LCJ newsletter 1-8-2025
Wednesday's newsletter
Daily Bible verse
Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
John 9:37-38
Today’s inspirational quote
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
—Helen Keller
Blast from the past
Times…they changed
By CRAIG HALL
As a young lad, or even a young adult, I never imagined how far advanced we would be. Not me personally, but society. I tend to be lacking.
Hall about it
I was pondering this today and realized probably half my life went by before we had internet. Instead, we had newspapers and magazines. It did not offer the immediacy of a website, but I still remember how I would wake up each morning, fetch the newspaper and peruse the news, sports, etc.
I do like knowing things when I want to know them, but not having a morning or evening newsletter are the biggest negatives of growing older.
I never would of thought we would be able to talk to other people by using a device that looks like the phasing instruments from Star Trek. I remember the old cartoons featuring Dick Tracy, he was the forerunner. He had a large instrument on his arm so he could talk to others, check the time and even more things, but I don’t remember them and don’t care enough to go research it.
Now, I have a device attached to my body that instantly tells me what my blood sugar is and what it has been for a certain period back. Alas, sometimes it errs, as do most things. My alarm for low blood sugar went off last night. I checked it out and it said my blood sugar was 42. I felt pretty good, however. That was the lowest reading ever. Usually, my blood sugar gets below 70, I feel like el crappo.
Chugged me a Pepsi and ate a sandwich just to be safe. It lifted my blood sugar to like 130, but then the low alarm went off. This time, it said the blood sugar was 90, only a few minutes later. I self tested with the traditional method and my blood sugar registered fine.
So all these newfangled things are not failproof.
My car tells me when I forget to buckle my seatbelt. It also tells me to watch out for ice or snow on the road or bridges if the temperature drops to a degree. I grew us using a paper map. Now, I just type in my destination and the map guides me to my destination. It works great, except when people type my address in the GPS as it delivers guests a couple of blocks away from my house.
I can get on Google Earth and explore places I am interested in without leaving the comforts of my home. I also lived a good part of my life without computers. My first one was a Commodore 64. Now, I can play video games from all corners of the world, if I choose to do so. I was playing some kid in the new college football game the other day. He was wearing headphones. I wasn’t. But I could hear him say some cuss words I didn’t even know when I scored a touchdown, intercepted.
I can use my cell to call or text somebody across the world, not that I particularly care to do so. I got a rip-off of the Apple Watch that lets me read texts, answer calls, count my steps every day, even read my heart readings, calories burned and other stuff I have not figured out yet.
Also, I can take a photograph with my cell phone, edit said photo and send it to whoever is on my call list or post to social media.
I also never expected to see the impact of social media. I don’t use Facebook, like most of my peeps, but I do glance at Twitter far too often as Facebook is just not as interesting. If I want to know where Joe Blow ate dinner, I shall ask. I do not need to read about it, or see a picture of what was on Joe’s plate.
Plus, you have all these likes us on Facebook messages for practically every busy. It gives no reason why one should like their establishment on Facebook, therefore, I don’t. Now, it should say like and follow us on Facebook for exclusive deals, etc., then, I would follow. Probably not all that close, but I would show a tad bit of interest.
Years ago, we listed to music on record players, back before 8-track players, tape players and CD’s were into existence. Now, records are back. I guess 8-tracks are on deck. I am currently listening to music and news on an Alexa. I do not have a clue how it works, just now I have to say “Alexa, play ________.” And it does.
I also did not think it would be possible to watch a movie at home without it being on cable television or rented through a tape store like Blockbuster. Blockbuster bit the dust because it did not evolve with the times and now I can watch movies through streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. We had three channels when I was growing up and those channels went off the air at midnight with the playing of the national anthem.
Obituary for 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.
Viewing is from noon until 8 p.m. Wednesday with the family visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
To sign Bob’s online obituary, please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
LeFlore County scoreboard
LeFlore County sports scores for games played 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
To send an addition or correction, text (918) 649-4712 or email craig@heavenerledger.com.
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 is scheduled to play at Poteau Thursday and host Hartshorne Friday, weather permitting. 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.
OSU defeats K-State in conference play
STILLWATER (AP) — Abou Ousmane supplied 27 points and Brandon Newman notched his 1,000th in Oklahoma State's 79-66 victory over Kansas State on Tuesday evening inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The Cowboys (9-5, 1-2 Big 12) scored the last 15 points of the first half to go into the locker room up 43-24 and kept the lead in double-figures the rest of the way.
See the whole story HERE.
Oklahoma state revenue improves in December
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s latest gross receipts report highlights a significant improvement in revenue collections for December 2024 compared to the previous month. While year-over-year numbers are slightly down, the month-over-month growth of 17 percent reflects positive economic momentum heading into the new year.
