Workplace shortages are hitting almost every industry, from short staffing in restaurants and other service industries to even more critical need areas. This is partly due to the pandemic, with others...

A few weeks ago, I was asked to write a column helping celebrate OSUIT’s 75th anniversary as part of a special commemorative section in the Okmulgee Times released on October 1, 2021. Below is the art...

DEAR ABBY: I married a proud Scotsman a year ago who often wears kilts. When we go out, women think nothing of coming over and lifting his kilt, which exposes him to anyone who has a visual advantage....

We were created - each of us - for lives of flourishing. I think deep down we all hunger for it. For some it may be a silent hungering, but it is awake inside us still. This is a yearning for a life o...

My sister and my grandfather had a great relationship and a great love for each other. However, at times, my grandfather would absolutely frustrate my sister. You see, my sister was one of the all-tim...

Betty Crocker turns 100 on October 21st!! How crazy is that? How many of us have at least one dog-eared and stained Betty Crocker Cookbook? The red and white checkered cover is iconic and classic alon...

DEAR ABBY: We have a niece who spent 12 years in Hollywood trying to become an actress. The only job she ever managed to land was a TV commercial that showed only her hands. After spending tens of tho...

For the past two decades, the premier event to develop a legislative agenda to improve children’s quality of life is the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s annual Fall Forum. Each year, child adv...

The Okmulgee County Democratic Party will meet Thursday, Oct. 21, at OSUIT, Student Union Building, at 6:30 p.m. Training to implement the OCDP Initiative (aiding anyone needing assistance in obtainin...

Recently, I’ve been getting asked a lot about the construction on 4th and Wood Drive - everybody coming through town is noticing the work being done there! We landed a deal with much help from OADC (O...

Many people immediately ask, “Why do so many battered people stay?” The reality is that many try to leave repeatedly; however, leaving does not guarantee safety. The most dangerous time in a domestic ...

DEAR ABBY: I have a 23-year-old daughter, “Julia,” who I am close with. She has been in a relationship with “Joey,” a guy her age, for four years and living with him for the last 16 months. Joey’s a g...

“Oh, I see,” someone responds with a sigh, “to grow in discipleship I must become a morning person.” Another sigh. No, that is not the point. I am a morning person. A lot of others are not. My wife fo...

My cousin was sick with chickenpox. She was really uncomfortable. The illness was going around the schools and many children were coming down with it. My cousin heard her parents talking about it and ...

I have gotten so personal in this column so many times. I write from my heart many weeks and this week I can’t help but do it again. My father passed away this past Saturday. As he is all that is on m...

DEAR ABBY: For the last three years, I was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. I finally found the courage to leave. Throughout the time I was with my ex, I self-medicated with alco...

Around 1,800 Afghan refugees will arrive in Oklahoma in the days and weeks to come. That’s the thirdmost in the country, after only California (5,255) and Texas (4,481). Catholic Charities is the sole...

“God allows bad things so we can be different,” says Matthew, age 9. Matthew, aren’t there better ways of being different? “Some of the people are bad, and some are good,” says Grant, 8. Bad stuff hap...

The greatest truth in all the world is to know that God loves us personally. Nothing can compare with this knowledge. It is an awesome thing to realize that love is Who God is, not just what He does. ...

This week, I’m back after taking a break from writing this column for the last few months. My team has had some personal business growth in our insurance office and that has been exciting, but I’m bac...