LCJ newsletter 6-11-2025
Wednesday's newsletter
Daily Bible verse
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Shady Point man fails to register as sex offender
MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brian Jene Sullivan, 66, of Shady Point was sentenced to three years’ probation for one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winston Police Department of Douglas County, Oregon.
On Jan. 13, 2024, Sullivan pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, Sullivan was convicted of Rape in the Third Degree and Sodomy in the Third Degree in the State of Oregon in 2007, and was required to register as a sex offender, but failed to register and update his registration between July 2023 and July 21, 2024, while entering, leaving, or residing in 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan A. Muzljakovich and Jessie K. Pippin represented the United States.
Oklahoma tax revenue slows
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 10, 2025) – Oklahoma tax revenues dipped in May following a record-setting April, with the latest monthly tax revenue totaling $1.28 billion—a 36% decline from April largely due to the end of tax season. But broader trends in employment, inflation, and consumer spending signal that Oklahoma’s economy remains steady but guarded, mirroring national patterns.
Over the past 12 months, the state collected $16.88 billion in tax revenue, down just 0.3% from the previous year, indicating a stable fiscal base even as certain sectors adjust to tighter monetary policy and shifting demand.
“This month’s numbers reflect the natural downshift after tax season, but the year-long picture shows Oklahoma’s economy holding steady,” said State Treasurer Todd Russ. “Consumers are still spending, sales tax revenues are holding, and manufacturing is showing strength—key signs that support continued resilience.”
Key Takeaways from the May 2025 Tax Revenue Report:
Gross production tax (oil and gas) increased slightly by 2.1%—a positive sign for the state’s energy sector.
Sales tax remained the largest single revenue source, signaling that household spending habits are steady, though softening from earlier highs.
Income tax fell sharply month-over-month (63.2%) as April’s filing surge passed.
Oklahoma’s Business Conditions Index declined to 50.5, reflecting a possible pause in regional economic expansion.
Ties to National Trends
Across the U.S., states are seeing flattening or slightly declining revenues as the economy cools in response to Federal Reserve interest rate policies and static inflation. Oklahoma is no exception—but remains well-positioned due to its balanced budget requirements and sector diversity.
Nationally, personal income growth has slowed, and consumer spending is shifting from goods to services.
Energy-producing states like Oklahoma have seen more revenue volatility but remain relatively strong due to global energy demand and other economic diversity.
The Federal Reserve has maintained a tight monetary policy, with interest rates expected to hold through Q3 2025, pressuring borrowing, housing and investment across sectors.
For Oklahoma families and small businesses, these numbers reflect both economic stability and caution:
Steady employment (OK unemployment: 3.2%) and modest inflation (2.3%) help protect purchasing power.
Sales tax declines may reflect some slowing in retail activity—a signal that households are tightening budgets slightly.
Manufacturing exports grew 6.4% in Q1, suggesting strength in tradable sectors that support rural and industrial communities.
“Every tax dollar reflects a transaction in someone’s life—purchases, paychecks, energy production,” said Treasurer Russ. “This report shows that while the economy may be easing from its peak, Oklahomans continue to work, spend, and invest making Oklahoma a front runner.”
Access the Full Report
The complete May 2025 Tax Revenue Report is available at treasurer.ok.gov, including breakdowns by tax category, sector, and month.
2025 Panama football schedule
Date Opponent Location
9-5-2025 Spiro away
9-12-2025 Heavener home
9-19-2025 Wilburton away
9-26-2025 Chouteau* away
10-3-2025 Hulbert* home
10-10-2025 Rejoice Christian* away
10-16-2025 Warner* home
10-24-2025 Haskell* home
10-30-2025 Pocola* away
11-7-2025 Hartshorne* home
*district football games
Cloudy skies, showers expected Wednesday
Area weather forecast for Wednesday calls for cloudy skies and occasional showers for LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
The high is forecast to be 84 degrees with a low of 68.
Sunrise was 6:04 a.m. Sunset is 8:32 p.m.
Tuesday’s high was 92 with a low of 67. No rain was recorded, leaving June’s rainfall total at 3.66 inches. Average rainfall for June is 3.90 inches.
