LCJ newsletter 6-10-2025
Tuesday's newsletter
Daily Bible verse
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
LeFlore County commissioners’ minutes 6-9-2025
LeFlore County commissioners’ minutes from Monday’s regular business meeting with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Vice-Chair Vallard Campbell, Member Josh Blaylock and 1st 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 June 2, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(4.) Monthly Fee Reports: None presented.
(5.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve transfers of appropriations as follows:
· $5,000 from County Highway District 2 T-3 Capital Outlay account to County Highway T-4 Retirement account.
· $1,946.70 from County Highway Districts 1, 2 and 3 T-1A Personal Services accounts to County Highway Budget (A) T-1 Personal Services accounts.
· $2,700 from Spec911- 2 Maintenance and Operations account to Spec911-1A Personal Services account.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(6.) Blanket Purchase Orders: None presented.
(7.) New Business: None discussed.
(8.) Contract Labor/ Service Agreements, Annual Contracts: None presented.
(9.) Burn Ban: Not needed at this time. No discussion.
(10.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve Information and Technology (IT) Coremax support, service, maintenance, domain and email agreement between the LeFlore County Assessor’s Office and AF3 Technical Solutions, LLC from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(11.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve request for floodplain services and permit application as submitted by LeFlore County Consolidated Rural Water District 12 for construction within County right of way located at Section 2, Township 6 North, Range 26 East, LeFlore County. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve the LeFlore County project proposal to be submitted to the Oklahoma Abatement Board. This will be a collaborative effort aimed at reducing opioid-related harm by strengthening recovery support fostering long-term stability and reducing recidivism. LeFlore County will partner with Oklahoma Alliance of Recovery Resources (OKARR). OKARR will provide grant reporting, compliance monitoring, taskforce coordination/collaboration, housing assistance for individuals in recovery at recovery housing within the county, recovery friendly workplace initiative, naloxone distribution to the community and first responders, and a recovery navigator assigned to liaison between the jail, courts, recovery homes and the RCO. The Recovery Navigator bridges individuals in recovery to critical supports—such as housing, employment, and treatment—by providing personalized guidance, system navigation, and peer-informed advocacy. For communities, this role enhances integrated care, service coordination, reduces recidivism, and strengthens long-term recovery outcomes. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Josh Blaylock and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve KEDDO REAP close out documents and affidavit certifying REAP completion regarding KEDDO REAP K8028-24. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve KEDDO REAP close out documents and affidavit certifying REAP completion regarding KEDDO REAP K9030-25. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve reappointment of Steve Holton to the LeFlore County Educational Authority Board with effective date of June 9, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
Howe School Board approves insurance bid
Howe School Board approved the insurance bid for property, automobile and general liability at Monday’s school board meeting.
The Board also approved workers compensation insurance for the upcoming school year along with the OSSBA unemployment services.
Membership in the OSSBA which includes board policy subscriptions and updates was also approved. Temporary appropriations for the 2024-2025 school year were also approved along with a discussion of the following staff needs for 2025-2026 school year.
Support staff along with certified staff were also rehired. A Library Media statutory waiver request was also approved.
Adjunct teacher certification requests as presented by Superintentendent Scott Parks along with a contract with Educational Support Services and RUS-DLT technology upgrades and review were also agreed upon.
A contract for legal services with the Center for Education Law passed by a 5-0 vote.
Smithville man pleads guilty on firearm charge
MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kendall James Hopper, 61, of Smithville entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The Indictment charged Hopper with knowingly possessing one lever-action rifle on Jan. 2, 2024, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office.
D. Edward Snow, 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.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Hopper will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Geizura represented the United States.
2025 Talihina football schedule
Date Opponent Location
8-29-2025 Summit Christian Home
9-5-2026 Porter Away
9-18-2025 Broken Bow JV Away
9-26-2025 Allen* Away
10-3-2025 Gore* Home
10-10-2025 Central* Away
10-17-2025 Liberty* Home
10-24-2025 Wewoka* Home
10-31-2025 Regent Prep* Away
11-7-2025 Mounds* Home
*District games
District 3 road projects update
By Rep. Rick West
I recently received an update on a few ongoing and future road projects in LeFlore County by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's area transportation manager.
