Hosted by Carla, this month’s community event features a dual focus: a seasonal soup swap paired with a hands-on mason jar decoupage craft session.

To participate in the soup exchange, attendees are asked to bring four pintsized jars or sealed containers filled with their favorite homemade soup to swap with fellow participants. The exchange allows everyone to take home four distinct varieties of soup to enjoy at home.

Following the swap, attendees will learn decoupage techniques to decorate glass mason jars. Organizers will also offer door prizes during the gathering.

The event is free and open to the public. Call to reserve your seat at 580.889.3555.

I was sitting outside putting my shoes on for my morning walk and saw hummingbirds taking nectar from flowers planted in the garden beds. This was most welcomed as I had not seen any since the inception of the hot weather. Birds were again singing that morning, and I saw the cottontails and deer walking alongside the road and through the pastures.

We had to say a final "good-bye" to our beloved friend and pet Ranger this week and his passing brought reflections on my life and life in general, and we sought to comfort him and express our love for him. It is strange how things come about and how we are affected by the introduction of something in our lives.

Ranger was not my dog. Montana acquired him when he was born and picked him from a newborn litter and eventually brought him home to be a part of his family. Montana wanted a good retriever and had researched different breeders, dog types, personalities, and training techniques to have an exceptionally good retriever.

Bloodlines and dedication proved a good combination for both, and Ranger became a most proficient retriever, winning numerous awards and the praise from all who were privileged to be able to hunt with him. He lived to retrieve and was never disappointed when hunting, always being able to get his game and bring it to his master.

Montana was on active duty and there were times when he had to leave Ranger with us and we had no problem "baby-sitting" him as he was well trained and strove to please us as he did Montana. I am not saying that there were times which were trying for us as he was still immature and had his puppy ways.

There were times in which he tracked mud or water in the house, and we had to deal with these issues but that is part of having a pet. He loved his play and we had to make adjustments for this as well. Montana would come back and Ranger would leave to go "home,” and he would be happy to do so as Montana was his and he belonged to Montana.

The day came when Montana would again be deployed and he was living on a boat he had purchased with limited space. He realized that Ranger could not continue to live that way and asked if Ranger could come live with us.

Ranger made residence with us almost five years ago and it was at this time when I came to realize that I belonged to Ranger. We would walk around the place, go to our old place, duck hunt, and eventually squirrel hunt with Ranger retrieving the downed squirrel and eagerly bringing it to me and me praising him for doing such an excellent job. I bragged to Montana that I had made a squirrel dog of Ranger, and he would later tell his mother that I was going to ruin his dog with my shenanigans. I laughed and we would see what other adventures into which we could get. He loved to ride in the back of the mule, and I would load him up in the evenings after work and drive down the backroads with him barking to the world that he was coming and enjoying himself immensely. Life was good and he was simply happy to be part of this.

Time passed by and I slowly noticed that gray was creeping within his muzzle and along various parts of his body. His robust walk slowed and he did not play as much or as vigorously as he once had, He would occasionally bring his toy duck from his play box, bring it to me, and we would briefly play tug-of-war until he became tired and simply sit and chew on the duck while looking at me.

One day when we were outside working, we finished our task, made our evening ride, parked the mule, and began making our way to the house. I looked at Ranger as he walked-limped towards the house and as I approached him, he looked at me in a tired but satisfied way and I kneeled beside him and said as I gently petted him, "Range, we're both getting old and the walk is getting harder." I saw the gray, the limp, the time taking its toll upon him and thought about how much time we both had.

I thought about this energetic pup who had come into my life and had grown into such a wonderful companion. I realized that he was not my dog, there was never any question about this, but over time I had become his companion and his friend. I made sure he drank first, ate first, and was cared for before I quit for the day. I made sure that he was safe, that he got to enjoy the life he enjoyed, and that he knew he was cherished more than anything else.

For his part, he escorted me out to work each day, walked around the boundaries of our property, guarded the place, ran off any potential adversaries, tracked me down when Renee' couldn't find me, and quietly sat within eyesight when I was working outside, supervising me and letting me know I was not alone. At the end of the day when supper was over and we sat watching television, he would gently nudge me, and I would stroke him or scratch behind his ears to his enjoyment. Sometimes he would place his paw in my hand, and I would shake hands with him or rub the pads of his feet with Renee' shaking her head and telling him he was goofy.

I have thought about life, relationships, and the passage of time. If each of us could take the time and see our lives as they affect another, might we strive to do better with what we have? In our relationships might we see that we "belong" to another and that unique partnership is to be cherished and treasured as there is nothing more special?