Average temperatures for June 11 are a high of 88 and low of 61. Records for the date were a high of 98 in 1977 and a low of 46 in 1979.
Last year on June 11, the high was 87 with a low of 64.
Area calendar of events
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.
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
Graveside services for Loren Jay Matney
LeFlore County historical society bingo night
Saturday
Heavener Runestone jeep invasion
James Robert Stanley memorial service
Funeral service for Dorothea E. Willis
Green Country Rough Riters meet 2 to 4 p.m. Patrick Lynch Library
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Oklahoma market report
This week’s Oklahoma market report.
Today in history
1963
University of Alabama desegregated
Two African American students, Vivian Malone and James A. Hood, register for classes at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa on June 11, 1963, after federalized Alabama National Guard troops force Alabama Governor George Wallace to halt his blockade and submit to a judge’s order ending... read more
American Revolution
1776
Congress appoints Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence
Ancient Middle East
323 B.C.
Arts & Entertainment
1949
Hank Williams Sr., makes his Grand Ole Opry debut
1979
1982
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” released
Asian History
1989
China issues warrant for Tiananmen dissident sheltering in U.S. embassy
European History
1509
Henry VIII marries his first wife, Catherine of Aragon
Exploration
1788
Russian explorer Izmailov arrives at Yakutat Bay, Alaska
Sports
1955
Race car at Le Mans crashes into spectators, killing 83
U.S. Presidents
1944
John F. Kennedy receives medal for gallantry
Vietnam War
1963
Buddhist immolates himself in protest
Funeral services for Dorothea E. Willis set
Funeral services for Dorothea E. Willis, 92, of Spiro are 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Spiro with Father Sean O'Brien and Deacon John Burns officiating.
Burial will follow at Garland Cemetery in Stigler, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro. A Rosary is Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Dorothea was born Sept. 25, 1932 in Keota to Lou Anna Kelly. She passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025 in Spiro.
Dorothea was a devout Christian and lifelong member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. She dedicated her life to raising her children and took immense pride in their accomplishments. Some of her fondest memories were spent at Eufaula Overlook, watching her children play along the hillside, and standing on the banks of the Highway 9 landing while they swam.
She retired from the Robert S. Kerr Powerhouse after completing 30 years of faithful civil service. Dorothea enjoyed Hallmark movies, embroidery, and gardening. Known affectionately as “Sweet Dorothea,” she was admired for her strong work ethic, her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her steadfast commitment to doing things the right way—always by the book.
Survivors are her daughters Ann Hamilton, Sara Folsom and Doug Clark; sons Kelly Folsom and Kerry Folsom; grandchildren Betsy Cardenas and husband Fidencio, Brooke Folsom, Mark Moore and wife Tara, Emily Folsom, Dylan Folsom, Jaxton Clark and Jaycee Clark; great-grandchildren Joey and wife Taylor, Nicandra, Isabel, Blaise, Clara, Jake, Eli, Henry and Nora; and great-great-grandson, F.J; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Franklin Folsom (1959); her second husband, Floyd Willis (1995); her brother, Roy Gene Lovell; her sister, Connie Sweet; and her grandparents who lovingly raised her Tupsy Cora and Ernest Kelly.
Pallbearers are Kerry Folsom, Mark Moore, Fidencio Cardenas, Dylan Folsom and Joey Cardenas. Honorary pallbearers are Kelly Folsom, Jaxton Clark and her nephews.
Dorothea’s life was one of grace, faith, and quiet strength. Her legacy of love, devotion, and integrity will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.
Obituary for Loren Jay Matney
Loren Jay Matney, 58 of LeFlore passed away June 6, 2025 and was born Feb. 20, 1967 in Poteau to Sally (Ingle) and Tony Ray Matney.
Graveside services are 11 a.m. Friday at the LeFlore Cemetery, under the direction of McCarn Funeral Service.
Survivors are his son Kyle Matney and fiance Katrina McClain; mother, Sally Ingle – Beck, of LeFlore.
He is preceded in death by his father, Tony Ray Matney; maternal grandparents Jesse Ingle and Mary Ellen Thomas Ingle; paternal grandparents, Martha Jane and Ed Ferguson; and step-father Melvin Beck.