Phase 1 of the U.S. Highway 59 project is nearing completion. Robinson Construction is finishing base rock and punch list items, which should be completed in the next 90 days if there are no weather delays. Phase II is set to be bid in November. This phase's start time should be in early 2026. It will consist of constructing the tie ends, additional dirt work, driveways, and concrete paving.
The Highway 59 asphalt overlay from Poteau to Heavener also was awarded to Robinson Construction with the start date set for June 8. The company plans to mill at night and lay asphalt during daytime hours. People can expect some delays when workers are present. The contract time is 60 days, weather permitting.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's website, the Highway 59 project begins 1.5 miles north of State Highway 28 and extends north 9.3 miles between Heavener and Poteau. The estimated cost is almost $2.3 million.
This week, the State Highway 112 project was awarded to L&N Bridge. This project will consist of widening to four lanes and constructing new bridges over the Poteau River approximately a quarter mile north of Poteau. L&N Bridge is expected to begin work in August of this year. They have 500 days for construction of this project that has been estimated to cost over $18.5 million.
Here are a few additional projects listed on ODOT's website:
A million dollars has been estimated for work on U.S. Highway 270 beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 271 and extending approximately 11 miles southeast between Heavener and Wister. The project is not currently funded.
An additional project on U.S. 271 north- and southbound from State Highway 112 2.3 miles to the Arkansas state line has been estimated at almost $1.8 million, but no planning or other work has been completed at this time.
Planning, environmental and design work is complete U.S. 59 from Sunset Corner extending west approximately 5.9 miles, with an estimated cost of almost $44.9 million. The construction let date is scheduled for November.
Planning is 100% complete for work on State Highway 83 over Sugar Loaf Creek, 7.88 miles east of junction U.S. Highway 59. An environmental impact study is 10% complete and is estimated to be completed this fall along with design work. Construction is scheduled to be let in November with an estimated cost of $2.5 million.
Planning is 50% complete for S.H. 83 over Cowskin Creek, 7.55 miles east of U.S. 59. An environmental study is planned for this fall with right-of-way planned for 2027 and design planned for winter of 2028. The construction let date is not until 2030.
If I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
-END-
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Clear skies, warm temperatures for Tuesday
Area weather forecast for Tuesday calls for mostly clear skies and hot temperatures for LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
The high is forecast to be 92 degrees with a low of 67.
Sunrise was 6:04 a.m. Sunset is 8:32 p.m.
Monday’s high was 89 with a low of 62. No rain was recorded, leaving June’s rainfall total at 3.66 inches. June’s average rainfall is 3.90 inches.
Average temperatures for June 10 are a high of 87 and low of 61. Records for the date were a high of 96 in 1977 and a low of 46 in 1980.
Last year on June 10, the high was 86 with a low of 62.
Area calendar of events
Area calendar of events for June 8, 2025
Area calendar of events for the next week in LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you are with a non-profit and want an event publicized, email news@heavener.news.
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Memorial service for Norma Gale Haley
Memorial service for James Edward Young
Leta Mae (Ross) Hamner funeral service
Thursday
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North
Friday
Memorial service for Roger Naylor
LeFlore County historical society bingo night
Saturday
Heavener Runestone jeep invasion
James Robert Stanley memorial service
Green Country Rough Riters meet 2 to 4 p.m. Patrick Lynch Library
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Remembering some ‘Turkey Track Band’ memories
By TERRY JOE WILES
Father’s Day is this coming Sunday.
That always makes me a little apprehensive. I haven’t got a card — yet — but with all the DNA and Ancestry that you hear about, my concern is well-wrought.
Support local, live music
Anyway, family and “Turkey Track,” it brings me to a memory of hooking up with my cousin Larry Watson (he was a member of “The Turkey Track Band”) and making the circle from turkey track bluegrass and gospel festival yearly in Waldron, Ark., to the Tuskahoma Music Festival (at Choctaw Nation Capital).
It started out on a Thursday with the “Turkey Track Band” and three days later closed out with “Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.” There was more awesome bluegrass music than you could shake a tail feather at, but that was just on stage!
The real fun was going trailer to trailer, camp to camp, tent to tent of family and friends that would sit in a circle passing songs around and play 12 hours a day. The only breaks would be to eat and a nap or two. Back then, I was playing country and thought I was hot stuff, but these musicians were what this festival was all about! I sure did miss my Jazzmaster and amp. I did play flattop until my fingers were bloody, and then got to give Linda Lancaster short breaks on doghouse bass. That lady was gracious, seasoned and smart. She sometimes used a leather glove on her right hand to minimize the damage. It was a blast!
