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Bible verse of the day
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
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Commissioners’ minutes 4-1-2024
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 Deputy Nikki Duncan. 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 March 25, 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 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.
(6.) Transfers of appropriations: None presented.
(7.) Blanket purchase orders: None presented.
(8.) New business: None presented.
(9.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve contract agreement between Data Scout and the LeFlore County Assessor. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(10.) Burn ban: No discussion.
(11.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Disposing of Equipment Records regarding obsolete inventory items as submitted by the LeFlore County Election Board and District Attorney’s Office. Items include, but are not limited to, non-working computers, radios, typewriters and other various equipment stored in the Annex building. See attached records for details. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Oil and Gas Contract between he LeFlore County Assessor’s office through the Board of County Commissioners and Total Assessment Solutions Corporation with term from July 1, 2024 through June 31, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Declaration of Surplus and Resolution for Disposing of Equipment regarding inventory item WIS-301.001 2012 International Fire Truck in accordance with State Statute 19 O.S. § 421.2, transferring equipment to the town of Wister, Oklahoma. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) After discussion with Under Gods Care representatives, motion was made by Vallard Cambell and seconded by Jamie Oliver to remove item from agenda for further inspection of facility, clarification from KEDDO on the organizations ability to qualify for REAP Grants and bidding requirements. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
It's election day
It's Election Day for voters in sixty-eight (68) counties. The polls are open today - April 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Elections on the ballot include the Board of Education General Election, city council elections, school propositions, municipal propositions, and other local elections. Voters can view a sample ballot and find their polling place using the the OK Voter Portal. The election list is available on the State Election Board website.
As a reminder, proof of identity is required when you check in at your polling place. More information on proof of identity and a list of accepted identification is available on the State Election Board website. Those without a valid ID may request to vote a provisional ballot.
Some voters may need assistance to vote because they are blind or visually disabled, physically disabled or infirmed, or illiterate. Such individuals may request to have an assistant or vote privately and independently using the ATI device attached to the voting device. Those who require assistance should talk to their precinct official or contact their County Election Board directly for instructions.
Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.
LeFlore County scoreboard
LeFlore County sports scores from Monday.
Baseball
LCT first round
Howe 11, Arkoma 2
Poteau 14, Bokoshe 2
Pocola 18, Heavener 2
Spiro 12, LeFlore 3
Talihina 8, Whitesboro 0
LCT second round
Cameron 6, Pocola 4
Wister 10, Howe 2
Panama 11, Talihina 3
Poteau 10, Spiro 4
LeFlore 12, Bokoshe 3
Slow pitch softball
Cameron 11, Gans 5
Cameron 3, Gans 1
Heavener 20, Checotah 11
Red Oak 10, Howe 3
Pocola 16, Vian 6
Pocola 18, Stilwell 13
Pocola 11, Sallisaw 1
Talihina 12, Wilburton 0
Antlers 6, Whitesboro 5
Whitesboro 14, Fort Towson 2
Top seeds advance
The top four seeds advanced to Tuesday’s semifinals of the 2024 baseball LeFlore County Tournament with wins Monday.
Top-seeded Wister plays No. 4 Poteau 7 p.m. at Wister while second-seeded Panama and third-seeded Cameron also play at 7 at Whitesboro.
Wister took its opener of the tournament by defeating Howe, 10-2, Poteau won its second-round game, 10-4, over Spiro, Cameron edged Pocola, 6-4 and Panama toppled Talihina, 11-3.
In losers bracket games Tuesday at Poteau, LeFlore plays Talihina at 3 p.m. with Arkoma and Pocola hooking up at 5 p.m. Winners play at 7 and the losers are eliminated.
At Whitesboro, Whitesboro plays Spiro at 3 followed by Heavener and Howe at 5. Winners play at 7 with the losers eliminated.
LCT first round
Howe 11, Arkoma 2
Poteau 14, Bokoshe 2
Pocola 18, Heavener 2
Spiro 12, LeFlore 3
Talihina 8, Whitesboro 0
LCT second round
Cameron 6, Pocola 4
Wister 10, Howe 2
Panama 11, Talihina 3
Poteau 10, Spiro 4
LeFlore 12, Bokoshe 3
Indians down Wolves, 18-2
WHITESBORO—Pocola used two big innings and held Heavener to four hits in an 18-2 win in the first round of the 2024 baseball LeFlore County Tournament Monday.
The Indians were defeated in the second round by Cameron, 6-3, and drop to the losers bracket, where Pocola plays Arkoma 5 p.m. at Poteau. Heavener is also in the losers bracket and takes on Howe 5 p.m. at Whitesboro.