If we take the time to see the passage of the time, we might cherish what we have and strive to do better with what time we have on this earth. It takes the passage of something to realize that the simple love of another is the utmost devotion and special generosity that one should simply see as the most unique gem of the universe and is to be treasured more than anything else. Live life to its fullest as we will never pass this way again.

Thank you for your time and hope that your awareness of what you have is appreciated.

ATOKA TRAFFIC (TR) Misael Granados Jr., Jose Antonio Yee Martinez, Jackson Edward Suttle, Ralph Harold Gunn, Samuel Lamont Foster Jr., Joaquin Balderas Alvarado, Praneeth Muthyalapati, John Domingo Mayne, Zayan Khurram Samana, Erin Rashae Sanders Alcala, Joshua Aaron Rodgers, Timothy Dean Westberry, Gabriel Hugh Guyton, Andrew Bryan Lawhorn, Jessica Pal (16–20 mph over limit), Dhruv Nalinbhai Patel, Alvin Lance Smith, Kristi Marie Carroll, Rebekah Leeann Wylie, John Cole McKinley (16–20 mph over limit), Tommy William Simon, Paul Long Tran, Desiderio Zamarripa Jr., and Samuel Lewis Goodfriend (11–15 mph over limit) – Speeding Cooper Weston Callicoat – Operating M/V in a Manner Not Reasonable/Proper.

Brandon Ryan McCrary – Failure to Pay Taxes Due State.

Abagail Renee Morton – Operating M/V w/o Wearing Seat Belt; Operating MV w/o Restraints (Minor Child).

Jose Antonio Yee Martinez – No Valid Security Verification Form.

LA Macias – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL; Careless Driving/Inattentive Driving.

Heather Michele Godwin – No Valid Security Verification Form; Defective Vehicle/ Operating Defective Vehicle; Possession of CDS; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Marijuana; Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL.

Koby Wade Youngblood – Operating a M/V While License is Suspended.

Ashley Nicole Jameson – Operating a M/V While License is Suspended; Failure to Stop at Control Device/Sign; Improper Modification of Exhaust System; Failure to Signal/ Improper Lane Change.

Michael Williams – Burning Without a Permit; Other Improper Parking of a M/V.

Jessica Pal – Operating a M/V w/o Valid DL; Improper Tag/Display on Vehicle.

Caden Lee Dougherty – Minor in Possession of Tobacco Product.

Dullio Hernadez-Gomez – Failure to Control Animal.

Alvin Lance Smith – Operating a M/V While License is Suspended.

Eduardo Manuel Del Toro – Improper Tag/Display on Vehicle.

Davis Pittman Moore – Possession of Marijuana.

Dawn Deshonna Flournoy – Failure to Pay Taxes Due State.

Simon Martinez – Failure to Yield to Emergency.

Aidan Matthew Manning – Defective Vehicle/Operating Defective Vehicle.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Sonny Scott arrested Scott Wayne Pittman, 49, on Sept. 26 near an Atoka County residence on initial counts of harboring a fugitive and obstruction. Charges of felony harboring a fugitive from justice were subsequently filed against Pittman, along with a co-resident, Brenda Lea Reynolds, 68.

The incident began when Trooper Scott responded to assist the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office with a reported burn ban violation involving a suspect with an active felony warrant. Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper Scott observed three active burn piles in the front yard of the property and used his vehicle’s public address system to request the occupants step outside.

Pittman and Reynolds exited the residence. When questioned about the active fires, Pittman offered conflicting accounts regarding who started the burns before claiming he assumed the countywide burn ban had ended following light rain.

During the interaction, Pittman denied knowing the whereabouts of his twin brother, Stephan Pittman, who was the subject of the felony warrant. However, a neighbor reported seeing Stephan Pittman actively burning trash in the yard shortly before law enforcement arrived.

While checking the perimeter of a nearby barn, Scott spotted Stephan Pittman, who was wearing an orange cutoff shirt, and ordered him to stop. The suspect ignored the lawful orders and fled west into a wooded area toward a neighboring structure.

Due to safety concerns regarding surrounding structures and the unknown presence of weapons, additional units and an aerial drone were requested to establish a perimeter. Following an extensive multi-agency search of the surrounding woods, law enforcement temporarily suspended the manhunt, with formal charges pending against the fleeing suspect.