However, back to family. It was the last time that I got to play with cousin Larry. Uncle Frank and Aunt Bert Wiles and Aunt Elinor and Robert were sitting in as pickers and singers. All but Aunt Bert have gone on before us. There were a host of folks that reeled me in and made me feel welcome. Families just don’t get together anymore. I know there is a lot going on to distract us, but that’s no excuse. If your father is still around, make plans on sharing the day with him. Or, it can be a day of remembrance. Watch my Facebook page, and I’ll have a lot of pictures of my dad, Billy Joe and me while I was growing up. My favorite was of him helping me with tying my tie for Senior Prom. He was a good man, and I still miss him every day. I still can’t do the tie thing.
Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers out there.
• • •
As for live music this week, Muldrow City Limits will have a Father’s Day Dance and potluck supper on Saturday. “Backroads” will provide the country music. It’s a cool gathering of folks that like to eat and dance. The music will start at 7 p.m. Bring your father. It’s a NS/ND event.
“The Stagemasters” will help celebrate Father’s Day at the Fort Smith (Ark.) Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road on Friday. It’s Birthday Night for the month of June, too. It’s the start of a new era for the band. There may be a few surprise guests. So, join your friends at the dance. Pay homage to Fathers everywhere and blow out the birthday candles. The dance will start at 7 p.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will take its offering of cool and groovy music to Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith when the band will take the stage at Hero’s. On Friday, this band will be playing a sampling of blues, R&B, red dirt, country rock, jazzy originals and more. There will be some real entertainment! The music will kick off at 8 p.m. Catch the band’s show.
“The Libby Starks Band” will bring its show to LaHeurta’s Mexican Grill on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith. On Friday, the music will start at 7 p.m. It will be a great time of the year for an evening meal with awesome music just as the sun sets across the Arkansas River. Libby will bring her high energy, and always will have an entertaining set of favorites that never disappoint. Grab your friends and make a beeline to La Heurta’s Mexican Grill.
Crocky’s Cafe in Hackett, Ark., can not only throw an Epic MudBug shucking party, but every weekend some of the area’s very best talent appear on the outside stage. This Saturday, “Paul and Back in the Day” will be performing country and rock that will make you wish that the designated dance area could be larger. Take your family, invite your friends or take dad to a good meal and great music.
This Sunday just happens to be the third Sunday Blues Jam in the Bakery District in Fort Smith. You get to hear masters and beginners on stage together. Host Gary Hutchinson and a cast of seasoned musicians will interact with other area musicians to make a D-y-n-o-m-i-t-e afternoon of the blues. Dale Fraze Sr., Mark Albertson, Brett Rains, Rick Endel, Annie Kobus, Ralph Hert and many more are planning on being on hand. It’s a family-friendly event, and it will happen come rain or shine!
Again, I regret but that’s NOT all that I have to say. However, I’m going to shut up anyway. Y’all all get out there and support live music.
For additional information about any live-music events or to let know about any other such venues, call me or text message me at (918) 649-5736, get with me on Facebook or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
Today in history
1692
First Salem witch hanging
In Salem Village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Bridget Bishop, the first colonist to be tried in the Salem witch trials, is hanged after being found guilty of the practice of witchcraft. Trouble in the small Puritan community began in February 1692, when nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris and... read more
African History
1980
Nelson Mandela’s first major political statement from prison is published
American Revolution
1772
British vessel burned off Rhode Island
1775
John Adams proposes a Continental Army
Arts & Entertainment
1881
Tolstoy disguises himself as a peasant and leaves on a pilgrimage
1928
“Where the Wild Things Are” author Maurice Sendak is born
1939
Famous scene from “Gone with the Wind” filmed
2007
Last episode of “The Sopranos” airs
Cold War
1953
Eisenhower rejects calls for U.S. isolationism
Crime
2002
Great Depression
1935
Inventions & Science
1752
Benjamin Franklin flies kite during thunderstorm
Middle Eastern History
1967
Sports
1944
Joe Nuxhall makes MLB debut at 15
Vietnam War
1968
General Westmoreland gives farewell press conference in Saigon
World War II
1940
1940
Italy declares war on France and Great Britain
1942
In brutal reprisal, Nazis annihilate Czech village of Lidice
Leta Mae (Ross) Hamner services set
Leta Mae (Ross) Hamner of Heavener was born April 2, 1940 in LeFlore to Earl Alva and Minnie Mae (Oliver) Ross and passed away surrounded by her family June 8, 2025 in Heavener at the age of 85.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Interment will follow in Reichert Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Leta, a cherished member of our community and a devoted homemaker, resided in the area for many years. Her greatest joy came from the time spent with her beloved family. Leta's presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Survivors are one daughter Deborah Ann Johnston and husband Richard of Heavener; two sons Michael Earl Hamner of Heavener, and Randy Wayne Hamner and wife Cindy of Heavener; one sister, Vela Newby, of Bonanza, Arkansas; a brother-in-law, Terry Morris, of Wister; 10 grandchildren Bryan Bebermeyer, Brandon Dedmon, Kyle Hamner, Jason Hamner, Ashly Cormack, Collin Hamner, Danielle Hill, JR Hetherington, Kevin Smith and Chris Armstrong; 24 great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends.
