May 12, 2025

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News
January 3, 2025
Delivering on Our Promise to Rural Oklahoma
By MIKE SANDERS OKLAHOMA BROADBAND OFFICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

In the latest release of the Federal Communication Commission’s internet service data, Oklahoma ranked 4th in the country for reducing the number of homes and businesses without internet. Through our programs and the work from the private sector, Oklahomans are getting connected like never before.

In the latest release of the Federal Communication Commission’s internet service data, Oklahoma ranked 4th in the country for reducing the number of homes and businesses without internet. Through our programs and the work from the private sector, Oklahomans are getting connected like never before.

During the pandemic the Oklahoma Legislature acted quickly to establish the Rural Broadband Expansion Council. Its goal was to address which areas of the state needed internet and highlight potential challenges. But at the time, there was no funding available and no office to administer infrastructure grants.

Since then, the Oklahoma Broadband Office and an appointed governing board were established, and a full staff was assembled.

It’s been years in the making, but we are delivering on the promise to rural Oklahoma.

In 2024 alone, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board awarded more than $500 million in federal grants to connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet. Those grants were accompanied by more than $125 million in matching funds from internet providers.

It started in January when the governing board awarded $374 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Our Legislature had the foresight to make Oklahoma one of the few states to use ARPA funds for broadband infrastructure. The result was over 130 projects going to 55 counties.

Construction has already started for dozens of these projects.

We’re seeing rural communities such as, Slick and Taft, and counties like Choctaw, receive the highspeed internet they have long been without.

Then in September, the governing board awarded an additional $159 million to continue connecting Oklahomans. In the blink of an eye, we added 50 more projects to be built in communities that have never had high-speed internet.

The baton is now passed to the awarded companies who partnered with us to connect more than 70,000 homes and businesses.

Those companies have made a pledge to assist us in Oklahoma’s transformational upgrade. While our office monitors the projects and ensures taxpayers’ dollars are spent correctly, the companies are the ones in the field.

Awarding over half a billion dollars in infrastructure grants is a milestone the state should be proud to witness. The positive ripple effects will be felt for generations.

All this might sound like the office’s goals have been met, but we’re not there yet.

In 2025, we will award our largest federal program. The Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program is set to deliver an additional $750 million in infrastructure grants.

The goal is to make sure by the time our office sunsets, there will be no home, business, school or hospital without access to high-speed internet.

We intend to make that happen.

A: Main, Main...
Celebrating Mother’s Day
May 10, 2025
As Mother’s Day approaches, communities around the world are preparing to honor the women who have shaped our lives with their love, wisdom, and resilience. This special day, celebrated on the second ...
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VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
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VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
May 9, 2025
A display of patriotism, creativity and community support was on full display this spring as VFW Post 539 and its Auxiliary partnered with area schools to recognize young artists and support student o...
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Council to hold special meeting
May 9, 2025
A special meeting of the Henryetta City Council will be held Friday at 12 noon in the Council Chambers, 115 S. 4th Street.The agenda includes a discussion and possible action on proposals by Alera Gro...
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Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
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Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
May 9, 2025
With summer around the corner, Henryetta’s Nichols Park is making waves - literally! A brand-new kayak rental option is now available for those looking to paddle into fun while staying cool on the 17-...
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Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
A: Main, Main...
Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
May 9, 2025
BENNETT BRINKMANNONDOCEditors Note: Early voting for the May 13 General Election is underway at the Okmulgee County Courthouse. Registered voters can cast their ballots until 6 p.m. today. On Tuesday,...
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City-wide cleanup event underway
May 9, 2025
A city-wide cleanup is taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8-12 p.m. tomorrow. A City of Henryetta water bill will allow you to dump trash twice.The event will take place at the Public Works ...
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 9, 2025
May 14 Fitness 4 Kids Fun & 5K Run | Preston Elementary School will hod a Fitness 4 Kids and 5K Run Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Jim Waller Sports Complex in Preston. The registration fee is...
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Henryetta FD responds to 100 calls in April
May 9, 2025
The Henryetta Fire Department had a busy month of emergency response activity in April, answering a total of 100 calls for service across a wide range of incident types. According to the department’s ...
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Milestones & Memories
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Milestones & Memories
May 9, 2025
As the final school bells prepare to ring for the last time this academic year, students across Okmulgee County are trading in their backpacks for caps and gowns, ready to step into a new chapter of l...
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Funeral Preplanning Tips
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Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 9, 2025
Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and emotional process. However, preplanning your own funeral or that of a loved one can help alleviate stress during a difficult time. Here are some helpful t...
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Henryetta to host annual All Sports Banquet May 20
May 9, 2025
Henryetta High School will honor its student-athletes and coaches during the highly anticipated All Sports Banquet, set for Tuesday, May 20. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Henryetta High School...
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