LCJ newsletter 1-9-2025

Thursday's newsletter

Jan 08, 2025

Today’s Bible verse

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Be inspired

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

- Steve Jobs

Blast from the past

Jaron Watkins is shown with his show pig from the FFA show in 2015. If you have an older picture from LeFlore County, email it to craig@heavenerledger.com.

Guess who

Here is this week’s Guess who. If you can identify this young woman, send an email identifying her to craig@heavenerledger.com and your name will be mentioned in our next guess who. Our last Guess Who was Dick Roberts. Congratulations to Kristi Branscum, Betty Ford, Sharon Hornbuckle, Margaret Scroggins, Millie Bergandohl, Bob Laval, Fran Benton, Joey Clubb and Terry Smittle for identifying Dick.

Bob Burns

Funeral service for Bobby Jerald “Bob” Burns, 82, of Wister is 10 a.m. Thursday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Gene Heflin and Darren Burch officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park, with military honors provided by Poteau D.A.V. Chapter 63. Arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

He was born Feb. 23, 1942 in Neosho, Missouri to Fred and Barbara “Burbie” (Harris) Burns and passed away Jan. 6, 2025 in Wister.

Bob was a life-long resident of the area and a veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country in the Vietnam era, earning several military awards. He married Marki, the love of his life, on May 29, 1963. Bob became a long-haul truck driver and drove about 42 years before owning his own trucking company. He received numerous driving safety awards as well as Oklahoma driver of the year. Bob was ordained to be a Deacon at Victory Baptist Church in 1983, where he served until his death. He loved spending time with his family as well as his church family. Bob always looked forward to the get-togethers he and his brother and sisters enjoyed nearly every month.

Survivors are one daughter Roberta Burch and husband Darren of Howe; one son Mark Burns and wife Dana of Wister; three sisters Barbara Thompson of Heavener, Bettye Glinski and husband John of Poteau, and Pauline Fowler and husband Wayne of Heavener; one brother, Harold Burns, of Heavener; three grandchildren Jesse Burch, Jake Burch and wife Mallary, and

Brennon Burns and wife Catelyn; one great-granddaughter, Magnolia June Burns; numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 59 years, Marki Burns; his oldest brother, L.J. Burns; two sisters-in-law, Delora Burns and Gayle Burns; and one brother-in-law, Donnie Burns.

Pallbearers are Bob Fowler, Kelly Burns, Jimmy Wells, Brennon Burns, Jesse Burch and Darrel Dodson.

To sign Bob’s online obituary, please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Jim Thacker

Robert James “Jim” Thacker, 91, of Fort Smith, Arkansas (formerly of Howe) was born Sept. 23, 1933 in Barnsdall to Garrett and Fannie (Leffler) Thacker and passed away Jan. 3, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Funeral service was Wednesday at Springhill Baptist Church with Brother Larry Stacy and Eldon Dugan officiating. Burial followed in Lovings Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Jim was a long-time resident of the area, a member of the Springhill Baptist Church, and worked for Arkansas-Oklahoma Gas for 32 years as a meter technician. He was also a two-time President of the Heavener Kiwanis Club and served on the Howe #5 Water Board, the P.V.I.A. Water Board, and the Salvation Army Board.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors are a daughter, Alice Wyatt, of Ponca City; three grandchildren Wendy Watkins and husband Bill of Ponca City, Ashley Thacker of San Antonio, Texas, and Tim Thacker and wife Michelle of Inez, Texas; five great-grandchildren Hannah Hartness, Wyatt Watkins, Garrett Watkins, Thomas Thacker and Zoee Thacker; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie; and one son, Monty Thacker.

To sign Mr. Thacker’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Janice Falkner

Janice Sue Falkner of Panama, 67, was born Feb. 17, 1957 in Panama to Everett Edward and Inez (Waller) Gollihare and passed away Jan. 2, 2025 in Panama.

Janice’s memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday in the Dowden-Roberts Cremation Center Chapel in Poteau, with Jay Falkner officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Cremation Center of Poteau.

