The event, a cornerstone of the county’s graduation season, continues a legacy of service and community projects that dates back to 1896. Established by Mrs. Conlan as a literary club, the Pioneer Club has grown into a landmark institution, with its clubhouse, built in 1904, holding a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

While the club famously supported U.S. soldiers during WWI, the organization remains focused today on adult programs and community service. Much of the club's modern success is credited to the efforts of Mrs. McCall, who helped revamp the organization in the 1980s to get it back up and running. Mrs. McCall also served as a nationally recognized president for the organization.

This year’s guest speaker was Susie McEntire Eaton, who shared personal stories and life lessons with the seniors. Drawing from her own 1976 graduation from Kiowa High School, Eaton reflected on the pressures of having a 'perfect plan.' She recounted her journey from OSU to touring as a backup singer with her sister, Reba McEntire, emphasizing that success comes from more than just talent.

'Reba is an excellent singer, but it's more than that,' Eaton told the graduates. 'She shows up and does a good job. You can be the best hairdresser or nurse in the world, but if you don't show up and work hard, you won't prosper.'

Eaton spoke candidly about the different chapters of her life, including the heartbreak of a breakup at 18 and the later challenges of navigating a difficult marriage while raising her three children, who all graduated from Atoka in the early 2000s. She encouraged the young women to choose partners with shared values and to remain resilient through life's trials.

'In all your circumstances, never give up,' Eaton said. She told the girls that while she eventually found a new chapter of happiness with her husband, Mark, in 2008, it came after years of persevering through hard times. She reminded the graduates that no matter what they face, it is never too late to find joy or start over.

The afternoon concluded with the seniors introducing themselves and sharing their future plans, carrying on a tradition that has celebrated Atoka's young women for 73 years.

Prices in Oklahoma are 24.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 75.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 4.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.617 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oklahoma was priced at $2.97/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.44/g, a difference of $1.47/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.97/g while the highest was $4.44/g, a difference of $1.47/g.

The national average price of gasoline is unchanged in the last week, averaging $4.07/g today. The national average is up 39.1 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 93.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Historical gasoline prices in Oklahoma and the national average going back five years:

• April 13, 2025: $2.67/g (U.S. Average: $3.13/g)

• April 13, 2024: $3.20/g (U.S. Average: $3.62/g)

• April 13, 2023: $3.27/g (U.S. Average: $3.65/g)

• April 13, 2022: $3.63/g (U.S. Average: $4.07/g)

• April 13, 2021: $2.62/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

• Oklahoma City- $3.41/g, up 24.7 cents per gallon from last week's $3.16/g.

• Tulsa- $3.44/g, up 24.3 cents per gallon from last week's $3.20/g.

• Amarillo- $3.35/g, up 9.4 cents per gallon from last week's $3.25/g.

“Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“However, with a breakdown in talks and renewed escalation over the weekend, motorists should prepare for another round of price increases. The move toward a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is compounding global supply concerns and risks further disrupting flows, which pushed oil prices sharply higher in Sunday night trading. As a result, gasoline prices are likely to jump again this week, with diesel expected to follow, until there is a meaningful restoration of shipping through the Strait.”

Trooper Trent Mixon of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 3 and Windy Lane at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 27. Upon arrival, Mixon discovered a vehicle on its side and made contact with the driver, identified as Mackenzie Dunham.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Dunham admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana earlier in the day. Witness reports provided to dispatch prior to the crash indicated that Dunham’s vehicle had been driving recklessly for several miles, repeatedly crossing the center line and the fog line.

After being cleared by Atoka County EMS, Dunham underwent Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. The report states that Dunham exhibited multiple signs of impairment across all tests, including a lack of smooth pursuit during the eye exam and an inability to maintain balance during the walking portions.

Following a refusal to submit to a breath test, Trooper Mixon obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, which was performed at the Atoka County Medical Center. Dunham was subsequently transported to the Atoka County Jail.

