Death is often a taboo subject. Many of us are somewhat reluctant to talk about it, but it’s a sad fact of life. We live and then we die, but how do we cope after the death of someone we love? Today, ...

The new year is upon us and by the time I write another column, it will be 2023. The years rush by so fast its almost unbelievable. This year has been rough though and the holidays were no exception. ...

Sometimes, my wife says that I was born in the wrong era. She thinks I would have made a good mountain man, you know, kind of an 1820s’ era person. I have my doubts. I like my creature comforts too mu...

Here at the OADC office, we try our best to dig up and research any company or industry that is interested in Okmulgee. Obvious reason? So we know as much as we can about any company and their executi...

DEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my late 30s. I have had a few failed relationships and a marriage that ended in divorce. At one point, I juggled three lovers at a time. I like being in a committed relation...

When, as Jesus followers, the spring in our step stalls out - if even momentarily - we draw consolation from the first century maiden. Mary persevered. This is no surprise. Not because of her unique s...

As we approach the end of the year, I always like to look back over the past 12 months and celebrate the good things that happened. If you read this column regularly, you are well aware of how much jo...

DEAR ABBY: I’m 55 and own my home. “Randall,” 53, lives with me and pays me rent. We used to be a couple, but COVID caused too much togetherness. He’s in the spare bedroom now. My house is cheaper for...

“I would like to change my bedtime on New Year’s Eve,” says Tyler, 11. “I usually go to bed at 10 p.m., but I would like to stay up all night. I would have a great time because we would first party, s...

“There is no new thing under the sun,” according to Ecclesiastes 1:9. It is a given that occurrences and events which may take place in our lives in 2023 have been experienced by others in days gone b...

The apprentice of Jesus is no stranger to the notion of ‘dance’. In one way or other, rhythmic singings (silent or voiced) may naturally and often spring from deep within the disciple’s soul. That is ...

As a parent, grandparent or caregiver, it can be heartbreaking to see a young person in the family turn to substances like alcohol. In Okmulgee County, alcohol consumption is shown to be the most prev...

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married six years, and ever since we’ve been married, my husband’s daughter has insisted I can’t come to her house that my husband pays a mortgage on. I think he should tell her i...

I have three sisters. They are all older than I. That, of course, makes me the “baby” of the family. My sisters love to make that abundantly clear to everyone. Once, they showed up at the airport when...

Christmas is a time for parties and get togethers! Growing up, I remember Christmas Eve at Granny’s house with the whole family gathered to celebrate. We would bring finger foods and drinks and sing c...

Around this time of year, it is almost impossible to avoid Christmas movies. I will fully admit that I have some favorites, ranging from White Christmas to Die Hard (yes, it is a Christmas movie), but...

On behalf of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, we would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season to all of our longterm care residents and their loved ones. While this can...

The reason you haven’t left this marriage may be that you are self-conscious about your age or think nothing is worse than being alone. Life does not end at 60, and THIS is worse than being alone. DEA...

The end of each year allows us to reflect on what is behind us and look forward to what is to come. As we begin this new chapter, thank you for putting your trust in me. It’s a responsibility I will n...

He was a big man. He stood six foot three or four tall. He weighed at least 250 pounds. He was a “rough and tumble” type of man. He was a lumberjack - literally! He worked for the local lumber company...