineer and they moved to Borger, Texas Terry of Sapulpa; brother Willie Watts and wife at 4145 E. 21st Street in 53. where their first child, Patrick Eugene, was born in Diane of Ohio; grandchildren Patrick, Cathleen Tulsa. In order to receive 1947. Soon after, Bernice took a job as Secretary to the and Mason Watts, Jasmine Clem, Wesley Mor- Industrial Relations manager of the U.S. Rubber Co. row, and Kailani Isenhower. in Borger, Texas. It was in Phillips, Texas, on a little Funeral services will be held Friday, March company golf course that Bernice first swung a golf 26, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in club with her husband’s guidance and she became ad- Morris with Pastor Kendell Hamilton officiating. dicted. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations In 1949, Gene was transferred to the Phillips Re- be made to Trinity Baptist Church. finery in Kansas City, Mo. Bernice transferred with Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mc- U.S. Rubber in another secretarial position. She left Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. U.S. Rubber to become a stay-at-home mom and had Memories, condolences, photos and videos may their second child, Thomas Terrell (Terry). Gene later be shared with the family on Lonnie’s Tribute Here are the latest re- United States relocated to Okmulgee with Phillips and at this time Page at www.mcclendon-winters.com. sults from the Oklaho- Total Deaths: 545,281 she worked as a legal secretary at Rainey & Barksdale ma State Department Increase of 1,454 Law Firm. She was cub scout Den Mother to Pat while of Health as of March in Kansas City and later to Terry while in Okmulgee. Thomas Odell Putman, Sr. 25. Okmulgee County She was active in the Episcopal Church of Okmulgee August 24, 1935 - March 23, 2021 Total Cases: 3,666 and at one time was president of the Episcopal Church Oklahoma Total Recovered: 3,530 Women of the Church. She was member of Chapter Thomas Odell Putman Sr., a resident of Hen- 7-Day Average: 347 Total Deaths: 53 Z P.E.O. and served as president. Later when living ryetta, died Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Hen- Total CDC Cases: in Harlingen, Texas, she served as president of P.E.O. ryetta, at the age of 85. He was born August 24, 435,633 City / Deaths / there. They remained in Okmulgee where both of 1935, in Henryetta, to Herman Major Putman & Total OSDH Cases: Recovered their sons graduated from high school and they later Lottie (Frair) Putman. Viewing will be from 5-8 432,793 Beggs: 399/5/389 went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma. p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Integrity Fu- Active Cases: 10,906 Dewar: 80/0/75 Patrick is a retired attorney living in Pagosa Springs, neral Service. Total Recovered: Henryetta: 923/14/889 Colo., and Terry is a retired pharmacist residing in Funeral Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on 419,693 Morris: 336/5/329 Norman. Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Integrity Chapel in OK Confirmed Deaths: Okmulgee: Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; one Henryetta with Rev. Brad Campbell, officiating. 4,850 1,505/29/1,436 sister Dorothy; brothers Orben Casey and Gilbert Ca- Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery. Ser- Provisional CDC Schulter: 42/0/41 sey; and half-brother Alfard Goff. vices are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Deaths: 7,727 She is survived by her sons, Patrick (wife Linn) Service. and Terry (wife Linda). Additionally, she is survived by grandchildren, Christopher Patrick Moore (wife Florence Chancey Amy) of London, England; Lindsay Terrell Buell (hus- November 27, 1928 - March 22, 2021 MCN band Eric) and Casey Erin Moore all of Oklahoma CONTINUED FROM A1 City. She also is survived by nine great grandchildren. Florene May Chancey was born in Bryant, on The family wishes to thank the staff at Epworth Villa pare for the future,” Principal Chief David Hill said. November 27, 1928, to Homer and Vera (Ross) “One of the things many of us have learned on the in Oklahoma City for the loving care they provided Chancey. She died March 22, 2021, in Tulsa, at her during her time there. Additionally, they wish to tribal, state and federal level is that we don’t want to be the age of 92. caught off guard if and when these situations occur.” thank the staff at Moore Funeral Home-Southlawn Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Friday, March Chapel. A private family memorial is planned. She The 37,000 sq. ft. facility was another project fund- 26, 2021, at the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel ed from the tribe’s historic allocation of CARES Act will be interred at Memorial Park in Tulsa. with Rev. Robert Hunnicutt officiating. Inter- In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a do- monies and will be used to store PPE and sanitizing ment will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Weleetka, supplies, emergency equipment, departmental Items, nation to the Okmulgee Episcopal Church of the Re- under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home. deemer or a charity of your choice. some surplus, and processing the mail in a secured lo- cation. The project was a collaborative effort among Mus- cogee Nation Tribal Construction, Smith and Pickel Construction, and 1Architecture Design Group. “This is a project that we are very excited to see complete because of how badly we need it,” Muscogee OHS organization plans Nation GSA Manager Shane Holuby said. “This will facilitate better and more efficient shipping, receiving, mail processing and the ability to store PPE supplies in a centralized location.” Principal Chief David Hill, Second Chief Del Bea- Motor Show Fundraiser ver, Speaker Randall Hicks as well as members of the National Council and construction representatives will be in attendance and provide comments. Tours PATRICK FORD announce that we are Trucks Trophies and Best in for media and individuals will be available at the con- NEWS EDITOR bringing back our Motor • 1970s-80s Cars and Show Plaque made by a clusion of the event. The Okmulgee High Show this year,” Advisor Trucks BPA student will be giv- COVID protocols will be in place, with masks and School Business Pro- Debi Brown said. “We • 1990s-2000s Cars and en to the winners. distancing required. fessionals of America is are currently taking en- Trucks According to Brown, planning their annual tries for the show and • 2010-Present Cars all proceeds will help to Motor Show Fundraiser anyone who is interest- and Trucks fund yearly activities and for April 16. ed in being a sponsor or • Custom Motorcycles attending state confer- The event will be held vendor.” • Stock Motorcycles ences and competitions beginning at 5 p.m. at The cost to be a vendor “If you enter your ve- next year. James Hodge Chevrolet is $25. hicle now, it’s only $10,” If you are interested or in Okmulgee. There is no Categories for the car Brown said. have questions, please admission fee to view the show include: That entry fee is good contact Ms. Brown at show, but donations will • 1930s-40s Cars and until April 15. On the 918-758-2075 x 3144 or be accepted. Trucks day of the show, the en- debrown@okmulgeeps. “We are excited to • 1950s-60s Cars and try fee will be $15. com.

A4 • Okmulgee Times COMMUNITY Friday, March 26, 2021 Scouts’ blood Project Biashara part drive scheduled for April 3 of Spring Fling A community blood drive, hosted by the Boy Scouts MELISSA HEMINOVER of Okmulgee, will be held on Saturday, April 3, from in the world. items made by the women of Kib- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Okmulgee First Assembly of STAFF WRITER “Our ladies make jewelry from era go back to them through Proj- God, 4th and Seminole. Purchasing a unique item for paper and beads, bags, stuffed an- ect Biashara. To schedule an appointment, contact Oklahoma yourself brings a lot of joy. Espe- imals, and items for the home,” “This jewelry is beautiful,” Rob- Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit obi.org. cially when that particular item Shari Roberson, a representative erson said. “You will have to see it If you have recovered from COVID-19, you may be has a unique story behind it. for the company, said. “Volunteers to believe it.” eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this drive. That is what you will find with here in the states sell the items at The following is a complete list Email [email protected] to make a plasma appoint- Project Biashara, and the many shows and special events.” of vendors that will be set-up at ment. jewelry items that will be available Roberson says Project Biashara tomorrow’s event: for purchase at this year’s Annu- is a non-profit organization that • Humane Society - Animals al Chamber of Commerce Spring feeds children and provides them available for adoption Fling, beginning tomorrow morn- education. • Shelby McKee - Scentsy ing at 9 a.m. at the Brock Gymna- “We also provide medical and • Jim Martin - Wood Products sium. other needs in the slum of Kib- • Peggy Bennett - Abstract Pour Freestyle Wrestling Project Biashara was founded in era,” Roberson said. “We provide Paintings 2009 as a way for women living in job training for women to help • Joyce Nation - Dolls Clothing, Kibera, Kenya to earn an income them be sustainable and provide Shoes & Sleeping Bags planned at Morris and provide for their families. for their families.” • 4K Massage - massage chair Kibera is one of the largest slums All proceeds from the sale of SEE SPRING FLING, PAGE A9 Mark Smith to coach Coach Mark Smith is presenting the Eagles Boys and Girls Freestyle Wrestling camp. Benefit Spaghetti Dinner Smith is a 2-time Na- tional Freestyle Champi- on and 3-time All Amer- for Beggs families ican at Oklahoma State University. Practices will be held Beggs Public School’s Benefit Spaghetti Dinner is until 4 p.m. at the Beggs High School Cafeteria. Mondays and Friday scheduled for this Sunday to help raise money for Cost is $5 per plate with carryout available. from 6-7:30 p.m. in the several families impacted by house fires. Several On the menu will be spaghetti with meat sauce, sal- Morris Wrestling Room. Coach Mark Smith families lost everything when their homes burned ad, bread, drink, and a dessert. There is a club cost due to fire. Anyone wishing to attend can pay at the door, no along with a USA Wres- entries. Each fire was a separate event that occurred over tickets are needed. tling cost associated with Anyone interested in a three-month period. Beggs School is asking for Beggs Public School would like to thank everyone the program. Parents will participated can all 918- support for these students and their families as they for their continued support of these Beggs students need to request that card 758-7773 or email kobi- continue to try moving forward. and families. online for tournament [email protected]. The Benefit Spaghetti Dinner will be from 12 noon

Ms. Jackson’s Theatre! in the early years. Pictured after one of their front row: Genesee Cline, Tristyn Lamb, Lily Bowcut. Ms Jackson COURTESY PHOTOS performances at the Pocket Park in Okmulgee are, back row: Jacki says most of these students are high school or college age now. Seen here with one of her lion students Malachi Flud, Ms Jackson along with Ronnie Floyd Crenshaw, Lydia Colleen, Malachi Flud, Liam Hunalp, Mark Hess and always find joy in doing what they love. Jackson says she would be open to teaching private • Fall 2017: “Down the Rabbit Hole” Scenes for THEATRE virtual classes to groups of Okmulgee children and is Alice” a not-scary Orpheum tour CONTINUED FROM A2 available to offer virtual classes for groups such as day- • Winter 2017: “In My Imagination” and meet new friends. That’s what kids need this year.” cares or summer groups. • Winter 2017: “Grimm and Bear It: A Not So Sweet Her Virtual Stage classes are also gaining interest. There are no in-person classes planned at this time. Show of Classic Literature” Currently, Jackson has two “Alice in Wonderland” The following is a list of the many accomplishments • Spring 2018: “Young Actors’ Showcase” casts and two “Wizard of Oz” casts. of Kirsten Jackson over her seven years of teaching • Spring 2018: “Charlotte’s Web” “I am in heaven doing this,” Jackson said. “I get to theatre: • Winter/Spring 2018: “The Sound of Music” teach children all over the world and build relation- • Fall 2018: “Grimm and Bear It: Our Halloween Show!” ships with all these new students. I have the freedom Summer Camps • Fall 2018: “Down the Rabbit Hole: Wonderland to create curriculum and classes as I am inspired. And • Summer 2014: Fairy Tales Halloween Orpheum Tours” I get to do it all from the comfort of my home.” • Summer 2015: Fairy Tale Mix-Up • Spring 2019: “Sharing the Apron: A Wizard of Oz Summer camps will take place through Outschool • Summer 2016: Beverly Hillbillies Production” at The Orpheum with everything available from storytelling and pre- • Summer 2017: The Music and Dance Show • Spring 2019: “Sharing the Apron: A Wizard of Oz tend classes for 4-year-olds, to writing and acting • Summer 2017: Doggonit: Cutest Little Show Ever Production” at the Pocket Park classes for 8-13-year-olds, as well as Virtual Stage • Summer 2017: Read Me a Story • Spring 2019: “As Previously Seen on the Wizard of shows including Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, • Summer 2017: Pete the Cat Oz” Young Actors performance Peter Pan, Snow White, Charlotte’s Web, The Aristo- • Summer 2018: “What Do You Do With an Idea?” • Fall 2019: “The Aristocats” cats, and Jungle Book. Dance Show • Fall 2019: “101 Dalmatians” • Summer 2018: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” • Late Fall 2019 “101 Dalmatians” • Summer 2018: “On the Road Again” Music Show • Late Fall 2019: The Aristocats • Summer 2019: Young Creatives Parent Show Off • Fall 2019: Young Actor’s Disney Mix Up! • Summer 2019: Native American stories • Winter 2020: Jungle Book • Summer 2019: Music Diversity • Winter/Spring 2020: Sound of Music • Winter/Spring 2020: Young Actors “Alice in After-School Classes Wonderland” • Fall 2014: Original shows • Winter 2015: Dr. Whozit and the Yellow Submarine Homeschool / Epic Daytime Classes • Spring 2015: Gilligan’s Island (the first time!) • Fall 2018: Young Actor’s pre-show • Fall 2015: “Be Our Guest” Musical Scenes • Fall 2018 “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” • Fall 2015: Young Actor’s Fairy Tales • Spring 2019: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” • Winter 2016: The Muppets and “Peter Pan” • Spring 2016: Alice in Wonderland • Winter/Spring 2020: Alice in Wonderland • Fall 2016: Battle of the Remote with Dr. Who • Winter 2017: Jungle Book With Stonebridge Academy • Winter 2017: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory • Fall 2018: “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” • Spring 2017: Scenes from Annie • Spring 2019: “Read Me a Story” • Spring 2017: Gilligan’s Island • Fall 2017: SA1 “Read Me a Story” Film Production Creations • Fall 2017: SA2 Monologues and Duets • Summer 2016: Orpheum commerical • Fall 2017: Wilderness Paradise Zoo Performance: • Summer 2017: Cinematic Spectacular Frederick and Wild Things • Fall 2017: Murder Mystery at The Orpheum • Fall 2017: “Annie” scenes for 48 Hour Film Festival

Friday, March 26, 2021 NEWS Okmulgee Times • A5 OHS Alumni Association restarts membership drive

PATRICK FORD NEWS EDITOR The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on meet- ings and fundraising for the Okmulgee High School Alumni Association. With the situation improving, President Jan Colom- bin and board members are renewing efforts to raise funds for scholarships and also promote tours of the Alumni Room located at Okmulgee High School. OHS alumni can purchase a lifetime membership to the association for $100. Yearly memberships are $10. Money raised from memberships are used to pro- vide scholarships each year to two deserving OHS se- niors. The Alumni Association also presents the Her- man Brown Memorial Scholarship to a senior student. Membership cards can be obtained from association board members, at the Okmulgee Times office at 320 W. 6th, or by contacting Jan Colombin at 918-752- 7890. Applications for 2021 seniors will be available soon in the counselor’s office at Okmulgee High School. Deadline for submissions is May 3. Colombin also stated plans are in the works to begin an OHS Alumni Hall of Fame and to hold an Alumni Golf Tournament. Meetings will resume soon for the association and all are encouraged to attend. The Okmulgee High School Alumni Room is locat- ed on the 3rd floor, and showcases the history of the school. There is a treasure trove of photos, film, uni- forms, trophies, programs and yearbooks from almost 100 years of Bulldog pride. Colombin hopes to resume tours very soon and any PATRICK FORD | NEWS EDITOR graduating class planning a reunion and wish to visit Jan Colombin presents Linda Evans with her Okmulgee High School Alumni Association Lifetime Membership cards. Evans, along with her children, who are the room can contact him at the number listed above. graduates of OHS, purchased the memberships to support the Alumni Association.

RESERVATION DOGS Okmulgee area for filming, Harjo stated weeks.” changes in order to serve them once pro- Okmulgee has a sort of Midwest feel. Crew members are encouraged to sup- duction begins. CONTINUED FROM A1 “There is a lot of development, but it’s port local businesses as much as possible “We are excited to help promote our isode television series that will stream on not like a city, so it feels like a rural town while they are filming. community and collaborate with the Hulu as an FX fall television series. and it’s close to Tulsa.” Harjo said. Prox- Miss Mary’s Market is one of the many small businesses in town.” In a recent interview, Harjo said he imity to Tulsa is important because the local businesses that experienced an in- “We are anticipating them to set up base chose to film in Okmulgee because he crew can stay there and make a not-too- crease in business during filming and says camps in different areas in Okmulgee as “likes the way Okmulgee looks”. long commute to work. they are excited for the cast and crew to their filming locations change as they did Executive Director of Okmulgee Main “But I will say that it’s also the aesthetic return. during filming previously,” Sumner said. Street Heather Sumner says she is very of Okmulgee,” he said. “It has an interest- “Everyone that came in to Miss Mary’s Sumner added that she is so thankful excited that Okmulgee was chosen again ing aesthetic and history. It is the Creek Market during filming of the pilot was Okmulgee has been chosen for this series. for the filming of the additional episodes. capital. And all of that to me lends this in- very supportive,” Jill Rhodes, owner of As the movie and television industry “Shooting will begin here April 12,” teresting sort of cross-cultural place that Miss Mary’s Market said. “They wanted to continues to make their mark on Okla- Sumner said. “They are scheduled to wrap we have in Oklahoma. I think there is just know more about us and asked about our homa, Sumner says she feels the diversity up filming May 28.” something about it aesthetically that I am vision and goals for our market.” Rhodes that Okmulgee has to offer is something With the extensive filming anticipated drawn to.” says they have already been in contact that draws production companies to this for the area, location scouts have been in Sumner says she expects production with members of the production crew area. the area for several weeks looking for the crew and cast members of approximately and have begun making the necessary perfect location for specific scenes. one hundred people to patron local busi- “The scouts have contacted us for specif- nesses just as they did previously. ic sites for filming,” Sumner said. “I don’t “Several of our restaurants and retail lo- know if they will venture to the same ar- cations saw an increase in business while eas they filmed at previously, but filming filming was taking place,” Sumner said. “I will take place in this general area.” am really excited about them coming this When asked about why he chose the time because they will be here for several

COURTESY PHOTO Production is set to begin April 12 and continue through May 28 for the remaining episodes of the acclaimed series “Reservation Dogs” created by Oklahoma’s own Sterlin Harjo and world renown Taika Waititi.

