Atwood OHCE celebrated Christmas with a trip to The VA Hospital in OKC. This group puts together comfort bags for Veterans and their families who are on the Hospice floor. Lu's late husband Larry Langwell passed away on this floor several years ago. Besides the wonderful care and support that Larry and his family re - ceived from the VA , there were groups of vol - unteers who would donate bags with toiletries, stationary, snacks , books, and items for fami - lies with children. This group enjoys supporting our Veterans and making a difficult time a bit easier.

As the investigation into the Dec. 20 escape of Joshua Butler from the Okfuskee County Jail continues, affidavits filed in district court reveal that Kirk Stafford, of Wetumka, and Jessica Traylor, of Weleetka, have been charged with aiding Butler after his escape. An inmate that aided Butler during his escape is also facing new charges, while other inmates continue to be investigated.

On December 20th, Lee and Lesley Vick, accompanied by their five lively daughters from Okemah and Marilyn Jackson from Clearview, enjoyed a memorable afternoon in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

When I travelled to Austin, Texas to delve into my maternal family’s history for an article, I realized that I’d accidentally left out a wonderful photograph of Laura Tannehill, who stands out in her striped shirt. Laura Tannehill O’Neill isn’t just a distant relative—her great-greatgrandmother, who is the half-sister of my own grandmother, tying us together in this rich tapestry of family. Looking at the picture, you’ll see Laura’s siblings lined up from left to right; they’re not only her family, but also my cousins, connecting our stories in unexpected and meaningful ways.

In May 2025, the Town of Clearview received a grant through The Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Grant Program as a onetime competitive funding opportunity supported by a legislative appropriation. It is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society to support projects that highlight Oklahoma’s Civil Rights legacy. The objective of this program includes connecting All-Black towns and locations significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma, including many Native American sites of historical significance. In doing so, it endeavors to stimulate tourism, foster entrepreneurship, and promote economic development within these communities.

WETUMKA — A four-legged robot named Neo is turning heads in the Information Technology classrooms at Wes Watkins Technology Center — and it’s doing a lot more than just walking.