Bible verse of the day
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Mark 6:31-32
Christopher Tankersley
Graveside service for Christopher Paul Tankersley, 51, of Pocola is 10 a.m. June 18 at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola with Gaylon Freeman officiating. Services are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
He was born March 17, 1973 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Sue Ellen (Wayson) Curtis and Paul Michael Tankersley and passed away June 8, 2024 in Pocola.
Survivors include his wife, Tammy Tankersley; daughter Kaley Madison and husband Kody; sons Breydon Tankersley and Chance Hoover; sisters Jennifer Morris and husband Tracey, Sara Freeman and husband Anthony, Torey Haynes and husband Keith; brother Zach Tankersley; parents Phil and Sue Ellen Curtis, and Paul and Lori Tankersley; and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Joyce Tankersley, and Dean and Eileen Wayson; and granddaughter, Emberley Madison.
Pallbearers are Breydon Tankersley, Chance Hoover, Zach Tankersley, Jimmy Eaton, Anthony Freeman and Tracey Morris.
You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.
Charlotte Hunt
Charlotte Annette (Wade) Hunt, 81, of Castle Rock, Colorado (formerly of Heavener) was born Feb. 20, 1943 in Heavener to James Scott and Lois (Suter) Wade and passed away June 4, 2024 in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Funeral service was Wednesday at the Heavener First Baptist Church with Brother Sam Dyer and Mr. Scott Wade officiating. Interment followed in Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Charlotte was a 1961 graduate of Heavener High School and then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She was an Accountant for the AES Plant. Charlotte was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons, Carter and Brad, and a loving and faithful wife to Joe. She was an adoring and loving Nana to Natalie and Spencer. Charlotte was a proud mother-in-law to Amy and a loving and appreciative sister to Don, Dennis, and Martin. She was an attentive and loving aunt to all her special nieces and nephews. Charlotte had many cousins and friends who she deeply loved and appreciated. Above all else, Charlotte loved spending time with her family and was always there for them. She was also an avid scrap booker and family historian.
She is survived by two sons Carter Joe Hunt and wife Amy of Larkspur, Colorado, and Bradley Joe Hunt of Poteau;
Two brothers Don Wade and wife Janie of Clearlake, California, and Martin Wade and wife Barbara of Muskogee;
Two grandchildren Natalie Anne Hunt of Los Angeles, California, and Spencer Wade Hunt of Salt Lake City, Utah;
Nine nephews Obie Wade (Sokha Wade Huot), Matt Wade, Joshua Wade (Angie), Scott Wade (Tami), Jeremy Wade (Leah), Joseph Wade, Thomas Cabe, Randy Speaks, and Rodney Speaks;
Six nieces Angela Wade, Leslie Wade (Ben Davidson), Kristin Sanders (Russ), Summer Love Winslow (David), Kaitlynn Cabe and Sarah Cabe;
Three sisters-in-law Denise Chitwood (Steve); Ann Wade Moburg (Jim), and Nancy Hunt Speaks (George);
One brother-in-law Tommy Cabe (Debi);
Numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Scott and Lois Wade; her husband of 28 years and father of her two sons, Joe Merle Hunt; and one brother, Dennis Wade.
Pallbearers are her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations can be made to Lupus Foundation of America in honor of Charlotte (lupus.org).
To sign Charlotte’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Early voting begins Thursday
Early voting for the June 18 Primary Election begins Thursday at 8 a.m. for voters across the state. Early voting, officially known as in-person absentee voting, will be held Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A list of early voting locations is available on the State Election Board website. Voters must vote in the county where they are registered to vote.
CLOSED PRIMARIES
Voters are reminded that Oklahoma has modified, closed primaries. Not every voter in every precinct will have an election in June.
In order to participate in a party’s primary election, you must be a registered voter of that party – unless the party chooses to open its primaries to Independents (unaffiliated voters). There are three recognized political parties in Oklahoma: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian.
For the 2024-2025 election years, the Democratic Party has chosen to open its primaries to Independent voters. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.
