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.