Pocola scored seven runs and sealed the win by adding nine runs in the top of the seventh for the final margin.
Brock Brittain got the win, giving up the four hits and two runs with nine strikeouts and two walks.
Drew Jones led by Indians by going 3-4 with three RBI and two runs, Kyron Atkinson doubled and was 2-4 with two RBI and three runs, Sean Smith also doubled and went 2-4 with a RBI and a run, Aiden Howard had a 2-3 game with three RBI and three runs, Ty Jerrell had a 2-4 outing with two RBI and two runs and Brittain helped his cause by going 2-4 with two RBI and two runs.
Heavener used four pitchers in the loss. Bryce Early went 2.2 innings, giving up five hits and eight runs, two earned, with seven strikeouts and three walks, Spencer Clubb went 2.1 innings, allowing two hits and four runs with one strikeout and three walks, Willie Dehard went a third of an inning and gave up five runs on one hit with one walk and Trace Qualls went two thirds of an inning, allowing two runs on two hits with one strikeout and two walks.
Bryce Morrison, Jackson Clubb, Early and Talon Lemay had Heavener’s four hits.
Pocola 18, Heavener 2
PHS 0 0 8 0 1 9—18 10 2
HHS 0 1 1 0 0 0—2 4 7
Heavener girls get revenge
CHECOTAH—Heavener played Checotah last week and it showed as the Lady Wildcats won, 17-5.
Playing less than a week later and with Heavener fielding a full team, the Lady Wolves got some payback with a 20-11 victory over Checotah Monday.
Heavener is now 8-4 and plays at Howe Tuesday. Checotah is also 8-4.
Ava Cartwright doubled twice and was 4-5 with three runs and two RBI to lead Heavener’s offensive attack, Britlee Reed went 3-4 with three RBI and two runs, Mariana Garcia doubled while going 2-4 with three RBI and two runs, Kristy Shadwick was 3-5 with three RBI and two runs and Paisley Stacy had a 2-3 games with two runs and a RBI.
Heavener 20, Checotah 11
HHS 5 0 7 0 0 1 7—20 16 4
CHS 2 3 3 0 0 3 0—11 14 3
County players named to Rock Island team
Several LeFlore County players have been named to the all-conference team for the Rock Island Conference.
The coach of the year is Noah Davis of Kinta, a former Heavener graduate.
County players named to the team were Dartyn Meeks and Landon Donaho of Wister, Malachi Releford and Gavin Gotes of Panama.
Honorable mention players were Riley Crane of Wister and Brendin Nixon of Panama.
Lutz selected to lead Cowboys
STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State Director of Athletics Chad Weiberg has hired Steve Lutz as the school’s 21st head men’s basketball coach, pending board approval.
“Coach Lutz is known as one of the hardest-working coaches in the business,” Weiberg said. “He has worked at all levels of college basketball and has deep ties to this part of the country, especially Texas. The work he has put into his career has resulted in success as a head coach and why I believe he is the right person to be the leader of Cowboy Basketball.”
A rising star under Creighton’s Greg McDermott and a fifth-generation member of Henry Iba’s coaching tree (via Purdue’s Matt Painter), Lutz is off to a successful start to his own head coaching career with NCAA tournament appearances in each of his first three seasons.
In rapid rebuilds at Western Kentucky (2023-24) and Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2021-23), the 51-year-old has posted a combined 69-35 record, including a perfect 8-0 mark in conference tournament play.
Lutz said:
“I'd like to thank Chad Weiberg and Dr. Shrum for entrusting me with one of college basketball's most storied programs. It's a responsibility that I don't take lightly. Cowboy Nation -- I look forward to meeting you all soon and hitting the ground running. Know that my staff and I will work diligently to recruit and retain hardworking kids who will represent you well, on and off the court, and consistently compete for Big 12 championships.”
Lutz-led squads are known for playing hard and fast. WKU led the nation in adjusted tempo (75.1 possessions) this season while topping the Conference USA leaderboard in both points (80.6) and effective field goal percentage (54.6%). The Hilltoppers finished 22-13 and punched their first NCAA tournament ticket since 2013 after winning their first ever CUSA tournament title.
Lutz worked similar magic in Corpus Christi with back-to-back bids, ending what had been a 15-year March Madness drought and a run of four straight losing seasons.
The Islanders were one of the nation’s most-improved teams in 2021-22, jumping from 5-19 to 23-12 with help from a dozen transfers and an aggressive, opportunistic defense that ranked among the NCAA leaders in steals (8.5) and forced turnovers (14th, 16.5). Lutz was a finalist for the 2022 Joe B. Hall Award (given to the nation’s top first-year head coach) after guiding his team to the Southland Conference tournament title as a No. 4 seed.
