In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Donald Keith Phillips was born on June 17, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Darryl and Suzane (Bird) Phillips.
He spent his earliest years in Iowa before moving with his family to Florida. They moved to Heavener when Don was 9-years-old, where they stayed. He attended Heavener Public Schools.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Kim Steelman, on June 23, 1982, in Waldron, Arkansas. The couple moved to Tulsa, where he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics, graduating in September of 1985 with an A/P license and an IA certificate.
Don began working at the Sand Springs Airport, then he and Kim moved to Sallisaw, where he worked for a pilot and earned his private pilot license.
He enjoyed carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work - things he excelled at - and was always ready to tackle a problem no matter how difficult the task may have seemed.
Don had a unique sense of humor, and once people got to know him, they couldn't help but like him.
He loved his family, his friends, and church. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the South Heights Baptist Church of Sapulpa.
Don left this life and entered his heavenly home to be with his Savior on Saturday, July 20, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his sisters Terry King and Debbie Marshall.
He leaves behind his wife, Kim; one daughter Autumn and her husband Kevin Merideth; a son Derek and his wife, Brittany; six grandchildren Noah, Braden, Eli, Bentley, Azlynn and Dextin; his sister Patti Alexander and husband Bob; his stepmother Pat Phillips; and an aunt Marilyn Johnson.
Perry Lee Carter of Howe was born Feb. 3, 1953 in Fort Meyers, Florida to Jack Carter and Dorothy (Cheny) Wooten and passed away July 22, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 71.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Brad Hill officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Perry was a longtime resident of the area with numerous friends. He was the owner of Carter’s Trucking and Excavating. Perry enjoyed being on the tractor baling hay, fishing with his dog Sugg, and eating seafood. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Perry was a great husband, father, papa, and friend. He will be deeply missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Carter; three children Michael Carter,
Kristie Carter and Carolyn Carter; one sister, Susan Whitemore; four brothers Randy Carter,
Donald Carter, Jerry Carter and Calvin Carter; nine grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jack Carter and Dorothy (Cheny) Wooten; a step-brother, Larry; and his step-mom, Joan Carter.
The family will visit with friends Saturday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
To sign Perry’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
David Duane Ray of Southwick, Massachusetts (formerly of Heavener) was born Jan. 26, 1953 in Stephenville, Newfoundland to Thomas Wesley Ray and Marilyn Jean (Sykes) Wyatt and passed away July 15, 2024 in Southwick, Massachusetts at the age of 71.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Brother Johnny Harris officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
David was a 1971 graduate of Heavener High School and worked for PTI Industries as a process technician. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He loved deep sea fishing and was a world traveler.
He is survived by two sisters Shirley Ann Jenkins and husband Kenneth of Chester, Arkansas
And Laura Jean Kosal and husband Nejat of Ankara, Turkey;
One brother John Wesley Ray and wife Linda of Broken Bow
Nephews Wesley Ray, Scott Hansen, and Murat Kosal;
Nieces Andrea Sixkiller, Dilara Eristiren and Stephanie Sealy;
Numerous other loved ones and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and step-dad Marilyn Jean (Sykes) and Glenn Wyatt; one brother, James Anthony Ray; and a niece, Julie Hansen.
To sign David’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Memorial service for Daniel Dale Karl, 71, of Spiro was Wednesday at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Grace Funeral Service of Poteau.
Daniel was born Dec. 27, 1952 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Peggy (Carterette) Karl and Paul Ernest Karl and passed away July 5, 2024 in Fort Smith.
He married Rhonda Ann Karl Dec. 30, 1989 in Pocola. Daniel loved to go camping, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Karl; sons Chris Yancey and wife Billie, Daniel Karl, Randy Yancey and wife Katie, and Ethan Karl and wife Tiffany; grandchildren Christopher, Abby, Brandon, Hunner, Lyle, Kipton, Terry, Kaylee, Jordan and Zelda; sister Linda Skaggs and husband Roy; brother, Ricky Karl; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones, and friends.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Paul Karl, Jr.
You may leave an online message at www.gracemanorfh.com.
