May 20, 2025

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Inter-Tribal Council passes resolutions at meeting
A: Main
April 16, 2025
Inter-Tribal Council passes resolutions at meeting

The Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) of the Five Civilized Tribes passed a resolution to advance the name and support of Rear Adm. Travis Watts for Director of the Indian Health Service at its quarterly meeting April 11 at WinStar World Casino and Resort.

“The Indian Health Service provides public health, preventative, curative and community health care to more than 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in hospitals, clinics and other health settings throughout Indian Country,” the resolution reads. Watts worked in the early 1990s as a clinical pharmacist for IHS, which began his career with the organization.

A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Watts has earned numerous awards for his service to Indian Health Service, including the USPHS Outstanding and Distinguished Service Medals, the USPHS Allen J. Brands – Clinical Pharmacist of the Year Award and multiple IHS Director’s Awards.

The resolution said, “…under his tenure as Area Director, the Oklahoma City Area maintains among the lowest vacancy rates in the Indian Health Service, has reduced unobligated fund balances, provides high quality health services and fosters exceptional partnerships with the Tribes of the Area…”

Watts has regularly attended ITC meetings as Director of the

SEE INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL, PAGE A6 Oklahoma City Area IHS.

The resolution says the ITC believes Watts “is a dedicated Indian leader and has exceptional experience and ability to deliver quality healthcare to Indian Country.”

The ITC passed seven resolutions at its quarterly meeting, including:

• Resolution 25-01 – A resolution opposing the elimination of the Oklahoma Forestry Services and affirming tribal support for collaborative wildfire response and land stewardship

• Resolution 25-02 – A resolution urging Auburn University to remedy the deplorable duty of care conditions in which Auburn stores ancestors and further to respect native traditional kinship systems

• Resolution 25-03 – A resolution supporting the continuation of the HUD 184 program

• Resolution 25-04 – A resolution in support of the extension of advanced premium tax credits

• Resolution 25-05 – A resolution to advance the name and support of RADM Travis Watts for director of the Indian Health Service

• Resolution 25-06 – A resolution supporting the passage of the North American Grasslands Conservation Act

• Resolution 25-07 – A resolution urging the federal government of the United States not to terminate the lease of the Southeast Regional Archeological Center (SEAC) in Tallahassee, Fla. The next ITC meeting will be hosted by the Muscogee Nation July 9-11 at River Spirit Hotel & Casino in Tulsa.

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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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
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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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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
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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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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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