May 22, 2025

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Uplifting Oklahomans in Foster Care
Columns & Opinion
May 19, 2023
Uplifting Oklahomans in Foster Care

Please join me in recognizing and honoring May as National Foster Care Awareness Month.

Please join me in recognizing and honoring May as National Foster Care Awareness Month.

God has blessed Christie and me with six wonderful children who are the pride and joy of our lives. We often say when it comes to our kids, ‘three came natural, and three we chose,’ meaning that three of our children came into our family through the blessing of adoption. Our hearts have only gotten bigger with the addition of Jayce, and our twin girls Ivy and Lynette.

Every child in America deserves a safe and loving home, and I am dedicated to walking alongside Oklahoma’s children and families to ensure a happy, healthy, and stable future for all in foster care.

The United States currently has 391,000 children in the foster care system, and out of that large number, around 6,552 are local to Oklahoma, and 449 are without a current foster care placement. There’s no question that each of these children deserve a caring family that prioritizes their safety and development. As a member of the Senate Foster Youth Caucus, I’m working across the aisle to improve the quality of life of children, teens, and young adults in the foster care system, and aid those who are aging out of the system and face additional challenges.

I could not be more grateful for the Oklahomans who have made this their lives work. I was thrilled to spend the afternoon with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Oklahoma City (CASA) recently at their annual clay shoot in support of CASA’s mission to train volunteers to advocate for the best interests of foster youth. To our CASA trainers and volunteers - thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also offer my most profound appreciation to the 4,560 approved foster homes across the state. We recognize and value you; we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to the foster care system. I know it’s not always easy, but your perseverance and selflessness does not go unnoticed.

For children and young adults in the foster care system, each day is an uphill battle, and my greatest hope is that together we can lessen the challenges they face. While these children have experienced immense adversity, they are resilient. Youth in foster care are our future leaders, world changers, educators, and neighbors - beloved by God with endless capabilities. Support from their neighbors, community members, and representatives is the first step in helping them to succeed.

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) is a successful business owner and working cow-calf rancher serving Oklahoma on the Armed Services; Environment and Public Works; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Indian Affairs Committees. He is an enrolled member of Cherokee Nation and is the first Tribal citizen to serve in the U.S. Senate in nearly two decades.

Luv Ford Athlete of the Week
Sports
Luv Ford Athlete of the Week
By Patrick Ford 
May 21, 2025
Jayden Herring of  Preston High School,  and one of  their outstanding baseball players, is the Luv Ford Athlete of the Week. He is pictured with Coach Ryan Hudson, and Missy Nash of Luv Ford, present...
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Storms slam county
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Storms slam county
May 21, 2025
Okmulgee County residents endured a terrifying Monday afternoon as a fast-moving system of severe thunderstorms carved a destructive path across eastern Oklahoma. The storm front brought high winds, l...
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Gubernatorial Candidate Visits Newspaper
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Gubernatorial Candidate Visits Newspaper
May 21, 2025
Mike Mazzei, right, who has announced his candidacy for Oklahoma governor, stopped by the newspaper office on his way to Henryetta Tuesday morning to visit with city and business leaders. Escorting Ma...
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Honoring the Fallen
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Honoring the Fallen
May 21, 2025
As Memorial Day approaches, the Henryetta community is coming together to ensure that the sacrifices of fallen military heroes are honored with dignity, respect and solemn remembrance. The Veterans of...
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County approves grant project management change
May 21, 2025
The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on Monday, moving swiftly through a range of county business.--- CREOKS to oversee opioid abatement grant project management ...
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Free-Lance’s Ugly Recliner Contest underway
May 21, 2025
As Father’s Day approaches, families everywhere are preparing to celebrate the special men in their lives. This year, the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance are adding a unique twist to the festi...
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Henryetta banker graduates from OBA academy
News
Henryetta banker graduates from OBA academy
May 21, 2025
Kenny Wilson, with Patrons Bank in Henryetta, graduated from the Oklahoma Bankers Association’s 202425 Emerging Leaders Academy at the OBA’s 128th Convention on Tuesday, May 13, at the Skirvin Hilton ...
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News
Okmulgee man pleads guilty to federal stalking charges
May 21, 2025
An Okmulgee man has pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges stemming from a case that spanned nearly two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced.Ga...
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Tribes express unified approach to resolving tobacco compact issue
May 21, 2025
Leaders from the Muscogee Nation, Osage Nation and Quapaw Nation (the “Nations”) have committed to collaborate and seek positive action from the State of Oklahoma on tobacco tax compacts. To date, the...
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Many moving parts still remain with state budget
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Many moving parts still remain with state budget
May 21, 2025
Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders have announced an agreement for the key elements to the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget.The plan for the estimated $12.6 billion budget includes an income tax cu...
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How does God guide you in making hard decisions? (Part 1 of 3)
News
How does God guide you in making hard decisions? (Part 1 of 3)
May 21, 2025
“I talk to him and ask him what to do and what college to go to,” says Abraham, 8. “God helps me make a decision like if I should hit my brother.”Decisions, decisions. If you’d like to enter college i...
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