A&M-Corpus Christi took another step forward in 2022-23, finishing 24-11 (14-4) while pacing the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Lutz was a slam dunk choice for conference coach of the year after winning the school’s first SLC regular season title since 2007. The Islanders successfully defended their SLC tournament crown, then downed Southeast Missouri State in the First Four for the program’s first-ever win at the Big Dance.
Including his time as an assistant at Creighton (2010-17) and Purdue (2017-21), Lutz has coached in seven straight NCAA tournaments, highlighted by Sweet 16 and Elite Eight runs in 2018 and 2019.
Along the way, Lutz had a hand in the development of two national players of the year in Creighton’s Doug McDermott (2014) and Purdue’s Zach Edey (2023), whom he helped recruit to West Lafeyette prior to his final season.
Under Painter, Lutz served as Purdue’s “defensive coordinator”, helping the Boilermakers to four consecutive top-35 finishes in KenPom’s defensive efficiency rankings, highlighted by an 11th place showing in 2020. He was also instrumental in the development of Purdue’s guards, including two-time All-American and Jerry West Award winner, Carsen Edwards, and Jaden Ivy, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Purdue was 90-42 (.681) in Lutz’s four seasons on staff and won a share of the 2019 Big Ten regular season title.
In seven seasons at Creighton, Lutz was part of four NCAA tournament teams and one NIT quarterfinalist. The Bluejays put together a 166-82 record with two conference tournament championships and one regular season title while making a successful transition from the Missouri Valley Conference to the BIG EAST.
Lutz’s resume also includes stops at SMU (2006-10), Stephen F. Austin (2000-06), Garden City Community College (1999-00) and Incarnate Word (1995-99).
A class act, on and off the court, Lutz has also been a finalist for each of the last two Skip Prosser Man of the Year Awards, given to the head coach who achieves success while displaying strong moral character.
Originally from San Antonio, Lutz played collegiately at Texas Lutheran University, serving as team captain during his senior season while completing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Secondary Education/Business Administration. He added a master’s in Physical Education from Incarnate Word in 1997.
Lutz and his wife, Shannon, have three children: Caroline, McKenna and Jackson.
Choctaws hold conference
DURANT – The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) hosted over 350 mental health, law enforcement, judicial, and nursing professionals at the annual Navigating Mental Health and Substance Misuse Conference March 11 and 12. Chief Gary Batton opened the conference by thanking the attendees for their service and support they provide to our tribal members, then by encouraging them to remember to take care of themselves.
The conference was organized by Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health associates, who brought in over 25 speakers to provide a packed two-day learning experience for the attendees. “The conference has been hosted every year for four years,” says Lacey Callahan, conference lead. “This is the largest participation yet, and we are so excited to bring various topics for our participants to learn and earn continuing education units for their certifications or licensures.”
The team also brought in a mock bedroom, with 25 drug-related items hidden in a simulated teenager’s room. Participants scavenged through items typically found in a bedroom but were altered or created to hide drugs or drug paraphernalia from parents. “The mock bedroom brings awareness to how many different items, from drink cans to highlighters, can hide dangerous or illegal things from the adults or guardians in the children’s lives,” says Kelsea Johnson, community opioid intervention pilot project program manager. “We travel with and set the bedroom up as a training simulation for several groups around the reservation. We also offer simulation goggle experiences, as well as training related to drug trends, social media, and opioid awareness.”
Fulfilling Chief Batton’s encouragement of self-care, the conference also had a relaxation room with chair massages during the day and acupuncture sessions in the evenings. “Acupuncture is a natural way to stimulate our bodies’ ability to heal itself,” explains Dr. Carmen Jones, Good Tree Natural Health owner and practitioner.
Western sports add to economy
By Rep. RICK WEST
Several constituents visited me at the Capitol this week, sharing with me and other lawmakers the positive economic benefits of team roping and other western sporting events on the state.
Kendall and Melissa Stacy, owners of Integrity Team Roping in Howe, were in town for the Bob Feist Invitational team roping event at the Lazy E arena in Guthrie. This event paid out almost $3.9 million in cash prizes in 2023, and should do the same or better this year. Like any sporting event of this kind, those winners have to pay local taxes on the money they earn, so it's easy to see how this becomes a money maker for the state, which in turn supports the services delivered to Oklahomans.
