LCJ newsletter 6-27-2025
Friday's newsletter
Daily Bible verse
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7
Blast from the past
News briefs
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Thursday that his country had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a U.S. air base in Qatar and warned against further attacks in his first public comments since a ceasefire agreement with Israel. See the story HERE.
Russian forces launched 363 Shahed and decoy drones as well as eight missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said Friday, claiming that air defenses stopped all but four of the drones and downed six cruise missiles. See the story HERE.
The Justice Department said Thursday that it intends to try Kilmar Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges in Tennessee before it moves to deport him, addressing fears that he could be expelled again from the U.S. within days. See the story HERE.
Oklahoma fishing report
This week’s Oklahoma Fishing Report.
CENTRAL
Arcadia: June 23. Elevation is 6.5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 78°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait and dough bait around main lake and shorelines. White bass slow on jigs and small lures around channels and shorelines. Crappie slow on jigs and midges around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Dalton Buley, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Overholser: June 24. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 79°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, punch bait, and stinkbait around shallows. White bass fair on jigs and minnows around docks. Flathead catfish fair on live bait below the dam. Report submitted by Chase Averitt, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Stanley Draper: June 22. Elevation is 0.5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish good on punch bait, shad, and stinkbait around riprap. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Thunderbird: June 22. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 73°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around docks, shallows, and weed beds. Crappie and bluegill sunfish fair on hair jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shrimp around flats and riprap. Report submitted by Zach Hanson, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Wes Watkins: June 24. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 81°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around shorelines. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, stinkbait, and worms around riprap. White bass slow on crankbaits and sassy shad around main lake. Report submitted by Michael France, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.
NORTHEAST
Bell Cow: June 22. Elevation is 6 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 84°F and murky. Largemouth bass good on minnows and small lures around brush structure, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Channel catfish good on grasshoppers and sunfish around brush structure and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around docks. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Birch: June 22. Elevation is 10 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass and crappie slow. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: June 22. Elevation is .5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and murky. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, riprap, rocks, and standing timber. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and saugeye slow on crankbaits, jigs, and live bait around main lake, points, riprap, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait, live bait, shad, shrimp, and worms around channels, main lake, points, and shorelines. Report submitted by Vince Mesis III, game warden stationed in Logan County.
Chandler: June 22. Elevation is 6 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 85°F and stained. Largemouth bass good on minnows and small lures around dam, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Channel catfish good on grasshoppers and sunfish around brush structure, dam, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around dam and docks. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Copan: June 21. Elevation is 13.5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 74°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on live bait, live shad, shad, shrimp, sunfish, and worms below the dam, riprap, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, PowerBait, small lures, and tube jigs below the dam, brush structure, coves, and shorelines. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around coves, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Report submitted by Lt. Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: June 21. Elevation is 3 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and murky. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, rocks, shorelines, and weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around coves and shorelines. White bass fair on Alabama rigs and in-line spinnerbaits around coves and points. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Fort Gibson: June 23. Elevation is 24.5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 74°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, shad, and shrimp below the dam, spillway, and tailwater. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits, rogues, and spinnerbaits around standing timber and weed beds. Crappie slow. Comments: As the water starts to fall, boaters should use extreme caution due to the heavy debris load being pulled into the main lake body. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: June 21. Elevation is 9 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 77°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. White bass fair on Alabama rigs and in-line spinnerbaits around flats and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad below the dam, docks, river channel, and shorelines. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: June 21. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 77°F and stained. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, rocks, shorelines, and weed beds. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, and docks. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, minnows, shad, and worms around creek channels, docks, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: June 22. Elevation is 12.5 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 78°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, plastic baits, spoons, and topwater lures below the dam, channels, and points. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, topwater lures, and worms around brush structure, docks, and shorelines. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, shad, and shrimp below the dam, channels, flats, and points. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: June 21. Elevation is 27 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 74°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, live bait, live shad, shad, shrimp, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms below the dam, creek channels, riprap, rocks, shallows, and shorelines. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around coves, shallows, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, PowerBait, small lures, and tube jigs below the dam, brush structure, and shorelines. Report submitted by Lt. Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: June 23. Elevation is 30 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 75°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass, striped bass hybrids, white bass, crappie, and walleye fair on crankbaits, grubs, jigs, minnows, and sassy shad below the dam. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and worms below the dam and shallows. Comments: All ramps and campgrounds are closed due to flooding except below the dam. Expect the lake elevation to drop daily with the current release amount. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: June 23. Elevation is 26 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 84°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, shorelines, and weed beds. Crappie fair on jigs around docks. Blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, and worms around channels, creek channels, and river channel. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: June 21. Elevation is 5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 68°F and stained. Brown and rainbow trout fair on hair jigs, jigs, PowerBait, small lures, and tube jigs below the dam, coves, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Chase Fields, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Oologah: June 22. Elevation is 18 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 77°F and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, and worms below the dam and weed beds. Comments: Due to high water most boat ramps are still closed. Please check with the Corps of Engineers Lake Oologah office for more information regarding boat ramp closures. Please use caution if operating a boat. The dam is currently not releasing water, only the spillway gates are open. Below the spillway is not open for public fishing. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: June 22. Elevation is 7 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids fair on live shad around points. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: June 23. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 76°F and stained. Striped bass hybrids good on cut bait, live shad, and minnows around main lake. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits, and topwater lures around brush structure and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, PowerBait, punch bait, and sunfish around flats and rocks. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: June 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits around main lake and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish fair on cut bait around flats and main lake. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: June 24. Elevation is 2.5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 75°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, stinkbait, and worms around channels, creek channels, and flats. Crappie fair on hair jigs, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: June 21. Elevation is 9 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 77°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, plastic baits, sassy shad, and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks, shorelines, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, and sunfish below the dam, creek channels, river channel, shallows, and shorelines. White bass fair on flukes, jigs, lipless baits, and small lures below the dam, discharge, and tailwater. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: June 24. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on live bait, shad, and sunfish around main lake. Channel catfish fair on punch bait around dam and rocks. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Fort Supply: June 23. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 77°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Channel catfish slow on cut bait and dough bait around flats, main lake, and rocks. Flathead catfish slow around rocks. Report submitted by Jason Badley, game warden stationed in Harper County.
Foss: June 21. Elevation is .5 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait around main lake. Crappie slow. Striped bass hybrids slow. Walleye fair late at night or in deep water with shrimp or flukes. Report submitted by Clint Carpenter, game warden stationed in Custer County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: June 22. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, points, and rocks. Channel catfish fair on punch bait stinkbait around channels and riprap. Bluegill and redear sunfish good on crickets, grasshoppers, jigs, small lures, and worms around brush structure, coves, docks, rocks, and weed beds. Report submitted by Casey Young, game warden stationed in Murray County.
Blue River: June 23. Elevation is 0.5 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 76°F and stained. (USGS Lake Level) Channel catfish excellent on cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, stinkbait, and worms around brush structure, channels, and rocks. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, plastic baits, small lures, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, rocks, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: June 24. Elevation is 1 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, creek channels, flats, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 20. Elevation is 9 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 77°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, and rocks. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad, and shad below the dam, channels, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs and minnows below the dam, discharge, and tailwater. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 20. Elevation is 18 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 73°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, and live shad below the dam, main lake, river channel, and spillway. Largemouth, spotted, and white bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around creek channels, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits, and topwater lures around brush structure, main lake, points, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass excellent on crankbaits and live shad around coves, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, rocks, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: June 20. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 65°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on crickets, grasshoppers, midges, PowerBait, and worms around channels, dam, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 20. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 81°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, buzz baits, jerk baits, jigs, minnows, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, points, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie slow on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, points, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish excellent on chicken liver, live bait, live shad, shrimp, stinkbait, and worms around channels, discharge, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: June 22. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on small lures, spinnerbaits, and spoons around dam, main lake, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on crawfish, cut bait, and worms around brush structure, dam, main lake, and rocks. Report submitted by R. Gillham, game warden stationed in Love County.