Survivors are one son Jay Falkner and wife Kelly of Panama; one sister Judy Claborn and husband Morris of Panama; two brothers Donnie Gollihare and wife Kay of Panama, and Ronald Gollihare of Panama; two grandchildren Mikaila Fout and husband Daniel of Kiefer, and Aidan Falkner of Tahlequah; and one great-grandchild,

Anderson Fout; numerous other relatives and a host of friends

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Danny Falkner; and three brothers, Otto Gollihare, Jerry Gollihare and Rickey Gollihare.

She was a life-long resident of the area and a homemaker. She loved to sing and enjoyed music and arts of all kinds. Janice was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family, as well as appreciated the time spent with her friends.

To view Janice’s online guestbook, visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Winter weather warning issued

The National Weather Service has now issued a winter weather warning from 6 a.m. Thursday to noon Friday.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between four and six inches are expected in LeFlore County, eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.

Travel could be very difficult with the hazardous conditions possibly impacting the Thursday morning and evening commute.

LeFlore County legals

Altering firearm serial number-misdemeanor: John Leo Miller.

Carrying firearm while under the influence-misdemeanor: Adam P. Langley.

Defective vehicle-misdemeanor: James Dwayne Burnett.

Divorce: Davlian Scott Jones vs. Julie Grace Jones (pro se): Caitlin Williams vs. Rondell Williams; Allison Caldwell vs. Danny R. Caldwell.

Driving with license canceled/suspended/revoked-misdemeanor: Scotty Joe Warren; James Dwayne Burnett.

Driver’s license appeal: Zachary C. Zimmer vs. State of Oklahoma Ex Rel, Service of Oklahoma.

DUI alcohol-misdemeanor: Cheyenne Miller-Clark; Rhonda Gail Conch.

Failure of driver to wear seat belt: Salvador Reyes-Angeles; Dylan Foris Eugene Richardson; Justin Lorenz; Jessi Howard Michael; Fred Dodson; Niki R. Hope; Isaac Drew Roberts; Joshua Keith Gravlee; Cameron James Harris.

Failure of front seat passenger to wear seat belt: Vincente Nava Martinez.

Failure to maintain insurance or security-misdemeanor: James Dwayne Burnett.

Failure to pay taxes due state-misdemeanor: James Dwayne Burnett.

Failure to signal on turning-a misdemeanor: James Dwayne Burnett.

Failure to yield from stop sign: Mark C. Raue.

Forcible entry and detainer up to $5,000 (sc): Laura L. Haynes vs. Michael G. Howard; Roy Lowe, Stephanie Lowe vs. James Andrew Toner, Jr.; Sun Loans vs. Sandra Bain; Sun Loans vs. Noe Alvarado; Sun Loans vs. Isaiah Delong; Sun Loans vs. Amanda Davies; Sun Loans vs. Arianna D. McCormick; Sun Loans vs. Jennifer Marie Narler; Sun Loans vs. Kristen Rorabaugh; Sun Loans vs. Shelli Morgan; Sun Loans vs. James Lee; Sun Loans vs. Sheniqua Johnson; Sun Loans vs. William Dunigan; Sun Loans vs. Angelia Dunigan; Blackfork Financial Services vs. Jed Huff; Speedy Loans of Arkoma vs. Aaron Jeffcoat; Speedy Loans of Arkoma vs. Jack Shepherd; Speedy Loans of Arkoma vs. Kyle Cooley; Community State Bank vs. Sandra M. Partain; Fast Loans of Arkoma vs. Halley Jeffcoat; Diamond Finance vs. Shane Maxson; Diamond Finance vs. Shane Maxson; Diamond Finance vs. Marilyn J. Hickman; Diamond Finance vs. Geraldine Page.

Harassing and threatening electronic communication-misdemeanor: Dalton Brice Archer Copeland.

Improper turn about-misdemeanor: Scotty Joe Warren.

Marriage license: Bryson Kyle Sam vs. Shalisa Elane Isom; Kegan Blake Sanders vs. Robin Grace Jones.