Following the chase, OHP Trooper Scott placed Scott Wayne Pittman under arrest. According to law enforcement reports, Pittman repeatedly refused commands to put down a cigarette and place his hands behind his back before being handcuffed and secured in a patrol vehicle. He was subsequently transferred into the custody of the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

Reynolds, who later acknowledged to law enforcement that she was aware the wanted suspect had been present at the property, was also cited in reports forwarded to the Atoka County District Attorney’s Office.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) has online access to their “comprehensive water plan”(CWP), projections of water usage throughout Oklahoma.

Starting in 2020, their projections run to 2075. These projections could provide a false narrative to OWRB's water permitting for data centers, wells and other water uses in the state if valid information from this summer, for instance, changing the projected data on appropriations projections and is overlooked by the OWRB.

The science of availability of water in each basin has been mapped to the best science has to offer, does it hold true to what is happening right now, or a few years down the road with climate change? The CWP has taken many years to complete. We are asked to trust the science.

Let's be sure to ask the questions that we feel are relevant to our own water supplies when confronted with a data center or other large-scale industrial businesses needing excessive amounts of water. If the OWRB is using data that is not current to drought, or their monitoring of wells for both surface and groundwater are not up-to-date reflecting yearly changes, it could lead to false narratives that will harm water permitting under misleading scientific data.

Basin 7 /Muddy Boggy; Boswell and the surrounding region within Choctaw county lies in Basin 7. OWRB states:

• Surface water is projected for appropriation through 2072, but permitting may be subject to provisions of the 2016 Water settlement Agreement (WSA)

• Groundwater is projected for appropriation through 2075

• Surface water gaps are projected in Basin 7 as early as 2030 and will continue through 2075

• Physical alluvial groundwater depletion is projected in Basin 7 as early as 2035 and continue through 2075 To mitigate projected water supply shortages in this basin, the following strategies will typically be most effective by reducing water demand through conservation, water reduction and other activities.

1. Reduce water demands through agricultural water saving options 2. Continue and increase reliance on in-basin groundwater 3. Water transfer 4. continue to increase reliance on in-basin groundwater Basins 3 and 6: Little River and the Kiamichi River; as surface and groundwater providers to portions Choctaw county and Boswell, these are sources of usable water we rely on. These projections from OWRB's future demands for surface and groundwater in these basins differs only slightly from Basin 7.

With projections of decreases from 2020 through 2075. Through growth, potential industrial investments (data centers), and climate change, these projections may or may not be relevant for years up to 2030 through 2075. These projections bring up important questions; how will the introduction of data center technologies across the state affect the region around Boswell, and Basin 3 and 6?

Geological formations in Oklahoma are complex, each region having different formations that store water underground, or flow water to reservoirs and make it accessible. The basin projections and much more information can be found below through the OWRB site; http://oklahoma. gov/content/dam/ok/owrb/ documents/water-planning/ ocwp/region-factsheets/Blue-Boggy/regional_basin7.PDF, or, more simply, www.oklahoma. gov/owrb/water-planning. html, click on basin level insights (regional summaries).

This site will give you information to ask the really tough questions that must be answered before any permitting of water, or building permits granted for the proposed data center in Basin 7. You can research other basins throughout Oklahoma, as well.

My hope is that, along with me, you are learning what this data center/AI technology is projected to bring to your community. You have yet to receive any pertinent information regarding this data center from the corporation requesting the land, water and potential power they require from the Boswell community.

You will never profit from this industry financially. Jobs, if any, will be fleeting, and what may follow may leave you without hope for your future. Humanity may glean the information we seek through AI faster, and, medicine can improve with AI for our health, and research, but, there is always the prospect of using propaganda tactics to corrupt and control us.

We have seen AI “bad actors'” slip out of their sandbox and attack others. Encourage your government leaders to control the industry and control the corporations. The information provided here will empower you to ask the important questions necessary to stop the data center from building in Boswell. Unfortunately, they will seek another location, but sharing information may help other communities to fight this fight. When we speak up and participate, we can change the outcome.

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 22, 2026, McCarroll assaulted the victim, a dating partner, by strangling.

The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the McAlester Police Department.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

McCarroll will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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

Deputy Corwin Ridgway of the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office arrested the driver, Jesus Trejo, along with passengers Jose Lopez and Jefferson Cordova, at approximately 1 a.m. on Sept. 28 near the intersection of Highway 69/75 and Highway 3.

According to law enforcement affidavits, Ridgway initiated the traffic stop after observing a northbound black GMC pickup traveling 56 mph in a posted 45 mph speed zone. Upon contacting the driver, Trejo presented a passport from Mexico and indicated he did not speak English, prompting the deputy to utilize a translation application on his mobile device to communicate.