Mackenzie Dunham faces the following charge, Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs (Marijuana), a misdemeanor.

Trooper Trent Mixon initiated a stop on a black GMC Sierra near Virginia Avenue after observing a defective windshield, a broken third brake light, and illegal window tint. The driver, identified as Jonah Barnett, was immediately taken into custody after a records check confirmed he was wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Pontotoc County.

Barnett was transported to the Atoka County Jail by an assisting deputy while Trooper Mixon remained on the scene to inventory the vehicle. During the search, Mixon reported a strong odor of raw marijuana.

The search uncovered a small zip-up bag containing multiple unsealed baggies of marijuana in the passenger area. Additionally, the trooper located a baggie containing approximately 0.5 grams of methamphetamine and several glass pipes with burnt residue.

Barnett was booked into the Atoka County Jail on the Pontotoc County hold along with new charges, that are Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine and Marijuana), a misdemeanor, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

Barnett also faces citations for transporting an open marijuana container and defective equipment.

Shaynathian Rashaud Hicks, a lifetime registrant, was flagged for delinquency by the Department of Corrections in late 2025. According to an Atoka Police Department affidavit, Hicks last verified his address in August 2025 and failed to respond to subsequent notification letters.

Following a February arrest and release on bond, authorities report Hicks still has not registered his current location with the DOC or local police. Hicks is now charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a Class B5 felony.

I was debating to see if I was ready to use one arm to mow when Robby and Wendy Isom showed up and mowed my lawn for me.

Robby has worked up quite a clientele for the last couple of years and does an excellent job of taking care of lawns. He and wife Wendy also take care and maintain both of our community cemeteries which always look so nice.

Our community always receives compliments on how well our cemeteries are maintained. We really appreciate Robby and Wendy and especially how they try to look in and take care of the elderly in our community.

Speaking of good neighbors, I really appreciate Terry and Andy Burleson who were driving by in their side-by-side at just the right time and stopped and helped me as I was trying to untangle a water-filled trashcan with my one good arm. In addition to the help, we enjoyed a nice visit.

Ruthie Anderson and daughter Kathy enjoyed a nice visit with Jo-Ann Gabbart and son Bill this past week. Bill had brought his mother, Jo-Ann out to her home to pick up some spring and summer clothes and did a little visiting throughout the community while they were in the area.

Jo-Ann presently resides at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant. She is also having an upcoming birthday, May 5th, and would appreciate any birthday cards or calls you might want to send her way.

Bill is really enjoying his retirement. He retired in September. His wife Brenda is planning on retiring in May then the couple are going to enjoy a cruise to celebrate their long-awaited retirement.

We want to remind the community that the Daisy Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their Annual Meeting on Monday, April 20th at 6:00 P.M.

The Fire Department will also serve a BBQ Dinner with all the fixings free to the public. There will also be door prizes for the event.

The Daisy Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is also planning to begin hosting monthly events.

This past month the Auxiliary hosted a Bingo Night which was a great success and had great door prizes.

The Auxiliary is planning to host in May a Cemetery Clean Up Crew Luncheon. After the clean up the auxiliary will serve hot dogs and hamburgers at the fire department.

The Atoka-Coal Baptist Association seniors enjoyed their recent trip to Branson this past week. They had a lot of fun, fellowship, and good times.

We want to give a shout out to all our readers in the Caddo area.

Rick Lane and wife Kenni have enjoyed attending church services, visiting and wonderful lunches with members at the Presbyterian Church in Caddo on Sundays when Rick has been invited to preach.

Rick will be preaching on Sunday, April 19th at the downtown Caddo Presbyterian Church. Church services start at 9:30 A.M. followed by lunch.

Congratulations go out to Lexi (Smith) Bluntz who will be graduating next month from NSU with her B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science. Lexi is a Stringtown graduate and the daughter of Shandy Hoover and granddaughter of Robby and Wendy Isom and Earl and Gail Smith.