VOTING • Jeremy Pippin will hold a nonpartisan general election at a Spe- CONTINUED FROM A1 Other area elections cial Meeting Tuesday, City of Beggs: that may affect some Ok- April 6. Voting will begin Mayor mulgee County residents at 7:30 p.m. at the Schul- • Willy D. Smith include the Liberty and ter Community Center. • Jacob Branson Midway Schools School Those seeking the posts • Lanissa Jack Melton bond proposition. The are nominated and elect- • Trevor Meyer district is seeking a bond ed at-large, and must be of $340,000 for construc- a resident and registered Beggs Public Schools: tion, equipping, repairing voter within the mu- Office No. 1 and remodeling school nicipality for at least six • Tom Karnowski sites. months prior to filing a • Leonard Moore declaration of candidacy. Town of Grayson Voters will decide on City of Henryetta The Town of Grayson the following posts: Councilmember Ward 4 will hold a nonpartisan • Office 3, 4-year term • Howard Nelson general election at a Spe- • Office 4, 4-year term Sheward Jr. cial Town Meeting Tues- • Office 1, 2-year unexpired • Jennifer Michelle day, April 6. The meeting • Office 2, 2-year unexpired Munholland will begin at 6 p.m. with • Office 5, 2-year unexpired voting at 6:30 p.m. City of Morris The election is to select Councilmember Ward 1 an officer for Seat 3. That • Jerome W. Dugas Jr. post is a four year expired • Jess Wayne Payne term. Candidates must be a qualified elector by Town of Dewar being a resident and reg- Board of Trustees, Office 2 istered voter within the • Landon Jefferson municipality for at least • Anthony D. Polk six months prior to filing an affidavit of candidacy. Board of Trustees, Office 5 The election will be held • Darlene Sandefur at the Grayson Commu- • Dana Louise Weeks nity Center/Town Hall, 24160 Martin Luther Graham-Dustin King. Public Schools Office No. 1 Town of Schulter • Jimmy Shaddix The Town of Schulter

A6 • Okmulgee Times COLUMNS & OPINION Friday, March 26, 2021 Welcome B Square Livestock, LLC

communities too! The plan is to have weekly cow sales economy as well. every Thursday evening, and then monthly goat and If you have a new business in town, reach out and let sheep consignment sales every first Tuesday. Horse me know! I work a lot with our local Chamber to help sales will be every fourth Tuesday. promote and provide services for these businesses and Taylor Carter, a friend I used to work with in Insur- we’d love to even feature you on our ‘Hump Day Hap- ance, told me a little about the two new gentleman penings’ weekly Facebook show. who own B Square - one is her father, Bo Bookout. Thanks for reading - hope to hear from you! This is Bo’s first time managing a sale barn, but he’s no stranger to hard work. He’s had his own asphalt Richard Larabee is an entrepreneur and the owner of company for quite some time and many people in the several small, local businesses in Okmulgee. He is the This week, I want to highlight a new business here in area, especially Haskell where he is from, know him. owner and operator of Oklahoma Land Research Com- Okmulgee. I’m excited to see some changes happen- His partner, Monty Baker is also from Haskell. Monty pany, which provides mineral rights ownership research ing with our Okmulgee Livestock Auction, and just works at a saddle shop and both of them together have reports for any county in Oklahoma and can help you yesterday B Square Livestock had their very first cow over 30 years in the livestock industry. lease, sell, or appraise your oil and gas mineral rights. sale! I know through our winter months, and due to Come out to sales, the café is always open, and you He co-owns and manages the historic McCulloch Build- COVID-19 also, there hasn’t been much activity out can meet Bo and Monty! Businesses like this attract ing downtown at 5th and Grand. His consulting com- at the auction (it’s usually been canceled) so it will be outsiders to our community and offer an incredible pany, ‘The Community Entrepreneur,’ provides business great to see this back up and running! service to anyone in the livestock industry in sur- to business services, community outreach and creative We can expect weekly cow sales now every Thursday rounding areas - as we grow Okmulgee, it’s important fundraising for non-profit organizations. Richard cur- at 6:30 p.m. If you’re not familiar with the auction site, to remember our rural roots. There are so many ancil- rently serves as Mayor of Okmulgee. If you’d like to this is at 19549 Hwy 75 here in Okmulgee. Last night, lary businesses to the livestock industry that it’s cru- speak to Richard, call his office today at 918-645-3161, they had several bottle calves at auction, and they’re cial we go after investors who understand the assets, cell 918-720-1760, or email him at richardplarabee@ working on getting equipment for goats and sheep like this auction, that we have here in town. Creek gmail.com. as well as horse sales. This is a much needed effort, Nation’s meat processing plant opening soon will be not only for Okmulgee, but our smaller surrounding a great addition that strengthens our local livestock The internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity

more than 45 percent of those living on Tribal land do not have access to high-speed internet. I fully under- stand the challenge this creates because I didn’t have A Grief internet at my own house until last year. As a result, many Oklahomans find themselves sig- nificantly behind the digital curve. These disparities must be addressed to ensure that our local businesses, schools, and communities all have reliable internet ac- Observed cess to stay competitive in the global economy. In order to bridge the digital divide, we must identi- One of the biggest lessons we have taken away from fy opportunities to work together to turbocharge pub- Our family’s move from Kenya to Tanzania came the pandemic is that the internet is no longer a luxury. lic and private investment, upgrade infrastructure, fifteen years after our first landing in Africa. Ann It is a necessity. boost competition, and streamline the broadband de- and I felt we had grown in a variety of ways. “Af- From telework to telemedicine, having reliable ployment process for rural areas. These are ideas that rica is a fruitful land,” I laughed with tribespeople, broadband connectivity is the difference between be- lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can get behind. “When my wife and I came, we were two. Now we ing connected and being in the dark. Now, as Con- Investing in rural broadband means investing in our are five!” gress debates a massive infrastructure package, it is communities. We cannot afford to be left behind any This land and her people had changed us, bring- more crucial than ever to ensure that rural America longer. ing to our souls more treasure than we had brought does not get left behind. them. I savored mental images of individuals - This issue hits home for all of us. Over half of the Want to stay up-to-date on what I’m doing in Oklahoma Kenyans without whose presence would have left residents who live in the Second District of Oklahoma and Washington on your behalf? Sign up for my newsletter me less a man - people such as my friend, Nashon. do not have access to broadband in their homes, and by visiting Mullin.house.gov/newslettersignup. In the African savannah where acacia trees with their alluring, flat-topped forMs. dot the landscape, an adolescent boy was cornered by cattle thieves. The boy, a simple herdsman, made a futile at- tempt to seek refuge among his father’s herd of semi-nourished cows. Horrifying moments raced Privatizing Medicaid Program like short distance sprinters toward the finish tape. The boy was seized and beaten, his life taken by the neighboring tribal warriors. deciding to stop providing services. Fewer than 100 The killing was heartless. Senseless. In the world- pediatric dentists remained, which had a catastroph- view of the tribesmen, however, there was nothing ic effect on our most vulnerable children’s access to senseless about their deed. For generations, no- services for dental health. For many rural patients, a madic lore dictated that all cattle were created by simple office visit became a full-day trip because there God as a gift. Any means to retrieve what was right- were no dentists in their area. fully theirs was deemed acceptable. The “retrieving Consider this when you hear the governor claim pri- of cattle” by this means seemed a kind of calling. vatization, or “managed care,” will result in more pre- Pastor Nashon had been alerted of his young ventive care and therefore lower overall costs. It defies brother’s death by the high-pitched wailing of near- logic. A drastic drop in dentists means far longer wait by village women. Through grapevine media com- Dear Editor: times, and coupled with longer drives, there will be mon to rural Africa, word of the tragedy reached little incentive for preventative care. our mission station several miles to the west. As Oklahoma moves toward privatizing its Medic- In order to make a profit while administering Med- Mounting my orange and aging dirt-bike, I ran aid program, including dentistry, you should be aware icaid, insurance companies can deny necessary dental my helmet strap through the cinch ring and secured of what happened last time so you won’t be surprised procedures. They do this to satisfy their sharehold- it beneath my chin. A brief prayer, Pastor Nashon when it happens again. ers. What caused Oklahoma’s previous privatization needs a friend. Help me somehow be such a friend. When the state privatized Medicaid last time, it re- effort to end? It happened because legislators would Mindful of an inner tension, I tried to push back sulted in almost 90 percent of all Oklahoma dentists LETTERS, PAGE A7 SEE GIANTS, PAGE A7SEE Bossy sister turns a good deed into a bad situation just want my peace back. What should I do? -- TIRED etable garden to feed the needy, performing yard and LITTLE SISTER gardening chores for elderly members of your com- munity who can no longer do it themselves? How DEAR TIRED: I’ll tell you what NOT to do. Do not about teaching a class in ecology at a community cen- relent. She asked if you’d prefer she move in with your ter? parents, and you answered her honestly. Set a date for If that is not to your liking, would you deliver meals her to be out and stick to it. It will save your sanity. to shut-ins for a while? An animal hospital or pet res- cue group may be able to use a willing hand in exer- DEAR ABBY: I’m a very hands-on person, recently cising the animals in their care. The options are there. retired, and I would like to do volunteer work. Sounds Sample them until you find something to your liking. DEAR ABBY: My older sister moved in with me af- simple, right? Well, it seeMs. no one needs volunteers. ter she was placed on furlough because of the pandem- I have been looking for something, preferably ecolog- DEAR ABBY: I am a 40-something woman and ic. I was resistant to her moving in because she likes ical in nature, for two years. But whenever I inquire, have been with my partner for four years. I am the to run the show, she has taken financial advantage of I’m flooded with appeals for money. I was hoping mother of three boys; he’s a father of two girls. We live every family member, never admits she’s wrong, and I you might give me some more ideas. -- BROKE BUT at my house. was worried she’d take over. But I wanted to help her AVAILABLE Whenever his youngest comes to visit (she’s 16), she save money, so I said yes. insists on his every second of attention. He eats it up. Now it’s like I’m walking on eggshells. Every time DEAR BROKE: You describe yourself as hands-on It’s so frustrating. They both ignore the fact that I am I make a simple request, she accuses me of trying to with an interest in things that are ecological. Because here. It’s very upsetting, and I don’t think it’s normal. act like her mother! After six months she asked if I’d your efforts are not needed at the organizations you What about you? -- MIFFED IN MICHIGAN prefer she move in with our parents, and I said yes. contacted, modify your search. Now she’s upset, and my parents are begging me to Would you be interested in helping to keep your DEAR MIFFED: Have you discussed this with your let her stay because they don’t want to deal with her. I neighborhood clean and free of trash, starting a veg- SEE DEAR ABBY, PAGE A7

Friday, March 26, 2021 COLUMNS & OPINION Okmulgee Times • A7 A Time to Pivot or Double Down?

According to the McKinsey Global Institute re- in and around the Okmulgee County area are in the port, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a tremendous right place at the right time. Luck is spelled: Green amount of modernization in many, many industries. Country Technology Center, Oklahoma State Uni- Restructuring and forced experimentation. Many jobs versity Institute of Technology & The College of the that were once thought to be impossible to do from Muscogee Nation. Here are the websites of all three home, are now part of new business practices going schools. www.gctcok.edu, www.OSUIT.edu and www. forward with working from home as a valid system. cmn.edu) Careers for highly trained professionals that work in Read about their courses, certificated prograMs. and laboratories with very specialized equipment seldom degrees. Dream a little and then contact an enrollment have interactions with outside customers, will, in all counselor. If there was ever a right time to pivot, that I’ve been doing some research on labor trends as the likelihood, remain in the laboratory, but highly skilled time is now. Data from the U.S. Department of La- pandemic recedes to a more workable level and hope- workers who have to take their work directly to the bor analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute: these fully after that, it goes away for good. Well, the news customer, may never return to the office. If your phys- industries will more than likely always need people is looking fairly bright for many of our friends and ical presence is needed at the job site, you run the in-person and able to work directly with customers. neighbors, not so good for a lot of people. It depends highest risk of job displacement, even if the virus is But how that work is done is more than likely going to on which side of the education/training line you’re completely defeated. That’s not because of another vi- change ... a lot! It’s just a matter of time. Those careers standing on. According to the McKinsey Global In- rus attack, but it’s the fact that companies found other projected to see the most change over time: Medical stitute, one in every 16 workers will not only have to systems, automation, or machinery that can replace Care, Personal Care, On-site customer service, Lei- change jobs, but will have to change careers. Gener- a human in the job description. Example: The ticket sure and Travel, Home Support, Indoor Production ation Z (those just starting out) will be hit the hard- clerk at the airport used to be a real person, in a lot of and warehousing, Corporate offices and headquar- est. Those who previously worked where face to face terminals, it’s now a machine or a person on a video ters, Schools, conference centers, trucking, Rail and customer experiences were the bulk of the work will screen, that’s been going on for years, now it’s only go- Construction. You’d think there is no way to automate also get hit hard. So, who is being spared. Those with ing to accelerate. There is a big push for those former building railroad tracks, but you’d be wrong. advanced skills, training and education, in short, most customer service jobs to be done remotely. Your ticket Pick a Dream, Dream Big and Pivot or Double Down professional jobs have been spared. Most economic counter may be a desk in your home office with a TV now. Good luck! and employment forecasts there will be a significant camera and a computer. There are some jobs that will reduction in low wage jobs. If you are thinking, wow always require a real person to meet with the custom- Court Newkirk is the Executive Director of Okmulgee I survived the virus but now my job is being attacked, er and/or interact with others in a team setting. Those Area Development Corp (OADC). A native of Oklaho- you may be right. jobs will be there but in far fewer numbers than in ma, he has decades of community and economic devel- The full report I based this short op-ed piece on is pre-pandemic times. So, now is the time to plan for an opment experience, some of which was in Okmulgee in 152 pages long. It took a deep dive into the economies uncertain future. A lot of jobs “slots” may be reopen- the 90’s. Court is a big believer that Okmulgee can be of eight of the largest nations of the world. It is not ing in the next six months, you just might be doing it anything it wants to be, if we all work together. Contact all doom and gloom, but depending on where you’re from your home office. Court at [email protected]. going to re-enter the job market, it sure could feel that So, is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Of way. course there is and those of us who are lucky to live

DEAR ABBY my husband sees the explanation of so we don’t go as much. The affair was DEAR STILL HURT: Tempting as benefits from the insurance. very upsetting to me, but my wife insist- it may be to “out” your wife to your CONTINUED FROM A6 Amelia’s mom and I have a solid re- ed we keep it quiet so her brother could son, keep that information to yourself. partner? I don’t know how often the girl lationship, and my husband and her continue his friendship with Brad. I question the wisdom of Brad having comes to visit, but clearly she is starved mom also have a good one. I don’t want Over the years, she has occasional- been encouraged to cultivate a relation- for her father’s attention. I don’t think to keep secrets regarding their daugh- ly had online contact with Brad and ship with your son since this friendship you should begrudge it unless her visits ter, but I don’t want to betray my step- even told him that she appreciated him is the fruit of that decision. Because you last for an extended period. Of course, daughter either. Please help. -- STRUG- talking with our son because our son prefer not to hear what your son and your partner and his daughter should GLING STEPMOM has few friends. But now our son, who Brad are doing, the next time it comes be respectful and not treat you like an knows nothing about the affair or how up, change the subject. He may or may old piece of furniture or a servant, but DEAR STEPMOM: It isn’t necessary bad it hurt me, has become friendly not catch on and question you about the you might be less upset if you use some to betray your stepdaughter’s confidence with Brad. It is very difficult hearing reason, but if he does, all you need to of that time to pursue interests or rela- to get her the help she needs. Go online him talk about things they do together. say is you’d rather not discuss it. tionships of your own. to plannedparenthood.org, locate the Should we tell our son about the affair? nearest Planned Parenthood clinic and -- STILL HURT IN TEXAS Copyright 2021 Uexpress DEAR ABBY: My beautiful 17-year- share that information with Amelia. old stepdaughter, “Amelia,” recently be- The organization provides a wide range came sexually active. She’s in a “serious” of low-cost services to women and men, relationship with the boy she had sex including family planning, STD diag- with. They have been together for six nosis and treatment, and birth control months, and from what she’s told me, on a confidential basis. You should also they both gave each other their virgini- encourage Amelia to discuss this with ty and protection was used. She has not her parents. She is behaving responsibly disclosed this to her parents. in wanting to protect herself. My husband and Amelia are very close, but she and her mom recently had DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have a falling-out. Amelia pledged me to se- been married for decades, but 10 years crecy, and I immediately scheduled her ago she had, at the least, a texting af- to see an OB/GYN to get her on birth fair with “Brad,” a longtime friend of control. her brother’s. Her brother, who knows My question is, should I tell my hus- about the affair, lives on a large tract of band? I feel awful not telling him, but land owned by their father. Brad is there she has told me she doesn’t want either often to go hunting with her brother. My of her parents to know. I’m grateful she wife and I used to visit frequently, but comes to me for things like this, but now there is some concern that Brad eventually, it’s going to come out when might be there and we’ll have a conflict, GIANTS Copyright 2021 Jerry Lout CONTINUED FROM A6 Writer-speaker Jerry Lout grew up in my growing sense of inadequacy. Com- Okmulgee County. After serving with his forting loved ones who’ve experienced wife in overseas missions, he founded and the expected demise of an aged family directed a TU campus ministry. Twice member can be daunting enough. But visited by polio, Jerry authored “Living this defied any category. What would I with a Limp.” His “Giants in the Rough” say once my piki-piki was brought to a memoir highlights the Africa years. Both dusty halt? How would I myself process books are available through Amazon. He such news? How could I console the welcomes reader comments and warmly grieving pastor whose brother’s life had accepts invitations for speaking engage- been so brutally taken? What followed ments. [email protected] took me fully by surprise.