While speaking with Lopez in the front passenger seat, the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana originating from the cabin and observed a metal grinder bearing a marijuana leaf emblem in plain view within the center console.

Ridgway detained all three occupants and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

During the search, deputies seized a silver pipe with burnt residue from the driver's door pocket, along with the grinder containing green leafy substance and a red THC vape cartridge from the center console. A search of the pickup bed yielded an orange and black suitcase containing additional green leafy substance in a cellophane bag, a dispensary container, and two smoking pipes.

Law enforcement reports state Cordova, seated in the rear passenger seat, claimed ownership of the suitcase and its contents.

All three occupants were transported to the Atoka County Jail and booked on their respective charges:

• Jesus Trejo: Misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia under Title 63 O.S. § 2-405(B), along with traffic citations for speeding and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

• Jose Lopez: Misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia under Title 63 O.S. § 2-405(B).

• Jefferson Cordova: Count 1: Misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance under Title 63 O.S. § 2-402(A)(1); Count 2: Misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia under Title 63 O.S. § 2-405(B).

Following booking, jail staff notified 287(g) immigration enforcement officials regarding all three individuals for compliance verification.

By piecing light-toned fabric strips along two adjacent sides and dark-toned strips along the opposite sides, the block creates a distinct diagonal split. When arranged in multiples, these squares yield dramatic visual patterns across an entire quilt top.

Block Specifications The finished block measures 12 inches by 12 inches when sewn into a larger project. Standard quarter-inch seam allowances are required throughout assembly.

• Finished Size: 12 inches × 12 inches

• Unfinished Size: 14.5 inches × 14.5 inches

• Seam Allowance: 1/4 inch

• Fabric Requirements: Cut all strips 2.5 inches wide, selecting a contrast of light and dark fabrics along with a single 2.5-inch square for the center hearth.

Cutting Direction Chart Prepare your fabrics prior to stitching using the following measurements: Piece Fabric Dimensions Placement ID Type to Cut Order Center Bright/Red 2.5" × 2.5" square Start (1) Log 1 Light 2.5" × 2.5" square Right (2) Log 2 Light 2.5" × 4.5" strip Bottom (3) Log 3 Dark 2.5" × 4.5" strip Left (4) Log 4 Dark 2.5" × 6.5" strip Top (5) Log 5 Light 2.5" × 6.5" strip Right (6) Log 6 Light 2.5" × 8.5" strip Bottom (7) Log 7 Dark 2.5" × 8.5" strip Left (8) Log 8 Dark 2.5" × 10.5" strip Top (9) Log 9 Light 2.5" × 10.5" strip Right (10) Log 10 Light 2.5" × 12.5" strip Bottom (11) Log 11 Dark .5"2× 12.5" strip eftL(12) Log 12 Dark 2.5" × 14.5" strip Top (13) Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions 1. Establish the Center Unit: Precise quarter-inch seam allowance required.

Place the bright center square and Log 1 right-sides together along one edge. Stitch using a accurate 1/4-inch seam allowance. Open the unit and press the seam allowance away from the center, toward the newly added light log.

2. Begin the Clockwise Spiral: Maintain consistent press directions.

Working in a clockwise sequence, align Log 2 across the bottom raw edge of your joined center unit, placing rightsides together. Stitch across the entire edge, flip open, and press flat toward the outer strip.

3. Build the Dark Contrast Sides: Align Log 3 (Dark fabric) along the left raw edge of the pieced unit. Stitch and press outward away from the center. Next, align Log 4 along the top edge, stitch, and press flat to complete the first full round of dark strips.

4. Complete the Outer Rounds: Continue adding strips in a repeating clockwise rotation (Right, Bottom, Left, Top) according to the designated strip lengths in the chart. Alternate light fabrics on the right and bottom with dark fabrics on the left and top until all 12 logs are secured.

Once all 12 logs are attached, press the completed block thoroughly from the right side. The raw, unfinished block will measure 14.5 inches square, yielding a clean 12-inch square once incorporated into your final quilt layout.

The Information alleged that beginning in or about September 2017, and continuing until in or about October 2019, Faver knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with two victims who had not attained the age of 12 years, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, and gratify the sexual desire of any person.

The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Faver will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.

$5.5M EDA Grant Awarded for South Atoka Water Tower Project During the Atoka Municipal Authority session, trustees voted unanimously to ratify and approve an application for a grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for a new water tower project in south Atoka.

City Manager Danny and city staff confirmed that the total project cost is estimated between $7 million and $8 million. The EDA grant will provide $5.5 million in funding toward the build.