Money judgment/civil-over $10,000: Discover Bank vs. Pami Lynn Abernathy.

Money judgment/civil-$10,000 or less: Bank of America vs. Norma L. Daves; Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Tiffany Joy Snow; Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Brittney M. Thompson; Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. John Boggs.

Money judgment-small claims over $5,000: Paul West, Julie West vs. Justin McLaughlin; Western Shamrock Finance vs. Noe Alvarado.

Notice of child support obligation: Department of Human Services vs. Janell Nachole, Dakota Joe Sorrells.

Notice of docketing of administrative order: Department of Human Services vs. Xandie Maurie Buehning Jones, Christopher Lee Morgan; Department of Human Services vs. Jonathan Wayne Butler, Sunshine Gail Butler.

Obstructing officer: Adam P. Langley.

Operate vehicle without valid license: Mark C. Raue; Salvador Reyes-Angeles.

Paternity: In re: of Breanna Marie Ray.

Possess firearms after conviction or during probation: John Leo Miller.

Possession of controlled dangerous substance-misdemeanor: Scotty Joe Warren; James Dwayne Burnett.

Possession of a firearm after former felony conviction-felony: Scotty Joe Warren.

Protective order: Elisa Marie Meadows vs. Nash Alex Beardon; Carlie Nicole Hogan vs. Leroy Hickman; Carlie Nicole Hogan vs. Jalindea Hickman; Samara Maria Keller vs. Blake Elkins; Tara Dee Watkins vs. Charles G. McBride.

Protective order violation-misdemeanor: Thomas Gwen Jordan.

Public intoxication-misdemeanor: Adam P. Langley.

Replevin: Marion Whitmore vs. Ronnie Gardner.

Threaten to perform act of violence: Dakota Dale-James Copeland; Adam P. Langley.

Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia-misdemeanor: Scotty Joe Warren.

LeFlore County Treasurer statutory report

This year’s LeFlore County statutory report can be seen HERE.

Wilburton man pleads guilty to firearm charge

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Lee Harp, 41, of Wilburton entered into a guilty plea to one count of Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment or Information.

The Indictment alleged that between Dec. 12, 2020, and Dec. 9, 2021, Harp willfully received a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle while under indictment or information for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarrod Leaman and Edith Singer represented the United States.

Vian man sentenced for strangling

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lucas James Blackbird, 40, of Vian was sentenced to 51 months in prison for one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner by Strangling or Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Vian Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On Aug. 19, 2024, Blackbird pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on Feb. 19, 2024, Blackbird strangled the victim, causing life-threatening injuries. The crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Blackbird will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

Commissioners’ unapproved minutes

The LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular business 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 December 30, 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 and are on file in the office of the Conty Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(4.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Monthly Fee Reports as presented and are on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(5.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve transfer of appropriations as follows:

· $40,000 from Drug Court Maintenance and Operations to Drug Court Personal Services.
· $45,000 from Drug Court Maintenance and Operations to Drug Court Capital Outlay.

Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(6.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve blanket purchase orders as presented and are on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(7.) New Business: No discussion.

(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 Vallard Campbell to approve Resolution determining maximum monthly highway expenditures for the month of January, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Resolution determining maximum monthly highway Use Tax expenditures for the month of January, 2025.

(12.) After Vote by the Board of County Commissioners, motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Josh Blaylock to appoint Jamie Oliver as Chairman and Vallard Campbell as Vice Chairman to the Board of County Commissioners of LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Treasurer’s Monthly Report of Officers for the month of December, 2024. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Resolutions for Disposing of Equipment regarding County inventory items to benefit LeFlore County Commissioner Highway Department District # 3 as follows:

· D3-332.013 John Deere Backhoe, with original purchase price of $34,832, purchased from ArkTrac on March 25, 1993.
· D3-302.119 2007 International Dump Truck, with original purchase price of $55,998, purchased from Frontier International Trucks on June 30, 2006.

Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(15.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve Notification of Grant Approval letter from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in the amount of $75,000 regarding Sumler Road project within LeFlore County Commissioner Highway Department District 1, and new account 1452-6-4101-2005 created for the purpose of holding and tracking said funding. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(16.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve notice to hold a public hearing regarding closing all of Yeller Tan Lane, lying in or adjacent to Section 36, Township 3 North, Range 21 East, LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(17.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Standley Systems Fiscal Year 2025 60-month agreement between the LeFlore County Health Department and Standley Systems, LLC with contract start date of March 1, 2025 and ending February 28, 2030. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(18.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Quit Claim Deed from the LeFlore County Board of County Commissioners to Clint Alan Cantrell and Lisa Marcel Cantrell on the E ½ of Lot 8 Block 2 Haskel Addition to The Town of Talihina. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(19.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve 324 A Claim in the amount of $7,500 regarding project 32899(04) Knot Hole Road over Poteau River as submitted by Pinnacle Consulting Management Group, Inc. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

Unemployment rate drops in November

The unemployment rate for most of the counties in Oklahoma dropped from the previous year during November, according to the latest report by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Rates were lower in 65 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, higher in six counties and unchanged in six.

Haskell County had the state’s highest rate at 5.0 percent with Latimer second. Dewey County reported the lowest rate at 1.5 percent.

LeFlore County’s rate for the month was 3.6 percent, down from 4.1 percent the previous November. The rate did increase from the October rate of 3.5, but was down from the 4 percent in September.

For the month, LeFlore County had a work force of 20,264 with 19,536 employed and 728 out of work. That compares to October, when the work force was 20,286 with 19,567 employed and 719 out of work.

See the report for all of Oklahoma HERE.

Man sentenced for failure to register as sex offender

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lenard Ray Bond, 31, of Hartshorne was sentenced to 21 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender.

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force and the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 8, 2024, Bond pleaded guilty to an Indictment of one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

On Aug. 8, 2014, Bond was convicted in the State of Oklahoma for Second Degree Rape and required to register as a sex offender. Bond was advised of the requirement to register as a sex offender and to inform law enforcement of any change in residency. According to investigators, between April 14, 2019, and March 15, 2024, Bond repeatedly failed to register as a sex offender despite moving into and living at various residences in and around Indian country within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Bond will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Wittlinger and Jessica Bove represented the United States.

Los Angeles fire out of control

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A fast-moving fire broke out in the hills above Hollywood Boulevard and threatened some of the most popular Los Angeles tourist spots as firefighters battled to get control on two other major blazes that killed five people, put 130,000 people under evacuation orders and ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.

The Sunset Fire started around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday as officials were holding a news conference to update residents on efforts to fight massive blazes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena and to warn that fire danger remained high. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley made a hasty exit after announcing the new fire and soon after an evacuation order was issued.

See the whole story HERE.

Schools cancel classes across southern U.S.

DALLAS (AP) — Schools and buildings from Texas to Georgia were shut down Thursday or prepared to close ahead of freezing rain and snow forecast for much of the Southern U.S. as another burst of plunging temperatures and winter storms threatened to again snarl travel.

Texas schools canceled classes for more than 1 million students in anticipation of icy and potentially dangerous conditions that could last into Friday. Closures also kept students home in Kansas City and Arkansas’ capital, Little Rock, while Virginia’s capital, Richmond, remained under a weather-related boil advisory.

See the whole story HERE.

Junior high LCJ brackets

Oglesby earns performer of the month award

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -North Dakota State forward Jacksen Moni and Oral Roberts guard Jalei Oglesby garnered Peak Performer of the Month honors for December, league officials announced Wednesday, while North Dakota thrower Ethan Thomas and Omaha guard Ja Harvey claimed Peak Newcomer of the Month accolades.

Oglesby earned her first career monthly female honor after leading the Golden Eagles to a 5-2 record during December. She averaged 17.3 ppg, which was third among league players during the month, shooting 63 percent from the field (51-for-81).

The Howe native put together a trio of 20-plus point efforts, including a career-high equaling 29 in a win over Oklahoma City. She also had 22 in an overtime win against Montana State in the Summit-Big Sky Challenge.

