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100 Years Ago (1926)
Columns & Opinion
February 18, 2026
100 Years Ago (1926)

• Twelve‑year‑old Elmer Lay escaped from the Okmulgee city jail after being arrested around 6:45 p.m. for prowling behind the Yale Theater, a detention prompted by earlier incidents in which he had stolen a pistol and been involved, along with his brother and Munroe Corn of Morris, in bicycle thefts. Though previously reprimanded and released, these past troubles led police to hold him for investigation, but around 8:30 p.m. Sergeant Jasper Robertson discovered the boy missing. Elmer had slipped through the widely spaced window bars of his cell, climbed down an air vent and made his way to freedom – a feat possible only because the bars were set too far apart for a child his size.

• Students and principals from high schools across Okmulgee County met with County Superintendent J. O. Payne to finalize plans for the upcoming county basketball tournament. Representatives agreed on eligibility rules requiring participants to be bona fide county students under 21 who had attended school at least 80 percent of the time and maintained passing grades in at least three subjects, with slightly lower attendance requirements for Class C grade schools. Principals were also given authority to bar any student suspended, expelled, or under disciplinary charges.

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• Members of the Creek Nation Garden Club met with Okmulgee city officials to discuss plans for planting flowers, shrubs and other landscaping around the newly developed Kiddy Lake. The club offered to donate funds for the plants and has been a driving force behind adding more color and beautification to the park. Another meeting was planned to finalize the types and placement of the plantings.

• High winds and extremely dry conditions sparked a series of grass fires across Okmulgee County and much of Oklahoma, forcing city and county firefighters to respond to numerous blazes throughout Tuesday and into the night. Fires were reported west of Preston, near the Rodeo Arena and Town and Country Club, in the Nuyaka area and northwest of Beggs, with some barns and a house destroyed but most residences saved. Crews worked to protect power lines and prevent further spread, while officials urged residents to stop all burning due to hazardous conditions. Several firefighters and residents suffered burns or smoke inhalation, and schools in some areas were evacuated as

County receives FEMA funding for Outdoor Warning Siren Project
A: Main, Main...
County receives FEMA funding for Outdoor Warning Siren Project
February 18, 2026
Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM) is pleased to announce that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially funded the Okmulgee County Outdoor Warning Siren Project. The awar...
OPS highlights leadership, programs
A: Main
OPS highlights leadership, programs
By Patrick Ford Editor 
February 18, 2026
The Okmulgee Board of Education conducted its regular February meeting on Feb. 10, addressing a full agenda that ranged from district staffing and instructional compliance to student leadership achiev...
A: Main
Commissioners approve payments at meeting
By Patrick Ford Editor 
February 18, 2026
A range of routine county business, financial approvals and property-related discussions highlighted a recent meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners, as officials worked through an agen...
A: Main
Party affiliation change hold during even years
February 18, 2026
Okmulgee County Election Board Secretary Ashley Carnes reminds voters that the deadline to change political party affiliation is March 31. Oklahomans wishing to change their party affiliation may do s...
Ag Boosters to host Pie & Silent Auction
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Ag Boosters to host Pie & Silent Auction
February 18, 2026
The smell of homemade pies and the spirit of community support will once again fill the air as the Okmulgee Ag Boosters prepare for their 8th Annual Pie & Silent Auction, set for this Thursday, Feb. 1...
News
Preston Drama bringing Shakespeare to the stage
February 18, 2026
Preston School drama students are inviting the community to enjoy an evening of laughter, mistaken identities and timeless storytelling, as they present William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy “The Twelf...
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Restore Church to host Okmulgee County Youth Rally Feb. 28
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Restore Church to host Okmulgee County Youth Rally Feb. 28
February 18, 2026
Local teenagers will have an opportunity to gather for an afternoon of fun, encouragement and fellowship later this month, as Restore Church hosts the Okmulgee County Youth Rally on Saturday, Feb. 28....
The Legacy of American Legion Haygood-Shephard Post 103
News
The Legacy of American Legion Haygood-Shephard Post 103
By Patrick Ford Editor 
February 18, 2026
As communities across the nation observe Black History Month, the story of American Legion Haygood- Shephard Post 103 stands as a powerful local reminder of sacrifice, service, and perseverance. The h...
News
HOROSCOPES
February 18, 2026
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You have the cosmic green light to start that major project you’ve been planning or to take a leap in your career, Aries. Trust your intuition — it’s sharper than ever. TAURUS – ...
Two sweet girls still waiting
Community
Two sweet girls still waiting
February 18, 2026
The Okmulgee County Humane Society is once again asking the community to open its heart to two deserving dogs one who arrived under heartbreaking circumstances this week, and another who has been pati...
Community
Free car safety course offered Feb. 28
February 18, 2026
Rob’s Auto & Truck Repair, a veteran- owned and operated business, will hold a free car safety course on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 605 E. 6th Street, across from Boomarang, in Okmul...
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