LETTERS immense power in de- Fetgatter. You can reach termining whether Med- him at (405) 557-7373. CONTINUED FROM A6 icaid control is yielded not agree to the insurance to large insurance com- Dr. Jeremy Johnson companies’ demand for a panies. Call his office at 20 percent rate hike. (405) 521-5588. Our state By comparison, Okla- House member is Scott homa dentists who treat Medicaid patients, espe- cially children, aren’t in it for the money. They do it because they care about the kids. The state House and Senate have the power to stop this disastrous plan by refusing to fund a Medicaid system con- trolled by large insurance companies. The senator for Okmulgee County is Roger Thompson. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Bud- get Committee, he has

A8 • Okmulgee Times PUBLIC RECORDS Friday, March 26, 2021

abusive ex. where he lives. Unsure of road rage or who he is. 4:05 p.m. - Accident with Injury - NB Hwy. 75 - Ma- jor accident. 03/17/2021 4:44 p.m. - Animals - Hwy. 56/Eufaula - Horse out. 11:35 a.m. - Stolen Vehicle - 11000 block of E. 262nd 4:45 p.m. - Fire - 18000 block of Wilson Rd. - Con- St. - Stolen truck. trolled Burn. 1:42 p.m. - Accident with Injury - Hwy. 75/Will 4:45 p.m. - Accident with Injury - On Holly Rd. on Sampson - Two vehicles. North bound lane is blocked. top of the hill - Major accident. 5:24 p.m. - Animals - 5800 block of Jarmen Rd. - 4:51 p.m. - Animals - ½ mile north of Cedar on Wil- One Hampshire pig walked onto property, injured leg. son Rd. - Black calf out. RP has shut his gate and fed it. 03/15/2021 6:48 p.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - Area of Hwy. 5:43 p.m. - Accident No Injury - Two miles north of 10:24 a.m. - Fire - Honeycreek Rd./S. 150 Rd. - RP 75 north of 306 Rd. - Female with ripped jeans and an Henryetta on Hwy. 75 - One vehicle off roadway. Light wanting to make a report for the damages from recent American Airlines jacket. blue van, engine is smoking and man standing outside controlled burn that got out of hand. 10:55 p.m. - Drugs - 32000 block of S. 200 Rd. - EMS of vehicle. Transferred to OHP. Advised deputy and 11:18 a.m. - Welfare Check - 20000 block of Gens- en route, 40-year-old male, possible OD. HPD to send FD. men Rd. - RP wanting a welfare check on his two kids. 6:45 p.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 250 Rd. be- Advised supposed to have visitation but hasn’t been 03/16/2021 tween Creager/Hectorville Rd. - Male/female in dark able to speak with children since November. They 7:17 a.m. - Domestic - 11000 block of 262nd St. - gray Charger, no tag info, possibly intoxicated, possi- are supposed to be with mother who has put them in RP advised he believes neighbors are having a verbal bly rolling domestic. Advised County Deputy. harm’s way before. domestic. Advised he can hear them arguing from his 9:55 p.m. - Juvenile - 13000 block of Daisy St. - RP 12:20 p.m. - Welfare Check - 1900 block of N. 185 residence. advised her 13-year-old friend texted her advising she Rd. - RP wanting welfare check on a male and neigh- 8:22 a.m. - Other - 262nd St./Elmwood - Advised was overdosing. bors. RP advised subject sent her over 100 messages will be out with EMS, stopped. over the weekend about wanting to kill himself. Left 9:31 a.m. - Animals - 3500 block of S. Mission - RP 03/18/2021 voicemails cussing at the neighbors and calling them wanting to speak with deputy about what can be done 10:35 a.m. - Other - S. of 9400 block of Hwy. 52 on racial slurs. The last message he left RP was saying for an animal nuisance. east side of roadway - RP advised they struck a water- how he was going to kill his neighbors, how he just 11:24 a.m. - Speak with Officer - 12000 block of N. line. Called Rural Water 20. wanted to be shot and die and how RP needed to come 160 Rd. - RP wanting to talk to deputy about land he 11:42 a.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 16000 block hit him in the head with a baseball bat. bought. Found out who he bought it from doesn’t ac- of Ash Rd. - RP advised of minivan with possible cam- 12:27 p.m. - Disturbance - Thunder Rd. - RP ad- tually own it. era on hood and two male subjects with one male hav- vised possible disturbance in progress at residence on 12:22 p.m. - Other - 320 Rd. and Harreld Rd. - Ad- ing the seat of his pants “blown” out. White Dodge Thunder Rd. RP called back and advised everything is vised County EMS en route to a construction worker Caravan. Covered in mud. Heavier set male white under control. who fell off ladder from working on tower. Advised shirt. Taller male gray hoodie. 12:59 p.m. - Welfare Check - 310 Rd. just north of Air Evac and Fire. 2:03 p.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 1200/1500 Creager - RP advised there was an elderly woman 12:25 p.m. - Fire - Hwy. 16/280 Rd. - Grass fire with block of Bixby Rd. - Advised a male subject wrapped walking down Ferguson wearing blue jeans and an tall flames. Advised grass fire is close to roadway. in a bag laying there off the side of the road. American Airlines jacket. Subject advised she didn’t 3:41 p.m. - Animals - 7200 Ferguson Rd. - RP re- 3:10 p.m. - Animals - 10000 block of Creager Rd. - know where she was but was going to see “Crazy Mi- questing a call in reference to neighbor’s dogs chasing Bobcat in tree. chael,” but did not know where that was. She want- cattle and chickens. 6:30 p.m. - Animals - Dixon between Okmulgee and ed to get out at a driveway and stay at the end of the 4:38 p.m. - Threats - Hwy. 75 SB just north of Pres- Morton St. - Welfare check on horses. driveway. ton - RP advised an unknown male with a red beard 7:19 p.m. - Traffic Hazard - One mile east of 310 Rd. 1:27 p.m. - Animals - Hwy. 16 - RP wanting a welfare driving an older model blue F-150 was following him on Ferguson - RP advised male is drilling on rocks check on animals of a neighbor that has passed away. all the way from the highway to his house. Advised on side of road and they are falling into the roadway 2:29 p.m. - Civil - 8400 block of Cartwright Rd. - when he pulled into driveway, male stepped out of causing a traffic hazard. Wanting a civil standby to get her things from her truck and threatened him by saying he now knows SEE SHERIFF, PAGE A9

6:31 p.m. Walmart Home and Garden area parking 7:03 p.m. 7th/Wood Drive. Trespassing - Customer lot. Traffic accident, no injury. trespassing and won’t leave. Says she is their boss. 6:44 p.m. 600 block of South Seminole. Dog bite. 10:36 p.m. 3rd/Okmulgee. Suspicious vehicle. 7:58 p.m. 700 block of North Grand. Disturbance - 10:43 p.m. YMCA. RP advised of vehicle parked in loud music in area. the grass, occupied by two male subjects. 10 p.m. Holiday Inn Express. Fighting. 03/19/2021 03/17/2021 1:34 a.m. 8th/Wood. RP heard several shots in area. 6:37 a.m. Hwy. 75/Kennedy. Traffic accident, no in- 2nd RP heard about 20 shots north of EMS. Station. jury. Possible hit and run. 3rd RP advised several shots in the area of Smith/ 03/15/2021 6:51 a.m. Light pole in front of Carpet King spark- Wood. 2:21 a.m. 300 block of South Osage. General domes- ing. 8:28 a.m. Collins/Fairfax. Animal control. Black dog tic. 10:29 a.m. 6th/Liberty. Traffic accident, no injury. loose tries to chase/kill other pets. 5:49 a.m. 400 block of South Delaware. Animal 12:37 p.m. 1300 block of West 6th. Abandoned 10:13 a.m. 600 block of East 12th. Animal control. control - RP advised they think something is in their house, possible squatter. Brown/white pit bull loose and chased a subject down room, possibly an animal. 12:59 p.m. 1200 block of West 7th. Person trespassed the sidewalk. 6:25 a.m. First & Seneca/Taft. Suspicious vehicle - from property is back. 10:18 a.m. 400 block of East 13th. Animal control. truck parked in roadway. 3:03 p.m. Williams/Comanche and Chicago to Ken- Dog in yard that does not belong to RP. 9:01 a.m. Bel Air - RP advised spouse took wallet/ nedy. Animal control. Pit bulls running about in area. 10:26 a.m. 300 block of North Oklahoma. Animal clothes and wants property back. 3:33 p.m. 600 block of South Oklahoma. Animal control. Dogs need picked up. 9:11 a.m. 1300 block of East Randolph. Animal con- control. Dog needs picked up. 10:56 a.m. Osage/Willow. Animal control. Dog trol - dog needs picked up. 7:41 p.m. Arby’s. Traffic - truck hit the yellow cement needs picked up. 2:44 p.m. 200 block of East 9th. Animal control - live and is stuck. Truck leaking some type of fluid. 12:55 p.m. 400 block of North Seminole. Animal trap. 8:10 p.m. Hwy. 75/Preston Southbound. Reckless control. Snake on porch. 3:57 p.m. Taco Mayo. Traffic accident, hit and run in driver - RP advised of silver 4-door GMC Yukon all 2:07 p.m. Okmulgee/Lagonda. Animal control. drive-thru. over the roadway and almost hit two cars. Black dog going through trash. 4:24 p.m. 4th/Miami. Disturbance. Loud music. 9:47 p.m. 600 block of West 13th. Stolen bike. 2:28 p.m. 300 block of North Oklahoma. Animal 4:27 p.m. 22nd/Creek. Traffic accident, no injury, control. Puppies need picked up. two vehicles. 03/18/2021 3:27 p.m. 300 block of North Miami. Fraud - advised 5:33 p.m. Lafayette/Wood. Traffic accident with in- 1:18 a.m. 15th/Florida. Suspicious activity - RP ad- scammers tried to get them to send money for an acci- jury, truck hit pole. vised somebody is riding a lawn mower down 15th dental transfer of money. 8:28 p.m. 1200 block of East 4th. Disturbance - loud eastbound. 4:17 p.m. 1500 block of East 12th. Stolen debit card. music. 3:46 a.m. 900 block of North Taft. RP advised subject 4:25 p.m. Super 9 Inn. Call from RP about harass- 9:28 p.m. Okm. ER. Gun shot victim, PD requested. in backyard, left down alley, got into car. ment. 11:08 p.m. Adams/Eufaula. Checking on vehicle. 4:09 a.m. Alley on 4th between Oklahoma/Bryan. 4:29 p.m. Southbound 75 from Preston. Green SUV 11:16 p.m. 1300 block of South Miami. Truck in Suspicious vehicle in alley. with reckless driver swerving all over roadway. middle of road all day. 5:11 a.m. 8th/Taft. Suspicious activity reported. 5:18 p.m. Shoe Sensation. Suspicious activity - two 11:19 p.m. 1000 block of South Oklahoma. Gun- 6:36 a.m. 400 block of Crutchmer Place. Suspicious females in store acting suspicious. They have been shots heard in area. activity. RP advised someone is trying the doorknob. there a while. 11:30 p.m. Sherman/Cherokee. Disturbance - Sent to CNLH. 5:33 p.m. 1200 block of West 8th. Unwanted person screaming male and female. 8:45 a.m. 900 block of South Oklahoma. Suspicious outside that is not leaving. person - squatters in abandoned residence. 6:04 p.m. Hwy. 75/Eufaula. Reckless driver in a 03/16/2021 1 p.m. 5th Street/Dollar General. Report of physical white 4-door pickup driving all over the roadway, 6:10 a.m. Circle K 20th/Wood. Suspicious person - assault. keeps changing lanes. customer in restroom at store for a couple of hours. 1:36 p.m. 1300 block of North Alabama/Collins. 7:24 p.m. 800 block of East 3rd. Residential burglary 11:43 a.m. 1100 block of South Rogers. Animal con- Two suspicious subjects looking around the neighbor- alarm, no contact with keyholder. trol - animal in kitchen. hood, possibly casing houses. 7:43 p.m. Walmart. Shoplifter in custody. 11:45 a.m. 600 block of South Muskogee. Suspicious 1:54 p.m. 900 block of North Taft. Suspicious person 10:09 pm. 13th/Rogers. Shots fired -RP advised of activity at vacant residence. scoping the area. group of juveniles outside having a bonfire. Heard one 12:24 p.m. Wood Drive and RR Bridge. Semi can’t 4:10 p.m. Greenwood Lake/South Miami. Suspi- gun shot. get under bridge. cious person walking around the property. 10:58 p.m. 100 block of North Sherman. Physical 4:42 p.m. 1200 block of West 8th. Unwanted person 4:28 p.m. Southbound 75 from Airport Road. Reck- domestic in progress. at residence. less driver in Silver Lexus or Mercury. 6:31 p.m. Boomerang. Traffic accident, no injury. 6:21 p.m. 400 block of North Sherman. Burglary.

State Of Oklahoma vs. Corley, Kabrina Ray Michelle Divorce Obstructing an Officer FD-2021-00045 CM-2021-00094 03/22/2021 03/19/2021 West-Foster, Tisha Jean vs. West-Foster, Carol Elizabeth State Of Oklahoma vs. Floyd, Marc Shane Divorce DUI Alcohol CM-2021-00095 Marriage License 03/19/2021 ML-2021-00024 State Of Oklahoma vs. Henderson, Tanner Jo Leeann 03/18/2021 DUI Alcohol Williamson, Keith Ray Jr and Wilkerson, Miranda Ellen Felony Marriage License CF-2021-00039 Divorce ML-2021-00025 03/23/2021 FD-2021-00043 03/19/2021 State of Oklahoma vs. Cantrell, Dakota 03/19/2021 Bell, Bryan Randall and Palacios, Roxanna Melissa Child Sexual Abuse Stone, James Henry Michael vs. Stone, Megan Nicole Marriage License Divorce ML-2021-00026 Misdemeanor FD-2021-00044 03/22/2021 CM-2021-00093 03/22/2021 Rice, Antonio Dewayne and Mcknight, Stephanie Nacole 03/18/2021 Boatner, C.L. vs. Boatner, J.M. Marriage License

Friday, March 26, 2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Okmulgee Times • A9 Hippity Hop Egg Drop

MELISSA HEMINOVER to Okmulgee Main Street, Okmulgee STAFF WRITER Chamber of Commerce as well as the The community’s socially distanced Okmulgee Times. Easter egg event is coming together for Sponsors for the Hippity Hop Egg Okmulgee Rotarians. The Hippity Hop Drop include: Egg Drop has received numerous dona- Okmulgee Elks, Okmulgee Chamber tions as well as egg drop forms for the of Commerce, Truly Yours, Okmulgee Easter Bunny. Rotarians will continue Main Street, Anita Harding Bail Bonds, accepting donations and drop request Main Street Customs, Miss Mary’s Mar- forms through this Monday, March 29. ket, Okmulgee VFW, DiVinyl Touch, Forms or donations can be taken American Legion Neal’s Furniture.