Independent voters who wish to participate in the Democratic Primary, must request a Democratic Primary ballot from election workers. Independent voters may not vote a Republican Primary ballot or Libertarian Primary ballot.
HOW PRIMARIES WORK
A primary election is held if more than one candidate from the same recognized political party files for a single office. Candidates who receive the majority of the votes cast for their office in their respective party’s primary election will advance to the general election on November 5. If more than two candidates file, and no candidate receives a majority of the votes, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will advance to the runoff primary election on August 27.
If candidates from only one recognized political party file for an office, the elected official will be chosen during the primary election or runoff primary election. (Primary election laws apply.) A general election will not be held.
NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS
Some voters may have nonpartisan elections on the ballot. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, may participate in nonpartisan elections. Voters should be sure to check the OK Voter Portal or the election list for nonpartisan elections and/or propositions in their precinct. (Voters do not have to participate in a primary election in order to vote a nonpartisan ballot.) A link to the OK Voter Portal and the election list are available on the State Election Board website.
Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov for more information.
URL GUIDE: Early Voting Locations: https://hosting.okelections.us/earlyvote.html Primary Election: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/elections-results/primary-and-runoff-primary-elections.html
General Election: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/elections-results/general-elections.html
Runoff Primary Election: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/elections-results/primary-and-runoff-primary-elections.html
Oklahoma Voter Portal: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.html
Election List: https://hosting.okelections.us/electionlist.html
County Election Board: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/about-us/county-election-boards.html
State Election Board: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/about-us/contact-us.html
County, towns see big drop in tax revenue
LeFlore County and many county towns saw a significant drop in sales tax revenue for June compared to a year ago, in the latest report by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
LeFlore County’s revenue was $770,919.52 compared to $796,489.31, a drop of $25,569.79.
Only three of LeFlore County’s 14 incorporated towns showed an increase over last year. For the LeFlore County towns, revenue was $924,292.27 compared to $1,003,378.79 last year, a drop of $79,086.52.
Talihina showed an increase of $10,258.25, the only significant increase for county towns.
Poteau’s revenue was $31,530.77 less and Pocola went down $13,904.60 to top the towns with the biggest drop.
You can read the report for all of Oklahoma HERE.
Commissioners’ 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 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 3, 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 report as presented by the LeFlore County Election Board and is on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(6.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve transfers of appropriations as follows:
· OSU Extension $400.00 from maintenance and operations to capital outlay for the purchase of a new computer.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(7.) Blanket purchase orders: None presented.
(8.) New business: None presented.
(9.) Contract labor/service agreements, annual contracts: None presented.
(10.) Burn ban: No discussion.
(11.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution and bid notice advertising to accept sealed bids regarding the sale of a truck long bed, tail gate and bumper recently remove from a 2024 Ford F250 SRW 4x4 super cab, to benefit Post Mountain Fire Department. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock 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, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve resolution to not advertise for fuel bids due to the volatility of fuel prices and continue to take quotes per department as needed from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution regarding Election Board reimbursement for precinct poll books and postage for special elections for fiscal year 24/25. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve resolution regarding Election Board reimbursement for overtime compensation and social security over time hours worked for fiscal year 24/25. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(16.) Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve 324 A Claim in the amount of $25,200.58 regarding North Bridge Relocation on Rhino Rd JP/2997(05) as submitted by LeFlore County Commissioner Highway Department District 1. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
Howe hires Coats as new police chief
The Howe Board of Trustees hired Corey Coats as the new Chief of Police for Howe at $16 per hour during Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting.
The Board also approved paying $5,000 to Kiamichi Tech for Coats’ CLEET training. After completion of the course, his pay rate would increase to $18 per hour.
Heida Couch, a CPA, presented audit options for the town. The first is a full financial audit, reviewing all records. The second is a procedure which would be more limited and her firm would not give an opinion, but would provide the town with findings of the process of financial records. The full financial audit would be a minimum of $5,000 and the agreed upon procedure would be $3,500 with $100 per hour preparation of financial records with an estimate of eight hours needed.