Key highlights from December’s report:
Income tax collections surged by 48.1 percent, marking a strong rebound in personal and corporate tax contributions.
Sales and use tax revenue increased by 0.9 percent, indicating steady consumer activity during the holiday season.
Gross production tax revenue climbed by 18.8 percent, signaling a temporary recovery in the oil and gas sector.
Motor vehicle tax revenue rose by 20.5 percent, demonstrating strong demand in the auto market.
Treasurer Todd Russ commented on the report, stating, “While the state’s revenue trends may seem wobbly, this is typical for the current economic conditions caused by Fed adjustments.”
Recent Federal Reserve policies, including interest rate adjustments to combat inflation, have influenced consumer spending, investment activity, and business growth across the country. Higher borrowing costs have affected markets, but Oklahoma's December tax collections suggest that parts of the economy remain resilient. The state’s ability to sustain revenue growth despite these financial conditions reflects its diversified economy and steady employment levels.
Looking ahead, the Treasurer’s office will continue monitoring economic trends for stability and fiscal responsibility as Oklahoma navigates shifting economic conditions.
Read the full report at: treasurer.ok.gov
Durant man pleads guilty to firearm charge
MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Henry Tyler Allen, 34, of Durant entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The Indictment alleged that on September 24, 2024, Allen possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, after having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
The charge arose from investigations by the Durant Police Department and 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. Allen was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
Thousands flee California wildfires
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California firefighters battled wind-whipped wildfires that tore across the Los Angeles area, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled and straining resources as officials prepared for the situation to worsen early Wednesday.
The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of LA spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living center had to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot. The residents waited there in their bedclothes as embers fell around them until ambulances, buses and even construction vans arrived to take them to safety.
See the whole story HERE.
Southern U.S. shivers
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A developing winter storm threatens to drop snow, sleet and freezing rain on parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas as frigid air that escaped the Arctic plunges temperatures to subfreezing levels in some of the southernmost points of the U.S.
See the whole story HERE.
Clear skies, cold temperatures continue
Clear skies and continued cold temperatures are expected again Wednesday before the winter weather is expected to arrive Thursday.
A winter weather watch continues from noon Thursday until Friday for eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Total snow and sleet accumulations from 3-5 inches are possible with higher accumulations expected in some locations.
Travel could be hazardous.
The high is forecast to be 34 degrees with a low of 21.
Sunrise was 7:26 a.m. Sunset is 5:24 p.m.
Tuesday’s high was 31 with a low of 21. 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. 8 are a high of 51 and low of 23. Records for the date were a high of 71 in 1984. The record low was -80 in 1970.
Last year on Jan. 8, the high was 50 with a low of 36.
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.
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Funeral service for Jim Thacker
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
Memorial service for Janice Falkner
High school basketball: Hartshorne at Heavener; Pocola, Spiro at Warner Tournament; Talihina at Tushka Tournament; Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference Tournament
Saturday
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
Today in history
1877
Crazy Horse fights last battle
On January 8, 1877, Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and his men—outnumbered, low on ammunition and forced to use outdated weapons to defend themselves—fight their final losing battle against the U.S. Cavalry in Montana. Six months earlier, in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse and his... read more
19th Century
1815
1867
African American men gain the right to vote in Washington, D.C.
Art, Literature and Film History
1946
Elvis Presley receives his first guitar
1963
“Mona Lisa” exhibited in Washington
1976
“Ragtime” wins the National Book Critics Circle Award
Crime
1901
“Colorado Cannibal” Alfred Packer is paroled
2011
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords injured in shooting rampage
2016
Infamous drug lord “El Chapo” is captured by Mexican authorities
Inventions & Science
1642
Astronomer Galileo dies in Italy
Latin American & Caribbean History
1959
Fidel Castro arrives in Havana after deposing Batista’s regime
Sports
1972
NCAA grants freshmen eligibility in football, basketball
U.S. Presidents
1790
President George Washington delivers first State of the Union
1918
President Wilson delivers “Fourteen Points” speech
1992
President George H.W. Bush vomits on the Prime Minister of Japan
2002
President George W. Bush signs No Child Left Behind Act into law
World War II
1940
Mussolini questions Hitler’s plans
Red Cross urges safety
A major winter storm is impacting millions of people in the central and eastern regions of the U.S. and the American Red Cross is urging those impacted to follow the safety steps below.
Snow has already fallen in much of Kansas, and significant snowfall is in the forecast for Oklahoma in the coming days. Temperatures below freezing have settled in. The storm has left hundreds of thousands of people without power or heat, caused dangerous road conditions, closed schools and forced the cancellation of thousands of flights.
PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The dangerous wintry conditions moving across the country this week have already caused the cancellation of about 100 blood drives and this number is expected to grow as the storm continues. As a result, more than 2,000 blood donations have gone uncollected so far in the new year. Where it is safe to do so, we encourage people to schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
WINTER SAFETY Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.
Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t use an oven to heat your home.
Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.
If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone.
Be careful walking on snow or ice and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
Stay off the roads when possible. If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.
Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.
Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.
Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Get emergency medical care right away.
POWER OUTAGES If you’re using a generator to power your home, please keep it outside and away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep the generator dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area: Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch a generator with wet hands.
Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles to avoid fires.
Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
To prevent illness, keep food cold. When in doubt, throw it out.
Eat fresh, perishable foods first.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold.
Use coolers with ice if necessary.
Measure the food temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
HOME FIRE SAFETY Red Cross Disaster Action Teams have responded to numerous single and multi-family home fires in recent days. Learn what to do should a fire start in your home.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on wildfires in both English and Spanish. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
Baptist Health to host stroke support groups
FORT SMITH, Arkansas – Health care providers from Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Baptist Health Neuroscience Center-Fort Smith will host monthly support group meetings for stroke survivors and their caregivers in 2025.
Each month will feature a different topic related to stroke or post-stroke care to give those who have been personally affected by stroke or are interested in the topic the chance to learn more.
In January, Crystal Lougin, LPC, director of behavioral health at Baptist Health-Fort Smith, will discuss seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs in the winter, caregiver burnout and ways to manage the symptoms.
The meeting will be held Jan. 17, at 9 a.m. in the Baptist Health Classroom on the first floor of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. These meetings are open to all members of the community, not just Baptist Health patients. Use the link to join virtually: Baptist-Health.co/BHFSStroke.
A complete list of meeting dates can be found at Baptist-Health.com under Classes & Resources or call (479) 441-4205.
Year after year, Baptist Health-Fort Smith continues to earn national recognition from the American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines® (GWTG) Stroke and Heart Failure Disease Quality Achievement Awards for ensuring their patients receive the most appropriate and timely treatment in the event of a stroke or heart failure.
Mulch a multi-purpose matter in the landscape
By TRISHA GEDON
STILLWATER – Quality soil and adequate moisture are two must-haves for successful gardening. Mulch is another key factor that plays an important role, not only for aesthetics but also for plant health.
Gardeners put a lot of effort into their landscape, and adding mulch will help reap many benefits, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist.
“Mulching garden soil is one of the most valuable, cultural practices of gardening,” Hillock said. “Using organic mulch provides many benefits, including controlling weeds, reducing water evaporation, increasing water absorption and retention, regulating soil temperature and decreasing water runoff and soil erosion.”
Mulch also contributes to more easily harvested crops, reduces fruit rot, prevents trunk damage from lawn equipment, provides a home for beneficial organisms like earthworms and makes it easier to maneuver in the garden when the soil is wet.
In addition, he said mulch helps prevent soil compaction caused by foot traffic in the garden. Soil compaction can have a detrimental effect on plant root growth because it inhibits access to air and water.
Hillock said there are two types of mulch – organic and inorganic. Organic mulches come from natural materials such as wood chips, cotton seed hulls, peat moss, compost, sawdust, ground corncobs, straw or leaves. They are typically low-cost, can deter insects and pests, and increase soil quality as they decompose. Inorganic mulches include shredded rubber, recycled glass or rocks.
“A lot of soil in Oklahoma has high mineral content but is low in organic matter. Using organic mulches in the home garden and incorporating them into the soil at the close of each gardening season is an opportunity to increase the organic matter content, improve the physical condition of the soil and add nutrients,” he said.
Generally, mulch is applied soon after the plants sprout from the ground in the spring. If the soil hasn’t warmed sufficiently, delay mulch application. Waiting to spread mulch is also recommended in a very wet spring when plant roots could develop in the mulch layer.
When applying mulch, the depth will vary depending on the type used. One of the primary objectives of mulch is to reduce the germination and growth of annual weeds and grasses. Another depth factor is the need to protect foliage, flowers and fruits from soil-borne disease organisms that could splash on the plants. Hillock said mulch can also prevent the development of fruit rots or leaf diseases. Don’t mound the mulch directly around the base of trees and shrubs because it can cause trunk rot.
Although not generally recommended, landscape fabric is an alternative to mulch and used mainly as a weed barrier. Water and air can penetrate the surface. However, the material becomes plugged up by soil particles and other debris over time, resulting in poor water and oxygen movement to plant roots. When this happens, plant roots creep up to the soil surface in search of water, oxygen and nutrients, which leads to plant stress. Most gardeners who opt for landscape fabric also use decorative mulch.
“With much of the gardening season coming to a close, start thinking about your spring gardening goals and how you can incorporate mulch into your plans for a more productive garden with hopefully fewer weeding chores,” Hillock said.
OSU Extension offers additional gardening information online.