March 27 Cornerstone Foursquare utility bill. Spring Arts & Crafts Fair | Pancake Breakfast | Cor- Okmulgee Chamber of Com- nerstone Foursquare will hold April 3 COURTESY PHOTO | SAMANTHA AUSBROOKS merce will hold its Spring Arts a free Pancake Breakfast Sun- Hippity Hop Egg Drop | Ok- & Crafts Fair Saturday, March day, March 28, from 9 to 10 mulgee Rotary Club will hold The Refuge Hosting 27. For more information, call a.m. at 617 N. Oklahoma Ave. its second annual Hippity Hop Daddy-Daughter Dance 918-756-6172. Egg Drop Saturday, April 3, April 2-4 from 3 to 6 p.m. Easter eggs The Refuge Church is hosting a Daddy-Daughter Dance tomorrow, The Refuge Daddy-Daughter Morris City-Wide Garage March 27, from 6-8 p.m. This event is for the entire community. The will be delivered to children Refuge does ask that you reserve your spot by visiting the event on Dance | The Refuge will host a Sale | The Morris City-Wide within Okmulgee city limits. their website. Pastor Rocky Ausbrooks says a professional DJ will be Daddy-Daughter Dance Satur- Garage Sale will be held Friday For more information, see the providing the music for the event. The dance will take place in the main day, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. through Sunday, April 2-4. advertisement in this edition sanctuary of the church. All Dads, or Dad figures, and their Daughters are invited to attend. Pictured above are Pastor Rocky Ausbrooks and his of the Okmulgee Times. daughter, Addisyn Ausbrooks. March 28 April 2 Beggs Public School Spa- VFW Post 1189 Bean Dinner Easter Extravaganza | The ghetti Dinner | Beggs Public | VFW Post 1189 will hold its Sister Love Community Out- Egg Hunt | Beggs Farmers Stadium, 699 E. 12th in Ok- School will hold a Spaghet- next Bean Dinner Friday, April reach will hold its 6th annual Market will hold a Communi- mulgee. The event is free and ti Dinner Sunday, March 28, 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easter Extravaganza Saturday, ty Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, open to the public. from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the April 3, at Dunbar School, April 3 at 9 a.m. at Legacy Park Beggs High School Cafeteria. April 3-11 1421 Martin Luther King Dr. in Beggs. VFW Easter Egg Hunt | VFW The event will raise money for Morris Spring Cleanup | Mor- The event will take place from Post 1189 will hold its annual several students recently im- ris will hold a Spring Cleanup 2 to 4 p.m. Contact Misty Wal- April 4 Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April pacted by house fires. Platesday for its residents the week lace-Brown at 918-777-6334 The Refuge 20,000 Easter 4, at 1 p.m. at the VFW, 1427 will be $5 each with carryout of April 3-11, in which citizens for more information. Egg Hunt | The Refuge will N. Okmulgee Street. available. can dispose of trash and debris hold a 20,000 Easter egg hunt at dump sites with proof of a Beggs Community Easter Sunday, April 4, at Harmon

SPRING FLING • Henry Koelzer - Wood Crafts • Shoua Vance - Homemade Gifts • Nancy Shannon - Essential Oils & • Kyzer Pop Art - Mixed Media Pop Art CONTINUED FROM A4 Decorated Jars • Cheryl’s Dawg House & Rockin’ Ace offering minute massages • Rachel & Agnus Pizzolato - Jewelry Leather Craft - Leather Crafts • Malona German - Key Real Estate. • Luana Kanada - Project Biashara • Hip Klips by Turnerville - Purses • Barbara West - Beaded Jewelry • Hazel Rissler - Misc • Okie Ridge Designs - Wood Crafts • Star Griffin - Mary Kay Cosmetics & Skincare • Kelly Baehler - Crafts & Jewelry • Lorraine Estes - Handmade Jewelry • Courtney Wright - Tumblers, Shirts & • Stacey Settlemyre - Tupperware • Rebecca Humphrey - Recycled Jewelry Car Coasters • Patricia & Jennifer Kilian - Tastefully Simple • Trinkets by Teach - Handmade Accessories • Tammy Giles - Baby Items • Brenda Colombin - Jewelry & Crafts • Valerie Allison - Wreaths & Hanging Crafts • Mr Giles - Art • Tawny Taylor - Art & Jewelry • Susan Malone - Homemade Foods • Don Wadley - Books

SHERIFF called and advised he fell off a horse while riding in believe the juvenile is at this location. Advised the the Refuge. Unsure of what area his located but ad- first time the police looked, juvenile was hiding in the CONTINUED FROM A8 vised she is en route and once she gets by his truck, she bathtub. 7:38 p.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - One mile will call 911 to ping her location. 9:25 a.m. - Welfare Check - Hwy. 75 NB of Redneck south of Morris 4-way on Hwy. 52 near curve - RP 2:05 p.m. - Reckless Driver - Bond Dr./Alt. Hwy. Corner - RP advised of subject that was driving with advised of a male walking in roadway wearing a black 75 - Requesting to speak to a deputy in reference to a hazards on and is now pulled over to side of road and trash bag. reckless driver. looks to be slumped over the steering wheel. 10:33 p.m. - Welfare Check - 24000 block of Main 3:32 p.m. - Fire - Hwy. 75 south of 241st St. - Grass 10:18 a.m. - Speak with Officer - 600 block of N. 150 Blvd. - Welfare check on six-year-old son. fire. Rd. - RP wanting to speak with deputy in reference to 4:32 p.m. - Drugs - 1400 block of 264th St. - Request- hiring contractor for work. Contractor did not work 03/19/2021 ing to speak to a deputy. Advised someone offered to and now wants money back. 2:09 a.m. - Other - 15000 block of N. Skyline Dr. - sell him drugs. 10:45 a.m. - Larceny - 370 Rd./Banyan - RP request- RP advised his neighbor called him and thinks some- 6:28 p.m. - Alarm - 19000 block of Dripping Springs ing deputy in reference to stolen bales. one is in her attic. Rd. - General alarm. 12:57 p.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 13000 block 8:55 a.m. - Reckless Driver - Hwy. 75 SB/231st St. - 7:54 p.m. - Animals - 16000 block of Bristlecone - of N. 210 Rd. - RP wanting to make a report of suspi- Small white car. Advised County Units and OHP. Information on lost black Heifer calf. Auction Tag cious activity. Someone keeps letting their horses out. 11:55 a.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 1000 block #2618 with yellow ear tag. 2:20 p.m. - Speak with Officer - 14000 block of Hec- of N. 237 Rd. - RP advised of a white hatch back ve- 11:02 p.m. - Abandoned Vehicle - Corner of Kern/ torville Rd. - RP wants to speak to deputy in reference hicle driving around her roads going from mailbox Eufaula - Unoccupied, dark gray 4-door, front end is to neighbor’s pit bulls. to mailbox. Advised it had nothing stating USPS. She in ditch and back end is out in roadway. Advised dep- 3:11 p.m. - Internet Threat - Internet - RP wanting to called the post office and they advised her to contact uties. know what she can do about cyber bullying. the Sheriff’s Office. 3:12 p.m. - Juvenile - Redneck Corner - RP advised 5:34 p.m. - Other - 20th St./Kelco - Assist with wide 03/21/2021 that son ran off into field. Requesting deputy. load. 1:24 a.m. - Juvenile - South of Marvin’s Bar - Run- 4:02 p.m. - Speak with Officer - Wanting to speak 8:14 p.m. - Other - 17000 block of Harreld - RP away juvenile possibly at this residence. with deputy about cologne and title missing from his advised he received information that his stolen 2020 3:01 a.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - Hwy. 75/ truck while in impound after being arrested. camper, brown, grey and silver in color, will be parked Smith Rd. - Out with vehicle on Smith Rd. 5:00 p.m. - Fire - One mile west and ½ mile north of behind the shed. 12:15 p.m. - Animals - Happy Camp one mile west Morris - Controlled burn. 8:28 p.m. - Fire - 19000 block of Ash Rd. - RP ad- of Hwy. 75 - RP advised of black calf out. 5:07 p.m. - Other - 20th/Wood - OPD had a report vised of a grass fire. 2:44 p.m. - Animals - Natura - Advised of possibly of a baby that fell out of this vehicle. 9:21 p.m. - Welfare Check - SB Hwy. 75 from Ok- 12 black in color cattle on neighbor’s property. 10:03 p.m. - Alarm - 14000 block of McKinnley Rd. mulgee to Henryetta - Juvenile possibly walking SB 3:34 p.m. - Vandalism - 1500 block of S. Florida - RP - Front door. Hwy. 75. 5’7, 200 lbs., dark brown hair, black sweat advised property has been vandalized and backdoor pant with gray stripe, white t-shirt, brown jacket, car- has been kicked in. 03/23/2021 rying a black/blue duffel bag. 4:20 p.m. - Animals - Harreld/Bixby Rd. - RP ad- 12:22 a.m. - Burglary - 8400 block of Cartwright Rd. 11:14 p.m. - Animals - Area of Madison and W. Ki- vised he believes his cows have been located but does - Possibly three to four people with flashlights in his owa - RP advised of white pickup parked at Madison, not know the subject that has them. Wants to know if shed. ½ block from his horses. Someone attempted to steal a deputy can go out there. 3:37 a.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - 8400 block of horses last week. Advised for patrol. 4:25 p.m. - Trespassing - 2500 block of Ferguson - Cartwright Rd. - Advised subjects were on his proper- RP advised of three ATVs driving around property. ty and now running to 231st St. 03/20/2021 There are no trespassing signs posted all over property 6:47 a.m. - Abandoned Vehicle - Wilson School - Ve- 1:29 a.m. - Other - N. of 18000 block of Grayson and the subjects won’t leave after being asked several hicle check. Blvd. - RP advised of loud music bumping since 5:30 times. RP advised they are holding subjects until dep- 7:36 a.m. - Suspicious Person/Vehicle - EB Ferguson p.m. uty gets there. between Old Hwy. 75 and New Hwy. 75 - RP advised 2:09 a.m. - Unwanted Person/Vehicle - 20000 block 4:30 p.m. - Trespassing - Area of 5500 block of Den- of subject wearing black top with hood and jeans, of Smith Rd./Watson Ranch - RP advised unwanted tonville - Advised there is a subject digging on his walking down road. Appears to be on drugs/alcohol subject at residence. RP called back two minutes later property that said he was a contract worker but won’t and looking in mailboxes. and advised subject has left. Will call back if they re- show him any paperwork proving he is, so as far as he turn. Advised deputies. knows he is trespassing. 3:13 a.m. - Domestic - 26000 block of Bartlett Rd. 5:47 p.m. - Animals - Dentonville south of Howard - RP advised female pulled a knife on her dad and Rd. - Out with a cow on the side of roadway. choked the RP. Subject is outside with RP’s brother at this time. Call disconnected. Called back several times. 03/22/2021 11:21 a.m. - Other - N. 258 Rd. - Wanting to file a 7:25 a.m. - Disturbance - 8400 block of Disney - RP report over someone stalking her. yelling in phone advising someone won’t leave him 12:47 p.m. - Larceny - Advised someone stole parts alone. Advised he had to pepper spray them. off of a vehicle on his lot. 8:55 a.m. - Juvenile - Behind Marvin’s Bar - RP ad- 1:25 p.m. - Information - RP advised her husband vised they have a missing juvenile report and they

A10 • Okmulgee Times RELIGION Friday, March 26, 2021

Trinity Lutheran Church Along with the egg hunt, the church will offer a This Sunday, March 28, is Palm Sunday / Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m., along with local food of the Passion. The readings are from John 12:12-19 trucks, an inflatables area for children and a ton of fun (Palm Sunday Procession), Zechariah 9:9-12, Philip- for the family. An Absolute pians 2:5-11 and Mark 15:1-47. Additionally, The Refuge will host prized eggs for The Son of David Ascends His Throne and kids ages 3-12 with an area of Easter eggs for children Reigns in Love from His Cross under 3, so bring a camera for those fun photo oppor- The Son of David comes in gentle humility, “sitting tunities! on a donkey’s colt,” yet as the King of Israel “in the Pastors Rocky and Samantha Ausbrooks encour- Must! name of the Lord” (John 12:13-15). He comes to be age those attending to invite friends and family to the lifted up in glory on the cross in order to cast out “the community event and promise it will be an Easter to ruler of this world” and draw all people to Himself remember. “We are so excited for this event,” Pastor RANDY ZINN (John 12:23-32). The Church is thus called to “rejoice Rocky Ausbrooks said. PASTOR, RUSSELL MISSIONARY BAPTIST greatly,” because her King comes with salvation, and The Refuge (formerly Crosstown P.H.C.) is located at “he shall speak peace to the nations” (Zech. 9:9-10). 1206 W. 5th Street in Okmulgee. You can join church No doubt all of us at one time or another have As He is anointed “beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8), services every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday at heard it said, “This is a ‘must have’” or “this book is He also ascends His royal throne as “the King of the 7 p.m. Services are streamed live at www.therefugeok. a ‘must read.’” When we hear this, we know the per- Jews” by way of His Passion (Mark 15:2, 17-19, 26). online.church. son saying it feels deeply it is an absolute must that He goes “as it is written of him,” wherefore “you will we get this item or read this particular book. The see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power” Cornerstone Foursquare Church emphasis is that this thing must take great priority. (Mark 14:21, 62). For the glory of God is love, which “The Cornerstone Foursquare (CF) Okmulgee fami- There are many such things found throughout the crescendos in the humble obedience and voluntary ly will open their doors for free pancakes this Sunday,” Holy Scriptures. The most important of all these is self-sacrifice of the Son of God for the salvation of sin- Rev. Mickey Baldwin, lead pastor, said. “This year’s the new birth. If one wants to go to Heaven and live ners. So, God the Father has “highly exalted him and BIG day starts off with a pancake feed from 9 to 10 forever, one must absolutely be born again. It is an bestowed on him the name that is above every name” a.m. The event, just one week from Easter, is free to absolute must above all else. (Phil. 2:9), that He might reign over us in love with the the public and a welcome connection for people to eat While speaking to Nicodemus, one of the most forgiveness of His cross. together and enjoy each other’s company - unlike last religious people of His day, Jesus said, “Marvel not Vacancy Pastor: Rev. Rick Tabisz year, where restrictions were put on people gathering (don’t be amazed) that I said unto thee, ye must Elder: David Fetgatter together.” be born again (John 3:7).” From a human stand- Activities for the Week: When you join a CF Sunday or Wednesday, you are point, Nicodemus had everything going for him. Sunday being linked with family - you matter. CF is here for Apparently, he was well liked and greatly respected 11 a.m. Divine Service you. among his peers. He was a Pharisee and held rank Wednesday The CF campus is located at 617 N. Oklahoma Ave. in Jewish law as “a ruler of the Jews (Verse 1).” If 7 p.m. Maundy Wednesday Service in Okmulgee at the intersection of Oklahoma & Trent. he were living today, he undoubtedly would have a Trinity Lutheran is located at 1314 E. 6th Street in Our service streams. LIVE on Facebook at 10:30 a.m. doctorate in Jewish law. Okmulgee. The office phone number is 918-756- Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays to connect to our The one thing Nicodemus did not have was what 6046 and office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday CF Facebook Family. he needed the most--a born-again experience through Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday. The doors open at 10 a.m. for connecting and Café by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Bible salvation Hope, followed by passionate music, children’s pro- through faith in Christ is a “must have.” Hebrews First United Methodist Church gramming and encouragement from God’s Word at 11:6 tells us, “He that cometh to God must believe 8th & Seminole • Okmulgee 10:30 a.m. that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that www.fumcokmulgee.org Rev. Baldwin concluded, stating, “Be our guest this diligently seek Him.” First United Methodist Church invites you to join Sunday and en- To be born again simply means to be “born anew” us this coming Sunday morning. Traditional Worship joy this BIG day or “born from above.” In order to obtain this “must Service begins at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed with pancakes have”, it is imperative that one open their heart to by Sunday School at 10 a.m. for all ages. Children’s and friends. Make Jesus, turn from sin and self to Him, inviting Him Church is held at 11 a.m. every Sunday (except the your way to the into their heart for cleansing from sin. first Sunday of the month). Contemporary Praise & Cornerstone Ok- Now let’s look at this birth a little closer. First, we Worship Service is held at 11 a.m. in the Rowe Family mulgee campus on see the unquestionable necessity of the new birth Life Center. The youth meet Sunday in the EPI Center Sundays or engage as Jesus told Nicodemus in Verse 3. “Except a man from 5 to 7:30 p.m. us from the com- (person) be born again, he cannot see the kingdom Opportunities of the Week: fort of your home of God.” All people everywhere must be born again Sunday, March 28 via Facebook Live if we want to live forever with the Lord in Heaven 9 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary and let your heart after this life. 10 a.m. Sunday School get connected to The second thing we find is that Jesus explained 11 a.m. Worship in the Rowe Hop e .” the nature of the new birth to Nicodemus--that it 5 p.m. Lenten Bible Study - Rowe Other ways to was a spiritual birth. He said, “That which is born Monday, March 29 connect with us can be found at these social media of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is 12 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement sites: Instagram - CornerstoneOkmulgee, Twitter - @ spirit (John 3:6).” 7 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement CornerstoneOK and Youtube. For more information, Next we discover that the meaning of the new Tuesday, March 30 call 918-756-4787 or visit www.okmulgeefoursquare. birth is new life in Christ. II Corinthians 5:17 tells 5:30 p.m. Craft Night org. #followingjesus #hopeishere #FacebookONLINE us, “Therefore if any man (person) be in Christ, he Wednesday, March 31 #redletterofjesus #jesussaid #givemeadrink is a new creature: old things are passed away; be- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Food Pantry hold all things are become new.” 12 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement Natura Baptist Church As we look further, we see the means of the new 7 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement 7995 N. 250 Rd. & Hwy. 16 • Beggs birth that It comes through the Holy Spirit (John 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Natura Baptist Church is a friendly, Bible believing, 3:6). God’s Spirit births us into the kingdom of God Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday community-centered, praying family. Natura Baptist as the physical birth brings us into this world. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food Pantry is a place where you can feel at home. We welcome Finally, the message of the new birth is “Jesus Friday, April 2 - Good Friday you to our country church, where the Lord is our fo- saves! Jesus saves!” He saves us from the guilt of our 12 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement cus and visitors and neighbors are our friends. sin and eternal separation from God and all that is 6:30 p.m. Service of Darkness - Sanctuary Pastor Scott McCullah good. 7 p.m. Lost & Found NA - Basement The song by Mrs. H. S. Lehman describes it so Upcoming: April 4 - 6:45 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service New Life Assembly of God aptly: “Do you know that you’ve been born again? at Okmulgee Cemetery. Dress warmly and feel free New Life Assembly of God is located on the corner Do you know that you’ve been born again? Does to bring a lawn chair. We will gather on the road just of New Lake Rd. And C St. in Henryetta. the Spirit dwell within, bearing witness that you’ve north of the cemetery, E. 28th Street. Sunday School for all ages takes place at 10 a.m. been cleansed from every sin and stain? Are you Morning worship service takes place at 11 a.m. Pas- ready if the Lord should come or today your soul The Refuge tors Cordell and Erin Hines give you a special invita- should claim? Can you face eternal years, free from Looking for an Easter service for the family to attend tion to come to New Life. doubt and dread and fears? Do you know, know, this year? The Refuge is planning to host an impres- know that you’ve been born again? sive 20,000 Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 4, at Har- Handy Chapel AME Church mon Stadium, located at 699 E. 12 St. in Okmulgee. 1st & Broadway • Beggs Randy Zinn is pastor of Russell Missionary Baptist The event is free and open to the public. Sunday Worship Service takes place at 10 a.m. Church, Russell, Ark.; formerly of Okmulgee.

