May 20, 2025

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Okmulgee County welcomes new District 1 Commissioner
A: Main, Main, News
April 9, 2025
Okmulgee County welcomes new District 1 Commissioner
By PATRICK FORD Editor,

The Okmulgee County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting, marked by both a significant personnel milestone and a united stand against child abuse in the community.

The Okmulgee County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting, marked by both a significant personnel milestone and a united stand against child abuse in the community.

Before the meeting officially began, Judge Pandee Ramirez administered the oath of office to Ernie Ferreira, officially naming him District 1 County Commissioner. Ferreira is no stranger to District 1, having served as interim commissioner and worked for the district for several years. His swearing-in solidified his continued commitment to serving Okmulgee County.

Commissioner Ferreira stated that it’s been a privilege to serve the people of District 1, and he looks forward to continuing to work alongside Commissioners Steve Ward and Michael Thomas for the betterment of our communities.

One of the key moments during the meeting was the proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Okmulgee County. Cindy Lane, of Okmulgee-Okfuskee County Youth Services, read the proclamation aloud, highlighting the need for community involvement in preventing child maltreatment and supporting children and families in crisis.

The proclamation was made in the presence of representatives from various county and tribal agencies, including the Muscogee Nation, Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office - emphasizing the unified front in addressing child welfare.

“Child maltreatment is a community problem, and solutions depend on the involvement of everyone,” Lane read. “We call upon citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse and strengthen our communities.”

The proclamation noted that in fiscal year 2024, there were 183 substantiated victims of child abuse, physical abuse, or neglect across multi-county and state areas. It reinforced the importance of early prevention, supportive environments and inter-agency collaboration.

--- Other items approved during the meeting:

• Minutes from the March 31 meeting.

• Blanket purchase orders, including: - Cookson Hills Publishers for legal publications. - Lawn care services for Emergency Management and General Government.

- Purchases for the Health Department from Amazon and Muscogee Nation services.

• Personnel approval of Darrell Summers as a fulltime employee for the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office.

• Utility permits in District 1.

• Private Property Agreements with Jack Lawson in District 3.

• Invitation to Bid #5 for a 2023 or newer 1 ½ ton truck for the Grayson Fire Department.

• Approval of Bid #4 for a 2019 truck for the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office.

• Memorandum of Understanding with the Muscogee Nation for the Banyan Road Bridge Project.

- Commissioner Steve Ward also announced an onsite meeting planned for later that afternoon at the Dentonville Road Bridge over the Deep Fork River, where vendors were to be briefed on job requirements for Bid #3, which includes erosion control and embankment repair in District 2.

Absent from the meeting due to illness was Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore. Commissioners noted recent storms last week caused heavy rainfall and localized flooding, with more information to be shared in Friday’s edition of the Okmulgee Times.

As Child Abuse Prevention Month unfolds, county officials and community leaders are encouraging residents show their support and participate in local awareness activities throughout April.

For continued updates on county meetings, emergency management and community events, stay connected with the Okmulgee Times.

Voters approve GCTC millage proposal
A: Main, Main...
Voters approve GCTC millage proposal
May 18, 2025
Okmulgee County voters delivered decisive outcomes in two key elections Tuesday, approving the Green Country Technology Center (GCTC) building fund millage proposal and selecting Republican Bryan Loga...
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HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
A: Main, Main...
HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
May 17, 2025
The Henryetta Board of Education tackled a packed agenda Monday evening during its regular May 13 meeting, addressing personnel decisions, infrastructure partnerships and program renewals as the distr...
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County honors its finest at annual banquet
A: Main, Main...
County honors its finest at annual banquet
May 16, 2025
The Elks Lodge #1822 in Okmulgee once again opened its doors with pride, gratitude and respect as they hosted the annual Law Enforcement and First Responders Banquet on May 10. The event, which has be...
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A: Main
Supt. Price reflects on busy end of school year
May 16, 2025
As Henryetta Public Schools approaches the final days of the 2024-25 academic year, Superintendent Jason Price offered words of reflection and encouragement to students, staff and the community.In his...
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A: Main
Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign reminds drivers to buckle up
May 16, 2025
Starting May 19, law enforcement across Oklahoma will be looking for seat belt violations.The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oklahoma Highw...
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A: Main
AEB to host fraud prevention training sessions
May 16, 2025
American Exchange Bank is organizing a community- focused scam and fraud prevention training on Thursday, May 22, offering local residents the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves and their ...
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Editor Picks
Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
A: Main
Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
May 16, 2025
The heart of Henryetta’s Main Street shined a little brighter this past weekend as Bear Bottom Antiques unveiled a stunning tribute to one of the community’s own treasures, Martha Jo Whitworth. At 89 ...
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The Light on Lavender Street
News
The Light on Lavender Street
May 16, 2025
Mary Ray Stephenson sat in the backyard of the house she and Wilbur bought in 1958, the same white clapboard home on lavender street in Schulter, Oklahoma where she had watched the world change from h...
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News
Morris Council tackles items at meeting
May 16, 2025
In a comprehensive city council meeting that addressed multiple critical municipal issues, local officials demonstrated their commitment to community development, infrastructure improvement and fiscal...
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Funeral Preplanning Tips
News
Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 16, 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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News
Beggs School: The Early Days of a Proud Tradition
May 16, 2025
Gabrielle Spencer-Ginn Special to the TimesLast year, we took a look back at the cherished traditions of the Beggs alumni banquets. Today, let’s travel even further into the past - to the very roots o...
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