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The LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular bustiness meeting Monday. with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Vice-Chair Vallard Campbell, Member Josh Blaylock, and County Clerk First Deputy Jedd Kirby. Absent: 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 July 15, 2024. 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.) Bonds: None presented.
(5.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campell to approve Monthly Fee Report as submitted by the Court Clerk, and is on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(6.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve transfer of appropriations as follows:
· Co Commissioner D 1-2-3 $5,122.34 from Insurance to M & O.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(7.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Blanket purchase orders as presented and are on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(8.) New Business: None presented.
(9.) Contract labor/service agreements, annual contracts: None presented.
(10.) Burn ban: No discussion.
(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution regarding Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Application 2024 as prepared by the office of the Attorney General of Oklahoma. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve resolution regarding addition of Shauna Keck as requisitioning officer to all Public Health Department accounts. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Memorandum of Understanding between the LeFlore Public School District and LeFlore County Sheriff regarding the assignments, duties and status of a/the LeFlore Public School Resource Officer. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Resolution regarding the reappointment of Donald Faulkner as member to the LeFlore County EMS Board effective June 30, 2024. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Fiscal Year 2024 OPIOID Abatement Grant Award Agreement and Award Acceptance between The State of Oklahoma, by and through The Office of The Attorney General and The Oklahoma OPIOID Abatement Board, and LeFlore County. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(16.) Met with Kiamichi River Legacy Alliance representative Bill Redman for discussion regarding concerns related to a proposed hydro powered facility and its impact on the Kiamichi River and surrounding areas. Discussion only, see recording for further information.
Aug. 2 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Aug. 27 runoff primary election and special election for the city of Poteau, according to Sharon Steele, LeFlore County election board secretary.
Steele said persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 17 ½ years old are eligible to apply for voter registration. However, you must be at least 18 years old to vote.
Applications must be received by the county election board or postmarked no later than midnight Aug. 2. Applications received after that time will be accepted, but will not be processed until after the Aug. 27 election. Applications may also be submitted to any motor vehicle agency that is also an official voter registration agency by the submission deadline.
Applicants will be notified in writing when their application has been processed. Approved voters will receive a voter identification card in the mail. Some may receive a letter that explains the reasons why the application was not approved. She said those who do not receive a response within 30 days of submitting their application should contact the county election board office immediately.
The board reminds voters that applications must be approved by the county election board secretary in order to vote.
Registered voters who have moved to LeFlore County from a different county or state will need to complete a new voter registration application in order to be eligible for elections in LeFlore County. If you have moved within the county and need to update your address, you may make changed online using the OK voter portal at Oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or complete a voter registration application.
Voter registration applications can be downloaded from the state election board website at Oklahoma.gov/elecions. You may also complete a form at your county election board. Most post offices, tag agencies and public libraries have applications available upon request.
The county election board is located at 103 North Church Street in Poteau and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions, call the election board at (918) 647-3701 or email leflorecounty@elections.ok.gov.
This week’s Oklahoma fishing report.
NORTHEAST
Copan: Jul 21. Elevation is .5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 71°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, live bait, live shad, and worms below the dam, channels, main lake, and rocks. Report submitted by Lt. Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, and shorelines. Channel catfish fair on cut bait, hot dogs, and worms around docks and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Fort Gibson: Jul 20. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 84°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, spoons, topwater lures, and worms around coves, docks, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam, channels, and coves. Paddlefish fair snagging around coves and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 88°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, and shorelines. White bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, and small lures around main lake and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam, channels, coves, and docks. Comments: Fishing below the dam is good while the dam is generating. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: Jul 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 88°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, flukes, minnows, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around docks, points, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks, and points. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, minnows, shad, and stinkbait around coves, docks, rocks, and shallows. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hulah: Jul 21. Elevation is .5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 74°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, crawfish, live bait, live shad, stinkbait, and worms below the dam, channels, main lake, river channel, rocks, and shorelines. Crappie slow on hair jigs, minnows, PowerBait, and tube jigs around brush structure, coves, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Lt. Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: Jul 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 85°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, flukes, jigs, live bait, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around coves, points, and rocks. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, live bait, live shad, minnows, sassy shad, shad, spoons, and topwater lures below the dam, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait, shad, and stinkbait below the dam, flats, main lake, riprap, rocks, and shallows. Comments: Noodling is still very good Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: Jul 21. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 87°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on bill baits, jerk baits, jigs, lipless baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, points, riprap, river channel, and rocks. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait and live shad around brush structure, creek channels, dam, flats, main lake, river mouth, and rocks. Bluegill, green, and redear sunfish good on worms around docks. Report submitted by Bailey Johnson, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: Jul 19. Elevation is 1.5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 63°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms below the dam, shallows, and shorelines. Comments: Current river flow 775 CFS Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Tenkiller: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 87°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, docks, and shorelines. White bass fair on crankbaits and small lures around channels, main lake, and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and worms around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: Jul 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 88°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around coves, points, and rocks. Striped and white bass fair on flukes, jigs, sassy shad, shad, and small lures below the dam, river channel, and river mouth. Blue and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, and stinkbait below the dam, river channel, river mouth, and shallows. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Jul 20. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass fair on live bait, shad, and slabs around main lake. Report submitted by Blake Pearson, game warden stationed in Kingfisher County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: Jul 23. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, rocks, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, and stinkbait around brush structure, channels, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Jul 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 89°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, points, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Jul 19. Elevation is .50 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 84°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, jigs, and plastic baits around main lake, points, riprap, and rocks. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and white bass fair on crankbaits, lipless baits, live bait, and sassy shad below the dam, discharge, and tailwater. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, hot dogs, live bait, live shad, shad, and stinkbait around river channel, river mouth, and rocks. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 88°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, rocks, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: Jul 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 69°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on crickets, grasshoppers, PowerBait, and tube jigs below the dam, channels, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: Jul 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 89°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, riprap, rocks, and standing timber. White bass fair on crankbaits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around docks, main lake, and points. Crappie slow on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, main lake, and standing timber. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: Jul 19. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 85°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, plastic baits, and topwater lures around coves, points, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait, and worms around creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Jul 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 89°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, hot dogs, minnows, shad, and worms below the dam, channels, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, minnows, plastic baits, small lures, spinnerbaits, spoons, and topwater lures below the dam, brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows below the dam, brush structure, creek channels, dam, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: Jul 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 91°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around channels, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 90°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass fair on live shad, sassy shad, and topwater lures around channels, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live shad, and stinkbait around channels, coves, docks, points, and river channel. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and points. Comments: Fishing this week has been tough. Striper have been tough, but they have been caught on live bait and trolling Alabama rigs and sassy shad. Catfish have been good on live bait near and around channels. Crappie have been good around docs with brush piles and an open water near brush. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: Jul 19. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around points and rocks. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, goldfish, and shad below the dam, channels, and creek channels. Report submitted by Clayton Kannady, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
SOUTHWEST
Waurika: Jul 21. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 74°F and murky. Largemouth bass, crappie, and saugeye slow on crankbaits, jigs, minnows, and small lures around docks, main lake, points, and rocks. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits, and small lures around main lake and rocks. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, stinkbait, and worms around docks, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Tucker Clem, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Aug. 30
Poteau at Booneville, Arkansas; Antlers at Pocola; Arkoma at Bluejacket; Talihina at Summit Christian.
Sept. 5
Spiro at Panama.
Sept. 6
Heavener at Central Sallisaw; McAlester at Poteau; Arkoma at Canadian; Porter at Talihina.
Sept. 13
Panama at Heavener; Tulsa NOAH at Poteau; Pocola at Spiro; Maud at Arkoma.
Sept. 19
Talihina vs. TBA.
Sept. 20
Heavener at Charleston, Arkansas; Muldrow at Spiro; Wilburton at Panama; Vian at Pocola; Arkoma at Bowlegs.
Sept. 27
Poteau at Stilwell; Spiro at Vian; Chouteau at Panama; Warner at Pocola; Quinton at Arkoma; Allen at Talihina.
Sept. 28
Heavener at Hugo.
Oct. 4
Prague at Heavener; Poteau at Ada; Spiro at Valliant; Panama at Hulbert; Pocola at Rejoice Christian; Talihina at Gore.
10-10-2024
Hulbert at Pocola
Oct. 11
Heavener at Roland; Glenpool at Poteau; Wilburton at Spiro; Rejoice Christian at Panama; Arkoma at Gans; Central Sallisaw at Talihina.