Project Heart Senior lunch. Milk variety and water offered at lunch. Taco Salad • Monday: Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Mock • Monday: Breakfast: Pancake Sausage Griddle or • Wednesday: Breakfast: Egg & Cheese Breakfast Pecan Pie, Milk Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Peaches, Apple Juice Sandwich • Tuesday: Beef Stew, Green Peas, Pears, Cornbread, Lunch: BBQ Franks or Roasted Chicken Sandwich, Lunch: Chicken Patty or PB&J or Italian Chef Salad Cinnamon Roll, Milk Mac & Cheese, Carrots, Ranch, Pineapple, Breadstick • Thursday:Not available at press time • Wednesday: Western Egg Bake, Hash Browns, Bis- • Tuesday: Breakfast: Grilled Cheese Sandwich or cuit, Mixed Fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk French Toast Sticks, Toast, Oranges, Grape Juice Schulter Schools • Thursday: Taco Salad, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Re- Lunch: Beef Quesadilla or Chili Cheese Wrap, Texas All meals served with milk and fruit. Breakfast is also fried Beans, Chips, Sour Cream, Salsa, Cinnamon Pintos, Strawberries served with juice and an option for cereal. Roll, Milk • Wednesday: Breakfast: Biscuit and Gravy & Sausage • Monday: Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Muffin, • Friday: Baked Chicken, Baked Potato Casserole, Patty or Mini Waffles, Cheese Stick, Pears, Apple Juice Cheese Stick Vegetable Blend, Roll, Mock Pecan Pie, Milk Lunch: Meatloaf or BBQ Chicken Breast, Gravy, Lunch: Taco Salad, Beans, Corn Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Roll • Tuesday: Breakfast: Biscuit and Gravy, Sausage Morris Schools • Thursday:Breakfast: Colby Egg Omelet or Ham Lunch: Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Potatoes, Carrots, All meals served with fruit and milk. Breakfast also & Cheese Croissant, Toast, Apple Slices, Grape Juice Jell-O served with juice and Pop Tart option. PB&J is an op- Juice • Wednesday: Breakfast: Pancake on Stick tion each day for lunch. Lunch: Hamburger Mac & Cheese or Italian Sub, Lunch: Quesadilla, Refried Beans, Rice • Monday: Breakfast: Pancake, Egg Corn, Watermelon • Thursday:Not available at press time Lunch: Pizza, Corn, Elf Cookie • Friday: No School • Tuesday: Breakfast: Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Toast Twin Hills School Lunch: Walking Taco, Lettuce Cup, Pinto Beans Preston Schools All meals served with white or chocolate milk. Salad bar • Wednesday: Breakfast: Biscuit, Sausage, Gravy Choice of fat free and low fat flavored white or choc- available for lunch. Lunch: Walking Taco, Lettuce Cup, Pinto Beans olate milk and chilled fruit served daily for lunch and • Monday: Breakfast: Combos, Pears • Thursday:Breakfast: Cream Cheese Bagel breakfast. Cereal option and fruit juice served daily for Lunch: Stew, Cornbread, Peaches Lunch: Chicken Spaghetti, Green Beans breakfast. Only main entrees are listed. • Tuesday: Breakfast: Sausage Biscuit, Jelly, Apricots • Friday: No School • Monday: Breakfast: Chicken Biscuit Lunch: Burritos, Corn, Pineapples Lunch: Cheeseburger or Turkey Club Sandwich or • Wednesday: Breakfast: French Toast Sticks, Pears Beggs Schools Cobb Salad Lunch: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Roll, Milk variety and cereal options offered daily for break- • Tuesday: Breakfast: Pancake Bites Mandarin Oranges fast. Extra fruit and vegetable options available for Lunch: Chili w/Cornbread or Pizza Munchable or • Thursday:Not available at press time

Friday, March 26, 2021 COLUMNS & OPINION Okmulgee Times • A11 Medium Rare, Please

easy, light recipes featuring steak!

When it comes to steak, do you love the taste but get confused when it comes to choosing your own from the store? It can be difficult to know what to get so I thought I would try to break it down for you all and make it easier for those of us that may not know what we are looking at. Filet mignon is a staple at elite steakhouses across the country. This is top of the line and usually the Steak Sandwich most expensive. This is also by far one of the most 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter Steak Salad tender cuts of steak. This muscle does very little work ½ onion, sliced 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped or shredded for the cow so it results in a fall apart, super tender, 2lbs steak, you can easily go with flank steak here as 2lbs steak buttery textured steak. However, it has very little fat you are slicing it super thin and placing it on a sand- Seasoning as desired, I used Head Country so if you like the juiciness of a good steak, you may wich. 1 tomato, diced want to look elsewhere.You may also find it under Seasoning as desired, I used Head Country ½ onion, diced the names tender steak, beer tenderloin or tenderloin Cheese of choice, I used both Swiss and American Shredded cheese steak. Hoagie buns Avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced Ribeye is a coveted piece of meat. You can get it in Sauce, as desired-I used a little Dijon mustard Dressing of choice, I used a strawberry vinaigrette boneless or with the rib still intact (which is typically In large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. When Season steak on both sides. Cook steak as desired. called a cowboy steak). Ribeye is marbled with fat and butter is sizzling, add onions. Cook onions 3-5 min- If you want to use a grill, go for it. I did mine in a sometimes includes a fat cap around the edge as well. utes or until soft. Remove onions to covered dish to skillet. In large skillet over medium heat, cook steak 2 This makes it a super juicy steak that is still tender, but keep warm. Season steaks as desired on both sides. minutes on each side. Remove steak from skillet and has enough chew to remind you, you are eating a piece Cook steak 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from allow to rest 5 minutes. Slice or dice steak as desired. of meat. heat and let sit 5 minutes. Slice as thinly as you can. Assemble salad by placing lettuce in bowl. Add toma- New York strip is a solid, decent piece of beef. It has Preheat oven to 350°F and cover a baking sheet with toes, onion and cheese. Toss lightly. Top with steak less marbling so not quite as much flavor as the ribeye, parchment paper. Open hoagie buns and assemble and avocado. Add dressing and enjoy. Delicious! and is not quite as melt in your mouth as the filet, but sandwich as desired. I used Swiss cheese on bottom, it has good flavor with just a little more chew than that topped with onions. Then, layered steak and topped of the ribeye. The best part about it is the price makes with American cheese. Bake 5 minutes to melt cheese this a better option for eating a bit more often. It may and lightly toast bread. Add sauce and enjoy! also be listed as a sirloin steak. The porterhouse and T-bone steaks are two steaks in one. The difference between the two is traditionally just in which one has the bigger side of the filet. It gets its name from the t-shaped bone that separates two sections of meat. One side is the tender filet mignon and the other side is the New York strip steak. The porterhouse has a bigger filet mignon than the T-bone does. It can be tricky to cook either though because the filet side is prone to overcooking. Flank steak is part of the hardest working pieces of the cow. They tend to be tougher pieces of meat, espe- cially if cooked wrong. This steak is most often filet- ed or stripped and made into fajitas or Philly chees- esteaks. This tends to be a larger piece of meat though and often you can get more servings from it. There are four basic categories when it comes to cooking steak. Rare is seared on the outside and typi- cally still cool on the inside as it was barely cooked. It has lots of blood and is still really red inside. Medium Steak Fajitas Steak Street Tacos rare steaks have a seared, brown outside and a red- ½ tsp chili powder 2lbs steak dish pink inside. It is soft and juicy on the inside and 1 tsp ground cumin Seasoning as desired, I used with taco seasoning firm on the outside. There may still be some blood. A pinch cayenne pepper ½ medium onion, diced medium cooked steak is more of a gray-brown col- ½ tsp paprika ¼ bunch parsley, chopped or with a pink band in the center. They rarely have ¼ tsp salt 1 lime, sliced any blood, but is still juicy. A medium well steak has ½ tsp black pepper 6-8 corn tortillas only a hit of a pale pink left in the inside and is gray- 1 tsp garlic powder Cook steaks 2 minutes on each side over medium brown throughout. This is perfect for people that want 2 Tbsps. real unsalted butter heat. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Slice a slightly juicy steak without any blood. Well done is 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced into thin strips or chop steak as desired for tacos. Warm tortillas in cooked thoroughly and can even have a charred out- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips skillet over low heat. Layer steak, onion and parsley on side. They have a grayish-brown color throughout 2lbs steak warmed tortillas. Squeeze with fresh lime slices and with no sign of pink. They are cooked on a slow heat 6-8 tortillas, warmed enjoy. to keep the steak from becoming tough. But really Sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, etc. for why anyone eats a steak this way is beyond me. garnish as desired When it comes to cooking and flavoring the recipes Combine first 7 ingredients in small bowl. Mix well below, do it to your taste. I like medium rare steak with to combine. Melt butter in large skillet over medium some seasoning but little else. I like to taste the flavor heat. Add vegetables to skillet and sprinkle with pre- of the steak. I cooked all of my steak first and then pared seasoning. Cook 5-7 minutes or until soft as sliced to assemble my meals because I like it a little desired. Season steak as desired. Remove vegetables more rare. If you don’t care or prefer well done, freeze to covered dish to keep warm and add steak to same your steak slightly while raw to make it easier to cut. skillet. Cook 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, Then, cook as desired. When you cook your steak, no depending on the size of the steak. Remove steak from matter how you like it, let it rest for at least 5 minutes skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice steak into thin before slicing if you are going to cook like I did. This strips. Assemble fajitas. I lightly warm the tortillas in will allow most of the juices to remain in your steak. skillet, then layer sour cream, vegetables, steak and Make your grocery list and meet me in the kitchen for cheese on top.

A12 • Okmulgee Times LIONS CLUB Friday, March 26, 2021 Okmulgee Postmaster visits Lions Club

ple are paying bills online now, so the mail volume is less (other than junk mail, but junk mail has to be delivered), but pack- ages have increased be- cause Fed-Ex and UPS can only pick up a limit- ed amount of packages to enable them to meet their Tuesday’s Okmulgee Li- ther snow nor rain nor delivery promised sched- ons Club program with heat nor gloom of night ules. Thus, transferring Okmulgee Postmaster stays these couriers from the overage to the Postal Mike Ashley arose out of the swift completion of Service. an AT&T payment taking their appointed rounds” By 2023, the present 22 days to go from the - is not the official Post- Postal vehicles are sched- Okmulgee Post Office to al Service motto though uled to be replaced with the AT&T payment cen- it appears chiseled in vehicles with more car- ter in Atlanta, Georgia - gray granite over the en- go space to carry more TOTALLY UNACCEPT- trance of the James A. packages per vehicle. By ABLE!! Farley building at Eighth Thanksgiving, Sunday The delay happenedAvenue and 33rd Street package delivery is being again the next month, in Manhattan. The mail considered. and I received an e-mail must go through, howev- We thank Postmas- that my current bill was er, a couple of days during ter Ashley for coming to unpaid, when I knew I our recent snow storm, our club to share some of had put the bill in the the mail wasn’t delivered what’s going on with the mail the very next day af- in Quail Meadows. DEAN CRAIG | LIONS CLUB Okmulgee Post Office. ter I had received it, like Now, to our pro- Pictured from left are Acting President Rev. Dale Fillmore and Okmlugee Postmaster Mike Ashley. Although he didn’t say it, always. The final blow gram. Okmulgee Post- we can see that the total came Monday, March 22, master Mike Ashley was ley was raised in Wichi- City. He later transferred because Ashley was hav- blame cannot, and should when I got my AT&T bill assured that his visit to ta Falls, Texas, and came as a supervisor to the ing to run a mail route, not, be placed entirely on and it was due Wednes- our club would not be to Oklahoma to attend McAlester Post Office. because of absent work- the shoulders of the local day, March 24. Three a “roast” nor an indict- the aviation program at The McAlester Post- ers for various reasons. post office. I do not envy times is NOT charm! ment of the Okmulgee Southeastern Oklahoma master position came In some of the smaller his position. In my conversation Post Office. I think we State University, Durant, open but there were no offices, the workers are And for those of you with AT&T, I told them all are aware since 9/11, assuring his father that he candidates after it was working 60-70 hours per who might have had a even if I hopped a flight the Postal Service has would attend college at posted three times, so week. The Hitchita office question or an axe to on Viersen’s jet, there undergone changes in least one year. Six months Ashley decided to bid for is only open two hours grind, you missed your still was no way I could leadership, freezing hires, later, he joined the Ma- it, and got it. Two years per day, and the Morris opportunity by not giving get my payment there on changes in routing of rine Corps. ago, when the Okmul- office is open six hours our club a visit. Don’t let time. This time, the delay mail, replacing human After a number of years gee Postmaster job came per day. it happen again, ya’ hear? was on their end because workers with machines in the military, Ashley re- open, he put in a bid for There is a plan to re- if the billing date (shown or automation, etc., all turned to Oklahoma but it, and got it. duce the 57 districts to Calendar of Events • on the bill as March 3) having a direct bearing did not pursue a career in Even though the Post 50 districts. The Okmul- March 2021 was correct, it didn’t ar- on mail flow. For in- aviation because of a re- Offices have moved to gee supervisor of mail Programs rive until March 22. stance, if you mail a letter duction in the airline ser- automation, most offices transferred and has not • March 26-27 - 3-SW While the Postal Ser- to your next-door neigh- vice because of 9/11. In- are working short-hand- been replaced, a reduc- District Convention vice has no official motto, bor, it will probably take a stead, he took a job with ed. This program had pre- tion in force of manage- • March 30 - Amanda the popular belief that it minimum of two or three the Postal Service in Bo- viously been scheduled ment personnel is in the Couch, Uninsured Mo- does is a tribute to Amer- days to receive it. swell, transferring a cou- for February, but we had offing, as well as early torist Program. Program ica’s postal workers. “Nei- Postmaster Mike Ash- ple of years later to Ponca to cancel and re-schedule retirement. A lot of peo- chair is Fay Tipton.

Henryetta Track to begin 2021 at home

Annual John ‘JP’ Philippe Invitational slated for today LARRY OWEN SPORTS EDITOR The Henryetta varsity track and field program will get their 2021 season underway today. The season-opening meet for the Knights and Lady Knights will be the annual Henryetta John ‘JP’ Philippe Invitational. The season opener will take place at the Henryetta track facility next to the Henryetta Event Center on the campus of Henryetta High School. The annual event will feature two divisions - 3A/ LARRY OWEN | SPORTS EDITOR SEE TRACK, PAGE B3 Teamwork

Okmulgee second baseman Austin Burwell (right) prepares to catch a pop fly on the infield during Wednesday’s home showdown with Kansas while teammate Xander Dunn assists on the play. See B2 for complete details of Wednesday’s battle with the visiting Kansas Comets. Okmulgee to Okmulgee to host host track slowpitch tournament meet today 2-day event to get started today at 9 a.m. Annual event starts at 10 a.m. LARRY OWEN al Okmulgee track and LARRY OWEN ryhill) will compete in the first six up Finals. SPORTS EDITOR field meet will feature lots SPORTS EDITOR contests, while the teams in Pool The fourth-place teams in Historic Harmon Field of talented teams from The Okmulgee varsity slowpitch B (Dewar, Roland, Gore, Okmul- each Pool will meet for the sev- in Okmulgee will be the across the state. softball team will hold a 2-day gee) will compete in the final six enth-place trophy, followed by site for the annual Bull- Some of the schools ex- tournament this weekend. games. The final two Pool Play the third-place teams in each Pool dog Invitational track pected to have athletes The 2021 Okmulgee Slowpitch games will take place on Saturday squaring off against one another and field meet today. compete at today’s meet Tournament will consist of eight at 10 and 11:15 a.m., respectively. in the fifth-place game. The third- The annual track meet are Holland Hall, Glen- teams, divided into two Pools. At the conclusion of the final place contest will feature the sec- will get started at 10 a.m. pool, Tulsa McLain, Tulsa The tournament will get under- Pool Play game, the two Pools will ond-place finishers in each Pool, with field events. The East Central, Ponca City, way today at 9 a.m. with the start be matched up according to their while the top teams in each Pool running events will get Sapulpa, and some of the of Pool Play. The teams in Pool A Pool Play records and battle for will do battle for the tournament underway at 11 a.m. Oklahoma City schools. (Warner, Wagoner, Stilwell, Ber- tournament plaques in the Match- SEE TOURNAMENT, PAGE B3 It is expected the annu- SEE OKMULGEE, PAGE B2 Lady Pirates soar past Warner in 12-2 road game