A motion was made for The Board chose not to go forward with the audits until gas was being sold again in the town. Typically, the gas revenue is $1,300 per year so the audits are more expensive than revenue.
After a second motion failed, the Board chose instead to engage with Couch for an audit of 23-24 for the estimated cost of $4,300. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Approval was given to purchase a plastic tinhorn for 9th Street at a cost of $1,100. Also, a load of asphalt and two loads of gravel were approved for purchase to complete the work on 9th Street.
An 80 cent per hour raise for Codi Williams was approved after the completion of a 90-day probationary period, increasing the new hourly rate to $13.80.
Under the maintenance report, many projects were reported, including mowing and repairs to mowers and bush hog. The mower is still flooding and could require the purchase of a new carburetor for $40.
Road repairs were reported needed in Cedar Hills and the road behind Dollar General. The Board approved the purchase of the carburetor, but chose to wait on buying the gravel until there is a review of the budget next month.
Under the code enforcement report, there have been a lot of animal calls including racoons. Several animals and have picked up and there has been success at rehoming some of the animals. Five abatement notices to clear up properties within Howe were sent out along with verbal warnings.
In the Fire Department report, there was one call this month on a car fire. There were no meetings or training days due to a lack of quorum. One member, Randy Elder, stepped down.
It was reported an easement needed to be checked on due to a gas leak on the main box on Chickasaw Street, because it is currently running directly to property which OG&E, AOG and water department have been notified as they all run underneath the road. It is hoped the situation is resolved soon.
Howe School Board pays insurance premium
The Howe School Board met in a regular business meeting Monday evening.
Present were Elvis Hall, Kenneth Barnhart and Matt Blake.
The Board approved the property automobility and general liability insurance premium for $191,000.
The workers compensation insurance was approved along with unemployment service agreement and OSSBA membership along with board policy subscriptions and updates.
Temporary appropriations for the coming school year were approved along with a discussion of a resource officer, maintenance and custodial and the high school and elementary staff.
Average attendance for the summer school session, which ends June 20, has been around 70.
A grant for stop the violence was approved and several others are in the works.
The library media statutory waiver request was approved.
Emergency certification was approved for year five for Shawn Womack, and three-year requests for Britt Brown and Callie Brown.
The board also approved a contract with Educational Support Services and a contract for Education Law Contract for legal services.
Howard Sims contributed to this report.
OU to play Georgia Tech in Challenge
NORMAN – Oklahoma men's basketball will host Georgia Tech in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Lloyd Noble Center, as announced by ESPN and the two conference offices on Wednesday.
OU and Georgia Tech have split the four previous meetings. Oklahoma earned victories against the Yellow Jackets in Norman during the 1982-83 and 1984-85 seasons, and GT won a neutral site clash in Honolulu, Hawaii (1994-95) and the last meeting between the two programs in Atlanta (1995-96).
All 2024 SEC-ACC Challenge men's basketball contests will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, or Wednesday, Dec. 4. Network designations and tip-off times will be announced at a later date.
The Sooners will embark on their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024-25. The league office announced men's basketball home and away opponents in May, and Oklahoma will play home contests against Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. OU will travel to Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Missouri, Texas and Texas A&M.
Since the beginning of the 2018-19 campaign, Oklahoma is 13-2 against SEC competition. OU owns a combined 241-194 record against its future 15 future SEC foes.
For OU men's basketball season ticket information, contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424, email outickets@ou.edu or visit SoonerSports.com/Tickets.
Razorbacks to play at Miami
FAYETTEVILLE – The Arkansas men’s basketball program will face the Miami Hurricanes in the second annual SEC/ACC Challenge, ESPN announced today. The game will be played on Dec. 3 (Tuesday) at Miami’s Watsco Center in Coral Gables. Network designations and tip-off times will be announced at a later date.
The Razorbacks and Hurricanes have only met on one previous occasion when the two programs were paired in the first round of the 2000 NCAA Tournament in Nashville. #23 Miami, the sixth seed, defeated 11th-seeded Arkansas, 75-71.
