• A routine county-funds appeal erupted into drama when District Judge James Hepburn allegedly called attorney George Beidleman a liar and twice offered to settle the dispute with his fists. The clash came during arguments over whether county commissioners had the right to trade in old automobiles using taxpayer money. Despite the tension, Biedleman stayed calm, and the judge continued the case to Saturday, saying he would hear the appeal on its merits if it wasn’t dismissed.

• Sixteen-year-old Nora McNac, a Creek girl without allotment funds of her own, sought court-ordered support from her husband, Marcy McNac, asking for alimony and protection rather than divorce. She told the court she had been held as a prisoner at his family’s home, forced into labor, beaten, threatened and prevented from leaving. She wanted a share of his allotment money and safety from further harm, with Judge Hepburn ordering him to appear and explain why she shouldn’t receive support.

—

• An Okmulgee jury found Ceasar Adolph Jones guilty of shooting Police Officer Harry Ledbetter during an early-morning encounter in 1974, giving him the maximum 20-year sentence. Ledbetter survived wounds to his head and neck, spending days in the hospital and weeks off duty. Jones claimed he mistook the officer for men who had threatened him the night before, saying he feared for his family’s safety.

• Okmulgee High School junior Valerie L’Allier earned a special award for her article written after touring Fort Sill with other Oklahoma student editors. Her piece, judged second best statewide, captured Army life as seen during visits to training grounds, recreation areas and barracks. Army representatives presented her with a plaque at school, while her journalism instructor received a scroll recognizing the achievement. Two other Okmulgee students, Mark Suiter and Joe Long, received certificates for participating in the tour.

—