The board noted that while city leadership continues to pursue additional grant opportunities to secure the remaining match, formal acceptance allows the project to move forward into its next phase. Once completed, the water tower will significantly expand water capacity and pressure for residential and commercial growth in south Atoka, as well as benefit the neighboring town of Tushka.

Police Fleet Upgrades and Fire Department Grants Approved The City Council approved several police and fire department fleet items supported by federal grant awards:

• Police Fleet Purchase: The Council approved the purchase of two 2027 Dodge Durangos from John Vance Motors, Inc. in the amount of $91,914. The acquisition is offset by a $50,000 USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant, leaving the city a match obligation of $41,914. Police leadership noted the new Durangos will replace six- to seven-year-old high-mileage units that require frequent maintenance.

• USDA Brush Truck Grant Ratified: Council members formally ratified a $50,000 USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant to fund a brush truck upgrade featuring a specialized fire department utility bed, supported by an additional $30,000 bed grant.

ACIDA Approves Property Transfer and Sports Complex Upgrades In business before ACIDA and the City Council, leadership passed several facility and property items:

• Property Title Transfer: The Council passed Ordinance No. 621, authorizing the sale of abated real estate in Section 23 (formerly the Doris Sutter property) from the City of Atoka to ACIDA for $6,726.12. ACIDA subsequently approved the purchase to clean the title and prepare the land for economic development marketing.

• Bleacher Shade Structures: ACIDA approved a $24,475 quote from Happy Playgrounds to replace two deteriorating bleacher shade covers at the sports complex, bringing all four facility covers into matching condition.

• Dugout Covers: Board members also approved a $21,310 quote from Happy Playgrounds to install eight new dugout covers across the complex.

The Indictment alleged that between January 2019 and December 2025, Skaggs knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The charge arose from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Skaggs will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Pippin represented the United States.

There will be a Community Barbecue Dinner, Pie Auction & Silent Auction for Reagan on October 24th, at the Bill Coben Community Center in Lane. Activities begin at 6:00 p.m. and are $5.00 per person or any donation.

Yay, election ads end November 3rd so be aware of the upcoming dates. Voter registration deadline ended October 9th. Absentee ballot requests must be received by Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. Ealy voting begins Wednesday, October 28th (from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and lasts through Saturday, October 31 (from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd fr7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can visit (okvoterportal. okelectons.us) for voting information, including polling location.

Lots of new people have moved into the Lane/Crystal area in the past few years. So, I have found that some people do not know how Iron Stob got its uncommon name. After statehood, when the Lane area was being surveyed for developing communities and roads, the surveyors put one of the iron rebars, used to mark sites, down at the point just in front of the current Iron Stob Pentecostal Church. These markers were called property pins but most of the time referred to as iron pins or rebar. Then these terms somehow got combined to be called iron stobs. Of course, you have to be from southeastern Oklahoma to know what a stob really is.

The surveyors told the citizens of the area not to remove the bar, so the road going north and south was constructed to go on either side of the iron stob. Much like the name for Lane came from the post office and trading post being up a small lane, Iron Stob got its name from the iron stob that marked the spot where the community was located.

Did you know that some fish, unlike us humans, can respect social rules even in emergency situations? Scientists have observed neon tetra fish actually lining up when evacuating through narrow spaces in threatening situations. The schools of neon tetras take turns to get through the narrow evacuation point so that they don’t collide or clog up the line. They beat some groups of humans I a meal each Friday except for the holiday weeks of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The next Bingo Day is scheduled for Friday, November 6…come on down 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.

Lane Baptist Church’s Facebook page has a post from Dusty Phillips about feeling thankful that is excellent and worth reading. Don’t forget that you can get Pastor Phil Barton’s Sunday sermon on their Facebook page. There are announcements about upcoming events and pictures of the latest happenings on the page also.

The new Sunday School Class, “Christ Centered Life”, that started October 4th is underway. This is a 6-week study taught by Pastor, Phil Barton and meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. You are invited to come join this important teaching. Ask Pastor Phil about catching up if you have not been able to make it.

Then, everyone at Lane Baptist Church encourages you to join them each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. to share a meal and 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 each Sunday.

Iron Stob Pentecostal Church members are still looking for a pastor. Keep them in your prayers as they continue to believe that God has a person for them. The church invites 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.

Church of the Rock celebrate our hunters at “Camo Day at Church of the Rock” last Sunday, October 11th. A fellowship lunch was enjoyed by all after the service with brisket and ribs furnished by Pastor Raymond and Randy Goodson. Lots of food and fellowship were enjoyed by all.

