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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

OSL cancels annual Easter Egg Hunt
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OSL cancels annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 3, 2026
Okmulgee Service League has announced the cancellation of its annual Easter Egg Hunt, which was scheduled to take place this Saturday, April 4. The Service League released a statement: “We regret to i...
MPS honors Allred for service
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MPS honors Allred for service
April 3, 2026
Morris Public Schools is recognizing a legacy of leadership, service and commitment as longtime School Board member James Allred concludes 15 years of dedicated service to the district. School officia...
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Operation Sooner Shield nets arrests statewide
By Patrick Ford Editor 
April 3, 2026
A sweeping statewide crackdown on Medicaid fraud and abuse has led to arrests, criminal filings and significant restitution efforts, with one of the cases unfolding in Okmulgee County. Attorney Genera...
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Keep Okmulgee Beautiful Week approaches
April 3, 2026
Residents and businesses across the city are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and take part in Keep Okmulgee Beautiful Week, April 12-18. The annual initiative is more than just a spring cleanup - ...
A Slice of History Returns
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A Slice of History Returns
April 3, 2026
For generations of students at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, it wasn’t just a meal - it was a tradition, a memory, and for many, a weekly ritual that brought people together. Now,...
Laughter Is the Medicine
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Laughter Is the Medicine
By DAWN CARTER REPORTER 
April 3, 2026
“Funny is funny … I ain’t never seen a color on a laugh.” David Motte said it while sitting on the old school stage inside the former Banneker kindergarten building, now home to Dunbar School memorabi...
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Election Day nears
April 3, 2026
Voters across Okmulgee County began casting their ballots yesterday as early voting began ahead of the April 7 election. Early voting takes place at the Okmulgee County Election Board office, Room 102...
News
FFA to hold Spring Plant Sale
April 3, 2026
Okmulgee FFA is gearing up for its annual Spring Plant Sale, a community tradition showcasing months of student dedication and agricultural education. The event will be held Friday and Saturday, April...
Safe Rides, Second Chances
News
Safe Rides, Second Chances
By DAWN CARTER REPORTER 
April 3, 2026
For Austin Domebo, founder of Rez Taxi, the road to business ownership has been shaped by personal growth, responsibility and a desire to give something meaningful back to the community that helped ra...
OCT plans next production
News
OCT plans next production
April 3, 2026
The Okmulgee Community Theatre is set to bring mystery, humor and a touch of the supernatural to the stage with its upcoming production of “Honeymoon at Graveside Manor: A Ghostly Farce,” written by P...
News
Candidate filing opens with early entries
April 3, 2026
The 2026 candidate filing period is officially underway, with several individuals submitting their paperwork on the opening day for county, state and judicial offices. Several county-level positions s...
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