Congratulations also go out to Aubree McDaniel who was just recently accepted in the Master's Speech Language Pathology program at NSU, Aubree is a Tushka graduate and the daughter of Chris and Andy McDaniel.

Southside Baptist Church will host Graduate Sunday on May 3rd. Please let Matt know if you are graduating or have a family member, that is. There will be a lunch for the HS Seniors and their families following the service.

Please continue to keep Edna Burleson, Liz Page, Willa Mae Isom, Randy Hurt and Geane Kellogg in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with medical issues.

The investigation began at approximately 9:00 p.m. on March 30, when Caney Police Officer Brad Jackson received an anonymous tip alleging that Cody Hunter had stolen a motorcycle and was keeping it at his residence.

Officer Jackson contacted the vehicle's owner who confirmed her 1986 Honda CMX250C was indeed missing from her property on West Sand Road.

Just after midnight on March 31, Officer Jackson and Assistant Chief Anderson were stationed at the intersection of Main and Ramsey Street when they heard a motorcycle nearby. Officers observed a male riding a motorcycle without a rear taillight and initiated a traffic stop.

The rider, identified as Cody Hunter, was taken to a patrol unit and read his Miranda rights. According to the probable cause affidavit, Hunter initially claimed he obtained the motorcycle from an acquaintance.

However, when informed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from a specific location, Hunter reportedly admitted to the theft, stating, 'I don't know what I was thinking, I stole it.'

Hunter was taken into custody and transported to the Atoka County Jail. Hunter now faces a charge of Larceny of a Motorized Vehicle, a Class D1 Felony.

CIVIL SUIT – Lrg. Claims Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC v. April D. King – Indebtedness First United Bank and Trust Company v. Jacy Deanna Coats – Foreclosure Capital One, N.A., Successor by Merger to Discover Bank v. Karen Whitley – Indebtedness CIVIL SUIT Midland Credit Management, Inc v. Kayla Williams – Indebtedness State of Oklahoma, Ex Rel v. Mick Nakamashi – Application for State Tax Enforcement SMALL CLAIMS

Uyen Nguyen v. Jeremy Reed – Forcible Entry

MARRIAGE DOCKET Joseph Oliver Lee Lafaver and Ruby Jan Copeland Teron Hakeen Jackson and Indira Brianna Lewis

FELONY DOCKET

Cody Wade Hunter – Larceny of Automobile, Aircraft or Other Motor Vehicle (D1) Shaynathian Rashaud Hicks – Failure to Register as Sex Offender MISDEMEANOR DOCKET

Mackenzie Renee Dunham – Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs (Marijuana).

Jonah Lee Barnett III – Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine and Marijuana) Lillie Diane Reed – Obtaining Money/Property by False Pretense TRAFFIC

Ledum S. Dejua, Junior De Jesus Canelon Closiel, Paul E. Watkins, Tyler Welch, Nickole H. Jackson, Jennifer O. Zambrano Tapias, Domingo G. Alvarado, and Christian Russell Sharp – Speeding Jimmy S. Baker – Operate Vehicle Without a Valid DL; Expired Registration; Failure to Comply with Compulsory Insurance Law.

Mackenzie Renee Dunham – Fail to Stay in Single Lane of Traffic; Operate a Vehicle Without a Valid DL.

Jonah Lee Barnett III – Operate Vehicle with Breakage in Windshield or Front Side Window(s); Operate Vehicle with Defective Lamps (Other than Headlamps); Transparent Material on Top of Front Windshield Below AS1 Line or 5 Inches from Top.

Faith N. Perry – Seatbelt. Domingo G. Alvarado – Fail to Comply with Compulsory Insurance Law; Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid D.L.

Ryan Jase Gregory Daniels – Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

Michele L. Yancey – Operating a Motor Vehicle While Driver License Suspended.

Malcolm J. Jones – Changing Lanes Unsafely.