LARRY OWEN broke a scoreless tie with a pair of runs in the top of offensive attack for the victorious Lady Pirates with SPORTS EDITOR the third for a 2-0 advantage. two hits each. The Preston Lady Pirates scored a 12-2 victory Mon- Warner cut the Preston lead in half, 2-1, with a run The other base hits for Preston in the road game day afternoon against the host Warner Lady Eagles. in its half of the third, then the visiting Lady Pirates came on a single by Aubrey Miller, doubles by Mi- The Lady Pirates did most of their scoring in the broke the game open with their eight total runs in the kayla Brown and Faith Davis, an RBI single by Jadyn fourth and fifth innings, pushing across eight of their fourth and fifth innings for a 10-1 margin. Roberts, an RBI double by Celeste Pineda, and a 2-run 12 runs in the two frames. After Warner tallied a run in the bottom of the fifth double by Emilie Stidman. The Preston diamond squad returned to action on to make it a 10-2 contest, the Preston squad put the Baserunners for the Lady Pirates in the road win Tuesday, hosting the Gore Lady Pirates. See today’s finishing touches on their 10-run victory with a run were Roberts (error), Miller (walk, error), Brown (2 edition for complete details of Tuesday’s showdown in each of the sixth and seventh innings. walks, RBI fielder’s choice), Pineda (walk), Stidman with Gore. The duo of Sam Wegley (2 for 2, double, triple, BB) (2 walks, fielder’s choice), and McKenna Jones (walk, In Monday’s road meeting with Warner, the visitors and Kinlee Basquez (2 for 4, 2 singles, 2 RBI) led the SEE LADY PIRATES, PAGE B2

B2 • Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance SPORTS Friday, March 26, 2021 Dogs suffer two setbacks to Kansas in latest diamond action LARRY OWEN The host Bulldogs answered with a run in the home SPORTS EDITOR half of the third to deadlock the score at 1-1 after three The Okmulgee Bulldog varsity baseball team suf- innings of action. fered a pair of defeats to the Kansas Comets in back- Kansas tallied a run in the top of the fourth to regain to-back District 3A-6 contests. the lead at 2-1, then added three in the fifth, three in The Bulldogs began the week with a 13-1 setback at the sixth, and two in the seventh for a 10-1 advantage. Kansas on Monday, then found themselves on the los- Okmulgee was unable to produce any runs in the ing end of a 10-1 outcome at home on Wednesday. bottom of the seventh to suffer the 9-run setback. The Okmulgee diamond squad returned to action Kaden Ballard absorbed the pitching loss for the on Thursday with a road game at Keys (Parkhill) High Bulldogs, allowing eight runs on six hits, striking out School and a showdown with the Keys Cougars. The one, walking three, and hitting two in five and one- Bulldogs are scheduled to return home today at 5 p.m. third innings of work. to finish the home-and-home series with Keys, then Kevin Washington went the final inning and two- will compete in the Kiefer Festival on Saturday. thirds in relief, giving up two runs on two hits with In Monday’s road game against Kansas, the host three strikeouts. Comets opened the scoring with nine runs in the bot- Most of Okmulgee’s offense occurred in the third in- tom of the first, then added two in the second and two ning. Garrett McElroy recorded the only base hits for in the third for a 13-0 advantage. the Bulldogs in the contest with a 1-out single, while After a scoreless fourth, the Bulldogs ended the Austin Burwell and Tyler Pollard drew walks in the shutout bid by pushing across one run in the top of frame. Pollard scored the lone Okmulgee run in the the fifth to fall to Kansas by a 13-1 decision. third on an RBI groundout by Kaden Ballard. The Okmulgee diamond squad was limited to just The only other baserunner for the Bulldogs in the one hit in the contest - an RBI single by Xander Dunn loss was Kevin Washington, who reached on a fielding in the fifth. error in the second inning. The other baserunners for the Bulldogs in Monday’s --- loss were Kaden Ballard (walk) and Dustin Dunlap (2 Monday’s Game walks). Kansas 13, Okmulgee 1 Dylan Evans got the start on the mound for Ok- Okmulgee - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 1 - 1 - 3 mulgee and was saddled with the pitching loss. Evans Kansas - 9 - 2 - 2 - 0 - x 13 - 7 - 0 allowed seven runs on three hits with two walks and WP: Warren one hit batsman while facing just six hitters in the first LP: Dylan Evans inning and not recording an out. HR: None Daylan Callaway worked the next four innings in re- --- LARRY OWEN | SPORTS EDITOR Okmulgee’s Garrett McElroy drives a pitch to left field for a single in the lief for the Bulldogs, giving up six runs on four hits, Wednesday’s Game bottom of the third inning Wednesday evening against Kansas at historic striking out five and walking six. Kansas 10, Okmulgee 1 Morgan Field at Bateman Park. In Wednesday’s showdown in Okmulgee, the game Kansas - 0 - 0 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 - 2 10 - 8 - 1 remained scoreless until the top of the third when Okmulgee - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 1 - 1 - 3 LP: Kaden Ballard Kansas broke the scoreless tie with a run in the frame. WP: Wiggins HR: None Okmulgee track shines at Lady Dogs fall Dewey Invitational at Eufaula LARRY OWEN SPORTS EDITOR Frazier, Hunt pace OHS at season-opening meet The Okmulgee Lady Bulldog varsity slowpitch soft- ball team suffered an 8-0 shutout loss Monday after- LARRY OWEN ourselves pretty well among the The other individual finishers noon to the host Eufaula Lady Ironheads. SPORTS EDITOR 30-35 teams that were there,” Ok- at the Dewey meet were Ama- The Lady Bulldogs were unable to get their offense The Okmulgee varsity track and mulgee head track coach Dwight ria Fourshee with a fourth-place going in the road game, being limited to just four hits field program had a good showing Pankey said. “We ran well yester- finish in the 100 meter dash, in the loss. Tuesday at the Greg Thomas Invi- day (Tuesday).” Treshawn Cummings with a third- Natori Yates accounted for half of the Okmulgee hits tational at Dewey High School. Iman Frazier took home silver in place finish in the pole vault, and in the contest, finishing 2 for 3 with a pair of singles. The OHS tracksters had five the 400 meter dash and was third Tucker Smith with a silver medal The other two base hits came on singles by Mariya team members finish in the Top 5 in the 200 meter dash, while the in the discus. Tecumseh and Cyann Powell. of their respective events with two other double-Top 5 finisher was The Okmulgee track and field Other Lady Bulldog batters to reach base against Eu- athletes earning Top 5 finishes in Nicardio Hunt with a third-place program will be back in action faula were Morgan Goddard (error), Mercedes Cosby two events. finish in the 3200 meter run and today at the annual Bulldog Track (fielder’s choice), and Jade Whinery (error, fielder’s “Overall, with fighting the rain, a fourth-place finish in the 1600 Invitational at historic Harmon choice). cold, and wind, we represented meter run. Field in Okmulgee. Eufaula got the scoring started with a run in the bot- tom of the third, then added three in the fifth and four in the sixth to hand the visiting Lady Bulldogs the 8-0 setback. The Okmulgee ladies were scheduled to travel to Weleetka on Tuesday, but that game was cancelled due to unplayable field conditions because of Monday’s heavy rainfall in the area. The Lady Bulldogs were Lady Knights fall to also scheduled to be on the road Thursday at Mounds before returning home this weekend to host the 2021 Okmulgee Slowpitch Softball Tournament. --- Monday’s Game 6A powerhouses Eufaula 8, Okmulgee 0 LARRY OWEN Okmulgee - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 0 - 4 - 8 to battle Sapula, Broken for a 17-5 advantage. the plate with a pair of Eufaula - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 3 - 4 8 - 7 - 2 SPORTS EDITOR Bow, and Pocola in Pool Henryetta answered singles, a double, and an WP: No. 7 The Henryetta Lady Play action on Thursday with seven runs of its RBI. LP: Jade Whinery Knight slowpitch softball and Red Oak in Pool own in the top of the fifth Shelby Kilhoffer (2 for HR: Eufaula: No. 10, No. 23 team dropped a pair of Play action today, as well to make it a 17-12 deficit. 4, single, double, 2 RBI), double-digit decisions as squaring off against Broken Arrow plated Kinley Miller (2 for 4, 2 to two Class 6A Top 10 Jenks in a Cross-Bracket three in the home half of singles), McKayla Green- teams Tuesday evening. matchup this afternoon. the fifth for a 20-12 ad- haw (2 for 3, single, dou- OKMULGEE The Lady Knights In Tuesday’s meeting vantage, then the Lady ble, 2 RBI), and Winter CONTINUED FROM B1 found themselves on the with the third-ranked Knights tallied two runs Beaver (2 for 4, 2 singles, There will be four divisions at the meet: 4A-5A boys losing end of a 25-14 Lady Tigers, the Lady in the top of the sixth for RBI) also recorded multi- and girls and 3A-Below boys and girls. slugfest against third- Knights got the scoring a 20-14 contest. hit games for the Lady There will be a Coaches Meeting prior to the meet ranked Broken Arrow in started with four runs in The Lady Tigers tallied Knights in the contest at 9:30 a.m. the opening contest, then the top of the first. five runs in the bottom of with two hits apiece. The field events that will take place at the Okmulgee came up on the short Broken Arrow an- the sixth to put the Hen- The final three base hits meet include boys and girls Long Jump, boys and girls end of a 21-9 outcome to swered with six runs of its ryetta squad on the losing for Henryetta in the bat- Shot Put, boys and girls Discus, boys and girls Pole sixth-ranked Jenks in the own in the bottom of the end of a 25-14 setback. tle came on an RBI single Vault, and boys and girls High Jump. nightcap. inning for a 6-4 margin. Kasedi Gobin was the by Brooklyn Baughman, The schedule for the running events at the meet are The Henryetta dia- Henryetta cut the defi- top hitter for the Lady a 2-run single by Autumn as follows: boys and girls 400 meter relay, boys and mond squad was sched- cit in half, 6-5, with a run Knights in the loss, going Harjo, and a 2-run dou- girls 3200 meter relay, girls 100 meter hurdles, boys uled to return to action in the top of the second. 4 for 4 with a single, two ble by Katelyn Dwiggins. 110 meter hurdles, boys and girls 100 meter dash, on Thursday, competing That was close as the doubles, home run, and 3 Other baserunners boys 3200 meter run, boys and girls 800 meter relay, in the 1st Annual Creek Lady Knights got to RBIs. Gobin’s roundtrip- against Broken Arrow girls 3200 meter run, boys and girls 400 meter dash, Classic in Okmulgee, for knocking off the third- per came on a solo blast were Greenhaw (walk), boys and girls 800 meter run, boys and girls 300 meter which the Lady Knights ranked Lady Tigers, as in the sixth. Dwiggins (2 walks), Har- hurdles, boys and girls 200 meter dash, boys and girls are serving as tourna- Broken Arrow pushed Avery Miller was next jo (walk), Jalynn Joslin 1600 meter run, and boys and girls 1600 meter relay. ment hosts. The Henryet- across four in the third offensively for Henryet- (fielder’s choice), and There will be a 40-minute break at the conclusion of ta squad was scheduled and seven in the fourth ta, finishing 3 for 4 at SEE LADY KNIGHTS, PAGE B3 the girls 3200 meter run.

Friday, March 26, 2021 SPORTS Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance • B3 Lady Pirates rout Gore in home battle Roberts’ Grand Slam sparks 8-run third in 18-8 win LARRY OWEN SPORTS EDITOR The Preston Lady Pirate slowpitch softball teamflexed their offensive muscles here Tuesday evening, defeating the visiting Gore Lady Pirates 18-8 in five innings. The highlight of Tuesday’s run-rule victory came in the third inning when the host Lady Pirates plated eight runs - all with two outs, which included home runs by Jadyn Roberts and Sam Wegley. Roberts sparked the 8-run in- ning with a Grand Slam home run that gave the Lady Pirates a 9-6 advantage. Two batters later, Wegley made it an 11-6 contest with a 2-run blast. The other two runs for Preston in the frame came on back-to-back RBI singles by Kinlee Basquez and Mikayla Brown. The visitors opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of the first, then Preston took over the lead at 3-2 with three runs in the home half of the inning. Gore tied the score at 3-3 with a run in the top of the second, while Preston regained the lead at 5-3 with two runs in the bottom of the frame. The visitors moved back in front, 6-5, with a 3-run third, then the host Lady Pirates went on top for good with their eight runs in the last of the inning. Gore plated a run in each of the fourth and fifth -in nings, while Preston followed their 8-run third with a 5-run fifth to walk away with the 18-8 victory. Kate Smith (3 for 4, 2 doubles, triple, 2 RBI) and Au- brey Miller (3 for 4, 3 singles, 2 RBI) were the leading hit producers for the host Lady Pirates with three hits each. LARRY OWEN | SPORTS EDITOR The duo of Brown (2 for 3, 2 singles, 2 RBI) and McKen- Preston’s Jadyn Roberts is all smiles after blasting a Grand Slam home run na Jones (2 for 3, 2 singles, RBI) also recorded multi-hit in Tuesday’s home meeting with Gore. games for Preston in the win with two hits apiece. --- Besides the third-inning home runs by Roberts and Preston left fielder Emilie Stidman attempts to throw out a runner during Preston 18, Gore 8 Wegley and Basquez’s RBI single in the frame, the only Tuesday’s home battle with Gore. Gore - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1 - 1 8 - 11 - 4 other base hit for the victorious Lady Pirates came on a Preston - 3 - 2 - 8 - 5 - x 18 - 14 - 0 single by Emilie Stidman. walk, error), and Faith Davis (2 walks). WP: Faith Davis Other baserunners for Preston in the win were Rob- The Preston ladies were scheduled to return to action LP: Webb erts (walk, error), Wegley (2 walks), Miller (error), Jones Thursday with opening-round action at the Weleetka HR: Gore: Brocksher; Preston: Jadyn Roberts, Sam Weg- (walk), Basquez (RBI fielder’s choice), Brown (walk), Tournament. The annual tournament is scheduled to ley Stidman (walk, fielder’s choice), Celeste Pineda (RBI continue today and Saturday in Weleetka. Demons take two from North Rock Creek Beggs pitching allows just two hits in twinbill sweep LARRY OWEN gave up two runs on one hit with three Beggs began the scoring with a run in Johnson. SPORTS EDITOR strikeouts and one hit batter in an inning the bottom of the first, then added a run Other baserunners for the Demons The Beggs Golden Demons snapped and two-thirds of relief. in each of the second and third innings in the nightcap were Ross (walk, error), their 4-game losing streak Tuesday with a In Tuesday’s opening contest, the De- for a 3-1 advantage. Gable (fielder’s choice), Johnson (walk), pair of run-rule victories over the visiting mons opened the scoring with a run in The Demons pushed across two runs in Duclos (fielder’s choice), Hastings (hit North Rock Creek Cougars. the home half of the first, then added two the last of the fourth, then made it a 6-1 by pitch), Caleb Burright (3 walks, hit by The Demons, who went winless at last in the second, four in the third, and four contest with one run in the home half of pitch), Ethan Busby (walk, 2 hit by pitch- weekend’s Chandler Tournament, began in the fourth to complete the 11-run total. the fifth. es), and Wyatt Nail (walk). Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep with an Caleb Burright led the offensive attack After North Rock Creek made it a 6-3 --- 11-0 victory in four and one and one-half for Beggs in the shutout win, going 2 Beggs lead with its two runs in the top First Game innings, then took the nightcap by a 12-3 for 3 with a pair of singles. Burright also of the sixth, the Demons put the finish- Beggs 11, North Rock Creek 0 margin. reached on a fielder’s choice in the contest. ing touches on their second run-rule win NRC - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 0 - 1 - 6 In the sweep, Beggs pitchers combined The other base hits for the Demons in over the Cougars with a 6-run bottom of Beggs - 1 - 2 - 4 - 4 - x 11 - 5 - 1 to allow just four runs on two hits in 11 the opening contest came on a single by the sixth. WP: Dawson Barrett innings of work. Dalton Hastings and 2-run singles by Dawson Barrett was the top hitter for LP: Todd Dawson Barrett gave up one run on one Ross and Andrew Duclos. Beggs in the nightcap, going 3 for 5 with HR: None hit with eight strikeouts and one walk in Baserunners in the shutout victory were three singles and 2 RBIs. --- a 5-inning, complete-game, win in Tues- Ross (walk, error), Barrett (walk), Hast- Brayden Gable (2 for 5, 2 singles), An- Second Game day’s opener, while the duo of Jameson ings (RBI walk), Duclos (walk, error), drew Duclos (2 for 4, 2 singles, 2 RBI), Beggs 12, North Rock Creek 3 Ross and Brayden Gable combined to al- Gable (walk), Darieon Johnson (3 walks), and Dalton Hastings (2 for 3, single, dou- NRC - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 2 3 - 1 - 2 low three runs on one hit with 14 strike- Ethan Busby (walk), and Wyatt Nail (RBI ble, 2 RBI) also recorded multi-hit games Beggs - 1 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 6 12 - 11 - 3 outs, one walk, and one hit batter in six walk, fielder’s choice). for the Demons in the contest with two WP: Jameson Ross innings of work in the nightcap. Ross In Tuesday’s nightcap, the visitors tallied hits apiece. LP: Davis worked the first four and one-third in- one run in the top of the third, then added The final two base hits for Beggs in the HR: None nings, allowing one run on no hits, strik- two in the top of the sixth for their 3-run showdown came on a single by James- ing out 11 and walking one, while Gable total. on Ross and a 2-run single by Darieon

LADY PIRATES TOURNAMENT Friday, 9 a.m. • Game 10: Dewar vs. Okmulgee; • • Game 2: Wagoner vs. Stilwell; Fri- Friday, 8:15 p.m. CONTINUED FROM B1 CONTINUED FROM B1 day, 10:15 a.m. • Game 11: Dewar vs. Gore; Satur- error, fielder’s choice). Pineda also drove in a run championship. • Game 3: Wagoner vs. Berryhill; day, 10 a.m. with an RBI groundout in the seventh, while Kate All Pool Play games will be Friday, 11:30 a.m. • Game 12: Gore vs. Okmulgee; Smith drove in a run in the third with an RBI sac- played under a 1-hour time limit. • Game 4: Warner vs. Berryhill; Saturday, 11:15 a.m. rifice fly. Saturday’s Match-up Finals games Friday, 12:45 p.m. ------will not have a time limit. • Game 5: Warner vs. Stilwell; Fri- Match-up Finals Monday’s Game Below is the complete schedule day, 2 p.m. • Pool A #4 vs. Pool B #4; Saturday, Preston 12, Warner 2 for the 2021 Okmulgee Slowpitch • Game 6: Stilwell vs. Berryhill; Fri- 12:30 p.m. Preston - 0 - 0 - 2 - 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 12 - 10 - 1 Tournament. day, 3:15 p.m. • Pool A #3 vs. Pool B #3; Saturday, Warner - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 2 - 10 - 5 --- • Game 7: Dewar vs. Roland; Fri- 1:45 p.m. WP: Faith Davis 2021 Okmulgee Slowpitch day, 4:30 p.m. • Pool A #2 vs. Pool B #2; Saturday, LP: Lafave Tournament • Game 8: Roland vs. Gore; Friday, 3:30 p.m. HR: None March 26-27, 2021 5:45 p.m. • Pool A #1 vs. Pool B #1; Saturday, Pool Play Games • Game 9: Roland vs. Okmulgee; 4:45 p.m. • Game 1: Warner vs. Wagoner; Friday, 7 p.m.