Oct. 17
Kingston at Heavener; Tulsa McLain at Poteau; Spiro at Morris; Panama at Warner; Pocola at Chouteau-Mazie; Wilson (Henryetta) at Arkoma; Talihina at Liberty
Oct. 25
Okmulgee at Heavener; Poteau at Sallisaw; Atoka at Spiro; Panama at Haskell; Hartshorne at Pocola; Arkoma at Bartlesville Wesleyan; Talihina at Wewoka.
Nov. 1
Heavener at Kiefer; Hilldale at Poteau; Spiro at Henryetta; Pocola at Panama; Webbers Falls at Arkoma; Regent Prep at Talihina.
Nov. 8
Heavener at Bethel; Poteau at Broken Bow; Spiro at Antlers; Panama at Hartshorne; Haskell at Pocola; Copan at Arkoma; Talihina at Mounds.
Areas of patchy fog early followed by a mix of sun and clouds for Thursday in Heavener, LeFlore County and southeastern Oklahoma.
The high is forecast to be 91 degrees with a low of 69.
Sunrise was 6:23 a.m. Sunset is 8:26 p.m.
Wednesday’s high was 91 with a low of 69.
Average temperatures for July 25 are a high of 95 and low of 66.
Records for the date were a high of 102 in 1980. The record low was 61 in 1970.
Last year on July 25, the high was 99 with a low of 76.
Calendar of events for Heavener and LeFlore County. If you are a non-profit, school or church, submit an event. This is a free service for non-profits and and churches so let us know if something is going on. CONTACT us.
Thursday
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North
Friday
LCYS golf tournament
Saturday
Memorial service for David Ray
Sunday
Memorial service for Perry Carter
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Upward Bound (UB) and Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) have announced the conclusion of another summer program. This summer, students engaged in a variety of educational and interactive activities designed to prepare them for the upcoming school year and beyond.
Academic Preparation and Workshops
For the first four weeks, students attended classes aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for their next academic year. In addition to the core curriculum, an ACT workshop was provided to help students improve their test-taking strategies and scores. This summer also featured a new collaboration with the Choctaw Nation HEROES program, which introduced the "Stop the Bleed" seminar by 918 Solutions. This seminar trained and certified students in emergency bleeding control techniques.
Guest Speaker and Interactive Activities
On move-in day, UB and UBMS welcomed Lilyan Prado Carrillo from Cool Speak. Carrillo shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and goal-setting despite challenging circumstances. Her motivational talk was followed by interactive games that helped students get to know each other and foster a sense of community.
Creative Competitions and Social Activities
Each day after classes, students participated in various activities designed to build bonds and friendships. Throughout the summer, students competed in several art competitions, including UB flag design, Lego art, recycled trash art, best duck design, and team sign design. These activities encouraged creativity and teamwork among the participants.
Field Trips and College Visits
During the fifth week, students embarked on field trips and college visits. They toured the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and OSU-IT, providing them with valuable insights into college life and educational opportunities. To unwind, students also visited Parrot Island Waterpark and the Jenks Aquarium.
Incentive Trip to St. Louis, Missouri
The final week of the summer program was reserved for the incentive trip. Students who maintained good grades, actively participated in the summer program, and completed their action plans were eligible for the trip. This year, the incentive trip took students to St. Louis, Missouri, where they explored the St. Louis Arch, The Economy Museum, St. Louis Zoo, The City Museum, Busch Stadium, attended a Cardinals game, and enjoyed Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor. The trip also included a visit to Grants Farm and a stop at Buc-ee's on the way home.
By LEON YOUNGBLOOD
My friend Jules visited after a 10-year hiatus. The fellow is worth a few lines.
I’ve known Jules for over 40 years, now, and we do have things in common, I guess. In many respects we seem to be too much alike. We could be twins, in fact. We share the same birth date down to the hour. We resemble each other physically, we have similar interests, we are not geniuses with money, we are friends—but some have suggested we are the “alter egos” of each other.