The Stacys met with me and with Rep. Colin Duel and Sen. Chuck Hall, who both represent the Guthrie area, and they addressed members of our Rural Caucus. They're trying to bring other big team roping events to the state, all of which could spur our economy. It was great to meet with them. I fully support their efforts.
Another really great thing I got to do recently was attend the All for One special needs livestock show, organized by LeFlore County OSU Extension educator Liana Jones. The event was held March 1 in Poteau. It brought together 81 special needs children from various schools across LeFlore County, introducing them to the world of livestock exhibitions and agriculture.
This event was just something really inspiring to witness. It's unbelievable the excitement these kids displayed and the joy they got from showing their livestock. I was so glad to be in the stands to watch this, and I'm grateful to Liana Jones for organizing it and sharing the details of the event with me.
At the Capitol, the governor signed my House Bill 1006 into law. This will grant 4-H members an excused school absence if they are participating in an activity recognized by the county 4-H facilitator. Students will be allowed to make up any missed work and their grades cannot be negatively affected. This is a big win for these students. it should take effect before the next school year begins.
My House Bill 2975 passed the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee last week and now awaits a floor vote. This would protect the private information of homemade food producers allowing them to obtain a registration number to affix to their product labels instead of the current requirement that they list their name, phone number and the physical address. The $15 registration fee would be voluntary.
My House Bill 2972 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee. This bill would require organizations such as the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association to accept cash at their games and would not allow them to charge extra for cash-only transactions.
We had a rather slow week in the House with a few committee meetings and some floor work. Things will pick up over the next few weeks as we continue to hear Senate bills in House committees and then bring them to a vote on the floor.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Christ is risen!
By LEON YOUNGBLOOD
When Jesus asked His Disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The other Disciples agreed, knowing this could cause them no end of trouble. If we look for an example of the sorts of hostilities and risks the Disciples faced, we merely have to look at people living under the Jihadist governments in the Middle East in the present day. Add to this the fast that Israel was occupied by Roman forces, we may wonder what it was that motivated them to follow any person claiming to be the Christ when common sense would suggest keeping a low profile.
BRIAR CIRCLE
Attempts to analyze the Disciples’ thoughts about Jesus may be futile; but I think it’s safe to say, these men genuinely wanted a relationship with God. They may have felt entitled, because they were Jews, God’s “Chosen” people. They were doubtless nationalistic, too, and hated their Roman occupiers. They anticipated the arrival of the Christ, the Messiah, who would be a conquering King that would reestablish Israel as the only nation; but this did not accurately describe Jesus or His teachings.
Still, there were the incredible miracles. Anyone who could heal the sick and injured, raise the dead, feed thousands with a few scraps of food, walk on water—a king with these powers would be invincible! At least, this is what Judas Iscariot was thinking. I believe Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was intended to force Jesus’ hand. Judas sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He led the authorities to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was staying with His Disciples. Tensions arose, and there was trouble, but Jesus did nothing! He did not summon any angels, there was no lightening from heaven, the ground did not open and swallow the oppressors. Jesus did nothing! By midafternoon the next day, Jesus would be dead, but you know the story.
Incidentally, the church was dead, too. Can you imagine how disillusioned the Disciples and all the other followers of Jesus must have felt? Jesus was not the Messiah, he was just a man. He was just a man, who was now dead and rotting in a donated tomb. The Disciples were scared and hiding. As for Judas Iscariot, he was so upset by this turn of events that he committed suicide.
The Sunday after Jesus’ crucifixion, some ladies went to the garden tomb to finish the embalming of Jesus’ body; but you know this story, too, summed up with words, “Christ is risen!”
Whatever else we get from the Easter season, I hope the realization that Christians serve a living God is at the top of the list. This is the main thing. And it’s a lot more important than chocolate bunnies and candy eggs will ever be.
Total eclipse 4-8-2024
A total eclipse of the sun happening Monday
Here is a little known fun fact. There have been 16 total eclipses that crossed the United States in the past 150 years, from 1869 through 2017. However, what I want to know is how they can predict so far ahead of time — on the money since 1715. Heck, I can’t even keep up with leap year — which happened this year in case it passed you by on Feb. 29.
SUPPORT LOCAL, LIVE MUSIC
There are watch parties and events this weekend from Heavener to Broken Bow, from Talihina to Mena, Ark. So, I only have room for the ones with live music being played, weather permitting. Of course, the best chance of rain will be Monday. Plan a picnic or wash your car, and it will surely rain. Even if there is not weather-conducive viewing conditions for the eclipse, we can still enjoy the music and food. Being a good Boy Scout, I’ll take an umbrella.