Church of the Rock folks feel that “we are blessed to be a blessing to you.” We invite you to join our services each week to worship the Lord and hear His Word. Join us for the services at 11:00 Sunday mornings and 7:00 Wednesday nights. If you can’t make it to the church, tune in on our Facebook page each Sunday and Wednesday.

Regular Sunday services at Church of the Rock begin with Ladies Bible Study at 10:00 a.m. taught by P. J. McCreary. 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. 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 for the Day: A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. Dwight D. Eisenhower

have observed.

Wondering what to do for a little entertainment? Sometimes people come from out of town for entertainment, which many of the local people have never experienced. Since the triple digit weather is over for a bit, outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and off-roading, are more enjoyable. Try hiking and fishing at McGee Creek State Park and exploring the Boggy Depot Park…take a nature trail through the park’s lush forests and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Lake Atoka offers fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching.

Of course, hunters are ready for the upcoming hunting season. You can get information about hunting in Atoka County from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation at (www. wildlifedepartment. com). Also, for families, Atoka has a number of family-friendly attractions such as the Pawsitively Wild Animal Encounters & Education Center and the Atoka Museum & Civil War Cemetery.

Did you know that Atoka County was formed from Choctaw lands before Oklahoma became a state, and its boundaries were drawn using natural landmarks like rivers and mountains rather than the standard north–south, east– west grid used in other Oklahoma counties. It is still part of the Choctaw Nation reservation, and its name honors Chief Atoka, a Choctaw leader before statehood.

If you have not made it out to the Boheler/Crystal Community Center yet, you have missed a real treat. Remember that you can also rent the building for events such as benefits, bingo nights, community homecomings, and other community or family activities?

All the folks at the Boheler/ Crystal Community Center invite you to join them this Friday, October 16, for the regular scheduled meal. The doors are open at 9:00 a.m. each Friday and lunch is served at noon…then, they 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. They have

None of us chose to be born. We didn’t choose our parents or the geographical location of our birth. There are many other choices along the way we do not make. We don’t choose cancer, disabilities, wars, being the victims of crimes, drunk drivers and much more. We make choices about what we eat, activities, lifestyles, religion, attitude, vocation, residences, beliefs, how we treat others and more.

We often cannot control much of life. We can’t control the bad things that happen to other people. We are impacted by what happens to people we love. A sick spouse, parent or child greatly impact us and can be very stressful with many challenges. We do the best we can to offer as much love and support as possible. It’s never easy and wears on us. Every day presents new challenges and a flexible, positive attitude is essential for survival.

Children can bless or challenge. We can’t control what they do forever and so we usually go with the flow offering as much love and support as possible. We can't take care of them forever. They have to live life when we are gone and so they need to start way before we are gone.

Our careers are often meaningful and give us something to do most of our lives. We have to work and it’s better if we enjoy our work. The opportunity to go to work every day is often a blessing many people miss until the work days are over.

We live for all kinds of reasons. We live for love, for family, for pleasure, for careers and for the enjoyment of life.

Lots of things in life can get us down. The loss of a career, the death of someone we love deeply. We miss a spouse, a parent, a child. We grieve the loss of a job. Sickness gets us down. Depression can come to any of us at any time of the day. We’ve all been there to some extent. None of us are immune to depression. We have all shed tears along the road of life and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. We suffer hurts, disappointments, failures, grief, death and much more. Not much is required to cause us grief, depression and disappointments. We are very fragile when it comes to downswings of life.

Thus, we have to know where our joy and upswings of life come from. Personally, where would I be or how could I survive without my faith? God has been my source and rock for most of my life. There have been times when I didn’t realize He was all I needed until He was all I had. There is an old song that asks the question, “Where would I be without the Lord?”

I also look around me and give thanks for this beautiful world. I don’t hate the world. Go made this beautiful place. We mess it up, but God gave us a beautiful place to live. I am fortunate in that I have a beautiful wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and friends whom I love very much. I enjoy my work and have hobbies that are still fun. These and the love of God keep me going and living.

What keeps you going? Who keeps you living? Think about it and keep living!

Gatz, who has led ODOT as executive director since 2019, will officially step down at the end of October.

Under his leadership, Oklahoma made historic progress in modernizing its highway infrastructure, moving up to fourth in the nation for good bridge conditions. Out of nearly 6,800 state-maintained bridges across Oklahoma, only a tiny fraction now rank as structurally deficient—a dramatic reduction achieved during his tenure.

Throughout his career with the department, Gatz played a central role in developing ODOT’s project management methodologies and refining its flagship Eight-Year Construction Work Plan. He is widely credited with streamlining project delivery processes and improving efficiency across agency operations.