Ironically, Razorback head coach John Calipari will be facing the Hurricanes for the second time in as many seasons for the SEC/ACC Challenge. Last season, Calipari’s 12th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats beat #8 Miami, 95-73, in Rupp Arena.
Arkansas defeated #7 Duke, 80-75, on ESPN before a Bud Walton Arena record crowd of 20,334 as part of last year’s Challenge. Trevon Brazile had 19 points and 11 rebounds with two blocked shots in the Razorback victory and was later named the SEC Player of the Week for his effort.
Last season — thanks to wins by Arkansas and Calipari, the SEC and ACC tied, 7-7, in the inaugural Challenge.
2024 SEC/ACC Challenge Matchups
December 3 – Tuesday
Arkansas at Miami
Cal at Missouri
Florida State at LSU
Georgia Tech at Oklahoma
Kentucky at Clemson
Notre Dame at Georgia
Ole Miss at Louisville
South Carolina at Boston College
Syracuse at Tennessee
Wake Forest at Texas A&M
December 4 – Wednesday
Alabama at North Carolina
Auburn at Duke
Pitt at Mississippi State
Texas at NC State
Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech
Virginia at Florida
Bridges awarded scholarship in leadership
Carl Albert State College has announced that Sadie Bridges, has been awarded the inaugural Chancellor Glen D. Johnson Scholarship in Leadership and Public Service.
This scholarship is named after Chancellor Emeritus Glen D. Johnson, celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to public service.
Chancellor Allison D. Garrett of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education expressed her congratulations, stating, “The State Regents are proud to recognize exceptional students with the Chancellor Glen D. Johnson Scholarship in Leadership and Public Service. Each recipient is an inspirational leader with a clear commitment to serving others and making a difference in their communities. We wish them well in their academic and career pursuits.”
The scholarship was established to honor Johnson's career and contributions to higher education in Oklahoma. Reflecting on the award, Chancellor Emeritus Johnson said, “It was my privilege to represent Oklahoma at the state and national level as chancellor of the state system of higher education from 2007 until 2021. Public service has always been my life’s goal, and I am deeply honored to recognize the first cohort of students to receive this scholarship, which celebrates their dedication to civic engagement, advocacy and leadership.”
Bridges has been involved in various campus and community initiatives.
"Sadie Bridges exemplifies the core values of our institution through her leadership and commitment to serving others,” said CASC President Jay Faulkner. “This scholarship is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her hard work and dedication. Sadie is a former Scholars Program student and is in her second year of the CASC Nursing Program. We are confident that she will continue to excel and make significant contributions to her community and beyond.".
The forecast
Partly cloudy skies early Thursday with clouds clearing away and temperatures turning hot this afternoon in Heavener, LeFlore County and the area.
The high is forecast to be 94 degrees with a low of 66.
Sunrise was 6:04 a.m. Sunset is 8:33 p.m.
Wednesday’s high was 90 with a low of 654.
Average temperatures for June 13 are a high of 88 and low of 62. Records for the date were a high of 95 in 1971. The record low was 51 in 1979.
Last year on June 13, the high was 96 with a low of 77.
The calendar
Calendar of events for Heavener and LeFlore County. If you are a non-profit, school or church, submit an event. This is a free service for non-profits and and churches so let us know if something is going on. CONTACT us.
Thursday
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon
Town of Howe special budget meeting 5:30 p.m.at Howe City Hall
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North
Saturday
Bigfoot/UFO Festival at Heavener Runestone
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meets 9 a.m.