I have to mention a fundraiser for John Long that’s at noon Sunday. Coach Long was a former baseball coach with the Cameron Yellowjackets, then superintendent of the Cameron School District, and a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame. The public is encouraged to attend and show support for Coach Long. “Oklahoma Moon” will be providing the live music.
“Oklahoma Moon” will be playing at Piddles Cajon Grill at Lake Tenkiller area at 6 p.m. Saturday. Then, after the fundraiser on Sunday the band will high-tail it to The Hochatown Saloon, down by Broken Bow Lake, where they will perform from 8-9:30 p.m.
Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, take a short drive for the “Music Under the Stars” at the Amphitheater at the Heavener Runestone Park. There will be a great line-up — Dustin Knight, “MJ and the Geezers,” Ava Earnhart, “Far From Paradise” and “The Papa Cruz Band.” The music will go from 3-11 p.m. The view of the sunset from the park overlook is breathtaking. Make plans to attend this family event. Food, games and arts and crafts will be present, too!
On the west end of Talimena Skyline Scenic Drive, “The Talihina Solar Eclipse Event” will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be food, a petting zoo and cow patty bingo as the main attractions. There will be live music through the afternoon and a street dance from 5:30-8 p.m.
On the east end of the Skyline Drive in Mena, it’s a four-day eclipse festival. It starts on Friday and runs through Monday, with live music every day “Blaze of Glory”— The Bon Jovi Experience and “The Hollow Decks”— A 90’s music Experience are the headliners with a great line-up of bands for the four-day party at Jannsen Park. “The Tribadours” will be on Stage from 2-3:30 p.m. Friday. Take the family every day to the Mena festival.
As for live music and dances this weekend, “The Tribadours” have two gigs on Saturday. The first ones in Shady Point at the Affiliates MC and the American Vets MC get together from 2-5 p.m. Then the band will travel south and set it all back up in time for the 6:30-9:30 p.m. gig at La Huerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau. Both of these events will have great food and great music!
Muldrow City Limits is offering the very best in country Saturday when it will have “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” on stage beginning at 7 p.m. There’s a big dance floor for the large turnouts lately. Get there early.
“The Rhythm Coalition” will be at the Farewell Party Bar in Fort Smith, Ark., on Friday. This band can really cook. Make sure to get your table and cool drinks in hand because the music will kick off at 8 p.m.
Dawn’s Diner will be hopping all weekend for the travelers coming to the eclipse, and besides the good food, there will be awesome music for both dances. On Friday, “Make It a Double”, Connie and Dave Abbott, will make it a good time for all those happy feet. Feets don’t fail me now! Then on Saturday, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” always draws a crowd of folks that like to eat and Dance. Music for both nights will start at 7 p.m.
“Sierra Bravo” will play at La Huerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau on Tuesday. Scot Francis and Billy Hoffman will be joined by Rick Boyette to bring you music on the patio. It will start at 6:30 p.m.
That’s all that I got — naw, that ain’t all I got to say. I keep waiting on an invite to view the eclipse on a redneck yacht in the middle of Wister Lake. That would be a great place to watch the sun being swallowed by the dragon. Now, That’s all.
If you have any questions about any live-music event or to let me know of any such venue taking place, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
Enjoy this event. It will make a good story someday.
The forecast
The calendar
Calendar of events for Heavener, LeFlore County and southeastern Oklahoma.. If you are a non-profit, school or church, submit an event. This is a free service for non-profits and churches, so if you want your event published, send an email to craig@heavenerledger.com
Tuesday
School board general election
Heavener track meet
Cascia Hall at Heavenener soccer
High school baseball: LCT
High school softball: Heavener, Buffalo Valley at Howe
PVIA meets LeFlore County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Wednesday
High school baseball: LCT
Thursday
High school baseball: LCT
High school softball: Smithville, Central at Heavener
Heavener soccer at Tulsa Webster
Heavener City Council meeting
Friday
High school baseball: LCT
4-6-2024
Memorial service for Don Milas Goforth
High school baseball: LCT
Monday
High school baseball: Roland at Heavener
Today in history
2005
Pope John Paul II dies
On April 2, 2005, John Paul II, history's most well-traveled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century, dies at his home in the Vatican. Six days later, two million people packed Vatican City for his funeral, said to be one of the biggest in history. John Paul II was... read more
Art, Literature and Film History
1805
Hans Christian Andersen is born
Crime
1992
Mob boss John Gotti convicted of murder
LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY
1982
Natural Disasters & Environment
1979
Deadly anthrax poison released from Soviet bio-weapons plant
Women's History
1917
Jeannette Rankin, first woman elected to U.S. Congress, assumes office
World War I
1917