• Okmulgee native Spencer Torbett spent the fall of 2015 in Washington, D.C., completing what was described as a “once in a lifetime” internship in the office of Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). The young OSU graduate took on significant responsibilities, including drafting legislative briefs, answering office phone calls and attending hearings and briefings on legislative issues. Congressman Mullin praised Torbett’s contributions, stating, “I am so glad Spencer chose to spend his fall as a member of our team.” Torbett concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to Mr. James Jennings and the entire Muskogee Creek Nation Council, without whom the opportunity would not have been possible.

• The Okmulgee Head Start and Early Head Start Christmas Party Fundraiser was a great success, exceeding its goal thanks to a strong community effort from staff, parents and children. The Top three sellers – Bailey Moore, Brice Moore and Terrance Bagby – were recognized for their outstanding efforts in securing donations and were awarded toy prizes.

• Long-time resident Bryant Patton retired from the United States Postal Service after an astounding career of over 35 years. Patton started at the Okmulgee Post Office as a letter carrier in 1995, after serving in the military from 1978 through 1993. Concluding his retirement announcement, he shouted out a sincere thanks to many, including the City of Okmulgee, his wife and his colleagues in addition to the company he worked for.

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• Stephanie Sanders, representing the Okmulgee High School Color Guard, proudly won a medal for her A-1 Flag Solo Performance. She achieved this recognition after earning a superior rating on her solo at the O.S.S.A.A Regional contest. Sanders performed the award-winning solo at the Lawton Premier Contest.

• After celebrating their 60th anniversary, the children of Mrs. Charlene Johnson and Mr. Daniel Johnson (of Nuyaka) honored their parents’ anniversary with a dinner event at the Petroleum Club of Tulsa. Married Nov. 7, 1940, the couple were reported to have eight children, two adopted children, 29 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

• Superintendent Jerry Combrink announced two middle schoolers were suspended for allegedly making death threats to kill other students. The two students were suspended for the rest of the school year, yet they still had home-school teachers tutor them. The severity of the allegations prompted an immediate response to issue an appropriate disciplinary action.

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