BRIAR CIRCLE
It’s a minor thing, a little, insignificant thing, but friends have pointed out that when Jules and I were in our early-20s, I was making a career of college while Jules and a cohort were in a South American banana republic plotting the overthrow of the reigning government. It did not work. Although that particular country’s militia was small, its police force wasn’t. Unencumbered by conscience, the police could handle usurpers, especially usurpers who did not speak Spanish very well. Jules and his fellow revolutionary soon came back home with their tails tucked between their legs. Jules resumed his business studies; his friend changed majors and studied law.
As I’ve said, it’s a minor, insignificant little detail, but does this South America venture (and other extreme differences) makes us alter egos of each other? It’s simple, really: Jules was born to be wild, I was born to be mild. Opposites attract. There is no cure for any of this, but over the years, Jules and I became stabilizing influences upon each other. In my case, Jules would stir up adventurous notions that had been repressed, and I would do things not illegal, but certainly out of character. And when Jules was with me, he seemed less inclined to blow up things. When we were together, we seemed to realize our excesses, recesses, regresses, abscesses, and any other cesses that prevented us from actualizing ourselves, as per psychologist Carl Jung.
I know this is wordy, but bear with me. All this happened back in our college days. Jules and I thought we thought deep thoughts, but we were young, and we were fools fresh from the farm. We did not realize, you have to be at lest 64-years-old to know everything, but we claimed this distinction when we were only in our early 20s. It’s funny, but our “know it all” attitudes were why Jules got mixed up with South American politics and why I stayed home.
Our reunion began at one of the nearby parks where Jules was staying, camping in his RV. We visited a while over coffee; then, it was time to show off Briar Circle. Driving through the woods, I proudly offered little details at certain sites, e.g., “This is where I saw my first bear, a 780-pound cinnamon brown,” and “This is where I saw the mountain lion, 19-feet long from his nose to the tip of his tail,” and “This is where I killed the timber rattler.”
“How big was he?” Jules asked.
“Only 7-feet or so. He was a little one.”
We got to the shack, Jules saw Doris’ Pond, we hiked a couple hours—the usual entertainments when company visits. Eventually we went back to the RV, and as we were stepping inside, Jules said casually, “I’ve got some stuff for you.”
Jules started coffee as I settled at the table. My host produced a shoe box, and as he opened it, he said, “It’s mostly rocks. You will remember them, though.”
I did indeed. The first thing retrieved was a stone axe. I was with Jules when he picked it up in a plowed field in northwest Florida. There were a few familiar arrowheads, too. The large quartz crystals came from our trip to an Arkansas mine. The trilobite fossil from Texas was broken—I found that one. A smooth stone was my gift to Jules from my 1973 trip to the “Holy Land.” Stones were free and all I could afford for souvenirs for friends. There were a few photographs, a few sketched postcards, three bullets from a Civil War battlefield. We had good times finding all this. We reminisced, and Jules finally said, “They’re yours if you want ‘em,”
My expression warranted an explanation. Jules merely said, “I have cancer.”
Isn’t that’s the way it is? I still don’t know everything. At least I did not know what to say to Jules.
1978
World's first "test tube" baby born
On July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown, the world's first baby to be conceived via in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is born at Oldham and District General Hospital in Manchester, England, to parents Lesley and Peter Brown. The healthy baby was delivered shortly before midnight by caesarean section and weigh... read more
19th CENTURY
1832
The first railroad accident
1853
California Rangers kill Joaquin Murrieta
1950s
1956
Ocean liners collide off Nantucket
Art, Literature and Film History
1897
Jack London sails for the Klondike gold rush
1965
Dylan goes electric at the Newport Folk Festival
1985
Rock Hudson announces he has AIDS
Crime
1878
Black Bart strikes again
1984
A 9 year old’s murder puts an innocent man in jail
EARLY 20th CENTURY U.S.
1941
Henry Ford writes fan letter to Mahatma Gandhi
Natural Disasters & Environment
2000
Concorde jet crashes, killing everyone onboard
Sports
1992
Opening of the XXV Olympiad in Barcelona
U.S. STATES
1898
U.S. forces invade Puerto Rico
Vietnam War
1969
The Nixon Doctrine is announced
World War I
1917
Dancer and purported spy Mata Hari sentenced to die
World War II
1943
Benito Mussolini falls from power