During the meeting, members of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission praised Gatz for his steady leadership, emphasizing his ability to execute major projects on schedule and within budget despite limited resources.

Addressing commissioners, Gatz expressed deep appreciation for his decades with the agency, calling his state service the honor of his lifetime and highlighting the tangible impact ODOT workers make across Oklahoma every day.

Gatz’s announcement coincided with the commission’s approval of the updated Eight-Year Construction Work Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2027–2034, which commits $7.3 billion toward statewide highway and bridge improvements.

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton arrived from Washington, D.C., to participate in the swearing in ceremony at the Denton, Texas, regional headquarters.

The Region 6 Administrator oversees FEMA operations supporting 68 federally recognized Tribal Nations and the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

“We are thrilled to welcome Regional Administrator Meshell who understands unique qualities and challenges of these States,” Administrator Hamilton said. “I look forward to working with him as FEMA continues to support communities across the country under President Trump’s leadership. This includes locally managed, state-led, and federally supported capacity building throughout the disaster lifecycle.”

Meshell most recently directed statewide preparedness as Division Chief for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). He led the state’s efforts to strengthen local emergency planning, exercises, technological hazards and emerging threat preparedness.

Previously, he led the FEMA Region 6 National Preparedness Division. In that role, he managed security, intelligence, continuity of operations, training, exercises, grants and preparedness programs.

The Secretary of Homeland Security twice appointed him to Federal Coordination Teams for special regional security events, and he has managed responses to numerous major national disasters and emergencies.

Before FEMA, Meshell worked as a firefighter and assistant fire marshal. As a U.S. Army veteran, he deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Meshell earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and is an alumnus of the FEMA Pinnacle program.

Largemouth Bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, weed beds.

Striped Hybrid Bass, White Bass good on alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad around coves, inlet, main lake, river channel.

Channel Catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait around inlet, riprap, weed beds.

Report submitted by Garret Harley (Game Warden Seminole County)

Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Area: Oct 9. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 67°F and clear.

Rainbow Trout on crickets, grasshoppers, PowerBait, small lures around below the dam, creek channels, spillway.

Report submitted by Mark Hannah (Game Warden McCurtain County)

McGee Creek: Oct 9. Elevation is 4 ft. below normal (falling), water temperature 77°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass good on bill baits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, jigs, minnows, spinnerbaits, other around brush structure, riprap, rocks, standing timber.

Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish good on cut bait, live bait, shad, shrimp, stinkbait around creek channels, dam, main lake.

Black Crappie, White Crappie good on minnows, small lures, tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, standing timber.

Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk (Game Warden Atoka County)

Broken Bow Lake: Oct 9. Elevation is 9.5 ft. below normal (stable), water temperature 84°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass good on Alabama rig, crawfish, spinnerbaits, worms around coves, creek channels, points.

Black Crappie, White Crappie good on jigs around brush structure, standing timber.

Channel Catfish on chicken liver, cut bait around coves, creek channels.

Report submitted by Mark Hannah (Game Warden McCurtain County) Pine Creek Lake: Oct 9. Elevation is 10 ft. below normal (falling), water temperature 70°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth Bass slow on crankbaits, jerk baits around coves, points.

White Crappie slow on jigs, minnows around brush structure, main lake, standing timber.

Comments: Everything is slow with the lake 10 ft low.

Report submitted by Eric Barnes (Game Warden Pushmataha County)

Sardis Lake: Oct 9. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal (stable), water temperature 85°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth Bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits around brush structure, shorelines, standing timber, weed beds.

Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish good on cut bait, shad, sunfish, worms around channels, main lake, points, standing timber.

Black Crappie, White Crappie good on jigs, minnows around brush structure, standing timber.

Report submitted by Thomas Gillham (Game Warden Pushmataha County) Wister Lake: Oct 9. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal (stable), water temperature 76°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth Bass good on buzz baits, spinnerbaits around brush structure.

White Crappie good on jigs, minnows around brush structure.

Blue Catfish good on cut bait, shad around main lake, river channel.

Report submitted by James Williams (Game Warden Le Flore County)

Blue River PFHA: Oct 6. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 75°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Channel Catfish good on chicken liver, stinkbait, worms around brush structure, channels, rocks.

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass good on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, topwater lures, tube jigs around brush structure, channels, rocks, shorelines, weed beds.

Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace

The Atoka Wampus Cats made a statement on their opening possession with a fast-paced touchdown drive, but untimely turnovers and penalty setbacks proved costly in a 27-6 road battle against the Wilburton Diggers.