She led the team with 19 in a win over Wichita State and added eight in ORU's second win over an SEC opponent when the Golden Eagles downed Missouri on Dec. 18.

FEMALE PEAK PERFORMER OF THE MONTH
Jalei Oglesby, Oral Roberts
RJr. | G | Howe, Okla.

Led the Golden Eagles to a 5-2 month during December, which included ORU's second win over an SEC opponent this season
One of the nation's top-scoring reserves averaged 17.3 ppg and shot 63 percent from the field in seven contests
Equaled her career-high with 29 against Oklahoma City and recorded a trio of 20-plus point games
This is the first career Summit League monthly honor for Oglesby.
Cavs snap Thunder win streak
CLEVELAND (AP) Jarrett Allen scored 25 points, Evan Mobley added 21 and the Cleveland Cavaliers ended Oklahoma City's 15-game winning streak by beating the Thunder 129-122 on Wednesday night in a marquee meeting between the NBA's top two teams.
The Cavs extended their winning streak to 11, improved the league's best record to 32-4 - 11-0 against the West - and moved to 19-1 at home. They did it on an off night for leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who had just 11 points on 3 of 16 shooting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and Jalen Williams had 25 for the Thunder in their first loss since Dec. 1.
See the whole story HERE.
First semifinal set for Thursday
DANIA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — In an era that is now long gone, a trip to the Orange Bowl meant a break from the rough weather up north and the capper to a successful season that, if things had gone great, ended with a championship trophy in the case.
This season, for Penn State (13-2) and Notre Dame (13-1), it’s the latest stop in the “One and Done” tour that college football has become.
This pair of iconic programs arrived in South Florida on Tuesday to get ready for the Orange Bowl, which is doubling as the College Football Playoff semifinal this year. At stake in Thursday’s game: a trip to Atlanta to play for the national title on Jan. 20. The other semifinal, between Ohio State and Texas, is set for Friday at the Cotton Bowl.
See the whole story HERE.
Arkansas falls to #23 Ole Miss, 73-66
Final Stats
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas made a late run at Ole Miss, cutting an 11-point deficit to six with 2:22 left, only to see the 23rd-ranked Rebels answer with a Mallik Dia 3-pointer to help secure a 73-66 victory Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena.
Arkansas led early and was up 27-18 after a Johnell Davis 3-pointer. From that point, Arkansas went cold and Ole Miss used a 12-3 run to tie the contest at 30. Arkansas regained a 3-point lead only to see Ole Miss’ leading scorer Sean Pedulla drain a 3-pointer with 31 seconds left to make the score 33-33 at the break.
The Rebels scored first in the second half to take its first lead of the game and Boogie Fland answered with a basket. Davon Barnes immediately answered with a 3-pointer and Ole Miss never surrendered the lead the rest of the game.
Ole Miss led by as many as 11 after a Pedulla 3-poitner with 8:31 left but the Razorbacks kept battling and worked its deficit to eight with 6:40 remaining. The Rebels went back up 11 (67-55) with 4:54 left but Arkansas held Ole Miss to just one point over the next two minutes to trail by six (68-62).
Then, Dia hit his dagger 3-pointer to put Ole Miss up nine. Arkansas once again worked its deficit to six with 21 seconds left, but could not get any closer as Matthew Murrell’s free throw with eight ticks left put the game out of reach.
Dia led all scorers with 21 points and he grabbed eight rebounds. Pedulla, who was 3-of-4 from 3-point, finished with 16 points.
Adou Thiero led a quartet of Razorbacks in double figures with 17 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Johnell Davis finished with 15 points and D.J. Wagner had 11. Boogie Fland had a solid stat line with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and zero turnovers.
Arkansas stays home to host #8 Florida on Saturday (Jan. 11). Tipoff is set for 3 pm and the game will be televised on ESPN.
FIRST HALF: Arkansas: 33 – Ole Miss: 33
• Arkansas opened the game with a 10-1 lead.
• The Hogs held the lead until a 4:30 drought and Ole Miss tied the game at 30 with 1:56 left.
• Arkansas answered with a Boogie Fland floater and a Karter Knox free throw. However, Ole Miss’ Sean Pedulla hit a 3-pointer with 31 seconds left to tie the game at 33.
• Both teams were 4-of-12 from 3-point but Ole Miss was 7-of-11 at the line compared to Arkansas being 3-of-7.
• The teams combined for just four first-half turnovers, three by Arkansas and one by Ole Miss.
• Johnell Davis was 3-of-5 from 3-point range and led Arkansas with 11 points. Trevon Brazile added five rebounds and two assists.
• Malik Dia led Ole Miss with 11 points and five rebounds. Pedulla added nine points.
• This marked the first time this year that Arkansas was tied at the half.
SECOND HALF: Arkansas: 33 – Ole Miss: 40
• This was the second time in as many games (and for the season) that Arkansas was out-scored in the second half.
• Ole Miss shot 52.2 percent in the second half compared to Arkansas shooting 31%.
• Ole Miss was also 45.5% (5-of-11) from 3-point compared to Arkansas going 1-of-11 (9.1%) from deep.
• Thiero scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half.
• Ole Miss had seven assists on 12 made baskets in the period.
GAME NOTES:
• For the fourth-straight game, Arkansas’ starting lineup was Boogie Fland, D.J. Wagner, Karter Knox, Adou Thiero and Jonas Aidoo.
• Arkansas won the opening tip. The Razorbacks have won the tip in 13 of 15 games this year.
• Boogie Fland scored the game’s points with a 3-pointer at 19:05.
• Trevon Brazile and Johnell Davis were Arkansas’ first subs.
• Arkansas still leads the all-time series, 52-35, but is just 18-12 versus Ole Miss in games played in Fayetteville.
• Since Arkansas joined the SEC, the Razorback lead in the series is now one game, 30-29. Ole Miss has won two straight in the series but as the Hogs have won 9 of the last 13 in the series.
• The Razorbacks are now 20-14 all-time in SEC home openers. Arkansas is now 4-5 when Ole Miss is the first home SEC game.