Tuesday
Graveside service for Christopher Paul Tankersley
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Today in history
1966
The Miranda rights are established
On June 13, 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court hands down its decision in Miranda v. Arizona, establishing the principle that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before interrogation. Now considered standard police procedure, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will... read more
19th CENTURY
1805
Meriwether Lewis reaches the Great Falls
21st CENTURY
2017
Otto Warmbier returns from North Korean prison in a coma
American Revolution
1777
Lafayette arrives in South Carolina to serve alongside General Washington
Art, Literature and Film History
1962
Stanley Kubrick's "Lolita" premieres in New York
Black History
1967
Thurgood Marshall nominated to the Supreme Court
Crime
2006
Jurors begin deliberations in Susan Polk trial
Middle Ages
1381
Peasant army marches into London
Space Exploration
1983
Pioneer 10 crosses the orbit of Neptune
U.S. Presidents
1807
Thomas Jefferson subpoenaed in Aaron Burr's treason trial
Vietnam War
1971
The New York Times publishes the "Pentagon Papers"
Oklahoma market report
Census data reports latest trends in ag
By GAIL ELLIS
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University Extension specialists are evaluating numbers from the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture released earlier this year to follow the latest trends in agriculture.
Taken once every five years, the census counts the land and people involved in U.S. agricultural operations earning $1,000 or more in products raised or sold during the census year. The Census of Agriculture examines land use and ownership, production practices, income and expenditures, among other factors.
Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension ag policy specialist, said the census is useful information that can help people better understand how county trends compare to the rest of the state or country.
Hagerman explained the data was collected in 2022 when drought riddled much of the southern Plains.
“We have to be careful when interpreting any decline in crop acreage or livestock numbers because the census is a snapshot in time (during drought),” she said.
She and OSU Extension colleagues JJ Jones and Andrew Van Leuven identified the following takeaways in the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture.
Oklahoma trends
Relative to the national average, Oklahoma had a greater decline in producers overall and a greater decline in agricultural land.
In 2022, 21.4 million acres were used for pastureland, and 10.9 million acres were used for cropland, compared to 19.5 million acres and 11.7 million acres in 2017.
In 1997, wheat made up 34% of cropland. By 2022, wheat was 24% of cropland – a decline of 51%.
“We need to understand the role of urbanization in land moving out of agriculture and determine if the usage of permanent ag easement programs is increasing,” Hagerman said. “That would indicate people are concerned about land removed from agricultural use. Is there an interest in preserving more land for ag in the future? This needs to be explored with research.”
Percentage changes in operation size and overall ag operations: the acreage of an ag operation in the Oklahoma City area is shrinking while other parts of the state, such as northwestern Oklahoma, are growing in operation size.
“The number of operations statewide is declining significantly more quickly than the total acres in agricultural operations, suggesting consolidation among operations,” Hagerman said.
Ag operations along the Interstate 44 corridor are increasing, especially for female producers. Female producers also account for a larger share in multi-producer operations, implying more operation partnerships.
Beef inventory and beef operations are declining, but the average herd size is increasing.
Forty-six percent of people in Oklahoma who own cattle own less than 20 head.
Seventy-five percent of cattle producers own less than 50 head.
“Smaller producers are growing beef for their own consumption or for show animals, student projects or for a hobby,” Hagerman said. “On the other hand, consolidated operations are multi-generational family farms with large herds. We’re seeing less middle-sized cattle herds because making the profit margin is difficult.”
Agricultural households report lower levels of broadband access in the northwestern part of the state compared to other areas of Oklahoma.
“I’m surprised to see broadband adoption numbers decrease slightly in the panhandle,” said Brian Whitacre, OSU Extension specialist in rural economic development. “Ever since COVID hit, we’ve seen those numbers increase as people realize how important broadband access is.”
Whitacre said Oklahoma has improved broadband access for residents statewide, and broadband adoption in agricultural households overall is growing. In fact, the percentage of all Oklahoma households with a broadband connection rose from 83.6% in 2019 to 88.6% in 2022 – an impressive 5% jump in three years.
The average age of an Oklahoma ag producer is the late 50s. The age is older in the panhandle and younger in central and western Oklahoma.
“The average producer age has been trending up slightly or fairly flat for several census years, but the number of new and beginning producers replacing older ones or working alongside them in northwest and western Oklahoma is surprising,” Hagerman said. “It’s encouraging to see younger producers, especially in parts of the state with larger operations. That might be an indicator that people are returning to the farm.”
Review Oklahoma’s 2022 agricultural census data on the USDA website. For more information about the latest ag census or other ag policy questions, contact Hagerman.
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.