10 Years Ago (2016)

• A bomb threat phoned into Wilson Public School forced the evacuation of roughly 200 students and staff late Monday morning. Superintendent Andrea James received the call around 11:40 a.m., immediately signaled an evacuation and contacted 911. Multiple agencies responded, including Wilson Fire, Emergency Management, OHP and the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office, with Oklahoma Natural Gas standing by. Students were moved to the nearby community center before being sent home when officials learned a bomb unit from Oklahoma City would take hours to arrive. The caller sounded like a young male, and the threat was ultimately determined to be a hoax. Parents praised the staff for their calm, protective handling of the situation, noting that recent fire-drill practice helped everyone respond quickly and safely.

• Despite frigid temperatures, community members gathered downtown for Okmulgee’s annual MLK Commemorative Walk. Participants began at the historic Creek Council House and were escorted by the Okmulgee Police Department along a six-block route. The walk concluded at First Baptist Church, where Rev. Sam Cunningham of Checotah delivered the evening’s program. The event was part of a weekend of activities celebrating Dr. King’s legacy.