LeFlore County scoreboard

1-7-2025

Basketball

Boys

Panama 63, Arkoma 15

Cave Springs 64, Bokoshe 50

Keota 64, Cameron 57

Heavener 56, Wilburton 46

Red Oak 45, Howe 33

Eufaula 54, Poteau 38

Girls

Panama 54, Arkoma 14

Cave Springs 72, Bokoshe 14

Cameron 37, Keota 33

Heavener 58, Wilburton 37

Howe 66, Red Oak 54

Eufaula 57, Poteau 34

1-6-2025

Basketball

Boys

Pocola 71, Wilburton 39

Talihina 48, Wister 32

Girls

Pocola 56, Wilburton 33

Talihina 42, Wister 19

1-4-2025

Basketball

Boys

Panama 59, Heavener 48

Pocola 56, Howe 46

Girls

Panama 73, Heavener 34

Pocola 79, Howe 45

1-3-2025

Basketball

Boys

Pocola 70, Poteau 49

Girls

Pocola 58, Poteau 26

Heavener sweeps games at Wilburton

WILBURTON—Heavener swept a pair of Black Diamond Conference games at Wilburton Tuesday night.

The Lady Wolves won the opener, 58-37. Before the Wolves completed the sweep with a 56-46 victory.

Heavener’s girls are now 3-8 with the Wolves posting a 7-4 record. Heavener’s scheduled games at Poteau has been postponed due to the weather. The home games against Hartshorne Friday has not been decided. Wilburton’s girls are 0-8 and the Diggers are 4-8.

Boys

Heavener trailed 26-23 at halftime before taking control of the contest by going on a 13-3 run in the third quarter and eventually outscoring the Diggers 33-20 in the second half to clinch the victory.

Canyon Ford had one of his best games for Heavener and led the Wolves with 20 points while Brandon Sanchez added 12.