ATOKA TRAFFIC

Zoe Annelaine Carter, Bryan Adame, Jamean Jamal Dipree Grant, Melissa Jean Ayers, Sros Chuon, Briana Kayla Sanchez, Ali Ahad, Asheshkumar Vitthalbhai Patel, Jacob Daniel Colerick, Gerardo Huerta, Rochelle Naomi Yoap, Ninh Phan, Guillermo Ortega, Chassidy Rena Harper, Jorge Pero Lora, Zierre E'shaun Lawrence, Karthika Bandalapalle, Sandra Kay Long, Joshua Sidney Tucker, Elijah-Ray Rosalio McCormick, Bradley Michael Oshel, Louise Margaret Rulo, Ryan Logan Robertson, Lidio Perez, Mario Aranda Baltazar, Hilario Vallejo, Madyson Rae Wood, Emmanuel Hernandez Barrios, Creek Scales Easton, Frank Richard Roberts, Sierra Nicole Aguilar, Spencer Emil Kingeter, Christopher Bruce Young II, and Jesus Arellano Martinez – Speeding Bryan Adame – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL Jossep Emmanuel Diaz Tangarife – Improper Tag/Display on Vehicle; No Valid Security Verification Form Gerardo Huerta – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL Elijah-Ray Rosalio McCormick – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL Cody Don Cook – Operating M/V w/o Wearing Seat Belt Damian Adrian Tavarez Mendoza – Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Operate a M/V Samuel Lee Smith – Failure to Restrain Animal in City Limits Lidio Perez – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL Leah Storm Owens – Operating M/V w/o Wearing Seat Belt Hilario Vallejo – Operating a M/V While License is Suspended Joshua Pruitt Walker – Operating M/V w/o Wearing Seat Belt Lesley M. Cabrera – Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Operate a M/V Emmanuel Hernandez Barrios – Possession of Offensive Weapon; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Amy Lynn Denton – Operating M/V w/o Wearing Seat Belt Kolby Rayden Burkhalter – No Valid Security Verification Form Misty Dawn Windham – Improper Tag/Display on Vehicle

Students receiving honors and a special gift at the reception earned a grade point average of 3.25 or higher in their first semester at Southeastern and are full-time students (enrolled in more than 12 hours per semester).

“This is always a great event because we can catch a glimpse into the future of the University and celebrate these students’ early success,” said Dr. Mark Shields, assistant vice president for academic affairs. “As they continue their progress throughout their academic career, these students all have the capability to be shining stars at Southeastern.”

Local students recognized at the reception were: Atoka: McKinnley Emerson, Maya Finch, Annah Gray, Raylee Holstine, Tylen Rector

Caddo: Logan Busby, Joslyn Harbin

Caney: Kenna Barnes Coalgate: Myca Farris, Jace Norton

Coleman: Keatley Boyett, Callen Slover

On Thursday, April 2, a male individual entered Wyrick Lumber Company and purchased a 200-foot roll of professional- grade trimmer string and a DeWalt angle grinder.

According to reports from the business, the man paid for the items using two $100 bills. At the time of the transaction, the cashier marked the bills with a counterfeit detection pen, which did not initially indicate the currency was fraudulent.

The deception was discovered the following day when the company was notified by their bank that both bills were counterfeit. Bank officials noted that both notes shared the exact same serial number.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male. While a name was provided during the transaction, investigators have not yet confirmed if the identity used was authentic.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the police.

Also, if you're involved with Stringtown Public Schools, Beth would love some info, coming events, etc...

Here are a few holidays to enjoy: April 16th: National Orchid Day, National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day, National Bean Counter Day (Accountants, this day is YOURS! Relax after tax season! This is for you, Brad Tisdale.), and National Librarian Day (Melissa Walker) April 17th: National Haiku Poetry Day, Blah Blah Blah Day, International Ford Mustang Day April 18th: National Animal Crackers Day, National Velociraptor Awareness Day (Brockston!), and National Lineman Appreciation Day Richard Magby went to Heaven on April 11th. He'll be missed! He and JC Gadberry worked together at KBA Camp building and repaired a couple of cabins. Ray came along and spent a lot of time working with them. Beth's Mother (Ruth Gadberry) said that Richard ran on peanut butter cookies, so she ALWAYS sent a big batch with them.

