• At the request of U.S. Senator W.B. Pine, the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce met in a special session to begin pushing for a new federal building and post office. City leaders planned to gather statistics showing why Okmulgee – fourth in the state in population and postal receipts – deserved such a facility. Civic clubs and business groups were asked to support the effort, and officials began considering possible building sites north of the square.
• A Preston family narrowly escaped tragedy when Mrs. Emma Richardson awoke to find the roof of their home engulfed in flames. She and a neighbor carried her four children to safety just moments before the house collapsed. The fire occurred shortly after Postmaster W. H. Kaylor discovered his nearby home had been burglarized, with thieves taking cash, stamps, money orders and other valuables. While no direct link was confirmed, some speculated the burglar may have accidentally started the blaze. Authorities investigated both incidents.
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• Cleo Hill, who had escaped from the Okmulgee County jail in January, was captured Tuesday morning after officers received a tip about his whereabouts. Police surrounded a local residence, and Hill attempted to flee through a window before surrendering without resistance. Hill had escaped earlier with two other inmates after overpowering a jailer; one was caught the next day, while the third remained at large.
• Okmulgee officials announced the start of the fourth phase of the Title Ten program, which allowed the city to demolish unsafe and uninhabitable structures at no cost to property owners. Code Enforcement Officer Olan Henderson explained that removing deteriorated buildings would improve property values, clean up neighborhoods and remove abandoned structures from the tax rolls. Owners were encouraged to apply quickly, as funds were limited and demolitions would be handled on a first-come, firstserve basis. Henderson estimated that at least 80 structures in the city qualified for removal.
— 25 Years Ago (2001) • Local participants in the upcoming Okmulgee Follies – this year titled Neon Lights – gathered to meet director Ronnie Treece ahead of the show’s performances at the Okmulgee High School auditorium. Cast members Mary Veltri, Sheryl Ewing and Mary Lewellen were photographed during the visit, while faculty member J.C. Barber rehearsed his solo with accompanist Carolyn Norris. The event marked the final preparations for one of the community’s favorite annual productions.
• The Okmulgee High School basketball booster club promoted team spirit by selling Bulldog shirts as the boys’ team headed into the area championship with a perfect 24-0 record. With only about 20 shirts left, supporters were encouraged to buy one to help cheer the team on as they continued their undefeated season.
— 10 Years Ago (2016) • Construction continued on the new Okmulgee County Jail Annex, rising on county- owned land northwest of the courthouse. Crews worked through the building phase before plumbing, electrical and technology contractors were scheduled to move in. The project was funded by a quarter-cent sales tax extension approved by voters in 2014, intended to relieve long-standing overcrowding at the existing county jail.
• The youth group from Nuyaka Baptist Church spent the week carrying out Random Acts of Kindness, delivering handmade thank you posters to the Beggs Police Department and the Twin Hills Fire Department. They also visited Mr. and Mrs. Holdaway of Nuyaka to offer help and companionship. Neighbors praised the students’ compassion and commitment to serving their community.