Heavener 56, Wilburton 46

HHS 8 15 13 20--56

WHS 12 14 3 17--46

Heavener: Isaac Cook 1 0-0 1 2; Zaid Rodriguez 4 0-0 4 8; Canyon Ford 8 3-5 2 20; Rogelio Garcia 4 0-2 2 8; Brandon Sanchez 4 4-6 2 12; Hagen Ritter 0 0-0 1 0; Spencer Clubb 2 0-0 1 4; Geren Palmer 1 0-0 0 2. TOTALS: 24 7-13 13 56.

Oklahoma fishing report

This week’s Oklahoma fishing repoort

NORTHEAST

Kaw: January 6. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 35°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue catfish slow on cut bait around main lake. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on jerk baits, jigs, and sassy shad below the dam. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.

Keystone: January 6. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 39°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and rocks. Blue and channel catfish good on live bait, live shad, and minnows around river mouth and rocks. Crappie excellent on jigs and minnows around brush structure and rocks. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.

SOUTHEAST

Blue River: Dec 31. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, and spoons around brush structure, channels, creek channels, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: January 4. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 49°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, and spoons around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, river channel, river mouth, and standing timber. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, and jigs around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, shrimp, and worms around main lake, points, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Konawa: January 4. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: January 3. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 44°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait and tube jigs around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

McGee Creek: January 3. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 45°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, jigs, and small lures around brush structure, points, rocks, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around creek channels, flats, and main lake. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and small lures around brush structure, main lake, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: January 3. Elevation is 12 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 49°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around creek channels. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver around river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis: January 3. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, sunfish, and worms around main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around points and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: January 4. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 53°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on flukes and live shad around channels, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live shad, punch bait, and stinkbait around channels, coves, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, coves, docks, points, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good for striper once again. Striper are good on live shad around channels, ledges, and points. Catfish are good near the river mouth with live shad and cut bait. Crappie are okay on jigs near brush piles around docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.

Wister: January 3. Elevation is 7 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 49°F and murky. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on jigs, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, and river channel. Blue catfish slow on cut bait and shad around main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and main lake. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.

Down memory lane

10 YEARS AGO

2015—Heavener Council approves resolution, to hold special meeting…Health Department warns of increased flu danger…Rep. James Lockhart named to committees…Former Heavener Doctor Joe Looper passes away…Storm spotter training planned…Lance Smith named chairman of county commissioners…Ledger celebrates 111^th anniversary…Services held for Linda Olive…Gas prices are half what they were six months ago…Heavener opens conference play with sweep of Hartshorne…JH girls advance to LCT semifinals with win over Poteau…

20 YEARS AO

2005—Jail construction approximately 35 percent completed…CNB President Bill Anthony announces plans to retire…Heavener football banquet set for Jan. 8…Katherine Johnson, Kassi Hinds named students of the month for Heavener High School.

30 YEARS AGO

1995—Grant secured for Wister Lake…Rev. Steven Gniech is new pastor at Big Creek Baptist Church…New Cutlass Ciera only $15,390 at Smedley Chevrolet in Poteau…Heavener splits basketball games with Talihina.

50 YEARS AGO

1975—Heavener School Board approves buying new bus from Hembree Chevrolet for $12,634.59. Federal funds pay for all but $6,476.59…Lions Club express concern where Highway 59 meets Highway 270 at the Ie Plane Hill…Heavener Roundup Club plans meeting…Willie Brand loses service of right hand in accident at Burnett Lumber Sawmill…Chamber banquet planned for Feb. 14 at high school cafeteria…Kenneth Clubb has a 1974 Chevrolet Nova for sale…The Secret Adventures of the Railway Children is playing at the Liberty Theater.

60 YEARS AGO

1965—The $1.2 billion project to make Arkansas River navigable is 40 percent completed…LeFlore County listed 17 of the state’s782 traffic deaths…Donkey ball game planned for Howe…Regular size hamburgers are only 15 cents at Mary Schiffner’s Red Hen Café…Jack Evetts has a good 1955 Ford two-door for sale…McHale’s Navy starring Ernest Borgnine starring is playing at the Liberty Theater this week.