And they never had any leftover! At that time, Richard was Director of Missions of Atoka-Coal Baptist Association. Ray and Beth asked Richard to perform their wedding ceremony with Ruth and JC Gadberry as witnesses. Ray and Beth also visited the church in Lehigh and met Richard in McAlester several times for lunch near the sale barn. He's in Heaven catching up with Ruth and JC who beat him there! He'll be missed!

Beth and Ray didn't have a bunch of rain in their rain gauge after they got home from The City. Less than a quarter of an inch! But it started raining a bit more Sunday evening. Hopefully everybody will get enough to fill up ponds, creeks, rivers, and lakes around here!

The wind is swirling around lots of pollen these days. If you have allergies, you're probably feeling it! But, it's so nice to see all of those beautiful spring flowers!

On Sunday morning there was only one person who celebrated a birthday last week. Happy Birthday to Hannah Wainwright!

Sunday morning's message was from John 20:24-29. This passage recorded what happened on the second Lord’s Day - one week after the resurrection - as Jesus appeared in the Upper Room to His Disciples! This time Thomas, who once doubted the resurrection, Proclaimed “My Lord and my God!” During this time after the resurrection, the disciples were afraid. They were locked in an upper room -- hidden. But Jesus appeared to them. He proved that He was alive. Even Thomas believed it! Aren't we often the same? We have doubts. We worry. Yet, God is in control.

God has an eternal plan. I Peter 1:3-5 reminds us that Our God is NOT dead. He's alive!

There are heavy hearts this week as many members of SFBC are in the hospital or are at home -- and sick and hurting. We miss them joining us in services and pray for quick healing.

Ray and Beth were in OKC during the weekend. A tournament was held at Devon Park for 14U girls. This 'Rumble 14U' was well attended -- even though there was rain... Friday had a late start due to a rain delay. Saturday was pretty, and games went pretty much as planned -- with a little bit of rain thrown in and slight delays. But, Sunday was a whole different thing!

It rained. And rained. And kept on raining. It wasn't HARD rain most of the time, just constant all night and all morning! The tournament staff, the Field crew, and the Devon Park staff got together, discussed the situation, and the tournament was officially canceled. This is the second year in a row that the 14U tournament wasn't finished due to rain! The kids were disappointed, but there was no way to get all of the games in if the start time was moved to 4 or 5 hours later than scheduled! Maybe next year we'll get it all in!

Prayer requests include these folks: Eddie T, Claude Self (and Denise!), Randy H, Evelyn M, Peggy W, Sherry Farris, Brandy Thompson, Wanette D, Annies S, Evelyn H, Marsha L, Brenda E, Lil Chaffin, Lydia R, Rylee L, David L, the family of Richard Magby, and many others. Don't forget to pray for our country, our President, our leaders, our military, our law enforcement officers, our firefighters, and all of those people we depend on every day.

Upcoming Events:

• April 19th: Soul Sisters @5:00

• April 19th: Business Meeting @6:00

• Snacks and fellowship after the business meeting

• April 20th: ACBA Senior Adult Trip to Muskogee. Leave SFBC @9:30

• April 26th: Women's Bible Study @5:00

• April 28th: Senior Adult Luncheon @ noon “To be a librarian, particularly a librarian for young adults, is to be a nourisher, to share stories, offer books full of new ideas.' -- Madeleine L'Engle

It is also tick season in Oklahoma again and there is currently a bill before the Oklahoma Legislature to add alpha-gal syndrome to the state list of tick-borne illnesses. It will require health care providers to report cases of alpha-gal syndrome to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Oklahoma already has a requirement to report Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis (similar to Lyme disease), Tularemia (more prevalent in Oklahoma than in most other states), and Anaplasmosis. These illnesses are public health concerns in Oklahoma and reporting helps monitor and manage tick-borne diseases.