Pine Creek: June 20. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 78°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, and lipless baits around coves, flats, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on cut bait, hot dogs, and worms around creek channels, river channel, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 20. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 74°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, coves, points, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp, and stinkbait below the dam, channels, creek channels, river channel, river mouth, shallows, and shorelines. Bluegill, green, and redear sunfish fair on crickets, grasshoppers, grubs, and live bait around brush structure, coves, docks, points, rocks, shallows, and shorelines. Comments: The lake remains steady at its current level. The excess rainfall has caused overall fishing to be slow with catfish and sunfish having the best action. Report submitted by James Pixley, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 20. Elevation is 3 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, goldfish, shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam, main lake, and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 22. Elevation is 6 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 81°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on live shad around channels and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, and punch bait around channels, points, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. Striper continue to be good on live bait. Definitely a lot better than it has been. Catfish are biting on hotdogs and live shad. Crappie are okay near brush piles in open water or coves on minnows or jigs with power bait. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: June 20. Elevation is 17 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 90°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits and plastic baits around brush structure. Blue catfish good on hot dogs, punch bait, and shad around river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: June 21. Elevation is 5 ft. below normal and rising, water temperature 76°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Walleye fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, and small lures around dam, docks, main lake, riprap, and rocks. Channel catfish good on cut bait, jigs, punch bait, stinkbait, and worms around flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: June 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and murky. (USGS Lake Level) Blue and channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, and shad around main lake, points. White bass and crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and small lures around brush structure, docks, and rocks. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Fort Cobb: June 23. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure. Flathead catfish on hot dogs around main lake. Report submitted by Justin Cornett, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: June 22. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Saugeye fair on crankbaits, sassy shad, and spoons around main lake and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait, and shad around main lake, points, and rocks. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Tom Steed: June 23. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits around main lake and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad, shrimp, and stinkbait around creek channels, points, and rocks. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: June 22. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, hot dogs, and stinkbait below the dam and shorelines. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits around main lake and points. Report submitted by Chris Stover, game warden stationed in Stephens County.
Sports briefs
Johni Broome is like most basketball players, dreaming of being drafted as a kid and then working hard enough to make it possible. See the story HERE.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge were the first players picked for the July 15 All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park, elected as starters by fans on Thursday. See the story HERE.
Showers, storms possible Friday
LeFlore County weather forecast for Friday calls for partly cloudy skies for most of the day with a chance of mostly clear skies with a chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
The high is forecast to be 88 degrees with a low of 73.
Sunrise was 6:07 a.m. Sunset is 8:36 p.m.
Thursday’s high in the greater Heavener metropolitan area was 92 with a low of 73. No rain was recorded, leaving the monthly total at 8.39 inches, well above June’s average rainfall of 3.90 inches.
Average temperatures for June 27 are a high of 91 and low of 64. Records for the date were a high of 100 in 1980 and a low of 57 in 1981.
Last year on June 27, the high was 94 with a low of 67.
LeFlore County calendar of events
LeFlore County calendar of events for the next week in LeFlore County. 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.
Friday
Robin Kyle Callahan celebration of life
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Funeral services for Mary Ann Tate
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Thursday
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon
Heavener City Council meets 6 p.m.
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North
Tips for a safe Fourth of July celebration
The Fourth of July offers time to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday by the pool or lake, in the backyard, or on the road, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
“The American Red Cross has tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, no matter what your plans include,” said Loida Haffener Salmond, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Oklahoma. “You can prevent injuries or illnesses and still have fun just by following a few simple tips.”
FIREWORKS The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals, at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks and it's best to leave any area where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps to help keep your community safe:
Choose a location away from buildings and trees.
Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Be sure your spectators, including children and pets, stay well back.
Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand. If you live in an area that’s experiencing a drought, consider canceling the show this year – a stray spark that lands on dry grass or leaves can lead to a wildfire.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
HAVING A COOKOUT Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or picnicking in nature, follow these steps to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:
Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
Separate uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
Don't leave perishable food out in the sun.
Bring hand sanitizer if you won’t have access to hand-washing facilities.
If you are going to cook on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough.
More than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill, yet grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year.
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
WATER SAFETY Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross encourages families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.
Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Whether you’re at a pool or the lake, always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don't go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don't go in or you could become a victim yourself.
Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Protect your neck – don’t dive into lakes headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
TRAVEL SAFETY A record number of Americans may travel this Fourth of July. AAA estimates 72.2 million travelers will go on a domestic trip, with 61.6 million going by car. With many parties traveling 50 miles or more one way, the Red Cross recommends carrying an emergency kit in the car. Include the following items:
High-protein snacks
Water
First aid supplies
Flashlight and extra batteries
Small battery-operated radio
Blanket
Jumper cables
Map
Cellphone charger
Emergency contact card with names and phone numbers
Before you hit the road, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems). Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
Once you’re on the road:
Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
Today in history
1950
President Truman orders U.S. forces to Korea
On June 27, 1950, President Harry S. Truman announces that he is ordering U.S. air and naval forces to South Korea to aid the democratic nation in repulsing an invasion by communist North Korea. The United States was undertaking the major military operation, he explained, to enforce a United... read more
19th Century
1829
James Smithson, founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution, dies
1844
Religious founder Joseph Smith killed by mob
African History
1976
Arts & Entertainment
1922
First Newbery Medal for children’s literature awarded to Hendrik Willem van Loon
Black History
2015
Activist Bree Newsome removes Confederate flag from South Carolina State House
Inventions & Science
1985
Native American History
1864
Colorado governor orders ‘friendly Indians’ to report to Army forts for sanctuary
World War II
1941
British intelligence breaks German “Enigma” key used on the Eastern Front
Funeral services for Mary Ann Tate set
Funeral services for Mary Ann Tate, 81, of Brooksville, Florida, are 10 a.m. Monday at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Spiro. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Panama, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.
Mary Ann was born Sept. 24, 1943, in Greenwood, Arkansas, to Marsoleete (Featherston) Williams and Judd Williams. She passed away June 22, 2025, in Brooksville, Florida.
Mary Ann had a deep love for music and played the bass for bluegrass bands. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling—especially when her sisters visited her in Florida. Family reunions were among her favorite times, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.
Known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart, Mary Ann loved fiercely and selflessly, always putting others before herself. She had a passion for shopping, particularly for clothes, and was affectionately called “Dolly Parton” by staff at the rehab center—an endearment she wore with pride and a glowing smile.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving partner of 15 years, Joseph Haley; her children daughter Gloria Kozderka and sons Lonny Fred Gossett and Johnny Dion Gossett and wife Emily; grandchildren Jennifer Vaughn, Ariel Tucker, Edward Kozderka, Charles Kozderka, Randall Gossett, Lonny Fred Gossett, Jr., and Christian Gossett; great-grandchildren Tristen Gossett, Taylor Gossett, Megan Calcaterra, Hunter Mayes, Abby Mayes, Aubry Mayes, Linux Gossett, Rya Gossett, Calanti Gossett, Quinton Gossett, Travis Tucker and Trevor Tucker; great-great-grandchild, Harlyn Calcaterra; sisters Gail Gill and husband Don, Carolin Willhite and husband Perry Don; brother Kenneth Williams and wife Linda; and brother-in-law, Billie Stockwell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers James Marshall Williams, Clarence Williams, Virgil Williams, Jackie Williams; and sisters Irene Kelly, Betty Moorie, Dorothy Richards, Ruby Carr and Norma Wallace.
Pallbearers are Lonny Gossett, Johnny Gossett, Joseph Haley, Edward Kozderka, Charles Kozderka and Wayne Williams. Honorary pallbearer is Travis Tucker.
Viewing is Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m.
You may leave an online message for the family at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.