80 YEARS AGO

1945—LeFlore County led the state in war bonds sold in December, more than doubling the quota set for the county…Lt. Col. Homer Reese was walking on a street in London when he was recognized by Flight Officer J.T. Costner, a former student at Heavener School. This is the first time Reese has seen anybody he recognized…State game rangers arrested and fined 240 law violaters for atotal of $3,723…Blackwell-Hall Sinclair Station will soon have new tires for sale…Alexander Knox stars in Wilson at the Liberty Theater.

90 YEARS AGO

1935—Dr. and Mrs. Bert C. Hearn announced they are leaving Heavener and will open a practice in Seminole…New 1935 Chevrolets are on display at Heavener Auto Sales…Oklahoma has a new governor after E.W. Marland was inaugurated…New 1935 Roadster is just $465 at Heavener Auto Sales.

100 YEARS AGO

1925—Rumor has it that KCS is considering building a new depot in Heavener…KCS is trying out a new electronic braking system…Both banks held board meetings this week. O.J.M. Brewer was elected president at First National and R.L. Walker at State National Bank…Heavener Grain Mill has chicken feed…Young Mercantile to hold the biggest $1 sale ever in Heavener…KC Meat Market in Heavener now has groceries…Slay & Rogers has barbed wire and field fence for sale…Emmett King stars in Captain January at the Liberty this week.

Cloudy skies, snow coming Thursday

Cloudy skies and snow are forecast for Thursday for LeFlore County and the area.

There is a 100 percent chance of snow with snow accumulations up to eight inches expected.

A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Friday for most of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.

For road conditions in Oklahoma, call (844) 465-4997 or visit okRoads.org. Road conditions in Arkansas are available by calling (800) 245-1672 or visiting idrivearkansas.com.

The high is forecast to be 35 degrees with a low of 27.

Sunrise was 7:26 a.m. Sunset is 5:25 p.m.

Wednesday’s high was 38 with a low of 19. No rain was recorded, leaving the monthly total at 0.13 inches, still short of January’s average rainfall of 3.10 inches.

Average temperatures for Jan. 9 are a high of 51 and low of 23. Records for the date were a high of 65 in 1975. The record low was -12 in 1970.

Last year on Jan. 9, the high was 40 with a low of 23.

LeFlore County calendar

LeFlore County calendar of events for the next week. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you are a church or non-profit event, please email me at craig@heavenerledger.com.

Thursday

Funeral service for Bobby Jerald “Bob” Burns

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North

High school basketball: Heavener at Poteau; Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference Tournament; Pocola, Spiro at Warner Tournament; Whitesboro at Webbers Falls Tournament; Talihina at Tushka Tournament

Friday

High school basketball: Hartshorne at Heavener; Pocola, Spiro at Warner Tournament; Talihina at Tushka Tournament; Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference Tournament

Saturday

Memorial service for Janice Falkner

High school basketball: Howe at Poteau; Pocola, Spiro at Warner Tournament; Talihina at Tushka Tournament; Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference Tournament

Monday

LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.

Junior high basketball LCT

High school board meetings

Tuesday

Junior high basketball LCT

High school basketball: Heavener at Talihina; Cameron at Arkoma; Howe at Westville; Red Oak at LeFlore; Panama at Warner; Pocola at Stigler; Muldrow at Poteau; Union Christian Academy at Spiro; Smithville at Whitesboro

Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC

Wednesday

Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC

Today in history

1493

Columbus mistakes manatees for mermaids

On January 9, 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing near what is now the Dominican Republic, records in his ship's journal that, on the previous day, he saw three “mermaids”—in reality manatees—and describes them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” Six months earlier, Columbus (1451-1506) set off from Spain... read more

19th Century

1887

Record cold and snow decimates cattle herds

1970s

1972

Fire breaks out on former RMS Queen Elizabeth

21st Century

2001

Apple launches iTunes, revolutionizing how people consume music

2007

Steve Jobs debuts the iPhone

Art, Literature and Film History