Alpha-gal Syndrome starts with a bite from the lone star tick, commonly found in Oklahoma. The bite can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergy that causes people to have an immune response to any mammal product like red meat and dairy products. Symptoms vary from breathing problems to skin irritation and abdominal distress.

I had never heard of this disease until recently when a friend developed it. He cannot eat any dairy products, any form of meat or product from a mammal, including fats from a mammal. (What No Butter?) Eating at restaurants and finding hidden mammal products in foods, he says, has become a daily crisis.

Deet products are the most recommended products to keep ticks off. There are products that contain 100% Deet, however, most contain only 25-30% . There are also products that contain essential oils and no Deet, so shop carefully.

Lane School’s Eighth Grade Graduation is scheduled for May 7th, and the last day of school is May 14th. Remember school is dismissed on Fridays for the rest of the semester.

The Regional Track Meet for Lane School will be held at Holly Creek School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The all-day event is scheduled for April 16.

Lane vs Wapanucka Softball will be at Lane on April 21 at 4:00 p.m. Check out the spring schedule on the Lane Public School Web Page https://www.lanepublicschools. com/eagleathletics If you want to be part of the Lane Baseball/Softball Booster Club, contact President Chelsia Ray at the school number 580-889-2743. The Club is planning activities for the upcoming season and Chelsia says that they are always looking for people to join the Booster Club and help support the kids. The Club is starting a T-shirt Fund Raiser. The Boosters can use all the help they can get for activities. Look at the school website under the Athletics Calendar for schedules.

Folks at the Boehler/Crystal Community Center invite you to join them this Friday, April 17th for the regular scheduled meal. The doors are open at 9:00 a.m. each Friday and we eat at noon… then, we are open until everyone goes home. There is no charge for the meal, there is just a donation jar. If you cannot pay, the meal is FREE. We have a meal each Friday except for the holiday weeks of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The next date for Bingo is scheduled for Friday April 17th …come on and join in the fun. Boheler/Crystal Community Center gets high marks for their friendliness as well as their tasty food and fun times. The Center address is 15872 South, OK-109 A, Boswell, OK. It is a far peace down 109-A so keep going to find it.

Crystal Baptist Church Pastor, Glen Cook, invites everyone to join their church family for the regular services on Sundays and Wednesdays. Crystal Baptist Church is located at 12010 S. Hwy 109A in Crystal, OK. With a focus on faith and fellowship, the church offers regular worship services, prayer meetings, and opportunities for personal growth and reflection.

Iron Stob Pentecostal Church members invite you to join them for their Sunday service. Members of Iron Stob Church are pleased that their church is alive and thriving and would love for you to join them in worship. They continue to stand firm in their belief that God has given Iron Stob Pentecostal Church His blessing and they expect to see God at work in their members. Currently, Iron Stob Pentecostal Church is only holding regular Sunday morning services beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church located at 893 S Iron Stob Road in Lane.

Lane Baptist Church is continuing Snack & Sketch on Thursdays at 5:30 through April. This fun art club is all about firing up your creativity. First we will share a delicious snack then; it's time to grab your favorite art supplies and let your ideas flow onto the page. From whimsical drawings to imaginative doodles, come discover the joy of making art your way! If you love to draw, this program is for you! For information check the Facebook page.

Plans for Vacation Bible School are in the works. If you would like to help, speak to Pastor, Phil Barton about where volunteers are most needed.

Everyone at Lane Baptist Church encourages you to join them each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. to share a meal and then attend Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. There’s tasty food and lots of good fellowship.

Regular Sunday services begin with Sunday school at 10:00 a.m., Worship and Preaching at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday evening services at 7:00 p.m. You can hear Pastor, Phil Barton’s messages at Lane Baptist Church live on their Facebook page.