LADY KNIGHTS tage after two innings of action. Kilhoffer, McKayla Greenhaw, and Kase- WP: Unknown Jenks doubled up the Henryetta squad di Gobin, an RBI double by Brooklyn LP: Katelyn Dwiggins CONTINUED FROM B1 6-3 in the third for an 18-6 contest, while Baughman, and a 2-run double by Kin- HR: Henryetta: Kasedi Gobin; Broken Skylar Morris (walk). both teams tallied three runs in their half ley Miller. Arrow: No. 7 (2), No. 9 (2), No. 13 (2), In Tuesday’s showdown with Jenks, of the fourth to end the contest on the Additional Henryetta baserunners in No. 6 (2) the Lady Knights got the scoring started run rule, 21-9. the loss were Dwiggins (walk, error), --- with a pair of runs in the top of the first. Avery Miller was the top hitter for the Greenhaw (walk), and Winter Beaver Second Game The lead did not last long for the Hen- Lady Knights against Jenks, going 3 for (walk). Jenks 21, Henryetta 9 ryetta squad, as Jenks answered with 3 with a double, two home runs, and 5 --- Henryetta - 2 - 1 - 3 - 3 9 - 10 - 1 eight runs in the last of the inning to take RBIs. Miller blasted a 2-run home run First Game Jenks - 8 - 4 - 6 - 3 21 - 24 - 1 over the lead at 8-2. in the first, then connected on a 3-run Broken Arrow 25, Henryetta 14 WP: Unknown After the Lady Knights made it an 8-3 home run in the fourth. Henryetta - 4 - 1 - 0 - 0 - 7 - 2 LP: Katelyn Dwiggins contest with a run in the top of the sec- The other base hits for Henryetta 14 - 18 - 4 HR: Henryetta: Avery Miller (2); Jenks: ond, the Lady Trojans plated four runs in against their 6A foes came on singles by Broken Arrow - 6 - 0 - 4 - 7 - 3 - 5 No. 26, No. 24, No. 25 (2), No. 9 their half of the frame for a 12-3 advan- Katelyn Dwiggins, Jalynn Joslin, Shelby 25 - 25 - 0

B4 • Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance SPORTS Friday, March 26, 2021

LARRY OWEN | SPORTS EDITOR Morris senior Charie Barnett (3) reached a pair of career milestones during the 2020-21 high school basketball her 1,500th point in her high school career, then, in the following game - a regional consolation finals against Vian, season. In the Lady Eagles’ win over Spiro at the Class 3A regional consolation semifinals in Spiro, Barnett scoredBarnett pulled down her 1,000th rebound of her high school career. Soaring to Great Heights Morris’ Charie Barnett reaches two milestones during senior year LARRY OWEN ville or February 5 at Warner. finals of the regional tournament and For her career, Barnett finished with SPORTS EDITOR The season was going along smoothly put their season in jeopardy of end- 1,597 points and 1,040 rebounds. Morris High School senior Charie for Barnett and the Lady Eagles and it ing in the regional tournament for the Barnett’s senior season totals are as Barnett accomplished a pair of rare appeared the milestones would be met second-straight year. Despite the loss, follows: feats this past basketball season. in the first week of February. After a Barnett achieved one of her milestones, Points: 377 (17.95 ppg) The 5-foot, 10-inch forward record- January 21 home meeting with Dewar, scoring a team-best 22 points and 2-Point Field Goals Made/2-Point ed her 1,500th point in her high school the Morris cage squad took the court claiming her 1,500th career point with Field Goals Attempted: 152/238 (64%) basketball career, then, one game lat- only twice prior to the postseason due her final basket in the fourth quarter. 3-Point Field Goals Made/3-Point er, pulled down her 1,000th career re- to games being canceled for COVID-19 The Morris senior entered the con- Field Goals Attempted: 3/6 (50%) bound. protocols. solation semifinals against Spiro de- Free Throws Made/Free Throws At- “I think it’s pretty awesome,” Barnett With the Lady Eagles missing seven termined to not have her high school tempted: 64/86 (74%) said, about reaching the two milestones. of their last nine scheduled games in basketball career end at the regional Rebounds: 213 (10.14 rpg) “I didn’t know I was that close because the regular season, Barnett would have tournament and helped guide the Lady Assists: 16 (0.76 apg) he (Morris head coach Ty Allen) didn’t to accomplish these career milestones Eagles to four-straight victories and put Steals: 46 (2.19 spg) tell me until the game before. It’s pretty sometime during the postseason. the Morris cage squad one win away --- g re at .” Barnett entered the Class 3A playoffs from capturing a state tournament Barnett’s career totals are as follows: When Barnett stepped onto the bas- needing just 39 points and 40 rebounds berth. Points: 1,597 (16.46 ppg) ketball court at Preston on December to accomplish the achievements. During the Lady Eagles’ 49-27 drub- 2-Point Field Goals Made/2-Point 4, 2020, the Morris standout was 280 After a thrilling 50-48 Morris victory bing of Vian in the regional consolation Field Goals Attempted: 633/1,030 points and 173 rebounds shy of accom- over Claremore Sequoyah in the district finals on February 27, Barnett, who fin- (61.5%) plishing these two rare feats. championship game, Barnett closed the ished with a game-high 23 points, pulled 3-Point Field Goals Made/3-Point At an average of 17 points and 10 re- gap a little bit more and entered the down her 1,000th career rebound. Field Goals Attempted: 4/10 (40%) bounds per game entering her senior Class 3A regional tournament needing Barnett’s high school basketball career Free Throws Made/Free Throws At- campaign, it would take about 17 games just 21 points and 29 rebounds to ac- sadly came to a close March 6, 2021, tempted: 319/454 (70%) for Barnett to reach both milestones, complish the exceptional feats. when the Lady Eagles suffered anoth- Rebounds: 1,040 (10.7 rpg) which meant, at the earliest, the Mor- The Lady Eagles suffered a heart- er heartbreaking loss to the Hugo Lady Assists: 86 (0.88 apg) ris cage standout would capture those breaking 48-46 defeat to the Hugo Lady Buffaloes, 37-35, in the consolation fi- Steals: 191 (1.96 spg) milestones either February 2 at Kelly- Buffaloes in the winner’s bracket semi- nals of the Class 3A area tournament. Eagles drop district contests to Adair LARRY OWEN The Eagles broke up the shutout bid choice). Other Morris baserunners on Tuesday SPORTS EDITOR with two runs in the bottom of the sixth, In Tuesday’s rematch in Adair, the Ea- were Terriquez (walk), Walls (fielder’s The Morris Eagle varsity baseball team while Adair tacked on an insurance run gles tallied their lone run of the contest choice), Long (dropped third strike), dropped a pair of District 3A-6 contests in the top of the seventh to hand the in the top of the third on an RBI sacri- Kolby Burgess (walk), Keegan Burgess earlier this week to the Adair Warriors. Morris squad the 5-2 defeat. fice fly by Garrett Uva. (walk, fielder’s choice), and Trey Dan- The Eagles came up short in Monday’s Keegan Burgess absorbed the pitching Adair got the scoring started with two iels (walk). first game against Adair by a 5-2 margin loss for Morris in Monday’s contest, al- runs in the bottom of the first, then --- in Morris, then were on the losing end lowing five runs on six hits, striking out added three in the third and seven in Monday’s Game of a 12-1 decision Tuesday on the War- four and walking five in seven innings the fourth for the 12-1 decision. Adair 5, Morris 2 rior’s home turf. of work. Ty Long got the start on the mound Adair - 1 - 0 - 0 - 3 - 0 - 0 - 1 5 - 6 - 0 Morris was scheduled to return to Kolby Burgess led the offensive attack for Morris on Tuesday and was saddled Morris - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - 0 2 - 3 - 6 action Thursday with a home meeting for the Eagles on Monday, going 2 for 3 with the pitching loss. Long gave up 10 WP: No. 10 with the Hilldale Hornets. The Eagles with a single and an RBI double. Bur- runs on seven hits with one strikeout, LP: Keegan Burgess will return to district play Monday and gess’ single came with two outs in the four walks, and two hit batters in three HR: None Tuesday with a home-and-home se- fourth and broke up a perfect-game bid and one-third innings of work. --- ries with the Kellyville Ponies. The two by the Adair starting pitcher. Kolby Adams allowed two runs on Tuesday’s Game teams will meet in Kellyville on Mon- The only other base hit for Morris on four hits, striking out two in two-thirds Adair 12, Morris 1 day, then the series will shift to Morris Monday came on a single by Keegan of an inning of relief in the fourth. Morris - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0 1 - 5 - 2 for Tuesday’s battle. Burgess. The Eagles were held to just five hits Adair - 2 - 0 - 3 - 7 - x 12 - 11 - 0 In Monday’s home game against Adair, Other Eagle hitters to reach base in in the contest. The five Morris base hits WP: No. 11 the visitors got the scoring started with the opening contest against Adair were came on singles by Uva, Mateo Ter- LP: Ty Long a run in the top of the first, then added Kolby Adams (walk), Mateo Terriquez riquez, Kolby Burgess, and Junior Walls HR: None three in the fourth for a 4-0 advantage. (walk), and Koen Burgess (fielder’s and a double by Adams.

Friday, March 26, 2021 COMICS Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance • B5

FRANK AND ERNEST ® by Ron Thaves THE BORN LOSER ® by Art & Chip Sansom

ARLO & JANIS ® by Jimmy Johnson

Make adjustments to the way you work or how you earn your living. Being efficient will buy you time to work on projects that excite you. Put together a schedule focused on health, fitness and personal growth. Let your intuition guide you in a direction that offers peace of mind.

THATABABY ® by Paul Trap ARIES (March 21-April 19) Finish what you start before moving on to something more enjoyable. Choose your words wisely when dealing with a friend or relative. An argu- ment will ruin a perfect day if you let it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Make a change because you want to, not because you are emotional or angry. Look for a way to make your home more comfortable. A positive atti- ALLEY OOP ® by Dave Graue & Jack Bender tude will bring the best results. Work to improve a special rela- tionship.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Tempers will flare if you spend too much time with someone who is critical or if you focus on what’s not working instead of on what you can accomplish. Personal growth is encour- aged.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take note of what others are BIG NATE ® by Lincoln Peirce doing, and consider what you can do to improve your life. A chance to do things differently will help you stand out. You’ll find a loophole that will save money if you update docu- HERMAN ® by Jim Unger ments.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Pay more attention to your actions and how you present yourself, and less to what oth- ers are doing. It’s better to look for opportunities than to try to make what someone else is THE GRIZWELLS ® by Bill Schorr doing work for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Let your feelings dictate your decisions. If you follow your heart, you will discover the best way to use your skills to reach your objective. Refuse to let anyone goad you into an argument.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Look for safe ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Spend- ing time in nature will encour- age you to live a healthy life- style. Exercise often, eat well and spend time with someone you love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) You’ll get a chance to change your environment, but don’t go overboard financially. Look at ways to cut corners to find ways to stay within budget. Aim to lower your stress levels.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Monitor what others do or say. Someone will misinter- pret what you say if you aren’t articulate. Leave nothing to chance, and you’ll outdo any- one who tries to get in your way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take a different approach to the way you handle money. A possible change that interests you will cause you to question your relationship with some- one. Go directly to the source if you want the truth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Clear a workout space and get moving. Fitness and exercise will give you the boost you need to start new projects. Spend time doing things, not contemplating. Seek out fam- ily members.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) An emotional situation will be eye-opening. Don’t get upset when something goes wrong; use your anger to motivate you to change. Let go of the past and do what’s best for you.

B6 • Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance TV GRIDS Friday, March 26, 2021

Friday, March 26, 2021 TV GRIDS Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance • B7

B8 • Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance PUBLIC NOTICES Friday, March 26, 2021