Atoka came out aggressive, using a swift no-huddle tempo to march directly down the field after exchanging early defensive stops. Quarterback Ryan Barton anchored the aerial attack, connecting with Konner Ritchie (#17) on a 25-yard strike before finding Donte Harrison (#12) for another 25-yard completion to set the Cats up inside the 5-yard line. After workhorse Gage Crenshaw (#19) hammered the defense on back-to-back carries near the goal line, Ritchie punched it into the end zone for the game's opening touchdown, giving Atoka an early 6-0 lead.

Wilburton answered late in the first quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Samuel Bambbeck to nudge ahead 7-6. Despite the score, Atoka's defense held firm throughout much of the first half, containing the Diggers' offense outside of a few breakaway plays. Barton continued to deliver accurate throws, finding Kase Horton (#8) for a gain of over 20 yards near midfield to keep the offense moving. However, a key fumble allowed Wilburton to capitalize with a score, taking a 13-6 edge into the halftime locker room.

The Wampus Cats' defense continued to battle in the second half. Trace Jackson (#1) delivered a clutch goal-line tackle for loss on a quarterback keeper, while Cooper Norris (#6) broke up a dangerous deep pass in the secondary. Norris later made a diving interception and returned it several yards, but a penalty nullified the turnover and kept possession with Wilburton.

Wilburton extended its advantage to 27-6 by the end of the third quarter, aided late in the contest by a pick-six interception by Milo Skiimbo. Even in the late stages, Atoka’s defense refused to quit, capped by another tackle for loss from Jackson.

Despite the final scoreline, Atoka demonstrated real offensive potential when operating at high tempo, pairing a sharp passing performance from Barton with physical short-yardage running. The Wampus Cats will focus on ironing out turnovers and penalty flags as they prepare for their next district challenge.

The Wampus Cats will host the Hartshorne Miners at a home game on Friday, October 15th, at 7:00 p.m.

“From our smallest rural communities to our largest cities, generations of Oklahomans have demonstrated a spirit of resilience and determination that continues to define our state today,” Drummond said in a letter to teachers, parents and students. “That spirit is found in our classrooms, on our farms and ranches, in our businesses, among our first responders and members of the military, and in families and communities across all 77 counties.”

All students in sixth through eighth grade who attend an Oklahoma public, private, charter, virtual or tribal school or who participate in a homeschool program are eligible to submit an essay completing the prompt “My hope for Oklahoma’s future is…,” "What makes Oklahoma special is..." or "I am proud to be an Oklahoman because..." in 250 to 350 words. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15.

A panel of judges will review all submissions and select the top outstanding essays. From the finalists, Drummond will select one for special recognition.

Students selected for recognition will be invited, along with their families and teachers, to a ceremony where their ideas, their love for Oklahoma and their vision for the future will be celebrated.

“Our young people should know that their voices matter,” Drummond said. “I look forward to hearing, in their own words, what they love about Oklahoma and the kind of state they hope to inherit and someday lead.”

Contest information has been shared with Oklahoma schools.

Absentee ballots are available to all registered voters, provided they are eligible to vote in the election requested. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot.

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026. Voters can submit a request using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Request forms are also available at oklahoma.gov/elections and at the County Election Board office located at 200 E. Court Street, Suite 106E, Atoka, Ok 74525.

Feuerhelm reminds voters to allow time for an absentee ballot to be received, completed, and returned by mail to the County Election Board. “With some exceptions, all absentee ballot affidavits must be notarized before being returned.

Voters should give themselves plenty of time to make sure all steps have been followed and that the ballot is returned correctly in order to be counted,” Feuerhelm said.

Voters exempt from having an absentee ballot affidavit notarized include those who are physically incapacitated and those who care for physically incapacitated individuals that cannot be left alone. Voters who request a “physically incapacitated” ballot must have their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

Military personnel and residents living overseas, along with their spouses and dependents, are also eligible for certain allowances. Military personnel should contact the Voting Services Officer in their unit for an Absentee Ballot Application.

Residents living overseas may obtain Absentee Ballot Applications from any United States military installation or United States Embassy or Consulate. Military personnel and overseas citizens who are already registered voters in Oklahoma may apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/ elections/ovp. Those who need to complete a new Voter Registration Application should apply through the Federal Voting Assistance Program at FVAP.gov.

All completed absentee ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The Atoka County Election Board is located at 200 E. Court Street, Suite 106E Atoka, OK 74525 and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-8895297 or AtokaCounty@elections. ok.gov.