Voters across Okmulgee County went to the polls Tuesday, Feb. 10, deciding a municipal race in the City of Okmulgee and approving two school bond issues that will fund major improvements for local students and campuses.

Polling locations were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with residents casting ballots for the Okmulgee Ward 2 City Council seat and separate bond propositions for Henryetta Public Schools and Twin Hills Public Schools. All precincts reported by late Tuesday evening.

— Baldridge wins Ward 2 Council seat In the City of Okmulgee’s Ward 2 race, Steven Randall Baldridge defeated Eddie Nelson Jr. by a wide margin.

Final totals showed:

• Steven Randall Baldridge: 154 votes (73.68%)

• Eddie Nelson Jr.: 55 votes (26.32%)

• Total votes cast: 209 Any registered voter living within the City of Okmulgee was eligible to vote in the municipal election. Baldridge’s victory means he will take a seat on the Okmulgee City Council, where issues such as infrastructure, public safety, economic development and city services continue to be key topics of discussion for residents.

— Henryetta Schools bond approved

Voters in Henryetta Public Schools (Independent School District No. 2) overwhelmingly approved a $19,240,000 school bond, with strong support from the community.

Election results showed:

• For the Proposition – Yes: 432 votes (82.76%)

• Against the Proposition – No: 90 votes (17.24%)

• Total votes cast: 522 The bond will fund a variety of improvements, including: • Construction of school buildings

• Equipping school facilities

• Repairing and remodeling existing buildings

• Purchasing furniture, fixtures and equipment

• Acquiring and improving school sites The measure will be repaid through property taxes within the district and is structured with a repayment period not to exceed 13 years and an interest rate capped at 10 percent annually.

Henryetta Superintendent Jason Price expressed appreciation to voters following the results.

“I am privileged to announce our No Tax Increase Bond was a tremendous success,” Price said. “We now begin the preparation to make outstanding improvements for the academic and extracurricular environments across the district. Thank you for your continued support of Henryetta Public Schools! You are appreciated. It’s a great day to be a Knight!”

District officials say the approved funding will allow Henryetta schools to modernize facilities and better support both classroom learning and extracurricular programs. Improvements are expected to enhance safety, functionality and opportunities for students, while helping the district remain competitive in academics and athletics.

School leaders note that investments in facilities often play a role in attracting and retaining teachers, supporting student achievement and strengthening community pride.

— Twin Hills bond also passes

Voters in Twin Hills Public School District (Elementary District No. 11) also approved a bond issue, totaling $940,000, aimed at improving school facilities.

Results showed:

• For the Proposition – Yes: 55 votes (78.57%)

• Against the Proposition – No: 15 votes (21.43%)

• Total votes cast: 70 Bond funds will be used for:

• Construction of school buildings

• Equipping school facilities

• Repairing and remodeling existing buildings

• Purchasing furniture and equipment

• Acquiring and improving school sites Following the election, district representatives shared their appreciation to voters, stating simply: “Measure passed – Thank you for supporting Twin Hills Public School!”

While smaller in size than the Henryetta project, the Twin Hills bond represents a significant investment for the rural district. Improvements funded through the measure are expected to address maintenance needs, enhance learning spaces, and ensure facilities remain safe and functional for students and staff.

— Strong community support for schools

Tuesday’s results reflect a continuing trend across Okmulgee County of strong voter support for local schools. Community members often view school bonds as long-term investments not only in facilities but also in economic stability, property values, and the future workforce.

Education leaders frequently emphasize that modern facilities and updated equipment contribute to better learning outcomes and expanded opportunities for students – from academic programs to athletics and career training.

With both bond measures now approved, planning and preparation for projects in Henryetta and Twin Hills are expected to begin in the coming months.

— Official Election Results

Okmulgee City Council – Ward 2 • Steven Randall Baldridge – 154

• Eddie Nelson – 55

• 560002 32 – 15 Total 47

• 560007 30 – 8 Total 38

• 560008 9 – 6 Total 15

• 560009 3 – 7 Total 10

• 560010 19 – 7 Total 26

• 560011 52 – 9 Total 61

• 560032 4 – 1 Total 5

• 560033 0 – 0 Total 0

• 560036 5 – 2 Total 7 — Twin Hills School Bond Proposition • For (Yes) – 55

• Against (No) – 15

• 560027 38 – 10 Total 48

• 560029 6 – 0 Total 6

• 560033 5 – 2 Total 7

• 560034 6 – 3 Total 9

• 560036 0 – 0 Total 0 — Henryetta School Bond Proposition • For (Yes) – 432

• Against (No) – 90

• 560013 1 – 3 Total 4

• 560014 35 – 9 Total 44

• 560015 69 – 9 Total 78

• 560016 96 – 25 Total 121

• 560018 69 – 12 Total 81

• 560019 162 – 32 Total 194