Bid packets may be picked up at the The Unknown Heirs, Execu- IN THE MATTER OF THE NOTICE OF HEARING FINAL on or before the following the ANNOUNCEMENTS County Clerk’s Office located in the tors, Administrators, Devisees, ESTATES REPORT AND FINAL AC- presentment date, on the 1st day Okmulgee County Courthouse, or Trustees, and Assigns of LOUISE JIM R. CHURCHILL a/k/a JIM COUNT, PETITION FOR of June, 2021, or the same will be Legal Notices call 918-758- l255. PECTON A/K/A LOUISE MAR- RAY CHURCHILL and BEVER- ORDER ALLOWING FINAL forever barred. For contact information, call David TIN A/K/AL. LOUISE MARTIN LY ANN CHURCHILL, REPORT AND Dated this 23rd day of March, Walker, District#2 County Com- A/K/A LOUISE L. LISTON, Deceased. FINAL ACCOUNT AND 2021. Published in the Okmulgee Times missioner (918) 756-1531. DECEASED; and CASE NO. PB-2019-62 DETERMINING HEIRSHIP /s/ Dru R Tate 3-12-2021, 3-19-2021, 3-26-2021 Written estimates are to be submit- The Unknown Heirs, Execu- Judge: Cynthia Pickering AND PETITION FOR FINAL KELLY M. HUNT, OBA#31387 LIEN SALE ted to Cathi Murphy, Okmulgee tors, Administrators, Devisees, NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECREE OF DISTRIBUTION DRU R. TATE, OBA#30434 2003 DODGE PK VIN# County Clerk at P.O. Box 904, Trustees, and Assigns of JACK B. STATE OF OKLAHOMA AND DISCHARGE South County Law Firm, PLLC 3D7K428D73G712446 Okmulgee, OK.74447. Please put MARTIN, DECEASED; and ss. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 1700 E. 6th St. CONTACT EVERETT HORN “BlD NUMBER’’ and “OPENING The Unknown Heirs, Execu- COUNTY OF OKMULGEE that NATHAN DALE HURT, Per- Okmulgee, Oklahoma 918-756-7286 DATE” on the outside of your en- tors, Administrators, Devisees, All creditors having claims sonal Representative of the Estate 74447 918.756.1000-phone velope. Bids will be opened in the Trustees, and Assigns of JACKIE against JIM R. CHURCHILL and of LORENE R. HURT, deceased, 918.917.8485-fax County Commissioners Office at LYNN MARTIN A/K/A JACKIE BEVERLY ANN CHURCHILL, having filed in this Court his Final Attorney for Personal Represen- their regularly scheduled meeting LYNN SMITH A/K/A JACKIE deceased, are required to present Report and Final Account of his tative Published in the Okmulgee Times on Monday, April 5, 2021. Bids will LYNN BROWN, DECEASED; the same with a description of administration of said estate and 3-24-2021, 3-26-2021 not be accepted after 9:00 a.m. and all security interests and other his Petition for allowance of said OKMULGEE (COUNTY PUR- The non-collusion affidavit on TERRI JEAN MARTIN A/K/A collateral, if any, held by each Final Report and Final Account, Published in the Okmulgee Times CHASING OFFICE) County, back of this invitation to bid form TERRI JEAN BUSSE A/K/A creditor with respect to such claim, and Determination of Heirship, Oklahoma 3-26-2021, 4-2-2021, 4-9-2021 must be signed and notarized. The TERRI JEAN CUMMINGS if liv- to GAYE LYNN CHURCHILL - Distribution, and Discharge in said IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKMULGEE County Court Board of Commissioners reserves ing and if deceased, the unknown SEARS, Personal Representative, estate, the hearing of same has been House OKMULGEE COUNTY the right to reject any and all bids. successors, heirs, executors, in care of: set by the Judge of said Court for STATE OF OKLAHOMA OKMULGEE, Oklahoma APPROVED Date: 3-22-2021 administrators, devisees, trustees, KELLY M. HUNT, the 13th day of April, 2021, at 9.00 Phone Number +1 (918) 758- IN THE MATTER OF THE Board of County Commissioners and assigns of TERRI JEAN DRU R. TATE o’clock a.m. in the Courtroom of GUARDIANSHIP 1255 of Okmulgee Co. MARTIN South County Law Firm said Court in the County Court- Invitation to Bid JAKE ROBERT SURABIAN dob: /s/Ron Ballard, Chairman A/K/A TERRI JEAN BUSSE 1700 E. 6th St. house at OKMULGEE County, 1/3/14 Date Issued: 3/22/2021 /s/R David Walker, Member A/K/A TERRI JEAN CUM- Okmulgee, OK 74447 State of Oklahoma, before the Page 1 of 2 JASON TIMOTHY SURABIAN, /s/ James Connor, Member MINGS. on or before the following the Judge of the District Court, and all dob: 6/11/12 PLEASE REVIEW TERMS AND You are hereby notified that an presentment date, on the 25th day persons interested in said estate are CONDITIONS ON REVERSE Minor children. action has been filed in the Semi- of May, 2021, or the same will be notified to then and there appear Case No. PG 2021-7 SIDE RELATING TO SUBMIS- nole County District Court, State forever barred. and show cause, if any they have, SION OF THIS BID. CORRECTED NOTICE OF of Oklahoma, styled “Alma Leatta Dated this 15th day of March, why the said account should not HEARING PETITION OF Notarized Affidavit completions Horton, Plaintiff, vs. The Unknown 2021. be settled and allowed, the heirs of and signature required on reverse Published in the Okmulgee Times GUARDIANSHIP AND 3-12-2021, 3-19-2021, 3-26-2021 Heirs, Executors, Administrators, /s/ Dru R. Tate said deceased determined, and the DISMISSAL OF CALIFORNIA side. Devisees, Trustees, and Assigns of KELLY M. HUNT, OBA#31387 estate distributed. BID NUMBER: #20 CASE NO. CV-2021-25 GUARDIANSHIP BUD HORTON A/K/A NORMAN DRU R. TATE, OBA#30434 DATED this 15th day of March, BID CLOSING DATE AND SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY NOW on this 17th day of March, F. HORTON A/K/A NORMAN South County Law Firm, PLLC 2021. HOUR: April 5, 2021 (Monday) PUBLICATION NOTICE 2021, JIMMY ANDREW SMITH FORREST HORTON JR., DE- 1700 E. 6th St. /s/ Cynthia D. Pickering 9:00 a.m. STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: and CATHERYN JUNE SMITH, The Unknown Heirs, Execu- CEASED, ... et al, Defendants” Okmulgee, OK 74447 JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT having filed in this Court a Cor- REQUIRED DELIVERY DATE: alleging that Plaintiff is the record 918.756.1000-phone COURT TERMS: tors, Administrators, Devisees, rected Petition alleging that it is Trustees, and Assigns of BUD owner of the Subject Property for- 918.917.8485-fax DONALD W. HENSON, OBA necessary that co—guardians be DATE OF DELIVERY: merly owned by the above-stated Attorney for Personal #4118 DESCRIPTION HORTON A/K/A NORMAN F. appointed for the person and prop- HORTON A/K/A NORMAN Defendants, amongst others, in the Representative Attorney At Law erty of JAKE ROBERT SURA- The Board of County Commission- described lands situated in Okmul- P. O. Box 993 ers of Okmulgee County, Oklaho- FORREST HORTON JR., DE- BIAN and JASON TIMOTHY CEASED; and gee County, State of Oklahoma: Okmulgee, OK 74447 SURABIAN, minor children, and ma wishes to advertise for bids on Lot 1 and Lot 2, Block 7, in the (918) 756-5023 the following: The Unknown Heirs, Execu- Published in the Okmulgee Times praying that Letters of Guardian- tors, Administrators, Devisees, original Town of Dewar. 3-19-2021, 3-26-2021 ship issue to them. Upgrade to District #2 Barn (the “Subject Property”). Located at 611 Wyandotte St. Trustees, and Assigns of EMMA IN THE DISTRICT COURT IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED C. MORDECAI A/K/A CLIMEY that Plaintiff’s Petition alleges that IN AND FOR OKMULGEE Published in the Okmulgee Times that said Corrected Petition be and Okmulgee, OK. 74447 you may claim some right, title, (See Specifications) EMMALINE MORDECAI COUNTY 3-26-2021 hereby is set for hearing on the 18th A/K/A EMMA PECTON, DE- lien, estate, encumbrance, claim, STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF day of June, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and CEASED; and assessment, or interest in and to IN THE MATTER OF THE OKMULGEE COUNTY STATE that the following individuals be the subject property, adverse to ESTATE OF OF OKLAHOMA given notice thereof by mail not Plaintiff, which constitutes a cloud QUIDA NADINE WOLF, now IN THE MATTER OF: less than ten (10) days before the on Plaintiff’s title, and that you NARDONE, BARRY GAGGINI, time so appointed. have no right, title, lien, estate, en- Deceased. An incapacitated person. NAME AND ADDRESS RELA- cumbrance, claim, assessment, or Case No.: PB-2021-11 CASE NO.: PB-2020-12 TIONSHIP TO WARD interest, either in law or in equity, Judge: Cynthia Pickering NOTICE AND ORDER FOR JASON SURABIAN in and to the Subject Property, or NOTICE TO CREDITORS HEARING ON PETITION FOR 2505 S. Blythe Ave. any of them. STATE OF OKLAHOMA APPOINTMENT AS PERSON- Fresno, CA 93706 You are notified that you have ss. AL REPRESENTATIVE, AND (Certified Mail) been sued and must answer the COUNTY OF OKMULGEE FOR DETERMINATION OF natural father, Petition filed by Plaintiff on or be- All creditors having claims ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND JENNA HARMON fore the [60-days from date of first against QUIDA NADINE WOLF, LEGATEES PURSUANT TO 58 (last address unknown) publication], or the allegations now NARDONE, deceased, are O.S. 240 Publication contained in said Petition will be required to present the same with a RENEE EDMONDS, Bank Of- natural mother, taken as true and judgment en- description of all security interests ficer, Trust Operations, of FIRST Marissa Alvarez tered adjudging the plaintiff to be and other collateral, if any, held by NATIONAL BANK & TRUST 8724 South Bryan Ave the owner of the Subject Property each creditor with respect to such COMPANY OF OKMULGEE, has Fresno, CA 93706 as stated in Plaintiff’s Petition. In claim, to LAURA EILEEN NAR- filed a Petition for Admission of Half—sister, such event, you will be adjudged DONE, Personal Representative, Estate to Probate and for Appoint- Jimmy & Cathryn Smith and decreed to have no right, title, in care of: ment as Personal Representative 715 South 5th lien, estate, encumbrance, claim, DRU R. TATE and Determination of all Heirs, Morris, OK 74445 assessment, or interest, either South County Law Firm, PLLC Devisees, and Legatees pursuant Petitioners, in law or in equity, in and to the 1700 E. 6th St. to 58 O.S. 240. PROBATE DIVISION Subject Property, or any of them, Okmulgee, OK 74447 It is ORDERED that said Peti- Superior Court of California and a decree quieting Plaintiff’s on or before the following the tion will be heard by this Court Fresno County title in and to the Properties will presentment date, on the 18th day in Courtroom at the Okmulgee 1130 “O” Street be entered. of May, 2021, or the same will be County District Courthouse, on Fresno, CA 93724 Given under my hand and seal forever barred. April 27, 2021, at 9:00 o’clock a.m., /s/ Cynthia D Pickering this 4th day of March, 2021. Dated this 24th day of February, when and where all persons inter- Judge of the District Court COURT CLERK 2021. ested may appear and contest. MELINDA G. DUNLAP, OBA By: /s/ Laney Miller /s/ Dru R. Tate It is further ordered that notice #15002 Prepared and Submitted by: Kelly KELLY M. HUNT, OBA#31387 of said hearing be given by mail P.O. BOX 1616, M. Hunt, OBA #31387 SOUTH DRU R. TATE, OBA#30434 to each of the heirs whose address OKMULGEE, OK 74447 COUNTY LAW FIRM 1700 E. South County Law Firm, PLLC is known, and by publishing in a (918) 756-7764 6th Street 1700 E. 6th St. newspaper published in said coun- Okmulgee, OK 74447 Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447 ty, all according to law. Phone: 918-756-1000 Phone - 918.756.1000 Witness my hand and the seal of Fax: 918-917-8485 kelly@south- Fax - 918.917.8485 said Court this March 23, 2021. countylawok.com ATTORNEY Attorney for Personal Represen- /s/ Cynthia D. Pickering FOR PLAINTIFF tative JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT Prepared by: Published in the Okmulgee Times Published in the Okmulgee Times Kelly M. Hunt, OBA #31387 3-19-2021, 3-26-2021 3-19-2021, 3-26-2021 Dru R. Tate, OBA #30434 IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN THE DISTRICT COURT SOUTH COUNTY LAW FIRM IN AND FOR OKMULGEE OF OKMULGEE COUNTY 1700 E. 6th Street COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Okmulgee, OK 74447 STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE (918) 756-1000 – Telephone ESTATE OF LORENE R. HURT, (918) 917-8485 – Facsimile aka Etta Lorene Hurt, deceased, [email protected] NO. PB 2020-079

Published in the Okmulgee Times 3-26-2021, 4-2-2021 IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR OKMULGEE COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DICKEY DEE JONES, JR. and PORTIA MARIE TAPTTO, now JONES Deceased. Case No.: PB-21-20 Judge: Cynthia Pickering NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF OKLAHOMA ss. COUNTY OF OKMULGEE All creditors having claims against DICKEY DEE JONES, JR., and PORTIA MARIE TAPTTO, now JONES, deceased, are required to present the same with a descrip- tion of all security interests and other collateral, if any, held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to CAROL HOOGENBOOM, Personal Representative, in care of: KELLY M. HUNT, DRU R. TATE South County Law Firm, PLLC 1700 E. 6th St. Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447

Friday, March 26, 2021 Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance • B9 Vaccine hesitancy among guards and inmates could threaten state prisons

KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH About two-thirds of Oklahoma prison workers and just under half of the inmates have opted not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the state Department of Corrections, a sign that vaccine hesitancy remains high and some facilities may not reach the immunity threshold necessary to prevent future outbreaks. In a Wednesday Board meeting, corrections director Scott Crow said that the agency expects to distribute vaccine doses to 1,500 corrections staff and 12,000 prisoners through the end of April. The corrections department employs about 4,500 and houses just un- der 22,000 inmates. Prison medical staff began vaccinating corrections workers in late January, while inmates have been eligi- ble to receive the vaccine since March 8. Corrections department spokesman Justin Wolf said the staff vaccination total does not include employees who decided to get inoculated at off-site pharmacies or vaccine pods. Wolf said the agency has encouraged its staff to get vaccinated wherever it’s available and most convenient, but it cannot compel staff to provide proof of off-site vaccination. Most state corrections systems are not mandating WHITNEY BRYEN | OKLAHOMA WATCH the vaccine for staff or inmates. Some states have used A healthcare worker fills a syringe with the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine. incentives, like reinstating in-person visitation if a certain percentage of prisoners get vaccinated, as a about the side effects at this time.” of snacks and personal care items. In North Carolina, way to encourage vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says inmates who opt into vaccination are granted five days Some of Oklahoma’s largest COVID-19 outbreaks vaccinated individuals can expect mild side effects for off their sentence. have spread from state prisons, where many inmates a few days, including pain around the arm where the Other states are tying the return of in-person visi- live in dormitory-style housing units not conducive dose was administered, fatigue and fever. With the tation and other programs to how much of a facility’s to social distancing. When an outbreak hit the Eddie two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, side effects are inmate population has been vaccinated. For example, Warrior Correctional Center in Taft in early Septem- generally more severe after the second dose. Serious visitation may resume in North Dakota prisons if 70% ber, Muskogee County ranked first among U.S. met- side effects, including allergic reactions, are very rare of an inmate population is vaccinated.. By late Febru- ropolitan areas with the most new COVID-19 cases. for all three vaccines. ary, more than 70% of inmates had received at least Since April, more than 1,000 staff and 7,300 inmates one dose. have tested positive for COVID-19. At least 44 prison- A New Hope For Inmates Incentives may also work for staff. The Vera Insti- ers have died. COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma prisons peaked in tute, a nonprofit criminal justice research and advo- At least 15 states, including Oklahoma, have prior- late August and September, when outbreaks spread cacy group, recommends that corrections depart- itized vaccination for corrections staff ahead of in- through two minimum-security facilities. ments offer special paid leave for vaccinated staff that mates, arguing that they may introduce the virus to More than 700 women at the Eddie Warrior Correc- may experience side effects. both inmate populations and nearby communities. tional Facility, a minimum-security women’s prison in Wolf said prison staff may use their regular sick But prison workers nationwide are showing resis- Taft, were infected in late August and early September. leave to get vaccinated off-site or if they experience tance to the vaccine. In North Carolina, 65% of prison Two died. One middle-aged prisoner who died would vaccination side effects, but there’s currently no spe- staff said in a February survey that they would not be have been eligible for release in May 2021. cial leave program in place. He also said there aren’t getting vaccinated. A group of Nevada corrections of- A few weeks later, more than 80% of the population plans to provide vaccine incentives to inmates. ficers told a legislative committee in December that at the William S. Key tested positive for the corona- Cleveland said special paid leave could encourage they would rather quit than get inoculated. virus. An inmate housed at the prison during the more staff members to get vaccinated, but it likely isn’t The problem isn’t unique to prisons. Police offi- outbreak said staff regularly ignored mask and so- feasible because many state prisons are short-staffed. cers, firefighters and emergency responders in several cial distancing protocols, and dozens of inmates were “That would be ideal, but you have to understand states have rejected the vaccine at a greater rate than transferred to the facility without first being tested for that DOC doesn’t always put staff first,” he said. “That’s the general public. Polling indicates that Republicans COVID-19. why we have to introduce a bill to get a 15-minute without college degrees, a group often drawn to law Following state trends, case numbers in prisons have break.” enforcement and corrections work, are among the dropped since early February, and some parts of pris- most likely to decline vaccination. Experts say misin- on life are returning to normal. The corrections de- Keaton Ross is a Report for America corps member formation and conspiracy theories about the vaccine partment is allowing family visitation, which has been who covers prison conditions and criminal justice issues could be contributing to the hesitancy. suspended indefinitely since mid-September due, to for Oklahoma Watch. Contact him at (405) 831-9753 For inmates, mistrust of prison medical staff and return with certain restrictions on April 1. or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter a history of medical experimentation on prisoners has ”We recognize this is a potential threat to our pop- at @_KeatonRoss caused some to be skeptical. Because inmates don’t ulation, but we believe the need for visitation is prob- have the same access to information as the general ably greater at this time,” Crow said on Wednesday. public, advocates say educational outreach to incar- “We’ll monitor this very closely, and if we see an influx cerated populations about the vaccine is critical. of positive cases we will immediately cancel or restrict Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to fear visitation.” of retaliation, an inmate at the Dick Conner Correc- tional Facility in Hominy said he’s talked to several Outbreaks May Continue guards and prisoners who reject the idea of getting At least 60 to 80% of a population needs to be vac- vaccinated. According to the inmate, one guard said cinated or infected in order to achieve herd immuni- that he believed there could be a “tracking device” ty, said Dale Bratzler, chief COVID-19 officer for the in the vaccine and there was no way he could get it. University of Oklahoma. The inmate, who said he previously tested positive for Bratzler said it’s likely that state prisons impacted by COVID-19, says he decided to get the vaccine because large-scale outbreaks in the fall and winter have al- of new variants spreading through the U.S. ready achieved some form of natural immunity, but Judy Worsham Fox, a moderator of a Facebook inmates who tested positive in August or September group for Oklahoma inmate family members, said could soon be at risk for re-infection. she has heard similar stories of conspiracy theories “Somebody that has previously had COVID-19, at spreading among staff and inmates. Among them: the least with those strains of the virus, probably have vaccine is the “mark of the beast,” a reference to a New reasonably long protection,” Bratzler said. “We don’t Testament passage foreshadowing that the Antichrist know how long yet, but we’re reasonably comfortable will test Christians by asking them to put a mark on that it’s at least six months.” their body. Though widespread vaccinations should allow life Worsham Fox said her son Michael, an inmate at the to slowly return to normal in the coming months, Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, received Bratzler said it’s likely that COVID-19 will become his first dose of the vaccine last week. endemic, with isolated cases and outbreaks possible “He believes in science.” she said. “He’s been far from among unvaccinated populations. hesitant.” “If you had a correctional facility with staff and pris- Wolf said the agency has worked to educate inmates oners who have refused vaccine, you could see some and staff on the science behind the vaccine and the outbreaks in that setting,” Bratzler said. importance of getting vaccinated. He declined to Prisons aren’t the only places at risk, as correctional comment on if corrections officials had encountered facility outbreaks often spread to surrounding commu- any widespread vaccine hesitancy among staff. nities. A July 2020 Pew Research Center study found While some corrections unions in other states have that outbreaks in the nation’s largest county jails could urged their members to get vaccinated, Oklahoma lead to hundreds of thousands of cases on the outside. Corrections Professionals, an independent statewide association for Department of Corrections employ- Could Incentives Work? ees, has promised to protect employees who don’t get Most correctional health experts recommend against the shot. vaccine mandates, saying it raises ethical questions Bobby Cleveland, the group’s executive director, said about prisoners’ medical rights. In lieu of mandates he expects that more than half of state corrections staff or penalties, many states are turning to incentives to won’t get vaccinated. promote vaccination. “They’re very apprehensive about it,” Cleveland said. Pennsylvania is offering $25 to inmates who get vac- “I got my shot, but we feel like we don’t know anything cinated, while Virginia is giving out care packages full

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