“We are the first line of defense for people to find out what’s going on.”

This belief has guided me throughout my career, and it’s one that continues to drive everything we do here at the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance. If you know the Times, then you likely know me - I’ve been part of this newspaper family for decades, and through every story, my mission remains the same: keeping our community informed.

Growing up, I had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Whether it was flipping through those old grocery-store encyclopedias or immersing myself in several books at once, I was always hungry to learn. That curiosity led me to journalism early, starting with my high school newspaper, The Torchlight, where I served as the feature editor. It was there I discovered my passion for storytelling, a love that’s only grown stronger as I’ve helped shape the local news here in Okmulgee.

When I first started at the Times, the newsroom was bustling. Reporters, photographers, sports editors, and lifestyle writers filled the space. But as times changed, so did our operations. Technology streamlined many of the processes, and while it has made the work more efficient, it hasn’t reduced the importance of the news itself. In fact, with today’s information overload and the spread of misinformation on social media, local newspapers are more crucial than ever.

This National Newspaper Week, I want to remind everyone just how important local journalism is. Newspapers, whether in print or online, remain the cornerstone of community knowledge. We don’t just cover the headlines; we provide the context behind them. We shine a light on both the challenges and triumphs that shape our town.

I ask each of you to support the Okmulgee Times and local journalism. Whether you enjoy holding a print edition in your hands or prefer reading on your phone, your support matters. Newspapers offer something that social media can’t - depth and reliability. We are here to report the tough news when necessary, but also to celebrate the good happening in our community - the achievements of local students, the efforts of small businesses, and the stories of neighbors helping neighbors.

In a time when it’s easy to overlook the positive, I encourage you to share your good news with us. Whether it’s a special accomplishment, an upcoming event, or a great game moment - send us your photos, your stories, and your tips. You, our readers, help make this paper what it is. We can’t be everywhere all the time, and it’s your contributions that round out our coverage.

As we mark National Newspaper Week, I encourage everyone to stay informed and stay connected. Pick up a paper, visit us online and take part in the story of our community. Knowledge empowers, and with your help, we can continue to be the heart of local news in Okmulgee.

And a big thanks to all the staff who help keep me organized and motivated to keep sharing the best things our communities have to offer.