Church of the Rock is making plans for the next Praise and Worship. However, the date is going to be changed since we had first scheduled it for Mother’s Day weekend (May 10th) . We do not have the new date yet, but the service will begin at 5:00 p.m. and a brisket dinner will be served after the Praise and Worship has concluded. If you are interested in hearing a group at the concert, contact Pastor Raymond with the information to contact that group at 580-364-4034.

Plans are in the works for Church of the Rock’s Summer Camp. If you would like to help as a chaperone, help with teaching, or with preparing the food and/or clean up…contact Youth Director, Rebecca Smith. Volunteers are always needed.

Regular Sunday services at Church of the Rock begins with Ladies Bible Study at 10:00 p.m. taught by Lori Allen. Worship Service is at 11:00 a.m., Preaching and Children’s Sunday School at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday evening services are at 7:00 p.m. and Men’s Fellowship is Mondays at 7:00 p.m. then Women’s Prayer on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. Church of the Rock is located on the north side of Highway 3 in Lane just across from the Dollar Store. Church of the Rock - 11273 E. Highway 3 Lane, OK 74555 Thelma’s Quote of the Day: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

According to a report by Trooper James Reinecker, the accident occurred at approximately 9:38 a.m. near Lake Durant Road. Both vehicles were traveling northbound in the outside lane of Highway 78 when the second vehicle, driven by 74-year-old Randall W. Robinson of Durant, attempted to turn right into a private drive.

The first vehicle, driven by 43-year-old Terry Lee Murphy Jr., also of Durant, attempted to pass Robinson's vehicle on the shoulder. Murphy’s vehicle struck Robinson’s unit, continued forward, and overturned into a nearby ditch.

Investigators noted that Murphy was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle as it overturned. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Robinson was not injured in the collision.

National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

With SOLS, we invite everyone to join the celebration! Whether you're a longtime patron, a new neighbor, or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. SOLS helps patrons prepare for a career change, launch a business, find information on raising a family, or entering retirement, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

“Libraries ignite creativity, nurture imagination, and encourage lifelong learning, providing a space for individuals of all ages to explore new ideas and discover new possibilities,” said Executive Director Gail Oehler. “We invite everyone to explore our libraries this week and see the multitude of services and opportunities that SOLS provides.”

This National Library Week, take time to rediscover the library and see how it draws us together as a community. Whether you're visiting for books, resources, or a place to connect, SOLS is here for you.

First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

For more information, call (580) 2233164 or visit one of our branches in Ardmore, Davis, Tishomingo, Sulphur, Atoka, Healdton, Marietta, and Wilson.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. On February 2, 2026, Suy Suar pleaded guilty in federal district court. According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Suy Suar, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 23, 2014.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives On October 6, 2025, Worthy pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on January 21, 2025, Worthy knowingly possessed a firearm that had been modified to shoot more than one round of ammunition by a single function of the trigger without manual reloading.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

“Our tax dollars should follow Oklahoma students to the school that best meets their needs,” said Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, who presented the bill on the House floor Thursday. “Oklahoma families clearly value this program, as shown by record application numbers this year. We must continue expanding access to educational options so every student has the opportunity to succeed in the environment that works best for them.”

The Parental Choice Tax Credit program was established through House Bill 1934 in 2023. The program provides families with greater flexibility to choose educational settings that best suit their children.

Under the program’s tiered structure, eligible families may receive refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private school tuition, depending on household income. Additionally, families who homeschool may qualify for a $1,000 per-student tax credit for approved educational expenses.

Currently, tax credits for private school expenses are capped at $250 million annually, while homeschooling credits are capped at $5 million per year. The cap is now increased to $275 million.

'Parents should have the choice to find a school that best fits the needs of their child,' said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow and author of the bill. “For my daughters, the best choice for them is Bristow Public Schools. But the government shouldn’t tell other parents what is the best school for their children. This legislation simply allows parents to take some of their tax dollars to a school of their choice.'

House Bill 3705 passed the House by a vote of 70-19 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.