Daily Bible verse
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Blast from the past
LeFlore County commissioners’ minutes
LeFlore County commissioners’ minutes from Monday’s regularly scheduled business meeting with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Vice-Chair Vallard Campbell, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk Kelli Ford.
The following action was taken by the board:
(1.) Chairman Jamie Oliver called meeting to order.
(2.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve the minutes of regular meeting held June 16, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(4.) Monthly Fee Reports: None presented.
(5.) Transfer of Appropriations: None presented.
(6.) Blanket Purchase Orders: None presented.
(7.) New Business: None discussed.
(8.) Contract Labor/ Service Agreements, Annual Contracts: None presented.
(9.) Burn Ban: Not needed at this time. No discussion.
(10.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve LeFlore County ACCO-SIF Worker’s Compensation renewal quote and Resolution with payment option one (1) in the amount of $180,030 for fiscal year 2025-2026. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Resolution for Disposing of Equipment for County inventory item D3-301.076, 2003 Chevrolet ¾ Ton Pickup Truck, VIN: 1GCGC24U13Z254251, purchased February 14, 2003 from Lynn Smith Chevrolet in the amount of $16,496 to benefit LeFlore County Commissioner District 3. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to award bid regarding the purchase of a 2000 or newer Brush Truck with trade- in of a 1994 Chevy Truck to SOS Fire in the amount of $36,367.13 with 36-month financing through First National Bank with monthly payments of $962.46 to benefit Howe Fire Department. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to table bid award regarding the purchase of 6-month highway materials from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 pending further review of submitted bids. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to award bid regarding the publication of Commissioner’s Proceedings and Paid Claims from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 to Poteau Daily News in the amount of $.99 per single spaced columnar inch, not to exceed $89.00 per page. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Professional Legal Services Contract between the Board of County Commissioners of LeFlore County, the LeFlore County Assessor, and Bass Law, P.C. regarding representation with regards to certain ad valorem tax issues. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
Smithville woman dies in wreck
A 64-year-old Smithville woman died in an automobile accident at 9:56 a.m. Monday approximately six miles north of Hochatown in McCurtain County.
Neena S. Perkins was driving a 2006 Pontiac Vibe when the car left the road and struck a tree. She was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries suffered in the accident.
Two passengers were injured in the wreck. Jackie M. Perkins, 32, also of Smithville was transported by Air Evan to Medical City in Plano, Texas with pelvic injuries and an 8-year-old child from Smithville was also transported by Air Evac to Medical City in Plano with shoulder injuries.
The condition of the driver and cause of collision are under investigation. Seat belts were equipped and used by the driver and the child, but not by Perkins.
The accident was investigated by Trooper Robert Johnson of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Clear skies, hot again Tuesday
LeFlore County weather forecast for Tuesday calls for mostly clear skies and another day of hot temperatures.
The high is forecast to be 94 degrees with a low of 73.
Sunrise was 6:05 a.m. Sunset is 8:36 p.m.
Monday’s high in the greater Heavener metropolitan area was 93 with a low of 72. No rain was recorded, leaving the monthly total at 8.39 inches, well above June’s average rainfall of 3.90 inches.
Average temperatures for June 24 are a high of 91 and low of 64. Records for the date were a high of 99 in 1984 and a low of 57 in 1973.
Last year on June 24, the high was 100 with a low of 74.
Area calendar of events
LeFlore County calendar of events for the next week in LeFlore County. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you are with a non-profit and want an event publicized, email news@heavener.news.
Tuesday
Wister Boots and Badges blood drive
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Al Grzech Trio featuring Niki Waters at the LeFlore County Museum
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Thursday
Paula Earls funeral service
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon
LeFlore County Republicans meet 6 p.m. at Patrick Lynch Library
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Nipping it in the bud
By TERRY JOE WILES
If you're paying attention, you know someone that has been affected by drugs in LeFlore County, but it seems to me from just my limited view of the current threat, fentanyl, that raising awareness of the very real danger of overdose and death could save a few — a few lives, a few families and relieve them from the devastating effects of this insane side of addiction.
SUPPORT LIVE, LOCAL MUSIC
Oklahoma has always been a couple of years behind either coast in art, fashion, music and the current popular method of, for whatever reason, changing the way you feel and getting high possibly. So, after several years of just being a pathway up from the South of the Border supply chain, there has been a noticeable increase of damage locally, and that’s despite an all-out effort by our capable city and county law enforcement agencies. Thanks for all that they do.
Limiting the flood of illegal crossing has helped significantly, but the task is just overwhelming. So, maybe an event of this type of public information could be an excellent way to remind the public of this threat and what can be done to inform and offer help:
• Get High on Life — Change the way you feel with Jesus. I said all that to say this — an awesome event to help raise awareness of the fentanyl crisis in our area has been organized in Stilwell-Adair County. The second annual Mother’s Against Fentanyl Foundation will have a concert on Saturday in the Stilwell Community Building. “J.J. Taylor and Bourbon Highway," Clay Grant and local hip-hop artists will provide the live music starting at 7 p.m. I am challenging our local musicians and bands to help support and organize an event of this type. The life that can be saved might be someone in your family.
• • •
Wow! Our cup runneth over. Poteau now has three music stores with lessons on all instruments, supplies, all kinds of assorted merchandise and something for everyone.