Leta was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Minnie Ross; her husband, J.C. Hamner; a sister, Helen Morris; and a brother-in-law, Euell Newby.
Pallbearers are Kyle Hamner, Jace Hamner, Bryan Bebermeyer, Collin Hamner, James Hill and Logan Hetherington. Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Viewing is from noon until 8 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday. The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
To sign Leta’s online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Roger Dail Naylor funeral service set
Roger Dail Naylor of Heavener was born Nov. 11, 1943 in the Conser community to Buck and Dulca (Haynes) Naylor and passed away June 7, 2025 in Heavener at the age of 81.
Memorial service to celebrate Roger’s life is 2 p.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother John Paul McAlester officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Roger, a cherished member of the community for many years, was a dedicated logger and truck driver. He found joy in the great outdoors, embracing activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and tending to his garden. A passionate Bluegrass music enthusiast, Roger treasured the moments spent in the company of his family and loved ones. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.
Survivors are his wife, Peggy Naylor, of the home; one daughter, Sherry Pollard, of Heavener; one grandson
Michael Owens and wife Rebbecca of Heavener; four granddaughters Amanda Stallings and husband Corey of Heavener, Tegan Louks of Heavener, Bridget Yandell and husband Randy of Heavener, and Victoria Owens of Heavener; 13 great-grandchildren Kylee, Kadence, McKenna, Jon Mika, Arabela, Brylie, Kolton, Terquois, Eyce, Sophilla, Brenna, Mason and Kai’ Dyn; three brothers Bob Naylor and wife Darlene of Hodgen, Jimmy “Chigger” Naylor and wife Brenda of Heavener, and Clyde Naylor and wife Sharon of Hodgen; one sister, Carolyn Sams of Heavener; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, an abundant number of loved ones and of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Dulca Naylor; two daughters Vickey McLaughlin and Rhonda Owens; one grandson, Nathan McLaughlin; one sister, Juanita McAlester; and three brothers Burton Naylor, Hershel “Churn” Naylor and Duain Naylor.
To sign Roger’s online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Memorial service for Norma Gale Haley
Memorial service for Norma Gale Haley, 76, of Spiro is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro with Pastor James T. Smith and Brother Chris Terry officiating. Burial at a later date will take place at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home.
Norma was born Feb. 2, 1949, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Jack and Reva Craig and passed away June 8, 2025, in Spiro.
Norma had a spirited personality and a heart full of love for her family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, tending to her houseplants, working on puzzles, and collecting gnomes. She was an enthusiastic fan of the OU Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs, and she loved watching football, cooking shows, and CSI: Miami. Affectionately known as “Ole Nan” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she held a special place in all their hearts.
She was of the Baptist faith and a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Women’s Auxiliary, where she enjoyed dancing and fellowship with others.
Survivors are her daughter Gayla Smith and husband Charlie; grandchildren Jesse Ortega and wife Storm'e, LoriAnne Bellgard and husband Dakota, and Jordan Ashing and husband Kaleb Mason; great-grandchildren Colter, Meadow, Forrest, CJ, Chandler, Konnor, Kane, Luka, Ayden and Adelynn; aunt, Norma Jean Pendleton; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives, and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gary Craig; her daughter, Shelly Ashing; and her beloved dog, Roxy.
Norma’s memory will live on through all who knew and loved her.
You may leave an online message of condolence at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.