Wilson Music Academy is located at 103 North Broadway Avenue, Soundscape Music is located at 2708 North Broadway Avenue and Poteau Jam Studio is located at 105 South McKenna Avenue.
Let’s support them. Get yourself some guitar lessons or even send your grandkids to drum lessons. This could help keep music alive in our area.
• • •
Here's a list of some fireworks shows on the Fourth of July:
Downtown Poteau will have a Celebrate America event from 6-8 p.m. July 4 with food trucks, games and waterslides and bounce houses from 6-8. Fireworks will start just after dusk. It’s being put on by The LeFlore County Historical Society and the Town of Poteau. Contact Donna or David Deaton for information. Volunteersare needed to help make it a grand event.
“Ignite the Island” will be at Quarry Island at Lake Wister with the firework show on July 5. Wister Lake State Park and the Town of Wister will put on this event. There will be information on parking, activities and such. Take some friends and your pontoon boat to watch the fireworks display from the water. All park admission fees will be free all day. Celebrate Independence Day at Lake Wister.
• • •
As for live music this week, “Make It a Double” will play for the dance at the McAlester Veterans of Foreign Wars Building in Krebs on Saturday. Connie and Dave Abbott are a favorite at this dance hall. They will offer the very best in country music for all kinds of dance-steps — waltzes, two-stepping, waterfalls and even line dances. The music will start at 7 p.m. Make plans to be there.
There will be live music at The Coffee Cup on Friday with “Pinkman” and “Sticks and Stones." Enjoy a frozen latte and a sandwich on the patio. Catch the free concert at 6 p.m. There will be a road trip for “Sierra Bravo” on Saturday to Albuquerque, N.M. Break out the bus and hit the asphalt. It's kind of like taking a mini vacation and making music when you get there. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Billy Hoffman and the band. The band's next date will be a little closer on July 27 at LaHeurta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau.
“Gopher Run” will play at Fort Smith (Ark.) Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road on Friday. The band will keep the dance floor full with a great mix of music, and it’s potluck night, too. Bring a dish, some friends and have a good time. The music will kick off at 7 p.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will have a show at J.J.’s Grill in Fort Smith on Saturday. Frontman David Carbrey will set the pace and will offer an eclectic mix of R&B, red dirt and blues with some awesome jazz flavored instrumentals. The jams will be from 7-10 p.m. Grab a bite and enjoy some tunes.
Muldrow City Limits will have a country power trio, “The MidWestern Playboys” on Saturday at 7 p.m. Mac Moad/bass, James Glen Loveless/guitar and Tommy Wilson/drums can lay down a tune to polish your belt buckle or chase each other round the room. There's a big dance floor where awesome music will be played. What else do you need? Oh you, bring your sweetheart along. Shelia and David Keith invite all of you to the dance.
“Bourbon Rain” will be busy on Friday and Saturday. At 6 p.m. Friday, the band will play a Main Street Dance in Van Buren. On Saturday night, the band will have a show at LaHeurta’s Mexican Grill in Fort Smith on Garrison Avenue. This is a great band, and you will get some good grub and cool drinks. Catch them at 7 p.m.
As y’all know, that ain’t all I got to say, but if I reveal anymore, it would just be gossip. Thanks for supporting live music.
For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know about any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736, message me through Facebook or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
Happy trails to you.
Today in history
1997
U.S. Air Force reports on Roswell
On June 24, 1997, U.S. Air Force officials release a 231-page report dismissing long-standing claims of an alien spacecraft crash in Roswell, New Mexico, almost exactly 50 years earlier. Public interest in Unidentified Flying Objects, or UFOs, began to flourish in the 1940s, when developments in... read more
1980s
1982
Garment workers’ strike begins in New York City’s Chinatown
21st Century
2021
98 people die in Surfside condo collapse
Arts & Entertainment
1997
Disney pulls Insane Clown Posse album on release day
2005
Tom Cruise raises eyebrows in “Today” show interview
Cold War
1948
Colonial America
1675
Crime
1973
1993
Unabomber mail bomb injures Yale professor
European History
1717
1st Masonic Grand Lodge formed in London
1812
Napoleon’s Grande Armée invades Russia
Vietnam War
1970
Senate votes to repeal Gulf of Tonkin resolution
Paula Eunice Earls obituary
Paula Eunice Earls, 88, of Poteau (formerly of Heavener) passed away peacefully June 21, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was born March 9, 1937, in Howe to Bessie M. (Pearson) Stewart and Orvis Doyle Stewart.
A funeral service honoring her life is 10 a.m. Thursday at Evans Memorial Chapel in Poteau with Jeff Dodd officiating. She will be laid to rest at Howe Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
Surviving family members are her children daughter Sherry Stacy and husband David; sons Terry Earls and wife Samantha, Gerald Earls and wife Sharon, Donnie Earls and wife Sharon, and Warren Earls; 15 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; sisters Linda McClellan and Gwenda France; brother, Doyle Stewart; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lee Earls; her parents Bessie and Orvis Stewart; and brothers Donald Stewart and Jody Stewart.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Evans & Miller Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Sammy Sinclair, Justin Earls, Daniel Stacy, Isaac Stacy, Ryan O'Keene and Chris Earls. Honorary pallbearers are David Stacy, and Doyle Allen Stewart.
The family invites you to share memories and condolences online at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.
